I can't believe it took me this long to stumble upon Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine (湘香H湖南菜). Surprisingly, they've been part of Singapore's culinary scene for 15 years, with four outlets scattered across Seng Kang, Bedok, Bugis, and Chinatown. I recently visited the Chinatown branch to unravel the wonders of Hunan cuisine.
Hunan Style Fried Pork 4.8/5
A must-try at this eatery is their signature Hunan Style Fried Pork. The pork slices were incredibly tender and succulent, and the chilli peppers added a satisfying crunch. The bold black bean sauce and garlic flavours tied the dish together, creating a delicious medley of tastes and textures.
Homemade Preserved Egg with Chilli 4/5
The Homemade Preserved Egg with Chilli was served in a mortar-like bowl, and our server masterfully pounded the crushed chilli from Changsha with the century egg. This technique allowed the spicy goodness to infuse into the preserved egg. While the texture might differ from everyone's cup of tea, I found it quite interesting and loved the unique flavour that the century egg brought to the dish.
Crispy Tofu stuffed with Soymilk 3.5/5
The Crispy Tofu stuffed with Soymilk is deep-fried to perfection. It had a wonderfully crispy exterior and a silky-smooth interior. However, the sauce could have been more robust to elevate the overall experience. It lacked that extra punch.
Stir-fried Cauliflower 4.8/5
A delightful surprise came in the form of Stir-Fried Cauliflower. While it might seem like a simple dish, it was executed brilliantly. The cauliflower was cooked to a delightful crunch, and the fragrant pork crackling added a lovely crispy texture to the dish.
Pumpkin Soup with Tofu and Shrimp 4.2/5
The Pumpkin Soup with Tofu and Shrimp was a pleasant surprise. It offered a delightful combination of sweetness and creaminess, blurring the lines between Chinese and Western-style soups. Adding tofu, shrimp, carrots, and peas complemented the soup perfectly.
Spicy Bullfrog Pot 4.5/5
One of my favourite dishes was the Spicy Bullfrog Pot. It was spicy and fragrant, with the bullfrog meat being incredibly tender and clean-tasting. Hidden beneath the pile of bullfrogs were other ingredients like mung bean noodles and vegetables, adding depth to the dish.
This was my first experience with Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine, and it did not disappoint. I now understand why this restaurant has remained crowded and successful for 15 years.
Note: This is an invited tasting.
Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine
8/9/10 Mosque Street
Singapore 059488
Tel: +65 62255968
Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT, NE Line)
Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 11pm
Direction:
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to New Bridge Road. Turn right at New Bridge Road and walk to Mosque Street. Turn right onto Mosque Street and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes.[Map]
