Crystal Jade Group Celebrates SG60 with a Delicious Culinary Tribute

To mark Singapore’s Diamond Jubilee, the Crystal Jade Group has unveiled a limited-time menu titled ‘SG60 Flavours’, a delicious tribute to the nation’s 60th birthday. The celebratory offerings span across various Crystal Jade dining concepts, featuring dishes inspired by local flavours, patriotic red and white colour themes, and bold, fiery spice profiles. We had the opportunity to savour a selection of these unique creations.

Singaporean Chicken Rice Siew Mai 4.5/5, Steamed Prawn Dumpling 4.2/5

We began our dinner with two dim sum items that were as innovative as they were delicious. The Steamed Prawn Dumpling topped with Chilli Crab Sauce ($9.80 for 3pcs, Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen) was a delightful fusion of the classic har gow and Singapore’s iconic chilli crab. The result was a harmonious pairing of sweet prawns with a spicy, umami-laden sauce that added just the right punch.

Equally memorable was the Singaporean Chicken Rice Siew Mai ($8.80 for 4pcs, Crystal Jade Golden Palace). This bite-sized dim sum reimagines the beloved chicken rice into a dainty morsel, with all the familiar flavours of ginger, garlic, and fragrant chicken in one savoury parcel. A clever and tasty interpretation that left a strong impression.

Duo Cheong Fun 4/5

The Duo Cheong Fun ($8.80 per portion, Crystal Jade Golden Palace) impressed with its red-and-white visual play, resembling the Singapore flag. The white version featured diced chicken and mustard greens, while the red cheong fun was filled with egg and tomato. It’s a dish that not only looks patriotic but also brings layered textures and flavours to the palate.

Wild Coral Trout Poached in Hot & Sour Tomato Broth 5/5

If there was one dish that stole the night, it was the Wild Coral Trout Poached in Hot & Sour Tomato Broth ($28 per 100g). Served tableside, the fresh coral trout was delicately poached in a vibrant broth brimming with sour, spicy, and umami notes. The fish was incredibly tender, soaking up the flavours of the broth beautifully. This dish drew so much praise that all of us went for second servings. It was easily one of the most outstanding dishes I’ve had this year.

Golden Phoenix Glutinous Rice Roll in Traditional Style 4.2/5

Available at all Crystal Jade fine dining restaurants, the Golden Phoenix Glutinous Rice Roll in Traditional Style ($88 whole) is an impressive centrepiece. The glutinous rice stuffing was fragrant and packed with flavour, while the roasted chicken was cooked to perfection with wonderfully crisp skin. A well-executed classic that evoked nostalgic flavours in a celebratory format.

Dry Curry Prawn with Yoghurt served in Banana Leaf 4.5/5

The Dry Curry Prawn with Yoghurt served in Banana Leaf ($26.80 per portion) was another standout, presenting an Indian-inspired local dish in a modern way. The prawns were plump and coated in an aromatic dry curry, with the yoghurt adding a lovely tang and richness. Presented in a banana leaf, it was a great representation of Singapore’s multicultural culinary heritage.

Youpo Shanxi Knife-cut Noodles with Minced Meat 5/5

From Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao, the Youpo Shanxi Knife-cut Noodles with Minced Meat ($20.80 regular) delivered comfort and character. The hand-cut noodles had a satisfying chew, topped with fragrant minced meat and finished with sizzling hot oil poured tableside. The aroma of spices was enticing, and the julienned vegetables added freshness and crunch. A hearty, flavour-packed bowl not to be missed.

Red Ruby Sago with Coconut Milk 3.8/5

To end the meal on a sweet note, the Red Ruby Sago with Coconut Milk ($6.80 per pax, Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen) was a refreshing treat. Crunchy red rubies and soft sago pearls bathed in creamy coconut milk made for a delightful texture contrast and a light finish.

Cute Animal Pastry with Brown Sugar Mochi 4.2/5

The final bite came in the form of the Cute Animal Pastry with Brown Sugar Mochi ($12.80 for 3pcs, Crystal Jade Pavilion). Not only was it visually adorable, but the pastry also delivered on flavour — with a crisp exterior and a chewy mochi centre filled with deep, caramel-like brown sugar. It is a fun and sweet end to a memorable meal.

Crystal Jade’s SG60 Flavours is more than just a festive menu — it’s a thoughtful and well-executed culinary tribute to Singapore’s rich food culture. Each dish showcases creativity while staying true to local flavours. Whether you’re after dim sum, noodles, or a show-stopping whole chicken, there’s something in this celebration menu to love.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Crystal Jade Group
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Fi Woodfire Thai @ Shaw Centre - Modern Thai Restaurant Focusing On Woodfire-driven Dishes

Fi Woodfire Thai (ไฟ) is a modern Thai restaurant that focuses on using woodfire oven to create dishes that bring both familiarity and excitement. Newly relocated to the Shaw Centre earlier this month, Fi continues its signature woodfire cooking with an expanded menu.

Son-in-Law Eggs 4.5/5

We began our meal with a few new appetisers. A standout appetiser was the Son-in-Law Eggs ($10 for 3). Perfectly executed with crispy edges and oozy, lava-like yolks. The eggs were drizzled with a housemade strawberry tamarind glaze. I would have loved a bit more of that glaze to deepen the flavours.

Grilled Green Mango Salad 2.8/5

The Grilled Green Mango Salad ($12) offered a different take on a Thai classic, using mango chunks instead, and charred them over the woodfire. However, the intended smokiness didn't quite come through, and the grilling unfortunately softened the mango to a texture reminiscent of a non-crunchy apple. The dish overall was also too salty.

Watermelon with Fish Floss 3/5

The Watermelon with Fish Floss ($14), on the other hand, was far more refreshing. Topped with housemade tom yum–seasoned fish floss, the sweet-savoury contrast made it incredibly moreish. However, it felt like it was missing an element to make it more substantial as a dish.

Signature Moo Ping Pork Rib 5/5

The true highlights at Fi come from its woodfire oven, where meats and vegetables are grilled over lychee wood. A must-try is the Signature Moo Ping Pork Rib ($48 for 500g bone-in). Fall-off-the-bone tender, the ribs were richly charred with caramelised edges from rendered fat, giving both texture and flavour a boost. The accompanying nam jim jaew offered a tangy contrast that cut through the richness. I also enjoyed the side of char-grilled sticky rice cake glazed with coconut sugar, which paired well with the hearty meat.

French Poulet 5/5

As much as the ribs impressed, the French Poulet ($32 for half) may be even more crowd-pleasing. Incredibly succulent, it boasted clean, natural flavours. Fi uses organic GGTM French Poulet, freshly delivered daily from Toh Thye San Farm. The chicken is served with a bold chicken liver jaew, though alternatives are available if you prefer to skip the touch of gaminess.

Basil Minced Pork on Charred Eggplant 2.8/5

We also tried the Basil Minced Pork on Charred Eggplant ($18), which leaned a little too sweet and saucy, overpowering the eggplant. I also couldn't quite detect the basil in this rendition.

Pineapple Rice Stack 4/5

From the wok section, we had two hearty dishes, Pineapple Rice Stack ($24) and Drunken Noodles ($14). The fried rice was wholesome with shrimp, spicy chicken floss, crispy egg, and pineapple, which made it satisfying on its own. Hence, I found the topping of ikura and tobiko unnecessary and excessive.

Drunken Noodles 3.8/5

The Drunken Noodles, so named as they pair well with beer, delivered on their promise of rich flavours, packed with garlic, soy sauce, and chilli padi. While it was slightly too sweet for me, overall, I liked how generous it was, loaded with a hearty mix of shrimp, squid, straw mushrooms, baby corn, and long beans.

Fresh Mango with Butterfly Pea Sticky Rice 4.5/5

Desserts were refined and beautifully presented. The Fresh Mango with Butterfly Pea Sticky Rice ($12) paired two varieties of mango - Australian (in compote form) and Thai (fresh) - offering a contrast in both sweetness and texture, which worked perfectly with the butterfly pea-stained sticky rice.

Red Ruby 4/5

The Red Ruby ($12) was a great one to refresh the palate with its light and refreshing profile, delighting a mixture of handmade rubies, sago, strawberries, jackfruit, chia seeds, and coconut flesh, topped with a scoop of coconut gelato. However, the plating felt a bit too shallow for such a dessert.

Steamed Tapioca 4/5

The Steamed Tapioca ($12) may appear more straightforward, but it had a wonderfully sticky, starchy texture that was deeply satisfying.

All in all, while some dishes need more balance and refinement, the well-executed woodfire-driven dishes and some of the more intense flavours offered on the plates carve out a strong identity for Fi Woodfire Thai, which in turn allows the brand to establish a strong foothold at its new location.

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.


Fi Woodfire Thai
Shaw Centre
1 Scotts Road
#03-14/15
Singapore 228208
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours :
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 5pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Take the underpass to Shaw House. Walk to ground level. Walk to Shaw Centre next door. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Im Jal by Pun Im @ Icon Village - A New Thai Casual Restaurant by Private Dining Chef Vincent from Pun Im

One of Singapore's most elusive private dining experiences, Pun Im by Vincent, has opened a new restaurant, Im Jal by Pun Im, located at Icon Village. Known for his bold, soulful Thai cooking, Vincent brings the best of his home dining menus to a broader audience, making his celebrated dishes finally accessible to those who couldn't snag a spot at his home table. Expect hearty, flavour-forward Thai fare that's deeply rooted in tradition but elevated with finesse.

Appetisers Platter 3.5/5

The Appetisers Platter ($10.80) offers a variety of bites perfect for sharing between one to two diners. The platter includes a juicy Moo Ping, two Tom Yum Crab Balls, three pieces of Crispy Pork Belly, and three fiery Popcorn Chicken Saap. While each element adds a unique dimension of flavour, the standout for us was the Popcorn Chicken Saap, which is crispy, addictive, and packs a spicy punch that lingers.

Salted Plum Soup with Chilli Paste Rice 4.5/5

This is not your average Thai soup. The Salted Plum Soup with Chilli Paste Rice ($18.80) is a bold, rustic dish seasoned solely with salted plums, allowing the natural flavours of the ingredients to shine. Inside the broth are tender pork ribs and soft bone cuts, which provide texture and richness. It's paired with a beautifully aromatic chilli paste rice, whose depth and fragrance elevate the entire experience. It's a dish that's both comforting and punchy and a true highlight on the menu.

Spicy and Sour Pork Ribs Soup with Thai Mirepoix Fried Rice 4.5/5

A signature dish that delivers layers of flavour, the Spicy and Sour Pork Ribs Soup with Thai Mirepoix Fried Rice ($18.80) is a knockout. The Issan-style soup is robust, sour, spicy, and deeply savoury, featuring pork ribs, soft bones, and tendon for an indulgent meaty bite. The pairing with fragrant, peppery Thai mirepoix fried rice balances the dish perfectly, making it both hearty and satisfying.

Claypot Vermicelli with Black Tiger Prawns 4.5/5

Served piping hot in a claypot, the Claypot Vermicelli with Black Tiger Prawns ($18.80) is full of wok hei and umami goodness. The glass noodles soak up a rich, peppery sauce and are topped with three large black tiger prawns and crunchy pork lard for extra indulgence. A dish that is both aromatic and comforting, this is Thai comfort food at its finest.

Red Ruby with Smoked Coconut Sorbet 4/5

To wrap up the meal, the Red Ruby with Smoked Coconut Sorbet ($7.80) brings a refreshing end. A textural dessert layered with crunchy red rubies, Thai sweet glass noodles, jackfruit, attap seed, and a jasmine-infused syrup, the star here is the smoked coconut sorbet, which adds an unexpected but delightful smoky note to the sweet and floral profile. It is a modern twist on a Thai classic that cleanses the palate and leaves a lasting impression.

Im Jal by Pun Im bridges the exclusivity of private dining with the accessibility of a casual restaurant. With dishes that are both rustic and refined, Vincent’s cooking remains unapologetically bold and full of character. For Thai food lovers seeking authentic yet inventive flavours, this is a dining spot worth checking out.


Im Jal by Pun Im
Icon Village
12 Gopeng Street
#01-78/81
Singapore 078877
Tel: +65 6518 3151
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 3pm, 4pm - 8pm
Sat: 11am - 2pm
(Closed on Sun & PH)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk down Peck Seah Street. Cross the road at the junction of Peck Seah Street and Gopeng Street. Walk to ICON village. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Sawadee Thai Cuisine @ Tan Quee Lan Street - Celebrates 24 Years of Heritage, Debuting A Refresh Interior and New Menu

This year, celebrating 24 years of heritage, Sawadee Thai Cuisine at Tan Quee Lan Street has unveiled a brand-new menu and a refreshed look. At the helm is Chef Ning, who has been the driving force behind this beloved establishment for the past five years. With her deep-rooted passion and expertise, she brings refined traditional recipes that showcase the rich culinary heritage of Central Thailand. Chef Ning elevates beloved hometown dishes with premium ingredients and the finest produce sourced from her hometown of Si Sa Ket in northeastern Thailand.

Tom Khlong Soup 4/5

Adding a personal touch, one of the authentic Thai ingredients Chef Ning brings from her hometown of Si Sa Ket is snakehead fish, smoked in small batches over a wood fire by her mother. This speciality ingredient takes centre stage in the Tom Khlong Soup ($14 per bowl, minimum 2 pax) — a hot and sour broth reminiscent of Tom Yum but elevated with a distinctive smoky depth from the fish. The sea bass used in the soup was exceptionally fresh, adding a delicate sweetness and tender bite.

Green Mango Salad 4.5/5

We also enjoyed the quintessential Green Mango Salad ($16/$24). Made with riper mangoes, the shredded fruit offered a juicier bite and a natural sweetness, perfectly balanced by the umami-rich dried shrimp. The shrimp had a satisfying chew, adding texture and a burst of flavour to the dish.

Pad Char Tiger Prawns 3.8/5

Pad Char Kung ($30) is a beloved Central Thai speciality featuring spicy stir-fried prawns. This dish goes beyond chilli, incorporating fresh green peppercorns that add a distinctive layer of fragrance and depth to the heat. The prawns were perfectly executed and boasted a delectable, succulent texture.

Lemongrass Sea Bass 5/5

Pla Ta Krai ($48) is possibly one of the best deep-fried seabass I have had in a while. Very lightly battered, the fish was deep-fried to perfection, delivering a crisped exterior while keeping its meat moist, tender, and flaky. The savoury and vibrant homemade seafood sauce served alongside elevated the sweetness of the meat.

Crabmeat Omelette 4.5/5

Khai Jeow Pu ($36) was truly unforgettable. Slicing it open revealed an airy, fluffy interior packed with generous, succulent chunks of crabmeat. Despite being deep-fried, the egg mixture maintained an impressive lightness, making each bite indulgent yet delicate.

Stir-fried Hor Fun 4/5

Phad See Ew ($22/$34), a popular Thai street food dish, was a definite crowd-pleaser. The hor fun had a wonderful texture, perfectly laced with a hint of wok hei, adding a delightful smokiness. The tender slices of Kurobuta pork paired well with the noodles, making each bite satisfying and flavourful.

Wagyu Beef Green Curry 4/5

Gaeng Kiew Wan Wagyu Nua ($58) offers a luxurious twist on the classic Thai green curry. The chargrilled Australian Wagyu was beautifully executed — tender and buttery, with a delicious caramelised crust. While the green curry carried traditional flavours, it was milder than expected. Overall, it felt more like a well-executed Wagyu dish than a true representation of Thai green curry.

Red Ruby 3/5

Som Chun 3/5

We tried the Tup Tim Krob ($10) and Som Chun ($12) for desserts. The Red Ruby was delightful, offering an excellent textural contrast from the chunky, crunchy water chestnuts, tropical jackfruit, and soft coconut flesh. However, I didn't appreciate the floral notes from the jasmine-infused syrup, which felt overpowering.

Similarly, the Som Chun — a rare and nostalgic gem from Royal Thai cuisine — was undoubtedly refreshing, with a medley of lychees, tangerines, and coconut. Yet, the combination of the jasmine syrup and the savoury fried shallots didn't quite complement each other, leaving the flavours feeling a bit mismatched.

Drunken Tom Kha

There's also a new lineup of cocktails and mocktails. Drunken Tom Kha ($20) is a rum-based concoction of coconut milk, lime, lemongrass and galangal. Siam Sunset ($12) is a bubbly Chang soda blend with Thai tea, honey and lemon.

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.


Sawadee Thai Cuisine
9 Tan Quee Lan Street
Singapore 188098
Tel: +65 6238 6833
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (DT, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am – 230pm, 6pm – 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk to Tan Quee Lan Street. Turn left and walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. 

Fourgather @ Telok Ayer Street - Newest Modern Thai Restaurant with Fusion Flavours in Vibrant Thai Street Food-Themed Space

Discover Fourgather, the latest addition to Telok Ayer's dining scene, tucked away within Amoy Hotel. Upon entering, you'll be greeted by a vibrant and eclectic ambience carefully curated by its four co-owners.

The casual restaurant is divided into two spaces adorned with stylish decor pieces imported from Thailand. Combined with lively background music, we definitely felt like we were transported to the Land of Smiles. The extensive menu features both authentic Thai dishes and creative items of fusion flavours.

Beverages

The beverage menu offers a wide variety, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Opting for non-alcoholic choices, we selected Thai Chrysanthemum ($5.50), Pandan Thai Milk Tea ($5.50), Butterfly Pea Lemonade Soda ($7.90), and Soya Bean Milk Tea ($6.50). While slightly pricey, we appreciated that the drinks weren't overly sweet, with the fragrant Thai Chrysanthemum standing out for its lovely herbal notes.

Fourgather Matchstick Wings 4.8/5

The Fourgather Matchstick Wings ($11.90) is a must-try! The 10 split mid-joint wings are marinated in a housemade aromatic sauce and expertly fried to perfection. They are so juicy, crunchy and addictive. Remember to enjoy them with the fragrant, crispy garlic for an extra burst of flavour.

Roasted Rice Pork - Moo Koop Foon 4.5/5

Before this dinner, I had never tried nor heard about Roasted Rice Pork — Moo Koop Foon ($18.90). This deep-fried pork dish is coated with roasted rice and finished with chilli powder, giving it an extra texture dimension on its exterior. Much like the Matchstick Wings, the pork is fried to a perfect crunch while retaining its juiciness inside.

Thai Style Kang Kong - Morning Glory 4/5

We opted for the Thai Style Kang Kong - Morning Glory ($12.90) as our vegetable dish. While the taste was as expected, the portion size was small for the price.

Thai Fried Kway Teow - Pad See Ew 3.5/5

One of our favourite Thai mains is Pad See Ew ($14.90), the classic Thai Fried Kway Teow. We ordered it here as well but were disappointed to find it lacked the wok hei.

Thai Train Fried Rice - Khao Pad Rod Fai 3.5/5

We were curious about the Thai Train Fried Rice ($13.90), which we later learned was named after a popular dish sold by vendors at train stations. It was average on its own, but it was better when paired with a side of Thai fish sauce and cut chillies.

Green Curry Chicken with Roti 4.2/5

If you prefer less thick and creamy Thai green curries, go for the Green Curry Chicken with Roti ($15.90). The fragrant curry was loaded with assorted vegetables and chicken bites. Make sure to dip the roti pieces while it's hot for that crisp.

Yum Salmon 4.2/5

Yum Salmon ($26.90) is one of the raw marinated seafood dishes on the menu, next to Yum Raw Prawn ($20.90) and Yum Puu Maa — Flower Crabs ($39.90). The salmon sashimi comes in thick chunks, tossed in a salivating tangy-spicy Thai sauce mix.

Tom Yum Soup - Seafood 4/5

Between the creamy and clear Tom Yum Soup ($24.90), we went with the former. Fourgather's rendition leaned a bit more to the sweet end while staying decently fragrant with the classic tom yum herbs of lemongrass, galangal and kaffir lime. Apart from Seafood, you can choose other toppings, such as Vegetable ($13.90), Chicken ($16.90) and Prawn ($19.90).

Fisherman’s Harvest - Fried Fish Miang 4.2/5

Consider trying the fried whole fish dishes when dining here in a group. The Fisherman's Harvest - Fried Fish Miang ($44.90) was perfect for sharing and presented impressively. The fried fish chunks, conveniently boneless, boast a meaty texture with a light crispiness. Served with a whole tray of vibrant condiments and various chillies, diners are encouraged to wrap the fish chunks with vegetables and select their preferred condiments, akin to our familiar Korean BBQ wraps. It was refreshing and interactive, ideal for enjoying in a group.

Coconut Ice Cream 4.2/5

Our desserts started with the classic Coconut Ice Cream ($8.90) served with fresh coconut meat and crushed peanuts. Although it was quite pricey, it was good, mildly sweet, and creamy.

Freshly Made Red Ruby 3.5/5

Next was the Freshly Made Red Ruby ($9.90) served with jackfruit and coconut meat. While the red rubies were expectedly crunchy, we found the chewy tapioca flour exterior to be too thin in ratio.

Thai Butter Toast 4/5

Seeing the Thai Butter Toast ($9.90) reminded us of Thailand's popular After You Cafe! Choose between steamed or toasted toasts, and they will be served with housemade pandan custard dip and Thai milk tea dip. The portion could definitely do with more toasts at this price tag.

Although the prices may be on the higher side, we found the overall experience and ambience at Fourgather to be enjoyable. The food was generally well-balanced in flavours - being flavourful and avoiding being too oily, overly sweet or salty. Surprisingly, the sides impressed us more than the mains.

The restaurant also serves Lunch Sets available between 11.30am to 3pm (last order at 2.30pm) at more attractive price points.

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.


Fourgather
76 Telok Ayer Street
#01-02
Singapore 048464
Tel: +65 8071 2946
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer MRT (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 11:30am - 11:30pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit B. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]