Jia Wei Chinese Restaurant is a go-to for family dinners and Chinese cuisine amongst those who know about it, and a delightful discovery for those who stumble upon it.
We walked in as newbies, but by the time we finished our delicious meal, there was no doubt we would soon return as regulars at this contemporary Chinese restaurant helmed by Head Chef Victor Lee Appu.
Jia Wei means “taste of home” and you can expect just that with warm hospitality to boot.
It is located on the second floor of Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy. You are first greeted by a wall adorned with Peranakan-style plates in the foyer, before entering the spacious restaurant with blue windows and rattan chairs.
Disclaimer: While this media tasting was sponsored by Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy, the thoughts and opinions here are all my own.
Our Friday Feast at Jia Wei Chinese Restaurant
There are so many dishes on the menu that caught our eye, we took a while to deliberate. One thing we did agree on right away, was a chilled bottle of sake to add to our Friday vibes.
Our media tasting started with two appetisers. The Crispy Local Farm Soft Shell Crab with Crystal Ice Plant, Plum infused Tomato and Yuzu Dressing ($20) demonstrated Chef Victor’s philosophy on using locally sourced produce as much as possible. The dish was a lovely combination of fresh, crisp greens and crunchy crab.
We also enjoyed the Ah Ma Prawn Hae-Chor ($20) which is basically a deep fried prawn roll. Minced prawn and chestnut are wrapped in beancurd skin then fried to golden brown perfection. We dipped this into some sambal which is secretly stashed in the kitchen but available upon request. #protip
Succulent Peking duck
The star of the show was definitely the Jia Wei Peking Duck ($80 for whole or $42 for half). The half portion fed 3 of us nicely.
Marinated in a secret concoction of ginger, garlic, bay leaves, star anise and 5 Spice Powder for at least 4 hours. Next, vinegar and maltose sugar is brushed all over. Finally, to get the skin extra crispy, it is air dried overnight.
The result is a well-seasoned succulent duck that is juicy without tasting too oily.
The Peking duck was presented to us whole before the crispy skin was enjoyed pancake-style with spring onion and plum sauce.
For the second preparation (an additional $20 for whole and $16 for half), the meat was chopped up and eaten with lettuce cups. Delish!
I personally recommend enjoying the duck this way, but you can also choose to have it prepared as Crispy Duck Meat with Salt & Pepper or Wok Fried Ginger Scallion Duck.
Our Carb of Choice
While you can opt to have plain white rice to accompany your meal, you would be wasting your carb calories. Especially when the selection of noodles and fried rice on the menu are so delectable!
We decided on their signature Jia Wei Ocean Gems Vermicelli in Opeh Leaf ($28). This portion filled three bowls to the brim. The magic in this dish is in the superior stock.
The stock is slow cooked for 6 hours with pork bones, chicken, duck and carrots. This process is what gives it that rich, savoury flavour. The beehoon is stir-fried separately with scallops, fish and prawns. It is important to infuse the wok hei before the sauce is added to it, just minutes before serving.
The smoky wok hei in this saucy dish is so addictive. If it were socially acceptable, I would have licked every last drop!
what is wok hei?
WHAT IS WOK HEI? Also known as the “breath of a wok”, wok hei is the trademark of stir fries, fried rice or any noodle dish expertly tossed in a wok. It displays the skill of the chef as it requires experience to achieve that smoky, toasty flavour throughout the dish without burning it.
If you are unaccustomed to Chinese food, wok hei is the equivalent of that yummy caramelised, crusty char you would try to achieve with grilling. Too much and the food tastes burnt. Too little and it misses that special fire-kissed flavour that gives the food depth and complexity.
HOW IS WOK HEI ACHIEVED? Wok hei is mostly associated with Cantonese cuisine and requires deft hands to toss a big cast iron wok fast enough over high heat.
Tossing food high enough for the flames to lick before landing back into the wok is something you cannot achieve with a flat skillet. It requires the large surface area that a bowl-shaped wok provides.
Another crucial element to achieving wok hei is the amount of liquids used during the stir frying process. This is because you want the food to be sizzled rather than steamed.
Single Serving Options
A Chinese feast is usually a shared affair. However, due to the Covid19 pandemic and concerns for safety, Chef Victor has created single serving options.
For those looking for a place to enjoy a business luncheon or dinner, this is the ideal place to dine. These single serving options are a complete meal unto itself. It is beautifully plated and reminiscent of what you might get in a Western restaurant – except that it is cooked Asian-style.
For greedy gluttons like us, it adds another layer of variety to the menu. It allows you to sample many dishes without overdoing it!
If you want seafood there is the Crispy Sea Cucumber Stuffed with Minced Prawn in Abalone Sauce ($42 per serving).
Meanwhile meat lovers can rejoice over the Slow Cooked US Beef Short Rib with Chef’s Special Sauce ($28 per serving). There is also the Pan Seared US Ribeye with Sesame Dressing and Plum Infused Vine Tomato ($30 per serving).
smaller portions means more to share!
Curious about the Baked Local Farm Barramundi Fillet with Chef’s Special Honey Pineapple Sauce ($20 per serving), we delved in. The fish was light and flakey and flavoured by the sweet and tangy sauce.
For dessert, we got the signature Chilled Homemade Coconut Pudding with Ice Cream ($12 for single serving). Presented in a coconut husk with wispy dried ice to excite your senses before you dig in, this was a nice palate cleanser at the end of our feast.
Other Dishes To Try
I’m a big soup and vegetable person when it comes to both Asian and Western cuisine. However, I didn’t get the chance to try it that night. When my next craving strikes, I shall try their selection of double-boiled soups (mostly presented as single servings). Am also eager to sample their veggie selection, sourced mainly from local farms.
There are other chef recommendation items on the menu that I am eyeballing. The Crispy Iberico pork Collar with Sweet and Sour Hawthorn Sauce ($28 for a small sharing portion) looks amazing. As does the Crispy Deep Ocean Prawn with Creamy Butternut Sauce ($32 for a small sharing portion).
food for thought
We thoroughly enjoyed the food and service here at Jia Wei Chinese Restaurant – so much that I immediately signed up for their Jia Wei Select Loyalty Programme. (see below for more details!)
While there are familiar dishes on the menu, you will also find tantalizing options unique to Jia Wei Chinese Restaurant. This is thanks to Chef Victor’s creative, modern approach to Chinese cuisine. Quality ingredients are used in every dish and you can taste Chef Victor’s special care and attention in every bite.
This was a great way to kick off our complimentary 3D2N Staycation at Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy and I can’t wait for you to experience this too. We retired to our suite with very happy bellies and shall be back for more!
Check Out These Great Deals
jia wei select loyalty programme
The Jia Wei Select Loyalty Programme not only offers discounts on every visit for an $80 annual fee, but also an $80 voucher which you can redeem on your next meal. You basically get your money back and then some! It also gives you 20% off dine-in at Feast Roxy, which I love too (their laksa is the bomb!).
At the time I signed up (end February 2022), you would also get a free Peking duck for your next dine-in at Jia Wei Chinese Restaurant. However, they have changed this to a monthly special decided by the chef.
win a $100 dining voucher!
Win a $100 dining voucher to enjoy at Feast Roxy or Jia Wei Chinese Restaurant in my “Every Day is Valentine’s Day” Smitten Cooking Contest.
The top prize of a 3D2N staycation is worth more than $1,200 and includes a dining voucher too. Deadline for entries has been extended to 3rd April 2022. Read more about this INSTAGRAM contest here!
enjoy 10% off staycation packages
To enjoy 10% off staycation packages (Go Local, Ladies and Family) book directly at Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy by emailing H3610@accor.com.
As an added bonus, quote promotional code SMITTENWITHROXY to receive a FREE $30 dining voucher which you can use at either Feast Roxy or Jia Wei Chinese Restaurant. You can also show them this blog to redeem the dining voucher upon check-in.
This special offer is subject to availability and must be redeemed by 30th April 2022. Terms and conditions apply.
enjoy free $30 dining vouchers
Mention SMITTENWITHROXY when booking a room at regular rates to receive a FREE $30 dining voucher which you can use at either Feast Roxy or Jia Wei Chinese Restaurant. You can also show them this blog to redeem the dining voucher upon check-in.
This special offer is subject to availability and must be redeemed by 30th April 2022. Terms and conditions apply. Click on the poster below to book now!!
Jia Wei Chinese Restaurant
50 East Coast Road
Level 2, Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy
Singapore 428769
HP: +65-6340 5678
Opening Hours:
12pm to 3pm (last order 2.30pm)
6pm to 11pm (last order 9.30pm)
Closed on Mondays
