Ginger @ PARKROYAL on Beach Road - A Collaboration with One MICHELIN Star Khao for a Taste of Thailand's Finest Treasures

For the month of October 2023, Ginger at PARKROYAL on Beach Road brings the vibrant flavours of Thailand to Singapore in a unique collaboration with One MICHELIN Star Khao from Bangkok. The 'Flavours of Siam & Home' buffet dinner, available from 6 to 29 October 2023, promises an exciting and delicious taste of Thailand curated by Ginger's Chef Vincent Aw, Khao's Found-owner Ms. Pradinan Arkarachinores, and Celebrity Chef Andy Yang.

With much anticipation fueled by the rave reviews from friends who have visited Khao in Bangkok, I couldn't contain my excitement to savour these dishes right here in Singapore. While the buffet spread also includes an array of local favourites and international offerings, my focus was undeniably on Khao.

River Prawns wand Glass Noodles in Claypot 4.8/5

I dived straight into the Goong Ob Woon Sen, a tantalising dish of River Prawns with Glass Noodles in a Claypot. The glass noodles turned out to be an unexpected delight, skillfully soaking up the opulent and hearty essence of the crustacean, creating a harmonious marriage of flavours that left a lasting impression.

Phad Thai with Prawns 4.2/5

Next on my plate was the Phad Thai Goong, Phad Thai with Prawns. While it may appear as a simple dish, achieving the right balance in Phad Thai is an art. The chewy noodles were spot on, and the harmonious blend of sweet, savoury, and tangy notes made this dish a standout.

Beef Shank with Green Curry 4.5/5

Usually accustomed to green curry with chicken, I ventured into new territory with the Gaeng Kiew Wan Nua Nong Gae, Beef Shank with Green Curry. This variation of green curry was less sweet and creamy compared to what I've had before. Still, it boasted a saucy consistency with a subtle hint of spiciness that perfectly complemented the tender beef shank.

Lamb Shank with Massaman Curry 4/5

Continuing my exploration of Khao's dishes, I had the Massaman Nua Nong Gae, Lamb Shank with Massaman Curry. Massaman curry, sweeter in nature compared to green curry, had no traces of spiciness. The lamb shank was tender and devoid of any gamey flavours.

Wok-fried Minced Chicken with Holy Basils 4.2/5

One of my favourites, Phad Gaprao Cai, Wok-fried Minced Chicken with Holy Basils, delivered an unforgettable punch. The dish was fiery, with a level of spiciness that may be too intense for some. However, the boldness of the flavours here remained authentic.

Crispy Fluffy Catfish with Spicy Mango Salad 4.2/5

The Yum Pladouk Foo, Crispy Fluffy Catfish with Spicy Mango Salad, was a delightful contrast of crispy bites paired with a tantalizingly spicy mango salad.

Crabmeat Omelet, served with Sriracha Sauce 4.2/5

The Khai Jiew Poo, a Crabmeat Omelet served with Sriracha Sauce, arrived with eager anticipation. While it boasted an enticing aroma of eggs without being overly greasy, I couldn't help but wish for a more generous serving of crabmeat to fully savour its sweetness. As it stood, it leaned slightly more towards an egg omelet, albeit a well-prepared one, especially when paired with the zesty Sriracha sauce.

Northern Thai-style Egg Noodles Curry with Chicken 4.5/5

Delving into lesser-known territory, I tried the Khao Soi Gai, Northern Thai-style Egg Noodles Curry with Chicken. It presented egg noodles in a sweet and creamy sauce—a bowl of pure comfort with tender poached chicken.

Boiled Water Chestnuts coated in Thin Flour 5/5

To wrap up this memorable dining experience, I couldn't resist the Tub Tim Grob, Boiled Water Chestnuts coated in Thin Flour, served in refreshing coconut water. This version stood out with its unique twist, perhaps attributed to the fresh coconut water. The addition of jackfruit added an extra layer of flavour and texture, making it a must-try dessert.

'Flavours of Siam & Home' is exclusively available during buffet dinner, with prices at $78++ per adult and $39++ per child from Monday to Thursday, and $88++ per adult and $44++ per child from Friday to Sunday, public holidays, and the eve of public holidays. Additionally, UOB cardmembers can enjoy an exclusive 20% discount on their total bill when using a UOB credit or debit card.

Note: This is an invited tasting


Ginger
PARKROYAL on Beach Road
Level1
7500 Beach Road
Singapore 199591
Tel: +65 3138 1995
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Nearest MRT: Nicoll Highway (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Buffet Lunch – 12pm to 2.30pm
Buffet Dinner – 6pm to 10pm
À La Carte Dining - 8am to 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Nicoll Highway MRT station. Take Exit A. Follow the overhead walkway all the way to The Concourse building. Take the exit down to Nicoll Highway and walk towards Parkroyal Serviced Residences. Cut through towards Parkroyal Hotel. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Greenhouse @ Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore - Multi-ethnic Cuisine Served All Day From Five Show Kitchens

At Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore, Greenhouse is an all-day dining multi-ethnic restaurant anchored by five show kitchens. The beautiful restaurant is clad in lush greenery and bountiful botany, with an unobstructed view of the golf course.

Tom Yum Goong 4.2/5

From the Thai kitchen, we started with Tom Yum Goong ($24++) packed with the characteristic Thai sweet, sour and spicy flavours. It even comes with huge river prawns. The authentic taste makes me miss my trips to Bangkok.

Phad Thai Phak 4/5

Another staple Thai dish on the menu is the Phad Thai Phak ($25++). The stir-fried rice noodles with tamarind sauce are nested in an egg nest, paired with broccolini and beansprouts. I am glad they do a wet version, which is also not too sweet—precisely the way I preferred.

Khao Niao Mamuang 4.2/5

We had our favourite Thai dessert to complete the Thai food section. The Khao Niao Mamuang ($12) comes in trio-coloured glutinous rice - blue pea, pulut hitam and pandan paired with sweet mango.

Binchotan Robata Sanchoku Wagyu Beef 4.8/5

From the Japanese kitchen, we had the Binchotan Robata Sanchoku Wagyu Beef MS 6/7 ($38++). The chunky wagyu is extremely tender and juicy, grilled to a delectable smokiness.

Corn Fed Coquelet Tandoori 4.2/5

Diners craving traditional Punjabi Tandoor cuisine will enjoy the Corn Fed Coquelet Tandoori ($36) paired with freshly baked naan. I enjoyed the succulent chicken marinated in yoghurt and spices that has been roasted to perfection.

Kurobuta Pork $30

For something closer to my heart is the Sweet & Sour Kurobuta Pork ($30) from the Chinese kitchen. It is meaty and juicy coated in a delightful sweet and sour sauce comprising tomato, Chinese rice wine vinegar and plum sauce. Worth noting is the addition of lychee, giving it a fruity, sweet finishing.

Personally, I love the space at the restaurant and am impressed with the food at Greenhouse. Unfortunately, the restaurant is very inaccessible. Unless you drive, if not even taking public transport, you still need to walk quite a bit from the main road to the restaurant. I would recommend taking the MRT to Expo MRT station and taking a cab or private hired car to the restaurant.


Greenhouse
Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore
11 Laguna Golf Green
Singapore 488047
Tel: +65 68418888
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Website
Nearest MRT: Tanah Merah (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Weekday Breakfast: 630am - 10am
Weekend Breakfast: 630am - 1030am
Daily Lunch: 12pm - 3pm
Fri-Sat Dinner: 5pm - 11pm
Sun-Thu Dinner: 5pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanah Merah MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Tanah Merah MRT Station. (Stop ID 85091). Take bus number 35. Alight 5 stops later. Walk to junction of Xilin Avenue and Laguna Golf Green. Turn left onto Laguna Golf Green. Walk to destination. Journey time about 25 minutes. [Map]

Sabai Sabai Thai Private Kitchen @ Valley Point @ Fei Siong Group's First Thai Restaurant Concept

Fei Siong Group, known for offering affordable local and Malaysian hawker fare, is sailing into uncharted water with the group's first Thai restaurant concept, Sabai Sabai Thai Private Kitchen. The "hidden restaurant" is tucked within Valley Point inside the premises of Nam Kee Pau, giving patrons a cosy dining experience akin to dining right in a chef's home kitchen.

Grilled Pork Skewers 4.2/5

Pomelo Salad 4.2/5

We started with two seasonal items on the menu - the Grilled Pork Skewers ($7.80 for 3pc) and Pomelo Salad ($11.80). I enjoyed the marination of the grilled pork skewers giving it a delish sweetness on top of the tender texture with a hint of smokiness. The pomelo salad is a refreshing and fruity starter to whet the appetite.

Pandan Chicken 4/5

The boneless chicken leg wrapped in Thai pandan leaves is marinated in herbs and pure pandan juice. The Pandan Chicken ($11.80) is then steamed and deep-fried, giving it a crusty exterior while sealing within all the juices and flavour.

Tom Yum Thick Seafood Soup 4.2/5

My entry-level for a good Thai restaurant is their tom yum soup. The spiciness must not be watered down to cater for the local palate. Glad that the Tom Yum Thick Seafood Soup ($11.80) did not disappoint. It has all the characteristic tangy and spicy flavours of a good bowl of vibrant tom yum soup, teeming with fresh squid, slices of snakehead fish, a jumbo tiger prawn, straw mushrooms and cherry tomatoes.

Phad Thai Prawn 4/5

Another Thai classic is the Phad Thai Prawn ($15.80). The kitchen uses rice noodles specially imported from Thailand. It is plumper and chewier compared to the local variety, offering a more satisfying bite. Their version is also wetter, which is quite different from my places.

Thai Flower $9.80

Another seasonal dish is the Thai Flower ($9.80). It is my first time trying the ingredients with delightful crunchiness and sweetness, paired with silky tofu.

Steamed Sotong 4.5/5

The Steamed Sotong ($19.80) is cooked perfectly to a beautiful tender and bouncy texture complemented by the punchy yet delicately balanced blend of lime juice, lemongrass, chilli padi, green chilli and garlic.

Claypot Jumbo Prawn & Crispy Pork Belly Vermicelli 4.2/5

The glass noodles for the Claypot Jumbo Prawn & Crispy Pork Belly Vermicelli ($26.80/ $44.80) are also specially imported from Thailand. The chewy rice noodles are flambeed in a wok and then transferred to a heated claypot to soak in the homemade peppercorn sauce. It is finally crowned with tiger prawn and coriander.

Wrapping up our dinner, we have Red Ruby for dessert. Interestingly, it even comes with chendol in a sweet coconut milk soup. 

Noted: This is an invited tasting.


Sabai Sabai Thai Private Kitchen
Valley Point
491 River Valley Road
#01-07/08
Singapore 248371
Tel: +65 88235988
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line), Redhill (EW Line), Fort Canning (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12 - 230pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop before Orchard Station (Stop ID 09022). Take bus number 14 or 65. Alight 4 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Redhill MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Redhill Station (Stop ID 10209). Take bus number 32. Alight 5 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Fort Canning MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop before Fort Canning Station (Stop ID 04331). Take bus 32. Alight 6 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 20 minutes. [Map]

ClickAFood (CAF) @ Upper Paya Lebar Road - New Pastel-themed Café With 5 Concepts By Singer-songwriter Hong Junyang

Located along Upper Paya Lebar Road is the new multi-concept pastel-themed cafe CAF Clickafood in Singapore. The cafe offers a variety of cuisine - Korean, Thai, Western and local cuisine under one roof. It is the perfect place to have all your different cravings satisfied when dining together.

Seoul Army Stew 4/5

From the Korean menu, we had the Seoul Army Stew ($19.90/2 pax). One of the most popular hot pot dishes in Korea, it comes in a rich, spicy broth made with chilli powder, kimchi and topped with a variety of meats, cabbage, and instant noodle. With a choice of spice level from 1 to 4, you can opt for the amount of heat in your favourite army stew.

Korean Andong Jjimdak 3.8/5

The Korean Andong Jjimdak ($19.90/2 pax) features a soy sauce braised chicken stew with vegetables and chewy sweet potato noodles. Savoury, mildly salty and sweet with a very subtle spicy kick. It has a somewhat complex flavour that we enjoyed.

168 Nasi Lemak 3.8/5

We tried their 168 Nasi Lemak ($8.90), which comes with ikan bilis, peanuts, fried chicken wings, cucumber and sunny side up atop a fragrant butterfly pea-infused coconut rice.

Pad Thai “Bomb” 4/5

One of our favourites is the Pad Thai "Bomb" ($12.90) with spice Level 1-4. It features a fluffy deep-fried omelette covering wok-fried rice noodles, tossed in a delicious pad thai sauce and served with bean sprouts, peanuts and chilli flakes.

Crab Meat Omelette Fried Rice 4/5

Another of our favourites goes to the Crab Meat Omelette Fried Rice ($10.90), with geenrous pieces of crabmeat and soft omelette over a mound of fragrant wok-hei fried rice. While we still wished that the omelette came slightly runny. we still enjoyed the dish, especially with the addition of sweet chilli which went well with the savoury elements.

Nemo Burger 3.5/5

The Nemo Burger ($9.90) came with a huge golden battered dory fish sandwiched between fluffy buttered buns. The fish fillet looked promising, but we felt that the batter was a tad too sticky rather than having the nice crisp we were expecting. Add on the side of shoestring fries for an additional $2.90.

Mango Coconut 4/5, Bandung 3.8/5

The Mango Coconut ($5.50) is a refreshing ice blend of coconut cream, coconut foam, mangoes, and pomelo sago, as well as nata de coco for toppings. The Bandung ($3.90) was syrupy and fragrant, although a tad too sweet for our liking.

Photos and words 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.


CAF Clickafood
339 Upper Paya Lebar Road
Tel: +65 69705077
Singapore 534953
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Nearest MRT: Tai Seng (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am – 9pm

Directions:
1) Alight at Tai Seng MRT station. Take Exit A or B. Walk to bus stop at Tai Keng MRT station (Stop ID 70281). Take bus number 22, 24, 43, 58, 62, 70, 80 and 76. Alight 5 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Chalerm Thai @ Arcade, The Capitol Kempinski - Comfort Flavours, Traditional Recipes

Chalerm Thai is the latest addition to the array of food concepts at Arcade @ The Capitol Kempinski. Located within Singapore's most iconic cinema, the restaurant is aptly named after the Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre in Bangkok, which was built in 1932 to mark the 150th anniversary of the founding of Bangkok. Here at Charlerm Thai, dishes follow traditional recipes, delivering flavours as close as one can find in Thailand.

Grilled Marinated Pork Neck with Spicy Lime Sauce 4/5

As an appetiser, the Kor Moo Yang ($18) will set your mouth watering with its juicy and tender meat grilled to perfection. The sear marks and the slightly burnt fats impart a smoky flavour to the meat, a key to its deliciousness.

Deep-fried Crispy Morning Glory with Chilli Sauce Dip 2.5/5

On the other hand, Yum Pan Boong Krob ($8) was a disappointment. Refinery Cafe has a much better version with a light and fluffy batter that has a slight chewiness to it. The batter here was a tad too salty, and these thin stalks became greasy after a while.

Deep-fried Lemongrass Chicken Wings 4/5

A crowd-pleaser will be Peek Gai Tord Ta Kra. In such an elegant setting, many refrained from eating these with hands. But to savour all the juice and flavours, do tuck in with your fingers!

Thai Seafood Tom Yum Soup 4.2/5

Tom Yum Goong ($15) was my favourite dish of all. Loaded with prawns, fish, clams, mussels and squid, each was fresh and plump, including the mushrooms. Spicy with the right amount of acidity, I will be happy to have one bowl all to myself.

Stir-fried Soft Shell Crab with Yellow Curry 3/5

While I love the meatiness of the soft shell crab in Phu Nim Phad Pong Karee ($20), I feel the saltiness of the batter can be adjusted to allow the flavours of the yellow curry to come through.

Thai Stir-fried Rice Noodles 4/5

Pineapple Fried Rice 2.5/5

For mains, we tried both Phad Thai King ($14) and Khao Phad Sapoarod ($15). For Phad Thai, I like that it wasn't too highly flavoured with sauces and seasonings like some others, and the rice noodles were springy but pliable. As for the fried rice, I prefer the rice to be firmer and drier.

Pumpkin Yam Dumplings in Coconut Milk 4/5

For dessert, this warm and mellow sweet Bua Loy with its cute little chewy dumpling will end every meal in a good note.

Written 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.


Chalerm Thai
Arcade @ The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore
13 Stamford Road
Singapore 178906
Tel: +65 67156875
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A or D. Walk to traffic junction North Bridge Road and Stamford Road. Cross the road. Walk down Stamford Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Took Lae Dee @ Tai Seng - Enjoy Thai Classic Dishes Starting From $3.80

Took Lae Dee, Bangkok’s most famous 24/7 restaurant chain, has found its way to Singapore, making Tai Seng its first ever branch outside Thailand after 45 years. Took Le Dee means “cheap and good” in Thai. In Bangok, their menu is extensive with not just Thai dishes but also Chinese and Western dishes such as American breakfast, steak & fries. With just a few dollars, you get filled up with good quality food even in the wee hours. That actually sounds like Hans during my secondary school days!

Pad Krapow with Egg 2.8/5

As Took Lae Dee Singapore is still trying to settle down, the menu is restricted to offering Thai staples only. What may first caught your eyes is the signature Pad Krapow (Minced Chicken/Pork with Chilli & Basil Leaves & Rice) which cost only $3.80! But just when you may think its really cheap and good, you will realise that you need to fork out another $1.20 to put that quintessential sunny-side up onto your plate. Cost aside, what's notable is that the original holy basil is being used in this dish, which is a lot stronger than the regular basil. But somehow, I couldn't detect much of the distinct peppery basil taste in this dish, unless I deliberately chewed on the leaves. I also expect quite a bit on my $1.20 egg, which turned out to to like those from cookhouse, with deep fried edges tainted with black flecks. I thought even Thai stalls at hawker centres serve more beautiful suuny-side up these days.

Yum Woon Sen 3.5/5

Som Tum 3.5/5

Both of my favourites Yum Woon Sen ($6 ) and Som Tum ($6) didn't disappoint. The Thai spicy vermicelli salad was full of crunch and a lot of heat with lots of chopped onions, chilli, celery and black fungus. Unlike some versions which the fish sauce tends to overwhelm the entire dish, these 2 salads remained bright and refreshing, though somewhat on the spicy side.

Pad Thai 3/5

Like any outlets in Bangkok where you will find them tuck inside Foodland supermarket, it comes with both table seating and counter seating, where you get to see the chefs in action, even fire blazing at times. That's when you know your dishes will be exuding that extra element of wok hei. The Pad Thai ($5/6.20) comes with a choice chicken or prawn, though on the sweeter side, was redeemed by that extra flavour.

Pad Pak Boong 3.5/5

The Pad Pak Boong or Thai Morning Glory ($5) has that wok hei flavour as well, and quite crunchy.  Some of you may prefer this to the sambal chilli style.

Kang Keaw Wan 2.8/5

The Kang Keaw Wan, Thai Green Curry with Chicken/Pork/Beef ($7/$8) surprised me with its lightness as all the recipes are said to be the original. I was expecting it to be a lot more robust and rich. This spicy dish of a creamy consistency calls for freshly made green curry paste, basil leaves, chillies, kaffir lime leaves, coconut milk and fish sauce.

Tom Yum Soup 2.8/5

The Tom Yum Soup ($6/$8)) was actually not too bad but the seafood seemed to be from remnants.

Took Lae Dee Iced Milk Tea 3.5/5

I don't usually order Thai Milk Tea because the sweetness is just too much but the Took Lae Dee Iced Milk Tea ($2.80) was really well balanced with the acidity and sweetness. Best part is that I got to add in the milk myself! After all the spicy and strong flavours fighting in my mouth, this is a much needed remedy to cleanse the palate.

If you are lucky, there may be seasonal Mango Sticky Rice available on your visit.

Took Lae Dee here is not 24hours unlike Bangkok, which is a pity as I really feel that much of the spirit of this brand is lost - the vibrancy, the extensive menu of comfort food, affordable pricing. Perhaps dining at the counter seats will allow you to have a better feel of it, it will elevate the taste of the food for sure.

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.


Took Lae Dee
18 Tai Seng Street
#01-34/35/K9
Singapore 539775
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Tai Seng (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tai Seng MRT station. Take Exit C. Go to ground level. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]