Hop Into A Bountiful Year Of The Rabbit At Man Fu Yuan, InterContinental Singapore

Usher in the Year of the Rabbit with a luxurious selection of Lunar New Year delights and prosperity prix-fixe menus from 3 January to 5 February 2023 at Man Fu Yuan, InterContinental Singapore. Indulge in the chef's creations using the most premium ingredients and extensive Chinese delicacies catered for families, friends and business partners.

Roasted London Duck with Pineapple, Chinese Spice and Abalone 4.5/5

The Roasted London Duck with Pineapple, Chinese Spice and Abalone ($198nett) is new on the menu. The flavoursome duck is braised to perfection with Chinese spices, with a delicious layer of fats between the crispy skin and succulent meat.

Man Fu Yuan Abundance Treasure Pot 4.8/5

The Man Fu Yuan Abundance Treasure Pot ($468nett) is a treasure trove of prized ingredients. It comprises over 18 ingredients with highlights such as premium sea cucumber, six-head whole abalone with lobster, whole dried scallop, South Africa fish maw, goose web, pig trotters, dace fish ball, dried oysters, chicken wings and preserved Kurobuta sausage.

Braised South Africa Three-head Abalone, Japanese Spiky Sea Cucumber 4.5/5

The Braised South Africa Three-head Abalone and Japanese Spiky Sea Cucumber is a lavish enjoyment paired with superior abalone sauce. The abalone is enormous and cooked perfectly to tender. The spiky sea cucumber looks scary, but it is a bouncy delicacy on its own.

Roasted Suckling Pig Chinese Cured Meat, Five Grain and Glutinous Rice 4.5/5

A signature at Man Fu Yuan every Lunar New Year is their Roasted Suckling Pig with Five Grain Glutinous Rice ($488++). An advance pre-order of three days is needed. Diners will enjoy a trio of crackling skin, succulent pork and sticky rice fragrant with Chinese cured meat.

Double-boiled Coconut with Snow Lotus Seed, Premium Sarawak Bird's Nest 4.5/5

Wrapping up the feast is the Double-boiled Coconut with Snow Lotus Seed and Premium Sarawak Bird's Nest. A fitting dessert that is light and refreshing to wash down all the richness.

Chinese New Year goodies are available for purchase from 12 December 2022 to 2 February 2023, and can be collected from 2 January to 5 February 2023 at Man Fu Yuan Shoppe, located at the level 2, Man Fu Yuan restaurant of InterContinental Singapore. Pre-order of three days in advance is required. For enquiries or to place an order, please email sinhb-festive@ihg.com, or visit InterContinentalShoppe.sg.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Man Fu Yuan
InterContinental Singapore
Level 2
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 63387600
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Website
Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1145am - 330pm, 630pm - 1030pm

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

5 ON 25 (五悦亭) @ Andaz - Welcome The Year Of The Rabbit With A New Lunar New Year Menu

5 ON 25 (五悦亭) sits on the 25th floor of Andaz hotel, alongside Alley on 25 and Bar Square. It offers refined Cantonese cuisine, helmed by Head Chef Lim Hong Lih, who has rich experience in known Chinese restaurants, such as Summer Pavilion and Li Bai. By day 5 ON 25 is an elegant space with a panoramic view of Bugis. By night when the lights dim, it transforms into a warm and romantic space.

The modern Cantonese restaurant is ready to welcome the Year of the Rabbit with its new Lunar New Year menu, featuring a la carte dishes and curated lunch/dinner set menus, available from 9 January to 5 February 2023. Most of the dishes pictured here are of a smaller portion for two pax.

海岛燕窝捞起 (皆⼤欢喜捞起) | Bird's Nest Yu Sheng 4/5

The Bird's Nest Yu Sheng ($118 for 2-4 pax, $168 for 5-7 pax) is a new highlight, using the additional topping of bird's nest to offer a different texture and a touch of luxuriousness. You will find fried yam strips and housemade crunchy nut clusters among the traditional elements of carrot strips, radish strips, ginger, and more. The sauce used leans tangier with a distinct plum taste. To opt for additional toppings, you can go for Shredded Abalone ($50) and Norwegian Salmon ($42).

⼘丝苹果⻰虾球 (⻰皇吐⽟珠) | Deep-fried Lobster, Apple with Honey Sauce 4/5

Another unique creation for the Lunar New Year menu is this Deep-fried Lobster ($58). Chunks of battered lobster covered in a homemade apple and honey sauce tasted sweet, tangy and vibrant, fitting for the occasion. The batter was just the right thickness for a complementary crunch, and you also get surprising bites of apple cubes within. The lobster was firm and fresh, but I preferred it to be less sweet to appreciate its meat.

当归脆⽪烧鸭 (⾦雁富贵) | Dang Gui Crispy Roasted Duck 4.5/5

Our favourite for the night was the Dang Gui Crispy Roasted Duck ($45 for Half, $90 for Whole). The duck had just the right amount of fats, done very tender with light and crisp skin. The herbaceous broth it sat on was a little more on the saltier end, but we didn't mind it. The fragrance of dang gui came through distinctly.

松露带⼦焖伊⾯ (富临双喜) | Braised Hokkaido Scallops, Ee-fu Noodles, Truffle Sauce 4.2/5

Our main course was Ee-fu Noodles ($38), done in truffle sauce and served with braised hokkaido scallops. It was a pity that the batter of the scallops left a slight stickiness to the teeth, but we enjoyed the springy noodles, which thoroughly soaked up the truffle sauce and had a hint of smokiness.

红莲炖桃胶 (蹄声报喜) | Peach Gum 4/5

We had the refreshing Peach Gum ($18) to complete the meal. It’s mildly sweetened with red dates and has lotus seeds, peach gum, and water chestnut for an extra crunch. If you are a tea lover, I would highly recommend trying the 5 ON 25 Signature Tea, a special blend of oolong, goji berries, osmanthus and longan. It was light yet incredibly fragrant, pairing very well with the range of dishes.

For more details on the new Lunar New Year menu and the available takeaway items, including Pen Cai and the Yu Sheng above, visit https://www.5on25.com/menu.

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.


5 On 25
Andaz Singapore
5 Fraser Street
Level 25
Singapore 189354
Tel: +65 64081228
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (DT Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 12pm - 230pm, 6-1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit E or F. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Meow BBQ @ Bugis+ - Cat-themed BBQ Restaurant From China Opens First Overseas Outpost In Singapore

Award-winning Meow BBQ from China, with over 30 outlets across ten major Chinese cities, opened its first overseas outpost at Bugis+, Singapore. The founder's love for cats can be seen around the interior of the cat-themed BBQ restaurant. The cuteness of cat paws and motifs can is found all around the restaurant, from the front entrance to the crockery used and various decorative ornaments in and around the space.

Meow Signature Spicy Beef 4/5

The Meow Signature Spicy Beef ($23.80) is a must-have at Meow BBQ. Do not be deceived by the name of the dish. It is not spicy at all. The thinly cut grain-fed 129-day-old sliced beef is marinated with pickled chillies and sprinkled with sesame. While the flavours are appetising, the meat is too thinly cut for a satisfying textural enjoyment.

Meow Signature Mixed Meat Platter 3.5/5

Great for sharing and trying out the different options on the menu is the Meow Signature Mixed Meat Platter ($66.80). It comprises Meow Signature Beef Cubes with Onion, Premium Iberico Pork Belly, Iberico Pork Collar in Smoky Sauce, Teriyaki Chicken Thigh and Marbled Beef Chunk.

Iberico Pork Collar Marinated in Pineapple Sauce 3.8/5

The Iberico Pork Collar Marinated in Pineapple Sauce ($22.80) is succulent and juicy with a hint of sweetness from the pineapple marination.

Meow Signature Chicken with Cheese Dip 3.5/5

The Meow Signature Chicken with Cheese Dip ($15.80) is incredibly tender. Heat the cheese dip and dunk the chunky chicken pieces into the melting cheese for an accentuated enjoyment.

Meow Signature Beef Donburi 3/5

For something more substantial or a quick lunch, one can go for the Meow Signature Beef Donburi ($8.80). For less than ten dollars, you get a bowl of grilled beef, sweet onions and an onsen egg for a wallet-friendly meal.

Black Cat Snow Ice 4/5

Diners can go for the Black Cat Snow Ice ($10.80) and Meow Signature Caramel Pudding ($6.80) to wrap up the meal on a sweet note. My favourite is the snow ice which is like the Korean bingsu. The snow ice is soft and fluffy, with a sweet finish. As for the caramel pudding, I preferred it to be more caramelised.

Meow Signature Caramel Pudding 3/5

Meow BBQ restaurant offers wallet-friendly grilled meats for the masses hence do not expect premium cuts for the price you are paying. Overall, it will appeal to the students and younger generations.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Meow BBQ
Bugis+
201 Victoria Street
#01-17
Singapore 188067
Tel: +65 80384659
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Nearest MRT: Bugis(EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 11am - 930pm
Fri-Sat, PH: 11am - 1am

Direction: 
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit C. Cross the road. Turn left and walk down Victoria Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

LUCE by Davide Giacomelli @ InterContinental Singapore - launches new Italian Bistronomic Champagne Brunch

LUCE by Davide Giacomelli at InterContinental Singapore recently launched a new Italian Bistronomic Champagne Brunch, featuring an extensive buffet line of Cold Starters, Hot Specialities, Pinsas, desserts and live stations, jazzed up with the accompaniment of live music.

Charcuterie Room

One may start off from the Charcuterie Room, located right beside the main entrance of Luce. It impresses with a wide selection of imported cheese and cold cuts from Italy such as Grana Padano, Mozzarella, Taleggio, Mortadella and Cured Ham, all lined up with a slab of honeycomb as a centerpiece. Alongside the cheeses and cold cuts you will also find Bread and Condiments such as Focaccia, Baguettes, as well as interesting spreads Grissini Sundried Tomato Butter and Basil Pesto Butter.

Aged Parma Ham Wrapped Rock Melon

One of my favourite Cold starters is this Aged Parma Ham Wrapped Rock Melon - The parma ham had such a luscious bite to it, and its savouriness was well paired with the sweetness of the juicy rock melon.

One of the main drawn of the Champagne Brunch is the Seafood and Sashimi on Ice. Perfect with champagne, you will have your freshly- shucked oysters, Boston lobster, snow crab leg, tiger prawns, and sashimi.

Cheese Wheel Pasta Cacio e Pepe

Moving on to the Live Stations, Cheese Wheel Pasta Cacio e Pepe is also one of the highlights - made ala minute, you will have your freshly-prepared Mafaldine Pasta tossed inside a Parmesan Cheese Wheel. Best enjoy when its hot from the wheel!

And no brunch buffet is complete without a good roasted meat. At the Meat Carving station, enjoy Slow Oven Roasted Angus Beef Striploin, served with condiments such as caramelised onions and Dijon Mustard.

Orecchia di Elefante

Hot stations give you a taste of Italy, such as this specialty of Lombardy, the Orecchia di Elefante– a bone-in, thinly sliced tender veal meat that is breaded and fried. Known as the “elephant ear”, Chef Davide has his fried in clarified butter for richer flavours.

One of my favourites is the Eggs a l’ Amatriciana. Lovers of baked eggs dishes and runny yolk will definitely be awed by this brunch item. The golden yolks of the Cage Free Eggs were satisfyingly unctuous, and the tomato sauce which is loaded with with pancetta and perfectly cooked-down red onions was vibrant with flavours.

Spezzatino di Manzo is another hearty hot dish - Italian Beef Stew with Mediterranean Vegetables such as capsicums and mushrooms. Both the softened beef and vegetables were beautifully flavoured.

Hand-tossed Italian Pinsas

Pinsas station is a hot favourite with its variety of hand-tossed Italian Pinsas freshly made once each flavour runs out. There are classic flavours such as the Margherita and Four Cheese, but I quite fancy the fancier creation Rustica Pinsa, topped with Scamorza – an Italian cow’s milk cheese layered with Bacon, Zucchini and Potato.

Salad Bar

Club Salmon Norwegian

The Salad Bar is wholesome and vibrant with organic Vegetable from local farms. There is also a selection of finger food such as Club Sandwich Smoked Turkey, Club Salmon Norwegian and Chilled Marinated Heirloom Tomato Soup.

Bread & Butter Pudding

Crostata Pistachio Strawberry Frangipane

Crunchy Choux Pastries

The Dessert station allures you with a plethora of desserts handcrafted by Executive Pastry Chef Desmond Lee - The Crostata Pistachio Strawberry Frangipane is stunning with green pistachio hues and gorgeous red strawberries, Bread & Butter Pudding with Baileys Vanilla Sauce beckons with its beautiful golden crust and the petite Crunchy Choux Pastries look simply irresistible. And many more awaits.

Italian Bistronomic Champagne Brunch is available every Sunday 12 to 3pm. For a complete experience, get free flow Taittinger Champagne or Italian Franciacorta, Aperol Spritz and selected Cocktails and Wines at $158 or with free flow Prosecco, Peroni Beer, Aperol Spritz and soft drinks at $138.

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. Note: This is an invited tasting.


LUCE by Davide Giacomelli
InterContinental Singapore
Level 1
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 68251008
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Sun: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Mon-Tue)

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

Cantina @ Arab Street - Crane's New Bohemian Inspired Cafe With An Asian Farm To Table Concept

Located along Arab Street is Cantina, a new cafe bistro with a bohemian theme that is opened by the folks behind Crane. The food takes on an Asian farm-to-table concept in which dishes are made with ingredients sourced fresh locally, and portions kept just nice to minimise food wastage.

Brekkie Burger 4.2/5

We had the Brekkie Burger ($18), which features a marinated beef patty, farm mushrooms, tomato salsa and herb slaw. The beef patty is exceptionally tender and juicy, and the tomato salsa lends some brightness to the dish with the addition of chewy juicy mushrooms.

Red Curry Prawn Conchiglie 4.5/5

Our favourite dish is the Red Curry Prawn Conchiglie ($22), consisting of locally sourced prawns, grilled greens, herb salad, peanuts and charred lime, served with conchiglie pasta. The pasta is perfectly cooked to an al dente texture and coated with fragrant red curry.

Lebanese Sweet Potato Fries 4/5

The Lebanese Sweet Potato Fries ($10) comes in a generous portion of sweet potato strips, which retain a thin layer of crispiness while packing a solid bite. I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of spices the fries were coated in, and they provided just the right amount of umami flavour to the usual sweet potato fries.

Hot Honey Crispy Chicken Bites 4/5

We also had the Hot Honey Crispy Chicken Bites ($10) served with garlic yoghurt sauce. The meat is perfectly crispy on the outside and tender within, and the garlic yoghurt sauce also helps to cut some greasiness from the fried chicken.

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.


Cantina
148 Arab Street
Singapore 199831
Tel: +65 88297116
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Bugis (DT Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Fri: 930am - 6pm
Sat-Sun: 9am - 6pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk down Victoria Street towards Arab Street. Turn right onto Arab Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

LUCE by Davide Giacomelli @ InterContinental Singapore - New Italian Restaurant Taking A Bistronomic Approach

Taking over the defunct Ash & Elm at InterContinental Singapore is LUCE by Davide Giacomelli. This new Italian restaurant embodies the marrying of gastronomic Italian dining experience with a warm and inviting bistro ambience.

Before starting our dinner, we are served complimentary bread paired with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. There is also a pot of herb with crackers placed in it.

Bruschetta 4/5

The Bruschetta ($19) here is enormous. It is not those that you can finish in one or two bites. The bread spread with grated garlic is toasted until very crispy. It is then piled with parma ham, buffalo mozzarella, cherry tomato concasse, rocket leaves and basil.

Octopus Peperonata 4.2/5

A recommended dish on the menu is the Octopus Peperonata ($36), a Sicilian-style cooked octopus pan-roasted with ratatouille of red and yellow pepper, red onions and fresh tomatoes. We enjoyed how the lovely sauce complemented the firm yet tender octopus.

Tagliatelle Coda di Manzo 4.5/5

The Tagliatelle Coda di Manzo ($36) may look plain, but each slurp contains punchy flavours from the deboned oxtail and shaved cheese. Not forgetting the fresh homemade tagliatelle pasta.

Acquerello Lobster 4.5/5

A LUCE signature must be their Acquerello Lobster ($46). Each mouthful of the carnaroli rice is cooked in lobster stock packed with robust crustacean flavours. It also comes with half de-shelled boston lobster.

Fragola 4.5/5

Luce-misu 4.5/5

For dessert, we had the Fragola ($18) and Luce-misu ($18). The Fragola is a light, sweet strawberry yoghurt mousse, yuzu chocolate cream, strawberry coulis, and dulce crumble. The Luce-misu is an upgraded version of the classic tiramisu sitting on top of a chocolate cake. It is like having two desserts in one.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


LUCE by Davide Giacomelli
InterContinental Singapore
Level 1
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 68251008
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Sun: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Mon-Tue)

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