Epicurean Market 2014 @ Marina Bay Sands

Photo credit: Marina Bay Sands

After visiting Epicurean Market last year and meeting celebrity chefs, I can't wait for the upcoming 2nd edition of the Epicurean Market at Marina Bay Sands taking place from 12 September 2014 to 14 September. This year the Sands Expo and Convention Centre will be converted into a sophisticated indoor picnic theme with a beautiful garden setting.

A line up of renowned chefs will be making appearance at the event and giving master classes. One can look forward in meeting Chef David Thompson from Long Chim and Tetsuya Wakuda from Waku Ghin victories of their recent Asia's 50 Best Restaurants. Others star chef at the event include Chef Justin Quek, Nancy Silverton and David Myers.

Photo credit: FIJIWater

What's more interesting is there are a line up of activities and/or experiences this year, what I am most looking forward to is the Great FIJI Water Race at Epicurean Market on 13 September 2014. Winner can walk away with the grand prize of $2000 cash and 3D2N stay at Marina Bay Sands.

Other events include,
Mystery Box cook-off between celebrity chef restaurants on (13 Sep)
LOUIS XIII de Remy Martin Tasting (12 Sep)
Learn to make handmade pasta from the experts at Mozza's booth
Uniquely Epicurean takeaways
Celebrity chefs autograph sessions
Vermouth and Aromatized Wine - The Perfect Aperitif (13-14 Sep)
Junior Pastry Academy with Executive Pastry Chef Benjamin Siwek, db Bistro Moderne (14 Sep)
The art of cocktail tasting and setting up a home bar by Proof & Company Spirits (12 & 14 Sep)
Go Green at Epicurean Market

Find out more of the event, visit http://www.marinabaysands.com/epicurean-market.html

Extreme Xiao Long Bao (至尊小笼包) @ Tiong Bahru Market & Food Centre

Things that are colourful seems to always catch the eyes of many and arouse the appetite more. When Paradise Dynasty introduced the colourful xiao long bao, it caused a new hip in the Chinese culinary scene with many follow suit. I have even tried coloured Har Gow from Mouth Restaurant too. Probably taking the inspiration from these restaurant's chef, one such hawker at Tiong Bahru Market & Food Centre, the Extreme Xiao Long Bao (至尊小笼包) has created their own twist of the traditional snack.

I tried the Mixed Xiao Long Bao ($5) which is steamed upon order with six delectable bites of them in the steamed basket. There are two Traditional Xiao Long Bao, two Salted Egg Yolk Xiao Long Bao in orange colour and two Cheese Xiao Long Bao in yellow.

Salted Egg Yolk Xiao Long Bao 3.8/5

My followers and readers will know that I like salted egg yolk, I am here specially for this after hearing from a friend that Extreme Xiao Long Bao serves Salted Egg Yolk Xiao Long Bao. I really think it is an interesting concept. After tasting it, it did have a hint of the salted egg yolk flavour but not robust enough for me to go wow.

Cheese Xiao Long Bao 3/5 and Traditional Xiao Long Bao 4/5

The other interesting creation is the Cheese Xiao Long Bao. This is somewhat confusing as I could not really taste anything cheesy. It is more inclined to the traditional taste. The standout definitely has to be the Traditional Xiao Long Bao. A nice balanced between the minced pork filling and broth. The broth was not too sweet unlike so that I have tried allowing one to enough the marinated pork filling while the subtle broth giving it a lift in flavour.

Overall I can't say Extreme Xiao Long Bao is the best in town but it definitely offers a mix of varieties which is value for money. I probably go back for the traditional and salted egg yolk, giving the cheese xiao long bao a miss.


[CLOSED]
Extreme Xiao Long Bao (至尊小笼包)
Tiong Bahru Market & Food Centre
30 Seng Poh Road
Singapore 168898
Nearest MRT: Tiong Bahru (EW Line), Outram (EW Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 8am - 6pm (until sold out)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tiong Bahru MRT station. Take Exit A or B. Head east on Tiong Bahru Road towards Jalan Membina. Walk down Tiong Bahru and turn right onto Kim Pong Road. Turn left onto Lim Liak Street. Walk to destination at the end of the street. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Outram MRT station. Take Exit A or C. Walk to bus stop opposite Outram MRT station (Stop ID 06011). Take bus no. 33, 63, 75, 851 or 970. Alight 1 stop later at Blk 55 Tiong Bahru Road. Walk to destination about 200 meters away. Journey time 8 minutes. [Map]