Dong Bei Cai Guan 东北菜馆 is probably the most under-the-radar restaurant I have ever been to. I was looking for Northeastern Chinese (dongbei) restaurants in Bukit Batok and this restaurant keep popping up. So I decided to give it a try.
Location
This restaurant is located inside Midview Building in Bukit Batok industrial park.
Midview Building is not near to any MRT station, the nearest bus stop only has bus 189. The best way to reach this place is by taxi or car.
Once you reach Midview Building, go to the main entrance and take the passenger lift to third floor. After exiting the lift, turn left and walk all the way straight and you will reach Dong Bei Cai Guan 东北菜馆.
The restaurant is very spacious with huge round wooden tables. There is both indoor and outdoor seating and a huge television at the back blasting out Chinese songs.
The Food
Homemade Skin Frozen 自制猪皮冻 [S$7] is a classic cold dish that I remember eating as a child. This is made by simmering pok skin for hours and freeze in the fridge. It is served in thick strips and flavoured with a minced garlic, soy sauce and black vinegar.
I like that the Scallion Pancakes 葱油饼 [S$5] are thin and crispy with detectable fragrance of scallions. They are not too oily and maintain the crispiness throughout our meal.
The cauliflower in Dry Pot Organic Cauliflower 干锅有机菜花 [S$15] are tossed together with slices of carrots and onions. It is then served in a small metal pot with a small burner to keep it warm. The stir-frying brings out the natural sweetness of the cauliflower.
Tinfoil Baked Potato Chips 锡纸土豆片[S$7] is a simple yet delicious dish that anyone can make at home. The oil from the meat sauce brings out the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
These Grilled Lamb Skewer 羊肉串 [S$1.20 per stick] and Grilled Beef Tendon [S$2 per stick] tastes exactly like the ones I had when I was little. Tender mutton cubes are interlaced with cubes of mutton fat and doused generously with chilli and cumin powder. The mutton fats melts during grilling which tenderises the mutton cubes.
This Chinese Sauerkraut Fish 酸菜鱼 [S$22] is so much better than the one I had at Yan Lai Ju 宴来居. The soup is thick with sauerkraut, chilli and spices while the fish slices are thick and firm.
Candied Sweet Potatoes 拔丝地瓜 [S$13] is a traditional Northeastern Chinese dish that children and adults all enjoy. You pull out a piece and dip it in the accompanying cold water. The sugar coating hardens and you can see the sugar strands which children love.
Dong Bei Cai Guan 东北菜馆
Address: 50 Bukit Batok Street 23, Midview Building #03-20/23, Singapore 659578
Telephone: 65155509
Opening Hours: Daily 11am – 11pm