I remember that when Subway first started out in Singapore, it was met with cool reception. Firstly, we were more into rice and noodles rather than sandwiches. Secondly, who would want to pay 5 bucks for just a sandwich when we could have a full meal (main course + beverage) at the hawker centre or foodcourt for less? Even if people were willing to shell out that kind of money, we’d rather go for fast food, something we’re more familiar with.
A few years down the road, we now see Subway outlets mushrooming across the island. Reasons for this surge in popularity are:
Evolving tastebuds;
Change in lifestyle – people are more health-conscious, so Subway’s veggie-loaded sandwiches are a healthier option over fast food and hawker/foodcourt food;
Increase in prices of fast food and hawker/foodcourt food, plus cheaper meal deals for Subway, make Subway more attractively priced now. Continue Reading »
OMG! Isn’t this Persian kitten so very cute? Kawaii ne!
Lest you think the cat owner is doing this for fun, she’s actually “gluteus training” the kitten, ie. training the kitten to sit upright by balancing on the buttock muscles (the largest of which is the “gluteus maximus”). Those who say cats cannot be trained ought to check out this website.
Ok, I’m going to come right out and declare, “I love Ootoya!” Admittedly, I was initially skeptical over glowing reviews of this new teishoku (rice-based set meal) chain from Japan. But now, all I can think of is, “When shall I go to Ootoya again?”
You’re not going to find sushi, sashimi, or ramen here. That said, Ootoya’s menu is rather extensive. There’s an interesting variety of grilled, fried, and simmered dishes that you can enjoy ala carte or as part of a set.
Mini sweet sour chicken, S$6.00
Sweet and sour chicken? Isn’t that Chinese, you say. Well, trust the Japanese to “borrow” something and make it even better! Ootoya’s sweet sour chicken is miles superior than most of the awful sweet sour pork I’ve had in a recent run.
Try to imagine thick, succulent chunks of chicken thigh, coated lightly in flour but fried till very crispy, then tossed in a lively, vinegary sauce. The sharp sourness was a surprise, but its piquancy helps to cut through the grease. The fried lotus root and potato chunks are just as delicious! Continue Reading »
Yes, I know, instant noodles has an unsavory rep for being unhealthy. I don’t eat it often myself, maybe only once a month or two, but there’s always a pack in the kitchen larder for “emergency” purpose. As with all foods, as long as we eat in moderation and have more fruit and vegetables daily, I don’t see why we can’t indulge in the occasional sinful treat.
What’s unique about Korean instant noodles is their texture. It’s thicker, chewier, and smoother than the thin, springy kind we are used to. Hence, they need to be boiled a little longer to be properly cooked. If you’ve been wanting to try Korean spicy instant noodles, but not sure where to start, read this handy guide!
It’s been a long time since I last posted pictures of our home-cooked meals. The last few months were unexpectedly busy, so I only cooked sporadically.
Sweet corn, carrot, and pork rib soup.
Cooking involves more than just the actual cooking process. To get groceries for a week’s meals, there are trips to the wet market and supermarket (separate visits, cos there’s only so much I can lug home by bus). Once I get home, meats and seafood are unpacked, divided into smaller portions, then put away in the freezer. Leafy vegetables have to be wrapped in plastic bags and newspaper so that they last longer.
And that’s just the start! For each weekday meal, I need to factor in at least one hour prep time, and another hour of cleaning (the dishes, pots, cooker + hood, sink). What seems like a simple meal is actually a very tedious process! Continue Reading »
It was an eagerly anticipated outing. How could it not be? Its long history and glowing reviews make Founder one of the heavyweights in the Singapore’s bak kut teh arena.
Opening the show is the protagonist – Pork Ribs in Teochew-style pepper and garlic broth. Subtly sweet and not too peppery, the soup was milder than I’d expected, but just right for my tastebuds. Continue Reading »
The newly refurbished Maxwell Chambers, which is located next to Tanjong Pagar MRT (and near hubby’s office), houses a number of new F&B outlets. When we were there about three weeks ago, not all were opened yet. Among those already in operation is Funan Weng, which specializes in Ipoh hor fun. Continue Reading »
Howdy, folks! Sorry for the lack of updates. You might also notice that things look a little different (and messy!) around here. Well, AromaCookery is in the process of moving to a self-hosted server, so please bear with the temporary changes for the moment.
In the meantime, if you’re in the mood for a delicious bowl of wholesome fish soup, here are five excellent fish soup stalls in Singapore. It was tough picking a winner among the top three as they were all so good! Enjoy!
This post is based on an invited tasting session. Initially, I was hesitant to accept the invitation, as I’d have preferred to go uninvited and unannounced. But in the end, I’m glad I did. If I’d have gone on my own, I would just order my familiar favorites and missed out on the unique offerings on Tetsu’s new menu.
Morokoshi (corn) tofu, S$10.00
Opened since early 2008, Tetsu specializes in tempura and tonkatsu, but lately, they’ve expanded their menu to include more items, as well as a new appetizer selection. The appetizers are an ideal accompaniment to sake or shochu. Some appetizers are available from a special price of $4.80 (Mondays – Thursdays, 6pm – 10pm). Continue Reading »
Everyone loves a good puff! No, not the nicotine kind. We’re talking about curry puff! The latest Tried & Tested compares some of the most popular curry puffs to see who’s the hot favorite. Click here to read the article.
Hear Julia on radio every Thursday 12:15pm as she shares a Foodie Lunch Pick on 938LIVE's F-Cube with hosts Eugene Loh and Melanie Oliveiro. Click here for more information!
Hear Julia on radio every Thursday 12:15pm as she shares a Foodie Lunch Pick on 938LIVE's F-Cube with hosts Eugene Loh and Melanie Oliveiro. 
