Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant @ Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium - Unveils New Executive Chinese Chef & New Signature Dishes

The popular Chinese restaurant at Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium, Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant has recently undergone refurbishment spotting a brighter interior. At the same time, the restaurant welcomes new Executive Chinese Chef Chan Shun Wong and new dishes that showcases modern Cantonese cuisine.

Xin's Signature Home-style Roast Duck with Tea Leaves 3.8/5

Our dinner at the newly refurbished restaurant started with the Xin's Signature Home-style Roast Duck with Tea Leaves ($32 half duck/ $58 whole duck). The duck is first smoked in a medley of Pu-Er, Chrysanthemum and Jasmine leaves before roasting. The result is having a layer of crispy duck skin on top of the tender meat. I personally felt that the aroma of the tea leaves can be stronger.

Poached Clams 4/5

The Poached Clams ($22 Small/ $33 Medium/ $42 Large) comes with sweet and juicy clams, served with preserved vegetables, shredded snow fungus, bamboo pith and crowned with shredded ginger. A dash of premium Chinese wine is added to boost the flavour. When we took a sip of the broth, we thought it tasted like salted duck soup. I would say this is rather unique as I was expecting a seafood based broth.

Deep Fried Prawns coated with Yuzu Mayonnaise 4/5

Next we had the Deep Fried Prawn coated with Yuzu Mayonnaise ($10 per portion/ $26 Small/ $39 Medium/ $50 Large). The succulent prawn has a coat of crispy thin batter complemented by the yuzu mayonnaise. A well balanced execution.

Hong Kong Kai Lan with Preserved Vegetables 4.2/5

I dish that I wished for more is the Hong Kong Kai Lan with Preserved Vegetables. The highlight was actually the preserved vegetables. I was wishing that there was some braised pork belly to go with the preserved vegetables.

Stir Fried Wagyu Beef Cubes with Black Pepper and Longan 4.2/5

The Stir Fried Wagyu Beef Cubes with Black Pepper and Longan ($36 Small/ $55 Medium/ $72 Large) gives the tender and juicy wagyu beef cubes a peppery kick while the longan provides a delightful tartness to the finishing.

Poached Rice with Seafood in Superior Broth served with Crispy Rice 4.5/5

A signature item on the menu is the Poached Rice with Seafood in Superior Broth served with Crispy Rice ($14/portion). Poached rice which has absorbed the essence of the superior broth is served with morsels of scallops, prawns and compoy. Diners can pour the crispy rice served at the side into the pot of broth, for a harmony of texture enjoyment. It was pleasing and comforting.

Chilled Mango Coulis and Hashima 4.5/5, Fried Sesame Ball 4/5

Wrapping up the dinner, we had the Chilled Mango Coulis and Hashima as well as the Fried Sesame Ball with Red Bean and Liqueur Chocolate Filling. The cold dessert was very refreshing while the hot dessert was aromatic with a surprise interior burst of flavours from the red bean and liqueur chocolate filling.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant
Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium
317 Outram Road
Singapore 169075
Tel: +65 67317173
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Tiong Bahru (EW Line)

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

Direction:
1) Alight at Tiong Bahru MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Tiong Bahru MRT station (Stop ID 10169). Take bus number 123. Alight 4 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

The Lobby Lounge @ Intercontinental Hotel Singapore - Classic Afternoon Tea Showcasing Straits Heritage

Our National Day may have passed but over at The Lobby Lounge at Intercontinental Hotel Singapore celebration continues with its Classic Afternoon Tea: Straits Heritage. Commemorating Singapore's 52 years of Independence, Pastry Chef Ben Goh crafted a three-tiered showcase of iconic Afternoon Tea delights inspired by Straits-Chinese cuisine.

Alongside with the Peranakan inspired tea delights, there is a fine selection of teas and coffee. I opted for Pu-erh Tea, together with a Blue Ginger cocktail which is exclusive to this occasion only. Concocted with galangal, gula melaka and kaffir lime, I find it really refreshing. While waiting for our three-tired set, we were first served with warm scones, a choice of Lemon and Milo, along with gula melaka jam, clotted cream and strawberry jam. The scones were really yummy with the homemade jams. The 'kaya' may be a little too sweet for me but the strawberry jam has captured the sweet and tart of the fruit in a good balance.

Our three-tiered set came with tantalising savouries at the base and pretty desserts embellishing the top. Take a closer look and you will notice that the colours of the Peranakan porcelains and ceramics that adorns the Lobby Lounge for the time being are translated to the tea delights as well! For savouries we have modern renditions of Peranakan dishes including popular ones such as Ayam Buak Keluak Crostini, Kurobuta Pork Ngo Hiang, Satay Lilit and Otak Quiche. My favourite is the otak quiche for its execution and taste.

For finger sandwich, we have here a Chilli Crab version that is equally finger licking good. The Kurobuta Pork Ngo Hiang was a little letdown as I thought the fineness of the meat is lost.

The desserts are the highlight. What captivated me first was the mini Ang Ku Kueh. It is so cute, almost resembling a miniature. Ondeh Ondeh Cake comes with a soft, bouncy texture with a much anticipated molten core. The Banana Genoa Tart surprised me with its caramelised banana filling which is slightly sticky. It has a sweet burnt taste that harmonised with the coconut cream atop. The Chendol Agar Jelly is like a compressed solidified form of chendol with red beans sitting at the bottom to complete the experience.

While most Afternoon Tea sets tend to be more towards the sweeter side, this Classic Afternoon Tea: Straits Heritage has quite a good balance of sweet and savoury. It will be available at The Lobby Lounge from 7 August to 19 November 2017,  2pm to 5pm daily. The three-tiered set is priced at $78 for two persons, inclusive of a fine selection of loose-leaf teas and coffee; and at S$108 for two persons, inclusive of two flutes of Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut Champagne or Blue Ginger cocktail.

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.


The Lobby Lounge
InterContinental Singapore
Level 1
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 68251008
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 2pm - 5pm

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