Chabuton (313 Somerset) | ThumbsForFood

I have my few favourite ramen shops which I frequent regularly. The top on my list is still Santouka Ramen because so far I cannot seem to find any ramen shops that has pork cheeks as tender as Santouka.

Chabuton by Michelin-starred chef, Yasuji Morizumi, has opened its first outlet at 313 Somerset about 3 months ago. I finally had a chance to try the ramen that was so highly raved about by my friends. I was there on a Wednesday night and pleasantly surprised that there was no queue at all.

I ordered the Chabuton Tonkatsu Ramen (Regular portion$11.90). The broth was rich and creamy, definitely one of the better soup broths out in the market. I added the kara spicy minced pork that day as I felt like having something spicy!

I opted for the Soft Boiled Egg and Buta Kakuni ($3) top-up! I don't normally like the pork slices that comes with the ramen which was why I decided top add the extra meat. The meat was very well-braised and I love the texture of the pork.

We also ordered the Hitokuchi Gyoza to share. I personally liked the texture of the gyoza as it feels lighter than the normal dumpling skin that we have.

Overall, I had a pleasant experience at Chabuton. It is a place to go for a simple dinner and the best thing is there is no queue for it!


Chabuton (313 Somerset)
313 Orchard Road
S238865

Opening Hours:
Daily 1130-2200


Cheers,
Z

Kkongdon BBQ | ThumbsForFood

I was having an intense craving for korean food during work so I decided to try out Kkongdon BBQ. I walked past it many times and noticed that it was always almost empty, even during the lunch hours. But I decided to give it a chance because the poor crowd could be due to the location (Djitsun Mall) right? Plus I googled their Daily Set Lunch Menu and it looked pretty decent. 

So, I went on a Monday, during lunch hours and it was .... pretty empty. We ordered the BBQ Set A. There were 5 options to choose from, and it was $12.80 ++ per person (minimum 2 person to order). 

There is also the individual set lunch menu to choose from, with prices ranging from $9.80 to $18.80.

The lunch came with free flow side dishes. The side dishes were a little too bland. The kimchi was so horrible that we did not even finish our first plate.

BBQ Set A consists of beef and pork, served with rice and Kimchi soup. Our first reaction when the meat was served was how unappetizing the meat appeared. The meat was cut in huge chunks and frozen.

And so, we decided to throw all the meat onto the grill so that the thick chunks of meat can be cooked within our lunch hour.

I have to be honest and say, how bad can BBQ meat taste right? The meat turned out okay and for the amount of meat (plus soup), $12.80 is quite a bargain.

The kimchi soup is a safe choice, nothing out of the ordinary but nothing bad about it as well.

Overall, I have to say that I was quite disappointed with the standard of food served at Kkongdon BBQ. I don't know if it was because of the outlet I visited but I mean it can't be that bad right? Considering the fact that they have 4 outlets in Singapore.

Well, at least I gave it a try but I know for sure I will not be back at Kkongdon, at least not soon.

Kkongdon BBQ
5 Ang Mo Kio Central 2
#01-06
Singapore 569663

Opening Hours:
Daily 1100-2230

Have a good week ahead!

Cheers,
Z

Fix Cafe | ThumbsForFood

The main factor that motivated me to travel all the way down to Toa Payoh (and walked 15-20 mins from the mrt station) was really because of the Liu Sha Donuts ($7.0). I love all kinds of food with liu sha (golden custard)! The liu sha dipping is served hot and the best thing about the dip is that it is not too sweet. As compared to liu sha bao, this is good for people who are more 'health-conscious' because it is not oily at all! But to be honest, this is actually a very simple dessert: donuts with a side dipping. I feel that the donuts were a little overpriced.

Since I'm started on desserts, I shall continue with another sweet item that I tried on my visit there. We had the Strawberry Pistachio Rose Tart ($7.0). I like that it is not too sweet and heavy; a good choice for dessert after a full meal.

My friend had the breakfast set ($12.0) which came with a drink. The breakfast set is pretty simple but I guess the price makes it value for money!

I decided to try their Chicken Tikka Naanwich ($10.0) since it is one of their specialties. This naanwich concept is something unique to Fix Cafe so I guess it is worth a try! I was pretty stuck between the Beef and Kimchi Naanwich and the Chicken Tikka Naanwich so I decided to ask the staff and he said go for the latter and so I did.

The marinated chicken went well with the achar (pickled vegetables). Pretty interesting dish at a cafe! Would definitely try their Beef and Kimchi Naanwich the next time.

nachos that came with the naanwich

latte

Overall, I had a satisfying brunch at Fix Cafe. The prices of the main course were very reasonable. For all the food we had, each of us only paid around $20. Located in Home Team NS at Balestier, it is not exactly the most accessible cafe but if you feel like heading to somewhere with a different (outdoor and overlooking the pool) ambience, Fix Cafe is definitely the place for you!

Fix Cafe
31 Ah Hood Rd
#01-06,HomeTeam NS-JOM Clubhouse


Cheers,
Z

Nuvo | ThumbsForFood

In the bid to search for the most value-for-money set lunch in town, we found our way to Nuvo. Nuvo is situated in Marina Square's Dining Edition. Nuvo is a contemporary Italian Restaurant that has Japanese influences. Nuvo has a slightly more open dining area, that are more large group and family friendly. They also have more private areas in the restaurant. 

Interior

Interior of restaurant

Nuvo's usual ala carte menu can be found here. The process of their usual mains range from $32 onwards, Starters at $15 onwards and sweets at $12 onwards. For the month of August, Nuvo's set lunch is priced at $15++. It seems that their prices for set lunch sometimes vary according to every month. At $15++ for set lunch, we found the deal irresistible and thus, visited the place to try out the menu.

We were served with complimentary bread and garlic butter. The bread was served warm and was absolutely comforting for the start of the meal. It had hints of rosemary and other herbs which enhanced the flavour of the bread. Additional servings are chargeable.

Complimentary Bread & Garlic Butter

The default starter is actually the Pumpkin soup seen below with a slice of candied bacon. I took a look at the August Menu and realised that the soup was changed to Baby Green Pea Soup. The Pumpkin soup was really quite good and smooth. It lifted our palate for the meal.

Pumpkin Soup

We decided to try their other starters on the menu as well. The one below is Mugi Cha Smoked Salmon, which we had to add $3 on top of the standard set lunch price. The dish is served with Wasabi Cream, Furikake (a type of Japanese rice seasoning) and Baby Spinach. It was quite delicious and refreshing. The portion was a little on the small side.

Mugi Cha Smoked Salmon

For mains, the default main is the Linguini with char-grilled pork. I see that this item might also change depending on the months. For August, it was Corn and Crab Linguini. Based on first sight, the linguini looked lifeless and bland. But, surprisingly, it tasted really flavourful and uplifting. We felt that the sauce of the linguini was done really well. The pork slices were also tender, juicy and well-marinated.

Linguini with Char-grilled pork

With an additional $4, you get to upgrade the default main course to a Cotoletta "My Way" - which is Crispy Chicken Breast, rice, Mozzarella and Japanese Curry. We thought that the chicken was done neatly. I however, did not really know how to appreciate Japanese Curry. It tasted quite good to me as it wasn't as sweet as other curry versions.

Cotoletta "My Way"

For additional of $5, you can choose their Pork Collar. We read prior to our visit that their Pork Collar was delicious. Our pork collar was grilled and topped with cheese and a handful of greens. The sauce plated alongside the pork went really well with the meat. The pork was tender and tasty. Do give it a try if you're a pork lover.

Pork Collar

For desserts, the default is their Lychee Panna Cotta. We all agreed that the Panna Cotta was one of the best we have ever eaten thus far. The texture was light, the flavour refreshing without being too thick. We could easily finish the whole bowl without any effort. The slices of fruit and mikan added tinges of sweetness to the Panna Cotta, providing it with a good balance. Definitely a recommended dessert!

Panna Cotta

For an additional $4, you can get their Black & White, which is a chocolate pie served with crumble and a dash of honey & fig ice-cream. The chocolate was really rich. For hardcore chocolate lovers, this might be the dessert for you. Personally, I felt that it was too heavy and I would prefer the Panna Cotta. 

Black & White

Overall, we felt that Nuvo's set lunch was really value-for-money because of the good quality. We would stick to the default menu the next time we are here but, feel that new patrons should definitely try their various dishes in the menu to get a good feel of the cuisine they offer. 

Nuvo

#02-100 Marina Square Shopping Mall

6 Raffles Boulevard

Sun & PH- Thu: 11am-11pm

Eve of PH: 11am-1am

Fri to Sat: 11am-1am

http://nuvo.sg/

www.facebook.com/nuvosingapore 

Cheers,
Y

Bread & Hearth | ThumsbForFood

We realise that Keong Saik Road is the up and coming area to hang out at with many new openings in the area. Quite naturally, we decided to join in the bustle and explore the area. 

Bread and Hearth is one of the new opening in the area. We have heard much about its artisan bread and bakes such as their tarts and pies. We swing by Bread & Hearth on a weekday afternoon and there wasn't many patrons in the bakery cafe. 

The sitting capacity is actually quite limited. We saw that most people takeaway their bread and actually not many dined in.  The interior is simple and fuss-free. 

The bread and bakes are displayed in the glass counters neatly. They seem to have quite a wide variety of bread. You can also taste-test their bread before deciding which you would like to buy. We weren't very impressed when tasting the bread because it was a little bit cold and lack lustre. Probably, they could warm up the samples to whet appetites. 

Variety of croissants and Bread

Tarts and bread on display

We felt the drinks menu was kind of limited. It was quite simple like either coffee or tea. Price wise, it's the usual cafe prices. I thought it would be nice to include some juices as well.

Drinks Menu

We tried their Salted Caramel Tarte. The tart wasn't too sweet but the texture was quite rich and sticky. We felt that the crust was a bit too hard. It was really quite a chore to cut through the crust and we were afraid it will fly off the plate. I would appreciate the salted caramel taste to be more prominent.

Salted Caramel Tarte

We ordered their Flat white as well. The coffee was very mediocre. We felt it was a little too watery and lack depth in flavour. Probably wouldn't recommend the coffee if you're really picky over the quality of it.

Flat White

We did not have the chance to try their bread as we were quite full that day. Will hope to pop by another time to takeaway some bread!


Bread & Hearth
18 Keong Saik Road
Singapore 089125 

Cheers,
Y

The Tastemaker Store | ThumbsForFood

The Tastemaker Store is quite a recent addition to Singapore's cafe scene. It is actually walking distance to Sin Lee Foods, that we introduced in our previous post. 

Business was quite brisk on a weekday afternoon. The interior of Tastemaker is kept simple with soft furnishings of potted plants placed around the shop as well as hanging from the ceiling. It felt comfortable and seems like a good place for doing work as it was well lit.

Interior of Tastemaker

Interior of cafe

They have various bakes from Maple & Market that is displayed in the glass display near the counter. We did not try the bakes that day as we wanted to try their more unique dishes. We think that perhaps they should add a corner for a free iced water dispenser. We always appreciate cafe s that serve free water.

Bakes from Maple & Market

We ordered their Lemon Curd with Clotted Cream on Muffin Buns ($3). It was really unique as we have not seen this in other cafes. The lemon wasn't too sweet nor sour, in fact it was in perfect balance. It was served with half boiled eggs. We dipped the muffin buns into the half boiled egg and it was quite a refreshing combination. 

Lemon Curd with clotted cream toast

The eggs were not exactly half-boiled that day. But, we kind of like it because the yolk was in a nicely curded form. 

Eggs

 For drinks, we chose the Matcha Latte. It wasn't out of the world but, quite a comfortable companion for food.

Matcha Latte

The must-try dish is perhaps the Yam Cake ($3.80). Again, this is not commonly found in other cafes. Yam cake is a local dish. It is served with chilli that was adequately spicy and had the kick! The yam cake was really chunky with filling of salted egg, yam and seems like some pieces of luncheon. It is quite filling of you eat the whole slice on your own.

Yam Cake

Overall, we find the Tastemaker Store sells quite unique food that is affordable and suitable for the general public. It's unpretentious, simple and hassle-free. 

The Tastemaker Store

Blk 22 Havelock Road#01-705 Singapore 160022 

Opening Hours: 9am – 9pm Daily

Exterior

Cheers, Y

Jewel Cafe & Bar | ThumbsForFood

Jewel Cafe + Bar is located on Rangoon Road, about 10minutes walk from Farrer Park MRT. I like the spaciousness of the whole cafe; with it's high ceilings and spaced out seatings. The place has a clean cut, modern industrial look with two levels of seating. 

Interior of Jewel Cafe + Bar

We ordered their Truffle Fries which came in the thicker cut. My personal preference would be shoestring fries because I feel they absorb the truffle flavour better and tends to be more consistent. The one that Jewel serves has consistent truffle flavour but I feel could do with a stronger punch.

Truffle Fries

We tried their Pan Seared Watermelon Steak which was something really quite unique. It was served with Pineapple Sorbet. First taste of the hot watermelon on its own was really quite strange. Mmm, it is nothing like I had ever tasted. Paired with the sorbet and the flavour was much better. The pairing went surprisingly well. Having said that, I probably will not order this dish next time. It is of an acquired taste and thus, if you're up for something new, do try this dish!

Pan Seared Watermelon Steak

We ordered their Flat White to go along with the food. Jewel's coffee is quite good and aromatic. It's not as acidic and has quite a good balance of milk and coffee.

The Ricotta Pancakes tasted really good. Served with caramelised bananas and some strawberries, it was a balance of sweet and sour flavour. A really good dessert to end of the meal!

Ricotta Pancakes

As we were finishing our food, we realised that the truffle fries' base was actually filled with a layer of oil. It was quite alarming to see so much oil accumulated at the bottom. Perhaps, Jewel could use some oil paper to drain the oil before serving.

Oil soaked truffle fries

Nevertheless, Jewel Cafe & Bar offers a spacious place with good coffee to its patrons. I would definitely love to try its much raved about burgers soon!

Jewel Cafe + Bar Entrance

Jewel Cafe & Bar

129 Rangoon Road 

6298 9216

Tue-Thurs: 9am-10pm; Fri-Sat: 9am to 12nn; Sun: 9am-10pm

Closed on Mondays

Cheers, 

Y