The best reward for my blogging journey is to get to know a bunch of awesome foodies friends. On and off we will still come out for a meal or meet one another at events but not in a big group. The last time we have a group makan gathering were probably back in October 2011 whereby we headed to Ghim Moh Food Centre to indulge the best of hawker food there.
Thanks to Maureen for organising the gathering, our journey to the west brought us to Hai Siang Joo Seafood Restaurant at Pioneer Food Village. The 18 years and counting restaurant is located at Tuas West woks up some awesome chinese dishes.
Fish Maw Soup 4/5
The bowl of Fish Maw Soup ($4/bowl) comes with a generous serving of mushrooms, fish maw, prawns and bean sprouts. The soup has a nice smooth consistency neither too watery nor overly starchy.
XO Sauce Seafood Crystal Kway Teow 4.5/5
The XO Sauce Seafood Crystal Kway Teow ($8, $12, $16) was definitely the surprise of the night. Instead of using the normal flat rice noodle, the restaurant uses translucent Fen Pi (粉皮) or bean flour sheet that is made from green bean flour. It had a firmer bite and it seemed to be able to absorb the flavours better.
Sweet and Sour Prawns 4/5
Sweet and Sour Pork is quite common at restaurants but Sweet and Sour Prawns ($24, $30, $40) is a twist from the convention. The peeled succulent prawn which was lightly battered had a crisp crunch texture while the sweet and sour sauce coated the prawn evenly.
Steamed Pomfret with Nonya Sauce 4.5/5
The sight of the colourful dish already won me. I knew I am into something good. The Steamed Pomfret with Nonya Sauce ($6/100g) is a MUST TRY. The main cast is the Nonya sauce. The sweet, sour and spicy flavours of the sauce gave the dish a perfect marriage.
Special Braised Pork Ribs with Flat Buns 4.2/5
Special Braised Pork Ribs with Flat Buns 4.2/5
The Special Braised Pork Ribs with Flat Bun ($12, $24) which was braised for 4 hours at least easily fell off the bone and had the almost melted in the mouth tenderness. Paired with the flat bun and a slice piece of pineapple, it was just fating good.
Kung Pao Prawns 4/5
I have heard of Kung Pao Chicken but Kung Pao Prawns ($24, $30, $40) was another surprise twist for me. I really appreciated the Chef's approach to step away from conventional zhi char dishes.
Stir Fried Dou Miao 4.2/5
This type of Dou Miao is imported from Taiwan which is more leafy and crunchy. The simple Stir Fried Dou Miao ($12, $18, $24) is not available everyday. I enjoyed the simpicity approach to the dish allowing me to enjoy the nature earthy sweetness of the greens.
Black Pepper Crab 4/5
Singaporean loves their crab and it can be done in many version. We tried the Black Pepper Crab($4.50/100g) which had a nice balance of sweetness and spiciness. The crab meat was also firm and chucky.
Of course a group photo after a sumptuous meal. By the way our friend Lisa (aks @thelittlebowl) baked each of us a very delicious dark chocolate and nutella cupcake. Sorry it was so good that I finished it without taking a picture. Her cupcakes are selling like hot cakes at The Ugly Cake Shop.
Unfortunately, Hai Siang Joo Seafood Restaurant is not accessible by public transport. If you are not driving, the nearest MRT station is at Joo Koon Station. From the station, you will need to cab to the destination.
Hai Siang Joo Seafood Restaurant
Pioneer Food Village
29 Tuas West Avenue
Singapore 638427
Tel: +65 68633651
Nearest MRT: Joo Koon (EW Line)
Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 230pm, 5pm - 10pm
