HIDDEN GEM: Decent Claypot Chicken Rice at affordable prices. (S$5.00) Until I stumbled upon a Claypot Chicken Rice stall from a Malaysia Boleh franchise located in Simei Eastpoint Mall.
Before savouring any Claypot Chicken Rice, the secret is to mix the rice and sauces well. You know you’re good to go when every grain of rice is coated beautifully golden brown. Let’s get started! The fragrant rice remains moist and tender after being exposed to extreme heat. A light smoky charcoal aroma diffuses into the surrounding air. The chicken chunks are smooth on the surface. Tender, juicy and chewy! My favourite is the chinese sausage pieces with a flavourful sweet-salty combination like “bak kwa” (barbecued pork jerky). Paired with the classic minced garlic and cut chillies in dark soy sauce, it brings the flavour to the next level. The best part is when you reach the bottom of the claypot. I love the layer of crispy charred rice. The contrast in textures is extraordinary. Although the chicken rice was lacking in fragrance, it was relatively good for its price.
Best to try these dishes at off-peak hours for the best taste.
One of the best gelato ice cream I have tasted and a top favourite among Singaporeans; Birds of Paradise has truly brought nature closer to us with its botanical delicacies. Recommended in Michelin Guide, it has been consistent in delivering gelato of the finest quality.
Price (with thyme cone):
S$6.00 (single scoop)
S$9.00 (double scoop)
Let’s jump right in with their signature flavour: White Chrysanthemum. As I tried the gelato for the first time, the texture struck me. The gelato flows seamlessly in your mouth with its smooth marble-like texture like melted cotton candy. It soothes the tongue and mind with a strong but delicate sweet floral scent of White Chrysanthemum. The fragrance lingers in your mouth and leaves a light aftertaste with you craving for more. Rich chocolatey cacao nibs that carry a mild bittersweet taste are added into the equation. The cacao nibs taste similar to sunflower seeds and augments the botanical nature vibes - a tranquil forest filled with sweet flowery aroma in the air.
The thyme cone is the finishing touch. The fragile thyme cone was surprisingly crunchy. I expected a sharp minty flavour, instead, it carried a mellow subtle taste of herbs. The overall gentle sensation made it feel light on the stomach and easy to continue with a second flavour.
Lastly, we have a flavour that should be saved for the last: Dark Chocolate Sorbet. The savoury Dark Chocolate Sorbet is mercilessly unforgiving in its richness and subtle bitterness, remotely similar to truffle. After the strong punch, the dark chocolate slowly fades into the background but continues to remain like all the other flavours.
A must-try for first-timers!
One of the best gelato ice cream I have tasted and a top favourite among Singaporeans; Birds of Paradise has truly brought nature closer to us with its botanical delicacies. Recommended in Michelin Guide, it has been consistent in delivering gelato of the finest quality.
Price (with thyme cone):
S$6.00 (single scoop)
S$9.00 (double scoop)
Let’s jump right in with their signature flavour: White Chrysanthemum. As I tried the gelato for the first time, the texture struck me. The gelato flows seamlessly in your mouth with its smooth marble-like texture like melted cotton candy. It soothes the tongue and mind with a strong but delicate sweet floral scent of White Chrysanthemum. The fragrance lingers in your mouth and leaves a light aftertaste with you craving for more. Rich chocolatey cacao nibs that carry a mild bittersweet taste are added into the equation. The cacao nibs taste similar to sunflower seeds and augments the botanical nature vibes - a tranquil forest filled with sweet flowery aroma in the air.
The thyme cone is the finishing touch. The fragile thyme cone was surprisingly crunchy. I expected a sharp minty flavour, instead, it carried a mellow subtle taste of herbs. The overall gentle sensation made it feel light on the stomach and easy to continue with a second flavour.
Next, we have a bolder flavour: Rose & Peach Sorbet. This flavour takes you on a journey. It starts the ride with a pungent and tangy sourness. As the tartiness dissipates, the sweet floral scent of rose and peaches heightens. Finally, it concludes with a light subtle aftertaste. Definitely a great refreshing first flavour to start off with!
A must-try for first-timers!!
Affordable Chinese home cooked food for the masses! S$5.80 (S) / S$7.80 (M)
This is more spicy than the Spicy Sesame Claypot Chicken with an abundance of small cut chillies. The elegant purple eggplant is crunchy on the surface and soft and chewy on the inside. The minced meat may be small in size but the taste of chicken/pork is strong nonetheless. Like the Spicy Sesame Claypot Chicken, the Eggplant with Spicy Minced Meat does not disappoint.
Affordable Chinese home cooked food for the masses! S$5.80 (S) / S$7.80 (M)
It comes in a sizzling hot claypot, reminiscent of Pepper Lunch; A generous portion of bite-size pieces of golden-brown chicken and freshly cut dried chillies often used in Sichuan Mala (麻辣) recipes. As I took my first bite, the first thing that struck me was the warm-hot temperature of the dish. It was just nice, a great and consistent temperature for anyone to enjoy a warm-hearted meal. Then comes the heavy aroma of sesame oil, garlic and onion from the traditional sauce. The essence of the sauce lies in its thickness: A beautiful mixture of sesame oil and meat juices infused with the fragrance of dried chillies. It was mildly spicy without the numbness, perfect for children who struggle with spicy food. The succulent chicken is tender and moist with a surprisingly smooth texture like chicken thigh. Topped with spring onions, scallions and garlic chives, the Spicy Sesame Claypot Chicken is a classic chinese household dish.
Battered Ocean Fish Fillet with Regular US fries and Coleslaw. (S$19.64 after GST & Service Charge)
The fish fillet is wrapped in a crispy yet thin batter. As you bite into the batter, you can hear the crisp of it. (Hear it crunch in your mouth) Beneath the fried batter lies the soft off-white fish flesh that melts in your mouth. The inner fish flesh has a smooth and delicate texture to it, providing a nice contrast. Crispy outside, delicate inside. (Imagine the moment it transitions from crunchy crispy fried fish batter into soft, delicate fish flesh) The lemon and signature tartar sauce adds a refreshing acidic twist and oceanic sweetness to the mildly salty fish. (Pair it with the complement sauces and feel the tantalizing sensation on your taste buds) The coleslaw, a traditional cold salad topped with mayonnaise brings the temperature to the extremes, the fusion of hot and cold. (Like Burning Lava Cake with Frozen Ice Cream)
If you want to make the most out of your money, download the Swensens App and go on your birthday. You will be able to claim a Sundae Firehouse, a Sundae and special drinks if you order main dishes.
