Joyfulness Dining @ Kinex Mall - Introducing Chinese Zodiac Food Guide By Local Feng Shui Master Peng Song Hua

This Chinese New Year, Joyfulness Dining has invited local Feng Shui Master Peng Song Hua to match the Five Elements (Wuxing, 五行) with individuals' Chinese zodiac signs to create dishes that benefit individuals' zodiac sign and herald good fortune in the Year of the Tiger.

According to ancient Chinese traditions, everything in the universe comes from the five elements: wood, fire, earth, water, and metal. Wuxing can be applied to our food choice, whereby the energy of wood, fire, earth, water and metal can be harnessed through certain foods to help boost prosperity and fortunes.

Chicken Soup Stewed with Bamboo Fungus and Cordyceps Flowers 3.5/5

Starting with the Chinese zodiac Rat, it is recommended to have the Chicken Soup Stewed with Bamboo Fungus and Cordyceps Flowers. As the wuxing of Rat is water, it is beneficial to have food such as lotus root, lotus seed and cordyceps flowers.

Chicken with Chilli Peppers 2.8/5

I am born in the year of the Tiger in which the wuxing is wood. Hence it is recommended to have red coloured food that represents fire. Therefore it is suggested that I have the Chicken with Chilli Peppers.

Flamed-BBQ Chicken 3.8/5

Similar to Tiger, the Chinese zodiac Rabbit's wuxing is wood. Hence any red coloured food or fire which represents vitality and prosperity is good for the Chinese zodiac sign. Hence the Flamed-BBQ Chicken is such a fitting dish.

Scallops and Asparagus in XO Sauce 3.5/5

Snake's wuxing is fire, and the suitable foods are wood-based. These include green vegetables such as asparagus and mung beans. Therefore, the restaurant recommends having the Scallops and Asparagus in XO Sauce, which contains much fibre and vitamins, helps eliminate toxins from the body.

Hong Kong-styled Steamed Fish 4/5

Those born in the Horse year need to join forces with others to gain and succeed. Therefore, foods that are suitable for wuxing fire and wuxing water will be especially good for people born in the year of the Horse. Appropriate food includes fish and seafood. Hence it is recommended to have Hong Kong-style Steamed Fish.

Mushroom with Seasonal Vegetables 3.8/5

The Goat's wuxing is earth. Foods that can strengthen the earth element include tofu, mushrooms and vegetables. The Mushroom with Seasonal Vegetables is well suit to for the zodiac sign.

Black Pork with Red Wine 4/5

As the wuxing of the Monkey is metal. Foods recommended are black in colours such as black beans, black fungus and black glutinous rice. The restaurant is recommending the Black Pork with Red Wine with that in mind.

Stir-fried Carrot Cake with Beansprouts in XO Sauce

The Stir-fried Carrot Cake with Beansprouts in XO Sauce is beneficial for the Rooster as the wuxing is metal. Suitable foods are white in colour, including radish, potato, taro, sweet potato and ginger.

Dry-fried Tiger Prawns

Those born in the year of the Pig is to consume food which is "metal" in its wuxing, which are white, including scallops, fish and prawns. Hence the restaurant is recommending having the Dry-fried Tiger Prawn.

Claypot Seafood

The Claypot Seafood is good for Dog, as the wuxing is earth. Food that is "fiery" includes ingredients cooked in a clay pot, and peppery food can help improve energy levels and boost fortunes.

Of the dishes we tried, we didn't have the items for Ox and Dragon. Nevertheless, it is interesting to pair food with the Chinese zodiac. Thanks to Feng Shui Master Peng Song Hua, it is an insight into food and wuxing. While there is a good story behind each dish, I would prefer more effort to create unique dishes or use special ingredients instead of presenting dishes commonly served elsewhere.

Note: This is an invited tasting session. 


Joyfulness Dining
Kinex Mall
11 Tanjong Katong Road
#02-38
Singapore 437157
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Nearest MRT: Paya Lebar (CC Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 10am - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 8am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Paya Lebar MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk to Sims Ave. Cross the road and walk to Tanjong Katong Road. Walk down Tanjong Katong Road to Kinex Mall. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

KOAL @ Shaw Centre - Latest Concept by Les Amis Group

KOAL at Shaw Centre is the latest addition to Les Amis Group's array of award-winning restaurants across Singapore. It is an all-day grill restaurant that marries Asian and Western flavours and grilling techniques centred on the open flame.

Chunky Salmon Sashimi 4.5/5

We started our dinner with a couple of starters, beginning with the Chunky Salmon Sashimi ($12). I can't make out what is the complementing sauce which is slightly spicy and tangy. The acidity gives the sashimi a refreshing touch.

Scallion Salad 4/5

The Scallion Salad ($6) may be seen as a pool of greens, but there is more than meet the eyes. The addition of wakame gives the salad extra textural bite. At the same time, the spicy sesame soy dressing accentuates the earthy note of the shredded scallion.

KOAL's Bread Roll 4.8/5

The KOAL's Bread Roll ($8) is a must-have baked with bacon and grilled spring onions. It is so good! The bread roll is fragrant, soft and fluffy. It is even more enjoyable with the accompanying sour cream and chive butter.

Red Skin Potato Salad 4.8/5

Words can't describe how delicious the Red Skin Potato Salad ($10) is. It is one of the best potato salads I have eaten. The chunky potatoes are dressed in mentaiko mayo and topped with tobiko. It even comes with a six-minute egg.

Crispy Pork Riblets 4.2/5

A delectable starter is the Crispy Pork Riblets ($16). The tender pork ribs come with a bit of heat from the mala honey glaze, topped with peanuts, dried chilli and coriander.

Charred Broccoli 4.2/5

The Charred Broccoli ($8) will be a delightful choice for its crunch, deliciously flavoured by the soy pickled onions, sesame dressing, and bonito flakes for a balanced diet.

Salmon with Kimchi Butter Sauce 4.5/5

Moving on to the mains, we started with the Salmon with Kimchi Butter Sauce. While the focus has been on the grill, we should not forget the effort in the sauce. The kitchen has made a delicious effort in the sauce pairing, elevating the appreciation of the fresh ingredients.

Iberico Pork Collar 180g 4.2/5

Hanging Tender 180gm 4.5/5

For the meat lovers, guests will adore the Iberico Pork Collar 180g ($19) and Hanging Tender 180gm ($24). The iberico pork collar, which has a good proportion of fat, has a delectable crunch on top of the tender meat. What is even more beautiful is the grilled Hanging Tender. It just needs a pinch of salt to enjoy the flavoursome piece of meat.

Freshly Fried Donut 4.5/5

KOAL has also caught on the donut wagon and introduced Freshly Fried Donut ($8 for 2 pc) on their menu. We had the cheesecake mousse & raspberry coulis and nutella & banana mousse. They are addictively good.

Hojicha and Whiskey Tiramisu 4.2/5

Last but at least, we have the Hojicha and Whiskey Tiramisu ($12), a twist from the classic tiramisu boosting heavenly earthy and nutty flavours.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


KOAL
Shaw Centre
1 Scotts Road
#03-09/10/11
Singapore 228208
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk along the underground path to Shaw House. Take the elevator to the ground level of Shaw House. Walk to Shaw Centre. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]