Exuberant Lunar New Year Creations to Usher In the Year Of The Ox At Goodwood Park Hotel

Goodwood Park Hotel has put together an exuberant Lunar New Year creations this year to usher in the Year of the Ox. Beloved signatures, as well as new goodies and lavish delicacies, are available from 24 January to 26 February 2021.

Auspicious Abundance "Lo Hei" 4.2/5

Over at Min Jiang Dempsey, the restaurant has created the new Auspicious Abundance "Lo Hei" ($268++ dine in/ $285.75nett takeaway) for both dine-in and takeaway. The elegantly present Yu Sheng comes in a crunchy rice cracker net filled with steamed Alaskan crab leg meat set atop fresh pomelo, peach, abalone and a medley of vegetables and fruit.

Double-boiled Abalone Soup and Eel Fish Maw 4.5/5

A new dish on the Chinese New Year menu is the Double-boiled Abalone Soup and Eel Fish Maw ($265.35 nett). I feel it a good change from the usual richly flavoured Chinese New Year dishes. In the light and refreshing soup, diners can also find handmade Prawn Dumplings and Minced Pork Balls in the claypot. It is available at Min Jiang at Goodwood Park for takeaway/delivery.

Braised Pork Belly, Meatball with Crabmeat in Beancurd Pockets and Sea Treasures in Claypot 4.5/5

Over at Min Jiang at Dempsey, diners who prefer the rich and robust flavour will enjoy the Braised Pork Belly, Meatball with Crabmeat in Beancurd Pockets and Sea Treasures in Claypot ($393.75 nett). Dig into the treasure pot to discover more delicacies such as braised Australian 10-head abalone, Chinese dried oysters, black moss, flower mushrooms, sea cucumbers, dried scallops and tientsin cabbage. The treasure pot is available for takeaway/delivery at Min Jiang at Dempsey.

Slow-braised Spicy Oxtail with Pickled Mustard and Enoki Mushrooms in Claypot 4.2/5

In conjunction with the Year of the Ox, Min Jiang at Goodwood Park Hotel has created the Slow-braised Spicy Oxtail with Pickled Mustard and Enoki Mushrooms in Claypot ($254.65 nett). The oxtail pieces are simmered in Sichuan peppercorn, fermented chilli bean paste, red chilli, star anise, cinnamon sticks, garlic, onions and carrots for 3 to 4 hours. The flavourful Sichuan spices though subtle, enhances the enjoyment of the oxtail that is cooked to tender.

Stewed Rice with Minced Chicken, Dried Scallops, Baby Abalone and Liver Sausage in Stone Pot 4/5

I find the Stewed Rice with Minced Chicken, Dried Scallops, Baby Abalone and Liver Sausage in Stone Pot a hybrid between our traditional claypot rice and poached rice. The flavoursome sauce enhanced the fluffy rice. The addition of dried scallops and liver sausage further elevating the whole enjoyment.

Besides the savoury dishes, Goodwood Park Hotel has also introduced new sweet and savoury Lunar New Year treats for takeaway/delivery. You will not be able to resist the addictive Maple Butter and Almond Garlic Lotus Root Chips ($36.80), 'Chiku' Arrowhead Chips ($28.80) and Crispy Kang Kong with Cheese & Sour Cream ($28.80).

Gong Xi 'Huat' Cai - Pineapple Crumble Tart 4.2/5

A delicious new creation Gong Xi 'Huat' Cai - Pineapple Crumble Tart ($78 nett, 700g). It is an innovative take of the traditional pineapple tart with a western twist. The tart measures 14cm in diameter is a marriage of buttery goodness and refreshing tart pineapple.

Bountiful Box of Sweet Blessings - Assorted Petit Pastries 4.5/5

Great for gifting and ending reunion dinners on a sweet note is the Bountiful Box of Sweet Blessings - Assorted Petit Pastries ($80 nett, 15pc). The stunning collection of 15 petit tarts and cakes in a medley of flavours will delight family and friends. Diners can look forward to flavours such as chocolate almond, pineapple crumble, baked cheesecake, orange chiboust and coffee vanilla.

Lucky Fortune Oranges - Kumquat Butter Cake and Marble Cake 4/5

Shaped into mandarin orange are the Lucky Fortune Oranges - Kumquat Butter Cake and Marble Cake ($138 nett, 2kg). The handcrafted mandarin oranges feature six kumquat butter cakes with a vanilla buttercream layer. Sitting underneath the mandarin oranges is a box made of moist marble cake covered in a rich red fondant decorated with symbolic greetings and design.

Fortune Koi Fish 'Nian Gao' with Red Bean Paste 4/5

A treat to both the palate and eyes is the Fortune Koi Fish 'Nian Gao' with Red Bean Paste ($45.80 nett, 8pc), filled with delectable smooth red bean paste.

Bak Kwa 4.5/5

You probably not known is the moreish Bak Kwa ($56 nett for 600g/ $88 nett for 1kg), marinated in a proprietary blend of spices and barbecued by the hotel's Chinese chefs and sold pre-cut in small slices.

The Lunar New Year Treats and Abundant Feasting Specials will be available for takeaway or delivery from The Deli and Min Jiang (Goodwood Park Hotel) as well as Min Jiang at Dempsey. Guests may place online orders at https://goodwoodparkfestive.oddle.me for delivery or self-collection.

Alternatively, guests can contact Min Jiang at (65) 6730 1704 / email: min_jiang@goodwoodparkhotel.com, or Min Jiang at Dempsey at (65) 6774 0122/ email: mjdempsey@goodwoodparkhotel.com, to place takeaway orders for self-collection only. Advance orders of five days are required for deliveries and takeaways. Availability for all Lunar New Year specials is from 24 January to 26 February 2021, and the last pre-order date is 21 February 2021, 12pm.

The Hainan Story (海南寶) @ Hillton Mall - New 5-In-1 Multi-brand Restaurant Brings Together The Best Of Hainanese Cuisine

New at Hillton Mall is The Hainan Story, a 5-in-1 multi-brand restaurant at Hillion Mall. It brings together the following five brands under one roof. They are Newspaper Curry Rice, The Hainan Story, Uncle Robert Western, Wee Nam Kee Chicken Rice and Ah Chiang's Traditional Porridge.

Toast with Homemade Gula Melaka Kaya & Cold Butter 4/5

The Hainan Story brand shares the same restaurant name. It offers old-school breakfasts. The Traditional Hainanese Toasts are thick and fluffy with a pillowy-soft centre and crisp crust. This is best eaten with Homemade Gula Melaka Kaya & Cold Butter. Not to forget to go along with a cup of Kopi Gu You. Coffee with a slice of butter.

Ah Kor Hainanese Lamb Stew with Rice 4.2/5

Besides the coffee and toasts, The Hainan Story has several claypot dishes such as Hainanese Claypot Chicken Char Siew Rice ($8.50), Hainanese Claypot Ee-fu Noodle Soup ($8.50), Laksa with Hainanese Steamed Chicken ($8.50) and Ah Kor Hainanese Lamb Stew with Rice ($11.80). I had the lamb stew, which is incredibly tender. The sauce is mildly sweet with a hint of herbal, best to go with a plate of steaming white rice.

Mama Wee's Hainanese Kou Rou Set 4/5

During British colonial rule, a dish that originated in Singapore is the Hainanese Curry Rice, where the Hainanese chefs' combined pork chop from British cuisine, and ingredients like curry chicken, chap chye and babi pongteh from Peranakan cuisine. Offering this at The Hainan Story is the brand Newspaper Curry Rice. There are six different sets such as the Mama Wee's Hainanese Curry Chicken Drumstick Set ($7.80), Mama Wee's Hainanese Kou Rou Set ($8.80), Nanyang Flavour Fried Chicken Drumstick Set ($6.80), Signature Fried Pork Cutlet Set ($8.80), Prawn Fritter Set ($8.80) and Crispy Fried Silver Dory Fish Set ($9.80).

Old English Oxtail Stew 4.5/5

During the British colonial era in Singapore, many Hainanese chefs worked for British families. They created a unique take on western food with their Hainanese roots, giving the classic British cuisine a distinctly Asian take. A must-try dish is the Old English Oxtail Stew ($18.80), braised for hours with fresh tomatoes, spices and onions. The melt in the mouth meat is even paired with homemade mashed potatoes. Another nostalgia dish on the menu is the 1980's Hainanese Fried Pork Cutlet Coated with Potato Chips Crumbs ($14.80).

Chicken Rice Fried Rice with Pork Cutlet 3.5/5

Another interesting dish is the Chicken Rice Fried Rice with Pork Cutlet. The dish used the chicken rice from Wee Nam Kee Chicken Rice and paired it with their pork cutlet. Unlike the usual pork cutlet, it is coated with potato chips crumbs instead of breadcrumbs for that extra crunchiness. However, the chicken rice fried rice was a letdown. I didn't taste the chicken rice flavour. It tasted just like regular fried rice.

More famous brands like Ah Chiang's Traditional Porridge and Wee Nam Kee Chicken Rice make up the five concepts in Singapore. Ah Chiang's Traditional Porridge offers a bowl of comforting traditional porridge, with close to half a century of porridge-making expertise. Of course, how can we not include Hainanese Chicken Rice from Wee Nam Kee Chicken Rice, an iconic dish put Singapore in the world map?

Note: This is an invited tasting.


The Hainan Story (海南寶)
Hillion Mall
17 Petir Road
#01-15/16
Singapore 678278
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Nearest MRT: Bukit Panjang (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 730am - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bukit Panjang MRT station. Take Exit A2. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Peach Blossoms @ PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay - A Bountiful Chinese New Year Celebration With Abundant Treasures

Celebrate the arrival of spring with scrumptious dining menus and takeaway delights at Peach Blossoms, PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, the former Marina Mandarin Singapore.

Prosperity Yellowtail Yu Sheng with Amaebi, Smoked Caviar, Crispy Fish and Nashi Pear

Usher in the Year of the Rat with the Prosperity Yellowtail Yu Sheng with Amaebi, Smoked Caviar, Crispy Fish and Nashi Pear for a year of abundance and prosperity. I like the addition of the nashi pear, giving the yu sheng a refreshing crunchy touch.

Double-boiled Premium Delicacies Sea Treasure Soup Supreme Soup

The Double-boiled Premium Delicacies Sea Treasure Soup Supreme Soup is packed with heavenly flavours, drawing the essences of the premium ingredients through double boiling the soup.

Stewed Japanese Wagyu Beef Oxtail with Pan-Fried Fish Maw and Dried Oyster

A welcome change from the usual pen cai is the Stewed Japanese Wagyu Beef Oxtail with Pan-Fried Fish Maw and Dried Oyster. It does not pale in taste compare to pen cai. The luxurious enjoyment comes with tender Japanese wagyu beef oxtail, pan-fried fish maw with a delectable bouncy texture, accentuated by the umami flavours from the dried oyster.

Steamed Fillet of Pacific Grouper with Fried Spicy Soy Bean Crisp

The Steamed Fillet of Pacific Grouper with Steamed Soy Bean Egg Custard is a unique and surprising pairing that complement each other. The moist fish and silky custard are very pleasing for the palate, with the Fried Spicy Soy Bean Crisp giving the dish a boost in texture and flavour.

Poached Rice with Lobster in Imperial Stock served with Crispy Rice

A comforting bowl of poached rice packed with robust crustacean flavour is the Poached Rice with Lobster in Imperial Stock served with Crispy Rice. Besides the fluffy poached rice that soaked up the flavourful stock, the crispy rice which has been coated with gold provided the extra textural enjoyment.

Honey Bee Bird's Nest Pastry

Ending our dessert is the Honey Bee Bird's Nest Pastry and Chilled  Coconut Jelly. It is my first time eating a whole bee for dessert. It's actually not a real bee but handmade pastry filled with bird's nest and shaped into a bee. As for the Chilled  Coconut Jelly, it is light and refreshing.

Chilled  Coconut Jelly

The Chinese New Year Set menus will be available at Peach Blossoms from 6 January to 8 February 2020 while the a la carte menu will be available from 24 January to 8 February 2020.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Peach Blossoms
PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay
6 Raffles Boulevard
Level 5
Singapore 039596
Tel: +65 68451118
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Website
Nearest MRT: Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 3pm, 630pm - 1030pm
Sat-Sun: 11am - 3pm, 630pm - 1030pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit B or D. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Fat Chap (肥仔) @ Suntec City - New Asian Casual-Dining Concept At Suntec City

Located at Suntec City Mall, Fat Chap (肥仔) is a brand new Asian dining concept which offers an extensive variety of distinctively Asian dishes, coupled with a unique selection of cocktails. The food served flaunt rich bold flavours and full-bodied spices, perfect for spice and Asian food lovers! With a live charcoal grill station near the entrance of the restaurant, diners can watch the whole fish and meat skewers smoke and sizzle away or cocktails shakened and stirred at the eight-meter long open bar.

Pulled Chicken 3.5/5

The Pulled Chicken ($14) features tender chicken shreds tossed in Szechuan dressing, peanut and bean sprouts. It is a refreshing appetizer with a hint of spice fragrance.

Crispy Pig’s Ear 3.8/5

The Crispy Pig’s Ear ($12) is a crispy fried snack, coated with a special homemade curry powder mix. Exuding a spice aroma that is not too overwhelmingly spicy, the pig's ears are flavourful and crunchy. It also comes with lime and a small dish of achar to add some acidity to cut the fats.

Crispy Chicken Skin 3.5/5

The Crispy Chicken Skin ($8) though a tad blend on its own, was crunchy and addictive. Dip into the sweet plum chilli sauce to add on some flavour oomph.

“Bakmie” Goreng 4/5

The “Bakmie” Goreng ($15) comes with crispy prawn crackers, squid, achar and a sunny side up egg sitting atop. The fried goreng noodles are not too oily. Turn up the heat a few notches by pairing the dish with the sambal chilli provided, perfect for if you like your food spicy.

Oxtail Soup 3.8/5

Indulge in the robust and flavourful bowl of Oxtail Soup ($20) which is best enjoyed with a bowl fragrant jasmine rice. The dish also comes with homemade green chilli sauce, kicap manis, and slice of lime wedge to add depths to the soup.

Asam Pedas 3.5/5

A warm comforting dish, the Asam Fish ($19) has a tender texture which easily falls aparts and exudes a nonya flavour, which is not too overwhelmingly spicy.

Eggplant 3/5

Topped with okra, scallion, garlic and chilli, the Eggplant ($8) has a soft chewy texture and the combination of flavorous toppings works well on the palate.

Land and Sea Party 4.2/5

With a selection of meats on this shared platter, the Land and Sea Party ($168) is a great choice when it comes to group dining (4-5 pax). It consists of Balinese half pork rib, kampong half chicken, marinated fish, squid, ocean beef ribeye, lamb ribs with Balinese sea salt, yuzu kosho, duo sambal, lemongrass & shallot relish, lime, fresh vegetables, grilled corn on cob. My favourite got to be the well-seasoned beef ribeye which has a good ratio of juicy fats and tender meat. For these quality ingredients, this sharing platter is definitely value for money.

Klapertart 4/5

End the meal on a sweet note with the Klapertart ($12) which features rum & raisin flavoured ice cream sitting atop a smooth and fragrant coconut custard. While I feel the rum & raisin might too strong and overwhelmed the dish, it is perfect if you want a stronger alcoholic taste for your desserts.

Thai Milk Pudding 4.2/5

The Thai Milk Pudding ($12) has a distinct thai tea fragrance and the complimenting elements of azuki beans and lychee add another sweetness dimension to the silky smooth pudding.

Serving unpretentious Asian delights, the Chef at this Asian casual-dining venture carries out his unqiue take on local favourites, and offers unique modern twists to the familiar asian flavours to curate dishes that is heartwarming and satisfying to the locals.

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.


Fat Chap (肥仔) 
Suntec City
Tower 4
3 Temasek Boulevard
#01-643
Singapore 038983
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Website
Tel: +65 68365994
Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sat: 11am - 11pm
Fri: 11am - 1am
Sun: 10am - 5pm

Directions: 
1) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Dancing Fish Signature @ TANGS Singapore - Malay-Indo Restaurant From Kuala Lumpur Opens 2nd Outlet In Singapore

Dancing Fish,  a multi-awarded Malay-Indo cuisine restaurant from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia has opened its 2nd restaurant in Singapore. The latest outlet, Dancing Fish Signature is located on level 4 of TANGS Singapore. With a couple of my friends, we dropped by the new restaurant for lunch and I left impressed with the quality as well as the soul put into each dish.

Chicken Satay 4.5/5

We started with the Chicken Satay ($12). The chicken strips are marinated before being charcoal grilled. This is probably one of the best satay I have eaten, lightly charred on the outside while it is tender and moist inside. This is served together with satay peanut sauce on the side which complements the chicken satay excellently.

Tahu Telur 4/5

Next is Tahu Telur ($12) which has been stacked into a tower and deep fried in a flossy egg mixture for a fragrant finish. It comes with a tangy special sambal tahu sauce that once again paired with the tahu telor beautifully.

Gulai Pucuk Paku 4.2/5

A rare dish on the menu is the Gulai Pucuk Paku ($13). This is a type of wild vegetable, young jungle fern shoots. The greens are cooked in a curry like sauce consists of turmeric, coconut milk and spices. The jungle fern shoots have a subtle sweetness with a nice crunchy texture, which is very pleasant for consumption.

Buntut Belado Enak 4.5/5

I remembered I have the best buntut belado in Jakarta and now I have found one in Singapore too. At Dancing Fish Signature, the Buntut Belado Enak ($36) uses Australian oxtail. The oxtail is marinated and braised in aromatic herbs and spices before barbecuing over charcoal, intensifying that rich bitter sweet flavour. I also like the addition of pickled chilli to cut through the richness.

Udang Masak Lemak Chilli Padi Nenas 3.5/5

The Udang Masak Lemak Chilli Padi Nenas ($33 for 4pc) is a classic Malacca Nyonya prawn curry with a twist. The 4 huge tiger prawns are slow cooked in a light and tangy spiced curry which consists of tumeric, spices, herbs and pineapples. The curry sauce is very appetising, goes really well with a plate of steamed rice. It would be a lovely dish if the tiger prawns were fresher. Some diners may also find the dish expensive for just 4 prawns.

Bebek Goreng Bali 4.5/5

My favourite dish at Dancing Fish is the Bebek Goreng Bali ($26). The duck is marinated in a mix of Balinese herbs and spices for a day. It is then fried till the skin is crispy and the inside still tender. Diners have 3 choices of homemade chilli sauce, namely Sambal Matah, Chilli Vinaigrette ($26) and Sambal Hijau. I have my duck with the tangy chilli vinaigrette which goes really well with the crispy duck, elevating the whole enjoyment.

Dancing Fish with Sambal Dabu-dabu 4/5

A signature item is the Dancing Fish with Dabu-dabu ($37). Dabu-dabu is a traditional salsa sauce from Manado, Indonesia. If I am not wrong, the chef has added some ketchup manis into the chilli sauce so it is not as spicy as I thought it would be. In fact the sweet-spicy concoction of the sauce complements the deep fried fish excellently. Besides the dabu-dabu, diners can also opt for either mango kerabu, belimbing salad or sambal cobel merah.

Mango Lolo 3/5

Cendol $10

For dessert, we tried the Mango Lolo ($12) and Cendol ($10). It is a light and refreshing dessert that is perfect with all the savoury dishes and spices.

Sweet Potato with Coconut Scrappings, Palm Sugar and Vanilla Ice Cream 3/5

A modern take of the dessert is the pretty presentation of the Sweet Potato with Coconut Scrappings, Palm Sugar and Vanilla Ice Cream ($10). The warm and cold contrast is pleasing to the palate. I like the sweetness of the sweet potato but the finishing is on the dry side.

Overall I have enjoyed my lunch at Dancing Fish Signature. I can taste the soul in the cooking, ensuring the best is bring to the table. In addition, I am impressed of the different sauces that has been made from scratch. They are thoughtfully paired with each dish. I understand the restaurant has more than 10 different types of sambals and sauces to date.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Dancing Fish Signature
Tangs at Tang Plaza
310 Orchard Road
Level 4
Singapore 238864
Tel: +65 63391048
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 1030pm

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