Permata Singapore – National Days Celebration [MEDIA INVITE]

This August, Permata Singapore celebrate the National Days of Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia with 1-FOR-1 Halal Buffet, bringing together the best culinary menu of the three nations.

National Month 1-for-1 Buffet

Highlights of this feast are:

Punten + Sambal Ijo. Punten origin from Java, it is a rice cooked with coconut milk, crushed and mould into desired shape. It is rich, creamy and together with Chef Mel Dean’s sambal ijo, it has a kick to our palate and a good start to the meal.

Punten + Sambal Ijo

Pulut Kuning + Beef Rendang + Javanese Sambal Goreng. The yellow glutinous rice is packed with turmeric. The beef rendang is rich and fork tender and goes well with the sambal goreng made with potatoes and long beans.

Pulut Kuning + Beef Rendang + Javanese Sambal Goreng

Nasi Goreng Rawon + Ayam Goreng Rempah + Sambal Quail Eggs. This flavourful fried rice is made with beef and candlenut soup. It paired well with the tasty fried chicken and the rich quail eggs chilli.

Nasi Goreng Rawon + Ayam Goreng Rempah + Sambal Quail Eggs

Gado Gado. My favourite Indonesian salad. A combination of rice cake, fried tofu, bean sprout, fried tempeh, cabbage and keropok bind by thick, tasty and rich peanut sauce. I will usually drizzle peanut sauce until it covers the whole plate.

Gado Gado

Mee Siam Mamak. LD like the version here because of the bold flavours. It is sweet and tangy, plus the chilli is also power. Yummy!!

Mee Siam Mamak

Seafood Lemak Casserole + Rawon Risotto. I called this combination as Surf and Turf. The seafood lemak casserole is rich, creamy, infused with fish and prawns plus the flavour bomb from the Lemak Api Chilli.

Seafood Lemak Casserole + Rawon Risotto

Meanwhile, the Rawon Risotto has a closer texture to a fried porridge. It is tasty and it is great to eat with a keropok.

Soto Lamongan. Indonesian chicken consommé, flavoured with turmeric, coriander, candlenut, galangal and kaffir lime. A comforting bowl of soup.

Chargrilled Striploin with Sambal Geprek, Lemak Cili Api Sauce & Sambal Ijo. I always like the chargrilled striploin here. The beef is lean, yet tender. For me the Lemak Cili Api is the perfect companion for this dish.

Chargrilled Striploin with Sambal Geprek,
Lemak Cili Api Sauce & Sambal Ijo.

Botok Botok Barramundi. Chef Mel Dean version of Barramundi Otah. The fish is silky and the spices paired well with the fish. One of our favourite dish of the night!!.

Botok Botok Barramundi

Bubur Som Som + Kolak Pisang + Kole Kole Temasek. A sweet ending to the evening. Three traditional dessert that are full of flavours. I wanted to go for second round, but there was just too much food.

Bubur Som Som + Kolak Pisang + Kole Kole Temasek

By the way, I just found out there is a DIY Chendol Corner. So if you are in Permata, keep a look out for this.

Overall, it was another gastronomic journey at Permata, curated by Chef Mel Dean and his team. My picks are Seafood Lemak Casserole, Botok Botok Barramundi, Nasi Goreng Rawon, Beef Rendang and Bubur Som Som + Kolak Pisang + Kole Kole Temasek. Cheers!!

National Day Month Special (1-FOR-1 HALAL BUFFET)

When: 1st Aug to 31 Aug 2024

Time: Lunch, Daily, 12.00 – 14.30

Dinner, Mon – Fri, 18.00 – 21.30

Dinner, Sat – Sun, 1st Seating 17.00 – 19.00

Dinner, Sat – Sun, 2nd Seating 19.30 – 21.30

Price: Lunch, Daily, $88++ Adult - $15++ Children 6 yrs - 10 yrs

Dinner, $98++ Adult - $15++ Children 6 yrs - 10yrs

(1-FOR-1 Buffet Promotion)

For Reservation:

Call 9082 9941 or Email: reservation@gedungkining.sg / event@gedungkuning.sg

https://www.sevenrooms.com/reservations/permata/chef-mel-dean

Thank you very much to Chef Mel Dean and Permata team for hosting us.

Food & Drink: 8/10

Value: 8/10

Service: N/A (Tasting Invitation)

Ambiance: 8/10

Budget per Person: $51 - $80

Permata Singapore

73 Sultan Gate

Singapore 198497

T: +65 9082 9941

W: https://www.gedungkuning.sg/permata

F: https://www.facebook.com/permata.restaurant

IG: @Permata.singapore

OH:

Lunch, Daily, 12.00 – 14.30

Dinner, Mon – Fri, 18.00 – 21.30

Dinner, Sat – Sun, 1st Seating 17.00 – 19.00

Dinner, Sat – Sun, 2nd Seating 19.30 – 21.30

88 Pocha – Korean Street Food in Pojangmacha Setting [Media Invite]

Pojangmacha or more popularly known as Pocha is a popular night spot in South Korea since the 1970s, where customers can enjoy Korean street food offerings with their alcohol at a reasonable price. I did not manage to see this during my last trip to Korea but seen this often enough in Korean dramas, where the characters eat and drink by themselves under the tent. Usually, they will sit on plastic chairs and dine on red plastic foldable tables.

88 Pocha

88 Pocha is a concept by Food Palace Group Pte Ltd, the company that brought Niu Dian to Singapore (Click here for the Niu Dian full review). The name 88 Pocha is inspired by the 1988 Olympic Games held in Seoul, South Korea, where the nation achieve 4th overall ranking, their best ranking till today. Helmed by a South Korean chef that has been a long-term resident in Singapore, he recreates his favourite and popular Korean street food with a twist.

Front Dining Area

It is easy to spot 88 Pocha in Holland Village, you can see the 88 Pocha inflatable balloon man waving at you. Just like the Pocha setting in Korea, the furniture used are plastic stools and foldable plastic tables in red and blue colour. In the outdoor dining area, you can see the 1988 Olympic Tiger mascot toasting the diners, while the indoor walls are decorated with the menu and soju posters. The dining experience is completed by K-pop music blasting from the speakers.

Indoor Dining Area

Part of Indoor Dining Area

We started the meal with Gimmari (4 pcs, $8.88) Korean deep-fried seaweed rolls. The version here is glass noodles wrapped in seaweed. It is crispy, tasty and has a nice chewy glass noodle texture in it. It can be easily mistaken for a mini version of Korean blood sausage. But based on the serving size and price, I will not consider to order it again.

Gimmari

Gimmari

Gimmari Fillings

Tteokbokki ($11.88). Plump and chewy rice cake. LD says the sauce is thick and it absorbs into rice cakes and fish cakes. The spiciness level is moderate, though it can be better if they amp up the spiciness level.

Tteokbokki

Truffle Jjajang Ramyeon ($11.80). A dish made famous by Hwasa, a member the KPOP group Mamamoo a few years ago. When this dish was served, the truffle aroma will be the first to reach your senses. I like the combination, served with cheese and fried egg. The noodle is springy (QQ), and completely coated with strong jjajang sauce. I had difficulties melting the cheese and mixing it evenly. The result, I have half the noodle with cheese, and the other without. It’s like having 2 noodle flavours in a bowl, which was nice.

Truffle Jjajang Ramyeon 

Truffle Jjajang Ramyeon with the Hidden Cheese

Truffle Jjajang Ramyeon

Tuna Cheese King Egg Roll ($15.88). A jumbo-size egg roll, filled with tuna. The egg is fluffy, perfectly cooked and the tuna sits in the centre nicely. I am not a fan of canned tuna due to the smell, however, the version here is almost absent of the fishy smell. I think the ketchup on top helps as well. This dish definitely worth the price and it will go well with alcohol. Yummy!!

Tuna Cheese King Egg Roll 

Tuna Cheese King Egg Roll

Half Fried Chicken ($15.88). It has a crispy exterior, followed by juicy and succulent flesh. Even the breast part is juicy as well. The chicken is well marinated, we ate most of it without the dipping sauce. For those who like a dipping sauce, it has a thick, sweet flavour but not spicy.

Half Fried Chicken

Half Fried Chicken

LA Galbi (8 pcs, $18.88). The beef ribs are well-marinated, juicy, easily come off the bone. While the meat is tender, it also has a slight chewiness in it. Definitely, a finger-licking good dish.

LA Galbi

LA Galbi

To end the meal, we have Red Bean Bingsu ($12.88). In all the previous bingsu that we tried previously; the shaved ice texture is always very smooth like snow. The version at 88 Pocha has a texture like crushed ice. The toppings are unique, you have red bean, fruit loops, mixed fruits, chocolate and strawberry ice cream and drizzle with chocolate sauce. The instruction from the service staff is to mix it vigorously, basically stab it. Hidden at the bottom of the crushed ice is the condensed milk. Surprisingly, all the topping works well together, creating a unique flavour on their own.

Red Bean Bingsu

Red Bean Bingsu

Red Bean Bingsu - After Mixing

To accompany our meal, I had diet coke ($2.88), while LD choose Earl Grey Highball ($18.88). LD says the highball have a hint of earl grey tea and they are very generous with the alcohol portions.

Earl Grey Highball

Diet Coke

Overall, we had a nice dining experience at 88 Pocha. Most of the main dishes are delicious and they incorporated the latest trend in Korea as well plus the atmosphere is just great. The Tuna Cheese King Egg Roll. Half Fried Chicken and LA Galbi are the must-try. We’ll definitely come back if we are in the area. Geonbae!! Cheers!!

Menu 1

Menu 2

Thank you very much Protegie and 88 Pocha Team for the invitation.

Food & Drink: 7.75/10

Value: 7.5/10

Service: N/A (Tasting Invitation)

Ambiance: 8/10

Budget per Person: $11 - $25; $26 - $50

88 Pocha

26A Lor Mambong

Singapore 277685

T: +65 6235 9950

F: https://www.facebook.com/88pochasg

IG: @88pochasg

OH:

Mon – Fri: 11.30 – 15.00; 17.30 – Midnight

Sat – Sun: 11.30 – Midnight

Dapur Penyet – Authentic Indonesian Comfort Food

Bebek Penyet @ Daput Penyet

We found Dapur Penyet when we were looking for a place to sit while waiting for my turn to collect my items from a collection point in Centrepoint. The set-up of the shop is almost like any fast-food chain, however, instead of the usual Western fare, you get Indonesian food.

Our first time there, we tried Siomay ($7.50) and Batagor ($7.50). Siomay is steam Indonesian fish dumplings served with steamed cabbage, beancurd, hard-boiled egg and peanut sauce dipping. It is one of LD’s favourite Indonesian dishes and the version here got her approval. The fish dumplings are bouncy, tasty, while the peanut sauce is aromatic and packs with flavour.

Siomay

Meanwhile, the Batagor is the fried version of the fish dumplings. The ingredients are the same with siomay, except the fish dumplings are deep-fried.

Bebek Penyet ($10.50). Smashed Fried Duck. The fried duck has a crispy exterior, followed by fork-tender and succulent flesh. The flesh also infused with spices derive from long hours boiling in spices filled broth, while the deep frying just intensifies the flavour. The crispy crumbs on top also add different texture to the dish. The bebek penyet is usually served with sambal terasi (Indonesian shrimp paste sambal), but I ask for no chilli. I feel that I like the duck version better than the ayam penyet, as it has more flesh and is more succulent.

Bebek Penyet

Ayam Ijo ($7.50). Smashed Fried Chicken with Padang Green Chilli Sauce. LD got the breast part of the chicken instead of the thigh part. Although the exterior is crispy, the breast meat is dry. The Padang Green Chilli is very spicy and LD describes it as SHIOK!!. (Next time I need to remember to write down Chicken Thigh).

Ayam Ijo

Ikan Joget ($12.50). Fried Sundanese Dancing Fish. A uniquely Indonesian dish. The flesh of the tilapia fish is sliced in such a way, making the fish stand up after it is deep-fried. It has a crisp exterior with juicy flesh. While it is delicious, this dish can be better if it is crispier, so you can enjoy the crispy fins and tail like keropok.

Ikan Joget

Ikan Joget

The fried chicken and fish are served with fried crispy tofu and boiled cabbage. The staple does not come with your protein order. So, remember to order it separately. Nasi Putih ($1) - White rice.

Nasi Putih

The décor of the place is a typical fast-food setup. It is simple and functional. The service staff is friendly; however, you need to place your order at the counter, collect your drink and wait for the beeper to page you to collect your food. Everything is self-service, except for cleaning your table afterwards.

Water, Lime Juice & Lime Juice with Sour Plum

Overall, Dapur Penyet serves Indonesian style of comfort food. It is delicious and it will satisfy your Indonesian food cravings. Cheers!

Menu 1

Menu 2

Food & Drinks: 7.25/10

Value: 7.75/10

Service: N/A (Fast food concept)

Ambiance: 6.5/10

Budget per Person: $0 - $10; $11 - $25

Dapur Penyet

176 Orchard Road

#01-59/62, The Centrepoint

Singapore 238843

T: +65 6734 2840

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

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

IG: @Dapurpenyetsingapore

OH: Daily 10.00 – 21.00 (LO 20.30)

Other Location

810 Geylang Road

#01-43, City Plaza

Singapore 409286

T: +65 6842 5034

[CLOSED] The Beast – Southern Comfort Food

Fried Catfish

The Beast, the name of the restaurant itself will catch your attention. In terms of the servings, you can expect huge servings. However, The Beast offers more than just a huge serving. It brought Southern (Southern United States) cuisine to our shore. Famous for its buttermilk chicken, sweet tea and bourbons, The Beast served all these delights and boasting one of the largest variety bourbons in Singapore. 

The Bar & Bourbon Collections

We brought our two teenage godsons and their mother to try out this place, hoping that the portion will be able to fill them up. We ordered D.I.Y Family Style Meal (4 pax - $150). For the mains, we choose Southern Fried Chicken, Pulled Pork and Fried Catfish. This meal also comes with 4 sides and we picked Truffle fries, Mashed potatoes, Cajun Fries and Cornbread. 

Cornbread

Southern Fried Chicken, the quintessential dish in the “Southern” is a must-try dish here. It has a crispy exterior from the seasoned flour. Come to the flesh, it is amazingly moist and succulent. I noted from the menu that the chicken is brined for 24 hours, however, the tenderness of the chicken is so unexpected, we can’t get enough of this. Till today, LD (not a big fan of fried chicken) still dreaming about this Southern fried chicken. Each portion of the fried chicken is one half of a chicken. Yum Yum. 

Southern Fried Chicken

The fried chicken is served with country gravy and southern slaw, which is very robust and filled with the goodness of the chicken. I even put the gravy on my mashed potatoes, cornbread and even the truffle fries. For the Southern Slaw, purple cabbage is used here. It is crunchy, evenly coated with mayonnaise and the purple cabbage have a touch of bitterness at the end. 

Southern Slaw

Pulled Pork, carnivore version. 10 hour slow cooked pulled pork served with bbq sauce. It is meaty, tender and succulent. Through it is meaty, the acidity in the bbq sauce helps to cut through the fats. The pulled pork also goes well with the baked cornbread. Served in a skillet with melted butter on top, deliver a crusty exterior and crumbly interior. 

Pulled Pork

Pulled Pork

Fried Catfish is indeed unique. Coated with crusted cornflake, it has a super crispy coating. Once you bit into it, you can taste the soft, moist and flaky flesh of the catfish. Surprisingly, there was no muddy taste that usually comes with the catfish. The original version, come as a fish and chips, this is definitely a unique version of fish and chips. 

Fried Catfish

Catfish flesh

The truffle fries are crisp externally and moist internally. It is then liberally sprinkled with parmesan cheese and truffle oil. I am certain truffle fries is not a Southern dish, however, since the fries are nice, I won’t complain about the origin. 

Truffle Fries

Mashed potatoes come in a guge portion, delivering a thick, smooth and buttery potato flavour. The cajun fries has a similar texture to the truffle fries, however, I find the paprika and garlic flavour is too strong, so I dip it in the country gravy instead. 

Mashed Potatoes

Cajun Fries

The boys are not full yet, so we added Farmboy Burger ($22) and Hot Buffalo Wings ($13). Since Godpa is full, I did not try the burger, but the boys say it was good and each one has half of the burger each. 

Farmboy Burger

For the wings, it is crispy, juicy and well coated with hot and sour sauce. Spiciness rating is about 8.5 of 10. 

Hot Buffalo Wings

The D.I.Y Family Style Meal comes with 4 slices Chocolate Cheese Pie. As we are full to the brim, we decided to only have 1 and take away the rest. The thick and solid chocolate sits nicely on the dense crumbs. Meanwhile, the soft pavlova on top helps to balance the thick chocolate flavour. 

Chocolate Cheese Pie

The atmosphere of The Beast is simply casual and rustic. The outdoor furniture is made from wood in traditional Southern style and good for communal dining. The indoor seating is less spacious, as it focuses more on the bar and showcasing its bourbon collections. Service is friendly and efficient. 

Indoor Seating Area

Overall, The Beast Southern Fried Chicken and Fried Cat Fish are their must-try. The menu is limited, however, most of the dishes are well executed and deliver in huge portions. Those who appreciate their drinks, this place has a lot to offer. A must visit place for Southern Comfort Food in Singapore. Cheers!! 

Food & Drinks: 8/10 

Value: 8.5/10 

Service: 7/10 

Ambiance: 7.25/10 

Budget per Person: $26 - $50 

The Beast Southern Kitchen + Bourbon Bar 

17 Jalan Klapa 

Singapore 199329 

T: +65 6295 0017 

W: http://www.thebeast.sg/

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

IG: @Thebeast_sg 

OH: 

Tue – Sun, 11.30 – 22.00 

Closed on Monday