Are you a fan of home cooked food? Smacked in the middle of in Macpherson is a nicely nested restaurant that serves Aunty Gu Ma's home cooked dishes. (Gu Ma means aunty so in the true blue singaporean style, its aunty aunty hahaha) I am not usually the one who travels for food but couldn't reject authentic chinese home cooked versions of food. Staying in a family that serves predominately eurasian dishes, this calls for a hunt in the sennett estate. I got slightly lost in that area coz of the construction and unless you drive abouts there normally, this area can be a maze coz of the confusing signs that spans into big major roads. But anyhow, I found it! Parking is slightly tricky but I was told there is a small lane behind the restaurant that has parking. So take note of this tip :)
Gu Ma used to sell chicken rice in Tampines, check out her photo and see if she is your now defunct chicken rice store owner! She has since moved on to dishing out her delicious home cooked dishes to US. How lucky of us,right? Many of us are deprived of home cooked dishes and note this resturant if you are one of them. I spoke to her and walau she is damn strict on the fresheness of her food coz she goes to the wet market to pick her food, suppliers must be damn scared of her. But then again, rule no 1 of home cooked food is that we buy and we cook on that day isn't it? I know that's my practice.
Here are some of my highly reccomended dishes!
Claypot Chicken with Ginger and Sesame oil [$15/$22/$28]
Just like how my mum does it. If you are one of those who loves confinement food then this is your must order. The chicken was nice n tender sans bones (not those ugly chunky type), thinly sliced ginger and black fungus. So nutritious, just the way I like it.
Assam Fish Head Curry $28
I eat home made rempah (chilli paste) dishes on a daily basis and this is Gu Ma Jia's exclusive spicy and sour assam blend gravy, defintely not bought off the shelves type. The assam is not those that hits the back of the tongue but has a light subtle flavour. I like the generous vegetables that comes along with it that adds a crunch to the assam gravy.
Kyoto Pork Ribs $20
Come to think of it, I don't know if this pork is from Kyoto or not. But nevertheless I love the succulent flavour of the pork as its not dry or fatty.
Yuan Yang Ki Lan $10/$15/$20
LOVE! no need to tell u why, just too yummy!
Home made tofu with mushrooms
I love her idea on how she makes her tofu in the kitchen. Its like same same but different, you know what I mean?
Crispy Bean Jal $12/$18
Brinjal lightly tossed in marmite and fried with french beans! I love bringal and this has to be the 1st time eating it this way. Yums!!
Salted egg Prawns
A Singaporean favourite. We like anything with salted egg gravy so no need to explain.
I found out that they have a 2nd level for events and birthdays equppied with karaoke system and projector all. Total space for min 70 pax and more… I can visualize a family birthday for the elders who are enjoying their food and the young ones crooning away. Very much how we locals like it. Please do call them for catering services for large events and if you are working/staying around, they have bentos for deliveries.
Oh and if you are like me who likes fruit enzymes. Enzymes are protein molecules which are life forces of all biological activities in the human cells which helps the body digest and absorb nutrients better. Gu Ma has concocted her home version and has it as a drink or a dessert.
It is a great place for bonding session with the family. Gu Ma Jia won an award for the "Top 10 Restaurant" at the Singapore Food Festival 2010 and a second time in 2013. Make a trip down and enjoy her hospitality!
Gu Ma Jia Tel: 62852023 Opening time: 11-3pm, 530-10pm
45 Tai Thong Cresent Sennett Estate Singapore 347688
*Disclosure: I was invited by AT Marketing and Consultancy together with hungry bloggers. No monetary compensation was given. All opinions are mine.
