Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine (湘香湖南菜) @ Parkway Parade - Expanding its Footprint to 15 Outlets with New Creations

Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine continues to win over Singaporean diners with its authentic Hunan flavours and comforting dishes. Officially opened on 15 March 2025, the 15th outlet at Parkway Parade introduces a line-up of exclusive new dishes that bring even more to love this well-loved brand.

Sizzling Claypot Chicken 4.2/5

Simmered in a claypot with a savoury housemade sauce, the Sizzling Claypot Chicken (Non-Member: $22.90, Member: $18.90) delivers a homely richness that pairs perfectly with their signature 五常米 (Wǔcháng mǐ) rice. The tender chicken soaks up the mildly spicy sauce beautifully, and we’re hoping to see this comforting dish rolled out across all outlets soon.

Stir-fry Spicy Squid Tentacles 3/5

Visually appealing and bold in flavour, the Stir-fry Spicy Squid Tentacles (Non-Member: $22.90, Member: $18.90) is punchy and aromatic. However, the cumin-forward profile may not suit every palate, and we found the tentacles would have benefitted from being cut into larger pieces to better retain their texture.

Braised Beef Brisket with Whole Tomato 3.5/5

This dish brings to mind a hearty Italian Bolognese with a twist. The Braised Beef Brisket with Whole Tomato (Non-Member: $22.90, Member: $19.90) features slow-braised brisket in a tangy tomato broth that’s rich, warming and surprisingly addictive.

Claypot Sweet and Spicy Prawns 3.8/5

As part of the brand's mainstays from other outlets in February, the Claypot Sweet and Spicy Prawns (Non-Member: $22.90, Member: $19.90) stand out. Fresh prawns are gently simmered in a claypot with a secret sauce blend that evokes a touch of spicy Japanese curry. The addition of tender potato chunks soaking up the flavour is a lovely touch.

Braised Luffa 3.8/5

While we usually choose cauliflower as our go-to veggie dish, the Braised Luffa (Non-Member: $15.90, Member: $12.90) surprised us with its delicate sweetness. The luffa is light and refreshing, and the dough fritters were mistaken at first glance for tau pok.

Hunan Stir-Fry Pork 4.5/5

Our must-order at every Xiang Xiang visit, the Hunan Stir-Fry Pork ($19.90), remains a bestseller for a reason. Over 200,000 servings are sold annually. It's easy to see why. Spanish Iberico pork is stir-fried with fiery Shandong screw peppers and crunchy Yunnan white fungus, creating a crave-worthy medley of textures and spice.

Roasted Chili & Century Egg with Mashed Eggplant 4/5

A chilled appetiser with vivid flavour, the Roasted Chili & Century Egg with Mashed Eggplant (Non-Member: $12.90, Member: $11.90) hits all the right notes — pungent, creamy, and deeply savoury. The interplay between the smoky eggplant, spicy roasted chilli, and umami-rich century egg is absolutely moreish.

Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine's newest outlet at Parkway Parade not only expands the brand's footprint but also introduces fresh creations that highlight its commitment to flavour, quality ingredients, and thoughtful presentation. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to Hunan cuisine, this is a great time to rediscover its offerings, especially if you live in the East. We're excited to see what's next as Xiang Xiang continues its journey across Singapore.

Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine
Parkway Parade
80 Marine Parade Road
#01-30
Singapore 449269
Tel: +65 9137 4773
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Nearest MRT: Marine Parade (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily 11am - 10pm

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

Ang Leong Huat Collaborates with Zi Yean Restaurant in Celebration of its 100th Anniversary

2025 marks the 100th year of legacy for Ang Leong Huat, a family-owned, Singapore-born Chinese wine importer and distributor specializing in high-quality Chinese liquors. Now into its fourth generation, Ang Leong Huat celebrates this remarkable milestone with exciting dining events, including a collaboration with heritage Zi Yean Restaurant from 27 February to 16 March 2025 and a masterclass-cum-wine pairing dinner on 13 March 2025, hosted at Yan's Dining Fine Shanghai Cuisine.

At Zi Yean Restaurant, a heritage restaurant located at Lengkok Bahru, a time-limited à la carte menu highlights the unique role of one of Ang Leong Huat's key products — Plum Blossom Hua Tiao Chiew. Curated by Chef Fok Wong Tin, the chef-owner of Zi Yean, this menu expertly incorporates the wine's distinctive flavours across a range of dishes.

Sautéed Prawns with Asparagus 4/5

We began with Sautéed Prawns with Asparagus ($12 per person). The plump prawns had a satisfying bite and were paired with crunchy asparagus. A dash of Plum Blossom Hua Tiao Chiew added at the end of the cooking process provided a subtle lift of aroma and flavour. Lightly seasoned and sautéed, the dish allowed the natural freshness of the ingredients to shine.

Hot Stone Fish Maw Superior Broth 4.5/5

Next came the Hot Stone Fish Maw Superior Broth ($25 per person), served in a heated stone bowl. The broth was intensely flavourful, enriched with generous fish maw slices and dried scallops. The slight waft of Hua Tiao Chiew elevated the dish, adding a fragrant depth.

Oven-Baked Grouper Fillet 2/5

The Oven-Baked Grouper Fillet ($15 per person) followed, featuring tender fish baked with mushrooms and greens. A splash of Plum Blossom Hua Tiao Chiew at the end enhanced the natural sweetness. Unfortunately, the underside of the fish was slightly burned, resulting in a mild bitterness.

Lettuce-Wrapped Braised Dried Oyster 3.5/5

The Lettuce-Wrapped Braised Dried Oyster ($8 per piece) delivered umami-packed goodness, with the Hua Tiao Chiew boosting the perfectly braised oyster's savoury notes.

Crispy Fried Rice with Diced Abalone 4/5

Giving tradition a twist, the Crispy Fried Rice with Diced Abalone ($15 per person) offered a delightful contrast of textures. The rice, first fried to a crisp and then simmered with Plum Blossom Hua Tiao Chiew and tender diced abalone, resulted in a dish that was both chewy and moreish with each bite.

Hua Tiao Pork Ribs 3.5/5

The Hua Tiao Pork Ribs ($7 per person) was a crowd-pleaser. They were comfortingly sweet and savoury, and the addition of Hua Tiao Chiew rounded off the flavours, providing an aromatic finish.

Traditional Style Glutinous Rice Ball 3.8/5

Rounding off the meal was a classic Chinese dessert - Traditional Style Glutinous Rice Ball ($8 per pax). Each glutinous rice ball enveloped a cube of pian tang 片糖 and was served in a warm ginger soup made with Wentong Ginger. Guests may choose to add the Plum Blossom Hua Tiao Chiew to their desired amount. I love the kick of heat from the ginger, as well as the rustic flavours of the rice ball. Adding the wine made the dessert even more delectable and comforting.

I was also privileged to taste two distinct 'Huang Jiu' varieties. The Li Chun Hua Tiao Chiew is a mellower version, an eight-year vintage Shaoxing wine brewed in the renowned Shaoxing region of Zhejiang. After its fermentation, key ingredients such as wolfberries and longan pulps are added to the wine and infused for a period of time. Served chilled, it was pleasing with a subtle herbal sweetness, perfect as a dessert wine. The Calabash Hua Tiao Chiew is made with high-quality ingredients such as Jianhu water, glutinous rice and wheat. Aged for eight years, it had a deeper herbal note, which I also enjoyed very much. Best served at room temperature or warmed with sour plum, lemon or rock sugar.

In celebration of this centennial milestone, Ang Leong Huat also introduces a limited-edition bottle neck tag for its house brand, Plum Blossom Hua Tiao Chiew. Two ice cream flavours were also made in collaboration with High Bar Society — "Lady in Red," a hazelnut-based ice cream infused with the Nu Er Hong, and "Coco's Flush," a coconut and gula melaka-based ice cream infused with the Calabash Hua Tiao Chiew.

For more details on their upcoming collaborations, visit the website HERE.

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.


Ang Leong Huat
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Zi Yean Restaurant
56 Lengkok Bahru
#01-443
Singapore 150056
Nearest MRT: Redhill (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 8am - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Redhill MRT station. Take Exit A. Cross the road and turn right. Walk down Tiong Bahru Road to Lengkok Bahru. Turn left onto Lengkok Bahru. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

The Peninsula Excelsior Singapore, A Wyndham Hotel - Bringing Joy and Prosperity with a Curated Festive Menus

For this Chinese New Year, The Peninsula Excelsior Singapore, a Wyndham Hotel, has curated festive lunch and dinner menu sets available from 8 January to 12 February 2025. The selection features signature dishes crafted to bring joy and prosperity to your table.

"Everlasting Prosperity" Yu Sheng 4/5

We began with the "Everlasting Prosperity" Yu Sheng with Smoked Salmon and Crispy Fish Skin, a refreshing dish enhanced by subtle kaffir lime leaves and a delightful crunch from the crispy fish skin.

Fish Maw Soup 4/5

The next course, Fish Maw Soup with Crab Meat and Conpoy was flavorful and well-balanced, boasting just the right consistency.

Steamed Ginseng Chicken 5/5

One of the standout dishes was the Steamed Ginseng Chicken. The chicken was incredibly tender, and the nourishing ginseng broth was both comforting and aromatic.

Baked Prawns with Buttermilk & Pumpkin Purée 4/5

The Baked Prawns with Buttermilk & Pumpkin Purée are allured by their vibrant colours and garlicky aroma. While the prawns were slightly overcooked, the creamy and tangy buttermilk-pumpkin sauce elevated their texture, making them finger-licking good.

Steamed Marble Goby with Superior Soya Sauce 4.5/5

Braised Abalone with Chinese Mushroom & Broccoli 4/5

Two classic dishes followed: Steamed Marble Goby with Superior Soya Sauce and Braised Abalone with Chinese Mushrooms and Broccoli. The fish had a pleasingly firm texture, its natural sweetness beautifully complemented by the savoury soya sauce. The abalone dish was also well-executed, providing a rich and elegant touch.

Fried Fragrant Rice Wrapped in Lotus Leaf 5/5

My favourite was the Fried Fragrant Rice Wrapped in Lotus Leaf — arguably the most memorable lotus leaf rice I've had. The umami-packed sausages appeared to have their casing removed, making them easy to chew and mix seamlessly with the rice. Each bite delivered a symphony of savoury, smoky, and umami flavours.

Chilled Mango Cream 4/5

Dessert was a refreshing Chilled Mango Cream with Aloe Vera, Strawberry, and Pearl Sago. Its sweet and tangy profile rounded off the meal perfectly.

Prosperity Menus (Available from 8th January to 12th February 2025):
From $688++ per table (For 6 persons) to S$1,188++ per table (For 10 persons)
Reunion Dinner Menu (Available only on 28th January 2025) only three signature sets from the Prosperity Menu will be available to celebrate the traditional Reunion Dinner.
Reservations are open from 6th January to 12th February 2025. Please contact 6416 1231

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.


The Peninsula Excelsior Singapore, A Wyndham Hotel
Peninsula Shopping Complex Singapore
5 Coleman Street
Singapore 179805
Tel: 6337 2200
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line)

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk down North Bridge Road. Walk to traffic junction of North Bridge Road and Coleman Street. Cross the road and turn right onto Coleman Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Solo Ristorante @ Telok Ayer - Pasta Mancini Free Flow Brunch Happening Every Saturday with Perfectly Al Dente Pasta

Solo Ristorante in Telok Ayer is an authentic Italian casual restaurant helmed by Chef Simone Fraternali. For diners curious about their offerings, their new Pasta Mancini Free Flow Brunch is the perfect time to visit. It happens every Saturday and lasts 90 minutes from the time of reservation. The restaurant is known for using artisanal pasta from Mancini, which has been crafted from their own wheat since 1938. The brunch menu rotates seasonally.

The ambience at Solo Ristorante is warm, cosy, and homely. It has an intimate main dining area and a private dining room suitable for different gatherings. We thoroughly appreciated the attentiveness of the staff throughout our meal here.

Bread Basket

We started with a Bread Basket filled with fresh, warm, fluffy bread.

Beverages

From mocktails to cocktails and a specially curated wine list, you will be able to find a beverage of your choice from their extensive selection. At the brunch, exclusive promotions are also available, including 1-for-1 selected house pours of white/red by glass, 10% off all house pour bottles, and $15 on selected Italian classic cocktails.

Spaghetti 4.2/5

Each diner is limited to ordering one pasta at a time to ensure the best freshness and quality. There are five pastas on the menu, including one Chef's Surprise Pasta, which changes each week. The first pasta we dug into was the classic Spaghetti in a sweet sea urchin sauce topped with crab meat. The brightness of the added lemon zest stands out prominently, a little more than I originally expected. What I loved most was the al dente texture of the pasta.

Rigatoni 4/5

Next, we had the Rigatoni, which was done in the authentic carbonara style with pecorino romano, guanciale, and black pepper. It would have been perfect if it was just a touch less salty, but again we loved the texture of the pasta. Bits of guanciale were fried super crispy.

Paccheri 4.5/5

The Paccheri was my absolute favourite. The tube-shaped pasta was paired with slow braised pork ragout and nutty grana padano cheese. While it looked simple, the balance of flavours was spot on. The pork ragout was tender and so flavourful without being overwhelming. I would have ordered another plate if I could!

Fusili 4.2/5

As the Chef Surprise Pasta during our visit had beef, which we couldn't try, our last pasta was the Fusili. The spiral pasta was tossed in a bright and herby basil pistachio pesto, topped with a pleasant drizzle of sweet tomato sauce and grana padano.

Burratina, Melon, Cherry Tomatoes 4/5

In addition to the free-flow pasta options, diners can opt to add additional starters and desserts. Our server recommended the Burratina, Melon, and Cherry Tomatoes ($15) for the starters. It was a classic combination of soft burrata, sweet cherry tomatoes, rocket, and olive oil. However, I wished the bits of sweet melon were given in a more generous portion.

Garlic Chilli Prawns, Soft Potato 4.5/5

My favourite starter was the Garlic Chilli Prawns, Soft Potato ($20). The grilled prawns were served in a trio, sitting on a bed of soft potato mash. Even though the prawns were fleshy and meaty, I was sold by the smooth mash elevated by fragrant prawn oil.

Beetroot Carpaccio, Orange, Yoghurt 3/5

The Beetroot Carpaccio, Orange, Yoghurt ($18) is a vegetarian starter option. The yoghurt added a fresh touch, but we found it rather ordinary overall for its price.

Shaved Ham Pickled Wine Pears 3/5

Originally, the Shaved Ham Pickled Wine Pears ($18) was meant to be served with mortadella, but it was unavailable at our time of visit. We enjoyed the freshly shaved thin slices of ham substitute, but we were less of a fan of the portion of the pickled wine pears.

Seasonal Tart 3.8/5

We moved to desserts, the first of which was their Seasonal Tart ($12). On the day we visited, the Apricot Tart was available. While thin-crusted, I would prefer for it to have a bit more of a crunch. Flavour-wise, it was tart and bright.

Gelato 3.8/5

While the Vanilla ($6) Gelato was ordinary, the Pistachio ($6) scoop was rich and nutty, albeit leaning toward being more sweet.

Tiramisu 4.2/5

Among Solo Ristorante's desserts, we enjoyed the Tiramisu ($12) the most. It had just the right moisture ratio, crumbles scattered on top for additional crunch, and a touch of saltiness for contrast.

Do make a reservation before heading down. It can be done via their website: https://soloristorante.com/.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Solo Ristorante
45 Amoy Street
Singapore 069871
Tel: +65 6260 0762
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Telok Ayer (DT Line)
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Nearest MRT:

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun)

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]

SO DO FUN (蜀都丰) @ Guoco Midtown - Award-Winning Sichuan Cuisine With 17 Years Experience

With over 100 outlets in China, SO DO FUN (蜀都丰) has newly landed on our island with its first branch on the ground floor of Guoco Midtown, in Bugis.

The restaurant prides itself on using the freshest ingredients, which are air-flown and delivered daily. The extensive menu offers key signatures, sides, chilled dishes, and Sichuan hot dishes, with a good mix of spicy and non-spicy options to cater to all diners.

Boiled Live Fish in Spicy Broth 4.2/5

The classic Sichuan dish, Boiled Live Fish in Spicy Broth ($42.90 for 2 Pax Portion), is their top-selling item. It features tender fish slices in a spicy and numbing broth made with a generous mix of peppercorns, chilli peppers, and a blend of aromatic spices. We saw reviews on the fish being bony, but we didn't face that issue on our visit. While some may find it oily and salty, we found it authentically rich in flavour and thoroughly enjoyed it. I particularly liked the addictive lingering heat! The fish came with beansprouts, beancurd skin, and kelp. Definitely get white rice to go with this.

Grilled Prawns with Vermicelli and Minced Garlic 4.2/5

Next came the Grilled Prawns with Vermicelli and Minced Garlic ($21.90), served in a claypot on a gas stove. After pouring in a housemade sauce, the lid is placed back on and set to continue cooking. Once the timer was up, it was ready to be eaten. My dining companions loved the garlicky base, the vermicelli that had soaked up the flavour, and the well-cooked prawns.

Spicy Boiled Clams 4/5

The Spicy Boiled Clams ($18.90) came with decent clams, beansprouts and a couple of prawns. We found the spicy base here similar to the Boiled Live Fish in Spicy Broth. Hence, if you're already ordering the fish, you can skip this and try their other dishes instead.

Green Pepper Stir-fried Eggplant 4.5/5

The Green Pepper Stir-fried Eggplant ($14.90) was an interesting and well-seasoned dish. Even one of my dining companions, who is not usually a fan of eggplant, commented about liking it. Unlike the usual soft texture, the sliced green eggplant was firmer.

Pickled Radish Stewed Duck Soup 4.5/5

The soulful Pickled Radish Stewed Duck Soup ($19.90) felt like a warm hug on a cold day. The portion comfortably feeds 3-4 pax, and we all agreed that the clear, sour-savoury soup was one of the best we've had in a while.

Chilled Spicy Chicken 3.8/5

I was less a fan of the Chilled Spicy Chicken ($12.90). The chicken's texture was a touch dry, and the vegetables laid below didn't soak up the Sichuan flavours well.

Lipu Yam with Scallion Oil in Pot 4/5

The Lipu Yam with Scallion Oil in Pot ($12.90) was surprising. While it looked unassuming, the smooth yam and savoury starchy sauce complemented the white rice well. As they are thickly sliced, this works better as a sharing dish.

House Special Fried Rice 3.5/5

Even though the House Special Fried Rice ($11.90) was fried thoroughly in lard and turned out fragrant, we found it too pricey because it did not include any other ingredients.

Xuan Zi Cold Glass Noodles 3.5/5

We were looking forward to trying the Xuan Zi Cold Glass Noodles ($8.90), but we thought the texture could be better, as these broke off more easily.

Green Peppers with Preserved Egg 3.8/5

We were curious about So Do Fun's Green Peppers with Preserved Egg ($12.90). The preserved egg wasn't as distinct in its usual pungent flavour, while the green peppers lent a herbaceous note with a mild heat.

Jasmine Lemon Tea 4/5

We each had a cup of their fragrant and mildly sweet Jasmine Lemon Tea ($3.50), perfect for washing down all the rich and oilier flavours.

Mini Glutinous Rice Ball in Fermented Rice Wine 3/5

For desserts, we had both a cold and a hot item. For the former, we ordered the Mini Glutinous Rice Ball in Fermented Rice Wine ($3.90). This was served hot with an egg mixed into the rice wine, but the fermented rice wine was not as distinct as we would have liked.

Brown Sugar Ice Jelly 3/5

The Brown Sugar Ice Jelly ($3.90) was our cold dessert, which we’ve had better renditions of.

Most dishes at SO DO FUN are served in big portions. I recommend dining in a group in order to try and share more items. We enjoyed our meal but would skip the desserts and just go for the recommended signatures.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


SO DO FUN 蜀都丰
Midtown House
120 Beach Road
#01-01
Singapore 189769
Tel: +65 6550 2335
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW, DT Line), Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 4pm, 530pm - 1115pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk to Tan Quee Lan Street. Turn left and walk down Tan Quee Lan Street to Beach Road. At Beach Road, cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Esplanade MRT station Take Exit F. Walk straight down Beach Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]