Joyden Canton Kitchen Chinese New Year Reunion Set Menus

Joyden Canton Kitchen unveil a line-up of prosperous reunion set menus to welcome the Year of the Rabbit. This Lunar New Year, the restaurant presents a repertoire of reunion set menus showcasing appetising yam and duck creations. In offer are two sumptuous six-course (from $288) and eight-course ($688) menus, available for dine-in from 2 January to 5 February 2023.

Crispy Yam with Salmon and Abalone Prosperity Yu Sheng 3.5/5

Toss to a new year of happiness, prosperity and longevity with Joyden's Crispy Yam with Salmon and Abalone Prosperity Yu Sheng ($78), comprising velvety slices of salmon, yam strips, julienne carrots, pomelo and crushed roasted peanuts in piquant plum sauce. I love the addition of the crispy yam sticks for additional textural enjoyment.

Traditional Crispy Szechuan Fragrant Duck 4/5

A splendid offering for this Lunar New Year is the Traditional Crispy Szechuan Fragrant Duck. It is marinated with a medley of aromatics, steamed and then deep-fried to render a beautiful crispy skin on the outside and tender meat inside. It is served alongside a homemade sambal and kumquat sauce for a sweet and spicy kick that is the perfect foil for the deep-fried bird.

Traditional Braised Eight Treasure Duck 4.2/5

Another impressive duck dish is the Traditional Braised Eight Treasure Duck braised for two and a half hours. The fork-tender duck is stuffed with an array of eight moreish ingredients: water chestnut, chestnut, shiitake mushroom, lotus seed, lily bulb, ginkgo, roast pork, garlic, cloaked in a luscious oyster-based sauce.

Yam Ring with Pork Loin & Fresh Scallops in XO Sauce 4.2/5

Besides the duck-centric dishes, customers can look forward to the nostalgic crispy homemade Yam Ring with Pork Loin & Fresh Scallops in XO Sauce. The yam ring is fried to perfection with a crisp exterior and creamy interior. Nestled within it is a treasure trove of pork loin, scallops, cashew nuts, asparagus, shiitake mushroom and bell peppers stir-fried in robust XO sauce.

Handmade Seafood Beancurd with Slow Braised Shanghai Baby Cabbage 4.8/5

The Handmade Seafood Beancurd with Slow Braised Shanghai Baby Cabbage looks unassuming, but it is a tasty and comforting dish. The seafood beancurd is pillowy soft while the soft cabbage soaked up the delicious broth.

Steamed Fragrant Glutinous Rice with Yam and Chinese Sausage 3.5/5

The Steamed Fragrant Glutinous Rice with Yam and Chinese Sausage features fluffy, sticky rice accompanied by diced chicken, dried shrimp, Chinese sausage, shiitake mushroom and yam cubes, topped with strips of egg and deep-fried Kai Lan leaves. It is like a huge rice dumpling fragranced by Chinese sausage.

Yam Sago 4/5

Wrapping up the dinner, I opted for the Yam Sago, a change from the usual mango sago. The rendition tastes like bubur cha cha less the sweet potatoes and tapioca cubes.

EXCLUSIVE CHINESE NEW YEAR PROMOTIONS
Dine-in Promotions
From 8 December 2022 to 28 February 2023:
• Customers to receive a set of Prosperity Red Packets with a minimum spend of $50.
• Customers to receive an exclusive Prosperity Cushion with a minimum spend of $130.

Takeaway Promotions
From 7 December 2022 to 5 February 2023:
• Members to enjoy 15% off with a minimum purchase of two festive delights.
• UOB card members to enjoy 10% off with a minimum purchase of two festive delights.
• Add on smoked salmon slices for $15 (U.P. $18) with any ‘Yu Sheng’ purchased.
• Stand a chance to win a free exclusive Prosperity Cushion:
    o Follow @JoydenConcepts on Facebook or Instagram
    o Snap lo hei moments with the Lo Hei Mat that comes with each set of takeaway ‘Yu Sheng’
    o Post a photo with the hashtag #CNYWithJoyden on Facebook or Instagram
Note: Prices stated are subject to 10% service charge and prevailing GST

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Joyden Canton Kitchen
HillV2
4 Hillview Rise
#02-21
Singapore 667979
Tel: +65 64659988
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Nearest MRT: Hillview (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 5pm - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Hillview MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk straight to Hillview Road. Turn right onto Hillview Road. Walk down Hillview Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Crystal Jade Golden Palace @ The Paragon - Refreshed Menus Of Elegant Fine Chinese Cuisine

Crystal Jade Golden Palace at The Paragon and Crystal Jade Palace at Takashimaya Shopping Centre have welcomed refreshed menus to offer new dining experiences to both new diners and regulars. Crystal Jade Palace's menu is rooted in Cantonese cuisine, while Crystal Jade Golden Palace is known for its Teochew delicacies. We tasted a few new dishes from both restaurants and thoroughly enjoyed them.

Teochew Four Delights 3.8/5

Starting with the Teochew Four Delights ($58), it is a sample platter of Chilled Lobster Crystal Jelly inspired by the Teochew pig trotter jelly, Golden Palace Teochew Crispy Crab Roll, Chilled Mala Jellyfish and Chinese Yam in Aged Vinegar. My favourite here was the appetising Chinese Yam in Aged Vinegar. Note that we had the sample platter here, while the full-sized portion would feed more pax.

Superior Bird's Nest with Fresh Crab Roe in Jinhua Ham Soup 4.5/5

The intricately put together Superior Bird's Nest with Fresh Crab Roe in Jinhua Ham Soup ($88 per person) was a pleasant surprise! It's less common to find bird's nest done savoury and even less so to find one prepared in this unique 'dry-toss' style. Superior bird's nest fresh crab roe and jellyfish are simmered in a small amount of stock and served with a bowl of savoury Jinhua ham broth. To enjoy it, diners are encouraged to taste the delicate dry-toss bird's nest on its own and then take sips of the broth in between. The light seasoning on the bird's nest allowed the crab roe's sweetness to shine, complementing nicely with the savoury broth.

Pan-fried Red Grouper with Radish & Yellow Bean in Teochew Style 4/5

The Pan-fried Red Grouper (Seasonal Price) is stewed with leeks, radish and shiitake mushrooms in a fish stock. It's reminiscent of the classic fish head steamboat but with lighter notes due to the use of radish instead of yam. This was comforting with a mild natural milkiness.

Braised Whole Thick Fish Maw 4.8/5

One of the dishes that left us with the most lasting impression was this Braised Whole Thick Fish Maw ($78 per person). The thick and tender chunks of braised fish maw were fried in a generous portion of spring onions, which helped to bring out an intense fragrance and sweetness.

Sautéed Spare Ribs with Aged Black Vinegar & Lychee 4.2/5

The Sautéed Spare Ribs with Aged Black Vinegar & Lychee ($32) was another popular dish among my dining companions. I found it a little bony, but the meat was tender, and the well-caramelised exterior had a good balance of tangy-sweet and savoury. If you're a fan of ginger, you'll enjoy pairing this with the generous side of finely sliced crispy fried ginger.

Poached Cabbage in Porridge Water with Conpoy & Garlic 3.5/5

On the lighter end of flavours among the dishes we had, was the Poached Cabbage ($26). Here we had Tianjin cabbage poached in porridge water with conpoy and garlic. Some of us thought the cabbage didn't carry the soup's flavour, but some enjoyed that it allowed the subtle sweetness of the cabbage to shine.

Crystal Jade Palace’s Mee Pok 4/5

For our noodle dish, we had Crystal Jade Palace’s Mee Pok ($28). The noodles are tossed in fragrant pork lard and XO sauce, with bits of crispy pork lard, bean sprouts and slices of roast pork belly. The XO sauce carried a mild heat. A portion feeds about 3 to 4 pax.

Chilled Beancurd with Ginger Osmanthus Syrup 3.8/5

The Chilled Beancurd with Ginger Osmanthus Syrup ($8.80 per person) was a delightful end to our dinner, with smooth homemade beancurd paired with candied ginger strips. It's accompanied by a jar of osmanthus syrup if you want an additional floral sweetness, but most of my dining companions and I enjoyed it without the syrup. I would also recommend having the ginger strips in small amounts to avoid it being too overwhelming.

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.


Crystal Jade Golden Palace
The Paragon
290 Orchard Road
#05-22
Singapore 238859
Tel: +65 67346866
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line), Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon to Fri: 11am - 3pm, 6pm - 930pm
Sat-Sun and PH: 1030am - 330pm, 6pm - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit C or D. Proceed to the road level. Walk down Orchard Road until the junction of Orchard Road and Orchard Link. Cross the road and walk to Paragon. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B. Proceed to the road level. Turn left on Orchard Road and walk down Orchard Road until junction of Orchard Road and Orchard Link. Cross the Road and walk to Paragon. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Sinpopo Brand @ Joo Chiat Road - Revamped Menu Of Local Food With A Fusion Twist

Sinpopo Brand at Joo Chiat has been around for 9 years and is most known for its focus on local food with a fusion twist and cakes inspired by local flavours, such as pulut hitam and putu piring.

Staying true to their brand story, they have recently launched a refreshed menu featuring return favourites and new innovative creations.

Sotong Hitam with Handmade Crab Tortellini 3.8/5

The Sotong Hitam with Handmade Crab Tortellini ($20) showcases Sinpopo's unique take on tortellini. Instead of the usual pasta skin, the crab meat filling is wrapped with dumpling-like skin. Together with slices of squid, they are then done in a fragrant squid ink rempah that carries quite a kick of spice.

Crab Bee Hoon 3/5

The Crab Bee Hoon ($19) is a popular return from the previous menu. It has vermicelli in a savoury seafood broth, topped with crab meat and roe.

Baked Miso Cod Hor Fun 3.5/5

The perfectly baked miso atlantic cod was the highlight of the Baked Miso Cod Hor Fun ($23). The cod was buttery and creamy and paired nicely with the lightly crisped-up pieces of fish maw. At this price tag, however, we wished there was a stronger wok hei and a bigger portion of hor fun.

Braised Cabbage in Superior Stock 3.5/5

A new interesting section on the refreshed menu is the Smoke-kissed Veggies to Share. There are 4 veggies to choose from, the Jambu Jack Salad, Butter Grilled Maitake, Nai Bai with Parmesan, and what we had, the Braised Cabbage in Superior Stock ($14). The savoy cabbage is braised till soft, grilled and served in a thick sauce. The overall smokiness was pleasant but could be much less salty.

Durian Pengat Crème Brûlée 3.8/5

If you have a sweet tooth, the rich Durian Pengat Crème Brûlée ($14) is one to consider. It has mao shan wang durian flesh cooked down with pandan and gula melaka, layered under custard and a caramelised top. On the side, there is coconut cream and biscuits to go along. It can get quite sweet and heavy, so it would be good to have this as a sharing dessert.

Sng Muay Pop

I enjoyed the fizzy Sng Muay Pop ($7)! It was scorching on the day of our visit, and this combination of 7-Up, lime and sour plum was refreshing. It's not too sweet, and they thoughtfully added preserved plum ice cubes. This drink helped to balance out the heavier-tasting dishes.

Sinpopo Teh Tarik

The Sinpopo Teh Tarik ($5) was a recommendation by the staff. Each cup is served with a pair of in-house cookies - we got the black sesame flavour. The teh tarik was smooth and sweet.

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.


Sinpopo Brand @ Katong
458 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore 427671
Tel: +63455034
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Nearest MRT: Dakota MRT (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Block 99 (Stop ID 81181). Take bus number 16. Alight 4 stops later. Cross the road and turn left. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

2) 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 6 stops later. Walk to Joo Chiat Road. Turn left and walk to destination. Journey time about 18 minutes. [Map]

YUN NANS (云海肴) @ ION Orchard - New Outlet With Garden-Within-A-Restaurant Theme In The Heart Of Orchard Road

One of my favourite Chinese Restaurants, YUN NANS (云海肴), has opened its latest and fourth outlet at Ion Orchard, in the heart of Orchard Road. The new space seeks to transport diners into a garden landscape, designed as a scenic garden-within-a-restaurant.

Steam Pot Chicken Soup with Lily Bulb 4.2/5

With the new opening, the restaurant also introduced new dishes, such as the Signature Steam Pot Chicken Soup ($32.90) is given an elevation with the addition of Lanzhou Lily Bulb. The lily bulb gives the light and nourishing soup an extra lift in sweetness.

Pomelo Salad with Osmanthus Dressing 4/5

The Pomelo Salad with Osmanthus Dressing ($10.90) is a refreshing and invigorating salad tossed in house-made osmanthus honey sauce, giving it a sweet and fruity finishing. Fresh lily bulb is added for that extra crispiness.

Lychee Prawn Ball 4.2/5

Shaped and looking like lychee is the Lychee Prawn Ball ($20.80). It is freshness at its best. Fresh prawns are hand-beaten to a paste, shaped into bite-sized balls and deep-fried till crispy. While the exterior is crisp, the inside is crunchy, bursting with juicy tenderness from the prawns.

Hotplate Milky Tofu with Spicy Garlic Sauce 4.8/5

A delightful new dish that goes very well with a bowl of rice is the Hotplate Milky Tofu with Spicy Garlic Sauce ($16.80). The famed Yunnan milky tofu's pillowy soft texture is achieved using Shiping's unique spring water, drenched in an appetising specially concocted spicy garlic seafood sauce.

Sauteed Cabbage with Dried Chillies 4.5/5

Sometimes simple is the best, for example, the Sauteed Cabbage with Dried Chillies ($13.80). It is simply stir-fried with garlic, thin slices of pork and dried chillies, bringing out the natural sweetness of the cabbage.

Charcoal Grilled Chicken Skin and Gizzard 4.2/5

Marinated with an in-house mix of Yunnan's spices and grilled over a charcoal fire, the Charcoal Grilled Chicken Skin ($2.80 per skewer) and Gizzard ($2.80 per skewer) are packed with beautiful aroma from the spices. The skewers are deliciously good for a few glasses of beer.

Braised Fish Maw with Porcini Mushroom

The treasure pot of Braised Fish Maw with Porcini Mushroom ($42.80 / $52.80) comprises wild porcini mushrooms harvested from the highlands of Yunnan, fresh fish maw, Yunnan solo clove garlic, Chinese yam, and Yunnan Qiubei Chillies. The ingredients are braised over a slow flame, giving the fish maw a soft texture and retaining its collagen content.

Claypot Rice with Minced Beef and Crispy Red Bean $24.90

Lastly, wrapping up our dinner is the Claypot Rice with Minced Beef and Crispy Red Bean ($24.90). It is like the Chinese take on the donabe. The stewed rice is cooked in a special in-house sauce and served with crispy red beans, minced beef, ham, crisp-fried pork lard, spring onions and salted vegetables. Mix everything together to end the meal in a finale

Note: This is an invited tasting.


YUN NANS (云海肴)
ION Orchard
2 Orchard Turn
#B3-17
Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 65130828
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Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 10pm
Sat-Sun, PH: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Eat 3 Bowls Station (呷三碗車站) @ Pasir Panjang - Homecoming With Its 2nd Outlet In The West

I visited Eat 3 Bowls Station (呷三碗車站) when it first started as a hawker stall at Seah Im Food Centre back in 2017. However, the hawker stall is no longer around as the young hawkers have opened a dine-in restaurant at Crawford Lane. Sometime early this year, it opened its 2nd dine-in outlet at Pasir Panjang, nearer my home.

Braised Pork Rice 4.5/5

A must-have is the Braised Pork Rice ($5). I enjoyed their version of braised pork with a mix of fatty and lean cuts. What makes it even more delectable is the soft and pearly rice underneath, absorbing the delicious braising sauce.

Chicken Rice 4.2/5

The Chicken Rice ($5) may look plain, but the shredded chicken is well flavoured. The caramelised shallots lent a lovely fragrance to the tender chicken. Though the rice used is not those flavoured Hainanese chicken rice, the plain, soft and pearly rice complements the shredded chicken excellently.

Bittergourd Pork Rib Soup 4.2/5

I remembered having the Bittergourd Pork Rib Soup ($5.50) when I visited their hawker stall. Back then, it was so bad that I give it a score of one out of five. This time, it is much flavourful and refreshing. It has redeemed itself.

Braised Chinese Cabbage 4.2/5

I also remembered having the Braised Chinese Cabbage ($5.20) back then. It is stewed to a delightful softness. Compare to the previous version I had, this version is richer in taste with the pungent aroma of dried shrimp.

Oyster and Intestine Mee Sua 4.5/5

Another signature at Eat 3 Bowls Station is the Oyster and Intestine Mee Sua ($7.20). It is probably the most authentic Taiwan rendition I have eaten so far. It uses red mee sua, plump oyster and bouncy pig intestines for the bowl of slurping goodness. The addition of garlic and vinegar completed the full appreciation of the mee sua.

Though Eat 3 Bowls has an East outlet, I haven't visited it as it is pretty far from my home. I am glad it has returned to the area where it first started, nearer to my home. Now I can easily satisfy my craving for Taiwanese cuisine.


Eat 3 Bowls Station (呷三碗車站)
103 Pasir Panjang Road
Singapore 118531
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Nearest MRT: Pasir Panjang (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon, Wed-Sun: 11am - 8pm
(Closed on Tue)

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

Jiang-Nan Chun @ Four Seasons Hotel - Michelin Starred Restaurant Brings Flavours Of Summer With New Six-course Seasonal Menu

Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant Jiang-Nan Chun introduces a luscious six-course summer menu this season. Specially crafted by Executive Chinese Chef Tim Lam, the menu showcases some of the finest produce and ingredients. It is intended to nourish and aid wellness during the warm season to relieve, rebalance and reenergize. The summer menu is priced at $158 per person and is available from 17 June to 31 August 2019 at both lunch and dinner daily.

Deep-Fried Cod Fillet and Chilled Sliced Whole Abalone 4.2/5 

The Deep Fried Cod Fillet with Rose Wine Sauce and Chilled Sliced Whole Abalone makes for a refreshing start to the meal. The bite-sized cod fillet is judiciously coated with sweet rose wine sauce and deep-fried to give a thin crisp to the succulent meat. The plump and juicy chilled abalone was a luscious enjoyment with each delicate slice as well.

Double-boiled Pork Shoulder Soup with Cordyceps Flower and Figs 4/5 

The second course is the Double-boiled Pork Shoulder Soup with Cordyceps Flower and Figs. The light fragrance lifts the palate effortlessly with realigning the internal energy flow. The accompanying pork shoulder meat is slow-cooked to lock in the natural flavours and moisture while retaining a soft and tender consistency.

Steamed Crab Claw with Egg White and Chinese Wine 4.2/5 

The Steamed Crab Claw with Egg White and Chinese Wine features an amazingly tender and fresh steamed crab claw. It has been soaked in an umami broth of egg white and Chinese wine to complement the natural sweetness of the seafood.

Cabbage Roll with Winter Melon, Kombu Seaweed and Mushrooms 3.8/5 

The Cabbage Roll with Winter Melon, Kombu Seaweed and Mushrooms delivers a crunch with a myriad of vegetables encased within the unassuming cabbage roll. I love the light fragrant flavour of the dish and contrasting textures within.

Braised Flat Noodles with Pork Collar 4/5

For something more substantial, the al dente Braised Flat Noodles with Pork Collar features tender pork collar that boasts the right amount of lean and fattiness ratio.

Chilled Coconut Pudding with Bird's Nest 4.2/5 

Round off the meal with a nourishing Chilled Coconut Pudding with Bird's Nest. This tropical-inspired dessert hits all the right notes with fresh coconut pudding served in a coconut husk, and generous helpings of bird's nest atop for a luxurious treat.

The Summer Delights Menu is available at $158 per person, from 17 June to 31 August at both Lunch and Dinner Daily.


Jiang Nan Chun (江南春)
Four Seasons Hotel Singapore
Second Floor
190 Orchard Boulevard
Singapore 248646
Tel: +65 68317220
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk towards Wheelock Place via ION. Exit Wheelock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Continue walking along Orchard Road. Walk to Hilton Hotel. Go to level 2. Follow the passageway to Four Seasons Hotel. Walk to destination. Journey time is about 12 minutes. [Map]