Herbal Chicken Rice and Sweet Indulgence: A Culinary Escape at Hans Union Restaurant

Last Sunday, I had the opportunity to trek the trails at Windsor Nature Park, and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I headed out without having breakfast because I was in a rush and it was already late. If I had delayed my trip, the sun would have been too harsh, and the trek wouldn’t have been as enjoyable since I would have tired out quickly.

As a result, I was already feeling quite hungry by 11:30 AM. I decided to cut my trek short and head to the restaurant I had planned to visit for lunch. The place is called Hans Union Ato. I’m not sure about the origin or meaning of the name, but judging by the menu, it seems like they’ve curated a selection of popular dishes from various cuisines. They offer local Singaporean food, Western dishes, and other Southeast Asian cuisines as well. There seems to be something for everyone, which I found exciting because I was confident I’d find something delicious to eat.

My plan was to order a main dish with rice and then finish off with a slice of cake for dessert. I figured that would be very filling since the portion sizes at this restaurant are quite generous. Of course, the meals come at a price, but I’d say they’re worth it.

Before I get into the details of the food I ordered, let me describe the ambiance of this place. From the outside, it exudes a simple, modern vibe, much like the design of an international restaurant. I actually appreciated the simplicity of their signage—it’s not flashy, but it’s clear and easy to recognize.

There’s an outdoor dining area, though no one was using it at the moment because the weather was warm that day.

At the entrance, there are additional signs showcasing their latest offerings. I think it’s their way of encouraging regular patrons to return and try the new items on their menu.

As I entered the restaurant, it had an exciting vibe since it was almost full. Most of the customers that day were families who likely live nearby. I think it’s a good sign when a restaurant’s patrons are locals, as it suggests they offer good food and service.

With Chinese New Year just around the corner, Hans Union had already introduced their seasonal products, and they looked very enticing. I might try some of these when I revisit the place next week. Their pastries are excellent, so I’m confident their seasonal tarts will be just as good.

The system at the restaurant is straightforward—you go to the counter to place your order and pay at the same time.

I ordered the Herbal Chicken Rice and a slice of Strawberry Almond Flan.

I think the dish is a hearty and healthy meal, infused with a generous blend of Chinese herbs, nutritious fruits, and ginkgo nuts. The sauce had thickened into a jelly-like consistency, which happens when the collagen from the chicken is condensed—something that’s said to be beneficial for the skin as well.

The sauce, or thickened soup, has a very unique flavor profile. If it’s your first time trying a Chinese herb-infused soup, you might find the taste a bit overwhelming. It’s a mix of bitter, sweet, savory, and a medicine-like flavor.

I believe the hint of medicinal taste comes from the ginseng used to boil the soup. The essence of the soup can be intimidating at first because there are plenty of visible herbs on the plate. I wasn’t sure if these were meant to be eaten or if they were there just for flavor. Much like how I treat ginger in any dish, I set them aside since I can’t handle the strong taste when I bite into them. However, as I sipped the soup a few more times, the infused herbal flavors became more palatable and enjoyable.

The chicken was cooked beautifully, likely boiled to the point where the meat easily falls off the bone. While it might be slightly dry on its own, the soup keeps it perfectly moist. I found myself slurping the soup alongside the chicken, which made the overall experience quite satisfying.

I thoroughly enjoyed eating the chicken and soup together with the rice, as the flavors felt more balanced that way. I also think it would pair wonderfully with rice noodles.

And now, the moment I’ve been eagerly waiting for—dessert! I’ve been avoiding sweet treats for the past two weeks, so this feels absolutely divine.

Finally, I’m about to dig into this slice of sweet and tangy cake! It cost just S$5.50, which I think is very reasonable, especially since strawberries are currently one of the more expensive fruits on the market. They didn’t skimp on the strawberries either—there’s a generous amount in this slice.

It feels like their pastries and cakes aren’t meant to be major profit-makers. Instead, I think they’re offering them as a way to attract patrons to their restaurant as part of a marketing strategy.

I say this because making a cake with almonds and strawberries should cost more than the price they’ve set. When you factor in the cost of ingredients, labor, and energy required to bake it, it’s hard to imagine they’re making much of a profit.

Anyway, I enjoyed this cake so much that I finished it in just a few minutes. That’s the great thing about cakes like this, topped with fresh slices of fruit—it’s not overly sweet, so I don’t feel guilty indulging in it.

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Overall, my visit to Hans Union was a delightful experience, from the hearty Herbal Chicken Rice to the indulgent Strawberry Almond Flan. The balanced flavors, generous portions, and thoughtful menu offerings make it a place worth revisiting, especially for their seasonal treats. I’m already looking forward to trying more dishes and sharing another food adventure with you soon!

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