Sunday, January 11, 2026

Lan Xiang Ban Mian @ Bukit Merah Central Food Centre - Comforting Handmade Bowl of Noodles

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Lan Xiang Ban Mian is a well-loved ban mian stall at Bukit Merah Central Food Centre, known for its handmade noodles, flavourful broth, and generous portions at wallet-friendly hawker prices. Its popularity is evident from the steady lunchtime queues, filled with loyal regulars who keep coming back for its comforting bowls of noodles. I decided to drop by for lunch on a weekend afternoon to see what the hype was about.

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Ban Mian Soup 4.5/5

The handmade noodles are the highlight here, boasting a delightful chewy texture with just the right bite. The Ban Mian Soup ($4.50) is addictively viscous, savoury and lightly sweet, clearly enriched by the slow-simmered ikan bilis broth. One standout component is the well-seasoned, tender, juicy marinated minced pork ball, which adds depth and satisfaction to every spoonful.

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Mee Hoon Kway Soup 4.5/5

Equally impressive, the Mee Hoon Kway Soup ($4.50) features hand-torn noodles that are silky yet substantial, soaking up the rich broth beautifully. Each bowl delivers the same comforting balance of flavours, making it an excellent alternative for those who prefer broader noodle sheets.

Beyond ban mian and mee hoon kway, Lan Xiang Ban Mian also offers a wide selection of noodle options such as bee hoon, mee sua, yee mian and even Maggie mee. Diners can further customise their bowls with different flavours, including prawn, chicken, sliced fish and tom yum. With its consistency, value and hearty flavours, it’s easy to see why this stall remains a Bukit Merah favourite.


Lan Xiang Ban Mian
Bukit Merah Central Food Centre
163 Bukit Merah Central
#02-06
Singapore 150163
Nearest MRT: Commonwealth (EW Line), Harbourfront (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 7pm
Sat-Sun: 11am - 2pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Commonwealth MRT station. Take Exit B or C. Walk to the bus stop at Commonwealth MRT station (Stop ID 11169). Take bus number 147 or 196. Alight 9 stops later. Take the overhead bridge and cross the road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 20 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk to the bus stop opposite Vivocity (Stop ID 14119). Take bus number 855. Alight 7 stops later. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 18 minutes. [Map]

Saturday, January 10, 2026

Ya Ge (雅阁) Welcomes the Year of the Horse with “Prosperity in Full Bloom” – A Refined Chinese New Year 2026 Celebration

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Ushering in Chinese New Year 2026 with quiet confidence and understated luxury, Ya Ge (雅阁) at Orchid Hotel Singapore presents Prosperity in Full Bloom, a thoughtfully curated festive showcase that honours tradition, craftsmanship and auspicious flavours. Available for both dine-in and takeaway from 1 January to 3 March 2026, the offering spans six meticulously designed set menus, à la carte highlights, and an extensive range of festive takeaway delicacies, making it equally suited to intimate family gatherings or grand reunion feasts.

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Prosperity Yu Sheng with Yellowtail and Crispy Eel 4.2/5

The celebratory journey begins, as tradition dictates, with the Prosperity Yu Sheng with Yellowtail and Crispy Eel. Visually vibrant and texturally engaging, the platter layers silky yellowtail sashimi with crisp eel and dried shredded codfish over a bed of freshly shredded vegetables, nuts and seeds. What truly elevates the toss is Chef’s house-made citrus dressing — freshly squeezed orange and lemon juice gently reduced for intensity. Bright, aromatic and refreshing, it sets an uplifting tone of abundance and good fortune.

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Double-boiled Golden Fish Maw with Asian Moon Scallop and Imperial Tribute Chrysanthemum 4/5

A clear standout among the festive offerings is the Double-boiled Golden Fish Maw with Asian Moon Scallop and Imperial Tribute Chrysanthemum. Slow-simmered old hen forms a deep, full-bodied broth that cradles prized fish maw and Asian moon scallop, perfumed with Huangshan wild tribute chrysanthemum. Silken in texture and deeply restorative, this soup speaks of patience, tradition and indulgent well-being. It is a luxurious expression of festive nourishment.

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Steamed Yellow Croaker in Chicken Broth with Fennel 4.2/5

Seafood lovers will appreciate the finesse of the Steamed Yellow Croaker in Chicken Broth with Fennel. Marinated for hours with fennel, thyme, rosemary and bay leaf, the fish is gently steamed in a rich chicken broth, resulting in flesh that is delicate yet flavourful. Clean, subtly aromatic and elegantly restrained, the dish showcases Ya Ge’s precision-driven approach to classic Cantonese techniques.

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Stir-fried Australian Lobster with Glutinous Rice Wine Sauce 4.2/5

For a bolder expression, the Stir-fried Australian Lobster with Glutinous Rice Wine Sauce delivers festive indulgence with restraint. Inspired by Beijing-style stir-fry traditions, fermented glutinous rice wine and Pi Xian broad bean paste lend warmth and complexity, enhancing rather than overpowering the lobster’s natural sweetness. The flavours are layered and fragrant, making this a celebratory centrepiece worthy of the occasion.

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Deep-fried Deshelled Prawn coated with Fish Floss and Shrimp Roe Salad 4.5/5

Texture and crunch come into play with the Deep-fried Deshelled Prawn, coated with Fish Floss and Shrimp Roe, and served with a Shrimp Roe Salad. Golden and crisp, the prawns are tossed in a savoury-sweet house dressing enriched with shrimp roe and fish floss, offering immediate satisfaction and an addictive interplay of flavours.

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Sautéed Eight Treasures Vegetables with Yunnan Black Tiger Palm Mushroom 4/5

Vegetarian offerings are no afterthought here. The Sautéed Eight Treasures Vegetables with Yunnan Black Tiger Palm Mushroom wrapped in Lotus Leaf is quietly luxurious. A medley of premium ingredients — from ginkgo nuts and lotus seeds to macadamia nuts, white fungus and bamboo shoots — is gently wrapped in lotus leaf and steamed, releasing a delicate fragrance when unveiled at the table. It is elegant, nourishing and deeply comforting.

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Steamed Lotus Leaf Jasmine and Glutinous Rice with Chinese Sausages and Wax Meat 4/5

Anchoring the feast is the Steamed Lotus Leaf Jasmine and Glutinous Rice with Chinese Sausages and Wax Meat. Fragrant jasmine rice and sticky glutinous grains absorb the savoury richness of Chinese sausage and waxed meat, offering familiar comfort and balance, a gentle reminder that prosperity is best shared.

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Chilled Red Ruby with Jackfruit and Corn, Mandarin Orange Mochi 4/5

Desserts provide a refreshing close, from the Chilled Red Ruby with Jackfruit and Corn to Mandarin Orange Mochi filled with custard and mandarin pulp, ending the meal on a light, sweet-tart note.

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Nian Gao with Gula Melaka and Sweet Potato

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Prosperity Lion Nian Gao

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Steamed Radish Cake with Conpoy and Chinese Sausage

Beyond the dining room, Ya Ge extends the festivities with an impressive lineup of takeaway and gifting options. Highlights include the generously layered Ya Ge Prosperity Pen Cai, Prosperity Yu Sheng in two sizes, roasted boneless suckling pig, dry-aged Irish duck, premium roast platters and handcrafted radish cake. New festive additions such as Prosperity Lion Nian Gao, Duo Happiness Nian Gao with Gula Melaka and Sweet Potato, Ya Ge Ingot Nian Gao with Dried Longan, and a delicately balanced Red Bean Pudding add variety to the offerings. Curated takeaway reunion sets make hosting effortless, with 15% savings on pre-orders, ideal for early planners and corporate gifting.

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Ya Ge Ingot Nian Gao with Dried Longan

Ya Ge’s Chinese New Year menu will be available for dine-in from 1 January to 3 March 2026, with reservations highly recommended due to limited seating and high demand. The takeaway sets and goodies can be made online 3 days in advance at https://eshop-yage.myshopify.com or at the restaurant. Guests can enjoy a 15% discount on pre-orders. For more information on all Chinese New Year menus and takeaway festive goodies, please log on to https://www.orchidhotel.com.sg/offers/yage-2026-chinese-new-year.

Note: This is an invited tasting


Ya Ge (雅阁)
Orchid Hotel Singapore
1 Tras Link
Singapore 078867
Tel: +65 6818 6831
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight towards the Orchid Hotel. Journey time is about 3 minutes. [Map]