Showing posts with label .Area: Little India. Show all posts
Showing posts with label .Area: Little India. Show all posts

Sunday, December 29, 2024

Marymount Bakehouse @ Race Course Road - Full-Fledged Café With Artisanal Sourdough Loaves and Dishes

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Marymount Bakehouse has expanded its love for sourdough with a full-fledged café at Farrer Park, spreading the spirit of "Loavers Community" and a "Sourdough Living" lifestyle. Renowned for their hand-scored, naturally fermented sourdough loaves, Chef-owner Ian Ferdinand Chong combines his experiences in casual and fine dining to showcase creative sourdough expressions through artisanal loaves and café dishes.

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Platter of Sourdough

At the heart of the boulangerie are Marymount's signature sourdough loaves. The current curation includes rather interesting creations such as the earthy Tomatillo Salsa Verde ($16.60), a herbed bread inspired by Chef Ian's Latin American friends, and a chocolatey Oolong Hydrated and Dark Chocolate Chip Sourdough. If you wish to try various selections, a curated platter with spreads is available.

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The Feast of 7 Fishes Seafood Pie 5/5

Sourdough finds its way into their Levain Pies. The Feast of 7 Fishes Seafood Pie ($22.50) celebrates the bounty of the sea with a deluxe filling of tiger prawn velouté, scallops, crab, halibut, and seabass. The rich, creamy seafood mixture was well-seasoned, with delightful textures from the chunks of seafood and fried halibut topping, balanced by citrusy mayo.

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Apple & Rhubarb Custard Pie 4.5/5

Another highlight is the French-style Apple & Rhubarb Custard Pie (from $15.90 for 4-inch). Its intricate "spoke latticework" elevated its visual appeal and enhanced its textural experience. The tartness of the rhubarb was balanced by the sweetness of the custard and apples, creating layered flavours. The crust-to-filling ratio was spot on, making each bite a harmonious blend of taste and texture.

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Basque Tartine 3/5

Moving on to the cafe menu. A reinterpretation of an iconic wild mushroom dish Chef Ian tasted in San Sebastian, the Basque Tartine ($28) comprises sautéed porcini and chanterelle mushrooms, foie gras, and sunny-side-up eggs on a slice of their signature sourdough. Drenched in burnt butter, this tartine came across as an ideal hangover remedy. The nutty and sweet burnt butter balsamic tied the elements together and, at the same time, provided some relief to the overall saltiness. The foie gras may add a bit too much richness to the dish.

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Lemon Cream Morel & Broccolini Peasant Style Sourdough Pasta 3.5/5

The Lemon Cream Morel & Broccolini Peasant Style Sourdough Pasta ($22) is conceived out of a no-waste policy where excess sourdough discarded was transformed into fresh handmade pasta. This rustic pasta's shape and hearty bite made it ideal for the lemon cream sauce.

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.


Marymount Bakehouse
421 Race Course Road
Singapore 218668
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Nearest MRT: Farrer Park (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Sun: 9am - 5pm
(Closed on Mon-Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Farrer Park MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn right and walk to Race Course Road. On Race Course Road, turn left and walk down Race Course Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Saturday, June 29, 2024

Kozen Sushi Bar & Restaurant @ Flanders Square - Offering Dry-aged Sashimi and a Variety of Delightful Japanese Dishes

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Nestled in the quaint street just behind the City Square Mall carpark, Kozen Sushi Bar & Restaurant specialises in dry-aged sashimi, offering a unique twist on traditional Japanese cuisine.

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Chawanmushi of the day – Snow Crab 4/5

We started our meal with the Snow Crab Chawanmushi ($16.90). The jiggling steamed egg topped with sweet snow crab meat and ikura was pleasantly delightful, with a fresh hint of sweetness from the snow crab. This dish was a definite winner, and we really enjoyed it.

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Chawanmushi of the day – Scallop 3.8/5

Another chawanmushi we tried was the Scallop Chawanmushi ($16.90). It was a good dish topped with aburi fresh scallop and ikura, but it lacked the flavour depth of the snow crab version.

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Lobster Toro Don 4.2/5

The Lobster Toro Don ($59.90) is a premium don featuring fatty tuna (toro) dry-aged for 9 days, chunks of lobster meat with uni sauce, and topped with ikura. It is served with raw egg yolk for dipping the tuna. This dish was incredibly umami, and we scraped every single grain of rice from the bowl!

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Beef Wine Short Ribs 3.5/5

The Beef Wine Short Ribs ($45.90) offered fork-tender braised beef short ribs, making it an excellent appetiser for sharing if you're looking for something non-fish. However, we found it too salty for our taste, but it might be perfect for those who love beef.

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Seasonal Nigiri 4/5

The Seasonal Nigiri Platter provided a great mix of dry-aged and seasonal sashimi, allowing us to try different fishes, each with its own sweetness and flavour. A highlight of any Japanese meal, this sushi platter did not disappoint. Our selection included Chutoro, Isaki, Kinmedai, Smoked Salmon, Minced Tuna Maki topped with Uni, Aka Ebi with Ikura, Mikan Tai, Shimaaji, and Akami. Be sure to check with the restaurant for the current selection, as it changes seasonally.

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Chocolate Banana Waffle 3/5

Kozen has recently launched a dessert bar, open from 6pm daily until 1am, making it a great spot for late-night dessert cravings. We tried the Chocolate Banana Waffle ($14.90), accompanied by not-too-sweet chocolate ice cream and caramel macadamia. While the flavours were nice, the waffle itself wasn't crispy enough for our liking.

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Kozen Sushi Bar & Restaurant impresses with its innovative dry-aged sashimi and a variety of delightful dishes. The Snow Crab Chawanmushi and Lobster Toro Don were standouts, offering exceptional flavors and quality. While some dishes like the Beef Wine Short Ribs and Chocolate Banana Waffle had room for improvement, the overall experience at Kozen was enjoyable and worth a visit for anyone looking to indulge in premium Japanese cuisine.

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


Kozen Sushi Bar & Restaurant 
22 Flanders Square
Singapore 209306
Tel: +65 6816 0253
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Nearest MRT: Farrer Park (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Farrer Park MRT station. Take Exit H. Walk to Kitchener Link. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Sunday, June 9, 2024

VK Mess South Indian Feast @ Race Course Road - Bringing the Flavours and Lively Vibes of Traditional South Indian Mess to Singapore

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VK MESS South Indian Feast, located on Race Course Road, is a newly opened restaurant serving authentic South Indian cuisine. Chef-owner Titus, who has a background honed in fine-dining restaurants both locally and abroad, has returned to his roots. After a pilgrimage to India to immerse himself in regional dishes, Chef Titus aims to bring the flavours and lively vibes of a traditional South Indian mess to Singapore.

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The Ultimate Virundhu 5/5

The menu at VK Mess is carefully curated to highlight its specialities. To get an idea of their offerings, we tried the Deluxe Set ($55/2 pax) of The Ultimate Virundhu. This set includes more than 12 dishes: White Rice, Lamb Chukka/Curry, Chicken Uppukari/Curry, Prawn Sambal, Spanish Mackerel Fry, Chicken/Fish 65, Egg, Samba, Rasam, Mooru, Papadam, and three vegetables. We also sampled a few additional items.

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Our deluxe set was elevated with coconut ghee rice, available only on selected days. The rice, infused with lamb stock and rose water, had a fluffy texture with delightful bites from crushed cashews. Slightly coconutty and accented with spices, especially cardamom, the plump raisins added a burst of sweetness that countered the savoury flavours of the surrounding dishes.

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Shredded Shark Stir-fry

The dishes are on a rotational basis. One standout was the Shredded Shark Stir-fry. It had a flossy texture, and as exotic as it sounds, it had a bite reminiscent of Hei Bi Ham - moreish but more spice-forward rather than heat; it was definitely a memorable experience for me.

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Lamb Chukka

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Chicken Uppukari

The Lamb Chukka and Chicken Uppukari were also noteworthy. Lamb Chukka was a dry curry with morsels stir-fried until dry with spices and aromatics, allowing the curry to cling to each piece. The chicken uppukari was delectable with tender meat.

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Prawn Sambal with Quail Eggs

A favourite was the Prawn Sambal with Quail Eggs. The prawns were succulent and finger-licking good with a nice amount of spice, and the quail eggs were perfectly cooked. Another notable item was the Fish Curry. Infused with tamarind, it added an appetising acidity to the meal.

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Balancing the platter's flavours were the lightness and sweetness of the vegetables, comprising stewed cabbage, pumpkins, and long beans. The Dahl was delicious too. The vegetarian set offered here is also worth checking out.

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Chicken 65 4.5/5

The set includes a side bite, Chicken 65. Despite its deep colour, the meat was surprisingly tender and not overly seasoned, allowing the spices and aromatics to shine.

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Whole Lamb Shank Masala 4.5/5

VK Mess prides itself on its signature Whole Lamb Shank Masala ($18 ala carte/ $13 with set). Brined for 72 hours and then cooked in a pressure cooker, the meat easily fell off the bone and was succulent. The robust masala gravy made it even more satisfying.

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Black Moon 5/5

The quality of the spices is crucial in determining the flavours of the dishes. The owner sources his spices from the mountains of Kolli Hills. Cardamom is commonly used both in coconut ghee rice and desserts. Be sure to try the Black Moon, which is made with black rice imported from India. Served with a sago crisp dotted with rose gel, reflecting the chef's fine dining background, this dessert showcased the art of flavour balance. Interestingly, the first taste was delightfully salty, enhancing both the coconut and black rice flavours. Shredded coconut mixed into the rice pudding added a delectable bite. It concluded my meal perfectly.

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.


VK MESS South Indian Feast
42 Race Course Road
Singapore 218557
Tel: +65 94711706
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Nearest MRT: Little India (DT, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 1130am - 10pm
(Closed on Mon)

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

Friday, September 22, 2023

Nest At One Farrer @ One Farrer Hotel - Bespoke Private Dining Experience

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Nest at One Farrer Hotel offers an exclusive and unique private dining experience inside their private studios and villas on level 20, the top floor of One Farrer Hotel. Jointly designed by Executive Chef Marcus Tan and Pastry Chef Wee Pai Hau, they invite you to experience their all-new Executive Set menus alongside curated wine recommendations.

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The Havens' private dining studios are converted from their hotel rooms, with a staff assigned to serve the customers in these studios. Meaning we had had the entire room to ourselves! The private studios offer two 5-course Executive Dinner menus - Lavender set menu ($98) and Wisteria set menu ($98). Two Executive menus for lunch are available as well.

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We started with two warm buns, served with Truffle Butter and Unsalted Butter. The fluffy and buttery soft bun was particularly warming.

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Honey Soy Unagi 4/5

Both the starters were excellent. The Honey Soy Unagi (Lavender) is a warm starter that whets my appetite with savoury, unctuous unagi, complemented by a slightly sweet tamago. The al dente kimchi capellini topped with saltish ikura and scallion helped build the dish's texture.

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Ceviche Hokkaido Scallop 4.8/5

As for the cold starter, Ceviche Hokkaido Scallop (Wisteria), each slice of the scallop was succulent, offering an almost melt-in-your-mouth texture, complemented by the bright flavours of the Asian citrus-soy dressing and pink ginger. The accompanying savoury kaiso salad added an extra layer of flavour dimension, and texture.

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Ginseng Chicken Consommé Wolfberries, Chicken Gyoza 4.8/5

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Mushroom Velouté 4/5

For the second course, the Ginseng Chicken Consommé (Lavender) stood out with its elegant consommé carrying a good depth of ginseng flavour. Partially immersed within, a chicken gyoza was a highlight, featuring a juicy, well-seasoned filling encased in a perfectly pan-fried crust. The Mushroom Veloute (Wisteria) boasted a deep, earthy flavour from sautéed forest trumpets, with a touch of truffle oil to further enhance that earthiness.

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Hoisin-barbecue pork belly 4.5/5

Both the third courses were well executed, but I found the Hoisin-Barbeque Pork Belly (Wisteria) to have a better balance of flavours, thanks to a yummy house-made Hoisin sauce that elevated the barbecued pork belly. The pork belly itself was succulent and tender, devoid of any strong porky flavour, and the crunchy macadamia sprinkles on top provided a delightful textural contrast. The tangy pineapple compote added a sweet and bright acidity, cutting through the dish's richness.

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Mentaiko Mayo Halibut 4/5

The flavour profile of the Mentaiko Mayo Halibut leans more towards the sweeter side, but overall, we still enjoyed the dish. The fish had a tantalizingly buttery texture and flavour, enriched by the mentaiko mayo. The fruity and savoury tomato mousseline, along with the pickled tomato, was a thoughtful touch by the chef.

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Braised Beef Cheek Rendang 3.5/5

Both menus feature beef as the fourth course. The Lavender menu presents a visually appealing Braised Beef Cheek Rendang served with Blue pea glutinous rice, pickled pineapple-cauliflower, and crispy parsnip. The beef cheek was incredibly tender, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, and the pickled cauliflower played a role similar to our Asian achar in a rendang dish. Though the taste of the parsnip was slightly off for some reason, it was a cohesive dish.

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Filet mignon 2.8/5

As for the Filet Mignon, while the 'shao xing' wine jus that dressed it was flavourful, alongside thin slices of pancetta, the meat seemed to lack seasoning to bring out its flavours fully.

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White Peach Terrine 3.8/5

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Apple Tart Tatin 4/5

For desserts, the White Peach Terrine with Red Muscat Granite and Aloe Vera (Wisteria) was refreshing, especially due to the delectable bite of the jelly terrine. The Apple Tart Tatin with vanilla crème anglaise (Lavender) was stunning, striking a good balance between sweetness and acidity. However, a slight, distinct bitterness came through from the apple itself, and I'm not sure if that was intentional.

For dining at The Havens, a minimum of 4 guests is required, up to a maximum of 10 guests. Floral arrangement is upon request.

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.


Nest at One Farrer
One Farrer Hotel
Level 20
1 Farrer Park Station Road
Singapore 217562
Tel: +65 6705 7828
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Nearest MRT: Farrer Park (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12 - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Farrer Park MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. Map]


Wednesday, August 16, 2023

Poonsti @ Owen Road - Sister Brand of Old Hen Kitchen Offering a Specialised Rösti Menu Made Fresh Daily

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Situated on Owen Road, Poonsti is Old Hen Kitchen's brand new rösti concept, offering a full menu of rösti dishes that are crafted entirely from scratch. Each rösti is meticulously prepared, with potatoes freshly shredded and handmade in small quantities, ensuring the utmost quality. The menu boasts five delightful variations of rösti, including a classic rendition paired simply with sour cream. Exclusively available at the Owen Road outlet, these delectable offerings are available daily, starting at 9:30am until they are sold out.

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Rösti with Bacon 4.2/5

Each dish features a crispy and airy golden brown rösti base, served with different toppings. One of their signatures is the Rösti with House-cured Bacon and Fried Egg ($18) that comes with hot tomato jam, cream cheese and pickled radish. What sets Poonsti's house-cured bacon apart is its sumptuous and fatty texture, a result of a carefully crafted marination process. At the same time, the tomato jam contributes a fusion of sweetness and tanginess. This innovative combination creates a truly well-balanced dish that marries the satisfyingly fatty bacon with the nuanced flavours of the tomato jam.

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Rösti with Smashed Avo 4.5/5

The Rösti with Smashed Avo ($17) comes with mango salsa and fried shallot, topped with a jammy egg and paired with a dollop of basil pesto cream. While I love the contrast between the crunchiness of the rösti and the creaminess of the avocado, what elevates the dish is the refreshing and zesty mango salsa that adds a burst of tanginess and tropical flair, complemented by the savoury crunch of fried shallots. The addition of a jammy egg adds a rich and velvety touch to the dish, while a dollop of basil pesto cream infuses a herbaceous and aromatic note. The combination here is executed with finesse, resulting in a symphony of flavours that intertwine seamlessly on the palate.

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Rösti with House-cured Salmon 4/5

The Rösti with House-cured Salmon ($19) introduces an elevated take on a classic pairing. Unlike the conventional rösti with smoked salmon, Poonsti's rendition showcases their commitment to creativity and refinement. This dish presents a beautifully composed plate featuring a golden-brown rösti base topped with a generous portion of their house-cured salmon. The salmon's succulent and rich flavour is enhanced by adding creamy ricotta, which creates a luxurious contrast against the crispy texture of the rösti. Adding fried capers and pickled onion also contributes a sharp, vibrant note to the dish, turning this classic pairing into anything but ordinary.

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Overall, the rösti dishes at Poonsti showcase creativity and refinement, featuring unique pairings and meticulous preparation. From the Rösti with house-cured salmon adorned with ricotta, fried capers, pickled onion, and dill to the Rösti with smashed avo complemented by zesty mango salsa and fried shallots, each dish is a symphony of flavours and textures. Do note that their rosti is only available in limited amounts daily, so head down early to avoid disappointment!

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.


Poonsti
127 Owen Road
Singapore 218931
Tel:+65 6818 3333
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Nearest MRT: Farrer Park (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 930am - 3pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Farrer Park MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk down Race Course Road to Owen Road. Turn left onto Owen Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Monday, July 3, 2023

Jia He Grand Chinese Restaurant @ One Farrer Park Hotel - Jia He New Sister Restaurant With A Bold And Contemporary Concept

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Jia He Grand Chinese Restaurant, the latest addition to the dining scene at One Farrer Park Hotel, continues to impress with its bold and contemporary approach to Chinese cuisine. While its sister restaurant, Jia He Chinese Restaurant (a very doors away), offers wholesome and homely dishes, Jia He Grand takes things up a notch by presenting diners with multi-sensorial creations that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.

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Trio of Starters 4/5

To start our culinary journey, we indulged in a trio of starters. The Sauteed Stuffed Mushroom with Truffle Sauce delighted our taste buds with its robust earthy flavours from both the mushroom and truffle. The Century Egg with Preserved Sakura Ginger and Vintage Vinegar presented a unique combination, with sweet beancurd skin wrapping around century egg and preserved sakura ginger, creating a harmonious blend of flavours. Lastly, the Crispy Pork Belly with Preserved Bean Paste, eaten like a Korean wrap, offered a delightful contrast of textures as the romaine lettuce refreshed the palate while complementing the crispy pork belly.

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Roasted Peking Duck 5/5

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The meal's highlight was undoubtedly the Roasted Peking Duck ($88 Whole Duck), which I can confidently say is the best in Singapore. The duck was perfectly roasted, boasting a crispy skin that gave way to succulent and juicy meat. What truly set this dish apart was the toasted pancake wrap. Unlike the usual thin pancakes, these were soft and fluffy and enhanced the overall enjoyment of the Peking duck to a whole new level.

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Signature Double-boiled Chicken and Pig Stomach Soup 4.5/5

The Signature Double-boiled Chicken and Pig Stomach Soup impressed with its flavorful broth and a piquant peppery kick that left a lasting impression. The pig stomach was expertly prepared, resulting in a tender, clean-tasting delight.

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Steamed Fillet of Sea Perch with Preserved Sakura Ginger and Silky Tofu 4.2/5

For seafood lovers, the Steamed Fillet of Sea Perch with Preserved Sakura Ginger and Silky Tofu ($26/pc) offered a unique pairing of preserved sakura ginger with the firm and mildly sweet sea perch. The soy sauce added depth to the dish, complementing the fish's natural sweetness.

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Flambe Beef Brisket in Whole Pineapple 4.2/5

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A dish that captured both our taste buds and attention was the Flambe Beef Brisket in Whole Pineapple ($28/order). The grand entrance, with the beef brisket set ablaze at the tableside, added a touch of theatricality. Beyond the showmanship, the beef brisket was incredibly tender, and the pineapple infused the dish with an extra layer of fruity sweetness.

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Stir-fried Shredded Luffa Melon with Gingko and Black Fungus 4.2/5

The Stir-fried Shredded Luffa Melon with Gingko and Black Fungus ($24/small) showcased luffa in a whole new light. The dish was perfectly prepared, offering a delightful crunch and natural sweetness. The owner even playfully remarked that it looked like stir-fried chendol, adding an element of humour to the dining experience.

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Crispy Rice with Boston Lobster in Superior Broth 4/5

The Crispy Rice with Boston Lobster in Superior Broth ($42/small) was a standout dish packed with robust crustacean flavour. The combination of fluffy and crispy rice immersed in the delicious broth and the sweetness of the Boston lobster made every spoonful a pure delight.

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Collagen Pork Bone and Tomato Soup with Boston Lobster and Purple Potato Noodle 3.8/5

An unexpected dish on the menu was the Collagen Pork Bone and Tomato Soup with Boston Lobster and Purple Potato Noodle ($40/pax). This luscious creation combined purple potato noodles with a refreshing and appetising tomato soup, a delightful twist I had not encountered elsewhere.

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Almond Soup with Peach Resin 4.5/5

To conclude the meal on a sweet note, we savoured the Almond Soup with Peach Resin. Served warm and comforting, the soup struck a perfect balance, not overly sweet, with a smooth almond base and delightful crunch from the peach resin. This dessert satisfied our sweet tooth and offered beauty and nutritional benefits.

Jia He Grand Chinese Restaurant continues to impress with its contemporary take on Chinese cuisine, delivering innovative and visually stunning dishes. With its exceptional culinary offerings and dedication to creating a memorable dining experience, it is undoubtedly a place worth visiting for those seeking a gastronomic adventure.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Jia He Grand Chinese Restaurant
One Farrer Park Hotel
1 Farrer Park Station Road
#01-01
Singapore 217562
Tel: +65 65389688
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Farrer Park (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Farrer Park MRT station. Take Exit C. Turn right and walk down towards One Farrer Park Hotel. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]