Cha Thai

I have been hoping to try Cha Thai for the longest time. This rather new restaurant doesn’t just serve authentic Thai food, they are bringing to us fine Thai. 

At Cha Thai, you can often see its Founder, Permsiri Sirijindapan, also affectionately known as Leah, rolling up her sleeves and working her wok magic in the kitchen, whipping up Thai cuisine from the central region we all love. This certainly makes Cha Thai quite a newfound treasure and dining pleasure.

Most of us see Thai food as generally street food that comes at affordable prices. Cha Thai is more than that with Leah’s strong culinary passion got her admitted to schools in France and Thailand, which explains why she is able to  marry the best of East and West, adapting the West’s technology while keeping to the East’s traditions, to bring Thai food to another level. “Thai food is just like food from any other culture. In Japanese food, we have the street food, as well as the finer quality food. In Chinese food, likewise. Even Western food, we have street food or fast food and fine dining. Thai food is not just about street food”, said Leah. “The quality of Cha Thai’s food is the result of premium quality ingredients, along with traditional (not authentic) recipes cooked with modern techniques, to bring out another dimension in the taste of Thai, so our customers experience the best of Fine Thai Food”, Leah shared.

At Cha Thai, there is one thing you will definitely notice - the portions are so large you should always come with friends. It is in the Thai’s tradition and culture to gather, and therefore, their food always comes in portions large enough for sharing. Food always tastes the best in good company.

Besides the large serving portions, Leah insists on great quality ingredients. Seafood is sourced locally from kelongs for freshness. Meat is sous vide to achieve tenderness. Dips, curries, pastes, sauces, gravy, milk teas, refreshing drinks and all are made from scratch as well. 

The Smoothies are $4.50 each. Cold and hot drinks are at $2.90.

Cha Thai Signatures

Creamy Crab Roll $15

Deep dried spring roll sticks served with crab cream sauce made of finger roots herbs, and the fragrance of the crab cream sauce tastes like Thai laksa in a creamy state.

Crispy Prawn Cake $15

Deep fried thick juicy prawn cakes made with tiger prawns (not the usual shrimps used by many), served with sweet plum sauce

Lemongrass Prawn Salad $28

Not your normal salad, this is savoury yet refreshing at the same time!


Another 'salad' - Pomelo Salad

Signature Tiger Prawn ‘Panang’ Curry $28

Thai saffron curry with tiger prawns and juicy sweet lychees, glazed with coconut cream

Sauteed Kai Lan with Roasted Pork $16

Stir fry baby kai lan with sous vide roasted pork, garlic and oyster sauce

Garlic Chicken with Bird’s Chilli $18

Tom Yum Vegetarian Dumplings $18



I don't usually take vegetarian dishes specially, but this is one I wouldn't mind going for!

Simmered Pork $22

Simmered pork knuckle with kai lan, pork knuckle is super tender from 14 hours of sous vide, served with fresh chilli sauce made of fermented chilli sauce 

Premium Giant Tiger Prawns Claypot Glass Noodles $159 / Tiger Prawns Claypot Glass Noodles $55 (for 4 pax) (giant tiger prawn is about 35-40cm)

Thai baked claypot prawn tang hoon seasoned with spices, ginger, pepper and spring onions. Savour the good quality tang hoon which should be QQ in texture, not soggy.

Pad Thai $22

Charcoal Toast $8

Adapted from Cha Thai’s signature toast, Charcoal kaya toast is even fluffier and softer, paired with kaya dip. The orange dip at the background is milk tea flavour, which is good as well! Absolutely my favourite! Please go and try it for yourselves!

Coming to the desserts which sadly, I couldn't stomach much after the heavy dinner.

Emerald Jade (green ruby) $8

Red Ruby $8

Red Ruby with pandan fragrance fresh coconut milk

Sweet Corn Herbal Jelly $8

If you are looking for an enjoyable fine Thai meal of high quality, Cha Thai is certainly the right place for you :)

Cha Thai

80 Telok Ayer Street #01-01 Singapore 048466

Tel: 6636 3696

www.chathaisg.com

www.facebook.com/chathaisg

www.instagram.com/chathaisg

Swensen's Gastronomic World Tour! - Around The World In More Than 80 Days

This year, Swensen’s introduces a foodie world tour – Around The World in More Than 80 Days – where an exclusive dish, inspired by a country’s cuisine is released each month throughout the year.

Since the beginning of Swensen’s, its quality yet affordable food and cozy ambience has won the hearts of many, letting people from all walks of life carve out a memory at Singapore’s favourite family-friendly restaurant. In 2016, Swensen’s will push boundaries to create a memorable dining adventure for their long-time patrons. Inspired by the novel and movie – Around the World in 80 Days – Swensen’s will be taking their diners on a gastronomic journey beyond the little red dot through monthly new dishes from every continent.

Fans of Swensen’s can look forward to an exclusive dish released each month that is inspired by a country’s unique culinary heritage. The first three delectable releases from January to March 2016 respectively are Hurry Curry Crayfish Pasta, Pineapple Fried Rice Paradise and Essentially Hambagu. These seasonal dishes will tickle your taste buds with authentic country origin flavors complete with Swensen’s local twist.

February 2016

Pineapple Fried Rice Paradise ($15.90)

 This Thailand-inspired mouth-watering combination of sweetpineapple chunks and savoury cashew fried rice represents the best of Thailand. Enjoy the merriment of delicate ocean catch, Wahoo fish fillet, thoroughly coated with Swensen’s rendition of sweet Thai sauce with fragrant pineapple rice that comes with prawn crackers for that extra crunch. As Wahoo fishes are wild ocean catches, so they tend to have a firmer bite as compared to fresh water fishes that are soft and crumbly.

Completed with a zesty Thai salad, this medley of flavours is a taste of the Tropics!

March 2016

Essentially Hambagu ($15.90)

With the influence of the western love for burgers and steaks, and Nihon’s rich ancient culture and heritage, Hambagu is born. Diners are in for a treat as they tuck in freshly grounded beef with chunky sautéed shiitake mushrooms generously mixed within, which are then grilled to a deep brown peak and served with a specially concocted dipping Japanese barbeque sauce. End of the meal by refreshing your taste buds with a light Asian salad and sautéed shiitake mushrooms.

Mad Hatter’s Ciabatta Tea Set is back!

The perfect start to a 3-course menu is with Swensen’s Ciabatta Tea Set that comes with signature baked honey buttercream Ciabatta Rolls, warm and fluffy, paired together with their recently launched, free-flow Custom Roasted Coffee. Coffee beans hailing from Sumatra Mandheling, Tanzania, El Salvador and Brazilian Robusta are given the Full City Plus roast treatment, to produce a coffee blend that boasts a full body finish with hints of earthy notes and caramelized nuts.

If you're not a coffee lover, the free-flow of drinks can be tea or soft drinks!

Swensen’s Mad Hatter’s Ciabatta Tea Set, $5.00 is available at all Swensen’s outlets on weekdays from 2.30pm – 5.00pm only. Price is before GST and service charge.

***

Swensen’s Around the World in more than 80 Days Menu launches in Swensen’s restaurants islandwide from 1st January 2016, and will run till 31st December 2016.

Exclusively for HSBC Cardholders: enjoy 15% off an order of Around the World dish or 10% off the entire bill.

TheShiokBook media launch @ The Laneway Market

Attended the launch of TheShiokBook at The Laneway Market recently. The café has a clean, muji-feel to it, and beautifully decorated with babybreaths. 

I love the place pretty much that we stayed for quite a while even after the event has ended, haha.

The Laneway Market

266 Tanjong Katong Road Singapore 437053

Tel:

67198832

Operating Hours:

4pm to 9.30pm Tuesday

  11am to 9.30pm Wednesday to Friday

  10am to 9.30pm Saturday & Sunday

  Close on Monday

Website:

http://thelanewaymarket.com

Enjoyed the reception by TheShiokBook team!

*http://michhysaurous.blogspot.sg/

Now, TheShiokBook is a dining guide which offers either 1-for-1 deals, or 25% off the total bill at popular dining places in Singapore. There are more than 60 different partnering merchants with some popular hideouts such as Siam Society, and I Am Cafe. And The Laneway Market too! :) 

TheShiokBook can be purchased here at $45 each.

What I like most about TheShiokBook is their corporate initiative to give back to the society. TheShiokBook has collaborated with 3 charities (mainly), Singapore Cancer Society, Assisi Hospice and Ronald McDonald House – For every book purchased from the website, S$10 will be donated to either of these charity organization of the buyer’s preference. What a perfect win-win plan! 

Now, it's your turn to help them give back to society and enjoy the great deals with friends! :)

Nature’s Glory Dr. Bronner's Liquid Soap and Organic Virgin Coconut Oil

Been diligently learning household chores and tips recently in hopes to maintain our new place properly in time to come! We're in midst of sourcing for ID/contractors who can understand what we want for a house, and importantly, be genuine and committed. Recommendations are welcome! :)

Was really glad to be invited to try Nature's Glory Dr Bronner's Castile Organic Liquid Soap which has 18 uses to it!

*Certified to USDA Organic Standards

(same strict standards used for Organic Foods)

1. Shave

2. Shampoo

3. Toothpaste

4. Soap Bath or Foot Bath

5. Deodorant

6. Denture Cleaner

7. Mouth Wash

8. Hands Cleanser

9. Body Massage

10. Laundry

11. Douche

12. Hot Towel Massage

13. Pets

14. Dishwashing

15. Toilet Wash

16. Fruits/Vegetables Wash

17. Pest Spray

18. No Rash Nappy Soap

For five generations, over 150 years, the Bronner family is known for their soapmaking excellence. Nothing brings the warmth and coziness of home and hearth into your shower like Dr. Bronner's range of heavenly-scented Castile Organic Liquid Soap. They are certified organic under the USDA National Organic Program, as well as certified Fair Trade. Packaged in 100% postconsumer recycled (PCR) plastic bottles, these soaps are renowned for their quality, versatility and eco-friendliness.

The purity of the source of these soaps grants each droplet its exceptional qualities. They contain a relatively large volume of therapeutic high quality grade essential oil (i.e., 20ml in 1litre) which is really value for money, as typically even a bottle of 10ml essential oil would already cost $20 to $30+. Dr. Bronner’s liquid soap is retailing at a reasonably good price of $18.90 for a 16oz. The soaps greatly enhance its penetration deep into the skin to unleash reservoirs of goodness for long-lasting care and love for our skin.

To being with, Dr Bronner’s Pure-Castile Almond Liquid Soap is unlike any other soap you have ever used. It is made of a combination of high quality, pure & organic extra virgin coconut, olive, jojoba & almond oils. 

Personally, I really love the scent of the citrus version. Can totally imagine using it for many things!

Nothing smells as fresh as the smell of organic citrus oils. The organic orange, lemon, and lime oils in Dr Bronner’s Pure-Castile Citrus Orange Liquid Soap stimulate the skin and invigorate the body, resulting in a truly refreshing shower experience. 

Since I'm on-my-way to be a "housewife", I started off with trying it as a dishwasher instead, heh heh. As stated on its website, Dr.Bronner’s Pure-Castile Liquid Soaps are valued for money – up to 4 X more concentrated than other brands of “liquid soaps”. With such a lovely scent, I would definitely repurchase this for ashing my clothing in future, or simply a relaxing foot bath next!

***

Now, while I'm on Dr Bronner's, I found out about another amazing organic product - the Fresh Pressed Virgin Coconut oil!

Dr Bronner’s Whole Kernel Organic Virgin Coconut Oil is expeller-pressed from fresh, carefully dried coconut kernels whose brown inner skins have been left on, resulting in a more aromatic, nuttier-tasting oil. Versatile and delicious, Whole Kernel Coconut Oil can be used for stir-frying, sauces, baking and body care, including hair and body moisturising, oil pulling, DIY toothpaste formulations, and more.

I have not used it as hair or body care yet because it smells TOO YUMMY, lol. Might feel weird for me to use something so delicious smelling on my skin/hair.

Was hesitating between using it on food as a try-out, or on my face as a quick moisturizing mask.

Decided to add it to my "cooking" eventually when the little sister requested for a late night noodles supper! Secretly added the coconut oil to the noodles soup and it turned out very well indeed! The noodles were more fragrant that she could detect that extra aroma in her supper even though she didn't know of the existence of Dr Bronner’s Whole Kernel Organic Virgin Coconut Oil in the house then.

Operation successful!

Dr. Bronner’s products are available at Nature’s Glory retail store or e-shop at www.natures-glory.com.

There's FREE DELIVERY for purchases S$150 & above.

Retail Store:

315 Outram Road #01-09

Tan Boon Liat Building

Singapore 169074

Tel: 6227 1318

Email: customerservice@natures-glory.com

Sunrise Bistro & Bar [Media Tasting]

Was invited to chill out at Sunrise Bistro & Bar last week, an impressive restaurant located at a quaint stretch along East Coast Park.

As the name suggests, Sunrise offers both a bistro and a bar, with indoor and alfresco seats.

Helmed by 41 year-old Executive Chef & Owner Vincent Teng with an impressive 22-year culinary experience, Sunrise Bistro & Bar specialises in serving casual fusion dishes - French fare cooked with a contemporary twist and a fine blend of creativity peppered with Asian inspired flavours (the Sous Vide way). This enables diners to experience fine dining at more affordable prices!

There is a live band - The Tripsters - that performs every night at 9pm, and allows you to send song dedications. We definitely had a good time with their performance that evening! All photos credit to molly-mia's camera cos I didn't had mine. We took turns to "work" that night, haha.

We started off our fine dining tasting with a lovely cocktail - Lady in Pink.

Made up of malibu, vodka, cranberry juice, sparkling wine, and topped with sweet, juicy strawberries, I would definitely go back to Sunrise for this anytime!

Seafood Chowder Soup $12

Creamy seafood soup with seasonal fresh seafood, topped with chopped chives and extra virgin olive oil

The seafood chowder didn't come looking like the usual creamy chowder. It was quite orangey as Chef Vincent included tomatoes in the base to give it a more zesty flavour, making it more refreshing as an appetizer. The soup was served with generous amount of seafood and a bread, definitely value-for-money. One of my favourite for the night!

Seared Foie Gras $19

Seared goose liver on brioche bread layered with mango with citrus jam and berry compote

We had half the usual serving-size for the foie gras to leave more tummy space for the rest of the dishes. Sunrise uses goose liver and it was seared to perfection - so fragrant and smooth. The tangy mango slice complements the fatty foie gras flawlessly.

Sunrise "Fish & Chips" $26

Crispy fried red snapper with lemon myrtle pepper served with mango salsa tartare sauce and french fries

Again, this fish & chips was very different from what we had expected. An absolute embodiment of fusion food - Asian dish with Western presentation. I was telling Mia that it tasted like sweet-and-sour fish without the sauce, probably due to the fact that it is fried red snapper instead of the usual battered dory fish.

Cereal Crusted Cod Fish $28

Baked cod fish with cereal crust served with seasonal vegetable braised in sesame oil and giner shoyu broth

This is my favourite main of the evening. 

The cereal crust is so fragrant and crispy, while the texture of the cod fish is tender and flavourful after being soaked in the sesame oil & ginger shoyu broth.

Asian Five Spice Duck Leg Confit $28

Sous vide 8-hour crispy duck leg infused with five spice served with citrus salad & passionfruit sauce

Definitely sous vide for 8 hours as the duck meat was so tender. The skin was totally crispy and fragrant, making me finish up every piece of it.

Marmite Canadian Pork Shoulder $26

Sous vide and grilled pork shoulder with marmite marinate served with seasonal vegetable

The pork shoulder is marinated with marmite before sous vide. This is the first time trying marmite and it was quite good. Not too overwhelming as I had thought. The pork shoulder taste very similar to char siew, without the fattiness, reminding us again of Chef Vincent's fusion culinary approach.

BBQ Beef Short Ribs $32

24-hour Sous vide to tender and roast with homemade BBQ sauce served with seasonal vegetables

This beef short ribs were sous vide for 24 hours making it so tender and juicy. The insides of the ribs remains pink and the meat so succulent.

Tiramisu Semi Freddo $12

Semi frozen mascarpone cheese layered with coffee liquer jelly psonge topped with milo crunch and tuile biscuit

Not the first time having semi-freddo dessert, but it's my first having a semi-freddo version of tiramisu. It went well, especially with the fat, juicy raisin infused with brandy.

Salted Egg Yolk Custard Molten Chocolate Cake $14

Warm chocolate cake with melting salted egg yolk custard in the center served with vanilla ice cream

Another of my favourite for the evening. Chocolate lava cake that oozes salted egg yolk is simply divine!

Sunrise Bistro & Bar

902 East Coast Parkway, Playground @ Big Splash, Block B #01-05

Singapore 6440 9090

Opening Hours

Mon - Thu: 11:30am - 1:00am

Fri: 11:30am - 2:00am

Sat & Eve of Public Holiday: 9:00am - 2:00am

Sun & Public Holiday: 9:00am - 1:00am

Website

http://sunrisebistrobar.com/