Huney'Z World: Xiao Long Bao

Hi Huneybees,

We all know that planning for a group outing can be such a hassle, don't you agree?
Even in a food paradise like Singapore, it can still be an uphill task when it comes to satisfying everyone's tummies within ONE cafe / restaurant since everybody has their own dietary requirements....

Thanks to my friend Emily, I was introduced to the place - Social Square at Parkway Parade - that might just solve the sticky problem faced by many of us from time to time!

With the addition of Ju Hao into Social Square at the beginning of this month, we can now all have Northern Chinese fare, amidst the tantalizing array of European-Japanese gourmet delights that Social Square is already serving currently!!

The decision to place the cooking counter of Ju Hao near the entrance of Social Square is a smart move as it allows the patron to be quickly introduced to this latest member of the MOF family; And in my case while walking into the spacious restaurant space, I was already welcomed by the aroma of steaming hot Xiao Long Bao-s, that immediately tickles my appetite. Yummy!

For Huneybees who are not familiar with Ju Hao's Northern Chinese offer, a glance at the menu will quickly set you on familiar ground with its widespread of La Mian Noodles, Fried Rice, Stir Fried Vegetables, Soups and even desserts!

For starter, I would highly recommend having the Pork Belly Roll With Crushed Garlic (蒜泥白肉). The slight spiciness matched with the juicy pork belly and the sesame sauce was just enough to tantalize the taste buds and get ready you for the main dishes.

Since Ju Hao's signature is the Xiao Long Bao-s, and there are a few options to the traditional minced meat version, me and my friends decided to switch things up a little by ordering the special 3 classic favourites in 1 basket.

Within the traditional streaming basket, there are two Xiao Long Bao -s of each flavour - Original, Salted Egg and Chilli Crab - that could be easily identified through the coloured tip on the top of the dumplings' skin.

I was trying to learn a skill or two through the open kitchen concept, but sadly, the lady was working so fast, she had no time for me. LOL!

Being a BIG fan of Xiao Long Bao (aka XLB), I have tasted many and I must say the offering by Ju Hao is good. Every soup dumpling is made just right as they can be easily lifted off from the steam basket by chopsticks and yet their skins are not too thick but decent enough to hold the soup and minced meat within.

My favourite has to be the Chilli Crab ones as I give credits to Ju Hao for adding a little local flavour into this delicacy. Being the "redder" soup dumpling to its relative, you can see the redness from the shredded chilli crab peeking from underneath the skin dough and I couldn't help myself from popping the whole dumpling into my mouth after taking a little bite and sipping the delicious broth. It doesn't even require the dip into the ginger vinegar sauce!

Moving on to the main course, I would suggest trying these two dishes to fill your tummies - Prawn Fried Rice (虾仁蛋炒饭) and the Triple Treasure Signature Noodle (聚豪三宝招牌面).

In my opinion, the prawn fried rice was so well fried that the sweetness of the fried egg, accompanied by the juicy fresh prawns, were greatly enhanced by the aroma of the fiery wok in every grain that I chewed in my mouth!

To end the meal on a sweet note, we had the Red Bean Chocolate Dumpling. It is like XLB but this time, you get bursting chocolate sauce instead of soup. The sweetness of chocolate, paired with red bean, makes me want to go back for seconds!

Currently Social Square is running a 1-For-1 promotion, so you can also make use of the chance to mix things up and try from their Western-Japanese menu too. I've tried a few with my friends too and here's a little sneak peek...

Sashimi Juu - A platter of sashimi on top of sushi rice.

Mango & Avocado Dragon Roll - Fried prawn wrapped in suhi rice with mango, avocado and fish roe.

Honey Sweet Turnip Premium Pork Ribs with Parmesan Fries and Garden Salad.

John Dees Ribeye with Wedges and Baked Potato - Angus beef, grain fed 180 days, aged 4-6 weeks, super gold marbling with a minimum scored of 3.

All in all, I love the "All-In-One" concept that can satisfy everyone's appetite.

With the cozy internal deco of Social Square, one tends to forget he/she is in a shopping mall due to the beautiful spacious dining hall with garden setting, tall trees, teak wood tables with comfortable seatings. And not forgetting the open-concept kitchen, that allows you to check out the food in preparation whilst chatting with your friends and families.

Social Square, with the addition of Ju Hao, is definitely the place I will recommend for next my all-girls gathering!

Parkway Parade Social Square is the 11th Ju Hao Xiao Long Bao outlet to join the MOF group. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/juhaobymof .

Don’t forget to stay tuned to my blog / like my blog’s Facebook page / follow me @huney_84 on Twitter & Instagram for the latest updates!

Hi Huneybees,

I had a wonderful time last week at the Eastern Restaurant for some Shanghai cuisine. All thanks to William Tan (The coordinator) and Dennis Toh from Flaunt PR & Communications for the invitation.

The restaurant is located at Centrepoint #01-57, at the further end where Bengawan Solo is, right next to the escalator. I remember dining there during the dating days with my hubby and this food tasting did bring back memories...

We sat in a booth like this.

But the restaurant also caters for bigger crowds.

We were served tea the moment we sat down. *Service points*

Yours truly, Francesca, Joanna, Carol, Kyoko and William.

Ok, now it's time to introduce the food!

You guys might think that it's gona be a costly dinner, the fact that it's situated in the middle of Orchard, but boy, you are wrong. Prices start from $4 - $8 for Dim Sum and $8+ for House Dishes. Definitely a great place for everyone looking for quality food at affordable prices.

Check out the receipt! That many food for just $131.20!

Now, let me introduce the food! They taste amazing and if not for my image, I would have just licked the plates and bowls clean! The food's just as good as the service at the restaurant. Ok enough ranting, let's get on to the food.

This is a special dish that's not on the menu. Common Yam Rhizome, 白叶丝山药. It's a perfect dish for starters, I normally don't eat that, beacuse I tried that in China and it was bitter, but this one was refreshing and almost tasted sweet.

For those not sure what Yam Rhizome is, below is the picture of it. It is commonly used to replenish the qi, strengthen the spleen, lungs and kidneys, reduce phlegm and urinal discharge problems.

This is not noodles. It's actually shredded beancurd. Slight spicy taste, super appetizing.

Chilled Crunchy Cucumber 爽口小青瓜.

This is no stranger to Shanghai cuisine. It's Wanton in Chilli Sauce, 红油抄手. It's my fav, not too spicy, a little sour vinegar taste and I swear I could have eaten 2 bowls of this.

Another fav, Spice Beef Shank 五香牛搌. Thin slices of the beef shank dipped in a little soya sauce, served cold, very good for appetizers.

Ok this is not carrot cake. It's their other way of preparing the Common Yam Rhizome 山药. It's called Yao Zhu Shan Yao 瑶柱山药, the dry brown things on top are in fact dried scallops! Yummy!

This is their signature, even the logo has incorporated it's name, Xiao Long Bao 小笼包. For those who don't know, it's a soup dumpling, normally one would eat it with sliced ginger and vinegar, take a small bite and quickly drink the soup before biting into the succulent meat dumpling. *Caution: It's super hot,be careful when eating!*

Kyoko ordered this Shanghai pork rice, nice portion for just one, has a slight salty taste.

And it's served with a bowl of soup.

Francesca next to me had Spicy Beef Noodle in soup and I tried a little, QQ La Mian with a little spicy soup. Yum!

William's Zha Jiang Noodle 炸酱面. La Mian with sticky meat sauce and chunks of cucumbers.

Dennis's Dan Dan Noodle 担担面. A little spicy La Mian dish with a hint of sesame taste.

And I had the Shanghai Noodle Soup with Mixed Meat in Chilli Sauce 八宝辣酱面. La Mian with Pork Chunks, Mushrooms and Pig's Stomach.

Fried Prawns with Sweet and Sour Sauce Dip.

This one was interesting. Shanghai Pan Fried Pork Bun 上海生煎包. Instead of the usual steamed buns, this one's pan fried, super tasty, eat it while it's hot!

Sorry, was too engrossed with food, forgot it's name. But it's peas with chilli.

Then, we had a little break, chit chatted and this chef caught our eyes! He was pulling the dough and making the bouncy, QQ La Mian that we had. He was pulling it longer and longer, making the noodles thinner and he learned that all in 1 year!

Cameras were all on him and he was so shy.

Here's a little video of the chef making the noodles.

Noodles boiled and all ready to be served.

Then, it was time for dessert. These are highly recommended and they are super sweet, just for the after meal happiness!

Red Bean Pancake 豆沙锅饼.

It's crispy on the outside and soft red bean paste oozes out when you bite on it.

This one's my favourite! It's called Flowing Custard Bun.

Here's a demo of how "flowing" it is

See how the filling flows out almost like a volcano erupting?! The filling is made up of custard and salty egg. Has that mooncake feeling when I bit into it. It sells out fast, so order it fast!

And before we left, We snapped a group photo.On the left is Jefferey from Jia 88.3 FM, enjoyed the conversation we had we him. Very nice guy and frequent customer of the restaurant. And on the right is Dennis from Flaunt PR & Communications.

And before I go, let me share the promos Eastern Restaurant is currently running:

• Join Eastern Restaurant on Facebook: EasternRestaurant FB page and/or follow them on http://twitter.com/easternrSG to enjoy additional 5% Discount.

• Combo Meal at only $6.90.
Savour the authentic taste of Zhajiang Mian and 2 piece of Chinese Dumplings cup of Chinese Tea at irresistible low price.
Available from 12-5pm (except weekends and public holidays).

Do remember to take advantage of the Combo Promotion of $6.90 and try out the food at The Eastern Restaurant.

Eastern Restaurant is located at 176 Orchard Road #01-57 Centrepoint Singapore 238843

Website: http://www.easternrestaurant.com/

Opening hours

Mon-Sun: 11.00am-10.00pm

Do check out the restaurant and give the food a try. And don't forget to ask me along k? My stomach's already growling for more Xiao Long Bao-s.

Muahz,
Christina aka Huney

Finally There Is An "All-In-One" Restaurant That I Have Been Searching For!

Food Tasting @ Eastern Restaurant