Talk about the best Best Hainanese Curry Rice in Singapore, and foodies would most likely direct you to Loo’s Hainanese Curry Rice at Tiong Bahru or this “No Name Hainanese Curry Rice” near Bukit Ho Swee.

Opened in 1988, this nameless Hainanese Curry Rice stall is well-known to Tiong Bahru residents for its shiok curry and crispy pork.

Some call it “No Name Hainanese Curry Rice”; others say “Beo Crescent Hainanese Curry Rice”. Though discreetly located, it attracts long queues of buyers ordering cai png style.

The nameless stall is about a 10 minutes’ walk from Tiong Bahru MRT station, in a coffee shop next to Beo Crescent Food Centre.

Things get sold out by about 2pm plus.

Each serving of Curry Rice can come with three kinds of sauces: lor bak sauce, and chap chye gravy, and their signature ayam curry.

But if you like things spicy, choose the assam curry.

The sweet chap chye gravy gives a nice contrast to the savoury lor bak. Though curry is thin in consistency, it is considered full-bodied in flavour though I would think some customers may refer something richer, thicker or spicier.

For the sides, order their most popular one, Crispy Pork, usually loved at first bite. This to me is the highlight, more than all the other items here.

Marinated overnight, fatty cuts of pork are coated with batter and double-fried ‘til deep brown and extra crispy.

If you prefer a saucy pork side, get the tender Braised Pork served drenched in a dark sauce. It is a unison of salty and sweet, and herbaceous flavours.

Cereal Prawns are just as popular among regulars. An order gives you 6-7 pieces of small but well-marinated prawns. Unlike the pork batter, this one is made with cereal, coarse bread crumbs, and egg to create a formidable crunch.

Throw in some Stewed Cabbage to break the chain of fatty flavours. Cooked ‘til tender but not soggy, this well-seasoned side is good enough for two.

Feel free to add a fried egg as a topping. The soft egg yolk adds a silkiness when mixed with the rice.

I remember eating Beo Crescent often years back and there was always something appealing about it. But If you ask me to place a vote, Loo’s Hainanese Curry Rice has that extra ‘oomph’ for me.

No Name Hainanese Curry Rice
Blk 40 Beo Crescent, #01-10, Ho Ping Hng Coffeeshop, Singapore 160040
Opening Hours: 7am – 3pm (Thurs – Tues), Closed Wed

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* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

Missing your yearly trip to Bangkok and Shibuya Toasts?

Without any hopes of travelling to Bangkok in the near future, Wan Wan Thai Cafe by the folks behind Aroy Dee Thai Kitchen may be your next-best alternative.

Located on the 2nd floor directly above Aroy Dee Thai Kitchen along Bencoolen Street, Wan Wan Thai Cafe is well hidden from many passer-by on the ground floor.

Stepping inside, you will be instantly transported into a gorgeous 30-seater cafe filled with Bangkok-cafe-style vibes.

Think neon lights, plants and greenery, white marbled table tops, ample of natural sunlight and photo walls for your #ootd.

The space looks totally different in the day and night, which transform from a white minimalist space, to a dark and moody vibes at night.

Frequent travellers to Bangkok will be familiar with Shibuya Toasts and Shaved Iced Desserts (Kakigori) – made more popular by After You Dessert Cafe.

These items can found on the menu at Wan Wan Thai Cafe.

Their signature items include Toasts ($8.90- $13.90), Mini Toast ($2.50 – $5.90), Bingsu ($9.90 – $14.90), Frappe ($5.50 – $6.50), Waffles ($6) and Thai Desserts ($2.90 – $5.90).

Their Toasts comes in various flavours such as Milk Tea ($9.90), Mango ($12.90), Coconut ($12.90), Milo ($8.90), Kaya ($8.90), Banana ($9.90), Banana Caramel ($10.90), Chocolate ($8.90), Nutella Banana ($10.90), Strawberry ($11.90) and Fruity ($13.90).

I had the Kaya Toast ($8.90) that comes with a scoop of coconut ice cream on top of a crispy, golden-brown toast.

The toast was crispy, buttery fragrant and moist and the flavour combination with a layer of kaya reminded me of our local kopi-tiam breakfast.

The cookie crumbs add a crunch to the overall texture, yet not being too sweet.

The Bingsu was another highlight (for those who are experiencing Nunsongyee-withdrawals), and comes in flavour such as Green Tea ($9.90), Milk Tea ($10.90), Oreo ($12.90), Red Bean ($12.90), Chocolate ($12.90), Coconut ($13.90), Berry ($13.90), Strawberry ($13.90) and Strawberry Banana ($14.90).

The Milk Tea Bingsu ($10.90) comes with a single scoop of Thai Milk Tea ice cream, whipped cream and cookie crumbs on top of a bowl of soft, fluffy Korean ice shavings made from Thai milk tea.

I was half-expecting it to be sweet as Thai Milk tea is usually that sweet, yet it turned out to be subtle with a tea scent. Aroi mak mak.

With over 30 drinks on their menu, the Thai Green Tea Frappe ($4.50) and Yakult & Pi-Po Yelly ($6.90) caught my attention.

Instead of the usual Green Thai Milk Tea ($1.90) or Ice Green Thai Milk Tea ($2.80), the Thai Green Tea Frappe ($4.50) is served in a double-walled glass with whipped cream (screams calories) and a shot of Thai Milk Tea.

I wished that I could choose my own level of sweetness as the Thai Green Tea Frappe was too sweet for my liking.

On the other hand, the Yakult & Pi-Po Yelly ($6.90) was surprisingly good and tasted like Qoo White Grape with chewy jelly inside.

For those seeking traditional Thai desserts, Mango Sticky Rice ($5.90), Thai style Cendol with Gula Melaka ($3.20) and Thai Grass Jelly ($2.90) are also available on the menu.

Wan Wan Thai Cafe may seem just like an Instagram-worthy place to check out for photos, but surprisingly their desserts and drinks are quite worth a visit too.

Wan Wan Thai Cafe
127A Bencoolen Street, Singapore 189637
Opening Hours: 12pm – 3am (Mon – Sun)

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* Written by Nicholas Tan @stormscape who loves all things [NEW]. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

Even before the official opening of Lemak Boys at Shaw Centre, the Nasi Lemak specialty eatery got into some controversy when it was reviewed that they served “Peranakan Nasi Lemak”.

That was later clarified and changed to “Peranakan-influenced Nasi Lemak” after some social media backlash.

Lemak Boys’ statement, “8days has since updated their article and header after we have reached out to them to clarify. As this was an unpaid food review, we are not in control of the opinion of the writer or what their editor chooses for a header.”

There is a school of thought that believes “any publicity is good publicity”. Looking at the mini-queue outside waiting, perhaps there is truth to that statement.

Lemak Boys is a concept of the Les Amis Group, and the three chefs (also featured in the logo) were from Indigo Blue Kitchen right next door.

The dish in the centre of this controversy is the $12.50 Nasi Lemak.

”Wah, can buy 3 plates at a hawker centre already.”

There will be people who question this high price tag, but perhaps Lemak Boys took their cue from The Coconut Club’s $14.90 Nasi Lemak which faced similar criticisms of pricing when the eatery first opened.

Well, the The Coconut Club has gone on to attract constant long queues, a visit from PM Lee, and a Michelin Bib Gourmand.

A Nasi Lemak plate contains a piece of fried chicken berempah, vegetable omelette, otah, fried ikan billis, peanuts, and sambal.

The key component which is coconut rice while light, fluffy, and slightly fragrant, came room-temperature cold and a tad oily to my liking.

If one hasn’t tried enough respectable Nasi Lemak hawker stalls around (just taking for example Selera Rasa Nasi Lemak at Adam Road Food Centre), then the Lemak Boys’ take can be considered a noteworthy version.

As for the other ingredients there were a couple of hits and misses.

The chunky square of juicy otah, and the crispy fried chicken berempah with spiced-fragrance were the highlights.

Some sambal chilli was added separately to the prawns, and didn’t taste like they gelled well together compared to a version if the prawns were seeped with those flavours.

Talking about sambal (another type different from the prawns), it tasted rather flat and couldn’t ‘lift’ the dish up, lacking in that multi-layered excitement.

Also available is a Premium Nasi Lemak ($18.50) which comes with Sayur Lodeh – which I found lacked in the coconut-fragrance and characteristic sweetness.

Other than Nasi Lemak, customers may want to choose the Laksa ($12.50, $18.50 for premium) with generous portion of prawns (I counted three).

It reminded me of a rich and lemak Laksa that you can find in a 3 or 4 star hotel buffet – good enough if you are hungry, but won’t warrant an additional bowl.

The creamy and not-too-sweet dessert of Chendol Pudding ($3) is worth the try; though it is a wasted opportunity that drinks such as the Lemongrass come in bottles rather than ‘homemade’.

Lemak Boys
1, #03-10 Scotts Rd, Shaw Centre, Singapore 228208
Tel: +65 6235 3218
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 2:30pm, 6pm – 9pm (Mon – Sun)

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* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

Westies rejoice as more cafes will be opening at Faber Drive.

This is also where the newest hole-in-the-wall cafe, GLASS Roasters is located.

For those who are familiar with Gelato Labo at Jalan Besar , they will be also opening a second outlet next to GLASS Roasters in a few weeks’ time.

The joint collaboration between both GLASS Roasters and Gelato Labo will offer a menu different from the outlet at Cavan Road, probably somewhere along the line of coffee with gelato such as an affogato.

With a small dine-in area, the seats are arranged in a U-Shape structure that promotes interaction between the barista and the diners.

Currently in its soft launch phase with ongoing construction works to welcome Gelato Labo, there is a certain charm to the half- furnished interior.

Combining both rustic element with a clean, white tiled furnishing and matte blue seats, the small-cosy area can sit up to 8 persons at any one time.

The menu is short and concise for now, with only black ($4.50) and white ($5.80) on the menu.

Iced, Soy/ Oat milk and a Large cup with an additional espresso shot is charged at an extra $1.

As GLASS Roasters, both the hot and iced drinks are served in double-walled Bodum glass (literally reflected in the name of the cafe) instead of ceramics cups.

The hot drinks are 5oz each with single shot of espresso whereas large cups (additional $1) and Iced drinks (additional $1) are 8oz and consisted of double shots of espresso.

Using a single origin from Columbia, the coffee beans are roasted by the barista himself at Glyph Supply Co.

My cup of White ($5.80) was smooth and robust, not too acidic and well balanced.

The Iced White ($6.80) which contains double shots of espresso has a stronger caffeine kick compared to a regular cup of White.

I’m looking forward to the synergistic menu items between the upcoming Gelato Labo and GLASS Roasters that they can bring to the Westies.

GLASS Roasters
108 Faber Drive, Singapore 129418
Opening Hours: 8am – 5pm (Wed – Mon), Closed Tues

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* Written by Nicholas Tan @stormscape who loves all things [NEW]. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

If you have been to Hong Kong’s Central, you may have noticed the popular The Cupping Room along Cochrane Street, which is its flagship store located near Mid-levels.

The good news for coffee lovers: The Cupping Room Coffee Roasters will be opening in Singapore.

Its location will be at Takashimaya Shopping Centre #02-10A, anticipated to open end of September.

The Cupping Room in Hong Kong is known for its good coffee and Australian-inspired café brunch fare.

There are outlets at Sheung Wan (Queen’s Road Central), Wan Chai (Swatow Street) with a roastery at Po Hing Fong. I had been to both the Central and Wan Chai branches, and loved its offerings.

They serve up espresso-based drinks using their House Blend; though are also known for offering single origin coffee beans from Kenya, Ethiopia, Colombia, Peru, and Rwanda.

The Attaboy is a special blend of beans from Ethiopia and Colombia. Try it in Black (Chocolate, Praline, Blackberry) or in Milk (Almond, Milk Choco).

The coffee I had in Hong Kong was decent, reminded me of the good ones in Australia, though slightly on the acidic side.

In terms of food, The Cupping Room has a changing menu, but is known for their signature pastas and brunch items such as toasts.

The Full Brekky with fried eggs, streaky bacon, vine tomato, portobello mushrooms, numburger sausages; and Eggs Benedict with Smoked Salmon were highly recommended.

This dish comes with poached eggs and smoked salmon, baby spinach, and aerated hollandaise sauce.

Anticipated opening date in Singapore will be 28th of September 2020.

The Cupping Room Singapore
Unit #02-10A Takashimaya Shopping Centre, Ngee Ann City, 391 Orchard Road, Singapore 238872
(Anticipated opening: 28 Sep 2020)

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* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube for more food news, food videos and travel highlights.

Kampung Bahru Road used to be bustling with activities, though that has quietened quite a bit from last year.

There could be some revival with the revamp of Chef Icon, and openings of Dolc Patisserie and Kream & Kensho.

Kream & Kensho aims to have a brunch café and coffee place by day; dining with beer at night. (“Kenshō” is a Japanese term which implies “initial insight or awakening”.)

If its address of 33 Kampung Bahru Road sounds vaguely familiar, that is because it is where Strangers’ Reunion used to be (I have previously written to Stranger’s Reunion for updates previously but they gave an ambiguous answer.)

As Kream & Kensho is still in the soft-launch phase, the menu and opening hours are still subject to change, so do check their social media accounts proper before heading down.

In terms of its interior and décor, they managed to hit the spot right with something contemporary with soft pastel finishes and a touch of Japanese here and there. And good choice of music.

It is a comfortable space to hang out on a lazy afternoon, if it doesn’t get too packed.

On its menu include Donburi, Salad, Sides and Dessert, such as Momo Salad ($14), Charred Watermelon ($14), Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Tomato Soup ($12), Kombu Truffle Fries ($15), Chicken Katsu Don ($10.90), Gyu Don ($12.90), Aburi Salmon Don ($12.90), and Tendon ($10.90).

The Kombu Truffle Fries ($15) though not new in the trending-market, was a promising start to the meal.

The fries were crisp and light, the kombu adding a briny and earthy almost mushroom-like flavour.

I suspect that the truffle oil was only added to the kombu component – a pity as it lacked the aromatic ‘lift’.

The donburi bowls which they intend to introduce in the dinner menu, probably needs some fine-tuning before that could be done.

The Gyu Don while scoring in aesthetics and price-point, tasted rather ‘basic’ with the beef slices not thoroughly stewed in the sauces. Overall rather bland and dry, if you compare to what the average Japanese donburi eateries are serving.

I had difficulty choosing between the Hokkaido Milk Cheesecake ($10) and Deconstructed Tokyo Banana ($10).

On one end, the Cheesecake would likely be a safe choice; while the other could potentially be a surprise hit or miss. (Unfortunately) I was recommended the latter.

The banana custard while sounding potentially promising, was more like banana puree with a strong salty touch; and the cake slices were dry and lacked the fluffiness.

That is also because the delightfully-familiar and characteristic taste of Tokyo Banana is so ingrained in us, and anything less can be disappointing.

Kream & Kensho do offer interesting and not the run-on-the-mill drinks such as Ginger Brown Sugar ($5.50), K&K Milk Tea ($6), Cheng Tng ($6), Kyoho Soda ($6), Momo Tea Soda ($6) and Yuzu Matcha ($6.50) which are good for the gram.

It will be worthwhile to see what else they can offer if they extend that creativity to the food offerings as well.

Kream & Kensho
33/35 Kampung Bahru Road Singapore 169354
Opening Hours: 9am – 6pm (Tues – Sun), Closed Mon

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* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

While Matcha Cakes and Matcha Latte have typically been the focus for Japanese café lovers, there is a sizable group which supports Houjicha.

Hojicha ほうじ茶 (sometimes also spelt as “Houjicha”) is a type of Japanese green tea which is roasted, whereas most Japanese teas are steamed.

The tea is fired at a high temperature, altering the leaves from green to reddish brown colour. Upon drinking, you would find that characteristic smooth and mellow-roasted flavour.

Another interesting aspect is that Hojicha has low caffeine content (Hojicha has only 0.13 g of caffeine per 100 g, compared to approximately 3.2 g for Matcha), so you would find it ‘safe’ drinking in the later parts of the day.

Here are 10 Hojicha Cakes & Desserts you can find in Singapore:

Hvala – TripleOne Somerset
111 Somerset Road, Singapore 238164
Opening Hours: 11am – 9:30pm (Mon – Sun)

Houjicha Petit Gateau
Hvala’s Japanese teahouse is what I would describe as a little oasis in busy downtown. Not many people would know of its existence (yet), just footsteps away from the busy Somerset MRT station.

I think Hvala has managed to carve out a niche for themselves, in finding that sweet spot between offering quality Japanese tea with some modern interpretation.

And you hear this here first: Hvala will open another outlet soon at Keong Saik.

(They used to have a Houjicha sliced cake but that has been taken off the menu.) Their Houjicha Petit Gateau ($8.80) is actually made used hojicha rated in Wazuka Japan – roasted to Hvala’s specifications.

This results in a blend of roasty aroma and fragrant nuttiness.

Each mouthful brings quite a contrast of varied textures from the layers of mousse, crumble and sponge – both moist and creamy.

I enjoyed that there was this strong houjicha flavour, plus not overly sweet.

Matchaya – The Cathay
The Cathay, #01-08/09, 2 Handy Road, Singapore 229233
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Salted Caramel Coco Houjicha Roll Cake
While many Japanese Cafes in Singapore are imports, Matchaya is a home-grown brand that has enjoyed quite a following.

For Houjicha lovers, they serve up Houjica Choux Pastry ($4 per pc, $22 per box of 6) and Salted Caramel Coco Houjicha Roll Cake ($6 per pc, $28 per roll).

The roll cake includes houjicha, Chantilly creamed and salted caramel dark chocolate embedded in chocolate sponge, surrounded by fluffy sponge.

If you like that roasted green tea earthy taste, you get a lot of eat in this cake, though some find feel it is on the slightly rich and bitter side due to the amount of powder dusted around.

Keong Saik Bakery
33 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089140
Opening Hours: 7:30am – 6:30pm (Mon – Fri), 8am – 8:30pm (Sat – Sun)

Houjicha Roll Cake
Keong Saik Bakery showcases glimpse of traditional vibes through their contemporary bakes and coffee. And congrats to their recent move down the road to a bigger space with expanded offerings (however, no dine-in yet).

Their Houjicha Roll Cake ($7.50) makes a return for takeaways.

What you get is hojicha chantilly cream rolled in fluffy hojicha sponge, topped with hojicha ganache and further dusted with hojicha powder.

Bakery Brera & Fine Foods
8 Empress Road #01-05 Singapore 260008
Tel: +65 6492 5428
Opening Hours: 7am – 7pm (Tues – Sun), Closed Mon

Hojicha Burnt Cheesecake
Bakery Brera & Fine Foods located near Empress Road Food Centre has gained quite a following for its artisanal breads and creative pastries.

I had quite a number of Basque Burnt Cheesecake in Singapore, but Brera’s classic Basque Burnt Cheesecake ($7.30) has just the right amount of molten-ness and richness in terms of cheese.

My main qualms for most Burnt Cheesecake is that it is not soft enough in the middle, but the texture of this was meltingly soft and satisfying.

Rich and ‘cheesy’, this is made with three different types of cheeses.

While I thought that the Hojicha Burnt Cheesecake ($8.00) was a tad sweet because I was expecting the tea flavour to be more pronounced, there was still nuances of the tea that differentiated this out of the average.

Dopa Dopa Creamery
29 South Bridge Rd, #01-01, Singapore 058665
Opening Hours: 12pm – 10pm (Mon – Thurs), 12pm – 10:30pm (Fri – Sat), Closed Sun

Houjicha Gelato
Dopa Dopa Creamery located at South Bridge Road has been earning generally positive reviews with its gelato churned from scratch, included with natural ingredients such as nuts, fruits and tea leaves.

What worked for me was its consistency. You could tell as the server pulled (or scraped) the contents out from the tub – the gelato was creamy, slightly sticky.

The colours also looked right, close to the ingredients used to make them.

The flavours were slightly more ‘intense’ than the usual ice cream. For example, there would be that slight roasted tea aroma as you savour your Hojicha gelato.

The only thing I found that could be worked upon was its sweetness, perhaps it could be a tad lower (like 10%) because it ‘covered’ the natural flavours of the nutty variant.

Nesuto
53 Tras Street, #01-01, Singapore 078992 (Tanjong Pagar MRT)
https://nesuto.oddle.me/en_SG

Konichiwa Hōjicha Cake
For lovers of roasted tea taste of Hojicha, get your hands on the Seasonal Cake of Konichiwa Hōjicha ($65 for 16cm). This cake is exclusive for online orders (nope, you can’t find this sliced cake in store).

The cake consists of Hōjicha Ganache and Hōjicha Chantilly in between layers of Hōjicha Soufflé Chiffon Sponge, topped with Hōjicha Tea Specks.

Enjoy the smooth creamy cake with the rich, roasted tea flavour with a hint of sweetness.

Kyushu Pancake Singapore – Holland Village
25 Lor Liput, Singapore 277735
Tel: +65 6352 6265
Opening Hours: 11am – 9pm (Tues – Sun), Closed Mon

Hojicha Tiramisu Pancakes
The Kyushu Pancake Mix is made from 7 different finely selected grains including wheat from Oita Prefecture and Pressed barley from Saga Prefecture, 100% homegrown in Kyushu Japan, free of emulsifier, artificial fragrance, additives or processed starch.

This time I had the Hoji-cha Tiramisu Pancakes ($16.00), served with mascarpone cheese, hojicha sauce and jelly, with a side of vanilla ice cream.

Starting with the pancakes, it was soft and not too sweet (without adding the sauces and ice cream) – good for the palates of the health-conscious, though there was a certain denseness that perhaps some may find too filling after a few bites.

Sweet Thoughts by M.O.D
50 Hougang Ave 1 #01-00, JForte Sportainment Centre, Singapore 538885
Tel: +65 9738 6648
Opening Hours: 12pm – 9pm (Tues – Fri), 12pm – 11pm (Sat, Sun), Closed Mon

Houjicha Shaved Ice
Known for pushing his boundary and creating visually captivating edible-art desserts, an extensive menu of 15 hot and cold desserts is created by Chef Francis to interpret “tong shui” (糖水).

In Singapore’s climate, the Shaved Ice is usually a popular choice and comes in 7 different flavours such as Hojicha ($6.90), Peanut ($6.90), Mango Sago Pomelo ($7.50), Black Sesame ($6.90), Taro ($6.90), Kaya Pandan ($6.90) and Mao Shan Wang Durian ($9.90).

The Hojicha Shaved Ice ($6.90) is my favourite, with fresh Hojicha tea leaves (instead of the powder) in the soft and fluffy shaved ice and is extremely aromatic and oishii.

The toppings are definitely worth a mention, with Azuki red beans, Konjac jelly and soya powdered muah Chee that is so soft and chewy.

Ramen Champion – Bugis+
201 Victoria Street, Bugis+ #04-10 Singapore 188607
Tel: +65 6238 1011
Opening Hours: 11am – 10.30pm (Mon – Fri), 10:30am – 10:30pm (Sat, Sun, PH)

Hojicha Kakigori
This Japanese dessert, Kakigori, is made with soft and fluffy shave iced, flavoured with syrup and a sweeter, often condensed milk.

At Ramen Champion, they offer kakigori is 4 flavours: Hojicha, Royal Milk Tea, Strawberry and Milo.

The Hojicha Kakigori ($12.80) and the Royal Milk Tea Kakigori both comes with grass jelly, mochi, fresh whipped cream, and either hojicha or royal milk tea ice.

Fans of chocolate will love the Milo Kakigori, filled with Milo nuggets, Milo powder, Malteser chocolates, fresh whipped cream, and milk ice.

Emma – 100AM
100 Tras Street #02-10 Singapore 079027
Tel: +65 6443 1727
Opening Hours: 11am – 9:30pm (Sun – Thurs), 11am – 10pm (Fri – Sat)

Kuromitsu Houjicha Latte
Emma known for its soft serve made with premium Hokkaido milk, has introduced a new Japanese-style bubble tea range with a difference.

The drinks are also included with “Kuromitsu” which literally translates to “black honey” – a thin and dark syrup made from Japanese unrefined kurozato (“black sugar”) often used in the making of Japanese sweets.

The Kuromitsu Houjicha Latte ($4.50 for hot, $4.80 for cold, add $1 for boba pearls or soft serve) contains slight caramelised sweetness and roasted undertones, though I felt part of it could have been ‘covered’ by the richness of the milk.

This is for those who like a balance between the roastiness of Japanese green tea and creaminess from the milk.

LUNA Patisserie
53 Amoy Street Singapore 069879
Opening Hours: 12pm – 6:30pm (Mon – Fri), 12pm – 4pm (Sat – Sun)

Hojicha Tiramisu (to be introduced Oct 2020)
LUNA, the patisserie down Amoy Street spoiling customers with its mouth-watering cakes and pastries, has launched number of new cakes in their menu.

The Hojicha Tiramisa ($8) which is to be officially launched from Oct 2020 onwards, comes wrapped with a plastic sheet.

Once removed, be prepared for a ‘waterfall’ of the lava top later.

Other than being dramatic in terms of the presentation, I think this dessert delights the senses due to the mixture of textures.

There is the rich and creamy mascarpone mousse with soft-fluffy hojicha-flavoured chiffon cake, accentuated with a crunch from a hojicha feuilletine base.

A dusting of the toasty tea powder completes this delicate pastry.

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* Compiled by Daniel Ang @DanielFoodDiary and Nicholas Tan @stormscape.

From its flagship at Jewel Changi Airport and second outlet at Westgate Singapore, YUN NANS is launching its third outlet at Serangoon NEX on the 23 September 2020.

Also look out for the unbeatable 50% OFF total bill opening special from 28 to 30 September 2020 (Mon to Wed).

Along with the outlet are new dishes of Poached Seabass in Spicy Pickled Vegetable Broth, Crispy Duck with Dried Chillies, and a Yunnan-style “Hokkien Mee” that you can look out for.

Named after the most diverse province in China, YUN NANS is a casual Chinese restaurant specialising in Yunnan ethnic highland cuisines.

It is the first overseas foray of Yun Hai Yao 云海肴, a Yunnan restaurant chain from Beijing.

Established in 2009, it has become the largest chain of Yunnan restaurants with over 200 outlets in China.

True to its name, YUN NANS sources its ingredients from native homeland, Yunnan Province. Its highlands provide fresh produce used for specialties like Steamed Pot Chicken Soup and Braised Wild Porcini Mushrooms.

These well-loved Yun Hai Yao signature dishes, plus Singapore-exclusive menu items, are what you can expect at YUN NANS. Here are 10 new YUN NANS items to try at its NEX outlet:

1. Crispy Duck with Dried Chillies 香酥鸭 ($15.90)
The Chong Qing style of “La Zi Ji” – crispy chicken with spicy dried chillies needs little introduction for Sichuan food lovers.

You would find this “Xiang Su Ya” familiar, yet different.

Made only from fresh duck, this spicy and fragrant dish uses specially hand-deboned duck meat.

For eating convenience, it is cut into bite-sized strips and deep-fried to a delightful crisp. I would recommend eating when it is just served to better appreciate the fluffy crunchy outer later.

Tender on the inside and with a crunchy exterior, the strips are stir-fried with two other special components – Yunnan-sourced broad beans which give the dish some crunch; and chillies from Yunnan’s Qiubei county.

2. Poached Seabass in Spicy Pickled Vegetable Broth 老坛酸菜鱼 ($28.90)
This white fish’s mild, delicate flavour and subtle sweetness is contrasted with a spicy pickled vegetable broth.

Two kinds of veggies are pickled to provide an interesting blend of flavours: Yunnan’s mustard greens and chillies.

Together, they are fried with ground fresh chilies to form a tangy piquant soup base, but I didn’t find it too spicy at all.

What’s different is also its varied cooking treatment to the fish – the head is specifically deep-fried for that crisp; while the sliced fish is poached to retain its form and fresh QQ bite.

Accordingly, only the freshest fishes are used (no fishes are kept till the next day), and only a limited number is served per day.

Completing the poached seabass dish are soft vermicelli and tofu.

3. Stir-Fried Dragon Chives with Yunnan Beancurd Skin 云南豆皮炒青龙菜 ($12.90)
Don’t miss this dish featuring beancurd skin which is specially imported from Yunnan.

Taste how this delicate soybean product is made with well water from Shiping County at Yunnan’s Honghe Prefecture.

With no additives, the beancurd skin is as natural as it can be.

Only the flavour of stir-fried dragon chives are combined to add a natural sweetness to the dish.

4. Charcoal Grilled Wheat Pumpkin 烤云南小麦瓜 ($7.90)
Explore highland cuisine further and try a rendition of the wheat pumpkin, an extremely common produce in Yunnan.

Especially air-flown to Singapore, the wheat pumpkins carry a unique texture – somewhere between a pumpkin and a gourd.

This dish entails grilling the fleshy pumpkin meat over charcoals to bring out its natural sweetness. Served sprinkled with a special blend of Yunnan spices.

5. Stir Fried Yunnan Rice Noodles with Assorted Seafood 海鲜虾汤炒米线 ($12.90)
You may find the appearance of this dish looking very familiar… like our local favourite Hokkien Mee.

Except that this stir-fried noodle dish highlights the popular rice noodles – mixian, ubiquitous to Yunnan.

This rendition tosses the noodles into an assortment of seafood like fresh prawns and squid, plus some specially-made chilli with a touch of tanginess on the side.

What makes this dish extra special is cooking it with YUN NAN’s signature broth. The broth is made with fresh tiger prawns, the flavourful broth is simmered for over an hour to intensify its flavour.

This YUN NANS style of “Hokkien Mee” thus have a rich, flavourful taste to it.

6. Steam Pot Chicken Soup with Yunnan Red Mushrooms (Single Portion) 大红菌汽锅鸡 ($13.90)
YUN NANS’s signature Steam Pot Chicken Soup is umami-fied, made more fragrant, and slightly red with these Yunnan Red Mushrooms.

Home to over 5,000 types of mushrooms, Yunnan is tagged as the “Kingdom of Mushrooms” offering its wild red mushrooms for this dish.

What’s unique to this chicken soup is that it is been brewed without using water.

What you get is a clear, un-greasy chicken essence, made from pressure-steaming chicken leg with the mushrooms for 3 hours.

The other good news is this Steam Pot Soup is now available in a single portion, suitable for individual diners.

7. Deep Fried Pork Fillet with Homemade Spicy Dip 香炸小酥肉 ($9.90)
If you love the fried flavour of pork, order this appetiser featuring a golden-brown pork fillet served with a homemade dip.

The seasoned and marinated pork is deep-fried ‘til its exterior is crunchy but inside is still juicy.

Bite into its crispiness or dip a slice to the accompanying sauce, a green dip popular in Yunnan for its spicy and sour notes.

8. Sautéed Asparagus with Golden Fungus and Mushroom 金耳花菇炒芦笋 ($14.90)
This veggie dish showcases the Golden Fungus, a wild mushroom found in Yunnan highlands.

Offering high nutritional value plus collagen to help boost immunity and skin glow, the chewy-textured Golden Fungus is sautéed with fresh, crunchy asparagus spears.

This delightful contrast in textures and flavours make this a popular vegetarian option.

9. Poached Seafood Rice in Prawn Broth 海鲜虾汤泡饭 ($18.80)
YUN NAN’s Golden Poached Rice with Seafood in Prawn Broth aka Pao Fan makes a return, with poached rice along with fresh seafood such as clams and prawns, cooked in YUN NAN’s signature prawn broth.

The dish is then topped with crispy rice pops.

What I found was the broth had both the sweetness and freshness of the seafood, but didn’t go overly rich. There was quite a bit of rice given, so I won’t say this is a broth-heavy dish.

Other than the flavours of the broth, its strength was the crunchiness of the rice pops, which added a good interplay of textures.

10. Brown Sugar Jelly Served with Rose Puree 玫瑰红糖冰粉 ($6.90)
Cap off your meal with a Yunnan local street snack-inspired dish best enjoyed on a warm, summer day.

This dessert is a house-made jelly coated with brown sugar syrup.

Made from hand-fried brown sugar from Yunnan, the sweetener is fried with local gula melaka to develop a deeper caramelised flavour and boiled down to create the brown sugar syrup.

Enjoy it accompanied with a special house-made rose petal puree.

YUN NANS’ NEX outlet – Opening Specials Promotion
50% OFF total bills on 28 September 2020 to 30 September 2020

Terms and Conditions
– Discount is valid for dine-in only
– Not in conjunction with any promotion
– Not in conjunction with membership program
– Not valid for vouchers

YUN NANS Delivery
Enjoy island-wide delivery at https://yunnans.oddle.me/en_SG/.

YUN NANS – NEX
23 Serangoon Central #B1-15 NEX Singapore 556083
Tel: +65 6970 7883
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)
https://www.facebook.com/yunnanssg

YUN NANS – Jewel
Jewel Changi Airport, #02-217 Singapore 819666
Tel: +65 6908 3677
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 10pm (Mon – Fri), 11am – 10pm (Sat – Sun)

YUN NANS – Westgate
3 Gateway Drive #03-07 Westgate Singapore 608532
Tel: +65 6970 9891
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 10pm (Mon – Fri), 11am – 10pm (Sat – Sun)

* This entry is brought to you in partnership with YUN NANS.

Parallel Coffee Roasters started with the objective of serving affordable artisanal coffee, as the owners “couldn’t find a good cup of coffee in Singapore for less than $5”.

Therefore looking at its menu, I was surprised to find an Iced Long Black for $2.90 and Iced Latte for $3.90. Especially when coffee shops around the CBD and town area are selling a dollar or much more (I ever paid $7+ for an Iced Black else where).

Plus point: the hot and iced versions are the same price.

Parallel Coffee Roasters has opened another outlet at Duxton Hill, providing people in the vicinity another café choice other than Bearded Bella and Monument Lifestyle nearby.

The service was friendly and space welcoming – the interior has retained some features of the previous occupants which is stylish and contemporary Restaurant RIZU.

There is a lean menu with Sourdough Sandwiches, Pastries, Acai & Chobani Yoghurt Bowls, and Super Smoothies.

The recommended Sourdough Sandwiches are the Smoked Turkey, Classic Honey Chicken and New York Pepperoni (each $11.90), though I was enticed by the Grilled Cheese Sandwich ($6.00).

Perhaps there were some opening jitters which resulted in slow orders (my sandwich took about 40 min to come) and uneven food quality.

While sandwiches presented to other tables looked nicely crisp and tempting, the Grilled Cheese Sandwich I had would have fared better with slightly longer grilling for a more toasty-crisp, and better melt of the cheeses within.

Parallel’s Acai Bowls ($11.90) come with choices of Superstar, Antioxidant, or Amino Bowl.

I was recommended the Amino Bowl with a blended açaí base served with strawberries, blueberries, goji, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and chia seeds.

There are no added sugars, syrups or sweeteners, and if you wish, you can request for a free topping of Australian organic raw honey.

The pricing when contrasted with other acai bowls is comparable. I liked the portion sizing, and that the blend was not too icy.

Coffee for its price was worth the short wait. The espresso blend can be described as complex layered, and full bodied, and I generally liked the pleasant mix of flavour and acidity.

Even though the location may be a short walk from Tanjong Pagar MRT station, I think as long as Parallel can get their operations nailed out, they would become a favourite haunt for many coffee drinkers with its affordable pricing.

Parallel Coffee Roasters (Duxton Hill)
39 Duxton Hill, Singapore 089617
Tel: +65 9750 8997
Opening Hours: 8am – 6pm (Tues – Sat), 10am – 4:30pm (Sun), Closed Mon

Other Related Entries
Bearded Bella (Craig Road)
Monument Lifestyle (Duxton Road)
Five Oars Coffee Roasters (Tanjong Pagar)
Belle-Ville Pancake Café (100AM)
Nylon Coffee Roasters (Everton Park)

* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

Tanjong Pagar may be known for its office buildings, Korean BBQ restaurants and hawker centres such as Tanjong Pagar Food Centre, but there are many up-and-coming cafes which are becoming popular with cafe goers.

Here are 10 ‘chio’ (beautiful) ones, many of them serve gorgeous desserts and brunch:

Five Oars Coffee Roasters
39 Tanjong Pagar Road Singapore 088462 (Tanjong Pagar MRT)
Opening Hours: 8am – 8pm (Mon – Sun)

Five Oars Coffee Roasters has sealed to be one of the most instagrammable cafes at Tanjong Pagar, with effective use of greens and a square-shaped seating arranging to create an illusion of space. Chio, chio, chio.

And the kitchen starts early enough for the early risers at 8:30am.

For the menu, there is an extensive list of brunch items, followed by a couple of pastas and rice bowls.

The recommended items include Sea-salt Ricotta Avocado Toast ($16), Corn Fritters ($18), Baked Eggs ($19), Crab Scramble ($18), Salmon Rosti ($22), Beef Hash ($19), Pork Cheek Benedict ($18), and Chicken and Pancake ($16.50).

Good coffee, hearty brunch items, and beautiful minimalist space. Easy to see why it has become so popular. Five Oars Coffee Roasters (Tanjong Pagar)

Bearded Bella
8 Craig Road, Singapore 089668 (Tanjong Pagar MRT)
Opening Hours: 7.30am – 5pm (Mon – Sun)

Melbourne-inspired brunch fare, white and spacious interior, glass rooftop with natural sunlight, are some of the promising pull factors for Bearded Bella – a brunch and coffee place at Craig Road.

Plus, one of the owners is a Singapore National Barista Championship winner in 2016.

Bearded Bella is a 40 seaters cafe complete with greenery, wood and industrial-like brass elements in its interior design.

The name may sound catchy: union of a Bearded man and a Bella, which represents the fun and quirkiness here.

Look out for its mains which includes Big Brekkie Our Way ($25), Scallop & Cold Pasta ($22), Smashed Avocado ($24), Brie Min ($24), Spiced Scrambled ($18), Crab Croissant ($24), and Mushroom & Hummus on grain toast ($20). Bearded Bella (Craig Road)

LUNA
53 Amoy Street, Singapore 069879
Opening Hours: 12pm – 6:30pm (Mon – Fri), 12pm – 4pm (Sat, Sun), Closed PH

LUNA Patisserie is known for the selection of pretty, quality cakes from Orh Nee (best-selling), Matcha White Chocolate, Vanilla Cheddar Cheese (office crowd favourite), to Carrot Cream Cheese.

The Orh Nee Cake ($8) is my favourite of the selection, made of pumpkin sponge layered with a mixture of yam and ginkgo paste.

The surprise came from the textural contrast in the yam and ginkgo paste, a mixture of smooth and velvety puree and bite-sized chunks of yam.

The Orh Nee is then topped with whipped cream frosting and dollops of yam cream with a touch of desiccated coconut that enhanced its sweetness.

The overall combination is well-balanced without overly sweet, yet packed with different textures.

Also look out for 2 NEW Japanese inspired cakes of Houjicha Tiramisu (inspired by the trending waterfall cake), and Goma Kinako Mochi Roll to be introduced in October. LUNA (Amoy Street)

Nesuto
53 Tras Street, #01-01, Singapore 078992
Opening Hours: 12pm – 9:30pm (Fri – Sat), 12pm – 5:30pm (Sun)

“Nesuto” means “Nest” in Japanese. The interior is painted in pastel pink and white, giving a sense of comfort and minimalism which could be a pull-factor for the tai-tais and OLs for an afternoon respite.

Signaure cakes include the Yuzu Raspberry, Konichiawa Hojicha, Japanese Matcha Azuki, Japanese Goma, and C3 Cheesecake.

I couldn’t keep my eyes off the ‘attention-seeking’ Yuzu Raspberry Cake ($9), coated with a bright pink whipped ganache.

While the portion of the cake might seem bigger than the rest, the Japanese sponge was extremely light and fluffy, perhaps like biting through cotton.

Made with yuzu meringue mousse and chunks of fresh raspberries, the citrusy and tanginess of the fruits cut through entire combination, making the cake light and refreshing. Nesuto (Tras Street)

Parallel Coffee Roasters
39 Duxton Hill, Singapore 089617
Tel: +65 9750 8997
Opening Hours: 8am – 6pm (Tues – Sat), 10am – 4:30pm (Sun), Closed Mon

Parallel Coffee Roasters started with the objective of serving affordable artisanal coffee, as the owners “couldn’t find a good cup of coffee in Singapore for less than $5”.

Therefore looking at its menu, I was surprised to find an Iced Long Black for $2.90 and Iced Latte for $3.90.

There is a lean menu with Sourdough Sandwiches, Pastries, Acai & Chobani Yoghurt Bowls, and Super Smoothies.

The recommended Sourdough Sandwiches are the Smoked Turkey, Classic Honey Chicken and New York Pepperoni (each $11.90), though I was enticed by the Grilled Cheese Sandwich ($6.00).

If not go for the Parallel’s Acai Bowls ($11.90) which come with choices of Superstar, Antioxidant, or Amino Bowl. I was recommended the Amino Bowl with a blended açaí base served with strawberries, blueberries, goji, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and chia seeds.

Monument Lifestyle
75 Duxton Road, Singapore 089534
Opening Hours: 8am – 5pm (Mon – Fri), 10am – 5pm (Sat – Sun)

Monument Lifestyle is a part retail store, part café. Many brands featured are exclusive in Singapore.

I liked how the entire space was done up, in a stylish yet cosy setting. The lifestyle store was at the front, while the café blended unobtrusively at the back.

While there were a number of office workers who walked in and out to grab a cuppa, the café remained relatively quiet, while staff would be friendly enough to make small-talks.

Like your neighbourhood café.

Coffee beans were from Four Barrel Coffee, known to be one of the best coffee roasters in San Francisco. Monument Lifestyle (Duxton Road)

Baristart Coffee Singapore
65 Tras Street Singapore 079004 (Tanjong Pagar MRT)
Opening Hours: 9am – 9pm (Mon – Sun)

Baristart is known for using Hokkaido milk of exceptional quality for its coffee, matched with beautiful latte art; its food and desserts – such as the Shiro Kuma Hokkaido shaved ice is worthy venturing to Tanjong Pagar for.

The company name “Baristart” is a portmanteau of “barista”, “start”, and “art” as the business involves professional baristas who start in the company making coffees with art.

It is the first café here to offer coffee using the popular Brown Jersey Milk from Biei, a small town in Hokkaido, Japan.

Biei Jersey Milk is an ultra-premium milk prized for being rare, as there are only about 800 Brown Jersey cows left making up 1% of the total cow population in Japan.

Baristart’s Cream Puff ($4.50 for one and $12 for three) is filled with a decadent custard cream specially made with Hokkaido BIEI Jersey Milk.

The deep brown-coloured puff’s crisp exterior balances the rich and velvety interior, giving you that wonderful mouthfeel.

A piece is the size of a tennis ball, and served topped with crisps and a light dusting of confectioner sugar. Baristart Coffee (Tras Street)

Kreams Krafthouse
32 Maxwell Road, #01-07 Maxwell Chambers, Singapore 069115
Tel: +65 9620 7739
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 10:30pm (Mon – Sat), 10am – 5pm (Sun)

Autumn-Themed Korean Café At Maxwell Chambers
When I visited this undiscovered café called Kreams Krafthouse at Maxwell Chambers (near Tanjong Pagar MRT station), I couldn’t help feeling how spacious, how well-decorated this space was. And the attention to details.

Beautiful space. The cafe just focuses on two items for now – coffee and scones.

Other than the usual Latte and Long Black, there are more Korean-café oriented drinks such as Dalgona Coffee (don’t have to whip yourself), Creamy Choco, Sweet Potato Latte, Vanilla Latte, and Cloud Latte.

The Dalgona Coffee was not quite like the typical ones circulating on the net or made at home, and was included with house-made toffee crisps.

Give it 5 minutes to melt before enjoying the sweet Korean candy taste and mild bitter finish. Kreams (Maxwell Chambers)

Cake Spade
83 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088504
Tel: +65 6444 3868
Opening Hours: 12:00pm – 9:30pm (Mon-Thurs), 12:00pm – 10:30pm (Fri-Sat), Close Sun)

Cake Spade which was previously at Orchid Hotel moved to 83 Tanjong Pagar Road. A 1-2 minute walk from the previous location, this patisserie café has a much bigger space, painted in a baby pink on the exterior.

Cake Spade’s proudest cake is perhaps the Strawberry Tofu Cheesecake ($7.20 per slice_ with fresh strawberries encase in jelly with digestive biscuit crust at the bottom. Think Jelly Hearts in cake form, with strawberry, peach and mango (seasonal) flavours.

Other popular cakes include the Lychee Rose ($8), Speculoos Cookie Butter Cheesecake ($8.90), Baileys Irish Cream Cheesecake ($12.50), Mississippi S’mores Cake ($8.50), Cookies & Cream Red Velvet Cake ($7.90) and Mao Shan Wang Durian Cake ($9.80). Cake Spade (Tanjong Pagar)

Belle-Ville Pancake Café – Tanjong Pagar
100AM Mall 01-14b, 100 Tras Street, Singapore 079027
Opening Hours: 11am – 8pm (Mon – Sun)

Fluffy Stacks Of Japanese Pancakes
The pancake café is known for its meringue made-to-order mille-feuille (French for “thousand layers”) pancakes, included with homemade whipped Hokkaido cream, stacked from 2 to 8 layers.

Offerings include Strawberry and Mixed Berry Pancake, Mango Pancake, Grilled Apple with Homemade Caramel Pancake, Matcha with Rice Ball and Red Bean Pancake, and Chocolate with Grilled Banana Pancake, priced from $11.90 to $16.20.

What makes their pancakes so fluffy include the usage of fresh milk, and they are made fresh-to-order.

These pancakes were indeed moist and soft, with bananas blended into the batter, the interesting part was a half-cooked centre. Belle-Ville Pancake Café (100AM)

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* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

Ma Maison, known for their Japanese-Western cuisine, Tonkatsu and pretty Japanese fruit tarts has re-opened its café concept at Mandarin Gallery.

For those of you who remember, Café Ma Maison used to exist at Liang Court’s basement. The new space at Orchard Road replaces where gorgeous pastry shop Antoinette used to be.

“Ma Maison” is a French word which represents “my home”, to imply that it is a place to celebrate special moments with loved ones in a cosy home-like environment.

While many new cafes are going for the minimalist, contemporary, or industrial look, Café Ma Maison opts for the rather old-school Japanese-Western type of décor.

This momentarily brings me back to Japan, especially when there were a few Japanese ladies around doing their tea-time chatting.

Also included is a small savoury items menu, with Omu-Katsu ($20.80) of Omu-Rice with Pork Cutlet, Truffle-Flavoured Katsu Sandwich ($14.80), and Mentaiko Spaghetti ($18.30).

Other than a seasonal Assorted Fruits-Sando, there are two styles of cakes served – Special Cakes and Fruit Tarts.

In terms of “Special Cakes”, there is an attractive display of Classic Strawberry Shortcake ($7.80), Chocolate Walnut ($7.80), Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake ($7.80), Earl Grey Tea ($7.80), Fresh Fruit Shortcake ($8.80), and Japanese Matcha Mousse & Red Bean ($8.80).

While my heart told me to go for a Strawberry Shortcake, I thought it has become quite a regular offering in Singapore’s cafes and so opted for a more uncommon and colourful Fresh Fruit Shortcake.

They do take pride in serving, with a drizzling of chocolate sauce at the bottom, and cake evenly sliced in shape – not easy when you are cutting a soft-textured cake with fresh cream.

I loved the array of fruits of grapes, blueberries, kiwi, strawberries and oranges, in between moist yet flurry sponge. But my favourite part was still the light, airy cream.

If you are heading for the tarts, available are Strawberry ($9.50), Blueberry ($8.80), Mixed Fruit ($8.80), Grape ($6.80), Banana Caramel ($6.80), Mont Blanc ($9.50) and Lemon Cream ($6.80).

I still think that Mont Blanc is one of the more under-rated styles of cakes available here, and this tart version did not disappoint with its creamy sweetened chestnut purée.

The base could have been a tad more buttery, but it wasn’t a big deal for me.

The other good-looker was the Lemon Cream ($6.80). If you are expecting something really citrusy and tangy, the lemon taste within was quite delicate or muted – depending how you see it. Nope, you won’t get that ’sour’ face after taking a bite.

The base was millefeuille-style, which I did not fancy as it lost the crispiness, perhaps also because I bought this in the evening.

Cafe Ma Maison
333A Orchard Road #02-33/34 Mandarin Gallery Singapore 238897
Tel: +65 6235 6411

Other Related Entries
10 Best Strawberry Shortcakes In Singapore
LUNA (Amoy Street)
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Kyushu Pancake (Holland Village)
Kki Sweets (Seah Street)

* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

Nasi Lemak is one of Singapore’s most popular hawker dish, known for fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaf.

The basic style that many of us are familiar with comes in simple fashion with egg, fried anchovies (ikan bilis), roasted peanuts, sliced cucumber, and sambal chill.

Typically traditionally eaten during breakfast, there are already many restaurants and hawker stalls serving Nasi Lemak from noon till supper with more fanciful versions.

Some of the famous places you can get this humble favourite includes Bali Nasi Lemak (Geylang Lor 15), Chong Pang Nasi Lemak (447 Sembawang Road), Yi Liu Xiang (Hainanese Village Centre), International Muslim Food Stall (Changi Village Food Centre), Sri Sujana Muslim Food (Changi Village Food Centre), D’Authentic Nasi Lemak (Marine Parade Food Centre), Latiffa Huri (Jurong West Street 41 Blk 498), Mount Faber Nasi Lemak (47 Kreya Ayer Road), Changi Nasi Lemak (323 Bukit Batok Street 33), Fong Seng Nasi Lemak (22A Clementi Road), and Simple.簡 (CT Hub 2).

There are also more ‘atas’ versions from eateries such as The Coconut Club at Ann Siang and Lemak Boys at Shaw House.

Selera Rasa Nasi Lemak
Adam Road Food Centre #01-02, 2 Adam Road, Singapore 289876
Tel: +65 9843 4509
Opening Hours: 7am – 5pm (Mon – Thurs), 7am – 3pm (Sat – Sun), Closed Fri

This stall deserves a top spot in this list. Perhaps some people do not know that they are one of the partners behind Nasi Lemak chain store CRAVE.

No matter what time of the day you plan to go to Adam Road Food Centre, there is no escaping the snaking long queues, but fans say the wait is surely worth it.

So, what is the “secret to success”?

The current owner attributes it to the family recipe that emphasizes on the 4 key ingredients: basmati rice, sambal chilli, chicken wing and otah otah.

There are 7 choices on the menu, from the basic Flash Meal ($2.90), Fish Meal ($3.90), Chicken Wing Meal ($3.90) to the most ‘elaborate’ Royal Rumble ($5.90).

This Royal Rumble Nasi Lemak includes the full-works of ingredients including fried chicken, otah-otah, fried egg, sliced cucumbers, sambal and fried anchovies.

What stood out for me was first the aroma of the basmati rice, then the rich quality that went unbelievably well with the coconut milk, lemongrass and pandan leaves.

The winning element to me was the Sambal Chilli, specially cooked with both Indian and Japanese chillies.

The story goes that the owner’s grandmother wanted a less spicy version of the chilli to cater to more customers. Thus, the store created this sweet-savoury-spicy version of sambal that would help to elevate the taste of the crispy fried chicken wings.

The Coconut Club
28 Ann Siang Road Singapore 069708 (Chinatown MRT)
Tel: +65 8748 1869
Opening Hours: 11am – 3pm, 6pm – 9:30pm (Mon – Sat) 11am – 3pm (Sun Lunch Only)

The Coconut Club is listed in the Michelin Bib Gourmand Singapore, and received the support of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong that he hosted Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte there when he came visiting.

The Nasi Lemak specialist first got into the limelight with their $12.80 Nasi Lemak, served at the hipster district of Ann Siang Hill.

A plate of Nasi Lemak comes with coconut rice, chicken leg (or breast), ikan billis (anchovies), peanuts, cucumber, fried egg and sambal.

The verdict: The rice was lovely and fluffy, with that undemanding aroma that didn’t overwhelm.

The chicken was the other tasty element, rubbed with lemongrass, galangal and turmeric, carrying with it Asian flavours rather than just a generic fried chicken. Not as juicy as the last time I had it, but still good. The Coconut Club (Ann Siang)

No.1 Adam’s Nasi Lemak
Adam Road Food Centre #01-01, 2 Adam Road, Singapore 289876
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 1pm (Mon, Wed – Sun), Closed Tues

This is the other popular stall for Nasi Lemak at Adam Road Food Centre. Although it has a tough competition with rival stalls at the food centre, it stands out simply because of its authenticity and traditional flavours without any special ingredient or flashy choices.

Note that even though the queue may not look that long, customers still have to wait quite a while due to the assembling time.

There are the Fish Set ($4), Chicken Set ($4), Sutra Special ($5.50), and Adam’s Special ($5.50) included with mutton rendang full of flavours.

I got the standard Sutra Special ($5.50) with otah, slices of fish cake, chicken wing, ikan billis and nuts.

The winning part was the fluffy rice, soft in texture with a faint coconuty aroma. I loved the balance of the sweetness from coconut milk and spicy and savoury flavours from sambal and other ingredients. Wished that the ingredients stood out a little more (ie crispier wings?)

Aliff Nasi Lemak
49A Serangoon Garden Way, #01-27, Singapore 555945
Opening Hours: 8am – 5pm (Tues – Sun), Closed Mon

Head over to this popular stall at Serangoon Garden Food Centre Stalls and find a variety of serving sizes of Nasi Lemak (starting from $3.60 to $5.00) that are loaded with ingredients.

You can top up with chicken wing, fish, ikan bills, otah, fish cake, tahu, bagedel, egg, and tempeh, from $0.50 to $1.50.

While I wasn’t that sure of the ingredients as some were on the colder wing, the thing that stands out the most about their dish was the quality and taste of the basmati rice.

It was extremely fragrant, and soft consistency cooked with coconut milk.

The other stand-out part was the sweet-tasting chilli, though you may not be able to request for more.

Power Nasi Lemak
Boon Lay Place Market and Food Village #01-106, 221B Boon Lay Place, Singapore 642221
Tel: +65 6266 4466
Opening Hours: 4:30pm – 3:30am (Mon), 6:30am – 3:30m (Tues – Sun)

Started in 1971, Boon Lay Power Nasi Lemak has been selling the famed Nasi Lemak from this very corner store.

Signatures include the Chicken Set which comes with a chicken wing, ikan bilis, sambal and a fried egg. If not, there are also the Nasi Lemak Otah Otah, Fish Fillet, Paru, Selar Kunning, Ayam Berempah and Combo sets.

Top up with ala carte items of Sambal Sotong – recommended, Bagedel, Ikan Bilis with Peanuts, Popcorn Chicken, Beef Rendang and more.

They do have a few outlets around (plus Boon Lay Power Nasi Lemak Vending Machines), and their rice is accordingly cooked in a central kitchen with quality coconut oil. However, quality may not be that consistent or quite the same as years before.

Go to the main outlet and you would find more crisp and juicy chicken wings. The rice could have been fluffier, but the sambal chilli gave it a good lift.

Mizzy Corner Nasi Lemak
2 Changi Village Rd, #01-26, Singapore 500002
Tel: +65 9816 4419
Opening Hours: 7:30am – 1am (Mon – Sun)

Established in 1997, Mizzy Corner at Changi Village Food Centre is known for its basmati coconut rice, paired with sweet sambal, and signature marinated chicken wings. (The other popular stalls at this hawker centre include International Muslim Nasi Lemak, Sri Sujana, and Changi Famous Nasi Lemak.)

There are 5 sets to choose from, named Set A to F, priced from $3.50 to $5.00.

However, despite the stall being famous for the chicken wings, while the exterior still retained a bit of crispiness, the inside could be juicier with more marinate – could be lacking in that ‘oomph’ flavour.

What I enjoyed best about the Nasi Lemak was indeed its basmati rice which was very fragrant with the coconuty-panda aroma, and fluffy.

I can imagine some could pair this simply with the sambal chilli, which was on the sweet side and not-too-spicy at all.

Ponggol Nasi Lemak
965 Upper Serangoon Rd, Singapore 534721
Tel: +65 6281 0020
Opening hours: 4:30pm – 12am (Mon – Wed, Fri – Sun), Closed Thurs

Probably one of Singapore’s most famous Nasi Lemak chains which was first established in 1979, Ponggol Nasi Lemak (not spelt “Punggol” was founded by Mr. Ang Chye Choon and Madam Koh Ah Tan.

There are also other outlets at Capitol Singapore, 238 Tanjong Katong Road, 371 Jalan Besar Road.

For convenience, there are four sets. I foresee many would order the Set 3, a double chicken wing and ikan bilis (anchovies) plate at $5.70.

Add-ons include Crispy Wings, Crispy Drumstick, Fried Fish, Crispy Anchovies with Peanuts, Luncheon Meat, Fish Fillet, Fish Cake, Cuttlefish Balls, Spicy Otah, Spicy Shrimp Floss and Homemade Archar.

Thai Hom Mali grain is used for the rice, which did give it an edge – long grained, aromatic, resonating with flavours of coconut milk.

The overall feel was slightly on the dry, compared to some other Nasi Lemak rice which could be moister and fluffier. But I still enjoy its rather Crispy (and still juicy) Wings and Fish Fillet.

The winner is really in its home-made sambal chilli sauce, which brought the chicken wings (and other items) to another level. Ponggol Nasi Lemak (Jalan Besar)

Soulfood Catering
13 Pahang Street, Singapore 198614
Opening Hours: 12pm – 9pm (Tues – Thurs), 12pm – 10pm (Fri – Sat)

Aussie-Style BBQ meets traditional Nasi Lemak. Soulfood Catering is a family-run Aussie BBQ Nasi Lemak food stall in a coffee shop, and it is located in the fringe of Kampong Gelam at Pahang Street.

From Paprika & Herbs Chicken Wing Nasi Lemak, Bangers & Hash Nasi Lemak, Eggs Benny Nasi Lemak, BBQ Prawns Nasi Lemak, to Steak Nasi Lemak, you know you can expect original combinations that cannot be found elsewhere here.

Its makcik-approved Surf & Turf Nasi Lemak ($21.90) is the most popular, a filling plate of BBQ ribeye steak, scallops and prawns, with homemade creamy garlic sauce drizzled on fragrant rice.

This is also available in a family-platter size meant for 2 to 4 pax, included with ribeye steak, BBQ chicken fillet or 1/4 chicken, BBQ prawns, scallops, lemon garlic prawn skewers with Nasi Lemak and that sauce tantalising sauce.

Pandan Leaf Nasi Lemak
Tanjong Pagar Food Centre #02-25, 6 Tanjong Pagar Plaza Singapore 081006
Opening Hours: 6am – 1pm (Mon – Sat). Closed Sun

There are at least 3 Nasi Lemak stalls around at Tanjong Pagar Food Centre. This is my favourite.

A single dish contains SO MANY ingredients from a plump fried chicken drumstick, egg, ngor hiang, fishcake and dollop of sambal chilli.

For only $3 or $4. Pick the $4 for a hearty portion.

I enjoyed the crispy chicken with quite juicy meat, and the fragrant light-green pandan rice.

Li Xing Nasi Lemak
Amoy Street Food Centre #02-81, 7 Maxwell Rd, #02-81, Singapore 069111
Opening Hours: 7am – 1:30pm (Mon – Fri), Closed Sat, Sun

Affordable Nasi Lemak with Fragrant Rice
A popular Nasi Lemak stall, with ingredients of chicken wing, luncheon meat, ngoh hiang, fish cake, fillet, fish, otah or egg – each priced from $0.50 to $1.50.

You would usually find a line here, a huge reason is due to its affordably with a basic set starting from $3.

Its rice was also fluffy-fragrant, matched with simple but juicy chicken wings.

Nothing too fanciful, but a taste quite close to the old-school traditional taste with subtle flavour of the rice.

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* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

Another new ice cream cafe has opened, though this isn’t an unfamiliar name especially for those staying around Upper.

Salted Caramel Artisan Ice Cream has finally opened another outlet at Lorong Kilat (off Bukit Timah) right next to Udders Ice cream.

Well, well… it is also neighbours with Udders at Upper Thomson, and one wonders about the relationship between the two of them.

On that note, Udders Ice Cream has also just launched a limited Salted Caramel flavour. Of course, that can be purely coincidental.

The new Salted Caramel outlet is much bigger than the former, less echoey, with minimalist woody décor.

Flavours can include rotating choices of Ispahan, Dark Chocolate Sorbet, Cookies & Cream, Earl Grey, Espresso & Caramel Biscuits, Horlicks Tim Tam, Lychee, Milo Crunch, Raspberry Sorbet, Tahitian Vanilla, Black Sesame, Speculoos, Kaya Toast, Hazelnut Praline, and Peppermint Brownie.

A single scoop goes at $3.90, double for $7.60, while a take-home pint of 500ml is at $13.90.

You can pair this up with Waffles (additional $5), Waffles Cone ($1) or Waffle Bowl ($1).

For first-timers, you probably have to go for signature Salted Caramel, a sweet and salty flavour included with hand harvested French flower sea salt aka Fleur de Sel.

What was appealing was that sweet, salty balance yet with a touch of that lingering bitter edge (more than the usual), plesurable on the taste buds.

I generally find Salted Caramel more of an ‘adult’ flavour, and you need to savour that slowly to better appreciate the nuances.

The ice cream was slightly on the sweet side (almost like having toffee), so I feel that the choice of the accompanying flavour is as important.

The rich and dairy free Dark Chocolate Sorbet was the recommended choice, with bittersweet chocolate flavour. It was not as intense as some of the rest out there, but good enough to feel satisfied.

Salted Caramel Artisan Ice Cream – Bukit Timah
17 Lorong Kilat, #01-10, Kilat Court, Singapore 598139

Salted Caramel Artisan Ice Cream – Upper Thomson
246F Upper Thomson Rd, Singapore 574370
Opening Hours: 12pm – 11pm (Sun – Thurs), 12pm – 12am (Fri), 12pm – 2am (Sat)

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* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

My “East Coast Plan” is getting more exciting of late with the opening of many new cafes such as Kings Cart Coffee Factory, C Café and the ’chio’ Starbucks flagship store in a heritage building at Katong Square.

This East Coast (Foodie) Plan continues with a new addition just few doors away from the famous Birds Of Paradise and 328 Katong Laksa (East Coast) – a double-storey Korean restaurant specialising in Bagels and Coffee in the day and Firewood Chicken at night.

Bagels and Chicken? Bring it on.

Stepping inside, you will first encounter the kitchen and a small 10-seaters space on the first floor and another 8 seats outside.

The space on the upper level is bigger and can accommodate another 34 people, also decked in the same tables and chairs, with interior decoration made from wood and tree logs that resonate with their name “firewood” literally.

Food-wise, only Korean-style Bagels ($5 – $13) are available for lunch till 3pm.

Using sauces imported from Korea, 6 different Bagels flavours are available, namely Chickey ($10), Cowboy ($12), Gammon known as cured pork ($11), Salmon ($13), Halibut ($12) and Cream Cheese ($5).

Choose between 3 different types for your Bagels. Available options include Plain, Blueberry, Onion & Sesame, and each option is served with golden-brown curly fries by the side.

Unfortunately, the Original and Onion & Sesame Bagels were out of stock during my time of visit, and I decided be adventurous to settle for the Blueberries Bagels instead.

I enjoyed the Nova Lox Bagel ($13) that comes with thick salmon slices that added a textural contrast to the well-executed moist and chewy bagel.

The combination of Caper mayonnaise and cream cheese elevated the taste, making it more complex with a savory punch.

The tomatoes, arugula, red onion and avocado add a refreshing crunch and creaminess as well.

I decided to order the Cowboy Bagel ($12) for takeaway that comes with the most number of ingredients (8 in total), beautifully wrapped and sliced into halves.

Stacked with Iceberg lettuce, cucumber, Gherkins (pickled cucumber), caramelised onion, tomato, guacamole and Mozzarella cheese, the blueberry bagel buns added some fruity sweetness that complemented well with the savoury meat.

The dinner menu available from 5pm features dishes with a hearty portion such as Firewood Chicken ($28), Charcoal BQ Chicken (Half $20/ Whole $35), Nude Chicken ($18), DIY Rice Balls ($8) and Hot Chicken Carbonara Ramen ($8).

I ordered the recommended Firewood Chicken with a butterfly-shaped chicken served on Korean heukmi bap which is purple rice with nutty flavour.

While the menu features pictures with chicken on fire, my poultry came served on a hot plate wrapped in foil.

While there was none of that dramatic effect, it was still a tasty-meets-juicy chicken with light crisp on the golden skin.

Lift up the butt of the bird, and you would find the delectable part of sticky rice below which gets its flavours from melted butter and all of that chicken oil dripping below. I see that as good protein.

Make two trips or hang around till late if you need to try both.

Firewood Chicken and Bagel
43 East Coast Road, Singapore 428764
Opening Hours: 11.30am – 3pm, 5pm – 11pm (Tue – Sun), Closed Mon

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* Written by Nicholas Tan @stormscape who loves all things [NEW]. Addition input by Daniel @DanielFoodDiary. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

The Wonderment Collective (TWC and not TWG) started in 2004 from an online bakery to a physical shop opposite the Aljunied MRT station.

Setting inside, one will be greeted by the cozy 7 seater-space, clasped in gold and blue which has a slight resemblance to well… TWG.

From the tall ceiling, ample natural lighting to the golden takeaway tins, this Muslim-owned La Boutique evokes a sense of homely and class, suitable for a quiet afternoon tea time.

Their pastry menu rotates on a weekly basis, so check out the updates on their social media channels before heading down for your favourites.

There were Brownies ($6.50), Burnt Cheesecake ($6.50), 2 Tea Cakes ($6.50), Fruit Tart ($6.50) and Assorted Macarons (1 for $2, 3 for $5) during my visit.

My favourite was the Burnt Cheesecake ($6.50), served with raspberry compote by the side. The Burnt Cheesecake came in a round shape instead of the sliced version commonly seen in other cafes.

Due to the round shape, there was a higher proportion of burnt edges – for those who prefer the caramelised parts.

The texture was soft and moist on the inside with a slight citrus punch, further enhanced by the raspberry compote.

The prices is considered reasonable at $6.50 each, with noticeable effort in terms of the presentation such as the tableware and the plating of each individual creation.

The Tea Cakes (2 for $6.50) come in a pair, namely Raspberry almond Financiers and Earl Grey, with lavender flowers added to the latter.

I prefer the Earl Grey Tea Cake with a crispy crust on the outside and moist and fluffy on the inside.

The addition of lavender makes it more floral and distinctively fragrant.

While I enjoyed the almond crunch from The Raspberry Almond Financiers Tea Cake, it was overall on the sweet for me especially with more icing sugar dusted.

7 different macarons flavours are also available (1 for $2, 3 for $5), ranging from Lemon, Blueberry Cheesecake, Cookies & Cream, Chocolate Ganache, Vanilla, Rose to Lavender Earl Grey.

The macaron was considered well-made with a smooth surface, thin, crispy and light crust and a slightly chewy and firm filling.

The Rose Macaron was aromatic and fragrant, light and not jelak, yet distinctively floral.

For beverages, only Latte ($5), Cappuccino ($5) and Americano ($4) were available.

My cup of Latte ($5) came without latte art and was slightly milky.

The space is cosy for a quiet afternoon tea, with soothing music in the background and a street view for people watching.

The Wonderment Collective
Agrow Building, 90 Lorong 23 Geylang, #01-01, Singapore 388393
Opening Hours: 10am – 6pm (Mon – Sat), Closed Sun

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* Written by Nicholas Tan @stormscape who loves all things [NEW]. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

The Hougang and Serangoon Cafes neighbourhoods have been on a rather hot streak as it welcomes quite a handful of new openings in the vicinity.

Within NEX shopping mall itself, one can expect new additions such as YUN NANS, Beauty in The Pot and upcoming openings like Fong Sheng Hao and Five Guys.

Serangoon-ians would be beaming in joy with more food options.

A stone’s throw away from the mall is Pints & Cones, which pairs handcrafted gelato with craft beer offerings.

They offer a series of classic gelato flavours such as Tiramisu, Roasted Pistachio, Mango Passionfruit and Rocher.

Price wise, a Single Scoop retails at $3.50 and Double Scoop at $6.50.

After scrutinizing, I felt that the flavours available were slightly common and a bit too ‘safe’ for the adventurous me.

Perhaps the most fanciful name that caught my attention was the Elderflower Lime, which came with sorbet-like texture.

I liked how the refreshing tangy notes complemented well with scented elderflower floral fragrance.

While the sign states that the flavour contains alcohol, I found it to be rather muted or perhaps overwhelmed by the former two taste profile.

The other flavour which I had was Bandung, which offered a creamy-sweet rose syrup infused gelato.

It was a decent representation of the good ol’ beverage, though a tad too sweet for my sugar tolerance level.

The black horse which stole the limelight turned out to be their Signature Waffles ($4.50) which had thyme herbs mixed into the waffle batter to produce occasional earthy notes with each bite.

Their texture of their waffles was also on-point – not too dense within and came with light crispy exterior.

I don’t usually eat a lot of waffles, but I ended up finishing most of it unknowingly.

For those who go for alcohol, they carry a series of craft beer options ranging from pale ales, dark lagers, IPA to stout, priced at $7.50 onwards.

Their craft beers are mostly imported from United States and rotate on a seasonal basis.

I also randomly picked up a pint of Sour Ale brewed with marionberries, which was smooth to drink and has a pleasant sweet-sourish finish.

While the store name Pints & Cones literally spells out beer and ice cream, perhaps more innovative thoughts can go into synchronizing these two products to appeal to the market with a stronger value preposition.

Maybe Stout Gelato anytime soon?

Pints & Cones
304 Serangoon Avenue 2 #01-02, Singapore 550304
Opening Hours: 1pm – 11pm (Mon – Sun)

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* Written by Lewis Tan @juicyfingers, a self-proclaimed coffee addict. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

For beef bowl and tomato ramen lovers, two renowned F&B brands from Osaka RAMEN KIOU and ROMAN.TEI, have opened their first-ever Singapore outlets at &JOY Dining Hall.

This is also where you can get fresh sashimi air-flown from Osaka’s fish market to Singapore (thrice a week), and price is at least 30% cheaper than in a usual restaurant setting.

&JOY Dining Hall first opened at Jurong Point, followed by another location at the revamped Great World basement this year.

The multi-brand concept offers unique Japanese specialties all in one destination.

Besides dine-in concepts, &JOY Dining Hall also offers delivery, takeaway, a retail grocery store and a bakery.

The concepts include:
– ROMAN.TEI
– RAMEN KIOU
– Kuriya Japanese Market
– Pittarino
– Ichiban Express
– Gokoku Japanese Bakery

ROMAN.TEI
ROMAN.TEI is a Japanese casual dining concept serving an array of yakiniku grilled meats and beef jyu (rice box).

Known as a meat specialist from Osaka, it specialises in tender beef steak over rice.

Their signature savoury beef steak is juicy and flavourful, sporting a memorable taste and a “golden ratio” of rice and tender beef steak.

The best-seller here is the Double Beef Zen ($17.90). Get twice the value with two kinds of beef in one dish, a duo of beef steak and sliced beef.

The thick juicy cuts of beef are served atop fluffy Japanese rice in jyu boxes. A special homemade sauce adds flavour and silkier texture to the rice. Make it ochazuke by pouring dashi over your rice, topped with pickles, umeboshi (salted Japanese plums), nori, furikake and sesame seeds.

New on the menu is the Japanese Wagyu Miyazaki A4 available ala carte ($31.90) or in a Jyu rice box ($34.90).

Relish the award-winning wagyu bred from Miyazaki prefecture. This A4 graded striploin doesn’t only offer exceptional marbling, but is also packed with rich distinctive flavour.

Also new to ROMAN.TEI is the Pork Ribs with Ginger Sauce ($6.90) which comes with two pieces succulent ribs pan fried on a hot teppan, giving them a crisp exterior. Complement the pork’s delectable fried taste with accompanying Japanese ginger sauce.

RAMEN KIOU
Operating since 1995 at Osaka, RAMEN KIOU is known for its appetizing ramen staples, in particular the Tomato Chashu Ramen ($14.90) and Tomato Cheese Ramen ($14.90).

Order the Deluxe Shoyu Tonkotsu Ramen ($14.50) and taste the house-special tonkotsu drawing salty flavours from the added soy sauce tare which makes this a classic Tokyo-style ramen.

Its signature house-made tonkotsu or bone broth is creamy and fragrant, a great pairing with its tender pork belly chashu slices braised in age-old tare. Their ramen noodles are soft yet firm with a springy texture.

Complete with assorted toppings including ajitama, nori, and negi or chopped green onions.

Kuriya Japanese Market
Kuriya Japanese Market is a one-stop shop for Japanese items including sake, frozen food items, sauces, seasonings, and condiments.

It is the exclusive retailer for Gyomu Super, a popular 800+ supermarket chain of outlets in Japan. With a wide range of dry items, frozen foods, and plenty of snack items, you can be spoilt for choice.

What’s interesting here is you can get the freshest sashimi as premium fish and seafood are air-flown to Singapore from Osaka Central Wholesale Market thrice a week. Yet compared to other dine-in restos, sashimi prices are at least 30% cheaper.

Expand your choices by getting the catch of the day – you can have it sashimi-style or grilled over charcoals.

I had the Houbou aka Red Gurnard or Sea Robin ($17.25 for 176g – market price) which was recommended sashimi-style, a fish known for its white and pink colours, light sweetness, and full-bodied texture.

Pick a Kodai from the display counter and ask the staff for a Charcoal Salt Grilled Kodai (About $16 – market price + $10 grilling service).

This cooking method adds a smoky char to the Sea Bream’s skin while keeping its natural juices within.

Pittarino
The Italian-inspired concept Pittarino (Japanese for “just right”) serves up Japanese-style pizzas and pastas.

It specialises in hand-stretched Neapolitan pizzas and pasta fused with distinctively Japanese flavours. Exuding a fun and hip vibe, Pittarino makes all its pizza from scratch and baked at exactly two minutes to cook the toppings just right.

Pizza choices include Pepperoni ($15.90), Margherita ($13.90), Truffle Mushroom ($18.90), Frutti di Mare ($20.90), Salmone ($19.90), Bismark ($15.90) and more.

Go for the Teriyaki Chicken & Scallion Pizza ($17.90) made with its signature hand-stretched dough laden with teriyaki sauce, mayonnaise and shredded mozzarella. Toppings are a mix of teriyaki chicken and spring onions, with an added egg in the centre.

Couple it with an order of Yuzu Vongole ($14.90), Mentaiko Giapponese ($15.90), Ebi Aglio Oilio ($15.90) or Carbonara Pasta ($13.90) featuring fresh spaghetti with a smooth, almost mochi-like texture.

Pasta here is always nama (fresh) imported from Japan – you won’t find store-bought dry pasta anywhere in their kitchen.

For the Carbonara, the smooth pasta is blended in a cream sauce with cuts of bacon, egg, and Parmigiano cheese. Drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and freshly-ground black pepper just before serving.

Ichiban Express
Ichiban Express at &Joy Dining Hall is a convenient food kiosk for the foodie-on-the-go.

Have a feast at home with their donburi and udon available for takeaway at value-for-money pricing.

These include Chicken Teriyaki Don ($9.90), Salmon Mentai Don ($15.90), Chicken Katsu Don ($9.90), Kitsune Udon ($8.90), Tenzaru Chasoba ($13.90) and Niku Udon ($11.90).

Recommended is the Tempura Udon ($13.90) a combo of udon noodles in broth and assorted tempura.

The Japanese noodles are made in-house, a product of Ichiban Boshi’s chefs’ original recipe. Enjoy this hot noodle soup topped with narutomaki and negi.

Gokoku Japanese Bakery
Gokoku Shichifuku (Japanese for “five grains and seven fortunes”) is a bakery concept from Kobe, Japan.

This authentic Japanese bakery has been baking breads for almost 60 years, serving customers healthy buns made with hearty grains.

If you are looking for high-quality breads, drop by Gokoku Japanese Bakery for your daily supply of baked goods. They use Japanese flour and traditional ingredients like brown rice and sakadane aka fermented dough.

You must order the signature Gokoku Shichifuku Pan ($2.10) baked using a blend of Japanese brown rice and rye flours. It is combined with malt and oatmeal, plus linseed, sunflower seeds, and soy beans. A bread roll rich in dietary fibre and minerals for a heathy boost.

Look out for the Mochi Mochi Cheese ($2.40), a delightful unison of mochi’s chewiness and cheese’s melty goodness. This soft and chewy bun is interspersed with diced cheese melted as designed.

Don’t miss their top-sellers Malt Kurumi Pan ($2.10), a soft bun with malt, oatmeal, soybeans and chopped walnuts; Mochi Mochi Cranberry ($1.90), a soft and chewy cranberry-dotted bun with a light buttery flavour; and Teriyaki Chicken Pizza ($2.10), a chewy pizza-bun topped with teriyaki chicken, onions, cheese and mayo.

To end the meal, head to &JOY Bar to drink to your hearts’ content with various alcohol choices starting from $5. Yes, a glass of highball at $5 and Sapporo Premium Malts draught beer at 2-for-$20, all day every day. ”Kanpai!”

Special Promo with Oddle
Get $10 OFF when you order online (with min spend of $80). Limited to first 1,000 redemptions from 1 – 20 Oct 2020 only. This promotion is available at &JOY Dining Hall Great World and Jurong Point.

Island-wide Delivery from $5 – $8. Free Delivery for orders above $120. Store Pick-up available with no min order. For more information, visit https://order.njoydininghall.com.sg/en_SG/.

&JOY Dining Hall – Great World
1 Kim Seng Promenade, Great World #B1-133 Singapore 237994
Opening Hours: 11am – 9:30pm (Mon – Sun)

&JOY Dining Hall – Jurong Point
1 Jurong West Central 2, Jurong Point #B1-47, Singapore 648886
Opening Hours: 11am – 9:30pm (Mon – Sun)

* This post is brought to you in partnership with &JOY Dining Hall.

Midpoint Orchard must be one of the most under-the-radar buildings along the Orchard Road belt. For foodies, you can head there for Morinaga Izakaya Restaurant and Food Valley Food Court (Note that Signs A Taste Of Vietnam Pho is moving).

Hidden on the basement level of Midpoint Orchard is the Muslim-owned French fries-specialty shop also known as a Friterie – Spuds.

Spuds is another name for potatoes as it is known as a sharp spade used to dig out large-rooted plants and thus the name of the cafe.

With a total of 18 seats in store, Spuds serves only imported French Fries with 13 signature flavours, differentiated by the varied toppings.

Think Unicorn ($7.90), Bolobolo ($7.90), Arigatou ($7.90), Pizzaso ($7.90), Sunshine ($7.90) and Melted Gold ($6.90).

As the name implies, the Unicorn ($7.90) is the most Instagram-worthy item on the menu.

This is drizzled with generous amount of nacho cheese of different colour such as red, green, blue and yellow on top of these thick cut French fries.

As the French fries are freshly prepared a la minute, this will take some time for the food to be served – not the usual fast food speed.

I enjoyed the thick cut, golden-brown French Fries that was hot and crispy on the outside, slightly moist on the inside.

While the colours may seem different for the Unicorn, the various nacho cheese tasted similar, with the yellow sauce being the strongest with that distinct cheese taste.

I also took a liking for the locally-inspired fusion flavours such as Krusty Crab ($6.90) which is chilli crab sauce, Dolmat ($7.90) with satay peanut sauce, Melted Gold ($6.90) representing salted egg, and Bolobolo ($7.90) with Nasi Lemak toppings.

Nasi Lemak toppings on fries?

Yes, the Bolobolo ($7.90) came with ikan bilis, peanuts, cucumber, quail eggs and sambal just like the ingredients of a basic plate of Nasi Lemak.

Even though the sambal is not as spicy and shiok, the fries were coated with spices fragrant and aromatic.

Not only did the toppings provided an additional textural crunch, there was a certain sense of familiarity, make this both relatable and pretty addictive.

Do bring cash along as the reception is weak due to its location on the basement floor, making mobile payment almost impossible.

Ventilation in store can be another issue, and you may leave the store smelling of deep-fried food.

Spuds
Midpoint Orchard #B1-07, 220 Orchard Road, Singapore 238852
Opening Hours: 11am – 9.30pm (Mon – Sun)

* Written by Nicholas Tan @stormscape who loves all things [NEW]. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

Fancy having a hands-on Yakiniku dining experience with top-grade Japanese Mizayaki beef sizzling on hot stones.

Now with 50% OFF the 2nd set menu purchased.

Hot Stones is a hot-plate steak and seafood concept at Clarke Quay operating since 1992, recognised as the first resto in Singapore with a unique Serpentinite volcanic stone slabs cooking experience.

Revamping its concept to keep things sizzling, Hot Stones is now offering a Japanese steakhouse dining experience.

Enjoy the breeze of Singapore River for outdoor dining, or stay indoors at the refurnished space with air-conditioned comfort.

Indulge in its wide array of premium-grade meats and seafood cooked on hot stones, complemented with all sorts of Japanese dishes from appetisers, salads to donburi rice bowls.

Those in the mood for tippling can choose from their selection of sake, Japanese whiskey and cocktails. Here’s more:

Surf & Turf Set ($54 for 1, $108 for 2 diners)
This steak-and-seafood-duo platter is a combination of premium striploins (Australian Wagyu Striploin and US Striploin) laid side-by-side with large king prawns, chunks of salmon, and U.S. scallops.

Take your time to cook the quality ingredients (with as little adulteration as possible) over the hot stones.

What’s special about these stones are from the European Alps, and absorb and retain heat excellently. This unique cooking method pre-heats the stones to 230oC, with the extreme heat locking in the juices of meat, poultry and seafood.

Popular among red meat lovers for its tender and moist meat with moderate marbling, the striploin steak is sliced thinly for utmost eating pleasure.

While sea salt, and miso-tare and ponzu sauce are provided, I would recommend first having those meats with their natural flavours first.

The other benefit is that the meats and seafood stay hot throughout your meal. Each set also comes complete with five choices of appetisers, carbs and desserts per diner.

Complimentary Five Choices of Appetisers (With set purchased)
Complete your Surf & Turf Set with five sides of appetiser, salad, soup, rice, and dessert.

For appetiser, choose either the Cold Shrimp Tofu or the Spicy Miso Salmon.

As for your greens, it is a toss-up between Wafu Salad (mixed greens, sweet corn, silken tofu, carrot, Japanese cucumber, cherry tomato, wafu dressing) or the Hot Stones House Salad (mixed greens, black olive, orange, red radish, Japanese cucumber, truffle oil, house dressing).

For soup, you can opt for either Mushroom (a mix of shiitake and button mushrooms) or Tomato Soup – both good vegetarian choices.

Go for the Steamed Rice if you like your carb plain, or make it a Garlic Rice packed with fragrant aroma.

Finally, your choice of sweet ending: Matcha Cheesecake or the velvety smooth Caramel Pudding.

Mizayaki A4 ($58 for Ribeye 100g, $64 for Striploin 100g, $42 for Chuck Ribs Cubes 100g)
Pamper yourself with a 100g serving of Miyazaki beef, an exceptional meat from the Japanese Black cattle.

Produced and fattened in the Miyazaki Prefecture, this beef is rated Grade A or higher by the Japan Meat Grading Association.

Get the tender Mizayaki Striploin, rated A4 for its very good marbling and meat quality – firm texture, good lustre, pink-colour, and exceptional quality of fat and meat.

If you prefer a fuller set, get the Japanese Premium Wagyu Beef Set ($99 for 1, $198 for 2) included with Miyazaki Striploin A4, Miyazaki Ribeye A4, Kagoshima Ribeye A4, and Kagoshima Striploin A4.

Beef Striploin Donburi
Newly introduced luxurious Beef Donburis include Miyazaki A4 Striploin ($68), Kagoshima A4 Striploin ($68), and Australia MS7-8 Wagyu Striploin Donburi ($38).

I had the Australia MS7-8 Wagyu Striploin Donburi, in which the marbling scores range from 1 (leanest) to 9 (premium marbling).

Experience what an Australian Wagyu Striploin with marbling score of MS7-8 feels like in your mouth. You get succulent slices of steak served atop truffle-shoyu infused Japanese rice, flanked by onsen egg, ikura, foie gras, furikake, tobiko, and fried garlic slices.

A splash of truffle oil, and sprinkles of spring onions and sesame seeds complete this fragrant donburi with fluffy rice.

Teriyaki Chicken Donburi ($22)
If you want to choose something other than beef, also available are the Honey Miso Salmon Don ($28) and Teriyaki Chicken Donburi ($22).

Cooked over the same hot stones, the chicken thighs turn out flavourfully juicy.

The chunks of meat are wrapped in a glaze blanket of sweet-savoury teriyaki sauce, and similarly served over steamed Japanese rice with onsen egg, ikura, foie gras, furikake, tobiko and fried garlic slices.

Sake Steamed Mussels ($14)
These chef-recommended mussels are steamed in a mixture of sake (Japanese rice wine) and menthshoyu (Japanese noodle base), sweetened by a splash of mirin.

The sake not only tenderises the mussels but also intensifies their flavour.

Also available are Garlic Butter, Japanese Curry, and Spicy Garlic Miso Mussels options. Enjoy these deliciously fragrant mussels as an appetiser or side dish.

Hot Stones NEW Menu Promotion
Enjoy 50% OFF its 2nd set menu from 1 Oct till 31 Oct 2020.

T&Cs:
– To enjoy promotion, reservation is mandatory. Please visit https://hotstones.com.sg/online-reservation for reservations.
– Not valid on Public Holiday, special occasions and their respective eves.
– Item of equal or lower value will be discounted.
– Offer is applicable to the billed amount excluding prevailing GST and service charges.
– Valid for dine-in only, not applicable for private events, take-away or bookings of more than 5pax.
– Offer cannot be used in conjunction with other promotions, discounts, offers and/or any other credit/debit card privileges.
– Limited to one redemption per card, per bill, per table, per party and per occasion.
– Diners from the same party are not allowed to split bills and/or tables.
– Management reserves the right to amend menu, prices, promotions and/or terms and conditions without prior notice.

Hot Stones
3D River Valley Rd, Clarke Quay #01-06 Block D, Singapore 179023
Opening Hours: 12pm – 3pm, 5pm – 10pm (Mon – Sun)
Reservation: https://hotstones.com.sg/online-reservation

If you have been to Perth, you may be familiar with Fremantle harbour known for its seafood markets and stalls.

The Fremantle Seafood Market back home at Clarke Quay aims to recreate that experience with the offering of the freshest catches of fishes, clams, crabs, lobsters, mussels, and oysters.

The casual seafood restaurant has recently revamped their menu with an expanded selection. A showstopper is the Fremantle Hot Seafood Platter ($76) with crispy soft-shell crab, grilled barramundi fillet, white wine mussels, Rockefeller baked oyster, grilled garlic butter king prawn, and baked Chilean scallop.

Fremantle Seafood Market – 50% OFF Live Whole Lobsters
To commemorate their 10th anniversary in Singapore, Fremantle Seafood Market is holding a promotion: 50% off their live whole Lobsters.

Choose 2 ways to enjoy them:
– Thermidor: Baked with mushroom cream, hollandaise sauce, white wine, and topped with a cheese skirt.
– Mornay: Made with the luscious bechamel gratin sauce and gruyere cheese.

Each lobster (U.P. $82) comes with mushroom, baby potatoes, corn, and mixed salad. Promotion runs from 10 September to 11 October 2020, limited to one per table.

Terms and conditions:
– To enjoy this promotion, reservation is mandatory via https://fremantleseafoodmarket.com.sg/online-reservation.
– Offer is valid from 10 September to 11 October 2020, daily.
– Not valid on Public Holiday, special occasions and their respective eves.
– Offer is applicable to the billed amount excluding prevailing GST and service charges.
– Valid for dine-in only, not applicable for private events, take-away or bookings of more than 5pax.
– Offer cannot be used in conjunction with other promotions, discounts, offers and/or any other credit/debit card privileges.
– Limited to one redemption per card, per bill, per table, per party and per occasion.
– Diners from the same party are not allowed to split bills and/or tables.
– Management reserves the right to amend menu, prices, promotions and/or terms and conditions without prior notice.

Fremantle Seafood Market
3E River Valley Road, Clarke Quay #01-05 Block E, Singapore 179024
Operating hours: 12pm – 3pm Last Order 2:45pm, 5pm – 10pm Last Order 9:45pm (Mon – Sun)
Reservation: https://fremantleseafoodmarket.com.sg/online-reservation

* This entry is brought to you in partnership with Creative Eateries.

If you are looking at a place Downtown for business lunches, dinner meals and social drinks, head over to Marina Bay Link Mall (MBLM) and Marina Bay Financial Centre (MBFC).

Now, dining out is made more affordable with appealing 1-for-1 deals for this month of October 2020 (more details below).

MBLM is conveniently interconnected via multiple entry points for ease of travel via Downtown, Raffles Place, and Marina Bay MRT stations.

Check out these F&B attractions along the Underground Pedestrian Network (UPN) and find your next favourite meals in the area.

At the basement “Subterranean” area, you would find restaurants including Aloha Poké, Arcade Fish Soup, Awfully Chocolate, Crave, Din Tai Fung, Heybo, Infinity Café, Ichiban Boshi, PAUL, Paradise Classic, Saigon Roll, Sō Ramen, WOLF and more.

Head above to “Ground Plaza” with scenic al fresco dining, with choices including Erwin’s Gastrobar, BLVD, Bushido, Harry’s, Forbidden Duck, and Qi – House of Sichuan. Adding to the plethora of F&B offerings at MBFC are LeVeL33, The Coffee Academïcs, MOS Burger, Workspace Espresso & Bar and more to meet the dining needs of the office community and residents at Marina Bay.

Time to eat, drink, and unwind. Here are 8 restaurants at MBLM and MBFC offering attractive 1-for-1 dining deals:

Infinity Café
MBLM #B2-11
Opening Hours: 10:30am – 6pm (Mon – Fri), 11am – 3pm (Sat), Closed Sun

When you are at MBLM and need to fuel up, head off to Infinity Café for a hearty meal. Whether you need brunch, lunch, or dinner, they got something for you to enjoy in their modern space.

You can’t go wrong with pasta, the ultimate comfort food for many. Choose from meaty pastas like Beef Ragu with Smoked Bacon ($16), or seafood-centric ones like Scallops Mentaiko ($18), Clam and Anchovy ($16), Seafood Aglio Olio ($22).

If you like heady aromas, the Truffle Forest of Mushroom ($18) and Garlic Pomodoro ($12) are perfect for you. Vegetarian options include Pink Peppercorn and Parmesan ($15) and Pumpkin Ravioli ($16).

For a fiery pasta, go for their popular Spicy Crab Diablo ($18), inspired by the iconic Singapore Chilli Crab Pasta. Using fettucine as the pasta ribbons of choice, they add fresh crab meat, garlic, purple onions, tomatoes, basil, and the ingredient that gives that local-spicy twist – sambal chilli.

The slight heat combines with the tartness of tomatoes, while sprinkles of cured egg (egg yolk cured for a week with bonito flakes) impart that mild smoky flavour.

Still on Asian flavours, the Prawn Chilli Lime ($18) is also recommended if you are looking for something Thai-inspired. This spaghetti pasta is cooked using a mild vegetable broth, but gets a lift with the infusion of chilli, lime and kombu, a type of brown seaweed and a nutrient-packed superfood. An order gives you large pieces of prawns making it a hearty seafood meal.

Promotion: 1-For-1 Pasta
T&C:
– Valid from 1 – 31 Oct 2020.
– Complimentary item must be lesser or equal in value than purchased.
– The offer is not valid in conjunction with other discounts, offers, promotions, privileges and vouchers.

Sō Ramen
MBLM #B2-04B
Opening Hours: 11.30am – 9pm (Mon – Sat, Closed Sun)

Sō Ramen’s rendition of ramen are developed by its in-house chefs, creating a set of recipes that is uniquely Sō’s.

Check out their newest menu item Seasonal Pumpkin Ramen ($12.80), developed to capture the flavours of autumn.

The dish highlights the use of fresh, locally farmed butternut pumpkins. Brewed with flavourful chicken broth, the ramen is served with original hosomen noodles. Enjoy your comforting bowl bedecked with cha shu, ajitama egg, and a slice of the seasonal pumpkin.

Add to your order their Ebi Tempura Don ($11.80), a Marina Bay Link Mall exclusive. Made with fresh shrimps, plus some assorted veggies, the pieces are dipped and coated in a light, airy batter.

Once deep-fried, you will be rewarded with that crunch. The crisp tempuras are served over a bowl of fragrant Koshihikari, a premium Japanese rice.

Extend your meal further with a few sides including the Ebi Tempura ($10.30 for 5 pcs), Yasai Tempura ($9.30), Tempura Moriawase ($10.30), and Yasai Kakiage ($3.30).

Promotion: 1-For-1 Tempura Sides
T&C:
– Valid on weekdays after 3pm & all-day on Sat, from 1 – 31 Oct 2020.
– Valid for dine-in and takeaway
– Complimentary tempura side dish must be of equal or lower value to paying item.
– Valid at Sō Ramen @ Marina Bay Link Mall only.
– The offer is not valid in conjunction with other discounts, offers, promotions, privileges and vouchers.

WOLF
MBLM #B2-47
Opening Hours: 10:30am – 6pm (Mon – Fri), Closed Sat & Sun

Fill yourself up with a satisfying Japanese specialty rice bowl at WOLF, where they offer you over 14 different kinds of donburi bowls.

Taste their repertoire of traditional and fusion Japanese rice bowls, including Chicken Teriyaki Bowl ($12.80) and Chicken Black Pepper Bowl ($12.80). Vegetarian options include Mapo Tofu Bowl ($12.80) and the King Oyster Mushroom Bowl ($12.80).

Seafood lovers can choose their Unagi Bowl ($18.80), Aburi Scallop Bowl ($18.80), King Crab & Ikura Bowl ($28.80), and Fresh Seafood Bowl ($16.80). If you like some luxurious foie gras, order their Short Rib & Foie Gras Bowl ($23.80) or Foie Gras & Ikura Bowl ($28.80).

But if you can choose only one, how about going for the Short Rib Bowl ($16.80)?

Fancy yourself sinking your teeth into the seared and peppered beef slices, neatly arranged atop a bowl of fluffy Japanese rice. Accompanied with soft egg and pickled daikon for that added flavour and texture once eaten altogether.

In the mood for something aburi-ed? The Salmon Mentai Bowl ($18.80) is perfect for the occasion. Featuring a thick slab of salmon resting over rice. This fatty fish is slathered with a creamy mentaiko sauce. A touch of flame completes the dish as it imparts a caramelised smoky flavour.

Promotion: 1-For-1 Donburi Bowl
T&C:
– Valid from 1 – 30 Oct 2020.
– Complimentary item must be lesser or equal in value than purchased.
– The offer is not valid in conjunction with other discounts, offers, promotions, privileges and vouchers.

The Coffee Academïcs
MBFC Tower 2 #01-01
Opening Hours: 8am – 4pm (Mon – Fri), Closed Sat & Sun

The Coffee Academïcs is a specialty coffee concept from Hong Kong sourcing the best coffee beans from around the world and roasted on-site.

Its full-glass frontage is nothing short of inviting you to come in and stop by for coffee. This award-winning café got booth seats for a secluded sip, or get the window seat and watch the world go by.

It boasts of an 8-metre coffee bar showcasing its state-of-the-art Sanremo Cafe Racer, a 3-group espresso machine that blends a beautiful design and the latest energy saving technology. It also has a hand brew bar and a selection of fresh-baked pastries.

Must-try is the TCA House Blend, a multi-region blend featuring Latin American and African coffees. Beans sourced from Columbia, Brazil and Ethiopia are combined and roasted, designed to create a full-bodied cup. Scored 92 to 94 by the World Coffee Review, the TCA House Blend is ranked highest in Asia and top three in the world.

Promotion: 1-For-1 Hot or Iced Classic Coffee, includes Espresso, Espresso Macchiato, Long Black, Piccolo Latte, Latte, Flat White, Cappuccino.
T&C:
– Valid on Fridays from 10am – 1pm, 1 – 30 Oct 2020.
– Promotion applicable only at Marina Bay Financial Centre store
– One redemption per person
– (1) 10 oz beverage (only valid for hot/iced Classic espresso-based coffees)
– Other T&C may apply.

Copper Chimney
MBFC Tower 3 #02-06
Opening Hours: 8am – 6:30pm (Mon – Fri), Closed Sat & Sun

Craving for authentic Indian food? Go to Copper Chimney which specialises in North Indian cuisine. Explore their Tandoori Kebabs, Tikkas, Butter Chicken ($12), Naan ($3.50 onwards), and other Halal North Indian cuisine.

Copper Chimney also offers Chinese gourmet dishes to give diners a wider selection for breakfast, lunch or tea. They offer dishes like Hakka Noodles ($9 with vegetables, $10 with chicken) and Szechwan Fried Rice ($15 with paneer, $16 with chicken) made with the finest Szechwan peppers from China.

You cannot miss Copper Chimney’s signature Chicken Tikka Biryani ($14) as biryani is a pillar in Indian cooking.

This dish offers boneless chicken marinated in special house spices and yogurt, making it extra succulent. Cooked in an oven, the chicken gets that alluring smoky aroma and served atop long-grained Basmati rice. Served with yoghurt salad (veg raita) on the side to cool off your taste buds.

If you are still quite peckish, order the Palak Paneer ($12) made with cottage cheese cubes simmered in a rich spinach sauce infused with aromatic Indian spices.

You can pair this flavourful green gravy with a naan (garlic or tandoori) and Jeera rice. Complete it with a bowl of Dal Fry, a popular Indian lentil dish.

Promotion: 1-For-1 Mains (check in-store for available food items)
T&C:
– Valid on weekdays from 12pm – 2:30pm, 1 – 30 Oct 2020.
– Promotion applicable only at Marina Bay Financial Centre store.
– Food items subject to availability.
– Complimentary item must be lesser or equal in value than purchased.

Misaki Japanese Restaurant
MBFC Tower 3 #02-08
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 3pm Last Order 2:30pm (Mon – Fri), 6pm – 10pm Last Order 9:30pm (Mon – Sat)

Misaki is a Japanese joint where you can enjoy quality sushi and sashimi from the hands of Japan-trained Master Chef Khor and his team.

Named after “Misaki”, a Japanese term referring to the natural elements around us, Misaki has brought in natural elements into its space.

Start off with their Dashimaki Tamago ($8) a traditional Japanese rolled omelette made with egg and dashi. An order contains 4 pieces of this simple egg roll, made flavourful with the seaweed and dried fish stock.

For a meatier option, go for the Tebasaki Teriyaki ($8) made with marinated chicken wings and deep-fried to a crispy exterior. Their fried flavour is boosted further as the wings are tossed in a Japanese sweet sauce and sesame seeds for a savoury-sweet taste combo.

Other special items in the menu include Asparagus Bacon Maki ($10), Cherry Tomato Bacon Maki ($8), Nasu Kinome Miso Yaki or Grilled Japanese Eggplant Topped With Sweet & Salty Miso Paste ($9), Wakasagi Nanbanzuke or Smelt Fish Marinated In Japanese Vinegar ($10), Tosaka Kurage Su or Seaweed & Jelly Fish with Vinegar Sauce ($8), Kyuri Kinzanji Miso or Japanese Cucumber With Barley Miso ($8), Tomato Salad with Wafu Dressing ($8).

Pair these dishes with 2 bottles of Okinawa Orion beer for just $12.

Promotion: 1-For-1 Special Dinner Item (as listed above)
T&C:
– Valid for dinner time only from 6pm – 10pm (while stocks last), from 1 – 31 Oct 2020.
– Maximum four Items per table order.
– Complimentary item must be lesser or equal in value than purchased.

Bushido
MBFC, Ground Plaza #01-02
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 2pm, 4:30pm – 10:30pm (Mon – Fri), Closed Sat & Sun

Bushido is a modern Japanese bar based on the concept of traditional Japanese izakaya.

Virtually be transported to Japan as you soak up in their Japanese-inspired atmosphere.
Dishes uses quality ingredients and skilfully prepared the Japanese way.

For your main dish, choose from these must-try items: Garlic Fried Rice ($8.80), Grilled Squid ($15.80), Salmon Teriyaki ($18.80), Yakisoba ($14.80), Beef Steak ($22.80), and Hot Soba Noodles with Clams ($14.80).

The Collar Fish ($22.80) is recommended, featuring the fatty and juicy meat found right behind the gills.

Known among fish fans as the best part of the Hamachi or yellowtail fish, the collar is oven-baked while still on the bone. This process makes the meat fall-off-the-bone tender as it creates a deep flavour. Best savoured with a ponzu dip and paired with radish.

Moving on to tapas, order their Salted Egg Tori Karaage ($14.30), an upgraded version of the classic Tori Karaage ($12.80). Made with bite-sized chunks of chicken thigh deep fried to golden brown perfection. The salted egg in the batter adds a burst flavour to this crispy, juicy fried chicken.

Feel free to try their other tapas, like Asari No Sakamushi or steamed clams with sake ($10.80), Crunchy Pork Belly ($11.80), Fried Octopus Tako Karaage ($11.80), Ebi Fry ($12.80), Gyoza Age ($10.80), Spicy Chicken Wings ($13.80), Pork Katsu Bun ($5.80), Soft Shell Crab Bun ($6.80), and Unagi Bun ($6.80).

Promotion: Order a 5 Pints Deal or 5 Bottles Bucket Special and get 1-For-1 Mains/Tapas
T&C:
– Valid from Mon to Fri (4.30pm onwards), from 1 – 30 Oct 2020.
– One redemption per table, no splitting of bill.
– Complimentary item must be lesser or equal in value than purchased.
– The offer is not valid in conjunction with other discounts, offers, promotions, privileges and vouchers.

Harry’s
MBFC, Ground Plaza #01-03
Opening Hours: 11am – 10:30pm (Mon – Fri), 4pm – 10:30pm (Sat), Closed Sun

Harry’s is an ideal after-work hang out with colleagues or a gathering point to catch up with family and friends.

Its relaxed ambiance is the perfect venue to chill over flatbread pizzas and ice cold glass of beer.

Make sure to order the bestselling favourite Mushroom & Truffle Flatbread Pizza ($24), topped with umami-rich champignon/button mushrooms and drizzled with fragrant truffle oil and aioli.

Or try their Beef & Pepperoni Flatbread Pizza ($27) and let the meat-lover in you rejoice for its chili beef topping side-by-side with sliced pepperoni. Spice up each slice with the added jalapeño to give you that extra kick of heat.

Other pizza options include the classic Hawaiian ($24) made with honey baked ham and
Pineapples chunks; and the vegetarian-friendly Margherita ($22) topped with marinated cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and rocket greens.

Promotion: Enjoy 1-For-1 Erdinger Pint with any Flatbread Pizza purchased
T&C:
– Valid for all day dining-in, 1 – 31 Oct 2020.
– Promotion applicable only at Marina Bay Financial Centre store.
– 1-for-1 Erdinger Pint is limited to one redemption per every Flatbread Pizza ordered.

Discover more F&B deals on the By The Bay app, available in App Store and Google Play.
By The Bay APP offers great conveniences to MBFC and ORQ services, information and amenities. Experience a unique live-work-play district filled with exciting activities and promotions.

Marina Bay Link Mall Complimentary Parking
Redeem a complimentary parking coupon worth up to 4 hours* when you spend a minimum of $30 from 1 – 31 Oct 2020 at Marina Bay Link Mall or Marina Bay Financial Centre.

*Free parking coupon worth for approximately 3 hours before 6pm on weekdays, 4 hours after 6pm on weekdays and 4 hours all day on weekends and public holidays. Promotions are valid from 1 Oct – 31 Oct 2020 at Marina Bay Link Mall and Marina Bay Financial Centre, unless otherwise stated. Not valid in conjunction with other promotions, privileges or discounts. All redemptions are on a first-come, first-served basis, and while stocks last. Please check in-store for more promotion details and opening hours. Pictures are for illustration purposes only.

*This entry is brought to you in partnership with Marina Bay Link Mall and Marina Bay Financial Centre.