Casual Days🤗

Glad to say it was definitely the right choice, and everyone (I mean everyone, even the pickiest most skeptical eaters) was impressed. Of their 4 kuehs, my heart went out to the Smoked Pork Belly one which coincidentally is a new flavour they launched for barely a week! It’s hard to imagine how the smokiness can actually come through as strongly as it did without overpowering the sweet stewed turnips, but maaaaan they did it. The beetroot’s a close second for its unique yet very surprisingly lovely flavours. Time to haul ass there if you haven’t already.

Warning, thisis really really spicy so it's definitely more for people who love spice. Everything about this dish was chewy, sweet and spicy. And overall I would recommend to come for this dish and steam egg. Hashtag #thegrowingbelly to share your meals with us! Stay belly growing everyone!

3 Combi Meat Platter ($44 😱)

The star 🌟 here would be the caramelized honey glazed Char Siew! 😍 I could definitely taste the char on the outside while savouring the moist well-marbled meat!

Next was the Roast Duck! For me, the deciding factor of a good Roast Duck must be the crispy skin! The Skin here was crispy and tasty without being overly oily or containing the super thick layer of fat underneath.

Kay Lee has been around since the 1970s. For them to have been around this long, they must be doing it right! The meats were all sold out by 830pm when we were there!

[HDB Hub, Toa Payoh] Specially made a trip down to Toa Payoh after work today to visit two iconic hawkers. The first stop is Hougang 6 Miles Famous Muah Chee for their famous black sesame and peanut muah chee ($2.50/$3.50/$5.50). While waiting for my muah chee to be made, I had a brief chat with the stall owners and they have been selling muah chee since 1952. The uncle will prepare the food while the auntie takes the order (P.S. Auntie is very camera shy). Their muah chee is made via the traditional method by firstly hand pulling the dough and kneading into a ball. Next, it goes into a process of dipping the balls in scallion oil (for the 古早味 flavour) before rolling over crushed peanut or black sesame. Lastly, once the balls has been fully coated with the peanut or black sesame, they are then cut in small bite-sized pieces. Towards the end of our conversation, the auntie sadly mentioned that they will be retiring in a few years time as their family members are not willing to take over the stall. Hence, for all you muah chee lovers, rush down to try this black and white combination before they close shop in a few years time. Even Michael Jackson would given the thumbs up to this stall ~ "it don't matter if you're black or white" 🎶

Scallop Mentaiyaki Carpaccio is a must order whenever I come to Sushi Bar (besides the sushi rolls of course). Thinly sliced fresh scallop done carpaccio style goes wonderfully with the salty creaminess of the mentaiko sauce. More please!

Oysters at $2 from 5 - 8pm but my friend she would rather pay more for better oysters.

This place needs little introduction. With six different don choices available for lunch, Tanuki Raw is a great go-to option for lunch in the heart of town. Their Truffle Yakiniku Don ($14.80) is a hot favourite, with tender slices of black Angus short rib pan-seared in truffle soy sauce with that obligatory gooey-centred egg. Other delectable dons include the Salmon Don ($12) and the Bara Chirashi Don ($17.80). These rice bowls have gained such favour, that they're now available for dinner as well ($18/$20/$20 respectively)! For a lunch set, add an additional $2 for miso soup, mixed salad, and green tea.

Immanuel French Kitchen is no stranger to the new age hawker scene. Located in the Salut Coffeeshop, expect to enjoy decent French fare at affordable prices. Tuck into their signature Kakuni Style Pork Belly ($16.90), boasting incredible flavour and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, and served with duxelle mushroom, onsen egg and potato foam (though you might want to request for the ‘bacon’ bits to be served on the side). For something more classic, opt for the crispy Duck Leg Confit ($15.90) sitting on silky mash, braised savoy cabbage and jus. If you're sharing, complete your French experience with some escargot ($12.90) and foie gras ($16.50) coated with black miso! Don't expect to have the best French meal of your life, but this certainly hits the spot when cravings set in.

Nailing that delicate balance between the briny clams and flavourful broth is this amazing fried bee hoon. The noodles were silky smooth, soaking up all that stunning smokey broth. This is the epitome of a rustic dish executed with such grace and perfection. To think I never found something as stunning as this in Thailand itself.

Heading to @diamondkitchensg in a bit for a belated Father's Day celebration lunch, and my mouth is already watering with the anticipation of all the goodness that will be entering it.

One of the signatures since day 1 of Diamond Kitchen's opening is this dish of rice vermicelli braised until soft and silky in Chef's superior stock and Chinese rice wine, then tossed with loads and loads of fresh, briny clams. The mollusks are cooked just perfectly, not at all rubbery.

Served cold, this $18 dish is unexpectedly formal in its presentation for the eatery's rather casual atmosphere. Thin slices of pork come partially dressed in soya sauce that has a strong garlic taste. Cold curls of cucumber lets you refresh your palette in between bites of the slightly spicy meat.

In my humble opinion, this is the greatest gift Chef Bjorn Shen has bestowed upon mankind. Made in-house, this slab, yes it is a slab, of bacon is amazingly delicious with smoky sweetness. It comes with nicely scrambled eggs, a bit of salad and a pita bread for $20++. Everything is good but clearly, I only have eyes for the bacon chop.