Remember how much I was raving about Putien? Heh, I couldn’t get it out of my head, so when I was at Vivocity this week for some shopping, I had to return to Putien!
Deep-fried duck with yam, S$15.00.
As I was alone, and wasn’t very hungry, I didn’t order any noodles or rice. Since I love duck and yam, naturally I tried one of the signature dishes, deep-fried duck with yam!
Duck meat wrapped in mashed yam, then deep-fried.
Actually, it’s more like duck meat wrapped in mashed yam (taro), then deep-fried. It’s quite similar to eating deep-fried wu gok 芋角, a Cantonese dimsum item.
The mashed yam was very smooth, but unfortunately the whole thing tended to be a little greasy. There also wasn’t much flavor from the duck.
Putien's chilli sauce
Luckily, I spied the condiment jars on the next table, and spooned out some of the special chilli blend. With a dip, the spicy, sweet, and tart chilli sauce instantly perked up the yam duck!
I actually liked the unique chilli sauce very much. It’s probably a blend of fresh chilli, purple shallots, coriander leaves (and/or some other fresh herbs), lime juice, and sugar for sweetness. I think it’ll be a versatile dip or condiment for most of the seafood and meat dishes.
Ice bittergourd, S$4.80.
I tried this out of curiosity more than anything else. Basically, it’s chilled, shaved bittergourd slivers. The slivers are crunchy and translucent-thin.
On its own, the bittergourd is quite tasteless, with just a touch of bitterness. Those sensitive to its bitterness might not agree! But the bittergourd is served with honey, which you dip into before eating.
The icy-cold bittergourd with honey is actually rather refreshing, especially when paired with greasy meat or seafood dishes, but I must say it’s definitely an acquired taste!
Carrot rose.
I was playing around with the camera, and couldn’t resist a shot of the garnish for the yam duck: a beautiful carrot rose! 
Well, the yam duck and ice bittergourd were competently executed, but I didn’t enjoy myself so much this time. Not that the food was bad. It’s more a case of not ordering the right dishes (read: stuff my tastebuds like).
Pu Tien Restaurant (Vivocity)
1 Harbourfront Walk
#03-01B (inside Food Republic food court)
Singapore 098585
Tel: (65) 6376 9358
URL: www.putien.com
Images in this post were shot with Sony Alpha 350 with 50mm f2.8 Macro lens.
Hear Julia on radio every Thursday at 11:10am & 12:10pm as she shares a Foodie Lunch Pick on 938LIVE's Lunch Box with hosts Howie Lim and Desmond Wong. 
oh dear, you went back to Putien so fast again! and i haven been there. i went by and saw their menu before, prices seems very reasonable. must bring my family there for a meal soon. heh
Yes brad, this is a good place for family dinners. Reasonable prices for the quality, and it’s the kind of dishes the parents will like!
But I think the Marina Square outlet will be more comfortable. The harsh spotlights at Food Republic shine straight into your eyes! Ugh!
real beautiful photos dear! the carrot rose really captured my attention. love yr photography, can’t wait to see those we took yesterday =)
Evan, your photography is even more stunning! I’ve got lots to learn from you.