Thursday, August 1, 2024

Edge @ Pan Pacific Singapore - Flavours of the Lion City: A Culinary Expedition Through Singapore

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To celebrate Singapore's National Day month, Edge at Pan Pacific Singapore is running a special buffet theme titled "Flavours of the Lion City: A Culinary Expedition Through Singapore" until 9 August 2024. Paying homage to the melting pot of cultures that define Singapore, Executive Chef Andy Oh and his team have curated a line-up of creations and live-action stations. It features not only signature local delicacies but also dishes reflecting our diverse cultural influences, including Singaporean, Chinese, Malay, Indian, Japanese, Thai, and Western specialities, as well as an extensive selection of fresh seafood offerings.

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Braised Soya Duck and Peanut with Yam Rice, Nyonya Chap Chye

The array of local gems is extensive. One highlight that I kept returning to was the Braised Soya Duck and Peanut with Yam Rice. The braised duck was succulent, accompanied by the most delicious yam rice I have ever had. The yam cubes in the rice provided a wonderful flavour and texture, while the umami-packed rice was generous with bits and pieces of mushrooms and dried shrimp. The braised peanuts and tau kwa (firm tofu) didn't disappoint either. The Nyonya Chap Chye was another delight, being deliciously soft and flavourful.

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Peppery Teochew Bak Kut Teh

Another standout was the Peppery Teochew Bak Kut Teh. The robust peppery soup paired perfectly with tender pork ribs, and the crispy youtiao (fried dough sticks) added a satisfying crunch. I enjoyed it with the yam rice for an even more satisfying experience.

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Bak Chor Mee

It has been a while since I last had good Bak Chor Mee, but this one sealed the deal with its springy noodles, doused in a mouthwatering, vinegary, and tomatoey sauce, loaded with minced meat, tender pork slices, and mushroom.

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Wok Fried Hokkien Mee

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Pan Fried Oyster Omelette

The Pan Fried Oyster Omelette and Wok Fried Hokkien Mee were skillfully executed. The oyster omelette was indulgent with plump oysters and crispy edges, while the Hokkien mee was loaded with succulent seafood and pork belly, all infused with a flavorful stock. If you are lucky, you might even catch the chef in action.

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Teochew Steamed Local-farmed Golden Pomfret

Rarely available in buffets, the Teochew Steamed Local-Farmed Golden Pomfret was a notable item. The fish was incredibly fresh, and the mouthwatering piquant broth set my appetite up for more.

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Braised Kurobuta Pork Belly with Lotus Bun

The daily pork belly bun has also been amped up with Braised Kurobuta Pork Belly, served with a Lotus Bun. It is another special treat not to be missed.

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Singapore Laksa with Baby Lobster

And, of course, not to forget the quintessential Singapore Laksa, jazzed up with Baby Lobster. While the lobster was too tiny to provide much meat, the laksa itself was tasty on its own.

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Salt Baked Fresh Mud Crab

Salt Baked Fresh Mud Crab is apparently pretty popular among diners. It is served with fried mantou and a robust Chili Crab Sauce, as well as Creamy Salted Egg Yolk gravy.

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Jeera Rice

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Marinated Chicken Satay, Mutton Satay, Beef Satay

Other local delicacies include a colourful spread of Indian cuisine, offering Jeera Rice, Butter Chicken, Naan, etc., and Malay cuisine, featuring our favourite Satays.

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Satisfying meat lovers is the Churrasco Craving station that offers Roasted US Beef Tomahawk alongside other roasts.

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The Fresh Seafood station beams with Boston Lobster, Tiger Prawn, White Clam, Half Shell Scallop, Sea Conch, Black Mussel, Crawfish and Freshly Shucked Seasonal Oysters.

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Chempedak Cake

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Deep-fried Chempedak Ball

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The dessert station is also specially decorated. It includes golden Deep-fried Durian, Banana, and Chempedak Balls, as well as the National Day signature Chempedak Cake, Durian Pengat, Milo Dinosaur Panna Cotta, Lychee Bandung Compote Trifle, Kopi O Cake, Onde Lamington, Pulut Hitam Soup, and much more.

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Teh Tarik

For some old school delights, in addition to an assortment of charming Rainbow Roti Ice Cream Sandwiches, there is even a cute Old School Pop-up Drinks Stall with drinks such as Teh Tarik (a must-try!!), Iced Limeau, Soya Chin Chow, and the famous "Singapore Sling" served as a mocktail.

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The "Flavours of the Lion City: A Culinary Expedition Through Singapore" at Edge is available for dinner from 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm from 9 July until 8 August 2024, and is priced at $108++ per adult and $54 per child (6 – 12 years old) from Thursdays to Saturdays, and $92++ per adult and $46 per child (6 – 12 years old) from Sundays to Wednesdays. Prices include complimentary coffee, tea, teh tarik, iced limau, and soya chin chow.

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The "Flavours of the Lion City: A Culinary Expedition Through Singapore" will also be available for lunch from 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm and dinner from 6:00 pm – 10:00pm on Singapore’s National Day on 9 August 2024. Priced at $128++ per adult and $64 per child (6 – 12 years old), the offer includes complimentary coffee, tea, teh tarik, iced limau, and soya chin chow. In celebration of Singapore's National Day month, Edge is offering Singaporean citizens born in the year 1965 a special price of $88++ per person.

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.


Edge
Pan Pacific Singapore
7 Raffles Boulevard
Level 3
Singapore 039595
Tel: +65 68268240
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Website
Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sun: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

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

Tuesday, July 30, 2024

SUSHI ZEN (鮨然) @ Keong Saik - Japanese Omakase in Intimate 8-Seater Haute Japanese Sushiya by Beijing’s Renowned Sushi Chef-Owner E Ran

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Located along Keong Saik Road, SUSHI ZEN (鮨然) is an intimate 8-seater haute Japanese sushiya helmed by renowned Beijing sushi chef-owner E Ran. Having dedicated himself to the art of Edo-mae sushi from the age of 17, Chef E Ran has cultivated a loyal fanbase of discerning diners. SUSHI ZEN prides itself on using premium quality fresh ingredients specially sourced from Japan's Toyosu Market, which are flown in four times a week. For their shari, they use Hokkaido's Nanatsuboshi Rice, ensuring an authentic and superior sushi experience.

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For Lunch Omakase, diners can opt for either the $150 menu, which comprises 10 pieces of nigiri, soup and dessert or the $258 menu, which includes 3 additional appetisers. For Dinner Omakase, there are three tiers priced at $258, $388 and $550 - each offering a variety of seasonal appetisers, 10 pieces of nigiri before finishing with soup and dessert.

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Dinner Omakase 4/5

During our visit, we had the $388 Dinner Omakase menu, which began with a range of 5 appetisers before progressing to the main course of nigiri, followed by soup and dessert.

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Uni

The first dish was a unique steamed Uni dish. The incorporation of ingredients more typically found in Chinese cuisine was an impressive touch, as we saw a fragrant marination for the uni made with tangerine peel, Chinese shaoxing wine and more.

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Sashimi

We were presented with Aged Churoto and fresh Sweet Ebi from Hokkaido for Sashimi.

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Hotate

After some time on the grill, the meaty Hotate is sliced and seasoned with yuzu and soy, with a side dash of chilli pepper.

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Grilled Fish

Next was one of my favourite meals, the Grilled Fish. This was delicately seasoned and expertly grilled, resulting in the fish being impressively juicy with a natural sweetness. I loved the delicate touch of salt and zesty lime which brightened the dish.

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Fried Fish

The last of our appetisers was the Fried Fish thinly battered for a lovely crisp. It was luxuriously topped with caviar for an enhanced buttery and seafood flavour.

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10 Piece Nigiri

We looked forward to the 10 Piece Nigiri for our next course.

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We enjoyed the freshness and cuts of the sashimi and the different flavour profiles and aging techniques applied.

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However, we found the rice too vinegary for our liking, which outshone some of the flavours

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The pace of the omakase was a little too fast as well, but the chefs were incredibly attentive and ensured that our cups of hot tea were always filled.

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The final piece of nigiri, Uni, was absolutely creamy.

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Tamago

Dessert was served in two parts. The first was Tamago prepared in two ways: a slice of Tamago Custard and a fluffy Tamago Cake with a delightfully thin caramelised crust.

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Dessert

The omakase concluded with a classic wedge of Melon.

While the quality of ingredients was fantastic, we did not find it to rank high in terms of value for money and were expecting a bit more. Reservations should definitely be made prior to visiting the restaurant via https://www.tablecheck.com/en/sushi-zen-singapore/reserve/landing.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


SUSHI ZEN (鮨然)
1 Teck Lim Road
Singapore 088379
Tel: +65 6550 2265
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Website
Nearest MRT: Outram Park (EW, NE, TE Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 2pm, 6pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk straight towards Kreta Ayer Road. Turn right onto Keong Siak Road. Walk down Keong Siak Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Walk straight down Neil Road to Teck Lim Road. Turn right onto Teck Lim Road. Walk down Teck Lim Road to Keong Saik Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 mintues. [Map]