Wednesday, October 23, 2024

Chamoon Hot Pot (享月汤皇) @ Scotts Square - China’s Top Hot Pot Restaurant With Nourishing Soup Bases Opens in Singapore

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Chamoon Hot Pot (享月汤皇) has opened its first overseas outlet in Scotts Square, expanding its Sichuan-based origins across China, where it has more than 30 branches. Originally a soup restaurant, Chamoon evolved into a hotpot brand due to its popular, nourishing vegetarian broths.

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Apart from à la carte dishes, diners can choose curated sets for 2 to 6 people. The Tiger Prawns, Abalone, and Premium Beef Set for 2 ($134++/pax or $149++/pax for members) is one option, offering a range of premium ingredients like A4 Japanese Wagyu, Hokkaido Iberico Pork, Tiger Prawns, 5-head Abalones, and more.

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The main dining area is quite spacious, catering to both small gatherings and larger groups. Induction cookers are seamlessly integrated into each table, giving diners their own individual pots. For those seeking privacy, private rooms are available for reservation with a minimum spend.

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Chamoon Hot Pot 3.5/5

The menu offers six nourishing soup bases, including the signature Truffle-Based Matsutake Mushroom, Beauty-Enhancing Papaya Tomato, Singapore-exclusive Mala, True Morel Mushrooms, Bamboo Fungus, and Cordyceps Mushroom.

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Truffle Based Matsutake Mushroom

I opted for Chamoon's signature Truffle-Based Matsutake Mushroom Soup ($9.90), renowned for its earthy depth and pleasant aroma. The broth was light yet flavourful and retained its nourishing quality without becoming overly salty after cooking several ingredients.

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The individual hotpot portions were especially appreciated, as they allowed each diner to personalise their meal.

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Braised Delicacies Platter

We were served a chilled starter. The Braised Delicacies Platter ($44) featured two cuts of beef with slices of lotus root.

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Meats

Meat lovers can indulge in a variety of premium options, such as A4 Japanese Wagyu, Japanese Kurobuta Pork, Hokkaido Iberico Pork, and Grain-Fed Angus.

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Norwegian Salmon

We also tried the Norwegian Salmon ($38), which could be enjoyed raw due to its sashimi-grade freshness or cooked briefly in the broth. However, the raw salmon wasn't as buttery as we had hoped, and we found the price too steep.

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Tiger Prawns

The standout seafood dish was the Tiger Prawns ($14.80), which the service staff kindly peeled for us. After a short time in the broth, the prawns came out crunchy and sweet, maintaining their natural flavour.

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Fresh 5-Head Abalone

The Fresh 5-Head Abalone ($29), while tender with a slight chew, didn't leave a strong impression.

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Vegetables

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Matsutake Mushroom Dumplings

We got to try the Matsutake Mushroom Dumplings ($12.80), but unfortunately, the dumpling skin was slightly doughy. Otherwise, the juicy filling was well-seasoned.

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Truffle Fried Rice

The fragrant Truffle Fried Rice ($22 for Small, $32 for Large) won the table with its balanced flavour. We enjoyed the slight char and the truffle's lack of overwhelm.

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Overall, Chamoon's individual hot pots and nourishing broths were the highlight for us, but we found the prices of the ingredients to be too steep for its quality.

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.


Chamoon Hot Pot 享月汤皇
Scotts Square
#03-01/02
6 Scotts Road
Singapore 228209
Tel: +65 6258 5232
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Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk to Scotts Road. Turn right onto Scotts Road. Walk down Scotts Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Linda's Table Private Dining @ Pandan Valley - A Journey Through Cantonese Flavours

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Linda's Table is one of my favourite private dining spots in Singapore, known for its authentic Peranakan dishes. However, Linda sometimes delves into her treasure trove of Cantonese dishes for her regular guests, offering a menu filled with tradition and heart. In July 2024, we had the privilege of trying Linda's Cantonese menu, and it was a dining experience filled with comfort, nostalgia, and excellent execution.

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Five Treasure Platter 4/5

Our feast started with the Five Treasure Platter, a collection of familiar Cantonese bites reminiscent of traditional Chinese wedding dinners. The platter featured Ngoh Hiang, Spring Roll, Mayonnaise Prawn, Jelly Fish, and Osmanthus Scrambled Egg. Each element was well-prepared, but my favourite had to be the delicate Osmanthus Scrambled Egg. While not a dish with bold flavours, it was a pleasant and classic way to start the meal.

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Fresh Coconut Chicken Soup 5/5

A standout dish of the evening was the Fresh Coconut Chicken Soup. It's hard to describe just how delightful this soup was — there was no added salt, yet it was packed with the natural sweetness of fresh coconut juice and the richness of the essence of chicken. A perfect balance of sweetness and umami that warmed the soul. This dish was simple but executed to perfection and easily my favourite of the night.

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Crayfish Chee Cheong Fun 4.5/5

Making a grand entrance was the Crayfish Chee Cheong Fun, a delightful and indulgent dish. The large, plump crayfish sat atop a bed of silky homemade chee cheong fun (rice noodle rolls) drenched in premium soy sauce and topped with crispy lardons and spring onions. The chee cheong fun absorbed the rich soy sauce, while the crayfish provided that sweet seafood flavour. The lardons added a crunchy texture that brought the entire dish together.

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Roasted Spiced Quails 4/5

The Roasted Spiced Quails were another treat — crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside. Deep-fried to a golden brown, the quails were placed on a bed of crispy rice crackers, almost as if resting on a cloud. The seasoning was on point, and it wasn't overly greasy.

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Stir Fried You Mai Cai with Fried Dace and Black Beans 4.5/5

Being a fan of You Mai Cai, I was thrilled to see this on the menu, and it was even better when paired with fried dace and black beans. The vegetables retained a delightful crunch, and the flavours from the fried dace and black beans brought a salty, umami-rich depth to the dish. A simple vegetable stir-fry was elevated into something exceptional.

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Fresh Lemon Wings with Ginger 4.8/5

The Fresh Lemon Wings with Ginger delivered on all fronts — sweet, tangy, sticky, and umami-packed. The lemon sauce coated the wings beautifully, giving every bite a burst of flavour. The ginger added a subtle spice that complemented the sweetness of the sauce, making it an all-around satisfying dish.

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Pork Lard Rice with Liver Sausage 4.8/5

No meal at Linda's Table is complete without her signature Pork Lard Rice, a crowd favourite. This time, she added liver sausage to the mix, introducing another layer of flavour that took this indulgent dish to new heights. The richness from the crispy pork lard, paired with the savoury liver sausage, made it an absolute hit. This dish is all about indulgence, and it was thoroughly enjoyed.

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Stewed Beef Pot 4.5/5

The Stewed Beef Pot was another hearty, comforting dish — featuring tender beef shin, tripe, tendon, homemade beef balls, and radish. The mildly spicy sauce brought all the ingredients together beautifully, each bite brimming with beefy goodness. It was a treasure trove of textures and flavours, perfect for sharing.

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Lemongrass Poached Pears 4.5/5

We ended our meal on a refreshing note with Lemongrass Poached Pears. The pears were poached until tender and served with a lemongrass jelly that provided a cool, refreshing contrast to the richness of the earlier dishes. It was the perfect light dessert to wrap up a satisfying meal.

Linda’s Table continues to impress, offering both familiar comfort dishes and unique Cantonese delights. Whether you’re indulging in the sweet, coconut-infused chicken soup or savouring the richly seasoned pork lard rice, you can feel the love and care that goes into each dish. Linda’s Cantonese menu proves that her culinary expertise goes beyond Peranakan cuisine, making it a top choice for private dining in Singapore. For those looking for a warm, hearty, and traditional dining experience with a modern twist, Linda’s Table is not to be missed.


Linda's Table Private Dining
Pandan Valley
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