Looking back at 2016

Hey there! I apologise for the unannounced hiatus and the lack of updates the past few months. This is the last Friday of the year, and I thought that it's a great time to reflect what this year meant to me. This year has truly been a roller-coaster ride, but there are always reasons to thank God for.

Recipe: The Best Rainbow Cake Ever

Ahh. Quite a few of you have asked me to bake this, I've succumbed to you guys, and there you have it - the almighty Rainbow Cake a.k.a the happiest cake on this planet. I mean, who in the right mind wouldn't want a slice of this unicorn fart. Sorry, I should mind my language since we are talking about food. Okay, some of you might be daunted by the idea of baking this cake. Don't worry, this is way easier than it looks (you just need a little more patience). For the smiles (or maybe girls) you can get with this cake? Worth it.

Brighten up anyone instantly with this slice of heaven.

The Coffee Academics @ Scotts Square, Singapore

Hailed from the land of dim-sums since 2012, The Coffee Academics has just arrived at the shores of Singapore recently. Featured on Buzzfeed as the "25 coffee shops around the world you have to see before you die", it is a no-brainer that limbeh has to partake in this hipster trend as well. Stepping into their 3000sq feet of space at the second floor of Scotts Square is like entering a fairyland - one with glorious, marbled furniture paired against a simple, yet classic backdrop, oh not forgetting the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. First impression? "No wonder it made it to the list."

Recipe: Egg Benedict + Literally Pay Lesser with Paylesser!

What's up my beautiful readers, because today, you are in for a treat. Ever thought of making cafe-grade brunch but you're not confident of your cooking skills? Or perhaps you are afraid to mess up your kitchen? I feel you, because that's what I used to be like this. Cooking is supposed to be fun, delicious, and seeing the smiles (hopefully) of people eating your creations is just worth it.

Okay, I am saving my saliva, or rather my finger strength for something else (if you know what I mean - to make more food la. Don't think dirty hor). Presenting to you limbeh's version of Egg Benedict, completed by toasted English bread, fresh Arugula salad, crispy prosciutto ham, and a beautifully poached egg slathered with homemade hollandaise sauce. Sounds complicated? (Actually it's just putting stuff together. lololol)

Recipe: Blueberry Pies

Recently I am fascinated by the flexibility of puff pastries. This store-bought ingredient is so bloody versatile that you can turn it into anything that you want, chicken pot pies, (fake) croissants, pies, strudels, or delicate, bite-size pastries. They consists of many folded layers which is filled with butter goodness. The result? Flaky, light, pastry. The best thing? Fuss-free. Here's a recipe that you can easily whipped up in 30 minutes. 

Like strawberries? Substitute the blueberries with sliced strawberries. Like apples? Chop some up and throw it inside the pies as filling, you will have your very own home-made apple pie in a moment.

Recipe: Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Pasta. One dish, many variations. The best thing? You throw in whatever ingredients you like, paired it up with your favourite pasta, and BOOM, dinner ready in less than 30 minutes. Well, on the other hand, you are able to use whatever left in your fridge to whip up a simple lunch. In my case, I had a ton of chicken thighs and blocks of Parmesan lying in my fridge. So,

I have a Parmesan. I have a chicken thigh. UHHH. Chicken Parmesan.

Recipe: Linguine alle Vongole

The Linguine alle Vongole (means linguine and clams in Italian) is no doubt my all-time favourite pasta dish. No cream, no cheese, no tomato sauce, which makes it a pretty healthy alternative if you need your pasta fix. Do not belittle the vongole though, it's light, yet at the same time, packed with flavours from the chopped garlic, parsley, the sweet brine of the clams and the aroma of white wine. To be honest, this dish is not that difficult to make, but still scores high on the impressiveness level. 

Bourbon Baby Back Ribs Promo at Morganfield's + GIVEAWAY

Happy Belated National Day from Morganfield's, the land of quality BBQ pork ribs. Although it was about four years since I first tried their signature Sticky Bones at their first branch (The Star Vista), I still remembered the taste. Back then, I wrote: "And the most brainless thing to do in Morganfield's is not to order their Sticky Bones." And yes, I am saying this again because these signature prime spareribs have a sweet and tangy barbeque taste infused in their soft, succulent meat which were slow cooked over hickory wood with a hint of cider. Oh damn, and yes, it is as yummy as it sounds (and definitely comparable to Tony Roma's).

Er Hai @ Yunnan-Dali, China

Dali is a beautiful place in China's Yunnan province, best known for its 風花雪月 (wind, flowers, snow, moon). Representing the moon is Er Hai (洱海), a ear-shaped lake that is so still and clear that it creates a perfect reflection of the moon during the nights. During the day, it mirrors the vast skies and the neighbouring Cang Shan (苍山). Second only to Dianchi (滇池 - located in Kunming), this freshwater lake is so expansive that it covers 250 sq km! That is more than 1/3 of Singapore's total land area if you're wondering.

Recipe: Red Velvet Cupcakes

Who in the right mind would resist a healthy dosage of red velvet cupcakes? Oh well, to be honest, I can't think of anyone. These cupcakes usually fly off the shelves of bakeries, because these babies are so darn pretty with their velvety red colour and cream-cheese frosting. And the best thing? It's suitable for every occasion! Add a sugary heart for Valentine's Day, pop a whole mandarin orange for Lunar New Year (just kidding), or just sprinkle some Oreo crumbles to make it a real crowd-pleaser. 

Non-Entree Desserts @ Rangoon Road, Singapore

Located at Rangoon Road (right next to Ng Ah Sio Bak Kut Teh), Non-Entree Desserts is a newly established hipster cafe which serves non-traditional European desserts (non-entree ma). Opened by three army buddies, one who was the pasty chef of Regent Singapore Hotel, do expect nothing less, because Non-Entree Desserts is gonna wow you. No, like seriously. Insta-worthy-looking food with fine-dining quality at affordable prices. 

Kyushu Pancake Cafe @ Thomson Road, Singapore

Good news pancake fanatics! Kyushu Pancakes (from Japan, duh!) has recently arrived in Singapore's Novena Regency, after expanding their franchise to Taiwan. What's up with the craze, that you have to reserve your seats days or even weeks before (or risk being turned down)? Or, what's so special about their pancakes? For one, their batter is made of a mix of Kyushu's finest grains and wheat, and contains no artificial fragrance, additives or processed starch. Two, their food is seriously #instaworthy. 

VOTE FOR ME!

Vote for limbeh! Not for some presidential campaign, mai siao siao, but just for this year's Saleduck Food Blogger Award. It's the first time that I am shortlisted for an award, because apparently I am "truly an inspiration to readers and followers" (oh yeah, which I hope I truly am). 

I am deeply honoured to be shortlisted as one of the top 10 candidates. First of all, I want to thank my Father in heaven, my parents, my family members, and friends, not to forget my dear followers who have been lending me their relentless support for the little years I have been scribbling on this blog. So, it is with great humility that I ask that you, my dear readers, to 投我一票 (:vote for me), so I can win some ka-chings ($$$) to buy more chocolatesbaking goods for experimentation.  And, and.. if I have any left, I will use to pay my study loans. #limbehbolui #pokgai #walletgotlobang

谢谢. Terima kasih. நன்றி. 

(machiam like some award speech seh)

Oh ya, I have been going for so long without providing the link to vote, so here it is:

http://www.saleduck.com.sg/awards/food-blogger-award-2016

(The competition officially starts on 1st July and ends on 30th September 2016.)

I am Contestant no. 6. You will see me sitting on the Iron Throne, while wearing my iconic OOTY (outfit of the year - 3S' a.k.a singlets, shorts, slippers). As a sincere thank-you gift, thou shall bestow this wallpaper to you.

ANYWAY. I am pitted against Ladyironchef, so I won't hope for first. 

#truthhurts

Recipe: (Really Easy) Chocolate Lava Cake

Chocolate and vanilla ice cream make a perfect match in the kitchen. Perhaps, that is why the chocolate lava cake (or otherwise known as molten lava cake) remains one of the top dessert of all time. Just imagine - a warm decadent chocolate cake with a flowy center, paired with cold vanilla ice-cream.

Ooh la la. The best thing? You do not need mad skills to make this crowd-pleasing treat. Minimal clean up too, so I don't see what are you waiting for. Bake for your lover and I guarantee you, they will fall head over heels for you...r dessert. Yup.

KING's Mao Shan Wang Ice Cream

When in Singapore, eat potong. I don't there is any other dessert that can succinctly represent Singapore better than a potong, best if it's made of durian. For foreigners, our ice-cream is a cuboid, because... this is how we roll in Singapore. Do you know that the word "potong" means "cut"? Don't know right? Now you know la.

So, recently I tried out the limited edition, King's Potong Gold - Mao Shan Wang (MSW) potong. If you haven't taste heaven, this icy goodness is probably how it would taste like (especially in Singapore's hot and humid weather - this is a real life saver). 

Recipe: Japanese Souffle Cheesecake

Previously I actually made the ang-moh (:western) version of cheesecake. Although youngsters like limbeh (and probably you) would dig it, the cream-cheese was too strong, and the texture too heavy for my mother. So I thought, for mother's day, why not make the Japanese version of it? Unlike the western version, the Japanese rendition is lighter, fluffier and way milder. This recipe is an adaption of Cooking with Dog's souffle cheesecake. They have brilliant recipes (especially Japanese cuisine, and the dog is real cute too).

Recipe: Cinnamon Choco-chip Bread

Thank God for it is Friday! If you have nothing on during the weekends, bake this bread (adapted by Sally's Baking Addiction), you will not regret it. For one, this bread is incredibly easy to make (no dough kneading or waiting for the yeast to rise, etc.). Two, your kitchen will probably smell like a bakery when you're baking. Three, you don't even need any glaze for this, because the bread is awesome as it is. Four, well... you got nothing to do at home right?

Culinary Journeys with Cashback, Agoda Promotions and more at ShopBack

You like shopping online? What if I tell you that you can actually be paid to do so? I know what you're thinking, "oi limbeh, sounds like another credit card scheme leh". That's what I thought initially, until I tried it out myself at Shopback, where deals and promotions are what they do.

So what is this lobang (deal) about? Shopback is the top cashback site in Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines, and by cashback, it simply meant that you get cash back when you do your online shopping. Yes, paid in cold, hard cash right in your bank account. Where got so good one? It is, because merchants (like Agoda and Zalora) give them commission for referring shoppers to their site, and instead of keeping the rewards to themselves, shoppers are now rewarded back!

Exclusive Deals: Domino's Cheesy Mozzarella Sticks [UP TO 50% DISCOUNT]

Pizzas are staples to parties. Besides pizzas, Domino's is offering their new Cheesy Mozzarella Stix, 4pcs at introductory price of $5.80 (Usual price: $7.80)! These bread babies are filled with mozzarella cheese and will definitely be a great addition to pizza lovers’ favourite orders.

Let the stretching begin!

"Hey limbeh, eat these stix filling meh?" Of course limbeh not so giamsiap (stingy) la. Simply use my promo codes (click read more) to enjoy some really awesome pizza deals. Offer is valid through online order (http://dominos.com.sg), call centre (6222 6333) and over-the-counter. Don't say limbeh got lobang bojio hor. 

Soon Soon Heng Bak Kut Teh (顺顺兴肉骨茶) @ Jalan Serigala, Johor Bahru

Located just opposite Johor Bahru's (JB) major tourist spot, KSL, lies Soon Soon Heng Bak Kut Teh - one of two popular BKT restaurants (the other is Soon Huat). We were there during a food trip to JB, It was about 5pm and dinner crowds have already started to stream in, with most customers being.. well.. tourists like limbeh and limbu (my mother - like literally, my mum was with me).

Soon Soon Heng's BKT is reasonably priced (1 pax = RM$12, 2 pax = RM$24, 3pax = RM$36, etc.) but only includes pork ribs and minimal ingredients. You can choose to add a wide variety of other ingredients such as pork meat, innards (e.g., liver, intestines), mushrooms and fried beancurd skin. They also serve your usual side dishes such as braised peanuts, salted veggies, and you-tiao. Please order the you-tiao for God's sake, it ain't a complete BKT experience without these fried babies.

The Usual Place @ Jurong East Street, Singapore

Great news to all my fellow Westies, because there exists another neighbourhood gem at Jurong East. - actually it's located about a 10-minute walk from Chinese Garden MRT. Still near la hor? Since its opening in July 2015, I've been eyeing to strike this cafe off my to-try list, and I finally did so. We went to The Usual Place on a Saturday afternoon, and it was almost packed. Wah, heng sia (lucky) got seats. Their concept reminded me of another cafe in the West (Coffee: Nowhere) and the best thing? No service and GST charge! I believe they didn't sneakily add them into the prices though.

Keelung Miaokou Night Market (基隆廟口夜市) @ Taiwan

The main attraction of KeeLung, a district located at Taiwan's north-east coast, is definitely the Miaokou Night Market (廟口夜市). Like most of the night markets in Taiwan, they focus greatly on food. Although it's called a "night market", they are actually opened 24 hours to cater to the local fishermen and residents. Limbeh went there at about 4pm on a weekday and it was sibei (super) crowded.

Pies & Coffee (II) @ Rochester Mall, Singapore

Before I start this post, I want to wish my readers GONG HEI FATT CHOY, may you huat a lot in this new year.

I've been to Pies & Coffee more times than the number of fingers I have, well, mostly to mug before my examinations with a couple of friends. If you still have no god-damn idea where is this cafe located at Rochester Mall, which is just literally a stone throw away from The Star Vista. Okay, since this is not my first post on Pies & Coffee, I won't bore you with more descriptions of the place. Recently I was there again, with my love of trying new things (including girls, just kidding), here are two more food items that you should try out.

Wo Peng Cuisine @ Furama Hotel, Singapore

Helmed by Platinum award-winning Hong Kong chef, Julian Tam, Wo Peng Cuisine aims to deliver authentic flavours of Cantonese cuisine in Singapore. Moreover, Chef Julian Tam is the pioneer of introducing traditional poon choy as a festival new year delicacy. Wo Peng opened its doors in Furama Hotel in the year 2010, albeit slightly run-down, the place reminded me of the typical Chinese restaurants (such as Red Star), with dull carpets and tinted lights. But.. it's usually these places that serve the most authentic food.