Showing posts with label Sesame Ball. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sesame Ball. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 1, 2025

Yan (宴) @ National Gallery Singapore - Ring in the Year of the Snake with an Abundant Feast

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With the Lunar New Year just around the corner, Yan (宴) at the National Gallery Singapore is ushering in the festivities with a spread of traditional Cantonese delicacies. Featuring six specially curated dine-in set menus priced between $138++ and $288++ per person, the restaurant also offers an extensive array of a la carte dishes and festive treats, ensuring something for every palate. Here's a glimpse of the celebratory dishes that set the tone for an auspicious and indulgent year ahead.

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Kaleidoscope of Prosperity Yu Sheng in "Shun De" Style with Yellowtail Slices and Sakura Shrimps

The Kaleidoscope of Prosperity Yu Sheng ($128/$178) offers a refreshing take on the traditional festive favourite. Inspired by the "Shun De" style, this version features a vibrant mix of julienned vegetables, crispy fried vermicelli, and a savoury soy sauce-based dressing that sets it apart from the usual sweet iterations. Elevated with the addition of sakura shrimps, it delivers a delightful crunch and layered flavour, making it a standout choice for a prosperous Lunar New Year toss.

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Braised Chicken and Pumpkin Broth with Fish Maw and Conpoy

The Golden Pumpkin Broth with Fish Maw and Conpoy was a highlight of the meal. This rich and creamy soup blends chicken broth with golden pumpkin puree, creating a velvety texture and a subtle sweetness. A generous piece of Hua Jiao (fish maw) adds a luxurious touch with its bouncy, firm texture, making every spoonful deeply satisfying.

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Sauteed Australia Scallops with Asparagus and Black Truffle Sauce

The Sautéed Australian Scallops left a lasting impression with their impressive size and plumpness. Lightly seasoned and sautéed to perfection, the scallops were delicately coated in a fragrant black truffle sauce, complementing their natural sweetness. Served alongside poached asparagus and stir-fried capsicums, this dish is both visually appealing and deliciously balanced.

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Steamed Soon Hock Fillet with Sliced Yunnan Ham and Black Mushroom, Seasonal Green

Fish symbolises abundance during the Lunar New Year, and the Steamed Soon Hock Fillet exemplifies this tradition. Deboned and meticulously arranged with Yunnan ham, shiitake mushrooms, julienned ginger, and carrots, the Soon Hock is steamed to tender perfection. The ham's subtle saltiness enhances the fish's natural sweetness, making this dish a standout addition to the festive menu.


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Poached Chicken marinated with Chinese Wine and Conpoy

One of the most memorable dishes of the meal was the Poached Chicken steeped in a flavourful blend of Chinese herbs, hua tiao wine, hairy fig, conpoy, and yellow gardenia. The gardenia lends the chicken a natural yellow hue while infusing it with a distinct herbal aroma. The tender kampong chicken is further elevated by the subtle sweetness and fragrance of the wine, making this dish a favourite.

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Braised South Africa Whole Abalone with Noodles and Superior Oyster Sauce

The luxurious Braised South African Whole Abalone served with noodles, and superior oyster sauce was a fitting final savoury dish. The 4-head abalone, braised to perfection, showcased a delightful combination of bouncy texture and rich flavour, while the noodles soaked up the oyster sauce beautifully, making for a satisfying and indulgent plate.

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Chilled Roselle Flower Jelly with Barley, Deep-fried Sesame Balls

Dessert was a two-part affair, featuring the Chilled Roselle Flower Jelly with Barley and Deep-fried Sesame Balls. The roselle jelly provided a refreshing and slightly tangy contrast to the hearty meal, while the sesame balls, filled with pandan lotus seed paste and melon seeds, offered a chewy texture and nutty aroma, thanks to the toasted sesame seeds. This harmonious combination of flavours and textures was the perfect way to conclude the meal.

Yan (宴) has curated an array of celebratory menus that beautifully blend traditional Cantonese flavours with contemporary touches. The Kaleidoscope of Prosperity Yu Sheng, the velvety Pumpkin Broth, and the decadent Braised Abalone are just a few highlights that exude festive indulgence. For those seeking a memorable dining experience to welcome the Year of the Snake, Yan is sure to deliver an auspicious feast.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Yan Restaurant (宴)
National Gallery Singapore
1 St Andrew's Road
#05-02
Singapore 178958
Tel: +65 63845585
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit D. Turn left and walk down North Bridge Road. Turn left onto Coleman Street. Walk down Coleman Street. Walk to destination. Journey time around 5 minutes. [Map]

Thursday, April 20, 2023

Crystal Jade Group Of Restaurants - Mother's Day And Seasonal Menu Promotion

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In conjunction with the upcoming Mother's and Father's Day, Crystal Jade Group's portfolio of fine and casual-dining restaurants has launched several limited-time promotions – ranging from High-Tea sets and special set menus alongside seasonal a la carte dishes. The promotions are available from now till 30 June 2023.

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Cucumber & Assorted Mushroom Dumpling 4.5/5, Steamed Squid with Water Chestnut Dumpling 4.5/5, Deep-fried Beancurd Roll with Pork Floss & Seaweed 2.5/5

Available at Crystal Jade Palace, Crystal Jade Golden Palace and Crystal Jade Pavilion for the first time, these three fine-dining establishments offer specially-curated High Tea sets, over two weekends each, in May and June, in the late afternoon from 3pm – 445pm. A peek into the Crystal Jade Pavilion Sea High-Tea set, we tried the Cucumber & Assorted Mushroom Dumpling served together with two seasonal dim sum items from Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen - Steamed Squid with Water Chestnut Dumpling ($7.80/3 pieces) and Deep-fried Beancurd Roll with Pork Floss & Seaweed ($7.80/3 pieces). I enjoyed both the dumplings. They were exquisite, with thin skin and fillings that were on point with flavours and texture. However, the deep-fried beancurd roll was a tad greasy for me.

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Chilled Boneless Kampung Chicken 4/5

Crystal Jade Palace presents two very tantalising dishes. The first to be served was Chilled Boneless Kampung Chicken with Scallion & Sand Ginger ($36 for half, $70 for whole). The chicken was deliciously succulent and tender, marinated in a mixture of chopped spring onions and sand ginger that lent incredible fragrance, flavour and freshness.

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Stewed Chinese Yam Vermicelli with Sesame Chicken & Shredded Ginger 4/5

The 2nd dish was a nourishing and warming Stewed Chinese Yam Vermicelli with Sesame Chicken & Shredded Ginger ($32 for regular (3-4 persons)). The sesame flavour was more of an undertone, making the broth much lighter than expected and delightfully comforting. The Chinese yam vermicelli is specially brought in to create this dish. Its texture is a cross between rice vermicelli and glass noodles.

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Steamed Whole Deboned Fish wrapped in Crystal Jelly 5/5

From Crystal Jade Golden Palace, I was awed by this high-skilled dish - Steamed Whole Deboned Fish wrapped in Crystal Jelly in Teochew Style (Seasonal price). The live fish is first filleted, then wrapped with shiitake mushroom, red chilli, preserved vegetables, Chinese celery and shredded ginger in a delicate mung bean sheet, and steamed in a light stock flavoured with preserved vegetables and enlivened with fresh tomatoes.

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Hakka Grandma's Pork Belly with Preserved Vegetable 3.5/5

In contrast with the above, Hakka Grandma's Pork Belly with Preserved Vegetable ($28/4 pieces) is a very homely dish that entices with thick cuts of pork belly doused in a dark, rich sauce with Preserved Vegetables. The preserved vegetables were surprisingly quite balanced in flavour, and it would have been a perfect combination if the pork belly had been more tender.

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Deep-fried Assorted Mushroom & Lotus Roots 3/5

Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao & Jiang Nan presents Deep-fried Assorted Mushroom & Lotus Roots in Chef's Special Spicy Cumin Powder ($16.80). Using mushrooms and crunchy lotus roots instead of meat gives a different form of enjoyment. However, I would prefer the mushrooms to be less thinly sliced so each fried piece has a 'meatier' bite.

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Superior Bird's Nest with Taro Paste in Deep-fried Sesame Ball 3/5

Crystal Jade Palace High Tea set, Crystal Jade Golden Palace High Tea set & Crystal Jade Pavilion High Tea set are priced at $68++ per person (minimum 2 persons to dine). Each delectable high tea set includes two appetisers, four dim sum, a soup, a main, two desserts, and free flow of Chinese tea and coffee. You can also opt to top up $58 for a bottle of Prosecco Cecilia Beretta NV (750ml).

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Mango Passionfruit Sorbet with Bird's Nest 3.5/5

An extensive selection of set menus is available at Crystal Jade Palace, Crystal Jade Golden Palace and Crystal Jade Pavilion. Each menu comprises off-the-menu creations, from $488 for 6 persons to $1,688 for 10 persons.

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.

Friday, November 26, 2021

Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant @ Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium - New Signature Dishes Crafted By Chef Chan Kung Lai

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Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant at Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium presents 4 new signature dishes crafted by their Head Chef Chan Kung Lai. Hoping to bring a taste of his hometown, Hong Kong, to Singapore, he has infused his speciality in seafood in his new launch.

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Combination Platter 4/5

We started with an appetiser that showcases some of Xin Cuisine's signature bestsellers - Home-style Roast Duck with Tea Leaves, Deep Fried Prawn coated with Yuzu Sauce and Stir-fried Assorted Mushroom with White Truffle Oil. My favourite would be the prawn which held a very light crispy batter that gave it a slight crunch, brightened with a fruity and citrusy yuzu sauce.

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Stir-fried Lobster with Egg White and Crab Roe 4/5

Stir-fried Lobster with Egg White and Crab Roe holds a piece of succulent lobster atop a cloud of egg white. The crab roe acts as the perfect seasoning for the subtlety of their flavours.

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Poached Sea Perch with Chinese Rice Wine 4.5/5

The Poached Sea Perch with Chinese Rice Wine displayed an even richer texture and flavour to a seared or baked version, taking another approach to their usual sea perch dish. The Chinese Rice Wine broth was a key to this dish, too - savoury sweet, and the smell of it was so comforting that it brought this dish to another level.

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Seafood Poached Rice in Superior Broth served with Crispy Rice 3/5

A mainstay of their menu is this Seafood Poached Rice in Superior Broth served with Crispy Rice. While the flavour of the Seafood Poached Rice and its texture were great, I feel a much richer broth would have made this dish even more enjoyable.

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Deep-fried Sesame Ball with Red Bean and Chocolate Liqueur Filling 3/5

Our dessert was a modern version of a deep-fried sesame ball - Deep-fried Sesame Ball with Red Bean and Chocolate Liqueur Filling. Akin to having a liqueur filled chocolate, a bite into it and outflow the hot chocolate liqueur lava. I like the mochi-like dough that was very chewy but wasn't heavy and dense at all. The alcohol element was a pleasant surprise, but I wish for more red bean filling with the mochi dough.

Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant also serves a la carte dim sum. It offers delivery for orders made through its eShop, Foodpanda, GrabFood and Deliveroo. Follow its Facebook page or newly launched Instagram account @xincuisine for new launches and promotions.

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.


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

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

Direction:
1) Alight at Tiong Bahru MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Tiong Bahru MRT station (Stop ID 10169). Take bus number 123. Alight 4 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]