Yuan Yuan Claypot Rice (源源砂煲饭) @ Bukit Batok - Claypot Rice with 40 Years of Heritage Opens New Stall

After 40 years, Yuan Yuan Claypot Rice has a new stall in the recently renovated and brightly-lit Mei De Coffeeshop in Bukit Batok. Founded initially by Uncle Seah at ABC Brickworks Market & Food Centre in Bukit Merah in 1982, his son and second-generation owner, Raymond Seah, officially took over in 2019. Raymond then explored an apprenticeship model intending to preserve his father's legacy.

Cooking with charcoal fire is not an easy skill, especially to master the different techniques required for cooking single pax claypots versus bigger claypots that serve 2 to 5 pax. Raymond focused on imparting the craft of cooking single pax claypots to his apprentices, and that is what you will find here in Bukit Batok, the first stall to be helmed by his trained apprentice chef. The chicken stock and homemade secret black sauce will continue to be made and supplied by Raymond.

Claypot Rice 砂锅饭 4/5

Each portion of Claypot Rice ($8) is served with a generous drizzle of the homemade black sauce and a classic mix of ingredients - marinated chicken, lup cheong, liver sausage, salted fish and vegetables. Please give it a good mix before digging in!

The result of cooking over charcoal fire shines through, as you get a lovely smokiness in terms of fragrance and taste. There was also a nicely-charred crust at the bottom of the pot, which is one of my favourite things about claypot rice.

I enjoyed how the black sauce is not too sweet so that while it adds on sweetness, it doesn't end up overwhelming the flavours of the other ingredients. The chicken chunks were tender and thoroughly marinated with a lingering hint of hua diao wine.

Deep Fried Prawn Rolls 五香虾枣 3.8/5

The Deep Fried Prawn Rolls ($8) was served piping hot as they are freshly fried upon order. Each of them had a thin, crunchy exterior that reminded us of fried wanton skins. The well-packed filling was perfectly seasoned with a distinct touch of star anise.

Seasonal Vegetables 油菜

If you need more greens to go with your claypot rice, the Seasonal Vegetables ($4/$6) are also available for order.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Yuan Yuan Claypot Rice
Blk 273 Bukit Batok East Ave 4
Mei De Coffee Shop
Singapore 650273
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Bukit Batok (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bukit Batok MRT station. Walk to Bukit Batok Bus Interchange (Stop ID 43009). Take bus number 177. Alight 2 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes [Map]

Origin Grill @ Shangri-La Singapore - Collaboration With California Wine Institute For The First Ever California Wine Month

Experience Singapore's first-ever California Wine Month held by California Wine Institute (CWI) from now till 10 July 2022. After more than 30 years of presence here in Singapore, CWI is set to continue its effort in introducing California wines and its wine lifestyle to you that are synonymous with the attitude of the idyllic and sunshiny California. During this limited time frame, you can enjoy special menus highlighting California wines at Lawry's The Prime Rib Singapore, Rosemead, La Dame de Pic, Shang Palace, and Origin Grill & Bar.

Our experience of this exclusive event took place at Origin Grill. Keeping close to the California vibes that define the wines, instead of launching the regular wine pairing sessions, Origin Grill has created a California Wine Flight ($79 per flight, 125ml per pour) that allows you to taste and experiment with the diversity of California wines. Area Head Sommelier, Shangri-La Group Britt Ng has curated three wines from different yet iconic wine-growing regions on the North Coast, namely Napa Valley, Sonoma County and Mendocino County.

- NV Roederer Estate, Quartet Brut, Anderson Valley, Mendocino County
- 2018 Peter Michael, L’Apres Midi Sauvignon Blanc, Knights Valley, Sonoma County
- 2018 Cakebread Cellars, Merlot, Rutherford, Napa Valley

What I appreciate about this curation is that it includes a California sparkling wine Quartet Brut, which is uncommon, as well as the consideration to highlight a family-run boutique cellar, Cakebread Cellars, from the most commercialised Napa Valley.

To accompany the wines, Origin Grill Degustation Menu will be the most ideal - a 5-course menu that allows you to sip the day away.

Starters 4.5/5

The starters were made of a platter of intriguing bite-size items - Tuna Magura wrapped with Daikon, Corn Ice Cream with Kaffir Lime and Popcorn, and a Salmon Parfait with Ikura, Seaweed in Sesame Cone.

Duck Breast 4/5

Octopus 4.5/5

There were two entrees - Duck Breast and Octopus. The Octopus surprised me with an intense smokey-sweet Tomato Jam layered with nuances of cumin. Together with Garum, this dish certainly opened up my appetite.

Pork Shoulder 3/5

We also had a pre-main - Pork Shoulder with Chimichurri Rojo. While I like how the sauce cut the richness of the meat, the meat was a tad tough for my liking.

Striploin 4.5/5

My main was the Signature Black Angus Striploin MS3. Simple yet perfect for this Wine Flight Experience.

Hazelnut Gianduja 4.8/5

A beautiful Hazelnut Gianduja with an Orange Grapefruit Marmalade centre rounds up the meal. The tartness of the marmalade complemented the sweet and nutty gianduja, while the pomelo pulps atop give it a touch of freshness.

There are no rules on how to pair the wines with your food; California wines' approachability is one of their endearing factors. There will also be an array of California wines on offer at RedMart and FairPrice. For more details, you may contact the restaurants directly or visit@california.wines.singapore..


Origin Grill & Bar
Shangri La Singapore Hotel
Lobby Level Tower Wing
22 Orange Grove Road
Singapore 258350
Tel: +65 62134595
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk towards Wheellock Place via ION. Exit Wheellock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Cross the road at the traffic light junction and turn left towards Royal Thai Embassy. Walk down to the end of Orchard Road. Turn right onto Orange Grove Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 23 minutes. [Map]