Hamzah AlsagoffThere is little need to 'review' this homely family favourite restaurant. It really doesn't need one. Firstly, you just join the queue of loyalists who have become familiar with its unique cuisine. Especially for the grateful Muslim community who previously have never tasted what is uniquely a regional Chinese cuisine from a predominately Muslim part of China. What began as a simple dream to let her fellow friends in Singapore taste authentic halal Chinese cuisine at an affordable price has turned Madam Aisha's little hearty gem into a Singapore favourite. Bless you, sister. And while late to the table they can count us as grateful and happy fans too. Their Signature Beef Noodles, 'a staple dish of North-western China and its large Muslim population where every Beef La Mian you order is a promise of a hearty bowl of springy noodles with succulent well-cooked beef in a wonderfully light yet flavourful broth', are not only a pleaser but a winner. Naturally, like most who dined, we had to have that of course. However, I was attracted - and so glad I did - by the more lightly soury punch from their Pickled Vegetables Noodles. The perfect balance of the lovely beef broth lightly infused I absolutely adore. Everyone makes his or her own choice for our small family of four but we could see many other families happily tucking into family dining that pleases everyone. Their dumplings are absolutely delish; with a thicker wrap so they won't break and the flavour inside is just divine bathed in a calming light broth one can't help but to slurp over. Even without dipping or drizzling with their chilli oil they taste too darn good. For our family that dish is a must side order for all to share. We also sampled their other signature bestseller fried brinjals and what a revelational delight in degustation they are. Easy to eat and so shiok in no time we all finished the plate of it super fast. Yums. Almost all we had are. Alas, one cannot eat everything on the menu. What is personally delightful for us is to not only see but overhear conversation peppered with a sprinking of Chinese. We were not surprised but comforted by faces of Muslims who look more like us; either mixed or have Chinese heritage by blood or marriage across the restaurant. What is even more delightful is to see fellow Muslims of all races and family types comfortably and happily tucking into the delicious food Yi Zun offers. Having visited Xinjiang many years before to shoot a tv commercial and sampled the street food there their authentic popular Xinjiang Lamb Skewers brings back beautiful memories of flavours never forgotten. I've always told my kids that their dad felt so at home in Urumqi and Xinjiang among such beautiful people who trace their lineage to Arab and Chinese mix from the fame spice route. At least with soulful hearty food at Yi Zun they get a feel of what I remember well. From time to time and whenever we are near there this has become our choice to dine at as a family. It is like going to a home that welcomes you, with amazing food.
C LauThe signature beef noodles left me disappointed as I was expecting much more from all the good reviews this restaurant has received. The noodles had a good texture but the beef slices and the soup were average. The turnip slices were missing from my bowl and service recovery was quick and smooth when I notified the staff. They were sliced really thinly though. As a group, we also tried their chicken skewers and the zhajiang mian, which are dishes I’ll recommend over the beef noodles. The chicken skewer was seasoned expertly, which allowed its natural flavour to shine through. The zhajiang mian’s sauce was quite tasty.
Nurulain Abdul WahabFirst time here at this outlet. Thoroughly enjoyed myself. Food was good, price reasonable. Fried rice serving was big enough for my mom & I to share and filling enough with 4 skewers and a veg side dish. Would come back with my friends!
