SHAO 烧 @ Rangoon IV
Back at Shao again, and this time we came with one mission. Order generously and share everything.
One thing I enjoy about Shao is how it stays rooted in Teochew flavours while adding just enough modern touches to keep things interesting. The menu offers plenty to explore, whether you are after comforting classics or more adventurous dishes.
We began lunch with suckling pig, and honestly, that is always a dangerous way to start. Once that crisp golden skin appears, everyone suddenly becomes very focused. It was a lovely opener before the rest of the Teochew feast followed.
Their signature Pan Seared Hokkaido Cuttlefish with Squid Ink was one of the more memorable starters. The squid was tender with a pleasant bite, while the squid ink added depth without overpowering the natural sweetness. For those who enjoy bold flavours, both the Marinated Raw Roe Crab and Shao Signature BBQ Roe Crab were excellent in their own ways. The raw version was fresh, creamy and intensely flavourful, while the barbecued version brought out a wonderful smoky aroma.
The Grilled New Zealand Orange Roughy was beautifully cooked, allowing the freshness of the fish to shine with little distraction. Equally comforting was the Pig Stomach Soup with Fish Maw in Claypot. Rich, peppery and deeply satisfying, it was the sort of soup everyone kept going back for.
The Stir Fried Chicken and Abalone with Black Pepper Sauce was packed with wok hei, while the Stir Fried Chives with Jellyfish Head provided a lovely contrast with its crisp texture.
No Teochew feast feels complete without braised items, and the Braised Combination Platter of duck, pig trotter and tau kwa was comfort food at its best. The Charcoal Grilled Pork Jowl was another favourite, beautifully caramelised with just the right balance of smoky aroma, tenderness and bite.
The meal ended with the Poached Seafood Crispy Rice with Seafood Stock, and it could not have been a more fitting finale. The crispy rice gradually soaked up the rich seafood broth, transforming from crisp to silky while absorbing every bit of its sweetness and umami. Packed with prawns, fish and other seafood, it was comforting, satisfying and the perfect way to round off a wonderful lunch.
Shao continues to be one of those places I am always happy to return to whenever a proper Teochew feast is in order.
