Ann Chin Popiah (Bendemeer)

For those who enjoy popiah, Ann Chin Popiah should be no stranger as they have been included in the Michelin Guide. Let's have a little background of Ann Chin Popiah. 

They are a well-known, family-run establishment that has delighted customers with its fresh and flavorful popiah for decades. Founded in the 1950s, Ann Chin has become synonymous with quality and tradition, offering handmade popiah that features thin, delicate skins wrapped around a generous filling of shredded turnips, carrots, lettuce, and a mix of aromatic spices. The popiah is topped with savoury sauces, a sprinkle of crushed peanuts, and a touch of chilli for those who like a bit of heat. They have multiple outlets across Singapore.

Ann Chin Popiah (Bendemeer)

Ann Chin Popiah also offers a delightful rendition of Katong Laksa. Their version of this classic dish stays true to its roots, featuring a rich, aromatic coconut milk broth infused with a harmonious blend of spices. The broth is creamy and slightly spicy, offering a comforting warmth with every spoonful. We had Laksa with succulent prawns, egg, Tau Pok and fresh cockles, each adding their own distinct flavour to the dish. 

Katong Laksa with Cockles and Prawns - $4.80

Laksa with Prawn Added

We also ordered Kueh Pie Tee which is a popular Nonya snack known for its delightful crunch and flavorful fillings. These bite-sized treats feature delicate, crispy pastry shells shaped like small cups, filled with a savoury mixture of finely shredded turnips and carrots.

Kueh Pie Tee  娘惹杯饼 - $3.70 (4 pcs)

The combination of the crunchy shell and the savoury, juicy filling creates a perfect harmony of textures and tastes. 

Kueh Pie Tee

We ordered quite many Popiah and in no time, these Popiah were done up for our collection.

Our Popiah Orders

Ann Chin's signature popiah is a time-honoured favourite, celebrated for its authentic taste and meticulous preparation. Each popiah is a masterful blend of fresh ingredients, starting with a delicate, handmade popiah skin that is soft yet resilient, perfectly encasing the flavorful filling within. The filling is a hearty mix of finely shredded eggs, carrots, and bean sprouts, cooked slowly with garlic and a blend of seasonings until tender and aromatic.

Signature Popiah - $2.50

Although this will be my last choice on the menu, I decided to try it since my friend wanted to order.

Vegetarian Popiah - $2.20 Per Piece

While we thought that the vegetarian popiah would be somehow similar to the original, subtracting the prawns etc. Instead, they had them replaced with mocked meat and even mushrooms were included too.

 

Vegetarian Popiah

Here's their menu in a view.

Menu

Yes! We have almost ordered everything from the above menu except the Handmade Popiah Skin.

Our Orders

Ann Chin Popiah is a reputable brand which has remained a beloved staple for decades, cherished by both locals and visitors seeking an authentic taste of Singapore's rich culinary heritage.

Ann Chin Popiah (Bendemeer)
Location: 27 Bendemeer Rd, #01-659, Singapore 330027
Website

Xiang Kee Roast

Xiang Kee Roast, newly opened in Pasir Panjang Hawker Center, is quickly making a name for itself with its delicious selection of traditional Chinese roast meats. 

Xiang Kee Roast

The stall offers a mouthwatering array of char siew, roasted pork, duck, and soy sauce chicken, each expertly prepared to perfection. Whether you choose rice or noodles as a base, every dish is a harmonious blend of flavours, with tender, juicy meats paired with savoury sauces. 

Menu

For those who love to have soup as part of their roasted meal like me, this is a bonus. We were served with a bowl of winter melon and pork soup. Tasty!

Winter Melon and Pork Soup

The chicken is marinated in a rich blend of soy sauce, garlic, and aromatic spices, then slow-cooked to perfection. This method infuses the meat with deep, savoury flavours while keeping it tender and juicy. The skin, slightly caramelized from the soy sauce, has a glossy, mouthwatering sheen and offers a subtle sweetness that complements the umami-rich sauce. 

As for the roast pork, the contrast between the crunchy skin and the juicy, flavorful meat is what makes this roast pork so special. Each bite delivers a satisfying combination of textures: the rich, savory pork melts in your mouth, while the crispy skin adds a delightful, crackling finish. 

Soy Sauce Chicken

The caramelized Char Siew is both sweet and savoury.  The char siew is marinated in a flavorful mixture of soy sauce, hoisin, honey, and a hint of five-spice powder, which imparts a complex depth of flavor. 

As you bite into the duck, the skin crackles lightly, giving way to tender, juicy meat beneath. 

Char Siew & Roast Duck

The crispy skin of the roasted pork, the sweet, caramelized char siew, and the rich, succulent duck are just a few highlights. 

4 Meat

Here's our complete meal with 4 kinds of meat and 2 plates of noodles.

Our Meal

Xiang Kee Roast
Location: Pasir Panjang Food Center, 121 Pasir Panjang Road #01-13 Singapore 188543

Hey! Yakiniku

Let's Meat here at Hey! Yakiniku for they offer affordable pricing if you enjoy Yakiniku. They are located in Bugis Junction, therefore a meetup or gathering over a smokeless grill will be convenient. 

Hey! Yakiniku

The restaurant is bright, especially with large glass panels allowing natural lighting into the eatery.

Side Door

The environment was neat and spacious, with brown and black furnishings.

Environment

The Angus Sirloin Steak caught our eyes with its thick and juicy slab on the plate, cut into pieces. Its flavour and juiciness was great. Worth trying if you are a steak lover.

On the other hand, the two pieces of shrimp were succulent, tender and irresistible. We got to taste its freshness.

Angus Sirloin Steak - $21.90 & Wild Caught Shrimps (2 Pcs) - $7.90 

The Signature Hey! Niku Set comes with 5 kinds of meat, Karubi, Prime Karubi, Pork Belly, tontoro and Gyutan. This set is a must try and we love that the karubi is tender and juicy, perfect for grilling on their smokeless grill. You get to have both pork or beef in this set.

 Signature Hey! Niku Set - $29.90

A rice bowl topped with seasoned sautéed vegetables, marinated beef, and a soft-boiled egg, finished with a sprinkle of sesame and a generous dollop of our sweet-spicy-savory Bibinba sauce.

Bibibna - $15.90

Try the Saucy Quartet Karubi Set and get to experience 4 different flavours of sauce all at once: 

- Yakiniku

- Spicy Bulgogi

- Tom Yum

- Sukiyaki

The Set comes with an onsen egg, miso soup, kimchi and 2 kinds of sauces.

Saucy Quartet Karubi Set - $20.90

Piece of Meat

We took the freshly grilled meat and dipped it into an onsen egg. The egg, with its silky, slightly runny yolk and soft whites, envelops the meat in a rich, velvety coating. The combination of the smoky, grilled flavor and the luxurious texture of the onsen egg creates a delightful contrast, enhancing the overall taste. The egg adds a subtle creaminess that balances the bold, savoury notes of the meat, making each bite a truly satisfying and indulgent experience.

Grilled Meat in Egg

The 2 Meat Set we had

Get a Hey! Yakiniku, Let's Meat Reversible Moo! hat for every $60 spent.

Free Hat

If you love having Yakiniku and worry about its smokiness, this is the perfect place for you. Hey! Yakiniku provide a Smokeless grill and they are conveniently located in Bugis Junction. What's more, there is No GST & Service Charge there.

Hey! Yakiniku
Location: Bugis Junction, 80 Middle Rd, #01-92/96 Singapore 188966
Website

Hei Lun Shi Tang

A revisit to Hei Lun Shi Tang after a long hiatus. They are still located at Level 2 of Queensway Shopping Center, which serves Taiwanese Bento Box in the traditional Metal Lunch Box. Dining in allows patrons to get a Taiwanese feel of eating from the metal box.

Hei Lun Shi Tang

The Signature Braised Pork Bento was appetizing. It was packed with Braised Pork Chop, preserved vegetables, braised egg, mushroom, braised cabbage and carrot.

Signature Braised Pork Bento - $7

You get the best of everything in the signature mixed. It's an upgraded version of the Signature Braised Pork Bento Set with savoury Braised pork. The dishes tasted homely and gave us a satisfying meal.

 

Signature Mixed - $10

Glad that this place was not overly commercialised and we still can enjoy the feel of some homely delicacies. 

Rating: 4 / 5 

Hei Lun Shi Tang
Location: Queensway Shopping Centre, 1 Queensway, #02-47, Singapore 149053

Free School Market Stone Stove Coffee Stall

While the media describes this hidden gem in Penang, prior to our trip, we had already pinned this down as one of our Must Visit in the Penang List and now we are glad that it can be struck off our list as we had Been There and Done That.

This is located at one humble corner of Taman Free School Market where everything was cooked by charcoal fire. Can you see the traditional way of boiling water and toasting bread with charcoal in the picture? 

Charcoal Operated

The Market Place gives me a feeling of a makeshift location set up under a tent. The tented structure added a rustic vibe and a scene we will not see now in Singapore. The overall ambience is relaxed and informal, offering its own unique culture and authentic experience of the locals.

Environment

As we entered into this tentage area, we noticed an elderly lady with white hair tirelessly preparing hot beverages without pause.

Beverages Preparation Counter

While at the other section, a lady was helping with toasting the bread over the charcoal fire.

Toasting the Bread

We,  foreigner being a foreigner had some struggles while making an hour and seating arrangement. We were told not to sit somewhere that can order others food but not drink which made us rather confused.  Nevertheless, we managed to enjoy our breakfast set. 

The toast was crispy like a biscuit with each bite, complemented by the sweet flavour of kaya and butter, while its soft interior provided a delightful contrast.

Breakfast Set

The eggs were perfectly done and cracked in the bowl.

Half Boiled Egg

We opted for a cold drink to beat the hot day however, we still wanted to order a cup of coffee to try it out.

Beverages

Charcoal-fired coffee offers a distinctive and robust flavour profile, achieved through a traditional roasting method that uses charcoal as the heat source. It tasted on a sour side and was definitely different from what we had in Singapore. We also noticed that the presentation of the serving is not important as the cup of coffee was served with Coffee Dripping Stains by the side of it.

Kopi O

It was a good experience to sink ourselves into the daily lives of the locals. Although we didn't get to see and experience such ambience, I kind of still feel nostalgia and do not mind a return trip here. 

Free School Market Stone Stove Coffee Stall
Location: Taman Free School Market, C836+H6M, Taman Free School, 10150 George Town, Penang, Malaysia

Teochew City 潮州城

Check out Teochew City, where Tradition meets innovation in every dish. Nestled among the industrial areas in Kallang, we were amazed by how Teochew City showcases the Classic Teochew Braised Duck with modern twists on timeless favourites. 

Teochew City

Our eyes are immediately drawn to the striking high shelves counter, a centrepiece that epitomizes elegance and sophistication, especially the showcase bottles of alcohol 

The dining environment perfectly blends traditional charm and contemporary sophistication and is designed to provide a comfortable and memorable experience for every guest.

Environment

Let's look through the menu and order some dishes!

Menu 

Stepping into the exclusive 20-seater private room, a perfect blend of sophistication and intimacy designed to provide an unparalleled dining experience. The moment we entered, we were greeted by the warm, ambient glow of elegant swirl lighting that gracefully descended from the ceiling. The room is tastefully decorated with walls adorned with tasteful artwork and subtle accents, enhancing the room's sophisticated aesthetic without overwhelming the senses. 

Exclusive 20 Seater Private Room

Savour the rich and diverse flavours of Teochew City's Braised Duck Platter, a delightful assortment of meticulously prepared ingredients that promises a symphony of tastes and textures. This dish features tender braised duck, accompanied by a harmonious selection of peanuts, quail eggs, Tau Kwa,  pork belly and cut cucumber.

Braised Duck Platter 卤水五拼 - $48

Experience Teochew City's exquisite twist on the classic Shark Fin Soup. The presentation is elegant, served on a wooden box, cradling the double-layer metal bowl with fried green pepper snacks. 

Sour & Spicy Sharks' Fin Soup 黄焖汤烩鲍翅 - $48

The Shark fin is perfectly cooked, offering a tender and silky texture that effortlessly blends with the robust and flavourful broth.

Silky Shark Fin

Wet Tissue

Savour Teochew City's unique invention, Spinach and Crab Meat Fried Rice, is a culinary masterpiece crafted with fresh and premium ingredients. While the dish was served, we noticed the vibrant green of the spinach beautifully contrasted with the succulent pieces of crab meat, creating a visually appealing and appetizing presentation. The dish has edame and orange fish roes to enhance its presentation. A bowl of fried rice crackers was provided to top the fried rice if you feel like adding additional texture to your dish.

Spinach & Crab Meat Fried Rice 蟹肉苋菜炒饭 - $22

A dish that masterfully combines premium seafood with a luscious, sweet-savoury glaze. This elegant offering is a celebration of texture and taste, bringing together the delicate essence of sea cucumber and the succulent richness of scallops, all enveloped in a perfectly balanced honey sauce.

Sea Cucumber & Scallops in Honey Sauce 蜜汁炸海参带子 - $22

The Mashed Taro with Gingko & Pumplin is a Teochew Classic Dessert, showcasing the creamy texture of mashed taro, complemented by the delicate flavours of ginkgo nuts, crunchy slices of water chestnut and the natural sweetness of pumpkin.

Mashed Taro with Gingko & Pumpkin 素金瓜福果芋泥 - $4.80  Yuan Yang Sesame Glutinous Rice 素鸳鸯芝麻软糕 - $8.80 

The kway teow noodles are the heart of this dish, showcasing their characteristic silky-smooth texture and ability to absorb the rich flavours of the accompanying ingredients. Each strand is perfectly cooked, providing a delightful chewiness that pairs beautifully with the crispiness of the preserved radish. Though it looked simple with a few ingredients, it takes a skillful chef to whip up a good plate of such classic dish.

Teochew Style Fried Kway Teow with Preserved Radish 潮州菜脯粿条 - $16

Stir-Fried Cordyceps Flower with Royale Chives is a testament to Teochew City's dedication to quality and innovation. This dish is perfect for those seeking a healthy, flavorful, and unique dining experience. The cordyceps flowers, known for their subtle earthy flavour and tender texture, are the highlight of this dish. The chives are expertly stir-fried to retain their bright green colour and nutritional goodness, adding a vibrant and appetizing look to the dish.

Stir-Fried Cordyceps Flower with Royale Chives 土草花青龙菜 - $16

Whether you are savoring a hearty meal with family, hosting a business dinner, or celebrating a special occasion, Teochew City provides a refined and welcoming atmosphere that makes every visit truly special. The combination of impeccable service, exquisite cuisine, and a beautifully designed dining environment ensures that Teochew City is not just a restaurant, but a destination for those seeking an unforgettable dining experience.

Teochew City 潮州城
Location: Mapletree Hi-Tech Park Food Court, 163 Kallang Wy, #01-12, Singapore 349256