Koung Wanton Mee @ JEM - Popular Wanton Mee In Geylang Comes To The West

Having its roots grown deep in the east since 1964, Koung’s Wanton Mee has reached another milestone with the opening of its 2nd outlet at JEM, reaching out to the Westies. To my knowledge, this Singapore-style wanton mee is loved by both locals and tourists alike, as all its ingredients are made from scratch, even for the egg noodles.

Wanton Mee 3.5/5

The signature Wanton Mee ($4.80) is available in both soup and dry versions ($4.80), and the latter comes in either a blend of fried chilli paste and premium dark or light soya sauces aka black or white. To make the noodles even more scrumptious, there is free flow of lards to top the noodles, on top of what's already in it. The egg noodles are specially made to be slightly thicker to hold the sauce, but I find it slightly too stiff for my liking. That said, it provides a more mouth-filling texture than the thinner noodles. The Wantons were well cooked, with very soft and slippery skin which I love, and the Char Siew had a good ratio of fats and lean meat. It is also available as a side dish ($5), exclusive to this outlet.

To complete your wantons experience, order the Fried Wantons ($4/$5). The juicy filling stands out even more against its extra crisp skin.

Dumpling Soup 4.5/5

An item to highlight is the Dumplings Soup ($4/$5/$6). The minced pork, shrimp and chestnut seemed to be in a perfect ratio to one another, as each one was succulent and tender, with a refreshing crunch. The soup was light and fragrant, which is also a key to the overall enjoyment of the dish.

Fried Ngoh Hiang 2.5/5

Another side dish that is exclusive to this new outlet is the Fried Ngoh Hiang ($5.80). While it is meaty and deep-fried to a crispy golden brown exterior, the filling's texture and flavour still lack the standard of a good one compared to many other places.

Local Desserts 3.8/5

Round off your meal with some local desserts at $2 each - Green Bean Soup, Black Glutinous Rice and Barley with Ginko. We tried both Green Bean Soup and Barley with Ginko, and I was pleasantly surprised by the thick consistency of the desserts, in comparison to the usual watered-down versions I have gotten elsewhere.

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. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Koung Wanton Mee
JEM
50 Jurong Gateway Road
#B1-K14
Singapore 608549
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Jurong East (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

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

Laifa Bar @ The Scarlet Hotel - What A Steal, $5.50 Wanton Mee At A Hotel

Laifa Bar at The Scarlet Hotel is a wine bar turned noodle house, serving traditional wanton noodle, dumplings and complementary sides. Equipped with recipes handed to him by his grandmother, who used to be a hawker herself selling homemade taupok and wanton noodle back in the 1970s, chef-owner Royce Lee fine-tunes them and bring the traditional dishes to the table with a touch of modernity and bettered flavours.

Wanton Noodle 4.2/5

The Wanton Noodle ($5.50) is what first brought many to Laifa Bar. With its hearty portion, meaty wantons and springy noodles, there is no reason why one won't return for more. The original sauce used to toss the noodle is flavoursome, but I suggest adding a little of the special chilli sauce that comes bright orange in a bottle. True to its colour, it brightens up the dish with zest and heat. The dry wanton noodle doesn't come with soup which is prepared in a limited portion daily but will be served to you upon request.

Char Siew & Crispy Pork Noodle 4.5/5

However, what's even more superior than the wanton noodle I find, is the Char Siew & Crispy Pork Noodle ($7.50). Keeping to the tradition of a wanton noodle, the char siew used for Wanton Noodle is of a leaner cut, whereas for this bowl, a thicker and fattier part of the meat is served. One look at the burnt ends and you know they are well caramelised. I love the smokey charred fats! The crispy pork didn't disappoint too. The meat and fats were as unctuous, laced with a layer of crispy skin.

Dumpling Soup 4.2/5

The Dumpling Soup ($7.50) is another winner. The minced meat and prawn filling was not overmixed, resulting in a really juicy, loosely packed and tender dumpling.

Taupok 4/5

The sides here are pretty strong too. The Taupok ($8.00) surprised me with their airiness, alongside a well seasoned and tender minced meat filling.

Wanton in Red Chilli Oil 4.5/5

The spice-laden concoction of the red-chilli oil of the Wanton in Red-Chilli Oil ($8.00) is by far the most piquant I have tried. It strikes a perfect balance of spice, tang and sweetness, and it tasted so good over my noodles!

Egg Slice 3/5

The Egg Slice ($7.00) is an egg loaf made using flour and egg, and the way it is being executed gives it an almost hash brown-like texture.

Ngoh Hiong 3.8/5

The skinny Ngoh Hiong ($7.00) was interesting with a chewy texture, but the spices were a little strong for me.

Overall, I'm rather impressed by how satiable the food is at Laifa Bar, especially given that local fare is not the intended concept of this space.

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. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Laifa Bar
The Scarlet Hotel
33 Erskine Road
Singapore 069333
Tel: +65 84392104
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Chinatown (DT Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu, Sun: 1030am - 430pm
Fri-Sat: 1030am - 830pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk down Cross Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Continue to the end of Amoy Street. Climb the stairs beside Siang Cho Keong Temple, up Ann Siang Hill. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk down Maxwell Road towards Kadayanallur Street (beside URA building). Turn right onto Kadayanallur Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Dine At Home During Circuit Breaker - Shi De Fu Wanton Mee

With the COVID-19 pandemic and the circuit breaker measure, that means I have to stay at home, and I can't go around the island checking out the delicious food offered by various food establishments. We used to say we will travel for good food, but now things have changed, we can actually order them and have them at the comfort of our home with island-wide delivery. One such stall that I got to check out during this period is Shi De Fu Wanton Mee, a hawker stall located at Geylang Bahru Food Centre.

Wanton Mee

One of the signature items at Shi De Fu is their Wanton Mee. The noodles tossed in a chilli concoction has a delightful bite paired with flavourful wanton wrapped in thin wanton skin. It also comes with slices of char siew though the stall does not roast it themselves anymore. The generous serving makes up for the less fatty cut.

Dumpling Soup

We also have the Dumpling Soup. I enjoyed that the dumplings are stuffed with a flavourful mixture of prawn and minced pork, there is even surprise bits of crunchy chestnuts in it.

Fried Dumpling and Wanton

If you like it crispy, you can opt for the Fried Dumpling which has been deep-fried to a golden brown. They also have Fried Wanton too.

Curry Chicken Noodle

Another highlight at Shi De Fu is their Curry Chicken Noodle. The curry was fragrant, thick and creamy. It comes with tau pok, a whole chicken wing and a huge piece of potato. I surprised myself in drinking up the entire bowl of curry.

Braised Chicken Feet

Besides the wanton mee and curry chicken noodle, they also offer dumpling noodle and chicken feet noodle on the menu.

Island-wide delivery is available at Shi De Fu. You can order at https://form.jotform.com/shidefu/shi-de-fu.


Shi De Fu Wanton Mee
Geylang Bahru Food Centre
Blk 69 Geylang Bahru
#01-65
Singapore 330069
Nearest MRT: Geylang Bahru (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Sat-Tue: 7am - 2pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Geylang Bahru MRT station. Take Exit A. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Chee Kei (池記) @ Changi Airport Terminal 2 - Another Popular Hong Kong Wanton Mee Opens In Singapore

With the opening of Mak's Noodle in Singapore back in 2015, another popular Hong Kong wanton mee brand - Chee Kei (池記) has landed at Changi Airport Terminal 2. Located at the public area of the departure hall near the sky train area, the Singapore outlet share the space together with Ya Kun.

Shrimp Wanton Noodle 3.8/5

Today with my colleagues, we dropped by the newly opened Chee Kei for lunch. At first sight, one may find the Shrimp Wanton Noodle is pretty costly at $8.95. Though the bowl may look small, the noodle portion is pretty substantial. It also comes with their signature shrimp wanton in silky wanton skin, that is plump and comes with fresh crunchy shrimp. While the wanton soup is sweet and packed with robust flavours from the dried scallop, the noodle was slightly overcooked. It did not have that QQ texture.

Besides the shrimp wanton noodle, the menu offers a huge varieties of noodle selection such as Beef Brisket Noodle, Chilli Meat Braised Noodles, Braised Pork Tender Rib Braised Rice Vermicelli and many more.

Beef Noodles 3.8/5

We decided to also try the Beef Noodles ($7.95) which comes with thinly sliced beef. I like the fact that the beef is still slightly pink, not overcooked. Unfortunately, the bowl of noodle is lacked down by the overcooked noodles, which did not have the springy texture.

Dumpling in Chilli Oil 3/5

Besides the noodles, we also tried some of their side dishes. The Dumpling in Chilli Oil ($10.95) comes with the same plump wanton that is found in the shrimp wanton noodle. Unfortunately the chilli oil was lackluster, it lacked the pungent vinegary spicy kick.

Beef Tendon with Turnip 4/5

We also tried the Beef Tendon with Turnip ($12.95) which has absorbed the delicious braising sauce, and cooked to a delightful bouncy soft texture. I would recommend ordering a plate of it to go with the noodle, making it a complete meal.

Overall, I feel the wanton noodle is satisfying but not top notch. The kitchen and operations also seems quite overwhelmed by the crowd. Hopefully time will smoothen the operations and that translate to consistency and quality to the food


Chee Kei
Changi Airport Terminal 2
Departure Hall
60 Airport Boulevard
Singapore 819643
Tel: +65 62413124
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Changi Airport (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 24 hour

Direction: 
1) Alight at Changi Airport MRT station. Take Exit A. Go to departure hall. Walk towards Sky Train direction. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

An Illuminating Christmas At Pan Pacific Singapore

This year Christmas function at Pan Pacific Singapore is held at the new built Keyaki Garden Pavilion that is located in the beautiful Japanese Garden. Overlooking the skyline of Marina with a lush green landscape and a koi pond, the garden pavilion seating up to 40 pax, can be tailored to different events, perfect of the festive seasons. In addition, the various F&B establishments at the hotel will be also rolling up different festive menus as well as gourmet takeaways.

Homemade Pork Pate Terrine

Cabernet Wine Poached Pigeon

From their popular buffet restaurant - Edge, we are served the Homemade Pork Pate Terrine and Cabernet Wine Poached Pigeon. The homemade pork pate terrine comes with smoked green tomato, peppercorn and tonne de savoy beignet. This is best to have together with some warm bread. As for the cabernet wine poached pigeon, it comes with chestnut barley risotto. The pigeon is cooked to a beautiful pink which tasted really lovely.

Braised Parma Ham in Supreme Stock accompanied with Turkey Wanton

What impressed me most is the dish from Hai Tien Lo, Braised Parma Ham in Supreme Stock accompanied with Turkey Wanton. Two different types of ham are used in the dish, perfuming it for that extra flavour. For those that dislikes the porky taste, the clever use of the turkey for the wanton is a delicious rendition.

Grilled Lobster with Spicy Cod Roe Sauce

One of the latest addition to the restaurants at Pan Pacific Singapore is the Japanese restaurant - Keyaki. We had the Grilled Lobster with Spicy Cod Roe Sauce. What stole my heart is the cracker that is packed with the crustacean flavour.

Baked Eight Treasures Turkey

This year Pan Pacific Singapore has created the Baked Eight Treasures Turkey ($178) which is baked in lotus leave. In the turkey you can find stuffing such as chestnuts, yam, mushroom, Chinese sausage, red date, wolfberry, gingko nut and dried shrimp. An Asian take of the tradition turkey which is a winner for me, that will suit the local palate.

Choco Choux Sapin Tart

Besides the gourmet roasts for takeaway, there are other Christmas log cakes and sweet treats selections too. Looking magically christmassy is the Choco Choux Sapin Tart ($65, 1kg).

D24 Durian Pandan Log

For the log cakes, there are D24 Durian Pandan Log ($70, 1kg), Strawberry Rhubarb Buche De Noel ($70, 1kg) and Gianduja Caramel Log ($70, 1kg). I am not a cake person but these log cakes created by Pastry Chef Eddy Yau are not over sweet, delicious and well balanced in flavours.

Strawberry Rhubarb Buche De Noe

From 12 November to 26 December 2018, guests may order the festive goodies at Pacific Marketplace (level 1) or via online orders at pacificmarketplace.sg, and collect their purchases at Pacific Marketplace between 1130am and 9pm. Enjoy 15% early bird savings for orders made from 12 to 30 November 2018. To place an order, speak with us at 6826 8240, email dining.ppsin@panpacific.com, or visit pacificmarketplace.sg.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Pan Pacific Hotel Singapore
7 Raffles Boulevard
Singapore 039595
Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC Line, DT Line)

LeNu @ Vivocity - Chinese Noodle Bar For A Delicious Bowl Of Braised Beef Noodle

LeNu is a casual Chinese noodle bar by the Paradise Group. It has several outlets across the island. One of the outlets that I visit regularly is the one at Vivocity which is the closest to home. The menu offers a variety of snacks and noodles dishes.

Tofu Century Egg 3/5

One of my favourite snacks or starter at LeNu is their Tofu Century Egg. The chilled tofu is drenched in oyster sauce and topped with century egg. Bonito flakes are added for that extra flavours. However in recent time, I think the quality of the tofu has dropped. The texture is not as silky as before.

Pork Wanton in Chilli Vinaigrette 4.5/5

If you can take your chilli, I would recommend the Pork Wanton in Chilli Vinaigrette ($6.90). It comes with 5 pieces of plump pork wanton wrapped in smooth wanton skin. The highlight is the chilli vinaigrette sauce that is so aromatic, with a shiok spicy kick to it.

The signature at LeNu has to be their beef noodles. The braised beef broth is simmered around 18 hours using beef marrow, bones, and other premium ingredients for the richness and depth, packed with beefy flavours. Diners have the choice of preferred noodles and cuts of beef.

Braised Beef Combination Noodle 4.2/5

Being greedy, I have the Braised Beef Combination Noodle ($17.90) which considers of tender wagyu beef slices, beef tendon and beef shank, so I can have a taste of everything. As for the noodle choice, I have gone for the kway teow. I like the addition of the the salted vegetable giving the dish a more complex dimension, together with the hint of spiciness. The combination works harmoniously for an elevated enjoyment.

The other soup base available on the menu is from the pork bone, simmered for over 12 hours, for that intense richness, collagen rich broth. The base is like a good bowl of tonkotsu ramen

Garoupa with Preserved Vegetable Noodle 3.8/5

For the pork bone soup base, I decided to go for the Garoupa with Preserved Vegetable Noodle ($14.90). It comes with moist and tender garoupa fillet, swimming in the creamy consistency pork bone soup. Unfortunately the fillet is probably the frozen type which is the let down. It comes with a slight hint of spiciness from the preserved vegetable, which is almost undetectable.


LeNu
Vivocity
1 Harbourfront Walk
#02-91
Singapore 098585
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1030am - 10pm

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

Yan Restaurant (宴) @ National Gallery Singapore - A New Soulful Private Dining Style On Top Of The Fine Cantonese Cuisine

Having already visited Yan Restaurant numerous time, I find myself back at the Cantonese restaurant for the new and expanded menu put together by their new Executive Chinese Chef Lai Chi Sum. He has injected a soulful element into the fine Cantonese cooking at Yan.

Shark Cartilage Broth with Wanton 4.5/5

Dinner at Yan started with a bowl of smooth and creamy Shark Cartilage Broth with Wanton ($18/pax). The wantons in the soup look like 2 goldfish swimming in the soup. They are wrapped in a thin translucent skin with minced chicken and crunchy prawn filling.

Baked Crab Shell with Crab Meat and Onion 4.2/5

I remembered having the Baked Crab Shell with Crab Meat and Onion ($18/pax) when I was younger but I have not seen this on the menu for a long time. I was told that the dish was created in Hong Kong back in the early 80s when the economy was booming from overseas investments and business from America and Japan. Cantonese restaurants back then introduced dishes with Western influences so as to attract these high spending diners. The flower crabmeat is removed from the shell, cooked in bechamel sauce, mushroom and onion in superior stock before stuffing it back. It is then covered with bread crumbs and baked for 3-5 mins. You get the texture from the bread crumbs and the sweetness from the flower crabmeat and caramelized onions.

House Special Bake Pork Ribs with Black Olive 3.8/5

A new dish on the menu is the House Special Bake Pork Ribs with Black Olive ($13.80/pax). Chef Lai uses the Teochew preserved pitted black olive to pair with the pork rib. The pork rib is steamed and fried to golden brown before being sauteed with black olive sauce. A layer of sweetness coated around the succulent pork rib.

Steamed Kampong Chicken with Ginger Spring Onion 4.8/5

I felt the Steamed Kampong Chicken with Ginger Spring Onion ($25 half/ $50 full) best showcases Chef Lai's private dining style of cuisine. Using free range kampong chicken from Malaysia, the tender chicken is topped with chopped ginger, spring onion and scallion oil. The highlight is the ginger spring onion and scallion. It is so flavourful that I can have it alone with the steamed rice. This dish is a must try and needs to be order a day in advance.

Steamed Thousand Layer Beancurd 4.5/5

Though the menu has expanded, it has also retained some of the all time favourites such as the Steamed Thousand Layer Beancurd ($22/$33/$44). The skillful knife skill of the chef is demonstrate in the dish, cutting the silky tofu into equal shape and sizes.

Braised Mee Pok with Fresh Mushroom and XO Sauce 4.8/5

The other dish I enjoyed a lot is the Braised Mee Pok with Fresh Mushroom and XO Sauce ($22/$33/$44). This is probably the most expensive mee pok I ever eaten but it certainty won me over with the noodle's texture and the flavourful sauce that holds the dish together. Everything components simpl come together like a beautiful painting.

Chilled Peach Resin with Diced Honey Dew 3/5

Wrapping up the dinner is the Chilled Peach Resin with Diced Honey Dew ($8). A light and refreshing dessert that is ideal to wash down all the richness and somewhat cleanses the palate.

Overall I have enjoyed the new dishes on the new menu. I like Chef Lai's new finely executed home-style meals. Indeed he has brought heartwarming dishes to the table and rejuvenated Yan.

Noted: This is an invited tasting.


Yan Restaurant (宴)
National Gallery Singapore
1 St Andrew's Road
#05-02
Singapore 178958
Tel: +65 63845585
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit D. Turn left and walk down North Bridge Road. Turn left onto Coleman Street. Walk down Coleman Street. Walk to destination. Journey time around 5 minutes. [Map]