Crystal Jade Group Celebrates National Day with Elevated Singapore-Inspired Creations

In celebration of Singapore’s 61st National Day, Crystal Jade Group presents a thoughtfully curated National Day Collection that pays homage to the nation’s rich and diverse culinary heritage. Available from 10 July to 30 August 2026 across its portfolio of restaurants, the limited-time showcase reinterprets familiar local flavours through the lens of refined Chinese cuisine. Staying true to its philosophy of honouring tradition while elevating it with culinary craftsmanship and premium ingredients, the collection brings together a series of inventive dishes that evoke both nostalgia and sophistication.

Crystal Jade Palace: White Pepper Crab Meat in Golden Tart 4.5/5

We had the opportunity to sample selections across several of its concepts, each offering a unique take on beloved Singaporean flavours.

Starting at Crystal Jade Palace, the White Pepper Crab Meat in Golden Tart ($22 for 6 pcs) is an elegant bite-sized tribute to one of Singapore’s iconic seafood dishes. Sweet, succulent crab meat is delicately sautéed with ginger, spring onion and a generous hit of fragrant white pepper, before being nestled into crisp golden tartlet shells made from spring roll pastry. Each bite delivers a harmonious balance of peppery warmth and natural sweetness, making it dangerously moreish.

Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen: Pan-Fried Hainanese Chicken Rice Dumpling 4.5/5

At Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen, the Pan-Fried Hainanese Chicken Rice Dumpling ($6.80 for 3 pcs) offers a clever reinterpretation of Singapore’s unofficial national dish. Crisp on the outside and soft within, the rice flour dumplings encase a fragrant filling of glutinous rice and tender chicken, infused with ginger, garlic and pandan. Served with a house-made chicken rice chilli, the dish captures the essence of the original while presenting it in a refreshing new format.

Crystal Jade Pavilion: Chargrilled Scallop & Rojak Tartlet 4/5

Another highlight from Crystal Jade Pavilion is the Chargrilled Scallop & Rojak Tartlet ($18.80 for 8 pcs). The crisp ‘pie tee’ shell holds a vibrant rojak-inspired medley of jicama, pineapple and cucumber, lightly coated in rojak sauce. Crowned with a smoky chargrilled scallop, the dish delivers a lively interplay of sweet, tangy and savoury flavours with contrasting textures.

Crystal Jade Golden Palace: Sesame Otah Toast 4/5

Over at Crystal Jade Golden Palace, the Sesame Otah Toast ($14.80 for 4 pcs) gives a nostalgic favourite a refined twist. Inspired by classic prawn toast, it features a generous layer of house-made otah prawn paste, coated with sesame seeds and deep-fried to a golden crisp. The result is a fragrant, crunchy bite packed with spice and umami.

Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao: Wok-Fried Prawns in XO Sauce 4/5

Seafood lovers will enjoy the Wok-Fried Prawns with Jackfruit & Pineapple in XO Sauce ($23.80/Regular) from Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao. The prawns are plump and bouncy, coated in a robust XO sauce that delivers a savoury, mildly spicy punch. The addition of jackfruit and pineapple introduces a natural sweetness that brightens the dish and adds a unique tropical dimension.

Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen: Sizzling Pig Blood Curd & Tofu 4.2/5

For something more adventurous, the Sizzling Pig Blood Curd & Tofu with Salted Fish & Minced Meat ($16.80/Regular) at Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen is a comforting claypot dish that showcases an often underappreciated ingredient. Silky pig blood curd and tofu are braised with minced pork and salted fish in a deeply aromatic base of ginger, garlic and chillies. Rich, savoury and intensely satisfying, it is a dish that rewards the more curious diner.

Crystal Jade Pavilion: Australian Wagyu Beef Brisket in Pineapple Nanyang Curry 4.2/5

A hearty centrepiece comes in the form of the Australian Wagyu Beef Brisket in Pineapple Nanyang Curry ($42/Regular) at Crystal Jade Pavilion. The tender wagyu brisket is slow-braised in a fragrant curry enriched with pineapple, okra, onions and kaffir lime leaf. The pineapple lends a gentle sweetness and acidity that cuts through the richness of the beef, resulting in a well-balanced curry that is both indulgent and distinctly local.

Crystal Jade Palace: Braised Rice Vermicelli with Seafood in Satay Sauce 4/5

Carbohydrate lovers should not miss the Braised Rice Vermicelli with Seafood in Satay Sauce ($36/Regular) at Crystal Jade Palace. The thick vermicelli is braised with prawns and squid in a robust ‘sha cha’ sauce, delivering deep umami flavours with a pronounced wok hei. It is a comforting dish that draws clear inspiration from Singapore’s hawker fare.

Crystal Jade Golden Palace: Chilled Durian Coconut Ice Jelly 4.2/5

Ending on a sweet note, the Chilled Durian Coconut Ice Jelly ($6.80/pax) at Crystal Jade Golden Palace is a refreshing dessert that celebrates tropical flavours. The silky coconut jelly is paired with a generous portion of durian flesh and strands of chendol, offering a delightful balance between creamy richness and light sweetness.

Crystal Jade Pavilion: Lychee Pastry 3.5/5

The Lychee Pastry ($12 for 3 pcs) from Crystal Jade Pavilion presents a delicate finish, featuring a crisp pastry shell filled with lychee and Chinese yam. While light and refreshing, the yam filling may not appeal to those who prefer more traditional fillings.

Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao: Kaya Mochi 4.2/5

Lastly, the Kaya Mochi ($5.80 for 3 pcs) at Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao is an addictive treat. The soft, stretchy mochi encases a fragrant kaya filling, delivering a harmonious combination of textures and flavours that makes it hard to stop at just one.

Overall, Crystal Jade’s National Day Collection succeeds in reimagining Singapore’s beloved flavours with creativity and finesse. Each dish reflects a thoughtful balance between nostalgia and innovation, offering diners a fresh perspective on familiar tastes while preserving their cultural essence. Available for a limited time only, this collection is a fitting tribute to Singapore’s vibrant culinary heritage and well worth exploring across the group’s various dining concepts.

PROMOTIONS
From 10 July to 30 August 2026, Jadeite Members and OCBC Cardmembers can enjoy 15% off with a minimum order of two National Day Special dishes at participating Crystal Jade restaurants. *Terms and conditions apply.

Note: This is an invited tasting.

The Landing Point @ The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore - Matcha Expressions Afternoon Tea

Calling all afternoon tea enthusiasts and matcha girlies. The Landing Point at The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore has launched a seasonal Matcha Expressions Afternoon Tea, available from 1 July to 31 August 2026. Paying tribute to one of Japan’s most iconic drinks, the afternoon tea showcases premium usucha-grade matcha sourced from Uji, Kyoto, Japan’s most renowned tea-growing region.

Set against the picturesque Marina Bay waterfront, The Landing Point is a pretty spot for afternoon tea, especially if you’re lucky enough to book one of their sofa seats. The natural light-filled space, with its floor-to-ceiling windows and elegant interiors, makes it especially popular for leisurely catch-ups and, of course, plenty of photos.

Presented on an elegant 3-tiered stand dressed with pretty florals, this limited-time menu incorporates matcha across both the savoury and sweet selections with subtle Japanese influences. Chef Joan Octavi also shared that he was particularly excited for us to try the desserts, which turned out to be the highlight of the experience.

Matcha

As expected from a matcha-themed afternoon tea, each guest is welcomed with a glass of Matcha, served either warm or iced. The set also includes a choice of coffee or tea. I opted for the Crème Brûlée tea, a fragrant green tea infused with delicate notes of strawberries and red fruits. Light and floral with just a hint of sweetness, it paired very nicely with the pastries throughout the afternoon.

Norwegian Smoked Trout

We started our tea time with the Norwegian Smoked Trout, served on a soft blini and layered with smooth cream cheese, ikura and a light dusting of matcha powder.

Boston Lobster

Tuna Tataki

The Boston Lobster was one of the more luxurious bites, pairing sweet, succulent lobster with a bright yuzu-matcha mayonnaise and Nomad caviar, whilst the lightly seared Tuna Tataki was served with crisp kohlrabi and sesame-matcha aioli.

Duck Rillettes

Served on a crisp cracker, the Duck Rillettes came with matcha fig compote and cornichon. The duck was rich and savoury, while the fig compote contributed a mellow sweetness.

Classic Cucumber Sandwich

Truffle Egg Salad Sandwich

The Classic Cucumber Sandwich was simple but tasty, with crisp cucumber and cream cheese tucked between soft bread. The Truffle Egg Salad Sandwich’s creamy filling and fragrant truffle made for an easy crowd-pleaser.

To be honest, the matcha element wasn’t particularly evident in the savoury bites, as it was used more as a subtle accent rather than the main event. Regardless, each savoury bite was well-composed, felt premium and was very enjoyable. I thought that this also provided a nice balance before we moved on to the sweets where matcha was more prominently used.

Chitose Strawberry Matcha Shortcake, Matcha Cheesecake

From the dessert selection, what caught my eye first was the gorgeous Chitose Strawberry Matcha Shortcake, featuring layers of fluffy matcha sponge, fresh strawberries and light vanilla Chantilly. Given how trendy and popular matcha strawberry has been recently, I was pleased to see this combination on the menu.

Next to it was the Matcha Cheesecake, featuring a smooth matcha cream cheese filling atop buttery graham crumbs, finished with a glossy matcha glaze.

Matcha Yuzu Pecan, Matcha Custard Mochi, Matcha Raspberry

The Matcha Yuzu Pecan was my favourite sweet of the afternoon. It combines caramelised pecan praline, whipped matcha ganache and dark chocolate, all brightened with a touch of yuzu. I especially loved how the toasted, buttery pecans complemented the earthy matcha.

For a different texture, the Matcha Custard Mochi was equally enjoyable. The chewy mochi encased a silky custard filling with sweet azuki red bean. It’s not overly sweet either, and the flavours came together nicely.

The Matcha Raspberry paired smooth matcha crémeux with raspberry confit and airy matcha chiffon sponge. The tartness of the raspberry cut through the matcha cream, so it wasn't too heavy.

Citrus Baba Savarin

Instead of the traditional scones, the afternoon tea offers a Citrus Baba Savarin, served with green tea crème and tangy yuzu curd. I thought this was a unique change from the usual format. The baba was light, soft and pleasantly moist, while the citrus flavours made it feel much less filling than a classic scone with clotted cream and jam. It rounded off the sweet selection on a zesty note.

The Matcha Afternoon Tea offers a very pleasant take on matcha without overdoing it. The desserts in particular showcase it in a variety of ways, pairing it with strawberries, yuzu, raspberries and pecans. The Landing Point’s elegant waterfront setting and attentive service make for a lovely afternoon out as well.

Matcha Expressions Afternoon Tea
Date: 1 July to 31 August 2026
Daily: 12.00pm to 2.30pm | 3.30pm to 6.00pm
Price: S$68++ per adult | S$34++ per child (6 to 11 years old)

Note: This is an invited tasting.


The Landing Point
The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore
80 Collyer Quay
Singapore 049326
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Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hour:
Afternoon Tea
Daily: 12.00pm to 2.30pm | 3.30pm to 6.00pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Clifford Centre. Cut across the building. Take the overhead bridge link across the road. Turn right at the base of the overhead bridge. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Ginkyō by Kinki @ Holland Village - Japanese-Inspired Ochaji Teishoku Afternoon Tea

Sat on the third floor of One Holland Village is Ginkyō by Kinki, a modern Japanese bistro featuring a menu that spotlights Japanese fusion creations using both Japanese and international ingredients. This concept is by the same team behind Kinki at Customs House.

Ochaji Teishoku 4/5

The restaurant has now launched a new experience, the Ochaji Teishoku, a Japanese-inspired Afternoon Tea available every Friday and Sunday from 2.30pm to 5pm. The 8-course experience is priced at $68 per set, served in an elegant wooden shiraki box. Unlike the usual afternoon teas built around a mix of sweet and savoury bites, Ginkyō’s rendition focuses on 7 savoury Japanese dishes and 2 types of desserts.

Pitan Tofu

We started with the earthy Pitan Tofu, featuring a smooth base of house-made egg tofu topped with tobiko and snow crab flakes.

Tai Tiradito

Next was the Tai Tiradito, thin slices of sea bream dressed in a citrusy marinade, paired with cherry tomato and shio konbu. We would have preferred it to be less citrus-forward for better balance.

Sashimi Trio

The Sashimi Trio featured seasonal cuts, and ours was impressively fresh.

Tori Tsukune

The fourth course was the Wagyu Tataki, but as we do not take beef, the chef kindly swapped it for Tori Tsukune. This was one of our highlights, tender and grilled to a lovely char, finished with a sweet soy glaze.

Tasai Kakiage

The crunchy Tasai Kakiage was a pleasant surprise. The mix of napa cabbage, carrot, capsicum, onion and shimeji mushroom was well-balanced, paired with a savoury-sweet dipping sauce.

Ikura Rice

While the Ikura Rice may look simple, the briny, fresh ikura provides a welcome burst of flavour.

Truffle Tamagoyaki

The final savoury dish was the Truffle Tamagoyaki, pairing sweet egg with truffle paste.

For dessert, two types of sweets were served: seasonal Japanese Mochi and Ichigo Panna Cotta. We preferred the latter for its smooth texture and lightly sweetened profile.

Reservations are encouraged and can be made at www.ginkyo.sg/reservations or by phone at +65 9337 7451.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣) and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Ginkyo by Kinki
One Holland Village
7 Holland Village Way
#03-01 to 04
Singapore 275748
Tel: +65 9337 7451
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Nearest MRT: Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 1130am - 230pm, 5pm - 10pm
Fri-Sat: 1130am - 230pm, 5pm - 1030pm
Sun: 5pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk to Lorong Liput. Turn right onto Lorong Liput. Walk down Lorong Liput. Walk to the destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Ya Ge (雅阁) Welcomes the Year of the Horse with “Prosperity in Full Bloom” – A Refined Chinese New Year 2026 Celebration

Ushering in Chinese New Year 2026 with quiet confidence and understated luxury, Ya Ge (雅阁) at Orchid Hotel Singapore presents Prosperity in Full Bloom, a thoughtfully curated festive showcase that honours tradition, craftsmanship and auspicious flavours. Available for both dine-in and takeaway from 1 January to 3 March 2026, the offering spans six meticulously designed set menus, à la carte highlights, and an extensive range of festive takeaway delicacies, making it equally suited to intimate family gatherings or grand reunion feasts.

Prosperity Yu Sheng with Yellowtail and Crispy Eel 4.2/5

The celebratory journey begins, as tradition dictates, with the Prosperity Yu Sheng with Yellowtail and Crispy Eel. Visually vibrant and texturally engaging, the platter layers silky yellowtail sashimi with crisp eel and dried shredded codfish over a bed of freshly shredded vegetables, nuts and seeds. What truly elevates the toss is Chef’s house-made citrus dressing — freshly squeezed orange and lemon juice gently reduced for intensity. Bright, aromatic and refreshing, it sets an uplifting tone of abundance and good fortune.

Double-boiled Golden Fish Maw with Asian Moon Scallop and Imperial Tribute Chrysanthemum 4/5

A clear standout among the festive offerings is the Double-boiled Golden Fish Maw with Asian Moon Scallop and Imperial Tribute Chrysanthemum. Slow-simmered old hen forms a deep, full-bodied broth that cradles prized fish maw and Asian moon scallop, perfumed with Huangshan wild tribute chrysanthemum. Silken in texture and deeply restorative, this soup speaks of patience, tradition and indulgent well-being. It is a luxurious expression of festive nourishment.

Steamed Yellow Croaker in Chicken Broth with Fennel 4.2/5

Seafood lovers will appreciate the finesse of the Steamed Yellow Croaker in Chicken Broth with Fennel. Marinated for hours with fennel, thyme, rosemary and bay leaf, the fish is gently steamed in a rich chicken broth, resulting in flesh that is delicate yet flavourful. Clean, subtly aromatic and elegantly restrained, the dish showcases Ya Ge’s precision-driven approach to classic Cantonese techniques.

Stir-fried Australian Lobster with Glutinous Rice Wine Sauce 4.2/5

For a bolder expression, the Stir-fried Australian Lobster with Glutinous Rice Wine Sauce delivers festive indulgence with restraint. Inspired by Beijing-style stir-fry traditions, fermented glutinous rice wine and Pi Xian broad bean paste lend warmth and complexity, enhancing rather than overpowering the lobster’s natural sweetness. The flavours are layered and fragrant, making this a celebratory centrepiece worthy of the occasion.

Deep-fried Deshelled Prawn coated with Fish Floss and Shrimp Roe Salad 4.5/5

Texture and crunch come into play with the Deep-fried Deshelled Prawn, coated with Fish Floss and Shrimp Roe, and served with a Shrimp Roe Salad. Golden and crisp, the prawns are tossed in a savoury-sweet house dressing enriched with shrimp roe and fish floss, offering immediate satisfaction and an addictive interplay of flavours.

Sautéed Eight Treasures Vegetables with Yunnan Black Tiger Palm Mushroom 4/5

Vegetarian offerings are no afterthought here. The Sautéed Eight Treasures Vegetables with Yunnan Black Tiger Palm Mushroom wrapped in Lotus Leaf is quietly luxurious. A medley of premium ingredients — from ginkgo nuts and lotus seeds to macadamia nuts, white fungus and bamboo shoots — is gently wrapped in lotus leaf and steamed, releasing a delicate fragrance when unveiled at the table. It is elegant, nourishing and deeply comforting.

Steamed Lotus Leaf Jasmine and Glutinous Rice with Chinese Sausages and Wax Meat 4/5

Anchoring the feast is the Steamed Lotus Leaf Jasmine and Glutinous Rice with Chinese Sausages and Wax Meat. Fragrant jasmine rice and sticky glutinous grains absorb the savoury richness of Chinese sausage and waxed meat, offering familiar comfort and balance, a gentle reminder that prosperity is best shared.

Chilled Red Ruby with Jackfruit and Corn, Mandarin Orange Mochi 4/5

Desserts provide a refreshing close, from the Chilled Red Ruby with Jackfruit and Corn to Mandarin Orange Mochi filled with custard and mandarin pulp, ending the meal on a light, sweet-tart note.

Nian Gao with Gula Melaka and Sweet Potato

Prosperity Lion Nian Gao

Steamed Radish Cake with Conpoy and Chinese Sausage

Beyond the dining room, Ya Ge extends the festivities with an impressive lineup of takeaway and gifting options. Highlights include the generously layered Ya Ge Prosperity Pen Cai, Prosperity Yu Sheng in two sizes, roasted boneless suckling pig, dry-aged Irish duck, premium roast platters and handcrafted radish cake. New festive additions such as Prosperity Lion Nian Gao, Duo Happiness Nian Gao with Gula Melaka and Sweet Potato, Ya Ge Ingot Nian Gao with Dried Longan, and a delicately balanced Red Bean Pudding add variety to the offerings. Curated takeaway reunion sets make hosting effortless, with 15% savings on pre-orders, ideal for early planners and corporate gifting.

Ya Ge Ingot Nian Gao with Dried Longan

Ya Ge’s Chinese New Year menu will be available for dine-in from 1 January to 3 March 2026, with reservations highly recommended due to limited seating and high demand. The takeaway sets and goodies can be made online 3 days in advance at https://eshop-yage.myshopify.com or at the restaurant. Guests can enjoy a 15% discount on pre-orders. For more information on all Chinese New Year menus and takeaway festive goodies, please log on to https://www.orchidhotel.com.sg/offers/yage-2026-chinese-new-year.

Note: This is an invited tasting


Ya Ge (雅阁)
Orchid Hotel Singapore
1 Tras Link
Singapore 078867
Tel: +65 6818 6831
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight towards the Orchid Hotel. Journey time is about 3 minutes. [Map]