ChuHuang - Hong Kong Royal Chicken

What is Hong Kong Royal Chicken (Gui Fei Chicken)? I first saw it in Hong Kong / Chinese ancient martial art show. The chicken is usually served during a big celebration or the last meal for prisoners on the death sentence. The glistening yellow colour is very attractive and they all eat it with gusto. So, on my first visit to Hong Kong, it was on my “Must Eat List”. The HK Royal Chicken is very easy to find in Hong Kong as most of the Roast shops or Cha Chan Teng will have it. I like the bouncy texture of the skin, succulent meat and the strong flavour of the chicken, combine it with ginger and spring onion mix, it is just yummy.

Since Hong Kong is no longer on our itinerary, I always keep a lookout for Gui Fei Chicken in Malaysia and Singapore. Once ChuHuang Hong Kong Royal Chicken (“ChuHuang”) came to my attention, I planned to visit them and it come to fruition in 2023.

ChuHuang Hong Kong Royal Chicken

ChuHuang is located on the first floor of People’s Park Centre, facing Ya Kun. The set-up is similar to most Cha Chan Teng, Cashier in front, dining area and the kitchen at the back. You can clearly see the Hong Kong Royal Chicken hanging from the display window near the kitchen. The SOP here is to find a seat, check out the menu, place your order at the counter and make payment first.

The Chickens on Display

Hong Kong Royal Chicken ($19.50 half, $38 whole). So far, I only managed to order half chicken, as my makan kakis are limited in the afternoon. When the Royal Chicken arrives at your table, the yellow colour (from turmeric and galanga powder) of the skin will just catch your attention.

Hong Kong Royal Chicken (Gui Fei Chicken) - Half

The skin is smooth, silky and bouncy. The meat is tender, with a nice chewiness and packed with chicken flavour. The thigh meat is more succulent, while the breast meat is tender but not dry. Unlike our regular chicken rice that uses broiler chicken, ChuHuang uses Kampong Chicken from Southern Malaysia with 120-days growth cycle. This explains why the chicken is so tasty.

Hong Kong Royal Chicken (Gui Fei Chicken) - Half

The rice ($1) is fragrant, tasty and not sticky. However, it is not as fragrant and robust compared to the top chicken rice shops in Singapore. The ginger-scallion mix is a must-have, as it elevates the flavour of the chicken. Since I do not try the Chilli sauce, I can’t comment on it.

The Rice

Each of the diners will be served chicken soup. It is from the broth that boils the chicken, so you can expect a robust chicken soup.

Our Order

Hong Kong Soy Sauce Chicken ($12.50, lower part). Cooked in Soy Sauce mix, the chicken is juicy, succulent and infused with the soy sauce. The skin is smooth and carries a stronger soy sauce flavour. I feel the chicken is a bit overcooked thus it is not as tender, I like to see the bone a bit reddish and will also translate to juicier chicken meat.

Hong Kong Soy Sauce Chicken - Lower Half

Trio Treasure Combo ($5). Giblets, soy sauce egg and tofu. It is a good companion for your rice. The beancurd is the traditional firm type and the exterior is coated with soy sauce concoction. The giblets are crunchy, while the egg is firm and tasty.

Trio Treasure Combo

Bean Sprout ($6). The beansprout is crunchy, topped with crispy fried garlic and bask with soy sauce. It is tasty and refreshing.

Bean Sprout

Giant Grouper Soup ($10.90). Clean and robust broth, filled with firm, slightly chewy and bouncy grouper.

Giant Grouper Soup

The décor is simple and fuss-free. Tables and Chairs (Stools) bring back the nostalgic feel of a traditional tea house. Most of the space on the wall is filled with photos of the dishes and photos of Chef Wu Hai Feng with celebrities and international leaders. Service is friendly and helpful.

Menu

Overall, ChuHuang satisfy my cravings for Hong Kong Royal Chicken. It is unique, tasty and flavourful. I have not had a chance to try other dishes, I will be aiming for the noodles, braised chicken feet and prawn roll next time. Cheers!!

Food & Drink: 7.5/10

Value: 7.5/10

Service: 7/10

Ambiance: 6.5/10

Budget per Person: $11 - $25

ChuHuang Hong Kong Royal Chicken

厨皇香港贵妃鸡

101 Upper Cross Street.

#01-05L, People’s Park Centre

Singapore 058357

T: +65 6532 0380

F: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063968653511

OH: Daily, 11.00 – 20.00

Chocoelf – Singapore Homegrown Chocolate Brand [MEDIA INVITE]

Chocoelf is a Singapore homegrown chocolate brand with its own factory in Jurong and has been around for 18 years. It is a joint creation of a master chocolatier (Josephine) and a surgeon that loves chocolate (Joe). Over the years, Josephine has continued to hone her expertise through influences from the best chocolatiers in Swiss, French, German and Italian.

Chocoelf's Speciality Store

Chocoelf's Speciality Store

Chocoelf’s speciality chocolate café now opens in Chinatown, showcasing their local and internationally inspired creations. Chocolate enthusiasts can swing by anytime to taste the magic of their fresh chocolates and craft hot cocoa drinks.

About Chocoelf

Chocoelf Menu

One of the latest creations served at the Chocoelf’s café is Ruby Hot chocolate ($8). Ruby chocolate is the world’s fourth chocolate discovery, made from the Ruby cocoa bean. The natural pink colour comes from the cacao bean and it has a distinct taste that is completely different from the usual milk and dark chocolate.

Ruby Hot Chocolate & Classic Hot Chocolate

When we first try it, it can easily be mistaken for Strawberry Milk. However, the distinct nutty texture made a difference in the flavours. The Ruby hot chocolate is suitable for those who enjoy milky chocolate

Gelatos

Gelatos

LD and I prefer the Signature Hot Chocolate ($6.50), where you can taste the solid dark chocolate in every sip and it has a medium level of sweetness, just nice to offset the bitterness in the chocolate.

Classic Hot Chocolate & Ruby Hot Chocolate

As a homegrown chocolate brand, Chocoelf also produced chocolate barks with Singapore local flavours. Think of Kaya Toast, Nanyang Coffee and even Bak Kut Teh. Though it is very creative, the taste can be subjective. We end up settling with Asian Noodle bark and Salty Caramel ($5.50 per piece).

Chocolate Bark

Chocolate Bark

We were surprised that the combination of the Chocolate and Asian Noodles. Think of that crispy noodle snack, with a blue monster logo that we like to eat. The richness of the chocolate followed by the crunchy hazelnut plus crispy and savoury flavour of the noodle just hits the spot for us. Yummy!!

Salty Caramel & Asian Noodles

Asian Noodles

Salty Caramel is made from classic white chocolate, salted caramel and hazelnut. It is a safe combination for white chocolate lovers. It is milky sweet, we a hint of salted caramel at the end. I would like it if the salted caramel is bolder, or topped with sea salt flakes on top.

Salty Caramel

For the fresh chocolate, we choose Pure Dark, Almond and Raspberry. These bite-size artisan fresh chocolates are perfect for personal consumption or as a gift. We like the dark chocolate for its solid chocolate taste, while the raspberry delivers a nice contrasting sourness that highlights the flavour of the chocolate.

Dark Chocolate, Almond & Raspberry

Dark Chocolate

Almond

Raspberry

The chocolates at Chocoelf are “NO SUGAR ADDED” or use sugar-free alternatives. Chocoelf is the FIRST chocolate-maker in Singapore to be awarded HPB’s Healthier Choice Symbol.

Fresh Chocolate

Fresh Chocolate

Fresh Chocolate

Fresh Chocolate

Fresh Chocolate

Overall, we enjoy our tasting at Chocoelf speciality café and learn more about their creations. As homegrown chocolate-maker, they are inspired to incorporate local flavours into their product. Some of them we like, some we don’t. Since taste is subjective, do visit Chocoelf to try out their product.

Fresh Chocolate Boxes

Hint: Valentine is coming and it is time to sweeten up your loved ones!! Cheers!!

Thank you very much Protegie and Chocoelf Team for the invitation.

Food & Drink: 7.5/10

Value: 7.5/10

Service: N/A (Tasting Invitation)

Ambiance: 7.5/10

Budget per Person: $11 - $25, $26 - $50; 

Chocoelf

232 South Bridge Road

Singapore 058781

T: +65 6223 3380

W: https://chocoelf.com/

F: https://www.facebook.com/Chocoelf/

IG: @Chocoelfchocolate

OH:

Mon – Thu: 10.00 – 19.30

Fri – Sun: 10.00 – 21.30

Victor’s Kitchen – The Best Casual HK Dim Sum in Singapore

My first review of Victor’s Kitchen (“Victor”) was way back in 2013. Since then, Victor’s has opened up another branch at Chinatown Point, survived the C-pandemic and even has island-wide delivery with oddle. I guess it is time to review the restaurant again.

Menu / Order Sheet 1

We visited after it pass the busy lunch hour, so we almost have the place to ourselves. Once you step into the shop, you can help yourself to the order sheet, 1 for the food and another A4 size board to order the drink. Once you are done, just submit the order to the counter.

Menu / Order Sheet 2

The drinks are the first to come. I ordered H.K. Summer Iced Ying Yang (Milk Coffee with Tea, $3.80). I decided that I need a bit more kick instead of the usual milk tea. The Ying Yang is silky and smooth with a touch of bitterness and kick from the coffee. Victor is probably the first establishment in Singapore that put ice outside the drink, to ensure the purity of the H.K. Summer Iced milk tea / ying yang. LD ordered the H.K. Summer Iced Milk Tea ($3.80) and they are still as good as before, 100% HK taste.

H.K. Summer Iced Ying Yang (Milk Coffee with Tea)

“Bo Lo” Butter Buns (2pcs, $5.50). It is served warm with Lurpak butter on the side. The fluffy bun is coated with crispy and delicious pineapple crust. It was comforting and yummy. Perfect for any time of the day. The best part is no need to queue or wait very long for the bun to be ready.

“Bo Lo” Butter Buns 

“Bo Lo” Butter Buns 

Victor’s King Prawn Dumpling (3pcs per set, $5.90). The Har Gao is still jumbo in size. It is plump and juicy, while the skin is smooth and a bit sticky, with a bit of bounce to it.

Victor’s King Prawn Dumpling (Har Gao) 

Tasty Queen Size Siew Mai (4pcs per set, $5.50). The diced pork is firm and solid. When I bit into it, I can taste the fatty part of the pork used, to ensure the fillings remain juicy. Yummy.

Tasty Queen Size Siew Mai 

Xiao Long Bao (3pcs per set, $5.50). The skin is soft, while the pork filling is juicy and filled with broth as well. The taste is good, but not to the level of their har gao or siew mai.

Xiao Long Bao

Fish Porridge with Century Egg ($7.80, subject to availability) An unusual combination, but it works. The congee is silky, yet gooey and tasty. The fish is fresh, thickly sliced and firm. I like, that they did not put too many century egg in the porridge therefore not overpowering the fish.

Fish Porridge with Century Egg 

The Sliced Fish

Chicken Feet in Abalone Sauce ($5.50). If chicken feet are not your thing, I suggest you still try the abalone sauce. It is robust and packs with umami flavour. It is so good, I mixed it with the congee and the vegetables that we ordered. The skin on the chicken feet is sticky, as it absorbs the abalone sauce, I enjoy sucking it off the bones.

Chicken Feet in Abalone Sauce

Seasoned Vegetables ($5.20). The kailan is soft, yet it retains the crunchy texture of the vegetables. I don’t know how they do it, but I find the vegetables serve here are sweet.

Seasoned Vegetables

Crispy Golden Shrimp Rolls ($5.30). Crispy and crunchy. It is very tasty and you can enjoy it without the dipping sauce.

Crispy Golden Shrimp Rolls 

King Prawn Cheong Fun ($5). The jumbo size prawns are wrapped in thick yet a smooth rice sheet. Due to the thickness of the cheong fun, the sauce was not absorbed well into the skin.

King Prawn Cheong Fun

Chicken & Sausage in Glutinous Rice ($6.20). It took longer to steam, so the rice only comes when we are almost full. The glutinous rice is soft, yet sticky, while the chicken and sauce fillings flavoured the glutinous rice although it was very light.

Chicken & Sausage in Glutinous Rice 

Chicken & Sausage in Glutinous Rice 

I ate it with the complimentary XO sauce given at the start of the meal. The spicy and solid flavour of the XO sauce provided another dimension to the lighter dishes.

XO Sauce

Golden Egg Yolk Lava Bun (3pcs per set, $5.30). The signature dish that made customers flock down to Victor. They are one of the pioneers and still the standard-setter for Liu Sha Bao in Singapore. The bun is soft and fluffy, and the golden egg yolk lava just oozes out from the centre of the bun. The blend of the golden egg yolk is just superb, thick, rich and packs of punch. Yum Yum!

Golden Egg Yolk Lava Bun 

Golden Egg Yolk Lava Bun 

LD ordered Steam Ginger Egg Custard ($5) for dessert. It is not on the paper menu, but it is displayed on the poster at the restaurant. It is smooth and eggy followed by a slight ginger aroma and taste. I was hoping the ginger taste to be stronger.

Steam Ginger Egg Custard

Steam Ginger Egg Custard

The service staff are friendly, however, don’t expect restaurant standard. No décor in the shop, it is functional and they maximise the seating space in the limited environment

CBK Verdict: The changes at Victor’s have been very minimum. They still served solid dim sum, with minimum fuss. I must say for the quality of the food, Victor still kept their price increase to the minimum. Definitely, a must-visit HK-style Dim Sum in Singapore. Cheers!!

Food & Drink: 8.5/10

Value: 8.5/10

Service: 6/10

Ambiance: 6/10

Budget per Person: $11 - $25

Victor’s Kitchen

91 Bencoolen Street

#01-49, Sunshine Plaza

Singapore 189652

T:+65 9616 6077

W: https://www.victors-kitchen.com/

F: https://www.facebook.com/victorskitchensg

IG: @Victorskitchensg

OH:

Mon – Thu & Sun: 10.30 – 22.00

Fri – Sat: 10.30 – 21.00

Other Location

133 New Bridge Road

#B1-33 Chinatown Point

Singapore 059413

Menu Available Online + Online Order