Yum Cha Restaurant @ Chinatown - Celebrate SG60 with Innovative Local-Inspired Dim Sum Creations at $6 Each Till End August

To celebrate SG60, Yum Cha Restaurant, one of Singapore's beloved dim sum brands, is launching a creative, limited-time menu inspired by signature local flavours.

Available at both its Chinatown and Changi Business Park outlets, the specials are priced at just $6 each from now till 31 August 2025. Expect familiar dishes reimagined through a dim sum lens, featuring Singaporean favourites like Laksa, Chilli Crab, and Bak Kut Teh.

Bak Kut Teh Xiao Long Bao 4.2/5

Yum Cha's chefs dedicate 16 hours to crafting the peppery broth inside the Bak Kut Teh Xiao Long Bao (3 pcs). We took a bite and sip of the soup and were pleasantly surprised by a distinct kick of peppery notes. It even came served with dark soy sauce and chilli, mirroring the traditional BKT experience.

Crusty Chilli Crab Bao 4/5

There has got to be chilli crab on an SG60 menu, right? These Crusty Chilli Crab Bao (2 pcs) were fried to a crisp on the outside and filled with tangy, mildly spicy crab sauce. Topped with a playful crab-shaped crust, it delivers the flavours of chilli crab without the mess.

Handmade Otak-Otak Siew Mai 3.8/5

With its spinach wrapper, black tobiko, and a fragrant otak centre, this version of Handmade Otak-Otak Siew Mai offers a localised spin, though we’d have preferred a punchier spice.

Laksa Rice Flour Roll 4.2/5

One of our favourites from this launch is the Laksa Rice Flour Roll. It's cleverly layered with crab, shrimp, chicken, and dried shrimp wrapped in a crisp rice net and finished with smooth cheong fun skin. We especially enjoyed their house-made laksa gravy, which is well-balanced, neither too lemak nor watery. Make sure to dig into this hot to enjoy it at its best.

Satay Fried Rice 3.5/5

Served next was the Satay Fried Rice accompanied by two satay chicken skewers. While the flavour remained true, it was a pity that the rice was slightly too dry.

Prata Pork Pancake 4/5

I was sceptical of the Prata Pork Pancake initially. Still, I was surprised by the crisp exterior and juicy minced pork filling, which was reminiscent of that from Xiao Long Bao. We found this an enjoyable and likeable pairing, albeit a little oily.

Kaya Bolo Bao 3/5

The Kaya Bolo Bao (2 pcs) comes with a slab of butter and kaya sandwiched inside. The texture leaned more toward bread, and we wished for a crunchier top crust and fluffier bun.

Kopi Gao Bao 3.8/5

Local coffee lovers can keep an eye out for their Kopi Gao Bao (2 pcs), a joint creation with Singaporean instant coffee brand Coffee Hock. Their signature Kopi Gao powder adds a different flair to the usual salted egg custard buns.

Apart from the attractive pricing, Yum Cha is also inviting diners to do good this season with their "Bringing Back the Joy of Five Stones" initiative. Partnering with SG Enable and Re:store, diners who spend a minimum of $60 can purchase handmade Five Stones by differently-abled artisans at $6.

If diners are confident of their Five Stones skills, they can choose to challenge Yum Cha’s in-house Five Stones champions and stand a chance to win a $20 Yum Cha voucher.

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.


Yum Cha Restaurant
20 Trengganu Street
#02-01
Singapore 058479
Tel: +65 6372 1717
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1030am - 9pm
Sat-Sun: 9am - 9pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Pagoda Street. Turn right onto Trengganu Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Red House Seafood @ Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel - CNY 2025 Menus and New Dishes

Celebrate this Lunar New Year at Red House Seafood at Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Singapore with their specially curated CNY Set Menus and exciting new dishes.

Prosperity Abalone and Coral Seaweed Yu Sheng 4/5

The Prosperity Abalone and Coral Seaweed Yu Sheng is a perennial favourite among regulars. It is loved for its unique crunch, which comes from the addition of coral seaweed, adding a refreshing twist to this classic dish.

Jackfruit Salad 5/5

To start, we indulged in a delightful array of new side dishes. The Jackfruit Salad stood out with its vibrant citrusy flavours, beautifully balanced by the tangy Buah Kedongdong Sauce.

Salted Egg Tempeh 4/5

Crispy Baby Squid 4/5

Both the Salted Egg Tempeh and Crispy Baby Squid offered savoury, addictive bites.

Grilled Marinated Squid 4/5

Meanwhile, the Grilled Marinated Squid impressed with its tender texture and subtle smokiness from the grill that elevated its flavour.

Steamed Giant Grouper Tail with Bentong Ginger 4.5/5

A signature highlight is the Steamed Giant Grouper Tail with Bentong Ginger, a speciality of Red House Seafood. The restaurant uniquely offers different cuts of the giant grouper, akin to steak cuts. This particular dish featured tender, firm meat with a gelatinous skin. The bentong ginger, known for its extra punchy aroma, beautifully complemented the robust flavours of the fish.

Lemongrass and Jasmine Tea Smoked Chicken 5/5

Another standout was the Lemongrass and Jasmine Tea Smoked Chicken. The meat was tender, offering a flavour profile reminiscent of sweet soy sauce chicken but elevated by the subtle, aromatic notes of lemongrass and jasmine.

Braised Sea Cucumber with Shiitake Mushroom and Duo Cauliflower 4/5

Braised Sea Cucumber with Shiitake Mushroom and Duo Cauliflower was more aesthetically pleasing than usual. The use of Yellow and Purple Cauliflower added a pop of colour to the dish. The sauce had a savoury depth of flavour that aptly complemented the braised sea cucumber.

Glutinous Rice Chicken Roll with Quinoa and Wax Meat 4.5/5

The Glutinous Rice Chicken Roll with Quinoa and Wax Meat showcased the culinary team's expertise. The chicken was skillfully processed into a paste to encase a flavourful mixture of glutinous rice, quinoa, and wax meat, then shaped into an elegant roulade with the chicken's skin. The incorporation of quinoa lightened the dish while making it more nutritious, a thoughtful twist on the traditional version.

Signature Chilli Crab 4.5/5

No visit would be complete without the Signature Chilli Crab, served with adorable crab-shaped mantou. The sauce struck the perfect balance of sweet and mildly spicy flavours, while the mantou was golden crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside — ideal for soaking up every last bit of the sauce.

Crispy Bubur Cha Cha 4.5/5

Purple Glutinous Rice Cake 4.5/5

For desserts, the Crispy Bubur Cha Cha offered a creative and delightful spin on the traditional dish. The crispy sweet potato strips provided an enjoyable crunch, complementing the soft sweet potato cubes and the creamy yam coconut base. The Purple Glutinous Rice Cake was another highlight, offering a healthier and aromatic take on traditional Nian Gao. The earthy flavour of the purple glutinous rice and the fragrant shredded coconut boosted an additional texture and aroma to the festive treat.

Photos and 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.


Red House Seafood
Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Singapore
392 Havelock Road
Level 2
Singapore 169663
Tel: +65 67357666
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT:

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 5pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Havelock MRT station. Take Exit 4. Turn left and walk to traffic junction of Havelock Road and Kim Seng Road. Cross the road. Turn left and walk down Kim Seng Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Social Bar & Bistro @ Republic Plaza - Western Fare and Handcrafted Cocktails in the Heart of CBD.

Social Bar & Bistro at Republic Plaza offers Western fare and handcrafted cocktails in the heart of the CBD. The comprehensive menu features a range of appetisers, pastas, pizzas, and mains.

Spanish Garlic Prawns 3.8/5

We started with two appetisers: Spanish Garlic Prawns ($18) and Chilli Crab Sliders ($18). The Spanish Garlic Prawns were delectable, served in a rich, garlicky sauce that begged to be soaked up with the accompanying toast — a perfectly appetising start to the meal.

Chilli Crab Sliders 2.8/5

The Chilli Crab Sliders felt more like Mantou with a chilli crab dip, aside from the slice of cucumber tucked between the fried buns. The chilli crab filling was unexpectedly saucy, with a fiery kick that may appeal to those craving bold flavours.

Smoked Salmon Salad 3/5

Catering to the health-conscious lot in the CBD, the menu offers a variety of salads available in both half and full portions. The Smoked Salmon Salad ($18) was wholesome, featuring greens, eggs, and tomatoes, though the balsamic drizzle could have been more inventive.

Grilled Barramundi 3/5

We opted for the Angus Beef Burger ($22) and Grilled Barramundi ($24) for mains. The Grilled Barramundi was slightly dry, but the creamy mashed potatoes slightly mitigated the texture.

Angus Beef Burger 3.8/5

The Angus Beef Burger, with its hearty 200g beef patty in a beautifully toasted buttery brioche layered with caramelised onions and cheese, was tantalising overall. Even more so with the ultra-crisp fries. A less compact and dense patty might have elevated the texture more.

We also tried two simple but delightful cocktails — Apple Crisp ($22) and Mad for Mango ($22). Both were bourbon-based and were just $10 on ladies' night; they were a great addition to the meal.

Photos and 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.


Social Bar & Bistro
Republic Plaza
9 Raffles Place
#01-01
Singapore 048619
Tel: +65 91701395
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 1030am - 1030pm
Fri: 1030am - 1130pm
(Closed on Sat & Sun)

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

Pacific Emporium @ Pan Pacific Singapore – Local Inspired Afternoon Tea, Where the Flavours of Singapore are Elevated to an Art

Are you looking for a delightful mid-day retreat? The Local-Inspired Afternoon Tea at Pacific Emporium might be just what you need. Set in the elegant lobby of Pan Pacific Singapore, this experience invites you to relax in charming floating pods. Enjoy a tranquil afternoon while savouring a selection of teas, coffees, or even a glass of champagne, accompanied by an array of delectable sweet and savoury bites.

We recommend beginning with the savoury items and then moving on to sweet treats, alternating between the two for a balanced experience. Explore a twist on beloved Southeast Asian cuisine with dishes such as Singapore Chilli Crab Meat in Egg Custard with Mini Bun, Hai Tien Lo's Salted Egg Yolk Yam Puff, and Penang Crispy Pork Lobak with Five Spices wrapped in Bean Curd Skin.

Penang Crispy Pork Lobak with Five Spices wrapped in Bean Curd Skin 3.5/5

Singapore Chilli Crab Meat in Egg Custard with Mini Bun 3.5/5

While the chilli crab meat sauce was well-balanced with a satisfying mix of sweetness and spice, the egg custard at the bottom lacked flavour. Additionally, it was challenging to combine all the elements into a single, cohesive bite.

Baba Ghanoush Avocado Tart 3/5

Originally, this item was served on a baguette, but customer feedback indicated that the baguette was too hard, leading to a switch to a tart shell. Unfortunately, the tart shell overshadowed the filling, which was relatively mild in flavour. As a result, the taste of the tart shell dominated, leaving the intended flavours of the filling barely noticeable.

Crabmeat on Melon 3.8/5

We also sampled an additional item from the savoury tier - Crabmeat on Melon Stick, elegantly topped with ikura. This dish offered a refreshing twist on the classic Italian Prosciutto e Melone, featuring sweet crabmeat paired with juicy melon for a delightful and visually appealing presentation.

Keyaki’s Wagyu Beef Sando 4/5

Our standout of the day was undoubtedly the Keyaki's Wagyu Beef Sando. This dish features a generous slab of exquisitely seasoned wagyu beef, nestled between two slices of perfectly toasted bread. The wagyu was tender and richly flavourful, complemented by the crispy, golden-brown toast that added a satisfying crunch.

Moving on to the sweets, we were presented with a selection of picture-perfect treats featuring local flair, including Mango Pomelo Sablé, Coconut Bandung with Chendol, and more. While there were a few hits and misses among the offerings, the overall experience was delightful and made for a charming afternoon tea.

Coconut Bandung with Chendol 3/5

Encased in a chocolate shell was the Coconut Bandung cream, topped with chendol and desiccated coconut. We had high hopes for this treat, but unfortunately, the flavours did not shine through as expected. The predominant taste was of the chocolate shell, overshadowing the subtle coconut and bandung elements.

Mango Pomelo Sablé 3.8/5

Hazelnut Crunchy Dark Choc 4/5

Our favourite of the sweets was the Hazelnut Crunchy Dark Chocolate. This treat struck a perfect balance, not overly sweet, and packed with robust hazelnut flavour in every bite. The dark chocolate provided a rich, slightly bitter contrast that complemented the crunchy texture and nutty essence.

Apple Yuzu Citrus 3.5/5

Raspberry Sakura Red Velvet 2.8/5, Pulut Hitam Brûlée Mousse 3/5

Two of the sweet items are available only from Monday to Friday. The Raspberry Sakura Red Velvet didn't quite suit our palate, but the Pulut Hitam Brûlée Mousse was a delightful twist on a familiar local dessert. The mousse combined the classic flavours of pulut hitam with a creamy brûlée texture, offering a refreshing and inventive take on a beloved favourite.

There are Local Experience Live Stations if you come on the weekends, where you get to try out five tantalising local delights of Prawn Noodle Soup with Fresh Tiger Prawn, Water Spinach, and Sliced Pork, Penang Tangy Assam Laksa, Wok Hei Char Kway Teow with Pacific Crab Meat, Local Fruit Rojak, and D24 Durian Crêpe.

For just an additional $20, you can elevate your afternoon tea experience with a glass of Taittinger Brut Réserve Champagne, enhancing your tea or coffee with a touch of luxury.

We've also heard that the menu will be updated around October, so be sure to check their website for the latest offerings and updates.

Mondays to Fridays $68 per person | Includes a pot of TWG tea or a cup of Lavazza coffee $88 per person | Includes a glass of Taittinger Brut Réserve Champagne in addition to a pot of TWG tea or a cup of Lavazza coffee

Saturdays and Sundays (with Live Stations) $78 per person | Includes a pot of TWG tea or a cup of Lavazza coffee $98 per person | Includes a glass of Taittinger Brut Réserve Champagne in addition to a pot of TWG tea or a cup of Lavazza coffee

Two daily seatings from 1pm to 3pm (1st seating) and 4pm to 6pm (2nd seating).

Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Pacific Emporium
Pan Pacific Singapore
7 Raffles Boulevard
Level 1
Singapore 039595
Tel: +65 68268240
Facebook
Instagram
Website
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]