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]

Penang Hawkers' Fare @ York Hotel - Brings Back The Best Of Penang Street Food

York Hotel's Penang Hawkers' Fare, the long-standing promotion at White Rose Cafe, returns from 2 September to 18 September 2022. The hawkers from Penang make a return to delight diners with their speciality. During the promotion, patrons can watch the hawkers in action and feast on Penang hawker food to their hearts' content.

Penang Char Kway Teow 4.2/5

One of the most popular stalls for the past editions is the Penang Char Kway Teow, which always spots a long queue. The fragrant plate of wok-fried rice noodles is packed with wok-hei. Besides the delicious plate of noodles, be entertained by the eye-catching lady hawker's move when she swings into dancing twist frying the char kway teow.

Oyster Omelette 4/5

Crispy on the outside and gooey inside is the Oyster Omelette, best enjoyed with the tangy, spicy chilli sauce.

Lor Bak 3.8/5

Great for sharing are the Lor Bak, Cuttlefish Kang Kong and Rojak. On the Lor Bak platter, you will get five-spice meat rolls, prawn fritters, and deep-fried bean curd served with homemade chilli sauce and a thick soy-based sauce.

Cuttlefish Kang Kong 4.2/5

Not many places offer the Cuttlefish Kang Kong anymore. It is probably a dish that is foreign to the new generation too. The crunchy cuttlefish and water convolvulus are matched with a sweet and slightly spicy sauce and quality prawn paste and peanuts.

Penang Rojak 4.2/5

Tossed in a savoury, sweet and fragrant prawn paste is the Penang Rojak, topped with peanuts. Unlike the local rojak, the Penang version is more fruity and refreshing with ingredients such as cucumber, jambu, guava, jicama and pineapple.

Penang Laksa 4.8/5

There are Penang Laksa, Prawn Mee and Kway Teow Soup for the noodle dishes. All these three noodle dishes are a must-try. The Penang Laksa's tangy tamarind fish-based broth is packed with depth and robust flavours. Add some prawn paste to the laksa to elevate the whole taste profile to a new height. I have not eaten such a delicious bowl of noodles for a long while.

Prawn Mee 4.5/5

The Prawn Mee is another excellent choice too. The bowl of noodles is packed with a comforting and robust stock that has been laboriously boiled for hours, comprising prawn heads, shells and pork ribs.

Kway Teow Soup 4.5/5

For something lighter, go for the Kway Teow Soup. The smooth flat rice noodle comes in a light yet refreshing soup with fish balls, fish cake and shredded chicken. A dry version is also available.

Roti Canai 4.8/5

Another favourite item is the Roti Canai. The prata is crispy on the exterior and fluffy inside. It comes with a choice of either dhal curry or chicken curry. What is even more unique is the pairing of sambal chilli, which is not commonly appreciated this way in Singapore.

Ice Ball Kacang 3.5/5

Bringing back the childhood is the Ice Ball Kacang to wrap up the dinner on a sweet note.

Ban Chang Kueh 4.5/5

The Ban Chang Kueh is not to be missed too. The crispy pancake shell is folded into half with a spoonful of margarine, ground peanuts and sugar. Crispy on the edges while chewy inside.

Penang Hawkers’ Fare Lucky Draw
By dining at the Penang Hawkers’ Fare, diners stand to win attractive prizes from York Hotel Singapore:

First prize: A two-night weekend stay in a Premier Room inclusive of buffet breakfast and a S$100 dining voucher
Second prize: A one-night weekend stay in a Deluxe Room inclusive of a S$50 dining voucher
Third prize: ‘Treasured Flavours of Singapore’ à la carte Buffet Lunch at White Rose Café for five persons

The Penang Hawkers' Fare is available for lunch and dinner from 2 September to 18 September 2022. The menu includes an unlimited flow of coffee, tea, Calamansi drink, and Bandung.

Time:
- 12 p.m. to 2.30 p.m. (Lunch)
- 6.30 p.m. to 10.00 p.m. (Dinner)

Price:
- S$38* per adult, S$23* per child below 12 years of age, Mondays to Thursdays
- S$42* per adult, S$27* per child below 12 years of age, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays
*Prices are subject to 10% service charge and prevailing Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Note: This is an invited tasting.


White Rose Cafe
York Hotel
21 Mount Elizabeth
Singapore 228516
Tel: +65 67370511
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am to 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk down Scotts Road towards Goodwood Park Hotel. At Goodwood Park, turn right and walk to the end of the carpark. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Lucky Seafood Catering @ Geylang Lorong 17 - You Do Not Need To Travel To Ipoh For Handmade Lai Fun & Hakka Yong Tau Foo

My last overseas travel was to Ipoh with a group of foodie friends to explore the food there. One of the places we visited is Dai Shu Geok (大树脚) Yong Tau Foo. That is when I get to know the local likes to have their Yong Tau Foo with a bowl of assam laksa. For those that are unable to travel to Ipoh during this pandemic period, I am glad to say that Lucky Seafood Catering at Geylang Lorong 17 offers a similar experience. They even handmade their own Lai Fun noodle at the stall. I have to give credit to Miss Tam Chiak for discovering and sharing the place.

Approaching the stall, you will see a variety of fried Yong Tau Foo in the display for you to pick and choose. If you look beyond the display shelf, you will probably find some staffs making and frying the Yong Tau Foo on the spot.

Yong Tau Foo 3.5/5

The Yong Tau Foo that you have chosen and picked will be served in a bowl of soup. 

Sak Kok Liew 4.5/5

A must-have is the Fried Jicama or better known as Sak Kok Liew in Cantonese. The mang or turnip is wrapped with dried shrimps and rolled into a circular shape with beancurd skin. This is then deep-fried to golden brown, giving it an enjoyable crispy bite on the exterior with a crunchy interior. 

Fried Tofu Skin 3/5

I am not a fan of Fried Tofu Skin if it is to be eaten plain. Over here, it is served with an accompanying dipping sauce. My recommendation is to dip it into the Assam Laksa, allowing the fried tofu skin to soak up the savoury broth.

Assam Laksa 3/5

The highlight at Lucky Seafood Catering is their handmade Lai Fun noodle which is used in the Assam Laksa. I really love the freshness and the delectable texture. However, the assam laksa lacks the consistency from my friend's previous visit. We spoke to the owner, and it seems that he is continually adjusting his recipe to suit the customers' feedback. My advice is to keep to his original recipe, which makes him different from others.

Lai Fun Soup 4/5

The best way to enjoy the freshly handmade Lai Fun Soup is to have it plain with some beansprouts and spring onion. 

Kon Loh Mee 3.8/5

If you not into spicy or plain, there is a third way to appreciate the Lai Fun in Kon Loh Mee style. The noodle is tossed in a dark savoury sauce and topped with minced meat.

Curry Chee Cheong Fun 2.8/5

Besides the Yong Tau Foo, you can also order Curry Chee Cheong Fun here. This is a staple dish in Ipoh that comes with pigskin and long beans in a pool of curry sauce. I thought there was too much curry powder in the sauce for my liking. By the way, the cheong fun is sourced from a supplier. They do not make it themselves.

Lucky Seafood Catering

134 Sims Avenue (Geylang Lorong 17)

Singapore 387456

Tel: +65 84049266

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Nearest MRT: Kallang (EW Line), Aljunied (EW Line)

Opening Hours:

Daily: 5pm - 12midnight

Direction: 

1) Alight at Kallang MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Kallang MRT station (Stop ID 80031). Take bus number 2, 13, 51, 63, 67, 80 or 100. Alight 2 stops later. Cross the road. Turn left and walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Aljunied MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk to overhead bright. Cross the road and walk Sims Place. Walk along the MRT track to Geylang Lorong 17. Turn left onto Geylang Lorong 17. Walk to Sims Avenue. Cross the road. Turn left and walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

White Rose Cafe @ York Hotel - Unlimited Servings Of Penang Hawkers' Fare From 13 December 2019 to 1 January 2020

The ever-popular Penang Hawkers' Fare returns for the thirty-third years at York Hotel from 13 December 2019 to 01 January 2020. Diners will get to savour a variety of Penang street food from the twelve live stations at White Rose Cafe.

Penang Rojak 4/5

Kick start the Penang street food feast with the refreshing Penang Rojak that consists of diced cucumbers, jambu and pineapples, tossed in savoury sweet prawn paste and topped with peanuts.

Char Kway Teow 4.2/5

Not to be missed is the packed with wok hei Penang Char Kway Teow. The dancing chef has also made a return this year. Be entertained by her move while she swings into a rhythm while frying the rice noodles. This is less sweet compared to the local version and a little spicy too.

Roti Canai 4.8/5

I have attended previous Penang Hawkers' Fare, but I have yet to try the Roti Canai. I am glad they brought back the roti canai stall. I really enjoyed the crispy and fluffy texture of the flatbread, paired with either the Dhal Curry or Chicken Curry. This is my favourite dish for the latest edition of the Penang Hawkers' Fare.

Nasi Lemak with Nonya Chicken Kaptian 4/5

Simply irresistible is the Nasi Lemak with Nonya Chicken Kapitan. Besides the fragrant nasi lemak rice, the die for is the succulent Nonya chicken kapitan, a dry version of the chicken curry. This is paired with homemade sambal chilli and crispy ikan bilis.

Lor Bak 4/5

Good for sharing or to go along with your other dishes is the Lor Bak. On the plate, you will get five-spice meat rolls, prawn fritters and deep-fried bean curd served with homemade chilli sauce and a thick soy-based sauce.

Oyster Omelette 4.5/5

Crispy on the outside and fluffy inside are the Oyster Omelette. This is best enjoyed together with the tangy chilli sauce.

Cuttlefish Kang Kong 4/5

A dish that is hardly seen nowadays is the Cuttlefish Kang Kong. The crunchy cuttlefish and water convolvulus are matched with a sweet and slightly spicy sauce together with quality prawn paste, and peanuts.

Penang Laksa 4.2/5

For noodle dishes, there are Penang Laksa, Penang Prawn Mee, Kway Teow Soup and Dry. If you enjoy something sour and spicy, then the Penang Laksa will be an appetising choice with its tangy tamarind fish-based broth.  The addition of pineapple, cucumber and torch ginger gives the bowl of thick rice noodles a distinctive fragrance and refreshing note. Add a dollop of prawn paste to crown the flavour profile.

Penang Prawn Mee 4.2/5

For the Penang Prawn Mee, the bowl of noodle is packed with a comforting and robust stock that has been laborious boiled for hours comprising of prawn heads, shells and pork ribs.

Kway Teow Soup 4.5/5

Kway Teow Dry 4/5

If you want something light, there is the Kway Teow Soup. The smooth flat rice noodle comes in a light yet refreshing soup, together with fish balls, fish cake and shredded chicken. A dry version is also available.

Ice Kachang 4/5 and Chendol 4.2/5

Wrapping up the meal on a sweet note with the Ice Kachang and Chendol. Given a choice, I would go for the chendol for the used of fresh fragrant coconut milk, which usually is substituted with those instant ones.

Ban Chang Kueh 4/5

If you still have space for some dessert, the Ban Chang Kueh is not to be missed. The crispy pancake shell is folded into half with a spoonful of margarine, ground peanuts and sugar. Crispy on the edges while chewy inside.

Price
Weekdays (lunch and dinner): $29++ per adult | $20++ per child
Weekends and PH (lunch and dinner): $33++ per adult | $23++ per child

Note: This is an invited tasting.


White Rose Cafe
York Hotel
21 Mount Elizabeth
Singapore 228516
Tel: +65 67370511
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 630pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Scotts Road towards Goodwood Park Hotel. At Goodwood Park, turn right and walk to the end of the carpark. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]