Numb Restaurant 川麻记 @ Marina One

When my friend gathered us again for dinner and mentioned the place, I was a little hesitant. Chuan Cai (Sichuan cuisine) has never been my go-to. It often leaves me with a burning sensation both in the mouth and the stomach. But the spontaneous side of me won, and I decided to go along for the ride. Sometimes, good meals come from unexpected turns.

numb

The business name itself was pretty creative, spelt as "numb", but with the letter “m” cleverly replaced by the Chinese character “川”, which directly points to the Sichuan (Chuan) roots of the cuisine. A smart play on words that hints at both the cuisine’s origin and its signature numbing spice. 

Even the menu had a touch of humour, with the line: “不是被辣到了，只是被麻到了”.

Literally translated, it means: “If it’s not the spiciness that gets to you, then it must be the numbing.”

A playful and clever way to sum up the bold experience of Chuan Cai, where spice and numbness go hand in hand.

Food Menu

These Australian Scallops with Celery were beautifully sliced to just the right thickness. I loved the succulent texture paired with the zesty, savoury sauce, complemented by crunchy celery and the tangy burst of cherry tomatoes. Light, refreshing, and satisfying.

Australian Scallops with Celery 凉拌澳洲带子 - $24.80

I couldn’t stop myself from picking at the crisp celery hidden at the bottom of the plate, they soaked up all the flavour and added a satisfying crunch to every bite.

Here's the Yummy Scallops

The moment I saw Prawn with Luffa in Golden Broth, I knew I was sold! This comforting bowl brought together a beautiful medley of garlic, ginger, luffa, tomato, and prawns, all soaking up the rich, golden broth. 

Prawn with Luffa in Golden Broth 金汤鲜虾丝瓜煲 - $35.80

The flavours were wholesome, the warmth deeply satisfying, a truly soul-hugging dish that felt right at home on the table.

I like it!

This U.S. Beef in Golden Broth with Sichuan Peppercorn was a visual and sensory stunner. Tender slices of well-marbled beef soaked in a rich, golden broth that was aromatic, spicy, and tingling with the numbing kick of fresh green Sichuan peppercorns. The heat from red and green chillies gave the dish extra depth, making every spoonful bold, fiery, and addictive. Definitely not for the faint-hearted, but oh-so-satisfying for spice lovers.

U.S Beef in Golden Broth with Sichuan Peppercorn 金汤椒麻肥牛 - $37.80

This Stir-Fried Beef with Fresh Chilli and Ginger packed a fiery punch with every bite. The beef was tender and juicy, stir-fried to perfection with a bold medley of red and green chillies, aromatic ginger strips, and whole garlic cloves. The heat from the chillies was upfront but beautifully balanced by the savory sauce and zingy ginger, making this dish irresistibly fragrant, spicy, and satisfying. A dish that ignites your taste buds from the first mouthful!

Stir-Fried Beef with Fresh Chilli and Ginger 鲜椒仔姜牛肉 - $34.80

Midway through a spicy and numbing meal, a refreshing drink can make all the difference. The Blooming Roselle Soda was the perfect choice, offering a delightful blend of Chinese roselle flavor in a fizzy soda. It provided a refreshing balance to the heat, making for an ideal pairing.

Blooming Roselle Soda 洛神花气泡水 - $6.80

We also tried the Breezing Blackcurrant Oolong Tea, which was an unexpected delight. The combination of the 'Ribena' flavour with the smoothness of Chinese oolong tea took me by surprise in the best way.

Breezing Blackcurrant Oolong Tea 冰摇黑加仑乌龙茶 - $6.80

Next, we had a familiar dish, Stir-fried Jack Beans with Red Chillis and Sichuan Pickles, also known as French beans. It made for a perfect pairing with our bowl of rice, adding a nice kick to the meal.

Stir-fried Jack Beans with Red Chillis and Sichuan Pickles 干煸四季豆 - $19.80

The Typhoon Shelter Fried Fish was a standout, perfectly battered and coated in light, crispy crumbs. 

Typhoon Shelter Fried Fish 避风塘香脆鱼 - $36.80

The golden dory fish was ultra-crunchy on the outside, yet tender and flaky on the inside, a truly satisfying combination.

My Golden "Nugget"

Overall, the meal went wonderfully, and I'm happy I made the right decision. Imagine if I had turned down my friend’s invitation for dinner, I would have missed out on discovering such a great food place. I was pleased to find that not all the dishes were spicy or numbing. In fact, there was a perfect balance between spicy and milder options. Honestly, the food here felt really comforting

Our Dishes in a Glance

Numb Restaurant 川麻记 @ Marina One
Location: 5 Straits View, West Tower, #01-12 Marina One, 018935
Nearest Station: Downtown (DT17), Marina Bay (CE2, NS27, TE20)