Makan Time at Kanda Wadatsumi ~ Shizuoka Special

Unagi, mikan, tomato, green tea, wasabi.... ah and unagi pie with ice-cream! *Drools*



If you are craving for Shizuoka food like me~ you should head down to Kanda Wadatsumi! From now to 26 September 2015, they will be offering authentic Japanese cuisine, with airflown produce from the Shizuoka prefecture.

They don't offer unagi pie dessert yet though. You can get the unagi pie goodness at Shunkado Unagi Pie Factory (Japanese)/ (English).

Thanks to the Shizuoka Prefectural Office based in Singapore, I get to try the dishes first-hand together with other lucky invited guests :)

First, let me introduce to you the most salmon-alike dish:





Don't they look like salmon sashimi? The texture is very similar, but the taste is less fishy. Guess what fish is this? It's the rainbow trout. They are farmed at Fujinomiya, the land of Mt Fuji. Therefore, the water used to breed them are all from Mt. Fuji. I highly recommend this to you if you usually don't take fish sashimi as you can't really stand the fishy taste. Enjoy the same goodness minus the fishiness.

Next introducing you to my most favourite dish of the day is the Deep Fried Rainbow Trout with Seaweed Glaze~



The seaweed glaze blends perfectly well with the deep fried rainbow trout. Wonder how they concoct the sauce?

My next recommendation is Shizuoka's tomato! Known as Amela Tomatoes, they are no ordinary tomatoes. To me, they are more like fruits, you know like melons, strawberries, and not vegetables, as you can just eat them on their own. It oozes sweetness. They are so famous for their sweetness locally (in Japan) that they appeared on TV programmes. That's how I came across them in the supermarket. Usually I just buy the cheapest to save up for domestic travel. From then I was a converted Amela Tomato fan. I missed Shizuoka's tomatoes terribly since I left Japan. Singapore doesn't (has yet...) import tomatoes from Shizuoka. But I heard the exporter is now working with suppliers to bring in tomatoes~



Once they are in, I can't wait to make this snack:
1. Slice tomatoes (not entirely)
2. Cut preserved plums into strips
3. Put a slice of preserved plum into the cut tomato such that it now forms the tomato-plum sandwich!
4. Refrigerate and serve cold

Probably lesser known to all gaijins, like us, one of Shizuoka many produces includes tuna. Try the Seared Albacore Salad, whereby albacore is a type of tuna:



This... you may have known. Shizuoka in particular Izu area is famous for sakura shrimp. I think the popularity of sakura shrimp is picking up in Singapore food scene. Now sakura shrimp sushi, etc, are more commonly available.


Sakura Shrimp Sushi from Ryoshi Sushi Ikeikemaru. Ryoshi Sushi imports sakura shrimp from Numazu (which is in Izu).

At the food tasting session, we tried Sakura Shrimp Claypot Rice.



It tastes a bit dry for me...

But I love the Sakura Shrimp Tempura with Assorted Vegetables. Sakura Shrimp goes very well with tempura vegetables. I would like to try remaking this dish at home!



And of course, you have to end it with melons as desserts!

Introducing you the Musk Melon of Shizuoka, known as Lion Melons. They easily cost twice and thrice the price in Singapore. So I will always handcarry one when I am in Shizuoka Prefecture~ Their melons are juicy sweet, and their skin is thinner than our tropical melons, so you get more melon meat, more juice, and more sweetness. I once had a melon for 2 dinners. That's how satisfying it was. :P (those were the days, when I lived alone in Hamamatsu.)



They offer Lion Melons in Kanda Wadatsumi too~ Go try it!

Bon Appetit~

How to get there?
Kanda Wadatsumi
50 Tras Street
Singapore 078989



Nearest MRT station: Tanjong Pagar Station
Nearest MRT exit: A

Kanda Wadatsumi holds various food fairs depending on seasons, as they are strongly supported by the Zengyoren Japan Fisheries Association, which represents all coastal fishermen in Japan. Do check their website/ facebook page for promotions!

Cafe Hopping in Malaysia ~ Cozy in the Rocket

Have you heard of "Amelie Cafe" in Penang? The hole in the kind type of cafe which oozes raw and rustic vibes.


Photo credit to Clauds Wu :)





The husband-and-wife team of "Amelie Cafe" has replaced "Amelie Cafe" with "Cozy in the Rocket", which is also in the neighbourhood.

Actually the encounter with "Amelie Cafe's" successor was purely by chance. 2 years later when I revisit Penang, I very much wanted to bring my parents to "Amelie Cafe", to show them her unique character. And of course, their desserts!

When we finally came to Lebuh Armenian, we were already tired, sweaty, and craving for some shelter. Exploring by foot in George Town during noon is no feat!

And I came across a cafe which reminds me of "Amelie Cafe". A little raw, with the handwritten signages, and yet cozy. However, "Cozy in the Rocket" is bigger, is air-conditioned, and ... the landmark plants decorating the shopfront are missing. Nevertheless, we went in...







Eh... the picture of the dog! I think I saw it before somewhere!

And it is.. it was in "Amelie Cafe", 2 years back:

Photo credit to Clauds Wu :)

But then I didn't know it was "Amelie Cafe's" successor yet. And I ordered a range of food for us - Mango and Passion Fruit juice, 100 plus canned drink, Aglio Oglio Spaghetti, Pork Spareribs Spaghetti and Coconut Panna Cotta. Everything costs us about RM90 odd. The pasta were a hit for my parents, though they are usually not keen on western cuisine. And the dessert Coconut Panna Cotta was a major hit amongst us.


Aglio Oglio Spaghetti: Bacon strips were still crispy. Yums!


Pork Spareribs Spaghetti: Very generous with their homemade bolognese sauce.


Coconut Panna Cotta: Truly 入口即化! Slurps!

If I knew "Cozy in the Rocket" was "Amelie Cafe's" successor, I would have made desserts my mains!

TIP
I went on a weekday afternoon, and it was only the husband-and-wife team on duty. One in the kitchen, one in the hall. So... be patient. Enjoy the air-con while waiting for your order :)

Oh ya... they have improved a lot on their toilet facilities as well. No longer was it dim and dark. It is now located out of the air-con premises, and has two cubicles, all clean, bright and cheery. :)

Location:
Cozy in the Rocket
262 & 264, Lebuh Pantai, George Town, Penang.



"Cozy in the Rocket" is easy to locate it as it is next to the street art lane, and there are many popup stalls along that street now. So.. go with the crowd :)

Opening Hours:
11am - 4pm, Closes on Mondays

Penang - Short Getaway Must-Dos

Two years later, I am back at Penang! This time I am the impromptu tour guide, bringing my parents around. Based on my experiences from my two trips, here's a short list of the must-dos in Penang.

Confession
I've recently added Danbo to my family... so you will see Danbo almost everywhere in the pictures that follow. :P Be warned ... Cuteness ahead... :P

What to see?

Pinang Peranakan Mansion

My personal choice of the must-see destination in Penang would be Pinang Peranakan Mansion. In fact, it's a hotspot for wedding shoots as well. On the two visits I made to the mansion, there were couples doing their wedding shoot, in their gowns and suits. It is also the location where Mediacorp's "小娘惹 The Little Nonya" was shot.

TIP

Do not worry about their no photography and videography note posted on their official website. When I bought the tickets, they specifically told us we can take photographs. And everyone is doing so, as well.

A well preserved mansion that acts like an museum for Peranakan artefacts, it recently added an annex. This annex is air-conditioned and offers more services, such as a Peranakan restaurant, souvenir shops, and even a jewellery counter that sells pre-loved antique Peranakan jewellery. There were more displays of Peranakan jewellery and accessories.



Remember to take off your shoes before you take the stairs to the second storey of the mansion.









Street Art



In conjunction with the George Town Festival, George Town was revitalised with guerilla street art.

I didn't manage to find all street art... too many!

Here're the ones I located:



Notice the two very similar ones, which I labelled "2012" and "2014"? They touched up the paint and added a "half bicycle" permanently to that art installation.

The tourism board of Penang even produced pamplets on George Town's street art. You can grab one at the airport!

Sleeping Buddha - Wat Chayamangkalaram Temple

Wat Chayamangkalaram Temple houses a 180-foot long Sleeping Buddha.


It is currently undergoing some renovation. Colours are being revitalised:

TIP
Remember to take off your shoes before entering the temple's premises.

Next to Wat Chayamangkalaram Temple is the Burmese Buddhist Temple.



Find out where other gigantic Buddha statues are located:

• Taizhong (Taiwan)
• Enoshima (Japan)

What to eat?

Char Kway Teow - Penang Style

This is my favourite hawker haunt in Penang - Gurney Drive Hawker Centre, also known as Anjung Gurney. If you stay at G Hotel. This food paradise is just a few steps away. Facing G Hotel, on the right is Gurney Plaza, and then next, on the right is Gurney Drive Hawker Centre.



It's an open-air hawker centre, with loads and loads of local cuisine options.

And I highly recommend you to try Stall 71 Char Koay Teow. (It's spelt differently from our version: Char Kway Teow) RM6 per plate. I think they increased their prices, but they also increased their manpower, so it's now more efficient, though the queue is still as long.



This is how it was in 2012:


Now there is another auntie who is frying Char Koay Teow, and more helpers to keep track of orders, payments and washing.

Penang's char kway teow is different from Singapore's. You have to try it. And this stall's chay koay teow is very well-fried, ingredients are fresh too. Prawns are big and fresh~


Stir-fried Bittergourd with eggs 苦瓜炒蛋- Song River Cafe Style

Yes! Bittergourd. Nope, your eyes aren't playing tricks on you. You must be wondering why am I recommending bittergourd dishes to you, instead of what Song River Cafe is famous for - their Bak Kut Teh.

TIP
Song River Cafe 松花江餐室 is featured in several travel guides on Penang.

Mmm.. actually I think their Bak Kut Teh was just so-so.

But their stir-fried bittergourd with eggs is heavenly! The best bittergourd dish I have ever tasted. Yeah.. even better than Okinawa's, and Okinawa is the place that is famous for their bittergourds!

Bittergourd doesn't taste bitter anymore.. somehow.. I wonder well. But it blended very nicely with the eggs. Note it's 蛋花, and not the usual fully cooked eggs we often see at our foodcourts.



It seems easy to make.. since ingredients are simple and easy to source - eggs, bittergourd and soya sauce. But... I can't achieve Song River Cafe 松花江餐室's delicate balance.

Location:
65，Persiaran Gurney, 10250, George Town, Pulau Penang



Where to shop?

Again, if you stay at G Hotel, shopping malls are very near you. Besides the just-next-door neighbour, Gurney Plaza. There is now a new mall called Gurney Paragon Mall, just on the left of G Hotel, a few more steps away.

Gurney Plaza is huge and has almost everything. Branded shops like Coach, Chanel, Armani Exchange and so on... And it has late night entertainment options like cinema theatres (Golden Screen), KTV (RedBox) and even the gym (Jatomi Fitness). Of course, not forgetting all the dining options and pubs and coffee joints (You have both Starbucks and Coffee Bean just opposite each other).

TIP
A&W is no longer located in Gurney Plaza. *Weep* A loss of another Singaporean favourite. (To understand the irrational craving for root beer float and curly fries - there are no A&W outlets in Singapore, after they moved out in 2003.)

Location:
Gurney Plaza, Persiaran Gurney, 10250 Penang, Malaysia.



Now, more about the new cousin in the neighbourhood, Gurney Paragon Mall. The biggest draw... it has H&M and Kate Spade! And of course, it's new. Very new. Likely just opened within these two years, as when I was visiting Penang 2 years back, the mall was still in the midst of construction. Since it's the new kid on the block, not all shops are filled. Maybe about 90% is filled.

Location:
163-D, Persiaran Gurney, 10250 Penang, Malaysia.



Where to take a break from all that walking and shopping?

Coffee Elements

Since we are on the topic of shopping, let me introduce you to Coffee Elements.

We had Cafe Latte, Energy Refresh, (I was told by the staff it's like a lemon-grass drink. But it's more than that! I loved my drink. 有甘甜的 aftertaste.) Red Velvet Cake and Carrot Cake.

Somehow.. the carrot cake was a hit between my parents. You can try ordering this for your seniors next time you are nearby.



Location:
3rd floor of Gurney Paragon Mall

Cozy in the Rocket

If you were exploring downtown at George Town, then do not miss "Cozy in the Rocket". Tucked in Lebuh Armenian area.

A quick observation... perhaps due to the boom of street art in George Town, there are now a lot more tourists, especially around Lebuh Armenian area. They are more popup stalls catering to tourists too.

Actually I was on the search for "Amelie Cafe", which I visited with Huishan 2 years back. At that time, "Amelie Cafe" was featured in Straits Times!

A quaint little cafe with style of its own- "Amelie Cafe" back in 2012:


I could not remember the exact location... but vaguely remembered it should be around Lebuh Armenian or thereabouts. Then I stumpled upon "Cozy in the Rocket", also a cafe, which emits similar vibes as "Amelie Cafe", but not quite her, as "Cozy in the Rocket" was way bigger, and it is air-conditioned! It's like an oasis to us, as it was a really hot and sweaty afternoon exploring George Town on foot.

And... it's only now.. when I am back, that I found out that "Cozy in the Rocket" is actually the upgraded version of "Amelie Cafe"! Not only it is air-conditioned, twice its size, brighter... the toilet facilities are way better and cleaner as well! By the way, Amelie Cafe is now defunct, as "Cozy in the Rocket" replaces it.

Now... the layout in "Cozy in the Rocket":


They served drinks, coffees, pasta and desserts.

I highly recommend their desserts! Too bad, I only ordered one that day. But it was wonderful! Must try!

Coconut Panna Cotta


Read on to find out my more extensive review of "Cozy in the Rocket".

Location:
262 & 264, Lebuh Pantai, George Town, Penang.



Opening Hours:
11am - 4pm, Closes on Mondays

Where to stay?

For both of my stays, I used G Hotel as my accomodation. Basically because of its location. Just next to the mall, no worries about catching a late-night movie. And it is just a few steps away from the yummy local food paradise, Gurney Drive Hawker Centre.

Other perks:

• Free wifi in room and lobby. Signal is pretty strong.
• Free complimentary welcome ice-cream
• Free bar (drinks in fridge are free)
• Included breakfast buffet (I loved their spread!)

And I managed to get an extra bed without extra charge when they ran out of twin rooms for my superior room reservation. It costs RM1650.10 for 2-nights in a Superior Room (king bed with extra add-on bed) for 3 people. Hence, it costs about SGD110 per person per night.



Comparing with my previous stay, I think their standard of service has improved, too.

It is about 40min away from the airport. From the airport to the hotel, if you booked via the airport taxi counter, it's at the fixed price of RM44.70.



From hotel to airport, it is a fix price of RM40.

I always asked the hotel staff to help me call for cabs. I can also check with them on the prevailing rates. Seems like now taxis don't go by the meter. They still do on my first trip 2 years back.

That's all~ Hope you find this guide useful as you plan your trip in Penang!

Cafe Hopping in Malaysia~ Humble Beginnings

Mille Crepe Cakes~ Have you seen one? Lots of work involved in making one, since it actually means a French cake with "a thousand" layers. I rarely see Mille Crepe Cakes being sold in Singapore. Otherwise, their prices are exorbitant, which deter me from buying. Mmm.. to me then, spending so much for many many layers of crepe doesn't seem justified.

But Humble Beginnings's Mille Crepe Cakes changed my mind... Here's why...



Humble Beginnings sell many varieties of Mille Cakes. On our short getaway to Johor Bahru yesterday, we tried French Bean flavour, Coffee flavour and Swiss Chocolate flavour. And my favourite is the French Bean Mille Cake. Mmmm.... *drools* just recalling the cake makes me drool~

I highly recommend it to all Vanilla lovers. The strong Vanilla flavour and fragrance lingers... It somehow reminds me of the Ben and Jerry's Vanilla ice-cream. Similar tint of vanilla flavour~

Each piece costs RM9.90, which is about SGD4 (considering current exchange rate of SGD1=RM2.50). Very affordable.

Tempted? Here's where to grab one... Oh.. unfortunately they don't have any branches locally yet. But from their website, they do deliveries to Singapore too. Pickup at Cathay Cineplexes and charged at SGD10 per location.

Well... if you have time to spare, why not head down to Johor Bahru. It's really close, as it is at City Square, just next to the Immigration Checkpoint. You wouldn't need transportation in Malaysia, just a few steps away after getting your passport stamped.



Humble Beginnings
J6-05, Level 6, City Square
Johor Bahru 80000
Johor, Malaysia

Finding Japan in Singapore ~ Makan trail ~ Udon 2

You might already know, the first udon stall that brought me memories of Japan in Singapore is already closed down. (=_=)

But not to worry, I have spotted the second one. This one came with a big splash, it even have a news coverage on Channel News Asia:



Brought from the land of udon, Kagawa Prefecture, Tamoya is famous for her sanuki udon, characterised by its squarish shape with flattened sides.

Just like any other udon stall in Japan, first you choose how you want your udon to be done (with soup? which type- kake (golden broth) or bukkake (thicker shoyu soup)? curry? hot or cold?)

Then pick a size. Regular? Large?

Next choose the sides to go with your udon. Mostly deep-fried though. They now offer kitsune (sweet beancurd skin) too, as a rare non-deep-fried item. You can have an onigiri too, if you're really hungry.

TIP

Go for their tempura prawn. Worth the $2.50. And if you order an additional egg, do note it is a raw egg, not a half boiled one that you usually get in Japan.

Now go for the free toppings and sides like extra soup, tempura sauce, more crunchy tempura bits, cut spring onions, even grated ginger or tapioca for your sauce.

TIP

Go for the Chinatown Point outlet, they have way more free toppings. (omg.. even umeboshi (preserved plum)?!)

And tada... my kake udon... All these for just $8.90?! I could have added more toppings if I wanted.



Trying out other toppings on another occasion:



Tamoya now has 2 outlets in Singapore, one in Liang Court and the other newly opened one in Chinatown Point. I've tried both, and both at non-peak hours. At 5 plus or 6 in the evening. Definitely before the dinner crowd. Because it is during non-peak hours, the deep-fried items tend to lose its crispyness and that is quite evident in the Liang Court branch. Hence, during non-peak hours, it is best to order tempura prawns, which they will deep-fry fresh for you.

Personally, I like my kake broth. Just the right tinge of saltiness and dashi.

There you go, authentic udon experience in Singapore.

Tamoya

133 New Bridge Road
Chinatown Point SC B1#48-49


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177 River Valley Road
Liang Court SC #01-32
Singapore 179030


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Other Finding Japan in Singapore recommendations:

• Cake
• Oden
• Sushi
• Udon Factory

The Eating Guide in Macau

First time in Macau, and not sure what to do during the short 2-day-1-night getaway? Why not have a mini gourmet tour in the midst of your shopping at Macau?

Here's a compilation of my hits with Macau's food galore:

黄枝记

黄枝记 is rather famous in Macau, with quite a number of branches. From the web reviews, she is famous for her wanton mee and pork chop bun.



Personally, I like their wanton, but not their mee. It's the very thin and kind of tough type. Guess we, Singaporeans, are not used to their wanton mee.



I like their Pork Chop Bun. The bun is soft and crispy on the outside. And they aren't stingy with the pork chop. It is literally a big piece, like what I would have if I ordered Pork Chop in local kopitiam.

How to get there?
I went to the branch at Senado Square, the easiest to locate, and also the most convenient since it is at the tourist spot. It is near the fountain. You wouldn't miss the gold and yellow decor.

TIP
To get to Senado Square, you can take the free shuttle bus from Galaxy Hotel and alight at 新马路. The bus stop is opposite Macau Square. Just walk about 10 - 15 minutes and you will reach Senado Square. You can take the return bus along the same street as where you have alighted. The Galaxy Hotel staff are very sweet. On rainy days, they station themselves at the bus stops with umbrellas to shelter us as we board and alight the bus!

Lord Stow's Bakery

What's Macau without Portuguese Egg Tarts, right?



You definitely have to try them. They are the best Portuguese Egg Tarts I have ever tasted. Sweet, yet not too sweet; rich, yet not too rich. And certainly very fragrant. I liked the balance.

You can buy a box, which is about half a dozen. It costs slightly less than MOP 50 for a box.

Best to eat them fresh from the oven, like all pastries. If you leave them overnight as breakfast, like me, they became sweeter. And then it tastes, just like the ones in Singapore bakeries. Not special anymore.

How to get there?
Again, there are a few branches, but the easiest to locate is at Venetian Hotel. Most hotels have free shuttle buses to Venetian Hotel, so do catch a ride on them. Lord Stow's Bakery is located on the Mask Street in the shopping complex of Venetian Hotel.


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TIP
Don't underestimate the shopping complex in Venetian Hotel. It's HUGE! It took us quite a while to find Lord Stow's Bakery. Be armed with their map before you start searching. As a guide, the bakery is located near the man-made rivers/ canals.

The Eight 8

Enough of snacking? Now's for the main course! Have a star-studded dim sum lunch at The Eight at Grand Lisboa. This restaurant is awarded with 2 Michelin stars. :)

Some of the must try:

霸王淡水鮮蝦金魚餃


春风得意肠粉


脆香叉烧包


For more juicy details, check out my full review on my dining experience at Eight.

What I like best about Eight are the finely sculpted, delicious dim sum (some are so adorable that I can't bear to eat them), their service and the affordable pricing. We had a very full dim sum lunch, and yet it only cost as much as a typical lunch/ dinner at a franchised Chinese restaurant in Singapore.

How to get there?
The Eight 8
Grand Lisboa, Level 2
南灣葡京路新葡京酒店2樓


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Have fun exploring the eateries at Macau!