Linkus (临家) @ Takashimaya - Where Minnan Heritage Meets Modern Elegance

After drawing long queues at its debut Singapore outlet, LINKUS (临家) enters its next chapter with a new and more refined concept at Takashimaya Shopping Centre. Helmed by Executive Head Chef Lin Qiuyong, who brings over two decades of experience in Minnan cuisine, the restaurant offers an elegant showcase of Southern Fujian’s rich culinary heritage. The menu reflects a thoughtful balance between tradition and modernity, spotlighting premium seafood, time-honoured techniques and a deep respect for natural flavours.

The name “Linjia” (临家), meaning “a neighbour’s house”, encapsulates the brand’s philosophy of warm, heartfelt hospitality. Despite its elevated setting, the dining experience remains grounded in comfort and generosity, where guests are welcomed as family and treated to dishes that celebrate both craftsmanship and cultural roots.

Passion Fruit Juice Marinated Fruit Pulp 3/5

We began the meal with the Passion Fruit Juice Marinated Fruit Pulp ($9.90). Served chilled, the appetiser offered a refreshing burst of tropical sweetness, with the house-made passion fruit dressing lending a bright, tangy lift. While the flavours were vibrant, the texture of the passion fruit pulp may not appeal to everyone.

Fujian Rice Wine Marinated Mantis Prawn 4.2/5

A standout starter was the Fujian Rice Wine Marinated Mantis Prawn ($75 per piece). The premium mantis prawn was delicately infused with aged Fujian rice wine, enhancing its natural sweetness with a mellow, aromatic depth. Paired with a luscious runny yolk, the dish impressed with its precise cooking — the roe gently set on the outside while remaining silky and molten within. A luxurious and well-executed creation.

Flying Fish Roe Tossed with First Harvest Laver 4.5/5

Equally memorable was the Flying Fish Roe Tossed with First Harvest Laver ($16.90). This refreshing cold dish highlights prized first-harvest laver, known for its tender texture and deep oceanic umami. The addition of briny flying fish roe provided delightful bursts of flavour, complementing the laver’s subtle sweetness and clean finish.

Hand-Hooked Squid Tubes in Chilli Oil 4.2/5

Seafood continues to shine in the Hand-Hooked Squid Tubes in Chilli Oil ($49.90). Using hand-line-caught Dongshan squid, the dish showcases a beautifully crisp and springy texture, achieved through gentle poaching and chilling. The house-made chilli oil adds a fragrant, mildly numbing spice that enhances rather than overwhelms the squid’s natural sweetness.

Puff Pastry Curry Marbled Beef Steak 4.2/5

Moving on to heartier offerings, the Puff Pastry Curry Marbled Beef Steak ($42.90) draws inspiration from Quanzhou’s Maritime Silk Road heritage. Encased in a crisp, buttery puff pastry, the tender, marbled beef is paired with an aromatic, gently spiced, deeply comforting curry. The pastry shatters delicately with each bite, revealing succulent meat within — a harmonious blend of richness and warmth without being cloying.

Quanzhou Ginger Duck with Abalone 4.5/5

A dish steeped in history, the Quanzhou Ginger Duck with Abalone ($42.90/$79.90) traces its roots back to imperial cuisine. Slow-braised with generous amounts of old ginger and black sesame oil, the duck is deeply infused with warming aromatics. The addition of premium abalone lends a refined briny sweetness, elevating the dish into something both nourishing and indulgent — a true reflection of Minnan culinary wisdom.

Marble Goby with Green Sichuan Peppercorns 4.2/5

For seafood lovers, the Marble Goby with Green Sichuan Peppercorns ($109) is a must-order. The fish is gently cooked to preserve its delicate, naturally sweet flesh, while the green Sichuan peppercorns lend a light, citrusy fragrance and a subtle, numbing spice. The balance is precise, allowing the fish's quality to take centre stage.

Stewed Local Chicken Soup with Ficus Hirta and Poria Cocos 4.5/5

Comfort arrives in the form of the Stewed Local Chicken Soup with Ficus Hirta and Poria Cocos ($79). Double-boiled to achieve clarity and depth, the soup is soothing yet full-bodied, with the herbal notes of five-finger fig harmonising beautifully with the chicken's natural sweetness. It is a nourishing, understated highlight that reflects the essence of Fujian home cooking.

Baked Crab with DaHongPao Sichuan Peppercorn 4.5/5

Another highlight that underscores the kitchen’s finesse with seafood is the Baked Crab with DaHongPao Sichuan Peppercorn (market price). Staying true to Minnan cooking philosophy, the dish allows the crab's natural sweetness to shine, enhanced by the aromatic complexity of DaHongPao Sichuan peppercorns. The peppercorns lend a floral fragrance and a gentle tingling heat that lifts the sweetness of the crab without overpowering it. Each bite is a delicate balance of briny richness and spice, showcasing a restrained yet confident approach to seasoning that lets the quality of the ingredient take centre stage.

Red Mushroom & Crab Stir-Fried Hutou Rice Noodle 4/5

Another standout is the Red Mushroom & Crab Stir-Fried Hutou Rice Noodle ($99). Once presented as a tribute to the Qing imperial court, these noodles carry a rich historical legacy. Wok-fried with sweet crab and prized Sanming red mushrooms, the dish is imbued with a deep, seafood-forward umami, complemented by the mushrooms' earthy fragrance.

Signature Xiamen Abalone Taro Bun 4/5

The Signature Xiamen Abalone Taro Bun ($12.90) offers a refined take on a beloved classic. The creamy taro exterior, with its gentle sweetness, pairs beautifully with the savoury abalone filling, resulting in a comforting yet elevated bite that showcases the finesse of Minnan cuisine.

Dogfish Simmered in Soy Sauce with Shark Liver 4.2/5

A more robust dish, the Dogfish Simmered in Soy Sauce with Shark Liver ($99), highlights traditional coastal flavours. Braised in aged Minnan soy sauce — often referred to as the “black gold of Xiamen” — the dish delivers deep umami richness, with the silky shark liver adding a luxurious texture.

Pan-Fried Oyster & Seaweed Pancake 4.5/5

For something closer to street fare, the Pan-Fried Oyster & Seaweed Pancake ($35.90) reimagines a Fujian snack with plump oysters and fragrant laver. Crisp at the edges and tender within, it celebrates the natural sweetness of coastal ingredients in a familiar yet elevated format.

Yuba Simmered with Spinach 4/5

Balancing the meal is the Yuba Simmered with Spinach ($17.90), a simple yet comforting dish where silky yuba and fresh spinach are gently cooked in a clear broth. The clean flavours offer a welcome respite amidst the richer dishes.

Xiamen Classic Satay Hot Pot 4.2/5

The Xiamen Classic Satay Hot Pot ($39.90), recognised as one of Xiamen’s top signature dishes, delivers a deeply flavourful shacha broth infused with dried seafood, peanuts and spices. Nutty, savoury and intensely aromatic, it is best enjoyed with crispy youtiao for dipping, soaking up the rich broth.

Quanzhou Wrapped Pork & Radish Rice 4/5

Staple comfort comes in the Quanzhou Wrapped Pork & Radish Rice ($22.90/$28.90). Rooted in humble origins, the dish reflects the ingenuity of Minnan cuisine, with radish adding both sweetness and symbolic meaning of good fortune. It is simple, hearty and deeply nostalgic.

Taro Paste with Bird’s Nest in Coconut Cup 4.5/5

To end on a sweet note, the Taro Paste with Bird’s Nest in Coconut Cup offers a refined dessert experience. The silky taro paste, paired with premium bird’s nest and served within a fresh coconut, delivers delicate sweetness and a soothing finish.

Sesame Ball stuffed with Seaweed 4.2/5

A unique surprise comes in the Sesame Ball stuffed with Seaweed, a creative twist on the traditional snack. Swapping the usual sweet fillings for a savoury seaweed centre works remarkably well, with the nutty sesame aroma complementing the chewy texture.

Overall, LINKUS (临家) at Takashimaya successfully elevates Minnan cuisine into a refined dining experience without losing its soul. Through meticulous technique, premium ingredients and a deep respect for tradition, the restaurant presents a compelling journey through Southern Fujian’s culinary heritage. Whether you are new to Minnan cuisine or familiar with its comforting flavours, LINKUS offers both discovery and nostalgia on a single table.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Linkus (临家)
Takashimaya Shopping Centre
391 Orchard Road
#04-22
Singapore 238872
Tel: +65 8972 7999
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11:30am - 2:30pm, 5:30pm - 9:30pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Follow the walkway through Wisma Atria to Takashimaya. Continue walking straight toward Ngee Ann City until you reach the destination. Journey about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B to Orchard Road. Head west or turn left onto Orchard Road against the flow of traffic. Walk to the destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Beng Hiang Restaurant @ Shangri-La Singapore - Timeless Flavours, New Setting, Beng Hiang’s Hokkien Legacy Continues

Reopened with a refreshed concept yet rooted in tradition, Beng Hiang Restaurant marks a significant new chapter with its culinary residency at Shangri-La Singapore’s Garden Terrace. Officially welcoming diners back on 26 June 2026, the 48-year-old heritage Hokkien brand has transitioned from its former Jurong East flagship into an elegant 80-seat indoor-outdoor setting. While the new space brings a more refined dining environment, the soul of Beng Hiang remains intact — preserving its time-honoured recipes while introducing a thoughtful selection of elevated, region-inspired dishes.

Aged Yongchun Vinegar Jellyfish Terrine 4/5

One of the residency’s exclusive cold appetisers, the Aged Yongchun Vinegar Jellyfish Terrine ($15) sets the tone with its refined presentation. Unlike the usual tossed jellyfish salad, this version is carefully pressed into a terrine, giving it a polished, almost pâté-like form. The use of Yongchun aged vinegar — a prized Monascus vinegar from Fujian — lends a deep, complex profile with mellow sweetness and umami undertones. Each bite delivers a delightful contrast between the jellyfish’s signature crunch and the smooth, savoury jelly, making it both refreshing and sophisticated.

5-Spiced Sausages and Prawn Balls 4.2/5

The 5-Spiced Sausages and Prawn Balls ($18) platter stays true to Beng Hiang’s roots, showcasing a recipe passed down for over four decades. The pork roll is tightly wrapped in beancurd skin and deep-fried to a golden crisp, revealing a fragrant, well-seasoned filling infused with five-spice. Complementing it are the prawn balls, which offer a springy, bouncy bite packed with natural sweetness. Together, they present a comforting introduction to classic Hokkien flavours.

Superior Crab Meat and Fish Maw Broth 4.2/5

Rich, velvety, and deeply comforting, the Superior Crab Meat and Fish Maw Broth ($20 per pax) is a quintessential Hokkien-style soup done right. Generous portions of premium fish maw and sweet shredded crab meat fill the bowl, creating a luxurious texture with every spoonful. The broth is thick yet well-balanced, delivering warmth and depth without feeling overly heavy.

Spinach with Dried Sole Fish 4.2/5

A seemingly simple dish, the Spinach with Dried Sole Fish ($16) exemplifies how restraint and technique can elevate humble ingredients. The tender greens are lightly stir-fried and accented with crispy bits of dried sole fish (bian yu), adding a punch of umami and a subtle smokiness. It’s a clean, well-executed dish that balances the richer items on the menu.

Slow-braised Hokkien Duck with Aged Ginger 4.5/5

One of the residency’s highlights, the Slow-braised Hokkien Duck with Aged Ginger ($40) showcases a more refined take on traditional flavours. The duck is braised until fork-tender, soaking up a deeply savoury sauce infused with the warming intensity of aged ginger. The result is a dish that feels both comforting and elevated, with layers of flavour that linger pleasantly on the palate.

Fujian-style Steamed Mud Crab with Glutinous Rice 4.5/5

For a celebratory centrepiece, the Fujian-style Steamed Mud Crab with Glutinous Rice ($138) is a standout. Available via pre-order, this communal dish features a large mud crab brimming with rich roe, steamed atop a bed of glutinous rice. As the crab cooks, its juices seep into the rice below, transforming each grain into a flavour-packed bite of briny sweetness and umami. Ideal for sharing, it is both indulgent and deeply satisfying.

Beng Hiang’s Hokkien Noodle 5/5

A visit would not be complete without the restaurant’s Signature Hokkien Noodles ($22). A staple for nearly five decades, the dish features thick yellow noodles braised in a dark, flavourful gravy made from pork bone and prawn stock. Topped with seafood and crispy pork lard, it delivers richness and depth in every mouthful.

Crispy Oyster Omelette 4.2/5

Breaking away from the usual gooey rendition, Beng Hiang’s Crispy Oyster Omelette ($25) focuses on texture. The egg batter is pan-fried into a thin, golden sheet with a satisfying crunch, while the plump oysters remain juicy and briny. It’s a refreshing take that balances crispness with natural seafood sweetness. The accompanying housemade silver fish chilli sauce adds a zesty, savoury kick that enhances the overall experience.

Yam Paste with Ginkgo Nuts 4.5/5

Ending on a nostalgic note, the Yam Paste with Ginkgo Nuts ($10 per pax) remains one of Beng Hiang’s most beloved desserts. Smooth, thick, and velvety without being overly rich, it strikes a delicate balance between earthy sweetness and the aromatic hint of shallot oil. The addition of soft ginkgo nuts introduces a subtle bitterness that rounds off the dessert beautifully.

Beng Hiang’s return is more than just a relocation — it is a thoughtful evolution of a heritage brand. At Shangri-La Singapore’s Garden Terrace, the restaurant successfully bridges tradition and modernity, offering long-time fans the comfort of familiar favourites while inviting new diners to experience Hokkien cuisine through a more refined lens. With its carefully curated menu and elevated setting, Beng Hiang proves that heritage dining can remain relevant while staying true to its roots.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Beng Hiang
Shangri-La Singapore
Garden Terrace (Level 1)
22 Orange Grove Road
Singapore 258350
Tel: +65 6221 6695/ 6684
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Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11:30am - 2:30pm, 6pm - 9:30pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk towards Wheelock Place via ION. Exit Wheelock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Cross the road at the traffic light junction and turn left towards the Royal Thai Embassy. Walk down to the end of Orchard Road. Turn right onto Orange Grove Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 23 minutes.[Map]

Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant (萬豪軒) @ Marriott Tang Plaza Singapore - Gourmet Lobster & Sri Lankan Crab Delicacies Return

Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel’s Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant welcomes back its popular Gourmet Lobster & Sri Lankan Crab Delicacies menu, showcasing luxurious creations made with sustainably sourced Western Australian Rock Lobster and Sri Lankan Crab.

Available from now till 30 September 2026, diners can look forward to an exciting selection of handcrafted dim sum during lunch, alongside Cantonese à la carte specialities available throughout the day.

Lobster Ingot Dumpling with Gold Leaf 3.5/5

We began with a trio of dim sum dishes, starting with the Lobster Ingot Dumpling with Gold Leaf ($15 for 2 pieces). The dumpling featured a plump chunk of lobster wrapped in a thin skin, though we wished the lobster’s natural sweetness came through more distinctly.

Deep-Fried Lobster with Century Egg Spring Roll 3.5/5

Next was the Deep-Fried Lobster with Century Egg Spring Roll ($15 for 2 pieces). We enjoyed the contrast in textures, though we felt an accompanying dipping sauce would have better tied the flavours together.

Baked Crispy Crumb Singapore Chilli Crab Bun 3.5/5

The Baked Crispy Crumb Singapore Chilli Crab Bun ($12 for 2 pieces) offered a local twist, with a lightly crisp crumb coating and chilli crab filling.

Bird’s Nest with Crab Meat in Hairy Crab Stock 4.5/5

From the à la carte menu, the Bird’s Nest with Crab Meat in Hairy Crab Stock ($50 per portion) was a standout. Served bubbling hot in a stone pot, the premium bird’s nest and chunky crab meat came in a generous portion, while the silky hairy crab broth was deeply savoury and comforting. The stone pot also kept the dish warm throughout the meal.

Baked Lobster with Black Truffle Cheese Sauce 4.2/5

The Baked Lobster with Black Truffle Cheese Sauce ($25 per 100g) was another highlight. The sweet and succulent lobster paired well with the rich black truffle cheese sauce, resulting in an indulgent yet balanced combination.

Live Crab with Preserved Yellow Chilli Paste and Glass Noodle in Claypot 3.5/5

The Live Crab with Preserved Yellow Chilli Paste and Glass Noodle in Claypot ($20++ per 100g) featured fresh crab tossed with fried garlic, pearl onions, ginger and glass noodles in a preserved yellow chilli paste. The flavours were bold and aromatic, though we found the seasoning a little too salty and tangy for our liking. We also wished the crab was slightly larger.

Other highlights from the seasonal menu include the Wok-Fried Live Crab with Shallot and Garlic in “Sha Cha” Sauce, Steamed Live Crab with Minced Pork Chop and Premium Preserved Radish Paste, Wok-Fried Lobster with Trio Onion in Green Peppercorn Sauce, and Wok-Fried Rice Noodle with Live Lobster in Crab Roe Sauce.

Red Bean Glutinous Rice Ball coated with Pistachio and Matcha 4/5

Moving to desserts, the Red Bean Glutinous Rice Ball coated with Pistachio and Matcha ($15 per portion) pleasantly surprised us. The glutinous rice ball was soft and chewy, while the red bean filling was lightly sweetened. The pistachio and matcha coating added a subtle nutty and earthy finish.

Deep-Fried ‘Musang’ King Durian Spring Roll 3.5/5

The Deep-Fried ‘Musang’ King Durian Spring Roll ($18 for 4 pieces) was fried to a lovely golden crisp, giving way to a rich and oozy Musang King durian filling. We did find parts of the spring roll skin slightly too thick, but otherwise it made for a satisfying contrast in texture.

Bird’s Nest with Almond Cream, served in Mini Pumpkin 4.2/5

The Bird’s Nest with Almond Cream, served in Mini Pumpkin ($88 per person), was a comforting and nourishing dessert to end the meal. The silky almond cream was smooth and fragrant, complemented by a gentle sweetness from the pumpkin.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣) and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant (萬豪軒)
Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel
320 Orchard Road
Singapore 238865
Tel: +65 6831 4605
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11.30am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]