Reunion Imperial High Tea Set At Tian Fu Tea Room at PARKROYAL Beach Road

Tian Fu Tea Room at PARKROYAL on Beach Road is a fully dedicated tearoom serving premium Chinese tea, with a wide selection of over 30 varieties of fine tea which you can enjoy with handcrafted dim sum. Each Lunar New Year, a specially crafted high tea set menu is offered for you to celebrate the new year in a different manner. Reunion Imperial High Tea (团圆宫廷下午茶) for this year is available from 13 January to 9 February 2020.

The Reunion Imperial High Tea Set comprising 8 handcrafted dim sum items and a tea of your choice A Yusheng is included as well, customised to the party size.

Other than emphasizing the colours of each exquisite dimsum, 'cuteness' level is equally important to pipued your appetite. Steamed Pumpkin with Yam Cake was vibrant with a layer of pumpkin sandwiched between yam and sweet potato, and every bite was a combination of sweet and savouriness. The Deep-fried Spring Roll with Minced Prawns and Mushrooms are made skinny to resemble 上上签, the divinatory sticks. That was rather creative I thought. Steamed Dumpling with Diced Abalone and Minced Meat was cute but letdown by its unpleasant thick and doughy skin.

Steamed Siew Mai with Scallop was a luxurious interpretation of our common siew mai. Encased within the emerald skin is prawns, topped with a whole scallop that was sweet and succulent. The Ebiko provides the right jab of saltiness to the siew mai.

Deep-fried Crispy Dumpling with Foie Gras was quite delectable with its flaky pastry crust, but the filling made with diced lotus didn't quite gel with the crust. While I was expecting something creamy or buttery since the menu stated foie gras, the filling was rather chunky and the foie gras was more like an afternote which tasted slightly odd to me.

Homemade Rainbow Noodles with Fresh Prawn was beautiful with noodles that are naturally coloured with ingredients such as beetroot, spinach etc.

The highlight for me is the sweets - Deep-fried Dumpling with Sticky Rice Pancake. I love the mochi-like sweet potato crust and the sticky rice pancake encased within was soft with just the right amount of sweetness, definitely one of the best Niao Gao delights I have tasted so far. Glutinous Rice Dumpling with Ginger Soup was comforting, and the red bean filling wasn't too sweet either. Despite all the items above, I felt I could stomach a few more of these sweets!

I like the privacy of the Tea Room. The cosiness of the Tea Room is also one of the reasons for you to visit with your loved ones and sip the afternoon away with quality catch-up over the Dim Sum and premium teas. The Reunion Imperial High Tea is priced at $40 per person, available from 230pm to 5pm.

Written and photography 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.


Si Chuan Dou Hua Restaurant
PARKROYAL on Beach Road
7500 Beach Road
Singapore 199591
Tel: +65 65055724
Website
Nearest MRT: Nicoll Highway (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
High Tea: 230pm - 5pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Nicoll Highway MRT station. Take Exit A. Follow the overhead walkway all the way to The Concourse building. Take the exit down to Nicoll Highway and walk towards Parkroyal Serviced Residences. Cut through towards The Plaza at Parkroyal Hotel. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Alley On 25 @ Andaz Singapore - Puts A Local Twist On The Classic Afternoon Tea

Alley on 25 at Andaz Singapore launches a locally inspired, picnic themed afternoon tea set perfect for a leisurely weekday afternoon. Available from Monday to Friday, 3pm to 5pm, and priced at just $38++ per pax for the Andaz Afternoon Tea Picnic, diners can experience the joys of picnicking with a selection of sweet and savoury treats packed in a whimsical picnic basket, all while taking in the gorgeous Singapore skyline views on the 25th floor.

We were amazed by the huge picnic basket brought to our table, which was then opened to reveal two tiffin carriers filled with sweet and savoury flavours like the Smoked Salmon Tartine, Hummus, Impossible Cheese Balls, Lemon Chia Seed Tea Cakes and Fresh Strawberries.

Some of my favourites from the savoury selection include the crispy crab cake, prawn kueh pie tee, and lobster croissant. I enjoyed the crispy pastry tart shell filled with a flavourful mixture of thinly sliced vegetables and prawns, topped with a spicy tinge, while the lobster croissant boasts a buttery, flaky exterior stuffed with a generous serving of fresh crab meat.

Not forgetting the array of sweets which include the lemon chia seed tea cake, isaphan shooters, and Valrhona chocolate bonbon. Slather the scones in fresh cream and strawberry jam for the classic British-style afternoon tea, or have your fill of locally inspired desserts such as the Kueh Lapis and mini pandan chiffon cakes.

The Andaz chiffon cake is an existing signature of the restaurant. A reinvention of the classic Pandan cake, Andaz's rendition features a vibrant, glossy green glazed cake layered with fragrant pandan flavoured mousse.

Besides the locally inspired delights, guests may conclude their afternoon tea with a choice of chocolate or vanilla soft serve.

To complete the indulgent experience, guests may top up $40 per pax to enjoy free flow wines, beer and prosecco. For an extra special treat, a bottle of Delamotte Brut will be going at a special price of $88 (UP $110) and Ruinart Rose at $138 (UP $165) during afternoon tea.

For enquiries or reservations, please visit andanzsingapore.com or call +65 6408 1288.

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.


Alley on 25
Andaz Singapore
Level 25
5 Fraser Street
Singapore 189354
Tel: +65 64081288
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Bugis (DT Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Breakfast:
Mon-Fri: 630am - 1030am
Sat-Sun: 7pm - 11pm

Lunch:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm

All-day Dining:
Daily: 230pm -6pm

Dinner:
Daily: 6pm - 8pm

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

Jumbo Seafood @ Ion Orchard - Newest And First Outlet At Singapore's Premium Shopping Belt

Mentioned Jumbo Seafood and one will associates the restaurant with its signature Chilli Crab. The local brand has recently opened its newest and first outlet along Orchard Road at Ion Orchard. The restaurant offers new and exclusive dim sum and live seafood signatures with a panoramic view of the city.

Prosperity Salmon Yu Sheng 

In conjunction with the Lunar New Year, one can order the Prosperity Salmon Yu Sheng ($58/$88) to toss to a year of prosperity and abundance. Guest can also choose to add on sliced abalone for an additional $48. The yu sheng is available from 21 Jan to 19 Feb 2019.

Diners can look forward to new dim sum and high tea delights at the Ion Orchard outlet. It is available from 1130am to 330pm on weekdays, as well as weekends and public holidays from 230pm to 530pm.

Pan Fried Jumbo Chilli Crab Buns 3/5

Baked Jumbo Chilli Crab Puffs 4/5

Another first for Jumbo Seafood is incorporating their signature chilli crab into the dim sum menu, offering bite size portions. The soft and fluffy Pan Fried Jumbo Chilli Crab Buns ($8.80) is stuffed with delicate crab meat in a sweet and spicy chilli crab gravy. The Baked Jumbo Chilli Crab Puffs ($8.80) on the other hand features a flaky and buttery puff pastry.

Chilli Crab Meat Sauce with Sliced Fried Mantou 4/5

For those that does not plan to order the whole chilli crab and yet still want to savour the dish, guest can consider the Chilli Crab Meat Sauce with Sliced Fried Mantou ($16.80). The great thing is it comes with de-shelled crab meat in the sweet and spicy chilli crab gravy. It even comes with fried mantou to fully enjoy the chilli crab gravy.

Geoduck Clam Blanched with Superior Stock 4.5/5

From the dim sum menu, we moved on to the seafood section. We have the Geoduck Clam ($18.80 per 100g). The superior stock is brought to a boil before the sliced geoduck glam is blanched in it. Besides appreciating the sweet and crunchy texture of the geoduck clam, one gets to drink a comforting and flavourful bowl of superior soup.

Crispy Fried Cod Fish with Nonya Sauce 4/5

An exclusive dish at Ion Orchard outlet is the Crispy Fried Cod Fish with Nonya Sauce ($22). The highlight is the nonya sauce that has a tantalising tang which goes very well with the crispy fried cod fish.

Cod Fish Otah in Coconut 4/5

Another cod fish item on the menu is the Cod Fish Otah in Coconut ($16.80). This is the premium version of the local otah using the cod fish. The steaming of the otah in the coconut husk, gives it a hint of fruity flavour on top of the rempah and lemongrass aroma.

Cheese Baked Mentaiko King Prawn 3.5/5

I always feel that progression is always needed in F&B to keep up with the change in palate. The Cheese Baked Mentaiko King Prawn ($16) incorporates both Western and Japanese influences into the traditional seafood offering at Chinese restaurants. While the flavour may come across a bit too rich and intense for me to appreciate the main ingredient, I can understand this may be well received by the younger generations which have a liking for stronger flavours.

Chinese Chives Stir Fried with Minced Garlic 3.5/5

Homemade Beancurd and Mixed Seafood Braised with Abalone Sauce 4.5/5

Besides dim sum and live seafood dishes, Jumbo Seafood also offers homely dishes such as the Chinese Chives Stir Fried with Minced Garlic ($11/$14/$21/$28) and Homemade Beancurd and Mixed Seafood Braised with Abalone Sauce ($14/$18/$27/$36). Chinese chives have been a common greens served in Chinese restaurant in recent times, and it is well received for its clean taste and crunchy texture. As for the homemade beancurd, it is not those silky type but layers of beancurd skins. What I love is the delicious abalone sauce with fermented soy beans that elevated the whole enjoyment.

King Prawns and Fragrant Rice in Rice Seafood Broth 4.5/5

Not to be missed at Jumbo Seafood is their Pao Fan - King Prawns and Fragrant Rice in Rich Seafood Broth ($38). The crispy rice grains is added into the piping hot prawn broth rendered by simmering prawn shells for several hours. Comes with fresh huge king prawns, this is an umami-rich gastronomic treat. The price is also very reasonable. There is even a more lavish version in the Live Boston Lobster and Fragrant Rice in Rich Seafood ($78).

The 160-seater space at Jumbo Seafood Ion Orchard caters to gatherings of small, intimate scales, as well as larger groups and get-togethers. Private dining rooms, with the option of adjoining ones for bigger events, celebrations, and corporate functions, are also available with prior reservation. Probably the first in Singapore, I also noticed the new range of sizing portions for its dishes. It now has extra small portion, a new additional to the usual small, medium and large portion for dishes.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Jumbo Seafood
Ion Orchard
2 Orchard Turn
#04-09/10
Singapore
Tel: +65 67373435
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 330pm, 6pm - 103pm
High Tea (weekend, PH): 230pm - 530pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Marriott Cafe @ Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel - A Decadent Durian High Tea Buffet For All Durian Lovers

Durian lovers rejoice, for the king of the fruit season is back again! Known for its freshest International buffet spread, Marriott Cafe unveils its much anticipated Durian High Tea Buffet to delight those with a penchant for durians and desserts alike. Available from 1 June to 31 July 2018, prepare to relish in an extensive selection of this local favourite with a variety of durian pastries and desserts, meticulously handcrafted to perfection with premium Mao Shan Wang and D24 durians. The premium durians are innovatively incorporated into different types of desserts, such as the Glutinous Rice, Puff, Mochi and more.

An interesting take would be the Baked Durian Strudel. Best eaten piping hot, Marriott Cafe’s Baked Durian Strudel features rich creamy durian mousse wrapped in thick layers of glazed golden-brown flaky pastry.

The Glutinous Rice with Durian and Coconut Cream was also an unique dessert, as this sweet treat infuses coconut cream into moist sticky rice and pairs it with durian puree. The combination works surprisingly well together. The Durian Cream Puff comes in an airy choux pastry puff stuffed with durian mousse, whipped cream and custard, resulting in a compelling combination that makes it hard to just stop at one.

Another of their winning durian creation is the Durian Bread and Butter pudding. Featuring luscious D24 durian puree sandwiched in between sheets of durian custard and buttery brioche slices, it makes a doughy type of pudding filled with a rich durian flavour, which goes pretty well with a generous drizzle of the fragrant coconut sauce.

The Durian Crème Brulee Tartlet comes in a small buttery tart encasing smooth, melt-in-the-mouth durian custard. While the compelling combination presents rich flavours, I find the tartlet a tad too sweet due to the caramelised layer atop.

Among the platter of durian delights, one of my favourite is the Durian Mousse Cake, filled with robust D24 durian pulps, layers of velvety, light mousse and whipping cream complemented with soft sponge cake. The airy fluffiness of the cake is a good complement to the creaminess of the rich durian mousse. Another cake option is the Durian Swiss Roll which features soft fluffy cake roll sheets encasing a thin layer of smooth and rich durian cream. The Durian Mochi is also a favourite with its chewy soft mochi skin encasing thick durian puree.

In addition to the existing line of delish durian pastries and desserts, the buffet also boosts other tasty local delicacies. Do remember to save some space for the fresh seafood and sushi, including freshly shucked oysters, prawns and more.

Here, you can also savour in local favourites such as Dim Sum, Char Kway Teow, Oyster Omelette, Otah Otah, Chilli Crab with Mantou and more. There are also live station where you can get your choice of noodles prepared on the spot.

Indulge in the quintessential high tea experience with an assortment of fluffy scones, sandwiches and muffins. Apart from their durian specials, the buffet also presents an extensive array of nonya desserts and kuehs, as well as a selection of ice cream flavours.

Durian High Tea buffet
Date: 1 Jun to 31 Jul 2018
Time: 3pm to 5.30pm
Mon-Fri: Adult $45++ per pax / Child (5 to 12 years old) $27++ per child
Sat-Sun: Adult $48++ per pax / Child (5 to 12 years old) $30++ per child

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.


Marriott Cafe
Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel
320 Orchard Road
Singapore 238865
Tel: +65 68314605
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 6am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Atrium @ Pan Pacific Singapore - Launches New Weekend High Tea Buffet With Peranakan And English Delights

Atrium at Pan Pacific Singapore launches a new Weekend Afternoon Tea Buffet, which takes places on every weekend from 2:30pm to 5:30pm, where it will feature a variety of English and Peranakan signatures, enhanced with Nyonya highlights dishing out at live stations helmed by Pan Pacific Singapore chefs.

Served on a 22-metres long bar, diners can literally take a trip down memory lane with the nostalgic Peranakan signatures, such as the Nyonya Kueh, and Heritage Coconut Scones with Kaya and Pineapple Jam.

Not to be missed are all-time favourites – the D-I-Y Kueh Pie Tee. Make your own Kueh Pie Tee by your crispy tart shells with cooked turnip, vegetables, egg yolk and fresh shrimps.

The Nyonya Chicken Curry with French Baguette has a thick coconuty aroma with flavourful chicken and potato chunks. Best paired with the crispy French Baguette. Diners can also pop by the live stations serving Popiah with Sweet Turnips and Condiments and the hearty Pacific Lobster Laksa, a recipe created by the resident Nyonya Chef Nancy Teo.

Apart from the classics, delve deeper into the Orient with the unique East-Meets-West dishes where the chefs infuse Peranakan ingredients and spices into dishes. Expect Peranakan Pork Sausage with Achar, Otah Quiche, Ayam Panggang Skewers to excite taste buds.

Those who prefer a quintessential English afternoon tea can look forward to a curated lineup of finger sandwiches such as the Organic Egg Mayonnaise English Cucumber Sandwich.

Indulge in savoury delights including Roasted Beef and Apple Remoulade on Ciabatta, Norwegian Salmon and Fruit Puree on Malt Toast and Foie Gras Terrine and Fig Marmalade on Brioche.

Not to be missed is the Mini Wagyu Beef Sliders, which feature mini-sized tender beef meat with melted cheese in between pillowy slider buns.

Round up the weekend high tea with a plethora of petite sweets such as the Blueberry Cheesecake and Strawberry Pistachio Shortcake. Starring the cake of the month (April) - Matcha Opera Entremet. The cake flavour changes every month to excite tastebuds, so you will be in for a surprise with something different served in the following month.

One of my favourites is the fragrant and fluffy Pandan Gula Melaka Chiffon Cake, which is made using fresh juice extracted from pandan leaves and authentic Gula Melaka from Malacca. Expect intricate and delicious desserts such as the Araguani Hazelnut Royaltine Entremet as well.

Among the various sweets available, the buffet line also features a series of colourful macarons and homemade Bonbons with different flavours. It incorporates the bright colours, intricate beading and rich embroidery to reflect the elements of the Peranakan culture.

The Nostalgic Weekend High Tea Buffet comes with two beverages of your choice. New additions to the beverage menu include two special cold brew teas – the Earl Grey infused with Orange and Cinnamon and Chamomile infused with Berries. For those who prefer the freshly brewed tea or coffee, pair the delectable canapés with a range of TWG teas or Lavazza coffee.

Nostalgic Weekend High Tea Buffet
Date: From 24 March 2018, every Saturday and Sunday*
Price: $48 per person, includes two beverages from the high tea menu.
All prices are subject to 10% service charge and prevailing Goods & Services Tax.
*Blackout dates apply, including eve of and on Public Holidays.

Words and photos 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.


Atrium @ Pan Pacific Singapore
Pan Pacific Hotel Singapore
Level 3
7 Raffles Boulevard
Singapore 039595
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Sat-Sun: 230pm - 530pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]