The Line @ Shangri-La Singapore - Collaborates With Second Generation Hawkers From Renowned Local Stalls For The Month Of August

This August, The Line at Shangri-La Singapore partakes in Singapore's 57th birthday celebration by spotlighting must-try dishes from renowned local stalls. Second generation hawkers will be making their appearance by serving local dishes, including Kway Guan Huat Joo Chiat Popiah, Habib's Rojak, Tiong Bahru Tau Suan and Geylang Lor 29 Charcoal Fried Hokkien Mee, available on selected days during dinner.

Geylang Lor 29 Charcoal Fried Hokkien Mee

Not often will you get to try Fried Hokkien Mee in a buffet offering that is done using charcoal. However, to present the authentic taste of Geylang Lor 29 Charcoal Fried Hokkien Mee, you will catch the 2nd generation owner live in action, dishing out charcoal-fried hokkien mee.

Kway Guan Huat Joo Chiat Popiah

Being a Westie, it was such a joy to be able to try Kway Guan Huat Joo Chiat Popiah. Stretchy popiah skins, well-stewed turnips that are just lightly seasoned, and soft and fluffy eggs are definitely one of the best popiahs I ever had in a buffet.

Habib's Rojak

Habib's Rojak has been around for more than 30 years. It is known for its zesty and fragrant chilli gravy. The buffet offers a few popular items that best bring out the flavours of Habib's Rojak - Crispy Prawn Fritter, Coconut Fritters, Potato Dough and Egg Dough. It's a station not to be missed, especially if you are not a westerner.

Chilli Crab with Fried Mantou

Beef Noodles

The buffet also offers other well-loved local dishes, such as Chilli Crab and Beef Noodles, alongside other 16 live theatre kitchens featuring Seafood, Sashimi, Japanese, Middle Eastern, Asian, Noodles, Roasts, Dessert stations and more.

Tiong Bahru Tau Suan

End your feast with a bowl or two of Tiong Bahru Tau Suan. I like that it wasn't cloyingly sweet. What is equally good or even better is its Pulut Hitam, loaded with chewy black glutinous rice. The good quality coconut milk served on the side complements both desserts well.

This celebratory buffet menu will be available between 2 to 21 August2022. Prices start from SGD 68++ per person for lunch and SGD88++ per person for dinner.

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.


The Line
Shangri-La Hotel Singapore
Lobby Level
22 Orange Grove Road
Singapore 258350
Tel: +65 62134398
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 6am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk towards Wheellock Place via ION. Exit Wheellock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Cross the road at the traffic light junction and turn left towards Royal Thai Embassy. Walk down to the end of Orchard Road. Turn right onto Orange Grove Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 23 minutes.[Map]

JUMBO Signatures @ Marina Bay Sands - JUMBO Group’s New Premium Dining Concept

Stepping into JUMBO Signatures at Marina Bay Sands, you will notice a difference in ambience and decor from the other familiar Jumbo Seafood restaurants. Opened in January this year, JUMBO Signatures is also JUMBO Group’s first premium dining concept. The 76-seater restaurant houses 3 VIP rooms suitable for meetings, intimate gatherings and celebrations.

Three different menus were curated to cater to various groups of diners. Besides the Signatures Ala-Carte Menu, the Executive Set Lunch offers 3-course at $58 per pax and 4-course at $62 per pax. During this visit, we tried their Signatures Tasting Menu ($158 per pax).

You will enjoy an 8-course meal, amuse bouche, and a palette cleanser. In addition, a wine pairing is available for a top-up at $118 per pax. Menu items are refreshed every couple of months to ensure that the best-quality ingredients are used.

Marinated Jellyfish, Seafood Cone 4/5

We started the meal with two appetising amuse bouche, the Marinated Jellyfish and Seafood Cone. The marinated jellyfish was tangy and crunchy. The seafood cone, which comes in a charcoal cone, has a tasty mouthful of prawn, mango, cucumber and salad cream.

Shelled Prawn Fried with Seaweed and Pork Floss 4/5

Moving on to starters, we had the Shelled Prawn Fried with Seaweed and Pork Floss. I was excited to try this, as this is a creation inspired by Baoshifu 鲍师傅, a China pastry shop that specialises in seaweed meat floss cakes. I enjoyed the crisp pork floss and seaweed mix here. The prawn was fresh with a slight crunch.

Scallop Wrapped in Yam Ring 4.2/5

The Scallop Wrapped in Yam Ring had smooth yam purée around a juicy scallop, served with a house-special sweet sauce. The thin exterior had a delightful crisp.

Chilled Hand-Shredded Live Australian Lobster with Fruit Salad in Sesame Dressing 3.8/5

The last starter was the Chilled Hand-Shredded Live Australian Lobster with Fruit Salad in Sesame Dressing. The lobster meat was firm and fresh, but the dressing was a touch too heavy. I would have liked it done lighter to allow more of the meat's natural sweetness to come through.

Collagen Soup with Fish Maw and Bamboo Pith 4.8/5

There's no additional starch used in the Collagen Soup with Fish Maw and Bamboo Pith. Instead, it's lightly peppered and thickened through hours of simmering chicken bones, pork fat and pork skin. You will find dried scallops, fresh fish maw, goji berries and bamboo pith in it as well. It was extremely comforting and nourishing, and the slices of fish maw were very tender.

Chilli Mud Crab Pincer 4.8/5

Singaporeans would definitely be familiar with JUMBO Seafood's award-winning chilli crab. Here they offer the Chilli Mud Crab Pincer that is thoughtfully deshelled for you to sink your teeth right into. There's a good heat in the chilli crab sauce made with ten over spices, perfect with the side of crispy fried mantou.

Pomegranate Soda

Before the next course, we had a palate cleanser of Pomegranate Soda.

Sliced Luffa Melon in Collagen Soup 4.5/5

In the Sliced Luffa Melon in Collagen Soup, the luffa is carefully hand sliced into noodle-like strips and served in yet another comforting collagen soup, with fried shredded conpoy, Jin Hua ham and Sakura ebi. I enjoyed the smart addition of crispy ebi that gave extra texture and flavour.

‘Yuan Yang’ Fried Rice with Cod Fish and Fresh Mushroom 4/5

There are two carbs options for the next course. First is the 'Yuan Yang' Fried Rice with Cod Fish and Fresh Mushroom. It's a hearty dish studded with scallop bits, cod fish, king oyster mushroom, tobiko and crispy rice.

Udon with Sliced Abalone 3.8/5

The Udon with Sliced Abalone is much lighter in comparison, which uses a dashi base.

‘Cheng Teng’ with Bird’s Nest and Peach Resin 3.5/5

We had the mildly sweetened 'Cheng Teng' with Bird's Nest and Peach Resin for dessert. You can choose to have this hot or cold.

Signature Fragrant Rice in Rich Seafood Broth 4.8/5

From the a la carte menu, we had the Signature Fragrant Rice in Rich Seafood Broth ($38). Jasmine rice, crispy rice, fresh mud crab meat and botan ebi is served in a hot stone bowl before the umami-rich prawn broth is poured over. On the side, you also get to enjoy a fried botan ebi prawn head that's lightly seasoned with salt and pepper. I loved the rich seafood sweetness here!

Durian Tart paired with Ice Cream 4/5

The Durian Tart paired with Ice Cream ($14) comprises handmade Mao Shan Wang durian pureé, coconut ice cream and pandan sauce. I thought the tart worked sufficiently well on its own. I expected it to be very rich and sweet, but the well-balanced pureé was quite a delight.

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.


JUMBO Signatures
The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands Singapore
B1-01B
2 Bayfront Avenue
Singapore 018972
Tel: +65 66887023
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Bayfront (CC Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Lunch
Mon-Fri, Eve of Public Holidays: 11.30am - 3pm
Sat-Sun, Public Holidays: 12pm - 3.30pm

Dinner
Sat-Thurs, Public Holidays: 5.30pm - 10.30pm
Fri-Sat, Eve of Public Holidays: 5.30pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bayfront MRT station. Take Exit C or D. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes.  [Map]

Nosignboard Sheng Jian @ Northpoint City - New Flagship Shanghai Sheng Jian Bao Specialty Shop By No Signboard Group

No Signboard, known as the original creators of Singapore's White Pepper Crab with over 40 years of heritage, has launched the group's latest casual dining concept - Nosignboard Sheng Jian at Northpoint City. It specialises in the popular Shanghai Sheng Jiao Bao and a whole lineup of Northern Chinese dim sum and dishes.

Tricolour Sheng Jian Bao 4.2/5

The highlight definitely has to be the Sheng Jian Bao here which boosts a delightfully chewy texture. There are four flavours here. They are the Signature Popping Juices ($5.50 for 3pc), Chilli Crab and Pork ($6.30 for 3pc), Spicy Dried Shrimp ($5.80 for 3pc) and Vegan Sheng Jian Bao ($5.30 for 3pc). Are you spoilt of choices? Then go for the Tricolour Sheng Jian Bao ($10.80 for 6pc) to get a taste of a variety of the Sheng Jian Bao. My favourite has to be the signature popping juices pan-fried bun for its savoury and juicy pork filling.

Spicy Chicken in Sichuan Style 3.5/5

Besides the Sheng Jian Bao, the restaurant also offers a selection of other tasty dishes, rice and noodles. We had the Spicy Chicken in Sichuan Style ($7.80) served chilled. It comes in fiery-looking Sichuan Mala spicy sauce prepared in a blend of Sichuan peppercorns, spices and chillies. I find the sauce lacks the aroma of a good Kou Shui Ji, though.

Famous Wu Xi Braised Pork Cube 4/5

The Famous Wu Xi Braised Pork Cube ($14.80) fares much better. The braised pork belly cubes are fork-tender and coated in a deliciously thick, luscious red sauce with sweet vinegar.

Fried Noodle with Scallion & Dried Shrimps 3.8/5

The Fried Noodle with Scallion & Dried Shrimps ($6.80) looks plain without any accompanying ingredients. Still, it is packed with exquisite flavours from scallion oil and dried shrimps.

Crispy Rice with Chill Crab Meat Sauce 3.8/5

Crispy rice is well enjoyed in Northern China, traditionally eaten on its own or with a rich dip or gravy. At Nosignboard Sheng Jian, the Crispy Rice with Chill Crab Meat Sauce ($14.80) is given a local touch by pairing the Chinese rice crisps with Singapore chilli crab dip.

Deep Fried Radish Pastry 4.2/5

Besides the sheng jian bao, the other item on the menu that I enjoyed a lot is the traditional Shanghainese pastry - Deep Fried Radish Pastry ($5.80 for 3pc). Inside the light and buttery, flaky pastry is a savoury filling of flavourful white radish.

Chilled Coconut Papaya Pudding 3.5/5

The Chilled Coconut Papaya Pudding ($4.80 for 3pc) stands like the Marina Bay Sands towers. I enjoyed this simple dessert because it has two of my favourite fruits: coconut and papaya.

Crispy Purple Sweet Potato Balls 4.2/5

A delightful dessert is the Crispy Purple Sweet Potato Balls ($4.80 for 3pc) served warm. Inside the crispy sphere's skin is soft custard filling to end the meal on a sweet note.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Nosignboard Sheng Jian
Northpoint City
South Wing
#01-137/138
1 Northpoint Drive
Singapore 768019
Tel: +65 66659959
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Yishun (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 930pm

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

Seafood Paradise @ VivoCity - The Very First Dining Concept Of Paradise Group Reopens At VivoCity

Seafood Paradise has reopened at VivoCity. You can enjoy some of their signature creations at 50% off from 12 April to 9 May!

Creamy Butter Crab topped with Coconut Crumbs 4/5

Some of the innovative dishes unique to Seafood Paradise and have remained ever popular include this Creamy Butter Crab topped with Coconut Crumbs ($9.50 per 100g). Heavily rich in butter and cream, the sauce is made fresh daily using aromatics such as curry leaves, white pepper, lemongrass and chilli padi. I feel it can outshine its counterpart Chilli Crab, but only if there was a depth of savouriness to balance the sweetness of the sauce.

Singapore Style Chilli Crab 4.5/5

Hence, Seafood Paradise’s rendition of the Singapore Style Chilli Crab ($9.50 per 100g) works better for my taste buds. The sauce was robust with a fiery kick, balanced with a slight sweetness.

Poached Live Tiger Prawn with Chinese Herb 4.5/5

My favourite dish of the evening was this Poached Live Tiger Prawn with Chinese Herb in Superior Stock ($29/300g, $41/450g, $53/600g). The superior stock is simmered with various Chinese herbs, rice wine and Hua Diao wine for more than three hours. Every sip of the broth was comforting for the drunken prawn dish.

Crispy Kang Kong topped with Cuttlefish 4.5/5

Another innovative creation that is evergreen is the Crispy Kang Kong topped with Cuttlefish in Homemade Seafood Sauce ($15.80 S, $22.80 M, $30.80 L). The fried kang kong leaf was amazingly light and crisp, and the slices of cuttlefish were pleasingly tender. To bind the ingredients together, served alongside is a special sauce made with hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, sweet Thai chilli sauce and sesame oil.

Steamed Dragon Tiger Grouper with Preserved Turnip 4.5/5

Another family favourite is the Steamed Dragon Tiger Grouper with Preserved Turnip ($9 per 100g). What makes this dish so memorable is the moreish bits of deep-fried preserved turnip that provides crunch and a depth of flavour to the grouper's sweet flesh. Akin to bacon bits on potatoes, it just turns every other thing delicious!

Baked Pork Belly Rib 3/5

To complement your seafood dishes, you can also try their Baked Pork Belly Rib with Honey Pepper Sauce ($8.90/pc). I would recommend having at least 2 to share this humongous piece of rib.

Deep-fried Cheese Bacon Roll 3/5

Some contemporary dishes such as this Deep-fried Cheese Bacon Roll ($12.80 for 4pc) are ideal dishes to have if you have beers to start the meal.

A dessert to end off a heavy meal would be the mildly sweet and sour Chilled Lemongrass Jelly in Lemonade and Sour Plum Juice ($5.80).

To celebrate its reopening, the restaurant is holding a month-long promotion: 50% Off Nostalgic dishes.

-Week 1, 12 April to 18 April: Signature Creamy Butter Sri Lankan Crab topped with Coconut Crumbs* (Limited to two crab redemptions per table per bill)

-Week 2, 19 April to 25 April: Boston Lobster tossed with Salted Egg Yolk* (Limited to two lobster redemptions per table per bill)

-Week 3, 26 April to 2 May: Steamed Dragon Tiger Grouper with Preserved Turnip* (Limited to one fish redemption per table per bill)

-Week 4, 3 May to 9 May: Poached Tiger Prawn in Superior Stock with Chinese Herbs* (Limited to one order redemption per table per bill)

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.


Seafood Paradise
VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
#01-53
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 62210159
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: HarbourFront (CC Line, NE Line)

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

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

KULTO @ Amoy Street - Honouring The Spanish Roots, Taste The Elevation

KULTO, nestled in a historic unit along Amoy Street, is a new homely space serving Spanish food that reflects Chef-Owner José Alonso's philosophy of respecting traditions, seasonality of produce, and elevated precision. Beverages also play a huge part in the experience of his guests. Other than the usual Sangria, Chef Alonso's extensive list includes wines featuring the different terroir.

Chili Crab Croquette 4.5/5

We had a variety of Tapas, starting with Chili Crab Croquette ($12). They were simply delicious, definitely one of the more refined croquettes I have to date. The mixture had a good ratio of béchamel sauce, shredded jumbo crab meat, caramelised onion and paprika, resulting in a well-blended creamy texture without being overly rich. The accompanying housemade chilli crab sauce may seem tiny, but it did reinforce that chilli-crab nuance with much intensity.

Jamón Ibérico Bellota 4.5/5

I like the Jamón Ibérico Bellota (36-months) with Tomato Bread ($29) just as much too. The housemade tomato spread on the house-baked sourdough is made with grated roma tomato, minced garlic and olive oil. Refreshing on the palate, that made the crispy toast the perfect pairing for the sliced jamón ibérico, which was incredibly rich, mouth-filling and savoury.

Tuna Tartare & Shrimp Tullie 3/5

Tuna Tartare & Shrimp Tullie ($22) fell short a little. Though the diced fresh tuna loin was plump and well seasoned, the shrimp tuille was too oily. A simple toast to go with it would have been enough for me.

Ibérico Chorizo, Confit Potatoes & Soft Eggs 4.2/5

Ibérico Chorizo, Confit Potatoes & Soft Eggs ($22) was almost like a good old hangover dish - comforting warm and soft confit potato, oozy eggs and chunks of josper grilled smoky Ibérico chorizo.

Grilled Avocado, Homemade Pesto & "Pipirrana" 3.8/5

Compared with the above, the Grilled Avocado, Homemade Pesto & "Pipirrana" ($22) was a bit muted in terms of flavours.

Mushroom and Pork Sausage Paella 4.5

Squid Ink Paella 4.2/5

The paellas here are done specially on Josper Grill, and you have a choice of Seafood Paella, Squid Ink Paella, or Mushroom and Pork Sausage Paella. We had the Pork Sausage and Mushroom Paella and Squid Ink Paella ($38 for 2-3 pax/ $62 for 3-5 pax). I very much prefer the first, perhaps it was brighter and more vibrant in terms of flavour profile, and the charred edges were also more pronounced than the latter. A housemade master pork stock is used, which the bomba rice absorbs as it cooks, then french beans, sweet peas, pork sausage and mushroom are added. As for the Squid Ink Paella, a housemade master seafood stock is added instead, followed by french beans, sweet peas, mussels, asari clams and baby squid.

Cheese Cake 4/5

For dessert, we had a beautifully crafted Cheese Cake ($12) made with Manchego cheese blended with a few other soft kinds of cheese, served with a molten centre. Its creaminess was balanced by the burst of acidity from the dried freeze raspberries.

Sponge, Whisky-infused Chantilly Cream and Nikka Whiskey 4.8/5

My favourite dish of the evening was this slab of dessert made with a layer of sponge, Whisky-infused Chantilly Cream and egg yolk ganache. Served with a drizzle of Nikka Whiskey over the cake, the sponge underneath sopped up the whiskey was given a bitter-sweet profile, and every layer came together in harmony. So good.

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.


KULTO
87 Amoy Street
Singapore 069906
Tel: +65 96205626
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 230pm, 530pm - 1030pm
Sat: 530pm - 10pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Amoy Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk down Telok Ayer Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]