Man Fu Yuan @ InterContinental Singapore - Welcomes the Year of the Dragon with Golden Resplendence

Man Fu Yuan at InterContinental Singapore invites patrons to partake in an opulent Lunar New Year feast from 15 January to 29 February 2024, promising an immersive experience that captivates the senses and ushers in good fortune.

Upholding the grand tradition, Man Fu Yuan unveils the colossal 'Dragon's Wealth' Yu Sheng 龙飞凤舞喜捞生 ($888++ serves up to 10 guests), a 60-inch spectacle that symbolizes strength, power, health, and good luck for the New Year. Packed with shredded vegetables, it is adorned with indulgent ingredients like rock lobster, sea urchin, ikura, shredded dried Hokkaido scallops, salmon sashimi, and crispy fish skin. A refreshing honey miso golden peach dressing and shallot oil complete this masterpiece.

Man Fu Yuan Abundance Treasure Pot 4.8/5

Taking centre stage is the Man Fu Yuan Abundance Treasure Pot ($498 nett), a culinary treasure trove featuring rock lobster, premium sea cucumber, five-head whole abalone, tiger palm mushroom, dried whole scallop, South Africa fish maw, goose web, pig trotters, dace fish ball, oysters, chicken wings, preserved Kurobuta sausage, pork liver sausage, Japanese premium flower mushroom, and more.

Steamed Atlantic Cod Fish Fillet 4.2/5

The Steamed Atlantic Cod Fish Fillet, topped with crispy preserved radish and scallions, offers a buttery and moist texture. It's paired with umami superior soya sauce, complementing the richness of the cod fish.

Oven-baked Lobster with Golden Butter Sauce and Cheese 4.5/5

The Oven-baked Lobster, bathed in golden butter sauce and cheese, presents sweet lobster meat with a finishing touch of smoky aroma from torching.

Sichuan Style Roasted Chicken 4/5

A firework of fiery flavours, the Sichuan Style Roasted Chicken features dried chilli, sesame seed, peanut, Sichuan spice, and scallion, complementing the tender chicken with crispy skin.

Lobster Mapo Tofu 4/5

Elevating Mapo Tofu with lobster meat, the dish boasts soft and silky tofu, robust flavours, and a good Sichuan spicy punch leaning towards appetizing rather than overly spicy.

Roasted Suckling Pig with Five Grain Glutinous Rice 4.5/5

A signature delight, the Roasted Suckling Pig ($528++) is stuffed with five grain glutinous rice, ensuring crackling crisp skin and tender, juicy meat infused with the delicious jus of the pig through roasting.

Chilled Pumpkin Puree, Longan, Lotus Seeds, Peach Collagen 4.5/5

Sweet Golden Nian Gao 3.5/5

To conclude the feast, the Chilled Pumpkin Puree with Longan, Lotus Seed, and Peach Collagen offers a refreshing and soothing dessert. Additionally, the symbolic Sweet Golden Nian Gao, a Chinese New Year sticky rice cake, signifies growth, progress, and the attainment of new heights.

Man Fu Yuan's Lunar New Year Extravaganza promises not just a feast but a culinary symphony of prosperity and good fortune.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Man Fu Yuan
InterContinental Singapore
Level 2
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 63387600
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1145am - 330pm, 630pm - 1030pm

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

Qiu Jin Xiao Chao 秋金小炒 @ Harbourfront Centre - Bringing Authentic and Affordable Sichuan Set Menus to Singapore with 28 Years of Experience

After 28 years of experience serving up Sichuan cuisine in China, Qiu Jin Xiao Chao 秋金小炒 has now stepped into Singapore with its first overseas outlet here in Harbourfront Centre. It specialises in local family-style Sichuan dishes that are served in bigger portions at a more affordable price tag.

The eatery offers a more casual dining setting with an a la carte menu and various types of set meals that fit different group sizes. These include Single Meals, Couple Meals, Family Meals and Deluxe Family Set meals. Generally, the dishes here are more heavily seasoned.

Sichuan Pepper Fried Chicken 4/5

Served on a huge oriental metal plate, the Sichuan Pepper Fried Chicken ($16.80) boasted a copious amount of dried chilli and fried chicken bites mixed in.

My dining companion and I appreciated how the chicken bites were not as bony but would have also preferred it to be more crunchy and less oily. The heat in this was manageable, at about medium spice level.

Mapo Tofu 4.2/5

The standout dish of the night for us was the Mapo Tofu ($8.80). Its addictive spicy bean sauce and chilli-based gravy are heavily seasoned but were surprisingly not as spicy as they looked. This was great to pair with white rice, and the portion of gravy with soft tofu cubes was also more than sufficient to share in a group. If you eat beef, check out the Wagyu Mapo Tofu - we heard it is one of their best-selling dishes!

Fried Diced Chicken with Corn 3/5

The Fried Diced Chicken with Corn ($12.80) paled in comparison to the other dishes with a lightly savoury mix of chicken cubes and corn. I recommend skipping it and trying the other dishes.

Sour & Spicy Pickled Fish 4/5

Another dish we enjoyed was the Sour & Spicy Pickled Fish ($24.80). Albeit a little oily, it had a well-balanced broth in its spicy and tangy flavours. The slices of fish were thick and tender.

Wuchang Rice

I appreciate the quality of the rice at Qiu Jin Xiao Chao. We learnt that the restaurant only uses premium Wuchang Rice which has been known to be more fragrant. They elevate that further by using bottled spring water from Nong Fu Spring and serving each day's rice with a different type of vegetable mixed in. On the day of our visit, they were serving carrot rice!

Overall, we found Qiu Jin Xiao Chao a good spot for group meal gatherings which offers satisfying quality dishes that would not break the bank.

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.


Qiu Jin Xiao Chao 秋金小炒
Harbourfront Centre
#01-45/46
1 Maritime Square
Singapore 099253
Tel: +65 9172 8296
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Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 9pm

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

Numb Restaurant @ Marina One West Tower - Bringing Modern Trending Sichuanese Cuisine To Singapore

Numb is the newest restaurant to be opened at Marina One West Tower. Two bankers founded the restaurant, offering authentic Sichuanese cuisine reinterpreted with contemporary techniques.

Succulent Fried Chicken Wings with Special Handmade Chips 3.5/5

We kickstarted our dinner with a couple of Sichuan tapas and bar snacks. It is not just about spicy food at Numb restaurant. The Succulent Fried Chicken Wings with Special Handmade Chips ($19.80) is a kid's friendly choice grilled to a delightful juiciness.

Imperial Sauced Sliced Beef 3.5/5

The Imperial Sauced Sliced Beef ($23.80) comes in two flavours, Numbing & Spicy or Braised. We had the numbing and spicy flavour, whereby the flavourful beef slices were paired with crunchy asparagus and broccoli.

Sliced Pork Belly with Classic Garlic and Chilli Sauce 4.2/5

A delightful appetiser is the Sliced Pork Belly with Classic Garlic and Chilli Sauce ($18.80). Of course, the soul has to be the garlic and chilli sauce, which accentuated the enjoyment of the boiled pork belly.

Mashed Pepper with Century Egg and Eggplants 3/5

The Mashed Pepper with Century Egg and Eggplants ($13.80) is new in my food journey. I haven't eaten anything like that before. Upon serving the dish, the server will mash up everything. While the flavours are on point, I didn't enjoy the mushy texture due to the mashing. There is a spicy and non-spicy version.

Mala Broth Boiled Seabass 4.2/5

The real kick comes from the Mala Broth Boiled Seabass ($39.80/$49.80), where tender boiled seabass is immersed in Sichuan dried chilli. Plough apart the dried chilli to discover a treasure trove of soybean sprouts, enoki mushrooms and celery. Unlike the usual mala broth boiled seabass, crispy fried fish are added for extra crunch.

Trendy Peking Duck in Spicy Stew 4.5/5

My favourite dish is the Trendy Peking Duck in Spicy Stew ($39.80). Apparently, the dish is currently making waves all over China. The roasted duck is slow-cooked in a rich stew, further enhanced with beancurd sticks, sliced lotus root, kelp, black fungus and enoki mushrooms. The spiciness did not undermine the enjoyment of the poultry.

Awesome Spicy Chilli Chicken with Fried Dough Twist 4/5

Another staple Sichuan dish is the "La Zi Ji". The Awesome Spicy Chilli Chicken with Fried Dough ($30.80/$40.80) is Numb's interpretation of the classic dish, comprising chicken cubes stir-fried with a generous amount of chopped chilli. It even added fried dough twist for that extra textural enjoyment.

Applewood Smoked Crispy Chicken 3/5

The Applewood Smoked Crispy Chicken ($33.80) is presented in a smoked jar, infusing the skinless boneless chicken with the applewood fragrant. The roasted tempeh and peanuts provided a complementing lift in texture and flavour. However, the taste profile could be more punchy.

Champion Beef and Mixed Veggies in Golden Spicy Sour Soup 4.5/5

Another delicious dish I immensely enjoyed is the Champion Beef and Mixed Veggies in Golden Spicy Sour Soup ($39.80/$49.80). Tender beef slices are cooked in a robust spicy, sweet and sour broth. Best to have a bowl of steamed rice to go with the appetising dish.

Sweet and Sour Pork Fruit Platter on Ice 4.2/5

Not all dishes are spicy at Numb, such as the Sweet and Sour Pork Fruit Platter on Ice ($32.80). It is juicy and meaty, complemented by the fruity sweetness.

Stir-Fried Jack Beans, Stir-Fried Chinese Lettuce 4/5

Remember to have your greens for a balanced diet. Both the Stir-fried Jack Beans with Red Chillis and Sichuan Pickles ($19.80) and Stir-fried Chinese Lettuce ($17.80). Though simple, it is cooked to a delectable crunch.

Sichuan Inspired Traditional Homemade Mapo Tofu

The Sichuan Inspired Traditional Homemade Mapo Tofu ($24.80) is deliciously addictive with silky tofu and minced beef, cooked in douban and douchi, the traditional recipe for the classic dish.

Pumpkin Pancake 4.2/5

We had a couple of desserts to wrap up the dinner, starting with the Pumpkin Pancake ($9.80). The warm pancake has a delightful mochi-like texture, topped with sesame seeds for a fragrant finish.

Osmanthus Coconut Cake 4.2/5

The Osmanthus Coconut Cake ($8.80) is a light and refreshing jelly dessert infused with the osmanthus aroma.

Fancy Rainbow Ice Jelly with Glutinous Rice Balls 3.8/5

Lastly is the Fancy Rainbow Ice Jelly with Glutinous Rice Balls ($10.80). Served chilled, it is an ideal dessert to freshen up the palate and cool down the burning tongue after all the rich and spicy food.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Numb Restaurant
Marina One West Tower
#01-12
9 Straits View
Singapore 018935
Tel: +65 94601960
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Nearest MRT: Downtown (DT Line), Shenton Way (TE Line), Marina Bay (CC, NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 10pm
(Closed on Sun)

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

2) Alight at Downtown MRT station. Take Exit C or E. Walk to Straits View. Turn right onto Straits View. Walk down Straits View. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Marina Bay MRT station. Take Exit 1. Turn left onto Commerce Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Sonder @ Henderson - Bakery Bistro by Day, Euro-Asian Restaurant by Night, by Chef Joe Leong

Sonder, by Chef Joe Leong, is tucked in an industrial area in Henderson. It might be a little inaccessible to travel to, but it takes on a charming space and offers quite an exciting menu. It's a bakery-bistro by day and a Euro-Asian restaurant by night. Along with the Euro-Asian flavours are incorporated Thai, Chinese and local elements, which tie in with the Chef's cultural background.

If you are here for lunch, the 2-Course Menu is at $30/Pax, while the 3-Course Menu is at $45/Pax. A number of dishes are available a la carte as well.

For dinner, there are three menus to choose from. The Petit Menu of 4 Courses ($88/Pax), the Classic Menu of 7 Courses ($138/Pax) and the Gourmand Menu of 9 Courses ($188/Pax). We tried dishes from across these menus, with the majority of them focusing on local and Thai-inspired flavours.

Fresh Bakes

Before diving into dinner proper, we got a taste of their bakery items with a bread basket of freshly baked Butter Croissant ($3.50), Rye Sourdough ($5 for Half, $8 for Full) and Focaccia ($9). On the side, we had three housemade butter - classic salted butter, kombu and garlic. Our favourite was the light yet crisp focaccia that came with a lovely chew, paired with the classic and kombu butter. These bakes and more are available for walk-in purchases in the day, but try to make reservations before heading down to avoid disappointment.

Sea Urchin 4.2/5

We had a lovely start with an amuse bouche of Sea Urchin. It was a mouthful of sweet and creamy uni on a crispy sesame crumble, topped with refreshing calamansi foam.

Mapo Spinach Tofu 4/5

Part two of the amuse bouche was Mapo Spinach Tofu. The smooth, silky tofu is deep-fried and topped with Sichuan-infused minced pork. It was appetising and boasted a mild heat.

Aubergine 3.8/5

For our starter, we had the Japanese Aubergine paired with an interesting red curry sorbet, pearl onions, sundried cherry tomatoes and housemade crispy chips. It was a fun dish, especially with the contrasting addition of the red curry sorbet, but we also thought the tangy sorbet masked the aubergine a little more than we liked.

Risotto 4.2/5

Who would have guessed the Risotto is Chef Joe's take on our local classic chicken rice? With a roulade of chicken, spring onion pesto and ginger tuile, it's finished off with drops of housemade chilli and dark soya sauce. The risotto was fragrant and creamy, retaining a pleasant bite. Our ginger tuile was a tiny bit burnt, but it was an enjoyable dish. It is also available a la carte during lunch for $20.

Seasonal Fish 4/5

The Barramundi arrived with a distinct fragrance. It was served two ways - steamed and fried in a garlic lime jus. The fish was firm yet tender, and while the broth looked mild, it packed a robust, tangy punch.

Kurobuta Pork Collar 4.2/5

Inspired by many's favourite Thai street food, moo ping, the Kurobuta Pork Collar features burnt apple and a coconut glaze. Marinated and glazed in a coconut glaze, the pork collar is first sous vide, then grilled over a charcoal fire where the smokiness gets locked in. The skillfully cut apple is made into a roll and lends a tangy sweetness to the tender pork.

Red Ruby 4.5/5

We honestly did not expect to enjoy this Red Ruby ($15) as much, but Chef Joe's modern and delicate rendition wow-ed us. On a base of coconut crumble, you have coconut sorbet and a thin rose-flavoured milk skin layered on top with crunchy red rubies on the side. It's mildly sweetened and a refreshing way to end the meal.

Apple Crumble 4.2/5

As an additional dessert, Chef Joe recommended his signature Apple Crumble ($20). Lightly breaking through the thin-shelled “apple” will reveal caramelised apple cubes in brandy and apple mousse. These paired delightfully with the chocolate crumble base.

Petit Fours

Our meal ended with Petit Fours of dragon fruit, chocolate tart, and a strawberry mousse macaron.

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.


Sonder
217 Henderson Road
Singapore 159555
Tel: +65 65134502
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Nearest MRT: Redhill MRT (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sat: 12pm - 5pm, 6pm - 10pm
(Closed on Mon and Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Redhill MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Redhill MRT station (Stop ID 10209). Take bus 145. Alight 5 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes [Map]

2) Alight at Telok Blangah MRT station. Take Exit A. Cross the road. Walk to bus stop opposite Telok Blangah MRT station (Stop ID 14169). Take bus 176. Alight 4 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Yanxi Dim Sum & Hotpot @ Chin Swee Road - Creative Take On The Traditional Dim Sum

Together with a couple of friends, we visited Yanxi Dim Sum & Hotpot for lunch. Two pre-eminent chefs, former Executive Chef of Mott 32, Chef Chan Wai Keung and former Dim Sum Chef at The Fullerton Hotels & Resorts Singapore, Chef Ben Yapp helm the restaurant. The duo brings their culinary expertise to Yanxi steamboat, elevating the hotpot experience with tantalising starters and bespoke dim sum.

Tobiko, Prawn & Scallop, Water Chestnut and Egg White Dumpling 4.5/5

As we were there for lunch, we didn't have the hotpot. Instead, we had dim sum and their signature items. We started with the Tobiko, Prawn & Scallop, Water Chestnut and Egg White Dumpling ($10). The dumpling is beautiful crafted, showing the chef's creative take on quintessentially traditional fare

Yanxi Prawn and Petai with Sambal Chilli Dumpling 3.8/5

Next is the Yanxi Prawn and Petai with Sambal Chilli Dumpling ($11). It looks like any ordinary prawn dumpling from the exterior. However, it is a bold and acquired creation incorporating the acquired petai into the morsel paired with sambal chilli.

Quail Egg & Bonito Flakes Siew Mai 4.5/5

Indeed the dim sum items at Yanxi is unique compared to other restaurants. The classic siew mai is given an elevated transformation in the Quail Egg & Bonito Flakes Siew Mai ($12). The traditional siew mai may be too heavy with its meaty stuffing. Hence the addition of quail egg lightens the enjoyment, with the bonito flakes lifting the taste profile.

Netted Prawn & Tobiko, Spinach Infused Rice Roll 4.2/5

Even the classic rice roll is given a new facelift in the Netted Prawn & Tobiko, Spinach Infused Rice Roll ($12). Not only is it beautiful, the exquisite rice roll stuffed with crunchy prawn is packed with a playful touch of textural enjoyment.

Mapo Tofu in Crispy Beancurd  Skin Roll 4.8/5

The Mapo Tofu in Crispy Beancurd Skin Roll ($9) is an unexpected creation with fragrant mapo tofu. I doubt I have seen or eaten the dish anywhere before. It is a fantastic creation.

XO Sambal Carrot Cake 4/5

XO Sambal Carrot Cake ($9) is common, but it is uncommon to be presented as such. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, this is delectable but fell short of the wow factor I got from the other dim sum items.

Fried Yam, Abalone and Kurobuta Okinawa 4/5

The Fried Yam with Abalone and Kurobuta Okinawa ($15) is a luxury take of the fried yam.

General Tso's Chicken 4.2/5

Besides the quintessential dim sum items, there are several signature dishes on the menu, such as the General Tso's Chicken ($16) and Hong Kong Golden Garlic Pork Short Ribs ($12). The General Tso's Chicken is smoked in a glass dome, infused with smokiness on top of the tender and sweet chicken pieces.

Hong Kong Golden Garlic Pork Short Ribs 4/5

As for the Hong Kong Golden Garlic Pork Short Ribs, the pork short ribs are cooked in Bi Feng Tang style. It is coated in an aromatic pool of fried garlic, complementing the fork-tender pork.

MICHELIN Herbal Seafood Ee Fu Noodles 4.2/5

I am not sure why the noodle dish is named MICHELIN Herbal Seafood Ee Fu Noodles ($18). My guess is this is a dish that the chef has created in his previous restaurant that could have won a Michelin star. Nevertheless, the plate of slurping goodness is brimming with fresh seafood such as prawn, scallop and fish in a herbal broth. However, I find the herbal taste is relatively mild.

Hokkaido Milk Charcoal Egg Tart 4.5/5

The finale has to be the Hokkaido Milk Charcoal Egg Tart ($16 for 6pc). The freshly baked has a creamy, gooey cheese custard filling encased in a crumbly charcoal pastry. For something cold and refreshing, go for the Jackfruit Sago.

Though I did not try their hotpot, their dim sum items already left a very deep impression. Of course, the price is a bit expensive compared to most dim sum places, but you get quality, creativity, and unique dim sum that you don't get in most dim sum places. I have since recommended many friends to check out their dim sum selection.


Yanxi Dim Sum & Hotpot
175A Chin Swee Road
Singapore 169879
Tel: +65 88589711
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Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to bus stop opposite State Court (Stop ID 06171). Take bus number 174. Alight 1 stop later. Walk up the hill to Hotel Re!. Walk to the building beside Hotel Re!. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]