Yum Cha @ Chinatown - Celebrates 24th Anniversary with Nine Best Selling Dishes at $2.40 Each

Yum Cha Restaurant, nestled in the heart of Chinatown, first opened its doors with a mission to bring back the charm of the traditional dim sum tea house. Its nostalgic shophouse setting, complete with marble tables and wooden chairs, has become a beloved dining spot for dim sum lovers. Celebrating its 24th anniversary, Yum Cha has curated its nine bestselling dishes, each priced at just $2.40 until November 30, 2024.

Squid Ink Dumplings 4/5

Black Garlic Shrimp Dumplings 4/5

No dim sum experience is complete without siew mai and har gow, and Yum Cha elevates these staples with a creative twist. The Squid Ink Dumplings and Black Garlic Shrimp Dumplings are both plump and juicy, with a delightful presentation to match their flavour. At $2.40 for two pieces, these are absolute must-tries.

Scallop Roll in Filo Dough 3.8/5

Lucky Tangerine Fried Prawn Balls 3.8/5

Freshly fried dim sum is always a crowd-pleaser, and Yum Cha delivers with the Scallop Roll in Filo Dough and Lucky Tangerine Fried Prawn Balls. The former boasts a crispy, flaky exterior filled with fresh scallop, while the latter wins on presentation with its mochi-like skin. Both are available at $2.40 for two pieces during the promotion.

Pan Fried Pork Pancake 3.8/5

The Pan-Fried Pork Pancake ($8.30) impresses with its generous portion of crispy skin encasing a hearty pork filling. This dish is perfect for sharing and pairs beautifully with Yum Cha’s selection of teas.

Paper Chicken Wing 3.5/5

The Paper Chicken Wings ($7.60) feature two well-marinated wings wrapped in greaseproof paper. While not as standout as the other dishes, they offer a satisfying bite for those who enjoy flavourful, tender chicken.

Crispy Prawn Rice Flour Roll 4.2/5

The star of the tasting session, the Crispy Prawn Rice Flour Roll ($8.60), combines silky-soft rice rolls with the crunch of crispy youtiao. What truly sets it apart is the prawn paste stuffed within the youtiao, creating an explosion of textures and flavours. This dish is an absolute must-have!

Supreme Soy Sauce Fried Noodles 4/5

If you're craving something beyond dim sum, the Supreme Soy Sauce Fried Noodles ($8.80) is a simple yet satisfying choice. Each strand of noodles is evenly coated in a rich soy sauce that delivers a smoky, wok hei flavour. Paired with fresh vegetables and tender slices of meat, this dish is perfect for those who enjoy classic, comforting Cantonese noodles.

Launching on December 1st, these festive reindeer-shaped dim sum feature a mochi-like skin filled with a savoury mix of mushrooms and ham. Don’t miss this adorable holiday treat!

In-House Cold Herbal Brews 3.5/5

Complete your meal with Yum Cha’s new range of cold herbal brews. The Chrysanthemum Tea with Wolfberries ($4.60) and Roselle Tea with Ginseng ($5.30) offer a refreshing finish to balance the rich flavours of the meal.

With its anniversary menu, Yum Cha takes diners on a nostalgic journey through its most iconic dishes. The $2.40 promotion not only celebrates the restaurant’s 24-year milestone but also offers a fantastic opportunity for both regulars and new patrons to rediscover Yum Cha’s culinary charm. Whether you're a dim sum enthusiast or looking to explore traditional Cantonese flavours, this celebration is not to be missed.

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


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

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

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]

Ya Ge (雅阁) @ Orchid Hotel - A Refined Weekend Dim Sum Brunch with 47 Items to Choose From

Ya Ge (雅阁) at Orchid Hotel Singapore has launched a refined new Weekend Dim Sum Brunch, offering an array of exquisite dim sum dishes, flavourful soups, hearty mains, and decadent desserts. Diners can select up to 15 dishes from the extensive menu, making it a perfect choice for those looking to indulge in a lavish and leisurely meal.

Abalone Siew Mai 4.2/5

We started our brunch with a selection of new dim sum creations that truly elevated the dining experience. The Abalone Siew Mai is a luxurious take on the classic pork siew mai, topped with a whole abalone that adds a touch of elegance and richness to the dish.

Steamed Mala Flavoured Pork Siew Mai topped with Baby Octopus 4/5

Another standout was the Steamed Mala Flavoured Pork Siew Mai topped with Baby Octopus. This dish combines the familiar flavours of siew mai with the bold, spicy kick of mala, topped with tender baby octopus. It's perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their dim sum.

Deep-fried Red Garoupa Fillet and Mango Roll 4/5

The Deep-fried Red Garoupa Fillet and Mango Roll was a delightful surprise, featuring a crispy exterior that encased tender garoupa fillet and sweet mango, complemented by a tangy mango sauce.

Pan-fried Tom Yum Mee Suan Kueh with Fresh Prawn 2.8/5

One of the most inventive dishes we tried was the Pan-fried Tom Yum Mee Sua Kueh with Fresh Prawn. The dish features a tom yum-flavoured prawn atop a crisp mee sua toast. However, it lacked the softer, more comforting texture of traditional fried mee sua kueh. It might not be everyone's cup of tea, especially if you're a fan of the Swee Choon's version.

Double-boiled Chicken Soup with Matsuke Mushroom, Dendrobium Steam and Conpoy 4/5

Braised Lobster Broth with Fresh Crab Meat and Crab Roe 4.2/5

For the soup options, we sampled the Double-boiled Chicken Soup with Matsuke Mushroom, Dendrobium Stem and Conpoy, as well as the Braised Lobster Broth with Fresh Crab Meat and Crab Roe. Both soups were rich and deeply flavorful, with the lobster broth standing out for its luxurious and briny taste.

Traditional Xiao Long Bao 3.5/5

Barbeque Pork Rice Roll 3.5/5

Pan-fried Chinese Sausage Carrot Cake 2.8/5

We also indulged in some of Ya Ge's more classic dim sum offerings, including the Traditional Xiao Long Bao, Barbeque Pork Rice Roll, and Pan-fried Chinese Sausage Carrot Cake. These classic dishes were executed to perfection, each bite bursting with familiar and comforting flavours.

Salted Egg Yolk Custard Lava Bun 4.5/5

Crispy Mini Pumpkin Pastry with Minced Chicken, Mushroom and Thyme 4.5/5

Crispy Ugly Duckling with Chicken, Yam and Mushroom 4.2/5

A few dishes stood out as personal favourites among the dim sum selections. The Salted Egg Yolk Custard Lava Bun is a must-try, with its soft, fluffy dough infused with pandan flavour and filled with rich, oozing salted egg yolk custard. Another delightful bite was the Crispy Mini Pumpkin Pastry with Minced Chicken, Mushroom, and Thyme. The pastry had a chewy texture that became more enjoyable with each bite. Lastly, the Crispy Ugly Duckling with Chicken, Yam, and Mushroom was packed with flavour and texture, making it an irresistible choice.

Peking Duck 4.2/5

Ya Ge's Weekend Dim Sum Brunch also features a live station that rotates weekly, offering dishes such as Peking Duck, Sliced Spotted Garoupa Pao Fan, Xiao Long Bao with Crab Roe Filling, Herbal Crispy Duck Roll, and more. During our visit, we were treated to the Peking Duck, a classic dish that was expertly prepared and a pleasure to eat.

Claypot French 'An Xin' Chicken in Traditional Kam Heong Style 4.5/5

If you think dim sum is the only highlight, think again. The brunch also includes several main courses that are worth trying. The Claypot French 'An Xin' Chicken in Traditional Kam Heong Style was a standout, with tender chicken pieces cooked in a fragrant lemongrass and kam heong sauce that was so delicious, it had me craving for a bowl of rice to go with it.

Braised Dong Po Iberico Pork 4.2/5

Another memorable dish was the Braised Dong Po Iberico Pork, which was cooked to perfection, melting in the mouth with every bite.

Braised Mee Pok with Eggplant and Kurobuta Minced Pork 4.2/5

We opted for the Braised Mee Pok with Eggplant and Kurobuta Minced Pork for our carbo fix. The sauce was rich and savoury, complementing the perfectly cooked noodles that had just the right amount of bite.

Chilled Lemongrass Jully, Chilled Mango Pomelo Sago 4/5

We indulged in desserts like the Chilled Lemongrass Jelly and Chilled Mango Pomelo Sago to wrap up our sumptuous brunch. Both desserts were light, sweet, and refreshing, providing a perfect end to our meal.

Available only on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays
First Seating: 11.30am - 1.30pm (Last Order at 1pm)
Second Seating: 12.30pm - 2.30pm (Last Order at 2pm)
Pricing:
S$68++ per adult (min. 2 persons)
$48++ per child (4-12 years old)

The Weekend Dim Sum Brunch at Ya Ge offers a delightful combination of classic and innovative dishes, all prepared with finesse and attention to detail. Whether you're a dim sum traditionalist or someone who enjoys trying new flavours, this brunch is sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you planning your next visit.

Note: This is an invited tasting


Ya Ge (雅阁)
Orchid Hotel Singapore
1 Tras Link
Singapore 078867
Tel: +65 6818 6831
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight towards Orchid Hotel. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Swee Choon Tim Sum Restaurant @ Anchorvale Village - Opens A New Outlet in Sengkang with Exclusive Dishes

Swee Choon Tim Sum Restaurant, a household name in Singapore, has opened a new outlet at Anchorvale Village, bringing its legendary dim sum closer to residents in the Sengkang area. Known for its consistently delicious offerings and bustling atmosphere, Swee Choon's new outlet introduces a slew of exclusive dishes on top of the usual classics.

Triple Combination of BBQ Meat 4/5

One of the new outlet exclusives is the BBQ Meat selection. You can pair these with rice or noodles or enjoy them on their own. We had the Triple Combination of BBQ Meat ($23.90), featuring Honey Char Siew, Garlic Roasted Chicken, and Roasted Pork. The Honey Char Siew was nicely glazed and incredibly tender, earning high marks. The Garlic Roasted Chicken surprised us with its crispy skin and tender meat, and the fragrant chicken rice we paired with it was perfect. Although we wished for more crackling on the skin of the Roasted Pork, it was nicely seasoned and not too salty.

Siew Mai 3.8/5

Salted Egg Yolk Custard Bao 4/5

Baked BBQ Char Siew Bao 3/5

No visit to Swee Choon is complete without sampling their classic dim sum items. We started with the Siew Mai ($2.90/2pcs), which was juicy and meaty, packed with ingredients. The Salted Egg Yolk Custard Bao ($5.80/3pcs) featured soft, fluffy dough filled with a sweet and savoury salted egg custard that oozed like lava, making it a delightful treat. For those seeking a texture contrast, the Baked BBQ Char Siew Bao ($4.90/2pcs) offered a crusty exterior with a fluffy interior filled with chunky sweet BBQ char siew.

Swee Choon Signature Mee Suah Kueh 3/5

A must-try is the Swee Choon Signature Mee Suah Kueh ($3.30/2pcs), which provides a delightful textural contrast with its crispy exterior and soft interior.

'Sichuan Chilli Oil Dumpling 3/5

The Sichuan Chilli Oil Dumplings ($5.90) was drenched in fragrant Sichuan chilli oil. These plump and juicy dumplings, encased in soft, translucent skins, offered a spicy kick.

Tofu Bomb 4/5

An innovative take on traditional dim sum, the Tofu Bomb ($4/2pcs) featured a crispy exterior filled with flavourful ingredients and a slight spiciness from the mixed chopped chilli inside, making it a flavour bomb in itself.

Lychee Prawn Cheese Ball 3.5/5

Another creative dish is the Lychee Prawn Cheese Ball ($3.90/2pcs), shaped to resemble the lychee fruit with a delightful crispy coat. It’s filled with cheese for an elevated taste profile, though I wished the prawn flavour was more pronounced.

Sweet Potato Salted Egg Custard Ball 4/5, Baked Hong Kong Egg Tart 3.5/5

We ended our meal with some sweet delights. The Sweet Potato Salted Egg Custard Ball ($3.90/2pcs) was a highlight with its oozing lava filling and mochi-like chewy texture. The Baked Hong Kong Egg Tart ($3.50) offered a sweet, creamy, and eggy custard encased in a buttery tart, making for a satisfying end to our meal.

Swee Choon Tim Sum Restaurant's new outlet at Anchorvale Village continues its tradition of delivering delicious dim sum while introducing exciting new dishes. It's a welcome addition to the Sengkang dining scene, sure to delight both long-time fans and new customers alike.

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


Swee Choon
Anchorvale Village
339A Anchorvale Road
#B1-06/07
Singapore 541339
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Nearest MRT: Sengkang (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 8am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Sengkang MRT station. Transfer to Sengkang LRT station. Take the LRT to Farmway LRT Station. Take Exit B and walk to destination. Journey timeabout 8 minutes. [Map]

LUCE @ InterContinental Singapore - New Champagne Sunday Brunch That Celebrates The Concept of "Familglia"

LUCE at InterContinental Singapore introduces a refreshing Italian dining experience under the newly appointed Chef de Cuisine, Andrea Rossi. With over two decades of experience in esteemed kitchens, Chef Andrea has curated a luxurious buffet spread and an à la carte menu that celebrates the concept of "famiglia" (family), bringing hearty dishes that foster meaningful conversations and togetherness.

Seafood on Ice 5/5

Starting the Sunday brunch, the Seafood on Ice selection is unparalleled, featuring seasonal live oysters, Boston lobster, snow crab, black mussels, Australian yabby, tiger prawns, and sea whelk.

Sushi & Sashimi 5/5

The brunch also includes a stunning display of premium Sashimi and Sushi, showcasing the freshest catches.

Beef Pastrami and Provolone Cheese Croissant 3.8/5

House-cured Salmon Platter with Assorted Blinis 4/5

Artisanal Farmer Pork Terrine 4.8/5

One of LUCE's highlights is the Charcuterie Room, featuring an impressive Cold Cuts Station with Italian cured meats and an extensive Artisanal Cheese Selection. Notable cheeses include Taleggio, Gorgonzola Dolce, Provolone Piccante, Pecorino Toscano al Tartufo, and Ubriaco Al Whiskey. Thoughtful condiments and spreads like caramelized onions and fig jam complement the cold cuts beautifully. In the same room, Appetizers shine with the House-cured Salmon Platter with Assorted Blinis, enjoyed with Egg Mimosa and Crème Fraiche, and the Artisanal Farmer Pork Terrine, which pairs excellently with fig jam and caramelized onions.

Pinsas 4.5/5

LUCE's Roman-style Pinsas are a must-try, with eight selections available. Hand-stretched and served hot from the woodfire oven, they range from the classic La Margherita Classica and La Parmigiana to the Northern Emilia-Romagna inspired La Tartufata and La Mortadella.

Girelle di Pasta al Forno Emiliana 5/5

Fettuccine Truffle Alfredo 4.5/5

The curation of pasta dishes will satisfy all paste lovers. From the Emilia-Romagna region, there is a baked pasta dish - Girelle di Pasta al Forno Emiliana. The texture of the pasta was on point, delectable with a stuffing of ricotta and mascarpone cheese, green asparagus, and brown butter. Spaghetti di Gragnano alla Bolognese is a rustic and homely dish featuring spaghetti coated in savoury beef sauce. Do leave space for Fettuccine Truffle Alfredo, fresh pasta cooked ala minute in a Parmesan wheel, complemented by Truffle Cream Espuma or Roman Carbonara Espuma.

Assorted Meats 4.5/5

Live Stations are where you find savoury and succulent meats catering to all palates - Pollo Ripieno, a Tuscan-style rice-stuffed roasted chicken served with Nocellara olives, wild mushrooms and chicken jus. The Porchetta di Manzo e Salsa Verde is slow-cooked to achieve tender beef slices served with zesty salsa verde and potato fondant. Agnello al Forno is a roasted herb-marinated Lamb Saddle paired with Yorkshire Pudding.

Il Salmone al Vapore 4/5

Le Costine di Maiale in Umido 4/5

Le Mascagnine di Carne in Umido 4/5

La Salsiccia e Purea di Patata 4.5/5

Other Italian Specialties are aplenty too. Le Mascagnine di Carne in Umido is a flavourful handmade meatball in fresh tomato marinara. Le Costine di Maiale in Umido is an interesting dish that is new to me - Braised Pork Baby Ribs with Wild Mushroom and Red Wine Reduction. Dishes of more familiar flavours include La Salsiccia e Purea di Patata - Roasted Italian Sausage with Mashed Potato and Il Salmone al Vapore, a steamed Norwegian Salmon that is citrusy with Fennel, Dill and Sauce Vierge.

Lotus Leaf Wrapped Glutinous Rice 4/5

Dim Sum 3.5/5

The Asian selections were better than expected. Not only do you get to enjoy the hotel's Signature Prawn Noodle Soup, there are local delights such as Fried Seafood Hokkien Mee, Lotus Leaf Wrapped Glutinous Rice with Chinese Cured Meat, and Dim Sum Selection offering Pork Siew Mai with Crab Roe Spinach and Chicken Crystal Ball.

Banana Pound Cake 4.5/5

Dessert 4/5

The Dessert Station is the perfect end to the brunch. It offers a variety of sweets, including a Chocolate Fountain, Gelatos, Mini cakes, and Tarts. The Banana Pound Cake, made with caramelized banana, peanut butter, and buttercream, stands out as an indulgent highlight.

The Champagne Sunday Brunch is available every Sunday from 12pm to 3pm. Prices start from SGD38++ for children aged 3 to 5, SGD68++ aged 6 to 11, and SGD118++ per adult (includes free-flow soft drinks, juices, coffee and tea), SGD158++ (includes free-flow Prosecco, Peroni Beer and soft drinks) and SGD178++ per adult (includes free-flow Champagne or Italian Franciacorta, Aperol Spritz and selected cocktails and wines).

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.


LUCE
InterContinental Singapore
Level 1
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 6825 1008
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Lunch: 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm (Monday to Saturday; last order at 2:00pm)
Dinner: 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm (Daily; last order at 9:30pm)

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