Wednesday, January 8, 2025

Xi Men Jie (西門街) @ The Rail Mall - New Casual Eatery Serving Popular Taiwanese Dishes

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Taiwanese casual eatery Xi Men Jie (西門街) opened in 2015 and has steadily expanded to eight outlets across Singapore. The latest addition is located at The Rail Mall, conveniently situated at the end closest to The Rail Corridor.

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Stepping in, the interior is bright, clean, and spacious. The menu focuses on popular Taiwanese staples, including Mee Sua, Braised Pork Rice, and Street Snacks, alongside a variety of noodles, fried rice, soups, and porridge options.

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Ocean Blue Sparkle

We started with the Ocean Blue Sparkle ($6.90), a white peach-based drink with jelly cubes. This was too sweet for our taste. The beverage choices here are vast, ranging from bubble tea to homemade drinks and more classic hot beverages.

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Xiao Tang Bao Soup Dumplings 3.8/5

The Xiao Tang Bao Soup Dumplings ($7.90) was served in a portion of six. Each dumpling carried a decent amount of savoury soup and tender meat.

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Taiwan Smoked Sausage Egg Fried Rice 3/5

Next, we had the Taiwan Smoked Sausage Egg Fried Rice ($9.50). While we appreciated the use of pearl rice, the dish could be much better seasoned. Other fried rice options include pork cutlet, crispy chicken cutlet, and more.

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Braised Pig Intestine Mee Sua 3.8/5

Last but not least, we had the Braised Pig Intestine Mee Sua ($8.90), a hearty and well-seasoned rendition. The mee sua is also available with other toppings, such as oysters and shredded chicken.

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.


Xi Men Jie (西門街)
The Rail Mall
398 Upper Bukit Timah Road
Singapore 678049
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Website
Nearest MRT: Hillview MRT (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 8am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Hillview MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Upper Bukit Timah Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Tuesday, January 7, 2025

Man Fu Yuan @ InterContinental Singapore - Celebrate the Year of the Snake with Embering Abundance

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Ring in the Year of the Snake with an opulent dining experience at Man Fu Yuan, located in the heart of InterContinental Singapore. From 15 December 2024 to 16 February 2025, the restaurant presents a grand celebration of Lunar New Year traditions, offering meticulously curated menus and luxurious à la carte dishes. Whether you're dining in or indulging in takeaway treasures, Man Fu Yuan promises a feast of abundance and joy.

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Blazing Snake Fortune Yu Sheng

The highlight of this year's celebrations is the Blazing Snake Fortune Yu Sheng ($988++, serves up to 10 guests), a spectacular creation featuring an intricate design of eight "snakes," each symbolizing blessings like Peace, Prosperity, Health, and Good Fortune. Grilled eels, signifying renewal, take centre stage alongside premium ingredients like abalone, rock lobster, salmon sashimi, crispy skin, ikura, and Hokkaido shredded dried scallops. Drizzled with golden wafu, roasted sesame dressing, and fragrant oil, this magnificent 60-inch yu sheng is the perfect way to usher in a prosperous year.

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Braised 'Kao Fu' Beancurd with Superior Soy Sauce 3/5

The meal began with a delicate amuse-bouche: Braised 'Kao Fu' Beancurd with Superior Soy Sauce. A bite-sized delight, it offered a glimpse of the refined craftsmanship that Man Fu Yuan brings to its Lunar New Year menu.

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Braised Spinach Seafood Bisque with Fish Maw 4.2/5

A departure from the usual broths, the Braised Spinach Seafood Bisque with Fish Maw features a light yet flavourful broth infused with seafood essence. Paired with premium fish maw that boasts a firm and bouncy texture, this dish is both refreshing and luxurious.

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Braised South African 6-head Abalone with Iberico Pork Collar, Flower Mushroom 4.2/5

This trio of indulgences includes Braised South African 6-head Abalone enriched with a luscious braising sauce, tender Iberico Pork Collar, and earthy Flower Mushrooms. The abalone, cooked to perfection, and the Iberico pork, with its delightful crunch, made this dish a standout.

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Braised Whole Guan Dong Sea Cucumber Stuffed with Minced Pork and Prawn 4.2/5

The Braised Whole Guan Dong Sea Cucumber is a true delicacy stuffed with a savoury blend of minced pork and prawn. The sea cucumber's gelatinous texture complements the flavourful stuffing, creating a dish that's as satisfying as it is unique.

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Steamed Greenland Halibut with Preserved Citrus Golden Chilli Sauce and Scallion 4.5/5

The Steamed Greenland Halibut was tender and moist, with the preserved citrus golden chilli sauce adding a sweet, tangy, and spicy kick that elevated the dish. The balanced flavours paired harmoniously with the fish’s delicate texture.

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Braised Duo La Mian with Alaska King Crab, Rock Lobster and Crab Roe 4.2/5

This luxurious noodle dish features Braised Duo La Mian soaked in a rich crab roe sauce, offering an umami-packed finish. The addition of Alaska king crab and rock lobster makes it a decadent treat perfect for the festive season.

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Braised Rock Lobster with Golden Crispy Rice, Lobster Bisque, Garlic, Ginger 4.8/5

A must-try is the Braised Rock Lobster with Golden Crispy Rice, where fragrant rice absorbs the robust flavours of the lobster bisque. The garlic and ginger lend a subtle warmth, making each mouthful rich and satisfying.

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Chilled Osmanthus Flower Tea 4.2/5

To conclude the meal, the Chilled Osmanthus Flower Tea offers a refreshing endnote. This light, sweet soup is brimming with nourishing ingredients like red dates, snow lotus seeds, dried longan, lily bulbs, and golden bird's nest, embodying both tradition and indulgence.

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Man Fu Yuan Abundance Treasure Pot

For a communal feast, the Man Fu Yuan Abundance Treasure Pot is a treasure trove of over 18 premium ingredients, including 6-head whole abalone, rock lobster, premium sea cucumber, fish maw, and more. Available for both dine-in and takeaway, it's the ultimate centrepiece for any Lunar New Year celebration.

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Steamed Rock Lobster with Glutinous Rice, Crabmeat and Crab Roe

Beyond the prix-fixe menus, Man Fu Yuan offers exquisite à la carte options for those seeking specific indulgences:

- Steamed Rock Lobster with Glutinous Rice, Crabmeat, and Crab Roe ($158++) – A delicately steamed lobster atop fragrant glutinous rice infused with sweet crabmeat and umami-rich crab roe.

- Flambé Eight Treasure Duck with Abalone ($198++) – A stunning whole duck stuffed with auspicious ingredients, crowned with tender abalone and flambéed for dramatic flair.

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Flambe Eight Treasure Duck with Abalone

Lunar New Year takeaway goodies are available for pre-order from 15 December 2024 to 12 February 2025. For reservations and enquiries, call +65 6825 1008 or email sinhbmanfuyuan.manfuyuan@ihg.com. Alternatively, browse the takeaway options online at InterContinental Singapore Festive Goodies.

Man Fu Yuan once again raises the bar with its impeccable Lunar New Year offerings, blending timeless traditions with modern flair. Whether you're dining in or taking home a festive feast, this culinary destination ensures a prosperous and indulgent start to the Year of the Snake.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Man Fu Yuan
InterContinental Singapore
Level 2
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 63387600
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1145am - 330pm, 630pm - 1030pm

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