YAO YAO (姚姚酸菜鱼) @ Vivocity - China Suan Cai Yu Restaurant’s Debut in Singapore with Duo Flavour Pots and Roast Duck

YAO YAO 姚姚酸菜鱼 has recently established its flagship outlet in Vivocity, joining the expanding array of Chinese brands dedicated to fish-based dishes. Having earned the title "Top Ten Brands of Sauerkraut Fish" from 2019 to 2022 in China, it boasts an impressive network of 60 outlets nationwide.

YAO YAO features California White Seabass in their signature Suan Cai Yu/Sauerkraut Fish. The menu offers various portion sizes and duo-pots that provide diners the choice to pair the Suan Cai Yu with one of three dishes: Sichuan Poached Fish, Tomato Fish, and Typhoon Shelter Shrimp with Fries.

Sour & Spicy Organic White Fungus 4/5

I started with appetisers; it was my first time trying white fungus prepared this way. YAO YAO's Sour & Spicy Organic White Fungus ($9) is served chilled and crunchy, with its shell-shaped pieces picking up the appetising sauce well.

Chilled Lettuce with Sesame Sauce 3.8/5

Thoughtfully presented, the Chilled Lettuce with Sesame Sauce ($10) has lettuce leaves neatly bundled alongside a small pitcher of sesame sauce. I appreciated the convenience of enjoying this dish and found it both crunchy and refreshing, albeit it was much more on the pricey side.

Garlic and Sichuan Pepper Duck Leg 3.8/5

Fried in a generous portion of garlic and Sichuan pepper, each piece of the Garlic and Sichuan Pepper Duck Leg carried excellent heat and crisp bits, but it's worth noting that these are meant to be a lot more bony than meaty.

Sichuan Spicy Poached Chicken 3.5/5

The Sichuan Spicy Poached Chicken ($12) presented a somewhat monotonous flavour profile, and the meat texture was a bit stringy.

Sauerkraut Fish & Typhoon Shelter Shrimp with Fries 3/5

We got to try one of the duo flavour pots, the Sauerkraut Fish & Typhoon Shelter Shrimp with Fries ($53), which feeds 2 pax. In the sauerkraut fish-half, you will find sliced California White Seabass with fermented sauerkraut in a slow-cooked broth.

While the sauerkraut was decent, the broth was more muted and lacked depth. It leaned towards being mostly sour, and we were not quite a fan of how thinly sliced the fish were. I definitely wished the fish were fresher too.

Sauerkraut Fish & Typhoon Shelter Shrimp with Fries 3/5

Although we appreciated the punchy seasoning on the Typhoon Shelter Shrimp and crinkle-cut fries, the prawns were not the freshest. A more significant portion would also have been more justifying of the price tag.

XXL Crispy You Tiao 3/5

While the XXL Crispy You Tiao ($5) looked impressive in size, its taste was less memorable. Despite the recommendation to dip these pieces in the sauerkraut broth, the experience was less enjoyable due to the greasiness.

YAO YAO Peking Duck, Half 3.5/5

Yao Yao Peking Duck ($45 for Half) was a dish we saw many other diners order. It is served with egg crepe wraps and strips of onions, cucumber and sweet honeydew. Finish your wrap with a housemade sesame mustard dip or housemade sweet sauce.

For a bigger group, you can consider the Duck (Whole) at $90.

Rainbow Cold Jelly 4/5

The Rainbow Cold Jelly ($8) served as a chilled and sweet ending to our meal. The base of housemade oolong tea-flavoured jelly is topped with many ingredients, including raisins, red beans, hawthorn bits, crushed peanuts, pearl barley and pearls. You can have it as it is or with coconut milk drizzled over. I personally found it quite sweet, but we saw many diners of younger age enjoying this.

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.


YAO YAO 姚姚酸菜鱼
Vivocity
#02-145/146
1 HarbourFront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6970 8998
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Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 2pm, 5pm - 9pm
Sat-Sun: 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit C or E. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Crystal Jade CNY 2022 - Spring Into a Roaring Lunar New Year

Homegrown Chinese restaurant group Crystal Jade has put together a variety of set menus and new exquisite dishes for this Chinese New Year. It caters to all reunions - big and small, from convivial family gatherings to cosy intimate affairs.

Opulence 3-head Abalone Yusheng

The new Opulence 3-head Abalone Yusheng ($128/ $198) is a vibrant and healthy version this year. The colourful plate consists of coins of red dragonfruit, dried yuzu peel, Japanese pickled sweet ginger, homemade pickled cucumbers, deep-fried yam strips, chickpeas, carrot, white radish and green radish. Hsin Chu beehoon is added for crunch. It is further crowned with edible gold leaves, fresh flowers, lightly torched abalone slices from Australia, jellyfish and ikura, finally, tossed in uplifting roselle and yuzu-based dressing.

Double-boiled Kampong Chicken Soup

The Double-boiled Kampong Chicken Soup with American Sea Whelk and Tiger Palm Mushroom is nourishing and comforting. The team has specially brought in the tiger palm mushroom to usher in the year of the Tiger.

Pan-fried Sea Cucumber

The Pan-fried Sea Cucumber, a surf-and-turf option on the menu, is stuffed with Kurobuta Pork, Black Moss, Chinese Iron Yam and Scallion. I like the idea of the stuffing giving the firm and bouncy sea cucumber the additional textural dimension.

Steamed Chilean Cod Fish with Red and Green Chilli in Puning Sauce

One of my favourite dishes is the Steamed Chilean Cod Fish with Red and Green Chilli in Puning Sauce. The sauce is deliciously special, together with the pickled red and green chillis, complemented the buttery cod fish excellently.

Steamed Salted Chicken with Ginger and Scallion Sauce

Another beautiful dish is the Steamed Salted Chicken with Ginger and Scallion Sauce. Nothing fancy but simple cooking of using salt, ginger and scallion to bring out the flavour of the tender chicken.

Crisp-fried Brussel Sprouts accompanied with Fresh Silken Beancurd Skin

This year, Chef Martin has added new excitement for the vegetarians to celebrate CNY. Vegetarians can look forward to something different such as Crisp-fried Brussel Sprouts accompanied with Fresh Silken Beancurd Skin. It is a textural enjoyment of crispiness and silkiness, all in one.

Crispy Pandan Glutinous Rice Cake 'Nian Gao'

An interesting way of enjoying the Nian Gao is the Crispy Pandan Glutinous Rice Cake 'Nian Gao'. Infused with the aromatic pandan flavour, it is soft on the inside and crispy on the outside.

Yuzu Mandarin Orange Jelly

A delightful dessert is the Yuzu Mandarin Orange Jelly studded with yuzu peel and mandarin orange segments for a light and fruity sweet finishing.

Deep-fried Pumpkin Ball with Lava Salted Egg Yolk

Served as a warm dessert, the Deep-fried Pumpkin Ball with Lava Salted Egg Yolk has a soft exterior, filled with oozing savoury-sweet lava salted egg yolk.

Chinese New Year dining at Crystal Jade restaurants will commence from 17 Jan 2022 (select outlets will be closed on 1 Feb 2022 – CNY Day 1) and set menus for up to five persons (same household) are available. Reservations can be made online via https://inline.app/booking/cj from 6 Dec 2021. In addition, Festive takeaway goodies can be pre-ordered online at estore.crystaljade.com and outlets from 6 Dec 2021 to 15 Feb 2022, and picked up from outlets island-wide from 10 Jan 2022.

Osomatsu Japanese Kitchen & Bar @ Kinex - New Mod-Japanese Restaurant With Inventive Interpretations Of Izakaya Food

Osomatsu Japanese Kitchen & Bar is a new mod-Japanese restaurant at Kinex. Diners can look forward to inventive interpretations of izakaya food and Japanese cuisine prepared with fresh and quality ingredients.

Maguro Tataki Salad 3/5

We started with the Maguro Tataki Salad ($28), which comes with thick slices of tuna layered on a bed of mixed salad and kaiso seaweed. Pour the wasabi yuzu sauce and give everything a good toss to brighten the enjoyment.

Shironi Truffle 4/5

The Shironi Truffle ($30) consists of light and clean tasting sea bream topped with caviar and drizzled with truffle oil for an elevated finishing. It is an elegant and beautiful dish.

Tofu Nuggets 4.2/5

One of my favourite items on the menu is the Tofu Nuggets ($12). The tofu nuggets are made from pressed tofu, almond meal and potato. It is as good as McDonald's nugget and much healthier.

Uni Kura Tart 4.5/5

Making an impressive entry is the Uni Kura Tart ($22/pc). It is served in a smoked jewel box, giving it a beautiful smoky aroma, topped with salmon roe and truffle cream. It is a lavish play of umami flavours.

Charcoal Chicken 4.5/5

Using chicken thigh cut, the Charcoal Chicken ($16) is tender and juicy inside, yet crispy on the exterior. It is a delightful and addictive starter. Best to go along with a few drinks.

Tsukune 4.5/5

The Tsukune ($5.20) is another delightful bite to go with the drinks. What I enjoy about the homemade chicken meatball is its soft bone, giving it a nice textural contrast.

Miyazaki A4 Wagyu Cha Zuke 4.5/5

Besides the a la carte items, diners can leave the meal to the hands of the skilful chef too. From the omakase menu, we tried the Miyazaki A4 Wagyu Cha Zuke. The best way to enjoy this is to pour the kombu dashi stock into the rice for a light and flavourful enjoyment. It is a hearty and comforting rice dish with melt in the mouth wagyu.

Ume Jelly 3.5/5

Wrapping up our dinner is the Ume Jelly ($8) made with Japanese plum liquor jelly and wholesome wolfberries.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Osomatsu Japanese Kitchen & Bar
Kinex
11 Tanjong Katong Road
#02-21
Singapore 437157
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Nearest MRT: Paya Lebar (CC Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 11pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Paya Lebar MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk to Sims Ave. Cross the road and walk to Tanjong Katong Road. Walk down Tanjong Katong Road to Kinex Mall. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Dining at Home During Circuit Breaker - The Salted Plum

With the COVID-19 pandemic, we have to shelve our travel plan until all the travel ban and restriction is lifted. If you have been to Taiwan and miss its cuisine, let The Salted Plum brings a piece of their Taiwanese Zichar rendition to your home during the circuit breaker period.

Lu Rou and 12-hr Eggs

The Family Value Set which comes with options for 3-4 pax and 5-6 pax. Customers can also choose to upgrade their rice to sweet potato congee. I had the regular family set which comes with Lu Rou, 12-hr Eggs, Cold Tofu, Oyster Mushrooms, Smashed Potatoes, Smashed Cucumber, Pork Chop, Burnt Chilli Chicken, Mei Cai and Red Tea Jelly Dessert.

Cold Tofu

Among the spread of dishes, I really enjoyed the fork-tender Braised Pork Belly and the soft, silky Cold Tofu.

Oyster Mushrooms, Smashed Potatoes, Pork Chop

The Oyster Mushrooms, Smashed Potatoes and Pork Chop are deep-fried to a delightful bite, but I just felt that there was too much fried stuff.

Burnt Chilli Chicken

Tender and juicy is the Burnt Chilli Chicken. I like the hint of smokiness on top of that spicy kick.

Mei Cai

I like my Mei Cai, but the seasoning was a bit heavy for my delivery. I am sure they can do better in standard and consistency.

Red Tea Jelly Dessert

Last but not least, wrapped up the meal with Red Tea Jelly Dessert. It even comes with chewy tapioca balls giving the dessert a pleasing textural contrast to the crunchy, gelatin jelly.

The Salted Plum offers both takeaway and island-wide delivery. To order visit https://www.saltedplum.co.


The Salted Plum
10 Circular Road
Singapore 049366
Tel: +65 62600155
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Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (NE Line), Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 930pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction
1) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit E. Cross the road. Walk to Carpenter Street. Walk to the end of Carpenter Street to South Bridge Road. Cross the Road. Walk to junction of South Bridge Road and Circular Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight At Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk to Circular Road. Walk down Circular Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]