Saturday, January 4, 2025

Lo Hey HK Seafood (捞起海鲜) @ One Holland Village - Blending The Essence of Classic Hong Kong Seafood Restaurants with 1980s-90s Film Nostalgia

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Lo Hey Hong Kong Seafood is the latest addition to the vibrant One Holland Village, bringing a slice of old Hong Kong to Singapore. The restaurant exudes a nostalgic charm with its neon lights, jade tiles, and live seafood tanks, all accompanied by a cinematic flair reminiscent of the golden age of Hong Kong cinema in the 1980s and 1990s. With its unique ambience and a menu celebrating Hong Kong's beloved seafood traditions, Lo Hey Hong Kong Seafood promises a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

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Lo Hey Tossed Chicken Salad 4/5

A creative twist on the traditional Yu Sheng, the Lo Hey Tossed Chicken Salad ($22.80) features tender, succulent poached chicken paired with a tangy vinaigrette that harmoniously ties together a vibrant medley of julienned vegetables. A final touch of peanuts and fresh coriander adds crunch and herbaceous notes, making this a refreshing start to the meal.

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Hami Melon Sea Conch Chicken Soup 5/5

The standout dish for me was the Hami Melon Sea Conch Chicken Soup ($58), which is both heartwarming and nourishing. This soup is the result of meticulous preparation, simmered for eight hours to extract maximum flavour. The sweetness of Xinjiang Hami melon beautifully complements the umami richness of dried sea conch, scallops, pork ribs, and ginseng. The soup's savoury-sweet profile and restorative qualities make it a therapeutic and satisfying dish. Pre-ordering is essential for this comforting bowl of goodness.

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Sauteed Long Beans with Dried Shrimps 4.5/5

The Sauteed Long Beans with Dried Shrimps is a simple yet perfectly executed dish. The beans retain their crunch, while the dried shrimp and pork lard add a savoury depth, elevating this humble vegetable dish.

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Deep fried Chicken with Ginger 4.2/5

The Deep Fried Chicken with Ginger is an unassuming dish that allows the ingredients to shine. The chicken is tender and juicy, while the ginger provides a fragrant lift that enhances the overall flavour, making every bite deeply satisfying.

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Deep Fried Soon Hock with Soy Sauce 4/5

We had the Soon Hock ($10/100g) from the live seafood tanks and opted for the deep-fried preparation. The result was a beautifully crispy exterior paired with moist, flaky fish meat. The soy sauce provided the perfect complement, enhancing the fish's natural sweetness.

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Braised Lobster with Vermicelli 4.2/5

Diners can choose between Australian or Boston lobster for the live lobster. We opted for the Australian lobster (market price) and selected the Braised Lobster with Vermicelli cooking style. The vermicelli absorbed the crustacean's rich essence, making every mouthful an indulgent slurp packed with seafood flavour.

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"Typhoon Shelter" Style Stir Fried Crab 4.5/5

A must-try is the "Typhoon Shelter" Style Stir Fried Crab, a classic Cantonese dish originating from Hong Kong. The crab is cooked with a fragrant blend of spices and aromatics, creating an enticing aroma that pairs wonderfully with the natural sweetness of the crab meat. This dish encapsulates the bold and vibrant flavours of Hong Kong seafood cuisine.

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With its nostalgic charm, focus on live seafood and celebration of authentic Hong Kong flavours, Lo Hey Hong Kong Seafood offers a dining experience that brings the essence of Hong Kong's cuisine to Singapore.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Lo Hey HK Seafood
One Holland Village
#03-22/23/24
7 Holland Village Way
Singapore 275748
Tel: +65 6592 2699
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Website
Nearest MRT: Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk to Lorong Liput. Turn right onto Lorong Liput. Walk down Lorong Liput. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Friday, January 3, 2025

VITIS Wine Bar and Bistro @ DUO Galleria - Pairing Modern Asian Dishes with Asian Wines

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VITIS Wine Bar and Bistro, located at DUO Galleria, is an original concept that celebrates the richness and diversity of Asian wines and winemakers. Founded by seasoned sommelier Gary Low, who has worked in Michelin-starred establishments like JAAN by Kirk Westaway and Burnt Ends, VITIS boasts an exclusive collection of wines sourced from unique Asian terroirs. Executive Chef Kenneth Lin helms the culinary offerings, which are crafted to pair seamlessly with the wine selection, offering modern interpretations of beloved Asian flavours and classics.

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Our experience began with the GranMonte Cremant Methode Traditionelle Extra Brut, a sparkling wine from Thailand. This wine paired well with a selection of starters with a rich mouthfeel.

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Oyster with Ponzu

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Chutoro Tartlet 4.5/5, Deep-Fried Pig’s Tail 4/5

The Oyster with Ponzu offered a fresh, briny bite with a citrusy lift, while the Chutoro Tartlet combined unctuous tuna enriched with cured egg yolk with the subtle tang of kumquat. The Deep-Fried Pig's Tail with garlic vinaigrette was moreish with a satisfying crunch and a slightly gelatinous texture.

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Grilled Sumi Ika 4/5

Among the small plates, the Grilled Sumi Ika ($28) stood out both visually and in its execution. The tender, chewy squid stuffed with glutinous rice offered a delightful interplay of textures, further elevated by the nutty depth of a peanut and Kecap salsa.

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Thai-Style Eggplant Salad 4.5/5

Equally appetising was the piquant Thai-Style Eggplant Salad ($18). The tender eggplant soldiers absorbed the vibrant flavours of the Thai green chilli sauce, while the addition of the creamy ajitama provided a perfect balance to the dish's spice and acidity, creating a harmonious blend of bold and mellow notes.

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'HAE-MEE' Mussels 4/5

For large plates, the 'HAE-MEE' Mussels ($28) redefined the classic mussels dish with a robust prawn bisque. It was accompanied by sourdough bread meant for soaking up the umami-packed broth.

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Assam Glazed Ribs 4.5/5

The Assam Glazed Ribs ($26) were equally exceptional. It featured fork-tender meat coated in a tangy, sweet Assam Kicap Manis glaze. The surprise addition of a Rojak Salad added a refreshing contrast and a unique character to this dish.

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Both dishes paired beautifully with a bold Silver Heights Family Red, enhancing their robust flavours.

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Deconstructed Valrhona Chocolate Cake 4.5/5

Dessert was a Deconstructed Valrhona Chocolate Cake ($18) paired with lychee and chocolate crumble. This 'cake' was incredibly rich with a velvety texture, an indulgent treat to conclude the meal.

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The VITIS cellar features exclusive collections of bottles like the Long Dai Cabernet Blend 2019 from China’s Shandong region, often referred to as "The China Lafite," and the Fratelli Vitae Chardonnay 2016 from India. Other notable selections include Thailand’s GranMonte Sakuna Rosé 2023 and Taiwan’s Weightstone Blanc des Blancs Extra Brut 2020, showcasing the diverse terroirs of Asia. Additionally, the collection highlights wines crafted by Asian winemakers who have made their mark globally.

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.


VITIS Wine Bar and Bistro
DUO Galleria
7 Fraser Street
#01-46/47
Singapore 189356
Tel: +65 8823 3993
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (DT, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 215pm, 5pm - 1015pm
Sat: 5pm - 1015pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit E or F. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]