Ichi Tei (Japanese Bento & Udon)

Another hidden gem found in Sunshine Plaza.

Ichi Tei is a small eatery that specialises in Japanese Cuisine; Bento and Udon. There is very limited sitting space available. If you are coming with more than 4 people, would highly advise you to eat else where. Inside, there is just 5 tables with a sitting capacity for 14 people. Outside, there are 2 tables for a maximum of 8 people. If you can find a sit outside as inside it is very warm. Outside is cooler and brighter.

Saba Shio Bento

On my first visit, I ate the Saba Shio Bento(pardon the photo as we were eatting inside). It cost about $7.00 if I remember correctly. The mackerel is grilled in a Japanese styled oven whereby the heating element comes from the top. As we were sitted closed to the kitchen, you can notice the chef inside adjusting the height of the pan as the cook the fish and chicken. The mackerel’s skin is very crispy whereas the flesh is tender and soft. It was not dry nor hard. Not easy to cook to this standard!

The potato salad was amazing too, wish that more was given.

Miso Soup

Typical miso soup.

Teriyaki Chicken Bento

If you are not a fish eater, no worries. There is Teriyaki Chicken Bento. It should cost around $6.50.

On  my second visit, this was what I ordered. The top layer of the chicken has been grilled till it is sightly charred to provide it with a crispy texture. Beneath it, the meat is juicy and tender. With every bite, you get 2 different texture and a juicy burst of favour. Very addictive, before you know it, you have finished it and wish for more. Again, the potato salad was amazing. The rice has been topped with some type of sauce.

Overall, Ichi Tei has been surprising delicious. It is certainty value for money, if you haven try it yet, what are you waiting for? The downside is that if you sit inside the eater, it is very warm. If you come with a big group, there is no space available. Do not worry, the bentos are disposable and can be take away easily. There is just 1 chef and 1 lady (taking orders, serving, cleaning and collecting money). Despite this, we still got served promptly and did not wait very long for our food. Certainty, a place to come.

Ichi Tei (Sunshine Plaza)
91 Bencoolen Street
#01-52 Sunshine Plaza
Tel: 91391746
Opening Hours: Daily 11am – 8.30pm (Closed on Sun)

Aroy Dee Thai Cafe

Aroy Dee Thai Cafe is located at the first level of Sunshine Plaza facing NAFA. Came here during a week day during lunch time. The cafe was packed, had to wait a while before getting seats.

Aroy Dee Thai Cafe (picture was taken when cafe was closed)

Thai Royal Family

Thai people are very patriotic, especially to the royal family/king. The Thai Royal family photo can be found in most eateries and shops in Thailand. Was surprised to spot this in Singapore.

Set Lunch Menu

Set Lunch Menu (Rice)

Set Lunch Menu (Noodle)

Under the set lunch menu, you can choose an item (Rice/Noodle) and a drink (Lime/Pink Guava/Mango/Freshly Brew Lemon Grass) for $5.50

Drink: Lime

Tom Yum Chicken with Steam Rice

I ordered the set lunch ‘Tom Yum Chicken With Steam Chicken’ and my choice of drink was lime. Another tom yum that was delicious. It does not look spicy, no fiery red or orangey colour. But well, it was quite spicy. Yet, it was so addictive that I found myself sipping spoonful of the tom yum. Also, the chicken meat was tender and soft! Certainty a dish to order if you are there.

Thai Style Stir-fry Kua Teow

My colleague ordered this, not sure how it taste, did not try.

Aroy Dee Thai Cafe, another hidden gem. Not very accessible as it is not near any MRT stations. However, this place was packed and during lunch time, you have got to wait a fair bit before your food arrives. Look out for the other Thai cafe next to this. Heard that it is equally delicious!

Aroy Dee Thai Cafe
91 Bencoolen Street
#01-12 Sunshine Plaza
Tel: 6336 8852Opening Hours: Mon–Sat: 12pm – 10pm (Closed on Sun)

Parklane Zha Yun Tun Mee House (Bencoolen St)

This place has been around for a long long time. During that time, there were word of mouth that this is one of the best wanton mee in Singapore. And I must say to have survived for so long at such a ‘ulu’ place (Sunshine Plaza) is not an easy feat considering the options nearby are plentiful too. Ate it recently, standard is still on par with my last time which was years ago.

Oh yes, they have 2 outlets, 1 at Sunshine Plaza and the other at Bugis.  Will do an entry on that soon.

Parklane Zha Yun Tun Mee House (Sunshine Plaza)

They sell a alot of food, but I took down only these pictures as they are well known for their Yun Tun Mee (Wanton Mee) and Fried Yun Tun (Fried Wanton).

Yun Tun Mee $4.50, Home-made Barley $1.20

The Yun Tun Mee comes in either $3.50 or $4.50. As usual I go for the $4.50 (greedy me). Order the Home-made Barley $1.20, hot. Use to order cold last time, but since 3 years ago, have gradually changed to drinking hot drinks despite the weather. The home-made barley was thick and nice, strong flavour of barley.

The Yun Tun Mee. In terms of presentation looks messy. But well, its the taste that matters at the end of the day. For good food, I do not mind the presentation after all this is not fine dinning.

Mixing up the soya sauce and noodles, also for a better picture of the noodles.

The noodles here taste so different from those elsewhere. The noodles was QQ, springy, does not stick together. After mixing the noodles well with the dark soya sauce, its a deadly combination that wowed me away. The noodles taste so smooth, was well- cooked (Not too hard, not too soft)  and was not dry.

The char siew, an important part of a yun tun mee is frequently neglected by yun tun sellers, was a star of its own in this dish. The char siew was tender and flavourful. Surprising, it was not hard, but soft. I wish they gave more char siew as I found myself longing for more of it.

Fried wanton, thin crispy skin with little meat inside. Their friend wanton is quite famous, lots of people who frequent here always order a plate of fried wanton $2.00 to accompany their Yun Tun Mee. For me, I feel that its only soso. As the only and main thing I felt was lacking was more meat should have been added into the wanton.

Yun Tun Mee is accompanied by a small bowl of wanton soup. About 2 pieces of wanton. This time its not fried. The wantn skin seems different, is smoother and thinner than those you can buy outside. Again, I wish more meat was added.

Generally, the food arrives quite fast and turnover of patrons here is fast. There is always space which is a plus factor for diners. Price wise, its quite reasonable. And this is certainty one of the much better than average wanton mee around. I will certainty be back if i pass by here for a good meal of wanton mee.

Parklane Zha Yun Tun Mee House (Bencoolen St)
91 Bencoolen Street
#01-53 Sunshine Plaza
Tel:  6835 9212
Opening hours: Daily 9.30am – 9.00pm