Crossroads Buffet @ Marriott Singapore Tang Plaza - The Great Irish Beef Feast At Crossroads Buffet

Strategically located at the heart of bustling Orchard Road, Crossroads Buffet continues to live up to its name of serving an international buffet spread that draws influences from all around the world. This March, the restaurant has collaborated with John Stone, a supplier of quality Irish produce, to launch “The Great Irish Beef Feast” menu from now until 31 May 2023.

Sourced from the lush green pastures of Ireland and crowned as the best in the world, John Stone's premium dry-aged Irish beef is famed for its sustainable practices, high-quality tender meats and exceptional flavours. The key to achieving such consistency comes with over 50 years of experience focusing on the optimal ageing period of 21 to 28 days and 100% grass-fed beef for maximum consistency. These are meticulously curated, and the meats can rest and breathe while being stored in controlled conditions.

In addition to its buffet line that features more than 80 dishes, diners can feast on unlimited servings of premium dry-aged Irish beef available across different stations. Get started with the smoky and moist Dry Rub Roast Brisket, Whiskey Aged Cote de Boeuf or perfectly caramelised and fall-off-the-bone Kansas Barbeque Beef Mid Rib at the Carving Station. Each bite of the well-marbled beef is elegantly flavoured and promises incredible juiciness.

Diners can also indulge in other meats besides the beef, such as Grilled T-bone Lamb and Grilled Pork. In addition, the Peri Peri Chicken is well-marinated and perfectly tender.

Go for the hearty Beef Brisket Noodle Soup at the Noodle Bar and customise it with various ingredients that catch your fancy. The aromatic beef broth goes amazingly well with beef meatballs, tendon and sliced beef – it's tender with a light chew and full of gelatinous goodness!

Apart from the Beef Brisket Noodle Soup, you can also DIY your own Nyonya Laksa bowl with different ingredients and a rich, mildly spiced coconut-based broth.

Be sure to check out the Seafood on Ice station and get cracking with Snow Crab Leg, Poached Lobster, Poached Crayfish, Black Mussel, Sweet Prawn and Bottleneck Clam, served on rotation.

For dinner, create-your-own Fisherman’s Pot – take your pick from our fresh Seafood on Ice, choose from three sauces (Singapore Chilli Crab Sauce, Cajun Spiced Roast Garlic Butter or Cheesy Cream) and addon your favourite sides such as Smoked Sausage, Broccoli, Corn on Cob, and have the chef toss them all together.

Regarding the rice and noodle options, some of the favourites you may find at this counter are the Fried Rice with Floss and Fried Beef Hor Fun.

Other crowd-pleasers in their line-up include the Salted Egg Crab, Cai Pu Steamed Fish, Wok-Fried Mala Mini Lobster, and Coffee Sauce Chicken.

Lastly, round up your meal on a sweet note with their wide variety of desserts such as the Chocolate Fudge Cake, Passionfruit Mango Gateaux, Caramel Pear Cake, and Strawberry Mirror Cake. In addition, the Kaya Gula Melaka Cake and Ondeh Ondeh Cake come with an Asian twist. Not to be missed is their Bread & Butter Pudding with Vanilla sauce and the Crème Brulee.

From now until 30 June 2023, diners can enjoy 20% off^ by simply quoting < CR20OFF > when making reservations. Visit https://www.crossroadssg.com/, call 6831 4605 or email mhrs.sindt.fb.reservations@marriotthotels.com.

Monday to Friday (12PM to 230PM):
$65++ per adult
$39++ per child
Saturday and Sunday:
$78++ per adult
$48++ per child

Sunday to Thursday (630PM to 1000PM):
$78++ per adult
$39++ per child
Friday and Saturday:
$88++ per adult
$48++ per child

Words and photos by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Crossroads Buffet
Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel
320 Orchard Rd
Singapore 238865
Tel: +65 68314605
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 630am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Poh Preserved Veg Hor Fun (菜莆河) @ Chinatown Complex Food Centre - The Return Of The Teochew Chai Poh Hor Fun

Poh Preserved Veg Hor Fun (菜莆河) is back at Chinatown Complex Food Centre after abruptly closing its Empress Road Food Centre. The stall currently offers only four items on the menu, a reduction he used to sell at his last stall. From what I read online, Mr Ng, the stall owner, has 20 years of experience working at Shangri-La and Kim Huat Restaurant. He was running the stall alone during my visit.

Preserved Veg Hor Fun 4/5

We had the signature Preserved Veg Hor Fun ($6). I observed how Mr Ng heated up the wok and stir-fried the flat rice noodles in the high heat, infusing them with the wok's breathe (smokiness). After that, beaten egg is poured into the wok, wrapping and sealing the smokiness in the golden egg coat. When one tucks into the plate of noodles, the first thing that hit me was the release of the smokey aroma, followed by the egg's fragrant. It is like having a plate of fried white carrot cake, not getting the crunchy bites of sweet chai poh.

Oyster Preserved Veg Hor Fun 3.8/5

We also had the Oyster Preserved Veg Hor Fun ($6), which is not much different from the original version. However, I find the addition of prawns is better than oysters. The sweetness from the prawns gave the plate of noodles an additional boost in taste profile.

Egg Fried Rice 3/5

The Egg Fried Rice ($5.50) was rather ordinary. The rice texture has a bite, so if you prefer the soft and moist type, this is not for you.

Prawn Paste Chicken 4.2/5

To complement your plate of hor fun or fried rice, I would highly recommend the Prawn Paste Chicken ($10). Deep-fried to golden brown, it was crispy and juicy. The fried chicken was packed with the rich prawn paste flavour, rich and prominent.


Poh Preserved Veg Hor Fun (菜莆河)
Chinatown Complex Food Centre
Blk 335 Smith Street
#02-206
Singapore 050336
Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT Line, NE Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 10am - 3pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Pagoda Street. Turn right onto Trengganu Street and walk to the end of the street. Cross Smith Street and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk to Sago Lane. Turn left and walk down Sago Lane. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. Map]

Sinpopo Brand @ Joo Chiat Road - Revamped Menu Of Local Food With A Fusion Twist

Sinpopo Brand at Joo Chiat has been around for 9 years and is most known for its focus on local food with a fusion twist and cakes inspired by local flavours, such as pulut hitam and putu piring.

Staying true to their brand story, they have recently launched a refreshed menu featuring return favourites and new innovative creations.

Sotong Hitam with Handmade Crab Tortellini 3.8/5

The Sotong Hitam with Handmade Crab Tortellini ($20) showcases Sinpopo's unique take on tortellini. Instead of the usual pasta skin, the crab meat filling is wrapped with dumpling-like skin. Together with slices of squid, they are then done in a fragrant squid ink rempah that carries quite a kick of spice.

Crab Bee Hoon 3/5

The Crab Bee Hoon ($19) is a popular return from the previous menu. It has vermicelli in a savoury seafood broth, topped with crab meat and roe.

Baked Miso Cod Hor Fun 3.5/5

The perfectly baked miso atlantic cod was the highlight of the Baked Miso Cod Hor Fun ($23). The cod was buttery and creamy and paired nicely with the lightly crisped-up pieces of fish maw. At this price tag, however, we wished there was a stronger wok hei and a bigger portion of hor fun.

Braised Cabbage in Superior Stock 3.5/5

A new interesting section on the refreshed menu is the Smoke-kissed Veggies to Share. There are 4 veggies to choose from, the Jambu Jack Salad, Butter Grilled Maitake, Nai Bai with Parmesan, and what we had, the Braised Cabbage in Superior Stock ($14). The savoy cabbage is braised till soft, grilled and served in a thick sauce. The overall smokiness was pleasant but could be much less salty.

Durian Pengat Crème Brûlée 3.8/5

If you have a sweet tooth, the rich Durian Pengat Crème Brûlée ($14) is one to consider. It has mao shan wang durian flesh cooked down with pandan and gula melaka, layered under custard and a caramelised top. On the side, there is coconut cream and biscuits to go along. It can get quite sweet and heavy, so it would be good to have this as a sharing dessert.

Sng Muay Pop

I enjoyed the fizzy Sng Muay Pop ($7)! It was scorching on the day of our visit, and this combination of 7-Up, lime and sour plum was refreshing. It's not too sweet, and they thoughtfully added preserved plum ice cubes. This drink helped to balance out the heavier-tasting dishes.

Sinpopo Teh Tarik

The Sinpopo Teh Tarik ($5) was a recommendation by the staff. Each cup is served with a pair of in-house cookies - we got the black sesame flavour. The teh tarik was smooth and sweet.

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.


Sinpopo Brand @ Katong
458 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore 427671
Tel: +63455034
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Dakota MRT (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Block 99 (Stop ID 81181). Take bus number 16. Alight 4 stops later. Cross the road and turn left. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Take exit A. Walk to bus stop at Blk 99 Old Airport Road (Stop ID 81181). Take Bus 10 or 32. Alight 6 stops later. Walk to Joo Chiat Road. Turn left and walk to destination. Journey time about 18 minutes. [Map]

Yi Qian Private Dining @ Leng Kee Road - Hidden Restaurant Within A Business Centre, Serving Fine Cantonese And Teochew Fare

Yi Qian Private Dining is a new Chinese restaurant hidden within a nondescript business centre. Helming the kitchen is Chef Raymond, who has years of experience working at Golden Palace Singapore and Lei Garden Restaurant Hong Kong. The restaurant has an extensive menu ranging from Cantonese to Teochew Fare. Customers can even customise their menu upon the advance request of 3 days.

Crispy Prawn Fritters 4/5

A great appetiser to kick start the meal is the Crispy Prawn Fritter ($9.80). The thinly sliced prawn fritters are crispy and topped with sweet sakura prawns, deep-fried to golden perfection.

Stir-fried Shark Fin with Crabmeat served with Superior Stock in Teapot 3.8/5

A signature at Yi Qian is their Stir-fried Shark Fin with Crabmeat served with Superior Stock in Teapot ($68). It is a 2-part dish whereby the shark fin is separated from the superior stock. To enjoy the dish, have a bite of the shark fin and sip the superior soup brewed for over 6 hours using old chicken bones and ham.

Teochew Crispy Yam & Prawn Omelette 4.2/5

The Teochew Crispy Yam & Prawn Omelette ($24) comes in a disc shape, generously studded with hearty yam wedges and fresh prawns. I love the crispy and fluffiness accentuated by the flavourful yam.

Pig's Stomach and Chicken in Pepper Soup 4.2/5

The Pig's Stomach and Chicken in Pepper Soup ($108) requires pre-order at least one day in advance. A whole kampong chicken is wrapped in a pig's stomach and boiled in a white pepper soup. It is a pot of nourishing soup boiled for 4 hours under high heat with a myriad of spices.

Sizzling Kai Lan in Claypot 4.2/5

Nowadays, restaurants like to serve their vegetables in claypot, such as the Sizzling Kai Lan in Claypot ($22). They are stir-fried with belachan and shrimps. It's simple yet irresistibly mouth-watering, with the kailan retaining a delectable crunch.

Wok Hei Fried Kway Teow with Diced Kai Lan and Preserved Radish 4/5

A staple Teochew dish is the Wok Hei Fried Kway Teow with Diced Kai Lan and Preserved Radish ($18). The flat rice noodles are tossed in a hot wok with crunchy preserved radish, kailan and shrimps, infused with the wok's breath for a smokey finish.

Sugar Encrusted Deep Fried Yam Sticks 4.5/5

Surprisingly, my favourite item is the Sugar Encrusted Deep Fried Yam Sticks ($20). It is the best version I have eaten so far. It has a sweet layer of sugar coating with an exterior crisp, followed by a soft and moist interior packed with the beautiful yam flavour.

While I see a glimpse of excellence in some dishes, there are misses too. I felt I had not tried the best of the restaurant yet. I probably have to return to try more of his dishes to get a final verdict.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Yi Qian Private Dining
Thye Hong Centre
2 Leng Kee Road
#01-04
Singapore 159086
Tel: +65 65136377
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Redhill (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Redhill MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk down Tiong Bahru Road. Continue onto Leng Kee Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Hoy Yong Seafood Restaurant (开洋海鲜菜馆) @ Clementi Ave 2 - Zichar Stall By Disciple Of One Of The Four Heavenly Kings

For those staying in Clementi, we are blessed to have one of the best zichar stalls in Singapore. Hoy Yong Seafood Restaurant (开洋海鲜菜馆) is located inside a coffeeshop at Clementi Ave 2. The man behind the wok is non-other than Chef Hoy Yong, the disciple of one of the Four Heavenly Kings of Singapore.

Fried Hor Fun with Egg 4.5/5

One of their popular items, which you probably get to see on every table, is their Fried Hor Fun with Egg. We have the medium portion priced at $11. For the price, the portion is very generous with prawns, vegetables, fish slices, pork slices, and squids, topped with pork lards. The sight of the runny egg, coupled with the breath of the wok, already made me drool before digging in. It is definitely one of the best hor fun I have eaten.

Pig's Stomach Soup 4.5/5

A must-try if it is your first time visiting Hoy Yong is their Three Treasures - Pig's Stomach Soup, Braised Pork Ribs and Deep Fried Duck Roll. I had two out of the three dishes, starting with the Pig's Stomach Soup ($14). You can taste the soup that has been boiled for hours from its creaminess with a piquant peppery kick. What astonished me was the amount of ingredients in the bowl of soup. You get chicken pieces, fish maw and pig's stomach. It is restaurant quality serving!

Deep Fried Duck Roll 4.5/5

The other Three Treasure item we tried is the Deep Fried Duck Roll ($14). It is a unique and tasty creation. It is like a tempura Ngoh Hiang in the crispy crumb, stuffed with roasted duck, pork and prawn. Best to have it together with the mayonnaise.

Garlic Kai Lan 4/5

When you have a master behind the wok, even the Garlick Kai Lan ($12) tasted great. The greens still retain a delectable crunchy texture, simply stir-fried with garlic, ginger, and some pork lards.

Claypot Egg Plant 4.5/5

The other vegetable dish we ordered is the Claypot Egg Plant ($18). Not shown in the picture is the fried egg hidden inside the claypot, soaking up the delicious sauce. Instead of the usual minced meat, it uses crunchy shrimp coated in batter for extra textural enjoyment.

Herbal Kampong Chicken 4.2/5

To round up our meal with a meat dish, we decided to go for the Herbal Kampong Chicken ($18 Half). It was sauna-bath in aluminium foil wrap, cooked to fork-tender in a flavoursome herbal broth.

Hoy Yong is indeed a gem in the West. Its restaurant-quality dishes make it a notch above many zichar stalls in Singapore.


Hoy Yong Seafood Restaurant
Blk 352 Clementi Ave 2
#01-153
Singapore 120352
Tel: +65 67782223
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Clementi (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 530pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Clementi MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Clementi MRT station (Stop ID 17179). Take bus number 52 and 154. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Dover MRT station. Take Exit A Walk to bus stop at Dover MRT station. (Stop ID 19031).  Take bus number 74. Alight 2 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]