Nestled in a quaint and cozy neighborhood, Joyden Seafood is one of the best kept secrets located in the west of Singapore. Formerly known as West Coast Seafood, Joyden Seafood celebrates its Tenth Year anniversary with a new name, restaurant facelift and finally, a stellar menu whilst keeping its regular visitors coming back for more. Located at the West Coast Recreation Centre, this place definitely brings back fond memories of the 80’s where bowling and pool were on everyone’s cool list (Definitely an 80’s kid here!). In addition, when most of us discuss of Zi Char, we definitely mean comforting Chinese cuisine, which warms not only the heart but the soul. This is definitely a place worth considering when discovering good eats in the West.
The Must Try’s
Steamed Lobster with Glutinous Treasure Rice (Market Price)
We definitely went “oohing” and “aah-ing” over this must try dish. Served in a traditional Chinese Bamboo basket steamer, the glutinous rice is briefly fried with dried shrimps, shallots, Chinese sausage and scallions. Thereafter, the partially cooked glutinous rice is steamed with the lobsters to allow the juices to seep into the rice, giving it a rich and robust flavor of the sea. The meat of the lobster falls right off its shell and was very fresh and succulent. This dish makes it to our hit list to order if we ever have a Lobster craving!
Signature Imperial Oyster Sauce Chicken ($28)
Since this restaurant is known for its seafood dishes, we did not give this unassuming dish much thought. However, complement this dish with a simple bowl of plain rice and we were “bowled” over by its richness of the sauce and how hearty this simple dish is! The chicken is stuffed with chives and garlic cloves before it is roasted to allow the stuffing to infuse. Next, it is braised for three hours in superior oyster sauce, giving the meat a fall-off-the-bone tenderness and an earthy flavor. This dish is suitable for the older folks as well as the young ones too!
Lemongrass Pork Ribs in Crispy Yam Ring ($25/$38)
One of the “must order” when eating Zi Char, Joyden did surprise us with this very traditional Cantonese dish. This dish is usually very popular during weddings and over the Chinese New Year. One of our writer’s pet peeves is eating a gravy-soaked yam ring (the OCD alarm was ringing!) but when she tried it, like FINALLY, no soggy yam ring! Only crispy and pillowly yam and it was very complimentary when paired with the lemongrass infused Pork Ribs. The pork ribs were very well marinated but might be a tad spicy for those who are unable to take spicy food.
Joyden’s Signature Creamy Crab (Market Price)
Any Zi Char meal would never be complete without a serving of crab! Joyden’s Signature Creamy Crab not only gave us the “WOW” factor, the steamed crab steeped in milk, pumpkin puree along with curry leaves and chilli padi was an interesting twist to the usual salted egg and black pepper variants. We could definitely taste out the creaminess of the milk and it complimented the crab very well. Do remember to order a serving of mantou (we’d encourage you to order the fried ones instead!) to mop up the velvety gravy and you would be a very satisfied individual! Perennial favorites such as the Supreme Chili Crab and Classic Black Pepper Crab are available on their menu as well.
In addition, Joyden Seafood also serves delectable dim sum dishes which are prepared from scratch from 11.30am to 2.30pm daily. Be sure to make a booking beforehand as they are packed with regulars during weekends!
Joyden Seafood Resturant
Location:12 West Coast Walk, #01-11, West Coast Recreation Centre, Singapore 127157 (Enter from West COast Walk next to the Clementi Stadium)
Tel: +65 67795355
Website: www.joydenseafood.com.sg
Operating Hours: Open Daily
Lunch:11.30am-2.30pm(Last Order 2pm)
Dinner:5.30pm-10.00pm (Last Order 9.30pm)
Dim Sim: 11.30am – 2.30pm Daily
Reviewed by Jason “Amin” Chew and Michelle Tan
