Dian Xiao Er @ Downtown East - Herbalicious Roasted Duck

Encountered some chefs from Dian Xiao Er at a pub who passionately recommended their dishes, prompting a visit to their Whitesand outlet. Full transparency: I paid for the meal, and here's an honest review.

Arriving on a Thursday evening, we were promptly seated with no queue. The waiter directed us to order by ticking the set menu manually or opting for ala carte through a QR scan.

Caught off guard by the lack of a set price indication, both my girlfriend and I resorted to googling their website for details.

Images download from Dian Xiao Er Website.

We settled on the "Healthier Set," and the dishes arrived swiftly, served with a smile.

Now, onto the review:

Angelica Herb Roasted Duck: A highlight among all the dishes. Tender meat (Drum & Thigh area) with a mild herbal aroma. The sauce, when drizzled over the rice, is heavenly. Personally felt the skin lacked crispiness but the herbal and tender meat make up for it.

Soup of the Day: Fish maw soup that stood out for its thick and tasty broth. Fresh fish maw paired with mushrooms provided a delightful texture.

Assorted Mushrooms with Broccoli: Well-branched broccoli maintained crunchiness. The variety of mushrooms combined with a thick, savory sauce made this dish successful.

Steam Slice Fish with Fish Sauce: The fish, likely seabass, was fresh with a hint of freshwater taste. The sweet/savory soy sauce and crisp shallots elevated the dish.

Having ordered the set for two, I could only sample four dishes with rice. I invite viewers to comment on the other dishes.

Overall Verdict: The flavors were undeniably good, and the culinary experience left a positive impression. The damage amounted to $80+, even with a modest discount. I'd categorize the cost in the mid/high range. While the taste met expectations, there's room for improvement in the service department, particularly considering the price point. A touch more detail and insight into the dishes and set offerings would elevate the overall dining experience.

It's worth noting the transparency in this review—I settled the bill. Cheers!

Dian Xiao Er - Downtown East
Address: 1 Pasir Ris Close, #02-319/320 E!Avenue Singapore 519599
Opening Hours: 1130hr - 2130hrs. Open Daily
**Operational hours are subject to changes

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