Mui Kee

Not knowing how long the queue will be at Mui Kee, I have put off visiting the restaurant on the 1st floor of Shaw Centre since it opened in March this year. It started in Mong Kok, Hong Kong in 1979 and was first brought into Singapore by the Les Amis Group as a pop-up stall at the Botanical Garden last year. Decided to try our luck as we were in the area around 9pm yesterday and were seated immediately. Probably because the place closes at 10pm (last order at 9.30pm). My dining companion was not impressed with the sliced fish kway teow soup while I could neither rave about nor fault the homemade pork meatballs congee. The silky smooth congee had a consistency more watery than the Cantonese ones I was used to, was a tad bland but perfect when paired with the well-marinated tender meatballs and crispy dough fritters. Add side dishes such as fried beancurd skin and dace fishcake, or chee cheong fun and claypot dishes respectively for lunch and dinner.

Eight Korean BBQ

Eight Korean BBQ opened its 1st branch on the 2nd floor of Central in 2013 and has since expanded to Shaw Centre. My dining companions and I visited the former for lunch on a weekday, and was surprised there was just another two tables occupied. According to the website, it is named after its 8 Colours Set – pork belly slices in wine, original, garlic, smoked, herb, curry, miso and gochujang flavours (from the lightest to the heaviest). Decided to order its Flower Pork Set of flower pork belly, pork neck steak and pork jowl to try different parts of the Mangalitza hog used here. A rare pig of Hungarian origin often mistaken for sheep due to its thick woolly coat, it can withstand harsh winter as low as -30^oC. Is this why the raw meat was red like beef with marbling twice that of regular pork? Was apprehensive about putting a piece of 100%-fat-looking jowl into my mouth but am glad I did as fats had never taste so good, possibly due to Mangalitza fats melting at a lower temperature than regular pork fats.

There was no gamely smell to both the fats and meat which were tender, juicy and sweet. Every set comes with raw leafy greens that you can use to wrap the grilled meat and mushrooms with kimchi and bean sprouts. And Seafood Bean Paste Stew that started a tad bland (though a dining companion thought it was flavourful enough), was just nice in the middle of our meal but too salty and thick at the end. Could neither rave about the clams nor fault the squids in it though the mussels were not fresh which the staff kindly changed for us. We also ordered a comforting White Ginseng Chicken Soup – taste of the chicken that could be easily torn apart with the Korean metal flat chopsticks and spoon, was accentuated with a dash of the salt and pepper that was served alongside. Of the banchan, our favourite was the thin slices of preserved radish. Oh, and did I mention that the grill plate was tilted to drain away the oil and that you can spray fabric freshener on your clothes before leaving the Korean restaurant?

Joyden Canton

Having heard rave reviews about Joyden Canton at HillV2, I was looking forward to my visit at its 2nd branch. Located on the 4th floor of Shaw House or Isetan Scotts, this is definitely more convenient for people who do not stay in the west. I was pleasantly surprised that only a few tables at the 140-seater restaurant were occupied for dinner on a weekend. Decided to order two appetisers instead of a main course as they were going for $5.20++ each, in celebration of our nation's birthday (terms and conditions apply for the promotion that is valid 'til 31 Aug). While I could neither rave about nor fault the pan-fried carrot cake with homemade XO sauce, the stuffed chicken wing with glutinous rice did not sit well with me. As both dishes were too salty for my liking and I struggled to finish the latter, decided to wash them down with sago & pomelo in mango puree. Do not expect chunks of mango. And consistency of the "puree" was thin like juice. It was a disappointing end to a barely-palatable meal.

Cocoa Colony

I first saw Cocoa Colony at Shaw Centre but forgot to drop by for drinks and/or desserts after dinner. That is, until I saw it again at B1 of Great World City. Within That CD Shop, this is a chocolate (move over, coffee and tea) café inspired by the cocoa beans and chocolate cafés found in the Republic of Ecuador. Conceptualised by Singaporeans, the café chain started in Shanghai and opened its first local branch in December last year. It has since expanded its presence in Singapore from Shaw Centre to another 6 locations including 313@somerset, Suntec City and The Star Vista. According to the website, it offers avant-garde cocoa beverages, crafted chocolate bars and lava flowing hot chocolate sauce made from premium chocolate. Ordered one of the signature items from its menu – Cocoa Blanc Deluxe, a zesty white cocoa drink with a shot of espresso but found it too acidic and flat for my liking. Could neither smell and taste the espresso, nor enjoy the chocolate too.

Update: The branch at Great World City has closed.

Xi Yan

Was looking for a place to have dinner on a weekend when I chanced upon Xi Yan, located on the 3rd floor of Shaw Centre. Unlike private dining Xi Yan at Craig Road where reservations are required and it is highly recommended to set aside a few hours to not just enjoy the meal (only set menus are available) but also justify the hole burnt in your pocket, walk-ins are allowed at this casual dining concept. Opened since last October, it was quieter than expected considering the hype around its 10-year-old parent restaurant founded by celebrity chef Jacky Wu popularly nicknamed Hong Kong's Jamie Oliver. Appetiser Fried XO Chai Po Radish Cake was too salty for my liking. In contrast, Black Truffle Yunnan Ham Fried Rice was a tad bland with a nice aroma of truffle oil that did not overwhelm. While I liked the Basil Satay Prawns with Salted Egg Yolk, could not say the same of Okinawa Black Sugar Zhenjiang Spare Ribs which was too tough.

Sanpoutei Ramen

Late on a weekend night, I have not had my dinner yet and just wanted something simple to fill my stomach. Chanced upon Sanpoutei Ramen at the basement of Shaw House outside Isetan Scotts Supermarket, and decided to give it a try. Known for its Shoyu ramen that originates from Niigata since 1967, this is its 2nd branch after Holland Village. Lots of wood could be seen in its interior design, no different from the usual Japanese restaurants. While Tsukemen is also offered here, I did not order that and went for W Soup Tonkotsu Ramen with flavoured soft-boiled egg instead. Could smell a nice aroma as the specially customised double-walled bowl was placed in front of me, something atypical of ramen.