Cuisine Better Days Chicken Rice (饱家味国) @ People's Park Centre - Young Female Hawker, Natalie Opens Her Own Chicken Rice Shop

Natalie, the face behind the beloved Ah Five Hainanese Chicken Rice in Ang Mo Kio, has carved her name in the local food scene. Her journey started as a young, determined hawker alongside her family, where their Hainanese Chicken Rice swiftly gained fame for its delightful flavours. This family legacy, rooted in her father's cherished recipe from a renowned chicken rice brand, was soon embraced by media and food enthusiasts alike.

Fast forward to the present, Natalie embarks on her solo adventure, opening her very own chicken rice shop - Cuisine Better Days Chicken Rice, nestled in People's Park Centre. The spotlight remains on her as she single-handedly orchestrates the entire show - from cooking to cashier duties, waiting tables, and even keeping the space spotless — a true testament to her dedication and hard work.

Hainanese Chicken Rice 4.5/5

Consistency remains paramount to Natalie's craft. She continues her tradition of using premium grade A kampong chicken, just as she did at Ah Five Hainanese Chicken Rice. This choice imparts a remarkable tenderness and succulence to her poached chicken. What sets it apart is the subtly sweeter taste compared to the typical broiler chicken.

While some things remain the same, Natalie introduces a new twist in the form of her chilli sauce. Sporting an intensified punch of pungency and spice, this sauce carries an exhilarating kick that appeals to those fond of bold flavours. However, those averse to intense spiciness might want to tread cautiously.

Still, on the journey of refining her craft, one area where Natalie is working towards consistency is her rice. On my initial visit, the rice was an aromatic, fluffy delight. However, my second outing witnessed a slight variation, with a tad more moisture and a somewhat muted fragrance.

Natalie's passion is evident in her future plans to expand the menu. She intends to incorporate a diverse selection of Hainanese dishes and sides, thus transforming her offering into a complete culinary experience. This evolution guarantees more options for diners seeking a wholesome and delightful meal, ensuring that Cuisine Better Days Chicken Rice is destined to remain a name to reckon with.


Cuisine Better Days Chicken Rice (饱家味国)
People's Park Centre
#01-01
101 Upper Cross Street
Singapore 058357
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Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit D. Turn left and walk to the back of People's Park Centre facing State Courts building. At the back of People's Park Centre, turn right and walk down the  walkway. Walk to the end of walkway, along the stretch of shops to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Lime Restaurant @ PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering - Highly Anticipated LobsterFest Buffet Returns From Now Till 6 August 2023

Lime Restaurant and Bar's highly anticipated LobsterFest Buffet is back this year! It is available daily for dinner (6.30pm to 9.30pm) from now till 6 August 2023. At $166++ per adult, the buffet includes unlimited servings of beer, chilled juices, coffee and tea. It is at $98++ for each child aged 6 to 12 years and $59++ for each child aged 3 to 5 years.

In addition to the unlimited servings of lobsters done in countless ways, this year's buffet also features a line-up of renowned grill masters who will take over the outdoor barbecue on selected weekends.

Seafood Assortment

I went straight to the fresh Seafood Assortment section. Here you'll find sizable Boston Lobsters with myriad condiments, including cocktail sauce, ponzu dressing, worcestershire sauce, Thai basil and more. Alongside the Boston Lobsters were Prawns, Black Mussels, White Clams, Half Shell Scallops and Boston Lobster Claws. All of which were sufficiently fresh and sweet.

Lobster Brioche

One of the live stations that immediately caught our eye was the Lobster Brioche's. It was a pleasant mouthful of lobster bites tossed in a mayonnaise-based sauce filled in soft brioche..

Boston Lobster Caesar Salad

Moving to the salad section, it has another feature on lobster with its Boston Lobster Caesar Salad.

Composed Salads

For non-lobster options, the other Composed Salads include Lemon Orzo & Chick Pea, Louise Mixed Seafood Salad, Seasonal Tomato & Mozzarella, and Watermelon, Cucumber & Feta Cheese.

Chef Specials’ Lobsters

One of the most popular stations at the buffet was the corner with Chef Specials’ Lobsters (Asian). Choose from the Pickering Lobster Laksa, Kam Heong Lobster, Steamed Lobster with Ginger Garlic Paste & Chinese Wine or Singapore Chilli Lobster served with fried mantou.

Kam Heong Lobster

My favourite among the Chef Specials’ hot lobster dishes was the Kam Heong Lobster. It was very fragrant with the use of generous savoury dried shrimp and curry leaves. I also appreciated how despite the flavourful kam heong base, the lobster’s natural juiciness and sweetness are still retained.

Pickering Lobster Laksa

Do not miss out on their signature Pickering Lobster Laksa for its lemak soup base and addition of tender lobster meat.

Baked Boston Lobster Thermidor

At the Chef Specials' (Western) corner, the creamy Lobster Mac & Cheese and Baked Boston Lobster Thermidor would satisfy any cheesy lovers.

Cheese Board

If you're hungry for even more cheese, head to the Cheese Board Station, where you will be able to select from Cracked Parmesan, Brie, and Marinated Baby Mozzarella to be paired with Assorted Dried Fruits, Fig Compote and Cheese Crackers. My favourite here was the Cracked Parmesan.

Cold Cuts

For Cold Cuts, they featured Hungarian Salami and Air-dried Black Forest Ham, with a range of condiments which include rockmelon and pickled gherkins.

Live Carving Station

The Live Carving Station was another popular stop for many diners. The highlights included the Roast Beef, Leg of Lamb and Slow Cooked Pork Shoulder. We especially appreciated the wide variety of condiments provided at each corner of the buffet. Here you will find sauces such as Multigrain and Dijon Mustard, Truffle Red Wine Sauce and more.

Western

Other Western dishes in the spread include Sustainable Barramundi, Vegetable Lasagna, and Baked Spiced Cauliflower served with hummus.

Asian

For the Asian spread, you can expect dishes such as Roast Meats, Seafood Fried Rice, Fried Sea Bass with Chopped Chilli and more.

Dessert

The Dessert Station was quite a spread with cakes such as Strawberry Shortcake and non-bakes like Warm Chocolate Chip Pudding and Durian Penyat. There are also Seasonal Fresh Fruits of Dragon Fruit, Honeydew and more.

Cream Custard with Berries

This Cream Custard with Berries was one of the four Verrine options. The other three were Tropical Citrus, Baileys Tiramisu and Milk Chocolate Cream with Caramel Apple.

Assorted Nonya Kueh

The dessert range continues with Assorted Nonya Kueh and even a Chocolate Fountain. The tiny ang ku kuehs among the Nonya Kueh caught our eye. Make sure to also try their Mango and Strawberry gelatos before leaving - we went back for seconds and thirds!

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.


Lime Restaurant
PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering
3 Upper Pickering Street
Singapore 058289
Tel: +65 3138 2251
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Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 630pm - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk towards the traffic junction of Upper Pickering Street and New Bridge Road. Cross the road. Turn left onto Upper Pickering Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Kuan Zhai Alley (宽窄巷子) @ Capital Square - Modern Authentic Sichuan Restaurant, Bringing Your Dining Experience To The Next Level

Kuan Zhai Alley (宽窄巷子) at Capital Square is an extraordinary addition to the culinary scene in Chinatown, Singapore. This modern authentic Sichuan restaurant showcases the bold and vibrant flavours of Sichuan cuisine and celebrates its rich cultural heritage. Upon entering, you are immediately transported to a refined Chinese dining experience with its lavish interior design that exudes elegance. The attention to detail extends to the meticulously plated dishes, each a work of art.

Arctic Bay Scallops with Mushrooms 4.2/5

One standout dish is the Arctic Bay Scallops with Mushrooms ($38). It takes a unique approach by shredding and deep-frying the scallops, which are then delicately dressed in chilli oil. The resulting texture is reminiscent of dried squid, creating a delightful sensory experience.

Auspicious Shrimp Cake 4/5

The Auspicious Shrimp Cake ($78) is made from fresh prawns formed into a paste and coated in a thin crust. These delectable cakes are deep-fried to a perfect golden hue. Accompanied by an orange-infused mayonnaise and a spiced chilli dipping sauce, every bite is a symphony of flavours that elevates the enjoyment.

Lychee Shrimp Balls 4.2/5

Another interesting creation is the Lychee Shrimp Balls ($26), which are playfully presented hanging on a tree for diners to pluck from. These shrimp balls are delightfully springy and infused with the delicate essence of lychee. Pair them with the accompanying orange-infused mayonnaise for a burst of contrasting flavours.

Spicy & Peppery Chicken 3.5/5

While the Spicy & Peppery Chicken ($58) aims to showcase the popular Kou Shui Ji (口水鸡) dish, the execution falls slightly short. The chicken leans towards the drier side, and both the spicy and peppery sauces lack the expected intensity. It's a dish that could benefit from bolder flavours to capture the essence of Sichuan cuisine truly.

Cabbage with Pork Belly 4.2/5

In contrast, the Cabbage with Pork Belly ($22) embodies simplicity at its finest. Stir-fried to a delightful crunch, the sweetness of the cabbage harmonises beautifully with the fragrant pork belly, resulting in a satisfying and comforting dish.

Braised Fish with Sour Cowpeas 4.5/5

One of the meal's highlights is the Braised Fish with Sour Cowpeas ($168). Served in a simmering pot, the fish is perfectly cooked to a moist and tender texture. The accompanying sauce strikes a delightful balance of sweetness, spiciness, and tanginess, creating an incredibly appetising combination.

Chinese Brush Pastry 2.8/5

For dessert, the Chinese Brush Pastry ($36) arrives in a captivating presentation resembling a traditional Chinese brush set. The edible pastry tip allows you to "write" with chocolate sauce as if practising Chinese calligraphy. While visually captivating, the dessert needs to improve in terms of flavour and live up to the overall dining experience.

Kuan Zhai Alley aims to elevate Sichuan cuisine into a fine dining realm, evident in its exquisite presentation and attention to detail. However, it's worth noting that the price point leans towards the higher end, which all diners might not easily embrace. Whether Singaporeans will fully embrace this fine dining approach to Sichuan cuisine remains to be seen. Still, it undeniably offers a unique and memorable culinary experience for those willing to indulge.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Kuan Zhai Alley (宽窄巷子)
Capital Square
23 Church Street
#01-02 to 08
Singapore 049481
Tel: +65 81008577
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Raffles Place (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 3pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk straight down Telok Ayer Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk to Church Street. Cross the street and walk towards Telok Ayer Street. Turn left onto Telok Ayer Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Lime @ PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering - Indulge in Lime Restaurant's Festive Buffets This Holiday Season

Ring in the holiday cheer with a sumptuous spread and great company this festive season at PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering’s with Lime Restaurant’s delightful festive line-up available from 1 December 2022 to 2 January 2023, including the extra festive Christmas and New Year Buffets from 24 to 26 December, 31 December, and 1 to 2 January 2023.

The indulgence begins at the Seafood Bar, where you can indulge in some crustacean delights of fresh Prawns, Mussels, Gong Gongs and Oysters, as well as a selection of Sashimi and Sushi.

Festive highlights include the savoury gourmet roasts of the Roast Herb Crusted Sirloin, Traditional Roast Turkey, and Triple Glazed Ham.

The meats are best paired with a side of their seasonal vegetables, Vegetable Autumn Pie, crispy Potato Croquettes and Vegetarian Lasagne.

Fans of local flavours can head for the Chinese dishes such as the Wok-fried Asian Green with Garlic, Salt & Pepper Prawns and the Braised Pork Belly with Steamed Mantou.

Not to be missed is the Laksa, featuring a delicious spicy broth brimming with ingredients such as fish cake, quail egg, bean sprouts, taupok and crayfish.

Throughout the meal, LIME's featured chefs will also present their signature pass-around tasting dishes, including the well-loved Lobster Linguini, Prawn Cocktail, and Spicy Prawn Wonton made a la minute. Guests are also able to make requests for unlimited servings of these special dishes. We particularly enjoyed the a la minute dishes such as the briny Lobster Linguine and refreshing Prawn Cocktail, which comes loaded with cubes of juicy sweet mango and tender prawn meat.

Christmas would not be complete without Lime’s quintessential Christmas Log Cakes, such as the Christmas Chocolate Yule Log, and the festive sweet treats including the Gingerbread Latte Pudding, Minced Fruit Pie, Festive Stollen, Candied Panettone, and Christmas Fruit Cake.

An extensive selection of savoury gourmet roasts, celebration sets and delectable desserts are available for purchase at Lime on the Go via https://shop-parkroyalcollectionpickering.panpacific.com/en_SG from 15 November 2022. For dining reservations and enquiries, guests can call +65 3138 2251 or email dining.prsps@parkroyalcollection.com.

Weekday Lunch (Monday to Friday):
SGD79 (adult), SGD39.50 (child)

Weekend Brunch (Saturday and Sunday):
SGD128 (adult), SGD64 (child)

Weekday Dinner (Sunday to Thursday, excludes 25 and 26 December):
SGD108 (adult) SGD54 (child)

Weekend Dinner (Friday and Saturday, excludes 23 and 24 December):
SGD128 (adult) SGD64 (child)

Words and photos 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.


Lime
PARKROYAL on Pickering
3 Upper Pickering Street
Singapore 058289
Tel: +65 68098899
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Website
Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT Line, NE Line), Clarke Quay (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Festive Lunch Buffet (Mon-Fri): 12pm - 2pm
Festive Brunch Buffet (Sat-Sun): 1230pm - 3pm
Fstive Dinner Buffet (Daily): 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk to the junction of Upper Pickering Street and New Bridge Road. Turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight to the junction of Upper Pickering Street and New Bridge Road. Cross the road. Turn left and walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]