Xiao Hun Mian 大師兄銷魂麵舖 (Spicy Noodle SG) @ Raffles City - Taiwan’s Famous “Soul-Stirring” Spicy Noodles Debuts in Singapore

Taiwan's renowned Xiao Hun Mian 大師兄銷魂麵舖 (Spicy Noodle) has finally landed on Singapore shores, opening its very first outlet at Raffles City Shopping Centre. With 18 outlets across Taiwan and queues that can stretch up to two hours, this noodle brand has built a cult following for its handmade noodles paired with its signature Master Chilli Oil and a drop said to stir the soul.

At the heart of the menu is the Spicy Beef Soup Set ($24.80). While the beef soup is served on the side, the real highlight is the bowl of handmade Xiao Hun Noodles, tossed in a trifecta of sauces: the house-made Master Chilli Sauce, Master Chilli Oil, and a secret noodle sauce. It may look deceptively plain, but this bowl packs an intense, addictive flavour. The noodles themselves are next-level. It was chewy, springy, and undeniably slurp-worthy. We found ourselves ordering an extra bowl of just the noodles to relive that divine texture.

Spicy Beef Soup Set 4/5

The Spicy Beef Soup, made by simmering beef bones for over 6 hours, was comforting but fell a little short on intensity. While warm and soothing, it lacked the depth and boldness we were hoping for, especially when paired with the fiery kick of the noodles.

Mild Beef Soup Set 3.8/5

For those who prefer a gentler kick, there's the Mild Beef Soup Set ($18.80). The broth is cleaner and more refreshing, making it perfect for diners who prefer a milder experience but still want to enjoy the noodle experience.

Fried Dough Fritters 3/5

The sides here are worth exploring too. The Fried Dough Fritters ($4.50), better known as you tiao in our local context, are perfect for dunking into the beef soup, much like how Singaporeans enjoy them with Bak Kut Teh.

Garlic Cucumber 3.5/5

We also enjoyed the Garlic Cucumber ($3.80), a crunchy, chilled side dish that resets the palate between bites with its tangy, garlicky notes. Another worthy companion is the Spicy Braised Spongy Tofu and Soy Chip ($4.50), which delivers both texture and umami, making it a solid accompaniment to the main noodle sets.

Spicy Braised Spongy Tofu and Soy Chip 3.8/5

Overall, Xiao Hun Mian offers a satisfying introduction to Taiwanese-style spicy noodles with standout textures and bold flavours. While the broth could use a little more punch, the noodles themselves are truly the soul of the dish, justifying the hype and long lines back in Taiwan. It's definitely worth a try for fans of beef noodles, spice lovers, and curious foodies alike.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Xiao Hun Mian 大師兄銷魂麵舖
(Spicy Noodle SG)
Raffles City
252 North Bridge Road
#B1-38 
Singapore 179103
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

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

YAO YAO (姚姚酸菜鱼) @ Vivocity - China Suan Cai Yu Restaurant’s Debut in Singapore with Duo Flavour Pots and Roast Duck

YAO YAO 姚姚酸菜鱼 has recently established its flagship outlet in Vivocity, joining the expanding array of Chinese brands dedicated to fish-based dishes. Having earned the title "Top Ten Brands of Sauerkraut Fish" from 2019 to 2022 in China, it boasts an impressive network of 60 outlets nationwide.

YAO YAO features California White Seabass in their signature Suan Cai Yu/Sauerkraut Fish. The menu offers various portion sizes and duo-pots that provide diners the choice to pair the Suan Cai Yu with one of three dishes: Sichuan Poached Fish, Tomato Fish, and Typhoon Shelter Shrimp with Fries.

Sour & Spicy Organic White Fungus 4/5

I started with appetisers; it was my first time trying white fungus prepared this way. YAO YAO's Sour & Spicy Organic White Fungus ($9) is served chilled and crunchy, with its shell-shaped pieces picking up the appetising sauce well.

Chilled Lettuce with Sesame Sauce 3.8/5

Thoughtfully presented, the Chilled Lettuce with Sesame Sauce ($10) has lettuce leaves neatly bundled alongside a small pitcher of sesame sauce. I appreciated the convenience of enjoying this dish and found it both crunchy and refreshing, albeit it was much more on the pricey side.

Garlic and Sichuan Pepper Duck Leg 3.8/5

Fried in a generous portion of garlic and Sichuan pepper, each piece of the Garlic and Sichuan Pepper Duck Leg carried excellent heat and crisp bits, but it's worth noting that these are meant to be a lot more bony than meaty.

Sichuan Spicy Poached Chicken 3.5/5

The Sichuan Spicy Poached Chicken ($12) presented a somewhat monotonous flavour profile, and the meat texture was a bit stringy.

Sauerkraut Fish & Typhoon Shelter Shrimp with Fries 3/5

We got to try one of the duo flavour pots, the Sauerkraut Fish & Typhoon Shelter Shrimp with Fries ($53), which feeds 2 pax. In the sauerkraut fish-half, you will find sliced California White Seabass with fermented sauerkraut in a slow-cooked broth.

While the sauerkraut was decent, the broth was more muted and lacked depth. It leaned towards being mostly sour, and we were not quite a fan of how thinly sliced the fish were. I definitely wished the fish were fresher too.

Sauerkraut Fish & Typhoon Shelter Shrimp with Fries 3/5

Although we appreciated the punchy seasoning on the Typhoon Shelter Shrimp and crinkle-cut fries, the prawns were not the freshest. A more significant portion would also have been more justifying of the price tag.

XXL Crispy You Tiao 3/5

While the XXL Crispy You Tiao ($5) looked impressive in size, its taste was less memorable. Despite the recommendation to dip these pieces in the sauerkraut broth, the experience was less enjoyable due to the greasiness.

YAO YAO Peking Duck, Half 3.5/5

Yao Yao Peking Duck ($45 for Half) was a dish we saw many other diners order. It is served with egg crepe wraps and strips of onions, cucumber and sweet honeydew. Finish your wrap with a housemade sesame mustard dip or housemade sweet sauce.

For a bigger group, you can consider the Duck (Whole) at $90.

Rainbow Cold Jelly 4/5

The Rainbow Cold Jelly ($8) served as a chilled and sweet ending to our meal. The base of housemade oolong tea-flavoured jelly is topped with many ingredients, including raisins, red beans, hawthorn bits, crushed peanuts, pearl barley and pearls. You can have it as it is or with coconut milk drizzled over. I personally found it quite sweet, but we saw many diners of younger age enjoying this.

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.


YAO YAO 姚姚酸菜鱼
Vivocity
#02-145/146
1 HarbourFront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6970 8998
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Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 2pm, 5pm - 9pm
Sat-Sun: 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 9pm

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

Ah Chiang's Porridge @ JEM - Old School Cantonese-Style Porridge In Shopping Mall

Ah Chiang Porridge is an old school Cantonese style porridge concept started in 1971. With its original store located at Tiong Poh Road in Tiong Bahru estate, Ah Chiang now ventures into the shopping mall, opening its newest outlet at the basement of JEM.

Mixed Pork Porridge 4.2/5

You Tiao 3/5

I decided to have the Mixed Pork Porridge with an Egg ($5.40). The hearty and comforting bowl of congee comes with slices of kidney and pork, garnished with spring onion. The silky smooth porridge is already lightly seasoned, hence, in my opinion, there is no need to add any more seasonings. I also ordered a bowl of You Tiao ($2) to go with the congee. However, the youtiao is the doughy type while I prefer the more crispy type.'

Salted Fish Bean Sprout 3.5/5

To complete the meal, there are several side dishes on the menu. I ordered the Salted Fish Bean Sprout ($5) and Ginger Chicken ($6). The bean sprouts were plump and crunchy while the ginger chicken was tender. However, I like the fact that the chicken is chilled. It is too cold to be enjoyed.

Ginger Chicken 2.8/5

Overall if you looking for something light and comforting, Ah Chiang's Porridge will be a good choice for a satisfying meal. However, do note that the place is quite small; hence it may be better to just takeaway to dine at the common dining area near the outlet.


Ah Chiang's Porridge
JEM
50 Jurong Gateway Road
#B1-40
Singapore 608549
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Nearest MRT: Jurong East (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 930pm

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

Kota Zheng Zong Bak Kut Teh @ Holland Village - Traditional Malaysian Herbal Bak Kut Teh With 39 Years Of Heritage

Kota Zheng Zong Bak Kut Teh (哥打正宗肉骨茶), the famed traditional Malaysian-style herbal Bak Kut Teh from Kelantan, Kota Tinggi, Malaysia has opened its first outlet in Holland Village, Singapore. Started as a humble tricycle pushcart stall in Kampung Kelantan in 1980 by Mr Pang Kow, the business has expanded into Johor Bahru and now across the causeway in Singapore.

Herbal Claypot Bak Kut Teh

Their signature Herbal Claypot Bak Kut Teh ($11.90/ $28.90/ $49.90) comes in three sizes that are suitable for 1 pax, 2-3 pax and 4-5 pax respectively. Using a 39-year-old recipe, the bak kut teh soup is brewed using pork ribs, belly, leg and tail, together with a mix of 18 Chinese herbs and dark soy sauce. The result is a robust, complex broth with savoury and bittersweet notes. I had the spare pork ribs which fell of the bone with ease. Diners can also add on other ingredients such as button mushroom ($1), crispy sheets of fried beancurd skin ($1) and pig's liver ($2.90).

Fried You Tiao 4/5, Preserved Vegetable 3.5/5, Braised Tau Pok 4.2/5

Chinese Lettuce 3.5/5, Muar Mackerel Otah 4.2/5

To complete the meal, diners can also paired it with other side dishes such as Fried You Tiao ($1.90), Braised Tau Pok ($3.90), Fragrant White Rice ($0.90), Chinese Lettuce ($5.90/ $8.90) and Muar Mackerel Otah ($9.90).

Diners can also opt for Premium Pork Ribs ($12.90/ $29.90/ $53.90) for the herbal claypot bak kut teh. For a different experience of appreciating bak kut teh, one can spike up the broth with a shot of Hua Tiao Rice Wine ($0.90), Hennessy VSOP ($3.90) or Martell Cordon Bleu ($10.90).

Spanish Iberico in White Pepper Soup 3/5

Besides the herbal style bak kut teh, the restaurant also offers the Spanish Iberico in White Pepper Soup ($15.90/ $39.90). Unfortunately, the white soup lacked the robustness of the peppery style that I am used to. Furthermore, I find the Spanish Iberico too fatty for my enjoyment.

Braised Pig's Trotters 4/5

Best savoured with a bowl of steaming white rice is the Braised Pig's Trotters ($12.90/ $31.90). The toothsome meat with its plush, soft fat is slow-cooked in dark soy sauce and other aromatics till tender.

Triple Mix Organ Soup 4.2/5

I love innards, hence I am glad that the restaurant serves Triple Mix Organ Soup ($13.90/ $32.90). In the piping hot claypot, one can find pig's liver, kidney and intestines in the herbal broth.

Though I am not a fan of Malaysia-style bak kut teh for its strong herbal taste, the version here is more balanced which will suit the local's palate.


Kota Zheng Zong Bak Kut Teh
15A Lorong Liput
Singapore 277742
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Nearest MRT: Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 11am - 330pm, 5pm - 10pm
Sat: 11am - 11pm
Sun: 11am - 10pm

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

Baba Chews Bar and Eatery @ Hotel Indigo Katong - Taking Asian Inspired Cuisine To The Next Level

Change is for the better and indeed Baba Chews Bar and Eatery at Hotel Indigo Katong has done just that. The restaurant has embarked on a new chapter, adding new Asian-inspired creations, combining Asian flavours with western gastronomy to its popular Peranakan menu.

Quinoa Salad 3.5/5

We started with the light and healthy Quinoa Salad ($17) which consists of a quinoa, feta cheese crumble, cucumber, beetroot, pomegranate, avocado, sunflower seeds, almond flake and micro cress. The lemon dressing gives it a zesty touch for a refreshing finish.

Otah Yu Tiao 4/5

Otah Yu Tiao ($12) sounds gimmicky to me. However I was totally wrong when it was put into a taste test. The combination of sandwiching the homemade otah in between the charcoal dough fritter actually works for me. It is definitely a welcome light snack to whet up the appetite.

Peranakan Pulled Pork Burger 4.2/5

An interesting Asian take of the burger is the Peranakan Pulled Pork Burger ($20). Instead of the usual beef patty, it is replaced with Iberico pulled pork cooked pongteh style, which is braised in fermented soybean sauce. It also comes with caramelised onions and cucumber with fries at the side. What impressed me is the softness of the bun that goes really well with the flavourful pulled pork.

Chicken Rendang Lasagna 4.2/5

The Chicken Rendang Lasagne ($18) may look rather unappetising but it turned out the opposite. It has never occurred to me that the rendang sauce can work so well with the lasagna giving the traditional Western fare a delicious face lift.

Barbecued US Pork Ribs 4/5

The Barbecued US Pork Ribs ($30) did not bring the same excitement I get from the more Asian flavours influenced dishes but the St. Louise spare ribs with homemade barbecue glaze is so tender that it fell off the bone with ease. It also comes with fries and coleslaw.

Laksa Salmon 4/5

Similar to the Chicken Rendang Lasagne, the Laksa Salmon is given an Asian twist by pairing a local sauce to the Western fare. The light laksa complements the salmon excellent, giving the dish a whole new dimension. It also comes with sauteed Asian greens and crispy beancurd puff.

Chilli Crab Tagliatelle 4.5/5

The dish that stole my heart goes to the Chilli Crab Tagliatelle ($20). Many restaurants have done this dish but it always turned out to be on the sweet side. I applauded the chef for getting the signature chilli crab sauce spot on with the right balance of spiciness and sweetness. Completing the dish, it comes with tempura soft shell crab, sous vide egg and fresh cilantro.

XO Pork Belly Char Siew Rice Bowl 4.2/5

A homely and comforting dish on the menu is the XO Pork Belly Char Siew Rice Bowl ($19). The rice bowl comes with homemade pork belly char siew, egg sunny-side up, fragrant Hainanese 'oil' rice and premium XO sauce. I personally do not think there is a need for the XO sauce and plain steamed rice will do as the rich flavours of the char siew sort of overpowered the other flavours. I am not complaining but a pity to see the effort goes to waste if it didn't help to create the harmony.

Baba's Chendol 4.2/5

For dessert, I decided to have the Baba's Chendol ($10). I have mixed opinions with the dessert. We are told that it is supposed to be eaten with chopsticks because the homemade pandan jello is purposely made into long noodle strand. I think it is a bit gimmicky and I also observe other diners ended up using the spoon for the dessert as the jello is toso slippy to be picked up by the chopsticks. However I applauded the idea of the red bean mousse which infused with the fresh coconut milk and gula melaka as the shaved ice melted, bringing the different characteristic of a bowl of chendol together.

Overall I have enjoyed the new Asian inspired cuisine by Baba Chews. It has kept the food familiar but yet added excitement with new tasty twists, by coming Asian flavours with a western approach. Now the expanded menu allows Baba Chews to cater for a wider group of diners.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Baba Chews Bar & Eatery
Hotel Indigo
86 East Coast Road
#01-01
Singapore 428788
Tel: +65 67232025
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Nearest MRT: Dakota (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 630am - 11pm
Fri-Sat: 630am - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Take exit A. Walk to bus stop at Blk 99 Old Airport Road (Stop ID 81181). Take Bus 10 or 32. Alight 6 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Le Meridien Singapore @ Sentosa - Du-licious Discovery Durian Buffet

It's the season for durian again! For this harvest, why not enjoy these rich and creamy seeds a little offshore? From now till 1 September, Le Méridien Singapore at Sentosa is going to dazzle you with a range of durian-inspired delights and classics on their Du-licious Discovery Durian Buffet.

For the first time, Le Meridien opens up the alfresco patio of Latest Recipe and set up a durian pop-up stall for that one-of-a-kind one and only duo durian buffet experience on Sentosa Island. Against the backdrop of the iconic Sea Merlion, enjoy an unlimited servings of three to four premium and delicious durian varieties like Mao Shan Wang, Red Prawn, D24 and XO for 1.5 hours. Please note that this durian pop-up will only be up until 28 July.

Durian Prata

Durian Doughsticks

Within Latest Recipe, durian-centric dishes await you. Although the concept of durian pastries is not new but there are some rather creative items worth nothing here, such as the Durian Doughsticks, Durian Prata and Durian Pizza. The Durian You Tiao definitely worth the extra calories. Just a suggestion - There is Durian Pengat at the dessert counter, so you might want to use that as a dip perhaps, for the extra oomph?

The dessert counters are filled with chef's inspirations such as Durian Mousse, Durian Choux Puffs, Durian Swiss Roll and Durian Crème Brulee. The Durian Cupcakes tower just makes everyone wants to reach out and grab one!

Durian Green Bean Soup

What took us by surprise is this Durian Green Bean Soup. The durian taste is quite subtle but the durian fragrance somehow blends really well with the green beans and enlivens the taste of this classic dessert.

Indian Delights

Western Barbecue Live Station

The quintessential buffet items include Fresh Seafood on ice, local dishes such as Laksa Live station, Salted Egg Yolk Prawns and Indian delights, in which I find the Fish Curry quite memorable. For meat lovers, there are always the Roasted Meats from the Barbecue Live station to fill your stomach before the durian feast starts.

I really enjoyed savoring the durians in the alfresco area. For a better-value-for-money durian indulgence, it is recommended that you opt for both the buffet which features durian desserts and unlimited servings of fresh durian from the alfresco durian pop-up stall.

Du-licious Discovery Buffet (Fri & Sat Dinner Only)
Buffet Only (06 Jul to 01 Sep 2018 - Fri & Sat Only)
Time: 6pm - 10pm
Price: $80 per adult, $40 per child (07 to 11 years old)

Durian Pop-Up Stall Only (06 to 28 JUL 2018 – Fri & Sat Only)
Time: 6pm – 730pm / 8pm – 930pm (1.5hrs)
Price: $88 per adult, $44 per child (07 to 11 years old)

Both Buffet & Durian Pop-Up Stall Only (06 to 28 JUL 2018 – Fri & Sat Only)
Time: 6pm – 730pm / 8pm – 930pm (1.5hrs)
Price: $128 per adult, $64 per child (07 to 11 years old)

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.


Le Meridien Singapore, Sentosa
Latest Recipe
23 Beach View
Singapore 098679
Tel: +65 68183305
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Website
Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 7am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit C or E. Go to Sentosa Express Station at Level 3 of Vivocity. Take Sentosa Express Train to Imbiah station. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]