Thursday, 10 March 2022

Fu Lin – A Modern Chinese Local Street Bar [MEDIA INVITE]

Fu Lin Bar and Kitchen (‘Fu Lin’) is a unique dining concept. By day, it serves their ever-popular Fried Yong Tofu since 1995, when the sunset, Fu Lin transforms into a modern Chinese local street bar. Accompanying the extensive list of alcohol, are the menu filled with delectable Asia cuisine and Sichuan creations, on top of their signature Fried Yong Tofu.

The Bar
We started the tasting with Crispy Pork Belly ($14). This deep-fried pork belly has a crispy exterior, followed by a juicy and rich blend of fats interior. It is absolutely delicious, #porkgasm. It is served with a mustard dip, to balance the richness of the pork belly. This reminds us of the Bangkok Street food, though a bit pricey.

Crispy Pork Belly
Crispy Pork Belly
Smoked Duck Peking Wrap ($16, 6pcs) - Grilled duck breast slices, spring onion and popiah skin. The duck breast has a nice smoky aroma, followed by a tender and juicy texture. You suppose to eat it with popiah skin, shredded spring onion and sweet sauce. It is similar to eating Peking duck wrap; however, I feel the popiah skin is too dry and the flour taste is very strong.

Smoked Duck Peking Wrap 

Smoked Duck Peking Wrap
Chili Sauce, Duck Sauce & Mustard
Baby Back Ribs ($15, 5 pcs). The ribs are marinated with cumin powder, similar to Xinjiang bbq spices. The meat is tender, with a nice resilient bite in it. Watch out for the spicy kick in the rub, it was a bit too spicy for me, but LD enjoy the pork ribs very much.

Baby Back Ribs
Baby Back Ribs
Fulin Sling, the signature cocktail of Fu Lin. The presentation is bright and inviting. LD says it has a rose flavour, which is aromatic and refreshing. Kind of remind you of the famous Singapore Sling.

Fulin Sling
The dishes above are part of the Media Tasting. However, LD and I want to explore their menu further. So, we decided to order more and pay for ourselves.

Fried Yong Tofu ($10, 8 pcs). The signature Fu Lin Fried Yong Tofu. 8 different types of yong tofu, deep-fried and bask in signature minced chicken and mushroom gravy. LD tried the stuffed chilli, she said it is super spicy. While the stuffed lady finger is well executed. I like those with beancurd skins and also the fish cake version. They are very tasty, bouncy and the gravy accentuate the flavour of the fish nicely.

Fried Yong Tofu
Fu Lin Noodles ($4.5). The thick and chewy bee hoon is swimming in the minced chicken and mushroom gravy. The gravy is robust and packed with Umami flavour, however, it feels a bit water down compared to the yong tofu gravy. Plus, if they are more generous with crispy silverfish, it will be awesome.

Fu Lin Noodles
Fu Lin Noodles
Xiao Long Bao ($9). Let’s put aside of familiar texture of Din Tai Fung xiao long bao. The version at Fu Lin has a thicker skin; however, the fillings are juicy, succulent and come with that burst of the meat juice. It reminds me of the version that we usually eat for breakfast in the Northern part of China. It is served with thinly sliced ginger and vinegar dip.

Xiao Long Bao
Fresh Whole Squid ($17) – Chargrilled, garlic breadcrumbs, teriyaki glaze, garlic oil. The texture of the squid is just perfect, tender with a bit of bounciness. The fine texture of garlic breadcrumbs, together with teriyaki glaze and garlic oil, accentuate the squid flavour nicely. Yummy.

Fresh Whole Squid - Chargrilled
Do note that Fu Lin is also popular for their Sichuan and Mala dishes. We did not order them as we are not a big fan of Sichuan and Mala dishes.

Menu P1
Menu P2
The service is friendly and efficient. The décor of the restaurant is industrial mixed with a variety of themes; however, black, dark wooden brown and red are the dominant colours. The tables and chairs are black. The 2 columns of the dining section walls are displaying Mao Ze Dong pins and plagues collections, where red is prominent. The bar has a red tabletop and mural of happy children at the bottom. Fu Lin was packed during our visit on a weekday and we were told they are usually fully booked on the weekend.

Part of Dining Area 1
Part of Dining Area 2

Part of Dining Area 3
Overall, it was a good experience dining at Fu Lin Bar & Kitchen. The fried yong tofu is one of the best that we ever tried and their evening menu is well executed. The crispy pork belly, fresh whole squid and baby back ribs are a must-order. Cheers!!

Thank you very much Protegie PR and Fu Lin Bar & Kitchen for hosting us.

Food & Drink: 7.5/10
Value: 7.25/10
Service: N/A (Tasting Invitation)
Ambiance: 7.5/10
Budget per Person: $11 - $25; $26 - $50

Fu Lin Bar & Kitchen
127 Telok Ayer Street
Singapore 068596

T: +65 6423 0311
IG: @Fulinkitchen
OH:
Mon – Fri: 11.00 – 22.30
Sat: 16.00 – 22.30
Closed on Sunday

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