Fei Lou Fatt @ Upper Thomson Road - White Restaurant Group Opens New Prawn Noodle & Lok Lok Concept

Newly opened at Upper Thomson Road, beside Springleaf MRT station exit 1 is Fei Lou Fatt, a Prawn Noodle and Lok Lok concept by the White Restaurant Group.

Signature Fei Lou Noodle Soup 4.2/5

We started with the Signature Fei Lou Noodle Soup ($20), which comes with 3 half sliced Ang Kar prawns, fork-tender braised pork ribs and abalone in a slurp-worthy bowl of umami-rich prawn broth. The broth's rich flavour comes from the generous use of fresh prawn heads, slow-cooked for up to 10 hours. Unlike other prawn noodles stalls, the pork ribs here are braised, flavouring the tenderness enjoyment.

Signature Fei Lou Noodle Dry 4/5

There is also a dry version of the Signature Fei Lou Noodle Dry ($20), which is tossed in an addictive homemade hae bee hiam volcano chilli that complements the ingredients and the noodle.

The prawn noodle comes with an assortment of choice ingredients such as the Big Prawn Noodle ($16), Prawn Noodle (Small: $8, Big: $11), Prawn and Braised Pork Ribs Noodle (Small: $8, Big: $11) and Braised Pork Ribs Noodle (Small: $8, Big: $11). There are both soup and dry versions, and the choice of noodles include the usual suspects of Bee Hoon, Thick Bee Hoon, Kway Teow and Yellow Noodle to suit different palates.

Big Prawn Zuke 4.2/5

The Big Prawn Zuke ($16) is a unique offering on the menu, inspired by Ochazuke (rice porridge). It is served with fragrant fluffy Japanese rice topped with big succulent Ang Kar prawns and a crispy homemade fried rice cracker for a textural crunch. There is also the Prawn-zuke ($8) version which comes with vannamei prawns.

Braised Pork Ribs with Rice 4/5

I asked the owner which is his favourite dish on the menu, and he recommended that we try the Braised Pork Ribs with Rice ($6.80). It is not the Taiwanese-style version, but it is a delicious rice bowl with fork tender meat.

Lok Lok 4/5

Apart from the mains, customers can pick from a wide variety of over 20 types of Lok Lok ($1.20 to $3) to complement their meal. There are 4 different types of seasoning to choose from - Sze Chuan Mala, Seaweed, BBQ and Furikake. In addition, have them with the dipping sauces (Mayonnaise, Thai Sweet Chilli and Thai Seafood Green Chilli) for the ultimate lok lok experience.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Fei Lou Fatt
928 Upper Thomson Road
Singapore 787121
Tel: +65 62523400
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Springleaf (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 8am - 10pm

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

Yanxi Dim Sum & Hotpot @ Chin Swee Road - Creative Take On The Traditional Dim Sum

Together with a couple of friends, we visited Yanxi Dim Sum & Hotpot for lunch. Two pre-eminent chefs, former Executive Chef of Mott 32, Chef Chan Wai Keung and former Dim Sum Chef at The Fullerton Hotels & Resorts Singapore, Chef Ben Yapp helm the restaurant. The duo brings their culinary expertise to Yanxi steamboat, elevating the hotpot experience with tantalising starters and bespoke dim sum.

Tobiko, Prawn & Scallop, Water Chestnut and Egg White Dumpling 4.5/5

As we were there for lunch, we didn't have the hotpot. Instead, we had dim sum and their signature items. We started with the Tobiko, Prawn & Scallop, Water Chestnut and Egg White Dumpling ($10). The dumpling is beautiful crafted, showing the chef's creative take on quintessentially traditional fare

Yanxi Prawn and Petai with Sambal Chilli Dumpling 3.8/5

Next is the Yanxi Prawn and Petai with Sambal Chilli Dumpling ($11). It looks like any ordinary prawn dumpling from the exterior. However, it is a bold and acquired creation incorporating the acquired petai into the morsel paired with sambal chilli.

Quail Egg & Bonito Flakes Siew Mai 4.5/5

Indeed the dim sum items at Yanxi is unique compared to other restaurants. The classic siew mai is given an elevated transformation in the Quail Egg & Bonito Flakes Siew Mai ($12). The traditional siew mai may be too heavy with its meaty stuffing. Hence the addition of quail egg lightens the enjoyment, with the bonito flakes lifting the taste profile.

Netted Prawn & Tobiko, Spinach Infused Rice Roll 4.2/5

Even the classic rice roll is given a new facelift in the Netted Prawn & Tobiko, Spinach Infused Rice Roll ($12). Not only is it beautiful, the exquisite rice roll stuffed with crunchy prawn is packed with a playful touch of textural enjoyment.

Mapo Tofu in Crispy Beancurd  Skin Roll 4.8/5

The Mapo Tofu in Crispy Beancurd Skin Roll ($9) is an unexpected creation with fragrant mapo tofu. I doubt I have seen or eaten the dish anywhere before. It is a fantastic creation.

XO Sambal Carrot Cake 4/5

XO Sambal Carrot Cake ($9) is common, but it is uncommon to be presented as such. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, this is delectable but fell short of the wow factor I got from the other dim sum items.

Fried Yam, Abalone and Kurobuta Okinawa 4/5

The Fried Yam with Abalone and Kurobuta Okinawa ($15) is a luxury take of the fried yam.

General Tso's Chicken 4.2/5

Besides the quintessential dim sum items, there are several signature dishes on the menu, such as the General Tso's Chicken ($16) and Hong Kong Golden Garlic Pork Short Ribs ($12). The General Tso's Chicken is smoked in a glass dome, infused with smokiness on top of the tender and sweet chicken pieces.

Hong Kong Golden Garlic Pork Short Ribs 4/5

As for the Hong Kong Golden Garlic Pork Short Ribs, the pork short ribs are cooked in Bi Feng Tang style. It is coated in an aromatic pool of fried garlic, complementing the fork-tender pork.

MICHELIN Herbal Seafood Ee Fu Noodles 4.2/5

I am not sure why the noodle dish is named MICHELIN Herbal Seafood Ee Fu Noodles ($18). My guess is this is a dish that the chef has created in his previous restaurant that could have won a Michelin star. Nevertheless, the plate of slurping goodness is brimming with fresh seafood such as prawn, scallop and fish in a herbal broth. However, I find the herbal taste is relatively mild.

Hokkaido Milk Charcoal Egg Tart 4.5/5

The finale has to be the Hokkaido Milk Charcoal Egg Tart ($16 for 6pc). The freshly baked has a creamy, gooey cheese custard filling encased in a crumbly charcoal pastry. For something cold and refreshing, go for the Jackfruit Sago.

Though I did not try their hotpot, their dim sum items already left a very deep impression. Of course, the price is a bit expensive compared to most dim sum places, but you get quality, creativity, and unique dim sum that you don't get in most dim sum places. I have since recommended many friends to check out their dim sum selection.


Yanxi Dim Sum & Hotpot
175A Chin Swee Road
Singapore 169879
Tel: +65 88589711
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to bus stop opposite State Court (Stop ID 06171). Take bus number 174. Alight 1 stop later. Walk up the hill to Hotel Re!. Walk to the building beside Hotel Re!. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

KOAL @ Shaw Centre - Latest Concept by Les Amis Group

KOAL at Shaw Centre is the latest addition to Les Amis Group's array of award-winning restaurants across Singapore. It is an all-day grill restaurant that marries Asian and Western flavours and grilling techniques centred on the open flame.

Chunky Salmon Sashimi 4.5/5

We started our dinner with a couple of starters, beginning with the Chunky Salmon Sashimi ($12). I can't make out what is the complementing sauce which is slightly spicy and tangy. The acidity gives the sashimi a refreshing touch.

Scallion Salad 4/5

The Scallion Salad ($6) may be seen as a pool of greens, but there is more than meet the eyes. The addition of wakame gives the salad extra textural bite. At the same time, the spicy sesame soy dressing accentuates the earthy note of the shredded scallion.

KOAL's Bread Roll 4.8/5

The KOAL's Bread Roll ($8) is a must-have baked with bacon and grilled spring onions. It is so good! The bread roll is fragrant, soft and fluffy. It is even more enjoyable with the accompanying sour cream and chive butter.

Red Skin Potato Salad 4.8/5

Words can't describe how delicious the Red Skin Potato Salad ($10) is. It is one of the best potato salads I have eaten. The chunky potatoes are dressed in mentaiko mayo and topped with tobiko. It even comes with a six-minute egg.

Crispy Pork Riblets 4.2/5

A delectable starter is the Crispy Pork Riblets ($16). The tender pork ribs come with a bit of heat from the mala honey glaze, topped with peanuts, dried chilli and coriander.

Charred Broccoli 4.2/5

The Charred Broccoli ($8) will be a delightful choice for its crunch, deliciously flavoured by the soy pickled onions, sesame dressing, and bonito flakes for a balanced diet.

Salmon with Kimchi Butter Sauce 4.5/5

Moving on to the mains, we started with the Salmon with Kimchi Butter Sauce. While the focus has been on the grill, we should not forget the effort in the sauce. The kitchen has made a delicious effort in the sauce pairing, elevating the appreciation of the fresh ingredients.

Iberico Pork Collar 180g 4.2/5

Hanging Tender 180gm 4.5/5

For the meat lovers, guests will adore the Iberico Pork Collar 180g ($19) and Hanging Tender 180gm ($24). The iberico pork collar, which has a good proportion of fat, has a delectable crunch on top of the tender meat. What is even more beautiful is the grilled Hanging Tender. It just needs a pinch of salt to enjoy the flavoursome piece of meat.

Freshly Fried Donut 4.5/5

KOAL has also caught on the donut wagon and introduced Freshly Fried Donut ($8 for 2 pc) on their menu. We had the cheesecake mousse & raspberry coulis and nutella & banana mousse. They are addictively good.

Hojicha and Whiskey Tiramisu 4.2/5

Last but at least, we have the Hojicha and Whiskey Tiramisu ($12), a twist from the classic tiramisu boosting heavenly earthy and nutty flavours.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


KOAL
Shaw Centre
1 Scotts Road
#03-09/10/11
Singapore 228208
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk along the underground path to Shaw House. Take the elevator to the ground level of Shaw House. Walk to Shaw Centre. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map] 

Yun Nans (云海肴) @ Jewel Changi Airport - Shining Spotlight On Unique Ingredients And Yunnan-style Dishes

Usher in the Year of the Tiger at Yun Nans (云海肴). The restaurant's Chinese New Year 2022 menus will feature new mainstays and curated favourites. There are six CNY set menus catering for 4 to 8 pax, with prices ranging from $318++ to $788++. Available for dine-in, takeaway and delivery, each menu consists of 7 to 9 dishes.

Prosperity Abalone Yu Sheng 3.5/5

Toss up to a prosperous and auspicious year with the Prosperity Abalone Yu Sheng ($68.80++/ $88.80), which comes with whole abalone. Diners also have the option of additional abalones at $29.90 for six pieces.

Black Garlic Kampong Chicken Soup 4.2/5

New this year is the Black Garlic Kampong Chicken Soup. It uses Yunnan's fermented solo clove black garlic in the soup, giving it a natural sweetness. The superbly nutritious soup is well balanced, giving it a light and clear taste, coupled with the subtle fragrance of the black garlic.

Yun Nans Prosperity Treasure Hot Pot 4.5/5

Making a return this year is the Yun Nans Prosperity Treasure Hot Pot ($298++/ $458++), brimming with roast pork belly, wild golden fungus from Yunnan, sea cucumber, abalone, scallops, prawns, mushrooms, fish maw, cordyceps flowers, yam and Chinese cabbage.

Steamed Jade Perch in Spicy Garlic Lime 4.2/5

Locally sourced is the Steamed Jade Perch in Spicy Garlic Lime. It boasts a silky and delicate texture, boasting spicy and sour flavours from Yunnan's preserved vegetables, preserved plums, limes and chillies. Diners can also have it prepared in Hong Kong style, steamed in superior soya sauce.

"Bi Feng Tang" Style Pork Ribs

The humongous "Bi Feng Tang" Style Pork Ribs coated in a bed of garlic and red chillies are incredibly aromatic and tender. There is no point in observing any dining etiquette. Instead, I would recommend picking up the pork rib with your hands and tearing it apart to appreciate the beautiful piece of meat.

Steamed Glutinous Rice in Lotus Leaf

Unlike most restaurants, Yun Nans uses specially sourced Hakka preserved vegetables from Dabu County, produced in limited quantities and supplied to a selected list of independent merchants. It imparts a unique flavour and fragrance to the Steamed Glutinous Rice in Lotus Leaf, a delicious substitute for the usual Chinese sausage.

Double Boiled Peach Gum with Snow Pear

We end our meal on a sweet note with the Double Boiled Peach Gum with Snow Pear. Served warm, it is light and refreshing with crunchy white fungus.

In addition to the set menu, Yun Nan is also bringing back its Special Take-home Festive Set for 4 to 6 pax ($308++ for members, $338++ for public) for patrons to enjoy a hassle-free feast in the comfort of their own home.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Yun Nans (云海肴)
Jewel Changi Airport
78 Airport Boulevard
#02-17
Singapore 819666
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Changi Airport (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 10pm
Sat-Sun, Eve of PH, PH: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
Alight at Changi Airport MRT station. Take Exit A or B. Walk to the link bridge to Jewel. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Yan Restaurant (宴) @ National Gallery - Ushers In The Year Of The Tiger With A Repertoire Of Cantonese Delights

Yan Restaurant at National Gallery ushers in the Year of the Tiger with a repertoire of Cantonese delights available for dine-in and takeaway. From 1 January to 15 February 2022, you may choose to celebrate in the restaurant with its specially curated a la carte dishes and six sumptuous set menus (from $138 to $268 per pax), including an eight-course vegetarian set menu ($88 per pax). Else, enjoy the sumptuous festive dishes and treats at home, available for self-collection and delivery.

Abalone & Salmon with Gold Foil Lo Hei in ‘Shun De’ Style 4/5

Yan undeniably has one of the most interesting Yu Sheng that I have come across - Abalone & Salmon with Gold Foil Lo Hei in 'Shun De' Style (from $92, dine-in only). In place of the usual shredded carrots, radish and cucumber are a mountain of crispy vermicelli, topped with shredded purple and yellow sweet potatoes, pickled ginger, and gold flakes. The accompanying vibrant vegetables added much freshness and crunch to yu sheng. The abalone slices have also been braised in superior stock to bring in more flavour to the dish.

Yan Harvest Pen Cai 4.5/5

Another symbolic dish is Yan Harvest Pen Cai (from $325). It features layers of 18 delicacies such as 6-head abalone, sea cucumber, prawns, whole conpoy, collagen-rich pork tendons, king grouper fillet, scallops, roast pork, soya chicken, and roast duck. This Pen Cai is superior because each ingredient is individually prepared, then combined in a claypot and simmered in a flavourful braised duck sauce. One of my favourite pieces is the yam and lotus roots within, braised till tender and soaked with the flavoursome sauce.

Steamed Soon Hock Fillet 3.5/5

Fish symbolises ample surplus, and hence, one of the must-haves in this Lunar New Year spread would be this Steamed Soon Hock Fillet with Preserved Lemon Sauce. The fish is steamed together with house-made preserved lemon sauce, crispy garlic lemon slices, preserved vegetables, and a small amount of finely chopped chilli and lime juice. As a result, the delicate flavour of the fish was very much preserved and yet flavoursome at the same time, especially when finished with a handful of crispy golden garlic topping.

Wok-fried Local Lobster Tail 3/5

For some lucky red hues, some of the set menus include a lobster dish in the form of Wok-fried Local Lobster Tail with Crab Meat & Crab Roe Superior Sauce, or you may also order it a la carte at $23.80. Crab roe and crab meat are cooked in superior seafood stock and boiled till thickened and poured over the lobster before serving.

House Special Braised Pork Ribs Marinated with Dang Gui 4/5

House Special Braised Pork Ribs Marinated with Dang Gui (Dine-in only). The Dang Gui marinated pork ribs are shallow fried over a gentle heat then braised in dang gui sauce for an hour till reduced. Though I couldn't taste much of the Dang Gui, it was still a delicious piece of rib to be savoured upon.

Roast Crispy Suckling Pig 4/5

Roast Crispy Suckling Pig ($330) available for dine-in will give you the full experience. It is served in three ways for dine-in guests. The first way is to appreciate the crispy skin served with house-made pancakes, plum sauce, cucumber sticks, and spring onions. The second way is serving the suckling pig carved shoulder. The third way is like char siew, with the tender pork fillet marinated with barbecue sauce and baked with lemongrass.

Roasted Duck Marinated with Mandarin Peel Sauce 4/5

Another popular item of Yan is the Roasted Duck Marinated with Mandarin Peel Sauce (A la carte $22/ $44/ $88, takeaway whole duck $88). What's unique about the Mandarin Peel Sauce is that it is made with mandarins grown in Xin Hui, located in Guangdong. These Xin Hui mandarins have the most fragrant peels compared to mandarins from other regions, identified by their distinct aroma and bitter citrus flavour.

Double-boiled Morel ‘Yang Du Jun’ and Chicken Soup 4/5

For something nourishing, Double-boiled Morel 'Yang Du Jun' and Chicken Soup with Fish Maw is also incorporated into the set menus and also made available a la carte ($26). The double-boiled soup comes with fish maw, morels, chicken, and dried scallops. The morels are believed to help reduce phlegm and boost one's immunity by regulating the body's qi (vital energy).

Chilled Pumpkin Cream with Aloe Vera 4/5

The dessert is equally auspicious with Chilled Pumpkin Cream with Aloe Vera (Dine-in only) and Deep-Fried Sesame Rice Ball filled with lotus paste. Golden pumpkin signifies bountifulness and prosperity. Light and refreshing with aloe vera, it sums up the festive meal on a perfect note.

Yan spreads the festive joy with pre-order discounts till 8 January 2022 for selected takeaway items, with orders to be placed via the e-store: From 13 December 2021: 15% discount for Prosperity Treats (excluding the Golden Happiness Bamboo Tote). From 18 December 2021: 10% discount for Harvest Pen Cai (for takeaway only).

Photos and words by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Yan Restaurant (宴)
National Gallery Singapore
1 St Andrew's Road
#05-02
Singapore 178958
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]