Zui Yu Xuan Teochew Cuisine @ Amoy Street - Launches 5-Course Signature Set Menu At $50++ Per Pax

For a limited period from 1 December 2020 to 17 January 2021, Zui Yu Xuan Teochew Cuisine at Amoy Street has launched an exclusive 5-Course Signature Set Menu showcasing classic Chinese comfort foods for only $50++ per pax (minimum two pax, available for dinner only). Diners have the option of picking dishes from the different categories (appetiser, meat, seafood, vegetable and rice/noodle). However, diners at the same table have to select the same dishes except for the seafood course.

Deep-Fried Homemade Puning Beancurd, Pig Trotter Terrine, Deep Fried Ngoh Hiang 4/5

For the 5-Course Signature Set Menu, we started with a trio of appetisers. From left to right, we have Deep Fried Homemade Puning Beancurd, Pig Trotter Terrine and Deep Fried Ngoh Hiang. All the items are available on their a la carte menu, and the platter allows customers to have a glimpse of the dishes.

Pan Fried Kurobuta Pork Cutlet 4.2/5

Worthy of your calories is the Pan Fried Kurobuta Pork Cutlet accompanied by achar on the side. I am not sure what the sauce is, but more importantly, it is not overly sweet, complementing the tender and juicy pork cutlet. The other meat selections on the menu are Braised Duck with Beancurd and Crispy Pork Rib Marinated with Plum Sauce.

Live Boston Lobster Wok Baked with Fermented Bean and Garlic 3.8/5

Teochew Steamed Threadfin Tail 4/5

For the seafood selection, diners can choose between the Live Boston Lobster Wok Baked with Fermented Bean and Garlic and Teochew Steamed Threadfin Tail. If you prefer the more robust flavour, opt for the lobster with a rich fermented bean flavour, accentuated by the garlic aroma. Personally being a Teochew, I like my steamed fish. Hence, I would go for the light, and refreshing Teochew steamed threadfin tail.

Homemade Vegetable Skin Beancurd Braised with Crab Meat 4.2/5

For the vegetable dish, diners can choose from the Kai Lan Stir-Fried with Dried Sole Fish, Wok-Fried Asparagus and Homemade Vegetable Skin Beancurd Braised with Crab Meat. I had the silky tofu paired with sweet crab meat, simple but yet deliciously good.

Wok Fried Kway Teow with Diced Kai Lan and Preserved Radish

Wrapped up the 5-Course set meal with either the Wok-Fried Kway Teow with Diced Kai Lan and Preserved Radish or Fried Rice with Diced Chicken and Preserved Olive Leaves. I had the wok-fried kway teow infused with smoky wok hei with delightful crunchiness from the diced kai lan.

Double Boiled Pork Broth in Golden Pumpkin Bowl 4.5/5

The Jumbo Group of Restaurants has also collaborates with renowned Taiwanese Chef Huang Ching Biao, where he will pass on his treasure trove of recipes and experiences to Jumbo's suite of talented chefs. Kickstarting the collaboration is several new dishes at Zui Teochew Cuisine restaurants, Chui Huay Lim Teochew Cuisine and Zui Yu Xuan Teochew Cuisine. One of the new dishes is the Double Boiled Pork Broth in Golden Pumpkin Bowl ($12.80 per person). Inside the pumpkin bowl is generous servings of minced pork, water chestnut, and dried conpoy in fragrant pork broth, complemented by the pumpkin's subtle sweetness.

Beef Short Ribs with Asparagus in Red Wine Sauce 4.5/5

Beef lovers will enjoy the robust and decadent Beef Short Ribs with Asparagus in Red Wine Sauce ($18 per person). The succulent beef short ribs are first deep-fried, and then slow braised in red wine, red yeast rice, garlic and onions till tender.

Pan Fried Shrimp Paste and Pomfret Dumpling

Chef Huang will introduce more dishes in the first quarter of 2021. I was lucky to taste the Pan Fried Shimp Paste and Pomfret Dumpling before it is introduced. Thinly sliced pork lard is wrapped in fresh shrimp paste and topped with fresh whole pomfret and pan-fried. The highlight is the addition of pork lard that intensifies the flavours of the shrimp and pomfret. It is definitely a new dish that deserved to be introduced in 2021.

As a former chef in the Taiwanese presidential kitchen, the acclaimed Chef Huang Ching Biao definitely is an exciting introduction to the talented team in Jumbo. Having a glimpse of some of the new dishes, it really makes me look forward to the new creations in 2021.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Zui Yu Xuan Teochew Cuisine
130/131 Amoy Street
Singapore 049959
Tel: +65 67883637
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Website
Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit B. Cross the street. Walk to Amoy Hotel. It is located opposite Amoy Hotel. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Famous Pao Fan (一泡而红) @ Jalan Sultan - Lobster Pao Fan For $16

Pao Fan is a dish that is only served in Chinese restaurants, has now made its way into the neighbour food centres and food courts. Actor Chew Chor Meng has recently opened Famous Pao Fan (一泡而红), offering the dish at an affordable price. Actor Chew Chor Meng is not new to the F&B scene, having successfully opened 888 Mookata and The Famous Zhou. There are a total of 7 variety of Pao Fan in the menu with a selection of side dishes.

Lobster Pao Fan 3.8/5

The signature is the Lobster Pao Fan ($16) which comes with half a lobster, clams, fried egg and crispy rice puff. The broth is the light and refreshing, unlike those that come with a rich crustacean flavour usually served in a Chinese restaurant. I understand from the Chew Chor Meng, the savoury broth is boiled for hours that consists of pork bone, chicken and prawn. By the way, the lobster pao fan has limited quantity daily.

Kurobuta Pork with Lala Pao Fan 4/5

Chew Chor Meng was sharing with me that his favourite is actually the Kurobuta Pork with Lala Pao Fan ($8). I can't agree more. I find that the sweetness of the kurobuta pork gives the broth that extra lift in flavour, complemented by the clams.

Fried Red Grouper with Lala Pao Fan 3/5

Double Fish Pao Fan 3.5/5

For the fish porridge lovers, you may want to try either the Fried Red Grouper with Lala Pao Fan ($6) or Double Fish Pao Fan ($6). Personally, I prefer the double fish pao fan over the fried red grouper pao fan. The red grouper is a little dry for my liking. The double fish pao fan fish meat is moister. 

Fresh Prawn with Sliced Fish Pao Fan 4/5

The other favourite of mine is the Fresh Prawn with Sliced Fish Pao Fan ($6). The sweetness from the prawn further enhanced the broth for a more satisfying enjoyment.

Fried Tofu, Luncheon Meat, Prawn Roll 3/5

Last but not least, you can complete your meal with some side dishes. Available on the menu is Fried Tofu ($3), Luncheon Meat ($3) and Prawn Roll ($4). It is nothing extraordinary, though.

For a bowl of pao fan starting from $4.50, this is definitely a steal. I was hoping that the pao fan is more generous with the accompanying ingredients as there was a lot of rice. I actually ended up eating plain rice with the broth as there were not many ingredients for me to finish the bowl of rice with. I understand cost is a factor, maybe the stall can consider the option of adding marinated minced pork at an extra cost. I think it can also help to enhance the broth.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Famous Pao Fan (一泡而红)
Sultan's Kitchen Food Court
100 Jalan Sultan
#01-06/07
Singapore 199001
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Nearest MRT: Nicoll Highway (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1030am - 830pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Nicoll Highway MRT station. Take Exit A. Take the overhead bridge to City Gate. Turn right onto Jalan Sultan. Walk towards the taxi stand at Golden Sultan Plaza. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Botanico @ The Garage (Singapore Botanic Gardens) - 2019 World Gourmet Summit Rising Female Chef Of The Year Brings new Maturity And Confidence In Her Creations

My last visit to Botanico at The Garage was 3 years ago when Chef Sue takes the helm introducing her interpretation of Asian flavours in her dishes. Since then, she has grown from strength to strength, winning the 2019 Rising Female Chef of the Year and spent time in the kitchens of Michelin-starred Mugaritz polishing her culinary skills.

Beef Tongue Tacos 3.5/5

I guess no one has ever seen or tried taco presented in such a matter. The Beef Tongue Tacos ($18) is served jicama slaw, toasted rice, ginger flower, baby bokchoy and cashew cream. To enjoy it, simply piece everything together and have it in one mouthful to get the different textures and flavours all at play in one go.

Corn Pani Puri 4/5

The Corn Pani Puri ($10) is a playful touch by Chef Sue where puffed little pillows of Indian-inspired puri pastry acted as a cup, holding within it, spiced baby corn and a rich espuma of curried Japanese corn. Pop this in the mouth for a burst of aromatic flavours dancing in the mouth.

Rojak 3.5/5

The Rojak ($15) may look plain, but it is actually packed with the lovely savoury shrimp paste flavour. Give the heiko foam a good mix, coating the pile of kohlrabi and seasonal Southeast Asian fruits salad. It reminds me of the Penang-style rojak, giving the refreshing salad a delightful combo of sweet, savoury, and sour with each bite.

Wing Bean Salad 4.2/5

Chef Sue took inspiration from a staff meal that one of her Malaysian chefs created. Together with her team, they took the dish apart and created the new elevated Wing Bean Salad ($15) using European techniques with Southeast Asian flavours. The wing beans are paired with cubes of housemade chickpea tofu, chopped hard-boiled egg, bird's eye chilli, dressed in a bright, punchy dressing of lime juice, lemongrass, fish sauce, belachan and Thai palm sugar. It even comes with a generous topping of Asian anchovies or better known as ikan bilis in Southeast Asia.

Assam Pedas Snapper 4.2/5

Fish lover will adore Chef Sue's modern take of the traditional assam pedas - Assam Pedas Snapper ($32). The red snapper fillet is grilled over banana leaf, complemented with saffron risotto, okra 2-ways, assam pedas and ginger flower.

Herbal Chicken 4.5/5

I love both Hainanese chicken rice and herbal chicken; hence I really enjoyed the Herbal Chicken ($29) at Botanico. The chicken breast is slow-cooked to tender and dressed in angelica sauce. The sauce is definitely the star which brightens the dish. Not forgetting the chicken rice couscous, which is a flavourful substitution of the usual rice to pair with the herbal chicken. What I feel missing is the chilli sauce to complete the whole enjoyment.

65 Degree Kurobuta Pork Belly 4.2/5

I am sure not many can resist the gorgeous piece of 65 Degree Kurobuta Pork Belly ($30) slow-cooked to fork-tender. It is served with textures of sunchoke, leek flowers and housemade soy-vinegar infused with Szechuan peppercorns.

Crab Rissoni 4.8/5

The crowd favourite definitely goes to the Crab Rissoni ($32). The outer circle is a ring of Japanese deep-sea red crab and blue swimmer crab. The internal circle is Japanese nori rissoni and a comte custard right in the middle. The beautiful dish is sprinkled with octopus bottarga made in house with octopus egg. Give everything a good mix, to get the lovely crustacean's sweetness swimming in each mouth fill. 

BGR (Black Glutinous Rice) 4/5

Even the desserts at Botanico are inspired by flavours in Southeast Asia. First up is the BGR ($12), a playful name for the black glutinous rice dessert recreated with a modern look. It came in the form of black glutinous rice mochi cake topped with toasted rice ice cream and compressed coconut resting on a bed black glutinous rice foam.

Ondeh Ondeh 3.5/5

Familiar yet not is the Ondeh Ondeh ($12). The beloved nonya kueh is transformed into a bowl of pandan glutinous rice cake with coconut foam, kaya ice cream and gula melaka. It is definitely interesting and yummy, but I still miss the oozing gula melaka moment whenever one bites into the traditional ondeh ondeh.

Having dined at Botanico when Chef Sue first took over the helm, I can really taste the improvement in her culinary skill. Her creations now reflect a greater nuance and finesse with a new focus on South East Asian flavours. 

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Botanico 
The Garage (Singapore Botanic Gardens)
via Cluny Park Gate
50 Cluny Park Road
Singapore 257488
Tel: +65 98311106
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Botanic Gardens (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu: 6pm - 10pm
Fri-Sun: 11am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Botanic Gardens MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk to Cluny Park Road. Turn left onto Cluny Park Road and continue walking down the road. At Cluny Park Gate, walk in and walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. {Map]

Golden Peony @ Conrad Centennial Singapore - Curate Your Own Dining Experience

Golden Peony at Conrad Centennial Singapore has launched a new menu which allows you to craft your own 5-course lunch and 6-course dinner with interchangeable dishes at each course. Priced at $48 and $68 respectively, there are also options to switch up the dining experience with a minimal price top-up for more premium ingredients such as lobster and abalone.

We started off with a platter of small bites consisting ‘London’ Duck Pancake Roll and Chili Crab Meat Swan Pastry. The 2 individual slices of London Duck allowed me to savour their flavourful fats without any distraction. The pancake roll that comes with a piece of crispy beancurd skin rides on its contrasting meaty texture for a satisfying bite. The Swan Pastry was similar to a fried yam puff, with chilli crab meat replacing the usual minced pork, and had a notable crisp and airy exterior.

The second course is a nourishing Double-boiled Baby Abalone Soup with sea whelk, conpoy, bamboo pith, served in a golden mini pumpkin.

For our third course Fish, we had Steamed Sea Perch (+$8), served with preserved capsicum chilli. The fish on its own was really tasty- it was firm, mildly sweet and almost buttery-like a cod. I didn't find the sauce an ideal choice for the fish though.

Up next was Poultry/Meat and we had Baked Kurobuta Pork Homemade Signature X.O. Sauce, wrapped with Parma Ham. The meat was succulent and tender, but what was strongly lacking I find was a good sear on both sides to render its fats and impart a depth of smoky flavour to the meat. The Parma Ham would have served its purpose better in flavouring the meat if it was given enough heat to crisp up more.

For Rice/Noodle, Stewed Half Lobster (+$18) was served in egg gravy, accompanied by a crispy egg noodle ball. If you enjoy Cantonese Seafood Yee Mee, this will definitely be up your alley - The lobster was at the right doneness, and the crispy egg noodle strands provided much aromatic crunch to every bite. The egg gravy was light but flavoursome, which was one of the keys to making this dish so delightful.

Summing up our meal is Chilled Cream of Avocado and Vanilla Ice Cream served with cute little heart-shaped red bean and coconut pudding. The different flavours synced well with one another, and the sweetness was just right.

Written 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.


Golden Peony
Conrad Centennial Singapore
2 Temasek Boulevard
Singapore 038983
Tel: +65 64327482
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 1130am - 230pm, 630pm - 1030pm
Sun: 1030am - 230pm, 630pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit B. Continue walking along Temasek Avenue to destination Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Lawry's The Prime Rib @ Mandarin Gallery - Presents A Magnifique Spread This Festive Season

For this festive season, Lawry's The Prime Ribs at Mandarin Gallery has put together a collection of set course menus for the festive celebrations. The set course menu emphasis top-quality meats and seafood while featuring the restaurant's sublime signatures such as the Signature Roasted USDA Prime Rib of Beef and Broiled Atlantic Lobster Tail.

Ocean Gems Fresh Chilean Scallop 3.5/5

I tried the 6-Course Christmas Eve Set Menu ($168++/$189++) which starts with the Ocean Gems Fresh Chilean Scallop for amuse-bouche. The Chilean scallop is drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and served with baby carrot puree beetroot puree and green pea puree.

Boston Lobster Bisque with Fresh Lobster Claw 3.8/5

Next is the hearty Boston Lobster Bisque with Fresh Lobster Claw, served with chive bits, cream and a drizzle of Grand Marnier. However, I felt that it lacked the robustness of the crustacean flavour.

Foie Gras 4/5, Baby Octopus with Crabmeat Salad 3/5 and Chicken Gyoza 3/5

For the appetiser, we have a trio of small bites. From left to right, we have the baby octopus in Roma tomato puree with crabmeat salad, pan-seared goose foie gras with homemade red wine raisin sauce over bacon-wrapped chicken, and chicken gyoza with homemade spicy sauce.

Signature Roasted USDA Prime Rib of Beef with Turkey Combo 4.5/5

For mains, diners get to have three choices. They can opt for the Signature Roasted USDA Prime Rib of Beef with Turkey Combo, Grilled Kurobuta Pork Collar or Broiled Atlantic Lobster Trio and Wild Salmon Roe.

If you opt for the Signature Roasted USDA Prime Rib of Beef with Turkey Combo, it comes with 100grams roasted beef, 100grams roasted sliced turkey, 100grams smoked turkey ham, US Idaho mashed potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, whipped cream horseradish, chestnut stuffing as well as a choice of creamed corn, creamed spinach or buttered peas. For the doneness of the beef, I would recommend going for rare. I was afraid it will be too raw for my liking, but it turned out this is the perfect doneness to appreciate the tender and beautiful flavour of the prime rib. Not forgetting the soft and fluffy Yorkshire pudding which complements the dish. Do allow it to soak up the delicious and flavourful sauce.

Grilled Kurobuta Pork Collar 4/5

If you are not into beef, you can go for the Grilled Kurobuta Pork Collar. The slab of pork collar is served with US Idaho potato wedges, caramelised onion, and grilled tomato stuffed with creamed spinach.

Broiled Atlantic Lobster Trio and Wild Salmon Roe 4.5/5

Another favourite at Lawry's The Prime Ribs is their Broiled Atlantic Lobster Trio and Wild Salmon Roe. For a change, instead of the meat, these broiled lobsters will delight you with their delicate freshness. Not only one but you get 3 pieces of it. It is served together with US Idaho mashed potato, sauteed vegetables and drawn butter.

For dessert, one can choose between the Sakura Cremeux with Mango-Pear Coulis and Haagen-Dazs Chocolate Ice Cream or Glazed Chocolate Mousse Praline Dome with Haagen-Dazs Vanilla Ice Cream.  Subject to individual preference, the sakura cremeux is light with a little sweetness from the mango-pear coulis while the glazed chocolate mousse praline is pack with the bittersweet chocolate richness. One can order either coffee or tea to go with their dessert.

For the festive set course menu, guests will get a 10% discount if all guests are seated between 5-6pm. On top of that, for every three set course menu ordered, you will receive a bottle of Bolla Prosecco (750ml) or Casillero del Diablo Devil's Brut Sparkling Wine (750ml) for takeaway subject to which set course menu ordered.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Lawry’s The Prime Rib
Mandarin Gallery
333A Orchard Road
#04-01/31
Singapore 238897
Tel: +65 68363333
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 1130am - 10pm
Fri-Sat: 1130am - 1030pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to ground level. Turn left onto Orchard Road. Walk down Orchard Road. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Makino @ Paya Lebar Quarter - New Japanese Dining And Shabu Shabu Hotpot Concept

Nestled within the new Paya Lebar Quarter (PLQ) mall, just next to Paya Lebar MRT station, Makino is the first shabu shabu concept launched by Asahi Group, where you can savour fresh seafood, meat and vegetables all cooked to your preference in a fragrant stock permeated broth.

Choose from their variety of special Japanese soup bases such as the spicy Tsurai Miso Soup, Mentaiko Soup, Kinoko Soup and Tonkotsu Soup laden with rich flavours.

Kickstart the meal with their popular Royal Milk Tea with Azuki Beans ($5.80). Instead of the usual boba pearls, azuki beans are used as toppings which adds a subtle sweetness to the drink. We found the Citrus Fruit with Homemade Barley drink ($5.80) to be quite an interesting combination as well, with an additional zesty touch to the usual barley flavour.

With quality ingredients and an extensive menu that features all types of seafood, meat and vegetables, we had a good mix of everything from the Ebi Shinjo (Makino special minced prawn), Tori Menchi (minced fresh chicken thigh with chicken soft bone), Reito Tofu and Kyabetsu cabbage to the Zuwai Kani (Japanese snow crab legs).

I actually like to have the Uzura Tamago (quail eggs) served cold, but a dip into the flavoursome boiling pot rendered the yolk all melty and gooey, with a delicate pork bone flavour added to it.

For the meat lovers, go for the Karubi US short ribs ($16.80) and the Butakara Kurobuta Pork Collar ($12). We loved the Karubi for its well-balanced flavours and marbling. The thinly sliced meat has a fast cooking time in the steaming hot broth and just melts in your mouth instantaneously. The Butakara is also rich in flavours while possessing a remarkable melt-in-your-mouth texture.

If that's not enough to satiate your hunger, load up on the carbs with their noodles selection such as the Ramen ($6.80), Gyo Somen ($9.50), Inaniwa Udon ($6.80), and Cha Soba ($6.80).

Besides the shabu shabu option, the menu also offers a plethora of appetising popular Japanese dishes. If shabu shabu is not your thing, go for their range of ala carte donburis, tempura, sushi and sashimi instead.

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.


Makino
Paya Lebar Quarter
10 Paya Lebar Road
#03-28/29
Singapore 409057
Website
Tel: +65 60722770
Nearest MRT: Paya Lebar (CC Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

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