Think Happy Thoughts: Food For Thought

Finally getting some downtime, I realized I still had one more backlog post from my stay in Singapore.  With breakfast being my most favorite meal of the day, trying out a brunch spot was a fitting finale for my food adventures in the sunny little island.

Come to think of it, Singapore seemed to lag behind the Philippines when it comes to all-day breakfast places.  (Wow, that's a first for my country!).  The "brekky" revolution was already sweeping the Philippines years ago, when almost every corner boasted of an all-day breakfast menu.  It came in all shapes and sizes: from the classic Pancake House, to the classy Breakfast Club, even to the downright dirt-cheap carinderia (hawker) style Kanto Freestyle Breakfast.

That's why it seems Singapore is poised for its own "brekky" revolution.  And I just had to experience it before it went full blast.  The difficulty in finding a brunch spot is that most places there offer a typical English breakfast, instead of the usual greasy American breakfast I was more acquainted with. Nevertheless, after scouring the web for hours, I found a good place tucked nicely in a botanic park.

Located right smack in the entrance of Singapore Botanic Gardens, Food For Thought boasted of a serene and tranquil dining experience. Unfortunately, we arrived on a holiday and quite late, so the place was absolutely packed. 

5 Steps to Success according to the gospel of Food.

The really long queue was both an encouraging and upsetting sign: it was evidence that the food should be spectacular, but the wait would be epic.  As with most shops in Singapore that don't charge for service, we had to line up before ordering, thus adding to the hunger pangs.  I just crossed my fingers and hoped it was worth all the effort.

Slow-Roasted Pulled Pork, SGD 9.00 (approx. PHP 310, GST included)

I was craving for brunch worthy burger, and the Slow-Roasted Pulled Pork seemed to fit the bill.  This huge sandwich barely kept itself together.  The pork meat was bursting out between the hapless buns, topped with a creamy vegetable slaw.

The messy, merry mix was draped in a sweet tangy barbecue sauce, and added both zest and body to the sandwich.  The pork meat was a bit inconsistent: soft in some parts, too big and tough in other portions.  The flavor also seemed to be concentrated in some morsels but lacking in other parts.  The slaw was a good contrast in flavor, adding a little sourness to it.  The potato fries (add SGD 2.00) that came with it were quite good - none of that fast food flavor, that's for sure.  

House Works, SGD 15.00 (approx. PHP 518, GST included)

A leveled-up version of McDonald's Big Breakfast, the House Works was a colorful and enticing sight to behold.  It served the whole package: carbs, proteins, and some greens.  The butter brioche was made in-house.  It was soft on the inside and toasted perfectly on its sides, slathered on the surface with butter and caramel kaya.  Being a fan of kaya toast, I absolutely loved it.

United colors of breakfast.

The bacon was also divine - it was pork, finally!  Crisp on the edges, it tasted more heavenly than before, perhaps because of our long separation anxiety from bacon.  The scrambled eggs were fluffy and had the right saltiness, although it seemed too watery.  Nonetheless, it paired well with the bread and bacon.  The greens were fresh and crisp and surprisingly enjoyable, drizzled lightly with sweet vinaigrette. 

The pleasant surprise, however, was the marble-sized hash browns.  It was quite unusual for these to be cooked like this, and it tasted fabulously.  Deep-fried to perfection, the inside was surprisingly mushy and salty.  It was a shame there were only a few pieces, since it was highly addicting and I could certainly eat a whole bunch of it.  The House Works was indeed the full package, and my only gripe was the butter they used was Anchor.  For this price tag, I would have preferred something like Lurpak.  Heck, the barbecue guys in Maxwell FC could serve Lurpak with their dinner rolls, so what's stopping Food For Thought, right?

Pancakes with banana and walnuts, SGD 14.00 (approx. PHP 483, GST included)

No all-day breakfast will be complete without your typical slappy cakes.  Sadly though, the choices were limited to two options, although one can add a few more toppings.  We went for our favorite mix of banana and walnuts.

One interesting variation in their pancakes is that they use gula melaka syrup instead of your run-of-the-mill, off-the-grocery-shelf maple syrup.  Their syrup thus was milder in sweetness, and felt healthier!

However, they seemed to have scrimped on the syrup as the pancakes felt a tad dry in some parts.  I usually prefer my pancakes nearly soaked in syrup.  The fresh cream compensated for the milder sweetness of the syrup.  The banana was also underwhelmingly flavored, perhaps not yet ripe enough.  The walnuts was a good contrast in texture, adding crunch to the fluffiness of the pancakes.  The pancakes itself were light and soft.  It was akin to the ones in IHOP, save for the milder sweetness.

Despite its farther location from the city center, Food For Thought in the Botanic Gardens is worth the trip.  Away from the hustle and bustle, the tranquility leads one to leisurely enjoy a hefty and hearty breakfast while taking in the sunshine and the breeze from the lush garden.  Prices are commensurate with the serving size, especially noting that service charge is nil. There were some hits and misses with our orders, but overall, Food For Thought is perhaps the best value-for-money for an all-day breakfast place.  It was a fitting finale as I closed this chapter of my life.  And whenever I want to reminisce on my stay in SG and think of happy thoughts, Food For Thought will always be remembered.

Jones

Food For Thought

Singapore Botanic Gardens

1 Cluny Road, Tanglin Gate

#B1-00

www.foodforthought.com.sg

https://www.facebook.com/FFTsg

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Stuck In a Jam: Bangkok Jam

For those who regularly check out my blog (are there?), it is quite easy to notice that my favorite food can be summed up into three cuisines: the artful Japanese cooking, good old American comfort food, and finally, spicy and exciting Thai.

Yet, among those three, whenever I want a quick satisfying meal, Thai food is usually the default choice.  It is simple, inexpensive, yet utterly delicious.  Thus, it comes as no surprise that Thai restaurants are nearly ubiquitous in shopping malls and food districts.  Although, it is quite difficult to find the authentic shops that preserve the orthodox Thai flavor. 

Street side cafe vibe.

Beyond the food it offers, Bangkok Jam strives to recreate the vibe of street side joints in Bangkok.  I have never been to Bangkok itself, thus I couldn't judge on their effort.  Yet, the cleverly thought out layout and decors, including mock voltage lines, electric posts, and sign boards written in Thai, all contributes to a near authentic aura. 

Take out the air-conditioning and bright lighting of the mall, and one would feel instantly transported to the streets of Bangkok.  The place is Instagram-worthy, but I was hoping the food would also stand out.  All too often in Singapore, the taste of Thai is mellowed down in an effort to suit the less tolerant palate.

The menu was straightforward, staying true to what a typical Thai restaurant offers.  We therefore opted to stick to our favorite choices.  I was particularly craving for spring rolls on that day, so we kick-started our meal as such.

Porpiah Tod (Deep Fried Spring Rolls, SGD 8.50, approx. PHP 290, +7% GST and 10% service charge)

The spring rolls were perfectly executed with crisp outer skin and warm filling.  Packed inside with a hodge-podge of carrots, greens, and bean sprouts, it was reminiscent of our own lumpia toge which I was already sorely missing.  The sweet chili dip was too tame though, as it would have paired well with a slightly spicier sauce.  Nonetheless, it was a good way to whet the appetite.

My only complaint was that the rolls were quite small compared to what I was used to back home.  Although there were 8 pieces served, I would have preferred larger rolls.  The main courses arrived soon as I gushed with expectant delight.

Soft Shell Crab in Mellow Yellow Curry (SGD 16.50, approx. PHP 570, +7% GST and 10% service charge)

I wanted to compare Bangkok Jam's version with that of Thai Express, so we ordered the Soft Shell Crab again.  When the plate arrived, it was a bit disconcerting as it looked like a sorry mess.  The curry sauce was haphazardly poured onto the deep-fried crab, whose form you could hardly make out.

This is one crusty crab.

We modified our order but asking for a spicier kick, hence the abundant green and red finger chilies above.  The yellow curry sauce itself had a tangy taste on its own, and it was zestier than what we had in Thai Express.  The scrambled egg though was a bit distracting as it stood out wallowing in the sauce instead of blending in smoothly.  The crab, though, was a heavenly treat.  Perfectly deep fried to a crunch, it took no effort to crack the shell and consume everything thoroughly.  The meat was succulent and sweet, and the curry sauce complemented it well.  The portion was quite adequate enough to satiate our hunger.

Massaman Neua (Thai Massaman Curry with New Zealand Beef, SGD 14.50, approx. PHP 500, +7% GST and 10% service charge)

I had a growing fondness for Massaman Curry, so it was an easy pick for me.  When my plate arrived, it was a bit deflating.  The serving size seemed puny, with a small metal bowl and a few sad portions of pickled cauliflower.

Beefy goodness.

But the dish more than made up for its sorry appearance.  The sauce was thick and nutty, leaning more to the sweeter side that I really preferred.  Despite the small container, they managed to pack large chunks of beef within.  The meat was tender and easy to pry away.  What I loved where the sinewy and fatty streaks that boosted the flavor further.  Extra rice please!

My only rant was that the sauce was too little.  I don't usually drench my rice in sauce, but this was one exception.  It was highly addicting, pregnant with flavor, and paired well with a cup of rice.  

In fact, my general complaint with Bangkok Jam was the smaller serving size compared to Thai Express.  Also, service was quite slow despite dining at an off-peak hour.  I even had to get a pitcher of water myself from the nearby table after waving my hand helplessly for a few times at the waiter.

Still, taste-wise, Bangkok Jam mostly hits the right spots and is comparable to the more popular Thai Express.  Further, they offer fried spring rolls which aren't available with the latter.  That alone gave it the upper edge for me, since I really like pairing spring rolls with almost anything.  In essence, this was one jam I didn't mind getting stuck in.

Jones

Bangkok Jam

Plaza Singapura

68 Orchard Road

#03-85

Singapore

www.bangkokjam.com.sg

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Steak Night at Hog's Breath Cafe

Finding a good but cheap steakhouse in Singapore is like searching for a needle in a haystack.  Most of the places that offer the tastiest steaks are either hotel restaurants or night spots frequented by foreigners.  These prime locations often dictate the prices of their food.  Thus, looking for the cheaper alternatives will usually lead you to your neighborhood Western hawker stall, although there are a few that are quite good (such as Tasty Barbecue in Maxwell FC).

Pig-out is putting it mildly.

Therefore, it was quite unusual to find a steakhouse with a rather filthy sounding name in such a pure and holy location.  Located at CHIJMES, Hog's Breath Cafe is right next door to a beautiful Gothic style church.  Don't be put off by their quirky name, because there's nothing foul about the good steaks they offer.

Originating from the land down under, one can expect the look and feel of the restaurant to be authentic.  And it does succeed in doing so, with rustic wooden tables and fixtures, wood-paneled floors akin to an outhouse. The walls are replete with posters from diners from an age long gone. 

Since it was a premeditated steak night out, both of us picked their specialty - the prime rib steak.  All steaks can be picked according to weight, the regular clocking in at 200 grams, the Aussie size at 300, the mega cut pegged at 400, and the super mega cut at a whopping half kilogram.  Being average-sized Asians, we obviously picked the smallest size.

Natural Prime Rib Steak, Regular (SGD 31.95, approx. PHP 1100, +7% GST and 10% service charge)

The cut was more than a centimeter thick, sized about an average adult palm.  Weighing in at 200 grams, it appeared adequate.  All their prime rib steaks come with two sides.  She picked the Hog Tail fries, curiously shaped as its namesake.  The fries were okay, reminiscent of McDonald's twister fries back home.  The mashed potatoes tasted bland without gravy, so we ordered steak sauce which cost another 2 dollars more.  What a bummer.

Having ordered the steak well-done, I expected the meat to be tough.  On the contrary, it retained just the right firmness.  Nevertheless, the natural juices dried up too much, rendering the steak lacking in flavor, or even too much of the smokey and char grilled taste.  It was bordering on overcooked, and as expected, we didn't finish it.

Hickory Smoked Prime Rib Steak, Regular (SGD 32.95, approx. PHP 1140, +7% GST and 10% service charge)

On the other hand, I picked a more Americanized version of the prime rib - lathered in that good ole' Hickory barbecue sauce. I also had mine medium, to retain the succulence of the meat.  The fries that came with it were again okay, as well as the greens.

Pink - the color of a real man's steak.

I always like my steak either medium or medium well, with just a hint of the pinkish succulent freshness of the meat.  And they nailed it with my order - the exteriors charred beautifully while the meat within was firm but not chewy.  The flavor burst forth with each slice, the natural juices seeping out.  The Hickory sauce was not overpowering, but complemented the char grilled and smokey taste.  Needless to say, I finished my portion in a jiffy.  Quite a good value for the price, especially around these places.

Although they failed a bit with our first order, we might be at fault for ordering it well done.  Still, the steak sauce was another blunder, with the garlic mushroom sauce tasting too bitter.  Or maybe us Filipinos are so used to the buttery flavor of our mushroom gravy back home.  I wonder if we had the Snackaroo sauce instead of Hog's Breath own sauce, if it would make any difference.

Nevertheless, this was indeed good value for the price tag, a sure bang for your back.  Not cheap tasting, but neither too expensive.  All things considered, this is the prime rib cut, one of the more pricier portions.  Yet they manage to serve a hefty slice for this price.  And at a pristine and quiet location within the city.

I would most certainly come back to try out their other meat offerings, but as of this blog posting, Hog's Breath Cafe has closed down until further notice, due to the CHIJMES renovation.  I do hope they return.  So why did I still write about it?

Because Hog's Breath has a branch in the Philippines!  Although the first branch is in Davao, I recently found out they will be opening a branch in Alabang (hooray!).  Check out the latest news on their Philippines Facebook page here.  I sincerely hope they keep prices at a reasonable level while maintaining the quality of their meat.  Definitely one of the better finds for good value for good steak.

Jones

Hog's Breath Cafe

30 Victoria Street, Block A

#01-27/27 CHIJMES

Singapore

(closed until further notice)

www.hogsbreath.com.sg

https://www.facebook.com/HogsBreathSingapore

Hog's Breath Cafe

Unit 147-149, Ground Floor

SM Lanang Premiere, 

Lanang, Davao

Philippines

https://www.facebook.com/HogsBreathCafeDavao

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Finding Italian on the Island: Spageddies

Aside from our own local cuisine, a typical Filipino has only a handful of favorites: Chinese, Japanese, American, and yes, Italian.  Strange that the aforementioned are historically our colonizers, except for the latter.  Truth be told, the common pinoy finds comfort over a slice of soggy, reheated Hawaiian flavored pizza, or the "Filipinized" sweetened spaghetti bolognese from our most lovable big red bee.  Not authentically Italian, but still conceptually so.

As if imprinted in my genes, I found myself craving for pizza or pasta in this sunny island-nation.  I wanted a little more than the hawker Western stall cheap imitation, but my finances shied away from hotel-grade Italian restaurants.  Then I stumbled upon Spageddies, marketing itself as "unmistakably" Italian.

Stereotypically Italian?

A casual dining spot that originated from the US, Spageddies appeared authentic, albeit stereotypical.  The choice of red and green motifs decorating the interiors almost painted the Italian national flag.  Were they trying too hard?  Or was this the real thing?

Nevertheless, despite their nearly inconspicuous location in Orchard Central, the restaurant had quite a cozy corner.  Tall glass panels illuminated the interiors with natural light while providing a stunning view of the boulevard below.  A good spot for a late lunch, definitely.

The menu was straightforward.  None of the fancy fusion inventions nor any local adaptations.  Definitely a plus point for a shop striving to be authentic.  All the appetizers looked appealing, so we got the ball rolling by ordering their triple sampler, the Primo Combo.

Primo Combo, SGD 14.50 (approx. PHP 500, +7% GST and 10% service charge)

Composed of a trio of deep fried goodies, the Primo Combo was an ample way to whet the appetite.  The mozzarella sticks were crisp on the outside.  The cheese itself was tad too firm, as I would have preferred it to be gooey and stringy. Still, it tasted real and true, and not your refrigerated ready-to-cook sticks you can easily buy from the local grocer.

The other components were a little hit-and-miss.  The calamari was correctly fried, retaining the sweetness and tenderness of the squid rings.  However, the batter seemed a little salty and over-seasoned.  The soft-shell crab was a welcome member to the trio, but was similarly over-seasoned and a tad too briny.  Still, the tangy tartar sauce and neapolitan dip saved the day, blanching the saltiness in their own distinct flavors.  

Pirate Andy Pasta, SGD 18.90 (approx. PHP 650, +7% GST and 10% service charge)

I was truly hoping the pasta dishes would not disappoint. At first glance, the Pirate Andy Pasta seemed up to the task.  With a catchy name and boasting of the bounty of the sea, this relatively new item on the menu boasted the triple threat of squid, prawns, and clams.

Bountiful harvest of the sea.

Drizzled in the healthy goodness of olive oil, the noodles were perfectly executed, al dente, as they usually quip.  The seafood was in abundance, nearly smothering the noodles itself.  The squid was firm but not chewy, while the shrimps were small yet sweet and juicy.  I had hoped there were more clams, offering a briny taste in contrast to the herbal mix of flavors of the olive oil and cherry tomatoes.  We requested for a more red peppers to spice up the dish, but we still needed to season it with dried chili flakes to take it up another notch.

Like a tenacious buccaneer, the Pirate Andy Pasta captured our hearts and did not disappoint.  I was eagerly anticipating my next pasta dish, the more traditional Lasagna.

Lasagna, SGD 14.50 (approx. PHP 500, +7 GST and 10% service charge)

Draped in messy melted cheese, the lasagna brought memories of childhood when Mom used to bake her own.  I hoped it had the same homey goodness, although the size was far smaller than what mother prepared long time ago.

Nonetheless, this layered pasta dish burst with flavor with each bite.  The lasagna was pregnant with ricotta cheese within, while the meat sauce was cloying with the light zest of fresh tomatoes.  Still, I would have preferred more ground meat inside to add more body and toughness to this dish.  Also, the sauce seemed to run out when I was down to my last few morsels.

Unmistakably good enough.

Despite coming off as stereotypical at first impression, Spageddies does not fail to deliver.  Even if it does not impress in a mind-blowing manner, neither does it disappoint.  For a casual diner, Spageddies manages to step up a notch.  Serving pasta in immaculate white plates, prompt and quick attentive service, all the little things to make their restaurant feel like a fine dining experience.

Prices are also quite reasonable, although the appetizer seemed too few for the price tag.  Overall, Spageddies Italian Kitchen is a reasonable mid-level option for those who don't want to shell out too much for good, true-tasting Italian pasta.  A charming Italian find on the island.

Jones

Spageddies Italian Kitchen

181 Orchard Road

#04-01, Orchard Central

Singapore

https://www.facebook.com/spageddies

www.spageddies.com.sg

 

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Quick Thai Escape: Thai Express

Singapore is truly a mish-mash of various cultures and cuisines.  Unlike Filipino cuisine which has seamlessly merged the different flavors of our colonizers, each race here has managed to retain its distinct taste. Nevertheless, one unifying tie that binds the dominant cultures in Singapore is their common love for anything spicy.  As such, it is relatively easy to find a good Thai food outlet whether it be a humble hawker stall or a sprawling five star restaurant.

Nearly ubiquitous around the maze of malls in Singapore is a Thai food spot that catches ones' attention with its large bright red signage promising to deliver a quick good meal. Often full during dinner time, the snaking queue kindled our longing for that Thai flavor and our curiosity pushed us to try it out.

On the inside, the restaurant seemed unpretentious.  Although a few decorations seemed trying hard to add an authentic Thai vibe, the look and feel remained as if this was a quick-serve, almost fast food type of joint.  Nevertheless, we let their food speak for itself.  The menu book was large and colorful, adeptly highlighting their best-sellers and cautiously warning which dishes had a hotness alert.  Of course, the latter caught our eye!

With two small chili icons next to its listing on the menu, I bravely picked the Khao Neua Phat Krapow.  A name that long should pack a punch, I hope.

Khao Neua Phat Krapow (Rice with Stir-Fried Spicy Minced Beef with Thai Basil, SGD 12.60, +7% GST and 10% service charge)

The dish looked messy and sloppy, almost failing in presentation.  Still, the tell-tale signs of chopped red and green chilies was an exciting omen.  I took my first bite and felt nothing.  However, with each successive portion, I noticed the heat building up.  They hit the right level of spiciness spot-on.

Red alert: red chilies!

But the dish was not just all about spice.  Swimming in a tangy, slightly sweet sauce, the flavor penetrated each strip of beef, combining an other-worldly mix of tastes.  The meat itself was generously portioned, not the paper-thin strips you often encounter in fast-food beef bowls.  A cup of white jasmine rice was the perfect companion for each spicy bite.  Another cup would definitely not hurt.

Wanting to go seafood for the next dishes, we picked a peculiar, almost out-of-place item on the list.  Having tried a number of Thai restaurants back home, it was queer to find such a dish on their menu.  But apparently it was quite popular, so we gave it a go. 

Poo Phat Pong Kari (Rice with Soft Shell Crab, Egg, and Onion Curry, SGD 12.90, +7% GST and 10% service charge)

The soft shell crab was a sight to behold.  Nestled on a bed of fresh green lettuce, the crab sat proudly like a king.  Adorning its crown was the aromatic yellow-brown curry sauce and a sprinkling of chopped onions.  A royal dish fit for a king.

But one must see beyond its appearance.  At first bite, the exterior was soft but retained its crunchy texture, proof that much attention was given to the frying process.  The crab meat was briny and fresh, the juices dripping with each bite.  The curry sauce was difficult to comprehend, yet wonderfully cloying.  It was a mix of saltiness from the scrambled egg, and the piquant taste of the secret spices of the curry.  It meshed well with the crab's own saline taste.  No wonder they often run out of this popular item.

No trip to a Thai restaurant would be complete without sampling their version of the famous, often over-interpreted Tom Yum soup.  An all-time favorite and easy pick, we chose the all-seafood version for this trip.

Tom Yum Talay (Tom Yum Seafood Soup, SGD 9.50, +7% GST and 10% service charge)

I wasn't having high expectations for this version, with its tamer appearance at first glance.  The serving size was barely enough for two persons, and it seemed they scrimped on the contents.  I could make out a few pieces of shrimps and some morsels of squid; other than that, it was all liquid the rest of the way.

Hooray I found one!

Despite its puny size, the shrimp was juicy, firm, and fresh.  The chopped pieces of squid was sweet and not chewy.  Still, the broth was quite subdued and mellow.  The sourness was just right, but the spicy level was almost childish.  And this was even when we requested for it to be on the hotter side.  Nevertheless, their version did not fail but did not impress too much either.  I've had more unforgettable experiences with that Thai hawker stall in Maxwell.  

On another visit to Thai Express (Kaffir and Lyme, a variant joint by the same group), another dish caught my fancy.  This time, I was craving for beef curry and sought to try out the Massaman Beef Curry.

Massaman Beef Curry, SGD 14.90 (+7% GST and +10% service charge)

Upon first glance, one would be misled to think this is just your ordinary Indian curry.  Apparently, Massaman style curry indeed had both Malay and Indian influences, and then subsequently adapted as the Thai's own.  Looking beyond the debate regarding its origins, the dish easily became one of my most-loved.

Three meaty mounds of beef were nearly submerged the fragrant brownish-orange curry sauce.  The sauce had a nutty, slightly sweet taste, and a consistency with just the right thickness.  The spice level was executed well, not overpowering, yet not too tame either.  But the beef took center stage.  The meat was fork-tender and flavorful on its own, with the flavors of the curry sauce penetrating every sinew.  The serving size was big enough such that I had to take home the rest.  And it even tasted better the next day after i reheated it. Served with Thai-style pancakes, I opted for a bowl of rice and never regretted it. 

Thai Express, supposedly, is a locally crafted brand.  But it has managed to capture the unique Thai taste and lent its own Singaporean twist to each dish.  Not expecting too much from a casual sit-down restaurant, service was quite okay and prompt.  Still, it was annoying that they charge you for asking for house water, considering most of the dishes are spicy and you will inevitably need to douse the flames.  

Nevertheless, the prices are quite commensurate with the size of the portions.  Their best-sellers hit all the right notes and proved their popularity.  Although there may be some inconsistencies among branches.  In the end, Thai Express is more than just  a quick fix: it's a quick escape to authenticity in the culinary melting pot of Singapore.

Jones

Thai Express

VivoCity

1 HarbourFront Walk

#B2-30

Singapore

Kaffir & Lime (by Thai Express)

Paragon

290 Orchard Road

#B1-45/45, The Paragon

Singapore

http://thaiexpress.com.sg

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