Cuteness overload ♥ Sugar ballies (:

Shopping around @ Bugis on the Children's Day holiday and came across my current favourite japanese cute character line - Sumikko gurashi (:

 Saw that it cost a whopping $41.20 (!!!)

Asked the store keeper if i could just buy one since there was a price tag on each stating $6.90. But she said they only sell it as a whole. 

After debating, decided to splurge a little as a Children's Day treat to myself  -the teacher. haha. we're kids at heart (: - 

Brought home the six little balls and when i showed it to my mom, she said they looked like the colourful balls of steamed rice cake that we used to dip in the orange sugar! (: haha. so true, especially when they were wrapped up 6 in a pack. (:

Hence.. the name sugar ballies ♥ Because we couldn't remember the name of the cake.  haha

Wanted to buy a pack to take a photo of so that those not familiar with it could have an idea.

Searched high and low and apparently it isn't so common anymore ): 

Only the bigger yellow/brown ones are still common. 

So... here's a picture from the Bengawan solo website. (which unfortunately has stopped selling them too) 

Ma Kuo Kueh - Bengawan Solo 

Now, looking at the sumikko gurashi balls brings back lovely memories of my childhood, when my mom/dad would come home and surprise us with the occasional sweet treat. (:

One of my favourites that my parents used to buy at the hawker centre below our house every so often - the white/brown sugar cake 白糖糕/黑糖糕 （bak tong gou in cantonese)- seems to be a dying traditional kueh as well. ):

What was your favourite traditional snack/kueh?

 p.s: If you happen to know where i can find the sugar balls, please leave a comment! :P  thanks! 

 30.10.15

♥20 Boufe

Boufe (Singapore. Tanglin/Redhill. Phoenix Park)

First heard of Phoenix park opening up as a potential dining spot when Spruce opened there a few years back. However, did not go down to explore. While searching for cafes nearby work that open early, came across Boufe, a newer cafe also at Phoenix Park and decided to head down there.

Boufe is located in one of the colonial buildings in Phoenix Park, amidst small companies and private schools, about a 15 min walk in from the main entrance of Phoenix Park and another 5 minute walk from the nearest bus stop to the entrance of Phoenix Park.  

Went there on a Tuesday morning at around 10am and we were the only customers. (:

Customer flow picked up nearer to lunchtime. 

 Love the outdoor seating area! Headed straight for the outdoor seating area as I entered the cafe, but decided not to seat there afterall as it was a bit hot. The lush unspoilt nature surrounding the cafe was so lovely, especially as it is a rarity in modern Singapore. (:

 Love the windows and the general architecture of these older colonial buildings (:

 Lucky to get the bench seat as we were (probably) the first customers of the day.

 Eggs Benedict S$16

Chamomile Garden Tea S$5

 

Only had a small taste of the Eggs Benedict but the friend said it was good, albeit a bit too rich with the hollandaise sauce. (not sure what the standard is for Eggs Benedict though) 

 

Brioche French Toast S$19 

Lemonade - infused with cucumber strawberry S$5.50 

The French Toast was delicious and the combination of all the different ingredients made it taste heavenly (: 

The caramelised banana was very fragrant, the brioche crunchy yet soft in the inside. Paired with the cream and the sprinkling of berries and almond crumble, each mouthful was delightful (:

Wanted an iced drink that was not too sweet and the lemonade was a good choice! Love how they added the cucumber and strawberry in to enhance the flavour , and the lemonade itself wasn't too sweet either which was a good thing as it balanced out the sweetness of the brioche

 Salted Caramel Macarons S$3.30/pc

As we were about to finish our brunch, the owner came over and gave us these macarons, as compensation for some order issues. It was really a minor issue and I felt that he need not have done that but thought it was a nice gesture on their part. (:

The macarons were really sweet (as most macarons are)

♥ Loved

Quiet atmosphere

Colonial architecture

Near to nature

Good food! especially the brioche

Boufe Boutique Cafe

Tue - Fri 8AM - 10PM (Brunch starts from 10AM)

Sat - Sun 10AM - 10PM

 308 Tanglin Road, Phoenix Park, #01-01,

 S247974

When entering Phoneix park, turn to the left and continue all the way, Boufe is located near the end of the whole stretch.  

13.10.15