Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant
It is always a delight to revisit a cherished eatery, and Xin Cuisine within the Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium is one such treasure trove of Cantonese delicacies. The atmosphere is dripping with elegance and there is a comforting warmth that envelopes you the moment you walk through the door. When an old friend of almost 40 years visited Singapore after years abroad, Xin Cuisine became the perfect backdrop for memories, laughter, and of course, a feast for the senses.
I have always enjoyed their signature Home-style Roast Duck with Tea Leaves ($38 for half a duck). Imagine the crackling crispy skin yielding to reveal succulent meat, all the while infused with the mysterious smokiness of tea leaves. Every bite was a gastronomic symphony.
We could not resist trying the Baked Sea Perch with Japanese Miso Sauce, individually served at $20 a plate. The sea perch was like a cloud of oceanic deliciousness - light, delicate, and tantalizingly flaky. The miso marinade penetrated deep into the white fish, turning each bite into a harmonious symphony of flavours. The dish was served with a single stalk of vibrant green and vine tomato, adding a splash of colour and a hint of freshness.
The Stir-fried Hong Kong Kai Lan with Ginger Juice ($20) may sound and look simple, but this vegetable plate was anything but basic. The green leaves were vibrant and tender, kissed with a subtle hint of ginger juice. It was a testimony to the beauty of simplicity done right.
To me, fried rice is the benchmark of any Chinese kitchen, the X.O. Yangzhou Fried Rice ($24) here passed with flying colours. The rice grains were distinct, neither too soft nor too hard, exuding the cherished wok hei - a smoky aroma that's the hallmark of excellent stir-frying skills. Each spoonful had a generous helping of char siew, seafood, and bean sprouts, creating a delightful textural contrast. It was seasoned to perfection, with not a grain of rice out of place.
As we sipped on our tea, the grand finale arrived: Deep-fried Sesame Ball with Red Bean and Chocolate Liqueur Filling ($9). Imagine biting into a crispy outer shell of chewy glutinous ball, only to discover a rich, sweet center of red bean paste and a hint of chocolate liqueur. The sweetness was well-balanced, making it the perfect ending to a perfect evening.
In the company of a long-time friend, framed by the refined atmosphere of Xin Cuisine, every dish didn’t just satisfy our hunger, it stirred our souls. And isn’t that what the finest meals are supposed to do?
Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant
Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium
317 Outram Rd, Singapore 169075
Lunch
11:30am - 3:00pm
Dinner
5:30pm - 9:30pm
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
