Not too long ago, I had the chance to taste the food at the then newly-opened JUwei Old Nanyang Coffee Shop. I recall feeling incredibly optimistic about the future of SAFRA@29 Carpenter Street at the time. Little did I know that this clubhouse had something else in store for us, in the form of a gastronomic hotpot-focused eatery!
And now, I’m back here once more, this time to check out its latest culinary offering – Er Dang Jia Lala Pot (二当家啦啦煲). Described as “a celebration of the sea’s finest bounty”, this modest and cosy hotpot-cum-claypot restaurant promises generous portions and flavourful delights aplenty!
Timeless crowd-pleasers
Before anything, we have to discuss the restaurant’s signature item – its hotpot sets. We opted for the Sakura Pork Bone Broth as well as Milky Mala Broth, both of which came alongside a platter of ingredients including sliced pork collar and pork belly shabu shabu (must-haves), lobster balls, shrimp paste and many more. While the toppings are fresh, they are pretty standard, and the broths are the real showstoppers.
Unlike other variants you might find elsewhere, the Milky Mala Broth does not induce that cloying sensation, instead comfortably balancing the richness of its milk-infused broth with a fairly light heat from the peppercorns. Though if I had to pick one of the two broths, I would go for its Sakura Pork Bone broth without hesitation. The sweetness from its abundance of Venus clams (lala clams) pairs perfectly with the broth’s already piquant base, resulting in a satisfying flavour profile reminiscent of a home-cooked meal. It’s the kind of soup that you’ll yearn for on a cold or tiring day.
Next on the menu is a piping hot pot of its Signature Curry Fish Head. A savoury concoction that brings together the sweetness of a red snapper head with a medley of eggplants, fried beancurd skin and more, this is best accompanied by a bowl of hot steamed rice. I’m a big fan of eggplant and was pleasantly surprised by how tender the slices were, having fully absorbed the aromatic broth like the beancurd skin. It really was every man for himself, as I scooped basically any bit of eggplant I could find and placed them in my bowl. So much so that one of my dining companions asked, “Is there no eggplant in this curry?”
As for the dish’s centrepiece, the fish played its part deliciously well, its tender and sweet flesh uplifting the curry. My companions made quick work of the fish head; and if that does not convince you of its appeal, I don’t know what will.
As they were presenting the dishes, I could not help but home in on the huge pot of congee that sat in the middle of our table. I love a good congee and it’s one dish that I’m especially fussy about. A deceptively simple and humble dish, but with a technical demand that only the meticulous and skilful can successfully pull off.
My bowl of congee — topped with a healthy serving of Venus clams and slices of pork knuckle — was really one of the best I have eaten. Silky as it is savoury, this dish stays true to the Cantonese style of congee, its grains broken down to achieve a velvety, paste-like consistency. I had initially just wanted a small bowl so as to save my stomach for the remaining dishes, but I found myself gravitating to this one pot over and over again during the meal. While it is on the sweeter side, I would say this is definitely one of the establishment’s star dishes that you should order when you are here.
Familiar, authentic and heartwarming hotpot
When I spoke to Kennie Liu, managing director of SAFRA @ 29 Carpenter Street recently, he mentioned that he wanted its culinary ventures to “reflect a desire for nostalgia and comfort.” With Er Dang Jia Lala Pot, I think he has successfully encapsulated these attributes in a manner that is sincere, meticulous and most importantly, authentic.
Whether you’re looking to impress a new date or celebrate a special occasion, its welcoming ambience makes it an excellent and versatile food spot for any foodie, serving quality and plenty of joy in a pot!
SAFRA members enjoy 5% off a la carte food and drinks.
Dining in a large group? Er Dang Jia Lala Pot also houses various thematic private rooms complete with karaoke machines and spacious, family-sized seating! Visit theju.sg for more information!
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