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]

Chamoon Hot Pot (享月汤皇) @ Scotts Square - China’s Top Hot Pot Restaurant With Nourishing Soup Bases Opens in Singapore

Chamoon Hot Pot (享月汤皇) has opened its first overseas outlet in Scotts Square, expanding its Sichuan-based origins across China, where it has more than 30 branches. Originally a soup restaurant, Chamoon evolved into a hotpot brand due to its popular, nourishing vegetarian broths.

Apart from à la carte dishes, diners can choose curated sets for 2 to 6 people. The Tiger Prawns, Abalone, and Premium Beef Set for 2 ($134++/pax or $149++/pax for members) is one option, offering a range of premium ingredients like A4 Japanese Wagyu, Hokkaido Iberico Pork, Tiger Prawns, 5-head Abalones, and more.

The main dining area is quite spacious, catering to both small gatherings and larger groups. Induction cookers are seamlessly integrated into each table, giving diners their own individual pots. For those seeking privacy, private rooms are available for reservation with a minimum spend.

Chamoon Hot Pot 3.5/5

The menu offers six nourishing soup bases, including the signature Truffle-Based Matsutake Mushroom, Beauty-Enhancing Papaya Tomato, Singapore-exclusive Mala, True Morel Mushrooms, Bamboo Fungus, and Cordyceps Mushroom.

Truffle Based Matsutake Mushroom

I opted for Chamoon's signature Truffle-Based Matsutake Mushroom Soup ($9.90), renowned for its earthy depth and pleasant aroma. The broth was light yet flavourful and retained its nourishing quality without becoming overly salty after cooking several ingredients.

The individual hotpot portions were especially appreciated, as they allowed each diner to personalise their meal.

Braised Delicacies Platter

We were served a chilled starter. The Braised Delicacies Platter ($44) featured two cuts of beef with slices of lotus root.

Meats

Meat lovers can indulge in a variety of premium options, such as A4 Japanese Wagyu, Japanese Kurobuta Pork, Hokkaido Iberico Pork, and Grain-Fed Angus.

Norwegian Salmon

We also tried the Norwegian Salmon ($38), which could be enjoyed raw due to its sashimi-grade freshness or cooked briefly in the broth. However, the raw salmon wasn't as buttery as we had hoped, and we found the price too steep.

Tiger Prawns

The standout seafood dish was the Tiger Prawns ($14.80), which the service staff kindly peeled for us. After a short time in the broth, the prawns came out crunchy and sweet, maintaining their natural flavour.

Fresh 5-Head Abalone

The Fresh 5-Head Abalone ($29), while tender with a slight chew, didn't leave a strong impression.

Vegetables

Matsutake Mushroom Dumplings

We got to try the Matsutake Mushroom Dumplings ($12.80), but unfortunately, the dumpling skin was slightly doughy. Otherwise, the juicy filling was well-seasoned.

Truffle Fried Rice

The fragrant Truffle Fried Rice ($22 for Small, $32 for Large) won the table with its balanced flavour. We enjoyed the slight char and the truffle's lack of overwhelm.

Overall, Chamoon's individual hot pots and nourishing broths were the highlight for us, but we found the prices of the ingredients to be too steep for its quality.

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.


Chamoon Hot Pot 享月汤皇
Scotts Square
#03-01/02
6 Scotts Road
Singapore 228209
Tel: +65 6258 5232
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Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk to Scotts Road. Turn right onto Scotts Road. Walk down Scotts Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Boneless Chicken Leg 4/5

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

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.

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.

Tomato Mint Pulao 5/5

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.

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.

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
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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]

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

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.

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.

Golden Morsels - Foie Gras with Shrimp Paste 3.8/5

Golden Morsels - Iberico Pork with Chive Dumpling 4/5

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.

Wellness Chicken Soup 5/5

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.

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.

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.

"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.

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.

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.

Little Sweets 4/5

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
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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]