Auntie’s Wok & Steam @ Andaz Singapore - Indulge In A Dim Sum Feast at Yum Cha Weekend Buffet

Sitting on the 25th storey of Andaz Singapore is Auntie’s Wok and Steam - an ode to local tze char and dim sum restaurant. Presenting their new Yum Cha Weekends priced at $35++ per person, guests can indulge in all-you-can-eat traditional Cantonese dim sum, local favourites and Chinese desserts available every weekend and public holiday. To spice up the dim sum experience, you can also opt for a top-up of $35++ to enjoy unlimited Prosecco, wines and Tiger beer.

All the items served are on an a-la carte basis and guests are required to note down the number of dishes chosen on the slip of paper provided.

From the Dim Sum menu, we had the classics such as the Scallop Siew Mai, Prawn Dumplings, BBQ Pork Bao, Xiao Long Bao, Chicken Feet and Steamed Pork Ribs.

One of the more unique creations is the Wagyu Short Rib Mantou Sliders, which features flavourful slices of wagyu shortribs tucked in between soft fluffy mantous.

Choose from a selection of fried Dim Sum signatures as well such as the Deep-Fried Yam Puff and Wok-Fried Carrot Cake.

Additionally, each diner can select one item from the premium yum cha menu, which includes Deep-Fried Barramundi Fillet, Deep-Fried Pork Belly, Lobster Congee, Wagyu Short Rib Mantou Sliders and more. Additional premium main courses can be ordered for just $10++.

My favourite is the Deep-Fried Barramundi Fillet served in a pool of light soya sauce. Featuring soft tender fish fillet meat with a thin layer of crispy skin, the soya sauce imparts a light fragrant flavour to the fish.

The lobster meat lends a subtle sweetness to the Lobster Congee, with pepper added to amp up the flavour. Although the congee may be a tad bland, the dish is comforting.

The Deep-Fried Pork Belly spots a crisp crackling exterior in a beautiful golden brown. However, the meat within was neither flavourful nor juicy, and packs a tough bite to it. The only thing redeeming about the dish would be the sweet sour chilli sauce used which imparts a sharp tinge of fragrant sweet-tanginess to add flavour to the pork belly.

While waiting for the food to be served, you can also hit up the buffet line for a few of carbs-filling options which includes the Bee Hoon, Carrot Cake and Spicy & Sour Glass Noodles.

Traditional drinks like the Barkley and Luo Han Guo are also served on the buffet spread.

Auntie’s Wok and Steam Yum Cha Weekends
Price: Adult: $35++, Child: S$17.50++ (7 to 12 years of age)
Free-flow wines, beer and Prosecco: Top up S$35++

With a minimum spend of $120 nett at Auntie’s Wok and Steam, each table is entitled to one complimentary car park access at DUO tower.

Photos and words by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Auntie's Wok & Steam
Andaz Singapore
Level 25
5 Fraser Street
Singapore 189354
Tel: +65 64081255
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Bugis (DT Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 10pm
Weekend & PH Yum Cha Buffet: 12pm - 3pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit F. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Baan Ying @ Royal Square - The Great Baan Ying Brunch

Established since 1999 in Bangkok, Baan Ying has been known for its home-style Thai cuisine created by founder Aunty Ying. From a small humble eatery to a restaurant group in Bangkok, its first Singapore outpost in Royal Square set up last year made quite an impression with its bright and airy space. Other than bringing home-style dishes from Aunty Ying's hometown, Baan Ying shall bring to you another type of experience - The Great Baan Ying Brunch.

Salmon Steak 3.5/5

Drop by on Saturday or Sunday from 11am to 3pm, you can indulge in popular Thai favourites that include a choice of one main course along with a buffet spread of 12 to 15 delectable appetisers, sides and desserts on rotation every week. Priced at $38.80++ per adult and $19.40++ per child (four to ten years old; kids under three dine free; child price includes a complimentary fruit juice). Top up $29.80 for a free-flow of beer and wine. Out of the four mains that I get to choose from - Angus Beef Steak, Bone-in Iberico Pork Chop (approx. 250g, additional $9.80++), Pan-fried Salmon Steak and Grilled Large River Prawns, we had the Salmon Steak and Pork Chop.

Pork Rib 3.8/5

Iberico Pork Chop, that has been marinated with Aunty Ying's secret blend of Thai spices. My favourite part is definitely the portion near the rib, as I really love the luscious and flavourful fats. The lime wedges served together with the main dishes is a nice touch to cut the richness of the meats.

Thai Salad 4/5

That said, coming to a Thai restaurant, the main drawn is still the spread of the traditional Thai dishes such as salads, soups, the curries etc. One of the highlights for me is definitely the DIY Thai Salad station where I get to mix and match own ingredients such as peanuts, dried shrimp, cherry tomatoes, long beans and either, tangy green papaya (Som Tum) or green mango (Yum Mamuang) and toss them in Aunty Ying’s secret salad dressing. We were fortunate to have a staff to demonstrate for us the techniques and skills that go into making a good Som Tum. Seems tedious but with a dressing that good, I am quite sure yours will turn out just as great too!

Yum Woon Sen 3.8/5

Out of the entire spread, my favourite would be the Yum Woon Sen (Glass Noodle Salad) which was loaded with seafood. The ingredients were really fresh, especially the thick cut of fish slices.

Larb Moo Tod 3/5

Mu Tod Nga 3/5

A few bite size items that is good to accompany your beer is the mini Larb Moo Tod, deep fried spicy meat balls mixed with toasted ground rice, mixed herbs and lime. The other delectable bite is the Mu Tod Nga which is Baan Ying's very own white sesame pork, and you may find it as moreish as any fried chicken wing. It would be much better of course, if you are able to consume them while still hot as they tend to get a bit dry and tough when out for too long.

Green Curry with Chicken 3/5, Salted Egg Fried Rice 3.5/5

A few quintessential Thai dishes such as Green Curry and Tom Yum Soup are also available. There was no pineapple fried rice, but we had an equally sumptuous Salted Egg Fried Rice.

Rainbow Ruby 3/5

Yam Soup 3/5

Desserts are of comforting taste, such as Rainbow Ruby, that has colours obtained from natural ingredients such as sweet potatoes, Lord Chong (green tapioca noodles in sweet coconut milk) and Yam Soup.

Overall, although there are a few interesting Thai dishes among the buffet spread, I might have a more satisfying experience if I were to go for ala carte option. The main dishes were all right but the key to satisfy my Thai food craving would still be that few Thai style dishes that I have grown accustomed to.

Words and photos 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.


Baan Ying
Royal Square @ Novena
103 Irrawaddy Road
#02-07
Singapore 329566
Tel: +65 91117852
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Novena (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am to 3 pm, 530pm to 10pm
Sat-Sun: 11am to 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Novena MRT station. Take Exit A or B. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 mins. [Map]