Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant @ Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel - Reunions Of Joy & Prosperity

Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant at Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel usher in this Lunar New Year with new celebratory delicacies that ooze with abundance, prosperity and wealth.

Toss to good fortune with six types of Yu Sheng, one of which comes with Lobster, Swordfish, Hokkaido Scallop, Sea Urchin, Caviar, Salmon Roe & Crispy Fish Skin Yu Sheng (Large: $268++). Kumquat pineapple sauce replaces the traditional sauce to give it a more appetising and also to symbolise fortune and wealth. Crispy fish skin is also added to the Yu Sheng for an extra crunch.

Wan Hao Eight Treasures Imperial Pot with Bird’s Nest 4.5/5

Last year, I also had the Wan Hao Eight Treasures Imperial Pot with Bird's Nest ($488++/ $888). It remains one of the most memorable ones because of its collagen-rich stock. Unlike the conventional Pen Cai, the superior broth for this treat is lighter. In addition, it contains nourishing ingredients such as chicken feet, old fowl, pork skin, and more. Targeting the ladies, it even comes with Bird's Nest, on top of our premium ingredients such as 10-head Australian abalone, fish maw, dace fish beancurd bag, live prawns, pork tendons and more.

Bird’s Nest Dumpling with Crab Roe Superior Soup 4.5/5

Bird's Nest Dumpling with Crab Roe Superior Soup was again another dish that has been elevated for the occasion. The bird's nest adorning the dumpling was more for the wow factor rather than adding towards the taste. Still, the dumpling itself was delicious on its own with well-seasoned filling. The beautiful crab roe soup was subtle in the flavour but rich in body, which complemented the dumpling perfectly.

Australian Lobster with Black Truffle and Fresh Milk Egg White 3/5

However, sometimes it can get slightly too much with premium ingredients. Australian Lobster with Black Truffle and Fresh Milk Egg White in a puff pastry nest & pan-fried foie gras was enjoyable, especially with the yam puff pastry. The combination of foie gras and the black truffle on top of all that was simply overwhelming.

Dessert 4.5/5

I love the dessert! Summing up the meal was Hashima Double-boiled in Almond Cream in mini pumpkin. Served piping hot, the warm and soft flesh of the pumpkin lent a creamy texture and a mild sweetness to the hashima.

3 January to 15 February 2022
Lunar New Year Prosperity Set Menus – $118.80++ per person to $208.80++ per person.
31 January 2022
Lunar New Year Eve Reunion Dinner Set Menus - $128.80++ per person to $218.80++ per 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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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]

Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen And Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao Offer Plant-based Meat Dishes

With customers' growing preference for plant-based dining, Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen, Crystal Jade Jiang Nan and Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao has put together a selection of meat-free dishes, prepared with plant-based meats' brands OmniMeat, Beyond Meat and Heura.

Shredded Heura Chicken Salad in Szechuan Style 4/5

We start with the Shredded Heura Chicken Salad in Szechuan Style ($8.80) from Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao and Jiang Nan. The julienne carrots, cucumbers and red cabbage were served chilled, giving the salad a refreshing and crunchy finishing. I did feel celebratory when pouring the sauce and giving it a good toss before eating, and it somewhat reminds me of Lo Hei.

Ma Po Beancurd with Minced OmniMeat 4.2/5

I have to applaud the team for the Ma Po Beancurd with Minced OmniMeat ($14.80) rendition. It is not a blind tasting, and I already could not tell the difference between real and plant-based meat. This delicious plant-based mapo tofu dish is available at Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao and Jiang Nan.

Signature Dan Dan La Mian with Minced OmniMeat 4/5

Using OmniMeat, customers can relish in a piping hot bowl of Signature Dan Dan La Mian with Minced OmniMeat ($11.80), crowned with a luscious and delicately spiced minced OmniMeat gravy.

Steamed Crystal Dumpling with Preserved Olives and OmniMeat 4/5

Dim Sum lovers can tuck into a number of plant-based meat creations at Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen, such as the Steamed Crystal Dumpling with Preserved Olives and OmniMeat ($6.30 for 3pc). A clever creation with the use of preserved olives to accentuate the flavour of the OmniMeat.

Deep-fried Spring Roll 4.2/5

Another crispy addition to plant-based meat dim sum item is the Deep-fried Spring Roll ($6.80 for 3pc) wrapped with stem chives and minced Beyond beef, served with truffle mayonnaise.

Sweet & Sour Heura Chicken with Assorted Fresh Fruits 3.8/5

On top of the dim sum items, Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen has also introduced several plant-based ala carte dishes in its menu. For example, sweet and sour pork, a classic dish in almost every Chinese restaurant, is given a new form with the Sweet & Sour Heura Chicken with Assorted Fresh Fruits ($16.80). Generous golden-brown deep-fried Heura chicken pieces are cloaked in a tantalising sweet and sour sauce with fresh-cut fruits such as guava, apple, and pineapple.

Handmade OmniMeat Ball Congee 4.2/5

Last but not least, we round up our plant-based dinner with a bowl of hearty and comforting Handmade OmniMeat Ball Congee ($9.80 per portion) with preserved vegetables and shredded mushrooms. I noticed the use of preserved vegetables in a couple of plant-based dishes. It seems like it is a vital ingredient to elevate the taste of plant-based meats in Chinese cuisine.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen
Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao
Crystal Jade Jiang Nan
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Dumplings.ru @ Maxwell Chamber - You Can Find Authentic Russian Cuisine In Singapore Too

Dumplings.ru at Maxwell Chamber is the brainchild of Russian owners, Vadim Zoubovski and his wife, Alena Zubovska, conceived based on their yearning comforting taste of their grandmothers' home-cooked Russian dishes. Dumplings.ru uses family-owned recipes passed down from over 100 years ago. Diners will get to taste traditional Russian dishes from handmade dumplings, hearty soups, street food to classic homemade desserts found in every Russian household.

Salad Sampler 3.8/5, Shuba 3.5/5

The Salad Sampler ($10) is an excellent way to start dinner. A platter featuring Beetroot Salad, Eggplant Salad, Spicy Carrot, Potato Salad and Handmade Pickles, what stood out for me was the Eggplant Salad. I love its super soft texture, almost like a spread, and it is also deliciously flavoured. If you are familiar with nordic pickled herring, you may also try the Shuba - Salted Herring Salad ($9.90), made of beetroot, egg, carrot, herring layering over one another.

Ukrainian Borscht Soup 4/5

Do try their soups here. We had a hearty Ukrainian Borscht Soup ($9.50), richly flavoured with herbs and tomatoes, sweet with vegetables and meaty with tender potatoes and pork.

Dumplings 3.8/5

The star of Dumplings.ru is of course, the Dumplings. Pelmeni is considered Russia's national dish. What is offered here is divided into three main categories - Classic, Fusion and Wholesome. Our 12pcs Combo Platter ($19.90) consists of a mixture of 3. Classic features single meat flavour - salmon, pork, ram, beef and chicken. Fusion dumplings are made with a combination of 2 types of meat, and Wholesome dumplings are either potato-based or cheese. Much to my surprise, instead of the meat variants, those with potato such as Potato + Sauerkruat, Potato + Bacon, and the one with Paneer Cheese, is the one that I find most yummy.

Chebureki 2.8/5

While we grew up with curry puffs, Russians have their very own Chebureki (cheese/pork $12/2 pcs). The filling is flattened inside the pastry like a spread. While the fried pastry was quite tasty with the mayonnaise, they were a tad too greasy for my liking.

Stuffed Bell Pepper 4.5/5

The Stuffed Bell Pepper ($14.50) was the highlight. The perfectly roasted bell pepper was soft with fruity sweetness. The stuffing, made with minced beef, rice and vegetables, was warm and comforting. The homemade sour cream was milky with a slight tang, bringing all together with an added deliciousness.

Medovik 4.8/5

Their Medovik - Honey Cake ($7.90) was marvellous! I feel so blessed to taste this again, and it is way more delicious than the one I had back in Prague. A popular dessert in countries of the former Soviet Union, this multi-layered honey cake is prepared by hand using a traditional recipe. The layers of sponge cakes were extraordinarily light and airy. The caramelised honey and dulce de leche layering in between were mellow sweet with a tang, which binds the layers of sponge cakes together in harmony.

Dumpling.ru also serves up a very good Kvass ($5.90), almost like a non-alcoholic lager. There's a selection of Georgian wines, including ‘Joseph Stalin’s favourite Georgian red wine’, Khvanchkara Red Wine ($17/glass).

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.


Dumplings.ru
Maxwell Chambers
32 Maxwell Road
#01-05
Singapore 069115
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Nearest MRT Station: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon: 530pm - 1030pm
Tues-Sun: 12pm - 230pm, 530pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Eunos Famous Bak Chor Mee (友诺士肉脞面) @ Eunos Crescent - Probably The First Bak Chor Mee In Singapore Dated Back To 1920s

Bak Chor Mee is one of Singapore's iconic national dishes. It is a uniquely Singapore dish that you can't find elsewhere. Many of us have grown up having the dry version of Bak Chor Mee tossed in a concoction of vinegar, soy sauce, chilli sauce etc. However, the original version is the soup type with just noodle, dumpling and minced pork.

Eunos Famous Bak Chor Mee at Eunos Crescent has over 100 years of history. It started back in the 1920s when the late founder 陈联福 came to Singapore from China, selling bak chor mee, carrying his mobile kitchen over a bamboo pole. The good news is the fifth generation has continued his legacy allowing us to enjoy the century-old recipe.

Bak Chor Mee 3.8/5

The bowl of Bak Chor Mee comprises noodles, dumpling, minced pork, fried shallots and pork lard. The soup is sweet, further flavoured by the addition of minced pork, pork lard and fried shallot.

However, I didn't quite like the noodle's texture, which is the soft and soggy type. I guess this is the authentic traditional taste of bak chor mee. Still, it may not be receptive to the younger generation's palate. The dumpling is on the salty side too, though the skin is thin.

Eunos Famous Bak Chor Mee (友诺士肉脞面)
Hong Lee Coffee Shop
Blk 7 Eunos Crescent
Singapore 400007
Tel: +65 81006553
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Nearest MRT: Eunos (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 6am - 730pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Eunos MRT station. Take Exit C. Cut through the hawker centre and walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Rockon Tokyo @ Tanjong Pagar - Serving Up Obanzai With Premium Sake

Brought to you by famed sake sommelier Koki Miyoshi and head chef Sekiya Katsuyuki, Rockon Tokyo at Tanjong Pagar serves up obanzai, a traditional Kyoto home-cooked style, along with a selection of premium and rare sake. The menu revolves around seasonal ingredients that are presented in their best form without any MSG or preservatives.

Homemade Cold Tofu 5/5

One of the best ways to experience this cosy little place (seats only 22 pax maximum) and its homely cuisine is perhaps by ordering the omakase menu (8 courses for $88). It will include a starter, assorted obanzai, a warm dish, seasonal sashimi, charcoal-grilled seasonal fish, seasonal fried fish, tamago kake gohan and a homemade honey lemon pudding for dessert. Starting with a Homemade Cold Tofu, its texture and taste seem to be telling me that this is how tofu should taste.

Assorted Obanzai 4/5

On to the second course, we had the Assorted Obanzai. Each dish carries a distinct texture and flavour characteristic of its own. The Hijiki Seaweed, Beans & Tuna Salad ($6 ala carte) was very savoury with a starchy texture, probably from the addition of chickpeas. The Lotus Root Ohitashi with Minced Shrimp ($9 ala carte) highlighted the crunchy texture and sweetness of the lotus root by simply adding a sprinkle of minced shrimp. Lastly, the Octopus & Okra dressed with Japanese Plum Sauce ($12 ala carte) was pretty intense, bringing out the subtle flavours of the 2 key ingredients.

Boiled Shogoin Turnip & Chicken Dumpling 4.5/5

One of my favourite dishes of that evening other than the tofu was this Boiled Shogoin Turnip & Chicken Dumpling with Special Lemon Oil. Akin to a good oden dish served with a nicely boiled turnip, its clear broth was delicious.

Sashimi 4.5/5

It is hard to resist the fresh Sashimi that is imported from different parts of Japan depending on their seasonal catch.

Charcoal-grilled Spanish Mackerel 4/5

We had Charcoal-grilled Spanish Mackerel which was in season. The skin was perfectly crisped, with the meat firm and sweet.

Deep-fried Crab Dumpling 4/5

The Deep-fried Crab Dumpling was like a Japanese style crab cake. I like how thin and crisp the crust was, encasing a sweet and savoury crab filling.

Rock On! Treasure Box 3.8/5

Gout-O I.C.U 3.8/5

For the next course, we had an add on - Rock On! Treasure Box (+$90) and the Gout-O I.C.U (+$60). Rock On! Tokyo Treasure Box features tamago kake gohan with white/black truffle, uni, caviar, crabmeat and ikura while Gout-o ICU serves the holy trinity of ikura, caviar and uni. As lavish as they might seem, I very much prefer the original tamago kake gohan. Align with the essence of obanzai; the steamed Japanese rice comes served under a blanket of torched egg white meringue and egg yolk. I had a few spoonfuls of that on its own, and the simple taste of the fragrant white rice with the egg was highly comforting. The rich and savoury toppings had kind of masked the beautiful flavours of the rice and egg.

Honey Lemon Pudding 4/5

Dessert was a Home-made Honey Lemon Pudding ($8). Its creamy texture was like a hybrid of a rich mousse and custard. Sweet and tangy, the caramelised sugar crust added a balancing hint of bitterness.

You may add on 5 glasses of sake pairing for $60.

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.


Rockon Tokyo
106 Tanjong Pagar Road
Singapore 088525
Tel: +65 97311136
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue- Sun: 5pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road. Turn right onto Tanjong Pagar Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Zui Yu Xuan Teochew Cuisine @ Amoy Street - Launches 5-Course Signature Set Menu At $50++ Per Pax

For a limited period from 1 December 2020 to 17 January 2021, Zui Yu Xuan Teochew Cuisine at Amoy Street has launched an exclusive 5-Course Signature Set Menu showcasing classic Chinese comfort foods for only $50++ per pax (minimum two pax, available for dinner only). Diners have the option of picking dishes from the different categories (appetiser, meat, seafood, vegetable and rice/noodle). However, diners at the same table have to select the same dishes except for the seafood course.

Deep-Fried Homemade Puning Beancurd, Pig Trotter Terrine, Deep Fried Ngoh Hiang 4/5

For the 5-Course Signature Set Menu, we started with a trio of appetisers. From left to right, we have Deep Fried Homemade Puning Beancurd, Pig Trotter Terrine and Deep Fried Ngoh Hiang. All the items are available on their a la carte menu, and the platter allows customers to have a glimpse of the dishes.

Pan Fried Kurobuta Pork Cutlet 4.2/5

Worthy of your calories is the Pan Fried Kurobuta Pork Cutlet accompanied by achar on the side. I am not sure what the sauce is, but more importantly, it is not overly sweet, complementing the tender and juicy pork cutlet. The other meat selections on the menu are Braised Duck with Beancurd and Crispy Pork Rib Marinated with Plum Sauce.

Live Boston Lobster Wok Baked with Fermented Bean and Garlic 3.8/5

Teochew Steamed Threadfin Tail 4/5

For the seafood selection, diners can choose between the Live Boston Lobster Wok Baked with Fermented Bean and Garlic and Teochew Steamed Threadfin Tail. If you prefer the more robust flavour, opt for the lobster with a rich fermented bean flavour, accentuated by the garlic aroma. Personally being a Teochew, I like my steamed fish. Hence, I would go for the light, and refreshing Teochew steamed threadfin tail.

Homemade Vegetable Skin Beancurd Braised with Crab Meat 4.2/5

For the vegetable dish, diners can choose from the Kai Lan Stir-Fried with Dried Sole Fish, Wok-Fried Asparagus and Homemade Vegetable Skin Beancurd Braised with Crab Meat. I had the silky tofu paired with sweet crab meat, simple but yet deliciously good.

Wok Fried Kway Teow with Diced Kai Lan and Preserved Radish

Wrapped up the 5-Course set meal with either the Wok-Fried Kway Teow with Diced Kai Lan and Preserved Radish or Fried Rice with Diced Chicken and Preserved Olive Leaves. I had the wok-fried kway teow infused with smoky wok hei with delightful crunchiness from the diced kai lan.

Double Boiled Pork Broth in Golden Pumpkin Bowl 4.5/5

The Jumbo Group of Restaurants has also collaborates with renowned Taiwanese Chef Huang Ching Biao, where he will pass on his treasure trove of recipes and experiences to Jumbo's suite of talented chefs. Kickstarting the collaboration is several new dishes at Zui Teochew Cuisine restaurants, Chui Huay Lim Teochew Cuisine and Zui Yu Xuan Teochew Cuisine. One of the new dishes is the Double Boiled Pork Broth in Golden Pumpkin Bowl ($12.80 per person). Inside the pumpkin bowl is generous servings of minced pork, water chestnut, and dried conpoy in fragrant pork broth, complemented by the pumpkin's subtle sweetness.

Beef Short Ribs with Asparagus in Red Wine Sauce 4.5/5

Beef lovers will enjoy the robust and decadent Beef Short Ribs with Asparagus in Red Wine Sauce ($18 per person). The succulent beef short ribs are first deep-fried, and then slow braised in red wine, red yeast rice, garlic and onions till tender.

Pan Fried Shrimp Paste and Pomfret Dumpling

Chef Huang will introduce more dishes in the first quarter of 2021. I was lucky to taste the Pan Fried Shimp Paste and Pomfret Dumpling before it is introduced. Thinly sliced pork lard is wrapped in fresh shrimp paste and topped with fresh whole pomfret and pan-fried. The highlight is the addition of pork lard that intensifies the flavours of the shrimp and pomfret. It is definitely a new dish that deserved to be introduced in 2021.

As a former chef in the Taiwanese presidential kitchen, the acclaimed Chef Huang Ching Biao definitely is an exciting introduction to the talented team in Jumbo. Having a glimpse of some of the new dishes, it really makes me look forward to the new creations in 2021.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Zui Yu Xuan Teochew Cuisine
130/131 Amoy Street
Singapore 049959
Tel: +65 67883637
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit B. Cross the street. Walk to Amoy Hotel. It is located opposite Amoy Hotel. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Jumbo Seafood @ ION Orchard - New Dim Sum Afternoon Tea Set With Moet & Chandon Champagne

Afternoon Tea maybe a Western thing but Jumbo Seafood at Ion Orchard is breaking the tradition with the newly created Dim Sum Afternoon Tea Set. The Asian spin on the afternoon tea is from at $48++ per set for 2 pax. Customers can also top up to include Moet & Chandon Champagne to go along with their dim sum.

The Afternoon Tea set comes with a pot of floral tea. Customer can choose between Oriental Beauty with Wolfberries or Springtime Blossoms. For the champagne promotion, customer can add on a bottle of Moet & Chandon, Imperial Brut NV - 750ml ($78++ Jumbo Rewards Members / $88++ Non-Members) or Moet & Chandon, Imperial Brut NV - 375ml ($48++ Jumbo Rewards Members / $55++ Non-Members).

The Afternoon Tea Set comes in two tier. The top tier is the savoury section that consists of Sweet Yam Paste with Salted Egg Yolk Puff,  Pan Fried Jumbo Chilli Crab Buns and Lotus Root Puffs. My favourite is the Sweet Yam Paste with Salted Egg Yolk Puff is shaped into a beautiful swan, not only pretty in sight but delicious on the palate too.

The lower tier is the sweet section that comes with Baked Orange Egg Tarts, Black Sesame Cake and Molten Salted Egg Lava Mochi. I like the hint of orange in the egg tart, giving it a lifted enjoyment. The other delight treat is the deep fried pumpkin shaped mochi dumpling with oozing molten salted egg lava filling. The black sesame cake is rather acquire with its soft texture though.

Completing the dim sum afternoon set is the Jumbo Siew Mai and Steamed Prawns and Spinach Dumpling served in a bamboo steamer.

Kindly note the Dim Sum Afternoon Tea Set is exclusively available at Ion Orchard outlet only from 2pm to 530pm daily (exclude public holidays) for dine in. Jumbo Rewards Members can enjoy 50% off 2nd purchase of Dim Sum Afternoon Tea Set from 31 August 2020 to 30 October 2020. Non-members can sign up as Jumbo Rewards Members at https://jumbogroup.sg/jumbo-rewards to enjoy this promotion.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Jumbo Seafood
Ion Orchard
2 Orchard Turn
#04-09/10
Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 67373435
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 1030pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]