Nene Chicken re-visited

UPDATE: Nene Chicken is no longer Halal-certified. Their certification expired in 31 Dec 2014 and they did not renew. Please take note.

https://twitter.com/halalSG/status/565799407488991232

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Took the morning off for a doctor's appointment. With time to spare before I head back to the office at 2pm, I decide to pay Nene Chicken at Bedok Mall another visit.

After having tried the super-spicy one and the cheesy one (opposite ends of the spectrum!) the previous time, this time I plan to try something else.

I'm very curious about the Green Onion version, where fried chicken pieces were topped with sprigs of shredded green onion/scallions; supposedly from Korea.

I gotta' confess that I'm a big fan of green onions, dragon's breath be damned.

Green Onion Tenders meal - $9.90

With the usual suspects, accompanied with the refreshing cubes of pickled radish and the yummy buffalo sticks.

This time, I've learnt my lesson and ordered a small tub of sauce to dip into ($1). Curious as to what 'Swicy' taste like, I got that sauce. 

Green Onion Tenders

Fear not. It's not really fried chicken simply topped with the shredded green onions. The crispy chicken meat were doused in this yummy sauce; which is a mix of soy sauce, mustard and sugar. Very much Asian flavour.

Awesome combo!


My receipt

Anyway, that day was weekday and I stepped in right before lunch hour so the place is empty and food came out fast.

My dining experience even had an added bonus; in the form of a group of Korean ladies seated at the next table, chatting merrily. Boy, does that feel like in Korea or what?

I was curious as to what they might order. They had this:


Green Onion 2pc chicken rice meal

Even they chose the Green Onion.

I almost ordered this set too. Somehow prefer actual pieces of chicken (bones and all) instead of the tenders (fillet strips). However, I love for the buffalo sticks too much to substitute them with rice. :P

Next time, it will be the Black Sesame! And maybe the Bulgogi Wings & Sticks.

Junshin Express - 50 cents Sushi!

This picture is enough to draw me to their shop. Oh, bless social network!

Shopfront

Yes, they aren't kidding with the 50cent declaration. It's the price of ALL sushi varieties, mind you.

I came with low expectations; thinking that the 50 cents charge only apply to the cheapest or most basic sushi types like the (canned) tuna, Kanikama (imitation crabmeat), Tamago (omelette), Inari (sweet tofu skin) or even sweetcorn.

Boy was I wrong. That's when I got delirious and wanna buy EVERYTHING!


Temaki, Sake & Chuka

Here's where the non-50cent stuff are.

On the top shelf are the Kani temaki (sadly, only 1 variety) ~ $1.80 each.

Below that are Sake (salmon) sashimi ~ $4.80.

After that are all the Chuka (seasoned items). Like Chuka Wakame (seasoned seaweed), Chuka Idako (seasoned baby octopus), Chuka Chinmi (seasoned scallops), Chuka Kurage (seasoned jellyfish) ~ $2.80


Bottles of Halal sauces

Soba sauce, sushi shoyu (dipping) sauce and even sushi rice vinegar. All have the Halal symbol on the bottles.

They also have a fridge full of vegetarian sushi. Yes, you read right. Stuff like sushi topped with fruits and veggies. Doesn't really pique my interest, though.


Kani temaki, Tobikko sushi, California maki

Kanikama (imitation crabmeat) handroll, California Maki and Tobikko (flying fish roe) sushi.

There's a yellow version of Tobikko available- supposedly flavoured with yuzu? And another green one (definitely wasabi).


16 sushi(s)

…To be shared with my colleague, Sri.


Up close

(Top-from left) Chuka Kurage (seasoned jellyfish), Chuka Chinmi (seasoned scallops), Tako sushi (cooked octopus), Octopus salad, Chuka Idako (seasoned baby octopus)

(Centre-from left) Chuka Chinmi, Chuka Wakame (seasoned seaweed) x 2, Octopus salad, Shimeji (Japanese beech) mushrooms

(Bottom-from left) Sake (salmon) sushi, Tako (cooked octopus) sushi, Chuka Idako, Unagi (eel) sushi x 2

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Today I have another doc appointment, and yes! Another morning off.

Reminiscent of 2 days ago, I came back to Bedok Mall and of course, Junshin Express for more (cheap) sushi!

Since I now know what the hits and misses are, I'm more confident with my selection, this time.

2nd round!

(clockwise from top-left) Octopus salad, Chuka Wakame, Chuka Kurage, Chuka Idako, Chuka Chinmi, Kani salad, Octopus salad (again), Tako Sushi

If you ask for my favourite amongst all, I dare say it's the Octopus Salad. That's why I took 2 of them, this time. And now I wish I had taken at least 3 instead.

Seeing that I'm currently preggers, I skipped all the raw fish stuff like Sake (salmon), Maguro (tuna), Shiromi (white-flesh fish) or Ika (squid). I got some for my colleague, though.

I still eat sashimi, mind you. But to play it safe, I'll pay more to have them at higher-end places or the Sakuraya Fish Market; where I know that they take pride in providing really fresh, quality fish.

You can view their menu HERE (not that updated, though). You may find some items unavailable when you're at the shop but you may also find others that aren't listed, being available.

You can get updates through their FB, too.

Payment is currently cash terms only. They give ample packets of shoyu & wasabi but you can buy more at 10 cents each.

Nene Chicken

UPDATE: Nene Chicken is no longer Halal-certified. Their certification expired in 31 Dec 2014 and they did not renew. Please take note.

https://twitter.com/halalSG/status/565799407488991232

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I saw someone post pics of her Nene Chicken meal online and I was like, "Halal, meh??"

A quick check on their FB page and… homaigawd!! I. Must. Try. It. Out!

I have been lusting after their chicken ever since I read this post and this post. Yes, it's been over a year! I've seen the branch at Star Vista and it was reaaally tiny. So I brace myself when I head down to their Bedok Mall branch.

It's still a tad small for a fast-food outlet but definitely bigger than that branch in Star Vista. The menu board showcased the 6 different chicken flavours and that's it. I won't fault you if you think that they only serve drumsticks. Only when you reach the counter and saw the actual menu, do you rush to make last-minute decisions… pfft!

Menu

So I shall do you a favour and put their menu here. 

…You're most welcome. : )

The Bedok Mall branch

There are 2 counters but only 1 was active that night. And the queue was quite lengthy. I was wondering why, until I saw the order chits lined up in a row.

I think the kitchen was somewhat under-staffed. Guess it'll be sometime before we'll get our food, then. *rumbling belly*

We were given a disc which will light up and vibrate when our number get called.

Our food tray

Each set meal includes a 2 piece chicken, buffalo sticks (that'll be fries, for you), pickled radish and a drink for $7.90.

The set for the boneless chicken tenders cost $9.90.

The fries were much thinner than the typical shoestring ones and they were skin-on and spiced. But surprisingly, they weren't over-fried till it was too crisp, nor were they soggy. They were done right, crispy outside and soft inside. Addictive, in fact.


Pickled radish

I was very curious about this and eagerly tried it first.

It was chilled radish cubes pickled in this sweet and tangy vinegar. Very refreshing! So sweet that I wondered if they used pears instead.

As with most Korean meals, I guess even the meal here comes with a 'banchan' (side dish).


Snowing cheese tenders

Chose this out of curiousity. Besides we think that this might help to counter the heat from our other chicken order.

Read reviews saying that the boneless tenders can be quite dry. I guess it's because they used the breast meat. We were wondering why there isn't any chilli sauce given. Turns out we can have a small tub of spicy sauces (swicy/freaking hot) for $1.

A bit of warning: The cheese may come off as a bit 'stinko' at first. Like, old socks kind of 'stinko'. But you'll get used to it and may find yourself licking the cheese powder off your fingers, later on.


Freaking Hot chicken

They weren't kidding when they use that name for this sauce.

Here's a nice little warning: They plastic gloves that's been given? Use THAT when eating this. I mean it. For I learnt it the hard way. My finger tips had this slowww burning sensation that lasted the whole night. And still tingle the next morning.

Last time I felt that was when I used to help my mum cut-up dried chillies before they're boiled.

Speaking of dried chillies, that's just what the sauce smelt like, initially. Concentrated dried chillies. Bet they must have added heaps of the famous Korean dried chilli powder into this sauce concoction.

The heat didn't hit you at first, because of the sweet taste. After a few more bites, you may find yourself tearing and a bit of snot dribbling from your nose. That's when the snowing cheese chicken pieces or the chilled pickled radish come in handy. Anything to offset that crazy heat.

Hmm… reminds me of the Hot hot Drums from BBQ Chicken.

But you either get used to it eventually or get numbed, as it doesn't seem like a big deal in the end. I even dip my buffalo sticks in remnants of that sauce!

And you know what? Our heads felt refreshingly lighter! I mean, it felts like we've been to hell and back but the outcome is that we feel… I don't know how to put it. It's just better! Read somewhere Koreans enjoy eating spicy food because they can cool themselves down after sweating it out. No wonder…

Delivery menu

And another thing: They do delivery (but only limited areas).

So what's my take? I'm so going back to try out ALL the flavours, that's what! 

**UPDATE: They no longer have black sesame on their menu?! Wargh!!

I Am Cafe - Cakes

As we've mentioned previously, we have every intention to dine here.

Alas, it was wayyy too crowded. And unlike other folks that day, we weren't on 1/2 day. So we can't afford to wait. Given the long queue outside and the cramped interiors, I doubt it will be soon before we get seated; not to mentioned get served. huhuhu

That's why we ended up having lunch at Which? Sandwich, that afternoon. To think that we've day-dreamed about checking out their Coney Dog, Fish & Chips (a lot of good reviews!), Beef Burgers etc... That's what happened when you eagerly check out the food pics on their Instagram account.

Anyway, we weren't too satiated with simply a 1/2 footer of a sub and our minds wandered towards tantalising desserts to try out.

Went across the road from Which? Sandwich to check out La Marelle Cafe but we backed out after seeing a queue already forming at the staircase. We want to check out Vintage Delicafe but it wasn't even open yet.

That's when I suggest that we just check out I Am Cafe and 'tapao' (take-away) their cakes (if any). I believe we shouldn't have to queue for that… right??

So on our way there, we kept hoping and hoping that there're still some cakes left, especially their famous Rainbow Mille Crêpe. Undeterred by the queue outside, we marched straight to the counter, where the desserts display is.

Imagine our excitement to be greeted by this:

Cake display fridge

3 heaped layers of Rainbow Mille Crêpe on the top shelf. A lonely chocolate cake on the middle shelf and a lone slice of the (famous) rainbow cake below, alongside 2 pies.

The middle pie looked a lot like some berry/cherry cheese tart and the one on the right is very much the S'mores tart.

While waiting for our cakes to be packed, we saw them preparing to bring out the hey-uuge Red Velvet cake. Okay, so it's the same height as the Rainbow and the chocolate cake in the display but seeing the whole cake, it does appear huge. Almost intimidating.

We resist all temptations to add another cake order to our chosen 3. Thankfully…

So… what cakes did we choose?


Labeled box

This particular box was labelled because 2 different items were placed into these cardbox boxes and the crepes, into a clear plastic container.


Chocolate Salted Caramel cake

Did anyone say, 'Salted Caramel?!' OF COURSE I have to get it! My Achilles heel…

This was the lone cake on the middle shelf. Didn't plan on getting it, initially because I mistook it for the Russian Black & White cake, which has coffee in it. One of my colleague don't take coffee so I thought of giving it a miss.

But when I heard what cake it really is… well, as they say, the rest is history.

When eaten straight out of the fridge, the sweetness of the icing did hit me. But let it rest for a wee bit and it gets better. However the cake portion does seem a little dense. Wish it was fluffier.

Taste-wise, I'd say it's a good pairing. The cake is chocolatey enough to not be overwhelmed by the salted caramel icing, and vice versa.




S'mores pie

S'more is a popular campfire snack in the West. It consist of a roasted marshmallow and a layer of chocolate sandwiched between two pieces of graham cracker.

So this tart is a rendition of that popular snack. With the tart base replacing the graham cracker pieces.This one here was filled with a generous layer of chocolate fudge with marshmallows fully covering on top. The marshmallows were then torched on the surface for that 'burnt' appearance.

I had geared myself for a 'too-sweet' kind of taste to hit my tongue but it never came. Despite all that marshmallows and that thick chocolate layer. Maybe it's because of the semi-sweet/dark chocolate?

But it does get cloying after a while…


Rainbow Mille Crêpe

There's at least 20 layers, if you're wondering. Highly suspected to be 24.

…You're most welcome. : )

Anyway, this humble yet vibrant dessert turns out to be to be our most favourite of the lot. The taste is clean and simple. Something that you'll appreciate having after a heavy meal. Even the chocolate sauce seem unnecessary.

I don't mind  having this again, if I ever get to dine there, that is.
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Oh, each slice of the above cost $8.90 each, btw. Yes, many have balked at that steep price. So was it overrated?

To each his own, really. It depends on how one prefers their cakes. In my opinion, the cake seem a little more dense/less fluffy that I expect (read many similar remarks on the other cakes; in the blogosphere too). But the taste is definitely there.

The meticulously-layered Mille Crêpe seemed worth the price if it is really painstaking to make, that is. Unlike Paris Baguette's version, which to me seemed like they 'cheated' a bit by adding some sponge cake layers; here, it's all crepes.

And the tart was a generous wedge.

However, if they can bring down the price a little if they reduce the portions/sizes, it would have been better. People can try out more varieties and couples won't struggle to finish their slice of cake (esp. after a meal). We saw for ourselves, tables leaving behind as much as 1/2 a slice. What a waste!

Anyway, I'm really enticed by their food menu and how the menu is evolving to incorporate as much Dutch influence, where possible. After all, 'I Am' is short for, 'I Am-sterdam'??

Which? Sandwich

When bosses are away… (you complete it). So my colleagues and I planned to have some sort of a 'leisure-lunch'.

We eventually settle for the Arab Street zone, a place where chic & trendy hipster cafes seemed to have sprouted; like mushrooms after the rain.

Initial plan was to check out the oft-talked about I Am Cafe. Then again, we're well-aware that it's Chinese New Year Eve and most folks got their 1/2 day… Unlike us (boo-hoo). So we expect some crowd and got a back-up plan ready, for we need to get back to the office after that.

True enough. The tiny premise was packed-out and there's even a queue outside! That's it. Time to activate our back-up plan. Head over to Baghdad Street and look for Which? Sandwich.

People kept bugging for Subway to be Halal (which doesn't seem possible, by far) so I guess this is one of the next best options. A halal-version?

Check out the menu below.


Sandwich menu

Stack sandwiches and hot dogs


Pizza/kebab & beverages/desserts

Which? Sandwich seems to operate within a tiny coffee shop premise. Diners will share eating space with others patronising the Indian food stall (murtabak etc) and Champs Wrap & Roll, which sell kebabs, burgers and even fried rice, noodles and other 'zhi char' items.

Having our meal on a hot afternoon seems like quite an uncomfortable affair. We even end up sharing table space with a family of tourist. It's THAT cramped.

When we place our order, we asked if they serve sides like nacho chips or fries but they've ran out of it. I had a feeling that we won't be quite full after our sandwiches…

I was surprised that our food took sometime to arrive. Having seen how Subway sandwiches are prepared, I expected these sandwiches to come out in a jiffy. Guess not.


6" BBQ Chicken Ranch

My colleague remarked that the marinated chicken could have been more flavourful. I think this is the same meat for the chicken kebab?


6" Cheesy Meatball

I had expected the meatballs to be some hand-rolled minced-meat balls ala those in spaghetti meatballs.

Oh wait… I think I've been drooling over the Subway's version a tad too much, I guess.

Anyway, these chicken meatballs with the cheddar cheese filling is reminiscent of the ones you can get from the frozen food section at Sheng Siong. I think, even I Am Cafe served something similar as their appetiser.




6" Cheese & Steak

Posted the above pic on my IG and one of my friends commented, "Looks like a veggie sandwich with a side of steak."

Hurhur. It does appear that way, huh?

Truthfully, I don't mind. I love my greens and all but I sure wouldn't mind a bit more of those steak slices, there. The taste come out nicely balanced, though. And the meat was tender. No regrets.

I do hope that they come out with a variety for the breads too.

All in all, if you crave sandwiches ala Subway and don't bother to drive up to JB for their nearest halal subs, just head down here! Just don't keep your expectations wayyy up high and I think you can get your craving satiated.

Bumbu Desa - Lucky Plaza

I asked my mum out after my doctor's appointment, since it's the eve of her birthday. However, she brought my 2 distant relatives; teenage girls from the small island of Blakang Padang along, since they were bunking over at her place for their school holidays. Oh well…

The day actually started off sunny. However after our Zuhur prayers at Al-Falah, the skies darkened and we didn't manage to go past Paragon, before the skies opened up. Being the only one with a small, folded umbrella, I volunteered to walked over the the shops at Lucky Plaza, buy an umbrella and send it to my group.

On the way, I noticed this really cool couple with 1 small folded umbrella each, actually asking around if anyone wants to share umbrellas with them to Lucky Plaza. And they were ferrying people to and from Paragon! Amazing!

Anyway, after that little adventure, we were really famished. Initial plans was to head to our favourite eatery, Ayam Bakar Ojolali but we somehow can't find it (this happens EVERYTIME!). While searching, we stumbled upon this small eatery, Bumbu Desa. I asked my mum if she want to try something new. She agreed.

Turns out, I've tried their food before.

I wasn't exaggerating with the term, 'small' for this premise. So cramped that when I sit, there's no more space for anyone to sit directly behind me so the seats had to be pushed underneath the table.

Menu board

Not exactly a wide array but the varieties are there.


Melinjo chips with sambal terasi

The crackers have already been packed into handy ziplock bags. Pretty useful for bringing back any uneaten remainders.

The sambal terasi that's served on the side is a little on the sweet side. But no less spicy! It also had visible bits of onions, which reminded me a lot like the Balinese sambal 'matah'.


Gado-gado

Pretty forgettable, although I appreciate the taste of 'kencur' (aromatic ginger) in there.

May I suggest that they use smaller crockery next time? Especially when the food portions aren't too big. The large plate seemed to further underwhelm the already 'meh'-looking dish.


Sup sayur asem

Another forgettable dish. I've really forgotten how it taste like!


Satay Madura

One of the girls ordered this. I know that she isn't much of a heavy-eater but the portion had looked so dismal that she readily agreed when we suggest that she add-on a plate of rice.


Nasi Rames

Another girl opt for this (she must have been hungry).

Sigh… another dismal presentation. I think that even food bought from those Economy rice stall looked better when served.

That spot of gravy looked pathetic. With reference to the display picture, I had expected those curly fried noodles instead of that limp clump and there should be 2 pieces of chicken instead of that lone piece.


Bebek Goreng

And then my ordered dish arrived.

After having my expectations lowered by the other dishes, this one almost blew me away when it was served.

That was quite a sizeable piece of duck and it sure looks crispy! Well, it helps that it was served on a plate of the right size…

And it's yummy too! Very nicely marinated. I read somewhere that the marinated duck is usually steamed (ungkep) before being deep-fried for that crispy aftermath. Had a great time tearing off the crispy meat and dipping them in the given 'sambal terasi' and 'kecap manis'.

I savour every single bit of meat (using hands of course), down to nibbling at the bones. I guess they can always excuse it when a pregnant woman is eating with gusto.

I dare say that this version is even nicer that the one I had in Bandung.


Ikan Bakar Jimbaran

Surprisingly, I don't remember having this when at Jimbaran. Even when I was there, twice.

This version reminds me of the 'Ikan Panggang' served at where I used to stint at Sanur Indonesian Restaurant, once upon a time. Fish is simply marinated with salt and maybe tumeric, before being dipped in some soy sauce mixture, then grilled awhile.

It's then finish off in the deep-fryer for the delightful crispy finish.

Unlike Sanur, which used the sumptuous seabass; here it's simply freshwater fish (prolly a tilapia). The soy sauce coating did help to mask any muddy taste, thankfully.

My mum, ever the fish lover- she savoured this down to the bones, too.


Our lunch

Truth to be told, most the foods we had DO have that appetising taste. If you learn to ignore the really dismal presentation.

This is a place that doesn't really believe in the use of any garnishings, I guess.

Here are some pamphlets taken from the shop, for your reference.

…You're most welcome.


Weekend set menu


Set menu


Lunch special

Did you manage to compare the pictures of the food on those pamphlets with the ones served to us?? How can I not have high expectations initially, you tell me?!

Even the names makes the dishes sound sooo good! Ayam Goreng Makassar, Ayam Goreng/Iga Mak Nyus, Rawon Mojokerto… Agh! Sound so delish!

Oh wait. **All Picture Are For Reference Only**

Darn, you didn't say…!

The Orange Lantern ~ Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine

My bro is one of those who got their year-end bonus on the 12th of December and he wanted to bring his family out for a dinner treat. Also to celebrate my mum's birthday in advance.

We were having a headache when planning on what to have. From one buffet to another. This type of cuisine or this type of cooking style... Frustrated, I asked that my bro just asked my mum herself.

Turns out, she already had a place in mind. And one day before the dinner, I managed to book a table for us 5, inc. my kiddo. There, that settled everything. Phew!

My mum seemed to be curious about Orange Lantern, a restaurant that we've passed by on many, many occasions in Harbourfront Centre but never stepped into. Besides, I guess she's really curious about Vietnamese food in general because I kept regaling her about my experience with Mon An's food.

We arrived after a busy phase and the stuff were busy clearing the tables. They pointed out to the table that's been reserved under my name. It was at a nice corner with booth seats on one side and enough space for 6-7pax. I initially thought that it was too much space but I guess not… You'll know why, later.


Menu

Tentalising combo sets

I really like the combo sets. If I come in small groups and would want something for myself, I'll definitely go for this, which has a bit of everything.


Hot lemongrass w/ honey tea ~ $4.90

For my parents and myself.


Fried seafood platter ~ $7.90

My bro ordered this and seeing how small the portion really was, he ended up having it for himself and shared some with my kiddo.


Gỏi cuốn ~ $6.90

Vietnamese soft rice paper rolls. We were told that each portion has only 2 pieces so I ordered 2 plates. My bro refused to even touch the single piece that's left (too raw for him, he said). We eventually doggy-bagged it.

We were asked if we want the prawn of chicken version. We chose prawn.

True to it's popular name(s): salad roll or summer roll; this is indeed refreshing. It's served with this strong-tasting dip containing hoisin sauce, peanuts and some chili, or tương xào made from tương, a Vietnamese fermented bean paste/soy sauce.


Chả giò ~ $7.90

Vietnamese Imperial Rolls. Spring rolls made with this net-like skin that get really crispy when deep-fried.

We were told that each plate has only 3 pieces so we ordered two. But when it arrived it looked like there's much more! Apparently, each roll is pretty long, to begin with. So they cut them into 2 parts. And there are now 6 pieces on each plate. 2 plates of these meant that we've got to finish off 12 pieces!

Should have just ordered 1 portion. We also doggy-bagged the remaining ones.


Inside the Chả giò

These are one of the better ones so far. The fillings don't look like much because of the thick layer of super-crispy egg-based skin. But it really is good.

Comes accompanied with Nước chấm (Nuoc cham) dipping sauce that are served quite frequently as condiments in Vietnamese cuisine. It is a sweet, sour, salty and spicy sauce made of fish sauce, sugar and lime juice or vinegar.

Goi Xoai ~ $7.90

Mango salad. Has a much cleaner taste as compared to the more exotic-tasting Thai version. That crispy shrimp floss on top really amped this dish. Otherwise it was pretty bland.


Grilled Lemongrass Chicken Skewers ~ $7.90

Oh, these were awesome!

They seemed pretty heavy-handed with the spice so there's a strong taste and scent to the minced chicken meat. But it wasn't overwhelming and the taste caught on.

There's another version with minced prawn meat on sugar cane, if I'm not wrong.


Kid's meal: Fried rice w/ chicken wing ~ $6.90

I was happy to find something for kiddo. Alas, he didn't like it one bit.

I thought that he was turned off by the bits of mixed vegetables but when I have a taste, I found out that the fried rice was actually bland. Like they forgot to season it or something. For my kiddo who's used to spicy fried rice made with potent sambal belacan, I guess this is a no-no for him.

He even refused the chicken. My bro had a bite and deemed it delicious. It's actually honey fried chicken. Guess kiddo's appetite got really turned off. Yeah, he's at one of those frustrating, 'I don't-wanna-eat!' phases. Pfft. 


Seafood fried rice ~ $11.90

My bro's order. I was worried that he may not find things to his liking but he seemed happy with this.

The mini wok was filled with a chock-full of ingredients. You can see from the pretty chunky pieces of seafood there.


Canh Hai San ~ $6.90

Spicy Seafood Soup. Also my bro's order. In the back ground is his glass of ice lemon tea ($3.90).

I don't know what it was with him ordering all the seafood stuff, that day. But I sure didn't expect him to order soup!

I initially expect this to be similar to the Thai tom yum. I mean, it sure looked like it. But when I randomly had a taste, I realise that this wasn't that much spicy. In fact, it also wasn't sour… at all! It's was really savoury, with pretty sweet after-taste, prolly due to the prawns inside.


Bowl of Pho Bo ~ $11.90

Vietnamese beef noodle soup. Both my parents ordered this. They may flip through the menu back and forth but they still end up ordering this. Pfft. Guess it's something that they'll never tire of.

Funny thing was, after placing the orders, we saw this huge bowl being served to someone at the next table. They were like, Whoaaa…!

We thought that that was something the couple would share but it turn out to be a single portion of Pho Bo! My mum was aghast and remarked that they both should have just shared a single bowl…


Pho Bo bowl

Just look at the size of that bowl! It's just crazy!

The soup was nice and savoury but I was surprised to see that the bowl lacked much herbs and greens. This bowl was very simple, unlike the ones I'm used to, from Mon An.


Bun Bo Nuong ~ $11.90

Grilled Beef w/ Vietnamese vermicelli (it's different from our local beehoon). My order.

When it first arrived, I was like, "Okayy… How do I eat this?"

I recall seeing someone dipping the grilled beef into the Nước chấm sauce and eat it with the the vermicelli like how one eats rice. But I find that to be too much hassle so I poured all of the Nước chấm into the bowl and gave everything a good mix. Ala Korean bibimbap.

This dish is yummy!! I love it. The beef, my gosh. It was sooo nicely marinated with goodness-knows-what but the taste reminds me a lot like satay! It does carry a strong taste of lemongrass. The bowl looked hefty but I cleaned it up in no time. The raw greens on the side help to balance things out. Beef and salad? Bring it on!

I ate one of the spring roll but I realise it just wasn't as good as the imperial rolls.


Thịt Bò Nướng Lá Lốt ~ $12.90

Or 'Bo La Lot' for short. Vietnamese grilled beef wrapped in wild betel leaf. I've always been curious about eating wild betel leaf (also known as 'daun kaduk' to the Malays).

My late great-grandma used to chew on betel leves ('daun sireh') wrapped around some lime (kapur), pieces of areca nut ('pinang'), cloves and shreds of woody vine ('gambir'). She will chew on these and the remnants (some reddish lump) will be spit out later.

It was a pretty disgusting habit and being the kid that I was, I got curious and tried to chew on that fresh betel leaf. Immediately spat it out. Bitter as hell with a weird after-taste. I wondered why my great-grandma looove chewing on it so much.

When I told my mum of this dish, she got excited. She saw people eating this in tv programmes about Thailand and Vietnam. Even some in Malaysia. She was very much curious about the taste of this wild betel leaf too.

In the picture, it looked like the Mediterranen dish called 'sarma' or 'dolma', where grape or cabbage leaves are wrapped around a filling. It's an an appetiser dish, if I'm not wrong so I thought the same for this one, too.


Wrapping the Bo La Lot

Little do I know that this dish is a meal on its own. Ooops.

When it first arrive, I took one of the 3 parcels out of its skewer (there were 2 sticks). I had a bite and was taken aback by the very strong taste of the beef. It's almost like the the grilled beef I just had but much stronger. The betel nut itself doesn't taste like much.

I was wondering why the beef was flavoured in such a manner. I looked back at the plate it was served in and had a 'light bulb moment'.

I placed another parcel with the peanut chunks inside a piece of green-leaf lettuce, included some stalks of bean sprouts, 2 sticks of julienned cucumber, a piece of basil leaf and some vermicelli. I then dripped some of the accompanying  Nước chấm sauce on it and proceed to wrap everything up tightly before stuffing it into my mouth.

If you find the process familiar- yes, I was inspired by how the Koreans eat their 'Samgyeopsal'.

And you know what? That seem to be the way to eat this dish after all! Guess those items that accompanied the skewered wrapped beef were not mere garnishing.

I made a parcel for my mum and made yet another one for myself, this time adding some pieces of mango from the mango salad… Fwahhh!

I read somewhere that they used to serve sheets of spring roll skin with this. That would have made more sense, right? Hmmmm...
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Anyway, all in all the whole meal came up to almost $180. Sounds pricey but we really ordered a lot. Such that our tables were filled! And the food is really amazing.

If you eat beef, I highly recommend the beef dishes. I didn't order much chicken because my dad was nursing a cough that time.

The Orange Lantern
1 Maritime Sq
#01-98
HarbourFront Centre