Three Point Two @ Kampong Bahru - Introducing New Durian Delights, Gelato Bun And Craqueline Puffs

Three Point Two at Kampong Bahru is a gelato cafe that offers a range of specially crafted durian delights for durian aficionados. This cafe is the founders' second outlet, following their successful venture Pang Zi Durian at Jurong West. As durian sellers themselves, one can be assured of the quality of durians used in their ice cream and sweet treats.

First-timers visiting Three Point Two may go for Four Heavenly Kings ($16.80), showcasing two D24 Durian Puffs, two MSW Craquelin Puff, two Durian Mochi and one Durian Mousse. Their Durian Mousse ($5.50, additional D24 shot +$1) made quite an impression during my very first visit to Pang Zi Durian. I love the bittersweet dollop of D24 shot atop the mousse, and its sweetness level was quite on point.

The Durian Puffs are like choux pastry. The lightly crisp exterior that comes with an elevated buttery taste complemented the durian mousse. However, for the durian filling, I would prefer more flesh in it for better textural contrast.

The Mochi was all right. The highlight goes to the MSW Craquelin Puff that has a very indulgent buttery, sugary crust.

Waffle is also on the menu to pair with your gelatos. However, for a more interesting experience, or even a more delicious one, in my opinion, go for its Gelato Bun ($4). It is like a blown-up version of the Craquelin Puff that gives twice the pleasure of eating it. We had ours with Pistachio gelato, seemingly quite popular among its regulars.

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.


Three Point Two
85 Kampong Bahru Road
Singapore 169380
Tel: +65 83669952
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Website
Nearest MRT: Outram Park (NE Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun: 12pm - 10pm
Fri-Sat: 12pm - 2am

Direction:
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 5. Walk to New Bridge Road. Left turn and walk down New Bridge Road. Continue onto Kampong Bahru Road. Walk to the row of shophouses along Kampong Bahru Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Park Hotel Clarke Quay Celebrates The Year Of The Ox With A Selection of Bountiful Feasts

Park Royal Clarke Quay ushers in the Year of the Ox with a selection of bountiful feasts curated by the hotel's Banquet Chef James Wong, a veteran culinary specialist with four decades of experience in Asian and Cantonese cuisines. The four set menus ranging from six to eight courses ($388 to $768) will be available for dine-in or takeaway via self-collection or delivery from 29 January to 26 February 2021.

Prosperity Tuna Yu Sheng Platter 3.8/5

A staple for every Chinese New Year is the Lo Hei. This year Park Hotel Clarke Quay features the refreshing Prosperity Tuna Yu Sheng Platter. Instead of raw fish, it is substitute with tataki style tuna slices paired with a medley of white and green radish and carrot, purple cabbage, pickled vegetables, torch ginger flower, chiffonade of kaffir lime leaves.

Superior Braised Fish Maw with Crabmeat and Homemade Stuffed Crab Claw 4/5

I am quite familiar with the Superior Braised Fish Maw with Crabmeat and Homemade Stuffed Crab Claw. It is one of the chef's signature dish which I have tried before though he changes the accompanying ingredients. This year he replaces the shark fin with braised fish maw and crabmeat accompanied with plump crab claws made with prawn paste and crabmeat.

Steamed Red Garoupa with Yellow Bean Paste 4.2/5

Steamed to perfection is the Steamed Red Garoupa with Yellow Bean Paste. The yellow bean paste enlivens the celebrative dish a new change from the usual Cantonese or Teochew style.

Fragrant Crispy Duck 4/5

The Fragrant Crispy Duck is inspired by the Cantonese 'Heung Song' duck. Chef James first marinated the duck with spices such as cinnamon stick, star anise, Sichuan peppercorn, ginger juice, and hua diao wine, then steamed till soft and tender. For the finishing touch, the duck is coated in a batter and deep-fried. The crispy and tender duck is complemented with sides of tangy achar and duck jus.

Braised Sea Cucumber, Fish Maw, Baby Abalone with Broccoli 4.2/5

Somewhat like a mini Pen Cai is the Braised Sea Cucumber, Fish Maw, Baby Abalone with Broccoli. Though these are individual delicacies, the delicious sauce binds them together excellently.

Salted Egg Yolk Golden Tiger Prawn 4.5/5

The Salted Egg Yolk Golden Tiger Prawn are tossed in a coat of auspicious golden sauce of salted egg yolk with butter, garlic, and curry leaves. It is so delicious that I ate it together with the deep-fried crispy shell.

Steamed Fragrance Rice in Lotus Leaf with Duck Meat and Chinese Sausage 3.5/5

I understand the chef wants to give diners a healthier choice; hence he chooses to steam the rice instead of stir-frying it. However, I find the Steamed Fragrance Rice in Lotus Leaf with Duck Meat and Chinese Sausage lacked the stir-fried aroma. I guess I still prefer it being stir-fried.

Crispy Durian 4/5

Last but not least, we end our dinner with Crispy Durian. Encased in the crispy batter is the pungent durian which comes in lava form. It is as if I am having a molten chocolate cake.

- Early Bird treat (book before 29 January): Every reservation will enjoy a discount of 15% off the Chinese New Year set menus.
- Bookings on 29 January and after: Every reservation will enjoy a discount of 10% off the Chinese New Year set menus.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Park Hotel Clarke Quay
1 Unity Street
Singapore 237983
Tel: +65 65938888
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Website
Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (NE Line), Fort Canning (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight At Fort Canning MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk to junction of River Valley Road and Clemenceau Ave. Cross the road and turn left onto Clemenceau Ave. Walk down Clemenceau Ave. Turn right onto Unity Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

1) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk to bus stop at Clark Quay Station (Stop ID 04222). Take bus number 54. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to the end UE Square Shopping Mall. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Goodwood Park Hotel Singapore - Celebrates 120th Anniversary With Mao Shan Wang & D24 Durian Delights

Goodwood Park Hotel celebrates its 120th anniversary with a lavish durian dessert buffet spread, featuring Mao Shan Wang and D24 Durian Delights. Available from 17 October to 15 November at Coffee Lounge, indulge in an exclusive line-up of durian delights such as Mao Shan Wang Mousse Cake, Crepe, Swiss Roll and Mini Eclair, including hot D24 favourites such as D24 Puff and D24 Ice Cream!

Mao Shan Wang Mousse Cake

Such a thick layer of pulpy Mao Shan Wang Mousse layered in between airy sponge cake, the Mao Shan Wang Mousse Cake is definitely my favourite of the lot.

Mao Shan Wang Crepe

The Mao Shan Wang Crepe is also highly sorted after with its super thin egg crepe encasing the rich, creamy durian mousse, with no other fillers such as cream or sponge cake whatsoever in between.

D24 Puffs

For D24 Delights, there's a reason why these chubby D24 Puffs are such a huge drawn year after year. Each airy choux pastry is filled with a luxuriant swirl of creamy D24, and it was such a pleasure finishing this pillowy durian goodness. 

D24 Mini Peanut Tart, Mao Shan Wang Swiss Roll, Mini Eclair

There's also petite size durian pastry such as the Mao Shan Wang Swiss Roll, a daintier version of the mousse cake, as well as D24 Mini Peanut Tart and Mao Shan Wan Eclair.

A limited item among the spread is the D24 Ice Cream (one serving per guest). I would prefer it to be lightly more bitter-sweet.

The dessert buffet also includes other pastries and warm desserts such as Cheesecakes, Mango Pudding with Crème Chantilly and Fresh Mango, Cherry Crumble and a Bread and Butter Pudding with Vanilla Sauce. The extravagant Dessert Buffet with Mao Shan Wang and D24 Durian Delights spread is priced at $58.80++ per person, available during lunch from 12pm to 230pm and dinner from 6pm to 1030pm.

Deep-fried Pomfret in Feng Sha Style

Goodwood Park Hotel is also known for its Taiwan Porridge A La Carte Buffet. You can also opt for the Taiwan Porridge A La Carte Buffet inclusive of Dessert Buffet with Mao Shan Wang and D24 Durian Delights at $72++ per adult, $43.20++ per child. Out of the entire spread, we tried a few dishes which were all well executed. The Deep-fried Pomfret in Feng Sha Style was impressive. The meaty part of the fish was skilfully sliced out, leaving minimum to the bones and fried to perfection. As promised, each piece was crispy on the outside, juicy and moist on the inside. The sugary crispy rice puff and raisins topping elevated the crunch factor as well.

Steamed Minced Pork with Salted Egg Yolk

The Steamed Minced Pork with Salted Egg Yolk has a very homely flavour, yet incredibly satisfying. Loosely packed and juicy, the seasoning was just right on bringing out the flavours of the meat.

Fried Omelette with Silver Fish

This UFO looking Fred Omelette with Silver Fish was simple but substantial with silverfish packed within its fluffy interior.

Braised Chinese Mustard with Sakura Ebi

The Braised Chinese Mustard with Sakura Ebi was not just aesthetically pleasing, but soothing to the palate as well.

There are also other ways to enjoy the dessert buffet. It can also be paired with Coffee Lounge’s signature offerings:

- Top-up of Dessert Buffet with Mao Shan Wang and D24 Durian Delights with any A La Carte Main Course order $48.80++ per person.
- 3-course Design Your Own Local Degustation Menu, inclusive of Dessert Buffet with Mao Shan Wang and D24 Durian Delights $62++ per person.
- 4-course Design Your Own Local Degustation Menu, inclusive of Dessert Buffet with Mao Shan Wang and D24 Durian Delights $66++ per person.

The Deli also features five delectable Mao Shan Wang and D24 durian creations from 17 October to 30 November for a decadent treat any time of the day.

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. 


Coffee Lounge
Goodwood Park Hotel
22 Scotts Road
Singapore 228221
Tel: +65 67301746
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Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Scotts Road to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Pang Zi Durian @ Jurong West Street 41 - Durian Cafe In The West Heavenly Durian Puff, Ice Cream and Mousse

Tucked in a small neighbourhood of Jurong West, Pang Zi Durian is a durian speciality cafe that offers not just homemade durian desserts and artisanal ice creams, but also fresh durians during the high season. Founded by two friends who are both durian lovers, they learnt from scratch and started off as durian sellers at their very first own durian stall last year. The cafe concept was conceived out of practicality in fact. As the high season dwindled, to sustain their business during the low season, in the long run, expanding into a cafe was deemed the way to go.

Durian Mousse 4.5/5

Their Durian Mousse ($5) is a must-try here if you are a durian lover. Made with D24 durians with just cream and no sugar, I love its bittersweetness. It comes with a dollop of D24 durian puree, and an additional $1 will get you an extra serving of it.

Durian Puffs 3.8/5

While I was there, there was a constant buttery aroma wafting from their kitchen as fresh batches of puffs were being churned out. All that aroma in the air comes from their signature is Durian Puffs ($10 for 10 pcs). I'm impressed with the puff pastry, which tasted like a high-quality French Choux pastry, crisp on the outside with goodness filled centre. However, I feel the durian custard mousse was slightly too thin to match up with the pastry.

MSW Durian Ice cream 4.2/5

Their other signature item is MSW Durian Ice Cream. The big chunky pieces of durian flesh will make you just want to dive right into it. The ice cream was rich in durian flavour and loaded with MSW chunks. Like the 2 other items, this tasted like the real deal too, with no artificial fillers in it.

Pistachio Ice Cream 4/5

A wide range of artisanal ice creams is available as well, and a few unique flavours might interest you such as this roasted Pistachio ice cream. It's not in the usual green hue as it is made with roasted pistachio, which gives the ice cream a much more pronounced nuttiness, almost like a roasted black bean to me.

Dark Chocolate Durian 4/5

There are also more refreshing flavours such as Peach Yakult, and Melon Coconut. Especially the Melon Coconut, which is one of the founder's favourite, for its milky, melony flavour that will hit the right spots for you too. One of their latest creations is Dark Chocolate Durian, and if that's intriguing enough, do visit them and have a try.

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.


Pang Zi Durian
Block 492 Jurong West Street 41
#01-18
Singapore 640492
Tel: +65 81939559
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Lakeside (EW Line)

Opening Hours
Daily: 12pm - 10pm

Directions: 
1) Alight at Lake Side MRT station. Take Exit A. Cross the road. Walk to bus stop opposite Lakeside MRT station (Stop ID 28099). Take bus number 98 and 187. Alight 4 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

The Line @ Shangri-La Hotel - Presents Flavours Of Singapore With Fresh Durians, Tropical Fruit And Hawker Favourites

In commemoration of the coming National Day, The Line at Shangri-La Hotel launched the Flavours of Singapore buffet inspired by the traditional street food of the 1980s. Available from 18 July to 10 August 2019, diners get to indulge in tropical fruits, including durians and retro snacks, as well as a full spread of dinner buffet featuring nostalgic food and beverage favourites from the restaurant’s 16 live-cooking stations.

The highlight of the buffet is, of course, the durians. Enjoy your fill of durians with free-flow servings of the freshly opened Golden Phoenix durian, Hong Xia (red prawn) durian and D13 durian. There are also tropical fruits, such as mangosteen, rambutan, longan and jackfruit, are also available at the outdoor stall every Thursday to Sunday.

This will be complemented with childhood snacks, including Kacang Puteh, Satay Ampai, White Rabbit Sweets, Lobster Cube Biscuit, Wheel Crackers and more.

Guests can also enjoy an enhanced buffet spread with old-time food and beverage highlights, such as the Char Kway Teow and Oyster Omelette.

We had the Bak Kut Teh which was a comforting bowl of goodness prior to a night of indulgent feasting. The rich, flavourful broth was worth going for a second round.

Prepared by Chef Raymond Yin Teng Poh, The Line’s Asian chef with more than 44 years of culinary experience specialising in local cuisine, the local highlights will be served along with a wide range of international delights. Dishes are freshly prepared a la minute, enabling diners to watch the chefs in action.

For something more substantial, go for the Seafood Paella, filled with a variety of crustaceans and shellfish, or the Braised Pork Leg with Hokkien Noodles, and Thai Style Seafood Fried Rice.

Take your pick from the scrumptious range of familiar Asian delights such as the crispy, tender Pork Belly, and Deep Fried Pork Ribs with Orange Sauce.

Not to be missed out is the local favourite Chilli Crab and Signature Black Pepper Crab using Sri Lankan Mud Crab.

Highlights include the Crustacean Bar, with its appetising display of fresh seafood. It has an extensive array of premium ocean-fresh seafood, such as the Jonah Crab Claw, Snow Crab, Clam, Oysters, and Black Mussel. These changes based on what is available.

The feasting is complete with a magnificent display of desserts, with traditional favourites of Kueh Lapis, Heritage Cakes, and Nonya Kueh. Other must-try desserts include the rich Hazelnut Royaltine, Green Tea Financier, Green Tea Strawberry, Raspberry Opera, Coffee Orange Profiterole, Coconut Pistachio Tartlet, American Cheesecake and more.

Not forgetting the exclusive durian treats such as the Durian Profiterole, Durian Cheesecakes, and Durian Coconut Cake.

Buffet Pricing 
- Thursday SGD128++ per adult; includes unlimited servings of local fruits, beers and soft drinks SGD 64++ per child (6 to 11 years old)
- Friday and Saturday SGD118++ per adult; includes unlimited serving of local fruits SGD59++ per child (6 to 11 years old)
- Sunday SGD108++ per adult; includes unlimited serving of local fruits SGD54++ per child (6 to 11 years old)
- National Day SGD128++ per adult; includes unlimited servings of local fruits SGD 64++ per child (6 to 11 years old)

Prices are subject to a 10% service charge and 7% GST.

Photos and words by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


The Line
Shangri-La Hotel Singapore
Lobby Level
22 Orange Grove Road
Singapore 258350
Tel: +65 62134398
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 6am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk towards Wheellock Place via ION. Exit Wheellock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Cross the road at the traffic light junction and turn left towards Royal Thai Embassy. Walk down to the end of Orchard Road. Turn right onto Orange Grove Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 23 minutes. [Map]

The Dragon Chamber @ Circular Road (Boat Quay) - The Hidden Restaurant Inside A Kopitiam

The Dragon Chamber has been rebirth at its new location in an assuming kopitiam at Circular Road, hidden behind a glass fridge door. Stepping behind the glass door, diners will be plunged into a world that is reminiscent of Chinatown gambling dens and secret society hangouts. One can also find exotic dishes on the menu such as the crocodile feet and penis.

Firecracker Chicken and Maple Fritters 3.8/5

I was told that the Firecracker Chicken and Maple Fritters ($16/$28) is a luxed up version of the chicken and waffle dish which I don't actually get it. It is a La Zi Ji (Sichuan Chilli Chicken) dish with some crispy you tiao drizzled with maple syrup. I can't associate it with the so called chicken and waffle inspiration. Putting the ranting aside, the dish itself is very enjoyable with the spicy kick from the Sichuan peppercorn. The diced chicken which has been deep fried to golden brown was also tender and addictive.

Cheeseburger Eggroll 3.5/5

An unique and bold creation is the Cheeseburger Eggroll ($14). Instead of toasted bun, the ingredients in a cheeseburger such as beef, cheese, lettuce and tomato is stuffed into a eggroll skin. It felt more like have a bonito wrap with crispy skin, instead of a burger.

Dick Soup 4/5

The name of the dish may sounds vulgar but it is absolutely delicious. The nourishing Dick Soup ($30) features crocodile penis in a chicken and pork based broth that has been double boiled for six hours. If you can overcome the idea of eating the exotic ingredient, it actually tasted like pork rib with a layer of collagen. The soup itself tasted nothing acquire, it is flavourful and packed with essences drawn from boiling the ingredients and herbs for hours.

Dragon Mountain 3.8/5

A new dish on the menu is the Dragon Mountain ($88/$138). The whole lobster is fried and tossed in crispy garlic, crushed fermented soybeans, sliced chillis and Sichuan peppercorns. Some commented that it is a waste to mask the freshness of the lobster flesh in the rich flavour. Well, I tend to agree but I also feel it needs to offer something different to entice diners, just like there are different sauces for our favourite local crab dish.

The Flaming Pineapple Beef 3.5/5

The Flaming Pineapple Beef ($28) will make a spectacular entry, served in flame. The beef was really tender and juicy. However I found the sauce too sweet for my liking, masking the appreciation of the beef.

Wagyu Truffle Beef Hor Fun 4.2/5

A must try at The Dragon Chamber is their Wagyu Truffle Beef Hor Fun ($68). This is apparently a new and improved version showcasing wok-fried flat noodles in a moreish truffle gravy. It also comes with slices of A4 Kagoshima wagyu, crispy deep-fried hor fun strips and poached egg. This is a multi-sensual enjoyment packed with flavours and textures. A must order here.

Fried Durian 3/5

For dessert, we had the Fried Durian topped with ikura. Encased in the crispy skin is the durian puree. However the durian puree lacked the piquancy in the king of fruit. It also can be sweeter.

Besides the food at The Dragon Chamber, the bar is worthy to check out too. You can find Asian-inspired cocktails such as Crazy for Coconuts, Old Fashion Twist, Mojito Twist, Tea Time and Soda, and Vodka Citrus Soda. It also offers a range of craft beers and ciders including Dragon Chamber exclusive in-house labelled beers - Dragon Pale Ale and Summer Sesh Ale.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


The Dragon Chamber
2 Circular Road
Singapore 049358
Tel: +65 68058181
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 5pm - 12midnight

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]