The Ride Side Cafe: A Hidden Gem in Singapore's Jurong Lake Gardens

Singapore, an island nation of endless culinary delights, never ceases to amaze with its ever-evolving café culture. Amidst its vast expanse of coffee joints, eateries, and bistros, The Ride Side Cafe at Jurong Lake Gardens is one that surely stands out.

Location, Location, Location

Nestled within the Rainforest Pavilion, this café's address at 108 Yuan Ching Rd is both distinctive and easy to locate. It's conveniently closest to the Chinese Garden MRT, making it an easily accessible haven for all café lovers in the city.

An Ode to Skate Culture

But it's not just any café – it's The Ride Side Skate Cafe. This distinction brings a unique vibe to the place, resonating with the youthful energy of skate culture. The atmosphere feels authentic, alive, and infused with an undeniable spirit of freedom. It's the perfect spot for skaters, and frankly, anyone looking for a chill spot with a side of cultural immersion.

Operating Hours

One of the admirable things about The Ride Side Cafe is its considerate opening hours. While they are closed on Mondays, giving their dedicated staff a well-deserved break, from Tuesday to Friday, they welcome patrons from 10am to 9:30pm. Weekend warriors can start their adventures even earlier, as the café opens its doors from 8am to 9:30pm on Saturdays and Sundays. This flexibility ensures that whether you're an early bird or a night owl, there's a spot for you at The Ride Side.

Conclusion

In a city that thrives on innovation and diversity, The Ride Side Cafe is a testament to Singapore's multifaceted café culture. It's more than just a place to grab a coffee – it's a space where stories intertwine, skaters converge, and where every sip of your beverage is accompanied by the distant sound of wheels on concrete.

Next time you're in the vicinity of Jurong Lake Gardens, take a detour and drop by The Ride Side Cafe. Whether you're into skateboarding or just looking for a cool place to hang out, this café promises an experience unlike any other.

The Ride Side Skate Cafe
108 Yuan Ching Rd, #01-01, Rainforest Pavilion @ Jurong Lake Gardens, Singapore 619617 (Closest to Chinese Garden MRT)
Opening Hours: 10am – 9:30pm (Tue – Fri), 8am – 9:30pm (Sat – Sun), Closed Mon

"五香滷肉" can be broken down as follows:

1. 五 (wǔ) – This means "five."
2. 香 (xiāng) – This means "fragrant" or "aroma."
3. 滷 (lǔ) – This word refers to "braising" or "stewing" in a sauce, often a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, and spices.
4. 肉 (ròu) – This means "meat."

So, "五香滷肉" essentially translates to "five-spice braised meat."

The dish typically involves meat, commonly pork belly or pork pieces, braised with soy sauce, sugar, and a combination of spices that give it a distinct aroma and flavour. The "five-spice" in its name refers to the Chinese five-spice powder, which is a blend of five spices: star anise, cloves, Chinese cinnamon (or cassia), Sichuan (or Chinese) peppercorns, and fennel seeds. This mixture gives the dish its unique and flavourful profile.

**Five-Spice Braised Meat (五香滷肉): A Taste of Tradition** Today, we're diving deep into the heart of traditional Chinese cuisine with a classic dish that's sure to warm your heart and soul - the Five-Spice Braised Meat, known as "五香滷肉" (wǔ xiāng lǔ ròu). This dish is celebrated for its rich, aromatic flavors and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, and it's a testament to the magic of slow cooking! **Ingredients**: - 500 grams of pork belly or pork pieces, cut into bite-sized chunks - 2 tablespoons of cooking oil - 2 tablespoons of sugar - 1/4 cup of light soy sauce - 1/4 cup of dark soy sauce - 1/4 cup of rice wine (like Shaoxing wine) - 4 cups of water - 3 cloves of garlic, smashed - 1 thumb-sized ginger piece, sliced - 2-3 star anise - 1 cinnamon stick (or a piece of cassia bark) - 3-4 cloves - 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds - 1 teaspoon of Sichuan peppercorns **Instructions**: 1. **Preliminary Prep**: Begin by blanching the pork pieces in boiling water for about 3-4 minutes to remove impurities. Drain and set aside. 2. **Caramelizing**: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the sugar and let it melt, stirring occasionally until it becomes a deep amber caramel. This will give our braised pork a beautiful colour and a hint of sweetness. 3. **Braising the Pork**: Add the blanched pork pieces into the pot, ensuring they're well-coated in the caramel. Sauté for a few minutes until lightly browned. 4. **Spice Infusion**: Add in your sliced ginger, smashed garlic, and all the aromatic spices - star anise, cinnamon stick, cloves, fennel seeds, and Sichuan peppercorns. Stir well to combine. 5. **Liquid Magic**: Pour in the light and dark soy sauce, rice wine, and water. The liquid should cover the pork. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer. 6. **Slow Cook**: Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 1.5 - 2 hours. The pork should be tender and the flavours well-infused. Check occasionally, stirring and adding more water if necessary to ensure the meat remains submerged. 7. **Serve and Savour**: Once the pork is tender, remove from heat. Serve over steamed rice, garnishing with sliced green onions or fresh cilantro if desired. **Final Thoughts**: 五香滷肉 is a celebration of flavours, textures, and the age-old tradition of slow cooking. It's a testament to the idea that patience in cooking often yields the most flavourful rewards. Whether you're new to Chinese cooking or a seasoned pro, this dish is a must-try. The warmth of the five-spice, combined with the savoury depth of soy and the tenderness of well-braised pork, is truly a symphony of flavours. Happy cooking, everyone! And as always, stay tuned for more delicious adventures from our kitchen to yours!

In a kitchen filled with love and aroma, a culinary affair was about to unfold. A dedicated spouse and an artisan at heart, set out to craft a pizza unlike any other. A recipe was born that day, one that delighted a loving husband and one that may soon grace your own dining table.

1. The Base: An Unassuming Beginning

The foundation of our tale begins with the pasta base, an alchemy of simple yet purposeful ingredients:

• Flour: 500g
• Yeast: 5g
• Water: Warm, as needed
• Olive Oil: A generous pour
• Honey: One teaspoon
• Salt: A careful pinch

The yeast, mixed with honey and warm water, awakened, before being joined by flour and salt. Through diligent kneading and patient resting, two doughs emerged, each destined to become a vessel for gourmet creation.

2. The Sauce: A Symphony of Flavours

This is where the plot thickens:

• Onions: Two large, finely diced
• Tomatoes puree: One can of Pomodoro, a taste of Italy
• Oregano: Freshly plucked
• Salt: To taste

The onions were sautéed to translucence in olive oil before joining the tomato puree. Simmering together, they became a rich, fragrant sauce, reminiscent of Italian countryside summers.

3. The Toppings: A Personal Touch

Here, personal flair came into play. Hungarian Kolbasz, Trappista cheese, cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, and some delectable ham slices joined the party. But the real star was waiting: BelGioioso's Parmesan, Grated, a touch of artisan mastery.

4. The Baking: A Culmination of Efforts

Into the oven at 200°C for a precise 8 minutes, the creation was watched with bated breath. When the time arrived, it emerged, golden and tantalizing.

5. The Final Touch: Rucola's Grace

Rucola, freshly picked, was the final flourish, a green embrace to a masterpiece lovingly crafted.

Conclusion: A Love Letter to Culinary Art

This is not merely a recipe; it's a narration of love, tradition, and creativity. From the kneading of the dough to the carefully selected toppings, it's a dance between ingredients and the human touch. It's the joy of creating something with your own hands and watching it bring joy to others.

For those interested in the finesse of dough-making, a video awaits your curious eyes. May this recipe not just fill your plates but also warm your hearts, just as it did on a particular day, in a kitchen filled with the scent of love and gourmet pizza.

Enjoy, dear reader, the art and mystery of home pizza making. The table is set, the mystery deliciously solved, and the joy yours to share.

A while back, I prepared a batch of "Air-Fried Teriyaki Chicken Fillet Bento - Japanese" as a lunchbox treat for my daughter. Today, I revisited this same recipe but decided to deep fry the chicken fillets in oil instead. The result was wonderfully crispy, boasting a golden-brown exterior. All I did was season the chicken with salt and pepper, coat it with Japanese Panko breadcrumbs, and then submerge it into hot oil until it reached that desired golden hue. The outcome was truly delightful. Bon appétit!

Easy and Delicious Air-Fried Teriyaki Chicken Fillet Bento Recipe

If you're on the hunt for quick, healthy, and mouth-watering lunch ideas, then you've landed in the right place. In today's post, we'll walk you through the preparation of a truly delightful Japanese dish – Air-Fried Teriyaki Chicken Fillet Bento.

The beauty of Bento lies in its balance of nutrients and flavours, neatly packed into a portable meal. Our version swaps traditional pan-frying for an air-fryer, providing the same irresistible taste and texture with fewer calories. It's a win-win!

The star of the show: Air-Fried Teriyaki Chicken Fillet

Teriyaki is a popular Japanese cooking style where foods are broiled or grilled with a glaze of soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. Our recipe features the delightful crunch of Panko breadcrumbs and a homemade teriyaki sauce that's a perfect blend of sweet and savoury. And best of all, we make use of an air fryer to achieve a crispy, golden finish while cutting back on oil.

The air fryer uses circulated hot air to produce a wonderfully crispy texture on the chicken fillets, which are seasoned with salt and pepper and coated with Japanese Panko breadcrumbs.

Accompaniments: A symphony of colours and flavours

A Bento box isn't complete without a variety of sides to complement the main dish. This recipe includes succulent cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber slices, and nutrient-packed steamed broccoli florets. And let's not forget about the bed of fluffy, cooked Japanese rice that serves as a comforting base for these vibrant components.

Unravelling the flavours: A step-by-step guide

Now that we've tantalised your tastebuds, let's get down to business.

Here's a simple recipe for Air-Fried Teriyaki Chicken Fillet Bento.

Ingredients:

For the Teriyaki Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken fillets
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons mirin
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

For the Bento:

• 1 cup cooked Japanese rice
• 1/2 cup sliced cucumber
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1/2 cup steamed broccoli florets
• Pickled ginger, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

2. Season the chicken fillets with salt and pepper, then coat them evenly with Panko breadcrumbs.

3. Place the chicken fillets in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.

4. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the teriyaki sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and sesame oil. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

5. When the chicken is done, transfer it to a plate and drizzle with the teriyaki sauce, reserving some sauce for serving.

6. To assemble the bento box, divide the cooked rice between two bento boxes. Arrange the teriyaki chicken, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and broccoli next to the rice in each box.

7. Drizzle the reserved teriyaki sauce over the chicken and garnish with pickled ginger.

8. Your delicious Air-Fried Teriyaki Chicken Fillet Bento is ready to be enjoyed!

Remember, bento boxes are all about balance and variety, so feel free to substitute the vegetables with your favorites or whatever is in season. Also, always be careful when working with hot oil or any hot cooking equipment.

Conclusion: Bring restaurant-quality Japanese cuisine to your kitchen

This Air-Fried Teriyaki Chicken Fillet Bento recipe is a testament that you can enjoy delicious and nutritious Japanese meals from the comfort of your home. It’s the perfect way to bring restaurant-quality flavours to your dining table, or to impress your colleagues with a homemade lunch box.

Make sure to share this recipe with fellow home cooks, or better yet, invite them over for a Japanese-inspired lunch. Happy cooking!

Keywords: Air-Fried Teriyaki Chicken Fillet, Bento recipe, easy Japanese recipes, nutritious lunch ideas, homemade teriyaki sauce, air fryer recipes, Japanese cooking, quick and healthy recipes.