Five Star Hong Kong Style Handmade Dim Sum @ Shun Li Industrial Complex (Sims Drive) - Hidden Dim Sum Place In An Industrial Complex

There have been many media coverages of Five Star Hong Kong Style Handmade Dim Sum located in a coffeeshop at Mei Ling Street. It is known for its freshly handmade dim sum by Chef Yiu Wah Tai, who has 30 years of experience working at Shang Palace, Shangri La and Jiang Nan Chun, Four Seasons Hotel.

Chef Yiu has opened several Five Star Dim Sum around the island. However, not many people know that they have an outlet hidden on the seventh floor of an industrial building at Sims Drive. Furthermore, the place is air-conditioned!

Siew Mai 4.2/5, Har Gao 4.2/5

Whenever I have Dim Sum, I will order Siew Mai ($4.50) and Har Gao ($4.50). I find that this is the primary entry to judge whether the dim sum at the restaurant is good or not. The Siew Mai and Har Gao here did meet my expectation. The Siew Mai is plump and juicy, while the Har Gao comes with huge prawn wrapped in thin translucent skin.

Char Siew Cheong Fan 3/5, Prawn Cheong Fan 3.5/5

We also tried the Char Siew Cheong Fan ($4) and Prawn Cheong Fan ($4.50). I find these average, and the sauce is a bit too salty. However, it is value for money for the price and the amount of ingredients wrapped in the rice sheet.

Xiao Long Pau 3.5/5

While the Xiao Long Pau ($3.50) is plump and filled with delightful marinated pork filling, the skin was a bit thick for me. However, maybe they need to make the skin thicker to hold the generous filling.

Mala Dumpling 3/5

Though the Mala Dumpling ($4) sauce lacked the punch and fragrant, the dumpling itself is huge and stuffed with delectable filling.

The menu at the Sim Drive outlet is quite limited. There are only 18 items on the menu. We also tried Salted Egg Custard Buns, Char Siew Pau, Congees and Carrot Cake. There is nothing fancy with the dim sum items here, do not have high expectations. Instead, you get a taste of tradition with a generous portion at an affordable price. Unlike the other Five Star Dim Sum outlets, the outlet here also offers zichar dishes, herbal soup and claypot dishes.


Five Star Hong Kong Style Handmade Dim Sum
Shun Li Industrial Complex
705 Sims Drive
#07-01
Singapore 387384
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Nearest MRT: Aljunied (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 8am - 830pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Aljunied MRT station. Take Exit A or B. Cross the road and walk to bus stop opposite Aljunied MRT station (Stop ID 81081). Take bus number 137. Alight 2 stops later. Walk along Sims Drive to destination. Journey time about 10 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
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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]

Tang Lung (唐龍) @ Robertson Quay - Discover The Best Of Chinese Cuisine From Various Regions

Located at The Pier at Robertson is a new Chinese Restaurant, Tang Lung (唐龍) that offers Chinese Cuisine from various regions with a modern twist. It is an exciting dining option for the area as there isn't really any Chinese cuisine selection at Robertson Quay. Its opening complements their sister restaurant Le Fusion a few doors away.

Truffle Mushroom Crystal Dumpling 4/5

For dim sum lovers, you will be delighted to know that Tang Lung is offering All-You-Can-Eat Dim Sum Buffet every Sundays from 3 to 5pm, priced at $26.80 per adult and $16.80 per child aged 6 to 12 years old.  For the month of October, one diner gets to dine free for every two paying adults for the Free Flow Dim Sum Buffet.  Each diner is entitled to a bowl of freshly made to order Chinese la mian noodles and can order unlimited dim sum. 

Pork Siew Mai with Salted Egg Yolk 4/5

Customers can look forward to dim sum creations such as Truffle Mushroom Crystal Dumpling ($8.90 for 4pc), Pork Siew Mai with Salted Egg Yolk ($7.90 for 4pc), and Pineapple Char Siew Tart ($6.90 for 3pc).

Pineapple Char Siew Tart 3.5/5

Truffle is added to the mushroom crystal dumpling for an elevated earthy aroma on top of its textural enjoyment. A surprise burst of salted egg yolk is nestled within the pork siew mai. A re-interpretation of the polo baos into a pineapple char siew tart. All these creations, give the same old dim sum staples, a new lease form of enjoyment.

Deep-Fried Soon Hock in Superior Soya Sauce 4/5

Besides the creative dim sums, you can also find classic dishes such as the Deep Fried Soon Hock in Superior Soya Sauce. Deep-fried to crackling crispiness, while preserving the freshness of the meat within, rounded off with Tang Lung's special superior soya sauce.

Steamed Flower Crab in Shaoxing Wine 4.5/5

A star dish at Tang Lung is the Steamed Flower Crab in Shaoxing Wine. Two flower crabs lie on a bed of vermicelli noodles, soaking up the delicious sauce. The sweetness of the flower crab is further enhanced with the addition of fermented rice, spiced Shaoxing wine and chicken oil.

Steamed Glutinous Rice with Crab Roe 4.5/5

Be prepared to wait for at least half an hour for the Steamed Glutinous Rice with Crab Roe. You will not regret it. The glutinous rice is mixed with shiitake mushrooms, shredded dried scallops, and yellow crab roe, steamed together with the crabs inside a cheesecloth, imparting an umami taste to the rice.

To celebrate the restaurant's opening, customers get to enjoy the Steamed Glutinous Rice with Crab Roe at 50% off.  Priced at $78.90, this means you get to enjoy it at only $39.90. Promotion is available for dine-in only and while stocks last. Do order in advance to avoid disappointment, as there is a limited quantity of crabs availability daily.

Braised Sea Cucumber with Mushroom in Chinese Herbs

A highlight at Tang Lung is the nourishing Braised Sea Cucumber with Mushroom in Chinese Herbs ($68). It is cooked with ingredients that have medicinal properties such as Chinese angelica root, black sea cucumber and Chinese yam root. The best part is actually the tasty broth that is the essence of the pot of treasure. It is best to drench the broth onto a bowl of steamed rice and have it together with the rest of the dishes.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Tang Lung
The Pier at Robertson Quay
80 Mohamed Sultan Road
#01-12
Singapore 239013
Tel: +65 62629966
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Website
Nearest MRT: Fort Canning (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Fort Canning MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to traffic junction of Clemenceau Ave and River Valley. Cross the road. Turn left and walk down Clemenceau Ave. Turn right onto Unity Street. Then left onto Merbau Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Jumbo Seafood @ ION Orchard - New Dim Sum Afternoon Tea Set With Moet & Chandon Champagne

Afternoon Tea maybe a Western thing but Jumbo Seafood at Ion Orchard is breaking the tradition with the newly created Dim Sum Afternoon Tea Set. The Asian spin on the afternoon tea is from at $48++ per set for 2 pax. Customers can also top up to include Moet & Chandon Champagne to go along with their dim sum.

The Afternoon Tea set comes with a pot of floral tea. Customer can choose between Oriental Beauty with Wolfberries or Springtime Blossoms. For the champagne promotion, customer can add on a bottle of Moet & Chandon, Imperial Brut NV - 750ml ($78++ Jumbo Rewards Members / $88++ Non-Members) or Moet & Chandon, Imperial Brut NV - 375ml ($48++ Jumbo Rewards Members / $55++ Non-Members).

The Afternoon Tea Set comes in two tier. The top tier is the savoury section that consists of Sweet Yam Paste with Salted Egg Yolk Puff,  Pan Fried Jumbo Chilli Crab Buns and Lotus Root Puffs. My favourite is the Sweet Yam Paste with Salted Egg Yolk Puff is shaped into a beautiful swan, not only pretty in sight but delicious on the palate too.

The lower tier is the sweet section that comes with Baked Orange Egg Tarts, Black Sesame Cake and Molten Salted Egg Lava Mochi. I like the hint of orange in the egg tart, giving it a lifted enjoyment. The other delight treat is the deep fried pumpkin shaped mochi dumpling with oozing molten salted egg lava filling. The black sesame cake is rather acquire with its soft texture though.

Completing the dim sum afternoon set is the Jumbo Siew Mai and Steamed Prawns and Spinach Dumpling served in a bamboo steamer.

Kindly note the Dim Sum Afternoon Tea Set is exclusively available at Ion Orchard outlet only from 2pm to 530pm daily (exclude public holidays) for dine in. Jumbo Rewards Members can enjoy 50% off 2nd purchase of Dim Sum Afternoon Tea Set from 31 August 2020 to 30 October 2020. Non-members can sign up as Jumbo Rewards Members at https://jumbogroup.sg/jumbo-rewards to enjoy this promotion.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Jumbo Seafood
Ion Orchard
2 Orchard Turn
#04-09/10
Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 67373435
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Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 1030pm

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

Si Chuan Dou Hua @ PARKROYAL On Beach Road - Launches 'Treats From The Heart' Weekend A La Carte Dim Sum Buffet

Famed for its authentic Sichuan and Cantonese fare, Si Chuan Dou Hua Restaurant at PARKROYAL on Beach Road is excited to present its 点点心意 'Treats from the Heart' Weekend A La Carte Dim Sum Buffet available for a limited time from 3 July to 27 September 2020 on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, 1130am to 2pm.

The special brunch menu features unlimited servings of classic Cantonese, as well as Sichuan appetisers, nourishing soups and desserts, alongside single-serving of dim sum specialities.

For appetisers, we had the classic Si Chuan platter of Chilled Chicken with Mala sauce, Sliced Pork in Garlic and Chilli Sauce, Cucumber with Black Vinegar and Soya Sauce, Sliced Pig Ear in Sichuan Pepper Sauce, Long Beans in Ginger Sauce, and Marinated Black Fungus with Chilli Padi.

The dim sum specialities include nine exqusitely-prepared choices, which comes with one serving for each person. The selections consist of Deep-Fried Fluffy Swan Pastry with Foie Gras, Steamed Sea Urchin 'Siew Mai', Baked Abalone BBQ Pork Pastry, Steamed Crabmeat Xiao Long Bao, Steamed Lobster Dumpling, Steamed Mushroom Bun with Minced Chicken, Steamed Scallop Dumpling, Steamed Dumpling with Seafood in Clear Soup, Baked Mini Egg Tart with Bird's Nest.

We had the Deep-Fried Fluffy Swan Pastry with Foie Gras, presented in a gorgeous swan-like shape which was an instant hit when it was first introduced in the restaurant's Lunar New Year Reunion Imperial High Tea Set.

They have also elevated the classic Steamed 'Siew Mai' with Sea Urchin. This levelled-up version adds a briny creaminess and sweetness to the regular siew mai we are used to having, bringing luxury to every bite.

Other delicacies include the Steamed Dumpling with Seafood in Clear Soup, which consists of a huge dumpling filled with seafood such as prawn and abalone.

We loved the Baked Mini Egg Tart with Bird's Nest, which comes with a generous serving of the nourishing delicacy atop the egg tart.

Not to be missed is the Steamed Crabmeat Xiao Long Bao, and the Steamed Mushroom Bun with Minced Chicken, which is soft fluffy bun aptly shaped like a mushroom and consists of fragrant mushroom fillings within.

Besides the 9 single-serve choices of the premium dim sum specialities, they also serve unlimited portions of the other 26 choices such as the Steamed BBQ Pork Bun, Pan-Fried Carrot Cake, and the Minced Meat Dumpling with Sour and Spicy Sauce. For something more substantial, go for their Hot and Sour Vermicelli, and the Sichuan Dan Dan Noodles.

Round off your meal with a variety of desserts, such as the Homemade Fine Bean Curd with Hasma that is light and sweet, or the two indulgent western-style sweets by Executive Vincent Aw - Passionfruit Raspberry Chocolate, and Coffee Noir Orange Mousse.

'Treats from the Heart' Weekend A La Carte Dim Sum Buffet
Date: 3 July to 27 September 2020 (Fri, Sat, Sun and PH)
Time: 11.30am to 2pm
Price: Adult: SGD52++ per person* / Child (6-12 years): SGD30++
DBS/POSB Cardmembers enjoy an exclusive 15% savings^!
*^Minimum of two adults to dine. Additional charges apply for Chinese tea and pickles.
^Not valid in conjunction with other offers, discounts, promotions or membership privileges.
Payment must be made with a valid DBS/POSB credit or debit card.

Dining reservations at Si Chuan Dou Hua Restaurant (PARKROYAL on Beach Road) can be made at douhua.prsin@parkroyalhotels.com or at +65 6505 5722. Visit http://bit.ly/scdhbeachroad for more information. Si Chuan Dou Hua Restaurant

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.


Si Chuan Dou Hua Restaurant
PARKROYAL on Beach Road
7500 Beach Road
Singapore 199591
Tel: +65 65055724
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Website
Nearest MRT: Nicoll Highway (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Nicoll Highway MRT station. Take Exit A. Follow the overhead walkway all the way to The Concourse building. Take the exit down to Nicoll Highway and walk towards Parkroyal Serviced Residences. Cut through towards The Plaza at Parkroyal Hotel. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Dining at Home During Circuit Breaker - 藝 Yi by Jereme Leung

During the COVID-19 pandemic circuit breaker period, restaurants are not allowed to accept dine-in customers. Hence they have to offer takeaway and/or delivery service to survive. One of the restaurants that have been on my dining list is 藝 Yi by Jereme Leung, newly opened at Raffles Hotel Singapore. I got to know MasterChef Jereme Leung when he was a judge in China Master Chef show. I was really excited when he decided to return home and open a restaurant in Singapore.

House Specialty Steamed Mushroom Buns, Sesame Shrimp Toast

Even though I can't visit the restaurant during the circuit breaker, it doesn't mean I can eat his food. With the current situation, Raffles Hotel has launched the Raffles Grab & Go experience, whereby we can order takeaway and/or delivery for restaurants in their property. Hence I am glad that I can order the food at 藝 Yi and dine in the comfort of my home.

Siew Mai

From the dim sum menu, I had the House Specialty Steamed Mushroom Buns, Sesame Shrimp Toast and Siew Mai. My favourite is the plump and succulent siew mai stuffed with pork and seafood filling, topped with sakura shrimp.

Crispy Egg Noodles

The dish that I adored most is the Crispy Egg Noodles. The delivery comes with the sauce and noodle separately. This allows the noodle to remain crispy, with a delightful textural enjoyment. On top of that, the succulent prawns and fluffy scrambled egg completed the lovely dish.

Stir-fried Pork Belly

Last but not least, wrapping up my meal with the Stir-fried Pork Belly that is comprised of pork slices, air-dried bamboo shoot and eggplant.

To order, visit https://www.rafflesgrabandgo.com.


藝 Yi by Jereme Leung
Raffles Hotel Singapore
Raffles Arcade
328 North Bridge Road
Singapore 188719
Tel: +65 6412 1816
Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 130pm, 6pm - 915pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to the junction of Bras Basah Road and North Bridge Road. Cross the road. Walk down North Bridge Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]