Peach Blossoms @ PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay - Discover The Evolution of Modern Chinese Cuisine by Chef Edward Chong

Peach Blossoms at PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, under the guidance of Chef Edward Chong, has elevated Chinese cuisine to a whole new level with his innovative interpretations and exquisite presentation, earning the respect and admiration of diners.

Deep-fried 'Cigar' Roll 5/5

The dish that has been making waves on everyone's social media feeds is the Deep-fried 'Cigar' Roll. It arrives in a cigar box, and the presentation is akin to a cigar. It is a clever twist on the traditional Chinese crispy duck spring roll. The cigar is essentially a crispy roll enveloping freshly peeled snow crab, prawn mousse, foie gras, and black truffle. It is accompanied by Beijing duck sauce and Japanese sesame sauce, adding a delightful fusion of flavours.

Double-boiled Soup 4.5/5

An exceptional Double-boiled Soup is created from fresh Jeju abalone and free-range chicken. It features a rare and precious ingredient - the Sarcodon Imbricatus wild edible mushroom from China, which is known for its rich nutrients, tender flesh, and unique aroma.

Applewood-smoked Iberico Pork Belly 4.2/5

Inspired by Stephen Chow's iconic movie dish, "黯然销魂饭" (Sorrowful Rice), this creation is a deconstructed masterpiece. It includes tenderized and marinated Pork Belly slow-roasted over binchotan charcoal and smoked with applewood for a delightful fragrance. The dish is garnished with a quail egg and substitutes traditional rice with a golden, thin, crisp rice wafer.

Steamed Carrot Cake 4.5/5

The Steamed Carrot Cake, enhanced with Boston Lobster, Shiso Leaf, and Aromatic Lemongrass Sauce, is an off-menu creation that adds a luxurious and inventive twist to a traditional dish. The in-house "gan xiang" sauce elevates the silky-smooth, flavorful steamed carrot cake, complemented by charcoal-grilled Boston lobster.

Crab Roe Collagen Braised Mung Bean Noodles 5/5

My favourite from the evening is the Crab Roe Collagen Braised Mung Bean Noodles. This dish celebrates the rich flavours of crab in two delightful ways. First, there's the freshness and natural sweetness of the crab, showcased through a massive claw. Second, a seafood paste, skillfully created from crab meat, prawns, and water chestnut, coats the chewy mung bean noodles in a flavorful broth. The dish is enhanced by vinegar pearls, reminiscent of the Shanghainese tradition of savouring crab with drizzles of vinegar. And it doesn't end there – the dish is further enriched by a generous shaving of housemade crab roe, meticulously derived from seven female crabs, marinated with ten years hua diao wine, blended and slow-baked for two hours.

Chilled Peach Resin served in Philibon French Charentals Melon 4.5/5

Chilled Peach Resin, served in a Philibon French Charentals Melon, is an elegant and refreshing dessert. A cold melon soup blended with Hokkaido milk is poured into a half-carved melon, accompanied by melon balls and collagen-rich peach resin. Even the desserts at Peach Blossoms are executed with finesse.

Sweet Cart of Treasures 4.2/5

Dessert gets a unique twist with a Dessert Trolley, cleverly served from a dim sum cart. This delightful trolley offers a range of Chinese sweet treats, including Durian Sandwich, classic White Sugar Sponge Cake, fragrant Jasmine Tea Mousse, Taro Lava Puff, and delectable Salted Egg Yolk Lava Puff. Chef Edward's sweet offerings are an exquisite way to conclude a remarkable dining experience at Peach Blossoms.

Peach Blossoms at PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay offers innovative modern Chinese cuisine under Chef Edward Chong's guidance. Signature dishes include the Deep-fried 'Cigar' Roll and Double-boiled Abalone Soup with Sarcodon Imbricatus. The Applewood-smoked Iberico Pork Belly and Steamed Carrot Cake are inventive highlights. The Crab Roe Collagen Braised Mung Bean Noodles and Chilled Peach Resin in Melon are truly exceptional. A unique dessert trolley adds a delightful touch to the experience. Chef Edward's creative interpretations shine throughout the menu.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Peach Blossoms
PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay
Level 5
6 Raffles Boulevard
Singapore 039594
Tel: +65 68451118
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Nearest MRT: Esplanade (CC Line), Promenade (CC, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 3pm, 630pm - 1030pm
Sat-Sun: 11am - 3pm, 630pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn right and walk down Raffles Boulevard. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Raffles Boulevard. Cross the road at Millenia Walk or Marina Square. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Joie @ Orchard Central - Restaurant with Modern Meatless Cuisine in Orchard Central’s Rooftop Garden

Tucked on the 12th floor of Orchard Central is Joie, a restaurant that prides itself on bringing diners a modern meatless menu with Japanese-European elements. It shares the top floor with one other restaurant and the mall's rooftop garden, with views overlooking the bustling Orchard Road.

Joie offers a 4 or 5-Course set for lunch and a 6-Course for dinner. The prices are as follows:

4-Course Lunch
$38++ on Mondays to Fridays, except Eve of Public Holidays and Public Holidays

5 Course Lunch
$50++ Daily

6-Course Dinner
$78++ on Mondays to Thursdays
$88++ on Friday to Sunday, Eve of Public Holidays and Public Holidays

For this visit, we had two sets of the 6-Course Dinner and hence could sample more dishes as indicated individually below. Beverages are not included, but Joie offers quite a comprehensive list of alcoholic drinks and a more straightforward non-alcoholic list containing mocktails, coffee, tea and soft drinks.

Complimentary Snack - Spaghetti Sticks

We were first served with a complimentary crunchy snack of Spaghetti Sticks in two flavours, spiced and non-spiced.

Palate Cleanser - Passionfruit Sorbet

After that, we were treated to Passionfruit Sorbet, which was intended to cleanse our palates before beginning the course properly. However, it could have been less icy and a lot less sweet to provide a lighter and more refreshing start.

Starter - Chef’s Selection of Assorted Platter 3/5

However, we were uncertain if it was intentional, but the capsicum kebab was made with a mix of vegetables in their raw form, and the raspberry sphere was overly sweet with a flat burst of flavour.

However, we were uncertain if it was intentional, but the capsicum kebab seemed to be just made with a mix of vegetables in their raw form, and the raspberry sphere was overly sweet with a flat burst of flavour.

Side Dish - Bailing Mushroom on Paper Hot Pot 2.8/5

Our first side dish was the Bailing Mushroom on Paper Hot Pot. We appreciated the chunky yet soft-texted mushrooms here, but the accompanying soup was overly sweet, making it challenging to savour fully. A more balanced base would have enhanced the overall enjoyment.

Side Dish - Gratinated Champignon with Mozzarella 2.8/5

For our second side dish, we had the Gratinated Champignon with Mozzarella. I looked forward to it when I saw the copious amount of cheese and golden-brown crust, but I was disappointed with the meagre portion of button mushrooms. The bread meant to pair with the Belgian endives was, unfortunately, a bit stale.

Cold Dish - Tuna Cold Steak 1/5

We ordered the Tuna Cold Steak as our first cold dish, which had marinated watermelon with dill mustard dressing and a topping of pine nuts. The texture of the 'steak' was soft, but flavour-wise, it was cloyingly sweet.

Cold Dish - Vegetable Sashimi On Ice with Oyster-Leaf Shooter Glass 2/5

We've had vegetarian sashimi a couple of times before this and were excited to try Joie's carefully plated rendition - Vegetable Sashimi On Ice with Oyster-Leaf Shooter Glass.

Instead of the usual konjac for the sashimi, they've ventured to use other elements, such as coconut, huai shan and aloe vera. The platter featured 'salmon, octopus, jellyfish and abalone', arranged from left to right. It was served with soy sauce and an oyster-leaf shooter glass. Unfortunately, like the previous dishes, most of these items leaned towards the sweeter side. We would have preferred a better balance with more savoury elements.

Soup - Japanese Kunbu Broth with Hand Carved Tofu 1/5

Our first choice of soup was the Japanese Kunbu Broth with Hand Carved Tofu. We understand from the menu that it was meant to be a double-boiled Japanese seaweed consomme, but what we had was regrettably bland.

Soup - Infusion of Cepes & Truffle 3/5

The Infusion of Cepes & Truffle was a better bowl. The mushroom soup here had delightful bits of mushroom and carried a mild truffle fragrance.

Main - Truffle Risotto 2.8/5

There are 5 mains to choose from for the dinner course. The Truffle Risotto with a croquette on top, mascarpone cream, greens, and black truffle didn't quite meet our expectations. The risotto had a thick porridge-like texture, lacking the desirable al dente bite. Additionally, we would have appreciated the croquette more if it had been served hotter and crunchier to provide better textural contrast.

Main - Grilled Summer Mushroom Steak on "Pu Ye" Hot Stone 3/5

Our second main, the Grilled Summer Mushroom Steak on "Pu Ye" Hot Stone, fared better. Beyond the visual presentation, the "Pu Ye" hot stone was intended to keep the dish hot. The mushroom steak here highlights a well-grilled monkey head mushroom with a mild smokiness. While the deep-fried spaghetti was too oily, I would have liked more of the truffle mashed potato as it was smooth and carried a good amount of flavour.

Dessert - Yoghurt Pudding 2.5/5

The Yogurt Pudding dessert had a watery texture, lacked the expected tangy yoghurt notes and leaned towards the sweeter side.

Dessert - Homemade Cheesecake with Oreo 2.8/5

Our last dessert was their Homemade Cheesecake with Oreo. It was average, with a decent amount of cheese flavour.

Unfortunately, our visit to Joie fell short of expectations. While we valued the warm service, the food quality needed to align with what we anticipated from a casual fine dining establishment. Many dishes lacked flavour or erred on the side of excessive sweetness. We hope this was an isolated occurrence and hope to experience better in the future.

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.


Joie
Orchard Central
#12-01
181 Orchard Road
Singapore 238896
Tel: +65 9663 0901
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit C or D. Walk to Orchard Central. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Jia Wei Chinese Restaurant (嘉味) @ Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy - Timeless Flavours, Modern Twists: Rediscovering Jia Wei's Culinary Charms

After a hiatus, I recently dined at Jia Wei Chinese Restaurant (嘉味) at Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy, and I was delighted to discover that the restaurant's culinary standards remain consistent. Jia Wei offers a unique blend of homely, traditional dishes infused with a modern touch while staying true to its classic roots.

Crispy Local Soft Shell Crab, Ice Plant Ume infused Tomato, Yuzu Dressing 4.2/5

I had previously enjoyed the Crispy Local Soft Shell Crab with Ice Plant ($23), and I was pleased to find that it still featured the refreshing salad dressed in vibrant yuzu dressing. The use of ice plant, not commonly found in Chinese cuisine, provided a delightful combination of crispiness from the soft shell crab with the crunch and refreshment of the ice plant.

Ah Ma Prawn Hae Chor 4.2/5

The Ah Ma Prawn Hae Chor ($22) was deep-fried to a golden brown. Unlike the usual Hae Chor, which tends to be meaty, this version had a delightful crunchy bite enriched by the sweetness of prawns.

Braised Beetroot Soup, Sweet Corn, Beancurd 4.2/5

Having tried the Kale Soup on a previous visit, I opted for the Braised Beetroot Soup ($14) this time. The sight of the colourful soup was already appetising, and the addition of sweet corn balanced the earthy profile, resulting in a delicious finish. The beancurd added an extra layer of texture contrast.

Wok Fried A4 Wagyu Striploin, Fresh Wasabi 4.8/5

The Wok Fried A4 Wagyu Striploin ($68) was thickly cut into cubes, showcasing impressive marbling. It was cooked to perfection—tender and juicy, complemented by asparagus to cut through the richness of the beef.

Wok Fried Scallop, Japanese Mountain Yam, Edamame, Yuzu Miso Sauce 4.5/5

The Wok Fried Scallop with Japanese Mountain Yam ($40) featured plump and sweet scallops, complemented by fresh and crunchy Japanese mountain yam. Edamame provided extra texture and enhanced the overall enjoyment, all brought together by a delicious yuzu miso sauce.

Jia Wei Ocean Gems Vermicelli in Opeh Leaf 4.2/5

For a taste of nostalgia, the Jia Wei Ocean Gems Vermicelli ($28) was served in an opeh leaf, a tradition that's somewhat uncommon nowadays. The opeh leaf infused the dish with a subtle aroma. Despite its pale appearance, the dish was bursting with robust flavour from a variety of seafood.

Chilled Homemade Coconut Pudding, Vanilla Ice Cream 5/5

A must-try dessert is the Chilled Homemade Coconut Pudding with Vanilla Ice Cream ($16). The coconut pudding is crafted from fresh coconut water, resulting in an extremely light, smooth, and refreshing treat. Served with vanilla ice cream and lychee pops, it's a delightful conclusion to the meal.

Chilled Osmanthus Jello 4.2/5

Another delightful dessert is the Chilled Osmanthus Jello ($7.80), which strikes a perfect balance of sweetness and features the beautiful aroma of osmanthus.

Jia Wei Chinese Restaurant continues to offer a delightful dining experience with its harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary flavours. Whether you're savouring familiar classics or innovative creations, there's a treat for every palate.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Jia Wei Chinese Restaurant (嘉味)
Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy
50 East Coast Road
Marine Parade Road
Singapore 428769
Tel: +65 6340 5678
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Nearest MRT: Dakota (CC Line), Paya Lebar (CC, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Block 99 (Stop ID 81181). Take bus number 31. Alight 6 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Paya Lebar MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop along Paya Lebar Road (Stop ID 81111). Take bus number 43, 76, 134 or 135. Alight 8 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 18 minutes. [Map]

Burma Social @ Tras Street - A Feast of Six Kingdoms, Harmonizing Culinary Inspirations from Neighbouring Countries with Burmese Cuisine at Its Epicentre

Burma Social at Tras Street stands as a pioneering multicultural restaurant and bar, presenting a captivating Feast of Six Kingdoms. This innovative concept harmoniously blends traditional Burmese recipes with contemporary influences from its neighbouring nations like China, Thailand, India, Bangladesh, and Laos. Beyond its culinary offerings, Burma Social aspires to offer an immersive journey into the rich culture and heritage of the Burmese people. The restaurant's diverse atmosphere across different levels, accompanied by varying music, entices guests to explore the multifaceted realms of Myanmar.

Raw Coconut Milk & Broccolini with Flying Fish Roe 3/5

We started with the Raw Coconut Milk & Broccolini with Flying Fish Roe ($22). This dish challenges expectations, for it's different from our local laksa. Instead, it's a lighter, more delicate soup that artfully captures the essence of the Burmese sea. The flying fish roe imparts a delightful fragrance while adding Burmese coriander and crushed Burmese nuts introduces an extra layer of umami, creating a fascinating blend of flavours.

Lahpet Nay Wai Thoke 2.8/5

Moving on, the Laphet Nay Wai Thoke - Tea Leaf ($18) offers a vegetarian and vegan-friendly delight. Fermented tea leaves intermingle with green tomato, lent crunch, cabbage, and mixed Burmese nuts, creating a textured symphony of flavours. While its earthy profile may be unfamiliar to newcomers, a hint of lemon juice brightens the dish, adding a refreshing twist that takes some time to appreciate fully.

Papaya & Mango Thoke (Ye Thu Kyun) 3.5/5

A tribute to the familiar, the Papaya & Mango Thoke ($22) echoes Thai Papaya and Mango salad. Here, bittersweet Burmese papaya mingles with sweet poached prawns, resulting in a tasteful fusion of textures and flavours. The Burmese papaya undergoes fermentation to shed its excess bitterness, allowing its robust fruity character to harmonize perfectly with the prawns' taste. Poached sous vide and marinated prawns further enrich the experience.

Crispy Tohu Jaw 3.5/5

The Crispy Tofu Jaw ($20) introduces a unique departure from conventional tofu. Crafted from ground Indian chickpeas, the tofu undergoes a labour-intensive process, yielding a starchy gelatinous texture when cooked. Finished with Burmese black jaggery sauce, composed of Burmese gula melaka and Indian sugarcane, this dish boasts a sweet undertone. A mix of Burmese and Thai basil leaves elevates the tofu with a subtle sweet cinnamon note.

Hnin Si's Steam Puzon 2.8/5

Hnin Si's Steam Puzon ($32) emerges as a dish of prawn and mudfish, sous vide for remarkable tenderness, before steaming into firm cakes. While the paste-like texture might not resonate with all palates, wrapping it in rice paper alongside housemade chilli invokes a sense of familiarity akin to our Chinese chilli sauce.

Ohn-no Kyaukswe 3/5

The Ohn-no Kyaukswe ($32) anchors the main course with gluten-free rice noodles accompanied by vegetable soup and barramundi fish cakes. The delightful springiness of the rice noodles, reminiscent of our local thick beehoon, becomes a canvas for absorbing the flavours of the accompanying soup.

A-thi 3.5/5

Concluding on a sweet note, A-thi, Burnt Mango and Black Jaggery Coconut Sorbet ($14) offers a sophisticated finale. Torched mango lends caramelized sweetness to luscious Burmese mangoes, with housemade coconut sorbet and gula melaka sorbet enhancing the experience. This trifecta of Southeast Asian local sweets is a fitting conclusion to a distinctive culinary journey at Burma Social.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Burma Social
34 Tras Street
Singapore 079026
Tel: +65 6016 9140
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 12midnight
Sat: 6pm - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Tras Street. Turn right onto Tras Street. Walk down Tras Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 2. Turn left and walk down Tanjong Pagar Road. Turn left onto Tras Street. Walk down Tras Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes.  [Map]

Man Fu Yuan @ InterContinental Singapore - Unveils A Captivating New A La Carte and Set Menu, Blending Tradition and Innovation

Chef Aaron Tan and his culinary team at Man Fu Yuan, InterContinental Singapore, have unveiled a captivating new a la carte and set menu that showcases a perfect blend of tradition and innovation. Modern interpretations and premium ingredients give classic Cantonese favourites a fresh and revitalised touch.

Crispy Soft-shell Crab and Chilled Cherry Wine Tomatoes 4/5

Our gastronomic journey began with a tantalising duo of appetisers. The Crispy Soft-shell Crab with Garlic, Chilli, and Scallion was a delightful explosion of flavours, with the "Bowrington Bridge" soft-shell crab masterfully deep-fried to crispy perfection, infused with aromatic spices. The accompanying Chilled Cherry Wine Tomatoes, marinated with Plum Sauce, provided a refreshing contrast with its sweet and tangy notes, leaving us eager for more.

Double-boiled Superior Seafood Soup, Mushroom, served in Melon Husk 4.8/5

The Double-boiled Superior Seafood Soup, Mushroom, served in Melon Husk, followed next, enchanting us with its heartwarming and nourishing essence. The velvety smooth broth, infused with the essence of the melon husk, brought forth an additional depth of flavour to the already delightful combination of seafood and mushrooms. Each spoonful of this soup was a delightful journey, warming both the soul and the palate.

Braised Indonesia Cave Bird's Nest 4.2/5

A highlight of the meal was the Braised Indonesia Cave Bird's Nest with Crabmeat, Crab Roe, and Silver Sprout in Beijing style. This dish showcased a delightful play of flavours and textures, with the subtle bird's nest blending harmoniously with the sweetness of crab meat and the richness of crab roe, all complemented by the textural crunch of silver sprouts.

Flambe Braised Crocodile Palm, Vegetables, Mushroom 4/5

The Flambe Braised Crocodile Palm, Vegetables, Mushroom was an exotic offering on the menu. The tender crocodile meat, reminiscent of chicken in taste, was flambéed to perfection, adding an exciting touch of theatrics to the dish. The herbal sauce further enhanced the experience, making it a memorable culinary adventure.

3 hours 33 mins Honey Glazed Duroc Pork Ribs, Yuzu Soya Sauce, Grated Coconut 4.8/5

A true crowd-pleaser was the 3 hours 33 mins Honey Glazed Duroc Pork Ribs, Yuzu Soya Sauce, Grated Coconut. This dish impressed with its explosive flavour profile, combining sweetness and tanginess from the yuzu soya sauce with the succulent and fall-off-the-bone Duroc pork ribs. The addition of grated coconut added a delightful twist to the dish, making it a must-try.

Braised Crab Meat with Crab Roe, Prawn, Baby Vegetables 4/5

The menu continued to delight with the Braised Crab Meat with Crab Roe, Prawn, and Baby Vegetables. This dish was a perfect example of simplicity elevated by luxurious ingredients, as the combination of braised crab meat, crab roe, and prawn elevated the dish to new heights.

Stone Bowl Rice, Kurobuta Pork Cured Meat, Egg Yolk, Tobiko 4.5/5

The Stone Bowl Rice, Kurobuta Pork Cured Meat, Egg Yolk, and Tobiko were a delightful symphony of flavours. Fragrant rice infused with kurobuta pork cured meat and topped with tobiko was enhanced with a luscious egg yolk that bound everything together, creating an aromatic finish.

Double-boiled Papaya, Coconut Cream, Peach Collagen, Hashima 4.8/5

As we approached the end of our culinary journey, we were treated to the Double-boiled Papaya, Coconut Cream, Peach Collagen, Hashima, a warm and comforting coconut soup filled with papaya, peach collagen, and hashima, offering both delicious flavours and nourishing benefits.

Black Sesame Rolls with Coconut 4/5

The meal concluded on a sweet note with the Black Sesame Rolls with Coconut. Soft and spongy, the rolls were infused with the delightful aroma of black sesame, while the coating of grated coconut added an extra layer of taste and texture.

Chef Aaron Tan and his team have undoubtedly crafted an impressive and delectable menu at Man Fu Yuan, InterContinental Singapore. Each dish showcased its culinary finesse, while the seamless blend of traditional flavours with modern touches made for an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you are a connoisseur of Cantonese cuisine or a lover of culinary artistry, this new menu promises a feast for the senses that will leave you yearning for more.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Man Fu Yuan
InterContinental Singapore
Level 2
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 63387600
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1145am - 330pm, 630pm - 1030pm

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