Nong Geng Ji (农耕记 ) @ Orchard Gateway - Popular Hunanese Restaurant Opens New Outlet inthe Heart of Orchard Road

Hunanese restaurant Nong Geng Ji (农耕记) has quickly gained popularity since opening its flagship outlet at Collyer Quay late last year.

Its fifth new location in the basement of Orchard Gateway provides a spacious and welcoming setting, ideal for group gatherings. The restaurant also features a membership programme offering special discounted prices for nearly all dishes (indicated by ‘MP’ on the menu), excluding steamed rice and beverages.

Pan-seared Green Chilies with Century Egg 4.2/5

We began with the Pan-seared Green Chilies with Century Egg (MP $10.80, U.P $13.80), a unique chilled appetiser served in a mortar. Diners can opt to pound it themselves or have the staff assist. The dish was a delight with its creamy century eggs paired with smoky green chillies that carried just the right amount of heat.

Stir-fried Pork with Abalone and Chilli 4/5

Next was the Stir-fried Pork with Abalone and Chilli (MP $25.80, U.P $28.80), a creative combination of baby abalones, sliced pork, Hunan green peppers, and crunchy white fungus. While the dish had a fun variety of textures, we wished the green pepper flavours were more prominent.

Stir-fried Cauliflower 4.2/5

The simple looking Stir-fried Cauliflower (MP $13.80, U.P $16.80) was executed well. It was garlicky and seasoned just right.

Big Shrimp with Vermicelli and Garlic 4.2/5

Served on a portable gas stove, the Big Shrimp with Vermicelli and Garlic (MP $19.80, U.P $22.80) was precisely timed until it was ready to be eaten. The vermicelli thoroughly soaked up the garlicky and savoury sauce.

Sauerkraut Fish with Soup 3.8/5

The Sauerkraut Fish with Soup (MP $25.80, U.P $28.80) fell short for us. The broth leaned on the saltier side, and though the fish slices were fresh, the number of bones made it less enjoyable.

Lotus Root with Superior Pork Broth 4.2/5

Our second soup was the Lotus Root with Superior Pork Broth (MP $21.80, U.P $25.80). This was so homely and comforting that we wiped the bowl clean quickly. It also helped to cut the spice from the rest of the dishes.

Dry Pot Pork Intestine with Sauerkraut 4/5

Lastly, we tried the Dry Pot Pork Intestine with Sauerkraut (MP $21.80, U.P $24.80). Those who appreciate fattier cuts of pork intestine would enjoy this that has a blend of spicy and tangy notes from the sauerkraut.

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.


Nong Geng Ji (农耕记)
Orchardgateway
#B1-13
277 Orchard Road
Singapore 238858
Tel: +65 6908 0153
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS, Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Quenino by Victor Liong @ Artyzen Hotels & Resorts - Rediscover a Playful Take on Southeast Asia Flavours

Nestled within the luxurious Artyzen Singapore, Quenino by Victor Liong redefines contemporary Asian cuisine with relaxed fine dining finesse. The restaurant's latest menu, a collaboration between Chef de Cuisine Sujatha Asokan and Victor Liong, captures the essence of regional flavours with a refreshing, creative twist. I recently embarked on the Discovery Menu ($240/pax), a culinary journey that showcases the vibrancy and innovation of Asian cuisine.

Quenino Prelude - Amuse Bouches 4.5/5

The dining experience began with the Quenino Prelude, a trio of playful and seasonal amuse bouches.

Jungle Garlic Tart: This delicate tart is infused with jungle garlic and topped with watermelon radish, offering a burst of herbaceous notes and crunch.

Indonesian Mud Crab: Luxuriously paired with the prized Malaysian T'lur Oscietra Caviar, this creation elevated the crab's sweetness with the caviar's brininess.

Rojak-Inspired Creation: This is my favourite of the trio. It features Australian baby cucumber as a vessel for lemongrass chilli, finger lime, and cashew cream — a fun and inventive nod to Southeast Asia's beloved rojak.

Pearl Meat 4/5

The Pearl Meat was an inspired reinterpretation of Penang's Assam Laksa, reimagining its bold flavours in a refined form. The matured oyster muscle, paired with tamarind, ginger flower, and Asian tomato essence, delivered tangy and bright notes reminiscent of the beloved dish while elevating it to a sophisticated dish.

T'Lur Oscietra Caviar 4.2/5

T'Lur Oscietra Caviar showcases the exceptional quality of Malaysian farmed caviar. This dish pairs the luxurious ingredient with dragon chive custard, scallop mousse, razor clams, and fermented chilli. The combination is a nod to the comforting flavours of chicken rice, skillfully balancing the familiar and the extravagant in a single bite.

Marron 4.2/5

The Marron, sourced from Western Australia, was a standout. Petai coconut cream and sweet green chilli highlighted its natural sweetness, while pomelo from Ipoh added a refreshing zest. Served with flatbread to mop up the decadent sauce, this dish was an indulgent and flavourful delight.

Palate Cleanser - Gingerflower and Peach Popsicle 4.5/5

Before transitioning to the mains, we were treated to a refreshing Gingerflower and Peach Popsicle. The sweet and sour flavours were revitalising, perfectly preparing the palate for the next courses.

Stone Axe M9 Wagyu 4.2/5

For the mains, the Stone Axe M9 Wagyu was a showstopper. Grilled to perfection, the beef was paired with Old and New World Peppercorns, including sweet pink peppercorns and fiery green ones, for a customisable flavour experience. Inspired by local Sup Tulang (bone soup), the accompanying beef broth added a comforting and soulful touch.

Fried Rice 4/5

Quenino's take on Fried Rice is a nostalgic ode to Southeast Asian classics like fried rice, nasi ulam and mui fan. Infused with wok hei, the rice was served with an array of condiments, including fried pork lard, tamarind lemongrass chilli, and fragrant ulam rajah. Diners were encouraged to personalise each bite, making the dish a deeply interactive and sentimental experience.

Taro Ice Cream 3.8/5

A creative reinterpretation of bubur cha cha, the Taro Ice Cream was served with roselle jelly and house-made fermented rice wine. While I appreciated the concept, the fermented rice wine was a tad overpowering for my personal taste. A non-alcoholic version would have been a welcome alternative for those who prefer milder flavours.

Petite Fours 4.5/5

The meal concluded with a whimsical Petite Fours selection, inspired by childhood snacks and reimagined with sophistication.

Pong Piah-Inspired Waffle: A nostalgic caramel tamarind candy-infused treat that evoked fond memories of childhood.

Malaysian Dark Chocolate Bonbons: Infused with the warm spice of long peppers and the richness of rum and raisins, this decadent creation was a fitting end to the meal.

Quenino by Victor Liong offers an exquisite dining experience that masterfully blends contemporary Asian cuisine with playful creativity. Each dish tells a story, balancing tradition and innovation while celebrating the diverse flavours of the region. With its new menu, Quenino cements its place as a must-visit destination for food lovers seeking refined yet approachable dining in the heart of Singapore.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Quenino by Victor Liong
Artyzen Singapore
Level 4
9 Cuscaden Road
Singapore 249719
Tel: +65 6371 6030
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Nearest MRT: Orchard Boulevard (TE Line), Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue: 6pm - 1030pm
Wed-Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun and Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard Boulevard MRT Station. Take Exit 1. Walk to Cuscaden Road. Turn right onto Cuscaden Road. Walk down Cuscaden Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Orchard MRT Station. Take Exit 11. Walk down Orchard Boulevard towards Four Seasons Hotel. Take the walk path beside Four Seasons Hotel to Cuscaden Road. Walk to the junction of Cuscaden Road and turn left onto Cuscaden Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]