pianomania: Catherine Tan

Showing posts with label Catherine Tan. Show all posts

Thursday, 18 June 2026

SUKA MAKAN: STRAITS CHINESE NONYA @ ESPLANADE MALL

After the consecration of the Tan Kah Tee memorial eucalyptus tree at Esplanade's garden, the party made its way to what is perhaps the most iconic restaurant in Esplanade Mall - Straits Chinese Nonya Restaurant by Guan Soon Hoe, one of Singapore's most well-established nonya foodie haunts. Those who love Peranakan (Straits Chinese) food enjoy the taste and generous portions it serves.

Mrs Tan thanked her true friends
for being by her side during troubled times.

Our host, Mrs Catherine Tan, opened two tables for her close friends and ordered two set dinners for the throng. This included all the iconic nonya dishes, beloved of Peranakan matriarchs, and all of us were well fed. Having braved the drizzle to witness the tree's consecration, this was a good chance to enjoy good food and company. As Peranakan food goes, this is one of the most authentic and every dish looks and tastes like how it should be. Here are the photos!

Nonya chap chye (mixed vegetables)

Egg fuyong and blue pea rice

Sauteed stir fried prawns

Assam pedas fish (pomfret)

Buah keluak chicken

Braised babi pongteh (belly pork)

What a spread!

Durian dessert

Chendol (very sweet) and
lemongrass jelly (not so sweet).

STRAITS CHINESE NONYA

8 Raffles Avenue, #02-21

Esplanade Mall

Singapore 039802

Homepage - Home Straits Chinese Restaurant & Catering Top 10 Nyonya Restaurant

CONSECRATION OF A TREE: THE TAN KAH TEE MEMORIAL EUCALYPTUS @ ESPLANADE

It threatened to rain heavily on this Wednesday afternoon (17 June 2026), but it turned out to be a light drizzle. Such that a small group of friends were present to witness the consecration of a tree in Esplanade's garden by the bridges. A eucalyptus tree had been named in memory of one of Singapore's most generous musical philanthropists, Mr Tan Kah Tee, who left this world in late December last year.

His widow, Mrs Catherine Tan, thanked all present for braving the weather to come out in friendship and camaraderie to see a plaque attached to one of Esplanade garden's graceful eucalyptus trees. She praised the tree for its strength and resilience, and ability to put up with the harshest environments known to man, also likened to Mr Tan's tenacious struggle against his terminal illness. He fought a good fight, and the tree will carry on the battle.

Weihe des Baum
(Consecration of the Tree)
after Beethoven.
Mr Tan would have appreciated that.

Several trees are still available to be dedicated and consecrated, and enquiries can be made with Esplanade's development team. After a short and informal ceremony, all present adjourned for dinner in Esplanade's Straits Chinese Restaurant, photos of which will be posted here: pianomania: SUKA MAKAN: STRAITS CHINESE NONYA @ ESPLANADE MALL

Wednesday, 20 May 2026

SUKA MAKAN: ASIA GRAND @ RAFFLES CITY

It's the birthday of Mrs Catherine Tan, who was born exactly 74 years ago in pre-independance Singapore. We were indeed honoured to be invited as her only guests to dine at her favourite Chinese restaurant, Asia Grand at Raffles City.

This treasured Cantonese restaurant started in the Asian Hotel on Scotts Road and later moved to North Bridge Road, before its present premises on the third floor of Raffles City. She and her late husband Mr Tan Kah Tee were regulars here, and all the staff and managers know her by name. In short, she is a VIP, and so were her guests.

The staff were only too keen to please Mrs Tan

We were treated to some of the restaurant's well-known delicacies, which have been documented by my trusty camera. A delicious dessert was on the house, and we were also served a birthday cake which Janet had bought earlier in the day. It was a leisurely affair, and no one was in a hurry, which was perfect for a birthday dinner. May there be many more.