Showing posts with label Crispy Chicken. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Crispy Chicken. Show all posts

Saturday, August 29, 2026

Bebek Goreng Pak Ndut @ Sengkang Grand Mall - Crispy Indonesian Fried Duck and Authentic East Javanese Flavours

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For those craving authentic Indonesian flavours, Bebek Goreng Pak Ndut has opened its latest outlet at Sengkang Grand Mall, bringing its signature crispy fried duck and a selection of traditional Indonesian dishes to the heart of Sengkang. The halal-certified restaurant specialises in East Javanese-style flavours, transforming humble ingredients such as duck, chicken, tofu and vegetables into hearty, satisfying dishes. While the crispy fried duck is undoubtedly the main draw, the menu offers plenty more worth exploring.

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Original Crispy Fried Duck + Rice 4.2/5

We started with the Original Crispy Fried Duck + Rice ($12.50), the signature dish that Bebek Goreng Pak Ndut is known for. The duck is marinated for 24 hours in a savoury blend of secret spices, then deep-fried until the exterior is beautifully crisp. As expected from a deep-fried duck, the meat is not particularly juicy, but the trade-off is a wonderfully crispy exterior with plenty of texture and bite. The duck comes with rice, tofu, tempeh, a side salad, and Bebek Goreng Pak Ndut’s Original Chilli Sauce. The sambal is seriously spicy, so a little goes a long way, but for those who enjoy heat, it adds a fiery kick that works particularly well with the savoury duck. The crispy skin, fragrant spices and fiery chilli make this a satisfying introduction to what Pak Ndut does best.

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Crispy Fried Duck in Green Chilli + Rice 4.2/5

If the Original Chilli is a little too fiery, the Crispy Fried Duck in Green Chilli + Rice ($12.50) is a more approachable option. The Green Chilli has a pleasant aroma and moderate heat, giving the duck a nice spicy lift without overwhelming its crispy, savoury character. I particularly liked that the chilli didn’t mask the duck’s flavour, letting the crunchy texture and seasoned meat stay the focus.

There are five chilli options — Original Chilli, Green Chilli, Sweet Chilli, Belacan Chilli and Sangan Chilli — so you can customise your meal to your preferred level and style of spice.

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Sangan Crispy Fried Chicken + Rice 4.2/5

Not a fan of duck? Pak Ndut also offers crispy fried chicken with the same selection of chilli sauces. I went for the Sangan Crispy Fried Chicken + Rice ($10.50), which gets its distinctive character from being fried in a clay pan, which imparts a subtle smoky aroma to the chilli. The chicken comes with rice, tofu, tempeh, side salad and Sangan Chilli. The combination of crispy chicken and spicy, smoky char chilli makes this a worthwhile alternative if duck isn’t your thing.

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Gado Gado 4.5/5

Beyond the rice dishes, I recommend ordering a few traditional Indonesian side dishes to share. The Gado Gado ($8.50) was one of my favourites. This classic Indonesian salad brings together a mix of fresh and blanched vegetables, including cabbage, long beans, bean sprouts and cucumber, alongside fried tofu, tempeh and quarters of hard-boiled egg. A generous coating of thick, creamy peanut sauce brings it all together. It is rich, nutty and savoury with a hint of sweetness, garlic and tamarind, while remaining relatively mild on its own. Crispy keropok adds another layer of texture, providing a satisfying crunch against the soft tofu, egg and vegetables. If you prefer more heat, you can always add some chilli from the free-flow sambal station. This is a hearty and substantial version of gado gado that works particularly well as a sharing dish.

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Oxtail Soup (Sop Buntut) 4.5/5

The Oxtail Soup ($10.50) is another dish worth ordering, especially if you prefer something warm and comforting. The clear beef broth is rich and savoury, with traditional aromatics such as nutmeg, clove and white pepper lending a gentle warmth and fragrance to the soup. Generous chunks of oxtail fill the bowl, cooked until tender and easy to pull from the bone. Carrots, potatoes and tomatoes add sweetness and substance, while fried shallots and fresh herbs provide an aromatic finish. Despite the richness of the beef, the clear broth keeps the soup relatively light, making this a comforting accompaniment to the heavier fried dishes.

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Tahu Telour 4.8/5

Another standout was the Tahu Telur ($8.50), a classic Indonesian dish that combines soft tofu with beaten egg, then deep-fries it over high heat. The result is an impressive golden, fluffy tower that is crisp on the outside while remaining soft and airy within. The contrast in textures makes this particularly enjoyable, especially when paired with the accompanying peanut sauce. The sauce combines creamy peanuts with sweet soy sauce, giving it a savoury-sweet profile with a gentle hint of spice. Shredded vegetables such as bean sprouts, carrots and cucumber add freshness and crunch, cutting through the richness of the fried tofu and egg. Simple ingredients, but executed in a way that makes the dish surprisingly satisfying.

Bebek Goreng Pak Ndut offers a solid introduction to traditional Indonesian comfort food, with crispy fried duck as the main attraction. The duck may not be the juiciest because of the deep-frying process. Still, the crisp texture, aromatic seasoning and variety of chilli sauces make it an enjoyable dish, particularly for those who love their food with plenty of crunch and heat. Beyond the signature bebek goreng, I would also recommend exploring the sides. The Gado Gado, Oxtail Soup and Tahu Telur were our standouts, offering a nice balance to the fried mains and showcasing the variety of Indonesian flavours on the menu.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Bebek Goreng Pak Ndut
Sengkang Grand Mall
70 Compassvale Bow
#01-38
Singapore 544692
Tel: +65 6913 7787
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Nearest MRT: Buangkok (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 9:30pm

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

Saturday, May 2, 2026

Lucine by LUNA @ Somerset - New Halal Certified Savoury Menu with Over 30 Options Under $20

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Starting 28 April, Lucine by LUNA at Somerset will launch its brand-new savoury menu, featuring more than 30 items, all priced under $20.

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The cafe, newly Halal-certified and located at 111 Somerset, is best known for its intricate petit cakes from homegrown patisserie LUNA.

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Korean Spicy Marinated Egg with Scrambled Eggs Toast 3/5

The viral Korean marinated egg, also known as Mayak ("drug") eggs, inspired Lucine's Korean Spicy Marinated Egg with Scrambled Eggs Toast ($14.90). Served on toasted brioche, it is topped with creamy scrambled eggs and a savoury-sweet marinated egg with a jammy centre. We would have preferred a thicker brioche for better texture and a stronger marination on the egg.

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Crispy Breaded Chicken 2.8/5

Next was the Crispy Breaded Chicken ($16.90), featuring boneless chicken thigh coated in a house-made breadcrumb crust.

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Superb Dry Laksa 3.5/5

Lucine's expanded menu also introduces a wider selection of pasta dishes. The Superb Dry Laksa ($16.90) is one of the new additions, with pasta tossed in a house-made rempah and paired with prawns, fishcake and taupok. While the pasta could have had a better bite, we enjoyed the bold, flavourful rempah with a pleasant heat.

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Tofu 4.2/5

The gorgeous petit cakes remain the highlight, and we were spoilt for choice. Our first pick was the crowd favourite, Tofu ($8.50), featuring a unique combination of silken tofu cream, hazelnut ganache, and buckwheat-infused crème anglaise mousse, all atop a crisp sablée base. It was delightfully light and well-balanced.

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LUNA 2.0 Petite 4.2/5

For chocolate lovers, the LUNA 2.0 Petite ($9) is a must-try. Dig into the Valrhona Guanaja 70% chocolate mousse layered with hazelnut sponge, and you'll uncover a crunchy centre of crushed hazelnuts, salted caramel, hazelnut dacquoise and dark chocolate-coated feuilletine.

Photos and words by Jo. A lady 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.


Lucine by LUNA
111 Somerset Road
#01-06
Singapore 238164
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 930am - 630pm
Fri-Sat: 930am - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk to the destination. Journey time is about 3 minutes. [Map]

Friday, November 8, 2024

Crystal Jade Group of Fine-dining Restaurants Unveils an Enticing Array of New Dishes

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Crystal Jade Group has introduced refreshed menus across its fine dining restaurants — Crystal Jade Palace, Crystal Jade Golden Palace, and Crystal Jade Pavilion — offering a modern take on heritage Chinese cuisine. These new dishes creatively blend classic flavours with refined techniques, resulting in a memorable dining experience for both traditional and modern palates.

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Crystal Jade Palace - Palace Signature Starters Platter 4/5

We began our meal with the Palace Signature Starters Platter ($38.80) from Crystal Jade Palace. This vibrant quartet of appetizers includes Crispy Sakura Shrimp Cracker, Crab Meat & Avocado Salsa Tartlet, ‘Bi Feng Tang’ Whitebait with chili and garlic, and Chilled Jellyfish & Fresh Lily Bulb in a wasabi-aged vinegar. Each bite was thoughtfully crafted, with flavours that balanced savoury, spicy, and refreshing notes, making for a delightful start to the meal.

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Crystal Jade Palace - Crispy Chicken 4.8/5

Another standout from Crystal Jade Palace was the Crispy Chicken with Homemade Ginger Scallion & Chilli Lime Sauce ($42 for half, $80 for whole). The chicken features a beautifully crisp “glass skin” that crackles with every bite, while the meat remains juicy and tender. Paired with the ginger scallion and chilli lime sauces, the flavours are lifted, adding a tangy and spicy kick to this Cantonese classic — a true crowd-pleaser.

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Crystal Jade Pavilion - Double-boiled Coconut Water Chicken Soup 5/5

The Double-boiled Fish Maw with Coconut Water, Baby Cabbage & Bamboo Pith in Chicken Soup ($72) from Crystal Jade Pavilion was a heartwarming highlight. Made with fresh coconut water, chicken, baby cabbage, bamboo pith, and fish maw, this soup carries a subtle sweetness and a light, refreshing taste. The pure flavours of coconut water create a comforting, healthful dish that resonates with traditional Chinese soup-making techniques.

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Crystal Jade Pavilion - Stir-Fried Fresh Crab Meat in Lettuce Cup 4.5/5

A nostalgic and heritage-inspired dish, the Stir-fried Fresh Crab Meat with Chinese Olive Seed, Egg & Conpoy in Lettuce Cup ($58.80 for six pieces) is a unique offering from Crystal Jade Pavilion. The eggs and crab meat are meticulously scrambled over medium heat until they resemble the small buds of yellow osmanthus flowers., and serves in a crisp lettuce cup. This thoughtful presentation enhances the refreshing, crunchy texture and highlights the delicately seasoned crab.

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Crystal Jade Golden Palace - Sauteed Tiger Prawn with Morel Mushroom 4.2/5

From Crystal Jade Golden Palace, the Sautéed Tiger Prawn with Morel Mushroom ($42) is a standout. The earthy, nutty notes of morel mushrooms are the perfect pairing for the succulent tiger prawns, resulting in a beautifully balanced dish. The freshness of the prawns and the umami depth of the morels showcase the chef’s expertise in ingredient pairing and technique.

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Crystal Jade Golden Palace - Teochew Seafood Crispy Noodle 4.2/5

We also sampled the Teochew Seafood Crispy Noodle served with Black Vinegar & Sugar ($38), a traditional Teochew specialty from Crystal Jade Golden Palace. The noodles are deep-fried, poached in a flavourful broth, then pan-fried to achieve a crispy golden exterior. The dish is served with black vinegar and sugar on the side, providing an intriguing balance of acidity and sweetness. The black vinegar, in particular, enhances the dish, making it a must-try for noodle lovers.

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Crystal Jade Golden Palace - Shunde Style Chen's Village Flat Rice Roll 4.8/5

A taste of Foshan, Guangzhou, comes to Crystal Jade Golden Palace with the Shunde Style Chen’s Village Flat Rice Roll with Minced Pork & Sole Fish topped with Crispy Pork Lardon ($28). The thin, silky rice rolls are steamed and imbued with a smoky “wok hei” aroma. Topped with minced pork, spring onions, and crispy pork lardons, this dish is a satisfying blend of textures and flavours, showcasing the culinary heritage of Shunde cuisine.

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Crystal Jade Pavilion - Sugarcane Jelly with Peach Sorbet 4.8/5

To finish, we enjoyed the Sugarcane Jelly with Peach Sorbet ($9.80 per pax) from Crystal Jade Pavilion. The sugarcane jelly, mildly sweet and refreshing, pairs beautifully with the fruity, tart notes of the peach sorbet. This light dessert provides a perfect palate cleanser, bringing the meal to a refreshing close.

Crystal Jade’s refreshed menus across its fine dining establishments skillfully balance tradition with modern flair. Each restaurant brings its own personality and unique interpretation of heritage Chinese cuisine, creating an experience that is both nostalgic and exciting. Whether you're a fan of classic Chinese flavours or looking for something with a contemporary twist, these new dishes at Crystal Jade Palace, Crystal Jade Golden Palace, and Crystal Jade Pavilion offer something to delight every palate.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


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Crystal Jade Palace
Takashimaya Shopping Centre
391 Orchard Road
#04-19
Singapore 238872

Crystal Jade Golden Palace
The Paragon
290 Orchard Road
#05-22
Singapore 238859

Crystal Jade Pavilion
VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
#01-112
Singapore 098585