We all know that planning for a group outing can be such a hassle, don't you agree?
Even in a food paradise like Singapore, it can still be an uphill task when it comes to satisfying everyone's tummies within ONE cafe / restaurant since everybody has their own dietary requirements....
Thanks to my friend Emily, I was introduced to the place - Social Square at Parkway Parade - that might just solve the sticky problem faced by many of us from time to time!
With the addition of Ju Hao into Social Square at the beginning of this month, we can now all have Northern Chinese fare, amidst the tantalizing array of European-Japanese gourmet delights that Social Square is already serving currently!!
The decision to place the cooking counter of Ju Hao near the entrance of Social Square is a smart move as it allows the patron to be quickly introduced to this latest member of the MOF family; And in my case while walking into the spacious restaurant space, I was already welcomed by the aroma of steaming hot Xiao Long Bao-s, that immediately tickles my appetite. Yummy!
For Huneybees who are not familiar with Ju Hao's Northern Chinese offer, a glance at the menu will quickly set you on familiar ground with its widespread of La Mian Noodles, Fried Rice, Stir Fried Vegetables, Soups and even desserts!
For starter, I would highly recommend having the Pork Belly Roll With Crushed Garlic (蒜泥白肉). The slight spiciness matched with the juicy pork belly and the sesame sauce was just enough to tantalize the taste buds and get ready you for the main dishes.
Since Ju Hao's signature is the Xiao Long Bao-s, and there are a few options to the traditional minced meat version, me and my friends decided to switch things up a little by ordering the special 3 classic favourites in 1 basket.
Within the traditional streaming basket, there are two Xiao Long Bao -s of each flavor - Original, Salted Egg and Chilli Crab - that could be easily identified through the coloured tip on the top of the dumplings' skin.
I was trying to learn a skill or two through the open kitchen concept, but sadly, the lady was working so fast, she had no time for me. LOL!
Being a BIG fan of Xiao Long Bao (aka XLB), I have tasted many and I must say the offering by Ju Hao is good. Every soup dumpling is made just right as they can be easily lifted off from the steam basket by chopsticks and yet their skins are not too thick but decent enough to hold the soup and minced meat within.My favorite has to be the Chilli Crab ones as I give credits to Ju Hao for adding a little local flavor into this delicacy. Being the "redder" soup dumpling to its relative, you can see the redness from the shredded chilli crab peeking from underneath the skin dough and I couldn't help myself from popping the whole dumpling into my mouth after taking a little bite and sipping the delicious broth. It doesn't even require the dip into the ginger vinegar sauce!
Moving on to the main course, I would suggest trying these two dishes to fill your tummies - Prawn Fried Rice (虾仁蛋炒饭) and the Triple Treasure Signature Noodle (聚豪三宝招牌面).
In my opinion, the prawn fried rice was so well fried that the sweetness of the fried egg, accompanied by the juicy fresh prawns, were greatly enhanced by the aroma of the fiery wok in every grain that I chewed in my mouth!
While the Ju Hao signature noodle was inspired by our local favorite Bak Chor Mee taste that gave us the springy noodles, it was the delicious ingredients of the Triple Treasure Signature Noodle - sliced beef, shrimp & pork wanton, and beef brisket - that left a deep impression on me.
To end the meal on a sweet note, we had the Red Bean Chocolate Dumpling. It is like XLB but this time, you get bursting chocolate sauce instead of soup. The sweetness of chocolate, paired with red bean, makes me want to go back for seconds!
Currently Social Square is running a 1-For-1 promotion, so you can also make use of the chance to mix things up and try from their Western-Japanese menu too. I've tried a few with my friends too and here's a little sneak peek...
Sashimi Juu - A platter of sashimi on top of sushi rice.
Mango & Avocado Dragon Roll - Fried prawn wrapped in suhi rice with mango, avocado and fish roe.
Honey Sweet Turnip Premium Pork Ribs with Parmesan Fries and Garden Salad.
John Dees Ribeye with Wedges and Baked Potato - Angus beef, grain fed 180 days, aged 4-6 weeks, super gold marbling with a minimum scored of 3.
All in all, I love the "All-In-One" concept that can satisfy everyone's appetite. With the cozy internal deco of Social Square, one tends to forget he/she is in a shopping mall due to the beautiful spacious dining hall with garden setting, tall trees, teak wood tables with comfortable seatings. And not forgetting the open-concept kitchen, that allows you to check out the food in preparation whilst chatting with your friends and families.
Social Square, with the addition of Ju Hao, is definitely the place I will recommend for next my all-girls gathering!
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