Our new surroundings that is largely dominated by Chinese - Singaporean Cuisine is daring the cook in me. How can I prepare authentic Filipino foods in this foreign land? By and large, this seems to be one of the tough challenges any expat deals with in living overseas (and I'm no difference to experience that). My first struggle began with the classic "Tinola". It's a Filipino favorite chicken soup that's typically cooked with papaya and chili leaves. I've searched shelves inside out from one supermarket to another yet I didn't find any chili leaves here. Although most of the ingredients of the dish can be easily substituted like chayote with papaya and chili leaves with moringa or malunggay, I haven't tried substituting both with some other types. Much with the limitations of the available susbstitutes in the supermarket here, there's no other option but to take the risk of trying from the available ones. This explains for my Chicken Tinola with Spinach and surprisingly, it came out acceptable.

There maybe other variations or ways of cooking this dish but the simplicity of its taste and its comforting treat will be carried through wherever it's served.

How to make: Saute onion, garlic and ginger in canola oil until fragrant. Add in chicken and stir-fry until it turns brown. Season with salt, pepper and fish sauce. Stir-fry for 2 more minutes. Add sufficient amount of water (just enough to cover and cook the chicken). Allow to boil and simmer until the chicken is almost done. Add in green papaya or chayote (cut into wedges) and cook until tender. Turn off the heat then add spinach leaves. Serve immediately.

Xiao Long Bao

Fried Rice with Pork Chop

Pork Chop Noodles

Braised Beef Noodles

Unfortunately, much to my surprise and dismay it did not come as close as to what I had in Taiwan. All the while the claims of my Singaporean colleagues were right. For someone who had tried it straight from its origin, it’s just way beyond my expectations. If you have not tried any of those well-known succulent dimsum in Taiwan, then the ones in Singapore might pass as acceptable. But the Taiwan experience is just so good that this one I had in Singapore (particularly in Jurong Point branch) failed in comparison. I am craving for that juicy and soft bite of the “xiao long bao” but Singapore's version is just too dry and tough. Even the beef noodles lacks that flavourful character of the soup albeit the softness of the beef is there. Thank goodness! the fried rice with pork chop tasted well. I'm so worried we'll leave the place completely unsatisfied. Overall, this Din Tai Fung dining experience is filling for the tummy. In so far as making me wanting for more because of its taste, I hold some reservations.