Wednesday, January 6, 2016

The East Bureau (东局) @ Marina Square

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Located at the newly renovated rooftop garden of Marina Square, facing The Esplanade is The East Bureau (东局), a Pan Asian Restaurant and Bar. If you have not visited the new food establishment, I would recommend you to do so. The restaurant offers an unique take to oriental classics which is something familiar but yet something different. You will understand what I mean as I walk you through the menu.

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Spiced and Salted Edamame Beans 3/5

While we are waiting for the rest of the group to turn up, we have the Spiced and Salted Edamame Beans ($6) to start. A delightful snack to kick start the night.

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House Seafood Salad with Confit Vine Tomatoes in Chuka Fu Dressing 3/5

Starting on a light note we had the House Seafood Salad with Confit Vine Tomatoes in Chuka Fu Dressing ($16). It comes with fresh seafood and sashimi with crunchy greens in a sesame zesty vinaigrette. There is even an abalone.

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Poached Drunken Chicken in Savoury Cucumber Granita 4/5

Inspired from the local Hainanese Chicken Rice, the Poached Drunken Chicken in Savoury Cucumber Granita ($15) comes with chunky pieces of juicy chicken thigh poached in Chinese wine. The cucumber granita gives the dish a refreshing touch with the icy-savoury accompaniment rounding up the flavours.

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Savoury Soya Milk Panna Cotta with Shoyu Jelly and Abalone 4.2/5

I was a bit puzzled when the dish was presented. Why is the restaurant serving me a dessert in the middle of dinner. The Soya Milk Panna Cotta with Shoyu Jelly and Abalone ($15) turns out to be a savoury dish. The combination of the silky smooth soy pudding, shoyu jelly and mushroom dust, when eaten together, felt like having chawanmushi.

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Thai Basil Minced Pork Gyoza 4.8/5

If there is one dish I would highly recommend is the Thai Basil Minced Pork Gyoza ($12). Creation doesn't mean has to be complicated. I was surprised how the fusion of Thai and Japanese cuisine, with a simple twist can elevate the dish to a whole new level.

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Taiwanese Inspired Lor Bak with Poutine Fries 3.5/5

Replacing the rice with poutine fries is the Taiwanese Inspired Lor Bak with Poutine Fries ($12). The homemade braised minced pork, yellow Japanese takuan pickles and egg white bits made the poutine fries quite addictive to eat.

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Homemade Pork and Shrimp Ngoh Hiang Spring Rolls with Spicy Dip 4.5/5

This is not your ordinary spring roll. You will be greatly content with every bite of the Homemade Pork and Shrimp Ngoh Hiang Spring Rolls with Spicy Dip ($14). Another clever creation putting two Pan Asian dishes together for a whole new level of enjoyment.

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The Bureau Signature with Prawn 4/5

The Bureau Signature with Prawns ($20) is like an united ASEAN in a plate. The different flavours work harmoniously with the different ingredients from the region. It is a unique taste that is pleasing but difficult to put words to it. Diner has a choice between orecchiette or linguine, and the option of chicken, pork or prawns.

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Tom Yum Fried Rice with Chicken $15

For a hearty and substantial meal, the Tom Yum Fried Rice with Chicken ($15) will be a good option served like a bibimbap. I like the addition of the fried shallots, boosting the flavours on top of the spicy and piquant kick.

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Dynasty 4.2/5

The Dynasty ($18) is a subtle trio of desserts representing the three great dynasties (Han, Tang and Qing) of China bridged by a bed of chocolate soil and roselle gel. Starting from the left is the Peach Sorbet with Oolong Goji Berries representing the Han, Followed by Almond White Chocolate Mousse on a Chocolate Almond Cake Base topped with Jasmine Poached Asian Pear and Sliced Red Dates from the Tang. Lastly from the Qin we have the Genmaicha Dew with Popped Rice. The trio of dessert basically tells a story of the progression over the years in the different dynasties.

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Menage A Trios $19

The Menage A Trios ($19) may look like any other cream puffs but be surprised as the mini tower of Bo Luo crusted cream puffs are filled with Salted Egg Yolk creme patisserie, whipped Orh Nee paste or Black Sesame soy milk bavarian cream. It is drizzled with coconut caramel and desiccated coconut before serving. The sound of it already made me drooling. I preferred the orh nee paste followed by the salted egg yolk creme patisserie.

Having been eaten in several modern Asian restaurant, I would say non has managed to impress me more than East Bureau. The dishes are creative but yet not losing the fundamental characteristic of Asian cuisine. I look forward to my next visit to check out the rest of the menu as well as any new creations.


The East Bureau (东局)
Marina Square
6 Raffles Boulevard
#03-03
Singapore 039594
Tel: +65 6837014
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm
Fri-Sat: 1130pm - 3pm, 6pm - 1am

Direction: 
1) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit B. Take the escalator to level 3. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

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