Coffee Lounge @ Goodwood Park Hotel - Refreshed Taiwan Porridge A La Carte Buffet

Coffee Lounge at Goodwood Park Hotel has recently refreshed its signature Taiwan Porridge A La Carte Buffet by introducing a new tiered offering – Value and Deluxe with two different pricings, as well as additions to the menu.

With the Value Tier (priced at $33++ per adult, $19.80++ per child), tuck into 26 comforting dishes with all-time favourites like Fried Omelette with ‘Chye Poh’ 菜脯煎蛋, Steamed Minced Pork with Salted Egg Yolk 咸蛋蒸肉饼, and Stir-fried Eggplant with Sliced Pork in Chilli Bean Paste 酱爆茄子.

Also, new to the line-up is French Beans with Sakura Ebi 樱花虾四季豆, Three Cup Chicken 三杯鸡, Pan-fried Minced Pork with Salted Fish 咸鱼煎肉饼, Stir-fried Pumpkin with Eggs and Garlic 金瓜丝炒蒜蓉鸡蛋, and more.

Indulge in greater variety with the Deluxe Tier (priced at $48++ per adult and $28.80++ per child). Relish 36 highlights including dishes that are exclusive to this tier, like perennial must-haves such as the crispy Baby Squids in Sweet Oyster Sauce 蚝汁乌贼仔.

Look forward to delectable new dishes such as Deep-fried Beancurd with Minced Pork 肉酱炸豆腐, Stir-fried Lettuce with Fermented Bean Paste 腐乳西生菜 and Crispy Chicken with Sweet Plum Sauce 酥炸鸡西施汁.

Limited to one selection and serving per table is the Chef’s Special, and specially created for the refreshed menu are Wok-fried Prawns with Salted Egg Yolk 咸蛋虾球 and Deep-fried Black Pomfret with Sambal and Chinchalok Dip 参巴黑鲳鱼.

We particularly enjoyed the Salted Egg Chicken 咸蛋鸡, which is extremely juicy and tender, coated with a dry sweet-savoury salted egg sauce. It is so good that it will have you going for seconds. The Crispy Chicken with Sweet Plum Sauce 酥炸鸡西施汁 has nice crispy skin and juicy meat. We felt that the addition of sweet plum sauce complements the savoury chicken pieces very well.

Both tiers also offer an array of casserole dishes from the buffet station. Slow-braised to develop deep flavours or stir-fried with robust and savoury sauces, the dishes are well enjoyed with the unlimited servings of steaming rice porridge with sweet potato.

Some of our favourites include the new Braised Duck Leg with Chinese Spice, Egg and ‘Tau Pok’ in Dark Soya Sauce 卤水鸭腿 and the signature Braised Pork Belly in Dark Soya Sauce 京酱扣肉. Round up the meal with desserts of the day, a delightful Western and Asian assortment that varies daily.

Guests may call (65) 6730 1746 or email coffee_lounge@goodwoodparkhotel.com to make a reservation at Coffee Lounge. Alternatively, online reservations can be placed at https://www.goodwoodparkhotel.com/dining/coffee-lounge.

Taiwan Porridge A La Carte Buffet
Dine-in only at Coffee Lounge
Available daily for lunch from 12pm to 2.30pm & dinner from 6pm to 10.30pm

Value Tier: $33++ per adult, $19.80++ per child
Deluxe Tier: $48++ per adult, $28.80++ per child
Local Beverages: A top-up of $15++ per jug

A minimum of two persons is required for the buffet.
Orders for all diners at the same table have to be of the same a la carte buffet tier.
Pricing includes unlimited servings of porridge and desserts of the day.
Child pricing applies for children aged 6 to 11 years.

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.


Coffee Lounge
Goodwood Park Hotel
22 Scotts Road
Singapore 228221
Tel: +65 67301746
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Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

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

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk down Scotts Road to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Dining at Home During Circuit Breaker - The Salted Plum

With the COVID-19 pandemic, we have to shelve our travel plan until all the travel ban and restriction is lifted. If you have been to Taiwan and miss its cuisine, let The Salted Plum brings a piece of their Taiwanese Zichar rendition to your home during the circuit breaker period.

Lu Rou and 12-hr Eggs

The Family Value Set which comes with options for 3-4 pax and 5-6 pax. Customers can also choose to upgrade their rice to sweet potato congee. I had the regular family set which comes with Lu Rou, 12-hr Eggs, Cold Tofu, Oyster Mushrooms, Smashed Potatoes, Smashed Cucumber, Pork Chop, Burnt Chilli Chicken, Mei Cai and Red Tea Jelly Dessert.

Cold Tofu

Among the spread of dishes, I really enjoyed the fork-tender Braised Pork Belly and the soft, silky Cold Tofu.

Oyster Mushrooms, Smashed Potatoes, Pork Chop

The Oyster Mushrooms, Smashed Potatoes and Pork Chop are deep-fried to a delightful bite, but I just felt that there was too much fried stuff.

Burnt Chilli Chicken

Tender and juicy is the Burnt Chilli Chicken. I like the hint of smokiness on top of that spicy kick.

Mei Cai

I like my Mei Cai, but the seasoning was a bit heavy for my delivery. I am sure they can do better in standard and consistency.

Red Tea Jelly Dessert

Last but not least, wrapped up the meal with Red Tea Jelly Dessert. It even comes with chewy tapioca balls giving the dessert a pleasing textural contrast to the crunchy, gelatin jelly.

The Salted Plum offers both takeaway and island-wide delivery. To order visit https://www.saltedplum.co.


The Salted Plum
10 Circular Road
Singapore 049366
Tel: +65 62600155
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (NE Line), Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 930pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction
1) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit E. Cross the road. Walk to Carpenter Street. Walk to the end of Carpenter Street to South Bridge Road. Cross the Road. Walk to junction of South Bridge Road and Circular Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight At Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk to Circular Road. Walk down Circular Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

En Sushi @ Middle Road - Launches New Menu Featuring Signature Sashimi Moriawase, Delectable Maki Rolls And Sushi

Indulge in authentic Japanese delicacies at En Sushi - a contemporary Japanese dining restaurant featuring an extensive menu of Sushi, Sashimi, Donburi, Maki, Hand Rolls and Yaki that offer incredible value for money. Each dishes are delicately crafted to bring out the mouthwatering flavours of Japanese food.

The restaurant brings in a daily seafood import of at least 28kg with more than 20 types of fish incomparably priced for its freshness and quality, making Japanese feasts easy on the wallet at En Sushi. For those seeking quality Japanese fare without the hefty price tags, En Sushi offers a nonpareil dining experience with a plethora of fresh seafood, sashimi and savoury dishes for diners to indulge in.

En Signature Sashimi Moriawase 4.5/5

We were treated to a skilfully and strategically plated work of art - the En SIgnature Sashimi Moriawase (Seasonal). The plating stole the show with its gorgeous plating, vibrant array of flower embellishments, and several kinds of seasonal fresh fish served as sashimi. The selection of thick and delicately sliced premium fish includes the Mebaru (Black Rockfish), Madai (Seabream), Hirame (Flounder) and Shimaaji (Striped Horsemackerel), as well as a generous serving of fresh, creamy uni.

Appetiser Platter 4/5

For the appetiser platter, we had the Uni Ikura Onsen Tamago ($10.90), Pitan Tofu (4.90), Spicy Salmon Belly ($5.90) as well as the Chuka Wakama ($4.90). The sea urchin adds a creamy, slightly sweet note to the wobbly hot spring egg, and the salmon roe lends a juicy pop to the dish. Another favourite goes to the Spicy Salmon Belly, which has an addictive spicy tang to the fresh sashimi.

9-Kind Premium Sushi 4.2/5

The 9-Kind Premium Sushi ($70.90) features a vibrant platter display of 9 different kinds of sushi. On the plate, there are Otoro (Premium Tuna Belly), Chutoro (Tuna Belly), Akami (Premium Tuna), Madai (Seabream), Shimaaji (Striped Horsemackerel, Uni (Sea Urchin), Ikura (Salmon Roe) and Aka Ebi (Argentina Red Shrimp).

Buta Kakuni 3.5/5

The Buta Kakuni ($16.90) features braised pork belly, which leans slightly on the drier side. While we hoped that the meat retains a more tender, juicy texture, it is still packed full of umami.

Tofu Cheesecake 4/5

Round off the meal with their Tofu Cheesecake ($8.90) freshly made in-house. It boasts a soft melt-in-the-mouth texture reminiscent of tofu. It comes with a subtle hint of cheese and sweetness to it, making it a very light and enjoyable dessert to end your meal with.

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.


En Sushi
Midland House
112 Middle Road
#01-00B
Singapore 188970
Facebook
Website
Tel: +65 62598548
Nearest MRT: Bugis (DT Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm
Fri-Sun: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to junction of Victoria Street and Middle Road. Turn right onto Middle Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Koon Signatures @ Bukit Timah - More Than Just Traditional Bak Kut Teh

Koon Bak Kut Teh at Bukit Timah opened its door in 2012, serving traditional Bak Kut Teh and other home-cooked dishes. As competition within the industry gets tougher, its founder Moses, decided to revamp the outlet by improving its interior and ambience, and most importantly, incorporating dishes that deviates from his usual classics. With the transformation, it has also renamed the restaurant as Koon Signatures.

Mushroom Buns 3/5

I thought these Handmade Mushrooms Buns gels pretty well with Bak Kut Teh concept. I was half expecting it to taste like our typical Chinese mushroom bun with custard filling but it turned out to be minced mushrooms filling which lean towards the flavour of a western mushroom soup. I like the filling but the texture of the bun was a little too soft.

Classic Bak Kut Teh 3/5, Braised Phoenix Claws 3.5/5

The Classic Bak Kut Teh ($6.50) was decent though it is supposed to be its core dish. The soup was peppery but slightly watered down. I like the Braised Phoenix Claws much more. They were fatty and not too highly flavoured with the braising sauce. The fried you tiao seemed to have an additional layer of crispiness to it, definitely one of the better ones I ever had.

Modern Braised Meat Rice 4/5

I would say its Modern Braised Meat Rice ($8.90) outshines its classic. Wholesome with sauteed cherry tomatoes and mushrooms, the melt-in-your-mouth braised pork didn't seem to leave any trace of fats in my mouth, and no lingering porky flavour. The crunchy pickled cucumber slices added to the pleasure. In CBD area, this would have been a hit.

Char Siew Chicken 3/5 and Deep Fried Pork Belly 3.5/5

Koon's signatures include Char Siew Chicken ($8.90) and Deep Fried Pork Belly ($8.90). Ordering the Signature Platter ($16.90) will get you both. The Char Siew Chicken was quite successful in getting the char siew flavours right, especially those desirable burnt ends. But I find the glaze too much on the meat which made it a little too sweet. The pork belly was like KFC's original chicken, which has a thin layer of crisp crust that stays even after a while.

Superior Chicken Stew 3/5

The Superior Chicken Stew ($8.90) with fish maw serves as a very comforting meal for one. It looked promising but the soup didn't taste as rich as expected, nor it has the consistency of a nourishing fish maw soup.

Kale 4/5

I love its Braised Kale with Superior Stock ($11.90)! So much that I could finish the entire plate. The kale was pretty much being left alone, only lightly flavoured with garlic and pork belly to mellow out its rawness.

Black Sesame Lava Cake 3/5

One of its latest creations is this Black Sesame Lava Cake with Glutinous Rice & Gelato ($11.90), which has a slight Japanese feel to it. The black sesame was rich but the sweetness level was way over the limits, especially after a meaty meal. I love the unsweetened glutinous rice which combines well with the gelato. Still, with such comprehensive spread that caters to different crowd, Koon Signatures is a great option for a casual family gathering.

Words and photos 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.


Koon Signatures
10 Cheong Chin Nam Rd
Singapore 599735
Tel: +65 64630111
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Beauty World (DT Line)bak

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 2am

Direction:
1) Alight at Beauty World MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Go-Ang Kaomunkai Pratunam @ NEX Shopping Mall - Bangkok Michelin Bib Gourmand Chicken Rice Opens In Singapore

Some said we learn cultural similarity and diversity through food and this sentiment headlined my experience with Thailand’s Go-Ang Kaomunkai Pratunam, which has recently opened its door at NEX Shopping Mall. Established in 1960 as a food stall specialising in Hainanese chicken rice in the Pratunam district of Bangkok and awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand award in 2018. This Thai Hainanese chicken rice may or may not make it to your top list but it will change your perception of how this iconic dish can be consumed.

Chicken Rice 3.5/5

Go Ang Chicken Rice comes with either Thigh ($5.50) or Breast ($4.50) meat. As expected, the thigh meat is naturally more tender than the breast meat, and the layer of plump skin was certainly not those to be chucked at one side. The grainy and firm rice worked well to bring out its pleasing texture. That said, the breast meat fared well too if you like firmer meat. The rice, however, didn't manage to captivate my taste buds. I feel it lacked a certain fragrance and aromatics, which make the chicken rice itself addictive.

But ultimately, what gives this Go Ang Chicken Rice its unique identity is the chilli sauce that comes with it. Based with fermented chilli, fermented soy beans, coarsely chopped ginger, this piquant sauce is a tapestry of Thais' flavours in another perspective.

Omelette 3.5/5

Like what they always say "same same but different", this goes the same for their Omelette. Its accompanying sauce again, has all the elements to whet your appetite. Chye Pok version ($6.50) is available as well.

Braised pork 3.5/5

In Bangkok, the locals not only love their chicken rice but also their braised pork and surprisingly soups too. The Bitter Melon & Pork Rib Soup ($6.50) wowed us with its tender pork ribs and the depth of flavour. As for the Signature Braised Pork ($8/$12), considered that lean meat is used, its fork tender meat was impressed. I like the braising sauce too, which was relatively much lighter compared to our version but packed with flavours. Love it with the omelette's dip sauce!

Steamed Sea Bass 4.5/5

Among all the dishes, I enjoyed the Steamed Sea Bass with Chilli, Lime & Garlic the most. I had this dish a couple of times but theirs by far is the most memorable. Judging by the what was left on the plate, it just showed how tasty this dish was. We were fighting for the last drop of the lemony and spicy gravy.

Basil Chicken with Kai Lan 3.8/5

To ensure the authenticity and quality of the cuisine, all kitchen staff were trained by Go-Ang founder Mr. Sombat Pruekpaiboon at the original restaurant in Bangkok. Hence, even simple dishes like Stir Fried Basil Chicken with Kai Lan seemed to exude a taste that was much elevated than what are available elsewhere.

Chendol 3.8/5

Red Ruby 3/5, Steamed Tapioca 3.5/5

For desserts, we tried Homemade Red Ruby with Coconut Ice Cream ($5.00) and Steamed Tapioca with Coconut Cream ($4.50). Homemade red ruby is a rare gem these days and these gems can also be found in their Thai Chendol ($5), which I highly recommend you to order it over your usual Thai Milk Tea. The strands of chendols were soft with a bite and so yummy to chew on when I seeped them with the milky concoction. Nothing was overly sweet, except for the red ruby but these are the gems that make them so delicious for the dessert. I like the steamed tapioca too, which was warm and comforting to end a meal.

Go-Ang Chicken Rice may not replace that sense of comfort and familiarity given by your favourite plate of chicken rice but it sure stirs up some excitement when you need it.

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.


Go-Ang Chicken Rice
Nex Shopping Mall
23 Serangoon Central
#B1-05/06
Singapore 556083
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Serangoon (CC Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours: 
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Serangoon MRT station. Take Exit B, E, G & H. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

White Rose Cafe @ York Hotel - Flavours of Asian Rice Bowls

For a limited period from 1 June to 31 July 2018, White Rose Cafe at York Hotel will be rolling out six hearty Asian Rice Bowls. These bowls are inspired by popular gourmet in our neighbouring Asia countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, Taiwan and more.

Beef Donburi with Wafu Sauce 4/5

The Beef Donburi with Wafu Sauce ($16) comes with a tender and moist patty grilled and drizzled with flavourful wafu sauce. It comes with black and white sesame rice topped with onsen egg, shreded white cabbage, corn and Japanese pickles.

Minced Pork with Thai Basil 3.5/5

A classic Thai dish is the Minced Pork with Thai Basil. The steamed rice is topped with stir fried ground pork and basil leaves, sunny-side up egg and long beans. I thought the stir-fried pork needs a bit more intensity in the sauce and spiciness, to bring out the authentic characteristic of the dish.

Lemongrass Grilled Chicken 3.5/5

The chicken is marinated with lemongrass, lemon juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic and fish sauce. It is then grilled to a nice tender texture, infusing with the aroma of lemongrass and smokiness. The rice bowl comes with sunny-side up egg and pickled vegetables over steamed fragrant rice.

Sambal Ikan 4/5

Suitable for the local palate is the Sambal Ikan. The rice bowl comes with a crispy deep fried red snapper fillet, spicy bean curd with tempeh, onion omelette and steamed fragrant rice. The highlight of the rice bowl has to be the crunchy achar and sambal chilli.

Braised Pork Rice 4.2/5

One of my favourite bowls is the Braised Pork Rice. The pork belly chopped into chunky pieces is well braised to tender, absorbing the flavoursome sweet and savoury sauce. Not forgetting the piquant chilli sauce that goes so well with the braised items for that extra punch.

Healthy 'Vegan-licious' Rice Bowl 4.2/5

For the healthy conscious folks, there is the Healthy 'Vegan-licious' Rice Bowl which comes with deep-fried bean curd, sauteed mushrooms and a beautiful assortment of kimchi, black fungus, corns and cucumbers. Similar to the Korean bibimbap but this is vegan. Instead of steamed rice, it is substituted with delicious olive fried rice. Last but not least, a homemade oriental sesame is drizzled over the rice for a aromatic lift.

The Flavours of Asian Rice Bowls promotion is available from 1 June to 31 July 2018. UOB credit and debit cardholders enjoy 10% off total bill off the rice bowls with a minimum spending of $50 in a single receipt.

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]