Ya Ge (雅阁) @ Orchid Hotel - Usher In the Auspicious Dragon with Trailblazing Feast and Festive Takeaways & Goodies

Celebrate the Year of the Dragon in grandeur with Ya Ge's spectacular Chinese New Year feast, meticulously crafted for joyous reunions. Whether you choose to dine in or opt for the convenience of takeaways, Ya Ge ensures a memorable experience for family, friends, and business partners alike.

Crispy Golden Eel and Yellowtail Yu Sheng 3.5/5

This auspicious dish, available in both set menus and takeaways, features the Crispy Golden Eel and Yellowtail Yu Sheng. In line with the Year of the Dragon, it presents a raspberry-flavored dragon pudding atop crispy eel, yellowtail, fresh julienned carrots, radish, and pickled ginger. The ensemble is elegantly dressed in a passionfruit and kumquat dressing, offering a delightful blend of sweetness and tanginess.

Double-boiled 'An Xin' Chicken Soup 4.2/5

Extracting the essence of the renowned 'An Xin' Chicken, this soup combines the flavourful French poulet with Matsutake Mushroom, Dedrobium Stem, and Conpoy. The result is a rich and comforting bowl of soup that exemplifies culinary finesse.

Braised 10-head Abalone with Pagoda Iberico Pork Belly and Preserved Mustard 4.2/5

A highlight of the feast, this dish showcases pagoda-stacked Iberico Pork Belly with Preserved Mustard, creating a divine harmony of flavours. Paired with a 10-head Abalone, it promises a luxurious and unforgettable experience.

Red Garoupa 4/5

Breaking away from tradition, the Red Garoupa at Ya Ge takes on a modern twist. Sautéed fish fillet is bathed in truffle sauce, sprinkled with pine nuts, offering a delightful interplay of flavours – a novel and delicious take on the classic Chinese fish dish..

Fiery Maotai Crispy Duck 4/5

Prepared with precision, the Fiery Maotai Crispy Duck undergoes an 8-hour marination with Maotai and spices, followed by steaming and air-drying. The deep-fried duck is then flambéed tableside, creating a visual spectacle. With perfectly crispy skin and succulent meat infused with Maotai flavors, it's a delicious masterpiece.

Braised Duo Vermicelli with Crab Meat and Crab Roe 4.2/5

A medley of crab meat and crab roe crowns a bed of meticulously braised rice vermicelli and glass noodles, topped with fish roe. The Braised Duo Vermicelli with Crab Meat and Crab Roe presents a perfect balance of sweet, buttery, and umami flavours – a fitting end to a celebratory meal.

Yam and Nian Gao Ingot-shaped Pastry, Yuzu Snowskin Mochi 3.8/5

Symbolizing boundless fortune, Yam and Nian Gao are masterfully shaped into an ingot-shaped pastry, offering a divine blend of earthiness and sweetness. Complementing this is the Yuzu Snowskin Mochi, a soft and fluffy delight with a tangy twist from yuzu.

Place your pre-orders for set menus or takeaway festive goodies from January 1st to February 24th, 2024. Enjoy a 10% discount on all takeaways, whether ordered online (https://eshop-yage.myshopify.com) or at the restaurant. Celebrate abundance and prosperity with Ya Ge's culinary delights this Chinese New Year.

Note: This is an invited tasting


Ya Ge (雅阁)
Orchid Hotel
1 Tras Link
Level 3
Singapore 078867
Tel: +65 68186831
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight towards Orchid Hotel. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Wah Lok Cantonese Restaurant @ Carlton Hotel Singapore - Celebrate The Year of The Dragon with an Ensemble of Lavish Experiences

Wah Lok Cantonese Restaurant at Carlton Hotel Singapore welcomes the Year of the Dragon with a splendid array of Chinese New Year offerings, featuring six meticulously curated set menus and exquisite takeaway options. The restaurant invites families, friends, and loved ones to partake in the joyous celebration of the Lunar New Year.

"Soon De" Style Yu Sheng

Commencing the festivities is the unique "Soon De" Style Yu Sheng, a refreshing toss of abundance featuring a plethora of shredded greens and thick cuts of sashimi-graded fish. This light and flavoursome Yu Sheng sets the tone for a prosperous year ahead.

Double-boiled Soup with Sea Whelk and Chicken

Next is the Double-boiled Soup with Sea Whelk and Chicken, a heartwarming bowl of goodness infused with the essence drawn from hours of meticulous double-boiling.

Pan-fried Scallops with Golden Sauce

The Pan-fried Scallops, sweet and plump, are paired with broccoli and adorned with a delectable homemade golden sauce, providing a delightful harmony of flavours.

Steamed Soon Hock with Mandarin Orange Skin

Continuing the auspicious tradition of consuming fish during Chinese New Year, Wah Lok presents the Steamed Soon Hock with Mandarin Orange Skin. The perfectly steamed fish receives a tangy lift from the Mandarin Orange Skin, adding an extra layer of flavour.

Roasted Duck

The Roasted Duck takes centre stage, boasting a perfectly crisp exterior and succulent, juicy meat—a delectable tribute to Cantonese culinary excellence.

Braised Pork Belly with Abalones and Potatoes

A newcomer to the menu is the Prosperity Pot, a lavish dish featuring slow-cooked pork belly, meticulously prepared abalones, and an array of symbolic ingredients such as potatoes, fat choy, and lotus roots, symbolizing abundance and good fortune.

Braised Ee Fu Noodles, shredded dried scallop, golden mushroom

As is customary in Chinese dinners, the meal concludes with a choice between rice and noodles. The classic Braised Ee Fu Noodles, adorned with shredded dried scallops and golden mushrooms, provide a comforting end to the savoury courses..

Chilled Peach Gum, Red Dates, Lotus Seeds, Gingko Nuts

Wrapping up the feast is the Chilled Peach Gum, a traditional Chinese sweet soup featuring red dates, lotus seeds, and gingko nuts—a sweet note to conclude the Lunar New Year celebration.

For reservations, contact Wah Lok at +65 6311 8188 or email wah.lok@carltonhotel.sg. For orders and delivery, reach out to the festive desk at +65 6349 1292, email cafe.mosaic@carltonhotel.sg, or visit https://celebrations.carltonhotel.sg

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Wah Lok Cantonese Restaurant
Carlton Hotel Singapore
76 Bras Basah Road
Singapore 189558
Tel: +65 6311 8188
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line), Bras Basah (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 1130am - 230pm, 630pm - 1030pm
Sun: 11am - 230pm, 630pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Cut through Raffles City Shopping Centre to Bras Basah Road. Walk to traffic junction of Bras Basah Road and North Bridge Road. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Bras Basah MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Bras Basah road. Turn left and walk down Bras Basah Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

SHAO Tapas (烧) @ Holland Village - A New Modern Teochew Tapas-style Restaurant By SHAO (烧)

SHAO Restaurant, renowned for its Teochew cuisine at Frankel Avenue, has expanded with SHAO Tapas (烧), a new Teochew tapas-style restaurant located in the bustling district of Holland Village. The atmosphere at SHAO Tapas exudes contemporary style and vibrancy, offering diners a modern setting to savour bold and flavorful Teochew dishes. To elevate the dining experience, they also feature a well-crafted bar menu, serving creative cocktails that perfectly complement the diverse flavours of their cuisine.

Pan Seared Black Ink Cuttlefish Sausage 4.5/5

Pan Seared Black Ink Cuttlefish Sausage ($18) kicks off the meal, presenting an unusual but delicious creation. The use of squid ink elevates its savoury profile, while the texture is slightly crunchier than a typical sausage. The pan-searing process enhances the aroma, making this cuttlefish sausage highly addictive.

Raw Roe Crab Marinated with Shao Xsing Wine in Teochew Style (500g) 4.2/5

Raw Roe Crab Marinated with Shao Xsing Wine in Teochew Style ($78) is a must-try for those with adventurous palates. Unlike typical raw crab dishes, it's surprisingly devoid of any fishy taste. This dish is a palate-pleasing blend of aromatics that complements the crab's natural sweetness.

Baby Pomfret 3/5

Previously savoured at the Frankel outlet, the Baby Pomfret ($9 for 5pc, $16 for 10pc) is a cute dish deep-fried to a satisfying crispiness, allowing diners to enjoy the entire fish. However, the appreciation of this dish largely depends on personal preferences, as there is little beyond its crispy texture to make it a standout fish dish. So, diners should consider their expectations and preferences when ordering this dish.

Braised Combination Platter 4/5

An essential element of Teochew cuisine lies in its mastery of braised dishes. We opted for the Braised Combination Platter ($28), which included Pork Belly, Pig's Skin, Pig's Intestine, and Tofu. To enhance the dining experience, it was accompanied by a traditional Teochew white vinegar dip, which perfectly complemented the braised items. The only drawback is that the pork belly was excessively fatty for my taste. It might reflect a shift towards healthier eating choices as we age.

Grilled Pork Jowl 4/5

Although not a traditional Teochew dish, the Grilled Pork Jowl ($18) is well-executed, with a tender texture and a delightful sweet sauce.

Poached Crispy Rice in Seafood Stocks 4.8/5

The Poached Crispy Rice in Seafood Stocks ($34) was undoubtedly one of our favourite dishes, providing a hearty and comforting experience. This dish featured a rich seafood broth accompanied by grouper fillets, scallops, and prawns. What set it apart was the rice, which retained its grainy texture, offering that distinct Teochew preference for a delightful bite.

Yam Paste 4.2/5

To end on a sweet note, the Yam Paste ($10) includes a surprise addition of osmanthus to the creamy yam paste, enhancing its fragrance and sweetness.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


SHAO Tapas (烧)
Holland Village
44 Lorong Mambong
Singapore 277697
Tel: +65 6993 9333
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Nearest MRT: Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 230pm, 430pm - 1130pm
Sat-Sun: 12pm - 1130pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk to Lorong Liput. Turn right onto Lorong Liput. Walk down Lorong Liput and turn right onto Lorong Mambong. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes.[Map]

Man Fu Yuan @ InterContinental Singapore - Showcasing Best of Irish Produces, Silver Hill Duck, John Stone Dry-Aged Beef and Hampshire Pork

Man Fu Yuan at InterContinental Singapore has partnered with the Irish Duck Company to present 'The Best of Irish Showcase.' From 1 October 1st to 15 November, three 6-course menus highlighting some of Ireland's finest produce will be offered for lunch and dinner. Irish Duck Company is the exclusive distributor that first brought the world-famous Silver Hill Duck to Asia, and thanks to them, we get to savour the 'wagyu of duck' right here in Singapore. They are now ready to introduce the exquisite John Stone Dry-Aged Beef and Hampshire Pork to Singapore. In the hands of Man Fu Yuan's Executive Chinese Chef Aaron Tan, these premium Irish meats to the table, highlighting their qualities with Cantonese traditional flavours and techniques.

Appetiser 4.5/5

Each of the 3 menus brings together all three of these finest Irish products in a single menu. We tried the Elegant Set Menu. We started with an appetiser featuring John Stone Irish Smoked Salmon Flower with wasabi aioli, Chilled Cherry Vine Tomatoes with crab meat and Chilled John Stone Dry-Aged Beef. The aged beef, infused with the aged-citrus honey soya sauce, intensified the already rich flavour, creating an incredibly meaty texture. The smoked salmon was just as delectable with its luscious texture and deep flavour. The exquisite crab meat added balance to the dish, introducing a sweet and refreshing note that harmonised the flavours beautifully.

Soup 4/5

The Soup course was a Braised Golden Bird's Nest with golden pumpkin superior stock. The soup had an incredible depth of flavour with a slight creamy consistency.

Wok-fried John Stone Irish Lamb Loin 3/5

The 3rd course is Hong Kong Kailan with Wok-fried John Stone Irish Lamb Loin with Sarawak black pepper sauce. The lamb loin was succulent, tender, and quite delicate on the level of gaminess. The black pepper sauce, however, was too much for me.

Braised Irish Hampshire Pork Belly 5/5

Next was Braised Irish Hampshire Pork Belly with South African 5-head Abalone. A very considered dish - a sumptuous pork belly with an ideal balance between meat and fat, resulting in an unctuous delight. To complement this decadent meat, a 5-head abalone was paired with the pork belly, tender and infused with the rich flavours of the braising sauce.

XO Chinese La Mian with Rock Lobster, Silver Hill Irish Duck 4/5

The last main was a much-anticipated dish - XO Chinese La Mian with Rock Lobster and Silver Hill Irish Duck in XO sauce. Like the previous course, pairing relatively fatty meat with lean seafood created a harmonious balance between two exquisite ingredients, enhancing the other's qualities. The XO sauce didn't work for me.

Oven-baked Mango Pudding 4/5

The dessert is Oven-baked Mango Pudding, which is extra comforting. It is served warm in the traditional way.

The Elegant Set Menu, ideal for 3 to 5 persons, is priced at $228 per person. All set menus include an optional wine-pairing option at $68++ per person.

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.


Man Fu Yuan
InterContinental Singapore
Level 2
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 63387600
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1145am - 330pm, 630pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Shang Palace @ Shangri-La Singapore - The Epicure Shangri-La at Shang Palace 6-Course Menu

Shang Palace at Shangri-La Singapore is joining the global campaign "Find Your Shangri-La" with their special 6-course menu, "The Epicure Shangri-La at Shang Palace". Priced at $188++ per person, this exclusive menu is available until 13 August 2023, promising a memorable dining experience.

Suckling Pig, Chilled Abalone, Sauteed Sliced Sea Conch, Baked Kagoshima Wagyu Beef Pastry

We were presented with a quartet of appetizers to kick off the meal. The beautifully plated dishes showcased a variety of cooking methods, including the succulent Suckling Pig topped with Black Caviar, the refreshing Chilled Abalone, the flavourful Sauteed Sliced Sea Conch, and the indulgent Baked Kagoshima Wagyu Beef Pastry. Each appetizer was a delightful combination of textures and flavours, offering a glimpse into the culinary craftsmanship of Shang Palace.

Double-boiled Chicken Soup with Fish Maw, Wolfberry and Chinese Yam

The Double-boiled Chicken Soup with Fish Maw, Wolfberry, and Chinese Yam followed. It is a comforting bowl of broth that has been simmered for hours. Packed with depth and richness, the soup was a testament to the skilful art of double-boiling, resulting in a clear yet flavorful concoction that warmed both the heart and soul.

Poached Spotted Garoupa Fillet with Crispy Bean Crumb and Black Truffle Slices

Next, we were presented with the Poached Spotted Garoupa Fillet with Crispy Bean Crumb and Black Truffle Slices. The fish was perfectly steamed, resulting in a tender and flaky texture. Topped with crispy bean crumbs, shaved black truffle, and spring onion, each bite offered a harmonious blend of flavours and textures that left us wanting more.

Braised Spanish Kurobuta Pork Belly with Plum Sauce accompanied with Japanese Plum Wine

The Braised Spanish Kurobuta Pork Belly with Plum Sauce, accompanied by a glass of Japanese Plum Wine, was a true highlight. The Kurobuta pork belly, known for its tenderness and juiciness, was perfectly braised in a savoury plum sauce. The rich flavours of the pork were beautifully complemented by the tangy sweetness of the plum wine, creating a memorable combination that delighted the taste buds.

Stewed Red Leg Prawn with Lemongrass and Garlic served in Claypot

The Stewed Red Leg Prawn with Lemongrass and Garlic served in a Claypot was a true delight for seafood lovers. The prawns were expertly cooked, with a firm and succulent texture. The fragrant lemongrass and garlic sauce added a burst of flavour, while the claypot presentation ensured that the dish stayed piping hot throughout the meal.

Chilled Mango Cream Pudding, Baked Peanut Pastry, Chilled Osmanthus Wolfberry Jelly

To conclude the exquisite 6-course experience, we savoured a trio of desserts. The Chilled Mango Cream Pudding with Pomelo, Baked Peanut Pastry, and Chilled Osmanthus Wolfberry Jelly offered a sweet and refreshing finale. The highlight was undoubtedly the baked peanut pastry, which left a lasting impression and had us eagerly anticipating its potential appearance during the upcoming Chinese New Year festivities.

Overall, "The Epicure Shangri-La at Shang Palace" 6-course menu at Shang Palace was a testament to the culinary expertise and attention to detail that has made this establishment a true gem in the Singapore dining scene. From the impeccable flavours to the elegant presentation, each dish showcased the artistry and dedication of the talented team at Shang Palace. This dining experience is not to be missed for those seeking a gastronomic journey embodying Shangri-La's essence.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Shang Palace
Shangri-La Hotel
22 Orange Grove Road
Lobby Level
Singapore 258350
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Nearest MRT: Orchard Road (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1000pm
Sat, Sun & PH: 11am - 3pm, 6pm - 1000pm

Direction:
Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk towards Wheelock Place via ION. Exit Wheelock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Continue onwards to Forum Shopping Mall. Walk further down to Orchard Parade Hotel. At Orchard Parade Hotel traffic junction, cross the road. Walk towards Orchard Hotel. Continue walking on Orange Grove Road until destination. Journey time about 30 minutes. [Map]

Goodwood Park Hotel Presents A Prosperous Collection Of Lunar New Year Delights To Leap Into The Year Of The Rabbit

Goodwood Park Hotel presents a prosperous collection of Lunar New Year goodies and festive dishes from 4 January to 5 February 2023 to leap into the Year of the Rabbit. We are treated to a spread of Lunar New Year dishes available at Min Jiang, Min Jiang Dempsey and The Deli.

Five Blessings Lo Hei

One of my favourite Yu Sheng this year has to go to Min Jiang's Five Blessing Lo Hei ($298), which comes with lobster, abalone, salmon, Hokkaido scallop, and crispy salted egg yolk fish skin. The magnificent Yu Sheng is adorned with a beautiful illustration of two rabbits in a bamboo forest, personally hand-painted by Master Chef Chan Hwan Kee of Min Jiang. The invigorating dressing of plum sauce, strawberry jam, calamansi juice, lime, ginger flower buds, chilli padi, garlic and onion bound everything today for a sweet, tangy and refreshing finish.

Five Fortune Appetiser Platter

New festive takeaways this Lunar New Year at Min Jiang include the Five Fortune Appetiser Platter ($192.25) comprising Chilled Mini Abalone, Deep-fried Prawn, Jellyfish, Barbecued Iberico Char Siew and Boxing Chicken.

Double-boiled Abalone Soup with Handmade Dace Fish Balls and Matsutake Mushrooms in Claypot

Another takeaway favourite of mine at Min Jiang is the Double-boiled Abalone Soup with Handmade Dace Fish Balls and Matsutake Mushrooms in Claypot ($321.65). A good change from the usual richly flavoured dishes, yet comforting and heart-warming with fragrant sweetness imparted from boiling chicken and dried sole fish. The treasure pot features luxurious ingredients such as whole abalones, fried eel fish maw, deep-fried handmade dace fish balls with black moss, conch meat, matsutake mushrooms and radish.

Braised Pork Belly, Minced Pork Ball with Quail Egg, Chicken Roll and Sea Treasures in Pot

Min Jiang at Dempsey did not lose out in their festive takeaway offerings either. The Braised Pork Belly, Minced Pork Ball with Quail Egg, Chicken Roll and Sea Treasures in Pot ($429.85) comes with the pot when delivered. The highlight of the robust dish is the succulent pork belly that is slow-cooked with aromatics and chicken broth for two and a half hours, followed by steaming for three hours. It is a delicious but painstakingly prepared dish.

Claypot Reunion Rice with Assorted Preserved Meat

Available at both Min Jiang and Min Jiang Dempsey is the Claypot Reunion Rice with Assorted Preserved Meat ($128). The pot of fragrant rice is crowned with a sumptuous selection of preserved Chinese pork sausages, liver, waxed duck leg and succulent pork belly.

Bountiful Bunnies 'Nian Gao' with Black Sesame Paste

The eye-catching and adorable Bountiful Bunnies 'Nian Gao' with Black Sesame Paste ($59.80 for 8pc) is a reimagined traditional classic, handmade with steamed glutinous rice flour and coconut milk filled with velvety-smooth black sesame paste. These loveable cuties are a treat to both the palate and the eyes.

Mao Shan Wang Durian Kueh Lapis

Guests may place online orders at goodwoodparkfestive.oddle.me for delivery or self-collection. Alternatively, guests may contact Min Jiang 岷江 at (65) 6730 1704 / email: min_jiang@goodwoodparkhotel.com, Min Jiang at Dempsey 岷江在登布西山at (65) 6774 0122 / email: mjdempsey@goodwoodparkhotel.com, and The Deli at (65) 6730 1786 / email: deli@goodwoodparkhotel.com to place their takeaway orders for self-collection only. All Lunar New Year specials are available from 4 January to 5 February 2023. Advance order of 5 days is required for takeaways, and the last pre-order date is 31 January 2023.