Ministry of Ribs

Another hangout found somewhere near the Industrial Estates! Hidden among the HDB in Pandan Gardens, is it a hype that more and more of such cafes are situated under the public housing estate or it is that the rental are relatively cheaper there as compared to those commercial buildings. Whatever it is, as long as it benefits patrons like us with an affordable pricing and quality food, we will be there, don't you think so?

Ministry of Ribs Counter

Brown was the main color used for Ministry of Ribs. Environment was typical cafe orientation and was compact. Not to worry about the seats, there were also ample of seating in front and along the corridoors of Ministry of Ribs.

Menu on the Wall

Homemade glass jars of Ice Lemon Tea was quite sweet and sour.

Iced Lemon Tea - $2.50

 We had the Prime Ribeye Steak (200g) at $13.90. Opted for Medium well and it was done to its perfection. Unfortunately, I forgot to take pictures of it. As the knife sliced into the meat, it was visible that the prime ribeye steak's doneness was perfectly well seared with slight trace of pink.  

Upon seeing the uniform grilled lines on the Pork Ribeye steak, it had lured me further. There were 3 choices of sauce available, Mushroom, Wild Mushroom & Black Pepper. However for Wild Mushroom, additional $0.50 is payable. Though meat was of a thicker portion and tough, this succulent slab was too tempting to be resisted. Sides like corn kernels & coleslaw had made meal to be completed.

Pork Ribeye Steak - $10.40

Pork Steak

The hungry man ordered the full rack of BBQ Pork Ribs over the lunch time. Feeling sinful, he "donated" his portions to us. And fortunately, we got a taste of the so called "Best Ribs in Town" as stated on their signboard. Taste was sweet and savoury with lucious BBQ sauce spread. Meat easily fell off from the bone without much effort, though being tender, it was not that juicy. I would say there are better players out there, thus there is nothing to rave about.

BBQ Ribs Full - $22.90

Close up on the Ribs

The Ministry Burger lived up to its name. With its handmade patty and its hearty complete with chunks of fried onions rings atop its juicy patty and bacon. It's definitely a steal at that kind of pricing. This dish comes with a complimentary side.

Ministry Burger - $13.90

Check out their daily special and be surprise.With Ribeye Steak Standard, Wagyu Shoulder Tender did not set to disappoint. Crisscrossed charred grilled marks on the bullet shaped Wagyu are among the noteworthy items. Try your luck at Ministry of Ribs since this dish is random.

Wagyu Shoulder Tender - $

Rating: 3.25 / 5

Ministry of Ribs
Location: 416 Pandan Garden #01-125 Singapore 600416

The Blue Ginger Restaurant

When it comes about discussion of Peranakan Food, I always get excited. I have been wanting to go The Blue Ginger Restaurant all these years but I just could not find an appropriate occasion to have a gathering over there. Fortunately, this round, with so many food options around, I manage to get everyone agree on the Cuisine.

Menu

Every patron is subjected to pay a sum of $2.60, a miscellenous charge which include unlimited portion of rice, sambal belachan and a portion of Achar. Though it tasted fair ordinary, it's a good to have for an appetizer as it really whet our appetite to come.

Achar

Opening our meal session will be one of Pernankan's staple, Kueh Pie Te. These lovely crisp little cups filled with braised turnips, shredded bamboo shoots, topped with half a prawn and sambal chilli. There were good but not the best I had so far. It would be good, if the cups are bigger in size and spicier.

Kueh Pie Tee - $7

Ngo Heong is also one of their specialities. With minced pork and prawns seasoned with five spice powder, they were fried to cripsy brown. Dab abit onto the sweet sauce and enjoy!

Ngo Heong - $11

Being a Singaporean, Otak Otak is no stranger to us. It is a fishcake recipe with turmeric and lime leaves with galangal, chilli, candlenuts and shrimp paste. It's springy and moist texture brought gave a very good comparison to those usual ones we had. I was not too impress with this as the taste was more towards "lemak" side and thus I  could not really have a good feel of the Otak.

Otak Otak - $4

The house's speciality was out to impress. With deboned chicken thigh meat and drumstick grilled with rich coconut milk and exotic spices. Though meat was rather tender but such Panggang dish caught me by surprise as the flavoured coconut milk had covered the grilled flavours all up.

Ayam Panggang - $13.50

Covering the tender beef cubes with rich coconut milk, lemon grass, lime leaves and ginger spice and also a dash of curry powder. Taste was rather standard and nothing impressive.

Beef Rendang - $14.80

Chap Chye came rich in prawn broth. It came with dried prawns in between bites and taste was rich. Out of most Nonya dishes, what I like best is usually their Chap Chye, however, this was not too impressive. It lacked the Wow factor and the leaves of mixed vegetables were simply too big even though they were cooked to its soften texture. On a side note black fungs, mushrooms and tang hoon were flavourful.

Chap Chye - $12

Dessert of the day was rather straight forward with soursp flesh over a heap of ice. Squeeze some lemon over it and enjoy the ice cooling dessert.

Dessert of the day - $4.50

An addition to the original Chendol with durian over it. Durian did not let out its strong smelling flavour initially but as we mixed in everything, it started to reveal a little. I was a little disappointment with its use of durian paste instead of the real flesh. (Perhaps, I'm thinking too much as this is durian season). The classic ingredients like sweetened red beans, coconut jelly with Gula Melaka and coconut cream were all in.

Durian Chendol - $5.80

Thick creamy coconut topped the fine ice with Gula Melaka pour onto it. Digging down into the ice, sago beads as well as honey sea coconut strips were revealed. A good refreshing treat after meal.

Gula Melaka - $4.50

Though they were awarded by a number of medias and with such centralised location,  it is no doubt that it caught aplenty of foreigners dining in there. If you were looking for some up-scale environment for Peranakan Cuisine, The Blue Ginger Restaurant may be a very good choice. Hits and misses, personally, having been to a number of places with Peranakan dishes, it was a slight disappointment here. In fact I was expecting better and would leave an impression that worth a return.

Rating: 3.25 / 5

The Blue Ginger Restaurant
Location: 97 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088518
Website

Chabuton

Chabuton offers a varities of signature ramen ranging from Tonkotsu, Tonkotsu Shio, Tonkotsu Miso, Shoyu to Shoyu Zaru Ramen. They are of high quality and superior in taste. In fact, these high quality ramen using the same recipes created by first Michelin starred ramen chef.

Chabuton

Crunchy golden fried squid was a good start. Served with shredded cabbages, the battered squid was rather tender and went well with the Japanese style of Mayonnaise. 

Ika Karaage (Fried Squid) - $5

For the brave soul who had took up the challenge on LEVEL 5 without much consideration. There were 5 levels available where Level 1 is most suitable for low tolerance for spicy food and Level 5 the nose-watering and tongue burning aftermath.

The Challenge

Unveil the Yoruton Ramen! It has a spicy taste with chilli paste featuring Chabuton's signature tonkotsu soup. Bamboo shoot, Japanese leek as well as Char Siew had topped the bowl of ramen loaded with good smelling amount of roasted sesame seeds. To those who can take spicy stuff, Level 5 is no kick. :)

Yoruton Ramen - $12.90

With additional item like the Nori Seaweed, it enlightened our meal. Pieces of Seaweed were crunchy without being spicy.

Seaweed - $1.50

 One of the recommended style will be Chabuton's Tonkotsu Ramen where the medium noodle texture was soaked in rich and creamy pork bone broth, topped with char siew, bamboo shoot and Japanese leek. To me it is the downgraded version of the Yoruton Ramen without the spice. This comes in 2 sizes, the Junior and the Large size.

Junior Tonkotsu Ramen - $8.80

Overall, I find that there is nothing to rave about. Taste of the ramen were pretty standard and with a limitation in the items in the menu, it's hardly I will make a return any sooner.

Rating: 3 / 5

Chabuton
Location: The Star Vista, 1 Vista Exchange Green #01-41 Singapore 138617

Ng Soon Kee Fish & Duck Porridge

Ng Soon Kee Fish & Duck Porridge has been my childhood favourite and many times when I tried to visit them during my spare times these few years, I was always out of luck. Even though many years had passed since my last visit, I could still see that the stall is still run by the elders.

Ng Soon Kee Fish & Duck Porridge

Over the years, one thing that has never change was the waiting time. They are still so popular and always with hidden queues. I waited about 20 minutes before getting my food but I remember I could wait up to 45 minutes during the peak hours. Having the bowl of soup while reminiscing my younger days was priceless. Fish broth was clear filled with fresh slices of fish with tomato wedges, Sze Chuan Vegetables and lettuce topped with fried shallots oil as well as coriander. Delighting flavours!

Fish Soup - $8

Not only that, it was nutritiously good in a healthier option.

Ingredients

Every time without fail, I will order their braised duck. Came in a plate of dark sauce, the gravy is especially good to pair with the bowl of white rice. The braised duck was still as good, keeping its traditional taste as it used to be. Duck meat was cut into bite size and meat was kind of tough over here. Usually, I would just opt for duck wings for tender bites. For those who prefer other parts of the duck, they have braised duck gizzard too.

Braised Duck - $3

Rice was abit overcooked I felt. Water content was more than the usual servings. Nevertheless, the braised gravy gave a good wrap up to the fragrant white rice.

White Rice - $0.50

I'm not sure, when will I ever have a chance to visit Ng Soon Kee Fish & Duck Porridge again but they were always one of my best choices among the traditional tastes.

Rating: 3.5 / 5

Ng Soon Kee Fish & Duck Porridge
Location: Aljunied Market & Food Centre, Blk 117 Aljunied Avenue 2 #01-11 Singapore 380117

Wimi

Not long ago I had went to Bangkok's Chatuchak Market and was kind of hooked to their snacks along the roads while shopping and one of them was none other than their coconut ice cream. Beating the heat, it was a real enjoyable moment enjoying such local special dessert at the side of the road.

Wimi

Residing in the western part of Singapore, I had news that the mall, 321 had recently opened. Although the mall has not been fully opened, I have already seen articles of Wimi with ice cream in the Thai coconut shell. That's where temptation starts.

Do You Know?

Wimi sells traditional Thai Coconut Ice Cream, fresh coconut and coconut soft serve. We had the Traditional Thai Coconut Ice Cream. It came with 2 scoops of coconut ice cream, a cup of fresh coconut juice and 3 toppings of our choice. Toppings include peanut, Aloe Vera, Atap Seed, Chendol, Grass Jelly and Sweet Corn. There are also premium toppings like Gingko Nuts, jackfruit, kidney beans, mango, red ruby and taro yam for your selection.

Traditional Thai Coconut Ice Cream - $4.90

Grass Jelly, Chendol and Attap Seed

These coconut ice cream were made fresh daily without any stabilizers or preservatives. For the coconut ice cream, I had opted the original instead of the stronger taste. Both type was refreshing with coconut flavour, the only difference is that the stronger flavour was less milky and with more coconut taste. Sweetness level was mild and was very soothing. On a side note, we all agreed that the Chendol (Cocconut Jelly) was more towards salty side.

With Chendol, Nata De Coco and Pineapple

I have never thought that Thai's Ice Cream will be up in trend over here in Singapore lately and it's rather surprise to see them again. In fact, I was rather happy to see Wimi offering such dessert. For those who share the same sentiments as me, its great that we do not have to travel to Thailand to enjoy such desserts.

With Attap Seed, Pineapple and Peanuts

Finish

Rating: 3.25 / 5

Wimi
Location: 321 Clementi Ave 3 Singapore 129905

Xin Yuan Ji

If you have frequent Bugis area, Tan Quee Lan Street should be of no stranger to you. With couple of eateries along the streets, the place is always bustling, likewise to crowd opposite in Bugis Junction.

Xin Yuan Ji has been around for many years but I have never went in there as I have often withdrawn myself upon seeing just long queues outside the restaurant.

Xin Yuan Ji Facade

Despite the snaky queues, staff has efficiently clear them in no time and turn over there was rather high too. Interior was both installed with Aircon as well as ceiling fans, thus even though patrons were in front of the flames from the Charcoal pot, they won't feel too heaty.

Interior

Besides being known for their charcoal fish meat / head, they are also known for their curry fish head. Cze Char Style dishes are also available. Just flip over and have a look at the variety.

Xin Yuan Ji Menu

I won't consider myself going Xin Yuan Ji without having their signature Charcoal Hot Pot with Fish Meat / Head. At the first sip of the soup, I truly comprehend the persistent patrons waiting outside.

Pot with Base

Soup was rich and savoury with sweet notes. With Charcoal stacked in the opening and burning, the soup was put to simmered. Ingredients like, Tofu, Yam, vegetables, tomatoes, chinese parseley and thick fish chunks had make the soup such flavourful. Even with the soup alone, it will go very well with just bowl/s of plain white rice.

Charcoal Hot Pot

Becareful, both the pot and soup are very hot!

Close up

Looked at the big chunk of fish meat from the pot! In fact this is not the only piece that is so thick, the rest were more of less in the same size too. With ample of ginger strips added, there were not a single trace of "fishiness" and the taste was pretty different till I realized what was done. Instead of putting the raw fish into the soup and let it boil, those pieces had actually went through a round of cooking, pan fried, perhaps. Just take a look at the charred area and it would definitely tell you more about it.

Fish

We topped up the pot with another plate of Fried Fish but in fried style. If it was to consume alone, you will find that these fried fish were not freshly fried and quite cold. Therefore it is recommended to soak them up in the charcoal hot pot. $15 is definitely worth as these chunks were generous portions.

Sides - Fried Fish - $15

Is the food justifiable to the length of the queue outside? Taste wise food is above average but service wise is kind of frustrating. We have requested a few times to have our soup topped up and even though they had agreed, our pot was never filled up. However, if customers have left, they were very quick in clearing the table. In my conclusion, they gave me the impression that they do not have customer's interest at heart, thus making a return trip there is questionable now. Do note that for payments only cash and nets are accepted there.

Rating: 3.25 / 5

Xin Yuan Ji
Location: Tan Quee Lan St, 31 Tan Quee Lan St #01-01 Singapore 188117

BuckTile St. Cafe [Closed]

BuckTile St. Cafe is nestled among the landed estate, this is one place which I would have never venture into if not for my friend recommendation. However if you were there by bus, just drop off at the bus stop at AYE and with less than 5 minutes walk, you should be there.

Exterior of the shop front looked quite English with wood planks decked up and with its colorful lighting hanging around their red window frame makes me look merry as if Christmas is around the corner.

BuckTile Cafe

Interior was relaxing and cosy suitable for children. You get to see some of the antiques on the shelves too.

Interior

What caught my attention was this little corner where you get to see a big gorilla in a baby cot look so sad. I find it rather amazing to see such stuff toy around.

Baby Gorilla in a Cot

On the left side of the baby cot and over the counter, there is a pin up board where you can hang your bucket list. Just below it, there is a counter where patrons are free to help themselves with unlimited cups of lemon infused water. Utensils, serviettes and sauce are available too.

Bucket List

Display Shelf

Wifi Connection is generally good and with a strong reception in the cafe. With its interesting decors around, it make the place "instagrammable" immediately with such free connection.

Free Wifi

Menus are readily available on every table and there is an adjustable calendar desktop decoration where patrons can tune to the date and upload a picture onto the social media. Isn't it cool?

Menu

Upon drinking the Mocha Caramel Latte ice, I found that it was rather bland and I could not taste any caramel. Also, the Mocha flavour was not enough.

Mocha Caramel Latte (Cold) - $8

With Chocolate in the cup, I was expecting something chocolate instead of coffee. The cup of chocolate mint latte was more coffee taste and mint than anything chocolate.

Chocolate Mint Latte (Hot) - $7

I'm here to check out what's the rave about their blue velvet cake. Cake was not totally blue but towards a greener blue with sweet white cream in between the 3 layers of cake. It was velvety and moist, not very sweet. However, I find that the layer of white cream together with its rainbow sprinkle was for the sweet tooth. Add some chocolate fudge to the cake and enjoy the taste.

Blue Velvet Cake - $6.90

Another Instagram worthy item will be their Tiramisu which is served in a little pot. It was an interesting way of serving, topped with half strawberry among the leaves and sweeten cocoa powder. If it was being left alone on the table, I would have thought it was a pot of plant with soil. Though it gain some points in its presentation, the taste of the Tiramisu was not really within my expectation. It lacked the aroma from the Espresso and the creamy texture from the Mascapone Cheese, a far bit from the usual authentic Tiramisu we had / made.

Original Tiramisu - $5.90

Hidden among the landed estates, the place can be sad a little quiet but rather peaceful at night. With its Wifi connection readily available and under such wonderful environment, it create a good atmosphere for group gatherings. Furthermore, the place is child friendly, equipped with card games, story books and even board games are available. I dont mind spending my weekends relaxing in BuckTile seriously.

Rating: 3 / 5 

BuckTile St. Cafe
Location: 104 Faber Drive Singapore 129412