Showing posts with label Otah. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Otah. Show all posts

Saturday, March 2, 2024

Jiak Kim House @ Jiak Kim Street (Kim Seng Road) - Former Zouk Transformed into a Beautiful Modern Asian Restaurant by The Brewerkz Group

JiakKimHouse41

Stepping into the former Zouk, one encounters the metamorphosis into Jiak Kim House, an enchanting dining venture brought to life by The Brewerkz Group. Chef-Partner Seow Tzi Qin takes the reins, introducing an inventive menu that weaves modern Asian cuisine with Southeast Asian flavours, all within a contemporary framework. This establishment is more than a restaurant; it celebrates evolution against the backdrop of Zouk's storied past.

JiakKim-3

JiakKim-5

JiakKimHouse2

JiakKimHouse5

The dinner commences with complimentary rotating bread, with the noteworthy Bolo Bun stealing the spotlight with its century egg and salted egg filling. This treat could easily grace the shelves of a bakery. Following this, an Amuse Bouche takes the stage, presenting a delightful ensemble of crunchy jellyfish paired with a palate-refreshing sorbet, setting the tone for the dining experience.

JiakKimHouse8
Chilli Crab Pie Tee 4/5

JiakKimHouse7
7-Herbed Crab Cake, Assam Mayo 4.8/5

JiakKimHouse17
Spanish Mackerel Otak Otak, Green Curry 3.8/5

JiakKimHouse13
Lamb Golash Croquette, Mint Coriander Coulis 4.5/5

For those venturing into Jiak Kim House for the first time, I strongly recommend having the Tingkat of Memories ($36). This ensemble features four distinct items: the 7-Herb Crab Cake with Assam Mayo, Lamb Goulash Croquette with Mint Coriander Coulis, Chilli Crab Pie Tee, and Tri-Colour Otak Otak. These items aptly exemplify Chef TQ's culinary vision and the establishment's unique gastronomic style. Moreover, they offer a vibrant introduction to the rich and diverse flavours of Southeast Asian cuisine.

JiakKimHouse20
Mushroom Herbal Tea 'Macchiato' 5/5

The Mushroom Herbal Tea 'Macchiato' ($22) is the chef's creative take on the beloved local Bak Kut Teh. The concoction comprises peppery mushroom consommé infused with a fragrant herb and spice blend. Topped with a frothy green peppercorn foam, the dish is served with a delightful side of playful mini dough fritters. I found joy in dipping the dough fritters into the comforting and flavoursome soup, a reminiscent act of savouring local Bak Kut Teh delightfully.

JiakKimHouse27
Hay-Smoked Wagyu Hamburg 4/5

The Hay-Smoked Wagyu Hamburg ($28) draws inspiration from the Vietnamese Bo La Lot. This delectable dish features juicy chargrilled patties made from a succulent blend of chuck, short rib, and pork belly, expertly wrapped in fragrant shiso leaves. Accompanied by a tantalising green pepper sauce, the dish is complemented by fresh kimchi pickles at the side, adding a delightful touch that helps balance the richness of the flavours.

JiakKimHouse22
Herbal Scallops 'Pao Fan' 4/5

The Herbal Scallops 'Pao Fan' ($42) received mixed reviews from some dining companions who felt it fell short of the traditional Chinese Pao Fan dish's expectations. Despite presenting components like puffed rice, the dish deviated from the anticipated experience. Rather than a faithful representation of Pao Fan, it resembled more of a scallop dish paired with earthy cordyceps and briny ikura in dashi buerre blanc. Nevertheless, it was still enjoyable as a scallop dish on its own.

JiakKimHouse30
Garum Quail Panggang 4.5/5

The Garum Quail Panggang ($46) left me in awe of Chef TQ's cooking. It stands as the most delightful way I've experienced quail thus far. The quail, expertly butterflied and beautifully chargrilled, is served alongside creamy celeriac mash, truffle sauce, crispy lotus root chips, and deep-fried cauliflower bhaji. The combination of flavours and textures in this dish is truly magical.

JiakKimHouse39
Kam Heong Sambal Grouper 4.2/5

The Kam Heong Sambal Grouper ($40) showcases a boldly flavoured Tiger Grouper fillet marinated overnight in black peppercorns and homemade sambal. Paired with lively mangosteen salsa and served alongside cilantro rice, the dish presents a delightful fusion of robust flavours and diverse textures, creating a unique and memorable dish.

JiakKimHouse45
Beef Tongue-To-Tail 4/5

The Beef Tongue to Tail ($42) presents fork-tender spice-infused rendang short ribs, torched ox tongue, and braised oxtail. Accompanied by domino potatoes adorned with grated coconut, smoky grilled shishito peppers, and a refreshing rojak salad, the dish artfully showcases the diverse and delectable facets of the cow.

JiakKimHouse48
Challans Duck Two Ways 4/5

The Challans Duck Two Ways ($48) is meticulously roasted to a beautiful pink, accompanied by a tangy sour plum sauce and served alongside a salted vegetable risotto. Despite the tender and flavourful duck meat, some diners felt it lacked the pronounced Southeast Asian flavours evident in the other dishes.

JiakKimHouse53
Snow Peak 4/5

The ethereal Snow Peak ($22) unveils a Moutai and pineapple-infused sorbet nestled on a bed of diced scoby, draped in a delicate coconut jelly, and adorned with guava, strawberries, and playful lime meringue shards. This dessert is a delightful and refreshing conclusion to the meal.

JiakKimHouse59
Jiak Kim 4.5/5

Jiak Kim ($22), literally translating to 'eat gold,' is an exquisite flower-shaped dessert adorned with gold foil. This dessert combines layers of roselle hawthorn jelly, earl grey mousse, Berriolette compote, and namelaka chocolate cream, delivering a harmonious blend of flavours and textures.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Jiak Kim House
5 Jiak Kim Street
#01-16/17
Singapore 169426
Tel: +65 98315430
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Havelock (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Havelock Road MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to traffic junction Kim Seng Road and Havelock Road. Cross the road. Turn left and walk down Kim Seng Road towards Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel. Turn right onto Jiak Kim Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Wednesday, December 27, 2023

INDOCAFÉ Peranakan Dining @ Scotts Road - Reopens with New Peranakan Dishes

IMG_0731

Nestled within "The White House" along Scotts Road, the reopening of INDOCAFÉ Peranakan Dining unveils the iconic colonial-style bungalow that has been transformed into an enclave that embraces both modernity and the vibrant heritage of Peranakan culture. Its interiors blend Peranakan influences with a touch of modern sophistication, creating a cosy and inviting ambience. The new menu, curated by Penang-born Chef Heng Eng Ho, features old favourites alongside new dishes showcasing his understanding of Peranakan flavours developed over more than 20 years of culinary experience.

IMG_0681
Belinjo Crackers

We were delighted with a mouthwatering complimentary welcome snack - crunchy Belinjo Crackers with Sambal Belacan, Gula Melaka & Acar. The sambal belacan whetted my appetite, with its piquancy laced with a hint of hit, making it the perfect dip throughout the meal. I love the crunch from the acar as well.

IMG_0698

We started with the Trio Platter from its Signature Tasting Menu - Kueh Pie Tee, Ngoh Hiang, Otah Otah. Individual items are available in the ala carte menu. Within the Kueh Pie Tee ($19) is braised shredded turnip, topped with dried prawns and crabmeat. The shredded turnip retained a good crunch and aptly seasoned, and a touch of the vibrant chilli sauce lifted its flavours. Both the and were equally delightful. The Ngoh Hiang ($19) showcased an excellent proportion of pork and chopped water chestnuts, resulting in a testy, juicy meat roll. Nonya Otah Otah ($16) was tasty with chunky mackerel fish, and Nyonya herbs and spices were also quite balanced.

IMG_0706
Itek Tim (tasting portion) 4/5

We also had a soup starter - Itek Tim ($14), a salted vegetable duck leg soup. It boasted a profound tartness from pickled mustard greens, balanced with fruity sweetness imparted by tomatoes. The duck meat was cooked to tender. The soup was also elevated with shaved nutmeg for a subtle lift and a dash of brandy for a depth of flavour.

IMG_0724
INDOCAFÉ Wagyu Beef Rendang (tasting portion) 4.5/5

Moving on to the Mains. We savoured the INDOCAFÉ Wagyu Beef Rendang ($38), elevated with premium Wagyu beef cheek. The beef cheek is cooked with spices, shrimp paste, chilli and coconut milk for over three hours, followed by additions of Nyonya rempah and a medley of fresh aromatics. The beef was tender and moist, and the flavours were well-rounded without overly intense.

IMG_0721
Babi Pongteh (tasting portion) 4.5/5

INDOCAFÉ also amped its Babi Pongteh ($28) with Spanish Iberico pork. The pork is marinated to the bone with fermented soybean paste and then cooked with potatoes, aromatic spices, onion and garlic. Having Spanish Iberico pork prepared in this manner for the first time, I was pleasantly surprised by how well it was being executed. Despite the absence of the usual chunky layers of fats and skin found in a regular pork belly, the flavours and texture were not compromised.

IMG_0715
Ikan Sambal Bunga Kantan (tasting portion) 3.8/5

We also had a seafood fish - Ikan Sambal Bunga Kantan ($39). The Patagonian toothfish is deep-fried and dressed with ginger flower and Thai sweet and sour chilli sauce. It was tasty with a firm and succulent texture, although a thinner crust would have been preferable.

IMG_0718
Dry Laksa 3/5

We tried its Dry Laksa ($26) with Argentina Red Prawns. The laksa lacked the robustness and punch we expected, and the prawns were a bit mushy in texture.

IMG_0748
Sago Gula Melaka 4.5/5

Ending things on a sweet note - Sago Gula Melaka ($14) was indulgent with prime D24 durian pengat. The sticky sago pudding was lightly sweetened with gula melaka and doused with warm coconut milk, bringing the elements together into a harmonious delight.

IMG_0740
Kueh Salat 4/5

The Signature Kueh Salat ($15) was aesthetically presented, featuring a scoop of coconut ice cream adorned with desiccated coconut and crushed peanuts. While the pandan coconut custard was deliciously creamy, the glutinous rice layer could be softer to combine better with the custard. The overall sweetness was on the higher side.

IMG_0754
Kerinci

IMG_0688

To complete the dining experience, INDOCAFÉ Peranakan Dining has also incorporated artisanal coffee offerings and exclusive beverages. During our meal, we had a refreshing mimosa to complement the richness of the food. When it came to desserts, between Gesha Passiflora ($19) from Colombia and Kerinci ($11) from Indonesia, I opted for the latter, which offers tasting notes of tropical fruits, dried fruits, berries, stone fruits with a wine-like sweet finish.

IMG_0766

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.


INDOCAFÉ Peranakan Dining
35 Scotts Road
Singapore 228227
Tel: +65 9430 7307
Facebook
Instagram
Nearest MRT: Newton (DT, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm -1030pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Newton MRT station. Take Exit A. On Scotts Road, turn right and walk down Scotts Road towards Orchard Road direction. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Saturday, September 16, 2023

Racines @ Sofitel Singapore City Centre - New Menu with Focus On Sustainability Dining By Chef Isaac Henry

IMG_7916

Sofitel Singapore City Centre has a new Director of Culinary and Beverage on board - Isaac Henry. His culinary experience spans continents, honing his skills in Michelin-starred restaurants in both Paris and Singapore. As a strong advocator of sustainable dining, it is no surprise that you might have spotted him on the host of a six-part docu-series on Channel News Asia titled 'Zero Waste Kitchen'. On the refreshed Racines's menu, other than its attention-grabbing fashion magazine-style design, new signatures are introduced that were conceptualised with the environment in mind.

IMG_7897
Chicken & Duck Foie Gras Mousse 4.8/5

Chef Isaac would like to call the Chicken & Duck Foie Gras Mousse a marriage between Asian food and French dishes – reflecting the restaurant's signature cuisine. The chicken liver is locally sourced, aligning with our commitment to sustainability. A small portion of duck liver is blended with chicken liver, cream and egg to achieve a velvety texture. Adding sweet and tangy Chinese black wine vinegar elevates this mousse to another level brilliantly, much like how a fruit compote complements the richness and flavour of a liver pate with a delightful touch of sweet acidity. It formed a luxurious spread for the sourdough bread served on the side.

IMG_7888
Charred Asparagus with Housemade Hollandaise 5/5

I thoroughly enjoyed the Charred Asparagus, which differentiates itself with a tantalising combination of flavours and textures brought to life by creamy housemade Hollandaise, umami Shio Kombu, and sugar-roasted Almonds ($26). The asparagus, charred on an open-fire grill, was laced with a delightful smoky nuance, adding a flavour depth to the dish. The creamy and substantial sauce lent a satisfying mouthfeel to the asparagus, with its sweetness aptly balanced by the savoury shio kombu. The almond candies provided a morish textural crunch, completing this enticing plate of asparagus.

IMG_7889
Otak Otak 4/5

Otak Otak ($18) features a spiced Spanish Mackerel Fish cake roasted in a Banana Leaf parcel served with housemade cincalok sauce. Chef Isaac used one of his oldest recipes when craving for otak-otak abroad, and none was readily available. Using a traditional way of making otak otak, made by blending slow-cooked rempah paste for two hours, he also added fresh water chestnuts for texture. I like the lightness of this Otak Otak versus some, which are more assertive in terms of the spice content. The cincalok sauce enlivened its taste even further.

IMG_7900
Ngoh Hiang 4/5

Ngoh Hiang features Crispy Five-Spiced Seafood Wrapped in Beancurd Skin Served with Housemade Chilli Sauce ($18). Crusted within was a juicy seafood filling made with sotong paste, prawn meat, and crabmeat. Instead of the sweet sauce, we have a punchy house-fermented chilli sauce resulting from blended spices that is left to sit for a day to ferment.

IMG_7924
Prawn Biryani 4.5/5

Chef Isaac's Smoked Argentinian Red Prawn Biryani Served with Salted Yoghurt ($36) is a "nontraditional version", which is a cure for hangover to me. The prawns were pre-seared, effectively sealing an incredible amount of juices within the heads. You will get everything in one spoonful by layering the rice with Spiced Ghee and Cashews and masala made with prawns. Although the rice was saucier than I would have liked it to be, the presence of the well-caramelised onions and the salted yoghurt served on the side provided a great balance to the masala.

IMG_7912
Crispy Scale Red Snapper 4.8/5

The Crispy Scale Red Snapper ($42) comprises pumpkin puree, wilted baby spinach, squid ink, and beurre blanc. Snapper is also locally sourced from a farmer who slaughters and fillets it Ikejime-style, which kills it instantly, resulting in less blood and tender flesh. It gives it a much whiter, tastier flesh. Indeed, what we had was beautiful, moist and tender with a supreme taste. What I also appreciate is how the scales were left intact and crisped with hot oil as a means to minimise wastage. As the presentation of such dishes has a typical neutral flavour profile, the accompanying wilted spinach is cooked with squid ink to add that extra savoury element to enhance the flavour profile of the fish.

IMG_7918
Sliced Beef Hor Fun 4.2/5

Sliced Beef Hor Fun features a wok-tossed thinly sliced Argentinian Grain-fed Beef with Flat Rice Noodles and Garlic Crisp ($38). While it is tough to attain a deep wok hei flavour into the rice noodle, this is nonetheless a very decadent version with soft and tender Beef Argentinian striploin. I also enjoyed how sweet the spring onions were, which balanced the flavour of this highly flavour dish. Attention is paid to the Garlic crisps. They are coated with flour and then fried to get a long-lasting crisp. However, I preferred a broader type of flat rice noodles for a better texture.

IMG_7931
Sautéed Clams Manila Clams 4.8/5

Sautéed Clams Manila Clams ($60) stood out with a heedy broth. Chef Isaac uses locally sourced Manila clams, which do not have many sand sediments and are sweet in flavour. Tossed in Aged Guanciale, Housemade Nduja Butter and Parsley Pistou, the broth had so much body and packed a punch of flavour. The Nduja is sourced from a Basque country (France), producing milder' nduja. Hence, the sweetness of the clams was still very much present. Parsley Pistou was sharp, accenting the broth with herbaceous nuances.

IMG_7948
Almond & Logan 4/5

For dessert, Chef Isaac's rendition of the Almond & Logan surprised me with an aesthetically pleasing plating and an exceptionally creamy Almond jelly. The white fungus could have been more cooked through for a softer texture.

IMG_7949
Skillet Baked Dark chocolate Cookie 4.5/5

Skillet Baked Dark chocolate Cookie Salted Hokkaido Milk Ice Cream ($23) is a comfort food that will lift your spirits. The Skillet baking creates crisp edges with a moist and gooey centre.

IMG_7952
Textures of Meringue 3/5

Pavlova features Textures of Meringue with Passion Fruit Sorbet, Micro Basil and Strawberries ($22). I find most meringue desserts to be on the sweeter side; hence, this is my least favourite of the lot.

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
Facebook
Instagram
Website
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]

Monday, August 28, 2023

Town Restaurant @ The Fullerton Hotel Singapore - Straits from the Heart: An Ode to Peranakan Cuisine

IMG_7472

IMG_7459

In collaboration with Chef Philip Chia, a local culinary master and best-selling cookbook author known for his Peranakan cuisine, The Fullerton Hotel Singapore presents "Straits from the Heart: An Ode to Peranakan Cuisine" at Town Restaurant alongside their signature spread of local and international fare. From 14 August to 14 September 2023, you can taste Chef Philip's prowess as a purveyor of Peranakan cuisine in the dishes created in the lunch and dinner buffet menus from Monday to Saturday.

IMG_7462
Egg Prawn Salad with Khong Th’ng

IMG_7463
Cucumber Pineapple Prawn Salad

We started with some cold salads that whetted our appetites with zesty and piquant dressings - the Egg Prawn Salad with Khong Th'ng (Peanut Candy) Dressing and the Cucumber Pineapple Prawn Salad. Both salads were ultra-refreshing, featuring crunchy cucumbers, juicy pineapples, and prawns and eggs that added delightful textures. I found them rather addictive - the fiery dressings had a good amount of heat and acidity yet were well balanced by the sweetness of the tomatoes and pineapples.

IMG_7431
Otah Otah

IMG_7433
Ngoh Hiang

Familiar and well-loved appetisers Ngoh Hiang and Otah Otah are also available.

IMG_7465
Kueh Pie Tee

One of the highlights is the DIY Kueh Pie Tee station, complete with crispy, thin tart shells and well-stewed turnips.

IMG_7435
Babi Pontay

The Mains were superb. The Babi Pontay (braised pork belly in fermented soybean sauce) was truly memorable, featuring fork-tender and unctuous thick-cut pork belly, along with generous chunks of mushrooms and bamboo shoots that had absorbed the flavoursome sauce, softening and enhancing their taste.

IMG_7441
Ayam Buah Keluak

IMG_7446
Beef Rendang

Other meat dishes featured include tantalising Ayam Buah Keluak (chicken and black nuts in tamarind gravy) and Beef Rendang (slow-cooked beef curry). Both delivered flavoursome and tender meats, and it was even more satisfying when I had them together with the warm and fragrant Jasmine rice served alongside.

IMG_7438
Assam Pedas

IMG_7457
Udang Goreng Assam

Seafood dishes provided a delightful addition to the line-up. The Assam Pedas was a highlight for me; the sour and spicy gravy was irresistible, accentuated by substantial chunks of pineapple that had been simmered to release bursts of sweet and tangy juice with every bite. The fish was cooked to perfection, boasting a tender and flaky texture. The Udang Goreng Assam (fried prawns with tamarind) were finger-licking good.

IMG_7469
Nyonya Chap Chye

And my favourite, Nyonya Chap Chye, didn't disappoint either! The vegetables had been braised until tender, absorbing the delectable umami broth.

IMG_7489

IMG_7490

The dessert counter showcases a live station serving Chendol, along with an array of bite-sized kueh such as Kueh Salat, Bengka Ubi, Kueh Kosui, and more. My personal favorite is the Rainbow Lapis, which in my opinion was the best Rainbow Lapis I have had to date. They were so good that you had to be quick, as they were snapped up shortly after being replenished.

IMG_7484

Straits from the Heart: An Ode to Peranakan Flavours
- Executive Lunch Buffet Monday to Friday S$48* per adult, S$24* per child
- Seafood Symphony Dinner Buffet Wednesday and Thursday S$128* per adult, S$64* per child
- Dinner Buffet with Barbecued Selection Friday and Saturday S$118* per adult, S$59* per child
- International Lunch Buffet Saturday S$68* per adult, S$34* per child

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.


Town Restaurant
The Fullerton Hotel Singapore
1 Fullerton Square
Singapore 049178
Tel: +65 68778188
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 630pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT Station. Take Exit H. Turn right and walk towards the river. At the river, turn right again and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]