Vanda Terrace (Orchid Country Club) 2nd Post

Hainanese Chicken Rice $8.50

This is my second post on Vanda Terrace at Orchid Country Club. The first post can be found here. In a few words, Vanda Terrace is essentially an Alfresco dining outlet serving local cuisines. 

A notification system for calling the staff or asking for the bill. This is becoming common in F&B outlets with the tightening of the foreign labor employment. If you take a look around you whenever you eat out, you would likely have noticed the after effects of such a policy. Many F&B outlets have close down because of labour or rental issues. Well.. lets go back to the food. 

Hainanese Chicken Rice $8.50

Since I was here for lunch, I had to order the Hainanese Chicken Rice $8.50. It has been years since I ate this chicken rice. The reasons being that it would normally be sold out after lunch time and I visit during dinner time. The Hainanese Chicken Rice consisted of chicken rice, steamed chicken, soup and garlic-chilli dip served in individual bowls/plates. 

Hainanese Chicken Rice $8.50

Vanda Terrace does not serve roasted chicken. They serve only steamed chicken. The steamed chicken was cooked perfectly; so succulent and delicious. In addition, the portion given was so generous and meaty (not layered). As for the chicken rice, it was fragrant and not overly oily. The Hainanese Chicken Rice did not disappoint. Yummy! 

Laksa Paradise $7.90

Every time we visit, someone is bound to order the Laksa Paradise $7.90. 

Laksa Paradise $7.90

Consisting of thick beehoon, prawns, cockles, fish cake slices, chicken, quail eggs, bean sprouts and dried beancurd, this laksa was another dish that never disappoint. It may not be the best, but it was certainly above average. Worth the calories. 

 Javanese Chicken Curry $9.90

Another regular item which we frequently order is the Javanese Chicken Curry $9.90. 

 Javanese Chicken Curry $9.90

The main item in this dish is the Chicken Leg in cooked in Javanese curry. There are so many types of curry. This version is spicy, sweet with a hint of lemongrass and cinnamon spices. The curry itself is very addictive and it goes perfectly with plain rice. As for the chicken leg, it was cooked just right. So tender! 

Oriental-Style Chicken Wings

Oriental-Style Chicken Wings which was crispy and well marinated.  

A breathtaking view of the Golf Course from our table. =D 

Vanda Terrace (Orchid Country Club) 
1 Orchid Club Road
 Golf Clubhouse, Orchid Country Club 
Tel: 6750 2200 
Opening Hours: Mon to Tue 730am to 10pm 
                         Wed to Sun 730am to 11pm

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Lian He Ben Ji Claypot Rice 联合本记砂煲饭 (Chinatown)

Lian He Ben Ji Claypot Rice 联合本记砂煲饭 located at a corner of Chinatown Complex Food Centre has been in operation for a long time specialising in Claypot rice. 

Further testimonial to the famous claypot rice. 

Lian He Ben Ji Claypot Rice specialises in Sausage Claypot Rice, Chicken Claypot Rice or a combination of both; Mixed Claypot Rice ranging from $5 to $20. Besides claypot rice, soup such as Watercress Pork Rib Soup, Chicken Leg Peanut Soup and Black Chicken Herbal Soup are sold. 

After ordering the wait game begins. If there is no queue, the minimum waiting time is 25 minutes as the rice is only cooked upon order. The claypot rice is first steamed over a gas stove at the initial cooking stage to speed up the cooking process. After that the claypot rice is transferred over to a charcoal stove. During peak hours, the waiting time can stretch to 1 hour. Regulars would normally call in advance and order so that they need not wait too long.

Mixed Claypot Rice $5

I waited for my claypot rice for slightly more than an hour on a Friday evening. Customers can adjust the amount of black sauce according to their preference. The Mixed Claypot Rice $5 was served with chicken, sausages, salted fish vegetables and rice. 

Mixed Claypot Rice $5

Mixed Claypot Rice $5

I felt that the claypot rice did not really manage to absorb the flavours from the other ingredients such as the salted fish, sausages or chicken. What I like was the fact that the chicken meat were so tender and flavourful. Overall, it was good, but not fantastic. Its not worth the wait of more than 1 hour for this.

Lian He Ben Ji Claypot Rice 联合本记砂煲饭 (Chinatown)

Blk 335 Smith Street 

#02-198/199 Chinatown Complex Food Centre 

Tel: 6227 2470

Opening Hours: Fri to Wed 430pm to 1030pm

                           Closed on Thur

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Leong Yeow Famous Waterloo St Hainanese Chicken Rice 亮耀馳名四馬路海南鶏飯 (Bras Basah)

Leong Yeow Famous Waterloo St Hainanese Chicken Rice 亮耀馳名四馬路海南鶏飯 is a famous chicken rice stall tucked away at a corner of Waterloo centre in a coffee shop. The nearest MRT station is Bras Basah (Circle Line).

 

During meal times, this stall nearly always garner the longest queue in the coffee shop. 

Steamed and Roasted Chicken Rice $5.70

As I could not decided whether to order steamed or roasted chicken, I decided to order both. Hence, my chicken rice cost $5.70.

The chicken rice was fragrant and not too oily. However, some parts of the rice were a little too dry.

Steam and Roasted Chicken

Once the chicken meat are cut onto the plate, they are drizzled with soy sauce and I suspect sesame oil was added too. 

Steam and Roasted Chicken

The Steamed Chicken with its succulent meat was decently executed. As for the Roasted Chicken, I thought it was even better executed. The exterior of the Roasted Chicken was yummilicious. Slightly crisp yet chewy skin, it was immense with aromatic blend of seasoning and flavour. Very addictive. The fragrant and flavour  penetrated into the meat. If certain part of the meat was less tough, this would have been perfect!

As with every chicken rice, the chilli sauce is a must! The chilli sauce at Leong Yeow was addictive. Very tangy and spicy. It complemented well with the chicken meat. Not for the fainted hearted, especially if you are one who can't take spicy food.

Leong Yeow Famous Waterloo St Hainanese Chicken Rice 亮耀馳名四馬路海南鶏飯 (Bras Basah)

Blk 261 Waterloo Street

#01-29 Waterloo Centre

Singapore 180261

Opening Hours: Daily 1030am to 830pm

                         Closed on ad-hoc (every 2 week)

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Street Food: Porridge and Chicken Rice near Baiyoke Sky Hotel (Thailand, Bangkok)

During our stay in Bangok, we explored around the streets and alleys near our hotel; Baiyoke Boutique Hotel. There were numerous street food stalls. One particular stall caught our eyes one morning and we decided that it would be the place for breakfast before we flew back to Singapore. 

This street food stall caught our eyes because it was the only one which sold porridge. Moreover, there was a constant queue. Furthermore, those in the queues were locals. In fact, we did not see any tourist even though we ate near the stall.

This particular stall is manned by two persons, a gentleman and a lady with red apron who seemed to be the boss. She was the one who cooked the porridge.  

The ingredients that goes into the bowl of porridge before they are served includes liver, pig intestines (large and small), chunks of pork meat, ginger slices and scallions. If you would like to add an egg into the porridge, you would need to inform the lady when making your orders.

A huge pot of porridge which the lady constantly stirs. 

After selling every few bowls of porridge, the lady would add chunks of pork meat into the pot of porridge. Her action showed how much she cared about the food she cooked. 

The menu. If you recognise Thai, this would be useful.

There were three makeshift tables and chairs along the alley behind this stall. Most locals pack the porridge back. After making our orders, we proceeded to the tables and chairs. The gentleman would delivery the porridge to the tables. 

Porridge with egg 35 Baht (S$1.50)

We requested for an egg to be added into the porridge. This cost 35 Baht (S$1.50). The porridge was served with chunks of pork meat, a few pieces of large and small intestines and liver. It was topped with scallions, slices of ginger, pepper and light soya sauce. The egg which was added in it was half cooked; semi solid egg white and runny yolk (similar to the type you get in Yakun / Toast Box).

Porridge with egg 35 Baht (S$1.50)

Porridge with egg 35 Baht (S$1.50)

We mixed the egg with the porridge to give it a creamier texture and taste. The porridge was not fantastic, but it was very decent. For just 35 Baht, you would be getting quite a fair variety of ingredients. I can't complain much. But if you looking for someplace for breakfast, this could be an alternative.

Note: I understand that the lady is frequently at this area and she opens mainly in the morning only. You can view the location in the map at the bottom of this post.

This chicken rice stall is located next to the porridge stall. 

Compared to its neighbour (i.e. porridge stall), this stall had no customers. Nevertheless, we ordered a  pack of chicken rice to share. 

Chicken Rice 30 Baht (S$1.25)

The Chicken Rice cost 30 Baht (S$1.25). It came in a styrofoam container with cling film.

Chicken Rice 30 Baht (S$1.25)

The chicken rice was average. The chicken meat fared better than the rice. 

Street Food: Porridge and Chicken Rice near Baiyoke Sky Hotel (Thailand, Bangkok)

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Alright Cafeteria (Peace Centre)

Alright Cafeteria located at level 3 (top floor) of Peace Centre serves Malay cuisine. There are no signs directing customers to the shop. You will be able to see this eatery in front of you when you take the escalator up to level 3. Most people know of this place through word of mouth (e.g their friends, colleagues).

The eatery offers daily specials during weekdays.
Monday: :Laksa $3.50
Tuesday: Black Pepper Chicken Rice $4.00, Chicken Rice $3.50, Seafood Horfun $4.00
Wednesday: Roti Jala with Curry Chicken $4.00, Prawn Mee $3.50
Thursday: Nasi Briyani (Chicken / Beef) $4.50, Nasi Briyani (Mutton) $5.00
Friday: Ayam Penyet $5.00

Chicken Rice $3.50, Begedil $0.50 

During one of the occasion during my visit, I ordered the Tuesday daily special - Chicken Rice. I also added a Begedil.

Chicken Rice $3.50, Begedil $0.50 

This is the Malay style chicken rice. Unlike our Chinese Hainanese chicke rice, the rice in this case is plain white rice. The chicken is neither steam or roasted. Instead it was fried. The chicken rice was not too bad. I also requested for sambal chilli to be added to go along with the plain steamed rice. 

One another occasion, I ordered Nasi Padang (which is a concept similar to our economic rice stalls). It essentially meant customers choose the items they want.  I chose white plan rice, along with fried egg omelette, tauhu goreng, fried chicken wings and sambal kang kong. It costed $4.80.The food was was quite good. Depending on which aunty you order from, the generousity differs. In this case, my plate was full of ingredients! Almost spilling out =).

ps: If you like Malay food especially Nasi Padang, there is this place called Warong Nasi Pariaman that serves authentic and delicious Nasi Padang. A must try!

Alright Cafeteria (Peace Centre)

Level 3 Peace Centre
1 Sophia Road (Selegie Road)
Location 

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Ah-Tai Hainanese Chicken Rice 阿仔海南鸡饭 (Maxwell Food Centre) 2nd Post

This marks my second visit to Ah Tai Hainanese Chicken Rice 阿仔海南鸡饭 since its inception, my first since it's license was suspended for two weeks. As I have posted about this before, I shall not dive into it again.

As mentioned, Ah Tai Hainanese Chicken Rice had it's license suspended by NEA for two weeks as it had accumulated 12 demerit points in the last 12 months for issues related to keep the premise pest free and preparation of food. (I wonder who rat on them.. I smell a rat. No rewards for guessing who I suspect.) Since the stall has opened for business, with NEA strict guidelines, checks and hygiene levels, I was confident that the food was safe to eat. As the saying goes, 'the safest place is the most dangerous place'. I am quite sure that the food is very clean and safe for consumption! Anyway, a side note is that this is a hawker centre not a restaurant, what more do you expect?

If you thought that the NEA suspension of Ah Tai would have affected their business, then you are wrong. There was a long queue of more than 10 people queuing to order their chicken rice. One of the other reason for the queue could be because Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice was closed on that day. 

Chicken Rice $3 + Gizzard $0.50

Bean Sprouts $2

Order my usual stuff, Chicken Rice $3 with Gizzard $0.50. In addition, I also ordered a plate of Bean Sprouts that cost $2. The Bean Sprouts served with sliced chillies, shallots and spring onions were drizzled with a combination of light soy sauce mixed with sesame oil.  The Bean Sprouts were  so crunchy and tasty that they were highly addictive. A good match for the Chicken Rice. 

Chicken Rice $3 + Gizzard $0.50

The standard of Ah Tai's Chicken Rice seemed to have improved compared to the version I had on my first visit.

During the previous visit, although the rice was fragrant and flavourful, it was hard and dry. However, during this recent visit, the it was moist and soft. Couple with fact that it had just the right mix of fragrance and flavour, it was easy to indulge the rice on its own.

This time, the meat (chicken) was cut properly and was as tasty and tender as before.

Overall, I would say that the Chicken Rice at Ah Tai has improved! It was delish and certainly tasted much better than before!  

Ah-Tai Hainanese Chicken Rice 阿仔海南鸡饭 (Maxwell Food Centre)

1 Kadayayanallur Street

#01-07 Maxwell Food Centre

Tel: 8137 6559 

Opening Hours: Wed to Mon 11am to 730pm

                         Closed on Tue
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Location 

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Ah-Tai Hainanese Chicken Rice 阿仔海南鸡饭 (Maxwell Food Centre)

Ah-Tai Hainanese Chicken Rice 阿仔海南鸡饭 is a chicken rice stall set up by Mr Wong Liang Tai, more commonly known as Ah Tai. Ah Tai was actually the former chef of the famous Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice and has been working there for the past 20 years. He had differences with the owners' daughter who took over the management of the business in 2010. After several incidents and heated arguments, Ah Tai was sacked in October 2011 (Both Ah Tai and the owners are relatives). Subsequently, he and a partner (who was a key helper in Tian Tian) set up a chicken rice stall just 3 stalls away from his former employer (Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice) at Maxwell Food Centre. 

Chicken Rice is a de facto national dish of Singapore. If you still have doubts, visit Maxwell Food Centre, and you will notice that there are already so many chicken rice stalls. One will be spoilt for choice when it comes to chicken rice as there are more than 6 such stalls in this food centre. With Ah-Tai Hainanese Chicken Rice being the new kid in the block, the chicken rice war at Maxwell has escalated. Several other chicken rice stall owners have expressed their unhappiness as they were concerned about their business. The least they need now is for another strong competitor next to them.  

As mentioned earlier, Ah-Tai Hainanese Chicken Rice 阿仔海南鸡饭 located at Stall No. 7 is located 3 units away from Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice which is located at Stall No. 10.

I visited at around 630pm on a weekday for dinner. There was no queue then. (By the way Tian Tian was closed that day). Anyone knows if there's a queue during lunch hours? 

Chicken Rice $3.00 + Gizzard $0.50

Chicken Rice $3.00 + Gizzard $0.50

What makes a good Chicken Rice? Well, there are three factors; namely the rice, the meat (chicken) and the chilli. I can't help but compare using these three factors to compare Ah Tai's chicken rice to Tian Tian's chicken rice which I had previously. 

In terms of rice, Ah Tai's rice was indeed fragrant and flavourful. However, it was hard and very dry. I prefer Tian Tian's rice as it was softer and more moist. 

In terms of meat (chicken), Ah Tai's version was decent. The timing was grasped nicely as the chicken was tender and tasty, not tough. However, all the good work was undone by.. well the way the chicken was chopped. Yes, the chopping style does makes a difference (ask the older generation or professional chefs on the way to cut meat, be it chicken, duck or pork and you will know what I mean). I have not gotten to the point where by I am such a professional foodie that I can point out this is a wrong cooking style. What makes it so obvious in this case was that it was so terribly cut that there were small pieces of bones protruding out or small pieces of bones that came off and was mixed with the rice and chicken. When I mean small, a comparison will be the size smaller than a half of the rice grain (in the photo above). Seems trivial, but it matters. With that being said, Tian Tian's version was much better as their chopping style was better and their chicken was drizzled in their special sauce that made it more fragrant and tasty. (The gizzards given were hidden below the chicken.) 

In terms of chilli, Ah Tai's version fared better. It was more tangy with a stronger oomph of spiciness.

(For the sake of comparison) In terms of presentation, I am very sure that Ah Tai's version loses out to Tian Tian's. Just take a look at the above picture and compare it to Tian Tian's version. Ah Tai's version was more sloppily done considering the fact that there was no queue... hmm..

Personally, I still prefer Tian Tian's chicken rice. The chicken and rice are better than Ah Tai's version. But despite all these, I still prefer my chicken rice at Golden Mile Food Centre.

For the record, if the taste is good and the presentation is lousy, I certainly do not mind! After all, never judge a book by its cover, appearances can be deceiving. 

Ah-Tai Hainanese Chicken Rice 阿仔海南鸡饭 (Maxwell Food Centre)

1 Kadayayanallur Street

#01-07 Maxwell Food Centre

Tel: 8137 6559 

Opening Hours: Wed to Mon 11am to 730pm

                         Closed on Tue
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Location 

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Ming Kee Chicken Rice & Porridge (Bugis Street) 明记鸡饭粥 (Bishan)

Ming Kee Chicken Rice & Porridge (Bugis Street) 明记鸡饭粥 is probably the most famous chicken rice  located in a heartland coffeeshop. To be more precise, it is located at the coffeeshop directly opposite the Bishan Community Centre, 5 minutes away from Bishan MRT station. 

You may notice that this is the only chicken rice stall where you are unable to find any chicken being displayed (hanging). The reason is because the chicken once cooked are dunked into tubs filled with ice water. The chicken are kept there till it is ready to be chopped. When the chicken is chopped into halves or quarters, they are kept in trays of ice water which are displayed at the counter till the point they are being used. The process of dunking the chicken into ice water immediately after cooking is called shocking. Shocking is normally done to ensure that the chicken will not be overcooked and firm up the skin.

The shocking process is also used to make Ajitsuke Tamago / Japanese Runny Egg / Ramen Egg.

Chicken Rice $3 + Gizzard $0.50

Does the fork and spoon look unique? Wonder if they are trying to portray an image of kids friendly!

Chicken Rice $3 + Gizzard $0.50

Look at how generous they are with the chicken, gizzard and rice. The chicken was soft, tender, moist and slightly cold. Each piece of chicken was thick and meaty (makes me wonder why other chicken at other chicken outlets seems to be so skinny and thin). The flavour and juices seemed to have been sealed inside (maybe by the shocking process). I found it weird that not all parts had a jelly layer under the skin. The jelly layer normally occurs when shocking is done. Another chicken rice stall with jelly layer under the chicken skin is the Da Po Hainanese Chicken Rice at Golden Mile Food Centre.

The rice was a tad too hard for my liking. Fortunately, it had the fragrant and flavour required of the hallmark of a good chicken rice.  

Gizzard $0.50

A generous amount of Gizzard was given. In fact, this is probably the most generous amount I have been given for just 50 cents at any chicken rice stalls.

If you were to ask what is the down side of this stall? Well, its their chilli. It was not as spicy and seems diluted. 

Long queue

There is always a long queue at this stall during meal times. During a recent visit, I was quite surprised to see the queue stretching up to than 19 people long (yes, I counted!), and forming a L-shape queue as it extends out of the interior of the coffee shop. In case you are wonder, I joined the queue and waited for half an hour before it was my turn to order.

As I was queuing, I noticed that they cleared the queue relatively fast. There was a total of seven people manning the stall. Very systematic. Two person will be chopping the chicken for customers. Another two person take the order and collect the money. Among these two, one will be scooping the rice or packing the rice as many customers were packing back the food. Another two person were in the stall preparing, cooking, dunking the chicken into the tubs of cold water. Lastly, an elderly lady was sitting in front of the stall, packing the chilli for takeaway and occasionally helping in the stall. Thanks to their efficient operating systems, customers like me do not need to wait too long despite the long queue.*Thumbs up*.

Personally, I think this is probably one of the best chicken rice in Bishan (or should I say within the Woodlands, Sembawang, Yishun, Ang Mo Kio, Bishan estates).

Ming Kee Chicken Rice & Porridge (Bugis Street) 明记鸡饭粥 (Bishan)

Blk 511 Bishan Street 13

#01- 522 Kim San Leng Food Centre 

Opening Hours: Daily 10am to 930pm

                         Closed on alternate Tue

Location

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