Plump, juicy and tender meat which comes with the crispiest skin with a layer of delicious fats and served with an addictive plum sauce, roast goose is a dish which has been perfected over generations.

Numerous roast goose restaurants in Hong Kong serve the traditional dish, but only a select few are truly top-notch.

Hidden just a short journey from Tuen Mun Road in Sham Tseng, you’ll find Yue Kee Roast Goose Restaurant which has been around since 1958 and it is one of the oldest roast goose restaurants in Hong Kong.

You can get a whole roast goose at HK$660 or a regular portion with the prized roast goose drumstick at HK$195. Other than roast goose, Yue Kee Roast Goose also offers a selection of Chinese stir-fried dishes.

Yue Kee Roast Goose offers excellent traditional charcoal-grilled roast goose and they have their own farm in Qingyuan city in Guangdong.

The roast goose is super fatty, tender and juicy with a distinctive smokiness, while the skin is crispy and incredibly delicious.

The far-flung location in Sham Tseng (Northwestern New Territories) is difficult to get to if you don’t have a car, but the amazing roast goose is definitely worth travelling for!

P.S. It is only 15 mins away from Disneyland by car.

Yue Kee Roast Goose
9 Sham Hong Rd, Ting Kau, Hong KongDaily: 11.30am – 10pm
Tel: +852 2491 0105

Yuba Hut is opening a new outlet in the west of Singapore. Known for its Aburi sushi rolls and Japanese rice bowls, Yuba Hut’s newest outlet will be opening at Rail Mall on 23 Oct 2020.

Other than Rail Mall, the sushi chain is opening another outlet at Guoco Tower (formerly known as Tanjong Pagar Centre) in October.

With the addition of the two new outlets, Yuba Hut will have six locations around Singapore—Heartland Mall, Northpoint City, White Sands, The Poiz Centre, Guoco Tower and Rail Mall.

Fans of the brand will be happy to know that they are currently having a promotion for their signature Champion Maki Roll at S$9.90 on every Tuesdays.

When it comes to beverages, the Singapore market is already saturated with a plethora of brands jostling to see who can sell the best cup of bubble tea or coffee. So when we heard that Yomie’s Rice x Yogurt was bringing their highly raved-about yogurt drinks to the Singapore market, we were excited about this refreshing change.

Yomie’s Rice x Yogurt originates from Shanghai and they stand out in the traditional yogurt drink scene by selling yogurt drinks made from purple rice. The fresh in-house yogurt and rice blend provides their drinks with a viscous and creamy consistency which gives the drink an addictive, chewy bite. Moreover, these drinks are low in sugar and filled with probiotics and can be consumed as a meal replacement or diet drink.

Texture-wise aside, these drinks are great for health junkies who want to slurp away at something sweet without feeling the guilt. Made from high-quality milk that has been fermented for at least 48 hours in-house, all their drinks are chock full of essential vitamins and anti-oxidants. They also use complex grains that are high in fibre and great for your digestive system.

If you’re interested to try a cup (or two!) of Yomie’s Rice x Yogurt’s unique concoction, you can check them out at Westgate, Orchard Centrepoint and CityLink Mall.

There will also be a 1-for-1 promotion valid for all drinks during the grand opening of all existing branches. This will be happening on 21 December 2019, Saturday, and is limited to the first 150 customers (1 per pax) of all 3 outlets during 11am and 6pm until the drinks are sold out. In addition, vouchers (50% off) will also be given out for every purchase on the grand opening day itself. So, grab a friend and don’t miss out on this great deal!

All of Yomie’s Rice x Yogurt Drinks are made fresh and from scratch in-store, so you can be assured that you’ll only be getting top-notch quality yogurt drinks. 

They are famous for the use of purple rice in a number of their drinks. Not only do these provide the drinks with a subtle sweetness and bite that add plenty of texture and flavour, they are highly nutritious as well.

A helping of purple rice also has numerous health benefits and provides you with a copious amount of antioxidants, fibre, protein and iron that can help lower the risk of chronic diseases and keep your cholesterol and blood pressure in check.

YOMIE’S RICE x YOGURT SMOOTHIE 

If the extensive menu intimidates you, we recommend that you try their best-selling drink: Yomie’s Purple Rice Yogurt (S$5.60). With over 10,000 cups sold daily worldwide, each cup of this goodness comes with specks of partially blended purple rice. Upon first slurp, we were pleasantly surprised by how the nuttiness of the rice complemented the subtle sweetness and tartness of the yogurt, resulting in an intriguing medley of flavours.

What makes the drink even more palatable is the number of health benefits you can get from long term consumption of purple rice. Aside from promoting heart health, the drink helps to lower the risk of some cancers, increase the levels of good high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in the body and improve liver functions. There is definitely more to this drink than meets the eye!

Also from the Yomie’s Rice x Yogurt Smoothie series is the Yomie’s Oats Yogurt (S$5.60). If you don’t fancy oats, this drink may change your mind! The oats add a nice chewiness that gave the drink more viscosity and body as well as a subtle nuttiness that paired well with the yogurt.

Oats are known to promote weight loss as well as improve the immune system and blood sugar levels. They are also great for those of you who need a little push in the bowel movement department as they help with digestion and prevent constipation.

ENERGY GRAINS x YOGURT SMOOTHIE

If you need a little energy boost, we recommend that you check out their Energy Grains x Yogurt Smoothie series for concoctions that will help start your day off on the right foot.

The Pure Jujube Yogurt (S$5.60) is one of the most popular items, where jujubes are essentially a type of dates that are packed with plenty of health benefits. Yomie’s Rice x Yogurt get their jujubes all the way from Xin Jiang, where the dates are extra plump and sweet. When blended into the yogurt drink, these small but mighty fruits suffuse the entire drink with a lovely, natural honey-like sweetness that is incredibly addictive.

Some benefits that they are known for include the regulation of blood circulation, prevention of constipation and the improvement of bone strength. For those of you who have trouble sleeping at night, jujube is also known to help you improve your sleep quality and get a better night’s rest.

Rich in minerals, protein, vitamins B1 and B3, the Red Bean Purple Rice Yogurt (S$6) helps regulate blood sugar and lower cholesterol levels, eliminate edema and gives the entire body a light detoxification.

FRESH FRUIT x YOGURT SMOOTHIE 

If you love drinks that use the natural sweetness of fruits for enhancement, you definitely should get yourself one of their Fresh Fruit x Yogurt Smoothies!

Each cup comes with a generous helping of selected fresh fruits that provide health-boosting benefits from added vitamins and fibre. You have to taste it to believe it!

The Passionate From Miles Away (S$6.60) drink was our absolute favourite out of the trio of passionfruit, avocado, and strawberry drinks that we sampled. Each refreshing cup comes with plenty of soft passionfruit pulp and crunchy seeds, giving it an overall interesting texture. In addition to that, it’s sweet yet slightly tart flavour adds a subtle tanginess that goes well with the original flavour of the yogurt.

Passionfruit also contains a number of key nutrients and is rich in antioxidants, has a low glycemic index, improves insulin sensitivity and contains plenty of fibre.

We also thoroughly enjoyed Avos! (S$7.20), a drink that lends it creaminess from the luscious, buttery flesh of ripe avocados which also provide the drink with a delicately sweet and nutty touch.

Avocados are known to be heart-healthy fruits that are great for your vision and lower the risk of osteoporosis, cancer, and other chronic diseases.

Strawberry lovers should also check out Straw to My Berry (S$6.60), a pretty pink-hued drink that comes loaded with fresh, plump strawberries which permeate the entire concoction with a sweet, slightly acidic flavour. They are also an excellent source of Vitamin C, manganese and antioxidants.

Yomie’s Rice x Yogurt
Westgate 
3 Gateway Drive, #01-09A
Singapore 608532
Nearest Station: Jurong East 

CityLink
1 Raffles Link, B1-07A
Singapore 039393
Nearest Station: City Hall

Centrepoint
176 Orchard Road
The Centrepoint, #B1-K1
Singapore 238843
Nearest Station: Somerset

This post was brought to you by Yomie’s Rice x Yogurt.

If you travelled all the way down to Thipsamai just to be disheartened by the snaking long queues, why not try a Thai style yong tau foo instead?

Located around 100 metres away from popular Thipsamai and Raan Jay Fai is Tee Yen Ta Fo, a humble street stall that specialises in an underrated Thai dish called yen ta fo.

And here’s what we love about it.

Yen ta fo is essentially a noodle dish which features springy noodles and an assortment of ingredients doused in a pink-hued soup that gets its colour from fermented soybean paste. It may not be a plate of Bib Gourmand pad Thai but this simple yet flavourful dish makes up for it in its own comforting way.

While the store sells a variety of soup and noodle dishes, we went straight ahead and ordered their original dish, the Tee’s Yen-Ta-Fo Red Soup Noodle (80 baht). Upon ordering, you get to choose between 3 spice levels and we chose the moderate spice level. 

Served to us in a pretty porcelain-printed bowl, the dish was brimming with ingredients such as rice noodles, fishcakes, fishballs, dumplings and leafy greens. All these varying components added a myriad of varying texture to the dish and it tasted nostalgically similar to the yong tau foo back home in Singapore.

However, what truly differentiates the two is the dishes striking pink-hued broth. Not only does it look interesting, but it also tastes special too. The broth was sweet, tangy and spicy all at once and we love how it injected flavour into all the other ingredients in the bowl.

We also had a go at their Egg Noodle with Red Roasted Pork, Minced Pork and Boiled Egg (80 baht). The noodles here were springy and well-cooked with a decent bite to it. It paired well with the minced pork and sliced red roast pork which added bursts of umami into every bite.

Tee Yen Ta Fo 
256 Maha Chai Road
Khwaeng Samran Rat, Khet Phra Nakhon
Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand
Tel: +66 92 817 4200
Tue to Sun: 6pm – 2am
Mon: 6pm – 12am

If you are a fan of Korean Dramas, K-POP and all things Korean, you will be familiar with the famous dak galbi chain from South Korea, Yoogane. Well-loved for their addictively spicy chicken galbi, Yoogane has earned its well-deserved reputation for serving authentic and delicious traditional Korean food.

For a limited period only, Yoogane introduces its new Samgyetang Hansik menu which features a myriad of Korean cuisine classics such as Samgyetang (Ginseng Chicken Soup), Ganjang Yangnyeom Dakgangjeong (Korean Soy Sauce Fried Chicken) and Nakji Bokkeum (Stir-Fried Spicy Octopus). The new lineup of traditional Korean dishes will definitely make you feel like you’re eating right in the heart of Seoul!

Yoogane’s Samgyetang Hansik sets will be available for 2 pax (S$48++) and 4 pax (S$88++), beginning in mid-August at selected outlets, so check out what we thought of these speciality dishes before you make a trip down with your friends!

KOREAN BANCHAN & MUSHROOM GARLIC RICE

Savour 8 different kinds of traditional Korean side dishes while your mains arrive. From sweet to savoury, Yoogane has got you covered with their traditional cabbage Kimchi, Kong Ja Ban (Sweet Fermented Black Beans), Yeongeun Jorim (Braised Lotus Roots) and Kkaennip Jangajji (Pickled Perilla Leaves).

You will also have a bowl of piping-hot Mushroom and Garlic Rice and a medley of fresh vegetables and ssamjang (Korean Bean Paste Sauce) to go along with all of your dishes and banchan. Shake your rice before you dig in to mix the toppings evenly!

GANJANG YANGNYEOM DAKGANJEONG

Part of the Samgyetang Hansik set for 4 pax, this sweet-and-savoury dish is a popular midnight snack for many Koreans. Golden-brown fried chicken chunks are glazed with a sticky-sweet glaze and given a slight hint of spice from chopped chillis. They are then topped off with toasted almond slices, sesame seeds and deep-fried tteokbokki (rice cakes).

One of our favourite dishes, this dish perfectly encapsulated the best of both worlds—Sweet and savoury. The kick of spice is subtle yet lends a great amount of flavour to the crispy morsels of chicken. The crispy yet chewy rice cakes were an excellent addition, making the dish even more addictive.

SAENGSEON JEON

Yoogane’s Saengseon Jeon features silky white fish dipped in a savoury Korean pancake batter and fried till the perfect golden-brown.

The fish is so tender that it melts the moment you sink your teeth into it. Dip these special “pancakes” in a bit of ssamjang (Korean Bean Paste Sauce) to add an extra savoury kick.

NAKJI BOKKEUM

Fresh and tender octopus is fried with a myriad of vegetables and a spicy sauce to create this spicy octopus stir-fry. Though it may look menacingly red, it is not that spicy, so milder spice lovers can still enjoy this Korean cuisine staple.

We loved how the sauce was so flavourful and coated each and every ingredient such that every bite was as flavourful as the last. This saucy dish is best eaten with the Mushroom and Garlic Rice!

DAK GALBI

Yoogane’s signature and what catapulted it to fame was their dangerously addictive Dak Galbi. Cabbage, scallions, tteokbokki, and chicken are stir-fried in Yoogane’s special sweet-and-spicy marinade to create this mouth-watering Korean classic.

This needs little introduction and will definitely take your tastebuds to Seoul and back. The chicken is tender and juicy, having absorbed all the flavours of the sauce perfectly. The same goes for the chewy tteokbokki.

SAMGYETANG

Lastly, the undisputed star of Yoogane’s new Samgyetang Hansik menu has to be the Samgyetang (Korean Ginseng Chicken Soup). A whole spring chicken, stuffed with short-grained Calrose rice, is boiled in a flavourful ginseng broth. Samgyetang is an absolute must-try when in South Korea, but now you can savour this authentic staple in sunny Singapore.

The broth was ambrosial on the tastebuds. Packed with so much flavour and a mild aroma of chicken, we could not help but go back for seconds and even thirds! This is definitely one of the best Samgyetang in Singapore.

As for the chicken, just a jab from your chopsticks will separate the meat—that is how tender it is. The chicken is perfectly juicy, best eaten with a dip into salt and pepper.

Don’t forget that there is rice hidden inside the succulent chicken. Wonderfully stewed with the ginseng broth, the rice is beautifully perfumed with the light aroma of herbs. Savour it with a piece of chicken or with any of the banchan to truly enjoy this simple yet satisfying dish.

Yoogane’s Samgyetang Hansik set comes in a 2-person (S$48++) or 4-person (S$88++) portion and will be available at the following outlets:

• Bugis Junction
• NEX
• Westgate

Yoogane @ Bugis Junction
200 Victoria Street
#02-47/48 Bugis Junction
Singapore 188021
Tel: +65 6337 7337
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

Yoogane @ NEX
23 Serangoon Central
B1-28/29 NEX
Singapore 556083
Tel: +65 6634 2887
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Serangoon

Yoogane @ Westgate
3 Gateway Drive
#03-08 Westgate
Singapore 608532
Tel: +65 6710 7821
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Jurong East

This post was brought to you by Yoogane Singapore.

We often crave for Japanese food, but some days, we do have a budget that limits our choices.

We’ve stumbled upon Yamaya – a hidden gem stowed away in Fortune Centre—serving up delicious and filling set meals at a fraction of the price of the average Japanese restaurant. Check out what we ordered and our thoughts on this hidden gem!

We first ordered a Ten-Don Set (S$12.80) and we were pleasantly surprised by the generous portion of tempura-fried toppings. The set also comes with a side of Oden, pickled radish and sour plums.

The fried ingredients consisted of two juicy ebi prawns, two long beans, slices of eggplant, sweet potato, perilla-wrapped fish and pumpkin. A sweet ten-don sauce was drizzled atop the fried items and fluffy Japanese rice, completing the dish.

Next up on the table was the Shabu Don Set (S$9.80). A bed of Japanese pearl rice was topped with thinly-sliced beef with a sweet-and-savoury sauce and onions.

The set came with a Sesame Salad, an onsen egg, Oden, pickled radish and sour plums.

The best part was the gooey yolk that when burst, coated the beef, onions and rice oh so deliciously!

Yamaya is located on the first floor of Fortune Centre, and lunch hour sees hungry executives flocking there for cheap lunch sets. It dons a traditional wooden interior, making it look like it came straight out of a street in Japan.

Yamaya
190 Middle Road
Fortune Centre, #01-33
Singapore 188979
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 11pm
(Closed on Sundays)

Located in Oxley Bizhub—just a short walk from Tai Seng MRT Station—Yamato Izakaya is a melting pot of three Japanese dining concepts under one roof! Featuring the likes of famous unagi restaurant, Man Man, Ramen Hitoyoshi and Tora Tora, this restaurant is on its way to becoming a stalwart for local Japanese dining in Singapore.

Beloved for their fresh and modern renditions (and generous portions) of grilled Japanese eel, Man Man’s unagi dishes is a definite must-try. But be sure to save room for Ramen Hitoyoshi’s signature ramen as well as the vast array of sushi and donburi options courtesy of Tora Tora.

Yamato Izakaya is no doubt one spot to visit should you find yourself hankering for authentic, rock-solid Japanese food. On Saturdays, parking on site is free so that’s another plus point if you’re thinking of paying this restaurant a visit for a hearty family lunch.

It’s pretty difficult to miss this restaurant because whether you are driving past, in or around Oxley Bizhub, chances are you’ll catch a glimpse of their massive signboard out front.

The restaurant itself can easily accommodate more than a hundred patrons given its huge space and the 3 kitchens all take on an open concept, meaning that you get to see the chefs at work while you wait for your food.

Man Man offers its famous unagi in three portions—Unatama (S$20.50++), medium (S$28.40++) and large (S$36.10++)

The Unatama (S$20.50++) is substantial enough to allow one to savour their prized dish without getting sick of it as well as to leave room to try the other offerings from Ramen Hitoyoshi and Tora Tora.

Tastewise, it was probably one of the best unagi dishes we have ever had in Singapore. Sweet, oily with a deeply charred flavour and texturally one of the most delicate pieces of fish around, take our word for it and order a bigger portion of this.

The rice bowl comes with 2 thick slices of tamago which do well to bolster the richness of the unagi as well.

Hitoyoshi Ramen delights diners with their wide array of ramen dishes that are all customisable depending on how distinct your palate is. We opted for the most basic, Tonkotsu Ramen (S$10.90) which came with a generous portion of ramen noodles, slices of pork and a beautifully seasoned egg.

The Tonkotsu broth was rich in flavour and brimming with porky goodness. The infusion of the black fungus really does give it a heightened umami taste and we particularly loved just how thick and concentrated the broth was.

If you’re ever unsure of what to order, especially given Tora Tora’s extensive range donburi offerings, consider their Futago Don which essentially is a pair of dons in one!

We got the Kaisen Don (S$7) along with the Ikura Don (S$7) which comprised a generous serving of diced up salmon, tuna, scallops, geoduck and a huge dollop of ikura over top. Salty, fresh and jam-packed with umami goodness, this is definitely something to opt for if you’re a sashimi fanatic.

Yamato Izakaya
65 Ubi Road 1, #01-92 Oxley Bizhub,
Singapore 408729
Tel: +65 6385 5273
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

YOKU MOKU—Japan’s famous Confectionery known for its Cigare butter cookies—is opening in Singapore. The flagship store is located in ION Orchard and it will officially open in January 2018.

For those of you who cannot wait to get your hands of their signature Cigare, we are happy to report that YOKU MOKU will be opening pop-up stores at ION Orchard (Level 1, from 01 Dec to 31 Dec 2017) and Takashimaya (Level B2 near Cold Storage, from 4 Dec to 25 Dec 2017).

YOKU MOKU currently has over 150 stores in Japan and more outlets in the US, Middle East, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, India. Singapore is the next stop.

The famous confectionery will be offering a wide range of butter cookies, including Billet Au Chocolate Au Lait, Pleine Lune, Bateau De Macadamia as well as the well-loved Cigare.

YOKU MOKU Singapore
ION Orchard Level 1
01 Dec to 31 Dec 2017
Daily: 10am – 10pm

Takashimaya (near Cold Storage)
Christmas Fair, Level B2
04 Dec to 25 Dec 2017
Daily: 10am – 9.30pm

Photos credit:
yokumoku.co.jp
vivreatokyo.com
shun-gate.com

Yat Lok is one of the most famous roast goose restaurants in Hong Kong but does it really live up to its hype? This is one question that has been debated over and over again and sometimes.

The roast goose institution sits on Stanley Street in Central Hong Kong and is infamous for their atrocious service. The group of staff is some of the most impatient and rudest around; you have been warned.

But people from all over the world still brave the “harsh treatment” for their roast goose. Would you do the same? Well, here’s what we think.

Yat Lok is a family-run establishment and is a household name amongst locals for many years even before it was recommended in the Michelin guide and bestowed an honourable Michelin star in 2015, though they lost it this year in 2017.

It has been nearly half a century since award-winning Yat Lok started serving amazing roast meat with their family secret recipe, and the rest is history.

Unlike most Michelin-star restaurants, Yat Lok does not have a fancy set-up and its unnoticeable shopfront will have you doing a double take. Friendly staff service and well-furbished interiors are practically non-existent.

And the star of the shop—Roast Goose. Now, we have to say every trip had us realising how incredibly gratifying every bite of the roast goose is. Roasted to perfection with a beautiful crisp to its skin, even celebrity food critic (and our idol) Anthony Bourdain is a fan.

There are several other combinations such as the Roast Goose & Soya Chicken Noodles but we’d say stick to the classic Roast Goose Rice. The chicken was nothing to shout about at all and in fact, pretty underwhelming.

For ultimate satisfaction, go for the Roast Goose Drumstick Rice (HK$108). Still not enough? Add on Char Siew for HK$30. If you are dining in a big group, go for half a goose (HK$290) or even a whole (HK$580).

Yat Lok Restaurant
Conwell House, G/F,
34-38 Stanley St, Central, Hong Kong
Mon to Sat: 10am – 9pm
Sun: 10am – 5.30pm
Nearest Station: Central

Located along Circular Road is newly-opened Yatagarasu, a quaint little eatery devoted to serving up authentic Japanese chargrilled meat skewers.

Besides the usual skewers you would expect to find at most yakitori joints, you can expect a pretty impressive selection of 10 innovative pork belly-wrapped creations here as well ranging from enoki mushroom to curry rice..

This unassuming yakitori joint along Circular Road makes for a good, robust meal with your mates before you pop over just a few steps away to the boat quay area for a tipple or two.

Although small and pretty hard to notice from the outside, the establishment is homely; small and cosy with minimal decor. The dining area features a long bar counter and an open concept kitchen in which diners can watch as the chef works his magic and indulge in the scent of perfectly grilled meats.

Freshness and quality are taken very seriously here, which is why every individual skewer is prepared fresh whenever an order comes in.

During dinner service, the menu is kept relatively straightforward with yakitori playing a more upfront role, but they also have a large variety of side dishes you can add into your mix to make for a more substantial meal.

We went for a variety of chicken yakitori parts such as the usual, more forgiving thigh, wing and fillet section, as well as some odd ends such as the liver, heart and soft bone. Prices start from S$2.50 per stick.

We highly recommend the chicken thigh as it is much more tender and juicy as opposed to the fillet. However, despite the fillet being a tad bit dryer in texture, it came with a citrusy, almost yuzu-like garnish which really brightened the dish up.

If you happen to adore the gamy, iron-like flavour of liver then you should definitely go for the chicken liver. Cooked medium, the liver exudes a charred and crispy exterior, whilst maintaining a smooth and velvety interior which literally melts in your mouth.

The chicken heart, on the other hand, was pretty darn amazing too. Crispy on the outside, it had a nice chew which was a good contrast to the melty liver.

Having read so many reviews about their pork belly wraps, we could not resist trying them. We opted for the Curry Rice (S$6) which was essentially a compact ball of Japanese curry rice wrapped in strips of pork belly.

It arrived with an additional ladle of curry and a generous sprinkling of pickles. In terms of taste, it was decent but nothing worth shouting about, although we have to give the chef props for his creativeness.

Yatagarasu
72 Circular Road, #01-01
Singapore 049426
Tel: +65 6221 7785
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Sat: 6pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

Yoogane Singapore is one of the most popular chicken galbi restaurants in South Korea. Having been established in Busan, South Korea nearly 3 decades ago with over 130 outlets, there is no doubt that this is a restaurant worth visiting for authentic Korean food that is both delicious and comforting.

For the uninitiated, chicken galbi is a tasty and spicy pan-fried dish comprising marinated chicken, fresh assorted vegetables, and tteokbokki (Korean rice cake). Simple in preparation, this iconic cold-weather staple is a must-try for all—spring, summer, autumn, winter alike.

Aside from their highly acclaimed chicken galbi, Yoogane in Singapore also features a myriad of stellar dishes such as Army Stew, Dosirak, and newly launched Korean-style fried chicken that features three lip-smacking flavours.

For the true taste of Korea without actually being there, head down to Yoogane Singapore today! And now through September 2017, quote ‘ladyironchef’ when placing your orders to enjoy a 15% discount off your entire bill.

There are a total of five Yoogane outlets in Singapore right now—more to come, of course.

The ambience in Tampines Mall, in particular, is modern, with the use of wood adding a subtle rustic feel. It features an open concept that is both welcoming and comfortable—an ideal setting for communal dining.

There is also a salad bar that guests can indulge in either prior to their meal as a starter or during as an accompaniment.

A meal at Yoogane is not complete without an order of their highly acclaimed Chicken Galbi, but if like us, you prefer having variety, then their Seafood and Chicken Galbi (S$52.90 for 2-3pax & S$59.90 for 3-4pax) is the way to go! We’d do this combo again and again.

Be spoiled for choice with this glorious medley that comprises tender chicken meat, baby octopus, squids, prawns and mussels all beautifully melded together in their unique spicy sauce marinade. Stir it up and enjoy them piping hot!

New on Yoogane’s menu is the Korean fried chicken that comes in 3 different flavours—Galbi, Honey Citron and Bulgogi.

Yoogane’s chicken wings are marinated for a minimum of 12 hours to ensure that the flavour penetrates deep into the meat and is then coated with a light home-made batter. The end result is perfectly deep-fried chicken that is crunchy, juicy, fresh and flavourful—as authentic as Korean-style fried chicken gets.

An alternative to consider should you wish to elevate your fried chicken experience is to opt for the Fried Chicken Cheese Pool (S$13.90 for 6 pieces)—which is essentially three of the aforementioned flavours served atop a pool of warm, melty cheese filled with sweet corn for an added crunch.

Using a unique blend of sauces and seasoning, Mr Spicy or the Galbi Chicken Platter (S$10.90 for 6 pieces) features Yoogane’s signature Galbi sauce that is spicy, savoury and sweet. If you fancy a good kick out of your chicken then this is one to get.

The Zesty Boss or Honey Citron Chicken Platter (S$10.90 for 6 pieces) is a non-spicy option that is perfect for children or people who do not particularly fancy spicy food in general.

Hand-brushed with their homemade honey citron recipe, be prepared to be blown away by the zest and tanginess from the citron and well-balanced sweetness from the honey. The melted cheese adds a nice savouriness to the dish which balances out the sweetness really well.

Among the three options, we were most impressed by Sweet Chick or Bulgogi Chicken Platter (S$10.90 for 6 pieces). It features a specially crafted Bulgogi sauce that is rich and aromatic, encompassing strong flavours of soy and sesame. A simple concoction, yet the balance between sweet and savoury was struck beautifully.

Another of Yoogane’s more popular option for communal dining is the Army Stew (S$49.90) which delves away slightly from how it is traditionally done with the addition of succulent crab sticks and cheese-oozing chicken meatballs.

The taste of this everyday Korean comfort food is elevated with the addition of their signature chicken galbi, surrounded by a ring of mouth-watering melted cheese with mushroom and corn which did well to inject an element of crunch and savouriness.

Amidst all the spicy foods going around the table, a good dish to tune it down a notch is the Naengmyeon or cold noodles (S$11.90).

Chewy, slippery buckwheat noodles are served with a chilled broth flavoured with vinegar and mustard. Mix the runny yolk from the egg over the vegetables for a richer mouthful. Overall, this dish was refreshing and a great palate cleanser to have to round off the spicy meal.

The Seafood Pancake has generous portions of seafood. The sauce that comes with it is not too salty and complements the pancake really well. This is a good and hearty side, more appropriate for sharing as it can get rather filling after awhile.

Another popular item here at Yoogane is the Dosirak (something like a bento box) that features 3 different types of meat—Chicken Bulgogi (S$12.90), Beef Bulgogi (S$13.90) and Chicken Galbi (S$12.90).

Each lunchbox comes served with either one of the meat choices, crispy chicken luncheon, a sunny side-up and more Korean side dishes. With so many ingredients packed into a small rectangular tin, this is a bento on steroids. It is perfect as a meal on-the-go if you do not have the luxury of time for a proper sit-down lunch.

With so many options available at Yoogane Singapore, lovers of Korean food fare are truly spoiled for choice. And as if this stellar line up of dishes is not enticing enough, a new Christmas dish is currently in the works, so stay tuned!

Meanwhile, for all of you lovely readers of ladyironchef, enjoy an exclusive 15% discount off your entire bill (except lunch sets) when you quote ‘ladyironchef’ when placing your orders. You are also required to like Yoogane Singapore on Facebook to qualify for the discount.

Do note that this discount is only valid from Mondays to Fridays, exclusive of PHs. The discount is valid from now until 30 Sep 2017.

Yoogane Singapore
4 Tampines Central 5,
Singapore 529510
Tel: +65 6544 1098
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tampines

This post is brought to you by Yoogane Singapore. 

Cantonese cuisine is a fine art.

Preparation of Cantonese dishes requires a great deal of skill and expertise as the flavours of Cantonese cuisine must be well-balanced, not greasy whilst ensuring that its primary ingredients are the stars of the dish.

Situated on the 5th floor of Singapore’s iconic National Gallery and led by Master Chef Chan Kung Lai, Yàn specialises in authentic Cantonese cuisine that’s artfully prepared and presented. It is the perfect place for birthday celebrations, business luncheons and family gatherings!

From now until 31 March 2017, our readers can quote ‘ladyironchef’ upon making your reservation to enjoy 15% discount on a la carte bills. More details below.

Yàn’s dim sum platter (S$18) deserves your attention.

The platter features an assortment of 6 different types of dim sum, and one to look out for is the Steamed Black Truffle Prawn Dumpling filled with shrimp and celery, which provides a refreshing take on the traditional expectations of dim sum. 

One of Yàn’s other signature dishes is its crispy roast suckling pig (S$124 for half a pig, S$248 for a whole pig) served 3 ways—crispy skin, carved shoulder and oven-baked fillet with lemongrass.

This dish must be ordered one day in advance.

You can never go wrong with Peking duck. Enjoy Yàn’s Peking duck (S$40 for half a duck and S$80 for a whole duck)—succulent crispy duck skin wrapped in the thinly sliced homemade crêpe together with cucumber stalks, leeks and drizzled sweet sauce; classic and always good.

Make your way down to this elegant Cantonese restaurant to enjoy a convivial feast in the company of your family and friends!

From now until 31 March 2017, quote ‘ladyironchef’ to enjoy a 15% off all a la carte bills. This discount is valid for both lunch and dinner, with a minimum booking of 4 persons. A reservation must be made in advance, and it is subjected to availability.

Mileslife is our favourite app to accumulate miles through everyday spending. You can earn miles for every dollar spent at this restaurant. Download and try Mileslife out now! You can use our code ‘Ladyironchef‘ upon your first spending to get 1,000 miles.

Yàn
#05-02 National Gallery Singapore, 1 St. Andrew’s Road
Tel: +65 6384 5585
Opening hours: 11.30am – 2.30pm and 6pm – 10.30pm daily
Nearest station: City Hall

This post is brought to you by Yàn.

The busy Yongkang Street is a one-stop destination for all travellers visiting Taipei. You can easily spend half or day—or even more—exploring the bustling street and its adjoining alleyways. Oh and don’t worry if you are travelling in a group with differing palates; Yongkang Street’s vast variety of dining options will definitely cater to the group’s varying preferences.

There are seriously ample options to choose from – think roadside vendors, Melbourne-inspired speciality coffee cafes, dim sum restaurants, French patisseries and more. From the original Din Tai Fung to CNN-recommended dessert store Smoothie House, here is our Guide To Taipei’s Yongkang Street and the cafes, restaurants & shops to visit.

BISCUIT & RABBIT CAFE

Biscuit & Rabbit Cafe is a cutesy independent Taiwanese 2-in-1 concept that hails from Kaohsiung. You can look forward to freshly baked cookies and a collection of handmade accessories.

No. 63, Yongkang Street
Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Tel: +886 2 23584670
Tue to Sat: 10am – 7pm

BOÎTE DE BIJOU

Patisserie Boîte de Bijou serves delectable classic French desserts such as Citron Tarts, Madeleines and Mont Blanc. But you too can expect Asian-inspired sweet treats i.e. Yuzu Mousse.

No. 10, Lane 209, Section 2, Anhe Rd
Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Tel: +886 2 2739 6777
Daily: 10am – 8pm

BU ER TANG

Bu Er Tang serves every tea thinkable in its store. Totally clueless on this subject? Simply approach the staff and they will recommend you flavours based on your preference—and you can even taste them for free!

No. 10-5, Yongkang Street
Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Tel: +886 2 2395 9616
Daily: 11am – 9.30pm

CAFE XIAOMIJO

Cafe Xiaomijo is an artistic cafe tucked away in the same alleyway as For Good Cafe. The cosy and homely interiors make it a good pitstop for you to recharge with some cafe nosh and a cuppa.

No 5 Lane 41 Yongkang Street
Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Tel: +866 2 2395 7617
Closed on Mondays
Tue to Fri: 1pm – 10pm
Sat and Sun: 12pm – 10pm

DIN TAI FUNG

Singaporeans are no stranger to Taiwanese restaurant Din Tai Fung. After all, we have many outlets in our sunny island itself. However, if you want to trace back to Din Tai Fung’s humble beginnings, then you will have to drop by their flagship store located along Xinyi Road, right at the start of Yongkang Street.

No. 194, Section 2, Xinyi Road
Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Tel: +866 2 2321 8928
Mon to Fri: 10am – 9pm
Sat and Sun: 9am – 9pm

DUKE RABBIT CAFE

Duke Rabbit Cafe showcases a splendid selection of freshly baked homemade pastries and they are all affordably priced between the range of NT$75 to NT$130. How about some tiramisu and French strawberry tarts for you?

No. 6, Lane 37, Yongkang Street
Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Tel: +886 2 2396 8110
Daily: 11am – 10pm

EATING TIME

Every hour is eating time at Eating Time. The stylish restaurant’s comprehensive menu features a list of wholesome mains such as burgers (NT$230 – NT$280), grilled steaks and ribs (NT$800 – NT$1,000).

No. 18 Yongkang Street
Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Tel: +886 2 2351 3663
Daily: 8am – 11pm

ECOLE CAFE

Escape the suffocating crowds of Yongkang Street and venture into Qingtian Street, where you will chance upon Ecole Cafe. The quiet cafe is aptly named after the French word for ‘school’—due to its proximity to Shida University.

No. 6, Lane 1, Qingtian Street
Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Tel: +886 2 2322 2725
Sun to Thu: 9am – 9pm
Fri and Sat: 9am – 10pm

ELEPHANT MACHINE COFFEE

Opened in April 2016, Elephant Machine Coffee is a new kid on the block. The cafe takes pride in serving coffee but has a rule whereby every dine-in patron has to purchase at least one beverage. From matcha shots, cold brew coffee to siphon coffee, this is ideal for coffee lovers.

No. 5, Lane 37, Yongkang Street
Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Tel: +886 2 2397 1680
Closed on Tuesdays
Mon, Tue to Sun: 9.30am – 6.30pm

FOR GOOD CAFE

For Good Cafe is always packed with customers. Their savoury food menu is unfortunately limited, therefore we suggest you grab a bite somewhere else first before heading here for their coffee, craft beers and desserts.

No. 12, Lane 41, Yongkang Street
Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Tel: +886 2 3393 8659
Closed on Tuesdays
Mon, Tue to Sun: 12pm – 10pm

HAO GONG DAO

Hao Gong Dao has been around for decades and we love how a lot of stuff is going on at the shopfront i.e. stacks of bamboo steam baskets are piled atop each other, chefs are kneading dough at the open-kitchen and freshly cooked dim sums are displayed at the counter.

28-1, Yongkang Street
Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Tel: +886 2 2341 6980
Closed on Wednesdays
Thu to Tue: 9am – 9pm

KAO CHI

Shanghainese restaurant Kao Chi makes a great alternative to Din Tai Fung and you should try their xiao long baos and other Chinese delicacies. Thanks to media publicity, Kao Chi is now frequented by throngs of tourists—but take a closer look and you will notice that it remains a favourite amongst Taiwanese natives.

No. 5 Yongkang Street
Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Tel: +886 2 2341 9984
Daily: 10am – 10pm

LA DOUCEUR PATISSERIE

Macaron lovers will have to make a special trip to La Douceur Patisserie, because this is where you can find Taipei’s best macarons. Macarons aside, you can also try their other decadent creations such as Matcha Cake, Cherry Mousse and 72% Dark Chocolate Tart.

No. 223, Jinhua Street
Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 116
Tel: +886 2 3322 2833
Sun to Thu: 1pm – 9pm
Fri and Sat: 1pm – 10pm

L’AIR CAFE NEO BISTRO

Are you a fan of French cuisine or know someone that is? Then you certainly have to check out L’Air Cafe Neo Bistro. We suggest you go for their set lunch (NT$2,200) as it allows you to savour the restaurant’s signature dishes at a very reasonable price.

No. 5, Lane 164, Jinhua Sreet
Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Tel: +886 2 3343 3937
Closed on Wednesdays
Thu to Tue: 11.30am – 10pm

LU SANG

On the hunt for authentic Taiwanese dishes? Then look no further. Lu Sang’s affordable and well-curated menu boasts delicacies originating from Yilan (a region located along the east coast of Taiwan) and is arguably one of the best local restaurants at Yongkang Street.

No. 12-5, Yongkang Street
Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Tel: +886 2 2351 3323
Daily: 11.30am – 2pm, 5pm – 9pm

OMA URSEL’S GERMAN BAKERY

Oma Ursel’s German Bakery’s facade resembles a European cottage. Set food inside and you will realise you are not too far from it. The bakery is lined with shelves of freshly baked bread and pastries, but you too can opt for dine-in and indulge in German classics such as Bratwurst Sausages.

No. 8, Lane 10, Yongkang Street
Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Tel: +886 2 2392 2447
Daily: 11.30am – 10.30pm

PETIT POT

Experience a little slice of Paris at Yongkang Street’s Petit Pot. Sink your teeth into zesty Lemon Tarts (NT$50), Hokkaido Strawberry Shortcake (NT$150) and whatnot. Everything here is so beautiful – good luck resisting all these temptations!

No. 8, Lane 12, Yongkang Street
Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Tel: +886 2 27013901
Daily: 11.30am – 8.30pm

ROSE HOUSE

The Victoria-themed restaurant Rose House can be easily spotted afar with its dark-blue curtains and window frames. Catch up with your girlfriends over a Little Prince Afternoon Tea Set (NT$399) which comprises cheesecake, bacon burger, creme brûlée, rose lychee jelly, rose macaron, roll cake, scone, quiche and petite sandwiches.

No. 1, Lane 3, Li Shui Street
Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Tel: +886 2 2394 8202
Sun to Thu: 11am – 10pm
Fri and Sat: 11am – 11pm

SLACK SEASON

Slack Season—otherwise known as Tu Hsiao Yueh—actually originates from Tainan. You can now savour the famous dan dan noodles without having to travel down south. Why not?

No. 9-1, Yongkang Street
Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Tel: +886 2 3393 1325
Daily: 11.30am – 11pm

SMOOTHIE HOUSE

One of Taiwan’s most popular and bestselling shaved ice stores, Smoothie House is renowned for their mango snowflake ice.

No. 15, Yongkang Street
Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Tel: +886 2 2341 8555
Daily: 10am – 11pm

SUN MERRY

Sun Merry is located directly beside Dong Men MRT Station so it is almost impossible to miss it. The local bakery sells an assortment of breads, cakes and other pastries. You can also purchase boxes of Feng Li Shu home as souvenirs.

No. 186, Section 2, Xinyi Road
Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Tel: +886 2 2392 0224
Daily: 7.30am – 10pm

THE GREEN STEPS

Surprise, surprise! The Green Steps is a tranquil cafe – situated away from the main streets of Yongkang – characterised by its surrounding lush greenery. Coffee served at this underrated cafe is however slightly expensive and you can expect to pay NT$180 for a cappuccino.

No. 27, Lane 243, Jinhua Street
Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Tel: +886 2 2392 3719
Daily: 11am – 11pm

TIAN JING CONG ZHUA BING

We spotted the crowd surrounding roadside vendor Tian Jing Cong Zhua Bing from far away. From what we know, the street hawkers have been busy flipping scallion pancakes for many years – yep, they have been around before Yongkang Street got gentrified by third-wave cafes.

No.1, Alley 6, Yongkang Street
Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Tel: +886 2 2322 2765

YONGKANG BEEF NOODLES

Yongkang Beef Noodles is an institution in Taipei – and you can find endless write-ups about in many printed and online travel guides. There is a wide selection of noodles and soup to choose from, but of course you have to try their famous beef noodles (NT$180)!

No. 17, Lane 31, Section 2, Jinshan S Road
Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Tel: +886 2 2351 1051
Daily: 11am – 3.30pm, 4.30pm – 9pm

YI PIN

Yi Pin is a speciality bubba tea store and we fell head over heels for their fragrant concoctions. Stick to milk tea beverages such as Roast Oolong Milk Tea (NT$55) or try their special drinks such as Guava Oolong Tea (NT$65) and Lemon Winter Melon with Bail Seed (NT$55).

No. 150, Jinhua Street
Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Tel: +886 2 2358 3825
Daily: 11am – 10pm

ZANG TIAN KA FEI DOU

There are no English signboard or whatsoever here and it turns out that Zang Tian Ka Fei Dou sells coffee beans. Budding and experienced baristas who would love to make their own coffees should definitely pay a visit.

No. 91, Yongkang Street
Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Tel: +886 2 2392 7770
Daily: 2pm – 9pm

ZENIQUE

Spoil yourselves silly with Zenique’s unique tea-based desserts such as Jardin des Fraises, Kyoto Matcha, Rose Versailles and Tarte Aux Fraises. Prices range from NT$160 to NT$180 per slice. Zenique also sells nine different flavours of macarons (NT$60 each).

No. 8, Lane 4, Yongkang Street
Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Tel: +886 2 2395 1558
Sun to Thu: 11am – 10pm
Fri and Sat: 11am – 10.30pm

ZQG TEA & ICE

You might easily walk past ZQG Tea & Ice without noticing it. The near all-white interiors are brightened up by colourful tins of tea. Walk further in and be greeted by a gelato counter that contains freshly churned tea-based ice cream. Give their UJI Matcha and Oolong Tea ice cream a shot!

No. 30, Yongkang Street
Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Tel: +886 2 2356 9090
Closed on Mondays
Tue to Thu: 1pm – 9pm
Sat: 12pm – 9pm
Sun: 12pm – 8pm

8% ICE CREAM SHOP

As its name suggests, 8% Ice Cream Shop sells smooth gelato, creamy soft serve and icy popsicles; hence a must-visit especially during summertime. Attention-grabbing flavours include pumpkin sesame and pink grapefruit earl grey.

No. 6, Lane 13, Yongkang Street
Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Tel: +886 2 2395 6583
Daily: 12pm – 10pm

Read: 25 Reasons To Love Taipei

Mid-April is a wonderful time to visit Seoul for the annual Yeouido Spring Flower Festival. This is when the 1,600 cherry blossom trees that line Yeouiseo-ro Road will be in full bloom and you get to witness the spectrum of pinks and whites.It is a sight you will never forget.

It is a sight you will never forget.

The festival takes place beside the Han River where visitors can stroll along leisurely as they admire the flowers in full bloom, but you have to be prepared to face a huge crowd as this is (unsurprisingly) one of the most popular events of the year in South Korea.

Photo Credit: Korea Tourism Organisation

While this is not exactly a cultural festival in Korea, some of the highlights you should not miss out on are the street performances and exhibitions.

Admission is free, with the exception of activities such as getting your portrait drawn.

Photo Credit: Korea Tourism Organisation

The street snack stalls are a highlight of the festival too, with Koreans sharing their love for food and everything that there is to enjoy in Spring.

The atmosphere is entirely different at night when coloured lights light up the cherry blossom trees, creating a romantic ambience. It is a breathtaking sight, and the beauty is something to remember Seoul by.

Although the festival is usually held in mid-April, it is always a good idea to check up on the actual dates before making plans as the bloom period may differ.

Yeouido Spring Flower Festival
Yeongdeungpo-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Nearest Subway: National Assembly

Read: Cherry Blossoms in Seoul and the best places to see them.

Doubled boiled soups are an important part of the Cantonese dining culture. A good bowl of traditional double-boiled Cantonese soup is gratifying and flavoursome, using simple yet nutritious ingredients that are often very beneficial for one’s health. It’s said that the mark of a good Cantonese restaurant also comes down to the taste of its double-boiled soups.

From now to 31 October 2016, Yàn at National Gallery Singapore will be introducing a ‘Prosperity Soup Feast’ which consists of 25 double boiled soups! Each soup order (S$13.80++) comes with a bowl of fragrant crispy rice, lightly poached in superior stock,to complete your meal.

With over two decades of Cantonese culinary experience under his belt, you can be assured that Yàn’s Master Chef Chan Kung Lai serves up authentic and delicious Cantonese-style double boiled soups with health benefits that can help cure common ailments.

Only natural ingredients are carefully selected and used in the preparation; think black garlic, a fermented garlic considered a health ‘superfood’ known to be a potent antioxidant, as well as a variety of Chinese herbs such as Huang Qi and Cordyceps.

The double-boiling method of cooking ensures that the nutrients in these ingredients are gently released and seeped into the soup, resulting in a clear broth that is intensely rich and flavourful.

Looking to strengthen the immunity system? Go for the Double Boiled Sea Whelk and Black Garlic. If you are down with a cold, try Double Boiled Duck with Parsely and Dried Orange Peel. A bowl of Double Boiled Pig Stomach with Pepper and Gingko dispels heat from the body.

Ladies, the Double Boiled Chinese Cabbage with Yunnan Ham is prepared specially for you and it nourishes ‘yin’ and lung functions. Then, there is the Double Boiled Baby Clam with Pepper that will help calm and warm your stomach.

The 25 soup options will be on rotational basis, and there will be a minimum of five different soups available daily. Guests are able to pre-order with the restaurant one day in advance if there is a particular one that interests you!

Give your body a dose of TLC with a warm and nutritious bowl of Yàn’s double-boiled soup today!

Yàn
1 St. Andrew’s Road, #05-02
National Gallery Singapore
Singapore 178957
Reservations: +65 63845585 / reserve@yan.com.sg
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sat and Sun: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
www.yan.com.sg | www.facebook.com/yancantonesecuisine
Nearest Station: City Hall

This post was brought to you by Yàn.

Yuan Yang is a popular beverage that can be found in cha chaan tengs, dai pai dongs, cafes and restaurants across Hong Kong.

Served either hot or iced, Yuan Yang – pronounced as Yuen Yeung in Cantonese – is essentially an unlikely marriage of brewed coffee and Hong Kong-style milk tea into one kick-ass caffeine-loaded rejuvenating drink.

The origins of this awesome concoction remain quite a topic of controversy, with various sources claiming Yuan Yang to have originated from the Dutch. But that doesn’t matter. Regardless of its birthplace, Yuan Yang has been long considered a staple amongst the Hong Kongers and there are even Yuan Yang competitions held in Hong Kong annually.

Recipes of Hong Kongers’ beloved Yuan Yang beverage vary across the country, but two key ingredients – milk tea and black coffee – remain present at all times.

And as a general rule of thumb, milk tea is always the primary element. While coffee snobs and tea connoisseurs may scoff away at this seemingly ridiculous combination, we have to say that if you haven’t tried Yuan Yang, you haven’t really lived. It is one miraculous marriage and one that has brought much blessings to many.

The aromatic drink possesses a myriad of flavours and the end result is unexpectedly harmonious. Creamy and mildly sweet with a lingering bitter aftertaste, this intriguing coffee-tea is certainly a must-try the next time you visit Hong Kong.

Read: 10 Must-Try Local Foods in Hong Kong

About the writer:
Hui Jun Ng is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She previously worked in the food and marketing industry. She loves traveling and enjoys exploring underrated destinations. In her free time, you will find her indulging in coffee and her all time favourite local dish – bak chor mee.

The official opening of the long-awaited National Gallery Singapore saw the opening of several stellar dining establishments, and Yàn is one of the gastronomic destinations that every epicurean should make a special trip to.

154-seater Yàn is a beautiful Cantonese restaurant that sits on the fifth floor of the stunning museum, and we are completely in love with the restaurant’s chinoiserie-chic vibes and menu of elegant Cantonese cuisine.

A new Chinese gourmet star has emerged in Singapore’s City Hall district and we have to share with you the dining highlights of our meal at Yàn. From Crispy Roast Suckling Pig, Double-boiled Chicken Soup to Dim Sum Platter, here are 9 Dishes We Love From Yàn.

Quote “ladyironchef” to get 10% off your bill at Yàn from now till 30 June 2016 (the promotion is valid every day for both lunch and dinner.

#1 DOUBLE-BOILED CHICKEN SOUP

No better way to start your meal than with the Double-boiled Chicken Soup (S$22++ per person). Unlike traditional herbal soups that are served in ceramics, Yàn’s rendition of the chicken broth is interestingly served in a young coconut and with crispy breadstick on the side.

Dig in and you will discover a few clams, dried longans and goji berries. The overall taste profile is light and aromatic with a lingering aftertaste of fresh coconut flesh. It is one chicken broth that we won’t soon forget.

#2 CRISPY ROAST SUCKLING PIG

Yàn’s signature Crispy Roast Suckling Pig (half – S$124++, whole – S$248++) requires an advanced ordering a day prior to your visit, but the lusciously crispy skin will be worth the effort.

Imagine sinking your teeth into fragrant crispy pork skin complemented with pancake, carved suckling pig’s shoulder and a tender pig fillet oven-baked with lemongrass… We are certain that you will love it.

#3 PAN-FRIED CRAB MEAT WITH EGG WHITE

A recommendation by the chef was the Pan-fried Crab Meat with Egg White (S$12++ per person), and we sure loved it. The hearty dish features braised duo vermicelli tossed served with crabmeat, beansprouts and golden pumpkin sauce. Grab a spoonful of the de-shelled crustacean mixture, wrap it with a green lettuce and you are good to go.

#4 ROAST BARBECUE DELIGHTS

Roasts are synonymous with Cantonese cuisine, and Yàn showcases an impressive selection of mouthwatering roast delights – such as Barbecue Honey Pork (from S$18++), Peking Duck (half – S$40++, whole – S$80++), Roast Crispy Chicken (medium – S$23++, large – S$46++), Roast Duck (from S$20++), Roast Pork Belly (S$14++ per serving) and Soya Chicken (from S$18++).

Can’t make up your mind? We couldn’t too, that was why we went for the Barbecue Combination Platter (from S$22++).

#5 FRIED LIVE PRAWN WITH CRISPY NOODLE BALL

Master Chef Chan Kung Lai – with over two decaades of culinary experience – has successfully nailed the haute Cantonese cuisine with his gorgeous creation of Fried Live Prawn with Crispy Noodle Ball (S$12++ per person).

The seafood dish itself is an art; diners are supposed to pour piping hot broth over the deep-fried ball of crispy noodles, and the end result is a partial-crisp-and-partial-soft texture. Served with delicate sweet prawns, it is one light dish that is seemingly simple, but it will leave you craving for more with its light sweetness from the broth.

#6 PAN-FRIED CHILLI CRAB MEAT BUN

Ever wondered what a cross between Cantonese fare and Singaporean cuisine would look like? Well, the answer is right here.

Yàn has pushed all boundaries and surprised us with their newest dim sum creation – the Pan-Fried Chilli Crab Meat bun (S$9++ / 3 pieces). Think generous amounts of our national dish Chilli Crab stuffed in tasty wok-fried buns. It is akin to eating chilli crab the usual way, with our mantous and all, but this packs a different punch with the bun’s fragrance and slight oiliness, complete with sesame seeds no less.

#7 DEEP-FRIED CUSTARD BUN FILLED WITH SALTED EGG YOLK

We are unabashedly ashamed of being hopelessly obsessed with custard buns, or better known as liu sha bao. In fact, we are on an eternal pursuit to hunt for the best in town, and with this meal, Yàn has made the cut to our top few.

Yes, Yàn has seriously taken these awesome salted egg yolk buns to a whole new level. These buns are deep-fried, yet successfully retained its lava fluidity. We admittedly took a long time to photograph these treats – so imagine our surprise that the yummy lava was still flowy when we finally tucked in. Thumbs up, Yàn! We will be coming back for more of these!

#8 HOT ALMOND CREAM

Hot Almond Cream is a classic and timeless Chinese dessert – made from almond and rice – that instantly warms our hearts. Head Chef Chan Kung Lai is born and raised in Hong Kong, which is no surprise there on why the sweet treat tastes authentically Cantonese.

No frills about the cream, really. Just finely pounded almond to create the smoothest almond cream with equal consistency and at just the right degree of sweetness.

#9 DIM SUM COMBINATION PLATTER

Yàn does an excellent job in injecting new elements of surprises in its presentation of dishes, but without compromising on the key essences of authentic Cantonese recipes.

The Dim Sum Combination Platter (S$18++) features six delicate bite-size treats – steamed black truffle prawn dumpling, steamed fish roe siew mai, steamed vegetarian dumpling, deep-fried taro dumpling, deep-fried stuffed golden mushroom and deep-fried seaweed beancurd sheet.

A great sampler if you cannot decide on which dim sum dish to order!

OMAKASE AT YOUR PREFERRED BUDGET

Yàn is one place that is suitable for every occasion thinkable, from anniversary celebrations to birthday parties, business luncheons and family meals.

Private rooms are also available for booking, and omakase meals are an option should you be in the mood for some surprises. And what we love most about the omakase option is that you get to dine at your own budget.

Just let the chef know your budget, and he will customise a multi-course meal for you. Regardless of your budget, he will try his best to incorporate Yàn’s signatures so that you have a true taste of what the team is proud of and known for. Now, that’s one omakase that wouldn’t have you feeling ripped off.

As mentioned earlier, quote “ladyironchef” upon reservations/  billing to get 10% off your bill at Yàn from now till 30 June 2016 (the promotion is valid every day for both lunch and dinner.

Mileslife is our favourite app to accumulate miles through everyday spending. You can earn miles for every dollar spent at this restaurant. Download and try Mileslife out now! You can use our code ‘Ladyironchef‘ upon your first spending to get 1,000 miles.

Yàn
1 St. Andrew’s Road, #05-02
National Gallery Singapore
Singapore 178957
Reservations: +65 63845585 / reserve@yan.com.sg
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sat and Sun: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: City Hall

This post is brought to you by Yàn.

Located on the third floor of Attitude Hotel in Hong Kong’s Tsim Sha Tsui is Yum Cha, a spacious and elegant 130-seater dim sum restaurant. The dining establishment is especially popular for its irresistibly adorable dim sums.

We will admit that we were initially extremely skeptical about a fancy-looking hotel eatery named Yum Cha. But fortunately, the steamed dishes were superb and service was impeccable. Mind you, hospitality is virtually non-existent in Hong Kong’s local restaurants.

If you are looking for a great yum cha meal without the scruffiness, Yum Cha can be your next.

Yum Cha’s two best-selling dim sums are the Hot Custard Molten Buns (HK$49+) and Green Tea Custard Molten Buns (HK$49+). The former is stuffed with piping hot liu sha, while the latter is filled with matcha lava. No added MSG have been used to enhance these delightful treats.

Both items come in a set of three and are steamed fresh upon order. And yes, they are the iconic face buns; we almost couldn’t bear to destroy the cartoon baos!

You have to eat the molten buns while they are still lukewarm. Otherwise, the lava custard might solidify. That was what happened to us.

The Baked Pineapple Puffs (HK$59+) are interestingly presented in a steel birdcage – while we were excited by the novelty of its presentation, these puny crumbly baked failed to impress us with its taste and texture.

The price is exorbitant for its tiny portion and we would honestly rather order other dim sums on the comprehensive menu.

Sweets aside, we also enjoyed Yum Cha’s fragrant Chili Pork Dumplings (HK$59+ for six pieces) and Crab Roe & Pork Dumplings (HK$59+ for four pieces). These aromatic signature bite-size savouries pack a punch with every bite!

Yum Cha
3/F, 20-22 Granville Road
Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2751 1666
Daily: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest MTR Station: Tsim Sha Tsui

For more recommendation, read our guide on the best dim sum restaurants in Hong Kong.

Tossing a raw fish salad called yu sheng with chopsticks whilst simultaneously shouting out well wishes is a customary tradition amongst Chinese communities in Singapore during Chinese New Year.

While similar takes on this festive delicacy made its appearance even before Singapore’s independence day, it was in the 1960s when the Asian dish got popularised.

More often than not, yu sheng is actually very costly if you were to buy them from hotels and restaurants. But preparing yu sheng is actually simple and very affordable too. Why not have a go at making your own yu sheng for the upcoming Chinese New Year?

Yu sheng aka Lo Hei is symbolic of prosperity and can be found across restaurants, supermarkets and even hawker centres in Singapore.

Variations are aplenty and everyone has their own interpretations and secret ingredients, but yu sheng ubiquitously comprises the following key ingredients – raw fish strips, crackers, shredded vegetables, five spice powder and a sweet plum sauce.

You can, too, come up with your own rendition – with your favourite fruits, fishes, vegetables… anything at all. But bear in mind to not steer too far off from traditions, else your folks might not be pleased!

Here is a simple one we have to get you started.

Recipe adapted from Health Promotion Board (Serves 6 to 8)

Ingredients:

2 cups carrot, julienned
1 red capsicum, thinly sliced
1 cup cucumber, thinly shredded
2 cups daikon radish, thinly shredded
100g fresh salmon/tuna sashimi, thinly sliced
¼ cup of chopped peanuts, roasted and unsalted
¼ cup whole-wheat crackers, crushed
1 tsp pickled ginger, thinly shredded
1 tbsp five spice powder
4 sprigs of fresh Chinese parsley
Toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Dressing (combine all ingredients and set aside):

1/8 tsp five spice powder
½ cup of plum sauce
¼ cup of water
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp peanut/ corn oil
1 tsp sesame oil

Arrange the sashimi slices in the centre of a large platter.

Position each type of shredded vegetables neatly around the platter, surrounding the fish (which has to sit in the middle).

Sprinkle the crackers, parsley, peanut and picked ginger over the vegetables, before pouring the mixed dressing over it.

You can now start tossing your homemade yu sheng and exchanging auspicious Chinese phrases!

HOW TO LOHEI LIKE A BOSS [INFOGRAPHIC]

There are 75 restaurants that have been awarded at least a Michelin star in the reputable Hong Kong Michelin Guide for 2015, but Yat Lok Roast Goose Restaurant is hands down one of our perennial favourites.

The restaurant might be notorious for their atrocious service, but it is their insanely delicious roast goose meat that had us returning religiously each time we visit Hong Kong.

The family-run establishment was considered a household name amongst locals for many years even before it was recommended in the Michelin guide and bestowed an honourable Michelin star.

Despite its newfound status in the competitive food industry, Yat Lok has made it a point to keep its food accessible to people of all backgrounds with its affordable prices.

It has been nearly half a century since award-winning Yat Lok started serving amazing roast meat with their family secret recipe, and the rest is history.

Unlike most Michelin-star restaurants, Yat Lok does not have a fancy set-up and its unnoticeable shopfront will have you doing a double take. Friendly staff service and well-furbished interiors are non-existent; it feels more of a local neighbourhood Cha Chaan Teng instead. So, don’t expect anything too impeccable here, except for their food. For which we can overlook everything else.

Honestly, nobody cares about Yat Lok’s facade. People from all over the world goes to Yat Lok for roasts and more roasts.

Roasted to perfection, the fragrant succulent geese with a crispy glistening skin will leave you in awe. So good that we had to buy additional portions to bring back home.

Even celebrity food critic, and our idol, Anthony Bourdain is a fan. The brilliant roasted goose is best eaten with a sweet plum dipping sauce, but frankly speaking, the meat is good enough to be eaten on its own.

As mentioned previously, Yat Lok has kept its prices wallet-friendly and reasonable, where diners can indulge in a Goose Drumstick with Rice at just HK $88 / S$15.70. This is definitely one pit stop to make when in Hong Kong.

G/F, 34 -38 Stanley Street
Central Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2524 3882
Mon to Sat: 10am – 9pm
Sun: 10am – 5.30pm
Nearest Station: Central

Read: 6 Best Roast Goose Restaurants in Hong Kong.