Nai Nai Flavor (椿花奶奶) @ I12 Katong - Debuts in Singapore with Unique Hangzhou Dishes You Don’t Often See

One of Hangzhou’s most sought-after dining concepts has arrived in Singapore with the opening of Nai Nai Flavor (椿花奶奶), marking its first foray outside China. The restaurant showcases a repertoire of handmade dishes and regional specialities that are still relatively under the radar locally. Rooted in Hangzhou, the cultural heart of the Jiangnan region, the cuisine here draws from Hang Bang Cai (杭帮菜), a subset of Zhejiang cuisine, one of China’s eight great culinary traditions. Known for its refined, lighter profile and emphasis on natural flavours, the dishes lean towards balance rather than bold seasoning.

Spicy Tofu Pan-fried Bun 3.5/5

The Spicy Tofu Pan-fried Bun ($12.80) is a rare find in Singapore, offering a creative spin on the classic sheng jian bao. Swapping out the usual minced pork filling, this version features a mapo-style tofu interior, bringing a Sichuan-inspired twist to the Jiangnan staple. The dough is freshly prepared and pan-fried to achieve a crisp, golden base, while the top remains soft and fluffy from steaming. What sets this apart is the addition of a thin layer of whisked egg at the base during frying, forming a delicate, crispy “skirt” that carries a subtle omelette-like fragrance. While I appreciated the contrast in textures, from the fluffy bun to the crisp base and eggy crust, the tofu filling fell short. It lacked the depth and satisfying bite that a well-marinated meat filling typically delivers, resulting in a less impactful overall experience.

Shaoxing Steamed Soup Dumplings 3.5/5

The Shaoxing Steamed Soup Dumplings ($11.50) present a lesser-seen variation of xiao long bao. Originating in Shaoxing, Zhejiang, these dumplings are filled with seasoned pork. They are topped with finely shredded egg and a light brushing of fermented bean curd sauce, lending a gentle savoury complexity. While the concept was intriguing, the execution did not quite meet expectations. The dumplings lacked the hallmark soupy interior one would anticipate, and the distinctive aroma of Shaoxing wine was barely perceptible. As such, the dish felt more like a regular steamed dumpling rather than a standout regional speciality.

Youbu Style Egg Cake (Egg & Chicken Pancake) 4.5/5

A highlight of the meal, the Youbu Style Egg Cake: Egg & Chicken Pancake ($11.80) is another rarity in Singapore. This regional delicacy is said to be prepared using a 1,300-year-old technique in which an egg is incorporated directly into the dough during cooking rather than added as a filling. The result is something between a pancake and a flatbread, with crisp, golden edges and a rich, slightly chewy centre. Packed with juicy chicken, fragrant chives, and egg, each bite was immensely satisfying. The interplay of textures and flavours made this dish incredibly addictive and easily one of the standouts on the menu.

Saliva Chicken 3/5

The Saliva Chicken ($8.80), also known as mouthwatering chicken, is a cold appetiser with a bold, spicy profile designed to whet the appetite. However, this rendition felt rather muted. It lacked the punchy, numbing heat and aromatic complexity typically associated with the dish, making it somewhat forgettable.

Minced Pork Noodles 3/5

The Minced Pork Noodles ($8.50) features springy noodles topped with a generous portion of braised minced pork in a dark soy-based sauce. The flavour profile leans towards the savoury-sweet spectrum characteristic of Zhejiang cuisine. Accompaniments such as shredded cucumber, carrot, and peanuts add layers of texture. While comforting, the dish did not quite stand out among the other offerings.

Grandma’s Secret Dish, Chicken & Pork Soup 4.2/5

The Chicken & Pork Soup ($16.80/$29.80) is a hearty claypot dish that focuses on depth of flavour achieved through slow cooking rather than heavy seasoning. Sealed with a sheet of beancurd skin, the dish releases a comforting aroma upon opening. The broth is rich yet clean-tasting, drawing natural sweetness from ingredients such as sweet corn, mushrooms, and red dates. It delivers a nourishing, homely quality that is both soothing and satisfying. Notably, while menu photos and other reviews indicated the presence of cordyceps flowers, these were absent in my serving.

Brown Sugar Glutinous Rice Cake 4.2/5

Rounding off the meal is the Brown Sugar Glutinous Rice Cake ($5.80), a traditional dessert also known as Hong Tang Ci Ba. The glutinous rice is pounded and shaped into batons, then deep-fried to achieve a crisp exterior while retaining a soft, chewy centre. Served with a generous drizzle of brown sugar syrup, the dessert offers deep caramel notes that complement the mild, sticky rice. It is a simple yet satisfying end to the meal, beautifully balancing texture and sweetness.

Overall, Nai Nai Flavour offers a refreshing glimpse into the understated elegance of Hangzhou cuisine, featuring several unique dishes not commonly found in Singapore. While some executions could be refined, the restaurant succeeds in bringing a distinct regional identity to the local dining scene.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Nai Nai Flavor (椿花奶奶)
I12 Katong
112 East Coast Road
#02-13/14
Singapore 428802
Tel: +65 62220535
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Nearest MRT: Marine Parade (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Marine Parade MRT station. Take Exit 3. Walk straight to Joo Chiat Road. Turn left onto Joo Chiat Road. Walk down Joo Chiat Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time about 6 minutes [Map]

The Orchard Cafe @ Orchard Hotel Singapore - Get into the Festive Mood at The Orchard Café’s Feast of Prosperity Chinese New Year Buffet

Chinese New Year is a time of reunion, abundance and indulgence, and The Orchard Cafe’s Feast of Prosperity buffet captures this spirit beautifully. Inspired by auspicious flavours and celebratory traditions, the spread brings together classic festive favourites alongside refined international creations, offering diners a generous and comforting way to welcome the Lunar New Year.

One of the most anticipated stations at any hotel buffet is undoubtedly the Seafood on Ice, and The Orchard Cafe delivers generously. The selection includes Red Prawns, Half-Shell Scallops, Clams, Sea Whelk and Mussels, with Snow Crab available during dinner, and Boston Lobsters served on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. While fresh oysters were not listed on the menu, steamed oysters topped with mentaiko sauce were available during our visit.

The Cold Appetisers section offers a decent variety, with several standouts worth highlighting. The Poached Red Prawn with Mango, Pomelo and Namjin Sauce is refreshing and well-balanced, while the Sichuan Chilled Chicken delivers a satisfying kick. Another favourite is the Marinated Jellyfish Salad with Liangfen, coated in a gently numbing sauce that adds depth without overwhelming the palate.

We were craving something warm to begin the meal, and while we expected a Chinese-style soup, the Crab Pumpkin Soup caught us completely off guard in the best way possible. Lightly sweet, creamy and generously studded with crab meat, it was so comforting that we went back for more than one serving.

Abalone Glutinous Rice 4.8/5

Dumplings in Sour Hot Sauce 4/5

Among the Oriental selections, these two dishes stood out the most. The Abalone Glutinous Rice comes in a modest portion but is packed with flavour, making it dangerously addictive, so I only wished I had more stomach space for a second helping. The Dumplings in Sour Hot Sauce strike a good balance between tangy and spicy, though I would have preferred a stronger heat to prevent the dumpling skin from firming up as it cooled.

Crispy Duck in Lotus Leaf 4/5

Baked Salmon

Slow Roasted Australia Grain-Fed Black Angus Striploin

Pasta on Parmesan Wheel

Under the Festive Carvings section, the Crispy Duck in Lotus Leaf was my top pick. It is a clever and creative take, reminiscent of duck confit done tempura-style, with crisp skin and tender meat. The Whole Baked Salmon was equally impressive, both visually and in flavour, served with dill cream and tomato salsa before quickly disappearing from the buffet line. Meat lovers will appreciate the Slow-Roasted Australian Grain-Fed Black Angus Striploin, which pairs exceptionally well with the Pasta on Parmesan Wheel - a combination I highly recommend.

Jujube Coconut Cheese Cake

Mandarin Orange Cheese Mousse Cake

Osmanthus Fish Jelly

Creamy Pineapple Tart

Hashima Wintermelon Jelly

Mochi Yam Roll

Desserts were where my excitement truly peaked. For once at a buffet, I was already eyeing the sweets before even starting my meal. Highlights include the Mandarin Orange Cheese Mousse Cake, which is light and citrusy, the elegant Osmanthus Fish Jelly, and the delightful Mochi Yam Roll, which balances texture and flavour beautifully.

Deep Fried Nian Gao

Cranberry Brioche Bread Pudding

Sesame Chocolate Pudding

When it comes to hot desserts, be sure to reserve some stomach space. The Deep-Fried Nian Gao is a must-try, along with the crowd-favourite Deep-Fried Red Bean Pancake. We also sampled the Hot Orh Nee with Ginkgo Nut and Pulut Hitam during our visit. Both were pleasantly low in sweetness, though they lacked a little depth compared to the other desserts. Still, the dessert section overall is not to be missed.

The Orchard Cafe’s Feast of Prosperity Chinese New Year Buffet is a satisfying and well-rounded celebration of festive dining, offering something for everyone from indulgent seafood and comforting Oriental classics to an impressive dessert lineup. Available now until 3 March, for both lunch and dinner, prices start from $98++ per person, making it a worthy option for family gatherings, festive catch-ups or a leisurely celebratory meal.

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


The Orchard Cafe
Lobby
442 Orchard Road
Singapore 238879
Tel: +65 67396565
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Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 2.30pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to Wheelock Place. Walk to the traffic junction of Orchard Road and Angullia Park. Cross the road to the Royal Thai Embassy. Turn left and continue down Orchard Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 10 minutes. [Map]

Yuen Kee Dumpling (袁记云饺) @ Clementi Ave 3 - Bringing Its Signature Handmade Dumplings to the West

Yuen Kee Dumpling (袁记云饺) expands its footprint to Clementi, bringing its well-loved handmade dumplings closer to Westies seeking hearty, comforting bites. Known for its generous fillings and time-honoured craftsmanship, the brand continues to deliver the same nostalgic flavours that have won over generations.

Shrimp and Vegetable Pork Dumpling 4/5

We started with the Shrimp and Vegetable Pork Dumpling ($9.80), which comes with 10 plump pieces. Each dumpling boasts a juicy filling encased in a dough that strikes a good balance — not too thick, yet with enough bite to hold everything together. The dumplings are tossed in the restaurant’s so-called viral mixed sauce with chilli oil and served over a bed of bean sprouts. Nutty, mildly spicy and aromatic, the sauce adds a lively lift without overpowering the dumplings.

Shrimp and Crab Roe Pork Wanton 4.2/5

We also tried the soup option with the Shrimp and Crab Roe Pork Wanton ($10.80). The Cantonese-style broth is light yet comforting, pairing well with the silky wantons. Compared to the dry version, this bowl leans more towards heartwarming simplicity, which some diners may prefer.

Fresh Corn Juice 3/5

An interesting item on the drinks menu caught my eye — the Fresh Corn Juice ($3.80), served hot. It’s lighter and less sweet than expected, though the distinct corn flavour comes through. While not particularly indulgent, it’s a quirky alternative for those curious to try something different.

Noodles with Fried Bean and Meat Sauce

Worried that the dumplings alone might not be filling, we added on the Noodles with Fried Bean and Meat Sauce ($5.50). The noodles have a pleasant chew and pair well with the marinated mixture of fried bean and meat. Reminiscent of Zha Jiang Mian, this bowl offers simple, savoury satisfaction.

With its new Clementi outlet, Yuen Kee Dumpling offers Westies better access to its familiar handmade dumplings and noodles. While the menu remains simple, the comforting flavours and reasonable pricing make it a dependable spot for a satisfying meal in the neighbourhood.


Yuen Kee Dumpling (袁记云饺)
Blk 446 Clementi Ave 3
#01-195
Singapore 120446
Tel: +65 89319588
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Nearest MRT: Clementi (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Clementi MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Clementi Mall. Exit the mall and walk to Block 448 Clementi Market and Food Centre. Continue walking past the food centre to block 446. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes.[Map]

Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant (萬豪軒) @ Marrott Tang Plaza Singapore - Indulge in New Seasonal Menu of Lobster & Sri Lankan Crab Delicacies Till 31 Dec 2025

Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant presents an exciting new seasonal menu that spotlights rock lobsters from Western Australia and prized Sri Lankan crabs.

Available now through 31 December 2025, the menu features eleven exquisite lobster and crab creations, all infused with refined Cantonese flair. Diners can look forward to both Dim Sum and À La Carte selections, with the Dim Sum items available exclusively during lunch.

Soup of the Day 4/5

We started with the Soup of the Day, a warm, soothing bowl of Pumpkin Pork Ribs Soup. The broth was flavourful and naturally sweet from the pumpkin and red dates.

Minced Lobster Dumpling with Gold Leaf 4/5

The first Dim Sum dish, Minced Lobster Dumpling with Gold Leaf ($18/2 pcs), featured plump lobster meat wrapped in a thin, slightly chewy skin.

Lobster Siew Mai with Crab Roe and Minced Pork 4/5

Next came the Lobster Siew Mai with Crab Roe and Minced Pork ($18/2 pcs), an indulgent mouthful of tender lobster and savoury minced pork.

Crispy Crab Meat Puff with Glass Noodles and Chinese Parsley 4.2/5

Our favourite among the three Dim Sum we had was the Crispy Crab Meat Puff with Glass Noodles and Chinese Parsley ($16/2 pcs). The golden, flaky pastry was wonderfully crisp, encasing moist crab meat and springy noodles for a satisfying textural contrast. Other Dim Sum highlights include the Deep-Fried Lobster with Century Egg Sesame Roll ($16/2 pcs) and the Crispy Vermicelli Lobster Roll wrapped with Beetroot Rice Noodle and Superior Light Soy Sauce ($28/2 pcs).

Sautéed Minced Lobster Meat with Shrimp Roe, Egg White and Diced Asparagus Lettuce 4.5/5

Moving to mains, I thoroughly enjoyed the Sautéed Minced Lobster Meat with Shrimp Roe, Egg White and Diced Asparagus Lettuce ($48/portion). Lightly seasoned to highlight the lobster’s natural sweetness, it was elevated by the briny aroma of shrimp roe and the crunch of asparagus lettuce.

Baked Crab in Foie Gras and White Pepper Sauce 4.2/5

The Baked Crab in Foie Gras and White Pepper Sauce ($18.80/100g) offered a bold yet balanced pairing. The lightly spiced, peppery sauce complemented the fresh crab’s sweetness, while the foie gras added richness and depth.

Wok-Fried Lobster with Onion in Green Peppercorn Sauce 4.5/5

Our top pick was the Wok-Fried Lobster with Onion in Green Peppercorn Sauce ($18.80/100g). Each lobster piece was fresh and succulent, wok-fried to perfection, and coated in a fragrant green peppercorn sauce that lent mild heat and herbaceous notes. Other dishes from the À La Carte menu include the Poached Sliced Pacific Top Shell with Asparagus Lettuce in Hairy Crab Meat and Roe Sauce ($48/portion), Stewed Lobster with Dried Hong Kong Cuttlefish, Thai Basil and Shallot in Claypot ($25/100g), and Wok-Fried Lobster with Japanese Glutinous Rice infused with Dried Squid and Dried Shrimp ($25/100g).

Double-Boiled Bird’s Nest with Red Date, Lotus Seed and White Fungus 4/5

We ended with the Double-Boiled Bird’s Nest with Red Date, Lotus Seed and White Fungus, a nourishing sweet dessert that rounded off the indulgent seafood feast.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl 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.


Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant (萬豪軒)
Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel
320 Orchard Road
Singapore 238865
Tel: +65 6831 4605
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11.30am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

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