Ben Yeo’s new restaurant Tan Xiang Yuan is a lavish seafood affair

Actor and host Ben Yeo’s new restaurant Tan Xiang Yuan opened on Tuesday (Nov 15). The eatery joins Yeo’s growing list of F&B ventures such as Charcoal Fish Head Steamboat Restaurant, Playground and Geon Bae Lok Lok ⁠— all of which are in Kallang.

Tan Xiang Yuan sits amid a landscape of eclectic shophouses in the heart of Little India. The two-storey restaurant sports a white minimalistic exterior with black borders and arcs, giving it a chic, modern look. 

Ornaments and Chinese calligraphic characters scattered around the building lend it an old-school, homely touch.

Tan Xiang Yuan specialises in Chinese-style seafood. The eatery’s range of more than 80 menu items spans dishes such as steamed fish and seasonal live catches, including Alaskan king crab and Australian lobster.

One of the highlights is the TXY signature seafood hotpot (from S$98). Served over charcoal fire, the dish is a generous, bubbling pot of juicy prawns, sweet clams and more — all cooked within an aromatic broth that’s simmered for at least 12 hours. 

If you prefer something more exquisite, a must-have is the angelica black pepper crab (seasonal pricing). The earthy, celery-like taste of angelica roots balances well with the spicy kick from the black pepper. The Sri Lankan crab is plated beautifully to resemble a sculpture, making this elevated dish Instagram-worthy, too.

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While Tan Xiang Yuan touts itself as a seafood restaurant, it offers non-seafood dishes as well. 

Take, for example, the TXY hand-drizzled roast chicken (S$48 for a whole chicken). 

The dish got its name from its cooking method: After the chicken is roasted on high heat, it’s drizzled with hot oil to give its skin a crispy texture. Dig in and you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the succulent meat beneath. 

At present, Tan Xiang Yuan seats 20 people indoors and 80 outdoors. The restaurant plans to convert the second floor of the building into a dining space and is awaiting approval from the authorities. 

Book a ride to Tan Xiang Yuan.