Showing posts with label Zha Jiang Mian. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Zha Jiang Mian. Show all posts

Sunday, August 23, 2026

Peking Chamber(四季民福) @ Resorts World Sentosa - From Signature Roast Duck to Old Beijing Classics

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Beijing’s celebrated Peking Chamber (四季民福) has arrived in Singapore, bringing its renowned Beijing-style cuisine and signature hanging-oven roast duck to WEAVE, Resorts World Sentosa. Opened in Singapore since August last year, this gourmet landmark is a familiar name to diners in Beijing, having earned a spot on Dianping’s Must-Eat List for nine consecutive years. Now, local diners can experience its celebrated flavours without having to make the four-hour flight to Beijing.

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Roasted Tender Duck 4.5/5

The undisputed star at Peking Chamber is its Roasted Tender Duck ($68 Half/ $118 Whole), a dish that showcases the restaurant’s traditional approach to one of Beijing’s most iconic culinary specialities. The duck undergoes a traditional air-drying process before being roasted over fruitwood in a hanging oven. This gives the duck its distinctive glossy jujube-red skin, delicate crispness and fragrant smoky aroma, while the meat remains tender and juicy. The hanging-oven technique lets heat circulate evenly around the duck, gently rendering the fat beneath the skin while retaining the meat’s natural moisture. The result is a beautifully roasted duck with that satisfying contrast between crisp, aromatic skin and succulent meat.

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Priced at $68 for half a duck or $118 for a whole duck, this is a must-order when dining here. To enhance the experience, the duck is carved tableside and served through Peking Chamber’s signature roast duck ritual, allowing diners to enjoy it in several traditional and contemporary ways.

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First, savour the original flavours by enjoying the crisp duck skin and meat separately. Dip the skin in white sugar for an almost melt-in-the-mouth texture while letting the subtle fruitwood aroma come through. Pair the duck meat with mashed garlic to highlight its natural savouriness.

Next comes the classic Beijing wrap. Place two to three slices of duck meat with skin onto a duck pancake, add a little sweet bean sauce, pickled cabbage, and shredded scallions, then fold everything together using the restaurant’s “baby folding method”.

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For something a little more contemporary, try the Signature Begonia Plum Wrap, pairing slices of duck with begonia plum sauce imported directly from Beijing, Hami melon and cucumber. Made with Beijing’s begonia fruit, the sauce brings refreshing fruity notes and a pleasant acidity that helps cut through the richness of the duck.

For those ordering a whole duck, the remaining bones can also be transformed into a second dish for an additional $15, with a choice between Deep-Fried Duck Bones with Spiced Salt or Duck Bone Soup, ensuring that practically every part of the duck is put to good use.

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Deep Fried Crispy Baby Eggplant 4.5/5

The Deep Fried Crispy Baby Eggplant ($19) is a surprisingly addictive side. Tender baby eggplants are cut into bite-sized pieces, then deep-fried until the exterior turns shatteringly crisp. Biting through the crunchy shell reveals a soft, creamy interior that practically melts in the mouth. The combination of savoury, lightly sweet and subtly seasoned flavours makes this an easy dish to keep reaching for, especially for fans of contrasting textures.

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Deep Fried Shrimp with Honey Sauce 4.8/5

Another standout is the Deep Fried Shrimp with Honey Sauce ($39/$65), one of the restaurant’s “6 Must-Order Signatures”. Large prawns are deep-fried until beautifully golden and remarkably crisp. The shells are fried thinly enough to eat whole, giving every bite a satisfying crunch before you reach the plump, juicy, naturally sweet shrimp beneath. The prawns are finished with a glossy honey sauce that adds gentle sweetness without overwhelming the seafood’s freshness. It is an enjoyable balance of crisp texture, juicy shrimp and light sweetness.

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Mixed Bean Sprout with Sauce 4.5/5

For something lighter, the Mixed Bean Sprout with Sauce ($19) is another of Peking Chamber’s “6 Must-Order Signatures”. This cold appetiser combines crisp, tender pea shoots with a sweet, tangy and subtly spicy dressing, topped with a generous amount of ultra-thin, crispy shredded potato. The contrast is particularly enjoyable — fresh greens provide a clean snap while the potato adds an airy crunch. The dressing’s bright acidity also makes this a useful palate cleanser between richer dishes such as the roast duck and lamb.

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Zha Jiang Mian, Traditional Beijing Style 4/5

A meal at a Beijing restaurant would hardly be complete without Zha Jiang Mian ($12), one of the city’s most recognisable comfort foods. Peking Chamber’s version features springy wheat noodles tossed with a rich, savoury soybean-based sauce, alongside fresh julienned vegetables such as cucumber, radish, bean sprouts and edamame. The dark, robust zha jiang is intensely savoury and packed with fermented soybean and sweet bean flavours, with diced pork belly adding further richness. The thick noodles have a satisfying chew that holds up well against the substantial sauce. The dish arrives unassembled, allowing diners to pour the sauce over the noodles, add the fresh vegetables and mix everything together before eating.

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Fried Cake with Egg and Bean Sprouts, Beijing Style 4/5

Despite its English name, the Fried Cake with Egg and Bean Sprouts ($18) is actually closer to a traditional Northern Chinese stir-fried pancake noodle dish than a pastry. Traditional Northern Chinese flatbread is cooked and sliced into thin shreds, then stir-fried over high heat with fluffy scrambled egg and crunchy bean sprouts. The wok-firing gives the pancake shreds a lightly charred exterior while retaining a soft, dense chew. The fresh bean sprouts add a contrasting crunch and a touch of freshness, making this a comforting, satisfying dish.

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Sesame Seed Cake Stuffed with Minced Pork 3/5

The Sesame Seed Cake Stuffed with Minced Pork ($2/pc) is a classic Beijing snack, featuring a baked Northern Chinese flatbread generously coated with toasted sesame seeds. The pastry is hand-rolled into multiple delicate layers before baking, resulting in a golden exterior with a fragile, flaky crunch. Inside is a savoury minced pork filling seasoned with soy sauce, spring onions and traditional Northern Chinese spices. Personally, this was not my favourite of the dishes we tried, as I found the Shao Bing slightly too dry for my liking.

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Stewed Firm Tofu with Roasted Pork Slices 4.2/5

The Stewed Firm Tofu with Roasted Pork Slices ($29) is a comforting, hearty dish that combines roasted pork belly with firm tofu, golden fungus and sweet baby cabbage. The pork belly is first roasted until the skin caramelises and becomes fragrant, then sliced and slow-braised. This allows the rich pork juices to permeate the broth. Meanwhile, the firm tofu has a slightly porous texture that absorbs the savoury braising liquid while still holding its bite. The sweetness of the baby cabbage helps round out the pork’s richness, creating a mellow, comforting stew.

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Grilled Lamb with Scallion 4.5/5

Another standout hot dish is the Grilled Lamb with Scallion ($45), a refined interpretation of old Beijing-style grilled lamb. The dish features tender hind shank lamb from six-month-old lambs raised on the grasslands of Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia. The meat is hand-sliced into thin, even pieces, then cooked with plenty of thick white scallions. It is presented tableside in a distinctive copper vessel specially imported from Beijing, fitted with an integrated grilling plate that retains intense heat. The lamb is quickly seared with the scallions in a savoury marinade, garlic, and cumin-forward spices. The result is aromatic, tender lamb with the sweetness of caramelised scallions and a fragrant hit of cumin.

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Baked Pudding with Durian and Caramel 4/5

Dessert takes an interesting local turn with the Baked Pudding with Durian and Caramel ($7 per pax). The warm baked custard has a smooth, delicate texture, with luscious durian flesh hidden within. The durian’s richness works surprisingly well with the creamy egg-and-milk custard, while a layer of caramelised sugar adds bittersweet depth. It is a rich dessert, but the caramel helps balance the creamy and fruity elements.

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Shaved Ice with Chilled Mango Sago Cream and Pomelo 4/5

For something more refreshing, the Shaved Ice with Chilled Mango Sago Cream and Pomelo ($6 per pax) reimagines the familiar Cantonese mango sago dessert in a cooling shaved-ice format. Finely shaved ice forms the base, topped with chilled mango cream, chewy sago pearls, fresh mango chunks and pomelo pulp. The ripe mango brings plenty of tropical sweetness, while the pomelo adds a refreshing citrusy bitterness that keeps the dessert from becoming overly heavy. It makes for a particularly refreshing way to end a substantial meal.

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Homemade Yogurt with Honey 4/5, Almond Tofu 4/5

The Homemade Yogurt with Honey ($7 per pax) pays homage to Beijing’s traditional glass-jar street yogurt, or Nai Lao. It has a thick, smooth and silky texture, with a clean fermented tang and gentle acidity. A drizzle of fragrant honey adds natural sweetness, creating a simple yet pleasing sweet-and-sour contrast. Compared to heavier desserts, this is a lighter and more comforting option to finish the meal.

The Almond Tofu ($7 per pax) is another classic Beijing-style dessert, offering a delicate almond fragrance and soft, chilled pudding-like texture. Its mild nuttiness is complemented by a touch of floral sweetness, making it a soothing and understated dessert after the richer dishes.

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Peking Chamber 四季民福 brings a substantial taste of Beijing to Resorts World Sentosa, with its signature hanging-oven roast duck remaining the main draw. Tableside carving and multiple ways to enjoy the duck make the experience more than just another roast duck meal, while the extensive menu offers plenty of traditional Beijing favourites to explore. From the crisp-skinned roast duck and cumin-scented grilled lamb to comforting Zha Jiang Mian and nostalgic Beijing-style desserts, there is plenty here for diners looking to explore Northern Chinese cuisine beyond the usual familiar dishes. If you have been craving an authentic taste of Beijing but don’t have a flight booked anytime soon, Peking Chamber 四季民福 at WEAVE, Resorts World Sentosa is worth adding to your dining list.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Peking Chamber(四季民福)
Weave Mall
Resorts World Sentosa
26 Sentosa Gateway
#01-212/213/214
Singapore 098138
Tel: +65 6993 1600
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Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit C or E. Walk to Vivocity Level 3 to Vivocity Monorail Station. Take the monorail to Sentosa. Alight at Resorts World Station. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Wednesday, March 6, 2024

Cai Lin Ji (蔡林記) @ Tanjong Pagar - Newly Opened 2nd Outlet at Guoco Tower Featuring Hubei Signatures

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Cai Lin Ji (蔡林記) first introduced their Hubei Signatures to Jurong Point in Boon Lay but has quickly introduced their second new outlet at Guoco Tower in Tanjong Pagar. Guoco Tower is conveniently connected to Tanjong Pagar MRT Station, and you can reach its store in less than two minutes after tapping out.

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Cai Lin Ji is a very no-frills type of eatery where the food is served fast and priced reasonably.

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Green Brick Tea

We had Hubei's prized heritage tea to accompany our meal. The Green Brick Tea ($6.80/pot) was mellow and refreshing, helpful to cut through the heavier dishes.

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Steamed Pork with Rice Flour 4.2/5

While it didn't look the most appetising, the Steamed Pork with Rice Flour ($9.90) was a pleasant surprise. This had steamed soft potatoes and tender pork belly loaded with rich and nutty spiced rice flour. We learned that this is a rare dish even in restaurants in China and is usually enjoyed at home instead for special festive occasions.

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Pearl Meatballs 4.2/5

The Pearl Meatballs ($5.90/3 pcs) were reminiscent of our local Lo Mai Gai (glutinous rice chicken). The rice exterior was sticky to the teeth, but we didn't mind. You will find tender and juicy meat within.

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Vegetable Cold Dish Appetiser 3.5/5

For something lighter, you can consider the Vegetable Cold Dish Appetiser ($5.90), which has a slightly tangy mix of glass noodles, black fungus, carrots, and more.

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Shrimp HuTangFen 3.8/5

We found the Shrimp HuTangFen ($11.90) a tad underwhelming. The gravy is distinctly peppery with a slightly thicker consistency.

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While I enjoyed the bits of crunchy sour vegetables and savoury hae bi, they could come in a bigger portion for better variety in flavour and texture.

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Zha Jiang Hot Dry Noodles 4.5/5

We initially saw a couple of average reviews for the Zha Jiang Hot Dry Noodles ($7.90), mentioning that it was too dry, but ours was done just right!

The slightly chewy noodles are tossed in a very nutty sauce with a base of sesame, dark soya, garlic and sweet bean before being topped with minced meat, crunchy preserved vegetables, and spring onions. This was full of flavour with well-marinated meat. I recommend mixing this up and digging in right away upon serving.

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Three Delicacies Dou Pi 3.8/5

A traditional Hubei snack, the Three Delicacies Dou Pi ($4.50/pc, $8.50/2 pcs), is an interesting dish made of different layers of ingredients.

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The base was potato flour, egg, steamed glutinous rice, and toppings of minced meat, pork belly, and mushrooms. Overall, I just thought it was a bit too oily for my liking.

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Han Kou Wanton 4.5/5

The freshly made daily Han Kou Wanton ($6.90) came in a bowl of 10 pieces and would be a good sharing option. The wanton skin was smooth, with a savoury meat centre.

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.


Cai Lin Ji (蔡林記)
Guoco Tower
#B2-26
1 Wallich Street
Singapore 078881
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Tap out from the train station and walk straight to destination. Journey time about 2 minutes. [Map]


Saturday, October 28, 2023

Cai Lin Ji (蔡林记) @ Jurong Point - Exploring the Unique Flavours of Hubei Street Food

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Cai Lin Ji (蔡林记), located at Jurong Point, introduces the unique flavours of Hubei cuisine, featuring a range of street food from this region, including the famous Wuhan Hot Dry Noodles. Service here is quick, reminiscent of a fast-food restaurant, making it a convenient choice for a satisfying meal.

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Three Delicacies Dou Pi (三鲜豆皮) 3.5/5

My curiosity was piqued by the Three Delicacies Dou Pi (三鲜豆皮), priced at $4.50 for one or $8.50 for two pieces. This traditional Hubei snack is a multilayered dish, with potato flour forming the base, steamed egg or glutinous rice in the middle, and a top layer featuring bamboo shoots or minced meat combined with pork belly and mushrooms. It's somewhat akin to our local prata, with layers of ingredients that create a delightful texture.

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Fresh Meat Soup Bun (鲜肉汤包) 4/5

The Fresh Meat Soup Bun (鲜肉汤包), priced at $5.90 for three pieces, closely resembles our beloved Xiao Long Bao. These little pockets are filled with juicy and well-marinated pork to be savoured with a side of vinegar dip.

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Signature Shao Mai (重油烧卖) 3.8/5

The Signature Shao Mai (重油烧卖), at $3.90 for three pieces, offers a unique twist on the Cantonese-style siew mai we're familiar with. This peppery rendition features a mixture of sticky rice, raisins, rock candy, peanuts, osmanthus flowers, orange peel, and shredded carrots. It's a delightful blend that somewhat resembles our local Png Kueh.

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Signature Zha Jiang Hot Dry Noodle (炸酱热干面) 3.8/5

The Signature Zha Jiang Hot Dry Noodle (炸酱热干面), priced at $7.90, was a novel discovery. Hailing from Wuhan, this dish holds the title of "Top 10 Noodles in China." It's served dry and coated with a secret black sesame sauce. While it's undoubtedly a good bowl of noodles, I needed time to adjust to the unique pairing of black sesame sauce with noodles.

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Xiang Yang Beef Noodles/Beehoon (襄阳牛肉面/米粉) 4.2/5

The Xiang Yang Beef Noodles/Beehoon (襄阳牛肉面/米粉) at $10.90 is a staple breakfast in Hubei. I opted for the beehoon, which had a silky texture with a delightful bite. It came with crunchy bean sprouts and was served generously in rich beef broth laden with beef and offal. I found this bowl of noodles incredibly enjoyable and versatile enough to have for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

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Shrimp Wanton (虾仁馄饨) 4.8/5

We originally wanted to order the Han Kou Wonton, but it was sold out. We settled for the Shrimp Wanton (虾仁馄饨), priced at $9.90 for ten pieces, which were freshly made daily. These wantons featured fresh shrimp encased in tender, chewy skin and cooked in a flavorful broth.

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Signature Osmanthus Paste Rice Wine (桂花糊米酒) 4/5

My culinary journey took an exciting turn with two Hubei speciality soups. First up is the Signature Osmanthus Paste Rice Wine (桂花糊米酒), priced at $3.90. This delight combines rice wine with glutinous balls in a sweet, slightly starchy broth. The second is the Egg Drop Rice Wine (蛋花米酒), priced at $4. It involves dropping a raw egg into boiling water at 100 degrees and adding rice wine. The more I indulged in these unique flavours, the more I appreciated the new tastes that graced my palate.

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Signature Egg Drop Rice Wine (蛋花米酒) 3.8/5

In summary, my visit to Cai Lin Ji at Jurong Point expanded my culinary horizons. The menu featured dishes I'd never tasted before, emphasizing the vastness of the culinary world and the endless possibilities for exploration.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Cai Lin Ji
Jurong Point
63 Jurong West Central
#03-56
Singapore 648331
Tel: +65 9238 0368
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Nearest MRT: Boon Lay (EW Lne)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 9pm

Direction:
1. Alight at Boon Lay MRT station. Take Exit C, D or E. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Thursday, May 17, 2018

Ding Xiang Mei Shi (鼎香美食) @ Geylang Bahru Food Centre - Handmade Xiao Long Bao And Dumplings

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I was back at Geylang Bahru Food Centre and decided to try a new stall located in the middle section of the food centre. Ding Xiang Mei Shi (鼎香美食) caught my attention because I notice the staff kneading the dough. Most customers order the Xiao Long Bao which is quite reasonable priced at $4 for 6 pieces.

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Besides the Xiao Long Bao, the stall also offers Dumplings, Hong You Chao Shou, Hot & Spicy Noodles and Zha Jiang Mian. I decided to try the Hong You Chao Shou ($4/$6) and Zha Jiang Mian ($4).

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Hong You Chao Shou 3.5/5

The Hong You Chao Shou ($4/$6) is big and plump, stuffed with juicy marinated minced pork. The let down for me is the chilli oil, it is not very fragrant and not spicy enough. If some further adjustment can be made to the chilli oil, this is be an excellent dish.

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Zha Jiang Mian 3/5

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The handmade noodle was firm and comes with a good bite. While I appreciate the generous topping of minced pork for the Zha Jiang Mian, the sauce was too starchy and it lacked depth and robustness. I also wish that there are more of the cucumber to give it a more refreshing finishing.

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I have to applaud the effort of the stall for making their own dough for the dumpling, xiao long bao, hong you chao shou and noodles. It is a pity that effort is lacked down by the execution. I really hope some refinements can be made to give justify to the effort.


Ding Xiang Mei Shi (鼎香美食) 
Geylang Bahru Food Centre
Blk 69 Geylang Bahru
#01-32
Singapore 330069
Nearest MRT: Geylang Bahru (DT Line)

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