Viet'Spice @ Circular Road (Boat Quay) - Authentic, Yummy Vietnamese Cuisine By SG-based Vietnamese

Viet'Spice, located along Circular Road, is an authentic Vietnamese restaurant founded by 35-year-old Helen Vy in 2021 against the backdrop of the pandemic. Viet'Spice strives to introduce and popularise Vietnamese dishes not commonly found in Singapore. Besides its flagship restaurant at Circular Road, Viet'Spice has another two outlets at Smith Street (takeaway kiosk) and Geylang (Kopifellas Coffee Shop).

Cha gio 4.2/5

Vietnamese cuisine is known for its fresh spring roll, but I prefer the Fried Spring Roll ($9.90) more. The spring roll is deep fried until the rice paper turns crispy and golden brown, stuffed with delicious minced pork.

Banh Bot Loc 4.2/5

The Vietnamese Rice Dumpling ($12.90), said to originate from Hue in Vietnam, is a small, transparent, chewy tapioca dumpling filled with shrimp and pork belly. It is topped with fried shallots and served with sweet chilli fish sauce for a lift in enjoyment. It resembles the Chinese crystal dumpling.

Banh Xeo 4/5

Banh Xeo ($14.90) is a traditional Vietnamese savoury pancake made from rice flour, coconut milk, turmeric powder and water. The yellow colouring of the thin and crispy pancake comes from the turmeric powder, filled with bean sprouts, sliced pork, shrimp and onions. The popular street food can be eaten like a roll using lettuce leaves and fresh herbs to wrap the crispy pancake along with the dipping sauce. The result is a delicious combination of textures and flavours, crunchiness, sweetness, and herbal aroma.

Grilled Pork Banh Mi 4.2/5

Banh Mi is another iconic dish in Vietnamese cuisine, a fusion of Vietnamese and French culinary influences, as Vietnam was once a French colony. We had the Grilled Pork Banh Mi ($9,90). The Vietnamese baguette is light and crispy, stuffed with flavoursome grilled pork and complemented by the freshness of herbs.

Bun Bo Hue 4/5

Instead of the usual Pho, we decided to go for the Spicy Beef Noodle Soup ($13.90) originating from Hue. The silky rice vermicelli comes in a bowl of complex and robust broth, served with sliced beef, pork rolls and fried pork. Actually, I don't have the bowl of slurping goodness spicy at all.

Caramel Flan 3/5

Lastly, we had the Caramel Flan ($4.90) for dessert. Unlike the usual flan, the Vietnamese Caramel Flan is steamed instead of baked, served with ice and poured over with coffee. It is my first time having Vietnamese flan, so I am unsure what to expect from its texture. I suspect the flan was slightly overcooked, as it did not have the creamy texture I expected.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Viet'Spice
14 Circular Road
Singapore 049370
Tel: +65 97341761
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (NE Line), Raffles Place (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit E. Cross the road. Walk to Upper Circular Road. Walk down the road to North Bridge Road. Cross the road and walk to Circular Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk to Circular Road. Walk down Circular Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 7 minutes. [Map]

Noodle Star K @ Tanjong Pagar Road - Authentic Korean Cuisine With Signature Handmade Buckwheat Cold Noodles

I have wanted to visit Noodle Star K for the longest time for its naengmyeon (cold noodles), and I finally found time to visit the restaurant. The place is usually pretty crowded, so it is advisable to go slightly early, before lunch/dinner time.

Upon placing our orders, we are served three different Banchan - Kimchi, Beansprouts and Pickles. The serving is small but refillable. It even comes with a cup of beef soup.

Bibim Naengmyeon 4.5/5

I could not decide between the Chik Naengmyeon and Bibim Naengmyeon ($16.80). Ultimately, I decided to go for the latter since I am in the mood for spicy food. The buckwheat noodles tossed in a spicy gochujang-based sauce are refreshing and flavourful. It is a bowl of slurping goodness served in a chilled broth.

Mixed Mandu 4.2/5

To complete the meal, we ordered the Mixed Mandu ($11.80) to try both flavours. The mandu are huge and plump! Between the Gogi and Kimchi flavours, my favourite is the meat dumpling packed with juiciness.

Spicy Sliced Pork 4.2/5

Another signature dish on the menu is the Spicy Sliced Pork ($15.80). The thinly sliced pork is pan-fried until cooked through and caramelized for a delicious balance of spicy and sweet flavours. It is best to go with a bowl of rice.


Noodle Star K
58 Tanjong Pagar Road
Tel: +65 62246061
Singapore 088479
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Maxwell (TE Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 330pm, 530pm - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Cross the road to Duxton Road. Walk down Duxton Road. Turn left onto Duxton Hill towards Tanjong Pagar Road. Turn right onto Tanjong Pagar Road and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road. Turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Crystal Jade Group Of Restaurants - Mother's Day And Seasonal Menu Promotion

In conjunction with the upcoming Mother's and Father's Day, Crystal Jade Group's portfolio of fine and casual-dining restaurants has launched several limited-time promotions – ranging from High-Tea sets and special set menus alongside seasonal a la carte dishes. The promotions are available from now till 30 June 2023.

Cucumber & Assorted Mushroom Dumpling 4.5/5, Steamed Squid with Water Chestnut Dumpling 4.5/5, Deep-fried Beancurd Roll with Pork Floss & Seaweed 2.5/5

Available at Crystal Jade Palace, Crystal Jade Golden Palace and Crystal Jade Pavilion for the first time, these three fine-dining establishments offer specially-curated High Tea sets, over two weekends each, in May and June, in the late afternoon from 3pm – 445pm. A peek into the Crystal Jade Pavilion Sea High-Tea set, we tried the Cucumber & Assorted Mushroom Dumpling served together with two seasonal dim sum items from Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen - Steamed Squid with Water Chestnut Dumpling ($7.80/3 pieces) and Deep-fried Beancurd Roll with Pork Floss & Seaweed ($7.80/3 pieces). I enjoyed both the dumplings. They were exquisite, with thin skin and fillings that were on point with flavours and texture. However, the deep-fried beancurd roll was a tad greasy for me.

Chilled Boneless Kampung Chicken 4/5

Crystal Jade Palace presents two very tantalising dishes. The first to be served was Chilled Boneless Kampung Chicken with Scallion & Sand Ginger ($36 for half, $70 for whole). The chicken was deliciously succulent and tender, marinated in a mixture of chopped spring onions and sand ginger that lent incredible fragrance, flavour and freshness.

Stewed Chinese Yam Vermicelli with Sesame Chicken & Shredded Ginger 4/5

The 2nd dish was a nourishing and warming Stewed Chinese Yam Vermicelli with Sesame Chicken & Shredded Ginger ($32 for regular (3-4 persons)). The sesame flavour was more of an undertone, making the broth much lighter than expected and delightfully comforting. The Chinese yam vermicelli is specially brought in to create this dish. Its texture is a cross between rice vermicelli and glass noodles.

Steamed Whole Deboned Fish wrapped in Crystal Jelly 5/5

From Crystal Jade Golden Palace, I was awed by this high-skilled dish - Steamed Whole Deboned Fish wrapped in Crystal Jelly in Teochew Style (Seasonal price). The live fish is first filleted, then wrapped with shiitake mushroom, red chilli, preserved vegetables, Chinese celery and shredded ginger in a delicate mung bean sheet, and steamed in a light stock flavoured with preserved vegetables and enlivened with fresh tomatoes.

Hakka Grandma's Pork Belly with Preserved Vegetable 3.5/5

In contrast with the above, Hakka Grandma's Pork Belly with Preserved Vegetable ($28/4 pieces) is a very homely dish that entices with thick cuts of pork belly doused in a dark, rich sauce with Preserved Vegetables. The preserved vegetables were surprisingly quite balanced in flavour, and it would have been a perfect combination if the pork belly had been more tender.

Deep-fried Assorted Mushroom & Lotus Roots 3/5

Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao & Jiang Nan presents Deep-fried Assorted Mushroom & Lotus Roots in Chef's Special Spicy Cumin Powder ($16.80). Using mushrooms and crunchy lotus roots instead of meat gives a different form of enjoyment. However, I would prefer the mushrooms to be less thinly sliced so each fried piece has a 'meatier' bite.

Superior Bird's Nest with Taro Paste in Deep-fried Sesame Ball 3/5

Crystal Jade Palace High Tea set, Crystal Jade Golden Palace High Tea set & Crystal Jade Pavilion High Tea set are priced at $68++ per person (minimum 2 persons to dine). Each delectable high tea set includes two appetisers, four dim sum, a soup, a main, two desserts, and free flow of Chinese tea and coffee. You can also opt to top up $58 for a bottle of Prosecco Cecilia Beretta NV (750ml).

Mango Passionfruit Sorbet with Bird's Nest 3.5/5

An extensive selection of set menus is available at Crystal Jade Palace, Crystal Jade Golden Palace and Crystal Jade Pavilion. Each menu comprises off-the-menu creations, from $488 for 6 persons to $1,688 for 10 persons.

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 @ Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel - The Return Of Sri Lankan Crabs And New Menu Launch

Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant at Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel is currently running a Sri Lankan Crab Special from 1 September to 31 October 2022. From exquisite dim sums to a la carte specialities, the Sri Lankan Crab menu allows you to savour the crustacean's plump and sweet meat through 11 different dishes.

Deep-Fried Salted Egg Crab Bun 4/5

For the dim sums, to retain the delicate sweet flavour and texture of the Sri Lankan Crabs meat, the latter is steamed whole before the crab meat is removed from its shell and churned into dainty delights. Drawing inspirations from the well-loved Custard Lava Bun, Deep-Fried Salted Egg Crab Bun ($3.80) is a delicious fried version with a savoury salted egg crab filling encased within a delightfully airy and fluffy dough. But I do find the salted egg slightly overwhelms the crab meat.

Four Happiness Dumpling 4/5

Four Happiness Dumpling ($3.80), an elevated prawn dumpling studded with Crab Meat, Crab Roe, Ham and Celery, will light up your face with its juicy filling, with extra texture and umami-ness lent by the 4 colourful ingredients. Deep-Fried Spring Roll with Crab Meat & Glass Noodle ($3.80) is another dim sum special that is tasty as a spring roll but doesn't do much justice to the crab meat.

Salted Egg with Chicken Floss Crab 4.5/5

For a la carte dishes, Wan Hao's rendition of Salted Egg Crab - Salted Egg with Chicken Floss Crab ($68/ 500- 600gm portion) is a hot favourite of all times. This crab is given a coat using a combination of curry powder, deep-fried garlic, chicken floss and salted egg. This drier method of presenting the crab gives the meat a better chance to shine - the savoury dried coat crumbs became a flavour enhancer, accentuating the sweetness of the crab meat while being finger-licking good on its own.

Braised Beancurd with Crab Meat & Crab Roe 4.8/5

Braised Beancurd with Crab Meat & Crab Roe ($48/person), brimming with fresh chunky crab meat and crab roe, was a star of the evening that showcases the fine qualities of the crustacean. The key probably lies with the flavourful superior stock that was used to form the base of this dish. It did a perfect job in bringing the 3 delicate flavoured ingredients together.

Braised Bird’s Nest with Crab Claw & Watercress Superior Stock 4/5

Braised Bird’s Nest with Crab Claw & Watercress Superior Stock ($68/pax) is indeed a luxurious dish. I appreciate how the emerald green of the watercress reflects the elegance of this dish. Similar to the dish above, the superior stock used is the key to imparting the base flavours and harmonising the ingredients.

Wok-Fried Cod Fillet with Foie Gras 3/5

Other dishes to include in your visit to Wan Hao are some of its newly launched items. Wok-Fried Cod Fillet with Foie Gras in Chef's Secret Sauce ($48). The flavours were good, but the combination of foie gras and wok-fried cod made it a fairly rich dish. Overall I find it a tad dry, given that the cod morsels were almost crunchy and the noodle base was fried too.

Roasted Spanish Suckling Pig wrapped with Wok-fried Glutinous Rice 3/5

No special occasion is needed to devour the Roasted Spanish Suckling Pig wrapped with Wok-fried Glutinous Rice and Chinese Sausage ($508), so long advance reservation is made. While the expected caramelised crispy crackle at the skin was achieved, the collagenous layer underneath the skin was slightly too chewy for my liking.

Brandy Baked Alaska with Ice Cream 4/5

Ice cream dessert is not commonly found in Chinese restaurants. Hence Wan Hao decided to subvert that expectation and introduced its very own Brandy Baked Alaska with Ice Cream ($15++), flambé with Brandy right at your table. It sure brings a lot of excitement to the 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
Facebook
Website
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]

Fufu Pot @ Plaza Singapura - Collaborate With Lucky Dumplings With Asian-inspired Dumpling flavours

Fufu Pot at Plaza Singapura specialises in personal hotpot filled with Asian-inspired flavoured broths. In particular, Stinky Tofu broth is a hot favourite, alongside White Curry, Army Stew and other exciting flavours. To amp up its offerings, Fufu Pot has collaborated with Lucky Dumplings to release two new dumpling flavours with similar Asian vibe.

Stinky Tofu 4/5

The Stinky Tofu ($21.90) hits all the right spots when it comes to flavours and aroma. A concoction of minced meat and spicy bean paste, the broth had an addictive savouriness and spicy accent. In addition, the stinky tofu is slightly porous, a cross between tau pok and dou gan (Chinese pressed tofu), which enables them to soak up the rich broth without collapsing. The usual pungency of stinky tofu has been mellowed down for our local context, but it allows the full umaminess of the broth to come through.

Fried Stinky Tofu 4/5

There is also a fried version as a side dish. The in-house chilli sauce was as zesty as a chicken rice chilli sauce, which added much brightness to the crispy fried stinky tofu.

Tonkotsu Miso 3.5/5

We also had a fufu pot that is much lighter in taste - Tonkotsu Miso ($19.90). Served with pork shabu shabu, Japanese chachu and Ajitama egg, it is like an augmented ramen bowl. The tonkotsu broth wasn't as rich as expected, and the miso flavour was missing. Nonetheless, the hotpot itself is pretty comforting if you are looking for a light-tasting broth.

Kimchi & Egg Dumplings 3.8/5

Mala Dumplings 3/5

Partnering with Lucky Dumplings came two new side dishes, which you get to try till the end of July - Kimchi & Egg ($7.80 for 4pc) and Mala Dumplings ($7.80 for 5pc). While the latter had all the crunch and numbness from fufu's chilli nuts topping, I prefer Kimchi & Egg much more for its juicier filling.

After all the highly flavoured dishes, cool off with some refreshing desserts. Beancurd with Peach Resin was pleasing with silky beancurd, while the ice jelly perked me up with its zest.

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.


Fufu Pot
Plaza Singapura
68 Orchard Rd
#06-07
Singapore 238839
Tel: +65 62502193
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Dhoby Ghaut (CC Line, NE Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am – 10pm

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

Five Star Hong Kong Style Handmade Dim Sum @ Shun Li Industrial Complex (Sims Drive) - Hidden Dim Sum Place In An Industrial Complex

There have been many media coverages of Five Star Hong Kong Style Handmade Dim Sum located in a coffeeshop at Mei Ling Street. It is known for its freshly handmade dim sum by Chef Yiu Wah Tai, who has 30 years of experience working at Shang Palace, Shangri La and Jiang Nan Chun, Four Seasons Hotel.

Chef Yiu has opened several Five Star Dim Sum around the island. However, not many people know that they have an outlet hidden on the seventh floor of an industrial building at Sims Drive. Furthermore, the place is air-conditioned!

Siew Mai 4.2/5, Har Gao 4.2/5

Whenever I have Dim Sum, I will order Siew Mai ($4.50) and Har Gao ($4.50). I find that this is the primary entry to judge whether the dim sum at the restaurant is good or not. The Siew Mai and Har Gao here did meet my expectation. The Siew Mai is plump and juicy, while the Har Gao comes with huge prawn wrapped in thin translucent skin.

Char Siew Cheong Fan 3/5, Prawn Cheong Fan 3.5/5

We also tried the Char Siew Cheong Fan ($4) and Prawn Cheong Fan ($4.50). I find these average, and the sauce is a bit too salty. However, it is value for money for the price and the amount of ingredients wrapped in the rice sheet.

Xiao Long Pau 3.5/5

While the Xiao Long Pau ($3.50) is plump and filled with delightful marinated pork filling, the skin was a bit thick for me. However, maybe they need to make the skin thicker to hold the generous filling.

Mala Dumpling 3/5

Though the Mala Dumpling ($4) sauce lacked the punch and fragrant, the dumpling itself is huge and stuffed with delectable filling.

The menu at the Sim Drive outlet is quite limited. There are only 18 items on the menu. We also tried Salted Egg Custard Buns, Char Siew Pau, Congees and Carrot Cake. There is nothing fancy with the dim sum items here, do not have high expectations. Instead, you get a taste of tradition with a generous portion at an affordable price. Unlike the other Five Star Dim Sum outlets, the outlet here also offers zichar dishes, herbal soup and claypot dishes.


Five Star Hong Kong Style Handmade Dim Sum
Shun Li Industrial Complex
705 Sims Drive
#07-01
Singapore 387384
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Aljunied (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 8am - 830pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Aljunied MRT station. Take Exit A or B. Cross the road and walk to bus stop opposite Aljunied MRT station (Stop ID 81081). Take bus number 137. Alight 2 stops later. Walk along Sims Drive to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Yanxi Dim Sum & Hotpot @ Chin Swee Road - Creative Take On The Traditional Dim Sum

Together with a couple of friends, we visited Yanxi Dim Sum & Hotpot for lunch. Two pre-eminent chefs, former Executive Chef of Mott 32, Chef Chan Wai Keung and former Dim Sum Chef at The Fullerton Hotels & Resorts Singapore, Chef Ben Yapp helm the restaurant. The duo brings their culinary expertise to Yanxi steamboat, elevating the hotpot experience with tantalising starters and bespoke dim sum.

Tobiko, Prawn & Scallop, Water Chestnut and Egg White Dumpling 4.5/5

As we were there for lunch, we didn't have the hotpot. Instead, we had dim sum and their signature items. We started with the Tobiko, Prawn & Scallop, Water Chestnut and Egg White Dumpling ($10). The dumpling is beautiful crafted, showing the chef's creative take on quintessentially traditional fare

Yanxi Prawn and Petai with Sambal Chilli Dumpling 3.8/5

Next is the Yanxi Prawn and Petai with Sambal Chilli Dumpling ($11). It looks like any ordinary prawn dumpling from the exterior. However, it is a bold and acquired creation incorporating the acquired petai into the morsel paired with sambal chilli.

Quail Egg & Bonito Flakes Siew Mai 4.5/5

Indeed the dim sum items at Yanxi is unique compared to other restaurants. The classic siew mai is given an elevated transformation in the Quail Egg & Bonito Flakes Siew Mai ($12). The traditional siew mai may be too heavy with its meaty stuffing. Hence the addition of quail egg lightens the enjoyment, with the bonito flakes lifting the taste profile.

Netted Prawn & Tobiko, Spinach Infused Rice Roll 4.2/5

Even the classic rice roll is given a new facelift in the Netted Prawn & Tobiko, Spinach Infused Rice Roll ($12). Not only is it beautiful, the exquisite rice roll stuffed with crunchy prawn is packed with a playful touch of textural enjoyment.

Mapo Tofu in Crispy Beancurd  Skin Roll 4.8/5

The Mapo Tofu in Crispy Beancurd Skin Roll ($9) is an unexpected creation with fragrant mapo tofu. I doubt I have seen or eaten the dish anywhere before. It is a fantastic creation.

XO Sambal Carrot Cake 4/5

XO Sambal Carrot Cake ($9) is common, but it is uncommon to be presented as such. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, this is delectable but fell short of the wow factor I got from the other dim sum items.

Fried Yam, Abalone and Kurobuta Okinawa 4/5

The Fried Yam with Abalone and Kurobuta Okinawa ($15) is a luxury take of the fried yam.

General Tso's Chicken 4.2/5

Besides the quintessential dim sum items, there are several signature dishes on the menu, such as the General Tso's Chicken ($16) and Hong Kong Golden Garlic Pork Short Ribs ($12). The General Tso's Chicken is smoked in a glass dome, infused with smokiness on top of the tender and sweet chicken pieces.

Hong Kong Golden Garlic Pork Short Ribs 4/5

As for the Hong Kong Golden Garlic Pork Short Ribs, the pork short ribs are cooked in Bi Feng Tang style. It is coated in an aromatic pool of fried garlic, complementing the fork-tender pork.

MICHELIN Herbal Seafood Ee Fu Noodles 4.2/5

I am not sure why the noodle dish is named MICHELIN Herbal Seafood Ee Fu Noodles ($18). My guess is this is a dish that the chef has created in his previous restaurant that could have won a Michelin star. Nevertheless, the plate of slurping goodness is brimming with fresh seafood such as prawn, scallop and fish in a herbal broth. However, I find the herbal taste is relatively mild.

Hokkaido Milk Charcoal Egg Tart 4.5/5

The finale has to be the Hokkaido Milk Charcoal Egg Tart ($16 for 6pc). The freshly baked has a creamy, gooey cheese custard filling encased in a crumbly charcoal pastry. For something cold and refreshing, go for the Jackfruit Sago.

Though I did not try their hotpot, their dim sum items already left a very deep impression. Of course, the price is a bit expensive compared to most dim sum places, but you get quality, creativity, and unique dim sum that you don't get in most dim sum places. I have since recommended many friends to check out their dim sum selection.


Yanxi Dim Sum & Hotpot
175A Chin Swee Road
Singapore 169879
Tel: +65 88589711
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to bus stop opposite State Court (Stop ID 06171). Take bus number 174. Alight 1 stop later. Walk up the hill to Hotel Re!. Walk to the building beside Hotel Re!. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]