Crystal Jade Group Celebrates National Day with Elevated Singapore-Inspired Creations

In celebration of Singapore’s 61st National Day, Crystal Jade Group presents a thoughtfully curated National Day Collection that pays homage to the nation’s rich and diverse culinary heritage. Available from 10 July to 30 August 2026 across its portfolio of restaurants, the limited-time showcase reinterprets familiar local flavours through the lens of refined Chinese cuisine. Staying true to its philosophy of honouring tradition while elevating it with culinary craftsmanship and premium ingredients, the collection brings together a series of inventive dishes that evoke both nostalgia and sophistication.

Crystal Jade Palace: White Pepper Crab Meat in Golden Tart 4.5/5

We had the opportunity to sample selections across several of its concepts, each offering a unique take on beloved Singaporean flavours.

Starting at Crystal Jade Palace, the White Pepper Crab Meat in Golden Tart ($22 for 6 pcs) is an elegant bite-sized tribute to one of Singapore’s iconic seafood dishes. Sweet, succulent crab meat is delicately sautéed with ginger, spring onion and a generous hit of fragrant white pepper, before being nestled into crisp golden tartlet shells made from spring roll pastry. Each bite delivers a harmonious balance of peppery warmth and natural sweetness, making it dangerously moreish.

Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen: Pan-Fried Hainanese Chicken Rice Dumpling 4.5/5

At Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen, the Pan-Fried Hainanese Chicken Rice Dumpling ($6.80 for 3 pcs) offers a clever reinterpretation of Singapore’s unofficial national dish. Crisp on the outside and soft within, the rice flour dumplings encase a fragrant filling of glutinous rice and tender chicken, infused with ginger, garlic and pandan. Served with a house-made chicken rice chilli, the dish captures the essence of the original while presenting it in a refreshing new format.

Crystal Jade Pavilion: Chargrilled Scallop & Rojak Tartlet 4/5

Another highlight from Crystal Jade Pavilion is the Chargrilled Scallop & Rojak Tartlet ($18.80 for 8 pcs). The crisp ‘pie tee’ shell holds a vibrant rojak-inspired medley of jicama, pineapple and cucumber, lightly coated in rojak sauce. Crowned with a smoky chargrilled scallop, the dish delivers a lively interplay of sweet, tangy and savoury flavours with contrasting textures.

Crystal Jade Golden Palace: Sesame Otah Toast 4/5

Over at Crystal Jade Golden Palace, the Sesame Otah Toast ($14.80 for 4 pcs) gives a nostalgic favourite a refined twist. Inspired by classic prawn toast, it features a generous layer of house-made otah prawn paste, coated with sesame seeds and deep-fried to a golden crisp. The result is a fragrant, crunchy bite packed with spice and umami.

Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao: Wok-Fried Prawns in XO Sauce 4/5

Seafood lovers will enjoy the Wok-Fried Prawns with Jackfruit & Pineapple in XO Sauce ($23.80/Regular) from Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao. The prawns are plump and bouncy, coated in a robust XO sauce that delivers a savoury, mildly spicy punch. The addition of jackfruit and pineapple introduces a natural sweetness that brightens the dish and adds a unique tropical dimension.

Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen: Sizzling Pig Blood Curd & Tofu 4.2/5

For something more adventurous, the Sizzling Pig Blood Curd & Tofu with Salted Fish & Minced Meat ($16.80/Regular) at Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen is a comforting claypot dish that showcases an often underappreciated ingredient. Silky pig blood curd and tofu are braised with minced pork and salted fish in a deeply aromatic base of ginger, garlic and chillies. Rich, savoury and intensely satisfying, it is a dish that rewards the more curious diner.

Crystal Jade Pavilion: Australian Wagyu Beef Brisket in Pineapple Nanyang Curry 4.2/5

A hearty centrepiece comes in the form of the Australian Wagyu Beef Brisket in Pineapple Nanyang Curry ($42/Regular) at Crystal Jade Pavilion. The tender wagyu brisket is slow-braised in a fragrant curry enriched with pineapple, okra, onions and kaffir lime leaf. The pineapple lends a gentle sweetness and acidity that cuts through the richness of the beef, resulting in a well-balanced curry that is both indulgent and distinctly local.

Crystal Jade Palace: Braised Rice Vermicelli with Seafood in Satay Sauce 4/5

Carbohydrate lovers should not miss the Braised Rice Vermicelli with Seafood in Satay Sauce ($36/Regular) at Crystal Jade Palace. The thick vermicelli is braised with prawns and squid in a robust ‘sha cha’ sauce, delivering deep umami flavours with a pronounced wok hei. It is a comforting dish that draws clear inspiration from Singapore’s hawker fare.

Crystal Jade Golden Palace: Chilled Durian Coconut Ice Jelly 4.2/5

Ending on a sweet note, the Chilled Durian Coconut Ice Jelly ($6.80/pax) at Crystal Jade Golden Palace is a refreshing dessert that celebrates tropical flavours. The silky coconut jelly is paired with a generous portion of durian flesh and strands of chendol, offering a delightful balance between creamy richness and light sweetness.

Crystal Jade Pavilion: Lychee Pastry 3.5/5

The Lychee Pastry ($12 for 3 pcs) from Crystal Jade Pavilion presents a delicate finish, featuring a crisp pastry shell filled with lychee and Chinese yam. While light and refreshing, the yam filling may not appeal to those who prefer more traditional fillings.

Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao: Kaya Mochi 4.2/5

Lastly, the Kaya Mochi ($5.80 for 3 pcs) at Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao is an addictive treat. The soft, stretchy mochi encases a fragrant kaya filling, delivering a harmonious combination of textures and flavours that makes it hard to stop at just one.

Overall, Crystal Jade’s National Day Collection succeeds in reimagining Singapore’s beloved flavours with creativity and finesse. Each dish reflects a thoughtful balance between nostalgia and innovation, offering diners a fresh perspective on familiar tastes while preserving their cultural essence. Available for a limited time only, this collection is a fitting tribute to Singapore’s vibrant culinary heritage and well worth exploring across the group’s various dining concepts.

PROMOTIONS
From 10 July to 30 August 2026, Jadeite Members and OCBC Cardmembers can enjoy 15% off with a minimum order of two National Day Special dishes at participating Crystal Jade restaurants. *Terms and conditions apply.

Note: This is an invited tasting.

Racines @ Sofitel Singapore City Centre - Flavours From The Heart

Racines at Sofitel Singapore City Centre unveils a brand-new menu, “Home: Flavours from the Heart”, introducing Straits heritage cuisine inspired by memory, migration, and home kitchens. Racines’ Asian repertoire has long been established, and this latest chapter builds on that foundation with more than 20 Asian and Straits-inspired dishes.

Tahu Telur 4/5

We started with two appetisers. Tahu Telur ($18) is a classic Indonesian-style tofu omelette featuring fried tofu and egg, skilfully formed into a cylindrical shape, crisp on the outside with a soft, tender core. Topped with shredded cucumber and turnips for a refreshing contrast, the rich, robust peanut sauce complemented the dish without overwhelming it.

Penang Fruit Rojak 4.5/5

The Penang Fruit Rojak ($20) combines crunchy jicama, cucumber and pineapple with crispy dough fritters, crispy cuttlefish and peanuts. The dough fritters were satisfyingly chunky, with a good amount of crunch, and everything was evenly coated in a well-balanced Penang-style shrimp dressing. I would have loved a little more ginger flower to further elevate the dish’s distinctive floral fragrance.

Nyonya Assam Curry Snapper 4.8/5

For mains, the Nyonya Assam Curry Snapper ($38) stood out as one of the signature dishes. Featuring fried snapper served in a tangy tamarind-based assam curry, it comes accompanied by okra, eggplant and beancurd puffs. The restaurant prepares its assam paste from scratch, resulting in a robust and moreish curry that left a strong impression. Crispy rice-paper “scales” added texture to the fish, though even without them, the snapper was expertly fried with a crisped exterior while retaining its tender, moist flesh.

Sweet & Sour Pork 4/5

The Sweet & Sour Pork ($38) was a crowd-pleaser. The pork morsels were tender, with a good balance of fat and lean, while the batter coating remained light and not overly thick. The sauce was delectable without being excessively sweet.

Singapore Style Hokkien Mee 5/5

Singapore Style Hokkien Mee ($28) remains a mainstay on the menu and is truly delicious. Yellow noodles and rice vermicelli bathed in a full-bodied prawn and pork broth delivered impressive depth of flavour. Brimming with roasted pork, tiger prawns and squid, every bite was mouth-filling and satisfying, with a gentle hint of wok hei. A squeeze of calamansi and a dollop of sambal belacan further amplified the flavours.

Wok-Fried Beef Hor Fun 3.5/5

On the other hand, I found the gravy in the Wok-Fried Beef Hor Fun ($28) slightly too heavily seasoned and rich for my preference. That said, the wok hei was impressive, and the beef slices were pleasingly tender.

Pandan Coconut Jelly 4/5, Cempedak Creme Brulee 3/5

For dessert, we had the Cempedak Creme Brulee and Pandan Coconut Jelly. While the creme brulee offered a delightful fusion of French technique and local flavours, I preferred the pandan coconut jelly for its lightness and refreshing finish, making it a more fitting conclusion to the meal.

To celebrate the launch of HOME: Flavours from the Heart, you can explore the new Straits-inspired repertoire through both the à la carte menu and the Feast of the Straits dinner buffet, with attractive promotions available for Accor Plus members and selected credit card holders.

Photos and words by Si An. A homebody who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, the smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


Racines
Sofitel Singapore City Centre
Level 5
9 Wallich Street
Singapore 078885
Tel: +65 64285000
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 7am - 1030am, 12pm - 3pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right on Peck Seah Street. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 3 minutes. [Map]

Tanglin Cookhouse @ Tanglin Mall - All-New 90-Minute Nasi Lemak Buffet

Tanglin Cookhouse, known for its contemporary colonial cuisine, has recently launched a brand new Lemak & Co. à la carte Nasi Lemak Buffet. This 90-minute experience offers unlimited servings of 15 classic local nasi lemak dishes, spanning appetisers, mains, and desserts.

Emping Chips with Sambal Belacan

We began with Emping Chips with Sambal Belacan. The crisp belingo crackers, with their subtle bitterness, proved to be the perfect vehicle for the piquant housemade sambal.

Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce & Condiments 3.8/5

Next came the Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce & Condiments. While the chicken was well-marinated and tender, it lacked the defining smoky char typically associated with satay. The peanut sauce was decent, though I personally prefer a more savoury profile.

White Rojak Quinoa Salad 4.2/5

The White Rojak Quinoa Salad was my favourite appetiser. Its refreshing mix of jicama, cucumber, and quinoa, tossed in a fragrant ginger flower dressing, made it an excellent palate cleanser and a welcome contrast to the richer dishes.

Ayam Goreng Berempah 4.2/5

For mains, the Ayam Goreng Berempah featured succulent spice-rubbed fried chicken topped with moreish rempah crumbs.

Braised Beef Rendang 3/5

The Braised Beef Rendang, made with slow-braised beef cheek infused with coconut, galangal, and spices, was somewhat disappointing. Some pieces were tender and delicious, while others leaned dry. The gravy also came across slightly too sweet.

Sambal Barramundi with Cincalok 4.5/5

The Sambal Barramundi with Cincalok was my favourite. The pan-seared fish was moist and flaky, crowned with salty fermented shrimp that beautifully enhanced the fish’s natural sweetness.

Turmeric Coconut Rice 5/5

The true highlight of the buffet, however, was the Turmeric Coconut Rice. This basmati coconut rice, infused with turmeric, was delightfully fluffy and aromatic. Honestly, even when paired simply with a fried egg, sambal chilli, and peanuts, it was satisfying enough to stand on its own.

Yam “Orh Nee” 4.2/5

To round off the meal, the Heritage Gula Melaka Sago Pudding offered a light and refreshing finish, with fragrant palm sugar and coconut. For something more indulgent, the warm Yam “Orh Nee” with Candied Ginkgo Nuts stood out. Unlike some versions that can be overly oily, this one was thoughtfully balanced and well executed.

Lemak & Co. is available all day, Monday to Wednesday, at $29.90++ per pax (min. 2 pax, with one drink per person), from 11am onwards.

Photos and words by Si An. A homebody who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, the smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


Tanglin Cookhouse
Tanglin Mall
163 Tanglin Road
#01-106
Singapore 247933
Tel: +65 6235 9382
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Nearest MRT: Orchard Boulevard (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 9am – 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard Boulevard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk straight down Grange Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 3 minutes. [Map]

Embu @ Mandarin Oriental Singapore - Flavours of Singapore Buffet Theme in Celebration of The Nation's 60th Birthday

Embu at Mandarin Oriental Singapore presents 'Flavours of Singapore' with a special SG60 Nostalgic Gourmet Series from 30 June to 10 August 2025, in celebration of the nation's 60th birthday. As part of Mandarin Oriental's SG60-themed experiences, the SG60 Nostalgic Gourmet Series features pop-up stations that pay tribute to local culinary heritage. On selected days, celebrated pastry and Chef Pang Kok Keong will present his signature Mee Tai Mak. You can also look forward to Haig Road Putu Piring, a beloved name in traditional Malay steamed rice cakes, and Ah Mah's Legacy, known for their nostalgic renditions of Muah Chee and Orh Nee.

Hakka Mee Tai Mak

On the evening I visited, it was Chef Pang in action, dishing up his signature Hakka Mee Tai Mak. The star of this dish lies in the handmade rice noodles, which boasted a noticeably more bouncy and chewy texture than the typical version. Guests could choose between a dry or soup rendition. The dry version highlighted the rich umami of savoury minced pork, while the soup offered a comforting, flavourful broth that made for a heartwarming bowl.

Hakka Abacus Seeds

Hakka Radish Balls

Adding to the exclusivity of the evening were Hakka Abacus Seeds and Hakka Radish Balls. I was pleasantly surprised by the execution of these traditional dishes, especially considering they were served buffet-style. The taro dumplings were satisfyingly chewy, while the radish balls were a rare and nostalgic highlight that brought unexpected joy to the lineup.

Fried Carrot Cake

Over at the Chef's Live Station, a variety of local hawker favourites were made to order. The Fried Carrot Cake leaned slightly on the salty side but was still deeply moreish, with savoury radish bits adding subtle sweetness. The Oyster Omelette was a standout, featuring crisp edges, gooey bits, and generous helpings of plump, fresh oysters.

Popiah and Kueh Pie Tee

Popiah and Kueh Pie Tee were both well done too. The popiah skin had a nice springy bite, and the kueh pie tee shells were crisp, carrying well-seasoned turnip filling that balanced sweet and savoury notes.

Singapore Bak Kut Teh

Singapore Chilli Crab

The Local Favourites station offered comforting staples that many Singaporeans would instantly recognise. The peppery-style Singapore Bak Kut Teh warmed the soul with its heady broth and fork-tender pork ribs, while the Singapore Chilli Crab was indulgently rich, served with golden fried mantou perfect for soaking up the sauce.

Singapore Hokkien Mee

The Singapore Hokkien Mee brimmed with juicy prawns and crunchy pork lard.

Baked Whole Fish

Australian Grass-fed Angus Sirloin

Baby Back Ribs

At the Chef's Speciality Carving Board, Baked Whole Fish impressed with its moist, tender flesh, elevated by a piquant Nonya spice sauce. The slow-roasted Baby Back Ribs were coated in a sticky barbecue glaze that made them finger-licking good. Meanwhile, Australian Grass-fed Angus Sirloin was slow-roasted and paired with red wine sauce, offering a hearty Western touch to the spread.

Singapore Rojak

You could customise your own Singapore Rojak at the DIY station. The spread included pineapple, cucumber, bean sprouts, apple, turnip, youtiao, prawn paste sauce, and crushed peanuts. I appreciate the youtiao, which was crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, soaking up the punchy rojak sauce beautifully.

Seafood Colosseum

The Seafood Colosseum, a highlight of the buffet, was extremely popular due to its impressive array of seafood. There were seasonal oysters, Boston lobster, mud crab, tiger prawns, green-lipped mussels, and white clams.

Chendol

To round off the experience, the dessert section featured a lavish assortment of both local favourites and Western pastries. My personal favourite was the Chendol, which was delightful with fragrant coconut milk and soft, chewy green jelly. It was a sweet and refreshing way to end an evening that truly celebrated Singapore's culinary richness.

Flavours of Singapore
30 June to 10 August 2025
6:30pm - 10pm
SGD 98 per adult inclusive of free flow of chilled juices, coffee and tea (Sunday to Thursday)
SGD 118 per adult inclusive of free flow of chilled juices, coffee and tea (Friday and Saturday)

SG60 NOSTALGIC GOURMET SERIES
Mee Tai Mak by Chef Pang Kok Keong: 18–19 July and 8–9 August.
Muah Chee & Orh Nee by Shiny Phua of Ah Mah’s Legacy: 4–5, 11–12, 25–26 July and 8–9 August.
Haig Road Putu Piring: 27 July and 3 August.

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.


Embu
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Singapore
5 Raffles Avenue
Singapore 039797
Tel: +65 68853500
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Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC, DT Line), Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 630am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit A. Cross the road. Walk to Marina Square. Follow the signage to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit B or D. Walk to Marina Square. Follow the signage to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

The Masses X Chateau Dionne Collaboration - A French Lens On Southeast Asian Dishes

For three days only, from 27 to 29 June 2025, The Masses from Singapore and Chateau Dionne from Kuala Lumpur come together in a bold collaboration that bridges classical French technique with Southeast Asia's rich tapestry of street flavours. The result: a 10-course Tasting Menu ($78.90++/pax, min. 2 diners) that plays on nostalgia while delivering fine-dining flair. A curated wine pairing ($48++/pax) with a welcome drink is also available to elevate the experience.

Assam Laksa 4.2/5

The dinner opens with an elegant tartlet that channels the bright, punchy notes of Assam Laksa. Encased in a crisp, buttery shell is a smoky mackerel mix accented by tangy assam relish. Rojak flower and belacan powder lend aromatic and savoury depth, instantly conjuring memories of hawker classics, distilled into one complex, satisfying bite.

Orh Luak 3.5/5

This reimagined Orh Luak arrives as a golden Oyster Beignet. Poached French Amelie oysters are creamed and encased in a fried dough shell atop sambal olek sabayon. While the concept is creative and the texture is spot on, the oyster flavour could be more assertive to anchor the dish more firmly in its inspiration.

Lap Mei Fan 4/5

The communal Lap Mei Fan is cleverly deconstructed into a brioche snack glazed in pork lard and kicap manis. Topped with mushroom crumble and finely grated XO sausage, this compact creation is packed with umami and textural play. It is a fun, savoury number that nods to tradition while going its own way.

Ngoh Hiang 4/5

A luxe twist on the Teochew five-spice roll, this version blends foie gras into minced pork and prawns, wrapped in bean curd skin and deep-fried till shatteringly crisp. The accompanying Lingham chilli aioli adds a tangy heat that lifts the rich filling beautifully. It is a standout reinvention.

Yu Sheng 4/5

Here, Yu Sheng transforms into a dainty, composed plate. Cured Hamachi is paired with a bright calamansi and bird’s eye chilli granita, offering acidity and a hint of fire. Finished with pickled ginger and fried shallots, this dish is a refined interpretation of a festive classic.

White Pepper Veloute 4.5/5

The evening's best dish is a creamy, comforting White Pepper Velouté, a homage to pig's stomach soup. Poured tableside over sliced offal, scallions and pickled radish, the broth is peppery and full-bodied. A crispy pork croquette on the side completes the soulful yet elevated experience. Brilliantly executed.

Rojak - Hot 3/5

The Rojak is served in two ways: hot and cold version. The hot version is served on a sizzling plate with a crisp egg and aerated peanut sauce. This rendition leans more toward Gado Gado than traditional Rojak, with its warm, nutty notes and sesame cracker accompaniment.

Rojak - Cold 4/5

For the cold counterpart, a Penang-style refresher featuring tropical fruits and vegetables (rose apple, pineapple, mango, jicama) tossed in prawn paste, crushed peanuts, and rojak flower. Tangy, sweet and crunchy, this one hits the nostalgic notes more directly.

Hei Mee 4/5

Possibly the most avant-garde plate of the evening. a is reinterpreted as julienned squid ribbons, with a concentrated prawn head broth poured tableside. Sambal aioli and Melba toast add richness and crunch. It is a daring, cerebral dish that captures the essence of prawn noodles in an entirely unexpected way.

Chicken Rice 4.5/5

This dish pays reverent homage to a national icon, Chicken Rice. Salt-baked Chicken infused with angelica root and truffle rests on claypot-style garlic rice perfumed with pandan and chicken fat. The housemade chilli sauce, fermented over three days, adds complexity, while a warm chicken consommé ties the whole experience together. It is a masterclass in reinvention with respect.

Cendol 4/5

Dessert arrives with flair. Cendol is elevated into a plated masterpiece: pandan curd, glutinous rice fritters, red beans, coconut milk, and a house-made gula Melaka ice cream. The ice cream is intensely rich, the rice fritters are chewy yet crisp, and a sprinkling of sea salt brings balance. It is a delightful finale to a diverse and well-composed menu.

This collaboration is more than a one-off dinner. It's a dialogue between two culinary philosophies, two cities, and two perspectives on familiar food. Some dishes lean more heavily on technique, others on nostalgia, but the through-line is creativity and respect for culture. At under $80++, the 10-course menu is excellent value, making this a not-to-miss event in the June 2025 dining calendar.

The Masses X Chateau Dionne Collaborations

Dates and Seatings:
27 June, Friday: 530pm - 930pm
28 June, Saturaday: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 930pm
29 June, Sunday: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 930pm

Note: This is an invited tasting.


The Masses
Arcade @ The Capitol Kempinski
13 Stamford Road
#01-84
Singapore 178905
Tel: +65 6518 4988
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 1130am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit B. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]