Of obstruction, steamboat and luncheon meat

It all started with LY saying that she’s craving for steamboat, and we, together with Kel, decided to go indulge ourselves at Tian Tian Steamboat at Beach Road last week.

We reached there at about 7.30 pm and although not overly crowded, the tables were already spilled onto the sidewalk. A table was hastily set along the sidewalk for us, and I wondered aloud (bearing in mind where the three of us used to work),”Aren’t we obstructing the sidewalk?”

But all thoughts of that vamoosh as the hotpot was set up, with the mala soup base on one side, and chicken stock on the other. Then it was time to hit the buffet spread and load up the plates!

Imagine my disappointment when there was no luncheon meat as part of the buffet spread. For those who don’t know, I am quite the huge luncheon meat fan. I guess the lack of it was due to the ban on the popular Ma Ling brand of luncheon meat from China (as with alot of other China products nowadays!). I must be quite silly to think that such steamboat buffet places would serve imported brand of luncheon meat like Tulip or Spam

Anyway, there was other meats available and loads of mushrooms, vegetables and dumplings. We were eating happily, me getting stunned by the intensity of the mala soup base (which the other two did not touch) when IT happened.

Yes, mid-way through an otherwise enjoyable meal, we were approached by the serving staff who said that he has to move our table coz the “authorities” were here and our table was causing an obstruction on the sidewalk. I must say that among all my other eating experiences, it was the first time that I gotta move my table.

That certainly spoiled the mood somewhat, and after 15 minutes where, btw, only our hotpot was moved by the staff (we gotta carry our own plates and drinks, and at the same time, juggle with our belongings!), we weren’t that keen to continue eating. 

Oh well. I guess this just means that we gotta find another place to satisfy the steamboat craving. Any good suggestions (perferably one where luncheon meat is served. Hee)?