Boon Kee Kway Teow Noodle – Since 1976

Boon Kee Kway Teow Noodle. Huh? That is my first reaction. I never heard of that name before, although I am a regular patron of the handmade fishball noodle shop at Chia Chee Drive. I spotted a post in one of the Food Group and it proudly posted that Boon Kee Kway Teow Noodle (“Boon Kee”) has been operating since 1976.

Hidden in Jalan Senang, the secluded part of Kembangan, the coffee shop catered mainly for the surrounding residents. It is very easy to spot outsiders like LD and I, when we enter the coffee shop.

When I went to the stall to order, Ah Guan, the first generation is busy changing the water for cooking the noodle. I was served by the son, Ah Poh. I ordered Mee Kia, dry and non-spicy ($4). He then asked me if I wanted ketchup or black sauce. I decided on the black sauce.

Mee Kia, Dry, Black Sauce

For $4, the portion is very generous. The toppings of bak chor (minced pork), sliced fish cakes, fishballs and meatball covered the noodles. The black sauce and pork oil are perfectly tossed to cover the al-dente noodles. Luckily, I did not order the $5 version, if not I will be having a hard time finishing it.

Mee Kia with Dark Sauce (Malaysian Style)

LD ordered the Mee Kia, spicy ($4). Usually, she will ask to add ketchup to the noodles, however, in Boon Kee this is the standard style. They called it the classic. The noodle is al-dente and the portion is generous as well. Although the chilli is good, LD says it is missing a bit of OMPH!!.

Mee Pok, Dry with Chilli (Ketchup + Chilli)

I also ordered Fishball Soup ($4). We got around 12 pcs of fishballs. The fishballs are soft and bouncy, plus you can see some pork lard swimming in the soup. I personally like the meatball better than the fishballs.

Fishball Soup

The drink stalls seem to be run by the same team, as they all wear the red colour Boon Kee Kway Teow Noodle shirt.

Overall, it was a fruitful journey to Jalan Senang. Boon Kee version of fishball noodle is indeed the classic version. We will return to try their Laksa and White fishball noodle (pork lard + light soy sauce version) as well. Cheers!!

Food & Drink: 8/10

Value: 9.5/10

Service: N/A (Self Service)

Ambiance: N/A (Coffee Shop)

Budget per Person: $0 – $10

Boon Kee Kway Teow Noodle

(Since 1976)

92 Jalan Senang

Singapore 418464

T: +65 9362 8578

IG: @Boonkeekwayteownoodle

OH:

Mon – Sat: 06.15 – 15.30

Closed on Sundays

Jia Li Seafood Soup – Yummy Seafood Soup [MEDIA INVITE]

Jia Li Seafood Soup, formally known as Sin Kee Seafood Soup started off in Singapore’s North area. Armed with an established secret recipe that is passed down to the founder, Jia Li Seafood Soup (“Jia Li”) is known for its addictive and umami-rich seafood broth.

The secret of the signature seafood broth is the premium Japanese dried scallop. It is slow-cooked over several hours together with other ingredients such as chicken and pork ribs. To deliver that irresistible flavour in the MSG-free broth, the secret sauce is added to every order.

For this tasting, we went to their Upper Serangoon Road outlet.

Jia Li served three types of fish for their seafood soup: Dory Fish, Batang Fish and Red Grouper. They also served three types of seafood soup: regular Seafood Soup, Seafood Soup with Crayfish, and Seafood Soup with Crayfish and Prawns.

Seafood Soup with Crayfish and Prawns with Red Grouper

We started with their Seafood Soup with Crayfish and Prawns with Red Grouper ($23). The bowl of soup is packed to the brim, while the mountainous ingredients just whet your appetite. The broth is cloudy and a bit reddish from the prawns and crayfish. Once we sip the broth, it feels like we are inhaling the essence of the seafood, packed with umami, a touch of brininess and sweetness from the bone essence.

The Crayfish

The prawns are big and crunchy, while the crayfish are juicy and easily peeled off from the exoskeleton. The red grouper is fresh, but it seems that it was a bit overcooked as the flesh easily fall apart. The surprise flavour bomb here comes from the meatballs. Made fresh daily, it is packed with minced pork, mushroom and secret ingredients.

The Prawn

The Awesome Meatball

Red Grouper

The second soup that we choose is the Seafood Soup with Batang Fish ($11.50 for big). Our first impression, it looks almost the same as the crayfish version. However, once we sip it, we realise this version is sweeter and less briny compared to the one with the crayfish. Unlike the red grouper, the batang fish flesh is firmer, sweet, moist and silky. It was just delicious. Not forgetting the super yummy rustic-looking meatballs.

Seafood Soup with Batang Fish 

Seafood Soup with Batang Fish 

Overall, LD and I feel both of Seafood Soup are equally good, however, if we have to choose, we will go for the Batang Fish Seafood Soup. The broth is less briny, robust and loaded with umami flavour. If you like crayfish, the Seafood Soup with Crayfish and Prawns will be the perfect choice for you. Cheers!!

Thank you very much Protegie and Jia Li Seafood Soup for the media invite.

Food & Drink: 7.5/10

Value: 7/10

Service: N/A (Media Invite)

Ambiance: Coffee Shop

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

Jia Li Seafood Soup @Upper Serangoon Road

941 Upper Serangoon Road

Singapore 534709

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

IG: @jialiseafoodsoup

OH:

Fri – Wed: 11.00 – 23.00

Thu: 11.00 – 22.00

Other Location:

21 Woodlands Close, #01-23/24 Prim Bizhub, Singapore 737854

3 Gateway Drive, #B1-28/29 Food Republic @ Westgate, Singapore 608532

33 Lor Liput, Singapore 277744

26 Upper Changi Road, New Gem Coffeehouse, Singapore 462026

(Operating hours differ for each branch).

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

Dignity Kitchen – Good Food for Good Cause

Fish'N'Chips

During this stabilisation period, I saw frequent posts in FB Group calling for support of this makan place. Dignity Kitchen by Project Dignity is a food court run by people with disabilities (physical and intellectual) and disadvantaged (social and mental).

Dignity Kitchen

Project Dignity has a mission to restore dignity to different-abled and disadvantaged through vocation with passion. Project Dignity provides sponsored training for unemployed adults with special needs and places them with our employment partners within the F&B, hospitality and retail sectors. Some of the graduates will be hired in their food court (Dignity Kitchen) and book retail stores (Dignity Mama). For more information on Project Dignity, you can check them out here.

Stalls 1

Dignity Kitchen is a food court concept, with the following stalls Nasi Lemak, Chicken Rice, Claypot Rice, Rojak, Noodle, Western, Bakery, Fruits and Nanyang Kopi. When you enter the food court, you just place all your orders at the cashier and wait for your number to be called on the screen. Afterwards, proceed to the designated stall for collection. All the stalls and cashier are manned by the differently-abled and disadvantaged crew.

Stalls 2

On my first visit to Dignity Kitchen with my regular makan kaki “K”. We ordered Signature Rojak ($4) to share. The portion is very generous, consisting of fruits, vegetables, youtiao, coated evenly with the rojak sauce and sprinkle with ground peanuts. The ingredients are fresh, the sauce is thick, however, it can be better if fermented prawn paste is stronger to give the sauce more OMPH.

Signature Rojak

Fish’N’Chips ($6.50). A huge place of fish and chips. The batter is crispy and the fish is flaky. I found out later that they use a higher-grade dory fish for the fish and chips. The crinkle fries are crisp externally and moist internally. There is fresh salad, lemon wedge on the side and mayonnaise as a dipping sauce instead of tartar sauce. The fish and chips here have the same standard as those in bistros or gastropubs.

Fish'N'Chips

Flaky Dory Fish

K decided to have Chicken Chop ($6.50). Since he is watching his carbo intake, he only has protein and vegs. I tried a bite of the chicken chop, it is juicy, succulent, with a touch of crispiness externally.

Chicken Chop

We also tried their Muffins ($2.50 each). There are moist, light and packs with flavour, especially the Oreo Chocolate Flavour Muffin.

Muffins

On the second visit, I had Nasi Lemak with Beef Rendang ($4). Looking at the portion, you are likely to pay more outside. The rice is rich and fragrant, while the beef rendang is tasty and succulent. The achar is a bit spicy, yet refreshing.

Nasi Lemak with Beef Rendang

LD ordered Prawn Laksa ($5). According to her, the broth is rich, lemak and packs a good spicy kick. The portion is generous and the prawns are fresh. A very good serving indeed.

Prawn Laksa

The environment at Dignity Kitchen is clean, tidy with simple furnishing and air-conditioned. While dining at Dignity Kitchen, you can also see the two training classes use to Train-and-Place programme for adults with special needs seeking employment; and for WSQ and SkillsFuture eligible hawker culinary courses for the public.

Menu 1

CBK Verdict: Although Dignity Kitchen main mission is a social enterprise, the food serves here are of a good standard. They are also tasty and generous with their portion. What better way to support a social cause with a happy tummy. Cheers!

Menu 2

Here are some ways you can contribute to the operation cost of the Dignity Project:

- Dine or Take Away on food from Dignity Kitchen

- Take a course at Dignity Learn. An inclusive training centre that provides WSQ and SkillsFuture eligible hawker culinary courses for the public. LD and I attended a Food Hygiene course, coinciding with our second visit to Dignity Kitchen.

- Purchase items from Dignity Mama stores, located in local hospitals.

- Dignity Outreach combines team bonding with impact, offering corporate and government entities an avenue to engage in corporate citizenship while achieving team building objectives.

For more details, visit https://projectdignity.sg/

Public Training Courses

Food & Drinks: 7.5/10

Value: 8.5/10

Service: N/A (Self Service)

Ambiance: 6.5/10

Budget per Person: $0 - $10

Dignity Kitchen 

(by Project Dignity)

69 Boon Keng Road

Singapore 339772

T: +65 8189 7678

W: https://projectdignity.sg/

F: https://www.facebook.com/proj.dignity

IG: https://www.instagram.com/projectdignitysg/

OH:

Mon – Fri: 08.00 – 19.00

Sat & Sun: 08.00 – 14.00