lobster porridge

I normally have an aversion to the teochew style porridge where the rice grains are still intact and forms a sedimentary layer distinct from the liquid portion, preferring the more viscous and homogenous cantonese style congee. My main contention with the teochew variety is that, it just feels like cooked rice soaked in water, as if someone had switched off the rice cooker halfway. But at Orchid Live Seafood, I'll make an exception. Well, only becuase there's lobster inside the porridge and the rice is soaking in a rich golden lobster stock. The lobster meat, only cooked briefly in the porridge just before serving, was fresh and succulent. Another of the chef's other signature dish is the lollipop chicken that tastes like pork ribs (not some Heston Blumenthal recipe, just lots of seasoning), which I like, in a junky kind of way.

Located in a non-descript row of shophouses off Yio Chu Kang Road and well known among foodies as the restaurant formerly at the Orchid Country Club (hence the name), the restaurant was packed as usual. The premises was cramped and awkwardly laid out; a straight row of 10-seating round dining tables line the length of the narrow shop space with some diners seated back to back with another person from the neighbouring table. A constant Chinese-restaurant-buzz filled the room (which I always enjoy), occassionally punctuated by the chef's insults du jour being hurled from the kitchen to the unfortunate staff outside struggling to serve plates upon plates of food.With the weak airconditioning and a pot of hot porridge sitting on almost every table, the air is slightly stuffy. The place was almost charming, perhaps lacking in some campy chinese restaurant elements like chrome framed chairs with maroon velour cushions, plastic plates and bowls with Chinese motifs, and pink serviettes.

Be sure to call and make a reservation if you want to pay a visit. The number listed on their website seems to be the chef's mobile number, so prepare yourself for a curt verbal exchange.



Orchid Live Seafood
16 Jalan Kelulut ( off Yio Chu Kang Road)