The Chinese Kitchen 厨神私房菜 At Cavan Road, Whipping Extremely Delicious Dishes - Overview of Interior

The Chinese Kitchen 厨神私房菜 At Cavan Road, Whipping Extremely Delicious Dishes – Jalan Besar, Singapore

Previously where the twenty cavan cafe was, is now the dwelling place of The Chinese Kitchen 厨神私房菜. Into less than half a year, it not only scored lots of media coverage but the attention of renowned food bloggers and critics, both locally in Singapore and internationally.

 

By now, some might be curious about the background of The Chinese Kitchen 厨神私房菜. Helmed by Chef Austen Ong who has 33 years of culinary experience working for various brand is also the former president of the Society of Chinese Cuisine Chefs (Singapore) and advisor. Chef Austen is recipient of multiple awards such as Gold Medal Award (Asian Cuisine) in 8th FHA International Salon Culinaire, “Most Creative” Award in 4th World Championship of Chinese Cuisine, 2002 and also World Culinary Championship, 2005 & 2007. 

 

The Chinese Kitchen 厨神私房菜 At Cavan Road, Whipping Extremely Delicious Dishes - Facade

 

The Chinese Kitchen 厨神私房菜 At Cavan Road, Whipping Extremely Delicious Dishes - Interior

 

Ambience of The Chinese Kitchen isn’t the sterotype interior design of Chinese Restaurant. Since it took over from a cafe, the previous design was untouched. It might leave some wonder if they were at a hipster Cafe instead.

 

The Chinese Kitchen 厨神私房菜 At Cavan Road, Whipping Extremely Delicious Dishes - Organic Okra, Pickle Chili ($8)

 

Kick start the meal with some Organic Okra, Pickle Chili ($8). Beware, the chili is quite spicy even though highly palatable. If you dislike the Lady Finger due to the sliminess, try these, and it will change your perception of this vegetable.

 

The Chinese Kitchen 厨神私房菜 At Cavan Road, Whipping Extremely Delicious Dishes - Pork Trotter Jelly, Passion Fruit Infused Cucumber ($10)

 

The Chinese Kitchen 厨神私房菜 At Cavan Road, Whipping Extremely Delicious Dishes - Pork Trotter Jelly, Passion Fruit Infused Cucumber ($10)

 

Pork Trotter Jelly, Passion Fruit Infused Cucumber ($10) is another recommended dish by the restaurant. We thought it was an extremely smart idea to couple the pork trotter jelly with the sourish cucumber which not only cleanse the palate but also reduce the cloying feel if any.

 

The Chinese Kitchen 厨神私房菜 At Cavan Road, Whipping Extremely Delicious Dishes - Charcoal Grilled Lotus Root Stuffed with Hand-chopped Minced Meat ($3.50 per piece)

 

Though the Charcoal Grilled Lotus Root Stuffed with Hand-chopped Minced Meat ($3.50 per piece) is tasty, it didn’t leave a deep impression in me.

 

The Chinese Kitchen 厨神私房菜 At Cavan Road, Whipping Extremely Delicious Dishes - Spicy Pomelo Salad, Prawn ($12)

 

Spicy Pomelo Salad, Prawn ($12), is another refreshing dish, that awaken one’s appetite for more delicacies to come.

 

The Chinese Kitchen 厨神私房菜 At Cavan Road, Whipping Extremely Delicious Dishes - Signature Old Fifty Collagen Broth, Original ($40 for 2-3pax / $58 for 4-6 pax)

 

The Chinese Kitchen 厨神私房菜 At Cavan Road, Whipping Extremely Delicious Dishes - Signature Old Fifty Collagen Broth, Spicy ($40 for 2-3pax / $58 for 4-6 pax)

 

Signature Old Fifty Collagen Broth ($40 for 2-3pax / $58 for 4-6 pax) is available in Original or Spicy. Using a culinary technique that is popular in the 50s resulting in the milky broth without adding milk. This rich, flavourful soup capture the hearts of every diners, including me who doesn’t enjoy soup. Both Original and Spicy has its own fan group.

 

The Chinese Kitchen 厨神私房菜 At Cavan Road, Whipping Extremely Delicious Dishes - Ah Po Thai Style Braised Spanish Pork Belly ($16)

 

A strong flavoured Ah Po Thai Style Braised Spanish Pork Belly ($16) that wasn’t overwhelming is best enjoyed with white rice. The fats on the pork belly simply melt in the mouth.

 

The Chinese Kitchen 厨神私房菜 At Cavan Road, Whipping Extremely Delicious Dishes - Charcoal Grilled Orang Sea Perch, Sea Salt & Spices ($62)

 

The Chinese Kitchen 厨神私房菜 At Cavan Road, Whipping Extremely Delicious Dishes - Steamed Scottish Razor Clam, Korean Black Garlic Sauce, XL Size ($11 per pc)

 

If you love fish, opt for the Charcoal Grilled Orang Sea Perch, Sea Salt & Spices ($62) which can feed more than 10 person. The light smokiness is the draw for this dish. Equally delicious is the Steamed Scottish Razor Clam, Korean Black Garlic Sauce, XL Size ($11 per pc). 

 

The last 3 dishes are off the menu. In other words, the secret menu. First is the Wok Fried Portobello Mushroom, Fine Bean with Salted Egg Milk Crust ($16) which find favours with most diners. The milky hint might turn off those who doesn’t like milk.

 

The Chinese Kitchen 厨神私房菜 At Cavan Road, Whipping Extremely Delicious Dishes - Wok Fried Portobello Mushroom, Fine Bean with Salted Egg Milk Crust ($16)

 

The Chinese Kitchen 厨神私房菜 At Cavan Road, Whipping Extremely Delicious Dishes - Jumbo Lump Crab Meat, Chili Sauce ($98) Fried Mantou ($0.80 per pc)

 

Diners tend to lament about the hassle of eating crab, the Jumbo Lump Crab Meat, Chili Sauce ($98) with resolve the challenge of fans of this crustacean. Enjoy the chilli sauce with Fried Mantou ($0.80 per pc). The chili sauce for this dish is neither sweet or savoury, but sourish.

 

The Chinese Kitchen 厨神私房菜 At Cavan Road, Whipping Extremely Delicious Dishes - Cream of Japanese Pumpkin, Lotus Seed, Grilled Banana ($4.50)

 

Ending the meal with a warm and lightly saccharine Cream of Japanese Pumpkin, Lotus Seed, Grilled Banana ($4.50) is such a bliss. 

 

 

NAHMJ Verdict

 

This is another rare occasion that I fall in love with every dish I tried. Hence, immediately after the tasting, I started recommending The Chinese Kitchen 厨神私房菜 to my colleagues and friends. Furthermore, without doubt, I will return to try other dishes on their menu. Do remember to make your reservation before turning up to avoid disappointment.

 

 

 

The Chinese Kitchen 厨神私房菜

20 Cavan Rd, Singapore 209851
Tel: +65 6612 6024

FBhttps://www.facebook.com/thechinesekitchensg/

 

Opening Hours

 

Thursdays – Tuesdays  1200 to 1500 (Last order 1430), 1800 to 2230 (Last order 2200)  |  Closed on Wednesdays

 

Getting There

 

By MRT:

  • Downtown line – Bendemeer station 
  • East West line – Lavender station
  • North-East line – Farrer Park station

 

By Bus:

  • Opposite Pek Chuan Building along Lavender Street   13, 67, 133, 145
  • Hock Send Building along Lavender Street   13, 61, 67, 107, 133, 145, 175, 961
  • Hoa Nam Building along Jalan Besar Road   21, 23, 64, 65, 66, 67, 125, 130, 139, 147, 857

 

Rating: 9/10