Without fail, the week after Regional Flavours is always the start of the annual Night Noodle Markets at Southbank. Compared to last year, there have been a number of changes in terms of stallholders and pricing, notably our favourite Black Star Pastry didn't participate this year. But for me, the biggest change was the privilege of being included in the VIP launch event.
Going on launch day, we arrived early to the Craft Garden. There were quite a few people there and we were very lucky to get a seat.
Open bars are always great, and I'm sure that Iron Fist was super jealous of the boundless alcohol on offer. Starting off with an apple cider, it was crisp and refreshing.
Kicking off with some dumplings from Steamed Dim Sim, this was the chicken and chive dumplings. These were appetising, the filling was mincey and the pastry was thin, but they were a little floppy and difficult to pick up and unfortunately not particularly warm.
Trying some BBQ pork buns from Wonderbao, the bun was soft and delicious with a light fluffy texture, but the filling was a little lacking. The pork pieces were small and the sauce was lacking in sweet bbq flavours.
Next up we had some Fusion Paella. This was served warm and packed with flavour. Definitely different from your standard fried rice, it was interesting to try, but not something I'd have a full sized portion of.
The star of the show this year was the skewers from Hoy Pinoy. We each enjoyed both the Inihaw na Baboy, Pork Belly with Banana ketchup glaze and the Inihaw na Manok, Chicken skewers with traditional soy glaze. Always consistently delicious year after year, we enjoyed the meat texture of pork belly but the flavours of traditional soy glaze the best.
Round two drinks comprised two beers. Seeing American Amber Lager and Australian Pale Ale on the menu, we took it as a nice opportunity for some comparisons. Adam preferred the American Lager with its more crisp mouthfeel whereas I liked the lighter Australian Pale Ale.
Final dessert from the launch comprised of the Brazo De Messina. With Pandan Coconut Gelato and Condensed Milk Custard sandwiched between a shortbread crust and a baked meringue, it was very sweet and indulgent.
Leaving the cordoned area, we took a look around the market to explore and try some more foods we had on our list. Although there was a considerable line up for entry, there were not too many lines to order food this year, perhaps due to the reduced amount of vendors, perhaps because prices were a little steep. It was also a shame that the decorative elements of the market from previous years were largely absent (e.g. waving cat and origami crane display).
We were keen to try the flying noodles, but for the $20 - $25 price point was a bit daunting.
Was really keen to try the Crab Net Spring Rolls from Bangkok Street Food, having had quite a wonderful experience with them at Saigon Eats. At $12 for 4, it was undoubtedly expensive. Unfortunately, due to the relatively slow turnover, the spring rolls had also been cooked a fair while earlier and they were served only slightly warm, but very oily. The fillings didnt appear to have much by way of crab either.
Rounding off our dinner with a selection of Bao and Loaded Banh Mi Fries. The bao were fluffy, fillings were generous and flavoursome. Fries were a little undercooked and soft whilst the toppings were also abundant.
Was a fairly good night, I hope that next years is better and will definitely be back!
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