Yanhuo Restaurant (烟伙餐馆) @ Cross Street - The Firework of Modern Chinese Cuisine and Vintage Charm

Yan Huo Chinese Restaurant (烟伙餐馆) offers a modern yet homely dining experience built around the warmth of Chinese culinary traditions. The restaurant’s name, which translates to “flame of flavour,” reflects its commitment to wok hei-driven dishes and robust regional influences. The interiors combine modern Chinese aesthetics with a cosy, family-friendly atmosphere, ideal for gatherings or casual dinners. Service is attentive without being intrusive, and portions are generous, offering good value for money. A warm touch of modern Chinese and vintage charm to celebrate the ‘Fireworks’ of life!

Cherry Tomatoes | Tangerine 4.2/5

The Cherry Tomatoes ($16), marinated with tangerine, burst with sweet and tangy flavours that are refreshing and appetising. It’s a light, palate-awakening starter that perfectly whets the appetite for the meal ahead.

Dry Pot Cabbage with Chinese Bacon | Dried Chilli 4.2/5

The Dry Pot Cabbage with Chinese Bacon and Dried Chilli ($20) was well executed. The cabbage retained its crunch and natural sweetness, while the Chinese bacon added a savoury depth. The dried chilli brought just the right amount of heat to complete this aromatic and flavourful stir-fry.

Mapo Tofu | Iberico Pork, A4 Wagyu 4.5/5

The Mapo Tofu ($28) is easily one of the best I’ve had. The silky tofu bathed in a rich, spicy, and umami-laden sauce is deeply satisfying. The use of premium minced Iberico pork and A4 wagyu elevates the dish with indulgent layers of flavour and texture. It’s a definite rice killer that will have you reaching for an extra bowl.

Double Boiled Grouper Pot 4.5/5

The Double Boiled Grouper Pot ($48/$68) immediately caught my eye. Thick, firm slices of grouper are poached to perfection and paired with plump clams, firm tofu, and cabbage. The highlight, however, is the pumpkin broth — sweet, rich, and full of depth, providing comfort and nourishment in every spoonful.

Pineapple La Zi Chicken | Cashew Nuts 4.2/5

The Pineapple La Zi Chicken ($28) features boneless chicken chunks deep-fried to a crisp golden exterior while remaining juicy inside. The addition of cashew nuts adds crunch, and the pineapple pieces balance the fiery chillies with refreshing sweetness. It is a playful and well-balanced rendition of the classic spicy chicken dish.

Not to be missed is their value-for-money lunch set, available as a 2-Course ($38) or 3-Course ($58) option, perfect for those who want to enjoy Yan Huo’s refined flavours in a more accessible format.

Note: This is an invted tasting.


Yanhuo Restaurant (烟伙餐馆)
22 Cross Street
#01-56A,#01-57/62
Singapore 048421
Tel: +65 83388511
Facebook
Instagram
Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 1030pm
Sat-Sun: 1130am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit F. Walk down Cross Street to South Bridge Road. At the junction of Cross Street and South Bridge Road, cross the road. Turn left onto South Bridge Road. Walk down South Bridge Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

La Hong Dian Hotpot (辣红殿重庆干锅) @ Chinatown - New Chongqing Restaurant Offering 12 Specialty Dry Pots

Mosque Street in Chinatown has become quite a hotspot for a variety of Chinese cuisines, and the latest addition to this bustling street is La Hong Dian Hotpot (辣红殿重庆干锅), a Chongqing restaurant specialising in dry pots. Their signature dish allows diners to enjoy it as what you see when it is first served and then transform it into a bubbling hotpot by adding soup, offering a dual dining experience.

The cosy restaurant spans two levels, with four tables on the ground floor and a VIP room upstairs to accommodate larger groups.

Century Egg with Green Peppers 3.5/5

We started our meal with the Century Egg with Green Peppers ($15), which featured slices of rich century egg topped with fragrant chilli crunch.

Stir-fried Shredded Cabbage 3/5

Following this, the Stir-fried Shredded Cabbage ($28) provided a comforting, homely touch amidst the spicier dishes. For the steep price tag, we were expecting a lot more of it, including a stronger wok hei finish.

Dry Pot Pork Ribs 4/5

The restaurant's signature dry pot is available in an impressive 12 different varieties, featuring ingredients such as seafood, squid, pork intestines, and more. We opted for the Dry Pot Pork Ribs ($49.90 for Small, $76.80 for Large), which is kept sizzling throughout the meal on an induction cooker. The dish was boldly spiced with a generous mix of dried chillies and peppercorns, though we felt that the spice lacked fragrance. A wider ariety of default ingredients, like sweet potato noodles and mushrooms, would have enhanced the dish. When you are almost done with the Dry Pot, you can request the service staff add extra broth and transform it into a hotpot. Additional hotpot ingredients are available to be ordered.

Spicy Chicken Cubes 3/5

We wrapped up the meal with the classic Spicy Chicken Cubes ($28), a dish generously loaded with dried chillies. While the chicken cubes had a decent crunch, the flavours were less robust than we had hoped.

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.


La Hong Dian Hotpot (辣红殿重庆干锅)
41 Mosque Street
Singapore 059519
Tel: +65 8428 8213
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to New Bridge Road. Turn right at New Bridge Road and walk to Mosque Street. Turn right onto Mosque Street and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]