Sari Ratu Authentic Padang Restaurant

I didn't know Sari Ratu Padang restaurant which I knew a popular one in Jakarta was opening an outlet in Singapore, until a colleague of mine showed me the article on local newspaper.

So, I was certainly piqued to see how they stay true to what they offered in Jakarta. The outlet was around Sultan Mosque area which I think was a good location.

It was lunch time during weekend so parking wasn't a problem, but during weekdays, it would be difficult to find a spot along the streets for parking. The crowd was in but the indoor tables were still available, they do have outdoor tables.

One of the staff came approaching us while we stood in front of the food counter, took down what we would like to have and asked where we would be seated. If not, we could mentioned it to the staff behind the counter. I think it was a good idea to easing the queue by having another staff on foot taking our orders beside the one behind the counter

They prepared all the dishes we ordered and brought it to our tables.

I must say that all the dishes were indeed as authentic as they can get, especially the Dendeng Balado (dried beef meat with red chili on top) and the Tapioca Leaves were good too. After meal, we proceeded to the cashier counter to make the payment, brought along our table receipt which was given at our table.

The service was prompt and a rather difficult to know who were the staff as some wore uniform and some didn't.

The indoor seating may looked a bit cramp but when we were seated, you were not being bumped with other patrons seating. The restaurant does have its own rest room and hand washing area.

Overall, it is a fuss-free, tasty Authentic Padang dishes, affordable price; though, I recommend to have it during the weekend instead of weekdays considering the crowd and limited indoor tables.

Some of the highlighted dishes displayed on top wall

The array of dishes on display

The Tapioca Leaves is a Must for Padang cuisine

The dish preps area to be brought to patron tables

Just a simple room display

View to the entrance / Street view

Simple white tables

Deep Fried Nila Fish with sweet soy sauce to dip in

 

It was good but how I wished this was Gurame Fish but it was a good dish. Its crispiness was done just right.

Telur Balado / Egg with Red Chili

The Red Chili was satisfyingly spicy

The must have 'Dendeng Balado'

It was so crispy and with the spicy red chili, it certainly gave a kick

Tapioca Leaves / Daun Singkong

It was good and at Sari Ratu version, it has a bit of spiciness in it.

The simple plain white rice

Sari Ratu Restaurant, Authentic Nasi Padang

20 Pahang Street
Singapore 198617
Tel: +65 6294 9983
 
http://www.sariratu.sg/web/
 
Opens daily from 11 am to 10 pm

Chock Full of Beans - Dinner

Stumbled upon Chock Full of Beans from Time Out magazine and I got to read it twice for the address as I didn't believe it is located at Changi Village. Really? Changi Village? That rustic and so laid back area which famous for its humble hawker centre and eating houses but never a modern cafe like this.

But true and behold, there it is, right at the corner of Block 4 Changi Village Rd. A modern cafe with al fresco and air-conditioned area. It certainly gave a breath of fresh air and from the looks of it, quite popular venue in this area. Not to mention I saw a Chocolate Cake shop which only sells chocolate cake and a fusion crepe stall which also intrigued me to visit it next time.

Chock Full of Beans or CFOB as it called, offers Set Lunch for weekdays, Brunch menu on weekend until 5.30 pm and Dinner menu with Pizza Menu only on weekend.

But I was looking forward to see their 'Latte Artwork' , well, my term in calling this innovative work. On their FB, they had even attempted a 3D version. 

Perhaps we came during staff dinner break time as no one was waiting at the door but upon seeing us walked in, the friendly staff promptly welcoming us from his break at the back room, gave us the menu.

For dinner menu, the emphasis are on the Pizza as it only being served for dinner weekend. Beside it, some appetizer, soup, sandwiches and pasta are on the list.

As Matcha lover, I immediately keen on trying the Honey Matcha and the friendly guy (too bad, I forgot to ask his name) mentioned to me that it was their latest drink menu so any feedback was welcomed.

Opted for the pastas and it didn't fail, the portion was just right, taste was good. It a simple yet tasty dish.

Perhaps it was just my hunch but I kinda had a feeling as if this cafe was run by a passionate group who just love doing what they were doing. It just gave you such a positive vibe from everyone working in this small cafe.

I often read about a gem found in the least expected place and for the first time, I felt this term applied to Chock Full of Beans.

Definitely will be back for their Brunch on the weekend..
Stay tune....

It certainly between the brick buildings at Changi Vi..

Thought the table top pattern looked so fit in with this rustic environment

The simple drink and pastry counter opposite a communal high table

The Al-Fresco area facing the main road

The wall treatment, with exposed brick and simple lighting..It fits in just nicely with the concept

The Angry Bunny on Cafe Latte

Never seen an angry bunny before..Ha..

My Smiling Bear Honey Matcha

The matcha sweetness was just right, it certainly reminded me of the matcha drink I had in Kyoto. It ain't easy making a matcha drink from matcha powder, so by mixing it with honey, I think it was a clever recipe

Linguine Aglio Olio with Prawns and Squids

The pasta springiness was just right, it wasn't that spicy, more to peppery taste and the prawns and squid were fresh.. It was good pasta indeed!

The freshness of the prawns and squids

Nice visual..Ha..ha..

Spaghetti Carbonara with Poached Egg

The creamy carbonara tasted nice, a bit bland at first but after mixing it and putting few dashes of peppers, it turned out as another great pasta too..

Wanted to try their home made carrot cake but it was sold out, so trying the Strawberry Shortcake..

Never thought of seeing the normally Sweet Looking Strawberry Shortcake VS Angry Bird..

Another thumbs-up, the shortcake was soft and strawberries were fresh..

 

Chock Full of Beans

Blk 4 Changi Village Road #01-2090

Singapore 500004

Tel: +(65) 6214 8839

 

https://www.facebook.com/cfob.changi

 

Opens daily from 10 am to 10 pm

Imperial Treasure @ Crowne Plaza T3

It has been a while that we haven't had our dim sum and suddenly I recalled there is a Chinese restaurant at Crowne Plaza Hotel, next to Changi Airport T3, so we went to give it a try.

It is under Imperial Treasure group which in some shopping malls proved to be quite popular with its dim sum. I thought with this outlet location, it wouldn't be as popular as normally in mall. Surprisingly, when I made a reservation, they did indicate the time slot. A question mark did occur in my head after I put down the phone about this time slot. 

I got my answer when we arrived, it was quite packed and by the time we left, there were some group waiting for their table. Surprise, surprise indeed...

What I do like for having the dim sum here is as though, the restaurant is really part of the hotel, not just as stand alone outlet. The interior and setting rival the ones at hotel. For service, yes, it was prompt and courteous but it is not as refined as hotel standard.

Quality of the dim sum were commendable and they do have quite selection of dim sum and other dishes.

The senior staff missed an item of our dim sum, luckily they stapled our 'ticked dim sum order paper' with the order receipt. I was a bit puzzled when they said all dishes were served and yes, on the order receipt, all items were being crossed out. Lo and behold, it was only 6 items whereas it was 7 items on the 'ticked paper'.

Most of the guests were family that I was sure, came there purposely for the dim sum lunch and not because any of them were travelling.

Not all staff were able to converse in English though, but I don't think it will be a problem as at least they do understand basic English.

This is a good option for those looking for a decent and proper Chinese restaurant in the Changi vicinity, ideal for having a corporate lunch and good for family dim sum lunch during the weekend.

I will certainly be back for a quiet leisure dim sum session here during weekend...
 

View to entrance. I do like how they covered the pillar with colours and intricate steel adornment

The Menu

The appetizer



The Hau Gauw (?)

There are so many variation in Roman wording so as long as we know what it is.

The skin was thin but not overly thin and the prawn meat was fresh..They do have a good Haw Gauw/ Prawn Dumpling

The Mixed Mushroom Dumpling

It was a good mushroom dumpling...

This got to be my fave here..

The Crispy Wanton



It was very very extremely crispy on the outer layer but nice tender wanton on the inside

A Must Try!

Another usual suspect in dim sum

The Siew Mai

It was a good siew mai here, it was tender, flavourful and the skin just wrapped it nicely

Another suspect here

The deep fried prawn with beancurd skin

I always measure how good a Cantonese restaurant on its dim sum from its Haw Gauw and this deep fried prawn.

Imperial Treasure surely passed my mark! These were few items that made me wanna return for a dim sum

The good Egg Tarts

Theirs were so soft on the eggs yet such a crispy pastry on the outside

The black sesame in a ginger soup...

It was a satisfying dessert, such a warm ginger to calm your tummy

The Mango Pudding

Hhmm, normal mango pudding yet not too sweet..

The entrance to Imperial Treasure from Hotel Lobby

 

Imperial Treasure Cantonese Cuisine

Changi Airport Terminal 3, Crowne Plaza #01-02
75 Airport Boulevard, Singapore 819664
Tel: (65) 6822 8228

http://www.imperialtreasure.com/en/restaurants/detail/changi-airport-terminal-3/imperial-treasure-cantonese-cuisine

 

Opens from:

Monday to Friday
Lunch: 11.30am to 2.30pm
Dinner: 6.00pm to 10.30pm

Saturday
Lunch: 11.00am to 3.00pm
Dinner: 6.00pm to 10.30pm

Sunday
Lunch: 10.30am to 3.00pm
Dinner: 6.00pm to 10.00pm

 

 

 

Absolute Thai @ Century Square

Thai Food has always been everyone's fave and even though it is still not as hugely popular as Japanese, I felt it gained more interest lately by seeing more affordable Thai restaurants popping up and even a Thai food delivery on a dial.

It seems selling Thai food was like a recipe of one successful restaurant but that's not always the case, it may be a comfort food for all but getting the right taste is not always there.

But, Absolute Thai is a good example of a good Thai restaurant in the neighbourhood area with a good service too.

The staff were focus and prompt in taking orders, delivering orders and able to explain the dishes in the menu. Our orders were served promptly and in correct order, from drinks, appetizer and main courses to dessert.

We came slightly earlier before dinner but the venue was quite packed. Since, there was no vacant stand alone table, we were seated on the long sharing table, not my preference or I think, anyone preference if you don't have big group with you.

Absolute Thai is your place to go if you need a good Thai food with a good service in a casual atmosphere

Hospitality With A Heart, what a motto

The chandelier is a focal point here

I like how the dominant colour scheme are in black and grey, gives this casual restaurant a modern touch

I do like this Wall Decor but a bit apprehensive on the colourful cushions on left and right side

I thought maybe the cushions might be used mepeatedly somewhere in the restaurant but didn't see it anywhere

Like the idea of having this pot planters as part of window display, simple yet creative idea as part of modern concept here

View to kitchen area and entrance

Somehow this wall spotlight and on top of the serving shelf caught my attention

I totally forgot what the drink was called but it was good

Thai Fish Cakes

Better than my expectation...

Stir Fry KangKong

It's tasty and must have if you are ordering rice to go along with

Deep Fried Sweet and Sour Seabass

It's fried nicely, I always have a bit apprehension nowdays if it has to be served with the fish head.. well, maybe that's just me, feel a bit less cruel if it just sliced fish presented...well, that's just me...

The Thai Sweet Ruby

It's sweet but their concoction with the coconut milk quite good, it's not bland

Impressed with this motto..But Absolute Thai service certainly stands by this motto

Absolute Thai @ Century Square

2 Tampines Central 5

#01-19/2021/22 Centruy Square

Tel: 62608846
 

Opens daily from 11.30 am to 9.30 pm