Malaysia
Singapore
Thailand
Those who frequent Kedai Kopi at 925 Yishun Central, right behind Northpoint City, will know that it has a bountiful lineup of Muslim-owned stalls. Adding to that list is Warung Dimsum, which boasts a menu of over 20 items featuring some unique handcrafted items that are not commonly offered elsewhere.
The stall is mainly owned by 23-year-old Mr Imran Mean, a young social entrepreneur. He turned his life around, going from staying in a shelter with his family to running an expanding business. He not only provides professional services in Singapore and Malaysia, but also employs youths to give them a platform to learn and earn some income.
On Sundays (if you’re lucky), you might also catch some of the dim sum making action unfolding right in front of you. Imran’s mother helps out at the stall most days, so come say hi to the friendly makcik.
For its Classic Dimsum selection, its assortment of 15 varieties goes for just S$3 each. With every 5 types ordered, you’ll even receive 1 item FREE — what a steal! Some options include 3 Pcs Breaded Prawn, 3 Pcs Thai Fish Cake, 2 Pcs Chives Dumpling, and 2 Pcs Salted Egg Bun.
The unique handmade Coriander Chicken Pau (S$5.50) at Warung Dimsum might be a controversial item — I know tons of anti-coriander folks. But for fans like my dining partners and me, it was an absolute treat!
I enjoyed the Sze Chuan Spicy Chilli Oil Wanton (S$7.50), which were crowned with minced garlic and chilli flakes. However, those who love the zing of vinegar might be a little disappointed.
After taking a bite of the Steamed Chunky Fish Muar Otah Halves (S$6), I was instantly transported to the rustic streets of Muar where I purchased packet after packet of the speciality otah there. It tasted quite legit!
The Handmade Jumbo Siew Mai (S$6.50 for 3 pieces) and Jumbo Prawn Har Kow (S$7) were indeed larger than the usual run-of-the-mill varieties served elsewhere. The latter was packed with succulent prawns while the former was bursting with meaty goodness.
Though the Pau Kambing Berlada (S$5.50) tasted good and I felt that mutton paus are rarely offered, it was, unfortunately, lacking the ‘berlada‘ (spicy) element. I found myself yearning for a punch of heat. If you’re afraid of lamb’s gaminess, rest assured as there was hardly any trace.
For carbs, you can get the Premium Abalone Lotus Leaf Rice (S$11). Glutinous rice filled with salted egg, shiitake mushroom, prawn, and abalone, is encapsulated within a lotus leaf and steamed. What you get is a flavourful dish bursting with the aromatic nuances of the leaf.
Similar to the ‘Amy Yip‘ bun, the colossal Premium Jumbo Nury Pau (S$8) comes stuffed with hard-boiled egg, salted egg, chicken, prawn, chicken char siew, shiitake mushrooms, and braised abalone. Indulge selfishly, or share it with a friend (if you’re feeling generous).
So if you’re in the mood for some light bites and handcrafted goodness, do swing by Muslim-owned Warung Dimsum at Kedai Kopi. Oh, by the way, you can also utilise your CDC and SG60 vouchers here. Yippee!
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