Peony Jade @ Clarke Quay

I'm no stranger to Peony Jade, it's a wonder why I took so long to return. Peony Jade at Clarke Quay was buzzing with activity as everyone was rushing for the lohei to start the working year.



The somewhat garish set up with Chinese New Year decorations...resembled more of a shrine more than anything else.



Sweetened Walnuts got me nibbling non-stop, literally.



Mandarin Oranges for good luck?



Two pairs of chopsticks, one for the mandatory Lo Hei!



Peony Jade dishes up one of the more complex yu shengs around with the plate scattered with so many condiments.

Salmon Fish and Golden Roe Prosperity ‘lo hei’ ($48)

A nugget of trivia, we opted for this because of "golden roe" which was barely seen.



Delicious yusheng save for our gluttony; we insisted all the oil and honey be drenched over the yusheng despite the waitress' polite reminder.



Braised Homemade Beancurd and Black Mushroom ($18)

Nothing too extraordinary.



Smoking Prosperity Duck ($68)
Szechuan Camphor Wood Smoked Duck with fragrant tea leaves accompanied by Steamed Chinese Flower Buns

Still as good as the last I tried. The smoky fragrance is inescapable from the senses, waking every living cell. Every meaty bite was delightful.



Simply mantous but when eaten together, these proved more filling than initially thought.



Pan-fried 'LIVE' Golden Prawns with Creamy Egg Yolk (De-shelled) ($32)

A nice interpretation of the otherwise over-used yam basket, this crispy flour basket was simply delicious. The well creamed prawns got everyone eyeing the last few remaining. Fresh prawns coated with a light batter, more please!



Deep-fried Kurobuta Belly Ribs and Golden Garlic ($22)

Kurobuta's the new wagyu for me. Every mere mention gets me all excited. The sauce reminds of pai gu wang, the sticky honeyed sauce paired with pork so tender. For once, I'm actually preferring the Oriental take on ribs to the American ones! Yum, yum, yum!




Wok-fried Grandma Longevity Mee Sua with shredded Pork, Egg and Beansprout ($18)

Contrast is what Grandma's Longevity Mee Sua gave, starkly bland. Perhaps that's how longevity is attained -- no salt diet. This dish left us most unimpressed.



Hot Sweetened Teochew ‘Oor-Ni’ with Gingko Nuts ($38)

You need to be an Orh-Nee lover to stomach this. Desserts make me weak in the knees, this Orh Nee makes me forget my surname.



Ever since the first mouthful years ago, it has been a neverending journey to find the equivalent..which obviously has proved futile. The sold out Orh Nee Mooncakes hint of its following.

Dense yam pulp mashed with corn and pumpkin, coconut gravy to taste.

Now, if only I can start placing my orders for this year's Yam mooncakes.

Peony Jade pleases and tickles the tastebuds to no end. Right choices made this meal exceptional. Thirds soon, I hope!

Peony Jade
Clarke Quay