Ever tried Sheng Jian Bao 生煎包?
These are pan-fried buns that are typically filled with marinated minced pork, within which contains gelatin which melts into liquid form upon cooking. To me, it is like a combination of a pork bun (肉包) and xiao long bao (小笼包), that is then pan-fried like guo tie (锅贴). It is often called Sheng Jian in short, and is hugely popular in Shanghai.
Nosignboard Sheng Jian is an establishment under the No Signboard group that also operates the No Signboard Seafood and Little Sheep Hotpot. Located within Northpoint City (near Skechers), it is a casual dining eatery that specialises in Northern Chinese dishes, their signature being the original "Popping Juices" Sheng Jian Bao.
We went for the Tricolor Jian Bao ($10.80) where you get 2 each of the Popping Juices, Chili Crab & Pork and the Vegan. This colourful combi is visually uplifting and appetizing, and is a good sampler platter if you are keen to try the available flavors all at once. All of them are well done, with thin skins and bottoms pan-fried to a beautiful crisp. The signature ones are especially good - bursting with savoury juices that are full of meaty flavour. The chilli crab ones were competent and spicy enough but the crab meat was lacking in both quality (frozen) and quantity to make each bite fulfilling enough.
While the vegan one was less juicy, I found the minced vegetables and mushroom filling really fragrant, making it mildly addictive. That is a big compliment coming from someone who isn't the biggest fan of vegetables.
The Xiao Long Bao ($11.60 per basket of 4) here was a hit with all of us too. For all 8 little bundles, the skin held up the juices perfectly - though it was just a little thicker than the ones over at DTF. Just like the Sheng Jian, the Xiao Long Bao are marketed to have "popping juices. It's essentially the same broth used for both dishes, but the different type of exterior certainly ensured there was no overdose.
For fillers, we tried out the Yangzhou Fried Rice ($12.80 with deep-fried pork for an additional $3). The addition of edamame was added a nice contrast, the wok hei was present, but otherwise it was understandably nothing spectacular. You really can't go much wrong with Yangzhou Fried Rice.
I was really glad I ordered the Crispy Noodle with Chicken & Mixed Mushroom ($14.80). It may look and sound simple, but the gravy emitted the fragrance of the mixed mushrooms, with a slightly woodsy flavor and yet full of umami. When doused over the crackling noodles, the contrast in texture and flavour was immensely satisfying. The toppings of tender chicken cubes and fresh mushrooms were great as well. In fact, I like it so much that I'd come back for this alone.
We ended off with the Crispy Purple Sweet Potato Ball ($5 for 3 pieces). Embedded within the purple spheres was a creamy, mashed sweet potato filling. The natural sweetness from the sweet potatoes provided a sweet ending to a fulfilling meal.
A thing to note is that there is no service charge here - you order and pay using a QR code on the table. While you are expected to collect your utensils and food from the collection point, the helpful staff do assist you especially if you have young children or elderly within your dining party.
Address: Northpoint City #01-137/138 (South Wing)
Opening Hours: Opens 10am to 9.30pm daily
Date of Last Visit: 27th November 2022
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