August 30, 2015
Our memories with food always starts at the end. Deserts to be exact or maybe the fortune cookie. The latter was a nice touch, taking me back to my first adopted city by the Bay. The ginger pudding was more reminiscent of Brit-SE Asian sweet ending than something from a chopsuey shop in America though.
Dinner at Chopsuey was a surprise. The food was elevated and refined yet carried enough nostalgic touches that many who have lived overseas so fondly remembers (or not!)
Dinner starts off with crispy squid and Hot & Sour soup. We ordered it with a hint of skepticism but it was probably the best Hot & Sour I’ve had in a while. It was punchy, bright, with just enough black vinegar and savouriness to keep you going for more.
We made an effort to order the greatest hits from our past, crispy chicken with prawn crackers, sweet and sour pork, broccoli, and fried rice.
A slight letdown was the prawn toast. Too much sesame seeds, it just overwhelmed the prawns. I think the “guai-Lo” set will love it though.
Every single one was a hit. The lil monkeys were fighting over the fried rice. One would say it’s natural to do so but this one was made from fried eggs, mint and spinach. One of those things that tasted better than it read. My personal favourite is the sweet and sour pork. It was super tender pork neck that were perfectly fried and dressed in that nearly incandescent sauce. It was topped with shredded pineapple which added some natural sweetness and helped cut the richness of the dish.
So who would eat at such a place?
Perhaps bored mainland foreign exchange students ..
Just kidding. The first seating had a large presence of local asian families. There were an equally large number of foreign diners as well, choosing to sit al fresco as they normally opt to.
It’s a beautiful restaurant with an equally fun and tasty menu. I commented to my lil dining companions that this place would be a good reminder of what the Raffles Hotel could be, classy and updated (and kid friendly)
thebearandhiscigar 