Sherra's Taste of Life

Now that we're frequently dining at Din Tai Fung , I take back what I said that the Singapore's franchise is overrated and incomparable to its original kin in Taiwan . After trying other dim sum houses in the island, honestly, there's still nothing that comes close to Din Tai Fung's Xiao Long Bao. It's still the best so far, period. Recently, they came up with another innovation in its growing repertoire of appetizing dim sums. Truffle Xiao Long Bao is the next must devour in this restaurant. It's the signature xiao long bao infused with truffles specifically imported from France. The moment our order hits the table, I know right then that I am about to be transported for an ambrosial delicacy. Every morsel of this succulent creation wakes up all olfactory senses and it will leave you wanting for more. I'm afraid I will be more critical the next time I try the regular xiao long bao now that my palate met this "kitchen diamond".

When we talk about creme de la creme of rosters of popular celebrity chefs, top of mind names that will make it to the list are the likes of Jamie Oliver, Bobby Flay, Ina Garten, Rachel Ray, Rachel Allen, Giada de Laurentiis, Bobby Chin and more. Now, picture having the recipes and culinary secrets of these culinary gurus within easy reach? Wouldn't that be a great gastronomic treat?! Thank you to Starhub for coming up with a first, truly brilliant and inspiring food application that will make all food enthusiasts' dreams possible. FooD.I.Y . (pronounced as Food-ee ), the first ever "made in Singapore" food application is an extensive international recipe database with localised feature that simply brings the art of cooking to life right in your very own home kitchen.  It was a privileged to be invited on the FooD.I.Y.'s launch at the Palate Sensations Cooking School . We were treated to an afternoon of mouthwatering food samples and recipes...

Chili Crab has long been regarded as the most popular dish in Singapore. So iconic is the dish that it's synonymous to being the country's culinary emblem. As they say, you've never been to Singapore if your palate was not romanced by this fiery, lip-smacking dish. It's normally prepared by frying the crab to crispy shell perfection then generously coated and bathed in a thick, juicy and creamy tomato gravy. There are a lot of places to savour this dish. From big chain of restaurants to open-air dining set up at Hawker Centres and Kopitiams, you'll be pampered with many variations. From those that I've tried so far, these are my top five picks. 5. Olde Cuban Chinatown #2 Trengganu Street, #02-01  Singapore 058456  Mildly hot & spicy, creamy, saucy, with a hint of sour, the sauce is undoubtedly finger licking good!   4. Long Beach Seafood  25 Dempsey Road, opposite Singapore Botanic Gardens Tel: +65 6323 2222 The only version that's very distinct ...

It's that time of the year again for the grandest food event in Singapore. Last year, we were witnesses to the pride and heritage of Chinese Cuisine. This year, the Food Festival theme highlights the robust flavors of curry and spices . Thus, expect your palate to be fired up by popular local favorites such as Chili Crab, Fish Head Curry, Otah, Laksa, Kebab and a whole lot more. I sampled some of them and I was immediately transported to high level of hot & spicy goodness. Here's the history and some trivia on this annual food event... The 2011 Food Festival promises to pepper your senses with magical spices, take your tastebuds on an exotic adventure and experience it by foot, wheels and in the air." Truly spice rich food carts can be found at the Clarke Quay bridge and it's a true feast hopping from one stall to the next. Let your tongue wander.. Some of the food choices that are so hard to resist.. Fried Carrot Cake Otah - Grilled Fish Cake Kebabs Fish...

I can hardly believe that it really took a long while for me to discover a decent Filipino restaurant in Singapore. It's quite ironic despite the fact that Filipino community in the Lion City is relatively big. As cliche as it may sounds, it still is better late than never. 7107 Flavors was recommended by a Filipino colleague back home who happens to be a friend of the owner. We were quite fortunate that the restaurant was having a buffet at the time of our visit. They normally have buffet offerings twice a month (on first and last sundays). It's a very simple buffet yet enticing enough to bring any Filipino closer to home. The food choices range from familiar dishes of seafood, meat, vegetables, salads, soups, noodles, desserts and native delicacies. Taste wise, it's a typical home-cooked Filipino cuisine.   Spanish Mackerel Ceviche with Tofu Fry Tofu & Pork Red Cabbage and Apple Salad Chicken Macaroni Salad  Pancit Puti (Sauted Rice Noodles)  Chapsuey w...

Peranakan Cuisine created a big buzz in my gastronomical memory since day one of our relocation to Singapore. I oftentimes hear good things about this Chinese-Malay culinary fusion. Apparently, it took me more than a year to finally dig-in to that very intriguing  Nonya plate. Had it not been to a farewell dinner organized for one of our colleagues, I am still definitely missing a big part of Singapore food scene. We went to Blue Ginger in Tanjong Pagar. It's a popular Peranakan restaurant that promises to deliver signature dishes from a Nonya . A Nonya is a matriarch (Straits Chinese Lady) who's well loved for her great tasting heritage recipes. She usually gathers the entire family over a scrumptious feast. True enough, what we've tasted during this dinner are reminiscent of a grandmother's cooking. Generally, most of the dishes are rich, spicy and full of flavors. The Fish Head Curry  caught me completely....