Linda's Table Private Dining @ Pandan Valley - A Journey Through Cantonese Flavours

Linda's Table is one of my favourite private dining spots in Singapore, known for its authentic Peranakan dishes. However, Linda sometimes delves into her treasure trove of Cantonese dishes for her regular guests, offering a menu filled with tradition and heart. In July 2024, we had the privilege of trying Linda's Cantonese menu, and it was a dining experience filled with comfort, nostalgia, and excellent execution.

Five Treasure Platter 4/5

Our feast started with the Five Treasure Platter, a collection of familiar Cantonese bites reminiscent of traditional Chinese wedding dinners. The platter featured Ngoh Hiang, Spring Roll, Mayonnaise Prawn, Jelly Fish, and Osmanthus Scrambled Egg. Each element was well-prepared, but my favourite had to be the delicate Osmanthus Scrambled Egg. While not a dish with bold flavours, it was a pleasant and classic way to start the meal.

Fresh Coconut Chicken Soup 5/5

A standout dish of the evening was the Fresh Coconut Chicken Soup. It's hard to describe just how delightful this soup was — there was no added salt, yet it was packed with the natural sweetness of fresh coconut juice and the richness of the essence of chicken. A perfect balance of sweetness and umami that warmed the soul. This dish was simple but executed to perfection and easily my favourite of the night.

Crayfish Chee Cheong Fun 4.5/5

Making a grand entrance was the Crayfish Chee Cheong Fun, a delightful and indulgent dish. The large, plump crayfish sat atop a bed of silky homemade chee cheong fun (rice noodle rolls) drenched in premium soy sauce and topped with crispy lardons and spring onions. The chee cheong fun absorbed the rich soy sauce, while the crayfish provided that sweet seafood flavour. The lardons added a crunchy texture that brought the entire dish together.

Roasted Spiced Quails 4/5

The Roasted Spiced Quails were another treat — crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside. Deep-fried to a golden brown, the quails were placed on a bed of crispy rice crackers, almost as if resting on a cloud. The seasoning was on point, and it wasn't overly greasy.

Stir Fried You Mai Cai with Fried Dace and Black Beans 4.5/5

Being a fan of You Mai Cai, I was thrilled to see this on the menu, and it was even better when paired with fried dace and black beans. The vegetables retained a delightful crunch, and the flavours from the fried dace and black beans brought a salty, umami-rich depth to the dish. A simple vegetable stir-fry was elevated into something exceptional.

Fresh Lemon Wings with Ginger 4.8/5

The Fresh Lemon Wings with Ginger delivered on all fronts — sweet, tangy, sticky, and umami-packed. The lemon sauce coated the wings beautifully, giving every bite a burst of flavour. The ginger added a subtle spice that complemented the sweetness of the sauce, making it an all-around satisfying dish.

Pork Lard Rice with Liver Sausage 4.8/5

No meal at Linda's Table is complete without her signature Pork Lard Rice, a crowd favourite. This time, she added liver sausage to the mix, introducing another layer of flavour that took this indulgent dish to new heights. The richness from the crispy pork lard, paired with the savoury liver sausage, made it an absolute hit. This dish is all about indulgence, and it was thoroughly enjoyed.

Stewed Beef Pot 4.5/5

The Stewed Beef Pot was another hearty, comforting dish — featuring tender beef shin, tripe, tendon, homemade beef balls, and radish. The mildly spicy sauce brought all the ingredients together beautifully, each bite brimming with beefy goodness. It was a treasure trove of textures and flavours, perfect for sharing.

Lemongrass Poached Pears 4.5/5

We ended our meal on a refreshing note with Lemongrass Poached Pears. The pears were poached until tender and served with a lemongrass jelly that provided a cool, refreshing contrast to the richness of the earlier dishes. It was the perfect light dessert to wrap up a satisfying meal.

Linda’s Table continues to impress, offering both familiar comfort dishes and unique Cantonese delights. Whether you’re indulging in the sweet, coconut-infused chicken soup or savouring the richly seasoned pork lard rice, you can feel the love and care that goes into each dish. Linda’s Cantonese menu proves that her culinary expertise goes beyond Peranakan cuisine, making it a top choice for private dining in Singapore. For those looking for a warm, hearty, and traditional dining experience with a modern twist, Linda’s Table is not to be missed.


Linda's Table Private Dining
Pandan Valley
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Barrio Spanish Restaurant @ Hillcrest Road - Unpretentious Spanish Cuisine Ideal For Intimate Meals and Get Togethers

Tucked away on the peaceful and charming Greenwood Avenue, Barrio invites guests to celebrate the vibrant flavours of Spanish cuisine. The warm and convivial neighbourhood atmosphere enhances the experience, making it an ideal spot for both intimate meals and lively get-togethers.

Barrio’s special ‘Ceviche’ 4/5

We began our dinner with a selection of Tapas, and the first was Barrio's special 'Ceviche' ($22), which features marinated seabass soaked in a zesty blend of citrus juices. Barrio's version has more robust, punchy flavours than the usually lighter flavours of ceviche. There are also plenty of fresh ingredients, like diced onions, cilantro, and a hint of chilli. Very addictive crispy tortilla chips accompany the dish, which provides a satisfying crunch and a contrast to the marinated fish.

Barrio ‘Bikini’ Sandwich 4.5/5

We absolutely loved the Barrio 'Bikini' Sandwich ($20), which stars a winning combination of ingredients that come together very well - roast beef, cheese and black truffle. The tender slices of roast beef are succulent and packed with flavour, while the melted cheese provides a savoury creaminess that perfectly complements the beef.

Garlic Prawns 4.2/5

The Garlic Prawns ($30) captivated our senses as soon as the dish arrived at the table, filling the air with an irresistible aroma. Each large, juicy prawn is perfectly cooked and beautifully presented alongside a velvety, earthy hummus and a sprinkling of dried chilli. It is an interesting flavour combination that captures both the taste of land and sea. There's also some crunchy toast to mop up the hummus and garlic sauce.

Fideuà 4.5/5

Our interest was piqued by the arrival of a huge pan of Fideuà ($55 for small, $75 for large), the less often seen sibling of Paella. Originating from the coastal region of Valencia, Fideuà is an interesting twist on the traditional rice dish, using short noodles instead. As we eagerly dug in, we discovered that the noodles had indeed soaked up the rich flavours of the broth and other ingredients like the pork sausage and mushrooms. Whether you prefer this or the rice version will probably depend on what texture you enjoy. We found that the noodle version was softer and easier to bite, whilst the rice version usually has a more chewy texture with some crispy, charred bits. Other options exist for the Paella and Fideuà, such as seafood, squid ink or vegetables.

¼ ‘Cochinillo’ Suckling Pig 3.5/5

Moving on to the main meat dish, we were presented with an impressive platter of ¼ 'Cochinillo' Suckling Pig ($89, good to share between 3-4 pax), a culinary centrepiece that requires approximately 45 minutes of preparation time upon order and is also served with Panadera potatoes and Padron Peppers. With succulent meat and a golden-brown crispy skin, there is little to fault regarding the execution of the dish or its texture, but we found the taste of the suckling pig to be quite strong, which was not to our taste preferences. Perhaps true pork lovers will enjoy this dish more than we did.

Churros with chocolate 4.8/5

Churros ($14) are always a delightful end to a Spanish meal, and Barrio's version is everything I want in a churro. Each churro has a soft, slightly mochi-like centre, providing a satisfying chewiness that contrasts beautifully with the crisp, crunchy exterior. The churros are accompanied by the slightest sugar dusting and a rich, velvety chocolate dipping sauce that offers a decadent finish.

Barrio offers an unpretentious dining experience that captures the essence of community. The food is tasty, and the portions are generally good to share. Little wonder the restaurant was quite full when we visited, with groups of families and friends enjoying the evening and some delicious Spanish food.

Penned by Shermine. Through her pictures and stories, she shares her journey of savouring new flavours and experiences. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Barrio Spanish Restaurant
73 Hillcrest Road
Singapore 288945
Tel: +65 8328 7467
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Nearest MRT: Tan Kah Kee (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Fri: 12pm - 230pm, 5pm - 1030pm
Sat-Sun: 1130am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tan Kah Kee MRT station. Take Exit A. Use the overhead bridge to Exit B. Walk straight to Hillcrest Road. Turn right onto Hillcrest Road. Walk down Hillcrest Road and make a left into Greenwood Avenue. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]