Tian Tian Dao 天天到湖南小碗菜 became our next target after our amazing experience at Pin Wan Wan’s small bowl concept. We were so impressed by that format that hunting down another similar spot became our mission. What made this place stand out? Their speciality in Hunan cuisine – something hubby and I barely knew anything about.
Located just a short stroll from Mid Valley Southkey, Tian Tian Dao sits perfectly for anyone craving authentic Chinese small bowl dishes without the hassle of travelling far. The convenience factor sealed the deal for us.
First Impressions
We rocked up around 6.30pm to find the place practically empty. Compared to Pin Wan Wan, Tian Tian Dao runs smaller with fewer seats. But they’ve got both indoor aircon tables and outdoor seating options.
The restaurant operates more than just the small bowl concept. They’re a proper Chinese cuisine establishment serving dry pots, hot pots, luosifen noodles, dumplings, and various stir-fried dishes.
How Tian Tian Dao Works
Some columns sat empty during our visit – the popular dishes had likely been cleared out earlier. But the constant stream of delivery orders told a different story. Chefs worked furiously at their woks while delivery riders kept streaming in and out.
The system mirrors Pin Wan Wan perfectly. Grab a tray, pick your dishes from the small bowl selection, then head to the counter for payment. Every dish comes clearly labelled in both Chinese and English with transparent pricing.
Here’s What We Got (And What We Thought)
We selected six dishes, which the staff kindly heated up for us. They even threw in complimentary soup – rich and flavourful stuff that warmed us right up.
Steamed Egg (RM3)
Soft, silky, and utterly comforting. This dish never fails to hit the spot. Simple yet executed perfectly.
Spicy Potatoes (RM5.80)
These golden beauties get fried until their skins caramelise beautifully, then tossed with spicy seasoning. The cumin fragrance stands out without overwhelming your palate.
Mapo Tofu (RM6.80)
This version impressed us big time. Large tau kwa pieces swimming in perfectly balanced sauce that wasn’t overly oily. Honestly one of the least greasy mapo tofu versions I’ve encountered, yet the flavour remained spot-on.
Tossed Kelp Strips (RM12)
Refreshing cold dish without any fishy taste. The kelp gets marinated in tangy vinegary dressing while onions and cucumbers add contrasting crunch. Perfect palate cleanser.
Pig’s Ear Salad (RM6.80)
This surprised us both. Even hubby, who usually avoids this dish, found himself enjoying it. The crunchy cartilage texture makes it quite addictive.
Twice Cooked Pork (RM12)
Unlike other places that load you up with cabbage, this version came packed with meat. Flavoursome but a little too oily.
Value for Money
Our feast cost RM53.90 (roughly S$16) including white rice at RM2.50 per portion. For authentic Chinese cuisine quality, this pricing won’t break anyone’s bank.
The dishes packed serious seasoning punch – exactly why you need rice as your faithful companion. But here’s what impressed us: despite the heavy seasoning, nothing tasted overly salty or greasy. We didn’t find ourselves gulping water constantly or feeling weighed down after the meal.
Final Verdict
Tian Tian Dao’s small bowl concept lets you explore a wide variety of authentic Hunan flavours without committing to large portions. Prices are reasonable, the location near Mid Valley Southkey is convenient, and attentive service—like heating dishes and offering complimentary soup—adds a nice touch. While some popular dishes were sold out by dinner, we’ll be back for lunch to catch the full selection, including their La Zi Ji and dry pot. A solid pick for anyone craving variety in Chinese cuisine.