Pacific Emporium @ Pan Pacific Singapore - Local Inspired Afternoon Tea

A new afternoon tea experience at Pacific Emporium, Pan Pacific Singapore, celebrates our region's rich tapestry of local flavours and culinary traditions. The selection of sweet and savoury bites is thoughtfully curated and presented on a three-tier stand, accompanied by a fine selection of teas, coffee, or champagne as an add-on if you so wish.

The ambience is set with contemporary elegance, inviting guests to unwind and simply enjoy the afternoon. We were seated in one of the personal pods, which afforded us a cosy and relaxing space to enjoy our afternoon tea.

From the top tier, we had a Baba Ghanoush Avocado Bowl on Squid Ink Baguette, a colourful and tasty bite to whet the palate.

The middle tier showcased an exquisite selection of sweets: Hazelnut Crunchy Dark Coco, Apple Yuzu Citrus, Coconut Bandung with Chendol, and Mango Pomelo Sablé. Each one was well-balanced in flavour, and I particularly enjoyed the Mango Pomelo Sablé, which had refreshing tropical fruits encased in a buttery shell.

The bottom tier featured more substantial savouries, such as the Wagyu Beef Sando from Keyaki, Salted Egg Yolk Yam Puff from Hai Tien Lo, Singapore Chilli Crab Meat and Egg Custard cup with crispy Mini Bun, and Penang Crispy Pork Lobak with Five Spices wrapped in Bean Curd Skin.

On weekends, it gets even better with the Local Experience Live Stations, where guests can indulge in all-you-can-eat selections of local favourites. We ordered many warm, comforting bowls of tangy Penang Assam Laksa and Prawn Noodle Soup at the noodle station with fresh tiger prawn, water spinach and sliced pork. The broth was just too tasty!

For a bowl of Wok Hei Char Kway Teow with pacific crab meat, simply order it from the kitchen. It will come straight to your table piping hot.

The crêpe station was also really popular! Everyone wanted one of those freshly made crispy crêpes slathered with a thick layer of creamy D24 durian. That day, they were also offering the classic option of chocolate banana crêpes as an alternative. While waiting, feel free to help yourself to the DIY Fruit rojak.

This local-inspired Afternoon Tea experience is now available at Pacific Emporium with two daily seatings from 1pm to 3pm (1st seating) and 4pm to 6pm (2nd seating). The Local Experience Live Stations are available as part of the afternoon tea experience on weekends only.

The pricing is as follows:
Mondays to Fridays
$68++ per person
$88++ per person (includes a glass of Taittinger Brut Réserve Champagne)

Saturdays and Sundays
$78++ per person
$98++ per person (includes a glass of Taittinger Brut Réserve Champagne)

Photographed and penned by Shermine. Through her pictures and stories, she shares her journey of savouring new flavours and experiences. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Pacific Emporium
Pan Pacific Singapore
7 Raffles Boulevard
Level 1
Singapore 039595
Tel: +65 68268240
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Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
1st Seating: 1-3pm
2nd Seating: 4-6pm

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

Princess Terrace @ Copthorne Kings Hotel - Time-Honoured Penang-Peranakan Buffet since 1970s

Indulge in the captivating flavours of Penang-Peranakan cuisine with the exquisite Penang-Peranakan Buffet at Princess Terrace. Located within the esteemed Copthorne King's Hotel Singapore, the exquisite buffet offers a diverse selection of time-honoured Penang-Peranakan dishes that have been perfected since the 1970s. From iconic Penang Hokkien Mee to the delightful Crispy Belachan Chicken Wings and an array of Nonya Kuehs, the buffet captures the essence of this distinctive culinary heritage.

Savour the essence of Penang through the Penang Char Kway Teow offered in Princess Terrace's buffet. This renowned dish features stir-fried flat rice noodles with prawns, chicken, bean sprouts, and Chinese chives, all infused with the characteristic wok hei smokiness. Seasoned with a flavourful blend of spices and sauces, this dish captures the true essence of Penang's culinary heritage.

Another must-try is the Penang Assam Laksa, which features a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, featuring thick rice noodles immersed in a tangy and aromatic fish-based broth. The medley of flavours is elevated with tamarind, creating a delightful balance of sour and savoury. This dish is a homage to Penang's culinary traditions, offering a captivating journey for the palate through its bold and zesty profile.

Not to be missed are the Crispy Belachan Chicken Wings. The wings are expertly coated with a crispy layer, revealing tender and succulent meat within. The magic lies in the aromatic belachan seasoning, which infuses the wings with a bold umami kick and a hint of spiciness.

The Char Moey presents a fusion of textures and tastes, showcasing wok-fried porridge that's been expertly prepared to achieve a delightful balance between creamy and slightly crispy. Unlike the usual porridge, it is mildly fried to a fragrant brown. The addition of minced pork, succulent prawns, and dried cuttlefish brings layers of savoury richness, complementing the porridge's comforting nature. This dish embodies both the heartwarming essence of comfort food and the intricate palate of Penang cuisine, making it a must-try highlight of the buffet.

The buffet at Princess Terrace showcases an array of enticing dishes such as the Yang Chow Fried Rice, Sambal Goreng Tempeh, Mutton Rendang, and Satays. The Chicken Curry is a fragrant delight, with tender pieces of chicken immersed in a luscious curry sauce that's a harmony of spices and coconut milk. At the same time, the Stir-Fried Roast Pork with Dark Sauce presents succulent roast pork enveloped in a savoury dark sauce, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and umami.

Quench your thirst with a soul-soothing cup of Teh Tarik, a beloved Malaysian beverage featured in the buffet at Princess Terrace. This iconic drink, whose name translates to "pulled tea," offers a delightful combination of strong black tea and sweetened condensed milk, expertly mixed through a process of "pulling" to create its signature frothy top. Served piping hot, the Teh Tarik perfectly balances the robust bitterness of the tea and the creamy sweetness of the milk.

Experience the delightful flavours of freshly prepared Bang Chang Kueh at Princess Terrace's buffet, where the chef crafts this delectable treat right before your eyes. This interactive station adds a touch of excitement to your dining experience as you watch the skilled chef expertly create these traditional pancakes. Available in two irresistible flavours – peanut and durian.

Round up the feast with a selection of Nonya Kuehs. This tantalizing array includes beloved classics like Kueh Bengkar, Abuk Abuk, Pulut Tai Tai, Kueh Lapis, and Kueh Talam. These traditional delights are meticulously crafted to capture Peranakan cuisine's authentic flavours and textures.

Don't forget to indulge in the refreshing delight of Chendol. At the DIY station, diners can create their personalized Chendol bowl by piling them with different components, adding an interactive and creative element to their dining experience. As you craft your Chendol masterpiece, the dessert's key ingredients come together in a symphony of tastes – the creaminess of the coconut milk, the fragrant sweetness of pandan, and the rich depth of palm sugar syrup.

Overall, the Princess Terrace buffet offers an immersive journey through Penang and Peranakan cuisine's vibrant flavours and rich heritage. The diverse range of offerings, from classic favourites to innovative twists, ensures that diners enjoy a satisfying meal and gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural richness that defines Penang and Peranakan cuisine.

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.


Princess Terrace
403 Havelock Road
#1F Copthorne Kings Hotel
Singapore 169632
Tel: +65 67330011
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Nearest MRT: Havelock (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Havelock Road MRT station. Take Exit 5. Walk straight down Havelock Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about about 6 minutes. [Map]

Nan Yang Dao (南洋岛) @ Serangoon Central - Authentic And Affordable Malaysian-Style Dishes In Serangoon

Nan Yang Dao (南洋岛), a vibrant eatery offering Malaysian-style dishes, opened earlier this year. It is located within Serangoon Central and just a short walk away from Serangoon MRT. The popular eatery has seen crowds throughout the year, especially during meal times to get a taste of their extensive variety of authentic Malaysian classics.

3 Layers Coffee 4/5

We kickstarted the meal with a cup of 3 Layers Coffee ($3). This layered drink was initially inspired by Sarawak's famous '3 Layer Tea. As for the coffee version, the drink consists of three layers of black coffee, palm sugar, and evaporated unsweetened milk. Perfectly milky without being overly sweet, it is great for coffee drinkers who prefer their coffee to be milkier and sweeter.

Penang Fried Kway Teow 4.2/5

The Penang Fried Kway Teow ($6.80) is one of their signatures. The Penang's rendition has lesser soy sauce and boasts a nice wok hei aroma. The pork lard gave the dish an extra oomph and comes with essential ingredients like Chinese sausages, bean sprouts, fish cakes and prawns.

Selayang Big Bowl Curry Noodle 4.2/5

Another signature is their Selayang Big Bowl Curry Noodle ($9.90). It arrives in a giant bowl of curry mee while a plate contains the excess curry broth at the bottom to depict the overflowing goodness. The rich curry broth is fragrant and slightly spicy and comes loaded with pork belly, prawns, beancurd skin, meatball, and fishball.

Dry Curry Mee 4/5

We also tried the Dry Curry Mee ($6.90), where yellow noodles are doused in a robust and creamy curry sauce and topped with char siu slices and french beans, along with tau pok and shredded chicken. Like the Selayang Big Bowl Curry Noodle, the spiciness was slightly tamer, but the dishes were still very satisfying.

Hometown Prawn Paste Fried Chicken 4.2/5

The Prawn Paste Fried Chicken ($10.80), better known as 'Har Cheong Gai', is crisp on the outside and succulent on the inside, with a pleasant prawn paste aroma. The wings packed a punch full of flavours from its special shrimp paste batter.

Chendol 4.5/5

To end off the meal on a sweet note, we had the Chendol ($3.50). It has a good amount of gula melaka without being overly sweet and has a nice brown sugar and coconut fragrance. The generous amount of red beans and chewy green jelly toppings also added a nice textural contrast to the dessert.

Words and photos 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.


Nan Yang Dao (南洋岛)
Blk 262 Serangoon Central
#01-85
Singapore: 550262
Tel: +65 65131750
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Nearest MRT: Serangoon (CC Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 10am - 9pm
Sat-Sun: 9am - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Serangoon MRT station. Take Exit E.Turn left and walk down Serangoon Central. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 mintues. [Map]

Penang Hawkers' Fare @ York Hotel - Brings Back The Best Of Penang Street Food

York Hotel's Penang Hawkers' Fare, the long-standing promotion at White Rose Cafe, returns from 2 September to 18 September 2022. The hawkers from Penang make a return to delight diners with their speciality. During the promotion, patrons can watch the hawkers in action and feast on Penang hawker food to their hearts' content.

Penang Char Kway Teow 4.2/5

One of the most popular stalls for the past editions is the Penang Char Kway Teow, which always spots a long queue. The fragrant plate of wok-fried rice noodles is packed with wok-hei. Besides the delicious plate of noodles, be entertained by the eye-catching lady hawker's move when she swings into dancing twist frying the char kway teow.

Oyster Omelette 4/5

Crispy on the outside and gooey inside is the Oyster Omelette, best enjoyed with the tangy, spicy chilli sauce.

Lor Bak 3.8/5

Great for sharing are the Lor Bak, Cuttlefish Kang Kong and Rojak. On the Lor Bak platter, you will get five-spice meat rolls, prawn fritters, and deep-fried bean curd served with homemade chilli sauce and a thick soy-based sauce.

Cuttlefish Kang Kong 4.2/5

Not many places offer the Cuttlefish Kang Kong anymore. It is probably a dish that is foreign to the new generation too. The crunchy cuttlefish and water convolvulus are matched with a sweet and slightly spicy sauce and quality prawn paste and peanuts.

Penang Rojak 4.2/5

Tossed in a savoury, sweet and fragrant prawn paste is the Penang Rojak, topped with peanuts. Unlike the local rojak, the Penang version is more fruity and refreshing with ingredients such as cucumber, jambu, guava, jicama and pineapple.

Penang Laksa 4.8/5

There are Penang Laksa, Prawn Mee and Kway Teow Soup for the noodle dishes. All these three noodle dishes are a must-try. The Penang Laksa's tangy tamarind fish-based broth is packed with depth and robust flavours. Add some prawn paste to the laksa to elevate the whole taste profile to a new height. I have not eaten such a delicious bowl of noodles for a long while.

Prawn Mee 4.5/5

The Prawn Mee is another excellent choice too. The bowl of noodles is packed with a comforting and robust stock that has been laboriously boiled for hours, comprising prawn heads, shells and pork ribs.

Kway Teow Soup 4.5/5

For something lighter, go for the Kway Teow Soup. The smooth flat rice noodle comes in a light yet refreshing soup with fish balls, fish cake and shredded chicken. A dry version is also available.

Roti Canai 4.8/5

Another favourite item is the Roti Canai. The prata is crispy on the exterior and fluffy inside. It comes with a choice of either dhal curry or chicken curry. What is even more unique is the pairing of sambal chilli, which is not commonly appreciated this way in Singapore.

Ice Ball Kacang 3.5/5

Bringing back the childhood is the Ice Ball Kacang to wrap up the dinner on a sweet note.

Ban Chang Kueh 4.5/5

The Ban Chang Kueh is not to be missed too. The crispy pancake shell is folded into half with a spoonful of margarine, ground peanuts and sugar. Crispy on the edges while chewy inside.

Penang Hawkers’ Fare Lucky Draw
By dining at the Penang Hawkers’ Fare, diners stand to win attractive prizes from York Hotel Singapore:

First prize: A two-night weekend stay in a Premier Room inclusive of buffet breakfast and a S$100 dining voucher
Second prize: A one-night weekend stay in a Deluxe Room inclusive of a S$50 dining voucher
Third prize: ‘Treasured Flavours of Singapore’ à la carte Buffet Lunch at White Rose Café for five persons

The Penang Hawkers' Fare is available for lunch and dinner from 2 September to 18 September 2022. The menu includes an unlimited flow of coffee, tea, Calamansi drink, and Bandung.

Time:
- 12 p.m. to 2.30 p.m. (Lunch)
- 6.30 p.m. to 10.00 p.m. (Dinner)

Price:
- S$38* per adult, S$23* per child below 12 years of age, Mondays to Thursdays
- S$42* per adult, S$27* per child below 12 years of age, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays
*Prices are subject to 10% service charge and prevailing Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Note: This is an invited tasting.


White Rose Cafe
York Hotel
21 Mount Elizabeth
Singapore 228516
Tel: +65 67370511
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am to 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. 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]

Joo Chiat Place Fried Kway Teow @ Dong Cheng Eatery (Joo Chiat Place) - An Underrated Char Kway Teow Stall Comparable To Outram Park CKT

All of us probably has our own favourite char kway teow stall, and mine is Outram Park Fried Kway Teow Mee at Hong Lim Food Centre. I am glad to discover an underrated Char Kway Teow stall at Joo Chiat Place Fried Kway Teow. It is located in a corner coffeeshop along Joo Chiat Place. In my opinion, it is comparable to Outram Park Fried Kway Teow.

Fried Kway Teow 4.5/5

Two ladies run the stall. The elder one fries the noodles while the young lady is busying de-shelling the cockles at the back of the stall. I suspect they are a mother and daughter team. I observed the stall fry a big batch of noodles for a quick 2 to 3 minutes and put them aside. Then the older lady will fry one plate at a time upon order. Before throwing the noodles, she first cracked an egg, followed by the different ingredients and sauces.

Each plate of Fried Kway Teow here is priced at $4 or $5. It is neither wet nor dry. It is a well-balanced plate of smoky yellow noodles and rice noodles, with cockles, beansprouts, lup cheong, fishcake and egg.

What do I like about the plate of char kway teow here? First, it is not too sweet, having a good balance of sweet and savoury. The texture is not too dry or wet. It is packed with smokiness and is not cloyingly greasy. All in all, everything comes together as a plate of complex yet delicious goodness.

So what is the difference between Outram Park Fried Kway Teow and Joo Chiat Place Fried Kway Teow? Taste-wise, both are very comparable, but Joo Chiat Place is smokier. Outram Park's egg is runnier. Also, I was not too fond of the lup cheong used by Joo Chiat as it has a mushy texture. Last but not least, there is no queue at Joo Chiat. I can't guarantee when more foodies know about the stall, but I only waited for 5 minutes when I was there.

Joo Chiat Place Fried Kway Teow
59 Joo Chiat Place
Singapore 427783
Nearest MRT: Dakota (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 830pm
(Closed on alternate Wed)

Direction:
1) Alight at Dakota MRT Station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at block 99 (Stop ID 81181). Take bus number 33. Alight 6 stops later. Walk to junction of Tembeling Road and Joo Chiat Place. Walk to destination. Journey time about 18 minutes. [Map]