Si Chuan Dou Hua @ PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road - Celebrate Chef Leung Wing Cheung’s 12 Years At The Helm With 12 Of His Signature Dishes

Si Chuan Dou Hua first found itself in our local F&B scene in 1996, with its founding outlet on Beach Road. Fast forwarding to today, the restaurant has two other spaces in the iconic UOB Plaza and PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road.

This year marks the 12th anniversary of Guangdong-born Executive Cantonese Chef Leung Wing Cheung's 12th year helming the restaurant at PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road. Chef Leung has an impressive 40 over years of experience cooking Cantonese cuisine.

To mark this joyous occasion, Chef Leung invites diners to travel back in time, specifically from the 1970s to 1980s, to enjoy delicacies inspired by his hometown of Guangdong, China. Aptly named Chef Leung''s 12th Anniversary: A Classic Feast 梁师傅十二周年: 梁家经典怀旧五味篇, this time-limited menu features 12 specially crafted dishes, all of which are rare Cantonese and Sichuan dishes, seen on the restaurant's menu for the very first time.

From now till 31 May 2023, diners can enjoy a Buy-3-Free-1 or Buy-6-Free-2 promotion with any orders from this anniversary menu. Each dish is priced at $33.

Wok-Fried Squid Stuffed with Prawn Paste, Bi Feng Tang Style 4.2/5

We first had the Wok-Fried Squid Stuffed with Prawn Paste (避风塘百花酿吊片), featuring Chef Leung's take on "har gao" in the shape of a squid. The Hong Kong sun-dried squid pieces are stuffed with prawn paste, fried, and paired with an addictive base of crunchy rice crackers, shrimp and garlic.

Stewed Seafood with Assorted Vegetables and Crystal Vermicelli Served in Casserole 4/5

Introducing the Stewed Seafood with Assorted Vegetables (海味粉丝什菜煲) on the menu was meant to recreate regal one-pot-stews often made during festive seasons. Flavours here are more delicate while carrying a depth of sweetness from slow-cooking dried shrimps and squid. What we appreciated was the clean stock that contains no artificial flavourings. Main toppings include fish beancurd, broccoli and crystal vermicelli.

Poached Giant Garoupa Fillet with Luffa Melon in Fish Stock 4.5/5

One of our favourites for the night was the Poached Giant Garoupa Fillet with Luffa Melon in Fish Stock (鱼汤胜瓜浸龙趸球). The cloudy broth was brimming with natural sweetness and creaminess from hours of simmering fish bones and meat. I particularly enjoyed the addition of black fungus and, my favourite luffa, for the refreshing crisp. My only gripe was that I preferred a cleaner texture on the giant garoupa fillets instead of the slightly floury mouthfeel.

Slow-Cooked Roast Duck with Sea Cucumber and Shrimp Roe 4.2/5

The Slow-Cooked Roast Duck with Sea Cucumber and Shrimp Roe (虾子海参焖火鸭煲) was served sizzling hot in a claypot. The mix of tender slow-cooked duck, sea cucumber, shrimp roe and tofu skin rolls were covered in a sweet seafood-based gravy.

Boiled Sliced Venison with Spicy Chilli Sauce 4.5/5

Most of my dining companions and I have not had many venison dishes before, but we thoroughly enjoyed the Boiled Sliced Venison with Spicy Chilli Sauce (沸腾爽滑鲜鹿肉). Using the same Si Chuan recipe from Chef Leung's childhood, it features tender and lean venison slices that were first boiled before adding to the numbing spicy chilli sauce. Digging into it past the peppercorns, minced garlic and dried chillies, you will also see strips of celtuce, leek and beansprouts which provide a complementary crunch.

Steamed Kampong Chicken with Fragrant Scallion Oil 4/5

Using a fragrant house-made scallion oil, the Steamed Kampong Chicken (葱油走地鸡) has tender meat and silky skin.

Poached Tianjin Cabbage Topped with Dried Shrimp and Conpoy in Superior Stock 3.5/5

Next was the Poached Tianjin Cabbage (虾亁瑶柱扒津白), which had dried shrimp and conpoy toppings. While we enjoyed the depth of the clear superior stock, we wished for more, especially the portion, considering its price tag.

Pan-Fried Tofu Stuffed with Minced Fish Paste in XO Sauce 4/5

Another classic dish is the Pan-Fried Tofu Stuffed with Minced Fish Paste in XO Sauce (极品酱鱼腐煎豆包). The rich and slightly spicy XO sauce with dried scallop bits scattered on top would go great with a bowl of white rice. Each piece of pillowy soft tofu is stuffed with minced fish paste.

Sauteed Egg with Kurobuta Honey Pork 3.8/5

The Sauteed Egg with Kurobuta Honey Pork (黑豚叉烧炒滑蛋) was much smaller than we expected but was creamy and buttery. The slices of Kurobuta pork were tender and lent a sweetness.

Sauteed Minced Fish with Celery, Honey Peas, Celtuce and Bell Pepper 4/5

We learnt that this dish of Sauteed Minced Fish (生煎鱼崧炒荷芹) is one typically eaten during New Year in the past but is less commonly found around now due to its laborious cooking process. First, the minced fish paste is fried and thinly sliced before being sauteed with sweet celery, honey peas, celtuce and bell pepper.

Pan-Fried Minced Pork with Salted Fish 3.8/5

Finally, the Pan-Fried Minced Pork with Salted Fish (马友咸鱼生煎肉饼) features lean pork laced with bits of salted fish. While we enjoyed the texture of the patties, we found these too salty for our liking.

My dining companions and I don’t take beef, but the last of the 12 dishes is the Wok-Fried Rice Noodles with Sliced Wagyu Beef and Bitter Gourd 和牛凉瓜炒河粉.

Alongside the Buy-3-Free-1 / Buy-6-Free-2 promotion, diners can enjoy 30% off one of Si Chuan Dou Hua's signature dishes. The selection includes Signature Roast Duck with Truffle Sauce (Half $68, Whole $128), Double-boiled Soup of the Day ($30), Signature Bean Curd Medley ($28) and Signature Claypot Rice with Waxed Meat ($36).

Reservations are recommended and can be made via https://www.tablecheck.com/en/parkroyal-kitchener-road-si-chuan-dou-hua/reserve/landing.

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.


Si Chuan Dou Hua Restaurant
PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road
181 Kitchener Rd, Level 3
Singapore 208533
Tel: +65 31385359
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Nearest MRT: Farrer Park (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Weekday Lunch: 1130am to 3pm
Weekend and PH Lunch: 1130am to 115pm, 130pm to 3pm
Daily Dinner: 6pm to 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Farrer Park MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk down Kitchener Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Numb Restaurant @ Marina One West Tower - Bringing Modern Trending Sichuanese Cuisine To Singapore

Numb is the newest restaurant to be opened at Marina One West Tower. Two bankers founded the restaurant, offering authentic Sichuanese cuisine reinterpreted with contemporary techniques.

Succulent Fried Chicken Wings with Special Handmade Chips 3.5/5

We kickstarted our dinner with a couple of Sichuan tapas and bar snacks. It is not just about spicy food at Numb restaurant. The Succulent Fried Chicken Wings with Special Handmade Chips ($19.80) is a kid's friendly choice grilled to a delightful juiciness.

Imperial Sauced Sliced Beef 3.5/5

The Imperial Sauced Sliced Beef ($23.80) comes in two flavours, Numbing & Spicy or Braised. We had the numbing and spicy flavour, whereby the flavourful beef slices were paired with crunchy asparagus and broccoli.

Sliced Pork Belly with Classic Garlic and Chilli Sauce 4.2/5

A delightful appetiser is the Sliced Pork Belly with Classic Garlic and Chilli Sauce ($18.80). Of course, the soul has to be the garlic and chilli sauce, which accentuated the enjoyment of the boiled pork belly.

Mashed Pepper with Century Egg and Eggplants 3/5

The Mashed Pepper with Century Egg and Eggplants ($13.80) is new in my food journey. I haven't eaten anything like that before. Upon serving the dish, the server will mash up everything. While the flavours are on point, I didn't enjoy the mushy texture due to the mashing. There is a spicy and non-spicy version.

Mala Broth Boiled Seabass 4.2/5

The real kick comes from the Mala Broth Boiled Seabass ($39.80/$49.80), where tender boiled seabass is immersed in Sichuan dried chilli. Plough apart the dried chilli to discover a treasure trove of soybean sprouts, enoki mushrooms and celery. Unlike the usual mala broth boiled seabass, crispy fried fish are added for extra crunch.

Trendy Peking Duck in Spicy Stew 4.5/5

My favourite dish is the Trendy Peking Duck in Spicy Stew ($39.80). Apparently, the dish is currently making waves all over China. The roasted duck is slow-cooked in a rich stew, further enhanced with beancurd sticks, sliced lotus root, kelp, black fungus and enoki mushrooms. The spiciness did not undermine the enjoyment of the poultry.

Awesome Spicy Chilli Chicken with Fried Dough Twist 4/5

Another staple Sichuan dish is the "La Zi Ji". The Awesome Spicy Chilli Chicken with Fried Dough ($30.80/$40.80) is Numb's interpretation of the classic dish, comprising chicken cubes stir-fried with a generous amount of chopped chilli. It even added fried dough twist for that extra textural enjoyment.

Applewood Smoked Crispy Chicken 3/5

The Applewood Smoked Crispy Chicken ($33.80) is presented in a smoked jar, infusing the skinless boneless chicken with the applewood fragrant. The roasted tempeh and peanuts provided a complementing lift in texture and flavour. However, the taste profile could be more punchy.

Champion Beef and Mixed Veggies in Golden Spicy Sour Soup 4.5/5

Another delicious dish I immensely enjoyed is the Champion Beef and Mixed Veggies in Golden Spicy Sour Soup ($39.80/$49.80). Tender beef slices are cooked in a robust spicy, sweet and sour broth. Best to have a bowl of steamed rice to go with the appetising dish.

Sweet and Sour Pork Fruit Platter on Ice 4.2/5

Not all dishes are spicy at Numb, such as the Sweet and Sour Pork Fruit Platter on Ice ($32.80). It is juicy and meaty, complemented by the fruity sweetness.

Stir-Fried Jack Beans, Stir-Fried Chinese Lettuce 4/5

Remember to have your greens for a balanced diet. Both the Stir-fried Jack Beans with Red Chillis and Sichuan Pickles ($19.80) and Stir-fried Chinese Lettuce ($17.80). Though simple, it is cooked to a delectable crunch.

Sichuan Inspired Traditional Homemade Mapo Tofu

The Sichuan Inspired Traditional Homemade Mapo Tofu ($24.80) is deliciously addictive with silky tofu and minced beef, cooked in douban and douchi, the traditional recipe for the classic dish.

Pumpkin Pancake 4.2/5

We had a couple of desserts to wrap up the dinner, starting with the Pumpkin Pancake ($9.80). The warm pancake has a delightful mochi-like texture, topped with sesame seeds for a fragrant finish.

Osmanthus Coconut Cake 4.2/5

The Osmanthus Coconut Cake ($8.80) is a light and refreshing jelly dessert infused with the osmanthus aroma.

Fancy Rainbow Ice Jelly with Glutinous Rice Balls 3.8/5

Lastly is the Fancy Rainbow Ice Jelly with Glutinous Rice Balls ($10.80). Served chilled, it is an ideal dessert to freshen up the palate and cool down the burning tongue after all the rich and spicy food.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Numb Restaurant
Marina One West Tower
#01-12
9 Straits View
Singapore 018935
Tel: +65 94601960
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Nearest MRT: Downtown (DT Line), Shenton Way (TE Line), Marina Bay (CC, NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 10pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Shenton Way MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Downtown MRT station. Take Exit C or E. Walk to Straits View. Turn right onto Straits View. Walk down Straits View. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Marina Bay MRT station. Take Exit 1. Turn left onto Commerce Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Hop Into A Bountiful Year Of The Rabbit At Man Fu Yuan, InterContinental Singapore

Usher in the Year of the Rabbit with a luxurious selection of Lunar New Year delights and prosperity prix-fixe menus from 3 January to 5 February 2023 at Man Fu Yuan, InterContinental Singapore. Indulge in the chef's creations using the most premium ingredients and extensive Chinese delicacies catered for families, friends and business partners.

Roasted London Duck with Pineapple, Chinese Spice and Abalone 4.5/5

The Roasted London Duck with Pineapple, Chinese Spice and Abalone ($198nett) is new on the menu. The flavoursome duck is braised to perfection with Chinese spices, with a delicious layer of fats between the crispy skin and succulent meat.

Man Fu Yuan Abundance Treasure Pot 4.8/5

The Man Fu Yuan Abundance Treasure Pot ($468nett) is a treasure trove of prized ingredients. It comprises over 18 ingredients with highlights such as premium sea cucumber, six-head whole abalone with lobster, whole dried scallop, South Africa fish maw, goose web, pig trotters, dace fish ball, dried oysters, chicken wings and preserved Kurobuta sausage.

Braised South Africa Three-head Abalone, Japanese Spiky Sea Cucumber 4.5/5

The Braised South Africa Three-head Abalone and Japanese Spiky Sea Cucumber is a lavish enjoyment paired with superior abalone sauce. The abalone is enormous and cooked perfectly to tender. The spiky sea cucumber looks scary, but it is a bouncy delicacy on its own.

Roasted Suckling Pig Chinese Cured Meat, Five Grain and Glutinous Rice 4.5/5

A signature at Man Fu Yuan every Lunar New Year is their Roasted Suckling Pig with Five Grain Glutinous Rice ($488++). An advance pre-order of three days is needed. Diners will enjoy a trio of crackling skin, succulent pork and sticky rice fragrant with Chinese cured meat.

Double-boiled Coconut with Snow Lotus Seed, Premium Sarawak Bird's Nest 4.5/5

Wrapping up the feast is the Double-boiled Coconut with Snow Lotus Seed and Premium Sarawak Bird's Nest. A fitting dessert that is light and refreshing to wash down all the richness.

Chinese New Year goodies are available for purchase from 12 December 2022 to 2 February 2023, and can be collected from 2 January to 5 February 2023 at Man Fu Yuan Shoppe, located at the level 2, Man Fu Yuan restaurant of InterContinental Singapore. Pre-order of three days in advance is required. For enquiries or to place an order, please email sinhb-festive@ihg.com, or visit InterContinentalShoppe.sg.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Man Fu Yuan
InterContinental Singapore
Level 2
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 63387600
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Website
Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1145am - 330pm, 630pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

5 ON 25 (五悦亭) @ Andaz - Welcome The Year Of The Rabbit With A New Lunar New Year Menu

5 ON 25 (五悦亭) sits on the 25th floor of Andaz hotel, alongside Alley on 25 and Bar Square. It offers refined Cantonese cuisine, helmed by Head Chef Lim Hong Lih, who has rich experience in known Chinese restaurants, such as Summer Pavilion and Li Bai. By day 5 ON 25 is an elegant space with a panoramic view of Bugis. By night when the lights dim, it transforms into a warm and romantic space.

The modern Cantonese restaurant is ready to welcome the Year of the Rabbit with its new Lunar New Year menu, featuring a la carte dishes and curated lunch/dinner set menus, available from 9 January to 5 February 2023. Most of the dishes pictured here are of a smaller portion for two pax.

海岛燕窝捞起 (皆⼤欢喜捞起) | Bird's Nest Yu Sheng 4/5

The Bird's Nest Yu Sheng ($118 for 2-4 pax, $168 for 5-7 pax) is a new highlight, using the additional topping of bird's nest to offer a different texture and a touch of luxuriousness. You will find fried yam strips and housemade crunchy nut clusters among the traditional elements of carrot strips, radish strips, ginger, and more. The sauce used leans tangier with a distinct plum taste. To opt for additional toppings, you can go for Shredded Abalone ($50) and Norwegian Salmon ($42).

⼘丝苹果⻰虾球 (⻰皇吐⽟珠) | Deep-fried Lobster, Apple with Honey Sauce 4/5

Another unique creation for the Lunar New Year menu is this Deep-fried Lobster ($58). Chunks of battered lobster covered in a homemade apple and honey sauce tasted sweet, tangy and vibrant, fitting for the occasion. The batter was just the right thickness for a complementary crunch, and you also get surprising bites of apple cubes within. The lobster was firm and fresh, but I preferred it to be less sweet to appreciate its meat.

当归脆⽪烧鸭 (⾦雁富贵) | Dang Gui Crispy Roasted Duck 4.5/5

Our favourite for the night was the Dang Gui Crispy Roasted Duck ($45 for Half, $90 for Whole). The duck had just the right amount of fats, done very tender with light and crisp skin. The herbaceous broth it sat on was a little more on the saltier end, but we didn't mind it. The fragrance of dang gui came through distinctly.

松露带⼦焖伊⾯ (富临双喜) | Braised Hokkaido Scallops, Ee-fu Noodles, Truffle Sauce 4.2/5

Our main course was Ee-fu Noodles ($38), done in truffle sauce and served with braised hokkaido scallops. It was a pity that the batter of the scallops left a slight stickiness to the teeth, but we enjoyed the springy noodles, which thoroughly soaked up the truffle sauce and had a hint of smokiness.

红莲炖桃胶 (蹄声报喜) | Peach Gum 4/5

We had the refreshing Peach Gum ($18) to complete the meal. It’s mildly sweetened with red dates and has lotus seeds, peach gum, and water chestnut for an extra crunch. If you are a tea lover, I would highly recommend trying the 5 ON 25 Signature Tea, a special blend of oolong, goji berries, osmanthus and longan. It was light yet incredibly fragrant, pairing very well with the range of dishes.

For more details on the new Lunar New Year menu and the available takeaway items, including Pen Cai and the Yu Sheng above, visit https://www.5on25.com/menu.

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.


5 On 25
Andaz Singapore
5 Fraser Street
Level 25
Singapore 189354
Tel: +65 64081228
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (DT Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 12pm - 230pm, 6-1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit E or F. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen @ Clementi Mall - New Menu Featuring Hong Kong Inspired Specialties

Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen, a well-loved and favourite casual-dining restaurant, has launched a new menu featuring enticing quality dim sum and Hong Kong-inspired specialities like congee, noodles, and 'Dai Pai Dong' style claypot dishes.

Fish Ball & Scallop Skewer in HK Style Curry 4/5

A rendition of the iconic street snack, Fish Ball & Scallop Skewer in HK Style Curry ($9,80 for 3pc) comprises bouncy fish balls and scallops on a stick steeped in a luscious, spicy and fragrant curry sauce. The curry sauce has been given a local twist familiar to our palate.

Double-boiled Chicken Soup with Hairy Fig Root & Peach Gum 4/5

The Double-boiled Chicken Soup with Hairy Fig Root & Peach Gum ($12.80) is a hearty and nourishing bowl of soup that is deliciously good with health benefits. 

Shrimp Roe & Prawn Paste Noodle 4/5

Besides wanton mee, Hong Kong is known for its shrimp roe noodle. There is an elevated version in the form of Shrimp Roe & Prawn Paste Noodle ($13.80) comprising homemade prawn paste nuggets and a generous sprinkling of shrimp roe atop the springy noodles.

Scallop & Kelp Congee 3.5/5

Among the different congees on the menu is the new Scallop & Kelp Congee ($12.80). The velvety-smooth congee is permeated with the briny flavours of Japanese kombu and scallops.

Crisp-fried Braised Duck Wing with Salt & Pepper 4.2/5

A delightful surprise is the Crisp-fried Braised Duck Wing with Salt & Pepper ($7.80). The well-flavoured braised duck wing is cloaked in a thin crispy coat and topped with fragrant deep-fried garlic, elevating the enjoyment.

Sauteed Fresh Abalone with Assorted Colourful Capsicum & Asparagus 3.5/5

Fresh abalone from China is added to the unassuming dish to complement the crunch of the asparagus, while the assorted capsicum provides colour and an extra layer of texture. The Sauteed Fresh Abalone with Assorted Colourful Capsicum & Asparagus ($26.80) is a wholesome dish, providing the needed greens for a complete and balanced meal.

Roasted Duck with Crispy Rice in Chef's Special Sauce $21.80

A highlight is the Roasted Duck with Crispy Rice in Chef's Special Sauce ($21.80). The duck was succulent with paper-thin crisp skin. A scrumptious delicacy further enhanced by Chef's specially concocted savoury sweet sauce.

Noted: This is an invited tasting.


Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen
The Clementi Mall
3155 Commonwealth Avenue West
#03-54
Singapore 129588
Tel: +65 66599215
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Nearest MRT: Clementi (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 930pm
Sat-Sun: 1130am - 10pm

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