Beginning as a small curry rice stall in the Telok Blangah area in February 2014, the founders of Truly Test Kitchen, ex-forex traders Joel Chia and Deniece Tan, along with Joel's brother Joshua Chia, have since relocated to a much larger space within the Tai Sing area in November 2015. Now located in a rather out-of-the-way location in Jun Jie Industrial Building, on the 7th floor, Truly Test Kitchen now offers a much wider variety of food options, while still retaining their extremely affordable prices.Ambience at Truly Test Kitchen resembles that of a coffee shop, a large open space, brightly lit by natural lighting and flourescent lights, with functional plastic and wooden furniture scattered about. While the fans here are powerful, diners will still be subjected to the heat of the day, but at least the area is completely sheltered from rain. Of the 5 food stalls at Truly Test Kitchen, only the curry rice stall actually displays an attractive range of food, the rest don't have any pictures or food displayed, but at least the menus are large and legible.

Service at Truly Test Kitchen is partial self-service, with ordering and payment done over the counter. Collection of orders is only done for items which can be served immediately, for all other items, staff will serve these to your table. As with any coffee shop, there is minimal engagement with the staff, unless you happen to be speaking to the passionate founders of Truly Test Kitchen, who can regale you with their history, how each dish is put together, and why it's presented as such. There usually is a short waiting time for dishes, during peak periods, be prepared to wait up to 15 minutes.

Food at Truly Test Kitchen is varied, mostly consisting of classic Singapore Chinese and Western dishes, spread across the 5 stalls. Taste of dishes ranges from below average, to above average. What stands out is the large, filling, carbohydrate packed portions, created to be filling one-dish meals for the many labourers in the area. Prices are cheap, wallet-friendly deals, for less than SGD $4, you can get a complete meal, with drinks costing SGD $1 - $2 more. Incredible value for money to dine here!

The signature dish which made Truly Test Kitchen famous is their Curry Rice With Hainanese Pork Chop & Cabbage (SGD $3). The curry is specially made, very different from other Chinese curries elsewhere, being thick and savoury, with a nice layer of spicy heat and a little sweetness. The cabbage is fresh, soft but not limp. The pork chop is decent in taste, a thin, breaded, piece of meat, that holds up well despite the curry gravy. I would have preferred a thick slice though. The Stir-Fried Egg & Tomato (SGD $2) is tasty, juicy and floral from the tomatoes, though I would have liked the egg to be softer instead. The best thing we tried from the Chinese economy rice stall was the Stewed Daikon Radish (SGD $2), tender slow braised chunks of radish in a savoury sweet, robust gravy, incredibly delicious! Highly recommended!The signature dish of the Western stall, the Chicken N Waffles (SGD $4.50) features a large, crisp outside moist inside, piece of deep fried chicken cutlet, that is straight forward and tasty on its own. Served sitting on a rather underwhelming waffle, which was crisp but dry, a side of decent potato fries, and sweet maple syrup on the side. Still among the better dishes we had here.Full Truly Test Kitchen review: http://ivanteh-runningman.blogspot.sg/2016/03/truly-test-kitchen-tasting.html

From humble beginnings in Singapore in 1991, the Crystal Jade Group has now grown internationally, operating over 120 outlets across 21 cities in 10 countries, with 8 different dining concepts. The Crystal Jade Group (Jiangnan La Mian Xiao Long Bao) is inspired by the cuisine of the Jiangnan region, offering handcrafted snacks, Chinese Zi Char, and other North China delicacies.

Ambience at Crystal Jade Group (Jiangnan La Mian Xiao Long Bao) is oriental, clean, with understated colours, and touches of rustic decor. Calming colours of turquoise, beige, and wood adorn the place, with modern, comfortable furniture spaced neatly within the brightly lit dining area. The place can get rather noisy and bustling during peak periods. While the queue system is clear and easy to use, I wish there were waiting chairs around for guests.

Service at Crystal Jade Group (Jiangnan La Mian Xiao Long Bao) is good. Staff are quick to attend to diners, be it taking orders, clearing empty / dirty tables or plates, greeting diners upon entry / exit, or refilling cups of tea. Very efficient, professional, proactive, and fast! I also note that staff work together well in serving tables, with a staff bringing the table's order, and another staff helping to present and arrange the orders on the table. However, I wish more of them could converse in English.

Food at Crystal Jade Group (Jiangnan La Mian Xiao Long Bao) is focused on North China cuisine, Chinese Zi Char, la mian noodles, and a selection of Chinese small bites. Taste is above average, delicious on its own in general, but not as tasty as similar versions elsewhere. Portions are large and filling, but I feel prices are slightly more expensive compared to elsewhere, as a single main dish will set you back about SGD $13 or so. Budget about SGD $27 per person for a meal here.

Loved the Deep-Fried White Bait In Wuxi Style (SGD $7.80), with the large white bait fish having been fried till crisp and crunchy! Coated in a sweet sour sauce, each bite is addictive, making you want more!The Pork Dumpling With Hot Chili Vinaigrette (SGD $6.80) are tasty because of the sour, sharp, tart, spicy sauce / gravy it's served in. I like that the dumplings have fresh tasting pork meat, a medium thick skin that doesn't break easily, and a small amount of meat juice within.Of the 4 dumplings in the Steamed Assorted Flavours Xiao Long Bao (Salted Egg Yolk, Chili Crab, Ginseng, Vegetable) (SGD $10.80), my personal favourite is the chili crab, with its sweet, spicy flavour. My next choice would be the salted egg, with good savoury salty taste, and a crumbly grainy texture to the filling. The vegetable version is also pretty good, straight forward, fresh, and tasty. My least favourite would be the ginseng, whose herbal, sour taste I find odd.Full Crystal Jade Group (Jiangnan La Mian Xiao Long Bao) review: http://ivanteh-runningman.blogspot.sg/2016/03/crystal-jade-group-jiangnan.html

Part of the Wowprime Group from Taiwan, Sufood is a meat-free, vegetarian restaurant offering wholesome, Italian inspired dishes prepared according to the Chinese 5 colour vegetable philosophy (Yellow-Sunny, White-Comfy, Purple-Tasty, Green-Pure, Red-Lively). Opening in May 2014, the innovative concept of Sufood was among the first of its kind in Singapore, quickly attracting competitors into its niche market. Ambience at Sufood is modern refined, with curvy, wavy lines reflecting a serene atmosphere of calm. Quiet alcoves, lined with functional tables and plush booths, have been carved out, with splashes of red intersecting the space. While great for privacy, the layout also makes attracting the attention of staff very difficult. The 5 colour philosophy is also reflected in the design, straight lighted bars of yellow, white, purple, red, and green, adorn the place.

Service at Sufood is very good. Staff are attentive and efficient, speaking quietly and professionally with diners. They even check for dietary requirements, before making recommendations on what to order! I note they clear empty / dirty tables and plates very quickly. Orders are fulfilled fast, usually within 10 minutes. Staff also regularly check on your dining experience, and ask for feedback on the meal. During payment, I was overcharged by accident, a mistake which staff quickly rectified and apologied for.

Food at Sufood is vegetarian, a healthy, wholesome, completely meat-free dining experience. Each dish uses fresh ingredients, prepared according to the 5 colour philosophy, plated to resemble Western Italian presentation, and is tasty and healthy. Ordering the set meal is possibly the most value for money, instead of the individual ala-carte items. Prices are slightly high for the quality and quantity of food, budget about SGD $32 per person for a meal here. Personally, I feel other similar places execute this concept better.

Loved the Mushroom Salad (SGD $6), with its mix of button mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and broccoli, dressed in a savoury sour vinegar and garlic sauce. The vegetables are fresh, clean tasting, juicy, and earthy... comforting and satisfiying! Highly recommended!Loved the filling Lucky Clover Pizza (SGD $15), shaped like a 6-leaf clover, designed to bring luck! A crunchy pizza dough base is topped with broccoli, lion's mane mushrooms, bell peppers / capsicums, and scallions, making for a crunchy, chewy, sweet, savoury, earthy treat! They even provide a plastic glove if you choose to eat it with your hands. Highly recommended!Full Sufood review: http://ivanteh-runningman.blogspot.sg/2016/03/sufood.html

Located within the Wanderlust Hotel, a quirky, inspired design boutique hotel, the Cocotte restaurant opened alongside it in 2010. Basically the in-house dining option for the Wanderlust Hotel, Cocotte restaurant serves unpretentious, rustic French countryside food, in a casual, comfortable, setting that encourages communal dining. Cocotte restaurant is known for their free-flow weekend brunch trolley, which features a variety of ala-carte dishes at only SGD $69 ++ per person, from 12noon - 3pm only on Saturdays and Sundays.Ambience at Cocotte is designed to resemble the farmhouses along the countryside of France. Think ample amounts of wooden tables, flanked by brightly coloured metal chairs, decorative lighting, rustic windowsills, and retro decor. While small, the area is well laid-out, allowing seating of many diners, and still having space to push the brunch trolley around! I also like the open bar, where you can watch the bartenders at work. When crowded, Cocotte restaurant can get rather noisy.

Service at Cocotte is good, with staff displaying a level of professionalism reserved for premium, fine dining restaurants. Was very pleased with the attentive, courteous service shown. Staff demonstrate good product knowledge, describing in detail each dish, and the ingredients within, and they willing accede when asked to repeat, or to elaborate further. I also like that staff pour a wine sampling, wait for your approval, then pour the actual glass of wine. However, you have to request for empty dishes to be cleared, or a change of plates, as these are not done proactively.Food at Cocotte is rustic, hearty, French countryside fare. Each dish is crafted around 1 or 2 star ingredients, well executed and presented simply, with tasty, bold flavours. Very fresh too! The free-flow weekend brunch trolley has no fixed menu, instead, Head Chef Anthony Yeoh creates a wide variety of ala-carte small plates and sharing plates which suit his fancy, with 5 appetizers, 3 main courses, and 5 desserts. Guests can request for as many portions as they want. Very reasonable for a price of SGD $69 ++ per person, and a 3 hour dining time. You're encouraged to reach on time at 12noon, to maximise the full brunch!Loved the Ham, Brie Cheese, Cherry Jam Sandwich, with its crisp, crusty baguette bread slice, and the savoury salty, thickly stacked slices of ham within. The cherry jam was unique, lending a sour sweet flavour and a slight tartness. But I couldn't detect the taste of the brie cheese amongst the much stronger flavours here. Still loved this dish though!The Pan-Seared Seabass With Dill And Salsa features a lovely thick fillet of fresh, clean tasting seabass fish, with a savoury salty, crisp skin. The fish meat is slightly more firm than I like, I would have preferred it to be more tender, but my fellow diners seemed to like it. The tomato and onion coulis / salsa lends a floral, juicy, crunchy texture, while the herbs lift the overall flavour. Pretty good dish!A house speciality, the Fried Honeycomb Tripe With Home Made Pickles & Wholegrain Mustard features tender strips of beef stomach / tripe, lightly breaded and coated with a dusting of smoked paprika. Chewy with a light crunch, and a savoury smoky, meaty flavour. The home made pickles (carrot, radish, fennel) stood out for us, just the right balance of tart sourness and crunch. So good that my fellow diners specifically asked for a whole serving of it on its own! Glad the staff were able to fulfill this special request!Absolutely loved the Pot-Roast Pork Collar With Pumpkin Puree, I think it's the best dish I had here! The pork meat is fresh, incredibly tender, with a melt in your mouth texture. Good enough to stand on its own, as I felt the creamy smooth pumpkin puree didn't really pair well with it, despite also being executed well. Unstoppable, I had piece after piece of this flavourful, succulent pork. Highly recommended!Full Cocotte review here: http://ivanteh-runningman.blogspot.sg/2016/03/cocotte.html

Originally opening in 100AM mall in Tanjong Pagar in 2013, Pita & Olives has since relocated to PasarBella in Suntec City as of 2015. Known for their use of fresh ingredients and hearty, rustic, home made dishes, Pita & Olives offers a healthy, mostly vegetarian / vegan menu, with few meat options. Their Israeli cuisine is very similar to that of other Mediterranean cuisines, such as Turkish cuisine or Lebanese cuisine.Ambience at Pita & Olives is minimal, really just a storefront at most. Located within PasarBella at Suntec City, it shares its seating space, furniture, and atmosphere with all the other stalls located here. The place is incredibly noisy, I nearly lost my voice several times speaking over the din. The furniture is also not too comfortable, being functional at best. What stands out for Pita & Olives is that they're located in a corner, so standing at the shopfront means you won't be blocking any people walking pass.

Service at Pita & Olives is partial self-service, with ordering and payment over the counter. However, if you sit around the store, staff will bring orders to your table. But if you sit further away, it's completely self-service. The menu at Pita & Olives is small, without any dish descriptions, but this is an opportunity for the staff to display their knowledge. They are able to describe the ingredients in dishes, as well as state how it's made. You can tell they're passionate about the food they serve. Good!Food at Pita & Olives is Israeli cuisine, which is almost similar to other Mediterranean cuisines, like Turkish cuisine or Lebanese cuisine. Food is simple, rustic, healthy, and wallet-friendly. Mostly vegetarian / vegan options, with very little choice of meat, I find eating here to be clean and healthy for the body. Dishes are tasty, and portion sizes can be finished by an individual, though sharing / communal dining of at least 2 people is recommended. Prices are affordable, possibly the cheapest store in the entire PasarBella, budget about SGD $13 per person for a full meal here.

Chef is very proud of his Pita Bread (SGD $4), baking it fresh on-site daily. The difference is obvious, the texture of the bread is soft, warm, and fluffy, quite light with a slight chew. The small pocket is perfect for picking up food, and eating with your hands here isn't a problem. We ate so much pita bread during our visit!The signature dish here, their Hummus (SGD $4) is extremely tasty, among the best versions I've had! Texture of the mashed chickpeas paste is smooth and creamy, with rich chickpea flavour, yet isn't heavy or cloying. I wish I could spread it over everything! Highly recommended!Yes, the traditional name is really Fresh Jerusalem Salad (SGD $4), and this clean, bright salad bowl features diced tomatoes, zucchini, black olives, mint leaves, lemon juice, vinegar, sea salt, pepper, and parsley. Fresh and healthy, it can be eaten on its own, or stuffed into the pita bread!Full Pita & Olives review here: http://ivanteh-runningman.blogspot.sg/2016/02/pita-olives-tasting-session.html