Posts Tagged ‘Raffles Place’

Botan Japanese Restaurant – Good quality affordable Japanese food near Raffles Place

March 4th, 2020 365days2play
I had not heard of Botan Japanese Restaurant so I was pleasantly surprised to find out that my dining companion had not only heard of it, but had actually dined at Botan several times over the last few years. Botan Japanese Restaurant is the type of understated Japanese restaurant that those in the know would have heard about.

It’s homely decor may not attract eyeballs immediately. It seems to be hidden in plain view because despite its central location within Far East Square, I’d actually walked past it without realising, probably distracted by all the banker types sitting al-fresco nearby and chugging down bottles during lunch time. But, they boast a loyal following because of their quality ingredients flown in from Japan, as well as their value-for-money pricing.

Botan Japanese Restaurant Compilation

Executive Chef, Thomas Kok, a pioneer of the Japanese culinary scene in Singapore with over four decades of experience has taken over the helm of the restaurant. He was already working at Japanese restaurants back in the day where Singaporeans were more accustomed to cooked, hot food rather than foreign things like raw fish. Apparently, many dishes now easily found in Singapore were creations of or championed by Chef Thomas and his team decades ago. Take for example the Pitan Tofu, a proud creation of Chef Thomas, now easily available in many Japanese Restaurants in Singapore.

The price-range at Botan is quite varied. Depending on your budget, you can have a perfectly satisfying meal for under $20, or you can splurge on some of the more luxurious dishes. Here are some of my recommendations.

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Si Chuan Dou Hua 2015

October 4th, 2015 365days2play

We have our usual favourite spots for dim sum, however we decided to pamper ourselves by splurging a little more by venturing to a more “atas” (literally) spot for dim sum. Si Chuan Dou Hua Restaurant is at the top of UOB plaza and boasts great views from the main dining area.

What surprised us was their pricing of the menu. It is pretty comparable to the family chain restaurants such as Crystal Jade and Imperial treasure! Food quality was pretty good too.

Sichuan Douhua - Dim sum time! (1)

We were there to try out signature Si Chuan dishes but we got carried away ordering our favourite Hong Kong dim sum dishes. The cartilege soup in the picture is from the Si Chuan Menu.

Sichuan Douhua - Homemade Fine Bean Curd with Wolfberry $4

Homemade Fine Bean Curd with Wolfberry $4

And I suppose you really cannot leave without trying their signature bean curd which I assure you is one of the softest and most silky smooth traditional bean curd around. In fact, if you’re in the vicinity and feeling a little peckish, you might just want to pop up to a restaurant for this refreshing bowl of bean curd. At $4 it seems a steal.

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Zafferano–An Italian Brunch affair!

September 27th, 2015 365days2play

One of my favourite restaurants Zafferano has recently come up with their new Italian Saturday set brunch and it is a brunch to behold. You might just have to hold your stomach too as you leave the restaurant because the set brunch is chock a block full of food!

There are a total of 4 courses, but it’s not one dish per course. Being generous as Italians are, they have have numerous mini dishes within each course. You could almost think of this brunch as being a 10 course brunch (more in fact), with a buffet dessert just in case there is a shred of doubt that you’re not next to bursting. And the interesting thing about this “The Italian Table” brunch it’s that it’s not an egg-based brunch. I was wondering when the eggs would feature, but I realise that egg-based brunches are more an Aussie/UK/US thing. The dishes in this brunch are what the Italians would normally have for brunch.

Check out the pictures below and read about my favourite dishes from the Zafferano brunch.

~~~ Starters ~~~

Zafferano Brunch - Live seasonal oysters (2)

Live seasonal oysters – Self explanatory

Zafferano Brunch - Marinated fjord trout, avruga caviar, orange

Marinated fjord trout, avruga caviar, orange

While I am not a fan of fish, I do love sashimi, smoked or marinated cuts. Trout was finely sliced and had a delicate flavour. Disappeared in a jiffy.

Zafferano Brunch - Italy burrata

Freshly imported Italian burrata and tomatoes

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Jade Restaurant Fullerton Hotel Nostalgic Feasts

July 19th, 2015 365days2play

As a tribute to Singapore’s golden jubilee, Master Chef Leong Chee Yeng of The Fullerton Hotel’s Jade Restaurant is introducing his SG50 Nostalgic Feast Menu inspired by traditional Cantonese dishes from the ’70’s and ’80s. The menu is curated in partnership with Wong Ah Yoke, the highly respected restaurant reviewer and food critic at The Straits Times.

When you look at the pictures of the dishes below, you will undoubtedly be able to recognise elements of yesteryear which we did not even realise have quietly disappeared with time’s passing. For example, when was the last time you saw coloured rimmed keropok adorning a banquet dish?

Wong Ah Yoke chose dishes that he used to eat as a youngster growing up in the 1960s and 1970s, where the dishes were served only at banquets and special occasions. For example, Roast Chicken or Chinese Eight Treasures Duck was served mainly at weddings or birthday banquets. Roast Chicken I believe I’ve seen served over the years, but I don’t recall 8 Treasures Duck at all! Do you?

Group Shot- Double boiled winter melon soup, Roast Chicken, Kung Pao Chicken with Cashew Nuts served in Buddha's Bowl, Pork King Ribs

Of course, this being Jade Restaurant at the Fullerton Hotel, all the dishes are jazzed up and presented exquisitely.

Jade Restaurant - Lobster Fruit Salad, Traditional Fried Prawn Roll (Hei Zhor), Fried Crab with Eggs, Crispy Kung Pao Chicken , Fried Pork Rib with Garlic and Red Fermented Bean (1)

Combination Lobster Platter : Lobster Fruit Salad, Traditional Fried Prawn Roll (Hei Zhor), Fried Crab with Eggs, Crispy Kung Pao Chicken with Cashew Nuts, Fried Pork Rib with Garlic and Red Fermented Bean

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Dinner at Zafferano

March 10th, 2015 365days2play

Although I’ve visited Zafferano a couple of times prior to this media tasting session, I couldn’t resist the opportunity when it presented itself again. I had a good experience on both occasions:  the beautifully presented and tasty food, the service, the ambience, and of course the views. And surprisingly, the menu is not as expensive as you would think. Glad to report that Zafferano has maintained its consistency, and still deserves the positive review after my 3rd visit.

The experience begins once you step into the elevator that will take you up 240 metres above ground to the top floor of Ocean Financial Centre. You have to walk past the open plan kitchen showcasing chefs hard at work before you reach the dining area that boasts an eye-catching central bar counter. We snagged the booth seats at the corner this time round, which cocooned us comfortably from the rest of the world. Zafferano’s head chef Marco Guccio is renowned for creating dishes incorporating elements from both Southern and Northern Italian food cultures, and we were there to sample his unique style of cooking.

Zafferano - Bread Basket

First up, some champagne and complimentary bread to set the mood.

Marinated Scottish Salmon

Marinated Scottish salmon, green asparagus, red radish, trout roe

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