Swatow City (Bukit Batok Home TeamNS)

Many years ago, I visited Swatow in Toa Payoh for dim sum, and it left a lasting impression on me. Knowing that they have a branch in the west, we made plans to head down and try their Chinese meals. It felt like a nostalgic revisit, this time with the anticipation of discovering how their full dining experience would compare.

Beverages were served in a sleek disposable can, offering a modern and convenient way to enjoy a chilled drink at Swatow.

Drink

We ordered the Roast Peking Duck with Homemade Wraps & Trio Sauce, a highlight of the evening. 

Roast Peking Duck with Homemade Wraps & Trio Sauce 北京片皮烤鸭

Like many traditional Chinese restaurants, Swatow follows the customary protocol of slicing the roasted duck skin piece by piece in front of the diners. 

Peking Duck

The glossy, crisp skin was skillfully carved and served with delicate homemade wraps and a trio of sauces, each enhancing the duck’s rich flavour in its own way.

Skin

Another star of the night was the Braised Teochew Superior Shark's Fin Soup served in a Stone Bowl with Crispy Shrimp Roll. Presented in a hot stone pot placed on a wooden board, the dish was visually striking and retained its heat throughout the meal. The soup was rich and full of umami, with a luxurious texture that spoke of careful, slow braising. Paired with the golden Crispy Shrimp Roll, which added a delightful crunch, the combination was pure yumminess from start to finish.

Braised Teochew Superior Shark's Fin Soup Serve in Stone Bowl with Crispy Shrimp Roll
金汤石锅鲍翅伴手工虾卷 - $58

While we were savoring the shark’s fin soup, the Roast Peking Duck with Homemade Wraps & Trio Sauce was served in sequence at the table, accompanied by neatly arranged cucumber and scallion, ready for wrapping and enjoying.

The Sauces, Wrap, cucumber and scallion

The duck was beautifully roasted, flavorful without being too gamey. The thin egg wrap was delicate yet held together well, perfectly complementing the savoury roasted duck skin and trio of sauces. The sauce had a pleasant sweetness that paired nicely with the rich duck, while the skin was wonderfully crispy, adding a satisfying contrast in texture with each bite.

Wrap it up!

Some of the duck meat was used to prepare a comforting plate of Ee Fu Noodles, while the rest was served separately as a generous portion on a platter. The meat was tender, flavorful, and infused with the rich, roasted essence of the duck, absolutely delicious in both presentations.

Roast Duck

One of the more visually striking dishes was the Ice Sweet & Sour Kurobuta Pork with Lychee. Served atop a bed of crushed ice, the chilled presentation added a refreshing twist to the classic sweet and sour profile. 

Ice Sweet & Sour Kurobuta Pork with Lychee
 冰沙荔枝黑豚咕噜肉

The Kurobuta pork was perfectly fried, crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside. Coated in a tangy, glossy sauce and paired with chunks of pineapple, bell peppers, and whole lychees, the dish offered a harmonious balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors. A creative and delightful take on a familiar favorite, ideal for beating the heat.

So Yummy!

For a lighter, more refreshing touch, we had the Sautéed Asparagus & Fresh Lily Bulbs with Macadamia Nuts. The asparagus was crisp and tender, offering a satisfying crunch in every bite. Paired with delicate fresh lily bulbs, earthy mushrooms, and buttery macadamia nuts, the dish was beautifully balanced in texture and flavor. It was lightly seasoned to let the natural sweetness of the vegetables shine, a clean, nourishing contrast to the richer dishes on the table.

Sauteed Asparagus & Fresh Lily Bulbs with Macadamia Nut
夏果鲜百炒芦笋

A portion of the duck meat was cleverly repurposed into a hearty serving of Braised Ee-Fu Noodles, while the rest remained as a generous platter of roast duck. The noodles were braised just right, soft yet springy, and well-coated in a savoury sauce. Generous strips of tender duck meat were tossed in alongside crunchy bean sprouts and slivers of yellow chives, adding both texture and a subtle sweetness. It was a comforting, satisfying dish that showcased the duck in a whole new way.

Braised with Ee-Fu Noodle 烤鸭二度焖伊面 $20 

In conclusion, Swatow City offers a delightful journey into Teochew cuisine with a diverse menu ranging from fresh seafood to traditional dim sum. The dishes are crafted with authenticity and care, while the setting provides a comfortable, family-friendly dining experience. With thoughtful touches like beverages served in trendy disposable cans and islandwide delivery options, Swatow City ensures both dine-in and takeaway experiences are enjoyable and convenient. A great spot for anyone craving heartwarming Teochew flavors.

Swatow City (Bukit Batok Home TeamNS）
Location: HomeTeamNS Bukit Batok 2 Bukit Batok West Ave 7 #02-05 Singapore 659003

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Jin Hua Fish Head Bee Hoon

One of the most popular stalls at Old Airport Road Hawker Centre is none other than Jin Hua Fish Soup. I had been eyeing their fish soup ever since my previous visit. Unfortunately, I missed out that time as they were on their lunch break.

This time around, I finally got my chance, though it came with a price: a 30 to 45-minute wait in the queue just to get my bowl!

Jin Hua Fish Head Bee Hood

I ordered the mixed fish bee hoon soup. The broth was milky and rich, with subtle hints of cooking wine that added depth and warmth to the flavor.

The bowl was generously filled with sweet cabbage and slices of ginger, which not only added flavor but also beautifully balanced the soup's richness.

Mix Fish Bee Hoon Soup - $7

We also ordered another bowl of mixed fish soup without bee hoon, and noticed some interesting differences. This version came with tofu and tomato, which weren’t present in the bee hoon version. The tomato added a light tanginess to the broth, while the tofu gave it a comforting, silky texture. It was a subtle but notable variation, perhaps tailored to let the broth shine more on its own without the noodles.

Mixed Fish Soup - $7

The slices of fish were thick and smooth in texture, a clear sign of freshness. Each piece held up well in the hot broth without falling apart, offering a tender bite that paired perfectly with the soup’s clean, comforting flavours. 

Fish Slice

If you were to ask me to choose between the fried and non-fried fish pieces, I will go with the non-fried version. While the fried pieces add a nice and a different layer of flavor, I personally prefer the clean, smooth taste of the regular fish slices. They soak up the broth beautifully and highlight the natural sweetness of the fish, simple, yet deeply satisfying.

Fried Fish

If you ask me whether the wait was worth it, I will say yes, but with a caveat. The soup was undoubtedly comforting and well-executed, but I will be more inclined to buy it again if there isn’t too long a queue. It’s the kind of bowl you crave on a rainy day or when you're in need of something soothing, just better enjoyed without the 45-minute wait.

Rating: 3.25 / 5

Jin Hua Fish Head Bee Hoon
Location:  Old Airport Road Food Centre, 51 Old Airport Rd, #01-120, Singapore 390051

Kin Kao Mai Thai Restaurant Sembawang

“Kin Kao Mai?”, a familiar Thai phrase meaning “Have you eaten yet?”  is more than just a question. It’s a warm invitation rooted in Thai culture, one that I experienced firsthand during my visit to Kin Kao Mai Thai Bistro at their Sembawang Yacht Club branch. 

Kin Kao Mai Thai Bistro

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Johor Strait bordering Malaysia, the evening offered more than just authentic Thai cuisine. 

From the open dining area, the sunset skyline painted the horizon with breathtaking colours, making the meal even more memorable.

View from Kin Kao Mai Thai Bistro

While waiting for our dishes, nothing beat a chilled glass of lemongrass drink in hand. Light, fragrant, and subtly sweet, it was the perfect refresher to cool down from the lingering heat of the afternoon sun.

Lemongrass Drink - $4.80

The first dish to arrive was the glass noodles with seafood, a savory, flavor-packed plate that immediately caught our attention. The noodles were springy and well-seasoned, tossed with plump prawns, squid, and vegetables. What stood out were the charming star-shaped carrot cuts, adding a playful touch to the presentation. The vibrant colors made the dish as visually enticing as it was delicious. Every bite was a delightful mix of textures and umami, truly satisfying.

Fried Glass Noodles with Seafood - $14

Next came the Seafood Tom Yum Soup served in a less spicy version, yet no less flavorful. The broth leaned toward the sweeter side, striking a comforting balance between tangy and aromatic. It was incredibly addictive, especially with the generous portion of plump, succulent prawns that soaked up all the zesty goodness. Each spoonful warmed the soul without overwhelming the palate, making it perfect for those who enjoy tom yum with a gentler kick.

Seafood Tom Yum - $15

We also had the Breaded Thai Fish Cakes, a plate of four golden, crispy pieces that were just the right size for sharing. Each bite revealed a springy, flavorful interior, rich with herbs and spices. Dipping them into the accompanying sweet plum sauce added a lovely contrast of sweet and savoury, making the experience totally indulgent. Simple, satisfying, and undeniably tasty.

Thai Fish Cakes - $12

The Deep-Fried Chicken Wings with Thai Herbs were a hit as well. Crispy on the outside and juicy within, they were infused with the aromatic depth of Thai herbs that added an extra layer of flavor. Each wing was satisfying and well-seasoned , a great finger food that paired perfectly with the rest of the meal.

Deep-Fried Chicken Wings with Thai Herbs - $10

The Crackling Pork Knuckle was another standout , perfectly deep-fried to a golden brown with a shatteringly crisp skin that lived up to its name. Hearty and bold, it was a great addition to our spread and ideal for sharing.

Crackling Pork Knuckle - $30

The Deep-Fried Sea Bass with Sweet Chilli Sauce was thoughtfully prepared, the fish was already portioned into battered, bite-sized chunks, making it incredibly easy to enjoy without the hassle of bones. The sweet chilli sauce was mild and complemented the crisp, golden exterior without overpowering the delicate flavour of the fish. It was a well-executed dish that balanced convenience with taste.

Deep-Fried Sea Bass with Sweet Chilli Sauce - $35

After dinner, we took a leisurely stroll by the water and stumbled upon a quirky surprise, a tree adorned with a pair of oversized rolling eyes. Its playful look made it instantly Instagram-worthy, standing cheerfully against the scenic straits and twilight sky. It was the perfect light-hearted end to an already delightful evening at Kin Kao Mai Thai Bistro.

Playful Tree

Kin Kao Mai Thai Restaurant Sembawang
Location: Sembawang Yatch Club, 43 Admiralty Rd West, #02-01 Singapore 759962

Ah Hui Seafood White Bee Hoon

After making a few rounds around Bukit Timah Interim Hawker Centre, I finally decided on the Hor Fun from Ah Hui Seafood White Bee Hoon, I couldn't resist after seeing the table next to me tucking into a plate that looked incredibly tempting.

Ah Hui Seafood White Bee Hoon

I went with the smallest portion and was pleasantly surprised by the presence of wok hei that coveted smoky aroma in the Hor Fun. The dish was generously coated in a savoury, semi-starchy eggy sauce that clung to every strand of noodle. The ingredients were kept simple but satisfying: fresh fish slices, prawns, tender meat, and a good mix of vegetables rounded it out nicely.

Mixed Hor Fun 杂锦河粉 - $5.50

While it may not be something to shout about, it still served as a comforting and decent meal to fill the stomach especially satisfying on a casual day at the hawker centre.

Yummy

Rating: 3 / 5

Ah Hui Seafood White Bee Hoon
Location: Bukit Timah Wet Market & Food Centre (Interim), 2A Jln Seh Chuan, #01-040, Singapore 599213

Red House Seafood Dim Sum Buffet

The buzz around Corpthorne Hotel's Seafood Dim Sum Buffet drew me in, my past fondness for Red House Seafood was an experience I enjoyed so much, I even brought a friend along this time! Stepping into the calm and peaceful daytime atmosphere, a welcome contrast to the usual bustle, promised a leisurely indulgence. We were both eager to discover how Corpthorne Hotel's seafood dim sum would measure up to the delightful memories I have of Red House Seafood.

Refer to Red House Seafood Dim Sum & Champagne Buffet Menu

Champange

The complimentary Singapore Chilli Crab Sauce with fresh crab meat and Golden Crab Mantou was an immediate highlight. 

Singapore Chilli Crab Sauce with Fresh Crab Meat & Golden Crab Mantou

The rich, flavorful sauce, brimming with sweet crab, paired perfectly with the crisp yet fluffy mantou for soaking up every last bit. 

* Complimentary on Weekends & PH

Dipping the Mantou

The Jellyfish in Mild Spicy Sauce provided a unique, slippery texture that was quite interesting. The mild spiciness added a subtle warmth without overwhelming the delicate flavor of the jellyfish.

Jellyfish in Mild Spicy Sauce 香辣海蜇头 

I was particularly intrigued to spot Satay Cuttlefish Kang Kong, a less common offering in the realm of dim sum and touted as a signature dish. Eager to experience this unique combination, I ordered it, and it was indeed incredibly satisfying, a testament to its signature status.

 Satay Cuttlefish Kang Kong 沙嗲鱿鱼蕹菜

he Salt & Pepper Eggplant arrived in an unexpected yet appealing presentation – cut into the shape of fries.

Salt & Pepper Eggplant 椒盐茄子 

We also sampled the Prawn Paste Calamari Tentacles, which featured tender calamari encased in a flavorful, battered exterior infused with rich prawn paste.

Prawn Paste Calamari Tentacles 虾酱魷鱼须 

We also enjoyed the deep-fried Prawn Dumplings, which achieved a satisfying crispness. A drizzle of the recommended Salad Sauce elevated them to another level, resulting in a truly yummy bite.

 Salad Prawn Dumpling 沙律明虾角 (3 pcs)

The Siew Mai offered an interesting twist on the classic, featuring sweet crab meat instead of the usual pork or chicken. It was certainly something special and a unique take on a familiar dim sum staple. While we appreciated the novelty and delicate flavour of the crab, we both agreed that our preference still leaned towards the traditional pork or chicken filling.

 Crab Meat ‘Siew Mai’ 蟹肉烧卖 (3 pcs)

Now, let's talk about the Chilli Wontons. These were a revelation! Each delicate wonton was enveloped in a truly exceptional chilli sauce that had me practically humming with delight.

Chilli Oil Wonton (3 pcs) 红油抄手 

The BBQ Pork Rice Roll, or Chee Cheong Fun as we fondly call it, was executed beautifully. The exterior was wonderfully silky smooth, giving way to tender cuts of savoury BBQ pork nestled within. Drizzled with a fragrant soy sauce dressing, the entire dish came together in a harmonious and utterly yummy experience.

BBQ Pork Rice Roll 叉烧肠粉

The dessert course offered a surprising and inventive rendition of Bubur Cha Cha. Eschewing the usual cubed ingredients, this version featured fried and shredded yam and sweet potato as a textural topping. The chilled dessert, presented in nostalgic tableware, offered a unique and memorable end to the meal.

Bubur Cha Cha 摩摩喳喳 

A classic done right, the Mango Pomelo Sago was not overly sweet and served wonderfully chilled, making for a light and satisfying dessert.

Mango Pomelo Sago (Cold) 杨枝甘露 (冷) 

Hold on a moment! Just when we thought the sweet desserts marked the grand finale, the allure of a few more savoury selections proved too strong to resist. Our buffet session wasn't quite over yet!

Moving on to the classic Hainanese Chicken, the meat itself was remarkably tender. The accompanying Bentong ginger and scallion sauce was fragrant, though we found the overall dish leaned a little on the salty side for our taste.

Hainanese Chicken with Bentong Ginger & Scallion Sauce 翡翠葱姜海南鸡 

The Minced Black Pork and Century Egg Congee was a study in smooth textures, each spoonful gliding down effortlessly. The addition of crispy fried fritters and fresh spring onions provided a delightful textural contrast and a burst of flavour to the creamy congee.

Minced Black Pork and Century Egg Congee 皮蛋黑豚瘦肉粥 

Concluding our extended buffet journey, we opted for the intriguing Ice Plant Salad with Sesame Dressing. Another unique find on the dim sum menu, this salad proved to be both refreshingly crisp and surprisingly satisfying, a light and delightful way to round off the meal.

Ice Plant Salad with Sesame Dressing 胡麻冰菜沙拉 

In conclusion, our exploration of Corpthorne Hotel's Seafood Dim Sum Buffet proved to be a worthwhile culinary adventure. With its relaxed daytime ambiance and a mix of familiar favorites and intriguing innovations, there was much to appreciate. While we might still hold a soft spot for our Red House Seafood memories, I wouldn't hesitate to suggest Corpthorne Hotel for a future dim sum gathering with friends or family.

Red House Seafood
Location: Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Singapore, 392 Havelock Rd, Level 2,  Singapore 169663
Website

87 Just Thai Killiney

Just Thai is a humble eatery that delivers bold, authentic Thai flavors without the frills. Whether you're craving classic dishes like pad thai, tom yum soup, or lesser-known street food gems, this cozy spot offers a comforting taste of Thailand in a relaxed, no-fuss setting. The aroma of herbs and spices hits you the moment you walk in, setting the tone for a satisfying and fiery meal ahead.

87 Just Thai Killiney

The Stir-Fried Kang Kong Belachan had just the right amount of heat — aromatic and flavorful without being overwhelmingly spicy, making it an easy favourite at the table.

Stir-Fried Kang Kong Belachan - $8

The Claypot Tang Hoon with Prawns was a comforting and satisfying dish, the glass noodles absorbed the rich, savoury sauce beautifully, while the prawns were fresh, plump, and juicy. Served bubbling hot in a metal claypot, it had that warm, hearty appeal perfect for sharing.

Claypot Tang Hoon with Prawns - $15

The Seabass with Thai Spicy Lime Sauce was absolutely addictive, tender, fresh fish perfectly soaked up the zesty, tangy sauce, which delivered a kick of heat and brightness in every bite. A must-try for lovers of bold Thai flavours.

Seabass with Thai spicy lime sauce - $29

The Stir-Fried Minced Chicken with Hot Basil Leaves was absolutely yummy, fragrant with basil, packed with flavour from shallots, and delightfully textured with long beans and juicy minced meat. A classic Thai comfort dish done right.

Stir-Fried Minced Pork with Hot Basil Leaves - $9

Tom Yum Soup (Red) at Just Thai offers a variety of options, seafood, vegetables, chicken, prawns, or fish. We opted for chicken, and the soup delivered a comforting tang with its signature lemongrass aroma. It struck a nice balance between spicy and sour, making it a satisfying and hearty start to the meal.

Tom Yum Soup (Red) - $9

Just Thai’s Black Olive Fried Rice with Minced Chicken is a flavour-packed dish with wok-fried rice, earthy olives, and tender chicken. Served with lime, chili, shallots, and crunchy cashews, every bite is a mix of bold and refreshing notes.

Black Olive Fried Rice with Minced Chicken - $9

Moo Ping (Grilled Pork Skewers) is easily one of my favourite Thai street foods,  juicy, slightly charred, and marinated to perfection with a sweet-savory glaze that keeps you coming back for more.

Moo Ping (Grilled Pork Skewers) - $8

87 Just Thai at Killiney truly delivers an authentic and satisfying Thai dining experience with its well-executed classics and bold flavors. From comforting rice and noodle dishes to tangy soups and addictive sides, the variety and quality of the food impressed us from start to finish. Whether you're craving hearty mains or crave-worthy street snacks like Moo Ping, this spot checks all the boxes for a fulfilling Thai meal.

Our Meal

For those living in the west, good news, they also have another branch at Holland Village, bringing the same great taste closer to you.

87 Just Thai Killiney
Location: 57 Killiney Rd, Singapore 239520 
Nearest Station: Somerset (NS23)
Website