Sunday, November 23, 2025

Ban Lan Hokkien Cuisine (班岚) @ Scotts Square - Michelin-Selected Fujian Cuisine Makes Its International Debut in Singapore

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Ban Lan (班岚), one of Suzhou's most celebrated Fujian restaurants and a MICHELIN Selected establishment, has made its long-awaited international debut in Singapore. Located at Scotts Square, Ban Lan Hokkien Cuisine (班岚) brings refined Min (Fujian) flavours to Orchard Road, led by Chef Sun Xiaoyang, a Fujian native with more than 18 years of experience. A disciple of one-Michelin-starred Chef Wu Rong, Chef Sun presents Fujian cuisine with both tradition and finesse.

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First-Harvest Seaweed with Dried Shrimp & Sea Urchin 4.2/5

Inspired by a traditional Eastern Fujian pairing of dried shrimp and seaweed, the First-Harvest Seaweed with Dried Shrimp & Sea Urchin ($36/$49) elevates the classic with premium bafun uni. Served hand-roll style with thin cucumber slices, it balances umami richness with refreshing crunch.

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Zhao'an Smoked Pork with Arugula 4.2/5

The Zhao'an Smoked Pork with Arugula is an off-menu item. It is a refined take on a Zhao'an street snack. The pork jowl is slow-braised, lightly smoked, then tossed with Luxi pickled greens and rocket leaves. The result is tender, aromatic pork uplifted by bright, sweet-tangy notes, making it an excellent appetite opener.

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Black-Boned Chicken Tossed with Sliced Conch 4.2/5

The Black-Boned Chicken Tossed with Sliced Conch ($32) features free-range black chicken, thin-sliced conch, and crispy, shredded taro, offering a trio of contrasting textures. The flavours are gently savoury with a natural sweetness that unfolds with each bite.

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Black Tiger Prawns in Traditional Hokkien Alcohol 5/5

Prepared using the Fujian "aged drunken" method, the Black Tiger Prawns in Traditional Hokkien Alcohol ($49/$66) are steeped in aged wine for deep, aromatic flavours. The tomalley turns luxuriously creamy, while the prawn flesh remains bouncy and sweet. It is a standout dish showcasing the elegance of Fujian alcohol-based cooking.

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Hokkien Buddha Jumps Over the Wall 4.8/5

The Hokkien Buddha Jumps Over the Wall ($156 per serving) is a legendary centrepiece of Fujian cuisine. Ban Lan's version features premium sea cucumber, abalone, fish maw and more, slow-braised for over 10 hours. Diners are encouraged to inhale the wine-perfumed aroma, admire the clear amber broth, and savour its velvety richness. A deeply indulgent bowl that stays true to tradition.

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Poached Squid with Scallion Oil Pesto 4.8/5

The Poached Squid with Scallion Oil Pesto ($59/$109) features line-caught tube squid from Dongshan, which is flash-frozen with liquid nitrogen to preserve freshness. Gently poached and chilled, the squid is paired with a fragrant scallion-numb-spice sauce that enhances its natural sweetness and crisp texture.

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Steamed Crab with Hokkien Glutinous Rice Cake 4.5/5

The Steamed Crab with Hokkien Glutinous Rice Cake ($89 for 1 crab/ $169 for 2 crabs) reinterprets the traditional one-pot braise. Drawing from classic Southern Fujian banquet cooking, glutinous rice is stir-fried, layered in lotus leaf, and steamed with fresh crab meat and roe. The rice absorbs every drop of seafood essence — sticky, aromatic, and exceptionally satisfying.

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Wagyu Beef Cube with Sweet Potato 4.5/5

The Wagyu Beef Cube with Sweet Potato features tender Wagyu cubes paired with sweet potato in a dish reminiscent of Western steak and carrots — but executed in a distinctly Chinese manner, with savoury depth and subtle sweetness.

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Taro with Crispy Pork and Scallion Oil Gravy 5/5

The Taro with Crispy Pork and Scallion Oil Gravy ($36) is a modern Fujian braised taro dish that uses only the prized centre cut. The taro becomes creamy and delicately sweet, absorbing the rich pork gravy. Finished with crispy shallots, this comforting yet elegant plate is one of the evening's best.

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Braised Tofu with Red Mushroom from Sanming 5/5

The Braised Tofu with Red Mushroom from Sanming ($32) features Fujian red mushrooms braised with traditional fire-cooked tofu, enriched with dried shrimp and smoked, cured pork. The result is a full-bodied broth packed with umami and earthy sweetness. It is a beautiful representation of the region's "mountain and sea" philosophy.

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Fuzhou-style Crispy Pork Ribs Marinated in Hokkien Traditional Alcohol 4.2/5

The Fuzhou-style Crispy Pork Ribs Marinated in Hokkien Traditional Alcohol ($29/$36) is inspired by Fuzhou's "Ten-Spice Drunken Ribs." These lightly battered ribs are fried to crispness and finished with a refined sweet-savoury sauce. Cleaner and more delicate than the classic version, yet still flavourful.

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Stewed Semi-Dried Squid Roe with Muscovy Duck 4.8/5

The Stewed Semi-Dried Squid Roe with Muscovy Duck is another off-menu dish. It is a nourishing Fujian speciality featuring semi-dried female squid filled with roe, slow-braised with Muscovy duck and Rehmannia root. Morel mushrooms add earthy depth. Traditionally eaten postpartum, but here presented as a deeply comforting, flavour-laden soup.

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Steamed Mindong Yellow Croaker with Yong'an Yellow Chilli 4.5/5

The Steamed Mindong Yellow Croaker with Yong'an Yellow Chilli ($79) features premium yellow croaker from the East China Sea steamed with fermented Yong'an yellow chilli, adding gentle heat and a fermented tang. The fish is tender, with a clean sweetness typical of high-quality croaker.

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Tie Guan Yin Tea-Smoked Crispy Sesame Chicken 4.8/5

Tie Guan Yin Tea-Smoked Crispy Sesame Chicken ($46/$79) is an outstanding dish. This original creation combines techniques from traditional sesame chicken and hanging-roasted chicken. The bird is marinated with Tie Guan Yin tea leaves for a delicate tea fragrance, then meticulously prepared over 12 hours, air-dried, brushed with skin glaze, coated with sesame, roasted and finally flash-fried. The result is irresistibly thin, crispy skin with tender, juicy meat beneath, offering savoury richness layered with a gentle tea aroma.

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Stir-Fried Seaweed with Pea Shoots 4.2/5

The Stir-Fried Seaweed with Pea Shoots ($26) features first-harvest seaweed from Dongshan stir-fried with tender pea shoots, resulting in a clean, umami-rich side with subtle brothiness.

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Quanzhou Seafood Braised Noodles 4.5/5

The Quanzhou Seafood Braised Noodles ($19) is a reimagined version of Quanzhou braised noodles, using a rich prawn stock blended with seafood, Xiamen Gulong pork trotters, and peanut-sesame paste. The springy noodles soak up the deeply savoury broth. It is hearty and addictive.

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Pomegranate and Seaweed Jelly 4.2/5

The Pomegranate and Seaweed Jelly ($12 per potion) is a classic Fujian dessert made from locally sourced Sea Stone Flower (hai shi hua). The jelly is simmered, shaved, and served with fresh pomegranate juice and finger lime. Light, refreshing, and elegantly tangy — a fitting end to a rich Fujian meal.

Ban Lan's arrival in Singapore signals a new chapter for Fujian cuisine on our shores. With a MICHELIN pedigree and a chef trained under one of Fujian's most respected masters, the restaurant delivers elevated, meticulously prepared dishes that honour tradition while showcasing refined technique. From exquisite seafood to luxurious soups and beautifully executed staples, Ban Lan presents a polished, authentic, and occasionally innovative interpretation of Fujian flavours. Prices tilt premium, but the craftsmanship and ingredient quality deliver a memorable dining experience.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Ban Lan Hokkien Cuisine (班岚)
Scotts Square
6 Scotts Road
#02-01/02
Singapore 228209
Tel: +65 80676688/ 62988866
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 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]

Saturday, November 22, 2025

Cavern Restaurant @ Rainforest Wild ASIA - Ups Its Game with Fresh Flavours

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Recently, I made a return visit to Cavern Restaurant at Rainforest Wild Asia for dinner. Since my previous trip during its opening, the restaurant has refreshed its menu, introducing new dishes and refined flavours that made this revisit worthwhile.

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Prawn Cocktail 4/5

We began the meal with the Prawn Cocktail ($16 for 3pc). Each prawn sits atop lettuce, paired with sriracha mayo, pomelo, and crispy cucumber, creating a refreshing starter that combines sweet, spicy, tangy, and crunchy elements. It’s a simple dish, but one that delivers a satisfying multi-sensorial play of flavours and textures.

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Berry Good Time 3.8/5

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Ginger Slammer 3.8/5

Cavern also boasts a beautiful bar, so we explored a couple of their beverages. Berry Good Time ($16) is a lively blend of mixed berries, mint, lime juice and soda. It is bright, fruity, and perfectly fizzy. The Ginger Slammer ($23), made with tequila blanco, ginger syrup, lime juice, and soda water, is bold and zesty, with a spicy kick from the ginger. Both drinks bring refreshing profiles that pair well with the rainforest setting.

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XO Burrata with Heirloom Tomato 4/5

The XO Burrata with Heirloom Tomato ($22) stands out for its unique Asian twist. The pairing of XO sauce and chilli oil with creamy burrata may sound unconventional, but it works, similar to the sambal-burrata combination I’ve tried at One Prawn Co. The result is creamy, savoury, slightly spicy and well-balanced, with the tomatoes adding a sweet finishing lift.

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Smoked Pork Rack 4/5

The Smoked Pork Rack ($30) features a tender pork loin served on a bed of mashed potatoes. It comes completed with a strawberry chilli and herb salad, adding brightness and a gentle heat that cuts through the meat’s richness. A hearty and well-executed dish.

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Clam Vongole 3.8/5

The Clam Vongole ($24) arrives with perfectly cooked tagliatelle accompanied by juicy asari clams, chilli padi, parsley, chives, garlic, and white wine. The pasta is al dente and full of flavour from the sweet clams. The addition of chilli padi gives it a punchy lift. One puzzling detail: the dish comes with a white wine broth, which isn’t typical as vongole is usually served dry. Still, the flavours are enjoyable.

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Brulee Oolong Cheesecake 4/5

The Brulee Oolong Cheesecake ($12) features a biscuity base and a creamy cheesecake body infused with subtle oolong notes. The crackling layer of caramelised sugar adds a delightful textural contrast, making it a satisfying dessert for tea lovers.

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Rocher 4.2/5

The Rocher ($16) is a visually appealing dessert of dark chocolate ice cream, hazelnut cream, and hazelnut pieces. Rich, nutty, and texturally layered, it is a well-crafted sweet finish to the meal.

This second visit to Cavern Restaurant proved even more enjoyable than the first, thanks to its refreshed menu and creative flavour pairings. From starters to desserts, the dishes feel more confident and refined. Paired with its cavern-inspired interior, textured stone elements, and an intimate, cave-like ambience, Cavern offers a cosy, immersive dining experience that makes it even more memorable.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Cavern Restaurant
Rainforest Wild ASIA
20 Mandai Lake Road
Singapore 729825
Tel: +65 60220229
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Nearest MRT: Springleaf (TE Line), Choa Chu Kang (NS Line), Khatib (NS Line)

1) Alight at Springleaf MRT station. Take Exit 3. Walk to bus stop opposite Thong Soon Road (Stop ID 56091). Take bus number 138. Alight 12 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 25 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Choa Chu Kang MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Choa Chu Kang Bus Interchange (Stop ID 44009). Take bus number 927. Alight 16 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 30 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Khatib MRT station. Take the Mandai Khatib Shuttle Bus (not free). Journey time about 30 minutes. [Map]