Tongue Tip Lanzhou Beef Noodles – A Solid Beef Noodle

We have been wanting to try Tongue Tip Lanzhou Beef Noodles (‘TTLBN’) since we saw the opening of the Chinatown Point outlet. However, we were only able to visit their outlet in Century Square recently. According to S our friend, who is from Lanzhou, beef noodle is a daily staple there.

Tongue Tip Lanzhou Beef Noodles - Century Square

The stars of TTLBN are the clear beef broth, made from more than 15 kinds of herbs and spices and simmered daily, delivering an explosion of flavour; And the hand-pulled noodles. The Master noodles chefs at TTLBN can pull 8 different styles precisely according to our order.

Menu P1

Menu P2

I ordered their Signature Beef Noodles Large ($10.90 for small / $13.90 for large), with the choice of thick noodle. If you order the large version, you can also get a free top-up of the noodle if needed for free.

Signature Beef Noodles Large

Since it was our first time here, the service staff help us with the ordering. Do take note that the default soup here is spicy even when the picture shows plain or no chilli. I was surprised when I received my order at first, luckily the offer to exchange mine for the non-spicy version.

The thick noodle is bouncy with a good chewiness in it. The broth looks clear; however, I can taste the solid robust clean beef flavour from the first slurp. While you are enjoying your meal, the broth will continue to infuse itself into the noodle. The beef shank is boiled to tender and the thick slices allow you a solid taste of the meat, yet it is easily dissipated in your mouth. The sliced radish is sweet and the spring onion just enhanced the flavour of the broth. Yummy!!

The Thick Noodles

Sliced Beef Shank

Since we came for a late dinner, I did not take up the offer of extra noodle. If I am having this for lunch, I will go for the extra noodles.

LD ordered Sauerkraut Beef Noodle Small ($11.90 for small / $14.90 for large), with thicker noodle. Her noodle is thicker than mine, and she enjoys the chewy texture of it. Her broth has a spicy and sour mixture of TTLBN signature chilli and sauerkraut.

Sauerkraut Beef Noodle Small

She makes her order into a set meal (+ $5), which comes with a side dish, braised egg and drink. She chooses Beancurd Suji for the side dish which is sliced mushrooms marinated in chilli oil.

Beancurd Suji & Braised Egg

Coke Zero

We also ordered Handmade Prawn Dumplings ($5 for 5 pcs, $9.50 for 10 pcs). The prawn dumpling is a must-order here. The skin is thicker than the usual jiaozi, but I like the tender chewiness in the skin like the noodle. The prawns filling is crunchy and packs with umami flavour. These dumplings are tasty on their own, I did not even dip them into the black vinegar.

Prawn Dumplings

Prawn Dumplings Filling

The décor of the restaurant is inspired by modern oriental design, using light colour wood. Service is friendly and helpful. TTLBN is also Halal Certified, so our Muslim friends can enjoy it as well.

Chilli, Vinegar & Cutleries

CBK verdict: A great beef noodle soup. I like the clean taste of the broth and the lovely chewiness of the handmade noodle. The prawn dumplings are great as well. We’ll be back for more. Cheers!!

Food & Drink: 8/10

Value: 8/10

Service: 8/10

Ambiance: 7/10

Budget per Person: $11 - $25

Tongue Tip Lanzhou Beef Noodle

2 Tampines Central 5

#01-42, Century Square

Singapore 529509

W: https://order.galafood.sg/

F: https://www.facebook.com/Tonguetipbeefnoodles/

IG: @tonguetipbeefnoodles

OH: Daily 11.00 – 22.00 (LO 21.30)

Check out their Facebook Page for other locations

Ospace – Your Own Private Gym [MEDIA INVITE]

Ospace is a revolutionary concept that combines 24-hour gym, fitness, wellness and technology. It is a pay-per-use gym and wellness centre to meet the need of fitness enthusiasts and provide privacy at the same time.

Power Rack Station and Adjustable Pulley

Ospace is built to cater to the regular gym user that needs a great workout; a physiotherapist or a sports masseuse; or a private Yoga/Dance/Zumba/Fitness instructor to conduct one-to-one class or hold an online session.

Drumbels

Heavy Drumbels

Currently, Ospace is present at 4 heartland locations, Ang Mo Kio, Bedok North, Tampines and Tanglin Halt. LD and I visited the Tampines Ospace and give it a try.

Fitness Step Board and Fitness Resistance Band

The booking of Ospace is done through Ospace App, you can download it in App Store and Google Play. Once you install the App, you can start your booking. Choose the location, sign-up, choose the time slot and total pax, put in your payment details and you are reservation is confirmed.

Left: Ospace App in Play Store; Centre: The App; Right: Location & Pricing

Left: Proceed to Fill In Your Details; Centre: Login Page after Registration;
Right: Booking Location, Date & Time.

Once you reach the location that your book and the time, a small box will appear on the app. Click on the box, and the system will buzz you in. Here is a brief walk-through of the Ospace Tampines.

Left: Your Booking Confirmation;
Right: Green Box will Pop Out during the allocated time.Click and Enter

Gym equipment includes a treadmill, power rack station with weights and adjustable pulley, stationary bike, adjustable bench, range of dumbbells, fitness step board, yoga mat, massage bed and fitness resistance bands.

Treadmill

At one end, there is an Android fitted smart mirror to help you control the lights, analyse your body composition, and also a fitness app through Youtube. Some parts of the walls are fitted with full-length mirrors, which is very helpful when you are doing your fitness.

Smart Mirror

Since LD and I are not gym regulars, we only use the equipment that we are familiar with. The treadmill is easy to use. Just adjust the speed, elevation (if needed) and walk on it. To monitor your heart rate, you can attach the clip in front of you or just grab the metal part of the handlebar to allow the machine to read your heart rate.

Stationary Bike

I did a quick exercise on the stationary bike; it seems my flat buttocks can’t get used to the seat. So, I decided to skip it and try out the power rack station. You can easily adjust the weight of the pulley behind, however, I have difficulties getting the right posture. I know you can get everything on YouTube or Google, maybe if you can include a QR code to scan or a positional chart nearby, it is easy for novice users like us to get through it.

Chubby Botak Koala using the Pulley

While using the equipment above, you can also pair your phone with Google Nest Mini to inspire your exercise through your playlist. Ospace also collaborated with Esther to provide a diffuser with medical-grade essential oil. Hand sanitiser, baby wipes and surface sanitiser are provided for your benefit.

Google Nest Mini & Difuser

Hand Sanitiser, Surface Sanitiser and Wet Wipes

We skipped the adjustable bench since we are not doing any weight training. Instead, we spend most of the time toying with the smart mirror. I started with a YouTube exercise video using the fitness step board. LD try to follow the aerobic dance exercise. Finally, we settle on some stretching and cardio workout. Totally love the smart mirror, however, we just wish there is a bigger 42” to 50” TV, making it easy for us to follow the exercise. The space in front of the smart mirror can comfortably fit 2 to 3 pax exercising at the same time.

Smart Mirror & Adjustable Bench

Overall, LD and I find Ospace is spacious to cater for 3 pax at one time. There is a lot of different gym equipment to help you with your exercise and the Google Nest Mini and Smart Mirror are a plus point. Booking is a breeze and the overall area is well air-conditioned. If you are looking for a private gym or mini studio for your exercise and other wellness activities, you should check out Ospace.

The Pricing

Thank you very much Jennifer Yeo Consultancy and Ospace for the invite.

Ospace

Blk 107 Tampines Street 11

#01-347

Singapore 521107

WA: +65 88771998

W: https://www.ospace.com.sg/

F: https://www.facebook.com/ospace.sg/

IG: @Ospaceprivatefitness

OH: 24 Hours

Other location Ang Mo Kio, Bedok North & Tanglin Halt.

Garang Grill – A New Begining in 2020 [MEDIA INVITE]

Crispy Pork Jowl @ Garang Grill

My first encounter with Garang Grill was at their original location in Swan Lake Ave. It was a collaboration between Garang Grill and Chef Jeremy Cheok, which ended in 2019. In 2020, Garang Grill (“Garang”) begin its new adventure, fully managed by New Ubin Village at the latest location of New Ubin Seafood Village in Tampines. 

New Ubin Village

To deliver the Garang experience, a new Charcoal Grill Oven by Spanish Brand Mibrasa was brought in, known to deliver intense heat of primal charcoal flames in an enclosed oven. Helming the Garang is New Ubin Seafood’s head chef Cole Soo, who started at the group at Garang Grill back in 2017 under Chef Jeremy Cheok. 

Garang Grill

We started our Media Tasting with Crispy Pork Jowl ($12). One of the fattiest parts of the pork and well known its melts in your mouth sensation. This pork jowl went through a lot of cooking process, which include sous vide, deep-fried and finished off at the Mibrasa grill for flavour. The result is a beautiful smoky flavour, followed with a crisp exterior and melt in your mouth flesh. The sprinkle of salt flake on top, enhance the taste of the pork jowl. 

Crispy Pork Jowl 

Crispy Pork Jowl 

Garang Meat ($12) – Garang version of Yakitori chicken. It is smoky, tender and well marinated. The leek flavour is solid and gave additional sweetness in between the chicken. 

Garang Meat

Garang Meat

Chilli Crab Rillette ($12) – The reimagine entrée version of famed Chilli Crab. Infused with tomato paste, sambal rempah and butter. You can dip the mantou in the rillette delicately, however, I prefer to just slathered on my deep-fried mantou. A truly Singaporean entrée. 

Chilli Crab Rillette

Garang Prawn ($15). A deep-fried battered prawn, coated with sambal mayonnaise. It has a nice crispy exterior, bouncy flesh and coated with creamy mayo packs with signature fiery Garang spiciness. 

Garang Prawn

Togarashi Corn ($9). Supposedly a crowd pleaser dish, especially with the combination of the smoky aroma from the grill with sweet bursting corn juice. Unfortunately, the sweet bursting juice was missing from the corn. The kernel feels dehydrated, although the sea salt and togarashi powder perk up the flavours a little bit. Might need to work on the timing or a different type of corn. 

Togarashi Corn

Togarashi Corn

Moving on to the Mains with Classic Carbonara ($12). Garang version of the quintessential Roman pasta dish. Instead of the pancetta or bacon, Garang uses cubes of house-smoked pork belly and serve the pasta on a claypot. The pasta is al-dente and evenly coated with egg. It is a good dish; however, it can be a great & “atas” dish if they are more liberal with parmesan or pecorino cheese for the extra OMPH!! 

Classic Carbonara

Classic Carbonara

LA Galbi Beef ($18). The best dish of the night. Well marinated beef short ribs and barbecued till fall-off-the-bone tender. Served with iceberg lettuce and sliced green chilli, for the diner to build your wrap. The balance of taste between sweet and savoury is just spot on. The flesh is easily pulled off the bone either by fork or fingers. A must-order dish here. Yum Yum. 

LA Galbi Beef 

BBQ Pork Belly ($21). Duroc pork belly rubbed with cajun spices and grilled to pink perfection. It has a beautiful smoky aroma. On the first bite, you can taste the charred exterior with a tender and slightly chewy texture. However, it is difficult not to compare this dish with the entrée pork jowl. While the pork jowl is superb, the pork belly is slightly above average only. I was hoping that pork belly to be juicier. 

BBQ Pork Belly 

BBQ Pork Belly

BBQ Pork Belly

Argentinian Striploin ($38). Grilled to perfection for medium-rare. It is juicy, succulent with nice smoky curst externally. Unfortunately, someone forgot to season the steak. That little sprinkle of the salt will make a lot of difference and surely open up the flavours of the beef. 

Argentinian Striploin 

Both the BBQ Pork Belly and Argentinian Striploin are served with sweet potato mash and Garang slaw. The sweet potato mashed is plain and uninspiring, while coleslaw is very average. I feel both sides can be improved as it is dragging down the quality duroc pork belly and Argentinian striploin. 

Argentinian Striploin 

Sticky Date Pudding ($9) served with house-churned salted caramel ice cream. A great recovery and beautiful end to the meal. The red dates pudding is sweet and moist, nicely complemented with sweet and savoury flavoured ice cream. We were served half portion of the pudding; Frankly, I can have two portions of this delicious pudding. 

Sticky Date Pudding

Located in Tampines industrial area, Garang grill is back to its New Ubin Seafood element during the Sin Ming industrial area days. Don’t expect a cosy fine dining or bistro type, instead, this industrial / kampong atmosphere is where New Ubin Seafood at its best and thriving. 

CBK verdict: A must-try dishes here are the Pork Jowl, Chilli Crab Rillette, LA Galbi Beef and Sticky Date Pudding. For the rest of the dishes, it just requires a mini tweaking, to bring it to the next level. I’ll definitely be back to try out the other dishes. Cheers!! 

Thank you very much Kristine, Gretchen and Garang Grill Team for your hospitality and hosting us. 

Food & Drinks: 7.25/10 

Value: 7.5/10 

Service: N/A (Media Tasting) 

Ambiance: 6/10 

Budget per Person: $26 - $50 

Garang Grill 

18 Tampines Industrial Crescent 

#01-16 Space@Tampines 

Singapore 528605 

T: +65 9740 6870 (incl: Whatsapp & SMS) 

W: https://newubinseafood.com/

F: https://www.facebook.com/garanggrill

IG: @garanggrill 

OH: Daily 11.30 – 15.00 (LO 14.30), 17.30 – 22.00 (LO 21.45). 

Soi Thai – Authentic Thai Cuisine in Tampines Heartland

Soi Thai is an authentic Thai Restaurant that opened its door in the heart of Tampines. Some interesting facts about Soi Thai, The boss is from Taiwan, but not to worry the chefs are from Thailand. From their FB page, they describe the Thai Chef with moustache is the head chef and the hairy one is the second in command.

While we try not to compare Soi Thai dishes to the ever popular Nakhon, we have to face the reality that Nakhon has set the standard for Thai restaurants in the heartland. Therefore it is fair, if we compare the standard of their food.