AquaMarine @ Marina Mandarin Singapore - Indulge In A Crustacean Galore And Divine Specials From Upcoming Singapore Heritage Buffet

Esteemed for its extensive halal buffet spread featuring Asian and Western cuisines, AquaMarine is an international culinary extravaganza within the Marina Mandarin Singapore. We indulge in their dazzling crustaceans galore spanning around a huge stand-alone counter which takes the centerpiece of the buffet line, as well as selected specials from their upcoming Singapore Heritage Buffet.

Available from 1 to 31 Aug 2018, diners can take a trip down memory lane and indulge in the nation's iconic dishes such as the Wagyu Beef Short Rib 'Satay', Marinated Ayam Buah Keluak Shawarma in lotus buns, Sambal Whole Salmon Fillet, as well as the well-know local favourite Chilli Crab. These dishes from the Singapore Heritage Buffet are specially curated for the month of August, which is in line with the Nation's Birthday on August 9.

Known for focusing their buffet spread on the freshest catch from the sea, AquaMarine is an absolute seafood paradise for the seafood lovers. Expect an endless flow of premium seafood, such as the Tiger Prawns, Spanner Crabs, Stone Crab Claws, Snow Crab Claws, Fresh Scallops, Clams, and Shucked Oysters. As diners repeatedly pile their plates high with seafood, the counters are continuously replenished with ample seafood so there is more than enough for everyone.

Apart from the fresh seafood on ice, there is also the Crustaceans Seafood Stew, where diners can enjoy a piping hot bowl of flavourful stew filled with a variety of cooked seafood.

For those who prefer to have their seafood hot, delight in their Black Pepper Crab, as well as Crispy Soft Shell prawn with cereal and chicken floss for a comforting treat.

There are also a Japanese counter where you can get your sushi, udon, tempura and sashimi fix.

Wagyu Beef Short Rib'Satay' 4.2/5

Showcasing highlights from the much anticipated Singapore Heritage Buffet, the Wagyu Beef Short Rib is one my favourites. The beef meat is extremely soft, tender and juicy, while the satay sauce is filled with a reminiscent of the local flavour. Yet I find that the flavour of the satay sauce might be too overwhelming and masks the natural juicy flavour and char of the wagyu beef. However, the wagyu beef meat is perfectly executed, so go easy on the sauce.

Marinated Ayam Buah Keluak Shawarma in Lotus Bun 4.2/5

A mainstay of Peranakan cuisine, the Marinated Ayam Buah Keluak Shawarma in Lotus Bun features tender Nonya Chicken with a slightly spicy and tangy gravy, sandwiched in between soft fluffy mantous.

Sambal Whole Salmon Fillet 4.2/5

The sambal chilli is a favourite among the locals, and that cannot be missed out in the Heritage buffet. The Sambal Whole Salmon Fillet features extremely soft fish fillet meat, perfectly seasoned and covered with the authentic sambal spice and fragrance.

Deep Fried Asian Crab Friller with Salted Egg Mayo 4/5

The Deep Fried Asian Crab Friller with Salted Egg Mayo boosts soft crab fillings with a thin crispy fried layer. The salted egg mayo adds a salted, creamy flavour to the fresh crab pieces, elevating the entire flavour of the crab.

Singapore Chilli Crab 4.2/5

A well-known local favourite, the Singapore Chilli Crab is a must-try here. The thing that defines the style and tastes for chilli crab is the chilli sauce. The juicy crabs come with a an impeccable gravy that features a combination of spiciness, sweetness and saltiness, which is a perfect complement with the fluffy deep fried mantou.

Beyond the crustaceans and Singapore Heritage specials, AquaMarine also offers a wide variety of delectable desserts such as the assorted Nonya kuehs, cakes, puddings, ice cream, beancurd and their durian pengat.

With so many options for everyone, it is an ideal choice for large groups of friends and family to gather in a spacious environment for an indulgent buffet meal. On weekend dinners, diners can look forward to their action station whipping up sugarcane juice, durian and all-time favourites.

Singapore Heritage Buffet is available from 2 to 31 August 2018. Priced from $60++ per adult and $30++ per child (6-12 years old). For reservations: please call 6845 1111 or email aquamarine.marina@meritushotels.com

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.


AquaMarine
Marina Mandarin Singapore
6 Raffles Boulevard
Level 4
Singapore 039594
Tel: +65 68451111
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 630am - 1030pm

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

Folklore @ Destination Singapore Beach Road - Celebrates Lunar New Year With Tok Panjang

For a different kind of Lunar New Year celebration, Folklore at Destination Singapore is offering Tok Panjang to celebrate the beginning of Spring. The lavish spread of of heritage Perankan feast will be available from 15 February to 2 March 2018, specially put curated by Chef Damian D'Silva. The festive spread will have up to 15 different heritage dishes, a repertoire of Chef's grandmother's recipes.

Peranakan Prawn Salad 4.2/5

Be warn! The Peranakan Prawn Salad which features poached prawns on a bed of fresh Chinese lettuce leaves is super fiery! The chilli plum sauce is not for the faint hearted.

Kueh Pie Tee 4/5

Kueh Pie Tee is not really uncommon but what makes it different here is that it comes with bamboo shoot and pork slices which has been cooked in a prawn and pork stock, on top of the hand-shredded turnip.

Bakwan Kepiting Sup 4.5/5

The Bakwan Kepiting Sup or Crab Meatball Soup comes with succulent meatballs that is made from a mix of minced pork, crab meat, chopped prawns and bamboo shoots. The comforting bowl of soup comes with a hint of garlic which has been sauteed till fragrant before pork and prawn stock is added.

Fish Maw Soup 4.2/5

The Fish Maw Soup is lighter in taste compared to the crab meatball soup. However it is brimming with many ingredients such as pig stomach, pig intestines, fish maw stuffed with minced meat, sea cucumber, fish and prawn balls.

Itek Teem 4/5

The Itek Teem or Salted Vegetable Duck Soup has a bit of heat on top of its slightly sourish flavour. To make the soup, duck pieces are added to a pot of water together with sour plum, ginger, salted vegetables, garlic and tomato.

Otah 4.2/5

Mackerel is used to make the Otah, together with in a spice mix and coconut milk. It is then wrapped in banana leaf and steamed. Love the chunky bites of fish meat on top of the aromatic spices.

Babi Pongteh 4.8/5

One of my favourite Peranakan dishes is the Babi Pongteh. Chef Damian has set the bar even higher now with his version of braised pork with fermented bean paste, slow cooked with bamboo shoot. dried mushrooms and dark sugarcane. The babi pongteh I had usually is on the sweet side but the version here has a sourish finishing to it which is very appetising.

Sambal Belimbing 4.5/5

This is probably the first time I come across the used of belimbing in cooking, a type of miniature starfruit. Cooked together with the sauteed sambal and coconut milk, the Sambal Belimbing gives the prawn dish a sharp tanginess that will whet up the appetite.

Ayam Buah Keluak 3.8/5

A dish that requires a lot of effort to prepare is the Ayam Buah Keluak. The buah keluak fruit itself its actually poisonous and it required proper fermentation to be edible. It is also known as the Asian truffle to some. The taste can be acquire to some though. For me I like the nutty flavour of the buah keluak and how it gives a distinct character to the ingredient, in this case the chicken. While the flavour is spot on, I felt the chicken was a bit on the dry side.

Grandma's Chicken Curry 4.2/5

This is one of Chef's Damian's favourite dishes from his grandma's recipe. The Grandma's Chicken Curry is made from a spice mix of shallots, dried chillies, ginger, and homemade curry powder. It did not look as fiery as it seen. The spicy level is quite mild and balance. A homely and comforting dish that calls for an extra bowl of rice.

Kueh Bengkah with Ice Cream 4.2/5

Not to be missed at Folklore is their traditional Peranakan kueh. Chef Damian is not only good with savoury dishes, his desserts are awesome too. The signature Kueh Bengkah and Kueh Kosui will be also available among the Tok Panjang festive spread.

Kueh Kosui 4.5/5

Folklore Chinese New Year Tok Panjang is available for dinner from 15 February to 2 March 2018 from 6pm to 930pm daily, at $68++ per adult and $28++ per child (12 years old and below). Chinese New Year set lunches are served at $18.80++ per person. A la carte menu will not be available during this promotional period.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Folklore
Destination Singapore Beach Road
(Beside Golden Mile Complex)
700 Beach Road
Level 2
Singapore 199598
Tel: +65 66792900
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Website
Nearest MRT: Nicoll Highway (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 930pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Nicoll Highway MRT station. Take Exit A. Take the overhead bridge to Beach Road. Turn right onto Beach Road.Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

The Peranakan Restaurant @ Claymore Connect - Peranakan Food Along Orchard Road

Along Orchard Road, there ain't many restaurants that serve homely style kind of food, which makes The Paranakan, located at Claymore Connect, rather one of its kind. Helmed by Executive Chef Raymond Khoo, not only you get a taste of tradition, you get a glimpse into their culture too!

And by that, I mean taking a walk into their mini exhibition at the corner of the restaurant. These exhibits add on to the opulence of the interiors, especially under the shining chandeliers.

The menu is pretty extensive, categorised into appetiser, rice, pork, beef, chicken, fish etc. If you are familiar with Paranakan cuisine and know the kind of dishes that you want, it won't be much of a problem. However, for amateurs, TOK PANJANG would be an ideal choice. Basically, it is like a 'tasting' menu, with 8 to 10 dishes served in small plates, along with their signature soups and dessert platter.

Cute little Kueh Pei Ti planted amongst the dishes, as the amuse bouche. Although it is a really small bite, I left it half eaten. Perhaps, a popiah stall still serves better Kueh Pei Ti than restaurants.

Two soups were included. I very much prefer Sup Bakwan Kepiting. The body of the broth is not 'rich' as the menu describes, but a clear soup sweet and rich with nutrients from the sweet crabmeat/pork/prawn balls and the bamboo shoots. Soothing.

A bit of fumble at the beginning, but the rest were considered quite sumptuous. One dish that surprises many of us is their Nasi Ulam Istimewa - as described a spectacular dish of rice with raw herbs, vegetables, minced fish and salted fish. If not for Chef's recommendation, this humble looking dish could easily be overshadowed and overlooked. A rather laborious dish which has an acquired taste at first bite, intriguing at second, moreish at third.

Read a couple of negative reviews on the Nonya Chap Chye, but it was a good day for me - well stewed cabbage and black fungus.

Ayam Buah Keluak, a quintessential dish that speaks the quality of a peranakan restaurant. Judging by the reaction of the rest, the buah keluak did live up to the expectation of being the Asian black truffle.

Curry Ayam Estimewa (Curry chicken infused with the fragrance of spices and lime leaves) is a crowd pleaser. The chicken was tender, bathing in really robust curry which carries hint of lime leaves.

If your repertoire of paranakan food is limited to fish and chicken, then here is the chance to venture into Paranakan pork dishes. The Babi Tau Yu (Braised pork in dark sweet sauce with tau pork) is like our braised pork belly, a less familiar one would be Kaki Babi Pong Teh (Pork leg slow cooked for six hours with sautéed onions and fermented beans). It could be a little oily, but in small dosage is always good for the skin!

To round up the tok panjang would be the chef’s dessert platter and choice of malacca coffee or tea. The Pandan Gula Melaka Cake won the heart of many, some like the one with durian. I don't appreciate its sweetness but I like the shredded coconut on top which adds on to its taste. My favourite of the whole lot would be Pulot Enti Hae Bee Hiam. The Hae Bee Hiam here is really well done - the spice level is just right, and not oily as all, almost like the bacon bits atop my baked potato. With that on top of the sweet glutinous rice, the combination is simply satisfying.

The tok panjang style is a fun way to try out the dishes, especially if you ain't familiar with Straits Cuisine and have not formed a liking towards any dish. However, perhaps such presentation requires a different preparation work, the food didn't seem 'hot'.

Such grandeur setting is just right for a high tea, isn't it? The restaurant recently launched their Peranakan High Tea from 11am to 5.30pm daily. The Mee Siam has less gravy but double the taste. If you like durian, dipping the toast into their durian paste is a dip of happiness, though I wish it could be less sugary. The toast with Hae Bee Hiam is simple but really delicious. Another item that delights me was their version of Kong Ba Bao, with Satay Babi Sum Chan as the filling. Slow cooked for nearly 4 hours, the meat was tender with soft fats. Homemade pineapple tarts are included as well, which are available for sale if you like.

Eat like a French here at The Paranakan, trying out the dishes in a more exquisite manner. A great option to dine away from the crowd in Orchard.

TOK PANJANG
(Minimum 2 persons to share, $45/$65 per pax)

HIGH TEA
11am - 5:30pm daily
Weekdays $24 Weekends $28 per pax
(Minimum 2 persons to share)

Written 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 Peranakan
Claymore Connect
442 Orchard Road
Singapore 238879
Tel: +65 62624428
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk towards Wheelock Place via ION. Exit Wheelock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Cross the road at the traffic light junction and turn left towards Palais Renaissance. Continue walking down Orchard Road and turn right onto Claymore Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk towards Shaw House via underpass. At the road level, walk along Orchard Road towards Palais Renaissance. Continue walking down Orchard Road and turn right onto Claymore Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Revolution Coffee @ Infinite Studios - Madam Tan's Nasi Lemak Is Back

The first time I tried Chef Shen's Mod-Sin cuisine when she was at the defunct Wok & Barrel and I was impressed by her modern take of Singapore cuisine. Back in 2011, Mod-Sin cuisine is still quite new and Chef Shen has definitely elevated the common local favourites to a whole new level. I am glad that Chef Shen is back again, dishing out her signature dishes at Revolution Coffee at Infinite Studios.

Nasi Lemak Crispy Pork 4.2/5

At Revolution Coffee, Chef Shen is offering 5 different choices of her nasi lemak. There is a choice of Crispy Pork, Fried Chicken, Spice Pork Confit, Beef Rendang and Chicken Rendang. I tried the Nasi Lemak with Crispy Pork ($7.90) which is served with ikan billis, omelette, housemade sambal belachan and coffee sambal on cool cucumber slices. If you have tried Chef Shen's nasi lemak, you would know that the fragrant rice is twice steamed. Unlike others that steamed the rice with coconut milk, she used fresh coconut. It resulted in a soft and fluffy lemak rice with aromatic scent. Not to forget the deep fried slices of pork belly that is marinated in a secret marinade, that was crispy and juicy.

Buah Keluak Pasta 4.2/5

There are 3 pasta dishes on the menu - Bak Chor Mee, Fish Curry and Buah Keluak Pasta which I wanted to try all but I only have one stomach. Hence I have to made the hard choice of choosing her latest creation Buah Keluak Pasta ($19.90). The al dente tagliatelle pasta is tossed in house made buah keluak sauce, minced prawns and minced pork. It is also served with fork tender and juicy twice cooked pork belly (poached and pan seared). This is a delightful take of incorporating Asian flavours into Italian past.

Shendol Delights 4.2/5

Our favorite local dessert, Chendol is given a modern rendition in Chef Shen's Shendol Delights ($10). It comes in the form of a creamy and smooth coconut panna cotta served with gula melaka syrup, chendol and house made red bean ice cream.

I am glad that Chef Shen has decided to be back in the kitchen dishing our her mod-sin cuisine at Revolution Coffee. The permanent location means I can satisfy my craving for her nasi lemak or Asian inspired pasta dishes whenever I missed it.


Revolution Coffee
Infinite Studios
21 Media Circle
#01-03A
Singapore 138562
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Nearest MRT: One North (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 9am - 6pm

Direction:
1) Alight at One-North MRT station. Take Exit. Take shuttle bus to Infinitel Studios. Only available on weekday 8am-8pm. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Timetable] [Map]

2) Alight at One-North MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop along Portsdown Road (Stop ID 18151). Take bus numbe 191. Alight 4 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Baba Melaka @ Jurong East - Famous Malacca Delights

Located in the same coffeeship as Soi 19 Wanton Mee is another stall that is worth checking out. The colourful Perankan themed stall front is quite eye catching, definitely different from your usual stall front. Even though I just had the Thai wanton noodle, I could not resist finding out what Baba Melaka has to offer. Baba Melaka may not be the best but the wallet friendly pricing does makes up for it.

Ma Cik Nasi Lemak Beef Rendang 4/5

Peranakan food is usually quite expensive so I was quite happy to know that nothing is more than $7 on the menu. Take for example the Ma Cik Nasi Lemak Beef Rendang is only $5.90 which comes with beef rendang, achar, ikan bilis, egg and nasi lemak rice.

Ma Cik Nasi Lemak Beef Rendang 4/5

What stood out on the plate is the cooked to tender beef rendang, crunchy achar, fragrant nasi lemak and the spicy chilli sauce. Unfortunately the ikan bilis was not crispy enough or it would be perfect.

Ayam Buah Keluak with Steamed Rice 3.8/5

I also tried the Ayam Buah Keluak with Steamed Rice ($5.50). The chicken is nicely cooked to tender with a beautiful nutty flavour from the buah keluak. It also comes with achar and ikan bilis.

Bubur Cha Cha 2/5

To round off the lunch, I had the BuBur Cha Cha ($1.80). Unfortunately the dessert was a letdown after the satisfying lunch. The dessert tasted diluted, lacking the fragrant coconut milk.

Baba Melaka sells many other stuff such as Ikan Assam Pedas, Nyonya Assam Laksa, Nyonya Mee Siam, Satay and Nyonya Kueh on their menu. I wish I could try more during my visit but I will save my stomach space for my next trip. I plan to come back for their laksa and mee siam which looks quite delicious, from the customers having it at the next table.


Baba Melaka
BGAIN 130 Eating House
Blk 130 Jurong Gateway Road
#01-211
Singapore 600130
Nearest MRT: Jurong East (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 730am - 430pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Jurong East MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk towards Jurong East Bus Interchange. Walk to Jurong Gateway Road. Cross the road at the traffic light junction. Turn right onto Jurong Gateway Road. Walk down Jurong Gateway Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

HamBaoBao @ Beauty World Food Centre

Located on level 4 of a old food centre at Beauty World Centre is a humble little stall runs by a young couple in their twenties selling their own interpretation of hamburgers. Their stall, HamBaoBao is the directly translation of the English work in Chinese hanyu pinyin. Currently the stall sells only 5 types of burgers only with adds on such as fries, cheese, bacon and additional patty.

Crispy Pork Belly 3/5

What made HamBaoBao interesting is their Asian inspired burgers such as the Crispy Pork Belly ($5). The first thing I noticed was how light the bun and burger was. The pork belly was well marinated with the cucumber providing the needed balance. Initially I thought the crispy bits of the pork belly skin is a nice touch to the burger but it turned out otherwise for me. It thrown the balance off with its bitterness and it was hard to eat with the crispy bits falling everyone.

Ayam Buah Keluak 4.2/5

While the crispy pork belly burger did not quite impress me, the Ayam Buah Keluak Burger ($5) was the opposite. I was totally blown away in their interpretation on the signature peranakan dish into a burger. The minced chicken patty infused with the buah keluak, homemade chilli paste and chap chye, all work harmoniously for this delicious and unique burger. I also add on $1 for the fries which was rather pedestrian.

Based on the two burgers I tried, I would say I am really impressed with the Ayam Bua Keluak Burger. Great to see young hawkers giving up their corporate jobs to work long hours in the food centre. Not only that, this young couple has probably started an new era of hawker food with their creativity and innovation of modernising traditional Asian ingredients into their interpretation of the western burgers.


HamBaoBao
Beauty World Food Centre
144 Upper Bukit Timah
#04-49
Singapore 588177
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Nearest Station: Beauty World (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 12pm - 8pm
(Closed on Mon and even week of Tues)

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