99 Old Trees

A Revisit to 99 Old Trees since we were around that area. The queue was still snaky long during the visit with the place as bustling as ever. 

Introducing the Traditional Teochew Chendul with Durian, Stinky Chendul, to my pal but upon hearing the name he was reluctant to order it till I explained that the term "stinky" was literally referring to the durian. 

The Stinky Chendol has an option of topping up with durian and we chose that. The basic bowl comes with red beans and green coconut jelly. We enjoyed the chilled bowl of dessert adding the savoury Gula Melaka over them.

Stinky Chendul - $5.90

While dining in their garden, I noticed this cute durian plush there too.

Durian Plush

The stinky bomb has a minimum order of 2 pieces and was filled with Mao Shan Wang Choux. Savoury French-style choux puff with a buttery crusty exterior that reminds us of the polo bun texture. Together with the rich and creamy Mao Shan Wang Durian, it was heavenly.

Stinky Bomb

Next, we had their Top Seller, the Stinky Bowl, comprised of D24 Durian Mousse. 

Stinky Bowl

If you have friends that enjoy the king of fruits, this will be a good recommendation for them.

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Posted on 9th July 2022

With the durian craze gradually making a comeback, I was introduced to this interesting place, 99 Old Tree. It is an interesting Cafe with assorted durian desserts like swiss rolls, ice cream and choux pastries. 

Entrance to Cafe

While at their back door,  you can actually package some durian for takeaway.

Back Area

The cafe has limited seating and we had no choice by to enjoy our desserts at their garden / alfresco area. 

Entrance

The alfresco area looks like a garden but without a proper table and ins,tead customers were to eat on the wooden cable reel drum. Also, having the durians under the tree gives u the kampong feel. This makes enjoying durian in the public so unique. 

Ninty-Nine Old Trees Wall

While the interior has a modern industrial theme whereby the flooring is of cement screed so as the walls and counters. 

Cute Plush on the Sofa

We had our orders placed on a wooden woven serving tray. Awww, we can't wait to get stinky with these!

Orders in a tray

If you prefer to enjoy your D24 durian in a bowl instead of the husks and seed, stinky bowl will be a good choice. The bowl is filled with durian puree with a creamy & smooth mousse texture completed by a light taste. However, it still stinks for some, thus its name is given. 

Stinky Bowl - $5.80

The Stinky Bomb has a thin crusty layer piped with Mao Shan Wang Durian fillings. The individual Chou Puff was coated with craquelin crumble which reminds me of the Hong Kong Polo Bun.

Stinky Bomb - $1.90 Per Piece

Sink your teeth down into the crust and enjoy every taste of the luscious and creamy fillings. Do note that there is a minimum order of 2 pieces for the Stinky Bomb.

That Stinks!

If you flip over the Bomb, you will get to see that they have actually piped in the creamy fillings from the bottom.

Your Creamy Durian

If you head to the counter, you might be lucky to get a view of the piping of choux pastries in progress.

Piping in Progress

If you do enjoy the traditional Teochew Chendul dessert, you may want to have a try with durians in it. If you prefer the version without the durians. they do have it at $3.30 per bowl. However, if you are ordering this Traditional Teochew Dessert with Durian, it's very filling to the stomach, especially with the plump durian pulp.

For the durian season, they offer Chendul with Assorted Durian. So durian lovers, what are you waiting for?

Chendul with Assorted Durian - $7.80

With these durians down into the stomach, not only did we satisfy our appetite, it gives me another idea to enjoy both durian and cafe environment altogether. 

The place is rather convenient with MRT Exit just a stone's throw away. If you are driving, 99 Old Tree is conveniently located beside a carpark too. 

Wall Mural next to the car park

Rating: 3.5 / 5

99 Old Trees
Location: 1 Teo Hong Road Singapore 088321
Nearest Station: Outram Park (EW16)
Website

Xiao Ya Tou

What a quirky name for a restaurant I thought among the bustling nightlife of Duxton Hill. Xiao Ya Tou is a place is serving modern Asian cuisine with a naughty touch and had taken us by surprise.

Xiao Ya Tou

A walk into the restaurant made me feel as though I had entered a place for filming. 

Interior 

The restaurant is deep and as we walked through the array of lanterns, we felt as though we were greeted by the sight of South East Asian influence. The retro posters and the colourful hanging lanterns give a bit of both a mixture of modern and old-school touch. 

Lanterns

Taking a look at the items displayed closely, there are many things of the past that did not get to see nowadays.

Wall and Posters

Near the kitchen

Just right next to the kitchen, you will find a neon sign of Xiao Ya Tou's KTV hostess-esque mascot.

Mascot of Xiao Ya Tou

Perhaps my most expensive bottle of Liang Teh purchased out of the medical hall. In spite of the high pricing we paid for, the drinks' concentration and taste are undoublty better than what we had outside.

XYT Liang Teh (Left) & Longan Red Dates Drink - $10 each

These Crispy Otah Otah Rolls are addictive and served hot. The thin exterior layer was crispy and Otah was encased in it. The texture of Otah fillings were soft which gave a good contrast with the crisp exterior. The rolls itself was addictive and paired with their white Achar and Tamarind Peanut Sauce, it's harder to resist popping one after another into my mouth. 

Crispy Otah Otah Rolls 香脆乌达卷 - $15

Lobster Kueh Pie Tee comes in a plate of 4. It was seen that the cups that were cradling the ingredients were not the usual ones we had. It's more like fried Wanton skins. Nonetheless, the "cups" were very crispy and the fillings were refreshing with lobster, prawns, tobiko, fruits and Ikura. Come and indulge on these now!

Lobster Kueh Pie Tee - $24

The Crab Fried Rice was dished out in an old-school Chinese bowl. The fried rice was fragrant and whetted our appetite for more. The use of crispy XO shrimps, eggs, tobiko, corn and spring onions were part of this creation and not forgetting the chunky pieces of crab meat. 

Crab Fried Rice - $28

With limited portions daily. our "kiasium" instinct of a Singaporean told us this is a must order. The roasted duck had a strong truffle perfume. 

Truffle Roast Duck 松露烤鸭 - $32

The skin was roasted to crispy perfection and soaked in a pool of spiced duck sauce and adorn by some coriander cress. 

Truffle Roast Duck

This is not your usual bowl of Hokkien Mee. It is made up of premium ingredients and packed of Wok Fried taste. You get to enjoy this local staple in a twist with Smoked Pancetta, eggs, scallops, octopus, clams, bean sprouts and garlic chives. Adding some spicy shrimp paste to this local delight will certainly give your tastebuds a firey kick.

XYT Hokkien Mee 小丫头福建下面 - $32

We were offered some sweet treats and their name cards after payment. What a sweet ending! 

Treats after payment

XYT had transformed our local dishes into innovative dishes, adding a special touch to each. Our overall experience was above average no doubt that the price was a bit steep. It will be good for some special occasion and if you are willing to splurge on our local delights with a twist.

Rating: 4.25 / 5

Xiao Ya Tou
Location: 6 Duxton Hill #01-01 Singapore 089592
Website

Kampong Chicken Eating House

Kampong Chicken Rice is known for its healthier choice compared to the normal chicken rice as it contains lower fat and lowers cholesterol level. Kampong Chickens are said to raised differently from the chicken and are fed with corns. Not only that, they are freely running around instead of staying inside the cages.

Kampong Chicken Eating House

I have been passing this place for several times but never have the chance to make an arrangement down for the chicken rice. Our visit here was impromptu as we were around the corner and cracking our minds on what to have for dinner.

Kampong Chicken Eating House

To my surprise, the kampong chicken served was yellowish in colour. This was beyond my expectation as it was the first time I never had such colour Kampong Chicken. 

Half Chicken - $13

It was said that the used of yellow ginger had made the colour to be more vibrant. The chicken meat was tender and perfectly seasoned with sesame oil and light soy sauce. 

Chicken

The texture of the rice was grainy, not too greasy and fragrant. The style suits me and on top of that, the soup that was served was to my flavour too. Soup was milky in color and sweet tasting with its ingredients.

Half Portion of Kampong Chicken & 2 Bowls of Rice - $14.40

Overall, Kampong Chicken Rice tastes not bad but I still prefer the Kampong chicken Rice from its competitor for their sauces tasted better.

Rating: 3 / 5

Kampong Chicken Eating House
Location:  247 Outram Rd, Singapore 169047

Shake Shack

Finally its my chance to visit Shake Shack, not at Changi Jewel but at their new location, Neil Road.
Shake Shack is housed in the iconic and historic building which has an elegant design

Shake Shack at Neil Road

We came to this outlet as we were nearby and there was no queue too. Many times when we pass by Shake Shack in Changi Jewel, its always filled with snaky queue thus we never have the chance to dine there.

Queue at Shake Shack?

The station by the side allows patrons to self help with plain water as well as tomato and mustard sauce.

Self Service Station

Ordering was a bliss as menu was clear and concise with friendly counter staff helping us out on our choices as a first timer. We order desserts, burgers and side. The burger was smaller than my palm size and the price to dine for 2 was not cheap. Are they really worth the price that one is paying for? Let's read on.

Meal for 2 for a damage at $44.70 

Oh Yes! I love crinkled-cut fries. Surprisingly, these fries were quite soft and quite different from the ones I had. Cheese sauce was light and not thick, generously spread on top of the fries. Its addictive and good for sharing though.

Cheese Fries - $5.90

Potato buns were pillowy light, fluffy and buttery. Prized for its great taste and juicy flavours, this freshly ground 100% Angus beef has no added hormones and antibiotics.The patty had a good texture, cooked evenly with a brown sear at the side. It was a good choice for a first timer like me for cheese burger with lettuce and tomato added with their in house Shack Sauce which I find it very welcoming.  However, if you can't get enough of this portion, you can upgrade it to double at $12.70.

Shack Burger - $9.20 (Single)

This is a combination of Shack Burger and Shroom Burger. The Crispy Fried Portobello Mushroom filled with melted muenster and cheddar cheese was yummy! Besides that, the burger was topped with lettuce tomato and Shack sauce on top of the juicy Signature Angus Beef Patty.

Shack Stack - $14.30

Pandan Shake is only exclusive to Singapore. If you love Pandan taste, you will love this. It is made up of frozen vanilla custard blended with Pandan and coconut, topped with Gula Melaka crumbles. Shake is thick with smooth consistency and the crumbles adding a texture to the drink. As an overall, the drink reminds me of the traditional "Ondeh Ondeh" cake.

Pandan Shake - $7.80

The Shack Attack $7.50 consist of frozen custard blended with mix-ins. Personally, I find that this mixture was chocolaty as it contains chocolate custard blended with plain vanilla brownie, Shack fudge sauce, Lemuel chocolate chunks and chocolate sprinkles. Having bought this, 5% of sales from Shack Attack support Very Special Arts Singapore, a non-profit providing opportunities for the disabled through arts.

Our Meal

Though the price may be steep, I guessed it all sums up to the quality and premium food selection where they pledged it contains no hormones or antibiotics on the Angus Beef.

Rating: 3.5 / 5

Shake Shack
Location: 89 Neil Road #01-01, Singapore 088849

Good Taste Bak Kut Teh

Came across a facebook post on my feed mentioning about Herbal Bak Kut Teh and the first thing on my mind is to try it as we seldom get to find the "black" style here. Good taste Bak Kut Teh is originated from Malaysia , Sarawak with more than 20 years in Business, serving Bak Kut Teh coupled with some Sarawak dishes. She is located along the shop houses of Neil Road with about 10 minutes walk from Outram or Tanjong Pagar MRT Station.

Good Taste Bak Kut Teh

Being excited, I hurried to have a sip of the herbal soup after taking pictures of the food. The taste was good but still lack the strong boost of herbal taste if you were to compare to its Kluang or Black style of Bak Kut Teh in Malaysia. Nevertheless, I still have the soup cleared in my claypot. We also added the "U Cha Kuih" (Fried Fritters) at $2.50, letting them soaked in the herbal soup. Ingredients were fresh with button mushroom, Tau ki, Tau Pok, pork ribs,belly, intestines, stomach and lettuce. Meat was not too tough and fell off from bone easily. Pieces of food items were well cut into bite size which I think is good enough especially when we were trying to grab the entire piece out of the hot claypot.

Bak Kut Teh Mix All 参完- $10.00 (Small)

The Dry version of Bak Kut Teh comes in 3 Sizes, $10, $18 & $27. Cooked in dark sauce with pork belly, pork ribs, intestines, ladies fingers and dried chilli. It was not spicy even though chilli were added. We were not a fan of this dish.

Dry Bak Kut Teh 干肉骨茶 - $10.00 (Small)

Love the wine and ginger combination with Pork Liver and Kidney. It's commendable that they cleanse and prepare the offal. We can hardly notice any foul smell of it. The gravy/soup is not too salty and goes well with the bowl of rice.

                    Pork Liver & Kidney With Wine  黄酒猪肝猪腰 -  $10.00 (Small)

Claypot Chicken was average and you may want to save your stomach for other dishes. The cooking style is similar to dry version of Bak Kut Teh with dried chilli and dark sauce. Again, though it may look spicy, it was not.

Claypot Chicken 花调鸡 - $9.00

They do not have plain rice. Instead, the offer Onion Rice and its unique on its own. Not to worry about being too greasy as it tastes as close to a plain normal bowl of white rice added with a tad fried onion fragrant.

Onion Rice 葱油饭 - $1.00

Alternative option to Onion Rice will be Sarawak Kolok Mee, topped with minced meat, spring onion , mix in shallot oil and pork lard. Noodle is springy and taste. It comes with 2 pieces of meat in the bowl and a bowl of fishball soup. The set was good except that the bowl of soup was too peppery to my liking.

Sarawak kolok Mee 砂拉越干面 - $5.00

Hits and misses, I will say that Good Taste Bak Kut Teh may do slightly better than the average but overall it does not give the enough WOW Factor to make us travel down to Neil Road again just for Bak Kut Teh. Pricing wise, it may be a bit more on a high side. There is not much Klaung Style Bak Kut Teh in Singapore, however, if you are like me who prefer the "Black" style, you may want to have a trip there and try out yourself.

Rating: 3.25 / 5

Good Taste Bak Kut Teh
Location: 39 Neil Rd, Singapore 088823