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Sunday, February 16, 2025

Canton Route 廣東道

Canton Route is conveniently located near Grocer Jaya, which we visited during one of our trips to Johor.

Canton Route

Canton Route offers a variety of Dim Sum and Cantonese dishes, including claypot rice and Chee Cheong Fun. Join us to experience authentic Cantonese flavours!

Canton Route

The Crispy Tofu at Canton Route comes in a plate of five, with a little red flag signaling that it's a must-try dish. At first, the fried dried chili in the presentation made me think the dish would be very spicy, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that it wasn’t spicy at all. The tofu itself was crispy on the outside, adding a nice crunch.

Crispy Tofu 金牌脆皮豆腐 - RM 9.90

The Stir-Fried Turnip Cake with Garlic and Chili at Canton Route was served in cubes, each coated with garlic and chili. I found it quite fragrant and unique in style—definitely another must-try dish. The balance of garlic and chili really enhanced the turnip cake, making it a flavorful treat!

Stir-Fried Turnip Cake with Garlic and Chili 避风塘炒萝卜糕 - RM 13.90

The Steamed Spare Ribs at Canton Route looked visually appealing, but I personally wished the ribs had a bit more meat on them. That said, the dish was complemented perfectly by the well-balanced Black Bean sauce, which added depth and flavor to the overall experience.

Steamed Spare Ribs with Black Bean Sauce 豉汁蒸鲜排骨 - RM 7.90

Those Signature Portuguese Egg Tarts sound amazing! The combination of flaky layers and caramelized, fragrant fillings is irresistible.

Signature Portuguese Egg Tart - RM 8.90

Surprised by the sweeter twist to the meat sauce. The sauce generously coated the springy thin yellow noodles, giving the dish a unique flavor. Though the sweetness was unexpected, I found myself comparing it to the non-sweet versions I'm more accustomed to.

Cantonese Meat Sauce Noodles 炸酱面 - RM 12.90

We tried their popular traditional Guangzhou Siu Mai, made with premium pork, fresh shrimp, and secret seasonings. The thin skin encases rich, juicy fillings, making each bite flavorful and satisfying.

Traditional Guangzhou Siu Mai 廣州鲜肉烧卖 - RM 6.90

The plump and juicy oil dumplings looked incredibly tempting. Their taste seemed catered and localized, as they weren't overwhelmingly oily. The vinaigrette paired perfectly with the sweet fillings, making each bite irresistibly addictive.

Sichuan Red Oil Dumplings 红油鲜味水饺 - RM13.90

The Guangdong Prosperity Chicken was addictive! Tender shredded drunken chicken mixed with roasted peanuts, vinaigrette, red onions, coriander, and a sprinkle of sesame made for a flavorful and refreshing dish.

Guangdong Prosperity Drunken Chicken 廣东道风生水起捞鸡 - RM 15.90

The luminous orange crust on the crispy polo bun was alluring. Flaky and crusty as the knife sliced through it.

God of Cookery Crispy Pineapple Bun 黯然销魂脆皮菠罗包 - RM6.90

With the fluffy bun and balanced sweetness of the filling, it was a delightful treat without being overly sweet.

Fillings of the Buns

The Smiling Char Siu Bun was soft and pillowy, with the pau perfectly cradling the juicy, sweet Char Siu meat.

Smiling Char Siu Bun (2 pieces) 笑口常开叉烧包 - RM 10.90

 I really appreciate this style as it gives you a nice textural bite from the filling—way better than the minced versions you often find at other pau places.

Char Siu Fillings

The Claypot Rice with juicy chicken thigh at Canton Route was surprisingly good! It had a fragrant aroma that stood out, and the style was different from the usual Singaporean version, offering a refreshing twist.

Claypot Rice with Juicy Chicken Thigh 鸡腿肉煲仔饭 - RM15.90

The Tofu Pudding at Canton Route had a flawless texture, which was impressive on its own. But what really elevated the dessert was the Red Bean Pearl. 

Red Bean Pearl Tofu Pudding 红豆爆珠豆腐花 - RM 7.90

The red bean had a unique coating, and when you bit into it, it would bubble burst in your mouth, adding an extra layer of fun and flavour to the dish.

Tofu Pudding

Thanks pal for the arrangement and for extending the invitation

Our Orders

Considering the quality and variety of dishes at Canton Route, I find that it’s more than enough to satisfy our cravings. The spread offers something for everyone, and each dish brings something special to the table.

Canton Route 廣東道
Location: Austin International Convention Centre - AICC
                2, Jalan Austin Heights 8/7, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru,
                Johor Darul Ta'zim, Malaysia


Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Nong Geng Ji

Nong Geng Ji Celebrates the Milestone with Two New Openings, Marking their 7th Outlets Island Wide.

To celebrate, Nong Geng Ji is hosting grand opening promotions, including up to 50% off all ala-carte dishes and a Sure-Win Scratch Card campaign where diners can win grand prizes of $188 Cash Vouchers! 

Do check out these outlets at the following dates:

- Velocity @ Novena Square: 15-17th February 2025
- Changi City Point: 18 to 20th February 2025 

with limited slots each day (88 groups for lunch and 108 groups for dinner). Do head down early!

Join them as a member and enjoy Exclusive Perks.
Its completely free and entitles you to the following:

- $30 Cash Voucher (Redeemable at the new Velocity@Novena Square & Changi City Point outlets with a minimum spend of $100)
- $6 Welcome Voucher
- $ Member Exclusive Prices
- Birthday Discount up to 30% off

Let's try out these Authentic Hunan Cuisine! Nong Geng Ji is also proud to be officially recognized as China's No.1 brand for authentic Hunan Cuisine.

Nong Geng Ji

The new outlet at Changi City Point offers a spacious and welcoming atmosphere, enhanced by its warm lighting. This inviting setting provides a comfortable dining experience for all guests.

Interior

The Signature Stir-Fried Pork with Small Abalone and Chilli is a must-try, featuring tender pork leg slices stir-fried with an abundance of Hunan green peppers.

Stir-fried pork with Abalone & Chilli 鲍鱼辣椒炒肉

 The bold, smoky flavors come from high-heat tossing, ensuring a perfect balance of spice and savoriness. Served in a wok over a burner, this dish stays warm throughout, keeping every bite just as flavorful as the first!

Abalone

The Big Shrimp with Vermicelli and Garlic requires an 8-minute wait after serving to let the flavors fully develop. The rich garlic aroma intensifies the dish, complementing the fresh, bouncy prawns. 

Big Shrimp with Vermicelli & Garlic (Non Spicy)  蒜蓉大虾仁 (不辣)

The vermicelli absorbs the savory sauce beautifully, creating a well-balanced bite bursting with umami goodness.

Cooked Version

The Signature Grass Fish Fillet with Chilli is another standout dish from Nong Geng Ji. Delicately sliced fish fillets are gently simmered in a tangy, pickled chilli sauce, infusing them with a bold, zesty heat. The fillets retain a uniquely chewy yet tender texture, making each bite a flavorful delight. A must-try for those who love a balance of spice and tang!

Signature Grass Fish Fillet with Chilli 招牌湖蝶鱼

The Stir-Fried Kampung Chicken with Tea Oil is a flavorful dish packed with a fragrant, earthy aroma. Tender pieces of kampung chicken are stir-fried with black fungus, ginger, and chilli, delivering a delightful spicy kick. The rich tea oil enhances the dish’s depth, making it the perfect companion to a bowl of steaming white rice.

Stir-Fried Kampung Chicken with Tea Oil 茶油炒甘榜鸡

The Stir-Fried Beef with Tea Oil was wonderfully fragrant, with thin and tender beef slices that offered a satisfying bite. The dish carried a spicy kick, enhanced by the bold flavors of chili, coriander, and chunky garlic, making each mouthful both aromatic and flavorful.

Stir-Fried Beef with Tea Oil 茶油鲜炒牛肉

At first glance, we struggled to identify the dish, as its presentation resembled a ball-shaped serving.

Nonetheless, the braised pork with preserved mustard greens had a well-balanced ratio of fat and meat, making it tender and easy to bite.


Braised Pork with Preserved Mustard Greens 梅菜扣肉

The preserved mustard greens added a tangy, slightly sour note that perfectly complemented the rich, savory pork, enhancing the overall depth of flavor.

Braised Pork with Preserved Mustard Greens 梅菜扣肉

The You-Mai Lettuce with Shredded Seasoned Mud Carp offers a satisfying crunch. While the mud carp adds a nice touch, the condiments could be used more sparingly, as it was a tad too salty for our liking. Other than that, we found it to have a unique flavour and a refreshing "getaway" from the other spicy dishes.

You-Mai Lettuce with Shredded Seasoned Mud Carp 豆豉鲮鱼油麦菜

The Beancurd Skin with Egg was an unexpected yet delightful combination. The smooth, sweet eggs paired with the mild, almost neutral beancurd skin created a surprising contrast in flavors. As a non-spicy dish, it was a true savior, offering a refreshing break from the heat and allowing my palate to reset before diving back into the spicier dishes on the table.

Beancurd Skin with Egg (Non-Spicy) 鲜腐皮焖鸡蛋(不辣)

No meal at Nong Geng Ji is complete without rice, and the Wuchang Steamed Rice with Sweet Potato and Red Dates is a must-try. Served in a pressure cooker, the fragrant rice is perfectly fluffy, absorbing the subtle sweetness from the red dates and sweet potato. This comforting and aromatic dish complements the rich flavors of the main courses beautifully.

Wuchang Steamed Rice with Sweet Potato and Red Dates 高压锅红薯饭

The lotus root with superior pork broth reminded me of a familiar comfort from my local cuisine. The generous chunks of lotus root were cooked to perfection—so tender that they disintegrated with just a slight bite. The broth itself was rich and flavorful, making it an ideal companion to balance out the spicy dishes on our table. A soothing and hearty addition to the meal!

Lotus Root with Superior Pork Broth 莲藕排骨汤

If your palate is overwhelmed by the spiciness of the dishes, consider trying their Deep-Fried Glutinous Rice Fritters.

Deep Fried Glutinous Rice Fritters 糖饺子

The gentle sweetness and satisfying crunch can help soothe the heat on your taste buds, providing a pleasant interlude before you continue exploring the spicier offerings.

Fried Fritters

As the spiciness of the dishes intensifies, it’s refreshing to cool down with their Signature Lemon Tea, White Peach Jasmine Tea, and Majestic Jade Tangerine. These beverages offer gentle sweet tones that help ease the spice and reinvigorate the palate. The Signature Lemon Tea provides a zesty citrus flavor, while the White Peach Jasmine Tea combines the delicate aroma of jasmine with the sweetness of white peach. The Majestic Jade Tangerine offers a unique blend of tangerine essence, adding a refreshing touch to your meal.

Signature Lemon Tea / White Peach Jasmine Tea / Majestic Jade Tangerine 招牌饮料


Nong Geng Ji

Velocity @ Novena Square
Location: 238 Thomson Rd, #3-11 Velocity @ Novena Square, Singapore 307683


Changi City Point
Location:
Changi Business Park Central 1, #01-26C/27A Singapore 486038

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Leng Kee Oysters

Ever since I stepped into the interim hawker at Bukit Timah Market & Food Centre, the sight of the delicious fried oyster dish on their signboard seemed to draw me in, guiding my footsteps closer to the stall.

Leng Kee

The fried oyster plate, or Orh Luak, is simply satisfying. It is generously served with plump oysters and a delightful contrast of crispy eggy bits and a soft, gooey texture—an irresistible combination!

Fried Oysters - $5

The plate of fried oysters was just right to satisfy our cravings. The crispy, gooey texture paired with the tangy chilli made every bite simply delicious!

Rating: 3.25 / 5

Leng Kee Fried Oysters
Location: Bukit Timah Market & Food Centre (Interim)
                  2A Jln Seh Chuan, #01-029 Singapore 599213
Nearest Station: Beauty World (DT5)

Friday, February 7, 2025

The Three Elephants

It’s been a while since I last visited the hawker centre at Beauty World Centre. As I walked around, I noticed a Thai braised meat stall had taken over the space of the once-famous Bak Kut Teh stall I used to frequent.

The Three Elephants

Their menu mainly features braised dishes served with rice or noodles. However, they also offer a selection of drinks, including Thai Milk Tea, Thai Soy Milk, Lemongrass Honey, and more.

Menu

As I scanned through the menu, my choice was clear—I went straight for the braised pork trotter rice. Served in a brown disposable box, the dish came with a generous portion of tender pork trotter, accompanied by braised mushrooms, a flavorful braised egg, tau gua, and preserved vegetables. A handful of fresh coriander stalks topped it off, adding a pop of color and aroma.

Braised Pork Trotter Rice - $6

The braised pork trotter was just to my liking—tender, rich in gelatin, and infused with the deep flavors of the braising sauce, which had fully permeated the meat.

Trotter

Overall, I found it pretty satisfying and would definitely return to try other items on the menu.

Rating: 3.25 / 5

The Three Elephants
Location: 
Beauty World Centre, 144 Upper Bukit Timah Rd, #04-65, Singapore 588177

Monday, February 3, 2025

Carrot Cake

It all started with a craving for carrot cake. My pal suddenly recalled a particular stall in Serangoon; before we knew it, a spontaneous plan was set in motion. With unanimous agreement, we made an impromptu trip to Chomp Chomp Food Centre—supper for some, but dinner for me!

Carrot Cake

To satisfy our cravings, we decided to go for the best of both worlds—one plate of white carrot cake and another of black. That way, we could enjoy both flavors to the fullest!

Black Carrot Cake - $3

The black carrot cake came in smaller-than-usual bite-sized pieces—almost mini for me. Nonetheless, the taste was spot on, with a nice balance of sweetness from the sauce, eggs, and preserved radish bits.

On the other hand, the white carrot cake was served in larger blocks. It had a good texture and was equally tasty in its own way, making both versions enjoyable in their own right.


White Carrot Cake - $3

If you were to ask for my verdict on the plate of Carrot Cake, I'd say it tastes good, but I wouldn’t make a special trip just for it, especially when better options are available in our vicinity.

Rating: 3.25 / 5

Carrot Cake
Location:
Chomp Chomp Food Centre, Stall #36, 20 Kensington Park Rd, Singapore 557269

Tuesday, January 28, 2025

Chin Sin Huat Eating House

On a rainy day, we found ourselves revisiting Chin Sin Huan Eating House for its comforting pau and the shelter it provided from the wet weather. Last time, we indulged in their Tanjong Rhu Prawn Noodles, but this time, we opted for some snacks while we waited.

Chin Sin Huan Eating House

After being slightly drenched in the rain, a traditional cup of tea and coffee was just what we needed to perk up our mood. The steaming hot drinks were the perfect comfort, warming us up and lifting our spirits as we waited.

Kopi & Teh C

The Siew Mai was quite enjoyable, manageable in flavor, with a nice balance of taste and texture. It was a simple yet satisfying bite to complement our meal.

Siew Mai - $0.60 Each

We also tried a selection of small buns: the Char Siew Pau, Lian Rong Pau, and Small Meat Pau. Each one had its own unique flavour, with the fillings offering a nice balance of savoury and sweet. They were the perfect bite-sized treats to accompany our meal.

Small Char Siew Pau - $1, Lian Rong Pau - $0.90 & Small Meat Pau - $1

Despite the delicious buns and snacks, I was still feeling hungry. The glutton in me couldn’t resist, so I opted for some extra carbs in the form of Fan Choy. It was just what I needed to satisfy my hunger and round off the meal.

Fan Choy 

Anyone who loves snacks like these has likely heard of Chin Sin Huan. This traditional brand has stood the test of time, and revisiting it feels inevitable. The classic flavours of these traditional Chinese snacks are a heartwarming reminder of my younger days — a nostalgic treat that keeps drawing me back.

Rating: 3.25 / 5

Chin Sin Huat Eating House
Location: 
7 Jalan Batu #01-113 Singapore 431007
Website

Monday, January 27, 2025

Uncle Ho's Tuckshop

 After countless drives along Pasir Panjang Road, I couldn’t help but notice a small yet intriguing signage for "Uncle Ho’s Tuckshop." Curiosity finally got the better of me, and here we are, exploring this hidden gem tucked away in a part of the commercial building we had yet to discover.

It’s always exciting to uncover spots like this, where a simple sign leads to a whole new dining experience waiting to be savored.

Uncle Ho's Tuckshop

One detail that caught my eye was the cover of their foldable menu. It featured a beautiful sketch artwork of what I assumed were traditional Vietnamese shophouses. The intricate lines and charming design added a touch of authenticity and gave a warm introduction to the dining experience.

It’s always nice when little details like this reflect the cultural essence of the cuisine, making the meal feel even more special.

Menu

As lunchtime approached, the crowd started to swell, with more people flocking in by the minute. Fortunately, we were quick to decide on our orders and managed to snag a spot right at the front of the queue. Timing was definitely on our side, as the line grew significantly longer shortly after.

It’s always a small victory to beat the rush, especially when the aroma of good food makes the wait feel twice as long!

Interior

When it comes to Vietnamese cuisine, the quintessential dish I simply cannot go without is beef pho. Every time I step into a Vietnamese eatery, this comforting bowl of goodness tops my must-order list. And I’m clearly not alone in this sentiment — glance around any Vietnamese restaurant, and you’ll notice beef pho gracing almost every table. It’s a crowd favorite for a reason!

The bowl I enjoyed recently was nothing short of generous, both in portion and quality. From the silky, rice noodles to the tender slices of beef and bouncy beef balls, every bite was satisfying. The broth was the real star, though — hearty, aromatic, and oh-so-soothing. Each spoonful felt like a warm hug for the soul, packed with flavors that were both deep and balanced.

Beef Pho - $11.90

What elevates the dish further are the fresh herbs and garnishes. The fragrant basil, crisp yellow onions, and vibrant spring onions infused the broth with a herby sweetness and a touch of brightness. They tied the entire dish together beautifully, making every mouthful a celebration of flavors.

For me, beef pho isn’t just a dish — it’s an experience. It’s the perfect blend of textures, flavors, and heartwarming comfort that keeps me coming back for more.

Beef Slice

For the rice dishes, we decided on the grilled lemongrass pork chop, and it was a choice well worth savoring. The dish came with a few generously marinated slabs of pork chop, grilled to perfection. The caramelized exterior added a slight smokiness, enhancing the already bold and fragrant flavours of lemongrass.

Pairing the pork chop with the sunny-side-up egg elevated the dish further, creating a delicious contrast between the rich yolk and the savory meat. The accompanying sauce tied everything together beautifully, adding just the right touch of umami. And let’s not forget the comforting bowl of soup on the side — light yet flavorful, it was the perfect palate cleanser.

Simple, satisfying, and full of bold flavors, this rice dish is a must-try for anyone craving a hearty Vietnamese meal.

Grilled Lemongrass Pork Chop - $15.30

For just an additional $2, we upgraded our main dishes into a set meal, which included a choice of drink from the menu. I opted for the lemongrass drink, which turned out to be delightfully refreshing. The sweetness level was just right, striking a perfect balance that made it easy to sip and enjoy.

My dining companion, however, went with the soya milk and mentioned that it fell a little short of expectations. Perhaps it lacked the creaminess or freshness typically associated with a good cup of soya milk.

Lemongrass Drink & Soya Milk

No sharing meal feels complete without a side dish like this. We went with the Fried Spring Rolls, which did not disappoint. The exterior was delightfully crusty, offering a satisfying crunch with every bite. Inside, the rolls were generously packed with a savory minced meat filling that was soft and flavorful.

Interestingly, they bore a striking resemblance to our Chinese Ngoh Hiang, both in texture and flavor, making it a familiar yet exciting treat. Perfect for sharing, these spring rolls added a nice touch of indulgence to our meal.

Fried Spring Rolls - $10.80

If you were to ask whether I’d make a return trip, the answer is a definite yes. There’s still so much on the menu that I’m eager to try, especially other Vietnamese dishes that caught my eye during this visit. With the warm flavours and satisfying portions, this place has definitely earned itself a spot on my list of go-to eateries.

Rating: 3.5 / 5

Uncle Ho's Tuckshop
Location:
100 Pasir Panjang Rd, #01-04 Old Behn Meyer Building, Singapore 118518