Mr Hainan (海南先生) @ VivoCity - Bringing The True Taste of Hainan to Singapore

Traditional Chinese cuisine has been enjoying a surge in popularity in Singapore, and the latest addition to the scene is Mr Hainan (海南先生), now located at VivoCity. While Hainanese Chicken Rice remains a perennial favourite, Mr Hainan goes beyond this iconic dish to showcase a range of lesser-known yet equally cherished Hainanese classics, offering diners a deeper dive into the province’s culinary heritage.

Hainan, a tropical island province in southern China, is renowned for its abundant seafood. Its cuisine celebrates freshness and simplicity, inviting diners to experience the natural taste of the ingredients. At Mr Hainan, these authentic flavours are brought to life, allowing Singaporeans to enjoy an authentic taste of Hainan on their doorstep.

Pickled Vegetables

To begin, we were served Pickled Vegetables ($3.80) at the table, a crunchy and refreshing dish to nibble on throughout the meal. If you’re game for it, you can try the Assam Juice ($5.8), which is super tangy, but it was too overpowering and sour for me.

Hainan Wenchang Chicken 4.2/5

I was excited to try the authentic Hainan Wenchang Chicken (Half: $28.80, Whole: $52.80), one of Hainan’s Four Famous Dishes. The chickens are free-range for 120 days to develop firm, lean meat, then caged for another 60 days to intensify their flavour. They are raised on a natural, antibiotic-free diet throughout their lives. True to form, Wenchang Chicken is leaner and firmer, and the preparation method lets the natural flavour of the bird shine. For their condiments, they provide ginger and a nice, tangy chilli dip that differs from the familiar red chilli typically paired with local chicken rice.

Wenchang Chicken Rice

Of course, the dish is not complete without Wenchang Chicken Rice ($1.60), prepared in the authentic Hainan style using old-crop rice, which allows each grain to absorb the rich chicken broth more fully. The rice here is less oily and cleaner tasting, which some diners may prefer. Personally, I lean toward a more aromatic and richer style of chicken rice.

Luffa & Glass Noodle in Chicken Broth 4.2/5

To complement the chicken rice, we also had the Luffa & Glass Noodle in Chicken Broth ($18.80). Served in a large pot, it was a comforting, piping-hot, and slow-simmered for five hours to extract maximum nutrition and flavour. It was light but very tasty, I also enjoyed the soft luffa, clams and silky glass noodles in the dish!

Threadfin with Assam Sauce and Yellow Lantern Chilli Peppers 4.5/5

The dish that impressed me the most was the Threadfin with Assam Sauce and Yellow Lantern Chilli Peppers ($29.90). This dish is an example of Hainan’s prized small sea fish, which are known for their delicate flavour and melt-in-the-mouth texture.

Living up to its reputation, the fish we had was remarkably fresh and tender, totally delicious paired with assam sauce and fragrant yellow lantern chilli peppers for a hint of spice. Another classic option is to have the fish served with black bean sauce, wrapped in lotus leaf. Just be careful of the small bones when ordering these Threadfin dishes, as the fish is served whole.

Hainan Jiaji Duck 3.5/5

We also sampled another of Hainan’s Four Famous Dishes, the Hainan Jiaji Duck ($25.80), prepared in an interesting style with pineapples. (For reference, the other two famed dishes are Hele Crab and Dongshan Mutton.) The sauce was flavourful, with the pineapple adding a tropical touch. That said, we found the duck a little too tough for our liking, perhaps a reflection of how local palates differ from traditional preferences, as Hainanese diners appreciate the meat firm and not overly fatty.

Hainan Prosperity Pot 4/5

The Hainan Prosperity Pot ($18.80) is a vibrant mix of meats and vegetables, served in a decorative, almost ceremonial red platter. Traditionally enjoyed as a first course during joyous occasions, such as weddings, it symbolises harmony, prosperity, and a lasting union. The pot is filled with cabbage, tofu skin, black fungus, glass noodles, julienned carrots, and other colourful ingredients, making it quite visually cheerful as well.

Hainan Jade Stir-Fry 3.5/5

The Hainan Jade Stir-Fry ($14.80) is a simple dish of bright green vegetables, but it stars a unique ingredient: lotus stems, together with crunchy winged beans. It’s a straightforward dish and a nice overall accompaniment to the meal.

Golden Coconut Pastry 4/5

To conclude, we enjoyed a fried Golden Coconut Pastry ($12.80), which resembles a crispy pancake but has the lighter, airy texture of bread, with a light coconut filling tucked inside. I enjoyed this, and it was not overly sweet.

Mr Hainan takes diners on a journey through the traditional flavours of Hainan, showcasing the island’s rich culinary heritage in a casual, approachable dining setting. In celebration of Mr Hainan’s Grand Opening at VivoCity, all guests can enjoy the following promotions:

10 - 30 September (Mondays-Fridays): 50% OFF Hainan Wenchang Chicken (Half, U.P $28.80)
Now to 30 September (Daily): Unlimited refills of Wenchang Chicken Rice with every purchase

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


Mr Hainan (海南先生)
VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
#02-116
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 8060 7116
Instagram
Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit C & E. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Xing Yue Xuan (星粤轩) @ Resorts World Sentosa - Jumbo Group’s First Foray into Premium Cantonese Cuisine

Xing Yue Xuan (星粤轩), located at Weave Mall in Resorts World Sentosa, marks Jumbo Group’s inaugural venture into premium Cantonese dining. Showcasing the artistry of traditional Cantonese cuisine while embracing modern refinement, the restaurant offers a repertoire of curated executive set lunches alongside an extensive à la carte menu that celebrates the depth and finesse of this much-loved cuisine.

Amuse Bouche 4/5

Dinner commences with an elegant Amuse Bouche, a delicate scallop and prawn salad encased in a crisp housemade kueh pie tee shell. Served with a ceremonial cup of Honeycomb Ruby Tea, a soothing blend of jujube and Formosa oolong, this refined pairing sets the tone for the meal.

Double-boiled Fish Maw & Kampung Chicken Soup 4.8/5

The Double-boiled Fish Maw & Kampung Chicken Soup ($38) exemplifies Cantonese soup mastery. Prepared through a meticulous two-hour steaming of old hen, pork, and chicken feet, followed by careful boiling, the broth develops a luxuriously creamy body. Enriched with premium fish maw, scallops, morel mushrooms, and wolfberries, the soup is deeply nourishing, offering layers of umami richness in every spoonful.

Dong Po Pork Belly in Hakka Style 4.8/5

The Dong Po Pork Belly in Hakka Style ($38 per pax) is a standout. Each portion of pork belly undergoes a precise, multi-step process — blanched, torched, steamed, and bound in a bamboo leaf string — before being braised for six hours in a proprietary soy sauce. The result is melt-in-the-mouth pork layered with flavours that pay homage to authentic Hakka culinary tradition.

Flambéed Drunken Live Prawns 4.5/5

The Flambéed Drunken Live Prawns ($48 per portion, 300g) deliver both spectacle and flavour. Premium live prawns are flambéed tableside in Er Guo Tou Baijiu before simmering in a herbal broth infused with goji berries and angelica root. Cooked in minutes, the prawns emerge juicy and aromatic, laced with subtle wine and herbal notes.

Xing Yue Xuan Fuss-Free Crab in Signature Black Pepper (Half Crab) 4.5/5

For crustacean lovers, the Xing Yue Xuan Fuss-Free Crab ($78 per pax, Half Crab) is not to be missed. Available in three renditions that pay tribute to JUMBO Group’s celebrated seafood heritage, diners can choose from the robust Signature Black Pepper, the iconic award-winning Chilli Crab, or an elegant steamed version topped with velvety custard egg and caviar. We opted for the Signature Black Pepper, where the punchy, aromatic spice balanced beautifully with the natural sweetness of the crab, delivering a dish that was both fiery and indulgent.

Whole 3-Head Abalone & Sea Cucumber in Fragrant Rice 4.2/5

Served in a sizzling hot stone pot, the Whole 3-Head Abalone & Sea Cucumber in Fragrant Rice ($68 per pax) impresses with its contrasting textures. The rice, wok-fried with a house soy blend, develops a smoky fragrance before being topped with tender sea cucumber and a whole 3-head abalone — a dish that marries comfort with luxury.

Classic Chinese Duo Pastry Platter 3.5/5

Ending on a sweet note, the Classic Chinese Duo Pastry Platter ($16) showcases rotating heritage-inspired creations. Options may include a tangy Fresh Vanilla Mousse with Passion Fruit Sauce or an Awakening Lion pastry with tangerine peel red bean filling, offering a refined conclusion to the meal.

Xing Yue Xuan successfully captures the essence of Cantonese fine dining while weaving in the JUMBO DNA of seafood mastery. Whether for a business lunch or a celebratory dinner, it’s a destination worth seeking out at Resorts World Sentosa.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Xing Yue Xuan (星粤轩)
Weave Mall
Resorts World Sentosa
26 Sentosa Gateway
#B1-201
Singapore 098138
Tel: +65 80310096
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Website
Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 1030pm
Sat-Sun: 1130am - 330pm, 530pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit C or E. Walk to Vivocity Level 3 to Vivocity Monorail Station., Take Monrail to Sentosa. Alight at Resorts World Station. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Niku Niku Oh!! Kome @ Resort World Sentosa - Japanese Wagyu Hamburg Steak Grilled Before Your Eyes

Niku Niku Oh!! Kome, a concept by Japan's top listed F&B company Monogatari Corporation, opened its doors at Weave, Resorts World Sentosa, in August 2025. With over 40 outlets across China, Hong Kong, Jakarta and Manila, the Singapore outpost marks a partnership between Monogatari Corporation and homegrown brand Putien.

At Niku Niku Oh!! Kome, diners are treated to the theatrical experience of live grilling, where Japanese aged wagyu beef hamburg steaks are cooked right in front of your eyes at the counter. Each patty is freshly ground and hand-pounded daily at the outlet, ensuring maximum flavour and a satisfying texture. To personalise the experience, diners can choose from three signature sauces, five condiments, and even optional indulgent toppings such as melted cheddar or a raw egg yolk. Every set also comes with free-flow rice, soup and broccoli.

Original Hamburg Steak 4.5/5

We started with the Original Hamburg Steak. The beef was meaty, juicy, and full of flavour. Adding an egg gave the dish an extra layer of creaminess that elevated the whole enjoyment. While the spotlight is on the hamburg, the unspoken hero here is the rice – soft, fluffy and polished in-house from husked grains for optimal freshness. The restaurant uses a special blend of Japanese Niji no Kirameki rice and Vietnamese jasmine rice, resulting in an aromatic and delicate complement to the steak.

Cheese Hamburg Steak 4.5/5

Next up was the Cheese Hamburg Steak, where the patty was smothered in melted cheddar and freshly grated Grana Padano. The richness of the cheese deepened the flavours of the beef, reminding me of a decadent cheeseburger, but with the juiciness of a premium wagyu patty. Definitely one of my favourites.

Avocado Hamburg Steak 4.2/5

The Avocado Hamburg Steak came topped with avocado slices, tartar, and teriyaki sauces. While unique, this combination did not quite hit the mark for me, as the flavours seemed to compete rather than complement the beef. It was my least favourite of the three.

Prices at Niku Niku Oh!! Kome are surprisingly reasonable. A basic set with two original hamburg steaks starts at $16.80, while the most expensive set at $22.80 offers all three flavours. Each set is generous, inclusive of one pasteurised egg, along with unlimited servings of soup, rice, and broccoli – making it a value-for-money experience, especially given the premium quality of the wagyu beef.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Niku Niku oh!! Kome
Weave Mall
Resort World Sentosa
26 Sentosa Gateway
#01-228
Singapore 098138
Tel: +65 6908 3100
Facebook
Instagram
Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit C or E. Walk to Vivocity Level 3 to Vivocity Monorail Station., Take Monrail to Sentosa. Alight at Resorts World Station. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Issho Izakaya @ Marina One - Second Outlet with Lunch & Dinner Omakase Experiences from $68

Issho Izakaya has recently opened its second outlet at Marina One. In addition to their standard menu, this new outlet offers lunch and dinner omakase experiences, starting from $68, with options ranging from 8 to 11 courses.

Bonito Walnut

Homemade Tofu

We tried the 11+ course dinner omakase ($128), beginning with a trio of appetisers. The Bonito Walnut was crunchy and addictive with deep umami notes. The Homemade Tofu had a light, creamy mouthfeel, subtly flavoured with an aromatic corn sauce, which could have been less starchy.

Horse Mackerel with Seaweed Somen

The Horse Mackerel with Seaweed Somen brought an intriguing contrast of savoury crunch and briny strands of “seaweed noodles.” A touch of vinegar helped balance the brininess.

Sashimi 5/5

The Sashimi course was a highlight, featuring five indulgent belly cuts: Toro, Kanpachi Belly, Tai Belly, Kajiki Belly, and Salmon Belly, each unctuous with a lingering fullness.

Prawn Wanton in Black Vinegar 2.5/5

A local fusion touch came next with Prawn Wanton in Black Vinegar, reminiscent of chilli oil dumplings. The flavours were familiar and enjoyable, but the thick, slightly stiff wanton skin and the lack of a juicy filling were a letdown.

Tai 4.5/5

The Grilled Tai course delighted with its tender, flaky flesh and beautifully crispy scales. A squeeze of Japanese lime added a refreshing citrus lift.

Chilli Crab 4.5/5

Fusion continued into the Agemono course with their take on Chilli Crab, featuring fried soft-shell crab served alongside housemade chilli sauce and toast. The batter was light and airy, keeping the crab succulent. The sauce struck a delicate balance of sweetness and heat, making this dish a pleasant surprise.

Miyazaki A5 with Foie Gras Miso 3.5/5

The Miyazaki A5 with Foie Gras Miso followed. The desired beef flavour was there, but the texture and mouthfeel were slightly drier than expected. The accompanying grilled vegetables were full of flavour, and what I also loved about the dish was the savoury miso served at the side, which was infused with a subtle hint of foie gras funk that enhanced the flavour of the beef up a notch.

Cheese Kani 2.8/5

Instead of the usual temaki and rice course, we were served Cheese Kani and Beef Noodle with Clam Soup. The Cheese Kani, layered with gooey cheese, macaroni, and ikura, leaned indulgent but heavy, overshadowing the natural sweetness of the crab.

Beef Noodle 3.5/5

The Beef Noodle, a local interpretation of Japanese ingredients, was tasty, though a touch of grated yuzu zest could have brightened the richness and tied it more seamlessly to the overall theme. I reckon a less saucier Rice course would have given a much more cohesive flow of the omakase experience. The accompanying clam soup, while pleasant, could have carried more depth.

Dessert

Dessert was simple yet satisfying with sweet and juicy melon.

The fusion take on the omakase was refreshing and delivered a few standout dishes. That said, a stronger emphasis on seasonal ingredients, a more defined progression of courses, and greater refinement in execution would have elevated the experience into something truly memorable.

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.


Issho Izakaya
Marina One Show Gallery
West Tower
5 Straits View
#01-14
Singapore 018935
Tel: +65 6592 8876
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Shenton Way (TE Line), Marina Bay (CC, NS, TE Line), Downtown (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am – 3pm, 530pm – 10pm
Sat-Sun & PH: 11am – 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Shenton Way MRT station. Take Exit 1 or 5. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Marina Bay MRT station, Take Exit 1. Walk to Marina Way. Cross the road and walk to destination. [Map]

3) Alight at Downtown MRT station. Take Exit D or E. Walk to Straits View Road. Walk down Straits View Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Pacific Emporium @ Pan Pacific Singapore - Peranakan Afternoon Tea, Celebrating The Rich and Vibrant Flavours of Singapore's Heritage

In honour of SG60, Pacific Emporium at Pan Pacific Singapore has rolled out a Peranakan Afternoon Tea experience, celebrating the rich and vibrant flavours of Singapore's heritage.

Those with a good appetite will be pleased to know that the Weekend Afternoon Tea menu is served buffet-style and features live stations where chefs prepare dishes fresh to order. The spread offers traditional Peranakan classic dishes as well as a beautiful selection of sweets.

Welcome Drink- Nyonya Bloom

Our afternoon tea experience started with the Nyonya Bloom, a welcome drink that combined peach and passionfruit with the fragrance of pandan and a hint of gula melaka. It was a sweet and refreshing drink for the afternoon. We also got to choose two other beverages from a selection of TWG teas or Lavazza coffee.

Peranakan Rojak with Beetroot Pie Tee

Nyonya “Kerabu” with Baby Abalone

We then headed over to put together some light bites to start. The Peranakan Rojak with Beetroot Pie Tee stood out with its vibrant red shell and tangy-sweet flavours. At the same time, the Nyonya "Kerabu" with Baby Abalone offered a refreshing mix of herbs and spices, with the tender baby abalone for a touch of indulgence. The shells for both were nice and crispy!

Mackerel Mousseline in Soft Charcoal Bun

“Bakwa” and Meat Floss Double Decker

Instead of the typical finger sandwiches often seen at afternoon tea, they have Mackerel Mousseline in a Soft Charcoal Bun, as well as a playful "Bakwa" and Meat Floss Double Decker, both offering distinctly local flavours. These were presented in a pull-out drawer as part of the buffet format, though they would have been more enjoyable if warmed up, as the bakkwa was slightly tough when served at room temperature.

Nyonya Laksa

One of my favourite dishes at local-themed afternoon teas is always laksa, and the Nyonya Laksa from the Live Station did not disappoint. It was easily the best dish of the afternoon for me, thanks to its rich, thick, and flavourful gravy. You can choose toppings of shrimp, beansprouts, quail eggs, and fish puffs. I enjoyed this so much that I had multiple bowls, a perk of the buffet-style service.

Babi Pongteh

The Babi Pongteh with Blue Pea Rice and Achar was also quite enjoyable. The pork was soft and tender, and the rice had a lovely, subtle fragrance. The accompanying achar added a nice crunch to the dish.

Five Spice “Lor Bak”

Peranakan Stuffed Chicken Wing, Crispy Lobster Popiah

There were three other savoury bites, the Five Spice “Lor Bak”, the Peranakan stuffed Chicken Wing in Inche Kabin style, and the Crispy Lobster Popiah with tamarind-pineapple gravy. These unfortunately did not appeal to me, as I found them a bit dry with a slightly processed mouthfeel.

Bananas Foster

Moving on to the sweets, the Bananas Foster live station is a highlight of this buffet experience. Watching the bananas being sautéed in butter and brown sugar adds a touch of theatre to the experience. The warm, caramelised bananas and crepes are served with your choice of whipped cream, chocolate sauce, mango compote, vanilla ice cream, or raspberry passionfruit sorbet. Very delicious and indeed decadent!

You will want to leave some stomach space to sample all the pretty cakes on display. The cakes were well done, and I enjoyed all of them.

Strawberry Shortcake

The Strawberry Shortcake was lovely and light, with fresh strawberries layered between soft vanilla sponge, Speculoos crumble, and Madagascan vanilla Chantilly. Each bite felt like eating a delicate cloud.

Hukambi Salted Caramel Tart

The Hukambi Salted Caramel Tart was equally delightful, featuring a luscious blend of sea salt caramel and Hukambi milk chocolate cream nestled in a crisp, buttery tart shell. It's slightly on the sweet side due to the caramel, but still very enjoyable.

Fish Tank

The Fish Tank immediately catches your eye, with vibrant blue pea jelly resting atop a matcha financier, finished with a light and zesty yuzu whipped ganache. A highly photogenic cake!

Passion Fruit Pistachio Bar

Hazelnut Praline Puff Choux

The Passion Fruit Pistachio Bar features a vibrant, tangy passion fruit mousse atop a pistachio sponge and crunchy base, offering a refreshing balance of tart, sweet, and nutty flavours in every bite. The Hazelnut Praline Puff Choux, meanwhile, is light and airy, filled with a rich, velvety hazelnut praline custard that melts in your mouth.

Golden Sultana and Classic Scones

Golden Sultana and Classic Scones are served to the table, presented in a cloth wrap to keep them nice and warm. They are accompanied by orange marmalade, strawberry jam, and rich English clotted cream. A must-have at any afternoon tea experience.

The Peranakan Afternoon Tea will be served daily from 2 August to 16 November 2025, with two seatings available: 1:00pm to 3:00pm (First seating) and 4:00pm to 6:00pm (Second seating).

On weekends, the afternoon tea is presented buffet-style with live stations and is priced at $68++ per person, or $88++ per person with a glass of Taittinger Brut Réserve Champagne. For children aged 6 to 12, it is priced at $34++. On weekdays, the afternoon tea is served at the table and is priced at $58++ per person, or $78++ per person including a glass of Taittinger Brut Réserve Champagne.

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


Pacific Emporium
Pan Pacific Singapore
7 Raffles Boulevard
Level 1
Singapore 039595
Tel: +65 68268240
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
1st Seating: 1-3pm
2nd Seating: 4-6pm

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