Shima: New Kaiseki Chef Hoshiba Fumihiko
Japanese food used to be so exclusive. This was certainly the case when Shima opened its doors in 1980. At that time, it was the only Japanese restaurant in town, which is quite hard to believe, seeing today's vibrant Japanese food scene. But there was a time when the average Singaporean would balk at eating a slice of raw fish, not to mention paying a premium for food that doesn't even require any cooking! Those were the days when "chashoba" (green tea soba) could be mistaken for "cha siu bak" (roast pork)!
Thong Sum Desserts: Something old, something new
There is certainly some positive trends in our hawker scene. We are seeing many new hawkers bringing back traditional foods but infusing them with new ideas! This stall in Golden Mile Food Centre has only been opened for a few months, but I think they are on the track. They have brought back the traditional […]
The Chinese Kitchen: Creative Chinese cooking
The man behind the wok is Chef Austen Ong who started his cooking career as a 13 year old apprentice of the legendary Chef Tham Mui Kai (One of the Four Heavenly Kings). Since then, he has worked in Chinese kitchens around the world, spending almost two decades with the Hyatt group. In 2005 and 2007, he led the Singapore team to victory in the world culinary contest held in Taipei which eventually earned him the title of "god of the kitchen". 厨神
Spago: 60 day whiskey dry aged wagyu steak!
I don’t know about you, but when it comes to steak, I can actually plot the steak “milestones” of my life. I had my first truly memorable steak was when I was 18 at the now defunct Cairnhill Steakhouse. I can still remember the aroma of sizzling beef wafting out of the restaurant when the […]
Wei Ji Braised Duck: Keeping a family legacy alive
There are many heartwarming stories rising from our hawker heartland. Selling food and providing transport is a lifeline for many in most societies. Visit any metropolis and you will find new immigrants either selling food or driving taxis in order to provide for their families when they are unable find work in their own trade or profession. This was certainly the case for Singapore in the early days when many of our forefathers became hawkers or rickshaw pullers in order to eke out a living.
Dynasty Ipoh Seafood: Fried Porridge Chef finally opens his own place!
It’s been a rocky road for Chef John, our fried porridge maestro. Barely a few months after he opened Royal J’s premium, it was shut down due to some disagreements with his business partner. I have been following John on his stall hopping trip since Dec 2015 when he first left Ipoh to set up shop at Macpherson, then he moved to bigger premises in Lavender before moving to the last location at Bishan. Now he has finally ventured out on his own, so hopefully he will stay put at his present location for some time.
Uni Gallery: Truly Uni
For those of you who have yet to experience uni, the most important tip I can give you is this: Good uni tastes like heaven, bad uni, like week old swill. So, unless you are a gustatory masochist, make sure you get your first taste of uni at a reputable Japanese sushi bar. It's really not worth gagging over bad uni, no matter what price you pay for it!
Man Man Unagi Restaurant: Live Eels Grilled over Charcoal!
I never used to enjoy unagi (fresh water eels) until I came across one which was live-killed and freshly grilled over charcoal. It was that moment of epiphany when I suddenly realized what the fuss was all about!
Wolfgang’s Steakhouse: Finally, a Steakhouse with a proper aging room!
With the arrival of Wolfgang's steakhouse, Singapore has reached another steak milestone. It is the only steakhouse here with a walk-in aging room that ages the meat for its own menu.
Master Tang: Beef Brisket and Chicken Feet Heaven!
I love ngau lum! (Cantonese style stewed beef brisket) It is one of those things that I love but never to eat much of when I was a kid. (or even now!) It was such a treat whenever mum brings back ngau lum meen for lunch after doing her marketing!
Pura Brasa: Charcoal grilled Spanish Food for the Family!
How time flies! It's been over 2 years since I was running across the dehesa in Extramadura chasing the acorn fed Iberian pig, and over 6 years since I was introduced to the jamon Iberico de bellota at the now defunct Santi restaurant!
Leslie’s Simplest Butter Cake Recipe
Here is something that happens in our family every year. We would be celebrating my mother-in-law's birthday and no matter what trendy birthday cake we buy for her, she would always end up saying that butter cake is still her favourite. And every year I would promise to bake her a butter cake next time! Year after year, that "next time" never happened until Anchor sent me a few blocks of their New Zealand butter to sample!