Sunday, April 12, 2015

9Goubuli (狗不理) @ Marina Bay Sands (MBS)

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Goubuli (狗不理) is a chain brand in China dated back to 1858 with its first outlet established in Tianjin , China. It started as a bun (包子) business using half leaven dough, richly flavoured meat and a delicious soupy filing invented by Guozi (狗子). The legendary bao zi or bun soon attracted patrons all over China and business was so busy that the inventor has no time to engage with his customers. Hence the name Goubuli (狗不理) came about as he has no time to talk with his customers.

You may wonder why the number nine for the outlet in Singapore? Uniquely, each branch around China as well as overseas are given an unique number to distinguish among themselves.

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Goubuli Bun with Meat and Vegetable Filling 3/5

Inevitably we have to try the legendary bun or Bao Zi (包子) at 9Goubuli which propelled it to fame.
The Guobuli Bun with Meat and Vegetable Filling ($2.60/pc) may seems to have the best of everything but it also lost its character, trying too hard too much in stuffing all the different ingredients into the dough. While the filling may not have satisfied me, I thought the dough is superb. Unlike the bun we have in Singapore which is thicker and fluffier, this is thinner and softer in texture. It actually allows the appreciation of the fillings to come through more.

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Goubuli Bun with Wagyu and Vegetable Filling 4/5

On the other hand, I actually preferred the Goubuli Bun with Wagyu and Vegetable Filling ($3.50/pc). Using a mix of A3 and A4 wagyu beef, the hand chopped beef has more bites to it and the flavour is richer.

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Goubuli Bun with Vegetable Filling 4/5

A vegetarian options will be the Goubuli Bun with Vegetable Filling ($1.90/pc). Actually this is also not bad too with the sweetness and crunchiness of the vegetables. A worthy note to mention is the dough used to make all their buns are made from a mixture of three different flours imported form Australia and Canada to get that consistency.

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Appetizer Combination 3.5/5

Next we have a trio of Appetizer Combination. The sampling platter allows us to have a glimpse of the cold dish menu. The Pork Terrine ($10) is a rare item to be found on a Chinese restaurant menu. The version is a bit too soft as I am used to the local Teochew version of pig trotter aspic. The Steam Chicken with Szechuan Chilli Sauce ($12) is too mild for me, I think it can go up a notch or two with the spice level. Lastly the Vinegar Marinated Wood Ear Mushroom ($8) is my favourite with its tanginess and crunchy texture. A good starter to whet up the appetite.

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Braised Fish Maw in Superior Soup 4.5/5

Say no to shark fin and have the Braised Fish Maw in Superior Soup ($18) instead. This is my first to come across such a smooth piece of fish maw which could have mistaken as cuttlefish from the sight of it. Cooked for hours with carrot and duck and chicken, the superior soup is packed with rich robust flavours.

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Szechuan Style Poached Sliced Fish 4/5

The Szehcuan Style Poached Sliced Fish ($22/$33) uses cod fish is more fatty and buttery. I understand the restaurant dilemma in tuning down the spicy level to cater for the general public. I personally like it to be spicier.

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Spicy Diced Chicken with Red Capsicums 4.2/5

The Spicy Diced Chicken with Red Capsicums ($18/$27) is so addictive that I could not stop going back for more. This is one of my favourite dish for the night.

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Lobster Stir Fried Dry Noodles 3.8/5

This dish is actually not on the menu. The Lobster Stir Fried Dry Noodles is actually a combination of 2 dishes on the menu, the La Mian was stir fried and paired with baked half lobster. An interesting twist of substituting the normal dry noodles with la mian but the highlight has to be the fresh live lobster. It was not over baked and retained that bouncy texture and sweetness.

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Banana Chocolate Spring Roll

We wrapped up the dinner with both a warm and cold dessert in the Banana Chocolate Spring Roll with Coconut Ice Cream. Banana and chocolate is the classic combination and the flavours works wonderfully encased by the crispy deep fried spring roll. The coconut ice cream was a bit too sweet and lacking the subtle refreshness of coconut.

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9Goubuli (狗不理) at Marina Bay Sands (MBS) not only sells the legendary buns but an extensive offering of other dishes such as homemade noodles, seafood, dim sum and rotisserie. In short, it is a Chinese restaurant offering a variety of Chinese cuisine on the menu.


9Goubuli (狗不理)
Marina Bay Sands (MBS)
The Shoppes
Canal Level
B2-02
2 Bayfront Avenue
Singapore 018792
Tel: +65 66887799
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/9goubuli
Website: http://www.9goubuli.com/
Nearest MRT: Bayfront (CC Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 11pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Bayfront MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

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