Lau Phua Chay Authentic Roasted Delicacies (老半斋烧腊) @ Alexandra Village Food Centre

We walked Lau Phua Chay Authentic Roasted Delicacies (老半斋烧腊) at Alexandra Village Food Centre and the first thing we noticed is their char siew which is black in colour. The black char siew caught our attention as it is different from the usual reddish type we get from roast stall. The stall owner was still preparing to open the stall when we reached. So as to satisfy our curiosity, we waited patiently for it to be opened.

Once the stall is opened, we ordered a mix platter of Char Siew, Roasted Pork Belly and Roasted Duck which costs us sixteen dollar. A dark and sweet sauce is drenched over the plate of roasts before servicing. However I found the sauce too sweet for my liking drowning the flavour of the roasts.

Char Siew 3.8/5

First of all, let me start with the Char Siew. I like the proportion of lean meat and fats in the char siew that is sold here. The right balance giving it the melted in the mouth texture with a nice bite. The char siew is also well caramelized with the sweetness but lacked the charred aroma. I would avoid the sweet sauce that is ladled over the roasts. I felt that it overpowered and drowned the natural flavour of the char siew.

Roasted Pork Belly 3.5/5 and Roasted Duck 4/5

Having tasted the roasted pork belly at Cross Way Bay, the bar has raised for me. While the roasted pork belly here was good, it did not manage to come into my top list. On the other, I preferred the roasted duck among the roasts instead. It was roasted to a nice exterior crisp on the skin while retaining the succulence of the duck meat.

While the roasts at Lau Phua Chay Authentic Roasted Delicacies failed to impress me, I observed during my visit the stall has its own following. The stall does have its own fans who likes their roasts and the rich gooey sauce. Though I do not like the sauce but it does go very well with a plate of plain rice.


Lau Phua Chay Authentic Roasted Delicacies (老半斋烧腊) 
Alexandra Village Food Centre
Blk 120 Bukit Merah Lane 1
#01-20
Singapore 150120
Nearest MRT: Queenstown (EW Line), Redhill (EW Line)

Openign Hour:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 7pm
Sun: 11am - 7pm
(Closed on Sat)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Queenstown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Queenstown MRT station (Stop ID 11149). Take bus number 195. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Redhill MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite Redhill MRT station (Stop ID 10201). Take bus number 33 or 120. Alight 5 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time 10 minutes. [Map]

SEN Restaurant and Bar @ Geylang Road

After the discovery of Saigon Vietnamese Delicacy at Geyland Road, I met up with Chenyze and Bee Bee to check out another Vietnamese restaurant just across the road in SEN Restaurant and Bar. Chenyze has been telling me about this place and I was looking forward to find more from her recommendation.

Grilled Shrimp Surimi 4/5

We started off with the Grilled Shrimp Surimi ($7.90). Hailing from Hue region, the grilled shrimp surimi is wrapped around a sugarcane stick. A yummy starter to kick start the lunch. One can actually suck on the sugarcane stick to cleanse the palate.

Grilled Pork Rice Vermicelli Dry 4/5

For Vietnamese noodle dish, patrons usually go for the Pho but Vietnamese dry rice vermicelli is also quite popular too. The Grilled Pork Rice Vermicelli Dry ($12.90) comes with a mixture of fried spring rolls, fresh vegetables, grilled pork with rice vermicelli. To eat, pour the sauce and mix well to enjoy the smooth and silky rice vermicelli in a mix of sweet, sour and spicy.

Special Mixed Beef Noodle 4.2/5

A must try at SEN restaurant is their Special Mixed Beef Noodle ($14.90). Served with rice noodle in a robust beef broth and brewed with the finest Vietnamese spices. The Pho Bo is served with tender sliced beef, beef balls, beef brisket and a side garnish of Asian basil, long parsley, bean sprouts, lime, chilli sauce and black bean sauce. The noodle was smooth and silky, the broth was robust and tasty, it was a great bowl of pho that is both comforting and hearty.

Vietnamese Sandwiches 3/5

Vietnamese Sandwich or Banh Mi is another staple Vietnamese cuisine. Three different types of banh mi are served here. Chicken ($7.90), Mixed Ham ($7.90) and BBQ Pork ($8.20). The French influenced baguette sandwich is completed with fries and salad which is quite an substantial meal. While I applauded the flavourful and well marinated bbq pork, the baguette was a let down for me. It was hopefully for something that is more toasty and filled with more salads.

Tofu Pasted Duck Soup 4/5

The Tofu Pasted Duck Soup ($12.90) caught my attention as it is something unique. A family recipe inherited by the chef from her grandfather, this is a rare dish even in Vietnam. The duck was cooked to a nice tender soft. The soup with homemade tofu paste served with silky rice vermicelli has a complex flavour that is somewhat rich, sweet and comes with hint of sourness that is very delectable.

Overall I have enjoyed the food at SEN restaurant. The restaurant is pretty hard to be spotted from the outside due to its dark exterior. However once you step inside, a warm and pretty interior welcomes. SEN restaurant also has pretty decent lunch set offer at $14.90 that comes with 2 courses and a drink.


SEN Restaurant and Bar
704 Geylang Road
Singapore 389620
Tel: +65 68415653
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SenBarRestaurant
Website: http://www.sen.com.sg
Nearest MRT: Paya Lebar (CC Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Fri: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 12midnight
Sat-Sun: 12pm - 12midnight
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
Alight at Paya Lebar MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk towards the junction of Paya Lebar Road and Geylang Road. Cross the road at the junction and turn right onto Geylang Road Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]