Yuan Yuan Claypot Rice (源源砂煲饭) @ Bukit Batok - Claypot Rice with 40 Years of Heritage Opens New Stall

After 40 years, Yuan Yuan Claypot Rice has a new stall in the recently renovated and brightly-lit Mei De Coffeeshop in Bukit Batok. Founded initially by Uncle Seah at ABC Brickworks Market & Food Centre in Bukit Merah in 1982, his son and second-generation owner, Raymond Seah, officially took over in 2019. Raymond then explored an apprenticeship model intending to preserve his father's legacy.

Cooking with charcoal fire is not an easy skill, especially to master the different techniques required for cooking single pax claypots versus bigger claypots that serve 2 to 5 pax. Raymond focused on imparting the craft of cooking single pax claypots to his apprentices, and that is what you will find here in Bukit Batok, the first stall to be helmed by his trained apprentice chef. The chicken stock and homemade secret black sauce will continue to be made and supplied by Raymond.

Claypot Rice 砂锅饭 4/5

Each portion of Claypot Rice ($8) is served with a generous drizzle of the homemade black sauce and a classic mix of ingredients - marinated chicken, lup cheong, liver sausage, salted fish and vegetables. Please give it a good mix before digging in!

The result of cooking over charcoal fire shines through, as you get a lovely smokiness in terms of fragrance and taste. There was also a nicely-charred crust at the bottom of the pot, which is one of my favourite things about claypot rice.

I enjoyed how the black sauce is not too sweet so that while it adds on sweetness, it doesn't end up overwhelming the flavours of the other ingredients. The chicken chunks were tender and thoroughly marinated with a lingering hint of hua diao wine.

Deep Fried Prawn Rolls 五香虾枣 3.8/5

The Deep Fried Prawn Rolls ($8) was served piping hot as they are freshly fried upon order. Each of them had a thin, crunchy exterior that reminded us of fried wanton skins. The well-packed filling was perfectly seasoned with a distinct touch of star anise.

Seasonal Vegetables 油菜

If you need more greens to go with your claypot rice, the Seasonal Vegetables ($4/$6) are also available for order.

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.


Yuan Yuan Claypot Rice
Blk 273 Bukit Batok East Ave 4
Mei De Coffee Shop
Singapore 650273
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Nearest MRT: Bukit Batok (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bukit Batok MRT station. Walk to Bukit Batok Bus Interchange (Stop ID 43009). Take bus number 177. Alight 2 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes [Map]

East Treasure Chinese Restaurant @ Woods Square - Bringing Their Delicious Chinese Cuisine To The North

East Treasure Chinese Restaurant at Clarke Quay has opened a new outlet at Woods Square. The Chinese restaurant under the Astons Group has been one of our favourite Chinese restaurants. Together with a few foodie friends, we went down to the new outlet.

We started with some light snacks to kick start the dinner. Artisanal done is the Wasabi Mayo Crabstick ($32) served in an ice cream cone. The wasabi is very subtle, overpowered by the pungent mayonnaise. Nothing special to shout about, but I do applaud the modern interpretation of Chinese cuisine.

White Bait 3.5/5

Prawn Roll 3.8/5

The other two light snacks we have is the White Bait ($24) and Prawn Roll ($24). They are very addictive with their delightfully crispy bites.

Double Boiled Crocodile Soup 4.5/5

A signature at East Treasure is their Double Boiled Crocodile Soup ($80). I have been a fan of their tonic that is packed with depth and robustness from the herbal sweetness. If you are not into exotic meat, worry not, as crocodile meat is exactly tasteless like chicken.

East Treasure Smoked Duck 4.8/5

Another must-have signature item at East Treasure is the East Treasure Smoked Duck ($58). The duck is dry-aged for 60 hours in their dry-aging cabinet for a more intense flavour with crisper skin. It never failed to impress me.

Jian Gu Tou 4.2/5

A new dish on the menu is the Jian Gu Tou ($32) which pig trotters and other pork ingredients such as pig's skin, sio bak etc., are cooked in fermented soy beancurd. It felt like a celebrative festive dish. The sauce brightens up the whole enjoyment though it looks messy.

Gan Xiang Yu Tou (甘香鱼头) 4.5/5

Another beautiful dish on the menu is the Gan Xiang Yu Tou. The fish head is chunky and succulent with meaty fish flesh, coated in an aromatic sauce and spices. 

Stir Fried HK Kai Lan with Enoki 4.2/5

To my surprise, the Stir Fried HK Kai Lan with Enoki ($24) tastes exceptionally delicious and fragrant. I am not sure why but it could be the wok frying skill, retaining the delectable crunchiness.

Braised Vermicelli with Seafood 3/5

The Braised Vermicelli with Seafood ($38), unfortunately, was disappointing. The stock for the braised vermicelli lacks in flavour and depth. If they can fine-tune the dish, I am sure it will be another popular dish on the menu.


East Treasure Chinese Restaurant 
Woods Square
6 Woods Square
#01-07/08/09/10
Singapore 737737
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Website
Nearest MRT: Woodlands (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 3pm, 530pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Woodlands MRT station. Take Exit 1 or 2. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

SE7ENTH @ Oakwood Premier AMTD Singapore - Launches Refreshed A La Carte Brunch With Latest Creation Of Croiffle, A Croissant-waffle Hybrid

Located within Oakwood Premier AMTD Singapore on the 7th floor is an all-day dining restaurant - SE7ENTH offering staycation breakfast for the luxury serviced apartment, business lunch meetings or a relaxing dinner. SE7ENTH has recently launched an array of refreshed brunch fares, including Chef Gary Lim's latest creation - the Croiffle, a croissant-waffle hybrid. Enhance your dining experience with a view of the hotel's infinity pool by dining al fresco at the Oakwood Executive Club.

Croiffle with Scrambled Egg and Mushroom Cream Sauce 4.2/5

The new brunch menu's highlight is the Croiffle, which features a cross hybrid between croissant and waffle. It is made by heating the croissant pastry in the waffle iron for an exterior crisp while the inside is fluffy. You can choose to pair it with smoked salmon, tuna mayo and turkey ham ($17) or with Scrambled Egg and Mushroom Cream Sauce ($17) on the menu. We opt for the latter, which is served with a side of soft fluffy scrambled eggs drizzled with an earthy and creamy mushroom sauce.

Brioche French Toast with Ricotta and Mixed Berries 3.8/5

For those with a sweet tooth, opt for the Brioche French Toast with Ricotta and Mixed Berries ($17). Complementing the soft toast slices are a smearing of ricotta, mixed berries and ample maple syrup to douse the french toast.

Brioche Prawn Rolls with Greens and Fries 4/5

Brioche Prawn Rolls with Greens and Fries ($17) features mayo-coated juicy chunks of prawn meat sandwiched between soft and fluffy brioche buns. It is served with crispy and fluffy fries and a side of greens.

Stir-Fried Seafood Carrot Cake 4/5

While most of the brunch dishes are western-inspired, there is also an Asian dish - Stir-Fried Seafood Carrot Cake ($17). The chef uses premium ingredients, like prawns and squid, to complement the thick, chewy cubes of carrot cake.

Photos and words by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


SE7ENTH
OUE Downtown 1
Oakwood Premier AMTD Singapore
6 Shenton Way
Level 7
Singapore 068809
Tel: +65 68126050
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 630am - 10pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to traffic light junction. Cross the traffic light to Maxwell Road. Turn right and walk towards Shenton Way. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Famous Pao Fan (一泡而红) @ Jalan Sultan - Lobster Pao Fan For $16

Pao Fan is a dish that is only served in Chinese restaurants, has now made its way into the neighbour food centres and food courts. Actor Chew Chor Meng has recently opened Famous Pao Fan (一泡而红), offering the dish at an affordable price. Actor Chew Chor Meng is not new to the F&B scene, having successfully opened 888 Mookata and The Famous Zhou. There are a total of 7 variety of Pao Fan in the menu with a selection of side dishes.

Lobster Pao Fan 3.8/5

The signature is the Lobster Pao Fan ($16) which comes with half a lobster, clams, fried egg and crispy rice puff. The broth is the light and refreshing, unlike those that come with a rich crustacean flavour usually served in a Chinese restaurant. I understand from the Chew Chor Meng, the savoury broth is boiled for hours that consists of pork bone, chicken and prawn. By the way, the lobster pao fan has limited quantity daily.

Kurobuta Pork with Lala Pao Fan 4/5

Chew Chor Meng was sharing with me that his favourite is actually the Kurobuta Pork with Lala Pao Fan ($8). I can't agree more. I find that the sweetness of the kurobuta pork gives the broth that extra lift in flavour, complemented by the clams.

Fried Red Grouper with Lala Pao Fan 3/5

Double Fish Pao Fan 3.5/5

For the fish porridge lovers, you may want to try either the Fried Red Grouper with Lala Pao Fan ($6) or Double Fish Pao Fan ($6). Personally, I prefer the double fish pao fan over the fried red grouper pao fan. The red grouper is a little dry for my liking. The double fish pao fan fish meat is moister. 

Fresh Prawn with Sliced Fish Pao Fan 4/5

The other favourite of mine is the Fresh Prawn with Sliced Fish Pao Fan ($6). The sweetness from the prawn further enhanced the broth for a more satisfying enjoyment.

Fried Tofu, Luncheon Meat, Prawn Roll 3/5

Last but not least, you can complete your meal with some side dishes. Available on the menu is Fried Tofu ($3), Luncheon Meat ($3) and Prawn Roll ($4). It is nothing extraordinary, though.

For a bowl of pao fan starting from $4.50, this is definitely a steal. I was hoping that the pao fan is more generous with the accompanying ingredients as there was a lot of rice. I actually ended up eating plain rice with the broth as there were not many ingredients for me to finish the bowl of rice with. I understand cost is a factor, maybe the stall can consider the option of adding marinated minced pork at an extra cost. I think it can also help to enhance the broth.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Famous Pao Fan (一泡而红)
Sultan's Kitchen Food Court
100 Jalan Sultan
#01-06/07
Singapore 199001
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Nearest MRT: Nicoll Highway (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1030am - 830pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Nicoll Highway MRT station. Take Exit A. Take the overhead bridge to City Gate. Turn right onto Jalan Sultan. Walk towards the taxi stand at Golden Sultan Plaza. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Fragrant Garden (馨香园) @ Upper Serangoon Shopping Centre - A Hidden Gem In A Deserted Shopping Mall

Upper Serangoon Shopping Centre used to be my hangout during my primary and secondary school days. This is where I got my computer games in floppy disc and computer repaired. Back then, it was the only shopping mall in the Hougang and Serangoon areas. There were no Nex, Kovan Heartland Mall, Hougang Mall and City Square Mall. The mall remains stuck in time, in its early 80s, rundown and deserted, except for Fragrant Garden (馨香园) on level one that still attracts a regular crowd for its Teochew dishes.

Combo Roll 4/5

Together with a few foodie friends, we dropped by Fragrant Garden on a weekday evening to have dinner. The whole place still looks the same during my secondary school's day. The entire mall is deserted except for the dinner crowd at Fragrant Garden. We started with the Combo Roll ($12/$20) which consists of prawn roll and liver roll. My attention is drawn to the liver roll, which is hardly available in the restaurants' menu nowadays. The offal gives it a creamy interior encased in a crispy exterior wrapped with beancurd skin.

Oyster Omelette Teochew Style 4.2/5

I have tried the oyster omelette from Chui Huay Lim Teochew Restaurant and its the gooey version. Over at Fragrant Garden, the Oyster Omelette Teochew Style ($14/$20) is very close to our local hawker version. It is fried to crispy on the exterior, retaining a slight gooeyness inside with plump and juicy oysters.

Steamed Pomfret in Teochew Style 4.5/5

Steamed Pomfret in Teochew Style (Seasonal Price) is a staple Teochew dish which does not come cheap. A size like this would probably cost around $95. You would perhaps like to confirm the price right at the beginning just to avoid any unhappiness during payment. Steamed to perfection, the pomfret was moist and complemented by the sourish gravy.

Braised Duck in Teochew Style 4.2/5

Another dish I enjoyed a lot in the Braised Duck in Teochew Style ($15/$20). I like the layer of fat under the skin, giving it a delightful ratio to the tender meat. Hidden underneath the pile of sliced braised duck, is a bed of silky Pu Ning Tofu.

Fragrant's Stuffed Sea Cucumber 4/5

If you are a fan of sea cucumber, you will appreciate the Fragrant's Stuffed Sea Cucumber ($60 onwards). The sea cucumber is well braised to a soft and bouncy texture. The stuffed meat mixture elevates the main ingredient, giving it a multi-textural enjoyment. Pre-order is required for this dish.

Braised Vegetable with Scallop in Teochew Style 4.5/5

For the vegetable dish, we went for the Braised Vegetable with Scallop in Teochew Style ($12). I am a sucker for cabbage, especially when it is braised under "nua nua" (very soft), absorbing the flavoursome broth.

Fried Kway Tiao with Chai Poh 4/5

Another staple Teochew dish is the Fried Kway Tiao with Chai Poh ($5/$8/$12). Another well-executed dish packed with smokiness. I only wish there are more dice vegetables for that crunchy bite in each mouthful of the fragrant noodle.

Yam Paste 4/5

Of course, how can we not end our dinner with the traditional Yam Paste ($4/$20/$30)? The version at Fragrant Garden comes with gingko nuts, pumpkin and shallot. Decently good but not the best I have tried.

Fragrant Garden prides itself for offering authentic and cheap Teochew cuisine. It is true to a certain extent as most of the dishes are reasonably priced. However, they are also expensive items such as the sea cucumber, steamed pomfret, cold crab etc. Hence you need to know what to order and not influenced by the pushy service staffs that will try to recommend you the expensive dishes. I have come across reviews about their lousy service but putting that aside, the food here is delicious.


Fragrant Garden (馨香园)
Upper Serangoon Shopping Centre
756 Upper Serangoon Road
#01-15/16
Singapore 534626
Tel: +65 62897301
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Website
Nearest MRT: Serangoon (CC Line, NE Line), Kovan (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Serangoon MRT station. Take Exit H. Walk to bus stop at Serangoon Bus Interchange (Stop ID 66009). Take bus number 101, 107, 136 or 153. Alight 2 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Serangoon MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk to bus stop at Serangoon MRT station (Stop ID 66351). Take bus number 81 or 82. Alight 3 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Kovan MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to bus stop at Kovan MRT station (Stop ID 63039). Take bus number 80, 81, 82, 101, 107, 136 or 153. Alight 2 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Ho Fook Hei @ Great World City - Casual Dining Concept With Signature Specialty Rose Wine Soy Sauce Chicken

The folk behind the Joyden concepts group has opened a new casual dining restaurant at Great World City called Ho Fook Hei. The restaurant's name pronounced in Cantonese means prosperity and good fortune. Ho Fook Hei serves a medley of home-style Cantonese dishes and a unique rendition of soy sauce chicken.

Specialty Rose Wine Soy Sauce Chicken 4/5

The specialty here is their Rose Wine Soy Sauce Chicken ($19 Half / $35 Whole). The soy chicken comes with a distinct floral fragrance, and the meat is exceptionally tender with a beautiful caramel coat on the skin. This is all from the result of brining the chicken overnight and poaching it in a braising liquid concocted with home-aged soy sauce and a proprietary blend of Chinese herbs and spices. Top quality rose wine from Hong Kong is added to give it a beautiful floral scent. I really enjoyed the texture of the soy sauce chicken. Unfortunately, I am not a fan of rose wine. I am more than happy to order to just have it without the rose wine.

Honey-Glazed Black Barbeque Pork Belly 4.2/5

The fatty cut and the glossy dark coat of the Honey-Glazed Black Barbeque Pork Belly ($13) resembles the crystal char siew with its translucent meat. It is well executed with the perfect balance of sweet and savoury.

Egg Noodles 3.8/5

I would recommend ordering a plate of the Hong Kong Style Egg Noodles ($3.80) to go with the rose wine soy sauce chicken and honey glazed barbeque pork belly. It is springy and comes with blanched greens. I find that it still has a hint of alkaline taste. I would suggest adding the homemade crunchy chilli sauce for a little more heat and crunch, as well as masking the alkaline taste if you don't like it.

Shrimp Dumpling Soup 4.2/5

Not to be missed is the Shrimp Dumpling Soup ($8.80) that is plump and packed with juicy minced pork, prawns, chives and crunchy black fungus.

Pork and Prawn Rolls 'Hae Zor' 4/5

The Pork and Prawn Rolls 'Hae Zor' ($7.80) is fried to golden brown and stuffed with delicious pork and prawn filling. The size is exactly quite huge than the norm, giving customers value for money.

Seabass Fillet Steamed with Signature Nonya Assam Sauce 4/5

If you like your steamed fish, the restaurant offers a selection of seabass, threadfin and cod on the menu with a choice of the housemade sauces (nonya assam sauce, old ginger sauce, teochew style and superior soy sauce).

Cod Fillet Steamed with Old Ginger Sauce 4/5

We have the Seabass Fillet Steamed with Signature Nonya Assam Sauce ($14.80) and Cod Fillet Steamed with Old Ginger Sauce ($24.80). The seabass with the nonya assam sauce comes with a sweet, spicy and tangy note which goes well with a plate of rice. As for the cod, the older ginger sauce gives it a familiar homely and comforting flavour with mild heat from the finely grated blend of ginger.

Red Grouper Fish Fillet Congee 3.5/5

For something light and comforting, there is the Red Grouper Fish Fillet Congee ($9.80). The congee is smooth and silky with thick slices of fresh red grouper, garnished with ginger, spring onions and coriander. If you have a heavy palate, you may find the congee a bit bland for your liking.

Warm Red Bean Soup with Aged Mandarin Peel and Lotus Seed 4.2/5

I would suggest wrapping up the dinner with a bowl of Warm Red Bean Soup with Aged Mandarin Peel and Lotus Seed ($4.50). The addition of the aged mandarin peel elevated the traditional dessert.

The new casual dining concept is perfect for a quick bite, as well as a family meal with a selection of noodle, congee, rice and a la carte dishes.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Ho Fook Hei
Great World City
1 Kim Seng Promenade
#01-141
Singapore 237994
Tel: +65 62192262
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Great World (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 330pm, 5pm - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Great World MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Le Shrimp Ramen @ Paragon - Japanese-inspired Chinese Shrimp La Mian Concept

New at Paragon is Le Shrimp Ramen by Paradise Group. The new concept is inspired from the group's CEO visit to Japan, whereby he chanced upon a shrimp-based broth ramen stall. After month's of R&D, the new concept is born, marrying both Chinese and Japanese culinary influences which is a first in Singapore.

The highlight shrimp broth is made using fresh big prawns, baking them and then grinded to a fine texture. This is then simmered with premium conpoy for more than 8 hours, to develop the depth and umami note. A blend of spices such as star anise, cinnamon, clove and white peppercone are added for the extra robustness.

Le Signature Trio Shrimp Ramen 4.2/5

The 3-in-1 bowl will be the Le Signature Trio Shrimp Ramen ($19.90). The luscious bowl of La Mian comes with fresh prawns, handmade ebiko prawn paste and prawn dumplings. Noteworthy is the bouncy prawn paste that is shaped out of 100% prawn meat with the ebiko topping lending a crunchy touch. The prawn dumpling is always plump with fresh crunchy prawn. The highlight definitely is the shrimp-based broth. It is not your typical prawn mee broth. It is more refined in taste with a hint of smokiness.

Twister Prawn Rolls 4/5

Complete your meal with a number of appetisers and side dishes such as the Twister Prawn Rolls ($5.90) and Long Jing Tea Lava Egg ($1.90 per egg). The crispy texture of the prawn roll is very delightful. I would recommend the lave egg with the La Mian, this makes it a complete ramen experience.

Long Jing Tea Lava Egg 4.5/5

For diners that are allergy to shell fish, need not worry as there are other noodle selection such as the Red Garoupa with Pickled Cabbage Tonkotsu Ramen ($18.90). The bowl of noodles in tonkotsu ramen comes with chunky slices of red garoupa and pickled cabbage. What perks me up is the mala shiokness, which is not overpowering but lends a subtle spiciness to the whole enjoyment.

Red Garoupa with Pickled Cabbage Tonkotsu Ramen 4.2/5

Other selection on the menu includes Big Prawns and Braised Pork Rib Shrimp Ramen, Ebiko Prawn Paste Shrimp Ramen, Prawn Dumpling with Chilli Vinaigrette Ramen and more.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Le Shrimp Ramen
Paragon
290 Orchard Road
#B1-42
Singapore 238859
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Website
Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1030am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to ground level. Turn left onto Orchard Road. Walk to junction of Orchard Road, Orchard Link and Cairnhill Road. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]