By Xuan

Shark Fin or Abalone fan must not miss. The Fin is served with pumpkin & carrot brooth in a claypot, large portion @ $28. The 1 head Abalone braised in Oyster Sauce with Broccoli is nicely done, is also @$28, good value.

Checking out new Chinese restaurants is a rarity for me, but By Xuan, housed within Gay World Hotel at Geylang Road, is one of those places which seemed interesting when I had chanced upon it on social media — the restaurant seemingly had this direction of not just being clean and minimalist, but also exudes a rather modern and contemporary feel not just in terms of its decor, but also in its branding and overall image.

Some may argue that there are more interesting items on the menu that are more worthy of a mention here, but the Fried Tofu is one dish that I particularly love to order and utterly enjoy when it is well-executed. Being an item listed on the “appetiser” section of the menu, this starts of the meal proper and light — cubes of tofu that comes with a crisp, fried golden-brown batter on the outside. Despite being a dish that is simple on flavours, this dish is a showcase of the detailed execution and skills of the chef — I especially love how the tofu here is absolutely soft, smooth and silken despite being a fried item; the tofu cubes does not come as firm or “old”, whilst also not carrying too much water content. Though some places may use a lighter batter for such a dish, we do suspect the use of crushed soda biscuit for the batter here in By Xuan’s rendition — carries a crisp and firm bite, and stays so without being all greasy even after being left for a slightly extended period of time, and gives a light fragrance amidst the slight beani-ness detected from the tofu. Though coming with mayonnaise as a dip on the side, these were good to have on its own, and are absolutely sublime.

By Xuan is a rather interesting establishment that sets itself from the various other Chinese establishments at Geylang — whilst most other Chinese restaurants in this area are bigger on flavour and more casual in its setting, By Xuan seems to place an emphasis of being a chic and modern hangout with a touch of casual, but also more pristine and minimal. The food offered here are generally on the lighter side of the palate — easy to eat and does not get overwhelming; a direction and image that seemingly differs from other similar establishments in the same neighbourhood. Still, By Xuan is a name worth looking out for as time passes — with its sincerity in serving up hearty and healthy Chinese fare, as well as impeccable service from their staff that makes their patrons feel particularly at ease and at home, By Xuan is likely a spot that would appeal to a different audience to that who frequents Geylang for their supper rounds for some sinful zichar.