The Famous Kitchen signage |
The adjacent bar area for The Famous Kitchen had an updated vibe. "Famous Hangout" serves as an al-fresco area for diners to mingle over beer, wine and dine, or to wind down after a hectic day at work. It was pretty happening on the day of visit, which was a weekday. Imagine delish fried hokkien mee over a glass of iced cold beer, or snacking on prawn paste chicken with a glass of red. The vibe at the alfresco was vibrant with many merry-makers.
Famous Hangout bar |
If you don't fancy the alfresco area to have your dinner, fret not as the air-conditioned dining area is just two steps away. Indoor is a welcome respite from the hot humid weather of Singapore.
air-conditioned dining area |
promotion |
CNY Set Menu |
Let's start dinner with Prosperity Salmon Yusheng. This is the good 'ol version of yusheng done in the traditional way, nothing fancy but symbolic for Lunar New Year. If you prefer the Prosperity Shun De Yu Sheng 顺德鱼生 version, which is an iconic dish at its sister restaurant Famous Treasure, you can also enjoy it here. Advance reservation is required.
Prosperity Salmon Yusheng 七彩三文鱼捞生 |
顺顺利利开开心心 |
The set was served with Braised Shark's Fin Soup. Loved that black vinegar is available here instead of the red ones. The soup consistency was good and plenty of ingredients. The stock used was tasty and flavourful.
Braised Shark's Fin Soup |
having soup with Stella |
Next up, we had our quotient of vegetables in the form of braised sea cucumber with beancurd and mushrooms and broccoli. The sea cucumber was well braised that's soft enough yet retained some bouncy-ness in texture.
braised sea cucumber with mushrooms, beancurd and broccoli |
Then, there's steamed fish. The Lunar New Year set menu typically serves Steamed Marble Goby in Soya Sauce. For tasting, we tried the Signature Steamed Fish with Preserved Vegetables on Hotplate. The sauce was a combination of tangy, savoury taste that's refreshing on the palate and goes well with a bowl of white rice. 来一碗白饭吧!
Signature Steamed Fish with Preserved Vegetables on Hotplate 招牌铁板酸菜蒸鱼 |
steamed fish with preserved vegetables (market price) |
For Lunar New Year, one gets the Herbal Chicken in the set menu but we ordered up the signature of Famous Kitchen; The Oven Baked Volcano Chicken. Advance reservation is required to enjoy this dish.
Oven Baked Chicken |
The service staff would bring out the oven baked chicken to the table, pour some rum over it before igniting the fire. The chicken would then be brought back to the kitchen to be chopped up. It was delicious! Crisp skin that retained some of the rum flavour and tender, moist meat that was flavourful. No additional salt nor sauce required.
Oven Baked Volcano Chicken @$58++ |
Prawn is another auspicious dish to have during Lunar New Year as it signifies happiness and laughter. Lovely presentation of the caramel prawns.
Caramel Prawns 雪花焦糖虾 |
closer view |
The caramel prawns were lip-smacking good! It was deep fried to a good degree and the upper part of the head (yes, including the shell) and legs were so good! I've never eaten so much shell before but this one was definitely worth it.
If you are still feeling hungry, let's wrap up with Fried Rice with Waxed Meat Wrapped in Lotus Leaf. Am liking this version at Famous Kitchen. Adequate flavours (though the fried rice could do with more wok-hei) that's balanced between sweet and savoury, and lovely lap cheong that tasted fresh.
Fried Rice with Waxed Meat Wrapped in Lotus Leaf 腊味荷叶饭 |
For dessert, we had the Soya Bean Gingko Nuts with Snow Fungus. Ooh, they have certainly improved in the dessert department! Sweetened soya bean milk loaded with plenty snow fungus and gingko nuts. What's there not to like? I find that the sweetness level was just right to end a meal. I thought I could eat no more but this warm dessert makes you want to go on and finish it up!
Soya Bean Gingko Nuts with Snow Fungus 豆浆福果雪耳 |
Set Menus range from S$488++ for 8 diners to S$1388++ for 10 diners and is available from 10 Jan to 10 Feb 2020. The CNY Ala-Carte menu is available from 25 and 26 January 2020. Please call direct to the restaurant to enquire more.
Thank you Jenny and Jeffrey for your hospitality, Famous Kitchen staff for taking care of us and Jennifer for the invite.
Happy New Year and Gong Hei Fatt Choi!
The Famous Kitchen 名食小厨
Address: #01-01, Hong Heng Mansion, 54 Sembawang RoadOpening Hours:
Mon - Sun: 11:30 - 14:30, 17:40 - 22:30
Phone: +65 6636 8333
Website: https://www.famouskitchen.sg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/famouskitchensg/