Soaring Into a Prosperous Lunar New Year 2024 with Crystal Jade Group of Restaurants

As the vibrant Lunar New Year approaches, Crystal Jade Group, with its esteemed portfolio of 19 casual and fine dining outlets, stands ready to welcome the Year of the Dragon in grand style. Renowned for its culinary prowess, the group unveils an extraordinary line-up of dishes and set menus, promising a dining experience that is nothing short of exceptional.

Prosperity Yu Sheng with Boston Lobster Tail, Aburi Scallop & Fruit 4.8/5

Commencing the celebratory feast is the Prosperity Yu Sheng with Boston Lobster Tail, Aburi Scallop & Fruit ($138 small/ $208 large). This masterpiece is a symphony of flavours and textures, featuring fresh and dried fruits like juicy red dragon fruit, tangy green mango, sweet longan, pomelo sacs, dried apricot, and jackfruit. It creates a vivid and delectable medley with tomatoes, purple cabbage, cucumber, deep-fried yam strips, pickled onions, walnuts, and crunchy Hsin Chu bee hoon. Dressed with scallion oil and an Okinawa acerola juice-infused plum sauce, this yusheng is light, refreshing, and immensely appetising.

Available at Crystal Jade Palace, Crystal Jade Golden Palace and Crystal Jade Pavilion for dine-in and takeaway

Double-boiled Kampong Chicken with Fish Maw, Sea Whelk & Maitake Mushroom Soup 4.2/5

The Double-boiled Kampong Chicken with Fish Maw, Sea Whelk & Maitake Mushroom ($42.80 per person) is a heartwarming start to the feast—a bowl of nourishing soup brimming with rich flavours and wholesome ingredients.

Available at Crystal Jade Pavilion

Pan-fried South Africa Abalone with Assorted Mushroom & Crispy Leek 4/5

A highlight is the inventive Pan-fried South African Abalone with Assorted Mushrooms and Crispy Leek ($48 per person). The abalone, first steamed and then pan-seared, retains its inherent sweetness. Fragrant deep-fried leeks and mushrooms in an abalone liver sauce enhance the dish, offering a delightful twist on this Chinese New Year delicacy.

Available at Crystal Jade Golden Palace

Pan-fried Dace Fish Paste with Black Moss in Shunde Style 3.5/5

Nostalgia takes centre stage with the Pan-fried Dace Fish Paste with Black Moss in Shunde Style ($39.80 for a whole). This old-school classic involves meticulous preparation—removing fish flesh, mixing it with various ingredients, stuffing it back into the fish, and deep-frying to a golden brown. While a bit bony, it evokes a sense of tradition.

Available at Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen

Premium Loin Rib coated with Cointreau Orange Sauce 4.2/5

For a sumptuous treat, savour the Premium Loin Rib coated with Cointreau Orange Sauce ($42 regular). Fork-tender, tasty to the bone, and bathed in a luscious sauce intensified with orange-flavoured liqueur, this dish is a celebration of succulence.

Available at Crystal Jade Palace

Eight Treasure Vegetable wrapped in Beancurd Skin 4.8/5

A new festive takeaway highlight is the Eight Treasure Vegetable wrapped in Beancurd Skin ($29.80), a visually stunning centrepiece. This vegetarian delight features artfully arranged shiitake mushrooms, large dried scallops, lotus seeds, glass noodles, wood ear mushrooms, and black moss, braised in a luscious sauce that ties the dish together beautifully.

Dry La Mian with Prawn, Celtuce & Lobster Oil 3.5/5

Delight in the Dry La Mian with Prawn, Celtuce & Lobster Oil ($15.80 for a regular portion). Al dente noodle strands, slicked with homemade lobster oil, are crowned with a delectable combo of prawns and spring onions.

Available at Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao

Green Tea, Tangerine Peel & Red Bean Ruyi Roll, Lava Kumquat Taro Puree Doughnut

Round off the feast with two delightful desserts. The Green Tea, Tangerine Peel & Red Bean Ruyi Roll ($10.80 for four pieces) presents a soft and pleasantly chewy jade-green glutinous rice flour roll enveloping smooth red bean paste accented with tangerine peel. Additionally, the Lava Kumquat Taro Purée Doughnut ($12.80 for four pieces) offers light and fluffy deep-fried balls filled with taro puree, elevated with a touch of kumquat zest.

Available at Crystal Jade Palace (Ruiy Roll), Crystal Jade Golden Palace (Doughnut)

Well-regarded for its impeccable cuisine and service, Crystal Jade offers something for every reunion, whether for a large gathering or an intimate celebration. Group Executive Chef Martin Foo and his team of chefs have meticulously crafted an extensive variety of delicious and auspicious specialities, ensuring that the upcoming Chinese New Year celebration is off to a roaring start. Takeaway goodies can be pre-ordered online at estore.crystaljade.com and outlets from December 5, 2023, to February 25, 2024. Pick up your orders from select outlets between January 19 and February 25, 2024.

Note: This is an invited tasting.

Man Fu Yuan @ InterContinental Singapore - Showcasing Best of Irish Produces, Silver Hill Duck, John Stone Dry-Aged Beef and Hampshire Pork

Man Fu Yuan at InterContinental Singapore has partnered with the Irish Duck Company to present 'The Best of Irish Showcase.' From 1 October 1st to 15 November, three 6-course menus highlighting some of Ireland's finest produce will be offered for lunch and dinner. Irish Duck Company is the exclusive distributor that first brought the world-famous Silver Hill Duck to Asia, and thanks to them, we get to savour the 'wagyu of duck' right here in Singapore. They are now ready to introduce the exquisite John Stone Dry-Aged Beef and Hampshire Pork to Singapore. In the hands of Man Fu Yuan's Executive Chinese Chef Aaron Tan, these premium Irish meats to the table, highlighting their qualities with Cantonese traditional flavours and techniques.

Appetiser 4.5/5

Each of the 3 menus brings together all three of these finest Irish products in a single menu. We tried the Elegant Set Menu. We started with an appetiser featuring John Stone Irish Smoked Salmon Flower with wasabi aioli, Chilled Cherry Vine Tomatoes with crab meat and Chilled John Stone Dry-Aged Beef. The aged beef, infused with the aged-citrus honey soya sauce, intensified the already rich flavour, creating an incredibly meaty texture. The smoked salmon was just as delectable with its luscious texture and deep flavour. The exquisite crab meat added balance to the dish, introducing a sweet and refreshing note that harmonised the flavours beautifully.

Soup 4/5

The Soup course was a Braised Golden Bird's Nest with golden pumpkin superior stock. The soup had an incredible depth of flavour with a slight creamy consistency.

Wok-fried John Stone Irish Lamb Loin 3/5

The 3rd course is Hong Kong Kailan with Wok-fried John Stone Irish Lamb Loin with Sarawak black pepper sauce. The lamb loin was succulent, tender, and quite delicate on the level of gaminess. The black pepper sauce, however, was too much for me.

Braised Irish Hampshire Pork Belly 5/5

Next was Braised Irish Hampshire Pork Belly with South African 5-head Abalone. A very considered dish - a sumptuous pork belly with an ideal balance between meat and fat, resulting in an unctuous delight. To complement this decadent meat, a 5-head abalone was paired with the pork belly, tender and infused with the rich flavours of the braising sauce.

XO Chinese La Mian with Rock Lobster, Silver Hill Irish Duck 4/5

The last main was a much-anticipated dish - XO Chinese La Mian with Rock Lobster and Silver Hill Irish Duck in XO sauce. Like the previous course, pairing relatively fatty meat with lean seafood created a harmonious balance between two exquisite ingredients, enhancing the other's qualities. The XO sauce didn't work for me.

Oven-baked Mango Pudding 4/5

The dessert is Oven-baked Mango Pudding, which is extra comforting. It is served warm in the traditional way.

The Elegant Set Menu, ideal for 3 to 5 persons, is priced at $228 per person. All set menus include an optional wine-pairing option at $68++ per person.

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.


Man Fu Yuan
InterContinental Singapore
Level 2
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 63387600
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1145am - 330pm, 630pm - 1030pm

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

Western Mahua (西部马华) @ Vivocity - Delicious Handmade Lanzhou La Mian, Pulled And Cooked On The Spot

Recently I have seen a number of Western Mahua (西部马华) restaurants, specialising in Lanzhou La Mian, popping up in different areas in Singapore. They have three outlets now at Vivocity, PLQ and Holland Village. I always go to the outlet at Vivocity, which is nearer to my home. Surprisingly, after my first try of its noodle, I am a convert and have been going back a few times.

Signature Sliced Beef "La Mian" with Superior Bone Soup 4/5

I usually had the Signature Sliced Beef "La Mian" with Superior Bone Soup ($9.80/$11.80). The clear bone soup is boiled for six hours resulting in a light yet robust soup base, complementing the handmade noodles. The Vivocity outlet I usually go to has the full view of the chef making and cooking the noodles from scratch upon receiving your order.

An interesting fact is you can choose the wide of the noodles. There are nine different choices from 1mm to 50mm. We have the 2mm (普通细) and 15mm (中宽). My preference is the 15mm texture. It is broader and has more bite, giving it a more textural enjoyment than the thinner noodle.

Pickled Chicken Soup Chicken/Beef La Mian 3.8/5

Another variety on the menu is the Pickled Chicken Soup La Mian ($11.80). You can choose either to have chicken or beef for the protein. The soup is light and appetising, packed with a sourish profile from the pickled Chinese mustard with a hint of spiciness.

Braised Beef in Pita 3.5/5

Besides the noodles, there are other items on the menu, such as the Braised Beef in Pita ($6/pc) and Lamb Skewer ($3.80/pc). I felt the pita bread was a bit dry. I prefer it to be more fluffy. The saving grace is that the braised beef stuffing was well-marinated with a lovely aroma from the spices. I also applauded that it has a good mix of fatty cuts, so it is not dry. If you like lamb, then the lamb skewer rubbed and grilled in aromatic spices is a must-order.

Lamb Skewer 4.2/5

Tell you a tip. If you dine at Western Mahua outlet at Vivocity, you can also order from the menu from Ali Jiang, the sister restaurant beside the noodle restaurant.


Western Mahua (西部马华)
Vivocity
1 Harbourfront Walk
#03-11
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 62524979
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Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit C or E. Walk to the top floor of the shopping mall. The restaurant is located at the sky park area. Journey time about 5 minutes [Map]

Town Restaurant @ The Fullerton Hotel Singapore - The New Sunday Brunch Experience

The Sunday Brunch at Town Restaurant runs an amazing spread of international cuisine from 12pm to 3pm on Sundays. It is priced at $120++ per adult (free flow juices and soft drinks) or $173++ for free flow house pour wine, beer, brut champagne, bloody mary and others.

Chilled Seafood Galore

We were first served with the Chilled Seafood Galore upon being seated - an amazing Crustacean spread of spanner crab, half Maine lobster, tiger prawns, half-shelled scallop and snow crab leg.

Sashimi & Maki Roll Platter

It is followed by the Sashimi & Maki Roll platter for your fill of the Japanese cuisine. The platter includes fresh cuts of salmon, hamachi, octopus and yellowfin sashimi, the California maki, and different sushi available, such as the Hamachi, Salmon, Unagi, Octopus, Yellow Fin Tuna sushi.

Butcher Block Charcuterie

We also ordered the Butcher Block Charcuterie of Parma Ham, Duck Rillettes, Saucisson, and Wagyu Bresaola Pizza Bread.

Agemono

We particularly enjoyed the Agemono. The potato croquette is crisp on the outside with a thin fried batter layer and incredibly fluffy inside. Alongside with a crispy breaded ebi, cheese net ball, and a side of Japanese mayonnaise.

Trio Meat Platter

Moving on to the Asian delights, we had the trio meat platter of roasted duck, crispy crackling pork belly, and honey-glazed char siew that was succulent and tender.

Lan Zhou Hand Pulled La Mian Noodles

Town’s Signature Tender-Poached Chicken Rice

Not to be missed is their selection of local favourites. The Lan Zhou Hand Pulled La Mian Noodles comes in a flavourful rich broth, with tender-braised wagyu beef cheek, Szechuan chilli, and scallion oil. We also enjoyed the Town’s Signature Tender-Poached Chicken Rice with housemade chilli and ginger.

6-Hour Braised Australian Lamb Shank

Some of my favourite western classics from the grill include the 6-Hour Braised Australian Lamb Shank paired with red wine sauce. Each dish is freshly prepared upon order. The slow cooking turned the tough cut of lamb into the softest and most fork-tender meat, packed with rich flavours from the braising.

Dessert PLatter

We ended the meal on a sweet note with their desserts platter, which comes in a theatrical presentation of dry ice. A gorgeous treats lined up on display, including assorted macaron, Fullerton fudge cake, rose lychee raspberry, coconut kaya mango-passion trifle, and vanilla strawberry chiffon shortcake. From the desserts menu, there is also an ice cream platter and sliced tropical fruits.

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.


Town Restaurant
The Fullerton Hotel Singapore
1 Fullerton Square
Singapore 049178
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Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Breakfast (Daily): 630am - 1030am
Sunday Brunch: 1230pm - 330pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT Station. Take Exit H. Turn right and walk towards the river. At the river, turn right again and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes [Map]

Mian Jia Noodle Bar (麺家料理) @ Holland Village - Blown Away By the Super Shiok Mala Spicy Lobster Broth

I have not visited Holland Village since the start of the circuit breaker, and during this period it seems that there are quite a few changes. One of the newest addition to the F&B scene at Holland Village is Mian Jia Noodle Bar (麺家料理) which opened during the pandemic last year. To be exact, it relocated from Alexandra Central to its current location.

Lobster Prosperous Treasure Pot 4.5/5

For the upcoming Lunar New Year, Mian Jia Noodle Bar has launched the Lobster Prosperous Treasure Pot ($288). Quote "TENOFF" to enjoy 10% discount. Call or visit the restaurant to place your order, takeaway only as there is limited quantity. Unlike other Pen Cai, the treasure pot comes in a drinkable lobster bisque broth that comes brimming with premium ingredients. Customers can look forward to a sumptuous feast of Boston lobster, 10 heads braised abalone, Australian golden sea cucumber, Japanese scallops, Shajing oyster, Spanish Duroc pork ribs, handmade shrimp balls, braised chicken mid wings, bean root, pumpkin and Chinese cabbage.

Live Boston Lobster Broth Noodle 4.5/5

Signature at Mian Jia Noodle Bar is their Live Boston Lobster Broth Noodle ($26.90). There is both the Non-Spicy and Mala version. I got to try both versions, and I was blown away by the robust broth that is full of depth. The Mala version is beyond my expectation, the addition of peppercorn elevated the flavour to a whole new level. To be frank, I cannot decide which I like. Worth mentioning is the la mian noodle that has been cooked to a delectable consistency. The restaurant has specially imported the special cooking machine for consistency in every bowl.

Special Stewed Iberico Pork with Homemade Wanton Dry Noodle 4/5

Besides noodle soups, the restaurant also offers a variety of dry noodles. One of them is the Special Stewed Iberico Pork with Homemade Wanton Dry Noodle ($15.90). The chunky pork pieces may look sort of dry, but it melted in my mouth when I sunk my tooth into it. Give the la mian a good toss, to coat the sweet, savoury dark sauce on each noodle stand for a slurping enjoyment. The sauce reminds me of Malaysian kolo mee.

Crispy Crusted Chicken Cutlet 3.8/5

There are several side dishes on top of the dry and noodle soup on the menu to complete the meal. I tried the Crispy Crusted Chicken Cutlet ($6.90) though the skin was not as crispy as I would have like, the chicken was surprisingly very tender and juicy.

Spicy Chilli Oil Homemade Wanton 3.5/5

I also had the Spicy Chilli Oil Homemade Wanton ($5.90) which looks more like a dumpling than wanton. It is plump and juicy, dressed in spicy and fragrant chilli oil.

If not for my friend's introduction to this place, I probably would not have known of the restaurant as it  is hidden away at the end of the road from sight. I am glad that I have discovered a new noodle place that serves a delicious and a quality bowl of noodle. 

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Mian Jia Noodle Bar (麺家料理) 
19 Lorong Liput
Singapore 277732
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Nearest MRT: Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit B or C. Walk to Lorong Liput. Walk towards the junction of Lorong Liput and Lorong Mambong. Turn left onto Lorong Liput. Walk to the end of the road. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Town Restaurant @ The Fullerton Hotel Singapore - Experience Local & International Cuisine Sunday Brunch

Sit back, relax and toast to a Sunday brunch at Town Restaurant, situated in The Fullerton Hotel. Guests get to enjoy delicious brunch staples like Egg Benedict alongside irresistible favourites such as Chilled Maine Lobsters and Scallops, Grilled Angus Striploin, Slow-Roasted Lamb Leg scented with Rosemary and Garlic, and more.

With the current ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, The Fullerton Hotel has set up rigorous cleanliness practices and safe distancing measures at their restaurants to ensure that diners can experience an enhanced level of protection. Guests will experience a whole new different way of enjoying buffets in these unprecedented times, as ala-carte dishes can only be ordered from the menu, which will then be freshly prepared by the chefs upon order and delivered to your table. But of course, dishes will be free-flow for the duration of the buffet!

Chilled Seafood Delight 4/5

First, we kickstart the buffet with some crustacean delights from the starters menu. The Chilled Seafood Delight comprises a half Maine lobster, tiger prawns, half-shell scallops, snow crab legs and Venus clams.

Omakase Makimono 3.8/5

We had the Omakase Makimono - with a selection of maki rolls including the lobster & avocado salad maki roll, spicy tempura ebi roll and California maki, as well as the selection of sushi which consists of Hamachi, Norwegian salmon, octopus and yellowfin tuna. While fresh Hamachi, Norwegian salmon, yellowfin tuna is served on the sashimi platter for the seafood lovers.

Butcher Block Charcuterie 3.8/5

Moving on to the Butcher Block Charcuterie, it is a must-order for the cheese lovers for the mini platter of Parma ham, duck rillettes, saucisson, bresaola with freshly baked olive & rosemary focaccia.

Lan Zhou Hand Pulled La Mian Noodles 4.2/5

Traditional Malay-Style Grilled Chicken & Beef Satays 4/5

Not to be missed is the selection of their local favourites. The Lan Zhou Hand Pulled La Mian Noodles comes in a flavourful rich broth, with tender-braised wagyu beef cheek, Szechuan chilli, and scallion oil. We also had the Traditional Malay-Style Grilled Chicken & Beef Satays with Ketupat and chunky peanut sauce which adds a rich nutty flavour to the satays.

Dim Sum Selection 3.8/5

From the dim sum selection, they have the Steamed Crystal Prawn Dumplings, Chicken Siew Mai, and the Hong King-Style Char Siew Pau.

BBQ Hong Kong Roasts 4.2/5

From the BBQ Hong Kong Roasts selection, we had the Five-spiced Roasted Duck, Crispy Crackling Pork Belly, and Honey Glazed Char Siew. The tender roast meats are best paired with the Town Signature Tender-Poached Chicken Rice with house-made chilli and ginger.

Spaghetti Vongole with White Wine Fresh Clams and Chilli 3.8/5

For something substantial, opt for their meats from the grill, as well as pasta and pizza from the Italian corner. The Italian classic of Spaghetti Vongole with White Wine Fresh Clams and Chilli was quite balanced with a light briny, garlicky aroma, and a subtle tinge of chilli.

Grilled Angus Striploin 4.2/5

From the grill station, the Grilled Angus Striploin was one of my favourite dishes, which was cooked to perfect medium-rare doneness, and the addition of mousseline potato, smoked mustard and au just elevated the dish. Another highlight is the potato, which is made using premium french butter and sea salt for its superb smooth, buttery tones. We ordered additional Potato Mousseline, Broccoli Almondine, Roasted Champigon Mushrooms with thyme, and Signature Truffle Fries with Parmesan to go along with the steak as well.

Because breakfast is an all-day luxury, go for their organic eggs done in 3 different ways, and accompanied with a choice of sides such as mini rosti, crispy bacon and chicken chipolata.

Graham Cracker Key Lime Tart, Mango Pana Cotta & Exotic Macaroon Platter 4/5

We ended the meal on a sweet note with their Graham Cracker Key Lime Tart, Mango Pana Cotta & Exotic Macaroon Platter. Of the three, we fancied the Mango Pana Cotta the most for its lightly sweet but not cloying fruity flavours, as well as its soft and smooth texture. From the dessert menu, there is also an assortment of Nyonya Kueh, Classic Crème Brulee, selection of tropical fruits, cheese platter, and ice cream & sorbet available as well.

Kids^ Dine Free till 30 August 2020
The Fullerton Club Members enjoy 20% discount# on Sunday Brunch.

S$173* per adult
with free-flow of house wine, Champagne, Bloody Mary, Gin & Tonic and Negroni

S$120* per adult
with free-flow of chilled juices and soft drinks

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.


Town Restaurant
The Fullerton Hotel Singapore
1 Fullerton Square
Singapore 049178
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Website
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Breakfast (Daily): 630am - 1030am
Sunday Brunch: 1230pm - 330pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT Station. Take Exit H. Turn right and walk towards the river. At the river, turn right again and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes [Map]