Singapore Last Kampong Canteen

398 Canteen is Singapore “Last” Kampong Canteen, at 398 Piccadilly Road. I get to know from a newspaper that this canteen will be giving way to urban development. It is usually frequent by factory / construction workers and army boys.

I have order a cup of Milo and 2 soft boiled eggs, SGD1.60! You can hardly find such cheap price outside.

This canteen has been faithfully in operation for past 40years. Nothing much has changed from that time. The decoration, shelves and tables are vintage.

Homemade Chocolate – Joy’s Chili Chocolate

2 week ago, I have attended a chocolate making class. I decided to try making chocolate of my own. Before I can start preparing, I need to get all ingredients needed. I went Joo Chiat to buy the chocolate couvertures and trimoline (sugar paste), NTUC to buy whipping cream, chili and tray. Then to hardware shop to buy sieve. 

  

It is not as easy as I thought it would be and I have messed up the kitchen. The chocolate did not turn in the right texture; it is too soft to cut. I have managed to cut some and bring to office and put them into the freezer to harden it so that it is easier to for people to pick up a piece and try. 

Recipe:
150g Whipping Cream
150g Dark Couverture
1 small chili, cut into small pieces (optional)
Cocoa Powder

Direction:
1. Heat up the whipping cream (with the cut chili) until see bubbles
2. Drain away the cut chili
3. Pour in the couverture into the heated whipping cream.
4. Stir till the couverture melt
5. Pour the mixture into the a container layed with clinch film
6. Put container into the refrigerator
7. Next day, cut the chocolate n spinkle cocca powder on them.

Diminishing Job – Seat Cushion Maker

While walking along Joo Chiat Road, I come across this old shop and a man was using he sewing machine. On a closer looking he was making the seat cushion for dinning chair. I quickly snap a photo with my mobile phone and he noted my presence.

I went in and have chat with him. Telling him, I find this career uncommon, a diminishing trade. Mr Luo, in his early 60, said that his 2 kids are not willing to taking over this line. It required hard work and could not earn much. 

He said sometime it is more expensive to replace the seat cushion than buy a new chair. Usually those chairs with sentimental value are sent to his shop for replacement of cushion.

Chocolate Making Class – Chocolate Atelier

I went for a 5 hours basic chocolate making class conducted by Reto Marzai at Chocolate Atelier. The class is enjoyable and you get to learn how to make chocolate at home! Remember to write notes! The shop does sell the basic ingredient where you can buy back and try making your own.

The only thing not that ideal is there is no hand on. You only get to watch n write notes. Go home and practice yourself.

The chocolate is delicious, it simply melts in the mouth and it is very smooth. It is much better than those sold outside.

 The benefits of making your own chocolate, you can have it freshly make without preservative!

 At the end of the class, we were given a box of chocolate each. Lovely and yummy!

http://chocolate-atelier.com/

Hakka Dish - Thunder Tea Rice

This is a very unique Hakka dish, it is a Hakka salad! It contains herbs, vegetables and tofu. It is an ideal meal for those who want to have a healthy and detox diet.

Some people would like to have the “Thunder Tea” to pour into the bowl of rice and vegetables. Other would like to drink the tea separately.

This is the main branch at 328 Joo Chiat Road.

http://thundertearice.com.sg/