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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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
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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]

Princess Terrace @ Copthorne Kings Hotel - Time-Honoured Penang-Peranakan Buffet since 1970s

Indulge in the captivating flavours of Penang-Peranakan cuisine with the exquisite Penang-Peranakan Buffet at Princess Terrace. Located within the esteemed Copthorne King's Hotel Singapore, the exquisite buffet offers a diverse selection of time-honoured Penang-Peranakan dishes that have been perfected since the 1970s. From iconic Penang Hokkien Mee to the delightful Crispy Belachan Chicken Wings and an array of Nonya Kuehs, the buffet captures the essence of this distinctive culinary heritage.

Savour the essence of Penang through the Penang Char Kway Teow offered in Princess Terrace's buffet. This renowned dish features stir-fried flat rice noodles with prawns, chicken, bean sprouts, and Chinese chives, all infused with the characteristic wok hei smokiness. Seasoned with a flavourful blend of spices and sauces, this dish captures the true essence of Penang's culinary heritage.

Another must-try is the Penang Assam Laksa, which features a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, featuring thick rice noodles immersed in a tangy and aromatic fish-based broth. The medley of flavours is elevated with tamarind, creating a delightful balance of sour and savoury. This dish is a homage to Penang's culinary traditions, offering a captivating journey for the palate through its bold and zesty profile.

Not to be missed are the Crispy Belachan Chicken Wings. The wings are expertly coated with a crispy layer, revealing tender and succulent meat within. The magic lies in the aromatic belachan seasoning, which infuses the wings with a bold umami kick and a hint of spiciness.

The Char Moey presents a fusion of textures and tastes, showcasing wok-fried porridge that's been expertly prepared to achieve a delightful balance between creamy and slightly crispy. Unlike the usual porridge, it is mildly fried to a fragrant brown. The addition of minced pork, succulent prawns, and dried cuttlefish brings layers of savoury richness, complementing the porridge's comforting nature. This dish embodies both the heartwarming essence of comfort food and the intricate palate of Penang cuisine, making it a must-try highlight of the buffet.

The buffet at Princess Terrace showcases an array of enticing dishes such as the Yang Chow Fried Rice, Sambal Goreng Tempeh, Mutton Rendang, and Satays. The Chicken Curry is a fragrant delight, with tender pieces of chicken immersed in a luscious curry sauce that's a harmony of spices and coconut milk. At the same time, the Stir-Fried Roast Pork with Dark Sauce presents succulent roast pork enveloped in a savoury dark sauce, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and umami.

Quench your thirst with a soul-soothing cup of Teh Tarik, a beloved Malaysian beverage featured in the buffet at Princess Terrace. This iconic drink, whose name translates to "pulled tea," offers a delightful combination of strong black tea and sweetened condensed milk, expertly mixed through a process of "pulling" to create its signature frothy top. Served piping hot, the Teh Tarik perfectly balances the robust bitterness of the tea and the creamy sweetness of the milk.

Experience the delightful flavours of freshly prepared Bang Chang Kueh at Princess Terrace's buffet, where the chef crafts this delectable treat right before your eyes. This interactive station adds a touch of excitement to your dining experience as you watch the skilled chef expertly create these traditional pancakes. Available in two irresistible flavours – peanut and durian.

Round up the feast with a selection of Nonya Kuehs. This tantalizing array includes beloved classics like Kueh Bengkar, Abuk Abuk, Pulut Tai Tai, Kueh Lapis, and Kueh Talam. These traditional delights are meticulously crafted to capture Peranakan cuisine's authentic flavours and textures.

Don't forget to indulge in the refreshing delight of Chendol. At the DIY station, diners can create their personalized Chendol bowl by piling them with different components, adding an interactive and creative element to their dining experience. As you craft your Chendol masterpiece, the dessert's key ingredients come together in a symphony of tastes – the creaminess of the coconut milk, the fragrant sweetness of pandan, and the rich depth of palm sugar syrup.

Overall, the Princess Terrace buffet offers an immersive journey through Penang and Peranakan cuisine's vibrant flavours and rich heritage. The diverse range of offerings, from classic favourites to innovative twists, ensures that diners enjoy a satisfying meal and gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural richness that defines Penang and Peranakan cuisine.

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.


Princess Terrace
403 Havelock Road
#1F Copthorne Kings Hotel
Singapore 169632
Tel: +65 67330011
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Nearest MRT: Havelock (TE Line)

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

Direction:
1) Alight at Havelock Road MRT station. Take Exit 5. Walk straight down Havelock Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about about 6 minutes. [Map]

Tow Kwar Pop (豆乾薄) @ Tiong Bahru Food Centre - A Dish That Is Disappearing From Our Hawker Scene

Located at Tiong Bahru Food Centre is an unassuming stall selling Tow Kwar Pop (Stuffed Tofu Puffs), a dish disappearing from the Singapore hawker scene. The dish name is also the stall name. The stall was started by two brothers in 1965, the same year as Singapore's independence.

Tow Kwar Pop 4.5/5

The plate of Tow Kwar Pop ($4/$5) comes with freshly toasted tofu puffs over charcoal fire stuffed with crunchy vegetables such as cucumber and beansprouts, topped with peanuts. Accompanying the tofu puffs are you tiao, cuttlefish, pineapple, turnip, and green papaya, which is quite similar to a plate of naked rojak. I enjoyed the addition of cut fruits, giving the dish an extra refreshing touch.

It also comes with two accompanying sauces. One is a dark sweet, tangy sauce similar to rojak sauce with fragrant shrimp paste. Those who prefer some kick can dip the tofu puff in the chilli sauce.


Tow Kwar Pop (豆乾薄)
Tiong Bahru Food Centre
30 Seng Poh Road
#02-06
Singapore 168898
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Nearest MRT: Havelock (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 930am - 3pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Havelock MRT. Take Exit 2. Walk straight down Zion Road to junction of Tiong Bahru Road and Seng Poh Road. Cross the road and walk down Seng Poh Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Usher In A Prosperous Year Of The Rabbit With Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant CNY 2023

Usher in a prosperous year of the Rabbit with Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant at Holiday Inn Atrium Singapore with perennial favourites for takeaways and lavish set menus.

Japanese Unagi Yu Sheng with Roselle Sauce 4/5

Instead of the usual salmon or abalone, Xin Cuisine introduces the new Japanese Unagi Yu Sheng with Roselle Sauce ($98/$138), starring mouth-watering and nutritious grilled Japanese unagi slices paired with chef's concoction of roselle sauce to give it a balance of sweetness with a hint of fresh flower.

Double-boiled Sea Whelk Soup with Dried Velvet Mushrooms 4/5

The Double-boiled Sea Whelk Soup with Dried Velvet Mushrooms is a hearty and nourishing bowl of goodness.

Baked Lobster in Superior Stock 4/5

Perfectly cooked to a delightful firm and bouncy texture is the Baked Lobster in Superior Stock.

Eight Treasure Duck 4/5

Besides the usual Pen Cai, the Eight Treasure Duck is a delicious alternative. The fork-tender duck is well flavoured by the braising sauce, accompanied by crunchy green broccoli.

Sliced Foie Gras with Roasted Chicken & Mango Sauce

The Sliced Foie Gras with Roasted Chicken & Mango Sauce is a delectable combination comprising creamy foie gras and tender roasted chicken gel together by the fruity sweetness from the mango sauce.

Braised Rice Vermicelli in Hong Kong Style 4.2/5

We had the Braised Rice Vermicelli in Hong Kong Style for our carb. The vermicelli has an interesting texture giving it a nice textural bite.

Chilled White Fungus with Kumquat and Peach Resin 3.5/5

Wrapping up the meal, we had the light and refreshing Chilled White Fungus with Kumquat and Peach Resin. A fitting dessert to wash down the richly flavoured Chinese New Year dishes and double up as a palate cleanser.

Xin Cuisine’s Chinese New Year Takeaways are available for order from 1 December 2022 till 2 February 2023 through its e-shop, for collection/delivery from 21 December 2022 to 5 February 2023. Order before 31 December 2022 to enjoy an early bird discount of 20% (key in promo code CNY20 to avail the offer).

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]

Mr & Mrs Nasi Lemak @ Seng Poh Road (Tiong Bahru) - Re-Located From French Road to Tiong Bahru

Mr & Mrs Nasi Lemak, which used to be at French Road, moved to its new location in Tiong Bahru, Seng Poh Road, earlier this year. It is where Loo's Hainanese Curry Rice used to be, which has now been relocated to the nearby Tiong Bahru Food Centre.

Chicken Wing Set 3/5

I had the Chicken Wing Set ($5), which comes with deep-fried chicken wing, egg, ikan bilis and achar. Diners can choose either spicy or non-spicy ikan bilis. I went for the spicy version, which is exceptionally crispy and packed with the lovely aroma of the sambal.

The sambal was a bit out of place for me. It has a sour taste which I didn't enjoy. The rice grains used are longer, similar to basmati rice which has a nice delectable bite. As for the chicken wing, it was pretty small. Though it was deep-fried to crispy, it lacked the aromatics in the marination.

On top of the different nasi lemak sets, customers can choose to add on from the a la carte items. We decided to add on the Deep-fried Pork Belly for an extra $1.70. It is pretty dry in texture but has delightful crispiness.

Overall I think Mr & Mrs Nasi Lemak serves a decent plate of nasi lemak that will satisfy the hunger. However, it is not something that you will travel for it, as you probably can get one that is as good or even better near your home.


Mr & Mrs Nasi Lemak
Blk 71 Seng Poh Road
#01-49
Singapore 160071
Tel: +65 93835689
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Nearest MRT: Havelock (TE Line), Tiong Bahru (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Wed, Fri-Sun: 830am - 2pm
(Closed on Thu and alternate Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tiong Bahru MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Tiong Bahru Road towards Kim Pong Road. Turn right onto Kim Pong Road. Turn left onto Lim Liak Street. Walk down Li Liak Street. Turn right onto Seng Poh Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Havelock MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk straight down to Zion Road to Seng Poh Road. Turn right onto Seng Poh Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

People Table Tales @ Tiong Bahru - New Private Dining Serving Crocodile Rib Rendang

People Table Tales is a new private dining place that recently opened in the quaint Tiong Bahru neighbourhood. It caught my attention for serving whole-roasted crocodile rib rendang on its menu. The 8-course meal is priced at $198 with alcohol pairing.

Our dinner started with the Mouth Pleasers, a selection of small bites to kickstart the dinner. The Croc Fin Crackling intrigued us, which can be enjoyed with the accompanying Green Sambal and Lacto Pumpkin Sambal.

Other mouth pleasers included Toasted Coconut, Sourdough-so Butter and Toasted Koji.

Natsuki's Dream 4.2/5

Next is Natsuki's Dream, a speciality of vegetables from Natsuki's Garden, a local organic farm. The highlight on the plate is the sweet corn paired with lacto mango.

Mushroom Buddies 4.2/5

The Mushroom Buddies is inspired by Vietnamese pho covered by a sheet of rice paper. It showcased the earthy tone of the mushrooms excellently in a robust broth lifted by kaffir lime. I felt the soaked rice paper somehow substituted the noodle for the pho.

Black 4/5

Looking like a piece of charcoal is Black, chicken pieces in coffee shoyu, blackened garlic and pineapple, resting atop a pulut hitam cracker. The succulent chicken pieces are from a breed known as Silkie Chicken, whereby their bone and skin are black.

Pineapple Gazpacho 3.5/5

The chilled Pineapple Gazpacho is a welcome break from the meal to freshen up the palate for more to come.

Nasi Ulam 4.2/5

Next, we had Nasi Ulam, which is served at the tableside. The service staff will mix all the different ingredients, such as toasted rice, herbs from Corridor Farmers, and lime dressing, in a big bowl. The bowl of rice is packed with beautiful aroma from the herbs, enhanced by a zesty finish from the lime dressing.

Whole-roasted Croc Rib Rendang 4.5/5

The one dish everyone was anticipating throughout the night was the Whole-roasted Croc Rib Rendang. I am not new to eating crocodile meat, but it is my first for the rib and the cooking style. For those that have not eaten crocodile meat, it is clean tasting without any gamey taste, almost like chicken.

The rib meat is very tender and falls off the bone with ease. It is also served with achar, coconut serundeng, roti and smoked coconut rice.

For me, the highlight is the spiced coconut jus. Not only did it complement the croc rib, but it also went so well with the roti and smoked coconut rice.

Moju Granita 4/5

Before moving to the dessert, we had the Moju Granita for palate cleanser that consists of seasonal fruits, candied winter melon and cranberry hibiscus.

Everything Makgeolli 4/5

Wrapping up our dinner is Everything Makegeolli comprising of black rice makgeolli cremeux and tuile paired with white rice makgeolli ice cream.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


People Table Tales
Blk 79 Chay Yan Street
#02-20
Singapore 160079
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Tiong Bahru (EW Line), Havelock (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Sun: 630pm - 11pm
(Closed on Mon-Tue)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Tiong Bahru MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Tiong Bahru MRT station. (Stop ID 10169). Take bus 121. Alight at the next stop. Walk to Yong Siak street. Turn right onto Yong Siak Street and walk to Chay Yan Street. Turn left onto Chay Yan Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Havelock MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk down Zion Road to Seng Poh Road. Turn right onto Seng Poh Road. Walk to end of Seng Poh Road. Turn left onto Guan Chuan Street, and then right onto Chay Yan Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]