"There is no love sincerer than the love of food!"

Vineyard @ HortPark

2012-02-11T11:08:00.000+08:00

@Vineyard - exclusive wine selections

For Starters - left (Deep Fried Beef Tribe in Batter & Salad) & Sliced Cuttlefish

Main Course of Duck & Mashed Potatoes and Steak

Dessert - Chocolate Mousse Cake & Mixed Berries with Yoghurt

Vineyard serves a mixture of Thai, French and Italian cuisine.

Setting @ Hort Park is a quaint out of the hustle and bustle area with nice scery at tranquil landscape. Its definitely an ideal place for a casual or a business lunch.

Vineyard also stocks a wide variety of wines, as well as Gryphon tea.

Relish @ Serangoon Gardens

2012-02-09T22:29:00.000+08:00

A Modern & Sleek Cozy Cafe

Tea @ Relish with my aunt....

Left - Egg Nog (this was taken in December) - Eggnog, a sweetened dairy-based beverage traditionally made with milk and/or cream, sugar, and beaten eggs (which gives it a frothy texture). Brandy, rum, whisky, bourbon, Kahlúa, vodka, or a combination of liquors are often added; and the finished serving would be garnished with a sprinkling of ground cinnamon or nutmeg

Left - Carrot Cake & Beef Burger

This restaurant is all about burgers, traditional ones as well as newfangled recipes - a new dining experience by Wild Rocket.

A lively, relaxing & cozy atmosphere......indeed relishing!

Paradise Dynasty @ION Orchard

2012-01-02T14:39:00.000+08:00

I celebrated my birthday in Paradise Dynasty, eating an array assorted Xiao Long Baos (means little basket of buns).

To eat Xiao Long Bao, pick it up carefully at the tip with your chopstick, dip it in the sauce and put it onto your soup spoon. Try not to break it up as there are some hot soup and marinated meat (usually minced pork) inside the delicately-folded thin skin. Do not rush the whole bao into your mouth as it is very hot and could scald your tongue.

The buns are usually served with a saucer of shredded ginger dipped in black rice vinegar.

This restaurant has been reknown for their la mian (handmade noodles) & xiao long bao. Altogether, they come in eight colours, each one representing a unique flavour and my favourite is the pink xiao long bao, Szechuan (its flavours of chilli oil & peppercorns).

Left: Spicy Beef La Mian & Right: Pan Fried Guo Tie

My favourite dessert? The soufflé egg white balls with red bean and banana filling, simply delightful with your Chinese Pu Er Cha.........

Come December......Its Fatboy's The Burger Bar

2011-12-31T11:48:00.000+08:00

Chanced upon this new burger joint in Joo Chiat........nice juicy burgers with my ginger beer!

Lemon Lime Bitter & Ginger Beer (Right: Me & my sweetie pie)

Left: Breakfast Fry Up & Right: The Elvis

Left: Fat Basterd & Right: Bangers & Mash

Tentalising Thai Cuisine.....from Koh Samui

2011-11-20T17:33:00.001+08:00

I love Thai food because they are hot & spicy.....dishes featured here are my favourites. Thai food is not only delicious, it is also a healthy food because all ingredients are herbs that make the special fragrances for each dish.

Thai people eat three meals a day, the main meal is dinner. For each meal it should have at least three different dishes. If one dish is hot and spicy the other two dishes should be salty, sour or sweet and there should be at least one soup. For example, sour shrimps soup, stir fried mixed vegetable and fried pork with garlic. And all meals are served with rice.

There are few things you should understand about Thaifood. Some ingredients might have strange smell for you such as fish sauce or shrimp paste but once they are mixed with other ingredients they will turn out in a different smell. Thai people like to use fish sauce instead of salt.

When in Samui, try these local delights from Fisherman's Village, Chaweng & Bophut....

Left - Mango Salad & Seafood Tom Yam Gung

Tom yam kung, or spicy shrimp soup, is the number one of the top ten Thai dishes loved by foreigners, according to a recent investigation. And in fact, it is one of the most favourite dishes for Thai people as well. It is simply because it is so delicious for its unique sour and spicy taste that you will certainly need it more and more if you try it just once.

Left - Thai Green Curry, a very mild curry & Stir Fried Vegetables

Fried Minced Pork with Vermicelli

My favourite thirst quencher? Fresh Longan & Mango Juices

Left - Stir Fried Beef with Local Chives & Thai Fish Cakes

Left - Probably one of the most famous Thai dishes around the world is the one called tom yum kung. In English, it is sometimes called Hot and Sour Shrimp Soup or Lemongrass and Shrimp Soup. Right - Fried Pineapple Rice

Dessert - Glutinous Rice & Mango

Singha Beer - Cheers!

Clear Tom Yum Seafood Soup

Freshly made spring rolls - crispy & great chilli dips!

I had the best Boar Boar & Crocodile meat Curries! These are Wild Boar Meat

Left - Crocodile Curry & Stir Fried Mixed Vegetables

Dessert - Glutinous Rice Balls in Santan (coconut milk)

Do you know that Thailand is known as the Land of Smiles?

2011-11-20T16:26:00.002+08:00

Sawadee to all - before I blog more on Thai cuisines, I would like to share some fascinating facts on Thailand..........

The portrait on Elephant - is actually a mirror cabinet. Middle - The Bakerwoman relaxing by the balcony & the friendly faces of Thailand....

In Thailand, Elephants are good luck regardless of trunks being up or down. Its the Elephant itself that is lucky... Famous as the strongest beasts of burden, in Thailand they were important in battle, with kings mounted on Elephants fighting the Burmese to defend Thailand on many occasions. They have also been noted for their intelligence, memory and pleasant nature. A Thai legend has it that a marriage is like an elephant-- the husband is the front legs, that choose the direction, the wife the back legs, providing the power !

Thailand is often called the "land of smiles," not only because visitors love its natural beauty and historical riches, but also because of the country's friendly people and fascinating culture. As stated in The Conde Nast Top 100, Thailand has been ranked as one of the best destinations in the world. In the islands category, Koh Samui ranks 5th, while Phuket ranks 13th place. Thailand maintains a strong charm as a truly unique destination with genuinely friendly people. The country scored 97.68 for people/hospitality category!
Left - the famous Chang & Singha beers of Thailand.....right, a cute star-shaped sunny side up for breakfast

Joshua & Elisha - having a great time with the tiger cub ;)
The resort's Lobby's Lounge Bar providing patrons with fresh coffee, chilled cocktails & beveages, as well as light fares....Right - overlooking the pool and an expansive view of the sea....
We visited Wat Khunaram

The Thai island of Koh Samui possesses several impressive spiritual and holy places. Wat Khunaram is one such astonishing site. However, this temple holds more than just a Buddhist temple.

Visitors can see the mummified body of a Buddhist monk in one of the buildings of this temple. This is the only mummified body in the Buddhist culture. The body is well preserved by the trusts of the temple. The display of the Buddhist mummy is open to visitors all the time.

The body is kept in a vertical glass casket. The monk died when he was meditating and so his body possesses a meditating posture as well. This was in the year 1973.

According to the local people, the mummy is not preserved artificially; but the body itself remained un-decomposed even after the death of the monk. This remains a wonder for the rest of the world.

After death his body remained undecomposed, so his relatives and disciples decided to place his body in an upright position within a glass casket as requested by the monk in his written instruction. This was done to preserve it as a symbol to aspire future generations to follow Buddhist teachings and be saved from suffering.

Outside this room, devotees pick up flowers and scented sticks, which they offer to Lord Buddha, placed in other room as a sign of worship.

Thailand is a Buddhist nation, and because Buddhist values are such a part of daily life here, temples, monasteries and Buddha images are seen everywhere.

Sawadee Samui - Cafe La Croissanterie, Bophut, Koh Samui

2011-11-19T13:57:00.000+08:00

A cozy cafe around Amari Palm Resort

Cuppuccino on the left & Watermelon Soda

Turkey Breast Baguette

We had lunch around the Amari Palm Resort.....I like the cafe decor and the friendly service staff. Internet access is available here.....Freshly baked pastries, cakes, brownies, sandwiches, cookies & tiramisu are served here.

Cozy ambience!

Jia Xiang Cai, Sichuan Restaurant in Chinatown

2011-10-01T17:12:00.000+08:00

Stir Fried Lamb, Sichuan style & Sichuan Dan Dan Noodle

Long Beans with Minced Dried Prawns & Chilli

Thanks to Luna for this Sichuan dishes recommendations.....

Herbs & Spices, Arab Street

2011-10-01T17:00:00.000+08:00

Tandoori Chicken in Focaccia Bread

Briyani Rice & Sotong Curry

Spotted Herbs & Spice cafe whilst shopping in Arab Street.....

Indonesian Delights.....Batam

2011-10-01T16:31:00.000+08:00

Sweet & Sour Garoupa fish

Gong Gong or Sea Snails & Chilli Crabs

When in Batam, these 2 are my favourites: Ayam Penyet (Penyet means flattened or squashed chicken. Its coated with a mixture of turmeric & spices, fried till golden & crisp brown.) Ayam Penyet is usually served with rice, vegetables & sambal). On the right is Mee Baksu (Minced Beef Balls)

Batam is a small island and dining options are amazingly varied.

Surrounded by tropical waters, seafood remains one of Batam Island's main offerings.

Quiche Lorraine

2011-08-28T21:02:00.000+08:00

I used a pie dish for this quiche preparations & home made dough

I sauteed the onions, leek, bacon, ham, mushrooms & nutmeg.

Quiche Lorraine - great for tea time!

A quiche is essentially a rich baked custard, encased in crisp savoury pastry.

So what is Quiche Lorraine? A quiche is a delicious egg pie with a nice buttery crust. What is interesting with the Quiche Lorraine is that you can largely adapt its basis to your own taste, culture and habits. So people have added all different kind of things in the original quiche and the word quiche is often used among the French food words to refer to any salty tarts. Another great thing about quiches is that you can have them for breakfast, lunch, dinner or late night. But quiches are traditionally eaten in the French culture mainly as French appetizers or starters being part of a lunch or dinner.

Enjoying my tea time & reading my favourite local magazine on a lazy Sunday.

Think Italiano.....Summer Pasta & Vongole

2011-08-28T20:27:00.000+08:00

Left: Fetta Cheese salad (this is a Greek salad). Right: Spaghetti Vongole - A light, seafood pasta dish which is full of flavour. A great meal for any occasion.

Summer Pasta

I've been craving for summer pasta and I like the colourful chopped peppers, tomatoes that make it look a party in a bowl!

Gotta thank my hubby, Chef Mike for the delicious pasta dinner....BUON APPETITO!

Dim Sum @ Swee Choon

2011-07-02T11:42:00.000+08:00

Left - Braised Chicken Feet (my favourite) & right - Mee Sua Cake

Kung Po Chicken & deep fried fish skin

Left, Minced prawn/pork & Banana fritter, Right - Spicy La Mien

Left, Dumplings in SzeChuan hot spicy sauce & right - mixed vegetable dumplings

Left, a very popular dumpling known as Xiao Long Pau & Mee Sua Cake (Vermicelli cake)

What is Dim Sum without the century egg porridge & pan fried gyoza

Dessert - red bean pancake!!!

Dim sum is an integral part of Chinese cuisine, closely associated with the tradition of yum cha, or taking tea. Dim sum means "small heart", suggestive of a small snack that touches the heart. Dim sum can be found all over China and in many parts of the West, where dim sum is a popular meal. Dim sum is usually served in the late morning through the early afternoon, although some dim sum establishments are open later. It is a meal that should be lingered over, in multiple courses that traditionally have a set order.

Dim sum is an umbrella category for small Chinese dishes. Typical examples of dim sum are small dumplings, wrapped foods such as won tons and egg rolls, and other more exotic foods. In general, individual portions of dim sum are small, so that numerous dishes can be ordered and sampled by the table. Most dim sum falls under the category of a savory pastry, although these foods can be prepared in a variety of ways. Dim sum can be steamed, fried, boiled, baked, or broiled, and this wide range of options makes for a lively and varied meal.

Sidewalk Tavern, East Coast Road

2011-07-02T11:30:00.000+08:00

Left - Greek Salad and toast

All Day Breakfast is available throughout

Left - Steak & Right - Pan Fried Salmon

A cozy tavern in East Coast Road offering good quality, simple food at affordable prices.

"Eat, drink & be merry, for tomorrow we diet!!!"

The House of Robert Timms

2011-07-02T11:23:00.001+08:00

We welcome another new coffee joint to Singapore.....Robert Timms!

Left - Pavlova & Right - 4 High Carrot Cake

Left - Sinfully Sugar Free Cheesecake & Right - Triple Choc Cheesecake

Last but not least, my favourite - Choc Marshmallow Bar!

After dinner @PS Cafe, we chanced upon this new outlet in Orchard Shopping Centre......dessert in The House of Robert Timms.....

Great menu selections ranging from All Day Breakfast, great hearty Australian fare cooked with premium ingredients range from popular signature dishes to the more exotic Australian meats such as Braised Crocodile Casserole ($23.80) & Stout Braised Kangaroo Loin ($26.90)!!!

To sum it all....the freshness of Robert Timms lives on!

Oh Yes, and not forgetting a glass of Victoria Bitter beer! G'day!

PS Cafe, Paragon

2011-07-02T11:22:00.000+08:00

Right - Farmer Beef Stew

Left, Laksa Pesto (a twist to our local laksa, fusion style)

Right - Chicken Tau Kwa

Green Garden Lasagne (pure vegetarian)

Adios Madrid! Prado & Reina Sofia/Art Gallery Museums

2011-06-04T14:41:00.000+08:00

If you are in Madrid, do not miss out these famous museums & art galleries...........from Goya, Picasso, Velazquez, Murillo to El Greco......

Considered by many to be "the best art gallery in the world", the Prado Museum is, if not the best, then one of the most respected art centres and is a must-see on any visit to Madrid! Its walls are decked with the best collections of works of art of the Spanish School from the 16th through the 18th century. It also houses large collections from both the Flemish & Venetian schools, as well as smaller collections by German, French & English artists.

Tortilla Espanola or Spanish Omelet is the most commonly served dish in Spain - Lunch in Cafe Prado

Left - Shermaine & me @ a sidewalk cafe before heading to the Reina Sofia Museum & Art Gallery

This renowned museum, as well as housing Guernica (1937) by Picasso, is home to works of art by some of the most important artists of the latter part of the 19th century to the present day...The museum is located at the site of the former General de San Charles Hospital.....

Our breakfast of Parma Ham pizza before heading back to Singapore! Adios Spain!

Toledo, Spain

2011-06-04T12:53:00.001+08:00

"Swords of Toledo"

Right - Toledan marzipan

The marzipan of Toledo is considered one of its finest food products

Right - Damascene "Damasquinado de Oro or "Damasquino" is the art of decorating non-precious metals with gold. It has roots in the Middle Ages and originates from the oriental-style artisan work done in Damascus, Syria. The craft, perfected by the Arabs and brought with them to Spain, has remained virtually unchanged over the centuries.

For centuries Toledo has been renowned for the steel blades made for knives and swords

Toledo is situated near to Madrid, the capital of Spain, and is full of many charming narrow, winding streets which are almost like a labyrinth.

Other characteristic Toledan products include swords and other weapons and lace and embroidered materials. During the 13th century Toledo became one of the few places in Spain where Moors, Christians and Jews managed to live together and tolerate eachother more or less peacefully (although not as idyllicly as some history accounts would have us believe), and the singular combination of styles and cultures which resulted from this period in Toeldo's history is one of the city's unique characteristics. Visitors can still admire the remains of churches, mosques and sinagogues built during this time, which is also known as the City of the Three Cultures.

Cafe Nebraska, Madrid

2011-06-03T21:03:00.001+08:00

I like this cozy cafe in Madrid.......they serve the best pancakes......rich, warm, spongy & tasty!

Lemon Beer (on the left)......great for ladies!

Bratwurst served with bacon & melted cheese......dessert - the best pancake with lots of whipped cream & drizzly chocolate sauce!!!

Sinful & yummilicious!

Museo del Jamon, Madrid

2011-06-03T20:35:00.000+08:00

Lunch was at Museo del Jamon before we headed to Toledo.............

In Spain, mixed paella is very popular (seafood with meat)

Fresh baguette was given & on the right, stir fried steak with fries

For dessert, we were given Nestle ice cream

Segovia->The Cathedral, The Alcazar & The Segovia Aqueduct

2011-05-16T11:10:00.002+08:00

From Madrid we headed for a day trip to Segovia......on the left is the city's medieval wall. Right, we stopped by a cafe for coffee before our 3 hours sightseeing tour of Segovia

On the left is San Andres Gate & on your right, Cathedral of Segovia (was completed in 1577)

For Starters...we had Judiones San Ildefonso (Spanish stew with butter beans & pork sausages), served with crusty baguettes

Stewed Veal & mixed vegetables were the main course for lunch

Dessert - home made Vanilla ice cream

Left, main entrance of the restaurant & right, The Segovia Aqueduct

Left, beautiful Romanewque church and right, The Alcazar (an inspiration to Walt Disney's Snow White's Castle)

Segovia is a wonderful mix of Roman Spain, Medieval & Renaissance Spain & Modern Spain all rolled up into one! Segovia is also famous for the roast suckling pig, Judiones and roast lamb.

The city is a UNESCO world Heritage site......

Cafe & Te, Breakfast in Madrid.......

2011-05-08T14:52:00.000+08:00

This cafe was just within walking distance from our hotel.......cafe is 24 hrs........serves great breakfast to Italian cuisine!

American breakfast @ Euro 9.75

Tapas Hopping in Madrid!

2011-05-08T14:31:00.000+08:00

Another of the specialties in Madrid is the tapas that comprises a bite-size portion, hot or cold, that is served with wine, vermouth, beer or a refreshment. Although tapas can be enjoyed anywhere in the city, there are particular areas of the city which have their own particular type of tapas....

The centre of Madrid is considered to be the best area for having tapas simply for being in the very heart of the city....The area in and around Puerta del Sol & Plaza Mayor, is an area where you can enjoy having tapas in a great cozy ambience.

Other busy areas for tapas are the Latina & the so-called Writers' Quarter where you can find traditional taverns where tapas form the cornerstone of an excellent dining experience.

My favourites? the black olives & onion cakes

The best coffee oxtail stew....

Tapas hopping with the international gang! Our British guide, Jake on the left...

Bottoms Up!!!

Restaurant Hopping in Madrid.....

2011-05-02T18:30:00.000+08:00

Botin in Madrid is listed in the Guiness Book of Records as the oldest working restaurant in the world! It was founded by a Frenchman, Jean Botin in 1725. This restaurant has been visited by famous people in all over the world.....House speciality - Roast young suckling pig.....YUMS!

Mercado de San Miguel - is one of the oldest covered markets in Madrid...You can buy fruits, cheese, fish etc...or you can have oysters with a glass of wine while reading a book.

Its 33 shops offer a great variety of the best delicatessen products in a magnificient setting. This market is almost a centurian old and was built in 1916!

On the streets of Madrid.....I love the beautiful music created by wine glasses!!!

This cafe serves the best freshly brewed coffee @ only 1 Euro....

This cafe also serve Bocadillo (roll sliced in 2 lengthways served with a variety of fillings)

Lunch is Steak with Fries, Euro 9

Left - The popular Italian restaurant, Ginos & The Bakerwoman in Plaza Mayor

Madrid - the city of Love......

2011-05-02T17:36:00.000+08:00

MADRID! The city of history, leisure, culture, shopping, museums......the lists never ends! It is a city that boasts a rich cultural past, but with its sights clearly set on the future....

Madrid is a modern metropolis that has managed to hold on to its traditions & customs; It is also one of the top 10 cities to live in, to work in, to invest in & to visit.

The must see in Madrid includes: The Prado Museum, Reina Sofia Museum & Art Gallery, CaixaForum, Plaza Mayor, Royal Palace, The Retiro Park, Puerta Del Sol, Gran Via & not forgetting the Rastro Flea-Market!

Dining in Madrid offers an unforgettable dining experience with a choice of restaurants from the 5 continents! Seafood & fish dishes are also part of the staple diet....

Another of the specialities in Madrid is the tapas that comprises a bite-size portion, hot or cold, that is served with wine, vermouth, beer or a refreshment. The centre of Madrid is considered to be the best area for having tapas simply for being in the very heart of the city.

I had a baguette, onion & potato cake for breakie

Spanish breakfast crowds

An array of assorted pastries.......

Yummy pastries from the heart of Sol.............

Ibiza - Madagascar Cafe, 4 Plaza del Parque

2011-05-01T13:06:00.001+08:00

From Barcelona, we headed to the beautiful island of Ibiza....it is also nicknamed as the capital of electronic music!

Ibiza has one of the best nightlife and have gained international reputation of the numerous intense dance parties held during the summer months. The most famous bar on the island is Cafe del Mar. Noted clubes include Space, Amnesia, Privilege etc.....

It is now known as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The shopping never ends in Ibiza either.....more MNG factory outlets!!!

The colourful Mediterranean landscape of Ibiza....

Dining alfresco in Madagascar Cafe

Left - Ensalada de Rucula Queso (Goat's Cheese & Wild Rocket Salad) and right - Cheesecake

Cute lil ChiHuaHua decked in jumper ;)

I love Ibiza for the beautiful beaches, wild nightlife and the beautiful people........

From La Sagrada Familia to Princesa 23 Restaurant, Barcelona

2011-04-10T14:47:00.004+08:00

It is a must for every visitor to visit La Sagrada Familia if they are visiting Barcelona! The first achitect for the church was Francesc de Paula del Villar & he started the construction in 1882. Gaudi was given the job in 1883 & he continued to work on the project till his tragic death in 1926. Different architects have worked on it since then. The admission charge paid by two & a half million visitors each year is what pays for the building construction. It is thought that it will be completed in the 1st third of this century.

The church consists of 4,500 sq metres where 8,000 people can worship. The construction is well past the half way stage & is ready to raise the 4 towers dedicated to the evangelists, the tower dedicated to the Virgin Mary & the highest, erected at the centre of the crossing, which will recall the figure of Jesus, and the 4 bell towers on the Glory facade.

Today the construction of the church of La Sagrada Familia - a Barcelona landmark & an artistic & spiritual symbol of Catalonia - is going on thanks to the support of the faithful, friends & visitors from every corner of the globe....

Left - Sangria (a refreshing drink made from a sweet soda, red wine, sugar, cinnamon, lemon &/orother liquors or fruits.....Right - Rose wine

Set Tapas - Princesa Leia, Parma Ham with Cantaloupe Melon, Right - Fried Diced Potatoes with Spicy sour cream

Bon Appetit .......The Bakerwoman & Shermaine....

Smoked Salmon Salad (left) & crusty Bruschetta (with fresh garlic, tomatoes, herbs)

Left - Mixed Chargrill Salad, Right - Wasabi Prawns

Hmmm, I love Parma Ham.... It was melt-in-the-mouth heaven.

Cheers!

D'en Rossend elFornet, Aribau

2011-04-09T00:21:00.000+08:00

We had breakfast in elFornet, before heading to Casa Mila (commonly known as La Pedrera is the largest civil building designed by Antoni Gaudi. The apartment block was constructed between 1906 and 1910. It was Gaudi's last work before devoting himself to the construction of the Sagrada Familia.)

A visit to Casa Mila,

Croque Monsieur (hot cheese & ham grilled sandwich)

Ham Sandwich

My usual morning boost of caffeine....

Chocolate in Puff pastry

A nice cozy cafe........

Bitte! Wurst, Barcelona

2011-04-08T23:42:00.000+08:00

Whilst passing Las Arenas de Barcelona, we found Bitte! Wurst by chance....

Friendly Mexican service staff with a smile!

Croquetes Casolanes

Pincho Moruno

Plat Bitte (veal sausage & salad)

Capuccino Vienes.....

Las Arenas de Barcelona - was a bullfighting ring and still hosts bullfights sometimes. However it hosts a Bullfighting Museum today displaying all objects related to bullfighting.

Habitual Cafe, Barcelona

2011-04-08T23:03:00.001+08:00

We enjoyed eating breakfast in this cafe......everything tasted marvellous.......from Bruchetta to Zuchinni omelette!

The crispy baguette filled with Catalan Pork Sausages!!!

Fluffy & buttery croissant!

Bruschetta - rubbed with fresh tomato, garlic and topped with extra-virgin olive oil...

Zucchini & Artichoke Omelette

This is the place for breakkie in Barcelona............good coffee & a hearty breakfast to start your day!!!

Cafe de l'Opera....Barcelona

2011-04-08T22:41:00.000+08:00

If you are in Barcelona, don't forget to try the churros......simply divine with Chocolate Espanola (thick hot chocolate dips).....

When I see churros, it reminded me of our local "yu char kway".....deep fried fritter.

Hot chocolate Espanola

We added a packet of sugar to the piping hot churros.....hmm, Golden brown and crispy on the outside

Am definitely enjoying my churros, my dessert for the evening in La Rambla!

What a treat!!!

Hola......Barcelona!

2011-04-08T22:24:00.000+08:00

Hola Hola!

The Bakerwoman is back! As promised, food for thought from Barcelona........

Barcelona is a city known for its amazing nightlife! There is a huge variety in bars, pubs and clubs....

Fridays & Saturdays are dominated by a cosmopolitan mix of tourists and locals. Featured here are pictures taken in La Rambla - the wide boulevard stretching from Placa de Catalunya to Port Vell. There were many street entertainers/buskers wowing the crowds - from Predator, Sandman, clowns, flamenco dancers etc...

My big glass of Sangria (wine punch of typical Spain & Portugal)

Slurp.....simply refreshing!

Tapas of assortment: squid, artichoke, potatoes & mushrooms

Seafood Paella

Mixed Paella

Here are some interesting buskers alongst La Rambla.........

The Predator & The Bakerwoman!

Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia and is located in eastern Spain. It is a Mediterranean & cosmopolitan city with Roman remains, medieval quarters & the most beautiful examples of 20th century modernism & avant-garde!

The Bakerwoman takes a break.........Viva Espanol in Spain/Madrid/Ibiza/Salamanca

2011-03-13T13:38:00.000+08:00

The Bakerwoman takes a break........will blog more about Spanish tapas and delights.

Stay tuned!

Love,
The Bakerwoman

Ramen - Noodle House Ken, Orchard Plaza

2011-03-13T13:36:00.003+08:00

Miso Butter Ramen (look at the chunk of butter)

Miso Ramen

The soup base for Kimuchi Ramen was heavenly......spicy tangy ramen & generous toppings of pork roll!!

Cold Ramen - Hiyas Chuka

I discovered this traditional Japanese Ramen eatery in Orchard....the chefs are Japanese and they serve fabulous flavourful & fragrant pork broth....

The Butter Ramen & Cold Noodle are a must try......thick slab of creamy butter & corn giving a refreshing aftertaste!!

After trying the ramen @Ken's, you can forget about queuing at Ippudo & Nantsutei!

Oishii!!! Slurp......

My Favourite Keropok - Glutinous Rice Crisp!!!

2011-03-13T13:19:00.000+08:00

This is one of my favourite snacks.......deep fried garlic, glutinous rice cake from Indonesia!!!

Shiok with gula melaka dips!!!

Breakfast in Ghim Moh Market

2011-03-13T13:12:00.000+08:00

Traditional Vegetarian Beehoon

I had been craving to eat Vegetarian Bee Hoon for the past few days.....I hate the food court version as they add curry gravy and other non traditional mock ingredients to the bee hoon.

A good plate of vegetarian bee hoon is one where there is not an overwhelming amount of gravy added to it, because it would make the bee hoon soggy. The fried vegetarian duck & char siew should be slightly burnt to give out a nice aroma and the cabbage should not be overcooked, displaying a crisp light green colour.....

Fried Mee Sua

Whilst eating the vegetarian noodle, I saw an interesting dish......Fried Mee Sua, fried in Char Kway Teow style......the chilli was damn shiok to go with it!!!!

A satisfying breakfast with my usual kopi O.......

Pu Tien Restaurant @ Nex

2011-02-27T23:04:00.001+08:00

Cold JellyFish Head

Shredded BaiYe Toufu

Fried Rice Cake

Deep Fried Duck with Sliced Yam

Nex Shopping Mall is the new shopping mall in the suburbs of Serangoon Central. Restaurants in Nex are plentiful. There are The Ship, Food Republic, Swenson's, Prata Place, Texas Chicken, Praradise Inn, Din Tai Fung etc.....I had dinner in PuTien, Xin Hua cuisine.

I've tried the Pu Tien outlet in Kitchener Road and enjoyed the Fried Hing Wa Beehoon, which is fried with mushroom, taupok, clams, prawns, pork belly, peanuts and vegetables, and topped with deep-fried seaweed.

For dinner in Nex, we tried the Fried Rice Cake, cooked ala Hing Wa style. We enjoyed all the delicious Fu Jian dishes and recommended for value-for-money restaurant suitable for family lunches and dinners, offering a simple yet scrumptious fare from this lesser-known dialect group.

Carpark is a nightmare in Nex Shopping Centre!!!

Scallops, Pork Tendon, Sea Cucumber, & Mushroom Soup.......

2011-02-07T22:42:00.000+08:00

Fresh & dried scallops, sea cucumber, dried pork tendon & shitake mushroom

This dish was concocted by Mike.....it tasted in between of shark's fin soup & Buddha Jumps Over The Wall....

Added to this soup: dried pork tendon, shitake mushrooms, scallops, sea cucumber and good chicken stock. Its best eaten with a dash of black vinegar!

Ngoh Hiang - Five-Spice Pork Rolls Wrapped with Tofu Skin

2011-02-07T22:36:00.000+08:00

A whole array of ingredients are stirred into a pound of fatty ground pork, which is then seasoned with five spice powder

dried beancurd skins

Spoonfuls of meat are placed on the beancurd skin....

There goes my perfect ngoh hiang!!! Just like rolling a popiah.....

I steamed the ngoh hiang.....let it cool before I placed them in the freezer

Its a tradition that I make the ngoh hiang one week prior to the Lunar New Year.....

These ngoh hiangs are the Teochew version......the pork rolls are a delicious concoction. Named for the Chinese five spice powder that gives the rolls their unique flavor, Ngoh Hiang (五香) is another take on the pork sausage. A whole array of ingredients are stirred into a pound of fatty ground pork, which is then seasoned with five spice powder and snugly wrapped in dried beancurd skins. I've added water chestnuts, onions, egg, (fish, minced pork & prawn meat), pepper and pork liver.

I steamed the ngoh hiang for 15 minutes, until the skins turn translucent and the rolls feel firm. Remove and set aside on wire racks to cool. At this point, I divided the rolls into batches and freeze them in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. To cook, defrost the rolls in a 350F/ 180C oven for 10 minutes before frying/baking.

Like any good Chinese dish, these rolls have their sub-cultural variations, depending on whether the cook was of a Teochew or Hokkien dialect. In my paternal grandfather’s Teochew version, there were shrimp and water chestnuts. Before cooking, each roll was tied with string, sectioning out pieces for easy cutting and serving once ready.

I love serving ngoh hiang with cucumber & tomato slices........

Happy Lunar New Year to All.......

2011-01-30T19:20:00.000+08:00

Wishing all my readers "Xing Nian Kwai Le",

As you hop into the year of the Rabbit.....

Flower Crab in Spicy Taucheo Sauce

2011-01-30T19:16:00.000+08:00

Flower Crabs - cooked in spicy taucheo sauce( ginger, garlic, sliced chilli & taucheo paste)

This is another of my favourite dinner dishes......Flower Crabs in Taocheo sauce.....a very typical Teochew recipe loved by all.

I prefer eating flower crabs because the meat is juicier and its shell is much softer. The flower crab ― smaller than its cousin, the king ― draws fans because of the quality of its meat, despite the fact that it requires dedicated cracking, picking and sucking to ease every little morsel out.

The feast begins. Tongs are used to bring whole halves, legs and upper shells onto one’s plate. Lips tingle from licking the sauce off the shell of the crab, from popping snowy white flakes ― silken, near melting and coated in spices ― into one’s mouth.

Soon, the metal pot begins to fill up with bits of shell, evidence of the feast, as the plate rapidly empties......

Pig's Ear, Tongue & Roast Pork Claypot Rice

2011-01-23T19:16:00.000+08:00

3 meat combination claypot rice

I love Braised Pig's Ear......the soft bone is marvellous........and not forgetting the aromatic roast pork added to the rice.

Additional add ons: Braised Pig's tongue and Shiitake mushrooms........not forgetting extra cilantro and chilli padi!!!

My weekend lunch for the family.......

15th Wedding Anniversary Dinner.....

2011-01-15T17:02:00.001+08:00

Appetizer - Fried Garoupa with Light Lemon Grass Sauce, acoompanied with Rocket Salad

Main Course - Roast Rack of Lamb on Risotto Rice with Red Wine Sauce

Dessert - Baked Fruit Spring Roll (Banana, Mango & Choco Chips), accompanied with a scoop of Lemon Sorbet

Hubby Mike cooked a sumptous 3 course dinner on our 15th wedding anniversary.............

The meaning of 15th Wedding Anniversary? - Crystal

On the 15th anniversary, tin as the symbolic material of this milestone represents preservation and longevity. Crystal as the modern approach would signify a lot of meaning depending on the color tint. Clear crystal denotes insight and magic with one another.

Anniversary symbols vary worldwide. In some cultures, your 15th wedding anniversary, for example, is called a 'glass' wedding. Time to blow your savings on a conservatory? A greenhouse? Designer his 'n' hers specs? Combine the traditions by toasting each other with champagne in new crystal glasses.

I would like to thank Mike and my wonderful children for the memorable celebration @ home ;)

The Bakerwoman adores Sunflowers.......

Hoagies.......

2011-01-09T19:59:00.000+08:00

What is a hoagie? Its a large sandwich made of a long crusty roll split lengthwise and filled with meats and cheese (and tomato and onion and lettuce and condiments); The term originated in Philadelphia

We had stir fried beef hoagies for dinner.......with fresh garden salad and lots of mozzarella cheese toppings! Yums!

Stir Fried beef was added to the baguette

I love mozzarella cheese......

Simple and appetizing dinner!!!

Diced capsicum, lettuces, tomatoes in Balsamic dressing

Devil or Debal Curry (Kari Turkey Devil)

2011-01-09T19:37:00.002+08:00

Debal or devil curry, as this dish is more popularly known, refers to a very hot curry.....its also known as a popular Eurasian style curry.

By the way, it is never called Devil Curry, just Devil or Debal to the Malacca-Portuguest Eurasian purists. And, simply, it is Devil because it is "hot as hell" to the taste.

This was my after Xmas aftermath......the turkey carcass was not put into waste.....

Here are some of Devil lore for my readers:

Devil is best eaten the day after cooking, when the ingredients have soaked well into the potatoes & chicken/meat
Devil is excellent with rice, and for me - its best eaten with roti "prancheese" (Baguette)
In many Eurasian kitchen, the Xmas Devil has an added ingredients.....some add in archar (pickles)

Ingredients to be blended for the rempah

Cooked Turkey bones & bacon+bones

On the left, rempah was tumis (to fry the pounded ingredients till fragrance) and meat was added to it.

I transferred the rest of the ingredients to the slow cooker.....I prefer using the slow cooker as the meat is much tender and the cabbage was well soaked into the gravy

Fiery hot hot devil curry!

Crispy garlic bread to go with my curry devil!

Toast To A New Beginning.....2011

2011-01-02T13:06:00.001+08:00

I would like to thank you for your support and hope you will continue to enjoy my blog.

A merry Christmas to everybody! A happy New Year to the world!

Here's The Bakerwoman enjoying her stay in The Fullerton Hotel........cheers to a promising 2011!!!!

TWG Morroccan Mint

English Tea @ The Straits, Fullerton Hotel

My favourite champagne - Moet & Chandon to usher the countdown party in the grand lobby

Love, The Bakerwoman

Steak with Baked Potatoes & Mushroom Balsamic Salad.....

2011-01-02T12:20:00.000+08:00

It was my birthday and this was specially prepared by my hubby, Mike
Red wine & Dessert Wine

Main Course

Our set dinner

A red wine named "Fat Bastard" & dessert wine "Bridges" to celebrate my special day....

Dinner prepared by my hubby was delicious and complemented with a flute of red wine...Mike was previously an award-winning culinary chef trained in French cooking ;)

What is Nasi Lemak without Ikan Kuning?

2010-12-25T15:10:00.001+08:00

This is my typical nasi lemak selections.....from The Bakerwoman

This is the must haves in my nasi lemak....sambal petai

Nasi Lemak.......home cooked and sedap......these should fulfill a few requisites: quality, texture, flavors, and, of course, the right ingredients. This is definitely a legendary dish.

Why queue to buy a plate of nasi lemak in Changi Village when you can have the best @home?

Norjana's @ Siglap Centre

2010-12-25T14:51:00.001+08:00

My aunt from Malaysia was in town and we brought her to Norjana's for their infamous Oxtail Hor Fun........sedap and served in Opeh leaf.

Stir fried hor fun or Hokkien noodles served in opeh leaf tastes better.

Oxtail Hor Fun (HALAL)

Siput Sedut Masak Lemak

This is another famous lemak (Lemak means cookin in Santan, coconut milk) dish, which my aunty Lillian adores!!!

(aka Balitong, a kind of sea snail) – a spicy and savoury dish that was more of a appetizer for her.

The snails had their ‘tails’ removed, revealing a small opening where the flesh would be sucked out.

Festive Special - Oatmeal Cookies

2010-12-12T22:13:00.000+08:00

Pre Baked Oatmeal cookies....

I love oatmeal.......nutritious, cruchy and full of goodness!!!

Specially packed for my angels.....

Christmas is in the air......give love this special day....oatmeal cookies with love....

Amanda Bradley once said,
"Celebrate the happiness that friends are always giving, make every day a holiday and celebrate just living."

Pig Trotter in Black Vinegar - Confinement Diet

2010-12-12T21:59:00.000+08:00

Old Ginger is added to this special confinement meal

A well deserved pampering for my dear colleague, Esther

This is one of the usual confinement food - the black vinegar is said to purify blood and cleanses the arteries of stale blood. Brown sugar in this dish rids dampness in the body, Sesame Oil - promotes blood circulation. Collagen in the pig trotters - to strengthen joints and ligaments and not forgettng the eggs - to nourish the body...

Homemade Fish Maw

2010-12-12T21:47:00.000+08:00

Fish Maw before it is deep fried

Looks like keropok after its deep fried....

Added the fish maw to my mixed soup

I love fish maw.....this fish maw was homemade by my colleague, Jenny.

This is ikan kurau's fish maw.....I've added dried scallops, pork ribs, fish balls, white lettuce, tau kee (bean curd skin & fish maw to this delightful wholesome soup!

Special thanks to Jenny.......

Cawaii Koohii Pte Ltd @ Funan DigitalLife Mall

2010-12-12T21:34:00.000+08:00

Spotted a new Anime, CosPlay cozy cafe......Ice Cream sandwich dessert....I opted for Green Tea, Strawberry & Chocolate.....the kawaii (as in cute in Japanese) hostess decorated my waffles, I think its a kawaii turtle.......

The kawaii table.....

Garlic Naan, Mutton Curry & Tandoori Chicken

2010-11-27T14:56:00.000+08:00

Garlic Naan & Mutton Curry

Tandoori Chicken

I love Little India! Its a great place to set off for shopping and gastronomic adventure!

What do I shop? I love the hand beaded sandals, exquisite Punjabi suit, brocade saree materials to stainless steel tiffin carriers and not forgetting the Mustafa Centre for the amazing selections of watches.....

As for food, there are Thosai, Bryani, South Indian Vegetarian meal, puri, Tandoori Chicken, Naans and curries ranging from vegetarian to many local favourite curries!

Last not least, I never forget to buy my favourite Indian snacks - Murukus!!! Yummy!!

Taiwanese Dessert - Ji De Chi, B2 Plaza Singapura

2010-11-20T13:06:00.000+08:00

Ji De Chi translated means Remember to Eat in mandarin. This is a Hong Kong dessert cafe which serves both hot/cold desserts.....their speciality is assorted shaved ice desserts and Ginger Milk Curd and many other yummy traditional local desserts.........

Mango shaved ice served with Mochi, fresh mangoes & jelly

This is my favourite!!! Durian in Sticky Rice Roll......hmmm, simply delightful!!!

Elisha's favourite - Matcha Green Tea Ice Cream served with Azuki Beans, Jelly & Mochi

Sambal Stir Fried Fish & Bittergourd, Changi Village

2010-11-07T15:28:00.000+08:00

Lunch on weekend - The Bakerwoman heads to Changi Village for her favourite Stirfried sambal fish & bittergourd with rice!

This is one of my favourite hawker centre and the place for me to makan after my weekly swim......not forgetting my glass of sugar cane & lemon juice!

Peony-Jade Restaurant, Clarke Quay

2010-10-23T16:16:00.000+08:00

The Bakerwoman and her makan khakis headed to Clarke Quay for a traditional Szechuan/Cantonese cuisine in a truly elegant and contemporary setting........Yes, Peony Jade Restaurant!

Its definitely a perfect location for our ladies afternoon cozy gathering!

We were greeted by the plush, red carpeted stairs, as one weaves up the romantic, candlelit stairway to the restaurant.

The restaurant offers "All you can eat a-la-carte buffet of 50 dishes" @$28.80+++

For starters, we had tim sum

We all loved this custard pow - look at the oozing salted egg custard? Triple shiok when it melts in your mouth!

Freshly made Siew Mai and Shark's Fin Soup (I love it with lots of black vinegar)

Deep Fried Fresh Scallop with Shredded Taro in Mango Puree

Abalone in Mango Sauce & Sliced Fillet of Smoked Duck with Szechuan Hot & Sour Sauce

Deep Fried Garoupa & Jellyfish Salad

Baked Kurobuta Pork Spare Ribs in Grandma's Homemade Sauce & Braised Clam Salad

Another of my Szechuan favourites - Swee & Sour Soup, on the right is KungPo Ostrich Meat with Dried Chillies

What is Chilli Crab without the Fried ManTou??? Yummilicious!

Another popular Cantonese dish - Braised Fish Maw & Sea Cucumber and Wasabi Prawns

Deep Fried EggPlant

The girlies enjoyed the sumptous lunch and headed to TCC for coffee........

Eating Tulang.....take away (Da Bao) from Beach Road Hawker Centre

2010-10-09T15:41:00.000+08:00

Another alternative to suck the marrow - using a straw!

Its definitely "Finger Lickin Good!"

Joshua's enjoying the tulang....its best to eat it @home!

Look @ the tulang - tendon and bones all cleaned up!!!

We love eating Tulang - Tulang means bones in Malay.....the above is mutton tulang, stewed in Mamak spicy tomato sauce.

Some people may say it looks disgusting, embarrassing to eat tulang with your bare hands in public - your mouth will also be plastered with the thick red gravy.....Also, you've gotta really lick and suck off the bone & cartilage!

Every tulang lovers know the basic rule - NEVER EAT TULANG IN WHITE, you'll end up in a red spotty shirt!

We enjoyed eating "roti pranchese (French Loaves)" dipped with the tulang soup.......simply divine!!!

First Thai Food, Purvis Street

2010-10-03T13:11:00.000+08:00

Thai Fish Cake with Dips

Mags Galores.......

Chicken Feet Salad

Fried Belachan Rice

Thai Fish Cake

Thai Mango Salad

Go early if you are heading to First Thai for dinner on weekends!

Diners started to stream in at about 6.30pm.........I was greeted by my favourite mags on the dining table....a Travel & Fashion magazines...they kept me entertained whilst waiting for our food.

I had never tried Belachan rice before - they concocted something similar from the Thunder Rice - a mixture of ikan bilis, chilli padi, pork floss, cucumber slices and peanuts.

I love the chicken feet salad ........very spicy and sedap!

Fish Steamboat, Tampines

2010-10-03T12:41:00.001+08:00

The Bakerwoman craves for the tradition fish slice steamboat with yam!

The stock was superb - you can choose the different types of fishes (garoupa, white promfret, snakehead or taman)......I opted for garoupa because it has no fishy smell!

The Ngoh Hiang was awesome! Yums!

Octa Hotel @ Parco Bugis Millenia Walk

2010-09-19T15:06:00.001+08:00

Coffee for Tai Tais???

From lunch to High Tea Set.....

Octa Hotel is a concept of an imaginary hotel in Paris.....a Japanese interpretation of a French cafe

On the left is Quiche with Bread & right is Egg Bacon Sandwich

Simple elegance, tasteful interior design, antique furnitures.

Gift items, accessories and fashion apparels are available here....

Octa Hotel is comparable to The Royal Copenhagen in Takashimaya.......I love the Tea Set @$11.90++ which includes coffee/tea and assorted mini sandwiches, no scones are served. Japanese cakes, sweets and some light food are also served here. The service is excellent - a very typical Japanese hospitality!!!

Onn Cake House.......Special Thanks to William & Family, Shan

2010-09-11T11:50:00.000+08:00

Being a typical Teochew, I love eating these local "pia" (biscuits)

Freshly baked Rice Cookies, Old Wives Biscuit, Winter Melon Biscuits & many more.....

Before I headed back to Singapore, I reminded William that I would like to buy some Teochew pia home.....William brought us to Onn Cakehouse and I was delighted to see all my favourite local biscuits here....

I enjoy this pia for tea......these pia will literally melts in your mouth.........toast them in the toaster for 10 mins and a cup of Chinese tea to go along with it!

This page is specially dedicated to William, Shan and his family.........Thanks for the warm hospitality and showing us Fascinating Kuching.....I will never forget the wonderful places like: Sarawak Cultural Village, Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, Satok Market, The Waterfront, Chinese History Museum, Food Bazaar, The Beautiful Kalimantan Borders.

Seafood in Kuching.....

2010-09-11T11:13:00.000+08:00

Stir Fried Sotong in Sambal & Corn, Egg, Crab Meat Soup (Sharkfin style)

Crayfish in Buttersauce & Manek Vegetables

On our last day in Kuching, we came to this seafood place................you can find an extensive selections of mouth-watering seafood dishes that's guaranteed to perk up your appetite and have you polished up your plate!!!

We enjoyed the perfect venue for a relaxed casual evening dinner while its affordable prices invite you to come back again soon!

Imperial Duck Restaurant, Kuching

2010-09-11T10:59:00.000+08:00

William brought us to this fabulous restaurant for lunch.......

I loved the Stewed combination "Teochew" style...pig's tongue, belly & goose meat....SHIOK is the WORD! Yums!

Imperial Duck, Hong Kong Style Cha Seow

Shanghai Style Pan Fried Dumpling & Fried Kang Kong with Hot Chilli Sauce

Stewed Combination "Teochew" Style

This drink is refreshing - Kedondong Juice (the actual fruits on the right)

Eating in Kuching is pretty reasonable - for 6 pax, the total bill was RM95.40..............

LOK LOK......Kuching

2010-09-11T10:39:00.000+08:00

It was my first time trying Lok Lok.....what is Lok Lok?

You can only find Lok Lok in Malaysia....it's a van surrounded with food skewered on sticks, pots of boiling water and served with many varieties of sauces.....Surprisingly, we had dinner Lok Lok in a restaurant in Kuching......to me Lok Lok is like eating Yong Tauhu in skewers without the soup.....

Breakfast in Kim Joo, Carpenter Street

2010-09-05T15:46:00.001+08:00

Located at Carpenter Street opposite the Huang Thian Siang Temple, this is the great place to have breakfast or lunch when walking along the main bazzar area.

Mixed Soup

Dried bee hoon

Breakfast for the day.....

You'll never find such generous ingredients here in Singapore. Everything tasted so good here...I love the soup (home made fish balls - No DoDo here, liver, pork, prawns, bean sprouts, meat balls)....the soup brings me back memories of Singapore in the 70's....everything tasted sedap!

Black Bean Coffee & Tea, Carpenter Street

2010-09-03T23:08:00.004+08:00

As we were walking down Carpenter Street, the aromatic, robust and alluring smell of coffee is calling out for me.........There, behold - I found Black Bean Coffee & Tea!

I remembered this cozy coffee shop was featured in Channel 8 documentary special sometime back in 2007?

Kopi 'O' Corner with the ladies....

I'm definitely craving for a cuppa with real kick!!! The cafe's aromatic coffee, made with freshly ground coffee beans were buttery and smooth.........hmmmm! It definitely perks up our day!!!

Sarawak Coffee

Assorted Chinese cookies to go with your coffee

My cupuccino

Bubble Milk Tea

Refreshing Ice Coffee

Iced Latte

Chef's Delicious Restauran, 3rd Mile, Rock Road, Kuching

2010-09-03T21:54:00.003+08:00

Shark's Fin Soup

Smoked Duck

Mixed Vegetables

Braised Soya Sauce Chicken

Braised Wild Boar Meat

Fried Midin

Sweet & Sour Garoupa

Its my first time eating wild ferns......surprisingly, it tasted pretty good (combination of dou miao & kangkong). It has curly fronds and is very crunchy even after it has been cooked. Only the tender tips of the fern is used in cooking. It is a local favourite. For those who like it spicy, you can have it fried with belachan.

Alternatively, midin can be cooked with ginger and red wine or just plain garlic.....this is a dish not to be missed!

You can find this dish in any seafood restaurants in town.

Tea Time Everyone! The Makan journey continues in 7th Mile, Kuching!

2010-08-29T18:40:00.010+08:00

As the saying says....the makan never stops here.....its tea time in Kuching and we headed to 7th Mile for the sumptous Berbuka Puasa Bazaar.....

Hari Raya Puasa is just around the corner....the air was filled with aromatic nasi bryani, kebabs, homemade varieties of kuehs, padang dishes, ikan bakar....you name it....suma adah!!!!

You'll never go hungry here in Kuching......mari lets see the yummy delights.....The best time is NOW....

Tentage with lots of BBQ meat......here is ayam bakar (BBQ Chicken)

Ikan Bakar (BBQ Fish), sedap with sambal concoction of shallots, lime, sugar, chilli padi, black sauce

Sting Ray in Banana Leaves, sambals aplenty!!!

Glutinous Rice Kueh & Crunchy Peanut Pancakes!

Here is Roti Chanai & Kebab

Fermented Glutinous Rice Kuehs & Rendangs......

Nasi Ayam & Fried Keropok (I like this chewy fish cake)

Yu Char Kway & Colourful Ice Drinks

Curry Puffs, Kueh Kelapa & more kuehs

Kueh Keria, Salat, Apom and never ending kuehs galores!!!

I like the Kueh Kelapa (Coconut cake, topped with dessicated coconut, chewy in the middle and tasted machamp coconut pie)

This is the best local tea I had.....sampling some ice cold drinks with side orders while in Kuching...The Bazzar sells delicious ice kachang, chendol, ABC Special, white lady, matterhorn and the list goes on....one thing common about this is they are thirst quenchers, sweet as well as creamy. Special durian iced is also available during the durian fruit season.

As compared to Geyland Serai.....nothing beats this nostalgic, Hari Raya festive mood, the many array of yummy Malaysian delights, the bakar of fish to ayam, kuehs, curries to drinks.....I love this festive Bazaar, kampong style!

Kuching Sarawak Laksa

2010-08-27T20:30:00.004+08:00

This is the popular Sarawak Laksa.....laksas everywhere in M'sia but none as distinctive as Kuching's Sarawak Laksa. This is one of Kuching's signature dishes. Rice vermicelli in a spicy prawn broth from the secret recipes of olden day kitchens can be magical to the palate.

Laksa is served in a bowl with egg, prawn, chicken & a dash of coriander for colour. A side dish of lime and belachan is often served with it. Squeeze the lime into the belachan and mix it in....its definitely sure to add a ZING!

Popiah on the right..........yums, great with Laksa

Kuching laksa is very different from our Singapore laksa....my verdict: it tasted more like curry mee, with lesser santan. Instead of the usual chilli paste, sambal belachan was added. Ingredients not included are cockles, tau pok, laksa leaves.

A must try if you are in Kuching......I was told that Madam Tang serves the best Kuching Laksa?

Kek Lapis.....Kuching Style....Sights to Behold!!!

2010-08-25T23:17:00.004+08:00

Beautiful handicrafts of Kuching & Seashells decorative ornaments

After taking a nice leisure stroll along the Kuching Waterfront, we headed to the Main Bazaar. This is the oldest street in Kuching, dating back to 1864.

Historically, tin smiths and carpenters also congregated here. Today, it is known as Kuching's antique & handicraft street. This is the place to be if you are looking for interesting souvenirs to bring home and Kek Lapis!!

The Sarawakians are definitely creative in decorating the kek lapis!

You can try the assorted flavours of Kek Lapis....

I bought the Cheese & Chocolate Lapis.....SEDAP!!!

From left: Watermelon, some Ikat design (crisscrossing mat design), pandan, Horlick flavour

I was mesmerised by the unique, interesting and delicious layer cakes in the Main Bazaar....The unique & beautiful cakes comes with all types of design possible, all carefully layered in a rainbow of colours, a sight to behold and a pleasure when it melts in your mouth!!!

Making these cakes are not easy....being a baker myself, these cakes are a labour of love & quality control......

Since Hari Raya is around the corner....these cakes are just right for your guests or great tea cakes for other special events......one loaf is approx M$20.

Kolo Mee & Cha

2010-08-25T22:41:00.008+08:00

After picking the trio from the Kuching airport, William brought us to this Kolo Mee stall for lunch. He ordered 4 different types of noodles for us to try..............

I like this thick bee hoon soup, immersed with some Chinese wine & topped with egg, some Chinese preserved vegetables, pork & liver

On your left is the pork liver soup......and dark soya sauce noodle

The popular Konlo Mee & Char Siew Noodle

My favourite of the day - Kwong Ping (A Foochow tea snacks)

3 tier Tea Si & kopi......simply divine!

This is the absolute staple for the noodle enthusiast in Kuching! The oldest & most traditional of selections for eating out, Kolo Mee is made of egg noodles (fresh boiled) and served in a bowl of fragrant pork oil, garlic, shallots, minced pork & slices of BBQ pork (Char Siew). It is often served with clear soup & a side compliment of freshly cut chillies soaked in vinegar or light sauce.

You can have the noodles with wontan or go funky with Kolo Mee in red pork sauce, black vinegar, chilli sauce or even black soy sauce. The original Kolo Mee is the yellow round noodles. Thick bee hoon, flat noodles, kueh tiao, curly noodles - they all taste FABULOUS!!!!

The Junk Restaurant @ Kuching

2010-08-24T20:48:00.006+08:00

The Bakerwoman @ The Kalimantan Border

Here we are @The Junk for dinner.....

Cozy dinner with great companions!

Grilled Salmon & Juicy Sizzling Steak

Spicy Grilled Chicken Wings with Mashed & Salad

Greetings from Kuching, Sarawak!

Sarawak is the largest state in Malaysia and takes up two-thirds of northern Borneo. Kuching is the capital city of Sarawak and is also the nearest entry point northwest of Borneo.

The origins of Kuching's name remains a legend today. Although "Kuching" translates into "cat" in Malay, there is a theory where it may actually be a variation of the Indian name "Cochin", meaning "port" as Kuching was first settled by Indian traders who set up base at Santubong.

The signature dish for this cafe is the Grilled Steak. I love the cozy ambience and late diners started to stream in around 8pm.........Lots of expats diners.

The BakerWoman takes a break for this weekend.....

2010-08-17T00:17:00.002+08:00

Will be back next week for more goodies from Land of the Headhunters...........Borneo, Sarawak!

Konlo Mee, Sarawak Laksa, more goodies from Sarawak delights!

Stay tuned!

Love,
The Bakerwoman ;)