One Morning Catch Seafood (一品鲜 活海鲜) @ KINEX - A Seafood Haven Relocated from Bartley to Tanjong Katong

Previously located in an industrial area in Bartley, The Morning Catch Seafood found its new home within the KINEX mall, serving fresh live seafood at reasonable prices. As we stepped into the restaurant, we were captivated by the fresh, live seafood tanks on full display for the customers. Interestingly, many seafood options here are priced per piece, unlike most seafood restaurants that charge by weight. Lobster, abalone, scallops, Dungeness crab, and more - if you can name it, they have it.

Lobster “Sha Cha” Vermicelli 4/5

The showstopper to kick off our meal was the Lobster "Sha Cha" Vermicelli ($198), cooked in a rich broth reminiscent of lobster bisque. The lobster was incredibly fresh and meaty. Although the "Sha Cha" flavour in the broth was subtle, and the thin vermicelli could have absorbed the broth better for a more flavourful bite, we still thoroughly enjoyed this dish.

White Pepper Collagen Soup Vermicelli with Red Flower Crab 4.2/5

Similar to the lobster dish, the White Pepper Collagen Soup Vermicelli with Red Flower Crab ($78) is cooked in a rich collagen soup infused with white pepper. This time, it's paired with Red Flower Crab, which is less meaty but noticeably sweeter than the lobster. The white pepper flavour is distinctive and aromatic without being spicy. You can also choose other types of shellfish to be cooked in this flavourful broth.

Golden Collagen Soup with Star Red Grouper 4.2/5

Another soupy dish we enjoyed was the Golden Collagen Soup with Star Red Grouper ($88). The silky-smooth meat had been de-boned for easy consumption, which we truly appreciated. Despite its name, the golden collagen soup tasted richer than Suan Cai Yu. Sweet potato noodles and enoki mushrooms nestled underneath were a delightful addition to the slightly spicy, rich broth.

Salt & Pepper Mantis Prawn 4/5

Next, we have the Salt & Pepper Mantis Prawn ($12.50/pc) garnished with bits of fried garlic that elevate its flavour. Despite the challenge of peeling them, the Mantis Prawns were exceptionally sweet and chewy!

Hometown BBQ Lamb Rack 3/5

They offer a variety of meats in addition to seafood. We tried their Hometown BBQ Lamb Rack ($38), seasoned with a distinctive cumin spice. While we didn't find it exceptionally unique and quite fatty/oily for multiple pieces, the manager assured us it might just be this particular rack. Nonetheless, it was nicely grilled with a crispy crust.

Salted Egg Chicken 3/5

Our last dish was the Salted Egg Chicken ($16), a Singaporean favourite. The salted egg sauce was nicely balanced — sweet and savoury with the fragrance of curry leaves. This dish pairs perfectly with rice. While it may not be unique, it is definitely a must-order for salted egg lovers or kids at the dinner table.

The Morning Catch offers a total of 7 beautifully decorated private rooms suitable for all occasions. The smaller rooms can accommodate up to six seated guests, while the largest room can host 22 seated guests and up to 40 guests with a very reasonable minimum spend of $1988.

Two private rooms come equipped with karaoke systems for you to sing your heart out. The largest room even features a 'living room' area with a comfortable sofa and an automated mahjong table! Open until 1am, The Morning Catch is the perfect venue for your next family party.

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


The Morning Catch Seafood
一品鲜活海鲜
KINEX
11 Tanjong Katong Road
#02-21
Singapore 437157
Tel: +65 88580101
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Nearest MRT: Paya Lebar (CC, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 1am

Direction:
1) Alight at Paya Lebar MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk to Sims Ave. Cross the road and walk to Tanjong Katong Road. Walk down Tanjong Katong Road to Kinex Mall. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Chengdu Bowl (成都碗) @ Tanjong Pagar - Summer Launch of Sichuanese Flavours with New Modern Takes

Chengdu Bowl (成都碗) was established in 2020, introducing its style of Sichuan tapas and rice bowls. Its newer flagship store in Tanjong Pagar offers a variety of iconic Sichuan dishes alongside creations that highlight modern twists.

Exclusive to this flagship store, diners can look forward to a new Summer Launch featuring five new dishes. It is best to make a reservation before heading down, as the restaurant can get quite busy.

Housemade Beverages

We ordered their two speciality Housemade Beverages, the Pineapple Lime Jasmine Tea ($3.80) and Grapefruit Lime Oolong Tea ($3.80). We requested less sweetness, and they were quite refreshing, perfect for washing down the upcoming spice.

Pan Fried Golden Tofu Cubes 4/5

The Pan Fried Golden Tofu Cubes ($12.80) is a new addition to the list of starters. We liked that these crunchy mouthfuls had a clean fry and were not oily, but would have preferred the batter to be just a touch thinner.

Chongqing Signature Chicken Pot 4.2/5

Served on a gas stove to keep it bubbling hot through the meal, the Chongqing Signature Chicken Pot ($27.80) was brimming with beancurd skin, potatoes and chicken. Its rich, savoury broth is thick, akin to a stew, with the potatoes simmered until soft and the chicken tender.

Fish-flavoured Shrimp Noodle 2/5

The new Fish-flavoured Shrimp Noodle ($15.80) was unfortunately underwhelming. Even though it came with a decent number of prawns, the noodles, which seemed similar to instant noodles, were overcooked and didn't manage to pick up the accompanying sweet sauce well.

Green Sichuan Pepper Fish 4/5

Another dish from the Summer Launch is the Green Sichuan Pepper Fish ($27.80), featuring dory fish slices, enoki mushrooms, black fungus, bean sprouts, and lettuce asparagus. While I found it pricey for the number of fish slices included, we enjoyed its addictive spicy broth, which provided a lingering numbness.

Juewei Spicy Hotpot with Mixed Vegetables 4.2/5

If you're looking for something to satisfy your craving for mala spice, go for the Juewei Spicy Hotpot with Mixed Vegetables ($27.80). Diners are able to opt from one of the three meat options: beef, beef omasum and braised chicken thigh, accompanied by a fixed set of ingredients, including potatoes, lotus root, sweet potato noodles and enoki mushrooms. We opted for the braised chicken thigh, which came in a substantial portion. The hotpot was authentically rich and spicy; although some may find it too oily, we didn't mind it. We especially loved the crunchy lotus root and chewy sweet potato noodles, which soaked up all the spice!

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.


Chengdu Bowl (成都碗)
120 Tanjong Pagar Road
#01-01
Singapore 088532
Tel: +65 8869 7257
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11.30am to 3pm, 5pm to 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road. Turn right onto Tanjong Pagar Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Min Jiang @ Goodwood Park Hotel - Min Jiang Reimagined: An Exquisite Showcase by Four Culinary Masters

For a limited time from 22 July to 28 July 2024, Min Jiang Goodwood Park presents an exclusive collaboration featuring Michelin-starred chef couple Sam and Forest Leong alongside Min Jiang and Min Jiang at Dempsey's very own Master Chefs. Themed "Min Jiang Reimagined: An Exquisite Showcase by Four Culinary Masters", this collaboration offers two exclusive set menus for dine-in only at Min Jiang at Goodwood Park Hotel. Here's a closer look at the culinary masterpieces we had the pleasure of experiencing.

Abalone, Sea Cucumber, Wild-caught Eel Maw in Golden Organic Pumpkin Broth 4.8/5

Uni & Jamón Ibérico 4.8/5

We kicked off the dinner with a bowl of golden soup, A Sea of Treasures, by Chef Sam Leong. This dish, featuring Abalone, Sea Cucumber, and Wild-caught Eel Maw in Golden Organic Pumpkin Broth paired with Uni & Jamón Ibérico, was a luxurious delight. The pumpkin broth's collagen-rich consistency, with its natural sweetness, complemented the delicacies excellently. A dollop of red vinegar enhanced the overall experience, adding a tangy depth to the broth.

King Crabmeat in Light Curry Sauce with Seasonal White Asparagus 4/5

Chef Forest Leong brought a touch of Thai influence with The Ocean's Embrace, a dish comprising King Crabmeat in Light Curry Sauce with Seasonal White Asparagus. This dish skillfully merged her Thai heritage with contemporary French elements. The depth and savoury, spicy kick of the king crabmeat curry complemented the springy white asparagus perfectly, making this dish a standout.

Slow-braised ‘Live’ South African Abalone 4/5

Simply executed to highlight the prized ingredient, A Dream So Deep featured South African Abalone slow-braised for two hours in a full-bodied concoction of abalone jus. Paired with lightly fried okra for extra textural contrast, this dish was a sublime testament to the beauty of simplicity in showcasing premium ingredients.

Typhoon Shelter Turbot Fish Fillet and Soft-shell Crab 4.2/5

The Perfect Calm featured Turbot Fish and Soft-shell Crab done in typhoon shelter-style. A fragrant medley of breadcrumbs, scallions, garlic, curry leaf, dried chillies, and dried shrimp, expertly stir-fried to bring out the aromas, added depth and complexity to the dish. Each bite promised a satisfying explosion of textures and flavours, with a hint of spice that left us craving more.

Slow-braised Wagyu Beef Cheek with Japanese Daikon 4.5/5

From the Prairies to Harmony showcased an innovative creation that seamlessly combined traditional Chinese culinary techniques with subtle Japanese flair. The tender Beef Cheek, slow-braised and paired with juicy Japanese Daikon, soaked up the delicate beef broth beautifully, making for a harmonious and flavourful dish.

Barley Pearl Congee with Handmade Shrimp Balls and Dried Scallops 4.2/5

Chef Sam Leong's Smooth as Silk was a silky smooth Congee with celtuce, barley, and handmade shrimp balls cooked in a heady, opaque chicken broth. Topped with crispy dried scallops and served with salted egg salmon skin, this dish offered an irresistible crunch and was a comforting, umami-rich delight.

Crispy Crepes, Meringue and Gold Laced Threads with Assorted Berries Gelato 4/5

We wrapped up the dinner with Chef Forest Leong's dessert creation, Playground in My Mind. This deconstructed version of Khanom Bueang, a traditional Thai street snack, was a visual and culinary treat. Topped with a sprinkle of crumble, fresh strawberries, and blueberries and finished with a scoop of assorted berries ice cream, this dessert was a delightful end to a remarkable dining experience.

"Min Jiang Reimagined: An Exquisite Showcase by Four Culinary Masters" at Min Jiang Goodwood Park is not to be missed. Each dish, crafted with meticulous attention to detail, brings together the best of East and West, traditional and modern. Whether you are a fan of classic flavours or innovative creations, this limited-time collaboration promises an unforgettable dining experience.

THE SET MENUS (FOR DINE-IN ONLY)
22 to 28 July 2024
6-course lunch menu for min. 2 persons at $148++ per person
7-course dinner menu for min. 2 persons at $188++ per person

Dine-in reservations may be made via phone: 6730 1704, email: min_jiang@goodwoodparkhotel.com and https://www.tablecheck.com/en/shops/goodwood-park-hotel-min-jiang/reserve

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Min Jiang
Goodwood Park Hotel
22 Scotts Road
Singapore 228221
Tel: +65 67301704
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk down Scotts Road to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Little Pond 小鱼塘 @ Holland Village - Sauerkraut Fish Hotpot and Prawn Pot Restaurant with Unlimited Drinks, Ice Cream and Condiments at $1/Pax

I’ve been curious about Little Pond (小鱼塘) after visiting the relatively new One Holland Village. The Chinese restaurant sits on the second floor, just next to Lau Wang Claypot.

The restaurant was filled with a constant stream of diners on a weekday night. Little Pond specialises in Golden Sauerkraut Fish (酸菜鱼) and Fried Prawn dishes available in different flavours.

For $1 per person, you get unlimited drinks, ice cream, condiments, and sauces.

A special mention to their drinks - apart from the typical sweet cold beverages, they offer healthier customisable drinks using a range of tea ingredients, such as Jasmine Tea, Rock Sugar, Chrysanthemum Flowers, and more.

Golden Sauerkraut Fish 4/5

What differentiates Little Pond from other sauerkraut fish places is that their Golden Sauerkraut Fish ($39.90 for Small) can be enjoyed like a steamboat! After having the fish, you can opt for additional sides to cook in the soup afterwards.

The induction stove in the middle of each table will help keep your pot bubbling hot, and the service staff will assist in adding more broth along the way. While it may not be the best sauerkraut fish we've had, we liked the freshness and texture of the fish slices. We found it pretty value for money too. By default, the pot comes with slices of snakehead fish, cabbage, enoki mushrooms and tofu puffs. Note that the broth can get quite salty, especially after you've added additional ingredients.

For our ‘steamboat ingredients’, we had Sliced Chestnut Pork Neck Roll ($8.50), Mashed Shrimp Meat Paste ($7), 6 Sec Seaweed ($5), Cheerful Farm ($12), and Sweet Potato Noodle ($3.80).

I would skip the Sweet Potato Noodle next time, as the type they use disintegrates too quickly for my liking.

Signature Fragrant Spicy Prawn 4/5

Moving on to their Signature Fragrant Spicy Prawn ($49.90 for Small), it was a pity that even though the prawns were sizable and meaty, we found them overcooked. The prawn pot was a lot more oily but had good heat. It came with a bed of ingredients such as konjac, corn cobs, potato strips, lotus root, and more.

Cold Mixed Shredded Vegetables 4.2/5

If you're coming in a bigger group, try their starters too. We particularly enjoyed the Cold-Mixed Shredded Vegetables ($8) and Cold-Mixed Tofu and Dried Moss Vege ($6). The former had a mix of kelp, carrot, beancurd skin, peanuts, and more in a tangy seasoning.

Cold Mixed Tofu & Dried Moss Vege 4.2/5

On the other hand, the Cold Mixed Tofu & Dried Moss Vege ($6) had crunchy dried moss vegetables and slices of beancurd in a mild dressing.

Orlean Chicken Skewers 4/5

We also had the Orlean Chicken Skewers ($3.90 for 2 Sticks), which were seasoned well but slightly pricey.

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.


Little Pond
One Holland Village
#02-32
7 Holland Village Way
Singapore 275748
Tel: +65 8013 2050
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Nearest MRT: Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk to Lorong Liput. Turn right onto Lorong Liput. Walk down Lorong Liput. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

WO WO DIAN 窝窝店 @ Raffles City Shopping Centre - Buns Made with 130 Years Old Recipe

Established in 1889 in Mianyang, Sichuan, Wo Wo Dian (窝窝店) recently opened its first overseas outpost at Raffles City. Over the past 130 years, it has become renowned for its steamed stuffed buns made with real Laomian (traditional sourdough). Today, Wo Wo Dian offers a menu that encompasses traditional Sichuan cuisine for a complete dining experience.

Traditional Sauced Pork Buns 4.5/5

Traditional Pork Bun 4.2/5

The buns here are truly superb. Crafted using traditional sourdough, the bun skin is exceptionally light with a slight chewiness that leaves you wanting more, even after indulging in three buns. Two types of pork buns are available: the Traditional Pork Bun ($8.90) and the Traditional Sauced Pork Bun ($7.90). The latter boasts a more flavourful and aromatic profile due to the marination, while the traditional version offers a more straightforward taste with a slightly porkier flavour.

Crispy Bamboo Shoots 2.8/5

Mouth-Watering Chicken 3.5/5

We tried a couple of cold dishes - the Crispy Bamboo Shoots ($6.90) and the Mouth-Watering Chicken ($10.90). While the bamboo shoots with peppercorn dressing didn't quite suit my palate, the Mouth-Watering Chicken was much more appetising with its well-balanced piquant chilli dressing, although the portion was relatively small.

Firecracker Chicken 4.5/5

The Firecracker Chicken ($13.90), a common dish in Sichuan restaurants, is one of the better versions I've tried. Each morsel is crispy yet tender inside, with just the right amount of heat.

Kung Pao Eggplant with Shrimp 4/5

Boiled Pork Belly With Spicy Sauce 3.8/5

Other side dishes include the Kung Pao Eggplant with Shrimp ($22.90) and the Boiled Pork Belly With Spicy Sauce ($25.90). The Kung Pao Eggplant with Shrimp features a mild in-house sauce that pairs well with the spongy texture of the deep-fried eggplant cubes and the prawns. On the other hand, the Boiled Pork Belly With Spicy Sauce feels like a hearty hangover dish, mainly because its finishing touch was a douse of hot oil. While the meat was tender, it lacked its own distinct flavours.

Classic Chicken Broth Rice Noodles 3.5/5

Szechuan Beef Broth Rice Noodles 4/5

There are two noodles options: the Classic Chicken Broth Rice Noodles ($14.90) and the Szechuan Beef Broth Rice Noodles ($13.90). Both feature silky rice noodles imported directly from Mianyang, as well as kelp and chickpeas. While the chicken broth was rich and thick, I found it needed more depth of flavour. In contrast, the beef broth was robust and heady.

Poached Pear in Rice Wine 4.2/5

Three Delicacies Iced Jelly 4/5

Be sure to try their dessert. The Poached Pear in Rice Wine ($6.90) and the Three Delicacies Iced Jelly ($4.90) are delightful options. I particularly enjoyed the poached pear for its rice wine infusion, and neither dessert was overly sweet. The Three Delicacies Iced Jelly is a refreshing choice to cleanse the palate after a hearty meal.

Penned 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.


WO WO DIAN (窝窝店)
Raffles City Shopping Centre
252 North Bridge Road
B1-13/14/15
Singapore 179103
Tel: +65 6513 5598
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon–Thu: 1130am – 9pm
Fri–Sun: 1130am – 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]