Po @ The Warehouse Hotel

 "A refined modern Singaporean concept" as stated on their website. Ivan recommended this place for our wine gathering and so we went.

I did some checking up on their food menu prior to the visit and instantly, "expensive local jiak" was ingrained in my mind. I don't think I'd ever be comfortable paying $20 for a plate of chee cheong fun (handmade rice roll), so no to that as of now.

inside Warehouse Hotel

Was ushered to our table because the few of us were early. Warm lights and cosy. Service crew were courteous, and made an effort to attend to our table.

a table in Po

how to enjoy popiah~

For starters, we had cocktails. Guess, which was mine.

Old Soul @$24++

Rose Chan @$26++

Lady Luck @$24++

B.B King @$26++

I could only tell you how mine tasted like. The 'Old Soul' was nothing of what I had expected. It has bourbon, laksa leaf, gula melaka and bitters. Hmmm, maybe am not a bourbon person after all, or this mixture is not my kind of thing. Needless to say, I didn't enjoy it. Moderate alcoholic strength for this drink.

Now, onto the food. Let's start with some 'keropok'. The belinjo crackers was nice. Served with small sides of kechap manis and sambal. The sambal packed a swift punch too!

Bar Snacks

Belinjo Crackers @$9++

I suppose we were expected to like, do tiny dips onto the sambal with our crackers since the amount was so little? Hahaa, not enough for us and we asked for more but it still came in trickling. Limited edition!

There's also the Indonesian Prawn Crackers but that tasted pretty run of the mill. Between the two, I'd recommend Belinjo.

Indonesian Prawn Crackers @$9++

Did we order chicken wing? At first glance, I thought we ordered fried chicken wings but alas, no.. it was the soft-shell crab. Pretty good to eat while it is hot. Didn't need any sauce, but you can have it with the lime mayo dip that came along with it.

Soft Shell Crab @$22++

yummy

Otah @$18++

Wow, the otah was delicious! Just the right balance of chunky, savoury, tangy and a rich coconut milk rempah taste. Lovely.

With just 3 skewers of satay, it better be good at $8 per stick. Well, it was good but not sure if I will order this again.

Charcoal Grilled Iberico Satay @$24++

We also had the Kurobuta Char Siew. Hmm, what's the difference between Kurobuta and Iberico? Well, Iberico is from Spain while Kurobuta is from Japan. Both meat are of a likeable texture.

I preferred the Kurobuta Char Siew at Po because one could taste more of the natural flavours of the meat and since it was sous vide, it has a more tender mouthfeel as well. 

Kurobuta Char Siew @$20++

Popiah

Popiah Classic (6 pax) @$48++

to sprinkle: crushed peanuts, crispy flatfish, crispy shallots, corriander sprigs, chili, garlic, eggs

Yes, one gets to DIY their popiah here. We got the classic ones and there were enough ingredients to  make 2 rolls per pax. I recommend some crushed belinjo inside this mix to make it extra crunchy!

classic popiah with satay

While the appetisers didn't do much to satisfy our hunger, the popiah filled us up pretty quickly. Or was it because we had 2 rolls instead of 1? Muahaha!

But that didn't deter us from trying more food. Time for main course.

Mains

Paper Spring Chicken @$68++

They did a table side carving of the chicken but I didn't get the pre-carve shot as I went to the ladies when the dish was served. Although I had initially balked at the idea of having spring chicken, this dish here was good. The chicken was of a good size (meaning not too small) and it was stuffed with glutinous rice. The star was the rice. So tasty from the conpoy, dried shrimps, mushrooms and chinese sausage. Legit yums.

Equatorial @$24++

Singapore Sazerac @$26++

We didn't have dessert to end the meal. Instead, we had a glammed up version of hokkien mee. 

Giant River Prawns Konbu Mee @$38++

It was impressive, in terms of its visuals. In terms of taste, it was good but I have my favourite elsewhere. Or, maybe I was simply too full.

We spent about $105 per pax. Thank you Hoong An, Ivan, Elle, Tracy and Hence for the company!

Po

Address: 320 Havelock Rd, Singapore 169628

Website: https://www.po.com.sg/

Business Hours:

Closed: Mon-Tues

Wed - Sun: 7–10:30am, 12–3pm, 6–10:30pm

Min Jiang @ Goodwood Park Hotel

Was there for dinner in their private room, and took some photos. The room was comfortable and spacious.

private room

Marinated Jellyfish Flower, Scallop with Black Truffle Mayonnaise, Chicken with Sesame in Sichuan Style

Scallop with Black Truffle Mayonnaise

Chicken with Sesame in Sichuan Style

The best dish for the night was Slow-braised African 5-head Abalone with Truffle Sauce. Well-braised and flavourful, with tender texture.

Slow-braised African 5-head Abalone with Truffle Sauce

The most 'unfortunate' dish of the night was the Kurobuta Cutlet. It was of the right tenderness, and pretty tasty too. But I heard my dining companions commented that this taste was too common.

Pan-Seared Kurobuta Cutlet with Onions in Cantonese Style

Had high expectation on the Stewed Egg Noodles with Half Lobster, but alas... it was a tad bland. Reckoned that the stewed noodles flavours were muted to allow the lobster to shine but the lobster that we had, didn't have much flavour.

Stewed Egg Noodles with Half Lobster

Dessert was Chilled Cream of Avocado. Oooh, first time I ever heard of such dessert! I liked this dessert. Super good! The coffee ice-cream was icy with frozen bits and not overpowering. At the bottom, there's some gula melaka as well. Best part? The young coconut flesh can be scraped and eaten. 

Chilled Cream of Avocado with Coffee Ice-Cream served in Coconut

Min Jiang

Address: 22 Scotts Rd, Goodwood Park Hotel, Singapore 228221

Website: https://www.goodwoodparkhotel.com/dining/min-jiang

Contact: +65 6730 1704

Business Hours:

Mon - Fri: 11:30am–2:30pm, 6:30–10:30pm

Sat - Sun: 11am–12:30pm, 1–2:30pm, 6:30–10:30pm

[Melbourne 2022] Pho Hung Vuong Saigon @ Footscray

Wanted to try at least one of the more authentic/traditional pho places in Melbourne and so, one day we came across one at Hopkins Street. The shop seemed popular with lots of people still eating even at 3pm!

The store manager was very business-like and she'll inform every walk-in customers (especially non-regulars) that we are free to take a seat at any available table.

menu

So we chose a spot that could fit the 4 of us and it was pretty near the washroom/kitchen area.

self-service

The system here is pretty clear-cut, choose the serving size and then which type of pho. The prices AUD15 (small), AUD16 (medium) and AUD18 (Large). With such a small price difference, maybe it made more sense to order a large to share amongst two pax but we just went ahead and ordered a small bowl each. =P

There is a flask placed at each table, so feel free to pour yourself a cup of hot tea while awaiting for the order to arrive. Small perks like this does brighten up our day especially when the weather was chilly.

hot tea

I was being greedy and chose the beef and chicken combination with offal. Although I was very hungry at such a late timing for lunch, the small bowl of pho turned out to be rather filling and satisfying! 

Beef and Chicken Combination (with offal) - AUD15 (small)

The soup here was flavourful with the necessary depth. Tasted like it had been boiled adequately and with the right ingredients. Loved the raw herbs and sprouts that came with it.

fresh vegetables for the pho

small piece of tendon (perhaps?)

plenty of poached chicken strips

There was plenty of ingredients inside the bowl and was happy with my choice. To change-up the taste, one could always make use of the chili oil condiment for that spicy kick.

this chili oil was good

We also ordered a rice dish to share. Just to have a taste on their grilled meats. Oh, and it didn't disappoint! The grilled pork chop was nicely firm and tender. Sweet savoury meaty bites. However, the shredded pork didn't seem to have much flavour. I loved the pickled carrots on that plate, so good! Plus, the sunny side up still had runny yolk, which was great as it added an eggy creaminess to the plate. The sliced cucumbers had a refreshing taste to reset the palate.

Grilled Pork Chop, Fried Egg and Shredded Pork Rice @AUD16

Sliced Beef and Beef Balls with additional order of blood curd

It was a good meal at this place and with reasonable prices. Payment at the counter, after your meal.

The staff are mainly perfunctory and efficient, so one need to take care and to move out of their way as they go about doing their daily chores.

Pho Hung Vuong Saigon

Address: 128 Hopkins St, Footscray VIC 3011, Australia

Contact: +61 3 9689 6002

Business Hours:

Closed on Wednesdays.

Thu - Tue: 9AM–8:30PM

[Tasting] Gochi-So Shokudo ごち惣食堂 @ Novena Square 2

My first time trying Gochi-So Shokudo. They have 14 outlets islandwide hence, there is a high chance there is one near you!

Made a visit to the Novena Square 2 outlet at Level 3, thanks to an invitation from Jennifer Yeo Consultancy.

menu

let's discover the secret behind delicious pork~

scan to order

Let's try everything from the Truffle Fair menu! If you're a fan of deep fried, then the Truffle Cheese Mille Feuille would be right up your alley! Or, if you prefer grilled version, then go for the Truffle Chestnut Jowl Don.

Truffle Cheese Mille Feuille @$18.90++

Truffle Cheese Mille Feuille 

layers and texture

dip for a change-up

Truffle Chestnut Jowl Don @$12.90++

If you top-up $2, you'll get a choice of drink and a side. Wow, such value for money!

Iced Green Tea

Both pork were good as expected, but am more inclined towards the grilled version. We ordered a couple of other things to share and our table unanimously agreed that the Iberico Secreto Black Char Siew was our favourite! Succulent meat, well grilled, savoury sweet and so tender!

Iberico Secreto Black Char Siew (6 pieces) @$9.80++

Octopus Karaage @$7.80++

Crispy Pork @$5++

Oyster Katsu (3 pieces) @$7.80++

For all deep fried sides that we ordered, it was best to be eaten while still hot. Octopus karaage and the crispy pork were tender with adequately seasoned batter.

However, be careful with the piping hot oyster katsu!

interior

The prices remained reasonable for the quality of the food. Indeed value for money.

Thank you Jennifer for the invite and Gochi-So Shokudo for hosting the dinner. 

Outlet Information:

1. Asia Square Tower 2 #02-10
2. Bedok Mall #01-75
3. Bukit Panjang Plaza #02-19
4. Chinatown Point #02-41/42
5. Hougang 1 #01-23
6. Jewel Changi Airport  #B1-289
7. Millenia Walk #02-16
8. Northpoint (North Wing) #02-27
9. One Raffles Place #B1-30
10. Plaza Singapura #B2-50/51
11. Novena Square 2 #03-72
12. Tampines 1 #03-K2
13. The Seletar Mall #01-34/36
14. Westgate #01-02 

Gochi-So Shokudo ごち惣食堂

Website: https://www.facebook.com/gochiso.shokudo

Address: 10 Sinaran Dr, #03-72, Singapore 307506

Business Hours:

Sun-Thur: 11:30am–9:30pm

Fri-Sat:  11:30am–10pm

[Melbourne 2022] Ling Nan Restaurant 国利酒家 @ Lonsdale St

Was there for supper after our Harry Potter show at Princess Theatre. The show was from 7pm to 1030pm, and we walked from Spring St to Lonsdale St thereafter.

The restaurant was surprisingly bustling with activities. We got a table and observed what the rest were having. Porridge looked good, as well as clams.

Clams cooked in XO Sauce

Our order arrived within minutes. Chef must have mad wok skills here! The clams tasted good and it was pretty spicy!

We discovered that the porridge here comes in 2 sizes. Small or large. The staff informed us that small has 2 servings while large will yield around 6 serves. We decided to go with small, and was amused when the youtiao 油条 (fried cruellers) is of a large plate.

Chinese Donut

Beef Porridge

Am happy with the beef porridge. Well cooked grains, flavourful, smooth and enjoyable with tender beef slices. Yums! To elevate the porridge, simply drizzle a bit of the XO sauce from the clams dish. Double yums!

We had a plate of morning glory as well done ala stir fried with fermented beancurd sauce. But beware as there was plenty of cut chilies thrown in there as well. Fiery!

tofu with salted fish

The tofu with salted fish dish was good with rice. Every bite makes you want to take another and another...

The best dish for the night, was deep fried pork spare ribs with salt and chili. Tender meat fried till golden brown, seasoned perfectly and just lips smacking good.

Deep Fried Pork Spare Ribs with Salt and Chilies

Service staff was efficient and they were helpful in clearing off the bowl with clam shells, even without us asking. Our tea was also regularly topped up.

Busy place, nice staff and good food. We spent around AUD150 for our supper. We were there for only 45 minutes...  Payment at the counter, after your meal.

Ling Nan Restaurant 国利酒家

Address: 207 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Contact: +61 435 954 828

Business Hours:

Closed on Tues.

Mon - Sun:  5pm–1:30am