Empire Chinese Cuisine (formerly Phoenix Garden) 帝國軒

If you remember Phoenix Garden at Parkway Parade, it’s now Empire Chinese Cuisine. Established in 2020, this fine dining spot showcases exquisite Cantonese and Teochew dishes crafted by chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants, delivering refined flavours and top-notch culinary artistry.

Empire Chinese Cuisine

Our first dish, Wok-fried Beef Cubes with Wholegrain Yellow Mustard Sauce, was beautifully plated with shredded carrots and cabbage. Each beef cube was evenly coated with just the right amount of mustard sauce, flavourful without overpowering, offering a mild kick of spice that complemented the tender beef perfectly.

Wok-fried Beef Cubes with Wholegrain Yellow Mustard Sauce 芥末籽酱爆牛肉粒 - $24.00

The Shark’s Cartilage Soup with Fresh Fishmaw required a 15-minute wait but was worth every second. Smooth, rich, and slightly gluey in texture, it was deeply satisfying and polished off the fastest among all the dishes a true crowd favourite at our table.

Shark‘s Cartilage Soup with Fresh Fishmaw 鲨鱼软骨花胶汤 - $19

We also had the Double-boiled Chicken Soup with Morel Mushrooms, which similarly required a 15-minute wait. The broth was nourishing and flavourful, with tender chicken pieces and earthy morel mushrooms enhancing its depth, a comforting classic done right.

Double-boiled Chicken Soup with Morel Mushrooms 羊肚菌炖鸡汤 - $11.80

Wok-fried Prawns with Egg White and Black Truffle Oil was a beautifully executed dish that reminded me of one we used to enjoy at Prima Tower. The truffle aroma paired harmoniously with the subtle sweetness of the egg white and the natural seafood sweetness from the prawns.

Wok-fried Prawns with Egg White and Black Truffle Oil 黑松露油蛋白炒虾球 - $26.00

The presentation was elevated with fine cuts of kailan stalks, adding a refreshing touch of green to the dish.

Wok-Fried Prawn

Homemade Spinach Tofu with Wild Mushrooms earned our unanimous nods of approval. The tofu was silky smooth, pairing beautifully with the earthy wild mushrooms and vibrant vegetables. 

Homemade Spinach Tofu with Wild Mushrooms 野菌扒菠菜豆腐 - $19.00

What a simple yet delightful combination done right.

Yummy!

Not many places serve Fried Bitter Gourd Strips with Salted Egg Yolk, so this was an interesting find. The taste was a pleasant blend of savoury and crisp bitterness, though the presentation was rather plain and could use a touch of refinement.

Fried Bitter Gourd Strips with Salted Egg Yolk Puree 咸蛋黄炸凉瓜条 - $10.00

For the carbs, we had the Stewed Mee Pok Noodles with Eggplant in XO Chilli Sauce. The mee pok was noticeably narrower than the usual type and was topped with slices of eggplant that we almost mistook for pork belly. The accompanying sauce was savoury and comforting, evoking a nostalgic flavour reminiscent of old-school canteen days.

Stewed Mee Pok Noodles with Eggplant in XO Chilli Sauce XO 酱茄子焖面卜 - $22

A comforting meal at Empire Chinese Cuisine, perfect for anyone craving refined yet homely Chinese flavours done with finesse and heart.

Empire Chinese Cuisine (formerly Phoenix Garden) 帝國軒
Location: Parkway Parade, 80 Marine Parade Road, #02-13/13A, Singapore 449269
Website

Kunthaville

 Sri Lankan Cuisine in Singapore? Yes! Kunthaville in Little India brings the vibrant taste of Ceylon with creative twists on Singaporean favourites and Indian classics.

View From the Restaurant

The interior exudes a resort-like charm, simple, laid-back, and relaxing. With tropical touches and warm tones, it sets the mood perfectly for a cozy meal.

Interior

For starters, we were served vegetable cutlets, beetroot and jackfruit. The Jackfruit Cutlet, Sri Lanka’s favourite plant-based “mock meat,” was cooked with potato and spices, wrapped in a crepe, then crumbed and fried till golden and crispy. 

Beetroot & Jackfruit Cutlet 

The Beetroot Cutlet was crispy on the outside and tender inside, with a perfect blend of spices, herbs, and a hint of chilli. Between the two, the beetroot cutlet stood out with its distinctive sweetness and well-balanced flavours.

Beetroot Cutlet

They also offered Appam, a Sri Lankan favourite made from a fermented batter of rice and coconut milk, cooked in a small wok-shaped pan. It had a soft, spongy centre with thin, crispy edges, much like a bowl-shaped pancake. 

Appam

You can even build your own Appam with a variety of savoury or sweet toppings available. Definitely worth checking out their menu for the options!

Appam

The Signature Curry Leaf Coconut Rice plate was a delightful medley.  fluffy Sri Lankan samba rice paired with spicy Dry Jackfruit Curry, sautéed green beans, tangy raw mango sambal, cooling cucumber sambal, and creamy lentils. A beautiful harmony of spice, texture, and comfort in every bite.

Signature Curry Leaf Coconut Rice accompanied by spicy matakkalppu palakai peratal

Rice was paired with slow-cooked eggplant simmered in jaggery and aromatic spices, resulting in a uniquely sweet and tangy brinjal curry.

Briyani and Brinjal Sweet & Sour Pirratal - $14

We had Pairs Rose, a romantic blend of silky golden tips infused with fragrant rose petals, blue cornflowers, and a hint of strawberry. Fresh, floral, and lightly fruity with a smooth finish.

Paris Rose

For dessert, we had Coconut & Vanilla Pudding, a silky-smooth treat made with coconut cream and vanilla, served chilled. It leaned a little on the sweeter side for us.

Coconut & Vanilla Pudding - $8

We also had Ceylon Falooda, a refreshing dessert featuring silky sago pearls and vibrant jellies, served in rich coconut cream for a sweet and cooling treat.

Ceylon Falooda - $12

Overall, the meal was a delightful balance of comforting flavors and refreshing treats. From the sweet and tangy brinjal curry to the floral tea and creamy desserts, each dish offered its own charm, rounding off the experience on a satisfying and memorable note.

Kunthaville
Location: 18 Veerasamy Rd, Level 1, Singapore 207326
Website

Kokoyo Nyonya Delights

Spotted Kokoyo while I was at Jelita Mall for Craftsmen Coffee, and decided to make a return trip one day to try their Nyonya dishes at the food court. The stall is opened by a Gen Z owner, and this cosy eatery is more than just a business, it’s his heartfelt tribute to his 73-year-old grandma, whose home-cooked Peranakan meals shaped his childhood.

Kokoyo Nyonya Delights

These are definitely hot-selling items. I was advised to buy them while ordering our food, not after finishing, as these delicious Nyonya snacks would likely be gone by then. Lo and behold, she was right! By the time we were done eating, they were almost sold out.

We had 9-layered kueh, kueh salat, and ang ku kueh, all beautifully made and rich in authentic Peranakan flavours.

Nyonya Kueh

Instead of the usual fragrant white rice to pair with the dishes, we went for nasi lemak. We ordered the kosong version, which came with fried anchovies, peanuts, cucumber, egg, and a dollop of sambal chilli, simple yet satisfying.

Nasi Lemak Kosong 原味椰浆饭 - $5.80

If you’d like to make it a set with the Nasi Lemak, do check out their menu too. We had ours with Ayam Buah Keluak, though there wasn’t a physical black nut (Buah Keluak) in sight, you could definitely taste its rich, earthy essence infused into the sauce.

Ayam Buah Keluak 娘惹黑果椰浆饭

We also ordered the Babi Pongteh, and it didn’t disappoint. The gravy was rich and savoury, perfect for drizzling over the rice, while the meat was tender and flavourful without being too tough.

Babi Pongteh 娘惹香焖猪肉 - $7.80

The Custard Seafood Otak truly lives up to its name. The texture was soft and sponge-like, quite a contrast from the firmer versions we were used to. With every bite, you could see bits of fresh fish within the custard, adding a nice touch of authenticity to the dish.

Custard Seafood Otak 新鲜欧塔 - $7.80

Unfortunately, there was no Pig Stomach Soup available that day, so we went with their Fish Soup instead. It turned out to be a pleasant surprise, flavourful, milky broth filled with generous chunks of fish and slices of bittergourd, making it a comforting alternative.

Fish Soup

The quintessential item in any Nyonya cuisine has to be the Chap Chye. A delightful medley of ingredients like beancurd skin, carrots, cabbage, spring onions, black fungus, and vermicelli. A comforting dish that’s perfect on its own or paired with a plate of rice.

Nyonya Chap Chye 娘惹杂菜 - $5.80 

KokoYo Nyonya Delights are decently priced for a food court setting, and with its comforting Peranakan flavours, I wouldn’t mind bringing friends back again for another round.

Kokoyo Nyonya Delights
Location: Jelita Mall, 293 Holland Road 278628, #02-18, 278628

The Morning Catch Seafood (Yi Pin Xian) 一品鲜 活海鲜

It all started when my friend brought up The Morning Catch for our next gastronomic adventure. The name had me thinking of Western seafood dishes, perhaps grilled fish or fish and chips,  something along those lines. But when we arrived at Kinex, I was in for a surprise. The Morning Catch Seafood turned out to be a Chinese seafood restaurant, a cuisine we seldom explore, making this dining experience an unexpected twist in our usual food trail.

The Morning Catch Seafood 一品鲜 活海鲜 

As we walked into the restaurant, we were immediately greeted by rows of open tanks filled with live seafood. The dining area was spacious and traditional, lined with round tables that gave off that familiar Chinese banquet-style vibe.

Entrance

Just like an excited kid, I couldn’t resist walking up to some of the tanks to “greet” the seafood. The variety on display was astonishing, from lobsters and crabs to clams and lala, everything was alive and swimming right before our eyes. It was a clear sign that freshness here wasn’t just a promise, but a guarantee.

Live Tank with Lobster and Crabs

The restaurant also offers six different private dining rooms, each beautifully designed with wooden plaques and elegant gold lettering. The names of the rooms are thoughtfully chosen to symbolize auspiciousness and prosperity, setting the tone for joyful gatherings and celebrations.

The largest room can accommodate up to 23 guests, with a minimum spending of $1,388 on weekdays and a usual spending of around $1,988. Whether it’s for a family celebration or a business dinner, the ambience of these private rooms adds a refined and exclusive touch to the dining experience.

Private Rooms

Among the private rooms, The Genting Room (云鼎) carries a meaningful name. It’s suitable for both family gatherings and business dining, symbolizing a broad and far-reaching vision much like standing atop the clouds. The name reflects an atmosphere ideal for intellectual conversations and thoughtful exchanges, making it a fitting space for meaningful discussions over a good meal.

Genting

The room itself was spacious and well-equipped, featuring an entertainment area complete with karaoke, mahjong, and even a tea-tasting setup.

Genting Room - Entertainment Area

 It’s easy to imagine how gatherings here could stretch into long, enjoyable sessions filled with laughter and good conversations. 

Genting Room Karaoke

I bet this place would make a great spot for both family celebrations and business entertaining alike.

Mahjong & Tea Area

The Good Luck Room (好运) was adorned with soft, warm lighting, creating a calm and inviting atmosphere. Diners believe that enjoying a meal in such a setting will naturally attract good fortune and positive energy, making it an auspicious space to dine and celebrate.

Good Luck 好运 Room

"Complete" 圆满 Room

Private Room

如意 Private Room

The range of live seafood here was truly jaw-dropping, an impressive showcase of freshness and variety. From the moment I saw the tanks, I knew we were in for something special. Let’s scroll through the photos and take a closer look at just how many types of seafood they have!

Flower Crab

Live Lobster

Australian Lobster 澳洲龙虾

Alaska King Crab 阿拉斯加帝王蟹

Canadian Oyster

Lala

Live Tiger Prawns

\\

Mantis Shrimp 皮皮虾

Soon Hock Fish

Live Prawns

Abalone

Live Geoduck 象拔蚌

Turbot 多宝鱼

Besides the impressive range of live seafood that easily earns approving nods from diners, the restaurant also offers braised goose meat on its menu,  a dish that adds a touch of traditional Chinese flair. However, this specialty needs to be pre-ordered in advance, as it’s prepared with care and not available for walk-in orders.

Sri Lankan Crab 斯里兰卡蟹

The squid was perfectly battered and deep-fried to a beautiful golden brown. We loved that the salted egg sauce came generously on the side,  perfect for drizzling or dipping as you please.

Salted Egg Sotong/ Squid 咸蛋鱿鱼

The Salt & Pepper Live Tiger Prawns made a comforting dish, stir-fried with onions and spring onions to bring out that classic wok-hei aroma and savory kick.

Salt & Pepper Live Tiger Prawns 椒盐活老虎虾

The Spicy Stir-Fried South African Abalone reminded me of a bold Hunan-style dish, combining tender abalone with lively chilli and green pepper. Served in its shell for aesthetic appeal, the dish carried a deep savoury-umami base with striking heat from the chilli and aromatic lift from the green capsicum. A memorable twist on premium seafood.

Spicy Stir Fried South Africa Abalone 南非中鲍鱼辣爆炒

Boston Lobster in White Pepper Collagen Soup Noodle. A luxurious and comforting bowl that warms you from the inside out. The peppery broth, rich in collagen, pairs perfectly with the silky strands of thick bee hoon, while the fresh, succulent lobster adds sweetness and depth to every spoonful. A satisfying fusion of indulgence and comfort.

Boston Lobster in White Pepper Collagen Soup Noodle 波士顿龙虾（大）白胡椒胶原米粉汤

The Fried Iberico Pork was stir-fried with egg, giving the dish a natural sweetness. The red chilli and green pepper added just the right kick, complementing the flavors beautifully. Served over a gentle flame, the dish stayed warm throughout, keeping every bite aromatic and satisfying.

Fried Iberico Pork 农家一碗香 （黑猪肉）

The last dish we had was the Golden Collagen Soon Hock, served bubbling hot in an earthen pot. The broth carried a slight tang and mild spiciness, adding a refreshing twist to the rich, collagen-filled soup.

Golden Collagen Soon Hock 胶原金汤活笋壳鱼（小）

The dishes served were comforting, and for those who enjoy live seafood, this is definitely an ideal spot for gatherings where freshness meets flavor in every bite.

The Morning Catch Seafood (Yi Pin Xian) 一品鲜 活海鲜
Location: Kinex Singapore 11 Tanjong Katong Road #02-21 Singapore 437157