Dian Xiao Er: Herbal Roast Duck
1 Comments Published by andrea on Thursday, October 26, 2006 at 6:09 PM.
Dian Xiao Er is a mid-priced restaurant specialising in duck roasted with Chinese herbs. There are 3 types to choose from - Ginseng, Angelica Herbs (Tung Gui), and a combination of 10 Herbs. The ducks, prepared fresh daily, are marinated with herbs and spices for hours before roasting.
Despite mixed reviews on this place by friends and colleagues, it seems to be always packed during meal times. The restaurant does not take reservations, so be prepared to queue for up to 30 - 40 minutes if you arrive during "peak hours".
Dian Xiao Er fans say:
- The roasted duck skin is golden brown and extremely crispy, while the meat is lean, tender and juicy.
- The Tang Gui herbal duck is served with a generous amount of sweet and fragrant herbal sauce.
- The preparation is not refined and the herbal sauce has high sugar and MSG content.
- For the quality of the roasted duck, the restaurant is over-priced.
The bottomline:
What's so special about Dian Xiao Er's roasted ducks? It's perhaps the only place in Singapore that sells herbal roasted duck at a reasonably affordable price. The duck meat is tender and similar to what you get at Crystal Jade, so the sweet Tung Gui sauce is definitely what makes Dian Xiao Er's version unique.
At the end of the day, whether this restaurant will be a hit or miss for you boils down to individual preference and taste - do you love or hate the sauce? For roast duck lovers, it's definitely worth a try just to satisfy your curiosity.
Dian Xiao Er
#02-203/204 Marina Square
Tel: 6337 1928
Hours:
11:30am - 2:30pm
5:30pm - 10:00pm (last order 9:30pm)
The last time I went Hougang Mall... which is maybe 3 mths ago. I saw a Dian Xiao Er stall at the foodcourt. Nearer to where we stay. :)
-crayon