Victor Famous Fried Chicken Wing Rice @ Veerasamy Road (Little India) - Rediscover The Childhood Memories Of Carona Fried Chicken

Have you heard of Carona Fried Chicken? It is a local household name in the 1980s where customers can savour the delicious fried chicken in almost every corner of Singapore. Though the brand is no longer in Singapore, the recipe still lives on at Victor Famous Fried Chicken Wing at Veersamy Road in Little India.

Fried Chicken Wings

There is always a constant queue at the stall; hence it is advisable to avoid the peak lunch and dinner time. We only ordered two pieces of the Fried Chicken Wings ($1.20 per pc) to try as our initial plan is to have the bak chor mee from Jin Xi Lai (Mui Siong) Minced Meat Noodles.

The chicken wings may look rather plain but it is well marinated with hints of spices. They even come in a coat of crispiness. I would highly recommend to have it together with the chilli sauce. The acidity from the chilli sauce amplifies the shokiness; this is simply finger-licking good.

The fried chicken was so addictive that I went back to queue a plate of the Fried Chicken Wing Rice ($3). It comes with fragrant chicken rice and two deep-fried chicken wings.

I have heard of Victor Famous Fried Chicken Wing for many years but I have been procrastinating my visit. I finally get to taste my childhood memories of Carona Fried Chicken. Lesson learnt! Two is not enough, so do get more or you have to re-join the long line again.


Victor Famous Fried Chicken Wing
Yi He Eating House
Blk 638 Veerasamy Road
#01-101
Singapore 200638
Nearest MRT: Jalan Besar MRT (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 8pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Jalan Besar MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walkd down Jalan Besar Road. Turn left onto Veersamy Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Si Chuan Dou Hua @ PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road - An Impressive Cantonese Fare Complemented By Sichuan Favourites

Si Chuan Dou Hua at PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road has undergone a makeover with a refreshed look. Helmed by Executive Cantonese Master Chef Leung Wing Chung with over 40 years of Chinese cuisine experience, he has also put together an impressive selection of new Cantonese-style creations alongside comforting Sichuan favourites for the refreshed menu.

Exotic Garden with Black Truffle in Osmanthus Sauce 4.2/5

I was a little surprise when the Exotic Garden with Black Truffle in Osmanthus Sauce ($98/$148) was served. Though it is a Lunar New Year Lo-Hei dish, it is sough-after all year round. Hence the chef decides to put it permanently into the menu. The salad dish comes in an abundance of fresh vegetables accompanied by a medley of truffle oil, black truffle sauce and osmanthus sauce. The addition of brown and white rice puffs and homemade crispy soybean crumbs provides the additional texture on top of the freshness.

Steamed Eel with Pumpkin 4.5/5

A beautiful dish on the menu is the Steamed Eel with Pumpkin ($22). This is my first time having eel steamed like Cantonese steamed fish finished with superior soy sauce. Chef even ups the ante by perching it on top of a steamed pumpkin, crowned with a mix of homemade crispy soybean crumbs, conpoy, sakura ebi and ebiko.

Stir-Fried Sliced Pork with Leek in Spicy Sauce 4/5

Besides the Cantonese fare, Si Chuan Dou Hua is known for their Sichuan cuisine. We had the traditional twice-cooked Stir-Fried Sliced Pork with Leek in Spicy Sauce ($22/$33/$44). The pork belly is simmered, sliced and stir-fried with hot bean and broad bean pastes, garlic and leek. It is hard to resist asking for a bowl of steamed rice to go with the dish.

Signature Beancurd Medley 4.5/5

An impressive dish that I adored is the Signature Beancurd Medley ($26/$39/$52), consisting of a homemade beancurd and deep-fried purple rice tofu, topped with homemade minced meat sauce. The presentation looks like a tower (deep-fried tofu) above a group of white cloud (beancurd).

Duet of Traditional Crispy Chicken 4/5

A rarity in Chinese restaurants is the Duet of Traditional Crispy Chicken Stuffed with Glutinous Rice, Goose Liver and Waxed Meat ($88). The classic Cantonese dish requires an elusive combination of skill, patience and passion for achieving ideal crispiness. Done in two ways, the roulade is stuffed with glutinous rice, brown rice, pearl white rice, peanut, sweet corn, chicken, chicken liver and goose liver wrapped in a wafer-thin layer of skin and meat. Complementing the rendition are neat parcels of the same five core ingredients and waxed meat done like claypot rice, rice and meat mixture is compressed with chicken skin and roasted.

Crispy Brown Rice with Two-Head Abalone in Superior Stock 4.5/5

The Crispy Brown Rice with Two-Head Abalone in Superior Stock ($78) is a fitting finale to a sumptuous dinner. A piping hot superior stock is poured into the claypot of brown, pearl and white rice puffs by the staff at tableside. Following that, scallops, prawns, sakura ebi, conpoy, preserved vegetables, cooked white rice, coriander and spring onion are added. Slices of braised 2-head abalone are served with the pao fan for a gratifying finishing with a luxe factor.

Osmanthus Jelly with Almond 4.2/5, Homemade Purple Rice Bean Curd with Red Bean 4/5

Wrapping up our dinner is the Osmanthus Jelly with Almond ($6.80 for 3pc), an exquisite version of the popular almond beancurd encased within an osmanthus konnyaku jelly. We also had the Homemade Purple Rice Bean Curd with Red Bean ($6.80). It is a pretty-in-purple version of their silky smooth beancurd.

I have visited Si Chuan Dou Hua at Beach Road numerous time for its Sichuan cuisine, and all the while I thought Si Chuan Dou Hua at Kitchener Road served the same menu. Actually, there is a difference with the Kitchener Road, focusing on Cantonese cuisine, and I have to say I am really impressed with the dishes here. 

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Si Chuan Dou Hua
PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road
181 Kitchener Road
Level 3
Singapore 208533
Tel: +65 64283170
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Farrer Park (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 930pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Farrer Park MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk down Kitchener Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Allauddin's Briyani @ Tekka Food Centre - Popular Briyani Recommended By Michelin Guide

Stepping into Tekka Food Centre, you may be overwhelmed by the number of stalls selling briyani. So which stall is popular among the locals? It seems to be Allauddin's Briyani which even gets the congregation from Michelin Guide, earning a Michelin Plate recommendation.

Chicken Briyani 4/5

Together with my foodie friends, we ordered both the Chicken Briyani and Mutton Briyani to try. What surprises me is the pricing. Each set is only $5 with pappadam, egg, achar and a bowl of vegetarian dhal on top of the fragrant basmati rice.

Mutton Briyani 4.2/5

The chicken briyani comes with a whole chicken leg which is very tender. It falls off the bone with ease as I tore it apart to go with the rice. While I enjoyed the chicken briyani, I find the mutton briyani stands out more with its more intense marination and spices. Each mouth fill comes with the beautiful aroma from the spices.

If you like mutton, I would recommend you to go for the mutton briyani instead of the chicken briyani. I understand they have fish briyani too ,but I didn't try it. Allauddin's has two stalls in Tekka food centre. One sells briyani while the other sells the other Indian fare such as prata, murtabak, mee goreng and maggie goreng.


Allauddin's Briyani @ Tekka Food Centre
Tekka Food Centre
665 Buffalo Road
#01-232
Singapore 210665
Tel: +65 62966786
Nearest MRT: Little India (DT Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 9am - 7pm

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

Suk's Thai Kitchen @ Tessensohn Road - New Thai Restaurant Helmed By Thai Chef In Little India

With a Thai chef at the helm of the kitchen, Suk's Thai Kitchen at Tessensohn Road serves up authentic Thai cuisine in a contemporary bistro setting. Its menu is comprehensive, including dishes that are less commonly offered by other Thai concepts.

Homemade Prawn Cakes 3.5/5

Thai Fried Chicken Wings 4/5

For starters, what's recommended are Handmade Prawn Cakes ($10) and Thai Fried Chicken Wings ($10). The latter was excellent. Unlike those dry and skinny ones, these were succulent with a bit of zest on it. Definitely one of the betters ones I had tried so far.

Grilled Pork Salad 3.8/5

For something light but meaty to beef up your meal, Grilled Pork Salad ($14) is a good option with its thinly sliced pork shoulder. Tossed with onions, herbs and a spicy E-Sarn dressing, the tender slices of meat were moreish with a piquant and sharp zing cutting through. What's not quite there is perhaps the lack of char on the meat, which would have kicked its flavours up a notch.

Red Tom Yum Soup with Prawns 3.5/5

Fish Maw Soup 4.2/5

For soups, we had Fish Maw Soup ($14) and Red Tom Yum Soup with Prawns ($12). Simmered with old ginger, garlic and coriander root, the fish maw soup was flavoursome and tasty with a good amount of fish maw slices and mushrooms. I didn't quite enjoy the tom yum soup though. Its saltiness dulled my palate after a few sips of it.

Green Curry Chicken 3.5/5

We also tried Green Curry Chicken ($12). The green curry looked slightly split, but the taste was decent. The meat was tender, but some of the eggplants were still quite tough.

Fried Sea Bass with Suk's Thai Chilli 3/5

I was rather disappointed by its Fried Sea Bass with Suk's Thai Chilli ($28). I find the fish a little dry, and its fried exterior lacked a crisp that I was looking for. The Thai chilli lacks the punch to elevate the dish either.

Suk's Northern Thai Laksa 3.5/5

There is one interesting dish on the menu - Suk's Northern Thai Laksa ($10), made using Chiang Rai recipe. Served with a scoop of spicy minced meat with tomatoes and pickled mustard leaves, these were the 2 ingredients that imparted most of the flavours to the broth. Other than that, I find the broth itself rather bland. I remember having something similar in Chiang Rai, but it was a lot more robust.

Ice Jelly 4/5

For desserts, we had Ice Jelly and Red Ruby ($6). The ice jelly was done with a slight twist to it, incorporating preserved plums into the ice and was a superb palate cleanser after all the highly flavoured food. I enjoyed the red ruby equally, with crunchy homemade rubies that weren't doused in sugar. It would have been even better if a better quality coconut milk was used.

Red Ruby 4/5

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. 


Suk's Thai Kitchen
136 Tessensohn Road
Singapore 217699
Tel: +65 96699445
Facebook 
Website
Nearest MRT: Farrer Park (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am – 3pm, 5 – 1030pm
Sat-Sun: 11am - 1030pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Farrer Park MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left to Tessensohn Road. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Jin Xi Lai (Mui Siong) Minced Meat Noodles - Veerasamy Road (Little India) - Amazing Pig's Liver Bak Chor Mee

Recently I have been seeing many friends going to Jin Xi Lai (Mui Siong) Minced Meat Noodles for the bak chor mee. The stall is located inside a coffee shop in Little India, the same as the popular Victor Famous Fried Chicken Wing Rice. Even though I arrived early before the lunchtime crowd at 1130am, I still have to wait for 45 minutes for my bowl of bak chor mee.

Like many other noodle stalls, you can order a variety of noodles here. I decided to go for the Mee Kia Dry. The noodle is actually cooked to a nice textural bite however the sauce lacks the punch I seek in a good bowl of bar chor mee.

The highlight is actually the bowl of flavoursome soup that comes with the bowl of noodles. What really stood out is the pig liver! It is thickly sliced and comes with a texture you probably has never eaten before. Crunchy and yet with a soft interior, it is quite hard to describe in words. You still need to try it for yourself to be taken apart by the amazing texture.

Jin Xi Lai (Mui Siong) Minced Meat Noodles
Blk 638 Veerasamy Road
Singapore 200638
Tel: +65 91143731
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Jalan Besar (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 730am - 230pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Jalan Besar MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Veerasamy Road. Turn left onto Veerasamy Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Legendary Bak Kut Teh (發传人肉骨茶) @ Rangoon Road - The Real Deal Of A Good Bak Kut Teh

There are two Legendary Bak Kut Teh outlets in Singapore. One is at Rangoon Road while the newest outlet is located at South Bridge Road. The restaurant is originally known as Founder Bak Kut Teh run by the daughter of Founder Bak Kut Teh in Balestier. The restaurant in Balestier is run by her dad and brother. Due to a change in business strategy to expand the Founder's brand, the daughter renamed her restaurant to Legendary Bak Kut Teh. Like every F&B business, business is affected by the pandemic. It has to adapt and also jump onto the food delivery bandwagon.

Bak Kut Teh 

Not to be missed is their Bak Kut Teh (發传人肉骨茶) which uses the same original family recipe. Customers can also choose the type of pork ribs for their Bak Kut Teh, using fresh Indonesian pork and Sarawak peppercorn. To be frank, I have just recently eaten at Founder Bak Kut Teh and I personally prefer the version at Legendary which is more robust and peppery. 

Salted Vegetables

Peanut

Tau Kee

Dang Ou Soup

Having the Bak Kut Teh alone can be quite boring. I usually like to order a couple of side dishes to complement the meal. I had the Salted Vegetables, Braised Peanuts, Tau Kee and Dang Ou Soup which are really yummy to go long with the pork rib soup.

Mixed Pig Organ Soup

Mee Sua

Besides their Bak Kut Teh, I also enjoyed their Mixed Pig Organ Soup. I even order a bowl of Mee Sua to go along with it. This is my ideal combination. 

Sesame Oil Chicken

Although Legendary is known for their Bak Kut Teh, the menu is quite extensive with many delectable cooked dishes and steamed fish. One of them is the Sesame Oil Chicken which is cooked to tender and blanketed in a layer of aroma from the fragrant sesame oil. 

Braised Pig Trotter

If you are not afraid of the fats under the Braised Pig Trotter's gelatine skin, you will enjoyed the well braised flavour of the succulent meat. This goes very well with a bowl of steamed rice.

Royal Chives

For a balance diet, the crunchy Royal Chives cooked with bean sprouts will be a delectable textural enjoyment.

Ngoh Hiang

Last but at least, crispy on the exterior and meaty inside is the Ngoh Hiang. You can also get crunchy bits of water chestnut in it too. 

Although we are in Phrase 2 of the circuit breaker and restaurants are allowed to accept dine-in customer, Legendary Bak Kut Teh has kept its island-wide delviery service for the time being. For enquiries and order, you can WhatsApp them at 96450125.

Legendary Bak Kut Teh (發传人肉骨茶)

154 Rangoon Road

Singapore 218431

Tel: +65 62920938

Facebook

Website

Nearest MRT: Farrer Park (NE Line)

Opening Hours:

Daily: 9am - 11pm

Direction: 

1) Alight at Farrer Park MRT Station. Take Exit B. Walk to traffic junction. Cross the road and walk down Rangoon Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Indian Express @ Race Course Road - Home-style Northern Indian Cuisine Along With Indian-Chinese Favourites

Northern Indian cuisine is prevalent in our island but Indian-Chinese dishes are definitely less so. Here at Indian Express, take the chance to explore their characters that are unfamiliar to us, while tucking into your favourite Northern Indian dishes. Nestled in one of the shophouses on Racecourse Road, Indian Express has recently renovated and reopened with a fresh look. You may not have known, this casual dining concept is established by the same management behind The Song of India, currently helmed by executive chef Umed Singh, alumnus of The Song of India and protégé of Michelin-starred chef Manjunath Mural.

Tandoori Mix Grill Platter 3.8/5

As a starter or even a simple meal for two, the signature Punjabi-style Tandoori Mix Grill Platter ($19) that comes in a sizzling plate of lamb chop, fish, chicken tikka and kebab that have been grilled in the Tandoor, will have you deeply satisfied. I love the fish which was well marinated with spices and yogurt, and that layer of marination also kept it moist and tender during the grilling process.

Kashmiri Lamb Rack Wazwan 4.2/5

Each platter comes with a lamb chop as well and we had the chance to view them in full glory in the Kashmiri Lamb Rack Wazwan ($14) that made a rather dramatic entrance with the lamb racks smoking in its own juice and marination. It is something that you would not want to share, for all you want is to slowly lift the tender meat off its bone and savour it slowly.

Grilled Vegetarian Platter 3/5

The Grilled Vegetarian Platter ($14) was wholesome with Seekh Kebab, Paneer Tikka and Cauliflower. The Paneer Tikka could be a lot more pleasing if the bell pepper was more cooked down to release its fruity and smokey flavour.

Papdi Chaat 2.8/5

Pani Poori 3/5

One of my favourite small bites are Papdi Chaat and Pani Poori. What we had $7 each were decent but I would like them to be more tangy with yogurt and chutney.

Chilli Chicken 3/5

Indian Express also offers a comprehensive menu of Indian-Chinese dishes. Indian-Chinese cuisine has its roots back in Kolkata in the 1700s, the period when the Chinese migrated there and settled in. They adapted their own recipes with well-loved Indian spices and ingredients and that boost of flavours into dishes which please the local palate became a hit across India 90 years ago. We only managed to try one, Chili Chicken ($14). The flavours were quite homely actually, reminiscent of my mum's black soy stir-fried chicken but laced with chilli.

Butter Chicken 4/5

After all the dishes, we were ready for a lineup of well-loved Northern Indian classics. Among all, the highlight for me was the Butter Chicken ($14). The chicken was being barbecued beforehand, hence it exuded a strong hint of smokiness as I bite into it. Cooked in tomato sauce, the curry was bright with a well rounded tangy sweetness. That mingled perfectly with the smoky flavour of the meat.

Prawn Masaledar 4/5

Prawn Masaledar ($18) is slightly similar to butter chicken which has a tomato based curry but given a dose coconut milk. Again, I like that level of piquancy in the curry, though it was mellower.

Lamb Shank 3.8/5

Muglai Fish Curry 3/5

You can look forward to a good quality Lamb Shank ($16) which comes from one of the finest meat suppliers in Singapore. You may find the Muglai Fish Curry ($12) interesting, which probably reminds you of Thai Green Curry but I prefer a curry that is more robust.

Palak Paneer 4/5

Their Palak Paneer ($10) is also one of the better ones that I have tried. It has a pureed consistency, unlike those creamier ones with cottage cheese cubes swimming inside. Blend with minced garlic, there is an additional layer of flavour built into it that makes it far more delectable than the rest.

Bhindi Masala 3.8/5

Bhindi Masala ($9) is ladyfingers, an ingredient that you either love or hate. It's tricky to cook it well to a right doneness while keeping it green and crunchy. If you like it with samba belacan, this will not disappoint.

Royal Chicken Dum Biryani 3/5

To go with all the curries and dishes, you can go for their Royal Chicken Dum Biryani ($12) but I would suggest skipping that for their moriesh Assorted Naan (Plain Naan $2.50 / Whole wheat $3 / Garlic Naan $3 / Butter Naan $3). Nothing is more engaging than sopping them with curries and savouring them with hands!

Carrot Halwa 3.5/5

For dessert, we had a traditional winter time Carrot Halwa ($4.50) pudding that originated from North India. In North India, the seasonal carrot has a lot more water content but they managed to create the same using ghee, milk and sugar.

When there are so many restaurants in Little India that leave you clueless of where to dine in, simply head down to Indian Express for an authentic experience.

Words and photos 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.


Indian Express
38 Race Course Road
Singapore 218555
Tel: +65 63417429
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Little India (DT Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours
Daily: 12pm - 11pm

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