Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits @ Tampines

I took me years to try this place out, but I finally did. I've heard tons of comments on Popeye and how this is better than KFC. This is their first outlet in the heartlands and I could wait to try it out.

Chicken
There is the option mild or spicy. Mild isn't spicy at all and spicy doesn't had the same kick level as the crispy chicken in KFC. Never the less, I prefer Poeye's mild chicken when compared to KFC. Firstly, the chicken not clobbered with thick layers of flour and the occasional fats which can still detect in the KFC. Secondly, though I like original recipe I find it a bit too salty at times, especially after one too many.

Mash and Biscuits
Even though Popeyes market themselves as "Chicken & Biscuits", what really shines its their mash. Its extremely smooth and has the consistency of custard, only that its savoury. The sauce over the mash is tasty and has bits of chicken and herbs within. It can be a bit salty, so don't wolf down the whole lot, but slowly savour it. The biscuit is crumbly and reminds me of corn bread, with a flaky interior. I feel that since its a bit savoury instead of sweet, the best way to eat it is to dip a bit of the sauce and consume instead of the jam that is provided.

I couldn't resist while I was passing by another day and got the large mash potatoes. The price difference between the large and regular was only a dollar. So why not.

The Handburger @ City Hall

Nope. That not me. I'm the ugliest duckling that hides behind the camera.

Its been the longest time since I've heard lots of good comments and recommendations, yet surprisingly not many food blogs have done reviews on this place. After finding much needed time and star alignments, I finally did the plunge and had the opportunity to review this place. Just a bit background information on The Handburger. Did you know that they are established by the same management as the Soup Spoon. Well. Now you do.

Intriguing Menu

Interesting play for they menu design. The clipboard reminds me of the waitress taking your orders in road dinners in America which the whole burger industry is born from. Now gone are the routes and up with the shopping malls, but its subtle touches like this that remind us of the root which we origin.

I bet you can't say no to these.

Beer Battered Calamari

The Beer Battered Calamari was huge and were piping hot went they arrived on the table. Each ring is cover with a chunky crust, which is crisp and not oily. Upon biting into the ring reviews a tender and not too elastic squid. There are also a variety of dipping sauces condiments that are paired with the calamari for your choice. Unfortunately, you can only choose one of of the whole array of assorted flavors which makes it rather disappointing. I went with the Garlic Aioli which is surprising better than the normal mayo or Tatar sauce that is commonly served. Its slightly similar to mayo, but with a bit spicy and garlic tangy in it. I couldn't stop dipping into it. Make sure that you eat these hot to truly enjoy them at their highest potential.

Pulled Pork Burger

When one think of burgers, the instead though is patties. The Pulled Pork Burger as the name suggests is shredded pork which is pulled from the bone, which the tender pork flesh is slowly cook to a tender. Each mouthful is a juicy meat is drowsed with homemade barbecue sauce that engulfs all senses. The slaw on top seems to be a mix of onions and skinless tomatoes which has a sweet and tangy vinegar slight sour, compliments the heavy and robust barbecue sauce. Striking a balance between sweet and savory. All these sits on a bed of coral lettuce, tomato and toasted rustic bun. Just make sure to pick your teeth later with all those gummy strings of pork stuck between your teeth.

Tandoor Chicken Burger

Have craving for Indian food or satay. Not to worry. Handburger has many burgers to satisfy anyone with any craving. As one would come to expect this burger would take many traits from what its name suggest, tandoori chicken. The chicken is fragrant and well seasoned, a little less spicy that what I expected. The thigh meat was marinated in yogurt cucumber, red onions, hand cooked masala sauce and mint mayo. Sits on a sweet mango chutney, coral lettuce, tomato and toasted spinach and parmesan bun.

Duck Leg Confit Burger

The French come to detest what of which is American food, the burger. Thus you don't see the presents of it in french cuisines. Asking for it would invite stares and a slap across the face. Interesting the people in Handburger beg to differ from tradition and includes this fusion burger into their menu. This is also one of the more raved burgers in Handburger.

No wonder praises of this are sang. The duck is tender and moist. The meat simply flakes off when cut into, shows a slight pretty pink. No pungent duck smell could be detected. Instead the pairing of the mandarin oranges bring this dish is a even new high. The impossible natural sweet of the thin wedges of oranges preach on the boneless duck leg confit makes prefect bliss that words can describe. The mix of baby snow pea sprouts and coral lettuce add texture and the much welcome of green. All sits on a toasted caramelized onion bun. Only difference between this and the original duck leg confit is that the skin here is limpy instead of the crispy texture that one would expect. Though this is a small trade off of a wonderful gastronomic burger. If there are 5 stars I would give a 7. Highly recommended.

I noticed that different burger buns are selected based on the respective ingredients that goes into making the burger. Shows that intricate planning and careful consideration was really taken to bring out the best of each burger. Not some random cash cow industry that churns out money.

All burgers comes served with a choice of either Straight Cut Fries or Chilled Stuffed Tomato for the sides.

Straight Cut Fries

The fries here are deep fried still with the skin attached. Its crisp in the outside and fluffy in the inside. Love the extra texture that the skin brings about compare the normal fries that we are accustom to get. The default dipping sauce is barbecue sauce, unless you request accordingly.

Chilled Stuffed Tomato

Bursting with natural goodness.

This is a rather unique dish. A chilled peeled skinless tomato is stuffed to the brim with coleslaw of purple lettuce, carrots and onions. The coleslaw has a minute nature sweetness and seems to be toss with a slightly sweet and mild vinegar. A splash of special carrot and sesame sauce to add for dressing. This dish is extremely unique and at the same time health, a must try for the health conscious. Taste wise it may not appeal to everyone, but I urge you to give it a try.

Lemonade Mint

This is basically crushed iced lemonade with mint. The mint does add a refreshing touch to the drink. However, I find it a bit too sour. If the drink were to be slightly sweet that would be the better.

Lychee Mint

The sweet fragrances of the lychee and the refreshing cool mint together with crush ice makes this a real winner drink. This two ingredient do not overpower one another, one can taste both lychee and mint distinctively. Really nice drink to wash down those greasy burgers. Makes all my friends jealous for now ordering this.

The environment is brightly lit and compact seating. Thus sitting can troubling if you were to go in large groups. The tables reminds me of the canteen and school diners that we have in your childhood days. Service wise the staff are usually young waiters and some are a bit slower to react, but do not let this falter the great kitchen staff that prepares your food. Due to the small kitchen, you may not to wait a while (depending on the crowd) for your meal to arrive. However, trust me its worth it.

Handburger dares to be difference and innovative, greatly differentiating the man from the boys. Breaking every rule that there is to making a burger and yet succeeding in across that thin line between gastronomic explosion and total disaster. It is not art here that we see, but a stroke of genius that makes creatively melts all the flavors together in present harmony. Proofing that there is more to it, then just plain hamburger.

The Handburger
252 North Bridge Road
#B1-77/78 Raffles City Shopping Centre
Tel: 6334 4577

Event in Raffles City Hotel

Hair Stylist working their magic.

I was fortunate enough to attend a beauty event at Raffles City Hotel Ballroom. The meal consist of a Western Dinner Cuisines. Really enjoyed it.

Fresh Assorting Bread

Hotel Bread is totally a different league from those you get from any bakery store. I was so spoilt from the large variety of choices right in front of me. They were warm and aromatic when broke into. I couldn't stop eating these, especially with smooth silken butter spreaded on it. Every single bread sends me one step closer to heaven. If these breads were sold in a bakery, I would gladly buy them daily.

I must specially mention that there were two dinner bread that I was very fond. Firstly, was the rough grind whole grain mini loaf which was coarse in the exterior and yet very well layer interior and smells of summer and grains when bite into. Secondly, there was this regular bun. However, parting it reveals a tomato texture. I curiously bite into it and was totally blown away. There was a distinct tomato paste flavour kneeded into the dough, the presents of tomato skin where even in the bread. Strong yet not over powering the bread's nature aromas. Very unique and totally ingenious. Best bread every eaten period.

Garden Grown Green Salad with Pear, Orange Wedge, Roasted Pine Nut, and Orange Balsamic Dressing

The salad really brighten up my day. I was really tired upon arriving from the event, but this salad really perch me up. Every ingredient is fresh and crisp, pairing sweetness with a hint of sour. Neither of the ingredients overpower every other, but were at a harmony. The incorporation of the pear and orange where pleasant and balsamic vinger to the party was greatly delightful.

Baked Fillet of Snapper with Olive Oil and Herbs, and Chanterelle Jus Saffron New Potatoes and Sauteed Green Bean and Shallot

I had really expected more out of this dish, thus was a bit disappointed on how it turned out. For starters, the fish was dry and flavourful. The sauce drizzled on it was a bad combination on the fish. (Think bak-chor mee mee mushroom sauce). Really disappointed.

Confit of Chicken Thigh Roulade, Infuse with Five Spice, Honey Sweet Potato Mash and Light Port Wine Sauce

The chicken however was very lovely and tender. Meat is well perfected and seasoned. Pairing of the sweet potato mash bring a hint of sweetness to the savory dish. Nice. Too bad portions was small.

Warmed Bread and Butter Pudding with Apricot Compote

The pudding is soft and smooth. When paired with the fruits and cream custard, proved to be a big favourite amongst all the guest. I was neither overly sweet or clogging to the throat and went down nicely. The smooth pudding, rich temperate fruits, nutty bits of walnut within and a splash of warm creamy custard. Seconds anyone?

There were serving of coffee/tea and nice warmed biscuit after dessert. Though odd since it was served after dinner, but who's to complain since they was equally top notch as their bread at the start of the dinner. I worship the hotel's pastry chef.

Astons Empire

The success of Aston's formula of cheap, great portions and customization dishes has propelled Astons to mushroom all over Singapore. Still bringing cheap food to the masses in the city area, but still maintaining its affordable prices. They have expanded to Suntec City and a newly located Astons Prime in Centrepoint, bring the total of 3 branches in the city (including Cathay Branch).

Giving my friend more excuse to dine there. As much as I enjoy Astons, 3 visits in the time span of 2 months is one too many.

Budget Establishment is bound to be a crowd magnet, so be sure to be prepare to wait.

Sirlion Steak for my carb glutton friend

Chicken and Sausage Set.

The sausages though small were rather good, goes really well with either potato salad or smash. However this is costly then Double Chicken, makes one really difficult to decide on an addition slab of chicken or 6 aromatic sausages. Hmm...

Double Chicken with different Sides

Preshafruit Granny Smith

Spotted this rather interesting drink. Its imported drink from Australia that utilities High Pressure Processing to squeeze every ounce of juice naturally from the fruit. Unlike conventional juices which are heat pasteurised, thus resulting in lost of colour, taste, smell and nutrients.

Extraction Process

With our powers combine...

Different variety

I must say their design and marketing department did a great job. Defying from the traditional cylindrical bottle to a triangular one is certainly an eye catcher. Taste wise. Its really a shocker. The juice is pleasant, clean and refreshing. Simpler to simply biting into an apple. Really puts all the rest of juices you get in the supermarket to shame.

Back to the topic on Astons. Service is rather bad. With missing orders, long waiting time and large crowds. However, this is rather understandable due to the new and inexperience service staff. Hopefully it would improve with time.

Astons Specialities (Suntec)
3 Temasek Boulevard
#B1-043/044
Suntec City Mall
Tel : 6884 8816

View Larger Map

Benten Cafe @ Iluma

Brightly lit place. You can't possibly miss it.

Japanese plastic food models are good enough to eat.
Note the huge jug of parfait at the bottom.
Can make any birthday girl smile.

Interior is very brightly lit and radiates a warmth feeling.

One strong point about Benten Cafe is that the food is priced at a affordable range. With most main dishes being priced at only $10.50 to $13.50, it really is a magnet to pull in the younger crowd. If you are looking for authentic Japanese food, then stay clear of this place. As most of the food there are Japanese westerns. Benten mains offers grill plates, curry rice, pasta and pizzas. Food portions are rather huge and filling.

Teadot is down at the other corner, were giving out some Chives Green Tea.
Rather refreshing. Will try them out soon.

Love their salt and pepper grinder.
Nothing beats freshly grind pepper.

Hamburger Steak & Egg

Salmon & Hamburger Steak

Buttered Toast

Rice

There are many different alternations of their grill plate items ranging from their more common hamburger steak to teriyaki chicken, pork cutlets, salmon and ebi prawns. There are single mains and combo mains to cater to the pea eater and hungry frenzy crowd. All come with sides of broccoli, corn and fries. To add on to the already confusing menu, there is a option of 3 kinds of sauce to go with your meat. They are demi glaze, black pepper and curry. Then there is the final option of bread or rice to go with your grill plate items. I would recommend toast which is rather fragrant though not being garlic toast. Plus all those carbohydrates from the fries should be able to satisfy your starch intake for the day.

I had the hamburger steak & egg. The demi glaze, which is a thick brown reduced meat stock, goes really well with the hamburger steak. Though I feel that they were a little stingy on the sauce. The hamburger though big was a bit too brittle. However, the sweetness of the bits of onion within the patty does make up for its flaws. Still Wakaru has a better retention of the hamburger steak.

Pork Cutlet Curry Rice

Hamburger Curry Rice

Curry rice is not bad. The curry is slightly different compared to the ones that you would get from regular Japanese places. Its slightly hotter and not as thick in flavor. Neverless its still above average. The pork cutlet is huge and goes really well with the curry. Though its a first of me trying Japanese curry with hamburger steak, the brittle steak doesn't complement the curry as well as the pork. Due to the brittle nature of the steak, thus losing out in terms of texture.

Matccha Azuki Parfait

Choco Banana Parfait

Benten Cafe also offers a few parfait at really low prices of $5.80. Though incomparable with desserts from MOF and Azabu Sabo, their parfaits are rather well done. The one above are their regular size ones. They also offer mini parfait at $3+ and a godzilla parfait at $38. Only complain is that, they should at least cut the ugly skin of my honeydew.

Benten Cafe (Iluma)
201 Victoria Street Bugis
#01-14
Singapore 188607
Tel: 6884 7077
Website: http://www.bentendo.com.sg/


View Larger Map