Another Tung Lok Restaurant, Lokkee. It uses part of the former Lao Beijing Restaurant space at Plaza Singapura. I always enjoy food stormed by Tung Lok Restaurant’s kitchen. Little doubt would I not want to experience it for myself.
When entered, though it didn’t have the typical Chinese restaurant setup but you could easily identified that it is a restaurant serving Chinese Food. I was surprised to observe the Chilli Sauce on every table. Very strange for a Chinese restaurant, that was my immediate thought.
Before visiting the restaurant, I didn’t know the food were inspired by the Chinese take-out food found in Chinatowns across the cosmopolitan cities. When we were handed the menu, I notice some Western kinda ingredient as the description on the menu such as “Salsa”. After scrutinizing the menu, it seems to me they are offering a mixture of Northern Chinese, Southern and Singapore Chinese food.
We were interested to order both the Sichuan ‘Mala’ Fish Fries ($14) and the Mouth-watering Chicken ($10) as the Appetiser. Both were ‘Mala’ base. We thought Chicken might be a better choice among the two. Other option, Singapore style were Singapore Slaw and Chilli Crab Cakes. Alternatively, 5 Spice Crispy Pork Belly may be a worthy option too. Perhaps the more Western Chinese option could be the Poke Salad or the Roselle marinated Cherry Tomatoes.
11 Selection under the Poultry and Meat category. From the menu, it seems Mongolian Beef ($32) and Yunnan Style Pork Ribs with Salsa ($20) were equally good. Somehow, the latter won. The rib has a good ratio of fats and meat. Certainly great for most but not me. As I prefer lean meat. Meat was tender and well marinated. Each and every inch were tasty.
A pity that the Beancurd & Vegetables has limited selected. Among the five option, ‘Mapo Tofu ($16), ‘Kai Lan’ with Garlic Sauce ($14), Mushroom Chop Suey ($18), 3 Egg Pyramid Broccoli ($16) and Crispy Fried Tofu ($10), we chose the most boring one.
Lastly, dessert, we chose Egg Custard Roll ($10) from the 7 dishes.
The custard filling was smooth. Lined with a thin mochi on the inner wrap enhanced the texture.
Weirdly, it was served with a Sour Plum Sauce which was easily mistaken as Ketchup. We didn’t find that it complemented well.
NAHMJ Verdict
Who would want American or London Chinese Food? I practically will never touch these Chinese Food whenever I am at these Cosmopolitan. After trying, I thought food wise was interesting. Something new to the Chinese food scene. It may be pleasing to the mass.
So much so for food. Though service was friendly, isn’t attentive. And the process in the restaurant need much tuning and improvement. Our order were at the same time with the table beside us but our order came much later than theirs. We were only served almost when they were done with their meal.
Lokkee Restaurant
Plaza Singapura, #03-01, 68 Orchard Road, Singapore 238839
Tel: +65 6884 4566
Website: http://lokkee.com.sg/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/lokkeesg
Opening Hours
Daily: Lunch 1130 to 1500 (Last order 1430); Dinner 1730 to 2200 (Last order 2130)
Getting There
By MRT:
- North-South line, North East line, Circle line – Dhoby Ghaut station
By Bus:
- alight at Dhoby Ghaut station along Orchard Road 7, 14, 14e, 16, 36, 77, 106, 111, 124, 128, 162, 162M, 167, 171, 174, 175, 190, 502, 502A, 518, 518A, 700, 700A, 971E
- alight at MacDonald House 64, 65, 139
- alight at Dhoby Ghaut station along Penang Road 7, 14, 14e, 16, 36, 65, 77, 106, 111, 124, 128, 162, 162M, 167, 171, 174, 174e, 175, 190, 700, 700A, 971E
Rating: 7.5/10