Moon Moon Food (雙月食品社) @ Ngee Ann City - Taiwan’s Michelin-approved Restaurant Opens Its First International Outlet in Singapore

I first learned about Moon Moon Food (雙月食品社) through a friend's gift of their Spicy Sesame Noodles, purchased during her trip to Taiwan. I fell in love with the nutty and slightly spicy noodle sauce and was so excited to hear that they were opening their first international outlet in Ngee Ann City!

The Michelin Bib Gourmand recognised restaurant specialises in homely Taiwanese dishes, especially health soups, inspired by the founder's mother's cooking. Located on level 5, its spacious and inviting interior sets the tone for an enjoyable meal.

Shredded Stem Lettuce with Yuzu Vinaigrette 3.8/5

The meal began with the Shredded Stem Lettuce with Yuzu Vinaigrette ($7.80), a tangy, crunchy appetiser with bursts of savoury roe.

Chinese Yam with Osmanthus Plum Sauce 3.8/5

For a sweeter option, the Chinese Yam with Osmanthus Plum Sauce ($7.80) offered a mildly fragrant touch.

Taiwanese Snacks 4/5

Exclusive to the Singapore outlet, the Taiwanese Snacks include delights like Salty Crispy Poppers ($10.80), Fried Tempura Bliss ($11.80), and Crispy Prawn Cake with Yuzu Mayo ($14.80). While all were enjoyable, we liked the chicken poppers most for more substantial bites. Do note that the snacks are sold individually, while the portions we had pictured above were a tasting platter of different items.

Braised Platter 4.2/5

Diners can create a Braised Platter of three items at the braised items section for $10.80, excluding specific premium options.

We opted for the Braised Egg (+$1.20), Bai Ye Tofu, and Chicken Mid-joint Wing (+$5.80). Each item was well-balanced, offering hearty flavours without overwhelming saltiness. Other options include Bai Ye Tofu, Chicken Gizzard, Pork Ear, Pig Skin, Pork Heart and more.

Peeled Chilli Pepper Chicken Soup 4.5/5

Their health soups were indeed a highlight. Our first choice was one of the restaurant's best sellers among its seven flavours, the Peeled Chilli Pepper Chicken Soup ($18.80). I adored this soup for how clean-tasting it was, with a light sweetness from the generous amount of cabbage used and a perfect touch of spice from the peeled chilli peppers.

Sea Bass Soup with Clam 4/5

The Sea Bass Soup with Clam ($25.80) was also delightful. It featured a tender sea bass fillet and briny clams, though it was slightly less flavourful than the chilli pepper soup. As a soup lover, I wish the bowls came with more soup.

Spicy Sesame Noodle 4.5/5

Next came the dish I most anticipated: the Spicy Sesame Noodle ($13.80). Its thicker and chewier noodles coated in the rich, nutty, slightly spicy sesame sauce surpassed its retail version. Other noodle options include the Shallot Oil Noodle ($12.80), Black Truffle Noodle ($13.80), and Shredded Chicken Vermicelli Soup ($10.80). Retail packs for some of these noodles are conveniently available for purchase at the restaurant.

Glutinous Rice with Mushroom and Pork 4/5

Apart from noodles, rice lovers can look out for their rice-based offerings. The Glutinous Rice with Mushroom and Pork ($8.80) delivered comforting and homely flavours.

Braised Pork Rice 4/5

The Braised Pork Rice ($6.80) featured tender, fatty cuts of pork, making it a simple yet satisfying option.

Taro Toast with Ice Cream 4/5

We ended with the Taro Toast with Ice Cream ($8.80), a delightful surprise. The toast was fried to a crisp and filled with smooth taro paste, a lovely finish to the meal.

Currently, the restaurant only accepts walk-ins.

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.


Moon Moon Food (雙月食品社)
Ngee Ann City
#05-30
391 Orchard Road
Singapore 238873
Tel: +65 6470 8204
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Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (NS, TE Line), Somerset (NS Line)

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

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 3. Follow the walkway through Wisma Atria to Takashimaya. Continue walking straight at Ngee Ann City until destination. Journey about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B to Orchard Road. Head west or turn left onto Orchard Road against the flow of traffic. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

5 ON 25 (五悦亭) @ Andaz Singapore - Refined Cantonese Dining Experience with Panoramic City Skyline View

The newly renovated 5 ON 25 at Andaz Singapore reopened in June. It offers a fresh array of inventive dishes that pay homage to traditional Cantonese cuisine with a modern twist. Perched on the 25th floor of the hotel, the restaurant boasts a comprehensive menu and a breathtaking panoramic view of the city skyline, making it a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

The culinary team is led by esteemed Chinese Head Chef Lim Hong Lih, who brings years of experience in Cantonese fine dining to the table. We had the pleasure of sampling several dishes, including both new creations and popular signatures. Most of the dishes pictured below were portions adjusted to tasting sizes.

Cantonese Style Roasted Cage-Free Cherry Valley Duck with Table Side Maotai Flambé 4.5/5

Our meal began with the 5 ON 25 Cantonese Style Roasted Cage-Free Cherry Valley Duck with Table Side Maotai Flambé ($88 for Half). Watching the chef meticulously slice the duck skin was a delightful prelude to the dish itself. For those who prefer without, the duck is also available without the Maotai Flambé at $49 for a half portion.

Served with freshly steamed skin wrappers, the duck comes with an array of condiments: sweet sauce, sugar, spring onions, cucumber strips, sweet melon strips, and hawthorn strips. While the skin wrapper was slightly thicker than I typically prefer, the crispiness of the duck skin was on point, enhanced by the smokiness from the Maotai flambé. The hawthorn strips, which I feared might be too sweet, turned out to be a harmonious complement.

Fried Australian Jumbo Quail Legs, Salt & Pepper 4.2/5

Next, the Fried Australian Jumbo Quail Legs, Salt & Pepper ($28) were served. Although a touch salty, the fried quail legs exuded a fragrant, garlicky aroma.

Crispy Shiitake Mushrooms, Osmanthus Honey Sauce 4/5

Accompanying the quail was the Crispy Shiitake Mushrooms with Osmanthus Honey Sauce ($15). These mushrooms had a satisfying crunch and were glazed with a sweet, floral osmanthus honey sauce.

Double-Boiled Grouper Soup 4.8/5

I absolutely loved the Double-Boiled Grouper Soup ($48). This creamy broth, infused with delicate fish maw and wolfberries, had a distinct peppery heat and was so rich in collagen that it left a luxurious, sticky mouthfeel. I can't imagine how this could be improved.

Braised Stuffed Sea Cucumber 4.5/5

The Braised Stuffed Sea Cucumber ($48) was another highlight. The sea cucumber, stuffed with a flavourful mixture of pork and shrimp, was served on a bed of sliced mushrooms and bathed in a rich Yunnan mushroom sauce. The sauce was particularly noteworthy, with its delicious numbing hints of peppercorns and an alluring smokiness.

Beetroot Fried Rice 4.8/5

5 ON 25's Beetroot Fried Rice ($38) is another dish you must try. The dish features a delightful play of textures with crunchy fried rice bits, preserved vegetables, green beans and Vietnamese tiger prawns. It was fried so fragrant and finished with slices of Hokkaido scallops placed on top. Even though my dining companion and I were pretty full at this point of the meal, we wiped the pot clean quickly.

Lotus Paste Sesame Pastry 3.8/5

We ended our meal with a selection of desserts. The Lotus Paste Sesame Pastry ($8 for 3 Pieces) featured sweet lotus paste encased in a buttery, flaky pastry.

Chilled Toasted Sesame Pudding and Apricot Egg Tart 3.8/5

A dessert platter followed, featuring two sets of sweets. The first was a Chilled Toasted Sesame Pudding and Apricot Tart ($15). We preferred the sesame pudding for its fragrant, nutty flavour and smooth, balanced texture. The second dessert was the decadent Grand Cru Chocolate Ice Cream ($20), infused with Wu Liang Ye Liquor, a good option for alcohol-based desserts.

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.


5 ON 25 (五悦亭)
Andaz Singapore
Level 25
5 Fraser Street
Singapore 189354
Tel: +65 64081228
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (DT, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11.30am - 2.30pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 11.30am - 1pm, 1.15pm - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm

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

The Lobby Lounge @ Intercontinental Singapore - Celestial Bird’s Nest Afternoon Tea Set

Treat yourself to an indulgent afternoon with Intercontinental Hotel's Celestial Bird's Nest Afternoon Tea Set. Served in the luxe and spacious Lobby Lounge, it's the perfect setting to sip tea, chit chat and nibble on exquisitely crafted savouries and sweet fancies infused with the health benefits of bird's nest.

Celestial Bird's Nest Afternoon Tea Set 4.5/5

The afternoon tea is presented on a lovely three-tier gold stand reminiscent of a bird cage. The sweets rest pretty on the top tier, each one a visually stunning confection. The Snow Bird's Nest and Caramel Apple Choux is filled with a luscious combination of bird's nest, caramel cremeux and poached apples. The Blood Bird's Nest Blackberries Tartlet is sweet and tart all at once, with blackberry marmalade and chamomile honey custard. However, the vanilla sable base could be firmer as it crumbled pretty easily. Macarons are also filled with Madagascar Vanilla Butter Cream and Osmanthus Honey Cakes.

Osmanthus Honey Cake

Given how pretty it is, the Osmanthus Honey Cake deserves to star in its own picture! It's light and fragrant with honey, pear, as well as osmanthus jelly and vanilla genoise. It is a refined treat and a delight to eat.

24K Golden Bird’s Nest bottles

If you were wondering why the two macarons have some numbers emblazoned on them, well, that's the code to unlock the treasure box that holds the 24K Golden Bird's Nest bottles. Each bottle is filled with double-boiled bird's nest, red dates consommé, wolfberries, edible gold leaves and peach gum. Eat up for beautiful skin and improved digestion!

Second Tier

The trio of savoury bites is thoughtfully curated. We had a dish of Bird's Nest Jelly with Hokkaido Scallop and Oscietra Caviar, a Beef Pastrami and Black Truffle Sandwich with feta cheese, and a Bacon-wrapped Quail Egg Skewer. They were all yummy and had a nice balance to all the sweets we had just eaten. I especially liked the scallop plate!

Third Tier

Last but not least, we had a Smoked Salmon Quiche, classic English Buttermilk Scones, and Lemonade Scones. The scones were served with Devonshire clotted cream, Strawberry Rose preserves and Fruits of the Forest jam. Unfortunately, as I decided to eat the scones last, they were a bit cold by the time I got to it.

If you can still fit more sweets in your stomach, the afternoon tea set also comes with unlimited ice cream! We had the option of banana gelato or mixed berry sorbet, along with a variety of toppings like toasted coconut, chocolate balls, and Oreo crumbs.

Overall, it was a wonderful and relaxing afternoon tea experience at Intercontinental Hotel's Lobby Lounge. The service is also friendly and prompt. The lounge lets in natural daylight, which also makes for a great setting to capture some photo memories of your experience and with your loved ones.

This Celestial Bird's Nest Afternoon Tea is available daily till 28 July 2024.

1st Seating: 1:00pm to 3:00pm, 2nd Seating: 3:30pm to 5:30pm
Weekdays $65++ per person, Weekends $70++ per person
Prices are inclusive of one serving of loose-leaf tea/coffee per person. Elevate your experience with a flute of Champagne ($28++), or a glass or signature cocktail ($20++)

Photographed and penned by Shermine. Through her pictures and stories, she shares her journey of savouring new flavours and experiences. Note: This is an invited tasting.


The Lobby Lounge
InterContinental Singapore
Level 1
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 68251008
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1-3pm, 330pm - 530pm

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

808 Eating House @ Joo Chiat Road - New Brunch Collaboration with Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee

We first stepped into 808 Eating House for Province Restaurant's omakase experience. Province was tucked away at the back, where we needed to walk through 808 Eating House to reach. The latter caught our attention, and I made a mental note to return to try their dishes.

Situated in the quaint Joo Chiat neighbourhood, this Asian restaurant specialises in fusion-style local creations, blending a diverse range of culinary influences. Their brunch and dinner menus feature sharing snacks, mains, sides, and desserts. In collaboration with Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee, customers can now indulge in delicious food over a cup of aromatic coffee.

Duck Fat Financiers 4.5/5

I was most intrigued by the Duck Fat Financiers ($10), especially after learning that they're currently one of the most popular sharing snacks on the menu. While the financiers were slightly dense, they had a decent fluffy texture.

Pairing them with the chicken liver mousse was a delightful combination. The mousse was rich, buttery, and had a perfect balance of salty and sweet flavours.

Pickled Quail Eggs 4.2/5

We also ordered the Pickled Quail Eggs ($6), about a dollar each. They were thoroughly marinated, delivering an immediate kick of black vinegar with a hint of coriander fragrance lingering in the background.

Charcoal Grilled Kaya Toast 4.2/5

Are you looking for a unique twist on your classic kaya toast? Try the Charcoal Grilled Kaya Toast ($8), where the chefs have elevated the dish with a special housemade kaya that's creamy and rich in coconut flavour. It strikes a good balance of sweetness, and the toast is crunchy. However, if you're not a fan of coconut, you might want to skip this option.

Chicken Curry Rice 4.8/5

I absolutely adored the Chicken Curry Rice ($18). Our server highly recommended this, and I definitely understand why. The dish features fluffy Hom Mali rice topped with prawn-coconut floss, chicken skin crumbles, and chives, accompanied by a fragrant pour of Hainanese curry and a side of crispy chicken thigh.

While I wished they were more generous with the curry, it still won me. The curry was mildly coconutty yet flavorful, with a delightful lingering spice.

Cold Bee Hoon 4/5

The Cold Bee Hoon ($7) reminded us of cold-tossed somen. It used rice vermicelli, shallot oil, shio kombu, sakura ebi and chives. While the flavours were present, I found it too moist as a whole.

Ice Cream Sandwich 3.8/5

Among the three dessert options, we decided on the Ice Cream Sandwich ($13) with black sesame parfait, coconut caramel, mushroom crumble and mint. We didn't notice that it used parfait instead of regular ice cream, and we were less of a fan of the slightly oily mouthfeel.

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.


808 Eating House
153 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore 427431
Tel: +65 8946 8089
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Nearest MRT: Dakota (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Fri: 12pm - 3pm, 5pm - 11pm
Sat-Sun: 8am - 3pm, 5pm - 11pm
(Closed on Mon and Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at block 99 (Stop ID 81181). Take bus 33. Alight 5 stops later. Walk across the open-air carpark. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Tempura Udon by Mizuya @ Tanjong Pagar Road - Premium 7-Course Omakase at $88 Per Pax

Tempura Udon by Mizuya at Orchid Hotel has recently launched a new menu featuring affordable 7-course omakases that offer its speciality tempura alongside good quality sashimi and other dishes.

The omakase menu offers homemade seasonal plum wine as part of the menu. It is a nice touch to the overall experience.

Hyoga fresh oyster 5/5

We had the pleasure of trying the Premium 7 Course ($88/pax), starting with a succulent Hyoga Fresh Oyster.

Assorted Sashimi 5/5

We indulged in 5 pieces of Assorted Sashimi for the next course, including a luxurious thick cut of toro. It was a great mix of Toro, Scallop, Aka Ebi, Hirame, and Tai. They are served by the Mizuya Singapore team, known for its seafood freshness.

Chawanmushi 4/5

Before the Tempura course, we had a satisfying Chawanmushi for its smooth and silky consistency.

Assorted Tempura 4/5

Salmon Tempura

We were surprised by the generous portion of the Assorted Tempura. On the platter were 2 large prawns, 1 salmon fillet, a slice of pumpkin and mushroom. The prawns were sweet and succulent, the same for the salmon fillet. The vegetables were delectable as well. The batter, however, was somewhat uneven. Some parts were less airy than the others.

Mini Negitoro Ikura Uni Don 5/5

Capping the meal was a loaded Mini Don brimming with negitoro, ikura and uni. I enjoy the topping's varying textures and briny sweetness, especially the mouth-filling negitoro. The bowl of Miso soup complemented it well.

Dessert was a scoop of Goma Ice Cream - Simple but satisfying after an indulgent meal. To enjoy the value-for-money omakase with quality and premium ingredients, you can make a reservation via Chope.

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.


Tempura Udon by Mizuya
Orchid Hotel
1 Tras Link
#01-14 Singapore 078867
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon – Sat: 1130am – 230pm, 6pm – 1030pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT statin. Take Exit A. Walk straight to Orchid Hotel. Go around the building to the other side facing Tanjong Pagar Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]