Blanco Court Prawn Me - Beach Road, Bugis - Singapore, Singapore

Blanco Court Prawn Mee

Prior to heading overseas, I did a quick search on places to eat at in Singapore and compiled a list. We failed to go to all restaurants on the list given the time constraints and limited days we had in Singapore. However, one place we did go to was a restaurant that had been serving prawn mee, also known as prawn noodles, in Bugis for many years, starting the trade since 1928 to be exact. This family owned restaurant not only has one store but has expanded to a number of locations in Singapore to meet the local demand.  A few reviews have noted it as being one of the best.

'Bianco Court Prawn Mee' located on Beach Road in Bugis is a humble looking restaurant located smack bang on one of the busiest roads, Beach Road. Situated next to Haji Lane, a fashionista paradise for those shoppers out there looking for independent boutique shops housing local designers.

We visit on a weekday lunch and it's bursting with local office workers. It's actually quite big inside and there are plenty of tables. The turnover is very fast so you don't have to wait long before a table is free. What you must do to reserve your seat is place a packet of tickets on the table to let people know the table is reserved. Before placing your order, do ensure you find a table as you have to quote your table number prior to ordering as they'll bring the food out to you.

Service is prompt and highly efficient. The workers line the bench behind the counter preparing the prawn noodles in succession, moving from one person to the next.

The menu is limited with only 8 options and they stick to what they do best, the noodle soups. They come in two sizes, regular and large. A choice of white or yellow noodles is available or a combination of both. For those who want to splurge, there is the '3 in 1 Noodle (SGD 8.00 / SGD 10.00)' consisting of prawns, ribs or tail or the 'Jumbo Prawn Noodle (SGD 8.00 / SGD 10.00)'.

To the side, you can get a range of different sides to have with your prawn noodles but we chose not to on this occasion.

Bowls upon bowls of prawn mee are brought out and people are thoroughly enjoying their noodles despite the high heat and humidity levels outside. There is no air conditioning running here so don't get too comfortable. Without this it is still cool as the breeze does come through because of the high ceilings and ventilation is overall pretty good.

We opt for the regular portion of 'Sliced Prawn and Pork Ribs Noodle Soup (SGD 4.50 / SGD 5.50)' as we're lazy to de-shell the prawns. It  is also available in five other variations including the prawn (with the shell) and pork ribs,  pork ribs and tail, prawn noodle, sliced prawn noodle and pork ribs noodle. They are all priced at SGD 4.50 for regular and SGD 5.50 for large. They are available dry or with soup.

A simple and no-frills looking dish but full of flavour. The prawns are fresh and juicy and the pork ribs are extremely tender. The noodles still have a slight chew to it which I like and the addition of bean sprouts, fried shallots and chives gives it a nice crunch factor. How did the soup taste? The most important part of the dish. One spoonful into the mouth and the rich and deep flavour sensation hits you. The dark broth has the prawn aroma lingering and is absolutely tasty.   I was still craving for more after eating this. I should have ordered the large size!

To be honest, I haven't had the chance to try many version of the prawn noodle and I've got to say this is the best version that I've tried.

The 'Lime Juice (SGD 1.30) was a refreshing drink and great for the hot weather. The side counter sells the drinks separate but can be paid for at the noodle counter.

Will definitely be back to try again. I want to try the dry version with the soup on the side next time around.

Then it was time for a snack in the evening. These ice-cream carts are scattered throughout the city of Singapore and you'll usually find older aunties or uncles selling these delicious ice-creams in assorted flavours.  The ice-cream comes in large blocks, are cut up into thick slices and put between two wafer pieces or a slice of rainbow bread for SGD 1.00! Some charge more but this lovely vendor was only charging SGD 1.00. For the more adventurous there is durian or sweet corn.

The 'Yam Ice-cream' was creamy and so delicious. An absolute bargain and a nice way to cool down.

Where?
243 Beach Road
#01-01 Singapore 189754
Singapore

Phone no: + 65 6396 8464

Opening Hours
Monday, Wednesday - Sunday (Closed Tuesdays)
7:00am - 4:00pm

Website
https://www.facebook.com/BlancoCourtPrawnMee/

Zhen Zhen Porridge - Maxwell Food Centre - Singapore, Singapore.

Zhen Zhen Porridge

Singapore will always be my favourite country no matter where I travel in the world. I've been fortunate enough to have been able to go on many trips to experience different cities and explore new countries, in which I've enjoyed some places more than others. There is just something about Singapore that brings me back time and time again. Even though people tend to say it's such a small country, I find that there is heaps to do regardless. It's not too far from Australia, being only approximately 8 hours by plane from Sydney, as compared to going to the United States or Europe which can take up to a whole day. I'm not a plane person and get terribly sick at times, but that hasn't stopped me from going.

There are just so many great things about Singapore that I like such as the highly efficient transport system, the cleanliness of the city and the culture in general. But what I love most about the country is the variety of food on offer, the abundance of locations to get food,  how cheap food can be and how deliciously good the food is.  What is there isn't to like? The only negative is the weather as the humidity and heat gets to you but I prefer Summer over Winter any day.

I can write, write and write about how great Singapore is but this post is all about 'Zhen Zhen Porridge', located in Maxwell Food Centre, serving Singaporean hawker food at extremely affordable prices. It is relatively easy to get to as you can either catch the MRT (train) and get off at 'Chinatown' station, catch a bus or even take a taxi with all modes of transportation being pocket friendly. It is situated across from the Chinese temple.

Maxwell Food Centre may look a bit old and outdated and not appear to be the cleanness of places, but don't be scared off by this, as this is where the authentic Singaporean delights can be found.

What does Zhen Zhen Porridge specialise in you may ask? The two most popular items on their limited menu is the 'Fish Congee' and the 'Raw Fish Salad'. If you read Singapore food blogs, then there has probably been a mention of this place, as it is very popular with locals and tourists with queues starting early in the morning. Some like the taste of their congee while others do not. It all depends on personal preference and whether you're willing to wait in line for a long time!

Arriving just before 10am, we are shocked at the amount of people queuing up for congee so early on a weekend morning. We join the queue and end up waiting 40-50 minutes for a bowl of congee. In Singapore, people queue for things that are good and that only means one thing, the congee here is good. There is a huge pot at the back with an automatic stirrer containing plain congee. I think the main reason for the queue being so long is there is only one person cooking behind the counter so each bowl is cooked individually with the chef combining the congee with choice of meat. The people in front of us appear to be from Hong Kong and the person behind us was holding a map, so they must have been tourist too.

The menu you see is in Chinese but on the side of the glass there is a little menu in English. There are a few meat options on offer for the congee such as chicken, fish, century egg or a combination. The most popular being the fish.

The 'Fish Congee (SGD 3.00)' comes in what looks to be a small bowl but don't be deceived by how it looks as it is packed in densely. The congee is uniformly consistently, smooth and silky, cooked to perfection with fresh pieces of fish. The fish meat melts in your mouth and there is no presence of any weird fishy smells that you may get elsewhere. This is topped with fried shallots, spring onion and ginger. Then sesame oil and white pepper is drizzled on top to season. The congee is steaming hot and just so tasty, reminding me of the Cantonese jook.

 The grains of the congee have been fully dissolved so don't expect rice looking grains like the Teochew style congee with fluffy grains. That sweet and salty dipping sauce with fresh chilli is just phenomenal and I really want to know where I can this this in Sydney, so if anyone knows please let me know.

I noticed a lot of people ordering the 'Raw Fish Salad (SGD 5.00)' also called Yu Sheng in Chinese and this is another recommended dish for those raw fish lovers out there.

I had to get the 'You Tiao (Fried Dough Sticks)' from a neighbouring store called 'Pan Cake' to dip into the congee. A pair of freshly made and freshly fried fritters cooked on premises at a measly price of SGD 0.50.

Then we had to finish our meal with a 'Small Soya Bean Milk (SGD 0.70)' located across from the famous 'Tian Tian Chicken Rice'. Not artificial tasting and well balanced with the right amount of sugar.

Oh yes, do bring some tissue packets cause that's how you can reserve a table or a seat. These restaurants do not provide tissues to wipe your perspiration from the heat!

If you want to avoid the line-up, do go as early as possible and for those who are really eager, Zhen Zhen opens at 5:30am. They do sell out so it's best to go early to avoid disappointment. Worth the wait? To me yes, as I like the taste and texture. Even though I think it tasted better the last time I tried it a few years back but I still think it tastes great.  Well worth a try if you're in Singapore.

Where?
Maxwell Food Centre
Maxwell Road
#01-54
Singapore 069184
Singapore

Opening Hours
Open daily (Closed Tuesdays)
5:30am - 2:30pm

Website
NA

Ah Yip Herbal Soup - Kuala Lumpur - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Ah Yip Herbal Soup

After staying in Europe for over a month, I was lacking the essential vitamins and minerals due to the minimal fruits and vegetables I was eating. I was craving for my mum's Chinese soups that she made at home weekly. I'm a big fan of Chinese soups and just love how tasty and nutritious they are. Chinese soup is known to be part of the Cantonese dining culture in which some families have these soups daily.

Herbal soups are made from a combination of several herbs and boiled with a meat. It is best known for preventing sickness, promoting good health and boost ones general well being.

After touching down in Malaysia, my first lunch was from 'Ah Yip Herbal Soup' located within the Food Republic Food Court in the Pavilion Shopping Centre. They are popular amongst the locals with 11 outlets in Malaysia and 1 in Singapore at present. If you read my previous post on Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, then you may have seen that I had this on my stopover to Europe.

Chinese herbal soups are not only wholesome and hearty but also nutritious, tasty and delicious. Best had in the winter month as it keeps you warm and is the ultimate comfort food. I like to have herbal soups in all seasons, in both hot and cold weather.

My all time favourite soup would have to be lotus root soup. I went with the 'Dried Squid with Lotus Root Soup Set (RM12.80)' which  includes a steaming bowl of home made soup served with steamed rice, vegetables and black fungus chicken. This is eaten with the fresh chili dipping sauce which is a must have accompaniment.

Comfort food at its best.

There are plenty of soups to choose from and the options are a plenty depending on what you like to eat and how adventurous you are.

Where?
Pavilion Shopping Centre
Food Republic Food Court
Lot K1.24.01,
Level 1 Pavilion,
Kuala Lumpur

Phone no: 018 638 2122

Opening Hours
7 Days a Week
10am - 10pm

Website
www.ahyipherbalsoup.com