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]

Goodwood Park Hotel Singapore - Celebrates 120th Anniversary With Mao Shan Wang & D24 Durian Delights

Goodwood Park Hotel celebrates its 120th anniversary with a lavish durian dessert buffet spread, featuring Mao Shan Wang and D24 Durian Delights. Available from 17 October to 15 November at Coffee Lounge, indulge in an exclusive line-up of durian delights such as Mao Shan Wang Mousse Cake, Crepe, Swiss Roll and Mini Eclair, including hot D24 favourites such as D24 Puff and D24 Ice Cream!

Mao Shan Wang Mousse Cake

Such a thick layer of pulpy Mao Shan Wang Mousse layered in between airy sponge cake, the Mao Shan Wang Mousse Cake is definitely my favourite of the lot.

Mao Shan Wang Crepe

The Mao Shan Wang Crepe is also highly sorted after with its super thin egg crepe encasing the rich, creamy durian mousse, with no other fillers such as cream or sponge cake whatsoever in between.

D24 Puffs

For D24 Delights, there's a reason why these chubby D24 Puffs are such a huge drawn year after year. Each airy choux pastry is filled with a luxuriant swirl of creamy D24, and it was such a pleasure finishing this pillowy durian goodness. 

D24 Mini Peanut Tart, Mao Shan Wang Swiss Roll, Mini Eclair

There's also petite size durian pastry such as the Mao Shan Wang Swiss Roll, a daintier version of the mousse cake, as well as D24 Mini Peanut Tart and Mao Shan Wan Eclair.

A limited item among the spread is the D24 Ice Cream (one serving per guest). I would prefer it to be lightly more bitter-sweet.

The dessert buffet also includes other pastries and warm desserts such as Cheesecakes, Mango Pudding with Crème Chantilly and Fresh Mango, Cherry Crumble and a Bread and Butter Pudding with Vanilla Sauce. The extravagant Dessert Buffet with Mao Shan Wang and D24 Durian Delights spread is priced at $58.80++ per person, available during lunch from 12pm to 230pm and dinner from 6pm to 1030pm.

Deep-fried Pomfret in Feng Sha Style

Goodwood Park Hotel is also known for its Taiwan Porridge A La Carte Buffet. You can also opt for the Taiwan Porridge A La Carte Buffet inclusive of Dessert Buffet with Mao Shan Wang and D24 Durian Delights at $72++ per adult, $43.20++ per child. Out of the entire spread, we tried a few dishes which were all well executed. The Deep-fried Pomfret in Feng Sha Style was impressive. The meaty part of the fish was skilfully sliced out, leaving minimum to the bones and fried to perfection. As promised, each piece was crispy on the outside, juicy and moist on the inside. The sugary crispy rice puff and raisins topping elevated the crunch factor as well.

Steamed Minced Pork with Salted Egg Yolk

The Steamed Minced Pork with Salted Egg Yolk has a very homely flavour, yet incredibly satisfying. Loosely packed and juicy, the seasoning was just right on bringing out the flavours of the meat.

Fried Omelette with Silver Fish

This UFO looking Fred Omelette with Silver Fish was simple but substantial with silverfish packed within its fluffy interior.

Braised Chinese Mustard with Sakura Ebi

The Braised Chinese Mustard with Sakura Ebi was not just aesthetically pleasing, but soothing to the palate as well.

There are also other ways to enjoy the dessert buffet. It can also be paired with Coffee Lounge’s signature offerings:

- Top-up of Dessert Buffet with Mao Shan Wang and D24 Durian Delights with any A La Carte Main Course order $48.80++ per person.
- 3-course Design Your Own Local Degustation Menu, inclusive of Dessert Buffet with Mao Shan Wang and D24 Durian Delights $62++ per person.
- 4-course Design Your Own Local Degustation Menu, inclusive of Dessert Buffet with Mao Shan Wang and D24 Durian Delights $66++ per person.

The Deli also features five delectable Mao Shan Wang and D24 durian creations from 17 October to 30 November for a decadent treat any time of the day.

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. 


Coffee Lounge
Goodwood Park Hotel
22 Scotts Road
Singapore 228221
Tel: +65 67301746
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Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Scotts Road to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Dine At Home During Circuit Breaker - Soi Aroy

One of the better meals I had during the circuit breaker period is Thai food from Soi Aroy. I am glad that even during this pandemic, I am still able to discover new restaurants that I didn't get to visit before the whole world goes into various lock down measures to fight against the pandemic.

Premium Tom Yum Soup with Thai Mama 

In my opinion, the best way to tell whether a restaurant is serving legit Thai food is from their tom yum soup. When I took a sip of the Premium Tom Yum Soup, it blew me away with its depth and bold flavours. You can choose to go along with some rice or add noodles to it. Customers will have a choice of egg noodles, brown rice bee hoon, Thai rice noodle or Thai Mama. I have gone for the Thai Mama as I like my maggie mee. 

Thai Collagen Porridge

Another dish that caught my attention is the Thai Collagen Porridge. The rice and ingredients come packed separately from the 12hr collagen base soup without MSG. It is very hearty and comforting. You can also request additional ingredients such as egg, vegetables, meat patty and more. 

Grilled Pork Cheek

Lemongrass Chicken

For some grilled stuff, they have Grilled Pork Neck and Lemongrass Chicken. The grilled pork has a delightful crunchy bite on top of its smokiness. The lemongrass chicken was tender with refreshing lemongrass aroma.

Thai Fish Cakes

Another popular item on their menu is the Thai Fish Cakes which goes excellently with the Thai sweet spicy sauce. 

Thai Seafood Fried Rice

As I mentioned earlier that I have not visited Soi Aroy at Sim Lim Square so I went online and try to find out more about the restaurant. I realized it is actually quite a small place located on level 2 of the mall. It amazes me that with such a constraint space, the restaurant was able to wok up so many varieties on their menu. Besides the dishes I mentioned earlier, they have many more cooked dishes such as Thai Seafood Fried Rice, Thai Basil Pork, Sambal Kang Kong with Squid and Sambal LaLa.

Thai Basil Pork

Sambal Kang Kong with Squid

Thai Basil Pork and Sambal Kang Kong with Squid is probably two of my most ordered items whether I visited a Thai restaurant. With a plate of fragrant steamed rice, it basically completes a meal. 

Sambal LaLa

Worth mentioning is their Sambal LaLa. Not only was the LaLa fresh and juicy, it like the layer of aroma from the Thai basil which just elevated the whole spicy affair.

Mango Sticky Rice

Not to forget to wrap your meal with some sweetness too. This can also helps to cool the tongue after all the spicy food. Some of the desserts I tried are Mango Sticky Rice, Tapioca, Red Ruby and Mango Sago.

Tapioca, Red Ruby and Mango Sago

Currently the restaurant is having the following promotion. Free drink for every $15 spent and $5 off for orders above $50. Delivery fees ranged from $5 to $17 depend on the zone. You can refer to their facebook page for the delivery fee charges. To order WhatsApp the restaurant at 9641 8988.

Soi Aroy

Sim Lim Square

1 Rochor Canal Road

#02-08

Singapore 188504

Tel: +65 96418988

Facebook

Nearest MRT: Rochor (DT Line)

Opening Hours:

Mon-Sat: 11am - 8pm

Sun: 11am - 4pm

Direction: 

1) Alight at Rochor MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

SHAO @ Frankel Avenue - Discovery Of Some Unique Dishes Such Crispy Baby Pomfret, Sotong Sausage And More

After seeing some interesting food pictures on social media, I gathered my foodie friends to check out SHAO at Frankel Avenue on a Saturday afternoon for lunch. The restaurant is located at the very end of the row of shophouses along Frankel Avenue. Interestingly for a Chinese restaurant, there are only square tables. The 11 of us have to sit in 2 rows which is quite awkward for sharing Chinese communal dishes.

Crispy Baby Pomfret 3/5

An exciting dish on the menu is the Crispy Baby Pomfret ($16). Deep-fried until crispy, it can be eaten whole without the worry of fish bones. Of course, you can't expect a lot of meat from the tiny pomfret. This dish is simply executed to enjoy the crispiness.

Salted Egg Yolk Yam 4/5

The Salted Egg Yolk Yam ($12) is drenched in a delicious and addictive salted egg yolk sauce. The delightful bite has a slight crunch which I enjoyed, and I still can taste the yam flavour.

Sotong Sausage 4.5/5

Another unique dish that I don't get to see at Chinese restaurants is the Sotong Sausage ($22). Unlike the usual pork sausage, the sotong sausage has a more textural bite from its bouncy texture. It is almost like having a piece of fish cake.

Stir-Fried Luffa with Egg & Seafood 4/5

I am not sure you are a fan of luffa, but I like its softness that comes with a little crunch. The Stir-Fried Luffa with Egg & Seafood ($28) at Shao is well-executed absorbing the sweetness of the seafood. What I find it weird is the fried egg which seems out of place. I thought it would be more enjoyable if the egg is cooked with the stock into an eggy gravy.

Gai Choy with Roast Pork Belly Claypot 4.5/5

A dish that my dining friends have mix opinions is the Gai Choy with Roast Pork Belly Claypot ($38). Gai Choy is also known as Chinese mustard greens. It has a bitter taste or some called it mustardy that is not well received by many. However, I love this acquire taste which is a flavour I have grown up with. The pairing with roast pork belly further flavoured the mustardy greens.

Steamed Crab with Vermicelli 3.8/5

Another dish the dining group has mix opinions is the Steamed Crab with Vermicelli ($78). Due to the size of the crab used, there is very little crab meat. Hence some felt it is not worth the cost. Others thought that the sauce is too garlicky, overpowering the sweetness of the crustacean. I actually like the strong garlic flavour which gives the dish a beautiful aroma, with the vermicelli soaking up the richness.

Wok Fried Hor Fun 2.8/5

Among the dishes we tried, the Wok-Fried Hor Fun ($12) was probably the least favourite. It lacked the wok hei that gives life to the rice noodle.

Sliced Fish Claypot "Pao Fan" Porridge 3.8/5

Last but not least, we wrapped up our dinner with the Sliced Fish Claypot "Pao Fan" Porridge ($28/$48). The portion is good for 2-6 pax. The porridge consists of both fluffy and crispy rice bathing in a hot pipping, delicious chicken-based soup with fish slices. It is a comforting dish for a cold, raining day.


SHAO
117 Frankel Ave
Singapore 458232
Tel: +65 66109233
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Bedok (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 11am - 3pm, 5 - 11pm
Fri-Sat: 10am - 3pm, 5pm - 12midnight
Sun: 10am - 11pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Bedok MRT. Take Exit B or C. Walk to Bedok Bus Interchange (Stop ID 84009). Take bus number 32. Alight 8 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 25 minutes later. [Map]

Ah Chiang's Porridge @ JEM - Old School Cantonese-Style Porridge In Shopping Mall

Ah Chiang Porridge is an old school Cantonese style porridge concept started in 1971. With its original store located at Tiong Poh Road in Tiong Bahru estate, Ah Chiang now ventures into the shopping mall, opening its newest outlet at the basement of JEM.

Mixed Pork Porridge 4.2/5

You Tiao 3/5

I decided to have the Mixed Pork Porridge with an Egg ($5.40). The hearty and comforting bowl of congee comes with slices of kidney and pork, garnished with spring onion. The silky smooth porridge is already lightly seasoned, hence, in my opinion, there is no need to add any more seasonings. I also ordered a bowl of You Tiao ($2) to go with the congee. However, the youtiao is the doughy type while I prefer the more crispy type.'

Salted Fish Bean Sprout 3.5/5

To complete the meal, there are several side dishes on the menu. I ordered the Salted Fish Bean Sprout ($5) and Ginger Chicken ($6). The bean sprouts were plump and crunchy while the ginger chicken was tender. However, I like the fact that the chicken is chilled. It is too cold to be enjoyed.

Ginger Chicken 2.8/5

Overall if you looking for something light and comforting, Ah Chiang's Porridge will be a good choice for a satisfying meal. However, do note that the place is quite small; hence it may be better to just takeaway to dine at the common dining area near the outlet.


Ah Chiang's Porridge
JEM
50 Jurong Gateway Road
#B1-40
Singapore 608549
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Jurong East (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Jurong East MRT Station. Take Exit C. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

The Lobby Lounge @ Shangri-La Hotel Singapore - Experience Local Hawker Fare For Breakfast At Weekend Semi-Buffet

In collaboration with local hawkers to serve authentic local hawker fare, The Lobby Lounge, Shangri-La Hotel Singapore presents their Breakfast Buffet with an enticing array of local heritage dishes for everyone to enjoy iconic hawker fare in town, all under one roof. The authentic Singaporean breakfast spread showcase 6 specially curated Singaporean breakfast items from the ala carte menu, which include: Nasi Lemak ($19) from The Coconut Club; Roti Prata with Dhalcha and Fish Curry ($12) from Springleaf Prata Place; Carrot Cake ($12) from The Lobby Lounge’s Chef Yong Jia; Dry Wanton Mee ($14) from Shang Palace’s Executive Chef Mok Kit Keung; Soft Boiled Eggs with Kaya Toast ($12) from The Lobby Lounge’s Signature; Hainanese Porridge ($12) from The Lobby Lounge’s Signature.

Nasi Lemak 4.2/5

Prepared with the original recipe from The Coconut Club, a Michelin's Bib Gourmand Singapore 2018 awardee, the Nasi Lemak ($19) is a perfect medley of flavours. It featured a base of aromatic pandan-scented rice infused with coconut milk and served with an array of topping including the crispy anchovies, peanuts, fried egg, sliced cucumber and homemade sambal chilli for that kick of spice. The dish is completed with a crispy chicken leg deep fried till golden brown.

Dry Wanton Mee 4/5

A perennial favourite amongst the locals, the Dry Wanton Mee ($14) features soft and springy al dente noodles tossed with a special black sauce and barbequed pork by Shang Palace's Chinese Executive Chef Mok Kit Keung. The dish is topped with tender char siew and crunchy leafy greens and accompanied by a bowl of flavourful pork and shrimp dumpling soup.

Hainanese Porridge 3.8/5

The Hainanese Porridge ($12) is a simple, comforting bowl of breakfast. The silky congee is cooked with tender minced pork balls and meat slices, with the flavours enhanced with a dash of sesame oil and ginger. Served with a side of crispy fried strips of Youtiao to dunk into the porridge, perfect for soaking up the goodness.

Savour other nostalgic dishes in line with unlimited helpings of it, such as a plate of economic bee hoon, luncheon meat, cabbage and fried egg.

Soon Kueh 4/5, Chwee Kueh 4.2/5

We love the signature Soon Kueh by Ah Yee. A popular Teochew snack in Singapore, it is made with hand-kneaded dough from rice-tapioca flour. What we like is the tender and springy skin with the right amount of bite to it. The fillings are generous - an aromatic combination of shredded carrots, black fungus, turnip and dried shrimps.

The Chwee Kueh - Tiong Bahru Jian Bo Shui Kueh’s signature dish is also a favourite. Yet another popular Teochew snack well-loved for its firm rice cakes topped with sweet and savoury preserved radish. It's the perfect breakfast to kickstart your morning with.

Chee Cheong Fun 3.8/5

The Chee Cheong Fun hit the spot with its thin silky smooth skin and generous glaze of sweet black sauce. Perfectly springy and chewy, the delicate rice rolls had us going back for more.

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.


The Lobby Lounge
Shangri-La Hotel Singapore
Lobby Level
22 Orange Grove Road
Singapore 258350
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 730am - 1am

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk towards Wheellock Place via ION. Exit Wheellock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Cross the road at the traffic light junction and turn left towards Royal Thai Embassy. Walk down to the end of Orchard Road. Turn right onto Orange Grove Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 23 minutes. [Map]