Jiang Cantonese Tapas

Checked out this Cantonese Tapas Bar that is hidden within Ascent@456; a mixed-use development that is situated at 456 Balestier Road. Hidden behind fully tinted glass windows, Jiang 蒋先生 Cantonese Tapas isn’t too difficult to spot considering it occupies the last unit facing the main road, whilst also has posters and menu boards situated outside and around the facade of the store. Making our visit during lunch hours on a weekend afternoon, the establishment serves up Hong Kong-style cuisine — think rice and noodle dishes, whilst other items such as small plates, seafood, meats and vegetables are also available; each dish being portioned to serve 1 to 2 pax (pretty apt for the dine-in situation with friends these days).

Available only in their “Yummy Lunch” menu exclusively available during lunch hours, the Char Siew Roast Pork Combo Noodles (Dry) is from the “Noodle Signatures” section of the menu — a very classic item that features their Honey Glazed Char Siew and Crispy Skin Roast Pork all with egg noodles and Choy Sum. We didn’t notice this when we made our order, but patrons can add $3 to make it a set which includes a fresh cucumber salad, fried wantons and daily soup as well. The egg noodles here are slightly done towards the softer side; still relatively springy though more tuned towards the Hong Kong-style especially with usage of the mixing sauce as well which gives it a savoury note — add the chili provided on the side for an extra smoky, savoury note with a crunch. The stars here are undoubtedly the roasted meats; it is difficult to a favourite between the two since they were rather well executed. The Crispy Skin Roast Pork comes with a biscuity-crisp skin that is absolutely beautiful and everything to love; the meat being tender and juicy with a slight chew, while the Honey Glazed Char Siew comes with a glistening skin from the glaze — charred with a slight crisp on the exterior on some parts, whilst being aptly sweet. Chewing into the Honey Glazed Char Siew, we note how they seem to have use pork shoulder (i.e. 不见天) here — it comes with a good bite without being particularly gelatinous or fatty.

Having tried a number of dishes served here, we liked how they have taken the small plates concept to Chinese/Cantonese cuisine and switching it up as a bar bite — a rather inventive approach for a watering hole that might sound familiar but still worth mentioning nonetheless. Felt that the offerings here are actually pretty well-executed for the price (this item costs $7 before GST ands# service charge); all that whilst being reasonably-priced. A spot that is worth checking out for a weekend wind-down for Chinese/Cantonese cuisine with drinks, or a decently-priced lunch around the area in air-conditioned comfort in a stand-alone eatery.