Auntie’s Wok and Steam @ Andaz Singapore - Start The Year With An Ode To Singapore Tze Char Culture With A Szechuan Twist

Andaz Singapore’s Auntie’s Wok and Steam has finally reopened for this 2021 after months of closure! To celebrate the reopening, they have launched a refreshed menu featuring delightful Chinese classics and Singaporean favourites, prepared in a homely tze char style. Enjoy the perfect weekday escapade with an epic view on level 25, alongside a scrumptious feast.

Their Lunch Tray Sets offers great value for money with one main, one side and Andaz Iced Tea for $26 or with an additional dessert for $29. It is available from Monday to Friday, 12pm - 2.30pm, or you can order from their a la carte menu, which is available all day.

Auntie's Laksa 4/5

We ordered the Auntie's Laksa ($16), a classic local favourite. The fragrant laksa broth is creamy and mildly spiced and comes brimming with ingredients like fresh tiger prawns and fish cake. The thick beehoon is also chewy and springy, which makes for a great bowl of laksa.

Char Kway Teow 3.8/5

Another tze char staple is the Char Kway Teow ($16). The flat rice noodles are stir-fried over high heat with soya sauce, lup cheong, egg and fishcake, giving it a pleasant fragrance and texture. Although lacking slightly in the wok-hei, it is still a pretty decent plate of Char Kway Teow.

Crab Fried Rice 4.2/5

One of their familiar favourites includes the Crab Fried Rice ($14/$22), served with crab meat and asparagus. Unlike the usual fried rice dish, it uses organic white and brown rice from the Raitong Organics Farm in North-eastern Thailand, which makes for a healthier alternative without compromising the flavours.

Double Boiled Chicken Soup of the Day 3.8/5

We ordered the Double Boiled Chicken Soup of the Day ($10) as a side to the Lunch Tray Set. It is comforting and nourishing, yet we felt that the soup ingredients were too little, with just a single piece of chicken and two radish cubes.

Poached Herbal Prawns 4.2/5

One of our favourites is the Poached Herbal Prawns ($22) steamed in a brine of Chinese Shaoxing wine and nutritional herbs such as the Danggui (Angelican root), Yuzhu (Solomon’s Seal), Gui Pi (Cinnamon), and Ba Jiao (Star Anise). It gives the broth a rich and robust herbal flavour.

Rainforest Alliance Coffee Ribs and Sesame 3.5/5

The Rainforest Alliance Coffee Ribs and Sesame ($18) is coated in a sauce made from a full-bodied espresso, pulled from sustainable Fair Trade Rainforest Alliance-certified coffee beans from Bon Café. However, it fell short of expectations with the espresso sauce lacking in flavours, and the pork ribs' meat having a much tougher bite.

French Beans 3.8/5

We also had the French Beans ($12) which is lightly cooked to retain a crispy texture with a sweetness hint. It is served with flavourful minced pork to make for a simple and comforting side dish.

Chilled Mango Sago and Pomelo 4/5

Round off your meal with a selection of traditional Chinese desserts such as the Chilled Mango Sago and Pomelo ($8). The refreshing fruity dessert is smooth and subtly sweet, while the lightly acidic and bitter taste of the pomelo pairs well with the mango's sweetness.

Steamed Yam Paste 4/5

Our favourite is the Steamed Yam Paste ($8) topped with ginko nuts. The addition of coconut cream adds a creamier texture and a subtle sweetness to the smooth yam paste, without overwhelming the original taste of yam.

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.


Auntie's Wok & Steam
Andaz Singapore
Level 25
5 Fraser Street
Singapore 189354
Tel: +65 64081255
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Bugis (DT Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm

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

Dine At Home During Circuit Breaker - Soi Aroy

One of the better meals I had during the circuit breaker period is Thai food from Soi Aroy. I am glad that even during this pandemic, I am still able to discover new restaurants that I didn't get to visit before the whole world goes into various lock down measures to fight against the pandemic.

Premium Tom Yum Soup with Thai Mama 

In my opinion, the best way to tell whether a restaurant is serving legit Thai food is from their tom yum soup. When I took a sip of the Premium Tom Yum Soup, it blew me away with its depth and bold flavours. You can choose to go along with some rice or add noodles to it. Customers will have a choice of egg noodles, brown rice bee hoon, Thai rice noodle or Thai Mama. I have gone for the Thai Mama as I like my maggie mee. 

Thai Collagen Porridge

Another dish that caught my attention is the Thai Collagen Porridge. The rice and ingredients come packed separately from the 12hr collagen base soup without MSG. It is very hearty and comforting. You can also request additional ingredients such as egg, vegetables, meat patty and more. 

Grilled Pork Cheek

Lemongrass Chicken

For some grilled stuff, they have Grilled Pork Neck and Lemongrass Chicken. The grilled pork has a delightful crunchy bite on top of its smokiness. The lemongrass chicken was tender with refreshing lemongrass aroma.

Thai Fish Cakes

Another popular item on their menu is the Thai Fish Cakes which goes excellently with the Thai sweet spicy sauce. 

Thai Seafood Fried Rice

As I mentioned earlier that I have not visited Soi Aroy at Sim Lim Square so I went online and try to find out more about the restaurant. I realized it is actually quite a small place located on level 2 of the mall. It amazes me that with such a constraint space, the restaurant was able to wok up so many varieties on their menu. Besides the dishes I mentioned earlier, they have many more cooked dishes such as Thai Seafood Fried Rice, Thai Basil Pork, Sambal Kang Kong with Squid and Sambal LaLa.

Thai Basil Pork

Sambal Kang Kong with Squid

Thai Basil Pork and Sambal Kang Kong with Squid is probably two of my most ordered items whether I visited a Thai restaurant. With a plate of fragrant steamed rice, it basically completes a meal. 

Sambal LaLa

Worth mentioning is their Sambal LaLa. Not only was the LaLa fresh and juicy, it like the layer of aroma from the Thai basil which just elevated the whole spicy affair.

Mango Sticky Rice

Not to forget to wrap your meal with some sweetness too. This can also helps to cool the tongue after all the spicy food. Some of the desserts I tried are Mango Sticky Rice, Tapioca, Red Ruby and Mango Sago.

Tapioca, Red Ruby and Mango Sago

Currently the restaurant is having the following promotion. Free drink for every $15 spent and $5 off for orders above $50. Delivery fees ranged from $5 to $17 depend on the zone. You can refer to their facebook page for the delivery fee charges. To order WhatsApp the restaurant at 9641 8988.

Soi Aroy

Sim Lim Square

1 Rochor Canal Road

#02-08

Singapore 188504

Tel: +65 96418988

Facebook

Nearest MRT: Rochor (DT Line)

Opening Hours:

Mon-Sat: 11am - 8pm

Sun: 11am - 4pm

Direction: 

1) Alight at Rochor MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Majestic Restaurant @ Marina One - New Location New Dishes Same Majestic Dining Experience

Majestic Restaurant which used to be housed inside the New Majestic Hotel has found a new home at Marina One. The new restaurant is bright and spacious with floor-to-ceiling glass windows, Italian stucco walls and dark wood floors. Fans of Majestic restaurant will be able to spot paintings by contemporary Chinese painter Li Jin around the restaurant which has been brought over from the previous location. Even the original signboard has been retained.

Crispy Mangalica Pork Belly Marinated with Five Spices 4.8/5

The beautifully sliced Crispy Mangalica Pork Belly Marinated with Five Spices ($14) got me salivating with its 65-70% fat to 30-35% lean meat ratio. Considered as one of the tastiest pork in the world, it doesn't have that porky taste, it fact it was kind of clean tasting complemented by the five spices rub on the crispy skin.

Organic Greens with Pomelo in Lychee Dressing 4/5

A refreshing and healthy dish on the menu is the Organic Greens with Pomelo in Lychee Dressing ($12). I thought it is rather unusual to have a salad dish in the menu of a Chinese restaurant. Saying that, it will be a welcome option for vegetarians and office worker in the area.

Crispy Fish Skin Topped with Caviar 3/5

Having crispy skin alone may be a bit boring but how about topping it with caviar and some fruits. The combination of saltiness and sweetness, on top of the crispy fish skin makes the Crispy Fish Skin Topped with Caviar ($12)  a delightful snack to kick start the dinner.

Double-Boiled Seafood Clear Soup served in Whole Yellow Cucumber 4.5/5

Making a towering entrance is the Double-Boiled Seafood Clear Soup served in Whole Yellow Cucumber ($18). Besides the robust and flavoursome soup, and the seafood in the yellow cucumber, I also applauded the addition of the diced vegetable stem for the extra crunchiness.

Sauteed Boston Lobster with Trio Onions 4.2/5

The Sauteed Boston Lobster with Trio Onions ($68) is a new to me. I have tried several ways of cooking the crustacean but this is a new to me, especially how the spring onions perfume the dish, elevating the whole dimension of the dish.

Smoked French Corn-Fed Chicken with Salt and Hickory 4.5/5

The highlight at Majestic Restaurant has to be their new item, the Smoked French Corn-Fed Chicken with Salt and Hickory ($28). It is limited to about 6 portion each day, so you to pre-order if you want to try it. The corn-fed chicken has a subtle sweetness that is infused with the smokey aroma of hickory. Not sure whether it is due to the breed, the chicken skin is thicker, allowing one to appreciate the crispiness more.

Black Truffle Fried Rice with Crabmeat and Egg White 4.2/5

A comforting end to the mains before moving to the desserts is the Black Truffle Fried Rice with Crabmeat and Egg White ($20). The rice has been cooked to an enjoyable fluffy bite, with diced vegetable, crabmeat and egg white. I was initial worry that the addition of the black truffle essence would leave an oily aftertaste but it turn out not. Instead it gives the fried rice an aromatic boast.

Crispy King of Durian with Maple Syrup 4.2/5

Durian lovers will be rejoice with the Crispy King of Durian with Maple Syrup ($10). Diner will get a whole block of durian ice cream encased in a crispy batter, drizzled with maple syrup.

Chilled Mango Puree with Vanilla Ice Cream, Sago and Pomelo 4/5

Another dessert I had is the Chilled Mango Puree with Vanilla Ice Cream, Sago and Pomelo ($8.80). Nothing fancy but a refreshing and sweet dessert to wrap up the dinner.

It is great to see Chef Yong Bing Ngen and Majestic Restaurant back with a refreshed menu and new location at Marina One. In addition to the contemporary Cantonese food rooted in traditional Chinese culinary techniques, Chef Yong has also introduced a full selection of dim sum for lunch, as well as set menus starting from $48 per pax for lunch and $68 per pax for dinner.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Majestic Restaurant
Marina One, The Heart (East Tower)
5 Straits View
#04-01
Singapore 018935
Tel: +65 62501988
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Downtown (DT Line), Marina Bay (CC Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 545pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Downtown MRT station. Take Exit D. What to Straits View road. Turn right on Straits View road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Marina Bay MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Marina Way road. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Peach Garden Chinese Dining @ Changi Airport Terminal 2 - You Do Not Need An Air Ticket To Eat London Duck

Passengers travelling in and out of Changi Airport now can indulge in traditional Chinese food with contemporary flair at the newly opened Peach Garden Chinese Dining at Terminal 2 departure hall. The restaurant features an all day dining menu including its well loved signature creations and classic dishes, and good selections of dim sum.

Fried Carrot Cake in X.O. Sauce 4/5

We started with something light on the menu in the Fried Carrot Cake in X.O. Sauce ($9.80). The radish cake comes in huge chunky cube with crispy edges tossed in the aromatic X.O. sauce. It is further coated with egg to enhance the flavour with the bean sprouts giving it the extra crunchiness.

Double-boiled Shark's Bone Cartilage Soup 4.5/5

To warm our stomach before starting on the mains, we had the Double-boiled Shark's Bone Cartilage Soup with Bamboo Pith, Dried Scallop and Fish Maw ($26 per portion). The collagen rich soup is comforting and packed with beautiful flavours, infused with the essence of the delicacies.

Crisp-fried Prawn with Wasabi Salad Cream 4.2/5

A dish that will delight the youth is the Crisp-fried Prawn with Wasabi Salad Cream ($23.80). The crunchy and plump prawn is coated in a vibrant wasabi salad cream sauce that will stimulate the nasal passages with its pungency. A sensorial experience in the execution.

Braised Homemade Beancurd with Fresh Crab Meat and Local Spinach 4.2/5

For a balance diet, we ordered the Braised Homemade Beancurd with Fresh Crab Meat and Local Spinach ($18). This is like a three in one dish. You get to have your vegetable, silky tofu and fresh sweet crab meat.

Stewed Vermicelli with Sliced Fish, Bitter Gourd and Black Bean Sauce 4.5/5

One of my favourite dishes is the Stewed Vermicelli with Sliced Fish, Bitter Gourd and Black Bean Sauce ($16). I enjoyed how the black bean sauce coupled with the wok-hei aroma gave the stewed vermicelli a character on its own. The addition of sliced fish and bitter gourd is like jewels on a crown, completing the homely and yet comforting noodle dish.

Roasted London Duck 4.5/5

A highlight at Peach Garden Chinese Dining has to be the used of the London Duck, also known as the wagyu of duck. The reason why the Roasted London Duck ($68 Whole/ $35.80 Half/ $18 small) is gaining popularity in Singapore its because of the succulent texture and that layer of fats underneath the skin. This is one dish that you must order from the menu.

Roasted Crispy Pork Cube 4.2/5

Since we are already having the roasted london duck, might as well add on the Roasted Crispy Pork Cube ($12.80 per portion) to the platter. The crackling skin, together with the succulent and juicy meat is just too good to be only be served in portion in accordance to the number of guests. I wish there are more of it.

Wrapping up our wonderful lunch in a sweet note, we have the Chilled Fresh Mango, Sago with Pomelo ($8) and Chilled Black Glutinous Rice with Ice Cream ($8). For an additional $3, the desserts are served in a coconut husk. I could not decide which is my favourite as both are as good, so we ended up sharing to enjoy the best of both world.

Be it that you want to have a quick lunch before flying off , to host a business lunch or family gathering, the restaurant offers the perfect setting to do so with its 180 seating capacity and three private room. In celebration of its opening, the restaurant is offering an opening special for its signature suckling pig at $168 (U.P. $238). Advance order is required. Diners will also get to enjoy a complimentary serving of deep fried chicken in szechuan style. The opening specials will be available up to 31 August 2016 only.

Note: This post was brought to you by Peach Garden.


Peach Garden Chinese Ding
Changi Airport Terminal 2
Departure Hall
60 Airport Boulevard
#036-084
Singapore 819643
Tel: +65 63863033
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Changi Airport (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1030am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Changi Airport MRT station. Take Exit A. Take the escalator to departure hall. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Loylum Thai Boat Noodles @ Sam Leong Road (Little India)

Many Thai Boat Noodles eateries have sprung up across Singapore this year. Loylum Thai Boat Noodles is the latest entry in the local F&B scene located at Sam Leong Road, just a street behind Kitchener Road. In fact Loylum is a brand in Thailand since 1952, with around 20 outlets in Thailand. Loylum has worked with a local partner to bring the authentic taste to Singapore.

Beef Thai Noodle Soup with Thin Kway Teow 3.8/5

At Loylum, the ordering comes in 3 simple steps. First you select to have Beef, Chicken, Pork or Vegetarian. Second the type of noodles (Mee Hoon, Egg Noodle, Thick Kway Teow, Thin Kway Teow). Lastly the size of the bowl. Either $2 or $5. There are also side dishes whereby diners can add on at an extra cost.

Pork Thai Noodle with Egg Noodles 4/5

For the bigger bowl, we tried the Beef Thai Noodle Soup with Thin Kway Teow ($5) and Pork Thai Noodle with Egg Noodles ($5). We also added an Thai Egg ($1) to each bowl. Both the soup base were quite rich and robust with hints of herbal taste. I added additional pork lard for a more flavours. Personally I preferred the pork version over the beef, as I did not enjoy the cut of beef being used.

Chicken Thai Noodle with Egg Noodle 3.5/5

Mushroom Thai Noodle 3/5

For the Chicken Thai Noodle ($2) and Mushroom Thai Noodle ($2), we ordered the smaller bowl. The soup for these two bowl of noodles were lighter and cleaner in taste.

Thai Mango Salad 3.5/5

Besides the noodles, we also got ourselves a plate of Thai Mango Salad ($4). I do not like how the mango was shredded, losing the crunchy bites. Nevertheless, the characteristics of the Thai flavours were all present, with the natural sourness of the mango exciting my palates.

Durian Chendol 4/5

Perfect for the humid weather in Singapore, we rounded off our lunch with the Durian Chendol ($6) and Thai Mango Sago ($4). While I enjoyed the durian chendol, I felt that the puree for the mango sago was rather watered down.

Thai Mango Sago 3/5

I have not tried enough Thai Boat Noodles to do a comparison but based on my visit, Loylum does provide a comforting and hearty bowl of noodles. Together with the side dishes and desserts, it completes a satisfying meal.


Loylum Thai Boat Noodles
45 Sam Leong Road
Singapore 207935
Tel: +65 62913001
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Farrer Park (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Farrer Park MRT station. Take Exit I. Cut cross City Square Mall to the exit to Kitchener Road. Cross the traffic junction and continue straight on Verdun Road. Turn left onto Sam Leong Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 7 minutes.