@ Hai Tien Lo

G received her promotion and wanted to treat us to a good meal. Since Chinese New Year is around the corner, E suggested the CNY set at Hai Tien Lo.

We took a while to decide between the different menu. As there were only 3 of us, we didn't want to get the menu for 4 people. However, the Wealth Menu was had a better variety and we could even lao yu sheng. Thus, we still ended up with the set for 4. Oh well, since it was a joyous occasion and both E and G said that they were hungry...

Norwegian Salmon with Salmon Roe, Surf Clam and Crispy Fish Skin Yu Sheng

All happily mixed up

To be honest, this was my third yu sheng before the start of CNY. However, Hai Tien Lo's yu sheng was seriously good. I loved the crispy fish skin and the surf clam. The whole dish was very refreshing.

Double-boiled "Buddha Jumps over the Wall" in Hai Tien Lo Style 

This is by far the best dish of the menu. There were so many ingredients and the soup was heavenly. Thankfully we had a fourth bowl to share among ourselves.
 

Sauteed Hokkaido Scallops with Prawns in Minced Garlic and Sakura Shrimps

I liked the color presentation and the vegetables were very crispy. However, the prawns were a letdown...

Assorted Barbecued Meat Combination

There's char siew, soy chicken and my favourite crispy pork. Rest assure that these were not greasy at all.

Steamed Fillet of Sea Perch with Dried Oyster in Green Minced Ginger

Very delicious sea perch as the meat was smooth and buttery. This was an interesting combination but I didn't try the alien-like dried oyster.

Stewed Inaniwa Udon with Crab Meat and Garlic in Supreme Stock

A simple dish with a light and balanced taste. The udon was thin, unlike the usual udon served. By then, we were very full but we finished this dish still.

Duo of Prosperity Chinese New Year Cakes

Nian Gao! The Chinese New Year must have. Most nian gaos are either too dry or greasy, but not this one. The one in red was fried but not oily at all. The one in white was coated with coconut shavings. Both were chewy and addictive.

Chilled Cream of Pumpkin with Grass Jelly in Coconut Milk

This dish confused us. We thought it was mango pomelo sago but the taste was way off. E even thought that the milk had turned sour, while G was deciphering the ingredients in the dessert. After checking the menu again, we realised that we were bluffed by this dish. It's actually pumpkin cream and it's salty and sour with a tinge of sweetness.

Hai Tien Lo

We were full and happy and despite the slow service, this was really an indulgence to welcome the start of the lunar new year.