Chatterbox
Chatterbox
Featuring the award-winning Mandarin Chicken Rice & other local delights!
Located on Level 5 of Mandarin Orchard Singapore, it was after a lift ride,
and many twists and turns (at least to me) that we ended up at the restaurant entrance.
Ask me to retrace the steps, and I would probably end up at Mandarin Gallery perhaps.
As you can see, prices are about S$20s, with exception of
the Lobster Laksa, which would probably hit S$30 after taxes.
Ambiance was pretty relaxed, without much of a crowd of line waiting to get in.
Expect to be dining with some families (in case you're allergic to kids).
Herbal Bak Kut Teh
Also know as 肉骨茶 - a Chinese soup filled with herbs, spices & meaty pork ribs.
Dining partner, P, very helpfully holding up a piece of pork rib.
Soup was very flavorful - herby, not very peppery - and still surprisingly light.
Meat was tender & falls off the bone easily, going oh-so well with dark soy sauce & chili.
Feel free to dump all the nicely cut-up fried dough fritters in to soak up the goodness.
I don't think they offer refills for that, though I have yet to know of anyone who tried! Ha
PS. Have some pickled vegetables (that comes with) before you begin the meal.
I always feel that it helps whet the appetite & makes the soup more flavorful in contrast. :D
Mandarin Chicken Rice
Customers are able to choose which part of the chicken they prefer - breast or thigh.
Thigh was selected for me, resulting in layers of tender, succulent & springy meat!
There a few methods of consuming the wonderful plate of meat,
but most include dipping it into the small bowl of chili.
Garlic is optional (I don't usually take that) but it always adds to the taste.
The strongness of garlic combined with the sweetness of chicken.
I liked how the cherry tomatoes added to the vibrancy of the whole presentation,
as well as that added crunch & sudden sweetness -
especially when one has too much chili. :p
Mandarin Coconut Ice Cream
Double scoops of coconut ice cream served in a coconut shell,
topped with longans, chocolate & walnuts.
Totally & utterly sinful, this was definitely my favorite part of the evening. Heh.
The walnuts added much to the fragrance of the dish,
though I think the chocolate & longan only play to add some calories.
Eat away some of the ice cream before you try to scrape the flesh off the coconut shell.
I really, really love how the firm, jelly flesh combines with the soft, sweet ice cream
to make heaven in your mouth~
At S$10, this dish is totally worth it!
Overall, the bill came up to a total of about S$37,
due to the Eat @ Meritus membership card, giving a 50% discount for 2 diners.
People, if you have that card & have not been eating out,
I think it's time you make your way down for some fantastic fare!
PS. I am available for ice cream.
Taken with Canon DIGITAL IXUS 870 IS
Thanks to Hisham for pics storage.