Joyden Canton Kitchen @ Great World - Celebrates Brand New Opening With Summer Eel Fiesta

Partaking in the seasonal freshwater eels season, Joyden Canton Kitchen has launched a seasonal ‘Summer Eel Fiesta’ menu featuring live eels from now till 14 August. We visited its brand new outlet at Great World to taste of this well-loved summer food, alongside its popular Cantonese and locally-inspired signature dishes.

Harvested and flown in directly from Mainland China, the eels are cooked in four ways to bring the most out of their rich and unctuous meat.

Grilled Eel with Honey Glaze 4/5

We started with Grilled Eel with Honey Glaze ($39.80). First glazed with a homemade honey and maltose mixture and then grilled to a golden brown, the eel was delightful with a slightly crisped exterior with bits of caramelization. I do find the glaze a tad too sweet, though.

Braised Eel with BBQ Sauce in Claypot 4.5/5

Braised Eel with BBQ Sauce in Claypot ($36.80) is a crowd-pleaser with chunks of fatty eel, shiitake mushrooms, onions and bell peppers tossed in a smoky housemade BBQ sauce. The onions and bell peppers added a wonderful sweet crunch and an earthly flavour to the dish.

Wok-Tossed Eel with Chives Flower 4.5/5

In a similar vibe is the Wok-Tossed Eel with Chives Flower ($38.80). It is another mouthwatering dish to be savoured that is tossed with a special blend of fermented soybean paste.

Steamed Eel with Fragrant Soybean Crisps 4.5/5

Among the four renditions, the dish that stood out to me is this Steamed Eel with Fragrant Soybean Crisps ($40.80), featuring a steamed eel fillet in superior soy sauce topped with a layer of fragrant fried soybean crisps. I was pleasantly surprised by the subtlety of the fried soybean crisps. They provided just the right amount of umaminess to complement the eel while also playing up the texture of the dish. Half expecting it to be a little greasy, it was actually light and easy on the palate.

Chargrilled Mandarin Peel Pork Ribs 4/5

Fish Maw and Tiger Prawns with Glass Noodles in Homemade XO Sauce 3.5/5

Other wholesome dishes include Chargrilled Mandarin Peel Pork Ribs ($20) and Fish Maw and Tiger Prawns with Glass Noodles in Homemade XO Sauce ($22). The pork ribs shone with a distinct mandarin peel note in the glaze, giving the dish a citrusy lift. The latter was robust with proprietary XO sauce made with dried scallops, but it got slightly greasy with the fish maw.

‘Moonlight’ Rice Vermicelli with Egg White and Scallop 4/5

Joyden's Signature 'Moonlight' Rice Vermicelli with Egg White and Scallop will be the most ideal given its mild flavours for a more saucy preference to appreciate the eels. It marries the classic Chinese dish of 赛螃蟹 with sauteed egg whites and a local 'zichar' noodle dish. A bed of silk rice vermicelli with a touch of wok hei luxuriates in fluffy scrambled egg whites sweetened with crab meat and scallop.

Photos and 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.


Joyden Canton Kitchen
Great World
1 Kim Seng Promenade
#01-141/142
Singapore 237994
Tel: +65 62192262
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Great World (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am -330pm, 530pm - 9pm
Sat-Sun & PH: 11am - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Great World MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Uncle Fong Hotpot Restaurant @ Great World - Popular Chongqing-style Hotpot Restaurant From Hong Kong, Opens First Overseas Outpost In Singapore

First opened in Hong Kong to explosive reception, getting queues among the locals and celebrities, Uncle Fong  Hotpot Restaurant offers a modern-style Chongqing hotpot opens its first overseas outlet a Great World, Singapore. The restaurant is founded by Mr Fong Chi Chung, the man behind Michelin-starred restaurant Putien, hence the restaurant's name Uncle Fong.

Signature Nine-Grid Hotpot 4.2/5

One of the most identifiable features of Uncle Fong is the unique nine-grid layout of its pot. It is separated into three different heat zones. The heat is strongest in the middle square, ideal for blanching quick-cook food. The four grids around the centre square are best for poaching food under medium heat. Finally, the corner grids have the least heat, making them perfect for stewing.

While Uncle Fong offers non-spicy soup bases such as Fruit and Vegetable, Pork Bone Broth, Tomato Broth, Fungus and Mushroom, Coriander and Preserved Egg, the must-try is the Signature Chongqing Soup Base. The signature spicy soup base is brewed from 5 key ingredients - Chongqing Shizhuhong Chilli, Sichuan Hanyuan Pepper, Refined High-Quality Beef Tallow, Sichuan Pixian Bean Paste and Yunnan Yellow Ginger.

Pork Shoulder

US Prime Beef Short Ribs

Uncle Fong has a vast selection of ingredients to accompany the hotpot. We selected the Pork Shoulder ($18) and US Prime Beef Short Ribs ($24) for the protein.

Fresh Razor Clams

During my visit, we got our hands on the special seasonal item, Fresh Razor Clams ($12.50 half portion).

Fresh Ox Liver

Pig Throat

Pig Kidney Slices

Beef Tripe

Innards lovers will be delighted with the wide variety of selections at Uncle Fong. Most of them are not commonly found in restaurants in Singapore. We picked a few to try, such as the Fresh Ox Liver ($8.50 half portion), Pig Throat ($9.50 half portion), Pig Kidney Slices ($8.50 half portion) and Beef Tripe ($12.50 Half).

Celtuce Slices

Dried Gong Choi

You can find some unique vegetables such as the Celtuce Slices ($8) and Dried Gong Choi ($4.50). I enjoyed the sweet and refreshing celture slices, while the dried gong choi has a sweet taste profile with a unique crunchy texture like chye poh.

Brown Sugar Agar Jelly

After all the spiciness, the Brown Sugar Agar Jelly ($4) is perfect for freshening and cooling the fiery taste buds.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Uncle Fong Hotpot Restaurant
Great World
1 Kim Seng Promenade 
#B1-108/109
Singapore 237994
Tel: +65 62327800
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Great World (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Great World MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Da Paolo Gastronomia @ Great World - Latest Addition Centred On An Expanded All-Day Dining And Retail Offering Within An Immersive Setting

Da Paolo Gastronomia at Great World is the latest and the eighth gastronomia concept of the group. The concept offers all-day dining and a full retail selection. Customers at the new outlet can dine, purchase a takeaway or shop for pantry essentials.

Balanced Bowl 4/5

From the Greens and Grains section, customers can customise their bowl from a selection of grains, proteins and vegetables. There is plenty of plant-based, dairy-free, and gluten-free option to choose from too. A Balanced Bowl ($13.90) comes with two grains & bases, one protein, two vegetables and one dollop. For the meat-lover, the Protein Plus Bowl ($16) comes with an extra protein selection. My balanced bowl comprises summer barley salad, Moroccan Chicken Thigh, Shredded Brussels Sprouts, Turnip & Cranberry Salad, Kale, Broccoli Stems & Beetroot Salad and Vegan Chickpea Hummus.

Salami & Sundried Tomatoes Panini 4.8/5

A must-have is the hearty Salami & Sundried Tomatoes Panini ($18). The freshly baked focaccia is generously packed with salami, sundried tomato mayonnaise, caramelised onions and provolone. It is also grilled to a delightful crisp. The customer has a choice of fries, salad or truffle fries for the accompanying side.

Rucola e Crudo 4.2/5

From the pizza bar, we tried the Rucola e Crudo ($28). The freshly stone-baked Roman thin crust pizza is topped with 24-month old Parma ham, locally grown rocket leaves, shaved parmesan and drizzled with extra virgin olive oil

Spaghettone Carbonara Calabrese 4.5/5

The Spaghettone Carbonara Calabrese ($25) may look simple, but it is packed with flavours. The al dente spaghetti is buried in a pool of spicy Calabrian pork salami (Nduja) cream-based sauce, topped with grated pecorino.

Gelato 4/5

For dessert, customers can go for the house churned Gelato made freshly daily. We had the pistachio, salted caramel and dark chocolate. The flavours are not really exciting but classic. They are rich, dense and creamy. 

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Da Paolo Gastronomia
Great World
1 Kim Seng Promenade
#01-163
Singapore 237994
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Great World (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 8am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Great World MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen @ Great World - Reopens With A New Look And Refreshed Menu

Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen has finally reopened at Great World after undergoing an extensive renovation work. With the reopening, the concept under the Crystal Jade Group has also unveiled a new brand name and refreshed logo, together with a new fresh look and refreshed menu. The refreshed menu will be available from 30 March 2020 at the Great World outlet and progressively roll out at other Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen outlets across the island by mid-April.

Chilled Marinated Turnip with Plum 4.2/5

At first glance, the Chilled Marinated Turnip with Plum ($5.30) looks like watermelon, but they are actually turnip steeped overnight in a Roselle, sour plum and dried orange peel mixture. The result is refreshing, sweet and sour with a crunchy texture.

Deep-fried Marinated Egg Coated with Prawn Paste 4.2/5

Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen will be serving dim sum on their menu too. Chef Foo has introduced new moreish spin of the traditional dim sum. We managed to try a couple of them such as the Deep-fried Marinated Egg Coated with Prawn Paste ($5.80), Steamed Prawn Dumpling with Stem Chives ($6.30 for 3pcs) and Pan-fried Pumpkin and Yam Cake ($5.30 for 3pcs).

Steamed Prawn Dumpling with Stem Chives 4.2/5

Pan-fried Pumpkin and Yam Cake 4.2/5

I enjoyed all the three new dim sum creations. The deep-fried marinated egg coated with prawn paste is like an Asian style scotch egg which I thought is even better than it. I love green chives, and hence the steamed prawn dumpling with stem chives itself is already a winner for me. For a fragrant and textural enjoyment, the pan-fried pumpkin and yam cake will delight one with the alternating layers of yam strips and mashed pumpkin.

Pork Lardon Rice 4.5/5

Scallion Ginger Rice 4.5/5

Bored of just plain white rice? Now Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen offers two fragrant rice options on the menu. You can choose from either Pork Lardon Rice ($2.80 per pax) which comes with a savoury sauce and crispy lard bits or Scallion Ginger Rice ($2.80 per pax) crowned with aromatic fried chopped ginger and spring onion mixture. Both are really tasty and delicious. It has definitely elevated the appreciation of a plate of plain white rice.

Sauteed Chinese Spinach with Prawn Paste and Fish Roe 4/5

For diners looking for a complete meal, there are also new a la carte dishes from the new menu. The Sauteed Chinese Spinach with Prawn Paste and Fish Roe ($16.80) comes with popping surprises from the fish roes, giving the greens an element of fun and texture contrast. However, the prawn paste flavour was not distinctly, it may disappoint those looking forward to the strong prawny flavour.

Crispy-fried Homemade Organic Tofu with Preserved Vegetables and Prawn 4.5/5

A simple dish but elegantly presented is the Crispy-fried Homemade Organic Tofu with Preserved Vegetables and Prawn ($16.80). The soft and silky tofu is homemade using organic soy milk and eggs. It is then deep-fried and crowned with flavourful stir-fry prawns, chai poh and dried shrimp.

Two-Combination Roasted Meat Platter

We also had the Two-Combination Roasted Meat Platter ($22.80) which comprised of roasted duck and signature port belly (+$3). The roasted duck is fat and tender, with a delectable layer of crispy skin. Not to be missed is the signature pork belly that has a good ratio of lean meat and fat, with a delicate balance of sweetness and an exterior crispy char.

Poached 'Long Hu' Garoupa Fillet with 'Yunan' Ham in Thick Soup 4.5/5

Instead of double-boiled soup, let me introduce you to the Poached 'Long Hu' Garoupa Fillet 'Yunan' Ham in Thick Soup ($30.80) which is just as good. The 'Long Hu' garoupa fillet is poached in a silky and milky-white pork bone soup, fortified with Yunnan ham. One can also find other ingredients such as enoki mushrooms, black fungus, bamboo pith, ginger, garlic and wolfberries in the robust soup.

Abalone and Shredded Kampung Chicken with Conpoy Congee 4.2/5

Last but not least, we wrapped up our dinner with the Abalone and Shredded Kampung Chicken with Conpoy Congee ($28.80) served in claypot. The portion is good for 2 to 3 person. Flavourful, and velvety-smooth, this is both comforting and satisfying. No additional seasoning is needed.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen
Great World
1 Kim Seng Promenade
#03-127
Singapore 237994
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Great World (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 11am - 10pm
Sun & PH: 10am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Great World MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]