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Introduction
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For the best Beijing duck, outside Beijing, try Min Jiang, Singapore's latest Chinese restaurant
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Did you know that a bicycle pump is used to pump air into the Beijing duck before it is roasted? In spite of being a long time fan of this crisp, crunchy and yielding delight, I came to know of this recently. And aptly enough, it was in a restaurant that serves the best "Beijing duck" in the world (outside Beijing). Welcome to Min Jiang, Singapore's newest Chinese restaurant in the Rochester Park area. Housed in a beautiful two-storied colonial bungalow, this branch of the restaurant opened a few months ago. The original Min Jiang has been a landmark for several years. Both the restaurants are run by The Goodwood Park Hotel, a charming hotel that dates back to 1900 (set up by the German expatriate community as The Teutonia club house), which stands off Orchard Road looking like a castle of the Rhine, tower block et al.
If you are a foodie, then Singapore is a must on your travel schedule and once there, if you are a "Beijing duck" buff then Min Jiang should top your list. Of course, a visit to the Goodwood Park Hotel restaurant is a great idea, but the newest arrival is a treat. Part of the mega 200-hectare biopolis, Min Jiang is a heritage, colonial black and white bungalow amid lush foliage, undulating gardens and fountains. Airy, and gorgeous by day, they are dramatically lit and look glamorous by night. Chef Goh Chee Kong chooses the finest ducks, pumps them with air (right under the skin, to ensure that it becomes crunchy) and roasts them over apple-tree wood. The elaborate ritual of serving the crunchy skin first with sugar, then with garlic sauce, radish and hot and sour cabbage is delightful. The slivers of the duck eaten with cucumber, spring onion and the sweet, luscious plum sauce transport me to heaven.
I then visit the neighbouring, brand new restaurants in the Rochester Park area. A must-visit; these are hot, happening and beautiful restaurants, all in a row. I eat dinner in the neighbouring bungalow Da Paulo Bistro bar and trip out on the fresh and authentic Italian cooking. Ditto for the hearty fare at the North Border grill. I pick up some superb oils and dressings at the Australian Graze and down a delicious drink with some starters at the rocking One Rochester. Should you need more information on the latest eat outs in Singapore, please call or email me. I would love to give you a big helping! Enjoy!
New restaurants in Singapore
Min Jiang (5, Rochester Park, Singapore, Ph: 67740122)
Da Paolo (3, Rochester Park, Ph: 67745537)
North Border grill (2, Rochester Park, Ph: 6776618)
Graze (4, Rochester Park, Ph: 67759000 )
One Rochester (1, Rochester Park, Ph: 67730070 )
Dial 32511133 or mail us at Good Food Line, Metro Plus, The Hindu, Kasturi
Buildings, 859/860, Anna Salai,
Chennai - 600002 or e-mail to allmypets@sify.com
RASHMI UDAY SINGH
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