I visited Dian Xiao Er at the basement of Jurong Point Shopping Mall, purposely arriving close to 2:00pm to avoid the usual lunch rush. Surprisingly, the restaurant was rather quiet, with only two to three tables occupied. Was it simply past peak lunch hours, or was it because Jurong Point offers an overwhelming number of dining options? Either way, it made for a calm and comfortable meal.
We started with the Lotus Roots, Sweet Pea with Macadamia Nuts ($16). This dish was light yet satisfying. The vegetables were fresh and crunchy, with the lotus root retaining a pleasant bite. The macadamia nuts were generously added, giving the dish a buttery crunch that balanced well with the natural sweetness of the vegetables.
Next came the highlight — Duck Roasted with Ten Wonder Herbs (Half Duck, $40.33). As expected from Dian Xiao Er, the duck arrived with crispy skin and tender meat. The herbal aroma was subtle and well-balanced, not overpowering. The rich gravy paired beautifully with rice, making each bite comforting and flavourful. This dish remains a signature that the brand consistently delivers across its outlets.
We also ordered the Scrambled Eggs with Fresh Tomato ($9.90). Simple yet satisfying, the eggs were soft and fluffy, while the tomatoes added a gentle tanginess. It’s one of those homely dishes that’s easy to enjoy and works well as a shared side.
The final dish was the Fish & Pickled Mustard in Golden Soup ($19.90), which turned out to be surprisingly authentic. The golden broth was rich yet not overly oily, with a pleasant sourness from the pickled mustard greens. The fish slices were tender and fresh, and the portion of ingredients was generous, making the dish both hearty and comforting.
Overall, the experience reaffirmed why Dian Xiao Er remains popular in Singapore. The taste is consistently good across its branches, with reliable flavours and well-executed dishes.
Even during a quieter hour, the quality remained uncompromised — making it a dependable choice for a relaxed, satisfying Chinese meal.
