Long Ji 龙记 @ 253 Outram Road

Mention Long Ji and almost automatically, one would associate it with wok hei crab bee hoon (龙记螃蟹米粉). A group of us foodies decided to trudge to this place to try out this popular dish. Reservations is necessary. The restaurant seemed to be favoured by tourists and there were many tables of foreign friends enjoying their meal day on our day of visit. Why, we too brought our foreign friends to try the famed dishes together!

menu

For a table of 11 pax, we ordered two plates of Long Ji Bee Hoon Crab with estimated price for each plate of crab bee hoon to be $70++ per plate, with the crab weighing in at 1kg each. Other dishes include deep fried tofu with cereal and pumpkin sauce, salted egg yolk fried pumpkin strips, green dragon vegetables, prawn paste chicken and fermented pork belly.

cover charge

The noise level in this restaurant was so high till normal conversation with your table mates were almost impossible. We could either shout till our voice gone hoarse, or just eat our meal in silence. The restaurant staff seemed harried as well and at times, could be quite difficult to get their attention.

Plates after plates of bee hoon crab were seen at each of the tables. It's almost certain that everyone who's here at Long Ji would be ordering this. Similarly, our cameras started working once the star dish arrived.

Long Ji Bee Hoon Crab 龙记螃蟹米粉 @ $70++

The first time that I had dry version of crab bee hoon was at De Classic Golden Spoon at Seng Poh Lane. The sauce was of a darker colour and minimal excess as most would have been soaked up by the bee hoon and the wok hei was the best then. That was the epitome of dry bee hoon crab for me. With that gold standard, I was eager to try the Long Ji version. Not sure if the kitchen was in a hurry that day, but while the broth was sweet it just didn't packed that umami punch. The bee hoon could have been braised a tad longer too. Thought the chili sauce provided along with this dish was really good and did its job to elevate the taste of the bee hoon with its spicy-kick and tangy-ness.

Shrimp Paste Chicken 虾酱鸡 @$18++

Shrimp paste chicken was well-fried with juicy moist meat but the shrimp paste taste was a tad lacking. This would be rather suitable for friends who dislike the strong pungent smell of shrimp paste.

The Green Dragon Vegetables is from the chives family. Reminds me of char kway teow, ee-fu noodles, kuchai kueh and the likes. Fried with bean sprouts and offered a refreshing change from the meat-heavy dishes.

Green Dragon Vegetable 青龙菜@$18++

Fermented Pork Belly @$20++

The appetiser somehow managed to appear along with all the main courses. Nevertheless, the Salted Egg Pumpkin was rather enjoyable. Golden brown, thick cut slices of deep fried pumpkin, well coated with that grainy tasty salted egg yolk sauce. Another well loved dish was the deep fried tofu with cereal and pumpkin sauce. There's something about golden deep fried that they did very well here.

Salted Egg Pumpkin 咸蛋金瓜 @$18++

Deep Fried Tofu with Cereal and Pumpkin Sauce 麦香豆腐 @$16++

All in all, it was great dining with fellow foodies. Great to have met @batamliciouz and @singaporeliciouz
and it was a pleasure to have gathered with Damien, Jennifer, Justin, Kris, Ivan, Shermaine and Tiara.

Expect to spend about $30 per pax for a group of 10 pax.

Long Ji 龙记

Address: 253 Outram Rd, 169049
Contact: 9790 5682
Opening Hours: 
Daily 5pm to 10.30pm

[Media Invite] 8 Eight Korean BBQ @ Shaw Centre

It has been so many years since I last dined at Shaw Centre. Sure, once in a while I'd go to the Isetan Supermarket nearby but that's about it. And, was surprised to find out that 8 Eight Korean BBQ had opened another outlet at Shaw Centre. You would've seen lots of reviews on its colourful 8 flavours Mangalitsa Pork BBQ amongst many of the blogs in Singapore.

Located at Level 4 of Shaw Centre, the place was easy to find. The place was fairly relaxed around 7pm but tends to get rather busy around 8+ in the evening. Hence, do make your reservations especially for larger groups to avoid disappointment. Click here to book.

menu

interior

For parents' who'd like to enjoy BBQ here and has a young child with them, no worries as 8 Korean BBQ seemed child friendly with baby chairs available. Plus, the staff will do the BBQ for you so you can tend to your baby.

selection of canned and bottled drinks

Thus far, 8 Korean BBQ is the only place that serves Mangalitsa Pork in Singapore. Mangalitsa or Mangalica? Literature has it that they are both the same. Yes, the modern lit. aka Google. Hmm, anyway...a brief on Mangalitsa. It is a rather hairy breed of pig originating from Hungary. Was breed way back in the 1830s by crossbreeding Hungarian breeds with an European wild boar and Serbian Sumadija breed. What's good with this Mangalitsa breed is that, it doesn't take much for it to survive out there in the harsh weather. And that's good, because not only it is a hardy breed, it also has a high lard producing capacity. Imagine succulent marbled meat...almost as though it was breed for...BBQ! Haha, joking.

Because we can only get Mangalitsa pork for BBQ at this place, it would be a crime not to order one set to try. Besides that, one could also order the mushrooms and squid for the BBQ and some seafood pancake, kimchi cheese fried rice to line the stomach while waiting for the grill action to start. For the stews, there's the usual Budae and Kimchi.

this is not an appetiser - radish to clean the grill

Free-flow side dishes or 반찬 is served for diners to munch on. There were four items; baby potato in sweet soy cane sugar glaze, parboiled spinach, preserved radish and leek.

banchan 반찬

Oh, if you have a bag or handbag and was thinking of whether it'll smell with all the BBQ and stuff, no worries. Simply store your bag into the seat. Lift up the round seat cover of the stool and place your items in there.

bag in

For drinks, I had the plum drink. Was rather diluted though so perhaps Yucha tea would be a better choice.

Korean Plum Juice @$4++

Quite liked the baby potatoes. I think I ate quite a few of those cuties!

baby potato in soy cane sugar glaze

Let's get the grill started and take a look at the foods that'll soon be in our bellies.

fire up!

8 Colours Set  (8 맛 삼겹살) @$98++

Each set comes with kimchi, beansprouts (both placed on the grill), lettuce (for wrap) and seafood bean paste stew.

Wild Mushroom Set (야생 버섯) @$18++

So while those sizzles and cook on the grill, we had our fill of cooked food such as the delicious seafood pancake and the kimcheese fried rice.

Seafood Pancake 해물파전 @$20++

Kimcheese Fried Rice 김치 치즈 볶음밥 @$20 ++

Liked the seafood pancake as the pancake dough had been nicely cooked with just the right thickness. Mix the kimcheese (kimchi and cheese) fried rice with the egg yolk and one gets a nice, moist bowl of tasty carbs.

ready to eat, say kimcheese~

Getting a bit thirsty? Try 8 Korean BBQ's own brew of makgeolli. There's organic brew (Joo brew) and a few slushed with yucha, organic honey or passionfruit.

Passionfruit Makgeolli 열정 과일 막걸리 @$35++

cheers 건배

A jug of the deliciously creamy homebrewed passionfruit makgeolli can be shared amongst 4 pax.

Grilled Squid 구이 오징어 @18++

waiting for the prized pork

As for the pork, here's a playlist of the recordings done. From the 8 Colours Set where one gets 8 flavours of mangalitsa pork, we'll be chomping our way through lighter flavours of original, wine, curry, garlic, miso, herb, kalbi and red pepper paste.

let's eat 먹자!

grilled wild mushrooms

Having had our fill of the meats and the fragrant mushrooms simply grilled with garlic butter, it was then time to cool down with Korean desserts. What comes to mind? Bingsu, of course!

Loved the chocolatey Choco Loco Bingsu. Dig deep and be rewarded with nutella-hazelnut fudgy find. So good!  The Bibimbap Bingsu was very pretty and this was one 'yolk' that will not ooze. Haha!

Choco Loco @$18++

dig in!

Bibimbap Bingsu @$28++

Enjoyable evening spent with good company. Special thanks to 8 Korean BBQ, Joanne, Shaun and their crew for having us and for their hospitality and HGW folks for the invite.

For those celebrating birthdays, perhaps you might want to get onto the Seoul Train?

Seoul Train boarding now

[Media Invite] Montana Singapore @ POMO Selegie Road

Montana always seemed a little different on each visit. Food items being improved appropriately and new items making its appearance, much to the delight of its customers. More choices, why not? Montana knows her clientele well, and this is reflected in the stronger flavours found in the menu. POMO Selegie area is well frequented by young adults and the occassional young at hearts.

inner section

If you are feeling famished or ravenous, then the Braised Beef Cheek with Carrot Kimchi from its brunch menu would be the perfect antidote.

Braised Beef Cheek with Carrot Kimchi @$20.80++

The bowl doesn't look like it's going to be very filling but dig in, slice past that wobbly yolk of the free-range poached egg to find a mound of deliciously smooth potato and sweet potato mash combo underneath it. So velvety smooth when savoured. Then break up the perfectly toasted till crisp and airy wholemeal bread, soak up the juices before wrapping your tongue around it. Mmm. The beef cheek was tender and flavourful, yet not overpoweringly so. Some may find the beef tasting a tad heavy when eaten on its own. Whether eaten on its own, or all together with the carrot kimchi and mash, it's all fine. Tasty stuffs.

If you are a young boy and still growing, then the Miso Brown Butter Linguine would feed you well. It's like a simple pasta dish with a grown up taste. Very likeable strong, creamy and bold flavours. Like a carbonara with a soy butter base. The shimeiji and shitake mushrooms gave it a slight earthy flavour and contrast in texture. Recommended to eat while it is hot!

Miso Brown Butter Linguine @$15.80++

Duck confit is a dime a dozen, but how about Peking Chicken Confit with Waffle? Perhaps, only at Montana! Five spice chicken confit, chives waffles with smoked ginger plum coleslaw and sauce. That smoked ginger plum sauce, my gosh....worked so well with the waffles. Sooo yummy! One gets a whole chicken leg, so there's ample meat, some carbs and some vegetable. It's a balanced meal.

Peking Chicken Confit with Waffle @$16.50++

We tried some burgers during the previous visit and there are new variations now. Fancy a Crab Burger or a Mac Daddy?

One may balk at the heavier price tag for the crab burger but it was really good. A patty that has an appropriate ratio of crab and seafood in it. Bouncy in texture, well seasoned and each bite was a delightful sweet string of flavours.

Crab Burger served with yuzu coleslaw, raisin caper relish and thick cut fries @$24++

Quite a rare find for a good crab burger. Look no further as one could enjoy it at Montana. Also tried the Mac Daddy with its 160g of beef patty and house-made buns. The buns, the soft fluffy sweet buns. Very likeable! Just look at that irregularly shaped beef patty with mac & cheese at the top. Ain't that a pretty picture? Liked that the beef patty is not dried out, moist and slightly spicy. It was just a twitch of a spice. Kind of teasing the taste buds. Nice.

Mac Daddy @$17++

Feeling thirsty? Try the V60 that's not in the menu yet but it was delicious. Brewed with coconut water and cacao, and served warm. Yummy.

V60 (price unknown)

delicious liquid

There's craft beers, wine, ciders, juices, coconut brew, coffee and tea available at Montana. Spoilt for choice!

And, one shall not leave till freakcake is served! You have heard and seen the freakshakes when it was trending in Singapore. Don't remember? Here's some help. Not to worry, the freakcakes at Montana are rather pretty.

The freakcakes are baked fresh daily, in limited quantities and assembled upon order. Waiting time of about 15 to 20 minutes. A freakcake is a single-pax serving portion but it was big enough to be shared amongst two to three pax for desserts. Each cake is $14.80++ and has 5 flavours to choose from; Red Velvet, Matcha Black Sesame, Coffee Kaya Coconut, Caramel Cookie Butter and Smoky Nutella.

Matcha Black Sesame

Black sesame frosting, matcha sponge, matcha buttercream and black sesame glaze. The cake's texture is reminiscent of kek lapis though.

Enjoy the cake with a good cup of piccolo latte. I like the coffee here and the matcha black sesame freakcake. Think I ate most of it!

piccolo latte

enjoy

enjoyed

If you are a small eater and in a 2 pax group, then I'd recommend for you to share the main course of perhaps either the miso brown butter linguine or the beef cheek, or get a burger each and share the freakcake. Or, get the freakcake and make someone happy by gifting it!

Thank you Montana Singapore, Ying and crew for your hospitality. Great food and great vibes. Special thanks to Justin for your invite.

Other visit:
Tried two other freakcakes on a separate occassion and happy to report that they were all good! My favourite vote still goes to Matcha Black Sesame. You'll never forget your first love.

Smokey Nutella

Coffee Kaya Coconut

[Media Invite] Wangdaebak Pocha Korean Street Bar 왕대박 포차 @ 93 Amoy Street

Everyone's familiar with Wang Dae Bak BBQ at China Square Central and Amoy Street, for its well-loved charcoal BBQ and some say it's the Best Charcoal BBQ in town! It has opened Wang Dae Bak-Pocha at Amoy Street with a different concept where one could enjoy Korean streetfood during dinner time in a cosy retro environment. Imagine retrolicious 80s, complete with a music booth, barber lights and wooden furnitures. Pocha is an abbreviation of pojangmacha which refers to those small tents one could find along the streets of Korea serving foods like tteokbokki, sundae, odeng, mandu and anju. Diners usually just stand and eat, or like in those Korean dramas, where one could visit late at night with a friend or two, order a bottle or two of soju and a couple of dishes to enjoy and chill.

entrance

dinner menu

The place, though new, was busy and enjoyed a full-house on a Friday evening. To avoid disappointment, do make a reservation prior to visit, or come early before 730pm or you might have to wait a bit for a table.

interior

Happy Hour is from Mondays to Thursdays from 530pm till 830pm. Watermelon Soju at $29 instead of $38 and fruity soju at $14 (usual price $15/$16) per bottle. Draft beer is Heineken/Tiger for $10.90 per pint.

fruity soju 소주

Tried the Honey Makgeolli that was served in a small jug. Have tried chestnut flavoured, hallabong flavoured and plain makgeolli but this was the first time having honey version. Pretty nice but rather mild when drunk from soju glasses. The traditional version would have been served out of a kettle and drunk from bowls. However, this modern serving would appeal to the younger crowd.

Honey Makgeolli 꿀 막걸리 @$26

Don't be surprised when after ordering your food and drinks, the staff suddenly brings over small plates of stuff that you didn't order. These are the complimentary side dishes and refillable if you so wish to. But, save your stomach space as the main items are of generous proportions.

side dishes - pancake/jeon 전, instant noodles, kimchi 김치

Was tickled by the mamee-like dry instant noodles snack. It has some sweet seasoning to eat and something crunchy to munch on while waiting for the main dishes. The other interesting side dish was a plate of sweet corn in mayo.

sweet corn in mayo

cheers 건배

Try some boneless fried chicken done up in the usual yangnyeom (sweet and spicy) or honey soya flavoured. Loved the honey soya ones, so good! Tender chicken pieces, well marinated and just so flavourful.

Honey Soya Boneless  간장 닭강정 @$18

Of course, when there's a group of 4 or more pax, the group can opt for watermelon soju. So we did! Such a refreshing drink for our hot weather.

watermelon soju 수박 소주 @$29 (HH/$38 usual)

Have you ever tried korean-styled pork knuckles? I did once at Dongdaemun Market and it was rather chewy for me. Jokbal is in the menu at Wangdaebak Pocha, and am happy to say that it is worth trying if you like collageny skin. The pork knuckles is served with spicy chives and is a half plate non-spicy and the other half spicy. The spice factor is not those that will jolt but rather it gives a slow constant burning sensation in the mouth. No worries, as this will wear off in about 10 minutes or so, depending on your tolerance level. Quite shioks and we always went back for more! Haha!

pork knuckle with and without sauce (mix of spicy and non-spicy) 족발 @$39

The non-sauced and non-spicy parts were all good and tender. Liked the version here better than the one I last ate in Seoul! The pungent chives when eaten together with the non-spicy skin/meat gave the tongue a good dose of wake-up call. But, once the tongue had tasted the smokey sexy goodness of the spicy sauce...there was no turning back. Try it for yourself and I dare say that you will go back for its taste. Spicy collageny skin that exudes flavour the more you chew on it. Too spicy? Just eat a piece of pickled radish or, drown a bowl of watermelon soju. Then, continue with another piece...and another piece...and...Ok, you get my drift and by now, you'll know that I liked this dish by quite a bit.

spicy collageny skin

If you ask the staff what's their popular items, very likely the kimchi stew will come up tops. If that's the case, let's get a pork belly kimchi stew to try.

For this dish, not only you'll have to make space on the table for a small stove but also some space in the belly as the portion is good for two to three pax. At the center would be the kimchi stew with slices of parboiled pork belly sitting ontop of a cluster of golden mushrooms and some tofu squares and a whole bunch of kimchi at the bottom. The outer lining has cheese and sweet corn. Served with some seaweed riceballs which one takes and dunk it into the stew to eat.

Kimchi Stew with Pork Belly 삼겹살 김치 찌개 @$34

cuts pork belly into smaller pieces

The young and friendly staff would come over and asks if you'd like him to cut up the meat and kimchi for you. Of course, we'd say yes to such a polite and cute kid.

ok, almost done

When the stew had boiled and the meat well-coated with sauce, it was time to dish out the stew into smaller bowls.

kimchi stew with pork belly 삼겹살 김치 찌개

The kimchi was appetizingly sourish, and the sauce was of bean paste mildly spicy. Would imagine this to be a comforting bowl of stew on a rainy day. The flavoured rice balls were enjoyable as well.

Out of curiosity, we also ordered a plate of chicken feet to try. Was surprised that the version here was boneless, but of course, that made it very convenient to eat. No dirty fingers! Cooked with lots of garlic and topped with sesame seeds. Very tasty and after the spiciness of the pork knuckles, this was child's play.

Spicy Chicken Feet 매운 닭 발  @$28

The food at Wangdaebak Pocha was interesting and tasted very good. Portion was generous and ambiance was lively. Loved the retro feel too. The staff were all friendly and helpful. Excellent service.

Special thanks to Wangdaebak Pocha management and staff for hosting the dinner. Thank you to the good folks at HGW for the invite and fellow foodies for sharing the calories.

A quick look-around and one sees many tables of native Koreans, locals and tourists enjoying their meal at Wangdaebak Pocha. Recommended for tasty food, excellent service and authentic experience.