Hee Hee Hee Steamed Fish & Seafood (喜喜蒸鱼海鲜) @ Clementi Ave 3 - Affordable Steamed Seafood at Clementi

Hee Hee Hee Steamed Fish & Seafood (喜喜蒸鱼海鲜), known for its affordable and fresh seafood offerings, has expanded with a new outlet at Clementi Ave 3. Specialising in steamed seafood at wallet-friendly prices, this humble hawker stall delivers simple yet satisfying dishes.

Golden Promfret 3.8/5

We opted for the Golden Pomfret ($12), which was topped with minced garlic and ginger and drizzled with soy sauce before being steamed to perfection. The cooking method allowed the fish's natural sweetness to shine through. While the dish was enjoyable, a more premium, fragrant soy sauce could have elevated the flavours further. However, given the affordable price point at a hawker stall, it remains a great value-for-money choice.

Steamed Nai Bai 3/5

For our vegetable dish, we had the Steamed Nai Bai ($6). Much like the fish, it was prepared simply — topped with fried shallots and soy sauce before being steamed. While fresh and light, the dish could have benefited from a more pungent seasoning or additional garnishes for extra depth.

Thai Chilli Sotong 4/5

A standout dish was the Thai Chilli Sotong ($12). The squid was steamed to a tender, bouncy texture, retaining its natural juiciness. It was then dressed in a sweet, spicy, and tangy Thai chilli sauce, which added a delightful kick, making the dish both appetising and refreshing.

With its affordable pricing and fuss-free cooking, Hee Hee Hee Steamed Fish & Seafood is a great spot for a quick and satisfying seafood meal in the heartlands.


Hee Hee Hee Steamed Fish & Seafood (喜喜蒸鱼海鲜)
Blk 431 Clementi Ave 3
Singapore 120431
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Nearest MRT: Clementi (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 11am - 9pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Clementi MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Clementi Mall. Cut through the mall to the other end of the mall (beside Uniqlo). Exit the mall. Turn right and walk to traffic light junction. Cross the road and turn left. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Siong Tong Gai @ 313 Somerset - Choose From Top 8 KL Zi Char Crab Flavours From Popular Malaysian Zi Char Restaurant

Siong Tong Gai, a well-established Malaysian zi char chain with over 10 outlets, debuted in Singapore late last year in 313 Somerset, bringing its renowned seafood dishes to local diners.

The restaurant recently introduced eight signature KL-style crab flavours, offering classic and innovative options.

Signature Braised Crab with Cucumber 4/5

We started with the Signature Braised Crab with Cucumber ($63.80), an unexpected yet refreshing pairing. The dish emphasises the crab's natural sweetness, complemented by mildly savoury gravy and crunchy cucumber strips. This lighter option is ideal for those who prefer subtler flavours.

Signature Spicy Sauce Crab 4/5

Next, we had the Signature Spicy Sauce Crab ($63.80), a flavour for those who prefer a punchier flavour. It uses a special blend of spices and dried chilli. The spice was more than manageable despite its name.

Other crab flavours include Kum Hiong Style Stir Fried Crab, Salted Egg Yolk Crab, ⁠⁠'Ham Sup' Salted Egg Yolk Sauce Crab, Black Pepper Crab, Typhoon Shelter Crab and Soy Sauce Crab.

Fried Prawns with Soy Sauce 3.5/5

The Fried Prawns with Soy Sauce ($29) used large, easy-to-peel prawns coated in a sweet-savory glaze. While flavourful, the prawns were slightly dry.

Dry Salted Egg Sotong 3.8/5

A good dish to share is the Dry Salted Egg Sotong ($19.80). Each piece was coated in a thick, crunchy salted egg batter that was rich yet not overwhelmingly salty.

Kum Hiong Clams 3/5

We also tried the Kum Hiong Clams ($14.80). While the kum hiong sauce was pretty flavourful, the clams were smaller than expected.

3 Treasure Vegetable 3.5/5

For vegetables, the 3 Treasure Vegetable ($12.80) offered a simple combination of pea sprouts and mixed mushrooms.

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.


Siong Tong Gai
313@somerset
313 Orchard Road
#B3-02/03/04/05/06
Singapore 238895
Tel: +65 69081393
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

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

Cafe Oriental @ Amara Singapore - Celebrates The Rich Culinary Heritage of Singapore With “Local Legends”

Amara Singapore celebrates the rich culinary heritage of Singapore with its new "Local Legends" series, which will launch in January 2025 at Café Oriental. This initiative features collaborations with celebrated chefs and iconic dining institutions, with each installment highlighting unique culinary traditions through a showcase of their heritage recipes and signature flavours.

The series debuts with home chef Christina Hunter of Hunter's Kitchen (@hunterskitchensg). Originally from Ketapang in West Borneo, Christina is known for her authentic Indonesian cuisine, which is often imbued with subtle influences from her Teochew-Peranakan heritage. Her private dinners and curated menus consistently sell out.

Sambals and Kerupuk

Sambal Mangga

The semi-buffet spread showcases a selection of Christina's homemade sambals and kerupuk (chilli pastes and crackers). The sambals were particularly captivating with their bold and punchy flavours. The Sambal Mangga, crafted from young mango, stood out with its tangy profile, while the lesser-seen Sambal Terong, made with eggplant, delivered a robust and spicy kick. In fact, they were all addictive.

Lontong 5/5

Hunter's signature Lontong elevated this humble dish to a new level. My bowl was topped with tender Opor Chicken, Sambal Goreng Beef Petai, and Balado Quail Eggs. The homemade compressed rice cakes were perfectly textured — firm yet tender — and paired harmoniously with the well-braised vegetables in a light coconut milk gravy, creating a comforting and flavourful combination.

Asam Garam Sotong 4/5

For the main course, diners had two set options. Set One offered a choice between Suak Chui Koi (chilli chicken) and Asam Garam Sotong (squid cooked with tamarind), while Set Two featured Rawon Beef, a Javanese-style beef stew infused with keluak nut. I opted for the Asam Garam Sotong, which was perfectly cooked and coated in a punchy gravy. The dish was accompanied by Nasi Liwet, aromatic rice cooked in coconut milk and spices, along with Sayur Lodeh Tauco, Balinese omelette, Tempe Orek Ikan Bilis, and Bakwan Jagung. The rice was particularly noteworthy, adding an irresistible, aromatic richness to the plate. The crunchy bits of the Tempe Orek Ikan Bilis were a tad saltish, but they added another layer of aroma and flavour to each bite.

Pisang Goreng 4/5

Es Teler 2.5/5

The desserts featured were Pisang Goreng and Es Teler. The Pisang Goreng offered the satisfying contrast of sweet, creamy banana encased in hot, crispy batter. However, the Es Teler — a chilled dessert of mixed fruits and coconut — was slightly lacklustre.

The next installation of Local Legends will feature a collaboration with acclaimed Chef Damian D'Silva of Rempapa in March 2025, highlighting Singapore Heritage cuisine. More exciting collaborations will be unveiled throughout 2025.

Reservations for Local Legends - Cafe Oriental x Hunter’s Kitchen can be made at https://reserve.oddle.me/en_SG/amarasingapore/ticket/5744. For two days only on 16 and 17 January 2025, Christina will tantalise diners with a semi-buffet dinner, priced at S$108++ per person, limited to 50 reservations per day.

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.


Cafe Oriental
Amara Singapore
165 Tanjong Pagar Road
Singapore 088539
Tek: +65 68792626
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 11am - 830pm
Sun: 11am - 6pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk down Peck Seah Street towards Gopeng Street. Turn right onto Gopeng Street and walk down Gopeng Street. Turn left onto Tras Street and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Drunken Cat Private Dining - Japanese Cuisine Infused with Asian Influences

Drunken Cat Private Dining is one of the newer establishments that graces Singapore's home private dining scene. It brings a refreshing twist with its unique blend of Japanese cuisine infused with Asian influences. The majority of private dining menus typically feature Peranakan, Thai, or Chinese fare, making Drunken Cat a standout option for those looking for something a little different. Hosted by Amanda Loo, this dining experience offers a thoughtful and well-crafted six-course meal ($148nett per pax).

Nama Sotong 4.2/5

The meal kicked off with the Nama Sotong. Thinly sliced, fresh Aori Ika (Japanese bigfin reef squid) is served with a vibrant green curry-like sauce, giving the delicate squid a rich depth of flavour. The chamame (green soybeans) add a welcome contrast in texture, while the kabosu (a Japanese citrus) elevates the dish with a bright and zesty note. This light yet flavourful starter really sets the tone for the meal.

Summer Breeze 4.2/5

Following the sotong, we were treated to Summer Breeze, a refreshing dish featuring Aji (horse mackerel). The Aji, known for its strong flavour, is balanced by a coconut-based sauce that softens the fish's natural brininess. Crispy puffs were added to the dish, providing a delightful contrast in texture, rounding out this course in both flavour and crunch.

Green with Curry 4.2/5

The next course, Green with Curry, offers a trio of ingredients, each with a unique texture. Awabi (abalone), with its sweet and bouncy texture, takes centre stage, while lightly battered Kamo Nasu (Japanese eggplant) and Yamaimo (mountain yam) add both flavour and balance to the dish. The Japanese-inspired curry sauce ties everything together, offering warmth and spice without overpowering the delicate ingredients.

Challenger Tsukemen 4.5/5

The highlight of the evening was, without a doubt, the Challenger Tsukemen. Our group has dined at various home private dining establishments, but this was the first time we encountered tsukemen on the menu. This dish featured Hokkaido pork collar chashu, ajitama (soft-boiled egg), and handmade noodles that had the perfect bite. The broth was a masterful blend of kombu, katsuobushi, niboshi, and gyofun (dried fish powder), giving it an intense umami depth. The tare (dipping sauce) was uniquely infused with roasted Aji bones, creating a rich and memorable flavour profile. It was clear that each component was thoughtfully prepared, making this dish a standout.

Donabe of the Week 4.5/5

The Donabe of the Week was Wagyu Donabe with Mushroom. Cooked in a traditional claypot, the dish made a grand entrance, and the fragrant aroma of the rice mixed with the umami richness of mushrooms and wagyu beef filled the room. The dish was hearty, satisfying, and packed with flavour — definitely a highlight for those who enjoy rice dishes with a rich, earthy taste.

Dark and Sunny

The meal concluded with a dessert called Dark and Sunny, a medley of textures and flavours. The dessert featured a scoop of chocolate ice cream alongside cake, peanut candy, and pomelo, all served together with a zesty citrus sabayon. While I appreciated the creativity, I personally felt that there were too many components at play. However, the peanut candy stood out, providing a nostalgic crunch that paired well with the smoother elements of the dish.

Overall, Drunken Cat Private Dining offers a refreshing change from Singapore's typical home private dining offerings. The thoughtful blending of Japanese and Asian flavours created a unique and memorable dining experience. The Challenger Tsukemen was the star of the meal, while the Wagyu Donabe and the opening Nama Sotong further solidified the restaurant's innovative approach to private dining. For those looking to explore new culinary landscapes in the home private dining scene, Drunken Cat is definitely worth a visit.


Drunken Cat Private Dining
23 Akyab Road
Singapore 309978
Tel: +65 9008 4647
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Diamond Kitchen @ Laguna Park - Celebrate 10th Anniversary with Lip-smacking ‘3 Crabs for $49.90’ Deal

I still remember my first visit to Diamond Kitchen at Laguna Park eight years ago after an article by Straits Times food critic Wong Ah Yoke brought it to fame. The restaurant saw snaking queues overnight, and I heard they even have to turn away customers. It was so hard to get a table then. Yet, in a blink of an eye, the restaurant is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.

Honey Marmite Crab 4.5/5

In conjunction with the restaurant's 10th anniversary, it is rolling out an irresistible crablicious deal. The special promotion allows customers to enjoy 3 Crabs for $49.90 for both dine-in and takeaway. Each crab weighs about 500g. What's more astonishing is your can choose to cook the crab in 20 different flavours.

Gan Xiang Crab 4.2/5

I was surprised that the restaurant now offers up to 20 flavours for the crabs. Some of them are unique flavours, such as Honey Marmite Crab. It never occurs to be the sweet and savoury combination of honey and marmite that come together harmoniously with the crustaceans. It is a good change from the usual chilli and black pepper crab, which is more suitable for children.

Curry Crab 4.8/5

The Gan Xiang Crab was the signature when the restaurant first opened. I am glad that it is still on the menu. However, I find the spice level has been toned down and is sweeter now, which didn't showcase the spices' aroma. The crowd's favourite for the night is the Curry Crab served in claypot with long beans and eggplant. It is like a crab version of the curry fish head. The curry sauce is very appetising, and I love the new style of having crab.

X.O Crab Bee Hoon Soup 4/5

Another beautiful crab dish on the menu is the X.O Crab Bee Hoon Soup ($55.90). It hits the spot for for a good bowl of crab bee hoon soup. The only disappointment is I couldn't taste the X.O in the soup.

Salted Egg Yolk Sotong 4.5/5

Besides the crab promotion, Diamond Kitchen also rolls out an All-Stars Set Menu ($85++ for 3-4pax / $155++ for 6-8pax) that showcases their all-time signature dishes over the ten years. It comprises five courses, starting with the Salted Egg Yolk Sotong, which is coated in a light crispy batter of cream crackers and flour for that addictive crunch. It is further tossed in handmade salted egg yolk powder and curry leaves, elevating the taste profile.

Champagne Pork 4.2/5

Juicy and tender is the Champagne Pork. The double deep-fried pork collar is tossed in a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavour that is delightful with each bite.

Brinjal Claypot 4.5/5

The best to savour with a bowl of steaming rice is the Brinjal Claypot cloaked in piquant homemade sauce. The sauce is so delicious that I can have a few bowls of rice with it.

Superior Stock Clam Bee Hoon 4.5/5

Another dish that brought Diamond Kitchen to fame is the Superior Stock Clam Bee Hoon. The silky bee hoon served in a thick superior stock is packed with natural sweetness from the generous portion of succulent fresh clams and wolfberries. I recommend having it together with their fragrant homemade sambal chilli if you love spicy food. It elevates the enjoyment to a whole new level.

Pumpkin & Ginko Yam Paste 4.2/5

Ending the 5-course meal on a sweet note is the Pumpkin & Ginko Yam Paste. I love Orh Nee and enjoyed the rich, creamy, and flavourful warm pureed yam.

It is glad to see Diamond Kitchen is still around after all these years, surviving the tough years of COVID. I am happy that the head chef is still around, maintaining the same standard and quality all these years. The promotions will be available at both their Laguna Park and Science Park outlet.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Diamond Kitchen (钻石小厨)
Laguna Park Condominium
5000F Marine Parade Road
#01-22/23
Singapore 449289
Tel: +65 64480629
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Nearest MRT: Bedok (EW Line), Siglap (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 230pm, 530pm -11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bedok MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Bedok MRT station (Stop ID 84039). Take bus number 31. Alight 6 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Bedok MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Bedok Bus Interchange (Stop ID 84009). Take bus number 196 or 197. Alight 7 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Siglap MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Verandah Rael's @ TripleOne Somerset - New Peranakan and Indonesian Cuisine Restaurant With Storybook-inspired Interior

New at TripleOne Somerset is Verandah @ Rael's, offering Peranakan and Indonesian cuisine in a colonial style, storybook-inspired interior. The restaurant strives to bring the warmth of togetherness and the taste of home in their food.

Chicken Satay 4/5

We started our dinner at Verandah with the Chicken Satay ($9.80) grilled to a nice tender, paired with traditional peanut sauce.

Pong Tauhu Soup 4/5

Next is a bowl of hearty and comforting Pong Tauhu Soup ($6.90). I could taste the depth of flavours in the broth, which probably came from the long hours of boiling, drawing from the pork and prawn's essence. Rounding up the delicious soup are juicy meatballs and crunchy bamboo shoots.

Chicken Buah Keluak 4.2/5

A staple Peranakan dish is the Chicken Buah Keluak ($19.90), whereby the chicken is braised in a tangy tamarind gravy. Minced meat is mixed with spices and stuffed into the nut.

Nonya Chap Chye 4.2/5

Stewed to a delightfully soft texture is the Nonya Chap Chye ($12.90), which comprises a medley of vegetables such as cabbage, shiitake mushrooms, beancurd strips and tang hoon.

Babi Pongteh 4.2/5

A favourite Peranakan dish of mine is the Babi Pongteh ($18.90). Verandah does a delicious rendition in which the sweet and savoury stewed pork belly and turnips are slow-cooked in a thick fermented soybean sauce with a peppery hint.

Signature Indo Chilli Beef 3.5/5

Besides the Peranakan dishes, we also tried a couple of their Indonesian dishes. While I enjoyed the aroma from the spices for the Signature Indo Chilli Beef ($19.90), the texture was a little tough for my liking.

Honey Pork 3.5/5

Similar to the Signature Indo Chilli Beef, I find the Honey Pork ($16.90) a bit tough in texture too. However, the honey black sauce drizzled over the crispy stir-fried pork is deliciously appetising.

Grilled Sotong with Kicap Manis 3.8/5

The Grilled Sotong with Kicap Manis ($18.90) was fresh and huge with a delightful bouncy bite. I only hope there was more of the sweet and piquant soy sauce, mixed with spices marinade.

Panna Cotta with Pulut Hitam 3/5

Wrapping up the dinner is the Panna Cotta with Pulut Hitam ($8.90). The panna cotta is served in a tall glass topped with black glutinous rice and rich coconut milk. I am slightly disappointed that the panna cotta is not creamy enough. If I had a choice, I would still prefer the classic rendition of the traditional pulut hitam dessert.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Verandah @ Rael's
TripleOne Somerset
111 Somerset Road
#01-07
Singapore 238164
Tel: +65 89319826
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

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