Shi Wei Xian Hongkong Tim Sum (食为先香港点心) - Open Only on Saturdays & Sundays! @ Aljunied Crescent [Between Aljunied & Paya Lebar MRT Stations]

It was over a whatsapp group chat that Mr Kon excitedly informed us a fellow friend had recommended a place in Singapore that serves good yet affordable handmade dim sum! 

I am a sucker when it comes to such deals, especially when dim sum is not really that cheap when you compare to typical hawker fare that could fill your stomach with just one serving. 

Therefore, it didn't take us long to arrange for a weekend to check it out. Why weekend? Not because Saturdays and Sundays are my off days. Truth is, business was brisk enough for the eatery to open for business ONLY on weekends! 

Business ends at 5pm. Even though we reached at around 3pm last Sunday, some of the items were already sold out and we had to make do with whatever that was still available for our late lunch. p.s. those in the picture was only about 75% of what we actually stuffed into our tummies. 

The problem with most dim sum establishments is that there are hits and misses when it comes to the food. In the case here, i would say the review was relatively neutral since none was actually bad-tasting. 

Even the worst was considered average tasting in my opinion (maybe, we were lucky)! The four baskets of dim sum shown before this paragraph were placed in the "average" category. 

Both dishes (one steamed, another deep fried) above featured beancurd skin and although the meat filling was pretty generous (a plus obviously), i could not help but comment that the unique flavour of beancurd skin seemed to be lacking.

Lotus leaf rice was definitely one of the better ones i have so far, with the simple fragrance of lotus leaves absorbed into every single grain! Sorry, i forgot to take a picture after unwrapping it.

The chee cheong fun should have been tagged under "average"! However, i was very smitten with the delicious sauce that was drenched over the steamed flour! It was a bit heavy on the salty side yet the consistency was light enough for me to drink it like water! 

I think this was called swallow dumplings (yan jiao zi) and i can draw a similar comparison to the epic hong you chao shou 红油抄手 sold in selected crystal jade restaurants. Personally, i prefer the ones from crystal jade but Mrs Kon loved it enough to order a second basket.

What's dim sum without buns?! Let's have char siew bao!

Fluffy texture, savoury filling and they only cost us S$1.60! I think my younger sister would have enjoyed the bao here! Guess i should bring my parents and siblings here for a yum cha session that wouldn't cost me a hand and leg.

This was left to the last for a reason. Known as Ham Sui Gok, i have seen them around yet i had never tried them out (appearance wise, they just didn't appeal to me). Honestly, what have i been doing for the past 33 years?!

The seemingly hard cover totally betrayed its actual sticky texture and the surprise continued when i realised the skin was sweet rather than savoury (or bland in most cases)! The filling, usually accorded equal or higher importance in dim sum, was relegated to a role as a mere taste enhancer to the overall "package". 

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Location

Block 119, Aljunied Avenue 2,

#01-06 [note, Aljunied Crescent is incorrect]

Map

As above. The block is situated in between Paya Lebar and Aljunied MRT Stations. 

Opening Hours

Closed on Mondays to Fridays.

Saturdays and Sundays - 7am to 5pm

Price and Menu

As above. There wasn't any GST and service charge to the bill although you may wish to note that there could be special items not on the menu. Don't be afraid to ask the friendly staff!