Food Review: Mouth Restaurant in Chinatown | 6-course Gourmet Set Menu @ $36.80

Posted on March 28, 2015 by theRantingPanda in Food

The Place I just didn’t manage to find the chance to try this before. Having heard much about their legend-ary Liu Sha Bao (aka Custard Bun), it has always been on my radar to give Mouth Restaurant a try. And I am glad I did.

More than two decades since it started, this Chinese restaurant continues to pride itself from serving oriental food at affordable prices (read: modestly-priced restaurant food). While its setting feels like any other Chinese restaurants, this should not be taken as a reflection of its food though.

The Food Their latest promotion set meal, the 6-course Gourmet Set Menu ($36.80++ per pax, minimum 2 pax) seems to rather value for money – with lavish ingredients such as abalone, lobster, sea cucumber, crab and our favourite tonic bird’s nest! Quite a steal I must say! The portions are individually plated, and I think should suffice the average appetite (read: no generous portions).

The first dish caught my attention with the smoky dry ice effect. The Chilled and Sliced Fresh Abalone was served beautifully in a pot with ice, which reminds me of Japanese Sashimi. The abalone is caught fresh and frozen immediately for shipping. Unlike the typical canned abalone we are used to, this dish allows diners to savour the original sweet taste of abalone!
My favourite in any Chinese meal is always the soup. The Lobster and Mixed Seafood Soup did not disappoint with its thick broth and fresh ingredients. Didn’t bother adding any of the vinegar and pepper seasoning, it’s good enough on its own!
The third course is quite interesting when first served – Braised Stuffed Sea Cucumber. Probably my first time seeing minced pork being wrapped in a Sea Cucumber! While ingredients are undoubtedly fresh, the taste didn’t surprise me further.
Next up was my pick of the day, the Deep Fried Fish Fillet with Mushroom Sauce Topping. The chef combined the western styled Battered Fish with a thick oriental mushroom sauce. Have to give this simple creation a thumbs up, well paired and served unpretentiously.
The Fried Rice with Fresh Crab Meat and Fish Roe was done to the “粒粒分明” level, as described by my fellow diners. Although the real me always prefer my rice and noodles to be a tad more on the soggy side – personal preferences I suppose.
And to end in style, how about having some Bird’s Nest Caramel Custard Pudding? The bird’s nest topping the pudding was shimmering when served! But when the excitement fades away, the pudding was way too dry. Left a portion of the dessert untouched once the caramel sauce “runs-out”. To Mouth, more sauce for your next serving, ok?
How can I end my meal without having to bite into their mind blowing Liu Sha Bao ($5.60 for 3)?! I have heard comments that their recent tweak to their ingredients is making this bun less enticing, but trust me, it’s still worthy of your calories! And certainly still amongst the best in Singapore!
Rants Wait, how many set meals promotion do Mouth Restaurant has now? Just by walking past its entrance, you would be seeing many many many set meals promotions – and may I say, way too many! Probably time to scale it back, while we enjoy our promotions, having too many seems confusing and unfortunately, discrediting the restaurant branding.