Min Jiang at One-North

Min Jiang at Goodwood Park has gained quite a reputation over the past years and rightfully so. It offers some of the finest Chinese cuisine around and its Dim Sum is always a delightful draw. When it opened a branch at One-North, Holland Village, it was welcomed with open arms. The classy ambience of One-North fit perfectly with Minjiang's elegant image, the expectation was that this would be THE premier Chinese fine dining spot. Located in the stylish Rochester Park dining destination in a gorgeous 3,000 square feet colonial bungalow, Min Jiang at One-North immediately sets you at ease. The décor is also tastefully and masterfully done with elegance at every corner. On top of that, it is located away from the city center- giving a virtual sub-urban charm.

If any one dish stands out from the wide selection available it would be the Peking duck. Virtually every review you read on Minjiang would mention the Peking duck and with good reason as this is possibly one of the top Peking duck dishes available in Singapore. The skin is white flour instead of yellow i.e. no egg are used so it is not as rich as other places. Happily, that means you can eat more without feeling guilty. The duck skin is crispy and juicy with just the right degree of oiliness to satisfy. The sauce is also nicely done, with the right blend of sweet and sour to whet your appetite. Also, the Peking duck at Minjiang is unique in that it is served in 2 styles- 'traditional' and Sichuan by the chef who serves it standing next to your table.

Another dish that comes highly recommended is the shark's fin with crabmeat soup. Unlike many Chinese restaurants, the shark's fin here is not a measly portion that is barely distinguishable, this is the real stuff. As an added bonus, the crabmeat is fresh and succulent, giving that added sweetness to this full flavored dish.

The sea perch is a must try as well. How often have you heard the expression 'freshness you can taste'? Well in this case, it is not mere hyperbole. The fish is fresh and served with the soya sauce.

If you come during lunch time, Minjiang has quite a nice selection of dim sum as well. The har kow is nicely done with the skin just thick enough to provide a nice texture but it doesn't leave you feeling stuffed after a few bites. There is a hint of mushroom and asparagus in the filling that injects a breath of fresh air into this traditional dish.

The Pan-fried carrot cake is another must try, with its skin nicely grilled to golden perfection, just enough to be crispy but not charred. You could not ask for more.
Perennial favorites like chee cheong fun, chicken feet, char siew pao are all available here. As is century egg porridge.

Beside the scrumptious fare the service is faultless. With the Goodwood Park Hotel brand name behind it, service quality is expected to be exemplary and Minjiang does not disappoint. The service staff seem to know when to pop up and when to give you your privacy.

It is hard to stand up in the sea of competition in Singapore, but Minjiang's offerings are largely competent. Minjiang at One-North not only offers delectable Chinese cuisine but a reasonable selection of drinks, perfect for chatting the evening away.