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

Sunday, August 30, 2026

Jiang-Nan Chun @ Four Seasons Hotel Singapore - Infuses Hong Kong Roots with Singaporean Flair For New Taste Of Hongkong Menu

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Jiang-Nan Chun’s Taste of Hong Kong has been refreshed, with a menu inspired by the roots and culinary journey of Chinese Executive Chef Alan Chan. The updated menu celebrates the flavours, traditions and memories of Cantonese dining, while reflecting his experiences in Singapore.

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Steamed Pork & Prawn Dumpling with Lava Quail Egg 4/5

We started with a few classic dim sum dishes, each with an interesting take. The Steamed Pork & Prawn Dumpling with Lava Quail Egg ($12) had a quail egg stuffed within, offering a slightly more textural bite than a regular dumpling. While my quail egg did not have much of a lava yolk, I appreciated the less meaty bite it gave the dumpling.

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Steamed Pork Dumpling with Laksa Broth 4.5/5

The Steamed Pork Dumpling with Laksa Broth ($10) had an impressive amount of laksa broth wrapped inside. The broth was flavoursome without being overly coconutty, although I felt it could have been less salty.

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Steamed Bun with Salted Egg Yolk 3.5/5

The Steamed Bun with Salted Egg Yolk ($9) offered a milkier take on the familiar salted egg yolk bun. The custard was almost reminiscent of condensed milk, with a much milder salted egg yolk flavour. Diners who enjoy custard buns but prefer them without the stronger, savoury salted egg yolk flavour may enjoy this version.

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Steamed Rice Roll with Crispy Prawns 4.8/5

The Steamed Rice Roll with Crispy Prawns ($22) was one of my favourites. The rice roll was thin with a good bite, while the crispy prawns had an airy texture that worked particularly well with the rice roll.

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Braised Pork Trotters, Quail Eggs, Ginger & Sweet Black Vinegar 3.5/5

Moving on to the traditional dishes, the Braised Pork Trotters, Quail Eggs, Ginger & Sweet Black Vinegar ($28) tantalised with jiggly pork trotters and a gelatinous bite. It was not the most tender version I have had, but the flavours were on point.

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Pan-Fried Stuffed Three Treasures 4/5

The Pan-Fried Stuffed Three Treasures ($22) was quite a homely dish. Each bite was well seasoned, with a satisfying mouthfeel from the stuffing, while nothing came across as overly greasy.

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Hong Kong Noodle Soup with Beef Rib Fingers & Tendon 5/5

The Hong Kong Noodle Soup with Beef Rib Fingers & Tendon ($28) satisfied with succulent chunks of beef rib fingers, while the tendons were delightfully tender, with an almost melt-in-the-mouth texture. The broth was full-bodied with a good depth of flavour.

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Braised E-Fu Noodles with Beef & Satay Sauce 3.5/5

The Braised E-Fu Noodles with Beef & Satay Sauce ($25) was surprisingly hearty, with generous slices of tender beef. While the satay sauce didn’t quite come through, the overall flavour was well balanced, and the beef was nicely seasoned. The noodles were tender but could have done with a little more bite.

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Deep-Fried Black Sesame Glutinous Rice Ball 5/5

Rounding off our meal was a delicious morsel of Deep-Fried Black Sesame Glutinous Rice Ball, followed by a petite four.

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Petite Four

Overall, the refreshed Taste of Hong Kong brings together familiar Cantonese favourites with playful touches and flavours influenced by Singapore, offering diners a chance to revisit the classics through Chef Alan Chan’s culinary lens.

Taste of Hong Kong is only available on Saturdays, Sundays & Public Holidays.
Time: 1130am–230pm

Photos and words by Si An. A homebody who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, the smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


Jiang Nan Chun (江南春)
Four Seasons Hotel Singapore
Second Floor
190 Orchard Boulevard
Singapore 248646
Tel: +65 68317653
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 2pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 11. Walk straight down Orchard Boulevard Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 6 minutes. [Map]


Friday, August 14, 2026

Tim Ho Wan @ Westgate - Celebrates Singapore’s Food Culture with Flavours of Singapore Dim Sum

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This National Day, Tim Ho Wan pays tribute to Singapore’s rich and diverse food culture with its limited-time Flavours of Singapore menu, taking familiar local favourites and giving them an inventive Hong Kong dim sum twist.

Available from 21 July to 31 August 2026 at all Tim Ho Wan outlets islandwide, the menu features five creations inspired by flavours Singaporeans grew up with, from laksa and bak chor mee to orh nee and luncheon meat fried rice. While the combinations may sound unconventional at first, the menu is a playful meeting point between two beloved food cultures.

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Laksa Seafood Dumplings 叻沙海鲜饺 4.2/5

The Laksa Seafood Dumplings 叻沙海鲜饺 ($7.90 for 3pcs) deliver an appetising spicy kick right from the start. Hand-wrapped with a striking butterfly pea-infused skin, the azure-hued dumplings are filled with succulent shrimp and sweet scallops. The dish stands out for the laksa broth that accompanies the dumplings. Rich and creamy with coconut milk and aromatic spices, the broth carries the distinctive fragrance of rempah with a gentle heat that lingers on the palate. The delicate seafood filling works nicely with the robust laksa base, creating a dish that feels both familiar and distinctly different from the usual dim sum offering.

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‘Bak Chor’ Rice Rolls 肉脞皱皮肠粉 4.2/5

Of all the creations, the ‘Bak Chor’ Rice Rolls 肉脞皱皮肠粉 ($9.50) were perhaps the one I was most sceptical about initially. After all, combining silky Hong Kong-style cheong fun with the flavours of Singapore’s bak chor mee sounds like an unusual pairing. Yet, it surprisingly works. The smooth rice rolls are dressed with tangy black vinegar and homemade chilli sauce, then topped with savoury minced pork, braised mushrooms and, of course, crispy pork lard. The combination hits many of the familiar notes of a good bowl of bak chor mee — tangy, spicy, savoury and deeply umami. For me, the vinegar kick made the connection work. That sharp tang cuts through the richness of the minced pork and crispy lard, while the soft rice rolls provide a completely different texture from the usual noodles. It is an inventive take that retains the character of bak chor mee without simply recreating the dish.

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‘Orh Nee’ Salted Egg Sesame Ball 芋泥金沙煎堆 4.2/5

Sesame balls are a staple at Hong Kong dim sum restaurants, and Tim Ho Wan gives this familiar favourite a local makeover with the ‘Orh Nee’ Salted Egg Sesame Ball 芋泥金沙煎堆 ($7.50 for 3pcs). The golden sesame-coated glutinous rice balls have a delightfully chewy exterior, giving way to a smooth and velvety taro paste inspired by the classic Teochew dessert. At the centre is a luscious, molten salted egg yolk filling, adding a rich savoury note against the yam’s natural sweetness. The combination is particularly enjoyable for those who like the sweet-savoury contrast of salted egg yolk. The fragrant sesame coating, chewy glutinous rice, creamy taro and molten salted egg come together in layers, making this a fitting end to the meal or a sweet bite to share.

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XO Fried Rice with Bacon & Luncheon Meat 培根午餐肉XO炒饭 4.2/5

Even the humble fried rice gets a Singaporean spin with the XO Fried Rice with Bacon & Luncheon Meat 培根午餐肉XO炒饭 ($13.90). Fragrant rice is wok-fried with Tim Ho Wan’s house-concocted XO sauce, giving every grain a savoury depth and subtle spicy seafood umami. Generous pieces of bacon and luncheon meat add saltiness and a hearty bite, while the XO sauce ties it all together with complex seafood notes. It is familiar and comforting, but with a distinctly more robust profile. The luncheon meat and bacon also add a nostalgic touch, making this a rather homely fried rice that works well as a sharing dish alongside the dim sum.

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Baked Black Pepper Roasted Duck Bun 酥皮焗黑椒烧鸭包 4/5

Tim Ho Wan’s renowned baked buns also get a limited-time makeover with the Baked Black Pepper Roasted Duck Bun 酥皮焗黑椒烧鸭包 ($9.50 for 3pcs). The signature golden, buttery pastry gives way to a savoury roasted duck filling generously coated in the chef’s black pepper sauce. The crisp, slightly sweet crust contrasts nicely with the tender duck inside, while the black pepper adds aromatic warmth that builds with every bite. Compared to the classic baked char siu bun, this version is more savoury and peppery, with the roasted duck giving the filling a deeper, meatier flavour. It is a satisfying variation that should appeal to fans of both Tim Ho Wan’s signature baked buns and Singapore’s love for bold, peppery flavours.

Tim Ho Wan’s Flavours of Singapore menu is an interesting exploration of how two food cultures can come together without losing their individual identities. Rather than simply adding local ingredients to existing dim sum, the menu draws inspiration from the flavours, textures and nostalgia associated with some of Singapore’s most recognisable dishes.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Tim Ho Wan
Westgate
3 Gateway Drive
#01-13/14
Singapore 608532
Tel: +65 66862000
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Nearest MRT: Jurong East (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 10am - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 9am - 10pm

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


Thursday, January 22, 2026

Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant (萬豪軒) @ Marriott Tang Plaza Singapore - A Reunion of Bountiful Prosperity

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Set within Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel, Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant once again ushers in a luxurious Lunar New Year celebration. Renowned for its refined Cantonese cuisine and timeless sophistication, the restaurant marks the season with an opulent showcase of premium ingredients, meticulous craftsmanship, and exquisite flavours. This Year of the Horse, Wan Hao presents a series of curated multi-course menus and festive specialities that blend tradition with contemporary finesse.

We had the pleasure of experiencing the Celebrations of Abundance 6-Course Set Menu ($268.80++ per person, for 5-10 persons), served with their Tea-Smoked Grain-Fed Duck in place of the BBQ Suckling Pig with soft crepe. Though it comes at a premium, every course demonstrates careful curation, precise techniques and top-tier ingredients. From start to finish, each dish left a lasting impression.

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Wan Hao Prosperity Yu Sheng 4.2/5

We began our dinner with the Wan Hao Prosperity Yu Sheng. Trust me when I say that this Yu Sheng is really loaded with lots of premium seafood, including Rock Lobster, Hokkaido Scallop, Japanese Yellowtail, Sturgeon Caviar, Salmon and Salmon Roe. Impressively presented in the shape of a horse for the media tasting, the enthusiastic Lo Hei was a festive start to the evening.

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Tea Smoked Grain-Fed Duck 4.8/5

Next came the Tea-Smoked Grain-Fed Duck, a meaningful dish as duck symbolises good luck and good health during the Lunar New Year. Wan Hao’s rendition is elegantly conceptualised and perfectly executed. The duck is slowly marinated, then air-dried for 24 hours to achieve that crispy, golden skin and tender meat. It is finally finished with an aromatic smoke of osmanthus, Long Jing tea leaves, and sugarcane, giving it a subtly sweet, floral fragrance that is fantastic. This duck is also available for takeaway ($78 nett for half, $138 nett for whole).

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Wan Hao Bird’s Nest Eight Treasures Pot 4.8/5

The Wan Hao Bird’s Nest Eight Treasures Pot is nothing short of impressive. What stood out immediately was the vibrant, collagen-packed broth. The pot was brimming with premium ingredients, featuring 5-Head South African Abalone, Sea Cucumber, Black Moss Dace Fish Bean Curd Skin Bag, Pork Tendon, Free-range Chicken, Japanese Shiitake Mushroom, Fish Maw, Prawns and more. Very indulgent and nourishing, I simply had to finish every drop of that delicious broth.

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Stewed Lobster with Trio Onion in Spicy Superior Light Soy Sauce 4.5/5

The Stewed Lobster with Trio Onion in Spicy Superior Light Soy Sauce was another beautifully presented dish. The lobster was succulent with plenty of meat, absorbing the savoury depth of the superior light soy sauce while still retaining its natural sweetness. It highlights both the lobster's freshness and the Chef’s skill in harmonising flavours.

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Cantonese Style Claypot Rice 4.5/5

Many at my table eagerly anticipated this Cantonese-style Claypot Rice, and it certainly delivered. Fragrant and aromatic, the rice is first mixed with foie gras and Superior Light Soy Sauce, creating a rich, tasty base. It is then served with cured duck, Chinese sausage, and Hong Kong Chye Sim, resulting in a delicious rice dish that delivers comforting, familiar flavours.

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Trio of Desserts 4.2/5

Concluding on a strong note, the Trio of Desserts offers three sweet treats, each with its own delightful texture. The Red Bean Glutinous Rice Ball coated in shredded coconut was soft and satisfyingly chewy. At the same time, the Deep-Fried Sesame Ball with custard delivered the perfect contrast: crisp on the outside, warm and gooey within. Rounding off the trio, the Chilled Bird’s Nest with Snow Pear and Rock Sugar provided a light, refreshing, and icy finish.

Whether for family reunions or intimate celebrations, the menu delivers abundance and auspiciousness befitting the season.

Photographed and penned by Shermine. Through her pictures and stories, she shares her journey of savouring new flavours and experiences. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant (萬豪軒)
Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel
320 Orchard Road
Singapore 238865
Tel: +65 6831 4605
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11.30am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

Tuesday, November 25, 2025

Xita Lao Tai Tai (西塔老太太) @ Bugis+ - Launches 4 Pax Feastive Feast

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Suppose you enjoy tasty barbecue, hearty dishes, and the lively atmosphere of communal dining. In that case, Xita Lao Tai Tai Bugis+ is ready to welcome you for a season of feasting and gatherings this holiday season. Known for its Korean-influenced Clay Stove Barbecue grills, signature marinades, and charmingly nostalgic interior, Xita Lao Tai Tai has built a following in Singapore’s ever-evolving BBQ scene. It is also well worth joining their membership programme, as members get to enjoy special deals and attractive discounts.

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Festive Set BBQ Platter

Their seasonal Festive Set is priced at $108 for members (usual price $151.80) and includes four types of BBQ meat: the Xita BBQ Meat Tower, pork belly, pineapple-glazed beef rib fingers, and secret-marinated chicken chop. It consists of a cold-dressed chicken appetiser, joyful sesame balls, and strawberry ice burst for dessert.

We also ordered some a la carte items to complement our experience. I was pleasantly surprised that the team helped grill all the meats for us, which made the experience relaxed, enjoyable, and completely fuss-free. We could focus on eating and chatting while the staff refilled our plates.

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Banchan/Accompaniments, Drinks

Along with our meal, we were served a generous selection of accompaniments, including kimchi, fresh lettuce for wraps, potato salad, and a comforting pumpkin soup. We also enjoyed some refreshing iced slushies, which were perfect for cooling down between all the grilling and feasting.

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The highlight of the Festive Feast has to be the Xita BBQ Meat Tower, dressed for the festivities with charming decorations and stacked generously with assorted cuts. Each cut is well-seasoned, tender, and neatly portioned for easy sharing.

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Pineapple Glazed Beef Rib Fingers

The Pineapple Glazed Beef Rib fingers come with a tangy, lightly sweet glaze that helps tenderise the meat, and the natural richness of the beef pairs beautifully with these flavours. The grilled pineapple slices were a delightful treat as well.

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Pork Belly

No barbecue meal feels complete without Pork Belly, and the slices here are deeply marinated, allowing the fat to render into a crisp outer layer with a soft, melty centre.

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Pork Collar

The Pork Collar, which is not part of the Festive Feast but is a recommended add-on, is another excellent choice. It is slightly leaner than the belly yet still wonderfully succulent, and it grills beautifully over the claypot heat. Both cuts are the sort of crowd-pleasing staples that disappear quickly once the grilling begins.

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Secret Marinated Chicken Chop

The Secret Marinated Chicken Chop is juicy and stays wonderfully tender on the grill, with a comforting flavour that makes it an easy crowd-pleaser at the table.

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Golden Tofu

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Cold Dressed Chicken

For a light side dish, golden tofu is satisfying yet straightforward, adding a pleasant contrast to richer meats. The Cold Dressed Chicken appetiser, part of the set, is served chilled and refreshing, offering a gentle, clean-tasting start before the grilled items begin to arrive.

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Seafood Pancake

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Golden Glutinous Rice Ball

The Seafood Pancake came out nice and crispy, but unfortunately, we found it a little too oily for our liking. The Golden Glutinous Rice Ball, on the other hand, was satisfyingly yummy and chewy, with a slight sweetness.

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Clam Soup

The Clam Soup is light, clear, and subtly sweet from the clams. It helps cleanse the palate between bites and is also comforting to sip while waiting for the next round of grilling, especially amid all the smoke and warmth from the stove.

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Joyful Sesame Balls

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Strawberry Ice Burst

Two desserts are included in the festive set. The Joyful Sesame Balls are pleasantly crisp on the outside and chewy on the inside, with a sesame filling. To conclude, the Strawberry Ice Burst is light, fruity and refreshing, making it ideal after a table full of smoky and savoury dishes. It is, however, on the sweeter side.

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In conclusion, dining at Xita Lao Tai Tai Claypot Stove BBQ is lively and well-suited for gatherings. If you are looking for a fun place in town to celebrate with friends or simply enjoy a good BBQ with quality meats, Xita Lao Tai Tai is a wonderful option this season.

Photographed and penned by Shermine. Through her pictures and stories, she shares her journey of savouring new flavours and experiences. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Xita Lao Tai Tai (西塔老太太)
Bugis+
201 Victoria Street
#04-06
Singapore 188067
Tel: +65 6908 4181
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 3pm, 5pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit C. Cross the road. Turn left and walk down Victoria Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]