Cover Zi char fare (Image: Auntie's Wok and Steam)

Make the most out of your mealtime with our delicious round-up of timely treats

Before the Chinese new year festivities (and reunion dinners starring the quintessential yu sheng, pen cai and nian gao) begin, let us appreciate the chefs' regular menus available this week, which are no less delicious. Andaz Singapore has re-opened Auntie's Wok and Steam if you're craving for tasty and homely zi char fare, while Violet Oon has extended its plant-based and vegan menu for those who want to have a healthier diet this year. But those who feel like indulging once in a while may go for a Moscow-inspired afternoon tea spread, whisky-infused chocolate cake or sumptuous burgers with customisable toppings. 

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Above Mapo tofu

1. Auntie’s Wok and Steam

After months of closure due to the pandemic, the casual restaurant helmed by chef Guo Qiang is back in the scene serving tasty zi char fare. He and his team have refreshed the menu, so you may look forward to new favourites such as the popular coffee pork ribs which uses a full-bodied espresso to enhance the flavours. Other standouts include the Australian Angus Striploin doused in a house-made black pepper sauce, and poached herbal prawns in a brine of Shaoxing wine and nutritional herbs. Book here.

Auntie’s Wok and Steam | 5 Fraser St, Level 25, Andaz Singapore, S(189354) | 6408 1288

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Above Moscow afternoon tea

2. The Grand Lobby

After The Grand Lobby's Vienna-inspired high tea, executive pastry chef Tai Chien Lin brings you to Moscow, Russia with a new thematic spread available until March 14. Bring your appetite and tuck into the likes of Kristal caviar and smoked salmon blinis, black sesame seed bagels, rye bread and beet caviar. Naturally, sweet treats are part of the menu and here, you have the classic Russian apple sharlotka (apple cake) and the Ptichye Moloko (chocolate-covered candy filled with meringue or milk soufflé), among others. The menu has a section dedicated to hand-crafted cocktails. Book here.

The Grand Lobby | 1 Beach Road, Raffles Singapore, S(189673) |  6412 1816 | singapore@raffles.com

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Above Garam assam tau kwa
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Above Eggplant goreng dip with emping crackers

3. Violet Oon Satay Bar & Grill

With more and more people opting for a healthier diet, especially in 2021, Violet Oon’s culinary team has expanded their plant-based and gluten-free menu in their Clarke Quay outlet. The new menu stays true to Peranakan and Singaporean roots, and you’ll find creations like the vegan coriander-infused eggplant puree served with slightly bitter emping crackers; and garam assam tau kwa with pineapple and pink ginger flower. The vegan alternative to the garram assam barramundi features flame-kissed tau kwa served with a compote of diced pineapples and julienned ginger flower. Book here.

Violet Oon Satay Bar & Grill | 3B River Valley Road, Clarke Quay, S(179021) | 9834 9935

(Related: Tatler Tours: Violet Oon Takes Us Around Katong | The Best Food, Activities and Spots)

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4. Lady M

The new year means a new alcohol-infused seasonal cake from this popular patisserie, and this time around, the team is offering the whisky dark chocolate mousse until February 28. The cake consists of two layers of dark chocolate based using the finest cocoa from France, and imbued with the distinctive honey, citrus and ginger notes of The Macallan Double Cask 12 Year Old. The cake is coated in milk chocolate whisky mousse to finish it off on an even more indulgent note. Available for dine-in and takeaway. Buy here.

Lady M | 181 Orchard Road, 01-27 & 02-07 Orchard Central, S(238896) | 6509 3673

(Related: Where to Indulge in the Best Burnt Cheesecake)

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5. Five Guys

The fast-casual burger chain brings its delicious offerings to the heartlands with the opening of its second outlet at Nex in Singapore Central. The menu remains the same—choose the classic cheeseburger, bacon burger or BLT and customise it with your preferred free toppings and sauce.

Feel like indulging? Go ‘all the way’ and load up all 15 toppings which include grilled mushrooms and onions, green peppers, lettuce, pickles and tomatoes. Milkshakes are a must, too, and here you can have it mixed with chocolate, peanut butter, salted caramel or Oreo cookies.

Five Guys | 23 Serangoon Central, B1-41/42/43 Nex, S(556083)

(Related: From Burgers To Milkshakes, Here's What We Love At Five Guys Singapore)