Tan Xiang (炭香) Charcoal Fishhead Steamboat @ Polaris Woodlands - Bringing the Delectable Fishhead Steamboat to the Northern Region of Singapore

Tan Xiang Charcoal Fishhead Steamboat, the brainchild of celebrity Ben Yeo and Chef Cao Yong, has swiftly become a household name in Singapore's dining scene. With their flagship outlet in Kallang already drawing crowds, their newest establishment in Woodlands promises to bring the same delectable fishhead steamboat and zichar dishes to the northern region of Singapore.

During the bustling grand opening, we seized the opportunity to indulge in their 5-6 Pax Set Menu ($158), a tantalising spread featuring a selection of signature favourites and enticing new creations.

Signature Red Grouper Head Hotpot

At the heart of our feast was the Signature Red Grouper Head Hotpot. Delighting our taste buds, the fish slices were served separately from the bubbling broth, ensuring they remained impeccably tender without being overcooked. Compared to their other outlets, the soup base at the Woodlands branch boasts an even richer depth of flavour, probably owing to some subtle tweaks and enhancements. Regardless, each spoonful of the aromatic broth was a triumph for the palate.

Signature XO Charcoal Yam Ring

An intriguing departure from the conventional yam ring, the Signature XO Charcoal Yam Ring captivated us with its striking black hue, courtesy of the infusion of charcoal powder. Beneath its crispy exterior, the yam ring exuded a delightful fragrance and a distinct yam flavour. It was adorned with succulent prawns, scallops, snow peas, and cashew nuts stir-fried to perfection in a fragrant XO sauce.

Stir-fried Mushroom with Chinese Kale

For a refreshing vegetable dish, we savoured the 3-in-1 Stir-fried Mushroom with Chinese Kale, a delightful medley of textures and flavours. Unlike the standard fare, this dish incorporated mushrooms alongside the customary beansprouts, offering an extra layer of crunch and depth to the dish.

Zhen Jiang Spare Ribs

The Zhen Jiang Spare Ribs captivated our palates with their tantalisingly sweet caramelised crust, each tender morsel bursting with succulent juiciness. The delightful balance of sweet and savoury flavours left us longing for more.

Signature Hometown Spring Chicken

A newcomer to the menu, the Signature Hometown Spring Chicken stole the spotlight with its tender, succulent meat. Poached to perfection, the chicken, likely sourced from kampong chickens, boasted a luscious texture and was beautifully complemented by a generous heap of ginger.

Claypot Fragrant Drunken Clams

The aroma of the Claypot Fragrant Drunken Clams teased our senses as it arrived at our table. Each plump, juicy clam was bathed in a fragrant Hua Diao wine, infusing the dish with an irresistible depth of flavor that left us craving for more.

In summary, Tan Xiang Charcoal Fishhead Steamboat in Woodlands continues to uphold its reputation for delivering exceptional culinary experiences. With its winning combination of signature favourites and innovative new creations, it's no wonder that this establishment has quickly become a go-to destination for discerning food enthusiasts in the North.


Tan Xiang (炭香) Charcoal Fishhead Steamboat
Polaris
101 Woodlands Ave 12
#01-06
Singapore 737719
Tel: +65 8465 5070
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Nearest MRT: Admiralty (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Admiralty MRT station. Take Exit C. Cross the road and walk to bus stop opposite Admiralty MRT station (Stop ID 46771). Take bus number 904. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to Woodlands Lane. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Mashi No Mashi @ Guoco Midtown - – Chef Hisato Hamada, founder of WAGYUMAFIA Opens 100% Wagyu Ramen Concept in Singapore

Mashi No Mashi, located at Guoco Midtown, is a ramen concept by Wagyumafia, a collective of restaurants renowned for harnessing the qualities and versatility of Japan's most famous beef through various culinary concepts. Founded by Chef Hisato Hamada, Wagyumafia prides itself on working directly with farmers and selecting only the top 1% of the finest Kobe and Ozaki beef. Since its establishment in 2019, Mashi No Mashi has been acclaimed for serving the world's first 100% Wagyu ramen.

Wagyu Tsukemen 4/5

The dish that brought Mashi No Mashi to fame is its signature Wagyu Tsukemen, featuring succulent slices of slow-cooked Ozaki beef paired with their signature noodles. The accompanying dipping broth, a 24-hour stewed Wagyu bone broth, was rich in umami and full-bodied, perfectly complementing the thicker-cut noodles with an enjoyable chewy texture. While the ramen as a whole provided a deeply satisfying mouthfeel and flavour, I found the alkaline taste of the noodles less appealing.

Ultra Wagyu Ramen 4.8/5

Ultra Wagyu Ramen ($22) is the brand's first-ever fukuoka Hakata-style ramen, and Singapore is the first outpost to permanently feature it on its menu. This beef-centric Hakata-style ramen broth is made using the finest wagyu bones, which undergo a laborious three-stage heating process to extract maximum flavour and aroma. The broth was an absolute pleasure to savour, together with the luscious pieces of wagyu char siew.

Wagyu Bak Kut Teh 4.5/5

This outlet also launched a Singapore-exclusive menu, starting with Wagyu Bak Kut Teh ($30). Served with a peppery homemade wagyu bone stock, traditional Bak Kut Teh purists may not favour this dish as much. Personally, I love this rendition, which was delightful with a heady, garlicky, and peppery broth. The texture and flavour of the meat were exceptional as well. However, with the price tag, it can definitely be more wholesome with the portions of the You Tiao and Preserved Vegetables.

Wagyu Cha Siu Donburi 4/5

There are also donburi options available, such as the Wagyu Cha Siu Donburi ($32), which showcases slices of Wagyu Cha Siu draped over Ginger Beef Akitakomachi Rice. The plump and pearly rice was so moreish mixed with flavourful minced ginger beef that it almost stole the spotlight.

Wagyu Gyoza 5/5

The Dim Sums here are highly recommended. Wagyu Gyoza ($8 for 2pc) uses 100% Ozaki Beef. Each piece was filled with four different cuts of juicy Ozaki beef and minced vegetables, achieving a succulent bite in every mouthful.

Wagyu Siu Mai 5/5

Offering a similar bite and satisfaction is Wagyu Siu Mai ($15). The texture was on point.

Sui Gyoza 4/5

The other two dim sums we tried were well executed: Black Bean Spare Ribs ($15), featuring Steamed Wagyu Spare Ribs with Black Bean and Garlic Sauce, and Sui Gyoza, boiled wagyu gyoza drizzled with tangy Japanese sansho chilli sauce. In fact, I enjoyed them much more than the traditional pork versions.

Black Bean Spare Ribs 4/5

More Singapore-exclusive dishes, such as wagyu laksa and hokkien mee, will be rolled out later in the year. An interesting beverage menu with inventive cocktails is also available, including Chef Hisato's proprietary rendition of a Singapore sling ($18).

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.


Mashi No Mashi
Guoco Midtown
124 Beach Road
#01-04
Singapore 189771
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (DT, EW Line), Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk to Tan Quee Lan Street. Turn left and walk down Tan Quee Lan Street to Beach Road. At Beach Road, cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Esplanade MRT station Take Exit F. Walk straight down Beach Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

First Grill @ Bukit Pasoh - Grilled Gastronomy, Where Culinary Meets The Flames Of Passion

First Grill, located at Bukit Pasoh is dedicated to serving delicious grilled cuisine to customers who enjoy the beauty of grilled food over charcoal and flames. Using the renowned Josper Charcoal Grill paired with a team of chefs who have mastered the wild nature of flames. First Grill serves a comprehensive menu of grilled meats, seafood and even paella that best bring out the alluring smoky flavour of grilled food.

Australian Grass-Fed Ribeye 3.8/5

Australian Grass-Fed Ribeye ($29) is a simple dish that will satisfy your craving for a steak any time of the week. Ours was evenly cooked, with the right doneness to bring out the flavour of the beef. For fancier options, try those paired with sambal belacan for a touch of local flavours.

Iberico Spare Ribs 4.2/5

The extravagant-looking Iberico Spare Ribs ($29) were pretty spot on. The exterior was slightly charred and caramelised with an alluring smoky flavour, with the meat juicy and tender. It can be grilled even slightly longer to render more fats to get more out of the meat.

Seafood Paella 4.5/5

I love the Seafood Paella ($25) here! Perhaps due to the amount of socarrat present in the dish. Some parts of the rice at the bottom of the pan had caramelised and turned crispy due to the direct heat from the flame, adding more texture and flavour to the dish. It came brimming with many ingredients, such as shrimp, squid, salmon, bell pepper, green peas, tomato and onion.

Grilled Octopus Leg 4.8/5

The Grilled Octopus Leg ($35) is a must-try here. It is very popular and gets sold out in the afternoon. The portion was quite sizeable and evenly grilled to perfection with a delightful texture.

English Clam Chowder 3/5

The menu offers Starters as well, such as soups and salads. Unfortunately, they were rather average, with the English Clam Chowder ($9) being the best out of the lot.

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.


[CLOSED]
First Grill
2A Bukit Pasoh Road
Singapore 089860
Tel: +65 80449297
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Nearest MRT: Outram Park (EW, NE, TE Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 1130pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 4. Turn right onto Teo Hong Road. Walk to Bukit Pasoh Road. Turn left and walk down Bukit Pasoh Road. Journey time about 5 minutes. Walk to destination. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Walk straight down Neil Road. Turn right onto Bukit Pasoh Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

White Rose Cafe @ York Hotel Singapore - Bask In The Revelry Of The Lunar New Year Season With Auspicious Culinary Specialties

Welcome the Lunar New Year with traditional festive delights from York Hotel Singapore. The culinary team at White Rose Cafe presents an array of new and traditional creations befitting for the season of joyous reunions and feastings. 

Prosperity Lo Hei with Mini Abalone and Crispy Fish Skin 3.5/5

Besides Lunar New Year celebratory lunch and dinner menus, White Rose Cafe has put together a stellar collection of Lunar New Year takeaways. Kickstart the celebration with the Prosperity Lo Hei with Mini Abalone and Crispy Fish Skin ($58/$68) tossing to a year of prosperity and abundance.

Braised Pork Knuckle with Sea Cucumber, Black Moss, and Broccoli 4.2/5

New on the menu is the Braised Pork Knuckle with Sea Cucumber, Black Moss and Broccoli ($98). The pork knuckle is cooked perfectly to fork tender, deliciously flavoured by the braising sauce. It is paired with black moss, crunchy broccoli and bouncy sea cucumber.

Golden Treasure Seafood Pot 4/5

One of the highlights this year is the Golden Treasure Seafood Pot ($168), brimming with an assortment of seafood such as fish maw, sea cucumber, scallops, goji berry, and shark's cartilage collagen broth in a casserole pot.

Braised Chinese Spare Rib in Wuxi Style 4.5/5

One of my favourite dishes is the Braised Chinese Spare Rib in Wuxi Style ($68). The tender and juicy pork ribs are braised in an aromatic ensemble of red yeast rice and Shao Xing wine. It even comes with deep-fried buns to wipe up the addictive sauce.

Osmanthus Jelly with Coconut Pudding 4.5/5

Wrapping up the meal is the new Osmanthus Jelly with Coconut Pudding ($68), handcrafted in the shape of a carp which signifies good fortune, wealth, and luck. 

Note: This is an invited tasting.


White Rose Cafe
York Hotel
21 Mount Elizabeth
Singapore 228516
Tel: +65 67370511
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am to 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk down Scotts Road towards Goodwood Park Hotel. At Goodwood Park, turn right and walk to the end of the carpark. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Crystal Jade Golden Palace @ The Paragon - Refreshed Menus Of Elegant Fine Chinese Cuisine

Crystal Jade Golden Palace at The Paragon and Crystal Jade Palace at Takashimaya Shopping Centre have welcomed refreshed menus to offer new dining experiences to both new diners and regulars. Crystal Jade Palace's menu is rooted in Cantonese cuisine, while Crystal Jade Golden Palace is known for its Teochew delicacies. We tasted a few new dishes from both restaurants and thoroughly enjoyed them.

Teochew Four Delights 3.8/5

Starting with the Teochew Four Delights ($58), it is a sample platter of Chilled Lobster Crystal Jelly inspired by the Teochew pig trotter jelly, Golden Palace Teochew Crispy Crab Roll, Chilled Mala Jellyfish and Chinese Yam in Aged Vinegar. My favourite here was the appetising Chinese Yam in Aged Vinegar. Note that we had the sample platter here, while the full-sized portion would feed more pax.

Superior Bird's Nest with Fresh Crab Roe in Jinhua Ham Soup 4.5/5

The intricately put together Superior Bird's Nest with Fresh Crab Roe in Jinhua Ham Soup ($88 per person) was a pleasant surprise! It's less common to find bird's nest done savoury and even less so to find one prepared in this unique 'dry-toss' style. Superior bird's nest fresh crab roe and jellyfish are simmered in a small amount of stock and served with a bowl of savoury Jinhua ham broth. To enjoy it, diners are encouraged to taste the delicate dry-toss bird's nest on its own and then take sips of the broth in between. The light seasoning on the bird's nest allowed the crab roe's sweetness to shine, complementing nicely with the savoury broth.

Pan-fried Red Grouper with Radish & Yellow Bean in Teochew Style 4/5

The Pan-fried Red Grouper (Seasonal Price) is stewed with leeks, radish and shiitake mushrooms in a fish stock. It's reminiscent of the classic fish head steamboat but with lighter notes due to the use of radish instead of yam. This was comforting with a mild natural milkiness.

Braised Whole Thick Fish Maw 4.8/5

One of the dishes that left us with the most lasting impression was this Braised Whole Thick Fish Maw ($78 per person). The thick and tender chunks of braised fish maw were fried in a generous portion of spring onions, which helped to bring out an intense fragrance and sweetness.

Sautéed Spare Ribs with Aged Black Vinegar & Lychee 4.2/5

The Sautéed Spare Ribs with Aged Black Vinegar & Lychee ($32) was another popular dish among my dining companions. I found it a little bony, but the meat was tender, and the well-caramelised exterior had a good balance of tangy-sweet and savoury. If you're a fan of ginger, you'll enjoy pairing this with the generous side of finely sliced crispy fried ginger.

Poached Cabbage in Porridge Water with Conpoy & Garlic 3.5/5

On the lighter end of flavours among the dishes we had, was the Poached Cabbage ($26). Here we had Tianjin cabbage poached in porridge water with conpoy and garlic. Some of us thought the cabbage didn't carry the soup's flavour, but some enjoyed that it allowed the subtle sweetness of the cabbage to shine.

Crystal Jade Palace’s Mee Pok 4/5

For our noodle dish, we had Crystal Jade Palace’s Mee Pok ($28). The noodles are tossed in fragrant pork lard and XO sauce, with bits of crispy pork lard, bean sprouts and slices of roast pork belly. The XO sauce carried a mild heat. A portion feeds about 3 to 4 pax.

Chilled Beancurd with Ginger Osmanthus Syrup 3.8/5

The Chilled Beancurd with Ginger Osmanthus Syrup ($8.80 per person) was a delightful end to our dinner, with smooth homemade beancurd paired with candied ginger strips. It's accompanied by a jar of osmanthus syrup if you want an additional floral sweetness, but most of my dining companions and I enjoyed it without the syrup. I would also recommend having the ginger strips in small amounts to avoid it being too overwhelming.

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.


Crystal Jade Golden Palace
The Paragon
290 Orchard Road
#05-22
Singapore 238859
Tel: +65 67346866
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line), Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon to Fri: 11am - 3pm, 6pm - 930pm
Sat-Sun and PH: 1030am - 330pm, 6pm - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit C or D. Proceed to the road level. Walk down Orchard Road until the junction of Orchard Road and Orchard Link. Cross the road and walk to Paragon. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B. Proceed to the road level. Turn left on Orchard Road and walk down Orchard Road until junction of Orchard Road and Orchard Link. Cross the Road and walk to Paragon. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Dine At Home During Phrase 2 Heighten Alert - Kibar Japanese Grill + Bistro

Singapore is having another semi lockdown known as Phrase 2 Heighten Alert. One of the measures is that we are not allowed to dine in at all food establishments. Hence we are back to takeaway and delivery again, just like the circuit breaker period last year. One of the restaurants which impressed me with the yummy food is Kibar Japanese Grill + Bistro, located at Changi Civil Service Club. It is a restaurant under the radar, and I am glad to discover this hidden gem.

Miso Yuzu Corn 4.8/5

Kibar is an all-day bistro serving modern French and Japanese fusion in the day. It transforms into a bar for modern Japanese tapas-style dining in the evenings. The first item I tried is the Miso Yuzu Corn. Discounting that the food needs time to travel from the far East to my home in the West still impressed me. The grilled corn coated with Japanese seasoning is so good and sweet. I thought Mexican seasoning is the best to complement the corn, but this has changed my mind.

Truffle Portobello Katsu 4.5/5

The other fantastic starter we had is the Truffle Portobello Katsu. I love how the kitchen team elevated the enjoyment of the earthy and juicy mushroom, giving it a crusty coat.

Roasted Chicken stuffed with Truffle & Wild Mushroom Rice 4.2/5

AAnother beautiful item on the menu is the Roasted Chicken stuffed with Truffle & Wild Mushroom Rice. The roasted chicken is tender and juicy with golden-brown skin. It is also stuffed with fragrant Japanese rice, truffle and mushrooms. It can be a meal on its own

Iberico BBQ Spare Ribs 4.2/5

I am not sure I can fault any dish from Kibar. Cooked to fork-tender is the Iberico BBQ Spare Ribs. The ribs are marinated in Suntory black ale, grilled over binchotan for a smokey and malty finishing.

Snow Crab Leg Seafood Pao Fan 4.5/5

Last but not least, a must-try is the Snow Crab Leg Seafood Pao Fan. The broth is packed with depth and crustaceans robustness. Besides the snow crab leg, there are clams, prawns, cabbage and rice.

Kibar Japanese Grill + Bistro is availabe for both self-collection and islandwide delivery. To order, you can visit https://order.kibar.sg/


Kibar Japanese Grill + Bar
Changi Civil Service Club
Block B
2 Netheravon Road
Singapore 508503
Tel: +65 82282640
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Whampoa Keng @ Geylang Road - Opens Their 2nd Outlet In Geylang At The Corner Of Lorong 28

Whampoa Keng at Balestier Road has been a household in Singapore for their fish head steamboat. Fans of their fish head steamboat will be glad to know that they have opened a second outlet in Geylang. Besides the signature fish head steamboat, the restaurant also offers a variety of zichar dishes to complete the meal.

Signature Fish Head Steamboat Red Garoupa 4.2/5

We have to have their Signature Fish Head Steamboat when we visit Whampoa Keng. Diners can choose to have pomfret, red garoupa or batang sliced fish for the fish head steamboat. We had the Red Garoupa ($45/$55/$65/$75) for its chunky and firmer texture. Their fish head steamboat comes in 4 sizes (small, medium, large and x-large) too. We enjoyed the hearty and comforting soup, which also comes with yam, cabbage and seaweed. Compare to their balestier outlet, I thought the soup today is slightly on the sweet side, and the dried sole fish is not prominent. I still enjoy the fish head steamboat, just that I am picking bones as I have tried their original outlet, and I want them to improve.

Signature Crab Meat Foodstreet Tofu in Gravy 4.2/5

Besides the signature fish head steamboat, we also had a couple of their zichar dishes to complete the meal. The first dish we tried is the Signature Crab Meat Foodstreet Tofu in Gravy ($14/$20/$26). I love the accompany gravy with crabmeat complementing the silky tofu.

Deep Fried Nan Ru Pork Belly 3.5/5

The Deep Fried Nan Ru Pork Belly ($16/$24) was slightly disappointing for me. I am a big fan of fermented beancurd, and I thought the flavour didn't quite stand out to win over my tummy.

Sweet & Sour Spare Ribs with Golden Crispy Cod Strips 4.2/5

The Sweet & Sour Spare Ribs with Golden Crispy Cod Strips ($16/$24) is not new to me. I have eaten it elsewhere, and I have to say Whampoa Keng did an excellent job. The spare rib is tender and juicy, while not overly sweet. The crispy cod strips provided extra textural enjoyment.

Poached Chinese Spinach with Assorted Egg 4.5/5

Another dish that I find Whampoa Keng did very well is the Poached Chinese Spinach with Assorted Egg ($14/$21). The flavoursome soupy broth together with the century egg, salted duck egg and fresh chicken egg enliven a simple poached vegetable dish. 

Claypot Indonesian Style Chicken 4/5

It is my first time having the Claypot Indonesian Style Chicken ($16/$24). It looks similar to 3 cups chicken, but the sauce is very different. The chicken is first fried to crisp and then tossed in a special Indonesian sauce with curry leaves.

Diners who have been to their Balestier outlet will know that it is always very crowded. Not many people are aware of the new outlet yet. So if you want to avoid the crowd, you can come here. They are opened until 1am daily. It is another excellent supper place for those staying in the East.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Whampoa Keng
512/514 Geylang Road
Singapore 389468
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Nearest MRT: Aljunied (EW Line), Paya Lebar (CC Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 5pm - 1am

Direction:
1) Alight at Aljunied MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight to Sims Ave. Cross the road. Walk along Geylang Lorong 25 to Geyland Road. Cross the road and turn left. Walk down Geylang Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Paya Lebar MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Paya Lebar MRT station (Stop ID 81111). Take bus number 137. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]