Signature 8-flavoured Xiao Long Bao @ Paradise Dynasty

July 21, 2014April 3, 2015Leave a comment

With its tender minced meat encased in a flavourful broth and smooth flour skin, it’s no wonder that xiao long bao is fast becoming a fixture in our Chinese palate. There’s little not to love about this bite-sized offering of meat and broth, which is why restaurants and eateries across the country are catching on to this delicious trend faster than you can say, “zai lai yi long!” (translation: bring me another!)

Confessing your ignorance about this dish is about as sacrilegious as, say, telling others that you don’t like to eat chicken rice; it’s just not possible. Thankfully, there are many places you can go to to “right the wrongs” and taste the legend of xiao long bao yourself. 😉

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Lola’s Cafe @ Kovan

August 16, 2013November 6, 20153 Comments

Tucked away in a discreet corner off the beaten track from Kovan MRT Station, Lola’s Cafe appears little more than one of those run-of-the-mill coffee-and-cake joints that have been springing up all over Singapore as of late. Its nondescript exterior bears a simple sign embellished with its name, and from afar, gave me the impression of housing a dusty bookstore that had been left behind in this ever-speedy age of technology.

But looks can be deceiving. 😉

Walking past the glass doors that separated Lola’s interior from the hustle and bustle of its neighbouring housing estates, I found myself immersed in what can only be described as a perfect blend of coziness and that hard-to-find promise of good things to come. I was there to meet up with an old friend from primary school, and what better place to catch up than in this welcoming abode of Lola’s? 😉

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[CLOSED] JPOT @ Tampines 1

August 10, 2013June 16, 2020Leave a comment

Update June 2020: JPOT has closed.

The first thing we noticed when my dad and I stepped into JPOT’s branch in Tampines 1 was its looooong Condiments Bar where we could mix and match our condiments in every combination imaginable, including chili padi, spring onions, chopped garlic, peanut sauce, sesame oil, soya sauce, chili oil and more.

Peanut sauce and sesame oil topped with spring onions? Or chilli padi drenched in soya sauce and chopped garlic? Hey, no one’s stopping you!