[CLOSED] CreatureS

Unlike their Creatures Crayfish Hokkien Mee which was really impressive, the Urban Baba Babi Pongteh was rather mediocre. When asked for recommendations, we were told that this was one of the recommended dishes but the staff couldn’t explain why.

A very traditional peranakan dish; thick slabs of slow-cooked pork belly sitting nicely in the middle of a pool of tao jio, or fermented bean paste. You could guess the long hours of cooking as the tender meat could be easily torn away from the fatty portion. One thing, however, to note was that the fermented bean paste was probably too thick. Yes rich in flavour, slightly yeasty but because of it’s assertive flavour, the entire meat dish became way too salty. Barely touched the fermented bean paste after a few dips.

Served along with the nyonya chap chye of cabbage, black fungus, red dates (that’s a first that I have ever come across in a chap chye!) and dried shrimps that added a kick of umami.

@fortheloveofcreatures has taken its rendition of this local fare to a whole new level, with a touch of royalty. In a bowl much bigger than my face, there lies wok fried noodles in rich fragrant prawn broth, served with 2 fresh crayfishes, tiger prawns and squid, topped with generous serving of crispy pork lard, tobiko and a side of home-made sambal belacan.

Explosion of umami was beyond imagination, especially evident in the rich prawn broth, which I repeatedly drenched over the noodles. As if the savoriness wasn’t enough, tobiko was delightfully added which brings along a mildy salted taste and a popping experience. My only complaint was the crayfish were a little dry and the prawns could have been more juicy. Stir in their home-made sambal belacan for a spicy kick, and a hint of shrimp flavour. Having tasted such an atas Hokkien Mee, I have no regrets in life. 😍

Reservations are highly recommended for 2 seatings; 6pm and 8.30pm. As we were present for the first seating, a miscommunication of the time we had to clear the table resulted in some unhappiness. I would think that diners should never be told to change tables in the midst of their meals. Afterall, you would like to enjoy a lovely meal in peace, wouldn’t you?

This is a great appetizer to share. $20 for Hainanese chicken, fragrant rice rolled with cucumber ribbons and rice paper. Served with garlic chili, sesame soy sauce and spring onion-ginger dip. A must have at CreatureS!

Chinese roasted duck, Chinese pear and butterhead lettuce drizzled with sweet plum sauce. $18 for this dish that is enjoyable for sharing

Chili, eggplant, ladyfinger stuffed with herb feta cheese stuffing. With la mien noodle that was seasoned with shallot and soya sauce. This was one of their more disappointing dish. $22 for this lackluster dish which I would not order again.

This was an interesting dish. Crispy prata canapé with Peranakan flavors on top. The sweetness from the prawn and savory taste from the buah keluak complemented each other very well.