Lai Huat Signatures @ China Street (Telok Ayer) - All You Can Eat At $29.90

Lai Huat Signatures known for their sambal promfret has opened a new outlet at Telok Ayer area offering a wide range of Chinese food adopted from their Geylang outlet. Recently the outlet has launch an all you can eat a la carte buffet with around 20 delectable dishes, at $29.90 per pax.

Fish Maw Soup 2.8/5

Although it is an unlimited a la carte buffet, each table is given only one servicing of the following 5 items. 1) Signature Samba Fish, 2) Fishmaw Soup with Crabmeat, 3) Choice of either poached live prawns/cereal/salted egg prawns, 4) Choice of either chilli or black pepper crayfish and 5) Hokkien style Kong Bak Pau.

Salted Egg Prawns 3/5

We started with the Fish Maw Soup with Crabmeat which I thought was way too starchy. I also could not traced any crabmeat in it. For the prawn dish, we opted for the salted egg prawns. The flavours were there but the texture was kind of mushy. Definitely not the best I have eaten.

Hokkien Style Kong Bak Pau 3/5

For the Hokkien Style Kong Bak Pau, my dining partner felt that there was a slight sour taste in the pork belly while I thought it lacked the robustness of a good braising sauce.

Black Pepper Crayfish 3/5

For the choice of Chilli or Black Pepper Crayfish, we decided to try the black pepper version which has a fiery kick to the crustacean. Once again it's not the best quality but for the price I am not complaining much.

Sambal Promfret 4/5

The highlight goes to the Sambal Promfret that is topped with a geneeous servicing of aromatic sambal. The combination of the spiciness and crispiness was rather shiok. However some may find the fish meat on the dry side.

Prawn Paste Chicken 3.5/5

After trying the five standard items that will be served only once, we proceeded to order from the rest of the unlimited items. The Prawn Paste Chicken was juicy and had a nice exterior crispiness. If the prawn paste flavour could be stronger, it would be better.

Onion Omelette 3/5

Naibai Vegetable 3/5

The Onion Omelette and Naibai Vegetable were a comforting addition to the spread. They were decent but nothing much to shout about.

Hainanese Pork Ribs 2.8/5

I remembered reading from the menu the dish is called Hainanese Pork Ribs but it turned out to be pork chop instead. The pork chop was too lean and dry for my liking. Even the bread crumb was lacklustre.

Ginger Spring Onion Sliced Fish 3.5/5

One of the better dishes among the spread is the Ginger Spring Onion Sliced Fish. I enjoyed the lovely flavours of the spring onion and ginger coming together with the moist sliced fish for a delectable finish.

Singapore Beehoon 4/5

Wrapping up our meal at Lai Huat Signatures, we had the Singapore BeeHoon. Putting the controversy name aside, it actually quite flavour. It is like upgraded version of your morning breakfast with seafood.

I can't say the a la carte buffet is the best but for $29,90 per pax I think it is quite reasonable priced. Moreover if you are a bigger eater, you can eat to your content.


Lai Huat Signatures
23 China Street
Singapore 049565
Tel: +65 66363828
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

Direction: 
Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk down Cross Street towards Far East Square. Turn right onto China Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Inaniwa Yosuke @ Japan Food Town (Wisma Atria) - A Dish With 300 Over Years Of Heritage

My yearning for Inaniwa udon brought me to Inaniwa Yosuke, housed in Japan Food Town in Wisma Atria. By chance, my first taste of this legendary udon was at Sen of Japan and its superior texture amazed me. The production of Inaniwa udon is very labour intensive, a handmade process that takes up to 4 days. Back in 1665 when it was first developed by the Yosuke family, it was only served to the Imperial, till it was made available to the public in 1860. With 300 over years of heritage, rather than having it somewhere else, the best I feel is to have it back at its birth place.

Tempura, with SyouyuTare 3.8/5

You could choose to have it hot or chill but I feel that having it chill allow me to really appreciate the texture of the udon. I chose Tempura & Seiro set ($25) which consists of udon, a prawn and assorted vegetables tempura together with SyouyuTare (Soy sauce dip).

The udon was exactly how I remember it to be - smooth and light. It was tasty on its own simply with the cold soy sauce dip. I enjoy the combination of hot, crispy tempura with cold noodles. The cold soy sauce somehow soothes the crispy batter and gives it a shot of savouriness. The prawn was big and succulent, while the mushroom and brinjal were juicy. However, the batter was not as light as I want it to be and it got greasy after a while.

Valentine's Day Set 3.8/5

We also had the special Valentine's Day Set ($24) which consists a smaller portion of the udon, a hot soy milk hotpot with pork, 2 Inari, a fried Ebi and a small little cake.

The hot soy milk surprised me with its richness. It had a nutty taste, similar to a sesame dip. The pork slices were tender and paired really well with the silk udon. Though this set is seasonal, you may go for their Soy Milk Udon ($18) from the standard menu. My friend felt it was too rich, Hence I guess sharing 2 different dips would be the best way to enjoy this delicate noodles.

There are many places for ramen but for Inaniwa udon, this is the place to go. I would definitely be back when my craving kicks in again!

Written and photographs 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.


Inaniwa Yosuke 
Wisma Atria
Japan Food Town
435 Orchard Road
Level 4
Singapore 238877
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 11pm
Sat-Sun: 11am - 11pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]