So Chinatown Complex Food Centre has made its return after a few months’ renovation (though as an outsider, we don’t see much noticeable differences other than the nets), and the one stall that many look forward to is Zhong Guo La Mian Xiao Long Bao 中国拉面小笼包.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
The humble stall offers a great value for your money with delicious handmade Xiao Long Bao ($6.50), Szechuan Spicy Wanton ($5), and hand-pulled noodles such as Sour & Spicy Noodle, Beef Noodles, Dumpling Noodles and Sour & Spicy Noodles (each bowl priced at $3.50 – $4).
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
It gained more recognition after it was awarded a “Michelin Plate” in the Singapore Michelin Guide.
For first timers, navigating around the food centre especially in the hot weather may be daunting, so I always first look out for Hawker Chan Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle (#02-126). The stall is kind of nearby (#02-135).
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Zhong Guo La Mian Xiao Long Bao 中国拉面小笼包 was first established by Mr Li Feng Cai and his wife who were originally from Anhui, China. He learnt the art of noodle making from Beijing and Shenzhen.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Who doesn’t love a good steamed dumpling?
The Xiao Long Bao are freshly made on the spot by hand, considered affordable at $6.50 for 2 baskets of 5 (increased from $6 before renovations).
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Digging into that smooth skin, to find steamy and belly warming soup and juicy filling awaiting you, can be a blissful experience.
The broth to said to be cooked for 12 hours before being frozen and wrapped in the minced pork dumpling.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Many would compare this to the offering of the other famous chain. I would say while it lacked the finesse in terms of consistency and thickness of skin, the fillings were moist and meaty, while broth was to the sweeter side.
Add some vinegar and chilli for a better experience.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
The Pan-Fried Dumplings aka Guo Tie ($6.50 for 10 pieces) certainly looked promising with its crisp outer layer, and almost golden-brown exterior. Such beautiful pieces.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Alas, the inside wasn’t as juicy as I would have expected, though it was similar rather meaty. So im comparison, not my favourite thing here.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
If you need to choose, then I would rather go for the Szechuan Spicy Wanton aka Hong You Chao Shou ($5 for 10 pieces) with almost slurp-worthy vinegary sauce with tingling of spiciness.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Between the Xiao Long Bao and La Mian, surprisingly the La Mian with Fried Bean Sauce ($3.50) impressed me more.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
There was a certain pleasant and doughy bite to the long strands of thin noodles.
The bean sauce was generous in portion, and wasn’t over in terms of that fermented bean taste.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
The stall does get rather crowded during peak meal times, as more tourists are getting aware of their existence, especially when they have got a fair bit of publicity from the Singapore Michelin Street Food Festival. Come slightly before the typical dinner times if you can.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Zhong Guo La Mian Xiao Long Bao 中国拉面小笼包
335 Smith Street, Chinatown Complex Food Centre #02-135, Singapore 050335
Tel: +65 9743 5287
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 3pm, 5pm – 8:30pm (Wed – Sun), Closed Mon, Tues
Other Related Entries
10 Must-Try Chinatown Complex Food Centre Hawker Stalls
Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle (Chinatown Food Complex)
Hong Peng La Mian Xiao Long Bao (People’s Park Food Centre)
Ann Chin Popiah 安珍 (Chinatown Food Centre)
Ah Heng Chicken Curry Bee Hoon Mee (Hong Lim Food Centre)
* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.