Crystal Jade Group Of Restaurants - Mother's Day And Seasonal Menu Promotion

In conjunction with the upcoming Mother's and Father's Day, Crystal Jade Group's portfolio of fine and casual-dining restaurants has launched several limited-time promotions – ranging from High-Tea sets and special set menus alongside seasonal a la carte dishes. The promotions are available from now till 30 June 2023.

Cucumber & Assorted Mushroom Dumpling 4.5/5, Steamed Squid with Water Chestnut Dumpling 4.5/5, Deep-fried Beancurd Roll with Pork Floss & Seaweed 2.5/5

Available at Crystal Jade Palace, Crystal Jade Golden Palace and Crystal Jade Pavilion for the first time, these three fine-dining establishments offer specially-curated High Tea sets, over two weekends each, in May and June, in the late afternoon from 3pm – 445pm. A peek into the Crystal Jade Pavilion Sea High-Tea set, we tried the Cucumber & Assorted Mushroom Dumpling served together with two seasonal dim sum items from Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen - Steamed Squid with Water Chestnut Dumpling ($7.80/3 pieces) and Deep-fried Beancurd Roll with Pork Floss & Seaweed ($7.80/3 pieces). I enjoyed both the dumplings. They were exquisite, with thin skin and fillings that were on point with flavours and texture. However, the deep-fried beancurd roll was a tad greasy for me.

Chilled Boneless Kampung Chicken 4/5

Crystal Jade Palace presents two very tantalising dishes. The first to be served was Chilled Boneless Kampung Chicken with Scallion & Sand Ginger ($36 for half, $70 for whole). The chicken was deliciously succulent and tender, marinated in a mixture of chopped spring onions and sand ginger that lent incredible fragrance, flavour and freshness.

Stewed Chinese Yam Vermicelli with Sesame Chicken & Shredded Ginger 4/5

The 2nd dish was a nourishing and warming Stewed Chinese Yam Vermicelli with Sesame Chicken & Shredded Ginger ($32 for regular (3-4 persons)). The sesame flavour was more of an undertone, making the broth much lighter than expected and delightfully comforting. The Chinese yam vermicelli is specially brought in to create this dish. Its texture is a cross between rice vermicelli and glass noodles.

Steamed Whole Deboned Fish wrapped in Crystal Jelly 5/5

From Crystal Jade Golden Palace, I was awed by this high-skilled dish - Steamed Whole Deboned Fish wrapped in Crystal Jelly in Teochew Style (Seasonal price). The live fish is first filleted, then wrapped with shiitake mushroom, red chilli, preserved vegetables, Chinese celery and shredded ginger in a delicate mung bean sheet, and steamed in a light stock flavoured with preserved vegetables and enlivened with fresh tomatoes.

Hakka Grandma's Pork Belly with Preserved Vegetable 3.5/5

In contrast with the above, Hakka Grandma's Pork Belly with Preserved Vegetable ($28/4 pieces) is a very homely dish that entices with thick cuts of pork belly doused in a dark, rich sauce with Preserved Vegetables. The preserved vegetables were surprisingly quite balanced in flavour, and it would have been a perfect combination if the pork belly had been more tender.

Deep-fried Assorted Mushroom & Lotus Roots 3/5

Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao & Jiang Nan presents Deep-fried Assorted Mushroom & Lotus Roots in Chef's Special Spicy Cumin Powder ($16.80). Using mushrooms and crunchy lotus roots instead of meat gives a different form of enjoyment. However, I would prefer the mushrooms to be less thinly sliced so each fried piece has a 'meatier' bite.

Superior Bird's Nest with Taro Paste in Deep-fried Sesame Ball 3/5

Crystal Jade Palace High Tea set, Crystal Jade Golden Palace High Tea set & Crystal Jade Pavilion High Tea set are priced at $68++ per person (minimum 2 persons to dine). Each delectable high tea set includes two appetisers, four dim sum, a soup, a main, two desserts, and free flow of Chinese tea and coffee. You can also opt to top up $58 for a bottle of Prosecco Cecilia Beretta NV (750ml).

Mango Passionfruit Sorbet with Bird's Nest 3.5/5

An extensive selection of set menus is available at Crystal Jade Palace, Crystal Jade Golden Palace and Crystal Jade Pavilion. Each menu comprises off-the-menu creations, from $488 for 6 persons to $1,688 for 10 persons.

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.

Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant @ Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel - The Return Of Sri Lankan Crabs And New Menu Launch

Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant at Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel is currently running a Sri Lankan Crab Special from 1 September to 31 October 2022. From exquisite dim sums to a la carte specialities, the Sri Lankan Crab menu allows you to savour the crustacean's plump and sweet meat through 11 different dishes.

Deep-Fried Salted Egg Crab Bun 4/5

For the dim sums, to retain the delicate sweet flavour and texture of the Sri Lankan Crabs meat, the latter is steamed whole before the crab meat is removed from its shell and churned into dainty delights. Drawing inspirations from the well-loved Custard Lava Bun, Deep-Fried Salted Egg Crab Bun ($3.80) is a delicious fried version with a savoury salted egg crab filling encased within a delightfully airy and fluffy dough. But I do find the salted egg slightly overwhelms the crab meat.

Four Happiness Dumpling 4/5

Four Happiness Dumpling ($3.80), an elevated prawn dumpling studded with Crab Meat, Crab Roe, Ham and Celery, will light up your face with its juicy filling, with extra texture and umami-ness lent by the 4 colourful ingredients. Deep-Fried Spring Roll with Crab Meat & Glass Noodle ($3.80) is another dim sum special that is tasty as a spring roll but doesn't do much justice to the crab meat.

Salted Egg with Chicken Floss Crab 4.5/5

For a la carte dishes, Wan Hao's rendition of Salted Egg Crab - Salted Egg with Chicken Floss Crab ($68/ 500- 600gm portion) is a hot favourite of all times. This crab is given a coat using a combination of curry powder, deep-fried garlic, chicken floss and salted egg. This drier method of presenting the crab gives the meat a better chance to shine - the savoury dried coat crumbs became a flavour enhancer, accentuating the sweetness of the crab meat while being finger-licking good on its own.

Braised Beancurd with Crab Meat & Crab Roe 4.8/5

Braised Beancurd with Crab Meat & Crab Roe ($48/person), brimming with fresh chunky crab meat and crab roe, was a star of the evening that showcases the fine qualities of the crustacean. The key probably lies with the flavourful superior stock that was used to form the base of this dish. It did a perfect job in bringing the 3 delicate flavoured ingredients together.

Braised Bird’s Nest with Crab Claw & Watercress Superior Stock 4/5

Braised Bird’s Nest with Crab Claw & Watercress Superior Stock ($68/pax) is indeed a luxurious dish. I appreciate how the emerald green of the watercress reflects the elegance of this dish. Similar to the dish above, the superior stock used is the key to imparting the base flavours and harmonising the ingredients.

Wok-Fried Cod Fillet with Foie Gras 3/5

Other dishes to include in your visit to Wan Hao are some of its newly launched items. Wok-Fried Cod Fillet with Foie Gras in Chef's Secret Sauce ($48). The flavours were good, but the combination of foie gras and wok-fried cod made it a fairly rich dish. Overall I find it a tad dry, given that the cod morsels were almost crunchy and the noodle base was fried too.

Roasted Spanish Suckling Pig wrapped with Wok-fried Glutinous Rice 3/5

No special occasion is needed to devour the Roasted Spanish Suckling Pig wrapped with Wok-fried Glutinous Rice and Chinese Sausage ($508), so long advance reservation is made. While the expected caramelised crispy crackle at the skin was achieved, the collagenous layer underneath the skin was slightly too chewy for my liking.

Brandy Baked Alaska with Ice Cream 4/5

Ice cream dessert is not commonly found in Chinese restaurants. Hence Wan Hao decided to subvert that expectation and introduced its very own Brandy Baked Alaska with Ice Cream ($15++), flambé with Brandy right at your table. It sure brings a lot of excitement to the table.

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.


Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant (萬豪軒)
Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel
Level 3
320 Orchard Road
Singapore 238865
Tel: +65 68314605
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Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 3pm, 630pm - 1030pm
Sat-Sun & PH: 1130am - 3pm, 630pm - 1030pm

Direction:
Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 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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Website
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]

Five Star Hong Kong Style Handmade Dim Sum @ Shun Li Industrial Complex (Sims Drive) - Hidden Dim Sum Place In An Industrial Complex

There have been many media coverages of Five Star Hong Kong Style Handmade Dim Sum located in a coffeeshop at Mei Ling Street. It is known for its freshly handmade dim sum by Chef Yiu Wah Tai, who has 30 years of experience working at Shang Palace, Shangri La and Jiang Nan Chun, Four Seasons Hotel.

Chef Yiu has opened several Five Star Dim Sum around the island. However, not many people know that they have an outlet hidden on the seventh floor of an industrial building at Sims Drive. Furthermore, the place is air-conditioned!

Siew Mai 4.2/5, Har Gao 4.2/5

Whenever I have Dim Sum, I will order Siew Mai ($4.50) and Har Gao ($4.50). I find that this is the primary entry to judge whether the dim sum at the restaurant is good or not. The Siew Mai and Har Gao here did meet my expectation. The Siew Mai is plump and juicy, while the Har Gao comes with huge prawn wrapped in thin translucent skin.

Char Siew Cheong Fan 3/5, Prawn Cheong Fan 3.5/5

We also tried the Char Siew Cheong Fan ($4) and Prawn Cheong Fan ($4.50). I find these average, and the sauce is a bit too salty. However, it is value for money for the price and the amount of ingredients wrapped in the rice sheet.

Xiao Long Pau 3.5/5

While the Xiao Long Pau ($3.50) is plump and filled with delightful marinated pork filling, the skin was a bit thick for me. However, maybe they need to make the skin thicker to hold the generous filling.

Mala Dumpling 3/5

Though the Mala Dumpling ($4) sauce lacked the punch and fragrant, the dumpling itself is huge and stuffed with delectable filling.

The menu at the Sim Drive outlet is quite limited. There are only 18 items on the menu. We also tried Salted Egg Custard Buns, Char Siew Pau, Congees and Carrot Cake. There is nothing fancy with the dim sum items here, do not have high expectations. Instead, you get a taste of tradition with a generous portion at an affordable price. Unlike the other Five Star Dim Sum outlets, the outlet here also offers zichar dishes, herbal soup and claypot dishes.


Five Star Hong Kong Style Handmade Dim Sum
Shun Li Industrial Complex
705 Sims Drive
#07-01
Singapore 387384
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Nearest MRT: Aljunied (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 8am - 830pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Aljunied MRT station. Take Exit A or B. Cross the road and walk to bus stop opposite Aljunied MRT station (Stop ID 81081). Take bus number 137. Alight 2 stops later. Walk along Sims Drive to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

5 On 25 @ Andaz Singapore - Weekend Dim Sum Club With Over 25 Varieties Of Handcrafted Delicacies

The newly launched modern Cantonese Restaurant in Andaz Singapore, 5 on 25 launches its inaugural weekend dim sum brunch experience - Weekend Dim Sum Club. Guests can look forward to an a la carte menu of over 25 varieties of handcrafted delicacies alongside sweeping views of Singapore.

Guests can also elevate the brunch experience with a suite of beverages. For an additional $78 per pax, guests can sip a free flow of Delamotte Brut N V Champagne, bottled beers as well as three low-alcoholic and non-alcoholic organic sparkling teas by Copenhagen Sparkling Tea Company in Denmark.

Shrimp and Cod Fish Beancurd Rolls 3.5/5

We started with the Shrimp and Cod Fish Beancurd Rolls ($3.50 pc). It is not something new, but the incorporation of cod fish elevated the textural bite.

Lemon Bacon Rolls 3.8/5

Next is the Lemon Bacon Rolls ($7.50), which come in a creamy sauce that helps to balance the savouriness and lemon's zestiness. 

Shrimp Dumplings, Lychee, Mustard 4.2/5

This is not your usual Shrimp Dumplings ($7.50). The addition of lychee and mustard brightens the taste profile of the beautiful morsel.

Chef Lam's Signature Deep-fried Duck Roll

One of Chef Lam's Signatures is the Deep-fried Duck Roll ($12) stuffed with duck and mushrooms, dressed in oyster sauce. It feels like having "Tau Kwa Pok", a traditional hawker item that is no longer commonly seen in Singapore.

Shredded Chicken with Sesame Sauce 3.5/5

Besides dim sum items, several chef's recommendations make up the weekend dim sum club menu. One of them is the Shredded Chicken with Sesame Sauce ($12) paired with cucumber and crispy rice puffs. The sesame sauce is interesting. It has a nutty, tangy taste profile giving the dish a delightful finishing.

Stir-fried Assorted Mushroom 4/5

Wrapping up on dim sum lunch, we had the Stir-fried Assorted Mushroom ($12) cooked in oyster sauce and Fried Rice with Wagyu Beef in Truffle Sauce ($38). 

Fried Rice with Wagyu Beef, Truffle Sauce 3/5

Having just the fried rice alone can be pretty dull. Hence I would recommend getting the stir-fried assorted mushroom to go along. As for the fried rice, the wagyu and truffle sauce were hardly distinguishable. Therefore it is pretty ordinary.

5 ON 25’s Weekend Dim Sum Club à la carte and set menus are available on Saturdays and Sundays from 12 pm to 2.30 pm.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


5 On 25
Andaz Singapore
5 Fraser Street
Level 25
Singapore 189354
Tel: +65 64081228
Facebook
Website
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]

Estate @ Hilton Singapore Orchard - Experience An Elevated Buffet Selection

Hilton Singapore Orchard has recently opened on 24 February 2022, located in the hearts of Orchard. Following the opening is the launch of the hotel's residential all-day dining restaurant on level five, Estate, inspired by the heritage of Orchard Road’s early years. The all-day dining buffet restaurant showcases culinary experiences and flavours from around the world while elevating familiar regional favourites that resonate with local residents.

Central to Estate's dining experience is the residential-style open kitchens that set the stage for a live display of culinary showmanship. The team, led by Director of Culinary Vijayakant Shanmugam, whips up tantalising dishes a la minute in full view of guests.

Kickstart the feast with cold cut appetisers - Coppa Ham, Salami, Air-dried Beef, and Prosciutto de Parma. or Salads such as the Greek salad with feta cheese, wardorf salad.

The Seafood on ice features a fresh selection, such as the Tiger Prawns, Black Mussels, Clams and Scallops in Shell.

Don't miss signature dishes from the Wok, Fry & Premium Kitchen featuring signatures like the Estate Black Truffle Roasted Duck. The meat is incredibly tender and flavourful. It is served with a drizzle of truffle plum sauce and soy honey glaze, complementing the savoury meat. The Black Truffle Roasted Duck is best paired with a piping hot bowl of flavourful Signature Peking Duck Consomme.

The Grill Kitchen features a selection of Asian-inspired skewers, including the Beef Kebab, Kurobuta Pork Teriyaki, Wagyu Kofta, and Black Miso Chicken.

Not to be missed are the Asian favourites - Singapore XO Hokkien Mee, Carrot Cake with Chinese Sausage, and the Steamed Glutinous Rice with Chinese Sausage, and Crispy Cheong Fun with Soft Shell Chilli Crab.

The Cantonese Style Wagyu Beef Noodle is one of my favourite dishes. The non-oily broth had a distinct beefy taste, noodles were al dente to bite, and the wagyu beef meat was tender and flavourful.

The Squid Ink Homemade Gluten-Free Tagliatelle with Octopus Confit from the Noodle & Wrap Kitchen is also delicious, with a rich, briny flavour.

There is also a Dim sum station which offers a small selection of dim sum - Siew Mai, Har Gow, Lotus Paste Pau and Chicken Char Siew Pau.

End the feast on a sweet note with desserts such as the Rainbow Kueh, Kueh Lapis or the Original Cheesecake.

There is also a beautiful range of masterfully handcrafted desserts by beloved Executive Pastry Chef Cindy Khoo, such as the Marsala Wine Tiramisu, Champagne Raspberry Gelee, Torch Citron Tarte, and Mango Infused Jasmine Gateaux.

Lunch: $62++ (Mon to Thu) and $70++ (Fri to Sun)
Dinner: $82++ (Sun to Thu) and $99++ (Fri & Sat)

Child aged 12 years old and below dines at 50% off adult price and for child aged 5 years old and below dines on complimentary.

Photos and words by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Estate
Hilton Singapore Orchard
333 Orchard Road
Singapore 238867
Tel: +65 67374411
Website
Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 630am - 10pm
Breakfast: 630am – 1030am
Lunch: 12pm – 230pm
Dinner: 630pm – 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to ground level. Turn left onto Orchard Road. Walk down Orchard Road. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]