As part of York Hotel's SG60 Heritage Dining Series, White Rose Cafe brings the series to a close with "Cherished Hainanese Fare", running from 1 October to 30 November 2025. This final instalment pays tribute to the Hainanese community, one of Singapore's most beloved culinary influences, known for their hearty comfort dishes and nostalgic flavours that have stood the test of time.
Chicken or Pork Satay 4/5
Diners can choose between Grilled Chicken or Pork Satay ($19 for 6pcs), served with rice cake, cucumber, onion, and a peanut sauce enriched with pineapple purée. Grilled to a nice char, the meat was well-marinated, tender and flavourful. The nutty sauce paired beautifully with the pineapple's slight sweetness, enhancing the overall experience.
Kaya Toast, Soft Boiled Egg and Hainanese Coffee 4/5
The Kaya Toast Set ($12) comes with crisp toast layered with house-made kaya, soft-boiled eggs, and a cup of aromatic Hainanese coffee. A simple yet satisfying classic, this everyday breakfast staple makes for a comforting snack or light meal.
Hainanese Pork Chop 4.2/5
The Hainanese Pork Chop ($23) was well executed. The crispy, tender pork loin was generously coated in a tangy tomato-based sauce featuring green peas, onions, tomatoes, and potatoes. Each bite balanced sweetness and acidity, and with steamed rice on the side, it made for a complete and satisfying meal.
Hainanese Curry Rice Set 4.2/5
The Hainanese Curry Rice Set ($24) brings together crispy pork, curry chicken with potatoes, braised cabbage and fried egg, all generously drenched in a mildly spiced homemade curry gravy. Though its presentation leans rustic, every element delivered on taste, evoking the comforting charm of a hawker-style curry rice.
Poached Chicken with Fragrant Steamed Rice/ Fried Rice Balls 3.5/5
The Poached Chicken with Fragrant Steamed Rice or Fried Rice Balls ($23) fell short for me. While the chicken was tender with a nice gelatinous skin, it lacked depth of flavour. The saving grace, however, was the chilli sauce, which is robust, spicy and tangy; it truly hit the mark for what a good chicken rice chilli should be.
Claypot Pork Porridge 4/5
The Claypot Pork Porridge ($17) offered a homely, comforting bowl of smooth, creamy porridge loaded with sliced and minced pork, egg, crispy dough fritters, fried shallots, scallions, and ginger. Served piping hot in a claypot, it retained its warmth throughout the meal, a simple pleasure that warms both heart and belly.
Herbal Mutton Soup 4.2/5
The Herbal Mutton Soup ($26) impressed with tender mutton ribs and meat simmered in a robust, herbaceous broth enhanced with red fermented beancurd (nam yue). The mutton fell off the bone effortlessly, and the nam yue added a savoury depth that beautifully balanced the strong herbal notes. Served with steamed rice, this was hearty and satisfying.
Chin Bo Leung 4.2/5
To end the meal on a refreshing note, the Chin Bo Leung ($12) is a dessert rarely seen in Singapore. It offered a medley of green beans, red beans, kidney beans, barley, taro, jelly and watermelon in chilled coconut milk. Light, sweet and cooling, it was reminiscent of Bo Bo Cha Cha and made for a delightful finish.
Cherished Hainanese Fare at White Rose Cafe is a nostalgic celebration of Hainanese heritage, presenting familiar dishes done with heart and tradition. It's a fitting conclusion to York Hotel's SG60 Heritage Dining Series, honouring the flavours that have long been cherished in Singapore's culinary landscape.
Note: This is an invited tasting.
White Rose Cafe
York Hotel
21 Mount Elizabeth
Singapore 228516
Tel: +65 67370511
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)
Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am to 1030pm
Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk down Scotts Road towards Goodwood Park Hotel. At Goodwood Park, turn right and walk to the end of the car park. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]
