Fresh and Hearty Singaporean and Fujian Dishes at Putien in China World Mall

We do love spicy hotpot and Sichuan dishes, but with the changing of seasons we're seeking something a little lighter; step in Putien.

Its first venue opened in 2000 as a no-frills coffee shop outlet on Kitchener Road in Singapore, going on to become a one-star Michelin restaurant in 2016. Putien, named after the coastal city of Putian (莆田) in Fujian province, now brings its well-regarded brand of light, southern-style dishes to Guomao (they have another Beijing branch that opened in Indigo Mall last year).

Located on the fifth floor of the new China World Mall, Putien boasts more than 300sqm of airy and lively design set around bold and classic tiffany blue shades, light wooden table and chairs, and seating for over 100 people.

During our visit lunch time in the week, the restaurant was packed, and even though the table turnover is high, there were still plenty of people lining up outside. The menu features lots of typical Fujian dishes and even has a Top 10 list, handy if you're unfamiliar with this cuisine.

The seaweed and prawns appetizer (RMB 42) was remarkably fresh and made from first harvest seaweed and prawns straight from Putian, and mixed with vinegar and special sauce to balance the umami flavor. The bianrou soup (RMB 38) comes in an oversized soup bowl and loaded with pork wontons floating in a clear broth, special for their transparent wrappers, which are also made from pork.

Street food lovers, you might not enjoy traditional Chinese pig feet, say the ones found on Dirty Bar Street in Saniltun, but the rendition here (RMB 32) is streamed and then deep-fried, making the inner meat deliciously juicy and the outside crisp. Salt and white pepper seasoning do well to cover up what otherwise might be fatty bits some diners would have trouble swallowing.

The stir-fried yam (RMB 48) makes for a sweeter option thanks to a slightly caramelized and golden crust. Other menu favorites include stewed yellow croaker (RMB 45), shredded pork with sesame buns (RMB 12), cafen (rice noodles with seafood, RMB 48), or lor mee (noodles in a spiced gravy, RMB 48).

In order to try them all, we'd recommend grabbing a group of your colleagues or friends and order a plate of each.

Best yet, from now until June 15 you can buy a RMB 75 voucher on Dianping, which can be cashed in for the equivalent of RMB 100 at many restaurants in China World Mall's New Zone (link here). If you stop by either location for lunch, we'd recommend arriving before noon so as to avoid the crowds who are also looking for a refreshing taste of the south.

Putien
Daily 11am-2.30pm, 5-10pm. NL5004, 5/F, North Zone, China World Mall, 1 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District (8535 1606)
莆田：朝阳区建国门外大街1号国贸商城北区五层NL5004

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Email: tracywang@thebeijinger.com
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Photos: Tracy Wang