Friday, September 12, 2025

Nat's Chick @ The Venue Shoppes (Potong Pasir) - The Daughter of Five Star Chicken Rice Founder Relocated Her Stall to Potong Pasir

NatsChickPotongPasir10

I have been following Nat’s journey since her early days at Ah Five Hainanese Chicken Rice in Ang Mo Kio, through to Nat’s Chick Cuisine Better Days Chicken Rice at People’s Park Centre. Now, she has relocated once again, this time settling into a new space at The Venue Shoppes in Potong Pasir. What continues to impress me is her dedication — a true one-woman show, handling everything from cooking to taking orders and serving, all these years.

NatsChickPotongPasir12

NatsChick-3

Consistency has always been central to Natalie’s craft. She stays true to her philosophy of using premium grade A kampong chicken, just as she did from the beginning. The result is a poached chicken that is tender, juicy, and distinctly sweeter than the usual broiler chicken often used elsewhere.

NatsChickPotongPasir4
Whole Kampong Chicken 4.2/5

On this visit, we ordered the Whole Kampong Chicken ($44). It was well-prepared, succulent, and full of natural flavour. However, the rice fell slightly short this time, lacking the signature chicken oil fragrance that makes or breaks a good chicken rice. Perhaps with more time to adapt to her new kitchen, she will fine-tune the consistency and restore the standard she is known for. That said, her housemade chilli sauce still delivers a fiery kick that pairs perfectly with the chicken.

NatsChickPotongPasir6
Baby Kai Lan 3/5

NatsChickPotongPasir8
Onion Omelette 3.5/5

The menu also includes other homely dishes to complete the meal. We tried the Baby Kai Lan ($6) and Onion Omelette ($7), both simple yet satisfying additions that complement the chicken nicely and offer diners more variety.

NatsChick-1

Nat’s dedication and passion remain unwavering, and while there’s room for refinement in certain aspects, it’s heartening to see her continue to uphold her one-lady legacy of serving quality kampong chicken rice.


Nat's Chick
The Venue Shoppes
2 Tai Thong Cresent
#01-07
Singapore 347836
Facebook
Instagram
Nearest MRT: Potong Pasir (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 9pm (or earlier till sold out)

Direction:
1) Alight at Potong Pasir MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk down Upper Serangoon Road. Turn left onto Tai Thong Cresent. At Tai Thong Cresent, cross the road and walk straigh to destination. [Map]


Thursday, September 11, 2025

Ministry of Crab @ Dempsey Hill - Award-Winning Asia’s 50 Best Restaurant From Sri Lankan Seafood Lands in Singapore

MinistryOfCrab20

MinistryofCrabSep2025-4

Ministry of Crab, proudly featured on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list from 2015 to 2022, has finally opened its doors in Dempsey, Singapore. Founded by celebrated chef Dharshan Munidasa, the Sri Lankan institution is famed for its pristine seafood, particularly the legendary Sri Lankan mud crabs and freshwater prawns, airflown daily and prepared with a clever blend of Japanese, Sri Lankan and Mediterranean influences.

MinistryOfCrab1

MinistryOfCrab5
Pure Crab 4.5/5

Our dinner begins with the Pure Crab ($98, Small up to 700g) – arguably the purest way to savour the sweetness of Sri Lankan mud crab. Steamed and then chilled, the crab’s delicate flavours shine through. Served with warm butter, homemade calamansi ponzu and chilli vinegar, the condiments enhance without overshadowing. The style reminds me of our very own Teochew cold crab, but elevated.

MinistryOfCrab8

MinistryOfCrab13
Crab Liver Pate 4.2/5

The Crab Liver Pate ($25) is a unique indulgence. The creamy pate, made from crab liver, is rich and umami-packed, perfect to spread on toasted bread. For balance, a drizzle of Kithul Treacle (palm sugar syrup) brings a smoky sweetness that cuts through the richness beautifully.

MinistryOfCrab18

MinistryOfCrab25
Kani Tama 4.8/5

A new creation, the Kani Tama is a revelation. Crab roe is gently cooked with Japanese egg and served in its shell, accompanied by rice or bread cushions (we chose the latter). Mixing it all together and dipping the bread cushions reminded us of Singapore’s kaya toast with soft-boiled egg – comforting yet luxurious. Each bite bursts with umami, and a touch of housemade chicken rice chilli sauce or hot sauce takes it to another level.

MinistryOfCrab31

MinistryOfCrab36
Garlic Chilli Prawn with Garlic Bread 5/5

The Garlic Chilli Prawn ($45 Regular, 200-250g) completely wowed us. The sauce was so addictive that we had the Garlic Bread ($7) to mop up every last drop. This is a must-try.

MinistryOfCrab39

MinistryOfCrab41
Black Pepper Dashi Crab 4.8/5

The highlight of the night was undoubtedly the Black Pepper Dashi Crab ($208-$248, Colossal). Sri Lanka's black pepper has long been revered as the "king of spice," and here it is married with the Japanese culinary philosophy of dashi. Hand-crushed pepper, ground on the traditional Miris Gala stone, gives the sauce its bold, aromatic punch. The result? A refined, deeply flavourful rendition that surpasses even our local black pepper crab.

MinistryOfCrab46
Shibuya Style French Toast 4/5

The Shibuya Style French Toast ($18) is a decadent end to the savoury courses. Made with a thick slice of Sri Lankan street bread, it’s soft, spongy and indulgent, paired with whipped cream, strawberries and palm sugar syrup for balance.

MinistryOfCrab49
Coconut Creme Brulee 4.2/5

For dessert, the Coconut Creme Brulee ($15) offers a tropical twist on a classic. Served in a fresh coconut, the custard made with rich coconut milk is silky and smooth, topped with a caramelised sugar crust torched at the table – a lovely, theatrical finish.

MinistryofCrabSep2025-6

In collaboration with Ministry of Crab, make your reservation with the restaurant HERE to enjoy a complimentary Coconut Creme Brulee or show this blog post to the staff.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Ministry of Crab
Blk 6 Dempsey Road
Singapore 249683
Tel: +65 8389 0948
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Napier (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 3pm, 530pm - 1030pm

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. Walk to dempsey road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes.[Map]