Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen @ Clementi Mall - New Menu Featuring Hong Kong Inspired Specialties

Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen, a well-loved and favourite casual-dining restaurant, has launched a new menu featuring enticing quality dim sum and Hong Kong-inspired specialities like congee, noodles, and 'Dai Pai Dong' style claypot dishes.

Fish Ball & Scallop Skewer in HK Style Curry 4/5

A rendition of the iconic street snack, Fish Ball & Scallop Skewer in HK Style Curry ($9,80 for 3pc) comprises bouncy fish balls and scallops on a stick steeped in a luscious, spicy and fragrant curry sauce. The curry sauce has been given a local twist familiar to our palate.

Double-boiled Chicken Soup with Hairy Fig Root & Peach Gum 4/5

The Double-boiled Chicken Soup with Hairy Fig Root & Peach Gum ($12.80) is a hearty and nourishing bowl of soup that is deliciously good with health benefits. 

Shrimp Roe & Prawn Paste Noodle 4/5

Besides wanton mee, Hong Kong is known for its shrimp roe noodle. There is an elevated version in the form of Shrimp Roe & Prawn Paste Noodle ($13.80) comprising homemade prawn paste nuggets and a generous sprinkling of shrimp roe atop the springy noodles.

Scallop & Kelp Congee 3.5/5

Among the different congees on the menu is the new Scallop & Kelp Congee ($12.80). The velvety-smooth congee is permeated with the briny flavours of Japanese kombu and scallops.

Crisp-fried Braised Duck Wing with Salt & Pepper 4.2/5

A delightful surprise is the Crisp-fried Braised Duck Wing with Salt & Pepper ($7.80). The well-flavoured braised duck wing is cloaked in a thin crispy coat and topped with fragrant deep-fried garlic, elevating the enjoyment.

Sauteed Fresh Abalone with Assorted Colourful Capsicum & Asparagus 3.5/5

Fresh abalone from China is added to the unassuming dish to complement the crunch of the asparagus, while the assorted capsicum provides colour and an extra layer of texture. The Sauteed Fresh Abalone with Assorted Colourful Capsicum & Asparagus ($26.80) is a wholesome dish, providing the needed greens for a complete and balanced meal.

Roasted Duck with Crispy Rice in Chef's Special Sauce $21.80

A highlight is the Roasted Duck with Crispy Rice in Chef's Special Sauce ($21.80). The duck was succulent with paper-thin crisp skin. A scrumptious delicacy further enhanced by Chef's specially concocted savoury sweet sauce.

Noted: This is an invited tasting.


Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen
The Clementi Mall
3155 Commonwealth Avenue West
#03-54
Singapore 129588
Tel: +65 66599215
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Nearest MRT: Clementi (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 930pm
Sat-Sun: 1130am - 10pm

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

Bearded Bella @ Hillcrest Road - Popular Brunch Spot Second Outlet At Bukit Timah Offers New Dinner Menu

Bearded Bella opened its second outlet in Bukit Timah last year. They recently launched a new dinner menu featuring homemade doughnut burgers and some of their favourite brunch dishes.

Cheesy Black Garlic Goodness 4.2/5

The Cheesy Black Garlic Goodness ($19) features 100% Australian beef patty burger, with added cheddar and black garlic mayo on doughnut, together with lettuce, crispy onions, and bacon. The beef patty is superbly tender and juicy, while the fluffy doughnuts are sweet, balancing the burger's savoury components.

Ahjumma's Corned Beef 4/5

The Ahjumma's Corned Beef ($20) features house-cured corned beef brisket with homemade gojuchang mayo on doughnut, along with bacon, baby cos lettuce, and crispy onions. Similar to the Cheesy Black Garlic Goodness doughnut burger but with a touch of Korean flair with the addition of gojuchang mayo.

Scallop & Cold Pasta 4.5/5

One of their signature items is the Scallop & Cold Pasta ($22), which consists of tender-seared Canadian Scallops atop capellini pasta and chuka wakame marinated with truffle and yuzu ponzu. The pasta was perfectly al dente and had a nice strong truffle flavour.

Charred Asparagus 3.5/5

The Charred Asparagus ($15) features spiced yuzu pepper hollandaise, topped with pomegranate and fried capers. While the asparagus was crunchy and juicy, the yuzu pepper hollandaise was a tad too bland and watery. Unfortunately, it did not add much flavour to the asparagus.

Pain Perdu (AKA Fancy French Toast) 4/5

The Pain Perdu (AKA Fancy French Toast) ($20) was incredibly soft and fluffy, with bits of pink guava and peach fruits embedded within that lend a citrusy touch to the french toast.

Words and photos 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.


Bearded Bella
73 Hillcrest Rd
Singapore 288945
Tel: +65 82012312
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Nearest MRT: Tan Kah Kee (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Fri: 730am - 5pm
Sat-Sun: 730am - 6pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tan Kah Kee MRT station. Take Exit A. Use the overhead bridge to Exit B. Walk straight to Hillcrest Road. Turn right onto Hillcrest Road. Walk down Hillcrest Road and make a left into Greenwood Avenue. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Yan Restaurant (宴) @ National Gallery - Nourishing Cantonese Delights To Replenish The Body With Two Wellness Menus

For a limited period from 6 June to 31 August 2022, Yan Restaurant (宴) at National Gallery rolls up two Wellness Set Menus, developed together with guidance from Zhongjing Traditional Chinese Medicine. The delicious Cantonese fare incorporates the principles of Yao Shan (药膳) through the two set menus that harmonise wellness and health to replenish the body during the hot and humid summer months.

Crispy Skin Roasted Duck 4.5/5

The six-course wellness menu is priced at $158++ per pax, while the eight-course wellness menu is priced at $108++ per pax. We had the eight-course wellness menu starting with the Crispy Skin Roasted Duck marinated with Dried Mandarin Peel, accompanied with Chinese Pancake, Cucumber and Spring Onions. The use of Mandarin peels is said to nourish the spleen and lungs.

Double-boiled Chicken Soup with Immunity-Boosting Herbs 4.2/5

The Double-boiled Chicken Soup with Immunity-Boosting Herbs is brewed for 4 hours using a herbal soup mix curated by Zhongjin's physicians. The nourishing soup combines the wholesome benefits of ingredients such as milkvetch root, siler root, lotus seed, wolfberry, red dates, and candied dates. It helps to strengthen the spleen, reinforce and harmonise the vital energy in the body for summer.

Braised Sliced Abalone with Eggplant in Oyster Sauce 4.2/5

Eggplant, known to help reduces the risk of heart disease due to its fibre, potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B6 and antioxidants, is paired with Braised Sliced Abalone in an abalone and oyster sauce. It is my first time having eggplant done this way, and I truly enjoyed it.

Wok-fried King Prawns in Hawthorn Sauce 4.5/5

The Wok-fried King Prawns are cooked in Hawthorn sauce, which has many cardiovascular benefits such as treating high blood pressure, improving blood circulation, and many more. Its sweet and sour taste profile reminds me of sweet and sour pork, which excellently complements the prawn's freshness.

Steamed Chilean Cod Fillet with Cordyceps Flower 4.5/5

A favourite dish among the dining companions is the Steamed Chilean Fillet with Cordyceps Flower. The moist buttery-sweet Chilean cod fish is paired with cordyceps flower, commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine to strengthen the liver and kidneys.

Sauteed Australian Scallops, Asparagus with Fresh Lily Bulbs 3.5/5

Sauteed Australian Scallops with Asparagus is a common dish in most Chinese restaurants. At Yan, it is elevated with the addition of lily bulbs promoting lung health, such as relieving coughs, dry throats, and other respiratory conditions.

Stewed Ee-fu Noodles with Mushrooms

Like every Chinese restaurant, we ended the meal with a carbo dish before the dessert. The stewed Ee-fu Noodles come with three different mushrooms - King Oyster Mushrooms, Enoki Mushrooms and Shimeji Mushrooms loaded with antioxidants.

Chilled Mao Shan Wang Durian Pudding 3/5

Last but not least, we had the Chilled Mao Shan Wang Durian Pudding to wrap up the dinner. While it is packed with the distinct aroma from the king of fruits, I didn't enjoyed the custardy texture of the pudding.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Yan Restaurant (宴)
National Gallery Singapore
1 St Andrew's Road
#05-02
Singapore 178958
Tel: +65 63845585
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit D. Turn left and walk down North Bridge Road. Turn left onto Coleman Street. Walk down Coleman Street. Walk to destination. Journey time around 5 minutes. [Map]

Lumbre @ CHIJMES - Modern Spanish Grill Cuisine in the Heart of Town

Sitting new in CHIJMES is Lumbre, a modern Spanish restaurant that features a contemporary menu of Spanish small plates and grilled dishes. In Spanish, Lumbre means fire, commonly associated with the "hearth of the home". It's especially apt as the menu centres around cooking with open fire and Josper charcoal grills, and their large open kitchen and stylish yet cosy interior exude an inviting warmth.

Homemade Foie Terrine, Cheese, Apple Purée and Pistachio 4.5/5

The Homemade Foie Terrine ($26) was an impressive start. The creamy terrine is topped with a Mexican cheese mouse, crushed pistachios and a mildly sweetened apple purée, served as a spread with slices of crunchy toasted bread.

Grilled Ibérico Chorizo with Mexican Cheese 4.2/5

Another starter on the menu is the Grilled Ibérico Chorizo with Mexican Cheese ($22) which features chorizo aged and smoked in-house.

Grilled Aged Beef Sliders 4.2/5

Sandwiched in between soft buns in the Grilled Aged Beef Sliders ($26) are black Angus ribeye patties that were dried and aged for 45 days. Simple marination of salt and pepper is used to retain the meat's original flavours.

Grilled White Asparagus, Bluefin Tuna Belly and Confit Green Peas 3.5/5

In the Grilled White Asparagus ($26), white asparagus from France are grilled and paired with thinly sliced Spanish bluefin tuna belly and confit green peas.

Charcoal Octopus & Ibérico Pork Belly with Chorizo Foam 4.5/5

The octopus for the Charcoal Octopus & Ibérico Pork Belly with Chorizo Foam ($38) is prepared by first slow-cooking in salt water before charcoal grilling with olive oil. The result is slices of fork-tender octopus that carry a light char, accompanied by pork belly chunks and a slightly spicy chorizo foam.

Seafood Wet Fideua ‘Arroz Caldoso’ with Calamari and Smoked Eel 4.8/5

One of our favourites was the Seafood Wet Fideua 'Arroz Caldoso' ($48). The pasta noodles thoroughly soaked up its tomato-pepper sauce and seafood stock base. It packed a lot of smoky and intensely rich seafood flavour in a mouthful, with well-charred smoked eel and cubes of calamari for more textural bites. It was a refreshing change from the usual bed of rice in paellas.

Lamb Rack with Pistachio Praline, Baby Tomatoes & Black Olives 4.5/5

Served with pistachio praline, baby tomatoes and black olives, the slightly fattier cut of Lamb Rack ($42) was cooked nicely tender and didn’t have a hint of gaminess. The pistachio praline adds a light nuttiness.

Beef Short Ribs with Smoked Cauliflower Purée and Broccoli 4/5

The Beef Short Ribs ($36) are tender and juicy and fall apart easily with a slight cutlery pull. It is paired with smoked cauliflower puree and broccoli to cut the richness.

Caramelised French Toast 4.2/5

Lumbre’s take on the seemingly simple french toast will surprise you. Their Caramelised French Toast ($16) boasts a fluffy texture, akin to a soft bread butter pudding, served with a scoop of rum and raisin ice cream.

Tiramisu 4/5

Although the menu only has a choice of three desserts, we recommend ending your meal with one. The Tiramisu ($16) is a classic done right with distinctly flavoured yet well-balanced layers.

Words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Lumbre
Chijmes
30 Victoria Street
#01-20
Singapore 187996
Tel: +65 97228171
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (NS Line, EW Line), Bras Basah (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Tues-Sat: 12pm - 230pm, 530pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Mon, Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Cut across Raffles City Shopping Centre to Bras Basah Road. At the junction of Bras Basah Road and North Bridge Road, cross the road to Chijmes. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Bras Basah MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk southwards towards Victoria Road. At the junction of Bras Basah Road and Victoria Road, cross the junction to Chijmes. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Joyfulness Dining @ Kinex Mall - Introducing Chinese Zodiac Food Guide By Local Feng Shui Master Peng Song Hua

This Chinese New Year, Joyfulness Dining has invited local Feng Shui Master Peng Song Hua to match the Five Elements (Wuxing, 五行) with individuals' Chinese zodiac signs to create dishes that benefit individuals' zodiac sign and herald good fortune in the Year of the Tiger.

According to ancient Chinese traditions, everything in the universe comes from the five elements: wood, fire, earth, water, and metal. Wuxing can be applied to our food choice, whereby the energy of wood, fire, earth, water and metal can be harnessed through certain foods to help boost prosperity and fortunes.

Chicken Soup Stewed with Bamboo Fungus and Cordyceps Flowers 3.5/5

Starting with the Chinese zodiac Rat, it is recommended to have the Chicken Soup Stewed with Bamboo Fungus and Cordyceps Flowers. As the wuxing of Rat is water, it is beneficial to have food such as lotus root, lotus seed and cordyceps flowers.

Chicken with Chilli Peppers 2.8/5

I am born in the year of the Tiger in which the wuxing is wood. Hence it is recommended to have red coloured food that represents fire. Therefore it is suggested that I have the Chicken with Chilli Peppers.

Flamed-BBQ Chicken 3.8/5

Similar to Tiger, the Chinese zodiac Rabbit's wuxing is wood. Hence any red coloured food or fire which represents vitality and prosperity is good for the Chinese zodiac sign. Hence the Flamed-BBQ Chicken is such a fitting dish.

Scallops and Asparagus in XO Sauce 3.5/5

Snake's wuxing is fire, and the suitable foods are wood-based. These include green vegetables such as asparagus and mung beans. Therefore, the restaurant recommends having the Scallops and Asparagus in XO Sauce, which contains much fibre and vitamins, helps eliminate toxins from the body.

Hong Kong-styled Steamed Fish 4/5

Those born in the Horse year need to join forces with others to gain and succeed. Therefore, foods that are suitable for wuxing fire and wuxing water will be especially good for people born in the year of the Horse. Appropriate food includes fish and seafood. Hence it is recommended to have Hong Kong-style Steamed Fish.

Mushroom with Seasonal Vegetables 3.8/5

The Goat's wuxing is earth. Foods that can strengthen the earth element include tofu, mushrooms and vegetables. The Mushroom with Seasonal Vegetables is well suit to for the zodiac sign.

Black Pork with Red Wine 4/5

As the wuxing of the Monkey is metal. Foods recommended are black in colours such as black beans, black fungus and black glutinous rice. The restaurant is recommending the Black Pork with Red Wine with that in mind.

Stir-fried Carrot Cake with Beansprouts in XO Sauce

The Stir-fried Carrot Cake with Beansprouts in XO Sauce is beneficial for the Rooster as the wuxing is metal. Suitable foods are white in colour, including radish, potato, taro, sweet potato and ginger.

Dry-fried Tiger Prawns

Those born in the year of the Pig is to consume food which is "metal" in its wuxing, which are white, including scallops, fish and prawns. Hence the restaurant is recommending having the Dry-fried Tiger Prawn.

Claypot Seafood

The Claypot Seafood is good for Dog, as the wuxing is earth. Food that is "fiery" includes ingredients cooked in a clay pot, and peppery food can help improve energy levels and boost fortunes.

Of the dishes we tried, we didn't have the items for Ox and Dragon. Nevertheless, it is interesting to pair food with the Chinese zodiac. Thanks to Feng Shui Master Peng Song Hua, it is an insight into food and wuxing. While there is a good story behind each dish, I would prefer more effort to create unique dishes or use special ingredients instead of presenting dishes commonly served elsewhere.

Note: This is an invited tasting session. 


Joyfulness Dining
Kinex Mall
11 Tanjong Katong Road
#02-38
Singapore 437157
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Nearest MRT: Paya Lebar (CC Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 10am - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 8am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Paya Lebar MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk to Sims Ave. Cross the road and walk to Tanjong Katong Road. Walk down Tanjong Katong Road to Kinex Mall. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]