Last Saturday, we chose his favorite dim sum and Chinese dishes for Dad's upcoming Father's Day! The food was excellent, and everyone enjoyed it immensely.
We chose the newly opened JOYN, nestled within Landmark Plaza, a place of elegance and sophistication.
The seating arrangement was very private! I loved how it made the meal more relaxing.
There were also many very comfortable private rooms! We were fortunate to dine in one, and what I loved most was that it had its own private restroom.
The restaurant is helmed by Chef Francis Chong, who has many years of experience tackling high-end Chinese restaurants in Singapore.
We started by sampling a series of exquisite dim sum! All the dim sum was locally handmade, vibrant in color, and visually appealing.
The Blue Dream Butterfly Pea Sprout Dumplings ($48/two pieces)! The midnight blue dumpling skin was refreshing and not sticky, filled with fragrant pea sprout filling, offering a very full and flavorful taste.
Caviar and Quail Egg Siu Mai $48/two pieces! The siu mai has a springy texture and a runny quail egg inside, making it even more fragrant and juicy – absolutely delicious!
Drunken Yong's Signature Shrimp Dumplings $58/two pieces! The attractively shaped shrimp dumplings are particularly appealing, and paired with fresh, bouncy shrimp, they're definitely a great choice.
Basil Seafood Air Spring Rolls $48/two pieces! These spring rolls are presented with a special touch; the server shaves Parmesan cheese on top for added aroma. The airy spring rolls are indeed very crispy, a must-try for those who enjoy fried snacks.
Pandan Pear Salted Water Dumplings $48/two pieces! The pear-shaped dumplings are quite appealing, and the pandan leaf-infused outer layer adds a charming color. These salted water dumplings definitely add a lot of fun.
After the dim sum, the 48-hour aged smoked Peking duck $680 is served! The aroma of freshly baked, piping hot, is irresistible and mouthwatering.
The tender pink meat revealed after slicing is a testament to its slow-cooking process! Each slice, expertly sliced by experienced servers, boasts a superb presentation, making it a feast for the eyes, nose, and palate.
Served with Peking duck are scallions, cucumber, and cantaloupe strips. The sauce includes Peking duck sauce, sugar, and a special spicy green pepper sauce.
The crispy, flavorful Peking duck is placed on a tender, cooked skin, topped with your favorite toppings and sauce. One bite releases an unforgettable smoky aroma. I especially love the spicy green pepper sauce, which brings out the innovative flavor of the Peking duck.
Next up is the First Harvest Seaweed and Razor Clam Surfing ($256/each (minimum order of two))! This dish is also presented in a traditional style. Sweet broth is brought to a boil and immediately poured over the clams, just as the name suggests, while the bowl is filled with first harvest seaweed and razor clam hearts, gently cooked in the broth.
The razor clams are plump, meaty, tender, and crisp, while the first-harvest seaweed is smooth and sweet. Both ingredients are bursting with the freshness of the ocean, and paired with a sweet broth, they make for an exceptionally satisfying meal.
Sakura Shrimp with Olive Vegetables and Garlic Sprouts ($168)! I've always loved garlic sprouts, but I've rarely tasted garlic sprouts with their exceptionally tender and crisp texture. Combined with sakura shrimp and olive vegetables, they become even more delicious.
Lily Bulb and Mushroom Stir-fried Asparagus ($168)! This dish emphasizes a fresh, sweet, and refreshing taste. The sweet, fiberless asparagus is always irresistible.
Drunken Master's Premium Fried Rice ($238)! This fried rice brings together a variety of premium ingredients, including Japanese Tokushima anchovies, Hokkaido sashimi-grade scallops, Japanese scallops, crab meat, and Japanese flying fish roe. Each bite is like tasting the freshness of the entire ocean. The chef has fried the rice to a dry and fragrant perfection, making it a satisfying meal even for those who are already full.
Crispy Fried Rice Noodles with Clams ($198)! This is definitely not to be underestimated and completely changed my impression of rice noodles. The crispy fried noodles were a first for me, and the combination with the smooth, moist rice noodles was incredibly satisfying. The rich clam-flavored sauce added to the deliciousness and creativity.
Lemongrass and Aloe Vera Jelly ($58)! This is a very refreshing dessert with a strong lemongrass aroma. The smooth jelly and aloe vera pieces are perfect for a hot summer day.
If you enjoy unique Chinese cuisine in a stylish setting, Zui Yong Lou is definitely for you. The price is great, and I'm already planning to come back for dinner with friends.