Friday, January 10, 2025

Chopsuey Cafe @ Dempsey - Usher in Prosperity with an Exclusive Festive Menu

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Chopsuey Cafe at Dempsey will present an exclusive Lunar New Year menu from 20 January to 12 February. The menu offers a fusion of contemporary flavours across an array of à la carte and vegetarian dishes alongside a thoughtfully curated set menu.

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Lucky Lunar ‘Lo Hei’

Chopsuey Cafe’s signature Lucky Lunar ‘Lo Hei’ ($68/$88/$128), a vibrant mix of baby romaine, white radish, beetroot, carrot julienne, blueberries, pomegranate, pomelo, chunky cured salmon, toasted peanut crust, white sesame, and crispy wonton skin. The coarser toasted peanut crust added a delightful crunch, while extra virgin olive oil introduced a subtle herbaceous note that elevated this refreshing and textured dish.

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Prawn Toasties 4.8/5

Among the starters, the Prawn Toasties ($19) stood out with their juicy king prawn paste. They offered chunky bites encased in an airy, perfectly crisp fried bun. Paired with a chili-dipping gravy, it was a harmonious and satisfying bite.

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Crispy Shredded Duck Pancakes 4.5/5

The Crispy Shredded Duck Pancakes ($32) provided a creative twist on the classic Peking Duck. The shredded duck was tender and succulent, complemented by crispy bits and served with soft, chewy wraps that tied the elements together beautifully.

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Hot & Sour Soup 2/5

The vegetarian menu offers a Hot & Sour Soup ($14) loaded with tofu, mushrooms, vegetables, vinegar, and a dash of chilli oil for a spicy kick. It was vinegary enough but left an aftertaste that didn't quite work for me.

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Crispy Orange Kurobuta Pork 2.5/5

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Taiwanese-Style Three Cup Beef Tenderloin 3/5

The menu offers a wide selection of mains. The Crispy Orange Kurobuta Pork ($32), an elevated take on sweet and sour pork, delivered succulent pork morsels, but the overly thick and sweet sauce was overwhelming. The Taiwanese-Style Three Cup Beef Tenderloin offered a slightly more balanced flavour, though it leaned towards sweetness as well.

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Steamed Whole Fish 3/5

The Steamed Whole Fish ($112) featured the Catch of the Day, classic with crispy ginger, julienned scallions, and premium soy sauce.

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Steamed Free-Range Chicken with Herbs & Hua Tiao Wine 4/5

The Steamed Free-Range Chicken with Herbs & Hua Tiao Wine ($36) was simple but delivered light and comforting flavours with aromatic herbs and the depth of premium Hua Tiao wine. This homely dish, reminiscent of chicken soup, was particularly memorable.

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Wok Breath Fried Hor Fun 3/5

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Lobster Fried Rice 3/5

Classic dishes like the Wok Breath Fried Hor Fun with Fish ($26) impressed me with a decent amount of wok hei, though the fish slices were rather bland. The Lobster Fried Rice ($42) featured chunks of lobster and boasted distinct grains and flavorful notes from cai po and garlic, but the unexpected sweetness overshadowed its savoury profile.

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Stir-Fried Crunchy Leafy Greens 4.5/5

Stir-Fried Crunchy Leafy Greens ($16) featured a mix of Chinese kale and mini chard that were just given a quick sauté with fried garlic cloves, white pepper, and rice wine, preserving the freshness of the greens.

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Golden Pineapple Tart 3.5/5

The Lunar New Year-themed menu features a special cocktail and a dessert — the Golden Prosperity Punch ($20) and Golden Pineapple Tart ($18).

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The Joyous Reunion Set Menu ($138++ per pax) is designed for groups with a minimum of four pax, includes three delectable starters, a comforting soup dish, and three seasonal main dishes, all served with a side of vegetables and your choice of rice or noodles. A specially curated vegetarian menu is also available.

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.


Chopsuey Cafe
10 Dempsey Road
#01-23
Singapore 247700
Tel: +65 6708 9288
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Nearest MRT: Napier (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 11am - 11pm
Fri-Sat: 11am - 1130pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Napier MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk to bus stop at Napier Station (Stop ID 13011). Take bus number 7, 75, 77, 105, 106, 123 or 174. Alight 2 stops later. Take the stairs up to Dempsey Road. Walk up to Dempsey Hill. Walk right to the back of the cluster. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Thursday, January 9, 2025

Little Elephant Thai Bistro @ Tiong Bahru - Authentic Thai Flavours in One of Singapore's Oldest Estate

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Nestled in the heart of Tiong Bahru is Little Elephant Thai Bistro, a cosy Thai restaurant that promises authentic Thai flavours in a warm, inviting space. Having heard rave reviews about their food, we decided to drop by for a lunch visit to see if it lives up to its reputation.

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Som Tum Thai - Thai Classic Papaya Salad "Spicy" 4.2/5

We started our meal with the Som Tum Thai ($8.90), a quintessential Thai papaya salad with a delightful balance of tangy, spicy, and sweet flavours. The freshness of the julienned green papaya paired with the crunch of peanuts made for an appetising start. What stood out was the preparation — spices were hand-pounded, and the salad was mixed a la minute, ensuring bold and vibrant flavours in every bite.

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Tom Yum Kung (Clear/Creamy) 4.2/5

No Thai meal is complete without Tom Yum Kung ($16.90), the iconic hot and sour soup. Little Elephant offers two variations: clear or creamy. We opted for the creamy version, which was packed with depth and complexity. The harmonious blend of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy flavours was complemented by a rich, velvety texture. It was comforting yet bold.

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Kailan with Oyster Sauce 4/5

We ordered the Kailan with Oyster Sauce ($9.90) to add some greens to our meal. This simple yet well-executed dish highlighted the crisp, fresh texture of the Kailan, which was enhanced by the savoury oyster sauce. Sometimes, less is more, and this dish proved that point perfectly.

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Thai Lemongrass Sweet & Sour Pork 4.2/5

A unique addition to the menu, the Thai Lemongrass Sweet & Sour Pork ($14.90) offered a refreshing twist to a classic dish. Unlike the typical Chinese version, this rendition featured chunky, generously portioned pieces of pork with a fragrant lemongrass aroma that elevated the dish. The balance of sweet and sour flavours was spot on, making this an unexpected favourite.

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Steamed Seabass in Lime & Garlic Sauce 4.2/5

A staple in Thai cuisine and a personal favourite, the Steamed Seabass in Lime & Garlic Sauce ($32.90) did not disappoint. The seabass was steamed to perfection, with tender and moist flesh that absorbed the vibrant lime and garlic sauce beautifully. The zesty tang from the lime made this dish incredibly refreshing and appetising — an absolute must-try for seafood lovers.

Little Elephant delivers on its promise of authentic Thai cuisine with flavourful, thoughtfully prepared, and reasonably priced dishes. The cosy ambience and attentive service further enhanced our dining experience. Whether you're craving a comforting bowl of Tom Yum or a zesty steamed seabass, this cosy gem in Tiong Bahru is well worth a visit.


Little Elephant Thai Bistro
Blk 57 Eng Hoon Street
#01-72
Singapore 160057
Tel: +65 6224 1646
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Nearest MRT: Havelock (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Havelock MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk straight down Zion Road. Walk to traffic junction of Zion Road and Tiong Bahru Road. Cross the road and walk to Seng Poh Road. Walk down Seng Poh Road. Turn left onto Eng Hoon Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]