Tiong Bahru Bakery

Date : 20 July 2012

Address: 56 Eng Hoon Street

Opening hours: 8am - 8pm, closed on Tuesdays 

Nearest MRT: Tiong Bahru 

There's been so much hype about Tiong Bahru Bakery, most of my friends who visited the place gave squealing recommendations. One even threatened never to speak to me again if I didn't try the chocolate croissant. 

So I did. And I'm sorry to disappoint everyone, but i wasn't impressed! Not one bit. 

I don't know if it was the high expectations I built of it or just a down day for them. Or perhaps I didn't really try the "specialities" but I was really disappointed after my brunch at TBB. 

I stepped into the buzzing eatery that was already crowded before noon and was greeted by a friendly waiter. 

I like the layout of the counter, how it displays the food to make every one of them irresistible. I was only with one friend but we wanted to order everything we saw. It's a good thing I live nearby so I can always go back to try the rest of the food. 

The first item i sank my teeth into was the Lemon Tart - $6 

The crust was harder than I expected it to be and honestly very plain and boring. The lemon pudding on top was sour and sweet and I wonder if they put mandarin oranges in it cos there was an overpowering taste of them. 

I wouldn't have been able to finish one on my own just because it's very sweet and I rather dislike the crust. 

The moment had arrived.

This was the chocolate croissant ( $3.20 ) my friend had so highly recommended. 

I eagerly shoved a piece of it into my mouth and............ my heart sank.

The croissant was soggy and slightly tough, not crispy and fresh. 

Perhaps I had indeed gone on a bad day, but aren't they supposed to be serving good and fresh food all the time? My friend and I exchanged glances and she said " Okay only leh " and I couldn't agree more. 

This was a spontaneous order that we made and boy am i glad we did because it turned out to be the best item we had that morning. The Croque Monsieur ( with ham and cheese ) - $9.50 would be one pastry I would dare to recommend at TBB.

The bread was soft and together with the ham and cheese, each bite was a flavorful one.

"PANNA COTTA!! " I squealed in delight when i saw this among other dessert items. We tried the one with tropical fruits - $6.50 

I prefer the pistachio panna cotta at Saveur's because it's smoother and milkier whereas this one was dry and more starchy.

My brave friend bought the squid ink bread $4++  and regretted her choice almost immediately after having a bite of it. She hadn't tried squid ink pasta before so she had no clue what she was venturing into. However, if you HAVE tried squid ink pasta before and like how it better flavours your food, then perhaps you will fancy this. 

As disappointed as I was, I'll go back and try more of their food. Hopefully the next time, I'll have an improved impression of them. 

Baan Tong Thai (CLOSED)

Date: 23 July 2012

Address: 16 Kim Tian Road

Opening hours: 11am - 230pm, 530pm - 1030pm 

Nearest MRT: Tiong Bahru 

The number of eateries sprouting up around Tiong Bahru have been rising these few months and being a happy resident here, I am more than happy to welcome all of them. 

One of the latest additions is Baan Tong Thai and WOOHOOO I finally get to have thai food whenever I want without having to take a bus to anywhere. 

I can't believe how much thai food i've had over the past week but I'm evidently not sick of it yet so let's keep the ball rolling. 

Pricier than the others that I've tried, the Thai Iced Milk Tea - $3.50 was sweet and less milky than usual. I actually prefer this version to Jane Thai's but my friend disagrees so to each its own I guess. 

The very friendly and courteous manager showed me the packet for the tea leaves which are brought in from thailand. If you're ever in thailand and see them, you could probably buy and try some. 

Tom Yum Soup - $8.80  

The soup looks bare because it kind of was. There was a whole lot of soup but I really wish there were more mushrooms in there, if not prawns. Till now, I haven't found a thai place in Singapore that is generous with ingredients. Is it really that expensive to throw in a few more mushrooms and squids? 

Other than that, the prawns were fresh and the soup was spicy, though not as spicy as Nong Khai's.

Sambal kangkong - $7.80 

 Spicier than usual and a little too soggy for me. 

The kind manager let us try their Tako, usually priced at $4.50

This served as a nice dessert after a spicy meal as the coconut milk in it helped to relief my burning lips.

It has two layers, the top one is coconut pudding and the bottom is a translucent pudding with corn bits and water chestnut. The manager, Daniel shared that they import their pandan leaves from thailand and only serve this dessert twice a month. 

Baan Tong provides a nice and clean environment (as compared to Nong Khai) to enjoy Thai food with friends and relatives. Their waitresses are friendly (though a little inexperienced) and I will definitely be back to try more of their dishes so stay tuned! 

Drips Cafe

Date : 1 June 2012

Address: 82 Tiong Poh Road #01-05

Opening Hours: Mon-Thu 1030am-930pm , Fri-Sun 1030am-11pm (Closed on Tuesdays) 

Nearest MRT: Tiong Bahru

Having opened not too long ago, this new addition to the community in Tiong Bahru is emerging to be a well sought-after hideout, one with delectable tarts and pastries. 

The walk from the train station is a little off-putting and parking may be challenging but rest assured, the treats this place offers are worth it! 

The high ceilings boost the uncluttered decor and gives the place a buoyant lift. 

There is an ample variety of tarts to select from and an amiable lady (co-owner) to give you recommendations and attend to your requests. 

The cinnamon pear tart looked amazing so I just had to try that one out! It turned out to be more than a piece of art but a really really really good tart too. It wasn't too dry and it wasn't too sweet, it was a like having an cold bath on a hot day, refreshing and energizing. 

The crust was basic, but everyone else on top was everything but basic. 

I was expecting the pears to be soft but they were like medium boiled potatoes. They retained the "Bitefulness" of the pears and kept the sweetness of it rolling amongst the dough. I didn't really taste the cinnamon i wonder which part it was in but it probably gave the tart that zesty oomph it had. For S$7.50, this reasonably sized tart filled a good, satisfied section in my stomach.

Cinnamon Egg tart - S$4.80 

Different from egg tarts that i've tried. Firstly, not warm, secondly crust isn't crispy. Crust was more similar to a doughy biscuit base. 

The tart was smooth but it didn't surprise me. It had a yolky, creamy taste which reminded me of custard pudding but this was sweeter than custard. Abit too sweet for me actually, after a few bites. 

Latte was good -S$4.80

Probably even better than 40 hand's. That's just my opinion of course. 

On the other hand, the Orange Butter tea cake fell short of my expectations. It was too dry for my liking and it was already the "less dry" option compared to the chocolate one i originally picked out. That said, it's only because i usually prefer more oily teacakes (which isn't good) so this was probably a better option. It does however, go excellent with a sip of that marvelous cup of coffee - S$3

Wish i had gotten to sit in this section of the cafe!! I love how sunlight gets to stream in from the strip of window in the ceiling. Natural light breathes life into this fragment of the place, making even the furniture look chirpy.

As business gets better, I hope they consider an addition of seats but i also think the sparse number of seats allow customers to have their own sort of privacy. I'm not sure if they sell the photographs on the wall but they were lovely. 

I'm lucky to be living in Tiong bahru because i get to enjoy little slices of happiness like Drips anytime i want. Do do do do dooooo  please visit this place to try their tarts!! Many places are good with their cakes or pastries but few cafes specialize(and are good) in tarts. 

I look forward to the day i have time to sit in here with a cup of coffee and a book 

and just unwind the afternoon away. 

Heart of House (CLOSED)

Date : 6th February 2012
Address : 4 Kim Tian Road 169245
Opening hours: Daily 11am -12am
Nearest MRT station : Tiong Bahru
Phone Number : 62747448

This is a place I would highly recommend. I myself will probably be a regular customer. 

Just before you scroll down, i should point out that they don't have Gst & Service charges, which makes the food even more reasonably priced.

The place has a warm setting with rather high ceilings and simple wooden furniture. I assume the boss left the old flooring as it is and i give him credit because it gives people a nostalgic 60's feeling. There aren't many seats, it's a small place but it's suitable for nice get together with old school mates or family.
I would recommend always giving them a call to make reservations, even if it's a weekday night.  

What's also special about them is they have unique beers on tap, I haven't tried them but I will in time to come.  

I had a taste of these 2 ciders, one from UK (Thatcher's) and the other from Sweden (Kopparberg) I really liked the latter cos the pear flavor made it sweet, different from thatcher's cos it's slightly bitter. 

The highlight of HOH will probably be the fact that they import a wide range of beers/ciders, 40-50 of brands from different countries. Ranging from: 

Belgium 

Sweden

Taiwan

UK 

The boss was very nice to let me take photographs even thought it was full house on a weekday night. 

THE FOOD 

Vegetarian Pasta : 

Cooked in Aglio Olio style, I was thinking it'd be bland by the looks of it but it was pleasantly tasteful and very refreshing. S$16 

Calamari was so-so but cheap! S$5.00

Nachos was good! But as usual, you'll have to eat it quickly cos when the chips turn soggy they lose their flavor. Reasonable portion for S$12 

Chimichanga!!!! I love chimichanga, and thought this was a good version of it. I asked to have no rice in it though because I don't fancy mexican rice. I had it with minced beef, along with bell peppers, jalapenos, tomatoes and mixed cheese. This was served with salsa, sour cream and corn chips. S$16 

Fajitas with Beef : Portion was big and very delicious. Served with bell peppers, the beef was cooked with mexican herbs & spices, accompanied with a generous portion of flour tortillas, shredded lettuce, re-fried beans, salsa, sour cream, corn chips and home-made guacamole.  

S$20

Heart of House Special Pasta S$16 

It looks plain but it surprised me with a strong flavor of bacon in the noodles (which were just right, not too dry and not too oily). In the dish were sauteed onions, garlic, bacon, mushroom topped with chilli flakes, black pepper and finished off with an egg.  I usually avoid having Aglio Olio pasta cos im afraid it'll turn out too oily, but this was balanced well. This pasta is one of those dishes when you can't stop eating it, bite after bite. It wasn't mine so i had to consciously refrain from stealing my friend's dinner haha. 

I definitely wanna try their breakfast one day!!! Let's see if they are "all-rounded" 

  

Plus Rogue Chocolate Stout sounds interesting, shall try that the next time. 

I like this place, it's one of those comfort restaurants where you can sit with a few friends and just try everything on the menu because not having gst and svc charge makes it feel so reasonable. Plus it's near central city area, so it's a convenient place to set.