Embarking on a flavorful journey through the heart of Singapore, my senses were magnetically drawn to the alluring gastronomic paradise that is Xi Yan. Recognized for curating some of the Best Fusion Dishes, Xi Yan unfurls a spectacular culinary tapestry, where the essence of traditional Chinese fares tenderly entwines with vibrant modernity. For 18 entrancing years, the wizard behind these enchanting creations, Chef Jacky Yu – often likened to Hong Kong’s Jamie Oliver – has crafted experiences that cascade over your palate, ushering you through a sanctuary where each bite narrates a tale of timeless tradition kissed by contemporary genius. It was, therefore, a rendezvous with not just food, but artful compositions, promising an epicurean dance of heritage and innovation.
Despite neglecting to make reservations via Chope for our weekend visit to the Shaw outlet, our worry about the possible bustling crowd dissolved upon arrival into a soothing ambiance, surprisingly calm and inviting.
Fusion Dishes at Xi Yan: Starters
We were eager to dive into the 18th Anniversary Menu, a special selection that promised a journey of novel and eclectic flavors, each dish a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, history, and modernity.
Our culinary adventure commenced with tantalizing appetizers: the Crispy Stuffed Bean Curd Skin ($8) and Handmade Prawn Pork Dumpling in Sichuan Chilli Oil ($10). While the former danced lightly on our palates with its crispness, the latter seduced with its spicy, soulful warmth, gently nudging us towards the main course.
Fusion Dishes at Xi Yan: The Mains
The Black Beef Char Siew ($26) – a standout star from the 18th Anniversary Menu – was an embodiment of culinary creativity. A beautiful amalgamation of tender, charred beef that harmoniously melded sweetness and a robust beef fragrance, it teased reminiscences of Korean braised short ribs, yet was distinctly unique, marking its own delightful territory.
The New Guang Dong Mala Fried Chicken ($18), another gleaming jewel from the celebratory menu, offered a crispy exterior that yielded to tender, flavorful flesh beneath. Ingeniously, the flour composition containing peppercorn offered a mala zing, creating a careful equilibrium between the fire of mala and the comfort of prawn paste chicken.
Navigating towards our staple, the Suan Cai Egg Fried Rice with French Beans ($18) and Hakka Noodles with Minced Pork and Lard ($5) did not merely play supporting roles but were stellar performers on their own. Especially the Hakka noodles, with their chewy consistency and freshly topped pork lard, delivering simple yet profoundly satisfying flavors.
The Desserts at Xi Yan
The finale, Okinawa Black Sugar Peanut Tang Yuan ($4.80), was a sweet serenade to end our meal, offering a unique texture and depth with its mix of black sugar, peanut, and a hint of sesame within its delicate dumpling shell.
In a resplendent finale that serenades the palate, Xi Yan not only converses but eloquently sings through its curated dishes, crafting a rich tapestry where traditional and modern culinary elements entwine in a delicate, passionate embrace. It’s in this vibrant space that the Best Fusion Dishes at Xi Yan unfold their aromatic tales, caressing our senses with a blend that honors the profundity of Chinese culinary heritage while boldly interweaving with avant-garde, global nuances.
While some may pause at the investment, the unquestionable artistry, the innovative melding of flavors, and the exquisiteness embedded in every morsel lend substantial justification to the experience. So here we uplift our glasses, honoring Xi Yan, which not only splendidly marks its 18-year soiree into the culinary world but persists in bewitching our gastronomic adventures with tales, rich, vibrant, and tantalizingly unexpected, making every encounter a melody that lingers long after the last note has been savored.”
The Verdict (ave of 2.17 out of 3 thumbs up)
Ambience | Not comfortable | Comfortable | Atas |
Quality of Food | Don’t bother | Good | Worth the extra calories |
Value for Money | over-priced | average | Worth the money |
Quality of Service | Fair | Good | Great |
Returnability | Forgetable | Maybe | Definitely |
Accessibility | Inaccessible | Accessible | Good for youngs and elderlys |
Details
Xi Yan @ Shaw |
Address: Shaw Centre, 1 Scotts Road, #=03-12/ 13 Singapore (228208) |
Tel: +65 6733 3476 |
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun (11:30am – 3pm, 5:30pm – 10pm) |
https://www.xiyan.com.sg/casual-dining |
Date of Visit: Oct 2023 |