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My maternal grandma's birthday was celebrated about two weeks ago on the 28th of September and the family went to Asia Grand Restaurant to partake in her joyous feast. Located at Odeon Towers, just opposite the Raffles Hotel, Asia Grand supposedly offers some of the best Peking Duck you have ever tasted. Not surprisingly, with all regards to its rich name and grandeur that exudes from it, it is a dining room of top-notch service leaving you at ease and at comfort.
Chinese Character "Shou" signifying longevity for my Grandma.
As in tradition for Chinese Birthdays, red eggs is a dish of significant importance and not to be missed especially for the seniors. (My second aunt made them, looks good eh=). Steamed lotus longevity buns - a sign of longevity (did you guess from the name?) were also served upon our request at the birthday banquet. And I must agree, they were tasty as well.
Left - Red Eggs. Right - Steamed Lotus Longevity Buns
The main highlight of the dinner is arguably the Peking Duck. Presented Crispy Golden Brown, the duck looked like it worth any long wait. I particularly like the way Peking Duck is eaten. The crisp skin, garnished with a teaspoon full of gravy, sprinkled with some light garnish and then wrapped in a beautiful yellow pancake. It is a dish of simple, royal delight.
Asia Grand's Peking Duck I must say presents itself very well. Nothing beats settling down to dinner with a light and crispy dish. The thin layer of fat just under the skin complements with the smooth texture of the pancake and by placing everything on the prawn cracker served, ahhh what delight.
Rating for Peking Duck : 4.5/5
Winter Melon Soup with Seafood
 | An inspiring melon soup with a loving seafood stock served in the melon husk itself. The broth was deliciously hearty and very heartwarming such that it leaves a sense of satisfaction after each sip. Somehow, it just reminds you of the soup Grandma always makes. Serving size was very generous too with a handsome offering of fresh seafood in it. A definite must try if you ever visit Asia Grand. Rating for : 4.5/5 |
Steamed Live Prawns with Garlic
 | The steamed live prawns with garlic is the sweetest seafood dish I have tried. No no, its not the sugar but rather the authentic freshness of the prawns itself that gives rise to its aromatic taste. Tantalizing and fragrant, the garlic sprinkled generously on each half piece of prawn added remarkably well to the juiciness of the shellfish. Though I did find the light sauce broth a tad too salty for my liking, but overall an excellent dish if you would like to marvel in seafood freshness. Rating for : 4/5 |
Apart from all the traditional dishes served, I was particularly impressed by the Green Tea Braised Egg Tofu. It was enjoyable biting through the soft pieces while savouring the refreshing light taste of Green Tea. The light braised sauce that was ladled over it also served to add to the flavour of the tofu, bringing out the simplicity yet exquisiteness of the dish. Three Cheers for this dish!
Rating for Green Tea Braised Egg Tofu : 4.5/5
The Chicken, symbolism of the dragon and the phoenix and the coming together of families. Perhaps the most common dish in the entire dinner, yet still lovingly prepared with a roasted skin and tender meat. The taro chips at the side did not disappoint as well :)
Rating for Roasted Chicken : 3.5/5
In Chinese customs, noodles are a symbol of longevity. They are usually served long and whole without it being cut up. Remember that Peking Duck from before? Well, it was cut up and the meat deliciously whipped up with the noodles. Eat a bowl of Longevity Noodles and live a long life for the future.
Rating for Longevity Noodles with Shredded Duck Meat : 3/5
Grandma's banquet doesn't end here though. There were other dishes such as fish, mushroom and dessert being served, which I did not feature. Still, Asia Grand Restaurant provides some of the better quality Asian Cuisine around and with its not too expensive price, it certainly is a nice place to visit occasionally with your family.
Rating for Service : 4/5
Overall Rating for Asia Grand Restaurant : 4/5
No. 331, North Bridge Road. #01-02 Odeon Towers, Singapore 188720. Tel : 68870010 & Fax : 68870020
