Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant (萬豪軒) @ Marrott Tang Plaza Singapore - A Lunar New Year Filled with Prosperity, Happiness, and Unforgettable Flavours

Celebrate Lunar New Year 2025 in opulence at Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant. Their meticulously curated Cantonese set menus, indulgent à la carte dishes, and exquisite takeaway treasures promise cherished reunions with loved ones. The restaurant's offerings deliver a harmonious blend of tradition and modern elegance, ensuring an unforgettable festive dining experience.

Wan Hao Prosperity Yu Sheng 4.8/5

Toss to a year of abundance and happiness with the Wan Hao Prosperity Yu Sheng. This luxurious creation features a medley of premium ingredients: Japanese Yellowtail, Yellowfin Tuna, Rock Lobster, Hokkaido Scallop, Irish Smoked Salmon, Sturgeon Caviar, and Salmon Roe, paired with vibrant shredded vegetables and crispy fried vermicelli. Each bite is perfectly complemented by the refreshing and zesty dressing, symbolising prosperity and abundance.

Barbecue Suckling Pig with Crepe 4.5/5

The Barbecue Suckling Pig with Crepe makes a grand entrance. The suckling pig boasts perfectly roasted, crispy skin that crackles with every bite. Paired with soft, fluffy crepes, the dish achieves a delightful contrast of textures that is both indulgent and satisfying.

Wan Hao Bird's Nest Eight Treasure Pot 5/5

The highlight of the feast is the Wan Hao Bird's Nest Eight Treasure Pot, a dish that showcases the epitome of luxury. This treasure trove includes delicacies such as 5-Head South African Abalone, Bird’s Nest, Fish Maw, Premium African Sea Cucumber, Black Moss Dace, Fish Bean Curd Skin Bag, Live Prawn, Pork Tendon, Free-Range Chicken, and Japanese Shiitake Mushroom, all steeped in a rich collagen-infused broth. Every spoonful of this dish feels like a celebration of prosperity and nourishment.

Stewed Scampi Prawn in Black Truffle Cheese Sauce 4.5/5

Initially mistaken for lobster, the Steamed Scampi Prawn surprises with its immense size and tender, bouncy meat. Paired with a decadent black truffle cheese sauce, the scampi's natural sweetness shines through, creating a bold and luxurious dish.

Cantonese Style Claypot Rice 4.8/5

A staple at Wan Hao, the Cantonese Style Claypot Rice is a comforting favourite elevated to new heights. The fluffy, fragrant rice is tossed in a superior light soy sauce and paired with foie gras and yellow eel for a refined touch. Add Chinese sausage and cured duck for an extra layer of umami, making this dish a must-try.

Double-Boiled Bird's Nest, Pineapple Pastry, Golden Nian Gao Tart with Yuzu Chocolate 4.5/5

The meal concludes with an exquisite trio of desserts. The Double-Boiled Bird's Nest with American Ginseng and Rock Sugar in Whole Coconut is light and refreshing, a perfect palate cleanser after the rich dishes. The Golden Nian Gao Tart with Yuzu Chocolate is a delightful twist on a festive classic, with the tang of yuzu balancing the sweetness. Finally, the new Pineapple Pastry impresses with its buttery, biscuity texture and luscious pineapple filling, offering a modern take on a traditional favourite.

Available from 26 December 2024 to 12 February 2025, Wan Hao’s Lunar New Year menus feature 6- and 7-course set menus, starting at $138.80++ per person. For festive takeaways, online pre-orders begin on 26 December 2024 at Celebratory Delights, while walk-in purchases can be made at the Lunar New Year booth located at the hotel forecourt from 26 December 2024 to 28 January 2025.

Whether dining in or bringing the feast home, Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant ensures a Lunar New Year filled with prosperity, happiness, and unforgettable flavours.

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 (NE, TE Line)

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

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

9Toast Cafe @ Singapore Shopping Centre - Cosy Cafe Specialising in Korean-inspired Taro Lattes & Honey-Glazed Toasts

9Toast Cafe is a cosy cafe tucked along the exterior of the Singapore Shopping Centre, just a short stroll from Dhoby Ghaut MRT. Its signatures include Korean-inspired offerings, particularly its Taro Lattes and Honey-Glazed Toasts.

One specialty of 9Toast is its signature sweet potato paste prepared daily in-store. The paste is crafted from steamed sweet potatoes, transformed into a smooth, thick consistency without the use of artificial colouring, preservatives, or flavouring.

Purple Haze Latte 3/5

One of their signature drinks is the Purple Haze Latte ($7.90), which incorporates this sweet potato paste with milk. While it’s undoubtedly Instagram-worthy with its striking pastel tones, the flavour leans towards being overpowered by the milk.

Creamy Tamago Sando 3.5/5

9Toast also specialises in sandos made with white Shokupan bread, which features a honey-glazed exterior that adds sweetness to the savoury fillings.

We tried the Creamy Tamago Sando ($12.50), generously stuffed with egg mayo. While the portion was satisfying, the flavours fell slightly flat, and the texture leaned toward being a little dry, leaving us wishing for more balance.

Mentaiko Fries 3/5

For sides, we opted for the Mentaiko Fries ($8.50). The fries were fried to a golden crisp, providing a nice crunch. However, we were not big fans of the mentaiko sauce, which mainly had mayonnaise flavours in the spotlight.

Purple Haze 3.8/5

Moving on to their signature toast offerings, we sampled the Purple Haze Honey-Glazed Toast ($10.50). This dish features stretchy, oozy milk injeolmi sandwiched between slices of honey-coated bread. It is served with a scoop of their housemade sweet potato paste and a small pitcher of frothy milk for an extra touch.

While the paste's natural sweetness was pleasant and mild, the toast itself could be crispier. I would also recommend having this shared, as it could get quite heavy.

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.


9Toast Cafe
Singapore Shopping Centre
#01-18
190 Clemenceau Avenue
Singapore 239924
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Dhoby Ghaut MRT (CC, NE, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1030am - 6pm
Sat-Sun: 10am - 7pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Dhoby Ghaut MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Penang Road. Cross the road and turn right on Penang Road. Walk to Clemenceau Ave. Turn left onto Clemenceau Ave. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Mizuki @ Ngee Ann City - Tempura Omakase with Quality Seasonal Ingredients in Orchard Road

Mizuki, located in Ngee Ann City since 2017, offers a refined dining experience that specialises in tempura. Guests can choose from a variety of omakase menus, including Tempura Omakase, Wagyu Omakase, and Signature Omakase, alongside set meals and à la carte options.

With its serene, minimalist interiors, the restaurant offers diners the opportunity to enjoy their meals at the 9-seater tempura counter or in private rooms, making it a perfect setting for an intimate experience.

Tempura Dinner Omakase 4.5/5

On our visit, we had the Tempura Dinner Omakase ($198/pax). Before the meal commenced, the chefs showcased the seasonal ingredients of the day, beautifully presented with autumn leaves, giving us a glimpse of what was to come.

Sashimi

The omakase began with Sashimi, featuring meticulously sliced fish of freshness, especially the Kampachi.

Chawanmushi

This was followed by a comforting shiitake and edamame Chawanmushi, topped with snow crab and shark fin.

Seasonal Tempura 9 Kinds

The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the Seasonal Tempura 9 Kinds. We observed the chefs carefully prepare each piece, delicately laying each ingredient and coating it in a traditional batter before placing it in the fryer.

Diners are provided with an assortment of condiments, including salt, tentsuyu sauce, lemon, and freshly grated radish, to customise their tempura experience.

Japanese Tiger Prawn

The Japanese Tiger Prawn served with its head featured a light and crisp batter that complemented the prawn's natural sweetness rather than overwhelming.

Tara No Me

Tara No Me is a mountain vegetable with a slightly bitter taste. We enjoyed the bitter notes on their own, but they are also good paired with the Tentsuyu for an extra touch of savoury.

Uni on Shiso

One of the most luxurious bites was the Uni on Shiso, a harmonious combination of creamy bafun uni, baby whitefish, and caviar atop a tempura-fried shiso leaf and seaweed. It was indulgent without being excessive and left a lasting impression.

Ginkgo

Next was a classic Gingko.

Fish with Cucumber

The Fish with Cucumber was an unexpected combination. The fish meat was delicate and soft, and the cucumber gave a lightness.

Hotate

Another standout was the Hotate, served in two parts. The first was fried to retain a pink, tender centre, accompanied by a refreshing zest of grated yuzu.

Hotate

The second was wrapped in nori and topped with ikura, creating a delightful contrast of flavours and textures.

Mushroom

Additional prawn paste was added to the Mushroom before frying.

Ika

Next was the uniquely prepared Ika, drizzled with a reduced sauce made of squid head. While the exterior was crisp, the Ika in the middle was intentionally kept raw.

Anago

The Anago was one of my favourite courses, along with the Uni and Hotate. The mild, sweet meat was absolutely tender, enhanced by a squeeze of lemon.

Dried Persimmon

One of the more creative dishes was the Dried Persimmon with Mochi, where a tempura-fried persimmon slice was sandwiched between crispy mochi and wrapped in nori. The combination of sweet, chewy, and salty elements made it memorable.

Kakiage Don & Miso Soup

The meal concluded with the Kakiage Don & Miso Soup, a bowl of fried tiger prawns and sakura shrimp served over rice. I recommend breaking the egg yolk and mixing it in.

Assorted Dessert

Assorted Dessert followed, featuring a trio of homemade creations: Strawberry Ice Cream, Warabimochi, and Pudding. The desserts were decent, with the milky pudding standing out more for its creamy texture.

Overall, the tempura at Mizuki was outstanding, and I particularly appreciated the chefs' condiment recommendations for each piece served. Additionally, the pacing of the meal was attentive and comfortable.

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.


Mizuki
Ngee Ann City
#05-32
391 Orchard Road
Singapore 238872
Tel: +65 8828 2260
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 3. Follow the walkway through Wisma Atria to Takashimaya. Continue walking straight at Ngee Ann City until 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 destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Alma by Juan Amador @ Goodwood Park Hotel - Festive Set Lunch by 1-Michelin-starred Restaurant at $78++

This festive season, Alma by Juan Amador, a 1-Michelin-starred European restaurant at Goodwood Park Hotel, unveils its 4-course Festive Set Lunch ($78++), showcasing “affordable luxury” with a refined twist on Christmas classics.

Festive Set Lunch 4.2/5

Chef Yew Eng Tong crafts an indulgent menu reinvented with Alma's signature finesse, featuring premium ingredients like turkey, beef, and lobster.

Cauliflower Tartlet, Takoyaki Potato Gratin

The meal begins with a delightful duo of snacks: the Cauliflower Tartlet, which is both flavorful and intricately crafted, and the Takoyaki Potato Gratin, Chef Yew’s creamy, garlicky reinterpretation of the beloved Japanese snack.

Tuna Tartare

The starter offers two options: the Tuna Tartare, served atop crispy rice paper layered with nori, smoked soy-infused mayo, and horseradish for a mild kick, or the Wagyu Beef Tartare, a rich and decadent alternative. Both starters are thoughtfully plated, delivering a harmonious balance of flavour and textures.

Agnolotti of Lobster

Next comes the Agnolotti of Lobster, a pasta course filled with lobster meat. For added depth, it is served with a crustacean crème, bouillabaisse foam, and a hint of coriander. While flavourful, the filling edges slightly on the salty side for me.

Crispy Skin Barramundi & US Scallop

For the main course, diners can choose fish, turkey or beef. For fish, it features Crispy Skin Barramundi with US Scallop paired with a smooth pumpkin purée, burnt butter, and saffron sauce.

Drunken Stuffed Turkey Breast

The festive Drunken Stuffed Turkey Breast is elevated with pan-fried foie gras, daikon, and scallion. The turkey breast impressed with its tenderness, while the daikon absorbed the rich and buttery flavours of the foie gras.

For diners who are fans of beef, there is also an option to upgrade to the Yukimuro Snow-Aged A5 Wagyu (+$58).

Rose Financier

Desserts began with the Rose Financiers, which carried subtle floral notes.

Black Forest Chocolate Cake

Lastly, there was the Black Forest Chocolate Cake, accompanied by cherries, vanilla ice cream, and a dollop of chantilly. This reinvented rendition was a sweet treat to end the meal.

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.


Alma by Juan Amador
Goodwood Park Hotel Singapore
22 Scotts Road
Singapore 228221
Tel: +65 6735 9937
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

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

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk down Scotts Road to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes.[Map]