Dinner at Madam Kwan's Cafe @ Vivocity

1 Harbourfront Walk, #01-152 / 154 Vivocity, Singapore 098585

Tel: 6271 9989

Website: http://www.madamkwans.com.my

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madamkwans

We decided to dine out that evening, and brought the mom to trying Madam Kwan's Cafe, known for its classic Malaysian dishes. Madam Kwan Swee Lian's passion in bringing hawker and wok-style food to another level via cafe-style dining for greater comfort is evident here. The exterior and interior were done beautifully in gold tones, giving a quasi-classy appearance that surprised us.

The menu was extensive - besides the signature nasi lemak (which none of us tried that evening, unfortunately), there were curry, zichar dishes, Malayan dishes and even western items such as Fish & Chips. Unfortunately, the overall service left much to be desired.

The Mom had the Assam Laksa aka Penang Laksa. The portion was large and generously infused with onions and sardine fish. Flavor was good - not too spicy, but a lovely balance of spicy and sour taste. The laksa noodles were firm but not hard, so the only tiny little flaw with this dish was kind of oily.

The Bro had the Foo Yong Egg (SGD$10.90), served piping hot. It was very tasty, served just off the wok, infused with some vegetables and succulent shrimps.  The omelet was even and rather smooth, however, if one were to talk about an authentic Foo Yong Egg, the essential BBQ pork bits (char siew) should not be missing. I believe that this cafe is halal hence pork is excluded from the menu.

The SIL had Fried Hokkien Noodle (SGD$14.90) done Malayan-style, drenched completely in black sauce with prawns, squid and chicken. The noodle was kind of limp but other than that, and the huge portion, she was fine with the rest of the dish.

I had the Beef Horfun (SGD$14.90) as I was in a horfun mood. Also drenched in gravy - this one rich with eggs beaten in - the beef was rather tender and the horfun noodle was too soft for my liking. I remember chewing through the dish without tasting it because it was bland; so I had no choice but to compensate wtih lack of favor with chilli padi.

We were all very full at the end of the meal hence did not get to try desserts. I doubt I would return because I can get tasty zichar dishes like the ones we had here, elsewhere (and at better rates).