Xia Mi Hao Liao (虾觅好料) @ Jalan Besar - Hairy Crabs and Crawfish at New Hubei-style Chinese Restaurant

Xia Mi Hao Liao (虾觅好料) is a new Hubei-style seafood restaurant that has just opened its doors in Jalan Besar, specialising in hairy crabs and live crawfish. These seafood delights are flown in weekly from China to ensure freshness. Diners can enjoy their crabs and crawfish prepared in one of five ways: Spicy, Signature 10 Spiced, Steamed, Minced Garlic, or Bi Feng Tang style.

The restaurant, which seats 68 guests across two stories, is decked in vibrant, eclectic colours and lively wall paintings. For those seeking a more private dining experience, VIP rooms are available by reservation.

Pickled Cucumbers 3.5/5

We began our meal with the Pickled Cucumbers ($12). Despite its unassuming appearance, these crunchy cucumber strips packed a surprisingly strong kick of heat and a lingering numbness. However, we found the portion size too pricey for what was offered.

Lotus Root Fries 3/5

Next, we tried the Lotus Root Fries ($16). These thick-cut, crunchy fries provided an interesting alternative to the usual potato fries.

Salt & Pepper Crawfish Tail 3.5/5

Another starter we had was the crunchy Salt & Pepper Crawfish Tail ($32), which could be eaten whole, shell included. The seasoning was addictive, but these weren't as fresh and fleshy and felt pricey for its portion. From now until 30 September, the restaurant is offering a promotion of 50% off this dish, with a minimum order of one large portion of live crawfish. This offer is valid for dine-in only.

Steamed Hairy Crab 3.8/5

The first main dish we tried was the Steamed Hairy Crab (Seasonal Price), served in a bamboo steamer. Each crab was fresh and carried a good amount of rich, creamy roe. Although dips of soy sauce, vinegar, and ginger were provided, we preferred to enjoy the natural flavours of the crab on its own.

Steamed Crawfish 3.8/5

Following the hairy crab, we were served a basket of Steamed Crawfish ($48 for S, $90 for L). The bright red crawfish were also served with the same dipping sauces as the hairy crab. The crawfish meat was decent on its own, but the dips helped to enhance the flavour.

Signature 10 Spiced Combo 4/5

We moved on to the Signature 10 Spiced Combo ($125), which was much richer in flavour. This dish featured crabs and crawfish cooked in an oil-stewed 10-spice sauce made from a blend of spices, including star anise, licorice root, and Chinese cinnamon. There's also an option to add instant noodles, which can be tossed in the base red oil, though we found the noodles to be a bit too salty for our liking.

Bi Feng Tang Combo 4/5

The final dish we tried was the Bi Feng Tang Combo ($125). It consisted of a mix of crabs and crawfish coated in deep-fried minced garlic, peppered with chillies and black beans. The aromatic garlic added a delightful crunch.

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.


Xia Mi Hao Liao (虾觅好料)
20 Upper Weld Road
Singapore 207377
Tel: +65 8314 5451
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Nearest MRT: Jalan Besar MRT (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 5pm - 1am
Sat-Sun, PH: 1130am - 1am

Direction:
1) Alight at Jalan Besar MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk towards Weld Road. Turn right onto Weld Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

HighHouse @ One Raffles Place - Third Edition of Its Monthly Brunch Series, "Brunch Out! Arcade Appetites: Vroom Vroom."

HighHouse at One Raffles Place hosts a monthly brunch series on the last Saturday of each month from 11.30 am to 3.30 pm. On August 29th, they held their third edition, themed around the annual F1 races: "Brunch Out! Arcade Appetites: Vroom Vroom." The brunch featured a diverse array of food stations, offering a distinctive range of dishes to suit various tastes.

Yellowfin Tuna and Spanish Octopus Ceviche 3.8/5

The Ceviche Bar provided a light start, featuring Yellowfin Tuna and Spanish Octopus Ceviche brightened by zesty Philippine Pineapple Salsa. The combination of both seafood elements offered a satisfying textural bite, while the guacamole added creaminess and enhanced the overall mouthfeel.

BBQ Glazed & White Pepper Sakura Pork Belly 5/5, Australian Wagyu Beef Brisket 3.8/5

The Live Carving Station was undoubtedly the most popular, offering two standout items: Oven Baked BBQ Glazed & White Pepper Sakura Pork Belly and Mexican Style Josper Grilled Australian Wagyu Beef Brisket. The pork belly shone with its ultra-tender meat and glaze that perfectly complemented its richness. The brisket, while flavorful, leaned towards the drier side. The deeply caramelised Honey Soy Brussel sprouts and grilled pineapples were pure deliciousness!

48-month-aged Jamon Iberico De Bellota 3/5

For cheese lovers, the Cheese Counter offers a selection of fine cheese and a 48-month-aged Jamon Iberico De Bellota, an ideal pairing with the free-flowing Telmont champagne, selected wines, and cocktails included with the ticket.

Other stations included a Steam Fish Station serving Greenland Halibut prepared en papillote, a Salad Bar, and a Dessert Counter, ensuring a wide range of palates were catered to.

The ticket was priced at $138++ with complimentary free-flow Telmont champagne, selected wines and cocktails. Each ticket has three coupons to exchange for three dishes from the various food stations. It's a weird concept, but it probably works for those who drink a lot over the food.

Photos and words by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


HighHouse
1 Raffles Place
L61-62
Singapore 048616
Tel: +65 9677 8074
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Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Tue, Thu: 1130 am–1 am
Wed: 1130 am–2 am
Fri-Sat: 5 pm–2 am
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]