Xi Man @ Penang Road - A New Unagi Speciality Restaurant Helmed by Chef Ryosuke Deguchi

At Penang Road, Xi Man is a new unagi speciality restaurant that uses fresh eels imported from Miyazaki. In addition, Xi Man uses artisanal all-natural Marunaka Shoyu as the base of the accompanying sauces and superior quality rice from Niigata prefecture to complement these premium eels.

Grilled Eel and Rice 4/5

Instead of the usual kanto method, the eels are cooked using kansai method. The method involves first grilling the unagi on its own before brushing on the tare and grilling it again for a crispier finish. Kanto involves a steaming step, which results in a more unctuous texture. I enjoyed the slightly crisp exterior for sure, especially the charred bits with well-caramelised tare sauce.

Tare

Your Grilled Eel and Rice (half $40/whole $78) will be served with three tares: Original, Sweet, and Spicy, which use Marunaka Shoyu as the base. This shoyu maker has a rich history of two centuries, and to date, each batch is still handcrafted and takes three years to produce. Its clean taste and subtle flavours are apt for both the unagi and the pearly Niigata rice. A drizzle of the tare over the unagi and rice bring both elements together in harmony.

Obanzai 4.8/5

Opt for the 3-Course Set Menu ($58/$95) for a complete experience. You will get an additional platter of 3 seasonal obanzai and eel liver soup. We had a radish with yuzu miso served warm, simmered pumpkin and pickled lotus roots. The obanzai was treated with finesse to bring out most of their flavours. I appreciate how each obanzai carried a different flavour profile - savoury, sweet and spicy.

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.


Xi Man
9 Penang Rd
#01-02
2 Singapore 238459
Tel:+65 88282280
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Dhoby Ghaut (CC Line, NE Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am – 2pm, 6pm – 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Dhoby Ghaut MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk straight to Penang Road. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Singapore Lor Mee @ Tiong Bahru Food Centre - A New And Third Lor Mee Stall At The Food Centre

A third and new Lor Mee stall - Singapore Lor Mee has opened at Tiong Bahru Food Centre. Accordingly to my friend, the stall is previously known as Zhen Hao Lor Mee at North Bridge Road. I have not heard of them before. Nevertheless, I could not help my curiosity self to check them out.

There is three items on the menu - Traditional Lor Mee ($4.80), Fried Cod Fish Lor Mee ($5.80) and Jumbo Lor Mee ($8). Unlike other lor mee stalls, it offers unique items such as fried cod fish fillet and tempura prawn for their lor mee.

I decided to go for the Fried Cod Fish Lor Mee. Although the fried cod fish is flaky and moist, the exterior is not as crispy as I would have liked. Probably due to the fact it is not freshly fried.

Compared to the other two popular stalls at the food centre, the broth, better known as the lor for the noodle, lacks robustness. While it is not very gooey, it is light and lacks depth. So maybe I am more inclined to a more heavily flavoured bowl of lor mee.

I had tried the stall when it was previously at North Bridge Road. From the taste, it seems that it is more for the older plate or what we may label it as traditional taste. The younger generation, which prefers strong flavours, may not yet enjoy it.


Singapore Lor Mee
Tiong Bahru Food Centre
30 Seng Poh Road
#02-32
Singapore 168898
Nearest MRT: Tiong Bahru (EW Line), Havelock (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 8am - 8pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tiong Bahru MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Tiong Bahru Road towards Kim Pong Road. Turn right onto Kim Pong Road. Turn left onto Lim Liak Street. Walk down Li Liak Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Havelock MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk straight down Zion Road to Seng Poh Road. Turn right onto Seng Poh Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]