A close relative has just passed away and i am actually not in the mood to blog. As each year goes by, the older and wiser I start getting more and more afraid about life in general and what it holds for me in the future.
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Oh well, the ever cheerful me would work it out eventually. As the saying goes, life goes on and no matter what, there's always food as a denominator to cheer us up! So, let's dive into the topic today; Dragon-i.
Some of you might recall reading this restaurant in my blog as i did mention about its epic Shanghainese small dumplings (otherwise known as xiaolongbao) when i was in Kuala Lumpur a few months ago.
This time round, i was blessed with an empty stomach that would allow me to indulge in more dishes at one of Dragon-i branches in the Malaysian city nearest to Singapore; Johor Bahru!
Lemongrass Drink
Two words summed it well; Very nice!!!
Shanghainese Steamed Meat Dumplings
Enough has been said about the xiaolongbao in Dragon-i. Quality was deliciously similar to what i had in Kuala Lumpur and you may click HERE for my review then.
Steamed Egg Yolk Custard Buns
Compared to what i had in Kuala Lumpur, the version here in Johore Bahru had improved markedly!
The bright yellow dough was soft like a pillow and the overflowing filling was perfectly satisfactory; showcasing a seamless teamwork between the savouriness and sweetness that overwhelmed your taste buds!
Deep-Fried Custard Buns
Looking similar to the tiny donuts balls sprinkled with icing powder sold in many traditional bakeries in Singapore, i was quite disappointed when i took a bite.
No doubt the custard filling was generous and the hard crunchy shell could appeal to some; but what i didn't enjoy was the taste of the custard. The texture was dry and didn't amaze us as i expected it to be.
Fried Rice
w Ham, Shrimps and Fish
Alright-tasting although i cannot evaluate it on the same level as Din Tai Fung's fried rice which was seriously one of the better ones in the market that doesn't cost you a hole in the pocket.
Steam Meat Dumplings
w Chilli Soy Sauce
The initial shot of numbing spiciness was encouraging yet the eventual conclusion was just normal wantons coated in a layer of chilli oil bearing hardly any similarity to what i had in Crystal Jade. Oh yes, there was a similarity; their appearance.
Fried Radish Cake in XO Sauce
w Prawns and Dried Scallops
Cantonese style carrot cake seldom impressed me since i am more a black-sauce carrot cake kind of person. However, this was good with a generous splattering of fragrant hae bee!
Deep-Fried Crispy Aroma Duck
Alarm bells should have rung in my brain when i caught that apprehensive expression on the waiter's face when we asked if this was good.
Appearance wise, i thought it looked pretty alright and boasting a sinful crunchiness i personally like in any poultry dish. By the way, you are supposed to treat this dish as you would with the Beijing Duck.
Which means you have to wrap them up! Well, having had authentic Beijing duck last year in China's capital, i must say this was a total letdown. It would been nicer to eat the duck on its own without any fancy condiments but even so, the marination was a bit on the salty side.
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Location
106-108, Jalan Wong Ah Fook
Lot No. J3-36, Level 3,
Johore Bahru City Square (Office Tower)
Price
Lemon Grass Drink - RM11.00
Xiaolongbao - RM10.30
Steamed Egg Yolk Custard Buns - RM8.00
Deep-Fried Custard Buns - RM9.00
Fried Rice - RM18.00
Steam Meat Dumplings with Chilli - RM12.00
Fried Radish Cake in XO Sauce - RM13.80
Deep-Fried Crispy Aroma Duck - RM38.00
[Subject to GST and Service Charge]