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Thursday, December 5, 2024

The English House

I have often passed by the stretch of houses along Mohd Sultan, but I never imagined I’d one day be dining here. If not for the wining cash vouchers gifted by the radio stations from the siblings, I probably wouldn’t have stepped in. The facade is so unassuming and distinct that it’s easy to overlook the fact that this place is actually a restaurant.

Macro Pierre White The English House

As I stepped into The English House, I was struck by its elegant yet simple charm. Inspired by colonial Singaporean heritage, the establishment feels like both an institution and a home for those who cherish the nostalgia of a bygone era. Its ambience beautifully complements its philosophy—serving classical food and drinks, presented with the simplicity and purity that nature intended.

Interior

Every detail, from the items to the furnishings, demanded attention, embodying the essence of a preserved golden age. 

Interior

The decor exuded a sense of grace and authenticity, delicately balanced with a touch of ostentatious eccentricity that added a unique charm to the atmosphere.

Decor

The walls are adorned with portraits of iconic English greats, immortalized through the lens of Terry O’Neill, adding a timeless elegance to the ambiance.

Interior

The restaurant's vast and spacious layout invited us to explore its unoccupied sections, where we admired the exquisite antiques thoughtfully displayed throughout The English House. Each piece seemed to tell a story, adding to the charm and character of the space.

Shelves

One of the highlights of the restaurant was its stunning ceiling, adorned with panels that allowed natural light to flood into the space, creating a warm and inviting ambiance. This clever design beautifully complemented the soft lighting within, enhancing the natural and serene atmosphere. Adding a whimsical touch to the sophisticated setting, the restaurant also featured Star Wars character statues on display, blending modern pop culture with the charm of its classic decor. This unexpected yet delightful addition made the experience even more memorable.

Star Wars

We opted to try the four-course station set menu along with a selection of à la carte items for sharing, eager to explore a variety of flavors and dishes.

Tasting Set Menu

This Tomato Bruschetta with 30-Month Parma Ham is a beautifully crafted appetizer. It features toasted bread topped with a layer of sweet, juicy cherry tomatoes, and generously draped with thinly sliced, aged Parma ham. The ham, aged to perfection for 30 months, adds a rich, savoury depth to the dish. A sprinkle of fresh herbs enhances its aroma and elevates the overall presentation. The contrast between the crisp bread, tangy tomatoes, and delicate ham creates a delightful balance of textures and flavors, making this a perfect starter to whet your appetite.

Tomato Bruschetta with 30 Month Parma Ham

The Mushroom Cappuccino Soup with Fish Cake had a promising presentation, with its creamy texture complemented by bits of mushrooms, adding an earthy depth to the dish. The velvety soup had a smooth consistency that paired well with the crispy fish cake, which added an interesting contrast in texture. However, the overall flavor was on the saltier side, which overshadowed the natural umami notes of the mushrooms. This imbalance left us slightly disappointed, as the excessive saltiness detracted from what could have been a more balanced and enjoyable dish.

Mushroom Cappuccino Soup with Fish Cake

The fish cake was compact yet intriguing, featuring shredded fillings with a unique texture and a homemade touch. Its golden-brown crust provided a delightful crunch that contrasted nicely with the soft interior. Accompanying the fish cake was a tartar sauce that leaned toward the sweeter side, complementing the savory elements of the filling. The sauce's balanced sweetness added a pleasant dimension, making the pairing enjoyable despite the fish cake’s modest size.

Close Up on the Fish Cake

The third course arrived on a large plate, divided into four sections, each featuring a different dish: Crispy English Duck, Wagyu Fillet of Beef, Wagyu Sirloin, and seasonal vegetables on the side.

3rd Course

The Crispy English Duck featured a perfectly crackling skin, complemented by the sweet umami of hoisin sauce. 

Crispy English Duck

The slices of cucumber and spring onion that accompanied the duck reminded me of the classic Chinese Peking Duck, adding a fresh and flavorful touch to the dish.

Side View of the Crispy English Duck

We were advised to have the Wagyu beef cooked medium to fully appreciate its flavor. 

Wagyu Fillet of Beef

Paired with the rich brown sauce, each cut of the meat revealed its juicy tenderness, making every bite a truly satisfying experience.

Wagyu Sirloin

The final course of the tasting menu featured a Classic Chocolate Mousse, beautifully adorned with fresh strawberries and delicate pink cream. 

Classic Chocolate Mousse

The chilled dessert provided a perfect finishing touch, wrapping up the meal with a sweet and refreshing note.

Close up on the Chocolate Mousse


Traditional Fish & Chips 

Their Fish & Chips come highly recommended. From the traditional menu, you can choose from three variations of beer-battered fish: Greenland Halibut, Atlantic Cod, and Black Cod. Each dish has triple-cooked chips, mushy peas, and tartar sauce. The lemon was thoughtfully wrapped in a white cloth, making it easy to squeeze the juice onto the Fish & Chips without worrying about any unexpected splashes.

Beer Battered Atlantic Cod - $48

I love how the Fish & Chips were presented! We opted for the Atlantic Cod, and it turned out perfectly golden, crispy, and absolutely delicious.

Fish & Chips

Wellingtons 

Originally, we planned to try the Beef Wellington, but since beef was already part of the meal, we opted for the Mushroom Wellington instead. 

Mushroom & Spinach (V) - $48

It was served with flaky pastry rolled around a mushroom filling. Unfortunately, the dish leaned on the saltier side, and to our disappointment, the pairing sauce was similar to the mushroom soup we had earlier, intensifying the already salty flavor of the dish.

Despite the flavor disappointment, the presentation was impressive, with crispy fried mushroom slices elegantly placed atop the dish, adding both texture and visual appeal.

Pairing Sauce

Overall, the service exceeded expectations, offering a level of attentiveness that felt above average. The entire dining experience was further enhanced by the unique and charming atmosphere, making it a memorable visit.

Rating: 3.25 / 5

The English House
Location:
 28 Mohamed Sultan Rd, Singapore 238972

Tuesday, December 3, 2024

Milah's Corner

Revisiting Milah's Corner after seeing a video of Bus Captains naming it the best Mee Soto in Bukit Batok. It’s the perfect time to recap its flavors, as I haven’t been back since 2022.

The Mee Soto was perfect for a comforting breakfast. The warm soup paired beautifully with the added bagedil. I noticed a slight change in presentation—this time, the bowl was served with fried egg whites, which enhanced both the flavor and the look. The chicken pieces, instead of shreds, added a nice touch, and the sweet broth tied everything together. Overall, it was still as good as I remembered.

Mee Soto with Bagedil

I will definitely return for a Mee Soto craving until I find another spot in the west that matches its taste without the long queue. And yes, I wholeheartedly agree with the bus captains' recommendation—Milah's Corner Mee Soto is truly great!

Rating: 3.25 / 5

Milah's Corner
Location:
Blk 134 Bukit Batok West Avenue 6  #01-463 Singapore 650134

Monday, December 2, 2024

Viet Nam Pho

After passing by the stall countless times, I finally stopped for a feast. If you're a fan of Vietnamese street food, this spot in Clementi/West Coast is a must-try to satisfy your cravings. The kitchen is run entirely by Vietnamese staff, adding to the authenticity.

Viet Nam Pho

Their menu offers a standard yet satisfying selection, featuring staples like Pho, Banh Mi, Spring Rolls, fries, and even Vietnamese-style Chee Cheong Fun.

Vietnam Pho

We ordered their chicken wings for sharing, and they didn’t disappoint. Perfectly marinated and deep-fried to a golden brown, the exterior was delightfully crispy, while each bite was juicy and flavorful.

Chicken Wings - $7

Unable to decide between fried and non-fried spring rolls, we opted for a mixed platter to enjoy the best of both worlds. The spring rolls were decent, though nothing particularly noteworthy stood out.

Mix Rolls - $6.50

A comforting bowl of beef noodle soup is always my go-to when it comes to Vietnamese cuisine. The broth was sweet and fragrant with hints of onion and basil, complemented by a generous serving of beef slices. 

Beef Noodles Soup - $7

I appreciated the balanced use of basil leaves, avoiding an overpowering garnish. Overall, the flavours were exactly what I had been craving.

Beef

If you prefer chicken over beef, there’s always the option of chicken pho. This version is just as delicious, offering a comforting and satisfying flavor.

Chicken Noodles Soup - $6

What’s Vietnamese cuisine without Banh Mi, the iconic Vietnamese baguette? Naturally, we had to try it. Admittedly, we cut it into smaller pieces for sharing, but that didn’t take away from its appeal. The baguette was perfectly crispy and absolutely satisfying. It felt like we’d sampled nearly the entire menu.

Vietnamese Baguette - $5.50

We were impressed with the above-average quality of their food, which only made our appetites grow. On a whim, we decided to try their rice vermicelli, and it didn’t disappoint. The flavorful drenching sauce was delightful, and we wouldn’t mind coming back for more.

That said, keep in mind this is a small shophouse with limited seating, so plan your visit accordingly!


Rice Vermicelli with Chicken - $5.50

Rating: 3.5 / 5

Viet Nam Pho
Location: 
Blk 721 Clementi West Street 2, #01-120, Singapore 120721

Wednesday, November 27, 2024

Joo Chiat Prawn Noodle

After much anticipation and my friend's recommendation, I finally tried the Joo Chiat Prawn Noodle at Ayer Rajah Food Center.

Stall

I ordered the medium portion of prawn noodle soup with yellow noodles. It came with four prawns, kang kong, bean sprouts, and a generous topping of fried onions, enhancing the flavour. The soup was flavorful without an overly intense prawn taste, perfectly suiting my preference.

Prawn Noodles - $5.50

The prawns were fresh and easy to peel, with no trouble of the shells sticking to the flesh—a definite plus in my book.

Prawns

The stall clearly enjoys a loyal following, as evidenced by the returning patrons. With its popularity, the queue is inevitable, but their efficient service ensures a quick turnover, saving us valuable time during the busy lunch hour.

Rating: 3.25 / 5

Joo Chiat Prawn Noodle
Location:
Ayer Rajah Food Centre, 503 W Coast Dr, #01-35  Singapore 120503

Sunday, November 24, 2024

Hey! Teppan ヘイ! 鉄板

My friend always quips, "East Side, the Best Side," whenever the topic comes up, knowing full well that I'm a proud West Sider. Naturally, I always debate back, championing the West Side for its array of great food options. After all, good food knows no boundaries—it's all about discovering the hidden gems in every corner!

Hey! Teppan

The style of Hey! Teppan instantly reminded me of Pepper Lunch, where the dishes are served on a sizzling hotplate. Just like at Pepper Lunch, you're handed the reins to customize your meal—adding sauces and mixing everything together to your liking. The interactive dining experience is both fun and satisfying, making every bite uniquely yours.

Our Orders

The Squid and Prawn Pepper Rice is a straightforward yet appealing dish. The rice takes center stage on the hotplate, surrounded by five prawns and five pieces of squid, neatly arranged. Bright yellow corn kernels and a generous sprinkle of black pepper sit atop the rice, adding color and flavor. The simplicity of the presentation draws attention to the sizzling freshness of the ingredients.

                          Squid & Prawn Pepper Rice - $12.50

The Hey! Angus Sirloin Steak looks far more enticing and hearty, perfect for those seeking a satisfying meal. The sizzling hotplate is generously filled, featuring a succulent Angus sirloin steak accompanied by a colorful array of edamame, corn kernels, broccoli, and cabbage. On the side, there's a comforting serving of rice and creamy mashed potatoes. To top it off, fried garlic and black pepper are added, enhancing both the aroma and flavor. This dish truly offers a well-rounded and indulgent dining experience.

 Hey! Angus Sirloin Steak - $14.50


Hey! Teppan
Location:  Kopitiam @ Jurong Point, Jurong West Central 2, #03-42 Singapore
Nearest Station: Boon Lay (EW27 / JS8)

Saturday, November 23, 2024

Kinobe by Hive Brothers & Co

Each time I pass by the same coffeeshop, I remind myself to make it a point to try Kinobe. Their menu is simply too enticing to resist. With options like beef, wagyu beef, chicken, duck, pork, and salmon, diners are truly spoilt for choice. To top it off, each protein comes in three different variations, making it even harder to decide!

Stall Front of Kinobe

I finally decided on the Yakiniku Don. It came with fragrant white rice topped with a generous handful of thinly sliced beef, a perfectly runny onsen egg, and buttery, pan-fried mushrooms. A light sprinkle of chili powder added a pop of color and an extra layer of vibrancy to the bowl, making it as visually appealing as it was delicious.

Yakiniku Don - $8

Overall, their set was both tempting and delicious. I’m already looking forward to a return visit to try another item from their enticing menu.

Kinobe 

Location: 727 Clementi West Street 2, #01-294, Singapore 120727

Friday, November 22, 2024

Hometaste Sarawak Kolomee 砂捞越哥罗面

The lunch mates gathered at a newly renovated coffeeshop and recommended the Sarawak Kolo Mee stall. Since this delicacy is not commonly found in our usual spots, I decided to give it a try.

Stall of Home Taste Sarawak Kolo Mee

Just moments after I joined the queue, more people lined up, and the queue quickly grew longer. It seems the stall has quite a reputation, drawing in curious and hungry diners. Good thing I got there early enough to avoid an even longer wait!

Menu

Staying true to the traditional rendition of Sarawak Kolo Mee, they offer this iconic dish in three variations: white, red, and black sauce. I opted for the red sauce, which looked just as authentic as versions served at other stalls. The dish featured springy kolo noodles topped with minced pork, char siew, and vegetables, all finished with a sprinkle of chopped spring onions for that classic touch.

Kilo Mee - $5.50 (Red)

Not to mention, it also came with a crispy piece of fried wonton skin on the side. Overall, the noodles were expertly tossed in a fragrant blend of condiments, including scallion oil, enhancing the dish's flavor and aroma.

Delicious Looking

Hometaste Sarawak Kolomee 砂捞越哥罗面

Location: 710 Clementi West Street 2, #01-269, Singapore 120710