Shang Palace @ Shangri-La Singapore - Exclusive Moutai Culinary Creations Till 22 September 2024

Visit Shang Palace in Shangri-La Singapore from now until 22 September to indulge in the exclusive Moutai Culinary Creations, crafted by Executive Chinese Chef Daniel Cheung. The special time-limited menu features a comprehensive range of seven a la carte dishes, from appetisers to desserts.

In each of these dishes, Chef Daniel has thoughtfully and harmoniously infused the bold flavours of 贵州茅台 Kweichow Moutai, China's most prestigious liquor. It was interesting to experience Moutai showcased in various creative ways.

Note that most dishes pictured in the article were served in sample portions.

Moutai Symphony

Our meal began with the Moutai Symphony cocktail, served intriguingly in traditional teaware. A blend of Moutai, Crème de Peach, and Bi Luo Green Tea, the cocktail was both bold and refreshing, with subtle fruity undertones complementing the rich notes of the moutai.

Appetisers 4/5

Appetisers came as a trio, starting with the Chilled Crystal Jelly with Shredded Chicken Marinated in Moutai ($36). This dish featured delicate layers of chicken broth jelly and shredded chicken.The Deep-fried Pastry stuffed with Ibérico Minced Pork, Century Egg Yolk, and Moutai ($24 for 3 Pieces) followed, boasting a light and crunchy pastry encasing a flavourful filling with distinct moutai notes. Our final appetiser was a non-moutai dish, the Smoked Bean Curd Rolls with Carrot, Black Mushrooms, and Pickled Radish in Black Truffle Sauce ($20 for 6 Pieces). Served chilled, it hits you immediately with a strong whiff of smokiness. I liked the variety of textures here.

Sautéed Deboned Goose Web 4.2/5

I wasn't sure if I would enjoy the Sautéed Deboned Goose Web and French Bean with Sichuan Peppercorn and Moutai ($48), but it proved to be one of the more surprising highlights of the night. The tender deboned goose web is sautéed in an aromatic and savoury moutai-enhanced sauce, complementing the crunchy French beans.

Flambè Mala Prawns with Lemongrass and Moutai 4/5

Our next dish was the Flambè Mala Prawns with Lemongrass and Moutai ($50). The moment the clayport was uncovered, a garlicky and spicy aroma filled the air. The crunchy prawns inside the claypot were generously fried in an aromatic mix of dried chillies, garlic, lemongrass, Moutai and more.

Deep-fried Ibérico Pork Wrapped in Lychee with Aged Vinegar 4.5/5

Alongside these Moutai-infused dishes, we also sampled some of Shang Palace's classic offerings. The Deep-fried Ibérico Pork Wrapped in Lychee with Aged Vinegar ($46) stood out most for its well-balanced sweet, tangy, and savoury notes. The juicy lychees, encased in crispy Ibérico pork, were perfect with the aged vinegar's slight acidity.

Braised Rice with Sri Lankan Crab Claw and Assorted Dried Seafood 4.2/5

Another highlight was the Braised Rice with Sri Lankan Crab Claw and Assorted Dried Seafood ($30 Per Person). I thoroughly enjoyed the flavourful braised gravy and sweet crab claw meat as a seafood fan.

Chilled Osmanthus Wolfberry Jelly 4/5

For desserts, the Chilled Osmanthus Wolfberry Jelly Topped with Yuzu Sorbet and Preserved Apricot ($15) was a refreshing and sweet finish to the meal.

Chilled Three Layer Coconut Milk, Pandan and Moutai Jelly 3.5/5

The final Moutai creation of the evening was the Chilled Three Layer Coconut Milk, Pandan, and Moutai Jelly ($24), a mildly sweet dessert.

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.


Shang Palace
22 Orange Grove Road
Singapore 258350
Tel: +65 6213 4473
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Stevens MRT (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 2.30pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 11am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

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

Locanda @ Rowell Road (Jalan Besar) - A Cosy Italian Trattoria Offering Hearty Classics

Locanda is a delightful new Italian trattoria nestled in the vibrant heritage district of Little India. Conceptualized by the Michelin-starred team behind Buona Terra, Locanda exudes the warmth and charm of a classic Italian "inn." In the past, locandas in Italy were places where weary travellers could find refuge and refuel with simple, hearty meals. Locanda brings this tradition to life in Singapore with a menu filled with comforting Italian classics.

Locanda Soft Roll with Eggplant, Tomato Dip 4.2/5

We began the evening with the Locanda Soft Roll with Eggplant, Tomato Dip ($8). The bread was warm, soft, and buttery, making it the perfect pairing with the tangy, flavourful eggplant and tomato dip. It was a simple yet satisfying start to our meal.

Gnocco Fritto E Affettati 3.5/5

Next, we moved on to the Gnocco Fritto E Affettati ($15/50g of selected cold cuts). The Gnocco Fritto — golden-brown fried dough puffs — was an absolute delight. The crispy exterior gave way to a soft, airy interior, which paired beautifully with the selection of classic Italian cold cuts.

Focaccia Bread, Casera Cheese, Lardo, Hazelnuts, Truffle, Honey 4/5

Focaccia, Scamorza, Black Pepper, Grilled Zucchini 4/5

We had the pleasure of trying two variations of focaccia, starting with the Focaccia Bread, Casera Cheese, Lardo, Hazelnuts, Truffle, Honey ($18). Topped with melted Casera cheese, lardo, and toasted Piedmont hazelnuts, it was finished with a drizzle of truffle honey and shaved black truffle. Every bite was a symphony of creamy, nutty, and earthy flavours.

The second version, Focaccia with Scamorza, Black Pepper, Grilled Zucchini ($18), was equally delightful. The smoky Scamorza cheese paired with the fresh crunch of grilled zucchini and a hint of black pepper. Both focaccia options were so good that I honestly couldn't choose a favourite.

Deep Fried Marinated Sardine, Onion and Raisin 4.2/5

One of the standouts for me was the Deep-Fried Marinated Sardine, Onion, and Raisin ($22). Deep-fried and marinated in vinegar, the sardines were served atop a crispy fried polenta base, accompanied by braised onions, raisins, pine nuts, and a hint of mint. It was a perfect blend of sweet, savoury, and tangy flavours.

Yellowtail, Lemon, Fennel Oil 3.8/5

We also tried the Yellowtail, Lemon, Fennel Oil ($28), a light and clean dish featuring fresh slices of yellowtail dressed with a bright lemon dressing and a sprinkle of sea salt. The charred orange segments added a hint of bitterness that balanced the dish beautifully, while the fennel oil provided an aromatic finish.

Veal Eye Round, Tuna Sauce and Capers Berry 4/5

The Veal Eye Round ($24) is a boneless cut from the rear leg of the calf that's first sous-vide, then seared to perfection in the pan. It's thinly sliced and served with a classic tonnato sauce, then garnished with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and caper berries. The dish is understated, focusing on the pure tenderness of the veal and its mild, delicate flavour. It's a straightforward preparation that highlights the quality of the meat without unnecessary embellishments, perfect for those who enjoy simple yet expertly executed dishes.

Tagliolini, Fresh Tomato, Crab, Lemon 4.2/5

When it comes to pasta, Locanda does not disappoint. The Tagliolini, Fresh Tomato, Crab, Lemon ($28) was one of my favourites, featuring perfectly cooked tagliolini in a sweet and tangy tomato sauce with generous chunks of crab and a zesty hint of lemon. It reminded me of a refined version of Singapore's chilli crab but with pasta — a real treat for seafood lovers.

Pappardelle Ragu Genovese, Mix Mushrooms 4.2/5

The Pappardelle Ragu Genovese, Mixed Mushrooms ($24) was another excellent option. The wide, ribbon-like pasta was coated in a rich, hearty beef ragu made from different cuts of Australian beef, slow-braised until tender. The addition of braised mushrooms added depth to the dish, creating a perfect balance of flavours and textures.

Malloreddus, Red Wine Octopus Ragu, Capers 3.8/5

We tried the Malloreddus, Red Wine Octopus Ragu, Capers ($28) for something a bit different. The shell-like pasta had a pleasant bite, and the octopus ragu was flavorful and rich, elevated by the capers' briny punch.

Spaghetti ai Frutti di Mare 4.5/5

I recommend the Spaghetti ai Frutti di Mare ($118++) for larger groups, which is good for up to 4 people. This seafood pasta was tossed in a luscious tomato sauce and topped with an assortment of sautéed seafood, including clams, lobster, scampi, and red prawns. A seafood lover's dream!

Secreto Iberico Pork, Braised Endive, Apple 4.2/5

The Secreto Iberico Pork, Braised Endive, Apple ($39) stood out among the mains. The Iberico pork was beautifully glazed with pork jus, honey, and spices, then grilled over binchotan for a smoky, caramelized exterior. The tender meat was perfectly complemented by the slightly bitter braised endives and sweet apple sauce.

Hanging Tender, Rucola & Parmesan 4.2/5

We also tried the Hanging Tender, Rucola & Parmesan ($42). The lesser-known cut of beef was simply seasoned with salt and grilled to perfection, served with beef jus, a peppery rucola salad, and shavings of Parmesan. It was a no-frills dish that allowed the beef's rich, natural flavour to shine.

Gelati & Sorbetti 4/5

To finish, we had a scoop of Gelati & Sorbetti ($9/scoop). While the pistachio and chocolate gelati were delicious, I found them a bit pricey for the portion size. However, the real star of the dessert menu was the Sicilian Cannolo ($15/2pc). Each cannolo was filled with a luscious mix of Artigiana ricotta, chopped Valrhona 55% chocolate, candied orange and lemon, and finished with Sicilian pistachio on each end. It's a perfect sweet ending to an indulgent meal.

Sicilian Cannolo 4/5

Locanda brings the warmth and hospitality of a traditional Italian inn to Singapore, with a menu full of comforting and well-executed Italian classics. Whether you're in the mood for delicious pasta, hearty meat dishes, or an authentic Italian dessert, Locanda delivers a memorable dining experience in the heart of Little India. It is an excellent spot for a cosy meal with friends or family, and I'll definitely be back to try more of their offerings.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Locanda
109 Rowell Road
Singapore 208033
Tel: +65 9619 2691
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Jalan Besar (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Fri: 6pm - 12midnight
Sat-Sun: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Jalan Besar MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk straight down Jalan Besar Road. Walk to Rowell Road. Turn left onto Rowell Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Ya Ge (雅阁) @ Orchid Hotel - A Refined Weekend Dim Sum Brunch with 47 Items to Choose From

Ya Ge (雅阁) at Orchid Hotel Singapore has launched a refined new Weekend Dim Sum Brunch, offering an array of exquisite dim sum dishes, flavourful soups, hearty mains, and decadent desserts. Diners can select up to 15 dishes from the extensive menu, making it a perfect choice for those looking to indulge in a lavish and leisurely meal.

Abalone Siew Mai 4.2/5

We started our brunch with a selection of new dim sum creations that truly elevated the dining experience. The Abalone Siew Mai is a luxurious take on the classic pork siew mai, topped with a whole abalone that adds a touch of elegance and richness to the dish.

Steamed Mala Flavoured Pork Siew Mai topped with Baby Octopus 4/5

Another standout was the Steamed Mala Flavoured Pork Siew Mai topped with Baby Octopus. This dish combines the familiar flavours of siew mai with the bold, spicy kick of mala, topped with tender baby octopus. It's perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their dim sum.

Deep-fried Red Garoupa Fillet and Mango Roll 4/5

The Deep-fried Red Garoupa Fillet and Mango Roll was a delightful surprise, featuring a crispy exterior that encased tender garoupa fillet and sweet mango, complemented by a tangy mango sauce.

Pan-fried Tom Yum Mee Suan Kueh with Fresh Prawn 2.8/5

One of the most inventive dishes we tried was the Pan-fried Tom Yum Mee Sua Kueh with Fresh Prawn. The dish features a tom yum-flavoured prawn atop a crisp mee sua toast. However, it lacked the softer, more comforting texture of traditional fried mee sua kueh. It might not be everyone's cup of tea, especially if you're a fan of the Swee Choon's version.

Double-boiled Chicken Soup with Matsuke Mushroom, Dendrobium Steam and Conpoy 4/5

Braised Lobster Broth with Fresh Crab Meat and Crab Roe 4.2/5

For the soup options, we sampled the Double-boiled Chicken Soup with Matsuke Mushroom, Dendrobium Stem and Conpoy, as well as the Braised Lobster Broth with Fresh Crab Meat and Crab Roe. Both soups were rich and deeply flavorful, with the lobster broth standing out for its luxurious and briny taste.

Traditional Xiao Long Bao 3.5/5

Barbeque Pork Rice Roll 3.5/5

Pan-fried Chinese Sausage Carrot Cake 2.8/5

We also indulged in some of Ya Ge's more classic dim sum offerings, including the Traditional Xiao Long Bao, Barbeque Pork Rice Roll, and Pan-fried Chinese Sausage Carrot Cake. These classic dishes were executed to perfection, each bite bursting with familiar and comforting flavours.

Salted Egg Yolk Custard Lava Bun 4.5/5

Crispy Mini Pumpkin Pastry with Minced Chicken, Mushroom and Thyme 4.5/5

Crispy Ugly Duckling with Chicken, Yam and Mushroom 4.2/5

A few dishes stood out as personal favourites among the dim sum selections. The Salted Egg Yolk Custard Lava Bun is a must-try, with its soft, fluffy dough infused with pandan flavour and filled with rich, oozing salted egg yolk custard. Another delightful bite was the Crispy Mini Pumpkin Pastry with Minced Chicken, Mushroom, and Thyme. The pastry had a chewy texture that became more enjoyable with each bite. Lastly, the Crispy Ugly Duckling with Chicken, Yam, and Mushroom was packed with flavour and texture, making it an irresistible choice.

Peking Duck 4.2/5

Ya Ge's Weekend Dim Sum Brunch also features a live station that rotates weekly, offering dishes such as Peking Duck, Sliced Spotted Garoupa Pao Fan, Xiao Long Bao with Crab Roe Filling, Herbal Crispy Duck Roll, and more. During our visit, we were treated to the Peking Duck, a classic dish that was expertly prepared and a pleasure to eat.

Claypot French 'An Xin' Chicken in Traditional Kam Heong Style 4.5/5

If you think dim sum is the only highlight, think again. The brunch also includes several main courses that are worth trying. The Claypot French 'An Xin' Chicken in Traditional Kam Heong Style was a standout, with tender chicken pieces cooked in a fragrant lemongrass and kam heong sauce that was so delicious, it had me craving for a bowl of rice to go with it.

Braised Dong Po Iberico Pork 4.2/5

Another memorable dish was the Braised Dong Po Iberico Pork, which was cooked to perfection, melting in the mouth with every bite.

Braised Mee Pok with Eggplant and Kurobuta Minced Pork 4.2/5

We opted for the Braised Mee Pok with Eggplant and Kurobuta Minced Pork for our carbo fix. The sauce was rich and savoury, complementing the perfectly cooked noodles that had just the right amount of bite.

Chilled Lemongrass Jully, Chilled Mango Pomelo Sago 4/5

We indulged in desserts like the Chilled Lemongrass Jelly and Chilled Mango Pomelo Sago to wrap up our sumptuous brunch. Both desserts were light, sweet, and refreshing, providing a perfect end to our meal.

Available only on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays
First Seating: 11.30am - 1.30pm (Last Order at 1pm)
Second Seating: 12.30pm - 2.30pm (Last Order at 2pm)
Pricing:
S$68++ per adult (min. 2 persons)
$48++ per child (4-12 years old)

The Weekend Dim Sum Brunch at Ya Ge offers a delightful combination of classic and innovative dishes, all prepared with finesse and attention to detail. Whether you're a dim sum traditionalist or someone who enjoys trying new flavours, this brunch is sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you planning your next visit.

Note: This is an invited tasting


Ya Ge (雅阁)
Orchid Hotel Singapore
1 Tras Link
Singapore 078867
Tel: +65 6818 6831
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight towards Orchid Hotel. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Binary @ Palais Renaissance - 45-Seater Gastrobar with Asian and Western Concepts Blended in One Space

Binary is a contemporary 45-seater gastrobar along Orchard Road that blends Asian and Western culinary concepts. Its menu offers diners a unique experience by providing different takes and cooking methods for the same produce in both their Small Plates and Mains.

It was a weekday night, and the restaurant was busy with diners winding down from the day, enjoying their extensive selection of drinks, such as wines, craft beers, and specially crafted cocktails.

Signature Kubaneh Bread 4.2/5

We knew that the Binary Signature Kubaneh Bread ($14) was a must-try, seeing it on almost every table. This homemade Yemenite Jewish bread served warm with compound garlic butter and kombu butter, had a fluffy, soft texture with a thin, crisp exterior. I loved it most paired with the fragrant and savoury kombu butter.

Cheese - Asian 2.8/5

For Cheese ($18), we opted for their Asian rendition, which featured triangles of grilled halloumi cheese on a salad drizzled with a spicy cheese sauce. Although the slight heat was appetising, the halloumi's texture was overly tough.

Octopus in “Lao Gan Ma” Chilli Crisp 3.5/5

We also tried the Asian version of Octopus ($32), prepared with "Lao Gan Ma" Chilli Crisp. While it was an interesting fusion, we expected a bit more depth in flavour for the price. Otherwise, the octopus bites had a good cook on them. The Western version offers the octopus with homemade pesto.

Grilled Asparagus 2/5

The Grilled Asparagus ($14), nicely charred to a crunch, was paired with cured egg aioli, grated parmigiano, and Viking salt-cured egg yolk. Unfortunately, it was too salty.

Mushroom Fritti 3.8/5

The Mushroom Fritti ($14) featured deep-fried king oyster mushroom strips tossed in a salt and pepper spice mix. These were well-fried without being greasy, though slightly pricey for the portion.

Seafood Laksa Pasta 2.8/5

We were looking forward to the Seafood Laksa Pasta ($14), which had tiger prawns, fishcake, fried beancurd, and quail eggs. Although the laksa sauce was decently aromatic, the amount of salt could have been reduced.

Iberico Presa - Asian 4/5

Mains' options include 'Catch of the Week', Spatchcock Chicken, King Prawn, Wagyu Flank Steak, and Iberico Presa ($42). We chose the pork for its intriguing Asian twist with Vietnamese spices and a side of nước chấm (fish sauce) for dipping. The pork slices had a fresh hint of lemongrass and were moist with a good bite.

Reservations for Binary can be made via call to 9363 0101.

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.


Binary
Palais Renaissance
#01-01A
390 Orchard Road
Singapore 238871
Tel: +65 9363 0101
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10.30pm

Direction:
Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to Wheelock Place. Walk to traffic junction of Orchard Road and Angullia Park. Cross the road to Royal Thai Embassy. Turn left and continue down Orchard Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]