Surrey Hills Grocer @ Vivocity - Largest Surrey Hills Outlet, Bringing Diners the Aussie Rainforest Experience

Surrey Hills Grocer has unveiled its largest branch on VivoCity's rooftop, offering diners an Aussie rainforest-themed experience. The cosy space is adorned with lush greenery and playful animal decor like kangaroos, koalas, and giraffes.

Like its other branches, this new outlet introduces outlet-exclusive dishes and their first ever full kids menu.

Pet owners will also be happy to know that the outlet is pet-friendly and offers an all-new pet-friendly menu. Their freshly made treats are all crafted with quality, human-grade ingredients.

Diners can find a great variety of produce and food items to be purchased. The retail space is in a dedicated store segment near the entrance.

Surrey’s Homemade Iced Lemon Tea

Surrey has an extensive beverage list, which includes alcohols, fresh juices, wines, smoothies, teas and homemade options, such as the mildly sweet Surrey's Homemade Iced Lemon Tea ($8). It is made in-house using cold-brewed premium black tea dust and fresh lemons.

Corn & Crab Chowder 4/5

For a comforting start, we opted for the Corn & Crab Chowder ($14), a mildly creamy soup peppered with sweet crab meat bits and served with a side of focaccia.

Pumpkin Soup 4/5

Equally satisfying was the Pumpkin Soup ($12), which featured warm flavours of burnt orange and dukkah, balanced by a refreshing touch of mint, accompanied by focaccia.

Tender Seared Turkey 4.8/5

To add to the festive cheer, Surrey Hills Grocer has rolled out a seasonal Christmas menu available till the end of December. I was especially excited to try their Tender Seared Turkey ($32), which was strongly recommended by the staff. It was stellar and indeed one of the most tender renditions I've had of the meat. The turkey breast is drizzled with fragrant truffle butter and served with a bed of creamy truffled pomme puree, sherry caramel, miso glaze butternut squash and mushroom gravy.

Christmas Porchetta 4.5/5

Another festive highlight was the Christmas Porchetta ($28), which features tender Spanish chestnut pork belly with perfectly crisped skin stuffed with aromatics and sweet yet tangy apple cider glaze and cranberry apple compote.

Octopus Salad 3.8/5

Unfortunately, the Octopus Salad ($28) was less memorable, primarily due to its texture, which was a little too chewy. The sides of edamame, grape salsa and whipped cod roe went well together.

Flat Bread Hammy Benny 4/5

From the standard menu, we had the Flat Bread Hammy Benny ($26), featuring smoked Kurobuta ham, eggs of your choice, wilted spinach, truffle mushroom ragout, and foam-textured hollandaise on warmed flatbread. While enjoyable, my companions found it slightly overpriced for its simplicity.

Hot Honey Pepperoni Pizza 4.2/5

A standout speciality exclusive to this outlet is its Sicilian-style pizzas and pasta. The Hot Honey Pepperoni Pizza ($12) was a crowd-pleaser, featuring creamy ricotta, spicy pepperoni, Parmigiano Reggiano, and a drizzle of hot honey for a sweet-spicy kick.

“Hokkien Mee” 4.8/5

Among the pasta options, the "Hokkien Mee" ($26) impressed us with its creative local twist. Al dente malfadine pasta was bathed in a rich prawn bisque with lard and topped with ikura, grilled prawns, and spicy shrimp sambal. It was a bold, crustacean-infused dish.

Roasted Garlic Miso Butter Pasta 4/5

By contrast, the Roasted Garlic Miso Butter Pasta ($22) felt slightly underwhelming. The casarecce pasta, paired with pork sausage, asparagus, and fresh herbs, was well-cooked but lacked the robust flavours of the other dishes.

Strawberries Donut with Vanilla Custard, Vanilla Glazed Donut 3/5

We sampled two donuts for dessert: the Strawberries Donut with Vanilla Custard ($6.50) and the Vanilla Glazed Donut ($5). Both were dense and much sweeter than expected. We favoured the latter for its delicate sugar coating.

Sticky Date Pudding 4.5/5

Finally, the Sticky Date Pudding ($16) stole the show. This moist sponge cake was paired with sea salt butterscotch, almond crumble, and vanilla ice cream. The sweetness was balanced with a contrasting touch of saltiness.

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.


Surrey Hills Grocer
VivoCity
#03-02
1 HarbourFront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 8189 6392
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Website
Nearest MRT: Harbourfront MRT (NE, CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit C & E. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Yang Ming Seafood (Kelong) @ Vivocity - Popular Homegrown Live Seafood Restaurant Opens First In-mall Restaurant with a Kelong Theme Interior

Yang Ming Seafood, a well-loved homegrown seafood restaurant with branches in Bishan and Ubi, has launched its first in-mall waterfront outlet at VivoCity. Designed to evoke an authentic fish kelong experience, the largest of its three outlets seats up to 250 guests. It features a wine cellar, wooden floorboards, beams, fish nets, and live seafood tanks that all highlight the restaurant's commitment to freshness.

Charcoal Roasted Suckling Pig 4.2/5

The Charcoal Roasted Suckling Pig ($268) is a quintessential celebratory dish. Freshly roasted to order, the suckling pig arrives with incredibly aromatic and crispy skin — a perfect centrepiece for sharing.

NEW Fragrant Crispy Rice Crab 4/5

A standout addition to the menu is the Fragrant Crispy Rice Crab ($11 per 100g for Sri Lankan Crab, $10 per 100g for Indonesian Crab). This innovative dish offers a refreshing change from the traditional Singapore Chilli Crab. Paired with fragrant, crispy rice, the dish marries texture and flavour in a unique way, showcasing the crab's succulent, natural sweetness.

Crab Stewed Bee Hoon 4.2/5

Another crab option we tried was the Crab Stewed Bee Hoon ($11 per 100g for Sri Lankan Crab, $10 per 100g for Indonesian Crab). The silky bee hoon absorbs the robust, crustacean-rich flavours of the crab, resulting in a comforting, flavour-packed dish.

NEW Chicken Broth with Baby Cabbage 4.8/5

The Chicken Broth with Baby Cabbage ($88) is a crowd favourite, delivering a hearty, comforting experience. The broth is sweetened by chicken essence and baby cabbage, making it a light yet flavourful choice that’s perfect for group dining.

NEW Basil Sauce Live Prawn 4/5

Next up was the Basil Sauce Live Prawn ($28 for 300g, $40 for 500g, $78 for 1kg). This new addition offers a refreshing twist, with basil’s fragrant aroma enhancing the fresh, succulent prawns. The basil sauce brings an unexpected yet delightful flavour to the dish.

Minced Garlic Steamed Clam 4.2/5

The Minced Garlic Steamed Clam ($35 for 500g, $68 for 1kg) features plump, juicy clams steamed with fragrant minced garlic. Each bite captures the natural sweetness of the clams, complemented by the garlic’s savoury aroma.

NEW Braised Whole Tripe & Brisket 4.5/5

One of the evening's highlights was the new Braised Whole Tripe & Brisket ($108). This dish requires a pre-order and is well worth the wait. The beef tripe is stuffed with tender brisket and tendon, all in a flavourful, slightly spicy brown sauce. The complex layers of texture and taste make it a must-try for offal lovers.

NEW Dry Braised Pork Ribs 4/5

Another new menu item, the Dry Braised Pork Ribs ($20, $30, or $40), features tender, juicy pork ribs with a sauce that's been expertly absorbed into the meat. The ribs are a satisfying option, especially for those who enjoy bold, concentrated flavours.

Andrew Lobster 4.2/5

The Andrew Lobster is an iconic dish at Yang Ming Seafood. It is a dish my friend shared with the owner that he had in Hong Kong, and after much R&D, the chef created this dish, which became a hit with many foodies. The creation features silky chee cheong fan (rice noodle rolls) accented with fried shallots, fried garlic, and premium soy sauce. It's easy to see why; the dish strikes a perfect balance of flavour and texture, with each element enhancing the others.

Yang Ming Seafood's new VivoCity outlet is an impressive addition to the dining scene. With an emphasis on fresh, live seafood and authentic flavours, the restaurant delivers both innovation and comfort. The inviting kelong-inspired ambience and diverse menu make it an excellent choice for seafood lovers who enjoy quality dishes in a unique waterfront setting. Whether you're there for classic favourites or new creations, Yang Ming Seafood promises a memorable dining experience.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Yang Ming Seafood (Kelong)
VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
#02-158/159
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 65133009/ 80289907
Facebook
Instagram
Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit C or E. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Nong Geng Ji Hunan Cuisine (农耕记) @ VivoCity - Popular Hunan Restaurant Opens 2nd Outlet at VivoCity

Amidst the bustling F&B scene at VivoCity, the popular Hunan restaurant chain Nong Geng Ji (农耕记) makes its mark with its second outlet, following the success of its flagship at Collyer Quay. Curiosity led me to explore the vivid flavours of their Hunanese offerings.

Stir-Fried Pork with Abalone 4/5

Hunan's signature Xiao Chao Rou (小炒肉) gets a delightful twist at Nong Geng Ji with the Stir-Fried Pork with Abalone ($27.90). A fusion of sliced pork, baby abalones, and Hunan green peppers creates a mildly spicy ensemble. While the dish boasts a unique texture with crunchy fungi, I found myself yearning for more of the signature green pepper, a soulful element that seemed slightly lacking.

Stir-Fried Kampung Chicken with Camellia Oil 3.5/5

The Stir-Fried Kampung Chicken with Camellia Oil ($23.90) unfolds with tender chicken, crunchy black fungus, and potatoes. However, the disappointment lingers as the chicken pieces don't quite deliver on the meaty front.

Casserole Flavoured Smoked Bamboo Shoots 4.2/5

A star of the meal, the Casserole Flavoured Smoked Bamboo Shoots beckon for a bowl of rice. Their spicy kick might be intense for those averse to heat, but the flavourful and crunchy bamboo shoots leave a lasting impression.

Steamed Pork Ribs with Taro 3/5

Shifting gears to a non-spicy dimension, the Steamed Pork Ribs with Taro ($18.90) features soft and tender pork ribs atop a fragrant yam bed. It evokes the essence of steamed pork ribs dim sum, a comforting interlude in the spice-laden lineup.

Glutinous Rice Cake with Brown Sugar 3.8/5

Concluding our dinner is the Glutinous Rice Cake with Brown Sugar ($3.90). This trio of soft and spongy delights bathed in balanced brown sugar provides a sweet closure to the Hunanese feast.

Nong Geng Ji at Vivocity is a worthy addition to the Hunan culinary landscape in Singapore. Despite minor hiccups, the restaurant captures the essence of Hunanese cuisine, offering a flavourful journey that invites both spice enthusiasts and those seeking unique textures.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Nong Geng Ji Hunan Cuisine (农耕记)
VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
#01-51A
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 9082 0013
Facebook
Instagram
Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am -10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit C & E. Walk to destiation. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Seafood Paradise @ VivoCity - Exciting Fusion Collaboration with Ms. Maria & Mr. Singh, Featuring Seafood-Centric Creations Like Crab Curry with Creamy Butter Mud Crab

Take advantage of the exciting fusion collaboration between Seafood Paradise and Ms. Maria & Mr. Singh by Gaggan Anand.

Available only till 17 December at both Seafood Paradise VivoCity and Clarke Quay outlets, this collaboration introduces six new seafood-centric creations that blend Singapore-style dishes with a brilliant touch of Indian-Mexican flavours.

Fresh Jumbo Canadian Oysters 4.5/5

These plump Fresh Jumbo Canadian Oysters ($12.90/pc, min. order of 2 pcs) were elevated with tangy pickled shallots, tobiko and a moderately spicy salsa taquera. I could have multiples of this!

Grilled Squid with Salsa Taquera 4.2/5

Following the oysters was the Grilled Squid with Salsa Taquera ($28.90). I really enjoyed the tenderness of the squid, accompanied by a hint of smokiness. While some of my dining companions wished for a stronger char, the dish was well-received overall. Like the oysters, it was served with a side of Mexican salsa taquera, adding a zesty touch.

Gaggan's Crab Curry with Seafood Paradise Creamy Butter Mud Crab 4.8/5

Everyone’s favourite dish of the night was Gaggan's Crab Curry with Seafood Paradise Creamy Butter Mud Crab topped with Coconut Crumbs ($128). It beautifully showcased the strengths of both restaurants, featuring Seafood Paradise’s succulent crab in its renowned creamy butter sauce, elevated by Gaggan Anand’s aromatic and spices-spiked crab curry.

The luscious and flavourful combination prompted us to order a second serving of fried mantous to mop up the sauce!

Stir-fried Live Tiger Prawn with Gaggan's Crab Curry Base 4.5/5

The Stir-fried Live Tiger Prawn with Gaggan's Crab Curry Base incorporates the same crab curry base minus the cream. The absence of cream allows the vibrant herbs and spices to shine more distinctly, especially after stir-frying with the meaty prawns.

Baked Jade Perch with Tamale Masala Sauce wrapped in Banana Leaf 4.2/5

A whole Jade Perch is marinated in a mildly spicy tamale masala sauce before being wrapped and baked in a banana leaf. This method of preparation ensures that the fish meat retains its juiciness.

Seafood Paradise Mee Goreng with Ms. Maria & Mr. Singh's Masala 4.2/5

The last creation of this collaboration is the Seafood Paradise Mee Goreng with Ms. Maria & Mr. Singh's Masala served with Papadum. This twist to our local mee goreng sees a robust infusion of malasa spices with flavours leaning more sweet.

This rare collaboration between between Seafood Paradise and Ms. Maria & Mr. Singh by Gaggan Anand is definitely worth a try, especially if you are a fan of seafood. I would highly recommend securing a table through https://bit.ly/ReservationsatSeafoodParadise before heading down.

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.


Seafood Paradise
VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
#01-53
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 62210159
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: HarbourFront (CC Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun, PH: 1030am - 330pm, 530pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit C or E. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

YAO YAO (姚姚酸菜鱼) @ Vivocity - China Suan Cai Yu Restaurant’s Debut in Singapore with Duo Flavour Pots and Roast Duck

YAO YAO 姚姚酸菜鱼 has recently established its flagship outlet in Vivocity, joining the expanding array of Chinese brands dedicated to fish-based dishes. Having earned the title "Top Ten Brands of Sauerkraut Fish" from 2019 to 2022 in China, it boasts an impressive network of 60 outlets nationwide.

YAO YAO features California White Seabass in their signature Suan Cai Yu/Sauerkraut Fish. The menu offers various portion sizes and duo-pots that provide diners the choice to pair the Suan Cai Yu with one of three dishes: Sichuan Poached Fish, Tomato Fish, and Typhoon Shelter Shrimp with Fries.

Sour & Spicy Organic White Fungus 4/5

I started with appetisers; it was my first time trying white fungus prepared this way. YAO YAO's Sour & Spicy Organic White Fungus ($9) is served chilled and crunchy, with its shell-shaped pieces picking up the appetising sauce well.

Chilled Lettuce with Sesame Sauce 3.8/5

Thoughtfully presented, the Chilled Lettuce with Sesame Sauce ($10) has lettuce leaves neatly bundled alongside a small pitcher of sesame sauce. I appreciated the convenience of enjoying this dish and found it both crunchy and refreshing, albeit it was much more on the pricey side.

Garlic and Sichuan Pepper Duck Leg 3.8/5

Fried in a generous portion of garlic and Sichuan pepper, each piece of the Garlic and Sichuan Pepper Duck Leg carried excellent heat and crisp bits, but it's worth noting that these are meant to be a lot more bony than meaty.

Sichuan Spicy Poached Chicken 3.5/5

The Sichuan Spicy Poached Chicken ($12) presented a somewhat monotonous flavour profile, and the meat texture was a bit stringy.

Sauerkraut Fish & Typhoon Shelter Shrimp with Fries 3/5

We got to try one of the duo flavour pots, the Sauerkraut Fish & Typhoon Shelter Shrimp with Fries ($53), which feeds 2 pax. In the sauerkraut fish-half, you will find sliced California White Seabass with fermented sauerkraut in a slow-cooked broth.

While the sauerkraut was decent, the broth was more muted and lacked depth. It leaned towards being mostly sour, and we were not quite a fan of how thinly sliced the fish were. I definitely wished the fish were fresher too.

Sauerkraut Fish & Typhoon Shelter Shrimp with Fries 3/5

Although we appreciated the punchy seasoning on the Typhoon Shelter Shrimp and crinkle-cut fries, the prawns were not the freshest. A more significant portion would also have been more justifying of the price tag.

XXL Crispy You Tiao 3/5

While the XXL Crispy You Tiao ($5) looked impressive in size, its taste was less memorable. Despite the recommendation to dip these pieces in the sauerkraut broth, the experience was less enjoyable due to the greasiness.

YAO YAO Peking Duck, Half 3.5/5

Yao Yao Peking Duck ($45 for Half) was a dish we saw many other diners order. It is served with egg crepe wraps and strips of onions, cucumber and sweet honeydew. Finish your wrap with a housemade sesame mustard dip or housemade sweet sauce.

For a bigger group, you can consider the Duck (Whole) at $90.

Rainbow Cold Jelly 4/5

The Rainbow Cold Jelly ($8) served as a chilled and sweet ending to our meal. The base of housemade oolong tea-flavoured jelly is topped with many ingredients, including raisins, red beans, hawthorn bits, crushed peanuts, pearl barley and pearls. You can have it as it is or with coconut milk drizzled over. I personally found it quite sweet, but we saw many diners of younger age enjoying this.

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.


YAO YAO 姚姚酸菜鱼
Vivocity
#02-145/146
1 HarbourFront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6970 8998
Facebook
Instagram
Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 2pm, 5pm - 9pm
Sat-Sun: 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit C or E. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]