Sampanman Kelong @ Jurong Point - Opens Second Outlet in The West with Free-Flow Chendol and Exclusive Dishes

Following its debut at Jewel Changi Airport, Sampanman Kelong has cast its nets westward with the opening of its second outlet at Jurong Point. This new branch offers several exclusive items, including free-flow Chendol and outlet-only dishes, while the flagship at Jewel has also undergone a recent menu refresh.

Grilled Shellfish Sampan 3/5

A highlight of our visit was the Grilled Shellfish Sampan ($39). It came in a vibrant, rustic presentation served atop a wooden boat. The dish features an enticing mix of flower clams, prawns, and scallops, all tossed in a sweet and mildly spicy kicap manis sauce that's rich, sticky, and thoroughly addictive. While the sauce elevated the seafood, the portion was underwhelming, both in terms of quality and quantity, especially for its price point.

Tingkat

To round out our meal, we added on the Tingkat set — available in 2-Tier ($14) or 3-Tier ($20) options. We chose the 3-Tier set, which allowed us to select one item each from the rice, vegetable, and meat categories for a satisfying and balanced meal.

Blue Pea Rice 4/5

From the rice options — which also include Jasmine White Rice and Egg Fried Rice — we went with the Blue Pea Rice. It was nicely steamed, lightly aromatic, and added a touch of visual appeal to the tingkat.

Stir-Fried Sweet Potato Leaves 3/5

For vegetables, we opted for the Stir-Fried Sweet Potato Leaves. While the greens were tender and well-cooked, the sambal leaned a little too sweet, lacking the fiery punch I had hoped for. Moreover, the vegetables were chopped into small pieces, which took away from the textural enjoyment. Other options include Stir-Fried French Beans and Spicy Egg Sambal.

Nanyang Chicken Curry 4.2/5

The Nanyang Chicken Curry was the standout among the tingkat selections. The chicken was succulent and tender, and the curry sauce was rich, lemak, and fragrant. It was a well-executed, comforting dish. Other available proteins include Berempah Fried Chicken and Fried Mid Wing.

Butter & Gula Melaka Toast 3/5

For something sweet, I went off the beaten track and tried the Butter & Gula Melaka Toast ($2.90). The toast had a lovely charred exterior with a soft, fluffy interior. Unfortunately, the gula melaka spread lacked the depth and smoky aroma typically associated with high-quality palm sugar. It leaned more towards one-dimensional sweetness, which made it less memorable.

Sampanman Kelong continues to offer a kampung-inspired seafood experience in the modern mall setting, with creative local twists and nostalgic presentations. While some dishes shine, particularly the Nanyang Chicken Curry and the addictive kicap manis sauce on the shellfish, there's room for improvement in terms of consistency and value. That said, the free-flow Chendol and hearty Tingkat sets offer diners something both fun and familiar in the West.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Sampanman Kelong
Jurong Point
1 Jurong West Central 2
#01-16G/H/J
Singapore 648886
Tel: +65 83184863
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Nearest: Boon Lay (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 8am - 10pm

Direction:
1. Alight at Boon Lay MRT station. Take Exit C, D or E. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

The Masses X Chateau Dionne Collaboration - A French Lens On Southeast Asian Dishes

For three days only, from 27 to 29 June 2025, The Masses from Singapore and Chateau Dionne from Kuala Lumpur come together in a bold collaboration that bridges classical French technique with Southeast Asia's rich tapestry of street flavours. The result: a 10-course Tasting Menu ($78.90++/pax, min. 2 diners) that plays on nostalgia while delivering fine-dining flair. A curated wine pairing ($48++/pax) with a welcome drink is also available to elevate the experience.

Assam Laksa 4.2/5

The dinner opens with an elegant tartlet that channels the bright, punchy notes of Assam Laksa. Encased in a crisp, buttery shell is a smoky mackerel mix accented by tangy assam relish. Rojak flower and belacan powder lend aromatic and savoury depth, instantly conjuring memories of hawker classics, distilled into one complex, satisfying bite.

Orh Luak 3.5/5

This reimagined Orh Luak arrives as a golden Oyster Beignet. Poached French Amelie oysters are creamed and encased in a fried dough shell atop sambal olek sabayon. While the concept is creative and the texture is spot on, the oyster flavour could be more assertive to anchor the dish more firmly in its inspiration.

Lap Mei Fan 4/5

The communal Lap Mei Fan is cleverly deconstructed into a brioche snack glazed in pork lard and kicap manis. Topped with mushroom crumble and finely grated XO sausage, this compact creation is packed with umami and textural play. It is a fun, savoury number that nods to tradition while going its own way.

Ngoh Hiang 4/5

A luxe twist on the Teochew five-spice roll, this version blends foie gras into minced pork and prawns, wrapped in bean curd skin and deep-fried till shatteringly crisp. The accompanying Lingham chilli aioli adds a tangy heat that lifts the rich filling beautifully. It is a standout reinvention.

Yu Sheng 4/5

Here, Yu Sheng transforms into a dainty, composed plate. Cured Hamachi is paired with a bright calamansi and bird’s eye chilli granita, offering acidity and a hint of fire. Finished with pickled ginger and fried shallots, this dish is a refined interpretation of a festive classic.

White Pepper Veloute 4.5/5

The evening's best dish is a creamy, comforting White Pepper Velouté, a homage to pig's stomach soup. Poured tableside over sliced offal, scallions and pickled radish, the broth is peppery and full-bodied. A crispy pork croquette on the side completes the soulful yet elevated experience. Brilliantly executed.

Rojak - Hot 3/5

The Rojak is served in two ways: hot and cold version. The hot version is served on a sizzling plate with a crisp egg and aerated peanut sauce. This rendition leans more toward Gado Gado than traditional Rojak, with its warm, nutty notes and sesame cracker accompaniment.

Rojak - Cold 4/5

For the cold counterpart, a Penang-style refresher featuring tropical fruits and vegetables (rose apple, pineapple, mango, jicama) tossed in prawn paste, crushed peanuts, and rojak flower. Tangy, sweet and crunchy, this one hits the nostalgic notes more directly.

Hei Mee 4/5

Possibly the most avant-garde plate of the evening. a is reinterpreted as julienned squid ribbons, with a concentrated prawn head broth poured tableside. Sambal aioli and Melba toast add richness and crunch. It is a daring, cerebral dish that captures the essence of prawn noodles in an entirely unexpected way.

Chicken Rice 4.5/5

This dish pays reverent homage to a national icon, Chicken Rice. Salt-baked Chicken infused with angelica root and truffle rests on claypot-style garlic rice perfumed with pandan and chicken fat. The housemade chilli sauce, fermented over three days, adds complexity, while a warm chicken consommé ties the whole experience together. It is a masterclass in reinvention with respect.

Cendol 4/5

Dessert arrives with flair. Cendol is elevated into a plated masterpiece: pandan curd, glutinous rice fritters, red beans, coconut milk, and a house-made gula Melaka ice cream. The ice cream is intensely rich, the rice fritters are chewy yet crisp, and a sprinkling of sea salt brings balance. It is a delightful finale to a diverse and well-composed menu.

This collaboration is more than a one-off dinner. It's a dialogue between two culinary philosophies, two cities, and two perspectives on familiar food. Some dishes lean more heavily on technique, others on nostalgia, but the through-line is creativity and respect for culture. At under $80++, the 10-course menu is excellent value, making this a not-to-miss event in the June 2025 dining calendar.

The Masses X Chateau Dionne Collaborations

Dates and Seatings:
27 June, Friday: 530pm - 930pm
28 June, Saturaday: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 930pm
29 June, Sunday: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 930pm

Note: This is an invited tasting.


The Masses
Arcade @ The Capitol Kempinski
13 Stamford Road
#01-84
Singapore 178905
Tel: +65 6518 4988
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 1130am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit B. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Choon Hoy Parlor (春花) @ Beach Road - A Singapore Soul Food Haven

With the relocating of The Masses, the space has been transformed into a new concept by Chef Dylan Ong — Choon Hoy Parlor (春花). This cosy spot offers Singapore soul food, featuring a multicultural smorgasbord of heritage and heirloom recipes and hawker dishes close to the heart of Singaporeans.

Mini Fried Pomfret 3/5

We began our dinner with the Mini Fried Pomfret ($8.90/5pc, $15.90/10pc), deep-fried to a delightful crisp. Paired with the accompanying Plum Tao Cheong Dip, it was a pleasant start, though it didn't quite stand out among the other offerings.

CHP Signature Our Rojak, Our Own Way 4.2/5

The CHP Signature Our Rojak, Our Own Way ($8.90) is a refreshing, modern take on the traditional local rojak. It comprises seasonal fresh vegetables like starfruits, Japanese cucumbers, jicama, and rose apple, topped with house-made Rojak ice cream and garnished with You Tiao, century eggs, and peanuts. This innovative twist on a classic dish was a delightful explosion of flavours and textures.

CHP Signature Salad: Ulam 3/5

Next, we tried the traditional Malaysian dish, the CHP Signature Salad: Ulam ($15.90). Served cold on crushed ice, it featured fresh seasonal vegetables like paku fern, white corn, rose apple, jicama, lady's finger, Japanese cucumber, papaya, and seldom leaves. It was accompanied by Sambal Belacan and Ginger Flower Emulsion dips. While refreshing, the raw vegetables might not appeal to everyone.

Coin Prata 5/5

The Coin Prata ($8.90) served like a taco paired with lamb masala and mint yoghurt, was a highlight. The lamb masala, which Chef Dylan learned from an Indian chef, was robust and flavourful. Coupled with the crispy prata, this dish was an explosion of flavours and textures—a must-try!

Pork Tongue 3.8/5

Having eaten beef tongue before, I was intrigued by the Pork Tongue. It was more tender than beef tongue and served in a Thai-style spicy sauce paired with a crispy cracker. If I hadn't known, I would have thought it was beef brisket due to its melt-in-the-mouth texture.

CHP Signature White Pepper Pig Stomach Collagen Soup 4/5

Served in a claypot, the CHP Signature White Pepper Pig Stomach Collagen Soup ($25.90) was hearty and comforting. The peppery soup, comprising whole garlic cloves, winter melon, goji berries, pig stomach, taukee, and chives, was a warm, satisfying delight.

CHP Signature 16Hrs Bone-in Coffee Angus Short Rib 4.5/5

Inspired by the local zichar dish coffee Pork Ribs — the CHP Signature 16Hrs Bone-in Coffee Angus Short Rib ($69/700-800g) was an elevated interpretation. The fork-tender beef short rib, grilled over binchotan and glazed with coffee umami sauce, was further garnished with fried garlic chips for an aromatic finish. This dish was a standout.

Teochew Braised Duck 4.8/5

One of my favourite dishes was the Teochew Braised Duck ($69). Served with a set of condiments, including Tau Kwa Pau, sambal chilli, chopped boiled eggs, cucumbers, and yam mixed with fried hae bee hiam and fish cake, the braised whole duck leg was well-flavoured by the braising sauce for 1.5 hours and tender and succulent. The accompanying Tau Kwa Pau, a disappearing hawker dish, offered an additional way to enjoy this delightful dish.

Ayam Goreng Berempah 3.8/5

A good change from the usual Har Cheong Kai was the Ayam Goreng Berempah ($15.90/6pc). Instead of the usual whole chicken leg, it featured chicken winglets and drumsticks for a finger-licking good experience. Topped with serunding, it offered great textures and aroma.

CHP Signature Hainanese Kampong Chicken 3.5/5

A Lil Lard, A Lil Soy, A Lil Love Rice (Triple L)

The CHP Signature Hainanese Kampong Chicken ($15.90/Half, $28.90/Full) uses poached kampong chicken steamed with spring onion, ginger, and garlic. Served with minced vegetables lightly cooked in oil, soy sauce, sliced cucumbers, spring onion, and chopped ginger condiment, this iconic Singapore dish is best enjoyed with a bowl of Triple L Pork Lard Rice ($3).

CHP X Jelebu Signature Dry Laksa V2.0 3/5

The CHP X Jelebu Signature Dry Laksa V2.0 ($18.90) was wetter than expected. While the rempah was robust and fragrant, the strong cockles' flavour was not to my liking. However, I heard the restaurant has tweaked the recipe for an even more delicious version.

Yuzu Citron Cheng Tng 4.5/5

The Yuzu Citron Cheng Tng ($10.90) was an elevated take on the traditional Chinese clear soup dessert. It was simmered until flavorful with rock sugar, dried longan, dates, white fungus, sea coconut, karaya gum, and Korean yuzu citron, which gave the clear soup a deliciously new dimension.

CHP Signature Durian Chendol 4/5

Another local dessert inspiration was the CHP Signature Durian Chendol ($13.90). A gula melaka sponge cake base topped with pandan jellies, kidney beans, coconut ice cream, D24 durian puree, and corn espuma sauce, this luxe version of the traditional chendol dessert was a delightful end to our meal.

Choon Hoy Parlor (春花) is a gem for those seeking to relive the comfort and nostalgia of Singapore soul food. Chef Dylan Ong's innovative take on traditional dishes offers a fresh, contemporary twist that still holds true to its roots. Whether you're in the mood for a light snack or a hearty meal, Choon Hoy Parlor promises a dining experience that's both satisfying and memorable.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Choon Hoy Parlor (春花)
85 Beach Road
#01-02
Singapore 189694
Tel: +65 6266 0061
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (DT, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 530pm - 930pm
Sun: 12pm - 3pm, 530pm - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to North Bridge Road. Cross the road to Tan Quee Lan Street. Walk down Tan Quee Lan Street to Beach Road. Turn right onto Beach Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 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]