Choon Hoy Parlor @ Arcade The Capitol Kempinski - Bringing A Delicious New Chapter to Singapore Soul Food

After a successful debut at Beach Road in May 2024, Choon Hoy Parlor has now found its new home at Arcade @ The Capitol Kempinski, sitting right next to Chef Dylan Ong’s other venture, The Masses. This latest iteration of the restaurant continues its heartfelt tribute to Chef Dylan’s beloved mother, with a concept rooted in nostalgic home-style cooking but given refined, modern interpretations.

Roti Bakar 3.5/5

The humble kaya toast gets a modern lift with the Roti Bakar ($8.90). Crisp toast is layered with coffee butter and salted egg kaya, then crowned with smoked lumpfish caviar. While this twist on the traditional Hainanese breakfast is inventive, the fusion of flavours may not be for everyone, but it certainly makes for a conversation starter.

Oriental Charcuterie Board 4/5

One of the more surprising highlights is the Oriental Charcuterie Board ($25.90). This dish cleverly reimagines the Western classic with an Asian twist — think house-cured XO lap cheong, duck liver sausage, waxed duck, and kampot pepper sausage, all paired with crispy you tiao and tempeh. A trio of punchy sides, including pickled mango with belachan, achar, and fu ru (fermented beancurd) labneh, adds bright acidity and complexity.

Marinated Kingfish 4.2/5

Inspired by hawker-style yusheng, the Marinated Kingfish ($19.90) features sashimi-style kingfish tossed in a tangy, spicy dressing of chilli oil, calamansi, and She De Baijiu. Topped with endives and fresh herbs, this is a refreshing, elegant dish that still pays homage to its street food roots.

Buah Keluak Typhoon Soft Shell Crab 4/5

A bold twist on the classic typhoon shelter-style crab, the Buah Keluak Typhoon Soft Shell Crab ($25.90) features lightly battered and deep-fried soft shell crab topped with a heady mix of stir-fried aromatics — garlic, shallots, dried shrimp, fresh chilli, and the unmistakably earthy buah keluak. It’s a punchy, umami-laden flavour bomb with layers of texture that make each bite immensely satisfying.

Same Same But Different Pork Satay 4.2/5

The Same Same But Different Pork Satay ($16.90/$31.90) is a clever reimagining of satay as a DIY experience. Grilled pork is served with popiah skin wraps, pineapple jam, peanut sauce, and fresh herbs — think of it as satay meets Korean BBQ. It's fun, flavourful, and highly customisable.

Chye Ber aka Vegetable Ends 5/5

One of the standout dishes of the evening was the Chye Ber aka Vegetable Ends ($16.90). It reminded me of a similar rendition from Liu Fu Si Fang Cai, but this version takes it up a notch. The assorted vegetable ends are stewed until meltingly tender in a tangy, garlicky gravy made with tamarind, tomato, and dried chilli, enriched further with the richness of pig trotter. The result is a deeply comforting dish with an elevated, robust flavour profile.

Morel Silkie Chicken Consomme 4.5/5

The Morel Silkie Chicken Consommé ($14.90/$34.90) offers delicate clarity and depth. The double-boiled broth, infused with morels, cordyceps, and honey dates, is reminiscent of traditional Chinese herbal soups but elevated in its finesse.

Mocha Prime Pork Ribs 4.2/5

Taking cues from the classic coffee pork ribs, Mocha Prime Pork Ribs ($25.90) ups the ante with 15-hour sous vide ribs, a sticky coffee glaze, and a velvety Vietnamese egg coffee espuma. Finished with pistachios and cocoa nibs, this dish brings creativity and decadence in equal measure.

Assam Stingray 4.8/5

A new menu addition, the Assam Stingray ($39.90), impressed with its bright, tangy Malay-style gravy packed with tamarind, lemongrass, and lime juice. The stingray was tender, and the medley of vegetables — brinjal, tomato, okra, and pineapple — lent a balanced sweet-sour complexity. It is one of the most complete and compelling dishes on the menu.

Claypot Dry Laksa 4.2/5

The Claypot Dry Laksa ($18.90/$33.90) is one for laksa lovers seeking something novel. Cooked in a claypot for added wok hei, the dish delivers intense laksa rempah flavour, bolstered by cockles, prawns, beansprouts, and sinful pork lard. It's a satisfying, punchy reinterpretation.

Trio of Orh Nee 4/5

We wrapped up the meal with the Trio of Orh Nee ($12.90), a modern reinterpretation of one of Chef Dylan’s cherished childhood desserts. This playful version features a medley of yam, sweet potato, and purple potato, enriched with brown butter and maple syrup for added depth. Served with coconut ice cream, chewy taro balls, ginkgo nuts, and a delicate pork lard tuile, it’s a whimsical yet heartfelt tribute to a classic heirloom recipe.

Baijiu & Lychee 4/5

Finishing on a tropical note, the Baijiu & Lychee ($13.90) is a layered dessert of pineapple chutney, lychee salsa, foams and sorbets, brightened with perilla and cooled with coconut ice cream. It’s refreshing, well-executed, and slightly boozy in a good way.

Choon Hoy Parlor continues to shine in its new location at Arcade @ The Capitol Kempinski, delivering heartfelt, elevated renditions of familiar Asian comfort food. Chef Dylan Ong masterfully blends nostalgia with innovation, paying tribute to his mother’s home-cooked meals while introducing creative twists that surprise and delight. With its soulful flavours, thoughtful execution, and playful reinterpretations, Choon Hoy Parlor offers a dining experience that feels both personal and refreshingly modern — a true celebration of heritage with a contemporary edge.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Choon Hoy Parlor
Arcade @ The Capitol Kempinski
15 Stamford Road
#01-84A
Singapore 178905
Tel: +65 6266 0061
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit B. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

KAMO by London Fat Duck @ Orchard Rendezvous Hotel - Experience the Best of Japanese-Chinese Cuisine

Taking over the space once occupied by Akanoya Robatayaki & Bar, KAMO by London Fat Duck makes a bold entrance with a concept that artfully blends Japanese finesse with the depth of Chinese flavours. Crafted in collaboration with a Michelin-starred Japanese chef, the menu offers diners a refined yet hearty culinary experience that centres around duck, but stretches well beyond it.

Crystal Prawn Dumpling with Clam Sauce 4.5/5

We began the meal with the Crystal Prawn Dumpling with Clam Sauce ($12 for 4 pieces), a dish that was as elegant in appearance as it was in flavour. Each dumpling was filled with sweet, crunchy tiger prawn, wrapped in a translucent crystal skin, and crowned with ebi sakura and ikura. The highlight was the robust clam sauce, rich with crustacean essence and fragrant with Chinese wine that enveloped the dumplings, delivering a savoury punch with every bite.

Signature Braised Duck 4.5/5

Braised Taupok, Braised Ajitama Egg, Braised Peanut 4/5

The centrepiece of our dinner was the Signature Braised Duck ($58 Half / $108 Full), a dish that surprises with its roots in Japanese technique but unmistakably evokes the soulful taste of Chinese-style braised duck. The team cleverly uses premium ingredients such as Rishiri konbu, aged tangerine peel, and Japanese soy sauce to create a deeply flavourful, aromatic braising liquid. The use of London Fat Duck, a fattier, more tender breed that elevates the texture and richness of the dish. To complete the platter, diners can add on classic braised companions like Taupok, Ajitama Egg, and Braised Peanuts ($2 each), soaking up the rich sauce beautifully. Two dipping sauces, green chilli coriander and fermented soybean vinegar, offer a refreshing contrast and added depth.

Braised Elephant Fish Fin 5/5

A unique and sustainable alternative to shark fin soup, the Braised Elephant Fish Fin ($68) was a delightful discovery. Its gelatinous texture mimics the prized delicacy, but the addition of luscious crab roe and sweet crab meat truly brought the dish to life, resulting in a luxurious, umami-rich broth that was both comforting and indulgent.

Stir Fry Golden Fungus 4.2/5

The Stir-Fried Golden Fungus ($28) introduced a pleasant crunch with its use of rare Yunnan golden fungus, known for both its delicate texture and medicinal value. Tossed with seasonal vegetables and finished in a savoury seaweed sauce, the dish offered both elegance and balance.

Pan Roasted Tiger Prawn 4.2/5

Next came the Pan-Roasted Tiger Prawn ($28 per piece), presented with a creative twist. The prawn was plump and meaty, paired with juicy shimeji mushrooms, and served on a shell filled with XO rice enriched by ebi butter and prawn roe. The result was a rich, umami-packed combination that was both satisfying and indulgent.

Black Cod 4.5/5

Another standout was the Black Cod ($22 per pax), available steamed or deep-fried. We opted for the latter, and it didn’t disappoint. The skin was shatteringly crisp while the flesh remained buttery soft. The fermented black bean sauce added a bold, savoury layer that perfectly complemented the sweetness of the cod.

Wagyu Claypot Noodles 4.2/5

The Wagyu Claypot Noodles ($38) are a luxury delight. The Shanghai noodles in Fujian sauce are paired with succulent A5 Omi Gyu. The slurping goodness tastes like Malaysia Tai Lok Mee, with a delightful chewy texture.

Orh Nee 4/5

Dessert was a modern rendition of the Teochew classic, Orh Nee ($14 per pax). The velvety yam purée was paired with a scoop of coconut ice cream and drizzled with Okinawa brown sugar, offering a perfect balance of richness and sweetness. A crispy black sesame pastry added crunch and contrast, rounding the meal with textural satisfaction.

KAMO by London Fat Duck is a confident and refreshing concept that pays homage to both Chinese and Japanese culinary traditions. The duck dishes are undoubtedly the stars, but the supporting cast from crystal dumplings to XO rice and claypot noodles adds dimension and flair. Whether you're a fan of bold Chinese flavours or refined Japanese technique, KAMO delivers a compelling fusion worth returning to.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


KAMO by London Fat Duck
Orchard Rendezvous Hotel
1 Tanglin Road
#01-01A
Singapore 247905
Tel: +65 9695 4124
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk towards Wheelock Place via ION. Exit Wheelock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Walk down Orchard Road to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Fu Yuan Teochew Dining (馥苑) @ Clarke Quay - A New and First Teochew Restaurant in Clarke Quay

Fu Yuan Teochew Dining, a fresh addition to the Clarke Quay dining scene, opened its doors in November 2024. The restaurant blends tradition with modern elegance, featuring a sleek black and red colour palette that creates a sophisticated yet welcoming ambience. Specialising in authentic Teochew cuisine with innovative touches, Fu Yuan offers an array of delectable dishes that celebrate the rich culinary heritage of Teochew cooking.

Prosperity Abalone Yu Sheng 3/5

To mark the Chinese New Year festivities, we started with the Prosperity Abalone Yu Sheng ($58/$88). A staple of any Lunar New Year celebration, this dish set the tone for an auspicious meal as we tossed for good fortune, abundance, and prosperity.

Marinated Raw Roe Crab 4.5/5

One of Fu Yuan’s signature dishes, the Marinated Raw Roe Crab ($88), is a true indulgence for seafood lovers. Fresh and generously packed with roe, the crab is steeped in a self-brewed white wine marinade, giving it a delicate floral aroma that enhances the sweetness of the crab meat. This dish is a must-try for those who appreciate bold, umami flavours.

Crispy 'Bing Chuan' Brinjal 4.8/5

A unique offering at Fu Yuan, the Crispy 'Bing Chuan' Brinjal, features an uncommon variety of eggplant sourced from high-altitude, cool-climate regions. This growing environment produces a firmer, denser texture with low moisture content, making it ideal for frying. The result? A crisp, crunchy bite that retains the natural sweetness of the brinjal. Even non-eggplant eaters may find themselves converted by this dish!

Grilled Black Char Siew 4.2/5

While not traditionally Teochew, the Grilled Black Char Siew ($22) is expertly charcoal-grilled, delivering a smoky, caramelised crust that encases tender, flavorful meat. The execution of this Cantonese classic is commendable, making it a worthy addition to the menu.

Teochew Style Pan-fried Oyster Omelette 3.5/5

The Teochew Style Pan-fried Oyster Omelette ($18) takes a more homely approach than the crispy, gooey versions I preferred. This rendition is eggier and fluffier, resembling a classic home-cooked style rather than the traditional wok-fried oyster omelette. While it lacks the expected crispy and starchy contrast, the tangy chilli sauce provides a great complement.

Pan-fried Dragon Tiger Grouper with Shark Cartilage Soup Teochew Style 3.8/5

A departure from the usual steamed Teochew-style fish, this Pan-fried Dragon Tiger Grouper with Shark Cartilage Soup Teochew Style ($13/100g) offers a crispy exterior while keeping the fish meat tender. The creamy shark cartilage soup adds an umami depth, making this a delightful alternative to the traditional preparation.

Creamy Pumpkin Boston Lobster 4.2/5

The Creamy Pumpkin Boston Lobster ($16/100g) presents a unique twist on the usual lobster preparations. The sauce, reminiscent of salted egg yolk, combines the sweetness of pumpkin with an aromatic curry leaf finish, creating a balanced and addictive flavour that pairs beautifully with the lobster meat. Promo: Reserve via Chope using promo code "FYLOBSTER" to enjoy a complimentary Creamy Pumpkin Boston Lobster!

Wok-fried Preserved Radish Hor Fun 3.8/5

While the Wok-fried Preserved Radish Hor Fun ($24/$48) is a well-executed plate of rice noodles, it leans more towards a classic fried kway teow rather than the expected Teochew-style preserved radish hor fun. The preserved radish flavour is not distinct, and the crunch from diced kai lan is lacking, which would have added more texture and depth to the dish.

Peach Gum with Hokkaido Milk 3.8/5

To wrap up the meal, we enjoyed two classic Teochew desserts. The Peach Gum with Hokkaido Milk ($8) is served hot or cold. It is smooth, creamy, and lightly sweetened, making for a refreshing finish. We also had the Mashed Taro 'Orh Nee' ($7), a classic Teochew dessert that is rich, smooth, and well-balanced in sweetness, perfect for rounding off the dining experience.

Mashed Taro 'Orh Nee' 4/5

Fu Yuan Teochew Dining is a welcome addition to the Clarke Quay dining scene, offering classic Teochew cuisine with modern and creative interpretations. Standouts include the Marinated Raw Roe Crab, Crispy 'Bing Chuan' Brinjal, and Creamy Pumpkin Boston Lobster. While some dishes, like the oyster omelette and hor fun, could be refined further, the overall experience showcases quality ingredients and skilful execution. Whether you're looking for a prosperous Chinese New Year meal or a place to indulge in Teochew specialities, Fu Yuan is worth a visit.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Fu Yuan Teochew Dining (馥苑)
Clarke Quay
3A River Valley Road
#01-01C/01D
Singapore 179020
Tel: +65 88020101
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Nearest MRT: Fort Canning (DT Line), Clarke Quay (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 5pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit C or G. Walk to the river. Turn left and walk down the river towards the bridge. Cross the bridge. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Fort Canning MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right onto River Valley Road Walk down River Valley Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Cheng Hoo Thian Teochew Restaurant (清壺天潮州餐馆) @ Whampoa West - One of Singapore's Oldest Restaurant with a 100 Years' History

Cheng Hoo Thian Teochew Restaurant (清壺天潮州餐馆) at Whampoa has stood the test of time, with a legacy that dates back nearly a century to 1930. Named after its founder, Mr. Koh Cheng Hoo, the restaurant's humble beginnings as a "Zhi Char" stall near Clarke Quay have evolved through decades of relocations, closures, and reopenings. Currently helmed by the founder's youngest son, Mr. Jimmy Koh, the restaurant is celebrating its 7th anniversary at its Whampoa location with a promotional 8-course menu for $690 Nett (10 pax) until 31 Dec 2024. I recently had the opportunity to experience the food here, steeped in tradition and heritage.

Chilled Cold Crab with Yellow Roe and Double Shell 4.2/5

Our meal began with a classic Teochew delicacy — the Chilled Cold Crab with Yellow Roe and Double Shell. The crab was impeccably fresh, with sweet, firm meat and umami-rich roe that delighted the palate. Complemented by two traditional dipping sauces — vinegar and the tangy kek yu (tangerine sauce)—this dish set a high bar for the courses to come.

Double-boiled Chicken with White Fungus & Mushrooms in Korea Ginseng Soup 4.5/5

A highlight of the meal was the Double-boiled Chicken with White Fungus & Mushrooms in Korean Ginseng Soup, a nourishing and aromatic offering. The soup was infused with chicken essence, while the white fungus provided a delightful textural contrast. The addition of Korean ginseng enhanced the flavour while imparting its reputed health benefits, making this a hearty and satisfying course.

Barbecue Suckling Pig 4.2/5

The menu’s incredible value shone through with the inclusion of a whole Barbecue Suckling Pig, perfectly roasted to achieve a delightful, crispy exterior. The crunchy skin paired with the succulent meat was nothing short of a treat, and it easily became one of the standout dishes of the evening.

Steamed Pomfret Teochew Style 4/5

The Steamed Pomfret Teochew Style paid homage to traditional Teochew flavours, featuring a tangy broth made with sour plum and salted vegetables. While the dish retained its quintessential balance of flavours, the fish was slightly overcooked by a minute or two, taking away some of its tender texture.

Pan Fried Bombay Duck Omelette Old School Recipe 4/5

An intriguing addition to the meal was the Pan-fried Bombay Duck Omelette, an old-school recipe not commonly seen on menus today. Contrary to its name, Bombay Duck is a type of fish, not poultry. Its name originated from its pungent aroma during train transportation in Mumbai (formerly Bombay), which led to it being nicknamed "Bombay Daak (Mail)" by locals. Along the way, the British picked it up as the Bombay Duck, and the name got lost in translation. This dish had a nostalgic appeal, and the fluffy omelette paired with the salty, umami flavour of the fish was a delightful surprise.

Stewed Loffah with Punning Beancurd and Prawns 4.2/5

A lighter offering was the Stewed Luffa with Punning Beancurd and Prawns. Simple yet elegant, the dish highlighted the natural sweetness of the prawns and the luffa's earthy flavours, while the beancurd's silky texture tied everything together beautifully.

House Special Teochew Siu-Bee 4.5/5

One of the rarer dishes was the House Special Teochew Siu-Bee, which resembled Siew Mai but was wrapped in a delicate dumpling skin stuffed with minced meat and glutinous rice. Served with black vinegar sauce, this dish provided a multi-textural experience in every bite, making it a unique and memorable part of the meal.

Sweet Yam Paste with Mandarin Orange and Gingko Nuts 5/5

The finale was the Sweet Yam Paste with Mandarin Orange and Ginkgo Nuts, a classic Orh Nee with an exceptional twist. The highlight was the preserved mandarin orange, which underwent an intricate 9-day preparation process involving multiple stages of washing, layering with honey and malt sugar, and slow cooking. This meticulous effort resulted in a beautifully candied orange that perfectly complemented the smooth, rich yam paste. It’s easily one of the best Orh Nee desserts I’ve ever had.

Wok Fried Cai Po Hor Fun 4/5

As the 8-course menu lacked a carbohydrate dish, we opted to add a plate of Wok-fried Cai Po Hor Fun. Unlike the typical stir-fried hor fun, this dish was executed in a style akin to fried carrot cake, with rice noodles encased in a fragrant egg coating. While the execution was excellent, the cai po (preserved radish) flavour could have been more pronounced to elevate the overall dish.

Cheng Hoo Thian Teochew Restaurant continues to be a bastion of Teochew culinary heritage, showcasing flavours and recipes that are increasingly rare in modern dining. With its promotional 8-course menu, the restaurant pays tribute to its rich history and offers tremendous value for a group celebration. It is an experience not to be missed for lovers of traditional Teochew cuisine.


Cheng Hoo Thian Teochew Restaurant
(清壺天潮州餐馆)
Blk 34 Whampoa West
#01-27
Singapore 330034
Tel: +65 6297 7789
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Website
Nearest MRT: Boon Keng (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 230pm, 5pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Boon Keng MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to block 34. Walk towards the end of the block. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]