The Hainan Story (海南宝) @ Hillion Mall - 5 Hainanese Brands Under One Roof, Including Ah Chiang's Porridge, Wee Nam Kee And Newspaper Curry Rice

The Hainan Story on a Saturday afternoon was bustling with diners. I see the reason for their popularity, as they have a huge variety of food and offer very family-friendly options.

What is unique about the restaurant's branch here in Hillion Mall is that it houses five different Hainanese brands under one space. These include the renowned Ah Chiang's Porridge, Wee Nam Kee and Newspaper Curry Rice. The space was renovated to look like a vibrantly decorated mini coffeeshop.

Local Beverages

You will find a full list of the familiar local offerings on the beverage menu. We had our usual Kopi and Teh, decently fragrant though a tad sweet.

1980’s Hainanese Pork Cutlet Coated with Potato Chip Crumbs 4/5

On the Western menu by Uncle Robert Hainanese Western & BBQ, we had the traditional 1980's Hainanese Pork Cutlet Coated with Potato Chip Crumbs ($16.80). The BBQ sauce leans sweeter than we'd like, but the crunch on the cutlet was good. We saw several younger diners enjoying this. Other options from the Western menu include pasta, fish and chips and a kids menu.

Mama Wee Curry Chicken Drumstick Set 4.5/5

Newspaper Curry Rice's Mama Wee Curry Chicken Drumstick Set ($9.80) was easily our top favourite of our meal here. The curry here may be different from your liking if you prefer thicker and more lemak renditions, but I loved how this carried a lighter consistency and was superbly fragrant.

My dining companions and I thought this was value for money too. A portion has steamed rice, omelette, sambal tempeh, prawn crackers, drumstick and a side of additive lotus root and brinjal. The accompanying sambal belacan packed a good punch too.

Ah Chiang Mix Porridge Set 4/5

From Ah Chiang's Porridge, we had the Mix Porridge Set: Pork Ball & Sliced Meat ($9.80), which came with half a youtiao. I don't eat porridge that much, but my dining companion, who does, enjoyed this bowl.

The porridge was sufficiently smooth and thick, with a generous amount of tender pork and pork balls. Porridge options here are categorised into pork, batang fish and century egg.

Steamed Chicken Drumstick Rice 3.8/5

Wee Nam Kee's Steamed Chicken Drumstick Rice ($7.10) came complete with a bowl of soup and the classic condiments of chilli, dark soy and ginger sauce. While the chicken meat was tender and succulent, the rice could be much more fragrant.

Laksa with Hainanese Steamed Chicken 3.8/5

If you have laksa cravings, the Laksa with Hainanese Steamed Chicken ($9.80) is a decent option. It is pricier, however, served with steamed chicken, crispy pork skin, fish cake, hard-boiled egg and tau pok.

High-Tea Special 3.5/5

I never expected to see a three-tiered High-Tea Special ($34.80) on the menu! On the base, it features an assortment of fried items such as chicken wings, prawns, fries and ngoh hiang. The middle tier has kaya toast and the traditional Hainanese kueh, Yi Bua. Finally, on top, there are cookies and the eatery's popular mini swiss rolls (orh nee, ondeh ondeh). The set comes inclusive of two drinks.

The two bottom tiers were, unfortunately, average. Our unanimous preferred item was the mini swiss rolls which you can purchase in individual pieces from their bakery.

Speaking about the bakery, do make sure to take a look. The small space is built in the same area as the eatery, accessible from the dining space or from the exterior of Hillion Mall.

Breads were constantly freshly baked, leaving a lovely aroma in the space. We bagged home several recommendations, the Char Siew Bolo ($3.80), Yam Floss Bun ($2.20) and Curry Chicken Polo Bolo ($3.80). All three were fresh and fluffy but could do with slightly more filling.

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.


The Hainan Story
Hillion Mall
17 Petir Road
#01-15/16
Singapore 678278
Tel: +65 69708191
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Bukit Panjang (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 730am – 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bukit Panjang MRT station. Take Exit A2. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Xing Yun Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice (幸运海南起骨鸡饭) @ Yuhua Food Centre - Popular Hainanese Chicken Rice In The West With Snaking Queue

Whenever you ask Singaporeans where is the best Hainanese Chicken Rice in Singapore, you probably get different answers. I am not surprised because best is subjective, especially in a food paradise like Singapore, where you can get Hainanese Chicken Rice almost anywhere around the island. Everyone has their favourite, and one popular stall in the West is Xing Yun Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice (幸运海南起骨鸡饭) at Yuhua Food Centre. It always has a long snaking queue at its stall.

Hainanese Chicken Rice 4.5/5

I ordered Half a Steamed Chicken ($12) and chicken liver which is deboned and drizzled in a sweet and savoury brown sauce. It also came with a few slices of pineapple and tomato. The chicken is slightly cold, suggesting it has been dunked in cold water. The meat is tender and juicy too. I can understand why there is always a long queue to savour their chicken rice.

The rice at Xing Yun Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice is of the firmer type, which is the texture I like. It is also not greasy, but I thought the flavour was a bit too subtle, lacking the fragrance of a good plate of chicken rice.

Another essential component for any chicken rice stall is the chilli. The chilli is really shiok, complementing the chicken and rice excellently. It is spicy, tangy and garlicky. Unfortunately, the ginger sauce was too watery for my liking.

Xing Yun Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice (幸运海南起骨鸡饭)
Yuhua Food Centre
Blk 347 Jurong East Ave 1
Singapore 600347
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Chinese Garden (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 7am - 2pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Chinese Garden MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Boon Lay Way. Turn left and walk to the overhead bridge. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Tiong Bahru Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice @ Bukit Batok - Getting My Chicken Rice Fix Before Malaysia Flesh Chicken Export Ban

With Malaysia banning the export of fresh chicken to Singapore from 01 June 2022, hopefully, this is short term for Malaysia to stabilise domestic supply and price hike. Nevertheless, it causes a swarm of customers at various chicken rice stalls around the island before the ban kicks in. As a result, some stalls may close for a while or change to selling other stuff without fresh chicken until the ban is lifted.

One of my favourite chicken rice stalls is Tiong Bahru Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice, an awardee of Michelin Bib Gourmand. It has expanded with several stalls across the island in the last year. I visited one of their stalls at Bukit Batok to have my chicken rice craving.

I had the Duo Chicken Rice ($5/$6), which comes with steamed chicken and Roasted Chicken. We also added a braised egg. The rice is fluffy and fragrant with tender chicken. I also like the accompanying achar giving it a refreshing touch.

Tiong Bahru Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice
Get Together Coffeeshop
Blk 177 Bukit Batok West Ave 8
Singapore 650177
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Bukit Batok (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 8am - 8pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bukit Batok MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Bukit Batok Bus Interchange (Stop ID 43009). Take bus number 941. Alight 6 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Chatterbox @ Hilton Singapore Orchard - Iconic Coffee House Celebrates 51 years With Brand New Space, Menu And Dining Experience

Known for its world-famous chicken rice since it first opened its doors in 1971, Chatterbox has recently unveiled a brand new look at the newly-minted Hilton Singapore Orchard. The revamped menu is now more focused but comprehensive with starters, meat, seafood and vegetable courses, including a shortlist of meat-free items.

Chatterbox’s Punch

Be surprised by the bar at Chatterbox the moment you enter. For starters, a signature cocktail is recommended. Chatterbox's Punch ($17) is an easy-drinking gin and tonic concocted with vanilla, cinnamon, lemon, and banana-infused gin served with house tonic.

Mackerel & Crab Otah-Otah 4/5

Wok-fried Sambal Wing Beans 3/5

We started with two very flavoursome dishes - Mackerel & Crab Otah-Otah ($15) and Wok-fried Sambal Wing Beans ($8). Otah lovers will not be disappointed with the well-seasoned parcel of fresh mackerel fish paste, which is elevated with the addition of snow crab claw meat. However, I didn't quite enjoy the latter as the rempah was a tad sweet for my liking.

Lemon Butter Tiger Prawns 4.5/5

Sea Perch with Burnt Green Chilli 3.5/5

On the menu, you will find premium seafood dishes such as Lemon Butter Tiger Prawns ($25) and Sea Perch with Burnt Green Chilli ($28). Twice-fried before coating with lemon butter sauce, the shelled tiger prawns, were incredibly succulent, bouncy and firm. As for the latter, I would prefer a more zingy and zesty chilli topping for some freshness to counter the richness of the fried fish.

Mandarin Chicken Rice 4.5/5

The legendary Mandarin Chicken Rice ($25 for Individual Set | $38 for Half Chicken | $72 for Whole Chicken) is a must-try. Using only chickens that weigh around 2kg each, Chef Liew adopts a 'steam-cook' method. And what came to our table was lean, light and tender chicken. The set includes a punchy proprietary chilli sauce, grated ginger, dark soy sauce and a soul-satisfying bowl of chicken broth. The chilli sauce and even the grated ginger, specially sourced to secure ginger of a particular age, were amazingly good. A second helping may be necessary!

Seafood Hokkien Mee 4.5/5

Lobster Laksa 2.5/5

A rice and noodles section offers a luxurious version of our hawker fare - Seafood Hokkien Mee ($25) served on an opeh leaf and Lobster Laksa ($34). Premium ingredients aside, the hokkien mee impressed with a flavoursome umami broth that was further enlivened with a squeeze of calamasi. The laksa, however, disappoints with a relatively weak gravy.

Signature Coconut Ice Cream 2.8/5

For nostalgia's sake, you may wish to try Chatterbox's Signature Coconut Ice Cream ($15), which has been on the menu since its opening. Homemade with fresh coconut milk, coconut flesh and desiccated coconut and served in a coconut husk.

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.


Chatterbox
Hilton Singapore Orchard
333 Orchard Road
#05-03
Singapore 238867
Tel: +65 68316291
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 2pm, 530am - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Orchard Road. Turn left and walk to junction of Orchard Road and Grange Road. Cross the road. Continue on Orchard Road to Orchard Link. Turn left onto Orchard Link. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 mins. [Map]

SG Food on Foot - Best Eats In 2021

I didn't put together a list for 2020 as we were hit by the Covid restriction and was not able to dine-in most of the calendar year. Since the restriction has been somewhat relaxed for 2020, I was able to check out a number of places. With that, I will bring back the annual tradition to recap my food journey for the past one year. Here is my best eats for 2021.

---

Ah Five Hainanese Chicken Rice

---

One of my best discovery for 2021 is Ah Five Hainanese Chicken Rice near Mayflower MRT station exit 3. What caught my attention was a petite young lady behind the chopping board. It is a rare sight in the hawker scene. The stall, run by a sister and brother team, is inside a coffeeshop at block 158 Ang Mo Kio Ave 4. They are the children of Mr Lee Tai Keng, the founder of Five Star Chicken Rice.

---

Firangi Superstar

---

Firangi Superstar at Craig Road is born out of love and memories of the country India. Stepping into the restaurant is a cinematic journey, transporting diners to an Officer's Club, Old Railway Room, Elephant Palace and Jungle Lodge. Here, the food takes classic Indian cuisine in unexpected forms in Head Chef Thiru Gunasakaran's hand, giving it a modern approach.

---

Joo Chiat Place Fried Kway Teow

---

All of us probably has our own favourite char kway teow stall, and mine is Outram Park Fried Kway Teow Mee at Hong Lim Food Centre. I am glad to discover an underrated Char Kway Teow stall at Joo Chiat Place Fried Kway Teow. It is located in a corner coffeeshop along Joo Chiat Place. In my opinion, it is comparable to Outram Park Fried Kway Teow.

---

Ju95

---

JU95 is a modern izakaya restaurant located at Boat Quay opened for about 3 months. From what I understand, the kitchen is helmed by Chef Louis who supposed to follow a 2 Michelin starred chef to Belgium which was put off due to the pandemic. I am impressed with the food at Ju95. The dishes I tried are creative and tasty with touches of finesse, giving a modern take of traditional izakaya. Ju95 is one of the best restaurants I have eaten this year, and I recommend you check it out.

---

Rempapa

---

I have been following Chef Damian D'Silva heritage cooking when he had a stall at Timbre+ Ayer Rajah, followed by Folklore and Restaurant Kin. But, unfortunately, he didn't stay long at any one place. Hence I was glad to hear he is making a come back with a new restaurant - Rempapa at Park Place Residences at PLQ. Rempapa offers an all-day dining concept where the eclectic menu caters for different times of day - Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner.

---

Revolver

---

Revolver is the latest and hottest restaurant to be opened at the bustling Tras Street. The restaurant embraces the fire of Indian cooking sensibilities, world-class premium produce and carefully selected global spices to create a progressive and exciting dining experience. There is three tasting menus - Discovery Menu ($139++), Experience Menu ($179++) and Vegetarian Menu ($129++).

---

Ristorante Pietrasanta

---

I could not believe this was my first time visiting Ristorante Pietrasanta until it recently relocated to Connexis Tower, Fusionpolis. It moved from Portsdown Road to the current location, which is more accessible. It is so much accessible now located just beside the One-North MRT station. A must-have is the pasta dishes at Ristorante Pietrasanta. They handmade all their pasta daily.

---

Tai Er Chinese Sauerkraut Fish

---

Popular Tai Er Chinese Sauerkraut Fish, with nearly 300 stores in China, has opened its first outlet in Singapore at Changi Jewel Singapore. The restaurant is known for its Chinese Sauerkraut Fish seeing daily queues at the stores to savour the fish fillets in a spicy and sour broth. A must have is the Chinese Sauerkraut Fish ($48/$68/$88) that comes in a huge plate with the tender fish slices swimming in a pool of soup, brimming with red chillis, Sichuan peppercorn and pickled cabbage. If I am not wrong, they use tilapia fish for the dish. The combination of mala, spicy and sour flavours is super shiok. I can understand why it is so popular in China now.

---

Teochew Fish Ball Noodle

---

I have heard about an excellent Teochew fishball noodle stall at Crawford Lane. Still, I always end up going to the one Michelin-starred Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodles. So finally, I got a chance to visit the area and took the opportunity to check out Teochew Fish Ball Noodle, located inside a coffeeshop at block 462 Crawford Lane. Between the mee pok and mee kia, we find the mee kia goes better with the concoction of sambal chilli and vinegar. Though the vinegar is not as punchy compared to Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodles, you still get that sourish kick balanced with the sambal for that slurping goodness. Overall, Teochew Fish Ball Noodle offers a good bowl of fishball noodles. However, if you find the queue at Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodles is too long, you may consider making a slight detour to try the fishball noodle just a few blocks away.

---

Yang Ming Seafood

---

Having seen a lot of postings from my foodie friends, I have to make my way to Yang Ming Seafood (扬名海鲜) at Bishan Street 11. The zichar place is located in a coffeeshop among the HDB estate. You will notice we ordered mostly seafood dishes because this is their forte. The highlight for the night has to be the Lobster Chee Cheong Fan ($88). It is a dish my friend shared with the owner what he had in Hong Kong, and after much R&D, the chef created this dish which becomes a hit with a lot of foodies. The highlight is the silky chee cheong fan accentuated by the fried shallot, fried garlic and premium soya sauce.

With this, I present to you my Best Eat In 2021. I also like to take this opportunity to thank all my readers and followers for the supports all these years. After two years of Covid, I hope things will get better and we can resume things back to norm. Last but at least, wishing everyone a safe, healthy and wonderful 2022.

Ah Five Hainanese Chicken Rice @ Ang Mo Kio Ave 4 - By Daughter Of Five Star Chicken Rice Founder

While exploring the newly opened Thomson East Line brings me to Ah Five Hainanese Chicken Rice near Mayflower MRT station Exit 3. What caught my attention was a petite young lady behind the chopping board. It is a rare sight in the hawker scene. The stall, run by a sister and brother team, is inside a coffeeshop at block 158 Ang Mo Kio Ave 4. They are the children of Mr Lee Tai Keng, the founder of Five Star Chicken Rice.

The petite young lady is Natalie, who has just finished her Master in Intellectual Property. Instead of joining the corporate world, she decided to open Ah Five Hainanese Chicken Rice to continue her dad's legacy. Her dad, Mr Lee, founded Five Star Chicken Rice at 224 East Coast Road. He later entered into a partnership with Mr Yeo Ban Seng to open the current Five Star Chicken Rice at 191 East Coast Road. Mr Lee has since sold his share of the business and is no longer associated with the present Five Star Chicken Rice.

So how does Ah Five Hainanese Chicken Rice fare? I visited the stall twice with two different groups of friends, and they both enjoyed it. The stall uses kampong chicken which is leaner but tastier than the broiler. The poached chicken is tender with a sinful but yet so delicious layer of fatty skin. We have the Half Chicken priced at $15.

If half a chicken is too much for you, you can go for the 1 Person Set priced at $5. I like how Natalie chopped the poached chicken into chunky pieces. However, the rice was not as fragrant on my second visit. Maybe there is some consistency issue which I hope they can get it sorted. An essential element for a good plate of chicken rice is the chilli sauce. The spicy and tangy chilli sauce complements the chicken rice excellently, zesting up the whole experience.

Besides the poached chicken, the stall offers Shredded Chicken Porridge ($3) and Special Chicken Fried Rice ($5). The porridge and fried rice are cooked by her brother, Lex. The fried rice fried a la minute comes with the poached chicken too.

Ah Five Hainanese Chicken Rice is an unexpected discovery. It is another good chicken rice stall I will recommend. I am glad to see Natalie and Lex, willing to continue Mr Lee's legacy, learning from the Master himself. They have spent months learning and perfecting their skills before opening the stall a month ago in August 2021. If you are in the area, do support them.


Ah Five Hainanese Chicken Rice
Blk 158 Ang Mo Kio Ave 4 
Singapore 560158
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Mayflower (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 730 am - 230pm

Direction: Alight at Mayflower MRT station. Take Exit 3. Walk to destination. Journey time about 4 minutes. [Map]