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]

Shi Wei Xian HongKong Tim Sum @ Aljunied Avenue 2 - Cheap And Good Handmade Dim Sum

Nowadays it is quite hard to find handmade dim sum and that it is reasonable priced. At Shi Wei Xian HongKong Tim Sum, located inside a coffeeshop along Aljunied Avenue 2, a basket of dim sum starts from $3 here. Apparently the stall still handmade their dim sum and they are only open on weekends.

Carrot Cake 3.8/5

The Carrot Cake ($3) is pan fried with a slight brown crisp on the exterior but inside is soft and moist. What I enjoy is the bits of lup cheong in the carrot cake, it gives it an additional boost in aroma for a rounder finish.

Fried Yam Puff 4.5/5

What I enjoyed most is their Fried Yam Puff ($3) or also known as Wu Kok. This is as good as any restaurant standard. Wearing a coat of light crispy batter, biting into it will reveal the char siew filling. Together with the fragrant yam, the combination is unbeatable.

Bean Sauce Chicken Feet 4/5

I love my chicken feet and I have to say the Bean Sauce Chicken Feet ($3.20) is really well done. I enjoyed sucking off the chicken skin off the bone which has absorbed the delicious bean sauce.

Beancurd Sheet Roll 4/5

Another delectable item on the menu is the Beancurd Sheet Roll ($3.20). Wrapping in thin beancurd roll, it is stuffed with lavish fish paste for a delightful enjoyment.

Char Siew Chee Cheong Fun 3/5

I didn't quite like the Char Siew Chee Cheong Fun ($3.30). I find the rice roll is a bit on the thick side. As for the sauce, it is the sweet type instead of those Hong Kong style soy sauce type.

Quail Egg Dumpling 3.5/5

Besides the regular items on the menu, the staff recommended me to try to some of the specials for the day. One of them is the Quail Egg Dumpling. It is like having a siew mai stuffed with a quail egg. Pretty interesting for a coffeeshop stall to create something from the norm.

Spinach Siew Mai 4/5

The other special I tried is the Spinach Siew Mai. I was a bit surprise to see that the stall is willing to adapt with time and step out from their comfort zone. I really applauded the effort to keep themselves in time and hopefully renew their customer base, injecting a bit of hipster into their food.


Shi Wei Xian HongKong Tim Sum
Blk 119 Aljunied Avenue 2
#01-06
Singapore 380119
Tel: +65 81114950
Nearest MRT: Aljunied (EW Line), Paya Lebar (CC Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Sat-Sun: 7am - 5pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Aljunied MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk towards Aljunied Road. Take the overhead bridge. Cross the road and walk to bus stop opposite Aljunied MRT station (Stop ID 81081). Take bus number 80. Alight 2 stops later. Walk to Aljunied Crescent. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

 2) Alight at Aljunied MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn right and walk to Geylang East Ave 1. On Geylang East Ave 1, turn left and continue to the end of the road. Cross the road and continue on Aljunied Crescent. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Paya Lebar MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to bus stop at Paya Lebar MRT station (Stop ID 81119). Take bus number 134 or 155. Alight 2 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to Aljunied Crescent. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Soi Thai Soi Nice @ JEM - Popular Royal Thai Hotpot Comes To The West

Known for their Royal Thai Hotpot, Soi Thai Soi Nice has opened its third outlet at JEM. In conjunction with the opening of this new outlet, you will be introduced to more Thai dishes that are less commonly offered elsewhere in Singapore.

Royal Thai Hotpot 3.5/5

Bringing families and friends together is the Royal Thai Hotpot ($38.80 Small/ $68.80 Large). Like a Korean army stew, there are fried softshell crabs, sausages, cabbages, prawns, scallops, instant noodles, enoki mushrooms and egg. The Tom Yum broth has a good balance of tang and heat. What I really love about it is that the sourness that comes from the natural acidity of the lime, hence it doesn't leave a vinegary aftertaste. My favourite ingredients are definitely the mushrooms and cabbages that release bursts of tom yum flavours in every bite. I forgot to mention that their signature fried pork belly were in the hotpot as well! Albeit lacking the crunch, they were still quite yummy with fats. I wish the soft shell crabs could be left out though or make it optional. It doesn't quite make sense to me to eat soggy soft shell crab.

Soft Shell Crab Salad 3.5/5

Ideally, fried soft shell crabs should be presented on its own, such as in Soft Shell Crab Salad ($15.90). The raw greens and onions cuts the greasiness of the fried batter. The soft crunch of the fried soft shell crabs complements excellently with the sweet and spicy sauce. You will wonder why Thai sauces just seem to be able to make every dish moreish.

Grilled Oyster 2.8/5

As a starter, Grilled Oysters ($3.90 per piece) is available, which is paired with garlic bits and fish sauce. Beware, it is really garlicky.

Waterfall Seabass 3.5/5

A new notable dish is this Waterfall Seabass ($32.90) which delights me with its clear, piquant spicy sauce that is not anywhere near those gluey and starchy sauce that drench the fish underneath. This homemade spicy sauce is bright, tangy with heat and yet it tastes clean in the mouth. I like how they dressed the fish with heaps of herbs which add freshness to every bite. The skinnier part of the fish was really crispy but some parts of the fish were too dry, stripping away its natural sweetness.

Cha Om Omelette 2.5/5

Their Cha Om Omelette ($11.90) was somewhat disappointing. I tried it elsewhere which was full of the Cha Om. I love the crunch and the combination of the egg and Cha Om was really good. This, however, has too little Cha Om to bring out that unique flavour of the herbs.

Snowflake Yam 2.8/5

We had an interesting dessert to round up our meal - Snowflake Yam ($8.90 Small/ $12.90 Medium). First the yam cubes are deep-fried and coated with sugar, then stir–fried to recrystalise the sugar to a sandy finishing. When I poked my fork through the sugar coating, I could see and feel how crusty it was. Cocooned within, the yam that was really soft and fluffy. It was a real pity that the sugar coating is really way too sweet. The sweet-savoury version from Putien is still my favourite.

Coco Paradise 3/5

Coco Paradise ($6.90) is a beverage but I see it as a great option for a dessert. A ice Thai tea float with coconut ice-cream, a great way to beat the heat and cool your body down from all the stimulating food.

You can always fall back on those Thai dishes that your are familiar with but over here at Soi Thai Soi Nice, do try venturing out to some less commonly known dishes to whet your appetite.

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. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Soi Thai Soi Nice
50 Jurong Gateway Road
JEM #03-21
Singapore 608549
Facebook
Website
Tel: +65 63391391
Nearest MRT: Jurong East (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 10pm
Sat-Sun & PH: 11am - 10pm

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

Imperial Treasure Fine Teochew Cuisine @ ION Orchard - How Did It Get a Michelin Star?

Together with a group of foodie friends, we met for lunch on a Saturday afternoon at the newly awarded 1 Michelin Star restaurant, Imperial Treasure Fine Teochew Cuisine at ION Orchard in the latest Michelin Guide Singapore 2017

Steamed Teochew Pork Dumpling 3/5

From the dim sum menu, we tried the Steamed Teochew Pork Dumpling ($5.60). What exactly is Teochew siew mai? Apparently it comes with only minced pork and bamboo shoot, without the sweet and crunchy prawn. I have to say it tasted rather pedestrian, so ordinary that someone in our group associated it with those dim sum items we can get at food court.

Pig Stomach Soup 4.5/5

Fish Maw Soup 4/5

For the soup, we tried both the Pig Stomach Soup ($12) and Fish Maw Soup ($15). The pig stomach soup has a good peppery kick to it. I like the fact that it comes with salted vegetables giving it an extra layer of flavour. On the other hand, the fish maw soup was rather different from what I used to have. It comes with minced pork and seaweed. It felt more like having a bowl of bak chor mee soup.

Teochew Braised Platter 3/5

Teochew cuisine is known for the braised items, so we ordered the Teochew Braised Combination ($51). We picked the duck meat, duck tongue, pig ear and pork knuckle to form our platter. While the meats are cooked to a nice tender and enjoyable texture, I though the braising sauce was rather bland and lacked the aroma from the spices such as star anise, cinnamon etc.

Sauteed Small Oyster with Green Onions 3.5/5

The Sauteed Small Oyster with Green Onions ($42) which is recommend by the manager turned out to be quire good and interesting. I have eaten fried egg with shark fin wrapped in cabbage but the sauteed small oyster with green onions is new to me.

Pan Fried Flour Omelette with Taro 4/5

Usually I will ordered oyster omelette whenever I visit a Teochew restaurant. However I noticed something interesting on the menu which I have not tried before, Pan Fried Flour Omelette with Taro ($33). The crispy omelette comes with chunky taro cubes which was very fragrant. Have it together with the accompanying fish sauce for a lift in enjoyment.

Steamed Promfret  4.2/5

The Steamed Promfret ($132) is another classic Teochew dish which I always order. Unlike other steamed fishes, promfret does not come cheap. Putting the price aside, the timing in steaming the promfret is spot on with the nature jus of the ingredients flavouring the soft and moist promfret's flesh.

Cai Po Hor Fun 3.5/5

The Cai Po Hor Fun ($27) was decent but not wow. I have had better one elsewhere. It would be nicer if they have used the stem of the kai lan, diced it to get the rice noodle an extra crunch bite.

Three Treasure 3/5

I would advice skipping the dessert. The portion was really small and expensive. The Three Treasure ($6) I had comes with a sweet potato cube, yam cube and some ginkgo nuts. For the price, I probably can get a bag of sweet potato and yam.

After lunching at Imperial Treasure Fine Teochew Cuisine, we left the restaurant rather puzzled and confused with one thought in our mind. How did the restaurant get a Michelin Star this year?


Imperial Treasure Fine Teochew Cuisine
ION Orchard
2 Orchard Turn
#03-05
Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 67362118
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm
Sat: 11am - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm
Sun: 1030am - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm

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

Jalan Kukoh Teochew Kueh @ Jalan Kukoh Food Centre - A Hidden Gem Selling Handmade Teochew Kuehs

Sometimes the road less taken may lead to new discovery. Just like my recent visit to to Jalan Kukoh Food Centre that leads to the discovery of a hidden gem selling traditional Teochew kuehs. To be frank, we don't even know there is a hawker centre in the quiet estate. A long queue was spotted at Jalan Kukoh Teochew Kueh when I was there which aroused my curiosity to try their Teochew handmande kuehs.

Jalan Kukoh Teochew Kueh which took up two stall spaces at the food centre, freshly handmade their Teochew kuehs at the stall. It offers five items on the menu such as Ang Tho Kueh, Tow Sar Kueh, Soon Kueh, Koo Chai Kueh and Round Yam Kueh.

The stall is run by Madam Loh and his brother together. Started from their grandmother who sold kueh in a market in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. When the family migrated to Singapore, their mother continued the business selling kueh in a pushcart along Jalan Kukoh. Since young the siblings have been helping out their mother and hence picking up the skills of making these traditional Teochew kuehs.

Besides the Ang Tho Kueh and Tow Sar Kueh which costs $1.10 each, the rest only costs $1. I was quite lucky to be able to get the Soon Kueh, Koo Chai Kueh and Round Yam Kueh. Most of the customers have pre-ordered and are buying in large quantity. If you are walk in customer, you will have to make do with what is available.

It is hard to pick a favourite from what I have ordered. I know some people do not like the taste of chive but I love it. Packed to the brim, each bite into the Koo Chai Kueh comes with that earthy aroma accentuated by the dried shrimps. The Soon Kueh was also plump, juicy and flavourful. Not to be missed is the Round Yam Kueh. This is the first time I had it. The stuffing is quite similar to Ang Tho Kueh or more commonly know as Peng Kueh except that aromatic fried yam is added to elevate the flavour even more.

Jalan Kukoh Teochew Kueh
Jalan Kukoh Food Centre
Blk 1 Jalan Kukoh
#01-19/20
Singapore 161001
Tel: +65 98380235
Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT Line, NE Line), Outram Park (EW Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue: 3pm - 7pm
Wed-Sat: 7am - 9am, 3pm - 7pm
(Closed on Sun and Mon)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to bus stop at Upper Cross Street (Stop ID 06171), opposite Subordinate Court. Take bus number 51 or 186. Alight 1 stop later. Take the stairs and walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit A. Cross the road and walk to bus stop opposite Outram Park MRT station (Stop ID 06011). Take bus number 174. Alight 1 stop later. Walk down Chin Swee Road. Turn left onto Jalan Kukoh. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Yong Kee Seafood Fish Soup (永记海鲜鱼片汤) @ Ang Mo Kio Ave 3 - Famous Batam Seafood Fish Soup Opens First Stall in Singapore

For those that has been to Batam, you probably have heard of or even eaten at Yong Kee Soup Seafood Restaurant Istimewa. Known in Batam for their clear seafood fish soup, the restaurant has recently opened its first stall in Ang Mo Kio. Yes, you are not hearing me wrong. Now we need not take a ferry across the strait to taste their popular seafood fish soup.

Seafood Fish Soup 4/5

My first instinct is to take a sip of the Seafood Fish Soup ($5/$7) which is light and sweet. Then I took another bite of the sliced fish. It was so fresh. A check with the stall ascertain my taste buds, the stall owner cut the batang fish freshly every morning at the stall. The Seafood Fish Soup here is the clear version that highlights the natural sweetness of the ingredients, rather than having complicated flavours. It is really hearty and comforting. If they can add some tofu, that will be even more complete.

Seafood Fish Soup 4/5

If you prefer something that is lighter in taste, you can go for the Slice Fish Soup ($4/$6). Comes with slices of the fresh batang fish that is sweet in taste, smooth and firm in texture. For a more fulfilling meal, you can have the Sliced Fish Soup Beehoon, that comes with silky smooth rice noodles.

Sliced Fish Soup Beehoon 4/5

Compared to the earlier two bowls of fish soup, the Fish Head Yam Soup ($6/$8) is slightly more robust in taste and richer in flavour. While the yam adds in the flavour, it still needed more work to get it really infused with the soup or it will feel kind of separated.

Fish Head Yam Soup 3.5/5

Besides the various fish soup, the stall also sells the peanut chicken feet ($1) which is a delectable side dish to go with a bowl of the light and healthy fish soup.


Yong Kee Seafood Fish Soup (永记海鲜鱼片汤)
Blk 133 Ang Mo Kio Ave 3
Singapore 560133
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Ang Mo Kio (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 930am to Sold Out

Direction: 
1) Alight at Ang Mo Kio MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to Ang Mo Kio bus interchange (Stop ID 54009). Take bus 166, 169, 265 or 269. Alight 2 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to Ang Mo Kio Street 12. Walk to destination. Journey time about  12 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Ang Mo Kio MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite Ang Mo Kio MRT station (Stop ID 54269). Take bus number 76, 132, 165 or 268. Alight 2 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to Ang Mo Kio Street 12. Walk to destination. Journey time about  12 minutes. [Map]