Yi Dian Xin – Excellent, Top-Notch Dim Sum Worth Every Penny

One visit to Yi Dian Xin at Kovan was all it took — I was hooked. I could not stop raving about the top-notch dim sum. In fact, I think that the dim sum here is on par with that of some of the luxurious and expensive dim sum restaurants. Let’s not compare the ambience, of course.

First up, the service here is awesome. The stall owner is friendly, and even the drinks stall lady in the same coffeeshop is jolly! The only downside is that it’s really hot in here, and there’s a lack of fans. It got stuffy after awhile, even though that is a small price to pay for good food.

Well known for having the cheapest liu sha bao in Singapore at $3.30/3 pieces, I was surprised to see that the prices had increased by a few cents. Nonetheless, the food here is still very affordable, especially with the absence of GST and service charge. For those who are wondering how to get there here, take the train to Kovan MRT Station, then hop on any bus which goes to “Opposite Glad Tidings Church” (which is only 1 stop away from Kovan station). Thererafter, cross the road. Yi dian xin is located along the same stretch as Teo Heng Porridge.

We ordered the Steamed Carrot Cake ($2.80), which sat in a pool of savoury sauce. The carrot cake melted in our mouths, and dissolved almost immediately. It was incredibly soft and “jiggly”, and the bits of lup cheong trapped within added a pleasant fragrance. Overall, this dish was pretty great.

Next, we tried the Deep fried Yam Dumplings ($3.30/ 3 pieces). The yam dumplings had a crispy exterior, which gave way to a smooth yam paste. I loved that the yam was robust and full of flavour, and the minced meat encased within added additional oomph and texture.

We also tried the famous Signature Salted Egg Custard Pau ($3.80 for 3 pcs). Despite the slight increase in prices as mentioned in the introduction, the salted egg custard pau was tasty and worth its price tag. The consistency of the flowing lava, with a wonderfully milky fragrance, was spot-on. I thought that the flavour of the salted egg yolk custard was just right, and not too overpowering.

We then tried the Crystal Chives Dumplings ($3.20/3 pieces). The dumplings were wrapped in a glassy skin that was thick and chewy, yet soft and delicate at the same time. I know this sounds like a paradox, but the dumpling skin really was thick enough to hold in the chives, yet felt extremely light too. The pork and chives filling within the dumpling was fantastic too. The pork had a great bite, which was complemented by the fragrant chives. With such a rich and perfectly salty flavour, the crystal chives dumplings were my personal favourite.

Next up, the Siew Mai with Mushroom ($3.20/3 pieces). I thought that the meat of the siew mai was a little hard. While the siew mai was not bad, I have tasted better.

Finally, we had the Steamed BBQ Pork Pau ($2.40/2 pieces). Considering that I tend to shy away from char siew bao, I actually really enjoyed this version as it was not too cloyingly sweet. I especially loved the fluffy pau — it was soft as cotton, and according to my friend (who has never eaten dim sum before our visit to Yi Dian Xin), it “tastes like a cloud”. In addition, the meat filling was very generous.

Yi Dian Xin is certainly worth a visit. Of all the items that I ordered, 5 out of 6 exceeded expectations. According to the owner, Yi Dian Xin is planning to open till 10.30p.m. in the coming months, which gives me an idea. Perhaps I can head there for supper instead to avoid the afternoon heat. Plans to introduce baked goods are also underway, and I am really looking forward to their expanded menu. After all, it is not often that dim sum in a coffeeshop is this impressive (Read: Kow Loon Hong Kong Tim Sum).

Note: Check out Yi Dian Xin’s Facebook page for more details and developments in the coming months.

MissTamChiak.com made anonymous visit and paid its own meal at the stall featured here.