Jiak Kim House @ Jiak Kim Street (Kim Seng Road) - Former Zouk Transformed into a Beautiful Modern Asian Restaurant by The Brewerkz Group

Stepping into the former Zouk, one encounters the metamorphosis into Jiak Kim House, an enchanting dining venture brought to life by The Brewerkz Group. Chef-Partner Seow Tzi Qin takes the reins, introducing an inventive menu that weaves modern Asian cuisine with Southeast Asian flavours, all within a contemporary framework. This establishment is more than a restaurant; it celebrates evolution against the backdrop of Zouk's storied past.

The dinner commences with complimentary rotating bread, with the noteworthy Bolo Bun stealing the spotlight with its century egg and salted egg filling. This treat could easily grace the shelves of a bakery. Following this, an Amuse Bouche takes the stage, presenting a delightful ensemble of crunchy jellyfish paired with a palate-refreshing sorbet, setting the tone for the dining experience.

Chilli Crab Pie Tee 4/5

7-Herbed Crab Cake, Assam Mayo 4.8/5

Spanish Mackerel Otak Otak, Green Curry 3.8/5

Lamb Golash Croquette, Mint Coriander Coulis 4.5/5

For those venturing into Jiak Kim House for the first time, I strongly recommend having the Tingkat of Memories ($36). This ensemble features four distinct items: the 7-Herb Crab Cake with Assam Mayo, Lamb Goulash Croquette with Mint Coriander Coulis, Chilli Crab Pie Tee, and Tri-Colour Otak Otak. These items aptly exemplify Chef TQ's culinary vision and the establishment's unique gastronomic style. Moreover, they offer a vibrant introduction to the rich and diverse flavours of Southeast Asian cuisine.

Mushroom Herbal Tea 'Macchiato' 5/5

The Mushroom Herbal Tea 'Macchiato' ($22) is the chef's creative take on the beloved local Bak Kut Teh. The concoction comprises peppery mushroom consommé infused with a fragrant herb and spice blend. Topped with a frothy green peppercorn foam, the dish is served with a delightful side of playful mini dough fritters. I found joy in dipping the dough fritters into the comforting and flavoursome soup, a reminiscent act of savouring local Bak Kut Teh delightfully.

Hay-Smoked Wagyu Hamburg 4/5

The Hay-Smoked Wagyu Hamburg ($28) draws inspiration from the Vietnamese Bo La Lot. This delectable dish features juicy chargrilled patties made from a succulent blend of chuck, short rib, and pork belly, expertly wrapped in fragrant shiso leaves. Accompanied by a tantalising green pepper sauce, the dish is complemented by fresh kimchi pickles at the side, adding a delightful touch that helps balance the richness of the flavours.

Herbal Scallops 'Pao Fan' 4/5

The Herbal Scallops 'Pao Fan' ($42) received mixed reviews from some dining companions who felt it fell short of the traditional Chinese Pao Fan dish's expectations. Despite presenting components like puffed rice, the dish deviated from the anticipated experience. Rather than a faithful representation of Pao Fan, it resembled more of a scallop dish paired with earthy cordyceps and briny ikura in dashi buerre blanc. Nevertheless, it was still enjoyable as a scallop dish on its own.

Garum Quail Panggang 4.5/5

The Garum Quail Panggang ($46) left me in awe of Chef TQ's cooking. It stands as the most delightful way I've experienced quail thus far. The quail, expertly butterflied and beautifully chargrilled, is served alongside creamy celeriac mash, truffle sauce, crispy lotus root chips, and deep-fried cauliflower bhaji. The combination of flavours and textures in this dish is truly magical.

Kam Heong Sambal Grouper 4.2/5

The Kam Heong Sambal Grouper ($40) showcases a boldly flavoured Tiger Grouper fillet marinated overnight in black peppercorns and homemade sambal. Paired with lively mangosteen salsa and served alongside cilantro rice, the dish presents a delightful fusion of robust flavours and diverse textures, creating a unique and memorable dish.

Beef Tongue-To-Tail 4/5

The Beef Tongue to Tail ($42) presents fork-tender spice-infused rendang short ribs, torched ox tongue, and braised oxtail. Accompanied by domino potatoes adorned with grated coconut, smoky grilled shishito peppers, and a refreshing rojak salad, the dish artfully showcases the diverse and delectable facets of the cow.

Challans Duck Two Ways 4/5

The Challans Duck Two Ways ($48) is meticulously roasted to a beautiful pink, accompanied by a tangy sour plum sauce and served alongside a salted vegetable risotto. Despite the tender and flavourful duck meat, some diners felt it lacked the pronounced Southeast Asian flavours evident in the other dishes.

Snow Peak 4/5

The ethereal Snow Peak ($22) unveils a Moutai and pineapple-infused sorbet nestled on a bed of diced scoby, draped in a delicate coconut jelly, and adorned with guava, strawberries, and playful lime meringue shards. This dessert is a delightful and refreshing conclusion to the meal.

Jiak Kim 4.5/5

Jiak Kim ($22), literally translating to 'eat gold,' is an exquisite flower-shaped dessert adorned with gold foil. This dessert combines layers of roselle hawthorn jelly, earl grey mousse, Berriolette compote, and namelaka chocolate cream, delivering a harmonious blend of flavours and textures.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Jiak Kim House
5 Jiak Kim Street
#01-16/17
Singapore 169426
Tel: +65 98315430
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Nearest MRT: Havelock (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Havelock Road MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to traffic junction Kim Seng Road and Havelock Road. Cross the road. Turn left and walk down Kim Seng Road towards Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel. Turn right onto Jiak Kim Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Portman's Bar @ PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay - Celebrates Christmas with Yuletide Dreams Afternoon Tea

Embark on a festive journey at Portman's Bar, Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay, with their Yuletide Dreams Afternoon Tea experience. Available until January 4, 2024, this indulgent afternoon tea presents a luxurious spread of seasonal delights. The offering includes freshly baked homemade scones, a curated selection of savoury bites, and an array of delectable sweets that capture the spirit of the Yuletide season.

Begin your indulgent afternoon tea at Portman's Bar with the delightful combination of Homemade Cranberry Scones, served with clotted cream and cranberry jam. Elevating the experience, savour the richness of Baked Brie Cheese with Honey. The presentation adds a touch of drama to the occasion, as a small paper cone is placed atop the cheese and lit in a burst of flames, imparting a subtle smoky flavour to the cheese. This theatrical touch enhances the overall experience, making it a memorable start to a luxurious afternoon tea.

Some of our favourites include the Beetroot Polo Bun, which features sugared beetroot buns and a savoury filling of salmon and cream cheese, creating a harmonious balance of sweet and savoury notes. Another favourite is the Brioche French Toast Cube, generously adorned with creamy mushroom ragout and chicken meat loaf, offering a luxurious and comforting bite. For enthusiasts of sweet potatoes, the Waffle Basket, featuring a blend of Idaho and sweet potatoes drizzled with honey, is a must-try, promising a delectable blend of textures and flavours.

Indulge your sweet tooth with the enchanting dessert options in the afternoon tea set at Portman's Bar. The "Bauble" is a delightful creation, showcasing apple bavarois and cinnamon apple compote, offering a burst of fruity flavours. The "Gift Box" is a chocolate lover's dream, with a decadent combination of chocolate mousse and raspberry compote, all atop a chocolate sable, creating a rich and satisfying treat. Lastly, the "Santa Hat" is a whimsical delight, featuring vanilla mousse adorned with cherry morello, bringing a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. These intricately crafted desserts add a touch of magic to your afternoon tea experience, making it a truly memorable occasion.

Complementing the delightful spread, the afternoon tea set at Portman's Bar offers free-flow coffee or tea. Embrace the rich and indulgent flavours by opting for a Mocha or a classic Hot Chocolate. For those who prefer a refreshing twist, coffee and tea options are available in iced or hot versions.

Priced at $58++ per person, this experience perfectly celebrates the holidays in style. To enhance your indulgence, complement your afternoon tea with a choice of wines, cocktails, or fresh oysters, available at an additional cost. Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere and savour the season's flavours at Portman's Bar.

For reservations, please call +65 6845 1119 or email portmansbar.prsmb@parkroyalcollection.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.


Portman’s Bar
PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay
Level 4
6 Raffles Boulevard
Singapore 039594
Tel: +65 68451119
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Nearest MRT: Esplanade (CC Line), Promenade (CC Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1030am - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit A. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Swee Choon Tim Sum @ Changi Airport Terminal 2 - 62 Year Old Dim Sum Institution Opens New 24-hour Concept Outlet

Swee Choon Tim Sum extends its dim sum delights with a new 24-hour outlet at Changi Airport Terminal 2, Arrival Hall. The relaxed cafe-style setting welcomes dim sum enthusiasts around the clock.

Siew Mai 4/5

Fried Prawn Rice Roll 3.8/5

Fried Dough Rice Roll 2/5

Fried Carrot Cake 3.8/5

Classic dim sum offerings include the juicy and meaty Siew Mai. The Fried Prawn Rice Roll impresses with its silky rice sheet embracing crispy prawns, while the Fried Dough Rice Roll needs to catch up on the crisp factor. The substantial Fried Carrot Cake is cooked in XO sauce but could use more seafood aroma.

Mee Sua Kueh 4.5/5

Tofu Bomb 3.5/5

Black Pepper Pork Chop with Wan Tan Noodle 4.5/5

Swee Choon's signature Mee Sua Kueh delights with its contrasting textures. The Tofu Bomb explodes with flavours, featuring crispy skin and a tofu, vegetable, and prawn filling. The Black Pepper Pork Chop with Wan Tan Noodle stands out with springy noodles and juicy, tender pork.

Hot & Sour Soup 4/5

Pineapple Bun w/ Butter 4/5

Sweet Potato Yam Paste Egg Tart 3.8/5, Sweet Potato Mochi Egg Tart 4/5

An unusual addition, the Hot & Sour Soup offers a delightful vinegar and spice kick. For a sweet ending, the Pineapple Bun with Butter provides a buttery, crusty exterior with a soft, fluffy interior. The Sweet Potato Yam Paste Egg Tart and Sweet Potato Mochi Egg Tart round off the meal with their sweet fillings and buttery crusts.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Swee Choon Tim Sum
Changi Airport Terminal 2
Arrival Hall
60 Airport Boulevard
#01-07
Singapore 819643
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Nearest MRT: Changi Airport (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 24 Hour

Direction:
1) Alight at Changi Airport MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Arrival Hall level. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

AquaMarine @ Marina Mandarin Hotel Singapore - Old School Hong Kong Delights

For a limited period from 5 April to 30 April 2019, AquaMarine at Marina Mandarin Hotel Singapore will be offering Hong Kong cuisine of yesteryear to their Halal-certified buffet. The buffet spread will consists old school Hong Kong delights such as quail egg siew mai, braised beef rib with mui choy, claypot lamb brisket with bamboo shoot and more.

Chui Chow Oyster Porridge 4.2/5

Warm up the stomach with a bowl of comforting Chui Chow Oyster Porridge. The addition of fresh oyster provided the additional boost to the flavourful broth while the rice puff gives it a delightful finishing crisp.

Hong Kong Cart Noodle 4.2/5

A must try is the Hong Kong Cart Noodle, a popular street food originating in the 1950s. What stand out is the superb broth that is packed with depth and robustness. The beauty of cart noodle is that one can add anything into their bowl of noodle, and this comes with the choice of braised chicken wing, curry fishball, cuttlefish and braised beef. I love this so much that I gone back for a second helping.

Quail Egg Siew Mai 3.5/5

Pan Fried Abalone Cheong Fun with XO Sauce 4/5

Hong Kong cuisine is known for the dim sum and its inevitable that these needs to be on the buffet spread. The Quail Egg Siew Mai is a traditional dim sum that is hardly seen on the menu nowadays. My favourite goes to to the Pan Fried Abalone Cheong Fun with XO Sauce for its wok-hei, complemented by the excellent XO sauce.

Baby Lobster in "Bi Feng Tang" Style 3.8/5

Only available during dinner is the Baby Lobster in "Bi Feng Tang" Style. The bouncy flesh of the baby lobster is coated with lots of garlic, ginger, chilli and spring onion for an aromatic finish.

Braised Beef Rib with "Mui Choy" 3.8/5

While the Braised Beef Rib with "Mui Choy" is cooked until very tender, I feel that the braised beef rib shines on its own even without the accompanying Mui Choy.

Egg Waffle 3.5/5

For the dessert section, you can also find popular and traditional Hong Kong street snacks such as Egg Waffle, Hong Kong Red Bean Pudding, Bolo Bao, Egg Tart and Walnut Cookies. Let you into a secret, I like to have the egg waffle together with the durian pengat. It is just an heavenly combination.

Hong Kong Red Bean Rice Pudding, Bolo Bun, Egg Tart, Walnut Cookies

I would also recommend getting a cup of Hong Kong Milk Tea to go along with the desserts. It is a good chance of the usual kuehs and cakes on the dessert line.

Pricing
$60++ per adult and $30++ per child for lunch daily
$73++ per adult and $36.50++ per child for dinner Monday to Thursday
$83++ per adult and $41.50++ per child for dinner Friday to Sunday, Public Holidays and eves of Public Holidays

Note: This is an invited tasting.


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

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 3pm, 630pm - 10pm

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

Tai Cheong Bakery @ Holland Village - First Overseas Dine-In Concept

After a year of selling their famous Hong Kong egg tart at a food kiosk in Takasimaya, Tai Cheong Bakery has finally decided to open its first overseas dine-in concept at Holland Village, Singapore. Besides their popular egg tart, bakes and cakes, the 42 seater cafe also offers Hong Kong "Cha Chaan Teng" dishes.

Three Egg Macaroni Soup with Luncheon Meat 4.2/5

A comforting and hearty offering on the menu is the Three Egg Macaroni Soup with Luncheon Meat ($8.50). Yes you did not hear me wrong, there is a total of three sunnyside up eggs. What stood out is the rich tomato and chicken broth. This is goodness in a bowl and probably you can only have it here at Tai Cheong Bakery for the moment.

Scrambled Egg Toast Stack with Chicken Chop 4/5

Getting bored with waffle and chicken? How about having a change with the Scrambled Egg Toast Stack with Chicken Chop ($9.50). This is cheaper than your waffle and chicken. What is more important, it tasted as good or even better. The creamy three-egg scramble paired excellent with the buttered toasted. Not forgetting the juicy chip chop underneath that is resting on a bed of mushroom sauce.

French Toast 3.5/5

A quintessential Hong Kong cafe snack is the Homemade French Toast with Maple Syrup or Dulce De Leche ($6.50). Instead of deep fried, the toast coated in an egg wash with milk is pan fried instead. It is then topped with a slab of salted butter. This resulted in a fluffy interior with a contrasting crispy exterior. I would recommend not to spend too long taking photo or it can turn soaky pretty fast.

Three Coloured Silky Eggs with Rice 4.2/5

Making an impressive entrance is the Three Coloured Silky Eggs with Rice ($9.90). This is like the Hong Kong version of omurice. The steamed rice is covered with a three-egg omelette, kailan and a choice of two meats. I had the roasted pork and crispy pork belly. Dinner has a choice of either roasted pork and prawn or roasted pork and beef too. This is a dish which I will go back for.

Beef Brisket Curry Rice 3/5

Another rice dish on the menu is the Beef Brisket Curry Rice ($10.90). The curry is the sweet type with a creamy consistency, coming from the peanut sauce. It also comes with a dash of sesame oil for a aromatic finishing. The beef brisket was also cooked to a soft, fork tender texture. There is also an option of chicken if you don't eat beef.

Bolo Bun 3.5/5

A visit to Tai Cheong is not complete without trying out their signature bakes. Customers can expect to look forward to treats such as the Bolo Bun ($2.20), Coconut Tart ($2.50) and famous Egg Tart ($1.90). The unique butter cookie-like crust and smooth egg custard is what make the egg tart legendary.

Egg Tart 4.5/5, Coconut Tart 4/5, Durian & Cheese Tart 3.8/5

A special creation only available at Holland Village outlet is the Durian & Cheese Tart ($3.60). This exclusive tart is made using premium D24  durian plup and cream cheese encased in their famed crust. The creation can be quite heavy if you are not into the rich and heavy custard, and of course durian.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Tai Cheong Bakery
31 Lorong Liput
Singapore 277742
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Nearest MRT: Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Pastries & Drinks
Mon-Fri: 10am - 10pm
Sat-Sun, PH: 9am - 10pm
Mains
Daily: 11am - 230pm, 530pm - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit B or C. Walk to Lorong Liput. Walk towards to the junction of Lorong Liput and Lorong Mambong. Turn left onto Lorong Luput. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]