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

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

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

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

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

Xin Mei Xiang Lor Mee

There was a time when we would make the journey all the way to Old Airport Road, braving the famously long queues, just for a bowl of Xin Mei Xiang’s comforting traditional Lor Mee. With their recent expansions, I’m thrilled to see this nostalgic taste becoming more accessible. Just last weekend, I had the chance to visit their Clementi branch. Today, they have grown to six outlets, located in Balestier, Clementi West, Holland Drive, Bishan, Tampines, and, of course, their iconic stall at Old Airport Road.

Xin Mei Xiang Lor Mee’s Clementi Outlet

In addition to the classic Lor Mee we know and love, Xin Mei Xiang has introduced a range of creative variations. These braised noodles are now paired with an array of toppings such as chicken cutlet, fish flakes, pork belly, and even scallops. Beyond their popularity with locals, they’ve gained significant recognition, having been featured in the Michelin Guide and highlighted by various media outlets like Makansutra, Shin Min Daily News, CTrip, and Gourmet List.

Menu

A quick glance at the menu was all it took to spot our favorites, and we made our decision swiftly as the queue was growing. Here's what we ordered: four different variations of Lor Mee.

My Orders

I’m quite accustomed to their signature bowl of traditional Lor Mee, which comes loaded with shredded fish, tender braised pork belly, crunchy bean sprouts, and a flavorful braised egg. All of this goodness is served over yellow noodles, perfectly soaking up the rich, gooey braised gravy.

Signature Lor Mee 招牌卤面 - $6 

Savor the best of both worlds with a combination of fried and shredded fish paired with braised noodles. This is a great option for those who prefer a fishy twist to the traditional bowl of Lor Mee.

Double Fish Lor Mee 双鱼卤面 - $6

The  Lor Mee dish beautifully showcases two distinct types of fish: crispy fried and tender shredded fish, offering a delightful mix of textures and flavours. The rich, savoury braised gravy ties everything together, making it a satisfying meal for fish lovers.

Double Fish 

If you’re craving something fried, go for the Chicken Cutlet Lor Mee. The cutlet is deep-fried to golden perfection, making it a delicious complement to the bowl of savoury noodles.

Chicken Cutlet Lor Mee 炸鸡扒卤面 - $5 

The Chicken Cutlet Lor Mee offers a satisfying crunch with its perfectly golden, crispy cutlet. Drizzled with savoury gravy, it's an indulgent pairing that elevates the traditional Lor Mee experience.

Chicken Cutlet

Xin Mei Xiang Scallop Lor Mee 新美香扇贝卤面 - $8.50

The Scallop Lor Mee is a premium addition to the menu, standing out as the priciest option. It's a delightful twist on the traditional Lor Mee, featuring succulent scallops that elevate the dish to a more indulgent experience.

Scallop

Eager to sample a bit of everything, we added extras like Ngoh Hiong, chicken cutlet, and shredded fish to enhance each of our individual servings.

Toppings

Overall, the taste was quite satisfying, bringing back nostalgic memories of our breakfast trips to Old Airport Road Food Centre.

Xin Mei Xiang Lor Mee

Location: 727 Clementi West St 2, #01-232, Singapore 120727

Soon Lee Fishball Noodle

The competition remains tough with numerous Fishball Noodle Stalls in West Coast Market Square. Well, I will say each stall has their own supporters and fans. By the glance of the long snakey queue in front of Soon Lee Fishball Noodles, it's quite obvious why this stall has been there for decades.

Stall of Soon Lee Fishball Noodle

Here comes the bowl of nostalgic taste of Minced Meat Fishball Noodles. The Soup tasted good with 2 meatballs, 3 fishballs with vegetables, and "dong cai". Mee Pok on the other hand was well tossed in the sauces topped with minced meat and slices of fish cakes.

Mee Pok Dry - $4

Perhaps this is the longest time ever I had queued for Soon Lee Fishball Noodle, demanding a 30 minutes wait in queue on a weekend. No doubt it was simply executed, it still bring a good childhood taste that I believe the repeating patrons are going for.

Rating: 3.25 / 5

Soon Lee Fishball
Location: West Coast Market Square, 726 Clementi West Street 2, #01-184 Singapore 120726