Monday, August 4, 2025

Royal Host @ Takashimaya - Celebrates SG60 & Its 1 Year Anniversary with Locally Inspired Dishes

Laksa Flame Duet Grill 2

To mark Singapore’s 60th birthday and one year since opening at Jewel Changi Airport, Royal Host unveils a special SG60 menu that fuses familiar local flavours with Japanese-Western flair. Here’s what we tried from the limited-time offerings, available till 31 August 2025.

Drinks 1
Singapore Sling Mocktail & Vanda Miss Joaquim Tea

The Singapore Sling ($10.30) mocktail reminded us of a fruity punch that is light and refreshing, though nothing groundbreaking. On the other hand, the Vanda Miss Joaquim Tea ($6.80) was surprisingly memorable. Delicately floral, this orchid-and-cornflower blend slowly grows on you with every sip.

Laksa Flame Duet Grill 1

Laksa Flame Duet Grill 3
Laksa Flame Duet Grill 4/5

The Laksa Flame Duet Grill ($30.60) was the star of the meal. A surf-and-turf combo featuring juicy laksa-marinated prawns and chargrilled chicken thigh, this dish hits all the right notes. You can choose between Laksa Sauce and Truffle Cream Sauce; we recommend the Laksa. Rich, creamy and full of lemak without being jelak. Bonus: the tomato steak with melted cheese on top adds a nostalgic Western touch.

Flame Shell Symphony Pasta 1

Flame Shell Symphony Pasta 2
Flame Shell Symphony Pasta 3.8/5

This Flame Shell Symphony Pasta ($28.60) is a bold, seafood-forward dish with generous chunks of crab meat and prawns. The sauce, inspired by chilli crab, leans sweet and spicy, but we found the overall flavours a little too light. Spice lovers may still enjoy the kick.

Laksa Crunchy Slaw 1

Laksa Crunchy Slaw 2
Laksa Crunchy Slaw 3/8

A reinterpretation of the classic coleslaw, the Laksa Crunchy Slaw ($7.60) is dressed in a tangy laksa-spiced emulsion and topped with fresh coriander and crispy fried shallots. While refreshing and easy to eat, it didn’t leave a lasting impression.

Cendol Delight 1

Cendol Delight 2
Cendol Delight 5/5

We’d return just for this! The Cendol Delight ($8.60) swaps the usual shaved ice for scoops of luscious coconut gelato, topped with Japanese azuki beans, pandan jelly and crushed walnuts. The thick house-made gula melaka ties it all together. It’s nostalgic, indulgent and our favourite of the lot.

Restaurant

Royal Host's SG60 limited-time menu is a fun and respectful nod to Singapore's culinary heritage, with the inclusion of Singapore's favourites such as laksa, chilli crab and cendol -reimagined through a Japanese-Western lens.

To sweeten the celebration, Royal Host is offering a 1-for-1 promotion on their signature “ROYAL” Hamburg Steak (U.P. $24++) from 6 to 8 August 2025, available at both Jewel Changi Airport and Takashimaya outlets. This juicy patty made with premium steak-grade beef is one of their crowd favourites, definitely worth checking out if you haven’t tried it yet!

Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Royal Host
Takashimaya
391 Orchard Road
#B2-25/26
Singapore 238872
Tel: +65 6908 1339
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Nearest MRT: Orchard Road (NS Line), Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Follow the walkway through Wisma Atria to Takashimaya. Continue walking straight at Ngee Ann City until destination. Journey about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B to Orchard Road. Head west or turn left onto Orchard Road against the flow of traffic. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Saturday, August 2, 2025

Crystal Jade Group Celebrates SG60 with a Delicious Culinary Tribute

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To mark Singapore’s Diamond Jubilee, the Crystal Jade Group has unveiled a limited-time menu titled ‘SG60 Flavours’, a delicious tribute to the nation’s 60th birthday. The celebratory offerings span across various Crystal Jade dining concepts, featuring dishes inspired by local flavours, patriotic red and white colour themes, and bold, fiery spice profiles. We had the opportunity to savour a selection of these unique creations.

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Singaporean Chicken Rice Siew Mai 4.5/5, Steamed Prawn Dumpling 4.2/5

We began our dinner with two dim sum items that were as innovative as they were delicious. The Steamed Prawn Dumpling topped with Chilli Crab Sauce ($9.80 for 3pcs, Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen) was a delightful fusion of the classic har gow and Singapore’s iconic chilli crab. The result was a harmonious pairing of sweet prawns with a spicy, umami-laden sauce that added just the right punch.

Equally memorable was the Singaporean Chicken Rice Siew Mai ($8.80 for 4pcs, Crystal Jade Golden Palace). This bite-sized dim sum reimagines the beloved chicken rice into a dainty morsel, with all the familiar flavours of ginger, garlic, and fragrant chicken in one savoury parcel. A clever and tasty interpretation that left a strong impression.

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Duo Cheong Fun 4/5

The Duo Cheong Fun ($8.80 per portion, Crystal Jade Golden Palace) impressed with its red-and-white visual play, resembling the Singapore flag. The white version featured diced chicken and mustard greens, while the red cheong fun was filled with egg and tomato. It’s a dish that not only looks patriotic but also brings layered textures and flavours to the palate.

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Wild Coral Trout Poached in Hot & Sour Tomato Broth 5/5

If there was one dish that stole the night, it was the Wild Coral Trout Poached in Hot & Sour Tomato Broth ($28 per 100g). Served tableside, the fresh coral trout was delicately poached in a vibrant broth brimming with sour, spicy, and umami notes. The fish was incredibly tender, soaking up the flavours of the broth beautifully. This dish drew so much praise that all of us went for second servings. It was easily one of the most outstanding dishes I’ve had this year.

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Golden Phoenix Glutinous Rice Roll in Traditional Style 4.2/5

Available at all Crystal Jade fine dining restaurants, the Golden Phoenix Glutinous Rice Roll in Traditional Style ($88 whole) is an impressive centrepiece. The glutinous rice stuffing was fragrant and packed with flavour, while the roasted chicken was cooked to perfection with wonderfully crisp skin. A well-executed classic that evoked nostalgic flavours in a celebratory format.

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Dry Curry Prawn with Yoghurt served in Banana Leaf 4.5/5

The Dry Curry Prawn with Yoghurt served in Banana Leaf ($26.80 per portion) was another standout, presenting an Indian-inspired local dish in a modern way. The prawns were plump and coated in an aromatic dry curry, with the yoghurt adding a lovely tang and richness. Presented in a banana leaf, it was a great representation of Singapore’s multicultural culinary heritage.

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Youpo Shanxi Knife-cut Noodles with Minced Meat 5/5

From Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao, the Youpo Shanxi Knife-cut Noodles with Minced Meat ($20.80 regular) delivered comfort and character. The hand-cut noodles had a satisfying chew, topped with fragrant minced meat and finished with sizzling hot oil poured tableside. The aroma of spices was enticing, and the julienned vegetables added freshness and crunch. A hearty, flavour-packed bowl not to be missed.

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Red Ruby Sago with Coconut Milk 3.8/5

To end the meal on a sweet note, the Red Ruby Sago with Coconut Milk ($6.80 per pax, Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen) was a refreshing treat. Crunchy red rubies and soft sago pearls bathed in creamy coconut milk made for a delightful texture contrast and a light finish.

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Cute Animal Pastry with Brown Sugar Mochi 4.2/5

The final bite came in the form of the Cute Animal Pastry with Brown Sugar Mochi ($12.80 for 3pcs, Crystal Jade Pavilion). Not only was it visually adorable, but the pastry also delivered on flavour — with a crisp exterior and a chewy mochi centre filled with deep, caramel-like brown sugar. It is a fun and sweet end to a memorable meal.

Crystal Jade’s SG60 Flavours is more than just a festive menu — it’s a thoughtful and well-executed culinary tribute to Singapore’s rich food culture. Each dish showcases creativity while staying true to local flavours. Whether you’re after dim sum, noodles, or a show-stopping whole chicken, there’s something in this celebration menu to love.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Crystal Jade Group
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