Soaring Into a Prosperous Lunar New Year 2024 with Crystal Jade Group of Restaurants

As the vibrant Lunar New Year approaches, Crystal Jade Group, with its esteemed portfolio of 19 casual and fine dining outlets, stands ready to welcome the Year of the Dragon in grand style. Renowned for its culinary prowess, the group unveils an extraordinary line-up of dishes and set menus, promising a dining experience that is nothing short of exceptional.

Prosperity Yu Sheng with Boston Lobster Tail, Aburi Scallop & Fruit 4.8/5

Commencing the celebratory feast is the Prosperity Yu Sheng with Boston Lobster Tail, Aburi Scallop & Fruit ($138 small/ $208 large). This masterpiece is a symphony of flavours and textures, featuring fresh and dried fruits like juicy red dragon fruit, tangy green mango, sweet longan, pomelo sacs, dried apricot, and jackfruit. It creates a vivid and delectable medley with tomatoes, purple cabbage, cucumber, deep-fried yam strips, pickled onions, walnuts, and crunchy Hsin Chu bee hoon. Dressed with scallion oil and an Okinawa acerola juice-infused plum sauce, this yusheng is light, refreshing, and immensely appetising.

Available at Crystal Jade Palace, Crystal Jade Golden Palace and Crystal Jade Pavilion for dine-in and takeaway

Double-boiled Kampong Chicken with Fish Maw, Sea Whelk & Maitake Mushroom Soup 4.2/5

The Double-boiled Kampong Chicken with Fish Maw, Sea Whelk & Maitake Mushroom ($42.80 per person) is a heartwarming start to the feast—a bowl of nourishing soup brimming with rich flavours and wholesome ingredients.

Available at Crystal Jade Pavilion

Pan-fried South Africa Abalone with Assorted Mushroom & Crispy Leek 4/5

A highlight is the inventive Pan-fried South African Abalone with Assorted Mushrooms and Crispy Leek ($48 per person). The abalone, first steamed and then pan-seared, retains its inherent sweetness. Fragrant deep-fried leeks and mushrooms in an abalone liver sauce enhance the dish, offering a delightful twist on this Chinese New Year delicacy.

Available at Crystal Jade Golden Palace

Pan-fried Dace Fish Paste with Black Moss in Shunde Style 3.5/5

Nostalgia takes centre stage with the Pan-fried Dace Fish Paste with Black Moss in Shunde Style ($39.80 for a whole). This old-school classic involves meticulous preparation—removing fish flesh, mixing it with various ingredients, stuffing it back into the fish, and deep-frying to a golden brown. While a bit bony, it evokes a sense of tradition.

Available at Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen

Premium Loin Rib coated with Cointreau Orange Sauce 4.2/5

For a sumptuous treat, savour the Premium Loin Rib coated with Cointreau Orange Sauce ($42 regular). Fork-tender, tasty to the bone, and bathed in a luscious sauce intensified with orange-flavoured liqueur, this dish is a celebration of succulence.

Available at Crystal Jade Palace

Eight Treasure Vegetable wrapped in Beancurd Skin 4.8/5

A new festive takeaway highlight is the Eight Treasure Vegetable wrapped in Beancurd Skin ($29.80), a visually stunning centrepiece. This vegetarian delight features artfully arranged shiitake mushrooms, large dried scallops, lotus seeds, glass noodles, wood ear mushrooms, and black moss, braised in a luscious sauce that ties the dish together beautifully.

Dry La Mian with Prawn, Celtuce & Lobster Oil 3.5/5

Delight in the Dry La Mian with Prawn, Celtuce & Lobster Oil ($15.80 for a regular portion). Al dente noodle strands, slicked with homemade lobster oil, are crowned with a delectable combo of prawns and spring onions.

Available at Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao

Green Tea, Tangerine Peel & Red Bean Ruyi Roll, Lava Kumquat Taro Puree Doughnut

Round off the feast with two delightful desserts. The Green Tea, Tangerine Peel & Red Bean Ruyi Roll ($10.80 for four pieces) presents a soft and pleasantly chewy jade-green glutinous rice flour roll enveloping smooth red bean paste accented with tangerine peel. Additionally, the Lava Kumquat Taro Purée Doughnut ($12.80 for four pieces) offers light and fluffy deep-fried balls filled with taro puree, elevated with a touch of kumquat zest.

Available at Crystal Jade Palace (Ruiy Roll), Crystal Jade Golden Palace (Doughnut)

Well-regarded for its impeccable cuisine and service, Crystal Jade offers something for every reunion, whether for a large gathering or an intimate celebration. Group Executive Chef Martin Foo and his team of chefs have meticulously crafted an extensive variety of delicious and auspicious specialities, ensuring that the upcoming Chinese New Year celebration is off to a roaring start. Takeaway goodies can be pre-ordered online at estore.crystaljade.com and outlets from December 5, 2023, to February 25, 2024. Pick up your orders from select outlets between January 19 and February 25, 2024.

Note: This is an invited tasting.

Kinki Restaurant + Bar @ Customs House - A Bigger, Bolder, Badder Revamp

Time flies, and  Kinki Restaurant + Bar at Customs House has been around for more than 10 years since May 2010. On the cusp of a new decade, Kinki starts a new chapter with an audacious revamp. Gone is the sumo, passing his legacy to the Geisha for her epitome of Japanese femininity and hospitality.

Cassava Nachos 4.2/5

We started our dinner with some light bites. First up is the Cassava Nachos ($18) topped with tomato miso beef, guacamole, creme fraiche, Japanese cucumber and cherry tomatoes. Kinki substituted the usual tortilla chips with tapioca chips for a more delightful textural bite. At the same time, the Japanese cucumber gives it a refreshing finish.

Corn Duo 4.8/5

Next is the Corn Duo ($16), which comprises baby corn and corn puree. The addition of furikake elevated the enjoyment of the corn's sweetness.

AC/DC Dynamite 4.5/5

I would highly recommend the AC/DC Dynamite ($22) for an explosion of flavours. The tempura-fried mixed seafood roll is capped by a slice of Japanese cucumber with fresh raw seafood and avocado. The homemade Sriracha sweet soy provides the ignition to the explosion.

Cowabunga 4.2/5

Beef lover will enjoy the Cowabunga ($36) compromising Japanese rice rolled with cream cheese, cucumber, homemade spicy mayo, and melt-in-the-mouth seared A4 Wagyu beef slices. The parcel is topped with tobiko, potato floss and soy reduction for the different textural contrast.

Unagi Claypot 4.5/5

The off the menu Unagi Claypot ($35), which only served during special occasions, has now made it permanently to the menu. Besides the huge piece of unagi on top of the charred fried rice, chopped unagi is also tossed in it, doused in a homemade unagi sauce. Each mouthful is full of addictive charred flavour for a comforting enjoyment.

Kickass Chirashi Don 4.5/5

Being a Japanese restaurant, it can't do without fresh seafood. The Kickass Chirashi Don ($78) comes with the Chef's selection of premium seafood on sushi rice. During my visit, there is otoro, kinmedai, hirame, salmon, shima aji, hotate, botan ebi, tamago, ikura and Polanco Oscietra caviar.

Karaage Chicken Bao 4.2/5

A delightful Japanese-Chinese fusion is the Karaage Chicken Bao ($20) with juicy, deep-fried chicken thigh, momotaro tomato and pickled cucumber sandwiched in a soft, fluffy steamed bun. It is dressed in a sweet soy sauce for a multi flavour and textural finish.

Spicy Buffalo Katsu 3/5

The Spicy Buffalo Katsu ($30) was slightly disappointing for me compare to the rest. The breaded pork loin cutlet tossed in homemade Japanese buffalo sauce is slightly on the dry side for me. Furthermore, it is not spicy at all.

Grilled Squid Chimichurri 4.5/5

New on the menu is the Grilled Squid Chimichurri ($32). It is smokey and tender paired excellently with the sweet and sour sauce. Perfect to have this with a couple of drinks.

Ice Cream 3/5

We have Ice Cream ($8/ $12) to wrap up the dinner. There are flavours such as yuzu, momo, black sesame and more.

Diners can look forward to The Bottomless Brunch ($68) on Saturday, for unlimited a la carte servings of sushi, sashimi, maki, hot and cold Japanese favourites, and desserts. You can also top it up with free-flow beer, sake, prosecco or shochu for $35.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Kinki Restaurant + Bar
Customs House
70 Collyer Quay
#02-02
Singapore 049323
Tel: +65 83636697
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Restaurant
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 215pm, 6pm - 1015pm
Sat & PH: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1015pm

Bar
Mon-Sat: 5pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Clifford Centre. Cut across the building. Go to 2nd floor, take the overhead bridge link across the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Shiokoji Tonkatsu Keisuke @ Paya Lebar Square - Unique Tuna and Salmon Rare Tonkatsu

Ramen Champion Mr Keisuke Takeda, known for its multiple ramen concepts in Singapore, has launched first-of-its-kind Tonkatsu dining for health-conscious diners. The new concept, Shiokoji Tonkatsu Keisuke, is located at Paya Lebar Square incorporating a mini salad bar and sauces for both rice and katsu.

Most tonkatsu restaurants come with free flow of cabbage, and Shiokoji Tonkatsu Keisuke has brought it a notch up with the mini salad bar, giving diners more varieties. On top of the black vinegar and olive oil dressing, there will be four other seasonal salad dressings each day to pair with the salad.

Unlike other tonkatsu restaurants, diners can create their own blend of Tonkatsu sauce from a spread of over 10 different sauce bases. It is like those hot pot places whereby diners can mix and match their own dipping sauce. Shiokoji Tonkatsu Keisuke aims to cater to different taste profile and create a different experience for diners.

Shiokoji Pork Loin Katsu Set 4/5

Inevitable I have to order the classic Shiokoji Pork Loin Katsu Set ($16.90  for 120g / $19.90 for 200g) to check out whether it is the real deal. Every tonkatsu set meal here comes with a fried half-boiled egg, rice, miso soup and Japanese pickles. The restaurant also positioned itself in serving a healthier version of tonkatsu, thanks to the state-of-the-art fryers with Water Molecule Control technology. Apparently, 50% less oil is absorbed into the meat during the frying process as compared to tradition deep-frying methods. I would say taste the texture are not comprised in the new method of cooking,

Rolled Pork & Vegetables Tonkatsu 4.2/5

Compared to the pork loin, I would prefer the Rolled Pork & Vegetables Tonkatsu. The pork is more tender due to the used of layered pork, rolled up. The mixed and match concept allows the diner to choose up to five vegetables of their choice, from over twenty different vegetables. This also gives the tonkatsu an additional crunchy texture.

Tuna Rare Katsu Set 4/5

Great news for pescatarian. Now you can also enjoy tonkatsu at Shiokoji Tonkatsu Keisuke with Mr Keisuke new creations - Tuna Rare Katsu Set ($19.90) and Salmon Rare Katsu Set ($17.90). Uniquely, the fish is still soft and rare on the inside while the outside is crunchy.

Assorted Seafood Katsu Set 4.2/5

If you have difficulty making a decision what to order, I would recommend the Assorted Seafood Katsu Set ($20.90), which you get a bit of everything.

It is incredible to see Mr Keisuke expanding its food empire in Singapore with yet another new concept into his group of restaurants. Instead of just introducing the classic tonkatsu to Singaporean, he also gives it a healthier take with a new experience to enjoy the tonkatsu.

Note: this is an invited tasting.


Shiokoji Tonkatsu Keisuke
Paya Lebar Square
60 Paya Lebar Road
#01-02/03
Singapore 409051
Tel: +65 62143345
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Paya Lebar (CC Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun, PH: 1130am - 10pm

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

Fantastic Festivities At Mandarin Oriental Singapore With Four New Sweet Treats

Looking for interesting sweet delights for this festive season? Check out Mandarin Oriental Singapore. Featuring four new festive sweets this year, be it their looks or flavours, they are going to be the highlights of your festive spread.

A picturesque Noel Creme Catalan ($88) puts our everyday banana in the limelight with a delicious combination of muscovado frangipane, banana compote and creme Catalan. The crunchy base balances the sweetness and creaminess of the top, and the fragrant notes you get from biting into it make it even more irresistible.

Christmas Cassis ($88) is my favourite. If you love the chestnut filling of a Mont Blanc, or any sweets with chestnut filling, this is multiple times more indulgent, but without the cloying sweetness. Within the core of the chestnut puree is a tart cassis compote. Hence every bite is a blend of sweetness, tartness, creaminess and crunch from its crisp chestnut sable.

What seems to be our of an enchanted forest is The Ruby Cocoa ($88). A gigantic cocoa pod with tantalising layers of raspberry mousse, raspberry chocolate cremeux and chocolate almond cream. This is like a Whiteforest as opposed to a Blackforest. So if you don't like the bitterness in regular chocolates, this will be perfect.

For something really fruity, try Christmas Joy ($80), made with a medley of pink guava and peach compote, vanilla and yuzu mousse balanced with a layer of almond cake.

Falling back to our savoury options, the Boneless Honey-Baked Christmas Ham ($160) with pineapple sauce comes with assorted roasted potatoes, festive vegetables, seasonal greens.

Personally, I would opt for their Chinese Style Roasted Christmas Goose ($185) served with plum sauce and traditional giblet gravy together apple and chestnut stuffing, roasted brussels sprouts, roasted potatoes, sauteed vegetables. The glistening roasted skin, with a thin layer of fats underneath, was something that had me reminiscing it for days.

Another popular item will be the Crackling Iberico Pork Loin ($185), served with caramelised potatoes, red cabbage and roasting jus flavoured with mustard seeds. The tangy red cabbage is a complimentary side to go along with the pork, similar to sauerkraut and pork knuckle.

A feast with wines and alcohols, perhaps a must would be this Roasted Australian Grass-Fed Rib Eye ($265), served with assorted roasted potatoes, sauteed vegetables, accompanied by red wine sauce.

But what truly spells Christmas, is none other than a Traditional Roasted Christmas Turkey ($185). Other than serving it with cranberry sauce and traditional giblet gravy, along with the apple and chestnut stuffing and sauteed vegetables, this comes with an extravagant truffle mashed potatoes!

The festive counter at the hotel lobby opens from 4 to 26 December 2019. For orders, please email mosin-festive@mohg.com or call +65 68853081. For restaurant reservations or dining enquiries, please email mosin-dining@mohg.com or call +65 68853500.

Written 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.


Melt Cafe
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Singapore
5 Raffles Avenue
Singapore 039797
Tel: +65 68853500
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC Line, DT Line), Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 630am - 930pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit A. Cross the road. Walk to Marina Square. Follow the signage to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit B or D. Walk to Marina Square. Follow the signage to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Farmers And Chefs @ Singapore Conference Hall - A Wholesome Dining Place For You And Your Little Ones

Visited Farmers and Chefs located within Singapore Conference Hall in Shenton Way on a rainy evening, and that became one of the most relaxing dining experience I ever had for a long time. Unexpected in many ways, especially in the middle of the CBD area. Set below a canopy, surrounded by planters and rustic wooden crafts exhibited by local wood and clay crafter, Farmers and Chefs are just as charming as any of those cafes and bistros nestled in parks and gardens. Mindful dining is what this cafe is all about, and with a strictly no deep-frying rule, they are not just serious about what's offered to you, but to your little ones as well.

The Farmer's Breakfast 4/5

For just $10, The Farmer’s Breakfast comes with a hearty portion of sous vide herbed boneless chicken thigh slices (no cured meats!), alongside scrambled eggs, grilled Roma tomatoes, sauteed button mushrooms and crisp Rosti with a dollop of Farmer’s Soy Mayonnaise. What's notable is the housemade rosti that is prepared a la minute. Its crisp exterior is such a good match with their Farmer’s Soy Mayonnaise, which is possibly best dairy-free mayonnaise I ever had and even better than the regular one - perfect consistency and acidity, without that oily aftertaste. No wonder they have to trademark it. The scrambled eggs are topped with clarified butter, which makes it extra creamy and indulgent.

Teriyaki Chicken 4/5

For lunch, from 12pm to 2pm, you can get a healthy Lunch Bowls from $10 onwards. Six proteins are available for selection, each wholesome with lettuce, broccoli, tomato and onsen egg. The Teriyaki Chicken ($10) rice bowl comes with a chicken thigh lightly glazed with home-made teriyaki sauce. It was moist and tender, with skin lightly crisp. I really appreciate the lightness of the sauce, compared to commercial ones which tend to be sweeter.

Yakiniku Beef 3.5/5

For a bigger appetite, the Yakiniku Beef ($14) rice bowl comes with thick slices of stir-fried striploin coated in a home-made yakiniku sauce. The yakiniku sauce was light and not too salty, flavouring the beef just right without overpowering it. The rice in each bowl was fluffy and pearly, and really yummy after sopping up the sauces. It will have been more ideal if the cherry tomatoes have been sauteed or roasted beforehand to bring out their flavours.

Truffle Mushroom Cream with Asparagus 3.5/5

Pasta dishes are also available. A classic combination of cream and mushroom, the Truffle Mushroom Cream with Asparagus ($14). The mushrooms were well sauteed, which released all their earthy flavours into the pasta. I like the addition of the asparagus, which lends a crunch and a brightness to the dish.

Aglio Olio 3/5

The humble Aglio Olio Pasta ($9) speaks volume with its fiery touches. The combination of both dried and bird’s eye chilli gave a more rounded taste of heat and spices, along with the right dose of minced garlic. Adding on the sautéed prawns ($13) is ideal. A child-friendly non-spicy version is also available.

Pomodoro Pasta 2.8/5

The Pomodoro Pasta ($10) is a simple everyday pasta made with onions, tomato and basil, cream and parmesan cheese. I find the sauce lacking in intensity and sharpness of a creamy tomato sauce.

Kurobuta Pork Loin 4/5

As a casual dining cafe, Farmers and Chefs also dish out very high-quality mains too. Kurobuta Pork Loin ($18) features a pan-seared Kurobuta pork loin served with a house-made red wine apple compote, sautéed potatoes, broccoli, soy sauce onion, and capsicum. Nicely seared on the exterior, with some charred fats at the edges and the loin was done with a moist and pinky core. I love the tangy and sweet red wine apple compote, as well as the well-roasted capsicum that complements the richness of the meat really well.

A no-dessert menu is also a conscious decision made by the team as well, as for now. However, I find the Homemade Barley ($2), that is sweetened with rock sugar, a perfect alternative to a bowl of beancurd barley.

For your little ones, The Secret Children's Menu offers mini breakfast sandwiches, mains with fruit, mini rice bowls and organic pasta. A mix and match option for a customised meal is available as well.

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.


Farmers and Chefs
Singapore Conference Hall Singapore
7 Shenton Way
#01-04
Tel: +65 67219398
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8am - 8pm
Sat: 9am - 8pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk to the junction of Shenton Way and Straits Boulevard. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]