藝 Yi By Jereme Leung @ Raffles Singapore - A Sumptuous Tribute to The Hairy Crab Season

In conjunction with the hairy crab season, 藝 Yì by Jereme Leung at Raffles Singapore presents a refined and artistic line-up of exquisite Hairy Crab Creations from 16 October to 17 November 2023.

Amuse Bouche 3.5/5

Our amuse-bouche offers a myriad of sour, sweet, and spicy flavors using the technique of pickling, which is an integral part of China’s culinary history. The Pickled Genting Highlands Mini Tomato with Dried Sweet Plum whetted my appetite with its salty-sweet juice, while the rest awakened the senses with their heat, acidity and crunchy texture.

Appetizers 3.5/5

For appetiser, we got to try 2 items from their exclusive Memoirs of Nanyang Menu - Foie Gras Terrine with Calamansi & Organic Perilla Plum and Deep-fried Crab Roll with Malacca Shrimp Paste and Ipoh Guava Salsa. These 2 items highlight the versatility of ingredients native to Southeast Asia, such as the use of the tart Calamasi, the funky yet alluring Malacca shrimp paste and the zesty Ipoh's Guava. In addition, we were also served with a juicy Poached Oyster with Japanese Sea urchin & Kristal Caviar.

Hot & Sour Basil Chicken Consommé 4/5

Before the mains, we were served a soul-warming Hot & Sour Basil Chicken Consommé with Geoduck & Cameron Highlands Stem Lettuce. One could easily be fooled by its clear appearance. The heat level is quite intense, thanks to Sichuan pepper, but it also has a sweet depth to it. The slices of geoduck provided an enjoyable texture, contrasting with the crunchy Cameron Highlands' Stem Lettuce.

Steamed Hairy Crab 4/5

From the Hairy Crab Creations' menu, we sampled the most popular dish: Traditional Steamed Hairy Crab with Taiwanese Mullet Roe & Perilla Leaves, served with Osmanthus & Wolfberry Ginger Tea. The freshly sourced furry-clawed crustaceans from Taihu boasted rich and creamy roe, while every nook and corner of the shell was filled with firm and sweet crab meat. I love the warm and fragrant ginger tea at the side, lending a hint of sweet floral note to the overall taste of the dish.

Deep fried Spotted Groupa with Spicy Hairy Crab Roe 3/5

Another item on the menu we tried was Deep Fried Spotted Groupa with Spicy Hairy Crab Roe, crispy brown rice and Edamame. I found the exterior of the fish too dry and tough.

Hainanese Steamed Bentong Sakura Chicken 4.2/5

On the other hand, the Hainanese Steamed Bentong Sakura Chicken with Fragrant Pandan Rice & Yunnan Wild Fungus received rave reviews at our table. It's a pity that the Memoirs of Nanyang menu ends in just 2 days. The premium Sakura Chicken was exceptionally succulent and tender, and the accompanying rice was a star of its own. Fluffy and aromatic with pandan, the shreds of fungus mixed within further added texture to the rice.

Shao Xing Wine Ice Cream with Yam Paste & Gingko Nuts 4/5

Our sweet ending was Shao Xing Wine Ice Cream with Yam Paste & Gingko Nuts ($18) from the Hairy Crab Creations. The warm yam was velvety with just the right sweetness, complemented by the refreshing ice cream.

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.


藝 Yi By Jereme Leung
Raffles Arcade
328 North Bridge Road
Singapore 188719
Tel: +65 63371886
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 2pm, 6pm - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Junction of North Bridge Road and Bras Basah Road. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

SHAO Tapas (烧) @ Holland Village - A New Modern Teochew Tapas-style Restaurant By SHAO (烧)

SHAO Restaurant, renowned for its Teochew cuisine at Frankel Avenue, has expanded with SHAO Tapas (烧), a new Teochew tapas-style restaurant located in the bustling district of Holland Village. The atmosphere at SHAO Tapas exudes contemporary style and vibrancy, offering diners a modern setting to savour bold and flavorful Teochew dishes. To elevate the dining experience, they also feature a well-crafted bar menu, serving creative cocktails that perfectly complement the diverse flavours of their cuisine.

Pan Seared Black Ink Cuttlefish Sausage 4.5/5

Pan Seared Black Ink Cuttlefish Sausage ($18) kicks off the meal, presenting an unusual but delicious creation. The use of squid ink elevates its savoury profile, while the texture is slightly crunchier than a typical sausage. The pan-searing process enhances the aroma, making this cuttlefish sausage highly addictive.

Raw Roe Crab Marinated with Shao Xsing Wine in Teochew Style (500g) 4.2/5

Raw Roe Crab Marinated with Shao Xsing Wine in Teochew Style ($78) is a must-try for those with adventurous palates. Unlike typical raw crab dishes, it's surprisingly devoid of any fishy taste. This dish is a palate-pleasing blend of aromatics that complements the crab's natural sweetness.

Baby Pomfret 3/5

Previously savoured at the Frankel outlet, the Baby Pomfret ($9 for 5pc, $16 for 10pc) is a cute dish deep-fried to a satisfying crispiness, allowing diners to enjoy the entire fish. However, the appreciation of this dish largely depends on personal preferences, as there is little beyond its crispy texture to make it a standout fish dish. So, diners should consider their expectations and preferences when ordering this dish.

Braised Combination Platter 4/5

An essential element of Teochew cuisine lies in its mastery of braised dishes. We opted for the Braised Combination Platter ($28), which included Pork Belly, Pig's Skin, Pig's Intestine, and Tofu. To enhance the dining experience, it was accompanied by a traditional Teochew white vinegar dip, which perfectly complemented the braised items. The only drawback is that the pork belly was excessively fatty for my taste. It might reflect a shift towards healthier eating choices as we age.

Grilled Pork Jowl 4/5

Although not a traditional Teochew dish, the Grilled Pork Jowl ($18) is well-executed, with a tender texture and a delightful sweet sauce.

Poached Crispy Rice in Seafood Stocks 4.8/5

The Poached Crispy Rice in Seafood Stocks ($34) was undoubtedly one of our favourite dishes, providing a hearty and comforting experience. This dish featured a rich seafood broth accompanied by grouper fillets, scallops, and prawns. What set it apart was the rice, which retained its grainy texture, offering that distinct Teochew preference for a delightful bite.

Yam Paste 4.2/5

To end on a sweet note, the Yam Paste ($10) includes a surprise addition of osmanthus to the creamy yam paste, enhancing its fragrance and sweetness.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


SHAO Tapas (烧)
Holland Village
44 Lorong Mambong
Singapore 277697
Tel: +65 6993 9333
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 230pm, 430pm - 1130pm
Sat-Sun: 12pm - 1130pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk to Lorong Liput. Turn right onto Lorong Liput. Walk down Lorong Liput and turn right onto Lorong Mambong. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes.[Map]

Mutiara Seafood @ Wisma Geylang Serai - First-ever Halal-certified Seafood Restaurant By JUMBO Group

JUMBO Group opens Mutiara Seafood, their first-ever Halal-certified Seafood concept nestled in the heart of Geylang Serai. Mutiara Seafood shines as a culinary gem within the vibrant Wisma Geylang Serai, with its name derived from the Malay word for' pearl'. This seafood restaurant brings together an unprecedented array of Singaporean-style seafood dishes alongside exclusive grilled creations.

Boasting a seating capacity of 176, Mutiara Seafood also offers four private dining rooms, each with a contemporary ambience suitable for exclusive gatherings, business or personal events.

Crispy Fried Baby Squid 4.2/5

Our dinner began with the Crispy Fried Baby Squid ($16), expertly deep-fried to achieve a delectable crispness. Tossed in a sweet and savoury sauce, this dish was delightful and addictive, heightened by a sprinkle of sesame seeds that added a touch of aromatic goodness.

Seafood Pumpkin Soup 4/5

Next, we indulged in the Seafood Pumpkin Soup ($32/$48/$64), a hearty and comforting concoction. The soup's flavour boasted depth, with the sweetness of the pumpkin harmonizing perfectly with the delicate seafood. The combination yielded a creamy texture that enveloped our palates in pure satisfaction.

Indonesia Grilled Chicken 4.2/5

The Indonesia Grilled Chicken ($20 Half/$36 Whole) showcased JUMBO Seafood's prowess in grilling to perfection. A rich umami flavour from the careful spice marinade enhanced each succulent and juicy bite. The caramelized glaze, created by the marriage of kecap manis and the grill's heat, lent a glossy and sticky coating to the chicken. This glaze enhanced the dish's appearance and added a subtle sweetness that complemented the savoury flavours exquisitely.

Kang Kong Stir Fried with Sambal 4/5

Kang Kong Stir Fried with Sambal ($14/$21/$28) showcased the vibrant green colour and satisfying crunch of the kang kong vegetable. The soul of the dish lay in the sambal, which imparted a punchy and fiery shiokness, elevating the overall experience.

Grilled Red Tilapia Fish with Sambal 4/5

We then relished in the Grilled Red Tilapia Fish with Sambal ($40), where meaty red snapper took centre stage. Layered with a punchy chilli sambal, the fish was grilled to mouth-watering perfection, allowing the flavours to meld harmoniously.

Signature Chilli Crab 4.5/5

A visit to Mutiara Seafood would only be complete with savouring their Signature Chilli Crab (market price). This iconic Singaporean dish featured sweet and fleshy crab drenched in JUMBO Seafood's signature sweet and spicy chilli sauce, best enjoyed with deep-fried mantou buns. The halal rendition of this beloved classic lived up to its renowned reputation.

Signature Black Pepper Crab 4.5/5

Another must-try is the Signature Black Pepper Crab (market price), showcasing the marriage of fresh crab's natural sweetness with black pepper's aromatic and spicy notes. Embrace the messiness and savour the crab with all its flavourful glory.

Jimbaran Grilled Prawns 4.2/5

The Jimbaran Grilled Prawn ($28/4pc) made an impressive entrance with its substantial size. Cooked in classic Balinese style, these prawns were treated to a deep rub and marinade of Jimbaran spices, resulting in a tantalising burst of flavours.

Mee Goreng 4.2/5

The Mee Goreng ($20/$30/$40) was a standout choice to satisfy noodle cravings. The noodles were expertly wok fired to smoky perfection in the traditional Malay style. The sweet, spicy, and savoury sauce coated the noodles impeccably, and a squeeze of calamansi provided a refreshing tang. Prawns and squid were generously incorporated to elevate the dish further.

Mango Pudding 4/5

Finally, we indulged in the Mango Pudding ($5) and Sweet Yam Paste ($5) to conclude our meal on a sweet note. The Mango Pudding delighted us with its soft and creamy texture, garnished with fresh mango that added a fruity freshness. However, the Sweet Yam Paste caught our attention with its unique twist on the traditional dessert. Accompanied by a sweet corn soup, this rendition provided a delightful contrast of flavours and textures that satisfied us thoroughly.

Sweet Yam Paste 4.2/5

In conclusion, Mutiara Seafood by JUMBO Group is a remarkable addition to the seafood dining scene in Singapore. Its Halal certification offers a welcoming and inclusive environment for diners seeking authentic Singaporean-style seafood dishes. From the crispy and addictive appetisers to the succulent grilled specialities and signature crab dishes, every bite at Mutiara Seafood was a testament to JUMBO Seafood's culinary expertise. Coupled with the elegant dining space and attentive service, a visit to Mutiara Seafood promises a memorable gastronomic experience that will surely please seafood enthusiasts and discerning diners alike.

Note: This is an invited tasting session.


Mutiara Seafood
Wisma Geylang Serai
1 Engku Aman Turn
#01-02 & #02-02/03
Singapore 408528
Tel: +65 68163030
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Paya Lebar (CC, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 3pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Paya Lebar MRT station. Take Exit E. Cut through PLQ Mall to Sims Ave. Cross the road and walk to Tanjong Katong Road. Walk down Tanjong Katong Road to Geylang Road. Turn left onto Geylang Road. Walk down Geylang Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Lee Do Restaurant @ Automobile Megamart (Ubi) - Keeping Traditions Alive While Serving 50 year Old Recipes

Lee Do Restaurant at Automobile Megamart Ubi is one of the oldest restaurants in Singapore, serving traditional Fuzhou (Hockchew) dishes. The late Mr Tan Seng Eng set up the restaurant in 1964 at a small HDB coffee shop off Bendemeer Road before moving to its current location. Currently, the restaurant is run by the third generation, keeping the traditional food scene alive.

Fu Zhou Fried Noodles 4/5

The Fu Zhou Fried Noodles ($12/$24) is a delightful plate of thick, chewy wheat noodles stir-fried to perfection with pork slices, prawns, clams and vegetables. The soy sauce added a savoury richness that permeates every strand of noodle, further elevated with the addition of pork lards.

Fuzhou Fishball Soup 3.8/5

The Fuzhou Fishball Soup ($10/$18) is a light and flavoursome broth, brightened with the addition of shallot, seaweed and spring onions. Unlike the usual fishball, the bouncy Fuzhou fishball stuffed with marinated pork gives the bite-size treat an elevated burst of flavour and satisfying textural enjoyment.

Steam White Cabbage with Scallop Sauce 3.8/5

The Steam White Cabbage with Scallop Sauce ($20) is delicately steamed to a lovely softness, retaining its sweetness and allowing the natural flavours of the cabbage to shine. However, the scallop sauce was lacking, failing to enliven the dish. It could be more prominent to enhance the sweetness of the cabbage.

Claypot Red Wine Chicken Soup 4.2/5

The Claypot Red Wine Chicken Soup ($16/$30), cooked in aromatic red rice wine, comprises tender chicken infused with the distinctive sweetness of the red rice wine. It even comes with silky Tang Hoon that soaks up the delicious broth for comforting enjoyment.

Yam Paste with Ginko Nuts 4/5

Lastly, we had the Yam Paste with Gink Nuts ($4.50) to wrap up our dinner on a sweet note. The restaurant may specialise in Fuzhou cuisine, but the yam paste, traditionally a Teochew dish, was well done, having the right creamy consistency and subtle sweetness.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Lee Do Restaurant
Automobile Megamart
61 Ubi Avenue 2
#01-13
Singapore 408898
Tel: +65 67422181
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Ubi (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Ubi MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to traffic light junction. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Tablescape @ Grand Park City Hall - Welcome Year Of The Rabbit With An Array of New Lunar New Year Set Menus for Dine-in and Takeaway

Tablescape is a modern European restaurant on the third level of Grand Park City Hall. To welcome the rabbit year, Tablescape and Grand Park City Hall have joined hands to introduce new Lunar New Year set menus that start from $88/pax. As for small group gatherings and celebrations at home, you can tuck into their sets that are ready for delivery and takeaway.

Prosperity Yu Sheng 皇府捞起 4/5

Tablescape’s Yu Sheng is a lighter rendition. I enjoyed that it was not too sweet nor too tangy, and the vegetables were fresh with a crunch. Other notable ingredients are abalone, smoked salmon, crispy fish skin, gold leaf and avruga caviar.

Double Boiled Fish Maw Soup with Cordyceps 冬虫草炖花胶 / 招财进宝 4.5/5

While Double Boiled Fish Maw Soup like this tends to carry a thicker consistency, this bowl was lighter but still extremely flavourful. The base chicken stock is made by boiling a whole chicken with pork bones, Yunnan ham, mirepoix and dried sole fish before the fish maw and cordyceps are placed in it to steam.

Combination Platter of Josper Charred Char Siew with Honey Sauce and Truffle Duck 双星报喜 3.8/5

In this Combination Platter, you can enjoy Joseph Charred Char Siew with Honey Sauce and Black Truffle Duck. We enjoyed the sweet char siew more between the two, for its more tender texture, while the truffle duck leaned more bony - though it could be due to the parts I had.

Soya Braised Chicken with Ginger and Scallion 桶子豉油鸡 百鸟朝凤 3.8/5

The next dish we tried was the Soya Braised Chicken with Ginger and Scallion. It is stuffed with Chinese wine, ginger and scallion. The chicken is further marinated and braised. The meat was tender, but it did leave us hoping that the flavours of the braising stock could come through more.

Sautéed Asparagus with Scallops and XO Sauce XO 酱芦笋炒扇贝, 富贵花开 4.2/5

The Sautéed Asparagus is done in XO sauce, garlic and Chinese wine, served with lightly seared plump Hokkaido scallops. The asparaguses were firm and tender.

Wok Fried Yee Fu Noodle with Tiger Prawns, Scallops and Baby Abalone 海鲜焖伊面 丰衣足食 4.5/5

The Yee Fu Noodle is first blanched in a housemade chicken stock that is made by boiling a whole chicken, pork bones, Yunnan ham, mirepoix and dried sole fish for a day. It's then wok-fried with a generous amount of vegetables, mushrooms, deshelled tiger prawns, yellow chives, scallops and baby abalone. It was fragrant and flavourful, a favourite among my dining companions.

Yam Paste with Ginkgo Nut 白果芋泥 | 甜甜蜜蜜 4.5/5

Tablescape's Yam Paste with Ginkgo Nut checks all the boxes for a good bowl of yam paste. After steaming the yam and blending it into a puree, it is further steamed with shallot oil, sugar and ginkgo nuts. The result is a thick and smooth paste that is mildly sweetened. Finally, housemade coconut cream is drizzled on top of the yam paste to finish it off.

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.


Tablescape
Grand Park City Hall
10 Coleman Street, Level 3
Singapore 179809
Tel: +65 64325566
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall MRT (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Lunch
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 230pm
Sun Brunch: 12pm - 3pm
Afternoon Tea
Mon-Fri: 230pm to 530pm
Sat-Sun: 3pm - 5pm
Dinner
Daily: 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit D. Turn left and walk to junction of Coleman Street and North Bridge Road. Cross the road and walk to Peninsula Plaza. Continue down Coleman Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Auntie’s Wok and Steam @ Andaz Singapore - Start The Year With An Ode To Singapore Tze Char Culture With A Szechuan Twist

Andaz Singapore’s Auntie’s Wok and Steam has finally reopened for this 2021 after months of closure! To celebrate the reopening, they have launched a refreshed menu featuring delightful Chinese classics and Singaporean favourites, prepared in a homely tze char style. Enjoy the perfect weekday escapade with an epic view on level 25, alongside a scrumptious feast.

Their Lunch Tray Sets offers great value for money with one main, one side and Andaz Iced Tea for $26 or with an additional dessert for $29. It is available from Monday to Friday, 12pm - 2.30pm, or you can order from their a la carte menu, which is available all day.

Auntie's Laksa 4/5

We ordered the Auntie's Laksa ($16), a classic local favourite. The fragrant laksa broth is creamy and mildly spiced and comes brimming with ingredients like fresh tiger prawns and fish cake. The thick beehoon is also chewy and springy, which makes for a great bowl of laksa.

Char Kway Teow 3.8/5

Another tze char staple is the Char Kway Teow ($16). The flat rice noodles are stir-fried over high heat with soya sauce, lup cheong, egg and fishcake, giving it a pleasant fragrance and texture. Although lacking slightly in the wok-hei, it is still a pretty decent plate of Char Kway Teow.

Crab Fried Rice 4.2/5

One of their familiar favourites includes the Crab Fried Rice ($14/$22), served with crab meat and asparagus. Unlike the usual fried rice dish, it uses organic white and brown rice from the Raitong Organics Farm in North-eastern Thailand, which makes for a healthier alternative without compromising the flavours.

Double Boiled Chicken Soup of the Day 3.8/5

We ordered the Double Boiled Chicken Soup of the Day ($10) as a side to the Lunch Tray Set. It is comforting and nourishing, yet we felt that the soup ingredients were too little, with just a single piece of chicken and two radish cubes.

Poached Herbal Prawns 4.2/5

One of our favourites is the Poached Herbal Prawns ($22) steamed in a brine of Chinese Shaoxing wine and nutritional herbs such as the Danggui (Angelican root), Yuzhu (Solomon’s Seal), Gui Pi (Cinnamon), and Ba Jiao (Star Anise). It gives the broth a rich and robust herbal flavour.

Rainforest Alliance Coffee Ribs and Sesame 3.5/5

The Rainforest Alliance Coffee Ribs and Sesame ($18) is coated in a sauce made from a full-bodied espresso, pulled from sustainable Fair Trade Rainforest Alliance-certified coffee beans from Bon Café. However, it fell short of expectations with the espresso sauce lacking in flavours, and the pork ribs' meat having a much tougher bite.

French Beans 3.8/5

We also had the French Beans ($12) which is lightly cooked to retain a crispy texture with a sweetness hint. It is served with flavourful minced pork to make for a simple and comforting side dish.

Chilled Mango Sago and Pomelo 4/5

Round off your meal with a selection of traditional Chinese desserts such as the Chilled Mango Sago and Pomelo ($8). The refreshing fruity dessert is smooth and subtly sweet, while the lightly acidic and bitter taste of the pomelo pairs well with the mango's sweetness.

Steamed Yam Paste 4/5

Our favourite is the Steamed Yam Paste ($8) topped with ginko nuts. The addition of coconut cream adds a creamier texture and a subtle sweetness to the smooth yam paste, without overwhelming the original taste of yam.

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.


Auntie's Wok & Steam
Andaz Singapore
Level 25
5 Fraser Street
Singapore 189354
Tel: +65 64081255
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Bugis (DT Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm

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