Thunder Tea Rice : What Keeps Singaporean Youthful, Maybe.

I could never know its existence, let alone tasting it, if not for two beautiful coincidence. Well I don't really believe in coincidence, let's just say the universe was conspiring to let me taste it.

One, I consider myself lucky to have a Googler (who happens to be quite a foodie herself) as my food safari compadre. Two, we supposed to have one of her favorite breakfast but the stall was closed. The next thing I know, we are already at the front of this comic-sounded-stall. Seriously, Thunder Tea could easily be a superhero's name. Obviously, his super power would be his healing ability with herbs and teas. Well, lets not let imagination carry us away. 

This Hakka specialty dish though have a super power of its own. Created during the Qin dynasty, it is said to have helped Chinese soldier fight the plague at the time and eventually energize them to win the war. Their sign board and pamphlet claim that the dish can help to lower cholesterol, remove body toxic, strengthen immune system, ease digestion, combat flu, and most importantly maintain youth and beauty.

Ain't that awesome? 

It's no miracle work though. If you look at the ingredients, you'll figure it out fast that Thunder Tea Rice is one healthy dish. Made from 7 types of veggies (Chye Sim, Romaine Lettuce, Manicai, Kailan, Thai Basil, Mint Leaves, French / Long Beans) it is only natural that it contain high amount of fiber and low dose of calories or fat. Mix it with the brown rice, then your healthy does is doubled. 

But how about the taste? 

Awkwardly uncommon. 

I suppose it is one of those food that you either love it or hate it. I'm sorry to say, it would take a heavy amount of adaptation to get used to this, especially if you eat it they way the locals do. Yes, the green soup is meant to be poured over right into the bowl of rice. The problem is, the taste is still manageable (although rather bland) until you pour the green potion. It has a very herbal grassy flavor and a hint of green tea. Have you ever had a wheatgrass juice at Boost? That. 

However, being a true Indonesian, our eyes easily shine bright like a diamond upon seeing the red liquid thingy. Chili sauce for the rescue! I have to admit, the hero that morning was the chili. Without it, I wouldn't even eat half of it. At the end, I left about a quarter of the dish unfinished. I gave up. 

Did I regret the SGD 3.50 I spent? 

Not at all. For me the joy is not in the taste, but in venturing out and trying new stuff. Plus, I think I've grown a tad more good looking and youthful the morning after. =p Plus, like I've said many moons before "who you eat with is just as important as what you eat."

More discoveries coming! Stay tune to find out where Miss Googler took me to next. ;)

Until then, munch on my tweets @Wanderbites. 

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Thunder Tea Rice 

Lau Pa Sat Stall No. 12 

18 Raffles Quay 

(Drop off at Raffles Place MRT)

Kue Balok - Not Just A Sideshow At Nasi Bancakan Bandung

We correlate sideshow to something subordinate, or at a lesser appeal compared to the main attraction. Come to a circus and you'll find the little tiny games booth as an addition, an option that's indifferent to your overall experience. It's the exact opposite here at Nasi Bancakan. Separated from the main courses where people took the patience to queue, Kue Balok is placed at a corner (well not exactly a corner, but you get what I mean). However, I find it is not in many ways, inferior to the mains. In fact, on my short trip to Bandung, I came here specifically just for Kue Balok.

It is actually a pretty simple mix of flour, sugar, eggs, and butter cooked in an unique way. The dough is  'ovened' using a classic anglo fired with charcoal, both from the top and the bottom. The result is an evenly baked Kue Balok with a soft texture and a little crackery surface. The pictures below will do a better depiction of the lovely piece of bread. I love tearing it in two and breathe in the buttery smell. Tastewise, I like the comfort it gives being not to sweet and all. Munch it in slowly, close it with a glassful of hot tea and its just perfect for an afternoon break especially on a gloomy rainy Saturday like now.

I read from Nguliner that it is used to be called Jibeuh a.k.a hiji oge seubeuh (one's enough to make you full). I doubt that, I myself ate half a box to satisfy my appetite. Haha. Found mostly in the city of "Kang", 'Tehh" and names repetition, I'd refer Kue Balok as Bandung / Sunda specialties, even though the actual origin is still unknown. I wonder what would happen if somebody dares to brand it, and call it 'Official Bandung's Gift'. Hmm.. I mean don't you had enough of Kue Bolen already?

It is a possibility, considering their very own city mayor, Dada Rosada is a big fan of it. We'll just have to wait and see I guess.

Until then, enjoy these photos. Oh, and if anybody has tasted the more popular Kue Balok at Abdurahman Saleh, Bandung, do let me know how it compares to this. =)

Hatur Nuhun,

Fellexandro Ruby 
Food Conversationalist & Photographer

Snack on my tweets @Wanderbites

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Nasi Bancakan
Jl. Trunojoyo No. 62, Bandung
Ph: 022 - 4203650