The annual season for Duo Tou clams at Putien (island-wide) is back again. We visited Putien for these golden-shelled succulent shellfish in 2016 and fall in love with them ever since. The best time to enjoy them is from May till August. These fellows are air-flown live from Duo Tou village in Putian China twice a week, guaranteeing their freshness. We once again rejoice over Putien Duo Tou Clams Festival 2018.
With a variation of eight different cooking styles introduced this year, customers are definitely spoilt for choice. Each style is unique in its flavor and is distinct from one another.
Putien Duo Tou Clams Festival 2018
Amongst the eight Duo Tou clam dishes presented, my favourites in order of preference, from most to least.
Deep-fried Duo Tou Clam
A new cooking style introduced in the current year, this is not to be missed. The crunchy golden crust coating complemented the fat juicy clams well and together with the crispy glass noodles, it was the perfect fried dish any time of the day. I would love to see it being served in place of the calamari in a pub.
Baked Duo Tou Clam on Hot Plate
This is a dish for the minimalist who just wants to have the original taste of the clams. It is literally served on a bed of sea salt and peppercorns which highlighted the freshness and seafood sweetness in the clams. No wonder it is the best-selling Duo Tou dish at Putien!
Stir-fried Duo Tou Clam with Ginger and Spring Onion
Do not let the name or the looks of it belie the taste of this dish. The ginger and spring onion went very well with the clams, surprisingly even better than the Steamed Duo Tou Clam in Minced Garlic. The gravy was all I need if I had a bowl of rice.
Duo Tou Clam Soup with Tofu Meatballs
Like most Chinese clam soups, this is no exception with the broth tasting really sweet with Hua Diao wine and ginger undertones. What makes it really special is that the clams have been coated with flour and fried before going into the pot. The clams turned out to be a bit like oyster omelette sans egg but in soup style. So even though Putien has a Dou Tou Clam Omelette choice, I will choose this soup over it.
Promotion
Till 10th August 2018, diners can enjoy a combination of any two different types of Duo Tou Clam dishes (small portion) at $38.80 at all Putien outlets.
NAHMJ Verdict
The Duo Tou season at Putien is a heaven for clam lovers. The plump and succulent clams with ocean-freshness is not to be missed. And do not forget to go for the Heng Hwa Bee Hoon (with their signature chilli sauce) as well. Oh, and another dish, the 100-second Stewed Yellow Croaker, is a good bet as well.
Putien @ ION Orchard, Singapore
2 Orchard Turn, #04-12, ION Orchard, Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 6509 4296
Website: http://www.putien.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PUTIEN.RESTAURANT
Opening Hours
Daily – Lunch: 1130 to 1630 (Last Order: 1600) | Dinner: 1730 to 2200 (Last Order: 2130)
Getting There
By MRT:
- North-South line – Orchard station
By Bus:
- Tang Plaza along Orchard Road 36, 77, 124, 128, 143, 162, 162M, 167, 171, 174, 174e, 190, 518, 700, 700A
- Lucky Plaza along Orchard Road 7, 14, 14e, 16, 65, 106, 111, 123, 175, 502
- Orchard Station along Orchard Turn 14e, 124, 128, 143, 162, 162M, 167, 190, 700, 700A
- Opposite Orchard Station along Orchard Boulevard 7, 14, 16, 36, 65, 77, 106, 111, 123, 174, 174e, 175
Rating: 8/10
*Disclaimer: This was a media invite.