Bus Journey history of Singapore

IN Hillion Mall, Bt.Panjang, a roadshow was organised to showcase the history and evolution of Bus service as public transportation in Singapore.

It was quite interesting and inspiring to see constant efforts of every organisation in the sector, trying to bring and enhance the commuter experience.

All are pics of the displayed info boards at the podium. Enlarge them and see for fun and knowledge.

Ordering drink in Singapore - 1

 Ordering a Iced drink - a Milo  (sort of chocolate) or coffee or tea is a total waste of your money. Though I understood this long ago and stopped ordering "Iced" drink from food courts or stalls, for the sake of proofing the point, today I bought an "Iced" Milo at FoodJunction in Bugis and took pictures after sucking out the Milo which was hardly 2 big spoons or one gulp. 

Look at the pics. The plastic tumbler is filled with ice. For a change I kept asking for cold Milo. But the lady said they have only Iced Milo and gave me this. I felt very cheated. Ok. No more crying. I am not going to ever order "Iced" drink in Singapore.

You may ask, when it's so hot, which is almost everyday weather in Singapore, how to cool off? I say, walk into a SevenEleven or NTUC or Coldsyorage or some grocery who and buy a drink from its cooler section. Believe me. You will be much more happier and satisfied to find the drink to be worth it's value.

I have nothing against this particular food court. For general idea, I plan to go around Singapore and buy "Iced" drinks and post pics. For me it looks like daylight robbery.

Dal. Komm Coffee

First time here.

Ordered Cold Regular Chocolate.  No reception to show. Machine not working. Coming to point. $7.50 for this drink not at all worth. Taste same as milo. Total cup filled 80%. 30% drink. 50% ice cubes. I could have bought a milo at 7Elevan.

Still looking for that absolutely wonderful chocolate drink.

Vegetarian- Anandabhavan, Syed Alwi Rd - Aloof Chat

This is Aloo Chat from Anandabhavan at Syed Alwi Rd. This NOT a chat in general. Who knows a chat cannot even consider this anywhere near it.

There are a few ingredients that are used in regular chat. It is ok if you want to see. But if you want to eat, that too a chat, this is not the place.

This is not the place for Aloo Chat.

I  will write about each chat as I order, taste n feel.

You decide.

#Soupspoon - new addition

Broccoli MacNCheese.  It's definitely tasty! ! Smooth and creamy.

But if you are a regular salty n spicy person, pepper is not enough. Get yourself nice crushed garlic powder and red chilli to add along with salt.

Indians taste buds for sure ask for this.

Flying Fairies @ Bugis

Yesterday I went for a walk in the Bugis Village and found these Flying Fairies in this small tucked away heaven.  The lady at the shop was very pleasant. The shop has Flying Minion too!! The lady very patiently opened up boxes and checked all the parts before handing out them to me. She wants to do the sales however she wanted honest business.

I  got Two of my Flying Fairies.

Go get yours!!!

Event - National Library - January 30 - 28 August

Quite interesting display of books, ledgers, a few artifacts, letters, and records. I quite enjoyed the gallery.

When I visited Cambodia and Vietnam, I was amused by the extensive use of hammocks! Today I saw the books from 19th century travellers and observers. Their picturisation of the common transportation, was a hammock carried by 2 people! The traditions and ways of life didn't change much in these wonderful countries.

Letters by Sir Stamford Raffles and his wife to important people in their lives. Standing their looking at his hand writing, I wondered how much of thought and time went into forming those words and how much the reader must have cherished the feelings.

Moving ahead, I saw this wonderful pink silk scroll on display. I need much more light and magnifying glasses to read it. However, the display on the wall told the whole story.

I will update in a day or two. As of now,  I want to post quickly so tht you can visit the gallery and enjoy it as much as I did. Happy Viewing!

Soup Spoon's new intro

It became a habit of Soupspoon to lure customers to its counters with fabulous n mouth-watering recipes from around the world.

I  am one of those happy addicts who cannot stop by it's outlets to explore anything new or just dig into one of it's regular offers. My all time favourite is - Tangy Tomato!

Today I stop by to taste their new intro Vegan Green Curry with Quinoa.

I  will call this a stew but not a soup.  The 'regular' bowl is filled with rich sauce n veggies, tofu n mushrooms. The spiciness is moderate. The portion is very fulling. Yet not heavy to make me sleepy in the middle of the day. YES, I will come again for this.

Italian restaurant at HillView @ HillV2

This weekend we ended up at HillV2 in HillView.

The spacious area made us feel as if we are somewhere else but not in usually crowded Singapore malls.

During our previous walk around we decided to take a look at the only Italian restaurant of the place - iO Italian Osteria.

Last time around we checked the menu displayed outside and understood that they have a wonderful extensive menu but we have to compromise on vegetarian choices. We are ok with it as long as we get a chance to taste the genuine Italian food. Usually the variety of bread that is served with Olive oil and Balsamic vinegar.

Now, we entered the restaurant. Its huge, spacious and well lited. The lady at the 'front desk' asked if we have a reservation. Nope. Sorry. We didn't knew that we should make a reservation. She was not hiding her guest list. It was FULL! The place was heavily booked! She asked us to wait for a minute and walked in to talk to a few ppl.


She walked back to us with the same smile and asked us to follow her.

She made us comfortably seated at the huge glass windows. I couldn't help but to thank her with my complete gratitude as she took a chance to accommodate her without any reservation.

The menu in front of us was filled with the chef's specialities. The names were fancy and some are very long. But we found nothing categoriesed as vegetarian. So, we waited for someone to approach us to take our order.

As soon as we were approached by a very freindly Italian chap with a tab in hand, we blurted out - 'Do you have anything vegetarain suggestions for us?' He smiled and offered to make a few varieties of pasta. EVVIVA!!! We are IN. We ordered pesto and tomato with basil.

As usual my hubby went for Bruschetta. I asked if they have anything bread based and the wonderful bearer suggested we should take the truffle and cheese stuffed Traditional Roman Schiacciata. Done. We felt satisfied with the order and finally I couldn't resist but ask for the Assorted Homemade bread basket.

The first to arrive was the bread basket. However, it was in a paperbag! We were bit confused. The girl who placed on our table said, Yes, that is the basket. Since we got some olive oil and vinegar dip, we were no longer confused. Our first dig into the bag and bite was the worst in the long time.

Then arrived the pastas. Absolutely tasty and loaded with flavours. Many may think that its just pasta with a few vegetables in. What's so great! Ladies and gentlemen, as vegetarians, we know. There are places, which serve the worst of worst cucumbers and tomatoes too!

The combination of tomatoes and basil was well balanced. The light hint of cheese highlighted the pesto flavours. AND here comes our fav of the day - the Truffle filled Roman Schiacciata!! The bread was toasted crisp and then grilled with cheese and truffle filled. The cheese is not overwhelming or oozing out of the bread parcel. The flavour of truffle felt divine.

When we were served the Bruschetta, Its confirmed that bread is not their regular moving product. After reaching home, I sliced the bread and the stale marks gave away the age of the bread. It was not at all fresh.

I will go to this place again to have the pasta and Roam Schiacciata for a snack. And will remember to avoid bread in any other form but for Schiacciata.

New Indian Restaurant @ Terminal 2, Changi airport

 
Last week we had our first bite at the new place Indian restaurant at Changi Terminal 2 Departure lounge.

Chutney Mary is the new Indian savior.

The ambience is good, neat and has taste.

We knew Chutney Mary from the Siglap area. As a vegetarian, I totally liked their chaats and paneer dishes. Naan was good. I have to mention naan specifically as in many Indian restaurants I find naan the most hardest to eat. Literally. Hard. The restaurants either lack good cooks who are experts in making Naan or the restaurants do not have good equipment to make good naan.

When we entered Chutney Mary @ Terminal 2, we didn't expect extraordinary international menu. However, we were pleased to South Indian snacks like Idly and Dosa. As all time meals / snacks of the day, Idly and Dosa cannot beat any other item in the menu. We walked in and straight away with no second thought ordered Idly and Dosa. Our intelligent daughter however decided to stick to Pav Bhaji which is under chat items.

The lady behind the counter was very pleasant and very helpful in letting us know what is available and was patient enough to wait while decided on drinks and all the while was smiling. The best was she was not faking her smile!

Within minutes our orders came. PavBhaji was good! It was not loaded with chili powder. It is loaded with spices. The bhaji is loaded with flavour. The pav was fresh and the butter on top of the pav made me want for more of pav. 5 * s to PavBhaji.

Then arrived my dosa and my hubby's idly. Idly was fully though the dough was sour. Here starts our total dis-satisfaction list. My dosa turned out to be totally stale, dry and hard. As a regular cook, I knew instantly that the dosa was made hours ago and heated up either on tava or microwave. It was so hard that I left it on the table without eating. I had lemon juice which was quite ok.

My husband kept complaining about the Sambar. It was another disaster. It was just cold. No taste. Of course I can taste the sambar powder.

At the end, sitting back looking at the bill and half finished food, we came to a conclusion that the food was not worth for what we paid.

 Chutney Mary should stick to its North Indian menu.

We are yet to try their full course meal. Hope the taste is not compromised @ Changi Terminal 2.

Best quick bite or snack @ Bugis

The board says coffee but I go thr for pasta. So far this is the best pasta I found which is easy to order n quick to get. If I am around Bugis n think of something value for money n good to taste n freshly made,  THIS IS my choice.

Try their pasta.  I totally recommend it. I am a vegetarian.  Mine was always tasty.

Their non-veg choice is also good - I was told.

Excellent Chinese Vegetarian in Serangoon @ Kitchener Road near City Mall

This place along Kitchener Road is a family run restaurant.  The whole family served us with lots of smile n enthusiasm.  Though we ate Chinese Vegetarian earlier,  we kept quite n let them give suggestions n tips on how to eat n what combination is best.

The best was their loyhay. The taste was amazing.  Not over sweet or the plate was not over crowded.  We loved it when the father encouraged us to stand up n mix the ingredients.  He kept saying - "MONEY" "HEALTH" "PROSPERITY "......  

We totally enjoyed the homely ambiance and food. We will go again to try more. Its rare now a days to find such authentic Chinese vegetarian food that too served with dedication.

perfect vegetarian lunch / brunch / snack - Salad Box

Best pancakes in Singapore

Visit City Mall 's Paddington for the best pancakes in Singapore.

The variety will first shock you then confuse you :-)

Sweet and Savoury pancakes.

Weight watchers n super health concious, pls stay away.

Roma's Deli - Vegetarian food - Singapore

 Its been quite some time since we started this ritual of visiting Roma's Deli in Shaw Towers in Beach Road, every time we go see an Indian movie in Bombay Talkies / Jade Cinema.
the building's

 Though it says its an Italian Vegetarian Bistro, the outlet offers a variety of mock meat which is, typical Vegetarian Chinese food. However, if this small cultural flavor is removed or overlooked, its soups, salads, pastas and pizzas are absolutely delightful to any vegetarian.

Our favourite was and is its Mushroom soup and bread. No need for any reservation. However during the weekends and that too on the first and second days of a new Indian movie release, watch out for crowds!

Fort Canning - Spice Garden

•Bencoolen is a place in Sumatra where Sir Stamford Raffles was appointed as Governor-General in 1817 by East India Company.

•East India Company received a royal charter from Queen Elizabeth in 1600.

•Wealthy merchants and aristocrats owned shares in the company.

•The company is incorporated to do trade with East Indies / Indies which is comprised of Southeast Asia. However, ended up having trading mainly with India.

•The company maintained private armies and assisted princely states in their warfare. Eventually the company ended up taking control of small states and rule them.

•After 1857 Indian Sepoy Mutiny, the British crown took control of governing India and other states/provinces around Southeast Asia.

•Sir Stamford Raffles was sent on an expedition by British India Company, to find a suitable place for the British ships to take a break and fill fresh water on their way from far East to India and other British ports.

•He found Singapore island in 1819 and by entering into a treaty with the sultan found a new settlement for British trading and eventually which ended up under the control of the crown.

•Sir Stamford Raffles greatest interests were, Botany and Zoology.

•At that time, spices were as valuable as gold among the English, Dutch, Spanish and Portuguese. European nations fought for control over the sources and routes in the East.

•Raffles had noble ambitions for Singapore's agricultural development, and had sent from Bencoolen spices like clove saplings and nutmeg seeds to develop plantations.

•He returned to Singapore in 1822, built house on top of Fort Canning and established his first experimental garden, The Spice Garden at Fort Canning.

•The first spices at the garden were – Clove, Cinnamon and Nutmeg.

•After Sir Stamford Raffles left Singapore in 1824, never returned.

•He passed away at Highwood House in Mill Hill, north London in 1826 at the age of 44.

•Now, the garden at Fort Canning, maintained in the memory of Sir Stamford Raffles is under National Parks Board and has more different varieties of spice specimens from around Southeast Asia than the original.

 

 

 

 

Note: In the above list, I have chosen only some from the actual available on the ground. You may find other plants or trees or shrubs that are more interesting to you. Spice Garden at Fort Canning goes through regular upgrades and a possibility of change in the list of plants mentioned above. At the time of my posting, the list is updated.