Lala Claypot & Prawn Claypot at Cheese Story Mookata Buffet

The Claypot trend continues as more & more F&B owners are joining in serving Claypot Steamboat with Lala as well as Prawns. 

Be thrown with surprise that the well known Original Cheese Story Mookata from Golden Mile Complex has already join the fun.

Cheese Story Mookata Buffet

Grab a seat by the side of the pool and enjoy a good meal either with the Mookata or Claypot.

Cheese Story Mookata Buffet

The perks of enjoying our meal in Balestier Home Team NS with this beautiful pool view especially in the night.

Pool View

We had the best of both worlds, enjoying Claypot Lala for just $19.90 or Claypot Prawn for $29.90. The ingredients were brought over to the diners' table which I find that its good as its a transparency to consumers. 

Besides the main ingredients like Prawns & Lala, they include ingredient just as Oil, Fried Garlic, Chinese Wine and Ginger Strips. 

Ingredients for Claypot

Besides the transparency of the ingredients, the preparation process was showcased by their assistant, blowing up a huge fire over the charcoal stove while cooking our Lala & Prawns on the earthen claypot.

Fire over the Claypot

Perhaps its a good reason why we had huge fire beside the pool. Just Kidding.

Preparing Lala Claypot

After doing the basic cooking to the Lala, the broth was then poured in with the claypot lids covered and simmering for minutes.

Broth 

The broth for both Claypot Lala & Prawns are the same.

Adding Fried Garic and Topping Up Broth

While waiting for the bubbling experience from our food beside the pool.

Claypot Lala & Claypot Prawn - $19.90 & $29.90

The aroma from the Chinese Wine of our claypots made us hungrier as the clock ticked. 

Lala Bubbling in the Claypot

Prawns Bubbling in the Claypot

The Prawns are of quality and totally worth the price paid.

Prawns from Claypot

In addition to the claypot, we can order ala carte hot pot items at our preferences. We had additional prawns, scallops, sliced meat and vegetables.

Claypot & Ingredients

We had the plate of minced meat with egg. Thought it is quite interesting as we seldom see this from the hot pot restaurant.

Egg on Minced Meat

Besides the seafood we had, the shabu shabu was something cannot be opted out from hotpot dining.

Shabu Shabu

For those who are missing Cheese Story Mookata from the defunct Golden Mile Complex, you can enjoy your favourite Mookata here too. Grab your widespread of Mookata ingredients items from the buffet counters.

Counters

Seafood Counters

Bamboo Clams

Enjoy this 3 menu in one concept at Cheese Story Mookata Buffet. For those who are craving for Lala Claypot, you can consider theirs as an alternative.

Cheese Story Mookata Buffet
Location: HomeTeamNS Balestier-JOM, 31 Ah Hood Rd, #01-07, Singapore 329979

Ta Si Xi Hong Kong Dim Sum

Here we go again at Ta Si Xi Hong Kong Dim Sum in Johor Bahru, a place where most Singaporeans will land their feet for Dim Sum.

Ta Si Xi Hong Kong Dim Sum

Despite being early before 6.30am, there was already a long queue lining up at their doorsteps waiting to be seated. They are not just Singaporeans but locals as well.

The breaded crisp layer was addictive and the fillings comprised prawns and sweet creamy mango.

Mango Prawn

Its like a riots of texture from this snack, creamy, juicy and crispy. Interesting.

Delicious

The classic chinese comfort food for a morning will be none other than a small bowl of century egg pork porridge. Its savoury, featuring lean pork and bits of creamy century egg in the silky porridge.

Cenutry Egg Porridge 皮蛋粥 - RM 5

水晶虾饺，鼓汁排骨

The prawn lovers on the table will enjoy these deep-fried items paired with some salad cream. 

Prawn Dumplings / Rolls 酥炸虾卷，沙拉虾饺

The Hong Kong Rice Rolls is a beloved dim sum favorite, appreciated for their delicate texture and versatile flavors. We had it served with Char Siew instead of the plain rolls, it was served with a small stalk of vegetables by the side to give a little perk on its presentation,

HK Rice Rolls 港式猪肠粉 （叉烧 / 虾）- RM 7

A beloved dish among us that we ordered another portion after polishing up the first plate. The combination of crispy radish cake, fluffy eggs, and aromatic seasonings makes for a satisfying and delicious meal. Its versatility and the balance of flavors and textures make it a favorite.

Fried Carrot Cake 炒萝卜糕 - RM 8

These Sichuan-style spicy wontons or "Hong You Chao Shou" (红油抄手), are a delectable dish originating from the Sichuan province in China. They are known for their flavorful filling and the spicy, aromatic sauce that they are served in. In this case, the sauce was separated so its optional for those of us who do not want to take the spice and enjoy the original taste of it.

Spicy Wanton 红油抄手 - RM 9.50 

No high expectations of the XLB (Xiao Long Bao). The Bao's skin was delicate and each of the bao was served individually on an aluminium tray. I find that its good as its easier for diners to consume especially when we were dining in a group.

Shanghai Xiao Long Bao Buns 上海小笼包 - RM 11

We ordered this Black Pau that cradles a minced meatball under the delicate black truffle aroma skin.

Truffle Skin

Fillings

We enjoyed a good spread of Dim Sum, sharing among ourselves with 3 or 4 items per tray. I like the Chicken Feet with mushroom as it stands out with the fragrant sweet gravy together with the mushroom.

Hong Kong Siew Mai 港式烧卖， Black Pepper Chicken Siew Mai 黑椒鸡肉卖, Dang Gui Siew Mai当归卖，Chicken Feet with Mushroom 冬菇凤爪

If you enhoy these sesame balls with fillings, you can order them too. We had the seaweed chicken too.

Sesame Ball 莲蓉芝，花生芝，Seaweed Chicken 紫菜鸡

Ta Si Xi Hong Kong Dim Sum
Location: 11, Jalan Camar 1/3, Taman Perling, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

Chef Kang's Noodle House

No doubt that Chef Kang's Noodle House is located in the industrial area, so we were pretty surprised that there were quite a handful of patrons visiting the stall during a Public Holiday.

While there is only a dry version and no soup version, we ordered 2 similar portions. The noodle was cooked to Al Dente Perfection with a good texture and not soggy. Besides the use of a good Mee Kia without too much of the "Yellow Noodle" taste, it was tossed in their fragrant sauce enhanced by the generous usage of pork lards.

Wanton Noodle - $7

The Char Siew was caramelized and charred on the outer layer with a balance of sweet and savoury elements, coupled with the smoky, charred notes from roasting, making it a standout dish that appeals to a wide range of palates. I see that some of the patrons had ordered a plate of it too.

Char Siew

We ordered a bowl of additional Wanton for sharing. The soup was tasty with vegetables and spring onion.

Wantons Soup 

It was a surprised to me that the Wantons were more like Shrimp Dumplings as their ingredients were generous with black fungus, minced meat, dice water chestnut and juicy shrimp.

Worth the Buy

The biting texture was good with the shreds of black fungus. I love such style.

Texture

No regrets travelling all the way down for this as its quite worth the price paid considering the quality of food.

Our Meal

Rating: 3.25 / 5

Chef Kang's Noodle House
Location: 11 Lor 3 Toa Payoh, Block B Jackson Square, Singapore 319579

Takagi Ramen

Congratulations to Takagi Ramen's latest addition in Hougang Rivercourt. Let's celebrate the grand opening of Takagi Ramen's new outlet in Hougang! Takagi Ramen is committed to keeping their dining experience delightful & affordable. Do note that this outlet is operating 24 hours around the clock.

Enjoy Takagi's Soft-shell Crab Ramen with Salted Egg Sauce, Roasted Seaweed, Spring Onions and a Gooey Japanese Ajitama Egg. This dish is served with a Bowl of our Signature 12 Hours Boiled Tonkotsu Soup.

Salted Egg Crab Ramen - $20.90

Served similarly to Salted Egg Crab Ramen the Soft-shell crab Ramen with Tangy Chilli-Crab Sauce was served with Roasted Seaweed, Spring Onions and a Gooey Japanese Ajitama Egg served with 12 hours Boiled Tonkotsu Soup.

Chilli Crab Ramen - $20.90

The Tantan Men is a Chinese-inspired dish served with Spicy, peanut-infused tonkotsu Broth Ramen and pulled pork, Spring Onions and Peanuts.

Tantan Men - $11.90 

Are you game enough to try their Devil Lips Ramen? Claimed the spiciest ramen in town, this Mamee X Takagi Ramen with 1,000,000 Scoville Heat Unit Ghost Pepper Challenge is here! Take up the challenge?

Devil Lips Ramen - $8.90

Pairing our food, we had Milk Tea, Yuzu Oolong, Iced Takagi Koohii & Passionfruit Sencha. (Left to Right)

Drinks

We enjoyed these 6 pieces of Authentic Takoyaki, Japanese Octopus Balls topped with Mayonnaise, Japanese BBQ Sauce & Seaweed. A side that is good for sharing too.

Takoyaki - $6.90 (6pcs)

The Ebi Fry has crumbed Prawns Served with a Tangy, Spicy Chilli Crab Sauce. We loved that the serving was pleasant and not too greasy.

Chilli Crab Sauce Ebi Fry - $9.90

One of us did not get enough of prawns apparently and we ordered another portion of Ebi Fry. These crispy Fried Crumbed Prawns were served with Mayonnaise and Japanese BBQ Sauce.

Ebi Fry - $8.90 (5 pcs)

5 Pieces of Crispy Deep Fried Chicken and Vegetable Dumplings were Drizzled In Creamy Salted-egg Sauce. Pretty appetizing. 

Salted Egg Sauce Gyoza - $9.90

Let's have a wide view of what we had. What a scrumptious meal. Thank you Takagi Ramen.

Our Meal

Takagi Ramen
Location: Hougang Rivercourt, Blk 377 Hougang St 32 #01-02/16  Singapore 530377

Sin Kee Famous Chicken Rice

We used to patronise Sin Kee's Famous Chicken Rice stall when they were at the defunct Margaret Drive Food Center. It was so popular then that we had to wait quite some time for our meal. We discovered that Sin Kee Famous Chicken Rice is located at this coffee shop when I was there for a meal at Kin Hoi (Original) Famous Thai Food especially when the TV screen keep flashing the owner's picture with our former president.

Stall of Sin Kee Famous Chicken Rice

We ordered a 2 pax version of poached chicken. As good as the previous time I had many years back, their chicken still remains tender and juicy, leaving up to their namesake. Pairing this smooth and delicious chicken with the plate of fragrant white rice that is packed with a tad of ginger flavours makes the meal perfect.

Poached Chicken

It was not my favourite order but due to that the dining partner enjoyed it. The internal organs were well prepared and mixed in the fragrant sauce. 

Chicken Visera - $3

Bean Sprouts - $3

Here's our meal. Even the chilli sauce is up to the standard. Sin Kee Famous Chicken Rice still holds a special position in my heart despite there are so many chicken rice stalls around. 

Our Meal

With quite many stalls around, I'm glad that I had found the familiar faces from the chicken rice stall. I will be back soon.

Rating: 3.25 / 5

Sin Kee Famous Chicken Rice
Location: 6 Holland Cl, #01-36, Singapore 271006

Cheng Ji

An impromptu dinner had landed us in Adam Road Food Centre. While walking around, we had finally decided to try Cheng Ji’s dishes. I was rather impressed by the One-Lady Show whipping up a variety dishes from the menu. 

Stall of Cheng Ji

 It excites me when I hear about Pork Leg Bee Hoon. The plate of Bee Hoon was fried to order. It was flavourful and was densed. It was good however I find it too moist for my liking.

Pork Leg Bee Hoon - $6

The braised pork leg was tender and soft. It disintegrates with the slightest force. As a whole, the pork leg Bee Hoon is still homey and comforting.

Braised Pork Leg

A basic plate of Fried Hokken Mee without being too exaggerating with overpower prawn stock or even heady smell. There was not much Wok Hei for a start but the ingredients like egg had given a sweet taste to the dish and the fried shallot oil had enhanced the fragrant of the dish. Despite a small portion, the stall is generous enough to give 3 prawns.

Fried Hokkien Mee - $5

Overall, the plate of Hokkien Mee was decent but not to die for. If you are not expecting much from a plate of Hokkien Mee, this will be good to fill your stomach.

Hokkien Mee

Rating: 3 / 5

Cheng Ji (成记)
Location: Adam Road Food Center, 2 Adam Rd, #01-24, Singapore 289877

Ah Wang La Mian Xiao Long Bao

Ah Wang La Mian Xiao Long Bao is one of the popular stalls in Zion Riverside Food Centre that we observed a never ending queue during my visit. They are serving a great variety of food including paus, dumplings as well as noodles.

Stall of Ah Wang La Mian Xiao Long Bao

We queued about 20 minutes to get a tray of 7 Mini Steamed buns aka Xiao Long Bao. The skin of the XLB may not be as thin as the popular ones. However its still plump and juicy cradling the piping hot soup within together with the minced meat. 

Steamed Mini Paus - $5.50 

With limited stomach space, we can only afford to have 7 XLB. With so many supporters willing to queue up for their food, I think it will make sense to return and queue up for other items on their menu.

Rating: 3.25 / 5

Ah Wang La Mian Xiao Long Bao
Location: Zion Riverside Food Centre, 59 Zion Rd, Singapore 247784