Wee's Family Seafood @ Bukit Merah Central - A New Zi Char Place In Bukit Merah Central

It is great to know that my friend Milton from Wee's Family Coffee Shop has opened a 2nd branch nearer to my place at Bukit Merah Central named Wee's Family Seafood. The new branch is actually located behind an industrial building, hidden from the main road. It took up a stall inside the industrial canteen which is quite spacious and airy.

Prawn Paste Chicken Wings 3.8/5

We started with the Prawn Paste Chicken Wings ($8/$12/$16) which are coated in a light crispy batter. The chicken wings were also moist and juicy inside with a hint of prawn paste. I personally prefer the prawn paste flavour to be stronger.

Handmade Prawn Roll 4.5/5

One of our favourite items is the Handmade Prawn Roll ($10/$15/$20). The prawn roll is generously stuffed with many delectable ingredients such as minced pork, mushroom and crunchy chestnut. Marinated in five spice powder and encased in a thin crispy beancurd skin, this is best eaten together with the accompanying sweet sauce.

Green Dragon Chives 4/5

A common greens on the menu is the Green Dragon Chives ($10/$15/$20). Simply stir fried, I like the used of bean sprouts together with the green dragon chives for the extra crunch and bite.

Lamb 3/5

The Lamb ($25) probably is a rather rare dish to find in a zichar menu. I actually quite enjoy the red meat but my dining company is not a fan of the gaminess.

Crispy Pig Knuckle 2.8/5

A dish that required improvement is the Crispy Pig Knuckle ($30). While we enjoyed the crispy skin but we felt the whole execution was rather bland. It felt like the kitchen has forgotten to season it.

Assam Red Snapper Fish Head 3.8/5

For the price, I thought the Assam Red Snapper Fish Head ($24) is rather worth it  Not only was the fish head fresh, it was huge and meaty. Being an assam fish head lover, I think the dish is not sour and spicy enough. The flavours can be intensified further.

Salted Egg Crayfish 4.2/5

Wrapped in a thin batter and coated with salted egg sauce is the Salted Egg Crayfish ($20). What I applauded is the effort to de-shell the crayfish. Its like removing the barrier for the sauce to marry with the succulent crayfish. The batter which replaced the shell, provided the extra layer of texture to the dish.

Three Egg Fu Zhou Mee Sua 3/5

Last but at least we had the Three Egg Fu Zhou Mee Sua ($10/$15/$20). Once again this is a dish I do not usually see in zichar menu. The texture of the noodle is quite similar to those Ban Mian stall's you mian. I thought the dish has great potential but again it was under seasoned. I ended up mixing the mee sua with the sambal chilli to elevate the flavour.

Overall I felt the new branch still fell short in standard compare to the main outlet in Bedok Reservoir Road. Most of the dishes also felt a bit light handed. I thought they can be a little more bold in their seasoning.


Wee's Family Seafood
Blk 1003 Bukit Merah Central
#01-3752
Singapore 159836
Tel: +65 62755711/98798868
Facebook
Nearest MRT:

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tiong Bahru MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at opposite Tiong Bahru Plaza (Stop ID 10161). Take bus number 5. Alight 3 stops later at Bukit Merah Central Bus Interchange. Walk to Bukit Merah Central road. Turn left and walk down the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tiong Bahru MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at opposite Tiong Bahru Plaza (Stop ID 10161). Take bus number 16 and 851. Alight 4 stops later at Bukit Merah Central Bus Interchange. Walk to Bukit Merah Central road. Turn left and walk down the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Lotus Kitchen @ Chinatown Point - Creative Vegetarian Dishes That Will Even Convert A Carnivore

Chinatown Point welcomes a new vegetarian restaurant - Lotus Kitchen located right at the main entrance on level 1. The new vegetarian restaurant is the spinoff of the famous Lotus Vegetarian Restaurant at Quality Hotel. Diners can find new creations as well as some of the best selling mainstays from predecessor.

Signature Lion's Mane Mushroom Pan Fried Dumpling 4/5

Taro Mee Sua Cake 4.2/5

Have you ever try Vegetarian dim sum? You can savour these delights at Lotus Kitchen such as the Signature Lion's Mane Mushroom Pan Fried Dumpling ($8.80) and Taro Mee Sua Cake ($6.80). The pan fried dumping is stuffed with crunchy lion's mane mushroom and water chestnuts. For the best of both world is the taro mee sua cake where you get to enjoy the fragrant taro complemented by the mee sua encased in a crisp batter.

Signature Double-boiled Herbal Tian Ma Soup 4/5

A nourishing offering on the menu is the Signature Double-boiled Herbal Tian Ma Soup ($8.80). It is understand the tian ma herb used in the the soup has liver-calming and neuroprotective some benefits. The soup is steamed and brewed with 10 different herbs and premium quality pearl mushrooms.

Signature Crispy Summer Wrap with Passionfruit 4.2/5

The Signature Crispy Summer Wrap with Passionfruit ($35.80) is your vegetarian version of Peking duck. The crispy soya slices coated with special batter is your substitution of the duck meat.  This is eaten the same way as Peking duck, wrapped it with the pancake sheet together with stripes of cucumber, carrot and passionfruit. Not to forget to dip some of the homemade sweet bean paste sauce to complete the whole enjoyment.

Signature Homemade Satay 4/5

The Signature Homemade Satay ($15.80) shows me how spices can be incorporated into vegetarian cuisine. Lotus kitchen has cleverly marinated soya slices with more than 10 different spices to create their version of the local satay. It also comes with homemade satay sauce which went very well with the satay.

Spicy Grilled Oat Slices in Hotplate 4.5/5

If you like spicy food, you will find the house blended chilli sauce laid over the Spicy Grilled Oat Slices in Hotplate ($18.80) setting you on fire. It is damn shiok. The dish is made using oats, soya and seaweed. It not only look like a fish but taste almost like it too. This is really a close rendition of the sambal fish.

Braised Mushroom in Hot Pot 4.8/5

One of the crowd favourite is the Braised Mushroom in Hot Pot ($18.80). It comes with lion's mane mushroom, shitake mushroom and bamboo shoots stir fried with chilli, ginger and basil leaves. It resembles the popular 3 cup chicken, except that the chicken is replaced with crunchy mushrooms and bamboo shoots.

Signature Stir Fried Laksa 4.2/5

I was initially sceptical about the Signature Stir Fried Laksa ($9.80) but I was wrong. The flavours were spot on, doing justice to one of the local's favourite street food. My only complain is the used of seaweed instead of laksa leaf. I find the balance of the dish distorted by the seaweed flavour.

Pumpkin Paste with Purple Rice 2.8/5

The dish that I least like is the Pumpkin Paste with Purple Rice ($6.80). I could not traced the pumpkin flavour but just sweetness over sweetness. The pumpkin paste needs to be more distinct.

Lotus Yam Paste with Purple Rice 4.5/5

A dessert not to be missed on the menu is the Lotus Yam Paste with Purple Rice ($6.80). The yam paste comes with purple rice mixture and gingko nuts. Somehow I felt like I was served the traditional Teochew yam paste together with a bowl of red bean soup, in a different way. It is like having 2 different desserts on a plate.

I have to say I am very impress with the vegetarian dishes at Lotus Kitchen. Especially on the creativity behind the dishes. It definitely changes my perspective on vegetarian cuisine. Vegetarian food is not just about deep fried flour items and greens.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Lotus Kitchen
Chinatown Point
133 New Bridge Road
#01-01/02
Singapore 059413
Tel: +65 65381068
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 10pm

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

[CLOSED] Eat 3 Bowls (呷三碗) @ Seah Im Food Centre - Young Hawkers Serving A Great Bowl Of Mee Sua & Lu Rou Fang

Eat 3 Bowls (呷三碗) at Seah Im Food Centre is a new stall opened by 2 young men. During our visit for lunch on a Saturday afternoon, the place seems rather quiet. Great that I do not need to queue up to order my food. Since there is 2 of us, we decided to go for the set meal for two pax which costs $15. It comes with 2 soups, 2 bowl of braised pork rice, 1 vegetable and the salted crispy chicken.

Braised Pork Rice 4.5/5

I have to agree with many reviews that I have seem online that the Braised Pork Rice ($2.50) or also known as Lu Rou Fan is top notch. The braised sauce is not overly sweet with hints of spices such as star anise and cinnamon. The minced pork literally melted in the mouth which has absorbed the essence of the braising sauce which complemented the soft and pearly rice excellently.

Salted  Crispy Chicken 4.2/5

The Salted Crispy Chicken ($4) comes in spicy and non-spicy. Thinly coated with a crispy batter. The chunky pieces of chicken were tender, juicy and crispy. The chemistry of the sodium chloride and chilli powder provided the stimulation for taste buds to appreciate the dish.

Braised Chinese Cabbage 4/5

The Braised Chinese Cabbage ($3) was cooked to a delectable softness while still retaining the natural sweetness of the Chinese cabbage.

Bittergourd Pork Ribs Soup 1/5

The Bittergourd Pork Ribs Soup ($3) is way too healthy for me. It tasted really bland. There was no body to it and it felt like the stall has forgotten about the seasoning.

Intestine Mee Sua 4.5/5

Since I have made my way down to Seah Im Food centre, I have to order another signature item on the menu, their Intestine Mee Sua ($3.50). Using the red mee sua, the rendition by the 2 young gentlemen reminded me of my Taiwan trip. This is probably the best and closest I have eaten by far. Add some garlic and vinegar to complete the full appreciation of the mee sua.

[CLOSED]
Eat 3 Bowls (呷三碗)
Seah Im Food Centre
2 Seah Im Road
#01-21
Singapore 099114
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 830am-730pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbour Front MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Rong Cheng Bak Kut Teh 榕城(新民路)肉骨茶 @ Midview City (Sin Ming Road) - Introducing The New Sea Cucumber Pork Rib Soup

It has been a while since I last visited Rong Cheng Bak Kut Teh at Midview City. I remembered the last visit was to bring my Thai friends to have their bak kut teh. I am back again to try their newly introduced Sea Cucumber Pork Rib Soup.

Sea Cucumber Pork Rib Soup 3.5/5

We ordered the Sea Cucumber Pork Rib Soup Set ($18) which comes with a choice of a small side dish and rice. Sea cucumber is known for being rich in collagen and no cholestrol. This is probably the first bak kut teh restaurant to introduce sea cucumber into their soup. just like how they first introduced the dragon ribs to Singapore. While I enjoyed the bouncy texture of the sea cucumber, I felt that it needed more time to absorb the essence of the pork rib soup.

Dragon Ribs Set 4/5

Besides their Sea Cucumber Pork Rib Soup, we also ordered their signature Dragon Ribs Set ($10.50) which comes with a choice of a small side dish and rice. Not sure whether we were early during our visit but the pork rib soup does not quite hit the spot for me. It was not as peppery as I have used to know.

Mee Sua Soup with Pig liver and Kidney 4.2/5

Lastly I had a bowl of Mee Sua Soup with Pig Liver and Kidney ($6). This is a comforting bowl of silky noodle in a light and hearty soup. Enjoyed how the innards still retained a crunchy bite, not being overcooked.


Rong Cheng Bak Kut Teh
榕城(新民路)肉骨茶
Midview City
Blk 26 Sin Ming Lane
#01-117
Singapore 573971
Tel: +65 66841889
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rongchengbkt
Website: http://www.rongchengbkt.com/
Nearest MRT: Upper Thomson (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 7am - 9pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Upper Thomson MRT station. Take Exit 1. Turn left and walk down Bright Hill Drive. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Yan Restaurant (宴) Chinese New Year 2017 @ National Gallery Singapore

Chinese loves the auspicious number 8 because it sounds like '发' (Fa) in Chinese, which symbolizes wealth and fortune. For a year of abundance and prosperity, Yan Restaurant at National Gallery has introduced 8 Prosperous Set Menus to usher in the Year of the Rooster, ranging from $118++ to $268++ per person.

Signature Yellowtail Fish with Golden Flake in Shun De Style 4/5

Lo Hei is a tradition for all Lunar New Year nowadays. Apart from the more traditional Prosperity Salmon Lo Hei, bigger group can toss to a year of abundance with the Signature Yellowtail Fish Yu Sheng with Golden Flake in Shun De Style. Guests also have the option to add on cubes of crispy lobster fillet for an additional price. Instead of shredded vegetables, this is replaced with crispy fried vermicelli. It is then topped with slices of ginger, spring onion, crunchy capsicums, finely grounded peanut and drizzled in a homemade soya sauce and peanut oil.

Signature Roasted Suckling Pig

Crispy Skin 4/5

A signature at Yan Restaurant is their Signature Roasted Suckling Pig ($124 for half, $248 for whole) which comes with three ways of appreciation. First is to enjoy the tissue thin crispiness of the crackling skin with steamed pancake, cucumber and scallion.

Carved Shoulder 4.5/5 and Oven Baked Fillet with Lemongrass 4/5

The second way is the Carved Shoulder which comes with a layer of the crispy skin and another lay of the succulent meat. Lastly the pork is Oven Baked with Lemongrass which some what tastes like Japanese yakitori.

Braised 2 Head Abalone with Wild Mushroom 4.2/5

A delicacy on each set menu is the abalone. We tried the Braised 2 Head Abalone with Wild Mushroom. The bouncy texture of the abalone is well complimented by the flavoursome braising sauce. A delicacy indeed.

Dual Style Roasted & Szechuan 'Bon Bon' Chicken 4/5

A new item on the menu is the Dual Style Roasted & Szechuan 'Bon Bon' Chicken. This is a popular dish in China also known as Bang Bang Ji because of the pounding sound of the stick or hammer, hitting against the meat to tenderize it. The spring chicken is served in 2 ways. Half of it is shredded and coated with traditional homemade Si Chuan Ma La spice, while the other half is aromatically roasted.

Wok Fried Mee Sua with Shrimps, Honey Glazed Pork & Capsicum 4/5

In every Chinese's meal, there needs to be either a noodle or rice dish to ensure everyone on the table has a satisfying and full meal. A good change from the usual fried rice of Ee Fu Noodle is the Wok Fried Mee Sua with Shrimps, Honey Glazed Pork and Capsicum. I usually have mee sua in soup but I did not know wok frying it, gives it a different dimension and has a nice texture bite to it.

Pan Fried Sweet Rice Cake 4.8/5

The Pan Fried Sweet Rice Cake is a must try and not to be missed because it is only available for the festive season only. The contrast of crusty exterior and soft interior made this a delightful dessert. The softness of the rice cake felt like having mochi.

Chilled Mango Cream Topped with Vanilla Ice Cream & Oats 4.5/5

Wrapping up our dinner is the Chilled Mango Cream. It is served in a coconut husk and topped with vanilla ice cream and oats for the extra crunch. The bonus is that you can even have the coconut flesh after cleaning up the chilled mango cream and ice cream.

Yàn’s Chinese New Year menus are available for both lunch and dinner from 9 January to 11 February 2017. 2 reservation slots for dinner at 5.30pm and 8.15pm are available on the eve of Chinese New Year on 27 January 2017. Guests can refer to www.yan.com.sg for the respective menus and make theirreservations at reserve@yan.com.sg.


Yan Restauant (宴)
National Gallery Singapore
1 St Andrew's Road
#05-02
Singapore 178957
Tel: +65 63845585
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit D. Turn left and walk down North Bridge Road. Turn left onto Coleman Street. Walk down Coleman Street. Walk to destination. Journey time around 5 minutes. [Map]

Zhong Guo Jie Re Shi (Rickshaw Noodles) @ Maxwell Food Centre - Rickshaw Noodles At Only $1

It is almost impossible to find Rickshaw Noodles in Singapore anymore, a dish that is dated back to the early days of Singapore. Fortunately enough, 70 years old Madam Soh Pho Tee of Zhong Guo Jie Re Shi (Rickshaw Noodles) is still selling the heritage dish at her food stall at Maxwell Food Centre. The stall is first started by Madam Soh Pho Tee's mother back in 1943. This means the stall has a history of 73 years!

Rickshaw Noodles 3/5

Madam Soh has recently raised the price of the Rickshaw Noodles from 80 cents to $1, due to increasing foodo cost. For a dollar, you get a bowl of piping hot yellow noodle that comes with dried shrimps and some sliver of greens and carrots, topped with fried shallots.

Mee Sua 3/5

Besides the rickshaw noodles, the stall also sells Mee Sua, Fried Beehoon and Fried Kway Teow. All of these at only $1 too. The bowl of Mee Sua comes with pieces of mushroom, chicken and topped with fried shallot.

Ngoh Hiang 3/5

To complete your meal, you may want to pick from the array of Ngoh Hiang. I picked 5 items and it only cost me $1.90. Imagine my meal only worked out to be only $3.90!

Zhong Guo Jie Re Shi (Rickshaw Noodles)
Maxwell Food Centre
1 Kadayanallur Street
#01-87
Singapore 069184
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pager (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sat-Sun: 630am - 130pm
(Closed on Fri)

Direction: 
1) Alighat at Tanjong Pager MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left onto Maxwell Road. Walk down Maxwell Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Souper Tang (汤师父) @ The Centrepoint - Souper Tang Opens First International Outlet in Singapore

The Centrepoint has undergone a revamp with the introduction of a F&B cluster on level 1 and 2 of the mall. With the revamp, the popular Malaysian restaurant, Souper Tang (汤师父) has moved in and opened its very first international outlet in Singapore. Singaporean should be familiar with the brand which has 18 outlets in Malaysia. With their foundation and knowledge of chinese herbs due to the owners' expertise in the Chinese medical hall business, Souper Tang has created a delectable menu incorporating the benefits of Chinese herbs, changing the perception that the use of herbs in cooking can be a bitter pill to swallow.

Souper Tang Signature Soup 3.8/5

The Souper Tang Signature Soup ($26.90 for 2pax / $39.90 for 4pax) is cooked together with conpoy, mushrooms, American ginseng, ginseng root, fish maw and chicken. Surprising the soup itself turned out to be sweet with a very subtle bitterness at the back of the tongue. It lifts up to the founders' commitment to change diners perception that the use of herbs can be a bitter pill to swallow.

Shi Quan - The 10 Herbs Soup 3/5

The Shi Quan - The 10 Herbs Soup ($13.90) comes with spare ribs. I find the soup a bit acquire in taste with its richness. I find it a bit hard to finish the bowl on myself. However the spare ribs was so tender that it fell off the bone with ease.

Mee Suah Tossed in Abalone Sauce 4.5/5

I would highly recommend having the Mee Suah Tossed in Abalone Sauce ($3.90). The bowl of noodle may look rather plain but you will be very surprise how this simple bowl of noodle is bursting with beautiful flavours. The highlight has to be homemade XO sauce and abalone sauce that complement the supreme texture of the mee suah.

Homemade Braised Pork in Rich Dark Sauce 4.2/5

The Homemade Braised Pork in Rich Dark Sauce ($18.90) is a comforting dish that will be well liked by the local. The pork belly is well braised, infused with the delicious dark sauce. I would recommend having it together with the spinach mantou and cucumber for a more balanced appreciation.

Stir Fried French Beans with Pu Er 4.5/5

A homely dish that I enjoyed a lot is the Stir Fried French Beans with Pu Er ($11.90). The french beans are cooked to a nice crunchy bite complemented by the minced pork and pu er tea. Initially I thought it was preserved olive but it turned out to be pu er tea. It was a pleasant surprise.

Signature Souper Pesto Pot 4/5

The Signature Souper Pesto Pot ($25.90 for 2-3pax) has to be the first in Singapore. Vegetarian lovers will be delighted with the pesto soup and variety of vegetables. The pesto soup is made up of pesto mix of green vegetables, basil, mint, daun kesom, pine nuts etc. This is indeed an extremely healthy hotpot.

Claypot Atlantic Codfish Maw 4.5/5

Rich in nutritious is the Claypot Atlantic Codfish Maw ($29.90) that comes with a whole codfish fillet delicately braised in a rich seafood stock with fish maw, red dates and nai bai. This is a sumptuous pot of delicacy and the price is quite reasonable.

Stewed Chicken Cordyceps Flower and Essence of Chicken 3.5/5

The Stewed Chicken Cordyceps Flower and Essence of Chicken ($19.90) uses free range chicken cooked with ginger, goji berry and red dates. It is finished with a bottle of chicken essence to elevate the flavour.

Homemade Beancurd Pudding 4.2/5

For dessert there is the Homemade Beancurd Pudding ($3.50) which is served chilled. Diners have a choice between the caramel sauce or ginger sauce. I would recommend going for the caramel sauce which goes better with the silky smooth beancurd pudding.

Souper Tang also ha a retail corner at the restaurant selling its own quality products. Customers may purchase pre-packed herbs for soups, floral teas, bottled essence of chicken and bird's nest with white fungus, canned seafood such as abalone, clam and topshell, as well as bottled wild honey, honey vinegar and apple vinegar.


Souper Tang (汤师父)
The Centrepoint
176 Orchard Road
#02-52 & #02-K01
Singapore  238843
Tel: +65 67376772
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B and C. Walk to the main street. Cross the road. Turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]