SHAO @ Frankel Avenue - Discovery Of Some Unique Dishes Such Crispy Baby Pomfret, Sotong Sausage And More

After seeing some interesting food pictures on social media, I gathered my foodie friends to check out SHAO at Frankel Avenue on a Saturday afternoon for lunch. The restaurant is located at the very end of the row of shophouses along Frankel Avenue. Interestingly for a Chinese restaurant, there are only square tables. The 11 of us have to sit in 2 rows which is quite awkward for sharing Chinese communal dishes.

Crispy Baby Pomfret 3/5

An exciting dish on the menu is the Crispy Baby Pomfret ($16). Deep-fried until crispy, it can be eaten whole without the worry of fish bones. Of course, you can't expect a lot of meat from the tiny pomfret. This dish is simply executed to enjoy the crispiness.

Salted Egg Yolk Yam 4/5

The Salted Egg Yolk Yam ($12) is drenched in a delicious and addictive salted egg yolk sauce. The delightful bite has a slight crunch which I enjoyed, and I still can taste the yam flavour.

Sotong Sausage 4.5/5

Another unique dish that I don't get to see at Chinese restaurants is the Sotong Sausage ($22). Unlike the usual pork sausage, the sotong sausage has a more textural bite from its bouncy texture. It is almost like having a piece of fish cake.

Stir-Fried Luffa with Egg & Seafood 4/5

I am not sure you are a fan of luffa, but I like its softness that comes with a little crunch. The Stir-Fried Luffa with Egg & Seafood ($28) at Shao is well-executed absorbing the sweetness of the seafood. What I find it weird is the fried egg which seems out of place. I thought it would be more enjoyable if the egg is cooked with the stock into an eggy gravy.

Gai Choy with Roast Pork Belly Claypot 4.5/5

A dish that my dining friends have mix opinions is the Gai Choy with Roast Pork Belly Claypot ($38). Gai Choy is also known as Chinese mustard greens. It has a bitter taste or some called it mustardy that is not well received by many. However, I love this acquire taste which is a flavour I have grown up with. The pairing with roast pork belly further flavoured the mustardy greens.

Steamed Crab with Vermicelli 3.8/5

Another dish the dining group has mix opinions is the Steamed Crab with Vermicelli ($78). Due to the size of the crab used, there is very little crab meat. Hence some felt it is not worth the cost. Others thought that the sauce is too garlicky, overpowering the sweetness of the crustacean. I actually like the strong garlic flavour which gives the dish a beautiful aroma, with the vermicelli soaking up the richness.

Wok Fried Hor Fun 2.8/5

Among the dishes we tried, the Wok-Fried Hor Fun ($12) was probably the least favourite. It lacked the wok hei that gives life to the rice noodle.

Sliced Fish Claypot "Pao Fan" Porridge 3.8/5

Last but not least, we wrapped up our dinner with the Sliced Fish Claypot "Pao Fan" Porridge ($28/$48). The portion is good for 2-6 pax. The porridge consists of both fluffy and crispy rice bathing in a hot pipping, delicious chicken-based soup with fish slices. It is a comforting dish for a cold, raining day.


SHAO
117 Frankel Ave
Singapore 458232
Tel: +65 66109233
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Bedok (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 11am - 3pm, 5 - 11pm
Fri-Sat: 10am - 3pm, 5pm - 12midnight
Sun: 10am - 11pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Bedok MRT. Take Exit B or C. Walk to Bedok Bus Interchange (Stop ID 84009). Take bus number 32. Alight 8 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 25 minutes later. [Map]

Wok Palace @ Fusionpolis - From Running A Cafe To Operating A Chinese Restaurant

Wok Palace at Fusionpolis is founded by the team behind Coffee Hive. If you work in the CBD area, you probably are quite well acquainted with one of their coffee joints. The growth of their coffee business speared the team to venture into Wok Master, a zi char concept that caters to the suburban crowd. After 3 years of finding their way around the even more intense restaurant industry, Wok Palace marks another milestone for the team. Catering to a more corporate clientele, this new Chinese restaurant serves up a more refined menu that incorporates a contemporary take on Chinese cuisine and homemade delights, along with the local zi char favourites.

Ginseng Chicken Soup 4/5

Boiled over a slow fire for several hours, the Ginseng Chicken Soup with Sea Whelk ($12) was full-bodied and milky, with a slightly gelatinous texture which I could feel it with my lips in every sip.

Scallop Roll 3.8/5

Scallop Roll with Braised Daikon and Pork Broth ($23.80) is a sophisticated dish that uses sashimi grade scallop. Minced and rolled into a wrap, encased within is minced pork and shrimps, mixed with diced carrots and water chestnut for a right amount of refreshing crunch. What I find lacking is a better accompanying broth.

Homemade Kale Tofu 4/5

Homemade Kale Tofu ($6) brings joy to the diner with its crisp exterior and an interior so soft and tender texture, almost like a dessert soya beancurd. Wholesome with a piece of mushroom sandwiched between the tofu and tomato, bigger sized tofu would have made it into a delicious light main on its own.

Braised Beef Cheek 4.5/5

The front-page cover of the menu sits their signature - Braised Beef Cheek with Organic Kale and Confit Tomato ($28). This beef cheek is probably one of the best that I have had so far this year. Perhaps these beef cheeks have been braised and not sous-vide, which some places have chosen to adopt such a method, the meat was fork-tender and moist with a gelatinous texture, rather than stringy and flat in taste.

3 Combination Roast Meat 3/5

Wok Palace serves up pretty sumptuous roast meats too. The Roasted Pork was succulent with a jacket of crispy skin, and the Roasted Duck was very well done also, with just the right amount of seasoning. The Char Siew had a good ratio of meat to fats, but it was a tad chewy. I reckon it needed more time in the oven to break down the fats further, as well as to caramelise the exterior even more.

I feel Wok Palace is an exciting addition to our local Chinese restaurant establishments, given its background and the years they took to reach this stage.

Written 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.


Wok Palace
1 Fusionopolis Way
#02-01/02
Singapore 138632
Tel: +65 69099856
Facebook
Nearest MRT: One North (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sun: 10am-10pm

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

Yaowarat Thai Kway Chap @ Upper Serangoon Road - Thai Style Kwap Chap In Singapore

I have been wanting to try Yaowarat Thai Kway Chap along Upper Serangoon Road for the longest time whenever the bus passed by the place with the sight of crowd packing the restaurant. We have been eating the local braised type kway chap since young but Thai style is rather new in Singapore. The first time I tried it was back in Bangkok a couple of years back and I am glad to know that this is available in Singapore now.

Signature Thai Kway Chap 3.8/5

Unlike the dark coloured soup based type in Singapore, the Signature Thai Kway Chap ($5) comes in a white peppery soup base. The kway is also rolled up instead of being flat, which has a more delectable textural bite. In the bowl, one can find ingredients such pig stomach, roasted pork, pork slices and Thai sausage. However I find that it is not as peppery as the one I had in Bangkok.

I have not tried Thai Fish Sausage before but this is quite fragrant and it actually tasted like those Taiwan sausage.

The signature of Thai Kway Chap comes with crispy Roasted Pork, just the way it is done in Bangkok. One may think it is rather random to have them in the kway chap, but I find that it does did its part in providing the extra boost in flavour, just like how we like to add pork lard in our noodle dishes.

Braised Beancurd 3.5/5

The signature kway chap is a bit small in portion and you may need to have another bowl to be full. Otherwise you may want to complete your meal with some dishes to go along with the kwap chap. I tried the Braised Beancurd ($4) and Kailan with Crispy Pork ($8). The kailan is really well executed with the aroma for wok hei, fish sauce, garlic and of course the crispy pork.

Kailan with Crispy Pork 4/5

Other sides available on the menu are Thai Mid Wing, Thai Boiled Pork Belly, Deep Fried Thai Pork Belly, Thai Stir Fried Cabbage with Fish Sauce, Thai Fried Beancurd, Thai Fish Sausage, Braised Tau Pok, Braised Egg


Yaowarat Thai Kway Chap
945 Upper Serangoon Road
Singapore 534711
Tel: +65 88225637
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Kovan (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 130am

Direction:
1) Alight at Kovan MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to the traffic junction of Upper Serangoon Road and Simon Road. Cross the road. Walk down Upper Serangoon Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

You Kee XO Restaurant (有记XO烧腊之家) @ Joo Chiat Place - Lip Smacking Crystal BBQ Pork Belly Char Siu From Johor Bahru Opens First Outlet In Singapore

For foodie that frequent Johor Bahru, you will probably heard of You Kee XO Restaurant (有记XO烧腊之家) known for its tonic soup and roasted meats. I have visited You Kee XO twice during my trip across the causeway. I am glad to announce that they have recently opened a new outlet and their first outside Johor Bahru in Singapore, Joo Chiat Place.

The first thing you will notice when you step into the restaurant is the two giant earthen urns. This is their signature earthen urns that is used to boil the tonic soup under constant charcoal fire for more than 10 hours.

Tonic Soup 4.5/5

Everyday there is 1 to 2 type of Tonic Soup ($12) on the menu and limited to around 100 portions. One can taste the depth of the soup from the extraction of the ingredients through the long hours of slow cooking the soup. I can still remember the slogan of their tonic soup - 男人的加油站， 女人的美容院.

XO Signature Roasted Duck 3.8/5

Traditional Roasted Pork Belly 4/5

Crystal BBQ Pork Belly Char Siu 4.2/5

Another signature at You Kee XO is their roasted meats. We tried the XO Signature Roasted Duck ($8/$13.80/$15.80), Traditional Roasted Pork Belly ($6.80) and Crystal BBQ Pork Belly Char Siu ($9.80). My favourite is still their char siu for the glittering exterior sweetness and the crystal fatness. You can't hardly find this type of standard in Singapore. For the roasted duck and roasted pork belly, they are noteworthy but better ones elsewhere. Other roasted items available at the restaurant are suckling pig, roasted chicken, Pei Pa duck, as well as pork sausage Hong Kong style.

Ginger Onion with Slice Fish 3/5

Besides the tonic soup and roasted meat, You Kee XO also offers a selection of cooked dishes. We managed to try a couple of them such as the Ginger Onion with Slice Fish ($6.80) and Handmade Signature Bean Curd ($8.80).

Handmade Signature Bean Curd 4/5

I remembered having the Handmade Signature Bean Curd back in my trip across the causeway. Great to see that the dish is available on the menu. The dish is also known as volcano beancurd because it is served sizzling hot with the sauce bubbling like volcano eruption. The homemade beancurd is smooth and silky with additional textures from the greens and pork floss.

Steamed Fish Tail with Green Ginger Paste

You Kee XO also offers steamed fish on the menu. I didn't try it this time but I have a look at the menu and the same dish I tried last time, Steamed Fish Tail with Green Ginger Paste ($21.80) is available on the menu too. The remember the special green ginger paste together with the soy sauce complements the fish meat excellently.

In fact, the menu at the Singapore branch is exactly the same as in Malaysia. I secretly hope that they can sell their almond bak kwa next Chinese New Year. Finger crossed.


You Kee XO Restaurant (有记XO烧腊之家)
43 Joo Chiat Place
Singapore 427767
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Dakota (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1030am - 3pm, 5pm - 9pm
Sat-Sun & PH: 1030am - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at block 99 (Stop ID 81181). Take bus number 33. Alight 5 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Bedok MRT station. Take Exit B or C. Walk to Bedok Bus Interchange (Stop ID 84009). Take bus number 33. Alight 11 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 20 minutes. [Map]

Xin Cuisine @ Holiday Inn Atrium Singapore - A Luxury Chinese New Year Celebration

Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant at Holiday Inn Atrium Singapore will be launching its Lunar New Year 2019 Set Menu on 14 January 2019 and will be available till 20 February 2019.

Salmon and Tuna Yu Sheng

Fresh on the menu is the Salmon and Tuna Yu Sheng with Fish Skin and Kumquat Sauce ($78/$98) The tuna is seared on the surface which adds to its texture and bite. Order online before 31 January to enjoy a 20% early bird discount.

Xin's Barbecue Meat Platter

From Xin's Barbecue Meat Platter, I had a taste of their Roast Duck, Roast Pork and Soy Sauce Chicken, which also form their Trio Barbecued Meat Platter in the Set Menu. The roast duck was lean but the skin was crisp and meat was still quite tender. The pork is the one that many will dive right into it.

Double-boiled Matsutake with Hasma

Part of the set menu, Double-boiled Matsutake with Hasma is a clear soup that is deeply nourishing, a good respite for the body from all the rich celebratory dishes.

Xin’s Abalone Treasure Pot

Xin’s Abalone Treasure Pot ($288/$428) is apparently one of the most popular festive takeaways and is possibly one of my favourite Pen Cai so far, thanks to the well braised sea cucumber and collagen-rich fish maw. I also like that the roast duck has its crispy skin retained and not dumped in like a stewed meat. The second layer of vegetables comprises items like mushrooms and radish, were equally delectable.

Wok-fried Glutinous Rice

Something familiar and comforting, wrap up your Lunar New Year meal with their Wok-fried Glutinous Rice with Chinese Sausage and Preserved Meat. It is this time of the year that I truly appreciate the complex flavours of our traditional cured meats and how they could make simple rice taste so unbelievably good.

Mango Pomelo Sago and Niao Gao

One of the desserts served is a refreshing Mango Pomelo Sago with Dragon Fruit, accompanied by Deep-fried Xin’s Red Dates and Assorted Nuts Nian Gao. The Niao Gao is a healthier version - loaded with nuts, so each bite is not just empty calories but of good nutrients from the mixed nuts. I like the extra crunch and bite from the nuts but they tasted a bit too raw for my liking. A good old traditional Niao Gao, intense and gooey, might be more satisfying.

Festive takeaways will be available for order from their eShop (http://singaporeatrium.holidayinn.com/eShop) from 2 January to 17 February 2019. Enquiries and reservations can be made through xin.sinhi@ihg.com or 6731 7173.

Words and photos 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.


Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant
Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium
317 Outram Road
Singapore 169075
Tel: +65 67317173
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Tiong Bahru (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily 12pm - 230pm, 630pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tiong Bahru MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Tiong Bahru MRT station (Stop ID 10169). Take bus number 123. Alight 4 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Prego @ Fairmont Hotel Singapore - A Refreshed Italian Affair At Prego

Prego at Fairmont Singapore has made quite a name for itself in the last two decades as an authentic Italian restaurant with Chef de Cuisine Antonio Facchinetti at helm. His creative takes on traditional Italian fare has created quite a number of favourites adored by regulars and new diners alike. Once again, Chef Antonio took a number of familiar flavours and churned them into new signatures with a fresh look.

Char-grilled Octopus 3.5/5

We started off with Ligurian antipasti Polpo alla Griglia ($28). Nicely charred, the octopus was firm with a nice bite. The potatoes could be softer to complement the octopus better. I like the Italian salsa verde which added vibrancy and zest to the plate.

Wagyu Carpaccio 4.5/5

Carpaccio di Wagyu ($28) is like a plate of rose petals which had fallen neatly on a plate. Its soft paper thin body allows each piece to melt in my mouth readily, releasing its flavours. The earthy truffle dressing and savourypParmesan lifted that delicate sweetness gently before settling on my taste buds.

Sardinian Fregola, Baby Clams, Tomato and Saffron Broth 4/5/5

Zuppa Di Vongole con Fregola ($24) is a very soothing soup, flavoured with just tomato and saffron together with sweetness from the baby clams. A traditional dish that was cooked beautifully and I especially enjoyed chewing on the spherical pellets.

Cavatelli with Nduja Sausage, Red Onion, Pomodoro Fresco and Pecorino Cheese 3.8/5

Cappellacci in Butternut Pumpkin and White Bolognese Sauce 4/5

Moving on to pastas, we had Cavatelli con Nduja ($34) and Cappellacci di Zucca con Ragu Bianco ($36). The former felt like summer - intense, spicy and stimulating with Nduja sausage while the latter spelt Autumn- warm, sweet and comforting with butternut pumpkin. The Cappellacci is slightly on the thicker and firmer side but the mashed pumpkin filling was compact enough to balance it.

Roasted Pork Chop 3.8/5

Our main is a hearty Braciola di Maiale ($42). The pork was lean, yet it was tender and moist with a thin crisp skin. Stewed with white white, the red cabbage at the side acquired a piquant taste which accompanied the pork chop really well. It was almost like having a Christmas roast!

Ricotta and Wheat Soft cake 3.5/5

For desserts, we had Pastiera Napoletana ($12) and Baba al Limoncello ($14). I very much preferred the spongy yeast cake. I could imagine myself having it at an Italian's home. It is fully soaked in Limoncello syrup, yet it retains its crusty interior. The fluffy whipped cream is like how your whipped cream works on Frappachino for that extra oomph. It looked really simple but it is a complex dish to make.

Basil Whipped Cream 4.2/5

Some regulars lament that they lost favourites each time when there's a new menu but I guess Prego will continue creating new favourites with each and every inspiration that comes along the way.

Words and photos 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.


Prego
Fairmont Hotel Singapore
Level 1
80 Bras Basah Road
Singapore 189560
Tel:+65 64316156
Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 6am - 10am (breakfast), 630am - 1030am (deli)
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 230pm (lunch)
Sun: 1200pm - 3pm (brunch)
Daily: 6pm - 1030pm (dinner)

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