I find that my cravings have been playing a prominent role in my life lately, dictating where I spend my time after leaving the office.  Prior to coming to Singapore I had been making myself kimchi fried rice like it was the only sustenance that could support me.  Then upon coming here I fell into a pattern of wonton noodles or a rice noodle soup.  I had a brief stint with prata, salads, and the occasional you tiao as well.  For dinner I got obsessed with Crystal Jade La Mian, which has minced meat and mushroom noodles.  I then happened upon Din Tai Fung again, which has a nice big bowl of hot and sour soup that I love (not to mention the xiao long bao, of course).
After awhile of consistently eating at those two places, I started to crave udon again, so I began to try some of the Japanese places around.  That was going well until I got sick from one of the items I ate.  Since then I have rediscovered my love for dumplings (and all dumpling-like variations, like gyoza and xiao long bao).  What it really comes down to is whatever is made to be dipped in vinegar and ginger!  I’ve always loved sour things and currently that is my new fav.  I always used to eat dumplings with soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil so it was more salty and flavorful, but now I’m appreciating the taste of vinegar-soaked ginger.  It helps satisfy my sour craving when I can’t find pickles to devour.

Monday night Typea took me to place apparently well-known for its gyoza that still retain some juice inside.  We arrived as they were washing up for the night and managed to snag the last twenty they had for the day.  The tartness of that vinegar had quite a bite to it and my mouth was numb for awhile, but it was oh so good.  Then last night, Mizu directed me to a place that has dumplings, where I also got a large bowl of hot and sour soup.  Boy was that HOT and SOUR!  It truly lived up to its name and had me gasping for air as I gobbled down the dumplings drowned in vinegar.  I couldn’t quite taste the dumplings because my mouth was on fire and the sourness didn’t help, but it was still delicious.

To add to my feeling of gluttony, we’ve had some great feasts in the office lately, from wonderful desserts that Violet baked to great snacks that Mac made.  Some of the stuff we’ve been quite spoiled with include chocolate cupcakes, toasted bread with tomatoes, cheese, and pesto, and a lunchtime salad bar.  Previously we’ve had tuna and apple salad, ice cream and waffles, and so many other delicious treats.  Yum yum!  It’s been really nice and I look forward to recreating what I can at home to enjoy someday.  I quite like cooking for myself, even if I end up eating the same three dishes all the time, so this will help add to my repertoire!

Recently I was reminded of Gushi’s and had a sudden desire to get their kimchi fried rice, which has a similar burning effect.  I can’t wait to go back and make kimchi fried rice, the family soup, and rice noodles with tomato, eggs, and mushrooms.  Mmm mmm good!  I also can’t wait to be able to get marinated mushrooms at Ralph’s and huge jars of pickles from Costco.  I had to resist the urge to buy more pickles last night because I think too much sour at a time makes me a bit nauseous.  I keep staring at this empty jar on my desk and regretting that though.  I’d also like to get some more salad so I can dribble Italian dressing all over it.  Right now I’ll settle for some kimchi ramen though.  🙂