Tang Lung (唐龍) @ Robertson Quay - Discover The Best Of Chinese Cuisine From Various Regions

Located at The Pier at Robertson is a new Chinese Restaurant, Tang Lung (唐龍) that offers Chinese Cuisine from various regions with a modern twist. It is an exciting dining option for the area as there isn't really any Chinese cuisine selection at Robertson Quay. Its opening complements their sister restaurant Le Fusion a few doors away.

Truffle Mushroom Crystal Dumpling 4/5

For dim sum lovers, you will be delighted to know that Tang Lung is offering All-You-Can-Eat Dim Sum Buffet every Sundays from 3 to 5pm, priced at $26.80 per adult and $16.80 per child aged 6 to 12 years old.  For the month of October, one diner gets to dine free for every two paying adults for the Free Flow Dim Sum Buffet.  Each diner is entitled to a bowl of freshly made to order Chinese la mian noodles and can order unlimited dim sum. 

Pork Siew Mai with Salted Egg Yolk 4/5

Customers can look forward to dim sum creations such as Truffle Mushroom Crystal Dumpling ($8.90 for 4pc), Pork Siew Mai with Salted Egg Yolk ($7.90 for 4pc), and Pineapple Char Siew Tart ($6.90 for 3pc).

Pineapple Char Siew Tart 3.5/5

Truffle is added to the mushroom crystal dumpling for an elevated earthy aroma on top of its textural enjoyment. A surprise burst of salted egg yolk is nestled within the pork siew mai. A re-interpretation of the polo baos into a pineapple char siew tart. All these creations, give the same old dim sum staples, a new lease form of enjoyment.

Deep-Fried Soon Hock in Superior Soya Sauce 4/5

Besides the creative dim sums, you can also find classic dishes such as the Deep Fried Soon Hock in Superior Soya Sauce. Deep-fried to crackling crispiness, while preserving the freshness of the meat within, rounded off with Tang Lung's special superior soya sauce.

Steamed Flower Crab in Shaoxing Wine 4.5/5

A star dish at Tang Lung is the Steamed Flower Crab in Shaoxing Wine. Two flower crabs lie on a bed of vermicelli noodles, soaking up the delicious sauce. The sweetness of the flower crab is further enhanced with the addition of fermented rice, spiced Shaoxing wine and chicken oil.

Steamed Glutinous Rice with Crab Roe 4.5/5

Be prepared to wait for at least half an hour for the Steamed Glutinous Rice with Crab Roe. You will not regret it. The glutinous rice is mixed with shiitake mushrooms, shredded dried scallops, and yellow crab roe, steamed together with the crabs inside a cheesecloth, imparting an umami taste to the rice.

To celebrate the restaurant's opening, customers get to enjoy the Steamed Glutinous Rice with Crab Roe at 50% off.  Priced at $78.90, this means you get to enjoy it at only $39.90. Promotion is available for dine-in only and while stocks last. Do order in advance to avoid disappointment, as there is a limited quantity of crabs availability daily.

Braised Sea Cucumber with Mushroom in Chinese Herbs

A highlight at Tang Lung is the nourishing Braised Sea Cucumber with Mushroom in Chinese Herbs ($68). It is cooked with ingredients that have medicinal properties such as Chinese angelica root, black sea cucumber and Chinese yam root. The best part is actually the tasty broth that is the essence of the pot of treasure. It is best to drench the broth onto a bowl of steamed rice and have it together with the rest of the dishes.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Tang Lung
The Pier at Robertson Quay
80 Mohamed Sultan Road
#01-12
Singapore 239013
Tel: +65 62629966
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Website
Nearest MRT: Fort Canning (DT Line)

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

Direction:
1) Alight at Fort Canning MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to traffic junction of Clemenceau Ave and River Valley. Cross the road. Turn left and walk down Clemenceau Ave. Turn right onto Unity Street. Then left onto Merbau Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

SHAO @ Frankel Avenue - Discovery Of Some Unique Dishes Such Crispy Baby Pomfret, Sotong Sausage And More

After seeing some interesting food pictures on social media, I gathered my foodie friends to check out SHAO at Frankel Avenue on a Saturday afternoon for lunch. The restaurant is located at the very end of the row of shophouses along Frankel Avenue. Interestingly for a Chinese restaurant, there are only square tables. The 11 of us have to sit in 2 rows which is quite awkward for sharing Chinese communal dishes.

Crispy Baby Pomfret 3/5

An exciting dish on the menu is the Crispy Baby Pomfret ($16). Deep-fried until crispy, it can be eaten whole without the worry of fish bones. Of course, you can't expect a lot of meat from the tiny pomfret. This dish is simply executed to enjoy the crispiness.

Salted Egg Yolk Yam 4/5

The Salted Egg Yolk Yam ($12) is drenched in a delicious and addictive salted egg yolk sauce. The delightful bite has a slight crunch which I enjoyed, and I still can taste the yam flavour.

Sotong Sausage 4.5/5

Another unique dish that I don't get to see at Chinese restaurants is the Sotong Sausage ($22). Unlike the usual pork sausage, the sotong sausage has a more textural bite from its bouncy texture. It is almost like having a piece of fish cake.

Stir-Fried Luffa with Egg & Seafood 4/5

I am not sure you are a fan of luffa, but I like its softness that comes with a little crunch. The Stir-Fried Luffa with Egg & Seafood ($28) at Shao is well-executed absorbing the sweetness of the seafood. What I find it weird is the fried egg which seems out of place. I thought it would be more enjoyable if the egg is cooked with the stock into an eggy gravy.

Gai Choy with Roast Pork Belly Claypot 4.5/5

A dish that my dining friends have mix opinions is the Gai Choy with Roast Pork Belly Claypot ($38). Gai Choy is also known as Chinese mustard greens. It has a bitter taste or some called it mustardy that is not well received by many. However, I love this acquire taste which is a flavour I have grown up with. The pairing with roast pork belly further flavoured the mustardy greens.

Steamed Crab with Vermicelli 3.8/5

Another dish the dining group has mix opinions is the Steamed Crab with Vermicelli ($78). Due to the size of the crab used, there is very little crab meat. Hence some felt it is not worth the cost. Others thought that the sauce is too garlicky, overpowering the sweetness of the crustacean. I actually like the strong garlic flavour which gives the dish a beautiful aroma, with the vermicelli soaking up the richness.

Wok Fried Hor Fun 2.8/5

Among the dishes we tried, the Wok-Fried Hor Fun ($12) was probably the least favourite. It lacked the wok hei that gives life to the rice noodle.

Sliced Fish Claypot "Pao Fan" Porridge 3.8/5

Last but not least, we wrapped up our dinner with the Sliced Fish Claypot "Pao Fan" Porridge ($28/$48). The portion is good for 2-6 pax. The porridge consists of both fluffy and crispy rice bathing in a hot pipping, delicious chicken-based soup with fish slices. It is a comforting dish for a cold, raining day.


SHAO
117 Frankel Ave
Singapore 458232
Tel: +65 66109233
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Nearest MRT: Bedok (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 11am - 3pm, 5 - 11pm
Fri-Sat: 10am - 3pm, 5pm - 12midnight
Sun: 10am - 11pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Bedok MRT. Take Exit B or C. Walk to Bedok Bus Interchange (Stop ID 84009). Take bus number 32. Alight 8 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 25 minutes later. [Map]

Pince & Pints @ Duxton - Welcomes Crabs Into The Family

Since its opening in 2014, when one mentions Pince & Pints at Duxton Road, you think of nothing but lobsters and lobster rolls. Now that it has expanded its menu to include crabs as well, will this crustacean steal the limelight away from its counterpart? Using only whole live Sri Lankan mud crabs, 5 new crab dishes are here to challenge for that throne.

Crispy Soy Chicken Wings 3.5/5

Other than the new crab dishes, the menu also introduces new starters, such as Crispy Soy Chicken Wings ($12 for 6pc), inspired by Korean-style fried chicken and coated with a blend of soy sauce, Korean chilli powder and garlic. This, I believe will be enough to warm up your fingers and jaws before the real thing gets started.

Whole Grilled Crab 4.2/5

Leading the pack is the classic Whole Grilled Crab ($55 for 500-600g approx), which is also my favourite out of the lot. Due to the uneven shape of the crab, the team has to dissect it just before grilling to retain its natural juices and brushed with a light coat of butter before send it for grilling. This would ensure a more even mix of sweetness and char. Among all other renditions, this allows me to taste the sweetness of the meat the most, and the creamy butter sauce that comes with it completes it like a slab of butter on a white toast with beautiful char marks.

Whole Steamed Crab in Egg White 3.5/5

At cze char stall, steamed crab is always preferred to preserve the delicate meat. Its Cantonese version of Whole Steamed Crab in Egg White ($55 for 500-600g approx) captivates with its Huadiao wine aroma and silky egg white that has been infused with the crab juices. Jasmine white rice is served along with it for you to wipe the dish clean.

Whole Chilli Crab 3/5

Of course, the evergreen Whole Chilli Crab ($58 for 500-600g approx) is available on the menu too. I like the level of spiciness and that it isn't overly sweet to suit the international palate. It lacks robustness though, with high dosage of salt to elevate its flavours.

Crabmeat Fried Rice 3.8/5

As a non-chinese restaurant, I think they did a great job with the Crabmeat Fried Rice ($18), and the bonus goes to the house made chilli oil. It wasn't greasy, and the grains were neatly separated and imbued with slight wok hei. The chilli oil has texture like that of Ding Tai Fung's chilli but with added sweetness and complexity. Thumbs up!

Nonya Chilli Lobster Roll 2.5/5

As for the latest Nonya Chilli Lobster Roll ($58), the Nonya Chilli was just too overwhelming, soaking through the buttery bun, weighing down delicate flavour of the lobster.

Other cooking styles for the whole live lobsters are available as well, such as in the form of Lobster Noodles and Lobster Mac & Cheese. To dethrone the King Lobster, that would probably take a while.

Words and photos 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]
Pince & Pints
32-33 Duxton Road
Singapore 089496
Tel: +65 62257558
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Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Outram Park (EW Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 5pm - 11pm
Sat: 12pm - 11pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Orchid Hotel. Cross Tanjong Pagar Road and walk to Craig Road. Walk along Craig Road and turn right onto Duxton Road. Walk along Duxton Road to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Outram MRT station. Take Exit H. Walk straight along New Bridge Road to Kreta Ayer Road. Turn right onto Kreta Ayer Road and walk to the end. Cross the road and turn left onto Neil Road. From Neil Road walk to Duxton Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 20  minutes.  [Map]

Ah Hoi's Kitchen @ Traders Hotel

Fans of Ah Hoi's Kitchen will be rejoiced as Sou Chef Lam Loon Tuck and his culinary team at Traders Hotel Ah Hoi's Kitchen have added 12 new Sri Lankan crabs dishes using different ingredients and cooking methods. The promotional crab menus, each featuring four new crab dishes will be rotated every three weeks. The different cooking styles of crabs will cater to a wide range of palates and age groups.

Crab Beehoon 3.8/5

We were given a glimpse to some of the new crab creations at Ah Hoi's Kitchen starting with the Crab Beehoon. Crab Beehoon is usually the wet version where the essence is being soaked up by the beehoon. The crab beehoon here is the dry version where it is wok fried with crab, sun dried shrimps and Tianjin cabbage in a superior stock. The result is a plate of fragrant wok hei beehoon with stir fried crab. While this is a good dish, I could not taste the crab essence in the beehoon.

Salted Egg Crab 4.2/5

The Salted Egg Crab is definitely a winner for me and it is also gaining popularity with the local palate. Cooked in a salted egg yolk sauce with chilli padi, curry leave and kaffir lime to further lift the flavour. The beautiful play of flavours complemented the sweetness of the crab meat. An excellent execution.

Prickly Piquant Crab 4/5

For those that is looking for a more spicy kick of the crustacean, you can take the challenge in the Prickly Piquant Crab. The crab is wok fried with sichuan pepper, pickled garlic and citrus salt kicking up a numbness on top of the sweetness from the crab meat. One word, shiok!

Steamed Crab 4.5/5

Among the four crab dishes I tried, the Steamed Crab is my favourite. Steamed to perfection with old ginger and Hua Diao Jiu, it allows the natural sweetness of the crab to shine.

Satay 4.5/5

Grilled Platter of Seafood and Meat 4.2/5

Beside the new crab dishes, Ah Hoi's Kitchen offers many other local dishes in the menu. In the evening, there is even a barbecued section where guests can savour the different barbecued seafood and meats that is accompanied with Asian dips such as sambal chilli, chinchalok with calamansi and honey mustard.

Mango Puree with Sago and Pomelo 4/5

Wrapped up the dinner on a sweet note with a selection of delicious Asian desserts at Ah Hoi's Kitchen such as Chendol, Snow Fungus with Lotus Seed & Gingko Nut, Goreng Pisang with Ice Cream, Mango Pudding, Ice Jelly with Fruit Cocktail etc.

I applauded the 12 new crab dishes creation at Ah Hoi's Kitchen. Unfortunately I only got to try 4 of them. The other crab dishes I did not get to try are Crab Congee, Crab Noodle, Mumtaz Crab, Udang Geragau Crab, Crab Almondine, Crab Tau Cheo, Crab in Coconut Juice and Crab Kaffir Lime. I understand that the hotel has changed a new crab supplier and the quality definitely stood out in all the crab dishes I tried. The crab menus are priced accordingly to weight. For crabs weighting up to one kilogram, they are priced at $7.20 per 100 grams while more than one kilo are priced at $9,20 per 100 grams.


Ah Hoi's Kitchen
Traders Hotel
1A Cuscaden Road
Singapore 249716
Tel: +65 68314373
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tradershotelsingapore
Website: http://www.tradershotels.com/singapore
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 630pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop along Orchard Boulevard, opposite Orchard Parksuites (Stop ID B09022). Take bus number 7, 77, 106, 111, 123 or 174. Alight 3 stops later. Cross the overhead bridge. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk towards Wheelock Place via ION. Exit Wheelock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Continue onwards to Forum Shopping Mall. Walk further down to Orchard Parade Hotel. Turn left onto Tanglin Road. Continue walking down to the end of Tanglin Road to Tanglin Mall. Turn left on Tanglin Mall onto Grange Road and walk to destination. Journey time about 23 minutes. [Map]

Plaza Brasserie @ PARKROYAL on Beach Road

A shout out to the crab lovers out there! The Crab Feast is back at PARKROYAL on Beach Road, Plaza Brasserie from 5 June to 31 August 2013. I have already heard many good words that this year's crab feast is much better than last year. Can't wait to get my fingers dirty digging in to the sumptuous Crab Feast under the culinary direction and creation of Executive Chef Jackson.

Chilli Crab 4/5

Salted Egg Crab 4.5/5

Black Pepper Crab 4.2/5

Besides the ever popular Chilli Crab, Salted Egg Crab and Black Pepper Crab, guests can look forward  to savouring Chef Jackson's new recipes. For this year crab feast, Chef Jackson has introduced Steamed Crab with Tang Gui, Baked Crab, Nonya Curry Crab, Butter Crab, Stir Fried Crab with Egg Yolk and XO Crab.

Steamed Crab with Tang Gui 4.5/5

Among the new crab recipes, my favourite was the Steamed Crab with Tang Gui and Curry Crab. The Steamed Crab with Tang Gui retained the natural sweetness of the crab with a mild herbal Tang Hui taste that complemented the sweetness of the crab.

Curry Crab 4.2/5

I am a big fan of curry and I applauded the Curry Crab version by Chef Jackson. The medley of spices and aroma of the curry left me craving for more of the gravy and I swear I could have wiped the plate clean with my bread if not that I need to reserve my stomach for the other delectable crabs.

Crab Nonya Style 4/5

Baked Crab 3.5/5

Not enough of the crabs? Not to worry, a range of appertizers such as Dijon Crab Cakes with Coriander Paste, Bread Crab Claw, Mini Crab Meat Samosas, Olive & Potato Crabmeat Balls with Pesto, Crabmeat Paste are available in the sumptuous buffet spread. Even the Noodle Live station offers a selection of Curry Noodle, Mee Poh Noodles or Laksa with Soft Shell Crab. On top of the crab feast buffet spread, guests can also enjoy eclectic spread of hot varieties and desserts.

Sumptuous Crab Feast at PARKROYAL on Beach Road
Date: 5 June to 31 August 2013
Dinner (Mon-Thu): Adult $55 Child $33
Dinner (Fri-Sun): Adult $58 Child $35

Price are subjected to 10% service charge and 7% Goods and Services Tax


Plaza Brasserie
PARKROYAL on Beach Road
7500 Beach Road
Singapore 199590
Tel: +65 65055710
Website: http://parkroyalhotels.com
Nearest MRT: Nicoll Highway (CC Line)

Direction:
1) Alight at Nicoll Highway MRT station. Take Exit A. Follow the overhead walkway all the way to The Concourse building. Take the exit down to Nicoll Highway and walk towards Parkroyal Serviced Residences. Cut through towards Parkroyal Hotel. Journey time about 8 minutes.