Review: Ah Hua Kelong (The Bedok Marketplace)... from kelong to table top

As a huge fan of seafood, Ah Hua Kelong was high up on my must-try list when I first heard about it. I was pleased to know they had an outlet at The Bedok Marketplace in Simpang Bedok, which was a place I frequent. Their seafood are local, live and fresh from their kelong, grilled to perfection at their stall.

I got to say that after my first trip to Ah Hua Kelong, a second trip followed shortly. I have tried them twice and now I can give a partial verdict, i think. Staff was friendly and helpful, showing and explaining what are the items available that day. The two times I went, I ended up ordering sets that are not on the menu based on their recommendation.

My opinion of Ah Hua Kelong's seafood is that it is fresh and very briny. The molluscs were extremely briny, not sure if that's a good or bad thing, but I don't really mind. I must say the mussels were a big surprise. I tend to avoid mussels at buffet because they are kind of tough and has a cheaper taste as compared to oysters. Ah Hua Kelong's mussels were super soft and juicy. I didn't feel sick even after eating a number of them. They really changed my opinion of mussels.

The XXL clams were nothing noteworthy except for their size. We asked for the lalas to be cooked 'well-done'. These were huge and I cannot imagine myself eating it slightly blanched like the kind in laksa. The lalas were kind of tough and chewy maybe because of the doneness. 

Next up we had the prawns and scallops. The scallops are must-try! I love the sweetness of the scallops paired with the crispy shallots. The prawns were nothing to shout about, but enjoyable when paired with the thick black soy sauce with chilli padi.

The grilled sea bass was the last to arrive. During my first trip to Ah Hua Kelong, the fish was the star of the meal because of the soft and sweet fish, charcoal-grilled to perfection. There was no unpleasant odour or fishy smell from the fish. The chinchalok condiments goes very well with the fish and helps to cleanse the palate.

We paid $89 for the above items which is a new set currently not found on their menu. The staff said it was meant for 3-4 pax but even a small eater like me could easily finish half of the seafood. I would say at most 3 pax for this set if you add on rice for each person.

If it is your first time, you might want to go for their various set, but if you would like to save space to try out the other stalls' offerings, I recommend the mussels, scallops and sea bass!

How to get there by MRT

- Alight at Tanah Merah MRT

- Walk towards Katong Flower Shop

- Cut across the playground/park to Upper Bedok Road

- Walk along Bedok Road to Jln Chempaka Kuning

Review: Air+ Smart Mask

With the haze condition seemingly getting no better, I bought another mask after reading about it on their website. Despite me already having a big box of 3M N95 mask, I still went ahead to purchase the Air+ Smart Mask for about S$37. I am asthmatic so I do invest a bit in ensuring I breathe in 'good' air.

The normal N95 masks are effective in blocking out most of the pollutants but they are uncomfortable to wear. In our weather conditions, prolonged wearing makes the enclosed area humid and stuffy. The Air+ Smart Mask aims to solve this problem by having a small ventilator attached to the mask. It's not going to be like an air-conditioner, but it will push out the carbon dioxide and ensure better air circulation without compromising on the air you breathe in. What I also like about this mask is that it is made in Singapore! It comes in two parts sold separately - 3 pc mask (~S$7) and a ventilator (~S$30), which I got it from Watsons.

The have different sizing for the mask which you can estimate your size based on the chart at the side of the mask packaging. I have a small face but I'm using M, so I guess S are really meant for small kids.

There are two ways in which you can use the Air+ Smart Mask.
1) Without the ventilator. There is a cap cover included which you can capped it on your mask.
2) With the ventilator. Just twist and attach the ventilator and switch it on.
The first way is ideal for a short trip outdoors or if you are conscious about how you will look with a ventilator attached to your mask.

Comes neatly packed with detailed instructions are available when you opened up the packaging. Very easy to understand! The masks are FFP1 / 2 European certified N95 mask and comes individually packed.

This is how it looks like what the ventilator is attached and put on! The wearer will be able to hear a light buzzing sound when the ventilator is switched on.

The ventilator comes with a USB charging cable. It is said to be able to last for 2 hours after a full charge. Haven't tried for that long though.

This is a really well-designed and thought out product. Even without the ventilator, it still feels comfy probably because the edges of the mask are well-lined and soft enough unlike some of the other masks. I also like the adjustable strap which makes it so much easier putting it on than the 3M N95 mask! My only small complaint is on the storage of the individual parts (mask, air pocket cap, ventilator and charging cable). There are just too many items and you need to find a pouch to keep all these. I almost misplaced the cap after putting on the ventilator.

Pros:
- comfortable even when used as a normal mask
- with the ventilator, it does makes the wearer feel more comfortable than wearing a normal mask
- the adjustable strap makes for easy wearing
- blocks out the burning smell effectively
- light-weight, very portable

Cons:
- slight buzzing sound from ventilator may be annoying to some
- could do with a pouch for the various parts of the mask