Kuan Zhai Alley (宽窄巷子) @ Capital Square - Modern Authentic Sichuan Restaurant, Bringing Your Dining Experience To The Next Level

Kuan Zhai Alley (宽窄巷子) at Capital Square is an extraordinary addition to the culinary scene in Chinatown, Singapore. This modern authentic Sichuan restaurant showcases the bold and vibrant flavours of Sichuan cuisine and celebrates its rich cultural heritage. Upon entering, you are immediately transported to a refined Chinese dining experience with its lavish interior design that exudes elegance. The attention to detail extends to the meticulously plated dishes, each a work of art.

Arctic Bay Scallops with Mushrooms 4.2/5

One standout dish is the Arctic Bay Scallops with Mushrooms ($38). It takes a unique approach by shredding and deep-frying the scallops, which are then delicately dressed in chilli oil. The resulting texture is reminiscent of dried squid, creating a delightful sensory experience.

Auspicious Shrimp Cake 4/5

The Auspicious Shrimp Cake ($78) is made from fresh prawns formed into a paste and coated in a thin crust. These delectable cakes are deep-fried to a perfect golden hue. Accompanied by an orange-infused mayonnaise and a spiced chilli dipping sauce, every bite is a symphony of flavours that elevates the enjoyment.

Lychee Shrimp Balls 4.2/5

Another interesting creation is the Lychee Shrimp Balls ($26), which are playfully presented hanging on a tree for diners to pluck from. These shrimp balls are delightfully springy and infused with the delicate essence of lychee. Pair them with the accompanying orange-infused mayonnaise for a burst of contrasting flavours.

Spicy & Peppery Chicken 3.5/5

While the Spicy & Peppery Chicken ($58) aims to showcase the popular Kou Shui Ji (口水鸡) dish, the execution falls slightly short. The chicken leans towards the drier side, and both the spicy and peppery sauces lack the expected intensity. It's a dish that could benefit from bolder flavours to capture the essence of Sichuan cuisine truly.

Cabbage with Pork Belly 4.2/5

In contrast, the Cabbage with Pork Belly ($22) embodies simplicity at its finest. Stir-fried to a delightful crunch, the sweetness of the cabbage harmonises beautifully with the fragrant pork belly, resulting in a satisfying and comforting dish.

Braised Fish with Sour Cowpeas 4.5/5

One of the meal's highlights is the Braised Fish with Sour Cowpeas ($168). Served in a simmering pot, the fish is perfectly cooked to a moist and tender texture. The accompanying sauce strikes a delightful balance of sweetness, spiciness, and tanginess, creating an incredibly appetising combination.

Chinese Brush Pastry 2.8/5

For dessert, the Chinese Brush Pastry ($36) arrives in a captivating presentation resembling a traditional Chinese brush set. The edible pastry tip allows you to "write" with chocolate sauce as if practising Chinese calligraphy. While visually captivating, the dessert needs to improve in terms of flavour and live up to the overall dining experience.

Kuan Zhai Alley aims to elevate Sichuan cuisine into a fine dining realm, evident in its exquisite presentation and attention to detail. However, it's worth noting that the price point leans towards the higher end, which all diners might not easily embrace. Whether Singaporeans will fully embrace this fine dining approach to Sichuan cuisine remains to be seen. Still, it undeniably offers a unique and memorable culinary experience for those willing to indulge.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Kuan Zhai Alley (宽窄巷子)
Capital Square
23 Church Street
#01-02 to 08
Singapore 049481
Tel: +65 81008577
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Raffles Place (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 3pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk straight down Telok Ayer Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk to Church Street. Cross the street and walk towards Telok Ayer Street. Turn left onto Telok Ayer Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Min Jiang @ Goodwood Park Hotel - 10 Hands Culinary Showcasing A Rediscovery Of Cantonese Classics (十手连环，美味无限)

Building upon the success of last year's highly acclaimed 8 Hands Culinary Showcase at Min Jiang, Goodwood Park, the renowned restaurant has once again raised the bar with its latest culinary extravaganza, the "10 Hands Culinary Showcase: A Rediscovery of Cantonese Classics". This anticipated event, taking place from 13 to 20 July 2023, brings together five distinguished chefs, including veteran guest chefs Chan Kwok, Yim Yiu Wing and Cheng Hon Chau, alongside Min Jiang's own esteemed chefs Chan Hwan Kee and Ho Chee Hee. With their combined expertise and illustrious careers, this exceptional lineup promises to deliver an unforgettable dining experience steeped in Cantonese traditions.

The showcase offers two meticulously curated set menus. The 6-course lunch menu ($138 per person) and the 8-course lunch and dinner menu ($168 per person) both promise to take diners on a journey of Cantonese flavours and traditions.

Steamed Diced Chicken in Pomegranate Egg White Parcel 4/5

Kicking off the feast is the visually stunning Steamed Diced Chicken in Pomegranate Egg White Parcel. Resembling a chrysanthemum and pomegranate, this dish features a delicate pastry made from scratch using egg white and flour. Inside, a medley of finely diced chicken, celery, dried shiitake, and carrots is bathed in superior stock and crowned with luscious crab roe, creating a harmonious blend of flavours.

Baked Stuffed Crab Shell & Roasted Silver Hill Irish Duck 4.2/5

Next, the Baked Stuffed Crab Shell takes centre stage, paying homage to Hong Kong's fusion of Eastern and Western cuisines. Handpicked Sri Lankan crab meat is combined with onions and shiitake mushrooms in a cream sauce reminiscent of bechamel. The mixture is then baked in a crab shell to golden perfection. Accompanying this delicacy is the succulent Roasted Silver Hill Irish Duck, complemented by sweet and juicy fresh mango and a tangy homemade plum sauce.

Boneless Chicken Thigh stuffed with Bird's Nest and Yunnan Ham Double-boiled Superior Soup 4.5/5

A standout dish, the Boneless Chicken Thigh stuffed with Bird's Nest and Yunnan Ham in Double-boiled Superior Soup, showcases hours of laborious cooking. The chicken is deboned and filled with premium bird's nest before being double-boiled for three additional hours. The result is a dish bursting with rich and pure flavours derived from the carefully selected ingredients.

Pan-fried Dace Fish Meat, Liver Sausage and Orange Peel stuffed in whole Dace Fish 4/5

Delving into a traditional recipe from the Shunde district in Guangdong, China, the Pan-fried Dace Fish Meat, Liver Sausage, and Orange Peel stuffed in a whole Dace Fish offers a delightful combination of textures and flavours. The dace fish flesh is expertly removed and blended into a fish paste, which is then combined with orange peel for a citrus note and finely diced liver sausage for added depth. The fish paste is stuffed back into the dace fish and pan-fried to crispy perfection.

Crispy Wontons with Pork and Seafood in Sweet and Sour Sauce 4/5

For those seeking a familiar yet elevated snack, the Crispy Wontons with Pork and Seafood in Sweet and Sour Sauce delivers. These wontons feature iberico char siew as a filling, elevating the dish's succulent flavour. Accompanied by a tantalizing sweet and sour sauce brimming with pork slices, pork liver, prawns, and scallops, this dish is a true delight when dipped into the sauce.

Wok-fried Crispy Silver Hill Irish Duck with Yam Paste 4.2/5

Prepare for a symphony of textures and flavours with the Wok-fried Crispy Silver Hill Irish Duck with Yam Paste. The duck is wok-fried to a golden brown, creating a layer of crispy goodness atop a bed of mashed taro. Each bite offers a delightful combination of fragrant, fluffy, juicy, and crispy elements.

Stewed White Jade Noodles with Wild Mushrooms and Mustard Green 4/5

As a light yet flavoursome finale to the savoury courses, the Stewed White Jade Noodles with Wild Mushrooms and Mustard Green provides a comforting and homely experience. This bowl of goodness brings together tender noodles, earthy wild mushrooms, and mustard greens in a flavoursome broth.

Crispy-fried Water Chestnut with Apricot, Chilled D24 Pandan Gula Melaka Rice Roll 4/5

To conclude this remarkable culinary journey, we are treated to a duo of delectable sweet treats. The Crispy-fried Water Chestnut with Apricot is a delightful creation where steamed water chestnut and apricot are enveloped in a thin, crispy batter, offering a delightful contrast of textures. Meanwhile, the Chilled D24 Pandan Gula Melaka Rice Roll steals the show with its soft and slightly chewy exterior, filled with creamy D24 durian pulp and enhanced by a drizzle of fragrant gula melaka. This harmonious combination leaves a lingering sweetness on the palate, providing a satisfying conclusion to the gastronomic adventure at the "10 Hands Culinary Showcase: A Rediscovery of Cantonese Classics."

Dine-in reservations may be made via phone: 6730 1704, email: min_jiang@goodwoodparkhotel.com and https://www.tablecheck.com/en/shops/goodwood-park-hotel-min-jiang/reserve

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Min Jiang
Goodwood Park Hotel
22 Scotts Road
Singapore 228221
Tel: +65 67301704
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

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

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk down Scotts Road to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]