Toast Box Singapore : Quickie a-la Modern Kopitiam

It is almost impossible to not noticing this particular food franchise. Its one of the first things I see when I reached Singapore's uber-convenient airport, its also one of the last things I see there when I was about to leave, and its simply present in every malls I went into.

Later on I found out, that Toast Box is another brand from Bread Talk group along with Food Republic, Din Tai Fung, Ramen Play, and many others. I suppose it is only natural to get a bit inquisitive after knowing this, plus the fact that the joint is usually crowded with people. 

I decided to start my day here one morning. Eggs, kaya bread, and coffee. The usual breakfast-of-a-champion trio. 

I must say all three served me well. 

The kaya bread with that slice of thick butter sandwiched in between is the best out of the pack. It reminds me of Bangi Kopitiam here in Jakarta and their signature Malacca Portuguese Toast. This one however, carry a less intense sweetness, and minus the toasted-crunch feel of its contender. The coffee was equally good, enough caffeine to kickstart my sleepy eyes, and enough milk to satisfy my sweet tongue. 

Ambience wise, I'd still go for local hawker style kopitiam. Toast Box and its modern design has stripped that quaint feel off. But I suppose people come here for speed and convenience. I spent almost half an hour here, and some of the people who were queueing behind me has left earlier. Its a good problem for Toast Box, eh? 

I guess its just perfect for a morning quickie. (whatever that means to you) ;) 

PS: My next Sin-cia-po post would be on Miele's #12 Top Asia Restaurant. Dare to make a guess? Stay tuned. 

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Find Toast Box at: 

Changi Airport Terminal 2. 

Vivo City

Wisma Atria

Raffles City

Centre Point Orchard

313 Somerset

Bugis Junction 

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)

Best Macarons in Singapore? Meet Bonheur Patisserie

How can you resist this sign board? Not only does it says the best macaron in town, it has also been featured as well by the famous Lady Iron Chef. It was a no-brainer decision to drop by even though my belly was quite full due to enormous food feast just a few hours earlier. For a moment I forgot my sole purpose of heading to Duxton Road was to find a bookshop called Littered With Books.

The venue is easily an eye pleaser, especially for the ladies. Dominated with white, from walls to furnitures, it gives a clean chic feel to it. Being a sucker for sweet stuff, I almost ordered all of the available variety of macarons, when common sense (read: price tag) slapped me in the face. They are not actually cheap, aren't they?

I randomly picked their salted caramel, yuzu, and dark chocolate macaron.

Salted Caramel / Dark Chocolate / Yuzu (SGD 3/piece)

Out of the three, my favorite would be their salted caramel, it has the familiar taste of cooked sugar, the soft crunch of the flat base, and the dash of saltiness. Look at the beautiful feet! It's a just-right combo for me.

The dark chocolate is a crowd pleaser with the right balance of cacao, and not too sweet. Having the yuzu was a beautiful coincidence. Its strong soury citrus flavor made a good alternative in between the two sweeter option.

All in all, it was a distraction well worth my time.

I'd definitely pay this place another visit, especially after hearing the story of passion from one of the owner herself. And when it happens I'll give their selection of cakes a try. Now, is it really the best? Well, until I've tried all patisserie in Singapore, I'd say its one the best yet.

Until then, snack on my tweets & keep updated on my twitter @wanderbites. ;)

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Bonheur Patisserie
70 Duxton Road,
Singapore
Ph: +65 6221 1148