#02-12 Ngee Ann City, 391 Orchard Road
Tel: 6735 2388
Operating Hours: Lunch: 11.30am – 3pm Dinner: 6pm – 11 pm

The competent Cantonese fare here certainly draws in the crowds, and one can expect a queue at the entrance at just about anytime of the day – even if you have a reservation, as I did. This was immensely frustrating, but once in my mood improved plenty: the service was prompt and friendly, and the food was delicious. The dim sum offerings, though ordinary, were familiar and tasty. Other favourites, such as the braised mee pok with XO sauce and the luscious barbecued pork collar were very enjoyable, both being rich, sticky and savoury. The highlight of my meal though was the live seafood, including a succulent baby lobster baked in superior gravy – packed with rich, complex proteinaceous flavours: lovely. The shark’s fin should be avoided, I feel, on ethical grounds, but the nourishing double boiled sea whelk soup with herbs was just as good – better even – and was in much the same realm of taste and texture: jelly-ish, thick and briny. For a beautiful close, try the refreshing dessert of poached snow pear slices in orange and ginseng syrup – crisp, lively and refreshing.