Fatt Choy Eating House (發財餐馆) @ Haji Lane - Enjoy Modern Singaporean Fare With Craft Beers and Sake

Fatt Choy Eating House at Haji Lane prides itself on its modern Singaporean fare, complemented by house-brewed beers and locally brewed sakes. Situated opposite its sister brand, Good Luck Beerhouse, Fatt Choy offers a well-curated menu that features small plates and bites that pair perfectly with drinks and classic local delicacies served in much heartier portions.

Pitan with Ice Lettuce 4.2/5

The vegetable dishes are meant to be as indulgent. We started with a refreshing Pitan with Ice Lettuce, which combined ultra-creamy Taiwanese Century Egg with a Pickled Ginger Dressing, providing a great contrast with the crunch of the Ice Lettuce. This dish hit all the right notes with its balance of creaminess and texture.

Wawa Cabbage with Fried Dace 4.5/5

The umami-packed Wawa Cabbage with Fried Dace ($12) brought a nostalgic flavour, with the fried dace sauce recalling the familiar taste of fermented black beans, albeit in a healthier version.

Masala Brussels Sprout 3/5

The Masala Brussels Sprout ($15) delighted with its chunky fried sprouts, but the masala sauce lacked depth and could have benefited from more tang and robustness.

Iberico Satay 3.8/5

The Iberico Satay ($15) featured grilled Secreto Iberico Pork skewers paired with Javanese Peanut Sauce and Pineapple Salsa. One of the tastiest skewers I had with all the sauce and zingy salsa, but a bit more grilling to render the fat and add a more robust char on the meat would have elevated the dish.

Singapore Fried Hokkien Mee 4.2/5

The signature dishes included Singapore Fried Hokkien Mee ($18) and XO Carrot Cake ($15). Although the wok hei was missing from the Hokkien Mee, it was still rich in flavour, loaded with various cuts of pork, squid, and a handful of crispy pork lard. The accompanying sambal was spot-on.

XO Carrot Cake 3.8/5

The XO Carrot Cake stood out for being generously coated with XO sauce, delivering a surprisingly well-rounded flavour with fried egg, beansprouts, and chives. However, the radish cake lacked caramelisation, likely due to being prepared with just a quick toss in the sauce.

KL Dai Lok Mee 4.2/5

KL Dai Lok Mee is a more elevated version of KL style Hokkien Mee, served in a claypot and adorned with mini abalones, offering a much celebratory vibe. There were also tender pork tendons in it, flavoursome with the sauce and adding even more textural bite to the noodles. Serving it in a claypot allowed the sauce to thicken and caramelise over time, enhancing the overall dish.

Kaya Ice Cream with House-made Churro 4.8/5

For dessert, Fatt Choy keeps it simple with one option and a delicious one: Kaya Ice Cream with House-made Churro ($12). This coconut cream-based kaya ice cream, housemade with fresh pandan, struck the right balance of sweetness and aroma and paired perfectly with the churro, which had a golden crust and a light, airy bite.

The restaurant also collaborates with a local sake brewery to offer a unique sake menu. We tried Utama The 2nd (Fresh on Tap) ($25) and the creamy, unfiltered Cempedak Cream Sake ($15), both of which complemented the food well.

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.


Fatt Choy Eating House
10 Haji Lane
Singapore 189203
Tel: +65 8128 0660
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit B or E. Walk to North Bridge Road. Walk down North Bridge Road to junction of North Bridge Road and Ophir Road. Cross the road and walk to Haji Lane. Turn right onto Haji Lane. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

La Hong Dian Hotpot (辣红殿重庆干锅) @ Chinatown - New Chongqing Restaurant Offering 12 Specialty Dry Pots

Mosque Street in Chinatown has become quite a hotspot for a variety of Chinese cuisines, and the latest addition to this bustling street is La Hong Dian Hotpot (辣红殿重庆干锅), a Chongqing restaurant specialising in dry pots. Their signature dish allows diners to enjoy it as what you see when it is first served and then transform it into a bubbling hotpot by adding soup, offering a dual dining experience.

The cosy restaurant spans two levels, with four tables on the ground floor and a VIP room upstairs to accommodate larger groups.

Century Egg with Green Peppers 3.5/5

We started our meal with the Century Egg with Green Peppers ($15), which featured slices of rich century egg topped with fragrant chilli crunch.

Stir-fried Shredded Cabbage 3/5

Following this, the Stir-fried Shredded Cabbage ($28) provided a comforting, homely touch amidst the spicier dishes. For the steep price tag, we were expecting a lot more of it, including a stronger wok hei finish.

Dry Pot Pork Ribs 4/5

The restaurant's signature dry pot is available in an impressive 12 different varieties, featuring ingredients such as seafood, squid, pork intestines, and more. We opted for the Dry Pot Pork Ribs ($49.90 for Small, $76.80 for Large), which is kept sizzling throughout the meal on an induction cooker. The dish was boldly spiced with a generous mix of dried chillies and peppercorns, though we felt that the spice lacked fragrance. A wider ariety of default ingredients, like sweet potato noodles and mushrooms, would have enhanced the dish. When you are almost done with the Dry Pot, you can request the service staff add extra broth and transform it into a hotpot. Additional hotpot ingredients are available to be ordered.

Spicy Chicken Cubes 3/5

We wrapped up the meal with the classic Spicy Chicken Cubes ($28), a dish generously loaded with dried chillies. While the chicken cubes had a decent crunch, the flavours were less robust than we had hoped.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


La Hong Dian Hotpot (辣红殿重庆干锅)
41 Mosque Street
Singapore 059519
Tel: +65 8428 8213
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Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to New Bridge Road. Turn right at New Bridge Road and walk to Mosque Street. Turn right onto Mosque Street and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Song Yue Taiwan Cuisine (松悦台式料理) @ Kallang Leisure Park - Launches Banquet Dishes (辦桌菜)

Song Yue Taiwan Cuisine at Leisure Park Kallang has recently launched a new menu based on the culinary tradition of 辦桌菜 (bàn zhuō cai) or 'banquet dishes'. Originating in the 17th century, 辦桌 are gatherings typically held to celebrate occasions.

Celebratory Lobster Combination Platter 5/5

We started with Song Yue's Celebratory Lobster Combination Platter ($88.8 – Medium / $128.8 – Large) featuring five distinct dishes that synergised well with one another with their different flavour profiles and texture - Lobster and Fruit Salad, Chicken Tossed in Sesame Oil, Soy Braised Duck Wings, Spring Onion Marinated Abalone and Century Eggs in Shrimp Paste. Each dish had its merits, but what stood out for me were the flavourful and tender duck wings as well as the century eggs done in the style of a classic scotch egg.

Traditional Chicken with Pig's Stomach and Abalone Soup 4.5/5

Next was a nourishing Traditional Chicken with Pig's Stomach and Abalone Soup ($98.8). The chicken, stuffed with pig stomach, ginkgo nuts, and baby abalone, is stewed in a superior pork and chicken broth for five hours, resulting in a collagen-rich broth, as reflected in its yellow hue. Unlike a typical Pig's stomach soup, which may occasionally be quite gamey, this is more of a chicken soup with added benefits of a pig's stomach soup.

Steamed Live Lobster Rice Cake 5/5

My favourite dish of the evening was the Steamed Live Lobster Rice Cake ($88.8 for medium, $158.8 for large). Beyond the succulent lobster, the Taiwan glutinous rice, infused with pork belly, dried conpoy, shiitake mushrooms, and dried shrimp, was deeply flavourful and aromatic. Topped with garlic oil and fried garlic, it had a perfect balance of richness and savoury notes, and each bite of it just got more and more delicious.

Golden Phoenix-Tail Tiger Prawns 4.5/5

The Golden Phoenix-Tail Tiger Prawns ($35.8 for medium, $55.8 for large) were another highlight. Giant tiger prawns were wrapped in beancurd skin with a seafood mix, salted egg yolk, century egg, and coriander filling. Skillfully fried to a crisp golden brown, they were paired with a well-matched homemade sweet and sour sauce.

Braised Pork Knuckle with Homemade Mustard Greens 4/5

The Braised Pork Knuckle with Homemade Mustard Greens ($58.8) was a rich, fork-tender dish. The pork knuckle was braised for three and a half hours. However, I felt the mustard greens could have been more bittersweet to better balance the richness of the pork and gravy.

Handmade Crispy Duck with Taro 3.8/5

Lastly, the Handmade Crispy Duck with Taro ($48.8) featured duck slices encased in creamy yam paste and deep-fried to a light and crispy finish. While the flavours were good, the dish could have benefited from a thicker yam layer, as the portions without enough yam felt a little dry.

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.


Song Yue Taiwan Cuisine
(松悦台式料理)
5 Stadium Walk
#01-38/39
Singapore 397693
Tel: +65 6988 3322
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Nearest MRT: Stadium (CC Line), Tanjong Rhu (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 930pm
Fri-Sat, Eve PH: 1130am - 330pm, 5pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Stadium MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Rhu MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk towards the river. Cross the bridge to indoor stadium. Cut across the open air carpark towards Stadium Crescent Road. Walk to Kallang Theatre. Turn right onto Stadium Walk. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Joie @ Orchard Central - Meatless Fine Dining with A Rooftop Dining View

Perched atop Orchard Central, Joie offers a unique fine-dining experience that is not just for vegetarians or vegans. With a creative meatless menu featuring a delightful Korean twist, this upscale restaurant caters to all occasions, whether you're celebrating a memorable moment or simply enjoying a meal with a view.

Surrounded by the lush greenery of a rooftop garden, we were fortunate to be seated at one of the best tables, perfectly positioned to watch the sunset as we enjoyed our dinner.

Welcome Drink, Roasted Korean Sunchoke Tea and Artemisia Tea

We had the 6-Course Dinner, priced at $78++ per person, which includes three starters, a vegetable dish, a main course, and dessert. As there were 2 of us, we had the opportunity to sample all the options available on the course menu.

“Tuna Tartare” 4/5

This dish truly impressed with its creative use of watermelon to mimic tuna. Served with crispy rice paper, sesame powder, egg yolk gel, apricot, and pickled pears, the Tuna Tartare was both appetising and refreshing - a perfect start to the meal.

Joie’s Crispy Layered Fries 4/5

An elevated take on a classic, these Crispy Layered Fries are made with imported potatoes from Holland and served with fermented kimchi, gochujang mayo, and black garlic mayo. Each fry offers a combination of textures and flavours that make every bite unique.

Charcoal Makgeoli Slider 3.8/5

The Charcoal Makgeoli Slider, which includes halloumi cheese sandwiched between charcoal buns, comes in two pieces per person. The combination of pickled radish, arugula, kimchi puree, and the signature egg yolk gel make this dish enjoyable, although not a standout.

“Ddukgalbi” Century Scotch Egg 4/5

An additional starter from the ala carte menu we get to try was the "Ddukgalbi" Century Scotch Egg, a unique twist on the traditional British dish made with century egg. Paired with gochujang and black garlic mayo, this dish is a must-try for century egg lovers.

Grilled Roots Vegetables 2.8/5

Heirloom Cherry Tomato Salad & Burratina 3/5

We had both vegetable options on the menu, but unfortunately, both dishes were underwhelming compared to our starters. The Grilled Root Vegetables are tough and lacking flavour. As for the Heirloom Cherry Tomato Salad & Burratina, while the sweet cherry tomatoes were enjoyable, the burrata was unfortunately dry. The dish was garnished with olive oil powder, a unique touch, though it didn't elevate the overall experience.

Mapadubu Lasagna 3/5

Grilled Summer Mushroom Steak 4/5

We also got both options for the mains on the course menu. Despite being inspired by mapo tofu, the Mapadubu Lasagna lacked the distinct flavours of the dish. The texture of the lasagna sheets was inconsistent; they were soft in some areas and tough in others, which detracted from the overall enjoyment.

The Grilled Summer Mushroom Steak was the highlight of the main courses. Served on a hot plate with homemade black pepper sauce, the monkey head mushroom's texture closely mimicked a steak, making this a satisfying dish.

Burnt Basque Cheese Cake 3/5

Unfortunately, the Burnt Basque Cheese Cake served with an Oreo crust, and homemade milk ice cream was too dense, more reminiscent of a New York cheesecake than a Basque-style one. It was enjoyable but could be lighter in texture. Joie has recently added a new dessert option to the menu - Black Sesame Ice Cream - which was unavailable at our visit.

Joie also offers other set lunch and dinner options daily:

• 3-Course: $38++ per person (lunch only, Monday to Friday except public holidays and eve of public holidays)
• 5-Course: $58++ per person
• 6-Course: $78++ per person
• 8-Course: $98++ per person (available for both lunch and dinner)

The spacious restaurant includes four private dining rooms, perfect for hosting special gatherings.

Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Joie
Orchard Central
#12-01
181 Orchard Road
Singapore 238896
Tel: +65 9663 0901
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit C or D. Walk to Orchard Central. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine (湘香湖湖南菜) @ Mosque Street - Unlocking the Hidden Gems of Hunan Cuisine

I can't believe it took me this long to stumble upon Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine (湘香H湖南菜). Surprisingly, they've been part of Singapore's culinary scene for 15 years, with four outlets scattered across Seng Kang, Bedok, Bugis, and Chinatown. I recently visited the Chinatown branch to unravel the wonders of Hunan cuisine.

Hunan Style Fried Pork 4.8/5

A must-try at this eatery is their signature Hunan Style Fried Pork. The pork slices were incredibly tender and succulent, and the chilli peppers added a satisfying crunch. The bold black bean sauce and garlic flavours tied the dish together, creating a delicious medley of tastes and textures.

Homemade Preserved Egg with Chilli 4/5

The Homemade Preserved Egg with Chilli was served in a mortar-like bowl, and our server masterfully pounded the crushed chilli from Changsha with the century egg. This technique allowed the spicy goodness to infuse into the preserved egg. While the texture might differ from everyone's cup of tea, I found it quite interesting and loved the unique flavour that the century egg brought to the dish.

Crispy Tofu stuffed with Soymilk 3.5/5

The Crispy Tofu stuffed with Soymilk is deep-fried to perfection. It had a wonderfully crispy exterior and a silky-smooth interior. However, the sauce could have been more robust to elevate the overall experience. It lacked that extra punch.

Stir-fried Cauliflower 4.8/5

A delightful surprise came in the form of Stir-Fried Cauliflower. While it might seem like a simple dish, it was executed brilliantly. The cauliflower was cooked to a delightful crunch, and the fragrant pork crackling added a lovely crispy texture to the dish.

Pumpkin Soup with Tofu and Shrimp 4.2/5

The Pumpkin Soup with Tofu and Shrimp was a pleasant surprise. It offered a delightful combination of sweetness and creaminess, blurring the lines between Chinese and Western-style soups. Adding tofu, shrimp, carrots, and peas complemented the soup perfectly.

Spicy Bullfrog Pot 4.5/5

One of my favourite dishes was the Spicy Bullfrog Pot. It was spicy and fragrant, with the bullfrog meat being incredibly tender and clean-tasting. Hidden beneath the pile of bullfrogs were other ingredients like mung bean noodles and vegetables, adding depth to the dish.

This was my first experience with Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine, and it did not disappoint. I now understand why this restaurant has remained crowded and successful for 15 years.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine
8/9/10 Mosque Street
Singapore 059488
Tel: +65 62255968
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Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to New Bridge Road. Turn right at New Bridge Road and walk to Mosque Street. Turn right onto Mosque Street and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes.[Map]

Jia He Grand Chinese Restaurant @ One Farrer Park Hotel - Jia He New Sister Restaurant With A Bold And Contemporary Concept

Jia He Grand Chinese Restaurant, the latest addition to the dining scene at One Farrer Park Hotel, continues to impress with its bold and contemporary approach to Chinese cuisine. While its sister restaurant, Jia He Chinese Restaurant (a very doors away), offers wholesome and homely dishes, Jia He Grand takes things up a notch by presenting diners with multi-sensorial creations that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.

Trio of Starters 4/5

To start our culinary journey, we indulged in a trio of starters. The Sauteed Stuffed Mushroom with Truffle Sauce delighted our taste buds with its robust earthy flavours from both the mushroom and truffle. The Century Egg with Preserved Sakura Ginger and Vintage Vinegar presented a unique combination, with sweet beancurd skin wrapping around century egg and preserved sakura ginger, creating a harmonious blend of flavours. Lastly, the Crispy Pork Belly with Preserved Bean Paste, eaten like a Korean wrap, offered a delightful contrast of textures as the romaine lettuce refreshed the palate while complementing the crispy pork belly.

Roasted Peking Duck 5/5

The meal's highlight was undoubtedly the Roasted Peking Duck ($88 Whole Duck), which I can confidently say is the best in Singapore. The duck was perfectly roasted, boasting a crispy skin that gave way to succulent and juicy meat. What truly set this dish apart was the toasted pancake wrap. Unlike the usual thin pancakes, these were soft and fluffy and enhanced the overall enjoyment of the Peking duck to a whole new level.

Signature Double-boiled Chicken and Pig Stomach Soup 4.5/5

The Signature Double-boiled Chicken and Pig Stomach Soup impressed with its flavorful broth and a piquant peppery kick that left a lasting impression. The pig stomach was expertly prepared, resulting in a tender, clean-tasting delight.

Steamed Fillet of Sea Perch with Preserved Sakura Ginger and Silky Tofu 4.2/5

For seafood lovers, the Steamed Fillet of Sea Perch with Preserved Sakura Ginger and Silky Tofu ($26/pc) offered a unique pairing of preserved sakura ginger with the firm and mildly sweet sea perch. The soy sauce added depth to the dish, complementing the fish's natural sweetness.

Flambe Beef Brisket in Whole Pineapple 4.2/5

A dish that captured both our taste buds and attention was the Flambe Beef Brisket in Whole Pineapple ($28/order). The grand entrance, with the beef brisket set ablaze at the tableside, added a touch of theatricality. Beyond the showmanship, the beef brisket was incredibly tender, and the pineapple infused the dish with an extra layer of fruity sweetness.

Stir-fried Shredded Luffa Melon with Gingko and Black Fungus 4.2/5

The Stir-fried Shredded Luffa Melon with Gingko and Black Fungus ($24/small) showcased luffa in a whole new light. The dish was perfectly prepared, offering a delightful crunch and natural sweetness. The owner even playfully remarked that it looked like stir-fried chendol, adding an element of humour to the dining experience.

Crispy Rice with Boston Lobster in Superior Broth 4/5

The Crispy Rice with Boston Lobster in Superior Broth ($42/small) was a standout dish packed with robust crustacean flavour. The combination of fluffy and crispy rice immersed in the delicious broth and the sweetness of the Boston lobster made every spoonful a pure delight.

Collagen Pork Bone and Tomato Soup with Boston Lobster and Purple Potato Noodle 3.8/5

An unexpected dish on the menu was the Collagen Pork Bone and Tomato Soup with Boston Lobster and Purple Potato Noodle ($40/pax). This luscious creation combined purple potato noodles with a refreshing and appetising tomato soup, a delightful twist I had not encountered elsewhere.

Almond Soup with Peach Resin 4.5/5

To conclude the meal on a sweet note, we savoured the Almond Soup with Peach Resin. Served warm and comforting, the soup struck a perfect balance, not overly sweet, with a smooth almond base and delightful crunch from the peach resin. This dessert satisfied our sweet tooth and offered beauty and nutritional benefits.

Jia He Grand Chinese Restaurant continues to impress with its contemporary take on Chinese cuisine, delivering innovative and visually stunning dishes. With its exceptional culinary offerings and dedication to creating a memorable dining experience, it is undoubtedly a place worth visiting for those seeking a gastronomic adventure.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Jia He Grand Chinese Restaurant
One Farrer Park Hotel
1 Farrer Park Station Road
#01-01
Singapore 217562
Tel: +65 65389688
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Nearest MRT: Farrer Park (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Farrer Park MRT station. Take Exit C. Turn right and walk down towards One Farrer Park Hotel. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]