Lemon ramen at Tenmaru

Compared to other ramen places, the menu offerings were rather different with items like lemon ramen, basil ramen and mapo tofu as well as Korean dishes.
Not uncommon but not many places offer them.
Anyway, the lemon slices were functionless as you can't squeeze them.
Other than that it was ok but the noodles they were different in the sense they were smooth and do not absorb the broth as easily as others.
The tofu dish was super spicy if you are one of those who find grounded chilli powder hot.
Overall ok but there many lots of annoying little flies where one landed in my tea after we finished.

Fish and Chips for a FIVER at Top Deck in Barking

Lush fish and chips for a FIVER in BARKING!!!! It's Barking delicious. I spotted this board saying fish and chips with a can for 6.20 which is cheap so no harm in trying. It turned out to be a fiver because I didn't want the can. The good thing is that the fish was fried to order so I had to wait. It was a small piece of fish that delivered which I'd rather have than something not nice but cheap and a big portion that I wouldn't want to finish. Everything was perfect in the sense the oil was clean and there was no oil lingering on my fingers. Fish was tasty and flaky with skin attached while the batter was light and moreish with an appetizing colour.
It was definitely comforting having some good fish and chips which really made my day.

Visiting Hackney Bridge just because of food

Hackney Bridge near Stratford is off my radar but only went as I was captivated by a Japanese stall selling chiffon cakes but lunch is a must before dessert.

Fortunately there is a food court with a good spread. 

This steak stall looked good but it is either new or gone for good. 

Settled for a smashed burger from Bovine burger and duck/prawn gyoza rice bowl from Rainbo. 

The prawn gyoza was a little different from expectation but it was certainly memorable. 

Instead of minced prawn filling, it had lots of little shrimps which made it quite tasty.

I wasn't fond of the duck gyoza because it was filled with the usual Peking duck filling which was sweet because of the hoisin flavour.

The smashed burger was ok but a little dry.

Now to the star of the show, Japanese chiffon cakes which are definitely authentic, light and super soft.

There were so many to choose from so ended up getting two.

My favourite was the strawberry and fluffy cream while the Roasting shed caffe latte with chocolate chip was nice with tea of coffee.

The roasting shed one had a nice mouthfeel with bits of ground coffee in it.

Chiffon cakes are very different to the texture of English and American cakes. 

Saying that, I am more accustomed to the texture of English cakes because I find Asian cakes too soft and soggy. 

Also spotted were chiffon cake rusks which were light and crispy with the texture and taste like Italian sponge fingers.

M&S Cafe Christmas Special 2024: Chicken Schnitzel

M&S Cafe Christmas Special!
Schnitzel with roast potatoes, cranberry sauce and mayo.
This was delicious, the chicken was a little dry and chewy on the edges.
The potatoes were dry on the outside but sticky and fluffy in the middle.
I got extra dipping gravy because who doesn't like gravy with potatoes.
The gravy was runny like drinking gravy..
Anyway, not bad. 7/10

Soupless ramen with a difference at Koi Ramen, Brixton

There are so many Koi Ramen branches but I went to this particular one because it is located under the rail arches and feels like Japan. 

At first I was hesitant to try Koi because I am particular with ramen and the type of ramen they use but this is the thin type like hakata. 

Tried the Soupless ramen which was different and nice. 

Also known as abura soba/maze soba but this one was to my liking as the traditional ones use lard which is too heavy but here they use sesame oil which is much lighter and the noodles are thinner unlike the authentic ones which are thick.

The miso was a surprise because I thought it was going to be mellow like stated but the miso was strong like marmite to the nose the tofu puffs absorbed the flavours nicely.

This place can get quite steamy.