Edge @ Pan Pacific Singapore - Flavours of the Lion City: A Culinary Expedition Through Singapore

To celebrate Singapore's National Day month, Edge at Pan Pacific Singapore is running a special buffet theme titled "Flavours of the Lion City: A Culinary Expedition Through Singapore" until 9 August 2024. Paying homage to the melting pot of cultures that define Singapore, Executive Chef Andy Oh and his team have curated a line-up of creations and live-action stations. It features not only signature local delicacies but also dishes reflecting our diverse cultural influences, including Singaporean, Chinese, Malay, Indian, Japanese, Thai, and Western specialities, as well as an extensive selection of fresh seafood offerings.

Braised Soya Duck and Peanut with Yam Rice, Nyonya Chap Chye

The array of local gems is extensive. One highlight that I kept returning to was the Braised Soya Duck and Peanut with Yam Rice. The braised duck was succulent, accompanied by the most delicious yam rice I have ever had. The yam cubes in the rice provided a wonderful flavour and texture, while the umami-packed rice was generous with bits and pieces of mushrooms and dried shrimp. The braised peanuts and tau kwa (firm tofu) didn't disappoint either. The Nyonya Chap Chye was another delight, being deliciously soft and flavourful.

Peppery Teochew Bak Kut Teh

Another standout was the Peppery Teochew Bak Kut Teh. The robust peppery soup paired perfectly with tender pork ribs, and the crispy youtiao (fried dough sticks) added a satisfying crunch. I enjoyed it with the yam rice for an even more satisfying experience.

Bak Chor Mee

It has been a while since I last had good Bak Chor Mee, but this one sealed the deal with its springy noodles, doused in a mouthwatering, vinegary, and tomatoey sauce, loaded with minced meat, tender pork slices, and mushroom.

Wok Fried Hokkien Mee

Pan Fried Oyster Omelette

The Pan Fried Oyster Omelette and Wok Fried Hokkien Mee were skillfully executed. The oyster omelette was indulgent with plump oysters and crispy edges, while the Hokkien mee was loaded with succulent seafood and pork belly, all infused with a flavorful stock. If you are lucky, you might even catch the chef in action.

Teochew Steamed Local-farmed Golden Pomfret

Rarely available in buffets, the Teochew Steamed Local-Farmed Golden Pomfret was a notable item. The fish was incredibly fresh, and the mouthwatering piquant broth set my appetite up for more.

Braised Kurobuta Pork Belly with Lotus Bun

The daily pork belly bun has also been amped up with Braised Kurobuta Pork Belly, served with a Lotus Bun. It is another special treat not to be missed.

Singapore Laksa with Baby Lobster

And, of course, not to forget the quintessential Singapore Laksa, jazzed up with Baby Lobster. While the lobster was too tiny to provide much meat, the laksa itself was tasty on its own.

Salt Baked Fresh Mud Crab

Salt Baked Fresh Mud Crab is apparently pretty popular among diners. It is served with fried mantou and a robust Chili Crab Sauce, as well as Creamy Salted Egg Yolk gravy.

Jeera Rice

Marinated Chicken Satay, Mutton Satay, Beef Satay

Other local delicacies include a colourful spread of Indian cuisine, offering Jeera Rice, Butter Chicken, Naan, etc., and Malay cuisine, featuring our favourite Satays.

Satisfying meat lovers is the Churrasco Craving station that offers Roasted US Beef Tomahawk alongside other roasts.

The Fresh Seafood station beams with Boston Lobster, Tiger Prawn, White Clam, Half Shell Scallop, Sea Conch, Black Mussel, Crawfish and Freshly Shucked Seasonal Oysters.

Chempedak Cake

Deep-fried Chempedak Ball

The dessert station is also specially decorated. It includes golden Deep-fried Durian, Banana, and Chempedak Balls, as well as the National Day signature Chempedak Cake, Durian Pengat, Milo Dinosaur Panna Cotta, Lychee Bandung Compote Trifle, Kopi O Cake, Onde Lamington, Pulut Hitam Soup, and much more.

Teh Tarik

For some old school delights, in addition to an assortment of charming Rainbow Roti Ice Cream Sandwiches, there is even a cute Old School Pop-up Drinks Stall with drinks such as Teh Tarik (a must-try!!), Iced Limeau, Soya Chin Chow, and the famous "Singapore Sling" served as a mocktail.

The "Flavours of the Lion City: A Culinary Expedition Through Singapore" at Edge is available for dinner from 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm from 9 July until 8 August 2024, and is priced at $108++ per adult and $54 per child (6 – 12 years old) from Thursdays to Saturdays, and $92++ per adult and $46 per child (6 – 12 years old) from Sundays to Wednesdays. Prices include complimentary coffee, tea, teh tarik, iced limau, and soya chin chow.

The "Flavours of the Lion City: A Culinary Expedition Through Singapore" will also be available for lunch from 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm and dinner from 6:00 pm – 10:00pm on Singapore’s National Day on 9 August 2024. Priced at $128++ per adult and $64 per child (6 – 12 years old), the offer includes complimentary coffee, tea, teh tarik, iced limau, and soya chin chow. In celebration of Singapore's National Day month, Edge is offering Singaporean citizens born in the year 1965 a special price of $88++ 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.


Edge
Pan Pacific Singapore
7 Raffles Boulevard
Level 3
Singapore 039595
Tel: +65 68268240
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Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sun: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

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

Lai Yuan Gourmet @ Clementi Ave 3 - Discovering a New and Quality Bowl of Bak Chor Mee in the West

Recently, a new noodle stall, Lai Yuan Gourmet, opened at the coffeeshop in Blk 442 Clementi Ave 3 (facing the hawker centre), replacing the previous noodle stall. Intrigued by the change, I decided to check out the new establishment.

Opting for the Bak Chor Mee ($4.80), I was pleasantly surprised to find that the noodles and ingredients were served separately. The mee pok noodles were perfectly cooked, boasting a delightful al dente texture and tossed in a well-balanced mix of chilli and vinegar.

Bak Chor Mee 4.2/5

In addition to the delicious noodles, the ingredients included thickly cut pork liver, pork slices, minced pork, and pork balls in a flavourful soup. The standout element was undoubtedly the tender and well-marinated pork balls, which were elevated by adding sole fish.

Overall, Lai Yuan Gourmet serves up a commendable bowl of noodles that is definitely worth a visit. I'm pleased to have discovered a quality Bak Chor Mee stall in the West, providing a go-to option whenever the craving strikes.


Lai Yuan Gourmet
Blk 442 Clementi Ave 3
#01-121
Singapore 120442
Nearest MRT: Clementi (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: TBC

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

Singapore JIAK @ Frasers Towers - Four Hawker Food Brands Under One Roof with Dishes Below $10 in CBD

Singapore JIAK at Frasers Towers is a food-court-inspired concept by the Singaporean-owned Akashi Group. Singapore JIAK debuts 4 hawker brands within this cosy space - Grandma's, Dunman Wanton Mee, Teck Kee Fat Duck and Ah Goh Fish Soup.

Grandma's Curry Chicken Nasi Lemak 4.5/5

Grandma's is a resurrected brand under the Akashi Group that was established in 2008. Some of you may be familiar with some of their local dishes. At Singapore JIAK, Grandma's showcases their nasi lemak dish, with options such as Chicken Wing Nasi Lemak ($5.80), Crispy Bukhari Chicken Leg Nasi Lemak ($9.80), and the signature Grandma's Curry Chicken Nasi Lemak ($9.80). We tried the latter, which came with a chicken leg doused in curry that packed a punch. The coconut rice was aromatic and fluffy, and I was delighted by how thick the egg omelette slice was.

Mixed Pork Wanton Mee 4.2/5, Fried Wanton 4/5

Behind Dunman Wanton Mee is the culinary team formerly from Wanton Seng, known for its bowls of springy noodles tossed with aromatic pork lard. There are four dishes on the menu – Classic Dunman Wanton Mee ($5.80), Char Siew Wanton Mee ($6.80), Roasted Pork Wanton Mee ($6.80) and Mixed Pork Wanton Mee ($7.80). We had the ultimate combination - Mixed Pork Wanton Mee. While the Char Siew was on the leaner side, the wantons were satisfying with their plump and meaty fillings, and the crispy pork delivered the much anticipated cracking skin. Fried Wantons is available as well.

Duck Rice 4.2/5

Teck Kee Fat Duck is the sister brand of London Fat Duck, renowned for its mouthwatering roasted Irish ducks. They use the same Irish duck and adopt similar roasting techniques, aiming to deliver the same melt-in-the-mouth and robust flavours to their customers. The menu also features other roasted meats, including salted chicken, roast pork, and honey char siew. True to their promise, what we had didn't disappoint, with its juicy and tender meat complemented by beautifully roasted skin. The sauce worked perfectly to bring the rice and meat together.

Sliced Fish Soup 4/5

Ah Goh Fish Soup is also an original brand created for this concept. The soup itself is boiled using fish bones leftover from premium fish imported from Japan, enhanced with a dash of 20-year-old Hua Tia wine. We had the Sliced Fish Soup ($5.80) with batang fish. What sets this fish soup apart you can taste is the pronounced flavour extracted from the specific fish bones they use. Although it was tasty, I prefer a sweet touch for a better balance. The fish slices were fresh and paired well with a generous portion of vegetables, making the bowl of fish soup delightfully wholesome.

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.


Singapore JIAK
Frasers Tower
182 Cecil Street
#02-15/16/17
Singapore 069547
Tel: +65 86847728
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon - Sat: 9am – 10pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G or H. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk to Telok Ayer Street. Walk down Telok Ayer Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Cuisine Better Days Chicken Rice (饱家味国) @ People's Park Centre - Young Female Hawker, Natalie Opens Her Own Chicken Rice Shop

Natalie, the face behind the beloved Ah Five Hainanese Chicken Rice in Ang Mo Kio, has carved her name in the local food scene. Her journey started as a young, determined hawker alongside her family, where their Hainanese Chicken Rice swiftly gained fame for its delightful flavours. This family legacy, rooted in her father's cherished recipe from a renowned chicken rice brand, was soon embraced by media and food enthusiasts alike.

Fast forward to the present, Natalie embarks on her solo adventure, opening her very own chicken rice shop - Cuisine Better Days Chicken Rice, nestled in People's Park Centre. The spotlight remains on her as she single-handedly orchestrates the entire show - from cooking to cashier duties, waiting tables, and even keeping the space spotless — a true testament to her dedication and hard work.

Hainanese Chicken Rice 4.5/5

Consistency remains paramount to Natalie's craft. She continues her tradition of using premium grade A kampong chicken, just as she did at Ah Five Hainanese Chicken Rice. This choice imparts a remarkable tenderness and succulence to her poached chicken. What sets it apart is the subtly sweeter taste compared to the typical broiler chicken.

While some things remain the same, Natalie introduces a new twist in the form of her chilli sauce. Sporting an intensified punch of pungency and spice, this sauce carries an exhilarating kick that appeals to those fond of bold flavours. However, those averse to intense spiciness might want to tread cautiously.

Still, on the journey of refining her craft, one area where Natalie is working towards consistency is her rice. On my initial visit, the rice was an aromatic, fluffy delight. However, my second outing witnessed a slight variation, with a tad more moisture and a somewhat muted fragrance.

Natalie's passion is evident in her future plans to expand the menu. She intends to incorporate a diverse selection of Hainanese dishes and sides, thus transforming her offering into a complete culinary experience. This evolution guarantees more options for diners seeking a wholesome and delightful meal, ensuring that Cuisine Better Days Chicken Rice is destined to remain a name to reckon with.


Cuisine Better Days Chicken Rice (饱家味国)
People's Park Centre
#01-01
101 Upper Cross Street
Singapore 058357
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Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit D. Turn left and walk to the back of People's Park Centre facing State Courts building. At the back of People's Park Centre, turn right and walk down the  walkway. Walk to the end of walkway, along the stretch of shops to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Soon Heng Fishball Noodle (顺兴鱼圆面) @ West Coast Market Square - Bouncy Fishballs Amidst Mixed Noodle Experience

I finally decided to brave the snaking queue at West Coast Market Square to try out the renowned Soon Heng Fishball Noodle (顺兴鱼圆面). Despite living in the neighbourhood for over 8 years, the popularity of this stall has always kept me away. This time, I managed to arrive early enough and got my hands on the $4 portion of their famed fishball noodle.

One of this dish's standout features is the handmade fishballs' peculiar shape. These bouncy delights immediately caught my attention. Unlike the commercial variants, Soon Heng's fishballs retain a pronounced fish flavour, proving that no shortcuts were taken in their preparation.

Fish Ball Noodle 3/5

For my noodle choice, I opted for mee kia. However, I found myself disappointed with the noodles, as they had a lingering alkaline taste that didn't quite sit well with me. The chilli sauce tossed with the noodle didn't complement the noodle's taste profile, making the overall combination less appealing.

Despite the noodle's shortcomings, I cannot deny the allure of Soon Heng's fishballs. Their authentic taste and springy texture showcase the artistry of their handmade creation, setting them apart from the mass-produced alternatives.

Though my experience with the noodle may have been less satisfying, I've heard their soup version is worth trying. Perhaps my next visit will be dedicated to exploring this aspect of their menu, hoping to find a better balance that complements the star attraction - the scrumptious fishballs.


Soon Heng Fishball Noodle (顺兴鱼圆面)
West Coast Market Square
Blk 726 Clementi West Street 2
#01-152
Singapore 120726
Nearest MRT: Clementi (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 5am - 930am
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Clementi MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Clementi MRT station. (Stop ID 17179). Take bus number 201. Alight 2 stops later. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Hainan Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee (海南福建炒虾麵) @ Golden Mile Food Centre - A Dry-style Fried Hokkien Mee That Received Varying Reviews Despite Its Popularity

If you ask anyone about their favourite Fried Hokkien Mee spot, you're bound to get different answers. At Golden Mile Food Centre, two popular stalls offer this delightful dish, one downstairs and the other upstairs. During my recent visit, I decided to try out Hainan Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee (海南福建炒虾麵), which has been a fixture at the hawker centre for over 30 years. Despite the long queues I've witnessed on previous visits, I never had the chance to taste their offering until now.

Fried Hokkien Mee 3.8/5

At Hainan Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee, they serve the dry version of this classic dish, combining a mix of yellow noodles and beehoon, both cut into short strands. Visually, the dish may seem simple, but once you dig into the plate of noodles, you'll discover a delightful assortment of ingredients, including succulent slices of pork, fresh prawns, egg, and tender sotong (squid). Additionally, they provide two types of chilli, sambal chilli and cut chilli, to add some extra kick to the dish. However, I found the sambal chilli to be quite spicy and not an ideal match for the noodles.

Despite its popularity and varying reviews, I must admit that Hainan Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee didn't quite meet my expectations. It lacked the coveted "wok hei" flavour that I usually look forward to in this dish. Furthermore, the prawn stock used for the noodles didn't have a strong and distinct presence. As a result, the overall taste leaned more towards a plate of fried noodles rather than the flavorful Hokkien Mee I was hoping for. It's possible that different palates may appreciate it more, but unfortunately, it didn't fully satisfy my craving on this occasion.


Hainan Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee (海南福建炒虾麵)
Golden Mile Food Centre
505 Beach Road
#B1-34
Singapore 199583
Nearest MRT: Nicoll Highway (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon: 10am - 3pm
Tue, Thu-Sun: 10am - 5pm
(Closed on Wed)

Direction:
1) Alight at Nicoll Highway MRT station. Take Exit A. Take the overhead bridge and cross over to Beach Road. Walk down Beach Road along the flow of traffic. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]