Showing posts with label Glutinous Rice Ball. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Glutinous Rice Ball. Show all posts

Sunday, July 26, 2026

Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant (萬豪軒) @ Marriott Tang Plaza Singapore - Gourmet Lobster & Sri Lankan Crab Delicacies Return

IMG_8755

Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel’s Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant welcomes back its popular Gourmet Lobster & Sri Lankan Crab Delicacies menu, showcasing luxurious creations made with sustainably sourced Western Australian Rock Lobster and Sri Lankan Crab.

IMG_8722

IMG_8724

Available from now till 30 September 2026, diners can look forward to an exciting selection of handcrafted dim sum during lunch, alongside Cantonese à la carte specialities available throughout the day.

IMG_8734
Lobster Ingot Dumpling with Gold Leaf 3.5/5

We began with a trio of dim sum dishes, starting with the Lobster Ingot Dumpling with Gold Leaf ($15 for 2 pieces). The dumpling featured a plump chunk of lobster wrapped in a thin skin, though we wished the lobster’s natural sweetness came through more distinctly.

IMG_8733

IMG_8740
Deep-Fried Lobster with Century Egg Spring Roll 3.5/5

Next was the Deep-Fried Lobster with Century Egg Spring Roll ($15 for 2 pieces). We enjoyed the contrast in textures, though we felt an accompanying dipping sauce would have better tied the flavours together.

IMG_8743
Baked Crispy Crumb Singapore Chilli Crab Bun 3.5/5

The Baked Crispy Crumb Singapore Chilli Crab Bun ($12 for 2 pieces) offered a local twist, with a lightly crisp crumb coating and chilli crab filling.

IMG_8746

IMG_8754
Bird’s Nest with Crab Meat in Hairy Crab Stock 4.5/5

From the à la carte menu, the Bird’s Nest with Crab Meat in Hairy Crab Stock ($50 per portion) was a standout. Served bubbling hot in a stone pot, the premium bird’s nest and chunky crab meat came in a generous portion, while the silky hairy crab broth was deeply savoury and comforting. The stone pot also kept the dish warm throughout the meal.

IMG_8756

IMG_8757
Baked Lobster with Black Truffle Cheese Sauce 4.2/5

The Baked Lobster with Black Truffle Cheese Sauce ($25 per 100g) was another highlight. The sweet and succulent lobster paired well with the rich black truffle cheese sauce, resulting in an indulgent yet balanced combination.

IMG_8769

IMG_8782
Live Crab with Preserved Yellow Chilli Paste and Glass Noodle in Claypot 3.5/5

The Live Crab with Preserved Yellow Chilli Paste and Glass Noodle in Claypot ($20++ per 100g) featured fresh crab tossed with fried garlic, pearl onions, ginger and glass noodles in a preserved yellow chilli paste. The flavours were bold and aromatic, though we found the seasoning a little too salty and tangy for our liking. We also wished the crab was slightly larger.

Other highlights from the seasonal menu include the Wok-Fried Live Crab with Shallot and Garlic in “Sha Cha” Sauce, Steamed Live Crab with Minced Pork Chop and Premium Preserved Radish Paste, Wok-Fried Lobster with Trio Onion in Green Peppercorn Sauce, and Wok-Fried Rice Noodle with Live Lobster in Crab Roe Sauce.

IMG_8773
Red Bean Glutinous Rice Ball coated with Pistachio and Matcha 4/5

Moving to desserts, the Red Bean Glutinous Rice Ball coated with Pistachio and Matcha ($15 per portion) pleasantly surprised us. The glutinous rice ball was soft and chewy, while the red bean filling was lightly sweetened. The pistachio and matcha coating added a subtle nutty and earthy finish.

IMG_8776

IMG_8786
Deep-Fried ‘Musang’ King Durian Spring Roll 3.5/5

The Deep-Fried ‘Musang’ King Durian Spring Roll ($18 for 4 pieces) was fried to a lovely golden crisp, giving way to a rich and oozy Musang King durian filling. We did find parts of the spring roll skin slightly too thick, but otherwise it made for a satisfying contrast in texture.

IMG_8789
Bird’s Nest with Almond Cream, served in Mini Pumpkin 4.2/5

The Bird’s Nest with Almond Cream, served in Mini Pumpkin ($88 per person), was a comforting and nourishing dessert to end the meal. The silky almond cream was smooth and fragrant, complemented by a gentle sweetness from the pumpkin.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣) and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant (萬豪軒)
Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel
320 Orchard Road
Singapore 238865
Tel: +65 6831 4605
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11.30am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

Saturday, April 11, 2026

The Black Pearl (黑珍珠) @ Odeon 333 - A Modern Interpretation of Cantonese Classics in the Heart of the City

BlackPearlMar26-34

Perched atop Odeon 333, The Black Pearl offers an elegant dining experience, complemented by a magnificent view of downtown Singapore’s skyline. Helmed by Chef Dee Chan, the restaurant’s latest menu presents a thoughtful interplay between heritage Cantonese ‘Yue’ cuisine and contemporary finesse, drawing inspiration from the elegance of the pearl and the grandeur of Qing Imperial banquet dining.

BlackPearlMar26-1

BlackPearlMar26-5
75°C Drunken Prawns 4.5/5

The 75°C Drunken Prawns ($26) is a masterclass in precision cooking. Departing from the traditional method, the prawns are sous vide at an exact temperature of 75°C, resulting in a firm yet succulent texture that retains their natural sweetness. A bespoke sake-infused sauce lends a refined aromatic profile, offering delicate fruity and rice notes without the harshness often associated with Chinese wine. The balance here is key, enhancing rather than masking the seafood’s intrinsic flavours.

BlackPearlMar26-9

BlackPearlMar26-14
Eight Treasures in Whole Winter Melon 4.8/5

A showstopper on the menu, the Eight Treasures in Whole Winter Melon ($128) is a labour-intensive creation that requires a minimum one-day pre-order. The broth, simmered for over 12 hours with pork bones and old hen, delivers remarkable depth and richness. Within, a medley of premium ingredients — including prawn, dried scallop, crab meat and Chinese ham — comes together harmoniously. The winter melon, meticulously prepared and braised, acts as a sponge, soaking up the essence of the luxurious broth while retaining its delicate, juicy texture.

BlackPearlMar26-30
Stir-fried Mini Buddha Jump Over The Wall with Pearl Rice 3/5

The Stir-fried Mini Buddha Jump Over The Wall with Pearl Rice ($68) offers a creative reinterpretation of the classic Fujian delicacy. While the dish retains its luxurious ingredients, transforming it into a dry, rice-based version somewhat diminishes the appreciation of each component. The intermingling of ingredients results in a loss of distinction, making it less satisfying compared to the traditional soup format.

BlackPearlMar26-36

BlackPearlMar26-39
Braised Homemade Beancurd with Mini Abalone 4.2/5

The Braised Homemade Beancurd with Mini Abalone ($36) highlights the kitchen’s craftsmanship. Made in-house using premium soybeans and Japanese eggs, the tofu boasts a silky texture with a gentle bounce. Paired with a rich, umami-laden abalone sauce and tender mini abalone, the dish delivers depth without overwhelming the palate.

BlackPearlMar26-15
Braised Dongpo Pork Belly with Aged Hua Diao 4.5/5

A nostalgic dish with personal significance to Chef Dee, the Braised Dongpo Pork Belly with Aged Hua Diao ($36) impresses with its meticulous preparation. Infused with 15-year-old Hua Diao wine and slow-braised to perfection, the pork belly achieves a melt-in-the-mouth consistency. Despite its luscious layers of fat, the dish remains balanced and not overly greasy, with the aged wine imparting a mellow, aromatic complexity.

BlackPearlMar26-43

BlackPearlMar26-46
Diced Chinese Sausage & Seasonal Mushroom Rice 4/5

The Diced Chinese Sausage & Seasonal Mushroom Rice ($48) is a comforting staple elevated through thoughtful ingredient selection. Featuring Hong Kong-sourced lap cheong and seasonal mushrooms, the dish is further refined by a carefully calibrated blend of pearl rice and jasmine rice, achieving an ideal balance of fragrance, texture and bite.

BlackPearlMar26-55
Almond Cream with Peach Gum & 2 Glutinous Rice Balls 4.5/5

Ending the meal on a soothing note, the Almond Cream with Peach Gum & Glutinous Rice Balls is light yet satisfying. Its gentle sweetness and silky consistency make it a comforting finale, with the chewy glutinous rice balls adding a pleasant textural contrast.

From technique-driven dishes to soulful classics, The Black Pearl’s new menu reflects Chef Dee Chan’s dedication to honouring tradition while embracing modern refinement — all set against a stunning cityscape backdrop.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


The Black Pearl
Odeon 333
333 North Bridge Road
#07-11/12
Singapore 188721
Tel: +65 6022 1022
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line), Bras Basah (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 11am - 3pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Cut through Raffles City Shopping Centre to Bras Basah Road. Walk to the traffic junction of Bras Basah Road and North Bridge Road. Cross the road and walk down North Bridge Road to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Bras Basah MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Bras Basah Road. Turn left and walk down Bras Basah Road. Turn left onto North Bridge Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 6 minutes. [Map]

Thursday, January 22, 2026

Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant (萬豪軒) @ Marriott Tang Plaza Singapore - A Reunion of Bountiful Prosperity

Yusheng-5

Set within Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel, Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant once again ushers in a luxurious Lunar New Year celebration. Renowned for its refined Cantonese cuisine and timeless sophistication, the restaurant marks the season with an opulent showcase of premium ingredients, meticulous craftsmanship, and exquisite flavours. This Year of the Horse, Wan Hao presents a series of curated multi-course menus and festive specialities that blend tradition with contemporary finesse.

We had the pleasure of experiencing the Celebrations of Abundance 6-Course Set Menu ($268.80++ per person, for 5-10 persons), served with their Tea-Smoked Grain-Fed Duck in place of the BBQ Suckling Pig with soft crepe. Though it comes at a premium, every course demonstrates careful curation, precise techniques and top-tier ingredients. From start to finish, each dish left a lasting impression.

Yusheng-3

Yusheng-1
Wan Hao Prosperity Yu Sheng 4.2/5

We began our dinner with the Wan Hao Prosperity Yu Sheng. Trust me when I say that this Yu Sheng is really loaded with lots of premium seafood, including Rock Lobster, Hokkaido Scallop, Japanese Yellowtail, Sturgeon Caviar, Salmon and Salmon Roe. Impressively presented in the shape of a horse for the media tasting, the enthusiastic Lo Hei was a festive start to the evening.

Tea smoked duck-1
Tea Smoked Grain-Fed Duck 4.8/5

Next came the Tea-Smoked Grain-Fed Duck, a meaningful dish as duck symbolises good luck and good health during the Lunar New Year. Wan Hao’s rendition is elegantly conceptualised and perfectly executed. The duck is slowly marinated, then air-dried for 24 hours to achieve that crispy, golden skin and tender meat. It is finally finished with an aromatic smoke of osmanthus, Long Jing tea leaves, and sugarcane, giving it a subtly sweet, floral fragrance that is fantastic. This duck is also available for takeaway ($78 nett for half, $138 nett for whole).

8 treasure pot-2

8 treasure pot-4
Wan Hao Bird’s Nest Eight Treasures Pot 4.8/5

The Wan Hao Bird’s Nest Eight Treasures Pot is nothing short of impressive. What stood out immediately was the vibrant, collagen-packed broth. The pot was brimming with premium ingredients, featuring 5-Head South African Abalone, Sea Cucumber, Black Moss Dace Fish Bean Curd Skin Bag, Pork Tendon, Free-range Chicken, Japanese Shiitake Mushroom, Fish Maw, Prawns and more. Very indulgent and nourishing, I simply had to finish every drop of that delicious broth.

Lobster-1
Stewed Lobster with Trio Onion in Spicy Superior Light Soy Sauce 4.5/5

The Stewed Lobster with Trio Onion in Spicy Superior Light Soy Sauce was another beautifully presented dish. The lobster was succulent with plenty of meat, absorbing the savoury depth of the superior light soy sauce while still retaining its natural sweetness. It highlights both the lobster's freshness and the Chef’s skill in harmonising flavours.

Claypot rice-5

Claypot rice-4

Claypot rice-1
Cantonese Style Claypot Rice 4.5/5

Many at my table eagerly anticipated this Cantonese-style Claypot Rice, and it certainly delivered. Fragrant and aromatic, the rice is first mixed with foie gras and Superior Light Soy Sauce, creating a rich, tasty base. It is then served with cured duck, Chinese sausage, and Hong Kong Chye Sim, resulting in a delicious rice dish that delivers comforting, familiar flavours.

Desserts-3
Trio of Desserts 4.2/5

Concluding on a strong note, the Trio of Desserts offers three sweet treats, each with its own delightful texture. The Red Bean Glutinous Rice Ball coated in shredded coconut was soft and satisfyingly chewy. At the same time, the Deep-Fried Sesame Ball with custard delivered the perfect contrast: crisp on the outside, warm and gooey within. Rounding off the trio, the Chilled Bird’s Nest with Snow Pear and Rock Sugar provided a light, refreshing, and icy finish.

Whether for family reunions or intimate celebrations, the menu delivers abundance and auspiciousness befitting the season.

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.


Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant (萬豪軒)
Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel
320 Orchard Road
Singapore 238865
Tel: +65 6831 4605
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11.30am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

Tuesday, November 25, 2025

Xita Lao Tai Tai (西塔老太太) @ Bugis+ - Launches 4 Pax Feastive Feast

Festive platter-1

Suppose you enjoy tasty barbecue, hearty dishes, and the lively atmosphere of communal dining. In that case, Xita Lao Tai Tai Bugis+ is ready to welcome you for a season of feasting and gatherings this holiday season. Known for its Korean-influenced Clay Stove Barbecue grills, signature marinades, and charmingly nostalgic interior, Xita Lao Tai Tai has built a following in Singapore’s ever-evolving BBQ scene. It is also well worth joining their membership programme, as members get to enjoy special deals and attractive discounts.

Festive platter-2
Festive Set BBQ Platter

Their seasonal Festive Set is priced at $108 for members (usual price $151.80) and includes four types of BBQ meat: the Xita BBQ Meat Tower, pork belly, pineapple-glazed beef rib fingers, and secret-marinated chicken chop. It consists of a cold-dressed chicken appetiser, joyful sesame balls, and strawberry ice burst for dessert.

We also ordered some a la carte items to complement our experience. I was pleasantly surprised that the team helped grill all the meats for us, which made the experience relaxed, enjoyable, and completely fuss-free. We could focus on eating and chatting while the staff refilled our plates.

Banchan and appetisers (extra shot)-2

Drinks-1
Banchan/Accompaniments, Drinks

Along with our meal, we were served a generous selection of accompaniments, including kimchi, fresh lettuce for wraps, potato salad, and a comforting pumpkin soup. We also enjoyed some refreshing iced slushies, which were perfect for cooling down between all the grilling and feasting.

Xita bbq tower-1

Xita bbq tower-7

The highlight of the Festive Feast has to be the Xita BBQ Meat Tower, dressed for the festivities with charming decorations and stacked generously with assorted cuts. Each cut is well-seasoned, tender, and neatly portioned for easy sharing.

Pineapple glazed beef rib finger-6

Pineapple glazed beef rib finger-3
Pineapple Glazed Beef Rib Fingers

The Pineapple Glazed Beef Rib fingers come with a tangy, lightly sweet glaze that helps tenderise the meat, and the natural richness of the beef pairs beautifully with these flavours. The grilled pineapple slices were a delightful treat as well.

Pork belly-2

Pork belly-4
Pork Belly

No barbecue meal feels complete without Pork Belly, and the slices here are deeply marinated, allowing the fat to render into a crisp outer layer with a soft, melty centre.

Pork collar-1
Pork Collar

The Pork Collar, which is not part of the Festive Feast but is a recommended add-on, is another excellent choice. It is slightly leaner than the belly yet still wonderfully succulent, and it grills beautifully over the claypot heat. Both cuts are the sort of crowd-pleasing staples that disappear quickly once the grilling begins.

Chicken chop-5

Chicken chop-1
Secret Marinated Chicken Chop

The Secret Marinated Chicken Chop is juicy and stays wonderfully tender on the grill, with a comforting flavour that makes it an easy crowd-pleaser at the table.

Crispy tofu-2
Golden Tofu

Cold dressed chicken-1
Cold Dressed Chicken

For a light side dish, golden tofu is satisfying yet straightforward, adding a pleasant contrast to richer meats. The Cold Dressed Chicken appetiser, part of the set, is served chilled and refreshing, offering a gentle, clean-tasting start before the grilled items begin to arrive.

Seafood pancake-2
Seafood Pancake

Golden glutinous rice ball-1
Golden Glutinous Rice Ball

The Seafood Pancake came out nice and crispy, but unfortunately, we found it a little too oily for our liking. The Golden Glutinous Rice Ball, on the other hand, was satisfyingly yummy and chewy, with a slight sweetness.

Clam soup-2
Clam Soup

The Clam Soup is light, clear, and subtly sweet from the clams. It helps cleanse the palate between bites and is also comforting to sip while waiting for the next round of grilling, especially amid all the smoke and warmth from the stove.

Joyful sesame balls-2
Joyful Sesame Balls

Strawberry burst-2
Strawberry Ice Burst

Two desserts are included in the festive set. The Joyful Sesame Balls are pleasantly crisp on the outside and chewy on the inside, with a sesame filling. To conclude, the Strawberry Ice Burst is light, fruity and refreshing, making it ideal after a table full of smoky and savoury dishes. It is, however, on the sweeter side.

Xita bbq tower-9

In conclusion, dining at Xita Lao Tai Tai Claypot Stove BBQ is lively and well-suited for gatherings. If you are looking for a fun place in town to celebrate with friends or simply enjoy a good BBQ with quality meats, Xita Lao Tai Tai is a wonderful option this season.

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.


Xita Lao Tai Tai (西塔老太太)
Bugis+
201 Victoria Street
#04-06
Singapore 188067
Tel: +65 6908 4181
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 3pm, 5pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit C. Cross the road. Turn left and walk down Victoria Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]