Temasek

Sometimes it takes a fresh set of tastebuds for you to truly appreciate a cheap eat. I’ve been going to Temasek for their traditional Malaysian and Singaporean fare for ages. But only recently, had I introduced this place to my parents!
Needless to say, they absolutely loved it.
I didn’t have my camera with me that day, but here are pics from yet another cheap and cheerful brunch with the boy.

Har “prawn” Mee “noodle” ($11.80) is a Penang hawker delicacy that I adore. Its broth is cloudy and punchy -full of flavour from the wok-seared prawn heads and chilli which went into the stock. It is usually served with a mix of vermicelli and Hokkien noodles, but I like mine just with Hokkien noodles as it has a firmer texture. Soaking up the broth are also bok choy, bean sprouts, king prawns, a hard boiled egg and fish cakes. Traditionally, there would also be thinly sliced pork meat, but it has purposely been left out here.
Garnished with crisp fried shallots, this noodle soup can cause some slurping action and bad breath!

The Hainanese chicken rice ($12) is another classic Malaysian/Singaporean favourite. Glistening pieces of tender chicken is served with a fragrant chicken-stock and garlic flavoured rice. Accompaniments include fresh tomato and cucumber pieces, a bowl of chicken broth and the crucial dipping sauces of dark soy sauce and a chilli and ginger vinaigrette.
Like any Asian diner, the dishes are brought out when they’re ready -with no respect to it being a starter or main. So our entrée of beef curry puffs (three pieces for $4.80) were served mid-meal. These were scrumptious and piping hot.

And to prepare ourselves for battling the Summer heat, we share the ais “ice” kacang “bean” ($4.50). A deliciously refreshing tower of red bean, grass jelly, pineapple and palm seeds served with crushed ice in a bowl and topped with palm sugar, rose syrup, condensed milk and creamed corn. If it had jackfruit, longan and lychees, I would have been in foodie heaven!

Temasek
71 George Street, Parramatta, NSW