Due to the government reclaiming back the Bestway Building at Prince Edward Road, Mellben Signature has to move from its previous location to the current location at Tanjong Pagar Plaza. I like the new location as it is more accessible and nearer to the MRT station.
Australian Baby Abalone in Superior Sauce 3.5/5
Dinner at Mellben Signature started with the Australian Baby Abalone in Superior Sauce ($12/pc). The abalone was firm and bouncy dressed in a flavoursome sauce. However I find the sauce a bit on the starchy side.
Seafood Crispy Beancurd 4/5
Crispy on the exterior and pillow soft in the interior is the Seafood Crispy Beancurd ($12/$15/$18). A delectable dish that will be enjoyed by both adult and young.
Salted Egg Pork Ribs 3.8/5
The Salted Egg Pork Ribs ($15/$20/$30) are hugemongous. The meat fell off the bone with ease. Coated with the savoury salted egg sauce, this is finger licking good. If the salted egg flavour can be more distinct, that will be perfect.
Icy-Chilled Sweet & Sour Pork 4/5
This is my second time having Icy-Chilled Sweet & Sour Pork ($15/$20/$30). I had it previously at Kai Garden. I still have it gimmicky. Putting that aside, it is executed quite well. The sauce was not too sweet and the pork was firm with a good bite to it. Even though the plate will drain the melted ice water, I would still advise to eat it quickly before it gets soggy when the melted ice water comes in contact with the pork.
Stir Fried Garlic Chives with Shimeji 4.2/5
Stir Fried Garlic Chives with Shimeji ($20/$30/$40) is currently one of my favourite vegetable dishes to order at Chinese restaurant. I like the crunchy texture. It also does not have that strong earthy taste that most people dislike.
Deep Fried Marble Goby in Homemade Thai Sauce 3/5
Deep Fried Marble Goby in Homemade Thai Sauce (market price), it maybe old school but a timeless favourite among many diners.
Braised Beehoon Crab 3.8/5
Mellben becomes popular when it started its first outlet in Ang Mo Kio serving delicious crab dishes. Hence a visit to Mellben, how can we not try their signature crab dishes. The crab is selling at $65 per kg here.
The Braised Beehoon Crab is cooked in a black pepper sauce. The smooth and silky beehoon coated with the black pepper sauce is slurping good. As this is a crab dish, I was hoping to taste the essence of the crustacean but it was overshadowed by the strong peppery taste.
Creamy Butter Crab 3/5
Aside from the sweetness and firm texture of the crab which got my thumbs up, I find the sauce for the Creamy Butter Crab lacklustre. Instead of the buttery flavour, it seems that too much milk was added to get that creamy texture.
Chilli Crab 3/5
The Chilli Crab does have a spicy kick to it with an abundance of egg white in the sauce. Best to wipe it clean with some fried mantou. However the sauce was too starchy for my liking.
Claypot Crab Beehoon Soup 4.5/5
The highlight for me at Mellben is the Claypot Crab Beehoon Soup. The milky soup probably has evaporated milk added to it for a lift in flavour and creaminess. I could also taste the essence of the crustacean infused into the soup as well as being absorbed by the thick beehoon. This is worth going back for second helping or maybe third. You can also request to add more soup and beehoon for a small cost.
Overall I have an enjoyable meal at Mellben Signature. I would highly recommend ordering the Claypot Crab Beehoon Soup. The restaurant is packed with people when I visited in a weekday evening. Hence I would advise making a reservation if you plan to make a trip down to try their dishes.
Mellben Signature
Blk 7 Tanjong Pagar Plaza
#01-105
Singapore 081007
Tel: +65 62205512
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)
Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 1030pm
Sat-Sun, PH: 530pm - 1030pm
Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Orchid Hotel. Walk to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road at the traffic light junction. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes [Map]
