The Lobby Lounge @ Intercontinental Singapore - New Peranakan Afternoon Tea With A Series Of Heritage Cocktails

Inspired by InterContinental Singapore’s heritage roots in the rich cultural Bugis precinct, and in celebration of the nation’s 55th birthday, The Lobby Lounge presents a new Peranakan Afternoon Tea experience, which will be available from 1 August to 31 October 2020. Showcased on a multi-tiered stand representing a heritage food journey, the new afternoon tea repast is amped up with locality, featuring creations with locally-farmed ingredients such as strawberries, kale and arugula, alongside iconic delights inspired by Straits-Chinese cuisine.

The elegant high tea includes modern renditions of Peranakan desserts such as the Ondeh Ondeh Cake which features a kaya sponge cake with coconut mousse and luscious caramel gula melaka core.

The Banana Genoa Cake has a subtle sweet caramel flavour topped with caramel whipped cream, kumquat curd and jelly cubes.

The pair of Ang Ku Kueh was interestingly crafted into 2 different shapes, symbolising the female and male kueh, filled with delicious mung bean paste.

Not to be missed are the delicate cups of Chendol jelly, red bean, coconut and palm sugar, as well as the Pulut Hitam Chiffon Cake with salted coconut cream.

Instead of the normal scones, the afternoon tea serves unique flavoured scones such as the Milo and Lemon Scones, served alongside gula melaka coconut jam and clotted cream.

Guests with a penchant for savoury delights will also enjoy treats such as Kale Pesto Crab Sandwich featuring pesto made from Singapore grown kale and crab meat.

One of our favourites is the Deep-fried Rendang Chicken Mantou, which is fried to a golden crispy brown, yet fluffy inside, encasing tender and flavourful rendang chicken meat.

We enjoyed the fragrant Five-spice Kurobuta pork Ngoh Hiang topped with sweet and spicy mango as well.

Another notable highlight is the Kikorangi Blue Cheese Strawberry Crostini, comprising New Zealand farmed cheese and locally grown strawberries on a peanut butter crostini, sprinkled with crushed walnuts and hazelnut.

The Lobby Lounge has also launched a series of Heritage Cocktails crafted in honour of the journey of Sang Nila Utama, The Prince of Palembang, who founded the Kingdom of Singapura in 1299. Each cocktail in this series represents a part of his journey.

Savour Crown Into The Sea, a light cocktail made up of Havana 3, Apricot Brandy, Peach Schnapps and Ginger Beer served with slices of lime, representative of the great storm mid-journey which led to the Prince throwing his crown overboard as a gift to the sea to calm the storm, allowing him to reach Temasek safely. The last of the series, The King of The Jungle, is a ruby red cocktail comprising a mixed flavour profile of indigenous herbs like kaffir lime, star anise and cinnamon, which lift the palate. This concoction was inspired by the lion that Sang Nila Utama spotted upon landing which prompted him to name the island Singapura.

$88 for two guests, inclusive of fine loose-leaf tea or coffee.
$118 for two guests, inclusive of two flutes of Tattinger Brut Champagne, fine loose-leaf tea or coffee.
For reservations, please visit TheLobbyLounge.sg, email InterContinental.Dining@ihg.com, or speak with us at +65 6825 1008

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.


The Lobby Lounge
InterContinental Singapore
Level 1
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 68251008
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 2pm - 5pm

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

Kueh Garden (福粿园) @ Jurong East - The Ang Ku Kueh Is As Good As Ji Xiang Confectionery At Everton Park

The traditional Ang Ku Kueh or loosely translated as red tortoise cake is an oval shape Chinese pastry made of red soft sticky glutinous rice flour skin wrapped around peanut or green bean filling in the centre. Nowadays the traditional Ang Ku Kueh does not only come in red color but a variety of fillings too. One of such confectionery that has kept up with time with their colourful Ang Ku Kueh is Kueh Garden (福粿园) at Jurong East.

Besides the original Ang Ku Kueh filled with peanut and green bean, Kueh Garden offers a colourful variety such as Red Bean, Sweet Corn, Sweet Potato, Coconut, Coffee, Green Tea, Yam, Durian, Salted Bean and Milo. They range between 90 cents to a dollar each piece.

Besides the vibrant colours of the Ang Ku Kueh and its interesting filling especially durian and milo, catering to the modern tastebuds and younger generation. The highlight of the Ang Ku Kueh is their mochi-like texture. It is so soft and chewy. The texture is comparable to the renowned Ji Xiang Confectionery's Ang Ku Kueh at Everton Park.

Besides the different Ang Ku Kueh, Kueh Garden sells a variety of traditional kueh such as Soon Kueh, Ku Cai Kueh, Png Kueh, Ondeh Ondeh, 9-Layer Kueh and more. More interesting is the Kueh Platter that is suitable for gathering and celebration. You can even order them online.

Kueh Garden
Blk 348 Jurong East Ave 1
#01-1245
Singapore 600348
Tel: +65 62649182
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Chinese Garden (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon: 730am - 3pm
Tue-Sat: 730am - 7pm
Sun: 730am - 5pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Chinese Garden MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk towards the overhead bridge. Cross the road to the other side of the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

The Lobby Lounge @ Intercontinental Hotel Singapore - Classic Afternoon Tea Showcasing Straits Heritage

Our National Day may have passed but over at The Lobby Lounge at Intercontinental Hotel Singapore celebration continues with its Classic Afternoon Tea: Straits Heritage. Commemorating Singapore's 52 years of Independence, Pastry Chef Ben Goh crafted a three-tiered showcase of iconic Afternoon Tea delights inspired by Straits-Chinese cuisine.

Alongside with the Peranakan inspired tea delights, there is a fine selection of teas and coffee. I opted for Pu-erh Tea, together with a Blue Ginger cocktail which is exclusive to this occasion only. Concocted with galangal, gula melaka and kaffir lime, I find it really refreshing. While waiting for our three-tired set, we were first served with warm scones, a choice of Lemon and Milo, along with gula melaka jam, clotted cream and strawberry jam. The scones were really yummy with the homemade jams. The 'kaya' may be a little too sweet for me but the strawberry jam has captured the sweet and tart of the fruit in a good balance.

Our three-tiered set came with tantalising savouries at the base and pretty desserts embellishing the top. Take a closer look and you will notice that the colours of the Peranakan porcelains and ceramics that adorns the Lobby Lounge for the time being are translated to the tea delights as well! For savouries we have modern renditions of Peranakan dishes including popular ones such as Ayam Buak Keluak Crostini, Kurobuta Pork Ngo Hiang, Satay Lilit and Otak Quiche. My favourite is the otak quiche for its execution and taste.

For finger sandwich, we have here a Chilli Crab version that is equally finger licking good. The Kurobuta Pork Ngo Hiang was a little letdown as I thought the fineness of the meat is lost.

The desserts are the highlight. What captivated me first was the mini Ang Ku Kueh. It is so cute, almost resembling a miniature. Ondeh Ondeh Cake comes with a soft, bouncy texture with a much anticipated molten core. The Banana Genoa Tart surprised me with its caramelised banana filling which is slightly sticky. It has a sweet burnt taste that harmonised with the coconut cream atop. The Chendol Agar Jelly is like a compressed solidified form of chendol with red beans sitting at the bottom to complete the experience.

While most Afternoon Tea sets tend to be more towards the sweeter side, this Classic Afternoon Tea: Straits Heritage has quite a good balance of sweet and savoury. It will be available at The Lobby Lounge from 7 August to 19 November 2017,  2pm to 5pm daily. The three-tiered set is priced at $78 for two persons, inclusive of a fine selection of loose-leaf teas and coffee; and at S$108 for two persons, inclusive of two flutes of Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut Champagne or Blue Ginger cocktail.

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.


The Lobby Lounge
InterContinental Singapore
Level 1
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 68251008
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 2pm - 5pm

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

Poh Cheu (宝洲) @ Bukit Merah

Is traditional kueh a part of history in Singapore? Hopefully not but I believe all things need to progress and evolved to keep up with the present. Take for example Lek Lim Nonya Cake Confectionery runs by the 2nd generation is using social media to bring awareness to the new and younger generation about their traditional nonya kueh. It is good to preserve the tradition but the world is changing and one must adjust to fit into the new world, be it in the food or business model. Especially in food, people's palate changes with time and if you don't do something, you will just be a chapter of the history book.

Today I am bring you to Bukit Merah to check out this popular traditional kueh shop with more than 30 years of history. Poh Cheu (宝洲) started selling their homemade kueh as a mobile hawker back in the dates at Boon Lay before moving to Jalan Kayu, Bedok and now at Bukit Merah. Now in its third generation, Poh Cheu still insist in hand making their kuehs instead of machine.

Ang Ku Kueh 4/5

While preserving the tradition of hand making their kueh to ensure of the utmost quality, Poh Cheu has also introduced new flavours for the Ang Ku Kueh ($0.80 each) to satisfy the new generation. Besides the traditional green bean and peanut flavours, there are also salted bean, green tea, mango, red bean, coconut, black sesame, pineapple and yam. The different colour of the traditional ang ku kueh already looked some appetizing. The skin was thin, some what like mochi texture and it was packed full with filling.

Soon Kueh 4.5/5

A delectable snack and my favourite at Poh Cheu is the Soon Kueh ($0.80 each). For a mere eighty cents you get a plump filled soon kueh wrapped under a thin transparent skin. I especially like the crystal like skin that is very palatable but not overshadowing the filling inside, allowing the ingredients inside to be the star. Ku Cai Kueh ($0.80 each) and Bamboo Shoot Kueh ($1) are also available at Poh Cheu.

Rice Cake 4/5

The Rice Cake ($1) is another traditional kueh that is essential in Chinese events especially as a form of offering for prayers and festive occasions. Stuffed with glutinous, mushroom and peanuts, this delightful snack can be eaten steamed or pan fried.

Poh Cheu is extremely busy during the Chinese festive occasions with many people ordering in bulk. It is best to avoid this period if you just want to go there for a morning breakfast or afternoon tea snack. Be warned not to expect the best of customer service as myself was denied having an extra plastic plate so that I can share the kuehs with my friends. The auntie servicing me insist that one plastic plate is for 2 kuehs only. So in the end I have to purchase another piece of kueh to make it even number for the extra plastic plate.


Poh Cheu (宝洲)
Blk 127 Bukit Merah Lane 1
#01-230 & #01-222
Singapore 150127
Tel: +65 62762287
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Poh-Cheu-Soon-Kueh-and-Ang-Ku-Kueh/138586599577630
Website: http://www.pohcheu.com/
Nearest MRT: Queenstown (EW Line), Redhill (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 8am - 6pm
(Closed on Sun & PH)

Direction:
1) Alight at Queenstown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Queenstown MRT station (Stop ID 11149). Take bus number 195. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Redhill MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite Redhill MRT station (Stop ID 10201). Take bus number 33 or 120. Alight 5 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time 10 minutes. [Map]

Lek Lim Nonya Cake Confectionery @ Bedok North Street 4

Lek Lim Nonya Cake Confectionery is a traditional shop located at block 84 Bedok North facing the public carpark just behind the famous block 85 Bak Chor Mee at FengShan food centre. From its home based business in 1968 it has moved to its current location in 1987 when the business picked up. It is heartened to still see traditional shop like this painstakingly doing hand made delectable traditional kuehs. Besides selling their kuehs to the general public, Lek Lim Nonya Cake Confectionery also supplies them to hotels and catering companies.

The owner Gavan is very kind to allow us into the kitchen to have some hands on sessions making our own Ang Ku Kueh ($0.50/pc). It is also known as red tortoise cake because it looks like a tortoise shell while red is auspicious for Chinese and tortoise represents longevity. This is usually eaten during religious offering or our baby's one month birthday celebration.

Pulut Inti

Pulut Inti 4/5

Nowadays Pulut Inti ($0.50/pc) commonly comes in plastic wrap but Lek Lim Nonya Cake Confectionery persists to upkeep the tradition and wrapped them in banana leave. I also got to try wrapping them and it was not as easy as it seen. A very delectable snack with caramelised grated coconut sitting on top of the blueish glutinous rice. The blue colouring of the glutinous rice is made from the clitoria flower.

Ku Cai Kueh 4.2/5

While I was there, I noticed 2 workers tirelessly making kuehs throughout my visit. They were making Ku Cai Kueh ($0.70/pc), Soon Kueh ($0.70/pc)and Peng Kueh ($0.80/pc) fresh on the spot. I simply adored the smooth crystal clear skin of the Ku Cai Kueh and Soon Kueh. They were one of the best I have tried.

Steamed Yam Cake 4/5 

Fried Yam Cake 4.2/5

Yam Cake is another favourite of mine that I will order whenever I have dim sum. At Lek Lim Nonya Cake Confectionery, both the Steamed Yam Cake ($0.80/pc)and Fried Yam Cake ($0.80/pc) comes with delectable chunky yam bites, fragrant mushrooms and dried shrimps.

Mini Huat Kueh 3.8/5

These traditional colourful mini Huat Kueh will be attractive to children instead of those tradition bigger one that is usually used for religious offering.

Kotoh Ubi 4/5

Besides the traditional Chinese kuehs and cakes, Lek Lim Nonya Cake Confectionery also makes their own Nonya Kueh. This is my first time to come across the uncommon Kotob Ubi ($1.20/pkt). Made of mashed tapioca and caramelised grated coconut, the gula melaka is the star as the tapioca and grated coconut was quite bland in nature.

Kueh Kao Swee 3.8/5

Kueh Kao Swee ($1.20/pkt) is steamed rice pudding rolled in grated coconut. It is a bit boring to be eating it alone without any sauce. I usually have them with gula melaka.

Oneh Oneh 3.8/5

The Oneh Oneh ($1.20/pkt) although was huge the proportion of skin and filling was quite balanced. The disappointment was the lacking of the squirting surprise of gula melaka when biting into it.

Bengka Ubi 4/5

Another version of the mashed tapioca, Bengka Ubi ($1.20/pkt) is baked rather than steamed. The springy and chewy texture was very enjoyable.

Kueh Lapi 3.8/5

This rainbow colour Kueh Lapi ($1.20/pkt) brings back a lot of childhood memories. I usually had it for breakfast and like to dissect it layer by layer.

Kueh Salat 4/5

I guess this is probably one of the more popular Nonya kuehs that everyone is familiar with as it is often available on most buffet spreads. Kueh Salat ($1.20/pkt) is made up of a layer of glutinous rice and kaya custard with a hint of pandan leaves fragrant.

Ubi Kayu 4/5

Another version of the tapioca kueh rolled in grated coconut, Ubi Kayu ($1.20/pkt) was a delish snack that you can't help going back for more.

Lek Lim Nonya Cake Confectionery has been working behind the scene supplying hotels and catering companies with their high quality handmade kuehs. Knowing who is the supplier, I would probably go to them directly in my next purchase. I was checking out their facebook page the other day and I realized they also sells kueh party sets similar to Sakae Sushi type. How cool is it? I probably would get one for my next gathering.


Lek Lim Nonya Cake Confectionery
Blk 84 Bedok North Street 4
#01-21
Singapore 460084
Tel: +65 64490815
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LekLimNonyaCake
Website: http://www.kuehkueh.com.sg/
Nearest MRT: Bedok (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 4am - 6pm
Sun: 4am - 2pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bedok MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Bedok bus interchange. Take bus number 14 or 222 and alight 4 stops later. Journey time about 15 minutes.