Qiji Traditional Fish Maw

Just last year, Chef Darwin shared with us during my visit to the Sim Lim Square outlet that they would be opening another outlet at Sunset Way. As Sunset Way is one of my frequent hangouts, I was excited to hear the news.

I recently dropped by the new outlet and noticed that the menu is slightly different from Cheeky's Signature at Sim Lim Square, offering diners a few new options to explore. It's great to see Chef Darwin bringing his creations closer to the west side.

Qiji Minced POrk Noodles

Their homemade drinks were special in their own way, served in disposable bowls instead of the usual cups. We had the Pink Guava with Sour Plum and the Water Chestnut with Longan. Both drinks came chilled with refreshing agar agar bits, adding a fun texture to every sip. The pink guava drink offered a pleasant balance of sweet and tangy flavours, while the water chestnut and longan combination was light, cooling and naturally refreshing.

Assorted Homemade Drinks - $3

Let's dive into their menu specials! Guess what we had first? The Teow Chew Seahum. We proudly belong to the "Ai Hum" team, so this was an easy order for us.

These fresh cockles were served with traditional condiments that complemented their natural flavour beautifully. They were delightfully bloody, juicy and packed with umami goodness. If you're a fellow cockle lover and don't mind enjoying them in their authentic style, this is definitely worth a try.

Teow Chew Seahum - $9.80

Next up was the Gong Gong, often regarded as the Chinese version of the French escargot. Served simply to let the freshness shine, these sea snails were firm, sweet and incredibly fresh. Best of all, there was no gamey taste at all. Just grab a toothpick and enjoy the natural flavours hidden within each shell.

Gong Gong - $9.80

Perhaps the most unique item on the menu was the Crocodile Ribs Soup. It's not every day that you come across crocodile ribs, making this a rather interesting find.

Served in a claypot, the soup was nourishing, comforting and naturally sweet. As for the meat, it was surprisingly tender and tasted very much like pork. In fact, if I hadn't been told it was crocodile, I would have easily mistaken it for pork ribs. A worthwhile order for those looking to try something a little different.

Claypot Nourishing Crocodile Ribs Fish Maw Soup - $28

The Fried XL Shrimp Wanton (4pcs) turned out to be a pleasant surprise. Deep-fried to a beautiful golden brown, they were light and crispy without being overly oily. Each bite revealed a flavourful filling that paired perfectly with the crunchy exterior. Simple yet satisfying, this was one dish that disappeared from the table rather quickly.

Fried XL Shrimp Wanton (4pcs) - $480

The Roasted Cauliflower was something we don't usually order, but it turned out to be a pleasant surprise. Cooked just right, the cauliflower retained a slight bite without being too hard. Lightly seasoned and full of natural sweetness, it made for a simple yet addictive dish that balanced out the richer items on the table.

Roasted Cauliflower - $4.80

For something more comforting, we had the Mixed Pork Fish Maw Soup paired with Pork Lard Pearl Rice. The soup came with both sliced pork and minced pork, creating a hearty and satisfying bowl.

The broth was sweet, flavourful and enriched with fish maw, while a touch of pepper added a gentle kick. 

Mixed Pork with Pork Lard Pearl Rice 综合猪肉猪油渣饭 - $6.90

The fragrant pearl rice, topped with crispy pork lard, complemented the soup beautifully, making this a comforting combination that is easy to enjoy.

Pork Lard Rice

We had the Cheeky Signature with Dry Bee Hoon, and this is probably the dish to order if you want a bit of everything. The hearty bowl came packed with prawns, fish maw, clams, minced meat, meatballs and more, making every spoonful a satisfying one.

The dry bee hoon was springy and well-seasoned, while the crispy pork lard added an extra layer of fragrance and texture. Paired with the rich and flavourful soup, this was easily one of the most complete and comforting dishes on the table.

Cheeky Signature with Bee Hoon (Dry) 

The lala clams were plump, fresh and cooked just right. Most importantly, they were free from any sandy grit, allowing their natural sweetness to shine through. A simple ingredient, but one that added plenty of flavour to the already hearty bowl.

Clams 

One thing I appreciated was that the fish maw soup base is refillable, and every refill came with a friendly smile. To soak up all that rich and comforting goodness, we also ordered some you tiao, which paired wonderfully with the soup.

A special mention goes to their coriander peanut sauce, which added an extra layer of flavour to many of the dishes. With hearty food, attentive service and a few unique menu items, I certainly wouldn't mind returning again for another satisfying meal.

Orders

Qiji Minced Pork Noodle
Location: 106 Clementi Street 12, #01-62, Singapore 120106

Hanjip Korean Grill House

Hanjip Korean Grill House was a place that had been on our dining list for quite some time, and we were finally excited to make our first visit. Nestled in the vibrant Clarke Quay district, the restaurant impresses with its spacious 5,000-square-foot layout, making it one of the largest dedicated Korean barbecue dining destinations in Singapore. Behind its striking glass façade, diners can enjoy a modern yet welcoming ambience that blends contemporary design with Korean dining culture, setting the stage for an indulgent barbecue feast.

Hanjip Korean Grill House

At the entrance, we noticed an attractive promotion for diners making reservations in advance. Guests who reserve through Hanjip's designated booking platform and apply the promotional code can enjoy a complimentary Wagyu Oyster Blade, valued at $48++. It is certainly a nice perk for meat lovers, offering an opportunity to savour a premium cut of wagyu and kick-start the Korean barbecue experience on a luxurious note.

Reserve for Complimentary Wagyu Oyster Blade

Hanjip also offers premium Korean meats sourced directly from Korea, including the highly regarded Hanwoo Beef and Jeju Black Pork. These premium cuts are available in various selections such as Hanwoo Ribeye, Hanwoo Striploin, Jeju Black Pork Collar, and Jeju Black Pork Belly, giving diners the opportunity to enjoy an authentic Korean barbecue experience with quality ingredients.

Hanwoo Beef & Jeju Black Pork

Upon stepping into Hanjip, I was immediately impressed by the sheer size of the restaurant. The expansive dining space felt both spacious and inviting, while the sleek black-themed interior gave the Korean barbecue restaurant a sophisticated and upscale atmosphere. Complemented by warm lighting and modern furnishings, the setting elevated the dining experience, making it feel far more refined than a typical grill house.

Entrance into the dining area

The dining area at Hanjip is thoughtfully laid out with tables spaced comfortably apart, allowing diners to enjoy their meal without feeling cramped. Despite being a bustling Korean barbecue restaurant, the space felt surprisingly fresh and well-ventilated. Thanks to the efficient exhaust system installed at every table, there was hardly any lingering smoky or oily barbecue smell, making the dining experience all the more pleasant and comfortable.

Dining 

For our visit, we were seated in one of Hanjip's private dining rooms, which added an extra level of comfort to the experience. The room effectively cut out much of the noise from the main dining hall, creating a quieter and more intimate setting for conversations. It was a welcoming space for enjoying the meal at a more relaxed pace while still soaking in the lively atmosphere of the restaurant.

Private Room

To complement the Korean barbecue feast, we tried Chorong Chorong Soju and were pleasantly surprised by how enjoyable it was. Unlike traditional soju, which can be quite strong, Chorong Chorong offered a refreshing fruity flavour that made it smooth and easy to drink. The sweet and fragrant notes added a fun touch to the meal, making it a great choice for those who prefer a lighter and more approachable Korean alcoholic beverage.

Soju

One of the highlights of the evening was undoubtedly the complimentary Wagyu Oyster Blade. Beautifully marbled and presented with an appetising sheen, the premium cut immediately caught our attention. The intricate marbling promised a rich and flavourful bite, and we could hardly wait to place it on the grill. As meat lovers, this was easily one of the dishes we were most looking forward to during the Korean barbecue feast.

Oyster Blade

Having previously enjoyed Hanjip's signature Kale Salad at Nami Korean Grill House, I was delighted to see it on the menu again. The salad had left such a good impression that I was immediately excited to have it once more. Tossed in a creamy roasted sesame dressing, the kale was complemented by sweet raisins, juicy grapes, fresh figs, and crunchy almond flakes. The combination of textures and flavours created a refreshing balance of sweetness, nuttiness, and freshness, making it a great starter before the indulgent Korean barbecue feast.

Hanjip Kale Salad

The Hamachi Carpaccio was a refreshing and elegant starter that quickly won us over. Thinly sliced and beautifully presented, the fresh hamachi was dressed in a bright citrusy sauce that enhanced its natural sweetness and delicate texture. Topped with bursts of orange roe, each bite delivered a pleasant pop of brininess that complemented the fish wonderfully. Light, refreshing, and full of flavour, this was a dish we thoroughly enjoyed.

Hamachi Carpaccio

The Ginseng Chicken Soup was warm, comforting, and packed with nourishing flavours. Slow-cooked to perfection, the chicken was so tender that it easily fell apart with a spoon. The broth was rich and aromatic with subtle herbal notes from the ginseng, making every sip incredibly satisfying. It was a hearty and soothing dish that provided a welcome balance to the indulgent Korean barbecue spread.

Ginseng Chicken

The Spicy Handmade Tofu (Seafood) was a comforting and flavour-packed dish that arrived bubbling hot in a traditional stone pot. The silky handmade tofu absorbed the rich, spicy broth beautifully, while the generous addition of seafood such as mussels and prawns brought natural sweetness and depth to the dish. The combination of tender tofu, fresh seafood, and a pleasantly spicy broth made it both hearty and satisfying, especially when enjoyed alongside a bowl of steamed rice.

Spicy Handmade Tofu (Seafood)

The Seafood Pancake was pleasantly executed with a golden-brown exterior and a satisfying texture. Unlike some versions that can be overly greasy, this one was light and not too oily. Conveniently pre-cut into portions for sharing, the pancake was packed with seafood and fragrant spring onions. Paired with the accompanying dipping sauce, each bite delivered a delightful balance of savoury flavours, making it an enjoyable side dish to complement the meal.

Seafood Pancake

The Spicy Stir-Fried Octopus arrived sizzling on a hot plate, instantly drawing attention with its vibrant colours and irresistible aroma. Generously coated in a rich Korean spicy sauce, the octopus was tender with a pleasant chew, while the accompanying vegetables added sweetness and texture to the dish. The bold, savoury-spicy flavours made it a delicious accompaniment to the meal, especially for those who enjoy a little heat in their Korean cuisine.

Spicy Stir Fried Octopus

The Hanjip Platter is a great choice for those who want to sample a variety of premium meats in one order. Beautifully presented, the platter features Pork Collar, Ribeye, Boneless Short Ribs, and Pork Belly, offering a mix of textures, flavours, and marbling levels. From the rich and buttery beef cuts to the juicy and flavourful pork selections, the platter provides an excellent introduction to Hanjip's Korean barbecue offerings and is perfect for sharing among diners.

Hanjip Platter

One of the things I appreciated most about dining at Hanjip was the table-side grilling service. Instead of worrying about overcooking the meats, we could simply sit back, relax, and enjoy the company while the attentive staff expertly handled the grilling. 

On the grill

They carefully monitored each cut, ensuring the meats were cooked to their ideal doneness before serving them. It made the entire Korean barbecue experience much more enjoyable, allowing us to focus fully on savouring the premium meats and conversation.

On the grill

One thoughtful touch at Hanjip was how the staff transferred the freshly grilled meats onto a warming tray once they were cooked. With a small candle burning beneath, the tray kept the meats warm throughout the meal without overcooking them. This allowed us to enjoy the perfectly grilled beef and pork at a comfortable pace while maintaining their juicy texture and flavour.

Meat on Warming Tray

With the grill still sizzling and dishes covering almost every inch of the table, this was truly a feast enjoyed in good company. Alongside the impressive spread of grilled meats, we also appreciated Hanjip's selection of refillable banchan, including kimchi, candied lotus root, seasoned vegetables, and other Korean side dishes that complemented the barbecue perfectly. Adding to the dining experience was the restaurant's tasteful décor, featuring beautifully illustrated wall art that lent a touch of Korean charm and character to the stylish dining space.

Our Orders

To round off the meal, we were served Mango Sorbet, a refreshing dessert that was especially welcome after the indulgent Korean barbecue feast. Smooth, fruity, and pleasantly cooling, the sorbet helped cleanse the palate and provided a refreshing contrast to the rich grilled meats. Its bright mango flavour made for a simple yet satisfying end to an enjoyable dining experience.

Mango 

Hanjip Korean Grill House delivers an elevated Korean barbecue experience with its premium selection of meats, attentive table-side grilling service, and stylish dining environment. From the beautifully marbled beef cuts and flavourful pork selections to the hearty Korean dishes and refillable banchan, every element came together for a memorable feast. Coupled with spacious seating and excellent ventilation, Hanjip is an ideal destination for gatherings, celebrations, or anyone looking to enjoy quality Korean barbecue in the heart of Clarke Quay.

Hanjip Korean Grill House
Location: CQ @ Clarke Quay, 3C River Valley Rd, #01 - 11 Clarke Quay, Singapore 179022
Website

Lion City Chicken Rice & Hotpot

 We headed to Lion City Chicken Rice & Hotpot to indulge in their signature Chicken Rice Hotpot, complemented by an enticing spread of mouthwatering zi char dishes. Housed within a beautifully restored heritage shophouse along Maude Road, the restaurant blends old-world charm with a modern dining atmosphere. The striking façade, adorned with traditional green shutters and colonial architectural details, sets the stage for a comforting feast of familiar local flavours and hearty dishes perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Lion City Chicken Rice & Hotpot

Checking out the menu, we found that Lion City's Signature Hainanese Chicken is available in whole, half, or quarter portions, making it easy to cater to different group sizes. Prepared fresh daily using premium ingredients, the restaurant's signature offering pays tribute to traditional Hainanese flavours while providing diners with the flexibility to enjoy as much or as little of their famous chicken as they desire.

Menu

House Beverages included a selection of refreshing local favourites such as Barley, Chrysanthemum Tea, Herbal Tea, and Lime Juice. Served chilled over ice, these simple and comforting drinks helped to complement the hearty meal while offering a refreshing respite from Singapore's warm weather.

Beverages

Vegetables Platter featured a wholesome assortment of fresh vegetables including Chinese cabbage, yam, black fungus, and enoki mushrooms. As they simmered in the hotpot, the ingredients gradually released their natural sweetness into the broth. Combined with the rich essence of the chicken, the soup became even more flavourful and comforting, making every sip more enjoyable as the meal progressed.

Hotpot Items

Hotpot Seafood & Meat Platter offered a delightful mix of ingredients to complement the signature chicken broth. The platter featured fresh prawns, fish balls, sliced pork, squid, and chicken liver, providing a variety of textures and flavours for the hotpot experience. As the seafood and meats were cooked in the rich broth, they absorbed the essence of the chicken stock while contributing their own natural sweetness and savouriness. The prawns were plump and juicy, the sliced pork was tender, while the fish balls added a satisfying bite, making this platter a wonderful addition to the hotpot spread.

Hotpot Items

Signature Hainanese Chicken had us drooling the moment it arrived at the table. Beautifully executed, the chicken featured tender, succulent flesh with a delicate layer of gelatinous collagen nestled between the silky skin and meat. Every piece was generously drenched in a savoury and fragrant soy-based sauce that enhanced the natural sweetness of the chicken without overpowering it. The smooth, silky texture and rich flavours made this a comforting and satisfying dish that truly showcased the essence of good Hainanese chicken.

Signature Hainanese Chicken

Stir-fried French Beans with Minced Meat was a simple yet satisfying dish from the zi char menu. The French beans were skillfully stir-fried, retaining a delightful crunch while being coated in a savoury seasoning. The addition of fragrant minced meat brought extra depth of flavour and a pleasant umami richness to the dish. It paired wonderfully with a bowl of rice and served as a great complement to the heartier dishes on the table.

French Beans 

Lion City Chicken Rice & Hotpot delivered a comforting and satisfying meal with its signature Hainanese chicken hotpot and well-executed zi char dishes. From the tender Hainanese chicken to the flavourful broth that grew richer with every ingredient added, the experience showcased familiar local flavours done right. Whether you're gathering with family or friends, this is a great spot to enjoy a hearty and comforting meal together.

Lion City Chicken Rice & Hotpot
Location: 9 Townshend Road #01-01, Singapore 207607

The Soup Expert (尚一汤)

The Shanghai-famous restaurant The Soup Expert is the latest addition to Singapore’s dining scene, marking the brand’s first international outpost outside China. Renowned for its nourishing Cantonese-style double-boiled soups, the restaurant has built a strong reputation for its meticulous four-hour steam-boiling technique and wellness-focused recipes. 

The Soup Expert 

A distinctive highlight of the dining experience is its elegant individual teapot presentation, where each soup is served in a custom-made teapot and paired with matching teacups, allowing diners to savour every comforting sip in a unique and refined way.

The Soup Expert 

Before stepping into The Soup Expert, diners are greeted by a whimsical teapot-shaped signpost that playfully showcases the restaurant's signature double-boiled soups. Each directional sign points to a different nourishing soup variety, adding a touch of creativity and charm to the entrance while building anticipation for the comforting meal ahead.

Which Directions to your Soup?

Upon arrival, we were welcomed by The Soup Expert's illuminated signage, where the brand's identity is cleverly represented through a distinctive soup pot icon. The simple yet elegant logo perfectly reflects the restaurant's dedication to its signature nourishing soups, creating a warm first impression even before stepping inside.

The Soup 

With the introductions out of the way, it was time to flip through the menu and explore what The Soup Expert is best known for. From its nourishing double-boiled soups to a selection of signature dishes, the menu showcases a variety of comforting offerings thoughtfully prepared using premium ingredients and time-honoured recipes.

Menu of The Soup Expert

One of the restaurant's most distinctive touches is its unique way of serving soup. Each nourishing broth arrives in an individual teapot, accompanied by matching teacups for a refined and comforting experience. The presentation not only keeps the soup warm but also encourages diners to savour every sip. During our visit, we enjoyed the Old Hen Herbal Soup ($12.90), Abalone Ginseng Soup, Wild Mushroom Bamboo Fungus Soup, and Chuan Bei Snow Pear Pork Soup ($12.90), each thoughtfully brewed to bring out the natural flavours of its ingredients.

The Old Hen Herbal Soup delivered a comforting and traditional chicken soup flavour that felt both nourishing and homely. 

The Abalone Ginseng Soup was another enjoyable choice, featuring a gentle ginseng note that was not overpowering and suited my palate perfectly. 

For those who enjoy earthy flavours, the Wild Mushroom Bamboo Fungus Soup was a delightful option, combining savoury meat broth with the natural sweetness of mushrooms and the unique texture of bamboo fungus. 

One of my personal favourites was the Chuan Bei Snow Pear Pork Soup. The pairing may sound unusual at first, but the subtle herbal notes of Chuan Bei blended harmoniously with the sweetness of snow pear and the richness of pork, resulting in a distinctive yet highly enjoyable soup.

Soup in Teapot

The Soup Expert embraces a clean and contemporary interior, furnished with warm wood accents that create a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. Simple wooden tables, rattan-back chairs, and cosy booth seating are thoughtfully arranged within the spacious dining area, while soft lighting and neutral tones add to the restaurant's relaxed charm. The understated décor allows diners to focus on what matters most, enjoying a comforting bowl of nourishing soup.

Interior of Dining Area

The Homestyle Braised Chicken is available in both half and whole chicken portions, making it ideal for sharing among family and friends. Beyond the tender braised chicken pieces, the dish also includes flavourful braised chicken feet, adding an extra layer of richness to the pot. Coated in a glossy savoury sauce, every bite was deeply satisfying, while the robust gravy paired exceptionally well with a bowl of steamed rice, making it a comforting dish that kept us reaching for more.

Homestyle Braised Chicken - $19.90 (Half) / $38.90 (Whole)

The Fragrant Spicy Pork Trotters is a hearty braised dish that arrives bubbling in a rich, glossy gravy. Alongside the tender pork trotters, the claypot is generously filled with soy beans and braised chicken feet, creating a comforting combination of textures and flavours. The sauce was particularly well executed, savoury, fragrant, and packed with depth, making it irresistibly good when spooned over a bowl of steamed rice. Despite its name, the spice level was well balanced, allowing the rich braising flavours to shine through.

Fragrant Spicy Pork Trotters - $18.90

Crispy Sea Bass in Supreme Soy Sauce is one of those dishes that instantly feels like home. Even without knowing it came from a Shanghai restaurant, the familiar combination of crispy golden skin and savoury soy-based sauce brings a sense of comfort with every bite.

The sea bass was expertly fried, achieving a delightful contrast between its crackling exterior and moist, flaky flesh within. Generously topped with fragrant garlic and chopped spring onions, the fish soaked up the rich supreme soy sauce beautifully, creating a flavourful balance that was both simple and satisfying. It is the kind of dish that pairs effortlessly with a bowl of steamed rice and keeps everyone reaching for more.

Crispy Sea Bass in Supreme Soy Sauce - $28.90

Claypot Mushrooms with Dried Shrimp was a surprisingly addictive dish that delivered plenty of flavour despite its humble appearance. The mushrooms were plump, juicy and beautifully coated in a savoury glaze, while the dried shrimp added bursts of umami with every bite.

Served bubbling hot in a claypot, the dish was fragrant from the wok hei and aromatic garlic, with spring onions lending a touch of freshness. What made it especially enjoyable was the mushrooms' juicy, almost "popping" texture that released their natural sweetness as you bit into them. Simple yet well-executed, it was the kind of comforting dish that paired wonderfully with rice and complemented the richer dishes on the table.

Claypot Mushrooms with Dried Shrimp - $15.90

Golden Garlic Pork Ribs was an addictive starter that disappeared from the table in no time. Deep-fried to a beautiful golden-brown hue, each pork rib delivered a satisfying crunch on the outside while remaining tender and juicy within.

The generous topping of crispy golden garlic elevated the dish with its irresistible aroma, while slices of chilli added a subtle kick that complemented the savoury flavours. Fragrant, crispy and packed with umami, this was the kind of finger food that kept everyone reaching for just one more piece.

Golden Garlic Pork Ribs - $18.90

The Wok Seared XO Hokkaido Scallops was a vibrant dish that showcased the natural sweetness of premium scallops alongside a medley of colourful vegetables and mushrooms. Lightly seared to retain their tender, bouncy texture, the scallops were plump and juicy, allowing their delicate flavours to shine.

Wok Seared Xo Hokkaido Scallops (Xo酱炒北海道带子)

The addition of XO sauce brought a savoury depth and subtle seafood umami that elevated the dish without overpowering it. Crisp snow peas provided a refreshing crunch, while black fungus and mushrooms contributed contrasting textures and earthy notes. Finished with fragrant crispy shallots, every bite offered a delightful balance of sweetness, savouriness and wok fragrance, making this a refined yet comforting dish to share.

From the plate of Wok Seared Xo Hokkaido Scallops

For dessert, we were introduced to the Sweet Potato Ice Cream, a popular treat in Shanghai and certainly one of the more intriguing dishes of the evening. Presented as a block of vibrant purple sweet potato ice cream and drizzled with an intricate lattice of mayonnaise sauce, it was a dessert that immediately sparked curiosity.

I must admit that the idea of pairing ice cream with mayonnaise did not quite win me over at first. Surprisingly, however, the combination worked better than expected, with the creamy richness complementing the naturally earthy sweetness of the sweet potato. The accompanying crisp biscuits added another layer of enjoyment, especially when used to sandwich chunks of the ice cream for a delightful contrast of textures. Unconventional yet memorable, it made for a unique and satisfying end to the meal.

Sweet Potato Ice Cream - $11.90

The Soup Expert delivers the kind of comforting Chinese fare that feels both familiar and satisfying. From hearty soups and homestyle classics to well-executed seafood and wok-fried dishes, every meal is prepared with care and balanced flavours. Whether you're gathering with family or simply craving a comforting meal, The Soup Expert offers a welcoming dining experience that keeps diners coming back for more.

The Soup Expert (尚一汤)
Location: Suntec  Suntec City, Tower 1, 3 Temasek Blvd, #03-315, 316, 331 Singapore 038983