Golden Peony @ Conrad Centennial Singapore - Curate Your Own Dining Experience

Golden Peony at Conrad Centennial Singapore has launched a new menu which allows you to craft your own 5-course lunch and 6-course dinner with interchangeable dishes at each course. Priced at $48 and $68 respectively, there are also options to switch up the dining experience with a minimal price top-up for more premium ingredients such as lobster and abalone.

We started off with a platter of small bites consisting ‘London’ Duck Pancake Roll and Chili Crab Meat Swan Pastry. The 2 individual slices of London Duck allowed me to savour their flavourful fats without any distraction. The pancake roll that comes with a piece of crispy beancurd skin rides on its contrasting meaty texture for a satisfying bite. The Swan Pastry was similar to a fried yam puff, with chilli crab meat replacing the usual minced pork, and had a notable crisp and airy exterior.

The second course is a nourishing Double-boiled Baby Abalone Soup with sea whelk, conpoy, bamboo pith, served in a golden mini pumpkin.

For our third course Fish, we had Steamed Sea Perch (+$8), served with preserved capsicum chilli. The fish on its own was really tasty- it was firm, mildly sweet and almost buttery-like a cod. I didn't find the sauce an ideal choice for the fish though.

Up next was Poultry/Meat and we had Baked Kurobuta Pork Homemade Signature X.O. Sauce, wrapped with Parma Ham. The meat was succulent and tender, but what was strongly lacking I find was a good sear on both sides to render its fats and impart a depth of smoky flavour to the meat. The Parma Ham would have served its purpose better in flavouring the meat if it was given enough heat to crisp up more.

For Rice/Noodle, Stewed Half Lobster (+$18) was served in egg gravy, accompanied by a crispy egg noodle ball. If you enjoy Cantonese Seafood Yee Mee, this will definitely be up your alley - The lobster was at the right doneness, and the crispy egg noodle strands provided much aromatic crunch to every bite. The egg gravy was light but flavoursome, which was one of the keys to making this dish so delightful.

Summing up our meal is Chilled Cream of Avocado and Vanilla Ice Cream served with cute little heart-shaped red bean and coconut pudding. The different flavours synced well with one another, and the sweetness was just right.

Written 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.


Golden Peony
Conrad Centennial Singapore
2 Temasek Boulevard
Singapore 038983
Tel: +65 64327482
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 1130am - 230pm, 630pm - 1030pm
Sun: 1030am - 230pm, 630pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit B. Continue walking along Temasek Avenue to destination Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Jia He Chinese Restaurant @ One Farrer Hotel Connexion - Serving Traditional Chinese Classics And Reimagined Dishes

Opened just November 2019 within the Connexion in Farrer Park, Jia He Chinese Restaurant offers a wide array of Chinese cuisine dishes from traditional Chinese classics such as Steamed BBQ Pork Bun to reimagined dishes such as Steamed Bak Kut The Xiao Long Bao. Not to be missed as well are their signature dishes such as Crispy Hor Fun with Seafood and Egg Sauce. Helmed by chefs with decades of experience from various top hotel dining restaurants along with one that specialises in the art of dim sum creation, diners can expect premium-grade dishes at affordable prices.

Sauteed Stuffed Button Mushroom with Truffle Sauce 4/5, Steamed Bak Kut The Xiao Long Bao 4.2/5

We started off with the appetiser dishes - Sauteed Stuffed Button Mushroom with Truffle Sauce ($14) and Steamed Bak Kut The Xiao Long Bao. The uniquely flavoured bak ku teh xiao long bao has a rich herbal broth encased in a delicate beetroot dumpling skin, while the sauteed stuffed button mushroom was juicy with a nice crisp texture.

Double Boiled Chicken Soup with Stuffed Pig Maw, Shark's Fin and Sarawak Pepper 4/5

Next, we had the Double Boiled Chicken Soup with Stuffed Pig Maw, Shark's Fin and Sarawak Pepper ($138) which was luscious and rich. The stuffed pig maw and shark's fin is added to up the indulgence and provide the boast in flavours and textures of this nourishing soup.

Crisp-fried Fillet of Sea Perch with Lemongrass and Pepper 3.8/5

Crisp-fried Fillet of Sea Perch with Lemongrass and Pepper ($18) features a crispy fish fillet dressed in a spicy-sweet lemongrass sauce.

Wok-fried Live Prawn with Garlic and Shallot 3.8/5

The Wok-fried Live Prawn with Garlic and Shallot ($28) was plump and juicy, coated in a thick sweet, spicy sauce which elevates the taste of the fresh seafood.

Crisp-fried Hor Fun with Seafood and Egg Sauce 4/5

The Crisp-fried Hor Fun with Seafood and Egg Sauce ($24/small) comes in the form of crispy seafood hor fun. A skinnier version of deep-fried skinny kway teow is used for the dish and is paired with a thickened egg seafood gravy. The nest of fried hor fun lost its crispiness when smothered by the egg gravy, and gave a crackling sound as it softens.

Roasted Peking Duck 4/5

The Roasted Peking Duck ($55/whole) is the highlight of our meal. The duck air-dried for 24 hours before being barbecued, basting the meat and rendering the skin extremely crispy. Best enjoyed with some vegetables and wrapped in a thin pancake.

Chilled Back Glutinous Rice with Ice Cream 4.2/5

To round off the meal, we had the Chilled Black Glutinous Rice with Ice Cream ($7) from their desserts menu. The Black Glutinous Rice is encased in a firm ring of coconut jelly, and also comes with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to add a subtle sweetness and luxurious mouthfeel to the black glutinous rice.

To commemorate Singapore’s 55th Birthday, Jia He will be having a 30% discount for their Lunch & Dinner ala-carte menu for both dine-in and takeaways/delivery (with free delivery for orders above $50). For dine-in customers, with spending above $100 per table, will get a free Signature Peking Duck; for takeaway/delivery customers, with minimum spending of $100 and above, we will also get a delicious Signature Roasted Duck for free too.

Apart from having a delicious NDP 55 promotion till end of September, Jia He also offers a Dim Sum Brunch Cum Hi-Tea every weekend.  Customers can enjoy a variety of dishes ranging from handmade Dim Sum, desserts and even Roasted Peking Duck for just from just $20.80++ (Min 4 Pax). There are three sessions in total: 1045am to 1245pm, 1pm to 3pm & 315pm to 515pm.

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.


Jia He Chinese Restaurant
One Farrer Hotel Connexion
1 Farrer Park Station Rd
#01-14/15/16
Singapore 217562
Tel: +65 6694 8988 / +65 6694 9466 / +65 8870 8988
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Farrer Park (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am – 3pm daily (a-la-carte), 530pm - 10pm

Weekend & Public Holiday [Buffet]
3 Seating: 10.45am / 1pm / 3.15pm

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

Blossoming Fortune, Chinese New Year Celebration At Conrad Centennial Singapore

For the Year of Rat, Chef Ku Keung from Golden Peony at Conrad Centennial Singapore has prepared a selection of signature dishes, as well as six specially curated set menus for a gastronomic reunion experience. The Chinese New Year dishes and takeaways are available from 6 January to 8 February 2020.

Fortune Salmon and Crispy White Bait Yu Sheng

Available for more dine-in and takeaway is the Fortune Salmon and Crispy White Bait Yu Sheng ($68/ $128). The addition of the crispy whitebait provides the extra textural enjoyment, tossing to a year of abundance and prosperity.

New Bedford Scallop

The sweet and plump New Bedford Scallop is dressed in Butternut Pumpkin Sauce and topped with  Crispy Potato Crumbs for texture.

Crispy Soft Shell Crab, Parsnip Puree with Spiced Salt

Somewhat similar to the Bi Feng Tang cooking style, The Crispy Soft Shell Crab is paired with parsnip puree with spiced salt.

Prosperity Eight Treasure Congee with Black Truffle

The highlight goes to the Prosperity Eight Treasure Congee with Black Truffle. Not only does it look pretty in presentation, but it also tastes heavenly too. The comforting bowl of congee is smooth and silky, with the taste further elevated by the addition of black truffle. I would add the pickled lettuce and youtiao for complete enjoyment of the congee.

Steamed Sea Perch with Spiced Coconut Milk

A new creation is the Steamed Sea Perch with Spiced Coconut Milk. It is an adventurous take for a Cantonese restaurant. It is like having curry fish head but in a more refined manner, though I wish the spiced coconut milk can be spicier.

Roasted Suckling Pig filled with Portuguese Chicken Rice

A signature at Golden Peony is their Roasted Suckling Pig. Every year the restaurant will introduce a unique stuffing for the suckling pig. This year the suckling pig is filled with Portuguese chicken rice.

Chilled Dragon Fruit with Crystal Ball

Wrapping up our meal is the Chilled Dragon Fruit with Crystal Ball. The chilled soup tangy, yet refreshing with a subtle fruity sweetness.

Golden Peony's Lunar New Year menus are available from $128/pax or $1,398 for a table of 10 pax. The special Chinese New Year dishes at Golden Peony and takeaways are available from 6 Jan to 8 Feb 2020. For reservation, visit www.connoisseur.sg or call +65 64327482/88. Festive takeaways can call +65 64327489 or email sinci.festive@conradhotels.com

 Note: This is an invited tasting.


Golden Peony
Conrad Centennial Singapore
2 Temasek Boulevard
Singapore 038983
Tel: +65 64327482
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 1130am - 230pm, 630pm - 1030pm
Sun: 1030am - 230pm, 630pm - 1030pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit B. Continue walking along Temasek Avenue to destination Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Hai Tien Lo @ Pan Pacific Singapore - Elevating Classic Cantonese Flavours With Fresh Interpretations

Hai Tien Lo at Pan Pacific Singapore welcomes new Executive Chef Ben Zeng who has more than 25 years of culinary experience working in several celebrated Cantonese restaurants including Hakkasan Miami in Amercia and most recently Cassia at Capella Singapore. He has also refreshed the menus, showcasing reimagined traditional and contemporary delicacies.

Hai Tien Lo Chef's Specialty Combination 4/5

Our dinner started with the Hai Tien Lo Chef's Specialty Combination which features Pan Fried Scallop and Sliced Crispy Barbecued Suckling Pig stuffed with Prawn Paste in Thai sauce. The scallop was beautiful cooked, plump and juicy. As for the suckling pig, the addition of the prawn paste for the texture contrast and was well received.

Double Boiled Chicken Soup served in Young Coconut 4.5/5

The Double Boiled Chicken Soup served in Young Coconut is first boiled for hours with ham, pork bone and chicken to extract the essence. It is then transfer to the young coconut and boiled another 1.5 hours to infuse the refreshing and sweetness of the coconut. You can also find abalone, dried scallop, fresh prawn and Chinese mushrooms in the soup.

Deep Fried Crispy Sea Cucumber stuffed with Minced Pork and Shrimps 4.2/5

Sea cucumber can be an acquire dish for some but the rendition from Chef Ben in the Deep Fried Crispy Sea Cucumber stuffed with Minced Pork and Shrimps will change that perspective. The deep frying gives the sea cucumber a more delightful texture while the stuffed minced pork and shrimps adds on to the texture. Even my table of diners, some of them that do not eat sea cucumber find it acceptable with out the mushy or slimy texture.

Baked Silver Sea Perch Fillet with Kumquat Chilli Sauce 4.5/5

Another beautifully cooked dish is the Baked Silver Sea Perch Fillet with Kumquat Chilli Sauce. The freshness of the fatty silver sea perch is complemented by the kumquat and chilli sauce, allowing the buttery flavour of the sea perch to shine through. It is rounded off with the fruity orange peel flavour which is baked together with the fish.

Stir Fried Scallops with Pumpkin and Black Bean Sauce

The Stir Fried Scallops with Pumpkin and Black Bean Sauce reminds me of the flaming pineapple dish at Lokkee. However this is way much better and different. Chef Ben has brought something new to the table, cooking scallops with pumpkin and black bean sauce. Unlike the flaming pineapple which merely reinterpreted a traditional dish with premium ingredients and put on a gimmicky show.

Wok Fried Rice with Lobster and Ginger Spring Onion 4/5

Like all Chinese dinner, we end the savoury dishes with a noodle or rice dish. We have the Wok Fried Rice with Lobster and Ginger Spring Onion. The fried rice is packed with wok-hei boosted by the egg aroma. It even comes with half a lobster for a luxe enjoyment.

Chilled Lemon Grass Jelly and Lime Sorbet 4/5

Wrapping up the dinner, we have the light and yet refreshing Chilled Lemon Grass Jelly and Lime Sorbet. The sweet Aiyu jelly is served with the lime sorbet and drizzle with lemon juice for a zesty finish.

Diners can enjoy Chef Ben’s contemporary twists to classic fare, emphasising on elevating the natural taste of quality premium produce, through creative ingredient pairings and combination cooking methods, while retaining a harmonious balance of flavours in the dish. Guest will be taken on an impeccable tasting journey through top-quality seafood specialities, delicious roasts, wholesome soups, flavoursome dim sum and more.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Hai Tien Lo
Pan Pacific Singapore
7 Raffles Boulevard
Level 3
Singapore 039595
Tel: +65 68268240
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 630pm - 1030pm

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