Mellben Seafood- Pasir Ris Drive 4 Blk 440 #01-13

On the recommendation of a relative who raved about the claypot crab laksa here, we decided to check this out after a mini work-out session at Pasir Ris Park. 

Mention "Mellben Seafood" and most people would think of the branches in Ang Mo Kio or Toa Payoh.  Little did we know that there is also an outlet in Pasir Ris and what's more, it is the very first outlet in Singapore.

It was a Saturday and we hardly have to queue.  For those who go solely for good seafood and would not really mind the humble ambience (non air-conditioned coffee shop), this is the place!

Tada... The piping hot yummy claypot laksa!

We like the idea that the laksa came in a claypot as it keeps the food real hot.  The gravy is just nice; not too spicy, oily nor thick. The crab is very fresh with sturdy white flesh. The laksa could be a satisfying meal in itself.  We slurped up every single bit in the claypot! 

Another star of the night!!   "Shimmering sand crab" or "jin sha xie" in Chinese.  Crab cooked in buttery cream sauce with just the right hint of sweetness & saltiness.  For those who dislike the smell of milk (like myself), don't worry, there is absolutely no milky smell at all... You just have to try to know it!   Pairs perfectly with the mini fried buns (or "mantou")

Check out the sturdy flesh from this male crab!  If you do not particularly enjoy crab roe, then you may wish to go for male crabs as they tend to be bigger with firmer flesh.

These - for the 3 of us.

We will definitely be back for more. This time round, we will bring more people so that we can order more dishes!  The bill came up to be about $120 (about $50 for each crab).

Sakuraya (Parkway Parade Shopping Centre #B1-84D) is one of our favourite Japanese restaurants when it comes to quality Japanese food that is pretty wallet-friendly at the same time.

This little restaurant sits at the back of a mini Japanese supermarket that offers various Japanese snacks, groceries, frozen food items, ice-cream etc. 

There is also a fresh food section where you can get to select fresh sashimi, scallops, octopus etc that are housed in clear transparent bags. Both take-away and dining-in options are available.

Alina simply loves the scallops and octopus for their freshness and texture!  At just the right consistency, every bite is heavenly to her! Raw food is not for Aileen though because of her weak stomach.

If you love potatoes, you should also try their smooth and somewhat creamy potato salad that contains bits of hard boiled egg (white) and finely chopped carrots.  Otherwise, you could also order their cold block of tofu in sesame salad dressing. Both are perfect as appetizers.

The chawanmushi is smooth, somewhat similar to that at Sushi Tei. 

If you love crispy fried food, we would highly recommend the ebi fry maki.  The sushi rice and fried ebi are tasty and in good proportions.

The next time you are in Parkway and craving Japanese food, do give it a try:)