One Prawn & Co @ MacPherson Road - Brand New 12-Course Seafood Grill Dinner Situated In A Coffee Shop

One Prawn & Co by Chef Gwyneth Ang is best known for its robust prawn noodle claypot soup, recognised by the Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2022. While retaining its signature offering in the day, Chef Gwyneth wants to spice things up by transforming her coffee shop in MacPherson into a space to offer her brand new 12-Course Seafood Grill Dinner at night. The team carefully picks and procures all seafood ingredients, and dietary restrictions can be highlighted prior.

Made available from 21 February 2023, the seafood-focused menu is set at $128 per pax with a minimum of 2 to dine, with the choice of a top-up of $30 per pax for the free flow sake of the day. Diners can also opt for curated seasonal sakes that are rotated bi-monthly or other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Amaebi

To start off our dinner, we had an amuse-bouche of Amaebi. Topped on a crisp rice flower are avocado, tomatoes and sweet amaebi.

Starters

Next was a 4-item starter: a fresh Hyogo Oyster paired with mignonette granita, cured Amberjack with soy and crisp seaweed, poached White Shrimp with coconut and garam masala, and Soft Shell Crab in tempura style with a unique choice of kicap manis.

Our favourite was the White Shrimp for the harmonious blend of flavours - especially the choice of garam masala gave it a fragrant touch of heat.

Maitake Mushrooms on Bed of Burnt Barley Risotto 4.2/5

Moving on to the sharing plates, the Maitake Mushrooms impressed me with their earthiness and the great bite from the bed of burnt barley risotto underneath. We enjoyed this but wished the portion was bigger and the smokiness could come through a tad more.

Squid ‘Noodles’ with Salsa Verde, Black Olives 4.5/5

This Squid 'Noodles' with Salsa Verde had appetising salsa verde paired with squid noodles carrying a lovely smokiness. The zestiness, tanginess and hint of spice were perfect.

Scottish King Scallop with XO Chilli Jam 4.8/5

One of our favourites for the night was the Scottish King Scallop with XO Chilli Jam. While the king scallop was plump, tender and smokey, the flavour-packed XO chilli jam stole the show for us. It came in a generous portion of scallop shreds that carried just the right kick of spice. I would be the first to join the queue if Chef Gwyneth decides to sell this addictive chilli jam by the bottle!

Pork with Apple Compote 3.5/5

The highlight for proteins was the Onglet, a hanging tender steak with sunchoke cream and chives. As we don't take beef, it was replaced with Pork. Even though the grilled pork's texture was spot on, the seasoning was too salty.

Charcoal Grilled Turbot with Garlic Brown Butter and Capers 4.2/5

We were eyeing the Turbot as soon as Chef Gwyneth started grilling it over the bed of charcoal. The resulting fish meat was light, tender and flaky, paired with a heavier mix of garlic brown butter and capers. The unassuming pickled papaya salad on the side provided a contrasting acidity which balanced the overall dish.

Abalone Pao Fan 4.8/5

We were already quite full at this point of the meal but still wiped the Abalone Pao Fan clean. The dish is served in a claypot. One Prawn & Co's signature prawn bisque served as the base, with baby abalones, egg floss, rice puffs and rice added on. The rice puffs lost their crunchiness quickly, but the rich and hearty broth was more than satisfying.

Desserts

Dessert was a combination of Seasonal Fruits and Mini Ice Cream cones with burnt white chocolate ice cream. We appreciate the special attention down to the fruits, which were extremely sweet.

Note that reservations must be made via https://bit.ly/oneprawnandco as limited seats are available each day.
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.



One Prawn & Co
458 MacPherson Road
Singapore 368176
Tel: +65 98788897
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Nearest MRT: Mattar (DT Line), Tai Seng (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Lunch
Tue-Sun: 11am - 5pm
Course Dinner
Tue-Sun: 6pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tai Seng MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk towards Macpherson Road. Turn right at Macpherson road. Walk down Macpherson Road to the stretch of shop houses. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Mattar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Merpati Road to Jalan Anggerek. Turn right onto Jalan Anggerek. Walk to the end of Jalan Anggerek. Turn right onto Macpherson Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 mintues. [Map]

Tablescape @ Grand Park City Hall - Welcome Year Of The Rabbit With An Array of New Lunar New Year Set Menus for Dine-in and Takeaway

Tablescape is a modern European restaurant on the third level of Grand Park City Hall. To welcome the rabbit year, Tablescape and Grand Park City Hall have joined hands to introduce new Lunar New Year set menus that start from $88/pax. As for small group gatherings and celebrations at home, you can tuck into their sets that are ready for delivery and takeaway.

Prosperity Yu Sheng 皇府捞起 4/5

Tablescape’s Yu Sheng is a lighter rendition. I enjoyed that it was not too sweet nor too tangy, and the vegetables were fresh with a crunch. Other notable ingredients are abalone, smoked salmon, crispy fish skin, gold leaf and avruga caviar.

Double Boiled Fish Maw Soup with Cordyceps 冬虫草炖花胶 / 招财进宝 4.5/5

While Double Boiled Fish Maw Soup like this tends to carry a thicker consistency, this bowl was lighter but still extremely flavourful. The base chicken stock is made by boiling a whole chicken with pork bones, Yunnan ham, mirepoix and dried sole fish before the fish maw and cordyceps are placed in it to steam.

Combination Platter of Josper Charred Char Siew with Honey Sauce and Truffle Duck 双星报喜 3.8/5

In this Combination Platter, you can enjoy Joseph Charred Char Siew with Honey Sauce and Black Truffle Duck. We enjoyed the sweet char siew more between the two, for its more tender texture, while the truffle duck leaned more bony - though it could be due to the parts I had.

Soya Braised Chicken with Ginger and Scallion 桶子豉油鸡 百鸟朝凤 3.8/5

The next dish we tried was the Soya Braised Chicken with Ginger and Scallion. It is stuffed with Chinese wine, ginger and scallion. The chicken is further marinated and braised. The meat was tender, but it did leave us hoping that the flavours of the braising stock could come through more.

Sautéed Asparagus with Scallops and XO Sauce XO 酱芦笋炒扇贝, 富贵花开 4.2/5

The Sautéed Asparagus is done in XO sauce, garlic and Chinese wine, served with lightly seared plump Hokkaido scallops. The asparaguses were firm and tender.

Wok Fried Yee Fu Noodle with Tiger Prawns, Scallops and Baby Abalone 海鲜焖伊面 丰衣足食 4.5/5

The Yee Fu Noodle is first blanched in a housemade chicken stock that is made by boiling a whole chicken, pork bones, Yunnan ham, mirepoix and dried sole fish for a day. It's then wok-fried with a generous amount of vegetables, mushrooms, deshelled tiger prawns, yellow chives, scallops and baby abalone. It was fragrant and flavourful, a favourite among my dining companions.

Yam Paste with Ginkgo Nut 白果芋泥 | 甜甜蜜蜜 4.5/5

Tablescape's Yam Paste with Ginkgo Nut checks all the boxes for a good bowl of yam paste. After steaming the yam and blending it into a puree, it is further steamed with shallot oil, sugar and ginkgo nuts. The result is a thick and smooth paste that is mildly sweetened. Finally, housemade coconut cream is drizzled on top of the yam paste to finish it off.

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.


Tablescape
Grand Park City Hall
10 Coleman Street, Level 3
Singapore 179809
Tel: +65 64325566
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Nearest MRT: City Hall MRT (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Lunch
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 230pm
Sun Brunch: 12pm - 3pm
Afternoon Tea
Mon-Fri: 230pm to 530pm
Sat-Sun: 3pm - 5pm
Dinner
Daily: 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit D. Turn left and walk to junction of Coleman Street and North Bridge Road. Cross the road and walk to Peninsula Plaza. Continue down Coleman Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

5 ON 25 (五悦亭) @ Andaz - Welcome The Year Of The Rabbit With A New Lunar New Year Menu

5 ON 25 (五悦亭) sits on the 25th floor of Andaz hotel, alongside Alley on 25 and Bar Square. It offers refined Cantonese cuisine, helmed by Head Chef Lim Hong Lih, who has rich experience in known Chinese restaurants, such as Summer Pavilion and Li Bai. By day 5 ON 25 is an elegant space with a panoramic view of Bugis. By night when the lights dim, it transforms into a warm and romantic space.

The modern Cantonese restaurant is ready to welcome the Year of the Rabbit with its new Lunar New Year menu, featuring a la carte dishes and curated lunch/dinner set menus, available from 9 January to 5 February 2023. Most of the dishes pictured here are of a smaller portion for two pax.

海岛燕窝捞起 (皆⼤欢喜捞起) | Bird's Nest Yu Sheng 4/5

The Bird's Nest Yu Sheng ($118 for 2-4 pax, $168 for 5-7 pax) is a new highlight, using the additional topping of bird's nest to offer a different texture and a touch of luxuriousness. You will find fried yam strips and housemade crunchy nut clusters among the traditional elements of carrot strips, radish strips, ginger, and more. The sauce used leans tangier with a distinct plum taste. To opt for additional toppings, you can go for Shredded Abalone ($50) and Norwegian Salmon ($42).

⼘丝苹果⻰虾球 (⻰皇吐⽟珠) | Deep-fried Lobster, Apple with Honey Sauce 4/5

Another unique creation for the Lunar New Year menu is this Deep-fried Lobster ($58). Chunks of battered lobster covered in a homemade apple and honey sauce tasted sweet, tangy and vibrant, fitting for the occasion. The batter was just the right thickness for a complementary crunch, and you also get surprising bites of apple cubes within. The lobster was firm and fresh, but I preferred it to be less sweet to appreciate its meat.

当归脆⽪烧鸭 (⾦雁富贵) | Dang Gui Crispy Roasted Duck 4.5/5

Our favourite for the night was the Dang Gui Crispy Roasted Duck ($45 for Half, $90 for Whole). The duck had just the right amount of fats, done very tender with light and crisp skin. The herbaceous broth it sat on was a little more on the saltier end, but we didn't mind it. The fragrance of dang gui came through distinctly.

松露带⼦焖伊⾯ (富临双喜) | Braised Hokkaido Scallops, Ee-fu Noodles, Truffle Sauce 4.2/5

Our main course was Ee-fu Noodles ($38), done in truffle sauce and served with braised hokkaido scallops. It was a pity that the batter of the scallops left a slight stickiness to the teeth, but we enjoyed the springy noodles, which thoroughly soaked up the truffle sauce and had a hint of smokiness.

红莲炖桃胶 (蹄声报喜) | Peach Gum 4/5

We had the refreshing Peach Gum ($18) to complete the meal. It’s mildly sweetened with red dates and has lotus seeds, peach gum, and water chestnut for an extra crunch. If you are a tea lover, I would highly recommend trying the 5 ON 25 Signature Tea, a special blend of oolong, goji berries, osmanthus and longan. It was light yet incredibly fragrant, pairing very well with the range of dishes.

For more details on the new Lunar New Year menu and the available takeaway items, including Pen Cai and the Yu Sheng above, visit https://www.5on25.com/menu.

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.


5 On 25
Andaz Singapore
5 Fraser Street
Level 25
Singapore 189354
Tel: +65 64081228
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (DT Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 12pm - 230pm, 6-1030pm

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

Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen @ Clementi Mall - New Menu Featuring Hong Kong Inspired Specialties

Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen, a well-loved and favourite casual-dining restaurant, has launched a new menu featuring enticing quality dim sum and Hong Kong-inspired specialities like congee, noodles, and 'Dai Pai Dong' style claypot dishes.

Fish Ball & Scallop Skewer in HK Style Curry 4/5

A rendition of the iconic street snack, Fish Ball & Scallop Skewer in HK Style Curry ($9,80 for 3pc) comprises bouncy fish balls and scallops on a stick steeped in a luscious, spicy and fragrant curry sauce. The curry sauce has been given a local twist familiar to our palate.

Double-boiled Chicken Soup with Hairy Fig Root & Peach Gum 4/5

The Double-boiled Chicken Soup with Hairy Fig Root & Peach Gum ($12.80) is a hearty and nourishing bowl of soup that is deliciously good with health benefits. 

Shrimp Roe & Prawn Paste Noodle 4/5

Besides wanton mee, Hong Kong is known for its shrimp roe noodle. There is an elevated version in the form of Shrimp Roe & Prawn Paste Noodle ($13.80) comprising homemade prawn paste nuggets and a generous sprinkling of shrimp roe atop the springy noodles.

Scallop & Kelp Congee 3.5/5

Among the different congees on the menu is the new Scallop & Kelp Congee ($12.80). The velvety-smooth congee is permeated with the briny flavours of Japanese kombu and scallops.

Crisp-fried Braised Duck Wing with Salt & Pepper 4.2/5

A delightful surprise is the Crisp-fried Braised Duck Wing with Salt & Pepper ($7.80). The well-flavoured braised duck wing is cloaked in a thin crispy coat and topped with fragrant deep-fried garlic, elevating the enjoyment.

Sauteed Fresh Abalone with Assorted Colourful Capsicum & Asparagus 3.5/5

Fresh abalone from China is added to the unassuming dish to complement the crunch of the asparagus, while the assorted capsicum provides colour and an extra layer of texture. The Sauteed Fresh Abalone with Assorted Colourful Capsicum & Asparagus ($26.80) is a wholesome dish, providing the needed greens for a complete and balanced meal.

Roasted Duck with Crispy Rice in Chef's Special Sauce $21.80

A highlight is the Roasted Duck with Crispy Rice in Chef's Special Sauce ($21.80). The duck was succulent with paper-thin crisp skin. A scrumptious delicacy further enhanced by Chef's specially concocted savoury sweet sauce.

Noted: This is an invited tasting.


Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen
The Clementi Mall
3155 Commonwealth Avenue West
#03-54
Singapore 129588
Tel: +65 66599215
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Nearest MRT: Clementi (EW Line)

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

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

Yanxi Dim Sum & Hotpot @ Chin Swee Road - Creative Take On The Traditional Dim Sum

Together with a couple of friends, we visited Yanxi Dim Sum & Hotpot for lunch. Two pre-eminent chefs, former Executive Chef of Mott 32, Chef Chan Wai Keung and former Dim Sum Chef at The Fullerton Hotels & Resorts Singapore, Chef Ben Yapp helm the restaurant. The duo brings their culinary expertise to Yanxi steamboat, elevating the hotpot experience with tantalising starters and bespoke dim sum.

Tobiko, Prawn & Scallop, Water Chestnut and Egg White Dumpling 4.5/5

As we were there for lunch, we didn't have the hotpot. Instead, we had dim sum and their signature items. We started with the Tobiko, Prawn & Scallop, Water Chestnut and Egg White Dumpling ($10). The dumpling is beautiful crafted, showing the chef's creative take on quintessentially traditional fare

Yanxi Prawn and Petai with Sambal Chilli Dumpling 3.8/5

Next is the Yanxi Prawn and Petai with Sambal Chilli Dumpling ($11). It looks like any ordinary prawn dumpling from the exterior. However, it is a bold and acquired creation incorporating the acquired petai into the morsel paired with sambal chilli.

Quail Egg & Bonito Flakes Siew Mai 4.5/5

Indeed the dim sum items at Yanxi is unique compared to other restaurants. The classic siew mai is given an elevated transformation in the Quail Egg & Bonito Flakes Siew Mai ($12). The traditional siew mai may be too heavy with its meaty stuffing. Hence the addition of quail egg lightens the enjoyment, with the bonito flakes lifting the taste profile.

Netted Prawn & Tobiko, Spinach Infused Rice Roll 4.2/5

Even the classic rice roll is given a new facelift in the Netted Prawn & Tobiko, Spinach Infused Rice Roll ($12). Not only is it beautiful, the exquisite rice roll stuffed with crunchy prawn is packed with a playful touch of textural enjoyment.

Mapo Tofu in Crispy Beancurd  Skin Roll 4.8/5

The Mapo Tofu in Crispy Beancurd Skin Roll ($9) is an unexpected creation with fragrant mapo tofu. I doubt I have seen or eaten the dish anywhere before. It is a fantastic creation.

XO Sambal Carrot Cake 4/5

XO Sambal Carrot Cake ($9) is common, but it is uncommon to be presented as such. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, this is delectable but fell short of the wow factor I got from the other dim sum items.

Fried Yam, Abalone and Kurobuta Okinawa 4/5

The Fried Yam with Abalone and Kurobuta Okinawa ($15) is a luxury take of the fried yam.

General Tso's Chicken 4.2/5

Besides the quintessential dim sum items, there are several signature dishes on the menu, such as the General Tso's Chicken ($16) and Hong Kong Golden Garlic Pork Short Ribs ($12). The General Tso's Chicken is smoked in a glass dome, infused with smokiness on top of the tender and sweet chicken pieces.

Hong Kong Golden Garlic Pork Short Ribs 4/5

As for the Hong Kong Golden Garlic Pork Short Ribs, the pork short ribs are cooked in Bi Feng Tang style. It is coated in an aromatic pool of fried garlic, complementing the fork-tender pork.

MICHELIN Herbal Seafood Ee Fu Noodles 4.2/5

I am not sure why the noodle dish is named MICHELIN Herbal Seafood Ee Fu Noodles ($18). My guess is this is a dish that the chef has created in his previous restaurant that could have won a Michelin star. Nevertheless, the plate of slurping goodness is brimming with fresh seafood such as prawn, scallop and fish in a herbal broth. However, I find the herbal taste is relatively mild.

Hokkaido Milk Charcoal Egg Tart 4.5/5

The finale has to be the Hokkaido Milk Charcoal Egg Tart ($16 for 6pc). The freshly baked has a creamy, gooey cheese custard filling encased in a crumbly charcoal pastry. For something cold and refreshing, go for the Jackfruit Sago.

Though I did not try their hotpot, their dim sum items already left a very deep impression. Of course, the price is a bit expensive compared to most dim sum places, but you get quality, creativity, and unique dim sum that you don't get in most dim sum places. I have since recommended many friends to check out their dim sum selection.


Yanxi Dim Sum & Hotpot
175A Chin Swee Road
Singapore 169879
Tel: +65 88589711
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Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to bus stop opposite State Court (Stop ID 06171). Take bus number 174. Alight 1 stop later. Walk up the hill to Hotel Re!. Walk to the building beside Hotel Re!. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Shu Heng Bi Tai Mak @ Kebun Bahru Food Centre - What Is JB Bi Tai Mak?

Shu Heng Bi Tai Mak, a new stall at Kebun Bahru Food Centre, was opened in December 2020 by a young couple. Unlike other bak chor mee stalls, it specialises in Bi Tai Mak. They have an item on their menu called JB Bi Tai Mak which I have never tried or heard of. Hence I am very interested in giving it a try.

JB Bi Tai Mak 3/5

The JB Bi Tai Mak ($3/$4) comes in a starchy gravy, brimming with minced pork, mushroom, salted fish, shrimp, fried shallots and green onions. I love the generous serving as each mouth full is filled with flavours and textures. Unfortunately, I was not too fond of the starchy gravy. I prefer a more soupy version packed with pork and mushroom flavours.

Mushroom Pork Mince Noodle 4.2/5

A surprise discovery is the Mushroom Pork Mince Noodle ($3/$4). The chilli and vinegar concoction complement the bi tai mak excellently. The marinated minced pork and mushroom provided the balance to the spiciness while elevating the whole enjoyment. 

While I didn't enjoy the JB Bi Tai Mak, I read many reviewers do like the starchy version. Hence I think it is a personal preference. However, I do highly recommend you to try the mushroom pork mince noodle. 


Shu Heng Bi Tia Mak
Kebun Bahru Food Centre
Blk 226H Ang Mo Kio Street 22
#01-25
Singapore 568226
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Nearest MRT: Maryflower (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon, Wed-Sun: 7am - 1pm 
(Closed on Tue)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Mayflower MRT station. Take Exit 5. Walk to Ang Mo Kio Ave 3. Cross the road. Cut through the housing estate to Ang Mo Kio Street 22. Walk along Ang Mo Kio Street 22 to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]