Qiji Traditional Fish Maw

Just last year, Chef Darwin shared with us during my visit to the Sim Lim Square outlet that they would be opening another outlet at Sunset Way. As Sunset Way is one of my frequent hangouts, I was excited to hear the news.

I recently dropped by the new outlet and noticed that the menu is slightly different from Cheeky's Signature at Sim Lim Square, offering diners a few new options to explore. It's great to see Chef Darwin bringing his creations closer to the west side.

Qiji Minced POrk Noodles

Their homemade drinks were special in their own way, served in disposable bowls instead of the usual cups. We had the Pink Guava with Sour Plum and the Water Chestnut with Longan. Both drinks came chilled with refreshing agar agar bits, adding a fun texture to every sip. The pink guava drink offered a pleasant balance of sweet and tangy flavours, while the water chestnut and longan combination was light, cooling and naturally refreshing.

Assorted Homemade Drinks - $3

Let's dive into their menu specials! Guess what we had first? The Teow Chew Seahum. We proudly belong to the "Ai Hum" team, so this was an easy order for us.

These fresh cockles were served with traditional condiments that complemented their natural flavour beautifully. They were delightfully bloody, juicy and packed with umami goodness. If you're a fellow cockle lover and don't mind enjoying them in their authentic style, this is definitely worth a try.

Teow Chew Seahum - $9.80

Next up was the Gong Gong, often regarded as the Chinese version of the French escargot. Served simply to let the freshness shine, these sea snails were firm, sweet and incredibly fresh. Best of all, there was no gamey taste at all. Just grab a toothpick and enjoy the natural flavours hidden within each shell.

Gong Gong - $9.80

Perhaps the most unique item on the menu was the Crocodile Ribs Soup. It's not every day that you come across crocodile ribs, making this a rather interesting find.

Served in a claypot, the soup was nourishing, comforting and naturally sweet. As for the meat, it was surprisingly tender and tasted very much like pork. In fact, if I hadn't been told it was crocodile, I would have easily mistaken it for pork ribs. A worthwhile order for those looking to try something a little different.

Claypot Nourishing Crocodile Ribs Fish Maw Soup - $28

The Fried XL Shrimp Wanton (4pcs) turned out to be a pleasant surprise. Deep-fried to a beautiful golden brown, they were light and crispy without being overly oily. Each bite revealed a flavourful filling that paired perfectly with the crunchy exterior. Simple yet satisfying, this was one dish that disappeared from the table rather quickly.

Fried XL Shrimp Wanton (4pcs) - $480

The Roasted Cauliflower was something we don't usually order, but it turned out to be a pleasant surprise. Cooked just right, the cauliflower retained a slight bite without being too hard. Lightly seasoned and full of natural sweetness, it made for a simple yet addictive dish that balanced out the richer items on the table.

Roasted Cauliflower - $4.80

For something more comforting, we had the Mixed Pork Fish Maw Soup paired with Pork Lard Pearl Rice. The soup came with both sliced pork and minced pork, creating a hearty and satisfying bowl.

The broth was sweet, flavourful and enriched with fish maw, while a touch of pepper added a gentle kick. 

Mixed Pork with Pork Lard Pearl Rice 综合猪肉猪油渣饭 - $6.90

The fragrant pearl rice, topped with crispy pork lard, complemented the soup beautifully, making this a comforting combination that is easy to enjoy.

Pork Lard Rice

We had the Cheeky Signature with Dry Bee Hoon, and this is probably the dish to order if you want a bit of everything. The hearty bowl came packed with prawns, fish maw, clams, minced meat, meatballs and more, making every spoonful a satisfying one.

The dry bee hoon was springy and well-seasoned, while the crispy pork lard added an extra layer of fragrance and texture. Paired with the rich and flavourful soup, this was easily one of the most complete and comforting dishes on the table.

Cheeky Signature with Bee Hoon (Dry) 

The lala clams were plump, fresh and cooked just right. Most importantly, they were free from any sandy grit, allowing their natural sweetness to shine through. A simple ingredient, but one that added plenty of flavour to the already hearty bowl.

Clams 

One thing I appreciated was that the fish maw soup base is refillable, and every refill came with a friendly smile. To soak up all that rich and comforting goodness, we also ordered some you tiao, which paired wonderfully with the soup.

A special mention goes to their coriander peanut sauce, which added an extra layer of flavour to many of the dishes. With hearty food, attentive service and a few unique menu items, I certainly wouldn't mind returning again for another satisfying meal.

Orders

Qiji Minced Pork Noodle
Location: 106 Clementi Street 12, #01-62, Singapore 120106

TriCow Hotpot & BBQ Buffet 犇火锅烧烤自助

 Recently made a visit to Tricow at West Coast Plaza for their 100 Minutes Hotpot & BBQ Buffet, a spot that will definitely appeal to beef lovers and those who enjoy gathering over a hearty meal. 

Specialises in Beef

The buffet offers up to 20 types of beef alongside a wide variety of classic hotpot ingredients, making it a satisfying dining experience for both hotpot and BBQ fans.

Menu

Besides the extensive meat selection, the buffet line also includes BBQ skewers, fresh vegetables, cold dishes, snacks, drinks, and desserts.

Assorted Chinese Skewers

There was a good variety available, allowing diners to enjoy both heavier and lighter options throughout the meal. 

Cooked Food

Whether you prefer grilling meats over the BBQ or simmering ingredients in a comforting soup base, there is plenty to choose from.

Cooked Food

Guests can also customise their dining experience with 5 different soup bases and 4 dipping sauces available. 

Beef Bone and Tomato Broth Soup Base

These are charged separately from the buffet price, but they help elevate the overall flavours and make the meal more enjoyable.

Signature Sauce, Sesame Sauce, Special Chilli Sauce and Sacha Sauce

The buffet is priced at $38 for adults and $28 for children during both lunch and dinner sessions from 11am to 2pm and 5pm to 9pm. Ladies can also enjoy a special Wednesday promotion where every 3 ladies dining will receive 1 free buffet (excluding public holidays), making it a great option for gatherings with friends and family.

Very Comfortable Settings of Tricow

Beyond the hearty buffet spread, Tricow also features a cosy and playful interior that adds to the dining experience. The space is decorated with adorable cow plushies and bright decorative elements, creating a fun and welcoming atmosphere for diners. The warm wooden accents and comfortable seating made it feel like a casual spot to relax and enjoy a comforting hotpot meal with friends and family.

A cozy dining space made even cuter with adorable cow plushies 

One of the highlights at Tricow was watching the staff expertly hand-slice fresh beef behind the counter, preparing thin and tender cuts made fresh upon order for the hotpot and BBQ experience.

Fresh Beef Hand-Sliced Upon Order at Tricow

An indulgent spread of freshly sliced beef featuring different cuts and marbling, served alongside bubbling hotpot broth and flavourful dipping sauces at Tricow.

Different Cuts a Marbling

Tricow also impressed with its wide variety of beef cuts, allowing diners to enjoy the different textures and flavour profiles from the various parts of the beef. From fattier cuts with beautiful marbling to leaner slices with a meatier bite, each platter offered its own unique taste when cooked in the hotpot or over the BBQ grill. The thinly sliced beef cooked quickly in the bubbling broth while still retaining its tenderness, making it easy to savour the natural richness and juiciness of the meat. For beef lovers, the buffet provided plenty of opportunities to explore and enjoy different cuts throughout the meal.

A satisfying spread of different beef cuts at Tricow

Besides indulging in the wide variety of meats, we also made sure to balance the meal with selections from the vegetables section. The spread included fresh leafy greens, mushrooms, lotus root, radish, and potato slices which paired well with the hotpot broth. It added a lighter and more refreshing touch to the overall buffet experience while complementing the richness of the meats.

Adding some fresh vegetables to balance out the hearty hotpot feast. 

Of course, no hotpot session feels complete without the classic staple ingredients that everyone loves adding into the bubbling broth. From fish balls and dumplings to tofu pouches, crab sticks, and other comforting hotpot essentials, these ingredients added extra variety and texture to the meal. They soaked up the flavours of the soup beautifully and made the overall dining experience feel even more satisfying and comforting.

Classic hotpot staples that complete every comforting hotpot feas

For those who enjoy more adventurous hotpot ingredients, Tricow also offers beef tripe and beef tendon as part of the buffet selection. The beef tripe carried a pleasantly chewy and slightly crunchy texture after cooking in the broth, while the beef tendon became soft and gelatinous with a rich bite. 

Beef tripe

These classic hotpot favourites added more variety to the meal and paired especially well with the flavourful dipping sauces.

Beef Tendon

Not forgetting the handmade seafood paste selections too. Smooth, bouncy, and packed with natural sweetness a comforting hotpot essential that soaked up all the rich broth flavours beautifully.

Fish Paste

Shrimp Paste

Not forgetting the auspicious fortune bag in our hotpot feast. A symbolic ingredient believed to bring luck and prosperity, especially when enjoyed during gatherings. Soft, juicy, and fully soaked in the comforting broth, it made the meal feel even more hearty and satisfying.

Fortune Bag for Hotpot

Last but not least, we wrapped up the hearty hotpot feast with their homemade desserts. 

Refreshing White Fungus Soup

From the refreshing white fungus sweet soup to the cooling herbal jelly topped with sweet toppings, both desserts were light, comforting, and a satisfying end to the meal.

Herbal Jelly 

The hotpot experience was made even more enjoyable with the wide variety of ingredients, comforting broths, handmade seafood pastes, and delightful homemade desserts to end the meal on a sweet note. From premium meats to comforting staples and auspicious items like the fortune bag, every dish came together for a hearty and satisfying feast perfect for gatherings with family and friends.

TriCow Hotpot & BBQ Buffet 犇火锅烧烤自助 
Location: West Coast Plaza, West Coast Rd, #01-02  Singapore 127371
Website

$5 Western

$5 Western? That certainly sounds like a deal, especially nowadays when a decent plate of Western food at a hawker centre easily costs $7 to $8 or more. Curious about the value, we decided to check out this Halal-certified Western food stall in Clementi, where orders can conveniently be placed via a self-service kiosk. It definitely caught our attention as an affordable option in today’s rising food price scene.

Stall of $5 Western

The execution of the Chicken Chop was definitely to my liking. It came as a complete plate with coleslaw, fries, and a buttered bun, alongside the main slab of chicken chop. Despite its very attractive $5 price tag, both the taste and portion were not compromised. The chicken chop itself was well cooked, with nicely charred edges that added a slight smokiness. Topped with herbs and a savoury sauce, it elevated the overall fragrance and made the dish feel far more value-for-money than expected.

Chicken Chop - $5

Overall, this $5 Western stall in Clementi turned out to be a pleasant and value-for-money find. In today’s rising price climate, it is rare to find a plate that delivers both satisfying portion and taste without cutting corners. The chicken chop was well executed, and it certainly proved that affordable Western food can still be enjoyable. With several other items on their menu at equally attractive prices, I will definitely be back again to try more of their offerings.

$5 Western
Location: Chang Cheng Mee Wah. WuFu Coffee Shop, 354 Clementi Ave 2, #01-157  Singapore 120354

Fried Carrot Cake

Finally back for Fried Carrot Cake after months of craving! Hit the queue as early as 7am on a weekend, but this time, a petite lady was single-handedly manning both woks, no familiar faces, yet the same delicious anticipation.

Fried Carrot Cake

Old habits never die. I went straight for the small Black Fried Carrot Cake. Aweeeesome! The sweet preserved veggies, egg, and black sauce, all kissed with wok hei, truly hit the spot and crushed my long-time craving.

Fried Carrot Cake (Black) - $4

If you are a fan of the classic white-style Fried Carrot Cake, skip the black sauce and go for this eggy, and full of wok hei goodness!

Fried Carrot Cake (White) - $5

Whether you like it black or white, fried carrot cake remains a timeless local favourite, comforting, flavourful, and always worth the queue.

Fried Carrot Cake
Location: Blk 448 Clementi Ave 3, #01-45, Singapore 120448

Botanict

It's been a while since I had a vegetarian meal, but at my vegetarian friend's request, we visited Botanict, which offers an interesting array of vegetarian Nyonya dishes.

Botanict

The spicy Otah's presentation was impressive. As a non-vegetarian, I found the taste and texture surprisingly close to the usual version. Made with tau gua, it was a well-executed reinvention.

Spicy Otah - $13.30

As a petai lover, I immediately went for the Sambal Vegetable & Petai dish. It wasn’t overly spicy and had a mix of tempeh, French beans, tomatoes, and more.

Sambal Vegetable & Petai - $12

The Truffle Oyster Omelette was intriguing. Instead of oysters, they used mushrooms, and the portion was generous. The truffle aroma lingered as it was served. 

Truffle Oyster Omelette - $14.30

With egg included, I’m still amazed at how soy can work wonders in vegetarian dishes.

Mocked Oyster

The menu was quite extensive, but we only managed three dishes this time. I wouldn’t mind returning for more. The owner also mentioned they offer BBQ Chuang Chuang in the evenings!

Botanict
Location:  Blk 352 Clementi Ave 2, #01-123, Singapore 120352
Website

Hee Hee Hee Steamed fish & seafood

Recently, the lunch mates spotted a new stall in Clementi, and we decided to share a meal there. It turned out to be a great choice to welcome the new year with healthy and delicious steamed food.

Hee Hee Hee Steamed fish & seafood

Upon examining the signboard, we noticed that the stall originated from Circuit Road. They offer a good variety of seafood dishes and vegetable options, making it easy to mix and match for a well-balanced meal.

Menu

The menu features quite a number of new items, and I’m glad to see that the prices are reasonable and won’t burn a hole in your pocket. Imagine enjoying a plate of fresh steamed prawns for just $8!

New On Menu

The otah and egg dish is absolutely delicious—what a fantastic combination!

Otah & Egg - $8

The lady's fingers were delicately steamed and topped with crispy fried onions. It's a straightforward dish, but the simplicity allows the natural flavours of the okra to shine through, with the fried onions adding a delightful crunch to each bite.

Lady's Fingers - $6

The Thai Chilli Sotong quickly became one of our favorite dishes. The garlicky flavor, paired with a hint of spice, elevated the tender pieces of sotong. The flavorful gravy was the perfect complement, making it an irresistible match with a bowl of plain rice.

Thai Chilli Sotong - $12

The fish slices were an excellent choice for sharing among our large group. Infused with ginger and garlic, the dish effectively balanced the fish's natural flavor. The tender fish slices were delicious, and the savory gravy was a perfect accompaniment to our bowls of plain rice.

Slice Fish - $8

The freshness of the prawns was truly commendable. While peeling off the shells was required, the dish was expertly seasoned. A harmonious blend of spring onions, ginger, and chopped garlic in soy sauce enhanced the delicate flavor of the seafood, making each bite a delight.

Prawn - $8

For fish head enthusiasts, Hee Hee Hee delivers on the freshness of its seafood, making it well worth every cent spent.

Fish Head - $25

To strike a perfect balance in the meal, we had stir-fried nai bai, topped with crispy fried onions, adding both texture and flavor.

Vegetables (Nai Bai) - $6

Next up, the lala—absolutely delicious! The dish was well-prepared, with no trace of sand, making every bite enjoyable.

Lala - $8

Overall, I was impressed by how quickly the dishes were served, especially considering the number of items we ordered. They were dished out in no time, keeping the meal flowing smoothly. A return for other dishes is definitely on the cards, as we're eager to try more of what the menu has to offer

Rating: 3.5 / 5

Hee Hee Hee Steam Fish & Seafood 喜喜蒸鱼海鲜
Location: 431 Clementi Ave 3, Block 431, Singapore 120431