Min Jiang @ Goodwood Park Hotel Singapore - A Hearty Vegetable Harvest

For a limited period from 02 August to 13 September 2019, Min Jiang at Goodwood Park Hotel introduces a new "A Hearty Vegetable Harvest" menu. The menu highlights humble vegetables like pumpkin, lotus root and cauliflower. There are seven brand new classic and contemporary Cantonese dishes created for this vegetable-centric menu, showcasing the innovative approach of Master Chef Chan Hwan Kee.

Crispy Fried Pumpkin with Salted Egg Yolk and Pork Floss 4.2/5

Our dinner started with the Crispy Fried Pumpkin with Salted Egg Yolk and Pork Floss ($12). At first glance, one may mistake it as potato wedge. Crispy on the exterior and soft inside, it has an additional layer of sweetness compared to the potato. The coating of salted egg yolk and pork floss further enhanced the whole flavour. This is dangerously addictive.

Double-boiled Lotus Root Soup with Adzuki Bean and Pork Shoulder Meat 4.2/5

Revitalising your soul with the flavourful and nutritious Double-boiled Lotus Root Soup with Adzuki Bean and Pork Shoulder Meat ($10/portion). It has been simmered over low fire for a good three hours, extracting the essence of the ingredients for the delicious soup.

Deep-fried Sliced Lotus Root and Prawns with Durian Mayo Sauce 4/5

The Deep-fried Sliced Lotus Root and Prawns with Durian Mayo Sauce ($36) is a unique take of incorporating the sweetness from the king of fruit into a savoury dish. Instead of the usual wasabi mayonnaise sauce, it is replaced with durian mayonnaise sauce. The result is a creamy, piquant contrast to the crispy and crunchy prawn.

Stir-fried Iberico Pork with Orange and Purple Cauliflower 4/5

The Stir-fried Iberico Pork with Orange and Purple Cauliflower ($36/$68) is probably one of the most beautiful vegetable dishes I have eaten. The vibrant colours from the orange and purple cauliflower, red and green capsicum simply whetted up the appetite. Not forgetting the tender slices of Iberico pork, completing the visually stunning dish that is packed with antioxidants and beta-carotene.

Pan-seared Wagyu Beef with Ice Plant in Japanese Goma Dressing 4.2/5

Most of us felt that the Pan-seared Wagyu Beef with Ice Plant in Japanese Goma Dressing ($78/$138) should feature permanently on their menu. The used of ice plant and goma dressing in Chinese cuisine is unusual, giving it a fragrant and refreshing finishing.

Slow-braised Duck with Fermented Beancurd, Lotus Root and Peanut 3.5/5

The Slow-braised Duck with Fermented Beancurd, Lotus Root and Peanut ($26/$48) calls for a bowl of porridge to go with it. I can't really taste the fermented beancurd in it, but that is secondary for the rich braising sauce. 

Chilled Pumpkin Puree with Red Bean, Coconut Ice Cream and Gula Melaka 4.2/5

Lasted but not least, we wrapped up the dinner on a sweet note with the Chilled Pumpkin Puree with Red Bean, Coconut Ice Cream and Gula Melaka ($16/portion). The chilled pumpkin puree comes with red beans what has been cooked with gula melaka, fresh pumpkin cubes and coconut ice creams.

"A Hearty Vegetable Harvest" dishes are available as a la carte options for lunch and dinner and are priced from $10. I really enjoyed the new creations and its a pity that it is only available for a limited period.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Min Jiang
Goodwood Park Hotel
22 Scotts Road
Singapore 228221
Tel: +65 67301704
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Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

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

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Scotts Road to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Zui Yu Xuan Teochew Cuisine @ Amoy Street - A New Teochew Restaurant By Jumbo Group

The popular Chui Huay Lin Teochew Cuisine by Jumbo Group has a new sister outlet within the historic Far East Square precinct. The new outlet - Zui Yu Xuan Teochew Cuisine is nestled in a two-storey heritage building. Greeting guests at Zui Yu Xuan is a traditional Chinese entranceway adorned with intricate wood carvings and a sweeping tiled roof, before stepping into the historic courtyard that was once part of Chui Eng Free School founded in 1854.

Cold Crab 4/5

 A delicacy in any Teochew restaurants is the Cold Crab ($12/100g). At times you even have to pre-order them. The flesh are sweet with unami creamy crab roes. Best eaten with a vinegar dip. However I find the size here a bit small.

Braised Duck with Beancurd 4/5

Not to be missed in any Teochew restaurants is their braised duck. In fact, it is a must order whenever I visit them. The Braised Duck with Beancurd ($18/portion, $32 Half, $60 Whole), well infused with the braised sauce is tender and flavourful. What I love most is the tangy chilli sauce, that always seem to bring out the taste of the braised duck further.

Deep Fried Ngoh Hiang 4/5

Deep Fried Prawn Balls 4/5

For the deep fried items, there are the Deep Fried Ngoh Hiang ($13/portion) and Deep Fried Prawn Balls ($22/portion). These are delightful appetisers to kick start the dinner.

Deep Fried Homemade Puning Beancurd 3/5

Lightly crisp on the exterior with a soft interior is the Deep Fried Homemade Puning Beancurd ($12/portion). It comes with a chive vinegar dip. The whole taste profile is quite light, which I didn't quite know how to appreciate it.

Geoduck Clam Blanched with Superior Broth 4.5/5

Not commonly seen in Teochew restaurant is the Geoduck Clam Blanched with Superior Broth ($16.80/100g). The thinly sliced geoduck clam blanced in superior broth, has an enjoyable crunchy texture on top of its natural sweetness. This is round off by the comforting and flavoursome soup.

Crispy Fried Sea Cucumber and Shiitake Mushroom with Abalone Sauce 4.2/5

Its rather interesting to come across another fried sea cucumber dish on the menu. This is probably the third time I have it within a couple of months. It seems like Chinese restaurants are trying to change the customers perspective of the slimy ingredient with more texture. I really applaud the effort and the Crispy Fried Sea Cucumber and Shiitake Mushroom with Abalone Sauce ($24/portion) here is probably one of the best I have eaten so far. It still retained the bouncy texture of the sea cucumber while giving it a nice thin crust.

Australian Lobster Wok Baked with Fermented Bean and Garlic Teochew Style 3.5/5

I have tried lobster cooked in many styles but the Australian Lobster Wok Baked with Fermented Bean and Garlic Teochew Style ($23.80/100g) is a first. However, I didn't quite taste the flavour of the fermented bean coming through in the execution.

Teochew Puning Fermented Bean Chicken 4.5/5

Another dish that uses the fermented bean is the Teochew Puning Fermented Bean Chicken ($22 Half/ $40 Whole). The fermented bean's flavour was more distinct in the dish, which complemented the tender chicken excellently. I love the dish so much that I kept going back for more.

Teochew Oyster Omelette Gooey Style 4.5/5

No to be missed at Zui Yu Xuan is their Teochew Oyster Omelette Gooey Style ($13/portion). This is probably the best oyster omelette (Orh Luak) I have eaten. I was told that they even have a delegated chef just to cook this. Crispy on the outside and gooey inside, this is only cooked upon order and takes about 20 minutes. Best paired with the slightly sourish chilli sauce to get the burst in flavours.

Wok Fried Kway Teow with Diced Kai Lan and Preserved Radish 4/5

The Wok Fried Kway Teow with Dice Kai Lan and Preserved Radish ($18/$27/$36) is packed with wok hei and the addition of the diced Kai Lan and preserved radish provides the extra crunch to the rice noodle.

Promfret and Rice Boiled Teochew Style with Dried Shrimp and Crispy Rice 4.5/5

Teochew loves their steamed fish and muay, so the Promfret and Rice Boiled Teochew Style with Dried Shrimp and Crispy Rice ($108/portion) kills two birds with one stone. You get a pot of hot piping Teochew porridge with slices of promfret. Dried shrimp and crispy rice are added for the extra lift in flavours as well as texture.

Yam Paste with Pumpkin and Gingko Nuts 4.2/5

Not to be missed at Zui Yu Xuan is the desserts too. All time favourites are their Yam Paste with Pumpkin and Gingko Nuts ($5.20/each) and Teochew Tau Suan with Gingko Nuts ($5.20/each). Even though the pork lard has been replaced with shallot oil for the yam paste, it still taste as good with the smooth consistency and distinct fragrant from the yam.

Teochew Tau Suan with Gingko Nuts 4.5/5

Personally I like the Teochew Tau Suan with Gingko Nuts ($5.20/each). Unlike other places, orange peel is added, elevating the traditional dessert for an unique enjoyment.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Zui Yu Xuan Teochew Cuisine
130/131 Amoy Street
Singapore 049959
Tel: +65 67883637
Facebook
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]

Paradise Teochew @ Vivocity - 2nd Outlet With 13 Exclusive Dishes

Paradise Teochew in VivoCity is the brand's second outlet by the Paradise Group and its opening also witnessed the launch of 13 new dishes, created exclusively for this outlet by Executive Chef Cheng Fa Kwan. The new restaurant has taken over the space previously occupied by Jpot.

Braised Duo Combination Platter 4/5

潮式卤味双拼 (鸭片,分蹄) Teochew Style Braised Duo Combination Platter (Sliced Irish Fat Duck, Sliced Pork Knuckle) ($26 Small) is a great way to start off your meal. The gravy was very light with hints of notes from spices. Using Irish Fat Duck, the layer of fats underneath the skin help to keep the meat tender, though some slices turned out to be a tad dry. I was more impressed with the thinly sliced pork knuckle. Every slice has a nice crunch to it and I never thought that pork knuckle can be enjoyed in this manner.

Pan-fried Seafood and Yam Pancake 2.8/5

潮州海鲜芋头烙 Teochew Pan-fried Seafood and Yam Pancake ($24) is suitable for as dim sum snack. I find it dry to have it on its own. A piece may be ok but it is hard to finish the whole plate. An accompanying sweet sauce may be better.

Roasted Suckling Pig 4.8/5

潮式烧乳猪 Teochew Style Roasted Suckling Pig (S$198) was beautiful inside out. The skin was roasted to a perfect crisp, one that cracked readily with a light bite. The meat underneath was very moist and tender and the thin layer of fats sandwiched within the skin and the skin was like butter, bringing the two together in harmony.

Pan-fried and Braised Live Soon Hock 4.8/5

半煎煮游水笋壳 Pan-fried and Braised Live Soon Hock was perhaps one of the best braised fish I ever had. The broth was rich with collagen and flavours, so much so that I could feel the layer of collagen on my lips upon drinking the broth. The Soon Hock was being pan-fried before braising, hence it had an additional layer of crisp to its skin which made it even more pleasurable.

Steamed Diced Abalone and Shrimp wrapped in Egg White Crepe 3/5

鲍鱼石榴果 Steamed Diced Abalone and Shrimp wrapped in Egg White Crepe ($18) was an aesthetically pleasing dish but its flavours didn't quite stand out. I find it a pity to dice the abalone up into a stuffing when it is quite subtle in taste and flavour.

Stir-fried Assorted Vegetables and Cuttlefish 3.5/5

With all the crunch and colours, 潮樂轩小炒皇 Paradise Teochew Stir-fried Assorted Vegetables and Cuttlefish ($28 Small) may even please the palates of non-vegetables diners. On top of that, notes of wok hei graced the dish, hence every mouthful of it is like a gluten-free Hor Fun!

Wok-fried Hor Fun with Kai Lan and Preserved Turnip 3.8/5

Talking about Hor Fun, their 玉兰菜圃炒河粉 Wok-fried Hor Fun with Kai Lan and Preserved Turnip ($18 Small) is a must-try dish for a taste of traditional teochew flavour. A very simple looking dish but as a diner I am quite sure it takes years to master wok-frying the hor fun to achieve that desired layer of char on the surface without weighing them down with oil. The wok-fried Hor Fun here remained light and loose, and every bite filled my entire mouth with wok hei.

Desserts 3/5

Our desserts were 福果绿豆爽 Tau Suan with Gingko ($4.50) and 福果甜芋泥 Mashed Yam with Gingko ($5), a less-sweet version of what's out there. I only wish that the Ginko Nuts were being left as a whole, instead of being halved.

Overall, I'm really impressed with the quality of food at Paradise Teochew. It is a display of skills and mastery over dishes which are seen lacking in many establishments these days. Private rooms are available too which are suitable for private and corporate bookings.

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.


Paradise Teochew
VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
#01-53
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 62210159
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: HarbourFront (CC Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri 11am - 3pm | 6pm - 1030pm
Sat-Sun & PH: 1030am - 330pm | 6pm - 1030pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit C or E. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Famous Treasure @ Capitol Piazza - A Gem In The City Serving Reasonable Priced Chinese Food

Taking over the defunct Four Seasons Chinese Restaurant Singapore at Capitol Piazza is Famous Treasure. Famous Treasure is the sister outlet of the popular Famous Kitchen in Sembawang. I have not visited Famous Kitchen but I have heard good words about their food. Hence I am really looking forward to my visit to their newer and more posh outlet in the city.

Marinated Cockles Teochew Style 4.8/5

We started with the Marinated Cockles Teochew Style ($12). I love my cockles and this is even better with the topping of their homemade chilli. Definitely a winner for me.

Deep Fried Pork Belly with Fermented Bean Curd 4.5/5

Deep fried to golden brown is the Pork Belly with Fermented Bean Curd ($20/$30$/$40). The pork belly coated in a batter of fermented bean curd, is fragrant and juicy. Not forgetting the tangy green chilli sauce dip that elevates the whole enjoyable of the dish.

Wok Fried Squid with Cincalok and Lady's Fingers 4.5/5

The restaurant impressed me further with yet another excellently executed dish - Wok Fried Squid with Cincalok and Lady’s Fingers ($18/$27/$36). Instead of the usual sambal, what a brillant idea to replace it with cincalok. It definitely gives the dish a deeper depth of flavours and something different from the usual. 

Daily Nourishing Boiled Soup 4.5/5

The daily nourishing boiled soup at the restaurant changes regularly and today we have the Pork Ribs and Ba Wang Hua Soup ($28). Boiled for hours to extract the ingredients’ essences, the soup is hearty, sweet and flavourful. What caught my interests is the used of Ba Wang Hua (Night Blooming Cereus), a type of cactus that is seldom seen or used in cooking. Apparently it has several health benefit too.

Supreme Soy Braised Duck Platter 3.5/5

The Supreme Soy Braised Duck Platter ($24) consists of duck slices, webs, wings and beancurd. A great sharing platter that comes with a white vinegar and chilli dip.

Steamed Shark's Head with Spicy Yellow Bean Sauce 3/5

If you have not try Steamed Shark's Head ($7/100g) before, it is not about eat the flesh but appreciating the cartilage and collagen of the shark's upper jaw area. The version here is cooked in a spicy yellow bean sauce which we thought didn't quite highlight the dish. I had a better one that is just steamed with soy sauce, deep fried caught and sesame oil.

Traditional Fish Head Curry in Claypot $35

From one fish head we go to another, the Traditional Fish Head Curry in Claypot ($35). This is one of the signature dish at Famous Kitchen Sembawang, now you can also have it at Famous Treasure. The creamy and lemak curry fish head, served in a claypot comes with a lot of vegetables (cabbage, eggplant and lady fingers) which is really value for money. I love my fish head curry and I have to admit this is one of the better one I have eaten. I can tell why they are popular with the dish.

Famous Treasure's KL Style Hokkien Mee 4.2/5

Instead of travelling to our neighbouring country for their hokkien mee, Famous Treasure does a good rendition in their KL Style Hokkien Mee ($18/$27/$36). Perfumed with fragrant dark sauce and pork lard, this is a plate of goodness with pork, cuttlefish and prawn.

Braised Rice Vermicelli with Local Lobster and Leek in Superior Broth 4.2/5

For a more luscious enjoyment, there is the Braised Rice Vermicelli with Local Lobster and Leek in Superior Broth ($16/100g). Sweet and bouncy lobster flesh, comes with vermicelli that has been simmered in the rich broth, soaking up the richness.

Salted Baked Flower Crabs 5/5

A must try at Famous Treasure has to be their Salted Baked Flower Crabs ($6/100g). The way of preparing the flower crab gives it a charred seafood aroma that just whets up the appetite. The used of sea salt also further elevated the sweetness of the flower crab. This scores full mark for me. Definitely a must order dish whenever I go back.

Famous Treasure
Capitol Piazza
13 Stamford Road
#02-28
Singapore 178905
Tel: +65 68816668
Facebook
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit B or D. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

White Rose Cafe @ York Hotel - Traditional Teochew Porridge With An Array of Dishes For Lunch And Dinner

White Rose Cafe at York Hotel is known for its quarterly Penang Hawkers' Fare buffet and its signature Curry Fish Head dish on its a la carte menu. For a change, the restaurant is bringing back the Traditional Teochew Porridge along with an array of traditional dishes. The promotion will be available for both lunch and dinner from 01 October to 30 November 2018.

Braised Duck with Bean Curd 4/5

All in all there are a total of 16 a la carte side dishes to go along with the Teochew porridge. We tried a few of these dishes on the menu, starting with the Braised Duck with Bean Curd ($12).  Both the duck and bean curd were well braised, absorbing the savoury sauce which goes well with the plain porridge.

Bean Curd with Pork Floss 2.5/5

While the Bean Curd with Pork Floss ($6) is smooth and silky, I find it a little bland to go with the porridge. Maybe adding a richer oyster sauce to the dish will be more appetising.

Century Egg with Pickled Ginger 2.5/5

I didn't quite like the Century Egg with Pickled Ginger ($6). It lacked that pungent ammonia whiff which I like about this acquire ingredient. I also like the yolk to be runny but this is a quite dry.

Chap Chye 3.5/5

The Chap Chye ($9) is cooked to a delectable bite, not stewed until too soft. I like that the cabbage still has a crunch to it. I only hope that the fermented bean curd taste can be a bit stronger.

Chye Poh Omelette 3/5

Onion Omelette 4/5

For the eggs, there are the Chye Poh Omelette ($9) and Onion Omelette ($9). I prefer the latter as the onion is more fragrant and has a subtle sweetness on top of the fluffy omelette. As for the chye poh omelette, it turned out to be on the salty side with the used of salty chye poh. I thought it would taste better if sweet chye poh is used instead.

Sliced Fish with Ginger and Spring Onions 3.5/5

Diced Chicken with Black Pepper Sauce 3.5/5

For some stir fried items, there are the Sliced Fish with Ginger and Spring Onions ($12) and Diced Chicken with Black Pepper Sauce ($10). They are not the usually dishes you will find in traditional Teochew porridge but who is complaining about variety, just give it to me.

Braised Chicken Feet with Mushroom 4/5

Probably I am the only one eating the Braised Chicken Feet with Mushroom ($10). The braising sauce has penetrated into the chicken feet and mushroom, liven it with the savoury sauce. Love it.

Braised Mui Choy with Pork Belly 4.2/5

Another braised item on the menu is the Braised Mui Choy with Pork Belly ($10). The pork belly is cooked to fork tender and it even comes with a bed of mui choy underneath. I find this quite value for money. getting two items in one pot.

Steamed Minced Pork with Salted Fish 4.2/5

Everyone's favourite for the dinner goes to the Steamed Minced Pork with Salted Fish ($12). The saltiness of the salted fish was not overpowering but complemented the patty with a little hint of spiciness from the red chilli.

Cheng Tng 4.5/5

If you have problem deciding which 16 dishes to order, you can also go for the two 4-course set menu that is good for 2 pax at $29 per set. Both set menus come with free flow steamed rice and porridge as well as a choice of hot Cheng Tng or Tang Yuan in Ginger Flavoured Syrup for dessert.

All DBS/POSB and UOB credit and debit cardholders enjoy 10% off the a la carte dishes from the Teochew Porridge menu. Diner also receive one complimentary carpark coupon (per bill per table) with a minimum spend of $50 on a single receipt (valid only for the Teochew Porridge promotion).

Note: This is an invited tasting.


White Rose Cafe
York Hotel
21 Mount Elizabeth
Singapore 228516
Tel: +65 68301156
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 11pm

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]