Showing posts with label Dumpling. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dumpling. Show all posts

Friday, March 15, 2024

Tiffin Room @ Raffles Hotel - Return of The Wondrous Flavours of Holi

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Tiffin Room at Raffles Hotel is once again presenting Holi Festival Specialities, exclusively crafted by award-winning Chef de Cuisine Kuldeep Negi, at the historic Tiffin Room. The Wondrous Flavours of Holi will be available from 18 to 31 March 2024 for both lunch and dinner.

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Stuffed Yellow Lentil Dumplings 3.5/5

Our dinner began with Chef Kuldeep's Welcome Dahi Gujia (Stuffed Yellow Lentil Dumplings With Sweet Yogurt, Tamarind And Spicy Mint Chutney), a beloved North Indian snack, involves lentils ground and shaped into a half-moon gujiya, generously adorned with yoghurt, tamarind chutney, coriander mint chutney, and an array of Indian spices. Combining the chutneys and spices resulted in an explosion of flavours - a delightful interplay of sweet, tangy, and savoury notes infused with aromatic undertones. The addition of nuts provided an enjoyable textural contrast to the chaat. Personally, I would have preferred a bit less of the tamarind chutney, as it leaned towards the sweeter side.

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Pickled Spicy Tandoori-Grilled Chicken Wrap 4/5

Next is the Achari Murgh Tikka Kathi Roll, featuring Pickled Spicy Tandoori-Grilled Chicken Wrap served with Beetroot, Radish And Onion Salad. The chicken was tender and flavourful with a heady blend of spices, which was quite nicely balanced by the herbaceous mint chutney and the side salad.

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Pan-Seared Black Cod 4.5/5

The Main Course was served in its classic tiffin set. Tawa Masala Fish was the crowd's favourite, featuring Pan-Seared Black Cod in a Special Blend Of Spices, Onion And Tomato Masala. The tangy and fruity sweetness of the masala complemented the inherent richness of the cod.

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Boneless Chicken Leg 4/5

Murgh Madras is a crowd pleaser with tender Boneless Chicken Leg in curry rich in mustard seed and spices.

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Pahadi Gosht 4.2/5

Pahadi Gosht is a rare treat that serves Himalayan-style Lamb Chop Curry with Fresh Herbs And Spices. The lamb was delightfully tender, and this more robust form of curry proved to be a good pairing with the meat's flavours.

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Yellow Lentil Curry 3.5/5

The Tiffin set also includes Shahi Dal, a curry made with Yellow Lentil with Black Beans and Red Kidney Beans. I enjoyed the textural interplay of the various beans and lentils, but I prefer a more spice-forward curry that tastes bolder.

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Tomato Mint Pulao 5/5

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Butter Naan and Laccha Parantha 5/5

Despite the curries being the main focus, the Tomato Mint Pulao, Butter Naan, and Laccha Parantha truly stole the spotlight for me. The Tomato Mint Pulao was a delight, featuring light and fluffy basmati rice infused with the fragrant essence of mint and cardamom, punctuated by sweetness from softened fresh tomatoes. Both the naan and parantha proved equally satisfying, boasting the desired texture and a rich, buttery flavour that added a layer of joy to the overall dining experience.

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Dessert 3/5

The Dessert is a platter of Makai Halwa, Gujia, and Gur Para (Sweet Corn Halwa, Traditional Sweet Dumplings Stuffed With Coconut And Dried Fruits, and Jaggery Bites). However, I found these selections a bit too heavy for a dessert course after the fairly rich dishes. Perhaps a lighter option would have provided a more balanced and refreshing conclusion to the meal.

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Options of 2 glasses and 4 glasses alcoholic beverages pairing are available as well.

Photograph and written 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.


Tiffin Room
Raffles Hotel
1 Beach Road
Singapore 189673
Tel: +65 63371886
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Lunch: 12pm - 145pm
Dinner: 630pm - 845pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Junction of North Bridge Road and Bras Basah Road. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit F. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Thursday, February 15, 2024

Chef Chan's Private Dine @ Scotts Road - Preserving Legacy, Crafting Excellence

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Nestled within the premises of Indocafe along Scotts Road is Chef Chan Private Dine, spearheaded by Chef Wong Hong Loong, the skilled disciple of the renowned Chef Chan Chen Hei. While it might initially seem perplexing to name a restaurant after a chef not leading the kitchen, Chef Chan Chen Hei's prestigious legacy in the Chinese culinary realm justifies this choice. The restaurant promises a repertoire of Chef Chan's classic dishes, complemented by contemporary twists under the meticulous guidance of Chef Wong Hong Loong.

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Abalone with Caviar / Maitake Mushroom "Kung Fu" Soup 4.2/5

We had the Dinner Set Menu by Loong Shi Fu, priced at $188+ per person, and the evening commenced with an amuse-bouche featuring Abalone with Caviar and a Maitake Mushroom "Kung Fu" Soup. The prized abalone, sweetened with caviar and immersed in the earthy essence of maitake mushroom, offered a tantalising prelude to the gastronomic feast.

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Golden Morsels - Foie Gras with Shrimp Paste 3.8/5

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Golden Morsels - Iberico Pork with Chive Dumpling 4/5

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Golden Morsels - Marinated Quail Leg with Five Spices 4.2/5

The Golden Morsels trio followed, presenting a symphony of flavours. The Foie Gras with Shrimp Paste, boasting a crispy exterior, danced on the palate with a delightful medley of textures. Iberico Pork with Chive Dumplings showcased juicy dumplings infused with the essence of chives, while the Marinated Quail Leg with Five Spices provided a herbal and tender interlude.

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Wellness Chicken Soup 5/5

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The Wellness Chicken Soup emerged as a highlight, a potently brewed elixir resulting from a 12-hour simmer of whole chicken with ginseng. Served in a teapot and poured theatrically into individual bowls, the rich and flavoursome soup hinted at the essence of pure chicken essence.


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Steamed Spotted Grouper with Homemade Tofu and Egg White 4/5

The Steamed Spotted Grouper, harmoniously paired with Homemade Tofu and Egg White, showcased the delicate flesh of the grouper enrobed in silky steamed egg white—an ode to the chef's artistry.

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Poached Australian Cabbage with Double Boiled Chicken Broth 4.8/5

The Poached Australian Cabbage, immersed in Double-Boiled Chicken Broth, symbolising abundance and fortune, unfolded as a visual delight. The cabbage, served blooming at the table, captured the essence of softness and sweetness.

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"Loong Shi Fu" Signature Crispy Sakura Chicken 5/5

An iconic Chef Chan's dish is the "Loong Shi Fu" Signature Crispy Sakura Chicken, which features paper-crisp skin, revealing tender and moist meat beneath. The impressive texture and flavour profile invoked the essence of a perfectly executed dish.

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Wok-Fried Kway Teow with Seasonal Fresh Crab Gravy 4.2/5

The Wok-Fried Kway Teow with Seasonal Fresh Crab Gravy emerged as a stellar dish — a fusion of silky flat rice noodles infused with "Wok Hei" and adorned with a rich crab roe gravy, complemented by crispy noodle bits for an added crunch.

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Chilled Supreme Bird's Nest with Rock Sugar 3.5/5

Rounding off the feast, the Chilled Supreme Bird's Nest with Rock Sugar provided a light and nourishing dessert. Additionally, Little Sweets comprising Mochi coated in peanut and Nian Gao with a thin crisp batter served as delightful petits fours.

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Little Sweets 4/5

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In conclusion, Chef Chan Private Dine masterfully preserves the legacy of Chef Chan Chen Hei, weaving traditional excellence with contemporary flair through Chef Wong Hong Loong's skilled hands. Each dish served unfolds as a symphony of flavours, a testament to the richness of Chinese gastronomy. The restaurant is not merely a dining establishment; it is a celebration of heritage, a gastronomic journey that intertwines the past and present in every exquisite bite. Chef Chan Private Dine undoubtedly holds a distinguished place in Singapore's vibrant F&B landscape.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Chef Chan's Private Dine
(within INDOCFE - Peranakan Dining)
35 Scotts Road
Singapore 228227
Tel: +65 6737 0895
Facebook
Instagram
Nearest MRT: Newton (DT, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 930pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Newton MRT station. Take Exit A. On Scotts Road, turn right and walk down Scotts Road towards Orchard Road direction. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Saturday, October 28, 2023

Cai Lin Ji (蔡林记) @ Jurong Point - Exploring the Unique Flavours of Hubei Street Food

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Cai Lin Ji (蔡林记), located at Jurong Point, introduces the unique flavours of Hubei cuisine, featuring a range of street food from this region, including the famous Wuhan Hot Dry Noodles. Service here is quick, reminiscent of a fast-food restaurant, making it a convenient choice for a satisfying meal.

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Three Delicacies Dou Pi (三鲜豆皮) 3.5/5

My curiosity was piqued by the Three Delicacies Dou Pi (三鲜豆皮), priced at $4.50 for one or $8.50 for two pieces. This traditional Hubei snack is a multilayered dish, with potato flour forming the base, steamed egg or glutinous rice in the middle, and a top layer featuring bamboo shoots or minced meat combined with pork belly and mushrooms. It's somewhat akin to our local prata, with layers of ingredients that create a delightful texture.

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Fresh Meat Soup Bun (鲜肉汤包) 4/5

The Fresh Meat Soup Bun (鲜肉汤包), priced at $5.90 for three pieces, closely resembles our beloved Xiao Long Bao. These little pockets are filled with juicy and well-marinated pork to be savoured with a side of vinegar dip.

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Signature Shao Mai (重油烧卖) 3.8/5

The Signature Shao Mai (重油烧卖), at $3.90 for three pieces, offers a unique twist on the Cantonese-style siew mai we're familiar with. This peppery rendition features a mixture of sticky rice, raisins, rock candy, peanuts, osmanthus flowers, orange peel, and shredded carrots. It's a delightful blend that somewhat resembles our local Png Kueh.

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Signature Zha Jiang Hot Dry Noodle (炸酱热干面) 3.8/5

The Signature Zha Jiang Hot Dry Noodle (炸酱热干面), priced at $7.90, was a novel discovery. Hailing from Wuhan, this dish holds the title of "Top 10 Noodles in China." It's served dry and coated with a secret black sesame sauce. While it's undoubtedly a good bowl of noodles, I needed time to adjust to the unique pairing of black sesame sauce with noodles.

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Xiang Yang Beef Noodles/Beehoon (襄阳牛肉面/米粉) 4.2/5

The Xiang Yang Beef Noodles/Beehoon (襄阳牛肉面/米粉) at $10.90 is a staple breakfast in Hubei. I opted for the beehoon, which had a silky texture with a delightful bite. It came with crunchy bean sprouts and was served generously in rich beef broth laden with beef and offal. I found this bowl of noodles incredibly enjoyable and versatile enough to have for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

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Shrimp Wanton (虾仁馄饨) 4.8/5

We originally wanted to order the Han Kou Wonton, but it was sold out. We settled for the Shrimp Wanton (虾仁馄饨), priced at $9.90 for ten pieces, which were freshly made daily. These wantons featured fresh shrimp encased in tender, chewy skin and cooked in a flavorful broth.

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Signature Osmanthus Paste Rice Wine (桂花糊米酒) 4/5

My culinary journey took an exciting turn with two Hubei speciality soups. First up is the Signature Osmanthus Paste Rice Wine (桂花糊米酒), priced at $3.90. This delight combines rice wine with glutinous balls in a sweet, slightly starchy broth. The second is the Egg Drop Rice Wine (蛋花米酒), priced at $4. It involves dropping a raw egg into boiling water at 100 degrees and adding rice wine. The more I indulged in these unique flavours, the more I appreciated the new tastes that graced my palate.

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Signature Egg Drop Rice Wine (蛋花米酒) 3.8/5

In summary, my visit to Cai Lin Ji at Jurong Point expanded my culinary horizons. The menu featured dishes I'd never tasted before, emphasizing the vastness of the culinary world and the endless possibilities for exploration.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Cai Lin Ji
Jurong Point
63 Jurong West Central
#03-56
Singapore 648331
Tel: +65 9238 0368
Facebook
Instagram
Nearest MRT: Boon Lay (EW Lne)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 9pm

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

Thursday, August 24, 2023

The Kongsee @ Genmill Lane - Mod-Sin Izakaya Conceptualised by Chef Willin Low

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The Kongsee on Genmill Lane is conceptualised as a mod-sin izakaya with the vibe of an underground lounge, with Chef Willin Low as the food consultant.

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Barramundi Ceviche 3.5/5

Barramundi Ceviche ($22) is a dish that was conceived against the backdrop of our local food history and culture. The Barramundi is locally sourced, treated and presented as a Latin American dish with a Southeast Asia flair. It is accompanied by some cold and warm elements for flavour and textural contrast - Pickle Onions, Fried capers, Fried Diced Eggplant, Savoury Ice Cream and mini Papadams, which serve as a vessel to bring it all together. While the concept was good, the flavours of the various elements didn't quite come together.

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Kongsee Crab Cake 4/5

As our fondness for Thai food has also shaped our local food scene, the menu also offers a few Thai-inspired dishes, such as the Kongsee Crab Cake ($28), made with Wild Caught Crab in Tom Kha Kai. The flavour of the Crab Cake was reminiscent of the Thai Fish Cake, which was in harmony with the coconut soup. The soup, delectably infused with lemongrass and aromatic kaffir lime oil, added to the cohesiveness of the dish.

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Iberico Satay 4.8/5

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Salted Egg Prawn 4.2/5

We tried 2 of the Skewers (minimum 2 skewers) that spotlight the quality of the respective ingredients - Iberico Satay ($8) and Salted Egg Prawn ($7). The iberico secreto was grilled to perfection over binchotan, rendering its fats and attaining the right amount of char on the exterior, which fully developed the iberico's tantalising flavours. The accompanying Javanese Peanut Sauce and Pineapple Salsa showcase the restaurant's attention to detail in bringing you the dish's essence. The latter was well executed too. I could taste the Tiger Prawn's sweetness enhanced by the contrasting Salted Egg sauce. It also had a delectable firm, and meaty texture.

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Ngoh Hiong Dumplings 3.5/5

Ngoh Hiong Dumplings ($8) is a rendition of our traditional Ngoh Hiong, made with a Crab and Pork mixture wrapped with Bean Curd Skin and finished with a dash of Vinegar. While the mixture was considerably juicy and the flavour was good, it lacked the crunch and sweetness in the absence of prawns and water chestnut.

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Roxy Crab Laksa 4/5

Roxy Crab Laksa ($12) is a highly anticipated dish cooked with Chef Willin's Secret Recipe Laksa Broth. The broth undoubtedly captivated me with its robustness. It was pleasantly spicy with a well-balanced of flavours. Though switching prawns with Wild wild-caught crab elevates the finesse of the dish, the comfort and satisfaction of a laksa are missing.

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Lamb Kut Teh 4.8/5

Lamb Kut Teh ($32) is by far the best Lamb dish I had in a long time. Whether or not you are a lamb lover, you should give it a try. The soup carried a good amount of heat lent from White Peppercorn, permeated with just a faint gaminess from the lamb. The Lamb Denver Ribs had been grilled over binchotan before serving, which elevated its succulent texture with a contrasting, slightly charred exterior. The smoky nuance inherited by ribs from the binchotan had also made them even more moreish.

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Churro Waffle with Kaya Ice-Cream 4.5/5

Rounding off our mod-sin journey was a memorable Churro Waffle with Kaya Ice Cream ($12). Given that the churro was skinner than usual and bore more ridges, it had an excellent balance of crispy golden crust and a chewy, dense, but airy interior. The Homemade Kaya Ice Cream that was nestled perfectly on the churros was on point with our familiar taste of kaya and the right amount of sweetness. The Coconut Cream salted with Shio Kombu enriched the mouthfeel of the dessert and counterbalanced its overall sweetness.

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.


[CLOSED]
The Kongsee
10 & 12 Gemmill Lane
Singapore 069252
Tel: +65 8828 7664
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Chinatown (DT, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Wed: 530pm - 1030pm
Thu: 1130am - 3pm, 5pm - 1030pm
Fri-Sat: 1130am - 3pm, 5pm till late
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk down Cross Street towards Amoy Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street and then right onto Gemmill Lane. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight down Pagoda Street. Cross the road and walk to Mohd Ali Lane. Walk to the end of Mohd Ali Lane to Club Street. Turn left onto Club Street. Walk to Gemmill Lane. Turn right onto Gemmill Lane. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Thursday, June 29, 2023

Min Jiang @ Goodwood Park Hotel - 10 Hands Culinary Showcasing A Rediscovery Of Cantonese Classics (十手连环,美味无限)

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Building upon the success of last year's highly acclaimed 8 Hands Culinary Showcase at Min Jiang, Goodwood Park, the renowned restaurant has once again raised the bar with its latest culinary extravaganza, the "10 Hands Culinary Showcase: A Rediscovery of Cantonese Classics". This anticipated event, taking place from 13 to 20 July 2023, brings together five distinguished chefs, including veteran guest chefs Chan Kwok, Yim Yiu Wing and Cheng Hon Chau, alongside Min Jiang's own esteemed chefs Chan Hwan Kee and Ho Chee Hee. With their combined expertise and illustrious careers, this exceptional lineup promises to deliver an unforgettable dining experience steeped in Cantonese traditions.

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The showcase offers two meticulously curated set menus. The 6-course lunch menu ($138 per person) and the 8-course lunch and dinner menu ($168 per person) both promise to take diners on a journey of Cantonese flavours and traditions.

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Steamed Diced Chicken in Pomegranate Egg White Parcel 4/5

Kicking off the feast is the visually stunning Steamed Diced Chicken in Pomegranate Egg White Parcel. Resembling a chrysanthemum and pomegranate, this dish features a delicate pastry made from scratch using egg white and flour. Inside, a medley of finely diced chicken, celery, dried shiitake, and carrots is bathed in superior stock and crowned with luscious crab roe, creating a harmonious blend of flavours.

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Baked Stuffed Crab Shell & Roasted Silver Hill Irish Duck 4.2/5

Next, the Baked Stuffed Crab Shell takes centre stage, paying homage to Hong Kong's fusion of Eastern and Western cuisines. Handpicked Sri Lankan crab meat is combined with onions and shiitake mushrooms in a cream sauce reminiscent of bechamel. The mixture is then baked in a crab shell to golden perfection. Accompanying this delicacy is the succulent Roasted Silver Hill Irish Duck, complemented by sweet and juicy fresh mango and a tangy homemade plum sauce.

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Boneless Chicken Thigh stuffed with Bird's Nest and Yunnan Ham Double-boiled Superior Soup 4.5/5

A standout dish, the Boneless Chicken Thigh stuffed with Bird's Nest and Yunnan Ham in Double-boiled Superior Soup, showcases hours of laborious cooking. The chicken is deboned and filled with premium bird's nest before being double-boiled for three additional hours. The result is a dish bursting with rich and pure flavours derived from the carefully selected ingredients.

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Pan-fried Dace Fish Meat, Liver Sausage and Orange Peel stuffed in whole Dace Fish 4/5

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Delving into a traditional recipe from the Shunde district in Guangdong, China, the Pan-fried Dace Fish Meat, Liver Sausage, and Orange Peel stuffed in a whole Dace Fish offers a delightful combination of textures and flavours. The dace fish flesh is expertly removed and blended into a fish paste, which is then combined with orange peel for a citrus note and finely diced liver sausage for added depth. The fish paste is stuffed back into the dace fish and pan-fried to crispy perfection.

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Crispy Wontons with Pork and Seafood in Sweet and Sour Sauce 4/5

For those seeking a familiar yet elevated snack, the Crispy Wontons with Pork and Seafood in Sweet and Sour Sauce delivers. These wontons feature iberico char siew as a filling, elevating the dish's succulent flavour. Accompanied by a tantalizing sweet and sour sauce brimming with pork slices, pork liver, prawns, and scallops, this dish is a true delight when dipped into the sauce.

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Wok-fried Crispy Silver Hill Irish Duck with Yam Paste 4.2/5

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Prepare for a symphony of textures and flavours with the Wok-fried Crispy Silver Hill Irish Duck with Yam Paste. The duck is wok-fried to a golden brown, creating a layer of crispy goodness atop a bed of mashed taro. Each bite offers a delightful combination of fragrant, fluffy, juicy, and crispy elements.

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Stewed White Jade Noodles with Wild Mushrooms and Mustard Green 4/5

As a light yet flavoursome finale to the savoury courses, the Stewed White Jade Noodles with Wild Mushrooms and Mustard Green provides a comforting and homely experience. This bowl of goodness brings together tender noodles, earthy wild mushrooms, and mustard greens in a flavoursome broth.

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Crispy-fried Water Chestnut with Apricot, Chilled D24 Pandan Gula Melaka Rice Roll 4/5

To conclude this remarkable culinary journey, we are treated to a duo of delectable sweet treats. The Crispy-fried Water Chestnut with Apricot is a delightful creation where steamed water chestnut and apricot are enveloped in a thin, crispy batter, offering a delightful contrast of textures. Meanwhile, the Chilled D24 Pandan Gula Melaka Rice Roll steals the show with its soft and slightly chewy exterior, filled with creamy D24 durian pulp and enhanced by a drizzle of fragrant gula melaka. This harmonious combination leaves a lingering sweetness on the palate, providing a satisfying conclusion to the gastronomic adventure at the "10 Hands Culinary Showcase: A Rediscovery of Cantonese Classics."

Dine-in reservations may be made via phone: 6730 1704, email: min_jiang@goodwoodparkhotel.com and https://www.tablecheck.com/en/shops/goodwood-park-hotel-min-jiang/reserve

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Min Jiang
Goodwood Park Hotel
22 Scotts Road
Singapore 228221
Tel: +65 67301704
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk down Scotts Road to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]