TWG

I can’t believe I’m actually doing this for the first time. Using my blackberry right now to blog this. Amazing isn’t it? How such a small device can do such wonders!! The power of media now. Anyways, today’s kind of a rainy day and what I would give for some relaxing and soothing teas and perhaps some scones… But mainly just the tea. So I decided that today, I’ll talk about a nice tea joint I’ve recently visited for a little writing venture I wanted to pursue. We’ll have a look at the much talked about TWG tea house.

AMBIANCE: I was visiting the Marina Bay Sands(MBS) branch that day and I have to say, the ambiance is simply fantastic. It felt very foreign being seated above a “man-made river”. A false feeling of being in Venice, quite well carried out. Applause for both MBS and TWG for allocating and securing such a great spot for a little tea loving experience. Although the river may not look very spectacular, one would still enjoy the very interesting view skyward. The spacious view overhead to the roof of the MBS shopping centre gives off a modern feel with its numerous glamorous posters and escalators. I did however feel like a caged animal to be stared at by passing shoppers.. Hmm. Dali Salvador’s poster did take my attention off though. The art science museum.. Ahh. Ok Digressing!! The architecture of the little tea house was beautiful with it’s finely furnished woods, I’m guessing redwood. The furnitures are finely selected and the presentation pastries, simply gorgeous. I would say the lighting in the display cabinets do help to make it look extremely appetizing. Especially… (Wait for it…) The macaroons!! So came the time for me to order the tea… From about say 100 over different blends?! What was I to choose? Well, they did make things a little less difficult and definitely interesting when they presented to me an entire teabook. A book filled with the numerous descriptions of all their blends nicely categorized by country and caffeine strength. Well prepped eh? Thumbs up!! TWG also boasts a very unique style of tea preparation. They follow the French brewing style which is strict on its one time tea leaf usage. The best of the best must not be degraded by a blander taste.. That kind of thinking? Posh Posh.. Thumbs up for me!!

MY ORDERS: I was feeling adventurous so I decided to have a tea with the strongest caffeine level. It didn’t take long for the waiters to recommend their strongest blend, a good start that they know their stuff. Thumbs up again!! The Rwanda Express BP1, a blend introduced to Rwanda, Africa in ther 1960s. It is a high quality black tea which is rich and malty. The black tea leaves are blended with the vigour of cracked coffee beans, the best of both worlds. It is recommended to have a mix with milk for those who find the bitter flavour less appealing. The milk addition allows a lasting and soothing aftertaste but still holds a very heavy punch. For those into the bitter tastes, the blend without milk brings about the raw feeling of coffee beans. A very rejuvenating drink to wake the mentally and physically fatigued soul and body. Uplifting. All just for $11/pot for this gourmet tea!! Alternatively, I requested for the soother of the bunch, the one tea that would induce sleep. It’s the no caffeine and light tea called the Jade of Africa tea. The Jade of Africa is a South African red tea enhanced with subtle fragrance of red berries and a sprinkling of sunflower petals. A light, fruity tea for any time of the day. I did try something rather odd though, tasting it in spoon size and from sips off the cup. From a spoonful of the tea, a very weighty feeling settles in your mouth. It has a bitter-bland fruity after taste when taken from the spoon. From the sip, the taste is on a lighter side and would serve well to calm and relax. Sip this tea, don’t gulp it down. That’s the word of advice!

LOCATIONS:

TWG Tea Salon & Boutique

Republic Plaza, 9 Raffles Place #01-22, Singapore 048619

Tel: +65 6538 1837 Fax: +65 6536 7178 Open Mon - Fri 10am - 8pm

Ion Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn #02-21 Singapore 238801

Tel: +65 6735 1837 Fax: +65 6736 1837 Open Daily 10am - 10pm

Reservations: Mon - Fri from 10am - 11am 12pm - 1230pm & 630pm - 830pm

TWG Tea Boutique

Takashimaya Dept Store, B2 391 Orchard Road Singapore 238873

Open Daily 10am - 10pm

TWG Tea Salon & Boutique on the Bridge

The Shoppes at Marina Bay SandsB2-89/89A, 2 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018972

Tel: +65 6535 1837 Fax: +65 6221 1837

Open Daily 10am - 1030pm and until 12 midnight on Fridays, Saturdays and Eve of Public Holidays.

Review: I enjoyed myself immensely, hearty chats with the company I was with. Savouring tea whilst in the ambiance and great care of the staff. It was indeed an experience you wouldn’t want to miss on a lazy Sunday afternoon unless you’re rushing to get back to camp(army boys). Don’t miss it for the world, it’s an experience for the entire family. Don’t miss the numerous delicious cakes, pastries and… Macaroons!! FYI guys, TWG was established in Singapore in celebration of its spice and herb + tea trade history. Be proud, Singaporeans! Come sample them teas with your family, you don’t expect me to taste all 100 over flavours myself, do you? Rating: An 8. Would do better if them kids stop staring from them escalators goin’ up and down. GAH! Oh well.. 

Till next time, 

"wash your hands before you eat!"

Saffron Indian Bistro

I was looking through the food photos in my Blackberry, trying hard to think what kinds of food I would introduce to revitalize this blog. Then it struck me when I remembered this memory vividly. This particular restaurant was somehow linked to the previous post on Baikouken Ramen. It was when I was hungry for Ramen a second time that I brought my besties to the same place, near boat quay. It was a Monday and Baikouken just happens to close on Mondays, CARELESS ME!! It was really by chance that we decided to sate our North Indian taste buds as we stumbled upon Saffron just moments later. Yes, the two restaurants are really close. 

Ambiance: Saffron certainly was quite the different setting and don’t be fooled by their quiet environment, this here bistro actually has a long list of guests waiting to patronize it. There’s always been a significant difference when you think North Indian as compared to other Indian cultures. The North Indian cultures are closer to Arabic cultures and there is just one thing about lighting they seem to like to play with. Along with the scents of mint or herbal spices and leaves, they bring about this sensual environment. Yes, I mean relaxing and rather sensual. Lights dimmed down to allow the table candle more presence in your dinner company. The bistro definitely gets a thumbs up for bringing you into the mood for some “kick back and relax” moments. North India never felt so close, though I could’ve done with some nice live dinner music but the perfect radio station choice was a pass on their part. Furniture also plays a part and the Bistro has done wonderfully in matching the colours well, one wouldn’t think the overly-red surroundings to be anything of an eyesore. That’s if you have an eye for Indian embroidery and are in the mood. 

Food: I wouldn’t say I tasted 90% of the menu but the two things to not miss here as of the Chef’s recommendation, would be the Naan and Biryani. The Biryani originated in South Asia and is popular in most Muslim countries, not forgetting North India and Arabia. It is a rice dish that is cooked with spices and herbs in layers before being served with meats of different types. The meats include mutton, chicken and fish not forgetting the occasional eggs and vegetables of different sorts which come in a curry. The curry I ordered was mutton, my personal favourite and definitely the pride of their very culinary skills. The other curry was my bestie’s choice of Fish. (cause she don’t like them chicken!)

It feels like a union of two very different, very balanced blend. Remember the word, UNION. Biryani rice layered in different smells and spices accompanied by the hard-hitting flavours of the curry, that is the UNION. Smooth textures of the mutton with its crisp, rubbery bite size coupled alongside the slightly olive tasting rice was just astounding. The fish was very well cooked as well, eliciting the fine aromas of herbs sliding slowly down its steaming sinews. Food bliss! *CAUTION: Do not underestimate this small portion it comes in as it would fill your stomach right to the brim, somehow.*

The other recommendation by the chef that night was the Naan. The North Indian specialty source of carbohydrates which go perfectly with the curries. However, the Naan did not originate from North India but came from Persia? The Persian bread boasts a great texture which leaves the mouth watering and wanting more. I would describe it as a breath of air through each bite since I always believed it was a play with the foldings in the makings of it. The air spaces perhaps created a space for the perfect crusting of the bread inside and out as it cooks on the flat grill. The curries which are carefully cooked with the addition of different herbs and spices, this three-way combination would knock your socks off!

There was one other thing that spiced my interest and want to advertise this restaurant. That being their very special mint sauce. Unfortunately, the chef didn’t reveal the secret blends behind the special sauce which went so well with the meats in the curry and a dip for the Naan. Something you wouldn’t want to miss!! Always a plus for a mystery in the menu, no?  

Extra info:

 1) Most foods here are cooked in spices and herbs. If you have bad allergies to some herbs, please consult with the chefs or waiters. It’s not nice getting all puffy in a setting of red.  

2) Did you know? Saffron in cooking or Saffron Crocus is actually a spice first cultivated in Greece and still holds the long-standing most expensive spice in weight. It is also commonly mixed up with its wildly common cousin, the meadow saffron? Also, saffron herbs are poisonous to a certain dosage! They’re in the Biryani! Oh no! Don’t worry too much though, it won’t be in a killing dosage for our adaptable human tummies. So, feel free to eat as much of it as you like!! :)

Location Address:

50 Circular Road, Singapore 049405 (Parking at UOB Plaza)

Tel : 6536 5025 Fax : 6536 0852 

Operating Hours:

Mon to Sat : 11am - 11pm (Last order at 10.30pm)
Closed on sunday

[Don’t be a careless one like me and go there stomping off in rage cause they aren’t open!]

Overview: Well, it’s time to settle the scoreboards here on my review. On a scale of 1 to 10. I would give this restaurant a nice 8. It’s definitely got my tummy wanting another nice visit for its delicious array of North Indian and I did realize Persian, Arabic, etc foods. Perhaps, I would review it again for the rest of its menu very soon. Can’t wait!! FYI, rates can always drop… or RISE! *big star eyes* 

Well, till next time,

 "wash your hands before you eat!"

Baikouken Ramen

This week's featured: Char Siew Ramen（チャシューメン）

Call me prejudiced to start off with my paternal side of the bloodline in terms of food choices. Well allow me to explain myself on this one. I'm currently serving the army on mandatory 2 years of service thus my only time to blog would leave me with weekends but I think that's fair enough. On a count of why I chose to feast on a Japanese Delicacy such as this, was my itching tongue for a nice bowl of steaming Ramen.

A little place I found about a year back while with my parents, "Baikouken" serves ramen of exceptional standard. This bowl you see above is the Shoyu base Char Siew Ramen. There are a total of 3 main soup bases that ramen is cooked in Japan.

1) Shoyu Base: Japanese Soy Sauce base. It is the base in which many would call balanced. Not too salty and overbearing nor is it too light, a perfect taste for one who's a novice to tasting ramen.

2) Shio Base: This base is the salt base and many would think it would bring about an extremely salty flavour to the whole concoction. On the contrary, this is the lightest of the 3 flavours and has only a mild salty taste to it along with an olive oil like finish. Best to have this piping hot, once it cools... it wouldn't taste as good. Trust me.

3) Miso Base: The famous fermented beans of Japan, Natto（なっとう／納豆）are crushed and made into paste. Said paste has many uses such as coupling with cucumbers and in this case, your ramen soup base. Although fermented beans on one hand may sound frighteningly hard to digest, they are extremely healthy and are widely used in Japan. However, the miso base ramen is saltiest of the three.

Now, as you all know... Singapore is famous for having restaurants that boast many different food groups and where they hail from different continents of the world. However, the restaurants don't often have the same taste or standard as that of the Mother nation the food originally came from. It wasn't without effort that I managed to find this restaurant though. It wasn't long ago that I chanced upon this one run by actual Japanese from the Hokkaido region of Japan, Sapporo to be exact. The main branch around Boat Quay was where I first tasted this awesome bowl of piping hot ramen.

In ramen, many local Japanese look for the flavour of the soup base and also the texture of the ramen(the noodles itself) whereby in union the 2 would blend and satisfy. The soup base here boasts excellent brewing and the noodles were just the right texture. As commented by friends of mine, this restaurant is also generous with their portion of the bamboo shoots and char siew. The char siew as you can see comes in a huge volume and would definitely leave you full to the brim. What better way to drown it down with a Sapporo beer after. A good way to enjoy the ramen even more, would be the addition of a plate of well-made Gyoza(dumplings). They also offer other additions to your ramen such as extra char siew, bamboo shoots, sweet corn and also the famous Japanese ramen eggs.

Definitely a satisfying meal and a great place to hang out. If you're short on time though, a quick bite out of this bowl at its secondary branch in town would satisfy your growling tummy. Be careful of the queue there though, it's become quite popular and the limited space they have at their town's branch means long waiting time(though it's worth it for sure). A quick way to get in touch with Japan while on your weekend shopping. Otherwise, a very good joint before a chill out session around Boat Quay and somewhere near clubbing places... isn't it just Convenient?!
So be sure to not miss this joint and its delicious ramen on your way to a club or a weekend trip down bustling town.

The locations of the Ramen Stores...


North Canal Branch
7 North Canal Road, Singapore 048820
Tel/Fax: +65 6534 3808
Opening hours: 11.00 - 15.00 & 17.00 - 22.00 (Mon-Sat)
Last Order: 21.30
Link to StreetDirectory:
http://www.streetdirectory.com/asia_travel/travel/travel_id_39173/travel_site_265/


Takashimaya Branch
Ngee Ann City Tower A
391 Orchard Road, B2 Takashimaya Food Hall
Unit B201-4, Singapore 238873
Tel/Fax: +65 62353483
Opening Hours: 10.00 - 21.30 (Mon-Sun)
Last Order: 21.00
Link to StreetDirectory: http://www.streetdirectory.com/asia_travel/travel/travel_id_28735/travel_site_142832/

Well, till next time;

"wash your hands before you eat!"

Insight.

Well here comes my first post of my food blog…

As many of you may know, I live in a very small country called Singapore. A country that prides its independence of close to 50 years. A country only found independent after the the 2 World Wars and in that process, learned to step up and progressively become what it is today. A secure enough country to provide many with a safe place to stay and definitely one to be commended in the battle against terrorism(yes, you have to admit… it’s pretty safeguarded against the threat).

Such a country has attracted the eyes of many foreigners to settle down in this small part of the world. Thus over the years, Singapore has flourished with different foreign influences in technology, etc. Most importantly why you’re reading this blog would be… because Singapore is popular for its wide variety of food! From the fine French tables to the heartwarming Chinese hotpot, sashimi platters from Japan to wraps of Mexican descent… Singapore holds all sorts of food choices for any traveler curious for something new to taste without having to worry about transferring on the next flight across another border.

Without further ado, let’s just move on to the first post of food introductions I have for you readers… What can we really find in Singapore to suit everyone’s tastes… hmmm. Food Globalization, let’s GO!

Until Next Time, 

"wash your hands before you eat!"

The Move!

Hey Guys, I've made the move from "myfoodrights.tumblr.com" to this one here.

Tumblr wasn't very user-friendly in my opinion, so I decided to make the move. Hope you guys enjoy this better!
Improvements will always come!

Here's how it all began previously! History should not be thrown away, so we can look back at it and laugh at the moments of love we have for them. :D


HOW IT ALL BEGAN:
A great idea struck me as I was having a passing conversation with a very good friend of mine. To start a food blog. Why you say I should be the read you will want to come back to and trust with thy tongues you say? well, I say … because I can and I will. I’ve always loved being in the kitchen myself, experimenting and playing around with food and well… cooking. Having been brought up in a mix of Japanese and Chinese culture(along with the other cultures you can find dominating this small isle country, called Singapore that is.), I have grown to learn cooking in many different ways.

From the preparation of raw sashimi to the frying of the chinese vegetables, I have long since understood how many of the little garnishes can change a little or even the whole flavour of the plates set on the meal tables. So without more chatter, I say this blog is open!! Though, I would say… I should update it later since it’s already 2:05am on a Sunday Morning… So later it shall. If there are readers now… HELLO and SEE YOU LATER!! for the very first of … “myfoodrights.tumblr.com".


Till next time,  

"wash your hands before you eat!"