A few months after the previous post and many disappointments later, the group decided it best to return to a place that has yet to disappoint. I believe the location needs no introduction, if you are interested in more, you can find more write ups in my first visit here.
Address: 37th Floor, Pan Pacific Hotel
Contact: 68268338
Hai~Tien~Lo
The Corridor
Interior
The View
Menu
Table
Ornamental Plate
Presentation wise, Hai~Tien~lo hasn't changed much but thats not a bad thing at all. Simple, oriental and classy continues to describe this sublime Chinese eatery and the view never seems to disappoint. I could come everyday and not get tired of it.
Classic Peking Duck with Vegetable Crackers ($68)
Sliced Duck Meat with Lettuce
The Peking duck here always holds a special place in my heart as it is still one of the better renditions i've had the privilege to enjoy. The serving came in a big plate that offers close to 4 pieces of crisp, low fat and fragrant duck skin in thin pancakes to each of us. The meat fared a little lower this time due to uneven roasting with some parts drier then the rest but the amount of meat on offer made this seem a small oversight. Definitely order this here.
Steamed Prawns in Mashed Garlic ($54)
Another staple dish, giant prawns steamed in lots of mashed garlic and soy sauce served in a bamboo basket. Crunchy, sweet and absolutely delightful as i remembered it. We got 2 huge prawns each but even then, it just doesn't feel enough.
Ostrich in Honey Pepper Sauce with Snow Peas ($48)
Appetizing and strikingly colored, this dish came looking like a winner. The ostrich meat tasted like a softer and more tender version of pork and was sweet with a tinge of pepper while the snow peas were crunchy and served as another wonderful contrast. Good but not excellent.
Scallops and Lobster with Garlic and Asparagus ($57)
Generous servings of lobster and scallops and crunchy and fresh asparagus fried in garlic. Simple, fresh and healthy. Not to mention the awesome sweetness of the seafaring creatures. Recommended try.
Snow peas with deep fried scallops and mustard vegetables ($24)
Having had snow peas in the previous dish with the ostrich meat, this is kinda an overdose of a good thing. Still fresh and crunchy though not much else.
Hai Tien Lo Beancurd with minced pork ($24)
A signature dish of Hai Tien Lo. This time however, it tasted less impressive as compared to my previous visit. Most probably due to the fact that a layer of seaweed which enhanced its taste considerably previously has been left out this time. The pine mushroom sauce almost made up for it with its starchy and flavorful mushrooms and pork. Hopefully, they'll bring it back to standard on the next visit.
Cod Fish Baked & Glazed with Moet & Chandon Champagne Sauce and Cod Fish Baked & Glazed with Japanese Sake Sauce ($16 each)
I managed to sample both dishes and i can safely say the sake version is much better as it is stronger and had a more distinct taste then the Moet & Chandon Champagne sauce. Both were equally well baked with with slightly charred edges and soft, sweet, melt in your mouth cod fish.
The grand union
Stewed Fish Noodles with Giant Prawns ($18)
Another must try dish at Hai Tien Lo. As i've mentioned before, fish paste noodles are absolutely the best noodles i've had thus far. Nothing beats their springy, chewy and flavor absorbing tenderness and the Hai Tien Lo rendition simply is the best thus far. Add in an equally fresh and huge prawn and you have the star of the evening. You must have this!
Bill
The bill came up to $564 for 6 people which works out to be about $94 per head. However, given the items we had and add in a 20% discount and you have an absolutely gratifying dinner that must be had to be understood.
Overall: 7.75/10 (assuming all factors remain the same as previous post.)
Last word:
A satisfying meal is difficult to find and so far, it seems Hai Tien Lo has got it right. There are some disappointments but when they do it right, it more then makes up for the little slights making it easy to overlook their little problems. Hands down, still one of the best Chinese restaurants around.
Overall: 7.75/10 (assuming all factors remain the same as previous post.)
Last word:
A satisfying meal is difficult to find and so far, it seems Hai Tien Lo has got it right. There are some disappointments but when they do it right, it more then makes up for the little slights making it easy to overlook their little problems. Hands down, still one of the best Chinese restaurants around.
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