London Fat Duck @ Raffles City - The London Braised Duck Is Only Available Here

Known for its BBQ Irish duck, London Fat Duck at Raffles City has launched several new items in conjunction with the opening of this latest outlet. Of course, nothing will be enticing if it's not fat duck-related.

Braised London Braised Duck 3.5/5

Using the traditional Teochew method, the Braised London Braised Duck ($58.80 Whole/ $32 Half) is exclusive to this outlet. Deboned and sliced, I could see that the skin and fats have softened and given way into the herbal braising gravy. Just lightly brown, the herbal fragrant and flavour are pretty distinct. My favourite pieces are definitely those with much fats underneath the skin over the leaner part. Aside than the drumstick, the other parts came across a little dry and a little gamey. The in-house special chilli sauce dip, redeems that with its piquancy edged with a sweet fiery kick.

BBQ 3 Combination 4/5

If you still prefer the unwavering chemistry between BBQ crispy skin and succulent meat, then the BBQ 3 Combination which consists of Roast Duck, Pork Belly and BBQ Pork ($23.80) will satisfy your craving for sure.

Coriander & Fish Congee 4.2/5

You may want to ditch the rice and go for the congee here. Automation is not all evil when it can ensure consistency and quality. Stirred for hours in the automated pot, what resulted is a thick, gluey congee that comforts the soul. The new Coriander & Fish Congee ($8.50), i would say, steal the show, not because I love coriander but it's really how these 3 simple ingredients can create such a comforting taste without a hint of pungency.

Steamed Cheong Fun with Preserved Vegetables 3.5/5

Steamed Cheong Fun with Preserved Vegetables ($5.50) is also another dish that reminds you of comfort food. These humble chai poh spiking the soft, slippery cheong fun boosts the same flavour of our Chwee Kueh but with a slight difference. The chai poh used is the sweet one to balance the savoury light soy sauce.

Mala Poached Pig Liver 3/5

An interesting side dish to share would be the Mala Poached Pig Liver ($9). Though the mala is not the authentic Sichuan type that numbs your taste buds, I like the tanginess of it. It helps to cut the gaminess of the liver.

Double Boiled Peach Gum with Dates 3/5

For dessert, our local favourite Durian Mouse is available but I reckon it will be too cloying after such a meal. I prefer rounding off the meal with the Double Boiled Peach Gum with Dates ($5) which is both refreshing and nourishing.

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.


London Fat Duck
Raffles City
252 North Bridge Road
#B1-76
Singapore 179103
Tel: +65 63335580
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 10pm
Weekend & PH: 10am - 10pm

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

Quan Lai Kway Chap @ Macpherson Road - Kway With Thick & Gooey Broth

Many foodies should be familiar with Quan Lai Kway Chap at Macpherson Road. When I was staying in Hougang, it is one of the supper places I would visit. After moving to the West, I have not eaten there for a long time. Since I was in the area on a Saturday, I decided to drop by for lunch.

Kway Chap 4.5/5

I ordered a braised platter for 2 pax, a bowl of yam rice, a bowl of kway and a plate of fried large intestines. The whole meal comes to $25.80. Do you think it is expensive? I asked the question because Quan Lai is also known to many as one of the most expensive place to have kway chap.

My braised platter for 2 pax consists of Braised Duck Meat, Tau Pok, Fish Cake, Intestine, Tofu, Braised Pork Belly and Braised Egg. The duck meat is a bit dry but what I like is the richness of the braised sauce whereby I can taste the different herbals and spices used. In addition, the braised ingredients have also been cooked until they have absorbed the delectable flavours.

Kway 4.5/5

Most places just cooked the rice sheet separately and add the broth onto it, hence the rice sheet tasted rather bland without absorbing the flavoursome broth. At Quan Lai, I suspect the kway has been cooked together with the thick and gooey broth, allowing the thick rice sheet to absorb the flavour. I am glad that the kway doesn't taste bland, instead soaking up the delicious broth for an enjoyable bite.

Fried Large Intestine 4.2/5

Another item I enjoyed is the Fried Large Intestine. It is fried to a nice crispy exterior while the interior is still a bit chewy. It also does not have the gamey taste. I actually find it very addictive.

I have read reviews that the standard of the kway chap has dropped over the years, especially after the son took over. I have not eaten at Quan Lai for a long while and I have a short memory to compare what it used to me. What I know is that I have a satisfied experience and I have enjoyed my lunch here.


Quan Lai Kway Chap
560 Macpherson Road
Sin Fong Restaurant
Singapore 368233
Tel: +65 67441252
Nearest MRT: Tai Seng (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 8am - 1230am

Direction:
1) Alight at Tai Seng MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk towards Macpherson Road. Turn right at Macpherson road. Walk down Macpherson Road to the stretch of shop houses. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]