Cafe Oriental @ Amara Singapore - August Local Legends Series: KEK Seafood

In celebration of SG60, Amara Singapore has partnered with two iconic local legends to present a unique dining experience at Cafe Oriental, blending nostalgic flavours with creative modern interpretations.

During my visit in May, I had the opportunity to experience the collaboration with the century-old Chin Mee Chin Confectionery, featuring signature savoury dishes like Curry Chicken, Char Kway Teow, and Mee Siam, alongside sweet treats including Kaya Toast, Chocolate Cupcake, and an exclusive Durian Horn Pastry.

From August 5 to 31, the spotlight shifts to renowned zi char brand KEK Seafood, known for its wok hei-rich classics and inventive creations. Diners can savour the collaboration during lunch (12pm to 2.30pm) and dinner (6pm to 9pm) at Cafe Oriental.

Spicy Crab Meat Pasta 3/5

The Spicy Crab Meat Pasta offered a sweeter, milder take than what we'd personally prefer. However, it may serve newcomers to the dish well, although our pasta was slightly overcooked.

Prawn Paste Chicken Burger 3.8/5

The local favourite 'Har Cheong Gai' can be found in the Prawn Paste Chicken Burger, served with a side of crunchy sweet potato fries. The chicken patty was thick and juicy, but it was a touch dry overall.

Lala Pot 4/5

The Lala Pot swaps the usual clear broth for a hearty collagen base, served with thick vermicelli and a splash of brandy on the side. Clams were fresh and sweet.

Butter Cereal Fish & Egg Fried Rice 3.5/5

The cereal fish from the Butter Cereal Fish & Egg Fried Rice was a standout, being both crispy and tender, with a distinct butter aroma. The egg fried rice, however, was dry and fell short of expectations.

Black Pepper Angus Beef

While we don’t take beef, we heard fellow dining companions mention that the Black Pepper Angus Beef was peppery and tender.

Marmite Pork Chop 4/5

The Marmite Pork Chop featured thick pork cuts coated in a well-balanced marmite glaze, sweet and savoury.

Bak Kut Teh 3.8/5

Surprisingly enjoyable, the collaboration’s Bak Kut Teh had a peppery broth that was aromatic without being overpowering, paired with tender ribs.

Spiced Chilli Prawns with Mantou 3.8/5

The sweet chilli sauce in the Spiced Chilli Prawns with Mantou was mild enough for spice-averse diners. Served with fried mantou for dipping.

KEK Signature Moonlight Horfun 4/5

One of our KEK Seafood's must-order items is definitely the KEK Signature Moonlight Horfun. Wok-hei flavour remains distinct here, and the horfun is satisfying.

Chocolate Cupcake, Durian Horn Pastry

We got to sample desserts from Chin Mee Chin, their Chocolate Cupcake and Durian Horn Pastry. These old-school-style bakes will satisfy those with a sweet tooth.

Reservations for KEK Seafood at Amara Singapore can be made through https://singapore.amarahotels.com/offers/local-legends-cafe-oriental-x-keng-eng-kee-seafood.

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.


Cafe Oriental
Amara Singapore
165 Tanjong Pagar Road
Singapore 088539
Tek: +65 68792626
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 11am - 830pm
Sun: 11am - 6pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk down Peck Seah Street towards Gopeng Street. Turn right onto Gopeng Street and walk down Gopeng Street. Turn left onto Tras Street and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Golden Charcoal @ Bedok North Street 1 - Zichar By An Indian Head Chef Fluent In Mandarin

Golden Charcoal, located at Bedok North Street 1 is a new Zichar stall by two young partners. Justin, the owner, used to work in the finance industry while his head chef, David (小黑), worked for a zichar stall in the Thomson area. Currently, they are having promotions offering two crabs for $60.

Mala Chicken 3/5

My friend who has dined here a few times is in charge of ordering some of her favourite dishes. We started with Mala Chicken, whereby the tender chicken is tossed in fragrant mala sauce. While the mala is pungent, I thought it was a bit heavy with the sodium chloride.

Prawn Paste Chicken 3.8/5

I think children will love the Prawn Paste Chicken here. Not only is it juicy, but it is also incredibly crispy. However, I prefer the prawn paste flavour to be more distinct.

Sambal Kang Kong 4/5

Sometimes, the most simple dish is the best way to show the chef's culinary skill behind the wok. The Sambal Kang Kong is one of the best I tried. The sambal is fragrant and with the greens still having a nice crunch.

Assam Fish Head 4/5

Another beautiful dish on the menu is the Assam Fish Head. The fresh fish head is complemented by the pungent assam, which is incredibly delicious. I could not help drenching my plate of rice with the flavoursome sauce.

Cereal Fried Rice

For some carbo intakes, diners can go for the Cereal Fried Rice or Moonlight Hor Fun. Children will enjoy the Cereal Fried Rice. The topping of the sweet and crispy cereal brightens up the fluffy fried rice. 

Moonlight Hor Fun 3.8/5

For the Moonlight Hor Fun, I can't help comparing it to my favourite at KEK Seafood. The style here is the savoury type packed with wok hei. Give the egg a good toss to give the noodles an enjoyment coat of creaminess. 

Chilli Crab 4.2/5

Diners should not miss the current two crabs for $60 promotion. We have it cooked with chilli crab sauce. The sauce is legit, and it is one of the best I have eaten. Best is to order some mantou to wipe up the yummy chilli crab sauce. I heard their mala crab and black pepper crab are as good too.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Golden Charcoal Seafood
Blk 204 Bedok North Street 1
#01-435
Singapore 460204
Tel: +65 97304808
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Nearest MRT: Bedok (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bedok MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left to the pathway between Bedok Mall and Bedok Interchange hawker centre. Walk to the end. Walk to block 204. Walk to the coffeeshop facing the park. Journey time about 4 minutes. [Map]