Coffee Lounge @ Goodwood Park Hotel - Refreshed Taiwan Porridge A La Carte Buffet

Coffee Lounge at Goodwood Park Hotel has recently refreshed its signature Taiwan Porridge A La Carte Buffet by introducing a new tiered offering – Value and Deluxe with two different pricings, as well as additions to the menu.

With the Value Tier (priced at $33++ per adult, $19.80++ per child), tuck into 26 comforting dishes with all-time favourites like Fried Omelette with ‘Chye Poh’ 菜脯煎蛋, Steamed Minced Pork with Salted Egg Yolk 咸蛋蒸肉饼, and Stir-fried Eggplant with Sliced Pork in Chilli Bean Paste 酱爆茄子.

Also, new to the line-up is French Beans with Sakura Ebi 樱花虾四季豆, Three Cup Chicken 三杯鸡, Pan-fried Minced Pork with Salted Fish 咸鱼煎肉饼, Stir-fried Pumpkin with Eggs and Garlic 金瓜丝炒蒜蓉鸡蛋, and more.

Indulge in greater variety with the Deluxe Tier (priced at $48++ per adult and $28.80++ per child). Relish 36 highlights including dishes that are exclusive to this tier, like perennial must-haves such as the crispy Baby Squids in Sweet Oyster Sauce 蚝汁乌贼仔.

Look forward to delectable new dishes such as Deep-fried Beancurd with Minced Pork 肉酱炸豆腐, Stir-fried Lettuce with Fermented Bean Paste 腐乳西生菜 and Crispy Chicken with Sweet Plum Sauce 酥炸鸡西施汁.

Limited to one selection and serving per table is the Chef’s Special, and specially created for the refreshed menu are Wok-fried Prawns with Salted Egg Yolk 咸蛋虾球 and Deep-fried Black Pomfret with Sambal and Chinchalok Dip 参巴黑鲳鱼.

We particularly enjoyed the Salted Egg Chicken 咸蛋鸡, which is extremely juicy and tender, coated with a dry sweet-savoury salted egg sauce. It is so good that it will have you going for seconds. The Crispy Chicken with Sweet Plum Sauce 酥炸鸡西施汁 has nice crispy skin and juicy meat. We felt that the addition of sweet plum sauce complements the savoury chicken pieces very well.

Both tiers also offer an array of casserole dishes from the buffet station. Slow-braised to develop deep flavours or stir-fried with robust and savoury sauces, the dishes are well enjoyed with the unlimited servings of steaming rice porridge with sweet potato.

Some of our favourites include the new Braised Duck Leg with Chinese Spice, Egg and ‘Tau Pok’ in Dark Soya Sauce 卤水鸭腿 and the signature Braised Pork Belly in Dark Soya Sauce 京酱扣肉. Round up the meal with desserts of the day, a delightful Western and Asian assortment that varies daily.

Guests may call (65) 6730 1746 or email coffee_lounge@goodwoodparkhotel.com to make a reservation at Coffee Lounge. Alternatively, online reservations can be placed at https://www.goodwoodparkhotel.com/dining/coffee-lounge.

Taiwan Porridge A La Carte Buffet
Dine-in only at Coffee Lounge
Available daily for lunch from 12pm to 2.30pm & dinner from 6pm to 10.30pm

Value Tier: $33++ per adult, $19.80++ per child
Deluxe Tier: $48++ per adult, $28.80++ per child
Local Beverages: A top-up of $15++ per jug

A minimum of two persons is required for the buffet.
Orders for all diners at the same table have to be of the same a la carte buffet tier.
Pricing includes unlimited servings of porridge and desserts of the day.
Child pricing applies for children aged 6 to 11 years.

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.


Coffee Lounge
Goodwood Park Hotel
22 Scotts Road
Singapore 228221
Tel: +65 67301746
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Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk down Scotts Road to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Si Chuan Dou Hua @ PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road - An Impressive Cantonese Fare Complemented By Sichuan Favourites

Si Chuan Dou Hua at PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road has undergone a makeover with a refreshed look. Helmed by Executive Cantonese Master Chef Leung Wing Chung with over 40 years of Chinese cuisine experience, he has also put together an impressive selection of new Cantonese-style creations alongside comforting Sichuan favourites for the refreshed menu.

Exotic Garden with Black Truffle in Osmanthus Sauce 4.2/5

I was a little surprise when the Exotic Garden with Black Truffle in Osmanthus Sauce ($98/$148) was served. Though it is a Lunar New Year Lo-Hei dish, it is sough-after all year round. Hence the chef decides to put it permanently into the menu. The salad dish comes in an abundance of fresh vegetables accompanied by a medley of truffle oil, black truffle sauce and osmanthus sauce. The addition of brown and white rice puffs and homemade crispy soybean crumbs provides the additional texture on top of the freshness.

Steamed Eel with Pumpkin 4.5/5

A beautiful dish on the menu is the Steamed Eel with Pumpkin ($22). This is my first time having eel steamed like Cantonese steamed fish finished with superior soy sauce. Chef even ups the ante by perching it on top of a steamed pumpkin, crowned with a mix of homemade crispy soybean crumbs, conpoy, sakura ebi and ebiko.

Stir-Fried Sliced Pork with Leek in Spicy Sauce 4/5

Besides the Cantonese fare, Si Chuan Dou Hua is known for their Sichuan cuisine. We had the traditional twice-cooked Stir-Fried Sliced Pork with Leek in Spicy Sauce ($22/$33/$44). The pork belly is simmered, sliced and stir-fried with hot bean and broad bean pastes, garlic and leek. It is hard to resist asking for a bowl of steamed rice to go with the dish.

Signature Beancurd Medley 4.5/5

An impressive dish that I adored is the Signature Beancurd Medley ($26/$39/$52), consisting of a homemade beancurd and deep-fried purple rice tofu, topped with homemade minced meat sauce. The presentation looks like a tower (deep-fried tofu) above a group of white cloud (beancurd).

Duet of Traditional Crispy Chicken 4/5

A rarity in Chinese restaurants is the Duet of Traditional Crispy Chicken Stuffed with Glutinous Rice, Goose Liver and Waxed Meat ($88). The classic Cantonese dish requires an elusive combination of skill, patience and passion for achieving ideal crispiness. Done in two ways, the roulade is stuffed with glutinous rice, brown rice, pearl white rice, peanut, sweet corn, chicken, chicken liver and goose liver wrapped in a wafer-thin layer of skin and meat. Complementing the rendition are neat parcels of the same five core ingredients and waxed meat done like claypot rice, rice and meat mixture is compressed with chicken skin and roasted.

Crispy Brown Rice with Two-Head Abalone in Superior Stock 4.5/5

The Crispy Brown Rice with Two-Head Abalone in Superior Stock ($78) is a fitting finale to a sumptuous dinner. A piping hot superior stock is poured into the claypot of brown, pearl and white rice puffs by the staff at tableside. Following that, scallops, prawns, sakura ebi, conpoy, preserved vegetables, cooked white rice, coriander and spring onion are added. Slices of braised 2-head abalone are served with the pao fan for a gratifying finishing with a luxe factor.

Osmanthus Jelly with Almond 4.2/5, Homemade Purple Rice Bean Curd with Red Bean 4/5

Wrapping up our dinner is the Osmanthus Jelly with Almond ($6.80 for 3pc), an exquisite version of the popular almond beancurd encased within an osmanthus konnyaku jelly. We also had the Homemade Purple Rice Bean Curd with Red Bean ($6.80). It is a pretty-in-purple version of their silky smooth beancurd.

I have visited Si Chuan Dou Hua at Beach Road numerous time for its Sichuan cuisine, and all the while I thought Si Chuan Dou Hua at Kitchener Road served the same menu. Actually, there is a difference with the Kitchener Road, focusing on Cantonese cuisine, and I have to say I am really impressed with the dishes here. 

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Si Chuan Dou Hua
PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road
181 Kitchener Road
Level 3
Singapore 208533
Tel: +65 64283170
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Nearest MRT: Farrer Park (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 930pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Farrer Park MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk down Kitchener Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Zui Yu Xuan Teochew Cuisine @ Amoy Street - Launches 5-Course Signature Set Menu At $50++ Per Pax

For a limited period from 1 December 2020 to 17 January 2021, Zui Yu Xuan Teochew Cuisine at Amoy Street has launched an exclusive 5-Course Signature Set Menu showcasing classic Chinese comfort foods for only $50++ per pax (minimum two pax, available for dinner only). Diners have the option of picking dishes from the different categories (appetiser, meat, seafood, vegetable and rice/noodle). However, diners at the same table have to select the same dishes except for the seafood course.

Deep-Fried Homemade Puning Beancurd, Pig Trotter Terrine, Deep Fried Ngoh Hiang 4/5

For the 5-Course Signature Set Menu, we started with a trio of appetisers. From left to right, we have Deep Fried Homemade Puning Beancurd, Pig Trotter Terrine and Deep Fried Ngoh Hiang. All the items are available on their a la carte menu, and the platter allows customers to have a glimpse of the dishes.

Pan Fried Kurobuta Pork Cutlet 4.2/5

Worthy of your calories is the Pan Fried Kurobuta Pork Cutlet accompanied by achar on the side. I am not sure what the sauce is, but more importantly, it is not overly sweet, complementing the tender and juicy pork cutlet. The other meat selections on the menu are Braised Duck with Beancurd and Crispy Pork Rib Marinated with Plum Sauce.

Live Boston Lobster Wok Baked with Fermented Bean and Garlic 3.8/5

Teochew Steamed Threadfin Tail 4/5

For the seafood selection, diners can choose between the Live Boston Lobster Wok Baked with Fermented Bean and Garlic and Teochew Steamed Threadfin Tail. If you prefer the more robust flavour, opt for the lobster with a rich fermented bean flavour, accentuated by the garlic aroma. Personally being a Teochew, I like my steamed fish. Hence, I would go for the light, and refreshing Teochew steamed threadfin tail.

Homemade Vegetable Skin Beancurd Braised with Crab Meat 4.2/5

For the vegetable dish, diners can choose from the Kai Lan Stir-Fried with Dried Sole Fish, Wok-Fried Asparagus and Homemade Vegetable Skin Beancurd Braised with Crab Meat. I had the silky tofu paired with sweet crab meat, simple but yet deliciously good.

Wok Fried Kway Teow with Diced Kai Lan and Preserved Radish

Wrapped up the 5-Course set meal with either the Wok-Fried Kway Teow with Diced Kai Lan and Preserved Radish or Fried Rice with Diced Chicken and Preserved Olive Leaves. I had the wok-fried kway teow infused with smoky wok hei with delightful crunchiness from the diced kai lan.

Double Boiled Pork Broth in Golden Pumpkin Bowl 4.5/5

The Jumbo Group of Restaurants has also collaborates with renowned Taiwanese Chef Huang Ching Biao, where he will pass on his treasure trove of recipes and experiences to Jumbo's suite of talented chefs. Kickstarting the collaboration is several new dishes at Zui Teochew Cuisine restaurants, Chui Huay Lim Teochew Cuisine and Zui Yu Xuan Teochew Cuisine. One of the new dishes is the Double Boiled Pork Broth in Golden Pumpkin Bowl ($12.80 per person). Inside the pumpkin bowl is generous servings of minced pork, water chestnut, and dried conpoy in fragrant pork broth, complemented by the pumpkin's subtle sweetness.

Beef Short Ribs with Asparagus in Red Wine Sauce 4.5/5

Beef lovers will enjoy the robust and decadent Beef Short Ribs with Asparagus in Red Wine Sauce ($18 per person). The succulent beef short ribs are first deep-fried, and then slow braised in red wine, red yeast rice, garlic and onions till tender.

Pan Fried Shrimp Paste and Pomfret Dumpling

Chef Huang will introduce more dishes in the first quarter of 2021. I was lucky to taste the Pan Fried Shimp Paste and Pomfret Dumpling before it is introduced. Thinly sliced pork lard is wrapped in fresh shrimp paste and topped with fresh whole pomfret and pan-fried. The highlight is the addition of pork lard that intensifies the flavours of the shrimp and pomfret. It is definitely a new dish that deserved to be introduced in 2021.

As a former chef in the Taiwanese presidential kitchen, the acclaimed Chef Huang Ching Biao definitely is an exciting introduction to the talented team in Jumbo. Having a glimpse of some of the new dishes, it really makes me look forward to the new creations in 2021.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Zui Yu Xuan Teochew Cuisine
130/131 Amoy Street
Singapore 049959
Tel: +65 67883637
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Website
Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit B. Cross the street. Walk to Amoy Hotel. It is located opposite Amoy Hotel. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Golden Cafe @ Craig Road (Tanjong Pagar) - Affordable Zichar DIshes In The CBD

Golden Cafe unknown to many is a homegrown zichar brand established in 1988. It started in Boat Quay before relocating to its current home at Craig Road in Tanjong Pagar. Together with a few foodie friends, we had lunch at the Golden Cafe.

Crab with Thick Bee Hoon Soup 3.8/5

Golden Cafe offers several cooking methods for their crabs, and we decided to go for the Crab with Thick Bee Hoon Soup (Seasonal Price). The crab is fresh and sweet, cooked together with the thick bee hoon in a flavoursome and milky broth. Personally, I think they should change the thick bee hoon to a firmer type. The one it is using now is too soft to my liking.

Yue Guang Fried Hor Fun 3/5

Another noodle dish on the menu that we tried is the Yue Guang Fried Hor Fun ($6.30). It reminds me of the Moonlight Hor Fun from Keng Eng Kee Seafood. Hence my benchmark has been raised significantly. In comparison, the version at Golden Cafe is lighter in flavour. While I can taste the wok hei smokiness, I felt the dark sauce lacked the sweetness and aroma to make my taste buds break into a dance under the moonlight.

Special Made Beancurd 4/5

Besides the two noodle dishes we had, we also tried a couple of cooked zichar dishes from the menu too. First up is the Special Made Beancurd ($10/$14). I think this is a bonus dish. Not only do you get to enjoy the silky smooth beancurd, but it also comes with vegetables and mushrooms.

Oyster Omelette 4/5

I also enjoyed the Oyster Omelette ($10/$14). It is beautifully executed, not oily and yet fluffy. It even comes with plump and juicy oysters. I am not sure what is the sauce that is drizzled over the oysters, but it further elevated the whole taste profile.

Sweet & Sour Pork 4/5

Next dish we tried is the Sweet & Sour Pork ($10/$14). This is one of my favourite zichar dishes to order, but not many places do it well. Golden Cafe gets my thumbs up. The meat and flour ratio, as well as the sweetness, are all well balanced while still retaining a nice tender texture within unlike many places that sting on the meat, coating it with a lot of flour.

Nonya Grouper 3.8/5

Last but not least, we have the Nonya Grouper (Seasonal Price). Too often we will either order curry or assam fish; hence I thought it will be a good change. The grouper was steamed to perfection. The nonya sauce was nice, but it seems that it lacks something to brighten it up.

Overall, the Golden Cafe serves pretty decent zichar dishes at affordable prices in the central business district area. For office workers in the area, you can also grab a quick lunch with the affordable rice and noodle dishes starting from as low as $5.80.

Note: This is an invited tasting


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Golden Cafe
5 Craig Road
Singapore 089665
Tel: +65 63233773
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 1130pm
Sat-Sun: 3pm - 1130pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Orchid Hotel. Walk to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road and walk to Craig Road. Continue on Craig Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

East Treasure Chinese Restaurant @ Clarke Quay - 60 Hour Dry Aged Roasted Duck With Extremely Crispy Skin

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East Treasure Chinese Restaurant at Clarke Quay has been on my bucket list for a while after hearing raving reviews from my foodie friends. The Chinese restaurant is opened by Astons known for offering quality and affordable western cuisine. In recent years, it has expanded its business into Japanese and Chinese cuisine too. Together with a few foodie friends, we decided to go to East Treasure for our Chinese New Year celebration.

Yu Sheng 4/5

As in all Chinese New Year celebration, we started the dinner with Yu Sheng. Unlike the usual yu sheng with a lot of shredded carrot and cucumber, this is replaced with the crunchy crystalline ice plant. Another modern take is the truffle maltosec powder instead of five spice powder and pepper, giving the dish an aromatic finishing. My disappointment is the used of crispy shirauo instead of raw fish for abundance.

Double Boiled Tonic Soup with Crocodile 4.5/5

If you are not into exotic meat, it is ok. What you cannot miss is the flavoursome soup from the Double Boiled Tonic Soup with Crocodile. It is packed with depth and robustness with the herbal sweetness. If you have eaten turtle soup, it is somewhat similar. If you are adventurous, not to forget the crocodile meat which is cooked to tender and taste like chicken.

Steamed Dragon Grouper Fish 4.2/5

I find the Steamed Dragon Grouper Fish in Shoyu and Pickled Chilli unique and delicious. Perfectly steamed, the fish meat was moist and sweet. The tang from the pickled chilli complemented the freshness and gave the dish an appetising touch.

Sauteed Sea Prawn 4.2/5

The Sauteed Sea Prawn was given a coat of the Chef fragrant sauce, which is sweet and lift the appreciation of the fresh and bouncy meat.

Braised Beancurd 4/5

The Braised Beancurd is a hearty dish with a soft silken interior paired with seasonal green. Holding the dish together has to be the gravy packed with snow crab meat and gingko nut.

60 hour Dry Aged Roasted Duck 4.2/5

A must-have at East Treasure is the 60-hour Dry Aged Roasted Duck. Usually, this is air-dried to achieve the crispy skin. Since Astons has a dry ageing cabinet for its beef, this allows them to come up with the dish. The result is tender meat with the flavours all locked in and extremely crispy skin.

Fragrant Onion Rice 4.5/5

Quite similar to the claypot rice, each mouthful of the Fragrant Onion Rice is filled with beautiful aroma from the mixed cured meat and onion. It is also paired with arrowhead and french beans, rounding off the enjoyment with extra textures.

Lastly, we ended our dinner with Red Bean Soup that comes with a rice dumpling in it. Overall I have enjoyed the meal at East Treasure. As I visited the place during Chinese New Year and what I had is their festive menu, it did give me a glimpse of the culinary skill of the chef. I look forward to my next visit to try their a la carte items. I am sure to discover some tasty and unique dishes.


East Treasure Chinese Restaurant
3B River Valley Road
#01-16
Singapore 179021
Tel: +65 62524645
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Fort Canning (DT Line), Clarke Quay (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 1015pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Fort Canning MRT Station. Take Exit A. Turn right and down River Valley Road. Turn right onto Tan Tye Place. Walk to the end of the road. Turn left onto Clark Quay. Walk to destination. Journey time bout 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit C or G. Walk to the riverfront. Turn left and walk down the river. Cross the bridge. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]