Crystal Jade Palace @ Takashimaya - Limited-time Special Menu of Reimagined Local Favourites to Celebrate National Day

With Singapore's National Day approaching, Crystal Jade's various restaurant concepts are proud to launch a limited-time special menu of 'Local-inspired Delights' (本地经典风味菜肴) dishes available from now to 30 September 2024. The chefs have meticulously crafted this menu to pay homage to local dishes and flavours. At Crystal Jade Palace, featured dishes include Chilli Crab in Golden Kueh Pie Tee Cup, Hokkien Live Prawn Noodle with Pork Lardon in Opeh Leaf, and more.

Other Crystal Jade concepts, such as Crystal Jade Golden Palace, Crystal Jade Pavilion, Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen, and Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao, will each offer their own special reimagined dishes. During this period, Crystal Jade Jadeite members and UOB Cardmembers can enjoy 20% off all promotional dishes (excluding dessert) when dining in.

Chilli Crab in Golden Kueh Pie Tee Cup 4/5

First, we had an elevated kueh pie tee - Chilli Crab in Golden Kueh Pie Tee Cup ($18.80). The crispy pastry shell was filled with crab meat shreds in a tangy and spicy chilli crab sauce.

Double-boiled Fish Maw with Sea Whelk, Black Garlic & Chicken Soup in Coconut 4.5/5

Next, we moved to a nourishing bowl of soup. The Double-boiled Fish Maw with Sea Whelk, Black Garlic & Chicken Soup in Coconut ($42 per person) was brimming with many ingredients. The heartwarming soup had a depth of black garlic and sweetness from red dates.

Seafood Medley in Lime Leaf & Chilli Crab Sauce served with Golden Mantou 4.2/5

Enjoy the local favourite chilli crab without the mess. Crystal Jade’s Seafood Medley in Lime Leaf & Chilli Crab Sauce served with Golden Mantou ($68 for regular) features scallops, mussels and prawns cooked in a rich chilli crab sauce.

The mantous were fried to the best crunch, ideal for mopping up the spicy-sweet sauce.

Sambal French Bean & Eggplant with Crispy Silver Bait 4.2/5

Our vegetable dish was the Sambal French Bean & Eggplant with Crispy Silver Bait ($26 for regular). The french bean and strips of eggplant are sautéed in a slick homemade sambal sauce that perfectly coated every vegetable, while the silver baits were fried to a perfect crunch.

Hokkien Live Prawn Noodle with Pork Lardon in Opeh Leaf 4.2/5

The Hokkien Live Prawn Noodle with Pork Lardon in Opeh Leaf ($32) easily won the hearts of my dining companions and me. The noodles were well-textured and not simmered too soft, paired with prawns simmered in a robust prawn and pork lard stock. Make sure to mix in their addictive house-made belacan, which is also sold in bottles at the reception counter.

Durian Chendol in Coconut 3.5/5

Our first dessert was a tropical-themed Durian Chendol in Coconut ($18.80 per person). The base includes typical chendol ingredients such as atap chee, red beans, and pandan jelly, topped with coconut ice cream and D24 durian pulp. This rendition was more of a 'dry' chendol, with much less coconut milk and ice.

I ♥ SG Red Ruby with Coconut Pudding 2/5

Decked in our national colours, the I ♥ SG Red Ruby with Coconut Pudding ($8.90 for four pieces) was created to pay homage to Singapore and the upcoming National Day. Unfortunately, we found it slightly bland, and its texture was a tad too sticky.

To make reservations, visit the restaurant website at www.crystaljade.com/reservation.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Crystal Jade Palace
Takashimaya Shopping Centre
#04-19
391 Orchard Road
Singapore 238872
Tel: +65 9017 5423
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Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 10.30am - 3.30pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Follow the walkway through Wisma Atria to Takashimaya. Continue walking straight at Ngee Ann City until destination. Journey about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B to Orchard Road. Head west or turn left onto Orchard Road against the flow of traffic. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Wah Lok Cantonese Restaurant @ Carlton Hotel Singapore - Celebrate The Year of The Dragon with an Ensemble of Lavish Experiences

Wah Lok Cantonese Restaurant at Carlton Hotel Singapore welcomes the Year of the Dragon with a splendid array of Chinese New Year offerings, featuring six meticulously curated set menus and exquisite takeaway options. The restaurant invites families, friends, and loved ones to partake in the joyous celebration of the Lunar New Year.

"Soon De" Style Yu Sheng

Commencing the festivities is the unique "Soon De" Style Yu Sheng, a refreshing toss of abundance featuring a plethora of shredded greens and thick cuts of sashimi-graded fish. This light and flavoursome Yu Sheng sets the tone for a prosperous year ahead.

Double-boiled Soup with Sea Whelk and Chicken

Next is the Double-boiled Soup with Sea Whelk and Chicken, a heartwarming bowl of goodness infused with the essence drawn from hours of meticulous double-boiling.

Pan-fried Scallops with Golden Sauce

The Pan-fried Scallops, sweet and plump, are paired with broccoli and adorned with a delectable homemade golden sauce, providing a delightful harmony of flavours.

Steamed Soon Hock with Mandarin Orange Skin

Continuing the auspicious tradition of consuming fish during Chinese New Year, Wah Lok presents the Steamed Soon Hock with Mandarin Orange Skin. The perfectly steamed fish receives a tangy lift from the Mandarin Orange Skin, adding an extra layer of flavour.

Roasted Duck

The Roasted Duck takes centre stage, boasting a perfectly crisp exterior and succulent, juicy meat—a delectable tribute to Cantonese culinary excellence.

Braised Pork Belly with Abalones and Potatoes

A newcomer to the menu is the Prosperity Pot, a lavish dish featuring slow-cooked pork belly, meticulously prepared abalones, and an array of symbolic ingredients such as potatoes, fat choy, and lotus roots, symbolizing abundance and good fortune.

Braised Ee Fu Noodles, shredded dried scallop, golden mushroom

As is customary in Chinese dinners, the meal concludes with a choice between rice and noodles. The classic Braised Ee Fu Noodles, adorned with shredded dried scallops and golden mushrooms, provide a comforting end to the savoury courses..

Chilled Peach Gum, Red Dates, Lotus Seeds, Gingko Nuts

Wrapping up the feast is the Chilled Peach Gum, a traditional Chinese sweet soup featuring red dates, lotus seeds, and gingko nuts—a sweet note to conclude the Lunar New Year celebration.

For reservations, contact Wah Lok at +65 6311 8188 or email wah.lok@carltonhotel.sg. For orders and delivery, reach out to the festive desk at +65 6349 1292, email cafe.mosaic@carltonhotel.sg, or visit https://celebrations.carltonhotel.sg

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Wah Lok Cantonese Restaurant
Carlton Hotel Singapore
76 Bras Basah Road
Singapore 189558
Tel: +65 6311 8188
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line), Bras Basah (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 1130am - 230pm, 630pm - 1030pm
Sun: 11am - 230pm, 630pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Cut through Raffles City Shopping Centre to Bras Basah Road. Walk to traffic junction of Bras Basah Road and North Bridge Road. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Bras Basah MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Bras Basah road. Turn left and walk down Bras Basah Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Usher In A Prosperous Year Of The Rabbit With Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant CNY 2023

Usher in a prosperous year of the Rabbit with Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant at Holiday Inn Atrium Singapore with perennial favourites for takeaways and lavish set menus.

Japanese Unagi Yu Sheng with Roselle Sauce 4/5

Instead of the usual salmon or abalone, Xin Cuisine introduces the new Japanese Unagi Yu Sheng with Roselle Sauce ($98/$138), starring mouth-watering and nutritious grilled Japanese unagi slices paired with chef's concoction of roselle sauce to give it a balance of sweetness with a hint of fresh flower.

Double-boiled Sea Whelk Soup with Dried Velvet Mushrooms 4/5

The Double-boiled Sea Whelk Soup with Dried Velvet Mushrooms is a hearty and nourishing bowl of goodness.

Baked Lobster in Superior Stock 4/5

Perfectly cooked to a delightful firm and bouncy texture is the Baked Lobster in Superior Stock.

Eight Treasure Duck 4/5

Besides the usual Pen Cai, the Eight Treasure Duck is a delicious alternative. The fork-tender duck is well flavoured by the braising sauce, accompanied by crunchy green broccoli.

Sliced Foie Gras with Roasted Chicken & Mango Sauce

The Sliced Foie Gras with Roasted Chicken & Mango Sauce is a delectable combination comprising creamy foie gras and tender roasted chicken gel together by the fruity sweetness from the mango sauce.

Braised Rice Vermicelli in Hong Kong Style 4.2/5

We had the Braised Rice Vermicelli in Hong Kong Style for our carb. The vermicelli has an interesting texture giving it a nice textural bite.

Chilled White Fungus with Kumquat and Peach Resin 3.5/5

Wrapping up the meal, we had the light and refreshing Chilled White Fungus with Kumquat and Peach Resin. A fitting dessert to wash down the richly flavoured Chinese New Year dishes and double up as a palate cleanser.

Xin Cuisine’s Chinese New Year Takeaways are available for order from 1 December 2022 till 2 February 2023 through its e-shop, for collection/delivery from 21 December 2022 to 5 February 2023. Order before 31 December 2022 to enjoy an early bird discount of 20% (key in promo code CNY20 to avail the offer).

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant
Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium
Level 4
317 Outram Road
Singapore 169075
Contact: +65 31382531
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Nearest MRT: Havelock Road (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Sun: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Havelock MRT station. Take Exit 5. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

JIDAI Restaurant @ Circular Road - Enjoy An Affordable 8 Course French Japanese Omakase

Located along Circular Road, the new 30-seater Izakaya restaurant JIDAI Restaurant specialises in Japanese-French Fusion dishes. Helmed by Chef Darwin Wong, JIDAI has recently launched an 8-Course Omakase dining experience at $88/pax.

Chile Uni 3.5/5

We began the omakase with a starter of Chile Uni with caviar and deep sea crab miso wrapped with crunchy green onions. However, we felt there was too much caviar on the uni, and together with the green onions, the uni taste was barely detectable in the wrap.

Botan Ebi and Sea Bream 4/5

Next, we had the fresh sashimi with Botan Ebi and Sea Bream.

Ponzu Sea Whelk 3.5/5

The Ponzu Sea Whelk, serrved on a bed of sea whelk shells, has a nice chewy texture. Best paired with the fermented mushroom sauce provided.

Engawa 3.8/5

The next poached dish is Engawa, with a thick cauliflower puree and red lumpfish caviar. We enjoyed the tender Engawa slice, though we felt that the cauliflower puree could be more flavourful.

Soup 3.8/5

A flavourful onion beef dashi is poured over the A5 Wagyu slices and mushrooms. We enjoyed the richness of the dashi used, though it was a tad salty for our liking.

Miso Atlantic Cod 4.2/5

As for the mains, you can take your pick of Miso Atlantic Cod or Lobster Charzuke at a supplement of $18. We had the former, which features Miso Atlantic Cod grilled and doused with an umami caviar creme, topped with ikura and paired with perfectly charred broccolini.

Mini Cones Chous Chous 4/5

For desserts, we had the Mini Cones Chous Chous. It is filled with crunchy chocolate ganache and was small enough to be eaten in a bite. It is a simple sweet treat towards the end of the meal.

Champagne Gelato 4/5

We ended the omakase on a sweet note with the Champagne Gelato, which comes with sake jello and crisps. It was sweet with a nice champagne flavour, a refreshing course after all the heavy-tasting dishes.

Diners can also elevate their dining experience with an alcohol pairing of Junmai Daiginjo at ($88/bottle). You can go even fancier with the 10-course omakase ($108++), but for something more affordable, they also serve ala carte dishes and set lunch menu.

Words and photos 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.


[CLOSED]
JIDAI Restaurant
9 Circular Rd
Singapore 049365
Tel: +65 81891849
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Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon: 5pm - 1030pm
Tue-Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 5pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit E. Cross the road. Walk to Upper Circular Road. Walk down the road to North Bridge Road. Cross the road and walk to Circular Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Herald In A Prosperous And Bountiful Lunar New Year At Jiang-Nan Chun

Herald in a prosperous and bountiful Year of the Rat with sumptuous delicacies and specialty menus from award-winning Jiang-Nan Chun, specially crafted for family or business festive feasting. Available from 06 January to 08 February 2020, Executive Chinese Chef Tim Lam has crafted festive menus that spotlight fresh, seasonal produce which are available at $158, $188, $238 per person for 6 courses, and range from $1158 per table of 8 persons to $6888 per table of 10 persons for 8 courses.

Abundance Abalone, Lobster and Salmon Yu Sheng

Toss to a year of prosperity, abundance and good fortune with the Abundance Abalone, Lobster and Salmon Yu Sheng. The fresh daily sourced lobster, abalone and salmon are complemented by hand-shredded seasonal vegetables, dressed in homemade condiments and sauces. The addition of pumpkin seeds, melon seeds and sunflower seeds give it a delightful healthy crunchy.

Double-boiled Bird's Nest Soup with Whole Dried Scallops and Sea Whelk

The Double-boiled Bird's Nest Soup with Whole Dried Scallops and Sea Whelk is a bowl of goodness packed with depth and robustness.

Deep-fried Prawns with Sliced Almond and Crispy Rice, Deep-fried Prawns with Wasabi Dressing

The next dish is very appropriate for Lunar New Year. Prawn pronounced as "Ha" in Cantonese, symbolises laughter and happiness and on the plate we have the prawn cooked in two ways, Deep-fried Prawns with Sliced Almond and Crispy Rice and Deep-fried Prawns with Wasabi Dressing. It is double happiness on a plate.

Steamed Star Garoupa with Superior Soy Sauce

Simple but yet steamed to perfection is the Steamed Star Garoupa with Superior Soy Sauce. The fish is moist with the superior soy sauce elevating the natural sweetness of the fish.

Jiang-Nan Chun Signature Roasted Duck

Not to be missed is the Signature Roasted Duck at Jiang-Nan Chun. Masterly roasted is the juicy duck meat with a thin layer of crispy aromatic skin.

Braised Six Head Abalone and Shiitake Mushrooms with Seasonal Vegetables and Black Moss

An auspicious festive dish is the Braised Six Head Abalone and Shiitake Mushrooms with Seasonal Vegetables and Black Moss. What makes the ingredients shine through is the delicious braising sauce.

Stir-fried Glutinous Rice with Preserved Sausages

Complete the meal with the Stir-fried Glutinous Rice with Preserved Sausages. Each mouthful of the fluffy rice is packed with a beautiful aroma, flavoured by the preserved sausages.

Chilled Coral Seaweed with Peach Resin

To place takeaway orders, please contact the Festive Desk at: (65) 6831 7253 or email: festiveseason.sin@fourseasons.com. It is recommended that orders are placed one day in advance, and the last pre-order date for takeaways is 22 January 2020. Delivery is also available at $60 per destination, subject to availability. For dining reservations, guests can contact Jiang-Nan Chun at: (65) 6831 7220 or email: jnc.sin@fourseasons.com.

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 68317220
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Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk towards Wheelock Place via ION. Exit Wheelock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Continue walking along Orchard Road. Walk to Hilton Hotel. Go to level 2. Follow the passageway to Four Seasons Hotel. Walk to destination. Journey time is about 12 minutes. [Map]

Summer Pavilion @ Ritz Carlton Hotel - New Tasting Menu Showcasing New Culinary Highlights

Congratulation to Summer Pavilion at Ritz Carlton Hotel for receiving its third consecutive one-star rating by the Michelin Guide Singapore. In celebration of this prestigious achievement, Summer Pavilion has launched a new tasting menu priced at $168 per pax, specially crafted by Chef Cheung Siu Kong. Diner can add an additional $88 for wine pairing.

Egg White with Caviar 3.5/5

We started with the Amuse Bouche which is Egg White with Caviar on a crispy seaweed. A delightful bite size starter, kick starting the meal at Summer Pavilion.

Smoked Duck with Crispy Beancurd Skin and Garden Greens 3/5

The first course is Smoked Duck with Crispy Beancurd Skin and Garden Greens. It is served with a basket of thin pancakes. we are supposed to wrap the ingredients with the pancake, similar to the way of eating Peking duck. The smoked duck and crispy beancurd skin which has been cut into cube shape, is a bit too small for me to appreciate the dish.

Double-boiled Chicken and Sea Whelk Soup with Fish Maw and Matsutake Mushroom 4.2/5

The Double-boiled Chicken and Sea Whelk Soup with Fish Maw and Matsutake Mushroom is both comforting and nourishing. It even comes with a huge piece of premium fish maw, which has a pleasant spongy texture.

Steamed Dong Xing Grouper Fillet with Green Pepper and Plum 4.5/5

The sourness of the broth elevated the enjoyment of the perfectly cooked Steamed Dong Xing Grouper Fillet with Green Pepper and Plum. I may called it steamed fish in two ways. For the adventurous diner, you can bite into the green pepper for a fiery kick finishing.

Sauteed Diced Miyazaki Wagyu Beef with Bitter Gourd in Black Bean Sauce 3.8/5

Love the tenderness of the Sauteed Diced Miyazaki Wagyu Beef in Black Bean Sauce. Unfortunately I thought the bitterness from the bitter ground was a bit of a distraction for me to fully appreciation the well executed beef.

Poached Vermicelli and Abalone in Fish Broth 4.8/5

My favourite dishes is the Poached Vermicelli and Abalone in Fish Broth. The highlight for me is not the abalone but the flavoursome fish broth that is packed with depth and flavours. Not forgetting the silky poached vermicelli that is liven by the delicious fish broth.

Chilled Purple Sweet Potato and Ginger Pudding 3/5 Sweet Potato Glutinous Rice Ball 4/5

For dessert, I have the Chilled Purple Sweet Potato and Ginger Pudding and Deep-fried Sweet Potato Glutinous Rice Ball. I find the ginger pudding a bit too spicy for my liking. As for the sweet potato glutinous rice ball, I enjoyed the fragrant and chewy dough with the sweet potato filling. 

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Summer Pavilion
Ritz Carlton Hotel
Level 3
7 Raffles Avenue
Singapore 039799
Tel: +65 64345286
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Nearest MRT: Promenade (DT Line)

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

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