Pages

Monday, July 21, 2008

Day 5 : Din

Because Hub and his younger bro are leaving tomorrow while Ming and I stay back, we gave in to BIL's request to have salty soy bean soup for dinner. Now, of all the Shanghainese food, salty beancurd soup (xen dou jiang) is my top dislike, plus sticky rice rolls (tze fun), which is Shanghainese sushi. The only thing that my MIL cooks which I don't eat (but my kids do) is chow doe jiang, which is firm beancurd, mushrooms, meat, bamboo shoots etc fried in a hot fermented bean curd sauce.

Years ago my older BIL found a Shanghainese restuarant called Yong He in Geylang, and since then whenever any of the family visits Singapore, he'd go there for a meal. But I won't even give you the address because I think the food's really horrible!

P1240085
The xen dou jiang (top left) is beancurd jelly (or you can choose soy bean milk) with soy sauce, sesame oil, some spring onions and ja cai, a preserved veg. Because I'm used to eating sweet beancurd jelly, eating the salted version feels weird. The feeling is like eating salty ice-cream I suppose. In the front, wrapped in plastic, is tze fun (sticky rice) which has meat floss and ja cai. Nope, not for me. I spat out the first bite of the crullers (yew tiaw); it tasted and smelt of ammonia! It amazed me as my Hub and his bros continued eating the stinky bread.

P1240084
This, would you believe it, is xiao long bao. As wrinkled as me on a winter day.

P1240086

The most edible thing was the spring onion pancake. Ming and I looked at each other as the others ate, and we both decided to make a run; surely there's better food in Geylang! (Later that night, Hub whispered to me that the food was indeed bad, but he didn't want to upset his bro)

Geylang is the red-light area of Singapore. Yes, even squeaky-clean Singapore needs hookers. It was an eye-opener for Ming and I to see the girls standing by the roadside and soliciting business with any car (driver) that slowed down on the road. We were told that if we walked the side streets, the girls would literally grab any guy who walks by. There were streets of Thai girls, Indonesian girls, Filipinas, but most of all, there were girls from China. And these girls from China were very bold, sitting out having dinner at the restaurants, clinging to their 'johns' , very old dirty men. The girls aren't that young themselves. We were told (by the taxi driver) that younger girls don't walk the streets, they stay in apartments above the shops and you can tell they are there because they would light up red lanterns that dangle from the windows.

Ming and I were slightly afraid, for the first time in Singapore, and we didn't go very far. Geylang felt so dirty in every way. We ended up in a restaurant across the street from the restaurant where Hub and his bros were eating (made me feel much safer) and we ended up eating this, which, despite its looks, was a 1000x better than the food at Yong He:

P1240087
Bak kut teh (herbal pork ribs soup S$5), with side dishes of beancurd skin (S$2) and preserved veg (S$2).

After dinner, we walked along the streets trying to get a cab. I was told that the girls would lay off if they see a female with a group of men, so I hung back a little, and sure enough, I saw a girl talking to Hub as he walked by. Ming was totally disgusted, but I felt very sorry for them, so far from home and doing what they were doing.

Ming brightened up when we came to a large durian stall. We chose a Buddhist-temple-sounding durian, the maw san wang which, as I look at the pic (and feel very proud that I can actually read 3 Chinese characters) really means 'cat mountain king' whatever that means (S$8/kg) and another one (S$12/kg) recommended by a guy who looks like a loan shark, or a robber. You know, the scary-face type.

P1240094

When the durians were opened, I was taken aback by their color: a bright sulphuric yellow to a golden yellow.

P1240097
Thick-fleshed, strong;y-flavored, creamy and sweet but slightly over-ripe and mushy. I was so full I had to seal my lips by pressing them close with my fingers to keep the food from coming out.

34 comments:

  1. hey, I thought Yong He near Lorong 9, Geylang is the famous Taiwanese shop that sells the yummiest 豆浆 &
    烧饼 ?

    ReplyDelete
  2. DURIAN! *slobbers*

    Ganache your carrot cake was delicious and very well received by all, including my very fussy-about-food gf!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Re Malay food, how about Seri Melaka @ Kg Air ?

    ReplyDelete
  4. my malay collq told me
    Raya Nyonya,Tonghing
    Sri melaka
    Kak Nong Restaurant, bundusan (but not sure got air con or not)

    ReplyDelete
  5. ganache: tt's the same shop, but it has moved since a few months back we were told. it was empty except for 2 tables...

    bryan: i couldn't find any at foh san n lido. our supply & market is so small! wah, ganache, u must open a shop soon!

    ganache & denise: tq dears! i haven't beeen to sri melaka for yrs! ok, will try it. there's good malay/nyonya restaurant in Wisma Millenia (near Krishnan's curry hse) but it's not air-coned n the food can be variable; droolteam blogged about it.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I was just craving badly for that "yao cha kwai" to be dipped in congee or even bah kut teh...mmmm

    any idea where I could get recipes for that yao cha kwai???

    ReplyDelete
  7. Its not purely malay, and its not simple, but I really like Spice Islands at the Sutera marina. Oh yeah, don't wear shorts. :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. There's a Malay restaurant next to Ruby Hotel that's aircon, but nothing special about the food.

    ReplyDelete
  9. The baba nonya place has good rendang, rojak, cendol and asam fish head. For curry fish head, go next door. You can always tapau home, although cendol would be difficult to take home. But its not really a Malay restaurant either.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Rasa Nonya is about as far as Malay and Nonya as you can get. hahah.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Yong He's standard has dropped nowadays, unfortunately. :p

    ReplyDelete
  12. anon: i do have a recipe for yew ja kwey but u have to use ammonia & other unhealthy stuff. still want it?

    fooman: y didn't u msg me, bc we went to Kohinoor instead (thinking Cat'll never be able to tell indian from malay after >25 yrs in the US). they liked it.

    rei: must be so bc i can't imagine how good it was b4!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Well, I suppose I can take unhealthy food once in a blue moon??? Can I have the recipe pleeeeeeeeeeeaaaaase???? Reaaaaally craving for it~~!! Can't seem to find it anywhere being overseas!!

    ReplyDelete
  14. anon: ok but i have to test it out first bc the last time i made it, i omitted the unhealthy ingredients n the yew tiao wasn't too soft.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Sorry, wasn't sure when you were going. Its been a while since I've been to Kohinoor, but I remember enjoying it. For that type of Indian food its a toss up between Anjapar in KAC and Kohinoor.

    ReplyDelete
  16. fooman: last night all of us who've been to anjuppur agreed it isn't as good as kohninoor!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Thanks so much Terri!! Can't wait to see the recipe!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hello Everybody,
    My name is Mrs Sharon Sim. I live in Singapore and i am a happy woman today? and i told my self that any lender that rescue my family from our poor situation, i will refer any person that is looking for loan to him, he gave me happiness to me and my family, i was in need of a loan of S$250,000.00 to start my life all over as i am a single mother with 3 kids I met this honest and GOD fearing man loan lender that help me with a loan of S$250,000.00 SG. Dollar, he is a GOD fearing man, if you are in need of loan and you will pay back the loan please contact him tell him that is Mrs Sharon, that refer you to him. contact Dr Purva Pius,via email:(urgentloan22@gmail.com) Thank you.

    BORROWERS APPLICATION DETAILS


    1. Name Of Applicant in Full:……..
    2. Telephone Numbers:……….
    3. Address and Location:…….
    4. Amount in request………..
    5. Repayment Period:………..
    6. Purpose Of Loan………….
    7. country…………………
    8. phone…………………..
    9. occupation………………
    10.age/sex…………………
    11.Monthly Income…………..
    12.Email……………..

    Regards.
    Managements
    Email Kindly Contact: urgentloan22@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hello Everybody,
    My name is Mrs Sharon Sim. I live in Singapore and i am a happy woman today? and i told my self that any lender that rescue my family from our poor situation, i will refer any person that is looking for loan to him, he gave me happiness to me and my family, i was in need of a loan of S$250,000.00 to start my life all over as i am a single mother with 3 kids I met this honest and GOD fearing man loan lender that help me with a loan of S$250,000.00 SG. Dollar, he is a GOD fearing man, if you are in need of loan and you will pay back the loan please contact him tell him that is Mrs Sharon, that refer you to him. contact Dr Purva Pius,via email:(urgentloan22@gmail.com) Thank you.

    BORROWERS APPLICATION DETAILS


    1. Name Of Applicant in Full:……..
    2. Telephone Numbers:……….
    3. Address and Location:…….
    4. Amount in request………..
    5. Repayment Period:………..
    6. Purpose Of Loan………….
    7. country…………………
    8. phone…………………..
    9. occupation………………
    10.age/sex…………………
    11.Monthly Income…………..
    12.Email……………..

    Regards.
    Managements
    Email Kindly Contact: urgentloan22@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  20. Good day everybody my name is Mrs.Irene Query few months back i was financially strained i rushed to my bank to apply for a loan to start up my business but i was denied by my bank because of my credit score and they could not help and due to my desperation i was scammed by several online lenders who promised to help me but at the end i was scam i lost my money and my hope because i was so frustrated, One day when i was going through the internet again i found one lender call Dr Purva Pius i thought to give it a try one more time to my biggest surprise he was able to lend me a secure loan totally the amount of $300,000 for the first time in my life i realize that there are few lender who don't scam people his name is Dr Purva Pius i will advice any body that are in need of loan to contact him with his Email (urgentloan22@gmail.com) he can be able to help you because he was a God sent to me this year and i will never forget him for the help he render to me. contact him via email:(urgentloan22@gmail.com) Thank you.

    ReplyDelete

  21. Are you in need of a loan? Do you want to pay off your bills? Do you want to be financially stable? All you have to do is to contact us for more information on how to get started and get the loan you desire. This offer is open to all that will be able to repay back in due time. Note-that repayment time frame is negotiable and at interest rate of 3% just email us creditloan.11@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  22. My Brothers and Sister all over the world, I am Mrs Boo Wheat from Canada ; i was in need of loan some month ago. i needed a loan to open my restaurant and bar, when one of my long time business partner introduce me to this good and trustful loan lender DR PURVA PIUS that help me out with a loan, and is interest rate is very low , thank God today. I am now a successful business woman, and I became useful. In the life of others, I now hold a restaurant and bar. And about 30 workers, thank GOD for my life I am leaving well today a happy father with three kids, thanks to you DR PURVA PIUS Now I can take care of my lovely family, i can now pay my bill. I am now the bread winner of my family. If you are look for a trustful and reliable loan leader. You can Email him via,mail (urgentloan22@gmail.com) Please tell him Mrs Boo Wheat from Canada introduce you to him. THANKS

    ReplyDelete
  23. $$$ GENUINE LOAN WITH LOW INTEREST RATE APPLY $$$
    Do you need finance to start up your own business or expand your business, Do you need funds to pay off your debt? We give out loan to interested individuals and company's who are seeking loan with good faith. Are you seriously in need of an urgent loan contact us.Email: (urgentfastloan@gmail.com)

    ReplyDelete
  24. How I Got My Loan From A Genuine And Reliable Loan Company

    My name is Mrs.Anna Daniel. I live in Ukraine and i am a happy woman today? and i told my self that any lender that rescue my family from our poor situation, i will refer any person that is looking for loan to him, he gave me happiness to me and my family, i was in need of a loan of $220,000,00 and was scammed by those fraudulent lenders and a friend introduce me to Mr.James Eric, and he lend me the loan without any stress,you can contact him at (urgentfastloan@gmail.com)

    LOAN APPLICATION FORM:

    Full Name:................
    Loan Amount Needed:.
    Purpose of loan:.......
    Loan Duration:..
    Gender:.............
    Marital status:....
    Location:..........
    Home Address:..
    City:............
    Country:......
    Phone:..........
    Mobile / Cell:....
    Occupation:......
    Monthly Income:....
    Website You Heard About Us?......
    Email Him at: (urgentfastloan@gmail.com)

    ReplyDelete
  25. My name is.Mrs.Juliet Quin. I live in Canada and i am a happy woman today? and i told my self that any lender that rescue my family from our poor situation, i will refer any person that is looking for loan to him, he gave me happiness to me and my family, i was in need of a loan of $ 73,000.00 to start my life all over as i am a single mother with 3 kids I met this honest and GOD fearing man loan lender that help me with a loan of $ 73,000.00 Canada Dollar, he is a GOD fearing man, if you are in need of loan and you will pay back the loan please contact him tell him that is Mrs.Juliet Quin that refer you to him. Contact Dr Purva Pius via email: reply to email {urgentloan22@gmail.com}

    ReplyDelete


  26. GENUINE LOAN WITH LOW INTEREST RATE APPLY
    Do you need finance to start up your own business or expand your business, Do you need funds to pay off your debt? We give out loan to interested individuals and company's who are seeking loan with good faith. Are you seriously in need of an urgent loan contact us.Email: (urgentloan22@gmail.com)

    BORROWERS DATA FORM
    1)YOUR NAME:_______________
    2)YOUR COUNTRY:____________
    3)YOUR OCCUPATION:_________
    4)YOUR MARITAL STATUS:_____
    5)PHONE NUMBER:____________
    6)MONTHLY INCOME:__________
    7)ADDRESS:_________________
    8)PURPOSE:_________________
    9)LOAN REQUEST:____________
    10)LOAN DURATION:__________
    11)CITY/ZIP CODE:__________
    12)HAVE YOU APPLIED FOR LOAN BEFORE?

    E-mail: (urgentloan22@gmail.com)

    ReplyDelete
  27. Hello Everybody,
    My name is Mrs Sharon Sim. I live in Singapore and i am a happy woman today? and i told my self that any lender that rescue my family from our poor situation, i will refer any person that is looking for loan to him, he gave me happiness to me and my family, i was in need of a loan of S$250,000.00 to start my life all over as i am a single mother with 3 kids I met this honest and GOD fearing man loan lender that help me with a loan of S$250,000.00 SG. Dollar, he is a GOD fearing man, if you are in need of loan and you will pay back the loan please contact him tell him that is Mrs Sharon, that refer you to him. contact Dr Purva Pius,via email:(urgentloan22@gmail.com) Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Hello Everybody,
    My name is Mrs Sharon Sim. I live in Singapore and i am a happy woman today? and i told my self that any lender that rescue my family from our poor situation, i will refer any person that is looking for loan to him, he gave me happiness to me and my family, i was in need of a loan of S$250,000.00 to start my life all over as i am a single mother with 3 kids I met this honest and GOD fearing man loan lender that help me with a loan of S$250,000.00 SG. Dollar, he is a GOD fearing man, if you are in need of loan and you will pay back the loan please contact him tell him that is Mrs Sharon, that refer you to him. contact Dr Purva Pius,via email:(urgentloan22@gmail.com) Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Dear Sir/Madam
    I am a veteran with common wealth of nations humanitarian delivery agency a subsidiary of UN..
    Mrs. Sarah Hayes 68 died of covid19. Before her death she left in the sum of (€17,000,000.00) with a Security & Finance Firm in Europe for safe keeping there is an incrustation she revealed that the funds should not be left unclaimed. You are to stand as the beneficiary to late Sarah Hayes.
    Respond to me your interest at lampealfredm46@gmail.com,and contact details for all other formalities which is genuine and trustworthy person.
    Hoping to have a good deal with you on mutual trust.
    Sincerely

    ReplyDelete
  30. Genuine provider for BG/SBLC specifically for lease, at leasing price of 4+2 of face value, Issuance by HSBC London/Hong Kong or any other AA rated Bank in Europe, Middle East or USA.

    Contact : Mr. EASON RONNIE
    Email: easonronnie9@gmail.com
    skype : keatcheng2@gmail.com

    Intermediaries/Consultants/Brokers are welcome to bring their clients and are 100% protected. In complete confidence, we will work together for the benefits of all parties involved.

    All inquires to Mr. Eason should include the following minimum information so I can quickly address your needs:

    Complete contact information:
    What exactly do you need?
    How long do you need it for?
    Are you a principal borrower or a broker?

    Contact me for more details.

    Whatsapp: +19893413179

    ReplyDelete
  31. DO YOU NEED A PERSONAL/BUSINESS/INVESTMENT LOAN? CONTACT US TODAY VIA WhatsApp +19292227023 Email drbenjaminfinance@gmail.com

    HELLO
    Loan Offer Alert For Everyone! Are you financially down and you need an urgent credit/financial assistance? Or are you in need of a loan to start-up/increase your business or buy your dream house. Are you in search of a legit loan? Tired of Seeking Loans and Mortgages? Have you been turned down by your banks? Have you also been scammed once? Have you lost money to scammers or to Binary Options and Cryptocurrency Trading, We will help you recover your lost money and stolen bitcoin by our security FinanceRecovery Team 100% secured, If you are in financial pains consider your financial trauma over. We Offer LOANS from $3,000.00 Min. to $30,000,000.00 Max. at 2% interest rate NO MATTER YOUR CREDIT SCORE. GET YOUR INSTANT LOAN APPROVAL 100% GUARANTEED TODAY VIA WhatsApp:+19292227023 Email: drbenjaminfinance@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  32. Do you Need Instant Loan from $2,000 to $50,000,000.00 with no collateral required and receive a no obligation loan approval.We welcome the opportunity to show you how effective we are at helping our clients obtain the money they need to succeed. Our professional staff is available for a Free Consultation.At Patiala legitimate company Pvt , contact us now 2% interest rate, both long and short term cash reply to us (Whats App) number: +919394133968 patialalegitimate515@gmail.com 
    Mr Jeffery

    ReplyDelete
  33. Do you need to hack into any, database server spy on Facebook, Emails, Whatsapp, Viber, Snapchat, Instagram, and many more. contact :WIZARDBRIXTON(AT) GMAIL (DOT) COM
    I urge you to get in touch with the best team for the job, I have confirmed the service when I need to spy on my spouse's phone. They are good at Phone Cloning and Bitcoin/binary mining / Snapchat cloning / Instagram cloning /Scam recovery / Money lots to online Scams and any other fake hacker / fake result upgrade. wipe no more get up and contact this best team ever that did my job perfectly without given excuse or going offline with my money
    Thanks, guys for the teamwork WIZARDBRIXTON(AT) GMAIL (DOT) COM chat +1- /807-23 ) 4-0428 (WHATSAPP)

    ReplyDelete
  34. I would strongly love to recommend the services of the best team of dark web hackers. They are professional and very discreet in carrying out their jobs, they have the best customer service agents and satisfaction at heart. If you have any services you wish to contact them for, go on ( WIZARDBRIXTON(AT) GMAIL (DOT) COM ) WhatsApp +1- /807-234-0428 , They help track and monitor your cheating partner's phone without his idea, clear or erase criminal records as well as repair a bad credit score, all social media hacks, Recovery lost Funds from scammers / Cryptocurrency / Binary / Forex / Recovery of Stolen Bitcoin and many others.

    ReplyDelete