Calling all seafood enthusiasts with no plans to travel to Thailand (anytime soon) — this is one restaurant you gotta visit!
As its name suggests, Yaowarat Seafood along Lavender Street, aims to transport diners to the heart of the Yaowarat district in Bangkok’s Chinatown.
If you last visited the casual restaurant at its former location in Teck Chye Terrace, or even better, are hearing about it for the first time, this is your sign to head down for their new menu showcasing authentic Thai-Chinese seafood dishes served zi char-style.
Start off with Blanched Ark Cockles on Ice (S$13 for 500g, S$20 for 1kg) served on a bed of ice — plump, crunchy (yes, crunchy), and incredibly fresh, with none of the metallic “bloody” taste one typically associates with cockles.
You must pair it with the zesty housemade green chilli, which I found myself enjoying with practically every seafood dish.
Go big (go or home) with the showstopping Grilled Australian Rock Lobster (S$128), comprising succulent, expertly grilled lobster meat needing nothing more than a squeeze of lime. Even better if you manage to get some of the indulgent lobster roe in one bite.
Despite not being the biggest fan of soupy dishes, I was blown away by the XO Seafood Treasure Pot (S$68), composed of prawns, squid, clams, and noodles simmered in a broth that was oh-so addictive, with a sweet, rich milkiness. It is topped off with a dash of aromatic XO cognac, prior to being served, which lends a subtle kick and warms you right up.
Dare I say it would make for a great hangover cure?
The restaurant’s take on poo ob woon sen, or crab with glass noodles, comes in the form of the signature Live Mud Crab Vermicelli (S$60) served in a claypot. You get the best of both worlds — succulent crab meat and springy noodles that come together in perfect harmony with intensely flavourful notes of garlic and black pepper.
For something a little more understated, the crispy Salted Egg Squid (S$21), which has just the right amount of salted egg coating, is great for snacking on when you want a break from all that exquisite seafood.
As excited as I was for the Thai Steamed Seabass in Spicy Garlic Lime (S$30) and Tom Yum Mama Noodles Pot (S$12.90), both were a tad too sweet for my liking. I would’ve preferred for the spicy and sour flavours to shine a little more.
Non-seafood dishes like the Deep-fried Garlic Pork (S$15), a staple on Yaowarat Seafood’s menu, sees bite-sized morsels of crispy pork, with just the right concentration of fat, accompanied by whole garlic cloves.
Call me basic, but I couldn’t stop gushing about the Homemade Moo Ping (S$3.30 each, min 2pcs), which were tender, juicy, and succulent, with a sweet, caramelised bak kwa-esque crust.
And of course, you’ve got to balance everything out with a plate of greens, like the Thai Stir-fried Morning Glory (S$12), or kang kong with garlic, chilli, and a soy-based sauce brimming with wok hei.
Although seafood is best paired with beer, the Yaowarat Bailey’s Green Tea (S$12), consisting of Thai green milk tea with Baileys Irish Cream, is a fun-tasting boozy beverage to end the meal with.
Otherwise, the classic Chatuchak Coconut Ice Cream (S$7), dressed with cashew nuts, sweet corn, fried mung beans, and coconut meat, is always a reliable dessert option.
So, the next time you find yourself not knowing where to go for your next family get-together, look no further than Yaowarat Seafood and their delectable Thai-Chinese dishes! I’ll definitely be back for the XO Treasure Pot, that’s for sure.
Yaowarat Seafood
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???? 320 Lavender Street, Singapore 338820
???? 12pm–3pm, 5pm–9.30pm (Daily)
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I'm always feelin' either boozy or boujee ✨