Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine 湘香湖南菜 @ Hougang Mall

 With authentic Hunan dishes gaining popularity in Singapore, we are now spoiled with plenty of Hunan restaurants popping up across the island. This was my first visit to Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine despite the brand already having 22 outlets across Singapore.

I visited their Hougang Mall outlet and, comparable to other restaurants of the same cuisine, we were warmly greeted upon arrival before being ushered through the restaurant to our dining table. The spacious interior, cosy lighting and modern Chinese-inspired setup created a welcoming atmosphere that made the dining experience feel comfortable right from the start.

Xiang Xiang Cuisine

We also tried their Jumbo Lemon Tea, which turned out to be both tasty and refreshing. Served in a generous portion, it is a great choice for those who enjoy having a large drink to go along with their meal. The balance of sweetness and citrusy notes made it especially satisfying and a good complement to the bold and spicy flavours often found in Hunan cuisine.

Jumbo Lemon Tea 超大杯柠檬茶 - $3.60

The Crystal Vermicelli with Minced Pork was served bubbling hot in a claypot to keep it warm throughout the meal. For those who enjoy vermicelli dishes, this was especially satisfying with its smooth and silky texture. The savoury sauce was well absorbed by the vermicelli, making it a comforting dish that paired wonderfully with bowls of rice.

Crystal Vermicelli with Minced Pork 肉沫水晶粉

The Steamed Ribs with Glutinous Rice reminded me of the flavours of a traditional rice dumpling. Wrapped in fragrant leaves, the sticky rice was infused with savoury flavours while remaining soft and comforting. 

Steamed Ribs with Glutinous Rice 糯米蒸排骨

What stood out was the addition of sweet potato among the glutinous rice, which gave the dish a subtle sweetness that balanced the otherwise savoury profile beautifully. The overall aroma was rich and fragrant, making it a comforting dish to share.

A Spoonful Hot of Steamed Ribs with Gluinous Rice

To be honest, the Claypot Three-Cup Chicken was my favourite dish among everything we ordered. It was a comforting and hearty dish, featuring tender chicken, soft potatoes, onions and a slight hint of chilli for extra flavour. The rich gravy carried a pleasant sweetness that paired exceptionally well with rice, making it very easy to enjoy spoon after spoon. Just be careful when serving, as the claypot was served piping hot straight from the kitchen.

Claypot Three-Cup Chicken  砂锅三杯鸡

When it comes to Hunan cuisine, a dish like the Spicy Boiled Fish is something that simply cannot be missed. Served in a vibrant red broth filled with chillies and spices, the fish was tender and flavourful while soaking up the rich savoury gravy.

Spicy Boiled Fish 麻辣水煮鱼  

 Although it carried a noticeable level of heat, I felt the spice level had been adjusted to better suit local Singaporean tastes, making it enjoyable and manageable for most diners.

A Spoonful of Spicy Boiled Fish at Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine.

Here’s what we had for our meal, a comforting spread perfect for a casual catch-up session. From the rich and spicy Spicy Boiled Fish to the savoury Claypot Three-Cup Chicken and silky Crystal Vermicelli with Minced Pork, every dish brought a different layer of flavour to the table. We also enjoyed the fragrant Steamed Ribs with Glutinous Rice alongside refreshing drinks that helped balance the bold Hunan flavours. Altogether, it made for a hearty and satisfying dining experience.

Our Meal at Xiang Xiang's Latest Outlet

Before leaving, do remember to grab their ice cream near the main entrance for a little sweet treat to end the meal. The ice cream came in adorable packaging featuring a cute pig mascot from the Xiang Xiang × Mingo collaboration, making it look extra fun and eye-catching. It was a simple yet enjoyable way to wrap up our comforting Hunan dining experience.

Grab your Ice Cream before leaving

Overall, Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine delivered a comforting and satisfying dining experience with its bold flavours, hearty dishes and cosy atmosphere. From the spicy and savoury classics to the refreshing drinks and cute dessert collaboration, the meal felt enjoyable from start to finish. If you are looking for approachable Hunan cuisine in Singapore with dishes suitable for sharing, Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine is definitely worth considering for your next gathering.

Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine 湘香湖南菜 @ Hougang Mall
Location: Hougang Mall, 90 Hougang Ave 10, #02-25 Singapore 538766
Website

Fluc

A visit to Fluc at Pelikat surprised me, hidden in the basement of a mixed residential estate, it serves pocket-friendly Neapolitan hand-stretched pizzas, each made fresh to order.

The owner and staff were warm and welcoming, their passion shining through in the hearty conversations we shared.

Beef Ragu Pizza from FLUC was slow-cooked, rich beef ragu meets stretchy mozzarella on a crisp yet chewy crust. Comfort food reimagined in pizza form, hearty and satisfying in every bite.

Beef Ragu - $22.90 

For their pizza base, they use biga, a traditional Italian pre-ferment made from flour, water, and yeast. This slow fermentation process develops a deeper flavor, gives the crust a light airy texture, and makes it wonderfully crisp on the outside while soft inside.

Biga

The Pesto Chicken Pizza at Fluc is a true crowd-pleaser. What makes it special starts with the pesto sauce , made fresh in-house every single day, it bursts with the aroma of basil and a hint of nuttiness. This fragrant base is generously topped with tender, juicy chicken cubes, sweet pops of cherry tomato, and a blanket of melted cheese that ties everything together. Baked on their hand-stretched Neapolitan-style crust, it strikes the perfect balance of crisp edges and soft, chewy centre. Every bite delivers freshness, comfort, and just the right touch of indulgence.

Pesto with Chicken - $22.90

Up next was their Wagyu Sunrise, a flavour-packed treat with juicy slices of wagyu beef, topped with tangy onion sumac, and crowned with a perfectly runny onsen egg. As the yolk oozed over the toppings, it created a rich, velvety coating that mingled beautifully with the savoury beef, delivering a special taste that truly delighted my taste buds.

Wagyu Sunshine -$29.90

Their chicken is first marinated to lock in rich flavors, then sealed in a vacuum bag and slow-cooked for hours. This method keeps the meat incredibly tender, juicy, and infused with every bit of seasoning before it’s served.

Slow Cooked

After Slow Cooked

The chicken chop was a satisfying choice, especially for gym-goers looking for a hearty protein boost. It’s reasonably priced and offers great value for money. You can choose your preferred sauce, brown, black pepper, or mushroom  to suit your taste. We went with the chicken chop served with crispy fries and fresh rocket on the side, making it a well-rounded and delicious meal.

Chicken Chop + Fries - $8.90

If you prefer your chicken chop with pasta, they have got you covered, spaghetti with chicken chop is also on the menu.

Chicken Chop + Spaghetti - $8.90

FLUC delivers a satisfying balance of flavor, variety, and value. With thoughtfully prepared dishes and flexible options to suit different cravings, it’s a spot that makes everyday meals feel just that bit more rewarding.

Fluc
Location: The Promenade @ Pelikat, 183 Jln Pelikat, B1-74, Singapore 537643

Takagi Ramen

Congratulations to Takagi Ramen's latest addition in Hougang Rivercourt. Let's celebrate the grand opening of Takagi Ramen's new outlet in Hougang! Takagi Ramen is committed to keeping their dining experience delightful & affordable. Do note that this outlet is operating 24 hours around the clock.

Enjoy Takagi's Soft-shell Crab Ramen with Salted Egg Sauce, Roasted Seaweed, Spring Onions and a Gooey Japanese Ajitama Egg. This dish is served with a Bowl of our Signature 12 Hours Boiled Tonkotsu Soup.

Salted Egg Crab Ramen - $20.90

Served similarly to Salted Egg Crab Ramen the Soft-shell crab Ramen with Tangy Chilli-Crab Sauce was served with Roasted Seaweed, Spring Onions and a Gooey Japanese Ajitama Egg served with 12 hours Boiled Tonkotsu Soup.

Chilli Crab Ramen - $20.90

The Tantan Men is a Chinese-inspired dish served with Spicy, peanut-infused tonkotsu Broth Ramen and pulled pork, Spring Onions and Peanuts.

Tantan Men - $11.90 

Are you game enough to try their Devil Lips Ramen? Claimed the spiciest ramen in town, this Mamee X Takagi Ramen with 1,000,000 Scoville Heat Unit Ghost Pepper Challenge is here! Take up the challenge?

Devil Lips Ramen - $8.90

Pairing our food, we had Milk Tea, Yuzu Oolong, Iced Takagi Koohii & Passionfruit Sencha. (Left to Right)

Drinks

We enjoyed these 6 pieces of Authentic Takoyaki, Japanese Octopus Balls topped with Mayonnaise, Japanese BBQ Sauce & Seaweed. A side that is good for sharing too.

Takoyaki - $6.90 (6pcs)

The Ebi Fry has crumbed Prawns Served with a Tangy, Spicy Chilli Crab Sauce. We loved that the serving was pleasant and not too greasy.

Chilli Crab Sauce Ebi Fry - $9.90

One of us did not get enough of prawns apparently and we ordered another portion of Ebi Fry. These crispy Fried Crumbed Prawns were served with Mayonnaise and Japanese BBQ Sauce.

Ebi Fry - $8.90 (5 pcs)

5 Pieces of Crispy Deep Fried Chicken and Vegetable Dumplings were Drizzled In Creamy Salted-egg Sauce. Pretty appetizing. 

Salted Egg Sauce Gyoza - $9.90

Let's have a wide view of what we had. What a scrumptious meal. Thank you Takagi Ramen.

Our Meal

Takagi Ramen
Location: Hougang Rivercourt, Blk 377 Hougang St 32 #01-02/16  Singapore 530377

Sin Heng Kee 新兴记

Over the years since the last visit in 2019, Sin Heng Kee is still one of my favourite porridge places to go. Comparing the previous picture where the picture was taken before the pandemic, the place was so packed over the weekends that people can hardly walk in between.

Nonetheless, with their reputation and delicious porridge, there is still a consistent crowd coming in.

Shop of Sin Heng Kee

Comparing the prices before, there was a hike of $1.50 on their Signature Porridge, however, the taste and consistency still remain.

Signature Porridge - $6.50

The ingredients of the porridge are similar to what we have from the Signature Porridge, perhaps blessing out the fish slice and bits of century egg.

Mixed Organ Porridge 猪什粥 - $5

We added the Fried Fritters later on. It was freshly fried on the spot and goes very well with the porridge.

Fried Fritters add on at $1.20

The pork livers are not overcooked and is of the right firmness even though it was immersed into the porridge for sometime.

A Spoonful of goodness

We get to enjoy cuttlefish from the porridge we ordered too.

Cuttlefish

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Posted 14 March 2019

We had never expected that Sin Heng kee is so crowded during a Sunday morning. The entire place was swarmed with tables of families (We can see at least 2 generations in a family Nucleus) enjoying their Breakfast. This was my first visit and I don't think that this will be my last too for that I personally feel that this is the best congee that I ever had thus far. It was a challenge during a hot weekend as seats are limited and the waiting time is about 30 minutes time.

Sin Heng Kee

Ah ha! This is the secret tool to the bowls of thick gooey congee served! Hours in the boiling pot at the right consistency and you will achieve them!

Porridge Cooker

If you want a bit of everything, it is best to order their Signature Porridge. Meatball, Century Egg, Egg, Intestine, sliced cuttlefish, pig's liver, sliced fish and sliced pork were all included under the bed of hot congee. Ingredients were tendered and well seasoned. On a side note, I can even taste a hint of herb from the Pig's intestine.

Signature Porridge - $5

I love that the porridge is smooth, thick and gooey which you won't get shortchanged with them being too watery. Just break the egg yolk and mix it thoroughly.

Mixing the Porridge

With us being Century Eggs lovers, how can we miss such a good chance to order a place of it when most of them have it placed on their table? We do love preparing our own century egg with pickled ginger slices and their preparation with additional chilli and garlic had given us a good idea to pair them. Love that these all went well with the creamy yolk from the century eggs.

Century Egg - $5

Their You Tiao is sold separately in a bag form and will come together with the order. I guess this is a side that one must order to complete the delicious bowl of congee.

You Tiao

Having congee in its takeaway form, I'm glad that they practice the use of foam box to contain the food instead of the common microwavable clear plastic containers. The food was still kept warm despite keeping for hours.

Rating:  4 / 5

Sin Heng Kee
Location: Blk 685 Hougang Street 61 #01-150, Singapore 530685

Lola's Cafe

It has been a few times that we were turned turn by the full house and long wait of Lola's Cafe. We decided to give a try this time round since we were some kind of near to Simon Road.

Lola's Cafe

It was full house and we entered our particulars into the Ipad to get a queue number for the next table. They have both internal as well as Alfresco Seating and there is a preference for you to indicate on the tablet itself. Though it was quite good enough, the service crew who saw us navigating at the devicce was friendly enough to tell us the estimated wait.

Tablet Seat Queue

Ordering and Payment Counter

Interior

 When I took a look into the menu, there were a number of items that seem so familiar to On The Table that we had visited sometimes back. On a deeper thought, I recalled that Lola and On The Table are from the same team.

Menu

It seems like most people raved about Lola's cafe Brunch menu but just too bad that I'm here for dinner instead.

Ginger Beer - $6.50
Lemonade & Theme - $8

The guy had his indulgence on the Pork Patty, pulled and served with pickled vegetables, toasted burger buns and potato fries. Presentation was more or less the same as On The Table just that it was served in a wooden bowl instead. It was not anything special and did not have any wow factor in order to lead us in making a return visit.

Pulled Pork Burger with Purple Slaw - $16

Toasted with Spread

Spaghetti with pork bacon, white mushroom, truffle oil, parmesan cheese and cream perhaps can do better if the infusion of truffle oil scent got a little bit heavier. Pasta was good but there are still room for improvement.

Bacon & Mushroom Truffle Cream Pasta - $15

Chocolate sweetness level was in favor of us, bitter sweet taste and was not too cloying even in its creamy chocolate. The piece of dark brown dessert was adorned with 9 Toasted Meringue, brightening up the dull colors. Texture was soft on cocoa sponge and not too creamy from the chocolate cream and we get to feel the crunchy thin layer of Hazelnut Feuilletine within the cream. That's the kick!

Lola's Chocolate Cake - $6.50

Trying its dinner menu, we had expected something better than that. Perhaps most media comments were based on their Brunch Set, I guess it will be fair for them until I try out their Brunch Menu.

Rating: 3 / 5

Lola's Cafe
Location: 5 Simon Road Singapore 545893