Azur @ Crown Plaza Changi Airport - Launches The Seafood N' Grill Weekend Buffet

Azur at Crown Plaza Changi Airport has made a comeback with its popular Seafood N' Grill Weekend buffet! Diners can indulge in a tantalising spread of fresh premium seafood delights and grill dishes during the Seafood N' Grill Dinner Buffet promotion, available every Friday and Saturday till 29 July 2023.

Indulge in the array of fresh and succulent Seafood-On-Ice, which features fresh oysters, snow crab legs, New Zealand green-lipped mussels, half-shelled scallops and poached sweet prawns, as well as fresh sushi and sashimi.

Azur Restaurant's Char-Grilled Seafood section is not to be missed as you canter down the aisle. Be sure to tuck into other seafood delicacies prepared ala minute, with the chefs grilling the baby crayfish, jumbo prawns, and skewer squids over charcoal fire.

Amp up your palette with the Herb's Thyme Rubbed Roasted Wagyu Rump at the Chef's carving section. Pair the tender and juicy wagyu rump with sauces and condiments such as the Merlot Beef Jus, Béarnaise or French Mustard.

In addition to all these mouth-watering selections, you will also get to enjoy their Peranakan delicacies, with all-time classics such as the Ayam Curry Kapitan, Homemade Ngoh Hiang, Chap Chye, and Nonya Assam Mackerel.

For carb-loving diners, indulge in the Nonya Hokkien Mee with Shrimp, Squid and Pork Belly or the Nonya Fried Rice with Shrimp and Balachan.

Not to be missed is the Nonya Iberico Rice Dumpling, where they have entire rice dumplings filled with premium ingredients, including five-spiced Iberico pork, dried scallops, mushrooms, chestnut, salted egg and dried shrimps.

Diners who prefer Western options may also choose from the mouth-watering selection of their Western show kitchen. Savour the signature Char-grilled Angus Beef Steak with Burnt Onion Sauce, Lamb with Mustard with Red Wine Jus, Scallop Cheese Gratin, and French Chicken with Rosemary.

Complete the delectable dining experience with decadent treats from the Dessert Bar, including the American Cheesecake, Green Tea Chestnut Mousse, Chocolate Brownie, Red Velvet, Lemon Meringue Tart, and Vanilla Berries Panna Cotta. There is also a tall chocolate fondue served with marshmallows, fruit skewers and waffle cubes. You can also pair them with a delectable scoop of gelato.

S$68++ for adults & S$34++ for child (aged 9 to 12 yrs old) respectively
Kids aged 8 years old and below dine for free.

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.


Crowne Plaza Changi Airport
75 Airport Boulevard
Singapore 819664
Tel: +65 68235354
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Nearest MRT: Changi Airport (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 630am - 10am, 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm
Fri-Sun: 630am - 11am, 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Changi Airport MRT station. Take Exit to Terminal 3. Take lift to level 2. Walk to Crowne Plaza Hotel. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

YEN Social @ DUO Galleria - Introduces A Full Lunch Service With Set Menus

Helmed by Taiwanese yakiniku master Chef Jones Chen, YEN Social, located at Duo Galleria, is the sister concept of Michelin-rated yakiniku restaurant YEN Yakiniku - one of Singapore's pioneers in dry ageing beef and the premium Yakiniku experience. Known for its whisky dry-aged wagyu ribeye and Wagyu Taiwanese Beef Noodles, the restaurant has now incorporated a full lunch service, available from Tuesdays to Saturdays. The lunch menu also includes YEN Signature Wagyu Burger, which has made quite a reputation when it was first launched during Singapore's 2021 circuit breaker period.

Caesar Salad with Wagyu Bits & Shaved Parmesan 4/5

Under Salads & Appetisers, we started with Caesar Salad with Wagyu Bits & Shaved Parmesan ($16). By swapping the usual bacon for moreish Wagyu Bits, Chef Jones instilled his restaurant's character into this otherwise common dish.

Smoked Scallop Carpaccio with Yuzu Vinaigrette 4.5/5

We were also served this elegant plate of Smoked Scallop Carpaccio with Yuzu Vinaigrette ($14). Sashimi-grade Hokkaido scallops were smoked with cherry wood and then dressed with a citrusy yuzu oil, creating a creamier mouthfeel.

Lemon Thyme Fennel Salad with Apple-flavoured Quinoa 4/5

Lemon Thyme Fennel Salad with Apple-flavoured Quinoa ($16) was equally refreshing. The licorice flavour of the fennel, the sweetness of the raisins and the fruity quinoa built into one another, forming a well-balanced dish.

Chargrilled Seasonal Vegetables 4.5/5

Chargrilled Seasonal Vegetables ($12) were pleasing with beautifully charred seasonal vegetables, all of which are procured from sustainable sources. What's also notable is the pumpkin, which has been dry-aged for 30 days to attain a more intense flavour and tender texture.

Chargrilled Wagyu Burger 4.5/5

Wagyu Fries

Moving on to the mains, Chargrilled Wagyu Burger ($25) topped my list with a juicy and flavourful patty made with fresh minced meat, which is said to be a 100% mix of specially selected wagyu cuts. It is layered with two types of cheese, mushroom and shredded red cabbage, for a refreshing contrast. Even the milk buns to carry these ingredients are done with consideration - brushed with wagyu fat before they are toasted to build on that rich flavour. It is accompanied by Wagyu Fat Fries, which are house-made double-fried house-cut russet potatoes sprinkled with bits of wagyu fat for an extra indulgence. A more premium choice would be YEN Steak & Wagyu Fat Fries, best with a glass of house wine to complete the dining experience.

Braised Wagyu Beef Cheek 3.8/5

Another beef dish is Braised Wagyu Beef Cheek ($34), featuring Australian wagyu beef cheek braised in red wine for 48 hours. It was incredibly tender, but a tad more seasoning would help bring out its flavours more. The mashed potato served at the side was charcoal infused to add a depth of flavour.

Chargrilled Iberico Pork 4/5

Chargrilled Iberico Pork with Japanese Shisho Chimichurri 4/5

For non-beef eaters alternative, there are two other exceptional dishes, one of which is Chargrilled Iberico Pork with Japanese Shisho Chimichurri ($22). The iberico pork jowl is sous vide cooked for two hours before being chargrilled to develop its flavours. A house-made citrusy shiso chimichurri is served as the condiment to provide some zing for the dish. The accompanying fried rice was a star on its own - within the rice, you will find moreish bits of the caramelised fats rendered from the meat, which amp up the flavours in every mouthful.

Chargrilled Seafood Bucatini Pasta 4.8/5

Chargrilled Seafood Bucatini Pasta ($25) was on par with its meat counterparts. All the seafood featured - octopus, jumbo prawn, and scallops- are sashimi-grade and imported directly from Japan. As they were chargrilled before being tossed with pasta, they carried a hint of smoky flavour built into the robust homemade basil-tomato sauce, elevating the entire dish.

2-course set menus start from $25. All Steak items are served with a side of Chargrilled Vegetables and do not include fries. Lunch sharing set for 3-4 pax start from $100. Add on $5 to enjoy a choice of beverage, be it cold-pressed juice, coffee or tea.

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.


YEN Social
DUO Galleria
7 Fraser Street
#01-25/26
Singapore 189356
Tel: +65 86696788
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (DT, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sat: 1130am - 2pm, 6pm - 11pm
Sun-Mon: 6pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit E and F. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

The Marmalade Pantry @ Anchorpoint - New Outlet With New Menu-exclusives And Retail Items

The Marmalade Pantry has recently launched a new outlet at Anchorpoint. For a limited time until 31 August 2023, you get to enjoy new menu-exclusive Anchorpoint Specials alongside the familiar classics of the restaurant.

Fried Artichoke with Lemon Ricotta 4/5

From the outlet's exclusive menu, we started with Fried Artichoke with Lemon ($20). The Polenta-coated fried artichokes were crisped on the outside, with some of the inner petals remaining succulent and tender. The cold and zesty ricotta provided a cool and creamy contrast to the crispy artichoke.

Tortilla with Mesclun Salad 3.8/5

The next appetiser was Tortilla with Mesclun Salad ($16) that was goozy within, loaded with deep-fried cubed potatoes, flavourful diced Spanish Chorizo and sweet caramelised onions. The dollop of soy-based garlic aioli added a subtle tanginess to the tortilla and further enriched the mouth feel of the dish.

Pork Cheek and Carrot Puree 3.5/5

For mains, we had Pork Cheek and Carrot Puree ($28), served with roasted cabbage, tamarind, and ginger carrot puree. The texture of the braised pork cheek could be more tender, but overall they were nicely flavoured and enjoyable. A notable element of this dish is the sweet-sour tamarind and ginger carrot puree, which helped cut through the meat's richness.

Black Pepper Seafood Spaghetti 4/5

Black Pepper Seafood Spaghetti ($29) stood out with all elements done right. The black pepper sauce made with Sarawak black pepper was punchy, and the charred capsicum's fruity sweetness brought out the succulent seafood's sweetness. The seafood was at their right doneness with a good bounce, and the al dente spaghetti was a very satisfying plate of food.

Duck Ragu Pappardelle 3.8/5

Duck Ragu Pappardelle ($30) was hearty with a tantalising combination of flavours - plump, sweet tomatoes punctuating the deep and rich flavours of the balsamic braised duck. The large surface of the pappardelle and its relatively rough texture made it ideal for such a robust ragu. However, the texture of the pasta could have been better.

Kimchi Steak Fried Rice 3.8/5

A mainstay on the menu, Kimchi Fried Rice served with Argentinian Grass-Fed Sirloin Steak, 100g ($28) is a dish that excites the palate. The steamed rice was mouthwatering with soy sauce, sesame oil and fiery with chilli. The plancha-grilled sirloin steak had rich beefy notes, which complemented the bold flavours of the kimchi rice. However, some fresh elements as garnishes would help give this dish a more well-rounded taste.

Honeycomb Poached Pear 3.8/5

The outlet's exclusive dessert is Honeycomb Poached Pear ($16). The pear was made by poaching it in an aromatic ginger flower syrup. While I wished the flavour of the ginger flower could be more pronounced, it was tender and not overly sweet. The accompanying whipped mascarpone provided a decadent creaminess, while the unassuming honeycomb gave a delectable crunch and sweetness.

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.


The Marmalade Pantry
Anchorpoint Shopping Centre
Level One (Central Atrium)
370 Alexandra Road
Singapore 159953
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Nearest MRT: Queenstown (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am – 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Queenstown MRT station. Take Exit B or C. Walk to bus stop at Queenstown MRT station (Stop ID 11149). Take bus number 195. Alight 3 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Tan Xiang Yuan @ Dickson Road - A Seafood Hotpot Haven and Chinese Delights By Actor Ben Yeo

Nestled within a charming two-storey shophouse along Dickson Road, Tan Xiang Yuan offers a delightful array of Chinese dishes, opened by actor and host Ben Yeo. While their signature seafood hotpot steals the spotlight, the restaurant also presents a diverse selection of Chinese cooked dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Signature Seafood Hotpot 4/5

The centerpiece of Tan Xiang Yuan is their Signature Seafood Hotpot ($98/$188), a culinary masterpiece that is served over a charcoal fire. The broth, simmered for eight hours with prawn shells, old hen, and pork bones, exudes a rich and sweet flavor that is packed with seafood goodness. Sliced fish, yam, prawns, abalone, scallops, and more adorn the hotpot, creating a seafood extravaganza that will leave you craving for more.

Black Vinegar Pork Trotter Jelly 3/5

For a modern twist on a traditional favorite, the Black Vinegar Pork Trotter Jelly ($6) takes the stage. These mini sphere-shaped delights offer a unique and delicate rendition of the classic Teochew pig's trotter jelly, although the portion size may leave you longing for more.

Mao Shan Wang Durian Chilli Crab Ball 4/5

Prepare for a surprising combination with the Mao Shan Wang Durian Chilli Crab Ball ($12/pc), an appetizer that encases the bold flavors of durian and chili crab in a crispy shell. This unusual fusion surprisingly works, creating a burst of flavors that will intrigue your taste buds.

Handmade Fish Curd with Luffa Melon 2.5/5

Unfortunately, not all dishes at Tan Xiang Yuan live up to expectations. The Handmade Fish Curd with Luffa Melon ($20/$30/$40), while comprising luffa, handmade fish curd, black fungus, carrot, and mushroom, fell short in terms of flavor. It lacked seasoning, leaving a bland impression on the palate.

Signature Fried Rice 2.8/5

The Signature Fried Rice ($22/$33/$44), a staple dish in any Chinese restaurant, also failed to impress. With its lackluster taste and ordinary presentation, it did not meet the expectations one would have for a restaurant of this caliber.

Hand Drizzled Roast Chicken 4.2/5

However, Tan Xiang Yuan redeems itself with their Hand Drizzled Roast Chicken ($26 Half/ $48 Whole), a dish that showcases the artistry of drizzling hot oil over the chicken to achieve a crispy skin while keeping the meat tender and juicy. The result is a flavorful and satisfying poultry indulgence.

Signature Beef Cubes 4.2/5

To spice things up, the Signature Beef Cubes ($26/$39/$52) stir-fried in a piquant black pepper sauce take the spotlight. The succulent meat, infused with the aromatic black pepper, creates a mouthwatering symphony of flavors that will leave you craving for more.

Overall, Tan Xiang Yuan at Dickson Road offers a memorable dining experience with its show-stopping seafood hotpot and a mix of Chinese dishes. While some dishes may fall short of expectations, the restaurant's highlights shine through, making it a worthwhile destination for seafood lovers and Chinese cuisine enthusiasts alike.


Tan Xiang Yuan
1 Dickson Road
Singapore 209493
Tel: +65 80585527
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Nearest MRT: Jalan Besar (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am to 3pm, 530pm to 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Jalan Besar MRT statton. Take Exit A. Cross the road. Walk to Dickson Raod. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

BHC Chicken @ Marina Square - Popular Korean Fried Chicken Chain Arrives In Singapore Serving Popular Signatures

BHC Chicken, one of South Korea’s most popular fried chicken chains, has arrived in Singapore with a range of its best-selling signatures!

Even though they have opened for over a couple of weeks, they still sport a long queue of diners. This is BHC Chicken's first outlet in Singapore and the fourth internationally. They are located on the second floor of Marina Square, right next to where Eccellente by HAO mart sits.

BHC Chicken Sides 3.8/5

We started with a variety of sides, namely the Cheese Balls ($5.90 for Original, $6.90 for Bburing), Bburing Cheese Stick ($6.90) and Bburing Corndog ($6.90).

The crowd favourite among them is the Cheese Balls of mochi-like spheres with molten cheese within. These are fried to a crunch on the outside while retaining the soft and stretchy chewiness inside. The Bburing Cheese Stick has sticks of breaded cheese, while the Bburing Corndog has sausages with a thicker breaded exterior. Both have a generous coating of the Bburing seasoning, a highlight at BHC Chicken.

Sotteok 3.5/5

The last of our appetisers was Sotteok, which is Korean sausage skewered with rice cake. It costs $5.90 for the spicy Red King or $6.90 for the Bburing option. The rice cakes were a little hard in texture for our liking.

Rabokki 3.8/5

Apart from the range of fried chicken, the menu has different kinds of mains. The Rabokki (from $12.90) has rice cakes, ramyeon, Korean fishcake and a hard-boiled egg in a spicy-sweet sauce. It is a bit pricey for what it has, but it was appetising and quite comforting.

Kimchi Fried Rice 3.8/5

The unassuming Kimchi Fried Rice ($9.90) was a surprising dish for us. We liked the sweet and tangy flavours from the fried red kimchi, which made me keep going back for more. That said, I would have loved the addition of Korean crispy seaweed as garnish and if the rice was not as wet.

Bburinkle 4.2/5

Bburinkle is BHC Chicken's signature chicken flavour. It has fried chicken coated in cheese and vegetable-flavoured seasoning, served with Bburing Bburing dip, a creamy and lighter dip version of the same seasoning. As a result, this has a unique garlicky, sweet and cheesy flavour, unlike the usual Korean fried chicken options you typically expect.

My dining companions and I thought the dip was optional as it was already very flavourful on its own. However, this is best to share as it can get quite heavy after a while. What we liked most was how succulent the chicken meat was, and not greasy even though it was deep fried. Prices of the chicken vary across flavours - a whole chicken is priced from $29.90, wings at $23.50 and boneless at $28.

Hot Retro 4.2/5

If you are a fan of no-frills classic fried chicken like me, check out BHC's Retro. Deep fried in sunflower oil, you will get to enjoy juicy chicken meat with a well-coated crunch in its original form. For that additional kick of appetising spice, opt for the Hot Retro. The spice is manageable and leans to the mild side.

Macho King 3.8/5

The last of the flavours we tried was the Macho King, which uses a coating of aged soy sauce and a sweet honey-based oriental sauce. This was my least favourite of the three as I found the sauce too overpowering for the batter and the chicken. If you are ordering this, dig into it immediately upon serving for the maximum crunch.

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.


BHC Chicken
Marina Square
6 Raffles Boulevard
#02-332A, #02-332F
Singapore 039594
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Nearest MRT: Esplanade (CC Line), Promenade (CC, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 330pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit B and D. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit A. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]