Si Chuan Dou Hua @ PARKROYAL On Beach Road - Launches 'Treats From The Heart' Weekend A La Carte Dim Sum Buffet

Famed for its authentic Sichuan and Cantonese fare, Si Chuan Dou Hua Restaurant at PARKROYAL on Beach Road is excited to present its 点点心意 'Treats from the Heart' Weekend A La Carte Dim Sum Buffet available for a limited time from 3 July to 27 September 2020 on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, 1130am to 2pm.

The special brunch menu features unlimited servings of classic Cantonese, as well as Sichuan appetisers, nourishing soups and desserts, alongside single-serving of dim sum specialities.

For appetisers, we had the classic Si Chuan platter of Chilled Chicken with Mala sauce, Sliced Pork in Garlic and Chilli Sauce, Cucumber with Black Vinegar and Soya Sauce, Sliced Pig Ear in Sichuan Pepper Sauce, Long Beans in Ginger Sauce, and Marinated Black Fungus with Chilli Padi.

The dim sum specialities include nine exqusitely-prepared choices, which comes with one serving for each person. The selections consist of Deep-Fried Fluffy Swan Pastry with Foie Gras, Steamed Sea Urchin 'Siew Mai', Baked Abalone BBQ Pork Pastry, Steamed Crabmeat Xiao Long Bao, Steamed Lobster Dumpling, Steamed Mushroom Bun with Minced Chicken, Steamed Scallop Dumpling, Steamed Dumpling with Seafood in Clear Soup, Baked Mini Egg Tart with Bird's Nest.

We had the Deep-Fried Fluffy Swan Pastry with Foie Gras, presented in a gorgeous swan-like shape which was an instant hit when it was first introduced in the restaurant's Lunar New Year Reunion Imperial High Tea Set.

They have also elevated the classic Steamed 'Siew Mai' with Sea Urchin. This levelled-up version adds a briny creaminess and sweetness to the regular siew mai we are used to having, bringing luxury to every bite.

Other delicacies include the Steamed Dumpling with Seafood in Clear Soup, which consists of a huge dumpling filled with seafood such as prawn and abalone.

We loved the Baked Mini Egg Tart with Bird's Nest, which comes with a generous serving of the nourishing delicacy atop the egg tart.

Not to be missed is the Steamed Crabmeat Xiao Long Bao, and the Steamed Mushroom Bun with Minced Chicken, which is soft fluffy bun aptly shaped like a mushroom and consists of fragrant mushroom fillings within.

Besides the 9 single-serve choices of the premium dim sum specialities, they also serve unlimited portions of the other 26 choices such as the Steamed BBQ Pork Bun, Pan-Fried Carrot Cake, and the Minced Meat Dumpling with Sour and Spicy Sauce. For something more substantial, go for their Hot and Sour Vermicelli, and the Sichuan Dan Dan Noodles.

Round off your meal with a variety of desserts, such as the Homemade Fine Bean Curd with Hasma that is light and sweet, or the two indulgent western-style sweets by Executive Vincent Aw - Passionfruit Raspberry Chocolate, and Coffee Noir Orange Mousse.

'Treats from the Heart' Weekend A La Carte Dim Sum Buffet
Date: 3 July to 27 September 2020 (Fri, Sat, Sun and PH)
Time: 11.30am to 2pm
Price: Adult: SGD52++ per person* / Child (6-12 years): SGD30++
DBS/POSB Cardmembers enjoy an exclusive 15% savings^!
*^Minimum of two adults to dine. Additional charges apply for Chinese tea and pickles.
^Not valid in conjunction with other offers, discounts, promotions or membership privileges.
Payment must be made with a valid DBS/POSB credit or debit card.

Dining reservations at Si Chuan Dou Hua Restaurant (PARKROYAL on Beach Road) can be made at douhua.prsin@parkroyalhotels.com or at +65 6505 5722. Visit http://bit.ly/scdhbeachroad for more information. Si Chuan Dou Hua Restaurant

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.


Si Chuan Dou Hua Restaurant
PARKROYAL on Beach Road
7500 Beach Road
Singapore 199591
Tel: +65 65055724
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Website
Nearest MRT: Nicoll Highway (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Nicoll Highway MRT station. Take Exit A. Follow the overhead walkway all the way to The Concourse building. Take the exit down to Nicoll Highway and walk towards Parkroyal Serviced Residences. Cut through towards The Plaza at Parkroyal Hotel. Journey time about 8 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
Facebook
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]

Paradise Dynasty @ Funan Mall - Singapore First Ever Alcohol Infused Xiao Long Bao For A Limited Period

Fans of Paradise Group dining concepts will be excited to know that it has launched limited-edition alcohol-infused Xiao Long Bao, at Paradise Dynasty, Funan Mall. The Singapore first-ever alcohol-infused xiao long bao will only be available from 10 December 2019 to 19 January 2020 together with 4 other exclusive dishes - Shanghai Sesame Char Siew Pastry, Pan-fried Chilli Crab Bun, Deep-fried Crispy Duck served with Lotus Bun and Dong Po Pork.

Tipsy Surprise Xiao Long Bao 4.5/5

I find the Tipsy Surprise Xiao Long Bao ($18.80) an ingenious creation by the culinary team. During the promotional period from 10 December 2019 to 19 January 2020, guest can enjoy a basket of the alcohol xiao long bao at only $2.80 with every order of the other exclusive dishes at the Funan outlet.

The filling of each parcel is treated with a different distilled spirit. The alcohol helps to bring out the flavours of the tender meat filling housed in the dumpling skin, The different colours have a different flavour profile. White for Beer, Yellow for Red Wine with Cheese, Green for Chinese Rice Wine, Red for Whiskey and Orange for Cognac. The bold creation is legit delicious with the distinct distilled spirit profile which will excite your taste buds.

Shanghai Sesame Char Siew Pastry 4.2/5

Another exclusive dishes at Funan Mall is the Shanghai Sesame Char Siew Pastry ($5.80/3pcs) comes with a sweet tender meat filling encased in a flaky shell with a beautiful coat of aroma from the white sesame. 

Pan-fried Chilli Crab Bun 3.8/5

Making another exclusive return for a limited time is the Pan-fried Chilli Crab Bun ($10.80/3pcs). It soft and fluffy bun comes with succulent crab meat inside while the bottom is pan-fried to a slight crisp. While I enjoyed the soft and fluffy dough, I find the sauce on the garlicky side, which is not my preferred interpretation of the chilli crab sauce.

Deep-fried Crispy Duck served with Lotus Bun 3.8/5

Similar to how we enjoy Peking Duck, the Deep-fried Crispy Duck served with Lotus Bun ($30/half) is best enjoyed by sandwiching a piece of the crispy duck in the soft lotus bun and paired with the sweet hoisin sauce, and cucumber and radish condiments.

Dong Po Pork 4/5

Another favourite item from exclusive dishes is the classic Dong Po Pork ($19.80). The braised pork belly glazed with dark soy sauce is slow-cooked to fork-tender. This hearty dish is best to go with a bowl of steamed white rice.

All these items are only exclusive at the Funan outlet fro a limited period from 10 December 2019 to 19 January 2010. Simply ordered one of the exclusive dishes Shanghai Sesame Char Siew Pastry, Pan-fried Chilli Crab Bun, Deep-fried Crispy Duck served with Lotus Bun or Dong Po Pork to enjoy a basket of the Tipsy Suprise Xiao Long Bao at only $2.80 during the promotional period.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Paradise Dynasty
Funan Mall
107 North Bridge Road
#B1-01
Singapore 179097
Tel: +65 68051642
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 10pm
Sat-Sun, PH; 1030am - 10pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left onto North Bridge Road. Walk down North Bridge Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 mins. [Map]

Bacha Coffee @ ION Orchard - Features Over 200 Types Of Coffee Around The World

First established in Marrakech in 1910, Bacha Coffee has set up its first coffee room and boutique outside of Marrakech at ION Orchard. Features over 200 single-origin coffees, fine flavoured coffees and fine blended coffees, the Arabica coffee beans are sourced from Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, Central and South America, the Caribbean, Asia and beyond, gathered and hand-roasted in Singapore. The interior is quite opulent, and I learnt Bacha at ION inherits the grandeur of Bacha Coffee's first coffee room in the Dar el Bacha Palace, where it still remains till date.

While you can select your choice of coffee according to their flavour profiles stated in the list, feel free to turn to any of the coffee masters for suggestions! All 200 of the Bacha coffees are served either hot or iced poured from gooseneck Bacha coffee pots, and you get to vary each cup of your coffee with its signature Bacha Coffee whipped cream, steamed milk, raw sugar and cracked vanilla bean.

From Single Origin Coffees, Fine Blended Coffees and Fine Flavoured Coffee, we tried Ethiopia - Sidamo Mountain Coffee ($9/pot), Saigon Morning Coffee ($9/pot) and 1910 Coffee ($9/pot) respectively. Each pot of coffee speaks true to its descriptions, especially for 1910 Coffee, which carries notes of strawberries and cream that lingers on the tongue even long after the cup returns to the table. It was quite a revelation to be able to 'read' coffee in such a manner, as I managed to do it once in Perth at a small cafe.

Coffee with cracked vanilla bean

Surprise, surprise. The coffee that I will return for is Kahwa! Kahwa! Decaffeinated Coffee ($9/pot) from the list of Fine Decaffeinated Coffees. Naturally C0₂ decaffeinated, decaffeinated coffee has never tasted so good. Instead of dulling the tastebuds, which I feel most coffees do, this seemed to have the ability to open up my senses even more.

Croissants 3.8/5

The menu is designed to enhance the coffee drinking experience, offerings include signature croissants with an array of sweet or savoury fillings, pastries, salads and mains. After trying a few of their pastries and dishes offered on their menu, I find the croissants ($8 for 2) are still the best accompaniments to my coffee. The simple formula of butter and coffee just seems so right.

Orange Almond Croissant

Nothing beats Butter Croissant, which you can fully appreciate the lovely aroma of the butter and the airiness of the croissant. The middle portion is where the dough has fully bloomed, with a crisp layer wrapping around it. I couldn't help but to tear it with my fingers and savour it. I like the size of it because compared to a larger one, you get four edges to munch on! As for the flavoured ones, you can't go wrong with the citrusy Orange Almond and Lemon. The tart Raspberry and Cinnamon will have been better if it isn't so sweet. 1910 Coffee and Chocolate sounds promising, but the chocolate filling wasn't to my liking. Pistachio disappoints with its flavourless filling.

Comte Cheese Croissant

Comte Cheese Croissant ($18) was voted one of the favourites too. It was loaded with warm, melted sharp cheese. Its dainty size comes in handy, as it may be too rich if it's any inch bigger.

Cucumber Tzatziki 2.8/5

On the menu, there are also Salads and Mains. Cucumber Tzatziki ($20) comes with caramelised watermelon and shredded cucumbers. Refreshing but it lacks some warm elements such as nuts or nutty dressings to balance the fresh ingredients.

Barramundi Tajine 4/5

For mains, Barramundi Tajine ($26) was wholesome and hearty with chunks of vegetables, with the Barramundi moist and tender. The broth was robust with seafood flavours, zesty and uplifting with spices.

Moroccan Pastilla 3.5/5

Traditionally made with pigeon, the Moroccan Pastilla ($24) here is made with chicken. Although I have never tried the original version before, this to me was delicious, especially when the filo crust was pleasingly thin and crisp. Again, I love the spices used in the filling, which add tons of flavours to the filling without being overpowering.

Strawberry Soup with Vanilla Ice Cream 3/5

We had a plated dessert as well - Strawberry Soup with Vanilla Ice Cream ($12), alongside with other pastries - Chocolate, Cocoa Bean Cake ($8), Tiramisu ($12) and Pandan Cheesecake ($9). The Strawberry soup was light and not cloyingly sweet. I like the density of the Chocolate and Cocoa Bean Cake, but it lacks richness. The Tiramisu is a child-friendly version, while the latter isn't worth the calories I would say.

Overall, I'm pretty impressed by the standard of coffee at Bacha, where each cup of coffee, served black, is distinctively different from one another. Bacha Coffee’s retail selection includes loose beans as well as coffees and single-serve coffee bags. Loose beans can be purchased by weight and ground to your specifications.

Written and photography 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.


Bacha Coffee
ION Orchard
2 Orchard Turn
#01-15/16
Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 63631910
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

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

D9 Cakery @ Hilton Singapore - Partners Valrhona For A New Premium Cocoa Inspired Collection

A collaboration between D9 Cakery of Hilton Singapore and Valrhona, the French royalty of cocoa since 1922 sees an exquisite selection of 18 premium cocoa-inspired creations of artisanal cakes, French pastries and limited edition bonbons.

Double Chocolate Cake 4.5/5

One of the must-try is their Double Chocolate Cake ($6/slice ; $55/1kg). Poised to be one of the best quality chocolate cake in town, it bears eight layers of quality Valrhona chocolates and moist yoghurt cocoa sponge. It is made from two types of premium Valrhona chocolates - Sakanti Bali 68%, an aromatic dark chocolate with hints of toasted nut flavours and Itakuja 55% a rounded dark cocoa with hints of passion fruit flavours. That sheer decadence is definitely worth every calorie.

Rhubarb Origami Amour 4/5

The origami collection represents the epitome of artisanal cakes with definitive origami shapes of charming flavour profiles. The Rhubarb Origami Amour ($75/800g) features a tarty rhubarb compote well balanced with Valrhona Strawberry Inspiration chocolate, chamomile tea jelly, vanilla bourbon mousse and almond sponge.

Sakura Origami Ruby 4.2/5

The Sakura Origami Ruby ($75/800g) takes on the shape of a pink sakura flower origami with sweet raspberry crémeux. It is paired with light TWG sakura tea mousse and crunchy matcha tea dacquoise with Valrhona Raspberry Inspiration chocolate.

Mangue 4/5

For the fruit lovers, indulge in the Instagram-worthy fruit series of three fruit-shaped French pastries. These edible art pieces include the Mangue (Mango), Cerise (Cherry) and Poire (Pear).

The Mangue ($8) is a mango-shaped pastry is filled with fresh mango cubes and oozy mango lava tossed with lemongrass zest, TWG alfonso tea (black tea and mango), Valrhona Inspiration Passion Fruit chocolate and almond sponge.

Cerise 3.8/5

The Cerise ($8) takes the shape of a cherry with a glistening maroon glaze that unveils tarty Morello cherries balanced with fragrant rosemary lava, light vanilla bourbon mousse, Valrhona Inspiration Raspberry chocolate and almond sponge.

Poire 4.2/5

The Poire ($8) features a Williams pear-shaped pastry with refreshing real pear cubes and mint flavours combined with TWG crème caramel tea-infused mousse, Valrhona Inspiration Yuzu chocolate and almond sponge.

Café Caramelia 4/5

Other D9 creations with premium Valrhona chocolate include the new Café Caramelia ($65/1kg), which is embellished in gorgeous shades of glossy brown, black and white hues for the coffee lovers with layers of intense coffee crémeux. The caffeine is well-balanced with the sweeter Valrhona Caramélia chocolate and chocolate almond sponge.

D9 Cakery will also be welcoming a limited edition bonbon and tablet collection presented by Valrhona master pastry chef trainer Jérémy Aspa. Hailing from France with over 7 years of experience as a Valrhona pastry chef trainer, Chef Aspa will showcase his mastery of chocolate with six exclusive Valrhona bonbon creations and two chocolate tablets. The six capsule-shaped bonbons are priced at $4 each, all curated with an intricate selection of flavours including:

• Black Forest Bonbon - Tulakalum 75% dark chocolate ganache with cheery and vanilla
• Dulexo – Caramelized ganache with a mix of exotic fruits
• Comet Caramel - Tanariva 33% sweet caramel milk chocolate
• Truffle Opalys Coco - Opalys 33% white chocolate and coconut flakes
• Tender Rock - Bitter lactée 39% milk chocolate with crushed hazelnuts
• Raspberry Garden - Valrhona Raspberry Inspiration chocolate with red fruit bits

While the 100 gram chocolate tablets each priced at $10, come in two flavours of Tab Like A Cookie; rich Valrhona milk chocolate with cookie crumbs and a healthier option of Museli Tab; a mix of cereals combined with dried red fruit and Valrhona white chocolate.

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.


D9 Cakery 
Hilton Singapore
Lobby Level
581 Orchard Road
Singapore 238883
Tel: +65 67303392
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Sat: 12pm - 3pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk towards Wheelock Place via ION. Exit Wheelock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Continue walking along Orchard Road. Journey time is about 8 minutes. [Map]