Spicy Moment: A Modern Take on Hunan Cuisine in Duxton Hill
Spicy Moment, nestled in the dining hotspot Duxton Hill, brings a refreshing twist to traditional Hunan cuisine. Originally from Shanghai, this casual dining spot offers a laid-back atmosphere with minimalist décor that evokes the simplicity of Chinese countryside restaurants. With a refined approach to Hunan dishes and a carefully curated Western wine list, Spicy Moment delivers an experience that’s both approachable and flavorful.
Though its decor is understated, with clean lines, sparse elements and wood-tone furniture, the restaurant’s charm lies in its food. The simplicity of the setting allows diners to focus on the culinary experience, which is elevated through the use of fresh ingredients and modern interpretations of classic dishes.
For those working nearby, Spicy Moment makes a convenient spot for a quiet business lunch. Located just on the edge of the bustling business district, it offers a peaceful retreat, perfect for a midday break. In the evening, the surrounding area comes alive with bars and restaurants, creating a lively yet relaxed atmosphere perfect for unwinding after a day of meetings.
One of the standout features of Spicy Moment is its modern approach to Hunan cuisine. The menu offers a lighter and more accessible take on the bold, spicy flavors typically associated with the region. Although the name may suggest fiery heat, Spicy Moment has toned down the traditional spiciness to cater to a broader palate, allowing diners to enjoy the distinctive flavors of Hunan without the intense heat. This makes the restaurant an ideal spot for those new to the cuisine or those looking for a more balanced take on traditional dishes.
Aperitif: Valditerra Vino la Rombetta Gavi DOCG
Italy – Novi Ligure – Cortese, 2021
This is a refined white wine made from carefully selected Cortese grapes grown in the winery’s own vineyards. Each vineyard’s harvest is processed separately to ensure the highest quality, with the grapes undergoing destemming, soft pressing, and the separation of the flower must. The wine is then clarified and fermented in stainless steel tanks, with temperature control, before maturing on fine lees in steel tanks for added complexity. This Gavi presents a pale yellow color and offers a fresh, mineral character, balanced by a well-rounded body and a lingering finish. Best enjoyed as an aperitif, it pairs beautifully with fish and white meats.
Century Eggs With Grilled Chillies
Century egg, green chilli
Century eggs, a traditional Chinese delicacy, offer a unique and acquired taste that never fails to intrigue adventurous eaters. Known for their smooth, gelatinous texture and deep umami flavor, these preserved eggs are often considered an acquired taste due to their slightly pungent aroma and rich, earthy taste. When paired with the smoky heat of grilled green chillies, they are transformed into an unexpectedly harmonious dish that balances complexity with simplicity.
The century eggs themselves are delicate, with a dark, translucent appearance that gives way to a firm, slightly creamy interior. The flavor is rich, with a complex combination of savory, earthy, and even subtly sweet notes, which provide a striking contrast to the fire and spice of the grilled chillies. The chillies, charred to perfection, bring a smoky depth to the dish while infusing each bite with a piquant heat that lingers on the palate. This combination of textures—the soft, smooth eggs and the crunchy, slightly blistered chillies—adds another layer of intrigue.
The heat from the chillies is not overwhelming but instead offers a vibrant kick that enhances the inherent flavors of the century eggs. The contrast of temperature and texture, with the warm smokiness of the chillies against the cold, creamy richness of the eggs, makes for a truly satisfying bite. The grilled green chillies bring a subtle bitterness that complements the eggs’ savory qualities, while their charred exterior adds a smoky undertone that elevates the dish.
For those new to century eggs, this dish might be a daring exploration of flavors, but for those who appreciate the bold and complex combination of smoky heat and deep umami, it’s an experience that’s hard to forget. This dish works well as an appetizer or a side to a larger meal, providing a distinctive contrast to other dishes with its unapologetically bold flavors. It’s not a dish for the faint of heart, but for those willing to embrace its daring flavor profile, Century Eggs with Grilled Chillies offers a remarkable and memorable culinary experience.
Suggested Wine Pairing: Valditerra Vino la Rombetta Gavi DOCG
The Valditerra Vino la Rombetta Gavi DOCG is an exceptional wine pairing for Century Eggs with Grilled Chillies due to its fresh, mineral character and balanced body, which beautifully complement the bold and complex flavors of the dish.
The pale yellow hue and crisp acidity of the Gavi cut through the rich, earthy umami of the century eggs, offering a refreshing contrast to the creamy texture of the eggs. The wine’s mineral undertones echo the savory depth of the eggs, while its well-rounded body softens the intensity of the dish’s pungent and smoky qualities.
The lingering finish of the Gavi works in harmony with the smoky heat of the grilled chillies, providing a cooling effect that helps temper the heat without overwhelming the palate. The balanced acidity in the wine also highlights the charred, slightly bitter notes of the chillies, allowing their vibrant kick to shine through while the wine’s subtle complexity enriches the flavors of the dish.
Together, the Valditerra Gavi and Century Eggs with Grilled Chillies create a delightful interplay of textures and flavors. The wine’s refreshing character elevates the dish’s earthy richness, while its complexity enhances the smoky heat of the chillies, making this pairing an unforgettable culinary experience.
Dry Pot Beancurd
Chiba tofu, pork, celtuce, leek
Dry Pot Beancurd is a robust and comforting dish. The beancurd, often known for its delicate yet firm texture, serves as the heart of the dish, soaking up the rich flavors of the stir-fry. The Chiba tofu, with its ability to absorb sauces and spices, becomes a savory base that contrasts beautifully with the crunchy celtuce and aromatic leek.
What makes Dry Pot Beancurd truly exceptional is its bold, savory flavor profile. The dish is often cooked with a medley of spices and seasonings that create a deep, umami-packed base. Though it’s not overly spicy, the heat from the dish provides just the right level of warmth, enhancing the natural flavors of the pork and tofu. The dry pot style of cooking, where everything is simmered together in a hot pot without excess liquid, allows the ingredients to caramelize slightly, creating a rich, slightly smoky flavor that makes every bite satisfying.
Stir Fried Cabbage
Cabbage, pork belly, dried chilli
Stir Fried Cabbage is a dish that beautifully highlights the balance between freshness, richness, and spice, with the humble cabbage taking center stage. The cabbage itself is stir-fried to perfection, maintaining a crisp texture while absorbing the savory flavors of the pork belly and dried chilies. The cabbage retains its freshness, yet softens just enough to develop a smoky, slightly caramelized flavor from the wok’s high heat.
The addition of tender, flavorful pork belly adds a deep richness to the dish. The fatty richness of the pork belly contrasts beautifully with the freshness of the cabbage, making each bite a satisfying combination of savory and light.
Dried chilies are used in moderation to add just the right amount of heat to the dish, contributing a subtle smokiness that complements the savory pork belly without overpowering the other ingredients. The chilies infuse the stir-fry with a gentle warmth, elevating the flavors and giving the dish an added layer of complexity.
What stands out about Stir Fried Cabbage is its simplicity. While the ingredients are few, each element brings something essential to the table, creating a well-rounded dish. The savory pork belly balances the mild cabbage, while the dried chilies bring warmth and depth. It’s a dish that feels homey and comforting, yet packed with bold flavors.
Pork Belly and Fried Quail Egg
Braised Pork Belly and Fried Quail Egg is a dish that brings together the deep, savory richness of slow-cooked pork belly with the delicate, crisp bite of a hard-boiled quail egg, fried to perfection. The pork belly is braised to tender perfection, allowing the meat to soak in all the flavors from the broth and spices, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture. The long braising process breaks down the fat, infusing the pork with a deep, umami flavor that is rich without being overly greasy.
The hard-boiled quail eggs, once cooked, are carefully fried, creating a crispy golden exterior while keeping the interior creamy and soft. The contrast between the crunchy outer layer of the egg and the smooth, silky yolk inside adds a delightful textural contrast to the dish, making each bite an enjoyable experience.
The pairing of the braised pork belly with the fried quail egg is a harmonious combination. The tender, flavorful pork belly provides a robust foundation, while the fried quail egg adds a lighter, creamier touch. The richness of the pork is balanced by the egg’s subtle creaminess, and together, they create a comforting yet refined dish.
The dish is a perfect example of how contrasting textures—melt-in-your-mouth pork and crispy, creamy egg—can work together to create a rich, satisfying experience. With its balance of savory, crispy, and creamy elements, Braised Pork Belly and Fried Quail Egg is a standout dish that promises to satisfy with every bite, offering both comfort and a touch of elegance.
Spicy Moment
5 Duxton Hill, Singapore 089591
Tel: 8068 3598
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