Hei Bai Chao (黑白炒) @ Grantal Mall Macpherson - Delicious Noodles By The Same Team Behind Daruma Tavern

Hei Bai Chao (黑白炒), located inside Grantal Mall Macpherson, is a food court stall operated by the same team behind Daruma Tavern. This stall offers a variety of tantalizing dishes, including Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee, Crispy Bee Hoon, and KL Dai Lok Mee.

Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee 3.8/5

The Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee ($7.80) at Hei Bai Chao is prepared in the wet style, showcasing a robust and prawny stock. However, it can be a bit salty for some palates. The dish features more vermicelli than yellow noodles, which can throw off the balance of flavors and textures. Nonetheless, the inclusion of fragrant pork lard adds a delightful aroma to the dish, enhancing its overall appeal.

Crispy Bee Hoon 3.5/5

When it comes to the Crispy Bee Hoon ($9.80), it boasts a crispy exterior while remaining moist on the inside. However, it falls short in comparison to the version served at JB Ah Beng, a popular eatery known for its crispy bee hoon. While enjoyable, the Crispy Bee Hoon at Hei Bai Chao doesn't quite reach the same level of crispiness that some might prefer.

KL Dai Lok Mee 4/5

On the other hand, the KL Dai Lok Mee ($8.80) stands out with its delicious and savory dark sauce, generously layered with fragrant pork lard. The noodles in this dish have a satisfying bite to them, further enhancing the overall experience. This flavorful noodle dish is likely to satisfy those seeking a hearty and satisfying meal.

Hei Bai Chao, located inside Grantal Mall Macpherson, offers a range of dishes that are worth trying if you find yourself in the vicinity. While some dishes may have their shortcomings, the stall provides a variety of flavors and options that are sure to cater to different tastes. Whether you're in the mood for the robust flavors of the Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee, the crispy and moist textures of the Crispy Bee Hoon, or the savory delights of the KL Dai Lok Mee, Hei Bai Chao has something to offer. So, if you happen to be in the area, it's worth giving them a try and discovering which dishes appeal to your palate.


Hei Bai Chao (黑白炒)
Grantral Mall @ Macpherson
601 Macpherson Road
#01-31 Stall MR4
Singapore 368242
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Nearest MRT: Tai Seng (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tai Seng MRT Station. Take Exit B. Turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Davis Prawn Court @ Kovan Food Centre - The Popular Cai Png Uncle Is Back Frying A Delicious Plate Of Hokkien Prawn Noodles

Davis Prawn Court at Kovan 209 Food Centre is a new stall selling Prawn Noodle and Fried Hokkien Mee. Residents in Kovan will be familiar with the man behind the wok. The same uncle used to run the now-defunct popular Cai Png stall - Teow Heng Cooked Food.

Hokkien Prawn Noodles 4.2/5

We had the Hokkien Prawn Noodles ($5/$8). The style is more of the gooey, semi-wet version packed with robust, savoury prawn stock. It reminds me of Come Daily Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee in Toa Payoh. Quite similar but less west. The plate of slurping goodness came with prawns, pork belly, sotong and pork lard. In addition, the accompanying chilli sauce has that slight tang that complements the noodles. It is indeed a good plate of Hokkien prawn noodles.

Davis Prawn Noodles 4/5

Besides the Hokkien Mee, the stall also offers a variety of prawn noodle options such as Big Prawn Noodle, Abalone Prawn Noodle, Pork Ribs Prawn Noodle, Pig Tails Prawn Noodle and Intestinal Prawn Noodle.

We had the regular Davis Prawn Noodle ($4.80/ $5.80), which comes with half-sliced prawns, pig's skin and lean pork. I opted for a mixture of beehoon and yellow noodles tossed in a fragrant dried chilli sauce that goes well with the noodle. As for the soup, it has a balance of pork and crustacean flavour. It is not the full-blown, rich crustacean flavour type.

Overall I prefer the Hokkien Mee over the Prawn Noodle. Comparing the two, the Hokkien Mee fares better. However, if you have stomach space, you can try both items. By the way, the hokkien mee is only available from 10am onwards.


Davis Prawn Court
Kovan Food Centre
Blk 209 Hougang Street 21
#01-37
Singapore 530209
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Nearest MRT: Kovan (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon, Wed-Sun: 7am - 9pm
(Closed on Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Kovan MRT station. Take Exit C. Turn right and walk straight to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

The Line @ Shangri-La Singapore - Collaborates With Second Generation Hawkers From Renowned Local Stalls For The Month Of August

This August, The Line at Shangri-La Singapore partakes in Singapore's 57th birthday celebration by spotlighting must-try dishes from renowned local stalls. Second generation hawkers will be making their appearance by serving local dishes, including Kway Guan Huat Joo Chiat Popiah, Habib's Rojak, Tiong Bahru Tau Suan and Geylang Lor 29 Charcoal Fried Hokkien Mee, available on selected days during dinner.

Geylang Lor 29 Charcoal Fried Hokkien Mee

Not often will you get to try Fried Hokkien Mee in a buffet offering that is done using charcoal. However, to present the authentic taste of Geylang Lor 29 Charcoal Fried Hokkien Mee, you will catch the 2nd generation owner live in action, dishing out charcoal-fried hokkien mee.

Kway Guan Huat Joo Chiat Popiah

Being a Westie, it was such a joy to be able to try Kway Guan Huat Joo Chiat Popiah. Stretchy popiah skins, well-stewed turnips that are just lightly seasoned, and soft and fluffy eggs are definitely one of the best popiahs I ever had in a buffet.

Habib's Rojak

Habib's Rojak has been around for more than 30 years. It is known for its zesty and fragrant chilli gravy. The buffet offers a few popular items that best bring out the flavours of Habib's Rojak - Crispy Prawn Fritter, Coconut Fritters, Potato Dough and Egg Dough. It's a station not to be missed, especially if you are not a westerner.

Chilli Crab with Fried Mantou

Beef Noodles

The buffet also offers other well-loved local dishes, such as Chilli Crab and Beef Noodles, alongside other 16 live theatre kitchens featuring Seafood, Sashimi, Japanese, Middle Eastern, Asian, Noodles, Roasts, Dessert stations and more.

Tiong Bahru Tau Suan

End your feast with a bowl or two of Tiong Bahru Tau Suan. I like that it wasn't cloyingly sweet. What is equally good or even better is its Pulut Hitam, loaded with chewy black glutinous rice. The good quality coconut milk served on the side complements both desserts well.

This celebratory buffet menu will be available between 2 to 21 August2022. Prices start from SGD 68++ per person for lunch and SGD88++ per person for dinner.

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.


The Line
Shangri-La Hotel Singapore
Lobby Level
22 Orange Grove Road
Singapore 258350
Tel: +65 62134398
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 6am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk towards Wheellock Place via ION. Exit Wheellock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Cross the road at the traffic light junction and turn left towards Royal Thai Embassy. Walk down to the end of Orchard Road. Turn right onto Orange Grove Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 23 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
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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]

Estate @ Hilton Singapore Orchard - Experience An Elevated Buffet Selection

Hilton Singapore Orchard has recently opened on 24 February 2022, located in the hearts of Orchard. Following the opening is the launch of the hotel's residential all-day dining restaurant on level five, Estate, inspired by the heritage of Orchard Road’s early years. The all-day dining buffet restaurant showcases culinary experiences and flavours from around the world while elevating familiar regional favourites that resonate with local residents.

Central to Estate's dining experience is the residential-style open kitchens that set the stage for a live display of culinary showmanship. The team, led by Director of Culinary Vijayakant Shanmugam, whips up tantalising dishes a la minute in full view of guests.

Kickstart the feast with cold cut appetisers - Coppa Ham, Salami, Air-dried Beef, and Prosciutto de Parma. or Salads such as the Greek salad with feta cheese, wardorf salad.

The Seafood on ice features a fresh selection, such as the Tiger Prawns, Black Mussels, Clams and Scallops in Shell.

Don't miss signature dishes from the Wok, Fry & Premium Kitchen featuring signatures like the Estate Black Truffle Roasted Duck. The meat is incredibly tender and flavourful. It is served with a drizzle of truffle plum sauce and soy honey glaze, complementing the savoury meat. The Black Truffle Roasted Duck is best paired with a piping hot bowl of flavourful Signature Peking Duck Consomme.

The Grill Kitchen features a selection of Asian-inspired skewers, including the Beef Kebab, Kurobuta Pork Teriyaki, Wagyu Kofta, and Black Miso Chicken.

Not to be missed are the Asian favourites - Singapore XO Hokkien Mee, Carrot Cake with Chinese Sausage, and the Steamed Glutinous Rice with Chinese Sausage, and Crispy Cheong Fun with Soft Shell Chilli Crab.

The Cantonese Style Wagyu Beef Noodle is one of my favourite dishes. The non-oily broth had a distinct beefy taste, noodles were al dente to bite, and the wagyu beef meat was tender and flavourful.

The Squid Ink Homemade Gluten-Free Tagliatelle with Octopus Confit from the Noodle & Wrap Kitchen is also delicious, with a rich, briny flavour.

There is also a Dim sum station which offers a small selection of dim sum - Siew Mai, Har Gow, Lotus Paste Pau and Chicken Char Siew Pau.

End the feast on a sweet note with desserts such as the Rainbow Kueh, Kueh Lapis or the Original Cheesecake.

There is also a beautiful range of masterfully handcrafted desserts by beloved Executive Pastry Chef Cindy Khoo, such as the Marsala Wine Tiramisu, Champagne Raspberry Gelee, Torch Citron Tarte, and Mango Infused Jasmine Gateaux.

Lunch: $62++ (Mon to Thu) and $70++ (Fri to Sun)
Dinner: $82++ (Sun to Thu) and $99++ (Fri & Sat)

Child aged 12 years old and below dines at 50% off adult price and for child aged 5 years old and below dines on complimentary.

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.


Estate
Hilton Singapore Orchard
333 Orchard Road
Singapore 238867
Tel: +65 67374411
Website
Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 630am - 10pm
Breakfast: 630am – 1030am
Lunch: 12pm – 230pm
Dinner: 630pm – 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to ground level. Turn left onto Orchard Road. Walk down Orchard Road. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]