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2011-08-06
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Recently saw some reviews of 天外天 on openrice and was instantly captivated by the pictures and feedback of their food! Immediately decided to make a reservation for my family; I was also picky and specifically requested for a window seat The place is actually quite small yet it is naturally brightly-lit by the large windows panning across the room. Unfortunately, our view from the window wasn't that nice as we were overlooking a lot of industrial buildings. The service was also very professional,
The place is actually quite small yet it is naturally brightly-lit by the large windows panning across the room. Unfortunately, our view from the window wasn't that nice as we were overlooking a lot of industrial buildings.
The service was also very professional, however, a slight disappointment is that they forgot to bring up the starter snacks when we sat down. It was only until we reminded them that they brought it out! Hope that won't happen again in the future.
Here is what we ordered:
鮑汁豬仔腳 （＄78）
如意龍蝦餃 （＄48 each)
帶子燒賣 （＄45）
帶子松露和牛包 （＄45）
欖菜斑片腸粉 （＄78）
鮮蝦脆春卷 （＄45）
五香鵝肝鹹水角 （＄39）
香煎蘿蔔糕 （＄39）
XO醬煎腸粉 （＄78）
水煮魚片粉皮 （＄168）
Nothing too special about the starters but I liked how they provided a variety of sauces! From left to right: soy sauce, chili sauce which could have been spicier in my opinion and the XO sauce.The first thing that arrived was the 鮑汁豬仔腳. Not only did it look pleasant as it was neatly presented, it was also warm and tender! The tenderness of the soft meat was also complimented by the crunchiness from the bones.
One of my favourites out of all our orders! Usually a person who isn't too fond of 燒賣, I felt that the 帶子燒賣 was worth a try after seeing the drool-worthy photos in previous reviews. Taking the first bite already had me amazed! The shrimp inside was sweet, juicy, moist and in addition with the scallop on top, the combination was just perfect! Definitely a must-order when visiting this place.
Another recommendation when coming to this place is the 如意龍蝦餃 which is ordered individually. What surprised me when I picked this up with my chopsticks was how generous the portion size is! The skin of the dumpling was the perfect; neither too thick or too thin. Moreover, in many other dim sum restaurants, the rice paper skin of the dumplings is soggy and not elastic enough when you pull it apart with your teeth; no problem with the ones here though! Another thing I liked about this was the black truffle sprinkled on the top of the dumpling which added an additional rich mushroom-y flavour!
I thought that this 帶子松露和牛包 was only okay, not sure if it was because my expectations were set higher by the previous dishes. Though I have to say the wagyu beef was nicely flavoured but I wasn't aware of any scallop inside; nothing too special about this dish.
This Sichuan-style 水煮魚片粉皮 is even better than the traditional ones because it is a lot less oily. Normally I wouldn't dare drink the soup because of the thick layer of oil on the top but it was okay here.I loved the texture of the garoupa fish, it's thick skin gave it a nice springy and chewiness. The addition of the chunky spring onions and bean sprouts is also a plus as they absorb all the spiciness from the soup (I love spicy food!). The 粉皮 was also really good in texture but there was barely any.
Only recommend this dish to those who can eat very spicy though!
One of my other favourites was the XO醬煎腸粉. Though its appearance was just like any other, it's taste was amazing! The XO sauce was strong and flavourful and I liked the addition of the pork floss. Even better when dipped into chilli sauce!
Of all the orders, I would have to say that the 鮮蝦脆春卷 and 五香鵝肝鹹水角 were most disappointing. Not something I would order again the next time I come.
All in all, the service was great, the food excellent and the environment peaceful, quiet and comfortable. Will definitely revisit 天外天 again to try the rest of their dim sum!
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