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Monday, August 31, 2020

[Invited Tasting] AWADH Royal Indian Dining and Lounge - Authentic Lucknowi Restaurant in Singapore @ The Centrepoint

This visit was an invited tasting to AWADH,  Singapore's first and only Indian restaurant serving authentic Lucknowi restaurant. Thank you Kristine (@msginginly) and AWADH for extending the invitation.

Let's understand the origin of the cuisine better. Lucknow is the capital city of Uttar Pradesh, and has always been recognized as a cultural and artistic hub and the seat of power of the Nawabs in the 18th and 19th centuries. Lucknow was previously known as the Awadh region.

Speaking of the Nawabs, they are the Viceroy of the Mughal Empire (Mogul Empire). Mughal Empire was an early-modern empire that controlled much of South Asia between the 16th and 19th centuries.  A Viceroy is a ruler exercising authority in a colony on behalf of a sovereign. The Mughal Empire established new administrative practices, that led to a more efficient, centralised, and standardized rule and brought stability and relative peace to the people. This in turn, was a factor in India's economic expansion during the 17th century and a rise in artisans entering the market. One of the most well-known heritage of the Mughal is the Taj Mahal.

Lucknowi cuisine is heavily influenced by the preferences of the Nawabs. Main characteristics of this cuisine would be its elaborate and extensive use of spices, in a restrained yet celebrated manner. 

spice tray

Chefs at AWADH belong to the famous Qureshi family of Master-chefs from Lucknow. Generations of this family have been trained to render an exquisite culinary spread, fit for the Nawabs. Only specially trained chefs have access to the secret recipes hence it is impossible to replicate the taste but guests in Singapore has the good fortune to be able to experience this at AWADH.

Wow, now we can savour the same taste that the Nawabs had enjoyed centuries before us! I think that is such a cool concept, don't you agree?


entrance

beautiful lights

lovely ambiance

I love the lights decorating the restaurant. It added a touch of majestic to the place and I could imagine the ambiance that perhaps the Nawabs had when they were enjoying their meals.

The restaurant has a bar and alcoholic beverages are available. As Indian cuisine is typically enjoyed eaten using hand, a bowl of water to cleanse is served prior to the food being served. So pretty with the floating petals.

to cleanse

Starters

Murg-Multani Shorba @$14

Started with a warm bowl of Murg-Multani Shorba; comforting fragrant chicken broth, an Awadhi signature recipe. Tasted of curry and the broth had the texture of a corn soup. There were tender cubes of chicken in there too.

fragrant chicken broth


The soup was comforting and familiar tasting to many of us. Thoroughly enjoyable and I finished mine in no time.

Next, we sampled the Gosht Galawat Kebab, said to be a staple in Awadhi cuisine, with melt-in-your-mouth mutton patties and blended with over 25 rare spices, complemented with a small square of Muglai paratha and served with yoghurt mint chutney.

Gosht Galawat Kebab @$27

Honestly, am not used to the taste nor texture of Gosht Galawat. Indeed, it was melt-in-your-mouth but I think am not accustomed for any meat to be in this manner. The spices in this kebab is an acquired taste and it takes a while to get used to it.

Next, we tried the pan-seared marinated chicken in whole spices, Bhatti Ka Murgh. The sizzling sound was like music to the ears and the chunky chicken meat was deliciously succulent and flavourful. Yums!

Bhatti Ka Murgh @$24

For those who prefers seafood, there's Tandoori Macchi. Chargrilled boneless pieces of fish, marinated in tandoori spices and yoghurt. Served with tomato bell pepper chutney. Did I mention that I really dig the tomato bell pepper chutney? Hahaaa, yes it was so delicious I used as a dip for almost everything!

The Tandoori Lehsuni Jhinga is an off-menu item. These garlic marinated prawns are chargrilled in tandoori oven and served with mint sauce. Limited portions available. Do enquire from the staff on the pricing.

(left to right) Tandoori Macchi @$22 and Tandoori Lehsuni Jhinga (off-menu limited item)

Tandoori Prawns (Tandoori Lehsuni Jhinga)

Tandoori Fish (Tandoori Macchi)


For vegetarian starter, we tried the Reshmi Broccoli. A lovely plate of marinated broccoli florets in cashew paste and chargrilled in the tandoor.

Reshmi Broccoli @$19



Main Course

Bhuna Gosht @$27


Bhuna Gosht is a mutton dish, cooked with fried onions and tomato paste and a blend of aromatic spices. I'd eat this with some delicious naan or the tasty paratha.

The Murgh Makhni Jehangiri, also known as butter chicken, is a bowl of deliciousness that is of creamy buttery tomato gravy and pairs well with any bread/rice.

Murgh Makhni Jehangiri @$23


Between the mutton or the butter chicken, my preference is the Murgh Makhni Jehangiri, hands down! The sweetness of the butter chicken was addictive.

For breads, we sampled the plain naan, garlic naan, paratha and roomali roti. Besides butter chicken, we tried the breads with Lehsuni Motiya Saag Paneer and Sultani Dal as well.

(from left to right) Murgh Makhni Jehangiri, Sultani Dal, Lehsuni Motiya Saag Paneer 


Ivan's pretty plate of the breads and dips


The curries were delicious and I was continuously using pieces of the naan and roti to mop up the delicious gravy.

AWADH Murgh Biryani @$25


I was intrigued by the presentation of the biryani. A rather large plate with a huge pile of rice arranged neatly with a wide diameter and adorned with a whole drumstick ontop of the biryani rice. The Royal Bawarchis had used sophisticated cooking manner to transform this humble dish. Slow-cooked "dum" style for 6 hours and there are pieces of tender chicken marinated in a blend of over 40 spices hidden beneath the rice.

Taste the rice to know the difference. Chicken meat was superb and flavourful. Recommend to share the biryani, in order to have more stomach space for the breads and curries!

Spotted the Kurkuri Okra under the vegetarian main course menu as Bhindi Aap-Ki Pasand or 
"okra cooked just the way you liked it". Oooh, interesting! Ours was a basket of crisp fried okra in delicate mix of spices.

Kurkuri Okra @$17


The crisp fried okra was really nice to have with a glass of beer or, as I did with a Mojito.

refreshing Mojito



Dessert


For a sweet end of this gastronomical journey. we tried the Apple Jalebi and Zaffrani Malai Phirni. Happy to report that the sweetness level at AWADH was at an enjoyable level.

The Apple Jalebi had a crisp airy batter with a slice of apple in it. The Zaffrani Malai Phirni is a milk pudding-like dessert that's rich and creamy with cardamon in it. I liked the rose water version.

Apple Jalebi @$12

Zaffrani Malai Phirni @$10 (this version is only showing a sampling size, not actual size)


Thank you AWADH, especially Nisha for your hospitality and generosity. It was indeed an eye-opener experience in understanding Lucknowi cuisine and the rich history behind it.

Glad that I could have this shared experience with fellow foodies; Kris, Ivan, Hence and Tracy.

AWADH Royal Indian Dining and Lounge

Address: #01-33H, 176 Orchard Road, The Centrepoint, Singapore 238843
Contact: 6909 9971
Business Hours:
Daily 11:00AM- 12:00AM (Last order at 11:30pm)


Saturday, August 29, 2020

[Media] Alfresco Dining By The River @ Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel

Seeking a quieter area to chill and enjoy the breeze? How about all of those plus delicious food paired with reasonably priced drinks? Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Alfresco Dining offers all that, and more.

Alfresco Dining at Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel



Was invited for a sneak peak recently to experience the Alfresco Dining at Grand Copthorne Waterfront, and good news! For all readers of Purple Taste, you'll get to enjoy the first round of drinks on the house when you dine-in at the alfresco with any purchase from the food menu (T&C applies). Just show them this blog post or quote "purpletastealfresco". Reservations via dining.gcw@millenniumhotels.com or call 6233 1100 or visit http://www.celebrateatgcw.com

The Daily Special offers good deal to the discerning diner. Imagine going there on a Monday where one could order a small Canadian lobster, grilled with garlic butter for just $9.90! Or, on Wednesdays, one could get Snow Crab Leg at $1 per piece! Alcoholic beverages are reasonably priced from $8 onwards during Happy Hour. 

check out the Daily Specials!


A bottle of M Wine (my favourite red) for just $18 with any purchase of Josper Grill Combo? Perfect with a small group and wallet friendly too!


Monday Special - Lobster


Lobster @$9.90 on Mondays


Wednesday Special - Snow Crab Leg

Snow Crab Leg @$1 per piece on Wednesdays


Friday Special 

Josper Grill Combo A @$68


Combo A: Duck Leg Confit, Baby Spring Chicken, Pork Bratwurst, USA Angus Beef Striploin




Josper Grill Combo B (Seafood combo) @$68

Mediterranean Octopus Tentacles

Crispy Calamari

Norwegian Salmon, Jumbo Tiger Prawns

colourful eats


Weekends & PH - Seafood Mountain


photo credit: Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel


Excuse me, while I sip on a Gimlet... Happy Hour you know, so need to be happy. The magical hour happens daily from 4pm to 8pm.

Gimlet @$10 (HH)


If you prefer to have lighter bites, I'd recommend the pork satay and the deep fried wings. For the wings, you might want to go easy on the sauce as the wings were juicy and tasty on its own.

Grilled Satay (6 pieces) @$12

Deep Fried Sesame Chicken Wings @$12


For those who adores spam fries, I'd recommend the Carne Meat Luncheon Fries. A healthier version for its usage of leaner meat.

Carne Meat Luncheon Fries @$12


When night falls, and you want to enjoy a little romantic date night with your loved one, here's a homemade pasta dish that remained light on the palate (and stomach), with comforting feels. Pretty too!

Spinach Fettucine Aglio Olio with Ocean Prawns @$18



And, do not leave without trying the Baked Alaska for dessert! Serves two (if you're having just a 2-course meal, but I think this serves 4 comfortably as a 3-course meal dessert). Flambé with rum and the blue light was a spectacle to behold!

Chocolate Baked Alaska @$16


Here's a short video of the 'action':



tasted of fluffy marshmallow, chocolate ice-cream and rum~



Thank you Gilbert and JC for arranging the preview and Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel, Chef Magdalene and team for feeding us. Thank you and stay safe!

For all readers of Purple Taste, you'll get to enjoy the first round of drinks on the house when you dine-in at the alfresco with any purchase from the food menu (T&C applies). Just show them this blog post or quote "purpletastealfresco". Reservations via dining.gcw@millenniumhotels.com or call 6233 1100 or visit http://www.celebrateatgcw.com

Grand Copthorne Waterfront

Address: 392 Havelock Rd, Singapore 169663
Contact (for alfresco dining): 6233 1100

Sunday, August 23, 2020

Beast & Butterflies Revisited @ M Social Hotel

Good food, good places are meant to be shared. Brought some friends over to chill at Beast & Butterflies over a weekend. Helmed by M Social Singapore Executive Chef Bryce Li, I couldn't wait to try again Beast & Butterflies signature dishes, which by now had become my favourites there. As usual with any recommendations to friends, I looked forward to their candid feedback.


chic comfy interior
view from the table


Doing away from hardcopy/physical menu, we were advised to scan the menu QR code that's found on each table top. To order, just notify the staff and they'd be there to input the orders into the tablet device.

Started with a glass of Merlot which came in a chilled glass.

Pierre Jean Merlot @$8++


For munchies, let's have some truffle fries while waiting for the rest to arrive. Piping hot chunky fries perfumed with truffle oil and with a sprinkling of cheese. More cheese would be good!

Truffle Fries @$12++


For mains, we ordered Hokkien Noodle, Pork Knuckles and Barramundi en Papilotte first since half of the group had just devoured a large plate of fries.

The Hokkien Noodle is served in a claypot and portion size is good for one pax as main course. Served with plenty of crispy pork lard and with the noodles covered under adequate yummy broth. The belachan chili provided the spicy kick to electrify the taste buds even further.

Hokkien Noodle @$14++

closer look at Hokkien Noodle 


Having the Hokkien Noodle after sipping half a glass of wine, was very comforting and ready for more!


The paper-wrapped Barramundi arrived looking rather pale and served with a side. We had grilled asparagus in gorgeous green.

Barramundi en Papilotte @$22++
closer look of the barramundi


The fish was really good. Cooked just right and with collageny skin! The seasoning was mild yet adequate and allowed the natural flavours of fresh fish to shine through. I think I'll add this to my favourite list too!

For the finale, the dish that we came for; Pork Knuckles! Did a full portion and boy, it looked so good!

Pork Knuckles @$36++ (Full)


can you feel the crispy?

Next, our taste test. The skin. Did it crackled with sound on? Yes! Next, lean meat taste test. Happy to report that even the leanest part was not dried out. Fatty portion test. Wow, lovely feels when the fats and its associated meaty portion seemed to just melt away. Good! We liked it with the namjin sauce. Was it me, or was the sauce enhanced with a slightly spicier kick? Even the Asian sauerkraut seemed tastier now.

And, though at least the two of us were feeling rather full at this stage, it didn't stop us from ordering half a roasted spring chicken. Again, the dish arrived, looking gorgeous.

Spring Chicken with Black Pepper Jus and a side of mushrooms @$18++ (half)

lovely roast


And as part of the "Sweeter with Millennium" promo (ending in Nov 2020), we got a one-time use return voucher that can be redeemed from Beast and Butterflies, Café 2000, or The Orchard Café. For Beast & Butterflies, the voucher will be for complimentary sparkling wine for 2.

Sweeter with Millennium return voucher


It was a satisfying meal and am glad that my friends enjoyed it too. Thank you and compliments to the Chef and team Beast & Butterflies.


M Social Singapore

Address: M Social Singapore 90 Robertson Quay Singapore 238259
Website: https://www.millenniumhotels.com/en/singapore/m-social-singapore/