Alijiang (阿里疆) @ VivoCity - Bringing The Bold, Rustic Flavours of Xinjiang to Singapore

Located on the third floor of VivoCity, Alijiang (阿里疆) brings the bold, rustic flavours of Xinjiang cuisine to the southern coast of Singapore. Since first opening in February 2019, the restaurant has built a steady following over the past seven years, offering diners a vibrant taste of the Silk Road in an upbeat yet polished setting, complete with views overlooking the Sentosa gateway.

Uae Salad 阿联酋沙拉 (Green Salad with Secret Sauce) 4/5

We began the meal with the UAE Salad 阿联酋沙拉 ($29.80), a refreshing cold appetiser that provides a welcome contrast to the robust, spice-laden dishes typical of Xinjiang cuisine. A medley of greens, avocado, and figs is brought together by a savoury, tangy vinaigrette with a gentle sweetness, making it both appetising and well-balanced.

Grilled Chicken Skewer 烧烤鸡肉串 4/5

Next, the Grilled Chicken Skewer 烧烤鸡肉串 ($3.20/pc) offered a lighter alternative to the restaurant’s signature lamb skewers. Made with succulent chunks of chicken thigh, the skewers are grilled over high heat, achieving a smoky, lightly charred exterior while retaining a juicy interior. The seasoning carries the hallmark bold spices of Northwestern Chinese cuisine but remains approachable even for those less accustomed to stronger flavours.

Braised Beef Brisket with Tomato 塔城番茄炖牛肉 4.5/5

A highlight of the evening was the Braised Beef Brisket with Tomato 塔城番茄炖牛肉 ($38/$58), a comforting dish that showcases the Central Asian influence on Xinjiang cooking. The brisket is slow-cooked until fork-tender, with just enough fat to enrich the dish. The tomato-based gravy is thick and robust, offering a natural balance of acidity and sweetness. Presented in a pastry-sealed vase, the dish is theatrically poured into a pot at the table, with the pastry serving as a delightful accompaniment to soak up the luscious sauce.

Alijiang Dapanji 新疆大盘鸡 4.5/5

Equally impressive was the Alijiang Dapanji 新疆大盘鸡 ($28.80), arguably the most iconic dish of Xinjiang cuisine. This hearty communal plate features bone-in chicken pieces braised in a deeply aromatic sauce, alongside chunks of potato that have beautifully absorbed the rich flavours. Beneath the dish lie wide, hand-pulled belt noodles, prized for their chewy “QQ” texture. Designed to soak up the spicy gravy, the noodles are an essential and satisfying component of the dish.

Homemade Yoghurt Glutinous Rice with Apricot 3.8/5

For dessert, the Homemade Yoghurt Glutinous Rice with Apricot 酸奶凉糕 ($7.80/pax) offered an interesting interplay of textures. The house-made yoghurt is thicker and tangier than usual, paired with chewy glutinous rice pearls that lend a mochi-like bite. A sweet apricot sauce ties the elements together with a light floral sweetness.

Homemade Vrum Yoghurt 5/5

However, the true standout was the Homemade Vrum Yoghurt 自制奶皮子酸奶 ($4.80). Exceptionally thick and creamy, it boasts a custard-like consistency with a pronounced tangy profile. Made in limited quantities daily, it is highly sought after and often sells out — a testament to its popularity and quality.

Alijiang at VivoCity delivers a distinctive dining experience that highlights the rich culinary heritage of Xinjiang. From smoky skewers to hearty stews and unique dairy-based desserts, the menu captures the essence of Silk Road flavours while remaining accessible to the local palate. It is a compelling destination for those looking to explore a different facet of Chinese cuisine beyond the familiar.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Alijiang (阿里疆)
VivoCity
1 HarbourFront Walk
#03-11
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 62524979
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Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 11am - 3pm, 530pm - 9pm
Fri-Sat: 11am - 3pm, 530pm - 930pm

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

Open Farm Community @ Dempsey - Bringing Its Beloved Weekend Brunch to Diners Every Day of The Week

Brunch has become a daily affair at Open Farm Community at Dempsey. You can now enjoy its once-weekend brunch menu any day of the week, surrounded by the lush greenery of its open farm and edible gardens. Even better, your furry companions are warmly welcomed, as guests who choose to dine alfresco with their pets will enjoy a discount on their bill.

OFC Farm Bread 4/5

Burrata 4/5

For starters, the OFC Farm Bread ($12) features the restaurant’s beloved sourdough and focaccia, served with a subtly flavoured salted butter. We paired it with the Burrata ($28), which whetted my appetite with savoury and meaty San Daniele ham, complemented by the acidity and sweetness of charred grapes and tomato jam, and a satisfying crunch from toasted pine nuts.

Beef Tongue Yakitori 5/5

For something bolder, the Beef Tongue Yakitori was a standout. The Bak Kut Teh marinated beef tongue was expertly prepared, with a slightly charred exterior that complemented its rich flavour. Shredded ginger flowers added freshness and helped balance the gaminess, resulting in a well-rounded dish.

Pulled Pork Benedict 4.5/5

The Brunch and Lunch menu features a lineup of well-loved classics. My favourite brunch item was the Pulled Pork Benedict ($29), a satisfying plate with tender and flavourful pork ragout accompanied by creamy sous vide eggs that enriched every bite with a luxurious mouthfeel. The hollandaise, done espuma style, delivered the same tangy richness in a lighter and airier form, enhancing the dish without the usual heaviness.

Shakshuka 3/5

Avocado Toast 3/5

Shakshuka and Avocado Toast are both presented in bowl form, similar to one another. The former features spiced tomato sauce and feta, while the latter is topped with mashed avocado and tomato salsa. While this format makes for easier eating, it slightly diminishes the essence of the dishes, especially the shakshuka. It would have been much more exciting to have it served hot in a pan with eggs poached directly in the sauce. The flavours leaned mild, with just a faint hint of fennel rather than the expected spice-forward kick. Still, both dishes remained wholesome, anchored by perfectly creamy yolks.

Spanish Omelette 3/5

The Spanish Omelette was given a local twist, topped with a heap of minced meat and mushrooms seasoned like bak chor mee. Though it had a beautifully golden exterior, it resembled more of a potato frittata, with more egg than potato, lacking the creamy and slightly starchy consistency that defines a traditional Spanish omelette made with slow-cooked potatoes.

Buttermilk Pancakes 3.5/5

For something sweet, the Buttermilk Pancakes ($22), served with banana brûlée and ice cream, were delightful, featuring a subtle bounce in texture.

Granola Yoghurt Bowl 2/5

The Granola Yoghurt Bowl ($18), however, was slightly too sweet, with yoghurt that was both thinner and sweeter than ideal. A version with tangier yoghurt and crunchy granola would have provided better contrast and balance.

Beer-Battered Fish & Chips 4/5

From the lunch selections, the Beer-Battered Fish & Chips ($34) impressed with its light, crisp batter encasing flavourful fish, complemented by equally well-executed chips.

Creamy Mushroom Mafaldine Pasta 4/5

The Creamy Mushroom Mafaldine Pasta, made with local mixed mushrooms, stood out for its firm and chewy texture. Meanwhile, the sauce, cheesy and accented with sharp Pecorino Romano, had just the right consistency to coat each ribbon beautifully. 15% off their bill.

Lemon Meringue Pavlova 3.5/5

Deconstructed Tiramisu 4.5/5

For desserts, the Deconstructed Tiramisu ($19) and Lemon Meringue Pavlova ($19) offer two very different experiences. I found the former more memorable, featuring an intense layer of Kahlua-soaked sponge complemented by light, aerated chocolate bites.

What truly stood out for me was the atmosphere at Open Farm Community. The space exudes a relaxed, nature-filled charm that invites one to linger. Offering a 15% discount to those who dine at the spacious alfresco area with their pets is also a thoughtful touch, reflecting the restaurant’s commitment to food, nature, community, and sustainability.

Photos and words by Si An. A homebody who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, the smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


Open Farm Community
130E Minden Road
Singapore 248819
Tel: +65 64710306
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Nearest MRT: Napier (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 9pm
Sat-Sun: 11am - 330pm, 6pm - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Napier MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk to Minden Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

10|SCOTTS @ Grand Hyatt Singapore - Relaunch of The Grand Afternoon Tea

Following the official completion of the redevelopment of Grand Hyatt Singapore, 10|SCOTTS welcomes you back with the relaunch of its Grand Afternoon Tea. This thoughtfully curated semi-buffet celebrates provenance and sustainability, and rounds off the experience with a tableside tier of desserts.

Artisanal Cheeses & Charcuterie

The savoury spread showcases artisanal Cheeses, Charcuterie, seasonal produce, and the chef’s signatures. The cheeses are specially selected from Les Frères Marchand, one of France’s oldest and largest cheese-maturing houses with a heritage spanning 7 generations. These prized cheeses are paired with freshly shaved charcuterie and the quintessential accompaniments of nuts, dried fruits, chutney, and olives.

ASC-certified Smoked Salmon

Sustainability takes centre stage with highlights such as the ASC-certified Smoked Salmon, responsibly sourced in line with Aquaculture Stewardship Council standards, paired simply with horseradish cream and capers.

ASC Seafood Vol-au-vent

Chef’s Signature presents ASC Seafood Vol-au-vent, a delicious buttery pastry generously filled with prawns, crab, and seafood bisque, delivering rich, crustacean-driven flavours.

Tomato Toast with White Anchovies

Spanish Gazpacho

On the day of our visit, a standout was the Tomato Toast with White Anchovies, where the natural sweetness of the tomato harmonised with the savoury anchovies. This was complemented by a Spanish Gazpacho, which brought out the bright, refreshing flavours of fresh tomatoes.

Salad Counter

Roasted Pumpkin with Yoghurt

At the Salad Counter, crisp organic vegetables were offered alongside antipasti, condiments, and house dressings. A plated salad of Roasted Pumpkin with Yoghurt added warmth, while fresh figs made a delightful seasonal appearance.

Scones

Scones were served warm to the table, accompanied by clotted cream, jam, and kaya. The kaya, with its mousse-like texture, was lighter than the traditional version, making it a perfect complement to the buttery scones. The jam leaned slightly tart, adding balance.

Vanilla Mille-Feuille

Red Wine Poached Pear

The dessert tier is also served at your table. A supposed Vanilla Mille-Feuille with Red Wine Poached Pear turned out closer to a French butter cookie, crunchy and buttery, though it veered a touch cloyingly sweet.

Citrus Pavlova

Opera Cake, Raspberry Fruit Tart, Chocolate Mousse

The Opera Cake stood out for its deep coffee intensity, while the Citrus Pavlova was dainty and airy. A Seasonal Fruit Tart rounded out the set, marrying tart raspberries with a sweet, custard-like base. While the savouries stood out, the sweets as a whole felt a little too sweet, which overshadowed some of their finer details.

Overall, while the sweet offerings leaned a little too sweet for my palate, the savoury selections were well-executed and memorable. With wooden bookshelves reminiscent of a library, plush couches, and inviting seating arrangements, 10|SCOTTS feels less like a restaurant and more like a grand living room, offering a warm, comfortable escape from the bustle of Orchard Road.

Grand Afternoon Tea
Weekdays: 2pm - 430pm
Weekends: 1130am - to 2pm and 230pm - 5pm
Price: $65++ per adult | $30++ per child (aged 6 to 12 years old)
Free Flow Beverage Package: $50++ for free-flow Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut Champagne; $70++ for free-flow Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut Champagne, selected red wine, white wine, cocktail and mocktail

Photos and words by Si An. A lady who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, the smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


10|SCOTTS
Grand Hyatt Singapore
Lobby Level
10 Scotts Road
Singapore 228211
Tel: +65 67381234
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk down Scotts Road to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Ya Ge (雅阁) @ Orchid Hotel Singapore - A Springtime Feast of Togetherness For Chinese New Year

Ya Ge (雅阁), nestled within the Orchid Hotel, welcomes the Year of the Snake with its Chinese New Year 2025 Menu, a vibrant celebration of togetherness and abundance. The menu features nine festive dine-in options, ranging from $98++ per person to $2488++ for groups of ten, ensuring every intimate or grand gathering is imbued with culinary excellence. For those celebrating at home, Ya Ge also offers a takeaway menu with a variety of festive delights.

Crispy Golden Eel and Yellowtail Yu Sheng 4.2/5

No Chinese New Year celebration is complete without a Lo Hei, and Ya Ge takes it to the next level with its Crispy Golden Eel and Yellowtail Yu Sheng. Designed in the shape of a snake to honour the Year of the Snake, the dish combines vibrant yellowtail, crispy eel skin, and finely shredded vegetables. The highlight is the house-made passionfruit kumquat dressing, which adds a fruity zest to the traditional dish. The presentation is elevated with koi fish-shaped mango puddings, providing a delightful, sweet finishing touch.

Double-boiled Superior Soup with Whole Chicken and Shark's Fin stuffed in Pig's Maw 5/5

The Double-boiled Superior Soup is a showstopper. A deboned An Xin chicken and premium shark's fin are carefully stuffed inside a pig's maw, then slow-simmered in a broth brimming with flavours from old hen, chicken feet, chicken bones, lean meat, and white pepper. The result? A deeply comforting and indulgent bowl of soup with tender chicken and luscious shark's fin, perfect for savouring every last drop.

Stir-fried Australian Lobster with Truffle Oil, Pine Nuts, Hokkaido Milk and Asparagus 4/5

This luxurious dish features Stir-fried Australian Lobster paired with tender white asparagus, enveloped in a rich Hokkaido milk and egg white sauce. A touch of truffle oil adds an earthy aroma, while pine nuts and caviar lend textural contrast and umami richness. Every bite feels decadently smooth and flavourful — a true highlight of the meal.

Smoked Herb-infused Irish 'Pipa' Duck 5/5

The Smoked Herb-infused Irish 'Pipa' Duck is a crowd favourite. This masterpiece is dry-aged for 168 hours, marinated for 24 hours, and roasted to perfection. Smoked with a blend of Western and Chinese herbs, the duck's crispy, golden skin encases tender, flavourful meat, making it a sensory delight and a must-try dish for all diners.

Braised 5-head Abalone and Pork Trotter with White Shiitake Mushroom 4.5/5

Slow-braised for over four hours, the Braised Pork Trotter is fork-tender, with its gelatinous skin melting in the mouth. Paired with premium 5-head abalone and white shiitake mushrooms, the dish offers a harmonious blend of textures and flavours, complemented by a rich, aromatic sauce.

Claypot Chicken Rice with Chinese Sausage and Grilled Eel 4.2/5

The Claypot Chicken Rice is a comforting and elevated take on a classic. The rice, infused with the smoky essence of preserved meats like Chinese sausage, is fragrant and fluffy. Adding grilled eel as a topping enhances the dish with a layer of richness, creating a luxurious, flavourful finish.

Yoghurt Raspberry Pudding 4/5

Chilled Plum Jelly with Fresh Berries 4/5

The meal concludes on a refreshing note with two exquisite desserts. The Yoghurt Raspberry Pudding balances creamy sweetness with the tang of raspberry, while the Chilled Plum Jelly with Fresh Berries provides a sweet-and-sour symphony that is both light and invigorating, making it the perfect finale to a festive feast.

Ya Ge's CNY 2025 menu will be available for dine-in from 13 January to 12 February 2025, with reservations highly recommended due to limited seating and high demand. The takeaway sets and goodies can be made online 3 days in advance at https://eshop-yage.myshopify.com or the restaurant. Guests can enjoy a 15% discount on pre-orders made between 1 and 31 January. For more information on all Chinese New Year menus and takeaway festive goodies, please log on to www.orchidhotel.com.sg/offers/yage-2025-chinese-new-year

Note: This is an invited tasting


Ya Ge (雅阁)
Orchid Hotel Singapore
1 Tras Link
Singapore 078867
Tel: +65 6818 6831
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight towards Orchid Hotel. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]