There is no better time than Chinese New Year for that perfect excuse to feast. As a seafood lover, I took no time to jump at dining at Mellben Signature at Tanjong Pagar. For those who don’t know where is it, it is just located at the coffeeshop behind the block after you cross the traffic light at Orchid Hotel. Yes, this is the outlet from the famous crab been hoon with long queue in Ang Mo Kio.
Since today is the 7th day of Chinese New Year aka 人日, as part of the Singapore Chinese’s tradition, one should always try to have Yu Sheng aka 鱼生 for a great year ahead. Not to worry about this, Mellben Signature has you covered on this as well. Let’s toss to an increase in abundance, prosperity and good health.
Unlike the usual sea cucumber that I have tried elsewhere, Dragon Boat Sea Cucumber (龙船海参) was presented like a boat on a bed of broccoli and quail egg. While I like how the ingredients were really fresh, I find it a hassle to cut the sea cucumber into smaller pieces. hahaha yes, I am a lazy ass =P
Braised Dried Japanese Scallops with Cabbage (干贝白菜) was great to go with rice with the cabbage being cooked soft enough.
As a lover of vegetables, Stir-Fried French Beans with Dried Shrimps (虾米四季豆) stole my heart. The french beans were infused with wok hei and the aroma of the dried shrimps and garlic. With that extra punch, it was enough to satisfy my craving for spicy food.
Another highlight would be the Home-made Beancurd with Chicken Floss (肉松豆腐) which the homemade tofu was first deep fried before it was drenched with the gravy and chicken floss. I like how the chicken floss gave it a sweet finish with the tofu being eggy, smooth and soft.
Poon Choy has the significance of prosperity and abundance. Hence, one should not miss the Prosperity Pot (盆菜) at Mellben. It was not just a melting pot of luxurious ingredients such as abalones, sea cucumbers, scallops,prawns, roasted pork and many others, the gravy contained the essence of all the ingredients which made it totally scrumptious!
Coffee Pork Ribs (咖啡排骨) was one of the signature dish at Mellben Signature. Although I am not big on pork, this dish was simply delightful! The pork ribs were tender with a crispy shell that gave it a different textural bite. While the dark coffee glace sweetened the ribs and gave it a beautiful coffee aroma, it was not overwhelming sweet. So it was perfect for people like me who doesn’t has much of a sweet-tooth.
Another dish that won the approval of people around my table was the Cheese Coated Deep Fried Chicken wings (黄金鸡翅). The chicken wings were fried to golden brown with the cheese coated batter, they were moist, juicy and finger licking good. So don’t miss this, people!
Steamed Crab with Fresh Coconut Juice (椰香蒸蟹) was one of the most interesting crab dishes that I have tried so far. The crab was really fresh and sweet and the egg custard with slices of coconut fresh which was so silky and fragrant.
Chilli Crab (辣椒螃蟹) was considered as a National dish and I like this rendition at Mellben Signature as it was not too sweet. Oh yes, Mellben’s great emphasize on getting fresh crabs does make that huge difference as well. Freshest ingredients always win hands down!
If you only have space for one crab dish, please don’t miss the Signature Claypot Bee Hoon Soup (螃蟹米粉汤). This is my live live must eat here. The broth was sweetened with the natural sweetness from the crab, ginger and rice wine which made it really addictive. Oh yes, did I mention that you can request for top up for the been hoon and broth as well. How not to love this dish?
If you are worried about the long waiting time, the best thing to do is to call to make a table reservation. Happy Chinese New Year and have a great year of abundance ahead,my dear friends.
Mellben Signature
Blk 7 Tanjong Pagar Plaza #01-105 Singapore 081007
Enquiry & Reservation: +65 6220 5512/ +65 8111 2823
Operating Hours: 11:30 – 14:30, 17:00 – 22:15 (Mon to Sat)
17:00 – 22:15 (Sun)
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