Crystal Jade Kitchen @ Holland Village - Re-opens With New Menu By Group Executive Chef Martin Foo

After a two-month long renovation, Crystal Jade Kitchen at Holland Village unveils a new contemporary look, together with a revamped menu crafted by newly minted Group Executive Chef Martin Foo. Alongside old times favourites, look out for creations that are modish but classic at the same time.

Deep-fried Chicken & Dried Shrimp Carrot Dumpling 3/5

Deep-fried Chicken & Dried Shrimp Carrot Dumpling ($5.30/3pcs) is a modern take of the traditional deep-fried yam puff with minced meat. Though its filling was slightly too heavily seasoned, I like its mochi-like skin which was crisp on the outside and chewy in the middle. Similar mochi-like exterior can be found in their Deep-fried Sesame Ball with Lava Salted Egg Yolk ($6.80/3pcs), enveloping a molten salted egg yolk filling. Savoury and sweet, this works well as an appetizer or a dessert.

Steamed Siew Mai with Truffle 3.5/5

Steamed Siew Mai with Truffle ($7.50/4pcs) is not a new combination but this is one of the more convincing versions that I have come across with the use of shiitake mushrooms along with truffle pate and truffle oil.

Soya Sauce Chicken with Osmanthus 3.8/5

One of the new dishes that garners much attention was this Soya Sauce Chicken with Osmanthus ($14.80/regular, $20.80/half, $35/whole). Steeped in a special marinade and basted with osmanthus-infused syrup, the occasional whiffs of osmanthus aroma effusing from the chicken seemed to have the ability to lift its flavour, though it remained pretty elusive in terms of its actual taste.

Steamed Homemade Tofu 4/5

I was quite excited by the sight of the wobblying Steamed Homemade Tofu topped with assorted seafood ($18.80). The tofu is homemade with organic soy milk and eggs. I appreciate Chef's attention to details, such as serving it in a traditional tofu press and mould, with a piece of tofu skin underneath to prevent the sauce from seeping through. The assorted seafood topping were stir-fried beforehand, imparting a layer of wok hei onto the tofu, which may otherwise be quite one dimensional in flavor.

Premium seafood congee with Japanese seaweed 3/5

Crystal Jade has always been known for their velvety congee and the Premium Seafood Congee with Japanese Seaweed ($13.80) is the latest addition to its current range. Interesting choice of using Japanese kelp alongside with scallop, crab and prawn but nothing really quite stood out.

Fried Brown Rice with Black Bean Dace Fish & Egg White 4/5

What stood out for me is the Fried Brown Rice with Black Bean Dace Fish & Egg White ($15.80). The unpolished red rice were grainy and neatly separated, flavoured with traditional black bean dace fish. It was a good idea to leave out the egg yolk which might mess up its flavor, while using only the fluffy egg white to balance up the texture of the drier ingredients.

Sauteed French Bean with Tai O Shrimp Paste and Minced Pork 4/5

What looked simple but big on delivery is the Sauteed French Bean with Tai O Shrimp Paste and Minced Pork ($13.80). The Tai O shrimp paste glazed over the charred French beans, drawing out their sweetness effortlessly.

Sauteed Live Prawn with Vermicelli 3/5

In the same vein we had Sauteed Live Prawn with Vermicelli, white peppercorn, ginger and scallion in Claypot ($24.80). I'm not sure if this is a good way to treat live prawns as the combination of the sauce and the rather sharp ingredients seemed to have dominated the dish. But I like the vermicelli, which got quite addictive, like burnt claypot rice.

Purple Sweet Potato & Taro 3.5/5

For dessert, we tried a healthier version of Orh Nee - Purple Sweet Potato & Taro with coconut milk, gum tragacanth & sago ($5.80). It had that nice yam fragrance and the sweetness of sweet potato, enhanced by coconut milk. Although it was not fully made of yam paste, the sago plumped with coconut milk was just as satisfying. The gum tragacanth also gave an interesting bite to this dessert. The above are only a portion of their new dishes, so do visit the outlet to find out more about their new menu.

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.


Crystal Jade Kitchen
Holland Village
2 Lorong Mambong
Singapore 277671
Tel: +65 64690300
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 830am - 11pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Lorong Liput. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Xiang Jiang Soya Sauce Chicken @ Alexandra Village Food Centre

Alexandra Village Food Centre has finally reopened after being closed for refurbishment. I can't remember how long it has been closed but I am glad to have another alternative to go to for my weekend lunch. I made my way down one Saturday afternoon and decided to try Xiang Jiang Soya Sauce Chicken which has re-located to the front of the food centre.

Soya Sauce Chicken Noodle 3.5/5

I ordered a plate of Soya Sauce Chicken Noodle ($3.50). It comes with six pieces of chopped soya sauce chicken and a stem of vegetable. While I was a bit disappointed with the chicken portion that was served to me as they were quite boney, I could taste the richness of the soya sauce that was absorbed into the chicken's skin. And I like the fact that it still has a slight crisp to it.

The noodle has a good texture bite to it however I did not like the alkaline aftertaste of it. If you can't take spicy, don't forget to ask for their chilli sauce. It is quite power.

Surprising the highlight for me is the bowl of soup that comes with the soya sauce chicken noodle. I could taste the sweetness of the scallop and radish being used in the bowl of soup. The effort to serve such a delicious bowl of soup, which is usually overlook by many stalls, is greatly appreciated.

Xiang Jiang Soya Sauce Chicken
Alexandra Village Food Centre
Blk 120 Bukit Merah Lane 1
#01-77
Singapore 150120
Nearest MRT: Queenstown (EW Line), Redhill (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 8pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Queenstown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Queenstown MRT station (Stop ID 11149). Take bus number 195. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 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 or 120. Alight 5 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time 10 minutes. [Map]

Kam's Roast (甘牌燒鵝) @ Pacific Plaza - Launches The Marinated Duck And 4 Treasure Rice

When Kam's Roast (甘牌燒鵝) arrived at our shore and found its way to Pacific Plaza, I reckon many were disappointed that its famous roast goose wasn't part of the package. Half a year has passed and while waiting for the entire roast meat family to be completed, its Marinated Duck is here to whet your appetite for more. And if you haven't tried any of the legendary roasts, its newly introduced 4 Treasure Rice will be ideal for you.

Kam's Roast marinated dishes is a taste of heritage. The Duck, Tofu and Egg are braised in sauces made with Kam family's seven decade long recipe, passed down to now the 3rd generation. The marinated duck with meat and skin infused with a blend of dried spices and soya sauce after braising, is almost a taste of home but executed from a foundation of techniques and experience. The same goes for the braised tofu - so silky and soft. Lightly flavoured by the braised sauce, any carnivores would love it like a steak!

Now you can bring home almost all your favourite roast with 4 Treasure Rice. For first timer like me, such combination is perfect. Putting together the brand's signature dishes all into one plate, I got to try the all-time favourite Roast Duck, Soya Chicken, BBQ Pork and salted egg, along with a complimentary soup of the day.

I believe it's that touch of finesse in them that makes them a cut above. Both the duck and chicken were soft and delicate except for the Char Siew which was slightly drier without its toro fats but its sticky sweet sauce makes up for that. Only available for takeaway, this celebrated plate of roast meat and rice will definitely bring excitement to your dining table back home.

Just wait for a few more months, I heard your long-awaited roast goose will be making its way to our shore. Meanwhile, these should suffice your appetite I hope.

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.


Kam's Roast
Pacific Plaza
9 Scotts Road
#01-04/05/06/07
Singapore 228210
Tel: +65 68367788
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit A. Follow the underpass to Shaw House. On the ground level, walk to Scotts Road. Turn left and walk to down Scotts Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Sheng Kee Cooked Food @ Geylang Bahru - The Soya Sauce Chicken Was A Disappointment

I have known about Sheng Kee Cooked Food at Geylang Bahru Food Centre before it moves to the nearby coffeeshop at block 66 when the food centre is closed for renovation. In fact, I have asked my wife who works in the area about the stall but she has told me not to waste my calories. Hence I have never bother to check it out until recently when a group of foodie friends visited the stall. They seemed to have different opinions about the soya sauce chicken.

Soya Sauce Chicken Noodle 2.8/5

I took the opportunity on a weekend to visit the stall at around 3pm. There was no queue at the stall. I ordered a plate of the Soya Sauce Chicken Noodle ($3/$4). I observed how the stall prepared my bowl of noodles and I was disappointed. The stall actually pre-chopped the chicken into many different portions and let it rest on a tray (don't know for how long). The stall owner then took a piece of it and chopped it up into smaller pieces for my bowl of noodles.

Soya Sauce Chicken Noodle 2.8/5

I am not sure whether is it because my chicken has been resting for too long on the tray, it was rather dry. Compared to other soya sauce chicken I tried, this is also bland. Even the noodle was over cooked and soaky. I actually left half the bowl untouched.

Maybe taste is really subjective. Maybe I visited the place on a bad day. Maybe I did not get to eat their freshly cooked chicken. Maybe I should trust my wife's opinion. Be it what is the reason, my visit was a disappointing one.


Sheng Kee Cooked Food
Pin Yu Xuan Pavillion
Blk 66 Kallang Bahru
#01-473
Singapore 330066
Nearest MRT: Geylang Bahru (DT Line), Potong Pasir (NE Line), Lavender (EW Line), Kallang (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 10am - 5pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Geylang Bahru MRT station. Take Exit. Walk to junction of Kallang Bahru and Geylang Bahru. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Potong Pasir MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Potong Pasir MRT station (Stop ID 60269). Take bus number 107 or 853. Alight 3 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about. 12 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Lavender MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Lavender MRT station (Stop ID 01311). Take bus number  61, 107 or 175. Alight 4 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

4) Alight at Kallang MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop opposite block 2C along Lorong 1 Geylang (Stop ID 80101). Take bus number 26. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Uncle Chicken RIce @ Havelock Road - Moved From Simpang Bedok to Tiong Bahru Area

In my previous review on Uncle Chicken Rice when it is at The Bedok Market Place, both the brothers of Sin Kee Famous Chicken Rice, Niven and Benson were working together then. Now they have once again gone their separate way. Benson has opened his own stall at the coffeeshop at block 40 Holland Drive while Niven decided to move to Havelock Road.

The new location at Havelock Road is an air conditioned, sit down eatery hence you will find the price a bit higher. On the wall, there is a painting of Smith Street in the olden day. This is where Niven's father started selling and learning the skill of the chicken rice before opening Sin Kee.

Poached Chicken 4.2/5

Currently Uncle Chicken Rice offers 3 different menu set menu - Single Set (from $4.50), Set Meal A ($16.80 to $32.80) or Set Meal B ($20.80 to $42.80). We gone for Set Meal B ($42.80 for 4 pax) which comes with a choice of Poached Chicken/Soya Sauce Chicken/Combo, Chicken Rice/White Rice/Plain Porridge, Graden Vegetable with Oyster Sauce and Chicken Feet with Peanuts Soup.

Soya Sauce Chicken 3.5/5

Since there is a choice of chicken from our set meal, we decided to go for the combo which comes with both the poached chicken and soya sauce chicken. The chicken is still chopped into chunky pieces for the full enjoyment of the moist and tender chicken. While Niven still maintains the high standard of this poached chicken, I thought the soya sauce chicken still lacking in terms of flavour. I could not really taste the soya sauce flavour in the chicken.

Besides the chicken, I am glad that Niven has kept the fresh ginger and scallion dip to go with his chicken. Not to forget his concoction of chilli sauces. For the regulars, you will be glad that he still does the more spicy and tangy version but only serve upon request.

Chicken Feet with Peanut Soup 

Garden Vegetable with Oyster Sauce

The set menu we ordered also comes with Chicken Feet with Peanut Soup and Garden Vegetable with Oyster Sauce. They are good side dishes to complement the meal. I only visit the soup is cooked longer to extract the full essence of the ingredients. Not to forget that their delicious Lava Egg which is available on their other set menu. I think you should be able to add on as ala carte.

Lava Egg 4.2/5

Uncle Chicken Rice has only opened for about a week, so it still needs time to smooth out its kitchen's operations. It will also gradually introduced more dishes on the menu. Meanwhile, if you missed his chicken rice, it is all ready to receive you.


Uncle Chicken Rice
729 Havelock Road
Singapore 169649
Tel: 1800 2442536
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Tiong Bahru (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tiong Bahru MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to PSB Academy. At the junction of Jalan Bukit Ho Swee and Bukit Ho Swee Crescent, cross the road walk towards the HDB flats. Cut through the HDB flats and walk towards block 40. Walk to the shop houses behind block 40 along Havelock Road. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

88 Hong Kong Roast Meat Specialist @ Tyrwhitt Road - Legendary Sio Bak Has Re-Located And Up His Game

My favourite sio bak stall has moved again. Since I was first introduced to Martin's roasted meat stall when he was in Tampines, I have been following his movement when he moved to Johor, Malaysia and back in Singapore at Bukit Batok and Foch Road. 88 Hong Kong Roast Meat Specialist has now moved down the road to Qinan Building at Tyrwhitt Road.

Sio Bak 4.8/5

With his new location, a group of us organised a trip down to support his new opening. Of course we have to order his famed Roasted Pork Belly or Sio Bak. The beautiful layers of meat with its biscuity crackling skin is still as good as afar. Only one word to describe it, this is shiok!

Roasted Duck 4.5/5

An item that Martin has been able to improve with time is the Roasted Duck. The glistering skin was has a slight crispiness on top of the fat and juicy duck meat. The group of us all agreed that the roasted duck today was top notch. Looks like Martin has mastered another dish using his Apollo oven.

Char Siew 4.2/5

I still remembered that when I first tried Martin's char siew I did not like it. Over time he has improved on the roasting. Now the char siew has a nice coat of sweetness that is complemented by the bitterness of the exterior charred. Martin has purposely roasted in darker for that balance and aroma.

Soya Sauce Chicken 3.8/5 and Chicken Rice 4.5/5

With the relocation, Martin has also hired a new chef who used to work in a popular chicken rice chain to offer Soya Sauce Chicken and Chicken Rice on the menu. The soya sauce chicken is cooked to an enjoyable texture but I did not like the gooey sauce that is drenched over the chopped chicken. I thought it masked the appreciation of the nature flavours.

By the way, I would highly recommend to ask for the Chicken Rice instead of white rice even if you are having other roasted meat. The new chef cooks a plate of delicious and aromatic chicken rice infused with the essence of chicken, garlic and ginger. Not forgetting the tangy chilli sauce made by the new chef. It goes very well with the rice, chicken and even the sio bak.


88 Hong Kong Roast Meat Specialist
Qinan Building
153 Tyrwhitt Road
Singapore 207566
Nearest MRT: Lavender (EW Line), Bendemeer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 8pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Lavender MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Lavender MRT station (Stop ID 01311). Take bus number 133 or 145. Alight 2 stops later. Walk to Tyrwhitt Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Lavender MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Horne Road. Walk down Horne Road. Turn right onto Tyrwhitt Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Bendemeer MRT station. Take Exit. Walk to the junction of Lavender Street and Kallang Bahru. Cross the road. Turn right and walk down Lavender Street. Turn left onto Trwhitt Road. Walk to destination. Journe time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Kam's Roast (甘牌燒鵝) @ Pacific Plaza - 1 Michelin Star Roasted Goose Restaurant Opens In Singapore

Three times Michelin starred restaurant for 2015, 2016 and 2017 editions of Michelin Guide Hong Kong & Macua, Kam's Roast (甘牌燒鵝) has opened its first overseas outlet at Pacific Plaza, Singapore. It will be officially opened on 19 November at 1pm. Unfortunately for a start, they will not be selling their famous roasted goose due to AVA regulation. I really hope it will be soon as its like a crown without the jewels.

Marinated Black Fungus and Marinated Cucumber 4/5

Besides the different roasts at Kam's Roast, the menu also offers some appetizers to go with the meat. We had the Marinated Black Fungus with Vinegar ($6.80) and Marinated Cucumber with Vinegar & Garlic ($6.80). The crunchy and sourish snacks were not only appetizing, it also helped to freshen the palate after all the richness from the roasted meat.

Crispy Pork 4.2/5

Sinking my teeth into the crackling skin, I realized the Crispy Pork ($14.80) is somewhat different The skin is thinner, almost can't taste the fats. It is like having a biscuity dehydrated pork skin.

Toro Char Siew 4/5 

The most raved about item since their soft opening and private session has been their "Toro" Char Siew ($22.8). The premium pork belly is seasoned with Kam family's award-winning marinade using a secret recipe from Mr Kinsen Kam Kwan Sing, once a 2nd generation at the famed Yung Kee. It resulted in a melted in the mouth texture with a slight char on its exterior with a slight hint of smokiness.

BBQ Pork 4.2/5

The BBQ Pork or Char Siew ($14.80) is much more leaner than the Toro Char Siew. I actually preferred it over the Toro char siew for its more delectable bite, just like I don't enjoy toro in Japanese cuisine. Hence it is my personal preference. 

Soya Chicken 4.2/5

After trying Singapore very own 1 Star Michelin Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken, I was craving for it for the longest time but I am always deterred by the long queues. Hence I am glad that I have the chance to try yet another delicious Soya Chicken ($14.80). The chicken was so tender and juicy. It definitely manage to satisfy my craving.

Roasted Duck 4.5/5

It is a pity that Kam's Roast is not able to bring it their signature roasted goose that brought them to fame. Nevertheless, Kam's Roast also does a very good Roast Duck ($16.80 - $55). For the opening promotion, the roasted duck is selling at $28 for half and $48 for whole. Among all the different roast meats I have tried during my visit, the roasted duck was my favourite. The roasted duck was fatty enough to substitute the goose. It was also roasted perfectly to a succulent texture. Not to forget the special concocted sauce to go with the roasted duck, that brought the shine to the dish.

Besides the Roasted Duck, Char Siew, Soya Chicken, Sio Bak, Kam's Roast also offers Suckling Pig and Wonton Noodles on their menu. I understand the restaurant also allows takeaway, if you do not want to join the long queue. Let's hope Kam's Roast will be able to bring in the geese soon to be able be officially showcase their signature dish that brought the stars.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Kam's Roast
Pacific Plaza
9 Scotts Road
#01-04/05/06/07
Singapore 228210
Tel: +65 68367788
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit A. Follow the underpass to Shaw House. On the ground level, walk to Scotts Road. Turn left and walk to down Scotts Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle @ Smith Street Food Centre - Cheapest Michelin 1 Star

The result of the first edition Michelin Guide Singapore 2016 was announced on 21 July 2016. Two hawkers are awarded 1 star rating in the Michelin guide which comes as a surprise amidst the tough competition. It has brought Singapore's local food to the world. Not forgetting that the cheapest Michelin 1 Star establishment is in Singapore, as for now.

One of the two hawkers that won a Michelin star is Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle at Smith Street Food Centre. Actually there is one thing that I don't quite understand. Clearly the signboard has the logo Liao Fan (了凡) written on it but everyone just conveniently called the stall, Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle all these years. Why so?

Soya Sauce Chicken Rice 4.5/5

So how cheap is our cheapest Michelin 1 Star establishment? The Soya Sauce Chicken Rice is only $2! That is about US$1.47 or Euro $1.34. That is how cheap you can get for a plate of rice drizzled with a sweet and savoury sauce and chunky pieces of tender soya sauce chicken. What I like most is the chicken skin, which has that distinct soya sauce aroma infused into it. If you think the chicken is already good on its own, wait till u dip it into the tangy chilli sauce. It further elevates the whole appreciation of the juicy chicken. My own complain is the peanut was not crunchy at all.

Soya Sauce Chicken Noodle 4.2/5

Since I was already in the queue for an hour, I might as well order a few more dishes to try. I ordered both the Soya Sauce Chicken Noodle ($2.50) and Char Siew Noodle ($2.50). The noodle is cooked to a springy bite and dressed in sauce which is on the sweet side for me. The sweetness of the sauce and the savoury chicken kind of balanced off, for an enjoyable plate of noodle.

Char Siew Noodle 4/5

The Char Siew Noodle was good but not perfect. Unlike the soya chicken, the sweetness of the char siew and sauce when come together was a bit too sweet for me. Putting that aside, I have to say the char siew is definitely one of the best I have eaten. The caramelized sweetness, aromatic char on the exterior, the layers of lean and fat textures, simply melted my heart.

I am glad that I went to queue the very next day after it was awarded Michelin 1 Star. Now I can proudly proclaim that I have eaten at a Michelin 1 star establishment.


Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle
Chinatown Complex
Smith Street Food Centre
Blk 335 Smith Street
#02-166
Singapore 050335
Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Tue, Thu-Sun: 10am - 8pm
(Closed on Wed)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Pagoda Street. Turn right onto Trengganu Street and walk to the end of the street. Cross Smith Street and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]