Pho Vietz @ Bugis Junction - Brings Authentic Flavours of South Vietnam’s Street Food to Singapore

Pho Vietz, the well-established Vietnamese cuisine restaurant group with outlets across the United States, Hong Kong, and Malaysia, has officially opened its first flagship outlet in Singapore. Founded by Chef Kenny Ton Ngoc Hiep, Pho Vietz is dedicated to showcasing the authentic flavours of South Vietnam — a culinary philosophy he has upheld for over two decades. The Singapore flagship reflects this commitment, offering a comprehensive menu that spans street food favourites to comforting noodle and rice dishes.

Vietnamese Spring Roll 4/5

We began our meal with some light bites, starting with the Vietnamese Spring Roll ($6.80). This deep-fried version is filled with well-seasoned minced meat, wrapped in a thin, crispy skin, and fried to a beautiful golden brown. Simple yet satisfying, it makes for a good starter to whet the appetite.

Steamed Flat Rice Roll with Minced Pork 4.2/5

The Steamed Flat Rice Roll with Minced Pork ($8.80) is a must-order. Each rice roll skin is freshly made upon order, resulting in a silky-soft texture. Inside, the filling of minced meat, glass noodles, black fungus, and prawns is flavourful and well-balanced, making this dish both comforting and delicious.

Vietnamese Prawn Salad 4.2/5

The Vietnamese Prawn Salad ($10.80) is refreshing and appetising, featuring a pleasant balance of tangy and sweet flavours that instantly lifts the palate. Served with crispy crackers, which can be broken and used as a vessel for the salad, it adds both textural contrast and fun to the dining experience.

Famous Vietnamese Baguette 4.2/5

Pho Vietz’s Singapore flagship features a dedicated Banh Mi station, and the Famous Vietnamese Baguette ($11.80) highlights the best of Vietnamese sandwich-making. The light, crusty baguette is generously filled with steamed ham, fried ham, gammon ham, and pork ear. Each bite delivers a delightful interplay of flavours and textures, making it a very satisfying option.

4 Beef Combo Noodle Soup 4.2/5

No Vietnamese meal is complete without pho. We opted for the 4 Beef Combo Noodle Soup ($17.80), which features a naturally sweet, beefy broth simmered for 8 hours with beef bones, marrow, and thigh bones. The bowl is generously topped with premium sliced beef, beef shank, beef ribeye, and handmade beef balls. This is a well-executed and comforting bowl of pho that hits all the right notes.

Pho Vietz Dried Beef Noodle 4.2/5

For something different, the Pho Vietz Dried Beef Noodle ($17.80) offers a dry-style alternative. Diners can choose between Ho Fun or egg noodles, tossed in a savoury, addictive sauce that reminds me of Indomie Goreng. Accompanied by a separate bowl of soup with premium sliced beef, beef shank, beef ribeye, and handmade beef balls, this unique offering is not commonly found in other Vietnamese restaurants.

Hue Style Spicy Pork Rib Noodle Soup 4.2/5

A signature favourite at Pho Vietz outlets internationally, the Huế-style spicy noodle soup features an intensely aromatic broth simmered with beef and pork bones, lemongrass, and fermented shrimp paste, finished with a fiery homemade chilli oil. The Hue Style Spicy Pork Rib Noodle Soup ($14.80) comes with thick, round rice vermicelli and two massive, fork-tender pork ribs. The broth delivers a distinctive balance of spicy, sour, salty, and sweet flavours that fans of bold tastes will appreciate.

Grilled Marinated Pork Belly Rice 4/5

For those who prefer rice over noodles, the Grilled Marinated Pork Belly Rice ($14.80) is a solid choice. The dish features tender, flavourful pork belly served with a fried egg, pickled vegetables, and crackers. A sweet and tangy Vietnamese dipping sauce is provided, which can be poured over the rice to add another layer of flavour.

Overall, Pho Vietz delivers an authentic and satisfying taste of South Vietnam, with well-executed dishes that reflect the group’s strong culinary heritage. Whether you are craving pho, banh mi, or classic Vietnamese rice dishes, this new flagship outlet is a worthy addition to Singapore’s Vietnamese dining scene.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Pho Vietz
Bugis Junction
B1-08
200 Victoria Street
Singapore 188021
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 11am - 930pm
Fri-Sat: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 3 minutes. [Map]

Richman Dim Sum @ Ubi - New Creative Dim Sum Spread in Ubi Coffeeshop by Ex-hotel Chef

A new addition to the dim sum scene, Richman Dim Sum in Ubi is helmed by a seasoned trio - Chef Foo Wah Keng, who has 30 years of hotel and restaurant experience, dim sum expert Chef Kok Let Chin, and Keith Kang, known for Yang Ming Seafood.

Together, they offer a wide variety of Nanyang-style handcrafted dim sum priced from $2.90. The extensive menu features both classic and inventive dishes, including a variety of roasts and desserts.

Charcoal Char Siew Baos 3.8/5

The Charcoal Char Siew Baos ($5.80) were pillowy soft with a charcoal black hue. However, the filling leaned a little too sweet for us.

Mentaiko Shrimp Dumplings 3.5/5

The Mentaiko Shrimp Dumplings ($6.80) was promising, with thin and soft wrappers and a well-seasoned filling. Unfortunately, we found the portion a little too small, and our basket of dumplings was not sealed properly.

Crispy Popiah Rice Rolls 3.8/5

Part of the "Four Treasures" featuring four selected dishes of the chefs' signatures, the Crispy Popiah Rice Rolls ($6.80) offered a textural contrast between the silky cheong fun and crispy filling. It's served with a savoury sauce, but I'd recommend enjoying them quickly upon serving before the sauce is soaked up too much and becomes salty.

Baked Roasted Duck Bun 3.8/5

Another from the Four Treasures, the Baked Roasted Duck Bun ($6.90) featured a crisp, golden top and sweet-savoury filling - though the duck itself wasn't very distinguishable in taste.

Cantonese Dried Vegetables & Salted Pork Porridge 3.5/5

The third item from the quartet is the Cantonese Dried Vegetables & Salted Pork Porridge ($3.80). Although it was comforting and smooth, we preferred a bit more seasoning.

We didn't manage to try the last of the Four Treasures, which is the Coconut & Salted Egg Layer Cake ($5.80), but you can keep an eye out for it in the dessert section.

Beetroot & Rice Crisps Rice Rolls 4.2/5

We were served the Beetroot & Rice Crisps Rice Rolls ($7.80) next, which is my favourite of the meal. These featured a vibrant pink beetroot skin encasing a crispy filling of prawn and minced pork, served over a savoury sauce. Similar to the Crispy Popiah Rice Rolls, the skin was chewy and soft.

Fresh Shrimp Crispy Beancurd Rolls 4.2/5

The Fresh Shrimp Crispy Beancurd Rolls ($4.80) were another highlight for us. They were crispy, well-seasoned, and packed with a flavourful filling. Richman's fried offerings stood out to us overall.

Crispy Mushroom Snails 3.5/5

The adorable Crispy Mushroom Snails ($5.80) was a surprising one as it differed from the rest with its Western flavour profile. The creamy mushroom and bacon filling is wrapped in a sweet mochi-like exterior. We found them a little too oily though, and they are best eaten hot upon serving for its intended texture.

Brown Sugar Caramel “Ma Lai” Cake 3.8/5

We concluded with the fluffy Brown Sugar Caramel "Ma Lai" Cake ($4.80), which rounded off the meal on a sweet note.

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.


Richman Dim Sum
Excalibur Centre
#01-05
71 Ubi Crescent
Singapore 408571
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Nearest MRT: Ubi (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 730am - 4pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Ubi MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to traffic juncton of Ubi Ave 2 and Ubi Road 3. Cross the road and walk down Ubi Road 3. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Crystal Jade Group of Fine-dining Restaurants Unveils an Enticing Array of New Dishes

Crystal Jade Group has introduced refreshed menus across its fine dining restaurants — Crystal Jade Palace, Crystal Jade Golden Palace, and Crystal Jade Pavilion — offering a modern take on heritage Chinese cuisine. These new dishes creatively blend classic flavours with refined techniques, resulting in a memorable dining experience for both traditional and modern palates.

Crystal Jade Palace - Palace Signature Starters Platter 4/5

We began our meal with the Palace Signature Starters Platter ($38.80) from Crystal Jade Palace. This vibrant quartet of appetizers includes Crispy Sakura Shrimp Cracker, Crab Meat & Avocado Salsa Tartlet, ‘Bi Feng Tang’ Whitebait with chili and garlic, and Chilled Jellyfish & Fresh Lily Bulb in a wasabi-aged vinegar. Each bite was thoughtfully crafted, with flavours that balanced savoury, spicy, and refreshing notes, making for a delightful start to the meal.

Crystal Jade Palace - Crispy Chicken 4.8/5

Another standout from Crystal Jade Palace was the Crispy Chicken with Homemade Ginger Scallion & Chilli Lime Sauce ($42 for half, $80 for whole). The chicken features a beautifully crisp “glass skin” that crackles with every bite, while the meat remains juicy and tender. Paired with the ginger scallion and chilli lime sauces, the flavours are lifted, adding a tangy and spicy kick to this Cantonese classic — a true crowd-pleaser.

Crystal Jade Pavilion - Double-boiled Coconut Water Chicken Soup 5/5

The Double-boiled Fish Maw with Coconut Water, Baby Cabbage & Bamboo Pith in Chicken Soup ($72) from Crystal Jade Pavilion was a heartwarming highlight. Made with fresh coconut water, chicken, baby cabbage, bamboo pith, and fish maw, this soup carries a subtle sweetness and a light, refreshing taste. The pure flavours of coconut water create a comforting, healthful dish that resonates with traditional Chinese soup-making techniques.

Crystal Jade Pavilion - Stir-Fried Fresh Crab Meat in Lettuce Cup 4.5/5

A nostalgic and heritage-inspired dish, the Stir-fried Fresh Crab Meat with Chinese Olive Seed, Egg & Conpoy in Lettuce Cup ($58.80 for six pieces) is a unique offering from Crystal Jade Pavilion. The eggs and crab meat are meticulously scrambled over medium heat until they resemble the small buds of yellow osmanthus flowers., and serves in a crisp lettuce cup. This thoughtful presentation enhances the refreshing, crunchy texture and highlights the delicately seasoned crab.

Crystal Jade Golden Palace - Sauteed Tiger Prawn with Morel Mushroom 4.2/5

From Crystal Jade Golden Palace, the Sautéed Tiger Prawn with Morel Mushroom ($42) is a standout. The earthy, nutty notes of morel mushrooms are the perfect pairing for the succulent tiger prawns, resulting in a beautifully balanced dish. The freshness of the prawns and the umami depth of the morels showcase the chef’s expertise in ingredient pairing and technique.

Crystal Jade Golden Palace - Teochew Seafood Crispy Noodle 4.2/5

We also sampled the Teochew Seafood Crispy Noodle served with Black Vinegar & Sugar ($38), a traditional Teochew specialty from Crystal Jade Golden Palace. The noodles are deep-fried, poached in a flavourful broth, then pan-fried to achieve a crispy golden exterior. The dish is served with black vinegar and sugar on the side, providing an intriguing balance of acidity and sweetness. The black vinegar, in particular, enhances the dish, making it a must-try for noodle lovers.

Crystal Jade Golden Palace - Shunde Style Chen's Village Flat Rice Roll 4.8/5

A taste of Foshan, Guangzhou, comes to Crystal Jade Golden Palace with the Shunde Style Chen’s Village Flat Rice Roll with Minced Pork & Sole Fish topped with Crispy Pork Lardon ($28). The thin, silky rice rolls are steamed and imbued with a smoky “wok hei” aroma. Topped with minced pork, spring onions, and crispy pork lardons, this dish is a satisfying blend of textures and flavours, showcasing the culinary heritage of Shunde cuisine.

Crystal Jade Pavilion - Sugarcane Jelly with Peach Sorbet 4.8/5

To finish, we enjoyed the Sugarcane Jelly with Peach Sorbet ($9.80 per pax) from Crystal Jade Pavilion. The sugarcane jelly, mildly sweet and refreshing, pairs beautifully with the fruity, tart notes of the peach sorbet. This light dessert provides a perfect palate cleanser, bringing the meal to a refreshing close.

Crystal Jade’s refreshed menus across its fine dining establishments skillfully balance tradition with modern flair. Each restaurant brings its own personality and unique interpretation of heritage Chinese cuisine, creating an experience that is both nostalgic and exciting. Whether you're a fan of classic Chinese flavours or looking for something with a contemporary twist, these new dishes at Crystal Jade Palace, Crystal Jade Golden Palace, and Crystal Jade Pavilion offer something to delight every palate.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


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Crystal Jade Palace
Takashimaya Shopping Centre
391 Orchard Road
#04-19
Singapore 238872

Crystal Jade Golden Palace
The Paragon
290 Orchard Road
#05-22
Singapore 238859

Crystal Jade Pavilion
VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
#01-112
Singapore 098585

Ya Ge (雅阁) @ Orchid Hotel - A Refined Weekend Dim Sum Brunch with 47 Items to Choose From

Ya Ge (雅阁) at Orchid Hotel Singapore has launched a refined new Weekend Dim Sum Brunch, offering an array of exquisite dim sum dishes, flavourful soups, hearty mains, and decadent desserts. Diners can select up to 15 dishes from the extensive menu, making it a perfect choice for those looking to indulge in a lavish and leisurely meal.

Abalone Siew Mai 4.2/5

We started our brunch with a selection of new dim sum creations that truly elevated the dining experience. The Abalone Siew Mai is a luxurious take on the classic pork siew mai, topped with a whole abalone that adds a touch of elegance and richness to the dish.

Steamed Mala Flavoured Pork Siew Mai topped with Baby Octopus 4/5

Another standout was the Steamed Mala Flavoured Pork Siew Mai topped with Baby Octopus. This dish combines the familiar flavours of siew mai with the bold, spicy kick of mala, topped with tender baby octopus. It's perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their dim sum.

Deep-fried Red Garoupa Fillet and Mango Roll 4/5

The Deep-fried Red Garoupa Fillet and Mango Roll was a delightful surprise, featuring a crispy exterior that encased tender garoupa fillet and sweet mango, complemented by a tangy mango sauce.

Pan-fried Tom Yum Mee Suan Kueh with Fresh Prawn 2.8/5

One of the most inventive dishes we tried was the Pan-fried Tom Yum Mee Sua Kueh with Fresh Prawn. The dish features a tom yum-flavoured prawn atop a crisp mee sua toast. However, it lacked the softer, more comforting texture of traditional fried mee sua kueh. It might not be everyone's cup of tea, especially if you're a fan of the Swee Choon's version.

Double-boiled Chicken Soup with Matsuke Mushroom, Dendrobium Steam and Conpoy 4/5

Braised Lobster Broth with Fresh Crab Meat and Crab Roe 4.2/5

For the soup options, we sampled the Double-boiled Chicken Soup with Matsuke Mushroom, Dendrobium Stem and Conpoy, as well as the Braised Lobster Broth with Fresh Crab Meat and Crab Roe. Both soups were rich and deeply flavorful, with the lobster broth standing out for its luxurious and briny taste.

Traditional Xiao Long Bao 3.5/5

Barbeque Pork Rice Roll 3.5/5

Pan-fried Chinese Sausage Carrot Cake 2.8/5

We also indulged in some of Ya Ge's more classic dim sum offerings, including the Traditional Xiao Long Bao, Barbeque Pork Rice Roll, and Pan-fried Chinese Sausage Carrot Cake. These classic dishes were executed to perfection, each bite bursting with familiar and comforting flavours.

Salted Egg Yolk Custard Lava Bun 4.5/5

Crispy Mini Pumpkin Pastry with Minced Chicken, Mushroom and Thyme 4.5/5

Crispy Ugly Duckling with Chicken, Yam and Mushroom 4.2/5

A few dishes stood out as personal favourites among the dim sum selections. The Salted Egg Yolk Custard Lava Bun is a must-try, with its soft, fluffy dough infused with pandan flavour and filled with rich, oozing salted egg yolk custard. Another delightful bite was the Crispy Mini Pumpkin Pastry with Minced Chicken, Mushroom, and Thyme. The pastry had a chewy texture that became more enjoyable with each bite. Lastly, the Crispy Ugly Duckling with Chicken, Yam, and Mushroom was packed with flavour and texture, making it an irresistible choice.

Peking Duck 4.2/5

Ya Ge's Weekend Dim Sum Brunch also features a live station that rotates weekly, offering dishes such as Peking Duck, Sliced Spotted Garoupa Pao Fan, Xiao Long Bao with Crab Roe Filling, Herbal Crispy Duck Roll, and more. During our visit, we were treated to the Peking Duck, a classic dish that was expertly prepared and a pleasure to eat.

Claypot French 'An Xin' Chicken in Traditional Kam Heong Style 4.5/5

If you think dim sum is the only highlight, think again. The brunch also includes several main courses that are worth trying. The Claypot French 'An Xin' Chicken in Traditional Kam Heong Style was a standout, with tender chicken pieces cooked in a fragrant lemongrass and kam heong sauce that was so delicious, it had me craving for a bowl of rice to go with it.

Braised Dong Po Iberico Pork 4.2/5

Another memorable dish was the Braised Dong Po Iberico Pork, which was cooked to perfection, melting in the mouth with every bite.

Braised Mee Pok with Eggplant and Kurobuta Minced Pork 4.2/5

We opted for the Braised Mee Pok with Eggplant and Kurobuta Minced Pork for our carbo fix. The sauce was rich and savoury, complementing the perfectly cooked noodles that had just the right amount of bite.

Chilled Lemongrass Jully, Chilled Mango Pomelo Sago 4/5

We indulged in desserts like the Chilled Lemongrass Jelly and Chilled Mango Pomelo Sago to wrap up our sumptuous brunch. Both desserts were light, sweet, and refreshing, providing a perfect end to our meal.

Available only on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays
First Seating: 11.30am - 1.30pm (Last Order at 1pm)
Second Seating: 12.30pm - 2.30pm (Last Order at 2pm)
Pricing:
S$68++ per adult (min. 2 persons)
$48++ per child (4-12 years old)

The Weekend Dim Sum Brunch at Ya Ge offers a delightful combination of classic and innovative dishes, all prepared with finesse and attention to detail. Whether you're a dim sum traditionalist or someone who enjoys trying new flavours, this brunch is sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you planning your next visit.

Note: This is an invited tasting


Ya Ge (雅阁)
Orchid Hotel Singapore
1 Tras Link
Singapore 078867
Tel: +65 6818 6831
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight towards Orchid Hotel. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]