In relocating from One-North to a bigger space at Dempsey Hill, Min Jiang took the opportunity to overhaul its appearance and its food, resulting in an elegant experience suitably apt for its forested surroundings.
The brand’s boast of being the only Chinese restaurant to inhabit a black-and-white bungalow aside, the space truly is a beauty to dine in — contemporary chinoiserie mixed with wood and rattan elements, in an earthly palette of golds and greens, give diners the feeling of being transported to a lush resort on an undisturbed island.
Apart from the main dining area, which is filled with natural light, the space also houses an eight-seater bar, three private rooms, and an alfresco veranda. It’s easy to imagine having classy family gatherings here in the day, or dreamy dinners in the evening, when the mood turns cozy.
After 12 years at Rochester Park, Min Jiang, which first opened at Goodwood Park Hotel in 1982, is ready to move on in its culinary offerings as well. At the center of all the action in the kitchen is master chef Goh Chee Kong, who has been part of the team for more than half of his 32-year career.
Delving into Cantonese and Sichuan cuisines, his menu highlights dim sum treats like the steamed prawn dumpling ($4.80), an exquisite creation shaped like a goldfish, swimming in a pool of chicken stock and egg white.
To try a couple bites at once, order the Deluxe Dim Sum Platter ($38/two pieces each) for four intricately made items: steamed crabmeat, prawn, and veggie dumpling, steamed blue pea truffle vegetable dumpling, steamed scallop dumpling, and deep-fried glutinous rice in the form of a golden pumpkin.
For more small nibbles, the Heritage Treasures Platter ($88/four pax) is a foursome of fried Teochew-style shrimp roll, Wuxi-style braised pork, deep-fried crabmeat with chicken liver and salted egg yolk, and stir-fried seasonal greens with macadamia nuts. Min Jiang’s signature Legendary Wood-Fired Beijing Duck ($118/whole) remains on the menu, too, with the bird carved table-side and paired with flour crepes and eight condiments.
Other dishes to try include the Braised Sea Treasure Soup ($48), a comforting broth with abalone, chopped bamboo pith, and dried scallop wrapped up in an egg white crepe; Iberico pork fried rice ($18/person), which actually comes served in a mini pumpkin and a side of addictive house-made XO sauce; and Typhoon Shelter squid and soft shell crab ($32), where the seafood is deep fried and tossed in a fragrant mix of garlic, shallots, dried chili flakes, dried shrimp, and bread crumbs.
If you wish to linger a little longer and soak up those relaxed Bali-esque vibes, stay on for a dessert of chilled peach resin with pear syrup and snow lotus seeds ($12/person) or deep-fried banana glazed in caramel and a sprinkle of sesame seeds ($10).
FIND IT:
Min Jiang at Dempsey is at 7A and 7B Dempsey Rd.
6774-0122. Daily 11:30am-2:30pm & 6:30pm-10:30pm.
MRT: Holland Village/Commonwealth
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