It was with great delight to know that Ba Guo Grilled Fish (巴国烤鱼) has opened a new outlet near my home at West Coast Plaza. It prides itself on offering authentic Sichuan cuisine suitable for the Singaporean palate.
Fragrant Grilled Fish 4.5/5
Eight different types of grilled fish are available on the menu. I had the chance to try three of them - Fragrant Grilled Fish ($38.80), Fei Cui Yang Sheng Fish ($38.80) and Green Pepper Grilled Fish ($32.80). In addition, diners have the option of adding extra ingredients cooked in the broth.
Fei Cui Yang Sheng Fish 4/5
My favourite among the three grilled fishes is the Fragrant Grilled Fish. It has the right balance of mala and spicy for an aromatic finish. It even comes with clams and prawns in a delicious and drinkable broth. The fish itself is crispy on the exterior while moist and soft inside. If you can't take spicy food, you can go for the Fei Cui Yang Sheng Fish, the non-spicy version of the fragrant grilled fish.
Green Pepper Grilled Fish 3.8/5
I have tried Green Pepper Grilled Fish ($32.80) from another grilled fish restaurant, and the version here lacks the piquant from the peppercorn. In addition, it is too mild for my liking.
Hot & Spicy Crab 4/5
Besides the grilled fish, the restaurant also offers several Sichuan dishes on the menu. We tried a couple beginning with the Hot & Spicy Crab ($68). Besides the crab, there are potatoes, lotus roots and green pepper. It may look spicy, but I find it more aromatic than spicy, coming from the various Chinese spices used in the cooking.
Fragrant Pot Bullfrog 4.2/5
Another lovely dish is the Fragrant Pot Bullfrog ($42.80). It's pretty similar to the hot & spicy crab, except that the crab is replaced with the bullfrog. I enjoyed this more, and it was cheaper.
Handmade Tofu 4/5
There are also non-spicy dishes on the menu, such as Homemade Tofu ($16), which is so soft and silky smooth. It is blanked in a pool of delicious sauce comprising minced pork and greens.
Brown Sugar Ice Jelly 3.8/5
The Brown Sugar Ice Jelly ($3.50) is the perfect ending to the dinner. The cold and refreshing dessert helps to wash down all the richness.
Note: This is an invited tasting session.
Ba Guo Grilled Fish (巴国烤鱼)
West Coast Plaza
154 West Coast Road
#02-25
Singapore 127371
Tel: +65 89381288
Nearest MRT: Clementi (EW Line)
Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm
Direction:
1) Alight at Clementi MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Clementi MRT station. (Stop ID 17179). Take bus number 201. Alight 2 stops later. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]