South Buona Vista Braised Duck @ Desker Road (Little India) [Singapore]

One of my earliest memories after securing my car license was to take my dad's 30-year old car and together with my friends, drive to areas not that well served by public transportation; back then, no circle line, no downtown line, no thomson line. 

The 99-bend road was famous among newbies and many would also take the opportunity to eat at South Buona Vista Braised Duck. The eatery closed a few years ago but was revived by a close relative, with a new location at Desker Road within the Little India enclave. 

With simple setup like whitewashed walls, nondescript fans and non-fanciful tables and chairs, it's hardly the concept well-liked by the younger generation who would have prefer more instagrammable features. Nevertheless, a real foodie is only focused on one thing; food. 

And the braised ducks hung behind the glass counter did a great job in whetting our appetite, albeit visually. Over the years, I have had my fair share of braised duck and some friends would know the best I ever had was Sean Kee in Geylang. Would this be as good? Or even better? Let's find out! 

Signature braised duck for two with additional braised eggs. Rice was charged separately and you have the option for white rice, porridge or yam rice. 

I was expecting a lot for the soup but this turned out to be just plain, old salted vegetables soup. Slight disappointment although it tasted okay. 

Yam rice was pretty good; could have been oilier with a deeper flavor in my opinion. Note that this couldn't be compared to traditional yam rice though which would usually be chocked with ingredients like pork and dried shrimps. p.s, taking reference from my mom's version of yam rice.

With slimy braised skin topping the juicy, tender duck meat, and swimming in sweet, flavorful braised gravy, it was delicious and I would have classified it as almost similar in taste to Chuan Kee Boneless Braised Duck Rice at Chong Pang Hawker Centre.

To me, the braised sauce is a major determinant of success for braised duck rice and this sure made the cut, especially when you have it together with the meat and the rice! 

Was it better than Sean Kee in Geylang? Sadly no. Sean Kee is like the gold standard when it comes to braised duck; its braised sauce was distinctly different from its competitors and who could ever forget the accompanying herbal soup which packed a punch despite its almost transparent clarity! 

Nonetheless, still a good serving of braised duck rice if you are in the Little India vicinity.

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Address

81 Desker Road, 

Singapore 209604

Map

As above.

Operating Hours

11.00 am to 8.00 pm

(Closed on Thursdays)

Menu

As above.

Pricing

Signature Braised Duck for Two - S$12.00

Braised Egg - S$0.80 each

Yam Rice - S$1.00 each

White Rice - S$0.80 each

(NETT)