Tim Ho Wan (添好運) @ Hong Kong Station Podium

Before visiting Hong Kong I have heard so much about their local food as well as one of their well-known dim sum restaurant; Tim Ho Wan which launched their first outlet in Singapore (Plaza Singaura) last year as well as a second branch at Tao Payoh lately. So when we happened to see their outlet at Hong Kong MTR Station (initially we intended to go to their branch at Sham Shui Po (深水埗) but it's too far out from our schedule as we only have limited time before departure), we decided to take the opportunity to try out some of their items since the queue there is definitely shorter than Singapore.

Tim Ho Wan (添好運) @ Hong Kong Station Podium Level 1

According to what I have Google Tim Ho Wan has a few outlets located in different parts of Hong Kong and the one which we visited in IFC Mall is consider one of the newly setup. Although the restaurant is fully occupied plus there were quite a number of people waiting outside for seats but the moving flow was still quite fast as we only waited for about 20 minutes before our turn.

[Tim Ho Wan (Hong Kong)] Ordering Menu

As usual on their practice when you registered for your seats,  you are given one of this ordering slip to select your choice of dim sum while waiting so that once you get your seats your food will be served in a short while. 

[Tim Ho Wan - 添好運] Hong Kong Menu

[Tim Ho Wan (Hong Kong)] Baked Bun with BBQ Pork @ HK $18 (3 pieces)

Baked Bun with BBQ Pork (HK$18; SG$2.90) is something like a fusion of crispy pineapple bun (bo luo bao - 菠蘿包) with roasted pork (char siew - 叉燒) fillings. The texture of the bun is great with crispy outer skin and yet fluffy bun texture beneath plus the BBQ pork taste great with combination of lean and fat meat coated with their special sweet and savoy sauce.

[Tim Ho Wan (Hong Kong)] Shrimp Wrapped In Beancurd Skin @ HK $24 per plate

Even thought this Shrimp Wrapped In Beancurd Skin (HK$24; SG$3.80) is a recommended item  from their menu with crispy deep-fried the outer skin but overall we find it rather oily and nothing special to be excited about. 

[Tim Ho Wan (Hong Kong)] Vermicelli Roll Stuffed With Pig's Liver @ HK $20 per plate

Vermicelli Roll Stuffed with Pig's Liver (HK$20; SG$3.20) is something rare that we don't get to eat in Singapore but after trying we don't really like the taste of the pork liver which somehow different from those in Singapore. So if to compare the differences we still prefer the one served in Tim Ho Wan, Singapore outlet.

[Tim Ho Wan (Hong Kong)] Steamed Egg Cake @ HK $14 per slice

Steamed Egg Cake (HK$14; SG$2.25) in Hong Kong outlet definitely taste better than the one in Singapore. It's texture is so fluffy and bouncy plus the caramelized fragrance makes it so addictive that you just cannot stop eating it. 

[Tim Ho Wan (Hong Kong)] Tonic Medlar and Osmanthus Cake @ HK $12 (3 pieces)

I am always curious about the taste of Osmanthus Cake which I saw from those Hong Kong drama so we decided to order this Tonic Medlar and Osmanthus Cake (HK$12; SG$1.90) for dessert. Indeed it has a sweet aroma from the Osmanthus flower and they are quite generous with the amount of medlar (gou qi zi - 枸杞子) seeds too. 

Overall our dinning experience at Tim Ho Wan, Hong Kong was quite enjoyable as we still managed to try out some authentic dim sum before flying back home. But we will definitely look forward for another trip to Hong Kong to try out more of their local food as well as other sightseeing attractions.

With this post With this post we conclude our Hong Kong weekend getaway and I hope it will help you with some planning tips to Hong Kong Disneyland and Airport Transfer too. Till then stay tune for our upcoming Taiwan travelogue soon.

TIM HO WAN
添好運點心專門店
Shop 12A
Hong Kong Station
Podium Level 1, IFC Mall, Central
Telephone: (852) 2332 3078
Nearest MTR station: Tung Chung Line, Hong Kong, Exit A1

Opening Hour:
9:00am - 9.00pm (daily)

中環香港站12A鋪(IFC地庫一層)

Itinerary for 3D2N Hong Kong Disneyland (2013) travelogue are as follow:-
~ [Day 1] Weekend Getaway To Hong Kong Disneyland
~ [Day 1] Lunch at Crystal Lotus (晶荷轩), Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel
~ [Day 1] Exploring Hong Kong Disneyland - Part I plus Short Clip on Firework
~ Disney's Hollywood Hotel (香港迪士尼乐园酒店)
~ [Day 2] Breakfast Plus Meet-and- Greet with Disney Characters at Enchanted Garden (翠乐庭餐厅)
~ [Day 2] Exploring Hong Kong Disneyland - Part II
~ [Day 2] Dinner at Walt's Cafe (华特餐厅), Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel
~ [Day 3] Buffet Breakfast at Chef Mickey (米奇厨师餐厅), Disney's Hollywood Hotel
~ [Day 3] Taking Disneyland Train to Hong Kong Station for In-Town Check-in via Hong Kong Airport Express
~ [Day 3] Visiting The Peak, Hong Kong
~ Dim Sum Lunch at Tim Ho Wan (添好運)

* Disclosure: Hong Kong Disneyland Magical Experience was partially sponsored by Hong Kong Disneyland. No monetary compensation was received, and all opinions are on our own.

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Pezzo Launches Ho Ho Hola Hawaiian Pizza

[Pezzo Pizza] Hot Chick, Fisherman's Favourite and Sambal Ikan Bilis (clockwise)

Pezzo, a home-grown pizzeria chain with 13 convenient pizza-by-the-slice kiosks and 6 delivery stores around the island of Singapore. With its fresh new look of bright red and yellow Carnival-themed storefronts and custom designed delivery boxes, Pezzo hopes to create the same happiness for their customers through its pizzas too. And thanks to the folks of Pezzo, we get to try some of their new creations plus their Ho Ho Hola Hawaiian pizza which will be available for this festive season till 31 December 2013.

[Pezzo Pizza] Sambal Ikan Bilis, Ho Ho Hola Hawaiian (top row), Fisherman's Favourite and Hot Chick

The pizzas are Pezzo are freshly made with hand-stretched dough that topped with freshest quality of meat and vegetables together with different types of cheese to enhance the taste of each creations. Overall we were quite satisfy with the taste of the four flavours that we had tried but the crust was not very consistent (perhaps due to hand-stretched) as certain portions were relatively thicker than the other which we think there is still rooms for improvement.

Below are some of our thoughts on each of the flavours that we had tried.

[Pezzo Pizza] Hot Chick

[Pezzo Pizza] Hot Chick

Hot Chick sounds "fierce and spicy" to you? This is Pezzo’s new fiery creation that made with strips of spicy chicken, fresh cut red chilli, special chilli sauce, red and green capsicum, roast garlic and a combination of cheddar and mozzarella cheese. We love its cheesy taste that compromise well with the hint of spiciness that makes each slices so addicting.

[Pezzo Pizza] Fisherman's Favourite

Fisherman’s Favourite will be a great choice for veggies and seafood lovers because it was loaded with generous helpings of tuna, shrimp, spinach, onions, red pepper, tomatoes, oregano and basil. With it's greenish look I am sure it will take care of your waistline with the greens and let you enjoy your favourite pizza without feeling guilty. 

[Pezzo Pizza] Sambal Ikan Bilis

And for those who wants to try some local flavour perhaps you can consider their Sambal Ikan Bilis pizza which made from Sambal, crispy Ikan Bilis and Mozzarella Cheese. This was my mum's favourite pizza out of the 4 mentioned in this post because the spice level of the sambal ikan bilis was just right making it a hit for the folk to enjoy western food with a twist of Asian flavour.

[Pezzo Pizza] Ho Ho Hola Hawaiian

[Pezzo Pizza] Ho Ho Hola Hawaiian

Lastly for this festive season, Pezzo also launched this Ho Ho Hola Hawaiian pizza that topped with Turkey Ham, Turkey Bacon, Green Pepper, Fresh Peach, Cherry Tomato and Mozzarella Cheese at SG$29.90. And this sumptuous festive pizza will only be available at the Pezzo kiosks and for takeaways from 14 November  - 31st December 2013 which makes it perfect for those entertaining at home and office parties!

On top of that, from now till 31 December 2013 be among one of the 50 lucky winners to win their "1 Year's Supply of FREE Pizza" with a lucky draw coupon when you purchase:

- 3 slices of pizza at any outlet;
- Buy a Ho Ho Hola Hawaiian; or
- Spend S$20 on a delivery

For a list of Pezzo kiosk locations, visit http://www.pezzo.com.sg/ or call 66-65-65-65 for delivery.

*Disclosure: All opinions expressed in this post are my own and there is no monetary compensation received.

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Weekend Champagne & Croissants Brunch At Ô Batignolles

To celebrate it's first year anniversary, Ô Batignolles; a French bistro located at 2 Gemmill Lane has introduced a brand new weekend brunch menu featuring a range of delicious new dishes typical of Paris. This new "Champagne And Croissants Brunch" offers a three-course (croissant, choice of bread and choice of main) menu served together with freshly squeezed orange juice, premium coffee or tea plus free flow Yveline Prat Brut Champagne at S$89++.

Alternatively for those who prefer a non-alcoholic brunch, the ‘Champagne And Croissants’ is also available without Champagne for only S$29++ or you can order other dishes from their A la Carte Menu (shown below) that suits your preference.

[Ô Batignolles] The main indoor dining area

[Ô Batignolles] A private dinning area  which is beside the main area

[Ô Batignolles] Alfresco sitting area

Champagne and Croissants Brunch
is available on Saturday and Sunday from 11am – 3.30pm

$89++ inclusive of free-flow Champagne and Croissants,
$29++ with soft drinks only (without free-flow Champagne and croissants)

[Ô Batignolles] A la carte menu

[Ô Batignolles] There are 6 different types of Champagne available on their A la carte menu

[Ô Batignolles] Yveline Prat Brut Champagne for the "Champagne And Croissants Brunch"

Yveline Prat Brut is a pale yellow champagne that sparkles slowly with fine bubbles which known for its floral notes and toasted aromas. After taking a few sips we agreed with Antoine (the owner) it is a perfect pairing with their brunch menu giving it a smooth and sweet after taste that runs down the throat.

Our brunch starts with a glass of bubbly Yveline Prat Brut Champagne follow by our choice of beverages (Cappuccino and Latte) together with freshly squeeze orange juice and in-house (freshly baked in their kitchen) "croissants".

[Ô Batignolles] Croissant and my Choice of Bread (Pains au Chocolate Basket)

I am bread lover who easily get excited with Rustic Bread or flaky pastry like Croissants. I must confess I really really loves the croissants served at Ô Batignolles which has crispy outer layer and fluffy (it's so airy and yummy) texture inside which you can see from the photo above.

And good news; according to them their signature"Croissants and Pains au Chocolate" are available for individual sale and take away too. So if you loves these pastry you know what to do right *wink*?

[Ô Batignolles] Choice Of Bread - French Toast

From the above menu you will notice there are 4 Choices Of Bread where you choose from either "Brioche with Nutella of Speculoos", "Blueberry Pancake", Pains Au Chocolate Basket" and "French Toast".

Although I always made french toast at during weekend breakfast but mine was never as good as what they served. It has a unique fragrant and the bread was nicely done with soft moist texture and I think it might be the type of butter they used to cook the french toast plus some seasonings perhaps. You should try this when you order your choice of bread.

[Ô Batignolles] Choice of Eggs - Eggs Pacifico

[Ô Batignolles] Choice of Eggs - Eggs Benedict

There are also 4 Choices of Eggs available on their brunch menu such as "Eggs Benedict", "Eggs Pacifico", "Scramble Eggs" and "Eggs Cocotte".

We ordered Eggs Benedict and Eggs Pacifico which served shortly after we finished the bread dishes. Each poached egg is perfectly cooked with oozing yolk (I should have taken a video to show you how good it is) and it pairs well with ham and slight crisp half muffin as well as some lettuces salad to go with it too.

Overall Ô Batignolles Bistro offers a relaxed atmosphere that transport diners to Paris with their food and warm hospitality. Moreover it is also a family friendly place with kid's menu which I am sure kid will love their cooked ham with potatoes gratin plus vanilla ice-cream.

Ô Batignolles
2 Gemmill Lane
Singapore 069247
Reservation: +65 6438 3913

Opening Hours:
12pm – 12(midnight); weekdays
11am - 12(midnight); Saturday
11am - 7pm; Sunday

Website: www.obatignolles.com

Lastly I would like to thank Ô Batignolles and Mango PR for the invited tasting. All opinions expressed in this post are based on our own dining experience and the taste of the dishes might vary from individual. But I do hope you have a great experience trying their weekend Brunch or A la crate menu if you are planning to visit Ô Batignolles soon.

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