February 3, 2017
If you love Japanese curry as much as I do, then you will like this Hamburg Cheese Curry Rice. Inspired by a curry restaurant we visited in Tokyo recently, this dish will appeal to both young and old alike. Japanese-style curry was inspired by the British during the Meiji era when India was under their colonial rule. Japan has since adapted the flavors and made it uniquely their own.
Instead of making the curry roux from scratch, pre-made instant curry blocks are widely available in all supermarkets, especially here in Singapore. The most popular brands are House Foods and S&B Foods. Japanese curry’s heat level is generally milder therefore, they are very popular with the kids too...
February 1, 2017
Since saying no to shark finning years ago, we have been carefully avoiding shark fin soup at wedding banquets and celebratory occasions. Consuming shark fin is cruel and unnecessary. In fact, shark fin itself is rather tasteless. The flavor comes mainly from the broth, which is made with chicken stock. Whenever I visit Hong Kong, I’d always come across this imitation shark fin soup 碗仔翅 sold by street hawkers. At HK$15 (approx. S$3) a bowl, they are shark-friendly and taste pretty genuine. Mung bean vermicelli or glass noodles is used instead to mimic the shark fin’s chewy and gelatinous texture...
January 27, 2017
Cauliflower is a vegetable that I often left out in the weekly grocery shopping list, unlike its cousin, Broccoli. Over the last couple of years, there is a steady health food trend of using cauliflower to substitute rice or starch. Since one of my New Year resolutions this year is to observe a healthier diet, I’m going to turn this superfood into a regular ingredient in my pantry.
Besides roasting them in the oven, another quick and easy option is to turn them into “rice”. I’ve been seeing so many Cauliflower rice recipes all over the internet and was really intrigued to find out how it would taste...
January 25, 2017
New Year’s resolutions are the perfect opportunity for all those who have failed to start making the changes that they said they would make next week, next month, etc.
3 weeks into 2017 and it is time to start fulfilling one of my top resolutions – start eating healthier food. I chose kale as I’ve always been wanting to incorporate this cruciferous vegetable in my diet. Cruciferous vegetables are unique because they are rich in glucosinolates which support detoxification and greatly reduces the risk of breast, colon and lung cancer. However, Kale has a bitter and peppery taste which might not be appeal to some people. A great way to enjoy kale is to turn them into kale chips. If you are not a fan of Kale, then perhaps these crispy salt and vinegar kale chips will convert you!...
January 13, 2017
Mention beef stew and immediately, a comforting image of soft chunks of meat with vegetables sitting in a bowl of rich, deeply flavored brown sauce comes to mind. Contrary to popular belief, using cheap lean cuts of meat is not necessary ideal for making beef stews. When there is not enough fat marbling in the meat, they’ll just turn dry and leathery and will never ever become tender no matter how long you cook it. Trust me, I’ve seen my failed beef stew days. Nowadays, I generally stay away from packaged meat labelled as “beef for stewing” which has zero vein of fat...
January 9, 2017
With Chinese New Year just three weeks away, it is time to plan ahead and make your reservation for reunion lunches and dinners. The year of the Rooster begins on 28 January this year and if you are looking for an innovative and inventive Chinese menu done with a great flair (that is not in a hotel), Blue Lotus would be the perfect venue. This critically acclaimed new age Chinese restaurant has creates its own unique and healthy version of Yu Sheng (Chinese Raw Fish Salad). Filled with up to 20 fresh ingredients and aptly named 十全十美 (Shi Quan Shi Mei), which literally translates to “completely perfect”, it is one of the most unique and tastiest Yu Sheng I’ve ever come across...
December 30, 2016
About a month ago, I’ve embarked on a 30 days-with-Huiji-Waist-Tonic Journey. Basically, I consumed a capful of the herbal tonic twice a day, for 30 days. Now, prior to this post, I’ve definitely heard of Huiji Waist Tonic and had always associated it as “something good” for the waist (as the name suggests). And I was not wrong. It helps to alleviate backache and strengthen your waist, especially vital for working adults constantly clocking in long hours at their desks...
December 28, 2016
Tapioca pearls also known as Sago is a popular ingredient in many Asian dessert recipes. Made from the pith of palm stems, these opaque little balls turn translucent when cooked. This soupy dessert is so easy to make and very perfect as a light and refreshing ending to any meal. The beauty of this Sago Pearls with Melon dessert is the ingredients are so interchangeable and versatile, there is absolutely no rules when it comes to the types of fruit used. If melon is not your thing, feel free to use mango, pomelo, watermelon, peach, etc...
December 23, 2016
Boasting top-class farming households with high-standards producers, Niigata prefecture is a treasury of seasonal fresh fishes, fruits and vegetables. Thanks to the good people from Niigata City Food Fair and hosting restaurant, Tóng Lè Private Dining, you do not have to travel all the way to Japan to sample some of their amazing produce. From 14 Dec to 31 Dec 2016, a special six-course menu has been carefully crafted by Chef Ken Ling who flew all the way to Niigata City to hand-pick the ingredients used.
I am extremely excited to sample the items from the dinner menu...
