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Showing posts from April, 2009

Modified Mee Pok dry in Owase?

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In a country like Japan where there are basically only 3 types of noodles – Ramen, Udon and Soba and of cos some variations that arise from it. But there is definitely no mee pok, you mee and others. So, what can one do when certain craving hits? Create your own! Just this morning, Mr Tan Tan created Mushroom Bak Chor Mee, Mee Pok dry using some instant pasta from a half-priced tonkotsu italian ramen that we found in the supermarket! Yes, its half-price and the Tan Tans always buy stuff when it is price-down to save money.   In order to replicate the taste of Singapore’s famous mee pok noodle, Mr Tan Tan simmered japanese mushroom with oyster sauce, soy sauce and dry scallops for 2 days before this meal. A pity he cannot find the dry fragrant fish that is commonly used with the mushroom in Singapore. The fish cake that the Tan Tans bought caught them by surprise when they found gobo (japanese roots of some sort) within the fish cake. With a dash of the mushroom sauce, soy

A hike to Tategasaki (盾ヶ崎) & Sone (曽根)

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The Tans Tans were invited to a trip to Tategasaki, but little was known that the Tan Tans had to hike approximately 2 km to reach the place. These signs demarked the start of our hiking trip last Sunday and well, Mr Tan Tan is not fully prepared for a hike as he was dressed in bermuda and slipper.   Halfway through where we took a break. The water was so clear and nice.   Off we go again.. and the sights at the cliff were great!!       A sneak peek at the cliff and the actual shield cliff that took our breath away. Look at the cliff! a light house overlooking the vast sea.   As the area is a conservation area, there are also signs that educates visitors on the different kind of trees in the area. The picture above is a unique tree which tree bark resembles the skin of deer.   After the hike in Tategasaki,  we proceed to Sone under the suggestion by Mr Tan Tan because earlier in the week, he saw this

Going Indian!

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Despite the recent Indian Rojak food scare in Singapore, we decided to throw away all inhibitions and try out our first authentic Indian meal in Japan. The venue: Jahangil, an Indian-Parkistani restaurant in Matsusaka. Although we were a little skeptical at first, being the first customers on a Saturday night, our doubts were quickly cleared when 3 more tables subsequently came in – two of them which seemed like regulars. Prices ranged from 1,280 to 1,780 yen (about S$20 - S$27) for a set meal consisting of nann, curry, a meat dish, a drink, dessert and salad (weird for indian cuisine but the Parkistani boss has been in Japan for 11 years. He owns 3 restaurants in Mie). Relatively expensive compared to what we can get in Singapore, but it definitely tasted authentic. The naan was HUGE, the biggest we’ve ever seen, and Erik managed to satisfy his mutton craving (Japanese mutton dishes are not available in Honshu). Then again, perhaps it was a little too spicy for our Japanese friend, Hi

Sugari – The little town off Owase

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Sugari is one of a small town off Owase. Its population stands at less than 200 with less than a handful of children. Most people are aged 60 and above and there are about 280 houses where a quarter are not occupied. Sad reality of an aging population. Because of the people love for nature, they refuse to build roads as there equates to killing of trees. Hence, the fastest way to access there is by a 20mins ferry from Owase. The Tan Tans, together with their friend in Owase, decided to pay Sugari a visit.   Location of Sugari   Our ride to Sugari, notice the close resemblance of their calender to our traditional chinese calender.   In Owase, everyone’s hobby is … well, you guess it. Fishing!     Some sights of Sugari Right: We noticed a lot of households with this handprint on it. Upon query, we were told that only when a person reaches the age of 88, will they be allow to put this on their door. Some charm for good luck I guess. Left: Rare sight of a ki