Crystal Jade Group Celebrates SG60 with a Delicious Culinary Tribute

To mark Singapore’s Diamond Jubilee, the Crystal Jade Group has unveiled a limited-time menu titled ‘SG60 Flavours’, a delicious tribute to the nation’s 60th birthday. The celebratory offerings span across various Crystal Jade dining concepts, featuring dishes inspired by local flavours, patriotic red and white colour themes, and bold, fiery spice profiles. We had the opportunity to savour a selection of these unique creations.

Singaporean Chicken Rice Siew Mai 4.5/5, Steamed Prawn Dumpling 4.2/5

We began our dinner with two dim sum items that were as innovative as they were delicious. The Steamed Prawn Dumpling topped with Chilli Crab Sauce ($9.80 for 3pcs, Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen) was a delightful fusion of the classic har gow and Singapore’s iconic chilli crab. The result was a harmonious pairing of sweet prawns with a spicy, umami-laden sauce that added just the right punch.

Equally memorable was the Singaporean Chicken Rice Siew Mai ($8.80 for 4pcs, Crystal Jade Golden Palace). This bite-sized dim sum reimagines the beloved chicken rice into a dainty morsel, with all the familiar flavours of ginger, garlic, and fragrant chicken in one savoury parcel. A clever and tasty interpretation that left a strong impression.

Duo Cheong Fun 4/5

The Duo Cheong Fun ($8.80 per portion, Crystal Jade Golden Palace) impressed with its red-and-white visual play, resembling the Singapore flag. The white version featured diced chicken and mustard greens, while the red cheong fun was filled with egg and tomato. It’s a dish that not only looks patriotic but also brings layered textures and flavours to the palate.

Wild Coral Trout Poached in Hot & Sour Tomato Broth 5/5

If there was one dish that stole the night, it was the Wild Coral Trout Poached in Hot & Sour Tomato Broth ($28 per 100g). Served tableside, the fresh coral trout was delicately poached in a vibrant broth brimming with sour, spicy, and umami notes. The fish was incredibly tender, soaking up the flavours of the broth beautifully. This dish drew so much praise that all of us went for second servings. It was easily one of the most outstanding dishes I’ve had this year.

Golden Phoenix Glutinous Rice Roll in Traditional Style 4.2/5

Available at all Crystal Jade fine dining restaurants, the Golden Phoenix Glutinous Rice Roll in Traditional Style ($88 whole) is an impressive centrepiece. The glutinous rice stuffing was fragrant and packed with flavour, while the roasted chicken was cooked to perfection with wonderfully crisp skin. A well-executed classic that evoked nostalgic flavours in a celebratory format.

Dry Curry Prawn with Yoghurt served in Banana Leaf 4.5/5

The Dry Curry Prawn with Yoghurt served in Banana Leaf ($26.80 per portion) was another standout, presenting an Indian-inspired local dish in a modern way. The prawns were plump and coated in an aromatic dry curry, with the yoghurt adding a lovely tang and richness. Presented in a banana leaf, it was a great representation of Singapore’s multicultural culinary heritage.

Youpo Shanxi Knife-cut Noodles with Minced Meat 5/5

From Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao, the Youpo Shanxi Knife-cut Noodles with Minced Meat ($20.80 regular) delivered comfort and character. The hand-cut noodles had a satisfying chew, topped with fragrant minced meat and finished with sizzling hot oil poured tableside. The aroma of spices was enticing, and the julienned vegetables added freshness and crunch. A hearty, flavour-packed bowl not to be missed.

Red Ruby Sago with Coconut Milk 3.8/5

To end the meal on a sweet note, the Red Ruby Sago with Coconut Milk ($6.80 per pax, Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen) was a refreshing treat. Crunchy red rubies and soft sago pearls bathed in creamy coconut milk made for a delightful texture contrast and a light finish.

Cute Animal Pastry with Brown Sugar Mochi 4.2/5

The final bite came in the form of the Cute Animal Pastry with Brown Sugar Mochi ($12.80 for 3pcs, Crystal Jade Pavilion). Not only was it visually adorable, but the pastry also delivered on flavour — with a crisp exterior and a chewy mochi centre filled with deep, caramel-like brown sugar. It is a fun and sweet end to a memorable meal.

Crystal Jade’s SG60 Flavours is more than just a festive menu — it’s a thoughtful and well-executed culinary tribute to Singapore’s rich food culture. Each dish showcases creativity while staying true to local flavours. Whether you’re after dim sum, noodles, or a show-stopping whole chicken, there’s something in this celebration menu to love.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Crystal Jade Group
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Tempura Makino @ Great World City - New Seasonal Summer Menu Showcasing Unagi

Summer in Japan means soaring heat, lively festivals, and an appetite for food that nourishes and cools the body, which is pretty much what we experience all year round in Singapore. Tempura Makino's new seasonal summer menu (available from 17 June 2025) brings the spirit of Japanese summer here, with a spotlight on unagi, which is believed to revitalise the body and build stamina during the sweltering season.

Umeshu Chuhai & Yuzu Lemon Chuhai 3.5/5

To beat the heat, we cooled down with Chuhai highballs ($10 each). The Umeshu Chuhai was pleasantly fruity and light, while the Yuzu Lemon Chuhai felt like summer in a glass - zesty, fizzy and refreshing without being too sweet. Both use iichiko shochu, known for its purity and quality.

Mozuku Uzaka with Shikuwasa Jelly 3.8/5

For our lunch, we started with the Mozuku Uzaka with Shikuwasa Jelly ($9). It came chilled, tangy and refreshing. The grilled unagi was smoky and soft within, balanced with crunchy cucumber, slippery Okinawan mozuku seaweed and jelly made from shikuwasa (a tart citrus fruit sometimes referred to as the "longevity fruit"). It's a great start to whet the palate.

Unagi Isobe Age 4/5

Then came the Unagi Isobe Age ($10). Think crispy, lightly battered eel speckled with aonori seaweed flakes that deliver a burst of oceanic umami. The accompanying sansho pepper salt added a gentle numbing tingle and citrus note.

Unagi Tempura Hitsumabushi 4/5

The highlight for me was the Unagi Tempura Hitsumabushi ($28). Traditionally grilled, the unagi here is given a crunchy tempura twist, served atop fluffy rice with the signature hitsumabushi experience: try it plain, try it with condiments, add a pour of warm dashi to transform it into a comforting ochazuke (tea rice), and finish however you like best. Personally, the ochazuke hit all the right notes - savoury, soothing and deeply satisfying. It also comes with a small appetiser and miso soup, rounding out the meal.

Mikan Mochi with Yuzu Sherbet 3.8/5

We ended on a bright note with the Mikan Mochi with Yuzu Sherbet ($7.50, or $6 with the Hitsumabushi). The tempura-coated mochi had a warm, chewy texture with a sweet burst of mandarin orange inside, paired with a tart and icy yuzu sherbet. It’s fried but not a heavy dessert, which I appreciated after a deep-fried main course.

Tempura Makino's seasonal menu does a fine job showcasing unagi in unexpected forms - grilled, tempura-battered or chilled with citrus. I appreciated the thoughtful pairings and attention to texture and balance. The hitsumabushi was the standout dish, and I'd gladly return for that alone. Whether you're a longtime unagi lover or just looking for a refreshing Japanese meal with a summer twist, this seasonal lineup is worth checking out. These limited-time-only dishes are available while they last.

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


Tempura Makino
Great World City
1 Kim Seng Promenade
#B1-112/113
Singapore 237994
Tel: +65 6257 8733
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Nearest MRT: Great World (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
Alight at Great World MRT station. Take Exit 6. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Hvala @ TripleOne Somerset - Celebrate 10th Anniversary with A refresh Look, and 1-For-1 Promo on 9 and 10 June 2025

Hvala at TripleOne Somerset officially reopens on 9 June 2025, unveiling a refreshed look to mark its 10th anniversary. The space now features a fun new colour palette, merging Hvala's iconic zen minimalism with modern touches.

Returning fans can look forward to a revamped menu of artisanal drinks and desserts. To celebrate, there's a 1-for-1 promo on their new hot flavoured lattes on 9 and 10 June, limited to the first 50 guests daily. Iced versions, extra toppings, and milk alternatives are available at additional cost.

Adding to the experience is Hvala's latest team member - Bob, a robotic arm dedicated to supporting whisking matcha.

The lineup of new handcrafted beverages is extensive, including both Flavoured Tea Lattes and Brewed Tea Lattes. Highlights include the Bluepea Matcha Latte, Floral Matcha Sakura Latte, and Pine Smoked Black Tea.

Matcha Kinako 4.5/5

We started with the Matcha Kinako ($7.80 hot, $8.80 iced), which impressed us with its nutty and earthy balance. It is a surprisingly harmonious blend.

Strawberry Matcha 4.2/5

Next was the Strawberry Matcha ($7.80 hot, $8.80 iced), which we had heard good things about even before our visit. This version stood out for its natural strawberry chunks and well-balanced flavour, though a tad sweet at the end. We'd gladly order it again with less sugar.

Matcha Mochi Harmony 3.5/5

A recent social media darling is the Matcha Mochi Harmony ($9.90). It combines a base of "liquid mochi" with kuromitsu and honey mochi cubes, Hvala's signature M1 matcha gelato and a fresh Tsuki matcha shot.

Texture-wise, the mochi cubes were more like slightly harder jellies, while the 'liquid mochi' was the oozy sort. While creative, the components didn't quite gel, and we found it overly sweet. If you're looking for a vegan option, inform the friendly servers, and they will swap the honey mochi cubes for the kuromitsu ones.

Matcha Petit 3.8/5

The Matcha Petit ($10.90) layered chantilly, nama chocolate, mousse, sponge, and pistachio feuilletine. We wished there was more of a crunch for that textural contrast and for the pistachio notes to come out stronger.

Matcha Hojicha Tart 4.2/5

Our favourite of the day, the Matcha Hojicha Tart ($10.90), featured a crisp shell filled with intense matcha-hojicha ganache and chewy mochi pieces. The mochi here was a much better fit, and its textures and sweetness were on point.

Hojicha Choux Puff 3.8/5

The Hojicha Choux Puff ($7.50) came with a hojicha mascarpone filling and a tea-infused shell. Though the filling was slightly lighter than expected, it was still enjoyable.

Shiro Matcha Yuzu Basque Cheesecake 4/5

We concluded with the Shiro Matcha Yuzu Basque Cheesecake ($10.90), which featured a rich matcha base accented by a zesty yuzu flavour. While I'd prefer a smoother texture to the cheesecake, it was a satisfying piece that was best for sharing.

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.


Hvala
TripleOne Somerset
111 Somerset Road
#01-10
Singapore 238164
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Mansion 7 @ Tanjong Pagar - Exquisite Dim Sum and Classic Cantonese Creations with Innovative Twists

Mansion 7 is a relatively new Cantonese restaurant located in the outdoor car park next to Tanjong Pagar MRT. It offers creative twists on classic Cantonese dishes while maintaining the use of high-quality ingredients and exquisite presentation.

The space is well-suited for gatherings and business meetings. The staff was enthusiastic about ensuring our comfort and knowledgeable about their food.

Chicken Wing Stuffed with Bird’s Nest and Crab 4.2/5

We started with an off-menu special: Chicken Wing Stuffed with Bird's Nest and Crab. While the filling was milder than we expected, its natural flavours shone through, complemented by a crispy exterior.

椒盐活鮑魚 Salt & Pepper Live Abalone 4.5/5

The 椒盐活鮑魚 Salt & Pepper Live Abalone (Seasonal Price) was such a treat. The abalone was perfectly tender with a slight crunch, coated in an addictive chili seasoning. Both my dining partner and I agreed it was one of the best abalone dishes we’ve had recently.

潮州金鱼饺 Angel Goldfish Dumplings 4.2/5

Next, dim sum dishes arrived, beginning with the beautifully presented 潮州金鱼饺 Angel Goldfish Dumplings ($11 for 3). Wrapped in delicate skin, the filling of mushrooms, lemongrass, and crab meat was unexpectedly tangy but harmonised well.

七号公馆樱花虾饺 Mansion 7 Fresh Prawn Dumpling 4.5/5

We moved to the steamed items, starting with their signature 七号公馆樱花虾饺 Mansion 7 Fresh Prawn Dumpling ($9 for 3). The thin skin was on point and carried within it juicy prawn chunks.

芋茸流沙包 Taro 'Lava' Buns 3.8/5

The 芋茸流沙包 Taro 'Lava' Buns ($9 for 3) were slightly too sweet for our liking, and we wished for a stronger yam flavour.

冲绳黑糖叉烧包 Okinawa Brown Sugar Char Siew Bun 4.2/5

In contrast, the 冲绳黑糖叉烧包 Okinawa Brown Sugar Char Siew Bun ($9 for 3) fared a lot better. I am not usually a fan of char siew buns due to how sweet they can get, but Mansion 7’s rendition is well-balanced, featuring a subtle brown sugar fragrance and smoky char siew.

脆炸麻婆豆腐卷 Si Chuan Mapo Tofu Beancurd Rolls 4/5

The 脆炸麻婆豆腐卷 Si Chuan Mapo Tofu Beancurd Rolls ($9), while slightly oily, delivered a bold spice and crunch. The map tofu filling alone would be perfect with white rice.

杏香百花萝卜糕 Carrot Squid Paste Cake 4.2/5

Mansion 7's inventive twists on dim sum can be seen in many dishes, such as the 杏香百花萝卜糕 Carrot Squid Paste Cake ($10). This dish features carrot cake layered with squid paste, served with a side of Thai sweet chilli sauce.

Lobster in Salted Egg and Butter Cream Sauce 4/5

Apart from dim sum, Mansion 7 also offers a wide range of live seafood, vegetables, barbecue meats and more. We had the Lobster in Salted Egg and Butter Cream Sauce (Seasonal Price) and while the lobster was very fresh, I personally preferred a strong salted egg flavour. Other flavours are available to order, including steamed in HK style, sashimi style, wok-baked with truffle sauce and more.

梁祝鸳鸯蝴蝶酥 Love Story of Thousand Layer Butterfly Puff 4.2/5

Moving on to desserts, we began with the visually stunning 梁祝鸳鸯蝴蝶酥 Love Story of Thousand Layer Butterfly Puff ($11). Its delicate, flaky layers enclosed a mildly sweet sweet potato filling.

开心果麻糍 Homemade Pistachio Mochi 4.2/5

We enjoyed the 开心果麻糍 Homemade Pistachio Mochi ($9) as well even though the mochi skin was not chewy type we expected. It was generously stuffed with crushed pistachio filling, being nutty and fragrant.

招牌北海道3.6现烤芝士塔 3.6 Hokkaido Cheese Tart 4.2/5

My favourite dessert was the 招牌北海道3.6现烤芝士塔 3.6 Hokkaido Cheese Tart ($13). These tiny bites were amazing, with oozy lava-like cheese filling contained in an extremely light and flaky tart shell. The cheese was rich but not overpowering.

雪莲子鸡蛋茶 Mt. Fresh Picked Chinese Herbal Egg Treasure Tea 3.8/5

Finally, we tried the 雪莲子鸡蛋茶 Mt. Fresh Picked Chinese Herbal Egg Treasure Tea ($8), a unique traditional dish of hard-boiled quail eggs infused in a tea base with Chinese herbs and spices. This was more of an acquired taste.

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.


Mansion 7
30 Maxwell Road
#01-03
Singapore 069114
Tel: +65 6038 0295
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8am - 1030pm
Sat-Sun: 9am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk down Peck Seah Street.Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]