Showing posts with label Fried Carrot Cake. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fried Carrot Cake. Show all posts

Saturday, October 10, 2026

Legendary Hong Kong @ Tampines Mall - A Taste of Hong Kong Dim Sum, Roast Meats and Cart Noodles

LegendaryHKGTampines17

Legendary Hong Kong first opened its doors at Jurong Point in 2014, bringing authentic Hong Kong cuisine to Singapore. Since then, the brand has expanded its presence locally, with its largest outlet opening at Tampines Mall in July 2025. I dropped by for a weekday lunch to check out its extensive menu, which spans traditional dim sum, Hong Kong-style roast meats, wok-fried noodles and nostalgic street food. With a menu offering a wide variety of familiar Cantonese favourites, there is something for everyone, whether you are looking for a dim sum feast, a quick noodle meal or a hearty plate of roasted meats.

LegendaryHKGTampines16
Thick Rice Roll with Deep Fried Shrimp Rolls 4.5/5

The Thick Rice Roll with Deep-Fried Shrimp Rolls ($11.90) was one of my favourites of the meal. A more indulgent take on the traditional zhaliang, which typically wraps steamed rice rolls around crispy fried dough sticks, this version uses deep-fried shrimp rolls for extra flavour and texture. The silky, smooth rice noodle sheets were soft and delicate, wrapping around the golden, crispy shrimp rolls within. Each bite delivered a satisfying contrast between the tender, slippery rice rolls and the crunchy exterior of the fried rolls, with juicy prawns adding a natural sweetness and a firm bite. A drizzle of savoury Cantonese soy sauce brought everything together, seasoning the rice rolls without overwhelming the delicate seafood flavours. This well-executed dim sum dish stood out for its contrasting textures and generous prawn filling.

LegendaryHKGTampines2
Snowy BBQ Bun 4/5

The Snowy BBQ Pork Bun ($9.90) offered a sweeter alternative to the classic steamed char siew bao. Instead of the usual fluffy white bun, this baked version came topped with a crumbly, sugary crust that added a delightful buttery sweetness. Beneath the lightly crisp exterior, the bun was soft and airy, providing a pleasant contrast to the sweet topping. The filling consisted of diced Cantonese barbecued pork tossed in a thick, savoury-sweet sauce. The caramelised flavours of the char siew complemented the crust's sweetness, creating a moreish combination reminiscent of Hong Kong-style baked barbecue pork buns. Those who enjoy a balance of sweet and savoury flavours will likely appreciate this variation.

LegendaryHKGTampines18
Siew Mai 4/5

A dim sum staple, the Siew Mai at Legendary Hong Kong was a satisfying rendition of the classic steamed pork dumpling. While many dim sum restaurants serve three pieces per basket, the portion here comes with four, making it a little more generous for sharing. Each dumpling was packed with a substantial filling encased in a thin yellow wonton wrapper. The texture was firm and bouncy, with the minced meat holding together nicely without becoming mushy or excessively fatty. Every bite offered a savoury meatiness that made it an easy addition to a dim sum spread. Simple and familiar, it was a dependable rendition of a Cantonese favourite.

LegendaryHKGTampines14
Har Gow 4/5

Another essential dim sum order, the Har Gow arrived with neatly pleated, almost translucent skins. Thin enough to reveal the pinkish prawns within, the wrappers were also sufficiently elastic to hold their shape when lifted from the bamboo steamer. The highlight was the prawn filling, with a firm, springy bite and natural sweetness. The prawns remained juicy, with their seafood flavours nicely contained within the delicate dumpling skin. The balance between the tender wrapper and the snappy shrimp filling made this a well-executed classic. For lovers of traditional Cantonese dim sum, the har gow is a worthy addition to the table.

LegendaryHKGTampines13
Pan Fried Carrot Cake 3.8/5

The Pan-Fried Carrot Cake offered a pleasing contrast between its lightly crisp exterior and soft, tender centre. The radish cake was steamed, then sliced and pan-fried, giving the surface a golden crust while keeping the inside moist and almost silky. Studded with bits of Chinese preserved sausage and dried shrimp, the carrot cake had a savoury depth that complemented the radish's natural sweetness. The preserved sausage added richness, while the dried shrimp contributed a pleasant umami note. It was reasonably well executed, with a nice balance of textures and flavours, though it wasn't quite as memorable as some of the other dim sum dishes we tried.

LegendaryHKGTampines8
HK Cart Noodles 3/5

LegendaryHKGTampines4
Curry Fish Ball, Squid 3.5/5

For something more substantial, the HK Cart Noodles bring a nostalgic Hong Kong street-food concept to Tampines Mall. Inspired by the humble cart noodles traditionally sold by street vendors, the dish lets diners customise their bowls with a selection of noodles, ingredients, and toppings. With more than 20 toppings available, there is plenty of room to mix and match according to personal preference. We picked a selection that included pork ribs, radish, chicken feet, curry fish balls and curry squid.

The curry fish balls were enjoyable, while the curry squid offered a different texture and a savoury, curry-infused flavour. The variety of toppings makes the concept appealing, especially for diners who enjoy building their own bowls. However, the overall experience was less memorable compared with the other dishes we sampled.

LegendaryHKGTampines11
Original HK Fried Noodles 3.8/5

The Original HK Fried Noodles delivered a satisfying combination of texture and wok-fried flavours. The thin Cantonese egg noodles had a slightly firm, springy bite, holding up well during stir-frying without turning soft and soggy. The noodles carried a savoury seasoning with subtle 'wok hei', adding depth to the dish. The lightly toasted notes also gave the noodles a pleasant aroma, while the seasoning coated the strands evenly without making them overly heavy. It was a straightforward noodle dish that would work well as a shared plate alongside the dim sum and roast meats.

LegendaryHKGTampines22
Golden Crispy Prawn 4.5/5

The Golden Crispy Prawn was another highlight, particularly for its satisfying crunch. The prawns were coated in a light batter and deep-fried until golden brown, creating a crisp exterior that didn't feel excessively greasy. Beneath the crunchy coating, the prawns remained succulent and springy, with a natural sweetness that came through with every bite. The contrast between the crisp batter and juicy seafood made this a moreish dish that was easy to enjoy on its own. If you enjoy prawns prepared with a generous crunch, this is one dish worth ordering. 

LegendaryHKGTampines19
Four Treasure Platter 4/5

No Hong Kong-style meal would be complete without a selection of roasted meats. We had the Four Treasure Platter, which brought together Roasted Duck, Soy Chicken, BBQ Pork (Char Siew) and Crispy Pork Belly (Sio Bak) on one plate. Of the four varieties, the roasted duck and crispy pork belly stood out. The roasted duck had glossy skin and a layer of rendered fat beneath, while the meat stayed succulent and flavourful, with aromatic seasoning permeating the flesh. It offered the rich, savoury character expected of Cantonese roast duck. The crispy pork belly was equally satisfying, with a crackling skin that shattered with each bite. Beneath the crisp layer were alternating layers of fat and meat, providing a rich, savoury mouthfeel. The contrast between the crunchy skin and tender pork made it particularly enjoyable. The char siew and soy chicken rounded out the platter, offering familiar sweet-savoury and gently seasoned flavours. 

LegendaryHKTampines-1

Legendary Hong Kong at Tampines Mall offers a wide-ranging menu that brings together many familiar flavours of Hong Kong dining, from traditional dim sum and baked barbecue pork buns to cart noodles, wok-fried noodles, and Cantonese roast meats. With its extensive menu and spacious outlet, Legendary Hong Kong is a convenient option for a casual meal with family or friends in the east. Whether you stop by for dim sum over lunch or put together a larger spread of noodles and roast meats, there is plenty to explore on the menu.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Legendary Hong Kong
Tampines Mall
4 Tampines Central 5
B1-11
Singapore 529510
Tel: +65 86901448
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Tampines (DT, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 830am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tampines MRT Station. Take Exit C. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 3 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tampines MRT Station. Take Exit D. Walk straight to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]


Saturday, October 12, 2024

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

FattChoyEatingHouse17

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.

FattChoyEatingHouse2
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.

FattChoyEatingHouse24
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.

FattChoyEatingHouse14
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.

FattChoyEatingHouse29
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.

FattChoyEatingHouse8
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.

FattChoyEatingHouse20
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.

FattChoyEatingHouse36
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.

FattChoyEatingHouse42
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.

FattyChoyEatingHouseFront-6

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
Facebook
Instagram
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]

Sunday, August 25, 2024

Ya Ge (雅阁) @ Orchid Hotel - A Refined Weekend Dim Sum Brunch with 47 Items to Choose From

YaGeDimSumAug24-24

Ya Ge (雅阁) at Orchid Hotel Singapore has launched a refined new Weekend Dim Sum Brunch, offering an array of exquisite dim sum dishes, flavourful soups, hearty mains, and decadent desserts. Diners can select up to 15 dishes from the extensive menu, making it a perfect choice for those looking to indulge in a lavish and leisurely meal.

YaGeDimSumAug24-16
Abalone Siew Mai 4.2/5

We started our brunch with a selection of new dim sum creations that truly elevated the dining experience. The Abalone Siew Mai is a luxurious take on the classic pork siew mai, topped with a whole abalone that adds a touch of elegance and richness to the dish.

YaGeDimSumAug24-11
Steamed Mala Flavoured Pork Siew Mai topped with Baby Octopus 4/5

Another standout was the Steamed Mala Flavoured Pork Siew Mai topped with Baby Octopus. This dish combines the familiar flavours of siew mai with the bold, spicy kick of mala, topped with tender baby octopus. It's perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their dim sum.

YaGeDimSumAug24-10
Deep-fried Red Garoupa Fillet and Mango Roll 4/5

The Deep-fried Red Garoupa Fillet and Mango Roll was a delightful surprise, featuring a crispy exterior that encased tender garoupa fillet and sweet mango, complemented by a tangy mango sauce.


YaGeDimSumAug24-30
Pan-fried Tom Yum Mee Suan Kueh with Fresh Prawn 2.8/5

One of the most inventive dishes we tried was the Pan-fried Tom Yum Mee Sua Kueh with Fresh Prawn. The dish features a tom yum-flavoured prawn atop a crisp mee sua toast. However, it lacked the softer, more comforting texture of traditional fried mee sua kueh. It might not be everyone's cup of tea, especially if you're a fan of the Swee Choon's version.

YaGeDimSumAug24-3
Double-boiled Chicken Soup with Matsuke Mushroom, Dendrobium Steam and Conpoy 4/5

YaGeDimSumAug24-4
Braised Lobster Broth with Fresh Crab Meat and Crab Roe 4.2/5

For the soup options, we sampled the Double-boiled Chicken Soup with Matsuke Mushroom, Dendrobium Stem and Conpoy, as well as the Braised Lobster Broth with Fresh Crab Meat and Crab Roe. Both soups were rich and deeply flavorful, with the lobster broth standing out for its luxurious and briny taste.

YaGeDimSumAug24-19
Traditional Xiao Long Bao 3.5/5

YaGeDimSumAug24-26
Barbeque Pork Rice Roll 3.5/5

YaGeDimSumAug24-28
Pan-fried Chinese Sausage Carrot Cake 2.8/5

We also indulged in some of Ya Ge's more classic dim sum offerings, including the Traditional Xiao Long Bao, Barbeque Pork Rice Roll, and Pan-fried Chinese Sausage Carrot Cake. These classic dishes were executed to perfection, each bite bursting with familiar and comforting flavours.

YaGeDimSumAug24-44
Salted Egg Yolk Custard Lava Bun 4.5/5

YaGeDimSumAug24-7
Crispy Mini Pumpkin Pastry with Minced Chicken, Mushroom and Thyme 4.5/5

YaGeDimSumAug24-21
Crispy Ugly Duckling with Chicken, Yam and Mushroom 4.2/5

A few dishes stood out as personal favourites among the dim sum selections. The Salted Egg Yolk Custard Lava Bun is a must-try, with its soft, fluffy dough infused with pandan flavour and filled with rich, oozing salted egg yolk custard. Another delightful bite was the Crispy Mini Pumpkin Pastry with Minced Chicken, Mushroom, and Thyme. The pastry had a chewy texture that became more enjoyable with each bite. Lastly, the Crispy Ugly Duckling with Chicken, Yam, and Mushroom was packed with flavour and texture, making it an irresistible choice.

YaGeDimsumIG-2
Peking Duck 4.2/5

YaGeDimSumAug24-6

Ya Ge's Weekend Dim Sum Brunch also features a live station that rotates weekly, offering dishes such as Peking Duck, Sliced Spotted Garoupa Pao Fan, Xiao Long Bao with Crab Roe Filling, Herbal Crispy Duck Roll, and more. During our visit, we were treated to the Peking Duck, a classic dish that was expertly prepared and a pleasure to eat.


YaGeDimSumAug24-32
Claypot French 'An Xin' Chicken in Traditional Kam Heong Style 4.5/5

If you think dim sum is the only highlight, think again. The brunch also includes several main courses that are worth trying. The Claypot French 'An Xin' Chicken in Traditional Kam Heong Style was a standout, with tender chicken pieces cooked in a fragrant lemongrass and kam heong sauce that was so delicious, it had me craving for a bowl of rice to go with it.

YaGeDimSumAug24-35
Braised Dong Po Iberico Pork 4.2/5

Another memorable dish was the Braised Dong Po Iberico Pork, which was cooked to perfection, melting in the mouth with every bite.

YaGeDimSumAug24-36
Braised Mee Pok with Eggplant and Kurobuta Minced Pork 4.2/5

We opted for the Braised Mee Pok with Eggplant and Kurobuta Minced Pork for our carbo fix. The sauce was rich and savoury, complementing the perfectly cooked noodles that had just the right amount of bite.

YaGeDimSumAug24-48
Chilled Lemongrass Jully, Chilled Mango Pomelo Sago 4/5

We indulged in desserts like the Chilled Lemongrass Jelly and Chilled Mango Pomelo Sago to wrap up our sumptuous brunch. Both desserts were light, sweet, and refreshing, providing a perfect end to our meal.

Available only on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays
First Seating: 11.30am - 1.30pm (Last Order at 1pm)
Second Seating: 12.30pm - 2.30pm (Last Order at 2pm)
Pricing:
S$68++ per adult (min. 2 persons)
$48++ per child (4-12 years old)

The Weekend Dim Sum Brunch at Ya Ge offers a delightful combination of classic and innovative dishes, all prepared with finesse and attention to detail. Whether you're a dim sum traditionalist or someone who enjoys trying new flavours, this brunch is sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you planning your next visit.

Note: This is an invited tasting


Ya Ge (雅阁)
Orchid Hotel Singapore
1 Tras Link
Singapore 078867
Tel: +65 6818 6831
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight towards Orchid Hotel. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Friday, October 20, 2023

Swee Choon Tim Sum @ Changi Airport Terminal 2 - 62 Year Old Dim Sum Institution Opens New 24-hour Concept Outlet

SweeChoonAirport8

Swee Choon Tim Sum extends its dim sum delights with a new 24-hour outlet at Changi Airport Terminal 2, Arrival Hall. The relaxed cafe-style setting welcomes dim sum enthusiasts around the clock.

SweeChoonAirport2
Siew Mai 4/5

SweeChoonAirport4
Fried Prawn Rice Roll 3.8/5

SweeChoonAirport22
Fried Dough Rice Roll 2/5

SweeChoonAirport15
Fried Carrot Cake 3.8/5

Classic dim sum offerings include the juicy and meaty Siew Mai. The Fried Prawn Rice Roll impresses with its silky rice sheet embracing crispy prawns, while the Fried Dough Rice Roll needs to catch up on the crisp factor. The substantial Fried Carrot Cake is cooked in XO sauce but could use more seafood aroma.

SweeChoonAirport10
Mee Sua Kueh 4.5/5

SweeChoonAirport38
Tofu Bomb 3.5/5

SweeChoonAirport35
Black Pepper Pork Chop with Wan Tan Noodle 4.5/5

Swee Choon's signature Mee Sua Kueh delights with its contrasting textures. The Tofu Bomb explodes with flavours, featuring crispy skin and a tofu, vegetable, and prawn filling. The Black Pepper Pork Chop with Wan Tan Noodle stands out with springy noodles and juicy, tender pork.

SweeChoonAirport32
Hot & Sour Soup 4/5

SweeChoonAirport18
Pineapple Bun w/ Butter 4/5

SweeChoonAirport14
Sweet Potato Yam Paste Egg Tart 3.8/5, Sweet Potato Mochi Egg Tart 4/5

An unusual addition, the Hot & Sour Soup offers a delightful vinegar and spice kick. For a sweet ending, the Pineapple Bun with Butter provides a buttery, crusty exterior with a soft, fluffy interior. The Sweet Potato Yam Paste Egg Tart and Sweet Potato Mochi Egg Tart round off the meal with their sweet fillings and buttery crusts.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Swee Choon Tim Sum
Changi Airport Terminal 2
Arrival Hall
60 Airport Boulevard
#01-07
Singapore 819643
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Changi Airport (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 24 Hour

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