Duck Master 鸭师傅 - Roasted duck at $15?!

Operating Hours: 10.30 AM - 9 PM

Operating Days: Daily

Address: 

Chinatown - 1 Park Road, People's Park Complex, #01-K99, S 059108

Textile Centre - 200 Jalan Sultan, #01-05, S 199081

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At last, we are able to get our hands dirty on 鸭师傅 Duck Master's roasted duck for just $15! Located at the ground floor of People’s Park Complex, the shop can be easily seen as it is fronted by rows of ducks spinning in an electric oven as they roast. Since its operation, orders have been stacking up, with waiting time as long as three hours. Customers have to place their orders and return at a later time to collect their ducks.

Other roast ducks available anywhere else are usually roasted in the morning and sold throughout the day. This results in a duck that is relatively dry and cold. Even if it's roasted to order, the price can get quite high.

This attractive price also means that you have to be prepared to wait in line. It can take up to three hours during peak hours. Look at the number of ducks preparing to be roasted in the oven.

So if you decided to wait, you make payment, get a queue number and collect the duck at a specific time slot given. If you do not want to go over and wait for hours, they do offer online ordering as well, just choose the time slot you would like to collect and go over to the stall. Just take note ordering online will need to pay an additional processing fee of 45 cents. 

When you are at Duck Master, you have to take a look at the three transparent glass oven that shows rows of ducks spinning slowly inside. Roasted right in front of you to witness the whole carousel roasting process.

They do not chop the duck for you, it was whole, on its own, head and all attached (Duck feet or duck wings not included). 

Why they do not offer to chop the duck? All their ducks are roasted on the spot for takeaway. They believe that it would be optimal to rest the duck and keep the juicy goodness within the duck until it is ready to be consumed. Chopping it immediately after roasting will result in the juices escaping from the meat. Another reason is to save the manpower, so you could get them at such a low price. But you able to get it chopped up at $3 just beside their shop. No cutlery is provided to us too. They only provided one small cup of chilli, do ask for extra if you need it. 

The herbal smell of the freshly roasted duck can be smelled through the bag as we were bringing it home. It came hot and roasted, it's not totally roasted till the skin is very crispy, but it is still better than most. You will also find chestnuts, garlic and other spices stuffed in the duck. The skin is slightly crisp and with a light layer of fat underneath.

The meat is tender, flavored and moist that even the breast meat is an enjoyment as they were easy to tear off. They've opened another branch at Textile Centre, so if you're looking to get your hands on their ducks, do visit this new shop so as to lessen the waiting time. Size is good to share with family. I'm so addicted to it and will order it again even if I have to queue for it, because it's really worth it for the price!

Keng Eng Kee Seafood 瓊榮記海鮮 - Michelin Guide Zi Char Restaurant

Operating Hours: 

12 PM - 2.30 PM and 5 PM - 10 PM

Operating Days: Daily

Address: 124 Bukit Merah Lane 1, #01-136, S 150124

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Reservation Number: 6272 1038

Keng Eng Kee Seafood 瓊榮記海鮮 pronounced as qióng róng jì, also known as KEK, is one of the Michelin starred restaurant that is located in a quiet Bukit Merah area, beside Alexandra Village Hawker Centre. KEK has started their family business since 1970, from a Hainanese Chicken Rice stall to the current 3rd generation Zi Char operation. KEK has an interesting family love story between the eldest daughter of the 1st gen owner and their employed full-time chef, which more information can be found on their menu. 

We were there at 6pm on a Sunday, and many tables outside the coffee shop were already occupied with a big crowd. 

Some of the KEK's signature dishes are Coffee Pork Ribs, Salted Egg Yolk Crab and of course the Chilli Crab.

Interesting history of KEK can be found on the menu.

The first dish served to us was KEK's signature Coffee Pork Ribs. This is definitely a must order dish for all coffee lovers. Rich and strong aroma Coffee scent, mixed with sugar and oyster sauce - the Coffee Pork Ribs is really a good dish to mix with white rice. Some of the zi char stalls tend to overcook their sauce, which would make the Coffee Pork Ribs tough and bitter. However, the Coffee Pork Ribs served here was exactly the opposite. Tender and boneless, the meat from the Pork Ribs was soft and chewy with the coffee aroma.

The next dish that came up was KEK's signature salted egg crab. Creamy sauce with the combination of salted egg yolk and the right amount of evaporated milk used, the sauce itself is already the star of the dish. We were told that at KEK, the owner will ensure that all the crabs used are fresh and up to a certain standard. The crab meat was fresh and thick, and the sauce served was enough for you to scoop and eat it on its own.

Next came was the stir-fried brinjal. This dish has good wok hei taste, which makes me went for a few more pieces. 

Next came was the "Choy Hiang" tofu, which the staff recommended. Deep fried homemade tofu with stir-fried minced pork & canned vegetable, this dish is good to mix with white rice! The tofu was smooth on the inside and crispy on the outside, it is definitely a good try.

Up next is their homemade Hay Chor (prawn roll)! The beancurd skin was filled with minced pork, prawns, carrots and water chestnut. It was then deep fried until golden crispy. For the price ($2 each piece) and the amount of good stuff inside, it is really worth it though it is still a little more pricey as compared to other zi char stalls. I prefer to eat my hay chor without any sweet sauce as it is flavorful enough.

A whole load of good stuff in a piece of Hay Chor.

The last dish that came was their signature Chilli Crab. By then, we were all having high expectation on this last dish, especially after we have tasted the salted egg crab. The Chilli crab, of course, did not disappoint us as well. The gravy is da bomb! The best method of eating the sauce is, of course, to eat it together with fried mantou. It is such a pity that at KEK, they don't serve fried mantou, but served Chinese steam pau instead. For those who would like to have an extra serving of the chili crab sauce, you will have to pay an extra $4.

All in all, KEK Seafood is definitely up to the Michelin star standard. All the dishes that we ordered are suitable for our liking. It is definitely one of the zi char places I would keep returning.

What I like about KEK is their fast service. The first dish was served just 5 minutes after we order. All the dishes were also subsequently served within 30 minutes. Despite our indecisiveness on what to order (due to a big group with 8 of us), the staff at KEK did not stress us to order, which to us, they are very customer friendly. Most importantly, despite their constant good business with many patrons, the food quality at KEK is up to standard as they have their own system in place to prepare the food. I would definitely recommend KEK to anyone who wants quality and affordable food. 

Creamier - Good Waffle with Ice cream located in peaceful area

Operating Hours: 

12 PM - 10 PM (Tuesdays to Thursdays And Sundays)

12 PM - 11 PM (Fridays to Saturdays)

Operating Days: Closed on Mondays

Address: 

Toa Payoh - 128 Toa Payoh Lorong 1, #01-835, S 310128

Gillman Barracks - 5A Lock Road, S 108927

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Started in 2011, Creamier opened its first cafe in Toa Payoh. In 2016, they opened their next cafe at Gillman Barracks. Both cafes are located at a peaceful area. Many people may wonder "Where is Gillman Barracks?" Although people were still asking this question, this Creamier branch still draws crowd especially at night and during weekends.

One thing I noticed about both cafes is the space between each table. It is quite cramped with limited seats. Creamier can hardly accommodate most of their customers especially during its peak hours. This place was packed with people! The one thing I don't like is the super small table and the cramp dining area in both cafes. I was sitting in the middle of the cafe and it was so cramped that I had to lean forward whenever a person walked pass me.

Creamier sells waffle, ice cream, and beverages. 

Creamier’s interior looks lovely with the hanging artworks. 

The most common thing people are doing when we were there was to wait, be waiting for a seat or waiting for their ice-cream waffle.

A must order is their Waffle with Ice cream at $9, and since we are already here, might as well just get an extra scoop of ice cream! 

Look at the number of different flavors they served! They have some unique ones, such as Thai Milk tea, Black Forest and Kaya flavors! Was told to wait for about 30 minutes to serve our orders.

Ordered their Waffle with Ice Cream with an additional scoop of Ice Cream. Ordered Cookies and cream with Kaya. They are generous in terms of the portion of their ice cream, a great plus. Their ice cream is very nice especially their Kaya, not too sweet and full of creamy milk taste, I will order their kaya flavor ice cream again in future.

The double thick waffles were slightly crispy around the edges and moist on the inside with egg fragrance,  topped with honey and chocolate sauce around the plate. 

Although there's always a large crowd, their waffles still maintain their fluffiness & crispiness and their ice cream are consistently good

With most cafes selling waffles, which is the best? At creamier, the waffle they served are one of the better ones I've tried so far. However, who knows there may be new cafe that serve better waffles appearing on street the next day.

The location of Creamier is quite inconvenient for friends who are not driving, but well nowadays private hire cars are quite affordable, but probably not for frequent visits unless you are driving or staying around the area.

Hiang Ji Roasted Meat and Noodle House 享记烧腊面家 - Fatty Char Siew & Roast Duck for Lunch

Operating Hours: 10 AM - 10 PM

Operating Days: Daily

Address: 190 Toa Payoh Lorong 6, #01-512, S 310190

We decided to have our lunch over at this stall named Hiang Ji Roasted Meat & Noodle House 享记烧腊面家 at a corner of the back lane opposite HDB Hub, we thought that their food should be quite nice to eat. Even before you find your seats, the staff will take your order, talking about proactive.

We looked through the menu and started to order. The staff was very attentive.

After they got our order, food arrived within 5 to 10 minutes.

Order Char Siew rice, Roasted duck Noodle, and dumpling soup.

They provided pickled spicy vegetables placed on the side to pair with the Char siew. Their dark gravy-like sauce is what different from the other average roast pork stalls. Those who like their rice to be filled with gravy, do ask them for more sauce.

The Char Siew is sweet, caramelized and fatty. I believed they used pork belly as it was juicier and fatter than other Char Siew that I have tasted. 

Very impressed with the size of the dumplings. Big and generously stuffed with chestnut bits, prawn, and minced pork. The filling was all well seasoned.

The duck meat mostly gave meat with bones but the meat is tender and moist, a lot of fats between the meat and skin.

The noodle is springy mixed with the dark soya sauce and chili. One bad thing is a bit too oily for me due to added pork lards. 

Those who do like the noodle with lots of lard, I definitely recommend it.

Rasa Sayang Western Food - Changed owner, changed quality?

Operating Hours: 11.30 AM - 12.30 AM

Operating Days: Daily

Address: 711 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 8, S 560711

I know this stall for years. in fact, it was one of the western stalls that makes me think differently about Hawker centre's western food industry. They are always being mentioned when asked about western food in Singapore. This western stall was one of the most popular stalls in the hawker centre due to its quality, generous portions and affordable prices. But the original owner has moved out of this stall. So how is their quality now? Let's find out...

Previously there were uncles and aunties mending the stall with a few cooks inside. It's always a long queue but the serving was rather fast. 
I went back and the staff there were all young adults. Ordered my usual Chicken Cutlet here.

Now they no longer bring the food to you, you were given the buzzer and wait for it to vibrate and you collect it from the stall by yourself. I need to wait longer now even though there are not many people queuing.

 The smell was the difference and the taste is no longer the same. 

Compared to the chicken cutlet previously, there was a significant drop in the size and it was quite thin. The bread was not crispy and the fries were hard. It's not the same anymore, totally different. 

I honestly won't consider coming back again. You can always increase the price, but you do not change the quantity while decreasing the quality.

Wow Wow West - Western Food really worth mentioning, Generous portion!

Operating Hours: 10.30 AM - 7.30 PM

Operating Days: Closed on Tuesdays and Sundays

Address: ABC Brickworks Market & Food Centre, #01-133, 6 Jalan Bukit Merah

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I have been visiting Wow Wow West since years ago and I must say, their quality has not dropped at all. So as a blogger, it's about time to feature them! When I tried visiting them weeks before, it's either their western food gets sold out before I reached, or they have yet to start their operation. 
A warning to you, make sure you are really starving when you visit, their portion can be quite huge!

Curious about why people queue for this? 

For those who have visited them before will know they would usually deliver the food to your table. But they don't do that now. Probably due to the good business, they have since changed to a self-service system. After you have placed your order and make payment, you will be given a number. Just wait around the stall for your number to be called to collect your food. The average waiting time is about 20 minutes.

The food served to us really covered up the whole plate. We ordered their chicken chop and fish n chips. At $7 each, we were given a generous portion of food on both plates. The sides, consisting of fries, coleslaw, and baked beans were generous too! The coleslaw was fantastic. I don’t usually like coleslaw, but I finished this without realizing it. It is a very generous portion that tastes slightly sweeter, unlike other similar stalls. The fries were, however, slightly over-fried as they were hard on the outside. 

Here's their signature big piece of chicken chop. The Chicken chop had bits of black pepper flavor. 

The chicken is fried such that the skin layer is crispy, while the meat is still tender.

The fish and chips portion was huge!!! Every plate of the chicken cutlet or fish n chips will be paired with their mayonnaise sauce, which was actually not to my liking. Their sauce was a little too sour which tasted like a mixture of lemon with orange. I prefer to eat the fish with chili sauce.

The fish was fried to a crisp golden-brown on the outside, but still soft and tender on the inside. Honestly, I, an adult male could not finish this whole plate by myself.

Added a Chicken Cheese Sausage for $2. It tasted like a normal chicken cheese sausage, a bit towards the saltier side.

There is no doubt that the food here is good but I think what really attracts the crowd is the generous portion given. For the price that you are paying, I guess that it's pretty worth it.

Claypot Chicken rice at Taman Pelangi Food Centre - Old school charcoal cooked dish

Operating Hours: 5 PM - 10 PM

Operating Days: Daily

Address: 1, Jalan Perang, Taman Pelangi, 80400, Johor Bahru

This is an old-school food centre in Taman Pelangi. There are quite a number of stalls selling different kinds of food here. 

Today, I am going to recommend this claypot stall at the end of this food centre. Claypot chicken rice is the most popular stall in this food centre based on the number of claypot seen from each table.

Everything is done from scratch and cooked with charcoal, the claypot chicken rice here is done in a very old school way. 

When the rice is partially cooked, pieces of fresh chicken, salted fish, and slices of pork sausages are tossed into the claypot before it was served.

The claypot chicken rice consists of tender marinated chicken meat, pork sausages, salted fish, spring onions and rice with dark soy-based gravy. You will need to stir them all yourself first. A tip for you, if you do not like to stir them yourself, you can also ask them to stir for you.

Rice was moist, firm and completed and well coated with dark soy sauce after stirred. It was also not over-cooked. I like to scrape off the rice crust which was stuck on the clay pot walls and stirred thoroughly into the rest of the rice. The rice clinging to the walls of the clay pot were slightly browned, giving it a special crispy texture overall.

Priced at 8 RM, the claypot rice here is enough for 1 to 2 person. It is one of my usual spot I like to visit if I am craving for claypot rice.

Centre Satay Bee Hoon 中心沙爹米粉 - Generous Peanut-y sauce all over!

Operating Hours: 11 AM - 9 PM

Operating Days: Closed on Tuesdays

Address: 724 Ang Mo Kio Ave 6, #01-12, S 560724 

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Satay bee hoon is a fusion of Chinese and Malay dish, mixed of bee Hoon, Kang Kong, cuttlefish and drowned in satay or peanut sauce. I think every tourist should not miss this unique Satay Bee Hoon when they are in Singapore.

I don’t often eat Satay Bee Hoon, but to be honest, Centre Satay Bee Hoon is one of the pretty good stalls that makes me nod my head while I'm eating it. Centre Satay Bee Hoon have been serving this dish for more than 30 years.

Prices are at $3.50/$4.50/$5.50 a plate. Price of $3.50 should be enough to fill an adult stomach.

Most of the satay bee hoon elsewhere where the gravy and bee hoon did not mix well together. Looking at the amount of sauce here, quite impossible.

The ingredients of satay bee hoon here are cuttlefish, prawn, sliced pork, cockles, Kang Kong, fried bean curd and obviously the bee hoon.

The gravy here was surprisingly the highlight for me as it was just right every mouth. The nuts were cooked till it was soft and the gravy wasn't overly greasy. It looked rather watery, but when tasted, the gravy was so rich in flavour. It has a strong aroma of roasted nuts, with bits of peanuts all over.
We will come back here for their peanut-y sauce definitely.