Quick Stop in Singapore, Part I
My trip to Asia this time was so short. I was there for 2 weeks, but my trip was filled with stops in multiple cities in China, Singapore, and Hong Kong. I did manage to get 2 1/2 days to myself in Singapore. I tried to fit in as much food as possible, but you can only eat so many meals a day. So, here's what I managed! I have some lovely family friends who wanted to take us out for out first meal out in Singapore to catch up. They took us to Tung Lok in Orchard Central. Each time I visit Singapore I always stay on Orchard Road usually at the Mandarin Hotel because of how convenient the location is. I love how I can just cross the street to do some late night shopping and eating at Takashimaya (a huge Japanese shopping center) across the street.
Tung Lok was absolutely delicious. I usually try to only eat hawker, street food when I'm in Singapore, but this was such a welcome surprise. I love Hairy Crab, but I hate the work that comes with it. Tung Lok de-shelled all of our crab. I never had to get my hands dirty. The fish maw and the soup noodles overflowed with Hairy Crab meat. It was such a satisfying meal! I also really enjoyed the Peking Duck. I honestly wasn't expecting much, but the duck was sliced paper thin. So delicious! Our order of steamed fish was also eye opening. Because the fish was fed a diet of fresh fruit for its entire life, the meat was extremely refreshing and juicy. I have to say it's the best steamed fish I've ever tasted! Another special touch at Tok Lok was the dessert platter, which was filled with osmanthus jelly with red dates. The presentation was beautiful. There was actually a welcome to Singapore poem that the chef had written with squid ink on the plate. Two waitresses then came by and performed the poem for us. It was a magical and delicious night considering I was a bit apprehensive about eating Chinese food in Singapore. I had originally planned to eat only all local Singaporean and Malaysian street food, but hey, there's nothing wrong with being pleasantly surprised!
There are two Tung Loks in Singapore.
Orchard Central #11-05, 181 Orchard Road and The Arena Country Club, 511 Upper Jurong Road.
Since I had such a short time in Singapore, I knew I had to make the most of my day. I headed over to Lau Pa Sat Festival Market to get some hawker food. How gorgeous is the architecture? I love Singaporean food courts because everyone can find something for them. The best part is unlike in the U.S. where only big chain stores reside in the food court, the food court in Singapore is one of the best places to get authentically, tasty cuisines from Singapore and all over the world!
