Quan Hotpot @ Hotel Michael - A Refined Five Elements Hotpot Experience

Located at Resorts World Sentosa, Quan Hotpot is a contemporary dining concept that offers a refined take on the traditional hotpot experience. Situated within Hotel Michael (Level 1), the restaurant emphasises balanced flavours and sustainable, locally sourced ingredients, guided by the Chinese philosophy of the Five Elements — sour, sweet, bitter, spicy, and salty.

Departing from the communal pot format, Quan Hotpot serves its broths individually, allowing diners to tailor their experience from the outset. The selection is diverse, ranging from the rich Signature Singapore Laksa Broth to the comforting Traditional Congee Broth and Collagen Herbal Chicken Broth. Those who prefer bolder flavours can opt for the Classic Sichuan Mala Broth, while the Heritage Suan Cai Broth offers a tangy, fermented profile.

I went with the Heritage Suan Cai Broth, which delivered a well-balanced tanginess that was both appetising and comforting. The acidity of the preserved mustard greens was gentle yet distinct, lifting the flavours of the accompanying ingredients without overpowering them. It proved to be a versatile base that grew more flavourful as the meal progressed.

Once the broth is selected, the experience becomes interactive with a selection of condiments presented tableside. Diners can mix their own dipping sauces to suit their preferences, adding another layer of personalisation to the meal.

The Signature 4 Element Hotpot Set Menu ($68 per person) offers a comprehensive spread, covering premium meats, seafood, vegetables, housemade items, noodles, and dessert. It is a well-curated selection that balances variety and quality.

The Premium Meat Selection includes Organic Australian Pork Belly, US “CAB” Beef Short Plates, Kampong Chicken Thigh, and Sliced Salt Grass-Fed Australian Lamb Shoulder. Each was thinly sliced for quick cooking, with the beef short plate standing out for its tenderness and marbling, while the pork belly offered a satisfying balance of fat and lean.

The Premium Fresh Seafood Selection features Live Tiger Prawns, Hokkaido Scallops, Fish Slices, and Live Korean Abalone. The prawns were firm and naturally sweet, while the scallops were plump and delicate. The abalone added a touch of indulgence, with a tender bite and subtle briny sweetness.

The Vegetable Selection was equally satisfying, comprising Bok Choy, Napa Cabbage, Spinach, King Oyster and Shiitake Mushrooms, along with Beancurd Roll, Silken Tofu, Potato, and Sweet Corn. Fresh and vibrant, the assortment provided a good balance to the meal’s richer components.

A highlight in both presentation and texture is the 5 Elements Fish Noodles, served in striking hues of orange, purple, yellow, black, and green. Beyond their visual appeal, the noodles offered a delightful chew and springy bite, making them a fun addition to the hotpot.

The dessert was less impressive. The Flamed Meringue Ice Cream arrived with a theatrical flourish but leaned overly sweet, overshadowing the ice cream beneath. The Fresh Fruit platter provided a lighter finish, though the fruits lacked the sweetness expected to round off the meal on a stronger note.

Overall, Quan Hotpot delivers a polished and thoughtfully executed hotpot experience. Its focus on individual broths, quality ingredients, and a balanced flavour philosophy sets it apart, making it a compelling option for those seeking a more refined take on this comforting dining tradition.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Quan Hotpot
Hotel Michael
Level 1
8 Sentosa Gateway
Singapore 098269
Tel: +65 6577 6665
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Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 5pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit C or E. Walk to Vivocity Level 3 to Vivocity Monorail Station. Take the Monorail to Sentosa. Alight at Resorts World Station. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 15 minutes. [Map]

Shisen Hanten @ Hilton Orchard Singapore - An Eight-Course Expression of Spring

To mark the arrival of Spring, Michelin-starred Shisen Hanten by Chen Kentaro unveils its Chef’s Table Spring Menu 2026 — an eight-course experience ($288++) available from March through May. Rooted in the finesse of Chūka Szechwan Ryori, the menu is a thoughtful expression of the season, spotlighting the pristine produce of Japan’s spring harvest and the cuisine’s hallmark balance of sweetness, umami, and gentle spice.

Assorted Seasonal Appetiser - Japanese Hassun Style 4.2/5

The meal opens with a refined Hassun, a nod to traditional kaiseki presentation. Served across an assortment of elegant vessels, the six seasonal bites form a vibrant prelude. Highlights include the Smoked Fish, offering a subtle smokiness layered with restrained heat. Mala Barbecued Pork, tender with a hint of mala punch, and the Fresh Beancurd Skin with Crab Consommé Sauce, which impresses with its silky texture and delicate crustacean sweetness. The Abalone with Glass Noodles showcases a pleasing chew, while the Broad Beans & Scallop with Mala Egg Yolk Sauce ties the assortment together with a gentle, savoury richness.

Steamed Siu Mai & Turnip Cream Soup 4/5

The Steamed Siu Mai is elevated with prized Mangalica pork, its natural fattiness lending the dumpling a juicy, almost buttery mouthfeel. Crafted in a larger format, each bite delivers a satisfying depth of flavour. Complementing it is a chilled Japanese turnip consommé — light, clean, and subtly sweet — acting as a refreshing counterpoint that resets the palate.

Hiyama Sea Cucumber with Black Truffle 4.2/5

A standout in both technique and flavour, the Hiyama Sea Cucumber is sourced from Hokkaido and undergoes an intensive three-day rehydration process to unlock its full depth of flavour. Braised in a rich hong shao sauce, the sea cucumber attains a luxurious, gelatinous texture. It is paired with a creamy risotto made from Hokkaido rice and finished with aromatic black truffle, creating a harmonious interplay between land and sea.

Spring Asparagus 4/5

Celebrating the essence of the season, the Spring Asparagus is presented in its purest form. Lightly steamed to preserve its crunch and sweetness, the spears are paired with a bold fermented beancurd sauce that adds a savoury punch. A finishing touch of sakura salt — delicately infused with cherry blossom — lends a floral nuance that encapsulates the fleeting beauty of Spring.

A5 Wagyu Beef Spring Roll 4.5/5

The A5 Wagyu Beef Spring Roll is indulgent yet well-balanced. Featuring braised Omi beef sirloin, the filling is imbued with the complex flavours of Szechuan fermented broad bean and chilli bean pastes. The richness of the marbled beef is offset by the crunch of bamboo shoots and the subtle nuttiness of melted Comté cheese, all encased in a crisp, golden wrapper. Each bite delivers layers of texture and umami.

Mapo Tofu with Assorted Seafood 4.5/5

The meal reaches its crescendo with the Mapo Tofu with Assorted Seafood, a refined “White Mapo” interpretation. Instead of the usual robust sauce, this version leans into elegance, featuring sweet, briny notes from wild prawns, scallops, and king crab simmered in superior chicken stock. The silky tofu absorbs the broth beautifully, while a finishing splash of hot oil over Szechuan chilli powder adds aromatic heat. Accompaniments such as pickled mustard greens, peanuts, and sesame seeds introduce textural contrast. Paired with Hokkaido claypot rice, it is both comforting and deeply satisfying.

Strawberry Parfait 4.2/5

The Strawberry Parfait provides a refreshing and well-composed finale. Juicy Japanese strawberries take centre stage, layered with house-made Ma Lai Gao infused with Okinawa brown sugar, mascarpone cream, and almond tofu. The interplay of fruity brightness, creamy richness, and light sponge creates a balanced and elegant dessert.

Set within the intimate Chef’s Table setting, this seasonal menu showcases the culinary philosophy of Shisen Hanten — where precision, premium ingredients, and storytelling converge. Each course captures a moment of Spring, making this a timely and memorable dining experience. For those seeking exclusivity, the private Chef’s Table room (up to 8 guests) requires a minimum spend of $2,304++ and offers a front-row seat to this seasonal showcase before it transitions into summer.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Shisen Hanten by Chen Kentaro
Hilton Singapore Orchard
Level 35
333 Orchard Road
Singapore 238867
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to ground level. Turn left onto Orchard Road. Walk down Orchard Road. Cross the road and walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

VUE @ OUE Bayfront - New Weekend Lunch Set Menu with Signature Dessert Trolley

Perched atop OUE Bayfront, VUE continues to impress with its refined modern European cuisine and stunning skyline views. Elevating the weekend dining scene, the restaurant has launched a new Weekend Lunch Set Menu, thoughtfully curated with a choice of four ($108++) or five courses ($128++). Each dish reflects a careful balance of artistry and finesse, culminating in a delightful finale of free-flow desserts from its signature trolley.

As with every visit, the meal began on a high note with the restaurant's complimentary milk buns. Soft, pillowy and lightly sweet, they were perfect when paired with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. It's one of those addictive starters that inevitably leads to a second helping, and understandably so.

42-Month Aged Jamón Iberico 4/5

We started our lunch with the cold appetisers, in which the 42-Month Aged Jamón Iberico delivered a deeply savoury, complex flavour profile. The long curing process lends the ham its signature intensity and nutty undertones, complemented beautifully by sweet Charentais melon. Paired with the La Coca toast, a thin, crisp Spanish flatbread, provided a delightful textural contrast, allowing the richness of the ham to shine.

Heirloom Tomatoes 4/5

The Heirloom Tomatoes offered a lighter yet equally satisfying alternative. Naturally sweet and juicy heirloom tomatoes were paired with smoked burrata, creating a luscious creamy contrast. The inclusion of tonburi, often referred to as "land caviar," added a subtle popping texture, while black olives introduced a gentle briny depth, tying the dish together harmoniously.

Wild Caught Scallop 4.2/5

Moving on to the hot appetisers, the Wild Caught Scallop stood out for its precision in execution. The wild caught scallop was pan-seared to a perfect golden crust while retaining a tender, succulent interior. Its natural sweetness was elevated by the luxurious topping of Osetra caviar, while the white chocolate miso emulsion added an unexpected yet balanced layer of sweetness and umami. The sautéed spring peas lent freshness and a slight crunch, rounding off the dish elegantly.

Grilled Baby Gem Lettuce 4/5

In contrast, the Grilled Baby Gem Lettuce showcased the restaurant's mastery of binchōtan grilling. The lightly charred outer leaves carried a gentle smokiness, while the inner core remained crisp and refreshing. The dish was brightened with an orange tahini dressing, complemented by feta cheese, walnuts and a Parmesan crisp. It delivered a pleasing interplay of smoky, creamy and crunchy textures.

Wild Forest Mushroom Risotto 4.8/5

For the risotto course, both options impressed with their depth of flavour and execution. The Wild Forest Mushroom Risotto was a comforting, earthy masterpiece. Made with a medley of premium mushrooms, including porcini and chestnut, the dish exuded deep umami richness. Each grain of rice retained a slight bite, coated in a creamy, velvety sauce enriched with aged Parmigiano Reggiano. The addition of truffle further enhanced its aromatic, woodsy profile.

Signature Uni Risotto 4.8/5

Equally indulgent was the Signature Uni Risotto (+$12). This luxurious creation highlighted the briny sweetness of Hokkaido sea urchin, folded into a creamy emulsion that beautifully coated the Japanese multi-grain rice. The grains offered a subtle textural contrast, making each mouthful more dynamic. The uni foam intensified the oceanic flavours, resulting in a deeply satisfying and decadent dish.

Spanish Octopus 4.5/5

From the grill, the Spanish Octopus demonstrated VUE's expertise with binchōtan charcoal. The octopus was cooked to a perfect tenderness, with a slight char that imparted a smoky depth without overpowering its natural sweetness. Accompanied by grilled baby gem lettuce, semi-dried tomatoes, and a pistachio chimichurri, the dish was well balanced, with the nutty, herbaceous sauce elevating the overall profile.

Stoneaxe Wagyu Rump Cap MBS 8-9 4.5/5

For the mains, the Stone Axe Wagyu Rump Cap MBS 8-9 (+$15) was a highlight for meat lovers. Also known as picanha, the cut is prized for its rich flavour and luscious fat cap, which renders beautifully over the grill. Simply seasoned to let the beef's quality shine, the meat was juicy, tender and deeply flavourful. Served with truffle mashed potatoes and heirloom cauliflower, the accompaniments complemented without overshadowing the star ingredient.

Desserts 4.2/5

Ending the meal on a sweet note, the Dessert Trolley remains a signature draw of the weekend lunch experience. Presented tableside, it offers an enticing selection of bite-sized and plated desserts that change with the seasons. From delicate pastries to indulgent sweets, the free-flow format allows diners to sample a variety of creations, making for a playful and satisfying finale.

Overall, VUE's Weekend Lunch Set Menu delivers a well-paced and thoughtfully executed dining experience. With its combination of quality ingredients, refined techniques and indulgent touches like the dessert trolley, it is an excellent choice for a leisurely weekend indulgence in the heart of the city.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


VUE
OUE Bayfront
Level 19
50 Collyer Quay
Singapore 049321
Tel: +65 8879 0923
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Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon – Thu: 1130am - 2pm, 530pm - 1am
Fri: 1130am - 2pm, 530pm - 2am
Sat: 1130am - 430pm, 530pm - 2am
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Clifford Centre. Cut across the building. Take the overhead bridge link across the road. Turn right at the base of the overhead bridge. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 8 minutes. [Map]

Jiang-Nan Chun @ Four Seasons Hotel Singapore – Discover the “Passages of Spring” Seasonal Menu

At Jiang-Nan Chun, the arrival of spring is marked by a thoughtfully curated seasonal menu, available from 15 March to 15 May 2026. Helmed by award-winning Executive Chinese Chef Alan Chan, the eight-week showcase celebrates the season’s first harvests — tender greens, young shoots, and delicate blossoms — translated into refined Cantonese plates. We experienced the six-course set menu ($238++ per person), a well-paced journey highlighting both technique and seasonality.

Amuse Bouche 4/5

The meal began on a refreshing note with a simple yet effective amuse bouche of Pickled Tomato. Light, juicy and naturally sweet, the tomatoes provided a bright, palate-awakening start, gently priming the appetite for the courses ahead.

Jiang-Nan Platter 4.2/5

The opening platter presented a trio of delicacies: Marinated Fresh South African Abalone, Honey-Glazed Iberico Pork, and Spiced Fried Scallop. The standout was undoubtedly the marinated abalone, a departure from the usual braised rendition. Here, the abalone retained a delicate bite while absorbing a nuanced marinade that elevated its natural brininess with a gentle layering of flavours. The honey-glazed Iberico pork (char siew) impressed with its succulent texture, offering a pleasing balance of lean meat and fat, its caramelised glaze lending a subtle smokiness and sweetness. Completing the trio, the spiced fried scallop delivered textural contrast. It was crisp on the outside while remaining plump and tender within.

Double-Boiled Chicken Soup 5/5

A highlight of the evening, the Double-Boiled Chicken Soup with Sea Whelk, Conpoy and Morel Mushroom was served in a whole coconut, marrying presentation with depth of flavour. Slow-simmered over hours, the soup achieved remarkable clarity while extracting the essence of each ingredient. The natural sweetness of the coconut lent a gentle, refreshing lift, while the conpoy (dried scallops) and sea whelk contributed layers of umami richness. Spring morel mushrooms added an earthy complexity, rounding out the profile. Comforting yet invigorating, the soup struck a beautiful balance between nourishment and refinement, a dish deeply rooted in Cantonese culinary tradition.

Wok-Fried A5 Wagyu Beef 4.5/5

The Wok-Fried A5 Wagyu Beef with Spring Bamboo Shoots in Black Pepper Sauce showcased a masterful interplay of richness and freshness. The A5 Wagyu, with its intense marbling, was indulgently tender and flavourful, while the seasonal bamboo shoots introduced a crisp, clean contrast. Their subtle sweetness and fibrous crunch helped cut through the richness of the beef, preventing the dish from becoming overwhelming. The black pepper sauce added aromatic heat and depth, tying the elements together into a harmonious, well-balanced plate that felt both luxurious and surprisingly light.

Braised White Asparagus in Superior Broth 4/5

Celebrating another prized spring ingredient, the Braised White Asparagus was executed with finesse. Naturally sweet and tender with a gentle crunch, the asparagus absorbed the superior broth beautifully, enhancing its delicate flavour without overpowering it. The addition of bacon introduced a savoury, smoky undertone that provided contrast and depth, elevating what could have been a simple vegetable dish into something more layered and satisfying.

Braised Inaniwa Noodles with Australian Lobster and Mushrooms in Shrimp Sauce 4.2/5

The noodle course delivered both elegance and comfort. Silky Inaniwa noodles were paired with tender Australian lobster and fresh mushrooms, all enveloped in a rich shrimp sauce. The lobster’s natural sweetness shone through, complemented by the umami-laden sauce, while the mushrooms added an earthy dimension. The noodles, known for their smooth texture, carried the sauce effortlessly, resulting in a dish that was refined yet approachable, a gentle expression of spring’s lighter, more nuanced flavours.

Orange Blossom Mousse with Black Sesame Cremeux and White Chocolate 4.5/5

Dessert arrived in a visually charming form, shaped like an orange. Beneath its delicate exterior, the Orange Blossom Mousse was light and aromatic, offering floral citrus notes without veering into excessive sweetness. The black sesame crémeux introduced a nutty depth, while the white chocolate added a creamy richness, tying the elements together. The interplay of flavours was well-judged, resulting in a balanced and refreshing conclusion to the meal.

Jiang-Nan Chun’s seasonal menu is a graceful ode to spring, where premium ingredients and time-honoured techniques come together in a polished, contemporary expression of Cantonese cuisine. Available for both lunch and dinner, the menu is offered as a six-course set ($238++ per person) or à la carte (from $28++), with an optional wine pairing ($85++) to further enhance the experience.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Jiang Nan Chun (江南春)
Four Seasons Hotel Singapore
Second Floor
190 Orchard Boulevard
Singapore 248646
Tel: +65 68317653
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Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 2pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 11. Walk straight down Orchard Boulevard Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 6 minutes. [Map]

Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant (萬豪軒) @ Marriott Tang Plaza Singapore - Unveils its “Spring in Bloom Delicacies” Limited-time Menu

Marking the arrival of Spring, Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant unveils its "Spring in Bloom Delicacies", a limited-time menu inspired by seasonal ingredients traditionally enjoyed during this vibrant time of year. Available from 4 March to 30 April 2026, the menu showcases the restaurant's dedication to premium, sustainably sourced produce, thoughtfully crafted into refined Cantonese creations. Diners can look forward to an extensive à la carte selection of handcrafted dim sum, alongside a beautifully curated 5-course set menu.

Trio of Appetisers 4/5

We began our dinner with the Trio of Appetisers, a delightful introduction to the season's flavours presented in elegant bite-sized portions. The Deep-Fried Prawn with Mandarin Orange Sauce stood out with its light, crisp exterior coated in a citrusy glaze that added a refreshing zing. The Roast Kurobuta Pork Char Siew with Osmanthus Honey offered a luscious balance of smoky sweetness, elevated by the floral notes of osmanthus. Completing the trio was the Pan-Fried Japanese Scallop with Spring Bamboo Shoot and Yuzu, where the scallop's natural sweetness was complemented by the gentle crunch of bamboo shoot and a subtle yuzu brightness.

Steamed Marble Goby Fillet 3.8/5

Next, we had the Steamed Marble Goby Fillet with Pea Sprout in Lemongrass Chicken Superior Stock. The marble goby fillet was delicate and tender, boasting a clean, naturally sweet flavour and a silky texture that absorbed the broth's essence well. The superior stock, enriched with chicken and lifted by aromatic lemongrass, lent the dish a creamy depth. While comforting and well-executed, the flavour profile leaned towards being slightly one-dimensional, and a more pronounced piquant contrast could have added greater complexity.

Stewed Iberico Pork 4/5

The Stewed Iberico Pork with Fermented Red Bean Curd Paste and Spring Bamboo Shoot, served in a stone pot, delivered a hearty and satisfying note. The Iberico pork was fork-tender, richly infused with the fermented red bean curd paste, giving it a deep umami richness. This was beautifully balanced by the natural sweetness and crisp texture of the spring bamboo shoots, adding both contrast and dimension to the dish.

Golden Vermicelli with Crab Meat, Spring Bamboo Shoot and Ginger 3.8/5

Following that, the Golden Vermicelli with Crab Meat, Spring Bamboo Shoot and Ginger offered an interplay of textures. The vermicelli, deep-fried to a golden crisp, provided a light crunch that paired well with the plump, sweet crab meat and crunchy bamboo shoots. While enjoyable, the accompanying sauce could have been brighter and more vibrant to better tie the elements together and elevate the overall dish.

Chilled White Chrysanthemum Jelly with Honey Sorbet 3/5

To conclude, the Chilled White Chrysanthemum Jelly with Honey Sorbet provided a refreshing and soothing finish. The chrysanthemum jelly was light and subtly floral, complemented by the gentle sweetness of the honey sorbet — a clean and palate-cleansing end to the meal.

Overall, the Spring in Bloom Delicacies menu at Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant captures the essence of the season through refined Cantonese craftsmanship, highlighting quality ingredients with elegant restraint. While some dishes could benefit from bolder contrasts, the menu remains a thoughtful and polished celebration of springtime flavours.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant (萬豪軒)
Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel
320 Orchard Road
Singapore 238865
Tel: +65 6831 4605
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Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11.30am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]