SHAO @ Frankel Avenue - Discovery Of Some Unique Dishes Such Crispy Baby Pomfret, Sotong Sausage And More

After seeing some interesting food pictures on social media, I gathered my foodie friends to check out SHAO at Frankel Avenue on a Saturday afternoon for lunch. The restaurant is located at the very end of the row of shophouses along Frankel Avenue. Interestingly for a Chinese restaurant, there are only square tables. The 11 of us have to sit in 2 rows which is quite awkward for sharing Chinese communal dishes.

Crispy Baby Pomfret 3/5

An exciting dish on the menu is the Crispy Baby Pomfret ($16). Deep-fried until crispy, it can be eaten whole without the worry of fish bones. Of course, you can't expect a lot of meat from the tiny pomfret. This dish is simply executed to enjoy the crispiness.

Salted Egg Yolk Yam 4/5

The Salted Egg Yolk Yam ($12) is drenched in a delicious and addictive salted egg yolk sauce. The delightful bite has a slight crunch which I enjoyed, and I still can taste the yam flavour.

Sotong Sausage 4.5/5

Another unique dish that I don't get to see at Chinese restaurants is the Sotong Sausage ($22). Unlike the usual pork sausage, the sotong sausage has a more textural bite from its bouncy texture. It is almost like having a piece of fish cake.

Stir-Fried Luffa with Egg & Seafood 4/5

I am not sure you are a fan of luffa, but I like its softness that comes with a little crunch. The Stir-Fried Luffa with Egg & Seafood ($28) at Shao is well-executed absorbing the sweetness of the seafood. What I find it weird is the fried egg which seems out of place. I thought it would be more enjoyable if the egg is cooked with the stock into an eggy gravy.

Gai Choy with Roast Pork Belly Claypot 4.5/5

A dish that my dining friends have mix opinions is the Gai Choy with Roast Pork Belly Claypot ($38). Gai Choy is also known as Chinese mustard greens. It has a bitter taste or some called it mustardy that is not well received by many. However, I love this acquire taste which is a flavour I have grown up with. The pairing with roast pork belly further flavoured the mustardy greens.

Steamed Crab with Vermicelli 3.8/5

Another dish the dining group has mix opinions is the Steamed Crab with Vermicelli ($78). Due to the size of the crab used, there is very little crab meat. Hence some felt it is not worth the cost. Others thought that the sauce is too garlicky, overpowering the sweetness of the crustacean. I actually like the strong garlic flavour which gives the dish a beautiful aroma, with the vermicelli soaking up the richness.

Wok Fried Hor Fun 2.8/5

Among the dishes we tried, the Wok-Fried Hor Fun ($12) was probably the least favourite. It lacked the wok hei that gives life to the rice noodle.

Sliced Fish Claypot "Pao Fan" Porridge 3.8/5

Last but not least, we wrapped up our dinner with the Sliced Fish Claypot "Pao Fan" Porridge ($28/$48). The portion is good for 2-6 pax. The porridge consists of both fluffy and crispy rice bathing in a hot pipping, delicious chicken-based soup with fish slices. It is a comforting dish for a cold, raining day.


SHAO
117 Frankel Ave
Singapore 458232
Tel: +65 66109233
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Website
Nearest MRT: Bedok (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 11am - 3pm, 5 - 11pm
Fri-Sat: 10am - 3pm, 5pm - 12midnight
Sun: 10am - 11pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Bedok MRT. Take Exit B or C. Walk to Bedok Bus Interchange (Stop ID 84009). Take bus number 32. Alight 8 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 25 minutes later. [Map]

Lai Bao @ Toa Payoh Lorong 1 - A New Affordable 1960s-inspired Zichar Stall

Lai Bao is a brand new 1960s inspired zichar stall at Toa Payoh Lorong 1 opened by the Baoshi F&B Management Pte Ltd. The zichar stall seeks to bring affordable Singaporean zichar cuisine to the masses with recipes passed down by their grandmas as well as family recipes from their childhood friends. Diners can look forward to a menu rooted in Chinese traditions but sprinkle with some unique twist.

Charcoal Silken Tofu 4/5

Charcoal seems to be the new trend for Chinese restaurants lately, and now we can even have it at the neighbourhood zichar stall. The Charcoal Silken Tofu ($5/$8/$10) modernise the classic dish, giving the soft silky tofu a contrasting layer of crispy charcoal-coasted exterior.

Old School Sweet & Sour Pork 3/5

Another classic dish that incorporates the charcoal powder is the Old School Sweet & Sour Pork ($8/$10/$12). I am not sure whether it is due to the black vinegar used or the charcoal powder, it lacked the zestiness I was expecting from a dish that I enjoy.

Duck Fried Teochew Duck Fritter 3.8//5

Both creamy in the interior and crispy on the exterior is another classic Teochew dish, Duck Fried Teochew Duck Fritter ($10). Smoked duck meat is mixed with hand-mashed yam and encased in deep-fried popiah skin.

Ginger Spring Chicken 4/5

A simple but yet tasty dish is the Ginger Spring Chicken ($6 half/ $12 whole). Not only is the chicken moist and juicy, the hand-cut ginger and garlic sauce gives it a subtle fragrance, allowing each bite to be savoured with relish.

Lai Bao Wok Fried Fine Bean 4.2/5

Lai Bao Wok Fried Fine Bean ($7/$9/$11) is a vegetable dish that is packed with textures and flavours. Stir-fried to a delightful crunch is the fine bean complemented by the crispy yam strips for extra bite. It is further flavoured by the dried cuttlefish, Chinese sausage and chye poh head for a fragrant finishing.

Crispy Fried Aubergine & Pork Floss 4/5

The Crispy Fried Aubergine & Pork Floss ($7/$9/$11) is a vegetable dish that will be enjoyed by both young and old. The aubergine or eggplant is thinly sliced, deep-fried and drizzled with savoury pork floss.

Grandma's Recipe Pork Belly 3.8/5

Braised over low heat until soft and tender are the mouth-watering Grandma's Recipe Pork Belly ($12). However, I felt that the braising sauce was lacking the richness and the robustness that I would seek for a tasty braised pork belly dish.

Lai Bao 13 Spices Black Pepper Crab 4.5/5

Not to be missed is Lai Bao 13 Spices Black Pepper Crab ( $30 for 1 Crab / $50 for 2 Crabs). Each crab weighs around 600-700g. Besides the peppery kick, the crustacean is elevated by an aromatic blend of 13 spices, allowing the sweetness of the crab meat to come through even more.

Seafood Lala Ying Yang Hor Fun 3.5/5

Good for sharing or as a one-dish meal is the Seafood Lala Ying Yang Hor Fun ($5/$7/$10). The hor fun is packed with wok hei, drenched in a light and sweet lala gravy. The rice noodle dish also comes with clams, prawns, fish slices and topped with deep-fried hor fun for that extra crunch. It is a hearty dish, but I would prefer the gravy to be heavier in flavour to match the smokiness of the wok's breath.

Sixties Fish Head Charcoal Steamboat (Grouper) 4.2/5

The highlight at Lai Bao has to be their Sixties Fish Head Charcoal Steamboat (Grouper $15/$25/$35, Snapper $10/$18/$24), using traditional recipes and cooking methods. The all-natural collagen soup is simmered over charcoal for 10 hours brimming with fresh ingredients such as hand-minced meat pie, cabbage, seaweed, yam, black fungus, cherry tomato and tofu.

Lai Bao
Blk 168 Toa Payoh Lorong 1
#01-1040
Singapore 310168
Tel: +65 62615825
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Nearest MRT: Toa Payoh (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 10pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Toa Payoh MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Toa Payoh Bus Interchange (Stop ID 52009). Take bus 141 or 231. Alight one stop later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Blue Jasmine @ Park Hotel Farrer Park - A Flavourful Thai and Chinese Reunion

Celebrate Lunar New Year reunion dinner with a different at Blue Jasmine located at Park Hotel Farrer Park Level 5. On Lunar New Year eve, the Thai restaurant will bring together a buffet feast of Chinese dishes on top of the Thai dishes.

Available for both dine-in and takeaway is the Thai Chin Yu Sheng. This is inspired by classic Thai salads including the Northern Thai classic pomelo salad. This is a refreshing twist to the traditional yu sheng with slices of salmon gravlax, vegetables, Thai green mango, papaya, pomelo and pickles dressed in a plum and passion fruit sauce.

Poached Chicken Salad

Start off from the appetiser section with the Poached Chicken Salad with Sze Chuan sauce. If this is too spicy for some, there are other choices such as Prawn & Melon Salad and Smashed Cucumber Salad with Seafood. For the older folks which prefer warm foods, there are tempting little bites such as Crispy Prawn Wanton or a bowl of comforting Fish Maw Soup with crab meat and bamboo soup.

Spice Braised Duck

For the mains, be delighted with the tender Spice Braised Duck infused with Chinese herbs aroma. It even comes with braised tofu and braised eggs that have absorbed the delicious braising liquid.

Mixed Roasted Platter

Roasted meats are always on the dining table for Chinese festive occasions and its no different at Blue Jasmine for the Lunar New Year reunion buffet dinner. On the buffet spread, diners will find the Mixed Roasted Platter comprises of Roasted Chicken and Roasted Duck served with crispy garlic bits.

Claypot Rice

Carb lovers will enjoy the Claypot Rice, fragrant by cooking together with Chinese sausage. It also comes with flavourful marinated tender chicken and greens to complete the meal.

Steamed Grouper 

Fish is an auspicious tradition Lunar New Year dish serves on the Chinese New Year menu as it symbolises abundance or surplus for the year. If you want a good year ahead, then don't miss out on the Steamed Grouper with ginger and soy sauce.

There will live station at the buffet dinner too. Instead of the usual laksa or noodle soup live station, diners can enjoy the Wat Tan Hor Fun, wok-fried flat rice noodles served in light egg gravy.

Mango Sticky Rice

Not to forget the dessert station whereby diners will get to enjoy a variety of Chinese and Thai desserts. The selection includes ever-popular Mango Sticky Rice and Durian Sticky Rice. For the Chinese dessert, we have Almond Bean Curd with Mixed Fruits, Deep-fried Nian Gao and Sweet Glutinous Rice Ball Soup.

Chinese New Year Eve Reunion Dinner Buffet
Date: 24 January 2020
Time: 630pm - 10pm
Price: $58++ per adult, $29++ per child (6 - 12 years old)

Note: This is an invited tasting. 


Blue Jasmine
Park Hotel Farrer Park
10 Farrer Park Station Road
Level 5
Singapore 217564
Tel: +65 68248851
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Website
Nearest MRT: Farrer Park (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm
Fri-Sat: 630pm - 10pm (buffet dinner)

Direction:
1) Alight at Farrer Park MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Shi Hui Yuan @ Lau Pat Sa Festival Market - 4 Times Michelin Bib Gourmand Winner Opens New Stall

Started in Mei Ling Market and Food Centre in 1969, Shi Hui Yuan has been awarded Michelin Bib Gourmand for 4 consecutive years from 2016 to 2019. Recently it opened a new stall at Lau Pat Sa Festival Market, whereby it is more central. I think its location is ideal for introducing the delicious dish to the younger working crowd as well as tourists.

Blissful Set 4.5/5

The stall offers up to ten different combinations to pair with their silky hor fun. Since I have never been to their flagship stall and it is my first time having it. I decided to go for the Blissful Set ($7.80) that comes with almost everything. In my plate, there are chicken drumstick, duck drumstick, spare ribs, braised egg and mushrooms.

The thing that makes the plate of hor fun special is the aromatic gravy that consists of 30 different types of herbs. It gives it a unique take which is somewhat in between of Ipoh Hor Fun and local Cze Char Hor Fun.

Braised Chicken Hor Fun 4.2/5

That is not all, the well-braised items completed the whole package. I would highly recommend their braised chicken feet and spare ribs.

Being greedy, I ordered the Blissful Set that comes with almost everything. If you have more self-control, you can choose from the Braised Chicken Hor Fun, Braised Chicken Drumstick Hor Fun, Braised Chicken Feet Hor Fun, Braised Duck Hor Fun, Braised Duck Drumstick Hor Fun, Braised Chicken & Duck Hor Fun, Braised Spare Ribs Hor Fun, Braised Mushroom Hor Fun and Combination Platter.


Shi Hui Yuan
Lau Pat Sa Festival Market
Stall 18
18 Raffles Quay
Singapore 048582
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Website
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line), Telok Ayer (DT Line), Downtown (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 7am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit I. Walk to Robinson Road. Turn left onto Robinson Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Downtown MRT station. Take Exit F. Walk to Central Boulevard. Walk to junction of Central Boulevard and Raffles Quay. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to Cross Street. Turn left onto Cross Street. Walk down Cross Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Fragrant Garden (馨香园) @ Upper Serangoon Shopping Centre - A Hidden Gem In A Deserted Shopping Mall

Upper Serangoon Shopping Centre used to be my hangout during my primary and secondary school days. This is where I got my computer games in floppy disc and computer repaired. Back then, it was the only shopping mall in the Hougang and Serangoon areas. There were no Nex, Kovan Heartland Mall, Hougang Mall and City Square Mall. The mall remains stuck in time, in its early 80s, rundown and deserted, except for Fragrant Garden (馨香园) on level one that still attracts a regular crowd for its Teochew dishes.

Combo Roll 4/5

Together with a few foodie friends, we dropped by Fragrant Garden on a weekday evening to have dinner. The whole place still looks the same during my secondary school's day. The entire mall is deserted except for the dinner crowd at Fragrant Garden. We started with the Combo Roll ($12/$20) which consists of prawn roll and liver roll. My attention is drawn to the liver roll, which is hardly available in the restaurants' menu nowadays. The offal gives it a creamy interior encased in a crispy exterior wrapped with beancurd skin.

Oyster Omelette Teochew Style 4.2/5

I have tried the oyster omelette from Chui Huay Lim Teochew Restaurant and its the gooey version. Over at Fragrant Garden, the Oyster Omelette Teochew Style ($14/$20) is very close to our local hawker version. It is fried to crispy on the exterior, retaining a slight gooeyness inside with plump and juicy oysters.

Steamed Pomfret in Teochew Style 4.5/5

Steamed Pomfret in Teochew Style (Seasonal Price) is a staple Teochew dish which does not come cheap. A size like this would probably cost around $95. You would perhaps like to confirm the price right at the beginning just to avoid any unhappiness during payment. Steamed to perfection, the pomfret was moist and complemented by the sourish gravy.

Braised Duck in Teochew Style 4.2/5

Another dish I enjoyed a lot in the Braised Duck in Teochew Style ($15/$20). I like the layer of fat under the skin, giving it a delightful ratio to the tender meat. Hidden underneath the pile of sliced braised duck, is a bed of silky Pu Ning Tofu.

Fragrant's Stuffed Sea Cucumber 4/5

If you are a fan of sea cucumber, you will appreciate the Fragrant's Stuffed Sea Cucumber ($60 onwards). The sea cucumber is well braised to a soft and bouncy texture. The stuffed meat mixture elevates the main ingredient, giving it a multi-textural enjoyment. Pre-order is required for this dish.

Braised Vegetable with Scallop in Teochew Style 4.5/5

For the vegetable dish, we went for the Braised Vegetable with Scallop in Teochew Style ($12). I am a sucker for cabbage, especially when it is braised under "nua nua" (very soft), absorbing the flavoursome broth.

Fried Kway Tiao with Chai Poh 4/5

Another staple Teochew dish is the Fried Kway Tiao with Chai Poh ($5/$8/$12). Another well-executed dish packed with smokiness. I only wish there are more dice vegetables for that crunchy bite in each mouthful of the fragrant noodle.

Yam Paste 4/5

Of course, how can we not end our dinner with the traditional Yam Paste ($4/$20/$30)? The version at Fragrant Garden comes with gingko nuts, pumpkin and shallot. Decently good but not the best I have tried.

Fragrant Garden prides itself for offering authentic and cheap Teochew cuisine. It is true to a certain extent as most of the dishes are reasonably priced. However, they are also expensive items such as the sea cucumber, steamed pomfret, cold crab etc. Hence you need to know what to order and not influenced by the pushy service staffs that will try to recommend you the expensive dishes. I have come across reviews about their lousy service but putting that aside, the food here is delicious.


Fragrant Garden (馨香园)
Upper Serangoon Shopping Centre
756 Upper Serangoon Road
#01-15/16
Singapore 534626
Tel: +65 62897301
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Serangoon (CC Line, NE Line), Kovan (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Serangoon MRT station. Take Exit H. Walk to bus stop at Serangoon Bus Interchange (Stop ID 66009). Take bus number 101, 107, 136 or 153. Alight 2 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Serangoon MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk to bus stop at Serangoon MRT station (Stop ID 66351). Take bus number 81 or 82. Alight 3 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Kovan MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to bus stop at Kovan MRT station (Stop ID 63039). Take bus number 80, 81, 82, 101, 107, 136 or 153. Alight 2 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Crossroads Cafe @ Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel Singapore - Exciting New Gastronomic Treats

Crossroads Cafe which is strategically located at the bustling crossroads of Orchard Road and Scotts Road since 1995 has launched a new menu as well as irresistible dining promotions. The new menu pays homage to American, European and local culinary traditions. At the same time, guests may chill at the cafe which boasts an award-winning wine list of over 300 selections and an enticing selection of draft beers on tap, while watching the world goes by.

Cod Fish Croquettes 4.2/5

We started with some light bites. The Cod Fish Croquettes deep fried to golden brown is crispy on the exterior and packed with flaky cod fish. Dip it with the harissa aioli sauce for an elevated enjoyment.

Prawn Cocktail 4.2/5

A delightful and classic starter is the Prawn Cocktail. It is fresh, crunchy and just too good to stop at one.

Mezze Platter

Great for sharing is the Mezze Platter ($24) which comes with muhammara, hummus, tzatziki, tabbouleh, dolma, feta, olives and artichokes. I only wish there is more flatbread to go with the wonderful plate. The good thing is you can order more at extra cost.

Sliced Beef Char Hor Fun 4.2/5

Retained from the old menu is the Sliced Beef Char Hor Fun ($26). I can see why this dish gets to stay on the new menu. The dish comes with fragrant stir-fried rice noodles infused with wok hei, tender beef slices and greens in an eggy and silky broth.

Impossible Burger 4/5 and Buttermilk Fried Chicken Burger 4.2/5

Vegetarian and health-conscious diners will be glad to know that Crossroads Cafe has introduced the Impossible Burger ($28) on the menu. The plant-based patty tasted like real beef. I probably cannot tell the difference in a blind taste. The burger comes with crisp tomato, refreshing cucumber salsa, creamy raita, red onion and arugula, sandwiched with soft sesame bun. Not forgetting the Buttermilk Fried Chicken Burger ($26) which is as good too. Tender chicken patty accompanied with red cabbage slaw, gherkins and spicy mayonnaise. It actually tastes like McDonald McSpicy!

Steak Frites T-Bone 4.5/5

Not into plant-based meat, how about the real thing? The huge piece of T-Bone ($168) features a luscious and tender 400-day grain-fed Australian wagyu, served with choice of bearnaise, black pepper jus or red wine jus. The flavours are rich and full-bodied, with a delectable char on its exterior. It already so good on its own that there is no need of the sauces.

Caramel Cheese Cake 4/5

Wrapping up the dinner is the classic American Cheese Cake, caramel flavoured. It is topped with speculoos crumble and whipped cream. It is creamy but not overly sweet.

Not to be missed is the Happy Hours, Mondays to Fridays from 11am to 8pm, for an irresistible price of $10 per drink. Yes, that is a whole 8 hours of Happy Hour!

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Crossroads Cafe
Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel
320 Orchard Road
Singapore 238865
Tel: +65 68314552
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Sat-Wed: 7am - 1am
Thu-Fri: 7am - 2am

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