If I only had an afternoon to shop in Singapore, I think I'll spend it in Raffles City, which also connects to Marina Square and Suntec City. I especially enjoy the little shops and cafes in Raffles City's Market Place. To a westerner, the place may be too western but that's the way Singapore is going, loosing its own culture. If you aren't in a group and there's time to kill, you can read at MPH although there's no coffee corner like those in Borders. But what I really recommend is that you go to Canele, near MPH. I was there Monday, after the Jap buffet and I was bowled over by their cakes but was too full to try any. This afternoon, Ming bunkered down with his book in one of Canele's armchairs and I chose their two best-sellers:
Described as "64% dark choc mousse.almond succes.hazelnut feullitine.choc genoise with rum," this is truly delicious with many flavors and texture. A marvelous creation! S$7/RM17/US$5.30, not cheap. I would eat this again when I go to Singapore. Btw, does anyone know what 'succes' is?
Why this is called strawberry shortcake I don't know because the shortcakes I have eaten in the States have a scone-like texture. This cake wasn't crumbly enough for a shortcake yet too coarse for a sponge cake (its only flaw; I was disappointed) but it was saved by being moist to the point of wet. It scored 100 points on flavor, is not too sweet, and we loved the whipped chantilly cream. S$8/RM19/US$6, expensive.
The ones that got away:
When I next go to Singapore, I'll reserve a day when I don't eat anything but Canele's cakes. One of each kind they have.
Described as "64% dark choc mousse.almond succes.hazelnut feullitine.choc genoise with rum," this is truly delicious with many flavors and texture. A marvelous creation! S$7/RM17/US$5.30, not cheap. I would eat this again when I go to Singapore. Btw, does anyone know what 'succes' is?
Why this is called strawberry shortcake I don't know because the shortcakes I have eaten in the States have a scone-like texture. This cake wasn't crumbly enough for a shortcake yet too coarse for a sponge cake (its only flaw; I was disappointed) but it was saved by being moist to the point of wet. It scored 100 points on flavor, is not too sweet, and we loved the whipped chantilly cream. S$8/RM19/US$6, expensive.
The ones that got away:
When I next go to Singapore, I'll reserve a day when I don't eat anything but Canele's cakes. One of each kind they have.
We rushed to Katong Shopping Centre because F had given me the address of a shop that sells designer glasses at very reasonable prices. We got there after 8.30 pm and the place was closed. Took a cab home and a block down, I saw 328 Katong and, like in a movie, cried "Stop!" and we got off. Still had to pay S$3/RM7?US$2.30.
Singapore laksa and otak otak.
This time 49 Hock Hong Hin was not out of laksa. I found it less santany than 328, but still too santany for my liking. We were told that the authentic 328 laksa place snips their noodles short and does not provide chopsticks. Well, here's news. Both 49 and 328 do not provide chopsticks, only spoons, so who's the real McCoy? 49's otak was ordinary but then I don't like otak. Weird food.
This time 49 Hock Hong Hin was not out of laksa. I found it less santany than 328, but still too santany for my liking. We were told that the authentic 328 laksa place snips their noodles short and does not provide chopsticks. Well, here's news. Both 49 and 328 do not provide chopsticks, only spoons, so who's the real McCoy? 49's otak was ordinary but then I don't like otak. Weird food.
I never understood the fascination with laksa, please explain. :(
ReplyDelete:0 after so many bowls, i'm asking myself the same Q. i think it's the daun kesom, the raw cockles, the spices ( i don't like the soup too santany) and the fact tt it reminds me of the old days when i ate laksa (with fishballs) whenever i went to Sg!frankly, i prefer assam laksa. now don't tell me u don't like tt! what does gf thinks about sg laksa??
ReplyDelete"pls explain"--u r so funny. n cute.:)
ReplyDeletethat is japanese style strawberry shortcake, instead of using shortcake/biscuit, it uses sponge.
ReplyDeleteMe too, I don't understand what is so great about laksa, I never like it, but a big fan of assam laksa. Coming from Indonesia, I didn't know Laksa existed. I only knew assam laksa till I went to Johor and ordered laksa. I expected Assam Laksa, but it came this curry look alike, I told the hawker centre uncle I didn't order that, quite embarrasing.
terri, you should try the Penang curry mee (called laksa in SG, KL).
ReplyDeleteThere's one not bad stall in Weld Quay (near Jetty) - Tua Pui Curry Mee. There are extra ingredients to add.
I think it's a like a meringue.....
ReplyDeleteI've always wanted to chk Canele out but the outlet @ Robertson quay is out of the way, my Feb trip I went to Raffles City didn't know they have a outlet there only found out after I came out of Ochacha ! I used to go to Barkerzin each time I go back but think their standard had drop, the next trip I'll sure to remember to chk iut Canele's succes !
Oh, the strawberries are so neatly arranged ! see my strawberry & mango cake, quite messy heehee.......
ReplyDeleteAlmond Succes is meringue with ground almonds. Almost like macarons I think, but it is baked in big rounds and used in layered cakes.
ReplyDeleteThe 1st Dessert was so good looking and can tell its taste is good looking too. The 2nd dessert looks so like those I see in the Japanese Cartoons... They seriously adore Strawberry Shortcake specially the top fully occupied with Strawberries.....
ReplyDeleteI also prefer Assam Laksa than curry laksa too!!! :D~ I tried all the ones in those modern style Kopitiam and the one selling in a coffeeshop in Lido. U know where to taste good Assam Laksa? :D
So far, this cake thing is the best highlight of your trip (in my opinion).... those cakes are so pretty!
ReplyDeletelinda; ah, so, thnx for telling me :) this is what i love about friends on blogs sharing info.
ReplyDeletero: yes yes, will note this down,have to make a schedule since i'm only going to be there 2 days. thnx!
ganache: yes, me too i saw how neat & well-packed the strawberries r. if u were there, i'm sure u'll be like me, hanging around their showcase until it's embarassing for everyone.
rei: see, i knew one of u can tell me what it is, thnx, u get a prize *kiss on cheek*
agnes: tt show i don't read much Jap comics. i go to tt lido shop for assam laksa too, but their standard is so variable, n the place is jam=packed every day! i also saw the girls snipping chilis straight from the bag, no washing. i guess they do worse thing we don't see..
lily ann: hey, so u like sweet tings huh. i c u've been busy & really cooking up some great stuff.
A healthy dose of nostalgia huh? Don't know what Tash thinks about laksa, I'll have to ask her. I'm going down towards the end of this month and my friends are planning to go to laksa steamboat and I have to ask her if she's ok with that! We went to a fish and chips place at Clarke Quay and since she abstains from fried stuff she could only eat the mushed peas!
ReplyDeletebryan: now while i like laksa, steamboat laksa sounds YUCKS! i bet tash won't like it!
ReplyDelete