SPRMRKT @ Dempsey Hill - Limited-time Collaboration with Enjoy Eating House and Bar for Redefined Local Dishes

Enjoy Eating House and Bar, helmed by Chef Joel Ong, is renowned for its elevated take on local cuisine, showcased at its flagship outlet in Jalan Besar and a second location on Sixth Avenue. Now, in collaboration with SPRMRKT, diners can savour its offerings amidst the verdant surroundings of Dempsey Hill. The collaboration is available from Thursdays to Sundays, 5pm to 10pm, until the end of July.

Black Dog Quail Egg 4/5

Served chilled and inspired by black vinegar braise, the Black Dog Quail Egg ($8) served as a tangy and appetising starter.

Kueh Pie Tee 3.8/5

The Kueh Pie Tee ($18) featured a pretty flavourful shredded jicama filling made in prawn and conpoy stock alongside handmade pastry shells. Despite this, my dining companion and I found it a tad too pricey for its portion. It was served with house garlic chilli, egg, and sweet soy to pair.

Chonky Chicken Satay 4.2/5

The Chonky Chicken Satay ($20) lived up to its name with generously sized, spice-marinated chicken chunks served alongside homemade ketupat and a side of creamy peanut sauce infused with a zesty pineapple purée. Each juicy chicken piece boasted a delightful smoky char.

Enjoy Hokkien Mee 3.8/5

The Enjoy Hokkien Mee ($34) is one of the restaurant's popular dishes. It consists of noodles simmered in a prawn broth stir-fried with wild-caught "Ang Kar" prawns, pork belly, squid, and pork lard. While the noodles carried a decent amount of wok hei and the seafood was fresh, we thought the dish was considerably pricey. If you enjoy the pork lard-laden type of hokkien mee, you will enjoy this.

Crispy Local Barramundi in Chef Joel’s Red Curry 4.5/5

For me, a must-order is the Crispy Local Barramundi in Chef Joel's Red Curry ($29). The perfectly fried barramundi sat atop a house coconut curry sauce featuring sautéed local vegetables. The fish impressed with its flaky, tender meat and lightly crisp skin, while the rich curry sauce striked a balance with its satisfyingly creamy texture and just the right amount of heat. This was value for money.

Smoked Cod Otah 4/5

Chef Joel showcased innovation with his Smoked Cod Otah ($22), a departure from the familiar smooth-textured steamed muar otah. His rendition features grilled spicy fish paste with smoked cod chunks, which offer a delightful smokiness, lingering heat and mix of texture. For an extra zest, pair it with the side cincalok.

If you frequent Dempsey Hill, this is a good opportunity to sample Enjoy Eating House’s food. SPRMRKT also offers a wide range of alcoholic drinks to accompany.

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.


SPRMRKT x Enjoy Eating House and Bar
Blk 8 Dempsey Road
#01-15A
Singapore 247696
Tel: +65 8129 8166
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Nearest MRT: Napier (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Enjoy Eating House and Bar Menu
Thu-Sun: 5pm to 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Napier MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk to bus stop opposite Singapore Botanic Gardens (Stop ID 13011). Take bus number 7, 75, 77, 105, 106, 123 or 174. Alight 2 stops later. Walk up to Dempsey Hill. Walk right to the back of the cluster. Walk to destination. Journey time 12 minutes. [Map]

Lao Wang Traditional Hokkien Mee (老王传统福建面) @ Clementi Ave 1 - A Decent Plate of Fried Hokkien Mee In Clementi

Exploring my new neighbourhood has led me to Lao Wang Traditional Hokkien Mee (老王传统福建面), tucked inside a quaint coffeeshop along Clementi Avenue 1. Intrigued by the local buzz surrounding this spot, I decided to try the Hokkien Mee.

Lao Wang caters to different appetites with their Hokkien Mee, available in three sizes: Small ($6), Medium ($9), and Large ($12). Opting for the small portion, I was pleasantly surprised by the generous serving, featuring a delightful mix of squid, prawn, and pork combined with yellow noodles and bee hoon. The menu also offers additional toppings like pork lard, prawns, sambal, or the option to serve it in opel leaf for an extra cost.

Fried Hokkien Mee 3.5/5

The Fried Hokkien Mee I sampled presented a unique take—neither overly dry nor immersed in a prawny broth. However, it lacked the robust flavour profile I typically seek in a stellar plate of Hokkien Mee. The distinct alkaline taste from the yellow noodles was more pronounced than I preferred.

In the grand landscape of Hokkien Mee offerings, Lao Wang's rendition falls just above the average standard. While it might not secure a spot in my top 10, it certainly stands out as a commendable choice for a decent plate of fried Hokkien Mee in the vicinity. For those seeking a satisfying local meal around Clementi, Lao Wang Traditional Hokkien Mee is undoubtedly a "not bad" choice.



Lao Wang Traditional Hokkien Mee
(老王传统福建面)
Blk 420A Clementi Ave 1
Singapore 121420
Tel: +65 97956033
Nearest MRT: Clementi (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 11am - 930pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Clementi MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Clementi MRT station (Stop ID 17179). Take bus 189. Alight 5 stops later. Cross the road, walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

One Prawn & Co @ Macpherson - Robust Prawn Noodles, Seafood Paofan and Hokkien Mee Served in Sizzling Claypots, Recognised by Michelin Bib Gourmand

One Prawn & Co started as a hawker stall in Golden Mile Food Centre. It has steadily grown to be recognised by Michelin Bib Gourmand for its signature Prawn Noodles and owning its own modern coffeeshop space along Macpherson Road.

Previously only available in the daytime, the eatery has finally now made the decision to offer their signature dishes in the evenings as well, from 11am to 9pm daily, apart from Mondays. This comes after consistent requests from their regular diners.

Their star Prawn Noodles use a painstakingly prepared broth that goes through non-stop boiling of prawn heads and pork bones for over 20 hours. You can imagine how thick and robust that would be!

Their other seasonal dishes, such as the Claypot Hokkien Mee and Seafood Paofan, are also made permanent on their menu.

Lobster Paofan 4.8/5

Fit for 2, the Lobster Paofan ($40) was served up bubbling hot with a sizable lobster. The lobster meat was thoughtfully deshelled and added to the rice for convenience. The broth base here used the same as their Prawn Noodles and was utterly flavourful and rich, yet not overwhelming. The rice was cooked well, paired with crispy rice and fried egg floss.

For a smaller and more affordable portion, diners can opt for the Scallop Paofan at $10.

Claypot Hokkien Mee 4.5/5

The Claypot Hokkien Mee ($14) has its ingredients stir-fried before marrying with the robust prawn broth. Both the prawns and clams were fresh and sweet.

It looked very saucy at first, but the claypot heat allowed the sauce to be soaked up perfectly, with each strand of noodle coated with the fragrant pork lard-laden mix.

Har Cheong Gai 4.5/5

I always enjoy Har Cheong Gai ($2.50/piece), and One Prawn & Co does an excellent rendition - crunchy skin, juicy meat and not greasy.

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.


One Prawn & Co
458 MacPherson Road
Singapore 368176
Tel: +65 98788897
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Nearest MRT: Mattar (DT Line), Tai Seng (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 11am - 9pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tai Seng MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk towards Macpherson Road. Turn right at Macpherson road. Walk down Macpherson Road to the stretch of shop houses. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Mattar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Merpati Road to Jalan Anggerek. Turn right onto Jalan Anggerek. Walk to the end of Jalan Anggerek. Turn right onto Macpherson Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 mintues. [Map]

Princess Terrace @ Copthorne Kings Hotel - Time-Honoured Penang-Peranakan Buffet since 1970s

Indulge in the captivating flavours of Penang-Peranakan cuisine with the exquisite Penang-Peranakan Buffet at Princess Terrace. Located within the esteemed Copthorne King's Hotel Singapore, the exquisite buffet offers a diverse selection of time-honoured Penang-Peranakan dishes that have been perfected since the 1970s. From iconic Penang Hokkien Mee to the delightful Crispy Belachan Chicken Wings and an array of Nonya Kuehs, the buffet captures the essence of this distinctive culinary heritage.

Savour the essence of Penang through the Penang Char Kway Teow offered in Princess Terrace's buffet. This renowned dish features stir-fried flat rice noodles with prawns, chicken, bean sprouts, and Chinese chives, all infused with the characteristic wok hei smokiness. Seasoned with a flavourful blend of spices and sauces, this dish captures the true essence of Penang's culinary heritage.

Another must-try is the Penang Assam Laksa, which features a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, featuring thick rice noodles immersed in a tangy and aromatic fish-based broth. The medley of flavours is elevated with tamarind, creating a delightful balance of sour and savoury. This dish is a homage to Penang's culinary traditions, offering a captivating journey for the palate through its bold and zesty profile.

Not to be missed are the Crispy Belachan Chicken Wings. The wings are expertly coated with a crispy layer, revealing tender and succulent meat within. The magic lies in the aromatic belachan seasoning, which infuses the wings with a bold umami kick and a hint of spiciness.

The Char Moey presents a fusion of textures and tastes, showcasing wok-fried porridge that's been expertly prepared to achieve a delightful balance between creamy and slightly crispy. Unlike the usual porridge, it is mildly fried to a fragrant brown. The addition of minced pork, succulent prawns, and dried cuttlefish brings layers of savoury richness, complementing the porridge's comforting nature. This dish embodies both the heartwarming essence of comfort food and the intricate palate of Penang cuisine, making it a must-try highlight of the buffet.

The buffet at Princess Terrace showcases an array of enticing dishes such as the Yang Chow Fried Rice, Sambal Goreng Tempeh, Mutton Rendang, and Satays. The Chicken Curry is a fragrant delight, with tender pieces of chicken immersed in a luscious curry sauce that's a harmony of spices and coconut milk. At the same time, the Stir-Fried Roast Pork with Dark Sauce presents succulent roast pork enveloped in a savoury dark sauce, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and umami.

Quench your thirst with a soul-soothing cup of Teh Tarik, a beloved Malaysian beverage featured in the buffet at Princess Terrace. This iconic drink, whose name translates to "pulled tea," offers a delightful combination of strong black tea and sweetened condensed milk, expertly mixed through a process of "pulling" to create its signature frothy top. Served piping hot, the Teh Tarik perfectly balances the robust bitterness of the tea and the creamy sweetness of the milk.

Experience the delightful flavours of freshly prepared Bang Chang Kueh at Princess Terrace's buffet, where the chef crafts this delectable treat right before your eyes. This interactive station adds a touch of excitement to your dining experience as you watch the skilled chef expertly create these traditional pancakes. Available in two irresistible flavours – peanut and durian.

Round up the feast with a selection of Nonya Kuehs. This tantalizing array includes beloved classics like Kueh Bengkar, Abuk Abuk, Pulut Tai Tai, Kueh Lapis, and Kueh Talam. These traditional delights are meticulously crafted to capture Peranakan cuisine's authentic flavours and textures.

Don't forget to indulge in the refreshing delight of Chendol. At the DIY station, diners can create their personalized Chendol bowl by piling them with different components, adding an interactive and creative element to their dining experience. As you craft your Chendol masterpiece, the dessert's key ingredients come together in a symphony of tastes – the creaminess of the coconut milk, the fragrant sweetness of pandan, and the rich depth of palm sugar syrup.

Overall, the Princess Terrace buffet offers an immersive journey through Penang and Peranakan cuisine's vibrant flavours and rich heritage. The diverse range of offerings, from classic favourites to innovative twists, ensures that diners enjoy a satisfying meal and gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural richness that defines Penang and Peranakan cuisine.

Photos and words by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Princess Terrace
403 Havelock Road
#1F Copthorne Kings Hotel
Singapore 169632
Tel: +65 67330011
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Nearest MRT: Havelock (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Havelock Road MRT station. Take Exit 5. Walk straight down Havelock Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about about 6 minutes. [Map]

Liu Fu Si Fang Cai (劉府私房菜) Privating Dining - An Exclusive Culinary Haven for Chinese Cuisine Enthusiasts

I recently had the privilege of experiencing Liu Fu Si Fang Cai (劉府私房菜), a sought-after private dining in Singapore. It stands as a revered bastion of private dining dedicated to the art of Chinese cuisine. Though open to reservations monthly, it maintains an air of exclusivity, requiring a dash of luck to secure a coveted table.

Black Garlic Chicken Soup 4.5/5

The dining symphony commenced with the elegant overture of Black Garlic Chicken Soup. Served bubbling in a pot, the chicken, infused with the subtle sweetness of black garlic, bestowed an enriched depth to the flavoursome broth. The harmony between the robust chicken essence and the nuanced black garlic note was a delightful prelude to the feast ahead.

Har Cheong Pork Belly 4.2/5

Setting the stage for innovative culinary twists, Liu Fu Si Fang Cai showcased their rendition of Har Cheong Pork Belly. While Har Cheong Chicken is a familiar delicacy, the concept of Har Cheong Pork Belly was a revelation. Delicately fried to a golden crisp, the pork belly delivered a burst of flavour, harmoniously merging the beloved shrimp paste essence with the tender meat.

Steamed Soon Hock with 2 types of Chye Poh 4/5

The spotlight then turned to the Steamed Soon Hock with 2 types of Chye Poh. This perfectly executed dish demonstrated the synergy between delicate cooking techniques and thoughtfully paired ingredients. The marriage of the Soon Hock's tender flesh with the distinct sweetness of the Chye Poh created a symphony of flavours that tantalized the palate.

Mustard Greens with Sio Bak 5/5

An unexpected delight arrived in the form of Mustard Greens with Sio Bak, cooked ingeniously in Assam. This unique concoction showcased the culinary prowess of Liu Fu Si Fang Cai. The infusion of Assam into the dish balanced the inherent bitterness of the mustard greens, resulting in a harmonious blend of flavours that delighted even the most discerning palates.

Fried Hokkien Mee 4/5

The highly anticipated signature, Fried Hokkien Mee, took the stage next. Infused with the rich essence of prawn stock, the dish was a homage to traditional flavours. While not claiming the crown of the best I've tasted, it was undoubtedly a plate of gratifying delight.

Black Pepper Crab 4.5/5

The feast took a delightful twist with the indulgence of Black Pepper Crab. Delving into the crab's succulent flesh, coated in a piquant black pepper sauce, was an experience that ignited the senses. The sauce's fiery notes skillfully complemented the crab's natural sweetness, making it a finger-licking, unforgettable endeavour.

Crystal Tang Yuan 3.5/5

As the culinary journey drew to a close, the Crystal Tang Yuan took centre stage, offering a sweet denouement to the gastronomic masterpiece. Bursting with two distinct flavours, this dessert captured the essence of Liu Fu Si Fang Cai's innovative approach to traditional dishes, leaving a lingering and memorable impression.

In conclusion, Liu Fu Si Fang Cai stands as a testament to the heritage and classic dishes that flourish within the realm of private dining. Each dish's harmonious symphony of flavours and techniques showcases the chef's dedication to elevating the dining experience. While the reservation process may demand a dash of luck, the resulting culinary journey is undoubtedly worth the anticipation. For those pursuing a gastronomic adventure that marries tradition and creativity, Liu Fu Si Fang Cai awaits with open doors and exquisite creations.


Liu Fu Si Fang Cai (劉府私房菜) Privating Dining
20 Tembeling Road
Singapore 423556
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