Ho Fook Hei @ Great World City - Casual Dining Concept With Signature Specialty Rose Wine Soy Sauce Chicken

The folk behind the Joyden concepts group has opened a new casual dining restaurant at Great World City called Ho Fook Hei. The restaurant's name pronounced in Cantonese means prosperity and good fortune. Ho Fook Hei serves a medley of home-style Cantonese dishes and a unique rendition of soy sauce chicken.

Specialty Rose Wine Soy Sauce Chicken 4/5

The specialty here is their Rose Wine Soy Sauce Chicken ($19 Half / $35 Whole). The soy chicken comes with a distinct floral fragrance, and the meat is exceptionally tender with a beautiful caramel coat on the skin. This is all from the result of brining the chicken overnight and poaching it in a braising liquid concocted with home-aged soy sauce and a proprietary blend of Chinese herbs and spices. Top quality rose wine from Hong Kong is added to give it a beautiful floral scent. I really enjoyed the texture of the soy sauce chicken. Unfortunately, I am not a fan of rose wine. I am more than happy to order to just have it without the rose wine.

Honey-Glazed Black Barbeque Pork Belly 4.2/5

The fatty cut and the glossy dark coat of the Honey-Glazed Black Barbeque Pork Belly ($13) resembles the crystal char siew with its translucent meat. It is well executed with the perfect balance of sweet and savoury.

Egg Noodles 3.8/5

I would recommend ordering a plate of the Hong Kong Style Egg Noodles ($3.80) to go with the rose wine soy sauce chicken and honey glazed barbeque pork belly. It is springy and comes with blanched greens. I find that it still has a hint of alkaline taste. I would suggest adding the homemade crunchy chilli sauce for a little more heat and crunch, as well as masking the alkaline taste if you don't like it.

Shrimp Dumpling Soup 4.2/5

Not to be missed is the Shrimp Dumpling Soup ($8.80) that is plump and packed with juicy minced pork, prawns, chives and crunchy black fungus.

Pork and Prawn Rolls 'Hae Zor' 4/5

The Pork and Prawn Rolls 'Hae Zor' ($7.80) is fried to golden brown and stuffed with delicious pork and prawn filling. The size is exactly quite huge than the norm, giving customers value for money.

Seabass Fillet Steamed with Signature Nonya Assam Sauce 4/5

If you like your steamed fish, the restaurant offers a selection of seabass, threadfin and cod on the menu with a choice of the housemade sauces (nonya assam sauce, old ginger sauce, teochew style and superior soy sauce).

Cod Fillet Steamed with Old Ginger Sauce 4/5

We have the Seabass Fillet Steamed with Signature Nonya Assam Sauce ($14.80) and Cod Fillet Steamed with Old Ginger Sauce ($24.80). The seabass with the nonya assam sauce comes with a sweet, spicy and tangy note which goes well with a plate of rice. As for the cod, the older ginger sauce gives it a familiar homely and comforting flavour with mild heat from the finely grated blend of ginger.

Red Grouper Fish Fillet Congee 3.5/5

For something light and comforting, there is the Red Grouper Fish Fillet Congee ($9.80). The congee is smooth and silky with thick slices of fresh red grouper, garnished with ginger, spring onions and coriander. If you have a heavy palate, you may find the congee a bit bland for your liking.

Warm Red Bean Soup with Aged Mandarin Peel and Lotus Seed 4.2/5

I would suggest wrapping up the dinner with a bowl of Warm Red Bean Soup with Aged Mandarin Peel and Lotus Seed ($4.50). The addition of the aged mandarin peel elevated the traditional dessert.

The new casual dining concept is perfect for a quick bite, as well as a family meal with a selection of noodle, congee, rice and a la carte dishes.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Ho Fook Hei
Great World City
1 Kim Seng Promenade
#01-141
Singapore 237994
Tel: +65 62192262
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Website
Nearest MRT: Great World (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 330pm, 5pm - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Great World MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Akira Back @ JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach - More Reasons To Revisit With 6 New Defining Dishes

Akira Back at JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach has recently revamped their menu, featuring six new dishes in addition to their signatures.

AB Pizza Tuna 3.5/5

AB Pizza Tuna ($26) is one of the mainstayers. With the crust about perhaps only 2mm, it is a bonus for those on a low-carb diet. As thin as the tuna slices might look, its luscious fatty texture tasted full in the mouth and even more so against its thin crisp crust. The tangy and creamy aioli brought this two ingredients in harmony but I thought less of it might be more ideal.

Soul Mate 4.2/5

I personally much prefer the Soul Mate ($36) which to me is like a Japanese style bruschetta. I'm not sure why the name, perhaps of the fact that the crunchy and sweet amaebi is just so compatible with the creamy and briny uni. This bite size bruschetta might be tiny but it tasted full and rich in the mouth. The savoury tosa jelly was an interesting key to elevate the profile of the dish.

Crispy Tofu 4/5

What was even more surprising, is this Crispy Tofu ($25). It islike a dry Agedashi Tofu but with skin twice the chewiness. It is very tasty with a thin layer of flavourful kochujang soy. There is also an interesting touch of finger lime for extra texture.

Roasted Mushroom 3.5/5

If you are not aware, Akira Back has a Vegetarian menu as well, offering dishes such as this Roasted Mushroom ($22). Nothing too dynamic but a crowd pleasing flavour of bulgogi that worked well with the earthy mushrooms. I like the hint of smokiness that came with it which made it quite addictive.

Yukhoe 3/5

Yukhoe ($45) is a sophisticated dish with “tajima” wagyu striploin, presented like Maki using nashi as the wrap. I believe I would have loved it should there be less of the sesame oil to mess with it.

48 Hrs “Sanchoku” Short Rib 4/5

There are reasons why 48 Hrs “Sanchoku” Short Rib ($48) is a long standing favourite. Rich but clean on the palate, all it needed was its own braising jus as accompaniment to bring out its profile.

Shisho Seabass 3/5

Simply lemongrass broth and shiso oroshi atop the fish, Shisho Seabass ($36) was a very elegant dish, be it its plating or taste. But if you are here at Akira Back, go for something that is more intriguing.

King Crab Fried Rice 4.2/5

King Crab Fried Rice ($19) was actually one of my favourite dishes of the evening. There is so much textural play and flavours to this dish - the chopped crunchy vegetables, grainy rice pearls, pulpy crab roes all act together to bring out the texture and sweetness of the king crab. If your appetite is somewhat affected by a long day, this would be the dish to go for. Simple but hundred percent comforting.

Christmas Bell 3.5/5

Dessert of the day was Christmas Bell, which is the special for this festive season. Break the bell to unravel the layers within - chocolaty in nature, with pineapple compote to balance the sweetness.

The new dishes still pretty much align with their identity, so if you are a fan of such modern Japanese cuisine with Korean accents, their new menu will entice you the same.

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.

Akira Back
JW Marriott Singapore South Beach
30 Beach Road
Level B1M
Singapore 189763
Tel: +65 68181914
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Website
Nearest MRT: Esplanade (CC Line)

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

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

LeVeL33 @ MBFC Tower 1 - Elevated To New Height With A Executive Chef Archan Chan On Board

LeVeL33 located at Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 1 welcomes new Executive Chef ArChan Chan. Staying truth to its root since its opening in 2010, the food and drink at the world's highest urban microbrewery has always conceptualised to complement one another, same goes to the new menu designed by the new helm on board.

Sourdough 4.2/5

We started with the Sourdough that is made from the beer malt that is used to brew their beer. This is served alongside yeast butter topped with malt chips. A clear demonstration of the culinary concept bridging the food and drink at Level 33.

Tomato Consomme 4.2/5

A light and refreshing starter is the Tomato Consomme ($22) served chilled. The sweetness of the heirloom and vine-ripen cherry tomatoes shines in the clear tomato consomme. Applaud the simplicity in showcasing the ingredient.

Kingfish Sashimi 4.2/5

The Kingfish Sashimi ($26) is another light but flavourful dish on the menu. The kingfish is cured with the lager beer and served with pickled cucumber, nori & spent grain sand, marinated tapioca sago, tapioca sago chips, cucumber juice, seaweed oil and fresh dill. Once again, the chef allows the main ingredient to shine in the dish, with the other components complementing it.

Hokkaido Scallop 4/5

Another beautiful dish on the menu is the Hokkaido Scallop ($24) served with wheat beer dashi, seaweed, malt chips and drizzled with dill oil. The sweetness of the scallop is exactly given a lift by the wheat beer dashi for that extra omph.

Quail 4.5/5

The Quail ($27) is one of my favourite dishes for the night. The stout glaze simply elevates and gives the appreciation of the delicate meat a new life. I have never have quail that tasted so good thus far.

Truffle Ravioli 4.5/5

I love my ravioli and the Truffle Ravioli ($32) here is very well executed. The thin pasta is stuffed with ricotta, walnuts and parsley, served in a gruyere sauce. To finish, it is topped with freshly sliced nashi pears and truffle. I like that hint of nuttiness from the walnuts, together with the earthy truffle, it just work wonderfully when eaten togehter.

Sea Bass 3.5/5

For the fish loveer, there is the Sea Bass ($36). The sea bass is locally sourced and pan seared with just seasoning of sea salt and pepper. It is served on top a bed of beer malt risotto, in a classic beurrec blanc with dill oil. I like the sea bass and the creamy sauce. However I am not a fan of the beer malt risotto. I find it a dry and has that husky texture which I didn't enjoy.

Garden Greens Tart 2.8/5

The Garden Greens Tart ($29) comes in a taro tart ring with seasonal vegetables. I applauded the creative and that the taro tart ring is really crispy. However, I could not taste any taro in the tart ring. The garden greens also come across too healthy to me with just extra virgin oil and and lemon zest. I thought it needed something more robust to hold the dish together. It ended up feeling like have a salad bowl with crispy croutons.

Pork Intercostal 3/5

Interestingly the Pork Intercostal ($37) is paired with clams. The combination did not fail but it also did not get my palate excited. I am not sure why but the dish is rather flat and pedestrian to me.

Layered Honey Cake 4.2/5

Do save some space for dessert at LeVeL33. The new dessert menu is worth the calories. The Layered Honey Cake ($15) is served with a beer areated honeycomb topped with sour cream ice cream, lemon balm and fermented kumquat. The play of the different components comes together like a symphony, having the diner screaming for encore.

Malt & Stout Parfait 4.5/5

The stout wins me over again with the Malt & Stout Parfait ($12). The choux puffs are topped with oat and coffee crumble and filled with a malt and stout parfait filling. This is so good that I think I can have a couple more even I am already so stuffed.

Having dine at LeVeL33 on a number of occasions, I have that Chef ArChan Chan has given a refreshed refinement to the dishes. I was impressed with the starters and desserts. However for the mains, I think it needed some adjustments

Note: This is an invited tasting.


LeveL33
Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 1
8 Marina Boulevard
#33-01
Singapore 018981
Tel: +65 68343133
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Downtown (DT Line), Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 1130am - 12midnight
Fri & Eve of PH: 1130am - 2am
Sat: 10am - 2am
Sun: 12pm - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Downtown MRT station. Take Exit. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit E or J. Follow the underground walkway towards Marina Link Mall. Continue onwards to Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 1. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Go-Ang Kaomunkai Pratunam @ NEX Shopping Mall - Bangkok Michelin Bib Gourmand Chicken Rice Opens In Singapore

Some said we learn cultural similarity and diversity through food and this sentiment headlined my experience with Thailand’s Go-Ang Kaomunkai Pratunam, which has recently opened its door at NEX Shopping Mall. Established in 1960 as a food stall specialising in Hainanese chicken rice in the Pratunam district of Bangkok and awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand award in 2018. This Thai Hainanese chicken rice may or may not make it to your top list but it will change your perception of how this iconic dish can be consumed.

Chicken Rice 3.5/5

Go Ang Chicken Rice comes with either Thigh ($5.50) or Breast ($4.50) meat. As expected, the thigh meat is naturally more tender than the breast meat, and the layer of plump skin was certainly not those to be chucked at one side. The grainy and firm rice worked well to bring out its pleasing texture. That said, the breast meat fared well too if you like firmer meat. The rice, however, didn't manage to captivate my taste buds. I feel it lacked a certain fragrance and aromatics, which make the chicken rice itself addictive.

But ultimately, what gives this Go Ang Chicken Rice its unique identity is the chilli sauce that comes with it. Based with fermented chilli, fermented soy beans, coarsely chopped ginger, this piquant sauce is a tapestry of Thais' flavours in another perspective.

Omelette 3.5/5

Like what they always say "same same but different", this goes the same for their Omelette. Its accompanying sauce again, has all the elements to whet your appetite. Chye Pok version ($6.50) is available as well.

Braised pork 3.5/5

In Bangkok, the locals not only love their chicken rice but also their braised pork and surprisingly soups too. The Bitter Melon & Pork Rib Soup ($6.50) wowed us with its tender pork ribs and the depth of flavour. As for the Signature Braised Pork ($8/$12), considered that lean meat is used, its fork tender meat was impressed. I like the braising sauce too, which was relatively much lighter compared to our version but packed with flavours. Love it with the omelette's dip sauce!

Steamed Sea Bass 4.5/5

Among all the dishes, I enjoyed the Steamed Sea Bass with Chilli, Lime & Garlic the most. I had this dish a couple of times but theirs by far is the most memorable. Judging by the what was left on the plate, it just showed how tasty this dish was. We were fighting for the last drop of the lemony and spicy gravy.

Basil Chicken with Kai Lan 3.8/5

To ensure the authenticity and quality of the cuisine, all kitchen staff were trained by Go-Ang founder Mr. Sombat Pruekpaiboon at the original restaurant in Bangkok. Hence, even simple dishes like Stir Fried Basil Chicken with Kai Lan seemed to exude a taste that was much elevated than what are available elsewhere.

Chendol 3.8/5

Red Ruby 3/5, Steamed Tapioca 3.5/5

For desserts, we tried Homemade Red Ruby with Coconut Ice Cream ($5.00) and Steamed Tapioca with Coconut Cream ($4.50). Homemade red ruby is a rare gem these days and these gems can also be found in their Thai Chendol ($5), which I highly recommend you to order it over your usual Thai Milk Tea. The strands of chendols were soft with a bite and so yummy to chew on when I seeped them with the milky concoction. Nothing was overly sweet, except for the red ruby but these are the gems that make them so delicious for the dessert. I like the steamed tapioca too, which was warm and comforting to end a meal.

Go-Ang Chicken Rice may not replace that sense of comfort and familiarity given by your favourite plate of chicken rice but it sure stirs up some excitement when you need it.

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.


Go-Ang Chicken Rice
Nex Shopping Mall
23 Serangoon Central
#B1-05/06
Singapore 556083
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Serangoon (CC Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours: 
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Serangoon MRT station. Take Exit B, E, G & H. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Senso Ristorante & Bar @ Club Street - Introduces New Moet & Chandon Courtyard Brunch Held Quarterly In A Year

Situated along Club Street and beside the buzzing district of Chinatown is Senso Ristorante & Bar - known for its high quality Italian fine-dining cuisine and impeccable service, this charming Italian restaurant serves up exquisite creations curated by a team of dedicated and passionate chefs with a strong focus on fresh produce and robust flavours. Beyond the unassuming shophouse facade, a probe into the premises reveals a classy interior with its colonial architecture, modern design and an al fresco courtyard, creating an excellent atmosphere that blends tradition and elegance wonderfully.

From October 2018, Senso launches a Moet & Chandon Brunch to be held every quarterly in a year. The first of all Moet & Chandon Brunch was held on 7th October 2018, with the Imperial Brut as the special theme. Diners can expect to indulge in free flow Imperial Brut, wines and beers in this Courtyard Brunch, which features a Pop-Up Champagne Bar, a buffet and live carving station. The subsequent Moet & Chandon Brunch will be held in the following months where diners can expect to indulge in a series of extravagant brunch buffet represented by different special themes:

October 2018 – Imperial Brut (by bottle)
December 2018 – 1.5L Imperial Brut with Golden Sleeve
March 2019 – Imperial Brut (Magnum)
June 2019 – Ice Imperial
September 2019 – Moet Rose
December 2019 – Moet Grand Vintage

Take a seat in the beautiful courtyard seating area and relish in a sip on your first glass of Moet & Chandon Imperial Brut. Refreshing with a crisp acidity and nuances of harmonious fruitiness, the House's iconic champagne features an utter balance between its layers of complex aromas and flavours - the perfect palate cleanser for the amount of rich flavourful dishes in anticipation of the brunch buffet.

Head straight for the antipasti sections of the buffet table, featuring a variety of appetisers which include the cold cuts such as the Chorizo, Aged Parma Ham, Salami, Mortadella, Breasola, the traditional Caprese Salad, a selection of cheeses such as the Parmesan, Fontina, as well as an assortment of freshly baked breads.

For something lighter, go for their selection of salads, which include the Mediterranean Cous cous Salad, Chicken Salad, Beef Salad, Pasta Salad, Vegetarian Pasta Salad.

Moving on from the antipasti to the more substantial mains, diners can expect an array of hot dishes, presented in alluring heaps within heated-up trays on the buffet table. The Senso Puree with Truffles features a bed of soft mashed potatoes elevated by a rich truffled aroma of the generous truffle pieces layered atop.

One of my favourite is the Beef Tenderloin with Black Pepper sauce. Despite being prepared in mass quantities and heaped on a tray, the beef is kept warm, retains a tender succulence that just melts in the mouth. The pepper sauce adds a rich flavour to the meat, while not being too overwhelming nor overshadowing the rich beef essence within.

The Sea Bass Fillet comes in a close second, with its soft tender meat that comes off easily with a fork beneath a thin layer of slightly crisp skin. The complementing flavours of the diced vegetables and Virgin sauce were on point as well, providing a good counterpoint to the natural sweetness of the fish to form a divine combination of depth and richness of flavours.

Apart from the pasta salads, opt for the Penne Arrabiata with al dente pasta boosting a good bite and texture, robustly flavoured and accompanied by a tinge of spice and umami which makes it a greatly addictive dish.

For the seafood lovers, expect fresh crustaceans such as the Fin De Claire Oysters and Steamed Tiger Prawns.

Ditto the Marinated Salmon and Norwegian Smoked Salmon - not to be missed out if you're a fan of salmon too!

Finally, end the brunch buffet on a sweet note with a selection of desserts such as the Tiramisu, Chocolate Cake, Raspberry Chocolate, Mango Mousse, or the excellent Pistachio Creme Brulee.

Overall, the brunch experience at Senso is defiinitely enjoyable, with scrumptious food selections and impeccable service rendered by attentive staff who are committed in keeping the champagne glasses filled to the end.

Guests are welcomed to extend the party from 3pm till late, with the option of The S bar A la carte drinks menu. Prices: $129++ (Early Bird) / $149++.

In case you have missed the special Moet & Chandon brunch, the Sunday Prosecco Brunch is available every Sunday, except during the special-themed Prosecco brunch and Moet & Chandon brunch. Diners can expect to indulge in Senso’s enhanced free flow Italian Prosecco Brunch, featuring an extensive selection of Italy’s finest and freshest produce; Salads, Antipasti, Hot Mains, Pastas, Desserts and more Italian Classics paired with Italian Bubbly as well. Prices: $68++ / $98++ (Served with free flow of Prosecco).

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.


Senso Ristorante & Bar
21 Club Street
Singapore 069410
Tel:+65 62243534
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Chinatown (NE Line, DT Line), Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm
Sat: 6pm - 1030pm
Sun: 11am - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk towards Club Street. Turn left on Club Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit F. Walk down Upper Cross Street to junction of Upper Cross Street and South Bridge Road. Continue down Upper Cross Street and turn right onto Club Street. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]