Song Yue Taiwan Cuisine (松悦台式料理) @ Kallang Leisure Park - A Showcase of Taiwanese Homestyle Specialities Alongside Exquisite Fine Teas

Song Yue Taiwan Cuisine (松悦台式料理), a celebration of Taiwan's culinary heritage, has left an indelible mark on my gastronomic journey this year. The restaurant, a gem nestled in the heart of Singapore, artfully crafts a menu that accentuates the natural goodness of seasonal produce. Recommending it to friends has become a familiar refrain, and I'm already planning a return for another delightful dinner.

Taiwanese Style Pickled Chilled Dishes 4/5

Our dinner at Song Yue commenced with a trio of Taiwanese-style home-pickled chilled dishes. While the Pickled Cherry Tomatoes with Sour Plums presented a familiar delight, the Winter Melon Pickled with Fresh Passion Fruit and Pickled Cabbage & Radish introduced a refreshing novelty.

Pineapple Prawns with Crispy You-Tiao 4.2/5

A standout from many Taiwanese menus, the Pineapple Prawns with Crispy You-Tiao ($18.90) featured prawns delicately battered and wok-tossed with pineapples in a citrusy mayonnaise dressing. The addition of homemade dough fritters stuffed with hand-beaten squid and prawn paste elevated the dish, providing a delightful textural contrast.

Traditional Ginger Duck 4.2/5

The Traditional Ginger Duck ($19.90/ $36.90) delivered a bowl of comfort with tender duck stewed in a rich broth infused with ginger and black sesame oil. It was a warm embrace of earthy and nutty notes.

Farm Chicken with Spring Onion 4.5/5

Equally compelling was the Farm Chicken with Spring Onion ($18.90 Half/ $33.90 Whole). The local kampong chicken, poached to perfection, was paired with a homemade fresh spring onion and ginger dipping sauce, creating a symphony of natural flavours.

Salt and Pepper Promfret with Crispy Garlic Chips 4.2/5

The Salt and Pepper Promfret with Crispy Garlic Chips ($35.90) showcased a pristine promfret, deboned and fried to a crispy golden perfection. Seasoned with salt and pepper, it was adorned with crunchy, deep-fried garlic chips for an aromatic finish.

Silken Tofu with Pumpkin and Crabmeat 4.5/5

The Silken Tofu with Pumpkin and Crabmeat ($18.90) is an uplifting symphony of flavours, where the silkiness of white tofu meets the sweetness of golden pumpkin and the umami richness of fresh crabmeat.

Slow-Braised Pork Ribs with White Radish 4/5

The Slow-Braised Pork Ribs with White Radish ($18.90) presents succulent prime ribs and sweet white radish, lovingly simmered over low heat in a soy-based sauce infused with a variety of herbs. The result is a dish where the ribs become melt-in-the-mouth tender, offering a delightful harmony of flavours.

Crispy Egg with Black Sesame Oil 5/5

A seemingly simple dish, the Crispy Egg with Black Sesame Oil ($16.90), garnered rave reviews. Perfectly fried fresh eggs with crisp edges and a soft, oozy centre were simmered in a sweet-and-savoury sauce made with fragrant local black sesame oil. This dish, suitable for all ages, pairs wonderfully with a bowl of rice.

Ah Ma's Rice Vermicelli and Taro Soup 4.5/5

The Ah Ma's Rice Vermicelli and Taro Soup ($19.90/ $32.90) pays tribute to the nostalgic Taiwanese rice vermicelli soup. Crafted using the finest rice vermicelli from Xin Zhu, it is presented in a rich, aromatic pork bone broth with sliced pork, dried shrimp, lala clams, shiitake mushrooms, and fragrant taro. Every spoonful evokes a warm embrace of tradition and comfort, reminiscent of grandma's cooking.

Cabbage and Hokkaido Scallop Stone Pot Rice 4.2/5

For those who adore rice, the standout is the Cabbage and Hokkaido Scallop Stone Pot Rice ($19.90/ $32.90). It is crafted with top-notch grade 1 short-grained rice from Tai Chung, renowned for its sweetness and firm, slightly chewy texture. Served in a piping hot stone pot, the Taiwanese Cabbage Rice rendition adds a smoky flavour to the rice, crowned with seared Hokkaido scallops.

Chilled Oolong Ai-Yu Jelly with Green Lemon 4.2/5

Sweet Potato in Ginger Soup 4.2/5

The meal concluded with traditional homemade desserts, including the nourishing Double-boiled Apple & Pear in White Fungus Soup ($7.90), wholesome Sweet Potato in Ginger Soup ($6.90), and the invigorating Chilled Oolong Ai-Yu Jelly with Green Lemon.

Double-Boiled Apple & Pear in White Fungus Soup 4.2/5

Beyond the delectable dishes, Song Yue Taiwan Cuisine also places a spotlight on Taiwan's tea culture. With a selection of premium Taiwanese teas sourced directly from small family tea farms, the restaurant offers a delightful journey into the world of Taiwanese tea. The in-house certified tea specialist ensures a perfect brew, complementing the dining experience. The restaurant's homemade chilled tea and fruit beverages add an extra layer of enjoyment to an already exquisite meal. A visit to Song Yue is not just a meal; it's an exploration of Taiwan's culinary richness and a journey through the island's tea culture.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Song Yue Taiwan Cuisine
(松悦台式料理)
5 Stadium Walk
#01-38/39
Singapore 397693
Tel: +65 6988 3322
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Nearest MRT: Stadium (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 1130am - 330pm, 5pm - 9pm
Fri-Sat, Eve PH: 1130am - 330pm, 5pm - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Stadium MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Happiness Kitchen Private Dining (幸福廚房), Mother & Son Duo Serving Comforting Taiwanese Cuisine

Gathering with the foodie gang, we explored Happiness Kitchen, a relatively new home private dining that unveils the rich tapestry of Taiwanese cuisine.

Pickled Tomatoes 4.2/5

Our meal commenced with the Pickled Tomatoes, a delightful mix of sweet and tangy flavors that sparked our appetites. Its refreshing taste acted as intermittent palate cleanses, making it a constant companion throughout the dinner.

Bamboo Shoot 4.8/5

An unexpected gem was the Bamboo Shoot with Goma Sauce, crowned with sakura ebi. The goma sauce complemented the chunky and sweet bamboo shoot, while the sakura ebi added a contrasting texture and fragrance.

Moonlight Prawn Cake 4.5/5

The Moonlight Prawn Cake, shaped like a full moon, showcased a prawn stuffing encased in a light and crispy wrap. Its unique texture made it a standout on the table.

Braised Beef Shank 4/5

Surprising us in both flavour and portion, the Braised Beef Shank, though labelled an appetiser, was generously sized. The lean cut, adorned with connective tissue, boasted tenderness and rich flavour, a testament to skilled braising.

Spring Onion Chicken 4/5

Defying appetiser norms, the Spring Onion Chicken graced our table as a whole chicken. The tender meat, complemented by ginger and scallions, showcased an unexpected gelatin layer beneath the skin.

Handmade Peanut Tofu 3.8/5

The Handmade Peanut Tofu, akin to a creamy pudding, featured a unique texture. Paired with bonito flakes and a garlic-infused sweet peanut sauce, it presented a distinct flavour profile, though the garlic notes were a tad overpowering.

30 Yr Old Chay Po Chicken Soup 4.8/5

A highlight was the 30-year-old Chay Po Chicken Soup, a comforting elixir that was light, clean, and sweet. Its flavours were so captivating that seconds were inevitable.

Perilla Plum Pork Ribs 4.8/5

Introducing a brilliant fusion, the Perilla Plum Pork Ribs, adorned with sesames, showcased the innovative use of perilla plum sauce. The fall-off-the-bone ribs immersed in this delectable sauce proved to be a winning combination.

Seasonal Greens 4/5

In a nod to freshness, Seasonal Greens made a simple yet satisfying appearance. Stir-fried to retain crunch and sweetness, it served as a wholesome accompaniment to the meaty offerings.

3 Cups Squid 4.2/5

The 3 Cup Squid was a delightful twist, a departure from the more common 3 Cup Chicken. The springy squid, bathed in rice wine, sesame oil, and soy sauce, was elevated by the aromatic basil leaf, adding a distinctive charm.

Dry Braised Prawns 4.8/5

Seafood stole the spotlight with Dry Braised Prawns, featuring impeccably fresh prawns immersed in a delectable sauce. So enticing was the sauce that not a drop went to waste.

Handmade Hakka Abacus Seeds

A surprise find on the menu was the Handmade Hakka Abacus Seeds, showcasing the versatility of Taiwanese cuisine. Soft and delightfully chewy, these seeds were wok-fried with an ensemble of flavours for a robust finish.

Roe Crab Glutinous Rice $160

Our dining experience took an indulgent turn with the addition of Roe Crab Glutinous Rice. A dish usually reserved for grand occasions, this Taiwanese delicacy promised a symphony of flavours.

Yam Sago

Concluding our feast was the sweet note of Yam Sago, bringing a delectable end to our private dining expedition at Happiness Kitchen.


Happiness Kitchen Private Dining
(幸福廚房)
Punggol
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Char Restaurant @ Jalan Besar - Celebrates Nin Years With A Refreshed Menu

Lauded for its excellent Cantonese roast meats, especially its Char Siew, Char Restaurant at Jalan Besar celebrate its ninth anniversary and presents a scintillating new line-up of unique dish offerings and inspired renditions of familiar classics.

Double Roast 4.2/5

Inevitably we had to have the Cantonese roasts. We started with the Double Roast ($38) of their Signature Char Siew and Crispy Roast Pork. The char siew is still as good as I remembered, with the right portion of fats and lean meat. What impressed me most was the crispy roast pork, which fares better than the last time I had it.

Mala Char Siew 3.8/5

One of their new offerings is the Mala Char Siew ($20). The idea is interesting, but the housemade mala sauce lacked the piquant numbness I expected. It can't help associating it with Lan Gan Ma or Gan Xiang instead of mala. Putting the expectation of its description aside, it is still a well-executed dish.

Pig's Stomach with Anxin Chicken Soup 4.2/5

The Pig's Stomach with Anxin Chicken Soup ($32) is a hearty and belly-warming soup. The flavourful double-boiled soup is given an added punch with the addition of white peppercorns. It also comes brimming with tender pig's stomach slices and a whole fall of the bone chicken leg. The soup can be more peppery though.

Okra Banana Delight 4/5

The Okra Banana Delights ($15.50) is a novel pairing that I have not seen or eaten anywhere before. The sauteed okra in sweet and spicy sambal sauce comes with torched sliced bananas. A weird combination, but the banana's sweetness did provide the balance. However, is it necessary? Probably not.

Spicy Sichuan Chicken with Ice Cream 4/5

Another unusual combination is the Spicy Sichuan Chicken with Ice Cream ($18.80). It is a quirky take on the classic La Zi Ju which the juicy deep-fried chicken chunks are served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Once again, I don't know whether the hot and cold combination is necessary though it did not throw the dish's balance off.

Hometown Beancurd with Minced Meat 4/5

Handmade daily is the Hometown Beancurd with Minced Meat ($16.80). The egg beancurd is silky smooth, tossed in a lip-smacking housemade premium soya sauce, with a crowning of minced meat.

Tornado Butter Egg Prawns 4.2/5

From the seafood section, we had the Tornado Butter Egg Prawns ($22), which showcases the chef's skill in making the buttery egg floss, enveloping the succulent tiger prawns with fragrant curry leaves and chilli padi.

Crabmeat Fried Rice 4/5

Wrapping up our dinner is a hearty staple plate of Crabmeat Fried Rice ($19.80) comprising chunks of prized Sri Lankan crab meat, shiitake mushrooms and a generous spoonful of tobiko over the fragrant wok hei imbued egg fried rice.

Overall the dishes at Char Restaurant are still up to the mark. However, some of the new creations are not innovative but gimmicky. While they didn't throw the flavours off, it was also unnecessary, such as adding banana to the okra and ice cream to the spicy Sichuan chicken.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


[CLOSED]
Char
363 Jalan Besar
Singapore 208994
Tel: +65 68427759/ +65 96613678
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Nearest MRT: Bendemeer (DT Line), Lavender (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Lavender MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Horne Road. Turn left onto Horne Road. Walk to the end of Horne Road. Turn right onto Tyrwhitt Road. Turn left onto Beatty Lane and walk to Jalan Besar Road. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Bendemeer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk down Kallang Bahru Road towards Lavender Street.  Cross the road and turn right onto Lavender Street. Walk towards Bendemeer Road. Turn left onto Bendemeer Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Crown Prince Kitchenette @ United Square - Invites All To A Reunion Feast Of Good Fortune For Lunar New Year

Crown Prince Kitchenette, located at United Square, is opened by a team of Malaysian Tze Char chefs, woking up an array of authentic Malaysian Tze Char and Chinese cuisine. To welcome the Year of the Rabbit, Crown Prince Kitchenette has put together two set menus catering for group size 5 and 8.

Fortune Abalone Yusheng 3/5

A tradition to kickstart all Lunar New Year meals is the Lo Hei, Diners gathered around the table tossing to a year of prosperity and abundance. Catering for the occasion, Crown Prince Kitchenette has put together the Fortune Abalone Yusheng ($39.80/$69.80).

Marble Goby in Three Delicacies 4/5

Fish is a must in the Lunar New Year meal as it symbolises well-being and prosperity. The Marble Goby in Three Delicacies ($78) is a fitting celebratory dish for the occasion. The three delicacies are marble goby, clam and prawn. The broth has a hint of herbal flavour and is fragrant with loads of garlic. It may not be for those that dislike garlic.

Clams with Basil Leaves 4.2/5

Basil leaves are usually used in Thai cuisine, but their incorporation into the Clams with Basil Leaves ($15.80) gives the shellfish an accentuated aromatic enjoyment.

Superior Soy Sauce Prawns 4.5/5

Another beautiful seafood dish on the menu is the Superior Soy Sauce Prawns ($36.80). Deep-fried and stir-fried in superior soy sauce, it gives the prawn's sweetness a boost in taste profile.

Dry Fried Green Beans 4.2/5

The Dry Fried Green Beans ($12.80) is a delectable vegetable dish that is fragrant and crunchy. 

Homemade Tofu with Enoki Mushroom & Scallops 4.5/5

The Homemade Tofu with Enoki Mushroom & Scallops ($11.80) will delight the young and old for its soft and silky texture paired with a robust scallop sauce.

Crispy Roasted Sesame Chicken 4.2/5

Crispy on the skin and juicy inside is the Crispy Roasted Sesame Chicken ($38.80). The addition of sesame further enhances the taste profile for a delightful finish.

Braised Pork Knuckle 4.5/5

One of my favourite dishes for dinner is the Braised Pork Knuckle ($58). The pork knuckle, well flavoured by the braising sauce, is deliciously tender, paired with snow peas and mushrooms.

Signature Crispy "Chao Ta" Beehoon with Seafood 3.5/5

A signature at Crown Prince Kitchenette is their Crispy "Chao Ta" Beehoon with Seafood ($12.80). It is good, but it lacked the crispiness and wok hei I had at other places.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Crown Prince Kitchenette
United Square
101 Thomson Road
#B1-09/64/65
Singapore 307591
Tel: +65 88774117
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Nearest MRT: Novena (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 230pm, 5-930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Novena MRT station. Take Exit B1. Walk straight down Thomson Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]