YUN NANS (云海肴) @ ION Orchard - 6 Lunar New Year Set Menus For The Year Of The Rabbit

Whether you have a small group of 3 to 6 people or a big family of 10, YUN NANS has got you covered with their 6 new Lunar New Year set menus that will be available from 9 January to 5 February 2023. These range from $338 for 4 pax to $828 for 8 pax for dine-in, each accompanied by their Traditional Baked Rose Pastry and the new Prosperity Abalone Yu Sheng.

4 selected dishes are available for a la carte orders as well. They are the Prosperity Abalone Yu Sheng, Crispy Roast Chicken, Sautéed Tiger Prawns with Superior Soy Sauce and Yun Nans Prosperity Treasure Pot.

Prosperity Abalone Yu Sheng 鸿福鲍鱼捞生 4/5

We started with the Prosperity Abalone Yu Sheng ($68.80 for Regular, $88.80 for Large) featuring shredded white carrot adorably shaped as a rabbit and plump whole abalones. The plum sauce used leaned tangier, while the abalones were tender.

Prosperity Treasure Hot Pot 火焰聚宝盆菜 4.8/5

The crowd favourite Prosperity Treasure Hot Pot ($328 for Regular - 6 pax, $468 for Large - 8 pax and any additional at $40 per pax) makes a return this year. With an eye-catching golden broth base that is stewed for 6 hours. It's further topped with 11 auspicious ingredients of roast pork belly, bamboo pith, sea cucumber, abalone, scallops, prawns, mushrooms, fish maw, cordyceps flowers, yam and Chinese cabbage. The result was a comforting and luxurious savoury broth that had us going for seconds and thirds. It’s full of depth and not overly salty.

Crispy Roast Chicken 脆皮烤鸡 4/5

The Crispy Roast Chicken ($24.80 for Half, $39.80 for Whole) is another familiar dish from last Lunar New Year, but with an improved recipe. It is marinated with five-spice powder, air-dried and roasted. The meat was tender, but my dining companions and I agreed that we would prefer crispier skin. It's served with an in-house chilli sauce made with seven types of Yunnan's chillies and a salt and pepper dry dip.

Steamed Jade Perch 清蒸翡翠鲈鱼 4.2/5

Opt for the Steamed Jade Perch prepared in either spicy garlic lime or Hong Kong style. We had the former, and the fish was tender and fresh, carrying an appetising tangy-spicy kick.

Braised Spinach in Superior Stock with Dried Scallops and Bamboo Pith 瑶柱竹笙烩苋菜 4.2/5

The Braised Spinach in Superior Stock was a dish most of us enjoyed. It is paired with shredded dried scallops and bamboo pith. The flavourful stock is similar to that of the Prosperity Treasure Hot Pot.

Sauteed Tiger Prawns with Superior Soy Sauce 豉油王老虎虾 4/5

The Sauteed Tiger Prawns with Superior Soy Sauce ($38.80) is made with a blend of premium soy and nine specially curated ingredients such as aromatics and spices. After the prawns are flash-fried, it's stir-fried in the soy sauce mix, resulting in crispy shells and a fragrant finish.

Braised Truffle Ee-fu Noodles with Fresh Scallops 4.2/5

Braised Ee-fu Noodles is one of my favourite dishes to order at Chinese restaurants. YUN NANS' rendition features the noodles in truffle sauce, with scallops and mushrooms. The noodles were cooked to just the right texture and soaked up the sauce thoroughly.

Double Boiled Peach Gum with Snow Pear 桃胶炖雪梨 3.8/5

Our first dessert was a refreshing and sweet bowl of Double Boiled Peach Gum with Snow Pear made with peach gum, snow pear, red dates and wolfberries.

Traditional Baked Rose Pastry 现烤玫瑰鲜花饼 3/5

We ended with a traditional Yunnan dessert, the Traditional Baked Rose Pastry ($6.80 for 3 Pieces). It is almost similar to a tau sar piah but filled with fresh rose petals. We appreciated how these were served warm, but the interior was a tad too doughy.

Do note that YUN NANS operating hours for reunion dinners on Chinese New Year Eve (21 January 2023) is as follows:

Session 1: 4.30pm to 6pm
Session 2: 6.30pm to 8pm
Session 3: 8.15pm to 9.45pm

They will be closed on 22 January 2023, while operating hours remain the same for the rest of the days.

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.


YUN NANS (云海肴)
ION Orchard
2 Orchard Turn
#B3-17
Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 65130828
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 10pm
Sat-Sun, PH: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

YUN NANS Stonepot Fish @ Northpoint City - Pressure Steam Cooked Live Fish In Collagen-rich Fish Soup

YUN NANS (云海肴), which has four restaurants in Singapore, has recently opened a new stonepot fish concept in Northpoint, Yishun. YUN NANS Stonepot Fish is Singapore's first concept specialising in cooking live fish using high-pressure steam in a stone pot made of natural granite.

Stonepot Fish Soup 4/5

The granite stone pot is imported from Yunnan that is specially handcrafted for the restaurant. It is supposed to heat the food evenly and retains heat well. Covered with a handcrafted straw hat that doubles as the pot's lid, subjecting the fish and broth to be cooked in a high-pressure steaming method, extracting the natural flavours.

The fish used at the restaurant are sustainably sourced from local farms. Customers have choices of live fish such as seabass, patin or soon hock. Fresh seabass is also available starting from $28. Upon picking the fish, the culled and cleaned fish is placed into the stone pot, followed by pouring the nourishing fish broth that has been simmered for more than six hours into the stone pot.

Alongside the fish, diners can also add a variety of other hotpot ingredients, such as premium meats, handmade beef balls, seafood, and vegetables, to sweeten the soup for a hearty meal.

Some of the rare ingredients I enjoyed were the golden fungus, chayote leaves, and Lijiang purple heart potatoes, which are a Yunnan speciality.

While I enjoyed the light yet flavourful fish soup, the local palate might prefer a richer flavour.

Grilled Clams with Spicy Garlic Sauce 3.8/5

Apart from the signature stoneput fish, the restaurant offers cooked hot items too. We tried the Grilled Clams with Spicy Garlic Sauce ($12.90++) and Crispy Barramundi Collar ($9.80++). The clams are placed over a bed of vermicelli in an aluminium foil box and grilled over charcoal fire, paying homage to the quintessential Yunnan cooking style.

Crispy Barramundi Collar 4.5/5

For the lightly marinated barramundi collar, deep-fried to crispy on the exterior and yet moist inside. Served with salt and pepper dip, this is simple yet so addictive and delicious.

Baked Rose Petals Pastry 3.5/5

We wrapped up our dinner with the Baked Rose Petals Pastry and Crispy Rice Cake with Brown Sugar for dessert. The baked rose petals pastry has a beautiful floral scent encased in flaky pastry skin. As for the rice cake, it is mochi-soft with a delightful crisp on the exterior.

Crispy Rice Cake with Brown Sugar 4.2/5

Note: This is an invited tasting.


YUN NANS Stonepot Fish
Northpoint Fish
South Wing
1 Northpoint Drive
#01-103
Singapore 768019
Tel: +65 65131381
Facebook
Instagram
Nearest MRT: Yishun (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

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

Fufu Pot @ Plaza Singapura - Collaborate With Lucky Dumplings With Asian-inspired Dumpling flavours

Fufu Pot at Plaza Singapura specialises in personal hotpot filled with Asian-inspired flavoured broths. In particular, Stinky Tofu broth is a hot favourite, alongside White Curry, Army Stew and other exciting flavours. To amp up its offerings, Fufu Pot has collaborated with Lucky Dumplings to release two new dumpling flavours with similar Asian vibe.

Stinky Tofu 4/5

The Stinky Tofu ($21.90) hits all the right spots when it comes to flavours and aroma. A concoction of minced meat and spicy bean paste, the broth had an addictive savouriness and spicy accent. In addition, the stinky tofu is slightly porous, a cross between tau pok and dou gan (Chinese pressed tofu), which enables them to soak up the rich broth without collapsing. The usual pungency of stinky tofu has been mellowed down for our local context, but it allows the full umaminess of the broth to come through.

Fried Stinky Tofu 4/5

There is also a fried version as a side dish. The in-house chilli sauce was as zesty as a chicken rice chilli sauce, which added much brightness to the crispy fried stinky tofu.

Tonkotsu Miso 3.5/5

We also had a fufu pot that is much lighter in taste - Tonkotsu Miso ($19.90). Served with pork shabu shabu, Japanese chachu and Ajitama egg, it is like an augmented ramen bowl. The tonkotsu broth wasn't as rich as expected, and the miso flavour was missing. Nonetheless, the hotpot itself is pretty comforting if you are looking for a light-tasting broth.

Kimchi & Egg Dumplings 3.8/5

Mala Dumplings 3/5

Partnering with Lucky Dumplings came two new side dishes, which you get to try till the end of July - Kimchi & Egg ($7.80 for 4pc) and Mala Dumplings ($7.80 for 5pc). While the latter had all the crunch and numbness from fufu's chilli nuts topping, I prefer Kimchi & Egg much more for its juicier filling.

After all the highly flavoured dishes, cool off with some refreshing desserts. Beancurd with Peach Resin was pleasing with silky beancurd, while the ice jelly perked me up with its zest.

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.


Fufu Pot
Plaza Singapura
68 Orchard Rd
#06-07
Singapore 238839
Tel: +65 62502193
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Dhoby Ghaut (CC Line, NE Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am – 10pm

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

Uncle Fong Hotpot Restaurant @ Great World - Popular Chongqing-style Hotpot Restaurant From Hong Kong, Opens First Overseas Outpost In Singapore

First opened in Hong Kong to explosive reception, getting queues among the locals and celebrities, Uncle Fong  Hotpot Restaurant offers a modern-style Chongqing hotpot opens its first overseas outlet a Great World, Singapore. The restaurant is founded by Mr Fong Chi Chung, the man behind Michelin-starred restaurant Putien, hence the restaurant's name Uncle Fong.

Signature Nine-Grid Hotpot 4.2/5

One of the most identifiable features of Uncle Fong is the unique nine-grid layout of its pot. It is separated into three different heat zones. The heat is strongest in the middle square, ideal for blanching quick-cook food. The four grids around the centre square are best for poaching food under medium heat. Finally, the corner grids have the least heat, making them perfect for stewing.

While Uncle Fong offers non-spicy soup bases such as Fruit and Vegetable, Pork Bone Broth, Tomato Broth, Fungus and Mushroom, Coriander and Preserved Egg, the must-try is the Signature Chongqing Soup Base. The signature spicy soup base is brewed from 5 key ingredients - Chongqing Shizhuhong Chilli, Sichuan Hanyuan Pepper, Refined High-Quality Beef Tallow, Sichuan Pixian Bean Paste and Yunnan Yellow Ginger.

Pork Shoulder

US Prime Beef Short Ribs

Uncle Fong has a vast selection of ingredients to accompany the hotpot. We selected the Pork Shoulder ($18) and US Prime Beef Short Ribs ($24) for the protein.

Fresh Razor Clams

During my visit, we got our hands on the special seasonal item, Fresh Razor Clams ($12.50 half portion).

Fresh Ox Liver

Pig Throat

Pig Kidney Slices

Beef Tripe

Innards lovers will be delighted with the wide variety of selections at Uncle Fong. Most of them are not commonly found in restaurants in Singapore. We picked a few to try, such as the Fresh Ox Liver ($8.50 half portion), Pig Throat ($9.50 half portion), Pig Kidney Slices ($8.50 half portion) and Beef Tripe ($12.50 Half).

Celtuce Slices

Dried Gong Choi

You can find some unique vegetables such as the Celtuce Slices ($8) and Dried Gong Choi ($4.50). I enjoyed the sweet and refreshing celture slices, while the dried gong choi has a sweet taste profile with a unique crunchy texture like chye poh.

Brown Sugar Agar Jelly

After all the spiciness, the Brown Sugar Agar Jelly ($4) is perfect for freshening and cooling the fiery taste buds.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Uncle Fong Hotpot Restaurant
Great World
1 Kim Seng Promenade 
#B1-108/109
Singapore 237994
Tel: +65 62327800
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Great World (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Great World MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Qi Xiang Hot Pot @ The Chevrons - Popular Chicken Pot In Kovan, Opens New Hotpot Restaurant In The West

Qi Xiang Hot Pot at The Chevrons is proudly brought to you by the team behind Qi Xiang Chicken Pot. Known for its unique beer-infused chicken pots, the restaurant also uses traditional claypots, and what you get is one of Singapore's first-ever yuan yang claypot options. What's more, it opens till 3am daily!

The restaurant will also be offering free-flow drinks, fruits and condiments for $5 per pax. Among the various condiments, be sure to get its in-house special chilli sauce, which is full of zing and adds a fiery kick to every bite.

Pumpkin Soup 4.8/5

Soup bases options include its Signature Broth ($29.90 for full or half pot) which has brought them to fame, but I chose other two which complement each other - a soul comforting and nourishing Pumpkin Soup ($29.90 for full or half pot), juxtaposing a piquant and zingy Green Pepper Sauerkraut Dory Fish Pot ($37.90 for full pot, $20.80 for half pot). The Pumpkin Soup takes more than 5 hours to be ready, and supposedly rich in chicken and pork collagen. That was quite evident in the deep chicken flavour underneath the sweet pumpkin note. You can even amp up the chicken broth by pairing it with Qi Xiang Hotpot’s Famed Boiled Chicken ($9.90 for half chicken or quarter thigh meat options, $15.90 for whole chicken).

Green Pepper Sauerkraut Dory Fish Pot 4.8/5

On the other hand, the latter was highly stimulating with a broth cooked with herbaceous peppercorns, ginger, sour mustard leaves, and laced with chilli oil. I like this version versus a full-blown mala soup. It gives that pleasant peppercorn aroma and a fiery kick without the greasiness. What's interesting is the addition of dory fish to emulate the concept of sliced fish bee hoon.

Japanese Wagyu Beef

Iberico pork

The menu features over 80 delectable options, including premium shabu shabu meat featuring Australian Wagyu Beef ($49.90 for full portion, $24.90 for half portion) and Japanese Wagyu Beef ($135.90 for 300g, $67.90 for 150g). Of course, there is seafood as well, such as prawns and Tioman fish slices.

Smoke Infused Duck Breast Braised in Szechuan Sauce 4.5/5

But what jazz up this hotpot menu is its range of sides. For instance, this Smoke Infused Duck Breast Braised in Szechuan Sauce ($18.90) is a rather well-considered dish prepared through the precise cooking methods of being braised, sous-vide, then tea smoked with umami-packed house-made Szechuan sauce. I love the fats that lace around the meat, which made each slice tender and succulent.

XO Homemade Carrot Cake 3.8/5

If you like deep-fried carrot cake, you may find this XO Homemade Carrot Cake ($10.90) sinfully good. Each chunk of carrot cake is turned into a crispy morsel tossed with crispy egg bits, beansprouts and spring onions, dressed in dollops of XO sauce.

Prawn Pizza 4/5

Another delectable bite is this crowd-pleasing Prawn Pizza ($9.90). The filling in between the thin crisp was pretty well done, with bits of prawns to provide that bit of a bite.

To celebrate the new opening, you can enjoy the following promotions:
- No service charge (June 2021 to August 2021)
- Free Mee Sua Dish for birthday diners

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.


Qi Xiang Hot Pot
The Chevrons
48 Boon Lay Way
#03-06
Singapore 609961
Tel: +65 88086730
Facebook
Website: Nearest MRT: Jurong East (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am – 3am

Direction:
1) Alight at Jurong East MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk to junction of Jurong Gateway Road and Boon Lay Way. At the junction. turn right and walk down Boon Lay Way. At the junction of Jurong East Street 11 and Boon Lay Way, cross the road and continue down Boon Lay Way. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Jurong East MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Jurong East Bus Interchange (Stop ID 28009). Take bus number 52 or 105. Alight 7 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 20 minutes. [Map]