Togi Korean Restaurant (TripleOne Somerset)

Friday, October 30, 2015 sher (: 0 Comments

Like with most korean restaurants, where you get a free-flow of side dishes to go with your meal, Togi also serves a tiny portion of abalone porridge (guk), which they limit to one per person. The porridge was quite tasty, and our only gripe was that, considering that there was no expensive ingredients whatsoever in it (no abalone that's for sure), they could/should have made it free-flow. The 6 other side dishes are, clockwise from the top left -- cold tofu, pickled vegetable, mashed potato with raisins in it (?!), blanched vegetable, kimchi and ikan bilis. Nothing too spectacular about the variety; we've had better at Su Korean (Far East Plaza).

Dolsot Bibimbap ($15) is one of our favorite korean dishes. The hot stone bowl lends incredible flavor and depth to the rice, in a manner much akin to our local clay pot rice. It is a must have for bibimbaps and you should never order one if they are out of stone bowls. You should also of course top your bibimbap with lots of gochujang, the korean hot pepper paste -- unfortunately Sher can't take too spicy food so we gave it a miss.

To go with our bibimbap, we ordered a piping hot (stone) bowl of Beef Soup ($15) that came with tender slices of beef, glass noodles and enoki mushrooms.

Overall, our experience at Togi was a pleasant one. The prices and food were decent and we didn't have much to complain about. Just give us more porridge next time round. Do go early to avoid the queue!

Togi Korean Restaurant
Address: Triple One Somerset, 111 Somerset Road, #02-16, 238164
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun, 11:30-22:00
Website: http://www.tripleonesomerset.com.sg/content/togi
Contact: +65 6737 7397
Damage: ~$20/pax

0 comments:

Lor Mee 178 (Tiong Bahru Market)

Thursday, October 29, 2015 sher (: 0 Comments

Lor Mee is an acquired taste. There are a couple of varieties but 178 serves the thick flat yellow noodles in an extremely viscous and flavorful gravy -- delish. For just $3.50, you get a generous portion of Lor Mee and a heap of shark meat nuggets that has been deep fried to hell and back. Definitely not one for the weight watchers. You are then free to garnish as you see fit with raw crushed garlic, celery leaves, fresh cut chili and black vinegar. What's the trick to it? Just put copious amounts of everything in your bowl. Don't worry, no one will judge you.

Although known to be a fishy fish (that's right, its a fish, not a mammal), surprisingly the shark nuggets don't taste that fishy. In fact, they don't even taste like shark. It could be almost any fish in there and it'll probably still taste like perfectly fried batter. However, the crunchy, savory fish bits do add a nice contrast to the dish and after you've finished the last piece, it leaves you feeling slightly moreish (okay maybe its just the MSG).

Had a nondescript Ice Kachang ($1.50) from a couple of stalls to the left of the Lor Mee, to wrap up a satisfying meal.

Lor Mee 178
Address: 30 Seng Poh Road, Tiong Bahru Market, #02-58, 168898
Opening Hours: Daily 6:00-21:30; Closed Wed
Website: http://www.hungrygowhere.com/singapore/lor_mee_178/
Damage: $3.50 (with shark nuggets)

0 comments:

Ah Bong's Italian (Tiong Bahru)

Wednesday, October 28, 2015 sher (: 0 Comments

Pasta at Ah Bong's is handmade, flavorful and cooked al dente (Italian for 'to the tooth') - what's not to like! We have been there twice with high expectations and both meals did not disappoint. Ah Bong's doesn't skimp on quality; ingredients are prepared fresh and each day's menu is usually released on facebook/instagram one day in advance. Blending in nicely with Tiong Bahru's hippie vibe, the stall is literally a stove in the middle of an old coffee shop. The other tenants include a Yong Tau Foo stall which is quite popular -- we'll definitely have to try that some day.

Feast your eyes on the Bolognese ($8) from our virgin experience. We particularly like how Ah Bong's uses linguine which is flatter and wider than spaghetti, and soaks up the yummy sauce pretty well (more surface area). Teh-bing (~$2) was sold by the uncle standing nearby.

Cacio e Pepe (cheese & pepper). This was delightfully fragrant with the cheese (I think it's Pecorino?) lending a subtle saltiness in contrast to the fresh cracked black pepper. Highly recommended for all you cheese lovers.

On our second trip we had the Duck Ragu ($10, right) and a lovely Haebi Hiam Aglio Olio ($7). Although its hard to tell the difference between the two in this picture, they were each spectacular in their own rights. The slow-cooked duck was rich, moist and absolutely falling apart the moment we prised it with our fork. On the other hand, the haebi hiam was unbelievably crisp and fragrant. It was the perfect pairing to aglio olio, why hasn't anyone thought of doing that before?

Ah Bong also serves creme brulee ($4) for dessert. We haven't tried that yet because it looked really tiny and... perhaps because we wanted to save space for the Shark Meat Lor Mee.

It's nice that Ah Bong's menu keeps changing as they test/perfect their recipes. Do note that their portions are limited so the more popular items may run out so be sure to go early so you don't miss out on the daily specials. We do hope Ah Bong's will be here to stay for a while, so we can continue to enjoy great pasta at a fraction of the price you'd pay in restaurants.

Ah Bong's Italian

Address: 56 Eng Hoon St, #01-46, 169793

Opening Hours: Mon-Sat, 10:00-14:00

Website: https://www.facebook.com/abitalian

Contact: +65 9650 6194

Damage: ~$7-10/pax

0 comments:

Hob Nob Cafe Bar (Far East Shopping Centre)

Wednesday, October 28, 2015 sher (: 0 Comments

Unassumingly tucked in a corner of the dilapidated Far East Shopping Center -- a mall that is long past its glory days, Hob Nob Cafe Bar serves an affordable and unpretentious plate of fish & chips. The owners look Thai and decor looks Thai. The menu has fushion Thai and Western dishes eg. Tom Yum Pasta. Sounds good already eh. Not to digress, that's their signature Iced Bailey's Cream ($6.80) - and they kind of went to town on the alcohol which is entirely a good thing :)

Here's the fish & chips we were raving about! Should be about $12 for this portion, if memory serves us right - this was quite some time ago. That's slightly above what you can get at Char Grill Bar and on par with Astons. Admittedly, we could use an up-size on the sides but the fish did not disappoint. The batter was light and crisp and doesn't draw (unwanted aka Long John Silvers) attention away from the firmness of the fish - we suspect its dory.

The baked dory fish ($15) was also excellent and it was accompanied by some potato wedges and garden salad. Compared to the fish & chips, this was no doubt a fuller meal. The flakiness of the fish contrasted perfectly with the dreamily-oozy baked cheese. You'll be glad they held back on the sides this time round.

All in all, Hob Nob was a surprise find for us. Never did we expect a dingy place like Far East Shopping Center to yield this pleasant and affordable meal. Hob Nob certainly deserves more attention, do consider if you wish to stray off the beaten path and explore the quieter side of Orchard Road.

Hob Nob Cafe Bar

Address: Far East Shopping Center, 545 Orchard Road, #03-18/19, 238882

Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 11:30-23:00; Last order 21:00

Contact: +65 6734 0474

Damage: ~$18/pax

0 comments:

Genki Sushi (Bugis Plus)

Wednesday, October 28, 2015 sher (: 0 Comments

We weren't planning on having sushi for tea break, but the 'bullet train' caught our eye as we walked past the Bugis+ Genki Sushi outlet on the way to the toilet. Did you say bullet train?! Yup, Genki Sushi makes clever use of technology to deliver your order straight to you via a white flat tray that, well, kind of resembles the Shinkasen bullet train. There's a whole network of rails running around the restaurant and the best thing is your food is made to order -- fresh! Unlike traditional conveyor belt restaurants, there's absolutely no need to be wary of condensation on the plastic lids, or that piece of salmon making its return trip. At Genki Sushi, you can even watch the chefs prepare your meal, load it onto the train and whooosh. Kids will probably love the concept, just keep those grubby hands away from the rail.

So basically you order from one of those iPads and shortly after this train arrives with your food. You then remove the plates and hit that yellow button and the train returns to the kitchen.

Had to try the horse mackerel (left) which tastes of the sea, with the ginger and scallions subtly balancing out that fishy aftertaste. As for the salmon belly, you can't really go wrong with salmon belly, and this one was incredibly fresh. If you strain your eyes a little, you'll notice that prices here aren't exactly cheap ($2.80 - $3.80 for nigiri and sushi).

Oh wow, matcha. Gotta drink more tea then ;) Sorry, we are cheapskates.

This grilled shrimp with garlic butter is a must-try for all you garlic lovers. The shrimp is sweet and firm and the garlic butter..

And some udon to round up our tea break.

Although a tad expensive, Genki Sushi shines through its food quality and concept. It's worth a try, if only for the novelty factor. However, there are probably better places around that are more value for money.

Genki Sushi

Address: 201 Victoria Street, #01-13, 188067

Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 11:30-20:00

Website: http://www.genkisushi.com.sg/

Contact: +65 6732 5711

Damage: ~$30 (5 plates, average $4)

0 comments:

Hanare (Tanjong Pagar)

Tuesday, October 27, 2015 sher (: 0 Comments

Located just around the corner from the popular Teppei, and up a narrow flight of steps, Hanare doesn't serve your usual chirashi -- the sashimi is sliced into thick chunks and marinated. Although you won't find a snaking queue here, believe me, the bara chirashi is every bit as good as the one served at Teppei. This visit was back in the days where $17.60++ could get you a bara chirashi-don and access to a 4-side dish buffet spread, which is incredibly value for money! <Update: We went back recently in October 2015 and since then, prices have remained the same but instead of having a free-flow of side dishes, you get a set consisting of one appetizer of your choice + free flow rice/miso soup/tea>

Unlike Teppei, which is counter seats only, you get a cosy dining room overlooking the street below. Best thing is, you don't have to queue.

Lovely chandeliers by the way.

For those going for the bara set, you're limited to that small section over there. Pay a bit more ($19.90++) and you get the full array of Japanese sides along with your main. To be honest, it's not really worth the top up -- 4 dishes are plenty already -- and you'll only be missing out on a couple more dishes like soba, fried beancurd skins, tamago, grilled fish etc. Save the space for the main course instead.

5 sides + miso soup. Guess they forgot to count.

Assortment of braised mushrooms and root vegetables.

Simple salad with wafu dressing -- since its free, take more ;)

Aaand... presenting the star of the show~ Look at how thick and glistening those chunks of sashimi are! There's salmon, tuna, swordfish and squid, topped with ikura and doused in that heavenly marinade.

Btw check this out, our bara chirashi picture is featured on Coconut Singapore's list of Top 5 chirashi bowl!

Having a go at the side dishes: we particularly liked the braised root vegetables and mushroom, flavorful and very homely.

Parting shot of the bara chirashi-don.

Hanare is THE place for your chirashi fix. For a decent price, the portions are generous and guaranteed to satisfy. So, if you ever find yourself at the rear end of that insane Teppei queue, head on over to Hanare!

Hanare

Address: 99B, Tanjong Pagar Road, 088520

Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 12:00-14:30, 18:30-20:00; Closed Sun

Website: www.facebook.com/hanaresingapore

Contact: +65 6222 1976

Damage: ~$21/pax