Violet Oon Singapore @ Dempsey Hill - Launches Four CNY Set Menus For Intimate Gatherings in an Elegant Setting

For the upcoming Chinese New Year, Violet Oon Singapore at Dempsey introduces festive set menus available exclusively within its private dining rooms. Four specially curated Chinese New Year set menus are available, designed for intimate gatherings in an elegant setting.

VO Fragrant Yu Sheng 5/5

The Prosperity Sharing Set Menu (from S$148++ per person) opens with the VO Fragrant Yu Sheng. I have always enjoyed the addition of kaffir lime leaves in this rendition, and here, their presence was especially generous. The sharp, citrusy fragrance was further elevated by pink ginger flower, while an increased amount of julienned beetroot and the inclusion of ice plant, known for its heightened crunch, added both texture and freshness to the dish.

Hee Peow Soup 5/5

This was followed by an individually served bowl of Hee Peow Soup, a seasonal Peranakan Lunar New Year classic. The comforting broth is slow-simmered using a superior pork and chicken stock, enriched with whole baby abalone, fish maw, sea cucumber, and impressively juicy house-made prawn, crab, fish and pork balls.

Kuey Pie Tee 3/5

Ngoh Hiang 4/5

Starters included Kuay Pie Tee and Ngoh Hiang. Both were well seasoned, with the latter offering a tender bite. The addition of water chestnut provided a pleasant crunch that balanced the richness and meatiness of the filling.

Beef Rendang 4.5/5

For Mains, the slow-braised Beef Rendang featured beef shin braised in spices and kaffir lime leaves, then finished in coconut milk, resulting in fork-tender meat that was both rich and crowd-pleasing.

Ayam Buah Keluak 4.5/5

I particularly enjoyed the equally well-executed Ayam Buah Keluak, notable for its punchy gravy and generous chunks of buah keluak that delivered depth and intensity.

Garam Assam Fish 4.5/5

Garam Assam Fish was another highlight, featuring red snapper in a spicy-sour gravy accented with pineapple and pink ginger flower. The pineapples were thinly sliced, and their fruity tartness made the dish even more appetising.

Udang Goreng Chilli 3/5

Udang Goreng Chilli showcased angka prawns topped with chilli padi and garlic rempah. While flavourful, the dish leaned slightly towards greasy.

Chap Chye 4/5

Chap Chye, braised in a full-bodied prawn bisque that impressed with its deep savouriness, but the cabbage needed a much longer stewing time to soften thoroughly.

Nasi Ulam 5/5

One of my favourite dishes of the meal was the herbaceous Nasi Ulam. Diced prawns were folded into the rice, adding sweetness and textural contrast that complemented the raw, aromatic herbs.

Handmade Perankan Kueh 4/5

Dessert concluded the meal with a thoughtful selection of Handmade Peranakan Kueh, including Ang Ku Kueh, Kueh Kochi and Kueh Ambon. Both the ang ku kueh and kueh ambon stood out for their texture, with the kueh ambon being exceptionally spongy, though the overall sweetness could be toned down slightly.

Photos and words by Si An. A homebody who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, the smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


Violet Oon Singapore
Dempsey Hill
7 Dempsey Road
#01-05
Singapore 249671
Tel: +65 9834 9935
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Nearest MRT: Napier (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Napier MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk to the bus stop at Napier Station (Stop ID 13011). Take bus number 7, 75, 77, 105, 106, 123 or 174. Alright 2 stops later. Walk to Dempsey Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 10 minutes.[Map]

Princess Terrace @ Copthorne Kings Hotel - Time-Honoured Penang-Peranakan Buffet since 1970s

Indulge in the captivating flavours of Penang-Peranakan cuisine with the exquisite Penang-Peranakan Buffet at Princess Terrace. Located within the esteemed Copthorne King's Hotel Singapore, the exquisite buffet offers a diverse selection of time-honoured Penang-Peranakan dishes that have been perfected since the 1970s. From iconic Penang Hokkien Mee to the delightful Crispy Belachan Chicken Wings and an array of Nonya Kuehs, the buffet captures the essence of this distinctive culinary heritage.

Savour the essence of Penang through the Penang Char Kway Teow offered in Princess Terrace's buffet. This renowned dish features stir-fried flat rice noodles with prawns, chicken, bean sprouts, and Chinese chives, all infused with the characteristic wok hei smokiness. Seasoned with a flavourful blend of spices and sauces, this dish captures the true essence of Penang's culinary heritage.

Another must-try is the Penang Assam Laksa, which features a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, featuring thick rice noodles immersed in a tangy and aromatic fish-based broth. The medley of flavours is elevated with tamarind, creating a delightful balance of sour and savoury. This dish is a homage to Penang's culinary traditions, offering a captivating journey for the palate through its bold and zesty profile.

Not to be missed are the Crispy Belachan Chicken Wings. The wings are expertly coated with a crispy layer, revealing tender and succulent meat within. The magic lies in the aromatic belachan seasoning, which infuses the wings with a bold umami kick and a hint of spiciness.

The Char Moey presents a fusion of textures and tastes, showcasing wok-fried porridge that's been expertly prepared to achieve a delightful balance between creamy and slightly crispy. Unlike the usual porridge, it is mildly fried to a fragrant brown. The addition of minced pork, succulent prawns, and dried cuttlefish brings layers of savoury richness, complementing the porridge's comforting nature. This dish embodies both the heartwarming essence of comfort food and the intricate palate of Penang cuisine, making it a must-try highlight of the buffet.

The buffet at Princess Terrace showcases an array of enticing dishes such as the Yang Chow Fried Rice, Sambal Goreng Tempeh, Mutton Rendang, and Satays. The Chicken Curry is a fragrant delight, with tender pieces of chicken immersed in a luscious curry sauce that's a harmony of spices and coconut milk. At the same time, the Stir-Fried Roast Pork with Dark Sauce presents succulent roast pork enveloped in a savoury dark sauce, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and umami.

Quench your thirst with a soul-soothing cup of Teh Tarik, a beloved Malaysian beverage featured in the buffet at Princess Terrace. This iconic drink, whose name translates to "pulled tea," offers a delightful combination of strong black tea and sweetened condensed milk, expertly mixed through a process of "pulling" to create its signature frothy top. Served piping hot, the Teh Tarik perfectly balances the robust bitterness of the tea and the creamy sweetness of the milk.

Experience the delightful flavours of freshly prepared Bang Chang Kueh at Princess Terrace's buffet, where the chef crafts this delectable treat right before your eyes. This interactive station adds a touch of excitement to your dining experience as you watch the skilled chef expertly create these traditional pancakes. Available in two irresistible flavours – peanut and durian.

Round up the feast with a selection of Nonya Kuehs. This tantalizing array includes beloved classics like Kueh Bengkar, Abuk Abuk, Pulut Tai Tai, Kueh Lapis, and Kueh Talam. These traditional delights are meticulously crafted to capture Peranakan cuisine's authentic flavours and textures.

Don't forget to indulge in the refreshing delight of Chendol. At the DIY station, diners can create their personalized Chendol bowl by piling them with different components, adding an interactive and creative element to their dining experience. As you craft your Chendol masterpiece, the dessert's key ingredients come together in a symphony of tastes – the creaminess of the coconut milk, the fragrant sweetness of pandan, and the rich depth of palm sugar syrup.

Overall, the Princess Terrace buffet offers an immersive journey through Penang and Peranakan cuisine's vibrant flavours and rich heritage. The diverse range of offerings, from classic favourites to innovative twists, ensures that diners enjoy a satisfying meal and gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural richness that defines Penang and Peranakan cuisine.

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.


Princess Terrace
403 Havelock Road
#1F Copthorne Kings Hotel
Singapore 169632
Tel: +65 67330011
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Nearest MRT: Havelock (TE Line)

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

Direction:
1) Alight at Havelock Road MRT station. Take Exit 5. Walk straight down Havelock Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about about 6 minutes. [Map]

Lime Restaurant @ PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering - Highly Anticipated LobsterFest Buffet Returns From Now Till 6 August 2023

Lime Restaurant and Bar's highly anticipated LobsterFest Buffet is back this year! It is available daily for dinner (6.30pm to 9.30pm) from now till 6 August 2023. At $166++ per adult, the buffet includes unlimited servings of beer, chilled juices, coffee and tea. It is at $98++ for each child aged 6 to 12 years and $59++ for each child aged 3 to 5 years.

In addition to the unlimited servings of lobsters done in countless ways, this year's buffet also features a line-up of renowned grill masters who will take over the outdoor barbecue on selected weekends.

Seafood Assortment

I went straight to the fresh Seafood Assortment section. Here you'll find sizable Boston Lobsters with myriad condiments, including cocktail sauce, ponzu dressing, worcestershire sauce, Thai basil and more. Alongside the Boston Lobsters were Prawns, Black Mussels, White Clams, Half Shell Scallops and Boston Lobster Claws. All of which were sufficiently fresh and sweet.

Lobster Brioche

One of the live stations that immediately caught our eye was the Lobster Brioche's. It was a pleasant mouthful of lobster bites tossed in a mayonnaise-based sauce filled in soft brioche..

Boston Lobster Caesar Salad

Moving to the salad section, it has another feature on lobster with its Boston Lobster Caesar Salad.

Composed Salads

For non-lobster options, the other Composed Salads include Lemon Orzo & Chick Pea, Louise Mixed Seafood Salad, Seasonal Tomato & Mozzarella, and Watermelon, Cucumber & Feta Cheese.

Chef Specials’ Lobsters

One of the most popular stations at the buffet was the corner with Chef Specials’ Lobsters (Asian). Choose from the Pickering Lobster Laksa, Kam Heong Lobster, Steamed Lobster with Ginger Garlic Paste & Chinese Wine or Singapore Chilli Lobster served with fried mantou.

Kam Heong Lobster

My favourite among the Chef Specials’ hot lobster dishes was the Kam Heong Lobster. It was very fragrant with the use of generous savoury dried shrimp and curry leaves. I also appreciated how despite the flavourful kam heong base, the lobster’s natural juiciness and sweetness are still retained.

Pickering Lobster Laksa

Do not miss out on their signature Pickering Lobster Laksa for its lemak soup base and addition of tender lobster meat.

Baked Boston Lobster Thermidor

At the Chef Specials' (Western) corner, the creamy Lobster Mac & Cheese and Baked Boston Lobster Thermidor would satisfy any cheesy lovers.

Cheese Board

If you're hungry for even more cheese, head to the Cheese Board Station, where you will be able to select from Cracked Parmesan, Brie, and Marinated Baby Mozzarella to be paired with Assorted Dried Fruits, Fig Compote and Cheese Crackers. My favourite here was the Cracked Parmesan.

Cold Cuts

For Cold Cuts, they featured Hungarian Salami and Air-dried Black Forest Ham, with a range of condiments which include rockmelon and pickled gherkins.

Live Carving Station

The Live Carving Station was another popular stop for many diners. The highlights included the Roast Beef, Leg of Lamb and Slow Cooked Pork Shoulder. We especially appreciated the wide variety of condiments provided at each corner of the buffet. Here you will find sauces such as Multigrain and Dijon Mustard, Truffle Red Wine Sauce and more.

Western

Other Western dishes in the spread include Sustainable Barramundi, Vegetable Lasagna, and Baked Spiced Cauliflower served with hummus.

Asian

For the Asian spread, you can expect dishes such as Roast Meats, Seafood Fried Rice, Fried Sea Bass with Chopped Chilli and more.

Dessert

The Dessert Station was quite a spread with cakes such as Strawberry Shortcake and non-bakes like Warm Chocolate Chip Pudding and Durian Penyat. There are also Seasonal Fresh Fruits of Dragon Fruit, Honeydew and more.

Cream Custard with Berries

This Cream Custard with Berries was one of the four Verrine options. The other three were Tropical Citrus, Baileys Tiramisu and Milk Chocolate Cream with Caramel Apple.

Assorted Nonya Kueh

The dessert range continues with Assorted Nonya Kueh and even a Chocolate Fountain. The tiny ang ku kuehs among the Nonya Kueh caught our eye. Make sure to also try their Mango and Strawberry gelatos before leaving - we went back for seconds and thirds!

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.


Lime Restaurant
PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering
3 Upper Pickering Street
Singapore 058289
Tel: +65 3138 2251
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Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 630pm - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk towards the traffic junction of Upper Pickering Street and New Bridge Road. Cross the road. Turn left onto Upper Pickering Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Spice Brasserie @ Parkroyal on Kitchener Road - Lunch 茶 Buffet

Spice Brasserie at Parkroyal on Kitchener Road has recently launched Lunch 茶. In just one seating of four hours long and at one price, you get to indulge in a lunch buffet, followed by an afternoon tea set. The buffet offers a line up of Malaysia and Singapore inspired dishes that warm you up with familiar tastes and flavours.

Braised Black Vinegar Trotter 4/5

I was surprised to find a very homely dish - Braised Black Vinegar Trotter. Bringing flavours from his hometown, Penang, Executive Sous Chef Patrick Ooi uses Gula melaka in his recipe to develop his version of this family classic. The perfectly braised egg is a star of its own too.

Penang Fried Kway Tiao & Carrot Cake 4/5

Other notable dishes from his hometown include Penang Fried Kway Tiao and Carrot Cake, and if you drop by for the weekday lunch buffet, there will be Penang Assam Laksa as well.

DIY Popiah station

One of the highlights of this buffet is the DIY Popiah station - The turnips was very well stewed with dried shrimps and mushrooms, alongside fluffy shredded eggs and crunchy beansprouts.

DIY Rojak

I had a lot of fun at the DIY Rojak station too, that is filled with chopped juicy pineapples, cucumbers, green mangos, turnips, crunchy youtiaos and beancurd skin.

The buffet line also comes with a live Pratas and Naans station, serving robust fish curry and rich butter chicken. Right beside it is the station where you can order a handpulled Teh Tarik to complement your warm and fluffy pratas and naans.

Chee Cheong Fun

Lo Mai Kai

Other delights include local style dim sum such as Chee Cheong Fun, which is one of our favourites among the dishes, as well as Lo Mai Kai.

DIY Muah Chee

There's even a Muah Chee station too, in which you can simply load your plate with heaps of the well roasted crushed peanuts!

This new Lunch 茶 (pronounced as Lunch-‘cha’) buffet serves you an Afternoon 茶 Set after the lunch buffet ends at 230pm, which allows you to continue to chill with your loved ones till 4pm. Each set comes with free flow of tea and coffee. Featuring Asian sweets such as Nonya Kuehs, you will also get interesting creations such as Portuguese Durian Egg Tarts.

The Saturdays and Sundays Lunch 茶 Buffet is priced at $45 nett per person.

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.


Spice Brasserie
Parkroyal on Kitchener Road
181 Kitchener Road
Singapore 208533
Tel:+65 31382518
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Nearest MRT: Farrer Park (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Fri: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun, PH: 12pm - 4pm, 6pm - 10pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Farrer Park MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk down Kitchener Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]