Wednesday, May 1, 2024

Min Xiao Min 闽小闽 @ Boat Quay - Homely Minnan Cuisine From China Fujian Province

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Min Xiao Min is new to the stretch of shophouses along Boat Quay. It serves homely Minnan cuisine from China's Fujian province. The eatery is small and cosy, managed by a young and friendly owner.

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Pork Fusion Fish Ball Pro Max 4/5

I was initially sceptical of the Pork Fusion Fish Ball Pro Max ($6.90) as I'm generally not a fan of the similar Fuzhou fish balls. I enjoyed this a lot more than I expected. The tennis-ball-sized fish paste ball had a delightfully chewy texture, with a tender pork ball hidden within. Cutting it open revealed a savoury pork broth that enhanced the flavour of the seaweed soup.

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Fried Pork in Spring Roll 3/5

The Fried Pork in Spring Roll ($6.80) resembled ngoh hiang, featuring minced pork encased in tofu skin and fried. However, my dining companion and I found it overly sweet and oily for our taste.

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Garlic Stir-fried Chicken 4/5

The Garlic Stir-fried Chicken ($18.80) is ideal for sharing, especially when paired with white rice. Although pretty addictive, its sweet and salty glaze can become a bit heavy.

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Shacha Noodle 4/5

I tried Shacha Noodle ($9) for the first time here, and it was reminiscent of prawn noodles initially but with an added nutty flavour from the prawn, pork, and shacha sauce broth. The generous portion included yellow noodles soaking up the broth, accompanied by beansprouts, fresh prawns, and pork slices.

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Boiled Fish 4/5

Consider sharing the Boiled Fish ($19.90) if you're dining with a group. While it may appear to look like Sichuan Boiled Fish (水煮鱼), they are pretty different. The gravy boasts a thicker consistency and a more robust garlicky flavour, perfect with white rice. Served with thick fish slices, beansprouts, and cabbage, this dish is also available to order with beef slices.

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.


Min Xiao Min 闽小闽
47 South Bridge Road
Singapore 058680
Tel: +65 8180 7675
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Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon, Wed-Sun: 11.30am to 3pm, 5pm to 9pm
(Closed on Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit E. Cross the road. Turn right and walk to Carpenter Street. Turn left onto Carpenter Street. Walk down Carpenter Street to South Bridge Road. Cross the road. Turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Raffles Place MRT staton. Take Exit G. Walk stright to North Canal Road. Walk down North Canal Road to South Bridge Road. Turn right onto South Bridge Road. Walk to destination. Journey time bout 8 minutes. [Map]

Tuesday, April 30, 2024

SPRMRKT @ Dempsey Hill - Limited-time Collaboration with Enjoy Eating House and Bar for Redefined Local Dishes

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Enjoy Eating House and Bar, helmed by Chef Joel Ong, is renowned for its elevated take on local cuisine, showcased at its flagship outlet in Jalan Besar and a second location on Sixth Avenue. Now, in collaboration with SPRMRKT, diners can savour its offerings amidst the verdant surroundings of Dempsey Hill. The collaboration is available from Thursdays to Sundays, 5pm to 10pm, until the end of July.

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Black Dog Quail Egg 4/5

Served chilled and inspired by black vinegar braise, the Black Dog Quail Egg ($8) served as a tangy and appetising starter.

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Kueh Pie Tee 3.8/5

The Kueh Pie Tee ($18) featured a pretty flavourful shredded jicama filling made in prawn and conpoy stock alongside handmade pastry shells. Despite this, my dining companion and I found it a tad too pricey for its portion. It was served with house garlic chilli, egg, and sweet soy to pair.

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Chonky Chicken Satay 4.2/5

The Chonky Chicken Satay ($20) lived up to its name with generously sized, spice-marinated chicken chunks served alongside homemade ketupat and a side of creamy peanut sauce infused with a zesty pineapple purée. Each juicy chicken piece boasted a delightful smoky char.

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Enjoy Hokkien Mee 3.8/5

The Enjoy Hokkien Mee ($34) is one of the restaurant's popular dishes. It consists of noodles simmered in a prawn broth stir-fried with wild-caught "Ang Kar" prawns, pork belly, squid, and pork lard. While the noodles carried a decent amount of wok hei and the seafood was fresh, we thought the dish was considerably pricey. If you enjoy the pork lard-laden type of hokkien mee, you will enjoy this.

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Crispy Local Barramundi in Chef Joel’s Red Curry 4.5/5

For me, a must-order is the Crispy Local Barramundi in Chef Joel's Red Curry ($29). The perfectly fried barramundi sat atop a house coconut curry sauce featuring sautéed local vegetables. The fish impressed with its flaky, tender meat and lightly crisp skin, while the rich curry sauce striked a balance with its satisfyingly creamy texture and just the right amount of heat. This was value for money.

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Smoked Cod Otah 4/5

Chef Joel showcased innovation with his Smoked Cod Otah ($22), a departure from the familiar smooth-textured steamed muar otah. His rendition features grilled spicy fish paste with smoked cod chunks, which offer a delightful smokiness, lingering heat and mix of texture. For an extra zest, pair it with the side cincalok.

If you frequent Dempsey Hill, this is a good opportunity to sample Enjoy Eating House’s food. SPRMRKT also offers a wide range of alcoholic drinks to accompany.

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.


SPRMRKT x Enjoy Eating House and Bar
Blk 8 Dempsey Road
#01-15A
Singapore 247696
Tel: +65 8129 8166
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Nearest MRT: Napier (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Enjoy Eating House and Bar Menu
Thu-Sun: 5pm to 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Napier MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk to bus stop opposite Singapore Botanic Gardens (Stop ID 13011). Take bus number 7, 75, 77, 105, 106, 123 or 174. Alight 2 stops later. Walk up to Dempsey Hill. Walk right to the back of the cluster. Walk to destination. Journey time 12 minutes. [Map]