Sichuan Alley @ Telok Ayer - Unveils Singapore's First-ever Sichuan-style Poached Rice Series

The poached rice or pao fan, which has taken the Singapore food scene by storm, has seen Sichuan Alley (formerly known as Chuan Hung) at Telok Ayer joining the bandwagon. The restaurant known for its noodle dishes has launched Singapore's first-ever Sichuan-style poached rice series.

Pickled Vegetable Soup Poached Rice with Barramundi 4.2/5

We had the hot and sour Pickled Vegetable Soup Poached Rice with Barramundi ($13.50). Unlike other pao fan places, the version has more texture profiles and comes with a generous variety of ingredients. Instead of just using rice grain, it comes in a mixture of pearl rice, pearl barley, red quinoa and oats. It even comes with a whole slab of barramundi and an assortment of vegetables, including kale, red radish, hairy gourd, broccoli, cherry tomato, black fungus, and edamame. Lastly, it is topped with rice puff for a playful crunch. There is also a la la version - Pickled Vegetable Soup Poached Rice with La La ($11.50) that comes with a combination of clams and fried egg floss.

Mushroom Chicken Soup Poached Rice 4/5

For the non-spicy customers, there is the Mushroom Chicken Soup Poached Rice ($11) featuring a trio of shiitake, white button and shimeji mushrooms in a gelatinous and collagen rice soup, topped with bamboo pith. There is even a vegetarian version in the Beetroot Pickled Vegetable Soup Poached Rice ($10).

Mapo Tofu Don 4/5

Other than poached rice, the Mapo Tofu Don ($9), which comes with minced pork and firm tofu in a fragrant and mildly spicy sauce, caught my attention too. Unlike the usual saucy mapo tofu, the version here is drier and more intense. I like that the restaurant uses a mixture of pearl rice and quinoa instead of just plain rice. The addition of roasted cauliflower and sweet potato with half a ramen egg gives the donburi colour and extra textural enjoyment.

Currently, Sichuan Alley runs a free delivery promotion on Oddle for the $50 bundle menu - Seafood Galore and Surf & Turf.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Sichuan Alley
51A Telok Ayer Street
#01-01
Singapore 048441
Tel: +65 97551058
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 1030am - 3pm, 5pm - 930pm
Fri-Sun: 1030am - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk straight down Telok Ayer Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen And Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao Offer Plant-based Meat Dishes

With customers' growing preference for plant-based dining, Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen, Crystal Jade Jiang Nan and Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao has put together a selection of meat-free dishes, prepared with plant-based meats' brands OmniMeat, Beyond Meat and Heura.

Shredded Heura Chicken Salad in Szechuan Style 4/5

We start with the Shredded Heura Chicken Salad in Szechuan Style ($8.80) from Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao and Jiang Nan. The julienne carrots, cucumbers and red cabbage were served chilled, giving the salad a refreshing and crunchy finishing. I did feel celebratory when pouring the sauce and giving it a good toss before eating, and it somewhat reminds me of Lo Hei.

Ma Po Beancurd with Minced OmniMeat 4.2/5

I have to applaud the team for the Ma Po Beancurd with Minced OmniMeat ($14.80) rendition. It is not a blind tasting, and I already could not tell the difference between real and plant-based meat. This delicious plant-based mapo tofu dish is available at Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao and Jiang Nan.

Signature Dan Dan La Mian with Minced OmniMeat 4/5

Using OmniMeat, customers can relish in a piping hot bowl of Signature Dan Dan La Mian with Minced OmniMeat ($11.80), crowned with a luscious and delicately spiced minced OmniMeat gravy.

Steamed Crystal Dumpling with Preserved Olives and OmniMeat 4/5

Dim Sum lovers can tuck into a number of plant-based meat creations at Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen, such as the Steamed Crystal Dumpling with Preserved Olives and OmniMeat ($6.30 for 3pc). A clever creation with the use of preserved olives to accentuate the flavour of the OmniMeat.

Deep-fried Spring Roll 4.2/5

Another crispy addition to plant-based meat dim sum item is the Deep-fried Spring Roll ($6.80 for 3pc) wrapped with stem chives and minced Beyond beef, served with truffle mayonnaise.

Sweet & Sour Heura Chicken with Assorted Fresh Fruits 3.8/5

On top of the dim sum items, Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen has also introduced several plant-based ala carte dishes in its menu. For example, sweet and sour pork, a classic dish in almost every Chinese restaurant, is given a new form with the Sweet & Sour Heura Chicken with Assorted Fresh Fruits ($16.80). Generous golden-brown deep-fried Heura chicken pieces are cloaked in a tantalising sweet and sour sauce with fresh-cut fruits such as guava, apple, and pineapple.

Handmade OmniMeat Ball Congee 4.2/5

Last but not least, we round up our plant-based dinner with a bowl of hearty and comforting Handmade OmniMeat Ball Congee ($9.80 per portion) with preserved vegetables and shredded mushrooms. I noticed the use of preserved vegetables in a couple of plant-based dishes. It seems like it is a vital ingredient to elevate the taste of plant-based meats in Chinese cuisine.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen
Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao
Crystal Jade Jiang Nan
Facebook
Website

Birds Of A Feather @ Amoy Street - Spreading The Wings Of Creativity

Birds of A Feather at Amoy Street has soared to a greater height with a repertoire of new mainstays. I have been a fan of Executive Chef Eugene See's interpretation of Sichuan cuisine, combining Sichuan and western flavours. The new menu once again offers surprises, giving classic Sichuan offerings a unique twist.

Birds Avocado & Crab Bruschetta 4.2/5

We have a couple of appetisers to kick start the dinner. The Birds Avocado & Crab Bruschetta ($18) comes in a chunky and creamy crab-avocado combination, sitting on a slab of buttery brioche. The addition of vine pepper in the crab-avocado combination gives it a pleasant yet surprise kick to the whole enjoyment.

House Cured Duck Breast Bruschetta 4.2/5

Another bruschetta on the menu is the House Cured Duck Breast Bruschetta ($21). The dish pays tribute to Sichuan aged meat, using the French moulard duck. The tender duck breast is marinated with Sichuan seasoning and aged for around 20 days. I appreciate the touch of fruity sweetness from the fig and blackberry marmalade, elevating the enjoyment.

Double Cooked Pork Belly 4/5

Double Cooked Pork Belly ($22), a quintessential Sichuan dish, is given a new twist with char-grilled octopus leg for an additional soft, chewy texture bite. Underneath is a bed of fregula, providing a multi-textural enjoyment.

BBQ French Quail 4.5/5

I applauded the execution of the BBQ French Quail ($23), incorporating the barbecue technique commonly found on the streets of Chengdu to the French ingredient. The bird is brushed with chilli oil throughout the grilling process and dusted with a blend of Sichuan spices. Slightly crisp on the exterior, smokey, tender, coupled with the aromatic Sichuan flavours, the chef has brought a new appreciation of the ingredient to the table.

Whole Wild Caught John Dory (800g - 1kg) 4/5

Great for sharing is the Whole Wild Caught John Dory ($120 for 800g - 1kg). Pre-order is recommended. The wild-caught fish is grilled in a charcoal oven, layered with burnt chillies. To enjoy the fish's firm and flaky flesh, the waitstaff will pour the classic French beurre blanc with wine pepper over the grilled fish for an aromatic finishing oomph.

Two Way Braised Tofu (Mapo Style, Wagyu Sliced Beef) 4.2/5

The Two Way Braised Tofu ($25) served with sliced A4 wagyu is reminiscent of the classic Sichuan Mapo Tofu dish. However, unlike the traditional dish, it has both silky tofu and marinated fried tofu. The soul must be the chilli red oil and broad bean chilli paste, bringing the ingredients together. While the wagyu slices give the dish another dimension, soaking up the moreish sauce, I do not see the need for it.

Sichuan Maine Lobster 4/5

Instead of boiled fish or pork, Birds of A Feather up the game with the Sichuan Maine Lobster ($42). When the dish arrives on the table, the waitstaff will pour hot oil over the dish, sizzling the spices to bring out the aromas. 

Homestyle Braised Pork Belly 4.5/5

A crowd favourite is the Homestyle Braised Pork Belly ($58), brimming with tea tree mushroom, mushroom garlic rice, unctuous pork belly and shaved truffle. What brightens the enjoyment is the Sichuan chilli bean paste, fermented black beans, salt and soy sauce, elevating the flavour profile of the rice dish. 

Glutinous Rice Cake Rock 4.2/5

The Glutinous Rice Cake Rock ($15) is a warm dessert comprising soft and sticky glutinous rice laboriously pounded by hand and steamed. The texture is almost like mochi coated with red sugar caramel, served with sesame parfait.

Having dined at Birds of A Feather numerous times, I enjoyed the new menu. Compared to its previous menu, I felt the flavours are bolder in the new menu. 

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Birds of A Feather
115 Amoy Street
Singapore 069935
Tel: +65 62217449
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk down Cross Street towards Amoy Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2)  Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Follow the covered walkway to the junction of Mccallum Street, Telok Ayer and Amoy Street. Turn left at the junction onto Amoy Street. Continue on Amoy Street to the end of the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Chen Mapo Tofu @ Star Vista - Michelin Bib Gourmand Eatery Chen’s Mapo Tofu Opens 2nd Outlet

Chen's Mapo Tofu, the affordable sister concept of Chen Kentaro's two-Michelin-starred fine dining restaurant Shisen Hanten opens its second outlet at Star Vista in the West. Chen's Mapo Tofu, with its first outlet at OUE Downtown Gallery, is known for its fuss-free dining option offering a unique fusion of Szechuan cuisine with Japanese influences.

Spicy Szechwan Dumpling 3/5, Szechwan Popcorn Chicken 4/5, Banbanji Chicken 4/5

Before moving to the mains, I started with some sides to whet up the appetite. I tried their Spicy Szechwan Dumpling ($5), Szechwan Popcorn Chicken ($5), and Banbanji Chicken ($4). I enjoyed the Szechwan Popcorn Chicken for its addictive crispiness and Banbanji Chicken for the delectable peanut sauce. As for the Szechwan Dumpling, I felt the sauce is not fragrant enough.

Mapo Don 4.5/5

One of Chef Chen Kentaro signature dishes at his two-Michelin-starred fine dining restaurant Shisen Hanten is his mapo tofu. It is great to know that you can savour the same recipe in the Mapo Don ($10.80) at Chen's Mapo Tofu. I like the mapo tofu here for the Dou Ban Jiang (broad bean paste) sauce packed with depth, coupled with minced meat in the sauce. It enlivens the whole enjoyment.

Dan Dan Mien 4.2/5

I had the dry version of the Dan Dan Mien when I visited the OUE Downtown Gallery outlet. I didn't enjoy it back then. However, I enjoyed the soup version of the Dan Dan Mien ($11.80). The sweet and nutty peanut sauce complement the noodle excellently for a slurping good time.

Diners can also go for the Signature Combo ($14), which you get to try both the mapo don and dan dan mien but half portion.

Kurozu Buta Don 4.2/5

A new dish on the menu is the Kurozu Buta Don ($15.30). The kurozu vinegar pork is crispy and chunky served on top steaming, fragrant rice with green and red capsicum.

Kaisen Katayaki 4/5

Another new item on the menu is the Kaisen Katayaki ($15.50). It will be familiar to Singapore palate, similar to the local zichar crispy noodle dish. Chen's Mapo Tofu's version comprises stir-fried seafood and vegetables with a rich gravy on crispy fried noodles. 

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Chen's Mapo Tofu 
Star Vista
1 Vista Exchange Green
#02-08
Singapore 138617
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Buona Vista (CC Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

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

Dine At Home During Circuit Breaker - Si Wei Mao Cai

The COVID-19 pandemic has definitely changed the life of many. I am also getting used to staying home during the circuit breaker measure period which is equivalent to a lock down many countries around the world has implemented to flatten the curve of the pandemic. The good thing is I can order almost anything I feel like eating and get them delivered to my place. I was craving for Sichuan cuisine so I decided to order from Si Wei Mao Cai in Chinatown. I have been to its sister brands but I have never dine there. It is a good opportunity for me to check out their food since I get it delivered to my home.

Preserved Century Egg

I am not sure why foreigners find the Preserved Century Egg acquire but I love them. What the restaurant has done is they have layered it with some chilli oil and seasonings for that extra flavours. I enjoyed the fact the centre of the yolk is still lava, which in my opinion is the essence of the unami flavour. 

Shredded Chicken with Chilli Oil

The Shredded Chicken with Chilli Oil swimming in a pool of chilli oil comes in chicken pieces instead of shredded chicken per the description in the menu. I feel that the chicken meat can be more tender. Otherwise the flavours are spot on.

Mapo Tofu

One of my favourite dishes is the Mapo Tofu. Besides the spicy and mala shiokness, what I like is the distinct flavour of the fermented broad beans coming through the smooth and silky tofu.

Stir Fried Jack Bean

Always remember to have your greens that is what mama will say. Hence being an obedient boy I ordered the Stir Fried Jack Bean. Slightly spicy it still has a nice crunch to it.

Stir Fried Beef with Cumin

Another spices I like in Sichuan cuisine is cumin, hence I could not resist ordering the Stir Fried Beef with Cumin when I see it on the menu. The beef was tender with crunchy green chilli which is actually not hot. 

The restaurant offers both takeaway and island wide delivery at https://siweimaocai.oddle.me/en_SG

Use the code "SIWEI20" to enjoy 20% off.

Si Wei Mao Cai

33 Mosque Street

Singapore 059511

Tel: +65 62231170

Facebook

Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:

Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:

1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit A or E. Walk to Mosque Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Botany By Dazzling Cafe @ Robertson Quay - Signature Honey Toasts And Soulful Food

If you are a fan of Dazzling Cafe's honey toasts, you will be glad to know that you can still have them at the newly opened Botany by Dazzling Cafe at Robertson Quay. With the closing of Dazzling Cafe, the trio of Actress Julie Tan, her cousin Cassandra and childhood friend Serene have come together to create a relax space for bonding while enjoying a soulful meal, regardless if one is a meat-lover, vegetarian or vegan at Botany.

The Botanist Salad 3.5/5

For those that are looking for something light and healthy, there is the The Botanist Salad ($15). It comes in a blend of fresh greens dressed in homemade apple cider vinegar honey sauce. Add-ons such as almond flakes, smoked salmon, grilled chicken, pan seared salmon, pan seared steak and Impossible patty are available at an additional cost ranging from $3 to $7 for each topping.

Curried Cauliflower Soup 4/5

The Curried Cauliflower Soup ($10) is a vegan soup made with coconut milk and spiced with curry paste. The soup has a velvety and creamy texture, in which one can still bite into the blended cauliflower bits.

Homemade Hummus with Baked Nachos 3.5/5

A delightful snack on the menu is the Homemade Hummus with Baked Nachos ($12). Applauded to the homemade hummus doused with olive oil that goes well with the crispy baked nachos.

Otah Chips 3/5

It is quite common to see French fries or spam fries on the menu but Otah Chips ($13) is a first for me. I love my otah but the fried mackerel fish paste strips did not manage to wow me. I guess I still like the traditional otah more.

Signature Mentaiko Fries $15

Of course there is still fries on the menu. At Botany, they served an elevated version, Signature Mentaiko Fries ($15)  with mentaiko dressing topped with nori. Nothing unique but definitely an all time favourite to munch and share with a group of friends.

Taiwanese Chicken Bites 4/5

A more addictive starter is the Taiwanese Chicken Bites ($13). Love the used of marinated chicken thigh for the tender bite, complemented by the Taiwanese spice seasoning. This is great to go along with some beer and wine.

Mapo Tofu Rice Bowl 4/5

A very hearty and comforting rice bowl is the Mapo Tofu Rice Bowl ($18). The Japanese rice is paired with silken tofu cooked in Szechuan spices and minced chicken, topped with sous vide egg. I would prefer it to be more spicy but I can understand the need to cater for the wider group.

Signature Grilled Chicken with Balinese Salsa 4/5

Another rice dish on the menu is the Signature Grilled Chicken with Balinese Salsa ($18). A complete meal on a plate that comes with boneless chicken leg marinated with spices and a fried egg, paired with homemade balinese salsa. My advice don't miss out the delicious chicken skin, it was heavenly.

Uni Truffle Capellini 3.8/5

While I enjoyed the texture of the pasta for the Uni Truffle Cappelini ($28) topped with sea urchin and salmon roe, it was unfortunate the truffle was a tad overpowering, masking the appreciation of the sea urchin. Served chilled, this is actually quite refreshing.

Pan-Seared Barramundi 4.2/5

A dish that I would go back for is the Pan-Seared Barramundi ($26) with mash potato. The huge piece of pan seared barramundi is well cooked and justify for the pricing. It is paired with pesto sauce which highlighted the moist fish but not stealing the limelight.

Australian Grass Fed Ribeye 250g 4/5

For the meat-lovers, there is the Australian Grass Fed Ribeye 250g ($28). Nothing fancy but just allowing the succulent ribeye cut with black pepper sauce to shine . It also comes with butter mash and greens on the side.

Gluten Free Chocolate Cake 3.5/5

For dessert, we tried the Gluten Free Chocolate Cake ($9). A moist and soft interior with crusty edges for the chocolate indulgent.

Dazzling Cafe's Signature Honey Toasts 4.2/5

I have to admit that I have never tried the Dazzling Cafe's Signature Honey Toast ($18) and this is my first time having it. Not only is it pretty and instragrammable, it is actually very good. Definitely one of the better ones I have eaten. Other flavours available on the menu are dazzling classic, caramel macademia nuts, banana chocolate, strawberry lover and hazelnut chocolate.

I like the new space at Botany by Dazzling Cafe with its greenery and river facing. Food is pretty decent but in the competitive F&B stretch, I felt that it needed more character or theme to stand out.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Botany By Dazzling Cafe
Robertson Quay
86 Robertson Quay
#01-03
Singapore 238245
Tel: +65 69514861
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT Line, NE Line), Tiong Bahru (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 9am - 10pm
Fri-Sat: 9am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to bus stop along Upper Cross Street (Stop ID 06171). Take bus number 51 and 186. Alight 2 stop later. Cross the road and walk to Four Points by Sheraton. Walk to the river. Cross the bridge and walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tiong Bahru MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Tiong Bahru MRT station (Stop ID 10169). Alight 5 stops later. Walk to Four Points by Sheraton. Walk to the river. Cross the bridge and walk to destination. Journey time about 20 minutes. [Map]