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

Saturday, August 23, 2025

Le Ma Dumpling (樂妈饺子) @ Jewel Changi Airport - Jumbo Dumplings & Comforting Noodles

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Le Ma Dumpling (樂妈饺子), the latest concept by Paradise Group, has opened at Jewel Changi Airport, offering a family-friendly dining space with jumbo-sized dumplings and hearty mains at wallet-friendly prices.

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Poached Dumpling 4/5

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Pan-Fried Dumpling 4/5

The highlight here is undoubtedly the dumplings. Each is generously handcrafted with a filling that weighs 28g, truly jumbo compared to the usual 15–22g dumplings. Diners can choose from six flavours — Pork & Corn, Pork & Cabbage, Pork & Chives, Prawn & Corn, Prawn & Cabbage, and Prawn & Chives. They are available either poached or pan-fried. Prices range from $3.95 to $5.45 for 5 pieces, making them a value-for-money treat.

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Pork & Cabbage Dumpling Soup 4.2/5

Among the offerings, my personal favourite is the Dumpling Soup ($5.90). While there are only two choices — Pork & Cabbage ($5.90) and Prawn & Cabbage ($6.90), having dumplings in a clear, warm broth makes for a more comforting and hearty meal. I do wish there were more soup flavour options to choose from.


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Signature "Dan Dan" Noodle 4.5/5

The Signature “Dan Dan” Noodle ($5.90) is a must-try. The chewy noodles are paired with a mildly spicy broth that’s robust and appetising, perfect for slurping. The addition of minced pork gives the bowl extra depth and makes it even more satisfying.

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Shredded Pork Hot & Sour Soup 2.8/5

The Shredded Pork Hot & Sour Soup ($4.90), however, was less impressive. It lacked the punchy balance of heat and tang expected from this dish and can be skipped in favour of the other highlights.

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Shrimp Egg Fried Rice 3.5/5

The Shrimp Egg Fried Rice ($8.50) was well-executed. The fluffy rice grains are lightly coated with egg and accented by the sweetness of shrimp. Simple but comforting.

Overall, Le Ma Dumpling makes for a convenient and affordable dining stop at Jewel, especially for families and travellers seeking a quick yet satisfying meal. The jumbo dumplings and noodles are the standouts, while some dishes still have room for improvement.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Le Ma Dumpling (樂妈饺子)
Jewel Changi Airport
78 Airport Boulevard
#02-243
Singapore 819666
Tel: +65 8279 3101
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Nearest MRT: Changi Airport (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am -10pm
Sat-Sun: 10am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Changi Airport MRT station. Take Exit A or B. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Monday, August 11, 2025

Quenino @ Artyzen Singapore - Launches A New La Carte Menu

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It was a pleasure to return to Quenino at Artyzen Hotel, which has just been recognised as a MICHELIN-selected restaurant. Guided by Melbourne-based Chef Victor Liong and led by Chef Su of Indian-Chinese heritage, Quenino offers a richly layered, multicultural dining experience with a strong Asian focus. We were there to enjoy the latest iteration of their menu. We were pleased to find out that in addition to their Discovery Menu ($200++ per guest), Quenino has also introduced an à la carte menu, giving diners the freedom to curate their own experience.

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Quenino Prelude- Tamarillo Tart 4/5

The first bite of the Quenino Prelude is the Tamarillo Tart, where a crisp tartlet is topped with tamarillos from the Cameron Highlands, paired with rasam gel, balonglong and chilli caviar. I liked that they showed us the actual Tamarillo fruit to smell and touch!

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Quenino Prelude- Spiced Yam Dumpling 4.2/5

The second bite is a Spiced Yam Dumpling, drawing inspiration from both Indian vadai and Chinese dim sum wu kok. Encased within its crisp, golden shell is a savoury filling of prawns and poached oysters, enhanced with oyster kijap.

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Octopus 4/5

Next came a beautifully plated salad starring Australian Octopus, loosely inspired by Sotong Kangkong. Instead of kangkong, however, the dish features a medley of locally sourced herbs and flowers such as pea tendrils and sweet potato leaves. It is finished with sweet soy sauce espuma, tempeh cream, green mango and Jicama terrine, crispy fish snacks, and macadamia nuts, giving us a playful, textural dish that is both vibrant and intriguing.

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Indonesian Mud Crab 4.5/5

The next course of Indonesian Mud Crab was one of my favourites of the evening, a bold and flavourful take on both the hairy crab and the local classic white pepper crab. On top of the egg white custard is rich mud crab and roe, turmeric white peppercorn sauce, fragrant deep-fried shallots, puffed grains, and a savoury touch of cured egg yolk.

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Amur Caviar 4.2/5

For something more indulgent, you can opt for the Amur Caviar (supplement +20), sourced from Yunnan, China. It’s elegantly served on a silky bed of dragon chive custard, with scallop mousse, razor clams, and a touch of fermented chilli. A luxurious dish for true caviar lovers, but personally, I found the Indonesian Mud Crab course more memorable.

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Green Lip Abalone 4.8/5

The Green Lip Abalone resembles a piece of Yong Tau Foo, but with a creative twist. Instead of stuffed beancurd, the abalone is filled with prawn and green chilli, then delicately wrapped in veiled bamboo fungus. It's served with a rich brown butter sauce infused with Chinese Angelica herbs. A fusion dish where East meets West, executed flawlessly.

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Peach and Young Gingerflower Popsicle 4.2/5

As a palette cleanser, we were served a Peach and Young Ginger Flower Popsicle topped with cured and candied peach, edible flowers, and served on a dish of dry ice. It was a light and sweet floral interlude that was both visually pleasing and refreshing.

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Stone Axe M9 Wagyu Striploin 5/5

Every dish had been delicious thus far, but the highlight for me was this Stone Axe M9 Wagyu presented with Variations of Garlic. The Stone Axe M9 Wagyu Striploin was juicy, tender, and delightfully marbled, but what truly made the dish outstanding and unique was the imaginative presentation of garlic in five distinct forms. There was jungle garlic dust, a tangy pickled garlic sprout salad, airy black garlic foam, and Quenino’s house green garlic chilli sauce, playfully presented in a fast-food-style packet.

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Adding a local touch, the dish also came with a warm pink garlic broth inspired by Bak Kut Teh, the beloved herbal pork rib soup. A very clever celebration of garlic that complemented the Wagyu beautifully and gave guests a lot of personal choice as to how to best enjoy their beef.

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“Fried Rice" 4.8/5

Another standout on their menu is the “Fried Rice”, a creative reinterpretation inspired by three Southeast Asian rice dishes: Fried Rice, Mui Fan, and Nasi Ulam. Guests are presented with condiments carefully arranged in a ring. There is ham floss, house-made X.O. sauce, Chinese olive relish, pickled bean sprouts, cucamelon, spring onions, coriander, garlic sesame crumbs and fried moringa leaf. The rice is then ladled into the centre, inviting guests to sample each condiment with the rice individually, before mixing it all up to enjoy.

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Green Chilli Ice Cream 4.2/5

The Green Chilli Ice Cream dessert draws inspiration from Chef Su’s Chinese New Year traditions and the familiar ingredients she often finds at home during the festive season. It features pineapple, almonds, and bakkwa, while the ice cream delivers an extra creamy texture due to the inclusion of yoghurt and cheese.

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Petit Fours and Mignardise 4/5

The Petit Fours and Mignardise showcase the effort put into the curation of the menu, right down to the very last bite. First, we have a crispy waffle infused with black sesame and sea salt, drizzled with fragrant shallot oil. Then, there is a tartlet inspired by Minjiang kueh, but featuring corn, peanut and salted egg yolk instead. On a bed of edible cocoa, we also had Kumquat and Sour Plum Sweets, as well as Bittersweet Chocolate Bonbons filled with rich black sesame paste, crafted in collaboration with Singaporean pastry chef Janice Wong.

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As with my first visit to Quenino, the food remains unique and deeply flavourful, thoughtfully crafted with a deep respect for local ingredients and familiar tastes. The elegant ambience makes it an ideal setting for a special occasion, and with the introduction of their à la carte menu, there’s now even more reason to consider Quenino for your next night out.

Photographed and penned by Shermine. Through her pictures and stories, she shares her journey of savouring new flavours and experiences. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Quenino
Artyzen Singapore
Level 4
9 Cuscaden Road
Singapore 249719
Tel: +65 6371 6030
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Nearest MRT: Orchard Boulevard (TE Line), Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue: 6pm - 1030pm
Wed-Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun and Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard Boulevard MRT Station. Take Exit 1. Walk to Cuscaden Road. Turn right onto Cuscaden Road. Walk down Cuscaden Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Orchard MRT Station. Take Exit 11. Walk down Orchard Boulevard towards Four Seasons Hotel. Take the walk path beside Four Seasons Hotel to Cuscaden Road. Walk to the junction of Cuscaden Road and turn left onto Cuscaden Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Saturday, June 14, 2025

Si Chuan Dou Hua Restaurant @ PARKROYAL on Beach Road - À La Carte Dim Sum Buffet Featuring Over 50 dishes

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Si Chuan Dou Hua Restaurant at PARKROYAL on Beach Road has introduced an À La Carte Dim Sum Buffet featuring over 50 dishes, available from now till 31 August 2025. Guests can indulge in unlimited servings from an extensive menu, along with a platter of four premium creations limited to one serving per guest.

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Premium Creations 3/5

The Premium Creations platter comprises Steamed Prawn Dumpling with Bird's Nest, Steamed Pomegranate Seafood Dumpling, Steamed Mushroom Bun with Minced Chicken, and Steamed "Shao Mai" topped with Sea Urchin. While all three dumplings shared a similar taste profile despite the variations in ingredients, the Steamed Prawn Dumpling with Bird's Nest stood out. The Bird's Nest itself did not significantly elevate the flavour, but the dumpling had a more succulent and refined bite compared to the others.

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Smoked Duck and Prawn Dumpling 3/5

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Crab Meat and Vegetable Dumpling 3.5/5

We also tried four more dumplings. The Smoked Duck and Prawn Dumpling offered a pleasing smoky depth that differentiated it from a typical prawn dumpling, though the filling felt overly compact. The Crab Meat and Vegetable Dumpling leaned towards a generic seafood profile, but the flavour of the crab meat still came through.

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Black Pepper Minced Beef Dumpling 4/5

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Minced Meat Glutinous Rice Dumpling 4/5

Both the Black Pepper Minced Beef Dumpling and the Minced Meat Glutinous Rice Dumpling wrapped in Banana Leaf left a stronger impression. The former featured a paper-thin dough skin skillfully wrapped around a delicious minced beef filling, with the skin offering a satisfying bite. The latter was a delightful combination of sweet glutinous rice dough and savoury minced meat, further elevated by the fragrance of the banana leaf.

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Radish Puff Pastry 4.5/5

Among the pastries, the Radish Puff Pastry was a highlight. It had a thin, flaky crust encasing juicy radish, and the addition of white sesame seeds added a brilliant touch of aromatic nuttiness to each bite.

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Hot and Sour Soup 2.5/5

For soups, we tried the Hot and Sour Soup. Unfortunately, the level of heat was overwhelming.

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“Chong Qing” Diced Chicken with Dried Chilli 3/5

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Fried Crispy Iberico Pork 4/5

The buffet also features Sichuan classics such as "Chong Qing" Diced Chicken with Dried Chilli and Fried Crispy Iberico Pork, both of which remain crowd favourites.

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Bean Curd in Spicy Minced Meat Sauce 2.5/5

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Stir-fried Prawn with Dried Chilli and Cashew Nut 3.5/5

However, the Bean Curd in Spicy Minced Meat Sauce was surprisingly one-dimensional, lacking the signature numbing aroma of Sichuan pepper and missing the juiciness one would expect from the minced meat. The Stir-fried Prawn with Dried Chilli and Cashew Nut was more satisfying, with succulent prawns coated in a fragrant glaze.

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Sautéed Black Pepper Beef 4/5

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Deep-fried Prawn with Wasabi 3.8/5

From the Cantonese selections, the Sautéed Black Pepper Beef offered tender slices of beef packed with bold black pepper flavour. The Deep-fried Prawn with Wasabi was well-executed, featuring a creamy wasabi sauce that struck a well-balanced note without being overpowering.

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Herbal Jelly

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Chilled Mango Sago

To end the meal, we had Chilled Mango Sago and Herbal Jelly — simple yet refreshing desserts to sum up the dim sum experience.

À La Carte Dim Sum Buffet
Fri - Sun & PH from 11.30am to 2.30pm (last order at 2.00pm)
Adults: $68++, Child (6 to 12 years): $34++

Promotions:
Father’s Day: On 14 and 15 June 2025, dad eats for FREE with a minimum of 3 paying adults (Cap at 3 dads eat free per table)
Pan Pacific DISCOVERY Members enjoy a 20% discount
DBS/POSB Bank Cardholders enjoy a 15% discount

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.


Si Chuan Dou Hua Restaurant
PARKROYAL on Beach Road
7500 Beach Road
Singapore 199591
Tel: +65 65055724
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Nearest MRT: Nicoll Highway (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 6pm, 630pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Nicoll Highway MRT station. Take Exit A. Follow the overhead walkway all the way to The Concourse building. Take the exit down to Nicoll Highway and walk towards Parkroyal Serviced Residences. Cut through towards The Plaza at Parkroyal Hotel. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Tim Ho Wan @ Plaza Singapura - Celebrates 12th Anniversary with Newly Revamped Menu

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Tim Ho Wan, the famed Hong Kong dim sum chain, marks 12 incredible years in Singapore at its inaugural outlet at Plaza Singapura. To commemorate this milestone, the brand has launched a newly revamped menu that blends the comfort of familiar favourites with fresh creations and elevated classics, all at new pocket-friendly prices.

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Barbecue Pork Rice 4/5

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Barbecue Pork Noodles 4/5

The Barbecue Pork Rice ($12.80) and Barbecue Pork Noodles ($11.80) stood out among the new dishes. Both feature tender, smoky char siew that's full of flavour and satisfyingly moreish. The rice comes topped with a sunny-side-up egg, and we recommend breaking the yolk and mixing in more sauce for that extra indulgence. The noodles, while deceptively simple in appearance, were springy and well-seasoned.

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BBQ Pork Bun 4.2/5

No visit to Tim Ho Wan is complete without their signature BBQ Pork Bun ($7.50/3pcs), and this revamped version delivers on all fronts. With a more fragrant, slightly crisp crust and juicier, chunkier meat fillings, this classic dim sum favourite is as crave-worthy as ever. It remains one of our top must-orders.

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Pork & Shrimp Dumplings 4.2/5

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Spinach Dumplings with Shrimp 3.8/5

For other dim sum staples, we tried the Pork & Shrimp Dumplings ($5.80/3pcs) and the Spinach Dumplings with Shrimp ($4.80/3pcs). The former impressed us with its juicy, flavourful filling, which we suspect is a subtle upgrade in the recipe. The latter, while lighter in taste, was generous in filling and offered a refreshing contrast on the table.

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Sweet Plum Jelly 3.5/5

The Sweet Plum Jelly ($3.80) was a lovely palate cleanser to end the meal. Its soft, jiggly texture paired well with the sweet-tangy notes, making it a great way to balance out the richer dishes and cut through any lingering greasiness.

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Cold Brew Teas 4/5

Tim Ho Wan's new Cold Brew Teas ($3 each) are a refreshing option if you want a chilled drink to pair with your meal. The White Peach Oolong and Rose Lychee Black teas offer distinct floral-fruity notes and aroma. Fragrant and light, they complement the dim sum spread beautifully, perfect for Singapore's weather.

Restaurant

Whether you're a long-time fan or a first-time diner, Tim Ho Wan's refreshed offerings are worth revisiting. The 12th anniversary menu stays true to the brand's commitment to traditional flavours while introducing modern touches that make the experience even more enjoyable. Celebrate this milestone with comforting dim sum and discover what's new. Now available at all Tim Ho Wan outlets across Singapore.

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


Tim Ho Wan
Plaza Singapura
68 Orchard Road
#01-29A/52
Singapore 238839
Tel: +65 6251 2000
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Nearest MRT: Dhoby Ghaut (CC, NE, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 930pm
Sat-Sun: 10am - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Dhoby Ghaut MRT station. Take Exit D, E or F. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Wednesday, March 19, 2025

Mansion 7 @ Tanjong Pagar - Exquisite Dim Sum and Classic Cantonese Creations with Innovative Twists

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Mansion 7 is a relatively new Cantonese restaurant located in the outdoor car park next to Tanjong Pagar MRT. It offers creative twists on classic Cantonese dishes while maintaining the use of high-quality ingredients and exquisite presentation.

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The space is well-suited for gatherings and business meetings. The staff was enthusiastic about ensuring our comfort and knowledgeable about their food.

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Chicken Wing Stuffed with Bird’s Nest and Crab 4.2/5

We started with an off-menu special: Chicken Wing Stuffed with Bird's Nest and Crab. While the filling was milder than we expected, its natural flavours shone through, complemented by a crispy exterior.

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椒盐活鮑魚 Salt & Pepper Live Abalone 4.5/5

The 椒盐活鮑魚 Salt & Pepper Live Abalone (Seasonal Price) was such a treat. The abalone was perfectly tender with a slight crunch, coated in an addictive chili seasoning. Both my dining partner and I agreed it was one of the best abalone dishes we’ve had recently.

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潮州金鱼饺 Angel Goldfish Dumplings 4.2/5

Next, dim sum dishes arrived, beginning with the beautifully presented 潮州金鱼饺 Angel Goldfish Dumplings ($11 for 3). Wrapped in delicate skin, the filling of mushrooms, lemongrass, and crab meat was unexpectedly tangy but harmonised well.

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七号公馆樱花虾饺 Mansion 7 Fresh Prawn Dumpling 4.5/5

We moved to the steamed items, starting with their signature 七号公馆樱花虾饺 Mansion 7 Fresh Prawn Dumpling ($9 for 3). The thin skin was on point and carried within it juicy prawn chunks.

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芋茸流沙包 Taro 'Lava' Buns 3.8/5

The 芋茸流沙包 Taro 'Lava' Buns ($9 for 3) were slightly too sweet for our liking, and we wished for a stronger yam flavour.

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冲绳黑糖叉烧包 Okinawa Brown Sugar Char Siew Bun 4.2/5

In contrast, the 冲绳黑糖叉烧包 Okinawa Brown Sugar Char Siew Bun ($9 for 3) fared a lot better. I am not usually a fan of char siew buns due to how sweet they can get, but Mansion 7’s rendition is well-balanced, featuring a subtle brown sugar fragrance and smoky char siew.

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脆炸麻婆豆腐卷 Si Chuan Mapo Tofu Beancurd Rolls 4/5

The 脆炸麻婆豆腐卷 Si Chuan Mapo Tofu Beancurd Rolls ($9), while slightly oily, delivered a bold spice and crunch. The map tofu filling alone would be perfect with white rice.

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杏香百花萝卜糕 Carrot Squid Paste Cake 4.2/5

Mansion 7's inventive twists on dim sum can be seen in many dishes, such as the 杏香百花萝卜糕 Carrot Squid Paste Cake ($10). This dish features carrot cake layered with squid paste, served with a side of Thai sweet chilli sauce.

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Lobster in Salted Egg and Butter Cream Sauce 4/5

Apart from dim sum, Mansion 7 also offers a wide range of live seafood, vegetables, barbecue meats and more. We had the Lobster in Salted Egg and Butter Cream Sauce (Seasonal Price) and while the lobster was very fresh, I personally preferred a strong salted egg flavour. Other flavours are available to order, including steamed in HK style, sashimi style, wok-baked with truffle sauce and more.

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梁祝鸳鸯蝴蝶酥 Love Story of Thousand Layer Butterfly Puff 4.2/5

Moving on to desserts, we began with the visually stunning 梁祝鸳鸯蝴蝶酥 Love Story of Thousand Layer Butterfly Puff ($11). Its delicate, flaky layers enclosed a mildly sweet sweet potato filling.

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开心果麻糍 Homemade Pistachio Mochi 4.2/5

We enjoyed the 开心果麻糍 Homemade Pistachio Mochi ($9) as well even though the mochi skin was not chewy type we expected. It was generously stuffed with crushed pistachio filling, being nutty and fragrant.

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招牌北海道3.6现烤芝士塔 3.6 Hokkaido Cheese Tart 4.2/5

My favourite dessert was the 招牌北海道3.6现烤芝士塔 3.6 Hokkaido Cheese Tart ($13). These tiny bites were amazing, with oozy lava-like cheese filling contained in an extremely light and flaky tart shell. The cheese was rich but not overpowering.

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雪莲子鸡蛋茶 Mt. Fresh Picked Chinese Herbal Egg Treasure Tea 3.8/5

Finally, we tried the 雪莲子鸡蛋茶 Mt. Fresh Picked Chinese Herbal Egg Treasure Tea ($8), a unique traditional dish of hard-boiled quail eggs infused in a tea base with Chinese herbs and spices. This was more of an acquired taste.

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.


Mansion 7
30 Maxwell Road
#01-03
Singapore 069114
Tel: +65 6038 0295
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8am - 1030pm
Sat-Sun: 9am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk down Peck Seah Street.Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]