Soi Thai Soi Nice @ JEM - Popular Royal Thai Hotpot Comes To The West

Known for their Royal Thai Hotpot, Soi Thai Soi Nice has opened its third outlet at JEM. In conjunction with the opening of this new outlet, you will be introduced to more Thai dishes that are less commonly offered elsewhere in Singapore.

Royal Thai Hotpot 3.5/5

Bringing families and friends together is the Royal Thai Hotpot ($38.80 Small/ $68.80 Large). Like a Korean army stew, there are fried softshell crabs, sausages, cabbages, prawns, scallops, instant noodles, enoki mushrooms and egg. The Tom Yum broth has a good balance of tang and heat. What I really love about it is that the sourness that comes from the natural acidity of the lime, hence it doesn't leave a vinegary aftertaste. My favourite ingredients are definitely the mushrooms and cabbages that release bursts of tom yum flavours in every bite. I forgot to mention that their signature fried pork belly were in the hotpot as well! Albeit lacking the crunch, they were still quite yummy with fats. I wish the soft shell crabs could be left out though or make it optional. It doesn't quite make sense to me to eat soggy soft shell crab.

Soft Shell Crab Salad 3.5/5

Ideally, fried soft shell crabs should be presented on its own, such as in Soft Shell Crab Salad ($15.90). The raw greens and onions cuts the greasiness of the fried batter. The soft crunch of the fried soft shell crabs complements excellently with the sweet and spicy sauce. You will wonder why Thai sauces just seem to be able to make every dish moreish.

Grilled Oyster 2.8/5

As a starter, Grilled Oysters ($3.90 per piece) is available, which is paired with garlic bits and fish sauce. Beware, it is really garlicky.

Waterfall Seabass 3.5/5

A new notable dish is this Waterfall Seabass ($32.90) which delights me with its clear, piquant spicy sauce that is not anywhere near those gluey and starchy sauce that drench the fish underneath. This homemade spicy sauce is bright, tangy with heat and yet it tastes clean in the mouth. I like how they dressed the fish with heaps of herbs which add freshness to every bite. The skinnier part of the fish was really crispy but some parts of the fish were too dry, stripping away its natural sweetness.

Cha Om Omelette 2.5/5

Their Cha Om Omelette ($11.90) was somewhat disappointing. I tried it elsewhere which was full of the Cha Om. I love the crunch and the combination of the egg and Cha Om was really good. This, however, has too little Cha Om to bring out that unique flavour of the herbs.

Snowflake Yam 2.8/5

We had an interesting dessert to round up our meal - Snowflake Yam ($8.90 Small/ $12.90 Medium). First the yam cubes are deep-fried and coated with sugar, then stir–fried to recrystalise the sugar to a sandy finishing. When I poked my fork through the sugar coating, I could see and feel how crusty it was. Cocooned within, the yam that was really soft and fluffy. It was a real pity that the sugar coating is really way too sweet. The sweet-savoury version from Putien is still my favourite.

Coco Paradise 3/5

Coco Paradise ($6.90) is a beverage but I see it as a great option for a dessert. A ice Thai tea float with coconut ice-cream, a great way to beat the heat and cool your body down from all the stimulating food.

You can always fall back on those Thai dishes that your are familiar with but over here at Soi Thai Soi Nice, do try venturing out to some less commonly known dishes to whet your appetite.

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.


Soi Thai Soi Nice
50 Jurong Gateway Road
JEM #03-21
Singapore 608549
Facebook
Website
Tel: +65 63391391
Nearest MRT: Jurong East (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 10pm
Sat-Sun & PH: 11am - 10pm

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

Zafferano @ Ocean Financial Centre - Is Bringing Back Monthly Champagne Brunch, "The Italian Table"

It is great to know Zafferano at Ocean Financial Centre is bringing back their monthly Champagne Brunch, "The Italian Table" which will take place on every last Saturday of the month. Diners will get to enjoy an array of enticing appetisers, selection of pasta and risotto, mains and dessert, accompanied by unlimited flow of champagne and spumante.

Live Seasonal Oyster 4.5/5

We started with some Live Seasonal Oyster which is creamy and juicy. Do note that the oysters are not free flow and they are only 2 for each pax.

Italian Burrata and Tomatoes 4.2/5

The soft and creamy Burrata is imported from from Italy, serves together with sweet Italian tomatoes, drizzled with fragrant olive oil.

Marinated Salmon, Avruga Caviar 4.2/5

Selection of Cold Cuts 4.5/5

For those that love sashimi, you will be delighted with the marinated Salmon with avruga caviar that is fresh and thickly sliced. Not to forget the selection of Cold Cuts that is perfect to go with a few glasses of champagne.

Tomato and Bread Tuscan Thick Soup, Parmesan Crumble 4/5

The Tomato and Bread Tuscan Thick Soup has a texture like a mash, elevated with the topping of parmesan crumble.

Gratinated Hokkaido Scallop 4.2/5, Polenta Maize Flour Cake and Cream Codfish 4.2/5

For some delectable bite size appetisers, there are the Gratinated Hokkaido Scallop and Polenta Maize Flour Cake with Cream Codfish. I prefer the plump scallop covered with layers of texture from the bread, parsley, pine nuts and raisin toppings.

Stewed Mussels in Pepper Broth with Rosemary Croutons 4.2/5

Great for soaking the bread with the delicious broth is the Stewed Mussels in Pepper Broth with Rosemary Croutons. Thought the mussel is smaller in size but they are really sweet.

Superfine Risotto Acquerello 4.2/5

Moving to the pasta and risotto, we had risotto, gnocchi and agnolotti. First is the Superfine 'Risotto Acquerello' that has been cooked to an enjoyable al dente bite. Four different cheeses are added, coating the rice grains, giving it the depth and robustness. Shaved summer truffle is added, lifting and rounding the whole enjoyment.

Baked potato Gnocchi Sorrentina Style 4.5/5

Having been to Zafferano, I know how good is their gnocchi. The Baked Potato Gnochhi Sorrentina Style did not disappoint with its soft and pillow texture. Gnocchi itself is bland but this is so tasty with the tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese.

House-made Veal Agnolotti 4.2/5

Looks like golden ingots are the House-made Veal Agnolotti with spinach and hazelnuts. The little parcels are stuffed with flavoursome veal stuffing with the hazelnuts giving them a nutty finishing.

Duck Breast with Onion Compote 3/5

Seabass Mediterranean Style 4.5/5

For the mains, there are the Duck Breast with Onion Compote and Seabass Mediterranean Style. I find the duck breast a bit tough and I have a hard time slicing it up. For the seabass, it is cooked in a delicious sauce mixture of olives, tomato, fresh thyme rosemary potatoes and sauteed vegetables. The fish is also moist and tender.

Chocolate Mousse with Vanilla Cone 4.2/5

Don't forget to save some space for the dessert bar. If you have a sweet tooth, you will be in for a sweet selection of desserts such as Chocolate Mousse with Vanilla Cone, Meringue with Ricotta Cream and Mixed Berries, Chocolate Brownies with Pistachio Mousse, Minty Lemon Tart and Almond Cake Mascarpone Cream.

Meringue with Ricotta Cream and Mixed Berries 4/5

Chocolate Brownies with Pistachio Mousse 4/5

Minty Lemon Tart 4.2/5

Almond Cake Mascarpone Cream 4.2/5

Pricing 
- $98++ with free flow of spumante and soft drinks
- $128++ with free flow of Champagne, spumante and soft drinks

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Zafferano
Ocean Financial Centre
Level 43
10 Collyer Quay
Singapore 049315
Tel: +65 65091488
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Lunch
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 3pm
Brunch
Sat: 12pm - 3pm (last Sat of the month)
Dinner
Mon-Fri: 530pm till late
Sat: 630pm till late
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place. Take Exit C. Walk to Ocean Financial Centre which is on the left. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Yuzutei @ Interlocal Centre (Pasir Panjang) - Hidden Japanese Restaurant Specialises In Yuzu

Opened without any fanfare at Pasir Panjang is Yuzutei, a yuzu specialty Japanese restaurant that has their menu centric in using yuzu that is specially air flown from Tokushima Perfecture, Japan. Only the highest grade, Kito Yuzu is used here. Its signature is Yuzu Shabu with the rare and premium A5 Hokkaido Snow Beef.

Yuzu Gyoza 2.8/5

I visited the restaurant for lunch so I didn't try the shabu shabu. Instead I ordered rice bowls from their lunch menu. While waiting for the mains to come, I decided to start with some Yuzu Gyoza ($7 for 5pc). The homemade gyoza is stuffed with yuzu filling that has been specially created by the chef. Unfortunately I did not find it memorable.

Tempura Curry 3.5/5

The first rice bowl I tried is the Tempura Curry ($14). It comes with 3 pieces of deep fried seabass, enoki and shitake. Dines have a choice of rice or udon. As you can tell I have gone for the rice bowl.
For the pricing, the rice bowl is quite substantial. The curry is also delicious and packed with robust flavours. My let down is the so called tempura, its nothing like the Japanese type light batter but more like deep fried Chinese food.

Gyu Don 3.5/5 

The other rice bowl I had is the Gyu Don ($16). It comes with stir fried angus beef with onions, poached egg, pickled radish and carrot. Once again, while the beef is quite enjoyable I felt that the execution is too incline to Chinese cooking.

My review is purely based on my lunch visit which I did not try their signature yuzu shabu. Hidden right inside Pasir Panjong Road away from the main road, this maybe a great place to escape the buzz of the city to have a quiet lunch/dinner. While the rice bowls have rooms for improvement, it is still pretty decent.


Yuzutei
Interlocal Centre
100G Pasir Panjang Road
#01-01
Singapore 118523
Tel: +65 96894092
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Pasir Panjang (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 3pm, 4pm - 10pm
Sat: 1230pm - 10pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Pasir Panjang MRT station. Take Exit A. Cross the road. Walk down West Coast Highway along the traffic. Turn left onto Pasir Panjang Road. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Porta x Ah Hua Kelong - Porta Goes Local With Six-Course Marine Treasures Menu Exclusive on 15 & 16 August 2018

In celebration of the upcoming nation's 53rd birthday, Porta teams up with top local fish farm, Ah Hua Kelong to bring a specially curated seafood dining experience with a 2-day only exclusive menu on 15 & 16 August 2018. Each dish will showcase a selection of seafood from succulent giant clams, seabass to grouper being freshly harvested from Singapore's waters, delicately paired with aromatic herbs and spices to enhance its natural sweetness, finished with PORTA's modern European flair.

Miso Cracker with Curry Mayonnaise 3.8/5

We started the course with a surprise Amuse-Bouche. Dip some crispy Miso Cracker into the creamy curry mayonnaise which gave a sharp lift to its flavours with a fragrant coconuty tinge of spice.

XL Lokan Clams 4.2/5

The XL Lokan Clams is served with Thai Basil, Green Chilli and Lime. While the Clams' meat is undoubtedly fresh and juicy, the addition of Thai Basil and Green Chlli added a sourish spice tinge to the natural sweetness of the seafood that instantly perks up the tastebuds.

Pearl Grouper 4.2/5

Reminiscent of the HK style steamed fish, the fresh Pearl Grouper is soft and tender with a thin crispy exterior, contributing dimensions to its textures in each bite. It is also paired with baby spinach, shimeji mushroom and kombu to give the dish a comforting cantonese cuisine feel.

Green Lip Mussels 4.5/5

Next, we had the Green Lip Mussels. While the mussels' meat are big, fleshy and juicy, the highlight would be the special broth it is soaked in. Mixed with red curry, coconut and lime to give it the right amount of spice and tanginess, remember to mop up all the savoury tangy sauce with the fried mantou on the side for the ultimate indulgent experience.

Seabass 4.5/5

The Seabass comes in a thick cut of pan-fried seabass served with aubergine, okra, spicy belachan shrimp paste. With a crispy and seasoned skin on the top, the fish is well-executed as well and goes perfectly with the flavoured-packed spicy belachan shrimp paste.

Lime Sorbet 3.8/5

We had the Lime Sorbet as pre-dessert to cleanse the palate as we wait in anticipation for the main desserts.

Raspberry Ice Cream with Chocolate Salted Caramel Cake 4/5

We rounded off the meal on a sweet note with the Raspberry Ice Cream with Chocolate Salted Caramel Cake. The desserts combines the bitter sweetness of the chocolate, saltiness from the salted caramel and sourness from the raspberry ice cream to present multiple flavours and textures on a dish. The two pieces of deep fried fins added a special touch to the dish with with an addictive crispy texture.

Petite Four 4/5

Lastly, the Petite Four is served as second round of desserts to complete the whole meal. The huge platter displays beautiful symphony of flavours such as the buttery biscuits, bitter sweet chocolate tarts, sweet macarons and sour lime tarts.

Ah Hua Kelong prides itself in traditional and sustainable farming practices which yield superior quality seafood, such as using live bait as feed and allowing fish to grow into size naturally without growth hormones or chemicals. Showcasing the best of such locally farmed seafood with these exquisite 6 courses offered in collaboration with PORTA, don't miss out this exclusive menu available on 15 & 16 August 2018.

Porta x Ah Hua Kelong
Date: 15 & 16 August 2018
Time: 630PM – 830PM | 830PM – 1030PM
Price: S$72++ per adult | S$36++ per child for 5-11 years old.
*Children below 5 years enjoy a complimentary Kid’s Dish of the Day

Photos and words by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Porta Fine Food & Import Company
Park Hotel Clarke Quay
1 Unity Street
Singapore 237983
Tel: +65 65938888
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (NE Line), Fort Canning (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight At Fort Canning MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk to junction of River Valley Road and Clemenceau Ave. Cross the road and turn left onto Clemenceau Ave. Walk down Clemenceau Ave. Turn right onto Unity Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk to bus stop at Clark Quay Station (Stop ID 04222). Take bus number 54. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to the end UE Square Shopping Mall. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Un Yang Kor Dai @ South Bridge Road - Singapore’s First-ever Community Restaurant

Driven by the mission to give back to the local community, Un Yang Kor Dai was opened so that individuals from all backgrounds could showcase their love for food. To keep the spirit of Un Yang Kor Dai, which means “anything goes”, this Singapore venture at South Bridge Road is made possible by a group of friends who have various expertise and backgrounds. Back in Khao Yai, Thailand, Un Yang Kor Dai is the biggest community restaurant where both the young and old come together to share their culinary passion.

Thai Papaya Salad 3/5

On top of serving Thai cuisine, this 70-seater restaurant also serves Isaan (Northeastern Thai) cuisine which is what makes it unique. First, tuck into the refreshing Thai Papaya Salad, a popular Thai starter and also an appetiser that has it roots in Isaan. Also called Som Tam, expect crunchy leaves, cubed papaya, succulent prawns, and a kick of spice.

Crispy Spicy Minced Pork Sticks 3.5/5

A really interesting dish was the Crispy Spicy Minced Pork Sticks, which reminded me of spring rolls. It was so crisp with every bite. Served with a homemade sweet and sour sauce, this is a delightful snack to share amongst your friends or family.

Tom Yum Fresh Prawns 4/5

You would definitely expect this super popular dish to be served in a Thai restaurant. The Tom Yum Fresh Prawns (with coconut milk) is freshly prepared every day, and was so creamy and spicy. There was so much ingredients in it like fresh prawns, oyster mushrooms, lemongrass, tomatoes, etc. You could tell how much effort went into making this soup in one mouthful.

PenLaos Signature Grilled Chicken 4.5/5

The PenLaos Signature Grilled Chicken is made using a time-honoured recipe from Thailand. The meat of the spring chicken is marinated with a mix of fresh coriander and white peppercorn for 3 days, and served with a homemade spicy sauce. Even though this dish reminded me of our chinese zichar cuisine, it stood out with its flavours.

Grilled Pork Neck 3.5/5

Another dish you would expect from Thai restaurants is the Grilled Pork Neck. Marinated with a homemade marinate, the meat has a good amount of fat on it which made it so tasty. For a better experience, dip it with the Isaan spicy dipping sauce made with tamarind sauce, cilantro and chilli powder.

Deep-fried Whole Sea Bass 3.5/5

I loved how the Deep-fried Whole Sea Bass with Premium Fish Sauce & Mango Salad was filleted and fried, making it easier to eat. I recommend to have the fish with a scoop of mango salad as it was pretty bland on its own, but prepare for a kick of spice from the mango salad.

Stir-Fried Lobster with Salted Egg Sauce 4.5/5

Customising to Singaporeans taste buds, the Stir-Fried Lobster with Salted Egg Sauce used live lobster, making the meat so juicy and fresh. Drenched in a spicy and fragrant salted egg sauce, Singaporeans will love this dish.

Instead of plain white rice, Khao Niew Dum is used to accompany all these dishes. It is a common staple in Isaan culture which is glutinous brown rice, also known as sticky rice, and is served in a katip. Katip is a Thai basket, made with bamboo and palm, that is handcrafted by the children in Thailand and brought over to the outlet here.

Mango Sticky Rice 4.2/5

Of course, end of your meal with the Mango Sticky Rice and Thai Milk Tea Pudding here. I love mango sticky rice and the one served here definitely did not let me down. On the other hand, the pudding was so unique as it really held up to its name with the taste of fragrant thai milk tea in every bite.

Thai Milk Tea Pudding 4/5

Photos and words by Vanessa Chia. A girl who has a passion for taking photos. Determined to always get better at what I am doing. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Un Yang Kor Dai
57 South Bridge Road
#01-02
Singapore 058688
Tel: +65 67878575
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 11am - 10pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit E. Cross the road using the overhead bridge. Turn left and walk down New Bridge Road. Turn left onto Hong Kong Street. Walk to the end of Hong Kong Street towards South Bridge Road. Cross the road at South Bridge Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]