Nan Hwa Chong Fish Head Steamboat (南华昌(亚秋)鱼头炉) - Singapore Oldest Fish Head Steamboat Restaurant

Nan Hwa Chong Fish Head Steamboat, located at the corner of North Bridge Road, is Singapore's oldest fish head restaurant since 1927. The restaurant is also popularly known as Ah Chew Fish Head Steamboat among the regulars. Ah Chew has now retired, and the restaurant is run by his partner, Lee Hong Chuan's son, Michael now.

Fish Head Steamboat Grouper 3.5/5

A must-have at Nan Hwa Chong has to be their Fish Head Steamboat. You can choose the type of fish for the fish head steamboat. There are four choices - Pomfret, Grouper, Snapper and Song Fish. We had the grouper ($39/$48/$72) that was cooked with other ingredients such as cabbage, yam, and tofu in a rich pork bone broth and sole fish. However, the sole fish flavour is less prominent than it used to be. I was hoping for a richer flavour.

Signature Pork Belly 4/5

Besides the fish head steamboat, the restaurant also woks up a delicious selection of cooked dishes. The Signature Pork Belly ($12) is coated in fermented beancurd and deep-fried to a delightful bite. I enjoyed that the fermented beancurd was not overpowering, crispy on the exterior and succulent.

Signature Homemade Tofu 4/5

The Signature Homemade Tofu ($10) will delight both young and old. A soft and flavoursome tofu is encased inside the light and crisp batter coat. I can't pinpoint what they have done to make the homemade tofu, but it has been seasoned to elevate the taste profile.

Cuttlefish Kang Kong 4.2/5

Another lovely dish is the Cuttlefish Kang Kong cooked in a fragrant sambal sauce which is very shiok. The thickly sliced cuttlefish was firm and bouncy too. It is a simple stir-fried dish, but the cooking timing was perfect, retaining that crunch in the vegetable.

Prawn Paste Chicken Wings 4.2/5

Lastly, we had the Prawn Paste Chicken Wings ($10/$15/$20) deep-fried to a beautiful golden brown. Not only was it crispy and juicy, the distinct prawn paste flavour was well marinated into the chicken wings. It is one of the better versions I have eaten in a long while.

I have not returned to Nan Hwa Chong Fish Head Steamboat for years. The flavour was lighter for the fish head steamboat on my recent visit. However, the zichar items were better than what I had previously eaten.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Nan Hwa Chong Fishhead Steamboat
南华昌(亚秋)鱼头炉
812 North Bridge Road
Singapore 198779
Tel: +65 62979319
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Nearest MRT: Lavendar (EW Line), Nicoll Highway (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Nicoll Highway MRT station. Take Exit A. Take the overhead bridge and walk to the end. Continue onto Jalan Sultan until traffic junction of North Bridge Road and Jalan Sultan. Journey time about 8 minutes.[Map]

2) Alight at Lavender MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Lavendar MRT station (Stop ID 01319). Take bus number 107. Alight 2 stops later. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes.[Map]

3) Alight at Lavender MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and cut across the carpark towards the canal. Walk along the canal and across over. Cut through the blocks of flats to the main road. Turn right onto North Bridge Road. Continue on North Bridge Road until traffic junction of North Bridge Road and Jalan Sultan. Journey time about 12 minutes.[Map]

Si Chuan Dou Hua @ PARKROYAL on Beach Road - Celebrate Lunar New Year With Exclusive Dishes And Set Menus

This Lunar New Year, Si Chuan Dou Hua at PARKROYAL on Beach Road welcomes the Year of the Rabbit with exclusive Lunar New Year dishes and set menus catering to a variety of family and group sizes starting from two persons. There is even a vegetarian menu for those looking to go meatless.

Abundance Treasures Yu Sheng 4/5

Si Chuan Dou Hua at PARKROYAL on Beach Road premieres its first-ever Abundance Treasures Yu Sheng featuring a combination of its Signature La Zi Ji (diced chicken with dried chilli), Abalone and Smoked Salmon. Surprisingly the combination works.

Double-boiled Chicken Broth 4/5

The hearty bowl of Double-boiled Chicken Broth with Sea Cucumber, Matsutake Mushroom and Dried Scallop is boiled over 4 hours, extracting the essence of the ingredients for a sweet and earthy finish.

King Garoupa with Fresh Sichuan Peppercorn 5/5

The crowd's favourite goes to the King Garoupa with Fresh Sichuan Peppercorn and Julienne-cut Chinese Lettuce on a Sea of Spring Onions. The fish fillet comes with a punchy heat and distinctive numbing spice fragranced by the Sichuan peppercorn. It was so good that I was silently screaming for more. It is an exclusive outlet dish at Si Chuan Dou Hua, PARKROYAL on Beach Road.

Braised Bird's Nest with Fresh Fish Maw in Crab Meat Sauce 4.2/5

Another beautiful dish on the menu is the Braised Bird's Nest with Fresh Fish Maw in Crab Meat Sauce. It is thick, rich and creamy with immense umami flavours.

Braised 8-headed Abalone with Hangzhou-style Pork Belly 4.5/5

Not to be missed is the Braised 8-headed Abalone with Hangzhou-style Pork Belly accompanied with Seasonal Vegetables. The pork belly is so soft and tender, falling apart with ease while the abalone provides the contrasting springy texture.

Braised Lobster with Fish Paste Noodles in Superior Stock 4/5

Another outlet-exclusive dish is the Braised Lobster with Fish Paste Noodles in Superior Stock. The highlight is the springy fish paste noodles paired with juicy lobster.

Pan-fried Auspicious Nian Gao and Bunny-shaped Milk Pudding 3/5

Lastly, we had the Pan-fried Auspicious Nian Gao and Bunny-shaped Milk Pudding, ending the meal on a sweet note. Unfortunately, the dessert is not as good as the savoury items.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Si Chuan Dou Hua Restaurant
PARKROYAL on Beach Road
7500 Beach Road
Singapore 199591
Tel: +65 65055724
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Website
Nearest MRT: Nicoll Highway (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Nicoll Highway MRT station. Take Exit A. Follow the overhead walkway all the way to The Concourse building. Take the exit down to Nicoll Highway and walk towards Parkroyal Serviced Residences. Cut through towards The Plaza at Parkroyal Hotel. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

PARKROYAL on Beach Road - Celebrates Lunar New Year With Local Festive Favourites At Ginger And Bespoke Tipples At Club 5

Ginger at PARKROYAL on Beach Road ushers in the Year of Tiger with a repertoire of uniquely local festive favourites, available from 15 January 2022 – 15 February 2022. As a halal-certified all-day dining restaurant, it is an ideal place to gather with colleagues, friends and your loved ones for a wholesome feast.

We started our buffet feast with a mini Chinese New Year Smoked Salmon Yu Sheng perfect for two. It was rather fun as there aren't many options out there made for two servings.

Butternut Pumpkin Soup 3/5

Double-boiled Soup 4/5

As starters, we had the festive special Butternut Pumpkin Soup and Double-boiled Soup which was homely and comforting.

Cereal Lobster 4.5/5

For the main festive spread, the Cereal Lobster was my favourite of all. The meat was plump and sweet, and the savoury-sweet cereal crust made it even more delicious.

Thai Jumbo Prawns with XO Sauce 3/5

Thai Jumbo Prawns with XO Sauce had a nice smokey flavour imparted from the grill.

Crayfish Ipoh Hor Fun 3/5

Crayfish Ipoh Hor Fun had a delicious broth rich with chicken stock, but the taste of the crayfish was rather bland.

Prawns with Asparagus and Pine Nuts 3.5/5

I enjoyed the Prawns with Asparagus and Pine Nuts too - seasoned to bring out the ingredients' natural flavours. I love how the roasted pine nuts add crunch and accent the dish with the dish nuttiness.

Grilled Chicken Bakkwa Slider 4/5, Braised Angus Beef Cheek with Mantou 3/5

The festive spread includes two delightful finger foods - Grilled Chicken Bakkwa Slider and Braised Angus Beef Cheek with Mantou. The Grilled Chicken Bakkwa Slider surprised us with a very yummy piece of chicken Bakkwa nicely grilled to render the fats and a nicely toasted fluffy bun. The latter, on the other hand, was a tad dry.

If your dinner feast ends early, drop by Club 5 for bespoke tipples. On the menu, you will find cocktails characterised by the interesting stories of Bugis Junction, Arab Street and Beach Road. It draws inspirations from its surrounding locations that are rich in history and heritage,

For a bold and smokey drink, go for Paper Flames, presented with some theatrics. For a lighter citrus drink yet laced with a tinge of complexity, you can try High Tide Swizzle concocted with cashew orgeat and passion fruit.

During the lunar new year, guests may opt for either a pair of personalised Glenfiddich 12-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whiskey with distinct fresh fruity notes or a twin bottle deal of either Milagro Tequila, Hendrick's Gin or Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum from $288 onwards.

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.


Ginger
PARKROYAL on Beach Road
7500 Beach Road
Singapore 199590
Tel: +65 65055710
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Website
Nearest MRT: Nicoll Highway (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Tue: 8am - 1030am
Wed-Sun: 8am - 1030am, 12pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Nicoll Highway MRT station. Take Exit A. Follow the overhead walkway all the way to The Concourse building. Take the exit down to Nicoll Highway and walk towards Parkroyal Serviced Residences. Cut through towards Parkroyal Hotel. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Lobster Air @ City Gate - Hop Onto Cloud Nine With Airplane-themed Restaurant Lobster Air

Situated within City Gate, new airport-themed restaurant Lobster Air has opened its doors to serve premium lobster dishes for the lobster and travel enthusiasts. Every customer will enjoy an immersive airline cabin experience, choosing to dine in first or business class zones, capture Instagram moments against full-sized plane interior images, and enjoy first-rate service from a team of authentic cabin crew, including steaming hot towels.

Customers can choose from airline-inspired Business Class/First Class Lunch/Dinner Sets or Short-Haul selection during their ‘flight’ at Lobster Air. They can also go for Before Landing Desserts, Brunch and In-Flight Alcoholic and Non-alcoholic Beverages. We tried their Business Class Lunch Course, which included a choice of mains, soup of the day (+$10), salad, appetisers (+$20) and desserts at additional costs.

Mushroom Soup 3.8/5

First, we had the Soup Of The Day - Mushroom Soup (+$10). Creamy and filled with mushroom bits, we enjoyed the deep earthy flavours of this classic mushroom soup that has a faint whiff of truffle.

L.A. House Salad 3/5

Next, we were served a small bowl of L.A. House Salad dressed in a tangy house dressing.

Half Boston Lobster Aglio Olio 3.5/5

Customers can opt for their appetisers of a half dozen oysters as well at an additional $20. However, we skipped the appetisers and headed straight for their mains of the Half Boston Lobster Aglio Olio ($44) baked with garlic butter sauce and a serving of al dente Aglio Olio Spaghetti. While we loved the lobster's garlic butter fragrance, we felt that the taste fell flat as the spaghetti has the same garlicky flavours.

Dark Chocolate Lava Cake 4/5

Signature Brownie 3.8/5

Finally, round off your meal with their chewy and fudgy Signature Brownie ($5) or the Dark Chocolate Lava Cake ($8) served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Beyond its gastronomical offerings, Lobster Air endeavours to make a difference in a world stricken by uncertainty due to COVID-19. Seeing how the pandemic has greatly impacted the aviation industry, Lobster Air is founded to offer part-time or full-time jobs to affected personnel such as flight attendants, pilots, ground crew and back office workers who have lost their jobs or suffered reduced income.

In addition, Lobster Air is also extending ‘Staff Travel’ exclusive deals to employees from across all airlines and departments to brighten up the gloomy period for the aviation industry workforce. The privileges include 50% off for the second purchase of the course menu, a hearty discount inspired by how airlines offer staff travel tickets, and free coffee or tea, provided upon staff ID presentation on weekdays.

Photos and words by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Lobster Air
City Gate
371 Beach Road
#02-36
Singapore 199597
Tel: +65 97108787
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Nearest MRT: Nicoll Highway (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 1030pm
Sat-Sun: 10am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Nicoll Highway MRT station. Take Exit A. Take the overhead bridge and walk all the way to the end. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

UNI Gallery by OosterBay @ The Plaza - Experience The New 'Uni Ultima Kaiseki' With Premium Uni In Every Single Dish

Uni-specialist sashimi restaurant, UNI Gallery by Oosterbay launched a new set course menu, the 'Uni Ultima Kaiseki', following last year's 'Multiple Foodgasm Kaiseki' which proved to be a hit among diners. The new kaiseki is available in 5 or 7 courses (from $128++ per course). Besides using premium uni in every single dish of the course, the innovative dishes are also fused with delicacies from traditional Chinese, Italian and even Peranakan cuisines.

Uni Pitan Tofu 4.5/5

To start off the course, we had the Uni Pitan Tofu. A perennial favourite in Chinese cuisine, the Pitan Tofu comes with a luxurious spread of uni cream sauce, sprinkled with century egg, tobiko and spring onion, and finally with actual Bafun uni sitting atop to complete the indulgent appetiser.

Ultima Wagyu Sashimi 4.2/5

The Ultima Wagyu Sashimi features a platter of Japanese Murasaki Uni, Tataki Miyazaki A5 Wagyu with Siberian Caviar, a shot of Mozuku Algae, and Japanese Seasonal Sashimi. While the Otoro Sashimi was extremely fresh and fatty, the highlight is the uni which boasts an exquisite creamy butter-like consistency. It practically melts in the mouth instantly when you take a bite.

Flaming Lambo Uni 4/5

The Flaming Lambo Uni comes in a pan-seared rack of lamb glazed with Japanese mustard, coated in wasabi crumble, before being flambe with whiskey and drizzled with white truffle uni cream sauce. It makes for an instagram worthy experience with the flaming part of the dish as well.

Buah Keluak Uni Pasta 4.2/5

The Buah Keluak Uni Pasta features a combination of the Peranakan favourite, Buah Keluak, with uni, uni cream sauce and ikura. I like how the unique taste of the Buah Keluak contrasts and blends in with the creamy uni, which makes for a surprisingly good combination.

Last but not least, wrapping up the 'Uni Ultima Kaiseki' is the Gold Dust Uni Cheesecake. It is a fitting finish to the splendour of the kaiseki, with luscious bafun uni encased in jelly and sprinkled with paper gold dust, although we did not get to try as it was not available on the day we were there.

Photos and words by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


UNI Gallery by OosterBay
The Plaza
7500A Beach Road
#B1-310
Singapore 199591
Tel: +65 98388209
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Nicoll Highway (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Nicoll Highway MRT station. Take Exit A. Follow the overhead walkway all the way to The Concourse building. Take the exit down to Nicoll Highway and walk towards Parkroyal Serviced Residences. Cut through towards The Plaza at Parkroyal Hotel. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Famous Pao Fan (一泡而红) @ Jalan Sultan - Lobster Pao Fan For $16

Pao Fan is a dish that is only served in Chinese restaurants, has now made its way into the neighbour food centres and food courts. Actor Chew Chor Meng has recently opened Famous Pao Fan (一泡而红), offering the dish at an affordable price. Actor Chew Chor Meng is not new to the F&B scene, having successfully opened 888 Mookata and The Famous Zhou. There are a total of 7 variety of Pao Fan in the menu with a selection of side dishes.

Lobster Pao Fan 3.8/5

The signature is the Lobster Pao Fan ($16) which comes with half a lobster, clams, fried egg and crispy rice puff. The broth is the light and refreshing, unlike those that come with a rich crustacean flavour usually served in a Chinese restaurant. I understand from the Chew Chor Meng, the savoury broth is boiled for hours that consists of pork bone, chicken and prawn. By the way, the lobster pao fan has limited quantity daily.

Kurobuta Pork with Lala Pao Fan 4/5

Chew Chor Meng was sharing with me that his favourite is actually the Kurobuta Pork with Lala Pao Fan ($8). I can't agree more. I find that the sweetness of the kurobuta pork gives the broth that extra lift in flavour, complemented by the clams.

Fried Red Grouper with Lala Pao Fan 3/5

Double Fish Pao Fan 3.5/5

For the fish porridge lovers, you may want to try either the Fried Red Grouper with Lala Pao Fan ($6) or Double Fish Pao Fan ($6). Personally, I prefer the double fish pao fan over the fried red grouper pao fan. The red grouper is a little dry for my liking. The double fish pao fan fish meat is moister. 

Fresh Prawn with Sliced Fish Pao Fan 4/5

The other favourite of mine is the Fresh Prawn with Sliced Fish Pao Fan ($6). The sweetness from the prawn further enhanced the broth for a more satisfying enjoyment.

Fried Tofu, Luncheon Meat, Prawn Roll 3/5

Last but not least, you can complete your meal with some side dishes. Available on the menu is Fried Tofu ($3), Luncheon Meat ($3) and Prawn Roll ($4). It is nothing extraordinary, though.

For a bowl of pao fan starting from $4.50, this is definitely a steal. I was hoping that the pao fan is more generous with the accompanying ingredients as there was a lot of rice. I actually ended up eating plain rice with the broth as there were not many ingredients for me to finish the bowl of rice with. I understand cost is a factor, maybe the stall can consider the option of adding marinated minced pork at an extra cost. I think it can also help to enhance the broth.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Famous Pao Fan (一泡而红)
Sultan's Kitchen Food Court
100 Jalan Sultan
#01-06/07
Singapore 199001
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Nearest MRT: Nicoll Highway (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1030am - 830pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Nicoll Highway MRT station. Take Exit A. Take the overhead bridge to City Gate. Turn right onto Jalan Sultan. Walk towards the taxi stand at Golden Sultan Plaza. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

YouFu Fried Hokkien Prawn Noodle @ Golden Mile Food Centre - Hokkien Mee By A 21 Years Old Hawker

I was alerted by my friend, MissTamChiak that there is a pretty good Hokkien Mee stall - YouFu Fried Hokkien Prawn Noodle at Golden Mile Food Centre cooked by a young 21 years old hawker. That is pretty young to take up the spatula and cook Hokkien Mee, which needed a lot of skill.

Hokkien Mee with Thick Vermicelli 4/5

The Hokkien Mee here is the dry type and comes in two versions for customers to choose. You can request for either the thick or thin vermicelli. I would recommend the thin vermicelli because it tends to soak up the broth and smoky wok hei more.

For $5 a plate, it comes with prawn, pork belly slices and squid. Not forgetting that you can add your own pork lards. As for the chilli, it is not bad, but my followers will know that I prefer the tangy type, which I think is more appetising.

Hokkien Mee with Thick Vermicelli 4.2/5

For 21 years old, I have to say Andre woks up a really delicious plate of Hokkien Mee which is already better than a lot of places. He picked up the skill from his father who used to sell fried hokkien mee at Changi Village. By the way, the father is also helping out at the stall too. He also shared that his son skill is not perfect yet, but I am sure with time and experience, he will only get better.

For those that are taking away their order, the hokkien mee will be wrapped in opeh leaf which enhances the flavour. Overall, this is a decent plate of hokkien mee that is way better than many places. I personally feel that the stall should improve on the chilli sauce to make it more enjoyable.


YouFu Fried Hokkien Prawn Noodle
Golden Mile Food Centre
505 Beach Road
#01-57
Singapore 199583
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Nicoll Highway (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 10am - 9pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Nicoll Highway MRT station. Take Exit A. Take the overhead bridge and cross over to Beach Road. Walk down Beach Road along with the flow of traffic. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]