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

Thursday, July 30, 2026

Beng Hiang Restaurant @ Shangri-La Singapore - Timeless Flavours, New Setting, Beng Hiang’s Hokkien Legacy Continues

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Reopened with a refreshed concept yet rooted in tradition, Beng Hiang Restaurant marks a significant new chapter with its culinary residency at Shangri-La Singapore’s Garden Terrace. Officially welcoming diners back on 26 June 2026, the 48-year-old heritage Hokkien brand has transitioned from its former Jurong East flagship into an elegant 80-seat indoor-outdoor setting. While the new space brings a more refined dining environment, the soul of Beng Hiang remains intact — preserving its time-honoured recipes while introducing a thoughtful selection of elevated, region-inspired dishes.

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Aged Yongchun Vinegar Jellyfish Terrine 4/5

One of the residency’s exclusive cold appetisers, the Aged Yongchun Vinegar Jellyfish Terrine ($15) sets the tone with its refined presentation. Unlike the usual tossed jellyfish salad, this version is carefully pressed into a terrine, giving it a polished, almost pâté-like form. The use of Yongchun aged vinegar — a prized Monascus vinegar from Fujian — lends a deep, complex profile with mellow sweetness and umami undertones. Each bite delivers a delightful contrast between the jellyfish’s signature crunch and the smooth, savoury jelly, making it both refreshing and sophisticated.

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5-Spiced Sausages and Prawn Balls 4.2/5

The 5-Spiced Sausages and Prawn Balls ($18) platter stays true to Beng Hiang’s roots, showcasing a recipe passed down for over four decades. The pork roll is tightly wrapped in beancurd skin and deep-fried to a golden crisp, revealing a fragrant, well-seasoned filling infused with five-spice. Complementing it are the prawn balls, which offer a springy, bouncy bite packed with natural sweetness. Together, they present a comforting introduction to classic Hokkien flavours.

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Superior Crab Meat and Fish Maw Broth 4.2/5

Rich, velvety, and deeply comforting, the Superior Crab Meat and Fish Maw Broth ($20 per pax) is a quintessential Hokkien-style soup done right. Generous portions of premium fish maw and sweet shredded crab meat fill the bowl, creating a luxurious texture with every spoonful. The broth is thick yet well-balanced, delivering warmth and depth without feeling overly heavy.

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Spinach with Dried Sole Fish 4.2/5

A seemingly simple dish, the Spinach with Dried Sole Fish ($16) exemplifies how restraint and technique can elevate humble ingredients. The tender greens are lightly stir-fried and accented with crispy bits of dried sole fish (bian yu), adding a punch of umami and a subtle smokiness. It’s a clean, well-executed dish that balances the richer items on the menu.

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Slow-braised Hokkien Duck with Aged Ginger 4.5/5

One of the residency’s highlights, the Slow-braised Hokkien Duck with Aged Ginger ($40) showcases a more refined take on traditional flavours. The duck is braised until fork-tender, soaking up a deeply savoury sauce infused with the warming intensity of aged ginger. The result is a dish that feels both comforting and elevated, with layers of flavour that linger pleasantly on the palate.

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Fujian-style Steamed Mud Crab with Glutinous Rice 4.5/5

For a celebratory centrepiece, the Fujian-style Steamed Mud Crab with Glutinous Rice ($138) is a standout. Available via pre-order, this communal dish features a large mud crab brimming with rich roe, steamed atop a bed of glutinous rice. As the crab cooks, its juices seep into the rice below, transforming each grain into a flavour-packed bite of briny sweetness and umami. Ideal for sharing, it is both indulgent and deeply satisfying.

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Beng Hiang’s Hokkien Noodle 5/5

A visit would not be complete without the restaurant’s Signature Hokkien Noodles ($22). A staple for nearly five decades, the dish features thick yellow noodles braised in a dark, flavourful gravy made from pork bone and prawn stock. Topped with seafood and crispy pork lard, it delivers richness and depth in every mouthful.

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Crispy Oyster Omelette 4.2/5

Breaking away from the usual gooey rendition, Beng Hiang’s Crispy Oyster Omelette ($25) focuses on texture. The egg batter is pan-fried into a thin, golden sheet with a satisfying crunch, while the plump oysters remain juicy and briny. It’s a refreshing take that balances crispness with natural seafood sweetness. The accompanying housemade silver fish chilli sauce adds a zesty, savoury kick that enhances the overall experience.

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Yam Paste with Ginkgo Nuts 4.5/5

Ending on a nostalgic note, the Yam Paste with Ginkgo Nuts ($10 per pax) remains one of Beng Hiang’s most beloved desserts. Smooth, thick, and velvety without being overly rich, it strikes a delicate balance between earthy sweetness and the aromatic hint of shallot oil. The addition of soft ginkgo nuts introduces a subtle bitterness that rounds off the dessert beautifully.

Beng Hiang’s return is more than just a relocation — it is a thoughtful evolution of a heritage brand. At Shangri-La Singapore’s Garden Terrace, the restaurant successfully bridges tradition and modernity, offering long-time fans the comfort of familiar favourites while inviting new diners to experience Hokkien cuisine through a more refined lens. With its carefully curated menu and elevated setting, Beng Hiang proves that heritage dining can remain relevant while staying true to its roots.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Beng Hiang
Shangri-La Singapore
Garden Terrace (Level 1)
22 Orange Grove Road
Singapore 258350
Tel: +65 6221 6695/ 6684
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11:30am - 2:30pm, 6pm - 9:30pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk towards Wheelock Place via ION. Exit Wheelock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Cross the road at the traffic light junction and turn left towards the Royal Thai Embassy. Walk down to the end of Orchard Road. Turn right onto Orange Grove Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 23 minutes.[Map]

Monday, April 13, 2026

Alijiang (阿里疆) @ VivoCity - Bringing The Bold, Rustic Flavours of Xinjiang to Singapore

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Located on the third floor of VivoCity, Alijiang (阿里疆) brings the bold, rustic flavours of Xinjiang cuisine to the southern coast of Singapore. Since first opening in February 2019, the restaurant has built a steady following over the past seven years, offering diners a vibrant taste of the Silk Road in an upbeat yet polished setting, complete with views overlooking the Sentosa gateway.

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Uae Salad 阿联酋沙拉 (Green Salad with Secret Sauce) 4/5

We began the meal with the UAE Salad 阿联酋沙拉 ($29.80), a refreshing cold appetiser that provides a welcome contrast to the robust, spice-laden dishes typical of Xinjiang cuisine. A medley of greens, avocado, and figs is brought together by a savoury, tangy vinaigrette with a gentle sweetness, making it both appetising and well-balanced.

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Grilled Chicken Skewer 烧烤鸡肉串 4/5

Next, the Grilled Chicken Skewer 烧烤鸡肉串 ($3.20/pc) offered a lighter alternative to the restaurant’s signature lamb skewers. Made with succulent chunks of chicken thigh, the skewers are grilled over high heat, achieving a smoky, lightly charred exterior while retaining a juicy interior. The seasoning carries the hallmark bold spices of Northwestern Chinese cuisine but remains approachable even for those less accustomed to stronger flavours.

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Braised Beef Brisket with Tomato 塔城番茄炖牛肉 4.5/5

A highlight of the evening was the Braised Beef Brisket with Tomato 塔城番茄炖牛肉 ($38/$58), a comforting dish that showcases the Central Asian influence on Xinjiang cooking. The brisket is slow-cooked until fork-tender, with just enough fat to enrich the dish. The tomato-based gravy is thick and robust, offering a natural balance of acidity and sweetness. Presented in a pastry-sealed vase, the dish is theatrically poured into a pot at the table, with the pastry serving as a delightful accompaniment to soak up the luscious sauce.

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Alijiang Dapanji 新疆大盘鸡 4.5/5

Equally impressive was the Alijiang Dapanji 新疆大盘鸡 ($28.80), arguably the most iconic dish of Xinjiang cuisine. This hearty communal plate features bone-in chicken pieces braised in a deeply aromatic sauce, alongside chunks of potato that have beautifully absorbed the rich flavours. Beneath the dish lie wide, hand-pulled belt noodles, prized for their chewy “QQ” texture. Designed to soak up the spicy gravy, the noodles are an essential and satisfying component of the dish.

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Homemade Yoghurt Glutinous Rice with Apricot 3.8/5

For dessert, the Homemade Yoghurt Glutinous Rice with Apricot 酸奶凉糕 ($7.80/pax) offered an interesting interplay of textures. The house-made yoghurt is thicker and tangier than usual, paired with chewy glutinous rice pearls that lend a mochi-like bite. A sweet apricot sauce ties the elements together with a light floral sweetness.

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Homemade Vrum Yoghurt 5/5

However, the true standout was the Homemade Vrum Yoghurt 自制奶皮子酸奶 ($4.80). Exceptionally thick and creamy, it boasts a custard-like consistency with a pronounced tangy profile. Made in limited quantities daily, it is highly sought after and often sells out — a testament to its popularity and quality.

Alijiang at VivoCity delivers a distinctive dining experience that highlights the rich culinary heritage of Xinjiang. From smoky skewers to hearty stews and unique dairy-based desserts, the menu captures the essence of Silk Road flavours while remaining accessible to the local palate. It is a compelling destination for those looking to explore a different facet of Chinese cuisine beyond the familiar.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Alijiang (阿里疆)
VivoCity
1 HarbourFront Walk
#03-11
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 62524979
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Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 11am - 3pm, 530pm - 9pm
Fri-Sat: 11am - 3pm, 530pm - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit C & E. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 3 minutes. [Map]

Thursday, February 12, 2026

LUCE @ Frasers House, a Luxury Collection Hotel - Season of Abundance Buffet For This Lunar New Year, Where Italian Conviviality Meets Festive Asian Traditions

Wealth and Fortune Seafood Delicacies 1

This Lunar New Year, LUCE invites diners to gather around a table defined by abundance, craftsmanship and festive cheer. For its Season of Abundance buffet, the Italian restaurant blends the warmth of Italian conviviality with familiar Lunar New Year flavours, resulting in a spread that feels celebratory yet comforting, with plenty to explore across Western and Asian offerings.

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DIY Yu Sheng Station

No Lunar New Year meal feels complete without Yu Sheng, and LUCE’s D.I.Y Yu Sheng station sets the tone nicely. What I really appreciated was the option to make smaller portions, so you can enjoy the ritual without sacrificing precious stomach space for the rest of the buffet. Even better, you’re free to add as many fish as you like, which is always a win in my books.

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Seafood and Sashimi Station

The Seafood and Sashimi spread is a clear highlight, featuring Japanese oysters, mini abalone, jade salmon and ahi tuna sashimi. Everything looked fresh and inviting, making it dangerously easy to over-serve yourself early in the meal, which is a familiar buffet dilemma.

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Salad, Cheese, Cold Cuts

We couldn’t take our eyes off the Salad Bar, where diners can customise their own bowls using the Harvest of the Day selection, featuring fresh greens, generous add-ons, and a wide variety of dressings. The adjacent Artisanal Cheese and Cold Cuts section is equally tempting, showcasing a weekly selection of Italian and French cheeses alongside the chef’s curated imported cold cuts, best enjoyed with freshly baked bread.

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Prawn Noodle

Pasta w Salmon Vodka Cream Sauce in in a Parmesan Wheel

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Pasta with Salmon Vodka Cream Sauce

One of the most crowd-pleasing stations is the make-your-own Signature Frasers House Prawn Noodle. Ingredients include tiger prawns, fish cake, bean sprouts, quail eggs and noodles, all finished in a rich prawn broth. If you’re in the mood for pasta, the chef also prepares Pasta with Salmon Vodka Cream Sauce tossed in a Parmesan wheel. The pasta was perfectly al dente — so good I genuinely wished I had more stomach space for a second portion.

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Luce Pizza

Melanzane alla Parmigiana 1
Melanzane alla Parmigiana

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Pasta alla Norma

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Pure di Patate al Tartufo

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Sicilian Style Branzino

The Italian Hot Dishes are a carb lover’s dream. From LUCE Pizza to Melanzane alla Parmigiana, Pasta alla Norma, Purè di Patate al Tartufo and Sicilian-style Branzino, the selection is generous and varied. Sadly, I could only manage small bites of each, but most dishes were well executed and satisfying, making it hard to pick favourites.

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Salted Egg Pizza

Another standout is the buffet-exclusive Salted Egg Pizza, specially created for this Lunar New Year spread. Topped with roasted chicken and melted mozzarella, the pizza strikes a surprisingly balanced flavour profile that is lightly sweet, savoury and rich without being overwhelming. The salted egg sauce adds a creamy depth, while the fragrant curry leaves lift the whole dish, giving it an unmistakable Southeast Asian twist. It’s indulgent yet approachable, and easily one of those slices you go back for “just one more” even when you’re already full.

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Roman-style Roasted Pork Knuckle

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Roasted Australian Beef Ribeye

At the Carving station, the Roman-style Roasted Pork Knuckle stood out with its irresistibly crispy skin. At the same time, the Roasted Australian Beef Ribeye was juicy and tender - exactly what you’d hope for from a carving station at a festive buffet.

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Netted Seafood Springroll

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Nonya Chicken Curry

Five-spice Slow-braised Pork Trotter 1
Five-spice Slow-braised Pork Trotter

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XO Tiger Prawn with Scallop Sauce

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Lotus-leaf Wrapped Glutinous Rice

The Asian Delights section brings a comforting familiarity to the spread, featuring Netted Seafood Spring Rolls, Nonya Chicken Curry, Five-Spice Slow-Braised Pork Trotter, and Lotus-Leaf Wrapped Glutinous Rice. A dish that stood out quietly was the XO Tiger Prawn with Scallop Sauce, served with broccoli and mushrooms - a well-balanced Cantonese-style dish where the prawns were sweet and plump and the XO scallop sauce added a savoury depth without overpowering the vegetables.

We were told these dishes are prepared by the team from Man Fu Yuan, the hotel’s Cantonese restaurant, and it shows. Some dishes tasted reassuringly homely, while others surprised us with flavour profiles that were pleasantly unexpected in a good way.

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Eight Treasure Almond Fruit Cake

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LUCE-misu

Lucky Gold Bar Chocolate Cake 1
Lucky Gold Bar Chocolate Cake

Earl Grey Lavender Cake 1
Earl Grey Lavender Cake

Chocolate Swiss Roll 1
Chocolate Swiss Roll

Auspicious Golden Ingot Nian Gao 1
Auspicious Golden Ingot Nian Gao

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Gelato Selections

The Desserts section is fully dressed in Lunar New Year colours and symbolism. Highlights include the Eight Treasure Almond Fruit Cake, LUCE-misu, Lucky Gold Bar Chocolate Cake and Earl Grey Lavender Cake. The Gelato selection is also worth saving space for; my personal favourites were the Mango and Matcha.

Desserts Station

Overall, LUCE’s Season of Abundance buffet strikes a nice balance between festive indulgence and variety. Whether you’re drawn to Italian classics, comforting Asian dishes or seafood and desserts, there’s something here for every diner, making it a solid option for Lunar New Year gatherings with family and friends.

Buffet Dates & Prices

Pre-Lunar New Year | 1–15 February
Lunch from $59++ per adult
Dinner from $85++ per adult
Sunday Brunch from $118++ per adult

Lunar New Year Eve, Day 1 & Day 2 | 16–18 February
Lunch from $75++ per adult
Dinner from $95++ per adult

Lunar New Year | 19 February–3 March
Lunch from $69++ per adult
Dinner from $78++ per adult
Sunday Brunch from $118++ per adult

Enjoy preferential dining privileges with ‘LUCE30’ on weekdays and ‘LUCE25’ on weekends. Blackout dates apply: 14, 16, 17 and 18 February 2026.

Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


LUCE
Fraser House, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Level 1
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 6825 1008
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 2pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sun: 6pm - 10pm

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