As Singapore gradually eases into phase two of reopening, many are undoubtedly looking to visit much-missed family members. With Dragon Boat Festival quickly arriving, a fragrant gift of lovingly made rice dumplings may just be the best way to do so. These hotels and restaurants make for great choices, especially with their selection of time-honoured classics and novel creations.
PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay
Peach Blossoms sticks to tradition with three dumpling flavours that have been well-loved throughout the years. These include the classic XO Cantonese Rice Dumpling ($36.80) and the best selling Traditional Hakka Rice Dumpling ($18.80). Don’t let the former’s size intimidate you; cutting into the dumpling reveals a bounty of abalone, iberico pork belly, dried oysters, conpoy, and Japanese flower mushrooms. Their Hokkaido Sweet Potato Rice Dumpling ($16.80) will also satisfy the sweet-toothed. For best results, eat this fresh out of the steamer, and indulge in the luscious, flowing sweet potato custard ‘lava’. All three flavours can be enjoyed as a Bundle Set ($68). Available for delivery and self collection until 25 June.
6 Raffles Boulevard. Tel: 6845 1118. Online: PARKROYAL COLLECTION’s e-shop.
InterContinental Singapore
To accompany four of their signature dumpling flavours, Man Fu Yuan has released two brand new flavours. The Roasted Smoked Duck Wild Rice Dumpling’s ($9.50) circular shape evokes the shape of the black gold garlic used within, paired with succulent roasted duck and mushrooms. Fragrant wild rice provides an additional textural contrast. The Kimchi Five-grain Rice Dumpling ($9.50) similarly uses a combination of oat, barley, rice, red wheat and buckwheat to great effect, and pairs traditional Chinese sausage with the spicy crunch of kimchi. Available for takeaway and delivery until 25 June.
80 Middle Road. Tel: 6825 1008. Online: InterContinental’s e-shop.
Resorts World Sentosa
Variety is the spice of life, and there’s no better way to do that this season than with the luxurious five-piece Dumpling Feast ($98). The spread comes courtesy of five of RWS’ specialty dining concepts – Feng Shui Inn, Forest 森, Tangerine, Syun and Malaysian Food Street – and is presented in an elegant, three-tiered bamboo steamer. For example, the dumpling from Syun takes its flavours from May harvests in Japan; wild-caught Spanish mackerel is paired with crisp bamboo shoots and covered with yuzu seasoned Japanese glutinous rice. Tangerine takes the flavours further east with a Khao Niew Nha Goong dumpling, an interpretation of the traditional Thai sticky rice snack, while Forest 森 keeps things classic with an eight-hour braised XO sauce pork belly and mushroom Cantonese-style dumpling. Available for takeaway only, until 22 June.
Level 1, Malaysian Food Street, Waterfront, 8 Sentosa Gateway. Tel: 8140 7228. Online: RWS e-shop.
Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel
Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant’s dumpling offerings include their traditional Signature Pork & Salted Egg Rice Dumpling ($14) and the local favourite White Pepper Crab Rice Dumpling ($18), alongside two brand new flavours. The health conscious will appreciate the nutrient-packed Wild Mushroom 5-Grain Vegetarian Rice Dumpling ($14), complete with a medley of supergrains including brown rice, sorghum, oats, barley and pearl rice. Couple that with black truffle, vegetarian bak kwah and king mushrooms and you’ve got a flavourful yet nutritious treat. On the other hand, the 10-Head Abalone & Conpoy Chicken Rice Dumpling ($25) cranks the indulgence up to 11. The fragrant glutinous rice, peppered with Chinese sausage, tender chicken and chestnuts, hides a delectable prize; a three-hour double-boiled 10-head abalone. Available for delivery and takeaway, until 25 June.
Level 3, 320 Orchard Road. Tel: 6831 4605. Online: singaporemarriott
Crystal Jade Group
The homegrown brand has released a quartet of dumplings, including two that are making their debuts. The vegetarian Eight Treasure Quinoa Rice Dumpling ($6.80) is a hearty morsel; the purple quinoa flecked rice hides a mix of Japanese Nameko mushrooms, black-eyed beans, red beans, chestnuts and preserved salted radish, resulting in a unique flavour and texture. The Hei Bi Hiam Rice Dumpling ($8.80), is small in size but big in flavour. Diced chicken is tossed with Crystal Jade’s proprietary hei bi hiam, made with Indonesian dried red shrimps and Hokkaido conpoy. These two new flavours can be enjoyed alongside the traditional Classic Five-Spice Marinated Pork Rice Dumpling in the e-store bundle sets ($21.80/three dumplings, $35.80/five dumplings). Available for delivery and takeaway from selected outlets, until 22 June.
Online: Crystal Jade e-store.
