Singapore Food Log: Hvala, Chijmes

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This weekend I finally had the chance to check out Hvala at Chijmes. Hvala is actually not new in Singapore since I have seen its shop at basement level of 313 Somerset. However, getting seat at the common area of 313 Somerset basement is a huge pain in the ass especially on weekends. So, I don’t feel like buying anything from Hvala Somerset due to seating challenge. However, I read in the news that Hvala has set up a teahouse/ cafe at Chijmes and there are seats where people can chill and take picture of the food/ drink that they buy. Getting excited by this news, I drag bae and my four little friends to Hvala. Hehe. 

 

I was kinda worried about the crowd but the cafe was not crowded around 7PM. Well, I guess most of people are enjoying dinner at this timing but we had finished our dinner by then at the nearby ramen shop. So we are ready to chill and eating dessert at Hvala. Since Hvala is somewhat a teahouse, I always want to try out their matcha latte. Bae ordered matcha houjicha latte instead. You know, I always think that matcha latte has no caffeine (maybe due to what Starbucks always says) but I could not sleep easily that night so I figure the matcha used by Hvala probably is stronger than what Starbucks use. I don’t know but it’s probably just me. 

 

Other than this insomnia risk, Hvala’s Matcha Latte (SGD 5.80) taste pretty good and it’s not the super bitter kind of matcha. Bae’s Matcha Houjicha Latte (SGD 5.80) taste exactly the same except for the addition of houjicha at the bottom of the drink. Turns out the combination of matcha and houjicha taste pretty good too. We wanted to try one of Hvala’s cakes too but were in a dilemma on what to decide. We figured matcha cake would somehow be an overkill since our drinks are full of matcha so we ordered Goma Cake instead. Goma cake is basically black sesame cake and it’s not often to see this kind of cake on display so I found this to be pretty interesting cake. It’s not so sweet and yet, I love it. Especially when it’s paired with match latte. 

 

The crowd started to come in around 9PM-ish and when the crowd has come, you are expected to share the communal table because somehow the concept of seating in Hvala seems to either encourage sharing/ big group customers. Kinda weird but I don’t know, maybe that how the owner pictures its teahouse to be. 

How to spend 30 minutes at Nakamise Street, Tokyo?

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If you are visiting Tokyo with a tour group, chances are you will have an opportunity to visit Asakusa Temple and Nakamise Street. One thing to take note is that you probably will not have a lot of time to explore these two places and if you visit these two places on a weekend, oh boy, the challenge has become way higher because this area is packed with people. In order for us to go through the crowd until we reach Kaminarimon Gate, we had to spend around 15 minutes. And since we are only allocated 45 minutes in this whole area (oh yes, are you freaking kidding me), we have to move in an orderly planned manner. 

 

After the tour guide let us roam freely, we quickly explored the alleys to enjoy some street food. If you think you can just eat while strolling like what you do in any kind of street food, you may have to remember not to do that here at Nakamise Street. Eating and drinking while strolling is completely against the rule of Nakamise Street. You can only eat or drink whatever you buy in front of the shop. Yikes, I suppose we have to chomp faster if we want to try as many food as possible here. 

 

Considering that we had to queue before securing our food, being able to eat 5 kind of different food at Nakamise Street within 30 minutes is a satisfying result to be honest with you. However, I did give a feedback to the tour group about this crazy amount of short time given to us to explore the area. Oh well, I’m sure they are not going to do anything about it and it’s not like I’m gonna join another tour group if I’m coming back to Tokyo so yeah, whatever. From all the food shop that we visited within 30 minutes, the longest queue is gotta be at the whipped cream melonpan and Funawa Patisserie. Funawa Patisserie seems to be a famous sweet shop in Nakamise Street as its shop is huge and it even has its own eating area (i.e. a few tables where people can stand while eating their food). 

 

There are actually a lot of shops selling souvenirs too but we totally had no time to even check them out in that kind of time limit so yeah, I hope I have the chance to revisit this street again in the future. But until then, I suppose I have just to be grateful to be able to catch a traditional Japanese cart carrying a couple in Japanese traditional wedding gown. Did they just really get married or is this just a parade for tourists? I can’t be sure but still, happy to be able to catch that. Haha. 

Singapore Food Log: Kagurazaka Saryo, Vivo City

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I was actually thinking of cancelling tonite’s dinner but then I remembered that my buddy won’t be around next week as she’s travelling to Taiwan. I decided to go on with the appointment despite my irritating cramp. Since I was not in really good mood with the cramp and last minute’s annoying email from someone in the office, we decided to eat something sweet at the latest addition of Japanese restaurant in Vivo City, Kagurazaka Saryo. The brand is brought into this tiny island by the same group who brought in Ajisen Ramen, Osaka Osho and Menya Musashi Ramen. Hmm, if I recall correctly, Kagurazaka Saryo is located at the exact location where Fruit Paradise used to be. 

 

In fact, both brands belong to the same group. This is proven by the fact that Kagurazaka Saryo offers the fruit tarts which are the special items from Fruit Paradise. Good thing for the fruit tarts lover I suppose. However, tonight we went for the parfait because it looks so good and it’s just the right size for sharing. There are two types of parfait offered by Kagurazaka Saryo. One comes with normal vanilla and matcha ice cream while the other one comes with soft served matcha. We took a while to decide between the two but finally we went for the cheaper one at SGD 10.90 before tax. We are frugal people hahaha. 

 

The presentation of the parfait seems to lack color but it’s probably because of the lighting too, I’m not sure why. The parfait comes with two scoops of ice cream (vanilla and matcha), 2 pieces of waffles, 2 pieces of mini sponge cake, 2 pieces of white mochi balls, 2 pieces of another type of mini square mochi, and matcha pudding/ jelly underneath the whole thing. Overall, it’s not bad although I can’t say it’s fantastic either. We do enjoy devouring it while talking about life in general, tough work, difficult people to work with and upcoming travel plan. At least it’s always fun to talk about travel plan although we don’t travel together this year with me haven’t been able to secure a permanent job. But let’s think positively and be grateful with our current situation no matter what. God will make a way.

 

I am quite curious with the rice/udon broth that Kagurazaka Saryo offers though. You just need to top up for 3 SGD to get the drink to come together with the meal. Hmm, that’s probably not so bad of a deal. I may come back for it next time I’m in the mood for soupy stuff. 

8D Avia Japan Trip: Asakusa Temple and Kaminarimon Gate, Tokyo

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So I have finally decided to use my subliminal amount of leaves to go for 9 days 8 nights trip to Osaka. But when I think about Japan, I remember that I haven’t even finished updating my travel blog about my spring trip to Japan. Oh wait, that means I will be in Japan 2 times in a year, man, I should have gotten that multiple entries visa. But then, I only decided this trip like few days ago and you will need to have your air tickets ready for those two trips if you want to even try your chance to apply for multiple entries visa so yeah, that’s out I guess. 

 

Actually my last write-up about Japan was right about when I was about to enter Tokyo from Mt Fuji. You know you have reached Tokyo when you can see the view of Tokyo Skytree from your window bus. However, a visit to the top of Tokyo Skytree is never in any tour group itineraries in Jakarta so the bus continues to bring us to Asakusa Temple. We were in Tokyo on a Sunday and if you are wondering how’s the weekend crowd is like at Nakamise Street, the street leading to the main gate of Asakusa Temple, you will see head and head of human trudging toward the same direction. In other words, be prepared to get...well, squeezed with some strangers along the way. 

 

Our tour guide did not allow us to make detour or pit stop to buy food because she wanted to dismiss us right at Kaminarimon Gate, the main gate of Asakusa Temple. The main gate is actually pretty impressive but taking picture there without getting any photo-bomber in your picture needs superhuman skill. I did not even feel like trying, to be honest with you. However, if you are not intimidated by the crowd, you should give Kaminarimon Gate closer observation. The huge lantern is especially the famous landmark of Kaminarimon Gate and Asakusa Temple which seems to be the favourite photo-taking spot amongst tourists. 

 

If you are joining a tour, I recommend not to spend too much time at Kaminarimon Gate because there are a lot of food street to explore at Nakamise Street and its neighboring alleys. The problem with enjoying food street at Nakamise Street is that you are not allowed to eat and drink while walking along the street. I’m not sure if there is police to watch over you and summon you fine if you are caught doing that, but I suppose it’s just polite to follow other country’s law and regulation when you are in one. That, and I suspect the food vendor may just scold you right there (especially if they are not youngsters) for eating and walking at the same time.  

Hollin, Suntec City

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Eli, the bubble tea lover, introduced me to Hollin when the bubble tea brand has just opened its first store in Toa Payoh. The only thing I remember was her comment about it being pricy but she did not mind because thankfully, it tastes good. The problem is I am too lazy to go all the way to Toa Payoh just to try out Hollin so it kinda slipped my mind after that. Until I found out that it has another stall at Suntec City.

To be honest, I would only go to venture out all the way to Suntec City from my office in Tanjong Pagar if I am not too busy on that day and I eat by myself. Not everyone is up for this kind of foodie adventure during lunch hour so I don’t dare to impose this habit on anyone. I found out that Hollin is located in the East Wing (which is actually nearer to Promenade MRT station). So if you are able to locate Marche at the ground floor, you just need to go up 2 levels and walk further down to spot it. It’s pretty near to Toys’r’Us if you know where it is. 

The staff was giving away tester for its Strawberry Rock Salt Macchiato and it tastes pretty yum for a macchiato lover like me. I am a fan of Koi’s green tea macchiato so I think I would like Hollin’s macchiato too. So despite it’s somewhat pricier range (cheapest is SGD 3.20), I decided to pick hazelnut rock salt tea macchiato with the pearls of the day, coffee pearls (SGD 4.20 for the drink + SGD 0.70 for the pearls). Hollin offers different pearls each day in addition to its standard honey pearls. It advertises the no added preservatives and no coloring but since it’s flavoured, I supposed it will be kinda sweet. But the coffee pearls are not that sweet tho because after all, it’s coffee-taste. 

Upon collecting my drink, the staff told me that I should not mix the macchiato (which actually what I usually do for KOI’s green tea macchiato, oops) because it will ruin the drink. I decided it’s better for me to follow his instruction and sip it from the hole on top of the cup and oh boy, I love the taste of cheese froth layer which subsequently followed by the black tea. I think 25% is just right for this drink because otherwise, it would be too sweet. But I suppose everyone have different sweetness tolerance. The problem is, there’s no way I can reach the coffee pearls if I don’t use the straw. And once you’re using the straw, the drink will be somewhat mixed at certain degree. Hahaha. I still enjoy the drink nonetheless but I do suggest you follow the staff recommendation not to stir the macchiato too much. Maybe I should try another time without the pearls. 

Btw, there is a small sitting area (with around 5 or 6 seats) for you to sit down while enjoying your macchiato for a while if you are tired of walking to reach Hollin at Suntec City. Hahaha.

Singapore Food Log: The Tree Cafe, The Cathay

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 For the first time in my life that I found a restaurant which is closed at 1PM on a Sunday. I wonder if Batter Batter has earned a comfortable amount of earnings up to the point they only re-open the restaurant at 2PM. Hmm, it’s definitely weird but I suppose some restaurants probably don’t have to earn so much money. But anyway, since my friend’s suggestion is not available earlier, we decided to walk back to the Cathay to try out the pretty new cafe in the mall, The Tree Cafe. 

 

 The Tree Cafe is situated at level 2 at the Cathay and oh boy, I was kinda surprised to see the nearby Ban Heng has closed its door for good. F&B business must be pretty tough to handle with so many restaurants come in and out. To be honest, the Tree Cafe occupies the site which is notorious for F&B to come and go but let’s hope they can last longer than its predecessors. But it all boils down to what kind of food and drink that the cafe serve I guess. 

 

For a start, the cafe seems to offer reasonable price for its dishes ranging from SGD 8+ to SGD 16+ (the most expensive at SGD 16+ is grilled salmon). It has a variety of dish I would say from rice bowl, all day breakfast, burgers, mains to pasta & salad. I’ve never seen eggs benedict costing less than SGD 10 so I’m up for it. Meanwhile, my dining buddy is in the mood for rice bowl so she goes for teriyaki beef rice bowl (SGD 8.5). The drink menu also offers latte at cheaper price compared to cafes out there with hot earl grey latte costing less than SGD 5 (I think it’s SGD 4.50). So I ordered earl grey latte hoping that they come with latte art. 

 

Unfortunately, my wish did not come true, the barista probably need to spend more time to perfect the latte art and even the drink overall. While I can taste the taste of earl grey, I think their definition of earl grey latte is earl grey tea + a huge dose of milk until the whole drink is kinda too diluted. While it’s not perfect, I still finish the drink tho. Hahaha. I suppose I don’t like leaving some wastage. Money is after all, hard to earn. 

 

The food is not that bad considering the price is cheaper than egg benedicts at other places. The eggs poached perfectly and surprisingly goes well with baguette. At first I thought the mayonaisse looks excessive but turns out it’s pretty good although I realise there’s no benedict sauce in this egg dish at all. LOL. I suppose the chef probably substitute mayo (which is good for a lot of stuff I have to say) for benedict sauce because benedict sauce is a pain in the ass to make, I heard. My dining buddy did not really make any comment about the rice bowl but she left a few pieces of beef in her bowl. I kinda wonder now whether the beef are not cooked perfectly and hence, she did not eat them. Oh well. 

 

I’m not sure if I would come back again cause most of the time I will be lured to Popeye’s downstair whenever I visit the Cathay. But if I need a place to sit down to have a good chat while having affordable meal, I think I will consider the Tree Cafe. Let’s see how it goes. 

8D Avia Japan Trip: Lake Kawaguchiko - Mt Fuji - Gotemba Premium Outlet

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I don’t know what I’ve been doing from April to October except for trying to resuscitate my saving account to stable condition after few months of unemployment but hey, hello October I suppose. Can’t believe I haven’t even completed my blog post about the last spring trip to Japan. Talk about procrastination hahaha. Japan has been enduring a tough summer this year and hopefully Trami would be the last typhoon that they have to endure. When the typhoon not in town though, Japan is beautiful.

 

However, I heard that catching the view of the top of Mt Fuji is tricky, no matter what the season is. I managed to catch it during my first trip to Japan with my bestie but when I went for the second time, it was not very clear. Even though we specifically went to Lake Kawaguchiko, one of the famous viewing spot of Mt Fuji. The top of the mountain is foggy. Some of the tour participants kinda grumbled because before we had our meal, we could see the top of the mountain from our bus. But then, it’s impossible to defy the itinerary of a tour group when you join one so we continued our journey to Gotemba Premium Outlet with heavy heart. Thankfully, in the middle of the pit stop, we managed to see white sakura trees and happily taking picture with it for a while. 

 

Gotemba Premium Outlet is not that huge and that’s good for us because we only had 3 hours to cover the whole outlet. This is especially hard because there are three people in my family and everyone has different needs to cater to. We managed to go through every shops according to everybody needs though, Coach for me, Kate Spade for my mum and Adidas/ Nike for my brother. And even, eating Haagen Daz on the way. But I had no opportunity to check out those Disney/ Pokemon stores. Oh gosh, shopping is also an ordeal when you join a tour. The best thing is, you don’t have to stratch your head figuring out how to go to and from Gotemba Premium Outlet because it’s pretty out of the way from downtown Tokyo. Make sure you spare some time to grab those limited edition flavour of Haagen Daz ice cream. A lot of them can’t be found in the convenience stores in the city. The white peach is pretty good. Yumz. 

 

We stayed the night at one of the hotels alongside Lake Kawaguchiko. If you think all the hotels near the lake are in good condition, you may want to rethink. The hotel that we stayed seems to be kinda old and it does not have a lot of basic amenities like hot water, stable wifi connection, and stuff. Oh gosh, it’s literally the worst hotel that we stayed during our 8 days trip in Japan but guess what, this is the most expensive hotel from the pricing perspective. Why is that the case? We found the answer when the sun rose the next day. It’s because the hotel is facing the direction of Mt Fuji and you will be able to see the view of the lake together with the mountain (and its reflection in the water). Oh well, I suppose everything is about perspective, isn’t it?