WO WO DIAN 窝窝店 @ Raffles City Shopping Centre - Buns Made with 130 Years Old Recipe

Established in 1889 in Mianyang, Sichuan, Wo Wo Dian (窝窝店) recently opened its first overseas outpost at Raffles City. Over the past 130 years, it has become renowned for its steamed stuffed buns made with real Laomian (traditional sourdough). Today, Wo Wo Dian offers a menu that encompasses traditional Sichuan cuisine for a complete dining experience.

Traditional Sauced Pork Buns 4.5/5

Traditional Pork Bun 4.2/5

The buns here are truly superb. Crafted using traditional sourdough, the bun skin is exceptionally light with a slight chewiness that leaves you wanting more, even after indulging in three buns. Two types of pork buns are available: the Traditional Pork Bun ($8.90) and the Traditional Sauced Pork Bun ($7.90). The latter boasts a more flavourful and aromatic profile due to the marination, while the traditional version offers a more straightforward taste with a slightly porkier flavour.

Crispy Bamboo Shoots 2.8/5

Mouth-Watering Chicken 3.5/5

We tried a couple of cold dishes - the Crispy Bamboo Shoots ($6.90) and the Mouth-Watering Chicken ($10.90). While the bamboo shoots with peppercorn dressing didn't quite suit my palate, the Mouth-Watering Chicken was much more appetising with its well-balanced piquant chilli dressing, although the portion was relatively small.

Firecracker Chicken 4.5/5

The Firecracker Chicken ($13.90), a common dish in Sichuan restaurants, is one of the better versions I've tried. Each morsel is crispy yet tender inside, with just the right amount of heat.

Kung Pao Eggplant with Shrimp 4/5

Boiled Pork Belly With Spicy Sauce 3.8/5

Other side dishes include the Kung Pao Eggplant with Shrimp ($22.90) and the Boiled Pork Belly With Spicy Sauce ($25.90). The Kung Pao Eggplant with Shrimp features a mild in-house sauce that pairs well with the spongy texture of the deep-fried eggplant cubes and the prawns. On the other hand, the Boiled Pork Belly With Spicy Sauce feels like a hearty hangover dish, mainly because its finishing touch was a douse of hot oil. While the meat was tender, it lacked its own distinct flavours.

Classic Chicken Broth Rice Noodles 3.5/5

Szechuan Beef Broth Rice Noodles 4/5

There are two noodles options: the Classic Chicken Broth Rice Noodles ($14.90) and the Szechuan Beef Broth Rice Noodles ($13.90). Both feature silky rice noodles imported directly from Mianyang, as well as kelp and chickpeas. While the chicken broth was rich and thick, I found it needed more depth of flavour. In contrast, the beef broth was robust and heady.

Poached Pear in Rice Wine 4.2/5

Three Delicacies Iced Jelly 4/5

Be sure to try their dessert. The Poached Pear in Rice Wine ($6.90) and the Three Delicacies Iced Jelly ($4.90) are delightful options. I particularly enjoyed the poached pear for its rice wine infusion, and neither dessert was overly sweet. The Three Delicacies Iced Jelly is a refreshing choice to cleanse the palate after a hearty meal.

Penned 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.


WO WO DIAN (窝窝店)
Raffles City Shopping Centre
252 North Bridge Road
B1-13/14/15
Singapore 179103
Tel: +65 6513 5598
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon–Thu: 1130am – 9pm
Fri–Sun: 1130am – 10pm

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

Three Point Two @ Kampong Bahru - Introducing New Durian Delights, Gelato Bun And Craqueline Puffs

Three Point Two at Kampong Bahru is a gelato cafe that offers a range of specially crafted durian delights for durian aficionados. This cafe is the founders' second outlet, following their successful venture Pang Zi Durian at Jurong West. As durian sellers themselves, one can be assured of the quality of durians used in their ice cream and sweet treats.

First-timers visiting Three Point Two may go for Four Heavenly Kings ($16.80), showcasing two D24 Durian Puffs, two MSW Craquelin Puff, two Durian Mochi and one Durian Mousse. Their Durian Mousse ($5.50, additional D24 shot +$1) made quite an impression during my very first visit to Pang Zi Durian. I love the bittersweet dollop of D24 shot atop the mousse, and its sweetness level was quite on point.

The Durian Puffs are like choux pastry. The lightly crisp exterior that comes with an elevated buttery taste complemented the durian mousse. However, for the durian filling, I would prefer more flesh in it for better textural contrast.

The Mochi was all right. The highlight goes to the MSW Craquelin Puff that has a very indulgent buttery, sugary crust.

Waffle is also on the menu to pair with your gelatos. However, for a more interesting experience, or even a more delicious one, in my opinion, go for its Gelato Bun ($4). It is like a blown-up version of the Craquelin Puff that gives twice the pleasure of eating it. We had ours with Pistachio gelato, seemingly quite popular among its regulars.

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.


Three Point Two
85 Kampong Bahru Road
Singapore 169380
Tel: +65 83669952
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Nearest MRT: Outram Park (NE Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun: 12pm - 10pm
Fri-Sat: 12pm - 2am

Direction:
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 5. Walk to New Bridge Road. Left turn and walk down New Bridge Road. Continue onto Kampong Bahru Road. Walk to the row of shophouses along Kampong Bahru Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Birdfolks @ NEWest - American-inspired Fried Chicken With A Hint of Japanese Influence, Local Flavours And Casual Street Concept

Located within NEWest West Coast Drive, the inconspicuous cafe - Birdfolks serves up delicious American-inspired fried chicken with an Asian twist. You can now have your Nanyang kopi with fried chicken burgers or big breakfast platter. If you're craving for Japanese, they also offer mentaiko salmon bowl and tamago bowl.

Crispy Bun & Condensed Milk 3.8/5

To start the meal, we had their Crispy Bun & Condensed Milk ($4). While the brioche buns were soft and fluffy, they were barely toasted and lacked the crispiness that we had anticipated. However, we still enjoyed the pillowy soft brioche buns, with ample condensed milk to sweeten up the deal.

BF Eggs Benny 3.5/5

From the brunch menu, which is available only from 11am to 5pm, we had their BF Eggs Benny ($13), which features turkey ham, ikura and hollandaise sauce and eggs on soft brioche buns. We found that the eggs are cooked soft-boiled rather than poached, which is likely an interesting Asian twist to the classic egg bens. The combination of turkey ham and ikura also made the dish lean towards the salty side. We wished there were other elements to help balance the dish's flavours.

Classic Buttermilk Pancakes 4/5

When you're at Birdfolks, a must-try is their signature fried chicken. The Classic Buttermilk Pancakes ($11) features fluffy buttermilk pancakes with fried chicken, crushed pistachios, cranberries and served with maple and butter. The chicken pieces were well-marinated, prepared and fried upon order, making it even juicier and tender while being perfectly crispy and crunchy on the outside.

Potato Wonderland 4/5

The Potato Wonderland ($15) is an ultimate platter of oregano fries, sweet potato fries, curly fries, tater tots and croquette, paired with mayo. The perfect side to share with your friends, as the huge platter has a bit of everything fried, so there is simply no lack of choices. We recommend sharing it with at least 4 friends or more.

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.


Birdfolks
NEWest
1 West Coast Drive
#01-75
Singapore 128020
Tel: +65 69240876
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Nearest MRT: Clementi (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 11am - 9pm
Fri-Sun: 11am - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Clementi MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Clementi MRT station (Stop ID 17171). Take bus number 201 or 154. Alight 3 stops later. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Usher In A Memorable Lunar New Year With Crystal Jade Restaurants

This upcoming Chinese New Year, Crystal Jade Group of Restaurants have put together an extensive festive line-up of dishes to suit all reunions - from convivial family gatherings to cosy, intimate affairs. A notable addition this year is a special takeaway set menu for five packed in a beautiful customised gift box made for gifting or personal enjoyment on top of the new exquisite dine-in dishes.

Season of Wealth Golden Scallop Yusheng 4.5/5

For this Lunar New Year, Group Executive Chef Foo has conjured a wholesome and healthful Season of Wealth Golden Scallop Yuseng ($108/$168) available at all Crystal Jade all fine-tuning restaurants. The refreshing yusheng with ikura and sweet scallop slices are boasted by crispy and crunchy from the abundance of fresh vegetables, fruits, housemade pickled vegetables, crispy rice, walnuts, deep-fried yam strips and Hsin Chu bee hoon. It is finished with an olive oil-based dressing with flower blossom syrup and plum sauce.

Crispy Charcoal Grilled Superior Sea Cucumber with Oyster Sauce 4.5/5

From Crystal Jade Palace, we had the Crispy Charcoal Grilled Superior Sea Cucumber with Oyster Sauce ($28). The delicacy is first braised then grilled briefly over binchotan imparting an alluring smoky accent

Braised Vermicelli with Scallop with Egg White Topped with Crispy Conpoy 4.2/5

The Braised Vermicelli with Scallop with Egg White Topped with Crispy Conpoy ($36 per portion) from Crystal Jade Palace may look assuming but permeated with flavourful rich seafood stock, fresh scallops and fried conpoy. I would recommend adding some vinegar to accentuate the full enjoyment.

Chilled Double-boiled Snow Pear with Snow Lotus, Osmanthus and Honey Lemon 4.2/5

Dessert wise, the Chilled Double-boiled Snow Pear with Snow Lotus, Osmanthus and Honey Lemon ($13.80 per pax) is light and refreshing and yet elegantly presented. 

Molten Taro Moo-moo Bun 4.8/5

A special dessert at Crystal Jade Palace is the Molten Taro Moo-moo Bun ($3.80 per bun. minimum 3pc). Encased inside the cow-shaped fluffy bun is fragrant orh nee, lightly pan-fried in the bottom for that extra crispy finish. The bun is further enlivens with the addition of sesame.

Braised Pumpkin Thick Soup with Steamed Egg White, Prawn and Crab Meat 4.5/5

Flavourful and vibrant is the bowl of comforting Braised Pumpkin Thick Soup with Steamed Egg White, Prawn and Crab Meat ($22 per pax) from Crystal Jade Dining IN. A layer of silky steamed egg white covered the thick soup rendered from robust chicken stock and blended pumpkin.

Roasted Irish Duck with Crispy Rice in Chef's Special Sauce

Available at Crystal Jade Golden Palace, Dining IN and Pavilion is the Roasted Irish Duck with Crispy Rice in Chef's Special Sauce ($52/$90). It is an interesting and unique way of appreciating the roasted duck. I like how the succulent duck, eaten together with the lettuce gives it a refreshing finishing.

Braised Fish Tofu with Shiitake Mushroom and Black Moss in Oyster Sauce 4.5/5

A dish that I adore is the Braised Fish Tofu with Shiitake Mushroom and Black Moss in Oyster Sauce ($26.80 regular) available at Crystal Jade Jiang Nan, Kitchen and La Mian Xiao Long Bao. The soft, bouncy fish tofu has such a delightful bite that it felt like palate has been caress by a soft pillow.

Fried Conpoy & Taro Glutinous Rice Wrapped in Lotus Leaf 4.2/5

New for the festive takeaway selection is the Fried Conpoy & Taro Glutinous Rice Wrapped in Lotus Leaf ($26). Chef Foo's rendition of this popular festive staple, studded with tender chicken pieces, conpoy, and fluffy cubes of taro, adds texture and flavour.

Chinese New Year dining at Crystal Jade restaurants will commence from 25 Jan 2021 (select outlets will be closed on 12 Feb 2021 – CNY Day 1) and set menus for up to five persons are available. Reservations can be made online via https://inline.app/booking/cj from 1 Dec 2020.

Festive takeaway goodies can be pre-ordered online at estore.crystaljade.com and outlets from 7 Dec 2020 to 28 Feb 2021, and available for collection at outlets from 25 Jan 2021.

Paradise Dynasty @ Funan Mall - Singapore First Ever Alcohol Infused Xiao Long Bao For A Limited Period

Fans of Paradise Group dining concepts will be excited to know that it has launched limited-edition alcohol-infused Xiao Long Bao, at Paradise Dynasty, Funan Mall. The Singapore first-ever alcohol-infused xiao long bao will only be available from 10 December 2019 to 19 January 2020 together with 4 other exclusive dishes - Shanghai Sesame Char Siew Pastry, Pan-fried Chilli Crab Bun, Deep-fried Crispy Duck served with Lotus Bun and Dong Po Pork.

Tipsy Surprise Xiao Long Bao 4.5/5

I find the Tipsy Surprise Xiao Long Bao ($18.80) an ingenious creation by the culinary team. During the promotional period from 10 December 2019 to 19 January 2020, guest can enjoy a basket of the alcohol xiao long bao at only $2.80 with every order of the other exclusive dishes at the Funan outlet.

The filling of each parcel is treated with a different distilled spirit. The alcohol helps to bring out the flavours of the tender meat filling housed in the dumpling skin, The different colours have a different flavour profile. White for Beer, Yellow for Red Wine with Cheese, Green for Chinese Rice Wine, Red for Whiskey and Orange for Cognac. The bold creation is legit delicious with the distinct distilled spirit profile which will excite your taste buds.

Shanghai Sesame Char Siew Pastry 4.2/5

Another exclusive dishes at Funan Mall is the Shanghai Sesame Char Siew Pastry ($5.80/3pcs) comes with a sweet tender meat filling encased in a flaky shell with a beautiful coat of aroma from the white sesame. 

Pan-fried Chilli Crab Bun 3.8/5

Making another exclusive return for a limited time is the Pan-fried Chilli Crab Bun ($10.80/3pcs). It soft and fluffy bun comes with succulent crab meat inside while the bottom is pan-fried to a slight crisp. While I enjoyed the soft and fluffy dough, I find the sauce on the garlicky side, which is not my preferred interpretation of the chilli crab sauce.

Deep-fried Crispy Duck served with Lotus Bun 3.8/5

Similar to how we enjoy Peking Duck, the Deep-fried Crispy Duck served with Lotus Bun ($30/half) is best enjoyed by sandwiching a piece of the crispy duck in the soft lotus bun and paired with the sweet hoisin sauce, and cucumber and radish condiments.

Dong Po Pork 4/5

Another favourite item from exclusive dishes is the classic Dong Po Pork ($19.80). The braised pork belly glazed with dark soy sauce is slow-cooked to fork-tender. This hearty dish is best to go with a bowl of steamed white rice.

All these items are only exclusive at the Funan outlet fro a limited period from 10 December 2019 to 19 January 2010. Simply ordered one of the exclusive dishes Shanghai Sesame Char Siew Pastry, Pan-fried Chilli Crab Bun, Deep-fried Crispy Duck served with Lotus Bun or Dong Po Pork to enjoy a basket of the Tipsy Suprise Xiao Long Bao at only $2.80 during the promotional period.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Paradise Dynasty
Funan Mall
107 North Bridge Road
#B1-01
Singapore 179097
Tel: +65 68051642
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 10pm
Sat-Sun, PH; 1030am - 10pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left onto North Bridge Road. Walk down North Bridge Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 mins. [Map]

The Lobby Lounge @ InterContinental Singapore - Journey Through A Baking Odyssey With Classic Afternoon Tea: Origins

InterContinental Singapore’s Executive Pastry Chef Ben Goh was recently awarded by World Gourmet Summit as the Pastry Chef of The Year 2019. In celebration of his recent accolade, diners get to indulge in the new Classic Afternoon Tea: Origins at The Lobby Lounge available from 1 August to 31 October 2019.

Inspired by Chef Ben’s humble beginnings and his love of sweets, each treat in this afternoon tea presentation tells a story of his foray into culinary arts, documenting key milestones in the illustrious chef’s career.

We were treated to a beautiful multi-tiered stand which showcases a gorgeous array of desserts that represents Chef Ben’s pastry endeavours. Starting from the Kueh Lapis - first cake baked with his grandma in preparation for Chinese New Year to the desserts which helped him clinched his first championship winning at overseas competitions.

Highlights include the Apple Ginger Chocolate Praline, which helped Chef Ben Goh clinched his winning at his first overseas competition at Food & Hotel Malaysia in 2009. Also the Peach Melba Cheesecake, which helped him clinch his first International Championship in 2013 (World Dubai Hospitality Championship 2013). We loved the subtle sweet peach aroma which complemented the light creamy cheesecake perfectly.

Another favourite is the Chocolate Lemongrass Pineapple Cake which won him his first Japan Podium at Japan Cake Show in 2015. Covered in rich chocolate decadence and a tinge of lemongrass aroma, this exquisite creation by Chef Ben hit all the right notes with its texture and flavours.

Take a trip down memory lane with the authentic Buttercream Cake, reminiscent of his childhood. Simple as it looks, but every bit as delicious with its soft fluffy texture and complimenting cream which adds a subtle sweetness and moisture to the cake.

Guests with a penchant for savoury delights will also enjoy treats such as Bacon Onion Quiche, Wild Mushroom Cappuccino with White Truffle Cream, and Smoked Chicken, Chicken Floss and Coleslaw on Charcoal Bun.

A favourite would be the Crabmeat Mantou, with a juicy piece of crab meat on creamy avocado and a touch of caviar. Complete with a crispy piece of mantou to add a crunch to the savoury treat.

Not forgetting the all-time favourite Cranberry Lemon Scones and English Scones with strawberry jam, fig jam and clotted cream.

Further elevate your indulgent afternoon experience with a flute of Taittinger Brut Champagne, with unlimited servings of ice cream such as the Yoghurt Yuzu ice cream and Strawberry Sherbet, which came in second runner up at Mondial Des Arts Sucrés 2018. We loved the smooth creaminess of the ice cream, filled with a refreshing tanginess from the yuzu and strawberry, which makes for the perfect end to the delectable classic afternoon tea treat.

Classic Afternoon Tea: Origins is available at The Lobby Lounge from 1 August to 31 October 2019, from 2pm to 5pm daily. The set is priced at S$78* for two guests, inclusive of a fine selection of loose-leaf teas and coffee; and at S$108* for two guests, inclusive of two flutes of Taittinger Brut Champagne, and a fine selection of loose-leaf teas and coffee.

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.


The Lobby Lounge
InterContinental Singapore
Level 1
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 68251008
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 2pm - 5pm

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