5 ON 25 @ Andaz Singapore - Bountiful Reunions with Exquisite Lunar New Year dishes, Curated Set Menus, and Takeaway Goodies

5 ON 25 in Andaz Singapore will launch its Lunar New Year menu from 29th January 2024 until 24th February 2024. Curated by 5 ON 25's Head Chinese Chef Lim Hong Lih, the Lunar New Year menu includes à la carte dishes, yu sheng, pen cai, dim sum, and set courses available for lunch and dinner.

Yu Sheng 4/5

We started with its Yu Sheng( $88/3-6 pax and $138/ 7-10pax), served with sustainably sourced New Zealand King Salmon, topped with fried yam, homemade candied walnuts, and zesty golden plum dressing. What stood out for me were the sweet and crunchy candied walnuts, providing a moreish textural and flavour contrast to the overall dish. Additional seafood toppings are available: Jade Tiger Abalone, Sustainable Australian King Scallops, and Australian Spiny Lobster at an additional cost starting from $38. Available for dine-in and takeaways.

Dim Sum 5/5

Our starter was from the Dim Sum Lunch menu, featuring Bailing Mushroom, Wood Ear & Bamboo Shoot Dumpling, Wagyu Beef Egg Tart and Taro Fritter. The dumpling had a tender skin encasing well-seasoned filling that provided a delightful textural bite. The Taro fritter's crust was light and airy, and within was filled with delectable Yunnan Mushrooms. The Wagyu Beef Egg Tart had a very interesting tangy and creamy custard loaded with wagyu beef, complemented by a buttery and flaky crust.

Double-boiled Fish Bone Soup, Kampong Chicken, Superior Bird's Nest 4/5

The soup course was from one of the Set Dinner menus, a luxurious Double-boiled Fish Bone Soup with Kampong Chicken and Superior Bird's Nest.

Pen Cai 4.5/5

We had the chance to try the Pen Cai, which is for takeaway only. Braised for eight hours, each pot comprises 12 premium delicacies, including six-head abalone, fish maw, sustainable tiger prawns, king scallops, roasted pork, duck, and dried oysters. In particular, the braised duck feet stood out - They were so delicate and tender, with a slight chewiness. The fish maw was equally enjoyable with its gelatinous texture. 5 ON 25 Pen Cai is priced at $398 (4 pax), $598 (6 pax), and $798 (8 pax). A 24-hour advance notice requirement is required.

Steamed Turbot Fillet ‘Hong Kong’ Style 4.5/5

The Steamed Turbot Fillet 'Hong Kong' Style is a fish dish from the Set Dinner menu. It was perfectly steamed, offering a firm and flaky texture.

Crispy Egg Noodles 4/5

The most premium Set Dinner menu features Crispy Egg Noodles served with Half Maine Lobster Tail, topped with Golden Chives and Crispy Garlic for flavour nuances. The lobster was succulent and firm, pairing well with the savoury crispy noodles.

Red Bean Soup, Dried Tangerine Peel 4.8/5

Chilled Cream Of Mango 4/5

We had the joy of trying a few desserts, among which my favourite were the Chilled Cream Of Mango and Red Bean Soup. The latter was nourishing and comforting, laced with fragrant notes of Dried Tangerine Peel.

For restaurant reservations and takeaway orders, please call + 65 6408 1228 or visit https://www.hyatt.com/andaz/sinaz-andaz-singapore/dining/5-on-25.

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.


5 On 25
Andaz Singapore
5 Fraser Street
Level 25
Singapore 189354
Tel: +65 64081228
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (DT Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 12pm - 230pm, 6-1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit E or F. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

The Chairman’s Lounge @ Pan Pacific Orchard - An Exclusive Private Dining Space Headed by Veteran Chef Leung Wing Cheung

The Chairman's Lounge is Pan Pacific Orchard's new private dining space, an exclusive enclave accommodating up to 16 guests. With full-length glass panels offering a view of the serene Forest Terrace, this venue provides a unique dining experience. Headed by veteran Chef Leung Wing Cheung, formerly the Executive Chef of Si Chuan Dou Hua, The Chairman's Lounge presents a series of festive menus to celebrate the Year of the Dragon, available from 22 January to 24 February 2024.

Prosperity Exotic Garden Yusheng 5/5

The Prosperity Reunion Set Menu commences with the signature Prosperity Exotic Garden Yusheng featuring lobster and a wholesome medley of 20 fresh vegetables and fruits, including green and red lettuce, beetroot, turnip, soybean sprouts, cucumber, carrot, mango, and more. The toppings encompass whisky-infused sea cucumber, pistachio, dried pineapple, dried strawberry, and crispy brown rice for added texture and flavour. These elements are harmonized with a chef-made osmanthus sauce and layered with a unique black truffle sauce enriched with Japanese matsutake mushrooms.

Cantonese Double-Boiled Supreme Soup 4/5

Next, we had an equally nourishing Cantonese Double-Boiled Supreme Soup, slow-cooked with ingredients such as fish maw, sea cucumber and fresh crab claw.

Pan-Seared Dried Oyster With Duet Of Traditional Crispy Chicken 4/5

An interesting creation is this Pan-Seared Dried Oyster With Duet Of Traditional Crispy Chicken, chef's rendition of the Lor Mai Gai. Enveloping the glutinous rice with a rich foie gras centre is a layer of crisped chicken skin. I appreciate the subtle use of a small piece of foie gras to impart its richness to the dish. The dish is finished with a plump, pan-seared dried oyster to enhance the flavour.

Giant Soon Hock 5/5

Giant Soon Hock, prepared in two ways, was a joy to savour upon given the varied flavours and plump texture of the fish - steamed fish head & belly with tofu and preserved vegetables and "Shun De" style deep-fried fish tail in superior light soya sauce and scallions. I appreciate how the piquant preserved vegetable broth complemented the more gelatinous part of the fish and that the fishtail was fried to perfection, keeping the flesh moist and tender on the inside.

Braised 2-Head Whole Abalone 4/5

Another premium ingredient featured in the menu is Braised 2-Head Whole Abalone in golden superior stock with snow pea shoot. The sweetness of the stock and the snow pea shoot complemented the tender abalone.

Crispy Noodles with Australian Lobster Meat 3/5

The noodle dish for this menu is Crispy Noodles with Australian Lobster Meat, served with a silky egg gravy infused with lobster broth. A smaller portion of the noodles would have brought a better balance to this dish.

Double-Boiled Bird’s Nest 4.5/5

We indulged in a Double-Boiled Bird's Nest With Rock Sugar Served In Mini Pumpkin for dessert. The pumpkin added texture and sweetness to the dish and was delightfully soft, providing a joyous savouring element.

3 set menus are available - Delightful Set Menu, Prosperity Reunion Set Menu and Eternity Reunion Set Menu are priced at $2,688++, $2,988++ and $3,288++ per table of 10 persons, respectively. Vegetarian Set Menu is available as well.

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 Chairman’s Lounge
Pan Pacific Orchard
10 Claymore Road
Singapore 229540
Tel: +65 6991 6888
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

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 to Palais Renaissance which is right after Royal Thai Embassy. Cut through Palais Renaissance to the other side of the building. Pan Pacific Orchard is opposite the building. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk towards Shaw House via underpass. At the road level, walk along Orchard Road towards Royal Thai Embassy direction. Walk to Palais Renaissance which is right after Royal Thai Embassy. Cut through Palais Renaissance to the other side of the building. Pan Pacific Orchard is right opposite the building. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Jia Wei Chinese Restaurant @ Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy - All New A La Carte & Dim Sum Menu In Support Of Local Produce

Jia Wei Chinese Restaurant, located at Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy, introduces new a la carte and dim sum items to support our local produce and reduce the reliance on food imports. Chinese Executive Chef Victor Lee has curated a mouth-watering menu sourcing vegetables and fish from the local farms, incorporating them into the revamped menu.

Wok-fried Daikon Cake with XO Sauce 4.5/5

A must-try is the Wok-fried Daikon Cake ($10) from the dim sum menu with XO sauce. Coated in umami XO sauce, the wok-fried daikon is crispy on the exterior and soft inside. Topped with shredded egg and beansprouts, they give the daikon cake a lift in flavour and texture.

Jia Wei Butterfly Pea Har Gow 4.2/5

Butterfly Pea Rice Roll with Australian Scallop 3.8/5

Giving the classic Har Gow and Rice Roll a modern take is the Jia Wei Butterfly Pea Har Gow ($7.80 for 3pc) and Butterfly Pea Rice Roll with Australian Scallop ($8.80). The Har Gow was plump with crunchy prawns. As for the rice roll, I find the scallop stuffing an unusual choice as the ingredient itself is rather bland in taste. Thanks to delicious soy sauce that lifted the flavour profile.

Crispy Local Soft Shell Crab with Ice Plant 4/5

Moving to the a la carte menu, we started with the Crispy Local Soft Shell with Ice Plant ($22 per serving). A refreshing combination of crispy soft shell crab paired with crunchy ice plant. The whole enjoyment is brightened with the addition of ume infused tomato and yuzu dressing.

Curly Kale Soup 4/5

I am not a fan of kale, but that does not deter me from finishing the Curly Kale Soup ($20 per serving) cooked with braised crab meat and beancurd. It doesn't have the earthy Kale taste, which I dislike. Instead, it felt more like having a bowl of chicken soup with the braised crab meat and beancurd giving it a substantial mouthfeel.

Corn-fed Har Cheong Chicken Slider 4.2/5

One of my favourite dishes for the night is the Corn-fed Har Cheong Chicken Slider ($28) drizzled with yuzu dressing, giving it a tangy kick. A crispy and tender chicken fillet is sandwiched between a soft and fluffy bun. I enjoy the textural combination of soft, fluffy, tender and crisp, all coming together in a delicious bite.

Wok-fried Celtuce Stem 4.5/5

It is my first time trying celtuce stem, and I was surprised by how much I like it. The Wok-fried Celtuce Stem ($24) cooked in Szechuan dried chilli has a delectable sweetness and a delightful crunchy texture.

Crispy Egg Noodle 4.2/5

Regulars can still look forward to perennial favourites and signature dishes on the menu. One of them is the Crispy Egg Noodle ($26) in chicken broth gravy. It even comes with fresh seafood such as prawns and fish slices.

Chilled Homemade Coconut Pudding 4.8/5

Wrapping up our dinner is the Chilled Homemade Coconut Pudding ($15 per serving) with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The pudding made from fresh coconut water is light and refreshing. It is just a perfect dessert to end the night. 

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Jia Wei Chinese Restaurant
Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy
50 East Coast Road
Level 2
Singapore 428769
Tel: +65 63405678
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Nearest MRT: Dakota (CC Line), Paya Lebar (EW Line, CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Block 99 (Stop ID 81181). Take bus number 31. Alight 6 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Paya Lebar MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop along Paya Lebar Road (Stop ID 81111). Take bus number 43, 76, 134 or 135. Alight 8 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 18 minutes. [Map]

Chen Mapo Tofu @ Star Vista - Michelin Bib Gourmand Eatery Chen’s Mapo Tofu Opens 2nd Outlet

Chen's Mapo Tofu, the affordable sister concept of Chen Kentaro's two-Michelin-starred fine dining restaurant Shisen Hanten opens its second outlet at Star Vista in the West. Chen's Mapo Tofu, with its first outlet at OUE Downtown Gallery, is known for its fuss-free dining option offering a unique fusion of Szechuan cuisine with Japanese influences.

Spicy Szechwan Dumpling 3/5, Szechwan Popcorn Chicken 4/5, Banbanji Chicken 4/5

Before moving to the mains, I started with some sides to whet up the appetite. I tried their Spicy Szechwan Dumpling ($5), Szechwan Popcorn Chicken ($5), and Banbanji Chicken ($4). I enjoyed the Szechwan Popcorn Chicken for its addictive crispiness and Banbanji Chicken for the delectable peanut sauce. As for the Szechwan Dumpling, I felt the sauce is not fragrant enough.

Mapo Don 4.5/5

One of Chef Chen Kentaro signature dishes at his two-Michelin-starred fine dining restaurant Shisen Hanten is his mapo tofu. It is great to know that you can savour the same recipe in the Mapo Don ($10.80) at Chen's Mapo Tofu. I like the mapo tofu here for the Dou Ban Jiang (broad bean paste) sauce packed with depth, coupled with minced meat in the sauce. It enlivens the whole enjoyment.

Dan Dan Mien 4.2/5

I had the dry version of the Dan Dan Mien when I visited the OUE Downtown Gallery outlet. I didn't enjoy it back then. However, I enjoyed the soup version of the Dan Dan Mien ($11.80). The sweet and nutty peanut sauce complement the noodle excellently for a slurping good time.

Diners can also go for the Signature Combo ($14), which you get to try both the mapo don and dan dan mien but half portion.

Kurozu Buta Don 4.2/5

A new dish on the menu is the Kurozu Buta Don ($15.30). The kurozu vinegar pork is crispy and chunky served on top steaming, fragrant rice with green and red capsicum.

Kaisen Katayaki 4/5

Another new item on the menu is the Kaisen Katayaki ($15.50). It will be familiar to Singapore palate, similar to the local zichar crispy noodle dish. Chen's Mapo Tofu's version comprises stir-fried seafood and vegetables with a rich gravy on crispy fried noodles. 

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Chen's Mapo Tofu 
Star Vista
1 Vista Exchange Green
#02-08
Singapore 138617
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Nearest MRT: Buona Vista (CC Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

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