Showing posts with label .Area: Outram. Show all posts
Showing posts with label .Area: Outram. Show all posts

Monday, January 1, 2024

Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant @ Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium - Lavish CNY Set Menus and Takeaways

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Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant at Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium ushers in the Year of the Dragon with a line-up of perennial favourites for takeaways and seven celebratory set menus for dine-in.

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Boston Lobster and Ikura Yu Sheng with Passion Fruit Sauce 4.5/5

Boston Lobster and Ikura Yu Sheng with Passion Fruit Sauce ($268) - Xin Cuisine's Boston lobster yu sheng enticed with sweet and chunky lobster meats, complemented by a tangy-sweet passion fruit sauce. The occasional burst of saltiness from the ikura balanced the overall sweetness of the dish. Additional salmon, abalone, and crackers are also available for ordering.

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Xin’s Roast Suckling Pig 4/5

Xin's Roast Suckling Pig ($508/whole pig) will not disappoint with its exceptional crisp skin for an opulent feast. One day in advance is required for takeaway order.

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Braised Stuffed Scallop with Sea Cucumber in Abalone Sauce 4/5

We tried several dishes from their set menus. Braised Stuffed Scallop with Sea Cucumber in Abalone Sauce features a scallop with a prawn stuffing that enhances the texture and flavour, resulting in a delightfully meaty bite. The exquisitely prepared sea cucumber contributes to the dish with its soft and tender qualities.

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Australia Beef Short Rib 4.5/5

The Australia Beef Short Rib, braised with red wine, showcased a fork-tender meat. The red wine sauce heightened the rich flavours of the meat.

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Crab Roe Seafood Fried Rice 5/5

The Crab Roe Seafood Fried Rice was truly delectable, offering delightful textural bites from chunky prawns and scallops. What made it exceptional were the fried rice puffs skillfully tossed into the mix before serving. This added an additional layer of bite and infused a moreish aromatic flavour to the dish.

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Xin's Deep Fried Nian Gao 3/5

For dessert, we had Xin's Deep Fried Nian Gao. While the Nian Gao was wonderfully soft and chewy within the crust, I didn't quite enjoy the aftertaste of the batter.

Xin Cuisine's Chinese New Year Takeaways are available for order from 1 December 2023 till 24 February 2024 through its e-shop (singaporeatrium.holidayinn.com/eshop). Xin Cuisine's set menus are available for order/dine-in starting 3 January 2024, and reservations for the Chinese New Year reunion dinner are now open.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant
Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium
Level 4
317 Outram Road
Singapore 169075
Contact: +65 31382531
Facebook
Website 
Nearest MRT: Havelock Road (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Sun: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Havelock MRT station. Take Exit 5. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Wednesday, September 13, 2023

SENSHI Sushi & Grill @ Dorsett Singapore - All-You-Can-Eat A La Carte Japanese Buffet with Newly Expanded Menu

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SENSHI Sushi & Grill sits in the corner of Dorsett Singapore, a stone's throw away from Outram Park MRT Station. The Japanese restaurant offers both a la carte dishes and an all-you-can-eat buffet that has recently introduced a refreshed selection. Diners can expect new dishes that include Aburi dishes, Kaki Fry, Kani Gratin, Niku Jaga Braised Beef, Buta Kakuni Braised Pork and Japanese Mochi.

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The buffet rates are as follows:

Lunch (11.30am to 3pm)
Weekday: $40+/pax
Weekend: $48+/pax

Dinner (6pm to 10.30pm)
Weekday: $50+/pax
Weekend: $55+/pax

The buffet includes free-flow drinks of house tea, soda and juice. With an add-on of $38/pax, you can also enjoy free-flow alcohol.

Included in the buffet are free flow drinks of house tea, soda and juice. With an add on of $38/pax, you can also enjoy free flow alcohol.

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We tried the Weekend Dinner menu here, which differs slightly from their Weekday and Lunch menus. The range includes appetisers, sashimi, maki sushi, nigiri sushi, aburi nigiri sushi, handrolls, grilled dishes, hot dishes, deep-fried dishes, rice and noodles, and shabu shabu.

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Assorted Sashimi

It's not a Japanese buffet without sashimi! We started with an Assorted Sashimi platter with salmon, tuna, swordfish, yellowtail and octopus. Their quality was decent, though some of the cuts could be improved. You can order these individually too.

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Hot Appetisers - Truffle Chawanmushi

There is a selection of both hot and cold appetisers. From the Hot Appetisers range, you can choose from dishes such as Truffle Chawanmushi, Mentaiko Fries, and Asari Tofu Soup.

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Cold Appetisers - Pidan Tofu

There are Pidan Tofu, Wafu Seafood Salad, Cold Spinach, Edamame, and more from the Cold Appetisers. The Pidan Tofu was a little disappointing, as I hoped the Pidan sauce would be more distinct.

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Sushi

We ordered a mix of different items from the extensive range of Sushi items, consisting of maki, aburi sushi and nigiri sushi. Our favourites from here were the salmon dishes, such as the Aburi Salmon Mentaiko, Aburi Salmon Cheese and Salmon Mentaiko Maki.

Other non-salmon dishes include Chicken Floss Maki, Tuna Truffle Sushi and Aburi Ebi Mentaiko.

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Handrolls

There are six types of Handrolls. We had the Softshell Crab Handroll but did not like it as the crab filling came lukewarm and needed a crunch. I suggest skipping this and trying the others instead.

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Grilled Dishes - Baked Half Shell Scallop

From the Grilled Dishes section, we tried the Baked Half Shell Scallop, Baked Half Shell Oyster and Kani Gratin. These were generously topped with torched cheese! While the Kani Gratin had little crab meat, the scallops and oysters were plump and fresh.

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Hot Dishes - Niku Jaga (Braised Beef)

My dining companion had the Braised Beef, one of the newest items in the Hot Dishes section. While she appreciated the flavourful sauce, the beef slices were a tad tough.

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Hot Dishes - Sea Clam Butter Monte

Other Hot Dishes include the garlicky Sea Clam Butter Monte, Beef Cubes, Eggplant in Miso, Pork Yakiniku and more.

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Deep Fried - Kaki Fry

My dining companion and I recommend getting their Kaki Fry from the Deep Fried selection. The oysters were creamy and fried to a crunch, faring much better than we expected.

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Shabu Shabu

Their Shabu Shabu comes in a sharing portion with the choice to add on Pork Slices, Beef Slices and Sea Clams. The base broth leans towards the bland side. Hence, I suggest adding meats and clams to provide better flavour.

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Beverages

For Beverages, we had their Slushies from the a la carte menu - Strawberry Yuzu ($6) and Lychee Grapefruit ($6). Unfortunately, both of them were too sweet for my liking.

If you prefer alcohol, they have quite a range of alcoholic drinks, from wines, beers and sake to soju, umeshu and Japanese whisky. Non-alcoholic options include juices, coffee, tea, soft drinks and water.

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Hokkaido Cheesecake with Soft Serve Ice Cream

Desserts are not included in the buffet. We picked two from the a la carte menu, the first being the Hokkaido Cheesecake with Soft Serve Ice Cream ($9). While the cheesecake was creamy and soft, the soft serve had quite an icy texture.

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Fresh Melon

The second dessert we chose to end the night was the crunchy and sweet Fresh Melon ($6).

Overall, we appreciated SENSHI’s fast and warm service in serving orders, but the buffet dishes were a mix of hits and misses.

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.


SENSHI Sushi & Grill
Dorsett Singapore
#01-01
333 New Bridge Road
Singapore 088765
Tel: +65 8518 8616
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Outram Park MRT (EW, NE, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 9pm

Direction:
1. Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Friday, June 9, 2023

Humpback @ Bukit Pasoh - A Refreshed Space With A New Menu

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After two months of renovation, Humpback, the modern seafood restaurant and wine bar at Bukit Pasoh, has reopened with a refreshed space and a new menu. In line with the restaurant's commitment to transparency in its food sourcing chain, the menu is ingredient-focused, with the country of origin informed. Dishes are executed using European culinary techniques with Japanese influences, showcasing the best seafood of the season.

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Humpback's signature oyster bar has remained the star of the restaurant ever since its opening in 2015. You can find a seasonal roster of oysters from the Pacific Northwest that is shucked upon order. It showcases seasonal oysters sourced from the Pacific Northwest - Hama Hama Oyster Company, a sixth-generation family-run oyster farm in Washington State in the US. We tried all three varieties, each with its distinctiveness - clean and crisp Hama Hama, briny and sweet Summerstone, as well as an earthy sweet Blue Pool. All oysters ($8/pc, minimum six per order) are served on the half shell on ice with Humpback's house sweet-tangy mignonette, lemon and seasonal citrus.

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Hamachi Pastrami 4/5

The menu is organised into Snacks and Bites, Small Plates, Large Plates and Desserts. From Snacks and Bites, we had Chef Alynna Tan's elegant portrayal of fish charcuterie - House-cured Hamachi Pastrami ($18) that is smoked with apple wood, served with thinly sliced pickled Japanese cucumber and sourdough baguette crisps. They were savoury with pastrami spices laced with a hint of smoky aroma. Each slice had a delectable meaty texture, further enriched with dots of smoked sour cream.

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Buckwheat Bread with Yuzu Butter 3.5/5

While they were great with the crunchy baguette crisps, I took the liberty to have it together with the Buckwheat Bread with Yuzu Butter ($13), and the combination of the toasty bread with the luscious pastrami was equally delicious. The accompanying citrusy yuzu butter is salted with smoked salt, which works well with the deep nuttiness of the bread.

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Mussel Toast 4.8/5

My favourite snack would be this Mussel Toast with Spicy Nduja ($16, two pieces). I love its mouth-filling texture accompanied by a hefty punch of flavours, which will whet your appetite too. The buttery toasted brioche fingers were airy with a crusty exterior, slathered with rich, sweet-spicy nduja that allowed it to bind with the plump Australian mussels atop. Bringing the toast close to my nose teased my senses, an elusive layer of smokey notes imparted from the mussels that had been tossed in a smoked oil.

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White Asparagus with Blue Crab and White Miso 4/5

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Red Prawn Tartare 4.5/5

From Small Plates, we had two cold dishes that celebrate the fresh flavours of Spring. Humpback's rendition of a cold crab salad, White Asparagus with Blue Crab and White Miso ($25), features chunks of lump blue crab from Indonesia alongside shaved white asparagus, dressed lightly with a contrasting miso-mustard dressing, followed by fresh horseradish and olive oil. While the execution brought out both ingredients' delicate and subtle flavours, it didn't excite me as much when placed amongst others on the menu. On the other hand, Red Prawn Tartare with Tosazu jelly and Pomelo ($26) stood out with Argentinian scampi that was succulent and sweet with a meaty bite. Marinated in dashi and rice wine vinegar, their sweetness came through even more.

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Purple Clams with Toasted Koji and Green Asparagus 4.8/5

Among the hot selections, Purple Clams with Toasted Koji and Green Asparagus ($31) is a winner. Inspired by local milky fish soup, sweet purple clams from Hama Hama Oyster Company are simmered in sake, mirin and toasted koji cream, enlivened with Dill oil and chilli oil. The broth was milky sweet, aromatic with a whiff, liven up the dish, while asparagus chunks lend texture.

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Ricotta Cavatelli 4.5/5

Ricotta Cavatelli with Swordfish Bacon and Chitose Corn ($28) is Humpback's sole pasta offering, and it is a solid one. Handmade cavatelli is tossed in corn stock with oyster mushrooms and Chitose corn from Malaysia. And what brought out the sweetness of the corn, besides the sharp cheese, were the chunks of swordfish belly bacon cured in juniper, thyme, star anise and bay leaf. These smoky fish bacon not only impart that mouthwatering savoury flavour to the pasta akin to typical bacon, but they also add little nuggets of creaminess into the dish.

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Marble Goby 4.5/5

Of the Large Plates, what's highly recommend is the Marble Goby ($52). Wild-caught marble goby from Tembilahan River in Sumatra, Indonesia, is filleted and pan-seared with thyme and brown butter, served with a reduction of mussel jus and butter, as well as a dollop of sweet-tangy black garlic and shallot puree. I love the idea of blending black garlic into black garlic and shallot puree, as that mellows the intensity of it, allowing it to complement the fish without overpowering the dish. The accompanying juicy Australian mussels cooked in sake gave the dish an additional bite and flavour.

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Toasted Castella Cake 4.5/5

Our dessert was a very comforting Toasted Castella Cake with Crème Fraîche Ice Cream and Soy Caramel ($14), conceived by Chef Alynna out of her food memory of a toasted angel food cake dessert in San Francisco. It's a very well-considered plate of dessert with balanced flavours. Evident in the chosen ingredients - you have the warm and indulging sweetness from the light and airy toasted Japanese-style castella cake, contrasted with a scoop of cold, mildly acidic crème fraîche ice cream, finished with a drizzle of umami soy caramel and a layer of saltish snow salt flakes that counterbalanced the overall sweetness of the dish.

Promotions/Special Nights - Oyster Happy Hour: Enjoy oysters at half price all day every Monday at Humpback Oysters at $4++ per piece (minimum 6 pieces per order) on Mondays and public holidays From opening to 6.30pm on other days of the week

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.


Humpback
20 Bukit Pasoh Road
Singapore 089834
Tel: +65 97729896
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Outram Park (EW, NE, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon - Fri: 5pm - 11pm
Sat: 12pm - 11pm
Sun: 12pm - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 4. Turn right and walk down Teo Hong Road. Continue left onto Bukit Pasoh  Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Sunday, July 24, 2022

Guriru @ Alumni Association Medical Centre (SGH) - A Hidden Charcoal Grill Seafood Concept By Teppei Inspired By Japanese Hamayaki

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Hidden inside Alumni Association Medical Centre at Singapore General Hospital is Guriru, a charcoal grill seafood concept by Chef Teppei Yamashita and Anagram Food Lab. Inspired by Japanese Hamayaki, the menu features a wide range of seafood, meltique beef and kurobuta pork, accompanied by homemade sauces to ensure the best quality and taste.

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The al fresco seating at Guriru surrounds the Alumni Association medical Centre's pool. It is ideal for gathering with friends and families, chilling at the pool over drinks and barbeque food.

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Hyogo Oysters 4/5

We kickstarted our meals with the Hyogo Oyster ($10 for 3pc | $19 for 6pc). Customers can have it raw with homemade ponzu sauce or grilled with butter or original shoyu sauce.

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Whole Squid 4/5

Grilled to perfection is the Whole Squid ($16). It is succulent and tender, with a delightful bouncy texture. Give a squeeze of the lemon to perk up the flavour.

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Black Tiger Prawn 4/5

Grilled over charcoal, it imparts a beautiful smokiness to the Black Tiger Prawn ($6.5/pc | $25 for 5pc) on top of the aromatic garlic butter.

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Half Shell Scallop 3.8/5

For the Half Shell Scallop ($10 for 3pc | $19 for 6pc), customers can have a choice of ponzu or butter grill. I went for the ponzu tartness to complement the shellfish.

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Unagi 3.8/5

The Unagi ($22) is something uncommon for the grill paired with spring onion and wasabi.

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Popcorn Chicken 4/5

One of our favourites is the Popcorn Chicken ($12) under the bar snack menu which is perfect for a couple of drinks. The chicken is crispy and succulent, drizzled with homemade mayo.

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Chicken Thigh 4/5

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Kurobuta Pork Belly 4/5

For the meat lovers, we have the tender and juicy Chicken Thigh ($12) in yakitori sauce, followed by the Kurobuta Pork Belly ($12) that has been slow-cooked for 4 hours, finished with yakitori sauce.

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Guriru Oyster Rice 3.5/5

For something more filling and substantial, go for the Guriru Oyster Rice ($18). The Japanese rice is slow-cooked in a special housemade sauce, topped with hyogo oysters.

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Nestled in an intimate and cosy setting, the restaurant has a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere with a pool view, making it the perfect spot to unwind after a long day with friends and loved ones. In addition to delicious seafood, there are bar bites and an eclectic drinks menu.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Guriru
Alumni Association Medical Centre
Singapore General Hospital (SGH)
2 College Road
Singapore 169850
Tel: +65 90107020
Website
Nearest MRT: Outram Park (EW, NE, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 12pm - 11pm
Fri-Sat: 12pm - 12am
Hamayaki Menu from 4pm
Lunch Menu from 12pm to 4pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT. Take Exit 1. Cross the road. Turn right and walk down Outram Road towards the flyover. At the junction of Outram Road and Chin Swee Road, turn left and walk to College Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]