Xi Yan at Shaw. How apt. Just change the tone of Xi Yan and it sounds like “cinema” in Mandarin. So when my friend asked if I had tried Xi Yan at Shaw, my first reaction was “Yes, I go there for movies… what do mean?”. He meant Xi Yan’s new casual dining concept at Shaw Centre.
For those who have eaten at Xi Yan restaurant at Craig Road and burnt a little hole in your pocket for the fabulous set meals, fret not as Xi Yan at Shaw comes with comfortable prices, simpler settings, smaller spaces but the same good food that the 10-year old Xi Yan in Singapore is known for.
For appetisers, try the Jellyfish and Cucumber in Wasabi Sesame Sauce (S$6.80). The jelly fish is interestingly crunchy unlike the soft and mushy ones you get in some restaurants. Coupled with the light cucumber and the sweet fragrant sesame sauce, this dish is very refreshing. I could not really taste the wasabi though, which might be a welcome to some.
Another starter choice would be the Radish Pizza in XO Sauce (S$7.80). Nope, it is not a pizza, just shapes like one. This is what we traditionally call “carrot cake” but presented differently. One other distinct difference is that you get chunky radish pieces in each bite that allows you to really taste the radish. Adding the XO sauce is a must as it takes away some of the “raw vegetable” taste of the radish.
My favourite is the Salivating Spicy Chicken (S$9.80). White steamed chicken on top of glass noodles and sliced century eggs garnished with peanuts, sesame, and the important spicy “mala” sauce. Remember to mix the ingredients well to get the full taste of the seasoning. I love “mala” and this dish has just the right amount for flavour and it does not totally numb your taste buds.
If you are into something light and soupy, try the Yunnan Ham Niang Dou Fu in Special Broth (S$9.80). The broth is light and very flavourful, apparently from the owner’s family recipe. Or choose the Rice in Superior Fish Soup (S$9.80). The soup is perfect! It does not have any unwelcome fishy scent or taste and is such a comfort food.
One dish that exceeded my expectations is the Deep Fried Shrimp Paste Fish Fillet with Pomelo and Water Chestnut Salad (S$12.80). That is a long name for a dish. The picture in the menu looks quite bad but it has a “signature dish” stamp and warrants a try. It has a myriad of taste, from spicy, sweet to sour, and the fish fillet is tender and firm, wrap in a crispy batter.
While I was having my meal in Xi Yan, a family with two little boys sat beside me, and one of the kids kept asking his mum to order another bowl of truffle rice. I had ordered the “Pregnant Woman” Fried Rice (S$9.80) and though it was nice, I immediately regretted since I was sold by this child’s persistent insistence for a second bowl of Black Truffle Yunnan Ham Fried Rice (S$12.80). Unfortunately I did not get to try it but it will definitely be in my order list next time.
Xi Yan has quite a unique range of ice creams. From Tofu to Wolfberry and the very odd sounding Salted Egg Yolk Pumpkin Ice Cream with Glutinous Rice (S$4.50 per scoop). I tried it and it is surprisingly commendable. You taste more of the pumpkin with a tinge of saltiness, and it goes very well with the glutinous rice. But the must-try is definitely their signature dessert, the Custard Tang Yuan with Sweet Potato in Ginger Soup (S$4.80). The filling of this smooth dumpling is sweet, creamy and slightly crunchy. A beautiful mix of taste and texture. The warm ginger soup helps to provide that perfect sweet ending to a very hearty, indulgent yet homely meal.
Xi Yan at Shaw is located at 1 Scotts Road, Shaw Centre #03-12/13, Singapore 228208.
About the Writer
Kevin Khoo is a self-professed foodie who loves his bak chor mee as much as an authentic al dente aglio olio; and savoury as much as sweets. He also works in F&B so he literally eats and breathes food. He struggles to stay in shape.
