Tim Ho Wan @ Plaza Singapura - Limited-Time Chinese New Year Offerings & All-New Black Truffle Chicken Bun

Chinese New Year dining at Tim Ho Wan gets an exciting refresh this festive season, as the beloved dim sum institution rolls out a limited-time menu in celebration of the Year of the Horse. Running from now to 3 March 2026, the seasonal offerings bring together auspicious favourites, comforting Cantonese flavours and one major highlight — the brand’s first new signature bun flavour since 2009!

THW Twin Buns - Black Truffle Chicken Bun & Signature BBQ Pork Bun 4.2/5

The star of the season has to be the Twin Buns, which features a pairing of Tim Ho Wan’s iconic Signature BBQ Pork Bun with its brand-new sibling, the Black Truffle Chicken Bun ($5.80 for the set). The new truffle bun doesn’t overpower; instead, it delivers a gentle, fragrant truffle aroma that complements the tender chicken filling beautifully. Encased in the same signature crumbly crust, both buns shine in their own way and are best enjoyed together for contrast.

Steamed Scallops with Green Sichuan Peppercorn 3.8/5

The Steamed Scallops with Green Sichuan Peppercorn ($6.80) is a delicate yet intriguing dish. Plump scallops sit atop silky tofu, finished with a light soy seasoning and green Sichuan peppercorn paste. The flavours are subtle and clean, with a mild numbing sensation that gently lingers rather than overwhelms. A refined dish that offers a nice break from richer, heavier festive plates.

Crispy Noodles with Prawn and Abalone Sauce 4/5

One of our favourites of the meal, the Crispy Noodles with Prawn and Abalone Sauce ($13.80) delivers comfort and indulgence in every bite. While the wok-hei is subtle, the sauce more than makes up for it: it is intensely flavourful, slightly luxurious, and packed with plump prawns. The crispy noodle base provides a satisfying contrast in texture, absorbing the umami-rich sauce without becoming soggy.

Glutinous Rice with Steamed Chicken in Wine Broth 4/5

The Glutinous Rice with Steamed Chicken in Wine Broth ($19.80) is both visually stunning and surprisingly addictive. The first bite leans slightly sweet and unfamiliar, but from the second bite onwards, it’s hard to stop. The rice is fragrant and sticky, infused with the richness of the wine broth, while the tender chicken and premium ingredients add depth. An eye-pleasing, celebratory dish that feels right at home on a Chinese New Year table.

Lucky Crispy Chinese New Year Cake 4/5

No Chinese New Year meal is complete without Nian Gao, and Tim Ho Wan’s Lucky Crispy Chinese New Year Cake ($5.80) hits all the right notes. Crisp on the outside and soft, gooey on the inside, it’s lightly sweetened and incredibly satisfying. A nostalgic treat done well and a must-order for the festive season.

Tim Ho Wan’s Chinese New Year offerings strike a thoughtful balance between tradition and novelty. The introduction of the Black Truffle Chicken Bun adds excitement to the menu without straying too far from the brand’s roots. At the same time, the festive mains and classics offer comforting flavours perfect for reunion dining.

Available for a limited time only, this seasonal menu is well worth checking out, whether you’re celebrating with family or simply looking to enjoy elevated dim sum with a festive twist.

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


Tim Ho Wan
Plaza Singapura
68 Orchard Road
#01-29A/52
Singapore 238839
Tel: +65 6251 2000
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Dhoby Ghaut (CC, NE, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 930pm
Sat-Sun: 10am - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Dhoby Ghaut MRT station. Take Exit D, E or F. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 3 minutes. [Map]

MinSuiZen·Raku (明水然・樂) Sentosa @ Amara Sanctuary Singapore - Taiwan’s "Hardest-to-Book" Teppanyaki Champion Opens "Secret Outlet" in Singapore

Following the success of its Cecil Street debut, the global omakase brand MinSuiZen·Raku (明水然・樂) elevates the experience at its new Sentosa location. Tucked away from the city’s rush and framed by Sentosa’s easygoing charm, MinSuiZen·Raku’s newest outpost feels less like a restaurant opening and more like an invitation to escape. Here, teppanyaki is reimagined as a creative playground, one where Japanese technique meets international influences, one exquisitely crafted course at a time.

The ambience is both elegant and intimate. Guests enter through a tranquil pebbled garden before arriving at a cosy dining room where the meal unfolds at an unhurried pace. For lunch, the Elegant Course is priced at $148++ and features 12 dishes. Dinner offers two tiers: the Premium Course at $198++ with 12 dishes, and the more indulgent Royal Course at $258++ with 14 dishes, showcasing the restaurant’s creative take on teppanyaki.

Dashi with Lime 4.2/5

On this occasion, we sampled both the Elegant Course and the Premium Course, each beginning on a gentle, comforting note. A teapot of warm Dashi served with a side of lime was served to start, easing us into the meal.

Appetisers 4/5

The meal began with a selection of appetisers. For the Elegant Course, this took the form of a burdock root dish. Those on the Premium Course were treated to a beautifully presented trio featuring the same Burdock Root, Mozuku Seaweed, and a Tamagoyaki with fish paste, giving it a denser, more savoury bite than the usual egg roll.

Red Sea Bream 4.2/5

This was followed by a fish course: Flounder for the Elegant Course and Red Sea Bream for the Premium Course. It was served with a flavourful sauce and accented with kombu, bonito flakes and delicate edible flowers for a refined finish.

Hokkaido Scallop 4.2/5

Next came one of my favourite dishes of the evening: a plump Hokkaido Scallop crowned with ikura and crispy shiso leaves, resting on a bed of specially handcrafted edamame mousse. The dish was served with a sauce infused with bonito dashi and a bright wasabi-yuzu dressing. A unique presentation of scallops, and very delicious!

Chawanmushi 4.5/5

This was followed by piping hot Chawanmushi with seaweed, a dish that epitomised simplicity and comfort. Silky and delicate, the steamed egg custard was smooth on the palate.

Tiger Prawn 4.2/5

Lobster 4.2/5

More premium seafood followed, with Lobster for the Premium Course and a generously sized Tiger Prawn for the Elegant Course. Both were plump and juicy, the meat highlighted by an intriguing sauce made from the roe, which added richness and depth to the dish.

Mango Sorbet 4.5/5

A palate cleanser then arrived in the form of a glass of icy Mango Sorbet. Light, refreshing and gently sweet, it cut through the richness of the preceding courses and refreshed the palate for the main courses to come.

Mini Beef Burger 3.8/5

With a touch of theatrics and flair, the meats were grilled for the next two courses. One of MinSuiZen·Raku’s signature creations is the Mini Burger: Chicken for the Elegant Course and Beef for the Premium Course, each paired with a crisp cheese tuile. The chicken burger was nice, while the beef version could have benefited from a little more sauce for a juicier bite.

Pork 4.5/5

Kagoshima A5 Wagyu 4.5/5

The main courses followed, each highlighting premium ingredients and meticulous preparation. For the Elegant Course, we enjoyed a succulent Pork dish that was tender and well-seasoned. The Premium Course featured Kagoshima A5 Wagyu, an indulgent cut renowned for its rich marbling and melt-in-the-mouth texture. It was served with a velvety sweet potato sauce and accompanied by roasted sweet potato, tender zucchini, and crispy garlic chips. Finishing touches of sea salt flakes and kombu-infused sea salt enhanced the natural richness of the wagyu.

Stir-fried Vegetables

The main course was rounded off with a medley of Stir-fried Vegetables, tossed with crunchy sesame seeds and savoury bacon pieces, all finished with a fragrant drizzle of truffle sauce.

Crabmeat Fried Rice 4.2/5

To conclude, we enjoyed the Crabmeat Fried Rice, presented with a touch of showmanship as the chef shaped it into a heart before serving. Hearty and flavourful, although I was really full by this point.

Matcha/Black Sesame Ice Cream

Dessert

For dessert, we enjoyed Matcha and Sesame Ice Cream. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, please let the staff know, as they will bring an additional dessert cake to celebrate your special day!

Overall, MinSuiZen·Raku is a fun Japanese Teppanyaki Omakase experience, and the Sentosa stands out for its refinement and influence. The courses are thoughtfully prepared, with creative touches and a nice balance of flavours, and the cosy, relaxed setting makes it easy to unwind. A nice choice for a special occasion!

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


MinSuiZen·Raku (明水然・樂) Sentosa
Amara Sanctuary Singapore
14 Gunner Lane
Singapore 099566
Tel: +65 63223678
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 330pm, 530pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 1115am - 330pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk to the pickup point for the Amara Sanctuary Shuttle Bus. Journey time is about 10 minutes. Do check the Amara Sanctuary Official Website for the shuttle bus schedule. [Map]

2) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit C & E. Walk to Vivocity Level 3 to take the Sentosa Express monorail station. Take the monorail to Imbiah Station. Walk toward Village Hotel; continue to the end of the Mess Hall building. Walk to Gunner Lane, continue walking on Gunner Lane to Amara Sanctuary. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 15 minutes. [Map]

Fei Zap Mai Laan (肥汁米蘭) @ Vivocity - Opens First Overseas Outlet in Singapore with Its Famous Hong Kong Rice Noodles

FËI ZAP MÂI LÄAN (肥汁米蘭), a well-known name for Hong Kong-style rice noodles, marks its first overseas venture with the opening of its 85th outlet at VivoCity. Originating in China, the brand is famous for its consistently long queues, with customers drawn to its nostalgic flavours and comforting bowls inspired by heritage recipes dating back over 60 years. The founder personally travelled to Hong Kong to learn the craft behind these recipes, and today, the same techniques are used to recreate the familiar flavours that many grew up with.

For those who prefer a straightforward choice, the Signature Bowls offer preset ingredient combinations carefully matched with each soup base, allowing diners to enjoy a well-balanced bowl without the hassle of customising from scratch.

The Mighty Four Bowl 4/5

The Mighty Four Bowl ($13.90) features a generous combination of fish roe balls, ham, wuxiang, and Fei Zap's house-made char siew, served with bean sprouts, coriander, and rice noodles. What stands out is the broth, which is thicker and richer than the usual clear soup. With savoury minced meat and a light smoky fragrance from the stir-fried zhajiang, the slow-simmered bone base delivers a smooth, collagen-rich texture that clings nicely to the noodles.

The Pickled Punch Beef Bowl 4.2/5

The Pickled Punch Beef Bowl ($15.90) is one of the most popular menu items. This bowl combines sliced beef, beef tendon balls, tau pok, and black fungus, finished with bean sprouts and coriander. Paired with the Pickled Punch Soup Base, the broth is bright and tangy with a gentle spicy kick, making it a refreshing option for those who enjoy bolder flavours.

The Supreme Twin Fish Bowl 3.8/5

Fish lovers will appreciate the Supreme Twin Fish Bowl ($16.90), which comes with both fried fish and sliced fish, along with black fungus, crabstick, radish, and bean sprouts. The broth is clean yet flavourful, allowing the fish's natural sweetness to come through. Light but satisfying, this is a good option for those looking for a nourishing and comforting bowl.

The Tomato Chop Bowl 4.2/5

Inspired by cha chaan teng classics, the Tomato Chop Bowl ($16.90) features a sunny side up egg, a specially marinated Hong Kong-style fried pork chop, vegetables, and diced tomatoes, served with macaroni. The tomato-based broth is gently tangy and sweet, and the crispy pork chop adds a hearty touch to this nostalgic, café-style dish.

Beyond the signature bowls, diners can customise their own combinations with over 30 different toppings, ranging from light vegetables to heartier meat options. Each topping is priced between S$0.99 and S$2.99, making it easy to tailor a bowl according to individual preferences.

Braised Wings 4/5

Curry Fishballs 3/5

Fried Wontons 3/5

To go along with the noodle bowls, a small selection of side dishes is available for sharing. The Braised Wings (S$4.90 for 3 pcs), Curry Fishballs (S$3.90 for 3 pcs), and Fried Wontons (S$5.90 for 5 pcs) make for easy add-ons to round out the meal. Among the three, the Braised Wings are the highlight, with tender meat that is well infused with the savoury marinade.

Mango Pomelo Sago 4/5

Red Bean Double-Skin Milk Pudding 4/5

For dessert, the Mango Pomelo Sago ($5.90) and Red Bean Double-Skin Milk Pudding ($4.30) provide a light, refreshing finish to the meal.

With its heritage-inspired recipes, comforting broths, and flexible customisation, FËI ZAP MÂI LÄAN offers a familiar yet satisfying noodle experience for those who enjoy Hong Kong-style rice noodles.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Fei Zap Mai Laan (肥汁米蘭)
Vivocity
1 Harbourfront Walk
#01-167/168
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6298 3817
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 9pm

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

Le Jardin @ Fort Canning Park - French European Cuisine Amidst Lush Greenery in Heart of Fort Canning Park

Le Jardin is tucked away in a quiet corner of Fort Canning Park, surrounded by lush greenery at Level 2 of Fort Canning Arts Centre.

Diners can choose to sit al fresco on its breezy porch or step indoors into a charming Victorian-style space inspired by Monet’s garden in Giverny, Paris.

The interior is adorned with fresh-cut blooms and preserved florals, and also serves as a lovely venue for events and intimate weddings.

This French European restaurant makes for a pleasant pit stop throughout the day, with a menu spanning Breakfast Brunch, Side Dishes, Mains, House-made Desserts, and a Kids’ Menu. The beverage list is equally extensive, offering classic coffees and teas, as well as speciality drinks and alcoholic options.

Burrata 4.2/5

The Burrata ($18) was a pleasant sharing starter, featuring milky cheese paired with a base of mildly earthy pea velouté, tangy pickled cherry tomatoes and parma ham.

Crab Cake 4/5

Seafood lovers may consider the Crab Cake ($18). The pan-seared cake was generously packed with crab meat, made even more appetising by a touch of heat from the tomato and chilli coulis and the freshness of the tomato salsa.

Truffle Fries 3.8/5

The Truffle Fries ($18) were fried to a nice crunch, though we felt the cheese could have been more generous and the truffle flavour could have been more pronounced.

Spicy Pan Seared Prawn Alfredo 4.5/5

Our favourite dish was the Spicy Pan Seared Prawn Alfredo ($24), which can also be prepared non-spicy upon request. The al dente linguine was beautifully coated in the rich, house-made shrimp Alfredo sauce, with the spice helping cut through its creamy consistency. The addition of sakura ebi as a topping was a clever touch, adding a subtle briny note.

Pan Seared Salmon 4.2/5

The Pan Seared Salmon ($30) arrived with a crisped skin, accompanied by asparagus, tomatoes, buttery mashed potatoes and a creamy tobiko beurre blanc. We particularly enjoyed the tanginess of the beurre blanc, enhanced by the savoury pops of tobiko.

Burnt Basque Cheesecake 3.5/5

For dessert, we went with the Burnt Basque Cheesecake ($14). While it was sufficiently cheesy, we wished it had a much more oozy centre for better texture.

Lemon Cloud Matcha 4.2/5

The Lemon Cloud Matcha ($10.90) was a delightful surprise, made with homemade honey lemon cream, lemonade, and matcha. The matcha was mildly earthy, well-balanced in sweetness, and finished with a refreshing citrusy zing.

Violet Secret 3/5

My dining companion’s Violet Secret ($9.90) combined Kyoto grape, lime and jasmine tea. While the flavour combination was interesting, it was unfortunately a little too sweet for our liking.

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.


Le Jardin
Fort Canning Arts Centre
Level 2
5 Cox Terrace
Singapore 179620
Tel: +65 8870 9977
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Dhoby Ghaut MRT (NE, CC, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 9pm
Sat-Sun: 9am - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Dhoby Ghaut MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk to Penang Road. Cross the road to UBS Singapore. Cut through UBS Singapore to Fort Canning Road. Cross the road to Fort Canning. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 10 minutes. [Map]