Archive

August 2013

Browsing

Mooncakes for Mid-Autumn Festival from D'Bun in Singapore

The Mid-Autumn Festival is a huge harvest celebration in Chinese, Vietnamese and other Asian cultures. Also known as the Mooncake Festival, the holiday is marked with the gathering of family and friends, giving thanks, praying for more blessings, and sharing and eating mooncakes. And yes, it occurs during a full moon.

The bakeries in Singapore have been promoting mooncakes since July, even though the holiday this year isn’t until Sept. 19. I have never had a mooncake, so I was eager to try these savory pastries made with lotus seed paste and assorted fillings.

I had read about the handmade baos at D’Bun in Singapore and made the trek to the east side of the island to the up-and-coming Joo Chiat neighborhood in search of the bakery’s popular mooncakes.

Unlike the mooncakes shared by families, these were mini cakes perfect for one person. I chose a savory one filled with egg and bak kwa and a sweet one filled with honey and nuts. I’m not a big fan of durian, but I heard their durian mooncakes are delicious.

Mooncakes for Mid-Autumn Festival from D'Bun in Singapore

Both were so rich I could only have a couple of bites. Good thing they can last for a couple weeks in the refrigerator!

Honestly, I didn’t find them particularly special, but I’m guessing it’s more of a “sentimental tradition” thing for those who celebrate the holiday. But they were tasty!

D’Bun
358 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore 427603
Tel: 6345-8220

Bangkok is famous for its amazing street food culture, so Thai food in a fine dining restaurant may not be the first thing foodies flock to when visiting the city.

Bo.lan Restaurant makes a good argument for taking a break from the hawker stalls to enjoy classic, family-style Thai cuisine in an upscale setting.

Owned and run by two former proteges of Michelin-starred chef David Thompson of award-winning Nahm, Bo.lan is a combination of their names: Duangporn “Bo” Songvisava and Dylan Jones.

The husband-and-wife chefs have earned the industry’s respect for their authentic Thai food. San Pellegrino’s 2013 list of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants placed Bo.lan in the no. 36 spot and named Chef Bo the year’s Best Female Chef. She appreciates the honor and hopes to encourage others to preserve traditional ways of Thai cooking.

The chefs find inspiration from various sources, including antique recipe books and modern-day street food. The results are flavorful dishes made with fresh ingredients, such as the Korat-style beef curry and stir-fried pork ribs with Southern-style curry paste.

Hidden on a quiet street, the restaurant offers guests a peaceful retreat and culinary adventure amid the chaos of Thailand’s bustling city.

Bo.lan Restaurant
42 Soi Pichai Ronnarong
Songkram Sukhumvit 26
Klongteoy, Bangkok 10110
Tel. +66 (2) 260-2962

Editor’s Note: This video was featured by Epicure magazine