Song Yue Taiwan Cuisine (松悦台式料理) @ Kallang Leisure Park - Launches Banquet Dishes (辦桌菜)

Song Yue Taiwan Cuisine at Leisure Park Kallang has recently launched a new menu based on the culinary tradition of 辦桌菜 (bàn zhuō cai) or 'banquet dishes'. Originating in the 17th century, 辦桌 are gatherings typically held to celebrate occasions.

Celebratory Lobster Combination Platter 5/5

We started with Song Yue's Celebratory Lobster Combination Platter ($88.8 – Medium / $128.8 – Large) featuring five distinct dishes that synergised well with one another with their different flavour profiles and texture - Lobster and Fruit Salad, Chicken Tossed in Sesame Oil, Soy Braised Duck Wings, Spring Onion Marinated Abalone and Century Eggs in Shrimp Paste. Each dish had its merits, but what stood out for me were the flavourful and tender duck wings as well as the century eggs done in the style of a classic scotch egg.

Traditional Chicken with Pig's Stomach and Abalone Soup 4.5/5

Next was a nourishing Traditional Chicken with Pig's Stomach and Abalone Soup ($98.8). The chicken, stuffed with pig stomach, ginkgo nuts, and baby abalone, is stewed in a superior pork and chicken broth for five hours, resulting in a collagen-rich broth, as reflected in its yellow hue. Unlike a typical Pig's stomach soup, which may occasionally be quite gamey, this is more of a chicken soup with added benefits of a pig's stomach soup.

Steamed Live Lobster Rice Cake 5/5

My favourite dish of the evening was the Steamed Live Lobster Rice Cake ($88.8 for medium, $158.8 for large). Beyond the succulent lobster, the Taiwan glutinous rice, infused with pork belly, dried conpoy, shiitake mushrooms, and dried shrimp, was deeply flavourful and aromatic. Topped with garlic oil and fried garlic, it had a perfect balance of richness and savoury notes, and each bite of it just got more and more delicious.

Golden Phoenix-Tail Tiger Prawns 4.5/5

The Golden Phoenix-Tail Tiger Prawns ($35.8 for medium, $55.8 for large) were another highlight. Giant tiger prawns were wrapped in beancurd skin with a seafood mix, salted egg yolk, century egg, and coriander filling. Skillfully fried to a crisp golden brown, they were paired with a well-matched homemade sweet and sour sauce.

Braised Pork Knuckle with Homemade Mustard Greens 4/5

The Braised Pork Knuckle with Homemade Mustard Greens ($58.8) was a rich, fork-tender dish. The pork knuckle was braised for three and a half hours. However, I felt the mustard greens could have been more bittersweet to better balance the richness of the pork and gravy.

Handmade Crispy Duck with Taro 3.8/5

Lastly, the Handmade Crispy Duck with Taro ($48.8) featured duck slices encased in creamy yam paste and deep-fried to a light and crispy finish. While the flavours were good, the dish could have benefited from a thicker yam layer, as the portions without enough yam felt a little dry.

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.


Song Yue Taiwan Cuisine
(松悦台式料理)
5 Stadium Walk
#01-38/39
Singapore 397693
Tel: +65 6988 3322
Facebook
Instagram
Nearest MRT: Stadium (CC Line), Tanjong Rhu (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 930pm
Fri-Sat, Eve PH: 1130am - 330pm, 5pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Stadium MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Rhu MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk towards the river. Cross the bridge to indoor stadium. Cut across the open air carpark towards Stadium Crescent Road. Walk to Kallang Theatre. Turn right onto Stadium Walk. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Song Yue Taiwan Cuisine (松悦台式料理) @ Kallang Leisure Park - A Showcase of Taiwanese Homestyle Specialities Alongside Exquisite Fine Teas

Song Yue Taiwan Cuisine (松悦台式料理), a celebration of Taiwan's culinary heritage, has left an indelible mark on my gastronomic journey this year. The restaurant, a gem nestled in the heart of Singapore, artfully crafts a menu that accentuates the natural goodness of seasonal produce. Recommending it to friends has become a familiar refrain, and I'm already planning a return for another delightful dinner.

Taiwanese Style Pickled Chilled Dishes 4/5

Our dinner at Song Yue commenced with a trio of Taiwanese-style home-pickled chilled dishes. While the Pickled Cherry Tomatoes with Sour Plums presented a familiar delight, the Winter Melon Pickled with Fresh Passion Fruit and Pickled Cabbage & Radish introduced a refreshing novelty.

Pineapple Prawns with Crispy You-Tiao 4.2/5

A standout from many Taiwanese menus, the Pineapple Prawns with Crispy You-Tiao ($18.90) featured prawns delicately battered and wok-tossed with pineapples in a citrusy mayonnaise dressing. The addition of homemade dough fritters stuffed with hand-beaten squid and prawn paste elevated the dish, providing a delightful textural contrast.

Traditional Ginger Duck 4.2/5

The Traditional Ginger Duck ($19.90/ $36.90) delivered a bowl of comfort with tender duck stewed in a rich broth infused with ginger and black sesame oil. It was a warm embrace of earthy and nutty notes.

Farm Chicken with Spring Onion 4.5/5

Equally compelling was the Farm Chicken with Spring Onion ($18.90 Half/ $33.90 Whole). The local kampong chicken, poached to perfection, was paired with a homemade fresh spring onion and ginger dipping sauce, creating a symphony of natural flavours.

Salt and Pepper Promfret with Crispy Garlic Chips 4.2/5

The Salt and Pepper Promfret with Crispy Garlic Chips ($35.90) showcased a pristine promfret, deboned and fried to a crispy golden perfection. Seasoned with salt and pepper, it was adorned with crunchy, deep-fried garlic chips for an aromatic finish.

Silken Tofu with Pumpkin and Crabmeat 4.5/5

The Silken Tofu with Pumpkin and Crabmeat ($18.90) is an uplifting symphony of flavours, where the silkiness of white tofu meets the sweetness of golden pumpkin and the umami richness of fresh crabmeat.

Slow-Braised Pork Ribs with White Radish 4/5

The Slow-Braised Pork Ribs with White Radish ($18.90) presents succulent prime ribs and sweet white radish, lovingly simmered over low heat in a soy-based sauce infused with a variety of herbs. The result is a dish where the ribs become melt-in-the-mouth tender, offering a delightful harmony of flavours.

Crispy Egg with Black Sesame Oil 5/5

A seemingly simple dish, the Crispy Egg with Black Sesame Oil ($16.90), garnered rave reviews. Perfectly fried fresh eggs with crisp edges and a soft, oozy centre were simmered in a sweet-and-savoury sauce made with fragrant local black sesame oil. This dish, suitable for all ages, pairs wonderfully with a bowl of rice.

Ah Ma's Rice Vermicelli and Taro Soup 4.5/5

The Ah Ma's Rice Vermicelli and Taro Soup ($19.90/ $32.90) pays tribute to the nostalgic Taiwanese rice vermicelli soup. Crafted using the finest rice vermicelli from Xin Zhu, it is presented in a rich, aromatic pork bone broth with sliced pork, dried shrimp, lala clams, shiitake mushrooms, and fragrant taro. Every spoonful evokes a warm embrace of tradition and comfort, reminiscent of grandma's cooking.

Cabbage and Hokkaido Scallop Stone Pot Rice 4.2/5

For those who adore rice, the standout is the Cabbage and Hokkaido Scallop Stone Pot Rice ($19.90/ $32.90). It is crafted with top-notch grade 1 short-grained rice from Tai Chung, renowned for its sweetness and firm, slightly chewy texture. Served in a piping hot stone pot, the Taiwanese Cabbage Rice rendition adds a smoky flavour to the rice, crowned with seared Hokkaido scallops.

Chilled Oolong Ai-Yu Jelly with Green Lemon 4.2/5

Sweet Potato in Ginger Soup 4.2/5

The meal concluded with traditional homemade desserts, including the nourishing Double-boiled Apple & Pear in White Fungus Soup ($7.90), wholesome Sweet Potato in Ginger Soup ($6.90), and the invigorating Chilled Oolong Ai-Yu Jelly with Green Lemon.

Double-Boiled Apple & Pear in White Fungus Soup 4.2/5

Beyond the delectable dishes, Song Yue Taiwan Cuisine also places a spotlight on Taiwan's tea culture. With a selection of premium Taiwanese teas sourced directly from small family tea farms, the restaurant offers a delightful journey into the world of Taiwanese tea. The in-house certified tea specialist ensures a perfect brew, complementing the dining experience. The restaurant's homemade chilled tea and fruit beverages add an extra layer of enjoyment to an already exquisite meal. A visit to Song Yue is not just a meal; it's an exploration of Taiwan's culinary richness and a journey through the island's tea culture.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Song Yue Taiwan Cuisine
(松悦台式料理)
5 Stadium Walk
#01-38/39
Singapore 397693
Tel: +65 6988 3322
Facebook
Instagram
Nearest MRT: Stadium (CC Line), Tanjong Rhu (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 1130am - 330pm, 5pm - 9pm
Fri-Sat, Eve PH: 1130am - 330pm, 5pm - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Stadium MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Rhu MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk towards the river. Cross the bridge to indoor stadium. Cut across the open air carpark towards Stadium Crescent Road. Walk to Kallang Theatre. Turn right onto Stadium Walk. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

The Canopy Cafe @ Marina Bay Golf Course - Chao Ta Bee Hoon, Hokkien Mee, Penang Fried Kway Teow At A Golf Course?

I would never think I would discover The Canopy Cafe at Marina Bay Gold Course as I don't play golf; hence it is not a place I would ever visit. If not for my friends The Ranting Panda, I would not have known of the hidden gem that offers a delicious selection of local zichar dishes.

The Canopy Cafe located on the second floor is an alfresco cafe with the dining area having a stunning view of the CBD landscape and the golf course.

Johore Fried Bee Hoon 3.8/5

The Canopy has an eclectic menu ranging from Western, Japanese, Snacks and Local dishes. The highlight is their local dishes. Who on earth would imagine you can get a plate of Johore Fried Bee Hoon ($9) or better known to many as "Chao Ta Bee Hoon" in a cafe at Marina Bay Golf Course. Though you could not get that crisp compare to JB Ah Beng, the flavours and smokiness are there.

Penang Fried Kway Teow 4/5

The Penang Fried Kway Teow ($9) fares much better than the Johore Fried Bee Hoon with its wok hei aroma. You can also find prawns, fish cake, egg and beansprouts in the plate of rice noodles. I felt that the generous egg serving further enhanced the flavour.

Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee 4/5

My favourite is the Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee ($9). It serves the wet version with the noodles soaking up the robust prawny stock. My only slight disappointment is the accompanying chilli sauce. I find that it does not go well with the noodle.

Tahu Goreng with Special Sauce 4.2/5

A surprise for me is their Tahu Goreng with Special Sauce ($8.90). Unlike the usual sweet sauce with a lot of peanuts, the deep-fried tofu comes in a pool of red chilli, beansprouts and cucumber. Don't be scare by the sea of red; it is not very spicy. It is kind of sweet, a bit like Thai chilli sauce but it still has the sambal fragrant.

Prawn Paste Fried Chicken Wings 3.5/5

While the Prawn Paste Fried Chicken Wings ($9.90) comes in a crispy batter coat, it lacked the prawn paste flavour. Putting that aside, it is an enjoyment deep-fried chicken wing, crisp and juicy.

In my wildest imagination, I would never expect a cafe at a golf course can dish out such delicious local dishes. It is not easily accessible by public transport but for those that drives, you may like to visit the place as it has a lot of parking with a beautiful dining view. By the way, do not mistake Canopy Cafe with the ones at Bishan Park and Hort Park.


The Canopy Cafe
Marina Bay Golf Course
80 Rhu Cross
#02-01
Singapore 437437
Te;: +65 63425742
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Stadium (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 730am - 930pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Stadium MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Singapore Indoor Stadium (Stop ID 80199). Alight 4 stops later. Walk down Rhu Cross Road until the Vistor Centre. Walk further down and turn left again onto Rhu Cross Road into Marina Bay Golf Course. Journey time about 18 minutes. [Map]

One Pot (一锅) @ Jalan Benaan Kapal (Kallang Park) - Cheap & Quality Hotpot In A Ulu Food Centre

In my wildest imagination I would not have imagine having hotpot in an ulu food centre that I have not even known of its existence. I love eating hotpot, so for my birthday celebration, I suggested to go to One Pot (一锅) at Kallang Park after reading MissTamChiak review of the place.

I was taken back to find a food centre located at a quite corner in Kallang Park. Even all the stalls were closed except for One Pot during my visit. However the place is packed with people having hotpot.

Diners can choose from the pork, chicken or beef set. The pricing begins from $15 for a pax to $60 for 5 pax. The set is served in a wooden box. It comes with fresh ingredients such as the choice of meat (depend on the set you order), fish, quail eggs, luncheon meat, fish balls, crab sticks, prawns, minced meat, mushrooms, tang hoon and vegetables. I have to say that is some presentation.

You can be guaranteed of quality when you sight Brent the stall owner, slicing fresh pieces of pork and beef using the meat slicer. Who says you can't enjoy quality Kurobuta Pork and Australian Ribeye in a hawker centre. You will get this at One Pot.

Besides the ingredients from the set box, depending on Brent's morning marketing, you may also find other ala carte items on the menu. During my visit, we ordered the meatball, dumpling, fish dumpling and beancurd skin.

One Pot for the time being only offers Japanese Pork Bone soup base for their hotpot. Unfortunately there are no other soup bases. Trust me the Japanese pork bone soup base is really tasty and goes well with the ingredients. Noteworthy is the dipping chilli sauces, one is spicy and the other slightly sweeter.

What stood out for One Pot is its value for money hotpot with quality ingredients. My meal above for 4 pax is only around $60. It probably will cost you around $100 in some hotpot restaurants. Furthermore, parking there is free too. However, do call Brent to make a reservation before going down to avoid disappointment.


One Pot (一锅)
56 Jalan Benaan Kapal
Stall #54
Singapore 399644
Tel: +65 90077959
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Stadium MRT (CC Line), Tanjong Rhu (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 6pm - 10pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Stadium MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Stadium Walk Road. Cut across the big open air carpark. Walk to Stadium Crescent Road. Cross the road. Walk to Jalan Benaan Kapal. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Rhu MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk towards the river. Cross the bridge to indoor stadium. Cut across the open air carpark towards Stadium Crescent Road. Walk down Stadium Crescent Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Joyden Treasures @ Leisure Park Kallang - Celebrates 2nd Anniversary With New Menu Line-Up

Time flies and Joyden Treasures has opened at Leisure Park Kallang for 2 years. In celebration of its 2nd anniversary, Joyden Treasures introduces over 20 new dishes to its already extensive menu. I have been back to Joyden Treasures a couple of times and even introduced my friends to the restaurant. We have enjoyed the food at Joyden Treasures and it is great to know that they have created new dishes, providing more reasons for me to revisit the restaurant.

Chilled Yellow Roe Crab 4.2/5

Being a Teochew, I love having chilled crab. I always feel that this is the best way to appreciate the natural sweetness of the crab. I was glad to see the Chilled Yellow Roe Crab (market price) on the new menu. The yellow roe crab is poached in a broth redolent of ginger and spring onions. It is then cooled to room temperature and chilled in fridge. The creamy, golden roe is a delicacy on its own, bursting with unami. Guests can also choice to enjoy the succulent crab flesh together with the sweet plum sauce or homemade ginger and vinegar mix.

Poached Flower Clams with Mustard Greens in Superior Broth 4.2/5

The weather was rather cold during my visit and the Poached Flower Clams with Mustard Greens in Superior Broth ($20) was perfect to warm up the body. I was told that the mustard greens have health benefit such as cooling and cleansing the body. It is a painstakingly process to cook them. It needed to be soaked, brushed and washed repeatedly in cool water to lighten the bitterness. The milky white broth is sweetened by cooking the flower clams in the seafood broth. Chinese rice wine and crumbed sole fish are added to accentuate the flavour.

Steamed Minced Pork with "Mei Cai" 4/5

A homely dish on the menu is the Steamed Minced Pork with "Mei Cai" ($18). The patty used a combination of hand-chopped pork loin and shoulder. Preserved vegetables are also added into the patty for a sweet finishing. The diced water chestnuts provided the additional crunch.

Steamed Young Threadfin with Chinese Pickled "Olives" 4.2/5

For a change, we had the Steamed Young Threadfin with Chinese Pickled "Olives" (market price). Instead of the usual soy sauce or minced ginger style, the delicate and tender flesh of the young threadfin is steamed with tofu, slivers of shitake mushroom, mustard greens, tomatoes, ginger and slices of pork belly fat. There is a special ingredient in the dish, pickled Chinese "olives" which is known for its health and nutritional properties. I rarely see it used in Chinese restaurant. The first time I came across it was at Chef Kang's Kitchen. It has a olive-like flavour which lifted the deliciousness of the dish.

Crispy Homemade Yam Ring with Vegetables and Pork 4/5

Good for around 4 pax is the Crispy Homemade Yam Ring with Vegetables and Pork ($20). A crispy exterior encased the soft, soft and fluffy yam paste within. This is paired with slivers of julienned baby corn, turnip, red and yellow peppers, celery, carrots, shittake and shimeiji mushrooms and pork. Diners can also request for a vegetarian version.

Crispy Chicken Skin Stuffed with Seafood $24

A dish that requires skill and lots of effort is the Crispy Chicken Skin Stuffed with Seafood ($24). The chef skillfully removed the skin of a whole chicken, ensuring it remains intact as a whole piece. Next the chef has to remove the fats underneath the skin and air-dry it to to further remove any excess moisture. A seafood paste is spread across the underside of the skin and flash fried. The addition of almond provided the extra crunch and nutty aroma.

Lobster Claypot Porridge with Crispy Rice Puffs 4.2/5

Something luxurious and comforting on the menu is the Lobster Claypot Porridge with Crispy Rice Puffs (market pricing). A whole huge pipping hot claypot of porridge is rolled out on a trolley tableside. The pot of porridge uses a variety of rice grains to achieve the perfect texture the chef wants. This is cooked in a heady seafood and lobster shell broth. The lobster porridge also comes with condiments such as deep fried rice puffs, shallots, fried garlic and cilantro.

Overall I have enjoyed the new menu at Joyden Treasure. The refreshed menu has definitely given their customers and me more reasons to visit again. In fact, I am already planning to celebrate my parents' birthday at Joyden Treasure, as well as trying the rest of the new creations.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Joyden Treasures
Leisure Park Kallang
5 Stadium Walk
#02-42
Singapore 397693
Tel: +65 64468488
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Stadium (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun and PH: 1030am - 3pm, 530pm - 1030pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Stadium MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Joyden Treasures @ Leisure Park Kallang

With the successful opening of its secondary outlet, Joyden Canto Kitchen at HillV2 Shopping Centre, Joyden Concepts opens its third outlet, Joyden Treasures at Leisure Park Kallang. Opened in 1 October 2015, Joyden Treasures different from the other two outlets by featuring time-honoured dishes and a selection of the owner's family recipes prepared with restaurant worthy finesse.

Double-Boiled Seafood Soup in Old Cucumber 4.5/5

A surprise parcel of pork wanton is found inside the Double-Boiled Seafood Soup in Old Cucumber ($14). The soup comes with other ingredients such as mushrooms, dried scallops and fish maw. It is doubled boiled with the whole old cucumber, extracting the wholesome essence of the ingredients.

Phoenix Beancurd Skin Prawn Roll 3.8/5

Bringing back a nostalgia with a twist of their own is the Phoenix Beancurd Skin Prawn Roll ($16/$22/$30). I have never tried it before hence was really looking forward to sink my teeth into them. The prawn is chopped and mixed with salted eggs, century eggs and cilantro, stuffed between two crispy sheet of beancurd skin and deep fried. It is quite a good dish with the crispy beancurd skin. However I find the chopped prawn has lost its crunchy texture. There was also empty pockets of the beancurd skin without the chopped prawn mixture.

Steamed Red Grouper in Homemade Soy Bean Broth 4.2/5

As a Teochew I like my Steam Fish but I have never tried it with soy bean broth. The Steamed Red Grouper in Homemade Soy Bean Broth (market price), The soya milk permeates the fish for a silky texture. Love the execution, the broth reminds me of fish head beehoon with the ginger and added milk.

Crispy Fragrant Duck with Lotus Shaped Buns 4/5

A good change from the usual Kong Bak Pau dish is the Crispy Fragrant Duck with Lotus Shaped Buns ($58). The duck is simmered in herbs and then quickly deep fried. Similar to duck confit, the duck is shredded at the table to be eaten together with the pickled papaya and cucumber. If the crispy fragrant duck is the main actor, then the pickled papaya is the supporting actor for the dish to excel.

Jumbo Prawns in Traditional Dark Sauce 4.5/5

Probably the highlight of the night was the Jumbo Prawns in Traditional Dark Sauce ($26/$36/$52). The huge prawn was fresh and crunchy but the sauce was the main star.  Could not really put words to it but it is simply so delicious that you can finish a bowl of rice with just the sauce.

Traditional Salted Baked Crab 3.8/5

I did not really quite enjoy the Traditional Salted Baked Crab (market price) because of the occasionally intakes of the salt that can throw the appreciation of the crab off. However, I would say the cooking method does preserved the natural sweetness of the crab meat. The salt is actually dry wok fried with herbs before baking the crab. It is served with vinegar ginger sauce too.

Traditional Yam Puree 3/5

For dessert, we have the Traditional Yam Puree ($16/$26/$36). It also has individual bowl at $6. I was told that the restaurant uses spring onion oil for a more subtle taste. There is also chestnut, pumpkin and gingko in the puree. The yam is quite distinct but overall it was a tad dry for me.

Malagao 4.2/5

We also get to try the Malagao ($4.20 per portion). The Malagao is really soft and spongy. Both adults and children will definitely enjoy it.

Joyden Treasures is one of the biggest outlet among the three restaurants under Joyden Concepts. It has six private rooms too. Dim sum lovers will also be rejoice that it also serves around 30 different dim sum items daily from 1130am to 3pm daily.


Joyden Treasures
Leisure Park Kallang
5 Stadium Walk
#02-42
Singapore 397693
Tel: +65 64468488
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Stadium (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun and PH: 1030am - 3pm, 530pm - 1030pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Stadium MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]