藝 Yi By Jereme Leung @ Raffles Singapore - A Sumptuous Tribute to The Hairy Crab Season

In conjunction with the hairy crab season, 藝 Yì by Jereme Leung at Raffles Singapore presents a refined and artistic line-up of exquisite Hairy Crab Creations from 16 October to 17 November 2023.

Amuse Bouche 3.5/5

Our amuse-bouche offers a myriad of sour, sweet, and spicy flavors using the technique of pickling, which is an integral part of China’s culinary history. The Pickled Genting Highlands Mini Tomato with Dried Sweet Plum whetted my appetite with its salty-sweet juice, while the rest awakened the senses with their heat, acidity and crunchy texture.

Appetizers 3.5/5

For appetiser, we got to try 2 items from their exclusive Memoirs of Nanyang Menu - Foie Gras Terrine with Calamansi & Organic Perilla Plum and Deep-fried Crab Roll with Malacca Shrimp Paste and Ipoh Guava Salsa. These 2 items highlight the versatility of ingredients native to Southeast Asia, such as the use of the tart Calamasi, the funky yet alluring Malacca shrimp paste and the zesty Ipoh's Guava. In addition, we were also served with a juicy Poached Oyster with Japanese Sea urchin & Kristal Caviar.

Hot & Sour Basil Chicken Consommé 4/5

Before the mains, we were served a soul-warming Hot & Sour Basil Chicken Consommé with Geoduck & Cameron Highlands Stem Lettuce. One could easily be fooled by its clear appearance. The heat level is quite intense, thanks to Sichuan pepper, but it also has a sweet depth to it. The slices of geoduck provided an enjoyable texture, contrasting with the crunchy Cameron Highlands' Stem Lettuce.

Steamed Hairy Crab 4/5

From the Hairy Crab Creations' menu, we sampled the most popular dish: Traditional Steamed Hairy Crab with Taiwanese Mullet Roe & Perilla Leaves, served with Osmanthus & Wolfberry Ginger Tea. The freshly sourced furry-clawed crustaceans from Taihu boasted rich and creamy roe, while every nook and corner of the shell was filled with firm and sweet crab meat. I love the warm and fragrant ginger tea at the side, lending a hint of sweet floral note to the overall taste of the dish.

Deep fried Spotted Groupa with Spicy Hairy Crab Roe 3/5

Another item on the menu we tried was Deep Fried Spotted Groupa with Spicy Hairy Crab Roe, crispy brown rice and Edamame. I found the exterior of the fish too dry and tough.

Hainanese Steamed Bentong Sakura Chicken 4.2/5

On the other hand, the Hainanese Steamed Bentong Sakura Chicken with Fragrant Pandan Rice & Yunnan Wild Fungus received rave reviews at our table. It's a pity that the Memoirs of Nanyang menu ends in just 2 days. The premium Sakura Chicken was exceptionally succulent and tender, and the accompanying rice was a star of its own. Fluffy and aromatic with pandan, the shreds of fungus mixed within further added texture to the rice.

Shao Xing Wine Ice Cream with Yam Paste & Gingko Nuts 4/5

Our sweet ending was Shao Xing Wine Ice Cream with Yam Paste & Gingko Nuts ($18) from the Hairy Crab Creations. The warm yam was velvety with just the right sweetness, complemented by the refreshing ice cream.

Photos and words by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


藝 Yi By Jereme Leung
Raffles Arcade
328 North Bridge Road
Singapore 188719
Tel: +65 63371886
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 2pm, 6pm - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Junction of North Bridge Road and Bras Basah Road. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Cuisine Better Days Chicken Rice (饱家味国) @ People's Park Centre - Young Female Hawker, Natalie Opens Her Own Chicken Rice Shop

Natalie, the face behind the beloved Ah Five Hainanese Chicken Rice in Ang Mo Kio, has carved her name in the local food scene. Her journey started as a young, determined hawker alongside her family, where their Hainanese Chicken Rice swiftly gained fame for its delightful flavours. This family legacy, rooted in her father's cherished recipe from a renowned chicken rice brand, was soon embraced by media and food enthusiasts alike.

Fast forward to the present, Natalie embarks on her solo adventure, opening her very own chicken rice shop - Cuisine Better Days Chicken Rice, nestled in People's Park Centre. The spotlight remains on her as she single-handedly orchestrates the entire show - from cooking to cashier duties, waiting tables, and even keeping the space spotless — a true testament to her dedication and hard work.

Hainanese Chicken Rice 4.5/5

Consistency remains paramount to Natalie's craft. She continues her tradition of using premium grade A kampong chicken, just as she did at Ah Five Hainanese Chicken Rice. This choice imparts a remarkable tenderness and succulence to her poached chicken. What sets it apart is the subtly sweeter taste compared to the typical broiler chicken.

While some things remain the same, Natalie introduces a new twist in the form of her chilli sauce. Sporting an intensified punch of pungency and spice, this sauce carries an exhilarating kick that appeals to those fond of bold flavours. However, those averse to intense spiciness might want to tread cautiously.

Still, on the journey of refining her craft, one area where Natalie is working towards consistency is her rice. On my initial visit, the rice was an aromatic, fluffy delight. However, my second outing witnessed a slight variation, with a tad more moisture and a somewhat muted fragrance.

Natalie's passion is evident in her future plans to expand the menu. She intends to incorporate a diverse selection of Hainanese dishes and sides, thus transforming her offering into a complete culinary experience. This evolution guarantees more options for diners seeking a wholesome and delightful meal, ensuring that Cuisine Better Days Chicken Rice is destined to remain a name to reckon with.


Cuisine Better Days Chicken Rice (饱家味国)
People's Park Centre
#01-01
101 Upper Cross Street
Singapore 058357
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Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit D. Turn left and walk to the back of People's Park Centre facing State Courts building. At the back of People's Park Centre, turn right and walk down the  walkway. Walk to the end of walkway, along the stretch of shops to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Tam Chiak Kopitiam - The Most Trendy Coffeeshop In Hougang by Chew Chor Meng, MissTamChiak and Zhou Chong Qing

Tam Chiak Kopitiam, located at Blk 212 Hougang Street 21, is a dream come true for Mediacorp actor Chew Chor Meng. Together with partners including MissTamChiak (Maureen Ow) and Zhou Chong Qing, they have transformed the previous coffeeshop into a modern and trendy space. The name "Tam Chiak" is derived from their partner MissTamChiak, a renowned food writer in Singapore known for promoting our local hawker culture.

Upon entering Tam Chiak Kopitiam, you'll notice the familiar Yeo Yeo Huat signboard, which holds sentimental value as it originated from the popular Mediacorp TV series "118", in which both Chew Chor Meng and Chong Qing acted. This cherished signboard from the longest-running Chinese drama produced by Mediacorp is now proudly displayed in Tam Chiak Kopitiam, evoking nostalgia and fond memories.

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888 Mookata

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When the new team took over the coffeeshop, they decided to revitalize the food offerings, retaining only two stalls from the previous establishment. One of them is 888 Mookata, a venture by Chew Chor Meng and Chong Qing. To celebrate its reopening, 888 Mookata is running a 15% discount promotion for eight days.

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Chef De Pasta

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The other stall that the team chose to keep is Chef De Pasta, a Western food stall with a loyal following and glowing Google reviews for its restaurant-standard dishes at affordable coffeeshop prices. The humble stall owner, with prior experience as a hotel chef, brings a wealth of culinary expertise to the table. Many reviewers particularly recommend its Japanese fried garlic rice, which is a delightful addition to its menu.

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Dan Lao (蛋佬)

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Tam Chiak Kopitiam also showcases an exciting lineup of young hawkers. One of the new stalls is Dan Lao (蛋佬), which gained popularity at Maxwell Food Centre. Led by a team of young hawkers, Dan Lao is renowned for their fluffy egg omelette over fragrant rice, paired with various toppings such as luncheon meat, chicken cutlet, and char siew. It's best enjoyed with their fragrant homemade sambal, prepared from scratch.

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Nasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang

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Nasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang, a Michelin Plate restaurant with multiple outlets in Singapore, opens its doors at Tam Chiak Kopitiam. Founded by ex-cabin crew Noorman and his wife, they bring their signature Ayam Taliwang to the coffeeshop, offering a tantalizing taste of Indonesian cuisine. Furthermore, they will introduce a new Halal-certified Curry Rice concept, adding diversity to the local culinary scene.

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Flaky Haus

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Flaky Haus at Tam Chiak Kopitiam breaks away from the traditional coffeeshop offerings by specializing in freshly baked croissants with different fillings such as tuna and egg mayo. They also offer a selection of cakes to pair with a cup of traditional local coffee or tea.

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Wen Kang Ji

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Wen Kang Ji, known for their renowned Wanton Mee at Golden Mile Food Centre, takes a different culinary direction at Tam Chiak Kopitiam. Instead of selling wanton mee, they offer Big Prawn Noodles and Teochew Style Red Grouper Fish Soup, accompanied by delectable side dishes like fried dumplings and wantons, ensuring a satisfying and complete meal experience.

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Oppa Kitchen

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Oppa Kitchen, a Korean stall by Singaporean singer Ang Jun Yang, is helmed by Korean Chef Nick, who brings his extensive experience cooking authentic Korean cuisine. Alongside classic dishes like Bibimbap, Army Stew Ramyeon, Rabokki, and Bulgogi, they introduce local-inspired creations such as Chilli Crab Korean Fried Chicken and Curry Fried Chicken, offering a fusion of Korean and local flavours.

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De Sinn Chicken Rice

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De Sinn Chicken Rice, a personal favourite of Chong Qing in Yishun, is a stall beloved for its delectable Chicken Rice. With its origins in Novena and a second outlet in Yishun, this brainchild of 31-year-old Dervin, an animation graduate, has garnered a loyal following. The quality and taste of their Chicken Rice keep customers returning week after week. I also heard it will be a Halal-certified stall.

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Ru Ji Kitchen

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Ru Ji Kitchen, a popular fishball noodle stall, expands its presence to Tam Chiak Kopitiam after successfully operating in hawker centres. Joanne's father in Holland founded this family-run business and has expanded to two additional outlets at Old Airport Road and Redhill. Renowned for its handmade fishballs and homemade sambal, Ru Ji Kitchen delivers authentic flavours and culinary craftsmanship in each bowl.

Tam Chiak Kopitiam offers an array of delightful options, showcasing the passion and expertise of its partners and stall owners. From traditional flavours to innovative concepts, this coffeeshop is a haven for food enthusiasts seeking a diverse and satisfying culinary experience.


Tam Chiak Kopitam
Blk 212 Hougang Street 21
#01-349
Singapore 530212
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Nearest MRT: Kovan (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 6am - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Kovan MRT station. Take Exit C. Turn left and walk towards Kovan Hawker Centre. At Kovan Hawker Centre, turn left and walk straight to block 211 towards the bowling centre. At block 211 cut through the carpark and walk to destination. It is just beside the bowling centre. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

The Hainan Story (海南宝) @ Hillion Mall - 5 Hainanese Brands Under One Roof, Including Ah Chiang's Porridge, Wee Nam Kee And Newspaper Curry Rice

The Hainan Story on a Saturday afternoon was bustling with diners. I see the reason for their popularity, as they have a huge variety of food and offer very family-friendly options.

What is unique about the restaurant's branch here in Hillion Mall is that it houses five different Hainanese brands under one space. These include the renowned Ah Chiang's Porridge, Wee Nam Kee and Newspaper Curry Rice. The space was renovated to look like a vibrantly decorated mini coffeeshop.

Local Beverages

You will find a full list of the familiar local offerings on the beverage menu. We had our usual Kopi and Teh, decently fragrant though a tad sweet.

1980’s Hainanese Pork Cutlet Coated with Potato Chip Crumbs 4/5

On the Western menu by Uncle Robert Hainanese Western & BBQ, we had the traditional 1980's Hainanese Pork Cutlet Coated with Potato Chip Crumbs ($16.80). The BBQ sauce leans sweeter than we'd like, but the crunch on the cutlet was good. We saw several younger diners enjoying this. Other options from the Western menu include pasta, fish and chips and a kids menu.

Mama Wee Curry Chicken Drumstick Set 4.5/5

Newspaper Curry Rice's Mama Wee Curry Chicken Drumstick Set ($9.80) was easily our top favourite of our meal here. The curry here may be different from your liking if you prefer thicker and more lemak renditions, but I loved how this carried a lighter consistency and was superbly fragrant.

My dining companions and I thought this was value for money too. A portion has steamed rice, omelette, sambal tempeh, prawn crackers, drumstick and a side of additive lotus root and brinjal. The accompanying sambal belacan packed a good punch too.

Ah Chiang Mix Porridge Set 4/5

From Ah Chiang's Porridge, we had the Mix Porridge Set: Pork Ball & Sliced Meat ($9.80), which came with half a youtiao. I don't eat porridge that much, but my dining companion, who does, enjoyed this bowl.

The porridge was sufficiently smooth and thick, with a generous amount of tender pork and pork balls. Porridge options here are categorised into pork, batang fish and century egg.

Steamed Chicken Drumstick Rice 3.8/5

Wee Nam Kee's Steamed Chicken Drumstick Rice ($7.10) came complete with a bowl of soup and the classic condiments of chilli, dark soy and ginger sauce. While the chicken meat was tender and succulent, the rice could be much more fragrant.

Laksa with Hainanese Steamed Chicken 3.8/5

If you have laksa cravings, the Laksa with Hainanese Steamed Chicken ($9.80) is a decent option. It is pricier, however, served with steamed chicken, crispy pork skin, fish cake, hard-boiled egg and tau pok.

High-Tea Special 3.5/5

I never expected to see a three-tiered High-Tea Special ($34.80) on the menu! On the base, it features an assortment of fried items such as chicken wings, prawns, fries and ngoh hiang. The middle tier has kaya toast and the traditional Hainanese kueh, Yi Bua. Finally, on top, there are cookies and the eatery's popular mini swiss rolls (orh nee, ondeh ondeh). The set comes inclusive of two drinks.

The two bottom tiers were, unfortunately, average. Our unanimous preferred item was the mini swiss rolls which you can purchase in individual pieces from their bakery.

Speaking about the bakery, do make sure to take a look. The small space is built in the same area as the eatery, accessible from the dining space or from the exterior of Hillion Mall.

Breads were constantly freshly baked, leaving a lovely aroma in the space. We bagged home several recommendations, the Char Siew Bolo ($3.80), Yam Floss Bun ($2.20) and Curry Chicken Polo Bolo ($3.80). All three were fresh and fluffy but could do with slightly more filling.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


The Hainan Story
Hillion Mall
17 Petir Road
#01-15/16
Singapore 678278
Tel: +65 69708191
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Nearest MRT: Bukit Panjang (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 730am – 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bukit Panjang MRT station. Take Exit A2. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Xing Yun Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice (幸运海南起骨鸡饭) @ Yuhua Food Centre - Popular Hainanese Chicken Rice In The West With Snaking Queue

Whenever you ask Singaporeans where is the best Hainanese Chicken Rice in Singapore, you probably get different answers. I am not surprised because best is subjective, especially in a food paradise like Singapore, where you can get Hainanese Chicken Rice almost anywhere around the island. Everyone has their favourite, and one popular stall in the West is Xing Yun Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice (幸运海南起骨鸡饭) at Yuhua Food Centre. It always has a long snaking queue at its stall.

Hainanese Chicken Rice 4.5/5

I ordered Half a Steamed Chicken ($12) and chicken liver which is deboned and drizzled in a sweet and savoury brown sauce. It also came with a few slices of pineapple and tomato. The chicken is slightly cold, suggesting it has been dunked in cold water. The meat is tender and juicy too. I can understand why there is always a long queue to savour their chicken rice.

The rice at Xing Yun Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice is of the firmer type, which is the texture I like. It is also not greasy, but I thought the flavour was a bit too subtle, lacking the fragrance of a good plate of chicken rice.

Another essential component for any chicken rice stall is the chilli. The chilli is really shiok, complementing the chicken and rice excellently. It is spicy, tangy and garlicky. Unfortunately, the ginger sauce was too watery for my liking.

Xing Yun Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice (幸运海南起骨鸡饭)
Yuhua Food Centre
Blk 347 Jurong East Ave 1
Singapore 600347
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Nearest MRT: Chinese Garden (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 7am - 2pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Chinese Garden MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Boon Lay Way. Turn left and walk to the overhead bridge. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]