An Evening at Multi-Concept Restaurant SOCIEATY by Les Amis Group @ One Farrer Hotel

This is a one-stop dining space where guests could order from a collection of brand names like Mui Kee Congee, Peperoni Pizzeria, Nam Nam, Tenjin, Sushi Jin, Tarte by Cheryl Koh, Lemak Boys amongst others.

Conveniently located at One Farrer Hotel lobby level, it is within walking distance from Farrer Park MRT. For us, we saw that the restaurant was perpetually busy during dinner time and reservation is encouraged during our 3 days 2 nights at the hotel. 

The staff there are really friendly, and thus, we decided to give it a try. Remember to sign-up and use their webapp for new user's 15% discount.

sign-up and order via the SOCIEATY webapp

We ordered congee from Mui Kee, beef donburi from Sushi Jin and a dessert from Tarte by Cheryl Koh.

First time trying Mui Kee, and its congee is typical of the smooth Hong-Kong style that cannot see the rice type. Added side dishes of century egg and sliced amberjack.

Mui Kee Dace Fishball Congee @$10.80++

close-up

Soft-centered century egg with pickled ginger 糖心皮蛋 @$2.80++

Sliced Raw Amberjack @$12.80++

Wanted to see if the century egg has similar molten center as the one I had in Yung Kee 鏞記(Wellington Street HK) many years ago, but it was not. The taste and texture of the century egg in Yung Kee is still etched in memory.

2017 Pasqua Chianti @$13++

I did enjoy the red wine at SOCIEATY, as it was smooth and pleasant. Wine and porridge？ That works too!

The Steak Don from Sushi Jin uses Australian Angus beef, served with a healthy dose of truffle oil, and topped with onsen egg and pickled radish. All served in a pretty lacquer box with a side of miso soup.

Sushi Jin Steak Don @$29.80++

closer look

I was surprised that we could still eat rice at 830pm after the last meal intake at about 430pm where we indulged in Nasi Kandar and Tandoori dishes. But then, we were legendary once... so shouldn't be surprised actually. Hahhaa!

For finale, we tried the blackforest that's made of lovely dark chocolate, morello cherries and decorated with a single snowflake. I didn't have any expectation for the tart as am not a fan of cherry. But wow, I loved it. It looked gorgeous too.

Blackforest Tarte by Cheryl Koh

inner piece

We enjoyed dining at SOCIEATY as service was good, and staff was friendly and efficient. Just be sure to make your reservations.

Staycation eats with Ivan, Hence and Tracy.

SOCIEATY by Les Amis Group

Address: 1 Farrer Park Station Rd, #01-01A One Farrer Hotel & Spa, Singapore 217562

Website: https://www.socieaty.net/menu

Contact: 9662 8697

Business Hours:

Daily 11:30am–3pm, 5:30–10pm

Makan Time @ Xin Tekka Food Hall

So we just had breakfast nearby, but that didn't deter us from continuing our food hunt. We walked around the area for a bit to burn off some of the earlier calories before heading towards Xin Tekka. If you are not aware of the location of Xin Tekka, just head towards the Tekka Place building that's easily seen from afar.

Tekka Place

And soon enough, we found the Xin Tekka Food Hall. On weekdays, the place was rather quiet but on the weekend of our visit, the place was somewhat busy.

entrance to Xin Tekka Food Hall

Pang's Hakka Noodles 小彭客家面

Monday to Thursday: 10.30am – 2.30pm

Friday and Saturday: 10.30am to 7.30pm

Close on Sunday

Pang's Hakka Noodles

This stall serves Hakka delicacies curated by Chef Pang Kok Keong. We tried the Signature Hakka Noodles set with the chicken wings. On our first visit, the food took 20-25 minutes to be prepared.

Signature Hakka Noodles Set @$9.50

The noodles were flavourful as it was tossed in fragrant oil and minced pork. Pretty yums! The chicken wings were good too. During our first visit, the items were served in take-away style while on second visit, it was served in proper plates and bowls.

yummy noodles

Hakka Yong Tau Foo

chicken wings

Liang Ji 梁记

Daily: 10.00am to 8.00pm

Liang Ji stall front

I wasn't feeling adventurous that day, hence chose the normal char kway teow instead of their creative versions. The char kway teow was pretty generic with the sweetened soy sauce and has cockles, lap cheong, fish cake and bean sprouts.

char kway teow @$5.80

Casa Bom Vento Express

Daily: 11.30am to 7.00pm

Casa Bom Vento Express shopfront

Decided to get the Dry Mee Siam simply because it was a "Today's Special" that appears once a week and, the lady at the stall said, only a few portions left. Tell me something like that, and I'm easily convinced to try. Hahaa!

 

Dry Mee Siam @$7.50

The mee siam was actually very good. I liked it quite a bit. The flavours of the noodles was on point with balanced sharp tangy, sweet and spicy. That big prawn was aesthetically pleasing as well.

Ayam Buah Keluak with Blue Pea Rice @$8.50

The presentation for the buah keluak with blue pea rice was rather pretty. The kacang botol ulam and the pineapples cubes were good too. However, I still prefer the mee siam.

The kopi from the drinks stall was decent.

kopi

Thank you makan buddies; Shermaine, Tracy, Hence and Ivan for sharing the calories.

Xin Tekka 新德卡 Food Hall

Address: 2 Serangoon Road, Tekka Place Annex Building, # 01–55/56/57/58/59, Singapore 218227

Website: https://xintekka.sg/

Business Hours:

Mon-Fri: 8.00am–10.00pm

Sat-Sun: 9.00am–10.00pm

Breakfast @ Dim Sum Haus

The good thing about our staycation is that we will traipse around the area to try out whatever that caught our fancy. The night before, we made plans for dim sum and so off we went towards Dim Sum Haus for breakfast.

Tracy leading the way

Actually, I was still feeling pretty full from the dinner the night before. Read more about it here.

Walked for about 15 to 20 minutes from our hotel, and reached around 9.48am. It was almost a mistake to go without a reservation as the place is rather small and weekend dim sum is popular. Luckily for us, managed to snag a table but with time limit of 1 hour.

menu

one of each

At that time, there were some promo code to get $2 off if we order via the app. It worked after fiddling for a while and as we were near the cashier, can confirm rather easily if the order went through.

order via app

was supposed to be a 'light' breakfast

Staff are friendly and drinks were served quickly once the order is confirmed.

soya bean @$2.90

Signatures Dim Sum

Baked Salted Egg Custard Bun 脆顶流沙包 @$5.90

no joke

The baked salted egg custard bun (liu sha bao) are no joke. Very rich, and be fascinated by the golden lava once you break it open. One is more than enough and probably good as ending to the meal.

Steamed Crispy Rice Roll with Shrimp 金网脆皮虾蒸肠粉 @$5.50

I'd recommend the steamed crispy rice roll with shrimp. That combination of smooth slippery and crunchy crispy plus sweet savoury shrimp, was just so good.

 Pan Fried Mushroom Bun 香煎鲜菇包 @$5.80

inside view of mushroom bun

Hmm, was a tad disappointed by the appearance of the mushroom buns as it was not looking very 'mushroom-like'. Taste wise, was decent savory earthy flavors.

Steamed Charcoal Chicken & Shrimp Dumpling" Hak Kam Kai Siew Mai" 黑金鸡烧卖 @$5.20

Steamed Pork & Shrimp Dumpling "Siew Mai" 香菇滑烧卖 @$5.10

For the siew mai, I only tried the pork and shrimp siew mai and they were juicy. Pretty good.

Fried Carrot Cake with X.O. Sauce @$6.70

Another dish that I really liked, was the fried carrot cake with XO sauce. There's something about this plate that I couldn't stop eating. The taugeh was good too! The flavors worked well together.

Chicken Feet in Five Spice

Chicken feet was mild and gentle. The skin falls off easily as it was well steamed.

Japanese Dumpling 日式抄手 @$5.80

good sized

The Japanese dumpling, is a twist to the usual spicy wantons. Nice and of a good sized but I prefer the original sauce for that spicy kick.

Breakfast with Tracy, Hence and Ivan.

We were done by 10.30am and there was a queue outside.

Dim Sum Haus

Address: 57 Jln Besar, Singapore 208809

Website: http://order.dimsumhaus.com.sg/

Contact: 6909 0777

Business Hours:

Mon - Fri: 10:30am–3pm, 5:30–10:30pm

Sat: 9:30am–10:30pm

Sun: 9:30am–9:30pm

[Tasting] Eat Drink @ Yum Sing Clarke Quay

Was invited to Yum Sing recently, courtesy of Kris (@msginginly). New place with plenty to eat, plenty to drink and no reason not to party!

Located at Clarke Quay, the exterior of Block B is recognisable in pink.

Block B and a beautiful painted signage of Yum Sing

yup, arrived at Block B

Yum Sing

food menu

After the usual Safe-Entry and temperature scanning, guests are welcomed into the hip and happening space that's Yum Sing. Immediately, guests could see towards their left, a section dedicated to showcase local brands such as Old Seng Choon, Compendium, Prima and many more.

local goods corner

lovely merchandise

Go past that section, and you might recognise an old world amusement park ticket booth.

a piece of nostalgia

After which, one would see the modern bar and if you spend some time observing the space, one might find trinkets and decorations that reminds you of familiar items.

feeling the vibe

cheers

my table

carousel up on the ceiling? why not!

lovely wall art by Ceno2

stage is set, lights action and...

If you recognise the trinkets that adorns the furniture or even by staring at the table or at the ceiling, one could find a piece of nostalgia at Yum Sing. Those who are familiar with the 60's will feel right at home with the many upcycled items that now becomes part of the place.

drinks menu

The Kaya Toast Set and Kopi-O Gao stood out from the drinks menu. Yes, you read it correct. Signature cocktail in fact. How can I not order, I know right? Hahahaa. Most will start with Yum Sling, of gin based drink with fresh juices.

Yum Sling @$18++

Do allow some time for the Kaya Toast Set to be prepared. Mine arrived after 25 minutes as the bar was rather busy that day. When it arrived, was unable to tell what's inside the mug but can instantly recognise the kaya toast.

mysterious Kaya Toast Set @$18++

crispy toast with rum infused kaya cream

The drink has a strong aroma of pandan/kaya and is on the high sweet side. Heard that this is a whiskey based drink and boy, it sure is strong. Very likeable but prefer less sweet. The aroma is on-point as with the kaya cream. I want a bottle of those!

Let's get some food in da belly, shall we? With prices that ranges from $8 to $12 for majority of the plates, it is easy to share a variety of local food with friends/loved ones.

Oh, if you want to Lo Hei everyday all day, here you can!

Rainbow Yusheng @$6.80 per pax

huat ah~ (silently)

Okay, let's get some food for sharing shall we? Also, Yusheng: Am I a joke to you?

Prawn Paste Chicken Wings @$10++

Salted Egg Prawns @$12++

Started strong with fried food. Loved the piping hot prawn paste chicken and the tasty salted egg prawns. Prawn paste is not too strong and insides were well fried and juicy. But why no special sambal belachan to go with this?

Salted egg prawns or prawn paste chicken? I'd go for the salted egg prawns!

Next, we had the fruits Rojak, carrot cake and salted egg fish skin all priced at $8++ per plate. I'd go for Carrot Cake as recently been eating alot of Salted Egg Fish Skins and this version at Yum Sing feels even more sinful (aka fully loaded with salted egg!). If I'm having alcohol, I'd like the taste of salty caipo (菜脯). Loved the strong eggy fragrance of the carrot cake but the distribution of caipo was uneven and hence, my portion got the most. Oops!

Rojak @$8++

Carrot Cake @$8++

Salted Egg Fish Skin @$8++

If you prefer finger food, the Satay here was delicious. Well marinated chicken satay that was yums. But these babies were small. Not gonna fill up any space in the tummy, unless you're having an entire plate on your own. But then, still have room for more!

Chicken Satay @$10

yummy

Tried the oyster omelette here and they were good. Huge oysters that one can't resist.

Oyster Omelette @$10++

Next, I'd strongly recommend the Kung Pao Prime Beef Cubes. For just $12++ per plate, I'd go for second round (but didn't, so next time!) So tender, so good. Meat lovers, rejoice! The sauce is a tad to the sweeter side and not spicy actually. Unless you happen to bite into those dried chilies, of course.

Kung Pao Prime Beef Cubes @$12++

Still on the meaty trail, if you love dark and strong coffee, this one's for you. The Coffee Pork Ribs. Garnished with extra crunchy almond flakes. But, the coffee was a bit tooo strong for me.

Coffee Pork Ribs @$10++

If you like hotplate, there's Sambal Sotong served on a sizzling hot plate. Really tender squid and the sauce had a touch of spice which we all liked.

Sambal Sotong @$12++

closer view

If you prefer fried version, then there's the Calamari Fritters. One can smell it from afar! Strong garlicky aroma, and with a light batter. Deep fried to an attractive golden brown.

Calamari Fritters @$12++

Comparing sotong to sotong, my preference is to the Sambal Sotong as the taste of the 'zup' (sauce) was together with the seafood but the fried version, the flavour was on its batter. But hey, whichever version they were still good and complemented the drinks well.

If accidentally inbibed too much of those yummy signature cocktails, one could order up a comforting bowl of Bak Kut Teh. This is of the Singapore favourite peppery variant. The meat was really soft and I could portion it with just the metal spoon. 

Bak Kut Teh @$10++

If you need your carbs, and misses chicken rice, the version at Yum Sing has a darker coloured rice. My intuition tingled and something tells me that I must try the rice, even though by now, da belly was frantically signalling the hypothalamus.

Chicken Rice @$10++

True enough, the rice was cooked in a special broth and hence, was pretty flavourful. The chicken was tender and is said to be of the GG Poulet variant. Hmmm, am no connoiseur of fine chicken but it tasted mild and healthy. Loved the chicken rice chili with enough kick.

For fans of hor fun or kway teow, fret not as you can order up the Moonlight Hor Fun or the Char Kway Teow. If you don't like greasy food, it means you didn't have enough to drink. Just kidding. Drink responsibly and don't drive ya. 

Char kway teow was decent but nothing to shout about. Just basic comfort food.

Char Kway Teow @$10++

Moonlight Dried Beef Hor Fun @$10++

Hmm, not sure what is the hype about for moonlight hor fun (月光河粉). Maybe because it is photogenic with the raw egg in the center? I liked the beef in this version.

mix it all in

After some drinks, I do crave for hot food like Hokkien Mee and Laksa, and Yum Sing has it! Surprisingly, the Hokkien Mee had a touch of wok-hei. 

Hokkien Mee @$10++

My favourite noodles that night was Laksa. Not only for the fact that it had cockles, but the taste was flavourful and not overly rich. Just right and served hot.

Laksa @$10++

If you are in a group, can order up the Chili Crab to share. Lots of delicious sauce, and transparent gloves is provided to keep the fingers clean.

Chili Crab @$78++

ready to be conquered

Overall, Yum Sing has much to offer and it is heartening to know of their plans for the future. Looking forward to visiting again!

My must-order list:

• Kaya Toast Set (signature cocktail)
• Salted Egg Prawns
• Oyster Omelette
• Kung Pao Prime Beef Cubes
• Sambal Sotong
• Laksa

Thank you Kris for extending the invite and Shu-Yi and Yum Sing for feeding us.

Yum Sing

Address: 3 River Valley Road, #01-06/07 Clarke Quay, Block B, 179021

Website: https://www.yumsing.com.sg/

Contact: 6261 6463

Business Hours:

Daily:  4pm – 10:30pm