Never had a good impression about the TLG for their overpriced chinese fare. However, give them to me free and i'll probably fall head over heels for a bite. Zhou's kitchen happen to be one of those places where i got lucky and had the good fortune to eat for free due to work commitments. As everything is free, do note i may be more skewed to say their good then not.
The event was one that my company booked the whole restaurant for. This branch is near the road and has 2 stories. Seating capacity more or less maxes out at around 50-70 people but we invited 300-400 so it was quite a squeeze. The service staff were friendly and accomodating which made our jobs easier but even then, they weren't able to cope with the huge numbers.
In terms of food, what i had was a buffet spread of dim sum which pretty much sums it up.
In detail, i had the normal steamed shrimp dumplings which were generous in the dosage of crunchy shrimp which i liked. I also had the fried shrimp dumplings which were essentially the same but fried to a nice golden brown.
Beef slices were rather dry and not to my liking. The salad prawn with mixed fruits were rather delightful as well. Crunchy shrimp simply doesn't grow old for me.
BBQ pork pastry was rather average with the meat being overly hard and sweet. The pastry itself also lacked the aromatic fragrance which i like.
The steamed custard bun was rather disappointing since it tastes like those 50 cent per piece ones you can find in the hawker centers.
I also had a little fried rice and fried bee hoon to go with everything and the rice stood out with its salted fish rendition. The bee hoon was too oily for me.
To end it, i had mini egg tarts which had crispy and flaky pastry with less sweet egg fillings which was welcome.
All in all, it wasn't too bad so why 3 stars? For one, i still don't think its worth the price of admission and 2, i just don't have as good an impression of the group as before.
Have been patronizing this little stall for many years when i was working there during my national service. In the beginning, it was just due to convenience that i ate there, after all, a $1 curry puff is hardly expensive by today's standards and the fact that it was bursting with ingredients is a huge plus.
If you are the kind used to Old Chang Kee or just run of the mill curry puffs, this is something to try.
To put it in perspective, Old Chang Kee feels processed while this, which is made on the spot and sold, has a more down to earth taste with the added incentive of it being fresh.
For one, i like the potatos they used because its more crunchy then OCK. The chicken is also in bigger chunks as well but its irregular since its made by hand. Either way, the discerning factor is the more spicy curry and chilli used which really differentiates it from the others.
Good clean fun for the stomach and something to easily enjoy on the go. This is one curry puff to try. After all, the owner made millions from it so more or less you know its good.
Went on a business trip to Bangkok lately and i have to say, there are certain things i liked and certain things i didn't like about the place.
Disclaimer: my view may be a little skewed since i spent most of my 6 days in the hotel for job training.
First off, i'll talk about what i dislike.
- Dislike the horrible streets which seem like they just went through an earthquake
- dislike the spicy food and hot weather
- dislike the crowds and generally clatter
- dislike the dirty streets and back alleys
- bombs and protests
Now, we'll talk about what i like:
- cheap stuff for shopping
- huge shopping malls
- superb bargaining
- wonderful hotel (i stayed in Sheraton on the 26th floor shared with a male colleague)
- superb hotel buffets and food
- generally better service then Singapore
- CHEAP BEER (USD 90 cents for Tiger beer anyone?)
- Elephants on the streets
- Ma Boon Kong (enough said)
- Awesome sky train that shields and brings you to major hotels and shopping malls
- company sponsorship (can't live without it)
When all is said and done, its more or less justified to risk life and limb to visit the place. Its dilapidated and back in some areas but in others, it excels beyond what SG can offer at times.
The shopping is legendary and to be honest, i don't even know why i'm paying so much for the same things in Singapore now. However, pros and cons abound as usual.
Verdict? Visit the place at least once. Get over the horrible streets and expensive hotels and you'll find a place with charm, really cheap stuff and a really different experience.
feizhusaid: You wouldn't want to stay there for an extended period of time. You only went to the urban areas. I had to go to the outlying areas of bangkok. Its even worse there :S 05 Nov 2008 at 12:15 am
claudsaid: You experienced bombs and protests while u're there?? I want to go BKK one of these weekends! Saw someone blog about the new young wkend mkt. And looks very interesting! BKK is shopping paradise! 05 Nov 2008 at 11:45 am
Lucardiasaid: FZ, i know man. I've been to the outlying areas in previous trips. Claud, yeah, it was quite an eye opener. Yeah, go spend ur year end bonus there. There's lots to get. 05 Nov 2008 at 12:43 pm
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Tiger Airways, Singapore's very own budget airline. Its the first time i've ever sat in anything other than an SIA plane in 3 years and a budget offering at that.
The first few things you notice is that there's free seating but seats can be allocated at a premium price. I managed to get a special discounted price for Western Australia at $650 to and fro with no additional airport tax or anything like that. Which i still find, is a pretty good deal given that no other airline i've checked can match that.
The second thing i noticed is that there's no free food and no free drinks and entertainment. Which was quite a shock since the journey is 5 hours and there was nothing to do. Worst of all is how dry the air in the plane is. You'll have to drink or face the dryness of it all. Its not really a choice in the end.
The planes are of a smaller variety and thus leg room is limited. Its also quite wobbly during take off and during flight which makes it rather difficult to sleep.
As a budget offering, its not too bad. Just that i'm too used to being pampered with unlimited drinks and entertainment. That said, i'll probably stick to SIA in future. Cheers and kudos to Tiger Airways still .
claudsaid: You didn't know about the food and drink when u booked the tickets ah? 5hrs trip is long man! 13 Sep 2008 at 12:37 am
Lucardiasaid: Yeah, i jumped on the offer on a whim. Didn't know alot of stuff until i already paid. lol. 13 Sep 2008 at 1:02 am
laubehcarsaid: ya, you are high standard, everything get the best. how many million you have ya? or maybe just like many ordinary ppl on the street , work hard and earn 5k per month, yet think that ownself is lucky 29 Sep 2008 at 6:33 pm
Lucardiasaid: laubehcar, thing is i work hard and still don't earn 3k a month. All the more i want more for my money. 30 Jan 2009 at 5:07 pm
Just returned from a 7 day trip to Western Australia and i'm glad to say i absolutely loved the place! Slow and relaxed lifestyle. Friendly and wonderful people, absolutely beautiful surroundings and lots of fresh and good food. Its an experience everyone should go for.
My 7 day trip took me to King's Park which is a must visit in Perth. Excellent views, superb flowers and great food at Fraser's as well. The wonderful weather between June to October is extremely conducive for visiting the park. Lots and lots of beautiful flowers. Unbelievable view of Perth and the 2 rivers and lakes as well.
A short trip down to Murray street and HarbourTown Direct Brand shopping is a must for bargain hunters.
Across the highway to millpoint, there are restaurants like Shige and The Oyster Bar which are highly recommended by locals and overseas people as well.
A trip down to Fremantle is highly recommended for even more shopping and good food. Prepare to invest some time there.
I then drove down to Margaret River for a good wine experience. In the process visiting a few of the smaller towns like Dunsborough, Bunbury, Busselton and Augusta. Whatever you do, eat at Margaret River at night at this place called The Spaghetti bowl. It serves excellent food and i do mean excellent food at competitive prices as well. Loved it so much i visited i every night i stayed at MR.
All in all, visit WA. Its more then worth it. But be sure to give it at least 2 weeks or you won't be able to see enough. I certainly felt that it would be great if i stayed another....2 or so weeks. :)
His Food Blogsaid: Wah... you went Fraser's ah boss... so rich...HarbourTown is my favourite - NIKE Warehouse... oh... so you went south perth too... nice right the view? Plus oyster bar - yum yum! 12 Sep 2008 at 11:22 pm
Lucardiasaid: Haha, i passed it by man. But it still tempts me, most probably eating there next visit. lol. Still an awesome place though. 12 Sep 2008 at 11:28 pm
claudsaid: Wah!! You just got back and already planning another trip there! Envious! 13 Sep 2008 at 12:39 am
Lucardiasaid: Oh yeah, there's alot i haven't done. If i go again, i'll make it a 3 week or 2 week trip. :) 13 Sep 2008 at 1:01 am
feizhusaid: You got alot of leave? 2 week/3 week trip? 13 Sep 2008 at 10:43 am
eemlsaid: perth is a nice place to go. Other popular cities in aust such as sydney is kinda over-rated. Perth is nice and only 4-5 hr flight to reach there . So I think it's a good family vacation spot. 22 Sep 2008 at 10:04 am
1=SGD 0.0587
The event was one that my company booked the whole restaurant for. This branch is near the road and has 2 stories. Seating capacity more or less maxes out at around 50-70 people but we invited 300-400 so it was quite a squeeze. The service staff were friendly and accomodating which made our jobs easier but even then, they weren't able to cope with the huge numbers.
In terms of food, what i had was a buffet spread of dim sum which pretty much sums it up.
In detail, i had the normal steamed shrimp dumplings which were generous in the dosage of crunchy shrimp which i liked. I also had the fried shrimp dumplings which were essentially the same but fried to a nice golden brown.
Beef slices were rather dry and not to my liking. The salad prawn with mixed fruits were rather delightful as well. Crunchy shrimp simply doesn't grow old for me.
BBQ pork pastry was rather average with the meat being overly hard and sweet. The pastry itself also lacked the aromatic fragrance which i like.
The steamed custard bun was rather disappointing since it tastes like those 50 cent per piece ones you can find in the hawker centers.
I also had a little fried rice and fried bee hoon to go with everything and the rice stood out with its salted fish rendition. The bee hoon was too oily for me.
To end it, i had mini egg tarts which had crispy and flaky pastry with less sweet egg fillings which was welcome.
All in all, it wasn't too bad so why 3 stars? For one, i still don't think its worth the price of admission and 2, i just don't have as good an impression of the group as before.
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If you are the kind used to Old Chang Kee or just run of the mill curry puffs, this is something to try.
To put it in perspective, Old Chang Kee feels processed while this, which is made on the spot and sold, has a more down to earth taste with the added incentive of it being fresh.
For one, i like the potatos they used because its more crunchy then OCK. The chicken is also in bigger chunks as well but its irregular since its made by hand. Either way, the discerning factor is the more spicy curry and chilli used which really differentiates it from the others.
Good clean fun for the stomach and something to easily enjoy on the go. This is one curry puff to try. After all, the owner made millions from it so more or less you know its good.
Login to add your comment. Or, Register for an account now. It's free!
Disclaimer: my view may be a little skewed since i spent most of my 6 days in the hotel for job training.
First off, i'll talk about what i dislike.
- Dislike the horrible streets which seem like they just went through an earthquake
- dislike the spicy food and hot weather
- dislike the crowds and generally clatter
- dislike the dirty streets and back alleys
- bombs and protests
Now, we'll talk about what i like:
- cheap stuff for shopping
- huge shopping malls
- superb bargaining
- wonderful hotel (i stayed in Sheraton on the 26th floor shared with a male colleague)
- superb hotel buffets and food
- generally better service then Singapore
- CHEAP BEER (USD 90 cents for Tiger beer anyone?)
- Elephants on the streets
- Ma Boon Kong (enough said)
- Awesome sky train that shields and brings you to major hotels and shopping malls
- company sponsorship (can't live without it)
When all is said and done, its more or less justified to risk life and limb to visit the place. Its dilapidated and back in some areas but in others, it excels beyond what SG can offer at times.
The shopping is legendary and to be honest, i don't even know why i'm paying so much for the same things in Singapore now. However, pros and cons abound as usual.
Verdict? Visit the place at least once. Get over the horrible streets and expensive hotels and you'll find a place with charm, really cheap stuff and a really different experience.
Login to add your comment. Or, Register for an account now. It's free!You wouldn't want to stay there for an extended period of time. You only went to the urban areas. I had to go to the outlying areas of bangkok. Its even worse there :S
05 Nov 2008 at 12:15 am
You experienced bombs and protests while u're there?? I want to go BKK one of these weekends! Saw someone blog about the new young wkend mkt. And looks very interesting! BKK is shopping paradise!
05 Nov 2008 at 11:45 am
FZ, i know man. I've been to the outlying areas in previous trips. Claud, yeah, it was quite an eye opener. Yeah, go spend ur year end bonus there. There's lots to get.
05 Nov 2008 at 12:43 pm
The first few things you notice is that there's free seating but seats can be allocated at a premium price. I managed to get a special discounted price for Western Australia at $650 to and fro with no additional airport tax or anything like that. Which i still find, is a pretty good deal given that no other airline i've checked can match that.
The second thing i noticed is that there's no free food and no free drinks and entertainment. Which was quite a shock since the journey is 5 hours and there was nothing to do. Worst of all is how dry the air in the plane is. You'll have to drink or face the dryness of it all. Its not really a choice in the end.
The planes are of a smaller variety and thus leg room is limited. Its also quite wobbly during take off and during flight which makes it rather difficult to sleep.
As a budget offering, its not too bad. Just that i'm too used to being pampered with unlimited drinks and entertainment. That said, i'll probably stick to SIA in future. Cheers and kudos to Tiger Airways still .
- 1 more comment »
Login to add your comment. Or, Register for an account now. It's free!You didn't know about the food and drink when u booked the tickets ah? 5hrs trip is long man!
13 Sep 2008 at 12:37 am
Yeah, i jumped on the offer on a whim. Didn't know alot of stuff until i already paid. lol.
13 Sep 2008 at 1:02 am
ya, you are high standard, everything get the best. how many million you have ya? or maybe just like many ordinary ppl on the street , work hard and earn 5k per month, yet think that ownself is lucky
29 Sep 2008 at 6:33 pm
My 7 day trip took me to King's Park which is a must visit in Perth. Excellent views, superb flowers and great food at Fraser's as well. The wonderful weather between June to October is extremely conducive for visiting the park. Lots and lots of beautiful flowers. Unbelievable view of Perth and the 2 rivers and lakes as well.
A short trip down to Murray street and HarbourTown Direct Brand shopping is a must for bargain hunters.
Across the highway to millpoint, there are restaurants like Shige and The Oyster Bar which are highly recommended by locals and overseas people as well.
A trip down to Fremantle is highly recommended for even more shopping and good food. Prepare to invest some time there.
I then drove down to Margaret River for a good wine experience. In the process visiting a few of the smaller towns like Dunsborough, Bunbury, Busselton and Augusta. Whatever you do, eat at Margaret River at night at this place called The Spaghetti bowl. It serves excellent food and i do mean excellent food at competitive prices as well. Loved it so much i visited i every night i stayed at MR.
All in all, visit WA. Its more then worth it. But be sure to give it at least 2 weeks or you won't be able to see enough. I certainly felt that it would be great if i stayed another....2 or so weeks. :)
- 3 more comments »
Login to add your comment. Or, Register for an account now. It's free!Wah... you went Fraser's ah boss... so rich...HarbourTown is my favourite - NIKE Warehouse... oh... so you went south perth too... nice right the view? Plus oyster bar - yum yum!
12 Sep 2008 at 11:22 pm
Haha, i passed it by man. But it still tempts me, most probably eating there next visit. lol. Still an awesome place though.
12 Sep 2008 at 11:28 pm
Wah!! You just got back and already planning another trip there! Envious!
13 Sep 2008 at 12:39 am