柴山 ChiaShan Hidden Gem


Been years living in Kaohsiung and had never really explore Chiashan. Decided to hunt for the hidden beach in Kaohsiung and found it. Was really surprised to find a lovely place and there is even nearby fresh water source. Getting to this location requires a short hike but do bring along some insect repellent. So here are some of the photos taken, next time we will be back here and having a picnic.

Ziyou Evening Wet Market 自由黃昏市場



This is one of our favourite evening wet market, plenty of fresh seafood, meat and even many eatery stalls. One of our favourite is the Soy Bean Curd and Deep Fried Smelly Tofu stalls. However some of the prices can be rather expensive compare to other wet markets. 

Usually open from 3.30pm till 8.30pm, most of the crowds comes between 4.30~5.00pm. This is a photography paradise, some many colours to capture.

Sungei Road Laksa


27 Jalan Berseh, #01-100 Jin Shui Kopitiam
Opening hours: 9am to 6pm. Closed on the first and third Wednesday of every month
Google Map

Laksa is a fusion between Chinese and Malay Curries which the Nonya created. This is one dish I have yet to perfect. It is a master piece of all curries and cannot easily be perfected. The amount of coconut added had to be right. 

Laksa is unique in Singapore because there is only one variation in the world today. I have tasted many Laksa around Singapore even some proclaimed Katong Laksa are the best but still not up to my taste bud. 

Back in 90's when I came to this stall, day of Jalan Besar second had trading. I was surprised with their taste, not to strong and not too much coconut taste. Since then parts of Jalan Besar was tron down.  

So back in 2000, I found their stall again and since then this is the only Laksa stall I will come back for more. Their noodles are cut so you only need a spoon and not chopstick. This is probably the only Laksa stall that still uses charcoal to prepare. Served with just cockles and fish cake will do the trick, the chilli sauce is a must add-on. Normally I will asked for my cockles. Their price is still unbeatable and you can have just SGD2.00 a bowl. Best of the Best Laksa out there.    


Botak Jones


I knew Barnes back when he had a pub  and restaurant in East Coast Parkway beside MacDonald's. Later on he had a small kitchen in Handlebar but finally he decided to open his own kitchen in Pioneer if I remember correctly. From there on, now he has numerous branches around Singapore and all ran from a central kitchen 

First time I tasted his food was Handlebar anniversary when he cooked a Cajun Boiled Seafood. It was really good. The next time we tried at Handlebar and the taste was excellent.

The last time back in Singapore, we went to one of his branch in Bukit Batok. I had deep friend Jalapeno and the kids had Steak and Salmon. 

If you need to find out his other joint, here is his Botak Jone Website

Authentic Hock Lam St Popular Beef Kway Teow

06 North Canal Rd (opp OCBC centre Chulia St) 
Weekdays: 11AM to 8PM Weekends: 11AM to 4.00PM Closed on Public Holidays

38 Seah Street 
MON to SUN 10.30AM to 8.30PM

When I was a kid, my first beef Beef Kway Teow Soup was at Beach Road Food Center  since then there were not many stalls around. Back in 2000 came across this stall in Purvis Street and felt in love with it. I did try the other stalls which now have a few branches The Original Hock Lam Street Beef Kway Teow but still prefer this stall. 

Fried Egg Oyster


Fried Egg Oyster is a snack both in South East Asia and Taiwan however each has its own variation. Both Malaysia and Singapore serve this dish with sour chilli sauce (vinegar) but in Taiwan it serve with sweet sauce. 

Apparently Taiwanese doesn't like Singapore Fried Egg Oyster and likewise Singaporean doesn't quite like Taiwanese Fried Oyster that include myself. 

We are use to eating oyster with tangy sourness just like fresh oyster with a squeeze of lemon and Tabasco. My kids love this dish so here is a recipe for them. 

Singapore Chilli Crab


Chilli Crab was originated from Singapore, there are various cooking style but the basic ingredient still remains the same. Normally Mud Crab is used to make this dish. To identify crab sex, on the under side a female crab will have a wider base and male crab has a narrow base. Female crab is mostly larger than a male crab.

Ser Seng Herbs (Turtle) Restaurant

mixed turtle internal organ soup

39 Tai Thong Crescent
Singapore 347863
Tel: 62876341
Opening Hours 11am - 11pm (Close on Mon)
Google Map



There are not many turtle soup outlet in Singapore but many years ago I was introduced to this particular restaurant and I felt in love. I have since brought my family to try it and they too love it. 

Chicken Stelline Pasta Soup

Childhood favourite dish, mum used to make these but she had used shredded chicken meat instead. I could not find a chickin breast meat with skin on so had use chicken wings. 

I love this tinny Stelline pasta, you can use other kind of pasta such as macaroni. Preparing is rather easy, first season the chicken with salt for 15mins. Add minced garlic and oil in pot, fry it till fragrance. Add water and chick stock cube. Once water boil add chicken and pasta. It takes about 7 minutes too cook. Season with white pepper and garnish with spring onion or coriander. I prefer to go with chilli and fish sauce.

Note: 50 gram of pasta is enough for one person. 


Yue Lai Xiang Cheng Tng 夜来香清汤



Bedok Food Centre
Open 12pm to 8pm
Closed on Mondays
Google Map

Update Jul 2013
It sad to know Andrew had passed away on 27 June 2013. Now the stall is handled by his wife and daughter. RIP Andrew, you and your father had served our generation well.

Cheng Tng a Nonya sweet dessert soup. My mother used to bring us to this particular stall at Bedok Food Centre when I was a kid. Today we bring our kids here, a 3 generation food craze to this stall. 

The Banana Leaf Apolo




Address: 54 Race Course Rd, Singapore 218564
Phone:+65 6293 8682
Hours:
 
Saturday hours 10:30 am–10:30 pm

Google Map

Indian Curry Fish Head?? Most people would think of Banana Leaf Apolo This is an Indian restaurant serving their meal on banana leaf.

Located at Race Course Road, this is probably our 6 times eating in this restaurant.  

Half Boiled Eggs

This is a rather simple breakfast meal however making these eggs, timing is very crucial. I believed these half boiled eggs originated from the British during their colonial rule. As a Cook to the British master, Hainanese cooks had took these breakfast meal to a different twist after the British left. Some started Coffee Shop or what is commonly known as Kopitiam (pronounce as Ko.p.t.m quickly). Normally it goes with freshly roasted coffee or Hainanese tea and Kaya Toast. Kaya is a spread that consist of coconut milk, pandan leave, egg and sugar. Some would prefer just butter and sugar.

Most Chinese do not like these eggs but in Singapore, almost everyone knows these eggs however not many can perfect it correctly. Most of the failure to perfect these eggs is that the eggs had taken directly from the fridge and immediately tried to boil them. 

These eggs must be left at room temperature, take these eggs out from the fridge and leave it overnight. Boil a pot water, place the eggs in a bowl preferable ceramic as it absorb heat. Pour the hot water in till eggs are covered then drain. Then pour the hot water again in the bowl till the eggs are covered over and cover the bowl for five and a half minutes. The eggs should come out right and you can still scrap the egg whites from the shell. Seasoned it with white pepper and soy sauce, I prefer to use dark mushroom soy sauce as it gives a distinct flavour, it all depends on your preference. 

These eggs will taste good when it is still warm, dip it with toast or just go straight down your throat. 

Note: if you removed the eggs after five and a half minutes and not crack open, the eggs will continue to cook and the texture will be different. The method above is good for 2 eggs only, if more I can't grantee as I never tried it with more than 2 eggs  

Golden Mile Special Yong Tau Foo 黄金特制酿豆腐



505 Beach Rd Golden Mile Food Ctr
#B1-44 S199583
Time: 1045 - 1500, close on Sun
Owner: Johnson Chng Fang Khiang
Outlet: 62985908
Handphone: 96533029



Young Tau Foo is one of my favourite dish. I used to have at least once a week and this particular stall in Beach Road Food Centre is my favourite choice. 

Basically I love everything they have to offer, the chilli sauce is really nice and the fish paste they used are all home made including the fish balls which I always have extra. Unlike many Yong Tau Foo stall, their kangkong are all raw, however over here their kangkong are pre-cook and wrap in a bundle just like the good old days.

Banana Crepe



This was the best breakfast my ex-wife have prepared after knowing her for 19yrs. The ingredient is rather simple and it packed with enough power ingredient to start the day off.

Tiong Shian Porridge Center 長城粥品中心



65 New Bridge Road, Ann Kway Building
Tel: 6221 1596 / 6222 3911
Opening Hours: Daily 8am to 4am

This is one of our favourite Cantonese porridge located in Chinatown, 5 mins away from the MRT station. Unlike many porridges, which will tends to get watery after awhile. This joint has the best in texture. 

For me I preferred the mixed pork porridge especially they included deep fried intestine which has a unique texture. What you should not miss is the tofu and claypot frog. They said the best claypot frog is in Geyland but I feel this is better.  

Founder Bak Kut Teh Restaurant



347 Balestier Road
Singapore 32977
Tel: 63526192
Opening Hours: 12noon to 2pm / 6pm to 2.30am (Close on Tuesday)
Google Map



There are several good Buk Kut Teh joint in Singapore and it comes in few different versions such as the dark or clear soup and the Malaysian style. I still prefer the clear version that comes with garlic peppery taste.  

This joint was introduced to me by my friend Kelvin and he insisted I should join him on a late night supper and I never regretted. All I can say this is the best I ever tasted.

Indonesian Cuisines


If you like Malay Rice, you have to try this stall. I can't seems to find the name for this stall that serves Indonesian Cuisine but is at Keppel Road, MPA One Stop Document Centre. It is located in one of the coffee shop beside the escalator. 

Most Malay Rice stalls around Singapore are rather expensive however at this joint a plate of 5 dishes; mussel, squid, samabal goreng, beef redang, vegetable lemak cost SGD4.50. On top of that you can have free achar. Simply the BEST!!

Wee Nam Kee Chicken Rice




275 Thomson Road
#01-05 Novena Ville
Singapore
+65-62556396


Located infront of Novena Church, some says this is the best Chicken Rice in Singapore but I have different views. Hainanese Chicken Rice in Singapore has taken a twist. Now prepared in many different ways, most popular is the Cantonese style where the meat is tender and the skin is soft just like Wee Nam Kee Chicken Rice which I feel was rather acceptable.

Being Hainanese myself, I still prefer the Hainanese style and that you can find at Yat Con or Thien Kee Steamboat  Restaurant.

Chicken Curry


Curry is one of the easiest dish to prepare but first you need to get the ingredients right. Asian Curry should not be sweet, normally no sugar is added to the dish, it should have a distinct curry flavour with a touch of little sourness. Another item should not add is carrot, it will make the curry sweet and flavour the curry with carrot taste, carrot is good for stew.

In South East Asia there are many version of curries, Chinese, Nonya, Malay, Indian or Thai. To me Japanese Curry is not curry, it is just a stew cook in curry powder. An authentic curry should have a layer of oil which is the curry powder oil. Here is my version I have integrated from my mother's Nonya Curry and my ex-wife's Malay Curry, but the basic cooking style remains the same.

Thien Kee Steamboat

Authentic Hainanese Chicken Rice and Steamboat

Golden Mile Thien Kee Pte Ltd
B1-20 Golden Mile Tower
Beach Road Singapore 199589
Tel : 6298 5891 / 6293 5910
Google Map


First time I visited this restaurant was back in 1978 when grandfather took us there for dinner. Since then I have visited this authentic Hainanese Restaurant with my family and friends many times.

Pork Loin Chop

Pork Loin is one of my favourite cut meat, lean meat, hardly any fats and simple to prepare. However you will need to tenderise the meat. My seasoning is rather simple, soy sauce and pepper, at the end of cooking add rice wine or any wine. This will allow the meat to be juicy. 

Din Tai Fung 鼎泰豐

Din Tai Fung a Taiwanese businessman started selling steam dumpling XiaoLongBao in 1972. In 2010 the branch restaurant in Hong Kong won the One Michelin Star Award and 3 times in 2011, 2012 and 2013. Currently they have branches in Japan, United States, South Korea, Singapore, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia and Thailand.

Recently this restaurant open a branch in Kaohsiung Hanshin Arena Shopping Plaza. One the first day it was flooded with customers so decided to head there during weekday. We were there around 4pm expecting there so be lesser crowd but we still have to wait for half an hour. 

Joy's House Warming

Recently our friend Joy had her parent's house renovated in Wandan, Pintung and she cordially  invited us for their house warming lunch. These were the scrumptious dishes waiting for us to fill our soul.... Thank you Joy, it has been an experience.   


Jianhaoji Smelly Tofu King 江豪記臭豆腐王

OH MY GOD!!! Simply the best. Finally found our best smelly tofu in Kaohsiung. We have been trying many places in Kaohsiung City and this place is simply GOOD!!

Types of Fishes

Identifying fishes in Mandarin has been a problem for me so when we were at Carrefour, we came across the fish section, had the urge to take photo of the fishes in both Mandarin and English names. So here it is.

So far we tried grilled Saba fish and it's rather tasty, today we bought Aji, Tli Apia and salted Mackerel. 

Compare the fishes price in wet market, we found Carrefour pricing are much better and there are more choices.


豆油肉 Soy Sauce Pork Belly

Made my grandma's recipe called Dark Soy Sauce Pork Belly 豆油肉(台語) for my partner using our Sanyo Travel Cooker. 


高雄牛老大 Kaohsiung NiuLaoDa

I saw on TV introducing this beef hotpot and was eager to head down to Tainan to try it until our friends told us there is a similar joint in Kaohsiung. Since then we have been back couple of times. We even brought our friends from Singapore to try it out and they too love it. 

These are not Australian, New Zealand or American beef, it is Tiawan home feed brown cow. The meat are all freshly cut on the day and you can even eat it raw. The way to eat this is to dip the beef in the hot soup for 3 seconds and you you have a pinkish tender and almost melting beef in your mouth.  




801高雄市前金區自強二路18號
07-281-9196

Open 11am ~ 2pm / 5pm ~ 3am
Close on Monday
Google Map

Window Farming - Wicking Method

It been 7 months since I started Window Farming, previously I had used the self watering air lift method using an air pump. At the same time, I did an experiment with wicking method and found it was much better compared to the previous. Now I have decided to use this method for Window Farming.
Below there are photos how I made these self wicking pots. With this method I only have to top up the water in the pots every 7 to 10 days. 

The bottles I had used were 2lts soda bottles straight shape. The Wick was a cotton rope, those use in wrapping dumplings. This can be purchased from any stationary shop, you can use cloth or a material from the mob so long it is able to absorb water. 

Materials Needed
  • Soda Bottle
  • Netting or Kitchen Towel
  • Wick
  • Aquarium Air Hose
  • Air Hose Connector 
  • Calendar 

冬粉王 DongFen King

Open since 1970, have to say it is rather tasty. The meat chunk are big slice, our favourite is the mix organ and meat noodle. Do not forget to order a preserved radish, rather chewy and flavoured.

No. 168號, Qīxián 3rd Road, Yancheng District
Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 803
07-551-4349

Google Map


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