What are the fondest memories of your grandma’s cooking? Was it simply comfort food or did anyone have a Masterchef grandma? My fondest memory of grandma’s cooking was Ngoh Hiang.
Shi Wei Tian Restaurant is a Chinese restaurant located within the food heaven of Eastern Singapore at Joo Chiat Place; this lengthy street is lined with numerous restaurants and eateries. Read on to find out why I would choose Shi Wei Tian Restaurant over its neighbouring competitors.
Restaurateur Ryan Tan’s grandmother hails from Borneo, Malaysia, and his fondest memories of her cooking was a dish called Phoenix Prawn –he used to hate prawns, but his ‘ah ma’ cooks it in a way it resembles chicken wings, tricking him into eating more.
Signature Grandma’s Deep Fried Pork Knuckle ($24.90)
To recreate exclusive dishes from the many handwritten recipes passed down by Ryan’s grandmother, Shi Wei Tian Restaurant engages Chef Meng –whom hails from Batu Pahat, a suburban part of Malaysia, where he’s trained by his mother and grandmother to cook a repertoire of traditional hometown dishes.
Shi Wei Tian Restaurant is set up as a humble tribute to all grandmothers out there – to express gratitude to their love, care and dedication to the art of cooking. It is one of those places you would gather your family and friends for a comforting meal –don’t forget to bring grandma.
The restaurant is decorated with vintage belongings, and belts out kitschy hits of the 1960s in the background to complement the theme.
The cosy and nostalgic home-style dining concept allows older customers to reminisce about the good old days, and the younger generation to have a taste and feel of a bygone era.
On breezy evenings, the spacious al fresco area is perfect for a relaxing meal or a tipple (they serve draft beer on tap) –sports aficionados can also enjoy good food coupled with a flat screen broadcasting sports games.
Soursop ($2.80)
Quench your thirst with the Soursop, Aloe Vera Honey or the refreshing Aloe Vera Lime.
Signature Golden Pumpkin ($12.90/$16.90)
If you’re clueless about what to order from the extensive menu, pick any from the Chef’s Recommendation –you can’t go wrong there.
The Signature Golden Pumpkin is one of my favourite dishes that day. With crispy crust encasing sizable chunks of tender pumpkin, each bite oozes with comfort and goodness. Perfect for a crunchy start to a cosy gathering.
Signature Crispy Lotus Root ($12.90/$16.90)
Addictive snacks include the Signature Crispy Lotus Root. Dip it in the accompanying creamy salted-egg sauce –you can’t stop at one. You have to consume immediately when served though, because it will lose its crunch after awhile.
Signature Homemade Tofu ($13.90/$17.90)
The Signature Homemade Tofu is another personal favourite. It is embraced by a thick savoury gravy that caresses rather than smothers.
It is teamed with minced meat and battered enoki mushrooms, which provide contrasting and crunchy textures to the delicate tofu.
Salted Egg Chicken ($15.90/$20.90)
The Salted Egg Chicken is encased in a beancurd skin (this dish somewhat reminds me of Ngoh Hiang) and deep-fried to golden perfection. You will discover traces of salted egg in every bite within each piece. A creamy salted egg sauce is then drizzled over for the finishing touch.
Salted egg lovers will be pleased.
Signature Chao Tar Beehoon ($8/$10/$12)
The Signature Chao Tar Beehoon is one of my dining partner’s favourite dishes. They managed to achieve excellent wok-hei flavour and a slightly burnt crispness without the unpleasant burnt odour.
Signature Claypot Curry Fish Head ($27.90)
The Signature Claypot Curry Fish Head is another personal favourite. The fish is tender and meaty, well infused with flavours from the curry. The curry is thick, robust and highly addictive; it is served in a claypot, still bubbling away when it reaches the table. I was so tempted to drink it like soup. Okay, I actually did.
Signature Deep Fried Chai Poh Fish (Seasonal pricing)
Prior to my visit, I’ve asked friends who’ve been there for recommendations, and the Signature Deep Fried Chai Poh Fish was one of the dishes they highly recommend. This dish has also garnered rave reviews on print and online media.
After polishing off every bit of flesh, my dining partner doused his bowl of white rice with the remaining gravy –and moments later he was gnawing on the crispy remnants on the plate! It was literally cleaning it out all the way down to the bone.
Signature Drunken Claypot Chicken Soup ($15.90/$20.90)
The Signature Drunken Claypot Chicken Soup arrives piping hot in a huge claypot, brimming with a medley of herbal ingredients that boast nourishing properties. It is nothing complex; the comforting aroma and perfectly balanced flavour won me over.
Signature KL Claypot Hokkien Mee ($8/$10/$12)
There are plenty of carbohydrate options, and as much as I’d love to try everything, I only have space for one. I tried the Signature KL Claypot Hokkien Mee, and I enjoyed it thoroughly. This KL version differs from the Singaporean version hugely.
Thick fat noodles are steeped in a flavourful savoury dark sauce, served in a claypot that not only keeps the noodles piping hot, but also seals in the fragrance of the gravy.
Love it.
Ice Kacang
For a sweet soothing conclusion to the meal, Malaysian desserts such as Ice Kacang or Chendol are most befitting.
Chendol
The smoothly shaved ice comes with a generous amount of toppings.
Shi Wei Tian Restaurant was also featured on a local variety show, Style: Check-in; the infotainment introduces the trendiest lifestyle and news bites, starring Dasmond Koh, Tracy Lee, Jeffery Xu, Ben Yeo, Zhou Ying, Candyce Toh and Jayley Woo.
There’re just so many items on the menu that I wanted to try, but I only have one stomach. The dishes that I tried warrant a return trip for sure, but I’d definitely love to try other dishes. Shi Wei Tian Restaurant, I’ll be back!
Shi Wei Tian Restaurant
Tel:
Email:
Facebook page:
Opening hours:
Monday to Sunday: 11am – 12midnight
How to get there:
Bus 33 from Bedok Interchange (11th Stop)
Bus 33 from Bugis Mrt – #01113 (15th Stop)