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
Instagram
Website
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]

Crystal Jade Pavilion @ Vivocity - The Group's Third Fine-Dining Brand Opens At Vivocity

Occupying the former premises of Crystal Jade Dining IN, the restaurant has reopened as Crystal Jade Pavilion, the restaurant group's third fine-dining brand. It is located on level one at Vivocity, facing the picturesque backdrop of the waterway and Sentosa island. 

Chilled Fresh Lily Bulb and Cordyceps Flower with King Oyster Mushroom 4.2/5

Chilled Tomatoes, Chilled Homemade Tofu with Scallop, Deep-fried Mushrooms and Corn 4.2/5

We started with a couple of appetisers such as the Chilled Fresh Lily Bulb and Cordyceps Flower with King Oyster Mushroom ($13.80), Chilled Tomatoes with Roselle Plum ($10), Chilled Homemade Tofu with Scallop, Bonito Flakes and Perilla Leaf ($18.80) and Deep-fried Mushrooms and Corn with Salted Egg Yolk ($12.80). I can't put my finger on my favourite, because all of them are deliciously good.

Poached Scotland Bamboo Surf Clam in Prawn Broth 4.8/5

The Poached Scotland Bamboo Surf Clam in Prawn Broth ($26.80 per pax) is a unique soup offering if you are not looking for something different. The robust prawn broth is poured tableside into the bowl with fresh bamboo clam pieces, which are instantly cooked. Diners can choose to add condiments like julienne ginger, black fungus, coriander and deep-fried dough fritters to enjoy the soup.

Pan-fried Sliced Duck and Foie Gras with Crepe 4/5

The Pan-fried Sliced Duck and Foie Gras with Crepe ($18.80 per pax) is eaten like your Peking Duck. However, the version here has more textures, coming from the meaty slice of crispy-skin roast duck, pan-fried foie gras and crispy fried beancurd skin. To eat, wrap them up in a homemade crepe with julienne tomatoes, leeks, cucumber and refreshing butterhead lettuce.

Pan-fried Threadfin with Supreme Soya Sauce 4/5

Live seafood is available at Crystal Jade Pavilion too. A recommendation is their Pan-fried Threadfin with Supreme Soya Sauce ($58.80 for 600-700g). The firm and moist fish is deep-fried and then simmered in a superior soya sauce. However, diners must be careful as it has a lot of bones.

Fresh Chinese Yam with Sea Cucumber in Fragrant Spicy Sauce 3.8/5

Great with a bowl of rice is the Fresh Chinese Yam with Sea Cucumber in Fragrant Spicy Sauce in Claypot ($42.80). It is a treasure pot of crunchy Chinese yam and spongy Australia sea cucumber in a tongue-tingling gravy.

Poached Choy Sum, Black Fungus & Cordyceps Flower in Chinese Ginger Wine

On a lighter note, we had the Poached Choy Sum, Black Fungus & Cordyceps Flower in Chinese Ginger Wine ($24.80). The jade green veggies are steeped in a ginger wine broth.

Braised Duo Vermicelli with Pearl Abalone & Pork Belly in Abalone Sauce 4.5/5

The winsome Braised Duo Vermicelli with Pearl Abalone & Pork Belly in Abalone Sauce ($33.80) is a must-try. It combines fried beehoon and tang hoon coated in a braising liquid enriched with pork belly and abalone sauce.

Cheng Tng Sweet Soup 4.2/5

Brimming with quality ingredients such as peach gum, white fungus, ginkgo, dried longans, and lotus seeds is the Cheng Tng Sweet Soup with Six Treasures and Golden Luo Han Guo in Whole Fresh Coconut ($13.80 per pax). A light and refreshing dessert for a sweet finish.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Crystal Jade Pavilion
Vivocity
1 Harbourfront Walk
#01-112
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 62785626/ 91772005
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Harbour Front (CC Line, NE Line)

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

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

White Rose Cafe @ York Hotel - Traditional Teochew Porridge With An Array of Dishes For Lunch And Dinner

White Rose Cafe at York Hotel is known for its quarterly Penang Hawkers' Fare buffet and its signature Curry Fish Head dish on its a la carte menu. For a change, the restaurant is bringing back the Traditional Teochew Porridge along with an array of traditional dishes. The promotion will be available for both lunch and dinner from 01 October to 30 November 2018.

Braised Duck with Bean Curd 4/5

All in all there are a total of 16 a la carte side dishes to go along with the Teochew porridge. We tried a few of these dishes on the menu, starting with the Braised Duck with Bean Curd ($12).  Both the duck and bean curd were well braised, absorbing the savoury sauce which goes well with the plain porridge.

Bean Curd with Pork Floss 2.5/5

While the Bean Curd with Pork Floss ($6) is smooth and silky, I find it a little bland to go with the porridge. Maybe adding a richer oyster sauce to the dish will be more appetising.

Century Egg with Pickled Ginger 2.5/5

I didn't quite like the Century Egg with Pickled Ginger ($6). It lacked that pungent ammonia whiff which I like about this acquire ingredient. I also like the yolk to be runny but this is a quite dry.

Chap Chye 3.5/5

The Chap Chye ($9) is cooked to a delectable bite, not stewed until too soft. I like that the cabbage still has a crunch to it. I only hope that the fermented bean curd taste can be a bit stronger.

Chye Poh Omelette 3/5

Onion Omelette 4/5

For the eggs, there are the Chye Poh Omelette ($9) and Onion Omelette ($9). I prefer the latter as the onion is more fragrant and has a subtle sweetness on top of the fluffy omelette. As for the chye poh omelette, it turned out to be on the salty side with the used of salty chye poh. I thought it would taste better if sweet chye poh is used instead.

Sliced Fish with Ginger and Spring Onions 3.5/5

Diced Chicken with Black Pepper Sauce 3.5/5

For some stir fried items, there are the Sliced Fish with Ginger and Spring Onions ($12) and Diced Chicken with Black Pepper Sauce ($10). They are not the usually dishes you will find in traditional Teochew porridge but who is complaining about variety, just give it to me.

Braised Chicken Feet with Mushroom 4/5

Probably I am the only one eating the Braised Chicken Feet with Mushroom ($10). The braising sauce has penetrated into the chicken feet and mushroom, liven it with the savoury sauce. Love it.

Braised Mui Choy with Pork Belly 4.2/5

Another braised item on the menu is the Braised Mui Choy with Pork Belly ($10). The pork belly is cooked to fork tender and it even comes with a bed of mui choy underneath. I find this quite value for money. getting two items in one pot.

Steamed Minced Pork with Salted Fish 4.2/5

Everyone's favourite for the dinner goes to the Steamed Minced Pork with Salted Fish ($12). The saltiness of the salted fish was not overpowering but complemented the patty with a little hint of spiciness from the red chilli.

Cheng Tng 4.5/5

If you have problem deciding which 16 dishes to order, you can also go for the two 4-course set menu that is good for 2 pax at $29 per set. Both set menus come with free flow steamed rice and porridge as well as a choice of hot Cheng Tng or Tang Yuan in Ginger Flavoured Syrup for dessert.

All DBS/POSB and UOB credit and debit cardholders enjoy 10% off the a la carte dishes from the Teochew Porridge menu. Diner also receive one complimentary carpark coupon (per bill per table) with a minimum spend of $50 on a single receipt (valid only for the Teochew Porridge promotion).

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]

Tian Tian Yuan Dessert House @ Tiong Bahru Food Centre - It Offers More Than 60 Different Type Of Desserts

Singapore is known for its humid weather and what is for fitting then a bowl of ice cold dessert to cool oneself from the heat. A visit to Tiong Bahru Food Centre after a hawker feast, one should not miss checking out Tian Tian Yuan Dessert House to finish the meal on a sweet note. You will be astonished to find that the stall offers more than over 60 different types of desserts.

Ice Kachang 4/5

A tradition childhood dessert is the Ice Kachang ($1.50). The shaved ice is drizzled with different coloured syrup water which makes it very appetizing and appealing. Buried under the mountain of shaved ice, you can find ingredients such as red beans, jelly, attap-chee etc.

Cheng Tng 4.5/5

Cheng Tng ($1.80) is a traditional dessert that is available either cold or hot. Many stalls took shortcut and used syrup nstead of making their own longan soup. If my palate did not fail me, the longan soup tasted genuine. I also like the fact it is very generous with the accompanying ingredients that comes together with the bowl of refreshing dessert.

Tian Tian Yuan Dessert House
Tiong Bahru Food Centre
30 Seng Poh Road
#02-15
Singapore 168898
Nearest MRT: Tiong Bahru (EW line), Outram (EW Line, NE Line)

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

Direction:
1) Alight at Tiong Bahru MRT station. Take Exit A or B. Head east on Tiong Bahru Road towards Jalan Membina. Walk down Tiong Bahru and turn right onto Kim Pong Road. Turn left onto Lim Liak Street. Walk to end of Lim Liak Street and turn right onto Seng Poh Road. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Outram MRT station. Take Exit A or C. Walk to bus stop opposite Outram MRT station (Stop ID 06011). Take bus no. 33, 63, 75, 851 or 970. Alight 1 stop later at Blk 55 Tiong Bahru Road. Continue on Tiong Bahru Road and turn left onto Seng Poh Road. Continue on Seng Poh Road until destination. Journey time 8 minutes. [Map]

Rong Fa Cheng Tng @ Havelock Road Food Centre - Traditional Dessert at $1 Only

Looking for some cheap traditional desserts? I came across Rong Fa Cheng Tng at Havelock Road Food Centre the other day and noticed the stall steals dessert as cheap as $1. This is a price point that you hardly can find it at food centre anymore.

Pulut Hitam 3/5

The Pulut Hitam ($1) comes with a spoon of coconut milk which allows customer to add into the black glutinous rice dessert to their preference. The sweetness of the dessert was rather balanced with the bonus of dried longan. However I thought it was a bit on the watery side.

Cold Cheng Tng 2.8/5

The Cold Cheng Tng ($1) is quite disappointing with the substitution of the traditional ingredients used in the traditional dessert with canned peach and jelly. The longan soup was rather bland too. It tasted more like syrup water. For an additional $2, you get to have gingko nuts.

Besides the pulut hitam and cheng tng which I tried, the stall sells a variety of desserts too. Most of the them are around $1,50 with the most expensive item at $2. While the dessert is not the best I have tried, it is definitely one of the cheapest I have found.


Rong Fa Cheng Tng
Havelock Road Cooked Food Centre
Blk 22A Havelock Road
01-09
Singapore 162022
Nearest MRT: Tiong Bahru (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 9am - 9pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Tiong Bahru MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Bukit Ho Swee Link. At Bukut Ho Swee Link, turn left and walk to Jalan Bukit Ho Swee. At Jalan Bukit Ho Swee turn right and walk to Jalan Klink. Walk down Jalan Klink and look out for a staircase that goes down the slope. Take the staircase to the bottom. Turn right and follow the covered walkway to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Jubilee Coffee House & Bar @ Netheravon Road (Changi Village) - The Old Bungalow Charm

Converting the bungalow along Netheravon Road near Changi Village into a restaurant is Jubilee Coffee House & Bar , a sister restaurant of Coastal Settlement further down the road. The old bungalow has a nostalgic charm that serves up a selection of Western and Asian fare.

Ter Kar Bee Hoon 4.5/5

I go to know about Jubilee Coffee House & Bar after Christina brought me here for lunch a couple of months back. I am back here again for the Ter Kar Been Hoon ($15). Usually pig trotter bee hoon is dry version but here it is wet version with the aromatic scent of Chinese wine. It says something when I am back for the same dish.

Pork Curry Rice 4.2/5

The other dish we tried is the Pork Curry Rice ($18). The plate of rice comes with a huge serving of breaded pork with a fried egg. The pork cutlet is deep fried to golden brown, tender, moist and juicy. For a localised twist, a bowl of local curry is served on the side.

Ching Teng 4.5/5

For dessert, we tried the Ching Teng Cold ($7). Served in huge glass, the Ching Teng comes in abundance of ingredients that is perfect for the humid weather.

The first impression of the menu is that price is rather steep. However the food portion is actually quite generous. Hence I think it is quite reasonable. Food wise I am quite surprise by the quality and standard. If not for the distance, I would definitely go back more often to try the rest of their offering in the menu.


Jubilee Coffee House & Bar
580 Netheravon Road
Singapore 508516
Tel: +65 65430060
Website
Nearest MRT: Tampines (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1030am - 12midnight
Sat, PH Eve: 930am - 1am
Sun, PH: 930am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tampines MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Tampines Bus Interchange (Stop ID 75009). Take bus number 29.  Alight 22 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 70 minutes. [Map]