Hanoi Day 7

City tour round the Hanoi city before we headed home!

Sufood - Vegetarian-Italian style restaurant @ Raffles City

Vegetarian-Italian style restaurant! This is how the concept of the restaurant at Raffles City. Not those mock meat vegetarian food but well, a mixture of vegetables and mushrooms make it great! Highly recommended by a friend who is a vegan-lover, she mentioned that we should all be punctual and to dine together as it is a 8-course meal, priced at $25++. 

The first dish served was a trio appetizer which the staff explained must be eaten from left to right as the taste gets stronger and richer. The poached Japanese yuca root drizzled with a blueberry coulis was the best, in my humble opinion ("tastebud").  

The next item was the cider which was announced by the staff to drink it before each dish. I guessed is to 'rinse' the mouth before the tasting the upcoming dish to have a better taste. 

Next was the Rosemary Breadsticks, with a choice of their mustard or blueberry sauce for dipping purposes. 

The above 3 items are standard and you do not need to make any decisions. But for the next few items, it's time to crack your brain!

First for choice is the salad. I had the Summer Salad which consists of lettuce, sweet potato, carrot, pepper and seasonal fruits served Thousand Island dressing and sesame sauce. I liked the crunchiness of the vegetables and fruits.

Next up is the soup and I went for Mushroom & Pea Pottage. I guess is the pull factor was the sweet peas. Never had it in creamy texture. Besides the sweet peas, it is also stewed and blended with three types of mushrooms, namely Button, Shiitake and King Oyster. NICE!

Finally is time for main! The choice was much more and I practically had a tougher time. And finally, I set my mind on Wild Mushroom Charcoal Tagliatelle. First try for me on Charcoal tagliatelle. I was thinking what kind of taste that will be. Will it be like squid ink? It came with King Oyster mushrooms sauteed in a light olive oil and homemade dressing. Well, I guess not the best choice of the night. Did not really love the texture and the overall taste of this dish. 

Osmanthus Flower Jelly and The very Berry drink ended the dinner. Both were refreshing and the dinner ended with a nice note. Will I be back? Most likely!

Top: Trio appetizer, Summer Salad
Bottom: Mushroom & Pea Pottage, Charcoal Tagliatelle pasta with king oyster mushroom

Address: 

Raffles City shopping Centre 

252 Bridge Road #02-19 

Singapore 179103

Hanoi Day 6

After the wonderful sleep on cruise, we headed to some kayaking for a morning exercise. Very relaxing!

Back to Hanoi City and we went for a food tour. A travel is never complete without trying what the locals enjoyed. Here we went and eat!

Hanoi Day 5 - Halong Bay

Overnight train back from Sapa to Hanoi was not that smooth as the first night, but nonetheless, it was an experience for me. The boss from the travel agency came to pick us up and brought us back to his place. 

Here, we repacked our bag to bring new clothes to Halong Bay. It was really great to engage this service as we did not have to lug our luggage around the places. 

Van ride to Halong Bay was smooth. I heard a lot on Halong Bay, the new 7 wonders of Nature. I was actually looking forward to the cruise stay and of course, the amazing view.

Let's the pictures below tells the stories!

Hanoi Day 4 - Sapa

3rd day at Sapa and we took another half day trek. The view was different and maybe as we had enough rest, this trek was much better than what we had on Day 1. 

After the trek, we went to the city centre to walk.

Goodbye Sapa, you have been good to us. No rain when we visited and the weather was cooling, much to my liking. I loved the peaceful days we had there and I simply enjoyed the breakfast, lunch and dinner at Sapa Eden Hotel.

Hanoi Day 3 -Sapa

Hello SUN, how beautiful was you when you rose from the horizon. I simply love sunrise, for no reason. I was not expecting a sunrise view for this trip, at least not at Sapa. 

Sunrise View from Sapa Eden Hotel

Off to the Sunday Market. This was a wrong move, I guessed. The road was bumpy and I was a little disappointed by the Market. I think we took almost 2 -3 hours there and we only spent like less than an hour to comb the whole place. Not the best market I visited, but nonetheless, I saw the cultural side of the tribes in Sapa - Vietnam. 

Lunch was served once again, and this meal was well, oily and the Vietnamese coffee was sweet. Too sweet for a liking.

A least unexpected trip was bringing us to the border between Vietnam and China. Cross the border and welcome to China. The only such border I crossed was that between Singapore and Malaysia. And the other I came near to was the DMZ at South Korea. So this would be the third such border for me. Nice~.

The trip ended back at the hotel!

Hanoi Day 2 - Sapa

Rise and Shine and awoke to the beauty of Sapa. 

From the train station, the pick up van took us to the home we called for the next 2 nights - Sapa Eden Hotel. 

This hotel was really great and I love the food there - FRESH and well-cooked. I do highly recommended it anyone who is visiting Sapa. The view from the hotel was amazing too. 

When we reached, we were brought to our rooms and then off to the small restaurant where we had our breakfast. They had a couple of choices, ranging from eggs to pancakes. GOOD!

Sapa Eden Hotel and its view

After the hearty breakfast, it was time to shake off some calories. We went for a trekking trip with the local guide and we went presented with amazing terrains. 

As it rained the night before, the treks were muddy and slippery. So we did had a challenging time, trying to keep the balance. The guide and well, the locals who 'acted' as a trek buddies were always besides you and trying to lend you a helping hand when you needed one. So no worries on that. Just that, at the end of the trip, they brought out their handicraft and you might feel the obligations to buy something from you which you might (well) keep it at home with no use to it. 

Lunch was included in the trip and here we ate, once again. Generous portion of food served for 3 persons.

Lunch Time

Then off again to complete our trek.

Our dinner at Sapa Eden Hotel. Home-cooked food to my delights. I, especially, loved the vegetables there as they were freshly plucked from the farm everyday.

Dinner Time

Sweet corns and potato were never a 'say-no' for trips. And see how they warmed the eggs as well. This was found in the market area near to the city, within 10 minutes walk.

Hanoi Day 1

2nd trip to Vietnam and this time round, to Hanoi, Sapa and Halong Bay. 

The 2-way airport transfer, the arrangement for trains, activities in Sapa and to Halong Bay were done with an agency which I googled on line. Read that the service was great and decided to engage them to help out with the transportation arrangement. This proved to be a good move for us as we worry about the booking of the transportation. Everything was done through email and deposit paid through paypal. That's it. We just have

So off we went and reached Hanoi in late morning. After we reached, the representative from the tour agency picked us up at the airport and brought us to the resting place which we left our luggage at. This was because we were leaving for Sapa on an overnight train and thus, we did not book any hotel for the night. The agency was great that they let out a room at their place for us to leave our luggage and to rest. 

Not to waste the rest of the afternoon resting, we engaged the service of Hanoi Kids which is a student-run voluntary organization organizing English-speaking city tours for tourists. This was great. The 2 volunteers whom we met were friendly and nice. The arrangement was to meet us at the travel agent's place and then, off we went to visit the city. 

We went to the Temple of literature. This place was the first university of Vietnam where the royal exams were held in the past. Then, we went around the city and to the Hoàn Kiếm Lake. A very pleasant place to be at, peace at mind despite the hectic traffic behind. Dinner was at a roadside stall which the volunteers recommended. First taste of the famous pho in vietnam. Yumz.  

Temple of Literature

Walking around the city

The beauty of the Hoàn Kiếm Lake 

Chicken Pho

Time to board the night train to Sapa. It was a comfortable ride, at least to me. I slept through the ride!

Waffles @ Craftsmen Specialty Coffee

Coffee cafes are really brewing in Singapore. Was out in the Eastern part of Singapore and found Craftsmen Specialty Coffee quietly tucked in a corner. I guess I will never notice its existence if not that I passed by on the other side of the road. 

Weekday is really the best time for cafe hopping as it is not especially crowded. You get to choose seats, you get to people watch and you get the time to slowly take your order. 

Finally I decided to go for the waffles as they were not serving the croissants that day. "Sunshine" is the name to the waffles where yogurt and berries added to the taste. Wasn't really the fluffy kind of waffles but the healthier choice of yogurt and berries made the overall experience a nice one.

When in Rome, do as the Romans do - so at a coffee cafe, drink a cup of coffee? Well, I did not. Blame it on the hot weather outside, I seriously needed a cold smoothie - sweet and cold to ease the hotness and stickiness!

Waffles @ Craftsmen Specialty Coffee

Okay, will I be back? Definitely, to try out their coffee and did I mentioned, they do sell craft beer too. A beer and a brunch, how good does that sound? Be there, soon, I hope!

Address:

2 First Street Siglap V #01-01 

Singapore 458278

New Menu @ TCC

TCC once again. I guess this is a place where I can visit many times in a year and not really sick of the food? Not sure why, but my friends seems to like it there for a casual meal. 

Good thing about TCC, they do change and update their food and drink menu. This time round, we got to see the new menu. But well, not every item that were removed from the menu were not popular. My friend was looking out for her Salmon Mentaiko Pasta but it was being phased out this time round. I wonder what did TCC base on to update their menu. 

Okay, in my opinion, I sort of think that there are lesser food items in the new menu, not sure where, but just have a feel. Maybe this helps the ingredient procurement process and help to reduce cost? 

So, I took the step to try out the new item - Clack & Clams Crayfish pasta. Not too bad, but the gravy seems too much for the spaghetti. It was more like a 'soupy' pasta. But overall, the taste was good. The clams and crayfish servings was generous. Maybe, TCC should give a side plate for patrons to put the shell. Good customer service goes a long way!

Clack & Clams Crayfish Pasta

Korean Food @ Han Kook Gwan Korean Restaurant

Family time at Han Kook Gwan Korean Restaurant as sis wanted to try raw crab. We watched a variety show that featured that and off we went. 

The banchan (side dish) comes in five different variety and are refillable. My favourites will be the kimchi and the pancakes. 

banchans

Next up was the traditional Korean raw crab, also known as ‘gan jang gae jang’. Usually we had chilli or pepper crab but this raw crab meat is really a first time. We just need to suck and slurp on the legs and the meat will be right in your mouth. I totally did not enjoy this crab dish. Though it is fresh, but the rawness is not to my liking. Though I love sashimi. It is a little pricey at ~$53. Try it if you love raw food and if you dare!

Soy Crab 

Compared to raw crab, the Korean BBQ meat is the highlight of the meal. We ordered the BBQ set which includes pork belly, marinated pork and chicken bulgogi and a side dish - steamed egg. This is the first time I had steamed egg in Korean restaurant. 

The BBQ was great. We did not have to do it ourselves as the service staff did it for us though the bbq grill is right in the middle of the table. As usual, with the bbq meat, we will wrapped it with vegetable and added some garlic, onions to bring out the flavour and experience. Nice!

Korean BBQ pork

Be back for more!

Address:
26 Tanjong Pagar Road
Singapore 088449

Roti Prata and Milk Tea @ Casuarina Curry

Off to Upper Thomson for prata and there we were at Casuarina Curry. 

Since we were at a prata shop, we went for plain roti prata (aka roti prata kosong). This is the best way to find out the standard of the chef. Not the best prata I had, but it was not too bad. It was crispy on the outside but not that fluffy inside. Dipped into the curry to taste better. Added a milk tea to the meal to complete it. 

Roti Prata & Milk Tea @ Casuraina Curry 

Anyway, besides prata, Casuarina Curry also offers a large range of other Indian food such as Briyani, Murtabak as well as plenty of drinks. Everything is all priced very reasonably!

Will I be back? Yes, maybe for the other Indian food and maybe for the tidbits shop that is next door!

Address:

136 Casuarina Road
Off Upper Thomson Road
Singapore 579524

Cendol Melaka @ Changi Villge Road

Ice cold dessert is the best remedy on a hot afternoon.

Was at Changi Village food centre for nasi lemak and there was a banner in front of a shop located directly opposite Mizzy’s Nasi Lemak stall (at the food centre). It totally attracted my attention where it stated traditional cendol at $.150. Traditional from Malacca. I have been to Malacca once and I have tried the cendol too. It's really nice and so, I told myself to head over after lunch.

For the $1.50 version comes the basic version with only cendol, gula melaka and coconut milk. With additional cost, there will be toppings like red bean and even durian. 

Okay, at a glance, I can't see any shaved ice and it seems that there was too much coconut milk. Gave it a few stirs and the thick of gula melaka and shaved ice was mixed with the green jelly flour. The jelly was really smooth. The cendol was not very sweet to my liking. 

If you happen to be around the area, no harm popping by to have this dessert!

Cendol Melaka

Address:
Blk 1 Changi Village Road
01-2046
S500001

Nasi Lemak @ Changi Village Food Centre

Heard so much about the nasi lemak at Changi Village Hawker Centre but it was too out of the way for me to head there for just nasi lemak. 

So happen that my job gave me the chance to pop by the area and there I headed to find the famous nasi lemak. Basically I googled and Mizzy corner appeared a couple of times and so, that's it. I looked for the stall and okay, no queue for me. 

Well, I was a little disappointed. Not that it is lousy but after all the hype that I heard of, this really does not live up to my expectation.

First, the rice was normal. The egg was normal. 

The chicken wings was not bad, served ho and crispy. 

The ikan bilis was a little too salty. 

Well, the chili was the best - spicy and sweet.

But sometimes I wondered, why does a plate of nasi lemak with a chicken wing, an egg and ikan bilis cost so much?

Nasi Lemak @ Mixxy Corner

Address:
Mizzy Corner Nasi Lemak
Changi Village Market and Food Centre #01-26
2 Changi Village Road

St Marc Café @ Marina Square

What's beat a hot weather? Definitely a cold dessert! 

Decided to head to Marina Square as, in our humble opinion, a quiet getaway place in town area. So, the early-comers managed to find seats in St Marc Cafe and there we stayed for hours, chitchatting, taking photos, and of course, eating!

Okay, a little about St Marc - it is a Japanese chain that serves pastry, coffee, parfaits and more. They also serve sandwich which make it a place for you to have a proper meal as well. 

At 3plus in the day, desserts become a great choice for me. Ordered the Classic Fuji - very nice! What can go wrong with ice cream and pastry. They took around 5 minutes to prepare the order - so when the buzzer buzzed, the freshly toasted buttery flavour croissant is served hot, topped with cold ice-cream with caramel sauce, red bean and macha. The croissant is pipping hot and crispy. I like!

Classic Fuji

St Marc Café Marina Square
6 Raffles Boulevard, Marina Square
#02-105/184/185, Singapore 039594

Chicken Up @ Tanjong Pagar

I have to say first, my photos do not justify for the good food and presentation of the food! So here we go:

Chicken Up is a Korean restaurant in Tanjong Pagar, along the stretch where there are many Korean steamboat eateries. As for Chicken Up, they specialise in chicken dishes especially Fried Chicken and many different types of soju. 

So we ordered the famous watermelon soju. It is served in half a watermelon fruit. They only poured in the soju at the table. Well, for this soju, it is sweet and does not really taste like alcohol. The fresh watermelon juice really takes over the soju taste and well, if you are not careful, you will sure to get drunk!

Watermelon Soju

As for the food part, we do not really know what's good. All in the menu were 90% chicken dishes. In the end, we went with our gut feeling and ordered 4 types of chicken dishes, truffle fries and seafood pancake. But into the night, I forget to take photos of the food. I guess it is more important to eat! And well, as for you, it is best that you try out the food to see it for yourself! :)

First up the table was the Andong Chicken Stew (it comes in either Full or half chicken). Together with the chicken, the stew is cooked with glass noodle, rice cakes, potato, carrot, onions and chilies, in spicy soy-based sauce. For those who do not take spicy food, this dish might pose a threat to you. For me, I thought a bowl of rice to accompany the dish will indeed be heavenly!

We also tried the Soya chicken which was savory and nice! The crispy up chicken was really indeed KFC - Korean Fried Chicken. 

Variety of the chicken dishes

Okay, for the seafood pancake, it was unlike the crispy kind that I normally had. It was rather thick and it's spicy. They also served green and red chilies at the side to top up the flavour. An unique way to have the pancake. 

On each table is a small thrash can meant for the chicken bones. A good way not to dirty the table and easy for the customers to keep the place clean. The service crew also emptied the thrash when it was full! Thumbs up!

Did I mentioned, they have the All-You-Can-Eat Chicken Buffet costs $25 (before tax) per person. Top up and you could have free flow beer!

Will I be back? Maybe I have strong cravings for many variety of chicken!

Chicken Up
48 Tanjong Pagar Road #01-01,
Singapore 088469

Pan Delights @ Bukit Merah Central

A small and quiet place situated at the corner of Bukit Merah Central. Not a very convenient place to eat but well, good food is worth the inconvenience. Pan Delights is located near Bukit Merah Public Library and just next to the pet shop - a cosy place with simple decorations.

Regular item on the table is TRUFFLE Fries - as usual, it is a comfort food and you will never go wrong with ordering this item. 

Next up is the chili crab pasta - a western item topped with a local taste. This is how I was drawn to ordering this item. The chili crab paste is really authentic - If you love crab and does not want to dirty your hand, this dish is definitely for you. That's also provided that you like the garlic taste. Good if they give me more crab meat! For price of $16.90, you can really give this a  try. 

Left: Truffle Fries
Right: Chili Crab Pasta

There are many other items that I would like to try. Will be back!

Pan Delights
Blk 161 Bukit Merah Central
#01-3725
Singapore 150161