YUN NANS (云海肴) @ ION Orchard - New Outlet With Garden-Within-A-Restaurant Theme In The Heart Of Orchard Road

One of my favourite Chinese Restaurants, YUN NANS (云海肴), has opened its latest and fourth outlet at Ion Orchard, in the heart of Orchard Road. The new space seeks to transport diners into a garden landscape, designed as a scenic garden-within-a-restaurant.

Steam Pot Chicken Soup with Lily Bulb 4.2/5

With the new opening, the restaurant also introduced new dishes, such as the Signature Steam Pot Chicken Soup ($32.90) is given an elevation with the addition of Lanzhou Lily Bulb. The lily bulb gives the light and nourishing soup an extra lift in sweetness.

Pomelo Salad with Osmanthus Dressing 4/5

The Pomelo Salad with Osmanthus Dressing ($10.90) is a refreshing and invigorating salad tossed in house-made osmanthus honey sauce, giving it a sweet and fruity finishing. Fresh lily bulb is added for that extra crispiness.

Lychee Prawn Ball 4.2/5

Shaped and looking like lychee is the Lychee Prawn Ball ($20.80). It is freshness at its best. Fresh prawns are hand-beaten to a paste, shaped into bite-sized balls and deep-fried till crispy. While the exterior is crisp, the inside is crunchy, bursting with juicy tenderness from the prawns.

Hotplate Milky Tofu with Spicy Garlic Sauce 4.8/5

A delightful new dish that goes very well with a bowl of rice is the Hotplate Milky Tofu with Spicy Garlic Sauce ($16.80). The famed Yunnan milky tofu's pillowy soft texture is achieved using Shiping's unique spring water, drenched in an appetising specially concocted spicy garlic seafood sauce.

Sauteed Cabbage with Dried Chillies 4.5/5

Sometimes simple is the best, for example, the Sauteed Cabbage with Dried Chillies ($13.80). It is simply stir-fried with garlic, thin slices of pork and dried chillies, bringing out the natural sweetness of the cabbage.

Charcoal Grilled Chicken Skin and Gizzard 4.2/5

Marinated with an in-house mix of Yunnan's spices and grilled over a charcoal fire, the Charcoal Grilled Chicken Skin ($2.80 per skewer) and Gizzard ($2.80 per skewer) are packed with beautiful aroma from the spices. The skewers are deliciously good for a few glasses of beer.

Braised Fish Maw with Porcini Mushroom

The treasure pot of Braised Fish Maw with Porcini Mushroom ($42.80 / $52.80) comprises wild porcini mushrooms harvested from the highlands of Yunnan, fresh fish maw, Yunnan solo clove garlic, Chinese yam, and Yunnan Qiubei Chillies. The ingredients are braised over a slow flame, giving the fish maw a soft texture and retaining its collagen content.

Claypot Rice with Minced Beef and Crispy Red Bean $24.90

Lastly, wrapping up our dinner is the Claypot Rice with Minced Beef and Crispy Red Bean ($24.90). It is like the Chinese take on the donabe. The stewed rice is cooked in a special in-house sauce and served with crispy red beans, minced beef, ham, crisp-fried pork lard, spring onions and salted vegetables. Mix everything together to end the meal in a finale

Note: This is an invited tasting.


YUN NANS (云海肴)
ION Orchard
2 Orchard Turn
#B3-17
Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 65130828
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 10pm
Sat-Sun, PH: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Boyutei @ Ann Siang Hill - New French-Japanese Cafe By One-Michelin Starred Whitegrass And Tea Artisans Hvala

Boyutei is an exciting new collaboration between the one-Michelin starred Whitegrass and tea artisans Hvala. Their menu sees French-Japanese fusion cuisine ranging from sandos to sweet and savoury crepes. The savoury items are crafted by Whitegrass Head Chef Takuya Yamashita, while Hvala focuses on their area of expertise, desserts and beverages.

Wagyu Sukiyaki Tamago Sando

There are 4 types of sandos currently. The Wagyu Sukiyaki Tamago Sando ($24) has slices of braised wagyu beef, red onions, cabbage, chives, and an onsen egg served on toasted brioche.

Ebi Katsu Sando 3/5

The Ebi Katsu Sando ($22) has a thick and crunchy ebi katsu with tomatoes, cabbage, a drizzle of tartar sauce, and homemade chilli. Apart from the beef and prawn options, the other 2 sandos are chicken and veggie.

Cha Soba 3/5

For a noodle dish, the Cha Soba ($24) is presented with kinshi tamago strips and slices of unagi with momiji oroshi. The wedge of lemon helps to add some brightness to the dish.

Niku Miso Chazuke 

Served with a side of dashi broth, the Niku Miso Chazuke ($18) has Japanese white rice paired with moromi miso flavoured minced beef and a mix of chives and crispy genmai bits. Flavours here are lighter.

Seafood Mentaiko Crepe 3.5/5

One of the highlights of Boyutei's menu would be their lineup of crepes that carry strong French-Japanese fusion. The Seafood Mentaiko Crepe ($22) has a mix of prawns, squid, bacon, cabbage and tomato enveloped in a thin and soft crepe with a slight chew. It's finished with mentaiko mayo and shredded nori.

Fans of matcha desserts will be familiar with Hvala. They've brought a wide range of teas from an exclusive partner farm and are showcasing them here through the beverages and newly conceptualised plated desserts.

Goma Matcha Crepe 4.5/5

In the Goma Matcha Crepe ($14), you will find a layer of bittersweet matcha pastry cream between the matcha crepe, topped with matcha ice cream and goma crumbles. The goma crumbles were roasty and fragrant, helping to tie all the elements together nicely.

Matcha Goma Garden 4.2/5

If you are a fan of warabi mochi, the Matcha Goma Garden ($17) has a fun assembly of them, together with matcha ice cream, cinnamon sand and a handcrafted goma nama chocolate. The pieces of warabi mochi were soft, while the nama chocolate was decadent with a subtle roasty fragrance.

Black Forest Tart 4/5

The Black Forest Tart ($17) offers something different with its dark chocolate fondant, cherry compote, chocolate soil and rum ice cream. The mini bursts of sweet cherry in the bittersweet dark chocolate were a pleasant surprise.

Matcha Latte, Sakura Smoked Cold Brew Tea

Drinks wise, there’s a whole range of Chinese teas, Japanese teas, cold brews, straight matcha and lattes. Hvala’s classic Matcha Latte ($9) is available alongside Genmaicha and Hojicha Lattes. You can customise your ice and sugar levels, as well as if you’d prefer the use of fresh milk or oat milk.

The Sakura Smoked Cold Brew Tea ($12) is an interesting drink. You will first meet with a light smoky aroma before hints of sakura and sour cherry come through.

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.


[CLOSED]
Boyutei
28 Ann Siang Road
#01-02
Singapore 069708
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Chinatown (DT Line, NE Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk down Cross Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Continue to the end of Amoy Street. Climb the stairs beside Siang Cho Keong Temple, up Ann Siang Hill. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk down Maxwell Road towards Kadayanallur Street (beside URA building). Turn right onto Kadayanallur Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Pagoda Street to South Bridge Road. Cross the road and turn right. Walk down South Bridge Road. Turn left onto Ann Siang Hill. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Yan Restaurant (宴) @ National Gallery - Nourishing Cantonese Delights To Replenish The Body With Two Wellness Menus

For a limited period from 6 June to 31 August 2022, Yan Restaurant (宴) at National Gallery rolls up two Wellness Set Menus, developed together with guidance from Zhongjing Traditional Chinese Medicine. The delicious Cantonese fare incorporates the principles of Yao Shan (药膳) through the two set menus that harmonise wellness and health to replenish the body during the hot and humid summer months.

Crispy Skin Roasted Duck 4.5/5

The six-course wellness menu is priced at $158++ per pax, while the eight-course wellness menu is priced at $108++ per pax. We had the eight-course wellness menu starting with the Crispy Skin Roasted Duck marinated with Dried Mandarin Peel, accompanied with Chinese Pancake, Cucumber and Spring Onions. The use of Mandarin peels is said to nourish the spleen and lungs.

Double-boiled Chicken Soup with Immunity-Boosting Herbs 4.2/5

The Double-boiled Chicken Soup with Immunity-Boosting Herbs is brewed for 4 hours using a herbal soup mix curated by Zhongjin's physicians. The nourishing soup combines the wholesome benefits of ingredients such as milkvetch root, siler root, lotus seed, wolfberry, red dates, and candied dates. It helps to strengthen the spleen, reinforce and harmonise the vital energy in the body for summer.

Braised Sliced Abalone with Eggplant in Oyster Sauce 4.2/5

Eggplant, known to help reduces the risk of heart disease due to its fibre, potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B6 and antioxidants, is paired with Braised Sliced Abalone in an abalone and oyster sauce. It is my first time having eggplant done this way, and I truly enjoyed it.

Wok-fried King Prawns in Hawthorn Sauce 4.5/5

The Wok-fried King Prawns are cooked in Hawthorn sauce, which has many cardiovascular benefits such as treating high blood pressure, improving blood circulation, and many more. Its sweet and sour taste profile reminds me of sweet and sour pork, which excellently complements the prawn's freshness.

Steamed Chilean Cod Fillet with Cordyceps Flower 4.5/5

A favourite dish among the dining companions is the Steamed Chilean Fillet with Cordyceps Flower. The moist buttery-sweet Chilean cod fish is paired with cordyceps flower, commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine to strengthen the liver and kidneys.

Sauteed Australian Scallops, Asparagus with Fresh Lily Bulbs 3.5/5

Sauteed Australian Scallops with Asparagus is a common dish in most Chinese restaurants. At Yan, it is elevated with the addition of lily bulbs promoting lung health, such as relieving coughs, dry throats, and other respiratory conditions.

Stewed Ee-fu Noodles with Mushrooms

Like every Chinese restaurant, we ended the meal with a carbo dish before the dessert. The stewed Ee-fu Noodles come with three different mushrooms - King Oyster Mushrooms, Enoki Mushrooms and Shimeji Mushrooms loaded with antioxidants.

Chilled Mao Shan Wang Durian Pudding 3/5

Last but not least, we had the Chilled Mao Shan Wang Durian Pudding to wrap up the dinner. While it is packed with the distinct aroma from the king of fruits, I didn't enjoyed the custardy texture of the pudding.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Yan Restaurant (宴)
National Gallery Singapore
1 St Andrew's Road
#05-02
Singapore 178958
Tel: +65 63845585
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit D. Turn left and walk down North Bridge Road. Turn left onto Coleman Street. Walk down Coleman Street. Walk to destination. Journey time around 5 minutes. [Map]

Ichi Umai @ Junction Nine (Yishun) - Cozy Japanese Eatery That Offers Affordable Chirashi Don And Chestnut Pork Katsu Don

Located within the first level of Junction 9 at Yishun is Ichi Umai, a hole-in-the-wall Japanese eatery that offers affordable traditional and contemporary Japanese dishes. Diners can look forward to various Japanese food ranging from Chirashi Dons to Unagi Fried Rice, Chestnut Pork Katsu Don, and a variety of side dishes to complete the meal.

Sake Hotate Yuzu Carpaccio 4.2/5

We started the meal with the Sake Hotate Yuzu Carpaccio ($12.90), with fresh, thinly sliced salmon and scallops in citrus soy sauce. Truffle paste can be added at an additional top-up of $2. It comes with a pleasant truffle aroma that elevates the whole dish.

Sake Ikura Don 4.2/5

The Sake Ikura Don ($11.90) comes with raw salmon slices with salmon roe on furikake sushi rice. Well-proportioned and well-executed at an affordable price, the salmon slices were fresh. Furikake is added to give an umami taste to the Sake Ikura Don.

Kuri Buta Katsu Kare 4/5

The Kuri Buta Katsu Kare ($14.90) features a deep-fried panko-breaded chestnut pork cutlet, which is extremely crispy on the outside and tender within. The curry sauce packs a mildly spiced and rich flavour and goes perfectly well with the chestnut pork cutlet.

Ebi Tempura 4/5

The Ebi Tempura ($9.90) was simple but well-executed. The fried prawns were perfectly battered to thin crispiness and paired with a light tempura dipping sauce.

Ika Mentai Mayo 4.5/5

One of our favourite dishes and also the restaurant's popular side dish is the Ika Mentai Mayo ($12.90). The grilled squid itself was tender, with a bite to it. It was laced with torched pollock roe mayonnaise and miso mayonnaise, adding so layers of umami flavours to the seafood.

Tanuke Miso Roll 3.5/5

The Tanuke Miso Roll was an item that is not yet on the menu but will be launched sometime soon by the restaurant. It features miso mayo sauce on a fried crab meat sushi roll. However, we felt that the maki roll did not shine through compared to the rest of the dishes we had tonight, as the flavours were not prominent or memorable enough.

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.


Ichi Umai
Junction 9
18 Yishun Ave 9
#01-19
Singapore768897
Tel: +65 88871976
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Yishun (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Yishun MRT station. Take Exit C or D. Walk to Yishun MRT station (Stop ID 59009). Take bus number 803, 807 and 860. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Yishun MRT station. Take Exit C or D. Walk to Yishun MRT station (Stop ID 59009). Take bus number 811. Alight 3 stops later. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Caviar @ Palais Renaissance - Showcasing Caviars From Around The World

New at the basement of Palais Renaissance is Caviar, Singapore's first caviar-based restaurant showcasing a wide variety of caviars around the globe, incorporating them into the menu by a team of young chefs with bags of fine-tuning experience from various Michelin-starred restaurants.

Amuse Bouche

I visited Caviar for their 4-course Lunch ($128++), starting with a glass of champagne and amuse bouche. The bite-size amuse bouche is topped with caviar from China.

Next, complimentary bread with caviar butter is served to kickstart the meal.

Swordfish 4/5

Starting our 4-course menu proper is the Swordfish served with abalone slices. It comes in a thin blanket of kohlrabi laid over the swordfish and abalone, topped with arctic char roe. A light and refreshing ginger vinegar holds everything together for a complex yet harmonious finishing.

Organic Egg 4.2/5

The Organic Egg is a beautiful dish in which the smooth and silky steamed egg custard is paired with chorizo and caviar from Giaveri White Sturgeon. However, being a caviar theme restaurant, I thought the chorizo sold the limelight of the dish. Saying so, it is a dish that everyone at my table enjoyed.

Wagyu 4.5/5

For the mains, we had the Wagyu paired with broccolini, smoked mash and topped with Royal Oscietra's caviar. The excellent cut is cooked to perfection. It is tender and juicy, not too fatty, with a fantastic bite to appreciate its natural beefy flavour. Once again, I was distracted from the caviar by the beautiful wagyu.

Coconut 3.8/5

Got to say, not everything on the menu has caviar. The Coconut dessert is a welcoming freshness from the fruity strawberries and lime to wrap up the meal on a refreshing note..

Petit Four 4/5

Lastly, the 4-course lunch ends on a high with the Petite Four. I have enjoyed my lunch at Caviar, which enriched my knowledge of caviar. I always think caviar comes from Russia, but you can source it globally. As for the food, they are well-executed and delicious. However, I felt some dishes could be better by turning the caviar into the leading actor instead of being a calafare.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Caviar
Palais Renaissance
390 Orchard Road
B1-07
Singapore 238871
Tel: +65 98881217
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Sat: 12pm - 130pm, 6pm - 830pm
Sun: 1130am - 415pm
(Closed on Mon-Tue)

Direction:
Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to Wheelock Place. Walk to traffic junction of Orchard Road and Angullia Park. Cross the road to Royal Thai Embassy. Turn left and continue down Orchard Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes.  [Map]