[Invited Tasting] CNY 2017 Yee Sang Istimewa and Daily High Tea @ The Peranakan (Revisit)

442 Orchard Road #02-01 Claymore Connect, Orchard Hotel, Singapore 238879

Tel: 6262 4428

Website: http://www.theperanakan.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePeranakanSG

Opening Hours:  11.00am to 10.00pm (daily)

Our first visit to The Peranakan Restaurant @ Orchard Hotel (review here) left a very good impression, therefore we were excited to return a second time. What's on the agenda this time round? Well, Yee Sang Istimewa for the upcoming Chinese New Year (yes, they are opened throughout the CNY holidays) as well as High Tea Set.

Before we delve into the tasting session, here's a peek at their Chinese New Year Menu 2017. If you are thinking of dining out during Chinese New Year,  bringing your family for a treat, or having something special like Straits cuisine, consider the interesting and quality food at The Peranakan. 

The Yee Sang Istimewa (aka Peranakan Yu Sheng) comes in different selection - Smoked Salmon (SGD$38.00 for small / SGD$68.00 for large), Abalone (SGD$88.00 for small / SGD128.00 for large) as well as Smoked Salmon & Abalone (SGD$118.00 for small / SGD$168.00 for large).

Yes, the decoration is elaborate and stunning, with roosters riding high on the vegetables dish. While the Yu Sang dish looks uncannily like our conventional Chinese Yee Sang, the Yee Sang Istimewa has the added goodness such as chilli padi, lemongrass etc - 25 spices for an added exotic flavor, and also the use of Keropok for extra crisps. Needless to mention, the taste was very good.

Moving on to another of their daily delights - The Peranakan High Tea set, available daily from 11.00am to 5.30pm. Each set is SGD$48.00 for 2 persons, consisting of about 14 items including either a pot of Malacca Tea, Coffee, Lemongrass Tea or Pandan Tea. Items include both sweet and savoury items - very value for money.

Savoury Items comprise:

1. Mee Siam (vermicelli in a rich sour-spicy gravy with little pieces of dried tofu aka taupok)
2. Kueh Pie Ti (crispy flour cups filled with stewed turnip and shrimps)
3. Hae Bee Hiam on Toast (dried spicy shrimp paste) - delicious!
4. Braised Pork Buns (aka "Kong Bak Paus") - tender and sweet pork meat.
5. Ngoh Hiang (minced pork meat roll with chestnut), deep-fried. This was one of our favorites.
6. Nasi Ulam Istimewa (rice with raw herbs, lemongrass, minced threadfin fish, salted threadfin fish, chopped long beans and toasted coconut) - we'd tried this the first time round and enjoyed it.

Sweet Items comprise (items may be subject to change):

1. Pandan Gula Melaka Cake - we tried this the last time round and preferred the durian version
2. Pulot Enti Kelapa (blue glutinous rice served with gula melaka and dried shredded coconut) - as good as ever
3. Pulot Enti Durian - blue glutinous rice with durian) - rich and aromatic as per the first time we'd tried
4. Kueh Kodoh (aka "goreng pisang") - deep-fried banana fritters. 
5. Pineapple Tarts - enjoyed the buttery crust and generous fillings (so much, that I bought a tub home)
6. Egg Rolls - thick and eggy fragrance was distinctive
7. Durian Puree with Toast - creamy and robust.
8. Tapioca Cake 

Overall, this was a very filling and fulfilling meal. Chef Raymond's even brought in special Chilean wine with rooster label specially to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Order a glass or bottle to go along with your meal. Chinese New Year Cookies are already available - pineapple tarts, peanut cookies, almond cookies, shrimp rolls, etc.

Thank you Chef Raymond and The Peranakan for the impeccable service, delicious meal and stunning settings once more; as well as appreciation for Hence for extending the invite.