"I'm in the mood for Chinese food" - we've all said it! But when your cravings happens to get more specific, say, for Hunan cuisine, there's a new restaurant in town where you can satisfy it - Nong Geng Ji. The first Hunan restaurant chain in Singapore, Nong Geng Ji has over 100 outlets in China that often draw long queues. And now, they've arrived in Singapore with an outlet at Collyer Quay, a few steps from Raffles Place MRT.
Officially opening on 21 October, Nong Geng Ji will offer an impressive variety of Hunan dishes.
Food at Nong Geng Ji
Their best-seller is the Stir-Fried Pork with Abalone and Chilli ($27.90). This elevated version of the traditional Hunan dish had plump baby abalones along with tender pork leg and Hunan green peppers and chillies. It was served in a wok with a burner which added a fun element where we could play chef and "fry" it up so that every bite would be piping hot throughout the meal.
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Another popular dish that we absolutely adored is the Stir-Fried Beef with Fried Chilli ($28.90). Similar to la zi ji (chicken stir-fried with dried chilli and Sichuan pepper), this dish had small pieces of beef that was like treasure we had to find by rummaging through Hunan dried peppers. These specially imported peppers gave the beef a piquant and addictive aroma that shined through the spiciness. And while this dish isn't too spicy by Hunan standards, the average Singaporean might find it pretty fiery.
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Topping that was the next dish, the Steamed Fish Head with Chopped Peppers ($25.90). The massive fish head is of the Fat Head Fish, a freshwater species found in Chagan Lake. It was cooked to tender perfection, and clinging on to the meat was a delicious mix of soy sauce, red and green chilli peppers. Not for the faint-hearted, this dish had the spiciest kick of the lot.
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Another highlight was the Signature Grass Fish Fillet with Chilli ($25.90). It had bite-sized filleted pieces of a whole fish gently cooked with pickled chilli sauce. The fish had a unique chewy texture which initially caught us off guard, but on second bite, we started to enjoy the satisfying QQ mouthfeel. Those who prefer a milder option can go for the non-spicy version.
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Other favourites include the Pan-Seared Green Chillis with Century Eggs ($11.90) and Hengyang Stewed Vegetables ($15.90).
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All those intense flavours go well with the Wuchang Steamed Rice with Sweet Potato and Red Dates ($7.90/pot). This comforting pot of rice is cooked with sweet potato chunks and red dates which gives it a subtle sweetness. Nong Geng Ji has also given a homey touch to it by serving it in a pressure pot so everyone can top up their bowl with warm rice.
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
For dessert, try the Deep Fried Glutinous Rice Fritters ($4.90) topped with peanut crumbles. These soft and chewy treats are worth all the calories!
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If water and tea aren't enough to temper the spice, soothe your tastebuds with the Signature Lemon Tea ($3.90) which comes in a supersized cup.
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Ambience at Nong Geng Ji
The 110-seater restaurant takes on a stylish, contemporary look that has a charming mix of luxury finishes and countryside-esque decor elements like chopped wood, woven baskets and baskets of spices.
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Opening Promotions at Nong Geng Ji
To celebrate its grand opening, Nong Geng Ji will be offering discounts off food items during the following periods:
- 21 to 23 October: 50% off
- 24 to 26 October: 40% off
- 27, 28 and 30 October: 30% off
The restaurant will be closed on 29 October.
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