Tiffin Room @ Raffles Hotel - Return of The Wondrous Flavours of Holi

Tiffin Room at Raffles Hotel is once again presenting Holi Festival Specialities, exclusively crafted by award-winning Chef de Cuisine Kuldeep Negi, at the historic Tiffin Room. The Wondrous Flavours of Holi will be available from 18 to 31 March 2024 for both lunch and dinner.

Stuffed Yellow Lentil Dumplings 3.5/5

Our dinner began with Chef Kuldeep's Welcome Dahi Gujia (Stuffed Yellow Lentil Dumplings With Sweet Yogurt, Tamarind And Spicy Mint Chutney), a beloved North Indian snack, involves lentils ground and shaped into a half-moon gujiya, generously adorned with yoghurt, tamarind chutney, coriander mint chutney, and an array of Indian spices. Combining the chutneys and spices resulted in an explosion of flavours - a delightful interplay of sweet, tangy, and savoury notes infused with aromatic undertones. The addition of nuts provided an enjoyable textural contrast to the chaat. Personally, I would have preferred a bit less of the tamarind chutney, as it leaned towards the sweeter side.

Pickled Spicy Tandoori-Grilled Chicken Wrap 4/5

Next is the Achari Murgh Tikka Kathi Roll, featuring Pickled Spicy Tandoori-Grilled Chicken Wrap served with Beetroot, Radish And Onion Salad. The chicken was tender and flavourful with a heady blend of spices, which was quite nicely balanced by the herbaceous mint chutney and the side salad.

Pan-Seared Black Cod 4.5/5

The Main Course was served in its classic tiffin set. Tawa Masala Fish was the crowd's favourite, featuring Pan-Seared Black Cod in a Special Blend Of Spices, Onion And Tomato Masala. The tangy and fruity sweetness of the masala complemented the inherent richness of the cod.

Boneless Chicken Leg 4/5

Murgh Madras is a crowd pleaser with tender Boneless Chicken Leg in curry rich in mustard seed and spices.

Pahadi Gosht 4.2/5

Pahadi Gosht is a rare treat that serves Himalayan-style Lamb Chop Curry with Fresh Herbs And Spices. The lamb was delightfully tender, and this more robust form of curry proved to be a good pairing with the meat's flavours.

Yellow Lentil Curry 3.5/5

The Tiffin set also includes Shahi Dal, a curry made with Yellow Lentil with Black Beans and Red Kidney Beans. I enjoyed the textural interplay of the various beans and lentils, but I prefer a more spice-forward curry that tastes bolder.

Tomato Mint Pulao 5/5

Butter Naan and Laccha Parantha 5/5

Despite the curries being the main focus, the Tomato Mint Pulao, Butter Naan, and Laccha Parantha truly stole the spotlight for me. The Tomato Mint Pulao was a delight, featuring light and fluffy basmati rice infused with the fragrant essence of mint and cardamom, punctuated by sweetness from softened fresh tomatoes. Both the naan and parantha proved equally satisfying, boasting the desired texture and a rich, buttery flavour that added a layer of joy to the overall dining experience.

Dessert 3/5

The Dessert is a platter of Makai Halwa, Gujia, and Gur Para (Sweet Corn Halwa, Traditional Sweet Dumplings Stuffed With Coconut And Dried Fruits, and Jaggery Bites). However, I found these selections a bit too heavy for a dessert course after the fairly rich dishes. Perhaps a lighter option would have provided a more balanced and refreshing conclusion to the meal.

Options of 2 glasses and 4 glasses alcoholic beverages pairing are available as well.

Photograph and written 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.


Tiffin Room
Raffles Hotel
1 Beach Road
Singapore 189673
Tel: +65 63371886
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Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Lunch: 12pm - 145pm
Dinner: 630pm - 845pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Junction of North Bridge Road and Bras Basah Road. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit F. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Hue @ Tyrwhitt Road - Innovative Interpretation of Royal Thai Cuisine with Contemporary Cooking Styles

Hue is a new Thai restaurant located in the Lavender area serving modern Thai dining experience from the royal Thai recipe book and modernised with contemporary cooking styles. The dishes here are innovative and refreshing interpretations of Thai cuisine while retaining the cultural roots of Thai food.

Melon First 3.5/5

Diners at Hue will get an amuse bouche of Melon First. The refreshing watermelon is brined with salted fish, topped with fried shallots and sprinkled with sugar. It is an unorthodox pairing which didn't quite work for me. I felt the fried shallots though fragrant, throw the freshness off.

Three Little Pigs 4.2/5

Meat lovers will relish the Three Little Pigs ($19). The oven-roasted crispy pork belly is given a quick stir fry in a green Thai sauce comprising three primary Thai herbs and spices of garlic, coriander, and white pepper, elevating the typical sio bak dish.

Garlilicious Prawn 4.5/5

There are many ways of cooking prawns, but this is the first time I have tried this style in the Garlilicious Prawn ($28). Not only are the fresh Tiger prawns grilled, they even come drenched in a special fragrant truffle sauce tossed with chopped garlic for a veil of earthiness.

Wrap It Up 4/5

The Wrap It Up ($19) is a fun rendition of the popular Thai Street Food - Kway Teow Lui Suan. A type of Thai fresh spring roll with herbs. To enjoy the dish, mix the kway teow with the sauteed minced pork, coriander, roasted peanuts and chopped chilli, then have it with the butterhead lettuce like a wrap.

Not a Tom Yum 3/5

This is probably the only Thai restaurant that does not serve tom yum soup on the menu. Instead, it offers Not a Tom Yum ($19), a hot and spicy soup served with charred seafood fried egg omelette. It tasted like a thick prawn noodle soup with a medley of Thai herbs. I find it too rich to have as a soup.

Paper Fish (180g) 4.5/5

A dish that I adore at any Thai restaurant is the Thai steamed fish with lime and garlic. Over at Hue, the dish is given a makeover in the Paper Fish ($23 for 180g / $45 for 360g). A whole fillet of Barramundi oven-baked in parchment paper, retaining and locking up Thai herbs and spices aromas.

Moocano 4.5/5

The Moocano ($23) is a fresh take on the street snack Moo Ping, a Thai-style grilled pork collar skewer. At Hue, the chargrilled pork is glazed with an in-house golden brown lava sauce and served on top of sticky glutinous rice. This is so good. I can have it as a meal on its own.

Tea-ramisu 4.2/5

Instead of coffee, the Tea-ramisu ($14) recreates the classic tiramisu with Thai milk tea, lady finger biscuits, mascarpone and rich ganache. It is a delicious creation that is as satisfying as the traditional Italian dessert.

Sohm Choon 4.2/5

Perfect for wrapping up the Thai meal is the sweet and refreshing Sohm Choon ($15), a summer dessert made from sweet and sour fruits, including lychee puree, lime zest, orange wedges and ginger, piled under lychee shaved ice. It is further accentuated by crunchy peanuts, lending extra texture and fragrance.

I am impressed with what Hue is trying to bring to the table, giving Thai food a new modern interpretation with its contemporary cooking. It provides the Thai food scene in Singapore with a refreshing and exciting change to the usual traditional Thai food.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Hue
123 Tyrwhitt Road
Singapore 207549
Tel: +65 90180992
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Lavender (EW Line), Bendemeer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Wed: 6pm - 10pm
Thu: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm
Fri-Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm
Sun: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Lavender MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Horne Road. Turn left on Horne Road and walk down Horne Road. Walk to the end of Horne Road and turn left onto Tyrwhitt Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Bendemeer MRT staton. Take Exit A. Walk down Kallang Bahru Road towards Lavender Street. Cross the road and turn right onto Lavender Road. Walk down Lavender Road and turn left onto Tyrwhitt Road. Walk down Tyrwhitt Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Two Hana @ Century Square - Bringing Two Cultures, Korean And Western Together

There are quite a number of restaurants and eateries to check out at the newly re-opened Century Square mall. One of these restaurants and eateries is Two Hana which is located near the mall's taxi stand. It is a Korea meets West cafe concept offering a eclectic menu featuring all-day dining, light bites, hearty mains, alluring dessert, refreshing drinks and specialty coffee from All Press.

Two Hana Drumlets 3.5/5

Since it is a Korean inspired cafe, then we can do without the Korean fried chicken. The Two Hana Drumlets ($9) comes in 2 flavours - Honey Butter and Spicy Yangnyeom. It is a sweet and spicy combination with deep fried crispy skin. The honey butter sauce drumlets are topped with popcorn and almond while the spicy yangnyeom comes with sesame seeds.

Korean Cauliflower Fritters 4/5

Kimchi Mac & Cheese Bites 3.5/5

For some light bites on the menu, there are the Korean Cauliflower Fritters ($8) and Kimchi Mac & Cheese Bites ($9). The cauliflower is coated in a light crispy tempura batter and glazed in a sweet and spicy sauce. Up a notch with the kimchi mac & cheese whereby the cheesy filling is spiced up with kimchi chucks enveloped by crispy breadcrumbs.

Bulgogi Sidewinders 3.5/5

If you find having fries alone is rather boring, then the Bulgogi Sidewinders ($9) will be a nice change with its abundance of toppings such as beef bulgogi, creamy bulgogi sauce, kimchi bits, onions and parmeson cheese. It may sounds and looks messy but the combination actually comes together quite well.

Korean Slaw & Rocket Salad 3/5

If you want something light and healthy, there is the Korean Slaw & Rocket Salad ($9). The green consists of an assortment of rockets, cabbage and red cabbage. It is topped with pear, parmesan, mandarin orange, citron jam, yogurt and raisins. I enjoyed how the fruits and jam lend a citrus touch to the earthy greens.

Kimchi Bibimwrap 3/5

A staple Korean dish is the bibimap which is usually served in a bowl. How about the Kimchi Bibimwarp ($12), bibimap in a wrap? The wrap is stuffed with kimgaru rice, spinach, namul, shiitake mushrooms, fried garlic, egg, lettuce, cabbage, toasted sesame dressing and fried garlic. This is a meal on its own. You can also opt not to have rice in the wrap.

Striploin Bap 4/5

Rice bowl has been one the latest food trends in Singapore. Jumping on the bandwagon is the Striploin Bap ($13), its Korean interpretation of the rice bowl. Beautifully seared striploin slices, together with servings of kimchi, spinach, beansprout namul, caramelised onions and poached egg rest on top of the kimgarou rice. In fact, I find the bowl a bit small for the generous servings.

Crisp-Battered Pacific Cod 3/5

The Crisp-Battered Pacific Cod ($14) is served on a bed of doenjang mashed potatoes and comes with a choice of kimchi veloute or honey soy mayonnaise sauce. Unfortunately the highlight of the dish is the doenjang mashed potatoes, made from 60% potatoes, 40% butter and doenjang sauce. The bland tasting pacific cod is overshadowed by the creamy mashed potatoes with chunky bites.

Korean Seafood Cioppino 4.5/5

The dining group's favourite has to be the Korean Seafood Cioppino ($12), brimming with a medley of mussels, clams, prawns, mushroom and carrots stewed in tomatoes cream base. Diners can have a choice of tofu or soft rolls to go with the rich and creamy soup. It's like have a bowl of lobster bisque.

Gochujang Braised Lamb Shank 3.8/5

I thought the Gochujang Braised Lamb Shank ($24) is rather special. Unlike the usual, it is braised in a gochujang tomato sauce. While the braised sauce was delish, I was lacked down by the texture of the lamb shank. I was expecting it to be more tender. It seems that the lamb shank needs more hours in the pot.

Apple Caramel Waffles with Doenjang Caramel Ice Cream 3.5/5

As for dessert, I tried both the Apple Caramel Waffles with Doenjang Caramel Ice Cream ($9) and Strawberry Waffles with Honey Citron Ice Cream ($9). The waffles are crispy and dense. The addition of fruits help to cut those density with the yummy ice cream providing the home run.

Strawberry Waffles with Honey Citron Ice Cream 3.5/5

Overall, I feel that Two Hana serves some interesting Korean meets Western dishes but some are not at that level yet. There is potential in the dishes but probably needed more refinement to reach to excellent. Putting the food aside, the cafe serves great coffee using beans from All Press. So don't forget to get your caffeine fix whenever you drop by the cafe.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Two Hana
Century Square
2 Tampines Central 5
#01-21
Singapore 529509
Tel: +65 62604339
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Tampines (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tampines MRT station. Take Exit C. Turn left and walk to traffic light junction. Cross the road and walk down Tampines Central 5. Walk to Century Square. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Oporto @ Holland Village - Australia Flame Grilled Portuguese Chicken Opens First Outlet In Singapore

Australia's Portuguese flame-grilled chicken chain - Oporto has opened its first-ever outlet at Holland Village in Singapore. With over 160 stores in Australia and New Zealand, Oporto brings an array of healthy fast food of flame-grilled chicken, wraps and burgers using fresh chicken, paired with their irresistible specialty sauces.

Original Chilli Half Chicken 3.8/5

Porto's flame-grilled chicken comes in Quarter ($6.90), Half ($11.90) and Whole ($21.90). Diners have a choice of Original Chilli or Lemon & Herb Flavour. The chicken is tender and juicy, with a nice hint of smokiness.

Lemon & Herb Half Chicken 4/5

Between the two sauces, I preferred the Lemon & Herb over the Original Chilli. The lemon & herb seems more balanced and complements the poultry better. The original chilli has a bit of heat at the end and it was a bit salty too.

Oprego Burger 4/5

Besides the flame-grilled chicken, the menu is offers two different type of burgers with fresh grilled 100% chicken fillets - Oprego Burger and Bondi Burger. It comes in three different patty sizes, Single ($5.90), Double ($7.90) and Triple ($9.90).

Bondi Burger 4/5

The Oprego Burger comprises of chicken fillets, crispy lettuce, fresh tomato, cheese, mayo and tangy Prego sauce, while the Bondi Burger is the spicy version with chicken fillets, crispy lettuce, cheese, creamy mayo and original chilli sauce. Once again the chicken fillet is really tender and juicy. However I am a little disappointed that the chicken fillet was not charred enough, lacking that smokiness I was expecting.

Chicken Taca Bowl 3/5

There are also Salad and Wraps on the menu. You can have a satisfying Chicken Taca Bowl ($9.90) that comes with lettuce, crunchy slaw, grilled chicken rappa and choice of sauces. There are a total of six sauces (original chilli, lemon & herb, garlic, mayo, prego and bbq) to choose from.

Chicken Rappa 3.5/5

A good to go choice or something for a quick meal is the Chicken Rappa ($7.90). I preferred this to the salad as I can get everything in one bite.

Diners can also make it into a meal with an addition of $2.50 (1 Regular Side and Drink) or $3.50 (1 Large Side and Drink). There are a total of six sides to choose from. They are Spicy Rice, White Rice, Chips, Crunchy Slaw and Grilled Corn. For something light, there are snacks such as the Bondi Bites, Wings, Spicy Chicken Bites, Potato Bites and Chilli Cheese Chips. I like the spicy chicken bites and potato bites.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Oporto
Holland Piazza
No. 3 Lorong Liput
#01-01
Singapore 277725
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

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

D9 Cakery @ Hilton Singapore - Endless Saturday High Tea

D9 Cakery at Hilton Singapore has recently launched a "Endless Saturday High Tea". What might bring this up onto the top of your High Tea list, could well be their 6-metre long D9 dessert showcase.

Laksa 3/5

Still, I held on to that temptation and started off with the savouries first - a bowl of piping hot Laksa and Satays that were freshly grilled before me. The Laksa gravy was rich and coconuty with crunchy sprouts and succulent prawns to whet my appetite.

Satay 3/5

Beef and Chicken Satays are available. The beef was rather tough but the satay sauce saved the day with its robustness and nuttiness, which tempted me to reach out for even more Ketupat!

Dim Sum 2.8/5

Other Asian delights include the quintessential Dim Sum such as Har Gow, Siew Mai, Custard Bao and Red Bean Bao.

Roasted Chicken Tortilla Wrap 3/5

Pulled Pork Sliders 3/5

From the finger bites, you can make your own savoury platter with the Smoked Salmon Sandwich, Roasted Chicken Tortilla Wrap followed by some hot items such as the Pulled Pork Sliders, Croque Monsier. The pulled pork sliders may just set you off for some beers or wines I reckon.

Swiss Raclette Cheese 3.5/5

Cheese platter isn't available because it is replaced with something even better - an a la minute Swiss Raclette Cheese! Time seemed to claw as I waited for the cheese to be heated up. Finally, it started to bubble and a string of gooey cheese flowed onto my toast and potatoes like honey. As it cools really quickly, do have it fast the moment you get back to your seats.

Scones 4/5

When I think of high tea, freshly baked scones always come to mind. I love the fact that 2 different textures are both available, soft and crumbly. Together with the dollop of cream and tart strawberry jam, they are the nutrients for stress relief.

Artisanal Sweets, Hilton Cheesecakes, Green Tea Cake, Red Velvet, Chocolate 4.5/5

The 6-metre long D9 dessert showcase is what you are here for. At first glance, one may thought they are meant for sale but they are really part of the buffet. Like jewellery on display, its a pleasure to behold them before pulling open the case and lift each petite cake onto my plate.

What awaits at the same aisle is a gorgeous lemon chocolate fountain with an array of berries, sweets and chocolate for you to coat and deliver the smooth chocolate into your mouth.

When each dessert is vying for your attention, its easy to miss out the Teppanyaki ice-cream located at the entrance. Like pure chocolate sorbet made on the spot!

I hardly had time to finish the desserts. So do leave aside a considerable amount of time to slowly appreciate each of them. Served with 10 choices of free flow TWG Teas of the finest European & Asian blends, have fun choosing different teas or coffee to complement the different flavour and sweetness. Yes, if only this High Tea is really endless.

Hilton Endless Saturday High Tea
Price:
$41++ per adult with free flow of coffee and TWG teas
$76++ per adult with free flow of selected wines and beer
$21++ per child (5-12 yrs old, below 5 dine for free)
Timing:
1st Seating: 12pm - 230pm
2nd Seating: 3pm - 5pm

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.


D9 Cakery 
Hilton Singapore
Lobby Level
581 Orchard Road
Singapore 238883
Tel: +65 67303392
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

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. Journey time is about 8 minutes. [Map]