Showing posts with label #Line: EW Line. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #Line: EW Line. Show all posts

Sunday, September 20, 2026

Hill Street Chicken Rice Delights (禧街鸡饭) @ Peninsula Shopping Complex - New Chicken Rice Stall Hidden Inside A Shopping Mall

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Chicken rice is one of those dishes that never really goes out of style, and there is always room for another stall to join the scene. One of the newer additions is Hill Street Chicken Rice Delights (禧街鸡饭), a newly opened stall tucked away inside Peninsula Shopping Complex. Beyond the usual Poached Chicken and Roasted Chicken, the stall also offers a wider selection including Fried Chicken Cutlet Rice, Salted Baked Chicken Rice and Nan Ru Fried Pork Belly, along with a variety of sides and braised items. So if you are dining with a group, there’s plenty to choose from.

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We started with the Roasted Chicken ($19 Half Chicken), which came with beautifully glossy skin coated in a soy and honey glaze. The glaze delivers rich, concentrated savouriness with lovely caramelised depth, balanced by earthy, subtly sweet notes from the honey. Despite the glaze’s richness and the chicken skin, I found it surprisingly easy to eat without feeling overly greasy or heavy. More importantly, the meat underneath remained tender, juicy and succulent, making each bite satisfying without being too rich.

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Roasted Chicken 4.2/5

The chicken is good, but I think the condiments really complete the experience. The Garlic-Chilli Sauce packs a fiery kick with a bright, garlicky punch, while the fresh Ginger-Scallion Sauce adds a more aromatic, refreshing lift. Even the Dark Soya Sauce is worth mentioning, with a thick, sweet and fragrant profile.

Of course, a good plate of chicken rice is never just about the chicken. The rice here is fragrant and fluffy, with the grains infused with chicken essence. They are moist, plump and glossy, with enough savoury depth to complement the sweet-savoury profile of the roasted chicken. Personally, I prefer my chicken rice grains with a slightly firmer bite, so I would have liked the texture a little firmer. But this is very much a matter of personal preference, and the rice itself has good flavour.

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Poached Chicken 4.2/5

The Poached Chicken ($19 Half Chicken) was equally enjoyable, especially if you prefer something lighter and more straightforward. The meat was exceptionally tender, silky and succulent, with the flesh remaining moist and juicy without feeling undercooked. It has a clean, naturally sweet poultry flavour, with gentle poaching aromatics that enhance rather than overpower the chicken.

Between the two, I would probably alternate depending on my mood — the Roasted Chicken for something richer and more caramelised, and the Poached Chicken when I want to taste the chicken’s natural sweetness.

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Mixed Organ 3.5/5

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Braised Egg, Tofu, Beancurd 3.8/5

For those who enjoy chicken innards, the Mixed Organ ($3/$5) comes with both chicken liver and gizzard. The liver was soft and creamy, while the gizzard offered a firmer, slightly crunchy bite. It is a simple side but works well with the chicken rice, especially with a little chilli and dark soya sauce.

You can also add a selection of braised items to make your meal more substantial. We had the Braised Egg ($1), Braised Tofu ($1) and Braised Beancurd ($1.20). Of the three, the Braised Tofu stood out for me. It had a soft and silky texture and soaked up the savoury braising sauce nicely. Definitely one I would get again as a simple accompaniment to the chicken rice.

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Oyster Sauce Vegetable 3/5

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Oyster Sauce Bean Sprouts 3.5/5

For some greens, there are Oyster Sauce Vegetable ($5/$8) and Oyster Sauce Bean Sprouts ($4/$7). Between the two, I preferred the bean sprouts. They retained a nice crunch and came topped with fried shallots, which added a fragrant, slightly crispy finish and made the dish more interesting.

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Nan Ru Fried Pork Belly 3.5/5

The Nan Ru Fried Pork Belly is another option if you are looking beyond chicken. The pork belly is marinated in Nan Ru, or fermented red bean curd, giving it a distinctive savoury umami flavour with a subtle sweetness and plenty of depth. The exterior is deep-fried until golden and crisp, while the meat inside remains tender, juicy and succulent. The crispy outer layer contrasts nicely with the softer, fatty pork belly within. You can order it on its own to share, or as a dedicated Nan Ru Pork Rice set.

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Fried Chicken Cutlet 3.5/5

For something a little different, the stall also offers Fried Chicken Cutlet in three flavours — Original, Wasabi Mayo and Salted Egg. The cutlet has a crispy, golden-brown crust, while the meat stays tender, juicy, and moist. One thing to note, however, is that Hill Street Chicken Rice Delights is primarily a chicken rice stall rather than a fried chicken specialist. The cutlets are prepared beforehand rather than deep-fried to order, so they may not have that just-out-of-the-fryer heat and crispness you would get from a dedicated fried chicken shop. Still, it is a useful option if you are dining with friends or family who want something other than traditional chicken rice.

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Hill Street Chicken Rice Delights is a new addition to Peninsula Shopping Complex worth checking out if you’re in the area. The Poached and Roasted Chicken are the main draws for me. I particularly enjoyed the roasted version for its caramelised soy and honey glaze, while the poached chicken offers a cleaner and more delicate profile. The range of sides, braised items and alternative rice dishes also makes the stall suitable for sharing and for diners who want more than just a plate of chicken rice. It may still be a new stall, but the menu already offers a decent variety to explore. For me, I would return for the chicken rice, chilli and that silky braised tofu.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Hill Street Chicken Rice Delights (禧街鸡饭)
Peninsula Shopping Complex
3 Coleman Street
#01-12
Singapore 179804
Tel: +65 8152 2204
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon: 10am - 6pm
Tue-Sat: 10am - 7pm
(Closed on Sun)

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


Saturday, September 19, 2026

Shin Katsu @ Tanjong Pagar Road - Celebrates First Anniversary with Five-Cut Tonkatsu Tasting from $38

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Premium tonkatsu specialist Shin Katsu, located along the stretch of shophouses on Tanjong Pagar Road, is celebrating its first anniversary with the launch of its first chef-curated tasting experience.

The new tasting menu features two carefully curated sets — the Gensen Set ($38) and Gokusen Set ($48) — designed to take diners on a journey through different pork breeds, cuts and origins. Rather than focusing on just one type of pork, the tasting lets you compare how breed, marbling, and provenance can influence the flavour, texture, and overall character of each piece of tonkatsu.

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Seasonal Appetiser

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Cabbage

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Sake Pairing

Both sets begin with a seasonal appetiser, followed by five chef-selected katsu cuts, before ending with a Mini Wagyu Menchi Katsu Curry Rice and Matcha Ice Cream. An optional sake pairing is available for $18, and free-flow cabbage is included throughout the meal.

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Gensen Set 4.2/5

The Gensen Set ($38) is a good introduction to the tasting experience, featuring pork sourced from Canada, Hokkaido and Spain. The five cuts include both Hire and Rosu, allowing diners to experience the contrast between leaner, more delicate cuts and richer, more marbled ones. I enjoyed how each piece had its own distinct character, with the differences in texture and flavour becoming more apparent as the tasting progressed. The tonkatsu is fried with a crisp, delicate panko coating while keeping the pork inside juicy and tender. It showcases Shin Katsu’s precise frying technique, keeping the coating light without overpowering the meat.

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Gokusen Set 4.2/5

For those looking for something more indulgent, the Gokusen Set ($48) takes things up a notch with a selection of premium pork breeds including U.S. Kurobuta, Hokkaido Sangenton, Spanish Iberico and Hungarian Mangalica. This set puts more emphasis on richness and marbling, with each pork variety offering its own balance of tenderness, fattiness and umami. It was interesting to taste them side by side because the differences aren’t just about tenderness, but also about the depth of flavour and mouthfeel that come from the different breeds and cuts. For me, this is where the tasting concept works particularly well. Instead of simply having a plate of tonkatsu, you get to appreciate how much the choice of pork can change the experience.

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Mini Wagyu Menchi Katsu Curry Rice 4.2/5

The meal concludes with a Mini Wagyu Menchi Katsu Curry Rice, a satisfying final savoury course. The wagyu menchi katsu is crisp and golden on the outside, while the filling inside is tender, juicy and packed with savoury flavour. The accompanying Japanese-style curry is mild and not overly spicy, with enough sweetness and savouriness to complement the rice and rich menchi katsu without masking its flavour. Despite being a mini portion, it is quite substantial after the five-course katsu tasting.

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Matcha Ice Cream 4/5

To finish, we had a generous scoop of Matcha Ice Cream. Creamy with a distinct matcha flavour, it provides a refreshing and slightly bitter finish after the richness of the tonkatsu and curry.

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Rosu Katsu Sando

Alongside the new tasting sets, Shin Katsu has also introduced its first Katsu Sando collection, bringing its signature tonkatsu into a more casual and convenient format. The Rosu Katsu Sando ($12) features a premium Canadian pork loin cutlet, crisp-fried in panko and sandwiched between slices of soft Japanese shokupan. Another choice is the Hire Katsu Sando ($13), which combines both Canadian pork loin and tenderloin. The combination of crunchy tonkatsu and pillowy bread makes this an easy-to-eat option for a quick lunch or takeaway.

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Overall, Shin Katsu’s first-anniversary tasting experience is a fun way to explore tonkatsu beyond simply choosing between hire and rosu. The side-by-side tasting highlights how pork breed, cut and origin can influence everything from marbling and texture to flavour and richness.

Between the two, the Gokusen Set is the more indulgent option for those who want to explore more premium pork breeds, while the Gensen Set offers a more accessible introduction to the concept. Either way, it is a worthwhile experience for tonkatsu fans who enjoy discovering the nuances behind the ingredients and technique.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Shin Katsu
84-86 Tanjong Pagar Road
Singapore 088505
Tel: +65 8825 8311
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Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 930pm
Sat-Sun, PH: 11am - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Cross the road to Duxton Road. Walk down Duxton Road. Turn left onto Duxton Hill towards Tanjong Pagar Road. Turn right onto Tanjong Pagar Road and walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road. Turn right and walk to the destination. Journey time is about 6 minutes. [Map]

Thursday, September 17, 2026

Racines @ Sofitel Singapore City Centre - The Brand New Ultimate Racines Brunch Buffet, Turf & Tide Edition

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Saturday brunch gets a new Surf & Turf spin at Racines with the latest edition of its Ultimate Racines Buffet Brunch: Turf & Tide Edition. Available every Saturday from 12.30pm to 3pm until 31 October, the buffet brings together a generous selection from both land and sea — from fresh seafood on ice and sushi to grilled meats, whole fish, local favourites and, of course, a very tempting dessert spread.

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Cured Salmon with Chilli and Yuzu Ponzu

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Assorted Sushi and Maki

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Poached Prawns

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Seasonal Freshly Shucked Oyster

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Sea Whelk

We started with the seafood and Japanese selection, featuring Cured Salmon with Chilli and Yuzu Ponzu, assorted Sushi and Maki, Poached Prawns, freshly shucked Seasonal Oysters and Sea Whelk. There’s a good variety of seafood on ice, and more importantly, everything we tried was very fresh. The oysters were a little smaller than we would have liked, but they made up for it with a pleasantly sweet flavour. The poached prawns were another easy pick, especially if you are the kind who can happily spend half your buffet attacking a mountain of seafood. The assorted sushi and maki also make for a nice start to the meal, though with everything else waiting, we would definitely recommend pacing yourself!

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Nyonya Fish Maw Soup (Hu Pioh)

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Seafood Chowder

There were two soups available during our visit — one Western and one Asian. Unfortunately, the Seafood Chowder was one of the weaker dishes for us. We found it a little too diluted, and the only seafood we really found in our bowls was clams. The Nyonya Fish Maw Soup, on the other hand, was almost exceptional. It was packed with ingredients and had a lovely consistency without being overly starchy. If we had to nitpick, all it needed was some black vinegar and white pepper on the side, and we would have been very happy.

Signature Rojak
Signature Rojak

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Gado-Gado Salad with Peanut Sauce

Peanut Sauce

Beyond the usual suspects such as Caesar Salad and Classic Prawn Cocktail, two items stood out to us — the Signature Rojak and Gado-Gado Salad with Peanut Sauce. The Signature Rojak comes pre-mixed with plenty of fresh fruits, making it refreshing and surprisingly easy to keep eating. We also enjoyed the Gado-Gado, especially since you can DIY your own bowl with as much of that rich, nutty peanut sauce as you like.

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Classic Seafood Otak-Otak

Charred Cumin Lamb Ribs
Charred Cumin Lamb Ribs

Slow-Roasted Macka’s Beef Striploin
Slow-Roasted Macka’s Beef Striploin

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Grilled Red Snapper in French Bouillabaisse

This is where the Surf and Turf theme really comes through, with the grill section featuring a mix of meats and seafood, including Charred Cumin Lamb Ribs, Slow-Roasted Macka’s Beef Striploin, Grilled Red Snapper in French Bouillabaisse, and Seafood Otak, alongside chicken, prawns, and other fish selections. And I have to say, Racines really does its cooked food very well. The Charred Cumin Lamb Ribs were especially inviting with that smoky, spiced exterior, while the Slow-Roasted Macka’s Beef Striploin makes a satisfying choice for the meat lovers. The Grilled Red Snapper is also quite a centrepiece on the buffet line. Served whole in a French bouillabaisse with mussels, it’s one of those dishes that immediately catches your eye as you walk past.

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Crabmeat Fried Rice

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Whole Nyonya Assam Curry Seabass

Now, I know what everyone says: don’t waste precious stomach space on rice at a buffet. But hear me out. The Crabmeat Fried Rice with Egg Whites, Prawns, Sakura Ebi and Tobiko is really yummy! There are generous chunks of crabmeat throughout, while the Sakura Ebi and tobiko add even more seafood flavour and texture. Seriously, please don’t skip this one.

Another dish worth trying is the Whole Nyonya Assam Curry Seabass. The fish was fresh and meaty, while the gravy was rich and lemak with that familiar tangy-spicy Assam curry flavour. This is definitely one for those who enjoy stronger local flavours.

Noodle Bar
DIY Noodle Bar

If you somehow still have room, there is also a DIY Noodle Bar, with two noodle options rotating weekly. During our visit, the choices were Kelantan Style Laksa and Creamy Tom Yum Seafood Noodles. Both looked extremely tempting but, unfortunately, we had to make the difficult buffet decision to save whatever stomach space we had left for dessert. And looking at the dessert spread, I think we made the right decision.

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Durian & Coffee Tiramisu

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Coconut & Blue Pea Flower Jelly

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Assorted Choux Puff

Baked Burnt Butter Pandan Cake 1
Baked Burnt Butter Pandan Cake

Ondeh Ondeh Cake 1
Ondeh Ondeh Cake

Assorted Traditional Nyonya Kueh 1
Assorted Traditional Nyonya Kueh

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Assorted Traditional Nyonya Kueh

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Fritter Bar (Cempedak, Banana and Ubi Keledek)

The dessert section is probably one of the most visually impressive parts of the buffet. There is a glorious selection covering Western cakes and bakes, local flavours and traditional favourites, including Durian & Coffee Tiramisu, Coconut & Blue Pea Flower Jelly, Assorted Choux Puffs, Baked Burnt Butter Pandan Cake, Ondeh Ondeh Cake, Traditional Nyonya Kueh, Pulut Hitam Gelato and Signature Bubur Cha Cha.

There were hits and misses amongst the desserts, but visually, almost everything looked too good not to try. I particularly like that Racines doesn’t just fill the dessert counter with the usual chocolate cakes, cheesecakes, and pastries; there is a strong local influence throughout the selection.

The Fritter Bar is another dangerous addition, with freshly fried cempedak, banana and ubi keledek. Because apparently after an entire buffet, we still need fried cempedak.

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Teh Tarik

Besides the usual coffee and tea, there is also free-flow Teh Tarik. It was fragrant, smooth and, most importantly for us, not overly sweet. It is a simple addition, but a very welcome one, especially after all the rich food and local desserts.

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Overall, the Ultimate Racines Buffet Brunch: Turf & Tide Edition offers a good variety for a leisurely Saturday brunch, particularly if you enjoy having both seafood and cooked dishes rather than a buffet that focuses heavily on just one or the other.

The restaurant itself is also a lovely space for a long weekend meal, with full-height glass windows bringing in plenty of natural light.

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The brunch is priced at $108++ per adult and $54++ per child. There is currently 40% off adult prices with DBS, OCBC, Citi, JCB and Maybank cards for up to eight persons, while ALL Accor+ Explorer members enjoy 1-for-1 on adult prices for up to eight persons.

Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Racines
Sofitel Singapore City Centre
Level 5
9 Wallich Street
Singapore 078885
Tel: +65 64285000
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Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 7am - 1030am, 12pm - 3pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right onto Peck Seah Street. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 3 minutes. [Map]