Wils reviews: Jumbo Seafood Restaurant @ Riverside Walk, Singapore

A continuation of my recent short weekend from Singapore, there was much to explore in going gastronomically. As you stroll down the beautiful sidewalk filled with countless of restaurants along the Riverside Walk, you’d be rewarded with not only a perfect view of the city but also colourful lights and crowded happenings. Many of you out there I reckon are pretty massive seafood fanatics and even if you’re not, from this experience I’ll be taking you through, you just might have second thoughts. Mention the best seafood in town and more often than not, you’ll get a prompt reply which is headed in the direction of Jumbo Seafood Restaurant.

Your underwater gluttonous experience starts here.

The location of the restaurant is pretty strategic. Even if you are not familiar with your whereabouts, you’d hardly miss the crowd and the scent of seafood crowded across countless of tables from inside and out of the restaurant. As my friends and I were walking through, every bystander would be interested in taking a peek at what to have for dinner.

We didn’t have to wait long to get a place simply because we went at a little later than usual for dinner and also because there were only the 3 of us. As we were ushered to our seats, a menu was right and ready on the table. Proper and neat.

First up came the Mushrooms Tofu with Broccoli. You’d notice that it is served in a clean yet decorative manner that will keep u salivating. From the root of the mushrooms to the freshness of broccoli and tofu, its definitely one to be vying for.

The tofu was perfect from the first bite. Dripping in gravy that isn’t too salty and not too thick. A trademark balance of a healthy yet fulfilling vegetarian dish.

As you can see, it bodes just superbly with rice. Quite frankly, a dish that won’t leave you tired even on its own.

Next came the almighty and famed dish of the restaurant, Jumbo Chilli Crab. Priced at approximately S$40 (about RM96), as a local you’d find it as moderate. However coming from neighbouring countries famous for seafood such as Malaysia, especially after the currency conversion, you’d find it explicitly expensive. However, its one dish that you’ll regret not trying regardless of the price because as famed as it is, it reaches to all the hype.

Cooked with Live Sri Lankan Crab, you’ll be blown away by the rich savoury chilli gravy that isn’t too spicy for even those who don’t handle spiciness well. The crabs were fresh and large, with its meat juicy and shells that were easy to crack open.

Of course, a crab dish with that much gravy won’t feel the same without steamed/deep fried buns, better known as ‘Man Tou’. We ordered the deep fried ones which were fried to excellent golden brown and especially bliss to be eaten hot.

Last came the Steamed Fish with Garlic, Spring Onions and Ginger. I would say that being a huge fan of fish, this has to be at the top in terms of every aspect starting from freshness, steamed to perfection with gravy and garlic so enticing that it is satisfying even on its own.

All in all, it was a totally deserving experience. The restaurant supports its accolade at being the best in Singapore and although pricey, I’d recommend every visitor or locals who haven’t give this restaurant a go. Absolutely superb.

Address:
30 Merchant Road # 01-01/02
Riverside Point
Singapore 058282

Tel: 6532-3435
Fax: 6538-3433

Lunch: 12pm – 3pm (last order at 2.15pm)

Dinner: 6pm – 12am (last order at 11.15pm)

Map *here*

Wils reviews: The Soup Spoon @ Vivo City Mall, Singapore

For a change, I'd like to introduce you lot a place where you can dine in for tea or even when you're having one of those days where you don't intend to go for a heavy meal, a dietary alternative if you will. In the vicinity of Singapore, there are quite a few places that specialises in soups but there is none other than The Soup Spoon.

With their prime movement of creating a soup culture, they in-still a perception to customers that soups should be a focus of a meal. Best of all, each of their soups has a calories stat in assuring that they are all nutritious and filling enough to satisfy even the hungriest of patron.

Since I was there with a stronger appetite, I gave the Beef Goulash Soup a go. Priced at S$8.20 which sized as a grande (there is a smaller option of a regular sized portion), I wouldn't exactly categorise it as inexpensive but looking at the portion and the quality of soup, I personally felt it was worth every penny. Served in prime beef cut, stewed with paprika and loaded with chunks of vegetables, it is the perfect tonic to making itself a meal on its own, accompanied by a bun.

My friend on the other hand had a go at the Cauliflower Mushroom Soup. This dish basically contains roasted cauliflowers and mushroom soup in a succulent cheesy essence to it. Over time, one might find it starchy for the stomach and sated. Personally, I found it repugnant to be taking in such a dish at that big an amount. One might not want more of it after the 10th spoonful. Believe it or not, this dish is rated as one of the more dietary ones at over 200 cal.

Besides nutritional soups, they also serve sandwiches, salads and a small section for sides. What makes this joint so unique is that they change menus every Wednesday as they are also constantly improving in salivating the taste buds of its customers through a huge variety of soups. So head on down when you readers get the chance because it is one place you will not be visiting just once. It is noticeable that the local social groups would find it comforting as a hangout spot. I say, eat healthy for longevity.

Address:
VivoCity
2nd Floor Unit 43
Sun - Thur: 10.30am to 10.00pm
Fri & Sat: 10.30am to 10.30pm
Tel No: 6274 8751

Map *here*

Wils reviews: The Handburger @ Raffles City Shopping Centre, Singapore

Recently I was down in Singapore with a friend with the main agenda of a food expedition. Vying for the best around in the city at our disposal. Both of us being huge fan of burgers, he suggested we tried this place at Raffles City for a inexpensive yet wholeful meal. The place, The Handburger.

What stands out from this burger joint from the rest is because like the name of the explains, its freshly handmade by the chefs upon your each order.

What I like most about the menu is that it is portrayed in a paper clipboard manner in which flipping through the pages are a breeze. The famous burgers will be presented in a picture and each burger are interpreted in detail to what ingredients are involved and in order. Very professionally done.

Separately, the drinks and dessert menu were given after we made our main course orders. The waiter and waitresses there were very friendly and helpful in guiding you from bringing you to your seats to ordering the right burger of your desire. Since this burger joint it located in a food court like arena, I was indeed surprised by the warm hospitality of service.

Upon first viewing, I noticed that there were quite a number of expatriates, most notably Caucasians that were there enjoying each of their respective succulent burgers. If the menu isn’t mouth dripping enough, watching them consume them slowly will definitely keep u wanting.

After our orders were made, we were provided with a wood made platform, engraved with the burger joint’s name and compartments for each of our cutleries. The emphasis of presentation is so vital to satisfying one’s overall eating experience as I witnessed here.

I was a little overwhelmed by the amount of choices of burger which lead me to naturally giving the special a go. As you can see, the Tea-Smoked Duck priced at $13.80 (approximately RM33) was the burger of that was about to make by day. My personal advice is to not convert them back to your home currency because in fairness, eating in Singapore in particular should be calculated in a dollar to dollar manner (especially food).

Lunch was served. I was quite surprised with how literally similar the burger looked in terms of size and presentation as shown in the menu. More often than not, I have been deceived by the beauty of dishes portrayed on a menu and when it has actually been served.

When food look this enticing, there is no distraction in the world that can keep your hands off it at the heat of the moment. Specially topped with a couple of slices of orange, I was eager to find to find out on what to expect. The burger was just delightful in every possible angle. Meat and vegetables were fresh and well cooked to taste and the core of it, being the bread itself, it was crusty and I could easily tell it was freshly baked. Refreshing and enticing, what more can you ask for.

One of my friends tried the Chicken Caesar Burger. As you can see, there’s a major overflow in protein. At $8.80 (approximately RM21), it has to be one heck of a bargain. She was as expected stuffed but well fulfilled in joy.

Another friend of mine had The Works Burger which to me, looked a mouthful. The ingredients involved; beef patty, onion rings, bacon, sunny side up egg, pesto mushroom, cheddar cheese, lettuce and the different sauces to blossom the flavour. Also, at $11.80 (approximately RM28), it can’t get any better than this in terms of value.

For those who has been there and intend of returning in the near future, I highly recommend you get your hands on the Handburger card because of the astoundingly good discounts you gain from each bill. Every $5 spent will be entitled to 50 points and every 100 points will be $1 off your bill whenever you wish to use it. Best of all, the card is free and can be requested at the counter.

My friends and I were so pleased with our luncheon there that we made a vouch to try every burger they’ve got to offer whenever we’re down in Singapore again. That reflects the pinnacle of illustrations to not only burger lovers, but for all massive gluttons out there.

Address:
Raffles City Shopping Centre
252 North Bridge Road, B1-65/66
Singapore

Map *here*

PS: There is another outlet at 313, Orchard Road.