YUN NANS (云海肴) @ Westgate - Celebrate Chinese New Year Featuring Specialities Prepared With Premium Ingredients Imported From Yunnan

Usher in the Year of the Ox this February with Yun Nans (云海肴), The restaurant has put together six Chinese New Year set menus catering from 4 to 8 pax ($298++ to $838++), featuring specialities prepared with premium ingredients imported from Yunnan. The set menus will be available from 01 February to 28 February 2021.

Prosperity Abalone Yu Sheng 3.5/5

Lo Hei is a must-have at every Chinese New Year feast. It is our unique way of celebrating Chinese New Year in Singapore. Yun Nans has unveiled the Prosperity Abalone Yu Sheng ($58.80/ $78.80) for the occasion. It is available for both dine-in and takeaway.

Yun Nans Prosperity Treasure Hot Pot 4.8/5

Making a coming back this year is the Yun Nans Prosperity Treasure Hot Pot ($288++/ $438++) with a level-up version with even more premium ingredients. In the treasure pot, diners can look forward to delicacies such as wild morel, wild golden fungus, sea cucumber, abalone, scallops, prawns, mushrooms, fish maw and cordyceps flowers, laid with yam and Chinese cabbage in the base.

Traditional Salt Baked Chicken 4.5/5

The Traditional Salted Baked Chicken ($22.80++/ $38.80++) is cooked with two types of ginger - sand ginger and galangal, the kampung chicken is braised, then baked until tender and juicy with the braising sauce penetrating every inch of it.

Steamed Red Grouper Peppercorn Style

Instead of the usual Hong Kong style steamed fish, why not try something new for the new year? I would highly recommend you to the Steamed Red Grouper Peppercorn Style. The aromatic peppercorn gives the steamed fish a full elevated enjoyment.

"Bi Feng Tang" Style Pork Ribs with Truffles 4.2/5

The "Bi Feng Tang" Style Pork Ribs with Truffles ($33.80++) is humongous. I could not resist picking up the pork rib with my hands. A pull with my teeth and the meat falls off the bone with ease. While the thick coat of garlic and chilli is aromatic, I could not taste the truffle at all. Hence I don't think the addition of truffle is necessary at all.

Braised Truffle Ee-fu Noodles 3/5

Same as the pork rib, I could not taste the truffle in the Braised Truffle Ee-fu Noodles ($16.80++). It s a comforting dish to wrap up the savoury dishes before moving to desserts.

Double-boiled Peach Gum and Snow Fungus 3.5/5

The Double-boiled Peach Gum and Snow Fungus ($6.80++) is not only refreshing but nourishing too with ingredients such as Peng Da Hai, peach gum, snow fungus and snow lotus seed.

Freshly Baked New Year Pastry

A must-try is the flaky Freshly Baked New Year Pastry. I thought it is filled with red bean paste, but after checking with the restaurant, I realised it is rose petals, no wonder there is a beautiful floral scent.

Besides the six Chinese New Year dine-in set menus, there is also a Special Chinese New Year Takeaway Set ($298+ Members/ $338 public) for takeaway. The takeaway set comprises prosperity abalone yu sheng, prosperity treasure hotpot, steamed glutinous rice wrapped in lotus leaf and traditional salt baked chicken. The dine-in set menus and takeaway menus are available at their Nex and Jewel Changi Airport outlets too.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


YUN NANS (云海肴) 
Westgate
3 Gateway Drive
#03-07
Singapore 608532
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Jurong East (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 11am - 10pm

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

Tong Sheng Bak Kut Teh (同勝肉骨茶) @ Pandan Gardens - New JB-style Bak Kut Teh In The West

Newly opened in the quiet neighbourhood of Pandan Gardens is Tong Sheng Bak Kut Teh (同勝肉骨茶) serving JB style Bak Kut Teh. Unlike the peppery local style, this is the herbal type with subtle herbal bittersweetness served in claypot.

Herbal Bak Kut Teh Soup 3.5/5

The Herbal Bak Kut Teh Soup comes in three sizes ($6.50/ $13/ $26). In the piping hot claypot, diners can find pork ribs, pig intestines, pig liver, pork belly, meatball, mushrooms and beancurd skin. I even order a bowl of youtiao to soak up the soup.

I have to say the version here is on the mild side. You don't get that strong herbal taste. I find the soy sauce flavour comes through more. I ordered the medium size claypot, and there were only four small pork ribs. If you are a big eater, you may need to add more items with additional cost.

Sesame Oil Chicken 4.5/5

We also ordered the Sesame Oil Chicken ($7.50) which is an excellent choice. The chicken is super tender complemented by the fragrant sesame oil.

Tong Sheng Bak Kut Teh is a welcoming addition in the West with its JB-style herbal bak kut teh. I don't mind going back again for the bak kut teh on a rainy and cold day. 


Tong Sheng Bak Kut Teh (同勝肉骨茶)
Blk 416 Pandan Gardens
#01-125
Singapore 600416
Tel: +65 69512943
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Jurong East (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Jurong East MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Jurong East Bus Interchange (Stop ID 28009). Take bus number 51. Alight 7 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 25 minutes.[Map]

Lao Jiang Superior Soup (老江一品汤) @ Jcube - Known For their Superior Soup And Dry Mee Sua, Opens 5th Outlet

Founded in 2011, Lao Jiang Superior Soup (老江一品汤) has recently opened its 5th Outlet at JCube. Their traditional soup broth is boiled for more than 4 hours using locally sourced ingredients.

Doubled Boiled Chicken Essence Soup 4.2/5

One of the must-have here is the Doubled Boiled Chicken Essence Soup ($14). I was surprised to be given an additional sachet of essence to be poured into my soup upon served. The soup was flavourful with a slightly gelatinous texture, and the chicken thigh was pleasingly tender.

Superior Soup Noodle 3.8/5

Their regulars over the years head down for their Superior Soup Noodle ($9.50). Akin to a seafood soup, it comes with sliced fish, prawns, fish maw, fish ball and more. There's a variety of noodles to choose from, or you can also choose to simply have it with rice. With all other flavours imparted from the various ingredients, the soup was savoury sweet. And not known to many, you can actually request for a refill of the soup broth for your noodles! However, for the ingredients per se, I feel the quality of them can be improved.

Homemade Vinegar Pork 3.8/5

The same goes for Homemade Vinegar Pork with Rice ($9.50). Served with both trotter and slices of pork belly, the gravy itself hit the right spot- sweet and piquant. But for the meat portion, there were some really tender parts and some really tough parts, which to me is a real pity.

Dry Mee Sua 3.5/5

Another of their signature noodle dish is the Dry Mee Sua ($12). Red yeast noodle is used in place of the regular mee sua. The toppings for the mee sua include minced meat with black fungus and thin slices of crispy pork belly. The latter was quite moreish, and it didn't leave a greasy feel even though it was deep-fried. As for the minced meat topping, I can imagine it flavouring more hardy noodles like a typical Bak Chor Mee, but the delicate mee sua fell flat under it.

In conjunction with their opening, some promotions are going on, including between 1st – 31st Oct, purchase 1 Fried Spice Pork Belly or 1 Prawn Paste Chicken Wing at $5 with every order of soup. $5 local delights are limited to the first 20 orders of soup per day for Oct 2020. Other terms and conditions apply, please check with the restaurant.

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.


Lao Jiang Superior Soup
Jcube
2 Jurong East Central 1
#01-19
Singapore 609731
Tel: +65 69706977
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Jurong East (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 10am - 10pm
Sat-Sun & PH: 930am - 10pm

Directions: 
1) Alight at Jurong East MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk towards Jurong Gateway Road. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Koung Wanton Mee @ JEM - Popular Wanton Mee In Geylang Comes To The West

Having its roots grown deep in the east since 1964, Koung’s Wanton Mee has reached another milestone with the opening of its 2nd outlet at JEM, reaching out to the Westies. To my knowledge, this Singapore-style wanton mee is loved by both locals and tourists alike, as all its ingredients are made from scratch, even for the egg noodles.

Wanton Mee 3.5/5

The signature Wanton Mee ($4.80) is available in both soup and dry versions ($4.80), and the latter comes in either a blend of fried chilli paste and premium dark or light soya sauces aka black or white. To make the noodles even more scrumptious, there is free flow of lards to top the noodles, on top of what's already in it. The egg noodles are specially made to be slightly thicker to hold the sauce, but I find it slightly too stiff for my liking. That said, it provides a more mouth-filling texture than the thinner noodles. The Wantons were well cooked, with very soft and slippery skin which I love, and the Char Siew had a good ratio of fats and lean meat. It is also available as a side dish ($5), exclusive to this outlet.

To complete your wantons experience, order the Fried Wantons ($4/$5). The juicy filling stands out even more against its extra crisp skin.

Dumpling Soup 4.5/5

An item to highlight is the Dumplings Soup ($4/$5/$6). The minced pork, shrimp and chestnut seemed to be in a perfect ratio to one another, as each one was succulent and tender, with a refreshing crunch. The soup was light and fragrant, which is also a key to the overall enjoyment of the dish.

Fried Ngoh Hiang 2.5/5

Another side dish that is exclusive to this new outlet is the Fried Ngoh Hiang ($5.80). While it is meaty and deep-fried to a crispy golden brown exterior, the filling's texture and flavour still lack the standard of a good one compared to many other places.

Local Desserts 3.8/5

Round off your meal with some local desserts at $2 each - Green Bean Soup, Black Glutinous Rice and Barley with Ginko. We tried both Green Bean Soup and Barley with Ginko, and I was pleasantly surprised by the thick consistency of the desserts, in comparison to the usual watered-down versions I have gotten elsewhere.

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.


Koung Wanton Mee
JEM
50 Jurong Gateway Road
#B1-K14
Singapore 608549
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Jurong East (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

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

Ah Chiang's Porridge @ JEM - Old School Cantonese-Style Porridge In Shopping Mall

Ah Chiang Porridge is an old school Cantonese style porridge concept started in 1971. With its original store located at Tiong Poh Road in Tiong Bahru estate, Ah Chiang now ventures into the shopping mall, opening its newest outlet at the basement of JEM.

Mixed Pork Porridge 4.2/5

You Tiao 3/5

I decided to have the Mixed Pork Porridge with an Egg ($5.40). The hearty and comforting bowl of congee comes with slices of kidney and pork, garnished with spring onion. The silky smooth porridge is already lightly seasoned, hence, in my opinion, there is no need to add any more seasonings. I also ordered a bowl of You Tiao ($2) to go with the congee. However, the youtiao is the doughy type while I prefer the more crispy type.'

Salted Fish Bean Sprout 3.5/5

To complete the meal, there are several side dishes on the menu. I ordered the Salted Fish Bean Sprout ($5) and Ginger Chicken ($6). The bean sprouts were plump and crunchy while the ginger chicken was tender. However, I like the fact that the chicken is chilled. It is too cold to be enjoyed.

Ginger Chicken 2.8/5

Overall if you looking for something light and comforting, Ah Chiang's Porridge will be a good choice for a satisfying meal. However, do note that the place is quite small; hence it may be better to just takeaway to dine at the common dining area near the outlet.


Ah Chiang's Porridge
JEM
50 Jurong Gateway Road
#B1-40
Singapore 608549
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Jurong East (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Jurong East MRT Station. Take Exit C. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

TanYu (探鱼) @ Westgate - Be Prepared For The Long Wait

TanYu (探鱼), the grilled fish restaurant which originated from Shenzhen, China has seen constant long queue outside the restaurant since its opening at 313 Somerset. With its popularity, it has recently opened a second outlet at Westgate. Similar to its flagship restaurant in Singapore, there is a constant long queue at their Westgate outlet too. During my recent re-visit, I have to wait 2 hours.

Grilled Fish with Green Pepper 4.5/5

What stood out for me at TanYu is that customers can enjoy the grilled fish over 12 different flavours. On top of that, they have the Limbo Fish and Qing Jiang Fish, which is not commonly served in the restaurant here. I have grown to love the limbo fish for its texture, somewhat similar to the pomfret but firmer in texture.

Grilled Fish with Soy Sauce 4.2/5

During my visit, I ordered both the Grilled Limbo Fish with Green Pepper ($45.90) and Grilled Sea Bass Fish with Soy Sauce ($42.90). One spicy and one non-spicy. I love spicy food, so my preference goes to the grilled limbo fish with green pepper that is topped with green chillis and green peppercorn. It is really spicy and numbing from the green peppercorn.

On top of that, customers can add additional ingredients to go along with the grilled fish such as cabbage, tofu skin, beancurd stick, lotus root, sticky rice cake, black fungus, seaweed, sweet potato noodles and more. If you can't decide, you can go for the Golden combination ($12.90) which comes with golden mushrooms, potato, lotus root, crab stick.

Grilled Mushrooms 4/5 , Roasted Scallops 4/5

For varieties, there is also a selection of barbecue skewers and small dishes. Customers can look forward to barbecue skewers such Grilled Mushrooms ($1.90), Roasted Corns, Grilled Chicken Mid Wings, Grilled Chinese Chives ($3.90), Roasted Scallops ($3.90), Grilled Lamb Skewer and many more.

While the queue to eat at TanYu is long, it actually deploys an efficiency queue system. Approach the counter to take a queue number from the queue system. You can use your smartphone to monitor your queue number. Hence, you can go shopping and not waste time queuing in line. Another tip is not to dine in a big group if possible. The queue for 2 people moves faster than those in threes or more.


TanYu (探鱼)
Westgate
3 Gateway Drive
#B1-01/02
Singapore 608532
Tel: +65 62506656
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Jurong East (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1. Alight at Jurong East MRT station. Take Exit A or D. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Wok In Burger @ JCube - Kungfu Zi Char Burgers

Wok In Burger is a new concept by the third generation of Keng Eng Kee (KEK) Seafood restaurant. Doing what they know best, they are bringing the local zi char dishes in the form of burgers to the table. They started experiencing at their Pandan Garden outlet which has now closed but brought the burger concept back to Keng Eng Kee (KEK) Seafood restaurant at Bukit Merah. Recently, they also opened a new outlet at Jcube.

Green Apple Curry Burger 4/5

What makes Wok In Burger different is their unique Asian style patty with Asian sauces. For example, the Green Apple Curry Burger ($15.80), with a choice of pork or chicken. My eyes brightened up at my first bite, as I tasted something familiar. The curry sauce reminds me of the popular sauce from a particular fast-food restaurant. I jokingly asked if they made the sauce or took it from the fast-food restaurant. I love the addition of green apple, giving the burger a refreshing crunch.

Fish Skin Salted Egg Burger 4/5

Standing towering tall is the Fish Skin Salted Egg Burger ($15.80). Like the other burgers, it comes with a choice of pork or chicken. We have the pork cutlet drenched in the delicious salted egg sauce. The fish skins give the burger the extra crunch on top of the soft fluffy bun.

Sambal Fish Burger 3.5/5

If you are a pescatarian, there is the Sambal Fish Burger. Sandwiched in between the soft and fluffy sesame buns is a slab of moist fish fillet with crispy batter paired with fragrant sambal sauce.

Strawberry Cereal Fried Rice 3.5/5

Besides burgers, Wok In Burger offers fried rice and pasta on the menu too. For example, the Strawberry Cereal Fried Rice ($12.80) is another unique take of the usual zi char items. It even comes with a fried egg to complete the meal.

Marmite Chicken Aglio Olio 3.8/5

Black Pepper Beef Spaghetti 4/5

For the pasta dishes, we tried the Marmite Chicken Aglio Olio ($10.80) and Black Pepper Beef Spaghetti ($12.80). It is a skill to wok-fried pasta in a wok, while still having an al dente bite to it. The marmite chicken comes with chunky, juicy chicken pieces glazed with the sweet and savoury sticky sauce. If you like it spicy, I would recommend the tender black pepper beef spaghetti.

Not to be missed is their latest $6.90 Set Meal promotion for students, senior citizen (60 years and above), Singapore Armed Forces (Army, Navy & Air Force), Police Force and Civil Defence and Nurses. The set meal comes with a choice of one main, an iced lemon tea and a scoop of ice cream.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Wok In Burger
JCube
2 Jurong East Central 1
#02-08
Singapore 609731
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Jurong East (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Jurong East MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk to the traffic light at Jurong Gateway Road. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Monga Fried Chicken @ Jurong East Mall (JEM) - Fried Chicken Brand By Famous Taiwanese Celebrity Nono

The famous Taiwanese Celebrity Nono's Fried Chicken brand, Monga Fried Chicken, has opened its first Singapore outlet at Jurong East Mall (JEM). Monga Fried Chicken prides itself for using only fresh and not frozen chicken, and its huge juicy thick-cut chicken fillets.

The tender chicken breast meat comes in three flavours. The King ($6.90) which is dusted with original salt and pepper seasoning; Hot Chick ($6.90) which is dusted with chilli paprika powder hand-made from Anaheim peppers; and The Taiker ($6.90) which is dusted with Japanese sauce and seaweed powder imported from Okinawa.

The King 3.5/5

You will get your money's worth as one whole fresh chicken can only make two pieces of Monga fried chicken cutlets. Each cut is also kept to a minimum of 2cm thick. That is why it is so huge. Unlike other fried chicken brand, it uses honey instead of granulated sugar to marinate the chicken breast meat. The amylase in honey tenderise the meat and elevates the taste of the chicken fillet. While the meat is juicy and tender, I didn't quite like the batter. I find the batter is not crispy enough and slightly on the thick side.

Hot Chick 3.8/5, The Taiker 3/5

Apart from the fried chicken cutlets, it also offers a variety of sides to munch on. There are Monga Nuggets ($5.90 for 6pc / $7.90 for 9pc), Fried Chicken Skin ($3.90), Signature Fries ($2.90), Seaweed Fries ($3.50), Sweet Potato Fries with Plum Powder ($3.50), Fried Broccoli ($3.50) and Fried King Oyster Mushrooms ($3.90). My favourite is the nugget, sweet potato fries and fried chicken skin.

Remember to wash down all the fried food with some refreshing beverages. There are the refreshing fruit-infused green teas - Orange Green Tea ($4.50) and Grapefruit Green Tea ($4.50). My preferred choice would be the classic and fragrant Osmanthus Oolong Tea ($3.30).

To celebrate its grand opening in Singapore, Monga Fried Chicken will be giving out free limited-edition Monga merchandise to the first 40 customers daily on the first 7 days of operations from 28 September to 4 October 2019.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Monga Fried Chicken
Jurong East Mall (JEM)
50 Jurong Gateway Road
#B1-K10
Singapore 608549
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Jurong East (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 930pm

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