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

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Sin Kee Seafood Soup (Woodlands)

Seafood Soup (Dory Fish) $5

Sin Kee Seafood Soup is a fish soup stall located at Teo Chap Bee Eating House (coffeeshop) in Woodlands. This stall is located at Blk 19 Marsiling Lane a distance away from Admiralty Park and Republic Polytechnic.

Arriving on a weekday afternoon for lunch at 1215pm, the coffeeshop was bustled with people. Although all tables were occupied, it was a breeze finding an empty table as the coffeeshop was large and the cleaners were so efficient. I noticed that most patron mainly ordered from just two stall; Sin Kee Seafood Soup and Hong Ji Claypot Pork Rib Soup (Bak Kut Teh).

Menu

The prices at Sin Kee Seafood Soup are clearly displayed in front of the stall. This stall specialises in seafood soup consisting of Dory Fish, Batang Fish or Pomfret Fish. There is also an option to add Crayfish. After placing my order, I was given a number plate for displaying at the table. I was told then that the wait would be half an hour long.

Their business was so good that we waited for nearly an hour before our food was served. We ordered the Seafood Soup (Dory Fish) $5 and Batang Fish with Crayfish $10.50 with 2 bowls of plain rice. Each bowl of plain rice cost $0.50.

Seafood Soup (Dory Fish) $5

The partner ordered the Seafood Soup (Dory Fish) $5 which was delicious! The stall owners were so generous with the ingredients! There were several thick chunks of dory fish, two prawns, chunks of minced meat and tomatoes. The dory fish was incredibly fresh, soft and sweet! The prawns did not disappoint too. Fresh, firm and sweet tasting. The chunk of minced meat, a mixture lean meat, fats and mushrooms was well marinated and was delicious. The amount of minced meat given was more than what I had ever gotten in a bak chor mee or homemade noodles dish.

The soup was tasty; slight salty with hint of sweetness and sourness (probably due to the tomato). At $5, this Seafood Soup (Dory Fish) is so value for money considering the freshness and amount of ingredients.

Batang Fish with Crayfish $10.50

I ordered the Batang Fish with Crayfish $10.50 which consisted of several thick slices of Batang Fish, three half crayfish, chunks of minced meat and tomatoes, The soup was nowhere as good the Seafood Soup (Dory Fish). This soup had a strong fishy - crayfish after taste which spoiled the taste of the soup. The crayfish was just average and did not taste as fresh as I hoped. On the other hand, the batang fish was fresh and sweet.

Overall, Sin Kee Seafood Soup serves pretty decent seafood soup. If you are keen to give this a try, I would suggest avoiding lunch time and ordering their crayfish. In fact, I would recommend the Seafood Soup (Dory Fish) which was value for money and delicious! 

Sin Kee Seafood Soup (Woodlands)

Teo Chap Bee Eating House

Blk 19 Marsiling Lane

Singapore 730019

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Café 2000 Seafood and Barbecue Buffet Dinner (M Hotel)

Café 2000, a restaurant located at M Hotel (Near Tanjong Pagar MRT Station) serves International Buffet Dinner at daily from 6pm to 11pm. On Fridays, Saturdays and Eve of Public Holidays, the restaurant serves Seafood and Barbecue Buffet Dinner.

We visited Café 2000 on a Saturday evening and tried out its Seafood and Barbecue Buffet Dinner. 

When we arrived at 630pm, the restaurant was around 70% full.  The first few rows of the tables near the entrance were not occupied. Whereas those inside the restaurants were all occupied, most probably because everyone wanted to be strategically near the food since it was a buffet.

I was surprised to see so many people at the restaurant as I thought that we were early. The spread available included Cold Seafood, Barbecue, Bread, Soup, Salad, Zi Char (which was the month special), Satay, Sashimi, Sushi, Dessert and Live Cooking Stations. To sum it up, the spread was reasonable, enough to keep me busy eating for 3 hours. 

Cold Seafood

The Cold Seafood Section was impressive. There were Oysters, Prawns, Scallops, Crabs and even Crab Claws! In addition, each of them were fresh. I particularly like the Oysters (plump and juicy), Prawns (sweet and firm) and Crab Claws. It would have been perfect if they were more prompt in refilling the Oysters.

(Clockwise from the top left) BBQ Section: Lamb, Beef, Chicken Wings and Salmon

The Barbecue (BBQ) Section was a unique differentiation that makes Café 2000 stand out compared to most other buffets. There was a variety of raw meat; Lamb, Beef, Chicken Wings and Salmon. 

BBQ Seafood Section

In addition, there were also BBQ seafood section with Jumbo Prawns, Scallops, Crayfish, Fish, and Fish and Squid Otak. All you have to do is to select the raw food you want on a plate, then peg your table clip to the plate. The BBQ food would be cooked and served to your table. 

(Clockwise from the top left) BBQ Meat: Lamb, Beef Chicken Wing and Salmon

BBQ Seafood 

The BBQ food was delish. I was most impressed with the Jumbo Prawns. Look at the size of it. It was fresh and the shells were easily taken out. In addition, the meat was firm. The otahs were quite good too, slightly spicy, there were fish chunks in it.

Scallop Au Gratin

The beautifully cooked Scallop Au Gratin did not disappoint. The warm melted cheese complemented the scallop well. 

Pork Ribs and Bratwurst

Pork Ribs and Bratwurst

The Bratwurst was a tad too salty for our liking. However, the partner loved the Pork Ribs which were folk tender and flavourful. 

Angus Beef

The Chef’s signature Angus Beef. 

The Angus Beef was well executed by the Chef. The natural flavour and juices in the beef was retained. I have seldom been impressed with pizza during a buffet. But Café 2000's thin crust pizza certainly made an impression on me. So much so that I had to tell the partner to try it.

Laksa

There was a live cooking station for the Laksa. All you have to do is to select the noodles and items you want for your Laksa on a plate, then peg your table clip to the plate. The Laksa would be delivered to your table.  There was an extensive variety of items including seafood (squid, prawns, mussel), yong tau foo and quail eggs.

The laksa gravy was fragrant and rich with the right amount of spiciness. It was so delectable that I finished the whole bowl by myself and quite full by the time I finish this.

Royal Chocolate Cake

Desserts

There was a wide variety of Desserts available ranging from Assorted Nonya Kueh, Cakes, Durian Puree, Chocolate Fondue to Shaved Ice. The Durian Puree stood out. Made from fresh durian, it was thick (not diluted) and bittersweet. Durian lovers will definitely love this.

It was a pity, I was just too full and did not manage to try every single items. I did not even manage try the chilli crab!

Although this was a tasting session, I was impressed with the quality of food. The spread was less than Todai Singapore, but Café 2000's quality was way well better (which makes it more value for money). Most people would 'spam' on the Cold Seafood section to make their money worth while. At, Café 2000 beside doing that you can also 'spam' on the BBQ section (Something I would do if I go back again =P). In addition, I would also go for more servings of the Laksa and Anges Beef.

Would I be back? Yes, I can forsee myself going back! I already know what I want to go for when I am back. 

Thank you Lindy for the invite and hosting us.

International Buffet Dinner
Sunday to Thursday from 6pm to 1030pm
 $50++ Adult, $28++ Child

Seafood and BBQ Buffet Dinner 
Friday, Saturday and eve of Public Holidays from 6pm to 1030pm 
$62++ Adult, $32++ Child

Café 2000 (M Hotel)

81 Anson Road, M Hotel

Singapore 079908

Tel: 6500 6112

Opening Hours: Daily from 630am to 11pm

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Funan Weng Ipoh Ho Fun (Tanjong Pagar)

Funan Weng first started out as a noodles stall in 1950s at Hock Lam Street which was then a re-owned food street. Subsequently, the owner Mr Ho Weng switched to serving Ipoh Hor Fun as it was not a commonly available dish back then. He perfected the dish and he recipe has remained the same since then. In the 80s, Funan Digital Mall was built on Hock Lam Street and Mr Ho Weng moved his business to the  food court at the 7th level of the mall and officially started his business using the name 'Funan Weng'. When Funan underwent a renovation, Funan Weng moved to Ghim Moh Market. In 2009, it moved out of the Hawker Centre scene and opened a restaurant in Maxwell Chambers.

The Funan Weng Ipoh Ho Fun in Maxwell Chambers next  to Red Dot Traffic Building, is located across the road from Exit B of Tanjong Pagar MRT station. It is situated near to many government offices/buildings such as CPF, MND and URA. 

Funan Weng Ipoh Ho Fun at Maxwell Chambers, was modern and classy. We had the opportunity to enjoy the whole place to ourselves as there was no one else in the restaurant on a weekday night except for some customers who were waiting to takeaway their food.

Order form

Customers are required to fill in the dishes which they would like to order and bring this order form to the counter to order and make payment. The dishes would be served by the serving staff.

Executive Set Menu

They had the Executive Set Menu. After pondering for sometime, we decided to order Set 3 and Set 4. 

Homemade Luo Han Guo (warm) $1.80

The Homemade Luo Han Guo $1.80 (warm) had a bitter taste, was the perfect remedy for the partner's sore throat. 

Vegetable & Mushroom

The Set 3 - Crayfish & Chicken Ipoh Ho Fun was served with Vegetable & Mushroom. The Vegetable & Mushroom was average, nothing great to shout about. Just one piece of half a mushroom was given.

Crayfish & Chicken Ipoh Ho Fun $8.80

The Crayfish & Chicken Ipoh Ho Fun was quite good. It was a pity the crayfish was not fresh and tasted fishy. The Hor Fun sauce was oh-so-yummy. It complemented the Hor Fun perfectly. Not overly salty yet fragrant with a unique mushroom, herbal and spices taste. In addition, the Hor Fun seems to be smoother, softer and thinner compared to those sold else where. 

Crispy Wanton

Set 4 - Prawn with Chicken & Mushroom Ipoh Ho Fun served with Crispy Wanton.

Prawn with Chicken & Mushroom Ipoh Ho Fun $8.80

The Prawn with Chicken & Mushroom Ipoh Ho Fun was also decently executed. The soft mushroom soaked in the Hor Fun sauce fully absorbed the essence of the sauce and was so fragrant! The prawns on the other hand was disappointing. Similar comments to the crayfish, they were not fresh.

The Hor Fun Sauce and the Hor Fun were delicious. However, it would have been a better foodie experience if good quality ingredients especially seafood were used. It was a real pity else this would have been one of the better Hor Fun in Singapore. Ambience wise, it was perfect! It was as if we had booked the whole restaurant to ourselves. It was so quiet that we could talk softly and if a pin drop I am sure we would have heard it!

Funan Weng Ipoh Ho Fun (Flagship Restaurant)
Maxwell Chambers
32 Maxwell Chambers
#01-07 @ Tanjong Pagar
Tel: 6238 5038
Opening Hours: Mon to Fri 11am to 930pm
                         Closed on Sat, Sun and PH
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The Naked Fish Shoppe (Yio Chu Kang)

I have recently purchase a Groupon deal that allows me to buy $30 worth of food from The Naked Fish Shoppe for just $15. I have been there several years ago and recall that the food was not bad. Hence, I purchased the voucher. If you are keen to find out more about this deal, you can click here. (but do note that the deal is over)

The Naked Fish Shoppe is a western style fish casual restaurant serving many types of fish cuisines cooked in different styles. Besides that, they also serve other type of western cuisines such as Oxtail Stew, chicken and steaks combos. This place is also halal certified!

The Naked Fish Shoppe is located right smack in the heartland at level 1 of The Grassroot's Club, 5 minutes away from the Yio Chu Kang MRT station. It is fairly easy to walk over from the station to the club. In addition, its a shelter walkway. 

Brightly lit with a fish theme, the walls were bright blue in colour. A cozy environment

The table although small was nicely decorated with real orchid. What a nice gesture. However, the chair was very uncomfortable especially if one was to lean back. 

We wanted to order the Austrailan Flounder and Australian Barramundi Fillet as this was after all a place that specialises in fish. However, both these fishes were not available that day. As such we had to change our orders to Baked Crayfish Thermidor & Fish, Mediterranean Seafood Platter (For One Person) and a bowl of New England Clam Chowder Soup.

Salad

The Mediterranean Seafood Platter was served with a bowl of salad. The vegetables and tomatoes were fresh. However, they were too generous with the sauce. 

New England Clam Chowder Soup $4

The New England Clam Chowder Soup was served with a piece of Garlic Bread. The Garlic Bread was cold and hard. 

New England Clam Chowder Soup $4

New England Clam Chowder Soup $4

The New England Clam Chowder Soup was not any better. It had a sour after-taste and certainly lack any flavour/essence of clam(s). There were no clams in the soup, only small pieces of potatoes and carrots. What a let down.

Baked Crayfish Thermidor & Fish $17.50

The Baked Crayfish Thermidor & Fish was served with Tartar sauce. Crayfish Thermidor consisted of a creamy mixture of crayfish meat, carrots, mushrooms, onions egg yolk and cheese stuffed into the crayfish shell which will then be baked. The amount of crayfish meat given was pathetic. This dish was saved by the fish which was fresh and complemented well with the tartar sauce.  

Mediterranean Seafood Platter (For One Person $16.80)

After shifting the fries to another plate

The Mediterranean Seafood Platter consisted of a combination of Prawn, Mussel, Calamari, Capelin, White Bait and Fish Finger Baked with Cheese. In addition, French Fries was added on top while Garlic Butter Rice was at the bottom. It was also served with a bowl of salad (as shown earlier).

As I ordered this dish, I could not help but notice the similarity between Manhattan Fish Market's and this. Manhattan Fish Market's version was certainly better (tastier, fresher). For The Naked Fish Shoppe's version, its prawn were not fresh (meat stuck to the shells) and the fries were hard. The Capelin was fishy, Calamari was overcook and the Garlic Butter Rice was not fragrant enough (tasted like plain rice). Need I say more?

Overall, this was a very disappointing meal. I had expected much better food. Even though I had purchased the Groupon voucher, I still had to top up $14.15 on top of the $15 I had paid for the voucher. (total bill amount was $44.15) I would have been better off visiting Manhattan Fish Market. 

The Naked Fish Shoppe (Yio Chu Kang)

The Grassroots' Club

190 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 8, #01-02

Tel: 6457 8223

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