Jumbo Seafood @ ION Orchard - New Dim Sum Afternoon Tea Set With Moet & Chandon Champagne

Afternoon Tea maybe a Western thing but Jumbo Seafood at Ion Orchard is breaking the tradition with the newly created Dim Sum Afternoon Tea Set. The Asian spin on the afternoon tea is from at $48++ per set for 2 pax. Customers can also top up to include Moet & Chandon Champagne to go along with their dim sum.

The Afternoon Tea set comes with a pot of floral tea. Customer can choose between Oriental Beauty with Wolfberries or Springtime Blossoms. For the champagne promotion, customer can add on a bottle of Moet & Chandon, Imperial Brut NV - 750ml ($78++ Jumbo Rewards Members / $88++ Non-Members) or Moet & Chandon, Imperial Brut NV - 375ml ($48++ Jumbo Rewards Members / $55++ Non-Members).

The Afternoon Tea Set comes in two tier. The top tier is the savoury section that consists of Sweet Yam Paste with Salted Egg Yolk Puff,  Pan Fried Jumbo Chilli Crab Buns and Lotus Root Puffs. My favourite is the Sweet Yam Paste with Salted Egg Yolk Puff is shaped into a beautiful swan, not only pretty in sight but delicious on the palate too.

The lower tier is the sweet section that comes with Baked Orange Egg Tarts, Black Sesame Cake and Molten Salted Egg Lava Mochi. I like the hint of orange in the egg tart, giving it a lifted enjoyment. The other delight treat is the deep fried pumpkin shaped mochi dumpling with oozing molten salted egg lava filling. The black sesame cake is rather acquire with its soft texture though.

Completing the dim sum afternoon set is the Jumbo Siew Mai and Steamed Prawns and Spinach Dumpling served in a bamboo steamer.

Kindly note the Dim Sum Afternoon Tea Set is exclusively available at Ion Orchard outlet only from 2pm to 530pm daily (exclude public holidays) for dine in. Jumbo Rewards Members can enjoy 50% off 2nd purchase of Dim Sum Afternoon Tea Set from 31 August 2020 to 30 October 2020. Non-members can sign up as Jumbo Rewards Members at https://jumbogroup.sg/jumbo-rewards to enjoy this promotion.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Jumbo Seafood
Ion Orchard
2 Orchard Turn
#04-09/10
Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 67373435
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 1030pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Lunar New Year Treasured Moments At Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant, Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel

Usher in the Year of the Rat at Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant, Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel with a flourish of bespoke set menus, a la carte Lunar New Year masterpieces and innovative Lunar New Year takeaway treats. The Lunar New Year festive menus will be available from 03 January to 08 February 2020.

Lobster, Scallop, Salmon, Alaskan Crab, Caviar and Crispy Fish Skin Yu Sheng

Toss to a year of abundance and prosperity with the luxuriant Lobster, Scallop, Salmon, Alaskan Crab, Caviar and Crispy Fish Skin Yu Sheng with Passionfruit Pearls & Crispy Vermicelli dotted with gold flakes ($268++ Large). Guests can choose from a choice of three sauces to go with the Yu Sheng. They are White Peace Sauce, Kumquat Sauce or traditional sauce. For a healthy take, there is the new Pear and Avocado Vegetarian Yu Sheng ($68++/ $128++).

Bird's Nest Dumpling with Crab Roe Superior Soup

The Bird's Nest Dumpling with Crab Roe Superior Soup is an "atas" interpretation of the dumpling soup. The dumpling is topped with bird nest, complemented by the robust crab roe broth.

Wan Hao Imperial Pot of Prosperity

Making a debut this year is the Wan Hao Imperial Pot of Prosperity ($688/ $1088). The treasure pot consists of 15 luxuriant ingredients, filled to the brim with Australian 3-Head abalone, drunken chicken, crispy dried oyster, sea cucumber, fish maw, Irish roast duck, Japanese shiitake mushroom, whole pig trotter, black moss, fish paste, baby Chinese cabbage, black moss, white radish, beancurd skin and broccoli.

Wok-fried Boston Lobster with Caviar, Egg White, Fresh Milk & Broccoli

A light but the yet flavourful dish is the Wok-fried Boston Lobster with Caviar, Egg White, Fresh Milk & Broccoli. What I enjoyed most is the light and fluffy egg white perked up by the caviar's zest.

Pork Ribs with White Peach Honey Sauce

An innovative and unique take of the traditional pork ribs dish is the Pork Ribs with White Peach Honey Sauce ($38++) instead of the usual sweet and sour sauce. The white peach and honey sauce gives the tender pork ribs a subtle sweetness that is well balanced.

Hot Teochew Yam Paste with Carrageen & Coconut Milk

The Hot Teochew Yam Paste with Carrageen & Coconut Milk is a luxury interpretation of the traditional Orh Nee, crowned with bird's nest.

Not to be missed is the Nian Gao Tart from Marriott Hotel. Joining the all-time favourites; Golden Nian Gao Tart with Green Tea ($32), Golden Nian Gao Tart with Cempedak ($32) and Golden Nian Gao with Yam ($28) is the new creation Golden Nian Gao Tart with Red Date ($28) this year.

For dining reservations or pre-orders, please call 6831 4605, email singaporemarriott.festive@marriotthotels.com or visit singaporemarriott.com/cny. For pre-order of Takeaway Goodies, please call 6831 4708, visit singaporemarriott.com/cny or visit our hotel forecourt stall or retail booths.

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
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

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

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

Fragrant Garden (馨香园) @ Upper Serangoon Shopping Centre - A Hidden Gem In A Deserted Shopping Mall

Upper Serangoon Shopping Centre used to be my hangout during my primary and secondary school days. This is where I got my computer games in floppy disc and computer repaired. Back then, it was the only shopping mall in the Hougang and Serangoon areas. There were no Nex, Kovan Heartland Mall, Hougang Mall and City Square Mall. The mall remains stuck in time, in its early 80s, rundown and deserted, except for Fragrant Garden (馨香园) on level one that still attracts a regular crowd for its Teochew dishes.

Combo Roll 4/5

Together with a few foodie friends, we dropped by Fragrant Garden on a weekday evening to have dinner. The whole place still looks the same during my secondary school's day. The entire mall is deserted except for the dinner crowd at Fragrant Garden. We started with the Combo Roll ($12/$20) which consists of prawn roll and liver roll. My attention is drawn to the liver roll, which is hardly available in the restaurants' menu nowadays. The offal gives it a creamy interior encased in a crispy exterior wrapped with beancurd skin.

Oyster Omelette Teochew Style 4.2/5

I have tried the oyster omelette from Chui Huay Lim Teochew Restaurant and its the gooey version. Over at Fragrant Garden, the Oyster Omelette Teochew Style ($14/$20) is very close to our local hawker version. It is fried to crispy on the exterior, retaining a slight gooeyness inside with plump and juicy oysters.

Steamed Pomfret in Teochew Style 4.5/5

Steamed Pomfret in Teochew Style (Seasonal Price) is a staple Teochew dish which does not come cheap. A size like this would probably cost around $95. You would perhaps like to confirm the price right at the beginning just to avoid any unhappiness during payment. Steamed to perfection, the pomfret was moist and complemented by the sourish gravy.

Braised Duck in Teochew Style 4.2/5

Another dish I enjoyed a lot in the Braised Duck in Teochew Style ($15/$20). I like the layer of fat under the skin, giving it a delightful ratio to the tender meat. Hidden underneath the pile of sliced braised duck, is a bed of silky Pu Ning Tofu.

Fragrant's Stuffed Sea Cucumber 4/5

If you are a fan of sea cucumber, you will appreciate the Fragrant's Stuffed Sea Cucumber ($60 onwards). The sea cucumber is well braised to a soft and bouncy texture. The stuffed meat mixture elevates the main ingredient, giving it a multi-textural enjoyment. Pre-order is required for this dish.

Braised Vegetable with Scallop in Teochew Style 4.5/5

For the vegetable dish, we went for the Braised Vegetable with Scallop in Teochew Style ($12). I am a sucker for cabbage, especially when it is braised under "nua nua" (very soft), absorbing the flavoursome broth.

Fried Kway Tiao with Chai Poh 4/5

Another staple Teochew dish is the Fried Kway Tiao with Chai Poh ($5/$8/$12). Another well-executed dish packed with smokiness. I only wish there are more dice vegetables for that crunchy bite in each mouthful of the fragrant noodle.

Yam Paste 4/5

Of course, how can we not end our dinner with the traditional Yam Paste ($4/$20/$30)? The version at Fragrant Garden comes with gingko nuts, pumpkin and shallot. Decently good but not the best I have tried.

Fragrant Garden prides itself for offering authentic and cheap Teochew cuisine. It is true to a certain extent as most of the dishes are reasonably priced. However, they are also expensive items such as the sea cucumber, steamed pomfret, cold crab etc. Hence you need to know what to order and not influenced by the pushy service staffs that will try to recommend you the expensive dishes. I have come across reviews about their lousy service but putting that aside, the food here is delicious.


Fragrant Garden (馨香园)
Upper Serangoon Shopping Centre
756 Upper Serangoon Road
#01-15/16
Singapore 534626
Tel: +65 62897301
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Serangoon (CC Line, NE Line), Kovan (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Serangoon MRT station. Take Exit H. Walk to bus stop at Serangoon Bus Interchange (Stop ID 66009). Take bus number 101, 107, 136 or 153. Alight 2 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Serangoon MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk to bus stop at Serangoon MRT station (Stop ID 66351). Take bus number 81 or 82. Alight 3 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Kovan MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to bus stop at Kovan MRT station (Stop ID 63039). Take bus number 80, 81, 82, 101, 107, 136 or 153. Alight 2 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Zui Yu Xuan Teochew Cuisine @ Amoy Street - A New Teochew Restaurant By Jumbo Group

The popular Chui Huay Lin Teochew Cuisine by Jumbo Group has a new sister outlet within the historic Far East Square precinct. The new outlet - Zui Yu Xuan Teochew Cuisine is nestled in a two-storey heritage building. Greeting guests at Zui Yu Xuan is a traditional Chinese entranceway adorned with intricate wood carvings and a sweeping tiled roof, before stepping into the historic courtyard that was once part of Chui Eng Free School founded in 1854.

Cold Crab 4/5

 A delicacy in any Teochew restaurants is the Cold Crab ($12/100g). At times you even have to pre-order them. The flesh are sweet with unami creamy crab roes. Best eaten with a vinegar dip. However I find the size here a bit small.

Braised Duck with Beancurd 4/5

Not to be missed in any Teochew restaurants is their braised duck. In fact, it is a must order whenever I visit them. The Braised Duck with Beancurd ($18/portion, $32 Half, $60 Whole), well infused with the braised sauce is tender and flavourful. What I love most is the tangy chilli sauce, that always seem to bring out the taste of the braised duck further.

Deep Fried Ngoh Hiang 4/5

Deep Fried Prawn Balls 4/5

For the deep fried items, there are the Deep Fried Ngoh Hiang ($13/portion) and Deep Fried Prawn Balls ($22/portion). These are delightful appetisers to kick start the dinner.

Deep Fried Homemade Puning Beancurd 3/5

Lightly crisp on the exterior with a soft interior is the Deep Fried Homemade Puning Beancurd ($12/portion). It comes with a chive vinegar dip. The whole taste profile is quite light, which I didn't quite know how to appreciate it.

Geoduck Clam Blanched with Superior Broth 4.5/5

Not commonly seen in Teochew restaurant is the Geoduck Clam Blanched with Superior Broth ($16.80/100g). The thinly sliced geoduck clam blanced in superior broth, has an enjoyable crunchy texture on top of its natural sweetness. This is round off by the comforting and flavoursome soup.

Crispy Fried Sea Cucumber and Shiitake Mushroom with Abalone Sauce 4.2/5

Its rather interesting to come across another fried sea cucumber dish on the menu. This is probably the third time I have it within a couple of months. It seems like Chinese restaurants are trying to change the customers perspective of the slimy ingredient with more texture. I really applaud the effort and the Crispy Fried Sea Cucumber and Shiitake Mushroom with Abalone Sauce ($24/portion) here is probably one of the best I have eaten so far. It still retained the bouncy texture of the sea cucumber while giving it a nice thin crust.

Australian Lobster Wok Baked with Fermented Bean and Garlic Teochew Style 3.5/5

I have tried lobster cooked in many styles but the Australian Lobster Wok Baked with Fermented Bean and Garlic Teochew Style ($23.80/100g) is a first. However, I didn't quite taste the flavour of the fermented bean coming through in the execution.

Teochew Puning Fermented Bean Chicken 4.5/5

Another dish that uses the fermented bean is the Teochew Puning Fermented Bean Chicken ($22 Half/ $40 Whole). The fermented bean's flavour was more distinct in the dish, which complemented the tender chicken excellently. I love the dish so much that I kept going back for more.

Teochew Oyster Omelette Gooey Style 4.5/5

No to be missed at Zui Yu Xuan is their Teochew Oyster Omelette Gooey Style ($13/portion). This is probably the best oyster omelette (Orh Luak) I have eaten. I was told that they even have a delegated chef just to cook this. Crispy on the outside and gooey inside, this is only cooked upon order and takes about 20 minutes. Best paired with the slightly sourish chilli sauce to get the burst in flavours.

Wok Fried Kway Teow with Diced Kai Lan and Preserved Radish 4/5

The Wok Fried Kway Teow with Dice Kai Lan and Preserved Radish ($18/$27/$36) is packed with wok hei and the addition of the diced Kai Lan and preserved radish provides the extra crunch to the rice noodle.

Promfret and Rice Boiled Teochew Style with Dried Shrimp and Crispy Rice 4.5/5

Teochew loves their steamed fish and muay, so the Promfret and Rice Boiled Teochew Style with Dried Shrimp and Crispy Rice ($108/portion) kills two birds with one stone. You get a pot of hot piping Teochew porridge with slices of promfret. Dried shrimp and crispy rice are added for the extra lift in flavours as well as texture.

Yam Paste with Pumpkin and Gingko Nuts 4.2/5

Not to be missed at Zui Yu Xuan is the desserts too. All time favourites are their Yam Paste with Pumpkin and Gingko Nuts ($5.20/each) and Teochew Tau Suan with Gingko Nuts ($5.20/each). Even though the pork lard has been replaced with shallot oil for the yam paste, it still taste as good with the smooth consistency and distinct fragrant from the yam.

Teochew Tau Suan with Gingko Nuts 4.5/5

Personally I like the Teochew Tau Suan with Gingko Nuts ($5.20/each). Unlike other places, orange peel is added, elevating the traditional dessert for an unique enjoyment.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Zui Yu Xuan Teochew Cuisine
130/131 Amoy Street
Singapore 049959
Tel: +65 67883637
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit B. Cross the street. Walk to Amoy Hotel. It is located opposite Amoy Hotel. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Paradise Teochew @ Vivocity - 2nd Outlet With 13 Exclusive Dishes

Paradise Teochew in VivoCity is the brand's second outlet by the Paradise Group and its opening also witnessed the launch of 13 new dishes, created exclusively for this outlet by Executive Chef Cheng Fa Kwan. The new restaurant has taken over the space previously occupied by Jpot.

Braised Duo Combination Platter 4/5

潮式卤味双拼 (鸭片,分蹄) Teochew Style Braised Duo Combination Platter (Sliced Irish Fat Duck, Sliced Pork Knuckle) ($26 Small) is a great way to start off your meal. The gravy was very light with hints of notes from spices. Using Irish Fat Duck, the layer of fats underneath the skin help to keep the meat tender, though some slices turned out to be a tad dry. I was more impressed with the thinly sliced pork knuckle. Every slice has a nice crunch to it and I never thought that pork knuckle can be enjoyed in this manner.

Pan-fried Seafood and Yam Pancake 2.8/5

潮州海鲜芋头烙 Teochew Pan-fried Seafood and Yam Pancake ($24) is suitable for as dim sum snack. I find it dry to have it on its own. A piece may be ok but it is hard to finish the whole plate. An accompanying sweet sauce may be better.

Roasted Suckling Pig 4.8/5

潮式烧乳猪 Teochew Style Roasted Suckling Pig (S$198) was beautiful inside out. The skin was roasted to a perfect crisp, one that cracked readily with a light bite. The meat underneath was very moist and tender and the thin layer of fats sandwiched within the skin and the skin was like butter, bringing the two together in harmony.

Pan-fried and Braised Live Soon Hock 4.8/5

半煎煮游水笋壳 Pan-fried and Braised Live Soon Hock was perhaps one of the best braised fish I ever had. The broth was rich with collagen and flavours, so much so that I could feel the layer of collagen on my lips upon drinking the broth. The Soon Hock was being pan-fried before braising, hence it had an additional layer of crisp to its skin which made it even more pleasurable.

Steamed Diced Abalone and Shrimp wrapped in Egg White Crepe 3/5

鲍鱼石榴果 Steamed Diced Abalone and Shrimp wrapped in Egg White Crepe ($18) was an aesthetically pleasing dish but its flavours didn't quite stand out. I find it a pity to dice the abalone up into a stuffing when it is quite subtle in taste and flavour.

Stir-fried Assorted Vegetables and Cuttlefish 3.5/5

With all the crunch and colours, 潮樂轩小炒皇 Paradise Teochew Stir-fried Assorted Vegetables and Cuttlefish ($28 Small) may even please the palates of non-vegetables diners. On top of that, notes of wok hei graced the dish, hence every mouthful of it is like a gluten-free Hor Fun!

Wok-fried Hor Fun with Kai Lan and Preserved Turnip 3.8/5

Talking about Hor Fun, their 玉兰菜圃炒河粉 Wok-fried Hor Fun with Kai Lan and Preserved Turnip ($18 Small) is a must-try dish for a taste of traditional teochew flavour. A very simple looking dish but as a diner I am quite sure it takes years to master wok-frying the hor fun to achieve that desired layer of char on the surface without weighing them down with oil. The wok-fried Hor Fun here remained light and loose, and every bite filled my entire mouth with wok hei.

Desserts 3/5

Our desserts were 福果绿豆爽 Tau Suan with Gingko ($4.50) and 福果甜芋泥 Mashed Yam with Gingko ($5), a less-sweet version of what's out there. I only wish that the Ginko Nuts were being left as a whole, instead of being halved.

Overall, I'm really impressed with the quality of food at Paradise Teochew. It is a display of skills and mastery over dishes which are seen lacking in many establishments these days. Private rooms are available too which are suitable for private and corporate bookings.

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.


Paradise Teochew
VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
#01-53
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 62210159
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: HarbourFront (CC Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri 11am - 3pm | 6pm - 1030pm
Sat-Sun & PH: 1030am - 330pm | 6pm - 1030pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit C or E. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]