Saturday, July 4, 2009

Simple Indulgence without the Frills in 店小二 Dian Xiao Er @ Vivo City

Dian Xiao Er (one of its many branches) nestled itself among the several eateries on the 2nd floor of Vivo City. This outlet touts a sea facing view, looking at Sentosa island. At the moment there isn't much of a view due to major constructions brought in by the "invasion" of the Integrated Resorts into Singapore.

Upon entering, Dian Xiao Er, I felt that I was in some Chinese tea house with the wooden stilts lining the ceiling high glass panels. All the furnishing were Chinese wooden table and chairs, the waiters and waitresses dressed like Dian Xiao Ers (a Chinese term for waiter in a traditional Chinese tea house), all in line with the restaurant's name. I liked the menu most. It says 店小二秘笈, Dian Xiao Er Secet Manuscript and packaged like a traditional chinese manuscript that contains long lost knowledge.

Although this restaurant chain may not be your idea of a typical chi-chi food establishment, the dishes they serve come close to tickling the senses at the same chi-chi level but without the frills.

A few of my kakis came here before and we ended up ordering the more popular dishes like;

Duck Roasted with 10 Wonderful Herbs 十全烤鸭 (S$23.80). Most importantly, I read from the menu the benefits of the herbs, "People who are prone to nervousness will benefit from its calming effect". Apart from the medicinal benefit, the duck with the sauce has a certain sweetness amidst the savoury flavour. The meat was roasted but still maintains the succulence.

Dong Po Pork 东坡肉 (S$18) - This braised pork belly may have washed away the goodness of the previous dish, but these marvelous fats melts in your mouth and got infused into the lean meat, at the bottom of the layer, making it tender. I wonder how many will appreciate my statement though.

Golden Fried Tofu 黄金豆腐 (S$9.80) - This dish seems to be very common in many restaurant but this one was good!


These other 2 dishes were good but did not impressive.The XO sauce just did its job in making the dishes appetizing.

Sauteed String Bean with XO sauce, XO 酱四季豆 (S$15.80)


Fried rice with Seafood and XO sauce, XO 酱海鲜炒饭 (S$14.80)


Overall, I felt it's a value for money place for some simple indulgence without the frills. After the meal, please pick up the check and pay at the cashier.

Address : 1 Harbour Front Walk, Vivo City, #02-183

Opening Hours : Mon-Fri 11.30am - 2.30pm, 5.30pm - 9.30pm Sat-Sun 11.30am - 3.00pm, 5.30pm - 9.30pm

Country : Singapore

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