Guan Dynasty @ United Square - Offering Handmade Dim Sum and Hong Kong Roasted Delights

Guan Dynasty is a new dim sum restaurant that has opened at United Square. The restaurant tucked in a corner of the basement, is the latest concept by Guan Chee which also owns other brands such as Guan Chee Hong Kong Roasted Duck, I Fish and Sumber Ayam.

Steamed Signature Dace Siew Mai 3.5/5, Steamed Pork Rib with Black Bean Sauce 3/5

We started with the Steamed Signature Dace Siew Mai ($6.80) and Steamed Pork Rib with Black Bean Sauce ($5). The siew mai was plump and juicy. The pork rib unfortunately was a bit too fatty for my liking.

Steamed Hot & Spicy Dumpling 2.5/5

I find the Steamed Hot & Spicy Dumpling ($5) disappointing The dough for the dumpling was too thick and the sauce was not fragrant too.

Steamed Rice Roll with Crispy Shrimp 4/5

Not all the dim sum items are bad here. Take for the Steamed Rice Roll with Crispy Shrimp ($6.50). It is a delectable contrast of texture where one will get the play of smooth silky rice roll and sweet crispy shrimp.

Baked Black Pepper Duck Bun 4.2/5

Steamed Custard Bun Salted Egg Yolk 4/5

For the selections of bun, I tried the Baked Black Pepper Duck Bun ($5.50) and Steamed Custard Bun Salted Egg Yolk ($5.20). Comes in charcoal black is the duck bun which has a slight crust on the exterior. It is stuffed with minced duck pieces in a sweet peppery sauce. As for the custard bun, the soft and fluffy bun is filled with oozing salted egg yolk sauce that is fragrant, sweet and creamy.

Guan Dynasty Roasted Duck 4.2/5

Guan Chee started its business with Hong Kong roasts back in the days when it is a humble stall in Hougang back in 1983. With up to 35 years of roasting experience, no wonder their Guan Dynasty Roasted Duck ($12.80 per portion) is roasted to a delightful succulent with crispy skin.

Shrimp Wonton Noodle Dry 4.2/5

Not to be missed is the Shrimp Wonton Noodle Dry ($6.90) which is really good too. The egg noodles are springy and did not have the alkaline taste. It even comes with huge wonton that is stuffed with crunchy shrimp.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Guan Dynasty
United Square
101 Thomson Road
#B1-09/64/65
Singapore 307591
Tel: +65 65656465
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Novena MRT station (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 10am - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 9am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Novena MRT station. Take Exit B1. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

A-Roy Thai Restaurant @ Velocity - Yummy Authentic Thai Food Which Used To Be At Funan

We were deciding where to have dinner at Novena Square when we came across A-Roy Thai Restaurant at Velocity which we thought it was rather familiar. It was not after we decided to dine at the restaurant when the memory starts to settle in. We remembered that we have dined at the restaurant when it was at Funan. We didn't know it has moved to Novena. It was quite an accidental discovery.

Upon settling down, we are served a plate of Keropok with green chilli dipping sauce. This is really addictive with the appetising dipping sauce. Initially I thought this will cost me around three dollars, like those peanuts serve at Chinese restaurant. I was quite surprise to see that I was only charge a dollar for this. I thought it is quite reasonable.

Tom Yum Talay 4.2/5

The Tom Yum Seafood Clear Soup ($15.90) comes with generous portion of seafood such as prawn, squid and fish. The clear soup may look rather ordinary but its rather potent with its fiery spicy kick. I am glad that it did not tone down the spiciness level.

Pad Pak Bung 4/5

For the greens, we decided to go for the Stir Fried Morning Glory with Chilli ($10.90). I always find that Thais know how to cook their vegetables, especially with the used of fish sauce that brings out the sweetness of vegetable. Not sure whether its there wok skill but it always seems to retain a good crunch too.

Kaeng Phet Pet Yang 3.8/5

For the protein, we had the Thai Green Curry with Beef ($15.90). Diners have the choice of pork or chicken too. The beef is a bit tough but what we enjoyed is the sweet green curry gravy. We were drenching our steamed rice with it.

Overall, I enjoyed my meal at A-Roy Thai Restaurant. What I like most is that the restaurant did not tone down the spiciness and the flavours we really close to what I ate in Thailand. While the food is on the authentic side, the price is on the steep side. I would suspect it is due to the higher rent in shopping mall. By the way, plain water is chargeable here.


A-Roy Thai Restaurant
Velocity, Novena Square
238 Thomson Road
#03-61/63
Singapore 307683
Tel: +65 63383880/ 63521446
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Novena (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sun: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 930pm

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

Sky 22 @ Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena - Dine With A View At The Heart Of Novena

Sky 22, an all day dinning concept has landed in the heart of Novena at the all-new Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena. Located on the 22nd floor, the restaurant features panoramic views of the nature reserve. The restaurant focuses on healthy, wholesome culinary creations that is inspired by local cuisine, using premium quality ingredients and local aromatics.

Nasi Ulam Wild Rice Salad 4.2/5

An interesting dish on the menu is the Nasi Ulam Wild Rice Salad ($22) which has been given a richer and modern rendition. The play of textures and flavours has been enriched by the use of charred octopus, long beans, fire-roasted sweet potato, organic betel leaf, ginger flower, crushed peanut and toasted coconut.

Oven Baked Camembert Cheese 3.5/5

For the cheese lover, there is the Oven Baked Camembert Cheese ($18). You get the whole block of cheese to go along with the rosemary-balsamic Portobello mushroom, arugula walnut pesto and grilled sourdough.

Prosciutto & Belgian Endive Salad 3/5

For something light and healthy, the Prosciutto & Belgian Endive Salad ($22) will be a good choice. The sweetness of the roasted Japanese pumpkin and caramelised fig are complemented by the pomegranate dressing, with the savory granola providing the extra crunch.

Singapore Chilli Crab Pizza 3.5/5

Chilli crab on a thin crust pizza is an interesting interpretation of the national dish. The Singapore Chilli Crab Pizza ($26) is topped with generous chunks of crab meat and garnished with Spanish onions, red chilli and scallions. Initially I felt that the pizza needs to be more spicy but then it is a pizza after all, so the sweet tomato base actually fits the characteristic of a pizza. Reducing the heat is also make it more palatable for the foreigners.

Iberico Pork 4.5/5

Cooked to perfection is the Iberico Pork ($36), tender and juicy. What I like most is that it does not have that porky smell. It is served with oven baked baby radish, hummus, wilted Chinese spinach and yellow soy beans. The accompanying balsamic sauce provided the extra zest to lift the enjoyment.

Pan Seared Red Spotted Grouper

Inspired from the local sambal stingray, the Pan Seared Red Spotted Grouper ($26) is topped with red cherry shrimps and okra, served with a slather of sambal olek and light turmeric coconut sauce. To be frank, I don't find any association in taste to the sambal stingray. However it is a well executed dish that will delight one's taste buds.

Purple Potato Gnocchi 3/5

A vegetarian dish on the menu is the Purple Potato Gnocchi ($24) which is made from scratch by the kitchen. The comforting dish comes with a medley of fire-roasted vegetables, mascarpone and tossed in burnt sage butter. I felt that the gnocchi was a thick for bite, and probably a little bit more colours for the dish will make it for appetising.

Tiger Prawn Laksa Lemak 4.5/5

The signature at Sky 22 has to be their Tiger Prawn Laksa Lemak ($24) that is an atas version of the local street food. Comes in a rich spicy coconut gravy, there are thick vermicelli, charred tiger prawns, quail eggs, beancurd puffs and fish cake. I finished the bowl of laksa to the last drop.

Bubur Cha Cha Cup 3/5

Last but not least, we had the Bubur Cha Cha Cup ($12) for dessert. It is a deconstructed rendition of the popular nyonya dessert, which comes in a combination of sweet potato, yam, banana, pandan jelly and sago, with a a scoop of coconut ice cream. I actually still prefer my traditional bowl of bubur cha cha, in which I can get every textures and flavours in one spoonful.

Besides the a la carte menu, Sky 22 also offers a healthy lunch or dinner B.Y.O.B (Build Your Own Bowl) concept allowing diners to create personalised bowls accordingly to their taste and preference. Dinners can start by selecting from different salad bases topped with vegetables, cold cuts and a choice of a house dressing. They can also warm their appetite with hot bowls of soup before working on their built bowls. Top up an additional $4 for a dessert for a sweet finish.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Sky 22
Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena
Level 22
99 Irrawaddy Road
Singapore 329568
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Novena (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily:
630am - 1030am (breakfast)
12pm - 230pm (lunch)
3pm - 5pm (Tea)
6pm - 10pm (Dinner)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Novena MRT station. Take A or B. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]