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

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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
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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]

Kok Sen Restaurant @ City Square Mall - Eight Year Bib Gourmand Awardee Opens Second Outlet

The renowned Kok Sen Restaurant, a household name at Keong Saik with an impressive eight-year streak on the prestigious Michelin Bib Gourmand list, has expanded with a second outlet at City Square Mall. This milestone marks a new chapter for the family-run restaurant, which has been serving authentic Cantonese delights for over 54 years, spanning three generations.

Beyond its signature classics, the City Square Mall outlet also debuts exclusive dishes, offering both loyal patrons and new diners something fresh to look forward to.

Crispy Smoked Tea Duck 4/5

A highly anticipated new dish, the Crispy Smoked Tea Duck ($25/$50), is available in limited quantities daily. The duck is meticulously marinated for at least 8 hours in a secret sauce that deeply infuses the meat with rich flavours before being air-dried for 2-3 hours to remove excess moisture. It is then smoked and deep-fried to perfection, resulting in an incredibly light, crispy skin that complements the tender, fragrant meat.

Kok Sen's Original Big Prawn Thick Beehoon White Soup 4/5

Another City Square Mall exclusive is Kok Sen's Original Big Prawn Thick Beehoon White Soup ($19/$38/$57). This comforting dish features large, succulent prawns and thick rice vermicelli, all immersed in a robust, non-spicy superior prawn broth. Unlike the spicier, well-loved version at the Keong Saik outlet, this rendition stays true to the Wong Family's original recipe, which has been passed down for generations and enjoyed during festive celebrations, birthdays, and family gatherings.

Claypot Yong Tau Foo 4/5

A must-try staple at Kok Sen, the Claypot Yong Tau Foo ($18/$27/$36) is a hearty, comforting dish that highlights freshly made stuffed beancurd, brinjal, capsicum, and red chilli, all generously filled with a flavorful mix of squid and prawn paste. The dish is finished with a fragrant, umami-rich bean sauce, making every bite a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Deep Fried "Yu Gai" 3.5/5

The Deep Fried "Yu Gai" ($20/$30/$40) features thick, fleshy strips of deep-fried Toman fish meat fried to a golden crisp. What truly elevates this dish is the Chef's special dipping sauce, which enhances the fish's natural sweetness and adds a bold depth of flavour.

Roasted Pork with Black Sauce 4.2/5

The Roasted Pork with Black Sauce ($18/$27/$36) is a must-order for those who love a flavourful, saucy dish. Crispy, freshly roasted pork is wok-fried with caramelised onions and a rich, savoury-sweet black sauce, making it the perfect accompaniment to a bowl of steamed rice.

With its rich culinary heritage, new location, and exclusive dishes, Kok Sen's second outlet at City Square Mall is a fantastic addition to Singapore's food scene. Whether you're a long-time fan of their Michelin Bib Gourmand classics or eager to try their new, exclusive offerings, this expansion ensures that the Wong family's time-honoured flavours continue to delight old and new generations alike.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Kok Sen Restaurant
City Square Mall
180 Kitchener Road
#04-31/32
Singapore 208539
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Nearest MRT: Farrer Park (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 430pm - 9pm

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

Superfood Kitchen @ Raffles City - Making Nutritional Bowls Accessible to All

Superfood Kitchen has one mission - to improve the quality of living by making nutrition accessible to all. Their latest outlet is located at Raffles City, a dual-concept with their sister brand, The Green Bar. It is the first in Singapore to integrate a nutrition calculator into its self-ordering kiosks so that you can customize your diet based on your personal nutritional requirements based on Calories, Protein, Carbohydrates and Fats. The main offerings are Superbowl (from $7.90), Superburrito (from $6.90) and Salad (from $6.90). In addition, you can add your desired supplements to beef up the nutritional intake for each main.

Mediterranean Delight 4/5

There are six types of Superbowls featuring essential proteins such as chicken, beef and tofu. We tried the Mediterranean Delight, which comprises sous vide chicken breast as the protein, along with quinoa, tomato salsa, hummus peanut butter, pickled red onions, and roasted sea-salt pumpkin, served with garlic aioli dressing. The chicken breast was moist and tender. So even if you are a sceptic, do give it a try. The quinoa, being cooked in vegetable broth, was flavourful. The hummus here is made using peanut butter instead of tahini. Hence it lends a depth of nuttiness to this very light and refreshing grain bowl.

Crispy Tofu Balls

I also added other supplements such as Guacamole, Chilli Pickled Pineapple and Crispy Tofu Balls. The tofu balls are one of The Green Bar's specialities, perfect for a meatless option.

Smoked Duck Mango Tango 3.8/5

For Salads, a popular choice is the Smoked Duck Mango Tango ($14.90), featuring thick cuts of smoked duck, mangoes, beets, capsicums, and roasted cashews, served with citron dressing. The dressing complements the savoury and unctuous smoked duck with an additional drizzle of balsamic for extra acidity.

DIY Superbowl with Cajun Chicken

We also DIY a Superbowl (from $7.90/1 grain+ 1 protein + 3 supplements + 1 dressing) by choosing our preferred grain and supplements - Cajun Chicken, Quinoa, Burnt Broccoli, Beets, Mango and a citrusy Orange Vinaigrette. The Burnt Broccoli was tasty, and per additional portion is only 80cent! The Cajun Chicken was tender as well.

Superfood Kitchen also brought bottled juices and smoothies by this adorable brand Innocent to complement your meals.

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.


Superfood Kitchen
Raffles City
252 North Bridge Road
#B1-78
Singapore 179103
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily:11am – 9pm

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

Racines @ Sofitel Singapore City Centre - New Semi-dinner Buffet Showcasing Newly Minted Executive Chef Eric Seow's Culinary Creations

Racines at Sofitel Singapore City Centre has recently introduced a new dining concept to present a weekday semi-buffet dinner. This refreshed dining concept is also Chef Eric Seow's debut as the hotel's newly minted Executive Chef, allowing you to have a taste of his culinary creations. You can enjoy a choice of main course along with a well-considered spread of salads, soups, appetisers, and desserts.

Whole Salmon Confit

Starting from the Starters station, you will find a gorgeous Whole Salmon Confit with caviar, served with crème fraîche, chives, eggs and shallots.

Honey-smoked Duck Breast

Another of my favourite starters is these plump slices of Honey-smoked Duck Breast. The zesty sweet caramelised pineapple and tomato salsa cut through the meat's richness and livened the dish with vibrant flavours.

French Cheese and Charcuterie

Country Pate

Another highlight of this semi-buffet spread is the range of fine French Cheeses and Charcuterie available for selection. Apart from the beautiful cheeses, the housemade Country Pate with cognac, dried fruits and pistachios wrapped in bacon should be on your cheese board. It's perfect with a glass of wine or rose if you are in for more indulgence.

Sushi

Sahimi

Assorted Sushi and Sashimi are also available, beautifully arranged in Japanese-style boxes. Replacing the regular tuna sashimi with Tataki Tuna definitely sets itself apart from the usual buffet sashimi fare.

Chilled Seafood

There is also a small but well-curated seafood station.

Arborio Risotto 3.8/5

The Main courses feature a balance of western and Asian delights that showcase Chef Eric's strength in both cooking styles. If you wish to skip the meats, the lusciously creamy Arborio Risotto is toothsome with a chewy texture put together by short-grained rice and sauteed morel mushrooms. It comes with a finishing shaving of truffle to excite your senses.

Wagyu Flank Steak 4/5

Wagyu Flank Steak wows not just with its rich beefy flavour and tenderness, but I also appreciate how Chef Eric has given it a touch of Asian flair by giving it an umami dashi soy glaze.

Sambal Seafood Rice 4/5

Under the Asian selection, the humble sweet, and spicy Sambal Seafood Rice shines with a morish citrusy sambal paste that complements the fresh seafood and turmeric rice.

The buffet offers one of the best dessert selections. From mini caneles, rum babas, and chocolate tarts to dainty Fraisier Cake, a vanilla mascarpone with strawberries, sable breton and mixed berry sauce, they are each exquisitely made by the pastry chef. Also available are Belgian Waffles served a la minute with chantilly cream and berry compote from the live station.

Semi-Buffet Dinner at Racines is available Monday to Thursday, 6pm to 10pm.
- $88++ per adult
- $44++ per child (6 to 11 years old)

For dining reservations, please visit https://bit.ly/racines-weekday-buffet. For enquiries, please call +65 6428 5000 or email HA152@sofitel.com.

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.


Racines
Sofitel City Centre
9 Wallich Street
5th floor
Singapore 078885
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT Station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Ristorante Takada @ Alexis Condominium - An Italian-Japanese Restaurant By Chef Masahiro Takada

Ristorante Takada is an Italian-Japanese restaurant located at Alexis Condominium. It is helmed by Chef Masahiro Takada, who has honed his skills in Michelin-starred restaurants in Italy and Japan. We have the 5-course Omakase Dinner priced at $158.

Before starting the omakase dinner, we are served complimentary bread paired with olive oil and balsamic.

Mushroom Soup 4/5

We started with dinner with Mushroom Soup served in a coffee cup. With the layer of foam, it felt like we were having a cup of mushroom cappuccino.

3 Kind Of Mix Appetizer 3.5/5

Our first course is a Trio of Appetizer. We have Scallop & Prawn, Burrata with Tomato & Parma Ham, and Smoked Duck on the plate. I felt the appetizer lacked the finesse I was expecting, but they were good tasting.

Lobster with Hokkaido Scallop and Hamaguri Clam 4.2/5

The next course is the lavish Lobster with Hokkaido Scallop and Hamaguri Clam drenched in a bright orange sauce. I am not sure what the sauce is, but it is sweet, creamy, and tangy that complements the fresh seafood.

Tagliolini Hokkaido Sea Urchin with Squid Ink Sauce 4.2/5

For the pasta dish, we have the Tagliolini Hokkaido Sea Urchin with Squid Ink Sauce. There are two ways of enjoying the pasta. The first is to appreciate the creaminess and sweetness of the uni. Second, you can have it with the squid ink sauce to enjoy another taste profile from the sea.

Miyazaki A5 Wagyu Tenderloin Steak with Red Wine Sauce 4.8/5

For mains, it was the Miyazaki A5 Wagyu Tenderloin Steak with Red Wine Sauce cooked beautifully to medium-rare. Known as the best wagyu beef in Japan for its signature marbling, the meat stood out for its buttery texture and dense beefy flavour.

Dessert 4/5

Wrapping up the five-course dinner is a trio of desserts. On the plate, we have a slice of Burnt Cheesecake, Tiramisu and Raspberry Sorbet. The tiramisu is a bit heavy for me with the soaked alcohol in the finger. I have a light palate; hence my preference is the burnt cheesecake and raspberry sorbet.

Petite Four

Last but not least, we have Madeleine for Petite Four. The soft sponge cake with crispy edge completes an enjoyment omakase meal at Ristorante Takada.


Ristorante Takada
356 Alexandra Road
#01-07
Singapore 159948
Tel: +65 63393969
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Website
Nearest MRT: Queenstown (EW Line), Redhill (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 12pm - 2pm, 6pm - 10pm
*1st & 3rd week of month, closed on Mon & Tue
*2nd & 4th week of month, closed on Mon

Direction:
1) Alight at Queenstown MRT station. Take Exit B or C. Walk to bus stop at Queenstown MRT Station (Stop ID 11149). Take bus number 195. Alight 2 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Redhill MRT Station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite Redhill MRT station (Stop ID 10201). Take bus number 33, 120. Alight 3 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Qi Xiang Hot Pot @ The Chevrons - Popular Chicken Pot In Kovan, Opens New Hotpot Restaurant In The West

Qi Xiang Hot Pot at The Chevrons is proudly brought to you by the team behind Qi Xiang Chicken Pot. Known for its unique beer-infused chicken pots, the restaurant also uses traditional claypots, and what you get is one of Singapore's first-ever yuan yang claypot options. What's more, it opens till 3am daily!

The restaurant will also be offering free-flow drinks, fruits and condiments for $5 per pax. Among the various condiments, be sure to get its in-house special chilli sauce, which is full of zing and adds a fiery kick to every bite.

Pumpkin Soup 4.8/5

Soup bases options include its Signature Broth ($29.90 for full or half pot) which has brought them to fame, but I chose other two which complement each other - a soul comforting and nourishing Pumpkin Soup ($29.90 for full or half pot), juxtaposing a piquant and zingy Green Pepper Sauerkraut Dory Fish Pot ($37.90 for full pot, $20.80 for half pot). The Pumpkin Soup takes more than 5 hours to be ready, and supposedly rich in chicken and pork collagen. That was quite evident in the deep chicken flavour underneath the sweet pumpkin note. You can even amp up the chicken broth by pairing it with Qi Xiang Hotpot’s Famed Boiled Chicken ($9.90 for half chicken or quarter thigh meat options, $15.90 for whole chicken).

Green Pepper Sauerkraut Dory Fish Pot 4.8/5

On the other hand, the latter was highly stimulating with a broth cooked with herbaceous peppercorns, ginger, sour mustard leaves, and laced with chilli oil. I like this version versus a full-blown mala soup. It gives that pleasant peppercorn aroma and a fiery kick without the greasiness. What's interesting is the addition of dory fish to emulate the concept of sliced fish bee hoon.

Japanese Wagyu Beef

Iberico pork

The menu features over 80 delectable options, including premium shabu shabu meat featuring Australian Wagyu Beef ($49.90 for full portion, $24.90 for half portion) and Japanese Wagyu Beef ($135.90 for 300g, $67.90 for 150g). Of course, there is seafood as well, such as prawns and Tioman fish slices.

Smoke Infused Duck Breast Braised in Szechuan Sauce 4.5/5

But what jazz up this hotpot menu is its range of sides. For instance, this Smoke Infused Duck Breast Braised in Szechuan Sauce ($18.90) is a rather well-considered dish prepared through the precise cooking methods of being braised, sous-vide, then tea smoked with umami-packed house-made Szechuan sauce. I love the fats that lace around the meat, which made each slice tender and succulent.

XO Homemade Carrot Cake 3.8/5

If you like deep-fried carrot cake, you may find this XO Homemade Carrot Cake ($10.90) sinfully good. Each chunk of carrot cake is turned into a crispy morsel tossed with crispy egg bits, beansprouts and spring onions, dressed in dollops of XO sauce.

Prawn Pizza 4/5

Another delectable bite is this crowd-pleasing Prawn Pizza ($9.90). The filling in between the thin crisp was pretty well done, with bits of prawns to provide that bit of a bite.

To celebrate the new opening, you can enjoy the following promotions:
- No service charge (June 2021 to August 2021)
- Free Mee Sua Dish for birthday diners

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.


Qi Xiang Hot Pot
The Chevrons
48 Boon Lay Way
#03-06
Singapore 609961
Tel: +65 88086730
Facebook
Website: Nearest MRT: Jurong East (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am – 3am

Direction:
1) Alight at Jurong East MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk to junction of Jurong Gateway Road and Boon Lay Way. At the junction. turn right and walk down Boon Lay Way. At the junction of Jurong East Street 11 and Boon Lay Way, cross the road and continue down Boon Lay Way. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Jurong East MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Jurong East Bus Interchange (Stop ID 28009). Take bus number 52 or 105. Alight 7 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 20 minutes. [Map]