Verandah Rooftop Rotisserie @ Momentus Hotel Alexandra - Welcomes the Year of The Horse with a Scrumptious Buffet Spread of Over 30 Auspicious Dishes and Signature Roasts

For the upcoming Chinese New Year 2026, Verandah Rooftop Rotisserie at Momentus Hotel Alexandra welcomes the Year of the Horse with a celebration themed around bountiful harvest and new beginnings. A scrumptious buffet spread of over 30 auspicious dishes and signature roasts awaits, complemented by tableside service and live carving stations.

14-Day Shio Kombu Butter Aged Angus Ribeye 4.5/5

Taking centre stage at the Signature Roast Station is the 14-Day Shio Kombu Butter Aged Angus Ribeye. Fire-grilled over charcoal, each slice boasted a beautifully charred exterior that further amplified the beef’s naturally rich flavours.

‘Sha Pi’ Suckling Pig 4.5/5

Next to it is an impressive lineup of live carving roasts, including ‘Sha Pi’ Suckling Pig and Vanilla-Scented Crackling Pork Belly. It was a rare treat to enjoy such a well-executed suckling pig, available exclusively on Chinese New Year’s Eve and the first day of Chinese New Year.

Vanilla-Scented Crackling Pork Belly 5/5

Black Truffle “Phoenix” Chicken 4/5

The crackling pork belly satisfied with every crunch into its perfectly crisped skin layered over succulent meat. A definite crowd-pleaser is the Black Truffle “Phoenix” Chicken, which stands out for its lightly crisped skin and tender, juicy meat.

Dong Po Wagyu Beef Karubi 5/5

Fragrant Cured Meat ‘Lap Mei Fan’ 4.5/5

Available for takeaway, the Twice-Cooked Black Garlic Pork Belly Char Siew captivated with its glossy glaze and smoky charred edges, offering a richly flavoursome, melt-in-the-mouth bite. Other restaurant-quality takeaway offerings include the unctuous Dong Po Wagyu Beef Karubi, a dish I kept returning to and that lingered in my memory for days. It pairs exceptionally well with the umami-packed Fragrant Cured Meat ‘Lap Mei Fan’.

Cold Pork Trotter Jelly 4.5/5

Drunken Chicken 4.5/5

At the Seafood & Cold Appetisers Station, an interesting lineup of cold seafood with familiar flavours is showcased. Highlights for me were the Poached Tiger Prawns with ginger-scallion dip and the roulade of Drunken Chicken with aged Shaoxing wine and wolfberries. The Cold Pork Trotter Jelly was also snapped up quickly.

Longevity Noodles 4.5/5

An elevated classic is the Longevity Noodles with crab roe and trout caviar. While the sauce looked relatively rich at first glance, it turned out to be well-balanced, coating the noodles with savoury depth without overwhelming them.

Braised Eight-Head Abalone with Sea Cucumber 4/5

Golden Lava Cheese Baked Lobster 2.8/5

Tableside service includes Golden Lava Cheese Baked Lobster and Braised Eight-Head Abalone with Sea Cucumber. The lobster was slightly too mushy for my liking, though the abalone dish was nicely executed.

Yam Purée

The dessert spread leans wholesome and nostalgic. The most popular item was undoubtedly the Yam Purée with caramelised pumpkin, served alongside other Chinese New Year favourites such as Steamed Nian Gao, pineapple tarts, and green pea cookies.

The Chinese New Year 2026 buffet at Verandah Rooftop Rotisserie offers a well-rounded and generous festive spread. Other than the excellent signature roasts, the festive mains are well-executed with consideration.

Early Booking Perks
- 10% off food bill for reservations confirmed before 16 Jan 2026
- Complimentary Yu Sheng for tables of 4+ adults
- Bonus bottle of wine for bookings with 6+ adults

Photos and words by Si An. A homebody who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, the smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


Verandah Rooftop Rotisserie
Momentus Hotel Alexandra
Level 7
323 Alexandra Road
Singapore 159972
Tel: +65 90215192
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Nearest MRT: Queenstown (EW Line), Redhill (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Breakfast Buffet (Daily): 6:30am – 10:30am
A La Carte Menu (Daily from 2 May): 2:30pm – 6:00pm
Semi-Buffet Lunch (Daily): 12 noon – 2:30pm
Semi-Buffet Dinner (Daily): 6:00pm – 10:00pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Queenstown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to the bus stop at Queenstown MRT station (Stop ID 11149). Take bus number 195. Alight 2 stops later. Walk towards Ikea. At Ikea, continue walking to the destination. Journey time is about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Redhill MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to the bus stop opposite Redhill MRT station (Stop ID 10201). Take bus number 33 or 120. Alight 4 stops later. Walk towards Ikea. At Ikea, continue to walk to the destination. Journey time is about10 minutes. [Map]

The Black Pearl @ Odeon 333 - A New Roof Top Chinese Restaurant Offering Contemporary Take on Yue Cuisine

The Black Pearl, the latest Chinese restaurant to open at Odeon 333, presents a contemporary interpretation of 'Yue' cuisine, encompassing various sub-cuisines of the Greater Canton region. Located on the rooftop of Odeon 333, the lavish interior boasts a panoramic city view, featuring a main dining hall, three modular private dining rooms, a stylish bar, and an exclusive Chef's Table.

Crispy Shrimp Rice Roll 4.2/5

The meal begins with a taste of the dim sum menu, highlighted by the Crispy Shrimp Rice Roll ($18). The red hue comes from blending uncooked red rice into the flour mixture, giving the rice roll a vibrant touch. It is wrapped around a deep-fried Vietnamese rice paper fritter filled with prawn and asparagus, complemented by a house-blended soy sauce. The contrast between the smooth rice roll and the crispy interior creates an enjoyable textural experience.

Black Pearl Truffle Wild Mushroom Dumplings 4.2/5

Another standout is the Black Pearl Truffle Wild Mushroom Dumplings ($9 for 3pc). Wrapped in delicate dumpling skin and finished with edible gold shimmer, the filling consists of stir-fried chopped flower mushrooms, water chestnuts, asparagus, and carrots mixed with truffle paste and mushroom powder, enhancing the dish's earthy notes.

Black Pearl Signature Pork Knuckle Jelly 4/5

Moving on to appetisers, the Black Pearl Signature Pork Knuckle Jelly ($26 for 6pc) presents a modern take on traditional Teochew pork trotter jelly. Moulded into a sphere shape and covered in a jelly layer made of Spanish balsamic vinegar and squid ink, it delivers a burst of flavour in every bite.

Otah Mousse in Cones 3.5/5

Inspired by Southeast Asian grilled fish paste, the Otah Mousse in Cones ($9 per portion) features deboned Spanish mackerel blended with egg white, fresh cream, and coconut milk. It is steamed and piped into petite charcoal-tinted cones, paying homage to the traditional method of grilling otah over charcoal. Garnished with crispy salmon skin, it provides an extra layer of texture.

Shunde Style Slow-cooked Fish in Thick Broth topped with Crispy Fish Skin 5/5

A crowd favourite, the Shunde Style Slow-Cooked Fish in Thick Broth ($22 per pax) boasts a creamy and flavourful broth enhanced by thinly sliced kaffir lime leaves. This dish is packed with premium ingredients, including sliced red grouper, fish maw, luffa, black fungus, jade fungus, bamboo shoots, dried scallops, fish skin, and shredded ginger for a comforting finish.

BBQ Premium Iberico Char Siew 3.8/5

The BBQ Premium Iberico Char Siew ($38) is smoked with thyme, giving it an extra aroma. While most diners enjoyed it, the cut was a bit too fatty for my preference.

The Black Pearl Peking Duck 4/5

The Black Pearl Peking Duck ($108) is roasted with lychee wood in a German-made oven for a consistently crisp skin. Served with housemade pancakes, osmanthus flower, sugar, Peking duck sauce, scallions, and cucumber, this dish is a solid choice. For an additional $18, the remaining duck meat can be prepared in three styles: Salt and pepper, Wok-fried Yee Mee with Mustard Green, or Diced Duck with Osmanthus Flower and Lettuce.

Crispy Scale New Zealand Cod with Pineapple & Spices Signature Sauce 4.5/5

The Crispy Scale New Zealand Cod with Pineapple & Spices Signature Sauce ($28 per pax) offers a delightful combination of crispy, pan-seared cod with moist, buttery flesh. The accompanying spicy pineapple sauce enhances the dish with tropical, sweet, and spicy notes.

Crispy Roasted Pig Stuffed with XO Glutinous Rice 4.2/5

A celebratory dish, the Crispy Roasted Pig stuffed with XO Glutinous Rice ($208 Half/ $398 Full), is topped with caviar. The glutinous rice, cooked with housemade XO sauce, Chinese sausage, and liver sausage, is well-seasoned with a 13-spice powder blend, perfectly complementing the crispy roasted pig.

Hakka Braised Tofu Stuffed with Minced Pork 4.5/5

Highlighting The Black Pearl's culinary diversity, the Hakka Braised Tofu Stuffed with Minced Pork ($28) features a soft tofu block filled with minced pork paired with a flavourful braising sauce. This dish, based on Chef Dee's maternal grandmother's recipe, offers a taste of nostalgia and homely comfort.

Poached Nai Bai with Superior Broth 4.2/5

A simple yet hearty dish, the Poached Nai Bai with Superior Broth ($24) retains its crunch and is enhanced by a rich broth topped with goji berries and deep-fried shredded dried scallops.

Teochew Pan-fried Hor Fun with Seafood 4.5/5

A surprising favourite, the Teochew Pan-Fried Hor Fun with Seafood ($28), features broad rice noodles wok-fried with fish sauce, preserved radish, bean sprouts, prawns, and scallops. The inclusion of Japanese Mangetsu eggs adds layers of flavour and aroma, while the pancake-like presentation makes it visually appealing.

Pumpkin Sago with Coconut Milk 4.2/5

Ending the meal on a sweet note, the Pumpkin Sago with Coconut Milk ($8 per pax) blends Japanese pumpkin with fresh cream and coconut milk for a smooth consistency. The inclusion of pumpkin cubes and sago adds a pleasant texture, and diners can enjoy it chilled or hot.

While The Black Pearl delivers well-executed and delicious dishes, many of them can be found in other Chinese restaurants across Singapore. The restaurant succeeds in offering a comfortable dining experience with quality ingredients and refined cooking techniques. However, it is still in search of a unique identity to truly stand out as a gem in Singapore's competitive Chinese dining scene. Nonetheless, with its prime location, stylish setting, and diverse menu, The Black Pearl is undoubtedly worth a visit for those looking to indulge in contemporary Cantonese cuisine.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


The Black Pearl
Odeon 333
333 North Bridge Road
#07-11/12
Singapore 188721
Tel: +65 6022 1022
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line), Bras Basah (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 10am - 12pm (Dim Sum Brunch)

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Cut through Raffles City Shopping Centre to Bras Basah Road. Walk to traffic junction of Bras Basah Road and North Bridge Road. Cross the road and walk down North Bridge Road to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Bras Basah MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Bras Basah Road. Turn left and walk down Bras Basah Road. Turn left onto North Bridge Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Tan Xiang Yuan @ Dickson Road - A Seafood Hotpot Haven and Chinese Delights By Actor Ben Yeo

Nestled within a charming two-storey shophouse along Dickson Road, Tan Xiang Yuan offers a delightful array of Chinese dishes, opened by actor and host Ben Yeo. While their signature seafood hotpot steals the spotlight, the restaurant also presents a diverse selection of Chinese cooked dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Signature Seafood Hotpot 4/5

The centerpiece of Tan Xiang Yuan is their Signature Seafood Hotpot ($98/$188), a culinary masterpiece that is served over a charcoal fire. The broth, simmered for eight hours with prawn shells, old hen, and pork bones, exudes a rich and sweet flavor that is packed with seafood goodness. Sliced fish, yam, prawns, abalone, scallops, and more adorn the hotpot, creating a seafood extravaganza that will leave you craving for more.

Black Vinegar Pork Trotter Jelly 3/5

For a modern twist on a traditional favorite, the Black Vinegar Pork Trotter Jelly ($6) takes the stage. These mini sphere-shaped delights offer a unique and delicate rendition of the classic Teochew pig's trotter jelly, although the portion size may leave you longing for more.

Mao Shan Wang Durian Chilli Crab Ball 4/5

Prepare for a surprising combination with the Mao Shan Wang Durian Chilli Crab Ball ($12/pc), an appetizer that encases the bold flavors of durian and chili crab in a crispy shell. This unusual fusion surprisingly works, creating a burst of flavors that will intrigue your taste buds.

Handmade Fish Curd with Luffa Melon 2.5/5

Unfortunately, not all dishes at Tan Xiang Yuan live up to expectations. The Handmade Fish Curd with Luffa Melon ($20/$30/$40), while comprising luffa, handmade fish curd, black fungus, carrot, and mushroom, fell short in terms of flavor. It lacked seasoning, leaving a bland impression on the palate.

Signature Fried Rice 2.8/5

The Signature Fried Rice ($22/$33/$44), a staple dish in any Chinese restaurant, also failed to impress. With its lackluster taste and ordinary presentation, it did not meet the expectations one would have for a restaurant of this caliber.

Hand Drizzled Roast Chicken 4.2/5

However, Tan Xiang Yuan redeems itself with their Hand Drizzled Roast Chicken ($26 Half/ $48 Whole), a dish that showcases the artistry of drizzling hot oil over the chicken to achieve a crispy skin while keeping the meat tender and juicy. The result is a flavorful and satisfying poultry indulgence.

Signature Beef Cubes 4.2/5

To spice things up, the Signature Beef Cubes ($26/$39/$52) stir-fried in a piquant black pepper sauce take the spotlight. The succulent meat, infused with the aromatic black pepper, creates a mouthwatering symphony of flavors that will leave you craving for more.

Overall, Tan Xiang Yuan at Dickson Road offers a memorable dining experience with its show-stopping seafood hotpot and a mix of Chinese dishes. While some dishes may fall short of expectations, the restaurant's highlights shine through, making it a worthwhile destination for seafood lovers and Chinese cuisine enthusiasts alike.


Tan Xiang Yuan
1 Dickson Road
Singapore 209493
Tel: +65 80585527
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Nearest MRT: Jalan Besar (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am to 3pm, 530pm to 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Jalan Besar MRT statton. Take Exit A. Cross the road. Walk to Dickson Raod. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Avenue 87 @ Amoy Street - The Third Edition Tasting Menu

I am back again at Avenue 87, a modern Asian restaurant opened by co-Chef-Founders Glen Tay and Alex Phan. The duo has recently put together a new menu - Journey Menu (125++) and  Experience Menu ($168++).

Pork Jelly 3.5/5

I had the Experience Menu, kickstarting with several Snacks that showcase the chef's interpretation of the local flavours. For example, the Pork Jelly is inspired by the classic Teochew pig's trotter jelly sandwiched between two thin crispy sheets.

Tofu and Kueh Pie Tie 4/5

Next is the Tofu and Kueh Pie Tie. The Tofu is an interpretation of the mapo tofu substituting the spiciness with Korean chilli paste (gochujang). The Kueh Pie Tie is not a new snack but an elevated one for their love of the local curry fish head. It is Indian-style curry, tangy and packed with aroma from the spices.

Laksa 3.5/5

As for the Laksa sphere, it was an interesting representation of the local flavour topped with caviar and an Indian spiced cracker. Unfortunately, I thought the cracker spices overpowered the appreciation of the laksa flavour.

Uni on Toast 4.2/5

The last snack is the Uni on Toast. A delicious combination that will get one screaming for more.

Foie Gras 4/5

Moving on to the next dish, we have the Foie Gras, which is thick and creamy, paired with Chinese celery, confit tomato and mandarin orange. I like the touch of mandarin orange that helps to refresh the palate.

Duck 4.5/5

One of my favourite courses is the Duck item, a soup dish. Being Chinese, we love our soup. The saltiness from the salted vegetables and heat from the peppercorn made this a delicious pot of soup. You can also find a cabbage roll wrapped with duck meat in it.

Frog Legs 4.2/5

The Frog Legs are my dining companions' favourite dishes. The boneless and tender frog legs are cooked in a beautiful Thai green curry sauce, with the addition of lemongrass and Thai basil for the extra fragrant.

Toothfish 4.5/5

The Toothfish has a sweet buttery flavour similar to cod fish. The beautifully cooked fish is complemented by the crab roe and baijiu sauce, topped with ikura.

Aged Yamaguchi Wagyu

The last savoury dish is the Aged Yamaguchi Wagyu. It is served together with Taiwanese claypot rice with wild mushrooms. Having them together, it felt like having a plate of Asian char siew rice on a plate.

Calpis

Before moving to the dessert, we had the palate cleanser that was sweet and refreshing.

Toast 4.2/5

For dessert, we had a soft and fluffy Toast deep-fried to a crispy exterior, paired excellently with kaya ice cream.

Last, we had the Petite Four to wrap up the dinner. I enjoyed the soft and spongy Mochi coated with peanuts. The Jackfruit Ice Cream Sandwich is as good too.

Overall, I enjoyed the new menu at Avenue 87. Previously, I felt their menu might be hard for customers to accept as it was too focused on local flavours. The new menu is more balance, incorporating more Asian flavours while still showcasing the local flavours in the snack items.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


[CLOSED]
Avenue 87
47 Amoy Street
Singapore 069873
Tel: +65 98388401/ 69705491
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon, Wed-Sat 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 10pm
(Closed on Tue, Sun and PH)

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Amoy Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk down Telok Ayer Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]