Hop Into A Bountiful Year Of The Rabbit At Man Fu Yuan, InterContinental Singapore

Usher in the Year of the Rabbit with a luxurious selection of Lunar New Year delights and prosperity prix-fixe menus from 3 January to 5 February 2023 at Man Fu Yuan, InterContinental Singapore. Indulge in the chef's creations using the most premium ingredients and extensive Chinese delicacies catered for families, friends and business partners.

Roasted London Duck with Pineapple, Chinese Spice and Abalone 4.5/5

The Roasted London Duck with Pineapple, Chinese Spice and Abalone ($198nett) is new on the menu. The flavoursome duck is braised to perfection with Chinese spices, with a delicious layer of fats between the crispy skin and succulent meat.

Man Fu Yuan Abundance Treasure Pot 4.8/5

The Man Fu Yuan Abundance Treasure Pot ($468nett) is a treasure trove of prized ingredients. It comprises over 18 ingredients with highlights such as premium sea cucumber, six-head whole abalone with lobster, whole dried scallop, South Africa fish maw, goose web, pig trotters, dace fish ball, dried oysters, chicken wings and preserved Kurobuta sausage.

Braised South Africa Three-head Abalone, Japanese Spiky Sea Cucumber 4.5/5

The Braised South Africa Three-head Abalone and Japanese Spiky Sea Cucumber is a lavish enjoyment paired with superior abalone sauce. The abalone is enormous and cooked perfectly to tender. The spiky sea cucumber looks scary, but it is a bouncy delicacy on its own.

Roasted Suckling Pig Chinese Cured Meat, Five Grain and Glutinous Rice 4.5/5

A signature at Man Fu Yuan every Lunar New Year is their Roasted Suckling Pig with Five Grain Glutinous Rice ($488++). An advance pre-order of three days is needed. Diners will enjoy a trio of crackling skin, succulent pork and sticky rice fragrant with Chinese cured meat.

Double-boiled Coconut with Snow Lotus Seed, Premium Sarawak Bird's Nest 4.5/5

Wrapping up the feast is the Double-boiled Coconut with Snow Lotus Seed and Premium Sarawak Bird's Nest. A fitting dessert that is light and refreshing to wash down all the richness.

Chinese New Year goodies are available for purchase from 12 December 2022 to 2 February 2023, and can be collected from 2 January to 5 February 2023 at Man Fu Yuan Shoppe, located at the level 2, Man Fu Yuan restaurant of InterContinental Singapore. Pre-order of three days in advance is required. For enquiries or to place an order, please email sinhb-festive@ihg.com, or visit InterContinentalShoppe.sg.

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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Website
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]

Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant @ Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel - The Return Of Sri Lankan Crabs And New Menu Launch

Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant at Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel is currently running a Sri Lankan Crab Special from 1 September to 31 October 2022. From exquisite dim sums to a la carte specialities, the Sri Lankan Crab menu allows you to savour the crustacean's plump and sweet meat through 11 different dishes.

Deep-Fried Salted Egg Crab Bun 4/5

For the dim sums, to retain the delicate sweet flavour and texture of the Sri Lankan Crabs meat, the latter is steamed whole before the crab meat is removed from its shell and churned into dainty delights. Drawing inspirations from the well-loved Custard Lava Bun, Deep-Fried Salted Egg Crab Bun ($3.80) is a delicious fried version with a savoury salted egg crab filling encased within a delightfully airy and fluffy dough. But I do find the salted egg slightly overwhelms the crab meat.

Four Happiness Dumpling 4/5

Four Happiness Dumpling ($3.80), an elevated prawn dumpling studded with Crab Meat, Crab Roe, Ham and Celery, will light up your face with its juicy filling, with extra texture and umami-ness lent by the 4 colourful ingredients. Deep-Fried Spring Roll with Crab Meat & Glass Noodle ($3.80) is another dim sum special that is tasty as a spring roll but doesn't do much justice to the crab meat.

Salted Egg with Chicken Floss Crab 4.5/5

For a la carte dishes, Wan Hao's rendition of Salted Egg Crab - Salted Egg with Chicken Floss Crab ($68/ 500- 600gm portion) is a hot favourite of all times. This crab is given a coat using a combination of curry powder, deep-fried garlic, chicken floss and salted egg. This drier method of presenting the crab gives the meat a better chance to shine - the savoury dried coat crumbs became a flavour enhancer, accentuating the sweetness of the crab meat while being finger-licking good on its own.

Braised Beancurd with Crab Meat & Crab Roe 4.8/5

Braised Beancurd with Crab Meat & Crab Roe ($48/person), brimming with fresh chunky crab meat and crab roe, was a star of the evening that showcases the fine qualities of the crustacean. The key probably lies with the flavourful superior stock that was used to form the base of this dish. It did a perfect job in bringing the 3 delicate flavoured ingredients together.

Braised Bird’s Nest with Crab Claw & Watercress Superior Stock 4/5

Braised Bird’s Nest with Crab Claw & Watercress Superior Stock ($68/pax) is indeed a luxurious dish. I appreciate how the emerald green of the watercress reflects the elegance of this dish. Similar to the dish above, the superior stock used is the key to imparting the base flavours and harmonising the ingredients.

Wok-Fried Cod Fillet with Foie Gras 3/5

Other dishes to include in your visit to Wan Hao are some of its newly launched items. Wok-Fried Cod Fillet with Foie Gras in Chef's Secret Sauce ($48). The flavours were good, but the combination of foie gras and wok-fried cod made it a fairly rich dish. Overall I find it a tad dry, given that the cod morsels were almost crunchy and the noodle base was fried too.

Roasted Spanish Suckling Pig wrapped with Wok-fried Glutinous Rice 3/5

No special occasion is needed to devour the Roasted Spanish Suckling Pig wrapped with Wok-fried Glutinous Rice and Chinese Sausage ($508), so long advance reservation is made. While the expected caramelised crispy crackle at the skin was achieved, the collagenous layer underneath the skin was slightly too chewy for my liking.

Brandy Baked Alaska with Ice Cream 4/5

Ice cream dessert is not commonly found in Chinese restaurants. Hence Wan Hao decided to subvert that expectation and introduced its very own Brandy Baked Alaska with Ice Cream ($15++), flambé with Brandy right at your table. It sure brings a lot of excitement to the table.

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.


Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant (萬豪軒)
Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel
Level 3
320 Orchard Road
Singapore 238865
Tel: +65 68314605
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Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 3pm, 630pm - 1030pm
Sat-Sun & PH: 1130am - 3pm, 630pm - 1030pm

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

Man Fu Yuan @ InterContinental Singapore - Resplendent Reunions For Two Or Intimate Gathering With Family And Loved Ones

Usher in the year of Tiger with a luxurious selection of Lunar New Year delicacies and prosperity prix-fixe menus at Man Fu Yuan from 11 January to 15 February 2022. Upholding the tradition of masterfully crafted dishes, Executive Chinese Chef Aaron Tan and his team showcase six delightful prix-fixe menus and a collection of speciality dishes steeped in auspiciousness. Diners can select and savour menus that suit their palates in the cosy alcoves in the dining hall or comfort of private and semi-private, whether it is a dining experience for two or an intimate gathering with family and loved ones dining rooms for up to five guests.

Full of Abundance Yusheng 4.2/5

We started with the Full of Abundance Yusheng, tailored for the individual to lo hei at their seat. It comes with Hokkaido scallops, sea urchin, Kaluga caviar and salmon paired with a refreshing and fruity pomegranate dressing.

Double-boiled Giant Fish Broth 5/5

Cooked till milky and creamy is the luxe Double-boiled Giant Fish Broth with Bird's Nest, King Tuber Mushroom, Yunnan Cured Ham, Fish Maw in Coconut Husk. You can even have the coconut flesh after finishing the soup. 

Roasted-smoked Duck with "Ban-Zhang" Tea Leaves 4.5/5

The Roasted-smoked Duck with "Ban-Zhang" Tea Leaves is tender and juicy, with a beautiful aroma.

Abundance Treasure Pot 4.8/5

A signature at Man Fu Yuan is their Abundance Treasure Pot brimming with over 18 premium ingredients such as 8-head abalone, Canadian lobster, Hokkaido scallops, pig’s trotters and Yunnan pleurotus tuber fungus.

Pan-fried Atlantic Cod Fillet with Premium XO Scallop Sauce 4/5

Usually, I have steamed cod, but Pan-fried Atlantic Cod Fillet is a good change from the usual. Interestingly, the cod fillet is paired with premium XO scallop sauce, which is another new way of enjoying the buttery fish for me.

Man Fu Yuan Classic Salted Baked Sakura Chicken 4.5/5

Requiring a minimum of three days advance order is the Man Fu Yuan Classic Salted Baked Sakura Chicken. It is so tender that the meat fell off the bone with ease.

Braised Lobster with Superior Crab Meat Egg White Sauce 4/5

This year, a new creation is the Braised Lobster with Superior Crab Meat Egg White Sauce paired with Hong Kong chye sim, crispy vermicelli and ikura. The highlight has to be the vermicelli, while the lobster is just a calefare to the dish.

Roasted Suckling Pig 4.5/5

Another signature item at Man Fu Yuan is the Roasted Suckling Pig stuffed with fragrant glutinous rice. You get a trio of enjoyment - crackling skin, succulent pork and sticky rice.

Double-boiled Pumpkin with Almond Cream 4.5/5

Wrapping up our meal is the Double-boiled Pumpkin with Almond Cream, Yacon and premium Sarawak Bird's Nest. A fitting chill dessert that is light and refreshing to cut all the richness from the festive savoury dishes.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Man Fu Yuan
InterContinental Singapore
Level 2
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 63387600
Facebook
Website
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]

Yan Restaurant (宴) @ National Gallery - Ushers In The Year Of The Tiger With A Repertoire Of Cantonese Delights

Yan Restaurant at National Gallery ushers in the Year of the Tiger with a repertoire of Cantonese delights available for dine-in and takeaway. From 1 January to 15 February 2022, you may choose to celebrate in the restaurant with its specially curated a la carte dishes and six sumptuous set menus (from $138 to $268 per pax), including an eight-course vegetarian set menu ($88 per pax). Else, enjoy the sumptuous festive dishes and treats at home, available for self-collection and delivery.

Abalone & Salmon with Gold Foil Lo Hei in ‘Shun De’ Style 4/5

Yan undeniably has one of the most interesting Yu Sheng that I have come across - Abalone & Salmon with Gold Foil Lo Hei in 'Shun De' Style (from $92, dine-in only). In place of the usual shredded carrots, radish and cucumber are a mountain of crispy vermicelli, topped with shredded purple and yellow sweet potatoes, pickled ginger, and gold flakes. The accompanying vibrant vegetables added much freshness and crunch to yu sheng. The abalone slices have also been braised in superior stock to bring in more flavour to the dish.

Yan Harvest Pen Cai 4.5/5

Another symbolic dish is Yan Harvest Pen Cai (from $325). It features layers of 18 delicacies such as 6-head abalone, sea cucumber, prawns, whole conpoy, collagen-rich pork tendons, king grouper fillet, scallops, roast pork, soya chicken, and roast duck. This Pen Cai is superior because each ingredient is individually prepared, then combined in a claypot and simmered in a flavourful braised duck sauce. One of my favourite pieces is the yam and lotus roots within, braised till tender and soaked with the flavoursome sauce.

Steamed Soon Hock Fillet 3.5/5

Fish symbolises ample surplus, and hence, one of the must-haves in this Lunar New Year spread would be this Steamed Soon Hock Fillet with Preserved Lemon Sauce. The fish is steamed together with house-made preserved lemon sauce, crispy garlic lemon slices, preserved vegetables, and a small amount of finely chopped chilli and lime juice. As a result, the delicate flavour of the fish was very much preserved and yet flavoursome at the same time, especially when finished with a handful of crispy golden garlic topping.

Wok-fried Local Lobster Tail 3/5

For some lucky red hues, some of the set menus include a lobster dish in the form of Wok-fried Local Lobster Tail with Crab Meat & Crab Roe Superior Sauce, or you may also order it a la carte at $23.80. Crab roe and crab meat are cooked in superior seafood stock and boiled till thickened and poured over the lobster before serving.

House Special Braised Pork Ribs Marinated with Dang Gui 4/5

House Special Braised Pork Ribs Marinated with Dang Gui (Dine-in only). The Dang Gui marinated pork ribs are shallow fried over a gentle heat then braised in dang gui sauce for an hour till reduced. Though I couldn't taste much of the Dang Gui, it was still a delicious piece of rib to be savoured upon.

Roast Crispy Suckling Pig 4/5

Roast Crispy Suckling Pig ($330) available for dine-in will give you the full experience. It is served in three ways for dine-in guests. The first way is to appreciate the crispy skin served with house-made pancakes, plum sauce, cucumber sticks, and spring onions. The second way is serving the suckling pig carved shoulder. The third way is like char siew, with the tender pork fillet marinated with barbecue sauce and baked with lemongrass.

Roasted Duck Marinated with Mandarin Peel Sauce 4/5

Another popular item of Yan is the Roasted Duck Marinated with Mandarin Peel Sauce (A la carte $22/ $44/ $88, takeaway whole duck $88). What's unique about the Mandarin Peel Sauce is that it is made with mandarins grown in Xin Hui, located in Guangdong. These Xin Hui mandarins have the most fragrant peels compared to mandarins from other regions, identified by their distinct aroma and bitter citrus flavour.

Double-boiled Morel ‘Yang Du Jun’ and Chicken Soup 4/5

For something nourishing, Double-boiled Morel 'Yang Du Jun' and Chicken Soup with Fish Maw is also incorporated into the set menus and also made available a la carte ($26). The double-boiled soup comes with fish maw, morels, chicken, and dried scallops. The morels are believed to help reduce phlegm and boost one's immunity by regulating the body's qi (vital energy).

Chilled Pumpkin Cream with Aloe Vera 4/5

The dessert is equally auspicious with Chilled Pumpkin Cream with Aloe Vera (Dine-in only) and Deep-Fried Sesame Rice Ball filled with lotus paste. Golden pumpkin signifies bountifulness and prosperity. Light and refreshing with aloe vera, it sums up the festive meal on a perfect note.

Yan spreads the festive joy with pre-order discounts till 8 January 2022 for selected takeaway items, with orders to be placed via the e-store: From 13 December 2021: 15% discount for Prosperity Treats (excluding the Golden Happiness Bamboo Tote). From 18 December 2021: 10% discount for Harvest Pen Cai (for takeaway only).

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.


Yan Restaurant (宴)
National Gallery Singapore
1 St Andrew's Road
#05-02
Singapore 178958
Tel: +65 63845585
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit D. Turn left and walk down North Bridge Road. Turn left onto Coleman Street. Walk down Coleman Street. Walk to destination. Journey time around 5 minutes. [Map]

Jiang-Nan Chun @ Four Seasons Hotel Singapore - Launched Signatures by Executive Chinese Chef Albert Au

Michelin-starred Jiang-Nan Chun at Four Seasons Hotel Singapore has recently launched Signatures by Executive Chinese Chef Albert Au. Available at both lunch (Six-course $178/pax) and dinner (Seven-Course at $198/ pax), menus showcase fresh, seasonal produce in dishes executed by weaving fresh, seasonal produce and a passion for bringing a dynamic perspective to classic techniques.

Jiang-Nan Chun Trilogy 4.8/5

Dinner is a seven-course experience that begins with a Jiang-Nan Chun Trilogy. It was a plate of 3 very luxurious bites - starting from a succulent and meaty Blue Prawn Toast, followed by a brilliantly executed slice of Crispy Suckling Pig layered with red wine jelly and a generous dollop of osetra caviar, and rounding off the first course is the signature Honey Glazed Pork Collar.

Double-boiled Fish Maw Soup 4.5/5

Next up, we have the classic Double-boiled Fish Maw Soup. It is doubled boiled for 6 hours with Sea Whelk and Dried Scallops, resulting in a gelatinous texture.

Braised Star Garoupa Fillet 4.8/5

The next course was my favourite, which features a wild-caught Braised Star Garoupa Fillet with Daikon in Superior Sauce. Chef Albert specially chose the Japanese daikon for its flavours, and it went all tender and sweet in the rich superior sauce. The fish on its own was outstanding, but the addition of the perfectly stewed daikon brought the dish up a notch.

Boston Lobster 4/5

The next dish highlights a style of cooking 避风塘 that is said to originate from Hongkong Causeway Bay. Such a cooking method was traditionally used with seafood. Here we had an elevated version using Boston Lobster with fragrant Garlic and Dried Chilli. Known for its aroma and robust flavours, the garlic and dried chilli brought out the lobster's sweetness, especially when the meat remained tender and juicy.

Braised Pork Belly with Pineapple 4.2/5

The next course is another Chef's signature - Braised Pork Belly with Pineapple. When the dish was served, there was an immediate pleasing waft of citrusy orange peel coming through. To counter the meat's richness, the pork belly was braised together with pineapple and other dried fruits for their tartness and acidity.

Handmade Noodles with Baby Abalone and Vegetables 4.8/5

The last savoury dish was a highlight for me as well - an extraordinarily homely and comforting Handmade Noodles with Baby Abalone and Vegetables. Both the broth and the texture of the noodles were superb, reflecting Chef Albert's culinary expertise and knowledge.

Oolong Tea infused Jivara Chocolate Sphere with Kumquat 3.5/5

Dessert is Oolong Tea infused Jivara Chocolate Sphere with Kumquat. It was pretty interesting to see a kumquat replacing the usual orange. I feel the extra acidity from the citrusy kumquat filling worked even better with the chocolate.

You can also opt for a pairing of Taittinger Prestige Rosé and fine wines, curated to perfectly complement the full seven-course menu, available at $298 per person. For dining reservations, please speak with Jiang-Nan Chun at 6831 7220 or email jnc.sin@fourseasons.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.


Jiang Nan Chun (江南春)
Four Seasons Hotel Singapore
Second Floor
190 Orchard Boulevard
Singapore 248646
Tel: +65 68317220
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk towards Wheelock Place via ION. Exit Wheelock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Continue walking along Orchard Road. Walk to Hilton Hotel. Go to level 2. Follow the passageway to Four Seasons Hotel. Walk to destination. Journey time is about 12 minutes. [Map]