Lo Hey HK Seafood

At the beginning of the month, my friend mentioned going to Lo Hey HK Seafood and I had mistakenly thought we were heading there for a Lo Hei session at a Hong Kong seafood restaurant. I only realised my misunderstanding when I reconfirmed the location!

Lo Hey

The interior turned out to be pleasantly unique, filled with strong Hong Kong vibes and colourful neon lights as part of the décor.

Chinese New Year Decor

They also have private rooms that can be divided using partitions, making the space flexible for gatherings of different group sizes.

Private Dining

Live Catch

Every corner of the restaurant carries an unmistakable Hong Kong nostalgia, from a movie ticketing counter, a mock prawning shop with gold chains hanging on the wall, old-school letter boxes, nostalgic window grilles, to a retro tea ordering counter. 

It really felt like stepping into scenes from classic Hong Kong films.

Hong Kong Ticket Counter

Cinema Posters

Huat!

Kicking off the CNY feast, we went for the Success Set 万事捞成 priced at $698, suitable for 8–10 pax, featuring the following dishes:

• Abalone Yusheng 鲍鱼捞生

• Braised Dried Seafood Soup 蟹肉海味羹

• Steamed Marble Goby with Superior Soy Sauce 港蒸笋壳鱼

• Poached Duck with Superior Soy Sauce 古法鼓油鸭

• Typhoon Shelter Style Stir-Fried Boston Lobster 避风塘波士顿龙虾

• Stir-Fried Broccoli with Scallops & Abalone Sauce 鲍汁带子西兰花

• Lotus Leaf Rice with Eight Treasures 八宝荷叶饭

• Mango Pomelo Sago 杨枝甘露

Outdoor Dining

We started with the Abalone Yusheng, a vibrant plate of colourful ingredients, each carrying an auspicious meaning. 

Abalone Yusheng 鲍鱼捞生

A cute wooden horse figurine with money on its back was placed on the platter, symbolising “马上有钱” (wealth arriving immediately). The usual ingredients were all present: lime, shredded carrot and radish, red ginger, cabbage, baby abalone and a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Wooden Horse Block

As tradition goes, all of us enthusiastically tossed the ingredients high into the air while chanting auspicious phrases for prosperity, wealth and good health. 

After Tossing

Once the tossing ritual was done, we happily tucked into this festive “Chinese salad”. Of course, I made sure to scoop up some baby abalone together with my share.

Abalone

The Braised Dried Seafood Soup came served in an earthen claypot, offering a comforting and rich texture. Inside were black fungus, fish maw, crab meat and prawn meat, creating a hearty bowl packed with ingredients. 

Braised Dried Seafood Soup 蟹肉海味羹

It was a flavourful and satisfying alternative to the usual Shark’s Fin Soup.

Ingredients in the Braised Dried Seafood Soup

Up next was the Steamed Marble Goby with Superior Soy Sauce. The fish was undeniably fresh and skilfully prepared, with the meat steamed to a delicate tenderness that had us nodding in approval. The superior soy sauce further enhanced the natural sweetness of the fish, making the dish exceptionally well executed.

Steamed Marble Goby with Superior Soy Sauce 港蒸笋壳鱼

The Poached Duck with Superior Soy Sauce was a pleasant surprise. Despite dining in a Hong Kong restaurant, this dish reminded us very much of a comforting Teochew-style braised duck. The soy sauce essence had fully permeated the meat, giving it a rich, savoury depth and consistency. 

Poached Duck with Superior Soy Sauce 古法鼓油鸭

A dip into their accompanying sauce elevated the taste further though honestly, the duck was already good enough on its own without any sauce.

Yummy

No, that’s not cereal on the Boston Lobster, it’s a generous blanket of crispy fried garlic, packed with fragrance. Freshly taken from the tank, the lobster was expertly prepared in classic Typhoon Shelter style with dried chilli, spring onions and aromatic crumbs that clung onto every crevice of the shell.

No worries about getting your hands messy handling the crustacean, disposable gloves and pincers were thoughtfully provided at the table, making the whole experience fuss-free and enjoyable.

Typhoon Shelter Style Stir Fried Boston Lobster 避风塘波士顿龙虾

Next on the menu was the Stir-Fried Broccoli with Scallops & Abalone Sauce. The presentation was eye-catching, with vibrant red tomatoes and plump scallops sitting neatly on a bed of bright green broccoli. A simple yet well-balanced vegetable dish that complemented the richer items on the table.

Stir Fried Broccoli with Scallops & Abalone Sauce 鲍汁带子西兰花

As we approached the end of the savoury dishes, the Lotus Leaf Rice with Eight Treasures arrived. True to its name, it was beautifully wrapped and served in lotus leaves. 

Lotus Leaf Rice with Eight Treasures 八宝荷叶饭 

The fragrant glutinous rice was packed with ingredients like pork and mushrooms, making every mouthful flavourful and addictive.

Utterly Delicious

Last but not least, we wrapped up the night with a bowl of Mango Pomelo Sago. Served chilled, it was refreshing and light, the perfect dessert to cool us down and end the meal on a sweet note.

Mango Pomelo Sago 杨枝甘露

An experience at Lo Hey HK Seafood tells us that we’ll definitely be back to try more of their popular dishes. 

Lo Hey HK Seafood

Location: One Holland Village, 7 Holland Vlg Wy, #03-22/23/24, Singapore 275748

Kokoyo Nyonya Delights

Spotted Kokoyo while I was at Jelita Mall for Craftsmen Coffee, and decided to make a return trip one day to try their Nyonya dishes at the food court. The stall is opened by a Gen Z owner, and this cosy eatery is more than just a business, it’s his heartfelt tribute to his 73-year-old grandma, whose home-cooked Peranakan meals shaped his childhood.

Kokoyo Nyonya Delights

These are definitely hot-selling items. I was advised to buy them while ordering our food, not after finishing, as these delicious Nyonya snacks would likely be gone by then. Lo and behold, she was right! By the time we were done eating, they were almost sold out.

We had 9-layered kueh, kueh salat, and ang ku kueh, all beautifully made and rich in authentic Peranakan flavours.

Nyonya Kueh

Instead of the usual fragrant white rice to pair with the dishes, we went for nasi lemak. We ordered the kosong version, which came with fried anchovies, peanuts, cucumber, egg, and a dollop of sambal chilli, simple yet satisfying.

Nasi Lemak Kosong 原味椰浆饭 - $5.80

If you’d like to make it a set with the Nasi Lemak, do check out their menu too. We had ours with Ayam Buah Keluak, though there wasn’t a physical black nut (Buah Keluak) in sight, you could definitely taste its rich, earthy essence infused into the sauce.

Ayam Buah Keluak 娘惹黑果椰浆饭

We also ordered the Babi Pongteh, and it didn’t disappoint. The gravy was rich and savoury, perfect for drizzling over the rice, while the meat was tender and flavourful without being too tough.

Babi Pongteh 娘惹香焖猪肉 - $7.80

The Custard Seafood Otak truly lives up to its name. The texture was soft and sponge-like, quite a contrast from the firmer versions we were used to. With every bite, you could see bits of fresh fish within the custard, adding a nice touch of authenticity to the dish.

Custard Seafood Otak 新鲜欧塔 - $7.80

Unfortunately, there was no Pig Stomach Soup available that day, so we went with their Fish Soup instead. It turned out to be a pleasant surprise, flavourful, milky broth filled with generous chunks of fish and slices of bittergourd, making it a comforting alternative.

Fish Soup

The quintessential item in any Nyonya cuisine has to be the Chap Chye. A delightful medley of ingredients like beancurd skin, carrots, cabbage, spring onions, black fungus, and vermicelli. A comforting dish that’s perfect on its own or paired with a plate of rice.

Nyonya Chap Chye 娘惹杂菜 - $5.80 

KokoYo Nyonya Delights are decently priced for a food court setting, and with its comforting Peranakan flavours, I wouldn’t mind bringing friends back again for another round.

Kokoyo Nyonya Delights
Location: Jelita Mall, 293 Holland Road 278628, #02-18, 278628

Craftsmen Coffee (Jelita Mall)

Coffee lovers would likely have heard of Craftsmen Coffee, a well-loved café brand with several outlets across the island. This time, we gathered at their outlet on the 2nd level of Jelita Mall, ready for some good coffee, food and conversation.

Craftsmen Coffee

Kicking off with the bites, we had the Sesame Chicken Wings, available in portions of 5 or 10 pieces. The wings were well-marinated and fried to a beautiful golden brown, then sprinkled with roasted sesame seeds for extra aroma. They were served with a side of kombu mayo, which added a savory umami touch to each bite.

Sesame Chicken Wings - $13 (5 Pcs)

We also had the Chicken Pops, served in a basket alongside the same kombu mayo dip. These bite-sized pieces were crispy on the outside and tender within an easy, addictive snack to share over coffee.

Chicken Pops - $12

The Cheesy Salmon Fries gave me a whole new perspective on fries. I never knew that smoked salmon, shoestring fries, mixed cheese, and a touch of Dijon mustard could come together so well, a surprisingly tasty and satisfying combination.

Cheesy Salmon Fries - $13

The Messy Burger truly lived up to its name, it looked like a glorious mess, but it tasted absolutely fantastic. The juicy Angus beef patty was slathered with a generous amount of Bolognese sauce that spilled over the sides, giving it that perfectly “untidy” charm. The burger came loaded with sweet relish, gherkins, cheddar, and chipotle mayo, all tucked between a soft brioche bun, and served with a side of shoestring fries.

Messy Beef Burger - $22

The presentation of the Creamy Vodka Tiger Prawns was a pleasant surprise, the entire dish was blanketed with a generous layer of Parmesan shavings.

Creamy Vodka Tiger Prawns - $24

We had to gently dig in with our forks to unveil the creamy linguine hidden beneath. The dish featured a rich blend of vodka, tomato paste, fresh basil, Parmesan, cream, and linguine, creating a luscious and flavorful combination.

Yums!

This Breakfast Baked Eggs instantly reminded me of a hearty shakshuka. The dish came bubbling in a small casserole, featuring a rich housemade tomato base loaded with bacon, pork bratwurst, baked beans, and wild mushrooms. Crowned with a perfectly done sous-vide egg, it offered a comforting mix of smoky, savoury, and tangy notes. 

Breakfast Baked Eggs - $21

The side of toasted sourdough was just right for soaking up the luscious sauce, making every bite satisfyingly wholesome.

Let's dip it!

The Happy Breakfast truly lives up to its name, a perfect and complete meal that fills the tummy to the brim. Our plate came loaded with hearty favourites: crispy bacon, juicy pork bratwurst, golden hashbrown, roasted baby potatoes, wild mushrooms, and a refreshing side salad. We went with scrambled eggs and a muffin on the side, completing this wholesome and satisfying breakfast feast.

Happy Breakfast - $25

The Steak & Eggs breakfast was a real treat, hearty and indulgent in every bite. It featured tender slices of ribeye steak served alongside two perfectly cooked sunny-side-up eggs and roasted baby potatoes. Diners can choose between chimichurri or creamy mushroom peppercorn sauce; we went with the chimichurri, which added a bright, herby kick that paired beautifully with the juicy ribeye. A satisfying start for anyone who loves a meaty morning plate.

Steak & Eggs - $28

The Fish & Fries looked absolutely appetising with its golden battered sea bass resting on a bed of crispy shoestring fries. A quick squeeze of lemon brightened up the flavours, while the creamy tartar sauce made each bite even more enjoyable. Simple yet satisfying. a classic done right.

Fish & Fries - $24

The House Rosti was an interesting and delightful dish, served with a dollop of sour cream and a choice of eggs. What made it even better was the option to pair it with smoked salmon, pork bratwurst & bacon, or smoked duck and naturally, we went for the smoked duck. The crisp golden rosti, creamy sour cream, and tender slices of duck came together beautifully for a satisfying breakfast twist.

House Rosti with Smoked Duck - $22

Besides the usual coffee and tea selections, the café offers an intriguing range of Specialty Drinks and a Cloud Series, available hot or iced. The Cinnamon Bun Latte ($8) truly stood out, it tasted just like a cinnamon bun, layered with maple sea salt cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. For something adventurous, the Salted Cola Coffee ($7) combined espresso and cola with a touch of sea salt, creating a fizzy yet bold fusion. The Cloud Series featured drinks like Matcha Cloud ($10), Taro Cloud ($10), and Orange Cloud ($10). Each topped with the café’s signature maple sea salt cream, giving every sip a velvety, slightly savoury finish.

We tried quite a few, Orange Cloud, Salted Cola Coffee, Roasted Almond ($7), Matcha Cloud, Taro Cloud, Acai Smoothie ($10), and Cinnamon Bun Latte. Each had its own charm, but all shared a common theme of creativity and balance, making this café’s beverage lineup a refreshing standout.

Our Beverages

Signing off with desserts, we had the Apple Compote, a delightful French toast creation topped with apple cream cheese, almond slices, and a dusting of cinnamon powder. Drizzled generously with maple syrup and crowned with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream, it was the perfect sweet ending, warm, creamy, and comforting in every bite.

Apple Compote - $16

The Berry Bang Waffle was a vibrant and indulgent treat, a crisp buttermilk waffle topped with a colourful mix of fresh berries, roasted nuts, and coconut flakes. Drizzled with gula melaka for that local touch and crowned with a scoop of salted caramel ice cream, it struck a lovely balance of sweetness, nuttiness, and creaminess in every bite.

Berry Bang Waffle - $19

The café itself was quite cosy and peaceful, a great spot for those seeking a quiet place to relax or catch up over brunch without the usual crowd and noise. However, one downside was the carpark, which can be quite expensive, so it’s worth taking note if you’re driving there.

Craftsmen Coffee (Jelita Mall)
Location: 293 Holland Rd, #02-04, Singapore 278628
Website

Sin Kee Famous Chicken Rice

We used to patronise Sin Kee's Famous Chicken Rice stall when they were at the defunct Margaret Drive Food Center. It was so popular then that we had to wait quite some time for our meal. We discovered that Sin Kee Famous Chicken Rice is located at this coffee shop when I was there for a meal at Kin Hoi (Original) Famous Thai Food especially when the TV screen keep flashing the owner's picture with our former president.

Stall of Sin Kee Famous Chicken Rice

We ordered a 2 pax version of poached chicken. As good as the previous time I had many years back, their chicken still remains tender and juicy, leaving up to their namesake. Pairing this smooth and delicious chicken with the plate of fragrant white rice that is packed with a tad of ginger flavours makes the meal perfect.

Poached Chicken

It was not my favourite order but due to that the dining partner enjoyed it. The internal organs were well prepared and mixed in the fragrant sauce. 

Chicken Visera - $3

Bean Sprouts - $3

Here's our meal. Even the chilli sauce is up to the standard. Sin Kee Famous Chicken Rice still holds a special position in my heart despite there are so many chicken rice stalls around. 

Our Meal

With quite many stalls around, I'm glad that I had found the familiar faces from the chicken rice stall. I will be back soon.

Rating: 3.25 / 5

Sin Kee Famous Chicken Rice
Location: 6 Holland Cl, #01-36, Singapore 271006