It's tea time!

 I really miss going out, I truly do. To make myself feel better, I sort of brought the nice high-tea deliveries to the comfort of my own home. Surprisingly, I enjoy feasting in my pjs and being a messy eater, no need to be pretentious! I even turned on a movie and the air-con. Luxurious without breaking my pocket!

If you are a coffee lover, you have to check this out! Aroma Coffee released a set of 6 tea-infused coffee beverages ($42). You can't pick and choose but it is a nice set to share within the family. Flavours include the traditional Dirty Earl, Perky Peppermint and Creme Caramel. Special shoutout to the Summer Blossom (blend of fruits and white tea) as well as Mellow Melon, you probably can't find anything similar outside!

Each bottle contains a double shot of the specialty Espresso and fresh milk so you can still taste the coffee. The flavouring in no way overpowers the coffee and does enhance the taste and experience. Do try if you are looking for some pampering and indulgence. 

If your pockets are filling full, you can also order Conrad's Language of Flowers Afternoon Tea ($85.60) to go with your coffee. It is a very pretty and intricate set for sure. Top up to $100 and you can save $23.90 of delivery fees. We ended up getting the waygu and foie gras burger set ($22) so that we could get free delivery. The burgers were not fantastic though. 

Some of pieces were hits in the tea set while others were misses. I partially value a good scone and was rather upset that it wasn't up to expectation. I have a sweet tooth so I can finish up my own portion my husband felt surfieted halfway through. The good thing about having it at home...you can save it for later and share with other family members :D More bang for your bucks/ lesser waste!

Delivery from 8 Crabs

One of the greatest grouses I have with Covid is the monotony in life. I have reached a stage that I want to celebrate everything and anything just to break the routine. We have certainly run out of things to cook. Usually, my family tend to eat out for such "cook's block" moments. Ordering in food isn't exactly our first choice, but given the situation, we didn't have much of a choice.

Recently, we ordered some awesome Zi Char from 8 Crabs and I thought I should share them with you guys. What impressed me was their punctuality, affordability, decent vareity and taste. 8 Crabs guarantee delivery within an hour around Singapore and the delivery man came slightly early for mine, which was awesome cos the little one in me was hungry :P

We had (from top left to bottom right):

• Award-winning Black Pepper Crab (S$68): Waa, this was actually my favourite and I appreciate that it was not too hard on the pockets. I would say it might be one of the better black pepper crabs I have. Plus the crab was huge and had lots of meat. Was a bit bumped that I am pregnant and am trying to eat everything in moderation otherwise I might have finished a good half myself.
• Fried man tou set of 5 ($6): Have it while its hot. It is so good, you can even have it on its own. If you are having chilli crab, this is a must add-on. 
• Prawn Paste Chicken ($12): The portion at  8 Crabs is generous. This was stated for 2-3 pax but darn it looks like it is for at least 4! Another one of my favourite. It is definitely going to my order list the next time round. 
• Award-winning Chili Crab (S$68): This is definitely value for money it doesn't blow my mind like the rest of the dishes we ordered. I think in the chilli crab, there are just too many worthy contender. My brother saved some of the gravy and crab to make pasta the next day and he said it was divine. The next time round (after I lay my little one out), I think I will try out the salted egg version!

Signing off with the meal we had for that day, my father air-fried more fries and vegetables. Personally when we buy zichar, my family don't have the habit of ordering veg cos we find it less value for money (hehe) so I think even the next round we probably won't be ordering any of the vegetables to review...oops. Unless you really want to read it, then let me know!

Just so you guys know, 8 Crabs has a father's day menu which offers the crabs and fixed sides. Comparitively, the father's day menu can squeeze even more value. But, if you are very particular about the stuff you are having, then it may not be for you. Have to say that 8 Crabs really changed my view on delivered food, I always think that they will never be as good. Never really expected it to be that enjoyable!

New and Improved: Lao Ren Shanghai Dumplings

Okay, I think I have been doing too many posts on baby stuff. So to cater to the pioneer readers, I will also be reviewing stuff that will be of interest to you. The Dragon Boat Festival will be occuring on 25 June this year, so I thought some of you might be interest on where to get your dumplings. I have never really talked about it here, but my family love glutinous rice in all forms.

My personal favourite is the Nonya dumplings, but sadly most of my relatives only do the traditional dumplings and the shops around my house mainly only traditional dumplings during this period. I think dumplings have been a stick in the mud for way too long. For my more adventurous readers, this post is sure to entice you. This year, you might want to tease your tastebuds and add in some Shanghai dumplings to the mix.

In terms of presentation, the Lao Ren Dumplings wins hands-down. Mooncakes is such a popular corporate gift because the boxes are always so pretty. But if dumplings had carriers like this, dang I think every company will be more than eager to gift them around. And the thing is, Lao Ren Dumplings doesn't even charge that expensive for a box of 6. With delivery, it would be in the low S$30 range. 

This is the first time I am trying Shanghainese dumplings so I was actually very excited. My father being worldly and all told me that it is going to be very different from the local taste we are used to and may be not for everyone. First of all, I have to say the shape of the dumplings already look different from what what we are used to. It is not the perfect tetraheral shape. 

Lao Ren Dumplings has 2 flavours, the original and mala. The original has salted egg (yum) and preserved meat. I think in terms of the meat marination, I probably still prefer the familiar taste I grew up with. For the original, I think our SG Ba Zhang reigns supreme! #localpride For the Mala flavour, I think it is a nice combo, I love mala. I find it spicy (maybe cos my tolerance for spice went down since I got pregnant) but my hubs who takes "Wei-la" finds it a good blend. 

I agree with my Dad that this is not for everyone, but it is definitely a must-try so that you know whether this is a taste for you. I hope Lao Ren Dumplings come up with more novel and exciting combos because I think the Dragon Boat Festival is ready for a revival. My Bro-in-law was commenting the other day, who even eats/makes dumplings now! But if dumplings have a fresh taste and a revamp in packaging, I think the youngsters (not that I am ancient) will embrace it back into their life!