Monday, October 13, 2025

L'Espresso @ Goodwood Park Hotel - ‘Pink For Good’ English Afternoon Tea Buffet

IMG_7980

Commemorating a decade of partnership with the Breast Cancer Foundation (BCF) and in conjunction with its 125th anniversary, Goodwood Park Hotel presents 'Pink For Good', a special edition of its English Afternoon Tea Buffet at L'Espresso. Available from 1 October to 30 November 2025, this initiative underscores the hotel's enduring commitment to the cause in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The BCF plays a vital role in providing support and education for those affected by breast cancer, while championing regular Breast Self-Examinations (BSE) to encourage proactivity about one's health.

IMG_7983

Paying homage to the pink ribbon, the universal symbol of breast cancer awareness, the buffet presents an exquisite array of savouries and sweets in delicate shades of pink, contrasted with bold black accents. Elements such as caviar, black truffle, and charcoal-infused breads and pastries lend visual drama and sophistication to the spread.

IMG_7931
Greenland Shrimp with Raspberry & Mango Chutney

IMG_7911
Turkey Ham with Cranberry Cheese & Black Olive Soil

Starting with dainty bites, open-faced sandwiches are reimagined as tart-like creations in elegant hues of pink, including Crabmeat Salad with Mentaiko Aioli & Black Sesame Seed, Turkey Ham with Cranberry Cheese & Black Olive Soil, and Greenland Shrimp with Raspberry & Mango Chutney.

IMG_7982

A selection of Finger Sandwiches offers delectable combinations such as Organic Egg & Black Truffle Mayo, Corned Beef with Caramelised Onion, and Portobello Mushroom & Halloumi Cheese, layered between charcoal and beetroot bread.

IMG_7915
Chilled Prawn & Mango Salad with Marie Rose Sauce

IMG_7929
Chipotle Tuna Salad with English Cucumber, Caprese Salad with Pesto

Croissant Sandwiches, another staple, are creatively tinted in pink and black for a striking contrast. Variations include Chipotle Tuna Salad with English Cucumber, Caprese Salad with Pesto, and Chilled Prawn & Mango Salad with Marie Rose Sauce.

IMG_7938
Salmon Gravlax Platter

The Salmon Gravlax Platter with condiments was one of my favourites, which is a perfect pairing to enjoy alongside the sandwiches and croissants.

IMG_7949
Baked Mushroom Strudel drizzled with White Truffle Oil

IMG_7987
Black Trumpet Mushroom–Crusted Beef Tenderloin

Hot highlights include comforting and indulgent offerings such as Pork Cottage Pie with Charcoal Mash, Baked Mushroom Strudel drizzled with White Truffle Oil, and Black Trumpet Mushroom–Crusted Beef Tenderloin.

IMG_7999
Smoked Salmon Tartare with Crème Fraîche

IMG_7994
Black Pink Cupcakes

Buffet specials continue the pink-and-black theme with refined creations, such as Smoked Salmon Tartare with Crème Fraîche topped with Black Caviar elegantly presented in pink cones, alongside Mini Wagyu Beef Charcoal Sliders and Black Pink Cupcakes.

IMG_7977
Desserts

Desserts are thoughtfully curated — Black & Pink Macarons, Pink Guava Opera, Raspberry Mille Feuille, Strawberry Éclairs, and more. And of course, no visit would be complete without the Signature Scones Bar, dedicated entirely to scones in an assortment of flavours.

IMG_8006

For every paying adult who dines on the 'Pink For Good' English Afternoon Tea Buffet in October and November 2025, the hotel will donate $2 nett to BCF. This contribution will help fund programmes and services for the breast cancer community and support advocacy campaigns that save lives through early detection.

Dine-in reservations can be made via www.goodwoodparkhotel.com/dining/l-espresso or call +65 6730 1743.

'PINK FOR GOOD' ENGLISH AFTERNOON TEA BUFFET
1 October to 30 November 2005
L'Espressossoo $68++ per adult | $46++ per child
Mondays to Thursdays: 2pm to 5.30pm
Fridays to Sundays & Public Holidays: 12pm to 2.30pm | 3pm to 5.30pm

Photos and words by Si An. A lady who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, the smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


L'Espresso
Goodwood Park Hotel
22 Scotts Road
Singapore 228221
Tel: +65 67301746
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 2pm - 5:30pm
Fri-Sun & PH: 12pm - 2:30pm, 3pm - 5:30pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk down Scotts Road to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes.[Map]

Sunday, October 12, 2025

Xiang Kitchen Hunan Cuisine (湘厨湖南菜) @ Ang Mo Kio Ave 10 - Affordable Hunan Flavours in the Heartlands

XiangKitchen4

With the rising popularity of Hunan cuisine, Singaporeans have gradually expanded their repertoire of Chinese food beyond the familiar realms of Cantonese and Sichuan fare. Thanks to the accessibility of restaurants like Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine and Nong Geng Ji, many have come to appreciate the bold, spicy, and smoky characteristics that define Hunan cuisine.

XiangKitchenFront-3

Now, even heartland residents can enjoy authentic and affordable Hunan flavours with the recent opening of Xiang Kitchen Hunan Cuisine at Block 421 Ang Mo Kio Ave 10 kopitiam. Prices here are wallet-friendly, often up to half the cost of the more established restaurants, making it a great entry point for anyone keen to explore the cuisine.

XiangKitchen12
Smashed Century Egg & Chilli 4/5

The Smashed Century Egg & Chilli ($8.90) is a punchy appetiser that perfectly captures the bold and unapologetic flavours of Hunan cuisine. A rustic yet vibrant dish, it features chunks of century egg smashed and tossed with a medley of chopped green chillies, garlic, and aromatics, creating a striking contrast of colours and textures. The creamy, custard-like yolk of the century egg melds beautifully with the fiery crunch of the green chillies. Each bite delivers a spicy, smoky, and umami-laden kick that lingers just long enough to awaken the palate. Bold, aromatic, and deeply satisfying, this fiery starter sets the tone for the robust flavours that follow.

XiangKitchen10
Steamed Rice

Like Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine and Nong Geng Ji, Xiang Kitchen offers fragrant steamed rice served in a whole rice pot. The perfect companion to soak up the rich and punchy flavours of its dishes.

XiangKitchen1
Special Chilli with Stir Fry Beef 4/5

The Special Chilli with Stir-Fry Beef ($15.90) is an appetising dish best enjoyed with a bowl of steamed rice. The beef slices are tender and well-coated with the fragrant mix of chillies and coriander, delivering both aroma and heat. During our visit, the chef had adjusted the spice level in response to customer feedback. If you can handle the heat, please let the staff know you'd prefer the original, fiery version.

XiangKitchen9
Stir Fry Pork 4/5

The Stir-Fry Pork ($12.90) is a quintessential Hunan dish showcasing the cuisine's hallmark balance of smoky heat and savoury intensity. Thinly sliced pork belly is wok-fried over high heat to achieve a light char and enticing wok hei, before being tossed with an aromatic blend of green chillies, garlic, and fermented black beans. The pork remains tender with just the right amount of fat for richness, while the chillies impart a fiery yet fragrant bite. It's a comforting yet exhilarating dish that pairs beautifully with steamed rice, embodying the rustic and full-bodied flavours of Hunan cooking. That said, the seasoning could have been a touch bolder to elevate the dish even further.

XiangKitchen19
Mao's Braised Pork 4.5/5

A standout for me was the Mao's Braised Pork ($18.90). The pork belly glistens invitingly in its luscious braised sauce, boasting a tender, juicy texture. Reminiscent of Dong Po Rou, the dish is rich and flavourful yet not overly greasy. It is a satisfying balance of fat and umami that makes it one of the highlights here.

XiangKitchen24
Organic Cauliflower 4.2/5

The Organic Cauliflower ($11.90) may appear unassuming and straightforward, but it's a well-executed dish with delightful crunch. Stir-fried with pork lard, red chillies, and coriander, it's aromatic and lightly spicy, with just enough richness to make a humble vegetable shine.

XiangKitchen7
Golden Soup Pickled Vegetable with Fish 4.2/5

Another must-try is the Golden Soup Pickled Vegetable with Fish ($16.90). The fish is poached to a soft, tender texture and served in a spicy, sourish golden broth that balances heat and tang beautifully. It's a comforting yet invigorating dish that rounds out the meal with finesse.

XiangKitchenFront-5

Xiang Kitchen Hunan Cuisine brings authentic Hunan flavours to the neighbourhood at affordable prices, offering dishes that are both hearty and satisfying. While a few items could benefit from a heavier hand with seasoning, the overall execution and value make it a worthy contender in Singapore's growing Hunan food scene. It is a great spot to satisfy your craving for bold, spicy, and smoky Chinese fare without breaking the bank.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Xiang Kitchen Hunan Cuisine (湘厨湖南菜)
Blk 421 Ang Mo Kio Ave 10
Singapore 560421
Facebook
Instagram
Nearest MRT: Ang Mo Kio (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Ang Mo Kio MRT station. Take Exit A. Cross the road and walk down Ang Mo Kio Ave 8 under the MRT track. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Ang Mo Kio MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to Ang Mo Kio bus interchange (Stop ID 54009). Take bus number 22, 24, 135 and 262. Alight 2 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]