The Clan Hotel Singapore – Premier Room Review

The Clan - Premier Room 

The Clan Hotel Singapore ★★★★★(5 Stars Hotel)

10 Cross Street

Singapore 048417

T: +65 6228 6388

W: https://www.theclanhotel.com.sg/

E: info.tch@fareast.com.sg

F: https://www.facebook.com/theclanhotel

IG: @Theclanhotel

Room Type: Premier Room

Stayed: March 2021

Booking: Direct with Hotel (Opening Promotion) – Complimentary 2nd-night stay.

The Clan

The Clan is a modern luxury hotel by Far East Organisation located nearby Singapore Central Business District. Nestled in the heart of Telok Ayer, The Clan is inspired by its historical surroundings and drew inspiration from the Chinese immigrants who settled in Singapore during the 19th century.

Unlike other luxury hotels that have a grand entrance, The entrance to The Clan is inconspicuous, cloaked and you won’t think twice about it when you drive past it. Even when we arrived at the drop off point to put our luggage, I thought we are arrived at an affluence executive club or entering the den of the unknown secret society, especially when you passed by the gigantic black door.

Location (9.5/10)

Situated above Telok Ayer MRT station and junction of Telok Ayer Street and Cross Street, The Clan offer a perfect location for foodies. It is gastronomic heaven. A few steps from the Clan you have restaurants, gastro pubs at Far East Square, China Square Food Centre and China Square Central. Across the street, the Telok Ayer gastronomic area, from K-BBQ, Japanese, Café, and Western selections.

The View from the room

Also located within a short walking distance are Amoy Street Food Centre, Lau Pa Sat Festival Market, Hong Lim Complex and Market Street Interim Hawker Centre.

It is a walking distance to most of the amenities in CBD, Chinatown and the Singapore River.

Room (9.5/10)

Cleanliness (10/10). Space (10/10). Room Amenities (9.5/10). Ambience (9/10)

The Premier Room boasting the size of 31 M2. It is bright, cosy, spacious and feels brand new. I like the modern décor, paired with classical touch and dark colour wood interior. Most of the furniture is built-in, including the side tables and benches under the windows making it feel extra spacious.

The Clan - Premier Room 

The king-size bed is huge and sturdy. The mattress is firm, topped with a very comfortable pillow and quilt allowing you a comfortable good night rest. Don’t expect a greenery or sea view out of the windows, instead, you will be surrounded by skyscrapers and gazette shophouses.

King Size Bed

Hot beverages options come with Nespresso coffee, the traditional Clan tea set and customisable in-room refreshment that you can order through their booking confirmation link before you check-in. To reduce the environmental footprint, provide a nanofiber membrane technology water tap, located at the basin to replace the bottled drinking water.

Open Wardrobe and Hot Drinks Counter

The Clan Tea Selection

Customisable in-room Refreshment

Near the seating area by the window, we also receive a unique “Welcome Amenity Kit” sitting on the transparent teapot set. In the box, wrapped with cloth, consist of Nanyang Ritual Oolong Tea paired with Bak Kut Teh Cookies.

The Clan's Touch

The Clan's Touch

You will be indulged by the spacious shower area that comes with a rain shower option. The toilet bowl comes fully automated washlet, like those commonly found in Japan, including the dryer and even heated seat. Unfortunately, the Premier room does not come with a bathtub and I find the basin is too small, considering the size of the toilet overall.

The Shower

Toilet & Basin

Fully Automated Washlet

Basin with Nanofiber Membrane Technology Water Tap for drinking

As part of the 5 Star Hotel experience, you will also receive a turndown service in the evening.

|Working Table

Room Entertainment (8.5/10)

To keep you entertained in the room, they have a moveable huge flat-screen TV 50” or above, Audio Pro Bluetooth speaker and WiFi. I did not manage to do a speed test for the WiFi; however, it is sufficient for me to do my work.

Moveable Flat Screen TV

Bluetooth Speaker

Dining – Breakfast (8.5/10)

The booking comes with complimentary breakfast for 2 adults at the main restaurant, QIN Restaurant & Bar by Tung Lok.

QIN Restaurant & Bar by Tung Lok
Image Credit: Booking.com

Due to the COVID situation, the breakfast is ala-carte, where you can choose one main each. Each order is served with traditional local toast, an artisanal fruit bowl and free flow of fruit juice and tea / coffee.

Traditional local Toast with Homemade Kaya and Butter & Artisanal Fruit Bowl

Pancakes

Since we stayed for 2 nights, we tried most of the breakfast menu. Overall, the food is well above average especially their traditional toast. It is a brioche-like toast served with homemade kaya and butter is not to be missed.

Chef;s Daily Special

The QIN Breakfast

Hotel Facilities (9/10)

The rooftop infinity swimming pool is just magnificent. It has a good view of the Singapore skyline and offers a nice place to chill. The Sky Gym is located on the 30th floor, providing a great view for your workout.

Rooftop Infinity Swimming Pool
Image Credit: Booking.com

Rooftop Infinity Swimming Pool - The View

Resting Area outside Sky Gym

The Lobby of the hotel is located on the 2nd floor. While completing our check-in process, we are attended by the Tea Master, who served us The Clan special blended tea, Tau Sar Piah and a cold towel. (Hint: if you don’t like a hot tea, ask the Tea Master for their Cold Brew tea) This added to the atmosphere of entering the secret society den.

Reception 
Image Credit: Booking.com

The Tea Master at Tea Station

Welcome Refreshment

While the space in the lobby is not huge, it also acts as a mini-museum, displaying artwork and daily items used by the immigrants when they arrived in Singapore.

Mini Museum at The Lobby

Mini Museum at Level 30

Check out the outdoor area on the 4th floor. A nice place to chill out and have a drink.

Outdoor Seating Area 

Services (10/10)

The service is faultless. Friendly, attentive and you almost feel like you have your own interchangeable personal butler. Starting with the concierge, service staff, dining staff and housekeeping. Thank you, Mr Sam Gil, the guest experience manager for the awesome experience.

Complimentary Birthday Cake

Since we stayed there during LD’s birthday, she received a complimentary birthday cake.

Others Perks (9/10)

The booking also comes with:

- 1-way limo transfer (we did not use)

- Local precinct tour experience led by The Clan Keeper

- Complimentary 2nd night stay

- Complimentary Parking

- $100 voucher for next stay at either Oasia Hotel Downtown, Orchard Rendezvous Hotel, The Barracks Hotel (valid for redemption from 1 May to 23 Dec 2021)

CBK Verdict

A memorable staycation. Highly Recommended and will bookmark The Clan for a future staycation.

Wooloomooloo Steakhouse – Lunch Menu Review

Beef Brisket Short Ribs

Known as one of the best steakhouses in Singapore, Wooloomooloo Steakhouse is one of the places that I recommend to anyone looking for a #Steakgasm gastronomic experience. LD and I first dined here in 2011 and it just never disappointed.

This time around, we decided to try their lunch menu before we check-in for staycation in The Fairmont Singapore. The three-course set lunch menu at$32++ per pax, WOW!

Once we have completed our order, we were served a pre-appetiser. Although it is commonly known as Hors d'oeuvres, the size of the onion loaf itself is a misrepresentation of hors d’oeuvres. The loaf is warm, fragrant, with a light crisp crust followed by a soft and fluffy. It is tasty on its own, yet once you slathered it with butter, it tastes even better. We have to stop ourselves from eating the entire loaf so that we can finish our 3-course meal.

Onion Loaf

Appetizer, Roasted Tomato Soup. The roasting of the tomatoes intensified the tomato flavour in the soup. The drizzle of aromatic basil oil with the sweet crab meat introduced added a complex yet elegant flavour to the soup.

Roasted Tomato Soup

Pan-Seared Slipper Lobster. The slipper lobster is seared till it delivers a smoky flavour, while the flesh remains soft and bouncy. Combining it with rich and creamy white wine beurre blanc (white wine butter sauce), it is a party in your mouth. A nicely executed appetizer.

Pan-Seared Slipper Lobster

Main Course, Beef Brisket Short Ribs. Braised till fork-tender, the brisket just melts in my mouth. The gravy is robust, sweet and packs the flavour from the red wine as well. It is served with thick and creamy mash potatoes, while the pickled onions on the side provided the much-needed acidity to cuts the fats and the overwhelming flavour from the braised beef. Yumz!

Beef Brisket Short Ribs

Morgans Ranch USDA Prime Ribeye (Supplement $20++). The ribeye has a nicely seared exterior, while the interior is a perfect medium-rare steak. I am not a fan of piquillo mash puree; however, I enjoyed the charred broccoli, the balsamic vinegar tossed greens and peppercorn sauce.

Morgans Ranch USDA Prime Ribeye

Dessert, Dark Chocolate Tart. Calling dark chocolate lovers, this is something you must not miss. The dark chocolate filling is thick, solid and yet it is absent of the excessive bitterness usually found in dark chocolate. The pastry is crispy, while the raspberry sauce and ice cream offset the richness of the chocolate.

Dark Chocolate Tart

Mango Mousse, a modern version of mango sago. The pudding is light and airy, while the creamy mango sauce packs with mango sweetness with a touch of pomelo bitterness.

Mango Mousse

We also add Steak Tartare ($30) to our order. Made with Australian tenderloin and topped with a generous scoop of caviar. LD and I like the creaminess of the tartare, the popping caviar flavour and the light crisp rye bread. However, we find the mustard flavour in the mix a bit too strong, it covered the natural taste of the beef.

Steak Tartare

Steak Tartare

Service is excellent. The staff are friendly and attentive. You can always feel their presence, yet not intruding.

CBK Verdict: A perfect place to have your business lunches or even to spend some valuable time with your loved ones. The food is delicious, executed to Wooloomooloo standard and the Lunch Menu is just value for money. Cheers!!

Food & Drinks: 9/10

Value: 9.5/10

Service: 9/10

Ambiance: 8.5/10

Budget per Person: $26 - $50

Wooloomooloo Steakhouse

2 Stamford Road

Level 3, Swissotel The Stamford

Singapore 178882

T: +65 6338 0261

W: https://woo-steakhouse.com/location/stamford-singapore/

F: https://www.facebook.com/wooloosingapore

IG: @wooloomooloosteakhousesg

OH: Daily 12.00 – 15.00, 18.30 – 22.00

Golden Peony – Mid Autumn Festival 2021 [MEDIA DROP]

Snowskin Mooncakes @Conrad Centennial Singapore

This Mid-Autumn Festival, the team at Golden Peony, Conrad Centennial Singapore brought you a celebration of Love and Unity. Making their return is the Signature Royal Hazelnut Crunchy and popular Green Tea snowskin mooncakes. The snowskin mooncakes line up completed with the Honey Osmanthus flavour and Acai with premium Dates & Goji Berries, which has low sugar content.

LD and I tried the snowskin mooncakes, the Signature Royal Hazelnut Crunchy is our favourite choice, followed by Honey Osmanthus. The Acai with premium Dates & Goji Berries is unique, as these fillings are normally found only in the baked mooncakes. Not forgetting the Green Tea snowskin that is filled with matcha goodness.

The Fillings

Completing the offerings for this year is the Classic Baked Mooncakes and Sweet Potato in Filo Pastry Mooncake.

These exquisite lunar treats come in a specially designed collector’s gift box that exudes classic sophistication and contemporary flair. Bold red and completed with a textured finishing. There is also the option of a Limited-Edition Faux Crocodile Leather box. It would be hard not to impress your friends and family this season! Well, it impressed my mother-in-law so much that she “choped” the box before we can even look at it.

Limited-Edition Faux Crocodile Leather box

Available from 1 July to 21 September 2021

Click > HERE < for Mid-Autumn Festival brochure 2021

Discount Offers

· Early Bird 35% discount – 1 July to 1 August 2021 10 August 2021 (Extended due to popular demand!)

· Credit Card 20% discount (Citibank / HSBC / Maybank / UOB / Amex) – 11 August to 21 September 2021

*Limited to 10 boxes per transaction

For the full T&C and Delivery Options, please refer to

https://www.connoisseur.sg/mooncake/

Conrad Centennial Singapore Festive

Tel: 6432 7486 / 6432 7489

Email: sinci.festive@conradhotels.com

Thank you very much Conrad Centennial Singapore team for the Media Drop.

Hokkien Man – A Refine Hokkien Mee

Hokkien Mee with Fried Egg

Our first encounter of Hokkien Man Hokkien Mee (“HKHM”) was about a year ago. LD got a craving and decided to give this place a try. We reach there around 2 PM, however, they are sold out and almost finish cleaning and washing for the day. At the end, we ate the wanton mee from the stall beside it.

Fast forward this year, we went down to Toa Payoh for an unplanned visit around 11.30am. We decided to give them a call, the lady boss took our order 2 medium Hokkien Mee ($6; $5 for S & $7 for L) and told us it will be ready in 35 minutes.

The Stall

Since it was Saturday, parking there was so horrible as there were lots of people visiting the wet market and 2 hawker centres. I had to drop LD first to chop table and proceeding to other nearby car parks to find a parking lot. Thus, we only need to wait for another 10 mins, after checking-in with HKHM for a buzzer to confirm the order.

LD order my HKM with extra fried egg ($0.50). The HKM come loaded with ingredients and extra gravy on the plate. Some might call it “wet version”. I give the gravy a sip and I like the sweet, robust and umami flavour. I also feel certain that there is no MSG in it.

Hokkien Mee with Fried Egg

The noodle is al-dente, while the white noodle is crunchy, it absorbs the stock nicely. The prawns, sotong and sliced pork belly are evenly spread, making in an enjoyable meal. Two things that we notice missing are the strong “Wok Hei” flavour and the crispy pork lard bits.

Hokkien Mee with Fried Egg

The Noodles

For the chilli, LD feels it lacks the Power (Spiciness), that she give up eating the chilli. Meanwhile, the crispy fried egg is a must order here. Not only it gives a different texture to the plate, I find it very comforting and yummy on its own. I will probably order 2 fried egg next time to top up my Hokkien Mee. LD told me they also have abalone topping for an additional of $5 for 3-4 mini abalones.

Sliced Pork Belly

CBK Verdict: It is a delicious HKM, however, it is unlike your traditional version of HKM. Although the ingredients are the same, the taste is gentler, like it is assembled with a fine-dining touch instead of zhi char flair. Let’s just call this Hokkien Man signature Hokkien Mee. Cheers!!

Food & Drinks: 7.25/10

Value: 7.5/10

Service: N/A (Self Service)

Ambiance: N/A (Food Centre)

Budget per Person: $0-$10

Hokkien Man Hokkien Mee

Blk 19 Lor 7 Toa Payoh

#01-264 Kim Keat Palm

(19 Brewcoffee Coffeeshop)

Singapore 310019

T: +65 8798 1525 (For Ordering)

F: https://www.facebook.com/Singaporehokkienman

IG: @Hokkienman.hokkienmee

OH:

Thu – Tue: 10.00 – 14.30 (or When “The STOCK” run out)

Closed on Wednesday.

Golden Peony – Dragon Boat Festival 2021 [MEDIA DROP]

Luxurious Rice Dumplings by Golden Peony

Celebrate the 2021 Dragon Boat Festival with luxurious Rice Dumplings created by Chinese Executive Chef Ku Keung and his team at Golden Peony.

This year, we received a media drop from Golden Peony’s Luxury Rice Dumplings Package consists of:

- Traditional ‘Hong Kong’ Style Rice Dumpling

- Singapore Black Pepper Chili Crab, Prawn and Bedford Scallops Rice Dumpling

- Crispy Smoked Duck, Chestnut Rice Dumpling

- Dried Velvet Mushroom 5-Grain Rice Dumpling

- Egg Custard Sweeties Rice Dumpling

The Dumpling Bag

The Golden Peony’s Luxury Rice Dumplings package represents the whole Golden Peony rice dumpling menu this year. The dumplings are packed in peony flowers motif bag and each of the dumplings also come with a special dipping sauce.

Luxurious Rice Dumplings by Golden Peony

The Sauces

Our favourite dumpling this year is Singapore Black Pepper Chili Crab, Prawn and Bedford Scallops Rice Dumpling, served with Chili crab sauce. The seafood combination in the dumpling stands out plus the chili crab sauce is just superb and enhances the flavour further.

Dried Velvet Mushroom 5-Grain Rice Dumpling get the thumbs up from everyone. The combination of the 5 grains and chestnut fillings are very tasty and showcase different textures in each bite. On top of that, the mushroom truffle sauce paired well with the vegetarian dumpling.

Dried Velvet Mushroom 5-Grain Rice Dumpling

The traditional Hong Kong style rice dumpling might look pale; however, it is packed with an abundance of ingredients. When I bit into the pork belly, it just melts in my mouth. Yum Yum.

Traditional ‘Hong Kong’ Style Rice Dumpling

Traditional ‘Hong Kong’ Style Rice Dumpling

For the sweet version of the rice dumpling, Egg Custard Sweeties Rice Dumpling is not to be missed. Golden Peony upgraded version of kee chang, filled with egg custard and dip in Gula Melaka. I find the gula melaka this year is thicker and more solid, adding to the shiokness when I liberally drizzle it on the dumplings.

Egg Custard Sweeties Rice Dumpling

Overall, let’s put this challenging period behind us and have a mini celebration with these luxurious and delicious rice dumplings for this year Dragon Boat Festival. Cheers!!

Golden Peony Rice Dumpling 2021

When: Available till 13th June 2021.

Where: Golden Peony, Conrad Centennial Singapore

For more information and order, visit: 

https://www.connoisseur.sg/gp-rice-dumplings/

For more information or for reservations, please call +65 6432 7482 / 88 or email Sinci.GoldenPeony@conradhotels.com

Thank you very much Conrad Centennial Singapore for the Media Drop.

Food & Drink: 9/10

Golden Peony

2 Temasek Boulevard

3F, Conrad Centennial Singapore

Singapore 038982

T: +65 6432 7482/88

W: http://bit.ly/cbk-GoldenPeony

F: https://www.facebook.com/conradsingapore

OH:

Mon – Sat: 11.30 – 14.30; 18.30 – 22.30

Sun: 10.30 – 14.30; 18.30 – 22.30

COCA – Thai Steamboat at Home [MEDIA DROP]

COCA - Hotpot Set A

COCA Restaurant is a well-known Thai hot pot restaurant in Thailand, Singapore and abroad. My first experience with COCA Restaurant in Singapore is at the Ngee Ann City outlet, followed by the branch at Suntec. COCA Restaurant hot pot is known for its fusion between Thai and Cantonese Style of Steamboat and it has stood the test of time against the new wave of steamboat restaurants.

COCA Hotpot
Image Credit COCA

Now, you can bring home COCA flavours with COCA home delivery. LD and I get to try their Hotpot Set A ($82, serves 3 to 4 pax +). This set includes the following:

-Complimentary Mala Fried Rice

-Complimentary Mala Fish Skin

-2 soup bases (we got Signature Hua Diao Phoenix Pot and Tantalizing Tom Yum)

-Prawns, Thinly Sliced Pork Collar, Chicken Fillet

-Chicken Meat Paste, Shrimp Wanton, Fishball with Roe

-Chinese Cabbage, Local Lettuce, Emperor Shiitake

-Signature Green Noodle

-COCA Thai Suki Sauce

The delivery comes in 2 bags. One for the cooked food, soup base and room temperature ingredients, while the other for cold and chilled items. The soup and suki sauces get additional shrink wrap to prevent spillage. A good first impression.

The Packing

The soup base: Signature Hua Diao Phoenix Pot and Tantalizing Tom Yum. I personally like the Hua Diao Phoenix Pot. The milky colour soup is robust, sweet and flavourful. It is suitable to cook any ingredients in it. The tom yum soup base is aromatic, spicy but on the sweet side. For those who like more sourish type, you might need to add some lime and chilli, to kick it up a notch.

Signature Hua Diao Phoenix Pot and Tantalizing Tom Yum

For the meat, sliced pork collar, chicken fillet and prawns. The pork collar is juicy and succulent, but don’t expect those Iberico melt in your mouth type. The chicken meat is tender and absorbs both types of broth nicely. Meanwhile, the prawns are fresh and crunchy. It is also partly de-shell, so you can enjoy it without getting your hands dirty.

Sliced pork collar, Chicken fillet and Prawns

Sliced pork collar

Sliced pork collar - Cooked

Prawn

Chicken Meat Paste, Shrimp Wanton, Fishball with Roe. Surprisingly, the chicken meat paste is juicy and succulent. This reminds me of the handmade chicken meatballs that I ate in one of the famous Japanese restaurants in Singapore. The shrimp wanton is crunchy, as good as that popular Thai frozen wanton brand. The fishball with roe is crunchy, bouncy followed by bursting ikura flavour.

Chicken Meat Paste, Shrimp Wanton, Fishball with Roe

Chicken Meat Paste

The complimentary Mala Fish Skin is crispy, it remains crispy even after a few hours. It packs the mala punch, those mala lovers won’t be disappointed. The same can be said with the complimentary Mala Fried Rice.

Mala Fish Skin & Mala Fried Rice

Mala Fish Skin

The portion of the vegetables are generous. The green noodles are a must-have for a Thai style hotpot. LD & I will usually order a few plates of this when we are having hot pot in Thailand. The COCA version here is just awesome. This green colour noodle is tasty and al-dente. It is crunchy and bodes well with both soup base. Another way to eat this noodle is to toss it with the signature COCA Thai suki sauce.

Chinese Cabbage, Emperor Shiitake & Local Lettuce

Signature Green Noodle

Overall, it was a pleasure having a Thai steamboat at home. While we miss travelling to Thailand, at least this steamboat can satisfy our longing for the steamboat there. For Hotpot Set A, the portion is good for 4 small eaters. However, if you are a big eater, I suggest you order more ingredients. The generous soup portions are more than enough for the add-ons. Cheers!!

Thank you very much Jennifer Yeo Consultancy and COCA Team for arranging the delivery.

Food & Drink: 7.25/10

Value: 7.5/10

Service: N/A (Media Drop)

Budget per Person: $11 - $25

COCA

5 Stadium Walk

#02-01 Leisure Park Kallang

Singapore 397693

T: +65 6241 3833

W: https://coca.com.sg/

F: https://www.facebook.com/CocaRestaurants

IG: @Cocasingapore

OH: Daily 11.00 – 20.00

Online Ordering: https://ordercoca.oddle.me/en_SG/