Restoran Todak (Orang Asli) (Malaysia, Johor Bahru)

 Prawns cooked in Indonesian Curry

Restoran Todak (Orang Asli) is a well known kelong seafood restaurant located in Johor Bahru. Although this restaurant is located around 30 minutes drive away from the checkpoint, it is popular among Singaporeans. At the car park which is unmarked, you are likely to see more Singapore registered cars compared to Malaysia vehicles.

Restoran Todak is unique as the whole restaurant located along the coast on kelong stilts.

The restaurant is located directly opposite Singapore's Sembawang Coast and provides a picturesque view. As you can see from the photo above, those cranes in the background are from Sembanwang shipyard.

Although the restaurant has indoor seats, most of the tables and chairs are located outside (without a roof) - alfresco style dining with the sea breeze. We arrived early for dinner as we were aware that the restaurant would be packed and some of the seafood would be sold out if we arrive late.

The live seafood are displayed with the prices indicated. For their crabs, they have different pricing depending on the prices. The cheaper ones typically get sold out before 730 pm. The you will need to wait and see if new stock comes in in the next couple of hours or order a more expensive crab.

We used the big menu (above) and ordered our food based on the recommendation of the type of cooking style for the food.

 Prawns cooked in Indonesian Curry

The Prawns cooked in Indonesian Curry were delicious! The prawns of different sizes were relatively big and very fresh; succulent and sweet tasting meat!

Fried Buns (Man Tou)

We ordered fried buns (man tous) which complemented perfectly with the Indonesian Curry gravy.

 Salted Egg Crab

The Salted Egg Crab was unique. I was expecting this to come with sauce and was surprised when it was a 'dry' dish. Taste wise, there was just a slight hint of salted egg flavour. Initially, we thought that the wrong order was delivered to us as this tasted more like fried garlic crab! I was not too impressed with the taste. But the saving grace was that the crab was so fresh! The meat could be easily extracted from the shell and was so tender.

Japanese Snail (Japanese Escargot 日本螺) Gong Bao 宫保Style

The Japanese Snail (Japanese Escargot 日本螺) was cooked Gong Bao 宫保style. This dish was very well executed. The Japanese snail had a smooth texture and was springy! The Gong Bao style complement the Japanese Snail quite well. If the sauce was slightly more spicy, it would be more ideal!

Egg Omelette (Fu Rong Egg 芙蓉蛋)

Egg Omelette was fluffy and addictive - very well executed.

Butter Crayfish

Had great expectations for the Butter Crayfish. But it disappointed in terms of presentation and taste. I was expecting a more buttery flaovour that would make this addictive.

Lala

The Lala too was just 'meh' disappointing. The Lala were not meaty and plump enough. This is definitely not the best lala; is average.

Sweet Potato Leaves with Belacan

The Sweet Potato Leaves with Belacan was well fried. Cooked and tasted just right. It complemented the plain rice extremely well.

Complimentary Fruits

After each meal, every table would be served with a plate of Complimentary Fruits.

Receipt

The total cost of our meal. Relatively cheap after converting to Singapore dollars considering this meal fed five persons.

This restaurant is definitely worth coming back to. I saw several tables ordering their fish and oysters. The oysters were huge! The downside is the distance from the causeway; you would probably need a vehicle. 

Restoran Todak (Orang Asli) (Malaysia, Johor Bahru)

No 1 Kampung Orang Asli, 
Telok Jawa, Masai 
81750 Johor Bahru
Tel: 07 386 3696

Opening Hours: Daily 1130am to 1130pm

View FoodieFC's Malaysia Map in a larger map

Pro Ganjang Gejang 프로간장게장 (South Korea, Seoul)

Raw Crabs Marinated in Soy Sauce (Ganjang Gejang) 간장게장 55,00 KRW (S$68)

Pro Ganjang Gejang 프로간장게장 is a restaurant that specialises in serving Ganjang Gejang - Raw Crabs Marinated in Soy Sauce (간장게장). Ganjang Gejang is a traditional korean dish dating back to the Joseon Dynasty (1392 - 1910). It is a salted fermented dish that is difficult to prepare.

The restaurant is among one of the first to open in the 1980s serving Ganjang Gejang. Back then, pro baseball athletes frequent the alley and found the Ganjang Gejang delicious. Through word of mouth, this particular alley where the restaurant is located became known as Sinsa-dong's Ganjang Gejang Alley.  You will be able to find several restaurants selling Ganjang Gejang along this alley.

Today, Pro Ganjang Gejang has a building of its own.

The interior of the restaurant is filled with photos of celebrities and sports athletes, some of whom are from Japan. Apparently, Japanese tourist like this so much that the restaurant has opened a branch in Tokyo, Japan.

 The side dishes.

Raw Crabs Marinated in Soy Sauce (Ganjang Gejang) 간장게장 55,00 KRW (S$68)

We ordered 2 small size female crabs which cost  55,00 KRW (S$68). The right way to eat the Raw Crabs Marinated in Soy Sauce (Ganjang Gejang) 간장게장 is to use your hands. It would be hard to eat it with utensils.

Raw Crabs Marinated in Soy Sauce (Ganjang Gejang) 간장게장 55,00 KRW (S$68)

Many people would also scoop some rice on the crab shell and mix it with Ganjang Gejang.

Although the crabs were fresh, the both of us did not like this dish. The meat was just so raw and soft while the sauce was on the salty end. We are probably too used to eating crabs that are cooked which are of a different texture. I doubt that we will try Ganjang Gejang again, we prefer our crabs cooked!

Steamed Egg (Gyeran Jjim) 계란찜 5,00 KRW (S$6.25)

We also ordered a Steamed Egg (Gyeran Jjim) 계란찜 5,00 KRW (S$6.25) for sharing. The difference between the korean and chinese steamed egg is that the korean version is denser and less smooth. Taste wise, this was a good dish to complement the Ganjang Gejang.

The toilet at the restaurant was impressive! There was a mouth wash dispenser! 

Pro Ganjang Gejang 프로간장게장 (South Korea, Seoul)

27-1 Jamwon-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul 

프로간장계장, 서울특별시 서초구 잠원동 27-1

Tel: +82 2 543 4126
Opening Hours: 24 hours daily
Directions: From Sinsa Station (subway line 3) Exit 4, walk down along gangnam-daero and turn right at the first alley. Then turn left at the next alley, you will see the Pro Ganjang Gejang building (with a big crab sign) in front. 

View FoodieFC's South Korea Food Map in a larger map

Mapo Naru House 마포나룻집 (South Korea, Seoul)

Cold Noodles (Naengmyeon) 냉면 5,500 KRW (S$6.80)

Mapo Naru House 마포나룻집 is a popular restaurant located in Hongdae for several reasons. It serves a variety of Korean food (e.g. Naengmyeon (Cold noodles) and Dakbokkeum (spicy braised chicken). Dakbokkeum and other Jjigae (Korean stew)/Jeongol (Korean casserole or stew)) which goes well with a variety of Makgeolli (alcoholic beverage) from different regions. Also, it is opened till the wee hours of the mornings till 7am on some days, catering to those who want to hang out after partying or clubbing. In terms of pricing, the food here is affordable.

It is hard to miss this restaurant. The restaurant name is spelled out clearly in Korean.

The restaurant has two levels. The first level seemed to have a small seating capacity. Hence, we went up to the second level. The second level was surprisingly huge! There was a mixture of outdoor and indoor seats. The outdoor seatinglooks so romantic, like dining in a garden. But as the weather was warm (or if you are not comfortable sitting on the floor), we decided to stay indoors.

This is one of the areas for indoor seating.

It offers a view of the exterior.

The interior restaurant looks antique and rustic with wooden furnishing. There were even paper with menu printed and it seems to be slightly burnt to make them look old.

It provided a contrast compared to the menu displayed outside the restaurant entrance at level 1.

These are complimentary side dishes that were served.

Steamed Pork Dumplings (Gogi Mandu) 고기만두 4,500 KRW (S$5.60)

The Steamed Pork Dumplings (Gogi Mandu) 고기만두 4,500 KRW (S$5.60) was relatively value for money compared to other restaurants. However, the outer skin was a tad too thick. Fortunately, the interior which consisted of pork meat and vegetables was tasty.

Cold Noodles (Naengmyeon) 냉면 5,500 KRW (S$6.80)

The main reason why I visited this restaurant was for its signature Cold Noodles (Naengmyeon) 냉면 5,500 KRW (S$6.80).  This was my first time trying this. It consisted of buckwheat noodles served in cold beef broth with cucumbers. Although it looked plain, dull and unappetising, it was surprisingly tasty, and cold and refreshing. The texture of the noodles was smooth and chewy.

Rice Topped with Raw Crabs Marinated in Soy Sauce (Ganjang Gejang Bibimbap) 비빔밥 간장게장 7,500 KRW (S$9.40)

We also ordered a Rice Topped with Raw Crabs Marinated in Soy Sauce (Ganjang Gejang Bibimbap) 비빔밥 간장게장 7,500 KRW (S$9.40) for sharing. This was the most interesting dish, the raw crab looks do different compared to how it looks when it is cooked.

Rice Topped with Raw Crabs Marinated in Soy Sauce (Ganjang Gejang Bibimbap) 비빔밥 간장게장 7,500 KRW (S$9.40)

Give all the ingredients a good mix. This tasted surprisingly good. The raw/fishy taste of the crab was not distinct and there was a complexity of sweetness and saltiness to the dish. Towards the end however, it got a little too salty.

It was not easy finding this restaurant. We walked from Hongik University station (subway line 2) and it took a good 30 minutes walk to reach this restaurant. Along the way, we stopped by at the Tourist Information (Red Star in above photo) to check for directions. We also stopped by to purchase finger food and had a quick look at some of the clothes in the shops. The restaurant is circled in red at the left hand side of the photo. More directions are appended below.

Mapo Naru House 마포나룻집 (South Korea, Seoul)

364-19 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu

Seoul, South Korea 

서울 마포구 서교동 364-19번지 

Tel: +82-2-337-5515

Opening Hours: Mon 11.30am - 10pm

                         Tue to Fri 1130am - 7am

                         Sat 1130am to 3am
Directions: From Hongik University station (subway line 2) Exit 9, turn left into the street right next to KFC and turn right after you pass Coffee Bean into the main street of Hongdae. Keep going straight, you will see the Tourist Information Counter. Cross the road and take the street between Tonymoly cosmetic store and Seven Eleven (aka Eoulmadang-ro). Keep walking straight (past 1  more junction).  You will find Mapo Naru House on your left.

View FoodieFC's South Korea Food Map in a larger map

Ngoc Suong Marina (Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh)

Tôm sú chiên giòn rang muối tiêu (Deep Fried Prawns With Salt and Pepper) 205,000 VND (S$12.30)

Ngoc Suong Marina also known as Marina Saigon Seafood Cuisine is a Vietnamese seafood restaurant located along Nguyen Dinh Chieu road. It is less than 5 and 10 minutes walk away from the War Remnants Museum and Reunification Palace respectively. 

With its bright red signage, it would be hard to miss this restaurant. Ngoc Suong Marina is air-conditioned and has two levels. At the entrance, you would be able to see several tanks full of life seafood.

As my Vietnamese friends made reservations, we sat at the first level which was full (on a friday night)! I noticed on several occasions that foreigners were led up to the second level and that the first level seems to be mainly locals. I was curious and asked them. I was told that the second level had a different price and that there were more service staff there. Foreigners would normally be directed to the second level.

Hàu sống (Fresh Oysters) 31,000 VND (S$1.85) per piece

The first dish that was served was the Hàu sống (Fresh Oysters) 31,000 VND (S$1.85) per piece. The natural colour of these oysters were brown in colour as they were grown locally in Vietnam. The oysters were quite fresh, plump and juicy. Interesting, but if you are used to those air flown from Australia / Canada / USA, you might not be use to this.

Gỏi cá Ngọc Sương (Ngoc Suong Fish Salad) 142,000 VND (S$8.50)

Next, we had the Gỏi cá Ngọc Sương (Ngoc Suong Fish Salad) 142,000 VND (S$8.50) which we were told was a popular item in the restaurant. It was served with rice paper, fresh vegetables and herbs, slices of unripe banana, star fruit and a mixture of fish sauce with peanuts.

Gỏi cá Ngọc Sương (Ngoc Suong Fish Salad) 142,000 VND (S$8.50)

Slices of ginger, chilli and ground peanuts were sprinkled on top of the fish.

Gỏi cá Ngọc Sương (Ngoc Suong Fish Salad) 142,000 VND (S$8.50)

The fish salad, fresh vegetables and herbs, slices of unripe banana and star fruit would need to be added onto the rice paper. After that roll it up and the dip it into the sauce.

Chả giò hải sản (Seafood Fried Spring Roll) 43,000 VND (S$2.60) per piece

This Chả giò hải sản (Seafood Fried Spring Roll) 43,000 VND (S$2.60) per piece was delicious! The seafood was wrapped with beancurd and rice paper before being deep fried. Despite it being deep fried, the rolls were not oily at all! The exterior was dry and crispy while the interior was full of sauce and chunks of lobster and crab meat. Superb!.

Tôm sú chiên giòn rang muối tiêu (Deep Fried Prawns With Salt and Pepper) 205,000 VND (S$12.30)

Next, we ordered the Tôm sú chiên giòn rang muối tiêu (Deep Fried Prawns With Salt and Pepper) 205,000 VND (S$12.30). Vietnamese restaurant seems to like to cook their prawns with salt and pepper.

The outer shells of the prawns were deep fried till they were so crispy that some of us ate the whole thing without bothering to deshell the prawns so as to enjoy the combination of the salt and pepper. These prawns were so fresh. The shells could easily be deshell and its meat were firm and sweet. Shiok!

Cua rang me (Crab with Tamarind Sauce) 55,000 VND (S$3.30) per 100 gram

As my friend had stayed in Singapore for many years, she knew what we could find in Singapore. Hence, she decided to order something different; the Cua rang me (Crab with Tamarind Sauce) 55,000 VND (S$3.30) per 100 gram. The Crab with Tamarind Sauce, one of the restaurant signature dish was unique. It had a combination of sweet and tangy flavour. Again, the seafood here was very fresh! The crab meat could be easily deshell and were meaty. Very appeitisng and delicious! In fact, fingers licking good!

Miến xào cua (Glass Noodles Sauteed with Crab Meat) 147,000 VND (S$8.80)

As we were still hungry, we ordered another dish; Miến xào cua (Glass Noodles Sauteed with Crab Meat) 147,000 VND (S$8.80). This was another of their signature dish. The glass noodles had absorbed the seafood flavour and the addition of lettuce and onions gave a crunchy dimension to this dish.

Ngoc Suong Marina reminds me of Jumbo, Long Beach and No Signboard Seafood in Singapore. The dishes here were quite well executed and enjoyable. If you like seafood cooked in Vietnamese style, this would be a place to go to. However, do take note that this is a upmarket restaurant and that prices would be more expensive than those on the streets. Coming from Singapore, I thought that for the quality and taste of the food, the price was justifiable / value for money.

Do note, that the charges at second level are more expensive. And that if you want to sit at the first level, it would not be easy to catch the attention of any service staff. 

Ngọc Sương Sài Gòn (Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh)

172 Nguyễn Đình Chiểu, 

Phường 6, Quận 3, Tp.

Hồ Chí Minh

Tel: +84 (08) 3930 2379

Website

View FoodieFC's Vietnam Map in a larger map

Nha Hang Ngon (Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh)

Bánh hỏi chao tôm cuốn bánh tráng (Grilled Pounded Shrimp Paste on Sugar Cane served with Rice Vermicelli, Rice Papers and Vegetables) 140,000 VND (S$8.40)

Nha Hang Ngon used to be called Quan an Ngon and located along Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street has moved to 160 Pasteur road. The Vietnamese name of the restaurant is called Nhà Hàng Ngon. “Nhà Hàng” means "restaurant" while “Ngon” means delicious in English.

Nha Hang Ngon with its yellow, colonial style villa was hard to miss. It had a huge sitting capacity with both indoor and alfresco dining areas.

If you were to walk around the alfresco area, you would notice numerous food stall stations where the various dishes are created are prepared and cooked, ranging from appetisers, sides, mains to desserts. It was an interesting experience walking around to look at the different type of food available and how it was prepared. I do have one concern which was hygiene as I noticed there were a few flies flying around the food.

The interior of the indoor dining area. Look at how elegant it was.

The setup on the tables. The menu had both English and Vietnamese languages on it.

Cà  phê sữa đá (Vietnamese Iced Coffee with Milk) 40,000 VND (S$2.40)

The Cà phê sữa đá (Vietnamese Iced Coffee with Milk) 40,000 VND (S$2.40) got us off to a great start. The coffee was so aromatic and fragrant. The coffee taste was intense and rich, and was too sweet. But once the ice melted and diluted the drink, it was excellent! One of the best Vietnamese iced coffee we drank.

Gỏi đu đủ tai heo (Green Papaya Salad with Sliced Pig Ears) 50,000 VND (S$3)

We started off with an appetiser; Gỏi đu đủ tai heo (Green Papaya Salad with Sliced Pig Ears) 50,000 VND (S$3). It had a good balance in taste when everything was mixed together. In addition, the pig ears provided lots of collagen.

Bánh hỏi chao tôm cuốn bánh tráng (Grilled Pounded Shrimp Paste on Sugar Cane served with Rice Vermicelli, Rice Papers and Vegetables) 140,000 VND (S$8.40)

The Bánh hỏi chao tôm cuốn bánh tráng (Grilled Pounded Shrimp Paste on Sugar Cane served with Rice Vermicelli, Rice Papers and Vegetables) 140,000 VND (S$8.40). The waiter helped us to cut the grilled shrimp paste into almost equal thickness. Anyway, we saw a small fly flying around the rice vermicelli. Not wanting to kick up a fuss, we threw off quite a few of  the rice vermicelli where the fly flew around. It certainly makes us wonder about the hygiene factor.

Bánh hỏi chao tôm cuốn bánh tráng (Grilled Pounded Shrimp Paste on Sugar Cane served with Rice Vermicelli, Rice Papers and Vegetables) 140,000 VND (S$8.40)

It was served with rice paper, fresh vegetables and herbs, slices of unripe banana and star fruit. The way to eat it would be to place the fresh vegetables and herbs, slices of unripe banana and star fruit, rice vermicelli and grilled shrimp paste onto the rice paper. After that roll it up and dip it into the sauce provided. Frankly, this dish was average. Did not find it delicious.

Bánh canh cua (Thick Noodle Soup with Crab Meat and Pork) 58,000 VND (S$3.50)

Having had such a wonderful experience Hoa Dong's Bánh canh cua, the partner decided to order it again. The Bánh canh cua (Thick Noodle Soup with Crab Meat and Pork) cost 58,000 VND (S$3.50). It was a major let down. The stock was thick but not flavourful. In addition, the serving of ingredients given were so little. To make things worse, the prawn was not fresh.

Bún ốc (Vermicelli in Soup with Snails and Tomatoes) 54,000 VND (S$3.24)

I ordered the Bún ốc (Vermicelli in Soup with Snails and Tomatoes) 54,000 VND (S$3.24), as I had many people complimenting about this dish on the internet sphere. It was served with fresh herbs which could be added into the soup.

Bún ốc (Vermicelli in Soup with Snails and Tomatoes) 54,000 VND (S$3.24)

This was another let down. The soup had a strong hint of fishy smell. Although the snails were large, they were too tough and chewy.

Chè  sương sa hột lựu (Jelly, Water Chestnut, Tapioca Pearls and Coconut Milk) 27,000 VND (S$1.60)  

We were still not satisfied and decided to order a dessert; the Chè sương sa hột lựu (Jelly, Water Chestnut, Tapioca Pearls and Coconut Milk) 27,000 VND (S$1.60). It was a pleasant surprise. Very refreshing and flavourful. The coconut which was so fresh made it so addictive.

Needless, to say, I made the wrong choice coming over here. I did extensive research and heard about how highly raved this restaurant was. So much so that when my Vietnamese friend advised us to give this a skip as the locals do not eat over there and the food was so-so, we still went ahead.. Should have just listened to her!

If you are reading this, my advise would be to just visit Nha Hang Ngon for its Cà phê sữa đá (Vietnamese Iced Coffee with Milk). The rest of the food are really just so-so (i.e. average). 

Nhà Hàng Ngon (Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh)

160 Pasteur

Phường Bến Nghé, Quận 1

Hồ Chí Minh,

Tel: +84 (08) 3827 7131

View FoodieFC's Vietnam Map in a larger map