Scaled by Ah Hua Kelong

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Ages since I last visited Scaled by Ah Hua Kelong (I remember the last time it was still at Haji Lane) and I am so happy to report that the new dishes that I tried were even better! A solid side, the Roasted Prawn ($17) was super shiok. Dressed with their nori cilantro butter and braised kelp, the prawns were perfectly sweet. The flavour of the butter was rich but not cloying and worked so well together with the umami-savouriness from the tender strips of braised kelp. The plump crustacean was also lightly perfumed with a smokey charredness. So so good! The dish didn’t need that wedge of lemon at all, in my opinion. 

Offering a different flavour profile altogether, the Seafood Glacé Risotto ($26) with spicy-sweet garlic, tea tree mushroom, and Thai asparagus was simply lip-smacking. Having the chili served on the side, the dish was not too heavy or jelat (there are pickles on the side to counter that) and was packed with lots of seafood flavour. Prepared with the finest Seabass demi-glace, the taste of the risotto was creamy almost like bisque and you also get the sweet undertones from the fresh ingredients - flashed squid as well as seared prawns. A great substitute for the traditional arborio rice, the use of barley was ingenious too as it provides a similar texture and taste with an added subtle toasted flavour. A fun and localised take on the typical seafood risotto. Portion-wise, however, I would recommend no more than two pax sharing.

Inspired by the classic Thai dipping sauce, the Namjim Grouper ($27) was another hit and undeniably a comforting belly-warmer. Though the word ‘namjim’ threw me off a bit at the start as I have a low spice tolerance and it sure sounded intimidating; I am glad I gave it a go after the staff’s recommendation. Indeed not spicy at all, the savoury broth was surprisingly clean-tasting. The mild sourness was really palatable and complementary to the distinct as well as the aromatic flavour of coriander. The chunky seared grouper was also flaky fresh and nicely balanced by the textural contrast offered by the silky homemade mee hoon kueh. The tender ribbons of dough made the bowl heartier with their soft-firm bite.

Another hot favourite here is their Curry Mussels ($16+)! 💗 Drenched in creamy homemade curry sauce 🍛 which I thoroughly enjoyed dipping my fried mantous in, this is such a treat! ✔️

Featuring barley risotto with a nice bite, fully absorbing the essence of the seabass demi-glace 🐟, it was a burst of flavours in every mouthful! 🤤 Paired with spicy sweet garlic, flashed squid 🦑, seared prawn 🦐, tea tree mushroom 🍄 & Thai asparagus, this is a must-try!