Tims Restaurant & Cafe (Toa Payoh)

Tims Restaurant & Cafe a Nepalese restaurant serves Nepalese and Western cuisine. The restaurant reminds me of Jack's Place. But unlike Jack's Place, Tims Restaurant & Cafe is located under a HDB block and is a non air-conditioned restaurant. The restaurant is located 10 minutes walk away from Braddell MRT staiton. 

Daily Set Lunch Menu

The prices on its Daily Set Lunch Menu and Ala Carte Menu are all nett prices, which means there are no additional charges such as service charge and GST as these has already been factored in. 

The three of us ordered Chicken MoMo $8.50, Spaghetti Bolognaise Set $10 and Fish & Chips Set $11 (Daily Set Lunch), and Authentic Nepali Roast Chicken $11. The Set Lunch consisted of Soup of the Day, Main Course set, Dessert and Tea/Coffee.

Chicken MoMo $8.50

The Chicken MoMo $8.50 was essentially Nepalese style meat dumplings with coriander, ginger, garlic. It is served together with home made "Nepalese Achar". It was similar to our Chinese cuisine Xiao Long Bao. The difference is that the skin is thicker and there are no broth in the dumplings. The Chicken MoMo was unique. Although I felt that the skin was too thick, the meat fillings inside was wonderfully executed. Dipping the Chicken MoMo into the achar (made of tomatoes, herbs and spices) made it just so addictive!  

Minestrone Soup with Garlic Bread

The Soup of the Day was Minestrone Soup. The soup was served with slices of Garlic Bread. Their Garlic Bread fared better than Jack's Place as the garlic spread was thicker. 

Minestrone Soup

The Minestrone Soup was filled with lots of ingredients at the bottom of the bowl. Look at the amount of carrots, celery and strands of spaghetti. Unlike other Minestrone soup, this had a unique herbal spice flavour.

Spaghetti Bolognaise Set $10

The Spaghetti Bolognaise Set $10 which my friend ordered. I did not try this. It was quite a big serving. 

Fish & Chips Set $11

The Fish & Chips Set $11 may not be the best, but it was decently executed! The plus point would be that it was not oily. In addition, they portion was pretty generous considering the price. 

Authentic Nepali Roast Chicken $11

I ordered the Authentic Nepali Roast Chicken $11 which consisted of roasted chicken with rice, achar and vegetables. 

Authentic Nepali Roast Chicken $11

I was very impressed with this dish. It was easily the best dish! The chicken was marinated and roasted to perfection. The chicken was meaty and so tender and succulent! 

We ended off the meal with a cup of tea (from the set meal) and this cake.

Overall, I was very impressed with Tims Restaurant & Cafe! I am not an expect on whether the food here was authentic or not. But taste wise, I just love it. Price wise, it's so value for money considering the quality and amount of food. I will be back for more! 

Tims Restaurant & Cafe (Toa Payoh)

#01-52 ,95 Lorong 4 Toa Payoh

Singapore 310095
Tel: 6250 5246

Opening Hours: Daily 1130am to 1030pm

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Joom Zap Hut at Central World (Thailand, Bangkok)

Joom Zap Hut located at level 6 of Central World was located together with Bar B Q Plaza as both restaurant chains belonged to the same company, the only difference was the type of cuisine they offered. Joom Zap Hut specialises in Thai style (mookata) barbecue and steamboat while Bar B Q Plaza offers Mongolian and Japanese style barbecue and steamboat. 

Joom Zap Hut  and Bar B Q Plaza

There were lots of seating capacity at Joom Zap Hut and Bar B Q Plaza. When we visited during dinner time (on a weekday), the restaurant chain was half full.

Menu - Family Sets

Menu - Supreme Sets

Menu - Beverages

Part of the menus; Family Sets, Supreme Sets and Beverages menu. We ordered the Family Pork Set 435 Baht (S$18.13), Economy Beef Set 225 Baht (S$9.38), Garlic Fried Rice 42 Baht (S$1.75) and Soft Drink (Pitcher) 75 Baht ($3.13).

The Dome Shaped Skillet at the center of the table ready to be used by hungry customers.

The container of ice and bill was placed on a metal rack that could easily be pulled out from under the table. A good way to save space as our table was (later) filled to the brim when the food was served.

Lime, chilli, garlic and specially prepared sauce

The specially prepared sauce; a brownish sauce, mixed together with chilli, (chopped) garlic and lime was a superb dipping sauce.

Dome Shaped Skillet

The Dome Shaped Skillet was customised such that the centre could be used for grilling meat while the sides was used for soup. Upon ordering, the waitress would pour some stock broth over the centre and the broth will flow downwards to the sides.

Family Pork Set 435 Baht (S$18.13) (a)

Family Pork Set 435 Baht (S$18.13) (b)

The Family Pork Set cost 435 Baht (S$18.13) was served in two big plates filled with a generous serving of pork, liver, chicken, fish fillet, squid, shrimp, bacon, udon, kamaboko, narutomaki, sliced cabbage, baby corn, carrot and lettuce.

Economy Beef Set 225 Baht (S$9.38)

The Economy Beef Set which cost 225 Baht (S$9.38) consisted of beef slices, udon, sliced cabbage, baby corn, carrot and lettuce. We had practically no space left to put our bowls and plates to eat when these three big plates of food were served. They should consider having bigger tables.

Garlic Fried Rice 42 Baht (S$1.75)

Garlic Fried Rice 42 Baht (S$1.75)

The Garlic Fried Rice served in a small bowl was topped with chopped spring onion and pieces of fried garlic. It decent with a hint of garlic fragrant. If only fried egg was mixed into it.

Before putting any food on the hot metal pan (Dome Shaped Skillet), you would need to grease it with a piece of pork lard so that the meat would not stick to the pan. While grilling the meat on the pan, you should add in the vegetables into the soup broth at the side to enhance the taste (sweetness of the broth).

The beef, pork and chicken sliced perfectly were of great quality. So fresh and tender that it tasted simply delicious even without the dipping sauce. You may have noticed that the meat were not marinated, they were all raw so that customers can taste the original taste of the meat. I thought that the fish fillet tasted slightly fishy, dipping it into the special dipping sauce made a whole world of difference to the taste. The shrimp (prawn) and liver deserved a special mentioned as they were also fresh and tasted so good.

Over time, the oil and juices from meat and pork lard on the grill pan dripped into the soup broth enhancing the sweetness and flavour of the soup. Nothing is wasted! Souperlicious!

The advantage of the Dome Shaped Skillet was that one could have the best of both worlds; being able to grill the meat or shabu shabu it by dipping the meat into the soup. In addition, customers are able to cook the meat according to how cooked (well done / medium / rare) or charred they prefered.

The disadvantage would be that the cooking process was too slow for us although we tried squeezing in as many pieces of meat as possible on the grill pan.

The total bill was 777 Baht (S$32.38). There was no service charge or any other additional charges. The prices shown on the menu were all nett. The service at Joom Zap Hut was excellent! Every time when we required something, the staff seemed to have anticipated it and would approach us. There was no need for me to turn my head to look for a staff or wave my hands in the air frantically (exaggerating) to get attention.

Overall, I would say that I doubt I will be back anytime soon. Somehow we were not satisfied - did not felt full. Not because the food was lousy, but more of that the cooking process was too slow for us (maybe because the grill heat was not switched to the highest? or maybe we were used to steamboat where more food could be cooked at anyone time).

For fans of Thai style steamboat (mookata), overall the food here are of great quality. The dipping sauce is superb and the service is top notch. In addition, for the quality of food, it is value for money especially if you come from a country with high cost of living (e.g. Singapore). For me, I would rather go for other restaurant / street food.

Joom Zap Hut at Central World (Thailand, Bangkok)

Joom Zap Hut / Bar B Q Plaza

Level 6, Atrium Zone , A616 
CentralWorld 999/9 Rama 1 Road
Patumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand 
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Manhattan Star Platter at The Manhattan Fish Market (Northpoint)

Most of us would have heard of The Manhattan Fish Market before. But for those who don't, here's a short introduction. Manhattan Fish Market is a leading seafood casual dining restaurant with presence in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Singapore. In Singapore, Manhattan Fish Market has 14 restaurants outlets with 2 more outlets opening by the end of September.

We visited The Manhattan Fish Market at Northpoint Shopping Centre (opposite Yishun MRT station) for lunch.

There's plenty of seats in The Manhattan Fish Market as they occupy two units in the shopping mall.

The modern, classy environment which gives a big hint that its a seafoodish restaurant.

The menu cover.

Left to right: Tropical Breeze Mocktail, Cala Cala Mocktail

We ordered two mocktails; the Cala Cala and Tropical Breeze. The Cala Cala Mocktail, a combination of calamansi, lemonade and spirit was refreshing. It was accompanied by a citrusy fizzy sensation which was in a way - appetizing. The Tropical Breeze Mocktail, a Hawaiian fruit mocktail had a sweet fizzy sensation.

Soup of the Day - Cream of Mushroom Soup

The Soup of the Day was Cream of Mushroom Soup. There was plenty of fragrant mushrooms bits in it.

Manhattan Star Platter

The main reason why we came to The Manhattan Fish Market.

Well.. The Manhattan Fish Market had just launch its new creation; The Manhattan Star Platter $39.95.

Manhattan Star Platter $39.95

The Manhattan Star Platter consisted of 5 different seafood cooked in 5 different ways. The Garlic Herb Mussels were poached, the Oysters fried, the Calamari grilled, the Prawns were flamed and the Fish was baked! Besides these, there was vegetable and rice.

Manhattan Star Platter $39.95

The Garlic Mussels cooked in their signature Garlic Herb sauce was delectable. We were scrapping off whatever sauce there was and slurping it. The Grilled Calamari was surprisingly well executed (I have always gone for fried Calamari and thought that I will not fancy this). It was cooked perfectly, was soft and well seasoned. It was neither rubbery or hard.  It was grilled till some parts of the exterior had a slight crisp texture with a hint of charred taste which made it just so irresistible. Well done! The Fried Oysters was average while the Garlic Herb Rice underneath the seafood was a tad too hard and dry.

The vegetables consisted of carrots and broccoli. These were most probably boiled - healthy! We thought that it would be hard (not fully cooked..). But it turned out to be a pleasant surprised as it was soft, just the way we preferred.

Manhattan Flaming Prawns

The signature Manhattan Flaming Prawns would need no introduction if you have been to Manhattan Fish Market before. Its bound to attract your attention even if you did not ordered this, as long as someone in the restaurant orders this.

The Manhattan Flaming Prawns was flamed right in front of us. The thick, tasty melted cheese on the prawns complemented the prawns well. Unlike other restaurants or eateries, eating the (prawns) Manhattan Flaming Prawns was a breeze. It was just so easy and there was no need to use hands to peel the shells off (which can be a messy affair). This was because, the prawns were partially deshell (the little details that matters, taken to pamper and enhance customers' experience). I must add that the prawns were fresh and came off the shells easily.

Mediterranean Baked Fish

The Mediterranean Baked Fish; dory fillet baked in a blend of spices, herbs and coriander in a foil was superb. The fish was fresh and well coated with immense flavours from the blend of spices and herbs, resulting in a tantalizing aroma and flavor. The both of us love this.

To sum up, the Manhattan Star Platter was awesome. As you have read, we liked several items in the platter. Do note that this is available till 31 October 2013 only. I wonder if the management will make this a permanent dish on the menu in the future. I can foresee myself coming back and ordering this. Service-wise, the staff were prompt and attentive. In addition, the staff were also knowledgeable; able to describe the taste of the food and were able to recommend the drinks to go along.

Manhattan Star Platter at The Manhattan Fish Market (Northpoint)
#02-06/07 Northpoint Shopping Centre
Yishun Avenue 2
Singapore 769098
Tel: 6257 5507
Opening Hours: Daily 11am to 10pm
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The Manhattan Fish Market (Marina Square)

This month; February 2012, there seems to be many 'Buy 1 Get 1 Free Deals'. The Manhattan Fish Market is one of those offering a Buy 1 Get 1 Free Deal called the OOHSOME TWOSOME Deal!

OOHSOME TWOSOME Deal (Source: Manhattan Fish Market Singapore)

The OOHSOME TWOSOME Deal allows customers to purchase a combination of any 2 dishes (Small Flame and/or Small Grill) for the price of just $19.90++. This deal is only valid till 8 March 2012.

Visited The Manhattan Fish Market outlet at Marina Square to try out this deal.

Large poster outside The Manhattan Fish Market promoting the OOHSOME TWOSOME Deal. Arrived at 530pm on a Saturday and saw a short queue. Luckily, there was plenty of space and we got a table straight away. I was surprised when the waiter gave us the main menu only, had to request for the OOHSOME TWOSOME menu. Guess it was an oversight as the place was packed.

The OOHSOME TWOSOME Deal allows customers to add Soup of the Day and Mocktail (Drink) for an addition fee (of course). We decided to order 1 Small Flame and 1 Small Grill and top up $9.90 for 2 Soup of the Day and 2 Mocktails.

Soup of the Day (Cream of Mushroom Soup)

The Soup of the Day was Cream of Mushroom Soup. It comes in a very small bowl (wish that more was given). Lots of fragrant mushrooms bits in the soup.

Mocktail (Cala Cala)

The Mocktail which I choose was the Cala Cala which is Sprite with Lime added inside. Very refreshing.

Small Flame

The Small Flame consist of the award winning Flaming Prawns, Battered  Fillet, Garlic Herb Rice, Crispy Chips (Fries), Broccoli and Carrots.

The Flaming Prawns was delicious, the melted cheese on top was thick and cheesy. In addition, the prawn was fresh, firm and not charred. Battered Fillet was yummy, except that I found it on the oily end. Crispy Chips which was fries. The Broccoli and Carrots are steamed, makes this dish looks bright, cheerful and appetising!

Small Grill

The Small Grill consist of grilled Fish Fillet, grilled Calamari, grilled prawns, Garlic Herb Rice, Crispy Chips (Fries), Broccoli and Carrots.

The grilled prawn was good, however I prefer the flaming prawn version. Again, prefer Batter Fillet to Grilled Fillet. The Grilled Calamari was average, I prefer their Fried Calamari which can be ordered in their A La Carte Menu.

Both Small Grill and Small Flame comes with Garlic Herb Rice. They are very generous with the portions especially the Garlic Herb Rice. We were unable to finish our respective orders. If I was to patronise Manhattan Fish Market again, I will order 2 Small Flame instead! This deal is certainty value for money! However, the service could be improved. Many a times, we found it hard to get the attention of the waiter / waitress. When we were leaving at around 630pm, we noticed that there was a long queue outside The Manhattan Fish Market! Luckily we went for an early dinner!

Hurry enjoy the OOHSOME TWOSOME Deal! It is valid till 8 March 2012. Wish that The Manhattan Fish Market and other restaurants can have more of such deals more often!

The Manhattan Fish Market (Marina Square) 
6 Raffles Boulevard
#02-182 Marina Square
Tel: 6333 9965
Opening Hours: Daily 11am - 945pm
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