Tag: Thai cuisine

Too Thai’d Up for Songkran?

Post author By Rachel Ho
Post date April 12, 2018
No Comments on Too Thai’d Up for Songkran?

Songkran, the Thai New Year, is a festival now marked with a nationwide water fight. Meant as a Buddhist purification ritual, the three-day affair helps bring in a flood of tourists eager to take part in the fun that accompanies the start of a new year.

If you’re drowning in work, and unable to make it to Thailand, here are a few restaurants to satiate your Thai craving till next year.

1. Diandin Leluk

Cr: fmeansfoodie.wordpress.com

Golden Mile Complex, Singapore’s ‘Little Thailand’, stocks almost everything you need from the Land of Smiles, short of taking a flight out. No exception when it comes to food, too. One of our favourites is Diandin Leluk that has been operating for over three decades in Singapore by a Thai couple. The food is affordable, authentic, fuss-free and delicious. Must-try: their Crispy Catfish with Mango Salad, which combines texture and the sour-sweet tango of the mango into a great starter.

Find it at 5001 Beach Road, Golden Mile Complex #01-67/68/69, Singapore 199588.
Click here for more information on Diandin Leluk.

2. Jim Thompson

This beautiful restaurant in the historic Dempsey enclave should be on your list if you’re looking for somewhere classy and elegant for a dinner date, but you want to ramp up the spice (with your choice of cuisine). Keep an eye out for the gorgeous cutlery and Thai dances, and be prepared to weigh your options, with over 80 dishes on the menu. Prices are on the higher end but worth it, given the ambience, service and quality of food.

Find it at 45 Minden Road, Singapore 248817.
Earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG.

3. Joe’s Kitchen

Cr: joeskitchen.com

It’s easy to dismiss this heartland restaurant in the Alexandra area, with its orange signboard and questionable choice of fonts, but it would be your loss. The food here is hearty and wallet-friendly: our favourites include the stuffed chicken wings (generously packed to the brim), fragrant pandan leaf chicken and the fried vermicelli with a subtle wok hei flavour.

Find it at Blk 125 Bukit Merah Lane 1 #01-182, Singapore 150125.
Click here for more information on Joe’s Kitchen.

4. Long Chim

Australian celebrity chef David Thompson has brought street food with pizzazz at his Marina Bay Sands outlet, decked out in hipster grunge. He has upped the glam factor on some familiar street snacks, like using wagyu for his beef skewers. With others, there is a no-holds-barred approach to his dishes, like the sweat-inducing Chiang Mai Chicken Larp with Cabbage, Chilli and Mint. It’s almost like being in a Bangkok soi, minus the grime, plus the air-conditioning.

Find it at 10 Bayfront Ave, #02-02, Atrium 2, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore 018955.
Earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG.

5. Nakhon Kitchen

Cr: eatbook.sg

There are always long lines outside every Nakhon branch, but grab a highly coveted seat and it’s easy to see why. Prices are low (aided by the fact that the outlets are not air-conditioned), and the vibe, authentic (we love listening to the Thai hits playing on the radio). Most importantly, the food is good. The curries here never fail to satisfy, and the Thai milk tea has mastered the perfect ratio of tea to milk.

Click here for more information on Nakhon Kitchen

6. Blue Jasmine

At this Halal-certified restaurant, diners can enjoy rustic Thai dining in a contemporary setting (be sure to grab an Instagram-worthy pic of those floor tiles). The food is decent too, ranging from the familiar (tom yum soup, pad thai), to the less common (prawn doughnuts and orange curry stingray). From Thursdays to Saturdays, there is also a buffet option — perfect for that Thai binge eating we need on some days.

Find it at 10 Farrer Park Station Road, Level 5, Park Hotel Farrer Park, Singapore 217564.
Earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG.

If you are headed to Thailand to celebrate Songkran, check out this blog post! We give you the low-down on where to go for Songkran celebrations, and of course, where to find the best restaurants.

Tags Instagrammable, Singapore, Songkran, Thai cuisine

Bangkok Destination Lifestyle

The Best Places in Bangkok to Celebrate Songkran

Post author By Emerline Su
Post date April 11, 2018
No Comments on The Best Places in Bangkok to Celebrate Songkran

Thailand’s favourite national celebration is just around the corner! Every year during Songkran (13-15 April), local flock back to their hometowns to visit their families, while foreigners fly into Bangkok to take part in the water-splashing festivities.

If you’re thinking of spending the weekend in Bangkok to celebrate Songkran, here are the best places to join in the fun.

Khao San Road

Cr: khaosodenglish.com

Every year, the entire Khao San Road turns into a huge, messy, water fight. Stalls selling bucketfuls of water, as well as hoses and water guns, pop up along the street overnight. Tourists spill out of the backpacker hostels to douse anyone and everyone with water. Don’t forget to grab some of that clay powder sold at the roadside stalls too, as it symbolises protection – though not from the revellers! Nobody shows mercy here, so be prepared for a wild party and expect to leave thoroughly soaked.

When the party winds down in the evening, dry off and swing by Chakrabongse Dining for a luxurious dinner by the riverside. Quiet and effortlessly elegant, the restaurant is one of Bangkok’s hidden gems, serving hearty, authentic, and delicious Thai food. Its menu, which changes every day, serves everything from familiar favourites like Tom Yum to more exotic dishes like Flower Omelette.

Find it at 396/1 Maha Rat Road, Tatian, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok, Thailand.
Earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG.

Silom Road

Cr: blog.takemetour.com

If you prefer to hang with the locals, then head to the party happening at Silom Road. All 5 kilometres of the road becomes packed with locals pelting each other with water. Stalls selling food, refreshments and, of course, lots and lots of water stand both sides of the road. The festivities here are even bigger and more extravagant than at Khao San, especially when firetrucks roll up in the middle of the day to make sure everyone on the road gets a good splash. You can also stay high and dry up on the Skybridge, where you can watch the shenanigans without getting splashed.

Reward yourself for surviving the festivities at Brasserie 9, a gorgeous Parisian restaurant where you can eat your fill of indulgent French gourmet cuisine, guaranteed to hit the spot. Here, the food is made to perfection using only the best quality ingredients, each dish bursting with delicious richness and decadence.

Find it at 27 Soi Piphat, North Sathorn Road, Silom, Bang Rad, Bangkok, Thailand
Earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG.

Lumpini Park

Cr: passenger6a.in

For a calmer celebration rooted in the origins of the holiday, head down to Lumpini Park to take part in some traditional Songkran activities. On 12 April, the Phra Buddha Sihing statue, which is usually kept in the National Museum, will be brought on a parade. Buddhists can sprinkle scented water on the statue over the weekend, give alms, or receive blessings from elders. Non-Buddhists can also enjoy the traditional performances and browse the stalls selling speciality products from all over Bangkok.

After paying your respects, amble over to Erawan Tea Room to continue your peaceful and relaxing day. The charming restaurant, decked out in plush seats, serves impeccable Thai favourites we all know and love. Its wonderful location also gives you enchanting, sweeping panoramas of the city below. Taste the high life as you lounge in its cushy chairs and sip on tea, eat great food and enjoy the view.

Find it at Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok, 494 Rajdamri Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok, Thailand.
Earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG.

Siam Paragon

Cr: bangkokundercover.com

Thailand’s April weather is swelteringly hot, so escape from those heat waves at the Siam Paragon mall. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to see that the mall is organising a series of Songkran activities. An exhibition explains the history of Songkran, and you can also learn how to make traditional perfume and fold pandan leaf flowers. Best of all, there’ll be a food festival showcasing authentic Thai foods!

Lovers of Japanese seafood will be thrilled to hear that Nippon-Kai, a Japanese market-cum-restaurant, sits in the middle of Siam Paragon. Feast on an array of fresh, delicious premium sashimi and seafood, from classics to exotic seasonal options like fugu (pufferfish) and okoze (stonefish). You can also head to the market area to stock up on Japanese snacks.

Find it at G/F, Siam Paragon, 991/1 Rama I Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok, Thailand.
Earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG.

W Bangkok

Cr: bkasia-city.com

Dive into the hottest pool party in town at W Bangkok! The hotel is organising its Songkran Splash Away pool party for the 6th year running so you can celebrate Songkran in style. Expect the pool to be filled with extravagant floats, while the deck sports over-the-top decorations and top DJs spin tunes all day long. Don’t worry about not having enough booze either – there’s a booth selling drinks too. From 1-9pm on 13 April, you can let loose and dance, swim, and drink your worries away.

The pool party might end at 9pm, but that doesn’t mean you can’t continue enjoying yourself. The glamorous WOOBAR, located in W Bangkok, lets you keep the good times going. Sip on some intoxicating speciality cocktails while munching on their delicious bar bites. There’ll also be a DJ here for you to dance all night long.

W Hotel 106, North Sathorn Rd, Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok, Thailand.
Earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG.

Tags Holiday, Songkran, Thai cuisine, Thailand, Travel

Others Singapore

8 Mouthwatering Mookata Joints in Singapore

Post author By Chope
Post date February 16, 2018
No Comments on 8 Mouthwatering Mookata Joints in Singapore

This house believes Singapore is a country of soup and barbecue lovers. Just look at the vast number of steamboat joints, Korean barbecue spots, and that old-school stalwart Seoul Garden. It’s no surprise then, that mookata, a Thai amalgamation of Korean barbecue and Chinese hotpot, has found tons of fans here.

Originating from Thailand, the term ‘mookata’ is actually ‘mu kratha’, with “mu” meaning pig or pork and “kratha” referring to a skillet or pan. The pan in question typically comes with a dome top surrounded by a trench for the soup. It all sounds pretty average until you see the cooking in action. Scores of meat and seafood plaster the top of that dome (stuck down by a generous layer of pork lard), bubbling and sizzling away as fat and umami goodness drip down into the moat to create some delicious, delicious soup.

Stomach rumbling and mouth watering yet? Perfect, then you’re ready to embrace these mookata must-tries. Be warned, though, fancy clothes not advised here because the smells will linger.

Cr: 1_345 Secrets

1_345 Secrets of Thai Taste

With their location in the spacious food court at The Elitist building coupled with their late opening hours, 1_345 Secrets ensures a table for those late-night owls. Their menus are pretty straightforward, no fancy twists here, but their classics, deep soup pit, and MSG-less stock are popular enough to warrant a new outlet at Seng Kang Square, cheekily named 12_45 Secrets of Thai Taste. Why the blank? Here’s a hint: future number of outlets.

Find it at 25 Bukit Batok Crescent, The Elitist, Singapore 658066
Click here for more information on 1_345 Secrets of Thai Taste.

Mookata Traditional Thai BBQ

If you’re serious about chowing down in fine clothes, here’s a restaurant that’s decided to add a dedicated exhaust system to combat that smell problem. One of the pioneers of Mookata in Singapore, Mookata Traditional Thai BBQ now has 3 branches in Bugis, Katong, and Yishun to cater to their growing crowd of fans. They have a great selection of meats including streaky bacon and pork collar, 3 levels of spice, and change up their menus on occasion to keep diners coming back for more.

Book a table at these outlets and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

Cr: SethLui.com

Mookalicious

Being one of the few mookata locations in Bukit Timah doesn’t mean that Mookalicious slacks on the competition! With MSG-free soup and one of the freshest prawns and fish slices in town, it’s no wonder that there’s always a crowd.

Find it at Chicken House, 17 Lorong Kilat, Singapore (598139)
Click here for more information on Mookalicious.

Cr: Tom Yum Kungfu

Tom Yum Kungfu

We love that this mookata spot fire their pans with actual charcoal. Besides the clear and light broth which is better for those avoiding too much rich foods, their offerings also include uncommon protein options like venison and a homemade fish paste. Personally, we like to pair our bubbling soups with yummy Thai dishes off their a la carte menu.

Find it at 56 Serangoon Garden Way, Singapore (555952) or 16 Circular Rd, Singapore (049372)
Click here for more information on Tom Yum Kungfu.

Cr: Ladyboy

Ladyboy Moo-ka-Cheese

We’ve had traditional mookata, we’ve had kungfu mookata, now here’s something a little (or a lot) cheesier. Besides your usual soup selections, Ladyboy Moo-ka-Cheese turns the typical mookata on its head by offering you a choice of decadent cheese dips with names as cheeky as the restaurant moniker. Try Ladyboy Cheese and Golden Salted Egg Cheese for starters, but if you’re looking to sample every type they have, prepare to stay past midnight for sure.

Find it at 644 Geylang Lorong 40, Singapore (389574)
Book a table at Ladyboy Moo-ka-cheese and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

Siam Square Mookata

Here’s another old hand at this hotpot delicacy, Siam Square Mookata. This chain restaurant has grown greatly since the first outlet at Siam Square and bears the coveted title as one of the largest, if not the largest, mookata chains in Singapore, with a whopping 9 outlets in total. In keeping with its tradition, it has maintained a no-frills style and continues to wow fans with a secret chilli sauce recipe (practically magic words to a Singaporean).

Book a table at these outlets and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

Cr: Huay Kwang Thai

Huay Kwang Thai Mookata

Sure, service here isn’t Michelin-level but with an affordable buffet that leaves your wallet feeling comfortable, does it really matter? With fresh seafood and a good selection of meats, Huay Kwang Thai is popular and gaining fans every day. Open until 2am, this place is perfect for supper seekers.

Find it at 244R Upper Thomson Road, Singapore 574369
Click here for more information on Huay Kwang Thai.

Cr: Happy Mookata

Happy Mookata

Golden Mile Tower is a haven of Thai delights and mookata is no exception. For your standard, no-frills mookata buffet paired with some of the most affordable prices in Singapore, Happy Mookata is great. Drinks are not included in the buffet, but they’re not expensive either, plus the Thai Milk Tea here is of the less sweet variety, perfect for avoiding an early death. The seafood is frozen, so depending on your luck you could get fresh ones or not so fresh ones, but the meats are usually dependable.

Find it at Golden Mile Tower, 6001 Beach Road #01-55D, Singapore 199589
Click here for more information on Happy Mookata.

Tags mookata, Singapore, Thai cuisine