June 06, 2016

Treasures Yi Dian Xin "一点心" By Imperial Treasure @ Paragon Orchard ~ New Dim Sum Restaurant Serving Bites Of Happiness



There's a new treasure for us to treasure. Treasures Yi Dian Xin "一点心"!

Am I right to say that we are all so familiar with the different offerings under the Imperial Treasure umbrella? That unforgettably awesome Peking duck (Super Peking Duck), those convenient "one-plate" roasted meat rice and noodles when a quick meal is needed (Windows Of Hong Kong), getting hot and steamy over pots of bubbling goodness (Steamboat), just to name a few.

To move with the times, the restaurant group has recently launched a new casual concept, Treasures, which aims to serve up their signature selections of classic Chinese cuisine in a cool, vibrant and more contemporary setting. Target clientele is us, the young ones. Expect a host of dim sum, noodles, congees and roasted meats at a comfortable price range.


I visited the first store which has opened in the basement of Paragon Orchard (opposite Shimbashi Soba). Another outlet in Parkway Parade is slated to open sometime this month.

My first impression of Treasures Yi Dian Xin was..... the place look and felt identical to Crystal Jade, another restaurant chain serving similar stuff. From its interior, the way the table is set, to having a bevy of mostly helpful auntie-type waitress fussing over our orders.

Same same but different I hope. Treasures might need a stronger branding to differentiate itself from its competitors.

Taste-wise, Treasures delivers.


The Homemade Roast Duck ($15) was all of tender, juicy, meaty deliciousness with a robe of golden brown skin that was totally delectable.

While I can't be indulging in its atas sister from Imperial Treasure Peking Duck as frequently, this is one roasted duck that's affordable and accessible to decently satisfy a craving any time. I can see myself going back for the Roasted Duck Noodle ($8) or BBQ Meat Rice ($8, with choice of roasted duck, steamed chicken, soya sauce chicken & BBQ pork) for a fuss-free lunch.

I wonder how the sound of eating duck tongues will appeal to those who has never tried this snack (especially popular and commonly found in Taiwan night markets) before. Too exotic? That must be why my dining companion left the entire plate of Marinated Duck Tongue In Sichuan Style ($9) to me. Yay I happily polished everything off haha! If you can get over any hesitation, you'd probably be hooked to its addictive numbing spiciness too!


We also like the impossibly cute, mantou-like Deep-fried Porcupine Bun ($4) filled with red bean paste, the photogenic and tasty Steamed Salted Egg Yolk Black Custard Bun ($3.60 for 2 pcs), and the delicate softness of the Mango Custard Mochi ($3.60 for 2 pcs).

The Steamed Crispy Rice Roll with Shrimp ($7.50) was highly enjoyable as well! Imagine crunchy prawn fritter texturally contrasted with an outer layer of smooth steamed rice sheet. Yummy! Quite an interesting twist to the classic Hong Kong-style Rice Roll with Dough Fritter ($6) aka "zha liang 炸兩".

Other recommended dim sum items includes Crispy Fungus Spring Roll ($2.80) and Stuffed Prawn in Crispy Wrap with Wasabi in Mayonnaise Dip ($4.80).


My only complaint is that the dim sum items are too dainty-sized. One bite, two bites, and it's gone. Those with a hearty appetite might need to order more than usual, or to have some carbs such as noodle or rice to round up the meal into a substantial one. Treasures Signature Noodles ($10, dry/soup) brimming with pig's shank, beef tendon, wanton and shrimp dumpling is a good one to have. So much ingredients!

Treasures Yi Dian Xin might not be exactly where my group of young and young-at-heart café-hopping friends would hang out, but when we get tired of cookie-cutter café-style fare like egg bens and craving for some comfort food while shopping in Orchard, this is it.

Looking forward to more treasures.


Treasures by Imperial Treasure
Website: http://www.imperialtreasure.com/en/restaurants/detail/paragon/treasures-yi-dian-xin-paragon

Outlets
Paragon Orchard
Address: Paragon #B1-08, 290 Orchard Road, Singapore 238859
Contact: +65 6262 3662
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-10pm / Sat & Sun 10.30am / 10pm

Parkway Parade
Address: Parkway Parade #02-14/17, 80 Marine Parade Road, Singapore 449269
Contact: +65 6247 9218
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-10pm / Sat & Sun 10.30am-10pm

Prices stated are in Singapore dollars and subject to 10% service charge & 7% GST.


1 comment:

  1. Porridge is watery, the ones at the hawker centers are 100% better. The fried porcupine with red bean paste is only attractive because it looks cute. Taste wise, it's dry and not satiable.

    If this is your first time there, note that you need to pay for using the wet towels. They make no effort to write Anywhere that you have to pay to use those, which is very schemey because they lay it in front of you like it's free to use. So far all other restaurants I've been to that provide those give it for free. Perhaps I haven't been to enough greedy schemey restaurants.

    Finally, their staff is weird. I had a finished plate and the waitress would stick her hand in front of my face (while I'm eating!). I had told her to wait until I'm finish. Otherwise, ask before you reach. When they brought the bill, she held on to it and hovered. What the heck?! Who does that?? I was hesitant before reaching for my purse. I wanted to tell her to give me privacy. I joked that I felt pressure but I don't think she understood English that well. Anyway, I paid quickly and left, the whole experience felt uncomfortable and cheated. Staff was passively rude and in your face!

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