Whenever we go to Marina Square, we have difficulties making up our minds where to dine. There are only so much burgers and fish & chips we can stomach, we certainly do not want to waste our calories on lousy food for family meals on weekends. Recently, we heard about this 3 month-old Cantonese Restaurant located at Level 3 of Marina Square and are happy to finally see a decent Chinese restaurant added to the list.  Kai Garden recently launched the “Family Favourites” menu which offers a nostalgic selection of wholesome Cantonese dishes the Executive Chef, Chef Fong relished while growing up in Hong Kong.

The moment we stepped in, we were impressed. The restaurant offers a function room that accommodates up to 60 seats, as well as four other private rooms for smaller parties of four to 16 people. Including the main dining hall, Kai Garden has a seating capacity of up to 200.  With its central location, classy ambience coupled with unparalleled view of the city skyline and award-winning Cantonese fare, no wonder Kai Garden already has a following as the preferred dining option for family celebrations, friends gatherings and office luncheons.

The stunning city view from the restaurant’s balcony.The cosy VIP rooms for intimate dinners which seat 4 to 16 pax.

Here are some new dishes we recommend from Kai Garden’s Family Favorites Menu:

Braised Home-made Dace with Black Bean Sauce: 自家制豆豉鲮鱼 $11.80

Our evening opened with this dish – a homey favourite that was done just right. Don’t let its humble appearance fool you – it’s one of the best dace fish we’ve tasted yet. The black bean sauce which was made from the Chef’s secret recipe enhanced the taste of the dish. The pairing of thin mango slices added that zesty zing which makes it a delightful appetizer.

Braised Chicken with Flower Crab: 特色花蟹焖土鸡 $48.00(Half), $88(Whole)

A surprising combination which is a perfect marriage of two unlikely ingredients! The unique gravy of the dish, infused into flesh of the succulent flower crab and accompanied by chunks of braised kampung chicken were braised to perfection. The taste reminded us of how our own Grandmas would have cooked it!

Sauteed Prawns with Dried Fish Maw: 生虾爆厚肚 $35.00

Fish Maw lovers would love this flavorful fish. One bite into the gravy soaked fish maw brings forth so much satisfaction. The sauteed prawns added texture to the dish. Dana loves fish maw and she was happily tucking into this dish.

Baked whole Eggplant with Special Sauce: 酱烧原条茄瓜 $18.00

This was another humble-looking but super delicious dish – baked eggplants dressed with a special sauce. The exterior is slightly crispy but once you bite into it, that’s where the magic lies: the deep complex flavours burst forth, fully complementing its soft interiors.  We never knew eggplants could taste this good. This dish pairs very well with the fluffy white rice.

Wok-fried Garoupa fillet with Spring Onion served in Stone Pot: 石锅干煸海斑球 $38.00

Fresh thick slices of Garoupa fish infused with the superior gravy gives this dish a flavourful kick while the overall taste is well balanced by the beancurd skins and fresh spring onions. 

Grilled Pork Rib in Special Honey Pepper Sauce: 秘制密椒排骨 $22.00

This was our favorite dish of the meal – pork ribs are grilled to perfection then coated with a sweet honey pepper sauce. The pork ribs slightly cracking exterior gives way to succulent and tender flesh within.  Topped with almond flakes, both kids and adults polished the ribs off in record time.

We ended the lovely meal with some refreshing Cantonese desserts (Aloe Vera Jelly, Mango Pomelo Sago and Coconut Pudding).

We were told that Kai Garden serves Dim Sum during lunch times and they are also famous for their Peking Ducks (Dana’s favorite!). We shall bring my Mom there for lunch soon.

KAI GARDEN

Website | Facebook

 Address 6 Raffles Boulevard, #03-128A/128B, Marina Square, 039594

Reservation Hotline +65 6250 4826

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Disclaimer: We were invited to a Food Tasting session at Kai Garden last month for the purposes of this review. All photos and opinions are, as usual, ours. No monetary compensation was received.