A Rough Guide to Dim Sum
March 18, 2010 by Nik
Filed under Exotic South East, Feature Highlights, Gourmet, Uniquely Far East
No trip is complete without trying out some of the best local food at your choice of destination. When you come to Asia, one of the must-try food is none other than dim sum, a traditional culinary art originated from Southern China that has captured the palates of many, especially in countries with strong Chinese influences such as China (duh), Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan and many others around the region.
Dim sum (literally meaning, “touch the heart”) is the name for a selection of Chinese cuisine which involves a wide range of light dishes. They are usually served before noon, along with tea (also known as yum cha), but is now such a big part of the culinary scene in Asia that you can find restaurants serving them all day through. Dim sum are usually steamed, baked or fried, and come served in traditional bamboo containers. Here’s a quick guide through some of the more popular dim sum dishes.
Siew Mai
Har Gau (see below) and Siew Mai (or usually translated to Steamed Meat Dumpling) combine to form the one of the most popular pairing of dim sum dishes. I’ve eaten Dim Sum umpteen times, and never had one without at least an order of each. In fact, they are the first things my dad would order when eating dim sum. So while we ponder on what to order next, we’ll be munching on these delicious dumplings. The original Cantonese Siew Mai is usually made out of pork and mushroom, but nowadays you can find all kinds of Siew Mai to suit your preferences.
Photo credit - avlxyz
Har Gau
I personally prefer Har Gau (Steamed Prawn Dumplings) compared to Siew Mai. The skin of Har Gau is delicate and translucent, wrapped around fresh juicy shrimps to form a pouch-shaped dumpling. They are usually dipped in soy sauce, rice vinegar, or even a combination of mayonnaise and chili sauce. This dish is a crowd pleaser, so be sure to order enough so that everybody will have at least one.
Photo credit - Nate Robert
Cheong Fun
This dish features a thin roll of rice noodles that are filled with meat, vegetables or other ingredients. Before serving, the roll is usually cut into a few pieces and a spoonful of soy sauce is poured on top. With a wide variety, this dish comes filled with shrimp, beef, char siew, or even youtiao (Chinese fried bread stick), chicken or fish. My personal favorite is Cheong Fun with Youtiao, which features fried youtiao wrapped in noodle rolls. The crispy youtiao combines well with the silky noodle rolls, melting away in your mouth with a heavy dose of soy sauce. Heavenly!
Photo credit - Wendalicious
Baos / Buns
The most popular type of Baos (Buns) is Char Siew Bao, which simply means BBQ Pork Buns. They are soft bread with a unique texture, filled with char siew (BBQ pork) at the center of the bun. The char siew is pork tenderloin slowly roasted to achieve a tender and sweet taste, which combines well with the fine soft bread on the outside. Though Char Siew Bao is another popular dim sum dish, it is not exactly one of my favorite. As much as I enjoyed the taste very much, it is however, a very filling dish. My preference is to skip this so I can eat more of the others.
Photo credit - avlxyz
Daikon & Taro Cake
Here’s another standard pairing when ordering dim sum. They are both similar in appearance, usually cut into square-shaped slices and pan-fried before serving. This makes them crunchy on the outside, but soft on the inside. The Daikon Cake is made of shredded radish and flour while the Taro Cake is made from the vegetable taro.
Photo credit - avlxyz
Dan Tat
Dan Tat (Egg Tarts) is the Cantonese interpretation of egg custard tarts which are popular in many parts of the world. This pastry was initially introduced to compete with dim sum restaurants, but ironically they have now become part of the dim sum experience. Many variations are available, including egg white tarts, milk tarts, honey-egg tarts and even bird’s nest tarts.
Photo credit - avlxyz
Jin Dui
Jin Dui (Sesame Seed Balls) is a fried ball-shaped pastry coated with sesame seeds on the outside that is crisp and chewy. The pastry is filled usually with lotus paste, black bean paste or red bean paste. A more modern interpretation I’ve seen before are Jin Dui filled with chocolate and even durian.
Photo credit - Charles Haynes
Chun Juan
This is not a dim sum dish per say, as you can easily find them in various countries with differing interpretations. However, the fried version is one you would encounter in dim sum restaurants, usually filled with various meats.
Photo credit - avlxyz
Fu Pi Quan
This dish is similar to Spring Rolls, with the main difference being the outer layer of the dish is made of tofu skin. Just like Spring Rolls, you can find the fried and steamed versions, with various meat fillings inside of it.
Photo credit - avlxyz
Fung Jeow
Phoenix Talons is the fancy way of translating this dish name, which is usually just called Chicken Feet by non-Chinese speaking eaters (like yours truly). The chicken feet are first deep fried or steamed to make them puffy, and then stewed and marinated in flavored black bean sauce. The result is a dish that is moist, tender and flavorful, though it does consists of many small bones.
Photo credit - avlxyz
Lo Mai Gai
The English translation to this dish is quite a handful – Steamed Glutinous Rice in Lotus Leaf Wrap. It features glutinous rice filled with chicken meat and various vegetables, which is then wrapped in a dried lotus leaf and steamed. The result is a savory and flavorful dish, with the aroma of the lotus leaf and chicken melting into the sticky glutinous rice. A personal favorite.
Photo credit - Jason Lam
Almond Jelly
This is a common dessert made of sweet Chinese almond. Almond milk is extracted, sweetened and then heated with a gelling agent. It is then chilled to create a tofu like pudding with a sweet almond taste.
Photo credit - jetalone
Mango Pudding
Last but definitely not least, is one of my favorite dessert – the Mango Pudding. This is the perfect way to end your feast, a simple dessert that captures the glorious flavor of mangoes like no other. When done well, the pudding is silky smooth in texture, rich in flavor and refreshing in taste.
Photo credit - avlxyz
This post is part of WanderFood Wednesday, a Blog Carnival held by Wanderlust & Lipstick. Check them out for a visual treat of tasty dishes, or take part in the carnival yourself. Additionally, do check out as well our latest offering, our new Issue 02 of the magazine!
About the Author. Nikolas Tjhin. A graphic and web designer in its previous incarnation, Nik’s journeyman career has seen him do work for various creative studios in Wisconsin, Minneapolis, Singapore and Jakarta. Now, he’s settled down for the time being and focusing his efforts as the editor of an Asia travel zine, Unearthing Asia.
A Tale of Four Cities
For our Issue 02 of the magazine, we share with you travel tales from four cities all over Asia – Shanghai, Singapore, Sydney and Seoul - and much more!
In this issue
+ Shanghai Hip
+ Singapore’s Dempsey
+ The Heart of Seoul
+ Sydney’s Culture Capital
+ Tasty Taiwan
+ The Art of Humanity
+ Asia’s Little Dragon
+ Wellness for the Soul
+ Chic Melbourne
+ Jakarta Capital Treats
+ Bali, Romance in Paradise
Mango Sago - Hong Kong Goodness in Singapore
December 22, 2009 by Nik
Filed under Exotic South East, Gourmet
Nobody is entirely sure where the dessert goodness of the Mango Sago originated from. Hong Kong is probably as good a guess as any, with the famed Hui Lao Shan dessert shop sprouting in the island-state at a rate reminiscent to that of Starbucks in the USA.
This dessert is now a personal favorite of mine whenever visiting Singapore, where a host of traditional dessert stall has upped the ante, producing local creative mixtures combining various old-school ingredients. My own preferences however, still lies with the original – a flavorful mixture of sweet mangoes, hearty sago and refreshing pomelo.
Mango Sago goodness. Photo credit - Eugene.
Recommended
People’s Park Centre
Another popular stall. During weekends, they would sell out by 6pm, a good 2 hours before closing time.
Summer Palace at the Regent Singapore. Hua Ting at the Orchard Hotel and Lei Garden at CHIJMES, are but a few high-end restaurants where you can also enjoy this traditional dessert.
65-67 Temple Street, Chinatown
Come early or risk missing out. This stall is a popular with the office workers around the area, and are usually crowded out by 8pm, right after dinner time.
Ah Chew’s Dessert
At Liang Seah St, across Bugis Junction
A hidden jewel that has been discovered by working adults and teenagers alike.
This post is part of WanderFood Wednesday, a Blog Carnival held by Wanderlust & Lipstick.
Check them out for a visual treat of tasty dishes, or take part in the carnival yourself!
About the Author. Nikolas Tjhin. A graphic and web designer in its previous incarnation, Nik’s journeyman career has seen him do work for various creative studios in Wisconsin, Minneapolis, Singapore and Jakarta. Now, he’s settled down for the time being and focusing his efforts as the editor of an Asia travel zine, Unearthing Asia.
The Islands of South East Asia
We are very pleased to unveil our most recent project,
a travel publication focusing on Lifestyle, Culture and Attractions all around Asia. If you’re in the region of South East Asia, do pick up a copy and don’t hesitate to send in your comments and thoughts.
In this issue
+ The Islands of South East Asia
+ Raja Ampat, Phuket, Puerto Princesa
+ Koh Pha Ngan, Bali
+ New Zealand’s Splashing Lake Taupo
+ A Guide to Middle Eastern Cuisine
+ Heeding the Call of Asia
+ Spotlight on Jakarta
+ Flashpacking Essentials
+ A Tropical Affair
Sentosa, Singapore’s Island Backyard
September 10, 2009 by Nik
Filed under Attractions, Exotic South East
Located at the southern-most part of Singapore, Sentosa Island stands at a mere 465 hectares, yet it has much more to offer than meets the eye. Beyond the typical notion of endless sun, fine white sand and crystal clear waters, what completes an enchanting Sentosa experience its plentitude of activities, performances and interesting sites, all for you to enjoy in an island resort fashion.
Photo credits - Roro Fernandez
Adventure
Hosting the first-ever night luge ride in Southeast Asia, the Sentosa Luge and Skyride bring you to the top with a stunning panoramic day or night view of the entire island while you journey up the hill via the Skyride. After which, prepare for an adrenaline rush as you rocket 650 meters down the colorfully and brightly lit track with simple steering and braking luge carts safe for people of all ages. Next, try out the 450-meter long and 70-meter high flying fox that whizzes you through the jungle, right over the sandy beaches, across the sea and finally landing at an islet off Siloso Beach.
Photo credits - shaun wong
Historic Sites
Having gone through the World War II, the island still houses remnants of its painful past at the preserved Fort Siloso. Go through the tunnels built more than half a century ago with life-size figurines and exhibits that spiral you back in time. Out in the opens, an array of authentic 17th century guns and cannons are on display, much to the fancy of many.
If being out in the sun is getting too much to bear, head over to The Images Of Singapore, an indoor one-stop-know-it-all spot for tourists to get a quick understanding of the culture, tradition and history of Singapore. Check out the variety of local cuisines and bring home a couple of souvenirs to round up an encompassing experience to the heart of Singapore.
Photo credits - Reggie Wan
Beaches
There are three beaches in Sentosa each offering a different kind of seaside indulgence. The most popular Siloso Beach is home to beach volleyball lovers, especially on weekends where the entire vicinity is flooded with bikini babes and beach hunks. There are bars and bistros situated along the beach, including the much-known Cafe Del Mar coming alive in the evening as the music booms much louder, sparking up the nightlife.
Walk further down the coastline to Palawan Beach and find yourself at the southern-most point of the Asia Continent. Connected by a suspension bridge across the waters, this little off-shore island hardly more than a kilometer wide (in estimation) is also the closest point to the equator! Tanjong beach is located furthest away from the heart of the beach, but ideal for those who seek peace and tranquil leisure. With fewer crowds, Tanjong Beach is the perfect place to get away from the clutter and noise while staying close within 10 minutes walk from where the actions are.
Photo credits - royster00
Live Shows and Performances
Kids are always wildly enticed and adults much entertained, by the live shows available daily on the island. There is the Animal and Bird Encounter where visitors get up close and personal, some even get a chance to come face-to-face with our pig-tailed macaques, parrots, eagle, python, hawks and Siberian husky friends.
There is also the Dolphin Lagoon to visit the highly intelligent Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphins (also known as Pink Dolphin for their pinkish skin color). When night falls, be sure to grab your tickets for the land-and-water laser show, Songs of the Sea. With a stage built on waters and audience close to the shoreline, the laser effects and fireworks coupled with impressive performances by the artists left many with two thumbs-up.
6 Ways to Volunteer at the Zoo
May 20, 2009 by Nik
Filed under General Fun
VolunTourism, the approach of combining traveling and volunteering at your particular chosen destination, is concept that has slowly been gaining popularity. It’s a great way to travel, see the world and experience foreign cultures, and at the same time giving back into the local community. The wide array of options available are also a big plus, which means you get to choose something that is also of interest to you.
For the animal lovers out there, here are a list of 6 ways to volunteer at the Singapore Zoo, courtesy of Heather. This list is understandably geared towards the Singapore Zoo alone, but you’ll no doubt be able to find similar roles in your local zoo!
Splash Safari. Photo credit - Loeffle.
Be a Docent
Docents are also known as our volunteer rangers. Stationed at strategic ‘Ranger Stations’ around the Zoo, they excite visitors with tools of engagement ranging from animal specimens (yes, they are real) to storytelling sessions. Through interaction with visitors, it is every docent’s aim to raise conservation awareness. We’re recruiting, so apply now!
Be a Conservation Ambassador
Friendly and enthusiastic, our conservation ambassadors are our youthful spokespeople for wildlife. Guided tours are their forte and they enjoy sharing animal facts and info with visitors.
Be a Zoolympix Station Master
Yes, the Youth Olympics has already arrived at the Singapore Zoo! For nine consecutive days from 20 to 28 June, children pit their skills against our animal champions. Station masters educate the game participants about the animals they are ‘competing’ with and also ensure they come away with a fun learning experience.
Indian rhino & white tiger. Photo credit - supersam5.
Join us as a Wildlife Buddy
Buddy up to do your part for wildlife! After training by our education staff, Wildlife Buddies will in turn become wildlife guides for their ‘buddies’. Through active learning about animals and the environment, you will foster a deeper appreciation for animal conservation, and share this interest with your friends. You can sign up as a class or with a group of like-minded friends.
Education Volunteer
Education volunteers help out in all aspects of an education officer’s job, which includes the running of in-park programs, school talks, outdoor camps and even husbandry for education’s collection of animals. They also assist in the caring of our specimens as well as our library of animal-related books.
Veterinary Volunteer
Veterinary volunteers shadow our vets on their rounds and assist during animal treatment. They also take care of the animals at the ward and help with general upkeep of the hospital. Only open to clinical year veterinary degree students (third year and above).
About the Author. Singapore Zoo. Most of our volunteer programmes are also available at the Jurong Bird Park. Do check out our educational websites for the zoo and the bird park for further details. You can also drop us an email at info@zoo.com.sg!
Eat, Shop and Party at Clarke Quay
February 21, 2009 by Nik
Filed under Exotic South East, Feature Highlights
Answers to the always asked question “What is there to do in Singapore?”, would invariably be – shop at Orchard Road, visit the Night Safari, or party down at Clarke Quay. A long time ago, that third answer would be met with quizzical looks amongst Singaporeans.
In the early days, Clarke Quay was simply known as a bustling trade hub. Instead of the place for the young and beautiful, a more familiar scene was sun-tanned coolies loading and unloading a plethora of produce and shipments. It was a prime location for trading between the east and west, and the place flourished as the commercial cornerstone of Singapore.
Clarke Quay, Singapore's nightlife hub. Photo credit - xcode.
Thanks to recent renovation, the bustling trade center that is Clarke Quay has successfully evolved into one of Singapore’s hottest entertainment spot, popular with the hip, trendy and luxurious. Here’s a breakdown of this nightlife hub of Singapore along with its neighboring districts.
Charming China Town
Start your adventures at ChinaTown, a cultural hotspot filled with history of Singapore’s forefathers and their trading culture. Pay a visit to the Chinatown Heritage Center, or look out for souvenirs along the Chinatown Night Market. The place is certainly touristy, but that’s part of the price to pay for modernization and globalization.
Fret not though, the food is genuine and traditional, some of the best Chinese food you’ll find in the region!
Chinatown Food Street, always packed with both locals and tourists alike. Photo credit - lensfodder.
Char Kway Teow - a local favorite dish. Photo credit - suziedepingu.
The Chinatown Food Street is located conveniently in the heart of Chinatown at Smith Street, serving various local fares like Char Kway Teow (a noodle dish fried with fresh cockles), Carrot Cake (a steamed, savory radish cake fried with eggs), or Rojak (a refreshing local salad tossed with sweet peanut sauce).
There is also a popular dessert stall by Temple Street, just on the neighboring street. Another stall not far away serves succulent dim sum, and further out back you’ll find a packed crowd enjoying frog-legs porridge.
Singaporeans are big on food, and don’t mind queuing for up to an hour just to get a simple lunch meal. So if you’re not pressed for time, you’ll do well to queue behind a long line. That way you can be sure you’re enjoying a tasty meal, and one of the many local favorites!
Trendy Clarke Quay
On the way towards Clarke Quay, you’ll pass by The Central, the newest shopping extravaganza directly opposite Clarke Quay. Featuring over 600 shops spread over five levels, The Central is modeled with Japan’s urban chic influence. If you’re looking for local trendsetting designs, head towards the upper floors which play host to a number of local fashion designers.
When you’re done exploring The Central (which shouldn’t take long really, unless you’re out to shop), head out across the river to Clarke Quay, where the nightlife truly starts.
The recently renovated Clarke Quay, Singapore. Photo credit - lemoncat1.
At night, the place truly comes to life. Photo credit - Yueh-Hua 2009.
Five blocks of restored, remodeled and redesigned warehouses are host to various restaurants and nightclubs. There are also moored boats that have been refurbished into floating pubs and restaurants.
There is The Arena, a 10,000 square feet establishment providing international live music. The Bellini Grande, another recently developed establishment, is a modern day supper club, where a hip mix of retro and current trends serves up the heat.
Recent renovations to Clarke Quay has seen a dome-like umbrella covering a large portion of the streets, so you can still walk around Clarke Quay even when it rains. On the weekends it is always packed with a variety of crowds, from the bar-goers watching sports over a pint of beer, to the younger crowds frequenting the various cafes, to the fashionistas out to light up the night. A great place to people watch, but tables are hard to come by so come early.
Rustic Boat Quay
Finally, wind down the day at Boat Quay, relaxing over supper at its various cafes or enjoy a leisurely pint at one of its many bars. Located not far from Clarke Quay, Boat Quay is the less glamorous little sister, but with its own rustic charm and unique establishments.
The shop houses built along the river in the 1930s are preserved and restored, along with several newer additions that adds to the lively colors in show.
Jazz@Southbridge. Photo credit - alex.ch.
Bars and pubs lines up at Boat Quay. Photo credit - slack12.
The river-side establishments at Boat Quay are mostly restaurants and cafes, while the other side are mostly bars, pubs and night-lounges. It is one of the best spots in Singapore for alfresco dining – a popular hangout for locals, expatriates and tourists, with a good variety of choice: chic cafes, high-end restaurants, yuppie pubs and designer galleries.
Harry’s Bar, located at No 28, is one of Singapore’s most popular live-music scene popular amongst numerous expatriates working in the towering skyscrapers nearby. Nick Leeson, the infamous trader who brought down England’s Barings Bank, frequented this bar, and they’ve concocted a drink in his honour – aptly called The Bankbreaker.
Jazz@Southbridge is another popular watering hole, attracting a legion of followers with its unique brand of jazz. The bar prides itself as the launching pad for homegrown jazz talents as well as the rendezvous point for famed maestros. The classy ambience is a perfect way to end the night on a high note!
I hope you enjoyed these suggestions for a day (and night) trip in Singapore. Do share your own experiences and favorite sites! Even at land-scarce Singapore, there are plenty to see and do, a little bit of everything for everyone.
