Taj Samudra – Affordable Indian Food
I’ve always enjoyed eating Indian food. So when Daphne suggested a ping outing to Taj Samudra last Sunday, I just could not pass it off.
The Place
Getting here was quite a cinch as I’m familiar with the area – it was in the same main road as my favourite Indian Restaurants like Ananda Bhavan and Komala Villas. With the restaurant being close to Mustafa Center, makes it very easy to spot – especially with its distinctive orange signboard.
But being on a Sunday, the area was extremely crowded and the roads can be quite scary with the vehicles squeezing and honking. Trying to get parking can be quite of a challenge – I had to risk parking illegally next to the already fully occupied motorcycle lot.
I entered the restaurant and I liked the cosy environment. On the walls were some interesting looking decorative tiles and there were some attractive hanging chandeliers. There were modern glass tables and chairs. The entire combination made the place appear quite classy.
Unfortunately for us, the air-conditioning was not working on that day and we had to suffer in the heat.
The Service
The entire affair was pretty much a self service as it was a buffet. There were two tables with food that you could help yourself to unlimited amounts of food.
The staff were pretty friendly and full of smiles when we were dining there. However, they need to be more attentive. Ironicgamer had to wait for 30 mins for his drink to arrive and I noticed that the staff tends not to notice Malique and Chillycrap‘s request. Personally for me, I did not have any problems and the staff were very attentive to me.
The Food
Can you believe that you can have unlimited Indian food for about $12? This was most impressive to me. Here are just some of the foods that I had. I’m not very familiar with the names, my apologies if I got the names wrong :
Briyani Rice – Wonderfully flavourful and fluffy rice
Mixed Vegetable
I guess this is the special vegetable?
Daal – I prefer if it was thicker, but this was good too
Rasam
Mysore mutton
Masala Chicken
Sweet and sour fish – I like this one a lot! Tasty!
Papadam
Payasam
Thats a lot of food for $12 right? Where else in Singapore can you get this much food at that price? My only qualm is with most of the food is that its a tad salty for my taste and I’ve had better Indian food than this. The rest of the group seemed to like it very much though.
Here is a quick video of what pingsters think of the restaurant :
In a nutshell
Very affordable Indian Food Buffet
Taj Samudra Restaurant
117 Syed Alwi Road
Singapore 207685
Blog posts
Sidenote : My voice is still raspy in the video as I’m still recovering from my sore throat.
Egyptian Food Workshop – Seriously yummy food
How I spent April Fools day
I went for a check up at the clinic on Monday. I was healthy, fit and fine.
The next day, I find myself with a fever and sore throat. Turns out, I picked up a bug at the clinic and I had to go to the doctors again.
This must be life’s little ironies. April fool indeed 😛
Yebber first birthday bash at the Mint Museum
There were so much fun, smiles and laughter that made it so memorable 🙂
After fighting the traffic during the mad after work rush, I arrived at the Mint museum where the Yebber first birthday bash was held – I haven’t been a yebber member for too long, but I’ve always enjoyed reading reviews about different services. Thus I was pleasantly surprised to be cordially invited by Claudia to grace the event.
One of the first people that I saw was the pretty trio – Zihui, Bobo and Trumpat at the reception. Though I met them for the first time, they were extremely amiable. They handed me a set of clicky toy, a set of bingo card as well as a namecard for me to stick on.
I proceeded to enter the Mint Museum and there I met a few friends who were already there. Chillicraps, Sheylara, Sylvia and even Daphne, whom I thought was not coming according to her twitter.
Proud of my black and white dress, I proceeded to show it off by swishing it around 😀
As we had some time before the event officially started, together with CC, and Sylv, we proceeded to explore the museum :
On the first floor where the mint shop was located, it was interesting enough for us to get behind the counter to take a closer look at the different toys for sale. One of them was a metal chicken that laid eggs as well as a futurama looking metal robots. I bet that on normal days, we probably wont be allowed to enter the area!
The second floor was where the collectibles were located. It was interesting to see similar looking toys coming from all parts of the world. One of the things that came to mind was how similar the museum was with the Museum of Shanghai Toys that I visited last year. But the difference was that the Mint Museum focused on toys world wide.
A Beatles action figure.
What is a “Flip your wig” game?
I think I used to play with one of these pillow dolls when I was a kid.
Retro looking Donald Duck.
Charlie Chaplin action figures.
The original Matchbox figures.
Remote control toy peacock.
The third level was where the Childhood favourites collection was held. There I saw a couple of freaky but interesting looking toys.
I love golliwogs! They are so cute and are always smiling 🙂
We could not see more though as the announcement for the event to start was starting so we missed out on seeing the ‘Characters’ and ‘Outerspace’ segments.
After writing down in the guestbook, I was in time to watch the opening ceremony by Leonard and Polarbear
They explained about Yebber – how it started, who are the people behind it and what was it all about.
But before too long, it was already time to eat!
Kudos to the Mint Cafe! All the food that I had were  extremely tasty! I had yummy calamari, scallops, breaded shrimp and my crabmeat linguini. I especially loved the tomato bruschetta that I had. It was crunchy and had the right ingredients put into it.
P.s Its spelled and pronounced as Bruschetta (brus-ket-ta). NOT brushetta (bru-shet-ta)
Later on, the organizers started the bingo game which was surprisingly a lot of fun!
The host called out some number at random and then we’d push out the number. As each person has a different card, the results will be different for everyone. The person wins when a full row or column was pushed out.
Not long after that, it was time for the cake cutting ceremony.
And then it was the time that a lot of people were waiting for – the lucky draw! There were a number of items from Creative that were put up as prizes, but I was eyeing on the Creative Zen.
I didn’t manage to win it. Nevertheless, I had a lot of fun and I got to meet a number of interesting people. One of them was Lai Chow, whose long hair was what made her distinguishable and stood out from the rest of the people. You probably cant see it from this picture, but her hair went all the way to her hips!
I also met Bernice which was an interesting encounter. She was sitting comfortably on the sofa, surrounded by her entourage and one of the first things that she said to me was, “Nice Glasses”
Thank you Yebber Organizers and Mint Museum for such a lovely time. I really did enjoy myself. And happy birthday!
Here is a quick video clip of a couple of yebbers :
Bonus! A couple of bloopers vid 😀
Links :
Links to other blog posts :
Whats the big deal about interracial relationships?
I first saw this clip from Hillary and later on, I found out from Mintea that the clip was directed by Yasmin Ahmad – an acclaimed film director. She also told me that Yasmin Ahmad directed the Petronas ads that never fails to make me feel so sappy in the end.
Seeing how easygoing their innocent love for each other made me ponder if we as adults putting in too much emphasis on race?
Here in Singapore we would have our annual Racial Harmony Day each July 21st which is supposed to make us more appreciative of each other’s races.
But somehow along the line, this seems to have backfired as it has made each other more aware of their differences and ironically now, people would rather stick to their own. Its odd as time ago, before the implementation of racial harmony day, we were already mixing around naturally, happily.
For me, I believe that people should mix around with the people that they enjoy being with, rather than focusing on their skin difference.
Like the little girl in the video clip, I had a best friend back in primary school. His name was Micheal and he was a Chinese. Being in the same class as well as neighbours, we’d always roam around the neighbourhood together.
And I remember the first time when I celebrated Lantern Festival with him, holding candle lit lanterns in the playground and then eventually a group of Malay girls came up and chided, “You’re not a Chinese. You shouldn’t be playing with Lanterns!”
I was lucky in the sense that mum was open minded about letting me celebrate the mid-autumn festival and I’m glad that I didn’t listened to those group of girls and continued  to befriend Michael. I didn’t care that we were of different races, he was a nice friend and most importantly we had fun together.
So how on earth did race become such a big deal?
I can still remember a section in my geography book that I read at 14 about population on how there are countries that has a homogeneous population like Italy and Japan. But we know that it is not true in today’s context as we see so many once homogeneous countries now teeming with migrants from all over the world.
This is inevitable. And as the world advances, naturally it is so much easier to socialise with different people. Even interracial-relationships isn’t something new. On a micro level, I read through blogs and printouts, and hear from friends at how they are involved with someone of a different race.
Truth be told, before I met Cartcart, I’ve always assumed that I’d end up having a serious relationship with a Malay guy and settle down here in Singapore – same race marriages makes it all the easier and more convenient.
Interracial-relationships does has its own problems. But regardless of race, doesn’t all relationships have its own problems? A better judgement on how your partner is suitable for you is when you ask yourself :
Does he make you feel safe? And does he makes you smile and does his presence alone lifts your spirits?
To me, the most important part is the person’s character rather than his race.
Interesthink @ The POD National Library
Having already attended various talks such as the Nexus 2007 as well as the E27 Unconference, and finding it interesting, I was most keen in participating in the Interesthink event.
It was promoted as a local version of TED which I am enamoured with as TED conferences revolves about ‘Ideas worth spreading’. One such presentation that left me floored was the one done by Marjora Carter, where she talks about how to create a sustainable environment.
I arrived at the National Library early Saturday morning and went up to the elevator into the POD where the most spectacular view of the city can be seen. From the glass panels, you could see various landmarks like the Shaw Towers, Suntec City and the Esplanade.
I met a couple of blogger friends who were already there – Farinelli, NTT and joined by DK, Claudia, Preetam as well as several other attendees.
In due time, the event was declared opened by the organizers and the speakers stepped up to the podium.
The first person to do his presentation was Dr. Larry Francis who presented about ‘Malay culture, musical practices and Islam of the Malay world’. He asked the audience why it was that music seemed to be discouraged in Islam currently when there were so many musical instruments in the Islamic Golden age.
[audio:1.mp3]
Next was Mr Grant Pereira – an enigmatic man who was extremely passionate in environmentalism. He talked about his work in Greenpeace and how there were many things that were happening in Singapore that was hurtful for the environment. One of them being the issue of land space for housing and yet there were many golf courses being built.
[audio:2.mp3]
The next speaker was Mr Alex Au who spoke about the pros and cons of prostitution. His was a rather strange presentation, with him walking here and there. Personally for me, the topic was not something new. And I found out that there are a number of the audience were still not comfortable about the issue of prostitution.
[audio:4.mp3]
Next up was Ms Lim Choo Hin who is a cancer survivor. She talked about the issues that she faced while having cancer and candidly showed some pictures with patients who lost one or both sides of their breasts to cancer and finally she closed by saying, “If you feel defeated, life is over”
[audio:5.mp3]
And one of the final speakers was Mr Kan Lume, an acclaimed filmmaker. At the first glance, it was interesting for me to notice his right hand. It had the words ‘Film Maker’ in black ink and I realised later that it was actually a tattoo. It was to remind and motivate himself in the path that he has chosen. He narrated a story about his childhood and how it inspired him to become what he is today.
[audio:6.mp3]All in all, I thought that the event was a good way to spend a Saturday, getting to listen to a number of fascinating speakers, surrounded by friends in a beautiful location. Here is a quick video snippets of the event :
Amazingly, at the end of the event, I felt mentally drained out trying to absorb all of the information that I heard today. There were many other people who felt the same way too! It was kind of like the same feeling doing maths sum for an hour straight 😛
In the end, the Interesthink event isn’t exactly like TED, but it was still a pretty good start. I enjoy talks such as these and the interesting side to it is that, for some reason, it reminded me so much of a Secondlife event – meeting other avatars, listening to the speaker, in a nice environment.
Sidenote : Come and join me this saturday for the Social Media Breakfast as well as the Web 2.0 – Emerging Industry Series. Both of them are held at the same time though. Can I clone myself into two?
Links :
And huge credits to the wonderful NTT for recording the audio of the event 🙂
Bloggers first impressions of the LG-KS20
Last week, I was invited to the launch of the new LG KS20 thanks to Sabrina as well as the PR Company, Fleishman-Hillard.
After the successful bloggers meet with Phillips in December, I was definitely interested in attending this event to have first hand experience of LG’s new smart phone. Personally, I think that it is great that companies are opening up to bloggers as this allows regular people to have a feel of a product in real life situation.
I arrived at Corduroy Cafe, relatively early. One of the first person that I recognized from the crowd was the beautiful Sheylara, whom I’ve respect for, for her artistic talents. We chatted over dinner and one by one, fellow bloggers streamed in – Claudia, slightly flustered due to the after-office rush hour madness aggravated by the drizzle, DK, who was celebrating his first day of freedom, and finally the ever charming Farinelli.
At long last, the event started. The emcee did a quick warm up and then a stoutly man started an introduction on the features of the KS20. It was a little hard for me to hear over the din. I did not remember him introducing himself and I kept wondering who he was and he ended his presentation rather abruptly, perhaps to let us have more time to try the phone out.
The emcee then introduced a bevy of LG models, one of them I recognized as Peggy Heng – another fellow blogger! That’s her in the middle. What a surprising encounter.
The LG models then went around the different tables and started to demonstrate and after which, let us have a hands on try out on the phone.
This was Nicole, one of the LG models on her demo rounds. For me, I think that she stood out from the pack with her friendly demeanor and her personality. Smilingly and without losing a nerve, she answered our questions.
I watched the phone being passed around and being played with, excitedly. Everyone seemed to hog the phone that without anything else to do, I started to video each person’s reaction. All of a sudden I had the phone in my hands and I started to fiddle with it.
At first glance, it was a very beautiful phone and I loved how sleek it was. The functions looked clear cut, with large buttons that one can touch to get to the various functions.
But most importantly (to me that is) it can connect to wifi. Already I was envisioning how convenient it would be connecting to wireless@SG.
Regardless, it was unanimous that we all found that it was a very attractive phone, personally for me however, as I only had first hand encounter with the phone for less than 15 minutes, it is very hard for me to give a proper review.
Here is a short video of our first impressions of the KS20 :
And that was when I finally noticed the other bloggers. One the sofa, I saw Jayden, Nadnut, Iz,Ice Angel and Princessa conglomerating together. I went over to have a quick chat with them. Jayden, whom I’ve met previously from the Phillips event went about his friendly, affable self while Ice Angel seemed a little shy. Princessa was very friendly though she was busy at the same time, flying here and there.
This was the first time for me, meeting Iz – a fellow competitor in the 2007 Weblog Awards. Cheekily, I asked him, “So how does it feel to get your ass kicked by me?” Momentarily he was flustered, but after a chat with him made me see that he was a cool and a passionate person. And Nadnut! If I thought she was adorable in her blog, she was even more adorable in real life! I could just squeeze her and eat her up!
At back of the room, was the lovely Estee, nearly hidden away by the small crowd around her. It was she who noticed and called me out first! Quickly she interrogated me about my upcoming wedding, about Cartcart, as well as Secondlife, where we first get to know each other. It was such a lively discussion that Farinelli and DK came over and we proceeded to debate about the metaverses.
Being a blogger, naturally I took out the camera to have a snapshot. Quickly I reviewed the pictures. I was in disappointment as I realised that I was surrounded by younger and more attractive people and I felt so inadequate.
I could probably Photoshop myself to perfection but covering my face with a paper bag is much faster.
Me and the youthful bunch of Nadnut, Jayden, Sheylara and Ice Angel
Me with the very beautiful Estee
Me and the handsome geek Nicholas Aaron Khoo
Me with IZ, DK and Sabrina who is looking super hot here.
I felt fat and unattractive and I felt wierded out.
But that was when dear Farinelli sent me a picture he took of me and instantly I cheered up.
It was one of those moments when I was relaxed and at ease and had a natural smile. I like this picture so much that instantly I changed my avatar on msn, facebook and vimeo.
Recently, I saw this ad in the digital life newspaper :
I think they should consider running with this one :
Sidenote : First she awarded me the Slackiest Latecomer award and now she awards me the Most Insane Award. Sheylara must really love me. 😛
Related links :
Blog entries by fellow bloggers :
Premiere Elements is fun!
Getting high at Max Brenner and meeting Olivia Ong at the Esplanade
I had a big craving for chocolate and I hauled my sis and together, we over to the Esplanade for a dose of Max Brenner goodness. I was joined with the lovely Mintea and her sister.
Enthusiastically, we ordered a number of items from the menu :
It was all good, but we did not feel the high yet and we ordered more! 😀
Mintea had the Italian thick chocolat served in a hug mug. There were no handles, so the drinker would have to wrap their hands and hug the utensil to drink it. Doesn’t the colours of the chocolate look absolutely beautiful? I think I’ll get this the next time I visit 🙂
And this is my Dark Chocolate Suckao. The utensils were clear cut enough, I poured the milk in, and then stirred the chocolate buttons in to melt it. But for a few moments I was clueless at how to eat the chocolate.
Upon close examination, I saw that there was a hole in the spoon which doubles up as a straw. Henceforth, the reason why it was called, Suckao!
And that was when the high kicked in and that we finally got our euphoria from the heavenly chocolate. It was really really good. Pure happiness slipped down my throat and radiated through my body.
And we all just sat there for a full 10 minutes, grinning at each other, being all happy and contented.
After our chocolate trip, we said our goodbyes, sis and I headed up to the esplanade library. I think that this could easily be one of the most beautiful library in Singapore.
Photo credit by Night86mare
It was a lovely place to hide away in the tranquillity, by the beautiful sea. By then, Cartcart was already online and I walked around the library surreptitiously with the eee pc opened facing outwards and Skype webcam on to show Cart the surroundings.
And that was when I heard the most beautiful voice emanating from the library cafe and was instantly drawn to it.
She sounds so beautiful.
I found out later that that she is Olivia Ong, a 23 year old Singaporean singer who went to Japan to further her career as a singer.
She was here for the annual Mosaic Music Festival which featured artists from all over the world and all sorts of genres. There were so many exciting line-ups. I love it! I want to go!
Shamelessly, I asked for a picture with her :
And smilingly, she said yes, and she hugged me! Olivia Ong hugged me! My euphoric feeling went up another notch 🙂
After the encounter, sis and I headed towards the car-park where we encountered an acapella group singing and they sounded really good.
And I started dancing :
What an awesomely spectacular day 🙂
Esplanade related posts :