Ayam Penyat Ria @ Far East Plaza

A friend of mine have never eaten Ayam Penyat before and I decided to bring her to try it. Originating from Indonesia, the chicken is marinated in different spices and subsequently fried. It is smashed (“Penyat”) and served with a fried bean curd, fermented bean curd and chilli.

The outlet we were at was the branch from the original one at Lucky Plaza. Though the outlet was small, there was no long waiting time and service was prompt.

The chicken was crispy and juicy but to my dismay, it looked rather small and did not satisfy my hunger.  However, it was well seasoned and you could taste the turmeric powder. The chilli sauce was spicy and packs quite a punch. But be warned for those with a low tolerance, or you might end up a fire breathing dragon!

Fried and oily aside (which my friend loved it), I think the way how the chilli is prepared makes or breaks this dish, and it is something to excite the taste bud.

Real Food @ Killiney Road

Dumplings with brown rice vermicelli and soup | Steamed dumplings with organic sesame oil and tamari

I love my greens.

Yes, you’ve heard me. But visiting Real Food for the second time makes me happy not only for that reason. For one, the vegetarian food you get is healthy, fresh and organic. The people who serve you are so down-to-earth, just like your next door neighbour.  Plus, the large space is quiet and simple with contemporary furnitures from Kartell.

I think this sets it apart from any other vegetarian places I have tried. I am won over by this place because of the variety of food they have. Pizzas, rice, spaghetti, coffee, smoothies and more!

During my first visit, the pumpkin soup was amazing. It even had a bit of purée of the pumpkin flesh in the soup that was way better than the processed kinds from other places.

My friend and I had dumplings. It was really good because not only was it handmade, it was also not like the typical “vegetarian” food that replicates by using flour and mock meat to stuff the filling. Instead, they use around 10 different ingredients like carrots, mushrooms, bean curd, French beans and chestnuts to make it quite a refreshing dish to have!

Dumpling with brown rice vermicelli | Pumpkin Soup | Organic Mushroom Aglio Olio

On an interesting note, it feels like a system of trust in this cafe because no one attends to the cashier until you stand at the counter. This store also includes the small retail area that sells organic fresh veggies, oats, chocolate and even shampoo and bath soaps!

If you like to try something different and a healthier alternative, here’s the place for you!