Yaowarat Seafood, formerly nestled in Teck Chye Lane, has found a new abode on Lavender Street, bringing with it a taste of Thai-Chinese seafood cuisine inspired by Bangkok's renowned Yaowarat district.
Blanched Ark Cockles on Ice
A novel experience begins with the Blanched Ark Cockles ($13 for 500g/ $20 for 1kg), a departure from the local variety, boasting plump succulence with a satisfying crunch and without the overpowering blood taste.
Homemade Moo Ping (Pork Satay)
Grilled to perfection, the Homemade Moo Ping ($3.30 each, minimum 2pc) unveils skewered pork bathed in a special homemade marinade, rendering the meat tender, succulent, and slightly sweet.
Deep Fried Garlic Pork
Taking the crown for my favourite dish is the Deep Fried Garlic Pork. Tender pork cubes wok-fried to crisp perfection, accompanied by whole crispy garlic gloves, offering a delightful depth of flavour and fragrance.
Thai Stir Fried Morning Glory (Kang Kong)
Freshwater Kang Kong ($12) is stir-fried to crunchy perfection with fragrant garlic, chilli, and soy-based sauce, though a bit more spice could elevate its kick.
Live Mud Crab Vermicelli
The Live Mud Crab Vermicelli ($60) sees the vermicelli absorbing the sweet crustacean essence, with room for a bit more peppery punch.
XO Seafood Treasure Pot
The XO Seafood Treasure Pot ($68) presents a medley of seafood treasures simmered in a rich, milky broth enhanced with a shot of aromatic XO liquor. While delicious, it leans more towards a local crab beehoon than a Thai dish.
Tom Yum Mama Noodles Pot
Currently, at a promotional price of $9.90 and $12.90 with a drink, the Tom Yum Mama Noodles Pot is a slurp-worthy explosion of fiery Tom Yum essence, complemented by prawns, squid, crispy pork skin, and a raw egg.
Thai Steamed Seabass in Spicy Garlic Lime
The Thai Steamed Seabass in Spicy Garlic Lime ($30) embodies Thai cuisine's essence, delivering a tantalising combination of sharp, sour, and spicy flavours. It could use more of the spicy kick.
Grilled Australian Rock Lobster
A grand entry is made by the Grilled Australian Rock Lobster ($120 for 800g), showcasing the natural richness and succulence of premium rock lobster, distinctively firmer and sweeter than its Boston counterpart.
Salted Egg Squid
A crowd-pleaser, the Salted Egg Squid ($21) features generously cut squid encased in a delectable salted egg coating, accented by heat from chilli and fragrance from curry leaves, seemingly a blend of Thai-Chinese and local influences.
Singapore Chilli Crab Meat with Fried Mantou
The Singapore Chilli Crab Meat with Fried Mantou ($24) nods to local flavours. While well-executed, the crab meat needs more presence. Pair it with the golden, pillowy mantou to soak up the delicious chilli crab sauce.
Chatuchak Coconut Ice Cream
For a sweet conclusion, the Chatuchak Coconut Ice Cream ($7) offers velvety coconut delight adorned with cashews, fried mung beans, sweet corn, and tender coconut meat.
Overall, Yaowarat Seafood presents bold flavours that many in Singapore would appreciate, albeit with some tweaks to suit local palates. The addition of Singaporean dishes to the menu adds variety but also deviates slightly from its Thai-Chinese authenticity.
Note: This is an invited tasting.
Yaowarat Seafood
320 Lavender Street
Singapore 338820
Contact: +65 68585988
Website
Nearest MRT: Boon Keng (NE Line)
Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 3pm, 5pm - 930pm
Direction:
1) Alight at Boon Keng MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk straight down Serangoon Road towards Lavender Street. Turn left onto Lavender Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]
