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2010-08-26
Was suddenly reminded by D that we had a lunch date at Hainan Shaoye arranged a month ago. D had made reservations a month ago. Apparently reservations are difficult to make here. Yes it was packed for lunch. But I don't think they have a one-month reservation wait list...but yes you need to make reservations. Environment: Rather nice views, don't you think? Especially when the sky is blue. But inside it's not very spacious. Tables are right next to each other. But decor is interesting. Food: 一隻
Environment:
Rather nice views, don't you think? Especially when the sky is blue. But inside it's not very spacious. Tables are right next to each other. But decor is interesting.
Food:
一隻海南雞
You can order one whole chicken. And they're really honest - no missing portions i think! The meat was tender and smooth. You could get rid of the excess fat easily by peeling off the skin. Jab the thing into a bit of sweet soy sauce. Delish.
燒雞
Hainan Shaoye is known for its 海南雞 but honestly if i had to choose between that and 燒雞 i would pick 燒雞! Richer flavours and crisp skin won me over. It came with a bowl of 雞油飯. Again, fragrant, but not too oily. D said they made it less oily in response to certain suggestions made by customers, who wanted a healthier meal. Alright. But healthy = less tasty. There you have it .
肉骨茶
Now this 肉骨茶 was truly outstanding. I tried 肉骨茶 in Singapore a few weeks ago at Maxwell Food Center, which was supposed to be the authentic stuff, but authenticity aside, I think the 肉骨茶 prepared by Hainan Shaoye was tastier. Stronger flavours, less watery, a bit sweeter too. I had the pleasure of sucking on the rib. Juicy and thoroughly cooked.
Rojak
Very happy when i saw this on the menu. Reminded me of the Rojak i had back at Maxwell Food Center. Sadly this can't compare. The sauce was rather disappointing! The fruits, fried dough and other vegetables are supposed to be drenched in sauce. And finely diced peanuts. But this wasn't quite like the authentic thing...no harm trying, although it's not like the traditional Rojak.
Skewers and black turnip pudding
Not bad. Beef skewers were kind of tough but i'ts OK once you dip it into satay sauce. The satay sauce was pretty good. Black turnip pudding: essentially 炒黑年糕. Not sure how it differs from plain turnip pudding, but it was quite tasty. The only complaint being its lack of texture. The pudding itself wasn't chewy enough. Kind of pasty. Would prefer more bite. But it tastes good.
Conclusion:
Would want to come again. Yes.
Note: if you come in the afternoon, I would actually advise against sitting next to the windows. My eyes (and subsequently head) hurt after half an hour. Not good.
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