(Closed) Xin Shi Delights – Delightful Seafood Beehoon that You’ll Love

More and more hawkers are specialising in seafood nowadays. This means that seafood is more accessible, at more affordable prices. Xin Shi Delights is set up by a teacher who quit his stable 9-to-5 job to follow his dreams. After more than 8 years of teaching PE (Physical Education) in North Vista Secondary School, Desmond decided to leave the stability of his teaching job to do something he has always wanted to. He wants to set an example for his students to step out of their comfort zone to pursue their dreams. Desmond runs the stall with his wife and one of his very first students who is now a permanent staff at Xin Shi Delights!

Xin Shi Delights focuses on seafood beehoon with different kinds of shellfish. So, are you just paying for the same bee hoon with different ingredients? Nope, Desmond reaffirms that he cooks the ingredients together with the bee hoon before serving. Hence, the flavor and sweetness of the broth depends on your choice of shellfish.

They get their seafood every 2 days in small batches of 5kg. The recipes come from Desmond’s wife, Cheryl, who imparted everything she knew, and the techniques required, to Desmond. When asked, Desmond divulged that he uses chicken, prawn heads, small lobsters and even flower crabs for his broth! Their most extravagant dish, the Lobster Seafood Beehoon, features a whole lobster imported from Vietnam.

To appeal to a larger audience, they serve a variety of dishes including Lobster Seafood Beehoon ($28), Crayfish Seafood Beehoon ($16 for 1, $21 for 2), Big Prawn Seafood Beehoon ($14), Scallop Seafood Beehoon ($13), Seafood Beehoon ($7.80) and a Lunch Seafood Beehoon ($5.50, new item only available during lunch!). Unfortunately, I didn’t get to try everything, but we ordered their signature Lobster Seafood Beehoon and their new Lunch Seafood Beehoon. In case you’re wondering, the difference between the Lunch Seafood Beehoon and the Seafood Beehoon is that the Lunch Seafood Beehoon ($5.50) only has 2 prawns and 1 clam while the Seafood Beehoon ($7.80) has 3 prawns and 5 clams.

The Lobster Seafood Beehoon comprises a full-grown lobster and 3 medium-sized prawns. We decided to top up $2 for extra lala, and were rewarded with 11 juicy lalas. The broth was robust and had an alluring sea tang to it. I liked that the bee hoon wasn’t over cooked, but had a texture that was just right. While the lobster wasn’t obscenely large, I thought that it was meaty enough. We found that the lobster was pretty difficult to deshell, even while using our hands. The flesh wasn’t as sweet and tender as we had expected. On hindsight, I liked that the prawns were fresh and crunchy. Desmond tells me that he stews the broth for up to 6 hours, and spends up to 2 hours in the morning preparing the broth, which he says is the most critical part of the dish. Another item (not really an item) worth noting is their chili which they get from a supplier. The chilli has been cleverly tweaked and pairs perfectly with the seafood dishes. 

Only available during lunch, their Lunch Seafood Beehoon features 1 clam and 2 prawns for $5.50. I didn’t think it was great value and would’ve opted for the regular Seafood Beehoon which has 3 clams and 5 prawns for $7.80. On first taste, I noticed that the flavor of the broth and bee hoon was significantly less sweet and not as aromatic as that of the Lobster Seafood Beehoon. Desmond says that it’s because the crustacean flavour of the lobster amps up the taste of the broth dramatically. Nonetheless, the essential seafood flavors were still present. 

Desmond tells me that its tough being a hawker, and his positivity and tenacity to learn and improve his food is truly inspiring. Using only the experience he has from cooking for his kids at home, Desmond knows that he still has a long way to go before mastering his craft but his passion for food is definitely evident in his food. If you’re a seafood lover, do pay them a visit and show some love. Remember to also keep your receipt to get 10% off the next dish you order! 😉

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

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