Song Yue Taiwan Cuisine (松悦台式料理) @ Kallang Leisure Park - Dive into the ‘Taste of Hakka’ with Reimagined Hakka Classics

Song Yue Taiwan Cuisine (松悦台式料理), located in Kallang Leisure Park, has been a popular choice for comforting Taiwanese fare prepared with fresh and quality ingredients. The restaurant has recently unveiled an exciting seasonal ‘Taste of Hakka’ menu, featuring reimagined renditions of traditional Hakka classics. Available from now until 31 December 2025, the menu pays homage to the rich culinary heritage of the Hakka community with a modern touch.

Wok-Fried Abacus Beads 4.8/5

I was most excited for the Wok-Fried Abacus Beads ($20.90), a rare Hakka delicacy that’s hard to come by these days. It didn’t disappoint at all - each abacus bead was soft yet pleasantly chewy, perfectly coated in a fragrant stir-fry of shredded yam and beancurd. Every bite was loaded with umami and kissed with an addictive hint of wok hei.

Hakka Stir-Fry with Pork Belly and Chives 4.2/5

The Hakka Stir-Fry with Pork Belly and Chives ($21.90) may look simple, but it impressed with its balanced mix of textures and flavours. The fragrance of the chives was pronounced in the combination of pork belly, beancurd and peanuts.

Lobster in Superior Broth with Hakka Sweet Rice Wine 4/5

The Lobster in Superior Broth with Hakka Sweet Rice Wine (Market Price) was served bubbling hot in a claypot, peppered with wood ear mushrooms, white shimeiji mushrooms and slices of angelica root. The lobster chunks were a little tough, but otherwise, the nourishing broth was satisfying.

Traditional Hakka Salt Baked Chicken 4.2/5

The Traditional Hakka Salt Baked Chicken ($36.90) features a whole spring chicken encased in salt and slow-baked. The result was tender, juicy meat infused with a subtle herbal fragrance. We also appreciated how it wasn’t overly salty.

Traditional Mee Sua in Superior White Pepper Broth 4.2/5

My dining companions were fans of the Traditional Mee Sua in Superior White Pepper Broth with Sliced Pork Fillet, Meatballs and Pig’s Stomach ($23.90). Full of warmth, the lightly peppered broth paired nicely with tender pork fillets, meatballs, and cleanly prepared slices of pig’s stomach.

Grandpa’s 3-Hour Slow Braised Pork Belly with Cabbage and Dried Bamboo Shoots 4.5/5

We ended with Grandpa’s 3-Hour Slow Braised Pork Belly ($36.90), a dish that would satisfy fans of fatty pork belly. The pork belly was melt-in-the-mouth tender, balanced by the crunch of cabbage and bamboo shoots. I’d highly recommend pairing this and its rich sauce with a bowl of white rice.

In conjunction with this limited launch, diners can also receive a limited-edition Song Yue jute bag with a minimum order of at least one Hakka dish and a spend of $138 for members or $168 for non-members.

Photos and words by Jo, who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Song Yue Taiwan Cuisine (松悦台式料理)
Leisure Park Kallang
#01-38/39
5 Stadium Walk
Tel: +65 6988 3322
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Nearest MRT: Stadium (CC Line), Tanjong Rhu (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 930pm
Fri-Sat, Eve PH: 1130am - 330pm, 5pm - 10pm

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

2) Alight at Tanjong Rhu MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk towards the river. Cross the bridge to indoor stadium. Cut across the open air carpark towards Stadium Crescent Road. Walk to Kallang Theatre. Turn right onto Stadium Walk. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Xiang Kitchen Hunan Cuisine (湘厨湖南菜) @ Ang Mo Kio Ave 10 - Affordable Hunan Flavours in the Heartlands

With the rising popularity of Hunan cuisine, Singaporeans have gradually expanded their repertoire of Chinese food beyond the familiar realms of Cantonese and Sichuan fare. Thanks to the accessibility of restaurants like Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine and Nong Geng Ji, many have come to appreciate the bold, spicy, and smoky characteristics that define Hunan cuisine.

Now, even heartland residents can enjoy authentic and affordable Hunan flavours with the recent opening of Xiang Kitchen Hunan Cuisine at Block 421 Ang Mo Kio Ave 10 kopitiam. Prices here are wallet-friendly, often up to half the cost of the more established restaurants, making it a great entry point for anyone keen to explore the cuisine.

Smashed Century Egg & Chilli 4/5

The Smashed Century Egg & Chilli ($8.90) is a punchy appetiser that perfectly captures the bold and unapologetic flavours of Hunan cuisine. A rustic yet vibrant dish, it features chunks of century egg smashed and tossed with a medley of chopped green chillies, garlic, and aromatics, creating a striking contrast of colours and textures. The creamy, custard-like yolk of the century egg melds beautifully with the fiery crunch of the green chillies. Each bite delivers a spicy, smoky, and umami-laden kick that lingers just long enough to awaken the palate. Bold, aromatic, and deeply satisfying, this fiery starter sets the tone for the robust flavours that follow.

Steamed Rice

Like Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine and Nong Geng Ji, Xiang Kitchen offers fragrant steamed rice served in a whole rice pot. The perfect companion to soak up the rich and punchy flavours of its dishes.

Special Chilli with Stir Fry Beef 4/5

The Special Chilli with Stir-Fry Beef ($15.90) is an appetising dish best enjoyed with a bowl of steamed rice. The beef slices are tender and well-coated with the fragrant mix of chillies and coriander, delivering both aroma and heat. During our visit, the chef had adjusted the spice level in response to customer feedback. If you can handle the heat, please let the staff know you'd prefer the original, fiery version.

Stir Fry Pork 4/5

The Stir-Fry Pork ($12.90) is a quintessential Hunan dish showcasing the cuisine's hallmark balance of smoky heat and savoury intensity. Thinly sliced pork belly is wok-fried over high heat to achieve a light char and enticing wok hei, before being tossed with an aromatic blend of green chillies, garlic, and fermented black beans. The pork remains tender with just the right amount of fat for richness, while the chillies impart a fiery yet fragrant bite. It's a comforting yet exhilarating dish that pairs beautifully with steamed rice, embodying the rustic and full-bodied flavours of Hunan cooking. That said, the seasoning could have been a touch bolder to elevate the dish even further.

Mao's Braised Pork 4.5/5

A standout for me was the Mao's Braised Pork ($18.90). The pork belly glistens invitingly in its luscious braised sauce, boasting a tender, juicy texture. Reminiscent of Dong Po Rou, the dish is rich and flavourful yet not overly greasy. It is a satisfying balance of fat and umami that makes it one of the highlights here.

Organic Cauliflower 4.2/5

The Organic Cauliflower ($11.90) may appear unassuming and straightforward, but it's a well-executed dish with delightful crunch. Stir-fried with pork lard, red chillies, and coriander, it's aromatic and lightly spicy, with just enough richness to make a humble vegetable shine.

Golden Soup Pickled Vegetable with Fish 4.2/5

Another must-try is the Golden Soup Pickled Vegetable with Fish ($16.90). The fish is poached to a soft, tender texture and served in a spicy, sourish golden broth that balances heat and tang beautifully. It's a comforting yet invigorating dish that rounds out the meal with finesse.

Xiang Kitchen Hunan Cuisine brings authentic Hunan flavours to the neighbourhood at affordable prices, offering dishes that are both hearty and satisfying. While a few items could benefit from a heavier hand with seasoning, the overall execution and value make it a worthy contender in Singapore's growing Hunan food scene. It is a great spot to satisfy your craving for bold, spicy, and smoky Chinese fare without breaking the bank.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Xiang Kitchen Hunan Cuisine (湘厨湖南菜)
Blk 421 Ang Mo Kio Ave 10
Singapore 560421
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Nearest MRT: Ang Mo Kio (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Ang Mo Kio MRT station. Take Exit A. Cross the road and walk down Ang Mo Kio Ave 8 under the MRT track. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Ang Mo Kio MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to Ang Mo Kio bus interchange (Stop ID 54009). Take bus number 22, 24, 135 and 262. Alight 2 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Chin Mee Chin Confectionery @ East Coast Road - Iconic Katong Coffee Shop Celebrates 100th Anniversary

Since 1925, Chin Mee Chin Confectionery has stood proudly at its original location, charming generations with its iconic kaya toast, homemade kaya spread, classic kopi and teh, and soft-boiled eggs.

Fast forward to 2025, the heritage cafe is now celebrating an incredible 100 years with a time-limited expanded menu designed to appeal to both long-time regulars and curious tourists.

Kaya Toast Set with Milo Dinosaur 4/5

No trip to Chin Mee Chin is complete without their signature kaya toast. We opted for the Kaya Toast Set with Milo Dinosaur ($7.30), which featured large, fresh, soft-boiled eggs and soft buns with a generous slab of cold butter and house-made kaya. We enjoyed how the kaya leaned less sweet, balancing the richness of the butter.

Curry Pork Chop 3.8/5

From the anniversary menu came the Curry Pork Chop ($8.80). The curry sauce was fragrant and rich, but it was a pity that the pork slices were slightly on the dry side. Still, it was a pretty hearty plate.

Braised Pork Belly with Preserved Mustard Greens 4/5

This Braised Pork Belly with Preserved Mustard Greens ($10.80) was a pleasant surprise. The pork belly was melt-in-the-mouth tender, and the preserved mustard greens were well-seasoned without overpowering the dish. Great for sharing, though a full portion could get a bit heavy if dining solo.

Peanut Butter French Toast 3.8/5

We rounded off with the Peanut Butter French Toast ($7), made from soft shokupan dipped in egg batter. While the toast was lightly crispy with a lovely eggy aroma, we wished for more peanut butter filling and a touch more honey drizzle to balance the richness. Other flavours, such as Kaya and Nutella, are also available for $6.

To mark this milestone, Chin Mee Chin is also releasing limited-edition ‘Chin Mee Chin 100’ t-shirts in black, white, beige, and dark green starting 1 July, while stocks last. From 1 to 15 August, spend $25 or more to receive a blind bag keychain featuring miniature icons from the brand, and stand a chance to win the grand prize: a 2D1N stay at Artyzen Singapore.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Chin Mee Chin Confectionery
204 East Coast Road
Singapore 428903
Tel: +65 6904 9688
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Nearest MRT: Dakota (CC Line), Marine Parade (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 8am - 4pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Take exit A. Walk to bus stop at Blk 99 Old Airport Road (Stop ID 81181). Take Bus 10 or 32. Alight 7 stops later opposite Holy Family Church. Cross the traffic light at traffic juntion and walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes.[Map]

2) Alight at Marine Parade MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to Chapel Road. Turn left onto Chapel Road. Walk down Chapel Road to East Coast Road. Cross the road at East Coast Road. Turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Edge @ Pan Pacific Singapore - Tastes of Vietnam Buffet

Embark on a sensory journey through the heart of Vietnam at Edge, Pan Pacific Singapore, as the award-winning buffet restaurant brings the "Tastes of Vietnam" to life. From 7 to 30 March 2025, diners can indulge in an exclusive dinner experience curated by Pan Pacific Hanoi's Executive Chef Zack Truong and Junior Sous-chef Hoa Trung Kien in collaboration with Edge's own Executive Chef Andy Oh. This culinary showcase celebrates Vietnam's rich and diverse flavours, offering a delightful spread of traditional dishes alongside Edge's signature global offerings.

With nearly two decades of culinary mastery, Chef Zack brings his expertise from Dubai to the Maldives, blending time-honoured Vietnamese recipes with contemporary finesse. During the launch week, guests can witness the chefs in action as authentic flavours and exceptional craftsmanship come together for an unforgettable dining experience.

Wok Fried Glass Noodle with Eel, Grilled Pork Belly with Fermented Rice and Galangal

The Wok-Fried Glass Noodles with Eel balance the chewiness of glass noodles with the crispiness of the fried eel, creating a delightful textural contrast. Meanwhile, the Grilled Pork Belly with Fermented Rice offers a rich umami depth alongside aromatic notes of galangal. It would be a perfect pairing with a bowl of white rice.

Stir-Fried Kohlrabi with Dried Shrimp

Crisp, refreshing Kohlrabi is stir-fried with savoury dried shrimp, creating a balanced blend of crunch and umami. The contrast of textures makes this a simple yet satisfying side.

Jellyfish Salad with Chili and Lime

Bright and invigorating, this salad pairs the delicate brininess of Jellyfish with a zesty chilli-lime dressing. Each bite is a refreshing medley of crisp textures and citrusy heat.

Stewed Beef Shank with Vinegar & Fish Sauce

A slow-cooked masterpiece, the Beef Shank is tender and deeply infused with the tangy sharpness of vinegar and the savoury complexity of fish sauce. It is comforting and bold in flavour.

Wok Fried River Prawn with Tamarin Sauce

Succulent River Prawns are stir-fried in a luscious tamarind sauce that expertly balances sweet, sour, and savoury elements. The rich glaze enhances the prawns' natural sweetness.

Steamed Whole Mud Crab with Chinese Herbal in Lotus Leaf

A show-stopping highlight, this dish features a Whole Steamed Mud Crab served alongside a Chinese herbal sauce on the side. The crabs are incredibly fresh and generously filled with roe. It is a must-try, even on its own without the sauce.

Southern Beef Wrapped in Betel Leaves

Ground Beef seasoned with fragrant spices is encased in Betel Leaves and grilled to smoky perfection. This savoury delicacy is aromatic and tender, offering a taste of Southern Vietnamese cuisine.

Fried Prawn Meat with Sugar Cane

This beloved delicacy features flavourful Prawn Paste wrapped around juicy sugar cane. The juxtaposition of savoury seafood and subtly sweet sugar cane creates a unique and delightful bite.

Mini Savoury Pancakes with Prawn Coconut Cream

These crispy-edged, bite-sized Pancakes are topped with juicy prawns and a hint of rich coconut cream. They are a popular Southern Vietnamese street snack that we can't stop at one.

Northern Sour Fish Soup with Local Herbs

A comforting bowl of tangy Fish Soup, where the delicate taste of fresh fish meets a herbaceous broth, is a Northern speciality that is a soothing and flavourful representation of home-style Vietnamese cooking.

Fresh Spring Roll with Prawn

Freshly assembled at the live station, these light and refreshing Spring Rolls feature plump prawns, crisp vegetables, and fragrant herbs, all wrapped in delicate rice paper. They are a classic Vietnamese must-have.

Noodle Live Station – Vietnamese Noodle Broth “Pho” with Chicken

Experience the soul-soothing warmth of authentic Vietnamese Pho. This live station offers a choice of tender chicken or beef in a rich, aromatic broth with an array of fresh garnishes, including basil, chilli, and bean sprouts for a personalised touch.

Grilled Banana Wrapped in Sticky Rice with Coconut Sauce

For a sweet conclusion, savour this Caramelised Banana encased in sticky rice drizzled with creamy coconut sauce. Additional toppings provide extra texture and indulgence.

Plain Yogurt with Black Sticky Rice

This simple, satisfying dessert pairs house-made Yoghurt with sweet, nutty Black Sticky Rice. The combination of creamy and chewy textures is a delightful finish.

Taro Sweet Soup

A personal favourite, this warm and velvety soup features earthy Taro bathed in a sweet coconut-infused broth. The comforting richness makes it a standout dessert, especially for taro lovers.

"Tastes of Vietnam" at Edge runs from 7 until 30 March 2025, exclusively for dinner from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
• Sundays to Thursdays: $98 per adult and $49 per child (6-12 years old), inclusive of free-flow soft drinks.
• Fridays and Saturdays: $118 per adult and $59 per child (6-12 years old), inclusive of free-flow soft drinks.

Immerse yourself in this limited-time celebration of Vietnamese cuisine and savour the diverse flavours crafted by culinary masters. For reservations, call 6826 8240 or email dining.ppsin@panpacific.com.

Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Edge
Pan Pacific Singapore
Level 3
7 Raffles Boulevard
Singapore 039595
Tel: +65 6826 8240
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Nearest MRT: Promenade MRT (DT, CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

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