Chopsuey Cafe @ Dempsey - Usher in Prosperity with an Exclusive Festive Menu

Chopsuey Cafe at Dempsey will present an exclusive Lunar New Year menu from 20 January to 12 February. The menu offers a fusion of contemporary flavours across an array of à la carte and vegetarian dishes alongside a thoughtfully curated set menu.

Lucky Lunar ‘Lo Hei’

Chopsuey Cafe’s signature Lucky Lunar ‘Lo Hei’ ($68/$88/$128), a vibrant mix of baby romaine, white radish, beetroot, carrot julienne, blueberries, pomegranate, pomelo, chunky cured salmon, toasted peanut crust, white sesame, and crispy wonton skin. The coarser toasted peanut crust added a delightful crunch, while extra virgin olive oil introduced a subtle herbaceous note that elevated this refreshing and textured dish.

Prawn Toasties 4.8/5

Among the starters, the Prawn Toasties ($19) stood out with their juicy king prawn paste. They offered chunky bites encased in an airy, perfectly crisp fried bun. Paired with a chili-dipping gravy, it was a harmonious and satisfying bite.

Crispy Shredded Duck Pancakes 4.5/5

The Crispy Shredded Duck Pancakes ($32) provided a creative twist on the classic Peking Duck. The shredded duck was tender and succulent, complemented by crispy bits and served with soft, chewy wraps that tied the elements together beautifully.

Hot & Sour Soup 2/5

The vegetarian menu offers a Hot & Sour Soup ($14) loaded with tofu, mushrooms, vegetables, vinegar, and a dash of chilli oil for a spicy kick. It was vinegary enough but left an aftertaste that didn't quite work for me.

Crispy Orange Kurobuta Pork 2.5/5

Taiwanese-Style Three Cup Beef Tenderloin 3/5

The menu offers a wide selection of mains. The Crispy Orange Kurobuta Pork ($32), an elevated take on sweet and sour pork, delivered succulent pork morsels, but the overly thick and sweet sauce was overwhelming. The Taiwanese-Style Three Cup Beef Tenderloin offered a slightly more balanced flavour, though it leaned towards sweetness as well.

Steamed Whole Fish 3/5

The Steamed Whole Fish ($112) featured the Catch of the Day, classic with crispy ginger, julienned scallions, and premium soy sauce.

Steamed Free-Range Chicken with Herbs & Hua Tiao Wine 4/5

The Steamed Free-Range Chicken with Herbs & Hua Tiao Wine ($36) was simple but delivered light and comforting flavours with aromatic herbs and the depth of premium Hua Tiao wine. This homely dish, reminiscent of chicken soup, was particularly memorable.

Wok Breath Fried Hor Fun 3/5

Lobster Fried Rice 3/5

Classic dishes like the Wok Breath Fried Hor Fun with Fish ($26) impressed me with a decent amount of wok hei, though the fish slices were rather bland. The Lobster Fried Rice ($42) featured chunks of lobster and boasted distinct grains and flavorful notes from cai po and garlic, but the unexpected sweetness overshadowed its savoury profile.

Stir-Fried Crunchy Leafy Greens 4.5/5

Stir-Fried Crunchy Leafy Greens ($16) featured a mix of Chinese kale and mini chard that were just given a quick sauté with fried garlic cloves, white pepper, and rice wine, preserving the freshness of the greens.

Golden Pineapple Tart 3.5/5

The Lunar New Year-themed menu features a special cocktail and a dessert — the Golden Prosperity Punch ($20) and Golden Pineapple Tart ($18).

The Joyous Reunion Set Menu ($138++ per pax) is designed for groups with a minimum of four pax, includes three delectable starters, a comforting soup dish, and three seasonal main dishes, all served with a side of vegetables and your choice of rice or noodles. A specially curated vegetarian menu is also available.

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.


Chopsuey Cafe
10 Dempsey Road
#01-23
Singapore 247700
Tel: +65 6708 9288
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Nearest MRT: Napier (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 11am - 11pm
Fri-Sat: 11am - 1130pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Napier MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk to bus stop at Napier Station (Stop ID 13011). Take bus number 7, 75, 77, 105, 106, 123 or 174. Alight 2 stops later. Take the stairs up to Dempsey Road. Walk up to Dempsey Hill. Walk right to the back of the cluster. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

The Astor Grill @ St. Regis Singapore - Expanded Menu Focusing on Heritage Breeds of Beef from Farms Around the World.

Expanding on its initial pop-up concept, The Astor Grill by St. Regis has introduced an enhanced menu under the guidance of the newly-appointed Chef de Cuisine, Angelo Sergio. This extended selection boasts an array of premium beef cuts sourced from reputable farms in the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

Amuse Bouche 4/5

Our dinner commenced with a delightful Amuse Bouche featuring Beef Croquettes crowned with a dollop of Horseradish Dip. These golden-brown croquettes were deep-fried to perfection, offering a satisfyingly crispy exterior that gave way to a burst of flavours upon every bite.

Traditional Beef Tartare 4/5

Transitioning to the appetisers, we started with the Traditional Beef Tartare. This classic dish featured finely chopped raw beef, expertly seasoned to strike a harmonious balance between the pure, unadulterated essence of the meat and the complementary seasonings. It was a luxurious and velvety delight, embodying freshness in every mouthful.

Grilled Spanish Octopus 4/5

A new addition to the appetiser menu was the Grilled Spanish Octopus, served with a delectable chorizo chickpea puree and garnished with semi-dried tomatoes. The octopus tentacles were grilled to perfection, exhibiting a tantalising char on the exterior while remaining tender and slightly springy within. The smokiness of the grill imparted a flavorful crust that elevated this seafood dish.

Grilled Butternut Squash Salad 4/5

The Grilled Butternut Squash Salad was a medley of delightful flavours, combining the smokiness of grilled butternut squash with a vibrant assortment of greens. The golden-brown squash created a striking contrast with the greens, and accompaniments like olives, tomatoes, diced cucumber, and feta enriched the overall experience.

Grilled Live Boston Lobster 4/5

For those who prefer alternatives to beef, the menu offers excellent choices like the Grilled Live Boston Lobster, bathed in butter and fragrant herbs. The butter complemented the lobster's succulent meat, while the herbs introduced a flavorful lift to the seafood dish.

Pork Chop, US Grilled Kurobuta 4.5/5

Served with a slight pinkness in the centre, the Grilled Kurobuta Pork Chop is renowned for its exceptional marbling and tenderness. The pork was perfectly grilled, presenting a rich golden-brown crust on the outside while retaining its juicy and tender interior.

45 Days Dry Aged Bone-In Shell Loin 4.2/5

A signature menu highlight is the 45 Days Dry Aged Bone-In Shell Loin from the United Kingdom. This extraordinary offering, comprising three distinct cuts - Bone-In Striploin, Bone-in Ribeye, and T-Bone, is 100% grass-fed and dry-aged for 45 days to infuse with a distinctive and intense beefy flavour.

Full Blood Autumn Wagyu, MB4+/220g 4.8/5

The Full Blood Autumn Wagyu, sourced from Robbins Island, Australia, offers an artisanal striploin known for its natural saltiness from the island's botanicals. The cattle are subjected to a 500-day grain-fed diet, ensuring a tender and flavorful finish.

Hanger Steak, Black Angus 4.2/5

Among the secondary cuts, we savoured the Hanger Steak, a distinctive Black Angus cut from Victoria, Australia. It boasted a subtle sweet aftertaste that added depth to the dining experience.

Baked Alaska 4.5/5

Our meal concluded with the delightful Baked Alaska, presented under a grand dome. This dessert featured a medley of pistachio gelato and raspberry sorbet, resting on a chocolate sponge base, all topped with Italian meringue. This light and refreshing dessert was the perfect finale, offering a delightful contrast to the richness of the preceding beef dishes.

The expanded menu at The Astor Grill, curated by Chef de Cuisine Angelo Sergio, offers an impressive array of beef cuts, including bone-in, shell loin, dry-aged varieties, and non-steak main alternatives. These cuts are perfectly prepared on a custom-built parrilla grill using charcoal and vulcan stones. This results in a symphony of new flavour profiles and robust nuances created during caramelisation, complete with a slightly charred crust.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


The Astor Grill
St. Regis Singapore
Lobby Level
29 Tanglin Road
Singapore 247911
Tel: +65 65066860
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Nearest MRT: Orchard Boulevard (TE Line), Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 230pm, 630pm 1030pm
Sun: 630pm - 103pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk towards Wheelock Place via ION. Exit Wheelock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Continue onwards to Forum Shopping Mall. Walk further down to Orchard Parade Hotel. Turn left onto Tanglin Road. St Regis is just beside Tanglin Shopping Centre. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Orchard Boulevard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Turn left onto Cuscaden Road. Walk to Tomlinson Road. Turn left onto Tomlinson Road. Walk to Tanglin Road. Turn right onto Tanglin Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Tajimaya Yakiniku @ Vivocity - Unveils A Fresh New Concept With A Revamped Menu

Tajimaya Yakiniku has recently unveiled its newly revamped outlet at Vivocity, housing three different concepts within an elegantly designed space - Tajimaya Yakiniku, Suki-Ya KIN and MASH Whisky Bar. Tajimaya establishes itself as the purveyor of authentic Japanese Yakiniku meats. With the new a la carte and set menu, more premium and exclusive Yakiniku meats are now available. The restaurant is also completed with a Japanese high-performance "smokeless" grill exhaust system, allowing you to savour what's sizzling in front of you in great comfort.

The menu offers prime Waygu beef from Kagoshima and Miyazaki and Japanese Kurobuta pork in both set and a la carte options. We tried the Tajimaya A5 Kagoshima Karubi Set ($238.80 for 2pax). The Set Menu comes with House Salad, San Chu, Sashimi (Daily Selection)/Tempura, Chawanmushi, Miso Soup, and Garlic Fried Rice.

The platter includes A5 Kagoshima Nami Karubi Boneless Short Ribs, A5 Kagoshima Sankaku Bara Chuck Short Ribs, A5 Kagoshima Sasabara Flank, A5 Kagoshima Kainomi Flap, and A5 Kagoshima Nakaochi Karubi Ribs Finger.

All the cuts were tantalising, with beautiful marbled meats. My favourite cut is the Nami Karubi Boneless Short Ribs being the most well-balanced cut of fats and meat. They were scrumptious on their own, with or without the dipping sauces. The accompanying three sauces have different taste profiles to complement the meats - savory shoyu, garlicky miso and tare.

Cut into cubes, Nakaochi Karubi Ribs Finger gave an enjoyable bite, and I love it with the morish aromatic garlic fried rice that comes with an equally delectable chewy texture.

Another favourite is the Kainomi Flap, a small but extremely flavoursome part of the rib area.

If you wish to try a mix of Beef and Pork, there's the Yakiniku Platter Set for ($228.80 for 2 pax). The assortment of meats is served in traditional Japanese ware, featuring A5 Miyazaki Striploin, A5 Kagoshima Sasabara Flank, A5 Miyazaki Rib Rosu Shin Ribeye, A5 Miyazaki Nami Karubi Boneless Short Ribs, A5 Kagoshima Nakaochi Karubi Ribs Finger, A5 Kagoshima Misuji Top Blade, A5 Kagoshima Chuck Flap Zabuton, Japanese Kurobuta Pork Belly and Japanese Kurobuta Pork Collar.

Each set comes with a sake pairing recommendation to complete your experience. Seafood and other Japanese dishes are also available to complement your dining experience. This outlet also offers two private rooms for cosier dining experiences or special occasions.

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.


Tajimaya Yakiniku
Vivocity
1 Harbourfront Walk
#01-102/103
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 63770070
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Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm
Sat-Sun, Eve of PH and PH: 1130am - 1030pm

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

Si Chuan Dou Hua @ PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road - Celebrate Chef Leung Wing Cheung’s 12 Years At The Helm With 12 Of His Signature Dishes

Si Chuan Dou Hua first found itself in our local F&B scene in 1996, with its founding outlet on Beach Road. Fast forwarding to today, the restaurant has two other spaces in the iconic UOB Plaza and PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road.

This year marks the 12th anniversary of Guangdong-born Executive Cantonese Chef Leung Wing Cheung's 12th year helming the restaurant at PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road. Chef Leung has an impressive 40 over years of experience cooking Cantonese cuisine.

To mark this joyous occasion, Chef Leung invites diners to travel back in time, specifically from the 1970s to 1980s, to enjoy delicacies inspired by his hometown of Guangdong, China. Aptly named Chef Leung''s 12th Anniversary: A Classic Feast 梁师傅十二周年: 梁家经典怀旧五味篇, this time-limited menu features 12 specially crafted dishes, all of which are rare Cantonese and Sichuan dishes, seen on the restaurant's menu for the very first time.

From now till 31 May 2023, diners can enjoy a Buy-3-Free-1 or Buy-6-Free-2 promotion with any orders from this anniversary menu. Each dish is priced at $33.

Wok-Fried Squid Stuffed with Prawn Paste, Bi Feng Tang Style 4.2/5

We first had the Wok-Fried Squid Stuffed with Prawn Paste (避风塘百花酿吊片), featuring Chef Leung's take on "har gao" in the shape of a squid. The Hong Kong sun-dried squid pieces are stuffed with prawn paste, fried, and paired with an addictive base of crunchy rice crackers, shrimp and garlic.

Stewed Seafood with Assorted Vegetables and Crystal Vermicelli Served in Casserole 4/5

Introducing the Stewed Seafood with Assorted Vegetables (海味粉丝什菜煲) on the menu was meant to recreate regal one-pot-stews often made during festive seasons. Flavours here are more delicate while carrying a depth of sweetness from slow-cooking dried shrimps and squid. What we appreciated was the clean stock that contains no artificial flavourings. Main toppings include fish beancurd, broccoli and crystal vermicelli.

Poached Giant Garoupa Fillet with Luffa Melon in Fish Stock 4.5/5

One of our favourites for the night was the Poached Giant Garoupa Fillet with Luffa Melon in Fish Stock (鱼汤胜瓜浸龙趸球). The cloudy broth was brimming with natural sweetness and creaminess from hours of simmering fish bones and meat. I particularly enjoyed the addition of black fungus and, my favourite luffa, for the refreshing crisp. My only gripe was that I preferred a cleaner texture on the giant garoupa fillets instead of the slightly floury mouthfeel.

Slow-Cooked Roast Duck with Sea Cucumber and Shrimp Roe 4.2/5

The Slow-Cooked Roast Duck with Sea Cucumber and Shrimp Roe (虾子海参焖火鸭煲) was served sizzling hot in a claypot. The mix of tender slow-cooked duck, sea cucumber, shrimp roe and tofu skin rolls were covered in a sweet seafood-based gravy.

Boiled Sliced Venison with Spicy Chilli Sauce 4.5/5

Most of my dining companions and I have not had many venison dishes before, but we thoroughly enjoyed the Boiled Sliced Venison with Spicy Chilli Sauce (沸腾爽滑鲜鹿肉). Using the same Si Chuan recipe from Chef Leung's childhood, it features tender and lean venison slices that were first boiled before adding to the numbing spicy chilli sauce. Digging into it past the peppercorns, minced garlic and dried chillies, you will also see strips of celtuce, leek and beansprouts which provide a complementary crunch.

Steamed Kampong Chicken with Fragrant Scallion Oil 4/5

Using a fragrant house-made scallion oil, the Steamed Kampong Chicken (葱油走地鸡) has tender meat and silky skin.

Poached Tianjin Cabbage Topped with Dried Shrimp and Conpoy in Superior Stock 3.5/5

Next was the Poached Tianjin Cabbage (虾亁瑶柱扒津白), which had dried shrimp and conpoy toppings. While we enjoyed the depth of the clear superior stock, we wished for more, especially the portion, considering its price tag.

Pan-Fried Tofu Stuffed with Minced Fish Paste in XO Sauce 4/5

Another classic dish is the Pan-Fried Tofu Stuffed with Minced Fish Paste in XO Sauce (极品酱鱼腐煎豆包). The rich and slightly spicy XO sauce with dried scallop bits scattered on top would go great with a bowl of white rice. Each piece of pillowy soft tofu is stuffed with minced fish paste.

Sauteed Egg with Kurobuta Honey Pork 3.8/5

The Sauteed Egg with Kurobuta Honey Pork (黑豚叉烧炒滑蛋) was much smaller than we expected but was creamy and buttery. The slices of Kurobuta pork were tender and lent a sweetness.

Sauteed Minced Fish with Celery, Honey Peas, Celtuce and Bell Pepper 4/5

We learnt that this dish of Sauteed Minced Fish (生煎鱼崧炒荷芹) is one typically eaten during New Year in the past but is less commonly found around now due to its laborious cooking process. First, the minced fish paste is fried and thinly sliced before being sauteed with sweet celery, honey peas, celtuce and bell pepper.

Pan-Fried Minced Pork with Salted Fish 3.8/5

Finally, the Pan-Fried Minced Pork with Salted Fish (马友咸鱼生煎肉饼) features lean pork laced with bits of salted fish. While we enjoyed the texture of the patties, we found these too salty for our liking.

My dining companions and I don’t take beef, but the last of the 12 dishes is the Wok-Fried Rice Noodles with Sliced Wagyu Beef and Bitter Gourd 和牛凉瓜炒河粉.

Alongside the Buy-3-Free-1 / Buy-6-Free-2 promotion, diners can enjoy 30% off one of Si Chuan Dou Hua's signature dishes. The selection includes Signature Roast Duck with Truffle Sauce (Half $68, Whole $128), Double-boiled Soup of the Day ($30), Signature Bean Curd Medley ($28) and Signature Claypot Rice with Waxed Meat ($36).

Reservations are recommended and can be made via https://www.tablecheck.com/en/parkroyal-kitchener-road-si-chuan-dou-hua/reserve/landing.

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.


Si Chuan Dou Hua Restaurant
PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road
181 Kitchener Rd, Level 3
Singapore 208533
Tel: +65 31385359
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Nearest MRT: Farrer Park (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Weekday Lunch: 1130am to 3pm
Weekend and PH Lunch: 1130am to 115pm, 130pm to 3pm
Daily Dinner: 6pm to 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Farrer Park MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk down Kitchener Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]