Hai Di Lao (313@Somerset)

Hai Di Lao is one of those places where it is obvious that they want to win over customers not only through their food, but through the extra perks which are not available elsewhere. 

Founded in 1994 in China, Hai Di Lao serves mainly Sichuan style hotpot. While you are waiting for your turn, you get a free platter of snacks- both unhealthy and healthy. You can also arrange for a free manicure session. In my case, the screen cover on my phone was starting to have little bubbles and the staff helped to replace the sheet free of charge. Before and after the meal, the waitresses will also give you hot towels for you to freshen up.

The first thing to do is to order your soup base. In this case, we decided to go with the mushroom soup and the chicken soup ($18). I really liked their soup because of the rich flavour which didn't leave a lingering MSG taste.

We ordered half a portion of Black Pork ($9.50). Half portions are good because you can order a larger variety of food.

Of all things, the Sweet Corn ($6) was rather disappointing because it wasn't really sweet.

The Handmade Fishballs (half portion for $5) were nothing like the fishballs we are used to. Instead, it contained roe and was very bouncy. A must order.

The chicken (half portion for $6) was well marinated.

The food was definitely decent (although its price tag is on the higher side). What you are really paying for is the good service, the "freebies" and the theatric effects. We ordered the noodles ($4) and one of their staff came by and pulled the noodles before us, while attempting to "tease" us by swinging the noodles inches in front of your eyes. Next to us, there was a man who was celebrating his birthday and a waitress rolled a trolley with different fruits, LED lights of every colour and Chinese music blasting together with a trolley.  Needless to say, the staff topped this off with a loud birthday song.

Overall, an enjoyable experience although I would go to this place for special occasions because I can probably find the same quality of food at cheaper prices elsewhere.

Hai Di Lao 
313 @ Somerset
313 Orchard Road
#04-23/24
Tel No: 6835 7227 

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Saboten (313 Somerset)

It has been nearly 3 years since I last went to Saboten. Due to the recent reports about bacterial outbreak from eating raw fish, we decided to skip the raw fish and went for some cooked Japanese food instead. 

The interesting thing about this place is that the booths are rather high which gives you more privacy than other restaurants. This reminded me of a television program I watched recently where in Japan, there are these restaurants with individual booths and everybody would just eat their ramen without having to see the person in the next cubicle- see an article here. 

I ordered a Salmon Seafood Gozen ($24) which came with Half Salmon Katsu, Fried Shrimp and Crab Cream Croquette. The set also came with Japanese rice, miso soup, chawanmushi, cabbage and dessert.

I can never have enough of those thinly shredded fresh cabbage drizzled with sesame sauce which is a good accompaniment to the deep fried food. The deep fried items were not greasy and despite the seemingly small portion, made a rather a substantial dinner. Saboten has obviously mastered the art of deep frying.

Eating Crab Cream Croquettes  reminded me of the Crab Rangoons that they serve in Chinese restaurants in America. It was a strangely familiar yet unfamiliar taste- the sense of deja vu which hits once in a while.

The dessert to round off the meal was mango ice cream. I was hoping for some yuzu ice cream or black sesame ice cream. Rather ordinary, the otherwise good dinner failed to end with a bang.

Service was pleasant and the waiters came by to refill our green tea often. Come early to avoid the crowd.

Saboten 
313 Somerset
313 Orchard Road
#B2-02/03
Tel No: 6333 3432 

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The Handburger (313 Somerset)

We bought a Groupon ($15 for $30) and decided to check out the queue at The Handburger at 6 pm. When we came out at 7pm, the queue was snaking round the corner- tip: Come early. 

Interesting menu where you could flip and zoom in to the one that you are craving for- although in all likelihood you will flip through every page anyway.

I had a Duck Confit burger ($16.80) while my friend had a Stuffed Portabello Burger ($14.80). Both came with either mushroom soup/salad/fries.

The mushroom soup is not campbell mushroom soup which many people despise (but I like it anyway). This is Real Mushroom Soup. It's not exactly runny but it would have been better if it were less dilute. A rather big bowl of soup and delicious!

After my run with duck confit at Saveur recently, I thought it would be cool to try it burger-form. Well, the skin was not as crispy as I would have liked it to be. The meat was also not as easily shredded. But I still find it a decent choice: Not wonderful, but acceptable.

This is a great option for vegetarians/people who are counting their calories. A portabello mushroom stuffed with spinach (for all popeyes wannabes), walnuts, parmesan cheese and beancurd. Feels healthy, tastes good. My only gripe (which my friend didn't agree with) was that the stuffing was too mushy.

Atmosphere was lively and noisy and good for big groups although you would probably have to wait for some time before getting in.

After using the Groupon voucher, we paid $7+ more. Worth it. A nice spin from the usual deep fried chicken burgers and a wide variety of choices as well.  We didn't try the milkshake but heard it was nice. For those who don't like sharing with tables with others, this is not the place for you. They dump you at any available space so you have to share tables!

The Handburger (313 Somerset) 

313 @ Somerset
313 Orchard Road
#B2-17/18/19
Tel No: +65 6509 6214

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