Buddy Hoagies at Nee Soon South Community Club (Yishun)

Buddy Hoagies is a restaurant cafe specialising in western cuisine. I did not call it a restaurant became it has a friendly and relaxed ambience which is child friendly too. Moreover, the photo frames of English oldies singers and environment gave a unique warm comfort country feel. I visited Buddy Hoagies on a weekday evening for dinner at Yishun. They have two other outlets at Bukit Timah and Downtown East.

During my visit, I noticed that there were quite a number of children in the cafe. After walking around, I knew the reasons. Buddy Hoagies was a children friendly cafe! They had plastic utensils (spoon, forks, plates) for kids (not those disposable ones) and a corner filled toys for children to play. Some children even brought the toys to their tables where they could play while waiting for the food to be served. Not bad, I did not notice any children playing with ipad or any mobile devices! 

There was an option to upgrade the main course to a Buddy's Set Meal for $4.50 which would include soup & garlic toast, coffee/tea/ ice tea and ice cream.

We ordered a Fish and Chips and upgraded it to a Set Meal ($13.40), followed by a Western BBQ Chicken ($8.90) and Cheese Fries ($3.50). 

Tea

Cream of Mushroom & Garlic Toast

The Cream of Mushroom was average. It was too thick for my liking while the Garlic Toast was a tad too hard. 

Cheese Fries $3.50

The Cheese Fries $3.50 tasted quite good when it was still warm. When it cooled down, the cheese became hard and the fries at the bottom were soggy. 

Fish and Chips

The Fish and Chips $8.90 served with fries fared better. Though they could be more generous with their servings, both items were not overly oily. In addition, the fish was slight moist in the interior (not hard and dry). In fact, I like this fries better compared to the cheese fries. 

Western BBQ Chicken $8.90

The Western BBQ Chicken $8.90 was essentially grilled chicken in barbecue sauce with vegetables and baked potato. Initially, I thought that the portion was very little. But come to think of it, for the ambience and price, I really should not fault it too much as the operating cost of the F&B industry have gone up.

The chicken was nicely grilled and the interior was juicy and tender. There was a slight hint of smoky flavour. If the smoky flavour could be intensified, this would have been wonderful. There was a big chunk of butter in the baked potato. Needless to say, I took out most of the butter before they had the opportunity to melt. This main course was not bad and quite value for money. 

Ice Cream

The vanilla ice cream was well, simple and ordinary.

There were hits and misses at Buddy Hoagies. But generally, their main course seemed to fared better. They did quite well in creating a warm cozy ambience with a children friendly environment.

Buddy Hoagies at Nee Soon South Community Club (Yishun)
Nee Soon South Community Club
30 Yishun Street 81
Singapore 768455
Tel: 6752 8722
Opening Hours: 10am to 10pm daily
Website

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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
Website

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928 Yishun Laksa (Yishun Central) 2nd Post

This laksa stall has been around for a long time. I got to know of this stall when I was in Secondary school which was more than 15 years ago. With no shop name except the word 'Laksa', this stall gained a following through word of mouth among those in the north (Yishun). Gradually this laksa stall became known as '928 Yishun Laksa' as the stall is located under Blk 928 in Yishun. This laksa stall is just behind the Yishun Interchange, a stone throw away from Yishun MRT station.

There are 2 shops side by side. Both sells laksa and desserts. The one which I am writing about in this post, is the one on the right (circled in red). 

There's always a perpetual queue at this stall. Quite surprising considering that it was raining cats and dogs and it was 3pm in the afternoon. Looks like everyone had the same idea.

Its just a tiny stall with one item on its menu; specialising in just serving laksa. The laksa is priced at either $2.50 or $3, without or without hum. Don't let the simple, no frills stall front foll you. This is a 'decorated' stall. Reviews and recommendations by newspapers, magazines and television programs are displayed. That is how famous and reputable this stall is for its laksa. 

Laksa $3

Laksa $3

For $3, you would get a generous portions of ingredients that was so fresh such as fish cakes, crab sticks, dried toufu, beansprouts,  hard boiled eggs and thick bee hoon. It also comes with hum. However, in this case I requested for no hum. The laksa gravy was light and rich. With fresh coconut milk, chilli and lots of dried shrimps that made the gravy so tasty and fragrant yet spicy. In addition, the gravy was not oily. Despite the spiciness, the more gravy you savour, the more you will love it. It was so addictive that I finish the whole bowl of laksa gravy (not something which I normally do as its not healthy).

The down side was that the place is not air conditioned and has limited seats. Despite the cooling weather, I was sweating. But well, this is a bowl of laksa well-worth sweating for. Still the best laksa in Yishun. Shiok!

928 Yishun Laksa (Yishun Central) 2nd Post

Blk 928 Yishun Central 1 

#01-155

Opening Hours: Tue to Sun 11am - 7pm

                         Closed on Mon

Location

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Shami Banana Leaf (Northpoint)

Northpoint Food Court has undergone a revamped and now the food court is run by Kopitiam. Previously, before the renovation, this was no doubt the most popular stall in the food court with a long queue that  can stretch to as 10 to 15 people during meal times. 

This time there was only 3 person at the stall, not a queue. (I think I know the reason why there was no queue... read on to find out)

Chicken Biryani Set $7

Remember how in my previous post in 2010 I mentioned that the price of the Chicken Biryani Set has increased from $4.50 to $6? Well, this time there is another revision in price to $7. I can understand that the price has gone up as the rental expenses are bound to increase (after the revamp) and inflation rate in 2011  in Singapore surged to 5.2%. What made me unhappy was that the 2 pieces of crackers (which are my favourites) are no longer provided in this set. Increasing the price and cutting down on quantity or quality is a big no no to me.. (that's not the way to do business).. ok enough ranting.

The Chicken Biryani Set was served with chicken, vegetable (of your choice) and rice. A very generous portion of rice was given. Each grain of rice was well cooked and curry drizzled over it, it was delish. The chicken flaming red in colour was not overly spicy. Inside, the meat was soft and tender.

I can't help but wonder if the lack of queue was due to the price increase couple with the decrease in portion. After all, last time there will always be a long queue without fail. I doubt I am eating this anytime soon. The food was good. But this is too pricey. I am better off eating other stuff.

Shami Banana Leaf (Northpoint)

930 Yishun Ave 2

#B2-10 Northpoint, Kopitiam 

Tel: 6754 3797

Opening Hours: Daily 945am to 845pm

Location

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761 Yishun Seafood - Cze Char (2nd Post)

Another visit to 761 Yishun Seafood. 761 Yishun Seafood is a Cze Char stall located in a coffeeshop at  Blk 761 at Yishun Street 72. The eatery has been operating for a very long time; 26 years!

This post covers a consolidation of the dishes I ate over 3 occasions. 

As usual I visited this Cze Char stall during dinner time on all 3 occasions. Be prepared to wait around 10 to 30 minutes during dinner time as almost half the people at this coffee shop orders from this Cze Char stall.  

Hot Plate Beancurd $8

The Hot Plate Beancurd served sizzling hot was outstanding. Generous amount of prawns and beancurds with eggs at the bottom. The sauce that was drizzled over the dish was robust and flavourful accompanied with a spicy after taste. The spiciness was just nice for us (We requested for it to be less spicy). Furthermore, the sauce complemented perfectly with plain rice. 

Bittergourd Omelette $5

The Bittergourd Omelette also did not disappoint. For just $5, I was surprised that such a big serving of omelette was given. The omelette was well fried; big, fluffy and soft with the ideal thickness (not too thin, not too thick). The slices of bittergourd in it were well sliced at the ideal thickness. It was well cooked, did not hard and had no raw taste in it.

Wish that thy could cut down the amount of oil required for this dish. Surprisingly, the Seafood Omelette that  I had at Chong Kei Hoi Sin Yeh Mei Fan Tim 忠記海鮮魚翅飯店 (Macau) is still one of those which was not oily. Ironic as I would have thought HK/China would have had used more oil in their cooking. (no offence to anyone)

Sweet and Sour Pork $8

The Sweet and Sour Pork was average. 

Ginger Onion Diced Chicken $8

Ginger Onion Diced Chicken $8

Ginger Onion Diced Chicken was average. The different flavours of the ingredients were infused into the chicken. However, it did not sees to appeal much to me.

Prawn Paste Chicken (meat) $8

Prawn Paste Chicken (meat) $8

When ordering Prawn Paste Chicken, customers can choose between the wings or meat. In this case, we chose meat. A decent dish. The prawn paste batter was not bad, just that in some parts, the batter was too thick. Another plus will be that it was not oily and inside, it was juicy and tender.

Prawn Paste Chicken (wings) $8

On another occasion, we ordered the Prawn Paste Chicken in the form of chicken wings. It was so delicious! (Likely to be more biased as its chicken wings haha..) Anyway, I prefer this compared to meat. Crispy on the outside and inside it was piping hot, tender and juicy! Shiok. 

Sambal Kang Kong $6

The Sambal Kang Kong was yummy. It was not overly spicy and the kang kong still retained a nice crunchiness. 

Oyster Sauce Spinach $6

Baby Kai Lan with Oyster Sauce $6

The Spinach and Baby Kai Lan were both executed in the same way; with oyster sauce. Both were well fried and still retained the crunchiness. A simple dish that did not disappoint, if they were to cut down the saltiness by just a bit, it would be perfect.

'Jiu Qi' Soup $4

Shared the 'Jiu Qi' Soup among 3 persons. Anyone care to enlighten me on the meaning of 'Jiu Qi'? Is it a vegetable? Anyway this soup was very tasty and not overly salty. Filled with a wide variety of different ingredients such as vegetable, carrots, button mushrooms, straw mushrooms, squid, prawns, fish slices and egg, this is so value for money. Moreover, there was still more than half the amount of soup left after scooping it in the 3 bowls.

The food here may not be mind blowing, but it was surprisingly good and affordable. Good job!

761 Yishun Seafood - Cze Char (2nd Post)

Blk 761 Yishun Street 72

Location

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White Cake 白饼 at Gin Thye Cake Maker (Sembawang)

Gin Thye Cake Maker 锦泰西果饼家 is a traditional cake shop chain operating since 1964. The shop specialises in traditional cakes, wedding cakes, pastries, fruit cakes and mini-cakes for occasion such as wedding, baby showers, baby full month or even an elder birthday. I have even ordered from them before a big longevity bun with many smaller longevity buns in it for someone's birthday.

Moreover, when you are here, you are likely to see many parents along with their child coming here to make queries on the tradition items, cakes and pastries required for Guo Da Li 过大礼. (Guo Da Li 过大礼 aka Betrothal Gift Exchange is the day when the groom delivers the betrothal gifts to the bride's family.) In addition, seek advise from the staff on the procedures, what to do and what not to do. Seems to me they are more than a traditional bakery shop as they even sell betrothal gifts such as wedding lamps, tea pots, towels and many more of such items. They are just like the Chinese Wedding Shop in Ang Mo Kio, Jubilee. 

Back to the actual topic. When I was at the shop, I chanced upon something which I have been looking for a long time! I frequently ate it when I was young and tried finding it recently at our 'modern' bakery shops at shopping malls. But of course I did not find it. I was so glad to see it on the display along with other traditional items when I was at Gin Thye Cake Maker 锦泰西果饼家. YEAH! 

This is what I was looking for! Have you eaten this before?

It's called White cake 白饼 also known as Kong So Paeng 江苏饼. After looking for this for so long, I can come to the conclusion that very very few places now make and sell this! (If you know where else I can get this, do let me know. Thanks.) Nothing fanciful about the White Cake 白饼. It looks so simple, so ordinary and so dull. Yet to me it was so good! Nostalgic! 

White Cake 白饼 

There were 5 pieces of White Cakes 白饼, stack on top of one another in a bag. Each bag cost $2. I polished 2 pieces off immediately! 

White Cake 白饼 

The White Cake 白饼 is a white round flat sponge cake with flour powder sprinkled generously on the outside. It is soft and fluffy with a hint of sweet fragrance. No doubt my favourite traditional cake! 

Hopefully, Gin Thye Cake Maker 锦泰西果饼家 will continue making this for a long time! Now that I have found this, I can continue my White Cake 白饼 nostalgic 'gourmet' experience! 

Have you tried this before?

Gin Thye Cake Maker (Sembawang)

423 Sembawang Road

Tel: 6257 1566

Opening Hours: Mon to Sat 8am - 8pm

                        Sun 8am - 2pm

Website

Location

Gin Thye Cake Maker (Bishan)
Blk 513 Bishan Street 13 #01-504
Tel: 6255 6362

Gin Thye Cake Maker (Bukit Batok)

Blk 152 Bukit Batok Street 11 #01-264

Tel: 6899 6929

For other outlets please refer to their website

Gin Thye Cake Maker (Bukit Panjang)

Blk 260 Bangkit Road #01-21

Tel: 6760 1183

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Yishun 925 Hainanese Chicken Rice 义顺925海南鸡

Yishun 925 Hainanese Chicken Rice used to be called 'Hainanese (De-Bone) Chicken Rice'. This stall is located at a coffee shop called Yishun 81 Food Court which is a 10 minutes from Yishun MRT station or 5 minutes from Yishun Bus Interchange. 

During meal times (lunch and dinner), there will normally be a queue.But not to worry, all you have to do is to queue up to order and go back to your table. Your orders will be delivered to you. The workers are very efficient, despite the crowded I was served within 5 minutes.

Chicken Rice $3.80 with Gizzard $0.60

There has been a price increase in the chicken rice. They are available now at $2.80 and $3.80. When I asked for the difference between $2.80 and $3.80, all I was told was that there will be more chicken meat for $3.80.

Chicken Rice $3.80 with Gizzard $0.60

The grains of rice were fragrant and well separated. However, some parts of it were hard. The chicken meat was normal, tender and soaked in the soy sauce. I was quite surprised that such a generous serving of gizzard was given. The soup on the other hand was laden with MSG. Personally feel that the standard of the chicken rice has dropped (anyone has the same sentiment as me?). Luckily, the chilli was still as awesome as before, with the right among of spiciness. 

They have recently opened another branch at Ang Mo Kio Central Blk 722.

I still remember that 2 years ago I blogged that the standard has dropped. Still feel the same about this conclusion. But however, I am still unable to find another chicken rice stall in Yishun that can rival this stall. Looks like I am better off sticking to the 928 Yishun Laksa which is 2 blocks away. Until a new kid appears round the block or the standard improves.

And if you are wondering where to go for chicken rice without travelling too far, you may want to try Ming Kee Chicken Rice & Porridge at Bishan.

Yishun 925 Hainanese Chicken Rice 义顺925海南鸡
Yishun 81 Food Court (Behind Yishun Bus Interchange)
Yishun Central 1
#01-249, S760925
Opening Hours: Daily 1030am to 8pm
Location