AquaMarine @ Marina Mandarin Singapore - Indulge In A Crustacean Galore And Divine Specials From Upcoming Singapore Heritage Buffet

Esteemed for its extensive halal buffet spread featuring Asian and Western cuisines, AquaMarine is an international culinary extravaganza within the Marina Mandarin Singapore. We indulge in their dazzling crustaceans galore spanning around a huge stand-alone counter which takes the centerpiece of the buffet line, as well as selected specials from their upcoming Singapore Heritage Buffet.

Available from 1 to 31 Aug 2018, diners can take a trip down memory lane and indulge in the nation's iconic dishes such as the Wagyu Beef Short Rib 'Satay', Marinated Ayam Buah Keluak Shawarma in lotus buns, Sambal Whole Salmon Fillet, as well as the well-know local favourite Chilli Crab. These dishes from the Singapore Heritage Buffet are specially curated for the month of August, which is in line with the Nation's Birthday on August 9.

Known for focusing their buffet spread on the freshest catch from the sea, AquaMarine is an absolute seafood paradise for the seafood lovers. Expect an endless flow of premium seafood, such as the Tiger Prawns, Spanner Crabs, Stone Crab Claws, Snow Crab Claws, Fresh Scallops, Clams, and Shucked Oysters. As diners repeatedly pile their plates high with seafood, the counters are continuously replenished with ample seafood so there is more than enough for everyone.

Apart from the fresh seafood on ice, there is also the Crustaceans Seafood Stew, where diners can enjoy a piping hot bowl of flavourful stew filled with a variety of cooked seafood.

For those who prefer to have their seafood hot, delight in their Black Pepper Crab, as well as Crispy Soft Shell prawn with cereal and chicken floss for a comforting treat.

There are also a Japanese counter where you can get your sushi, udon, tempura and sashimi fix.

Wagyu Beef Short Rib'Satay' 4.2/5

Showcasing highlights from the much anticipated Singapore Heritage Buffet, the Wagyu Beef Short Rib is one my favourites. The beef meat is extremely soft, tender and juicy, while the satay sauce is filled with a reminiscent of the local flavour. Yet I find that the flavour of the satay sauce might be too overwhelming and masks the natural juicy flavour and char of the wagyu beef. However, the wagyu beef meat is perfectly executed, so go easy on the sauce.

Marinated Ayam Buah Keluak Shawarma in Lotus Bun 4.2/5

A mainstay of Peranakan cuisine, the Marinated Ayam Buah Keluak Shawarma in Lotus Bun features tender Nonya Chicken with a slightly spicy and tangy gravy, sandwiched in between soft fluffy mantous.

Sambal Whole Salmon Fillet 4.2/5

The sambal chilli is a favourite among the locals, and that cannot be missed out in the Heritage buffet. The Sambal Whole Salmon Fillet features extremely soft fish fillet meat, perfectly seasoned and covered with the authentic sambal spice and fragrance.

Deep Fried Asian Crab Friller with Salted Egg Mayo 4/5

The Deep Fried Asian Crab Friller with Salted Egg Mayo boosts soft crab fillings with a thin crispy fried layer. The salted egg mayo adds a salted, creamy flavour to the fresh crab pieces, elevating the entire flavour of the crab.

Singapore Chilli Crab 4.2/5

A well-known local favourite, the Singapore Chilli Crab is a must-try here. The thing that defines the style and tastes for chilli crab is the chilli sauce. The juicy crabs come with a an impeccable gravy that features a combination of spiciness, sweetness and saltiness, which is a perfect complement with the fluffy deep fried mantou.

Beyond the crustaceans and Singapore Heritage specials, AquaMarine also offers a wide variety of delectable desserts such as the assorted Nonya kuehs, cakes, puddings, ice cream, beancurd and their durian pengat.

With so many options for everyone, it is an ideal choice for large groups of friends and family to gather in a spacious environment for an indulgent buffet meal. On weekend dinners, diners can look forward to their action station whipping up sugarcane juice, durian and all-time favourites.

Singapore Heritage Buffet is available from 2 to 31 August 2018. Priced from $60++ per adult and $30++ per child (6-12 years old). For reservations: please call 6845 1111 or email aquamarine.marina@meritushotels.com

Photos and words by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


AquaMarine
Marina Mandarin Singapore
6 Raffles Boulevard
Level 4
Singapore 039594
Tel: +65 68451111
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Website
Nearest MRT: Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 630am - 1030pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit B or D. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Two Hana @ Century Square - Bringing Two Cultures, Korean And Western Together

There are quite a number of restaurants and eateries to check out at the newly re-opened Century Square mall. One of these restaurants and eateries is Two Hana which is located near the mall's taxi stand. It is a Korea meets West cafe concept offering a eclectic menu featuring all-day dining, light bites, hearty mains, alluring dessert, refreshing drinks and specialty coffee from All Press.

Two Hana Drumlets 3.5/5

Since it is a Korean inspired cafe, then we can do without the Korean fried chicken. The Two Hana Drumlets ($9) comes in 2 flavours - Honey Butter and Spicy Yangnyeom. It is a sweet and spicy combination with deep fried crispy skin. The honey butter sauce drumlets are topped with popcorn and almond while the spicy yangnyeom comes with sesame seeds.

Korean Cauliflower Fritters 4/5

Kimchi Mac & Cheese Bites 3.5/5

For some light bites on the menu, there are the Korean Cauliflower Fritters ($8) and Kimchi Mac & Cheese Bites ($9). The cauliflower is coated in a light crispy tempura batter and glazed in a sweet and spicy sauce. Up a notch with the kimchi mac & cheese whereby the cheesy filling is spiced up with kimchi chucks enveloped by crispy breadcrumbs.

Bulgogi Sidewinders 3.5/5

If you find having fries alone is rather boring, then the Bulgogi Sidewinders ($9) will be a nice change with its abundance of toppings such as beef bulgogi, creamy bulgogi sauce, kimchi bits, onions and parmeson cheese. It may sounds and looks messy but the combination actually comes together quite well.

Korean Slaw & Rocket Salad 3/5

If you want something light and healthy, there is the Korean Slaw & Rocket Salad ($9). The green consists of an assortment of rockets, cabbage and red cabbage. It is topped with pear, parmesan, mandarin orange, citron jam, yogurt and raisins. I enjoyed how the fruits and jam lend a citrus touch to the earthy greens.

Kimchi Bibimwrap 3/5

A staple Korean dish is the bibimap which is usually served in a bowl. How about the Kimchi Bibimwarp ($12), bibimap in a wrap? The wrap is stuffed with kimgaru rice, spinach, namul, shiitake mushrooms, fried garlic, egg, lettuce, cabbage, toasted sesame dressing and fried garlic. This is a meal on its own. You can also opt not to have rice in the wrap.

Striploin Bap 4/5

Rice bowl has been one the latest food trends in Singapore. Jumping on the bandwagon is the Striploin Bap ($13), its Korean interpretation of the rice bowl. Beautifully seared striploin slices, together with servings of kimchi, spinach, beansprout namul, caramelised onions and poached egg rest on top of the kimgarou rice. In fact, I find the bowl a bit small for the generous servings.

Crisp-Battered Pacific Cod 3/5

The Crisp-Battered Pacific Cod ($14) is served on a bed of doenjang mashed potatoes and comes with a choice of kimchi veloute or honey soy mayonnaise sauce. Unfortunately the highlight of the dish is the doenjang mashed potatoes, made from 60% potatoes, 40% butter and doenjang sauce. The bland tasting pacific cod is overshadowed by the creamy mashed potatoes with chunky bites.

Korean Seafood Cioppino 4.5/5

The dining group's favourite has to be the Korean Seafood Cioppino ($12), brimming with a medley of mussels, clams, prawns, mushroom and carrots stewed in tomatoes cream base. Diners can have a choice of tofu or soft rolls to go with the rich and creamy soup. It's like have a bowl of lobster bisque.

Gochujang Braised Lamb Shank 3.8/5

I thought the Gochujang Braised Lamb Shank ($24) is rather special. Unlike the usual, it is braised in a gochujang tomato sauce. While the braised sauce was delish, I was lacked down by the texture of the lamb shank. I was expecting it to be more tender. It seems that the lamb shank needs more hours in the pot.

Apple Caramel Waffles with Doenjang Caramel Ice Cream 3.5/5

As for dessert, I tried both the Apple Caramel Waffles with Doenjang Caramel Ice Cream ($9) and Strawberry Waffles with Honey Citron Ice Cream ($9). The waffles are crispy and dense. The addition of fruits help to cut those density with the yummy ice cream providing the home run.

Strawberry Waffles with Honey Citron Ice Cream 3.5/5

Overall, I feel that Two Hana serves some interesting Korean meets Western dishes but some are not at that level yet. There is potential in the dishes but probably needed more refinement to reach to excellent. Putting the food aside, the cafe serves great coffee using beans from All Press. So don't forget to get your caffeine fix whenever you drop by the cafe.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Two Hana
Century Square
2 Tampines Central 5
#01-21
Singapore 529509
Tel: +65 62604339
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Tampines (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tampines MRT station. Take Exit C. Turn left and walk to traffic light junction. Cross the road and walk down Tampines Central 5. Walk to Century Square. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]