Cai Lin Ji (蔡林記) @ Tanjong Pagar - Newly Opened 2nd Outlet at Guoco Tower Featuring Hubei Signatures

Cai Lin Ji (蔡林記) first introduced their Hubei Signatures to Jurong Point in Boon Lay but has quickly introduced their second new outlet at Guoco Tower in Tanjong Pagar. Guoco Tower is conveniently connected to Tanjong Pagar MRT Station, and you can reach its store in less than two minutes after tapping out.

Cai Lin Ji is a very no-frills type of eatery where the food is served fast and priced reasonably.

Green Brick Tea

We had Hubei's prized heritage tea to accompany our meal. The Green Brick Tea ($6.80/pot) was mellow and refreshing, helpful to cut through the heavier dishes.

Steamed Pork with Rice Flour 4.2/5

While it didn't look the most appetising, the Steamed Pork with Rice Flour ($9.90) was a pleasant surprise. This had steamed soft potatoes and tender pork belly loaded with rich and nutty spiced rice flour. We learned that this is a rare dish even in restaurants in China and is usually enjoyed at home instead for special festive occasions.

Pearl Meatballs 4.2/5

The Pearl Meatballs ($5.90/3 pcs) were reminiscent of our local Lo Mai Gai (glutinous rice chicken). The rice exterior was sticky to the teeth, but we didn't mind. You will find tender and juicy meat within.

Vegetable Cold Dish Appetiser 3.5/5

For something lighter, you can consider the Vegetable Cold Dish Appetiser ($5.90), which has a slightly tangy mix of glass noodles, black fungus, carrots, and more.

Shrimp HuTangFen 3.8/5

We found the Shrimp HuTangFen ($11.90) a tad underwhelming. The gravy is distinctly peppery with a slightly thicker consistency.

While I enjoyed the bits of crunchy sour vegetables and savoury hae bi, they could come in a bigger portion for better variety in flavour and texture.

Zha Jiang Hot Dry Noodles 4.5/5

We initially saw a couple of average reviews for the Zha Jiang Hot Dry Noodles ($7.90), mentioning that it was too dry, but ours was done just right!

The slightly chewy noodles are tossed in a very nutty sauce with a base of sesame, dark soya, garlic and sweet bean before being topped with minced meat, crunchy preserved vegetables, and spring onions. This was full of flavour with well-marinated meat. I recommend mixing this up and digging in right away upon serving.

Three Delicacies Dou Pi 3.8/5

A traditional Hubei snack, the Three Delicacies Dou Pi ($4.50/pc, $8.50/2 pcs), is an interesting dish made of different layers of ingredients.

The base was potato flour, egg, steamed glutinous rice, and toppings of minced meat, pork belly, and mushrooms. Overall, I just thought it was a bit too oily for my liking.

Han Kou Wanton 4.5/5

The freshly made daily Han Kou Wanton ($6.90) came in a bowl of 10 pieces and would be a good sharing option. The wanton skin was smooth, with a savoury meat centre.

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.


Cai Lin Ji (蔡林記)
Guoco Tower
#B2-26
1 Wallich Street
Singapore 078881
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Tap out from the train station and walk straight to destination. Journey time about 2 minutes. [Map]

Song Yue Taiwan Cuisine (松悦台式料理) @ Kallang Leisure Park - A Showcase of Taiwanese Homestyle Specialities Alongside Exquisite Fine Teas

Song Yue Taiwan Cuisine (松悦台式料理), a celebration of Taiwan's culinary heritage, has left an indelible mark on my gastronomic journey this year. The restaurant, a gem nestled in the heart of Singapore, artfully crafts a menu that accentuates the natural goodness of seasonal produce. Recommending it to friends has become a familiar refrain, and I'm already planning a return for another delightful dinner.

Taiwanese Style Pickled Chilled Dishes 4/5

Our dinner at Song Yue commenced with a trio of Taiwanese-style home-pickled chilled dishes. While the Pickled Cherry Tomatoes with Sour Plums presented a familiar delight, the Winter Melon Pickled with Fresh Passion Fruit and Pickled Cabbage & Radish introduced a refreshing novelty.

Pineapple Prawns with Crispy You-Tiao 4.2/5

A standout from many Taiwanese menus, the Pineapple Prawns with Crispy You-Tiao ($18.90) featured prawns delicately battered and wok-tossed with pineapples in a citrusy mayonnaise dressing. The addition of homemade dough fritters stuffed with hand-beaten squid and prawn paste elevated the dish, providing a delightful textural contrast.

Traditional Ginger Duck 4.2/5

The Traditional Ginger Duck ($19.90/ $36.90) delivered a bowl of comfort with tender duck stewed in a rich broth infused with ginger and black sesame oil. It was a warm embrace of earthy and nutty notes.

Farm Chicken with Spring Onion 4.5/5

Equally compelling was the Farm Chicken with Spring Onion ($18.90 Half/ $33.90 Whole). The local kampong chicken, poached to perfection, was paired with a homemade fresh spring onion and ginger dipping sauce, creating a symphony of natural flavours.

Salt and Pepper Promfret with Crispy Garlic Chips 4.2/5

The Salt and Pepper Promfret with Crispy Garlic Chips ($35.90) showcased a pristine promfret, deboned and fried to a crispy golden perfection. Seasoned with salt and pepper, it was adorned with crunchy, deep-fried garlic chips for an aromatic finish.

Silken Tofu with Pumpkin and Crabmeat 4.5/5

The Silken Tofu with Pumpkin and Crabmeat ($18.90) is an uplifting symphony of flavours, where the silkiness of white tofu meets the sweetness of golden pumpkin and the umami richness of fresh crabmeat.

Slow-Braised Pork Ribs with White Radish 4/5

The Slow-Braised Pork Ribs with White Radish ($18.90) presents succulent prime ribs and sweet white radish, lovingly simmered over low heat in a soy-based sauce infused with a variety of herbs. The result is a dish where the ribs become melt-in-the-mouth tender, offering a delightful harmony of flavours.

Crispy Egg with Black Sesame Oil 5/5

A seemingly simple dish, the Crispy Egg with Black Sesame Oil ($16.90), garnered rave reviews. Perfectly fried fresh eggs with crisp edges and a soft, oozy centre were simmered in a sweet-and-savoury sauce made with fragrant local black sesame oil. This dish, suitable for all ages, pairs wonderfully with a bowl of rice.

Ah Ma's Rice Vermicelli and Taro Soup 4.5/5

The Ah Ma's Rice Vermicelli and Taro Soup ($19.90/ $32.90) pays tribute to the nostalgic Taiwanese rice vermicelli soup. Crafted using the finest rice vermicelli from Xin Zhu, it is presented in a rich, aromatic pork bone broth with sliced pork, dried shrimp, lala clams, shiitake mushrooms, and fragrant taro. Every spoonful evokes a warm embrace of tradition and comfort, reminiscent of grandma's cooking.

Cabbage and Hokkaido Scallop Stone Pot Rice 4.2/5

For those who adore rice, the standout is the Cabbage and Hokkaido Scallop Stone Pot Rice ($19.90/ $32.90). It is crafted with top-notch grade 1 short-grained rice from Tai Chung, renowned for its sweetness and firm, slightly chewy texture. Served in a piping hot stone pot, the Taiwanese Cabbage Rice rendition adds a smoky flavour to the rice, crowned with seared Hokkaido scallops.

Chilled Oolong Ai-Yu Jelly with Green Lemon 4.2/5

Sweet Potato in Ginger Soup 4.2/5

The meal concluded with traditional homemade desserts, including the nourishing Double-boiled Apple & Pear in White Fungus Soup ($7.90), wholesome Sweet Potato in Ginger Soup ($6.90), and the invigorating Chilled Oolong Ai-Yu Jelly with Green Lemon.

Double-Boiled Apple & Pear in White Fungus Soup 4.2/5

Beyond the delectable dishes, Song Yue Taiwan Cuisine also places a spotlight on Taiwan's tea culture. With a selection of premium Taiwanese teas sourced directly from small family tea farms, the restaurant offers a delightful journey into the world of Taiwanese tea. The in-house certified tea specialist ensures a perfect brew, complementing the dining experience. The restaurant's homemade chilled tea and fruit beverages add an extra layer of enjoyment to an already exquisite meal. A visit to Song Yue is not just a meal; it's an exploration of Taiwan's culinary richness and a journey through the island's tea culture.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Song Yue Taiwan Cuisine
(松悦台式料理)
5 Stadium Walk
#01-38/39
Singapore 397693
Tel: +65 6988 3322
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Nearest MRT: Stadium (CC Line), Tanjong Rhu (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 1130am - 330pm, 5pm - 9pm
Fri-Sat, Eve PH: 1130am - 330pm, 5pm - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Stadium MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Rhu MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk towards the river. Cross the bridge to indoor stadium. Cut across the open air carpark towards Stadium Crescent Road. Walk to Kallang Theatre. Turn right onto Stadium Walk. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]