Yayoiken (Liang Court) - SABA SHIO SUBARASHIIIIIIIII!!!

#B1-50 Liang Court Shopping Centre T: 6338 7170

You are probably familiar with Izakaya (which I may never ever indulge here... hehehe... personal reasons, sorry -__-") but Teishoku, is not that common and also not uncommon in Singapore. I mean a true-blue serving of Teishoku should be reasonably priced (if not, cheap) and have good sized (if not, generous) portions, complete with sides... done in a simple homemade style, complete with nutrition served in a canteen style: on a tray with each dish individually plated.

Unfortunately, most of the time, it is priced above average due to the nature of the restaurant you are having it and therefore that makes it: Uncommon. In a nutshell, Teishoku is a economical nutritious SET MEAL la!

Well, these two new kids on the block, are just down my alley and I am enjoying them while it lasts. Introducing, my current number one:

Saba Shio Set

First things first, I have love for Saba. I'll eat it, almost anyway it is prepared... nationality included. Japanese, Indian, Malay, Chinese, Scandinavian, English, cracker, raw, pickled, fried, whole or sliced, so long as its done decent, I will eat it. So what if they are feeder fish, I love them. Sigh. I just have a life-long love affair with mackerel.

However, this might just be my favorite cooking method. A rub of salt over an open flame, regardless of it being grill or BBQ, just seems to bring out the best flavors from the fish (FRESHNESS IS VERY KEY HERE!!!). Simply served with grated radish and a squeeze of lemon. Erai. The ones here, are consistently, good... or should I say great?! The fish is juicy and fat BUT DO NOT WORRY, there's enough radish and lemon juice to cut that grease. Even I get a little overwhelmed by the omega factor on occasion. Pardon my poor picture la... I dive into my meal within seconds on arrival. heeeeeeee~*

I also like to change my soup to the clam soup, Kai-jiru, for a small additional fee. That is if u like clams like I do. It is, quite clam-my. Most times, they are sand free... most times.

Nasu Miso

By now... more often than not, I am at my second bowl of rice just so that I can conquer this brinjal dish. Ahhhhh. It is on the salty side, after all, most miso are, right? Which explains why there is my need for a second bowl of rice (free-flow-in-a-rice-cooker-so-you-help-yourself-smacked-in-the-centre-of-the-restarant with the only thing stopping you: pride). Hidden amidst this fairly unpalatable looking brown mess, is bacon. Crisp, miso gravy coated, yummy bacon. Excuse me while I swoon now, please.

It is just soooo sodium packed and savory, it gets a little hard to stop when you are starving. I just dream about having home cooking like this. Knowing that it is a battle in vain, I'll just continue coming here. So delicious and convenient, well priced and (to date) NO LONG QUEUE. ^^

Ootoya Japanese Restaurant (Orchard Central)

#08-12 Orchard Central T: +65 6884 8901

Not forgetting what I said Teishoku meals should be like, here is my second favorite hang-out of the moment:

IF you are brave enough to come here, brave enough to deal with the long queue just because you came by a teeny weeny bit later and then have to deal with the slow (if not, bad) service... come try this set I am newly smitten with. Lots of clams on a bed of delicious plump rice and a thick soup filled with cabbage and... eggs. PLUS the side dish of sweet pumpkin and pork. Sweet. Love. Of. Mine.

Will you condemn me if I said that I prefer the taste of the pork here than to my other current fav Teishoku style hang-out? But honestly, I do. Especially this Pork with Ginger stir fry dish. Everything is just nice and the portions, just right... for people with an appetite bigger than most. There are all my fav things in here, this is what home style cooking is about isn't it, all your or my fav things, and MORE? lol. *burp*

Le Chasseur - Tao Suan, Claypot Chicken Rice & Pig Trotters ROCKKKKKKKKKKK

31 New Bridge Road S059393 T: 6337 7677

Tao Suan

Claypot Chicken Rice

Pig Trotter

Tao Suan is truly cooked with TLC with gula melaka with the you tiao 'heated' up over charcoal burner, all thanks to the Claypot Chicken Rice, also cooked over the charcoal burner. Every order of this yummy dessert is cooked after the order has been received, not in advance. Love.

Wondering why there is an extra bowl and spoon?

ASK. Got to do with the TLC I mention.

The Claypot Chicken Rice is very generous in portions and in taste. OMG. Sometimes, I think there are more liao then rice!!! Here, Sous Chef does not encourage you to eat the burnt bits, he will tell u it is very unhealthy.

God bless this kind man, he cares!!! Hahaha!!! My pix is quite boring and unimpressive but really, its super big on taste.

PIG TROTTER!!! BEST IN SINGAPORE!!! First things first, which to me is a damn big thing... even when the dish has cooled down, the meat is still tender and pink, with crispy skin. WAAAAAAAAA!!! If u choose to disagree having tried it, close this window now please. It is a superstar dish, serious, got a German patron who agrees too. German leeeeee... even though the version here got a Thai twist, the sauce which I did not include for the picture. I like it as is. Hehehe ^^

Just the sheer thoughts of them,

makes me damn hungry. *tummy growl*

Steam Fish

BBQ Sotong

BBQ Prawns

Salted Vegetable Soup with Duck

Apart from the 'Top 3', I enjoy the rest very much too. Anything BBQ here is safe, if u can keep your eyes closed to your cholesterol count, have one of every BBQ seafood dish. They have never failed me... n e v e r. Just add some greens in your diet, not seen at Sweetrings doesn't mean its not good... I ordered many other dishes here before but I just wanna show u, my fav. However, I am truly never impressed by the noodles here but whatever goes with rice: YESSS!!!

Oh!!! Be prepared to wait if u decide to go during peak hour.

SO... if u think u have too much time to spare after a meal but u are too stuffed to move out of your seat, ask for the chef... he will talk to you about the food science behind his star dishes. You will be amazed, that is if you are a good listener or seriously curious because it is going to be a long chat. I have heard him repeat it over and over and over again many times with the same enthusiasm the first time I heard it.

My hometown's version of 'soul' food - Pempek & Sweet Potatoe fritters

Finally home... after what felt like an agonizing flight... I think I am mildly jet-lag... but I've never suffered from jetlag since I was 18. Wow. Age, huh? My mom's back in town, with hometown goodies.From Indonesia.Variations of a kind of fish cake dish called Pempek.

The two common versions are:
1) Long & cylindrical


2) Dumpling style with duck egg


Eaten deep fried for a hard crispy coat today, then dipped in a chilli vinegarette made from brown sugar, vinegar, chilli & garlic. These can be eaten straight off the steamer and even bbq. It is normally served with diced cucumber, fried tofu and/or noodles. There are at least 7 more variations of this fish cake unique to my hometown.

Tastiest pempek are made with ikan belida (aka knifefish) meat sans skin with just enough tapioca flour to bind everything together, seasoned with salt & pepper. Belida has a unique smell but its not overpowering... unless its not fresh. Hehehe. Or else, this should be a mild flavored dish. However, this is not a dish for everyone due to its firmer texture compared to the local fishcake or fishballs. A full piece of pempek is a main, not a side. No kidding.

For sides, mom made sweet potato fritters. Yay!!! Ilove them <3 She makes them so quickly and easily, with consistent perfect results. Unlike mine, which always ends up rock hard or soft. Practice makes perfect, huh?



I m home and hungry, so who cares about presentation. LOL. Just eat while its hot!

Nando's - EXTRA SPICY Chicken Livers (Cape Town, SA)

I have been looking forward to trying this for M O N T H S now... I really count my blessings that I did make it back here, to Nando's hometown to try this dish that Oscar had me craving for, for what felt like, damn long a time.

Nando's is everywhere, I don't think I need to list the outlet I got mine from, right? They taste the same everywhere in Cape Town. But if u really need to know, its the one in Gardens along my fav street. Kloof Street. duh. (wiggles finger mid air in an 's')



First, I must say that its appearance in my picture does NO justice to the flavour of this dish.

Second, you must order it EXTRA SPICY. The heat, the sour, the liver. Polygamy.

Third, the roll comes with it and its great for soaking up the gravy.

Forth, buy back to hotel to zaaaaap & enjoy.

Fifth, bubbly beer to wash everything down IS A MUST!

My last dinner here at Cape Town may look bleh but simplicity can be the best at times.

Il Leone Mastrantonio - Classic Italian cuisine (Cape Town, SA)

22 Cobern Street, corner of Prestwich Street, Greenpoint, Cape Town T: 021-4210071 W: Il Leone Mastrantonio

I was here last night but I didn't bring my dc... I was too hungry, I think... since I hibernate the whole afternoon in the room to escape the scorching Cape Town sun. Last night, I had pan fried procini mushroons to start, a seafood risotto (which was absolutely delicious, its how you will want your risotto to come whenever u order it normally, you get surprises, right???) for my main and a creme brulee to end everything on a sweet note. A lovely white sauvignon washed everything down. There was no turning back, amidst my carbo coma from dinner, I almost knew exactly what I wanted to try next!

So here I am, again... my server, sorry I can't recall his name but he's really tall. Almost as tall as the door frame sans arch. Wa! Last night's server was great too, beautiful girl who is a cross between Zoe Saldana n Thandie Newton. They made our experience at Il Leone memorable. Plus the style of table setting and food. It was very comfortable. I think I can come by to eat alone anytime. Very homely.

Anyway, back to the glorious food!!! (*^____^*)


Bread basket


Mussels in White Wine x Tomato Sauce


Aglio Olio


Panna Cotta

Mussels, perfect size, I really hate it when I order a similiar dish and the mussels are ginormous. Most people swoon but seriously, don't u think its too chewy regardless of how well it may be cooked? These, wow... not too big, not too small... perfect size, great sauce, I wanna use the bread to soak it all up but I m so worried that I can't finish my main. Who was I kidding~ Really, tempted but I didn't!

I was looking forward to my main the second our server took my empty plate away... Aglio Olio, Il Leone style. My eyes brighten when the door to the kitchen swung open, I knew it was my order coz... hehehe... we came late and were the last table dining halfway. heeeeeeeee~

For the first time in my duration at Cape Town, the sphagetti was cooked al dente. Finally. For the first time, I appreciated bell peppers coz all the flavour for this aglio olio, was infused in the mix of salty diced peppers, minced garlic, freshly ground black pepper and olive oil. Wah say...So simple, yet so good... WLE... saat saat bo cheo...

To round things up, I order Panna Cotta, which I wanted to try last night but... peer pressure made me order creme brulee which was also good la. BUT I really wanted to try the Panna Cotta coz of the raspberry sauce that was served with the creme brulee last night. Someone in this kitchen makes a really meannnnnnnnn (good way mean) raspberry sauce. Fwah.

Thanks Oscar, for introducing yet another wonderful restaurant to me in Cape Town. *Yum seng*


hmmmm...

Next time, I'm gonna have their MUSHROOM risotto! Mmmm hmmmm!
(Is it too early to plan ahh??? *hehe*)

Manna Epicure - Part TWO... (Cape Town, SA)

You can find the address and contact details, here at Part ONE from my last trip. ^^ Food quality's still the same, Manna Epicure is still located along my fav street in Cape Town, serving creative old favourites amidst the lovely decor.

I came by for breakfast but was tempted with the ribeye. I am pretty sure that I can down it even at 10am but... I am embaressed that they might remember me for life. Even my partner was looking at me with arched eyebrows even though I was only playing with the thought and to think he ever said he'll support me in everything I do. Pui. Men... humpf~!


Homemade Butter & Bread platter


French Toast w Brie, bacon and all things nice ^^


Grilled Portobello Mushroom


Tea with the Queen

Yes, their homemade unsalted butter is as good as ever. I can almost lick the tiny saucer clean but I held back coz I thought I should do that with the lovely bread but again I held back... coz I wanna go easy to make room for what's coming next next next next and next.

It is only on this trip that a friend brought to my attention that fresh, buttery and flaky croissants were used in angmo's version of the roti john. hehe. Here, it is the same. But here, with their free range eggs, brie, bacon, rocket and honey, you know there's no way, it can be bad. This has to be one of the most rich but refreshing versions of French Toast, I have ever had.

Mushrooms, one of my favourite makan item in www (WHOLE Wide World), I always always always try the mushroom dish everywhere I go in angmo land. Especially here in Cape Town, its like mushroom land. There are alot of edible mushroom varieties here and the portobellos' can get quite large. I have seen one the size of my head at the farmer's market before. On my plate today, its not quite as big as my head but I can tell u that the plate is quite large and the asparagus were not skinny and the eggs was not small. If u know what I mean.

The eggs were perfectly poached, the hollandaise sauce was great, the bacon was crispy and the mushroom was damn juicy. Heavenly. Mushrooms, are the only thing I will use as a meat replacer in my homemade burgers. Sorry for digressing but I love mushrooms.

I am a frizzy drink girl... so I ordered a raspberry frizzy drink. Whatever was in it, it was light n fresh. U know lor... one of those drinks that taste easy to prepare but u dunno the most important ingrediant... the liquid. LOL.

O well, so I went for my original craving for French Toast and since I am not a 1-dish person... a Grilled Portobello Mushroom to go with it lor. I'll just walk to O.Live and hound them about my lampframes after to burn out some of the breakfast. hahaha.

What a great meal~*


Gloomy morning... can't even see mountains' peaks. Covered by clouds. It is gonna rain. I'll just swing by Melissa's - The Food Shop after this to buy their great produce as goodies. They make good jams, jellys, marmalades, chutneys, cookies... like our local Jone's The Grocer.

Superette - Croque Madame & Pork Belly Burger (Cape Town, SA)

218 Albert Road, Woodstock, Cape Town T: 021 802 5525 W: http://www.superette.co.za/

From the organizers of the Neighbourhood's Market... which I sadness missed this trip... Superette, 'fresh from the farm to the plate' - i love this phrase that i got off their website. Traditional recipes improved with time and innovation to better suit the modern palate. Very well done. Honest, good food. No pretenses.


Croque Madame


Pork Belly Burger


Cheesecake


Ice Lemonade

This ham and cheese sandwich is one of the best, if not the best, I have ever tasted IMF. I swear. Every layer tasted as tho its been done with lots of trail and error... calculated. You really can taste the 'croque' in each bite. It is Aah-Maa-Ziiiiing (say with Afreee-caan accent pls). It is a must-try next time you visit, then again, with their ever evolving menu, it might not even be on the menu. You are at the mercy of the white tiles and the non-permanent marker. Come visit and you'll know what I mean. *wink*

We also shared a pork belly burger which had a apple x onions chutney? So juicy. Can u see that precious drop of fat at the corner of the burger which we wasted since I was trying to get a good shot of this hot mama? It was sooo good. My partner felt cheated coz they didn't serve it with the deep fried lard today... so I said, at least u had it yesterday. hehe.

Then came the controversial cheesecake that tasted quite far from what I had in mind. Looking at its somewhat burnt looking exterior and dark base, I was expecting a more salty cheesy flavour but uh-uh-uh (hands on your hips, pls), this is sweet. With the nutty chocolate base, itsssss mouth watering. Lighter and softer than I thought.

Plus their homemade lemonade... burp... in their very airy and sunny interior, I can come back her over and over and over again.



You can feel the love in the food here. In fact, you can feel the love in most of the posts in this blog. I hope. <3

Caffe Magnifico & All Gold Tomato Sauce (Cape Town, SA)

Canal Walk, Century City. Unit 52 LL. T: (021) 551 8390



Beef Rump Fillet Pasta & BBQ Steak Roll

The pasta's overcooked (quite common here in Cape Town) but with the spices and seasoning, its not bad. Felt alittle Japanese to me, in fact. Hehehe. I'm not quite sure but its not bad, very easy to eat. With the BBQ Steak roll, lunch is served. Very feeling. Steak was perfectly BBQ, its very juicy and with the chips, its very good. Chips and my new found love, All Gold Tomato Sauce, I was set.

I have never been a big fan of tomato sauce coz you can't really taste the tomato, can u? I couldn't... until I tried All Gold's!



An all original South Africa product! All done with just tomatoes, cane sugar, vinegar and spices. It tastes just like sundried tomatoes to me, in ketchup form! I brought back a few bottles as gifts and so far so good. My nephews loved it. I wonder if I can bring it to the zi char store and ask the cook to use it to cook sweet & sour pork. hehehe. ^^

Can't wait to hear what my friends' gonna say about the hot & spicy flavour!!!

Hup Choon Eating House - Chinese Fishhead Curry

1 Binjai Park T: 64684081


Fishhead Curry

Chinese style with the hebi base kind... thick and shiok!!! By default, its only half fishhead per serving but there are quite a lot of meat on it and the fish is fresh n firm. Alot of vegetables too. It felt like I was having sayur lodeh after we were done with the fishhead! Wa! Worth it, right? 1 dish but in actual fact, 2 dishes!!! Hahaha, just kidding!!!


Sweet & Sour Pork

Nooooot bad!!! Not bad at all!!! More meat than flour, that's a super good sign. More meat than flour but still crunchy. Yummmmms. Can down a large size i think. LOL. OMG I hope you dun think that I am a truck driver. heeeeeeee. It has been a long time since I had zi char that opened my eyes.


Oyster Omelette

Waaaaaaa... can u c??? can u C??? There are many plenty oysters in their oyster omelette and its not overcooked. Still so moist and fluffy, can u ccccccccc??? OOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!


Nai Bai Stir fry w Garlic

U can see how well cooked it is from the color, right? U can tell it is still crunchy, right? And it is... aromatic with the garlic.

I really enjoy my simple zi char dinner here. It is not the OTT kind of zi char place with a thousand and one things happening at the same time. The dishes here almost feels home cooked but still ZI CHAR. Anyway, I wanna come back here soon, to try their sotong and hor-fun. Looks very appetizing from the looks from the dude from the oppo table last night.

Last but not least, u must have a mug, yes... a MUG of ice lemon tea that's home made... it goes damn well with the food ^^