Jia He Chinese Restaurant @ One Farrer Hotel Connexion - Serving Traditional Chinese Classics And Reimagined Dishes

Opened just November 2019 within the Connexion in Farrer Park, Jia He Chinese Restaurant offers a wide array of Chinese cuisine dishes from traditional Chinese classics such as Steamed BBQ Pork Bun to reimagined dishes such as Steamed Bak Kut The Xiao Long Bao. Not to be missed as well are their signature dishes such as Crispy Hor Fun with Seafood and Egg Sauce. Helmed by chefs with decades of experience from various top hotel dining restaurants along with one that specialises in the art of dim sum creation, diners can expect premium-grade dishes at affordable prices.

Sauteed Stuffed Button Mushroom with Truffle Sauce 4/5, Steamed Bak Kut The Xiao Long Bao 4.2/5

We started off with the appetiser dishes - Sauteed Stuffed Button Mushroom with Truffle Sauce ($14) and Steamed Bak Kut The Xiao Long Bao. The uniquely flavoured bak ku teh xiao long bao has a rich herbal broth encased in a delicate beetroot dumpling skin, while the sauteed stuffed button mushroom was juicy with a nice crisp texture.

Double Boiled Chicken Soup with Stuffed Pig Maw, Shark's Fin and Sarawak Pepper 4/5

Next, we had the Double Boiled Chicken Soup with Stuffed Pig Maw, Shark's Fin and Sarawak Pepper ($138) which was luscious and rich. The stuffed pig maw and shark's fin is added to up the indulgence and provide the boast in flavours and textures of this nourishing soup.

Crisp-fried Fillet of Sea Perch with Lemongrass and Pepper 3.8/5

Crisp-fried Fillet of Sea Perch with Lemongrass and Pepper ($18) features a crispy fish fillet dressed in a spicy-sweet lemongrass sauce.

Wok-fried Live Prawn with Garlic and Shallot 3.8/5

The Wok-fried Live Prawn with Garlic and Shallot ($28) was plump and juicy, coated in a thick sweet, spicy sauce which elevates the taste of the fresh seafood.

Crisp-fried Hor Fun with Seafood and Egg Sauce 4/5

The Crisp-fried Hor Fun with Seafood and Egg Sauce ($24/small) comes in the form of crispy seafood hor fun. A skinnier version of deep-fried skinny kway teow is used for the dish and is paired with a thickened egg seafood gravy. The nest of fried hor fun lost its crispiness when smothered by the egg gravy, and gave a crackling sound as it softens.

Roasted Peking Duck 4/5

The Roasted Peking Duck ($55/whole) is the highlight of our meal. The duck air-dried for 24 hours before being barbecued, basting the meat and rendering the skin extremely crispy. Best enjoyed with some vegetables and wrapped in a thin pancake.

Chilled Back Glutinous Rice with Ice Cream 4.2/5

To round off the meal, we had the Chilled Black Glutinous Rice with Ice Cream ($7) from their desserts menu. The Black Glutinous Rice is encased in a firm ring of coconut jelly, and also comes with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to add a subtle sweetness and luxurious mouthfeel to the black glutinous rice.

To commemorate Singapore’s 55th Birthday, Jia He will be having a 30% discount for their Lunch & Dinner ala-carte menu for both dine-in and takeaways/delivery (with free delivery for orders above $50). For dine-in customers, with spending above $100 per table, will get a free Signature Peking Duck; for takeaway/delivery customers, with minimum spending of $100 and above, we will also get a delicious Signature Roasted Duck for free too.

Apart from having a delicious NDP 55 promotion till end of September, Jia He also offers a Dim Sum Brunch Cum Hi-Tea every weekend.  Customers can enjoy a variety of dishes ranging from handmade Dim Sum, desserts and even Roasted Peking Duck for just from just $20.80++ (Min 4 Pax). There are three sessions in total: 1045am to 1245pm, 1pm to 3pm & 315pm to 515pm.

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.


Jia He Chinese Restaurant
One Farrer Hotel Connexion
1 Farrer Park Station Rd
#01-14/15/16
Singapore 217562
Tel: +65 6694 8988 / +65 6694 9466 / +65 8870 8988
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Farrer Park (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am – 3pm daily (a-la-carte), 530pm - 10pm

Weekend & Public Holiday [Buffet]
3 Seating: 10.45am / 1pm / 3.15pm

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

Legendary Bak Kut Teh (發传人肉骨茶) @ Rangoon Road - The Real Deal Of A Good Bak Kut Teh

There are two Legendary Bak Kut Teh outlets in Singapore. One is at Rangoon Road while the newest outlet is located at South Bridge Road. The restaurant is originally known as Founder Bak Kut Teh run by the daughter of Founder Bak Kut Teh in Balestier. The restaurant in Balestier is run by her dad and brother. Due to a change in business strategy to expand the Founder's brand, the daughter renamed her restaurant to Legendary Bak Kut Teh. Like every F&B business, business is affected by the pandemic. It has to adapt and also jump onto the food delivery bandwagon.

Bak Kut Teh 

Not to be missed is their Bak Kut Teh (發传人肉骨茶) which uses the same original family recipe. Customers can also choose the type of pork ribs for their Bak Kut Teh, using fresh Indonesian pork and Sarawak peppercorn. To be frank, I have just recently eaten at Founder Bak Kut Teh and I personally prefer the version at Legendary which is more robust and peppery. 

Salted Vegetables

Peanut

Tau Kee

Dang Ou Soup

Having the Bak Kut Teh alone can be quite boring. I usually like to order a couple of side dishes to complement the meal. I had the Salted Vegetables, Braised Peanuts, Tau Kee and Dang Ou Soup which are really yummy to go long with the pork rib soup.

Mixed Pig Organ Soup

Mee Sua

Besides their Bak Kut Teh, I also enjoyed their Mixed Pig Organ Soup. I even order a bowl of Mee Sua to go along with it. This is my ideal combination. 

Sesame Oil Chicken

Although Legendary is known for their Bak Kut Teh, the menu is quite extensive with many delectable cooked dishes and steamed fish. One of them is the Sesame Oil Chicken which is cooked to tender and blanketed in a layer of aroma from the fragrant sesame oil. 

Braised Pig Trotter

If you are not afraid of the fats under the Braised Pig Trotter's gelatine skin, you will enjoyed the well braised flavour of the succulent meat. This goes very well with a bowl of steamed rice.

Royal Chives

For a balance diet, the crunchy Royal Chives cooked with bean sprouts will be a delectable textural enjoyment.

Ngoh Hiang

Last but at least, crispy on the exterior and meaty inside is the Ngoh Hiang. You can also get crunchy bits of water chestnut in it too. 

Although we are in Phrase 2 of the circuit breaker and restaurants are allowed to accept dine-in customer, Legendary Bak Kut Teh has kept its island-wide delviery service for the time being. For enquiries and order, you can WhatsApp them at 96450125.

Legendary Bak Kut Teh (發传人肉骨茶)

154 Rangoon Road

Singapore 218431

Tel: +65 62920938

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Website

Nearest MRT: Farrer Park (NE Line)

Opening Hours:

Daily: 9am - 11pm

Direction: 

1) Alight at Farrer Park MRT Station. Take Exit B. Walk to traffic junction. Cross the road and walk down Rangoon Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Blue Jasmine @ Park Hotel Farrer Park - A Flavourful Thai and Chinese Reunion

Celebrate Lunar New Year reunion dinner with a different at Blue Jasmine located at Park Hotel Farrer Park Level 5. On Lunar New Year eve, the Thai restaurant will bring together a buffet feast of Chinese dishes on top of the Thai dishes.

Available for both dine-in and takeaway is the Thai Chin Yu Sheng. This is inspired by classic Thai salads including the Northern Thai classic pomelo salad. This is a refreshing twist to the traditional yu sheng with slices of salmon gravlax, vegetables, Thai green mango, papaya, pomelo and pickles dressed in a plum and passion fruit sauce.

Poached Chicken Salad

Start off from the appetiser section with the Poached Chicken Salad with Sze Chuan sauce. If this is too spicy for some, there are other choices such as Prawn & Melon Salad and Smashed Cucumber Salad with Seafood. For the older folks which prefer warm foods, there are tempting little bites such as Crispy Prawn Wanton or a bowl of comforting Fish Maw Soup with crab meat and bamboo soup.

Spice Braised Duck

For the mains, be delighted with the tender Spice Braised Duck infused with Chinese herbs aroma. It even comes with braised tofu and braised eggs that have absorbed the delicious braising liquid.

Mixed Roasted Platter

Roasted meats are always on the dining table for Chinese festive occasions and its no different at Blue Jasmine for the Lunar New Year reunion buffet dinner. On the buffet spread, diners will find the Mixed Roasted Platter comprises of Roasted Chicken and Roasted Duck served with crispy garlic bits.

Claypot Rice

Carb lovers will enjoy the Claypot Rice, fragrant by cooking together with Chinese sausage. It also comes with flavourful marinated tender chicken and greens to complete the meal.

Steamed Grouper 

Fish is an auspicious tradition Lunar New Year dish serves on the Chinese New Year menu as it symbolises abundance or surplus for the year. If you want a good year ahead, then don't miss out on the Steamed Grouper with ginger and soy sauce.

There will live station at the buffet dinner too. Instead of the usual laksa or noodle soup live station, diners can enjoy the Wat Tan Hor Fun, wok-fried flat rice noodles served in light egg gravy.

Mango Sticky Rice

Not to forget the dessert station whereby diners will get to enjoy a variety of Chinese and Thai desserts. The selection includes ever-popular Mango Sticky Rice and Durian Sticky Rice. For the Chinese dessert, we have Almond Bean Curd with Mixed Fruits, Deep-fried Nian Gao and Sweet Glutinous Rice Ball Soup.

Chinese New Year Eve Reunion Dinner Buffet
Date: 24 January 2020
Time: 630pm - 10pm
Price: $58++ per adult, $29++ per child (6 - 12 years old)

Note: This is an invited tasting. 


Blue Jasmine
Park Hotel Farrer Park
10 Farrer Park Station Road
Level 5
Singapore 217564
Tel: +65 68248851
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Farrer Park (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm
Fri-Sat: 630pm - 10pm (buffet dinner)

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

Min Jiang @ Dempsey Hill - Relocating From One-North To Dempsey Hill

After 12 years at Rochester Park, Min Jiang at One-North has relocated to another heritage destination at Dempsey Hill. The new premises features an interior of contemporary chinoiserie. It is bigger and more spacious compared to their previous location. With the relocation, Master Chef Goh Chee Kong has also revamped the whole menu, which eloquently showcases the intricacies of Cantonese and Sichuan cuisines.

Steamed 'Goldfish' Prawn Dumpling 4/5

The skilful chef at Min Jiang has shaped the Prawn Dumpling ($4.80/pc) into a goldfish. It is really too cute to be eaten. The juicy prawn is wrapped in a housemade crystal dumpling skin, steamed and topped with tobiko, swimming in a pool of simmering egg white, chicken stock, Chinese ham and potato starch.

The Heritage Treasures Platter 3.5/5

The Heritage Treasures Platter ($88) showcases iconic dishes that were much acclaimed from the 60s to 80s in Singapore. From left to right, we have the Crisp-fried Teochew-Style Shrimp Roll, Braised Pork in Wuxi-Style, Deep-fried Crabmeat with Chicken Liver and Salted Egg Yolk, and Stir-fried Freshly Harvested Seasonal Greens and Macadamia Nuts. I am glad that I am still able to savour this heritage dishes in the 20th century.

Sichuan Hot and Sour Soup accompanied with Prawn Spring Roll 4/5

The delicious bowl of Sichuan Hot and Sour Soup ($12/pax) comes in a chicken broth with finely cut sea cucumber, bamboo shoots, tofu and chicken meat. They are simmered with white pepper, black vinegar, light soya sauce, dark soya sauce and housemade chilli oil. The combination of spicy and sour is very appetising. Probably my personal option, I would prefer the ingredients to be more coarsely cut, for that textural enjoyment. Not to forget the crispy prawn spring roll at the side. If only I can have more of it.

Turbot Fish served in Two Styles 4/5

A rare fish to be used in Chinese restaurants is the Turbot. At Min Jiang, It is served in two styles for the appreciation of the fish. The deep fried style comes with aromatics such as chopped garlic, shallots, almond flakes, dried shrimp and bread crumbs. It somewhat reminds me of the Bi Feng Tang style. The stir-fried style allows the natural flavour of the fish, paired with Australian baby spinach, carrots and hon shimeji mushrooms. Truffle oil is added, but I thought it is not necessary.

Steamed Chicken and 'Kai Lan' served with Ginger Paste 3.5/5

The Steamed Chicken and 'Kai Lan' served with Ginger Paste ($34) reminds me of the samsui chicken dish at Soup Restaurant. The chicken is cooked to perfection. It is tender and comes with a layer of gelatin skin. Maybe I am used to the way of eating samsui chicken with a lettuce wrap, I felt that it is missing something to bring the chicken and ginger paste together.

Homemade Tofu with Crabmeat, Assorted Mushrooms and Seasonal Greens 4/5

The Homemade Tofu with Crabmeat, Assorted Mushrooms and Seasonal Greens ($28) is not your ordinary vegetable dish. There are many components in the dish. Besides the stir-fried spinach, the highlight is the handmade tofu that is formed into shape from a mixture of mashed tofu, minced prawn, egg and mushrooms. Holding the dish together is the baby spinach puree with crabmeat sauce.

Iberico Pork Fried Rice served in Mini Pumpkin accompanied with XO Sauce 4/5

Packed with 'wok hei' fragrant is the Iberico Pork Fried Rice served in Mini Pumpkin ($18/pax) accompanied with XO Sauce. It is a comforting yet luxe enjoyment of fried rice with the use of Iberico pork char siew.

Chilled Blue Pea Lemongrass Jelly and Malay Cake with Salted Egg Custard 4/5

Last but not least, we have the Chilled Blue Pea Lemongrass Jelly with Lime Sorbet and Malay Cake with Salted Egg Custard ($12/pax) for dessert. A light and refreshing dessert to wrap up the meal.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Min Jiang At Dempsey
7A and 7B Dempsey Road
Singapore 249684
Tel: +65 67740122
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line), Holland Village (CC Line), Farrer Road (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 630pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to the bus stop along Orchard Boulevard (Stop ID 09022). Take bus number 7, 77, 106, 123 or 174. Alight 7 stops later. Walk to Dempsey Road. Walk to the roundabout near block 17 and 18. Continue walking into the far right inside of the estate. Walk to destination. Journey time 30 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to the bus stop at Block 12 (Stop ID 11401). Take bus 106. Alight 4 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to Dempsey Road. Walk to the roundabout near block 17 and 18. Continue walking into the far right inside of the estate. Walk to destination. Journey time 20 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Farrer Road MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite Farrer Road MRT station (Stop ID 11119). Take bus number 174 or 564. Alight 5 stops later. Walk to Dempsey Road. Walk to the roundabout near block 17 and 18. Continue walking into the far right inside of the estate. Walk to destination. Journey time 20 minutes. [Map]

Jia Bin Klang Bak Kut Teh (嘉宾 巴生肉骨茶) @ Rangoon Road - Family Restaurant From Seremban, Malaysia Opens Outlet In Singapore

Are you a fan of white or black bak kut teh? More accurately peppery or herbal style bak kut teh? If you are the latter, then you probably should check out Jia Bin Klang Bak Kut Teh (嘉宾 巴生肉骨茶) at Rangoon Road. It originated from Seremban, Malaysia and now the family has brought the klang style bak kut teh to Singapore.

Jia Bin Bak Kut Teh 4/5

The signature here has to be the Jia Bin Bak Kut Teh ($8.80 small / $17.50 Large). The pot of dark coloured herbal soup comes with items such as pork belly, tau pok, pig stomach and pig intestine. The soup itself has a mild herbal taste while not too overpowering. I dislike those that has the strong "干甜 (Gan Tian)" taste, hence I find this has the right balance which will be more acceptable to most diners in Singapore/

You Tiao 4.2/5

Salted Vegetable 3/5

To complete the enjoyment of the bak kut teh, one can also order some sides like the You Tiao ($2.50) and Salted Vegetable ($3.50) to go along. I definitely recommend the you tiao to soak up the delicious soup.

Jia Bin Dry Bak Kut Teh 4/5

Besides the soup version, it also offers a dry version on the menu. The Jia Bin Dry Bak Kut Teh ($8.80) comes in a sweet reduced dark sauce. It is pretty good but we could help comparing it with Soon Huat's dry verson which is more flavourful because of the addition of chilli and dry cuttlefish.

Jia Bin Hua Diao Wine Chicken 4.2/5

Stepping into the restaurant, I could already smell the fragrant Hua Diao Wine in the air. It actually comes from the Jia Bin Hua Diao Wine Chicken ($8.80). It definitely allured us to order one to try. All of us enjoyed the tender chicken cooked in the sweet dark sauce, perfumed by the aromatic Chinese wine.

Jia Bin Spicy Pork Belly 3.5/5

After all the sweetness, maybe you want to try the Jia Bin Spicy Pork Belly ($8.80) to spice up the meal a little. It uses pork belly slices cooked in a spicy sweet sauce instead. I thought the cut was a bit thin which did not feel quite satisfying and substantial compared to the chunky pork belly cuts used in the bak kut teh.

Choy Sim With Oyster Sauce 3.5/5

With all the meats, the Choy Sim With Oyster Sauce ($5) is a good choice to complement the meal for a balanced diet.

Pig's Hock 4.2/5

Not to be missed is the Pig's Hock ($10). I simply could not resist the seduction of the wobbly gelatin skin and tender meat in braising sauce. It definitely hits the soft spot of me for the dish, done right. This is one dish I will go back for.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Jia Bin Klang Bak Kut Teh (嘉宾 巴生肉骨茶)
62 Rangoon Road
Singapore 218352
Tel: +65 69007708
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Farrer Park (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon, Wed-Fri: 10am - 3pm, 5pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 10am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Farrer Park MRT station. Take Exit B. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time 3 minutes. [Map]

Blue Jasmine @ Park Hotel Farrer Park - Halal Thai Restaurant With A New Refreshed Menu

Blue Jasmine is a 100-seater halal Thai Restaurant on the 5th floor of Park Hotel Farrer Park. Open for slightly more than a year, the restaurant has refreshed its menu. Besides the traditional dishes that define Thai cuisine, in the refreshed menu, it also offers regional specialities that is lesser known in Thai cuisine.

Tom Yum Sea Bass 'Poh Tek' 3.8/5

We probably have been used to tom yum soup but a lesser known similarity is the Tom Yum Sea Bass 'Poh Tek' ($20). Poh Tek is a type of tom yum that is made with different proportion of spices and ingredients. It supposes to be very spicy which needs to include deep fried chilli and basil. Deep fried sea bass is also added for a totally different experience to the classic tom yum soup. I personally find that it can be spicier.

Cha-Om Fried Egg 4.5/5

The Cha-Om Fried Egg ($12) is my favourite item among the new dishes I tried. An egg mixture of sliced acacia leaves, fish sauce, pepper powder are whisked together and fried and rolled into shape. The fragrant fried egg roll is best eaten with the shrimp paste sauce that tasted like our local chinchalok. The sauce is really spicy but damn shiok, elevating the whole enjoyment.

Yellow River Prawn Curry 3.5/5

Not all curry is spicy. Take for example the Yellow River Prawn Curry ($26) topped with betel leaves and microgreens. In fact it is sweet not spicy. The curry is creamy and coconuty. It is best to go with a plate of steamed rice. The prawn is also fresh and crunchy.

Holy Basil Krapao (Squid) 4/5

I thought Thai only use Thai basil for the basil minced pork or chicken dish, I am definitely enlightened by the dish, Holy Basil Krapao ($24). I enjoyed the layer of aroma from the basil on top of the spiciness from the sambal. Note worth is well cooked long beans that has a nice crunch but not on the raw side.

Roast Chicken Esarn Style 4.2/5

The marination of the Roast Chicken Esarn Style ($16) is so flavourful that I can have it on its own. The accompanying dipping sauce is the fish sauce type. I thought the shrimp paste sauce from the Cha-Om Fried Egg goes better with the roast chicken. 

Thai Fried Kueh Teow (Seafood) 3.8/5

Don't be mistaken, this is not Pad Thai but Thai Fried Kueh Teow with Seafood ($18). It is indeed quite similar to our local char kway teow with a hint of wok hei aroma. The taste is more savoury and less sweet compared to our local version, probably to the use of fish sauce in the frying.

Thai Chendol 4/5

Last but not least, we end on dinner on a sweet note with the Thai Chendol ($12). The chendol has more ingredients than our local version, such as the addition of red and blue rubies, young coconut and jackfruit.

Note: This is an invited tasting. 


Blue Jasmine
Park Hotel Farrer Park
10 Farrer Park Station Road
Level 5
Singapore 217564
Tel: +65 68248851
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Farrer Park (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm
Fri-Sat: 630pm - 10pm (buffet dinner)

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