Shanghai Fried Xiao Long Bao (上海生煎小笼包) @ Chinatown Complex Food Centre - Juicy & Crisp Sheng Jian Bao By Ex-Restaurant Dim Sim Chef

Newly opened earlier this year at Chinatown Complex Food Centre is Shanghai Fried Xiao Long Bao (上海生煎小笼包). The stall is opened by Chef Jiang, who has 25 years of experience working as a dim sum chef at Crystal Jade and Paradise Group.

Xiao Long Bao 3.8/5

The stall sells several items, such as noodles, wantons and dumplings. We ordered the chef's recommendation starting with Xiao Long Bao ($4.80/6pc). Compared to others, I find the skin is thicker, and I wished the filling had more broth.

Sheng Jian Bao 4.8/5

The highlight has to be the Sheng Jian Bao. There are two versions, Original Pork Sheng Jian Bao ($3/3pc) and Prawn Sheng Jian Bao ($4/3pc). We had the original version, which is handmade at the stall, and cooked in a huge flat pan that steamed the bun while giving it a crispy exterior at the bottom. It is so good, soft and fluffy, with a delightful crisp at the bottom. The filling was well-flavoured and juicy. I love how the broth gets soaked up by the fluffy dough that gives you a mouthful of flavours in each bite.

Beef Vermicelli Soup 2.5/5

Besides the Xiao Long Bao and Sheng Jian Bao, we also had the Beef Vermicelli Soup ($4.5). The noodles are smooth and silky. However, the broth is very light, almost bland, which is not my cup of tea.

The star dish is the Sheng Jian Bao here. I would highly recommend ordering them. As for the Xiao Long Bao and Beef Vermicelli Soup, you can give it a miss.


Shanghai Fried Xiao Long Bao
(上海生煎小笼包)
Chinatown Complex Food Centre
Blk 335 Smith Street
#02-104
Singapore 050336
Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT Line, NE Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Tue: 1030am - 330pm, 530pm - 830pm
Thu-Sun: 1030am - 330pm, 530pm - 830pm
(Closed on Wed)

Direction:
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Pagoda Street. Turn right onto Trengganu Street and walk to the end of the street. Cross Smith Street and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk to Sago Lane. Turn left and walk down Sago Lane. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

The Line @ Shangri-La Singapore - Collaborates With Second Generation Hawkers From Renowned Local Stalls For The Month Of August

This August, The Line at Shangri-La Singapore partakes in Singapore's 57th birthday celebration by spotlighting must-try dishes from renowned local stalls. Second generation hawkers will be making their appearance by serving local dishes, including Kway Guan Huat Joo Chiat Popiah, Habib's Rojak, Tiong Bahru Tau Suan and Geylang Lor 29 Charcoal Fried Hokkien Mee, available on selected days during dinner.

Geylang Lor 29 Charcoal Fried Hokkien Mee

Not often will you get to try Fried Hokkien Mee in a buffet offering that is done using charcoal. However, to present the authentic taste of Geylang Lor 29 Charcoal Fried Hokkien Mee, you will catch the 2nd generation owner live in action, dishing out charcoal-fried hokkien mee.

Kway Guan Huat Joo Chiat Popiah

Being a Westie, it was such a joy to be able to try Kway Guan Huat Joo Chiat Popiah. Stretchy popiah skins, well-stewed turnips that are just lightly seasoned, and soft and fluffy eggs are definitely one of the best popiahs I ever had in a buffet.

Habib's Rojak

Habib's Rojak has been around for more than 30 years. It is known for its zesty and fragrant chilli gravy. The buffet offers a few popular items that best bring out the flavours of Habib's Rojak - Crispy Prawn Fritter, Coconut Fritters, Potato Dough and Egg Dough. It's a station not to be missed, especially if you are not a westerner.

Chilli Crab with Fried Mantou

Beef Noodles

The buffet also offers other well-loved local dishes, such as Chilli Crab and Beef Noodles, alongside other 16 live theatre kitchens featuring Seafood, Sashimi, Japanese, Middle Eastern, Asian, Noodles, Roasts, Dessert stations and more.

Tiong Bahru Tau Suan

End your feast with a bowl or two of Tiong Bahru Tau Suan. I like that it wasn't cloyingly sweet. What is equally good or even better is its Pulut Hitam, loaded with chewy black glutinous rice. The good quality coconut milk served on the side complements both desserts well.

This celebratory buffet menu will be available between 2 to 21 August2022. Prices start from SGD 68++ per person for lunch and SGD88++ per person for dinner.

Photos and words 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 Line
Shangri-La Hotel Singapore
Lobby Level
22 Orange Grove Road
Singapore 258350
Tel: +65 62134398
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 6am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk towards Wheellock Place via ION. Exit Wheellock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Cross the road at the traffic light junction and turn left towards Royal Thai Embassy. Walk down to the end of Orchard Road. Turn right onto Orange Grove Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 23 minutes.[Map]

The Line @ Shangri-La Singapore - The Line's Multi-Sensorial Buffet Experience Returns

The Line, Shangri-La Singapore’s buffet restaurant, has reopened its live theatre kitchens and culinary stations, where guests can now come up close and personal to catch the chefs in action preparing their favourite food and serving them. Accompanying this latest move is an update of its menu, including six signature dishes across Western, Middle Eastern, Indian and Southeast Asian cuisines.

Start the feast with a variety of cheeses from the cheese deck or salad corner, where you can customise your own from a selection of salad choices.

Dive right into the Japanese section. Apart from the fresh seafood and sashimi, it now has a Tuna Poke Bowl, Salmon Aburi Maki and Salmon Sushi Aburi.

We had the Double Boiled Duck Soup, which was a comforting bowl of goodness prior to a night of indulgent feasting. The rich, flavourful broth was worth going for a second round.

Beef lovers will enjoy the two variations available. The first is with Hainanese-style noodles in collaboration with Wah Eng Beef Noodles, which popularised the dish, featuring a thick gravy and slices of tendon, pickled vegetables and grated peanuts. The second is the Roasted Australian Angus Prime Rib, marinated overnight with French mustard, extra virgin olive oil, sea salt and fresh herbs like thyme, sage and oregano.

Don't miss out on the laksa, a familiar favourite. The broth offers the right balance of spice and coconut milk. The piping hot bowl is topped with ingredients like prawns and fishcake.

From South Asia and the Middle East comes Matki Mutton and Lamb Ouzi, respectively. The former is slow-cooked in a traditional clay pot after the meat is marinated with yoghurt, ginger, garlic, red chilli powder and fibres of saffron. Expect a melange of aromas from the lamb ouzi explicitly hailed from Lebanon that has been stewed for 12 hours atop Arabic rice flavoured with an array of spices, nuts and raisins.

Take your pick from the scrumptious range of familiar Asian delights such as the crispy, tender Pork Belly or char siew, as well as the Chicken and Beef Satay.

Relish the Peranakan classic Babi Pongteh, where pork is braised in fermented soy bean sauce with garlic, coriander powder, brown sugar and dark soy sauce for more than an hour to yield bold, complex flavours. One of my Peranakan favourite is the Ayam Panggang. Likewise, the tender char-grilled chicken is aromatic and well-seasoned.

For something more substantial, go for the Seafood Ee Fu Noodles or Pork Fried Rice.

End the buffet on a sweet note with their extensive dessert options, such as the American Cheesecake, Cherry Blossom Cake, Coffee Roll, Rainbow Roll, Mango Mousse and Vanilla Roulade, as well as assorted Nonya Kueh. There are fluffy Waffles and different Ice Cream flavours available as well.

The Line’s signature Durian Cake, with fluffy layers of vanilla sponge and luscious filling of durian mousse, is a highlight in the dessert selections.

Flavours of the World Buffet
Lunch: 1230pm to 230pm
Thursday: SGD 68++ per adult, SGD 34++ per child*
Friday: SGD 78++ per adult, SGD 39++ per child*
Saturday: SGD 88++ per adult, SGD 44++ per child*

Dinner: 6pm to 930pm
Friday to Sunday: SGD 88++ per adult, SGD 44++ per child*

Seafood Extravaganza Buffet
Thursday Dinner: 6pm to 930pm
SGD 98++ per adult, SGD 49++ per child*

Sunday Breezy Buffet
Sunday Brunch: 1230pm to 230pm
SGD 98++ per adult, SGD 49++ per child

*Child price is applicable for children from 6 to 11 years old.

To make a reservation, please call 6213 4398 or email dining.sls@shangri-la.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.


The Line
Shangri-La Hotel Singapore
Lobby Level
22 Orange Grove Road
Singapore 258350
Tel: +65 62134398
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 6am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk towards Wheellock Place via ION. Exit Wheellock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Cross the road at the traffic light junction and turn left towards Royal Thai Embassy. Walk down to the end of Orchard Road. Turn right onto Orange Grove Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 23 minutes.[Map]

Thai Paradise @ Clementi Ave 5 - New Thai Eatery In The West To Spice Up Your Meal

Thai Paradise is a new Thai eatery located at Clementi Ave 5 near the Clementi police station. Though it has limited seats, the standalone eatery offers an extensive menu ranging from one meal dishes to cooked dishes for a family meal.

Basil Pork with Rice & Egg 4/5

As we were at Thai Paradise for lunch, we ordered the one meal dishes accompanied by several side items. First is the Basil Pork with Rice & Egg ($6.50). The pricing is very reasonable, with a decent portion for a meal dish. The flavours for the basil pork are on the spot, which goes very well with the steamed rice. I only hope that it can be spicier.

Beef Noodle 4/5

If you prefer noodles over rice, the Beef Noodle ($5.90) is a delicious consideration. The beef noodle comes in a robust and thick broth, accompanied by beef slices, beansprouts and beef balls. I usually add a bit of Thai chilli flakes to give it some extra kick, boosting the enjoyment.

Grilled Pork Cheek 3/5

Next, we have the Grilled Pork Cheek ($12), which looks like boiled pork instead of being grilled. It's tender and clean tasting. Best to have it with the accompanying Thai chilli sauce. However, I prefer it to be more grilled and charred for that smoky aroma.

Tom Yum Milk Red 4/5

You can go for either the clear or red for tom yum soup. I decided to go for the Tom Yum Milk Red ($7/$12/$18), creamy, spicy and brimming with seafood.

Pandan Chicken 4.5/5

A must-try is the Pandan Chicken ($8.90 for 4pc). The chicken is deep-fried to crispy on the outside yet tender and juicy inside. It even comes with a beautiful pandan and lemongrass aroma.

Mango Sticky Rice 4.2/5

Red Ruby 4.2/5

We had the Mango Sticky Rice ($5.90) and Red Ruby ($4), Wrapping up our lunch. These desserts are legit, using the freshest ingredients. They are not to be missed to complete a satisfying meal at Thai Paradise.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Thai Paradise
Blk 378 Clementi Ave 5
#01-338
Singapore 120378
Tel: +65 88877512
Nearest MRT: Clementi (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1030am - 3pm, 5pm - 930pm
Sat-Sun: 1030am - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Clementi MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk along the sheltered walkway to Clementi Ave 5. Cross the road and walk to block 378. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Clementi MRT Station. Take Exit A. Walk to Clementi Bus Interchange (Stop ID 17009). Take bus number 7 or 282. Alight 1 stop later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Estate @ Hilton Singapore Orchard - Experience An Elevated Buffet Selection

Hilton Singapore Orchard has recently opened on 24 February 2022, located in the hearts of Orchard. Following the opening is the launch of the hotel's residential all-day dining restaurant on level five, Estate, inspired by the heritage of Orchard Road’s early years. The all-day dining buffet restaurant showcases culinary experiences and flavours from around the world while elevating familiar regional favourites that resonate with local residents.

Central to Estate's dining experience is the residential-style open kitchens that set the stage for a live display of culinary showmanship. The team, led by Director of Culinary Vijayakant Shanmugam, whips up tantalising dishes a la minute in full view of guests.

Kickstart the feast with cold cut appetisers - Coppa Ham, Salami, Air-dried Beef, and Prosciutto de Parma. or Salads such as the Greek salad with feta cheese, wardorf salad.

The Seafood on ice features a fresh selection, such as the Tiger Prawns, Black Mussels, Clams and Scallops in Shell.

Don't miss signature dishes from the Wok, Fry & Premium Kitchen featuring signatures like the Estate Black Truffle Roasted Duck. The meat is incredibly tender and flavourful. It is served with a drizzle of truffle plum sauce and soy honey glaze, complementing the savoury meat. The Black Truffle Roasted Duck is best paired with a piping hot bowl of flavourful Signature Peking Duck Consomme.

The Grill Kitchen features a selection of Asian-inspired skewers, including the Beef Kebab, Kurobuta Pork Teriyaki, Wagyu Kofta, and Black Miso Chicken.

Not to be missed are the Asian favourites - Singapore XO Hokkien Mee, Carrot Cake with Chinese Sausage, and the Steamed Glutinous Rice with Chinese Sausage, and Crispy Cheong Fun with Soft Shell Chilli Crab.

The Cantonese Style Wagyu Beef Noodle is one of my favourite dishes. The non-oily broth had a distinct beefy taste, noodles were al dente to bite, and the wagyu beef meat was tender and flavourful.

The Squid Ink Homemade Gluten-Free Tagliatelle with Octopus Confit from the Noodle & Wrap Kitchen is also delicious, with a rich, briny flavour.

There is also a Dim sum station which offers a small selection of dim sum - Siew Mai, Har Gow, Lotus Paste Pau and Chicken Char Siew Pau.

End the feast on a sweet note with desserts such as the Rainbow Kueh, Kueh Lapis or the Original Cheesecake.

There is also a beautiful range of masterfully handcrafted desserts by beloved Executive Pastry Chef Cindy Khoo, such as the Marsala Wine Tiramisu, Champagne Raspberry Gelee, Torch Citron Tarte, and Mango Infused Jasmine Gateaux.

Lunch: $62++ (Mon to Thu) and $70++ (Fri to Sun)
Dinner: $82++ (Sun to Thu) and $99++ (Fri & Sat)

Child aged 12 years old and below dines at 50% off adult price and for child aged 5 years old and below dines on complimentary.

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.


Estate
Hilton Singapore Orchard
333 Orchard Road
Singapore 238867
Tel: +65 67374411
Website
Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 630am - 10pm
Breakfast: 630am – 1030am
Lunch: 12pm – 230pm
Dinner: 630pm – 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to ground level. Turn left onto Orchard Road. Walk down Orchard Road. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]