Showing posts with label Fried Oyster. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fried Oyster. Show all posts

Thursday, July 30, 2026

Beng Hiang Restaurant @ Shangri-La Singapore - Timeless Flavours, New Setting, Beng Hiang’s Hokkien Legacy Continues

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Reopened with a refreshed concept yet rooted in tradition, Beng Hiang Restaurant marks a significant new chapter with its culinary residency at Shangri-La Singapore’s Garden Terrace. Officially welcoming diners back on 26 June 2026, the 48-year-old heritage Hokkien brand has transitioned from its former Jurong East flagship into an elegant 80-seat indoor-outdoor setting. While the new space brings a more refined dining environment, the soul of Beng Hiang remains intact — preserving its time-honoured recipes while introducing a thoughtful selection of elevated, region-inspired dishes.

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Aged Yongchun Vinegar Jellyfish Terrine 4/5

One of the residency’s exclusive cold appetisers, the Aged Yongchun Vinegar Jellyfish Terrine ($15) sets the tone with its refined presentation. Unlike the usual tossed jellyfish salad, this version is carefully pressed into a terrine, giving it a polished, almost pâté-like form. The use of Yongchun aged vinegar — a prized Monascus vinegar from Fujian — lends a deep, complex profile with mellow sweetness and umami undertones. Each bite delivers a delightful contrast between the jellyfish’s signature crunch and the smooth, savoury jelly, making it both refreshing and sophisticated.

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5-Spiced Sausages and Prawn Balls 4.2/5

The 5-Spiced Sausages and Prawn Balls ($18) platter stays true to Beng Hiang’s roots, showcasing a recipe passed down for over four decades. The pork roll is tightly wrapped in beancurd skin and deep-fried to a golden crisp, revealing a fragrant, well-seasoned filling infused with five-spice. Complementing it are the prawn balls, which offer a springy, bouncy bite packed with natural sweetness. Together, they present a comforting introduction to classic Hokkien flavours.

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Superior Crab Meat and Fish Maw Broth 4.2/5

Rich, velvety, and deeply comforting, the Superior Crab Meat and Fish Maw Broth ($20 per pax) is a quintessential Hokkien-style soup done right. Generous portions of premium fish maw and sweet shredded crab meat fill the bowl, creating a luxurious texture with every spoonful. The broth is thick yet well-balanced, delivering warmth and depth without feeling overly heavy.

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Spinach with Dried Sole Fish 4.2/5

A seemingly simple dish, the Spinach with Dried Sole Fish ($16) exemplifies how restraint and technique can elevate humble ingredients. The tender greens are lightly stir-fried and accented with crispy bits of dried sole fish (bian yu), adding a punch of umami and a subtle smokiness. It’s a clean, well-executed dish that balances the richer items on the menu.

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Slow-braised Hokkien Duck with Aged Ginger 4.5/5

One of the residency’s highlights, the Slow-braised Hokkien Duck with Aged Ginger ($40) showcases a more refined take on traditional flavours. The duck is braised until fork-tender, soaking up a deeply savoury sauce infused with the warming intensity of aged ginger. The result is a dish that feels both comforting and elevated, with layers of flavour that linger pleasantly on the palate.

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Fujian-style Steamed Mud Crab with Glutinous Rice 4.5/5

For a celebratory centrepiece, the Fujian-style Steamed Mud Crab with Glutinous Rice ($138) is a standout. Available via pre-order, this communal dish features a large mud crab brimming with rich roe, steamed atop a bed of glutinous rice. As the crab cooks, its juices seep into the rice below, transforming each grain into a flavour-packed bite of briny sweetness and umami. Ideal for sharing, it is both indulgent and deeply satisfying.

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Beng Hiang’s Hokkien Noodle 5/5

A visit would not be complete without the restaurant’s Signature Hokkien Noodles ($22). A staple for nearly five decades, the dish features thick yellow noodles braised in a dark, flavourful gravy made from pork bone and prawn stock. Topped with seafood and crispy pork lard, it delivers richness and depth in every mouthful.

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Crispy Oyster Omelette 4.2/5

Breaking away from the usual gooey rendition, Beng Hiang’s Crispy Oyster Omelette ($25) focuses on texture. The egg batter is pan-fried into a thin, golden sheet with a satisfying crunch, while the plump oysters remain juicy and briny. It’s a refreshing take that balances crispness with natural seafood sweetness. The accompanying housemade silver fish chilli sauce adds a zesty, savoury kick that enhances the overall experience.

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Yam Paste with Ginkgo Nuts 4.5/5

Ending on a nostalgic note, the Yam Paste with Ginkgo Nuts ($10 per pax) remains one of Beng Hiang’s most beloved desserts. Smooth, thick, and velvety without being overly rich, it strikes a delicate balance between earthy sweetness and the aromatic hint of shallot oil. The addition of soft ginkgo nuts introduces a subtle bitterness that rounds off the dessert beautifully.

Beng Hiang’s return is more than just a relocation — it is a thoughtful evolution of a heritage brand. At Shangri-La Singapore’s Garden Terrace, the restaurant successfully bridges tradition and modernity, offering long-time fans the comfort of familiar favourites while inviting new diners to experience Hokkien cuisine through a more refined lens. With its carefully curated menu and elevated setting, Beng Hiang proves that heritage dining can remain relevant while staying true to its roots.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Beng Hiang
Shangri-La Singapore
Garden Terrace (Level 1)
22 Orange Grove Road
Singapore 258350
Tel: +65 6221 6695/ 6684
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Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11:30am - 2:30pm, 6pm - 9:30pm

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

Monday, May 4, 2026

Sing Hi Fry (辛海五炒) @ Hougang Ave 5 - Comforting Stir-Fried Classics Without Breaking the Bank

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I made my way back to my childhood neighbourhood along Hougang Avenue 5 to revisit familiar surroundings and check out a wallet-friendly hawker stall, Sing Hi Fry (辛海五炒). Located inside Yen Fei Lai Eating House at Block 322, the stall serves up a range of stir-fried noodles and fried rice dishes, with prices starting from just $4. It’s a no-frills setup, but one that clearly resonates with residents in the area.

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Fried Hokkien Prawn Noodle 4/5

I started with the Fried Hokkien Prawn Noodle ($5). The noodles were generously coated in a rich, prawn-based broth that carried a deep, natural sweetness, making each bite thoroughly satisfying. The balance of flavours was on point, with the stock soaking into the noodles for that signature comforting slurp. The homemade sambal deserves a special mention; it is spicy with a slight tang, cutting through the richness and lifting the entire dish.

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Ipoh Fried Kway Teow 4/5

Next was the Ipoh Fried Kway Teow ($5). This rendition leans towards the savoury side, delivering a good hit of wok hei that adds a smoky depth to the dish. The kway teow was evenly fried, not overly oily, and had a well-rounded seasoning that kept you going from bite to bite. It may not be flashy, but it delivers exactly what you expect from a dependable plate of fried kway teow.

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Oyster Omelette 3.8/5

The Oyster Omelette ($5) features crisp edges surrounding a soft, fluffy egg base. The oysters were plump and juicy, adding bursts of briny flavour throughout. This version skips the gooey, starchy texture that some may prefer, focusing instead on a crispier finish. While it’s not my personal preference, those who enjoy a firmer, more textured orh luak will appreciate this style.

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XO Sauce Fried Rice with Fried Seabass 4/5

To complete the meal, I had the XO Sauce Fried Rice with Fried Seabass ($9). The fried rice was fragrant and well-executed, with distinct, fluffy grains of Japanese rice that provided a pleasant bite. The XO sauce added a subtle sweetness with a gentle spicy note, enhancing the overall flavour without being overwhelming. The crispy battered seabass on top remained moist inside, offering a nice contrast in texture. It’s a satisfying one-dish option that rounds off the meal nicely.

For a neighbourhood hawker stall, Sing Hi Fry delivers consistent and flavourful dishes at very reasonable prices. It’s straightforward cooking done right, proving that comforting local fare doesn’t need to come at a high cost.


Sing Hi Fry (辛海五炒)
Yen Fei Lai Eating House
Blk 322 Hougang Ave 5
Singapore 530322
Tel: +65 9373 7378
Instagram
Nearest MRT: Hougang (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1030am - 8pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Hougang MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Hougang Central Road. Turn left and walk down Hougang Central. Walk to the traffic junction between Hougang Central and Hougang Ave 5. Cross the road and walk down Hougang Ave 5. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 8 minutes. [Map]

Thursday, September 4, 2025

Chao Shan Xiao Chi (潮汕小吃) @ Geylang Road - Traditional Teochew Flavours Priced Between $8 and $15 Dollars

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Chao Shan Xiao Chi (潮汕小吃) is a no-frills, casual Teochew eatery along Geylang Road, run by a father-and-son team, with the chef hailing from Chao Shan, China. Most dishes are priced between $8 and $15, and what's even better, there is no GST or service charge here. The menu leans heavily on traditional Teochew fare, including some rarely seen heritage dishes.

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Traditional Fried Oyster Omelette 4/5

One of the most popular items here is the Traditional Fried Oyster Omelette ($8). Unlike the usual gooey style, this version is more crispy, with plump and fresh oysters. The tangy chilli sauce on the side lifts the dish and rounds off the flavours nicely.

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Pig Intestine Glutinous Rice 4/5

The Pig Intestine Glutinous Rice ($12) is a traditional, labour-intensive dish not often found in restaurants today. The glutinous rice was aromatic and comforting, further enhanced by the addition of peanuts and sesame seeds, which gave both fragrance and textural contrast.

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Large Pig Intestine Stir Fried with Preserved Vegetable 3/5

This was a first for me to have Large Pig Intestine Stir Fried with Preserved Vegetable ($10). The sweet-salty preserved vegetable paired decently with the chewy intestine, which was well-cleaned and free from gaminess. Straightforward but not particularly memorable.

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Pig Trotter Terrine 4/5

A classic Teochew favourite, the Pig Trotter Terrine ($12) was gelatinous and silky, set naturally from collagen. The standout here was the braising sauce, which carried a richer depth of flavour compared to others I’ve tried.

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Prawn Roll, Liver Roll Platter 4/5

The Prawn Roll and Liver Roll Platter ($15) was deep-fried to golden brown perfection. The exterior was crisp while the generous fillings provided a hearty bite. It is a great sharing plate.

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Kai Lan with Dried Sole Fish 3.5/5

The Kai Lan with Dried Sole Fish ($12) was well executed, with the greens retaining their crunch. However, the dried sole fish flavour was rather muted.

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Steamed Pomfret (Market Price)

The Steamed Pomfret was done in the traditional Teochew style, steamed with salted vegetables and sour plum for a light, slightly tangy broth. The fish was moist, allowing its natural sweetness to shine.

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Cold Crab 2.5/5

Unfortunately, the Cold Crab fell short. The one we had wasn’t the freshest nor the meatiest, making it a disappointing order that night.

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Rice Noodle with Preserved Radish 4/5

The Rice Noodle with Preserved Radish ($12) had good wok hei, with the noodles infused with smoky flavour. The addition of diced kai lan and preserved radish provided crunch and contrast, making it an enjoyable dish.

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Teochew Oyster Congee 4.2/5

My favourite dish of the evening was the Teochew Oyster Congee ($12), served bubbling hot in a claypot. Cooked in the Teochew style, the rice grains retained their texture instead of being fully broken down. The oysters lent a natural seafood sweetness to the light, flavourful broth – hearty, comforting, and delicious.

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Sugar Coated Sweet Potato with Yam 4/5

We ended the meal on a sweet note with the Sugar Coated Sweet Potato with Yam ($12), a simple yet delightful dessert. The root vegetables were coated in a crisp, syrupy glaze for a satisfying crunch and sweetness.

Chao Shan Xiao Chi is a hidden gem for traditional Teochew cuisine, featuring some rare and heritage recipes. While not every dish stood out (the Cold Crab was a miss), there are plenty of authentic offerings here worth returning for – especially the Oyster Congee, Pig Trotter Terrine, and Pig Intestine Glutinous Rice.


Chao Shan Xiao Chi (潮汕小吃)
749 Geylang Road
Singapore 389655
Tel: + 65 9815 3139
Nearest MRT: Paya Lebar (CC, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Paya Lebar MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk down Paya Lebar Road to Geylang Road. Turn right onto Geylang Road. Walk down Geylang Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Sunday, June 8, 2025

Edge @ Pan Pacific Singapore - “Penang Hawker Fare” Buffet Till 29 June 2025

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From now until 29 June 2025, Edge at Pan Pacific Singapore invites diners to savour the authentic flavours of Penang with its limited-time “Penang Hawker Fare” buffet.

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This special edition is a collaboration with three renowned Penang hawkers: Chef Toon Chin Hye (Ah Soon Fried Oyster), Chef Chew Soon Hock, and Chef Tan Pow Lai (Tan Kee Poh Piah), each bringing years of expertise to the table.

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Penang Hawker Fare Buffet 4.5/5

Until 15 June 2025, guests can also meet these Penang chefs in person as they work alongside Edge’s culinary team to serve up authentic Penang favourites, all in addition to the restaurant’s extensive buffet lineup.

The buffet is priced at $118++ per adult and $59++ per child (ages 6 to 12), inclusive of free-flow soft drinks. It runs daily from 6pm to 10pm.

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Penang Char Kway Teow

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Fried Oyster Omelette

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Handmade Popiah

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Jiu Hu Eng Cai

Signature dishes include crowd-pleasers such as Penang Char Kway Teow, Fried Oyster Omelette, Handmade Popiah, and Jiu Hu Eng Chai, all prepared fresh at the live stations. The Char Kway Teow and Oyster Omelette were our favourites.

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Prawn Noodles

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Assam Laksa

Noodle lovers can look forward to authentic bowls of Prawn Noodles and Assam Laksa, each made to order. We were bigger fans of the former for its flavourful broth.

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Assam Pedas Fish with Lady’s Finger

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Bak Kut Teh

Among the hot dishes are the tangy Assam Pedas Fish with Lady’s Finger, herbal-rich Bak Kut Teh, and the punchy Penang Rojak.

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Ice Kachang topped with Durian Pengat

The Penang dessert selection is equally tempting, with highlights such as Ice Kachang topped with Durian Pengat, traditional Penang Cendol, and Durian Crêpes.

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Seafood on Ice

Beyond the Penang fare, Edge continues to offer its renowned international spread. The Seafood on Ice section remains a major draw, showcasing a selection of freshly shucked oysters, tiger prawns, Boston lobsters and more.

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Boutique Cheeses

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Tempura

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Carving Station

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Grilled Seafood

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Sourdough Pizzas

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Indian Cuisine

The buffet features a variety of options, including cold cuts and boutique cheeses, sushi and sashimi, tempura, a carving station, grilled seafood, sourdough pizzas, a pasta live station, and regional specialities from Malay and Indian cuisines.

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Chocolate Fountain

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Desserts

Dessert lovers are in for a treat with the chocolate fountain, a wide assortment of cakes and bakes, and various ice cream flavours. Standouts include the Durian Pandan Cake, Hazelnut Royaltine, and classic Durian Pengat.

Reservations are strongly encouraged. To book, call 6826 8240, email dining.ppsin@panpacific.com, or visit https://bit.ly/Bookedgepenanghawkerfare.

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.


Edge
Pan Pacific Singapore
Level 3
7 Raffles Boulevard
Singapore 039595
Tel: +65 6826 8240
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Website
Nearest MRT: Promenade MRT (DT, CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

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