Sunday, October 30, 2022

Ba Guo Grilled Fish (巴国烤鱼) @ West Coast Plaza - New Outlet In The West Offering Grilled Fish & Sichuan Cuisine

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It was with great delight to know that Ba Guo Grilled Fish (巴国烤鱼) has opened a new outlet near my home at West Coast Plaza. It prides itself on offering authentic Sichuan cuisine suitable for the Singaporean palate.

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Fragrant Grilled Fish 4.5/5

Eight different types of grilled fish are available on the menu. I had the chance to try three of them - Fragrant Grilled Fish ($38.80), Fei Cui Yang Sheng Fish ($38.80) and Green Pepper Grilled Fish ($32.80). In addition, diners have the option of adding extra ingredients cooked in the broth.

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Fei Cui Yang Sheng Fish 4/5

My favourite among the three grilled fishes is the Fragrant Grilled Fish. It has the right balance of mala and spicy for an aromatic finish. It even comes with clams and prawns in a delicious and drinkable broth. The fish itself is crispy on the exterior while moist and soft inside. If you can't take spicy food, you can go for the Fei Cui Yang Sheng Fish, the non-spicy version of the fragrant grilled fish.

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Green Pepper Grilled Fish 3.8/5

I have tried Green Pepper Grilled Fish ($32.80) from another grilled fish restaurant, and the version here lacks the piquant from the peppercorn. In addition, it is too mild for my liking.

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Hot & Spicy Crab 4/5

Besides the grilled fish, the restaurant also offers several Sichuan dishes on the menu. We tried a couple beginning with the Hot & Spicy Crab ($68). Besides the crab, there are potatoes, lotus roots and green pepper. It may look spicy, but I find it more aromatic than spicy, coming from the various Chinese spices used in the cooking.

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Fragrant Pot Bullfrog 4.2/5

Another lovely dish is the Fragrant Pot Bullfrog ($42.80). It's pretty similar to the hot & spicy crab, except that the crab is replaced with the bullfrog. I enjoyed this more, and it was cheaper.

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Handmade Tofu 4/5

There are also non-spicy dishes on the menu, such as Homemade Tofu ($16), which is so soft and silky smooth. It is blanked in a pool of delicious sauce comprising minced pork and greens.

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Brown Sugar Ice Jelly 3.8/5

The Brown Sugar Ice Jelly ($3.50) is the perfect ending to the dinner. The cold and refreshing dessert helps to wash down all the richness.

Note: This is an invited tasting session.


Ba Guo Grilled Fish (巴国烤鱼)
West Coast Plaza
154 West Coast Road
#02-25
Singapore 127371
Tel: +65 89381288
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Nearest MRT: Clementi (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Clementi MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Clementi MRT station. (Stop ID 17179). Take bus number 201. Alight 2 stops later. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Saturday, October 29, 2022

En Yakiniku @ Middle Road (Bugis) - New Japanese Yakiniku & Sake Bar Offering An Authentic Japanese BBQ Experience

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Many yakiniku restaurants have opened around Singapore in recent months offering Japanese BBQ experience, ranging from affordable selections at coffeeshops to premium and rare meat cuts at full-service restaurants. En Yakiniku is one of the latest yakiniku concepts to be opened in Bugis. It takes over the now-defunct Captain K Seafood Tower.

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While waiting for the rest of the group to arrive, we started with some snacks to munch on. We had the Grilled Dried Thread-Sail Filefish ($15.40), Grilled Dried Pufferfish ($15.40) and Deep-fried Sweet Shrimp ($5.40).

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Grilled Dried Thread-Sail Filefish and Grilled Dried Pufferfish 4/5

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Deep-fried Sweet Shrimp 4/5

The delightful snacks can double up as bar bites to complement the drinks.

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Yakitori 3.5/5

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Chawanmushi 4.2/5

If you don't have the patience to wait for the meat to be cooked or just want a quick meal, there are several cooked items on the menu, such as Yakitori ($12), Donburi and Chawanmushi ($3.40)

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Prime Short Rib, Beef Chuck, Oyster Blade 4.2/5

Beef lovers can look forward to a good variety of cuts at En Yakinkiu. We started with three types of cuts, starting with the US Prime Short Rib ($28.90), US Beef Chuck ($17.90) and Oyster Blade ($17.90).

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A4 Wagyu Ribeye, A4 Wagyu Striploin 4.5/5

There are premium cuts, such as the Miyazaki A4 Wagyu Ribeye ($54.90) and Miyazaki A4 Wagyu Striploin ($54.90), for their beautiful marbling, giving it the melt-in-the-mouth texture.

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Gyu Tan 4.2/5

The more adventurous can go for the Gyu Tan ($21.90), which has a delightful crunchy texture once grilled.

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Chestnut-fed Duroc Pork Belly 4/5

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Spanish Pork Jowl 4/5

You need not worry if you are a non-beef eater. The Chestnut-fed Duroc Pork Belly ($15.90) and Spanish Pork Jowl ($15.90) are excellent options that are as satisfying as the beef cuts. In addition, the pork oil from the grilling emits a fragrant aroma enhancing the enjoyment.

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Tiger Prawn 4.2/5

We even had Tiger Prawn ($22) from the seafood selection to complete the yakiniku experience at En Yakiniku.

Overall, I enjoyed the food at the En Yakiniku. The pricing and the quality of meats and seafood served it is reasonable. Some may argue that you can find cheaper options. I agree but compare the quality or how thinly these places sliced their meats.


En Yakiniku
Midland House
112 Middle Road
#01-00A
Singapore 188970
Tel: +65 62555744
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm
Fri-Sun: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk down Victoria Street to Middle Road. Turn right onto Middle Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Bras Basah MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Queen Street to Middle Road. Cross the road and turn right onto Middle Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]