You Kee XO: A Cantonese Delight with a Touch of Tradition (5/5 Stars)
Rating:
• Food: 5/5 (Exceptional Cantonese cuisine, especially the duck and the signature soup) • Service: 4.5/5 (Friendly and attentive staff, adding to the overall experience) • Atmosphere: 4.5/5 (Warm and inviting, beautifully renovated, creating a cozy and upscale ambiance) • Value: 5/5 (Excellent value for the quality of food and atmosphere)
Overall: 5/5
Donkey and I were in Mount Austin for our facial, and after indulging in a relaxing treatment, we decided to grab dinner nearby before heading to our next appointment for pedicures and manicures. We stumbled upon You Kee XO restaurant and decided to give it a try. Our facial therapists had raved about their flavorful duck, so we were eager to experience it for ourselves.
As soon as we stepped inside, we were greeted by a vibrant and cozy atmosphere. The restaurant had been nicely renovated, creating a warm and inviting space. Donkey went for the duck drumstick with rice and added some char siu for good measure, while I ordered the duck rice with traditional roasted pork. The waiter also recommended their signature soup, which was infused with Chinese herbs.
The soup was truly a revelation. It was brimming with flavorful pork meat, a medley of Chinese herbs, and, of course, the 冬虫夏草 (dōng chóng xià cǎo), which is known for its immune-boosting properties. It's said to stimulate immune cells and can even help improve lung function. This makes it a popular ingredient for treating respiratory conditions like asthma and bronchitis. And since it's also known to help reduce fatigue, this comforting soup was the perfect way to start our meal.
The soup was served in a traditional Chinese hot pot, which added to its warmth and flavor. The duck meat was tender and succulent, with crispy skin that rivaled the best Peking duck. And the chili sauce? Oh, it was divine! Donkey also requested extra duck sauce to add to his rice, and it was the perfect finishing touch.
To top off our delightful meal, You Kee XO surprised us with a complimentary jelly. It was a sweet and refreshing treat that made for a perfect ending to our dinner.
Overall, You Kee XO was a true Cantonese feast for the senses. From the vibrant atmosphere to the delicious food, every detail was carefully considered. The total cost, as stated in the receipt, was very reasonable, especially considering the quality of the food and the cozy, upscale atmosphere. It felt like we were dining in a posh restaurant, but without the...
Read moreKitty and I were in Mount Austin for our facial, and after indulging in a relaxing treatment, we decided to grab dinner nearby before heading to our next appointment for pedicures and manicures. We stumbled upon You Kee XO restaurant and decided to give it a try. Our facial therapists had raved about their flavorful duck, so we were eager to experience it for ourselves.
As soon as we stepped inside, we were greeted by a vibrant and cozy atmosphere. The restaurant had been nicely renovated, creating a warm and inviting space. I went for the duck drumstick with rice and added some char siu for good measure, while Kitty ordered the duck rice with traditional roasted pork. The waiter also recommended their signature soup, which was infused with Chinese herbs.
The soup was truly a revelation. It was brimming with flavorful pork meat, a medley of Chinese herbs, and, of course, the 冬虫夏草 (dōng chóng xià cǎo), which is known for its immune-boosting properties. It's said to stimulate immune cells and can even help improve lung function. This makes it a popular ingredient for treating respiratory conditions like asthma and bronchitis. And since it's also known to help reduce fatigue, this comforting soup was the perfect way to start our meal.
The soup was served in a traditional Chinese hot pot, which added to its warmth and flavor. The duck meat was tender and succulent, with crispy skin that rivaled the best Peking duck. And the chili sauce? Oh, it was divine! I also requested extra duck sauce to add to my rice, and it was the perfect finishing touch.
To top off our delightful meal, You Kee XO surprised us with a complimentary jelly. It was a sweet and refreshing treat that made for a perfect ending to our dinner.
Overall, You Kee XO was a true Cantonese feast for the senses. From the vibrant atmosphere to the delicious food, every detail was carefully considered. The total cost, as stated in the receipt, was very reasonable, especially considering the quality of the food and the cozy, upscale atmosphere. It felt like we were dining in a posh restaurant, but without the...
Read moreYouKee XO 有记烧臘之家 at Mount Austin greets you with the comforting aroma of simmering herbs before you even step inside. Warm yellow lights reflect off simple wooden tables, each equipped with a big clay urn at the entrance where their signature herbal soup bubbles away over charcoal for upwards of fifteen hours. The walls are unassuming, letting the rich scents and friendly chatter take center stage.
Every visit starts with a choice of soups—usually a tonic herbal broth and a nourishing black chicken variety. Both arrive steaming hot, studded with goji berries, red dates and fragrant roots that lend a gentle sweetness to each mouthful. This soup doubles as both a starter and a palate cleanser, and you’ll find yourself sneaking extra bowls between rounds of meat.
The star attraction is the roast meat platter. The duck skin shatters into shards of pure crispness, giving way to richly marinated flesh that tastes of star anise and light soy. Char siew comes in thick slices glazed with honeyed soy, edges caramelized just so, while pork belly offers a smoky, fatty bite that somehow stays springy. Each piece rests atop a bed of fragrant rice steamed to fluffy perfection.
Sides arrive without fanfare yet feel essential: wilted greens drizzled in garlic oil, firm tofu cubes swimming in chili oil and a small dish of pickled radish that cuts through the richness. The balance between hearty and refreshing is effortless, a testament to their careful timing and attention to tradition.
Service feels like catching up with an old friend. Staff refill your soup pot before you ask, adjust rice portions to your appetite and send you off with a warm wave. Prices hover around twelve to eighteen ringgit for a satisfying set, with premium add-ons like abalone boosting the experience on special occasions. Weekday lunch sees the calmest dining room; by evening the place hums with locals chasing that perfect crackle of roast skin. Whether you’re here for a quick solo feast or a leisurely meal with friends, YouKee XO delivers soul-warming bowls and plates that keep you...
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