Nestled along the stretch of Geylang Road, the huge compound of Old Geylang housed a 3-in-1 concept of Old Punggol International Seafood Restaurant, Turtle House as well as a durian stall. What a steal for food lover as you can savour the delectable food from all the 3 establishments at one venue.
It was quite unfortunate that during my visit, the durian season was over. The stall only has those Thailand durian breed so we gave it a miss.
Peking Duck
I have my fellow food blogger friends, Celes (Celestialdelish), Samantha (BondingTool) and Tony (JohorKaki) joining me in the sumptuous dinner.
Peking Duck
The beautiful Peking Duck ($20 half/ $38 whole) has its crackling skin thinly sliced and wrapped in a delectable crepe like skin. Paired with spring onion and cucumber plus a bit of the homemade sweet sauce, this is an excellent starter to kick start the dinner.
Stir Fried Shredded Duck Noodles
Herbal Turtle Soup
One of the item I was looking forward to try is the nourishing Herbal Turtle Soup ($20/$40/$60) service in a claypot. I was very privileged to have Mr Ong the founder of Turtle House with me for dinner. He has came out from retirement to help his children oversee the reborn of Turtle House under the brand of Old Geylang in a new dining concept. There was so much stories and knowledge he shared with us over dinner. I have learnt so much from him about food especially ingredients such as turtle and crocodile.
Back to the food, the Turtle Soup has a nice herbal flavour but not overpowering. Add a bit of rice wine to enchance the flavour. By the way, do you know which is the most delicacy part of the turtle? It's the turtle feet! I tried one and I liked it. It had a crunchy gelatinous texture some what like eating black fungus.
Braised Crocodile Tail with Mushroom
Mr Ong is not only an expert with Turtle. He is also an expert with crocodile. I was told that he has to teach the the farm where they get the supply how to slaughter and portion the crocodile tail. Each crocodile tail can serve about 3-4 portions. The Braised Crocodile Tail with Mushroom ($12 per person) was my first but definitely would not be my last. There is nothing to scare or worry about the exotic meat. The braised crocodile tail was braised to a texture that felt like eating Dong Po Rou.
Steamed Boston Lobster with Garlic
In my own opinion the best way to appreciate the Boston Lobster (seasonal price) was to steam it with garlic. The flesh was cooked to a nice succulent allowing one to enjoy the natural sweetness of the lobster. If you prefer other preparation styles, the kitchen can do it too.
Crispy Roasted Pork and Roasted Char Siew
The kitchen at Old Geylang does their own Hong Kong style roasted meat. The Crispy Roasted Pork ($8 per portion) and Roasted Char Siew ($8 per portion) was nicely executed. I preferred the roasted pork over the char siew as I disliked the fact the char siew was too fatty.
Deep Fried Soon Hock
The Soon Hock (seasonal price) was deep fried to a nice golden brown crisp. The moist fish paired with the special homemade brown sauce was a great dish.
Chilli Crab
Forget about the other Chilli Crab served at other restaurants. You just have to try the Chilli Crab ($52 per kg) offered at Old Geylang. The special gravy has a good balance of spiciness and sweetness in a sumptuous mix of eggs and crab roes. It was understand that the red dates and dried shrimps have been added to the gravy to gave it that unique taste.
Salted Egg Oyster
It was quite excited when I knew I was having Salted Egg Oyster. The Salted Egg Oyster ($8 each) was lightly battered and topped with salted egg sauce. I like the combination but the oyster that day was a bit too small to showcase the potential of the dish. Checked with the restaurant and its confirmed that the size of the oyster was not ideal. Usually it is much bigger.
Chilled Beancurd
Wrapping up the feast was a bowl of delicate Chilled Beancurd. It was actually quite a welcome dessert which was light, refreshing and smooth after the heavy meal.
Word is that the huge compound maybe adding a new Western fare concept to the umbrella arm of Old Geylang. I like the concept of Old Geylang of housing hierachy brands allowing foodies to be able to enjoy the delectable food of this traditional brands. The spacious restaurant has plenty of parking lots at the back of the building. To get to the carpark, access via Sim Ave onto Geylang Lorong 23. Turn right to the carpark after the new Singapore Badminton Hall. The restaurant also offers valet parking for patrons.
Old Geylang
1 Geylang Lorong 23
Highpoint Block 6
Singapore 38352
Tel: +65 68446041
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Old-Geylang/525332554158513
Website: www.oldgeylang.com.sg
Nearest MRT: Aljunied (EW Line)
Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 2am
Direction:
1) Alight at Aljunied MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk to bus stop along Aljunied Road (Stop ID 81089). Take bus number 62, 63, 80, 100 or 158. Alight one stop later. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes.
2) Alight at Aljunied MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk to Aljunied Road. Turn left and and continue down Aljunied Road until the traffic junction of Aljunied Road and Geylang Road. Cross the junction and walk towards New Cathay Hotel. Continue straight and walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes.