It was one of the rare trips to Toa Payoh as it is quite a distance for me from office or home. The last time I was here it must have been a year before, and it was to sample one of the best Chinese Rojak in Singapore. This time, after dinner we headed to Gourmet Paradise, the basement foodcourt at HDB Hub to sample what was purported the best handmade, hand cut muah chee ever in Singapore.
Yes, even though I was a little doubtful, I followed along, anything to try something new! I did attempt to queue for the Soon Heng Rojak, but the ingredients were out, you should have seen how some peoples' hearts just broke, not being able to sample the delicious dish that consists of fresh fruits, fried dough, and prawn paste.
We waited a while for the Hougang 6 Miles Famous Muah Chee to be prepared, ordering both peanut and sesame toppings. It was carefully prepared and put together, almost and art in itself. I wonder how the staff handles the afternoon crowds just by the speed she works. Biting into the muah chee you realize why they confidently say they are the famous muah chee stall. Soft, delicate, and wobbly, covered with such a fine dusting of peanut and sesame, you feel like you are eating a delicate dessert snack, likened to what you would have enjoyed in Japan at a much more premium cost. Impressive, yet cheap, and completely old school. I would recommend this as an educational lesson for kids, snack food of yesterday, keeping our Singapore heritage alive and strong.
The next surprise I had here at Gourmet Paradise was that I tasted just about the best Teh Cino in Singapore. It was a combination of tea, condensed milk, evaporated milk and ice blended. Because it was off-peak hours, watching the staff blending the drink, made it look like one high class drink. I was so impressed because, it being a food court, the drink tasted like I was in Starbucks, what was a $1.90 drink, tasted like it was a $6 drink. Oh yes, I think I might be here soon again, just to have a taste of a good cup of local Singapore tea.
Yes, even though I was a little doubtful, I followed along, anything to try something new! I did attempt to queue for the Soon Heng Rojak, but the ingredients were out, you should have seen how some peoples' hearts just broke, not being able to sample the delicious dish that consists of fresh fruits, fried dough, and prawn paste.
We waited a while for the Hougang 6 Miles Famous Muah Chee to be prepared, ordering both peanut and sesame toppings. It was carefully prepared and put together, almost and art in itself. I wonder how the staff handles the afternoon crowds just by the speed she works. Biting into the muah chee you realize why they confidently say they are the famous muah chee stall. Soft, delicate, and wobbly, covered with such a fine dusting of peanut and sesame, you feel like you are eating a delicate dessert snack, likened to what you would have enjoyed in Japan at a much more premium cost. Impressive, yet cheap, and completely old school. I would recommend this as an educational lesson for kids, snack food of yesterday, keeping our Singapore heritage alive and strong.
The next surprise I had here at Gourmet Paradise was that I tasted just about the best Teh Cino in Singapore. It was a combination of tea, condensed milk, evaporated milk and ice blended. Because it was off-peak hours, watching the staff blending the drink, made it look like one high class drink. I was so impressed because, it being a food court, the drink tasted like I was in Starbucks, what was a $1.90 drink, tasted like it was a $6 drink. Oh yes, I think I might be here soon again, just to have a taste of a good cup of local Singapore tea.
It appears that Gourmet Paradise at Toa Payoh Food Court actually houses quite a few good finds - from Rojak, to Muah Chee, to local Singapore tea. Worthy of a try if you wish to sample what Singapore heartlanders eat regularly.
Gourmet Paradise
Food Court, Coffee Shop, and Restaurant
B1, Toa Payoh HDB Hub
480 Lor 6 Toa Payoh
Singapore 310480
MRT: Toa Payoh
