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Saturday, January 25, 2025

Fu Yuan Teochew Dining

 Fu Yuan is conveniently located in Clarke Quay, nestled among a vibrant cluster of eateries. The interior exudes a modern yet comforting vibe, making it a welcoming space for diners. 

Fu Yuan Teochew Dining

Spread across two levels, the dining area offers ample seating, including four private rooms—perfect for intimate gatherings or special occasions.

Interior Furnishing

As we made our way to our table, we passed by an impressive display of live seafood tanks that immediately caught our attention. The tanks were filled with an array of fresh seafood, from lively crabs and lobsters to vibrant fish, showcasing the restaurant’s commitment to quality and freshness. 

Live Seafood Tanks

The clear glass and bubbling water created a captivating scene, giving diners a glimpse of the premium ingredients that would soon grace their plates. It added an interactive and lively touch to the dining experience, setting the tone for the feast ahead.

Lobster

While waiting for our dishes to be served, we enjoyed a soothing cup of Chinese tea. Presented in an elegant teacup with intricate patterns and a gold-accented handle, the tea was warm and aromatic, setting a relaxed and refined tone for the meal ahead. It was the perfect way to start our dining experience at Fu Yuan.

Chinese Tea

This dish had us guessing when it was served at the table. The Crispy 'Bing Chuan' Brinjal is made using brinjal sourced from high-altitude, cool-climate regions, known for producing firmer, low-moisture vegetables. Their unique growing conditions result in a denser texture, setting these brinjals apart from the usual varieties we're accustomed to. The crunchy bite, which retains the brinjal's natural sweetness, was truly commendable.

Crispy 'Bing Chuan' Brinjal 脆皮冰川茄子 - $20

In addition to the marinated raw crab on the menu, the chilled drunken yellow roe crab is another classic Teochew dish. Prepared exclusively with live female crabs to ensure peak freshness and flavour, this dish is served chilled. It showcases the natural sweetness of the crab and the richness of its roe, offering an authentic taste of traditional Teochew cuisine.

Chilled Drunken Yellow Roe Crab 冻醉黄膏蟹 - $88

The Red Wine Snow Pear offers a delightful balance of sweetness and subtle acidity, making it the perfect complement to the rich, smoky flavours of the Grilled Black Char Siew. The pear’s texture is crisp and juicy, with each bite offering a refreshing contrast to the tender char siew. Its delicate red wine infusion adds a sophisticated depth, enhancing the pear’s natural fruitiness while infusing a gentle warmth. This pairing creates a harmonious dance of flavours that brings a fresh, slightly tart note to the otherwise savoury dish, elevating the overall dining experience.

Red Wine Snow Pear

While dining in a Teochew restaurant, I was pleasantly surprised to see Fu Yuan embracing Cantonese flavours with their Grilled Black Char Siew dish. The uniformly cut, glossy slices of meat were expertly charcoal-grilled to perfection, resulting in a caramelized crust and tender, flavorful meat. This dish is a true delight for anyone who appreciates the rich and robust tastes of classic Cantonese cuisine.

Grilled Black Char Siew 秘制黑叉烧 - $22

Planning your next dining experience? Here's an irresistible deal you don’t want to miss! Make your reservations through Chope and spend more than $200 in a single receipt to enjoy a complimentary creamy pumpkin Boston lobster. Simply use the promo code FYLOBSTER when booking your table. Don't wait—grab this delectable offer now!

For more details, visit: https://linktr.ee/fuyuandining.sg

Creamy Pumpkin Live Lobster 金瓜奶油或龙虾

This dish is one of my favourites, as the soup delivers a perfect harmony of rich and savoury flavours. 

Double-Boiled Salted Vegetable Pig's Stomach Soup Stuffed with French Poulet
潮式咸菜猪肚炖安心鸡汤 - $108 Per Sharing Pot

The French poulet provides tender, juicy bites with a subtle sweetness, beautifully complemented by the umami depth of the salted vegetables. 

Soup with chicken

The pig's stomach adds a hearty texture, while the double-boiling process results in a broth brimming with complex, layered flavors.

With Chicken and pig's stomach

One of the quintessential Teochew dishes showcasing the chef's skill, this plate of Hor Fun was irresistibly addictive. I found myself going back for more, even at a sharing table! Each bite was bursting with the smoky Wok Hey aroma, while the sweetness of the egg perfectly balanced the savoury notes of the preserved radish. The addition of finely chopped Kai Lan brought a delightful crunch that elevated the dish further. To top it all off, the use of fragrant, crispy pork lard added an indulgent richness, making this dish absolutely unforgettable.

Wok-Fried Preserved Radish ‘Hor Fun' 潮州菜脯河粉 - $24 / $48

The Teochew-Style Pan-Fried Oyster Omelette is a timeless classic that beautifully reflects the rich heritage of Teochew cuisine. Its perfectly crisp exterior is skillfully crafted into a round shape, delicately cradling the plump oysters beneath. 

Teochew Style Pan-Fried Oyster Omelette 潮州蚝煎 - $18

Generously filled, each bite bursts with the oysters' briny sweetness. Simply awesome!

Revealing the Oysters

No Teochew meal is complete without ending on a sweet note with the traditional dessert, Orh Nee. This rendition was delightfully smooth and creamy, striking the perfect balance without being overly sweet. Served on a soft bed of yam paste, it was beautifully topped with ginkgo nuts and pumpkin, adding a subtle nuttiness and a hint of natural sweetness. A classic dessert done just right!

Mashed Taro 'Orh Nee' 潮州芋泥  - $7

Another dessert we tried was the Peach Gum with Hokkaido Milk—a unique combination that was entirely new to me. The delicate sweetness of the peach gum paired with the creamy richness of Hokkaido milk made for an intriguing and enjoyable treat. A refreshing twist to round off the meal!

Peach Gum with Hokkaido Milk 桃胶炖北海道奶 - $8 

To end on a high note, Fu Yuan Teochew Dining truly shines with its impeccable attention to detail and the balance of flavors that define their menu. From the fresh ingredients to the thoughtful pairings, each dish offers a unique experience that highlights the restaurant's commitment to quality. Whether you’re a regular or a first-time visitor, Fu Yuan ensures a dining experience that’s both satisfying and memorable, leaving you eager to return for more.

Fu Yuan Teochew Dining
Location:
3A River Valley Road #01-01C/01D Clarke Quay Singapore 179020

Thursday, January 16, 2025

Warm Up Cafe

Good news for lovers of authentic Thai food and late-night eats!  If you enjoy a Thai live band, you're in for a treat—they play Tuesdays to Sunday, 715pm to 12am

The dining area is beautifully themed under a big tree, with leaves and plants overhead, creating a lively and vibrant atmosphere. The combination of lights and thoughtful furnishings adds to the charm, making it a delightful spot to enjoy your meal. 

Don’t miss out on this unique experience!

Warm Up Cafe

We enjoyed a plate of fresh, healthy greens topped with generous chunks of crispy roasted pork. The contrast between the crispiness of the pork and the refreshing crunch of the greens made this dish a delightful and satisfying combination.

Interior

The Thai Lemongrass drink was simply refreshing when served chilled, providing a perfect way to cool down the heat from the spicy dishes. On the other hand, the warm honey lemon drink was just as enjoyable, with its balanced sweetness that perfectly suited the cold and wet weather—it was a comforting choice.
Thai Lemongrass & Honey Lemon - $3.90 Each

We were served Isan sausage, cut into bite-sized pieces resembling fish balls. The exterior was nicely charred, while the interior had a mince-like texture. Staying true to Thai traditions, the dish was accompanied by raw vegetables and chilli padi, enhancing its authentic flavours.


Isan Sausage - $11


The seafood Tom Yum clear soup we ordered came with two prawns, along with the usual seafood like squid and others. Despite its clear appearance, the soup packed a spicy punch. However, it lived up to expectations as an appetizing and flavorful dish.

Tom Yum Soup Clear - $16

The omelette was of the creamy and runny variety, generously topped with large chunks of crabmeat. While it was a tad too milky for my taste, those who enjoy watery and creamy omelettes will likely find it irresistible.

Creamy Crab Omeleete - $21

Boat Noodles are always a favourite of mine when ordering from a Thai menu. Unlike the typical one-mouthful serving, the portion was generous. The bowl was packed with meatballs, lean meat, liver, kang kong, and innards, making it incredibly hearty


Thai Boat Noodle

The broth had a rich depth of flavour and was simply delicious—comfort in every bite.

Boat Noodle

We tried their Seafood Vermicelli Salad, which was a refreshing and appetizing choice. The dish combined seafood such as mussels, squid, prawns, and minced meat with vermicelli, all tossed in a tangy and zesty sauce. The flavors came together beautifully, making it a vibrant and satisfying addition to our meal.

 
Vermicelli

We enjoyed a plate of fresh, healthy greens topped with generous chunks of crispy roasted pork. The contrast between the pork's crispiness and the greens' refreshing crunch made this dish a delightful and satisfying combination.

Kai Lan with Crispy Pork

The braised pork was served in eight generously sized chunks, with distinct layers of fat and meat. We absolutely loved how the braised flavours had infused deeply into the meat. The texture was springy yet tender, making each bite a delightful experience.

 
Braised Pork - $16

Steamed Seabass with Lime & Garlic is a must-have for me in any Thai meal. It’s served with a bowl of zesty gravy to pour over the fish as it cooks over the fire. I absolutely love how appetizing this dish is, with its perfect blend of spiciness and tangy goodness, which pairs beautifully with the tender flesh of the seabass.

Steamed Seabass with Lime and Garlic - $31

No meal is complete without dessert, and we opted for the Thai Coconut Milk Custard, also known as Kanom Tuay in Thai. This traditional dessert featured two layers—a creamy coconut layer on top of a pandan-infused base—and was served in small ceramic cups with wooden spoons, adding an authentic touch.


From the very first bite, we were captivated by its homey yet delightful taste. The salty coconut cream perfectly balanced the sweet, aromatic pandan layer, and the smooth, custard-like texture made it light and satisfying. It was the perfect way to round off our meal.
 
Thai Coconut Milk Custard

We also had Red Ruby as dessert, a delightful choice to end the meal. The mildly sweet coconut milk paired perfectly with the gelatinous coating around the crunchy water chestnut pieces of the red ruby. Adding to the experience was the natural sweetness of the jackfruit, which brought everything together beautifully and completed the meal on a satisfying note.

Red Ruby


To sum up, the Thai staff were warm and friendly, and despite the busy peak hours, our orders were served fairly quickly. The food was authentic and absolutely delicious. If you’re a fan of genuine Thai cuisine. Warm Up Café offers an impressive spread that’s sure to satisfy. Plus, they feature a live band during certain times, adding to the lively dining experience. Definitely worth checking out!

Warm Up Cafe @ Grantral Mall Macpherson
Location:
Grantral Mall, 601 MacPherson Road  #01-37 Grantral Complex, 368242

Sunday, January 12, 2025

Wok A.I

As AI continues to gain popularity and make its way into various aspects of our lives, from media to everyday conveniences, I was quite surprised to stumble upon a Hokkien Mee stall utilizing AI for frying. It’s fascinating to see how this technology is being adopted in such a traditional culinary craft!

With the signboard proudly proclaiming "Traditional Taste Perfected by Technology," it piqued my curiosity. Let’s give it a try!

Wok A.I

While ordering the regular portion to give it a try, I couldn’t help but observe how this AI Wok operates. The hawkers carefully input the stock, ingredients, and noodles at different stages, and the machine takes over, producing the final dish, which they then collect from a tray at the bottom. It reminded me of a "Thermomix machine," where food is effortlessly prepared by following a programmed recipe.

Hokkien Mee Regular - $5.50

To be honest, the plate of Hokkien Mee exceeded my expectations and tasted better than some hawker stalls I’ve tried. Perhaps the secret lies in their stock, which gave the dish its rich flavor. I loved the unique combination of three types of noodles—thick and thin white bee hoon along with yellow noodles—that added an interesting texture.

This was the so-called “wet” version of Hokkien Mee, generously coated with a robust stock and complemented by chives, eggs, prawns, pork belly, and squid. To top it all off, the presentation was elevated by a generous sprinkling of crispy pork lard cubes, which sealed the deal for me.

Prawn

Rating: 3.25 / 5

Wok A.I
Location:
Margaret Drive Hawker Centre, 38A Margaret Dr, #01-34, Singapore 142038

Saturday, January 11, 2025

28 Rojak

On a quiet Sunday evening, curiosity led me to the second level of Margaret Drive Hawker Centre to explore its offerings. The space exudes a cozy charm, blending a mix of new-generation stalls with those that carry on the beloved hawker traditions. The atmosphere was calm yet inviting, with families and small groups enjoying their meals. It was the perfect time to soak in the vibe and see what this nostalgic spot had to offer.

A part of my mind was already scouting for side dishes to complement our main courses, and the sight of Rojak and Popiah felt like a good calling.

28 Rojak

We went for the $5 portion and added $1 for extra Tau Pok. Admittedly, the picture on the stall was a bit misleading, as we assumed the default serving included Century Egg—it turned out to be just an illustration. Despite that, the dish hit the spot and satisfied our cravings. The ingredients were generous, and the portion was hearty, making it a satisfying choice overall.

Rojak - $5 + $1


Rating: 3.25 / 5

28 Rojak
Location:
 38A Margaret Dr, #02-29, Singapore 142038

Friday, January 10, 2025

Kway Chap

 "I've been craving the kway chap from this stall run by an elderly couple, and I'm excited to finally have the chance to enjoy it again now that they've reopened."

Kway Chap

It took a little while for our food to be served, but it was well worth the wait. The platter included slices of fishcake, and the innards were impeccably cleaned, free of any gamey taste. 

Two Pax Meal - $9

Each item on the plate was beautifully braised, striking a perfect balance of savoury saltiness and subtle sweetness. 

In terms of location, my friends and I compared this Kway Chap with the one from Jalan Batu Market & Food Centre. After much discussion, we all agreed that the Jalan Batu stall is more aligned with our taste preferences, making it the one we’d return to.

Kway Chap

Rating: 3.25 / 5

Kway Chap
Location:
Jalan Benaan Kapal Food Centre, 56 Jalan Benaan Kapal, #01-03, Singapore 399644

Wednesday, January 8, 2025

Hee Hee Hee Steamed fish & seafood

Recently, the lunch mates spotted a new stall in Clementi, and we decided to share a meal there. It turned out to be a great choice to welcome the new year with healthy and delicious steamed food.

Hee Hee Hee Steamed fish & seafood

Upon examining the signboard, we noticed that the stall originated from Circuit Road. They offer a good variety of seafood dishes and vegetable options, making it easy to mix and match for a well-balanced meal.

Menu

The menu features quite a number of new items, and I’m glad to see that the prices are reasonable and won’t burn a hole in your pocket. Imagine enjoying a plate of fresh steamed prawns for just $8!


New On Menu

The otah and egg dish is absolutely delicious—what a fantastic combination!

Otah & Egg - $8

The lady's fingers were delicately steamed and topped with crispy fried onions. It's a straightforward dish, but the simplicity allows the natural flavours of the okra to shine through, with the fried onions adding a delightful crunch to each bite.

Lady's Fingers - $6

The Thai Chilli Sotong quickly became one of our favorite dishes. The garlicky flavor, paired with a hint of spice, elevated the tender pieces of sotong. The flavorful gravy was the perfect complement, making it an irresistible match with a bowl of plain rice.

Thai Chilli Sotong - $12

The fish slices were an excellent choice for sharing among our large group. Infused with ginger and garlic, the dish effectively balanced the fish's natural flavor. The tender fish slices were delicious, and the savory gravy was a perfect accompaniment to our bowls of plain rice.

Slice Fish - $8

The freshness of the prawns was truly commendable. While peeling off the shells was required, the dish was expertly seasoned. A harmonious blend of spring onions, ginger, and chopped garlic in soy sauce enhanced the delicate flavor of the seafood, making each bite a delight.

Prawn - $8

For fish head enthusiasts, Hee Hee Hee delivers on the freshness of its seafood, making it well worth every cent spent.

Fish Head - $25

To strike a perfect balance in the meal, we had stir-fried nai bai, topped with crispy fried onions, adding both texture and flavor.

Vegetables (Nai Bai) - $6

Next up, the lala—absolutely delicious! The dish was well-prepared, with no trace of sand, making every bite enjoyable.

Lala - $8

Overall, I was impressed by how quickly the dishes were served, especially considering the number of items we ordered. They were dished out in no time, keeping the meal flowing smoothly. A return for other dishes is definitely on the cards, as we're eager to try more of what the menu has to offer

Rating: 3.5 / 5

Hee Hee Hee Steam Fish & Seafood 喜喜蒸鱼海鲜
Location:
 431 Clementi Ave 3, Block 431, Singapore 120431