food

Sri Lanka

Rambutan Chutney Recipe from Sri Lanka

While the flavors of Sri Lanka may not yet be as widely known as those from Thailand, Sri Lankan cuisine has a lot to offer the world. Take this Rambutan Chutney Recipe from The Sun House. This recipe takes a fresh, regional ingredient and adapts it to make a wonderful condiment for any meal. [keep reading…]

A Destination Boutique & Café – The Gallery Café, Colombo, Sri Lanka

Shopping and eating – two of my favourite things!
The Gallery Café is an oasis in the busy city of Colombo in Sri Lanka. Situated within the former office of Sri Lanka’s renowned architect, Geoffrey Bawa, the Gallery Café is part restaurant, part boutique, part art gallery, part gift shop.

Elegant Sri Lankan Style Villas – Kahanda Kanda, Sri Lanka

A gem of a boutique hotel overlooking Lake Koggala
A few miles from Galle City Center lies a truly special retreat, Kahanda Kanda. Amid a lush tea plantation, Kahanda Kanda sits on 9.9 acres of tropical tranquility. 5 villas are elegantly and tastefully decorates in that distinctive style of Sri Lanka. Yet somehow George Cooper, the owner and also an interior designer, has done Sri Lankan style one better with the integration of modern classics like Barcelona chairs and distinctive architectural features like the magnetic saffron wall dividing the property.

Seaside Seafood Lunch – Wijaya Beach Cottages, Sri Lanka

Chill beachside over heaping plates of seafood, curries and cold beer
In between tea plantations and the Galle fort, we needed a spot of lunch. Having heard the Wijaya Beach Cottage was recommended…and on the way to Handunugoda Tea Estate, this seemed like a perfect spot to chill seaside and grab a bite to eat.

Visit a Tea Plantation, Handunugoda Tea Estate, Ahangama, Sri Lanka

A 140-year old white tea plantation, spice and rubber tree farm
If you visit Sri Lanka, you will certainly be tempted to visit a tea plantation. And there is probably none more famous than Handunugoda – the legendary tea plantation that used to produce the famous “virgin” white tea for the Chinese Emperor Tsong. Only virgins harvested the tea, never touching it with their own hands, but instead using golden scissors and bowls to collect the tea leaves. The emperor lips were the first to touch the tea.

Sri Lanka Curry Recipes Courtesy of the Sun House Kitchen

Hey all,
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Sun House in Galle, Sri Lanka. One highlight of the stay had to be the Sunday Curry Night. Our hosts were gracious enough to not only show us the kitchen during their preparations but also to share a few recipes to pass along to our readers.

72 hours in Galle, Sri Lanka – A Guide for What to See and Do

From charming colonial hotels to lovely gift shops
Please don’t stay in Colombo if you go to Sri Lanka. Even 3 days is enough to explore historic Galle and the surrounding areas. Here’s our cheat sheet for how to spend 3 days in and around Galle.

The Sun House Hotel, Galle, Sri Lanka

A charming retreat in colonial, seaside Galle
We are starting to stretch ourselves a bit. Having already seen a great deal of Asia, we looked at the map to see what would be within a 3-4 hour flight from Singapore. Frankly there is no shortage of options, but we wanted a new adventure…which country had we not been to this year? Sri Lanka popped up on our radar – a 3 hour and 45 minute flight from Singapore. And so it was, that we found ourselves exploring the seaside colonial town of Galle from the vantage point of the charming Sun House hotel.

Cambodia

The Shop Café & Bakery, Phnom Phen, Cambodia

by joanna on January 7, 2010

When we are in Phnom Phen, one of our favorite places to pop in for lunch is The Shop Café and Bakery. The Shop is a delightfully cozy café on one of Cambodia’s leafy little shopping streets. Its combination modern yet rustic décor makes it the prefect place to retreat from the hustle and bustle of Phnom Phen. In fact, it reminds us a little bit of a California sandwich shop….airy, light, with loads of fresh ingredients. And I think this is the secret to The Shop’s popularity…the quality and fresh, clean flavors transform visitors into dining regulars.

Relaxing in Kampot & Crabs in Kep, Cambodia

Kampot and Kep are two charming little villages, if not already on your list of to-do’s in Cambodia, certainly should be.

A guide for Phnom Phen, Cambodia – Where to Eat, Shop, Sleep

Deep Historical Roots + Culinary Delights await in this dynamic Cambodian city
As many of you will no doubt know, Cambodia was formerly colonized by the French. So in addition to having its own rich history and culture to explore, there is an adopted culture of fine European food, wine and architecture. As such, what will follows can most accurately be described as both a dissection of culinary pursuits with a smattering of local culture in between.

Vietnam

Enjoying Life on the Streets of Vietnam – Fresh Bia Hoi and Smoking with Locals

Ah Bia Hoi. No trip to Northern Vietnam is complete without at least a couple glasses of the stuff. Forget Saigon, 333, or any of the other local beers. Look instead for a small, street-side shop selling locally brewed versions of this light drink.

The Church Hotel, Hanoi Vietnam

A good value hotel located in the heart of Hanoi’s Lake District
Everyone agrees the Sofitel Metropole Hotel in Hanoi is the nicest, most luxe hotel in the city. But it is also $200-300 USD a night. So it is a bit of a splurge in a city where one can stay elsewhere for $30 – 80 USD a night. OK – sure, if you are a backpacker you can stay for $10 a night, but those days are over for us personally So the Church Hotel, which is very well located in the Hoam Kiem Lake District, represents a good value hotel when visiting Hanoi.

Great Vietnamese Food in Hanoi, Quan Com Pho Restaurant

Something for everyone at this well-priced Vietnamese restaurant
We are always tempted to eat a lot of French food in Vietnam – all the amazing baguettes and well-priced wines and cheeses. These are not easy to find in other places in SE Asia and when you live abroad for a while it is hard to say no to a perfectly ripe cheese and a slice of bread.  However, on our recent trip to Vietnam, we vowed to avoid sliding into this trap and we wanted to have a deep dive into Vietnamese food. And I am glad we did. The Bahn My sandwich was the sandwich of my dreams, Bia Hoi and boiled peanuts hit the spot as an afternoon refresher and Quan Com Pho restaurant was an excellent way to try lots of local foods with our large group.

Bobby Chinn Fusion Vietnamese Cuisine in Hanoi, Vietnam

Visiting the celebrity chef’s signature restaurant in Hanoi
Bobby Chinn is one of the most celebrated chef’s in Asia. If you watch the Travel & Living channel, there is no doubt you have seen his show Bobby Chinn Cooks Asia. Beyond that, he is regularly featured in newspaper and magazine articles and even recent Sony handycam commercials. We wondered if after all the media exposure, if his restaurant could really live up to all the hype.

Cruising Halong Bay, Vietnam on a Chinese Junk

2 days and one night aboard a luxurious boat on Indochina Sails on Halong Bay
One of the must do’s if you are visiting Hanoi is a side trip to Halong Bay. I personally have done it twice – once on a bit of a budget and most recently in style on Indochina Sails. Indochina Sails presents a truly elegant cruising experience on its lovingly restored, lacquered wood, antique junk.

Banh My – Vietnamese Doner Kebab Sandwich on the Streets of Hanoi

Bahn My: the darling sandwich & craze of the US foodie movement. If you read food sites such as Serious Eats you’d think there was no food more synonymous with Vietnamese cuisine than Bhan My… more so even than the beloved Pho. Is this hipster sandwich as prevalent in Vietnam as it is stateside? No. Could it possibly be as good as everyone says? OMG, YES!

Long Weekend in Ho Chi Minh City – a Guide on Where to Eat, Shop, Sleep

India

Pondicherry, India – a Guide on Where to Eat, Shop, Sleep

3 days in French colonial India by the sea
If any of you have read the Life of Pi, you will remember Pondicherry as the hometown of the main character, Pi, the zookeeper’s son. Well there is no longer a zoo in Pondicherry, there is still plenty to see and do in this quaint French colonial seaside village in South India.

Chennai, India – a Guide on Where to Eat, Shop, Sleep

Making the most of a stop-over with some charming shopping, chic cocktails and dining like royalty with a luxurious South Indian meal
The 4th largest city and India and known as the “Detroit of India,” Chennai itself is not so much a destination as it is a hub which travelers stop-over on their way to something else. While I wouldn’t recommend Chennai as a destination, there are a couple of fun ways to spend a day…from strolling through carefully curated boutiques in old colonial homes to eating fabulous South Indian food, there are a few gems in this otherwise rough city.

Japan

A Michelin Starred Teppanyaki Experience – Sazanka in the Roppongi Area of Tokyo, Japan

With Japanese cuisine, most people hear of sushi first. It’s shocking and stands out. I remember as a kid thinking, “raw fish, yuck” (who’d of thought I’d grow up and eat raw horse heart?). But the first “Japanese” meal most people will actually eat will be teppanyaki. Every tiny town in America has one of these restaurants… complete with an almost Japanese looking guy, Karate Kid bandanna tied around his head, and bottles of soy sauce hung low off the belt like a wild west cowboy. Teppanyaki is approachable Japanese food for the masses. It’s just steak, cooked in front of you… with a show. And that show is the reason most Americans go out to dine at “Japanese Steakhouses”.
However in Japan teppanyaki is much different. They’re not enthusiastically flipping shrimp into the diners mouths or spewing cheesy one-liners. At restaurants like Sazanka in Tokyo, the chef is still on show… but it’s more about his skilled precision and the quality of the ingredients.

Epicurean Concept of the Week – Sushi Etiquette

Hey all,
I am a HUGE sushi fan. I’ve made my pilgrimage to the sushi mecca (Tsukiji fish market) and returned a changed man. I’m deeper in love with sushi… to the detriment of my ability to enjoy budget buffet grade sushi. But I recently found out I’ve been eating it all wrong. That’s right, I’ll admit to it. I followed the pack when eating sushi, and the pack has been spreading a modern approach to sushi that might possibly be as offensive as eating with your feet on the table in Thailand. I found a great visual guide to sushi etiquette. Check it out after the jump.

Best Budget Hotel (Granbell Shibuya) and Best High-end Hotel (Grand Hyatt Roppongi) in Tokyo

Our favorite hotels when we are traveling in Tokyo
Tokyo can be expensive. And so it depends on how you want to do it…5 star hotel experiences are definitely available. We like the Grand Hyatt Roppongi for a truly luxe hotel experience. But we also discovered you don’t have to spend a fortune on hotels (save it for 5 star dining!). And in less expensive category, we like the Granbell Shibuya. Here’s why:

Obika Mozzarella Bar, Roppongi Hills, Tokyo

Glorious cheese is the star in this Tokyo restaurant
As much as I absolutely adore Japanese food, we took a break from our much loved Yakitori and Katsudon to try an interesting concept in casual dining. A restaurant entirely based around creamy, fresh mozzarella flown in daily from the Paestum and the Agro Pontino areas of Italy (how extravagant!).

48 Hours in Kyoto – A Guide of the Sights, Shopping and Dining

Highlights of what to see and do in the wonderfully traditional city of Kyoto
Many folks love Kyoto and consider it the highlight of any trip to Japan. With 17 Unesco World Heritage sites, 1600 Buddhist temples and over 400 Shinto shrines, Kyoto is rife with ancient culture and Japanese history. And beyond historical sites lies the Japan of movies and books….zen gardens, red lanterns, and geishas….Thus, it is no surprise that Kyoto is considered Japan’s cultural capital. That said, unless you really want to spend weeks touring temples, one can get a real flavor of this sprawling city in 2 days. Here are our recommendation for 48 hours in Kyoto. [keep reading…]

9 Course Japanese Food Tasting Menu in Kyoto – Grotto Restaurant, Kyoto, Japan

A culinary tour of Japan in 9-courses
While in Japan, we tried to cover as many foods as possible. My favourite meal may have been Katsudon but in our effort to experience as many food types as possible during our trip, I stretched myself beyond pork perfection Which is why when we were in Kyoto and heard about a special 9-course tasting menu at Grotto that purported to be a tour of Japanese cuisine, we leapt at the opportunity to give it a try.

Epicurean Concept of the Week – Amuse-Bouche

We here at Accidental Epicurean are looking at ways of expanding the reach of our site beyond Southeast Asia. As part of that mission we’re going to start doing a weekly series of “epicurean concepts”…these could be words that you’ll find on a fine dining menu, boutique ingredients, dining etiquette, etc. (if there’s something specific you’d like addressed or something you learned in a painful / embarrassing way and would like to spare others the embarrassment hit us up in the comments or via the contact page).
We’ll start the series with one of my favorite dining terms – Amuse-Bouche.

Gonpachi in Roppongi, Tokyo (The Kill Bill Restaurant)

Dun
Dan
Dun!
This post should really start with the iconic “Kill Bill Theme” theme song from the movie and play throughout. If you’d like to load it up to play in the background get it here : )
We had just finished watching the Tokyo Giants win the game with a homer in the 9th. The hot dog and yakitori we ate in the 2nd inning weren’t holding us over. As we debated food options (surprisingly not a lot around the dome) our friend, who is no stranger to Tokyo, suggested we hit up Gonpachi. The name didn’t register with me at first. Then she said all that needs to be said about the place, “the kill bill restaurant”. Dun Dan Dun. The music immediately started up in my head as a grin spread across my lips. Sure I said coolly, masking the kid-like joy bubbling up inside me.

Tokyo Travel – Why I Love this Crazy City of Tokyo

And left Japan kicking and screaming…
The first time I traveled to Hong Kong, I fell in love. I had an inexplicable affinity for the place, and on subsequent trips, discovered many new parts that ultimately led to Hong Kong’s classification as my favorite city in Asia. Now I think Tokyo has equally captivated me, if not possibly surpassing Hong Kong in my personal ranking…in fact when my travels came to an end, I honest to goodness did not want to leave! What is it that makes Tokyo so special?

People Watching on a Typical Sunday at Tokyo’s Yoyogi Park

Japan = Cute.
Japan = Cosplay.
Japan = Rockabilly?
A Sunday stroll through Tokyo’s Yoyogi Park is unlike a visit to any park anywhere else in the world. Sure you can find couples enjoying the day quietly on blankets, dad’s playing catch with their children, hippies whipping about frisbees in many parks… but there’s so much more on show at Yoyogi Park. I’d go so far as to say it’s a must visit for any traveler to Japan as it offers a unique glimpse into the wackiness that can only be found in Japan

China

A Walking Tour of Bazaars and Markets in Shanghai

Spend an afternoon strolling Shanghai while taking in the bizarre and bazaars
I miss antique markets and flea markets. I suppose it is mostly a Western thing – you see them in Paris, London, New York, Los Angeles. My personal favourite being a NYer was the Chelsea Weekend Flea Market. These are the kind of places where you can find old kitschy items, vintage jewellery and clothing, mismatched china and objets d’art at bargain basement prices. Some of it is crap and some of it is cool, and that’s the fun…hunting through the crap to find that the precious needle in a haystack. These don’t really exist in Asia – except in China. Why is that? Well the market concept is alive and healthy as evidenced by the famous Chatuchak Bangkok market and others. But I have observed that most cultures in Asia simply aren’t interested in old things. In developing countries in Asia it seems they put more emphasis on the new than the old. I suppose it makes sense, but it is also a little sad. Most of the Asian art and antique dealers dealers are…gasp….Western. I went to a so called “flea market in Singapore” and it was a whole bunch of people selling new, locally designed clothing. Want to give your old clothing away to a vintage store in Thailand or Singapore? Well, you cannot because they aren’t any. But in China there is still a modicum of respect for the old and certainly an appetite for the new, and this is reflected in the vibrant market scene that abounds in Shanghai.

Casual American-style Food at Kabb Bar & Grill, Xintiandi, Shanghai

American Comfort Food in the Historic Xintiandi District
It’s been a while since I have seen the words “bar and grill” attached to a restaurant name. It took me a while to realize why it sounded both so odd and yet so familiar. And then I remembered…”bar and grill” are typical American-style restaurants. The kind you never see in Asia.  Japanese have their izakayas, Singaporeans have their food courts, the French have their bistros… and Americans? Well, we have “bar and grills.” You almost don’t have to look at a menu at a bar and grill of you are an American, you know what it means – it means a full bar menu plus steaks, burgers, probably a grilled fish or two, a hearty soup, some entrée style salads (for some reason always including a Caesar salad), a grilled chicken dish, etc, etc… And this is why Kabb in Shanghai felt so familiar, a true bar and grill in the American sense.

Relaxed Vibe and Outstanding Food at Makoto Japanese Izakaya, Shanghai

A gem of an Izakaya in Shanghai’s central  Jing’an District
After a trip to Japan, we became totally addicted to Japanese food, amiyaki, teppanyaki, yakitori, sushi…. you name it. I think the reason why I like it so much is that most Japanese food is thoughtful and intentional with the of goal of culinary perfection in mind – whether it be a simple bowl of rice or an elaborate multi-course meal. What I mean by thoughtful and intentional can be best observed in the details, like never a drop more sauce than one needs, or perfectly balanced plate presentation, or sushi apprentices who can spend up to 2 years just forming the rice before they even get to look at a fish. So when a friend in Shanghai offered to take us to an authentic izakaya named Makoto, we were out the door before you could say “sake.” 

Stylish Cantonese and Shanghainese Dim Sum at Lynn, Shanghai near Nanjing Lu

Unlimited dim sum at this stylish art-deco Shanghai gem
Paul and I are hopelessly addicted to dim sum. For me it started when I lived in New York. My half Chinese cousin and I used to head down to Chinatown on Sundays where she schooled me on the leisurely lunchtime tradition of rolling food carts filled with dumplings and tasty bites and Yum Cha (drinking tea). For Paul dim sum really clicked when he lived in Thailand and visited the South where a local friend introduced him to a dim sum street stall – thereafter it became a breakfast ritual in Bangkok. And part of the fun of living in Asia is the easy access to traditional dim sum. As it turns out there are many styles, although it originated in Southern China in the Cantonese style in local teahouses where they served snacks with the tea. Today it is a weekend tradition from Bangkok and Singapore to Hong Kong and Shanghai, usually focused around the family reconnecting over a lunchtime meal. And when in Shanghai, one can indulge in this tradition where dim sum is served in the stylish, Chinese art deco environs of Lynn Modern Shanghai Cuisine near Nanjing Lu

Local Shanghai Cuisine at Liu Yuan Restaurant, Shanghai

Classic Shanghainese cuisine in this traditional restaurant near Huahai Lu
Paul and I spent a great deal of time in Shanghai this winter. We traipsed about enjoying top-end international food at places like Stiller’s, Jean Georges, Laris, M on the Bund, T8 and more. So when we were speaking to a Shanghainese friend and she asked us where we wanted to have dinner, we said “something that is typical Shanghai, please.” And what better way to experience local food than with a local person guiding you through the menu and introducing you to classics and family favorites? So it was that we found ourselves at Liu Yuan restaurant on a drizzly Sunday night for a guided Shanghainese culinary experience.

Tea Ceremony at Old Shanghai Teahouse, Fangbang Road Shanghai

Experience a Chinese tea ceremony in this eclectic old teahouse
In the heart of historic Old Town in Shanghai and in close proximity to the famous Yuyuan Gardens lies the Old Shanghai Teahouse. In fact, Old Town was the first area of Shanghai to be settled – originally, a place for locals only and where foreigners never ventured. Today, with the Old Town Bazaar and nearby historic gardens this is hardly the case as a mix of foreigners and locals can both be found shopping and generally whiling away a Saturday or Sunday afternoon. And in the midst of the market frenzy, the Old Shanghai Teahouse provides a welcome, if slightly eclectic, respite.

Exceptional Modern European Dining at Stiller’s, Shanghai

When traveling I will eat out more frequently and choose larger meals than I might normally. I don’t know if it’s because of the website or some silly notion I have that because I’m traveling I have to pack in all I can on every trip instead of slowing down and relaxing. Sometimes pushing myself in this way leads me to hidden gems and experiences I wouldn’t have had otherwise… and sometimes it further rounds the gut. Take my last trip to Shanghai. I was stuffed after a solid couple weeks of dining out. I had a quiet Monday night lined up and everything inside of me was saying, “just stay in at the hotel, order room service and veg out.” But another part of me was saying, “get out there, you might not be back in Shanghai for a few months and this is your last night out to try something new.” On this particular night I was so glad I listened to the guilt and ventured out to Stiller’s instead of staying in.

Gastronomic French Tasting Menu with City Views, Jade on 36 in Shanghai

A birds eye view on the Bund and fine French dining from the 36^th Floor of the Shangri La Hotel
I think we might be addicted to multi-course degustation menus. You might think this is lazy, to let the chef pick for you. But in reality it is the diner’s best opportunity to see what the chef can really do – his highlight reel in a way. And as the keen observers of culinary trends that our readers no doubt are, you will notice this is all the rage. Maybe it has something to do with the new “rock star” or “celebrity chef” culture, maybe it is diners’ increasing demand for the best quality…whatever it is, this is what we tend to order when it is available. And so on a recent visit to Jade on 36 in Shanghai at the Shangri La Hotel, we decided to give their 5 course tasting menu a run through.

T8, Xintiandi – Best International Restaurant in Shanghai?

When traveling in Shanghai, it can be easy to stay with the tried, true… and close by. The Bund is a safety area for foreigners. Everyone knows where it is and how to get there. Even the name is easy to pronounce. Much more exotic sounding, yet just as foreigner friendly (if not more so) is the grey brick turn of the century Shanghai lane neighborhood known as Xintiandi. It’s a quaint area, featuring beautiful architecture, a mix of cafes and high-end shopping, and one of my new favorite Shanghai restaurants (not just Shanghai, but on my short-list for all time favorites) – T8. 

Nougatine by Jean Georges – Casual Fine Dining on the Bund, Shanghai

Fine dining has some how become synonymous with epic, bank account reducing gastronomic menus. While these are great (and sometimes life changing) you’re probably not going to want them every night of the week. Most nights you just want great food, reasonably priced and if there is great service, all the better. In Shanghai, that’s Nougatine.

Hong Kong

Learn from the Chef – Hong Kong Chef Liu Ching Hai

Any chef that can have me actually dreaming of eating crocodile again is a chef of note in my book. Hong Kong Chef Liu Ching Hai of Summer Palace in the Regent Hotel is that chef. You might remember our recent review of Summer Palace. We were treated to a special Sunday lunch of traditional Asian dishes and ones with a more modern twist… every dish as tasty as the next. After the meal we were gifted another treat – a chance to sit down and talk (via translator) to Chef Liu about his life & approach to food… and we even got a signature recipe!

Dim Sum – City Hall Maxim’s Place, Hong Kong

Hey all,
A trip to Hong Kong without Dim Sum is like going to Texas and not getting a steak, Japan and sushi, New York and a bagel/hot dog, and… well you get my point. We knew we needed to find and cover dim sum on our last Hong Kong trip, but which place would be best? After studying various options we settled on City Hall or Maxim’s Place on the 2nd floor of City Hall, Central.  [keep reading…]

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Mrs Jones, Hong Kong

A simple Italian restaurant in a quiet alleyway saves the night! 

Elegant Italian Dining at Gaia Ristorante, Hong Kong

For power lunching executives, ladies who lunch…and the rest of us…
When I go to Hong Kong it is usually on business and the area I typically find myself in is Central on Queens Road. More often than not, lunch is catered sandwiches around a conference table….blah… But when the schedule is a bit more relaxed and we can find the time, the lunch decision is unanimous – let’s go to Gaia Ristorante!

(All pictures from Gaia website)

Northern Chinese Food and Panaromic Views at Hutong, Kowloon, Hong Kong

A sumptuous art-deco Northern Chinese restaurant with panoramic city views
I get annoyed with those restaurants with stunning city views and mediocre food. We all know places like this in every major city…the kind of place you always take out of town guests to, scoff at the exorbitant bill in relation to the quality and remember why you never go there otherwise. Hutong is decidedly NOT this sort of place – it is the inventive Northern Chinese food that keeps me coming back again and again.

We love the Star Ferry, Hong Kong

A must do! (and coincidentally, maybe the best value in Hong Kong)
There is simply no more fun and easy way to see Hong Kong’s dual skylines than to take the iconic Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour. No matter if I am staying in Tsim Sha Tsui or in Central, I make it a point to do this on every single trip.

Cocktails at Salon De Ning, Peninsula Hotel, Hong Kong

Glam cocktails await in this Kowloon gem
Hong Kong has no shortage of trendy bars and watering holes. But if you’re looking for something special…something different than the usual scene in Soho and definitely removed from the Lan Kwai Fong madness…then head to Salon De Ning in the Peninsula Hotel, Kowloon side.

Hong Kong, SAR China

My favorite city in Asia

Everything about Hong Kong is to me is what an international city should be. While I have enjoyed living in Bangkok and Singapore, should Unilever ever open up an office in Hong Kong, I’d be there in a flash!

Singapore

Epicurean Blunders – Mr Western

by Paul on April 20, 2010

Anyone who knows me knows how much I love a good joke. At the risk of alienating some readers, I’ll come clean and admit that engrish is one of my favorite types of jokes. Living in Asia I get to witness some pretty epic engrish firsthand, as one might imagine. So from time to time I’m going to throw up a picture or two from random things we see around Asia that make us laugh. Hopefully they’ll make you laugh too.
The first one of these posts is from a food court nearby my culinary school in Singapore. The menu is full of little things that make me laugh… but nothing as much as their fish and chips plating…. now that’s branding!

Being from Texas I particularly appreciate the “Cowboy Meet”. I loved grilling up some “meets” with my friends on a warm summer’s day. I haven’t ordered it yet, but it’s hard to pass up a 12.80 “air flown” ribeye steak. Don’t know if that means imported or if it’s like how “grass-fed” next to the steak means it lived eating grass instead of corn products. Maybe “air flown” means the cows flew around in planes?

The food isn’t “bad” for the money. It’s no match for the wonderful black pepper chicken being served up a couple stalls down, but somehow it does manage to fill my need for crappy western food… think mash up of food served at a sport’s stadium and college stoner food (chicken chop with generic mushroom sauce and covered in cheap Velveeta type cheese). And as I’m the only Ang Mo (white devil) at my school and this food court, I guess this restaurant is for me. Thanks Mr Western for reminding me just how bad our international food reputation really is

Paul

Spruce – A Model for Smart Casual Dining in Singapore

Many Singapore food folks in the know were already aware of chef Travis from his days at Wine Garage. The burger he served up at that trendy Clark Quay location was many people’s favorite in Singapore. Unfortunately we moved to Singapore after that time. So we only know Chef / Owener Travis’ food from Spruce. All I can say is that I’m only sorry

Best Cantonese Food in Singapore? Summer Palace, Regent Hotel

An outstanding Cantonese meal with impeccable service
I have a great fondness for Chinese cuisine. And at the top of my list are both Sichuan and Cantonese. Living in Chinatown in Singapore one might expect the best Chinese dining to be here…and while this is not entirely incorrect, we were recently blown away by a lunch at Summer Palace in the Regent Hotel. They have recently reinvigorated the restaurant with the addition of a new chef and the makeover of the interior. Having never visited before, I cannot comment on the degree of change, but one thing I can say is that this is the best Cantonese I have had outside of Hong Kong. It was, in a word, outstanding! 

Be Sure to Check Out Singapore’s Restaurant Week

Hey all,
A favorite time of year for NYC food lovers is Restaurant Week, a yearly chance to sample some of NYC’s finest at lower than average prices. It was only a matter of time before Singapore, being as food focused as it is, did a restaurant week of it’s own. If you haven’t already booked, do so quickly as the restaurants are quickly filling up (I don’t know if 53 even lasted 10 minutes!). There are some regualar dining options offering 3-Course lunch sets for 25++ and 3-Course dinners for 35++! The premium restaurants are 40 and 55 dollars for the same courses… still a good deal if you’ve ever seen menu prices at FiftyThree or Garibaldi.
We’re unfortunately leaving right in the middle of the week for the Maldives, but are using the days we do have in town to try out a couple restaurants we’ve been wanting to try (Garibaldi’s, Krish, and I’ve personally only had Prime Society at tasting events).
If you haven’t yet made reservations check out the site. It’s super easy to browse the restaurants and make a reservation… you don’t even need to make a phone call. This an exciting and cheap way to sample some of the city’s best, trendiest, and most controversial restaurants. They should be on top form as these are specially designed menus and they know that many could be visiting their locations for the first time… so hopefully everyone will be stepping up their game and putting their best plates forward.
Restaurant Week Singapore
Monday the 22nd till Sunday the 28th of March
Paul

Bootcamp Workouts in Asia – Our weekend at Asia’s Biggest Bootcamp

We got on a plane and flew to get our ass kicked military style. Was it worth it? You bet!
I used to do a bootcamp workout when I lived in Bangkok through Fit Corp Asia. A friend at work told me about it…in retrospect I am not even sure why I was interested….she told me “sometimes people work so hard they puke” and “you will be seriously challenged, I doubt you can keep up.” While these words should have scared me, they did the opposite and intrigued me. I think it was because I was in my mid-30’s and simply just wanted to see what my body could still do. And so bootcamps became part of my fitness regime when living in Bangkok and I loved it. It was hard at first but with each session I saw my fitness level increase and after a short time I was in amazing shape. Not skinny, but a strong healthy body I was proud of. And not only was I more fit, but also even when I wasn’t working out, my energy level was sky high.
However, I will confess since Paul and I moved to Singapore last year, my workouts have been, in a word, erratic. When I did my taxes recently I discovered why…I had been out of the country and traveling more in 2009 then I had actually been at home in Singapore. That’s more nights in hotels than in my own bed! As such, you can imagine my workout schedule, and thus my fitness level, has been seriously impacted. When traveling, I had replaced after work training sessions with drinks and dinners with colleagues. When I actually find myself in Singapore, I have a trainer through UFit who I have been really happy with – but it is not his fault I cannot maintain a regular schedule. So when my former Bangkok trainer Daniel told me he and 2 other trainers from Hong Kong and Singapore were putting together Asia’s Biggest Bootcamp in Phuket, Thailand, we had to go and check it out. I envisioned a bootcamp weekend to be just the kick start I needed to get back on track.

Moo-valous News – Ben & Jerry’s Free Cone Day 2010

Hey all,
I think my favorite days of the year go – Christmas, my birthday, and Free Cone Day at Ben and Jerry’s. Seriously. It’s free ice cream, what’s not to love? In Singapore, to be honest, I’ve grown to prefer the smaller boutique places over the big multi-national ice cream chains (save the random late night Magnum or Cornetto), but a lot of that comes down to how expensive Ben & Jerry’s ice cream is in Singapore… I’ve had whole meals for the price of a couple scoops.
But cost isn’t a factor on this day. I’m thinking this year I’ll rent a van, get a small group together and travel to all the different Singapore locations. Been wanting to try all the new, to me, flavors – like Chocolate Macadamia Nut & Dublin Mudslide (hope that tastes better than it sounds ).
Mark you calendars and be sure to make a visit to a Ben & Jerry’s outlet in your area on March 23rd, 2010! Hit me up if you want in on the van tour
Ben & Jerry’s
Paul

Laid Back Outdoor Dining at Dempsey Hill – Contemporary Melting Pot and Bar, Singapore

It’s safe to say I’m not the biggest fan of Dempsey Hill. On my better meals at the former army barracks location I’ve simply been underwhelmed… on others I’ve felt outright ripped off. What was once an unique escape in Singapore has become a “destination”… meaning the now crazy high rent prices result in overpriced meals compounded with an expensive cab ride. This has taken away any potential value for most locations for me. So I set off for a Saturday night meet-up with some friends at Contemporary Melting Pot and Bar (CMPB here on out) with some reluctance. Thankfully I was pleasantly surprised.

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Mussels, Belgian Beers and All You Can Eat “Frites” on the Quay – Brussels Sprouts Singapore

I’d walked past Brussels Sprouts many times on my way to Epicurious or other places on the Quay in Singapore. I thought it was possibly a vegetarian restaurant. It always seemed busy, a good sign in Singapore, but for some reason I never visited. Thankfully some friends of ours invited us to join them for an after-work dinner. It’s a simple concept executed well.

Epicurean Concept of the Week – Locavore

I first heard this term sometime last year when visiting New York. Come to find out the term had been in use for quite some time in the Western world, but had not yet migrated to Asia. But the idea of locavore fascinated me – basically it is someone who eats locally within a certain radius, e.g. 50 miles, 200 miles. Adapted from the word carnivore (one who eats meats) and herbivore (one who eats vegetables), a locavore is committed to consuming only what is naturally within reach and by extension, this also means eating only what is in season. It’s as if the idea of sustainability, seasonal eating and local farming were all rolled up into one. Brilliant!

On the Hunt for Best Burger in Singapore – Relish by Wild Rocket

It would be an understatement to say that I was excited to try Relish. I’ve been on an epic odyssey a search for my favorite burger in Singapore since arriving. Here was a whole restaurant devoted solely to the glorious hamburger in all its incarnations… not only that, but the burgers are individually paired with Belgian beers. It seemed like an instant recipe for success….

Thailand

Bootcamp Workouts in Asia – Our weekend at Asia’s Biggest Bootcamp

We got on a plane and flew to get our ass kicked military style. Was it worth it? You bet!
I used to do a bootcamp workout when I lived in Bangkok through Fit Corp Asia. A friend at work told me about it…in retrospect I am not even sure why I was interested….she told me “sometimes people work so hard they puke” and “you will be seriously challenged, I doubt you can keep up.” While these words should have scared me, they did the opposite and intrigued me. I think it was because I was in my mid-30’s and simply just wanted to see what my body could still do. And so bootcamps became part of my fitness regime when living in Bangkok and I loved it. It was hard at first but with each session I saw my fitness level increase and after a short time I was in amazing shape. Not skinny, but a strong healthy body I was proud of. And not only was I more fit, but also even when I wasn’t working out, my energy level was sky high.
However, I will confess since Paul and I moved to Singapore last year, my workouts have been, in a word, erratic. When I did my taxes recently I discovered why…I had been out of the country and traveling more in 2009 then I had actually been at home in Singapore. That’s more nights in hotels than in my own bed! As such, you can imagine my workout schedule, and thus my fitness level, has been seriously impacted. When traveling, I had replaced after work training sessions with drinks and dinners with colleagues. When I actually find myself in Singapore, I have a trainer through UFit who I have been really happy with – but it is not his fault I cannot maintain a regular schedule. So when my former Bangkok trainer Daniel told me he and 2 other trainers from Hong Kong and Singapore were putting together Asia’s Biggest Bootcamp in Phuket, Thailand, we had to go and check it out. I envisioned a bootcamp weekend to be just the kick start I needed to get back on track.

Great Cheap Thai Dining Near Pantip Plaza – Mama’s, Bangkok

If you ever find yourself shopping for bootlegs computer accessories at Pantip Plaza in Bangkok, do yourself a favor and skip out on the foreigner friendly fast food chains and S&P (I’m not knocking S&P) found on the ground level. Instead walk across the street to Soi Som Prason 4. A short walk up the street is Mama’s. Mama’s is cheap, lacking any kind of ambiance (save for the orange chairs) but has surprisingly good food at an ever better value.

Learn from the Chef – Healthy Spa Cuisine from Kai Mueller, Kamalaya Koh Samui, Thailand

Healthy Spa Recipes from our favourite holistic spa
As part of our Health & Wellness 2010 Series
From the age of 5, Kai had a passion for cooking. He started early with his first job in the kitchen at an Austrian ski resort at the age of 16 and from there moved on to London where he worked at Mossimann’s who pioneered healthier cooking through Cuisine Naturelle, healthy foods which do not sacrifice on taste. From there, Kai went to Thailand in 2006 to take the position as Executive chef at Kamalaya. Evolving his approach to healthy cuisine by blending it with Thai culinary traditions, Kai worked with Kamalaya to develop a healthy, spa cuisine menu that is shockingly good and good for you.

6 Course French Tasting Menu at Amantee, Bangkok, Thailand

A very special New Year’s Eve at Amantee
We decided to spend Christmas and New Year’s in Thailand this year. It was time to totally chill out and honestly I have yet to find a better place than Thailand for complete relaxation. But we still wanted to do something special for New Year’s Eve in Bangkok and when we heard Amantee was having one of their seasonal celebratory event dinners, ourselves and some friends immediately booked a table.

Asian Holistic Therapies at Kamalaya Wellness Retreat, Koh Samui, Thailand

An endless array of holistic therapies at this tranquil island spa
I generally have a rule of not visiting the same place twice. I prefer to expand my horizons and challenge myself to see and do new things. However, I recently returned to Kamalaya in Koh Samui. Our more dedicated readers may remember I went to Kamalaya last year to do a detox program. Well, this year when the time came to take a break after a seriously demanding year, I could think of no better place to do it than Kamalaya Koh Samui. In fact, Kamalaya wellness retreat is of such a high standard of excellence that I can foresee returning again and again.

Great Massage and Spa in Bangkok, Sivara Spa at Amari Hotel

A modern oasis of calm on bustling Petchaburi Road
I have said it before, but will say it again….I believe spa treatments are not a luxury, but rather an integral part of taking care of oneself. Not only do they promote relaxation, but depending on the treatment one has it can stimulate circulation, release knotted muscles, condition and rejuvenate the skin, reduce local muscle and joint inflammation and more… To that end, there is no shortage of spas in Bangkok, but my experience is there are a lot of places in Bangkok where massage are spa treatments are offered where the aestheticians are not so skilled and perhaps not appropriately trained. This is why word of mouth counts for everything in Bangkok and why we would like to tell you about the Sivara Spa.

Learn from the Chef – Arijit Ghosh Executive Chef Cafe 11, Bangkok

Signature dish “Surf & Turf Indiana” recipe after the jump.
When working for Lookeast Magazine I had the chance to sit and talk with many Bangkok chefs. One of these was Arijit Ghosh, then new Executive Chef at Café 11. He’s a soft-spoken, gentle chef in an age of increasingly more exaggerated “personality chefs”.

Trader Vic’s Sunday Brunch Spread – Bangkok, Thailand

Like HCMC today, the Bangkok foreigner scene of old thrived close to the river. These days, however, I never really think to set foot down there. It’s the kind of place you visit once, the first time you come to the city… King’s Palace, check. Emerald & Reclining Buddha, check. Either the Oriental or Shangrila for tea or brunch, check. Then for most who live in the city (unless they work nearby) the river is a distant memory. This has more to do with the difficulty and time it takes to get down to the river than what’s on offer. But, if you wait till Sunday brunch time, with no traffic… the other side of the river is accessible in about 20 minutes tops and you don’t even have to wait for a ferry. This is the perfect time to venture out to Trader Vic’s massive brunch/lunch buffet spread.

Thai Style Grilled Chicken and Som Tam – Hai Somtam Convent, Bangkok

Anyone who’s ever talked to me about dining in Bangkok knows my passion for spreading the word of Soi Polo Chicken. You’d think that’s the only chicken I ever eat in Bangkok. As much as I’d love their beautiful fried garlic encrusted chicken every day of the week… well, that’s not incredibly healthy. Thai’s do a mean grilled chicken as well. That and some Som Tam is a tasty meal that’s not too bad for you. My favorite for grilled chicken currently is “Hai”.

Pub Breakfast in Bangkok, The Robinhood Pub on Sukhumvit Road

An unlikely place for breakfast on Bangkok’s Sukhumvit Road
I first discovered The Robinhood Pub when I lived across the street at Emporium Suites. For me it was a go to place for a beer with friends or to watch a game. It’s just your typical unpretentious, down-to-earth English pub. The crowd is varied….expats and Thais of all ages…the burger is good…and the beer is reasonably priced. So when Paul told me they also served breakfast, I had to check it out. We love the Dubliner breakfast, so I wondered how The Robinhood would stack up.