Le Cheng Hainanese Chicken Rice

We had a dinner meetup with friends at Le Cheng Hainanese Chicken Rice, conveniently located right beside the popular Taiwanese porridge spot that I enjoy. This area is quite a foodie destination, with several eateries clustered around the same stretch.

Parking, however, can be a little tricky, especially during peak dining hours, as available lots are limited. If you’re driving over for dinner, it’s worth factoring in some extra time to find a parking space.

Le Cheng Hainanese Chicken Rice

The barley drink had a simple, homely taste that made it an easy choice to accompany our meal. It was light and refreshing without being overly sweet. Besides barley, they also offer other drinks such as coconut, Ai-Yu Jelly and lime juice for those looking for something different.

Barley

The Quarter Kampong Chicken arrived beautifully plated, with the chicken skin glistening under the light and coated in a savoury seasoning. The meat looked tender and juicy, and even on its own, the chicken was flavourful enough to enjoy without needing much else.

Quarter Kampong Chicken

Taking a closer look at the chicken, the skin had a smooth, glossy finish while the meat underneath appeared soft and tender. Each bite carried the savoury seasoning, making it a satisfying piece of kampong chicken to enjoy on its own.

Yummy Chicken Pieces

The Quarter Salted Braised Duck did not disappoint. The duck was neatly sliced into fairly uniform pieces, with a tender texture that was easy to enjoy. The seasoning was savoury and flavourful, though some parts at the base tasted a little saltier from the accumulated seasoning. Overall, it was a satisfying dish with good texture and plenty of flavour.

Quarter Salted Braised Duck

The Cai-Poh Omelette is a classic dish and a favourite at home, but this version came with a slightly different presentation. Instead of the usual loose omelette, it was cooked into a round, pancake-like shape, neatly encasing the cai poh (pickled vegetables) within. The egg wrapped everything up nicely, giving it a presentable finish while striking a pleasant balance between the egg's mild sweetness and the savoury saltiness of the cai poh.

Cai-Poh Omelette

The Hainanese Chap Chye had that comforting, homely taste that made it a lovely accompaniment to our bowls of chicken rice. With a mix of vegetables cooked until tender and coated in a light savoury sauce, it was a simple yet satisfying dish that added some greens to the meal.

Hainanese Chap Chye

The Hainanese Claypot Mutton Soup arrived bubbling hot in a traditional claypot, filled with mutton, beancurd skin, red dates and goji berries. The herbal aroma was inviting, with a comforting broth that made this a rather unique find, especially since this type of soup isn't commonly found at many eating places in Singapore.

Hainanese Claypot Mutton Soup

Served generously with pieces of mutton and beancurd skin swimming in the herbal broth, this soup was both hearty and comforting. The meat was tender, while the light herbal notes in the broth made it an enjoyable dish to have alongside the rest of our meal.

Tender mutton and Beancurd skin

A spoonful of the mutton revealed tender meat that came apart easily, accompanied by beancurd skin and herbs from the soup. The mutton carried a gentle herbal flavour from the broth, making each spoonful warm, savoury and comforting.

Tender Mutton from Hainanese Claypot Mutton Soup

Last but not least, the Braised Pork Trotters arrived looking incredibly tempting, drenched in a rich, glossy sauce that immediately brought out those traditional flavours. Served with chestnuts and broccoli, it was a hearty and comforting dish that rounded off our meal nicely.

Braised Pork Trotters

The close-up showed just how generous the pork trotter was, with tender meat and layers of collagen-rich skin coated in the savoury braising sauce. The chestnuts added a slightly sweet, nutty contrast, while the broccoli brought some freshness to this hearty dish.

Close-up of tender braised pork trotter with chestnuts and broccoli

What accompanied the whole spread of dishes? Of course, it had to be the fragrant chicken rice! Each grain was nicely coated with flavour and carried that savoury, aromatic taste that made it delicious even on its own. It was the perfect pairing with the chicken, duck and other dishes we had for dinner.

Chicken Rice

Overall, our dinner at Le Cheng Hainanese Chicken Rice turned out to be a satisfying spread of comforting, traditional flavours. From the fragrant chicken rice and tender kampong chicken to the salted braised duck, homely cai poh omelette, unique claypot mutton soup and hearty braised pork trotter, there was plenty to enjoy and share with friends. With its variety of dishes and convenient location among other eateries, it is a place worth considering if you are in the area and looking for a hearty Hainanese meal.

Le Cheng Hainanese Chicken Rice
Location: 389 Changi Rd, Singapore 419838

Nong Geng Ji

Nong Geng Ji Celebrates the Milestone with Two New Openings, Marking their 7th Outlets Island Wide.

To celebrate, Nong Geng Ji is hosting grand opening promotions, including up to 50% off all ala-carte dishes and a Sure-Win Scratch Card campaign where diners can win grand prizes of $188 Cash Vouchers! 

Do check out these outlets at the following dates:

- Velocity @ Novena Square: 15-17th February 2025
- Changi City Point: 18 to 20th February 2025 

with limited slots each day (88 groups for lunch and 108 groups for dinner). Do head down early!

Join them as a member and enjoy Exclusive Perks.
Its completely free and entitles you to the following:

- $30 Cash Voucher (Redeemable at the new Velocity@Novena Square & Changi City Point outlets with a minimum spend of $100)
- $6 Welcome Voucher
- $ Member Exclusive Prices
- Birthday Discount up to 30% off

Let's try out these Authentic Hunan Cuisine! Nong Geng Ji is also proud to be officially recognized as China's No.1 brand for authentic Hunan Cuisine.

Nong Geng Ji

The new outlet at Changi City Point offers a spacious and welcoming atmosphere, enhanced by its warm lighting. This inviting setting provides a comfortable dining experience for all guests.

Interior

The Signature Stir-Fried Pork with Small Abalone and Chilli is a must-try, featuring tender pork leg slices stir-fried with an abundance of Hunan green peppers.

Stir-fried pork with Abalone & Chilli 鲍鱼辣椒炒肉

 The bold, smoky flavors come from high-heat tossing, ensuring a perfect balance of spice and savoriness. Served in a wok over a burner, this dish stays warm throughout, keeping every bite just as flavorful as the first!

Abalone

The Big Shrimp with Vermicelli and Garlic requires an 8-minute wait after serving to let the flavors fully develop. The rich garlic aroma intensifies the dish, complementing the fresh, bouncy prawns. 

Big Shrimp with Vermicelli & Garlic (Non Spicy)  蒜蓉大虾仁 (不辣)

The vermicelli absorbs the savory sauce beautifully, creating a well-balanced bite bursting with umami goodness.

Cooked Version

The Signature Grass Fish Fillet with Chilli is another standout dish from Nong Geng Ji. Delicately sliced fish fillets are gently simmered in a tangy, pickled chilli sauce, infusing them with a bold, zesty heat. The fillets retain a uniquely chewy yet tender texture, making each bite a flavorful delight. A must-try for those who love a balance of spice and tang!

Signature Grass Fish Fillet with Chilli 招牌湖蝶鱼

The Stir-Fried Kampung Chicken with Tea Oil is a flavorful dish packed with a fragrant, earthy aroma. Tender pieces of kampung chicken are stir-fried with black fungus, ginger, and chilli, delivering a delightful spicy kick. The rich tea oil enhances the dish’s depth, making it the perfect companion to a bowl of steaming white rice.

Stir-Fried Kampung Chicken with Tea Oil 茶油炒甘榜鸡

The Stir-Fried Beef with Tea Oil was wonderfully fragrant, with thin and tender beef slices that offered a satisfying bite. The dish carried a spicy kick, enhanced by the bold flavors of chili, coriander, and chunky garlic, making each mouthful both aromatic and flavorful.

Stir-Fried Beef with Tea Oil 茶油鲜炒牛肉

At first glance, we struggled to identify the dish, as its presentation resembled a ball-shaped serving.

Nonetheless, the braised pork with preserved mustard greens had a well-balanced ratio of fat and meat, making it tender and easy to bite.

Braised Pork with Preserved Mustard Greens 梅菜扣肉

The preserved mustard greens added a tangy, slightly sour note that perfectly complemented the rich, savory pork, enhancing the overall depth of flavor.

Braised Pork with Preserved Mustard Greens 梅菜扣肉

The You-Mai Lettuce with Shredded Seasoned Mud Carp offers a satisfying crunch. While the mud carp adds a nice touch, the condiments could be used more sparingly, as it was a tad too salty for our liking. Other than that, we found it to have a unique flavour and a refreshing "getaway" from the other spicy dishes.

You-Mai Lettuce with Shredded Seasoned Mud Carp 豆豉鲮鱼油麦菜

The Beancurd Skin with Egg was an unexpected yet delightful combination. The smooth, sweet eggs paired with the mild, almost neutral beancurd skin created a surprising contrast in flavors. As a non-spicy dish, it was a true savior, offering a refreshing break from the heat and allowing my palate to reset before diving back into the spicier dishes on the table.

Beancurd Skin with Egg (Non-Spicy) 鲜腐皮焖鸡蛋（不辣）

No meal at Nong Geng Ji is complete without rice, and the Wuchang Steamed Rice with Sweet Potato and Red Dates is a must-try. Served in a pressure cooker, the fragrant rice is perfectly fluffy, absorbing the subtle sweetness from the red dates and sweet potato. This comforting and aromatic dish complements the rich flavors of the main courses beautifully.

Wuchang Steamed Rice with Sweet Potato and Red Dates 高压锅红薯饭

The lotus root with superior pork broth reminded me of a familiar comfort from my local cuisine. The generous chunks of lotus root were cooked to perfection—so tender that they disintegrated with just a slight bite. The broth itself was rich and flavorful, making it an ideal companion to balance out the spicy dishes on our table. A soothing and hearty addition to the meal!

Lotus Root with Superior Pork Broth 莲藕排骨汤

If your palate is overwhelmed by the spiciness of the dishes, consider trying their Deep-Fried Glutinous Rice Fritters.

Deep Fried Glutinous Rice Fritters 糖饺子

The gentle sweetness and satisfying crunch can help soothe the heat on your taste buds, providing a pleasant interlude before you continue exploring the spicier offerings.

Fried Fritters

As the spiciness of the dishes intensifies, it’s refreshing to cool down with their Signature Lemon Tea, White Peach Jasmine Tea, and Majestic Jade Tangerine. These beverages offer gentle sweet tones that help ease the spice and reinvigorate the palate. The Signature Lemon Tea provides a zesty citrus flavor, while the White Peach Jasmine Tea combines the delicate aroma of jasmine with the sweetness of white peach. The Majestic Jade Tangerine offers a unique blend of tangerine essence, adding a refreshing touch to your meal.

Signature Lemon Tea / White Peach Jasmine Tea / Majestic Jade Tangerine 招牌饮料

Nong Geng Ji

Velocity @ Novena Square

Location: 238 Thomson Rd, #3-11 Velocity @ Novena Square, Singapore 307683

Changi City Point
Location: Changi Business Park Central 1, #01-26C/27A Singapore 486038

Stella Seaside Lounge

 Have been passing by the doors of NSRCC countless times and finally, we were here for a meal. Fortunately, even without reservations, we were given a good seat at the outdoor area next to the sea. 

Rest and relax with our glasses of Non Alcoholic beverages next to the sea and watching the planes fly by. We had the refreshing Hippie Juice consist of watermelon, plum, strawberry, lemon and mint while the Mango-La was made up of coconut cream, mango, lime and pineapple. Both beverages were good coolers.

Hippie Juice and Mango Lada - $10 each

We were taken over by hunger and these hot sweet potato fries came just in time. It was addictive and I could not stop popping into my mouth till the mains were served.

Sweet Potato Fries - $8

The serving may look small initially but it was stomach filling towards finishing the dish. The Mushroom Linguine was suitable for vegetarian, couple with triple mushroom in garlic butter sauce, topped with parmesan cheese, not forgetting that the Linguine was cooked to perfection too. Totally yummy! 

Mushroom Linguine - $16

We were deciding between burger and Tacos, in the end we were sold to the Birria Beef Tacos. 

Birra Beef Tacos - $24

The pan fried corn tortillas are filled with slow-cooked beef short ribs, smothered with tasty mole sauce and shredded cheese. It was served with a rich beef consomme too.

Tacos

Drinks Pairing with Tacos

While enjoying our meals, we get to see people enjoying their sea sports activities too. The environment scores definitely and their food standard was great too. I will want to be back for others. 

I find that this place is suitable for special occasions or even if you are thinking of romancing your date.

Rating: 3.25 / 5

Stella Seaside Lounge
Location: NSRCC Sea Sports Centre, 11 Changi Coast Walk, Singapore 499740
Website

Makan Melaka

 My last visit to Makan Melaka in Changi Village was like 8 years ago. As I was heading to Changi Village on a hot and humid day, many of them were talking about Chendol. Since I had not gotten a taste of Makan Melaka's Chendol after so long, it's time to grab ourselves a bowl of ice-cool dessert again.

Makan Melaka

We ordered the Chendol with additional red beans. The dallop of red bean was in mashed form and was not too sweet. 

Chendol with Red Bean - $2.80

While the coconut jelly and milk with gula melaka was light tasting and topped with some sweet corn, I still find that something is missing from the bowl. It lacked the savoury and satisfying taste that we were looking for.

Chendol with Corn - $2.80

Looking into the display shelves, we decided to get some Ondeh Ondeh. It was nothing within our expectations. The thickness of the rice flour was simply too much for us which did not tally the proportion of the fillings. No doubt there was a burst of Gula Melaka when it was chewed, the texture overall can be very much improved on.

Ondeh Ondeh - 3 for $2.50

I'm still thinking about if we went to the correct Chendol Stall that everyone was talking about. I guess the search for Chendol just will not stop here.

Rating: 3 / 5 

Makan Melaka
Location: Blk 1 Changi Village Road #01-2046 Singapore 500001

Le Shrimp Ramen

 Le Shrimp Ramen is part of the paradise group. Inspired by the flavours of both Japanese Ramen Broth and silky threads of Chinese ramen, Le Shrimp is actually a combination of both cultures, offering some simple dishes on the menu.

Le Shrimp Ramen

Le Shrimp Ramen features two speciality broths, shrimp and tonkatsu each with its own dedicated followers. Tonkotsu broth achieves a rich and creamy texture after long hours of simmering using pork bones, resulting the collagen-rich soup.

As for the shrimp broth, it has an umami-rich flavour of fresh prawns and definitely excites prawns noodles fans.

Menu

Topping up the Ramen with $3.70 to complete our meal with a choice of appetiser and drink and we had the Chilled Silken Tofu with Century Egg. The appetiser was generously topped with bonito flakes and spring onions and with the wobbly chilled tofu with Century Egg, it absolutely made a great appetiser, especially for sharing.

Chilled Silken Tofu with Century Egg 

The other appetiser we had will be the seasoned bamboo shoot. An individual portion would cost $3.60

Seasoned Bamboo Shoot

Out of the drinks menu, we had the Black Apple Tea as its quite outstanding among the other drinks we knew.

Apple Black Tea

Their Signature Trio Shrimp Ramen comprises of handmade Ebiko prawn paste, succulent prawn dumplings and big fresh prawns served with their Japan-inspired Signature Shrimp Broth and delectable noodles.

Le Signature Trio Shrimp Ramen - $18.90

The taste of the Big Prawn & Braised Pork Rib Shrimp Ramen is quite similar to the Le Signature Trio Shrimp Ramen as they shared the same broth. Besides the big prawn as the main ingredient, their braised pork rib was fork tender and falls apart easily.

Big Prawn & Braised Pork Rib Shrimp Ramen - $18.90

We thought of having Ramen in Tonkotsu broth and had the Garoupa with Pickled Vegetable. The combination of Chinese cuisine elements with Japanese Broth was awesome. Large slices of Garoupa were given to pair with the delectable noodles. 

Garoupa with Preserved Vegetable Tonkotsu Ramen - $19.90

A little downside is that no doubt the fish is of thick slices, and the natural stink of the fishy smell was not eliminated. Overall, this bowl of Ramen is also comforting for cool rainy weather.

Slice of Garoupa

Rating: 3.5 / 5

Le Shrimp Ramen At Changi Airport T3
Location: Terminal 3, 65 Airport Boulevard #B2-49 Singapore 819663