Being the little blue collar worker that i am, its only natural that i have less lavish lunches and meals as the economy falls like a cut pendulum. Its a sign of times and a sign of my diminishing pay check that brought me to consider cheaper meals but of course, i'm exaggerating a little here. The truth is, it was a boring work day and i was once again at Simei for lunch alone which thus prompted me to have something more economical. And this will be discussed below.
Lets talk about the bill first today, first of all, its not expensive. Costs only a mere $4.50 for a tempura set lunch with drink. The store itself is an open concept with generic plastic tables and chairs and the ordering system is reminiscent of fast food chains. You place your order at the counter, pay and take a seat. The selection of food is a decent variety of korean hot pots and japanese bento sets. Everything's fine so far.
Still, the actual set had me taken aback actually. No fries, a very small rice ball and a few fried potatos, fish and chicken. Thats it. The rice is especially saddening since its supposed to be the only thing to fill you up but its too little for anyone i suppose. The fried items were obviously oily as well. Taste wise, without the white sauce which tastes like a mix between tartar sauce and mayonaise, it would have been difficult to finish.
Perhaps i'm too harsh or i've ordered the wrong stuff, after all, many people patronize this place during lunch. In fact, it actually seems to be quite popular but they all had the Korean hot pot meals which i simply cannot take. My verdict? The place doesn't cost much and the hot pot seems popular, maybe its worth another try for hot pot lovers. I emphasize "maybe" here. So take your own risks.
After passing by this place a few times, I had to try it. The wait wasn't long as we entered just before the crowd started. We were shown to a table near the window.
I was rather disappointed by the cleaniness of the floors. I could see the thrown napkins just under our table. The only reason I checked the floors were because I needed a place to put my bag down.
I ordered the cream of mushroom and the spaghetti with corn. Both tasted quite good. The dessert was Mango with ice cream. I find the scoop of ice cream costly at $3 to add on.
Most of the dessert was mostly ice shavings and it cost around $4. I would feel that the place can be quite costly since the portions are just right for one person.
I would not dine there if there is any mini rock concert going on at the basement as it totally spoilt the dining experience.
Ever since Top of the M closed down with much fanfare in early 2008, Meritus Mandarin's iconic coffeehouse, Chatterbox, has moved up the levels (literally) to occupy what used to be the crowning glory of this centrally located hotel in Orchard Road.
Perched on the 39th floor of the hotel, the interior now sports bright red tables and pillars to give a very traditional coffeeshop feeling, yet still offering a panoramic view of the surroundings. Note that the restaurant doesn't revolve anymore, leaving that honour solely to Prima Tower.
Chicken Rice Set - Chatterbox has been known for its excellent chicken rice and of course its exorbitant prices. Consisting of only a bowl of rice, soup and a relatively generous serving of chicken meat, this dish is definitely not for the value conscious.The soup was very tasty probably due to the high MSG content while the chicken was sufficiently tender with an appropriate amount of bite. Personally I felt that the rice wasn't fluffy or tasty enough, coming across as a tad dry and limp.
Flowering Chinese leaf cabbage - The Cai Xin was as normal as it gets but portions were really small for the price ($9 ).
Apple & Raisin Tart - In all honesty, I was quite surprised to find a "western" dessert on a menu that featured mainly Chinese/local fare and since my initial choice of homemade coconut ice cream was out of stock, I settled for the tart. Which wasn't exactly a bad choice considering that the tart was quite crusty with a nice oven baked taste to it. Add a couple of sweet apple slices, raisins and a scoop of ice cream for a rather nice ending. But hey, its $12 .
I shudder to imagine the ridiculous price I would have to pay in the absence of my 1 for 1 chicken rice voucher. Even so, the bill for 2 pax came up to about $53 ($81 without voucher), which is really quite off the chart if you ask me. Service was decent but I seriously doubt I will return, not for the food and definitely not for the high prices.
With the latest TV drama on Channel 8, I'm sure there'll be an increase of interest among Singaporeans to want to learn more about the Peranakan culture. If you still do not know about it, there's a Peranakan Museum in Singapore!
I visited the museum awhile back and I'm impressed with the collection and details that the curators present at the museum. There's a total of 10 galleries housed within the 3-storey building.
You can learn about the origin, the 12-day wedding, the nonya, their religion and their life in public. With the world’s finest and most comprehensive collection of Peranakan artefacts, you'll sure be spending hours in there exploring and experiencing the Peranakan way of living.
If you're glued to the television set daily watching the drama show, you might want to go check out the museum too. I would recommend joining a guided tour if there's any. This is the best way to learn more about museum.
After hearing much about the famous Ayam Penyet at Lucky Plaza, finally I went to try it. And there are so many version of Ayam Penyet within the building. I hope I didn't go to the wrong one.
From the photo, you can see the crispiness of the ayam (chicken). The serving size is pretty big and the rice is fragrant too. But for me, having ayam penyet, the most important ingredient is the chili! The more the merrier!
And with just this one plate of Ayam Penyet, and some beef balls, I finished 4 portions of their powerful chili!! I was sweating and feeling the tummy spinning, but I just couldn't stop! I love their chili!
There are so many new eateries at Downtown East E!hub, we were spoiled for choice. On our way to the toilet on the second floor, we saw an interesting shop selling colorful noodles! Yes! There were green, yellow, orange, and brownish looking ones. And there's also green and golden dumplings. And best of all, it's Halal certified. So we decided to give it a try.
The place is very small and has cafeterias kind of tables and chairs. The menu is whatever you see on the big signboard. I can't recall the name of the dishes, and since there wasn't any website to go to for details, I'll refer my review with the photos posted.
I ordered a type of laksa that cames with orange looking noodles. The laksa stock was quite tasty and the noodles was pretty alright. I still prefer laksa with thick bee hoon thou. The noodle tasted like the ban mian kind of you mian. And I couldn't really figure out if there should be a unique taste to the noodles since the laksa stock has covered up all other tastes that's supposed to be there.
My partner ordered a mee goreng like noodle that came with diced crab stick and 2 pieces of halved hotdog at the side. Noodle was alright but not as tasty as he hoped. A suggestion to the owner (if they ever get to read this) is to slice their hotdogs too for this noodle. At least it looks better and perhaps might help make it more appertising too.
The twin color dumplings were pretty good. With so much taste from the laksa and mee goreng, we couldn't quite figure out what was in these dumplings. Perhaps fish meat or something.
Later we realised this shop's main business is the distribution of their innovative noodles. You can buy them home and prepare it your own way.
Oh! And there's also the complimentary tidbits. Looks like fried crispy flat noodles. But we both agreed that this tasted the best. If I'm not wrong, they're also selling these in packets which is like 50cent or $2 only. Great as snacks while coaching in with a good movie.
I am utterly disappointed in the standard of Fisherman's Wharf.
I have heard so many friends raving about that place, on how great their fish n chips was and how value for money it was, so i decided to check it out yesterday just to satiate my craving for fish n chips.
It did not satiate anything, and it was so bad that i couldn't bring myself to finish all of it. In fact, it made me crave more food and i had to cross over to Central to buy myself something else.
I ordered Halibut and my boyfriend ordered the traditional Cod fillet fish n chips. My Halibut was $12 and his Cod was all of $18.50... it was the biggest waste of money in terms of dining this year.
I opted for chips instead of fries, but when my food arrived, it looks just like fries! All they did was cut the potato up to look like fries. What kind of chips do you call that? Furthermore, they were pretty badly burnt to a dull shade of brown. It was not aesthetically pleasing at all.
I tried one piece of the Cod fish and found that it was badly cooked. It was so dry and chewy! My halibut was cooked to a decent standard, but overall, both fishes were completely tasteless and i had to keep drenching vinegar on them! The chilli sauce and the tartare sauce they provided was not enough to salvage the tastelessness of it all.
I am generally very disappointed in Fisherman's Wharf and i will not return in future.
Its my favourite hangout! Not just because it is walking distance from my house. I feel that is the ideal place to chill at night, regardless whether it is weekdays or weekends.
Wala Wala has 2 level, level one is for guest that wanted to catch the sports action on the television. While level 2 is for the guest that wants a piece of live band performance.
Level 1 Level 1 will usually be packed on a match day, if not it will be quite spacious. So if you are not into any sports action and does not like to squeeze like sardine. Please go on a Weekday! Level 2 Level 2 is packed almost 24/7. Well especially on thursday night, sometimes they stop guest from going up as early as 10pm. OH yes! every guest that go up got to at least purchase a drink, unless level 1 that you would be able to just free load and do not purchase anything.
Level Performance time 7pm to 9pm Mon to Fri Toni - 70's to 80's evergreens
9.30pm onwards Mon Asri (UnXpected), Jack (EIC) & Shirlyn (UnXpected) Tue Nigel's Tail Wed Nyak, Rene and Alan Thur/Sat UnXpected (Shirlyn & band) Fri/Sun East India Co. (Jack & band)
Ambience I think is up to individend, if you do not like people, i guess it sure "NO" to you to even gets anywhere near holland V. Because it is like packed everywhere. Im definitely fine with crowds and sardined-like feeling!
Drink Price Do not expect cheap drinks from here, as they do not even charge you for entry. 10 bucks and above for simple house drinks!
Food Seriously i had never try the food yet! But seeing from the menu, i think it is quite costly!
Opening Hour Monday to Thursday 4pm – 1am Friday and PH Eves 4pm – 2am Saturday 3pm – 2am Sunday and Public Holidays 3pm – 1am
You could also book table by calling them, but i had tried alot time. it is always fully booked!
Product Comparing Daiso to the other value shops, Daiso definitely win them all. $2 might not be very cheap for certain product, but they are all from japan.Personally i would recommend the charcoal facial wash, i feel that it is too good for that price, i would anytime pay much more for it.
Shop Layout I think it is because it from japanese management, the things are well organise, easy to navigate. But sometimes i will still seek the help from the crews as it is just too big for me still. haha!
Customer Service Comparing to the crew of different value shop, i think daiso do have the best customer service, they are patient and helpful.
As comparing with the other outlets of daiso, i never have a problem seeking help from the crews.
Conclusion Worth of money? Check! Good Service? Check! Well Organised? Check! Love it? Check!
Zenden is one of the offerings in Gallery Hotel's F&B stable, sitting on the fourth level of this art inspired boutique hotel and serving up modern contemporary and Asian cuisine.
Interior, Complimentary Bread & Menu - The restaurant employs a more open concept interior, where the lift landing blends effortlessly into the restaurant and through the use of expansive floor to ceilings windows that overlook the traffic on a rather quiet stretch of road. The use of pink, blue and purple chair wraps give the whole place an almost playful intonation. Add to that the suspended glass tabletops that are supported by only by steel wires running from the ceiling to the floor.
Oven Baked Scallops & Prawns - This dish came served with rice and honestly I was quite taken by it. The scallops were rather big and fresh sans the overwhelming raw taste. Ditto for the prawns as well. Interestingly, the rice tasted more like paella to me and was firm yet mildly chewy. Capping off this simple yet satisfying dish was the thick gravy that came across as a tad milky and peppery.
Flambe Beef Medallion Steak - I call this the highlight of the evening, not so much for the taste of the beef, but the spectacular (well almost) performance that preceded. The supervisor wheeled out a trolley and proceeded to flambe my steak in front of my table (talk about cutting cost! Where's the chef?). However, to be fair, the tenderloin came medium rare as per request but I did find it a wee bit too chewy. There was no brandy/wine taste to speak off as well. The accompanying cubes of foie gras had a texture like that of tau kwa aka beancurd - not quivery or smooth but still edible.
Banana Split - What can I say? Supermarket grade ice cream topped with fruits instead of just banana and covered in whipped cream. As normal as it gets.
I had the cheaper main taken off my bill due to a promotion, which resulted in a total damage of about $48 ($72 without discount) for 2 pax. I am of the opinion that the food isn't expensive per se, especially when quality is decent and service is excellent. But on a side note, the place did seem a little short handed that evening. Special mention goes to the supervisor, Caron, who provided exceptional service throughout the evening, making our dining experience a truely enjoyable one.
1=SGD 0.0587
Being the little blue collar worker that i am, its only natural that i have less lavish lunches and meals as the economy falls like a cut pendulum. Its a sign of times and a sign of my diminishing pay check that brought me to consider cheaper meals but of course, i'm exaggerating a little here. The truth is, it was a boring work day and i was once again at Simei for lunch alone which thus prompted me to have something more economical. And this will be discussed below.
Lets talk about the bill first today, first of all, its not expensive. Costs only a mere $4.50 for a tempura set lunch with drink. The store itself is an open concept with generic plastic tables and chairs and the ordering system is reminiscent of fast food chains. You place your order at the counter, pay and take a seat. The selection of food is a decent variety of korean hot pots and japanese bento sets. Everything's fine so far.
Still, the actual set had me taken aback actually. No fries, a very small rice ball and a few fried potatos, fish and chicken. Thats it. The rice is especially saddening since its supposed to be the only thing to fill you up but its too little for anyone i suppose. The fried items were obviously oily as well. Taste wise, without the white sauce which tastes like a mix between tartar sauce and mayonaise, it would have been difficult to finish.
Perhaps i'm too harsh or i've ordered the wrong stuff, after all, many people patronize this place during lunch. In fact, it actually seems to be quite popular but they all had the Korean hot pot meals which i simply cannot take. My verdict? The place doesn't cost much and the hot pot seems popular, maybe its worth another try for hot pot lovers. I emphasize "maybe" here. So take your own risks.
Rating given:
After passing by this place a few times, I had to try it. The wait wasn't long as we entered just before the crowd started. We were shown to a table near the window.
I was rather disappointed by the cleaniness of the floors. I could see the thrown napkins just under our table. The only reason I checked the floors were because I needed a place to put my bag down.
I ordered the cream of mushroom and the spaghetti with corn. Both tasted quite good. The dessert was Mango with ice cream. I find the scoop of ice cream costly at $3 to add on.
Most of the dessert was mostly ice shavings and it cost around $4. I would feel that the place can be quite costly since the portions are just right for one person.
I would not dine there if there is any mini rock concert going on at the basement as it totally spoilt the dining experience.
Rating given:
Ever since Top of the M closed down with much fanfare in early 2008, Meritus Mandarin's iconic coffeehouse, Chatterbox, has moved up the levels (literally) to occupy what used to be the crowning glory of this centrally located hotel in Orchard Road.
Perched on the 39th floor of the hotel, the interior now sports bright red tables and pillars to give a very traditional coffeeshop feeling, yet still offering a panoramic view of the surroundings. Note that the restaurant doesn't revolve anymore, leaving that honour solely to Prima Tower.
Chicken Rice Set - Chatterbox has been known for its excellent chicken rice and of course its exorbitant prices. Consisting of only a bowl of rice, soup and a relatively generous serving of chicken meat, this dish is definitely not for the value conscious.The soup was very tasty probably due to the high MSG content while the chicken was sufficiently tender with an appropriate amount of bite. Personally I felt that the rice wasn't fluffy or tasty enough, coming across as a tad dry and limp.
Flowering Chinese leaf cabbage - The Cai Xin was as normal as it gets but portions were really small for the price ($9 ).
Apple & Raisin Tart - In all honesty, I was quite surprised to find a "western" dessert on a menu that featured mainly Chinese/local fare and since my initial choice of homemade coconut ice cream was out of stock, I settled for the tart. Which wasn't exactly a bad choice considering that the tart was quite crusty with a nice oven baked taste to it. Add a couple of sweet apple slices, raisins and a scoop of ice cream for a rather nice ending. But hey, its $12 .
I shudder to imagine the ridiculous price I would have to pay in the absence of my 1 for 1 chicken rice voucher. Even so, the bill for 2 pax came up to about $53 ($81 without voucher), which is really quite off the chart if you ask me. Service was decent but I seriously doubt I will return, not for the food and definitely not for the high prices.
See all my pictures here.
Rating given:
With the latest TV drama on Channel 8, I'm sure there'll be an increase of interest among Singaporeans to want to learn more about the Peranakan culture. If you still do not know about it, there's a Peranakan Museum in Singapore!
I visited the museum awhile back and I'm impressed with the collection and details that the curators present at the museum. There's a total of 10 galleries housed within the 3-storey building.
You can learn about the origin, the 12-day wedding, the nonya, their religion and their life in public. With the world’s finest and most comprehensive collection of Peranakan artefacts, you'll sure be spending hours in there exploring and experiencing the Peranakan way of living.
If you're glued to the television set daily watching the drama show, you might want to go check out the museum too. I would recommend joining a guided tour if there's any. This is the best way to learn more about museum.
Rating given:
After hearing much about the famous Ayam Penyet at Lucky Plaza, finally I went to try it. And there are so many version of Ayam Penyet within the building. I hope I didn't go to the wrong one.
From the photo, you can see the crispiness of the ayam (chicken). The serving size is pretty big and the rice is fragrant too. But for me, having ayam penyet, the most important ingredient is the chili! The more the merrier!
And with just this one plate of Ayam Penyet, and some beef balls, I finished 4 portions of their powerful chili!! I was sweating and feeling the tummy spinning, but I just couldn't stop! I love their chili!
Rating given:
There are so many new eateries at Downtown East E!hub, we were spoiled for choice. On our way to the toilet on the second floor, we saw an interesting shop selling colorful noodles! Yes! There were green, yellow, orange, and brownish looking ones. And there's also green and golden dumplings. And best of all, it's Halal certified. So we decided to give it a try.
The place is very small and has cafeterias kind of tables and chairs. The menu is whatever you see on the big signboard. I can't recall the name of the dishes, and since there wasn't any website to go to for details, I'll refer my review with the photos posted.
I ordered a type of laksa that cames with orange looking noodles. The laksa stock was quite tasty and the noodles was pretty alright. I still prefer laksa with thick bee hoon thou. The noodle tasted like the ban mian kind of you mian. And I couldn't really figure out if there should be a unique taste to the noodles since the laksa stock has covered up all other tastes that's supposed to be there.
My partner ordered a mee goreng like noodle that came with diced crab stick and 2 pieces of halved hotdog at the side. Noodle was alright but not as tasty as he hoped. A suggestion to the owner (if they ever get to read this) is to slice their hotdogs too for this noodle. At least it looks better and perhaps might help make it more appertising too.
The twin color dumplings were pretty good. With so much taste from the laksa and mee goreng, we couldn't quite figure out what was in these dumplings. Perhaps fish meat or something.
Later we realised this shop's main business is the distribution of their innovative noodles. You can buy them home and prepare it your own way.
Oh! And there's also the complimentary tidbits. Looks like fried crispy flat noodles. But we both agreed that this tasted the best. If I'm not wrong, they're also selling these in packets which is like 50cent or $2 only. Great as snacks while coaching in with a good movie.
Rating given:
I am utterly disappointed in the standard of Fisherman's Wharf.
I have heard so many friends raving about that place, on how great their fish n chips was and how value for money it was, so i decided to check it out yesterday just to satiate my craving for fish n chips.
It did not satiate anything, and it was so bad that i couldn't bring myself to finish all of it. In fact, it made me crave more food and i had to cross over to Central to buy myself something else.
I ordered Halibut and my boyfriend ordered the traditional Cod fillet fish n chips. My Halibut was $12 and his Cod was all of $18.50... it was the biggest waste of money in terms of dining this year.
I opted for chips instead of fries, but when my food arrived, it looks just like fries! All they did was cut the potato up to look like fries. What kind of chips do you call that? Furthermore, they were pretty badly burnt to a dull shade of brown. It was not aesthetically pleasing at all.
I tried one piece of the Cod fish and found that it was badly cooked. It was so dry and chewy! My halibut was cooked to a decent standard, but overall, both fishes were completely tasteless and i had to keep drenching vinegar on them! The chilli sauce and the tartare sauce they provided was not enough to salvage the tastelessness of it all.
I am generally very disappointed in Fisherman's Wharf and i will not return in future.
Rating given:
Its my favourite hangout! Not just because it is walking distance from my house. I feel that is the ideal place to chill at night, regardless whether it is weekdays or weekends.
Wala Wala has 2 level, level one is for guest that wanted to catch the sports action on the television. While level 2 is for the guest that wants a piece of live band performance.
Level 1
Level 1 will usually be packed on a match day, if not it will be quite spacious. So if you are not into any sports action and does not like to squeeze like sardine. Please go on a Weekday!
Level 2
Level 2 is packed almost 24/7. Well especially on thursday night, sometimes they stop guest from going up as early as 10pm. OH yes! every guest that go up got to at least purchase a drink, unless level 1 that you would be able to just free load and do not purchase anything.
Level Performance time
7pm to 9pm
Mon to Fri
Toni - 70's to 80's evergreens
9.30pm onwards
Mon
Asri (UnXpected), Jack (EIC) & Shirlyn (UnXpected)
Tue
Nigel's Tail
Wed
Nyak, Rene and Alan
Thur/Sat
UnXpected (Shirlyn & band)
Fri/Sun
East India Co. (Jack & band)
Ambience
I think is up to individend, if you do not like people, i guess it sure "NO" to you to even gets anywhere near holland V. Because it is like packed everywhere. Im definitely fine with crowds and sardined-like feeling!
Drink Price
Do not expect cheap drinks from here, as they do not even charge you for entry. 10 bucks and above for simple house drinks!
Food
Seriously i had never try the food yet! But seeing from the menu, i think it is quite costly!
Opening Hour
Monday to Thursday
4pm – 1am
Friday and PH Eves
4pm – 2am
Saturday
3pm – 2am
Sunday and Public Holidays
3pm – 1am
You could also book table by calling them, but i had tried alot time. it is always fully booked!
Rating given:
Product
Comparing Daiso to the other value shops, Daiso definitely win them all. $2 might not be very cheap for certain product, but they are all from japan.Personally i would recommend the charcoal facial wash, i feel that it is too good for that price, i would anytime pay much more for it.
Shop Layout
I think it is because it from japanese management, the things are well organise, easy to navigate. But sometimes i will still seek the help from the crews as it is just too big for me still. haha!
Customer Service
Comparing to the crew of different value shop, i think daiso do have the best customer service, they are patient and helpful.
As comparing with the other outlets of daiso, i never have a problem seeking help from the crews.
Conclusion
Worth of money? Check!
Good Service? Check!
Well Organised? Check!
Love it? Check!
Rating given:
Zenden is one of the offerings in Gallery Hotel's F&B stable, sitting on the fourth level of this art inspired boutique hotel and serving up modern contemporary and Asian cuisine.
Interior, Complimentary Bread & Menu - The restaurant employs a more open concept interior, where the lift landing blends effortlessly into the restaurant and through the use of expansive floor to ceilings windows that overlook the traffic on a rather quiet stretch of road. The use of pink, blue and purple chair wraps give the whole place an almost playful intonation. Add to that the suspended glass tabletops that are supported by only by steel wires running from the ceiling to the floor.
Oven Baked Scallops & Prawns - This dish came served with rice and honestly I was quite taken by it. The scallops were rather big and fresh sans the overwhelming raw taste. Ditto for the prawns as well. Interestingly, the rice tasted more like paella to me and was firm yet mildly chewy. Capping off this simple yet satisfying dish was the thick gravy that came across as a tad milky and peppery.
Flambe Beef Medallion Steak - I call this the highlight of the evening, not so much for the taste of the beef, but the spectacular (well almost) performance that preceded. The supervisor wheeled out a trolley and proceeded to flambe my steak in front of my table (talk about cutting cost! Where's the chef?). However, to be fair, the tenderloin came medium rare as per request but I did find it a wee bit too chewy. There was no brandy/wine taste to speak off as well. The accompanying cubes of foie gras had a texture like that of tau kwa aka beancurd - not quivery or smooth but still edible.
Banana Split - What can I say? Supermarket grade ice cream topped with fruits instead of just banana and covered in whipped cream. As normal as it gets.
I had the cheaper main taken off my bill due to a promotion, which resulted in a total damage of about $48 ($72 without discount) for 2 pax. I am of the opinion that the food isn't expensive per se, especially when quality is decent and service is excellent. But on a side note, the place did seem a little short handed that evening. Special mention goes to the supervisor, Caron, who provided exceptional service throughout the evening, making our dining experience a truely enjoyable one.
See all my pictures here.
Rating given: