Foodie Friday: Yoogane Chicken Galbi @ Singapore

I should continue my Siem Reap, Cambodia travelogue right after I back from Australia but I was procrastinating to the max. Oh dear! So many backlog travelogues. 

Date Visited: 20th August 2014

Since ever I came back from South Korea end of March this year, I keep craving for the Korea cuisines I had there, especially jjim dalk, budae jjigae and dak-galbi (Refer photo here). Not just me, but even my mom, sister and her boyfriend as well craving for the hot and scrumptious huge Korean cuisines we had there.

Yes, Kota Kinabalu has quite number of Korean restaurants but not all do served of those dishes I want. But so luckily few days before my mom and I flew off to Singapore, we came across that one of my favourite Korean cuisine restaurants have expanded their business and open new international branch right in Singapore. Now, we don't have to fly so far just to satisfy our craving.

#1: Newly opened Yoogane Singapore is located in Bugis Junction, Singapore 

More than 130 branches in South Korea, Yoogane is popular for their Galbi, a pan-grilled marinated meat with an unique sweet and spicy sauce as the main dish and serve with either Tteokbokki (Korean rice cake), sweet potatoes, fresh vegetables, noodles, rice, cheese and even together with seafood and stir-fried all together on the pan.

As it was newly opened few months ago in Singapore, hence we won't be surprised when we saw the long queue. Because our craving for this cuisine were very strong, we're willing to join the long queue and waited for almost 45 minutes. Like my sister said, "Orang Sabah Mesti Sabar!". In Malay translation, it means Sabahan people must be patient.

#2: Overview of Yoogane restaurant

After patiently waited, finally we're being served to a table for 6 people. Honestly to say, comparing to the outlets I went in Seoul, I don't feel comfortable with the seating arrangement here as they are using bench seats instead chair. For comfort purpose, a table can fit up to maximum of 4 people only. 6 of us need to squeeze in and there is no more room for us to move around. Luckily their air-conditioners are working well and services were pretty fast too.

#3: Korean Banana Milk - Taste so-so only

Browsing through their menu, each of the galbi dish must be served for minimum of two person. Means two person can only order one dish, instead of choosing two. Plus, the portion is quite huge for two person. Don't be silly to order two different of galbi dishes for two people cause trust me, you and your partner would definitely couldn't finish all. Since there were 6 of us, we ordered 3 different of galbi dishes.

#4: Yoogane Octopus & Chicken Galbi (S$18.90)

#5: Added with Ramyeon Noodles (Additional of S$3.90)

#6: My favourite: Marinated Chicken Galbi Fried Rice Topped with Cheese (S$14.90)

By the end of the day, we're pretty satisfied with the taste of the galbi served in Singapore and it almost the same as the one we had in Seoul. But somehow, few of my family members can't bear the level of spiciness and it is advisable to inform the staff to reduce the amount of the spicy sauce. 

There even have free flow salad bar serving kimchi, pickles and sliced cabbages and you can take as many as you want. Price wise, like what we expected it was indeed expensive and almost double the price than the one in South Korea. However, we were glad that our craving has finally well-satisfied and if someday I return back to Singapore, I don't mind going back for this once again, only if the queue won't be that long. 

Yoogane Singapore
200 Victoria Street,
Bugis Junction, #02-47/48

Opening Hours: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm

Read more »

Foodie Friday: Excapade Sushi @ Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam

Date Visited: 17th February 2013

In order to fly to Bangkok directly from Kota Kinabalu, we don't have many choices and all required transit, either in Kuala Lumpur, Singapore or Brunei. And since we flew with Royal Brunei Airlines, we had to transit in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital city of Brunei for almost 8 hours before reaching back home. Luckily my relatives are staying there, hence we decided to get out from the airport instead of stuck inside the airport and doing nothing for the whole long 8 hours.

Again, the thing that my family and I love to do in Brunei is definitely to satisfy our crave towards the cheap, huge and fresh sushi in one of the famous Japanese chain restaurant in Brunei. That would be none other than Excapade, which has quite number of outlets all over Brunei and this time around, we went the one in Gadong area, not so far way from the airport.

#1: Ready for the foods?

#2: Kani Maki and California Maki - My favourite kind of sushi

#3: Sushi

#4: Mentai salmon sushi

#5:

#6: Tamago sushi and inari - Another of my favourite

#7: Chicken Katsu Curry

#8: And more sushi

Well, actually we ordered more than the above cause my family and I were separated into two different tables but guess what, the total damages for almost 20 people of us was $170++ (roughly around RM425). Surprisingly cheap, right?

Excapade Sushi (Gadong Branch) 
Abdul Razak Complex, 

Bandar Seri Begawan BE3519, 

Brunei Darussalam.

Couldn't get enough of Excapade's sushi and more? Check out my first post of Excapade Sushi in Kuala Belait Branch.

Read more »

Chinatown Bangkok of Thailand (Yaowarat)

Date Visited: 13th February 2013

After the unbearable heat in Wat Pho, also known as Temple of Reclining Buddha, we then proceeded to our next stop, Chinatown to fulfill our hungry tummy as the time was approaching lunch hour at that moment. And because we bought One Day River Pass of Chao Phraya Tourist Boat where we can have unlimited rides on the tourist boat, therefore we went back to the pier and wait for the boat to our next desired destination.

#1: Get off at Ratchawongse Pier (N5) in order to get to Chinatown

Once we got off at Ratchawongse Pier, we followed the crowd and walked along for 500 meters before reaching the intersection of Yaowarat Road, this is where the home of Bangkok's sizable Chinese community. There are many small streets and alleys filled with variety kind of shops and vendors selling all different types of goods; such as accessories, clothes, bags, shoes, household items and more. Not forgetting, the wide selection of delicious and scrumptious of street foods are available here as well. By the time we were there, it was still Chinese New Year celebration and therefore, the whole street was decorated brightly with red lantern.

#2: A visit to Chinatown is incomplete without spotting the Chinese Arch

#3: Spotted signboard with Chinese characters in the central of Yaowarat Road

Our main intention to visit Chinatown was mainly to fulfill our crave toward Chinese cuisine and searching for a decent Chinese restaurant seems to be so difficult that we almost lose our patient and hope searching for one. Luckily enough, we noticed one but then, we need to wait for almost half an hour as the restaurant was fully occupied.

#4: A decent Chinese restaurant serves relatively affordable and good Chinese cuisines

After waited for almost an hour, we were being served to a table for 10 people. After browsing through the menu given, and these were among the dishes we ordered:

#5: Barbecued pork (Char Siu)

#6: Seafood fried rice. Kinda disappointed with the portion cause we thought can serve up to 4-5 pax

#7: Stir Fry Kailan with Shrimps

#8: Dim sum

#9: Jellyfish cooked with sesame oil and chilli sauce

#10: Mixed vegetables

Conclusion, nothing to shout out for this restaurant and it was merely for our hungry tummy filling. After that, we continued to explore around this vibrant Chinatown before moving on to our next destination, Terminal One as well as to one of the best restaurants for an authentic mouth-watering Thai cuisine in Bangkok, Nara Thai Cuisine afterthen. The path of the central Yaowarat Road, which bisects the area is believed to resemble a dragon's curvy body, making it an auspicious spot for business purposes. From the colourful lights of the gold shops to the healing herbs and spices found in the Chinese medicine stores and the ancient tea shops, there are plentiful glimpses of traditional Thai-Chinese culture.

#11: Lined with many herbs and spices shop as well as gold shops.

#12: Creative artwork spotted in Chinatown

Would I be back for more? Probably nope, cause after visited 6 Chinatown so far (Kuala Lumpur, London, Manchester, Melbourne, Singapore and Bangkok), I would probably think the one in Singapore is way more better than this one.

How To Get To Chinatown 
Take Chao Phraya Tourist Boat and get off at Ratchawongse Pier (N5). Walk along Ratchawongse Road for 500 meters to reach the intersection of Yaowarat Road.

Read more »

Foodie Friday: Nara Thai Cuisine in Erawan Bangkok

Date Visited: 13th February 2013

Whenever I travelled, it's hardly to spot me having my meals at the local fine dining restaurants. Firstly, budget is my main limitation and secondly, I prefer to hunt foods in small eateries or even in the street markets. However, for my latest trip to Bangkok with my family, thanks to my dad's friend for introducing us to one of the best restaurants for an authentic mouth-watering Thai cuisine in Bangkok, Nara Thai Cuisine.

#1: Nara Thai Cuisine

Nara Thai Cuisine is a well-known and notable Thai restaurant in Bangkok for its authentic and richer Thai dishes served with highest quality ingredients. No surprise that this up-scale restaurant has been recognised as one of Thailand's Best Restaurant for 5 consecutive years (2007-2012). There are two branches in Thailand and we went to the one situated in the lower ground floor of Erawan Bangkok.

Because most of the staffs can speak and understand English, hence we didn't have any difficulties when taking the order. Plus, the menu comes with English explanation. Most of the meals we ordered are mainly Thailand's signature dishes and except for Stir Fried Kale (I dislike eating veggies), all are exactly my favourite dishes.

#2: Thai Fish Cake with sweet peanut sauce (THB210)

#3: Stir Fried Kale (THB140)

#4: Tom Yam Kung (THB350) - Contained prawns, squids, and mushrooms.

#5: Green Curry Chicken (THB220)

#6: Pineapple Fried Rice with Cashew Nuts

#7: Chicken Pandan (THB165)

 

#8: Ended our dinner with Coconut Ice-Cream as our dessert

Although the prices seems to be slightly higher comparing to the rest, the foods were simply enough to satisfy our craving towards authentic Thai cuisines. The service portion for most of the dishes were pretty sufficient for 3-4 pax. In the event if my budget is not my biggest obstacle, for sure I will return to this restaurant again. It's absolutely highly recommended for those who is looking and craving for authentic and richer Thai cuisines. After all, "Life Is Too Short To Eat Bad Foods".

Nara Thai Cuisine Branches

1) Lower Ground Floor of Erawan Bangkok

2) 7th Floor of Central World

Opening Hours for both branches: 10am until 10pm daily.        

NOTE: It's non-halal restaurant.

Read more »

[ADV] New AirAsia Breakfast Combo

The most important meal of the day is none other than breakfast. Not just it gives your brain a boost but also energy to your body to kick off your day. So when you are flying, there's no more any excuse to skip breakfast as AirAsia has just been introduced the latest Breakfast Combo starting from 1st February with some of Malaysia’s all-time favourite meals such as Pak Nasser’s Nasi Lemak, Roti Canai with Chicken Curry and Rice Congee with Scallops and also Pancake with butter & maple syrup.


These new hearty Breakfast Combos are available on all AirAsia (AK flight code) flights from 5.30am – 11.00am every day, and each of them comes with Complimentary T&Co Coffee or T&Co Teh Tarik too from as low as only RM10 per set! 

Combo A - Pak Nasser's Nasi Lemak + Free T&Co Cofee or Teh Tarik (RM12) 

Malaysian's No. 1 favourite fragrant coconut rice served with Pak Nasser's special chilli sambal and tender chicken rendang, accompanied with half of a hard-boiled egg and crunchy bites of fried anchovies and nuts. A truly complete set of nasi lemak and this is always my favourite choice when comes to AirAsia in-flight meals especially when back from travel overseas!

Combo B - Roti Canai with Chicken Curry + Free T&Co Cofee or Teh Tarik (RM10)

Another Malaysia’s favourite breakfast choice - soft and fluffy texture of paratha bread served with juicy chicken and potato curry on the side.

Combo C - Scallop Congee + Free T&Co Cofee or Teh Tarik (RM10)

Indulge for healthy and simple breakfast? This warm and savoury rice congee is an ideal breakfast meal for everyone. It served with flavourful scallop and mushroom bits accompanied with condiments such as soft groundnuts, spring onions and minced chicken.

Combo D - Pancake with Butter and Maple Syrup + Free T&Co Cofee or Teh Tarik (RM10)

AirAsia's Breakfast Combo not just limited to local dishes, but it also serve breakfast in Western style. A stack of 3 irresistible piping hot pancakes topped with creamy butter and sweet maple syrup is another great choice to satisfy your hungry tummy.

So while you are flying onboard, don't forget to enjoy these AirAsia's Breakfast Combo like a king!

Start off my day before going to Laos with Pak Nasser’s Nasi Lemak

This post is brought to you by AirAsia.

Read more »

Melbourne, Australia Day 2: Eureka Skydeck 88

Date of Visit: 1st October 2012

From the oldest stream train in Australia, Puffing Billy, my next destination was Eureka Skydeck 88, the highest viewing platform in the Southern Hemisphere. But somehow, I stuck in Belgrave Station for almost an hour before reach back to the city town due to my clumsiness and it was indeed waste a time.

After an hour of waiting and an hour train ride from Belgrave Station, finally back to the Flinders Street Station and from there, I walked to Eureka Tower without the help of any maps. All I did was keep looking and heading through to this highest tower instead. The walking distance from Flinders Street Station to Eureka Tower was not really that long, roughly around 10 minutes. As the tower itself is located adjacent to the beautiful Yarra River, I didn't even feel boring at all but turned out, I was pretty enjoying myself eventhough I was walking alone along this river. Some were enjoying their cup of coffee at the cafe nearby the river, cycling, jogging, walking with their cute and adorable dogs, and more. 

#1: I don't mind walking everyday with this kind of view. Will you?

#2: Tadaa... Finally, I reached Eureka Skydeck 88 after almost 10 minutes walk

#3: Skydeck Admission Fare. The good thing was FREE for me. I didn't pay any single cents. Why?

I will explain later. 

#4: Southern Hemispheres Fastest Lift - It takes just 38 seconds from the ground Floor to 88th Floor.

Initially, Eureka Tower was the world's tallest residential tower, until surpassed by two tall buildings in Dubai. Currently, it is the 14th tallest residential building in the world and listed as the 98th tallest building in the world. Too excited with the awe inspiring view of Melbourne until I totally forgot to take the photos of the inside of Skydeck itself. What I remembered was there is a kiosk offers takeaway coffees, soft drinks and snacks.

(Note: For few of the photo below, I used miniature effects and this makes them looks like miniature scale models.)

#5: Flinders Train Station

#6:

#7: Olympic Parks Stadium

#8: The white colour building is Government House, the office and official residence of the Governor of Victoria

#9: While waiting for the sunset, I took the opportunity to write postcards and post them from Australia's highest post box.

#10: The mesmerizing sunset view from Eureka Skydeck 88

The best time to visit Eureka Skydeck 88 would be before the sunset take place and spend some time roaming around the Skydeck to wait for the sunset as well the magnificent Melbourne skyline nightscape. There is no time restriction for the visitors, so don't even bother to see the time. Just enjoy the awe inspiring view of Melbourne!

#11: Pressed Pennies - My latest travel collections and I collect quite numbers from United Kingdom, Europe, Australia and Taiwan.

#12: This is how actually Eureka Tower looks like

The souvenir shop is located in the ground floor, same floor as the ticket purchasing counter. It has a wide range of exclusive Eureka Skydeck merchandise as well as a selection of Melbourne and Australian souvenirs to choose from and I really had some hard time to decide which will be the best to bring back home as memento. Right after done browsing the souvenirs, immediately met my friend who was waiting for me outside patiently for dinner.

#13: Another night for Asian meals again - fried dumpling, curry pork rice and fried rice.

The reason why I got to visit Eureka Skydeck 88 for free was because I bought two full one day tour packages from a local tour operator which recommended by my friend, in return I was given a free admission ticket to Melbourne Aquarium, Eureka Skydeck and option between Old Melbourne Gaol or Polly Woodside. Wasn't a great bargain, right?

Opening Hours
Open daily from 10am until 10pm (Last entry is 9:30pm) except for New Year Eve and Christmas Day, it close at 5:30pm (Last entry is 5pm). 

Read more »