New Ubin Zhongshan Park @ Ramanda By Wyndham Singapore - Truly Singaporean Tze-Char In A Hotel Restaurant

New Ubin has opened its third outlet at Ramanda by Wyndham Singapore at Zhongshan Park. It is their first restaurant in a hotel and an interesting collaboration to bring a truly Singaporean Tze-Char experience into a hotel restaurant.

Foie Gras Egg Special 4/5

A decadent spin to our traditional Singaporean soft-boiled eggs breakfast is the Foie Gras Egg Special ($10.50). The soft-boiled eggs come with pan-seared foie gras with a sprinkle of truffle salt. It is a hearty and comforting atas breakfast to start the day.

Double-Fried Eggplant 4.5/5

The Double-Fried Eggplant will be enjoyed by both young and old. They are thinly sliced and double fried to a delightful crisp coated in a savoury sweet sauce. Its really addictive and you probably won't know that you are eating eggplant.

Pork Jowl 4/5

While I enjoyed the tender Crispy Pork Jowl ($14 for 125g), I thought it lacked the char and crispiness to make it tastier. Applaud to the special concocted sauce consists of miso and gula melaka, that matched the pork excellently. This dish is only at Chijmes and Zhongshan Park outlet.

Prawn Paste Chicken 3.5/5

The Prawn Paste Chicken ($18 for 6pc) is deep fried to a delightful crispy exterior. However it lacked the distinct prawn paste flavour which is slightly disappointing.

Chicken and Pork Satay 4.2/5

Chicken and Pork Satay ($6 for 5 sticks) is not your typical tze-char dish but it gives diner a taste of the local street food. From the uneven char on the surface of the grilled meat, it suggested that they are charcoal grilled with a hint of smokiness. Having it together with the accompanying peanut sauce for a full enjoyment. If pineapple is added to the peanut sauce, that will be even better.

Fish Roe with Petai & ambal Chinchalok 4.8/5 

I am glad that New Ubin offers the Fish Roe with Petal & Sambal Chinchalok on their menu. I have not seen it being served in other restaurants before. I simply adore the grainy deep fried fish roes with petai cooked in sambal and chinalok. It just blown me away how delicious it is. I am definitely ordering this when I return.

Hong Kong Kai Lan 2 Ways 3.5/5

Not really a new dish but he Hong Kong Kai Lan 2 ways ($15/$20/$25) provided the need greens for a balance diet.

Boss Bee Hoon 4.2/5

The Boss Bee Hoon ($12) may look unassuming but it is packed with robust flavours on top of that smokey wok-hei, demonstrating the chef's wok skill while not burning the beehoon.

Hokkien Mee 4.5/5

I was rather surprised New Ubin serves an awesome plate of Hokkien Mee ($15/$30). Their version is the wet type. The noodles are cooked until it absorbed the robust broth. Most important, it even comes with pork lard! That itself is a winner.

New Ubin is probably the very first Tze-char restaurant to bring the concept of premium beef to the table. It was a hit and it soon became their signature. We tried both the USDA Black Angus Rib-Eye ($16 per 100g) and "Zabuton" Cut Mishima Reserve "Ultra" US Full Blood Wagyu ($66 for 300g). It is served together with caramelised onions, potato wedges, house-smoked sea salt flakes and heart attack fried rice. The beef itself is already beautiful on its own, hence it didn't need any sauce for me. I prefer to have it in its nature flavour.

Double Heart AttacK Fried Rice 4.2/5

Not to forget the Heart Attack Fried Rice that comes with the USDA Black Angus Rib-Eye. Unfortunately you can't order the heart attack fried rice on the ala carte menu, it only comes with the beef. This is because the fried rice if fried using the beef's fats. It is also served with a sunny-side up egg. The regulars will know of the off menu Double Heart Attack Fried Rice which comes with 2 sunny-side up eggs instead.

Classic Chilli Crab 4.2/5

Singaporean loves their crabs, especially the Classic Chilli Crab ($48/500g, $68/800g, $98/1kg). Remember to order some Deep Fried Mantou ($4 for 3pc) to wipe up the chilli crab sauce. I like the fact that the sauce is not too sweet and it still has that fiery spicy kick.

Garlic Baked Crab 4.2/5

Besides the classic chilli crab, the crab is available in black pepper, white pepper, salted egg and garlic baked. All the different cooking method are commonly available in Singapore but the Garlic Baked Crab is something new to me. Unlike the rest which are saucy, this is like a dry version for the diners that like the aroma of garlic.

Banana Gula Melaka 4/5

Dessert wise, we tried the Banana Gula Melaka ($10). The banana slices caramelised in gula melaka and served with house-made coconut ice cream. Simple it may be but it is an enjoyable dessert to end the dinner on a sweet note.

Kaya on Toast Baguette 4.5/5

I was a bit sceptical to know that the Kaya on Toast Baguette ($8 for 5pc) is on the dessert menu. Isn't kaya and toast a local favourite breakfast but why is it on the dessert menu? Putting that aside, I strongly recommend you to order this even when you are already full. Do save some space for the fragrant homemade kaya and French butter. I promise you, you won’t regret it.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


New Ubin Zhongshan Park
Ramanda By Wyndham Singapore
16 Ah Hood Road
Singapore 329982
Tel: +65 97406870
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Novena (NS Line),Toa Payoh (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm
Fri-Sun: 12pm - 3pm, 530pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Novena MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Irrawaddy Road. Walk towards Ren Ci Community Hospital direction along Irrawaddy Road. Turn onto Shan Road and walk to the end. At the end of the Shan Road, cross Balestier Road to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Toa Payoh MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Toa Payoh bus interchange (Stop ID 52009). Take bus number 139 and 145. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Toa Payoh MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to bus stop at Toa Payoh MRT station along Toa Payoh Lorong 2 (Stop ID 52189). Take bus 56, 105 or 153. Alight 1 stop later. Cross the canal. Cut through the cluster of HDB flats and carpark towards block 103 onto Ah Hood Road. Continue on Ah Hood Road to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Baan Ying @ Royal Square - The Great Baan Ying Brunch

Established since 1999 in Bangkok, Baan Ying has been known for its home-style Thai cuisine created by founder Aunty Ying. From a small humble eatery to a restaurant group in Bangkok, its first Singapore outpost in Royal Square set up last year made quite an impression with its bright and airy space. Other than bringing home-style dishes from Aunty Ying's hometown, Baan Ying shall bring to you another type of experience - The Great Baan Ying Brunch.

Salmon Steak 3.5/5

Drop by on Saturday or Sunday from 11am to 3pm, you can indulge in popular Thai favourites that include a choice of one main course along with a buffet spread of 12 to 15 delectable appetisers, sides and desserts on rotation every week. Priced at $38.80++ per adult and $19.40++ per child (four to ten years old; kids under three dine free; child price includes a complimentary fruit juice). Top up $29.80 for a free-flow of beer and wine. Out of the four mains that I get to choose from - Angus Beef Steak, Bone-in Iberico Pork Chop (approx. 250g, additional $9.80++), Pan-fried Salmon Steak and Grilled Large River Prawns, we had the Salmon Steak and Pork Chop.

Pork Rib 3.8/5

Iberico Pork Chop, that has been marinated with Aunty Ying's secret blend of Thai spices. My favourite part is definitely the portion near the rib, as I really love the luscious and flavourful fats. The lime wedges served together with the main dishes is a nice touch to cut the richness of the meats.

Thai Salad 4/5

That said, coming to a Thai restaurant, the main drawn is still the spread of the traditional Thai dishes such as salads, soups, the curries etc. One of the highlights for me is definitely the DIY Thai Salad station where I get to mix and match own ingredients such as peanuts, dried shrimp, cherry tomatoes, long beans and either, tangy green papaya (Som Tum) or green mango (Yum Mamuang) and toss them in Aunty Ying’s secret salad dressing. We were fortunate to have a staff to demonstrate for us the techniques and skills that go into making a good Som Tum. Seems tedious but with a dressing that good, I am quite sure yours will turn out just as great too!

Yum Woon Sen 3.8/5

Out of the entire spread, my favourite would be the Yum Woon Sen (Glass Noodle Salad) which was loaded with seafood. The ingredients were really fresh, especially the thick cut of fish slices.

Larb Moo Tod 3/5

Mu Tod Nga 3/5

A few bite size items that is good to accompany your beer is the mini Larb Moo Tod, deep fried spicy meat balls mixed with toasted ground rice, mixed herbs and lime. The other delectable bite is the Mu Tod Nga which is Baan Ying's very own white sesame pork, and you may find it as moreish as any fried chicken wing. It would be much better of course, if you are able to consume them while still hot as they tend to get a bit dry and tough when out for too long.

Green Curry with Chicken 3/5, Salted Egg Fried Rice 3.5/5

A few quintessential Thai dishes such as Green Curry and Tom Yum Soup are also available. There was no pineapple fried rice, but we had an equally sumptuous Salted Egg Fried Rice.

Rainbow Ruby 3/5

Yam Soup 3/5

Desserts are of comforting taste, such as Rainbow Ruby, that has colours obtained from natural ingredients such as sweet potatoes, Lord Chong (green tapioca noodles in sweet coconut milk) and Yam Soup.

Overall, although there are a few interesting Thai dishes among the buffet spread, I might have a more satisfying experience if I were to go for ala carte option. The main dishes were all right but the key to satisfy my Thai food craving would still be that few Thai style dishes that I have grown accustomed to.

Words and photos 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.


Baan Ying
Royal Square @ Novena
103 Irrawaddy Road
#02-07
Singapore 329566
Tel: +65 91117852
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Novena (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am to 3 pm, 530pm to 10pm
Sat-Sun: 11am to 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Novena MRT station. Take Exit A or B. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 mins. [Map]

China Whampoa Home Made Noodle @ Whampoa Makan Place - Popular Ban Mian Stall That Needs To Queue More Than Half An Hour

After trying a couple of popular ban mian stalls such like Poon Nah City Handmade Noodle and
L32 Geylang Handmade Noodles, my next ban mian hunt brought me to China Whampoa Home Made Noodle at Whampoa Makan Place & Market. Apparently this is very popular and you may end up queuing more than half an hour to try the noodle dishes.

Homemade Yu Mee with Prawn Soup 4/5

For the soup version, we ordered the Homemade Yu Mee with Prawn Soup ($4/$5) and Homemade Mee Hoon Kueh with Prawn Soup ($4/$5). The texture of the homemade noodles is cooked to an enjoyable texture that still retains a bite to it. For the soup, it is the clear type with a very sweet note. It is understand that their soup is made from ikan bilis and soya beans only, without pork bones.

Homemade Mee Hoon Kueh with Prawn Soup 4/5

Unique here is the used of mani cai or sweet leaf, giving the soup the additional boost in sweetness. You can also find marinated minced pork balls, that is tender and flavourful. Unlike some ban mian stalls, the bowl of noodle does not come with egg.

Homemade Ban Mian Dry 4.2/5

The Dry Ban Mian ($4/$5) stood out more than the soup version for me. Give the handmade noodle a good toss in the dark soy sauce and chilli sauce, coating each strand of the noodle. While the soup version is more about the character of the soup, the dry version with its delectable sauces, showcases the texture of the noodle more.

Overall China WHampoa Home Made Noodle dishes out a good bowl of ban mian but it is not my favourite. I prefer those soup based that is richer and more robust with the strong ikan bilis flavour in it and I want my egg.


China Whampoa Home Made Noodle
Whampoa Makan Place
Blk 91 Whampoa Drive
#01-24
Singapore 320091
Tel: +65 96256692
Nearest MRT: Farrer Park (NE Line), Novena (NS Line), Toa Payoh (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 7am - 2pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Farrer Park MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk to bus stop at Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple (Stop ID 07211). Take bus 130. Alight 5 stops later. Cross the road. Walk down Balestier road towards Whampoa Drive. Turn left onto Whampoa Drive. Walk to destination. Journey time about 20 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Novena MRT station. Take Exit B. Cross the road and walk to bus stop opposite Novena Church (Stop ID 50031). Take bus 21 or 131. Alight 6 stops later. Walk down Balestier road towards Whampoa Drive. Turn left onto Whampoa Drive. Walk to destination. Journey time about 20 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Toa Payoh MRT station. Take Exit A or B. Walk to Toa Payoh Bus Interchange (Stop ID 52009). Take bus 145. Alight 6 stops later. alk down Balestier road towards Whampoa Drive. Turn left onto Whampoa Drive. Walk to destination. Journey time about 20 minutes. [Map]

Guan Dynasty @ United Square - Offering Handmade Dim Sum and Hong Kong Roasted Delights

Guan Dynasty is a new dim sum restaurant that has opened at United Square. The restaurant tucked in a corner of the basement, is the latest concept by Guan Chee which also owns other brands such as Guan Chee Hong Kong Roasted Duck, I Fish and Sumber Ayam.

Steamed Signature Dace Siew Mai 3.5/5, Steamed Pork Rib with Black Bean Sauce 3/5

We started with the Steamed Signature Dace Siew Mai ($6.80) and Steamed Pork Rib with Black Bean Sauce ($5). The siew mai was plump and juicy. The pork rib unfortunately was a bit too fatty for my liking.

Steamed Hot & Spicy Dumpling 2.5/5

I find the Steamed Hot & Spicy Dumpling ($5) disappointing The dough for the dumpling was too thick and the sauce was not fragrant too.

Steamed Rice Roll with Crispy Shrimp 4/5

Not all the dim sum items are bad here. Take for the Steamed Rice Roll with Crispy Shrimp ($6.50). It is a delectable contrast of texture where one will get the play of smooth silky rice roll and sweet crispy shrimp.

Baked Black Pepper Duck Bun 4.2/5

Steamed Custard Bun Salted Egg Yolk 4/5

For the selections of bun, I tried the Baked Black Pepper Duck Bun ($5.50) and Steamed Custard Bun Salted Egg Yolk ($5.20). Comes in charcoal black is the duck bun which has a slight crust on the exterior. It is stuffed with minced duck pieces in a sweet peppery sauce. As for the custard bun, the soft and fluffy bun is filled with oozing salted egg yolk sauce that is fragrant, sweet and creamy.

Guan Dynasty Roasted Duck 4.2/5

Guan Chee started its business with Hong Kong roasts back in the days when it is a humble stall in Hougang back in 1983. With up to 35 years of roasting experience, no wonder their Guan Dynasty Roasted Duck ($12.80 per portion) is roasted to a delightful succulent with crispy skin.

Shrimp Wonton Noodle Dry 4.2/5

Not to be missed is the Shrimp Wonton Noodle Dry ($6.90) which is really good too. The egg noodles are springy and did not have the alkaline taste. It even comes with huge wonton that is stuffed with crunchy shrimp.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Guan Dynasty
United Square
101 Thomson Road
#B1-09/64/65
Singapore 307591
Tel: +65 65656465
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Novena MRT station (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 10am - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 9am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Novena MRT station. Take Exit B1. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

A-Roy Thai Restaurant @ Velocity - Yummy Authentic Thai Food Which Used To Be At Funan

We were deciding where to have dinner at Novena Square when we came across A-Roy Thai Restaurant at Velocity which we thought it was rather familiar. It was not after we decided to dine at the restaurant when the memory starts to settle in. We remembered that we have dined at the restaurant when it was at Funan. We didn't know it has moved to Novena. It was quite an accidental discovery.

Upon settling down, we are served a plate of Keropok with green chilli dipping sauce. This is really addictive with the appetising dipping sauce. Initially I thought this will cost me around three dollars, like those peanuts serve at Chinese restaurant. I was quite surprise to see that I was only charge a dollar for this. I thought it is quite reasonable.

Tom Yum Talay 4.2/5

The Tom Yum Seafood Clear Soup ($15.90) comes with generous portion of seafood such as prawn, squid and fish. The clear soup may look rather ordinary but its rather potent with its fiery spicy kick. I am glad that it did not tone down the spiciness level.

Pad Pak Bung 4/5

For the greens, we decided to go for the Stir Fried Morning Glory with Chilli ($10.90). I always find that Thais know how to cook their vegetables, especially with the used of fish sauce that brings out the sweetness of vegetable. Not sure whether its there wok skill but it always seems to retain a good crunch too.

Kaeng Phet Pet Yang 3.8/5

For the protein, we had the Thai Green Curry with Beef ($15.90). Diners have the choice of pork or chicken too. The beef is a bit tough but what we enjoyed is the sweet green curry gravy. We were drenching our steamed rice with it.

Overall, I enjoyed my meal at A-Roy Thai Restaurant. What I like most is that the restaurant did not tone down the spiciness and the flavours we really close to what I ate in Thailand. While the food is on the authentic side, the price is on the steep side. I would suspect it is due to the higher rent in shopping mall. By the way, plain water is chargeable here.


A-Roy Thai Restaurant
Velocity, Novena Square
238 Thomson Road
#03-61/63
Singapore 307683
Tel: +65 63383880/ 63521446
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Novena (NS Line)

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

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

Sky 22 @ Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena - Dine With A View At The Heart Of Novena

Sky 22, an all day dinning concept has landed in the heart of Novena at the all-new Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena. Located on the 22nd floor, the restaurant features panoramic views of the nature reserve. The restaurant focuses on healthy, wholesome culinary creations that is inspired by local cuisine, using premium quality ingredients and local aromatics.

Nasi Ulam Wild Rice Salad 4.2/5

An interesting dish on the menu is the Nasi Ulam Wild Rice Salad ($22) which has been given a richer and modern rendition. The play of textures and flavours has been enriched by the use of charred octopus, long beans, fire-roasted sweet potato, organic betel leaf, ginger flower, crushed peanut and toasted coconut.

Oven Baked Camembert Cheese 3.5/5

For the cheese lover, there is the Oven Baked Camembert Cheese ($18). You get the whole block of cheese to go along with the rosemary-balsamic Portobello mushroom, arugula walnut pesto and grilled sourdough.

Prosciutto & Belgian Endive Salad 3/5

For something light and healthy, the Prosciutto & Belgian Endive Salad ($22) will be a good choice. The sweetness of the roasted Japanese pumpkin and caramelised fig are complemented by the pomegranate dressing, with the savory granola providing the extra crunch.

Singapore Chilli Crab Pizza 3.5/5

Chilli crab on a thin crust pizza is an interesting interpretation of the national dish. The Singapore Chilli Crab Pizza ($26) is topped with generous chunks of crab meat and garnished with Spanish onions, red chilli and scallions. Initially I felt that the pizza needs to be more spicy but then it is a pizza after all, so the sweet tomato base actually fits the characteristic of a pizza. Reducing the heat is also make it more palatable for the foreigners.

Iberico Pork 4.5/5

Cooked to perfection is the Iberico Pork ($36), tender and juicy. What I like most is that it does not have that porky smell. It is served with oven baked baby radish, hummus, wilted Chinese spinach and yellow soy beans. The accompanying balsamic sauce provided the extra zest to lift the enjoyment.

Pan Seared Red Spotted Grouper

Inspired from the local sambal stingray, the Pan Seared Red Spotted Grouper ($26) is topped with red cherry shrimps and okra, served with a slather of sambal olek and light turmeric coconut sauce. To be frank, I don't find any association in taste to the sambal stingray. However it is a well executed dish that will delight one's taste buds.

Purple Potato Gnocchi 3/5

A vegetarian dish on the menu is the Purple Potato Gnocchi ($24) which is made from scratch by the kitchen. The comforting dish comes with a medley of fire-roasted vegetables, mascarpone and tossed in burnt sage butter. I felt that the gnocchi was a thick for bite, and probably a little bit more colours for the dish will make it for appetising.

Tiger Prawn Laksa Lemak 4.5/5

The signature at Sky 22 has to be their Tiger Prawn Laksa Lemak ($24) that is an atas version of the local street food. Comes in a rich spicy coconut gravy, there are thick vermicelli, charred tiger prawns, quail eggs, beancurd puffs and fish cake. I finished the bowl of laksa to the last drop.

Bubur Cha Cha Cup 3/5

Last but not least, we had the Bubur Cha Cha Cup ($12) for dessert. It is a deconstructed rendition of the popular nyonya dessert, which comes in a combination of sweet potato, yam, banana, pandan jelly and sago, with a a scoop of coconut ice cream. I actually still prefer my traditional bowl of bubur cha cha, in which I can get every textures and flavours in one spoonful.

Besides the a la carte menu, Sky 22 also offers a healthy lunch or dinner B.Y.O.B (Build Your Own Bowl) concept allowing diners to create personalised bowls accordingly to their taste and preference. Dinners can start by selecting from different salad bases topped with vegetables, cold cuts and a choice of a house dressing. They can also warm their appetite with hot bowls of soup before working on their built bowls. Top up an additional $4 for a dessert for a sweet finish.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Sky 22
Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena
Level 22
99 Irrawaddy Road
Singapore 329568
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Novena (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily:
630am - 1030am (breakfast)
12pm - 230pm (lunch)
3pm - 5pm (Tea)
6pm - 10pm (Dinner)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Novena MRT station. Take A or B. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]