Racines @ Sofitel Singapore City Centre - Feasts Of Fortune to Usher in Year of the Snake

This Lunar New Year, Sofitel Singapore City Centre celebrates the season of prosperity and reunion with thoughtfully curated culinary experiences, blending traditional flavours with modern touches. Over at Racines, the Fortune Set Lunches and Dinners curated are 4-course set lunch and 5-course set dinner, perfect for gatherings with loved ones or even business lunches.

Bountiful 8-Grain Yu Sheng (Tasting portion) 4/5

Begin the feast with an auspicious toss of Yu Sheng. The Bountiful 8-Grain Yu Sheng (Vegetarian) ($48/$88/$138), a new creation for the season, symbolizes an abundant harvest. Designed with health-conscious diners in mind, it features a wholesome mix of grains and seeds, including black-eyed beans, quinoa, pumpkin seeds, and millet, offering delightful textures.

Double-boiled Chicken Soup 5/5

The next course, a Double-boiled Chicken Soup with Dried Scallop and Cordycep Blossoms, impressed with its comforting sweetness and deep flavours, making it a crowd favourite.

Pen Cai 4.5/5

Another quintessential dish, Chef Andrew's Pen Cai, combines an opulent array of ingredients, such as abalone, scallops, prawns, pork belly, duck, pork tendon, fish maw, braised sea cucumber, fatt choy, and truffle. The sauce had a nice, savoury depth of flavour without being overly rich.

Deep-fried Tiger Prawn in Curry Garlic Aioli 3/5

The Deep-fried Tiger Prawn in Curry Garlic Aioli added a modern flair to the menu. While the batter was slightly greasy, the prawn itself was succulent, with a satisfying texture.

Hakka-style Pork Belly with Taro 4.5/5

The Hakka-style Pork Belly with Taro, a nostalgic recipe passed down in Chef Andrew's family since the 1970s, exuded a sense of homely comfort. Its richness was best enjoyed with a warm bowl of white rice.

Cod Fish with Yuzu Butter Sauce 4/5

Another dish that offered a contemporary twist to a Lunar New Year staple was the Cod Fish with Yuzu Butter Sauce. The fish was perfectly moist and flaky, while the yuzu butter sauce added a delightful balance of richness and citrusy brightness.

Hor Yip Fan 5/5

The highlight was the most aesthetically pleasing Hor Yip Fan (Steamed Waxed Meat Rice and Chinese Sausage in Lotus Leaf). This classic, traditionally made with glutinous rice, was reimagined with a lighter blend of fragrant rice and glutinous rice. Steamed with three waxed meats — pork, pork belly, and liver — for two hours, the dish was flavourful, texturally delightful, and certainly moreish!

Duo of Osmanthus Jelly with Bergamot Sorbet & Fried Nian Gao 3.5/5

Dessert was a Duo of Osmanthus Jelly with Bergamot Sorbet & Fried Nian Gao, delivering a delightful hot-and-cold contrast. While the crust of the Nian Gao was slightly thicker than expected, its chewy, sweet interior was satisfying. The refreshing bergamot sorbet rounded off the dessert beautifully. Osmanthus Jelly with Bergamot Sorbet

4-Course Fortune Set Lunch 13 January to 12 February 2025 12pm to 3pm $68++ per person
5-Course Fortune Set Dinner 13 January to 12 February 2025 6pm to 10pm $88++ 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.


Racines
Sofitel Singapore City Centre
Level 5
9 Wallich Street
Singapore 078885
Tel: +65 64285000
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 7am - 1030am, 12pm - 3pm, 530pm - 10pm

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

Summer Pavilion @ Ritz-Carlton Singapore - Usher in the Year of the Golden Snake at Summer Pavilion

Celebrate Lunar New Year in style at the one-Michelin-starred Summer Pavilion, where exquisite Cantonese cuisine takes centre stage. This festive season, the restaurant offers a selection of six- to eight-course set lunch and dinner menus, priced from S$158 per pax, available from 13 January to 12 February 2025.

Prickly Sea Cucumber Yu Sheng 4/5

Like every traditional Lunar New Year feast in Singapore, the meal begins with a Yu Sheng tossing, symbolising prosperity and abundance for the year ahead. This year, Summer Pavilion unveils an innovative Prickly Sea Cucumber Yu Sheng, elevating the classic dish with a unique touch.

Steamed Lobster Meat, Egg White, Black Caviar 4.5/5

The meal is then introduced with a duo of amuse-bouche. First is a vibrant Sautéed Prawn paired with cashew nuts, dried chilli, and balsamic pearls, a delightful mix of crunch and tang. Following this is the luxurious Steamed Lobster Meat with Egg White and Black Caviar, a refined interpretation reminiscent of a decadent chawanmushi.

Dim Sum Platter 4.2/5

The Dim Sum Platter impresses with a trio of expertly crafted items: a Steamed Scallop Dumpling, a Poached Prawn Dumpling in Black Vinegar, and a Pan-fried Roasted Duck Bun. Each bite showcases different cooking techniques — steaming, poaching, and pan-frying—highlighting the restaurant's finesse and skill.

Double Boiled Chicken Soup 4.5/5

Next is a comforting Double-boiled Chicken Soup featuring premium ingredients such as fish maw, Matsutake mushrooms, dried scallops, and soaked Nostoc algae. This nourishing soup epitomises the hallmark of Cantonese cooking: balance and depth.

Steamed Dong Xing Grouper Fillet 4.5/5

A signature from Chef Cheung, the Steamed Dong Xing Grouper Fillet is delicately paired with luffa gourd and black fungus. The perfectly steamed fish is tender and sweet, with a light broth that enhances the grouper's natural flavours.

Steamed Vermicelli, King Scallop Caviar, Crab Roe and Egg White 4.8/5

The highlight of the night is the Steamed Vermicelli with King Scallop, Caviar, Crab Roe, and Egg White. This silky, slurp-worthy dish is served in a rich, savoury broth that draws comparisons to Shanghai Crab Roe Noodles. Every element, from the smooth vermicelli to the decadent broth, creates a harmonious and addictive dish that leaves a lasting impression.

Chilled Superior Bird's Nest, Pear, Osmanthus 4.5/5

The meal concludes with the Chilled Superior Bird's Nest, served with osmanthus-infused poached pear. This light, refreshing dessert provides the perfect sweet ending to a luxurious Cantonese feast.

Osmanthus Jelly 4/5

Finally, petite fours are served in the form of Osmanthus Jelly and Osmanthus Sachima — delicate bite-sized treats that add a lovely, nostalgic touch to the dining experience.

Osmanthus Sachima 4/5

Diners celebrating the first 15 days of the Lunar New Year at Summer Pavilion will receive exclusive Ritz-Carlton red packets and a pair of mandarin oranges per reservation. Vegetarian Yu Sheng and Pen Cai are available for takeaway for those looking to host celebrations at home.

For reservations, please call +65 6434 5286 or email rc.sinrz.summerpavilion@ritzcarlton.com.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Summer Pavilion
Ritz-Carlton Singapore
Level 3
7 Raffles Avenue
Singapore 039799
Tel: +65 64345286
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Nearest MRT: Promenade (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 630pm - 1030pm

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

Shang Palace @ Shangri-La Singapore - Exclusive Moutai Culinary Creations Till 22 September 2024

Visit Shang Palace in Shangri-La Singapore from now until 22 September to indulge in the exclusive Moutai Culinary Creations, crafted by Executive Chinese Chef Daniel Cheung. The special time-limited menu features a comprehensive range of seven a la carte dishes, from appetisers to desserts.

In each of these dishes, Chef Daniel has thoughtfully and harmoniously infused the bold flavours of 贵州茅台 Kweichow Moutai, China's most prestigious liquor. It was interesting to experience Moutai showcased in various creative ways.

Note that most dishes pictured in the article were served in sample portions.

Moutai Symphony

Our meal began with the Moutai Symphony cocktail, served intriguingly in traditional teaware. A blend of Moutai, Crème de Peach, and Bi Luo Green Tea, the cocktail was both bold and refreshing, with subtle fruity undertones complementing the rich notes of the moutai.

Appetisers 4/5

Appetisers came as a trio, starting with the Chilled Crystal Jelly with Shredded Chicken Marinated in Moutai ($36). This dish featured delicate layers of chicken broth jelly and shredded chicken.The Deep-fried Pastry stuffed with Ibérico Minced Pork, Century Egg Yolk, and Moutai ($24 for 3 Pieces) followed, boasting a light and crunchy pastry encasing a flavourful filling with distinct moutai notes. Our final appetiser was a non-moutai dish, the Smoked Bean Curd Rolls with Carrot, Black Mushrooms, and Pickled Radish in Black Truffle Sauce ($20 for 6 Pieces). Served chilled, it hits you immediately with a strong whiff of smokiness. I liked the variety of textures here.

Sautéed Deboned Goose Web 4.2/5

I wasn't sure if I would enjoy the Sautéed Deboned Goose Web and French Bean with Sichuan Peppercorn and Moutai ($48), but it proved to be one of the more surprising highlights of the night. The tender deboned goose web is sautéed in an aromatic and savoury moutai-enhanced sauce, complementing the crunchy French beans.

Flambè Mala Prawns with Lemongrass and Moutai 4/5

Our next dish was the Flambè Mala Prawns with Lemongrass and Moutai ($50). The moment the clayport was uncovered, a garlicky and spicy aroma filled the air. The crunchy prawns inside the claypot were generously fried in an aromatic mix of dried chillies, garlic, lemongrass, Moutai and more.

Deep-fried Ibérico Pork Wrapped in Lychee with Aged Vinegar 4.5/5

Alongside these Moutai-infused dishes, we also sampled some of Shang Palace's classic offerings. The Deep-fried Ibérico Pork Wrapped in Lychee with Aged Vinegar ($46) stood out most for its well-balanced sweet, tangy, and savoury notes. The juicy lychees, encased in crispy Ibérico pork, were perfect with the aged vinegar's slight acidity.

Braised Rice with Sri Lankan Crab Claw and Assorted Dried Seafood 4.2/5

Another highlight was the Braised Rice with Sri Lankan Crab Claw and Assorted Dried Seafood ($30 Per Person). I thoroughly enjoyed the flavourful braised gravy and sweet crab claw meat as a seafood fan.

Chilled Osmanthus Wolfberry Jelly 4/5

For desserts, the Chilled Osmanthus Wolfberry Jelly Topped with Yuzu Sorbet and Preserved Apricot ($15) was a refreshing and sweet finish to the meal.

Chilled Three Layer Coconut Milk, Pandan and Moutai Jelly 3.5/5

The final Moutai creation of the evening was the Chilled Three Layer Coconut Milk, Pandan, and Moutai Jelly ($24), a mildly sweet dessert.

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.


Shang Palace
22 Orange Grove Road
Singapore 258350
Tel: +65 6213 4473
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Nearest MRT: Stevens MRT (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 2.30pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 11am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk towards Wheellock Place via ION. Exit Wheellock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Cross the road at the traffic light junction and turn left towards Royal Thai Embassy. Walk down to the end of Orchard Road. Turn right onto Orange Grove Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 23 minutes.[Map]

Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant (萬豪軒) @ Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel - Usher In The Year of the Dragon with A Reunion of Bountiful Blessings

As the Wood Dragon graces us with its presence, Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel invites you to embrace the Lunar New Year at the esteemed Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant. Renowned for its culinary finesse, Wan Hao presents specially curated set menus, exquisite a la carte dishes, and a delectable range of takeaway treasures, promising an auspicious start to the Year of the Dragon.

Wan Hao Prosperity Yu Sheng with Bayberry Dressing

The Wan Hao Prosperity Yu Sheng with Bayberry Dressing kicked off the celebration — an opulent rendition featuring rock lobster, scallop, Irish smoked salmon, yellowfin tuna, caviar, and salmon roe. The bayberry dressing, meticulously crafted from the best harvest between March and June, adds a refreshing touch with its sweet and tart notes. Toss to abundance and prosperity with this vibrant and flavourful Yu Sheng.

Wan Hao Bird's Nest Eight Treasure Pot

Diverging from the traditional Pen Cai, Wan Hao presents the Bird's Nest Eight Treasure Pot — a collagen-rich concoction brimming with indulgence. Laden with Bird's Nest, 5-Head Australia Abalone, Fish Maw, African Premium Sea Cucumber, Black Moss Dace Fish Bean Curd Skin Bag, Live Prawn, Pork Tendon, Free-Range Chicken, and Japanese Shiitake Mushroom, this modern interpretation symbolizes harmony and prosperity. A lighter, healthier twist on a Lunar New Year classic. Roast

Duo Style Turbot Fish

Fish, a symbol of abundance, takes centre stage with the Sauteed Turbot Fish Fillet. It is served with fresh lily bulb, pan-fried lotus root stuffed with minced dace fish, and barbeque sauce. The dish captures the essence of prosperity and good fortune. It is a delightful addition to the Lunar New Year set menus.

Braised Lobster with Passion Fruit Custard Sauce

The Braised Lobster with Passion Fruit Custard Sauce is a symphony of sweet and tangy flavours. The succulent lobster, coated in a luscious custard sauce, creates a harmonious balance that delights the palate.

Claypot Rice with Chinese Sausage and Cured Duck in Superior Soya Sauce

The Claypot Rice with Chinese Sausage and Cured Duck in Superior Soya Sauce is a highlight that resonates with simplicity and comfort. The richness of preserved meats infuses the fluffy rice, and a drizzle of superior soya sauce elevates the aroma — a bowl of pure comfort that captures the essence of traditional Lunar New Year feasting.

Osmanthus with Water Chestnut Jelly and Wolfberry, Golden Pandan Nian Gao Tart

Dessert unveils a trio of delights—Osmanthus with Water Chestnut Jelly and Wolfberry, Double-boiled Bird's Nest with Whole Coconut and Rock Sugar, and the star of the show, the Golden Pandan Nian Gao Tart with Gula Melaka & Grated Coconut. Wan Hao's perennial favourite, Nian Gao Tart, takes centre stage this year with a golden pandan twist that garners raving approval. The tart is a delightful creation that deserves applause and, perhaps, a standing ovation.

Double-boiled Bird's Nest with Whole Coconut and Rock Sugar

Available from 4 January to 24 February 2024, toss up good fortune with an exquisite 6 or 8-Course Lunar New Year Chinese Set Menu – prices start from $138.80++ per person. For gourmet takeaway treasures, guests can pre-order online beginning on 26 December 2023 at https://celebratorydelights.com/cny or visit our Lunar New Year booth at the hotel's forecourt starting 4 January 2024.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant (萬豪軒)
Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel
320 Orchard Road
Singapore 238865
Tel: +65 6831 4605
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Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (NE, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11.30am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Numb Restaurant @ Marina One West Tower - Bringing Modern Trending Sichuanese Cuisine To Singapore

Numb is the newest restaurant to be opened at Marina One West Tower. Two bankers founded the restaurant, offering authentic Sichuanese cuisine reinterpreted with contemporary techniques.

Succulent Fried Chicken Wings with Special Handmade Chips 3.5/5

We kickstarted our dinner with a couple of Sichuan tapas and bar snacks. It is not just about spicy food at Numb restaurant. The Succulent Fried Chicken Wings with Special Handmade Chips ($19.80) is a kid's friendly choice grilled to a delightful juiciness.

Imperial Sauced Sliced Beef 3.5/5

The Imperial Sauced Sliced Beef ($23.80) comes in two flavours, Numbing & Spicy or Braised. We had the numbing and spicy flavour, whereby the flavourful beef slices were paired with crunchy asparagus and broccoli.

Sliced Pork Belly with Classic Garlic and Chilli Sauce 4.2/5

A delightful appetiser is the Sliced Pork Belly with Classic Garlic and Chilli Sauce ($18.80). Of course, the soul has to be the garlic and chilli sauce, which accentuated the enjoyment of the boiled pork belly.

Mashed Pepper with Century Egg and Eggplants 3/5

The Mashed Pepper with Century Egg and Eggplants ($13.80) is new in my food journey. I haven't eaten anything like that before. Upon serving the dish, the server will mash up everything. While the flavours are on point, I didn't enjoy the mushy texture due to the mashing. There is a spicy and non-spicy version.

Mala Broth Boiled Seabass 4.2/5

The real kick comes from the Mala Broth Boiled Seabass ($39.80/$49.80), where tender boiled seabass is immersed in Sichuan dried chilli. Plough apart the dried chilli to discover a treasure trove of soybean sprouts, enoki mushrooms and celery. Unlike the usual mala broth boiled seabass, crispy fried fish are added for extra crunch.

Trendy Peking Duck in Spicy Stew 4.5/5

My favourite dish is the Trendy Peking Duck in Spicy Stew ($39.80). Apparently, the dish is currently making waves all over China. The roasted duck is slow-cooked in a rich stew, further enhanced with beancurd sticks, sliced lotus root, kelp, black fungus and enoki mushrooms. The spiciness did not undermine the enjoyment of the poultry.

Awesome Spicy Chilli Chicken with Fried Dough Twist 4/5

Another staple Sichuan dish is the "La Zi Ji". The Awesome Spicy Chilli Chicken with Fried Dough ($30.80/$40.80) is Numb's interpretation of the classic dish, comprising chicken cubes stir-fried with a generous amount of chopped chilli. It even added fried dough twist for that extra textural enjoyment.

Applewood Smoked Crispy Chicken 3/5

The Applewood Smoked Crispy Chicken ($33.80) is presented in a smoked jar, infusing the skinless boneless chicken with the applewood fragrant. The roasted tempeh and peanuts provided a complementing lift in texture and flavour. However, the taste profile could be more punchy.

Champion Beef and Mixed Veggies in Golden Spicy Sour Soup 4.5/5

Another delicious dish I immensely enjoyed is the Champion Beef and Mixed Veggies in Golden Spicy Sour Soup ($39.80/$49.80). Tender beef slices are cooked in a robust spicy, sweet and sour broth. Best to have a bowl of steamed rice to go with the appetising dish.

Sweet and Sour Pork Fruit Platter on Ice 4.2/5

Not all dishes are spicy at Numb, such as the Sweet and Sour Pork Fruit Platter on Ice ($32.80). It is juicy and meaty, complemented by the fruity sweetness.

Stir-Fried Jack Beans, Stir-Fried Chinese Lettuce 4/5

Remember to have your greens for a balanced diet. Both the Stir-fried Jack Beans with Red Chillis and Sichuan Pickles ($19.80) and Stir-fried Chinese Lettuce ($17.80). Though simple, it is cooked to a delectable crunch.

Sichuan Inspired Traditional Homemade Mapo Tofu

The Sichuan Inspired Traditional Homemade Mapo Tofu ($24.80) is deliciously addictive with silky tofu and minced beef, cooked in douban and douchi, the traditional recipe for the classic dish.

Pumpkin Pancake 4.2/5

We had a couple of desserts to wrap up the dinner, starting with the Pumpkin Pancake ($9.80). The warm pancake has a delightful mochi-like texture, topped with sesame seeds for a fragrant finish.

Osmanthus Coconut Cake 4.2/5

The Osmanthus Coconut Cake ($8.80) is a light and refreshing jelly dessert infused with the osmanthus aroma.

Fancy Rainbow Ice Jelly with Glutinous Rice Balls 3.8/5

Lastly is the Fancy Rainbow Ice Jelly with Glutinous Rice Balls ($10.80). Served chilled, it is an ideal dessert to freshen up the palate and cool down the burning tongue after all the rich and spicy food.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Numb Restaurant
Marina One West Tower
#01-12
9 Straits View
Singapore 018935
Tel: +65 94601960
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Nearest MRT: Downtown (DT Line), Shenton Way (TE Line), Marina Bay (CC, NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 10pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Shenton Way MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Downtown MRT station. Take Exit C or E. Walk to Straits View. Turn right onto Straits View. Walk down Straits View. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Marina Bay MRT station. Take Exit 1. Turn left onto Commerce Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]