The bold and unbridled flavours of Hunan are pouncing into the home of wildlife with the opening of Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine’s 17th outlet at Mandai Wildlife EAST (#01-06) this August. Feast on the authentic and fiery flavours from this inland province in central China, all set against a lush, nature-filled backdrop.
This latest outlet of the homegrown Hunan cuisine chain seats approximately 108 guests across 26 tables. Lauded for its meticulously prepared dishes, Xiang Xiang joins Mandai’s growing array of family-friendly dining options. Visitors to the nation’s wildlife reserve can now look forward to savouring a satisfying spread of authentic Hunan dishes, all prepared with top-quality ingredients sourced from around the world, perfect after a day of exploring the wild.
Visitors of Mandai can soak up the verdant surroundings, while relaxing in a comfortable space that retains the familiar, cosy vibes Xiang Xiang is known for. And just like its other branches, diners can also help themselves to free-flow complimentary snacks and ice cream at the new Mandai Wildlife EAST eatery alongside their hearty Hunan meal.
In addition, as Singapore celebrates its milestone 60th birthday, Xiang Xiang also turns a year older this August. It’s a double, wait… triple celebration! To mark the occasion, the beloved Hunan cuisine brand also unveils a limited-edition jumbo birthday bag surprise for all dine-in guests celebrating their August birthdays at all outlets islandwide.
An Updated Menu at Mandai
Xiang Xiang’s latest Mandai outlet sees the latest exclusive menu additions from its VivoCity restaurant, which opened recently in June.
Feast on the Red-Braised Lamb Ribs (Non-Member: $28.9, Member: $24.9), a dish that features premium Australian lamb slow-braised to perfection and simmered with carrots in a rich broth. Xiang Xiang’s experienced chefs meticulously select premium cuts of Australian lamb, expertly seasoned to highlight its natural richness while ensuring a perfectly balanced flavor. Gently braised to tender perfection, the lamb simmers in an aromatic broth with sweet carrots, creating a harmonious blend of savory depth and subtle sweetness. A dish that embodies both comfort and sophistication, leaving every diner longing for the next bite.
Another meaty must-order is Xiang Xiang’s Tomato-Braised Beef Brisket (Non-Member: S$22.90, Member: S$19.90), tenderly slow-cooked in an aromatic clay pot with sweet-tart tomatoes in a robust, tangy broth. Tender beef brisket slow-braised with whole tomatoes creates a perfect balance of rich collagen and bright acidity, while chewy rice cakes add satisfying texture. Packed with lycopene and protein, this comforting dish delights all ages with its wholesome goodness.
Alongside these latest exclusive menu additions, Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine’s guests at Mandai can also savour the other mainstays introduced by the brand across all outlets in early February. These include the irresistible Claypot Prawns (Non-Member: S$22.90, Member: S$19.90). Gently simmered in a claypot with a magical blend of secret sauces, these firm, succulent prawns undergo a slow-cooking process that allows the flavours to thoroughly seep into the seafood for an exceptional umami. Better yet, the claypot enhances the notes of wok hei, adding a kiss of smoky charred fragrance for a more complex depth of flavour.
A gem is the Stir-fry Spicy Squid Tentacles (Non-Member: S$22.90, Member: S$19.90), a wok-tossed thrill where plump, springy squid tentacles are blasted with chili and garlic until their edges curl into a delicate crisp. The secret? Let them sear undisturbed for a fiery char, then push them aside—allowing the fresh leeks underneath to slowly sizzle in the rendered spice oils. Two minutes is all it takes: the leeks soften just enough to release their sweet, oniony fragrance, mingling with the squid’s briny depth. A final high-heat toss binds them together—glossy with a sticky-spicy glaze, each bite alternating between the squid’s snappy heat and the leeks’ mellow sweetness. Best served scorching hot, with the leeks’ aroma rising like a tease before the chili’s lingering kick takes over.
Not to be missed are of course Xiang Xiang’s lineup of signature dishes, including the wildly popular Hunan Stir-Fry Pork (S$19.9), a bestseller with over 500,000 servings sold annually islandwide. The key to its success is the way it brings together premium ingredients from three renowned regions: melt-in-the-mouth Spanish Iberico pork, fiery Shandong screw peppers, and crunchy Yunnan white fungus. Stir-fried over roaring flames to impart an intense wok hei, the unctuous pork is well-balanced by the fervent pops of the peppers and the refreshing crunch of the white fungus.
A favourite at Xiang Xiang is its 18-Second Angus Beef Stir-Fry (Non-Member: S$22.9, Member: S$19.9), which gets its name from the exact cooking time of the imported beef slices. To create this dish, the buttery Angus beef is quickly stir-fried in a scorching wok with Hunan chopped chillies for exactly 18 seconds — emerging tender with a glistening sheen, its edges lightly kissed by the heat. As a thoughtful gesture, Xiang Xiang serves this atop a small candle, to keep the dish warm while it is enjoyed.
Another crowd pleaser is the Roasted Chili & Century Egg with Mashed Eggplant (Non-Member: S$12.90, Member: S$11.90), an energizing, pleasantly pungent appetiser that delivers the ideal dose of textures and tastes. Silky mashed eggplant meets crisp roasted chili, while the preserved egg adds a layer of deep, umami richness. Served chilled, this dish is a medley of vivid flavours that linger long after the last bite.
Where Traditional Flavours Meet Modern Techniques
Founded in 2009 along Smith Street in the heart of Singapore’s Chinatown, Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine is committed to preserving tradition while embracing modern culinary techniques, with every dish thoughtfully crafted through careful research and development. The homegrown Hunan cuisine brand seeks to deliver an exceptional dining experience that caters to local palates.
Lauded for its meticulously prepared dishes, Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine takes pride in using only premium ingredients sourced from around the world. From top-quality meats like Spanish Iberico pork to Shandong screw pepper, Yunnan “rabbit ear” fungus to the highly prized 五常米 (Wǔcháng mǐ), a fragrant and flavourful rice renowned for its exceptional quality, each dish reflects a commitment to freshness and authenticity—a philosophy championed by the brand. The use of premium ingredients aligns with the upcoming food festival campaigns, further cementing Xiang Xiang’s reputation as a leader in Hunan cuisine here.
Become A Member And Make The Most Of Your Experience
Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine offers a free-of-charge loyalty programme, where members gain exclusive access to unbeatable prices with discounts of up to 30% on all regular menu items. As part of an exclusive top-up promotion, members who top up $1,500 will be upgraded to VIP status immediately, granting them complimentary access to the VIP rooms in its larger outlets.
