JW Marriott Singapore South Beach’s Sichuan Buffet Pop-Up: Addictive Spice Without the Burn


Sichuan cuisine is often known for its fiery heat and tongue-numbing mala intensity, but the Sichuan-themed buffet pop-up at Beach Road Kitchen surprised me in the best way possible. 

Instead of relying purely on spice, the dishes here delivered depth, aroma, and layered flavours that made every bite incredibly addictive.


Sichuan Buffet Pop-Up

Running from now till 30 June 2026 at Beach Road Kitchen in JW Marriott Singapore South Beach, this limited-time collaboration is curated by Executive Chef Mike Li from The St. Regis Chengdu. 

With over 20 years of culinary experience and Chongqing roots, Chef Li brings authentic Sichuan flavours to Singapore while keeping the dishes approachable even for diners with lower spice tolerance.


A Sichuan Buffet That Balances Heat and Flavour


As someone who cannot handle extreme spice very well, I was honestly impressed by how balanced the dishes were. Many spicy meals tend to feel one-dimensional after a while, but the dishes here were bold without overwhelming the palate.


The mala heat was definitely present, but it came with layers of smokiness, savouriness, fragrance, and richness that kept me going back for more.


My Favourite Dish: Braised Beef with Chili and Sichuan Peppercorn

The standout dish for me was easily the Braised Beef with Chili and Sichuan Peppercorn.


The beef was crispy on the outside yet tender inside, coated in fragrant spices and numbing peppercorns that delivered that addictive mala kick Sichuan cuisine is famous for. It had just enough heat to excite the palate without becoming unbearable.

Definitely one of those dishes where you tell yourself “just one more piece” repeatedly.


Other Highlights From the Buffet

Chilled Chicken in Chilli Oil


A classic Sichuan appetiser with fragrant chilli oil that slowly builds in heat. Refreshing yet surprisingly punchy.


Boiled Beef with Chopped Seared Pepper Sauce


Rich, savoury, and deeply aromatic with a smoky pepper finish that lingers pleasantly.


Signature Seafood on Ice with Artisanal Sichuan Dipping Sauce


One of the more unique pairings at the buffet. The custom Sichuan-style dipping sauce added a spicy, tangy twist to the fresh seafood.


Hot and Sour Seafood Chowder


Comforting and hearty with a sharp, peppery finish that wakes up the palate.


Kung Pao Shrimp with Cashew Nuts


Sweet, spicy, crunchy, and very easy to keep eating.


Sichuan Dan Dan Noodles


Rich, nutty, savoury, and properly addictive. One of the must-try staples at the buffet.


Charcoal-Grilled Sichuan Spiced Chicken & Pork Skewers


Smoky, juicy, and dangerously snackable. Perfect with the bold spice rub.


Even the Desserts Had a Mala Twist

The buffet continues the Sichuan theme all the way to dessert.


The Mala Choux Puff and Sichuan Spiced Soft Chocolate ended the meal with a subtle lingering heat that was surprisingly enjoyable instead of overpowering. It was a creative way to close off such a flavour-packed dinner.


Sichuan Dumpling Wrapping Workshop

I was invited to join Chef Mike Li’s hands-on Sichuan Dumpling Wrapping Workshop. It was interactive, fun, and gave a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship behind traditional Sichuan cooking.


TL;DR

The Sichuan-themed buffet pop-up at JW Marriott Singapore South Beach delivers bold yet balanced Sichuan flavours curated by Chef Mike Li from The St. Regis Chengdu. 

Despite the spice-forward menu, the dishes are flavourful and approachable even for those with lower spice tolerance. Standout dishes include the Braised Beef with Chili and Sichuan Peppercorn, Dan Dan Noodles, and Sichuan-spiced skewers, with creative mala-inspired desserts rounding off the experience. Available at Beach Road Kitchen till 30 June 2026.

This was one of the more memorable themed buffets I’ve had recently. Authentic Sichuan flavours that remain approachable, flavourful, and incredibly addictive without going overboard on spice.


Buffet Details

  • Sichuan Buffet Pop-Up: Now till 30 June 2026
  • Chef Mike Li’s Special Appearance: Now till 24 May 2026


Pricing

Lunch
  • Monday to Friday: $78++/ adult; $39++/ child
  • Saturday & Sunday: $88++/ adult; $44++/ child

Dinner

  • Monday to Friday: $98++/ adult; $49++/ child
  • Saturday & Sunday: $108++/ adult; $54++/ child


Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend dinners.


📍Beach Road Kitchen
JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach
30 Beach Rd, Singapore 189763

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The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur: Our Club Suite Stay, Luxury Redefined


When booking a luxury hotel in Kuala Lumpur, there are plenty of five-star options to choose from. But if you are looking for a stay that feels both luxurious and genuinely comfortable, The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur stands out in a very different way.

Located in the heart of Bukit Bintang, the hotel sits just a short walk from Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, making it incredibly convenient for shopping, dining, cafes, and nightlife. Despite being in one of the city’s busiest districts, stepping into the hotel immediately feels calm and private; almost like escaping the city without actually leaving it.

What really elevated the experience for us was staying in the Club Suite with Club Lounge access, which completely changed the way we experienced the hotel.


Why We Chose the Club Suite


If you are deciding between a regular room and a suite, the biggest difference here is not just size. It was the overall feeling of the stay.

The Club Suite feels far more residential and private compared to a standard luxury hotel room. Instead of just having a bed and a small seating corner, the suite is divided into separate living and sleeping spaces, which makes a huge difference especially for longer stays.


The living room became a proper space for us to relax during the day without feeling confined to the bed area. There was a large sofa, armchairs, coffee table, work desk, and plenty of walking space throughout the suite.

For travellers who:

  • work remotely,

  • enjoy slow mornings in the room,

  • order room service,

  • travel as a couple,

  • or simply appreciate extra privacy that the additional space genuinely improves the stay experience.

It felt less like “staying in a hotel room” and more like having a luxury serviced apartment in the middle of Kuala Lumpur.


The Bedroom: Extremely Comfortable and Quiet


The bedroom itself was separated from the living area, which helped the suite feel even more private and restful.

The king-size bed was exceptionally comfortable; soft without sinking too much and the pillows were plush enough that sleep came very easily after long days walking around KL.


One thing I appreciated was how quiet the room felt despite the central location. Traffic noise was minimal, which is surprisingly rare in busy city hotels.

The floor-to-ceiling windows brought in plenty of natural light during the day, while at night the city skyline created a really beautiful atmosphere from the room.

If you enjoy winding down slowly after a full day out, this is the type of room where you actually want to spend time inside instead of just using it as a place to sleep.


The Marble Bathroom Felt Like a Spa


The bathroom deserves its own section because it was genuinely one of my favourite parts of the suite.

Everything was finished in marble, giving it a very classic luxury hotel feel. The layout was spacious enough that it never felt cramped, even with two people getting ready at the same time.



The soaking tub especially stood out. After spending the entire day shopping and walking around Bukit Bintang, coming back for a hot bath felt incredibly relaxing.

For travellers who value hotel bathrooms as part of the luxury experience, this suite definitely delivers.


Is Club Lounge Access Worth It?


This is probably the biggest question most people have when booking.

Personally, I think Club Lounge access is worth considering if you enjoy a slower, more relaxed hotel experience rather than constantly heading out for meals and coffee.

The Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge is often described as a “hotel within a hotel,” and after staying there, I completely understand why.


What You Actually Get with Club Lounge Access


One of the biggest benefits is the six daily food and beverage presentations.

These include:

  • Breakfast

  • Light lunch

  • Afternoon tea

  • Evening cocktails

  • Hors d’oeuvres

  • Desserts and cordials at night


What surprised me was how substantial the offerings were. This is not just coffee and biscuits sitting in a lounge corner.

Breakfast included both local Malaysian dishes and international selections, while evening cocktails came with enough hot food and canapés that it honestly felt close to a full dinner service.

If you plan to spend time in the hotel or enjoy relaxing breaks between shopping and sightseeing, the lounge becomes incredibly convenient. We found ourselves returning to the hotel multiple times a day simply because it was comfortable, peaceful, and always stocked with food or drinks.


The Club Lounge Atmosphere


Another thing worth mentioning is how much quieter and calmer the Club Lounge feels compared to the main hotel areas.

Instead of crowded breakfast buffets or busy lobbies, the lounge has a much more intimate atmosphere. Staff quickly remember your preferences, and service feels highly personalised without being overly formal.

For couples, business travellers, or anyone celebrating a special occasion, this added exclusivity really enhances the overall stay.


Private Check-In Made the Arrival Feel Seamless

One underrated perk is the private check-in and check-out process for Club guests.

Instead of waiting in the main lobby queue, we were brought directly to the lounge where the check-in process felt much more personalised and relaxed.

After travelling, this small detail actually makes a surprisingly big difference.


The 24-Hour Butler Service


A feature many people may not realise comes with Club access is the 24-hour butler service.

The butlers can assist with:

  • unpacking luggage,

  • pressing clothes,

  • restaurant reservations,

  • special requests,

  • and personalised arrangements.

There is also complimentary pressing for up to three garments daily, which is especially useful if you are attending weddings, business meetings, or fine dining dinners during your stay.

While we did not fully utilise every butler service available, knowing the option was there added another layer of thoughtful luxury to the experience.


Who Would Enjoy This Stay Most?


I would especially recommend the Club Suite experience to:

  • couples looking for a luxury city staycation,

  • travellers celebrating birthdays or anniversaries,

  • business travellers wanting a quieter premium experience,

  • or anyone who values comfort and personalised service over trendy design.


The Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur does not feel flashy or ultra-modern like some newer luxury hotels. Instead, it delivers a more timeless, classic style of luxury focused heavily on comfort, space, and attentive hospitality.

And honestly, that is exactly what made the stay feel so relaxing. 


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Deessa at Madrid, Spain: An Unforgettable Two Michelin-Starred Dining Journey


Setting the Scene: Belle-Époque Grandeur


During my recent trip to Madrid, Spain, I had the pleasure of dining at Deessa, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant helmed by Chef Quique Dacosta, located within the majestic Mandarin Oriental Ritz. 


Nestled in the palatial Alfonso XIII room, with its gilded ceilings, sparkling chandeliers, and sweeping views of the lush garden terrace, the space exudes timeless Belle-Époque elegance. Yet despite the grandeur, the atmosphere remains warm and gracious. Simply a perfect setting for an unforgettable lunch.


The Chronos Menu: A Journey Through Time and Taste


I opted for the Chronos Menu, a tasting menu that reflects the themes of time, memory, and nature.


The journey began with a comforting Pork Broth, poured tableside over delicate shavings of pork loin. Clear and golden, the broth carried deep, savoury notes - the essence of slow-cooked pork, subtly perfumed with herbs. Overall, the broth warmed created a layered first impression that was both refined and deeply comforting.


A Playful Beginning: The Almond Fragile



Next came the star-shaped Almond Fragile - crisp, delicate and lightly sweet, broke apart with a gentle snap. It was really pretty, Instagram-worthy, imaginative amuse-bouche.


Savoury Highlights: A Harmonious Trio


The savoury courses that followed showcased a balance between tradition and innovation:



1) Crème Brûlée with Roasted Onions, Toasted Pork Chops and Seasonal Mushrooms: A savoury take on a classic dessert, this dish offered a caramelised, slightly crisp top layer giving way to a velvety, deeply umami custard. The roasted onions brought a natural sweetness, while the pork and mushrooms grounded the dish with earthiness and a touch of rustic comfort. 


2) Sole with Beurre Blanc and Aged Sake: The sole was expertly cooked — tender, moist, and almost translucent in its delicacy. The beurre blanc was smooth and luxurious, with a buttery richness lifted by the faint complexity of the aged sake. It felt like a quiet whisper of the sea, restrained and elegant.



3) Roasted Veal Sweetbread: This course leaned into boldness. The sweetbread was perfectly crisp on the outside, yielding to a creamy interior. Accompanied by a silky purée and a reduction that hinted at Madeira or sherry, it delivered richness without overwhelming — a thoughtful expression of nose-to-tail cooking.


The Crescendo: A Forest-Inspired Dessert


The dessert, The Pine, was the crescendo - both visually and emotionally. Inspired by Mediterranean forests, it arrived as a textured dome, plated with artistic restraint. 

Aromas of pine rose gently from the dish, evoking fresh forest air. Within, layers of hazelnut gianduja, smooth chocolate, and herbal undertones unfolded slowly on the palate. Each bite felt like a moment of stillness - earthy, nostalgic, and quietly powerful. It wasn’t just dessert; it was a sensory memory, beautifully told.


A Final Whisper: The Petite Four


To end, a Petite Four trio:


Cheesecake with Pudding: Light and creamy, it had just enough tang to awaken the palate.


Ruby Camembert: Mildly savoury with a gentle fruitiness, it was a cross between a cheese and confection.


Hazelnut Brandy: Smooth and warm, it was like a final toast to the experience.



These closing bites were playful, elegant, and deeply satisfying. A quiet finale that echoed the menu’s sense of grace.


Final Reflections


What lingered wasn’t just the precision of each course, but the way the meal unfolded like a story. From the serene grandeur of the dining room to the pacing, textures, and careful contrasts on each plate, lunch at Deessa felt like much more than a meal. It was an invitation to pause - to taste, to feel, to remember.


If you're in Madrid and want to experience gastronomy that speaks to both the senses and the soul, Deessa is well worth the reservation. A lunch that lingers long after the last bite, and stays with you like a beautiful dream.


Watch My Reel, if You Can't Head There Yet!

Plaza de La Lealtad, 5,
28014, Madrid, Spain

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Strawberry Compote/ Drizzle Recipe using Honey (No Sugar!)


This strawberry compote is a naturally sweet and versatile topping that celebrates the fresh, vibrant flavours of strawberries. I like how this recipe swaps refined sugar for honey, creating a healthier, all-natural delight that perfectly balances sweetness and tartness.

Whether it is served over yogurt, pancakes or cakes, you can drizzle this honey-sweetened compote to add a touch of summer while retaining the wholesome goodness of the fresh fruit. 

Feel free to use other berries/ fruits and tweak this recipe to your liking!


Recipe: Strawberry Compote/ Drizzle
Makes 150g

Ingredients
  • 300g fresh/ frozen strawberries - if using frozen berries, don't need to thaw beforehand.
  • 15g honey
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions
1. Cook
In a medium saucepan, mix all the ingredients together. Stir over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, until the strawberries start to break down and release their juices.

If using frozen strawberries (like me), this process will take another 10 minutes more.

Tips: Don't stop stirring, else it may burn!
2. Thicken
Lower the heat. Continue to cook for another 15 minutes until the compote is reduced to about half - or reaches your desired thickness.

For a smoother consistency, you can mash the strawberries with a fork.
3. Cool
Remove from heat and cool at room temperature. The compote will thicken as it cools.

4. Enjoy
Serve the strawberry compote over cakes, pancakes, waffles, yogurt, ice cream or even as a jam. Enjoy!
To store, keep the compote in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to a week!

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