Following their successful DUOTOU Clam seasonal promotions (the latest of which concluded earlier this year), PUTIEN now debuts another seasonal produce for new additions to their menu – live eels.
Eels are known to be primarily consumed by the Japanese, especially freshwater eels which are called unagi, where they are commonly grilled and served with a sweet brown sauce. However, eel farming appears to be a prominently Chinese trade now, and while most of the produce are still bound for the Japanese market, PUTIEN has managed to secure an eminent supply of these juicy morsels for our consumption.
Live Eel Dishes
PUTIEN’s modus operandi when it comes to whipping up dishes using their eels is to place emphasis on the freshness and quality of their produce by keeping it simple.
The Live Eel Cooked in Natural Spring Water 泉水现煮活鳗鱼 ($29.90) is so minimally prepared it is almost counter-intuitive to expect this at a restaurant. The eels are cooked in a light broth consisting of natural spring water with just a hint of ginger, goji berries and sea salt for precisely 10 minutes (a timer is used!); that is all. Having said that, this really does accentuate the natural flavours of the eel in all its delicate sweetness. The obvious caveat is that this might not be so enjoyable for anyone who prefers their food to have a stronger, more pronounced taste.
Livee Eel Dishes
The Pan-fried Live Eel on Hot Plate 铁板香煎活鳗鱼 ($26.90) is marginally more savoury. The eel is lightly fried until the skin curls slightly and the meat has turned golden. It is then sparsely seasoned with a pinch of sea salt. The use of oil, minimal as it is, brings out more umami taste in the eel while retaining its natural juiciness. The crispy skin also provides a different texture, which is welcome.
These eel dishes can be enjoyed alongside PUTIEN’s signature staples, such as their ‘100-Second’ Stewed Yellow Croaker 百秒黄花鱼, PUTIEN Style Pork Ribs 闵香洋烧排 and PUTIEN Lor Mee 莆田卤面. These items are all reflective of the high standards set by the Michelin starred restaurant. A closer look at them can be found here.
Live Eel Promotion
What makes these eels seasonal is that during the months of August to October, eels are biologically programmed to prepare for migration to the ocean and as such would instinctively begin to store body fat as a source of energy. Hence the eels harvested during this period would be the juiciest and tastiest ones. Accordingly, The PUTIEN Live Eel promotion is available at all 13 outlets in Singapore from now till 31st October.
NAHMJ Verdict
PUTIEN has yet to disappoint. The eel dishes are deliberately meant to suit a lighter palette, but it has its place among the other greats in its menu. Try them while they’re still available.
PUTIEN @ Kitchener Road
127 Kitchener Road, Singapore 208514
Tel: +65 6295 6358
Website: https://www.putien.com/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/PUTIEN.RESTAURANT
Opening Hours
Lunch: 1130 to 1500 (Last Order: 1430)
Dinner: 1730 to 2200 (Last Order: 2130)
Getting There
By MRT:
- North East line – Farrer Park station
By Bus:
- At Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple along Serangoon Road 21, 23, 64, 65, 66, 67, 125, 130, 139, 147, 857
- Before Tai Hoe Hoe Hotel along Kitchener Road 21, 125, 130
- After Allenby Road along Jalan Besar 23, 64, 65, 66, 67, 130, 139, 147, 857
Rating: 7.5/10
*Disclaimer: This was a media invite.
