Yu Mei Mei Shi @ Havelock Road Food Centre - A Hearty Bowl Of Fish Soup

Located at the corner of Havelock Road Food Centre is Yu Mei Mei Shi selling  fish soup. The stall has been around for around 22 years. The stall owner's daughter who used to be a ex-banker, has quitted her job and helped out in the stall now.

Red Grouper with Egg Noodles $8

Being a bit greedy, I ordered the Red Grouper with Egg Noodles ($8)  which is usually more expensive compared to the other fishes available at the stall. I like the firm and bouncy texture of the red grouper. The soup base may look light and clear but it actually is quite sweet and flavourful. In short, it has depth.

Sliced Fish Sup 4/5

We also tried its Slice Fish Soup ($4) with a bowl of Rice ($0.50). Using the same soup base, it is like and refreshing. what is noteworthy is how thickly they sliced their fish. There are also options to add more ingredients such as fish egg, bittergourd

Overall you can get a decently good bowl of fish soup at Yu Mei Mei Shi. It didn't taste like they have added MSG for the sweetness of the soup to complement the fresh fish slices.


Yu Mei Mei Shi
Blk 22A Havelock Road
#01-15
Singapore 161022
Nearest MRT: Tiong Bahru (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 9am - 3pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Tiong Bahru MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Bukit Ho Swee Link. At Bukut Ho Swee Link, turn left and walk to Jalan Bukit Ho Swee. At Jalan Bukit Ho Swee turn right and walk to Jalan Klink. Walk down Jalan Klink and look out for a staircase that goes down the slope. Take the staircase to the bottom. Turn right and follow the covered walkway to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Meng Kee Fried Kway Teow @ Havelock Road - Passed The Baton From Father to Daughter

My previous visit to Meng Kee Fried Kway Teow was unsuccessful and I ended up have Shan Braised Duck Noodles And Rice at the same coffeeshop. This time round, I was lucky and I finally got to try the Char Kway Teow. My memory of the char kway teow here dated back to my schooling days when the stall was still run by the father. Now his daughter has taken over the stall dong the frying.

Fried Kway Teow 4/5

The plate of Fried Kway Teow ($3/$4/$5) comes with lap cheong, bean sprouts, fish cakes, egg and cockles, fried in a savoury sweet dark sauce. I could not remember how the dad's version taste anymore but I still find this above average. Much better than a lot of places. The first reaction of the char kway teow was that it actually tasted sweet. The other highlight I enjoyed about the plate of fried kway teow was the aroma of the fried egg with each bite of the noodle.

The stall is actually hidden right in a corner of the coffeeshop. If you don't pay attention, you probably would just walk passed the stall. Do listen out to the sound of wok spatula hitting against the wok, frying plate after plate of order.


Meng Kee Fried Kway Teow
Blk 22 Havelock Road
#01-669
Singapore 160022
Nearest MRT: Tiong Bahru (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 1030am - 7pm
Sun: 1030am - 4pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tiong Bahru MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Bukit Ho Swee Link. At Bukut Ho Swee Link, turn left and walk to Jalan Bukit Ho Swee. At Jalan Bukit Ho Swee turn right and walk to Jalan Klink. Walk down Jalan Klink and look out for a staircase that goes down the slope. Take the staircase to the bottom. Turn left and follow the covered walkway to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant @ Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium - Unveils New Executive Chinese Chef & New Signature Dishes

The popular Chinese restaurant at Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium, Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant has recently undergone refurbishment spotting a brighter interior. At the same time, the restaurant welcomes new Executive Chinese Chef Chan Shun Wong and new dishes that showcases modern Cantonese cuisine.

Xin's Signature Home-style Roast Duck with Tea Leaves 3.8/5

Our dinner at the newly refurbished restaurant started with the Xin's Signature Home-style Roast Duck with Tea Leaves ($32 half duck/ $58 whole duck). The duck is first smoked in a medley of Pu-Er, Chrysanthemum and Jasmine leaves before roasting. The result is having a layer of crispy duck skin on top of the tender meat. I personally felt that the aroma of the tea leaves can be stronger.

Poached Clams 4/5

The Poached Clams ($22 Small/ $33 Medium/ $42 Large) comes with sweet and juicy clams, served with preserved vegetables, shredded snow fungus, bamboo pith and crowned with shredded ginger. A dash of premium Chinese wine is added to boost the flavour. When we took a sip of the broth, we thought it tasted like salted duck soup. I would say this is rather unique as I was expecting a seafood based broth.

Deep Fried Prawns coated with Yuzu Mayonnaise 4/5

Next we had the Deep Fried Prawn coated with Yuzu Mayonnaise ($10 per portion/ $26 Small/ $39 Medium/ $50 Large). The succulent prawn has a coat of crispy thin batter complemented by the yuzu mayonnaise. A well balanced execution.

Hong Kong Kai Lan with Preserved Vegetables 4.2/5

I dish that I wished for more is the Hong Kong Kai Lan with Preserved Vegetables. The highlight was actually the preserved vegetables. I was wishing that there was some braised pork belly to go with the preserved vegetables.

Stir Fried Wagyu Beef Cubes with Black Pepper and Longan 4.2/5

The Stir Fried Wagyu Beef Cubes with Black Pepper and Longan ($36 Small/ $55 Medium/ $72 Large) gives the tender and juicy wagyu beef cubes a peppery kick while the longan provides a delightful tartness to the finishing.

Poached Rice with Seafood in Superior Broth served with Crispy Rice 4.5/5

A signature item on the menu is the Poached Rice with Seafood in Superior Broth served with Crispy Rice ($14/portion). Poached rice which has absorbed the essence of the superior broth is served with morsels of scallops, prawns and compoy. Diners can pour the crispy rice served at the side into the pot of broth, for a harmony of texture enjoyment. It was pleasing and comforting.

Chilled Mango Coulis and Hashima 4.5/5, Fried Sesame Ball 4/5

Wrapping up the dinner, we had the Chilled Mango Coulis and Hashima as well as the Fried Sesame Ball with Red Bean and Liqueur Chocolate Filling. The cold dessert was very refreshing while the hot dessert was aromatic with a surprise interior burst of flavours from the red bean and liqueur chocolate filling.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant
Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium
317 Outram Road
Singapore 169075
Tel: +65 67317173
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Tiong Bahru (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily 12pm - 230pm, 630pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tiong Bahru MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Tiong Bahru MRT station (Stop ID 10169). Take bus number 123. Alight 4 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Hong Heng Fried Sotong Prawn Mee @ Tiong Bahru Food Centre - Bib Gourmand But I Have Better Ones

Recently I wrote about Tiong Bahru Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice at Tiong Bahru Food Centre which has been listed in Michelin Bib Gourmand 2016 and 2017 for Singapore. At the same food centre, there is another stall that shares the same honor. It is non other than Hong Heng Fried Sotong Prawn Mee.

Fried Sotong Prawn Mee 4.2/5

Hong Heng Fried Sotong Prawn Mee is the wet version with the yellow noodles and thin bee hoon absorbing the sweet and flavourful prawn stock. The plate of prawn mee comes with ingredients such as squid, prawn, bean sprouts and egg.

I have to say the prawn mee at Hong Heng is pretty good and satisfying. However I think I have tasted better ones. While the prawn mee is tasty with the robust prawn stock, it lacked wok hei. In addition, the chilli sauce it used does not go well with the prawn mee. I always feel that prawn mee needs those chilli that has a bit of tangy zest to match that sweet prawny stock of the noodles.

Hong Heng Fried Sotong Prawn Mee
30 Seng Poh Road
#02-01
Singapore 168898
Nearest MRT: Tiong Bahru (EW line), Outram Park (EW Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 10am - 8pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tiong Bahru MRT station. Take Exit A or B. Head east on Tiong Bahru Road towards Jalan Membina. Walk down Tiong Bahru and turn right onto Kim Pong Road. Turn left onto Lim Liak Street. Walk to end of Lim Liak Street and turn right onto Seng Poh Road. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit A or C. Walk to bus stop opposite Outram MRT station (Stop ID 06011). Take bus no. 33, 63, 75, 851 or 970. Alight 1 stop later at Blk 55 Tiong Bahru Road. Continue on Tiong Bahru Road and turn left onto Seng Poh Road. Continue on Seng Poh Road until destination. Journey time 8 minutes. [Map]

Tiong Bahru Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice @ Tiong Bahru Food Centre - Bib Gourmand Awardee But Not My Top 3 Chicken Rice In Singapore

I have to try it for myself after Tiong Bahru Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice has been recognized by the Michelin Guide Singapore for the 2nd year in a row under the Bib Gourmand awardee for 2016 and 2017. It is known that Mr Cheong learnt the art of cooking the chicken rice from his friend who used to work as a cook at Mandarin Hotel. Over the years, he improved on the recipe and eventually win the palate and satisfy the hunger of his customers.

Chicken Rice 4/5

I understand Tiong Bahru Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice has gotten its criticism for being one of the bib gourmand awardees. In every Singaporean's heart, there is their own favourite chicken rice stall. To be frank, the chicken rice is actually quite good. I actually enjoyed it.

The chicken was cooked to a nice tender texture. The rice was fragrant and not oily. The chilli was tangy and spicy. Probably the area that can be improved is the rice, it lacked the chicken oil aroma. While the chicken was beautifully cooked, I would prefer that it has that thick jelly-like skin.

Conclusion, I find the chicken rice quite good but is it the best in Singapore? It probably will be in my top 10 but will not be in my top 3. Nevertheless, it is still a decent plate of chicken rice that will be able to satisfy me.


Tiong Bahru Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice
Tiong Bahru Food Centre
30 Seng Poh Road
#02-82
Singapore 168898
Tel: +65 97509846
Nearest MRT: Tiong Bahru (EW line), Outram (EW Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 10am - 8pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tiong Bahru MRT station. Take Exit A or B. Head east on Tiong Bahru Road towards Jalan Membina. Walk down Tiong Bahru and turn right onto Kim Pong Road. Turn left onto Lim Liak Street. Walk to end of Lim Liak Street and turn right onto Seng Poh Road. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Outram MRT station. Take Exit A or C. Walk to bus stop opposite Outram MRT station (Stop ID 06011). Take bus no. 33, 63, 75, 851 or 970. Alight 1 stop later at Blk 55 Tiong Bahru Road. Continue on Tiong Bahru Road and turn left onto Seng Poh Road. Continue on Seng Poh Road until destination. Journey time 8 minutes. [Map]

Shan Braised Duck Noodles And Rice @ Havelock Road - A Yummy Plate Of Boneless Braised Duck

On a Saturday afternoon, we made our way to Havelock Road planning to have Meng Kee Char Kway Teow but it was not opened. So instead, we had Shan Braised Duck Noodles and Rice which is located inside the same coffeeshop.

Initially I just wanted to order 2 plates of duck rice but I noticed many tables have a whole plate of braised duck. Seeing so, I changed my mind and ordered a plate of Braised Duck with a braised egg. I am glad I did so. The duck meat was not only tender but it has absorbed the beautiful flavour of the brasing sauce. Another bonus goes to the stall for deboning the duck.

Customers can opt for rice, noodle or porridge to go along with the braised duck meat. We tried all three and my favourite is the noodle. The fried shallot added that extra aroma on top of the flavourful sauce.

The porridge was smooth but too bland for my liking. Unless you want to have something light, I would recommend you asking for more of the braising sauce to season the bowl of cooked rice.

The stall constantly has a long queue during our lunch there. I can understand why because the boneless braised duck is well braised with the flavoursome sauce with a slight hint of herb taste. It is also cooked to a nice tender texture. I guess it was a unintended discovery for me if not for the fact that the char kway teow was not opened.


Shan Braised Duck Noodles And Rice
Blk 22 Havelock Road
Singapore 160022
Nearest MRT: Tiong Bahru (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 1030am - 530pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tiong Bahru MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Bukit Ho Swee Link. At Bukut Ho Swee Link, turn left and walk to Jalan Bukit Ho Swee. At Jalan Bukit Ho Swee turn right and walk to Jalan Klink. Walk down Jalan Klink and look out for a staircase that goes down the slope. Take the staircase to the bottom. Turn left and follow the covered walkway to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Open Door Policy @ Tiong Bahru - 100 Percent Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Concept Bistro

Located in the enclave of Tiong Bahru is Open Door Policy, a bistro that offers 100 percent gluten-free and dairy-free dishes on their menu. Recently Open Door Policy has revamped its menu, enticing diners with a total of 15 new dishes to the menu.

Watercress Soup 4/5

Dinner at Open Door Policy started with the Watercress Soup ($18). It comes with a poached organic egg and sweet wolfberries. The rich and thick watercress soup is then poured into the bowl at the table. I was worried that it will have an earthy raw taste but it was not traceable at all. In fact I could detect a tasteful stock base that is used to infuse with the watercress.

Warm Wasabi Green Pea Soup 4/5

The other soup I tried on the menu is the Warm Wasabi Green Pea Soup ($23). The espresso cup holds the thick pea soup which is mildly spiced by the wasabi. It also comes with a lightly seared Hokkaido scallops. The chia seeds and fried gluten-free focaccia bread provided that extra texture to the soup.

Avocado Jumbo Lump Crab Salad 3/5

The other starter we had is the Avocado Jumbo Lump Crab Salad ($25) which comes with charcoal gluten-free fried bread. Unfortunately I could hardly taste the crab meat in it, not to mention the salted egg yolk crumble which was not detectable.

Vitel Tone 3.5/5

Lastly on the starter, we had the Vitel Tone ($25). Slices of sous vide veal loin rested on a crispy gluten-free and dairy-free flat bread. It is then topped with pickled purple cabbage, green kale and dressed in homemade tuna mayo. There is a lot of flavours at play here couple with different textures. Complex but yet flavourful.

Braised Pork Rack 3.5/5

Moving to the mains, we began with the Braised Pork Rack ($38). The pork rack is marinated in 5 spice and oven roasted. It is then dressed in a sweet and spicy pineapple sauce. If I am blindfolded, I probably could not tell I am having pork. The marination and sauce seems to cleverly masked the porky taste. The dish also comes with baked purple sweet potatoes and blanche broccolini as sides.

Vegetable Tempura Risotto 4.5/5

One of my favourite dishes on the menu is actually a vegetarian dish. It is the Vegetable Tempura Risotto ($25) topped with pickled pink ginger for a tangy bite. I somehow felt that the risotto taste like our local fish porridge. This is crowned with crispy rice flour battered okra, baby carrots, oyster mushroom and broccoli for texture.

Braised Veal Ossobuco 4.2/5

The other risotto dish we tried is the Braised Veal Ossobuco ($32). The green pea puree risotto comes with fork tender braised veal ossobuco. It is then topped with pickled purple baby carrot and a light drizzle of preserved lemon juice. Compared to the vegetable tempura risotto, this is more richer and more intense in flavours.

Spaghetti Alle Vongole 4.2/5

Initially when the Spaghetti Alle Vongole ($28) is served, I thought the pasta looks rather pale and mushy. However it actually has a good al dente bite to it. The pasta is made from rice flour without egg and tossed in a creamy Japanese white miso sauce. Not forgetting the generous serving of sweet white clams.

Sous Vide Salmon 4.5/5

Another delicious dish on the menu is the Sous Vide Salmon ($32) marinated in garlic and thyme. It was cooked to a beautiful pink and served in a braised miso chilli daikon broth with milk cabbage and fresh cherry tomatoes, topped with delicate dill foam. Although salmon is used, the whole execution felt like having a Teochew style steamed fish.

Pan Seared Threadfin 3/5

We also had the Pan Seared Threadfin ($32) on a sweet and spicy Thai mango salad, tossed with cashew nuts and sakura shrimp. I thought the mango salad lacked the spicy and tangy punch for the characteristic for Thai cuisine. It was too mild.

Dairy-Free Apple Crumble 4/5

A warm and comforting dessert on the menu is the Dairy-Free Apple Crumble ($16). The sous vide apple chunks are marinated in 8 different spices. It is topped with crunchy oat flour and extra virgin coconut oil crumble. This is best paired with the cashew nut milk creme anglais.

Calamansi Chocolate Tart 4.8/5

The Calamansi Chocolate Tart ($16) is definitely one of the prettiest tart I have eaten. The yolk-based calamansi and lime zest custard sits in a no-bake bitter chocolate tartshell. This is then topped with dollops of torched meringue and dehydrated calamansi slices. In my wildest dream, I never thought the combination can be so harmonized and yummy.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Open Door Policy
19 Yong Siak Street
Singapore 168650
Tel: +65 62219307
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Tiong Bahru

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tiong Bahru MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to traffic light junction. Cross the road and walk down Tiong Bahru Road towards Kim Pong Road. Turn right onto Kim Pong Road. Walk to Yong Siak Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Hua Kee Chicken Rice @ Redhill Food Centre - A Traditional Taste For Nearly 40 Years

Hua Kee Chicken Rice at Redhill Food Centre is one of those stalls that I wanted to visit the longest time. I have friends who even declare this as their number one chicken rice stall in Singapore. Hua Kee was founded over 30 years ago by Mdm Tan's husband. Now the stall is run by Mdm Tan and her son, Mr Jay Lim the 2nd generation.

Chicken Rice 4.2/5

I can consider myself quite lucky to get the last few plates of chicken rice after queuing for almost 30 minutes. The stall helper has to keep telling the people behind me that they are sold out. So how do I find the plate of chicken rice? I like that it is chopped into chunky pieces which is tender and juicy. Most important I released what my friends meant that their chicken has that chicken taste while a lot of places tasted rather bland.

The other component for a good plate of chicken rice is the rice. I understand that the stall cooks their chicken rice with chicken oil and sesame oil in smaller batches using several smaller pots instead of one big pot. The chicken rice comes with a mild chicken aroma, fluffy, grainy and not greasy.

For the chilli sauce, I thought it can be spicier and more tangy. I also slightly disappointed that the stall does not order ginger dip.

Hua Kee Chicken Rice
Redhill Food Centre
Blk 85 Redhill Lane
#01-72
Singapore 150085
Nearest MRT: Redhill (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Sun: 930am - 130pm
(Closed on Mon & Tue)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Redhill MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk down Tiong Bahru Road towards the traffic light junction. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Ah Orh Seafood Restaurant @ Jalan Bukit Merah - Lunar New Year Reunion Lunch

It has become a tradition for my wife's family to have our reunion dinner at Ah Orh Seafood Restaurant at Jalan Bukit Merah every Lunar New Year. Every year we will end up ordering a table full of food. Unlike previous years, we actually tried a few new items on the menu this year.

Cold Prawn 4.5/5

One of the new items we tried this year is the Cold Prawn. Without any fancy cooking method, this is just straight forward appreciation of the natural sweetness of the shell fish.

Pig Trotter Jelly or Pig Trotter Aspic 4/5

A must order for us in every visit is the Pig Trotter Jelly (Pork Trotter Aspic) which is painstakingly prepared. I have tried a few of these from other Teochew restaurant but I still have the one from Ah Orh better in terms of seasoning, flavours and texture. Not to forget having it togethr with the vinegar-chilli sauce.

Cold Crab 4.5/5

The other Teochew delicacy is the Cold Crab which is packed with the creamy unami crab roes on top of the sweet flesh.

Braised Duck 4.5/5

Another favourite item on the menu is non other than the Braised Duck which is fat and tender, absorbing the flavoursome broth perfectly. I like the fact that it is also thickly sliced for a satisfactory enjoyment with each bite.

Steamed Fish Tail 4.5/5

We actually wanted to order the steamed pomfret but the lady boss informed us that the supply today is not too good, hence we switched to the Steamed Fish Tail instead. The Teochew style of steaming with salted vegetable seems to work with any fish as long as it is fresh. The kitchen has got the timing of steaming the huge fish tail spot on. It was moist and not over cooked.

Prawn with Vegetable 4/5

The other new item we tried is the Prawn with Vegetable. The huge and crunchy prawns are sitting on a bed of delectable greens which has a a crunchy texture.

Prawn Roll 4.2/5

Another regular item which we always order on the menu is the Prawn Roll. Stuffed with minced pork and prawn, chestnut is added for extra crunch. This is wrapped in beancurd skin and deep fried to a delightful crispiness. Pair it with the sweet sauce for a sweet ending.

We met Ah Orh himself at the restaurant and he was very nice to share is lunch with us. He came over to our table and gave us two Rabbit Fish (Pek Tor Fish) to eat.


Arh Orh Seafood Restaurant (亚乌海鲜楼)
Blk 115 Jalan Bukit Merah
#01-1627
Singapore 160115
Tel: +65 62757575
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Tiong Bahru (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 2pm, 530pm - 9pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Tiong Bahru MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Jalan Membina to the end of the road. Turn left at Jalan Bukit Merah. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]