Navigating the maze-like VivoCity, an amazing aroma - salty, peppery and tangy all at once - hit my nostrils, and I knew I had found YAO YAO Sauerkraut Fish. Sure enough, it was just a few metres away, with a bright aqua blue facade and an open kitchen.
For the uninitiated, it's one of China's top pickled fish brands and has over 60 outlets there. The brand has now landed in Singapore with its flagship outlet at VivoCity opening on 3 August 2023.
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Food at YAO YAO Sauerkraut Fish
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
The dish that everyone should order is the Signature YAO YAO Sauerkraut Fish (for 2: $48, for 3-4: $68, for 5-6: $88). This nourishing bowl of goodness had a refined and pleasantly sour flavour thanks to the sauerkraut that's fermented for 24 days. Complementing it perfectly was a mala-like spiciness.
It's sure to be a hit among everyone as the sauerkraut's intensity is a nice middle ground that will appeal to those who don't like strong flavours and fans of fermented food. It also has a palatable xiao la (low) level of spiciness.
In that addictive broth are California White Seabass slices that are packed with flavour thanks to its preparation method; the fish is cooked with the sauerkraut. They were also uber-tender and moist while still having a flakey texture for some bite.
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The sauerkraut sauce is too good to leave behind on the plate, so I'd recommend getting the XXL Crispy You Tiao ($5) and dipping it in the sauce. As its name infers, this light and airy dough fritter is larger than average, measuring as long as a forearm.
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If you like a variety of dishes, opt for the Super Combination (from $53) of two flavours in a bowl.
Crave a spicier kick? Knock yourself out with the Sichuan Poached Fish which has a zhong la (medium) spiciness that most would be able to handle. Kids and those who can't take spicy food can enjoy the Tomato Fish that's sour and sweet.
There's also the option for Peking Duck that comes with housemade sesame-mustard sauce and traditional Peking Duck sauce.
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The Peking Duck scraps are made into a delectable dish that reminded me of la zi ji (Sichuan-style fried chicken).
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Another non-fish combination option is the Hong Kong-style Typhoon Shelter Shrimp with Fries. The well-marinated shrimp is deep-fried to golden-brown perfection along with crispy fries.
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Although the fish and combination sets are the star of the show, the cold dishes were just as outstanding.
A standout dish was the Sichuan Spicy Poached Chicken ($12) that had a succulent chicken drumstick in a broth that was fragrant and fiery yet clean-tasting and the same time. The broth is made with Sichuan peppercorns, dried red chilli peppers, garlic, ginger, and aromatic spices.
Other dishes worth trying are the Sour and Spicy Organic White Fungus ($9) and Chilled Lettuce with Sesame Sauce ($10) served with a homemade sesame sauce.
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It never feels right to end a meal that has such bold and spicy flavours without a palate cleanser, which is why it's good news that there are cold desserts on the menu.
I had the Rainbow Cold Jelly ($8) which neutralised the lingering numbing sensation. This light and refreshing dessert has homemade oolong jelly lined with toppings like red beans, hawthorn, and barley.
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Ambience at YAO YAO Sauerkraut Fish
In contrast with the traditional food, the interior has a stylish and modern look with vibrants pops of aqua blue.
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The front section has seats with a view of the open kitchen, and at the back are bench seating areas facing the waterfront.
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Opening Promotion
From 7 to 9 August, diners can enjoy 58% off Yao Yao Sauerkraut Fish for 2 persons ($20.20, U.P. $48). This promotion is applicable for dine-in customers only and is limited to one order per bill per table.
If you're looking for a dining spot that'll please everyone from elderly folks to the little ones, YAO YAO Sauerkraut Fish has you covered.
More restaurants to check out if you're in the mood for Chinese food:
