Chickity Chicky The Chinese Chicken!

What's a Singaporean to do with time on their hands? EAT!

Well, a large part of our weekends are always spent eating. We love our food! And being creatures of habit, we always visit the same places till we get sick of them.

For Chinese food, we love Imperial Treasure La Mian Xiao Long Bao at Marina Square. This might be confused with Crystal Jade Kitchen, but they are very much different entities. Though competitors, Imperial Treasure La Mian Xiao Long Bao was actually set up by the same person that brought us Crystal Jade Kitchen. Crystal Jade Kitchen was started in Singapore in 1991 and Imperial Treasure La Mian Xiao Long Bao sprouted later. 

We've had some bad experiences with this branch but we've given them many a chance, gone back and they have improved tremendously so we're stayers! Because of the bad experiences, the manager knows us and although that doesn't give us any benefit, but it's just nice to know that after all the nasty experiences, we all can be friends. 

These are our favourite dishes:

Li Bai Drunken Chicken ($7)

Steamed chicken sitting in a pool of Hua Tiao Wine. 

This may look mild, but it is really well done. The chicken is nice and cold and the potency of the wine is perfect. Not enough to get you tipsy, so don't bet on it.

 Chicken is tender and falls off the bone very nicely. 

Pork & Veggie Wanton Soup ($4.50)

This usually comes with garnish, but we always do without it because the smell puts me off. The soup is very full bodied and the wantons are fat with stuffings. Eats like a meal.

Ma Po Beancurd ($9.80)

We've had a similar version in Hong Kong and various other restaurants, but none eats as well as this. There is a very homely taste to the somewhat basil-ish tasting sauce. Although it's Ma Po, but the spice level is just right. The toufu cubes are soft and the generous servings of minced meat and shredded mushrooms puts the Mmmm! into the experience. 

La Mian with Meat & Mushroom or Zha Jiang Mian ($7.50)

Minced meat and mushroom in a spicy (very spicy) sauce over noodles. 

I'm not sure how it tastes but never dared to try a whole bowl myself because it IS really spicy. This is what Benji usually has. He always ends up pespiring all over (which is an indication of how spicy it is, kinda like the number of chillis on a menu). But I presume it's good cos' he always has it. Benji - any thoughts?

La Mian with Stewed Beef ($7.50)

I like this dish alot because the beef is not tough at all - I hate it when it's tough and it sticks in your teeth with every bite. This is very melt-in-your-mouth soft with a nice layer of fat on it. That's chilli on it, not blood don't worry. The noodles are al dente and the soup a pat-on-your-back kind of nice. 

*One dish you have got to try that I don't have a picture of here is the Shanghai Rice Cake Soup, it is absolutely comforting and delicious. Add a drop of vinegar or 2 and you are set for gastronomy heaven!

The overall experience dining here is very pleasant. The front of the restaurant is has an open concept so it gives a great sense of space and you can always wave to a wandering friend or two. 

Check Imperial Treasure La Mian Xiao Long Bao at Marina Square (#02-138J). Last order is at 9.30pm.