Mr Hainan (海南先生) @ VivoCity - Bringing The True Taste of Hainan to Singapore

Traditional Chinese cuisine has been enjoying a surge in popularity in Singapore, and the latest addition to the scene is Mr Hainan (海南先生), now located at VivoCity. While Hainanese Chicken Rice remains a perennial favourite, Mr Hainan goes beyond this iconic dish to showcase a range of lesser-known yet equally cherished Hainanese classics, offering diners a deeper dive into the province’s culinary heritage.

Hainan, a tropical island province in southern China, is renowned for its abundant seafood. Its cuisine celebrates freshness and simplicity, inviting diners to experience the natural taste of the ingredients. At Mr Hainan, these authentic flavours are brought to life, allowing Singaporeans to enjoy an authentic taste of Hainan on their doorstep.

Pickled Vegetables

To begin, we were served Pickled Vegetables ($3.80) at the table, a crunchy and refreshing dish to nibble on throughout the meal. If you’re game for it, you can try the Assam Juice ($5.8), which is super tangy, but it was too overpowering and sour for me.

Hainan Wenchang Chicken 4.2/5

I was excited to try the authentic Hainan Wenchang Chicken (Half: $28.80, Whole: $52.80), one of Hainan’s Four Famous Dishes. The chickens are free-range for 120 days to develop firm, lean meat, then caged for another 60 days to intensify their flavour. They are raised on a natural, antibiotic-free diet throughout their lives. True to form, Wenchang Chicken is leaner and firmer, and the preparation method lets the natural flavour of the bird shine. For their condiments, they provide ginger and a nice, tangy chilli dip that differs from the familiar red chilli typically paired with local chicken rice.

Wenchang Chicken Rice

Of course, the dish is not complete without Wenchang Chicken Rice ($1.60), prepared in the authentic Hainan style using old-crop rice, which allows each grain to absorb the rich chicken broth more fully. The rice here is less oily and cleaner tasting, which some diners may prefer. Personally, I lean toward a more aromatic and richer style of chicken rice.

Luffa & Glass Noodle in Chicken Broth 4.2/5

To complement the chicken rice, we also had the Luffa & Glass Noodle in Chicken Broth ($18.80). Served in a large pot, it was a comforting, piping-hot, and slow-simmered for five hours to extract maximum nutrition and flavour. It was light but very tasty, I also enjoyed the soft luffa, clams and silky glass noodles in the dish!

Threadfin with Assam Sauce and Yellow Lantern Chilli Peppers 4.5/5

The dish that impressed me the most was the Threadfin with Assam Sauce and Yellow Lantern Chilli Peppers ($29.90). This dish is an example of Hainan’s prized small sea fish, which are known for their delicate flavour and melt-in-the-mouth texture.

Living up to its reputation, the fish we had was remarkably fresh and tender, totally delicious paired with assam sauce and fragrant yellow lantern chilli peppers for a hint of spice. Another classic option is to have the fish served with black bean sauce, wrapped in lotus leaf. Just be careful of the small bones when ordering these Threadfin dishes, as the fish is served whole.

Hainan Jiaji Duck 3.5/5

We also sampled another of Hainan’s Four Famous Dishes, the Hainan Jiaji Duck ($25.80), prepared in an interesting style with pineapples. (For reference, the other two famed dishes are Hele Crab and Dongshan Mutton.) The sauce was flavourful, with the pineapple adding a tropical touch. That said, we found the duck a little too tough for our liking, perhaps a reflection of how local palates differ from traditional preferences, as Hainanese diners appreciate the meat firm and not overly fatty.

Hainan Prosperity Pot 4/5

The Hainan Prosperity Pot ($18.80) is a vibrant mix of meats and vegetables, served in a decorative, almost ceremonial red platter. Traditionally enjoyed as a first course during joyous occasions, such as weddings, it symbolises harmony, prosperity, and a lasting union. The pot is filled with cabbage, tofu skin, black fungus, glass noodles, julienned carrots, and other colourful ingredients, making it quite visually cheerful as well.

Hainan Jade Stir-Fry 3.5/5

The Hainan Jade Stir-Fry ($14.80) is a simple dish of bright green vegetables, but it stars a unique ingredient: lotus stems, together with crunchy winged beans. It’s a straightforward dish and a nice overall accompaniment to the meal.

Golden Coconut Pastry 4/5

To conclude, we enjoyed a fried Golden Coconut Pastry ($12.80), which resembles a crispy pancake but has the lighter, airy texture of bread, with a light coconut filling tucked inside. I enjoyed this, and it was not overly sweet.

Mr Hainan takes diners on a journey through the traditional flavours of Hainan, showcasing the island’s rich culinary heritage in a casual, approachable dining setting. In celebration of Mr Hainan’s Grand Opening at VivoCity, all guests can enjoy the following promotions:

10 - 30 September (Mondays-Fridays): 50% OFF Hainan Wenchang Chicken (Half, U.P $28.80)
Now to 30 September (Daily): Unlimited refills of Wenchang Chicken Rice with every purchase

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.


Mr Hainan (海南先生)
VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
#02-116
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 8060 7116
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Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 930pm

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

Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine (湘香湖南菜) @ Parkway Parade - Expanding its Footprint to 15 Outlets with New Creations

Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine continues to win over Singaporean diners with its authentic Hunan flavours and comforting dishes. Officially opened on 15 March 2025, the 15th outlet at Parkway Parade introduces a line-up of exclusive new dishes that bring even more to love this well-loved brand.

Sizzling Claypot Chicken 4.2/5

Simmered in a claypot with a savoury housemade sauce, the Sizzling Claypot Chicken (Non-Member: $22.90, Member: $18.90) delivers a homely richness that pairs perfectly with their signature 五常米 (Wǔcháng mǐ) rice. The tender chicken soaks up the mildly spicy sauce beautifully, and we’re hoping to see this comforting dish rolled out across all outlets soon.

Stir-fry Spicy Squid Tentacles 3/5

Visually appealing and bold in flavour, the Stir-fry Spicy Squid Tentacles (Non-Member: $22.90, Member: $18.90) is punchy and aromatic. However, the cumin-forward profile may not suit every palate, and we found the tentacles would have benefitted from being cut into larger pieces to better retain their texture.

Braised Beef Brisket with Whole Tomato 3.5/5

This dish brings to mind a hearty Italian Bolognese with a twist. The Braised Beef Brisket with Whole Tomato (Non-Member: $22.90, Member: $19.90) features slow-braised brisket in a tangy tomato broth that’s rich, warming and surprisingly addictive.

Claypot Sweet and Spicy Prawns 3.8/5

As part of the brand's mainstays from other outlets in February, the Claypot Sweet and Spicy Prawns (Non-Member: $22.90, Member: $19.90) stand out. Fresh prawns are gently simmered in a claypot with a secret sauce blend that evokes a touch of spicy Japanese curry. The addition of tender potato chunks soaking up the flavour is a lovely touch.

Braised Luffa 3.8/5

While we usually choose cauliflower as our go-to veggie dish, the Braised Luffa (Non-Member: $15.90, Member: $12.90) surprised us with its delicate sweetness. The luffa is light and refreshing, and the dough fritters were mistaken at first glance for tau pok.

Hunan Stir-Fry Pork 4.5/5

Our must-order at every Xiang Xiang visit, the Hunan Stir-Fry Pork ($19.90), remains a bestseller for a reason. Over 200,000 servings are sold annually. It's easy to see why. Spanish Iberico pork is stir-fried with fiery Shandong screw peppers and crunchy Yunnan white fungus, creating a crave-worthy medley of textures and spice.

Roasted Chili & Century Egg with Mashed Eggplant 4/5

A chilled appetiser with vivid flavour, the Roasted Chili & Century Egg with Mashed Eggplant (Non-Member: $12.90, Member: $11.90) hits all the right notes — pungent, creamy, and deeply savoury. The interplay between the smoky eggplant, spicy roasted chilli, and umami-rich century egg is absolutely moreish.

Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine's newest outlet at Parkway Parade not only expands the brand's footprint but also introduces fresh creations that highlight its commitment to flavour, quality ingredients, and thoughtful presentation. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to Hunan cuisine, this is a great time to rediscover its offerings, especially if you live in the East. We're excited to see what's next as Xiang Xiang continues its journey across Singapore.

Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine
Parkway Parade
80 Marine Parade Road
#01-30
Singapore 449269
Tel: +65 9137 4773
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Nearest MRT: Marine Parade (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Marine Parade MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Jia He Grand Chinese Restaurant @ One Farrer Park Hotel - Jia He New Sister Restaurant With A Bold And Contemporary Concept

Jia He Grand Chinese Restaurant, the latest addition to the dining scene at One Farrer Park Hotel, continues to impress with its bold and contemporary approach to Chinese cuisine. While its sister restaurant, Jia He Chinese Restaurant (a very doors away), offers wholesome and homely dishes, Jia He Grand takes things up a notch by presenting diners with multi-sensorial creations that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.

Trio of Starters 4/5

To start our culinary journey, we indulged in a trio of starters. The Sauteed Stuffed Mushroom with Truffle Sauce delighted our taste buds with its robust earthy flavours from both the mushroom and truffle. The Century Egg with Preserved Sakura Ginger and Vintage Vinegar presented a unique combination, with sweet beancurd skin wrapping around century egg and preserved sakura ginger, creating a harmonious blend of flavours. Lastly, the Crispy Pork Belly with Preserved Bean Paste, eaten like a Korean wrap, offered a delightful contrast of textures as the romaine lettuce refreshed the palate while complementing the crispy pork belly.

Roasted Peking Duck 5/5

The meal's highlight was undoubtedly the Roasted Peking Duck ($88 Whole Duck), which I can confidently say is the best in Singapore. The duck was perfectly roasted, boasting a crispy skin that gave way to succulent and juicy meat. What truly set this dish apart was the toasted pancake wrap. Unlike the usual thin pancakes, these were soft and fluffy and enhanced the overall enjoyment of the Peking duck to a whole new level.

Signature Double-boiled Chicken and Pig Stomach Soup 4.5/5

The Signature Double-boiled Chicken and Pig Stomach Soup impressed with its flavorful broth and a piquant peppery kick that left a lasting impression. The pig stomach was expertly prepared, resulting in a tender, clean-tasting delight.

Steamed Fillet of Sea Perch with Preserved Sakura Ginger and Silky Tofu 4.2/5

For seafood lovers, the Steamed Fillet of Sea Perch with Preserved Sakura Ginger and Silky Tofu ($26/pc) offered a unique pairing of preserved sakura ginger with the firm and mildly sweet sea perch. The soy sauce added depth to the dish, complementing the fish's natural sweetness.

Flambe Beef Brisket in Whole Pineapple 4.2/5

A dish that captured both our taste buds and attention was the Flambe Beef Brisket in Whole Pineapple ($28/order). The grand entrance, with the beef brisket set ablaze at the tableside, added a touch of theatricality. Beyond the showmanship, the beef brisket was incredibly tender, and the pineapple infused the dish with an extra layer of fruity sweetness.

Stir-fried Shredded Luffa Melon with Gingko and Black Fungus 4.2/5

The Stir-fried Shredded Luffa Melon with Gingko and Black Fungus ($24/small) showcased luffa in a whole new light. The dish was perfectly prepared, offering a delightful crunch and natural sweetness. The owner even playfully remarked that it looked like stir-fried chendol, adding an element of humour to the dining experience.

Crispy Rice with Boston Lobster in Superior Broth 4/5

The Crispy Rice with Boston Lobster in Superior Broth ($42/small) was a standout dish packed with robust crustacean flavour. The combination of fluffy and crispy rice immersed in the delicious broth and the sweetness of the Boston lobster made every spoonful a pure delight.

Collagen Pork Bone and Tomato Soup with Boston Lobster and Purple Potato Noodle 3.8/5

An unexpected dish on the menu was the Collagen Pork Bone and Tomato Soup with Boston Lobster and Purple Potato Noodle ($40/pax). This luscious creation combined purple potato noodles with a refreshing and appetising tomato soup, a delightful twist I had not encountered elsewhere.

Almond Soup with Peach Resin 4.5/5

To conclude the meal on a sweet note, we savoured the Almond Soup with Peach Resin. Served warm and comforting, the soup struck a perfect balance, not overly sweet, with a smooth almond base and delightful crunch from the peach resin. This dessert satisfied our sweet tooth and offered beauty and nutritional benefits.

Jia He Grand Chinese Restaurant continues to impress with its contemporary take on Chinese cuisine, delivering innovative and visually stunning dishes. With its exceptional culinary offerings and dedication to creating a memorable dining experience, it is undoubtedly a place worth visiting for those seeking a gastronomic adventure.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Jia He Grand Chinese Restaurant
One Farrer Park Hotel
1 Farrer Park Station Road
#01-01
Singapore 217562
Tel: +65 65389688
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Nearest MRT: Farrer Park (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Farrer Park MRT station. Take Exit C. Turn right and walk down towards One Farrer Park Hotel. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Tan Xiang Yuan @ Dickson Road - A Seafood Hotpot Haven and Chinese Delights By Actor Ben Yeo

Nestled within a charming two-storey shophouse along Dickson Road, Tan Xiang Yuan offers a delightful array of Chinese dishes, opened by actor and host Ben Yeo. While their signature seafood hotpot steals the spotlight, the restaurant also presents a diverse selection of Chinese cooked dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Signature Seafood Hotpot 4/5

The centerpiece of Tan Xiang Yuan is their Signature Seafood Hotpot ($98/$188), a culinary masterpiece that is served over a charcoal fire. The broth, simmered for eight hours with prawn shells, old hen, and pork bones, exudes a rich and sweet flavor that is packed with seafood goodness. Sliced fish, yam, prawns, abalone, scallops, and more adorn the hotpot, creating a seafood extravaganza that will leave you craving for more.

Black Vinegar Pork Trotter Jelly 3/5

For a modern twist on a traditional favorite, the Black Vinegar Pork Trotter Jelly ($6) takes the stage. These mini sphere-shaped delights offer a unique and delicate rendition of the classic Teochew pig's trotter jelly, although the portion size may leave you longing for more.

Mao Shan Wang Durian Chilli Crab Ball 4/5

Prepare for a surprising combination with the Mao Shan Wang Durian Chilli Crab Ball ($12/pc), an appetizer that encases the bold flavors of durian and chili crab in a crispy shell. This unusual fusion surprisingly works, creating a burst of flavors that will intrigue your taste buds.

Handmade Fish Curd with Luffa Melon 2.5/5

Unfortunately, not all dishes at Tan Xiang Yuan live up to expectations. The Handmade Fish Curd with Luffa Melon ($20/$30/$40), while comprising luffa, handmade fish curd, black fungus, carrot, and mushroom, fell short in terms of flavor. It lacked seasoning, leaving a bland impression on the palate.

Signature Fried Rice 2.8/5

The Signature Fried Rice ($22/$33/$44), a staple dish in any Chinese restaurant, also failed to impress. With its lackluster taste and ordinary presentation, it did not meet the expectations one would have for a restaurant of this caliber.

Hand Drizzled Roast Chicken 4.2/5

However, Tan Xiang Yuan redeems itself with their Hand Drizzled Roast Chicken ($26 Half/ $48 Whole), a dish that showcases the artistry of drizzling hot oil over the chicken to achieve a crispy skin while keeping the meat tender and juicy. The result is a flavorful and satisfying poultry indulgence.

Signature Beef Cubes 4.2/5

To spice things up, the Signature Beef Cubes ($26/$39/$52) stir-fried in a piquant black pepper sauce take the spotlight. The succulent meat, infused with the aromatic black pepper, creates a mouthwatering symphony of flavors that will leave you craving for more.

Overall, Tan Xiang Yuan at Dickson Road offers a memorable dining experience with its show-stopping seafood hotpot and a mix of Chinese dishes. While some dishes may fall short of expectations, the restaurant's highlights shine through, making it a worthwhile destination for seafood lovers and Chinese cuisine enthusiasts alike.


Tan Xiang Yuan
1 Dickson Road
Singapore 209493
Tel: +65 80585527
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Nearest MRT: Jalan Besar (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am to 3pm, 530pm to 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Jalan Besar MRT statton. Take Exit A. Cross the road. Walk to Dickson Raod. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

JUMBO Signatures @ Marina Bay Sands - JUMBO Group’s New Premium Dining Concept

Stepping into JUMBO Signatures at Marina Bay Sands, you will notice a difference in ambience and decor from the other familiar Jumbo Seafood restaurants. Opened in January this year, JUMBO Signatures is also JUMBO Group’s first premium dining concept. The 76-seater restaurant houses 3 VIP rooms suitable for meetings, intimate gatherings and celebrations.

Three different menus were curated to cater to various groups of diners. Besides the Signatures Ala-Carte Menu, the Executive Set Lunch offers 3-course at $58 per pax and 4-course at $62 per pax. During this visit, we tried their Signatures Tasting Menu ($158 per pax).

You will enjoy an 8-course meal, amuse bouche, and a palette cleanser. In addition, a wine pairing is available for a top-up at $118 per pax. Menu items are refreshed every couple of months to ensure that the best-quality ingredients are used.

Marinated Jellyfish, Seafood Cone 4/5

We started the meal with two appetising amuse bouche, the Marinated Jellyfish and Seafood Cone. The marinated jellyfish was tangy and crunchy. The seafood cone, which comes in a charcoal cone, has a tasty mouthful of prawn, mango, cucumber and salad cream.

Shelled Prawn Fried with Seaweed and Pork Floss 4/5

Moving on to starters, we had the Shelled Prawn Fried with Seaweed and Pork Floss. I was excited to try this, as this is a creation inspired by Baoshifu 鲍师傅, a China pastry shop that specialises in seaweed meat floss cakes. I enjoyed the crisp pork floss and seaweed mix here. The prawn was fresh with a slight crunch.

Scallop Wrapped in Yam Ring 4.2/5

The Scallop Wrapped in Yam Ring had smooth yam purée around a juicy scallop, served with a house-special sweet sauce. The thin exterior had a delightful crisp.

Chilled Hand-Shredded Live Australian Lobster with Fruit Salad in Sesame Dressing 3.8/5

The last starter was the Chilled Hand-Shredded Live Australian Lobster with Fruit Salad in Sesame Dressing. The lobster meat was firm and fresh, but the dressing was a touch too heavy. I would have liked it done lighter to allow more of the meat's natural sweetness to come through.

Collagen Soup with Fish Maw and Bamboo Pith 4.8/5

There's no additional starch used in the Collagen Soup with Fish Maw and Bamboo Pith. Instead, it's lightly peppered and thickened through hours of simmering chicken bones, pork fat and pork skin. You will find dried scallops, fresh fish maw, goji berries and bamboo pith in it as well. It was extremely comforting and nourishing, and the slices of fish maw were very tender.

Chilli Mud Crab Pincer 4.8/5

Singaporeans would definitely be familiar with JUMBO Seafood's award-winning chilli crab. Here they offer the Chilli Mud Crab Pincer that is thoughtfully deshelled for you to sink your teeth right into. There's a good heat in the chilli crab sauce made with ten over spices, perfect with the side of crispy fried mantou.

Pomegranate Soda

Before the next course, we had a palate cleanser of Pomegranate Soda.

Sliced Luffa Melon in Collagen Soup 4.5/5

In the Sliced Luffa Melon in Collagen Soup, the luffa is carefully hand sliced into noodle-like strips and served in yet another comforting collagen soup, with fried shredded conpoy, Jin Hua ham and Sakura ebi. I enjoyed the smart addition of crispy ebi that gave extra texture and flavour.

‘Yuan Yang’ Fried Rice with Cod Fish and Fresh Mushroom 4/5

There are two carbs options for the next course. First is the 'Yuan Yang' Fried Rice with Cod Fish and Fresh Mushroom. It's a hearty dish studded with scallop bits, cod fish, king oyster mushroom, tobiko and crispy rice.

Udon with Sliced Abalone 3.8/5

The Udon with Sliced Abalone is much lighter in comparison, which uses a dashi base.

‘Cheng Teng’ with Bird’s Nest and Peach Resin 3.5/5

We had the mildly sweetened 'Cheng Teng' with Bird's Nest and Peach Resin for dessert. You can choose to have this hot or cold.

Signature Fragrant Rice in Rich Seafood Broth 4.8/5

From the a la carte menu, we had the Signature Fragrant Rice in Rich Seafood Broth ($38). Jasmine rice, crispy rice, fresh mud crab meat and botan ebi is served in a hot stone bowl before the umami-rich prawn broth is poured over. On the side, you also get to enjoy a fried botan ebi prawn head that's lightly seasoned with salt and pepper. I loved the rich seafood sweetness here!

Durian Tart paired with Ice Cream 4/5

The Durian Tart paired with Ice Cream ($14) comprises handmade Mao Shan Wang durian pureé, coconut ice cream and pandan sauce. I thought the tart worked sufficiently well on its own. I expected it to be very rich and sweet, but the well-balanced pureé was quite a delight.

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.


JUMBO Signatures
The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands Singapore
B1-01B
2 Bayfront Avenue
Singapore 018972
Tel: +65 66887023
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Bayfront (CC Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Lunch
Mon-Fri, Eve of Public Holidays: 11.30am - 3pm
Sat-Sun, Public Holidays: 12pm - 3.30pm

Dinner
Sat-Thurs, Public Holidays: 5.30pm - 10.30pm
Fri-Sat, Eve of Public Holidays: 5.30pm - 11pm

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