Ring in the Holiday Season with Goodwood Park Hotel's Christmas Gourmet Specials

Goodwood Park Hotel welcomes the festive season with a tempting array of Christmas gourmet specials available from 15 November to 26 December 2023. This year's lineup features sweet and savoury delights, promising a feast beyond tradition.

Breaking away from the conventional, the North Indian-style Roasted Turkey with Makhani Sauce, Vegetable Korma, Kashmiri Rice & Plain Naan ($288 nett for 8-12 persons) takes centre stage. Marinated in fragrant aromatics for two days, the turkey is finished with cheddar cheese and fresh cream before being roasted to succulent perfection. What sets it apart is the unique pairing of Kashmiri Rice and plain Naan, offering a delightful twist to the Christmas table.

Slow-roasted Iberico Pork Belly with Crackling, Potato Gratin, Pickled Cabbage

A signature favourite, the Slow-roasted Iberico Pork Belly with Cracking, Apple Sauce & Pork Jus ($428 nett for 6-8 persons) is a showstopper. With crispy cracking and succulent meat, this dish is complemented by Potato Gratin and Pickled Cabbage, providing a perfect balance to the richness of the pork.

Herb-Crusted Roast Leg of Lamb with Roasted Potatoes, Lamb Jus & Mint Sauce

The Herb-Crusted Roast Leg of Lamb with Roasted Potatoes, Lamb Jus & Mint Sauce ($358 nett for 6-8 persons) is a delectable choice for lamb enthusiasts. Coated in a housemade herb marinade and roasted to perfection, the golden parmesan and butter-coated crust add a layer of richness.

Baked Turkey & Chorizo Cannelloni

The Baked Turkey & Chorizo Cannelloni ($52 nett for 4 persons) is a comforting dish featuring tomato sauce ladled over six al dente cannelloni tubes stuffed with a rich filling of minced turkey, chorizo and zucchini and topped off with slices of chorizo, cherry tomatoes and a layer of molten mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Multi-layers of flavours work harmoniously together.

Shanghai-style Pan-fried Turkey Buns

Adding an Asian flair, the Shanghai-style Pan-fried Turkey Buns ($42 nett for 10 pieces) bring a unique twist. These buns are stuffed with well-seasoned minced turkey filling and a robust broth encased in a soft, pillowy skin with a crispy pan-fried base.

Snowy Splendour Log Cake

Merry-licious Fruity Cake

For a sweet conclusion, the Snowy Splendour Log Cake ($99 nett for 1kg) is a new creation featuring Dulcey chocolate mousse, raspberry confit, and chocolate fudge on a white chocolate macadamia nut base. The Merry-licious Fruity Cake ($92 nett for 700g) offers a refreshing option with mango confit, light coconut mousse, strawberry yoghurt mousse, and a buttery almond crumble base.

Santa’s Reindeer Tart

A delightful addition is the Santa's Reindeer Tart ($72 nett for 1kg), a pecan pie tart with a crumbly pastry crust, generously slathered with crushed pecans and dried cranberries, topped with charming gold-foiled white chocolate reindeers.

Goodwood ‘Mao Shan Wang’ Durian Christmas Log Cake

Christmas Durian Combo $70 nett for 6 pc

Durian lovers are in for a treat with the Goodwood "Mao Shan Wang" Durian Christmas Log Cake ($148 nett for 800g) and the Christmas Durian Combo ($70 nett for 6 pieces), featuring cherished classics from Goodwood Park Hotel's iconic Durian Fiesta throughout the years.

Takeaway festive offerings are available from The Deli, and orders can be placed at the Festive Online Shop goodwoodparkfestive.oddle.me for delivery or self-collection. Alternatively, visit The Deli or contact the Christmas Call Centre at (65) 6730 1867/68 from 10 am – 6 pm. Email festive@goodwoodparkhotel.com to place takeaway orders for self-collection only. Advance orders of five days are required for takeaways, with the last pre-order date on 19 December 2023. Let Goodwood Park Hotel elevate your festive celebrations with these culinary delights.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Goodwood Park Hotel
22 Scotts Road
Singapore 228221
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Min Jiang @ Goodwood Park Hotel - 10 Hands Culinary Showcasing A Rediscovery Of Cantonese Classics (十手连环，美味无限)

Building upon the success of last year's highly acclaimed 8 Hands Culinary Showcase at Min Jiang, Goodwood Park, the renowned restaurant has once again raised the bar with its latest culinary extravaganza, the "10 Hands Culinary Showcase: A Rediscovery of Cantonese Classics". This anticipated event, taking place from 13 to 20 July 2023, brings together five distinguished chefs, including veteran guest chefs Chan Kwok, Yim Yiu Wing and Cheng Hon Chau, alongside Min Jiang's own esteemed chefs Chan Hwan Kee and Ho Chee Hee. With their combined expertise and illustrious careers, this exceptional lineup promises to deliver an unforgettable dining experience steeped in Cantonese traditions.

The showcase offers two meticulously curated set menus. The 6-course lunch menu ($138 per person) and the 8-course lunch and dinner menu ($168 per person) both promise to take diners on a journey of Cantonese flavours and traditions.

Steamed Diced Chicken in Pomegranate Egg White Parcel 4/5

Kicking off the feast is the visually stunning Steamed Diced Chicken in Pomegranate Egg White Parcel. Resembling a chrysanthemum and pomegranate, this dish features a delicate pastry made from scratch using egg white and flour. Inside, a medley of finely diced chicken, celery, dried shiitake, and carrots is bathed in superior stock and crowned with luscious crab roe, creating a harmonious blend of flavours.

Baked Stuffed Crab Shell & Roasted Silver Hill Irish Duck 4.2/5

Next, the Baked Stuffed Crab Shell takes centre stage, paying homage to Hong Kong's fusion of Eastern and Western cuisines. Handpicked Sri Lankan crab meat is combined with onions and shiitake mushrooms in a cream sauce reminiscent of bechamel. The mixture is then baked in a crab shell to golden perfection. Accompanying this delicacy is the succulent Roasted Silver Hill Irish Duck, complemented by sweet and juicy fresh mango and a tangy homemade plum sauce.

Boneless Chicken Thigh stuffed with Bird's Nest and Yunnan Ham Double-boiled Superior Soup 4.5/5

A standout dish, the Boneless Chicken Thigh stuffed with Bird's Nest and Yunnan Ham in Double-boiled Superior Soup, showcases hours of laborious cooking. The chicken is deboned and filled with premium bird's nest before being double-boiled for three additional hours. The result is a dish bursting with rich and pure flavours derived from the carefully selected ingredients.

Pan-fried Dace Fish Meat, Liver Sausage and Orange Peel stuffed in whole Dace Fish 4/5

Delving into a traditional recipe from the Shunde district in Guangdong, China, the Pan-fried Dace Fish Meat, Liver Sausage, and Orange Peel stuffed in a whole Dace Fish offers a delightful combination of textures and flavours. The dace fish flesh is expertly removed and blended into a fish paste, which is then combined with orange peel for a citrus note and finely diced liver sausage for added depth. The fish paste is stuffed back into the dace fish and pan-fried to crispy perfection.

Crispy Wontons with Pork and Seafood in Sweet and Sour Sauce 4/5

For those seeking a familiar yet elevated snack, the Crispy Wontons with Pork and Seafood in Sweet and Sour Sauce delivers. These wontons feature iberico char siew as a filling, elevating the dish's succulent flavour. Accompanied by a tantalizing sweet and sour sauce brimming with pork slices, pork liver, prawns, and scallops, this dish is a true delight when dipped into the sauce.

Wok-fried Crispy Silver Hill Irish Duck with Yam Paste 4.2/5

Prepare for a symphony of textures and flavours with the Wok-fried Crispy Silver Hill Irish Duck with Yam Paste. The duck is wok-fried to a golden brown, creating a layer of crispy goodness atop a bed of mashed taro. Each bite offers a delightful combination of fragrant, fluffy, juicy, and crispy elements.

Stewed White Jade Noodles with Wild Mushrooms and Mustard Green 4/5

As a light yet flavoursome finale to the savoury courses, the Stewed White Jade Noodles with Wild Mushrooms and Mustard Green provides a comforting and homely experience. This bowl of goodness brings together tender noodles, earthy wild mushrooms, and mustard greens in a flavoursome broth.

Crispy-fried Water Chestnut with Apricot, Chilled D24 Pandan Gula Melaka Rice Roll 4/5

To conclude this remarkable culinary journey, we are treated to a duo of delectable sweet treats. The Crispy-fried Water Chestnut with Apricot is a delightful creation where steamed water chestnut and apricot are enveloped in a thin, crispy batter, offering a delightful contrast of textures. Meanwhile, the Chilled D24 Pandan Gula Melaka Rice Roll steals the show with its soft and slightly chewy exterior, filled with creamy D24 durian pulp and enhanced by a drizzle of fragrant gula melaka. This harmonious combination leaves a lingering sweetness on the palate, providing a satisfying conclusion to the gastronomic adventure at the "10 Hands Culinary Showcase: A Rediscovery of Cantonese Classics."

Dine-in reservations may be made via phone: 6730 1704, email: min_jiang@goodwoodparkhotel.com and https://www.tablecheck.com/en/shops/goodwood-park-hotel-min-jiang/reserve

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Min Jiang
Goodwood Park Hotel
22 Scotts Road
Singapore 228221
Tel: +65 67301704
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk down Scotts Road to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

99 Old Trees @ Teo Hong Road - Launching Its first-ever ‘Durian Confidence Course’ With Free-flow Mao Shan Wang

Known for its quality durian (less than 12 hours after being harvested) delivered daily from Malaysia, 99 Old Trees at Teo Hong Road has launched its first-ever 'Durian Confidence Course' (DCC) from 19 June to 4 July 2023. Conceptualized and hosted by the durian veterans at 99 Old Trees, DCC hopes to inspire you to be the next batch of durian connoisseurs! And most importantly, it empowers you to choose your favourite durians confidently.

The Durian Confidence Course ($128 per ticket, $99 each for two tickets or more) is a yummilicious interactive 90-minute experience that seats up to eight persons. First, we began with a crash course to identify different durians from Malaysia. It teaches us the cheat code for choosing the best durians, the awareness of over-selling techniques to avoid falling prey to, and you will even get the chance to learn how to open a durian.

During Tasting Session

Free Flow Mao Shan Wang

Next, we went through the highly anticipated durian tasting session of six different cultivars, including free-flow Mao Shan Wang. You get to try varietals that are lesser in supply in our market, including Susu, Tekka, and S17. Drinks are included, with a choice of Coconut, Water, or Cooling Water C. It was quite an experience enjoying this stinky goodness in its alfresco area.

Included in this course, you get to bring home an exclusive goodie bag - a DCC manual, a 'CID' (Certified-in-Durian) T-Shirt (worth $29), A durian squishy (worth $5.90), as well as a Stinky Roll (worth $27), created by its sister brand Stinky. If you can't get enough of durian, drop in Stinky to try its whole range of desserts, such as the Stinky Bowl ($6.30) and traditional Teochew-style dessert Stinky Chendul ($5.90).

99 Old Trees will also set up an Anti-Durian Scam Hotline this season. The public can snap a picture of the durian they wish to purchase and WhatsApp it over to be verified by durian experts from 12pm to 9pm daily at 9822 2495.

DCC is priced at $128 per ticket, $99 each for two tickets or more. Pre-book your slots at https://www.99oldtrees.com/master-class.

Photos and words by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


99 Old Trees
1 Teo Hong Road
Singapore 088321
Tel: +65 98222495
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Nearest MRT: Outram Park (EW, NE, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Tan Xiang Yuan @ Dickson Road - A Seafood Hotpot Haven and Chinese Delights By Actor Ben Yeo

Nestled within a charming two-storey shophouse along Dickson Road, Tan Xiang Yuan offers a delightful array of Chinese dishes, opened by actor and host Ben Yeo. While their signature seafood hotpot steals the spotlight, the restaurant also presents a diverse selection of Chinese cooked dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Signature Seafood Hotpot 4/5

The centerpiece of Tan Xiang Yuan is their Signature Seafood Hotpot ($98/$188), a culinary masterpiece that is served over a charcoal fire. The broth, simmered for eight hours with prawn shells, old hen, and pork bones, exudes a rich and sweet flavor that is packed with seafood goodness. Sliced fish, yam, prawns, abalone, scallops, and more adorn the hotpot, creating a seafood extravaganza that will leave you craving for more.

Black Vinegar Pork Trotter Jelly 3/5

For a modern twist on a traditional favorite, the Black Vinegar Pork Trotter Jelly ($6) takes the stage. These mini sphere-shaped delights offer a unique and delicate rendition of the classic Teochew pig's trotter jelly, although the portion size may leave you longing for more.

Mao Shan Wang Durian Chilli Crab Ball 4/5

Prepare for a surprising combination with the Mao Shan Wang Durian Chilli Crab Ball ($12/pc), an appetizer that encases the bold flavors of durian and chili crab in a crispy shell. This unusual fusion surprisingly works, creating a burst of flavors that will intrigue your taste buds.

Handmade Fish Curd with Luffa Melon 2.5/5

Unfortunately, not all dishes at Tan Xiang Yuan live up to expectations. The Handmade Fish Curd with Luffa Melon ($20/$30/$40), while comprising luffa, handmade fish curd, black fungus, carrot, and mushroom, fell short in terms of flavor. It lacked seasoning, leaving a bland impression on the palate.

Signature Fried Rice 2.8/5

The Signature Fried Rice ($22/$33/$44), a staple dish in any Chinese restaurant, also failed to impress. With its lackluster taste and ordinary presentation, it did not meet the expectations one would have for a restaurant of this caliber.

Hand Drizzled Roast Chicken 4.2/5

However, Tan Xiang Yuan redeems itself with their Hand Drizzled Roast Chicken ($26 Half/ $48 Whole), a dish that showcases the artistry of drizzling hot oil over the chicken to achieve a crispy skin while keeping the meat tender and juicy. The result is a flavorful and satisfying poultry indulgence.

Signature Beef Cubes 4.2/5

To spice things up, the Signature Beef Cubes ($26/$39/$52) stir-fried in a piquant black pepper sauce take the spotlight. The succulent meat, infused with the aromatic black pepper, creates a mouthwatering symphony of flavors that will leave you craving for more.

Overall, Tan Xiang Yuan at Dickson Road offers a memorable dining experience with its show-stopping seafood hotpot and a mix of Chinese dishes. While some dishes may fall short of expectations, the restaurant's highlights shine through, making it a worthwhile destination for seafood lovers and Chinese cuisine enthusiasts alike.


Tan Xiang Yuan
1 Dickson Road
Singapore 209493
Tel: +65 80585527
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Nearest MRT: Jalan Besar (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Jalan Besar MRT statton. Take Exit A. Cross the road. Walk to Dickson Raod. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Ms Durian @ Jalan Besar - New Standalone Bakery And Cafe Specialising In All Things Durian

If you are a durian fan, Ms Durian is a bakery and cafe you will definitely want to look out for. The team started with a small shop at Potong Pasir in 2019 before expanding to this new space at Jalan Besar in February. Their new standalone space has indoor and outdoor seating and offers diners freshly made items of all things durian.

Apart from their signature sweets, Ms Durian has also launched a new variety of savoury dishes with mains such as Pan-seared Salmon ($29) and Smoked Duck Eggs Benny ($22), as well as sharing dishes like Fried Cheese ($18) and Grilled White Corn ($12).

Mao Shan Wang Durian High Tea Set

One of Ms Durian's signatures is their Mao Shan Wang Durian High Tea Set ($45/pax). Two high tea sessions are daily, at 1pm and 3pm. Each set has four desserts, three savoury items, and a tea pairing. Do note that it is mandatory for each person at the same table to order a set each. We sampled a few items from the set, starting from the top with the ones with the least durian intensity before the stronger ones after. First was the Fried Durian. This bite had a rich durian filling with coconut sauce to pair with it. Next was the Durian Craquelin, a mini version of one of their best-selling creations. We loved the crisp and light outer layer, paired with a sweet durian centre.

We then moved on to the Durian Macaron, which had a soft and chewy shell, before finishing with the Durian Cheese Mousse that came topped with brown butter crumble. I would have liked a stronger cheese mousse here for contrast; otherwise, it was a pleasant dessert.

Durian Ice Blended 4/5

The Durian Ice Blended ($10.50) is a new introduction to their beverage list. You can have it two ways - the first is as it is served, while the second is being paired with grounded white sesame. I thought it could be blended more smoothly, and the addition of white sesame was negligible, but we enjoyed how it was rich yet not overwhelmingly sweet. It works well in satisfying the durian craving and doesn't leave you feeling heaty after finishing the whole glass.

Durian Coffee 4.2/5

Each bottle of Durian Coffee ($12.50) is made to order, done with a combination of creamy latte and durian. The espresso notes hit strongly initially, while the durian notes come in at the end. The team worked on attaining a well-balanced ratio here.

Creme Brulee with Mao Shan Wang Durian Ice Cream 3/5

Ms Durian offers a couple of plated desserts, including the Creme Brulee with Mao Shan Wang Durian Ice Cream ($18.50). While we enjoyed the rich, creamy ice cream and crunchy macadamia nut brittle, we found the vanilla essence too strong in the custard and the torched sugar layer too thick. The team was very open to feedback, so we look forward to an improved version!

Mao Shan Wang Durian Tiramisu 4/5

Made with freshly pulled espresso and an additional touch of rum, Ms Durian's Mao Shan Wang Durian Tiramisu ($18.50) is intentionally kept more bitter. We liked the intensity of the coffee and its contrasting pairing with the thick and sweet durian mousse. The ladyfingers were of a harder texture, which would be better if they were soaked further for a softer texture.

Whisky Mao Shan Wang Durian Cake 4.5/5

The Whisky Mao Shan Wang Durian Cake ($14.50) features a triple-layered Mao Shan Wang durian between whisky-infused sponge cake, topped with meringue. The whisky leaves a subtle whiff, while the crisp meringue gives a complementary touch of sweetness. The durian was rich but not too sweet, which we greatly enjoyed.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Ms Durian
11 Kelantan Road
Singapore 208604
Tel: +65 69620057
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Nearest MRT: Jalan Besar MRT (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon, Wed-Thu: 9am - 6pm
Fri-Sun: 9am - 10pm
(Closed on Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Jalan Besar MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk down Jalan Besar Road towards Kelantan Road. Turn right onto Kelantan Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]