Ginger @ PARKROYAL on Beach Road - A Collaboration with One MICHELIN Star Khao for a Taste of Thailand's Finest Treasures

For the month of October 2023, Ginger at PARKROYAL on Beach Road brings the vibrant flavours of Thailand to Singapore in a unique collaboration with One MICHELIN Star Khao from Bangkok. The 'Flavours of Siam & Home' buffet dinner, available from 6 to 29 October 2023, promises an exciting and delicious taste of Thailand curated by Ginger's Chef Vincent Aw, Khao's Found-owner Ms. Pradinan Arkarachinores, and Celebrity Chef Andy Yang.

With much anticipation fueled by the rave reviews from friends who have visited Khao in Bangkok, I couldn't contain my excitement to savour these dishes right here in Singapore. While the buffet spread also includes an array of local favourites and international offerings, my focus was undeniably on Khao.

River Prawns wand Glass Noodles in Claypot 4.8/5

I dived straight into the Goong Ob Woon Sen, a tantalising dish of River Prawns with Glass Noodles in a Claypot. The glass noodles turned out to be an unexpected delight, skillfully soaking up the opulent and hearty essence of the crustacean, creating a harmonious marriage of flavours that left a lasting impression.

Phad Thai with Prawns 4.2/5

Next on my plate was the Phad Thai Goong, Phad Thai with Prawns. While it may appear as a simple dish, achieving the right balance in Phad Thai is an art. The chewy noodles were spot on, and the harmonious blend of sweet, savoury, and tangy notes made this dish a standout.

Beef Shank with Green Curry 4.5/5

Usually accustomed to green curry with chicken, I ventured into new territory with the Gaeng Kiew Wan Nua Nong Gae, Beef Shank with Green Curry. This variation of green curry was less sweet and creamy compared to what I've had before. Still, it boasted a saucy consistency with a subtle hint of spiciness that perfectly complemented the tender beef shank.

Lamb Shank with Massaman Curry 4/5

Continuing my exploration of Khao's dishes, I had the Massaman Nua Nong Gae, Lamb Shank with Massaman Curry. Massaman curry, sweeter in nature compared to green curry, had no traces of spiciness. The lamb shank was tender and devoid of any gamey flavours.

Wok-fried Minced Chicken with Holy Basils 4.2/5

One of my favourites, Phad Gaprao Cai, Wok-fried Minced Chicken with Holy Basils, delivered an unforgettable punch. The dish was fiery, with a level of spiciness that may be too intense for some. However, the boldness of the flavours here remained authentic.

Crispy Fluffy Catfish with Spicy Mango Salad 4.2/5

The Yum Pladouk Foo, Crispy Fluffy Catfish with Spicy Mango Salad, was a delightful contrast of crispy bites paired with a tantalizingly spicy mango salad.

Crabmeat Omelet, served with Sriracha Sauce 4.2/5

The Khai Jiew Poo, a Crabmeat Omelet served with Sriracha Sauce, arrived with eager anticipation. While it boasted an enticing aroma of eggs without being overly greasy, I couldn't help but wish for a more generous serving of crabmeat to fully savour its sweetness. As it stood, it leaned slightly more towards an egg omelet, albeit a well-prepared one, especially when paired with the zesty Sriracha sauce.

Northern Thai-style Egg Noodles Curry with Chicken 4.5/5

Delving into lesser-known territory, I tried the Khao Soi Gai, Northern Thai-style Egg Noodles Curry with Chicken. It presented egg noodles in a sweet and creamy sauce—a bowl of pure comfort with tender poached chicken.

Boiled Water Chestnuts coated in Thin Flour 5/5

To wrap up this memorable dining experience, I couldn't resist the Tub Tim Grob, Boiled Water Chestnuts coated in Thin Flour, served in refreshing coconut water. This version stood out with its unique twist, perhaps attributed to the fresh coconut water. The addition of jackfruit added an extra layer of flavour and texture, making it a must-try dessert.

'Flavours of Siam & Home' is exclusively available during buffet dinner, with prices at $78++ per adult and $39++ per child from Monday to Thursday, and $88++ per adult and $44++ per child from Friday to Sunday, public holidays, and the eve of public holidays. Additionally, UOB cardmembers can enjoy an exclusive 20% discount on their total bill when using a UOB credit or debit card.

Note: This is an invited tasting


Ginger
PARKROYAL on Beach Road
Level1
7500 Beach Road
Singapore 199591
Tel: +65 3138 1995
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Nicoll Highway (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Buffet Lunch – 12pm to 2.30pm
Buffet Dinner – 6pm to 10pm
À La Carte Dining - 8am to 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Nicoll Highway MRT station. Take Exit A. Follow the overhead walkway all the way to The Concourse building. Take the exit down to Nicoll Highway and walk towards Parkroyal Serviced Residences. Cut through towards Parkroyal Hotel. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Sawa De' Kafe @ Chinatown - Offering both Traditional Thai Dishes And Fusion Plates

Sawa De'Kafe on Temple Street is a modern Thai bistro cafe that offers a delightful combination of well-loved Thai classics and fusion plates enriched with Thai flavours. The founders, Mr. David and his Thai wife from Chiang Rai, were former chefs during their time studying in Japan, where Japanese Western-style cafes are common and popular. Drawing inspiration from these fusion cafes, Mr David aims to offer diners a different way to enjoy Thai cuisine by creating Western-style dishes infused with Thai flavours alongside the classics, all within a cosy and comfortable environment. Overseeing the kitchen is his wife's ensuring the most authentic Thai flavours reach every table.

Mango Salad 4.8/5

Papaya Salad 4.8/5

I had the Papaya Salad ($7) and the Mango Salad ($7). Both dishes whetted my appetite with the utmost amount of peanuts and dried shrimp tossed into the shredded fruits, all brought to life with piquant Northern Thai-style sauce.

Kor Moo Yang 3.8/5

Kor Moo Yang ($15) features slices of grilled pork collar. While they weren't as tender as expected, they were quite delectable despite the visibly good amount of fats present, especially when paired with the dipping sauce.

Red Coconut Curry 5/5

Red Coconut Curry ($15) with Prawn is a dish that's impossible to discuss without salivating. It's robust and vibrant, packed with aromatics and spices. Staying true to its café concept, besides rice and glutinous rice, diners have the option to add on a Butter Croissant ($3.50) to soak up the irresistibly moreish curry. This pairing draws inspiration from the way we savour chilli crab with fried mantou.

Tom Yum Spaghetti 4/5

The menu offers a diverse range of pasta dishes infused with Thai flavours, including Green Curry, Red Curry Prawns, Basil Pork, and even Phad Thai with Spaghetti. I had the Tom Yum Spaghetti ($17). Brimming with seafood ingredients, the al dente spaghetti was zingy with a well-executed Tom Yum sauce. While most Tom Yum sauces out there tend to be relatively rich and creamy, the version here had a lighter consistency, which was much more elegant, and the heat level was just right. I particularly appreciate its bright and citrusy notes, which elevated the dish's overall taste.

Vegetarian Green Curry 3/5

Catering to the increasing demand for meatless options, most curries and pasta dishes have vegetarian alternatives. I opted for the Vegetarian Green Curry ($13), which included Konjac prawns, tofu, and brinjal. It's worth noting that a greater variety of vegetables would have been more complementary to the robust curry.

Ice Hale's Butterfly Pea Tea, Red Ruby, Green Tea Butterfly Pea Basque Cheesecake

Other than Thai desserts, there is also a range of cakes which one can enjoy with Thai beverages or coffees. Red Ruby with Jackfruit ($6) was rather average. I recommend the Green Tea Butterfly Pea Basque Cheesecake ($6), which is homemade by one of the couple's daughters and one of the best cheesecakes I have had for a long time. It was light and mildly sweet with a hint of lemony note, laced with an alluring tea fragrance. Its light bluish-green colour was aesthetically pleasing and tasted as elegant as it looked. Ice Hale's Butterfly Pea Tea ($6) was pretty with Thai pink milk, which was refreshing after all the spicy dishes.

High Tea sets are also available if you want to try more of their desserts and cakes. As Sawa De'Kafe is still relatively new, it will be adding more Western fusion dishes to the menu in the future.

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.


Sawa De'Kafe
30 Temple Street
#01-01
Singapore 058575
Facebook
Instagram
Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon, Wed: 11am - 9pm
Fri-Sun: 11am - 930pm
(Closed on Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Pagoda Street. Turn right onto Trengganu Street. Walk down Trengganu Street and turn left onto Temple Street. Walk down Temple Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Burma Social @ Tras Street - A Feast of Six Kingdoms, Harmonizing Culinary Inspirations from Neighbouring Countries with Burmese Cuisine at Its Epicentre

Burma Social at Tras Street stands as a pioneering multicultural restaurant and bar, presenting a captivating Feast of Six Kingdoms. This innovative concept harmoniously blends traditional Burmese recipes with contemporary influences from its neighbouring nations like China, Thailand, India, Bangladesh, and Laos. Beyond its culinary offerings, Burma Social aspires to offer an immersive journey into the rich culture and heritage of the Burmese people. The restaurant's diverse atmosphere across different levels, accompanied by varying music, entices guests to explore the multifaceted realms of Myanmar.

Raw Coconut Milk & Broccolini with Flying Fish Roe 3/5

We started with the Raw Coconut Milk & Broccolini with Flying Fish Roe ($22). This dish challenges expectations, for it's different from our local laksa. Instead, it's a lighter, more delicate soup that artfully captures the essence of the Burmese sea. The flying fish roe imparts a delightful fragrance while adding Burmese coriander and crushed Burmese nuts introduces an extra layer of umami, creating a fascinating blend of flavours.

Lahpet Nay Wai Thoke 2.8/5

Moving on, the Laphet Nay Wai Thoke - Tea Leaf ($18) offers a vegetarian and vegan-friendly delight. Fermented tea leaves intermingle with green tomato, lent crunch, cabbage, and mixed Burmese nuts, creating a textured symphony of flavours. While its earthy profile may be unfamiliar to newcomers, a hint of lemon juice brightens the dish, adding a refreshing twist that takes some time to appreciate fully.

Papaya & Mango Thoke (Ye Thu Kyun) 3.5/5

A tribute to the familiar, the Papaya & Mango Thoke ($22) echoes Thai Papaya and Mango salad. Here, bittersweet Burmese papaya mingles with sweet poached prawns, resulting in a tasteful fusion of textures and flavours. The Burmese papaya undergoes fermentation to shed its excess bitterness, allowing its robust fruity character to harmonize perfectly with the prawns' taste. Poached sous vide and marinated prawns further enrich the experience.

Crispy Tohu Jaw 3.5/5

The Crispy Tofu Jaw ($20) introduces a unique departure from conventional tofu. Crafted from ground Indian chickpeas, the tofu undergoes a labour-intensive process, yielding a starchy gelatinous texture when cooked. Finished with Burmese black jaggery sauce, composed of Burmese gula melaka and Indian sugarcane, this dish boasts a sweet undertone. A mix of Burmese and Thai basil leaves elevates the tofu with a subtle sweet cinnamon note.

Hnin Si's Steam Puzon 2.8/5

Hnin Si's Steam Puzon ($32) emerges as a dish of prawn and mudfish, sous vide for remarkable tenderness, before steaming into firm cakes. While the paste-like texture might not resonate with all palates, wrapping it in rice paper alongside housemade chilli invokes a sense of familiarity akin to our Chinese chilli sauce.

Ohn-no Kyaukswe 3/5

The Ohn-no Kyaukswe ($32) anchors the main course with gluten-free rice noodles accompanied by vegetable soup and barramundi fish cakes. The delightful springiness of the rice noodles, reminiscent of our local thick beehoon, becomes a canvas for absorbing the flavours of the accompanying soup.

A-thi 3.5/5

Concluding on a sweet note, A-thi, Burnt Mango and Black Jaggery Coconut Sorbet ($14) offers a sophisticated finale. Torched mango lends caramelized sweetness to luscious Burmese mangoes, with housemade coconut sorbet and gula melaka sorbet enhancing the experience. This trifecta of Southeast Asian local sweets is a fitting conclusion to a distinctive culinary journey at Burma Social.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Burma Social
34 Tras Street
Singapore 079026
Tel: +65 6016 9140
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 12midnight
Sat: 6pm - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Tras Street. Turn right onto Tras Street. Walk down Tras Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 2. Turn left and walk down Tanjong Pagar Road. Turn left onto Tras Street. Walk down Tras Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes.  [Map]

Mama Jac's Kitchenette Private Dining - A Memorable and Satisfying Cantonese-Peranakan Dinner

During my visit to Mama Jac's Kitchenette Private Dining in April 2023, I had the pleasure of experiencing an 8-course meal priced at $125.50 per person. Mama Jac specialises in Cantonese-Peranakan cuisine, offering a unique fusion of flavours and culinary traditions.

Mango Salad 4.5/5

Our private dining experience commenced with the tantalising Mango Salad, a refreshing appetiser that combined the perfect balance of crunch and pungent flavours. The vibrant mangoes added a delightful sweetness to the dish.

Hai Zhou 4.8/5

Next, we indulged in the Hai Zhou, a substantial dish featuring plump prawns wrapped in crispy beancurd skin. The prawns were succulent, bursting with natural sweetness, while the beancurd skin added a satisfying crunch to each bite.

Bakwan Kepiting 5/5

One of the standout dishes was the Bakwan Kepiting, a meatball soup packed with depth and robust flavours. The generously sized meatball was juicy and tender, enhanced by the addition of crabmeat, which imparted a delightful seafood sweetness. The bamboo shoots added a layer of texture and flavour to the dish.

Brandy Cincalok Ayam 4.8/5

A highlight of the evening was the Brandy Cincalok Ayam, a unique Peranakan creation that surprised and delighted my taste buds. The combination of cincalok, a traditional fermented shrimp paste, with brandy brought a new depth of flavour to the tender chicken, resulting in a deliciously unique culinary experience.

Nonya Chap Chye 4.8/5

The Nonya Chap Chye was executed flawlessly, with the various ingredients retaining their crunch and the fermented soybean imparting a distinct savoury note that elevated the dish's overall taste.

Mengkabo (Babi Masak Asam) 4.2/5

Mengkabo, also known as Babi Masak Asam, was another standout dish on the menu. The tender pork slices were cooked in a spicy and tangy sauce, tantalising the palate with their robust flavours. We were even encouraged to enjoy the dish with cut green chilli for an added dimension of enjoyment.

Assam Pedas Stingray 4/5

The Assam Pedas Stingray, a classic fish stew, is further impressed with its tangy and spicy profile. The addition of pineapple lent a fruity sweetness that beautifully complemented the tender stingray.

Panna Cotta Chendol

We savoured the Panna Cotta Chendol for dessert, a delightful conclusion to our meal. The homemade chendol, sea coconut, corn, and red beans were immersed in a thick and creamy coconut milk infused with the rich sweetness of Gula Melaka. While the dish was served without ice to allow the natural flavours to shine, I preferred it chilled for a more refreshing experience.

Mama Jac's Kitchenette Private Dining provided an enchanting culinary journey through Cantonese-Peranakan cuisine. The meticulously prepared dishes showcased a harmonious blend of flavours and textures, with each course leaving a lasting impression. Mama Jac's passion for her craft was evident in every dish, making this private dining experience a memorable and satisfying exploration of unique flavours and cultural influences.


Mama Jac's Kitchenette Private Dining
Blk 434 Clementi Ave 4
Singapore 120434
Facebook
Instagram
Nearest MRT: Clementi (EW Line)

Pratunam PLUS @ Bugis+ - Delicious & Crazy Affordable Thai Street Food From Just $6.90

Pratunam PLUS at Bugis+ is Soi Thai Soi Nice's new flagship outlet that boasts an exclusively more extensive menu, with items that will not be available at the existing outlets at ARC and Westgate. Dressed in a bright and bold colour palette, Pratunam Plus wants you to have a fun and exciting dining experience of tucking into its offerings of Thai street food tagged with pocket-friendly prices. Expect exclusive items such as Thai-style Grilled Skewers, coupled with Thai Milk Bubble Teas or even beers if you are in the mood.

Assorted Skewers 3.5/5

The offering of a wide range of skewers set Pratunam PLUS apart from other Thai eateries. Starting from $1.20 onwards, let the entire skewers menu tempts you with exotic items such as Thai street staples - Chicken Heart, Chicken Liver, Chicken Gizzard, and even Small Intestines are all priced at $1.60 per stick. The less adventurous me chose Enoki Mushroom Pork Belly Slices from the Ham or Pork Belly Series ($1.80 per stick), which didn't disappoint with its nicely charred pork belly and juicy mushroom. I also tried the Pork Skewer and Basil Pork ($1.80 each) which were a tad too dry, whereas the non-meat skewers such as Lady's Fingers, Shitake Mushrooms and Oyster Mushrooms, were a lot more delectable.

Butterfly Pea Bubble Tea

Amp up the fun factor with its range of Bubble Teas!

Premium Tom Yum Mama 4/5

Under Noodles, fans of Tom Yum Mama will be delighted with its Premium Tom Yum Mama ($12.90). Served with gooey melted cheese slab and a glistening runny egg, this humble Thai instant noodles brimmed with flavours and hearty ingredients, such as squid, prawns and ham, including its signature handmade Thai Minced Pork Ball.

Runny Omelette Prawn Fried Rice 4.5/5

A must-try Rice dish is its Runny Omelette Prawn Fried Rice ($8.90). The luscious omelette blanket was amazingly soft and tender, draping over fried rice that was skillfully done with a hint of wok hei. The prawns were sweet and crunchy, which stood out even more against the velvety egg and savoury rice. The piquant and fiery green chilli sauce served at the side lent an extra kick of flavour.

Tom Yum Seafood Soup 4.5/5

I love the Tom Yum Seafood Soup too. The portion was generous with loads of mushrooms, prawns, fish and squid, and its flavours were balanced and on point. It was fiery and heady with herbs and spices, yet it wasn't too oily and rich compared to most of the red versions that I have tired.

Fragrant Fried Pork Belly 3.8/5

Vermicelli Salad 3/5

Mango Salad 3.8/5

For Sides, the options are aplenty but you won't go wrong with its Fragrant Fried Pork Belly ($6.90). You may want to balance these chunks of fatty goodness with some of the classic Thai salads - Mango Salad and Vermicelli Salad.

Pratunam PLUS delivers punchy food with flavours without being overly assertive, and the young and vibrant atmosphere may lure you back for more.

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. 


Pratunam PLUS
Bugis+
201 Victoria Street
#04-09
Singapore 188067
Tel: +65 65094790
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Bugis (DT Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 1130am - 930pm
Fri-Sat: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit C. Cross Victoria Street. Walk to Bugis+. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

SG Pho House @ North Bridge Road - New Vietnamese Restaurant By True-blue Vietnamese Lady Boss

SG Pho House is a newly opened Vietnamese restaurant, nestled in one of the shophouses along North Bridge Road. The lady boss is a true-blue Vietnamese and with her leading the kitchen together with her own team, expect real Vietnamese flavours in your pho as well as other dishes.

Its interior is probably one of the closest to that of those eating places I had been to in Vietnam, perhaps what's missing are the little stools for a morning beer. Shiny mental foldable tables with much sturdier legs that are built to last, these dining tables are actually imported from Vietnam. The menu is fairly simple, offering Beef and Chicken Pho, Vermicelli, Rice varieties and sides.

Mango Salad 4.2/5

Seafood Spring Rolls 3.5/5

For sides, we had Mango Salad ($6.90), Fresh Spring Rolls ($3.90) and Seafood Spring Rolls ($4.90). I'm really pleased with their mango salad which comes with fried shallot, shrimps and sliced pork. The acidity is just right and I could taste the citrusy of the lime juice. What I really appreciate is how the shrimps and pork are being sliced to align with the shredded mango, hence there is a bit of everything in each bite. As for the spring rolls, I thought the fresh ones are kind of flat, while there is definitely a lot more going on with the fried seafood version.

Beef Vermicelli Soup, Hue's Style 3.5/5

I was told that different style of pho uses different bases. The traditional beef noodle soup, Hue style vermicelli soup, chicken noodle soup and even Thailand style (Tom Yum) vermicelli Soup have a different soup base. The sweetness and flavours are not from MSG but a concoction of imported Vietnamese herbs, spices and their solid good broths. For the mains, we had Beef Vermicelli Soup, Hue's Style ($7.90), Rice Spaghetti Soup with Crab Meat ($9.90) and Grilled Pork Vermicelli ($9.50). The broths here are indeed the soul of the dishes. What hit my senses first was the sweetness of the broths, born from hours of simmering bones and marrow. There is depth to it, accented with herbs and spices. Served alongside the beef vermicelli soup is not just your usual plate of basil and beansprouts but with a pile of shredded kang kong to provide an extra crunch and freshness to the overall taste.

Rice Spaghetti Soup with Crab Meat 3/5

Their Rice Spaghetti is similar to our local Mee Tai Mak. The soup is made with pork bones which explains the unexpected level of sweetness. I thought it was just going to be a mediocre soup base. I like the homemade meatballs which reminds me of how a yummy minced meatball make a difference to a bowl of handmade noodle soup. However, the crab meat which is supposed to be the star of the dish was rather dry and bland, hence a better option may be their vermicelli soup with seafood only.

Grilled Pork Vermicelli 3/5

As for the Grilled Pork Vermicelli, although it didn't pack much surprises, it is a crowd pleaser with very well marinated juicy pork chop. And it is not at all boring when a bowl of it comes with a pork spring roll and a grilled fermented pork, akin to a sausage.

Vietnamese Coffee 3/5

One thing I learnt from this lunch is the similar to how a Hong Kong evaporated milk made its mark in a Hong Kong milk tea, Vietnamese have their own version of condensed milk as well, which apparently is less sweet than our local ones. True enough, even though our Avocado milkshake and Strawberry milkshake were made with big spoonfuls of their condensed milk, they turned out creamy and milky without being cloying. My Vietnamese version of 'Piccolo' was fine too, though I wish it could be a lot stronger.

Out of malls and away from the crowd, I quite enjoy the rustic atmosphere of SG Pho House which elevates the experience of tucking into their hearty broths and dishes. The chicken noodle soup is highly recommended by the owner so when you need a alternative chicken soup for your soul one of these days, do drop by!

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.


SG Pho House
774 North Bridge Road
Singapore 198742
Tel: +65 62998774
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Bugis (DT Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk down North Bridge Road towards Ophir Road direction. Continue walking North Bridge Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]