With the queue of Menbaka Fire Ramen reaching from Level 5 all the way to the OUTSIDE of Cineleisure Orchard, it seems that Singaporeans’ love for ramen is insatiable.

I have compiled a list of relatively new ramen eateries and outlets of the famous brands opened in the last 1.5 years or so. Here are 18 of them!

Menbaka Fire Ramen Singapore
Cineleisure Orchard #05-03, 8 Grange Rd, Singapore 239695
Opening Hours: 12pm – 9pm (Mon – Sun)

Famous Kyoto Fire Ramen Arrives At Orchard Cineleisure
For this is your first time to Menbaka, that I would recommend trying the signature of Shoyu Fire Ramen ($17.90).

The same shoyu used in the Kyoto main store is incorporated, specially imported from Tatsuno in Hyogo prefecture. The brand has been manufacturing soy sauce for 220 years.

As for the signature broth, it is created by simmering chicken bones for several hours.

An original blend of katsuobushi (bonito flakes) and sababushi (mackerel flakes) are also added to create that rich, umami flavour. The chicken would provide that savoury fresh flavour, while the fish gives a light aroma and more layered taste when you take sips.

The noodles are also not quite the usual style we are accustomed to, which is made-to-order Japanese-meet-Chinese style noodles, accordingly lower in hydration. This noodle type is said to match best with the soup.

The two things that stand out for me were the negi and the heat. The green onions are locally farmed, specially sourced from a local Japanese supplier.

There was a pile of it, refreshing and crunchy-sweet which helped balance out any greasiness. The broth stayed almost warm throughout the meal (plus not overly salty), giving the feeling of comfort to the belly. Menbaka Fire Ramen (Orchard Cineleisure)

Menya Kanae
275 Thomson Rd, Novena Regency #01-08, Singapore 307645
Tel: +65 6261 6205
Opening Hours: 11am – 9:30pm (Mon – Sun)

Hokkaido-Style Prawn Ramen Restaurant & Café
There are a fair number of new ramen restaurants in Singapore, but this opening should stand out a little more, especially for prawn ramen lovers.

Make your oishii food wishes come true at Menya Kanae, as this is a café-by-day, Izakaya-by-night dual concept eatery. And it specialises in rich prawn broth ramen, which is not that commonly found in Singapore.

Satisfy your noodle cravings with Menya Kanae’s specialty prawn broth ramen of Tokusei Sapporo Ebi Tonkotsu Ramen ($19.80), featuring a rich and creamy tonkotsu base infused with a blend of seafood flavours.

Prawn heads combined with lobster bisque intensifies the bold taste of this thick pork bone broth which is cooked for more than four hours.

This bowl is loaded with bean sprouts, bamboo shoot, black fungus; then topped with a couple each of tender chashu, flame-seared Tiger prawns, and half an ajitama egg.

Then finished off with a sprinkle of spring onions, crunchy Sakura ebi tempura flakes, and crispy shallots.

If you prefer the thin Hakata-style noodles, then you are in luck. The ones here are QQ springy, though I would personally wish for a slightly-harder bite and less noodles – can be pretty filling.

The star of the bowl is the prawn + pork broth with umami oomph. Menya Kanae (Novena Regency)

Niku King – Ramen Keisuke
60 Paya Lebar Road #01-02/03/04 Paya Lebar Square Singapore 409051
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 3pm, 5:30pm – 10pm (Mon – Fri), 11:30am – 10pm (Sat, Sun, PH)

NEW Ramen Keisuke Concept With Meaty Bowls From $11.90
Ramen Keisuke needs little introduction to ramen-lovin’ Singaporeans.

Niku King which replaced the older concepts at Paya Lebar Square is inspired by its popular sister outlet in Japan – Niku Soba has 5 outlets across the country.

Niku King’s pptions include Niku King Miso Ramen ($12.90), Niku King Tonkotsu Ramen ($13.90), and Niku King Shoyu Ramen ($11.90). Add $1 to change to a spicy version.

I must say that the prices remain friendly for its quality, plus complimentary eggs, beansprouts and water.

Comparatively, Niku King’s ramen broth is thicker, creamier with more umami as the meats used here are fattier and juicier.

I found the tonkotsu broth generally smoother and milkier, but not overly salty. Can be jelat for some. Niku King (Paya Lebar)

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

RAMEN KIOU From Osaka With Deluxe Shoyu Tonkotsu Ramen
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. &JOY Dining Hall (Great World)

Kure Menya
182 Cecil Street Frasers Tower #02-11, Singapore 069547 (Tanjong Pagar MRT)
Opening Hours: 11am – 9:30pm (Mon – Sun)

Collagen-Packed Chicken Broth Ramen
Chicken-based ramen full of collagen? Kure Menya is a modern Japanese noodle joint specialising in inexpensive chicken ramen and more.

A Tori Paitan-style Chashu Ramen is priced at only $11.90 Nett. No GST or service charge.

Get the Tori Fest Ramen ($17.50 Nett), available in Original or Spicy. At the heart of each bowl of ramen is a collagen-rich chicken broth, meticulously prepared with attention, knowledge and precision for more than 8 hours.

The cloudiness in the soup is achieved from cooking chicken bones at a higher temperature with more robust boiling – no additional milk is included.

To bring out the true flavour of fresh ingredients, Kure Menya never uses MSG to season its cooking. Instead, it focuses on using ingredients to deliver unique taste profiles and umami.

This nutritious-tasting broth is the foundation of a signature Kure Menya ramen. I found the soup semi-rich (compared to the usual tonkotsu), surprisingly not salty, and therefore drinkable to the last drop.

Compared to the regular ramen, this comes with way more meat – chicken chashu and chicken braised sukiyaki style. Served with Ajitama egg and fresh chopped spring onions. Kure Menya (Frasers Tower)

Suparakki Ramen
Citylink Mall #B1-65 Singapore 039393 (City Hall MRT)
North Point City (South Wing) #B2-154, Singapore 769098 (Yishun MRT)
Westgate #B2-03 Singapore 608532 (Jurong East MRT)
Opening Hours: 10.30am – 9:30pm (Mon – Sun)

Affordable $6.90 Truffle Ramen At Citylink Mall
Adults and kids alike love the Original Tonkotsu Ramen ($7.90+), making it Suparakki’s bestseller.

Available in spicy and non-spicy versions, this ramen has a bold flavour that comes from its velvety, collagen-rich tonkotsu made from pork bone stock.

For 6 hours, pork bones (hocks and trotter) are boiled with various herbs and spices. No milk is added, yet the broth is naturally opaque white and creamy.

You get two slices of chashu, made from locally-sourced pork belly. Then meat is cooked sous vide for 24 hours at 68 degrees Celsius, resulting in tender pieces that’s cooked in a special homemade sauce. Served topped with nori, black mushrooms, chopped spring onions, and ajitama egg.

You may be wondering if something so affordable would have its quality compromised. Actually it was really not bad.

The noodles produced using high-grade Japanese flour manufactured in Suparakki’s own factory, had a pretty QQ and semi-firm bite, swimming in delectable broth.

For those who are afraid of soup bases which tend to be on the saltier end, this was slurp-worthy and not too rich (that you could even finish the entire bowl). You are also assured no MSG is added. Suparakki Ramen (CityLink Mall)

Hayashi
12 Alexandra View, ARTRA #01-11, Singapore 158736
Opening Hours: 11am – 3pm, 5pm – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Ramen and Yakitori Bar at Alexandra
Not many people know about this new ramen bar which is of a short walking distance from Redhill MRT station, on the ground level of ARTRA.

The Signature Hayashi Ramen ($12.80) contains tonkotsu broth simmered for 10 hours with a mixture of fish broth to created a more layered flavour. This is paired with freshly made Hakata style ramen which is long and thin.

Also available is the Hayashi Dry Ramen ($12.80) which comes with stewed pulled pork seasoned with sauce, and also drizzled with truffle oil to give that added fragrance, especially after you give it a good toss.

Kiwami
Guoco Tower #B2-10, 1 Wallich Street, Singapore 078884
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Sunt)

Tonkotsu Broth Simmered Over 10 hours
Get your comforting bowl of ramen from Kiwami, a popular ramen and gyoza bar that uses only quality ingredients.

It takes pride in its Original Tonkotsu, laboriously simmered over 10 hours using 100% Japanese pork bones. This broth, brimming with umami flavour, forms the perfect base for its ramen dishes.

For meat, they offer no less than Japan’s No. 1 beef – A4/A5-grade Miyazaki wagyu in selected dishes. Seafood is sourced from Hokkaido, while fresh eggs are imported from Okinawa. Ramen noodles are crafted from Hokkaido wheat using an original recipe.

Taste the recommended Premium Black Tonkotsu Ramen ($15.84), made with the original pork bone broth.

The Hokkaido wheat ramen noodles are topped with tender slices of cha shu cut of toroniku (pork cheek).

Infused with roasted black garlic oil for an alluring aroma, this ramen is topped with toasted garlic chips for that extra crunch.

Japanese Soba Noodles Tsuta – Funan
109 North Bridge Rd, #01-04, Funan Mall, Singapore 179105
Opening Hours: 11am – 9pm (Mon – Sun)

Tsuta Offers Crab Soba with Premium Char Siu & Crab Shell
Opened by Chef-owner Yuki Onishi in 2012, Tsuta has received numerous awards, including the coveted Michelin star in the Tokyo Michelin Guide – the first ramen eatery in Japan to receive the star.

The Singapore outlets has introduced the new Crab Soba with Premium Char Siu & Crab Shell ($23.80), a bowl filled with Japanese snow crab meat that has been lightly seasoned and flame torched.

The ramen is also included with Tsuta’s meaty Iberico pork belly and Kurobuta pork loin.

Savour the well-balanced broth which has been boiled with fresh mud crabs over a few hours in two ways – unmixed for a taste of pure oceanic delight and then thoroughly mixed for a multi-layered broth.

Each bowl comes in a rich, complex palate of fragrant seafood broth garnished with tomato paste, leek, sour cream, and dried oregano.

There are two other options which come without the crab carapace which are Crab Soba with Char Siu ($16.80), or top up $3 for a premium offering of Crab Soba with Premium Char Siu ($19.80) which is accompanied by a slice of Iberico pork belly and Kurobuta pork loin.

(Support the Community Chest with a purchase of Tsuta ComChest Hearts As One Sets available at upshop.me. 50% of the proceeds will go to ComChest. Purchase ends 29 Nov 1159hrs, while redemption is from 30 Nov 2020 till 28 Feb 2021 at Funan or VivoCity outlets.)

Ippudo
252 North Bridge Road #B1-61/62 Raffles City Shopping Centre, Singapore 189768
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Fri), 10:30am – 10pm (Sat, Sun, PH)

NEW Ippudo Outlet At Raffles City With Exclusive Dishes
Ippudo has opened a new 80-seater outlet at Raffles City, offering the brand’s signature ramen items as well as an array of exclusive dishes.

The exclusive dish include the Shaka Shaka Fries ($6.80) which is Ippudo’s take on the highly popular shaker fries, now coated with salty-sweet egg yolk powder.

Also new is the Teppan Rice, which is served with a medley of red and yellow peppers, corn, and crisp-fried Ippudo ramen noodles, then poured over with eggy cheese lava sauce.

For the ramen staples, the signature bowl is the Shiromaru Motoaji – the original creamy tonkotsu broth served with Hakata-style thin noodles, pork belly chashu, black fungus and spring onions.

Kanada-Ya Singapore
30 Raffles Place, #01-19/20, Singapore 048622
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm (Tues – Sun), Closed Mon

10 Paya Lebar Road, #03-30, Paya Lebar Quarter Mall (PLQ) Singapore 409057
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Truffle Ramen With Hakata Style Noodles
What makes the soup base special is the added secret sauce, hand-made by Kanada-Ya’s founder Mr. Kanada – a former pro keirin racer-turned-self-taught chef. This sauce is imported directly from the original restaurant in Japan to safeguard its authenticity.

The Truffle Ramen ($22.90 for basic, $24.90 for regular, $26.90 for special) is London’s favourite, a simple yet stunning Hakata style ramen topped with belly chashu, asparagus, and nori.

The distinctive aroma will definitely ‘arrive’ before the bowl does as diners wait in anticipation.

Its fragrance and flavour come from the black truffle oil mixed with the signature tonkotsu soup base, and the black truffle jelly topping made with black truffle paste.

Equally important as the soup base, Kanada-Ya’s noodles are made using a specific type of wheat flour with exact protein content and alkaline salts.

As a result, you get firm yet springy noodles to pair with their signature pork bone broth. If you like the thin and long Hakata style noodles with a firm bite, this will be right up your alley.

Kanada-ya has also opened at new outlet at Change Alley Mall, Raffles Place and. Kanada-Ya (Paya Lebar Quarter)

Ramen Hitoyoshi
Don Don Donki Clarke Quay Central, B1 11-28/44-51, No. 6, Eu Tong Sen Street, Singapore 059817

Tonkotsu Ramen with Creamy and Thick Pork Broth
Ramen Hitoyoshi has outlets at Harbourfront Centre #01-99, Seletar Mall #02-K6, #03-21/22 City Square Mall, Mapletree Business City #02-38, Republic Plaza #02-13/14, and recently opened within Don Don Donki at Clarke Quay Central.

The ramen items are considered inexpensive in Singapore’s context, with a basic Tonkotsu bowl at $11.90, $13.90 with addition of ajitama egg, and $16.90 with an “all toppings” choice include seaweed and chashu.

We serve 3 types of soups (Original, Garlic & Spicy) and 2 types of noodles! Customize your choice to get a unique bowl of ramen to tantalize your taste buds!

Donburi were served at Seletar Mall (Chicken Teriyaki Donburi, Buta Shogayaki Donburi, Beef Sukiyaki Donburi, Salmon Mentai Donburi & Chashu Donburi).
When I took the first sip of the thick, creamy tonkotsu broth supposedly cooked for 8 hours, the taste reminded me of Keisuke Tonkotsu King when it first started out.

Except the Ramen Hitoyoshi had an even thicker quality, and used different type of noodles.

Donburi bowls are also served at Seletar Mall which includes Chicken Teriyaki Donburi, Buta Shogayaki Donburi, Beef Sukiyaki Donburi, Salmon Mentai Donburi and Chashu Donburi.

RAMEN KIOU
B1 Jurong Point, Japanese Food Street, 65 Jurong West Central 3, Singapore 648332 (Boon Lay MRT)
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Tomato Cheese Ramen From Osaka
This is RAMEN KIOU’s first outlet in Singapore, backed by Osaka’s all-time favourite Japanese-Chinese cuisine chain operator Daishin Jitsugyo. It has over 22 outlets in Japan, along with presence in Thailand.

The Tomato Cheese Ramen ($14.90) came with a luxuriously-thick tomato base with ramen noodles, topped with cheese and torched. Give it a good mix and you would enjoy the tangy-sweetness of the base.

It may remind you of tomato-based pasta, except that this is saucier and not-too-heavy since long, thin strands of ramen noodles are used.

Tip: Do not finish the sauce yet, as you can choose to top-up to get a bowl of rice with garlic to be mixed in. Other than ‘pasta’, you can have your fill of ‘risotto’.

If you prefer something more conventional, the signature ramen is the KIOU Ramen ($13.90), a salted-based tonkotsu broth with 2 pieces of house-made chashu.

Also available on its menu are the Chashu Ramen ($17.90) included with 5 pieces of chashu; Shoyu Tonkotsu Ramen ($12.90) with a soy sauce base; and Abura Soba ($11.90) comprising of thick dry noodles in-house special sauce. &Joy Dining Hall (Jurong Point)

Menya Kokoro
Plaza Singapura #B2-53 68 Orchard Road, Singapore 238839
Opening Hours: 11am – 3:30pm, 5pm – 9:30pm (Mon – Thurs, Sun), 11am – 10pm (Fri – Sat)
Last order half hour before closing

Mala Ramen By Mazesoba Specialist
Menya Kokoro has opened at Plaza Singapura basement 2. Singapore’s very own bestseller is the Furious Mala Ramen ($14.80, $16.80), not surprisingly a spicy choice since mala is still trending.

Like a traditional ramen, this bowl is filled with rich and slightly creamy tonkotsu-based soup.

But what differentiates it from the usual, is that the bowl is packed with intense flavors from the trio of Szechuan peppers, dried chili strings and chili oil.

The al dente cooked ramen is doused in the fiery mala soup, then topped with seaweed, chopped spring onions, and an onsen egg cooked to precision.

Up for a tongue numbing challenge? This is the dish to pick. If you are up for a bigger challenge, inform the staff to increase the “mala level”. Menya Kokoro (Plaza Singapura)

Afuri Ramen Singapore
VivoCity #01-167, 1 HarbourFront Walk, Singapore 098585
Funan #B1-29 107 North Bridge Road Singapore 179105
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 3:30pm, 5:30pm – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Famous Yuzu Ramen From Japan
Afuri is known for its light fresh chicken broth with a splash of citrusy yuzu, and I would consider it one of the 10 must-try ramen in Tokyo. however, its standard may be differing in Singapore, with a first outlet at Funan and new brand at VivoCity.

The water used in Japan’s outlets is said to be from the wells of Mount Afuri in Kanagawa, thus the name of the shop.

Though diners for the Singapore outlet may not be able to taste exactly that same standard.

The signature Yuzu Ramen available in Singapore include Yuzu Shio Ramen ($15.90), soya-sauce flavoured Yuzu Shoyu Ramen ($15.90), and spicy Yuzu Ratan Ramen ($15.90).

The thin noodles used reminded me of the type found at Hototogisu Ramen, to the softer side and could have been more springier.

The weakest link could have been the char siu. While the slice in Japan had a delectable smokey flavour because those were freshly grilled over charcoal, this local version was more ordinary and slightly dry. Afuri Ramen (Funan)

Shiki Hototogitsu Ramen
Jewel Changi Airport #B1-300 78 Airport Boulevard Singapore 819666
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Michelin-Starred Ramen Eatery From Japan
What is note-worthy is that the original shop Sobahouse Kiniro Hototogisu 金色不如帰 from Tokyo was awarded a Michelin Star in the Tokyo Michelin Guide – the 3rd ramen shop in Tokyo to receive the honours.

Shiki Hototogisu Ramen has a “Four Seasons Ramen” menu, although this may just remind you of Keisuke Tonkotsu King Four Seasons at Bugis Village.

The four signature ramen dishes feature seasonal ingredients, namely Cherry Blossom (Spring), Young Bittergourd and Bamboo Shoot (Summer), Mushrooms and Porcini (Autumn), and Salmon (Winter). Each bowl is priced at $15.90.

The Spring Bowl interestingly comes with “cherry blossom oil” infused soup, though its flavour was neither distinct nor strong enough to leave an impressionable note.

I had Hototogitsu Ramen at different branches. While this was still an above-average ramen, I thought that the noodles were cooked too soft here, and ajitama egg lacking in flavours over at the Jewel outlet. Shiki Hototogisu Ramen (Jewel Changi Airport)

Hajime Tonkatsu & Ramen
301 Upper Thomson Road 01-110 Thomson Plaza, Singapore 574408
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 2:45pm, 5pm – 9:30pm (Mon – Sun)

Owner Chef Tan-San first started Hajime Tonkatsu & Ramen at myVillage at Serangoon Garden. This Thomson Plaza outlet opened in December 2019.

The recommended is the Ebi Fry Ramen. The 12-hour Tonkotsu broth is infused with a secret Sakura ebi paste made in-house.

Paired with a flavourful Loin Rib Chasu and Chef Tan-San’s famous crunchy Ebi Fry, it is topped with Japanese seasoning menma, bean sprouts, greens, a dash of Japanese chili oil (la-yu), and a sprinkle of crispy Sakura ebi.

The soup which that distinct sweetness coming from the prawns, is the clear winner.

Ikkousha @ Japan Gourmet Hall SORA
Changi Airport Terminal 1, #03-21, Singapore 819642
Tel: +65 6242 9087
Opening Hours: 10am – 9:30pm (Mon – Sun)

Tonkotsu Ramen At Changi Airport
You should have heard of Ikkousha, that popular ramen restaurant in Japan that attracts long queues, founded and operated by Chef Yoshimura Kousuke.

Named after 3 characters: ichi (one), ko (happy), and sha (place), this one happy place has 62 outlets around the world, including Japan, Indonesia, China, Taiwan, Australia, Hong Kong, and USA.

The SORA outlet is its 3rd location in Singapore.

What really clicks with the diners is the signature Tonkotsu Ramen, a specialty of Hakata-ku Fukuoka.

You will find a thick, creamy and bubbly tonkotsu made by boiling carefully cleaned pork bones for over 12 hours every day.

The long and thin noodles are made in-house to match the soup, while the chashu is thinly sliced and well-seasoned to achieve that balance between ramen and toppings. Japan Gourmet Hall SORA (Changi Airport T1)

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

If you are looking for a restaurant for your Sengkang makan Plan, head over to The Seletar Mall – which is conveniently connected via Fernvale Light Rail Transit.

One NEW opening you can look forward to is Singapura Heritage which houses favourite local dishes under one roof, included with familiar names such as ENG’s Wantan Noodle, along with new stalls of Zhen Jie Prawn Noodle, Bee Hong Hainanese Chicken Rice, and Michelin-recommended Ann Chin Popiah.

Other The Seletar Mall F&B you can consider to satisfy your cravings include Din Tai Fung (#02-07/10), Ha-Jun Korean (#B1-02/03), Lao Huo Tang (#B1-28/29), My Briyani House (#01-31/32/33), My Kampung (#B2-07), O’Coffee Club (#02-K7), and Ten Points Porridge (#B1-26).

The other good news: spend a minimum of $80 during December to redeem a $5 SPH Malls voucher. (More details at the end of the post.)

Here’s more on the food choices you can find there:

Singapura Heritage
The Seletar Mall #03-10/11/12
Opening Hours: 9:30am – 9:30pm (Mon – Sun)

This is The Seletar Mall’s newest F&B entrant, a uniquely Singaporean foodhall concept comprising of many favourite heritage brands under one roof.

ENG’s Wantan Noodle should be a recognisable brand to many, known for its springy noodles ($4.80) tossed in fiery-spicy sauce, along with nicely-charred char siew, wantan and fried pork lard.

Look out for Bee Hong Hainanese Chicken Rice as this is its first venture into a shopping mall. The stall is known for its Signature Roasted Chicken Rice Set ($6.00) and Signature Steamed Chicken Rice ($6.00) with tender, succulent meat.

The stall that left me an impression was Zhen Jie Prawn Noodle with Signature Prawn Noodles in dry or soup ($9.80, $11.80), otherwise known as “Three Treasures” (San Bao) noodles included with three key ingredients of prawns, pork ribs and intestines. The appetising component was its home-made chilli base and prawn soup cooked for hours till rich and flavourful.

Ann Chin Popiah is a Michelin-recommended stall for Popiah and Kueh Pie Tee. Its selling point is the fried ‘mang kwang’ (turnip) and the crunchy bits, deliciously combined with the other ingredients such as hard-boiled egg, lettuce, bean sprouts and peanuts.

If you are hungry for more, there are also Old Hainan Curry Rice, Zhong Zhong Ngoh Hiang, Teochew Handmade Pau, Hougang Otah, then quench your thirst with Old School Bird Nest drink. There should be something for everyone.

The Original Boat Noodle
The Seletar Mall #03-22 & #03-K4/K5
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 9pm (Mon – Sun)

The noodles over at The Original Boat Noodle are served in small bowl servings in bite-sized portions, to maintain those Thai street food vibes.

With four types to choose from (at $1.50++ per bowl), you can always try out all the tantalising soup bases available and decide which is your favourite.

Pick from the spicy and sour Pathumthani, spicy and creamy Ayutthaya 2.0, creamy Tomyum, or the sweet Kuey Chap. They come in rice noodles or springy noodles options, with either beef or chicken.

If you come with your family or small group and feel like nibbling more, get the sharing platters of Bangkok Supreme Platter or Boat Noodle Snack Sampler as they now come with 10% OFF at The Seletar Mall.

The Bangkok Supreme Platter ($29.90++, U.P $33.90++) good for 4 to 5 diners is a combination of the best-selling side dishes in one plate, think Bangkok Fried Rice, Sunny Side Up, Fried Chicken Skin, Tasty Chicken Wings, Thai Fried Chicken and Fried Chicken Meatballs.

The Boat Noodle Snack Sampler ($16.90++, U.P $20.90++) includes more deep-fried crispy items, filled with Fried Chicken Skin, Tasty Chicken Wings, Crispy Fried Som Tam and Fried Chicken Meatballs, which works great as an appetiser too.

Special mention goes to the Fried Chicken Skin which is a sinful yet addictive crunchy snack; and the Fried Som Tom aka green papaya salad, light and not too greasy – best dipped into the in-house spicy and sour sauce.

Sushi Express
The Seletar Mall #02-K4/K5
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm Last order 9:30pm (Mon – Sun)

Sushi Express is one of Singapore’s most popular conveyor belt sushi restaurants, for those looking for both variety and inexpensive pricing.

There are more than 80 different sushi and items to choose from, priced from $1.50++ per plate. Take the plates straight from the rotating belt, or pick from their menu.

From Cheese Abalone, Grilled Eel, Arctic Surf Clam, Grilled Salmon Belly, Aburi Salmon, Crayfish Salad Gunkan, Cheese Masago, to Seasoned Octopus and Mackerel Salad, there is probably something for everyone.

The best-sellers at this The Seletar Mall outlet include Fried Salmon Flake, Salmon Sashimi, Seasoned Capelin Roe, Jumbo Salmon Belly, and Grilled Shrimp with Sea Urchin.

Go for the Caramelised Salmon which features a large piece of fresh salmon, topped with sweet mayo then torched. Sink your teeth in the fresh fish meat while indulging in the charred aroma of the caramelised exterior.

The other recommend choice is the Hana Maki, which has creamy tasting salmon slices wrapped around sushi rice and topped with generous sprinkling of tobiko.

Do you know there are also desserts such as Mango Pudding, Cream Puff, Chocolate Brownie, and Blueberry Cheesecake?

Ramen Hitoyoshi
The Seletar Mall #02-K6
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 10pm Last Order 9:30pm (Mon – Fri), 11am – 10pm Last Order 9:30pm (Sat, Sun, PH)

Undeniable that Singaporeans’ favourite type of Japanese ramen is Tonkotsu based with rich, creamy soup.

The home-grown brand Ramen Hitoyoshi focuses mainly on Tonkotsu ramen, offerings bowls from the basic Tonkotsu at a value-for-money $11.90.

Other offerings are the Garlic and Spicy with choices of additional chashu, ajitamago egg or all toppings for those who want more.

The Original Tonkotsu Ramen with Ajitamago ($13.90) comes with straight-long Hakata style noodles with firm slightly eggy texture, in a milky flavourful broth that is cooked for 8 to 12 hours using a mixture of bones and meat.

Plus point: the house-made chashu I had was tender without that meaty-porky taste.

Some may not know that the ramen specialty store also serves up a selection of comforting donburi, including Chicken Teriyaki, Salmon, Unagi, Chashu, Aburi Salmon, Wagyu Sukiyaki and Buta Shogayaki.

Good to know there are set lunches available during 11:30am to 3pm weekdays. Just top up $2 for a side (Takoyaki, Shishamo Fry, Aji Karaage, Squid Cheese, Ebi Fry, Braised Chashu) and drink. Great for the wallet.

Fish Mart SAKURAYA
The Seletar Mall #02-01/02
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 10pm, Last Order 9:30pm (Mon – Sun)

Over at Fish Mart SAKURAYA, fresh seafood is air-flown from Japan weekly.

Diners can have seasonal fishes (market price) picked from the display and have them plated into sashimi platters, salt-grilled, deep-fried or nitsuke (braised).

There is also quite a huge range of sashimi, sushi, handroll, donburi and cooked dishes options on its expansive menu.

The one seafood donburi unique to Fish Mart SAKURAYA is the Kyoto Don ($16.40), comprising of 3 types of specially selected fish from Japan depending on what is in season.

My bowl came with chunks of isaki (threeline grunt), tai (sea bream) and hamachi (yellowtail) with buttery texture and a rich flavour.

Other popular choices include the Bara Chirashi Don ($16.40), Una Don ($16.40), Salmon Kani Don ($16.40) – a salmon and crab rice bowl; and Maguro Ika Don ($16.40) with tuna and cuttlefish slices.

For meat lovers who prefer something more savoury, the Sukiyaki Don ($15.30) is a well-loved choice – of thin sliced beef with mushrooms, tofu and simmered in a sweet and savoury soy-based stock, then topped on rice. Give is a good mix for the rice to better absorb the sauce.

After your meal, head over to the mini Japanese supermarket adjacent to the restaurant to pick your favourite Japanese products, snacks, sweets and sake stocked in both 300ml and 720ml versions.

Hawkerman
The Seletar Mall #02-14/15/16
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Love local food? The casual eatery houses several popular brands and hawker favourites in one place so that diners can order with convenience.

The main highlight is the signature platter called “Bao Ka Liao” ($32.90) included with both classic and modern twists, and can be shared between 2 to 3 diners.

The platter includes Tenderfresh Signature Fried or Honey Glazed Roasted Half Spring Chicken, 60s Hokkien Mee, Ah Boy’s Hokkien Popiah, XO Carrot Cake, Double Yolk Chicken, Kimslaw with Fried Muah Chee and Citrus Plum Watermelon.

Best for those who enjoy a variety in one single plate. True to its name of “Bao Ka Liao” (included with everything).

That’s not all. There are other collaborative ‘crossover’ dishes that you may not have seen before, such as Hokkien Chick ($8.90), Hawkerman Seafood Lor Mee ($9.90) and Yuan Yang Carrot Cake ($6.90).

The Hokkien Chick ($8.90) is flavourful Hokkien Mee wok-fried with robust broth (cooked with prawn shells), topped with the famed hand-batter crispy fried half spring chicken from Tenderfresh. A two-in-one dish.

Also make space for the Ah Boy Hokkien Popiah ($3.90), stuffed with ‘rainbow fillings’ consisting of 7 key ingredients that gives that sweet and savoury flavours, complemented with condiments of lettuce, eggs, bean sprouts, chopped peanuts, garlic, coriander and chili paste.

Be prepared: the accompanying chilli paste is pretty spicy.

Song Fa Bak Kut Teh
The Seletar Mall #01-39/40/41
Opening Hours: 11am – 9pm (Mon – Thurs), 11am – 9:30pm (Fri – Sat), 10:30am – 9pm (Sun)

Established since 1969, Song Fa Bak Kut Teh is one of Singapore’s best-known Pork Rib Soup brand, also awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand for consecutive years.

This signature Pork Ribs Soup is a must-try for its soft and tender pork ribs and trademark clear, peppery soup.

The broth is concocted with a blend of garlic and Sarawak peppers which is roasted in-house. You would find the soup alluring in terms of the spices, but not too excessive such that it would mask the sweetness of the pork.

As for the pork used, it comes from the belly side of the rib cage, and has less fats.

You get three chunks of lean pork ribs for each serving of this original Bak Kut Teh, faithful to the recipe of founder Yeo Eng Song back in the days.

As a lighter option for those who want a substitute to pork meat, the Sliced Fish Soup is recommended. It is prepared with marinated slices of Snakehead fish, which has light yet firm flaky white meat with a mild flavour.

Song Fa Bak Kut Teh at The Seletar Mall now offers a Dine-in Value Lunch Set ($11.50++) which includes a choice of Pork Ribs Soup / Sliced Fish Soup / Pork Tenderloin Soup; along with Dough Fritters, Salted Vegetables/Groundnuts, Plain Rice, and King’s Garden Tea with Honey.

T&C: Value Lunch Set valid for dine-in only. Prices subjected to prevailing GST and Service Charge. Items are non-exchangeable. Valid on Monday – Friday, 10:30am – 3:30pm (excluding Public Holidays)

Gochi-So Shokudo ごち惣食堂
The Seletar Mall #01-34/36
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 9pm (Mon – Thurs), 11:30am – 9:30pm (Fri, Sat, PH Eve)

Gochi-So Shokudo ごち惣食堂 specialises in Iberico pork dishes, using Campovilla Premium Iberico Pork with melt-in-your mouth meat directly imported from Spain.

Some of the popular dishes are the Iberico Jowl Don ($13.80), Iberico Belly Don ($10.00), Mille Feuille Shoulder Tonkatsu ($16.80), Iberico Belly Curry ($12.80) and Shabu Shabu Set* ($14.90). *Shabu Shabu set is only available at The Seletar Mall

Look out for 3 dishes for the Christmas Iberico Special available till 31 Dec 2020: Iberico Mix Tonkatsu Set ($22.80), Teriyaki Bellota Iberico Loin Don Set ($15.80), and Iberico Kimchi Pork Set ($13.80).

The Iberico Mixed Tonkatsu Set Meal ($22.80) is a value-of-money surf and turf combo platter, comprising of Iberico Pork Loin Tonkatsu deep-fried to a golden-brown crisp, Ebi Fry, 2 pieces of breaded Hiroshima Oyster, Japanese rice, miso soup and cabbage salads.

The tantalising-looking Iberico Pork Jowl Donburi ($13.80) comes with pork jowl slices grilled over flaming charcoals for that delectable char-grilled smoky flavours.

Break an onsen egg over steamed Japanese fluffy white rice which adds a velvety texture, topped with house garlic sauce.

Haidilao Hot Pot
The Seletar Mall #03-36/37
Opening Hours: 10:30am – 6am (Mon – Sun)

Haidilao Hot Pot needs little introduction to food-lovin’ Singaporeans, who are familiar with its flavourful soup bases, quality meats, friendly service and operating hours till 6am daily (at The Seletar Mall).

The top choice for soup base would go to the Tomato Soup, tangy and refreshing, best paired with slices of fresh fish and Haidilao-styled noodles.

The other popular pick would be the Sichuan Spicy soup base, cooked using selected Sichuan pepper and spices for that slight numbing flavour without being overly fiery. Great for meats such as the Black Pork, Haidilao-flavored Layered Beef Tripe, and Haidilao-flavored Beef.

The Pork Stomach and Chicken Soup is a creamy white soup cooked with selected pork tripe and chicken boiled by slow heat, best accompanied with HDL’s vegetable platter.

Also give a try to the other soup bases such as Haidilao-Styled Bai-Yu, Sichuan Pickles, Mushroom Soup, Three Delicacy Hot Pot.

If you have not been to Haidilao enough, you may not have realised there is also a local style Laksa soup base. Give it a go with the new dishes of Cheese Shrimp Balls, Shrimp Tempura and Carrot Konjac Noodles and create your own new combinations.

The Seletar Mall Festive Promotions 2020
Jolly Christmas Draw (11 Nov – 27 Dec 2020)
Get a lucky draw chance with every $100 spend (or $150 including FairPrice Finest receipts), and stand a chance to win prizes worth more than $8,000.

Shop, Eat, Repeat (1 Dec – 27 Dec 2020) – *December Exclusive*
Spend a minimum of $80*^ to redeem a $5 SPH Malls Voucher. Limited to first 100 redemptions per day.

Redeem a sweet treat when you spend from 6pm to 9:30pm on weekdays. Sweet treats are limited to the first 500 redemptions, not valid for redemption on eve of/on Public Holidays.

*Max. 3 same-day receipts. ^Excluding Fairprice Finest receipts. Limited to 1 redemption per shopper per day. Other terms and conditions apply.

For more information, visit The Seletar Mall website https://www.theseletarmall.com or enquire at the Information Counter located at Basement 2.

*This entry is brought to you in partnership with The Seletar Mall.

Is Lau Pa Sat getting more hipster lately?

Lau Pa Sat is no strangers to locals and tourists worldwide, known for being a food establishment that congregates many local eateries in a historical building right in the central district of Singapore.

There is a revamped section known as “Food Folks” that features 70% local F&Bs and retail products, focusing on Hawker, Street and Mod-Sin stores.

The 10 F&B brands at “Food Folks” include Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient Shi Hui Yuan, Prawn Soup Ramen by Michelin-starred Chef Kang, GOPIZZA, Li Xin Teochew Fishball Noodles, QQ Rice and SMOL, The Grill Knife Smoke House, The Soup Spoon, Runes and Creme and Cone.

Located right opposite Runes is the takeaway Gelato bar – Creme & Cone, serving 16 different and unique gelato flavours with local flavours such as Butter Kopi, Pulut Hitam, Milo Cookie, Root Beer Float and Sour Plum.

Other flavours include Pistachio, Deep Dark Chocolate, Thai Milk Tea, Lychee Raspberry, Blueberry Lavender, Tiramisu, Chocolate Hazelnut, Vegan Tropical Coconut and Mango Passionfruit sorbet.

Prices start from $4 for a single scoop of gelato and $8 for double scoops and each Take Home Pint will cost $15.

Optional add-ons include Bandung or Milo Handrolled Waffle Cone (+$1) and Waffle Lollies (+$3.80) such as Nutella S’mores, Pebbles Snow, Chocolate Oreo and Smoked Almond Caramel.

I enjoyed the Blueberry Lavender with a smooth and creamy texture, lightly perfumed with lavender scent that is not too overpowering.

There was also streaks of blueberry compote for that extra fruitiness.

However, the Java B’nana Chip that came in its neon shade of blue with chocolate chips was slightly more muted as I expected it to be more distinct – similar to the famous Korean Banana Milk.

Both the Bandung and Milo cones were considered unique in Singapore’s context. Both are nostalgic flavours as they are ‘childhood’ drinks.

I preferred the former as it was more floral and refreshing, which wiouldprobably complement well with gelato flavours such as Blueberry Lavender and Lychee Raspberry.

For those who are looking for more filling options, there are Gelato Thickshakes ($6.50) of various flavours such as Vanilla, Chocolate, Oreo, Salted Caramel and Nutella.

Apart from the gelato, Creme & Cone also collaborated with Butter Studio to offer Pastries such as Gourmet Tart ($6.90) – Raspberry Almond, Speculoos Cream Cheese, Seasalt Nutella, Belgian Chocolate & Lemon Meringue, Sliced Cake ($6.90) – Fancy Nutella & Salted Caramel Red Velvet and Whole Cake ($50).

Lau Pa Sat may not be a place you would expect to find gelato and tarts, but this can be where to head for a sweet treat after a stressful day at work.

Creme & Cone
Food Folks @ Lau Pa Sat, 18 Raffles Quay, #01-03, Singapore 048582
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Other Related Entries
SugarTree Gelato (Hougang)
Gelato Labo (Cavan Road)
Salted Caramel Artisan Ice Cream (Lor Kilat)
Pints & Cones (Serangoon)
Celine’s Gelato (Novena Regency)

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

Chinatown Point has recently spruced up its F&B offerings, with NEW restaurants including famous Hong Kong noodle chain TamJai SamGor Mixian, ramen specialis KIWAMI with a teppanyaki bar, and Tamago EN known for wobbly souffle pancakes.

Song Fa Bak Kut Teh has also undergone a revamp with a more cosy setting, offering the same peppery broth and fall-off-the-bone tender ribs.

Many of these restaurants are also offering super attractive dining deals, such as 1-for-1 Christmas set menu at Peach Garden, and 1-for-1 Mala Toss at Ah Xin Malatang.

Enjoy FREE food items* (more details below) such as FREE “local delights” from Tsukada Noji, FREE Chocolate Mille Crepe at Hoshino Coffee, and FREE Gyoza or Tebasaki at KIWAMI.

Here’s more:

Hyang Yeon BBQ Korean Restaurant
Chinatown Point #02-35
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 3pm Last Order 2:30pm, 5:30pm – 10pm Last Order 9:30pm (Mon – Sun)

If you are craving for sizzling Korean-style BBQ, Hyang Yeon offers BBQ buffet, BBQ sets and ala carte menus. The name “Hyang Yeon” means to “hold a banquet; and invite people to the place of great food”.

Their BBQ Buffet available during weekday dinner and weekends, covers appetisers, free-flow meats, premium meats/seafood and comes with free stew. Mega value.

The weekday buffet from Monday to Thursday nights is available at $38++ for adults, $36++ for seniors/students, and children (90cm – 120cm) get a special rate of $19++.

Plus, this now comes with a 20% OFF for a limited period till 31 Dec 2000.

With the 100 minutes buffet, each diner can get a one-time serving of Tteokbokki, Japchae, Seafood Pancake, Kimchi Pancake or Steamed Egg.

In terms of meats, there is unlimited serving of thinly sliced beef, kurobuta pork belly, spicy pork belly, marinated pork collar, garlic chicken, spicy chicken and soy chicken. There is also a one portion serving of premium meat or seafood such as beef sirloin, beef short rib, marinated beef short rib, kurobuta pork collar and more.

That is not all. There is also a choice of FREE Stew (min 2 persons to dine) of hot piping Army Stew, Soy Bean Paste Hot Pot, Pork & Tofu Kimchi, or Seafood Soft Tofu Stew, that should provide a satisfying, filling meal.

Chinatown Point Promotion:
20% OFF weekday dinner buffet. (U.P. $38++ for adult, $36++ for student/senior, $19++ for child)

T&C:
– Valid only on Weekday dinner (Mon – Thurs, 100 minutes), excludes eve of PH and PH
– Promotion till 31 Dec 2020

Peach Garden
Chinatown Point #02-36
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Fri), 10:30am – 10:30pm (Sat, Sun, PH)

Peach Garden specialises in Cantonese cuisine, serving valued diners a scrumptious range of traditional classics and innovative modern creations.

The Chinese casual restaurant now offers a special Christmas Set Menu at $88++ per diner, with a 1-for-1 special, available exclusive at the Chinatown Point outlet.

Start with the appetiser of Chilled Marinated Cherry Tomato with Plum Sauce accompanied Smoked Duck in Satay Sauce, then move on to a comforting soup of Braised Assorted diced Seafood Thick Soup served in Pumpkin.

Have a festive mains of Pan- fried Turkey with Foie Gras Sauce, Stir-fried Asparagus with Mixed Mushroom
and Golden Garlic, and luxurious Baked Lobster with Truffle Oil accompanied with Stewed Ee-Fu Noodle with Shrimp Roe.

End with a sweet treat of Chilled Black Glutinous Rice with Cashew Nuts and Ice Cream.

Chinatown Point Promotion:
1-for-1 Christmas set menu for dine-in at Chinatown Point originally priced at $88++ per diner. This is an exclusive dine-in set menu for the Chinatown Point outlet.

T&C:
– Only valid for dine-in at Peach Garden Chinatown Point
– Valid till 25 Dec 2020
– Prices are subject to 10% service charge and prevailing government taxes
– Promotion is not valid with other offers, vouchers, credit/discount cards
– Food images are for illustration purposes only
– Peach Garden Management reserves the right to withdraw the above promotions and/or amend the terms and conditions without prior notice

Tsukada Nojo
Chinatown Point #02-37
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 3:30pm Last Order 2:30pm, 6pm – 10pm Last Order 9pm (Mon – Sun)

When in Tsukada Nojo, you must try their signature dish Bijin Nabe which literally means “beauty hotpot”.

The bijin nabe’s power lies in its broth made from melted collagen. This protein helps rebuild dead cells to recreate a youthful, healthy glow, hence the moniker “beauty hotpot”.

Tsukada Nojo sources its collagen from the highly-prized Jidori chicken, the counterpart of Wagyu beef and kurouta pork. This pure white protein is transformed into a pudding, which is melted over a stove built into the table until it turns into a cloudy soup.

The collagen soup is available flavour such as original, curry and spicy.

Hidden under the collage pudding, you will find barely seasoned fork-tender chicken. You can season it with either shoyu (light soy sauce), leek oil, yuzukosho (a citrusy Japanese spice), or chili layu sauce.

Add in ingredients of specially selected “local delights” such as Ring Ring Roll ($6.00), Cheese Tofu ($6.00), Lobster Balls, ($6.00), Fishball with Roe ($6.00), Yuba Skin with Seafood Paste ($6.00), Meaty Balls ($6.00) and Fishball with Cheese ($6.00).

Chinatown Point Promotion:
Promo 1: FREE any one plate of “local delights” ingredients with purchase of Bijin Nabe.
Promo 2: Early Bird Dinner promotion – Get FREE tea or drink when dine in by 5pm – 6pm from Mon – Thurs, with ala carte orders.

T&C:
– Not in conjunction of any other promotions or discounts, one time and dine-in only

KIWAMI
Chinatown Point #02-38
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

This is one of Chinatown Point’s newest entrant – KIWAMI known for its tonkotsu ramen, with broth simmered over 10 hours using 100% Japanese pork bones.

The ramen specialist is popular for its Black Tonkotsu Ramen ($12.80), with original-recipe noodles crafted with Hokkaido wheat, added with fragrant roasted black garlic oil.

Available at this outlet are Mazesoba specials, of dry ramen topped with various ingredients such as minced pork stew, spring onions, bamboo shoots and egg. Give is a good mix and enjoy this Japanese style of ‘bak chor mee’.

Other than the original, there are also options of Tantan Mazesoba ($10.80), Cha Shu Mentai ($11.80), Kurobota Stew ($11.80), Buta Kakuni ($12.80), Unagi Kabayaki ($14.80), Spicy Chicken Wings ($11.80), Beef Karubi Bulgogi ($15.80), and Buta Hoho Black Mazesoba ($13.80).

Chinatown Point Promotion:
FREE 3pcs Gyoza or Tebasaki with every main ordered. For limited period only.

Nanbantei Japanese Restaurant
Chinatown Point #02-40
Opening Hours: Lunch 11:45am – 2:30pm Last Order 2:15pm, Dinner 5:45pm – 10:00pm Last Order 9:30pm (Mon – Sun)

In business since 1983, Nanbantei is one of the longest-standing and possibly first Japanese yakitori restaurants around. Its core menu, while rooted in tradition, constantly changes with the season or the availability of unusual ingredients from Japan.

The simple art of yakitori cooking uses fresh ingredients grilled over flaming charcoals. The meat is seasoned with sea salt, while the special charcoals are imported from Japan. These give the yakitori its distinctive taste and texture, nicely charred on the outside while still retaining its flavourful juices.

Nanbantei offers a wide array of yakitori (à la carte 2 sticks) from skewered meats to seafood and vegetables.

Popular meats include negina (chicken with leek), tsukune (chicken meatballs), tebasaki (chicken wings), bonjuri (chicken buttocks), shiso maki (pork with shiso leaf), butabara yuzukosho (pork belly with yuzu citrus paste), wagyu maki (wagyu beef with salt & pepper), lamb yaki (lamb chop).

Aside from a la carte yakitori, Nanbantei at Chinatown Point also offers “The Great Don Lunch Menu” with offerings of Aburi Wagyu Beef Don ($19.50), Salmon Teriyaki Don ($13), Miso Beef Steak Don ($16), Gyudon ($14), Kaisen Chirashi Don ($16) and more.

Gochi-So Shokudo
Chinatown Point #02-41/42
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 9pm (Mon – Sun)

Enjoy a Iberico Pork Feast at Gochi-So Shokudo, as their premium Campovilla Iberico Pork used is imported from Spain directly, with some dishes grilled over bincho-tan charcoal and coupled with special dipping sauces.

Expect dishes such as Belly Don ($10.00), Jowl Don ($13.80), Bellota Loin Katsu ($17.80), Mille Feuille Katsu Curry Rice ($13.80) and Collar Steak ($16.80), with melt-in-the-mouth tenderness at wallet-friendly pricing.

For fans of Tonkatsu, the one special dish you can look forward to having is the Iberico Mixed Tonkatsu Set, included with crispy fried golden-brown Iberico pork katsu, ebi fry, two pieces of breaded Hiroshima oyster, alongside Japanese rice, miso soup and cabbage salad.

Chinatown Point Promotion:
Iberico Christmas Special with Iberico Mixed Tonkatsu Set ($22.80), Teriyaki Bellota Iberico Loin Don Set ($15.80) and Iberico Kimchi Pork Set ($13.80)

T&C:
– Promotion valid till 31 Dec 2020

Menya Musashi Bukotsu
Chinatown Point #02-43/44
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 9pm (Mon – Sun)

Founded in Tokyo in 1996, Menya Musashi is one of the most popular ramen shops credited as the pioneer of a new ramen culture in Japan. It is named after the legendary Edo-era samurai Miyamoto Musashi, who was famed for his distinctive “double sword style”.

What makes its ramen special is their broth that uniquely combines chicken, pork and bonito then slowly boiled and stirred intermittently for 9 hours.

This results in a rich and flavourful broth that is used as the base for 3 types of ramen: White, Black, and Red. White is the classic ramen, a hearty bowl of springy noodles in a thick and rich tonkatsu broth. Black includes garlic and onions, while Red is the spicy broth.

I had many styles of ramen before, but this is probably my first time having a Crayfish Ramen, with the crustacean prepared with a sweet chilli sauce (similar to chilli crab sauce).

Get the full set along with Japanese-style fried chicken covered in tangy and aromatic black vinegar sauce, along with wobbly custard pudding and drink of Iced Lemon Tea.

Chinatown Point Promotion:
Festive Joy – Crayfish Ramen + Black Vinegar Chicken Karaage (4pcs) + Iced Lemon Tea + Japanese Custard Pudding at $19.90++.

T&C: Promotion valid till 31 Dec 2020.

Monster Curry
Chinatown Point #02-45/46
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Monster Curry is a Japanese chain of restaurants that specializes in monster-sized curries served in comes in 35cm and 41cm sized plates, at value-for-money pricing.

Known as the only Japanese restaurant in Singapore that serves a “demi-glace” curry sauce, the Monster Curry trademark slow-cooked sauce is rich, flavourful, and deep brown, and often paired with golden-fried pork, chicken or seafood.

Complementing this curry sauce is their hot sauce, an in-house concoction of chili padi, garlic, ginger, and celery.

If you need a sweet treat, Monster Curry also offers Honey Toast, such as the Mixed Berries Honey Toast ($10.80).

This Japanese dessert treat consists of cubes of buttery crisp French Toast bread, sweet fruits (blueberry and strawberries in this case), whipped cream, strawberry sauce alongside Ben & Jerry’s ice cream.

Chinatown Point Promotion:
FREE Honey Toast (from the Christmas series) with any order of 2 mains.

T&C: Promotion valid from 1 – 31 Dec 2020

Hoshino Coffee
Chinatown Point #02-47/48
Opening Hours: 11:30 am – 9:30 pm Last order 9pm (Mon – Sun)

Hoshino Coffee, originally from Japan, is known for its aromatic hand drip coffee and soufflé pancake. Aside from the signature coffees and desserts, Hoshino offers a wide variety of wafu pasta, rice dishes and sides. I

The Japanese-based cafe takes pride in its hand-drip coffees, made with roasted 100% premium Arabica coffee beans. These beans are carefully selected by Hoshino Coffee’s very own coffee blend specialist Master Kanno.

To pair with your coffees, you may order any of their popular soufflé-style pancakes – baked fresh upon order (allocate at least 20 minutes waiting time) and served with whipped butter and your choice of syrup (maple or honey).

Their signature Pancakes Souffle Style is priced $9.80 for single and $12.00 and double. The special matcha variant is at $13.50 for single and $16.80 for double.

Also check out Hoshino Coffee’s new Mille Crepe Cakes ($7.70 a slice), available in flavours of Strawberry, Haskap (a type of berry), Matcha and winter special of chocolate.

Chinatown Point Promotion:
Free slice of Chocolate Mille Crepe (Winter Special) with orders of $50 or above (before service charge & GST).

T&C:
– Valid for weekdays only, not for weekends, PH eve & PH.
– Not valid with other on-going promotions, discounts, vouchers, coupons, loyalty program rewards.
– Promotion limited to 1 free slice per bill.
– Hoshino Coffee (Chinatown Point) reserves the right to amend the terms and conditions or remove the promotion without prior notice.
– Other terms and conditions may apply.

Tamago-EN
Chinatown Point #01-44
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Tamago-EN is known to incorporate the freshest eggs imported direct from Okinawa in many of its dishes, and therefore the golden-orange yolk colour and “fuwa fuwa” (fluffy) texture of the eggs.

Accordingly, all their eggs go through a process of UV sanitisation for the highest food safety standards, and are SO FRESH they can be eaten raw.

Some of its most popular items are the Tamgo-EN Oyoko Don ($12.80), Chicken Stew Rice with Omelette ($13.80), Beef Stew Rice with Omelette ($16.80), Smoked Salmon Egg Benedict Set ($13.80), and Prawn and Mentai Cream Pasta ($14.80).

Always makes some room for the jiggly and soft-like-clouds fluffy pancakes, but do expect to wait at least 20 minutes as they are made fresh.

For something more tangy-fruity, get the Berry Souffle Pancakes ($13.80) topped with strawberry and pistachio, Banana Chocolate Souffle Pancake ($11.80), Caramel Peach ($12.80) and Original Souffle Pancakes ($8.80).

Chinatown Point Promotion
Special Christmas Souffle Pancake at $12.80

T&C:
– Promotion valid from 1 – 31 Dec 2020

Tongue Tip Lanzhou Beef Noodles
Chinatown Point #01-43
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm Last order 9.30pm (Mon – Sun)

One of China’s most famous Lanzhou Lamian restaurants is Tongue Tip Lanzhou Beef Noodles 舌尖尖兰州牛肉面.

The Chinese-Muslim style of beef noodles is typically known for incorporating halal-meat and clear beef broth flavoured with herbs and salt.

The other key feature is the hand-pulled Lamian noodles with long strands.

Not just one or two, but 8 different types of hand-pulled noodles. The styles range from normal, thin, thick, thicker, leek leave, small flat, flat, triangle. The first four are round-shaped, next three are flat, while the last is a special ‘triangle’.

Go for the Signature Beef Noodles (from $8.90) with a comforting bowl of beef noodles served in a clear broth, topped with tender slices of beef shank and then garnished with finely sliced white radish. I would recommend having the soup on its own first, then mix in some of the bright red chilli oil to savour the difference.

Another one of their best-sellers is the Dry Chicken Noodles (from $8.90), with hand-pulled noodles tossed in a special sauce.

Chinatown Point Promotion:
Enjoy 10% OFF for all Set Meals.
15% OFF Spiced Beef and Braised Beef -500g, vacuum-packed (U.P. $25 – 35)

T&C: Set meals only valid for dine-in only. Not valid on eve of PH and PH.

China Classic
Chinatown Point #01-41/42
Opening Hours: 11am – 4:30pm, 6pm – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

China Classic aims to showcase the best taste of Cantonese cuisine, extracting the most original flavours out of the freshest ingredients.

Using a wide repertoire of cooking methods – including double-boiling, simmering, poaching, steaming, braising, sautéing, stir-frying and deep-frying – the chefs are able to create dishes with flavours that are balanced and not too greasy.

Their signature dishes include the Sautéed Live Crab with Chili Sauce Singapore-style (Seasonal Price), and Deep-fried Prawn coated with Mayonnaise served with Dragon Fruit.

For dim sum, try their homemade items from Salted Egg Yolk Custard Bun, Baked Honey BBQ Pork Pastry, Deep-fried Curry Taro Puff, Har Kau, Siew Mai, Pork Dumpling “Xiao Long Bao”, to Assorted Mushroom Dumplings.

Plus, most of the dim sum items have a special promotional price at $3.80 only, so you can gather a friend or two to eat your fill.

Chinatown Point Promotion:
Dim Sum at $3.80 only (U.P. $4.80)

T&C:
– Valid 31 Dec 2020, for dine-in only

EAT.
Chinatown Point #01-29
Opening Hours: 8am – 10pm Last Order 9:30pm (Mon – Sun)

Most Singaporeans should be familiar with EAT., conceptualised as the “one-stop shop” eatery serving local favourites such as Bak Chor Mee, Fishball Noodles, Laksa, as well as finger food items like fishcake and chicken wings.

Other than the usual mee kia, mee pok, or kway teow, you can now have your noodle dishes paired with Korean sweet potato vermicelli.

The Teochew-style Bak Chor Mee now comes with this sweet potato vermicelli which has a texture similar to tang hoon, tossed in a vinegar and soy sauce mix with specially-made sambal.

This is accompanied with soft minced pork, sliced lean pork, fishball, crispy pork lard, and topped with stewed mushrooms.

Chinatown Point Promotion:
Enjoy the Sweet Potato Tang Hoon Set Meal complete with hot coffee or hot tea.
Choice of Laksa at $5.50 (U.P $6), Minced Meat at $5.80 (UP $6.30), or Fishball Noodle at $5 (UP $5.50) .

T&C:
– Promotion valid only at Chinatown Point outlet.
– Promotion valid for in-store or takeaway. Takeaway charges apply
– Promotion not valid with other promotions.

Song Fa Bak Kut Teh
Chinatown Point #01-04
Opening Hours: 11am – 9pm (Mon – Thurs), 11am – 9:30pm (Fri – Sat), 10:30am – 9pm (Sun)

The Michelin Bib Gourmand Song Fa Bak Kut Teh is best known for its peppery pork rib soup, best paired with their savoury and fragrant braised dishes, stewed with a variety of aromatic spices.

Its outlet at Chinatown Point has also recently undergone a revamp for a brand-new look.

Other than the Pork Rib Soup, you can got for the Sliced Fish Soup ($7.90) – lighter option for those who want a substitute to pork meat.

The dish is prepared with marinated slices of Snakehead fish, a type of freshwater fish, often used in claypot dishes.

It has a light yet firm flaky white meat with a mild flavour, and no fishy aftertaste. Sometimes I will have this with mee sua.

TamJai SamGor Mixian
Chinatown Point #01-01/02
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm, Last Order 9:30pm (Mon – Sun)

TamJai SamGor Mixian 譚仔三哥 which is Hong Kong’s most popular noodle chain renowned for its signature Yunnan mixian (rice noodles) and intensely-flavoured soup bases, has arrived at Chinatown Point.

The recommended is the Cross-Bridge Mixian or Guo Qiao Mixian ($12.80).

Simply order this and your mixian already comes with pre-selected toppings – 16 assorted toppings for your taking.

Ready to count? Here they are: pork, beef, chicken, fishcake, fish ball, cuttlefish ball, pork belly, pork liver, beansprouts, beancurd sheet, tofu puffs, chives, bamboo fungus, lettuce, pickled cabbage, and minced pork.

This is quite value-for-money at $12.80 for such a bountiful bowl.

The menu recommends ⅒ Mild for first tries; but I think spice-loving Singaporeans can go for the ⅓ Mild or even Mild – which is their version of ”xiao la” (little spicy).

Taikoo Lane Hotpot 太古里火锅
Chinatown Point #B1-16
Opening Hours: 11am – 9pm (Mon – Sun)

Taikoo Lane Hotpot 太古里火锅 has introduced two new soup bases which includes Chinese wine-infused collagen soup and baby lobster soup, along with 4 tasty new dishes.

The Huadiao Collagen Soup ($11.80 for half, $20.80 for full) is cooked with a base of premium pork knuckles, pork bones and chicken, first simmered for more than 8 hours.

Upon serving, a special collagen jelly is added to the boiling broth, followed by a small serving of Chinese Huadiao wine which is offered as an option to add into the broth.

My personal favourite would be the Spicy Pickled Baby Lobster Soup ($16.80 for half, $31.80 for full). You would find a generous helping of baby lobsters aka xiao long xia and black mussels in the soup.

There is a lovely pickled spiciness (yet not overly fiery) that is quite shiok to have, cooked by including Sichuan pickled Erjingtiao pepper, homemade pickled green pepper and garlic powder, and freshly-fried oil from a mixture of fragrant ginger and onions.

Pho Street
Chinatown Point #B1-47
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm, Last order 9:30pm (Mon – Sun)

The cooler weather nowadays seems to make me crave more for a comforting dish like Vietnamese Pho.

Pho Street offers a wide selection Vietnamese Street delights from signature Pho noodles, an array of street snacks to crusty Banh Mi.

The Signature Pho Beef Combination ($9.90 ala carte, $13.90 for set) comes recommended, available in spicy or non-spicy versions. All sets are served with a summer roll and iced lemon tea.

As to why the soup is so light yet flavourful, that is because it contains a secret ingredient broth boiled for 8 hours, then drizzled with house-special blend oil.

As for the ingredients, it is included with handmade beef balls, beef slices, beef shank, beef tendons and beef tripe, cooked with pho noodles imported from Vietnam.

Pair this up with Banh Mi sandwich filled with Grilled Pork Belly ($6.50 ala carte, $10.50 set), Beef ($6.90 ala carte, $10.90 set), Lemongrass Chicken ($6.50 ala carte, $10.50 set).

Chinatown Point Promotion:
Get $2 OFF when you pay with OCBC Pay Anyone

T&C:
– Valid till 31 Jan 2021
– Applicable with minimum spend of $10
– Not applicable with other promotions. Other T&C apply

Hui Lau Shan
Chinatown Point #B1-48
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm

Hui Lau Shan 許留山 is the famous Hong Kong dessert chain best known for its mango desserts and ‘kwai ling ko’.

There are a number of Mango desserts available in Singapore, including Mango Triple Delight, Mango Pop Pop, Mango Crystal Jelly, Sago Duet, Mango Coconut Ribbon, and Mango Chewy Ball.

One of their bestselling items are the Combos A, B, and C, featuring an assortment of sweet and savoury items reminiscent of Hong Kong’s street food.

I had the Combo B ($16.90, U.P $20.30) which comes with the signature Mango Sago dessert, coming with fresh mango chunks, chilled mango puree and soft sago.

There are also the Hong Kong style Curry Fishballs, followed by refreshing Watermelon Pomelo Sago to cool you down.

Chinatown Point Promotion:
Combo A: Signature Mango Jelly Smoothies + Mango Honey Jelly Smoothies at $11.90 (U.P $14.60)
Combo B: Watermelon Pomelo Sago + Mango Sago + Curry Fishball at $16.90 (U.P $20.30)
Combo C: Signature Mango Jelly + Mango Sago + Curry Fishball + Mango Pudding at $19.90 (U.P $23.90)

T&C:
– Not applicable for others discounts/vouchers.
– Only valid at Chinatown Point outlet

Ah Xin Malatang
Chinatown Point #B2-50B
Opening Hours: 11am – 9pm (Mon – Sun)

While Mala Xiang Guo is the popular Sichuan style street food found in many parts of Singapore, Mala Tang – the soup and healthier version is gaining traction.

Ah Xin Malatang is a kiosk that offers both DIY Mala Tang麻辣烫 and Mala Toss麻辣拌 (Mala Ban) – the dry version.

For the Mala Tang, start by picking ingredients from a selection of more than 50 vegetables, mushrooms, meats and seafood (almost like Yong Tau Foo or Mala Xiang Guo style). Starting with $1.75 for 100 grams, this is considered very affordable.

Next, choose from one of the 7 specially created broths, from the Mala Bone, Signature Bone, Herbal Brew, Wild Mushroom, Tomato, Pickled Vegetable to tangy Tom Yam.

Further customise the spice level for your soup, from mild, medium, to mega.

In addition, Ah Xin Malatang has recently launched Mala Toss, the dry version of Mala Tang. You can choose between the Signature Mala Sesame Toss or Fragrant & Sweet Toss. Since there is a 1-for-1 promo, get one with each sauce base.

Chinatown Point Promotion:
Enjoy 1-for-1 Mala Toss.

T&C:
– Promotion is till 31 Dec 2020

Segar Restaurant
Chinatown Point #B2-39/40/41
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 9:30pm (Mon – Sun)

Segar Restaurant is a zi-char style establishment that serves Halal Chinese food.

Its menu basically revolves around zi-char favourites and a small selection of desserts. If you love spicy food, then a visit to Segar Restaurant is a must. You can treat your taste buds to some of Singapore’s most-loved local favourites.

There is definitely something for everyone here, as the extensive menu aims to cater to a wide range of palates.

The Curry Fish Head ($20) is a bestseller at this dining destination. The curry gravy is wonderfully thick with an aroma that is a home run for curry lovers. The red snapper is fresh and its meat tender to the bite. Not scrimping on ingredients, the not overly-spicy dish is cooked with generous servings of vegetables.

Other must-try dishes include the Prawn Paste Chicken which is juicy served with crispy bits, Creamy Lemon Sauce Prawns, Segar Claypot Golden Chicken, Steamed Tapioca, Sambal Kang Kong, Salted Egg Prawns, Tom Yum Seafood Food, Pandan Leaf Chicken, and Hong Kong Hor Fun.

Get a taste of Indonesian-Styled Sole Fish with their sweet-spicy dipping sauce at a special price of $12.80, with min spent of $20.

Chinatown Point Promotion:
Enjoy the taste of Indonesian-Styled Sole Fish with the special dipping sauce for just $12.80.

T&C:
– Minimum spending of $20

*This entry is brought to you in partnership with Chinatown Point.

There is more to Hainanese food than just Hainanese Chicken Rice, and also includes the likes of Hainanese Pork Chop, Hainanese Curry Rice, and Hainanese Lamb Stew.

Even the familiar local breakfast of kaya toast, kopi and soft-cooked eggs is considered “Hainanese”.

If you have always been wondering ”What is there to eat at Bukit Panjang?”, there is a NEW The Hainan Story 海南宝 at Hillion Mall Level 1 which gathers the best of Hainanese cuisine in one place.

This is a 5-in-1 multi-brand Hainanese restaurant, with familiar F&B brands of Wee Nam Kee and Ah Chiang’s Porridge, alongside three new names of The Hainan Story, Newspaper Curry Rice and Uncle Robert Western.

The Hainan Story team has worked together with numerous Hainanese chefs to create comforting and nostalgic meals.

I saw that there are several modern touches in its culinary execution as well. For example, you can get Gula Melaka Kaya and Cheese on your toast, “Hae Bee Hiam” Spaghetti, and Pork Cutlet coated with potato chips crumbs instead (of cream cracker crumbs).

Here’s more on the 5 brands at The Hainan Story:

The Hainan Story
This is more than the Toast and Coffee concept, also offering a range including Hainanese Claypot dishes, Hainanese British Pie, Egg Tarts, Cake of the Day, and even Ice Cream with Waffles.

The highlight is the homemade Gula Melaka Kaya with Butter Toast ($1.80 ala carte, $4.80).

Instead of the usual thin flat options found elsewhere, this breakfast toast takes the form of a pillow-soft bun lightly toasted – with a slight crust yet remain fluffy on the touch.

The smooth and creamy kaya worked agreeably with the soft buns (especially after the butter melted through), though I wished the caramelised-sweetness of the Gula Melaka could be more distinct.

“Bulletproof coffee” has become rather trendy these recent years, but the Hainanese have their own form of “Kopi Gu You” which has been in Singapore coffeeshops since the 1930s.

Get your Kopi, Kopi O or Kopi C with butter (additional $0.60). I don’t mind this once in a while, as adding butter gives the kopi a more aromatic and full-bodied, along with a texture that goes down very smoothly. Or for those on keto diet.

Some people may miss out the Hainanese Delicacies section, but there are also claypot and noodle varieties here.

This includes the hearty Ah Kor Hainanese Lamb Stew with Rice ($11.80) or with Crispy Noodles ($12.80), Hainanese Claypot Chicken “Char Siew” Rice ($8.50), Hainanese Clay Pot Ee-fu Noodle Soup ($8.50) and Laksa with Hainanese Steamed Chicken ($8.50).

Newspaper Curry Rice
Hainanese Curry Peng is generally characterised by rice slathered with gloopy curry gravy and soy-based thick braising sauce.

While Newspaper Curry Rice is a new-to-market brand, the curry chicken recipe is said to be passed down the generations from a staunch Hainanese matriarch. Don’t play play.

All their curry, sauces and recipes are made from scratch, including the homemade sambal.

To keep things easier, there are 6 sets to choose from, priced between $6.80 and $9.80. The main ingredients in each of the 6 are the Curry Chicken Drumstick, Fried Chicken Drumstick, ”Kou Rou” (pork belly), Fried Pork, Prawn Fritters and Crispy Fried Silver Dory Fish.

All sets are accompanied by freshly steamed rice, prawn crackers, sambal tempeh, sambal belacan and your choice of a homemade vegetable and egg dish – get the long-bean egg omelette.

I went for the Nanyang Flavour Fried Chicken Drumstick Set ($6.80) – which interestingly was the most inexpensive of the 6. The drumstick had crunchy skin with golden-brown glaze that reminded me of Korean-style chicken.

The Hainanese curry was light and complex; overall the sauces were not the rich and gooey kind, and I wished there was more so that the rice grains would get ‘drenched’. The sambal chilli belacan with the punch was the other highlight.

Uncle Robert Western
Hainanese cuisine is intricately linked with the British colonial era in Singapore, resulting in the Hainanese-style Western food we see quite commonly around now.

Uncle Robert – not a real person, offers Old English Oxtail Stew ($18.80), Grilled Cheese Chicken Chop with Sweet & Sour Sauce ($14.80), Hainanese Crispy Pork Wrap Served With Fries ($11.80), Sir Charles British Fish (Seabass) & Chips ($21.50), and Hainanese Seafood Pasta with Spicy Tomato Cream ($14.80).

The 1980’s Hainanese Fried Pork Cutlet Coated with Potato Chips Crumbs ($14.80) was the recommended highlight.

I grew up in an era when cream crackers were pounded and used as crumbs for our home-cooked pork chops. Uncle Robert Western uses potato chips crumbs instead, which is said to lend the dish a more flavourful profile and crunch.

The pork loin is also marinated in a special mixture of celery, carrot, spring onions and seasoning to better bring out its natural flavours. The pork came in a rather huge slab, even good for two to share, though I thought that slice was slightly to the thick side.

Before you ask ”Where are the tomato gravy and peas?”, this cutlet comes paired with a choice of Yogurt Rojak (creamy and nutty sauce) or Zesty Alabama White BBQ Sauce.

Wee Nam Kee Chicken Rice
For lovers of Hainanese Chicken Rice, Wee Nam Kee Chicken Rice founded in 1987 by the late Mr Wee Toon Ouut needs little introduction.

For individual diners, you can go for the Steamed or Roasted Single Chicken with Rice ($5.20, $5.70 for drumstick), Vegetable Set ($7.50), Dumpling Set ($8.30), or Vegetable & Dumpling Set ($10.90).

If you come in a group, available are the Quarter Chicken ($8.90), Half Chicken ($17.20) or Whole Chicken ($34.40).

The fresh chickens used are simmered in premium chicken bone stock along with a selection of ingredients at a carefully controlled temperature, so that the poached chicken is more succulent and flavourful.

Best dipped in the accompanying chilli sauce and ginger.

My favourite part was the fluffy rice, with pandan fragrance and not too greasy.

Ah Chiang’s Traditional Porridge
Ah Chiang’s Porridge is my go-to-place for porridge whenever I am at Tiong Bahru. Other than this outlet Tiong Poh Road, Toa Payoh, JEM, this space within The Hainan Story is its fourth.

Founded by Ah Chiang’s uncle since 1968, the porridge is still prepared the same original recipe using the quality rice grains, with no further condiments added. I would usually add a dash of soy sauce and pepper for seasoning.

A set here comes served with two kinds of daily side dishes and you tiao which you can mix in.

My default choice would usually be the Mixed Pork Porridge ($9.50 for set, additional $0.80 for egg) which comes with handmade pork balls and sliced tender pork meat. (Accordingly, they use fresh pork from Tiong Bahru Market and fish from Pasir Panjang Fishery Port.)

While the bowl may look simple and plain, the winning formular is its smooth-creamy consistency with fresh ingredients.

The Hainan Story
Hillion Mall #01-15/16, 17 Petir Road, Singapore 678278
Tel: +65 6970 8191
Opening Hours: 7:30am – 9:30pm (Mon – Sun)
http://www.facebook.com/thehainanstory

* This entry is brought to you in partnership with The Hainan Story.

In a blink of an eye, we have reached the very last NEW café compilation of 2020.

And yes, we have visited over 150 NEW Cafes this year – went to each and every one and more; and that is despite having a 2.5 month break due to the “Circuit Breaker”.

In line with the cooler weather of December, half of this guide is occupied by ice cream cafes, so you can take your pick to sweeten up the day.

As an additional note, some of the cafes can be quite popular and overwhelmed (still getting a hang of operations), so do exercise some patience or visit during off-peak hours if possible. Also check the operational hours on their social media in case they decide to take a break.

Enjoy the very last month of 2020 – shall be good!

Creme & Cone
Food Folks @ Lau Pa Sat, 18 Raffles Quay, #01-03, Singapore 048582
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Gelato Bar at Lau Pa Sat With Local Flavoured Bandung And Milo Cones
There is a revamped section known as “Food Folks” that features 70% local F&Bs and retail products, focusing on Hawker, Street and Mod-Sin stores.

The 10 F&B brands at “Food Folks” include Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient Shi Hui Yuan, Prawn Soup Ramen by Michelin-starred Chef Kang, GOPIZZA, Li Xin Teochew Fishball Noodles, QQ Rice and SMOL, The Grill Knife Smoke House, The Soup Spoon, Runes and Creme and Cone.

Located right opposite Runes is the takeaway Gelato bar – Creme & Cone, serving 16 different and unique gelato flavours with local flavours such as Butter Kopi, Pulut Hitam, Milo Cookie, Root Beer Float and Sour Plum.

Both the Bandung and Milo cones were considered unique in Singapore’s context. Both are nostalgic flavours as they are ‘childhood’ drinks.

I preferred the former as it was more floral and refreshing, which would probably complement well with gelato flavours such as Blueberry Lavender and Lychee Raspberry. Cream and Cone (Lau Pa Sat)

I See Cream
Thomson V2, 11 Sin Ming Road, #01-14, Singapore 575629
Opening Hours: 2pm – 11pm (Tue – Thu), 11am – 2am (Fri – Sat), 11am – 11pm (Sun), Closed Mon

Ice Cream Cafe With Herb & Spice Belgian Waffle At Thomson
The newest addition to Thomson V Two at Upper Thomson, the humble-looking cafe literally pronounced as “ice cream” when you read it quickly.

There were 12 gelato flavours available when I visited, such as premium flavours ($5 per scoop, $20 per pint) of Pistachio, Valrhona Dark Chocolate, Lychee Raspberry, Coconut, Yuzu, and Biscoff.

Other special flavours ($4 per scoop, $16 per pint) included Mango, White Peach Yogurt, Soursop, Blueberry, Rock Melon and Chocolate Chip.

I noticed that 8 out of 12 flavours were all fruit-based, all in the form of gelatos without sorbets for the lactose-intolerant.

The single scoop of Biscoff Gelato ($5) was served with Herb & Spice infused Belgian Waffle ($3.50) and edible Gold flakes were added as a nice finishing touch.

Made using bits of Lotus Biscoff biscuits, it added a firmer bite to the smooth, creamy and sticky texture of the gelato, adding some malty sweetness to the overall taste. I See Cream (Thomson)

Haute And Cauld
740 Bedok Reservoir Road, #01-3179, Singapore 470740
Opening Hours: 11am – 2am (Mon – Sun)

Ice Cream Cafe With Yubari Rock Melon Flavour At Bedok Reservoir
From midnight supper spot at Bedok 85 Fengshan Food Centre to the new gelato bar Hay Gelato that opens till 2am, it seems that Bedok is indeed very ‘happening’ at night.

The 20-seater space has a different feel at night, illuminated by blue neon lights that gives off a chill and relax vibe.

The Waffles ($7.90) come in 3 different flavours: Red Velvet, Charcoal and Buttermilk with a set option ($12) that includes a single scoop of ice cream with a soft drink.

Only the Charcoal Waffle was available at the time of my visit and it was promptly served within 10 minutes in a stacked fashion. I thought that resembled Oblong’s version at Serangoon Garden.

Both the Red Velvet and Charcoal waffles came with a layer of cream cheese in between the two waffles layers, while Nutella was used for the Buttermilk waffles to make the batter more moist and flavourful. Haute And Cauld (Bedok Reservoir)

Hay Gelato
136 Bedok North Ave 3, #01-148, Singapore 460136
Opening Hours: 1pm – 2am (Tues – Sun), Closed Mon

Late Night Waffles & Gelato Cafe At Bedok Opens Till 2AM
By the folks behind Brine Restaurant at North Bridge Road is their new 18-seaters (10 indoors, 8 outdoors) gelato cafe at Bedok.

This is just 2 doors away from Percolate Coffee and one street away from crowd-favourite FatCat Ice Cream Bar that serves artisanal ice cream flavours.

A total of 12 flavours will be available at any one time, with interesting flavours such as Balsamic Strawberry, Truffle, Meyer Lemon, Yuzu Ginger and Smoked Hay.

I didn’t expect myself to “eat grass” when I ordered the Smoked Hay ($5.20 for premium flavour), supposedly their signature flavour at Brine Restaurant.

Made by smoking real hay (plants or grass dried and stored as animal fodder or food) and infusing into their milk-based gelato, the Smoked Hay gelato was dented in the centre with cocoa nibs on top. Hay Gelato (Bedok)

Gelato Labo – West Coast
108 Faber Drive, Singapore 129418
Opening Hours: 1pm – 10pm (Mon – Thurs), 1pm – 10:30pm (Fri – Sun)

Artisan Gelato Cafe With Unique Flavours at West Coast
Those who resides in the West would be thrilled to hear about this new artisan gelato spot which has opened at West Coast, Faber Drive.

For those who haven’t heard of Gelato Labo, their first outlet is a hole-in-a-wall takeaway ice cream store which is located at Jalan Besar, featuring an assortment of handmade artisan gelato with unique exotic flavours.

Some of the newer flavours which previously didn’t came across at Jalan Besar were such as Watermelon Mint & Chia Seeds, Naval Orange & Chrysanthemum, Colombian Cold Brew & Cookie Butter Bits, Caribbean Rum & Charred Pineapple and Yamanashi Peach & Lemongrass.

I was rather intrigued by the Sakura Smoke, Artichoke & Pear Compote, which has a paring of fruity with mild nutty undertones, followed by a light smoky after taste.

Flavours are on seasonal rotating basis and single scoop from Premium range goes for $5 and Gourmet range for $6. Gelato Labo (Faber Drive)

Drips Bakery Café – Orchard
Ngee Ann City #B2-31, 391 Orchard Road, Singapore 238872
Tel: +65 6222 0400
Opening Hours: 8am – 9pm (Mon – Sun)

Tarts Specialty Shop Opens At Ngee Ann City
Drips Bakery Café has been in the Tiong Bahru estate since 2010 or so, and I wrote about the café sometime in 2012. It is a slight surprise to find them opened in the heart of Orchard Road at Ngee Ann City.

Rotating tarts you can expect to find there include Baked Almond Tart, Matcha Yuzu Tart, Cinnamon Egg Tart, Choc Truffle Tart, Baked Crumble Tart, Fresh Avocado Tart, Fresh Yuzu Tart, Lemon Meringue Tart, Baked Lemon Tart, Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart, and more.

The average consumer may be concerned about the price, with each 4-inch tart costing about $9.90 and Seasonal Fresh Fruit Tart at $12.90.

The one item that has remained as a best seller over the decade is the Seasonal Fresh Fruit Tart ($12.90).

They use a secret recipe to create a French butter tart shell paired with freshly made in-house custard infused with Madagascar vanilla beans. Drips Bakery Café (Ngee Ann City)

Strangers’ Reunion
37 Kampong Bahru Road, Singapore 169356
Tel: +65 6238 1068
Opening Hours: 9am – 6pm (Mon – Sun)

Familiar Name Makes A Return Next Door With A NEW Brunch Menu
Strangers’ Reunion is now found at 37 Kampong Bahru Road, next door from its original space (Another café Kream & Kensho has taken over the previous location.)

The brunch menu remains lean for now, with updates of previous favourites and a couple of new dishes.

What you can expect include an Ancient Grain Salad ($14.90), Roasted Cauliflower Salad ($14.90), Avocado on Sourdough ($16.90), and Roast Beef Melt ($18.90)

A popular favourite is the Strange Breakfast ($16.90) with poached eggs with homemade puff pastry, hollandaise and seasonal green.

The Father’s Favourite Sandwich ($16.90) should be well-liked by mums as well, coming looking like a sandwich made of croissant.

Filled within were oven-baked eggs, bacon and mustard slaw. Good stuff, and welcome back! Strangers’ Reunion (Kampong Bahru Road)

The Ritual
383 Bukit Timah Road, Alocassia Apartment, Singapore 259727
Opening Hours: 8am – 9pm (Mon – Sun)

Brunch Cafe With Truffle Scrambled Eggs And Cosy Space At Bukit Timah
The Ritual is a new café at Bukit Timah Road below Alocassia Apartment, but has nothing to do with Ritual Gym for 30 minutes exercises.

Brunch items available from 8am to 5pm include The Ritual Big Breakfast ($25) with sourdough or croissant with eggs, sausage and mixed greens, Signature Avo Toast ($18), Ritual Protein Bowl ($25). Slightly on the pricey side.

I had the Truffle Scrambled Eggs and Smoked Salmon Toast ($23), made more luxurious-looking with black caviar and smoked salmon accompanied with sourdough toast.

It was a decent fare, as I thought the eggs could have been creamier and truffle oil aroma more apparent, but the caviar helped to add briny notes to the blander tasting eggs.

For something sweet, offerings include Belgium Chocolate & Berries Waffles ($15), Earl Grey & Speculoos Waffles ($15), Banana Split ($13) and Assorted Cakes ($8).

Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee – Fusionopolis
1 Fusionopolis Place, Galaxis, #01-28/29, Singapore 138522
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 3:30pm (Mon – Fri), Closed Sat, Sun

Pastel Pink And Blue Cafe With Oat Cold Brew At Fusionopolis
Tiong Hoe has opened a 3rd outlet located at Fusionopolis, sharing the same space as Super Simple that focuses on protein and salad bowls.

The 40-seaters space is beautifully decked in pretty pastel pink and blue tone with a botanical theme and a small coffee counter that can only accommodate 2 persons.

Their menu here includes items of Double Espresso ($3.50), Long Black ($4.50), Piccolo Latte ($4.50), Cappuccino ($5), Latte ($5), Flat White ($5) and Mocha Latte ($5.50) with add-on such as Ice (+$0.50), Espresso shot (+$1.20) and Oatmilk (+$1).

Their house blend is the same across all 3 outlets, a 2 beans-blend of 50% Colombia and 50% Guatemala roasted in house.

I am a fan of their Cold Brew that comes in 4 different flavours: Amber Black ($7), Pollen White ($7), Mocha ($7.50) and the new Oat Zero ($8).

Instead the 330ml glass beer bottles used previously, the cold brew bottles were redesigned with a cap for easy storage instead of consuming the entire bottle at one go. Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee (Fusionopolis)

Fuwa Fuwa
City Gate, 371 Beach Road, #02-44, Singapore 199597
Opening Hours: 11am – 8pm (Mon, Wed – Fri), 9am – 8pm (Sat – Sun), Closed Tues

Hidden Japanese Kakigori Café at Beach Road
Located on the 2nd floor of City Gate, Fuwa Fuwa is a 25-seater Japanese Kakigori-specialty cafe with a simple interior, decked in white and wooden elements.

Japanese Kakigori typically uses ice blocks shavings that are light and fluffy. After which, flavoured syrup is drizzled over since the base is bland.

A total of 4 fixed flavours are available at Fuwa Fuwa, namely Ichigo ($12.50) which is strawberry, Uji Kinotoki that is matcha ($13.50), Mango ($13.50) and Chocolate Brownie ($13.50).

The iced shavings of the Uji Kinotoki Kakigori ($13.50) were so “fuwa fuwa” and indeed cotton-candy-like, almost felt like a guilt-free treat.

The Hokkaido Tokachi Azuki was a nice touch, adding some sweetness and texture to the combination, making it sweeter and chewier. Fuwa Fuwa (Beach Road)

Other Related Entries
10 NEW Cafes In Singapore Nov 2020
10 NEW Cafes In Singapore Oct 2020
10 NEW Cafes In Singapore Sep 2020
10 NEW Cafes In Singapore Aug 2020
10 NEW Cafes In Singapore July 2020
10 NEW Cafes In Singapore April 2020
10 NEW Cafes In Singapore March 2020
10 NEW Cafes In Singapore Feb 2020
10 NEW Cafes In Singapore Jan 2020

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

If you are looking for family-friendly restaurants in Singapore, United Square Shopping Mall conveniently located along Thomson Road with direct connection to Novena MRT Station is the niche mall designed for family with kids.

The mall is positioned as a “Kids Learning Hub”, a place for dining, learning and fun for the family.

F&B choices there include the newly opened Pot Addiction, Duckland, Crystal Jade GO, Soup Restaurant, Kayu Prata Cafe, Maru Ten Udon, Eng’s Wantan Noodle, Cedele Bakery Cafe, Vienna International Buffet, Viet Lap, Poke Lulu, Saizeriya, and set-to-open Pepperoni Pizzeria.

Here are 10 United Square Shopping Mall restaurants for your family-meals:

Duckland
United Square Shopping Mall #B1-09 & 64/65
Opening Hours: 11am – 3pm Last order 2:30pm, 5pm – 10pm Last order 9:30pm (Mon – Sun)

Duckland is a ‘farm to fork’ casual-dining concept featuring fresh premium ducks sourced from Silver Hill Farm, Ireland.

Known as the Wagyu of Ducks, these Irish ducks are highlighted as key ingredients in Duckland’s delicacies, including appetisers and entrees.

Recommended signature dish Roast Irish Duck ($30 for half, $58 for whole) is massaged with herbs, spices, and wine before roasting, and therefore yields a beautiful crisp amber skin while the meat has locked in its juices.

Enhancing its duck-cadent flavour are spicy, tangy and sweet notes from the accompanying calamansi chili, yellow mustard, and raspberry sauce.

The Crispy Aromatic Duck ($32 for half) is just as popular with its meat and skin generously marinated in spices. Steamed until fork-tender, the duck is cooked further by deep-frying in hot oil to achieve that crisp golden brown skin.

Make your own duck wrap by wrapping the meat with julienned cucumbers in thin pancakes. Dab your wrap in a delectable sauce, then pop into your mouth.

Other recommended dishes include Duck Confit & Waffle, Duck Fried Rice, Duck Pie and Spaghetti Duck Bolognese, and bar fare of Crisp-Fried Duck Wing Sticks.

Pot Addiction
United Square Shopping Mall #B1-15/16/17/34
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 10pm (Mon – Thurs), 11:30am – 10:30pm (Fri), 11am – 10:30pm (Sat), 11am – 10pm (Sun)

Pot Addiction offers a buffet dining experience blending Korean barbecue and hotpot with over 80 buffet items.

Bask in the all-you-can-eat BBQ boasting 15 kinds of marinated and non-marinated meats ready for the grill. Seafood fans will find 8 additional items to suit their taste, including prawns, mussels and bamboo clams.

Complement your Korean BBQ with your choice of other cooked food items.

For hotpot, do not miss their most popular soup Chicken Herbal Soup, cooked for over 8 hours using Old Mother Hen together with goji berries, tang kwai, and other Chinese herbs.

For some Thai flavours, get the Tom Yum Soup. But if you like things spicy, the Mala Soup is there to sizzle your taste buds, perfected by Chong Qing original Chinese chef.

Buffet starts from $16.90 onwards for weekday lunch, $24.90 for weekday dinner; $26.90 for weekend lunch, $27.90 for weekend dinner.

There is a special rate for students starting from $14.90; and $8.90 for children below 12 years old for weekday lunch. All prices stated are subject to 10% service charge.

Students’ Promotion
All students enjoy buy 4 get 1 FREE buffet from Mondays to Fridays during lunch time. The student price is $14.90. Till 18 Dec 2020.

Healthcare Workers’ Promotion
All healthcare workers enjoy buy 3 get 1 free any day of the week during dinner time. Dinner price starts from $22.90 (student weekday dinner). Till 31 Dec 2020.

Wine Connection
United Square Shopping Mall 01-14/15/16
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 11pm Last Order 10pm (Mon – Thurs), Fri – Sun: 11:00am – 11pm Last Order 10pm (Fri – Sun)

Wine Connection is South East Asia’s leading chain of wine shops and wine-themed restaurants exporting 400+ wine labels globally.

Established in Bangkok in 1998, it grew from a retail wine shop to a full-service integrated retail wine shop-restaurant concept.

Start off with a Mixed Platter ($38), a selection of imported cheeses and thin-sliced deli meats served with condiments and a basket of warm bread.

From the grill, get the Black Angus Sirloin ($19.90) 150-days grain-fed steak. This juicy 250g slab of beef has a marbling score of 2+ for a soft, silky texture. Accompanied with crispy French fries, a Mesclun of leafy greens and tomato, and your choice of sauce.

There are a number of new dishes introduced including Chicken Breast Basquaise Style ($19.00), Four Cheese Gnocchi ($16.00), Homemade Foie Gras Terrine ($19.00), Duck Leg Confit ($27.00), Grilled Lamb Cutlets ($35.00) and Crepe ($9.00).

Recommended with a glass of Pinot Grigio, the Salmon Fillet ($26.00) entrée is grilled to a moist and tender texture. Served over velvety smooth mashed potatoes and salsa vierge, and topped with grilled asparagus spears.

Ichiban Boshi
United Square Shopping Mall #02-02
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 9:30pm Last order 9pm (Mon – Fri), 11am – 10pm Last order 9:30pm (Sat), 11am – 9:30pm Last order 9pm (Sun)

Make it an oishii meal at Ichiban Boshi, a contemporary diner offering an extensive range of Japanese fare in a relaxed setting.

Here you can enjoy Japanese classics like sushi and donburis, or go for the specially-curated crowd favourite set meals.

No two Ichiban Boshi outlets are the same. Recommended at United Square outlet is its specialty menu “Kyoto Katsu” or Deep-Fried Cutlet.

Try the Mentai Tartare Katsu ($14.90) – a double-fried pork loin made Kyoto-style with a spicy cod roe tartare sauce. Using 100% soya bean oil, the pork cutlet is deep-fried to a crispy exterior with succulent meat inside.

Also available is the festive special of Spicy Chicken Sugiita-yaki Gozen ($27.90) for those looking to having a bit-of-everything, for a limited period till 28 Feb 2021.

The chicken steak comes with light spicy marination on a Japanese cedar wood, complete with seared scallop & salmon sashimi with truffle oil, fried Quorn® meat-free ball wanton, mini rice bowl with salmon flakes & salmon roe, chawanmushi, miso soup & kanten fruit jelly.

Hoshino Coffee
United Square Shopping Mall #02-06/07
Opening Hours: 11am – 9:30pm (Mon – Fri), 9am – 9:30pm (Sat, Sun, PH)

Stop by and smell the coffee at Hoshino, a brand originally from Japan and now luring families to its line-up of signature coffees, meals and desserts.

Pair a cup of hand-drip coffee with their signature dessert Pancake Soufflé Style ($9.80 for single; $12 for double). Baked fresh on demand for that uber fluffiness, it comes with homemade whipped butter and your choice of syrup – maple syrup or honey.

This season, enjoy the soft pancake soufflés topped caramelised apples and whipped cream. Catch Yukiyama Snow Mountain for $14.50 for single, and $17.80 for double.

Still hungry? They also serve a variety of wafu (Japanese-style) pasta, rice dishes and sides.

Order the Soufflé Omu Chilli Tomato Cream Spaghetti ($16.80), a plate of Italian spaghetti pasta tossed in a spicy creamy tomato sauce with plump prawns. Crowning this latest customer fave is Hoshino’s signature soufflé omu.

Bari-Uma Ramen
United Square Shopping Mall #B1-08
Opening Hours: 11am – 9pm (Sun – Thurs), 11am – 9:30pm (Fri, Sat, eve of PH)

What makes Bari-Uma special is its commitment to use authentic Japanese ingredients. Noodles are made fresh in-store with a strong koshi texture, chewy with a resistance to bite. Soups are sourced directly from Japan.

Try their Ajitama Uma ($14.90) made with the richest pork-flavoured shoyu soup. This 8-hour simmered soup is made with pork bones with a blend of chicken bones and savoury ingredients, then mixed with high quality soy sauce for a sharp, distinct flavour.

House-made ramen noodles are topped with thick-cut grilled chashu and flavoured egg, nori sheets and fresh green onions.

Complement your ramen with a side dish of pan-fried Gyoza ($6.90 for 5 pieces) or crunchy deep-fried Chicken Karaage ($6.90 for 4 pieces).

Crystal Jade GO
United Square Shopping Mall #01-02
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 9pm (Mon – Sun)

Crystal Jade GO 翡翠点 is established F&B group Crystal Jade’s all-day dining quick-service restaurant concept.

Designed to provide quick and quality Cantonese dishes for dine-in and takeaway, Crystal Jade GO’s menu is for diners who are looking for a no-fuss, quality and affordable dining experience.

The menu includes signature roast bowls which includes a choice of roast meats, a compact selection of dim sum, sides and as well as comforting rice bowls and noodles.

Customise your own Roast Bowl (from $8.80) with a signature roast (braised superior soya sauce chicken, honey roasted BBQ pork, roasted duck +$1, crispy pork belly +$1), on rice or noodles, tossed in traditional soya sauce, ma la sauce, or truffle soya sauce (+$0.80).

There are also dim sum items available, from the best selling Salted Egg Yolk Custard Bun ($5.80), Steamed Har Kau ($4.50), to Siew Mai with Fish Roe ($4.50) and Pan-fried Carrot Cake ($3.80).

Wee Nam Kee Chicken Rice
United Square Shopping Mall #01-08
Opening Hours: 10:30am – 9.30pm (Mon – Sun)

Wee Nam Kee which is founded since 1987, takes pride in serving one of Singapore’s favourite iconic dish of Hainanese Chicken Rice. The United Square branch is its flagship outlet.

Available are steamed, roasted or soya sauce Chicken Rice for single portion ($5.20), 2 pax portion ($8.90), half chicken ($17.20), or whole chicken ($34.40). Or get the Chicken Sets with Oyster Sauce Vegetable ($7.50) or Dumpling Soup ($8.30).

Only the freshest chickens are used to ensure the best texture and flavour, further simmered in premium chicken bone stock along with a selection of ingredients according to a secret recipe at a carefully controlled temperature.

Here, the fluffy rice is cooked in chicken stock and oil that have been infused with fresh pandan leaves, garlic, ginger, and a bevy of other fragrant ingredients. Best paired with the piquant chili and ginger sauce dips.

Soup Restaurant
United Square Shopping Mall #B1-10
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 2:30pm, 5:30pm – 10pm (Mon – Fri), 11:30am – 10pm (Sat, Sun, PH)

Soup Restaurant is best known for its signature Samsui Ginger Chicken ($19.90, $36.90) – of steamed chicken wrapped in lettuce and complimented with ginger sauce, and a variety of dishes and herbal soups which are a quintessential part of Cantonese dining.

Have some of their traditional boiled soup, prepared with fresh ingredients, simmered for hours to create the nourishing and wholesome bowl.

Other than the signature Double-Boiled Waisan & Ginseng Roots with Chicken Soup ($7.90), there is a Traditional Boiled Soup of The Day ($6.50, $16.90, $24.90) with varying options of Lotus Roots with Pork Ribs, Old Cucumber with Pork Ribs, ABC Soup, and Sweet Corn Soup which changes on a daily basis.

Pair the soup up with Soup Restaurant’s Hometown Tofu ($11.90), which looks deceptively simple, but is lightly-crisp on the outside and silky-smooth on the inside.

Brings back that lovely, nostalgic feeling as well.

YAYOI
United Square Shopping Mall #B1-10
Opening Hours: 9:30am – 9pm (Mon – Sun)

YAYOI is well-liked for its value-for-money Teishoku set which usually includes a main dish, side dish, a bowl of Japanese Koshihikari rice and miso soup.

The restaurant recommends diners to enjoy the set in four different ways – in its original form first, with added condiments, with ochazuke dashi, and the 4th way – to your own liking.

Their popular Teishoku choices include Mix Toji Teishoku ($15.90) with pork cutlet, ebi fry, sliced beef with scrambled eggs, Tonkatsu Teishoku ($14.90), Shogayaki Teishoku ($9.90), Saba Shio Teishoku ($9.90), Chicken Namban Teishoku ($14.90) and Sukiyaki Teishoku ($18.90).

If you are for donburi and noodles, their regular favourites are the Salmon Don with fresh salmon and salmon roe on rice ($13.90), Katsu Don ($13.90), Oyako Don ($9.90), Tonkotsu Ramen ($12.90), and Niku Udon ($11.90).

The Season of Gifting at United Square Shopping Mall (from now till 27 Dec 2020)
Redeem exclusively designed Gift Wrappers and Spin & Win chance(s)^ with $60* spent ($50* for U-POPP members). Earn up to 3 spins when you purchase at selected outlets.
^Maximum 3 spins per redemption per day.

Redeem a Cheese Cutlery Set with $180* spent, ($150* for U-POPP members), or a Cheese Rotary & Cheeseboard set with $360* spent, ($250* for U-POPP members)
*Max. 3 same-day combined receipts. Terms & conditions apply. While stocks last.

Visit www.unitedsquare.com.sg for more details and other promotions.

* This entry is brought to you in partnership with United Square Shopping Mall.

Probably one of the pioneers in the cafe scene in Singapore that brings about the 3rd wave coffee since 2012, Necessary Provisions has reopened in Tanglin within SmartFit Pilates Studio.

This is good news for the fans, since they closed down their previous space at Eng Kong Terrace in 2018 and focused on their coffee wholesale business instead.

Instead of the dark and rustic feel seen in its previous space, the interior is decked in wooden elements with warm and cosy vibes here.

With a total of 22 seats (12 indoors and 10 outdoors), the small and concise menu focuses purely on vegetarian options and healthier choices.

What you can expect include Green Salad ($18), Miso Tofu Salad ($14), Quinoa Ulam ($12), Bowl of Fruits ($15) and Fresh Toasted Granola ($8).

For a heartier portion, French Toast ($19), Eat Your Spinach ($19), Pomodori Tomato-dori ($18) and Croque Kinoko ($15) are available.

Frankly speaking, I had high hopes for them initially, especially when they are considered a veteran in the cafe scene.

And it turned out that I might be a tad disappointed.

The Croque Kinoko ($15) was served with thinly-sliced grilled Shiitake (mushroom) sandwiched between 2 pieces of ciabatta, topped with toasted gruyere cheese, grated parmesan cheese with a sprinkle of black pepper and pickles.

It was decent with a balanced taste, with slight savory and earthy notes from the mushroom.

Considering the price point, I would expect a larger portion instead of the size of my palm.

The French Toast ($19) turned out to be of similar size using the same ciabatta instead of the soft and fluffy brioche (which is more commonly used).

The ciabatta had a more “interesting” texture, being soft, soggy and airy on the inside compared to a fluffy texture seen in a brioche.

Tamagoyaki (Japanese egg omelette) was then served on top of charred banana, toasted ciabatta with grated parmesan cheese and maple butter served on its side.

The maple butter was however the saving grace, adding some moisture and flavours to the otherwise muted dish.

The drinks menu is quite extensive, serving Coffee using single origin from Colombia, roasted by Smitten Coffee, Tea ($7) such as Jun Chiyabari Estate and Oolong, Matcha ($7 – 9) from Uji, Kyoto, Kombucha ($8.50), Beer and Wine.

The usual selection of espresso-based drinks can be found on their menu such as Espresso ($4.50), Americano (Hot $5, Iced $6), Latte (Hot $6, Iced $6.50), Cappuccino ($6), Mocha (Hot $7, Iced $8) and optional Oat Milk (Hot +$1, Iced +$1.50).

I had the hot Mocha With Oat Milk ($8) with a smooth and medium bodied, slightly on the sweeter side due to the oat milk used.

The Hot Matcha Latte ($8) was freshly whisked and prepared upon order, unsweetened with a thick texture and light vegetal notes.

Other pastries on display include Savory Scones ($5), Cookie ($4), Banana Bread ($4) and Pandan Chiffon Cake ($4).

Welcome back, Necessary Provisions, which will probably attract the healthier eating crowd instead of the usual cafe hoppers who are looking for hearty brunch food.

Necessary Provisions
91 Tanglin Road, #01-01, Singapore 247918
Opening Hours: 9am – 6pm (Mon – Sun)

Other Related Entries
Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee (Fusionopolis)
The Ritual (Bukit Timah)
Elemen (Millenia Walk)
Grove (Waterway Point)
PIVOT (North Canal Road)

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

Log Cakes have become part of Christmas celebrations and meals, as they are a symbol of warmth, love and security.

Plus, they are delicious and attractive to look at.

If you are deciding what Christmas Log Cakes to get for this year, here are 10 of them. We got a range from hotel favourites, and gorgeous-looking ones from patisserie cafes and indie brands – available for both self-collection and delivery.

Looking for sugar-free, low carb and diabetic friendly logcakes too? We got them covered.

Awfully Chocolate – Christmas Forest Cake
There are not just one or two, but 10 artisanal Christmas cakes introduced from Awfully Chocolate this year.

Inspired by the simplicity of nature, this luscious array of cakes is decorated with fresh berries, herbs and festive cake toppers, making them a gorgeous treat for any year-end gatherings as well.

Apart from classic Christmas Log Cake and Original Cake Series, they have exciting new Xmas cakes from traditional, local, to unique gourmet and luxury flavours.

The decadent festive treats range from Baked Chocolate Melt, Christmas Forest Cake, Chocolate Roulade, Dark Cherry Brownie, Ruby Chocolate Red velvet, Christmas Log Cale, Xmas Chocolate Espresso Cake, Xmas Chocolate Praline Cake, Xmas Caramel Brittle & Sea Salt Chocolate Cake, to Xmas Dark Chocolate Ganache Black Rice Cake.

If you are finding it hard to choose, get the delicately handcrafted Christmas Forest Cake (8″ cake for 118).

The signature cake contains layers of handmade cherry compote in between rum-tinged dark chocolate cake is simple yet sophisticated. Let that rich chocolate taste linger in your mouth.

Available at:
Online order: https://www.awfullychocolate.com
Ninethirty by Awfully Chocolate (131 East Coast Road).
Awfully Chocolate retail stores at Greenwich V, The Star Vista, VivoCity, Marina Bay Link Mall, 313@somerset, ION Orchard, Raffles City, Tampines 1, Suntec City, Novena Square, Great World, Jem and Marina Bay Sands.

Promotion:
Free delivery for orders above $120.

Baker’s Brew – Black Forest Chocolate Grazing Cake
Baker’s Brew has introduced three Christmas 2020 Special cakes, namely the Black Forest Chocolate Grazing Cake ($78 for 6”), Chocolate Hazelnut Ferrero Yule Log ($48), and Mini Cakes of Santa’s Gift, Mini Rudolph and Forest Veil ($9.80 each).

Make the gold-leafed colourfully decked Black Forest cake the centrepiece of your celebration.

This towering cake is made with layers of chocolate sponge, filled with a rich cherry compote in between.

Help yourself with all kinds of fruit and nut as you graze over these cake toppers – from different kinds of berries (blackberries, strawberries, raspberries) to pieces of figs and grapes.

Add a touch of playful and cute yellow and include the Rudolph-inspired mini cake flavoured with passionfruit gelée on an almond dacquoise sponge and coconut mousse, finished with chocolate antlers and a macaron for the signature red nose.

Available at:
Online order: https://www.bakersbrew.com
Baker’s Brew Retails stores: Sembawang (6 Jalan Tampang), 246H Upper Thomson Road, Great World, and Orchard Paragon

Promotion:
Pre-order before Dec 10 and use code ‘XMAS2020’ for 10% OFF Early Bird Discount on all Christmas items.

The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore – Lady in Red
A Christmas logcake looking elegant and striking, this “Lady in Red” is inspired by the Kempinski Brand Ambassadors, and is an embodiment of the finest European luxury hospitality.

The Lady in Red ($72) is a moist genoise cake, delicately infused with hints of raspberry, lychee and rose that is floral and fruity.

This sophisticated logcake is also almost like a piece of art, with alternating layers of fresh cream and sponge cake that adds some complexity which is well-balanced.

Apart from their Lady in Red, The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore also offers a Classic Chocolate Yule log ($72) made with mocha ganache and chocolate fudge; Rum Fruit Cake ($28), Original Dresdner Stollen ($22), Gingerbread Man ($12), and Christmas Cupcakes ($6 each).

Also look out for the hotel’s fantastic festive takeaway offerings from Roasted Turkey with cranberry sauce and giblet gravy ($158), Roasted Chicken with Dijon mustard and chicken jus, Baked Gammon Ham with rum honey glaze ($218) and more succulent treats.

Available at:
Website: bit.ly/ChristmaswithKempinski2020
(A minimum of 3 days is required for all orders. Minimum order of $50 applies. Delivery and collection are available till 25 Dec 2020.)

The Boutique at 15 Stamford (next to 15 Stamford by Alvin Leung, 15 Stamford Road, Singapore 178906)
Opening Hours: 10am – 6pm

Promotion:
Early bird special of 15% discount will apply to all online purchases made on or before 15 Dec 2020.

InterContinental Singapore – Lemon Strawberry Pistachio Yule Log
If you are missing out on that Christmas wreath at the door, why not get it on your table instead?

Presenting a total of 4 Festival Log Cakes this year at the Intercontinental Singapore, the Lemon Strawberry Pistachio Yule Log ($108) is the scene stealer with its unique circular shape and vibrant colours.

If you are in for some tangy-fruitiness, this Christmas-green cake comprises of lemon mousse, strawberry jelly and pistachio crunch – looking attractive even when cut across with its layers.

Packed with a fruity and citrusy punch which complemented well with an earthly, nutty taste from the pistachio crunch, this is overall light, fluffy and not too sweet as well.

A refreshing treat for that year end celebration.

The other 3 Log Cakes are made in the classic log-shaped manner; varied flavours with something for everybody.

They include the Mont Blanc Yule log ($120), Classic Chocolate Yule log ($108), and Matcha Kinako Sweet Potato Yule log ($120). Though I must say that the Japanese-inspired Matcha Kinako Sweet Potato with purple sweet potato cream, matcha joconde, matcha white bean paste, and sweetened azuki beans with a cute snowman captured my heart.

Available at:
Online order: InterContinentalShoppe.sg
Festive Shoppe (entrance of InterContinental Singapore from Bugis Junction) from 11am – 7pm daily.

Promotion:
Enjoy additional 5% savings for online purchases.

MOD by WongLee – The Forest Log 2.0
3 Christmas cakes are intricately crafted this year at Ministry of Desserts by WongLee. Chef Francis Wong was previously the Chef Entrepreneur of the popular Non Entre Desserts, with more than 12 years of experience specialising in novelty ice cream and frozen dessert creations.

The indulgent and attractive cakes include the classic Forest Log ($75 for 1kg), Matcha Chestnut Mont Blanc ($55 for $1kg) and King of Candy ($45 for 500g, $88 for 1kg) using Mao Shan Wang Durian.

The Forest Log 2.0 comes highly recommended, made using premium 70% Dark Chocolate, Oolong Cream, Pear Compote and a Hazelnut Crunch Base.

If that is not all, a shimmering spray of gold dust is sprayed on the “bark” that brings the festive mood and makes the logcake look more 3D and photogenic.

The soft and fluffy chocolate sponge harmonises well with the layer of Oolong infused curd cloaked with rich premium Valrhona chocolate mousse.

Take a bite, and get a savour of the second layer of pear compote and hazelnut crunch base. Experience that both the creamy sensation and fruity taste in one bite.

Available at:
Self-collect at B.E.D, 26 Tai Seng Street, Level 1, Singapore 534057
Opening Hours: 12pm – 8pm (Mon – Fri)
$10 islandwide delivery, $15 delivery fees apply for Sentosa and Tuas.

For more information: https://modbywonglee.getz.co/ or http://wa.me/6598578160

Pan Pacific Singapore – Matcha Hazelnut Log Cake
Pan Pacific Singapore has launched five Christmas Festive Treats this year, appealing to dessert lovers who love different flavour profiles.

They include the Japanese-inspired Matcha Hazelnut Log Cake ($72.76), Chocolate Caramel Hazelnut Log Cake ($77.04), Coco Pineapple Log Cake ($72.76), Black Forest Tart ($70.62), to local-flavoured Mao Shan Wang and Gula Melaka Log Cake ($72.76).

While a trip to Japan may not be possible yet, make this Matcha Hazelnut Log Cake ($72.76) the centrepiece this year.

It is one of the most striking “3D-looking” Christmas log-cakes, shaped like a Christmas wreath instead of the usual rectangular shape.

Assembled with a crunchy feuilletine base, hazelnut sponge, smooth hazelnut crémeux, matcha mousse and intense shade of green with chopped caramelised hazelnuts sprinkled on it, the entire surface is modelled with delicate and intricate folds that make it more stylish and classier looking.

Matcha-lovers will definitely not be disappointed as there are the distinct green tea notes in each bite, coupled with a different texture from the smooth and velvety mousse and crunchy feuilletine base.

Available at:
Online order: http://ppsinshop.com
Pacific Marketplace (Level 1, Pan Pacific Singapore): 7 Raffles Blvd, Singapore 039595

Promotion:
Enjoy 10% savings on your order valid until 29 Dec 2020, with the respective discount codes for selected credit cards listed below:

UOB: UOBPPSFG
OCBC: OCBCPPSFG
Citibank: CITIPPSFG
HSBC: HSBCPPSFG
Maybank: MBPPSFG

PAUL – Chocolate Pear Bavaroise Log Cake
PAUL is the familiar French family bakery & patisserie founded in 1889, known for using authentic French ingredients in their bread, pastries, viennoiserie and cakes.

Using premium ingredients and fresh fruits, PAUL’s Christmas log cakes now come in two sizes – petite (good for up to 4 pax, perfect for small gathering) or regular sized if you prefer something bigger.

Available on their menu this year are 4 different flavours such as Chocolate Pear Bavaroise Log Cake (Petite $32, Regular $58), Citron Meringue Log (Petite $30, Regular $56), Chocolate Praline Log (Petite $34, Regular $60) and Red Fruits Log (Petite $32, Regular $58).

A popular choice is Chocolate Pear Bavaroise Log Cake that uses real pears in the cream filling, and flourless sponge on a french chocolate biscuit base for a more fruity and refreshing taste. The entire cake is also draped in dark chocolate from France.

Another crowd-favourite is the Chocolate Praline Log filled with dark chocolate bavaroise cream, praline, cocoa genoise and almond dacquoise biscuit base.

If you prefer something tarter and sweeter, the Red Fruits Log comes with beautiful-in-red glaze and a little mistletoe filled with pink framboise mousse, whipped ganache and crispy white chocolate feuilletine.

The Citron Meringue Log comes with shiny baubles and edible snowflakes on burnt citron meringue with joconde sponge (delicate almond flavour) and lemon curd underneath, dressed like a present to dazzle at the year-end gathering.

Available at:
Online order: https://www.paulsgcatering.com
FREE islandwide delivery with a minimum spending of $60 (before taxes and delivery fee)

PAUL retail outlets: Tanglin Mall, Orchard Paragon, Takashimaya, Marina Bay Link Mall, Ocean Financial Centre

Promotion:
From now till 31 Dec 2020, all Citi card members get 10% OFF (before taxes and delivery fee).

Portopantry – Dark Chocolate Cherry Log Cake
Brought to you by well-loved brands of SwissBake, Kraftwich and Zac Butchery, you can get ALL your festive shopping needs done on their one unified online platform at www.portopantry.com.

Get your favourite Christmas Roasts of Traditional Roasted Turkey, Toasted Lamb Rick, Herb Roasted Beef Ribeye by Zac Butchery’s, to Christmas cakes and pastries conveniently all at a few clicks in the same website.

For Christmas cakes, there are offerings from Dark Chocolate Cherry Log Cake ($42/800g), Spiced Apple Cheesecake ($42/1kg), Festive Fruit Cake ($22.90/600g) to Christmas Stollen ($22.90/430g).

Launching this year is the classic SwissBake Bûche De Noël, a Dark Chocolate Cherry Log Cake ($42/ 800g) that is a must-have decadent treat on every Christmas table.

The cakes comes with luscious chocolate mousse, tangy red cherries rolled with chocolate sponge and dark chocolate ganache for the extra indulgence.

Another new item to look forward on the menu is the Spiced Apple Cheesecake ($42/1kg) which comprises smooth and rich cheesecake infused with the flavours of winter fruits and spices on a cookie base, finished with light cream cheese, spiced apples and speculoos biscuits.

For the traditionalists, go for the dense aged Festive Fruit Cake ($22.90/600g) baked with the finest butter and studded with generous amount of candied fruits and nuts, or the classic German sweetbread of Christmas Stollen ($22.90/430g). Poropantry got you all covered.

Available at:
Online order: www.portopantry.com.
Kraftwich Café retail stores at Paya Lebar Square, Harbourfront Centre, The Central (Clarke Quay)
Zac Butchery at Figaro Street

Promotion:
Citi Cards Exclusive
15% off a la carte Christmas orders
20% off a la carte Christmas orders with a minimum spend of $350 and above
• Valid till 2 Jan 2021. Last day for orders 20 Dec 2020
• Not applicable for all Christmas Bundles, delivery and other service charges

– FREE delivery for orders (including regular Portopantry orders) $180 and above, $15 delivery charge for orders below $180.
– Additional surcharge of $10 per location will be applicable for delivery to Tuas and Sentosa vicinity.

Seriously Keto – Mistletoe Keto-Friendly Red Velvet Cake
This is Singapore’s first wholly ketogenic bakery, with an own line of products freshly made in their bakery.

All items produced are low carbs, diabetic-friendly, gluten-free, zero sugar, suitable for those looking for cakes which are keto-compliant.

Three of their best-selling cakes have undergone a Christmas makeover for this festive season.

The Chocolate Brownie Cake ($68), Red Velvet ($68), and Peanut Butter ($68) are now available as 10cm three-layered cakes, decorated with Christmas cake toppers that can serve 6 pax.

Rich in flavour yet low in carbs, the Mistletoe Red Velvet Cake comes recommended, decorated with raspberries and cream cheese frosting with a coconut fragrance. A soft and decadent sponge cake.

The Chocolate “Log” is another favourite with 90% dark chocolate and cocoa powder, enhanced a tinge of saltiness from Himalayan Pink Salt.

Also look out for the chewy and fragrant ginger cookies of Jingle Snaps, and bold cinnamon loaf of Sinless Cinnamon. A wonderland of all cakes sugar-free, great for those looking for desserts guilt-free.

Available at:
Online order: seriouslyketo.com
Retail store: 32 Seah Street, Singapore 188388. Opening Hours: 10:30am – 6:30pm (Mon – Sat)

Promotion:
For the entire month of December, check out using this promo code: DFDXMAS10 to enjoy 10% OFF all Christmas products for both online orders and in-store.

Walk-in customers can quote the promo code during payment to enjoy the same discount.

Free delivery for orders $100 and above, otherwise $15 delivery fees applies. Cakes have to be ordered 3 days in advance.

Sinpopo Brand – Red Velvet with Caramel Cream Cheese
Probably one of the most extensive collection this Christmas with a total of 17 cakes, Sinpopo Brand has also introduced five new festive creations.

These include the pretty-in-pink Red Velvet with Caramel Cream Cheese, Christmas Cherry Log Cake, Black Cocoa Devil’s Food Cake, Boozy Nutella Brownie and Sinpopo Brand Fruit Cake.

The Red Velvet with Caramel Cream Cheese is beautifully decked in alternating layers of red velvet cake and light cream cheese.

I thought that the light and fluffy red velvet sponge cake is complemented with a right balance, with salty-sweet caramel swirled in light cream cheese.

To fit the occasion, thyme and raspberries are added for that Christmas-y touch.

Do not miss out on their Christmas Classic selection. Their familiar and popular daily bakes such as Sticky Date Pudding Cake, Three-Milk Cake and Classic Black Forest, have undergone a transformation and are all “dressed up” to the Christmas theme.

My personal favourites are the best-selling Sinpopo Originals, known for their local kueh-inspired flavours such as Putu Piring and Pulut Hitam.

Peranakan-meets-Christmas desserts, because why not?

Available at:
Online order: https://www.sinpopo.com (orders have to be made at least 2 days in advance)
Sinpopo Brand retail stores at 458 Joo Chiat, Funan, Orchard Paragon, Novena Square 2, and Takashimaya Basement 2 Food Hall

Promotion:
Flash this blogpost or @stormscape’s IG post for 15% OFF any whole cake pre-order at any Sinpopo brand outlet, valid till 10 Dec 2020.

* Written and photographed by Nicholas Tan @stormscape. This entry is brought to you in partnership with Awfully Chocolate, Baker’s Brew, The Capitol Kempinski, InterContinental Singapore, MOD by WongLee, Pan Pacific Singapore, PAUL, Portopantry, Seriously Keto, and Sinpopo Brand.

Taking over the space previously occupied by Galettes at Ang Mo Kio (2 doors away from Pine Garden), is a new cafe that serves soft serve with Hong Kong-style egglet.

And it opens till 12 midnight on weekends (10:30pm on other days except Mondays when it is closed.

AMPM, abbreviation for a.m. and p.m. which stands for the Latin ante meridian (before middy) and post meridian (after midday), wants to be a place where people can enjoy dining in both in the day and at night.

Steeping inside, my attention was quickly drawn to the indoor swing seats which will be a popular Instagram #OOTD spot.

The 20-seater space is decked in white with splashes of pretty-in-pink colour at the counter and hanging bespoke lighting.

Instead of the usual ice cream and waffles, AMPM serves a menu focusing on Soft Serve and HK-style egglet – which used to be kind of trending 4-5 years ago (during 2015/16, a number of cafes serves eggglets, like even Hvala and The Coffee Academics).

Available in the form of either Cup ($4.50), Handmade Cone ($5.50) or Freshly baked Egglet ($9) that comes with choice of 3 toppings and 1 sauce, there are 6 different soft serves flavours to choose from.

Think Blue Vanilla, dairy-free Grapefruit Beetroot, Earl Grey, Matcha, twist of Blue Vanilla with Earl Grey and twist of Grapefruit Beetroot with Matcha.

Toppings include Oreo, Choco/ Strawberry Pocky, Biscoff Choco, Choco Balls, Sprinkles, Marshmallow, Granola, Gem Biscuit, Oreo Roll M&M, Popcorn, Crushed nuts and Purple Wafer Biscuit.

My favourite was the twist of Blue Vanilla with Earl Grey soft serve, with a pleasant aroma and tea taste.

The texture was smooth, milky and non-icy, whereas the combination of Blue vanilla with Earl grey made it more milky and creamy.

My order of Egglet with a twist of Grapefruit Beetroot with Matcha Soft serve came later as each egglet was freshly prepared on request.

The final product looked unique and interesting, as I am probably used to soft serve on a waffle base instead of HK-style egglet.

Diners will also get to choose from 3 different sauces, namely berry, choco or caramel.

I enjoyed the Matcha soft serve, which was not too sweet with a touch of lingered-bitterness.

The twist with grapefruit beetroot gave a citrus punch, balancing out the bitterness for a more refreshing take.

On the other hand, the egglet had a cake-like texture – slightly dry and on the denser side. Guess it is best to have it with the soft serve instead of entirely on its own.

Diners can also top up additional $2 to enjoy a cup of Americano, Latte or Hot Tea in a pot when they ordered their signature Soft serve.

Using coffee beans made from 70% Arabica and 30% Robusta imported from Italy, my cup of Latte was smooth, medium bodied, dark roast and slightly acidic.

With an interesting and unique menu, AMPM Cafe will probably be a hit for those who wants an OOTD shot on their swing or the supper crowd who needs a dessert fix at night at this part of Ang Mo Kio.

AMPM Cafe
Block 529, Ang Mo Kio Ave 10, #01-2365, Singapore 560529
Opening Hours: 11:45am – 10:30pm (Tue – Thu, Sun), 11:45am – 12mn (Fri – Sat), Closed Mon

Other Related Entries
Haute And Cauld (Bedok Reservoir)
Hay Gelato (Bedok)
I See Cream (Thomson)
Cream and Cone (Lau Pa Sat)
Gelato Labo (Faber Drive)

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

There is something about food being cooked in wood fire that imparts that smoky and aromatic flavour to the dishes, sometimes with gorgeous browning.

As the name implies, “Ash & Elm” at InterContinental Singapore is about “burning wood-fire and glowing embers”.

The vibrant restaurant features three culinary theatres – a charcuterie and cheese room; a wood-fired oven; and an open charcoal grill kitchen where its mouth-watering signatures are created.

Helmed by Executive Chef Eric Neo, Ash & Elm’s revamped ala carte menu features smouldering signatures using Jarrah hardwood in their wood-fired oven.

Accordingly, this special Jarrah hardwood helps achieves an ideal cooking temperature, give off more consistent heat as they burn, leaves little ash behind, and is environmentally sustainable.

With many dishes emphasising on quality produce and premium ingredients sourced from around the world, available dining options here include Lunch Sets (from $28++ for two-course menu), Ala Carte Dinner, and Weekend Brunch.

There is a newly launched à la carte dinner menu, with hearty highlights including Triple Tomahawk (a three rib, 5kg Australian Angus grilled with Manuka Wood), Spanish Duroc White Pork Ribs, Golden Cauliflower Florets, Vegetarian Pizza, and wood-fired Burnt Cheese Cake.

Here’s more:

The Ring of Cheese ($50, serves 4)
An ambrosial appetiser combining the comforting warmth of oven-baked bread and the blissful flavour of camembert cheese.

Large enough for 4 to 5 diners, this round bread is made from brioche dough.

Underneath the honeycomb-topped braided crust is a soft, fluffy and buttery crumb with a slightly sweet taste.

A soft and delicate pool of camembert fills the centre, adding earthy flavours with hints of spicy and mushroom notes.

Cut the bread open and the velvety cheese would flow out slowly like lava. Take some of the fluffy bread, give the soft cheese a further dip, and be in bliss.

My favourite part was the gooey, drippy honeycomb at the top, making a great-sweet partner with the luscious cheese for maximum flavour potential.

Just as you think you are done, there are more dips of honeycomb, tapenade, truffle paste, and sea salt for you to try out different flavour combinations.

Camembert + honeycomb + truffle with wood-fired bread? Bring it on.

German Pork Knuckle Flatbread ($27)
From the Jarrah Wood-Fried Oven comes a selection of handcrafted flatbreads made from in-house sourdough topped with premium meats and vegetables.

All flatbreads are handcrafted on a sourdough base, made fresh and fired upon order – thin and chewy with crusty edges.

Top billing the list is German Pork Knuckle Flatbread featuring sun-dried tomatoes, red cabbage sauerkraut, mozzarella di Bufala, with a base homemade barbecue sauce, and further drizzled with garlic aioli.

I liked that there was a combination of sweet-salty-pickled flavours in a single bite, along with light creaminess coming from the aioli.

If you need more choices, other flatbreads to order include Seven Spices Moroccan Lamb ($28), Alsace Flammekueche ($28) which is smoked bacon with white onions and crème fraiche, Wild Forest Mushroom & Truffle ($26), Spanish Chorizo ($26), and Classic Margherita ($$22).

Smoky Copper Pot ($30)
As dramatic as it can be, this “Smoky Copper Pot” features a Spanish octopus prepared, cooked and served in a unique process.

This seafood dish starts with a 24-26 hours sous-vide process to tenderise the octopus leg, then finished off in the Jarrah wood-fired oven.

Once cooked, it is torched and hay-smoked in a copper pot to create alluring aromas.

After which, the leg would be drizzled with squid ink and saffron fumet that add floral and musky notes. Served with roasted piquillo peppers for a touch of sweetness.

The thing about octopus leg is that it can be a hit or miss. This turned out to be delicately-tender with a chewy yet not overly-soft bite, also just slightly charred on the edges.

Tomahawk (1.5kg single rib for $180, 5kg triple ribs for $480)
Highly recommended is the house-special Tomahawk steak using a 300-day grain-fed Australian Angus Beef.

Available as a single rib (1.5 kg, serves 2) or triple ribs (5 kg, serves 5), this meat-lover fantasy is prepared in charcoal grill with Manuka wood. Compared to most smoking hardwoods, Manuka wood produces a heavy smoke with a hint of sweetness.

The Angus beef’s rich flavours and sheer succulence is complemented with roasted vine-ripened tomatoes, roasted peppers, and confit garlic.

Choose from three kinds of sauces – Natural Jus, Black Peppercorn, and Bernaise – to dip the steak slices into with extra flavours.

Do note that one day advance pre-order is required for the Tomahawk.

Flaming Strawberry ($22)
Cap off the evening with a theatrical flaming dessert, a signature Fuego dish featuring an exquisite strawberry shortcake and a Japanese cotton sponge as base.

A mildly sweet and creamy Madagascar vanilla mousse is added, along with strawberry sherbet and pink champagne jelly.

Served with cone-shaped paper burnt before your eyes to reveal this exciting dainty-coloured dessert.

If you have space for other desserts, do consider the other interesting choices of Raspberry Souffle ($22), Burnt Cheese Cake with popping candy and grapefruit orange sherbet ($22), and Lava Rava Chocolate Sugee ($18).

Ash & Elm Weekend Brunch
Ash & Elm also offers a Weekend Champagne Brunch set featuring a fusion menu of delights from the East and West. Available every weekend from 12:30pm to 3:00pm.

Representative of the ancient Silk Road trade route, expect dishes such as Prawn Paste Brazilian Spring Chicken and Char Siew Duroc Batalle-Spanish Pork.

Classic highlights include fresh seafood, a charcuterie selection, signature meats from the Charcoal Grill and fresh pastries.

$88++ per person
$138++ per person with unlimited Taittinger Brut Champagne.
Top up $188++ for a 3 litres bottle of Astoria Lounge Fashion Victim Rose Sparkling.

Ash & Elm
Level 1, InterContinental® Singapore 80 Middle Road Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 6825 1008
Email: intercontinental.dining@ihg.com
Opening Hours: Breakfast 7am – 10:30am, Lunch 12pm – 2:30pm, Brunch 12:30pm – 3pm, Dinner 6pm – 10pm (Mon – Sun)
Reservations Online: https://www.tablecheck.com/en/shops/intercontinental-ash-and-elm/reserve

* This entry is brought to you in partnership with InterContinental Singapore.

Tendon lovers have another choice to satisfy their cravings, at the brand-new Tenjin located at Raffles City.

I also found out that there is ANOTHER multi-concept dining space called “SOCIEATY” housed in the former coffeehouse of One Farrer Hotel.

SOCIEATY contains six of the Les Amis Group’s concepts, including Tenjin, Hong Kong congee brand Mui Kee, Peperoni Pizzeria, Indigo Blue Kitchen, Mui Kee (Shaw Centre), NamNam and Tarte. (Maybe some of you didn’t know ALL these F&B brands and more are under the same group.)

The Tenjin outlet at Raffles City is a rather small eatery. Added with social distancing measures, there is a dining time limit (45 min) imposed on patrons during peak hours so as to accommodate more diners. So it is not a place to chit-chat for long periods.

On its menu include Tempura Moriwase Set ($24.80) of assorted tempura, tentsuyu, kyabetsu salad, miso soup and rice; and store-exclusive Hot Inaniwa Udon ($24.80) which comes with a delicate yet savoury house-made mentsuyu broth.

Oh yes, the must-get side dish is the Truffle Chawaushi ($4) with truffle konbu on steamed egg custard.

Otherwise, pick from the four choices of donburi – Premium Toko-Jo ($22.80), Special Jo ($14.80), Vegetable Yasai ($12.80) and Prawn Ebi ($17.80) sets.

These Tendon come with crispy pieces of seafood and/or vegetable tempura served atop a bed of fluffy Hoshi-Jirushi rice from the Ibaraki prefecture.

All tendons are served with miso soup and Kyabetsu salad, with choice of regular or spicy tare (sauce).

I had the Jo ($14.80) which was still quite a delightful bowl of tendon.

The tempura pieces had this crispy, golden-brown batter, yet the inside (especially the vegetables) remained moist and flavourful.

Look out for the tempura egg – these barn-laid eggs are from hens with plenty of space to roam, so the yolks would have that richer, orange colour.

This time, I also tried the Cold Inaniwa Udon Set ($24.80) with assorted tempura, mentsuyu, and kyabetsu salad.

Unlike the thicker styles of udon we are more used to, the Inaniwa udon noodles are thinner and smoother, and I found that it is a refreshing accompaniment which contrasts with the greasier tempura pieces.

This time, I felt I could enjoy the crisp of the tempura better without them being drenched in the tare sauce.

Good price point with reasonably quality offerings – Tenjin should continue to get more fans.

Tenjin – Raffles City
252 North Bridge Rd, Raffles City Singapore Shopping Centre, #B1-46, Singapore 179103
Opening Hours: 11am – 9pm, Last Order 8:30pm (Mon – Sun)

Tenjin – Shaw Centre
1 Scotts Road, Shaw Centre, #03-08, Singapore 228208
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 3pm Last Order 2:30pm, 5:30pm – 9:30pm Last Order 9pm (Mon – Sun)

Other Related Entries
9 Tendon Specialty Restaurants In Singapore
Kogane Yama (Bugis Junction)
Kure Menya (Frasers Tower)
Donburi-Ya (CityLink Mall)
Tamoya Udon (Plaza Singapura)

* 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 day, another multi-food restaurant concept in Singapore. After Singapura Heritage at The Seletar Mall and The Hainan Story at Hillion Mall, SOCIEATY by Les Amis Group features the best of the group’s favourite offerings under one roof.

Housed in the former Escape of One Farrer Hotel, SOCIEATY contains seven of the Les Amis Group’s concepts, including Tenjin, Hong Kong congee brand Mui Kee, Sushi Jin, Peperoni Pizzeria, Lemak Boys, NamNam and Tarte.

Diners would just need to order by scanning a QR code, with access to more than 100 dishes across the seven concepts.

Mui Kee
The original stall of Mui Kee Congee 妹記生滾粥品 in Hong Kong is located at Level 3 of Fa Yuen Street Market Mong Kok, known for its heartiness and incredibly smooth texture. What makes each bowl of congee special is that it is prepared from scratch.

Regular favourites at Mui Kee include Parrot Fish Belly Congee, Sliced Beef Congee, Homemade Pork Meatballs Congee, while premium options include a decadent Alaskan Crab Leg Congee.

The signature fish belly congee in particular is well-loved for a delicious smokiness with wok-hei; best paired with dishes such as Drunken Chicken in Shaoxing Wine ($10) and Poached Kai Lan ($8). Mui Kee (Shaw Centre)

Tenjin
Tenjin serves up Tempura Donburi with Premium Toko-Jo ($22.80), Special Jo ($14.80), Vegetable Yasai ($12.80) and Prawn Ebi ($17.80) sets.

These Tendon come with crispy pieces of seafood and/or vegetable tempura served atop a bed of fluffy Hoshi-Jirushi rice from the Ibaraki prefecture.

All tendons are served with miso soup and Kyabetsu salad, with choice of regular or spicy tare (sauce). Tenjin (Raffles City)

NamNam
Casual Vietnamese quick-service concept NamNam serves up a variety of noodles, including Vietnam’s famous Hanoi Pho with options of Pho Chicken, Pho Australian Beef Steak Slices, Vegetarian with brown rice noodles, and Australian beef combination.

Broths are boiled over 24 hours, garnished with freshly chopped herbs, with no added MSG.

Peperoni Pizzeria
Pepperoni Pizzaria is popular for comforting Italian classics and wood-fired pizzas, with range of flavours from Margherita, Funghi, Hawaiian, Meatball & Scallion, Chicken Truffle, Portobello, Carne (meatballs, bacon, pepperoni, mozzarella), to Frutti Di Mare.

Lemak Boys (Opening mid-Dec 2020)
Lemak Boys is one of the newest concept of the Les Amis Group, and the three chefs (also featured in the logo) were from Indigo Blue Kitchen right next door.

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

As for the other ingredients I tried, 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. Lemak Boys (Shaw House)

Tarte
Tarte started out as a takeaway retail concept by Les Amis Group’s Pastry Chef Cheryl Koh.

The store’s popularity went up, especially after when Chef Koh was named “Asia’s Best Pastry Chef” in the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants awards.

Chef Koh shared that she wasn’t aiming to be super creative nor complicated, just a simple goal to create the best version of classic desserts.

She hopes that if someone thinks of the best chocolate tart or strawberry tart, hers will be top of mind.

The tarts are available in more than ten flavours – an individual tart size is at 8cm diameter.

They are grouped according to “Fresh Fruit” – Cherry, Strawberry, Pear, Passionfruit Meringue, Clementine, Mixed Seasonal Fruit; “Chocolate & Nut” – Dark Chocolate, Pistachio and Hazelnut Tart; and “Seasonal”. Tarte by Cheryl Koh (Shaw Centre)

SOCIEATY
1 Farrer Park Station Road, #01-01A One Farrer Hotel & Spa, Singapore 217562
Opening Hours: Lunch 11:30am – 2:30pm Last Order 2pm, Dinner 5:30pm – 10pm Last Order 9:30pm (Mon – Sun)

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The Hainan Story (Hillion Mall)

How many ice cream and waffles cafes do Singapore need?

A few more, it seems.

OCD Café is not exactly an unfamiliar name for those around Ang Mo Kio. However, the ice cream has moved from the North to the Jalan Besar enclave as its lease at the previous outlet has ended.

However, the new space is not near the Chye Seng Huat (and gang) vicinity, but nearer Jalan Besar MRT station, a short walk from Berseh Food Centre and supper goers’ favourite Swee Choon Tim Sum Restaurant.

Waffles after Mee Sua Kueh and Xiao Long Bao, perhaps?

While the café has a catchy name, it has nothing to do with “Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder” (I think real OCD people would find some of the décor not too orderly here), but Obsessive Chocolat Desire – for the love of both chocolates and ice cream.

The space has a primary baby blue accent; walk to the back you would find an outdoor courtyard – this part is non-airconditioned though.

Some fairy lights should do the trick.

While the pricing has gone up a little, it is still wallet-friendly considering there is no categorisation into normal and premium flavours like many other ice cream parlours.

Ice cream is priced at $4 for a single scoop, $7 for double scoops, additional $1 for cone and $4 for a normal or roasted black sesame or earl grey with almond banana waffle.

16 flavours are available at any one time ranging from their signature chocolate flavours (as their name implies) to classic ones such as Vanilla Chips and Pistachio.

The other rotating flavours include Brown Butter Blueberry, Hazelnut Rocher, Lychee Raspberry, Salted Caramel, Melon Milk, Bubblegum, Lavender Hojicha to an intriguing Jeju.

The highlight is definitely their five choices of chocolate ice cream from different origins: Madagascar 33% Milk, Ecuador 40% Milk, Belgium Dark 60%, and Africa 85% Dark.

The percentage refers to the amount of cacao in a chocolate bar.

Both milk and dark chocolate are made similarly from cocoa solids/ cocoa liquor except that the former contains less cocoa but with milk products within.

The Africa 85% Dark had a stickier texture that is similar to a gelato, and was strong, robust, and chocolatey all at the same time without any lingering bitterness.

I was recommended the Buttery Biscoff to pair even though my heart went for the more citrusy Jeju; in retrospective Chocolate + Orange is not uncommon (like chocolate-orange Jaffa) and can help balance out the richness.

The Roasted Sesame Waffle had a lovely crispy outer layer, though could be considered dense for some – balancing it out with a lighter ice cream should help.

For deep-fried nibbles, available are Lollipop Chicken ($10), Fries with signature dip ($5) and popcorn ($5).

The Lollipop Chicken is prepared wherein the meat is cut loose from the bone end and pushed down creating a lollipop appearance. Not bad, though the fries were way to the salty side.

The tricky thing about OCD Café is that it needs to find new footing again in an unfamiliar neighbourhood after building base at AMK.

It has warmth and sincerity, but perhaps lack a certain ‘sleekness’ and need to create some edgy ice cream flavours to appeal to the youngish-hip café hoppers in the vicinity.

Obsessive Chocolat Desire (OCD) Cafe
114 Jalan Besar Singapore 208834
Opening Hours: 11am – 11pm (Mon – Sun)

Other Related Entries
20 NEW Ice Cream & Waffles Cafes In Singapore
AMPM Café (Ang Mo Kio)
Gelato Labo (Faber Drive)
Creme & Cone (Lau Pa Sat)
Tom’s Palette (Bugis)

* Written by Daniel Ang @DanielFoodDiary and Nicholas Tan @stormscape. Daniel’s Food Diary pays for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

If you are someone who wants to eats freshly-churned ice cream at 7AM in the morning (and there is none in the fridge), you are in for a treat.

And not just at 7am, Burnt Cones also opened till 12 midnight daily, which can be a perfect ‘supper’ spot.

For midnight ice cream hunters, I have previously covered a couple of late night new ice cream cafes, including AMPM Café (Ang Mo Kio), Haute And Cauld (Bedok Reservoir), Hay Gelato (Bedok), and I See Cream (Thomson).

Burnt Cones is the newest addition to Sunset Way, located right opposite Olla Specialty Coffee (also serves coffee, ice cream and waffles), with the famous old-school Balmoral Bakery in the vicinity.

Stepping inside, the 24 seaters space is decked in white walls with an industrial cemented theme, spacious, brightly lit and minimalist.

As their name implies, Burnt Cones focuses mainly on their range of 12 gelato flavours (Regular Single $4, Double $7/ Premium Single $5, Double $9), Waffles ($6), Cones ($1) with a small menu of drinks such as Coffee (Black $4, White $5, Affogato ($10) and Tea ($4).

The choices are pretty common and on the safer side, with 4 regular flavours (Single $4, Double $7) namely Black Sesame, Fior De Latte (Milk), Earl Grey and Butterscotch.

The remaining 8 Premium flavours (Single $5, Double $9) consist of 85% Dark Chocolate, Tiramisu, Stracciamenta (Mint, Chocolate), Bacio (Hazelnut Chocolate), Pistachio, Scamorza (Smoked cheese) and 2 Sorbets: Mango Passion and Strawberry Basil.

The Waffle ($6) was on the thicker side, crispy on the outside and denser on the inside, which could be a little dry at times.

I find it excessive when icing sugar and maple syrup were added onto the waffles, especially when they masked the original flavours of the gelato.

On its own, the Pistachio gelato had a rich and creamy texture, with earthy and nutty tone that was pleasantly-enjoyable.

The Strawberry Basil sorbet was the highlight, being smooth and non-icy, yet it was rich with herbaceous taste like hawthorn, which made it refreshingly appetizing.

In terms of coffee, Burnt Cones uses single origin coffee beans from Colombia Planadas, roasted locally by a micro-roastery, for their espresso-based drinks.

My cup of White ($5) was smooth, medium bodied with a light-medium roast that complemented well with the heavier tasting gelato.

Burnt Cones has a promising start serving good gelato and sorbets and I hoped they can explore and be more adventurous in flavours, given the competition from the number of new ice cream bars opening these days.

Burnt Cones
105 Clementi Street 12, #01-02, Singapore 120105
Opening Hours: 7am – 12mn (Mon – Sun)

Other Related Entries
20 NEW Ice Cream & Waffles Cafes In Singapore
AMPM Café (Ang Mo Kio)
Haute And Cauld (Bedok Reservoir)
Hay Gelato (Bedok)
I See Cream (Thomson)

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

Velocity@Novena Square may be known as the dedicated sports and active lifestyle mall (that is where I get my sports attire and shoes from), but it is also a mall of “international eats”.

This is especially when travelling is not quite possible now, and we still want to savour that authentic taste from our favourite countries.

From A-Roy Thai (Thai cuisine), Lao Beijing (Northern Chinese fare), HuLuRuk (Korean Noodle House), Gyu-Kaku (Japanese BBQ), to Fatburger & Buffalo’s (American-style burger and wings), you can ‘travel-the-world’ here.

Here are 9 of the favourites:

A-Roy Thai Restaurant
Velocity@Novena Square #03-61/64
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 3pm, 5:30pm – 9:30pm (Mon – Sun)

Authentic Thai Food Cooked By Team Of Thai Chefs
The family place A-Roy Thai Restaurant serves authentic and reasonably priced Thai food. It has gathered its own following, with many of its customers becoming regulars.

Signature dishes you can expect include Lemongrass Salad, Seafood Otah in Coconut, Steam Seabass and Thai Chendol with Coconut Ice Cream. Every ingredient is carefully handpicked and most are delivered fresh from Thailand, including herbs and spices.

Go for flavourful meal with their Pla Krapong Nueng Ma Now or Steamed Seabass with Spicy and Sour Soup ($35.90). The combination of spicy and sour flavours of the soup matched with mildly flavoured fish will make your palate pop up.

Complement your fish with an order of Ho Mok Maphrao Aon or Seafood Otah in Coconut ($18.90) served in an attention-grabbing coconut shell. The combination of seafood is made into a thick curry where the coconut cream is the predominant flavour.

Cool down from the spicy flavours with Thai Chendol with Coconut Ice Cream ($6.90), a colourful rendition of an iced dessert with blue and green pandan jelly. Topped with a dark red paste of beans over a scoop of coconut ice cream. Indeed Aroy!

Tomi Sushi
Velocity@Novena Square #02-76/77
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 2:30pm, 5:30pm – 9:30pm (Mon – Sun)

Savour Japanese Niigata Specialties with Maguro (Tuna) Special
Tomi Sushi originated in 1954 from the Niigata prefecture, where the climate produces the best-known rice brand Koshihikari. It is also the region with the best sakes and delicacies from the sea.

This season, celebrate all-things-tuna with their maguro promotion (till 27th of December).

Recommended is their Maguro Zanmai or Assorted Tuna Sushi ($29.50, U.P. $59), a selection of different kinds of sushi featuring the Southern blue fin tuna – prized for its rich and and melt-in-the-mouth meat.

Tomi Sushi brews its own traditional soy sauce for sushi and a special sauce only for sashimi; paired with the freshly imported fish and 100% Niigata Koshihikari rice.

If you love grilled fishes, the Maguro Kama Shioyaki ($28.50, U.P $38) is a sea-salt grilled blue fin tuna collar featuring a special salt from the rough seas of Japan. The salt’s mild and richer taste makes it a suitable seasoning for this lean yet fatty cut of tuna.

Also available at a promotional price is the Aburi Salmon Roll ($18), to enjoy the smoky taste of the torched salmon and the crunch of fresh cucumber slices.

Guzman y Gomez
Velocity@Novena Square #01-68/69
Opening Hours 10:30am – 9:30pm (Mon – Sun)

Celebration Of All Things Latin, For Mexican Flavours In Every Bite
Celebrate the season with Latin flair at Guzman y Gomez, the casual dining concept serving traditional Mexican favourites like burrito, quesadilla, tacos, and nachos.

Dishes are all made-to-order with ingredients prepared fresh daily.

Try their famous $3 Taco, a chipotle-seasoned hard-shell taco filled with Australian minced beef. Adding flavours and textures are shredded iceberg lettuce and Australian Jack cheese.

Another popular choice is the Burrito Bowl ($10.90 for reg, $7.90 for mini). Choose from a variety of fillings, ranging from the mild to spicy chicken to pulled pork and beef, to vegetarian-friendly tofu ranchero (natural bean tofu stewed with tomatoes, corn, pepper, chillies and spices.) They also offer brown rice as healthier option.

Get some Nachos ($13.50 for regular, $8.50 for mini) made with GYG’s corn chips, melted Australian Jack cheese, vegetarian black beans, salsa, guacamole and filling. Get your crispy corn chips topped with slow-roasted and tender hand-pulled beef, seasoned with GYG’s Guerrero marinade.

Hana-K
Velocity@Novena Square #02-25
Opening Hours: 10am – 9:30pm (Mon – Sun)

For Korean Stone Pot Rice, Noodles, Porridge and Side Dishes
In the mood for Korean food? Stop by Hana K-Food, a specialty restaurant serving authentic Korean fare since 2013. (I spotted a real ajumma cooking up a fare.)

This traditional Korean resto is a proponent for healthy eating. And so you can find in their menu nutrient-loaded dishes like Ginseng Chicken Soup, Kimchi Soup and Bibimbap.

Boost your immunity and nourish up with samgyetang or Half Ginseng Chicken Soup ($16.00), a soup that marries health benefits and flavour. This fragrant dish is made with whole small chicken stuffed with sticky rice and other ingredients in an herbal broth.

For your main dish, go for the Bibimbap ($14.00), Korean’s famous rice dish loaded with meats, carrots, bean sprouts, zucchini, spinach, mushrooms, and topped with a sunny side up egg. Top up additional $2 for beef/ pork/ chicken bulgogi to go together.

Mix them while sizzling hot with Korean red pepper paste gochujang for a spicy, piquant flavour.

For your drink, sip some Hana K-Food’s specially created onion water for a change.

Harry’s
Velocity@Novena Square #01-59/60
Opening Hours: 11.30am – 10.30pm, Last order 9:30pm (Mon – Sun)

Singapore’s Most Well-Established Bar and Dining Chain
Harry’s is known for its Flatbread Pizza, coming in flavours of Beef & Pepperoni ($26), Hawaiian ($22), Mushroom & Truffle ($24) and Margherita ($20).

Kick off the festive season with their Year-End Special Ruby Turkey Flatbread Pizza ($26).

This sweet-savoury pizza is specially made with premium ingredients like diced turkey meat, Brussel sprouts, onion confit, and cranberry jam.

The fresh-baked Christmassy flatbread is beautifully dotted with ruby red jewels of cranberries complementing the green arugula leaves, all on a crispy thin base.

Velocity@Novena Square Promotion:
Pair your pizza with Heineken beer to complete the celebration. Get 2 pints of Heineken at $24 (U.P $28) or 4 pints of Heineken at $44 (U.P $56).

Limited to 1 redemption for every set of Ruby Turkey Flatbread Pizza purchased.

Tamago-EN
Velocity@Novena Square #01-90
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Delight in Golden Okinawan Egg Dishes and Desserts
What makes Tamago-EN special is that it only uses the freshest eggs imported from Okinawa. Rather than conventional heat sterilisation, the eggs go through a unique process of UV sterilisation. (Tamago-EN eggs are so fresh you eat it raw.)

Their egg-centric menu features the uniquely golden orange egg yolk of Japanese eggs. When used in dishes, these eggs give that fuwa fuwa (fluffy) texture.

Go for the Beef Stew Omelette with Rice ($16.80), a Japanese-style beef stew served in a large bowl with steamed butter rice.

The chunky pieces of beef in a savoury gravy is best mixed with the rice tossed with chicken & vegetables. Enjoy this hearty entrée topped with the beautiful-yellow omelette.

Have a sweet ending in the form of the Homemade Egg Pudding ($5.80) – made with fresh Japanese eggs, which becomes a soft and creamy gloop set in a glass jar.

The eggy flavour is complemented with sweetness from a drizzling of caramel sauce, topped with whipped cream and fresh strawberries.

HuLuRuk Myeon House
Velocity@Novena Square #01-84/85
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 10pm (Sun – Thurs), 11:30am – 10:30pm (Fri, Sat, PH)

Korean Noodle House with Kalguksu (Knife Noodles) and Steamed Dumplings
Huluruk is a Korean noodle specialty house, and the recipe is said to be pass down from an old Korean lady “Halmuni” (which means grandmother in Korean slang).

Her Myeon Soup business started out in 1945, as the noodle courses and side dishes were her late husband’s favourites.

Available on its menu includes the seldom-seen-in-Singapore Kalguksu aka Knife Noodles ($12.80 – $15.80), Volcano Fried Rice ($10.80 – $13.80), and Korean Steamed Dumplings ($6.50 – $7.50 for 6 pcs) similar to a Xiao Long Bao – wrapped with chilli crabs, pork, or kimchi within.

The thick black sauce of the Jjajang Myeon ($10.80) was quite ‘legit’, also included with pieces of pork cubes. The noodles were cooked till too soft and wet for my liking though, otherwise would have been a better mix.

Ichiban Boshi
Velocity@Novena Square #02-13/14
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 10:00pm Last order 9:30pm (Mon – Fri), 11am – 10pm Last Order 9:30pm (Sat – Sun)

Modern Japanese Cuisine with Wide Selection of Sushi, Fresh Sashimi and Variety Set Meals
No two Ichiban Boshi restaurants are the same, and at Velocity@Novena Square the specialty is Sakana (Fresh Fish).

Savour quality fishes imported directly from Japan, such as their Tai Acqua Pazza ($28.90) that comes with Japanese sea bream, clams and a melange of vegetables in house special broth.

For those looking to indulge in a hearty meal this festive season, keep an eye out for their festive special of Spicy Chicken Sugiita-yaki Gozen ($27.90) that is available for a limited period till 28 Feb 2021.

The chicken steak comes with light spicy marination on a Japanese cedar wood, complete with seared scallop & salmon sashimi with truffle oil, fried Quorn® meat-free ball wanton, mini rice bowl with salmon flakes & salmon roe, chawanmushi, miso soup and kanten fruit jelly.

The other recommended festive meal is the Rosemary Nitzuke Maguro Steak Gozen ($25.90), featuring tuna steak & vegetables with rosemary sweet sauce, pork skewer with long bean & quail egg, chicken meatball, noodles with Quorn® meat-free ball & poached egg, green salad, chawanmushi, miso soup and kanten fruit jelly.

Milksha
Velocity@Novena Square #02-51/52
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Taiwanese Unique Milk Beverages Brand with NEW Cocoa Ice Blended Series
As the leading bubble tea brand in Taiwan, Milksha offers unique beverages using 100% natural milk and natural ingredients.

If you are not sure what to choose, some of their best-selling items include Earl Grey Tea Latte, Fresh Taro Milk, Valrhona 100% Cocoa Milk, Refreshing Orange Green Tea and Brown Sugar Milk.

During this festive period, chocolate-lovers can delve into the world of chocolate with Milksha’s newly introduced Milksha’s Cocoa Ice Blended ($4.80) and Cocoa Ice Blended with Sesame Pudding ($5.20).

Both are blended with 100% Valrhona cocoa powder and fresh milk, then topped with cocoa nibs for that crunch as you take that sip. The sesame pudding which is made fresh daily in stores, lends a wobbly finish to the rich beverage.

Promotion:
Get any 2 cups from the Christmas series for $8.80 and any 3 cups for $12. (Series includes Valrhona 100% Cocoa Milk, Cocoa Ice Blended and Cocoa Ice Blended with Sesame Pudding.)

The Season of Gifting (from now till 27 Dec 2020)
Redeem exclusively designed Gift Wrappers and Spin & Win chance(s) with $60* spent ($50* for U-POPP members). Earn up to 3 spins when you purchase at selected outlets.
^Maximum 3 spins per redemption per day.

Redeem a Cheese Cutlery Set with $180* spent ($150* for U-POPP members).
*Max. 3 same-day combined receipts. Terms & conditions apply. While stocks last.

Visit www.velocitynovena.com for more details and other promotions.

* This entry is brought to you in partnership with Velocity@Novena Square.

Another one? This can be a matter of pure coincidence, as there are now two NEW ice cream bars at Sunset Way. Another coming soon.

Located in the same neighbourhood as Burnt Cones (that also serves gelato and waffles), Dawn’s Gelateria is the latest addition to the community.

Over here, there are quite a number of food choices such as Chin Huat Live Seafood, Springleaf Prata Place, HoHo Korean Restaurant, Summer Hill, The Daily Scoop Ice Cream Cafe, Olla Specialty Coffee, Sunset Railway Cafe, Buttercake N Cream, Fredo’s Baker, Classic Cakes and Balmoral Bakery.

As to get this out of the way… in case you come here looking for a “her”, owner Chef Dawn is a guy.

This can be a relaxing place to take an easy-day out, with most of their seating space located outside the shop (8 indoors, 30 outdoors).

Unlike most gelato bar that focuses primarily on their gelato and waffles, Dawn’s Gelateria also serves an extensive menu of hot food that ranges from Starters ($7 – 16) to Mains ($11- $26), Seafood ($20 – $26) and Pasta ($15 – $24).

There are a total of 18 rotating gelato flavours.

Available in 2 cup sizes, think Regular flavours (3oz $5 and 5oz $8) such as Valrhona Chocolate, Fior Di Latte (Milk), Earl Grey, Chocolate Sorbet, Lemon Sorbet, Watermelon & Lime, and Mint Stracciatella.

At a higher price tag, there are Premium flavours (additional $1 per flavour) such as Speculoos and Amarena Cherry, Specialty flavours (additional $1.50 per flavour) such as Pistachio and 50% Strawberry, Sugar-Free Peanut Butter (additional $2) and Alcoholic Cranberry Portwine (additional $2).

After visiting many ice cream and gelato shops lately, I think I have gotten pretty “OCD” when it comes to the layout of the gelato in the display shelf.

Unlike most gelato bars with flavours properly laid out and labelled, the flavours here at Dawn’s Gelateria are randomly arranged.

As a little suggestion: some categorisation such as Regular, Premium, Specialty, Alcoholic and Sugar-free, would help customers make quick choices.

Plus, the flavours are labelled with a white marker against the glass panel, which made it hard to differentiate.

I ordered the 3oz of regular gelato ($5): Earl Grey and Watermelon & Lime on a Waffle ($8)

At $8 a piece, the waffle was considered slightly on the pricy side.

The Waffle came with golden brown crispy edges, thinner than the usual buttermilk waffle, with a denser and fluffy texture that is almost cake-like.

The highlight was the Watermelon and Lime sorbet, with sweetness from the watermelon on the first bite and a lingering refreshing citrus punch in the aftertaste due to the lime added.

The texture was dense and compact, non-icy with robust flavours that was not overly-sweet.

The Earl Grey was strong and intense, with a lingering pleasant tea aroma, and a texture that was smooth and creamy.

I was looking through their savoury menu and the Dawn’s Specialty Gelato Salad ($12) caught my attention.

What’s a Gelato Salad?

In fact, it is salad with mesclun lettuce, Japanese cucumber and cherry tomatoes topped with a scoop of savoury gelato such as Olive Oil Balsamic or Garlic Aioli.

Optional roast chicken, calamari or king prawns are available at an additional $4.90.

On the first bite, the Garlic Aioli gelato interestingly tasted like Thousand Island Dressing in the frozen form, savoury and cold at the same time. Can be an acquired taste.

The Garlic Aioli gelato went well with the salad, making it extra chilled and flavourful.

Dawn’s Gelateria does offer some interesting options and quality gelato on their menu.

However, the problem is with a 4th ice cream shop opening soon at Sunset Way (the first there being The Daily Scoop), and can be tough competition here within a small community.

Dawn’s Gelateria
106 Clementi Street 12, #01-38, Singapore 120106
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Thur), 11am – 11pm (Fri), 10am – 11pm (Sat), 10am – 10pm (Sun)

Other Related Entries
20 NEW Ice Cream & Waffles Cafes In Singapore
Gelato Labo (Faber Drive)
Cream and Cone (Lau Pa Sat)
Burnt Cones (Sunset Way)
Salted Caramel Artisan Ice Cream (Lor Kilat)

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

I wonder why are there not more places selling Chicken and Waffles?

The chicken and waffle pairing is known as “soul food”, a Southern-style sweet and savoury combination typically added with butter and maple syrup.

One day, I also hope to see a local hawker stall selling their version of Fried Chicken Cutlet on waffles (if they have kitchen space), perhaps even with our own local twist (like Gula Melaka maple syrup). Because why not?

Here are 10 popular café and brunch places you can find Chicken Waffles in Singapore:

Caffe Cicheti
26 Beach Road, South Beach Tower #B1-21, Singapore 189768
Tel: +65 6384 1878
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 2:30pm, 6pm – 9:30pm (Mon – Sat), 10:30am – 4:30pm (Sun)

Caffe Cicheti at South Beach Tower is a great place to wind down during the weekends for brunch. It calls itself a “modern-day osteria” which brings fresh, bright flavours from the coasts of Italy.

I was enticed by their Waffles ($23.50) on Instagram and headed straight for it. No regrets.

The double-fried chicken thigh was done well – crispy, juicy, sizable piece; on topped of buttermilk waffles which just that the right amount of light crisp and wasn’t overly dense.

Though if I needed to nit-pick: the maple syrup was directly drizzled over, some parts ended up too sweet while the others didn’t get ‘covered’.

The Beast Southern Kitchen + Bourbon Bar
17 Jalan Klapa Singapore 199329
Tel: +65 6295 0017
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 10pm (Tues – Sun), Closed Mon

Located near Arab Street and Bugis, The Beast has been known for its hearty meals and big portions, with signature items of The Beast Burger, Southern Fried Chicken, and Mac & Cheese Burger. (Need an extra friend to split the calories and guilt)

Head straight for The Beast’s Chicken and Waffles ($20) which contains signature fried chicken with waffles and house-made bourbon maple butter sauce.

The chicken came in a big slab and was flavoursome – of boneless chicken thing brined for 24 hours then fried till golden brown.

Though the waffles were airy and plain (A friend mentioned about a “weird yeast taste”.) The alcoholic bourbon whisky sauce was one of a kind (ie need to get used), which added a smoky twist to the sweet maple syrup.

For the People
11 Hamilton Road, Singapore 209182
Opening Hours: 9.30am – 9pm (Tues – Sun), Closed Mon

With an intention to create a space for people to connect and recharge over food and drinks, the space at For The People is considerably spacious with a 60-seater space. I like the space as it has relaxing vibes and enough seating area during off-peak hours.

The Fried Chicken & Waffles ($19) is a balance of sweet and savoury, of crispy boneless chicken thing on Belgian waffles with maple syrup drizzle.

I enjoyed the chicken, though some people may be divided over the waffles which was light and spongy, rather than crispy and buttery-rich. Suppose that helped balanced the richness of the meat.

Clinton Street Baking Company & Restaurant
31 Purvis Street Singapore 188608 (in between City Hall and Bugis MRT)
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 6pm (Mon – Thu), 8am – 9pm (Fri – Sun)

If New York pancakes are your thing. Clinton Street Baking Company & Restaurant is a famed American breakfast institution hailing from Lower East Side New York.

The restaurant is known for its Blueberry Pancakes ($19.00), Chicken and Waffles ($21), Buttermilk Biscuit Sandwich ($17.00) and Farmer’s Plates ($22.00) of soft scrambled eggs, farmhouse cheddar, house rosemary pork patties, herb-roasted tomatoes with sourdough toast.

The Buttermilk Fried Chicken and Vanilla Buttermilk Waffle ($21) came drizzled with the warm maple butter.

I wished that the chicken came in a bigger piece – liked the batter though, not oily and crisp-crunchy, like how a South-Western chicken should be. The waffles could have arrived with a better crisp (could be too floppy at parts). But the maple syrup was delicious.

Kong Cafe
896 Dunearn Road, Sime Darby Centre #01-11 Singapore 589742 (King Albert Park MRT Exit B)
Opening Hours: 8am – 6pm (Mon), 8pm – 7pm (Tues, Wed, Sat, Sun), 8am – 9pm (Thurs, Fri)

There is a minimalist style Korean lifestyle café at Bukit Timah, which appears to be still quite under-the-radar.

I couldn’t resist the Savoury Waffles ($18) included with scrambled eggs and fried chicken (or sausage and bacon).

The food items are freshly prepared, so do wait a while for them to be ready. Of late, I actually do not have overly high expectations of breakfast/brunch sets at cafes, because there would just be an item or two within the plate that would be ‘off’.

For this, the scrambled eggs were warm and luxuriously creamy, fried chicken crisp and on-point-juicy.

While the waffle was of a different style (could be more buttery I thought), I think people would like the overall combination.

Yardbird Southern Table And Bar
The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, B1-07, Galleria Level Singapore 018956
Tel: +65 6688 9959
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm (Sun – Thurs), 10am – 11pm (Fri – Sat)

Yardbird Southern Table And Bar by Restaurateur John Kunkel, is dedicated to classic Southern cooking and farm-fresh ingredients. It operates outlets in Miami and Las Vegas. It was previously called “The Bird” for the local Singapore MBS outlet – complicated story.

It is famed for its Southern style Chicken ‘n’ Watermelon ‘n’ Waffles ($40), crafted using a 100-year-old family fried chicken recipe.

Accordingly, the chicken would be brined for 27 hours before mixed in a medley of spices such as paprika, cayenne pepper and garlic powder.

The chicken pieces came with a lightly crisp, thin coat of batter. Not bad, quite juicy and tender.

The waffle were not as crisp on the outer layer as expected, but at least the pieces were fluffy.

The highlight though, was the bourbon maple syrup. The deep oak flavour of the bourbon complimented the sweetness of the maple.

Revelry
21 Lorong Kilat, #01-02 Singapore 598123 (near Beauty World area / Chun Tin Road)
Tel: +65 9278 0466
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon, Wed, Thurs), 11am -11pm (Fri), 10am – 11pm (Sat), 10am – 10pm (Sun), Closed Tues

The Chicken & Waffles ($19) came with crispy chicken thigh on waffle served with maple syrup on the side.

Instead of the usual buttermilk waffles that would be more chewy and dense, Revelry’s version was crispy and light, with a texture in between the old-school ice cream wafers and youtiao (I thought).

There were loads of air pockets, and thus you would not feel so full after dining. While I did like the waffle texture, the chicken could be juicier and flavourful.

Menya Kanae
275 Thomson Rd, Novena Regency #01-08, Singapore 307645
Tel: +65 6261 6205
Opening Hours: 11am – 9:30pm (Mon – Sun)

With a Japanese-style café and ramen bar in a one place, you can have your Karaage Waffles and Ebi Sando (prawn sandwich) or even classic Hokkaido Miso Ramen, depending on what you are feeling that day.

While chicken + waffles are one of typical and popular brunch items, Menya Kanae’s version of Zangi Karaage Waffles ($15.80) comes with four chunky pieces of Tori Karaage.

Marinated in Menya Kanae’s original sauce, these chicken pieces are packed with appetising umami flavours.

Enjoy four large pieces of deep-fried chicken, its tender and juicy meat covered with a crispy exterior for that crunchy bite.

Warning: can be very filling, so get a friend(s) to share this.

Wild Wood Café
598 Yishun Ring Road #01-51/52 Wisteria Mall Singapore 768698
Opening Hours: 11:am – 8:30pm (Tues – Fri), 10am – 9pm (Sat, Sun, PH), Closed Mon
(Photo credit: Songyu @__sy_g)

Wild Wood is a simple, bistro-styled café tucked away in level 1 of Wisteria Mall,

The W.W.W ($15.80), otherwise known as the Wild Wood Waffle, would probably be their signature dish. This is Crispy chicken served on a waffle drizzled with maple syrup.

I was kind of surprised to find greens (such as rocket leaves and lettuce) placed in between the chicken and waffles. It just doesn’t go together, but perhaps this is a move to make the dish appear healthier and cut through the grease.

The skin was slightly crispy and the meat, tender. There was some juice flowing out of the chicken when I cut through the slab.

Would love to have more maple syrup because I could barely taste it (or even knew it was there).

GRUB
Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park 510 Ang Mo Kio Ave 1, Singapore 569983
Opening Hours: 11am – 8pm (Mon – Sun)

Over at GRUB, you can choose from a selection from Truffle Floss Fries ($7), Mentaiko Fries ($7), Truffle Mushroom Baked Eggs, Maple Bacon Waffle ($17), Har Cheong Fried Chicken with Waffles ($17), Har Cheong Gai Burger ($17), to Mala Xiang Guo Burger ($20).

Inspired by the favourite local zi char favourite of Prawn Paste Chicken aka Har Cheong Gai, try Grub’s Har Cheong Fried Chicken and Waffles ($16).

Therefore, you could get the faint aroma of the shrimp paste as you bite into the juicy marinated fried chicken. For more of those local flavours, get the mildly-spicy sambal mayo that adds as a dip for the meat.

Other Related Entries
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10 Cafes And Brunch Places At River Valley
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10 Best Korean BBQ In Singapore For Sizzling Succulent Meats

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

Home-grown brand Dian Xiao Er is a familiar name among Singaporean foodies, known for its succulent Herbal Roast Duck prepared fresh and roasted in the display kitchen daily.

Its brand name originates from the traditional way of calling waiter “Xiao Er”.

Therefore, its raw and rustic ambience reflects an ancient Chinese inn.

As a diner, you may feel like a traveller in a pit-stop (like one of those you watch in a Chinese period drama) ready to refill, refresh and recharge before setting off to continue your journey.

If you think they only serve up signature Herbal Roasted Ducks, there is actually an array of specialties like the Signature Wheatgrass Tofu with Seafood ($15.90), Sliced Garoupa in Assam Style ($20.90), Dong Po Braised Pork Belly ($16.90), Marmite Chicken ($13.90), Mongolian Spare Ribs ($15.90), Fish Maw Thick Soup with Seafood ($18.90) and many others.

If you have not been to Dian Xiao Er for a while, they have just revamped its menu just in time for the year-end feasting (and next year’s CNY bookings).

Here are 10 of the Dian Xiao Er’s signature selections and exciting repertoire of new menu offerings:

Duck Roasted with Angelica Herb ($16.90 for ¼, $31.90 for ½, $43.90 for ¾, $55.90 for whole)
Some background: this house specialty is made using only the finest quality Cherry Valley ducks.

Every duck is prepared fresh and roasted daily to create the most delectable duck meat, and the rich flavours come from marinating the duck for hours in spices and a myriad of herbs.

The marinated ducks are then roasted at optimal temperature to tenderise yet keep the meat succulent while cooking.

This results in the skin beautifully golden brown in appearance, with a crisp texture.

Some people say the magic is in its specially concocted herbal sauce. You can choose from Dang Gui (Angelica Herb), Shi Quan (Ten Wonder Herbs) and Pao Shen (Wild Ginseng).

I liked that Dang Gui sauce best, with mild-herbal and slight-sweetish tinge that is quite unique to Dian Xiao Er; while the Shi Quan had the stronger herbal and saltier savour.

Signature Wheatgrass Tofu with Seafood ($15.90 for S, $31.80 for L)
A unique rendition of a bean curd, this signature dish is a silky jade green-tinged homemade tofu infused with wheatgrass extract.

Obtained from freshly sprouted first leaves of the common wheat plant, this flavouring extract is loaded with nutrients.

Served with a topping of prawns, scallops, broccoli, and other veggies in a light, velvety sauce.

What I liked about the tofu was that the inside was soft and sauce quite healthy and homely-tasting.

Prawns with Chinese Celery Sauce ($19.90 for S, $29.80 for M, $39.80 for L)
Chinese celery sauce? These appetising prawns are flash-fried to the right texture, then tossed in a one-of-a-kind Chinese celery sauce.

Finely chopped celery are mixed with minced red bell peppers, and fresh onions and tossed into the sauce, before slathering onto the crisp-skinned prawns.

Even if you are not the biggest fan of celery, the fresh-earthy taste came across quite gently and not overly pronounced.

If you prefer something heartier, there is also a Nanyang-style inspired Prawns in Chilli Sauce ($19.90) which features juicy prawns atop a bed of luscious chilli gravy.

Stewed Pork Ribs with Yam & Shiitake Mushrooms ($18.90 for S, $28.30 for M, $37.80 for L)
This warm claypot dish has pork ribs in a thick ‘yammy’ gravy, so tender the meat easily slides off the bone.

You should find the chunks of pork ribs with a mild, almost sweet flavour, complemented with the aromatic and earthy Shiitake mushrooms and starchy and dry yam.

The yam’s distinct and unique flavour mixed with the sauce from the braised pork ribs delivers a comforting taste.

Crispy Otah Charcoal Dough Fritters ($6.90)
One of my new favourites, the delightfully crisp Chinese fried dough fritters aka youtiao may remind you of “Sotong Youtiao”, but made dramatic with the addition of charcoal to darken their colour.

Inside, a mildly spicy otah or fish paste fills up the cruller. This adds flavour and a bit of heat, with a good contrast between the crunchy exterior and soft fillings.

Lotus Roots, Sweet Pea, Water Chestnut with Macadamia Nuts and Gingko ($14.90 for S, $22.30 for M, $29.80 for L)
A mix of vegetables and nuts, this colourful stir-fry combines the mild taste and pleasantly sweet flavour of lotus root with crunchy sweet peas and water chestnuts.

Macadamia nuts, prized for their sweet, buttery flavour, make this dish extra special.

I find this a good balance if the rest of the other dishes are heavier.

Crispy Frog Leg in Soya Sauce ($18.90 for S, $28.30 for M, $37.80 for L)
Enjoy these crispy frog legs as an appetiser, with fresh skinned frog legs marinated in soya sauce.

The meat’s mild, neutral taste takes on the umami flavour of soya sauce.

With seasoning and a light coating of corn starch, the frog legs get a crunchy exterior once deep-fried. Inside, its texture is reminiscent of a more fibrous chicken?

The dish is also served with a ‘net’ of deep-fried golden julienned ginger strips.

Roasted Char Siew ($9.90 for 10pcs, $17.90 for 20pcs)
Add some classic Cantonese-style Chinese BBQ pork into your meal with an order of Roasted Char Siew.

Each piece is perfectly caramelized on the outside with a layer of char, exuding a smoky aroma. The lean pork remains moist and tender, and I learned you can request for a fatter cut if preferred and available.

Limited quantities available daily.

Ten Wonder Shredded Duck Porridge ($9.90)
Served in a claypot, this thick rice porridge is made with delicious shredded slivers of roasted duck as main meat.

Boosted with Ten Wonder Herbs (the same used for the duck), this congee includes revitalising ingredients such as condonopsis root, foxglove root, licorice root, and seven other invigorating herbs.

Snow Fungus with Peach Resin ($5.90)
Cap off your meal with a refreshingly light dessert made with Snow Fungus and Peach Resin.

Even for dessert, you can make a healthier choice, as peach resin is known to be collagen-rich and packed with nutrients. Snow Fungus, aka shirokikurage, is a type of jelly fungus prized for its immune boosting properties.

A sweet meal-ended that perfectly balances taste, health and beauty. Available in both hot and cold versions.

Dian Xiao Er outlets:
Bedok Mall: 311 New Upper Changi Road, #01-73/74, Bedok Mall, Singapore 467360
Hillion Mall: 17 Petir Road, #01-08, Hillion Mall, Singapore 678278
JEM: 50 Jurong Gateway Road, #03-08, Jem, Singapore 608549
Jewel Changi Airport: 78 Airport Boulevard, #B2-229, Jewel Changi Airport Singapore 819666
Junction 8: 9 Bishan Place, #B1-07, Junction 8 Singapore 579837
Jurong Point: 63 Jurong West Central 3, #B1-57/58/59, Jurong Point, Singapore 648331
Lot One: 21 Choa Chu Kang Avenue 4, #B1-32/33, Lot One, Singapore 689812
Marina Square: 6 Raffles Boulevard, #02-200, Marina Square, Singapore 039594
Northpoint City: 930 Yishun Avenue 2, #02-06, Northpoint City, North Wing Singapore 769098
Serangoon NEX: 23 Serangoon Central, #02-09/10, NEX, Singapore 556083
Tampines One: 10 Tampines Central 1, #04-15, Tampines 1 Singapore 529536
VivoCity: 1 HarbourFront Walk, #02-138/9, VivoCity Singapore 098585
Waterway Point: 83 Punggol Central, #01-30, Waterway Point, Singapore 828761

Opening Hours: All outlets (except Jewel):
11:30am – 3pm Last order 2:30pm, 4.30pm – 9:30pm Last order 9pm (Mon – Fri)
11am – 10pm Last order 9:30pm (Sat – Sun)

Jewel:
11:30am – 9:30pm Last order 9pm (Mon – Thurs), 11:30pm – 10pm Last order 9:30pm (Fri),
11am – 10pm Last order 9:30pm (Sat – Sun)

Islandwide Delivery:
Dian Xiao Er is offering islandwide delivery at $5.90 (with min $40 spent, PHE/PH surcharge applies): https://dianxiaoer.oddle.me/en_SG/

(Free Hotplate Tofu/Wheatgrass Tofu/Soup of the day for first time delivery customers only. Enter promo code “FIRSTTIME” upon checkout.)

*This entry is brought to you in partnership with Dian Xiao Er.

Orchard Road is one of the to-go places during the year-end period for the Christmas lights, shopping and dining out with friends.

If you are heading to Orchard Road, this is an update of DFD’s previous entry of ”10 NEW Cafes At Orchard Road”, featuring more of the relatively new names of brunch places, cafes and dessert shops on the shopping belt.

For convenience, I listed them in order of direction from Tanglin Road to Somerset area.

Pano Kato
Tanglin Mall #02-23, 163, Tanglin Road Singapore 247933
Tel: +65 6235 5056
Opening Hours: 9am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Grill, Pizza and Deli at Tanglin Mall
As I was a fan of House Of AnLi, it didn’t take me too long to head over to Pano Kato located just a level below.

This is a Greek and Mediterranean style deli, serving up dishes such as Greek Salad with Feta Cheese ($22), Calamari ($22), Grilled Octopus ($28), Burrata ($4) and selection of pasta and pizzas.

I loved the Grilled Octopus ($28) which though looked small for its price, had a incredibly chewy texture, flavourful and well-grilled.

However, after repeat visits, my friends and I thought both the food and service were fairly inconsistent, but lovely space though.

Merci Marcel – Orchard
390 Orchard Road, #01-03/04, Palais Renaissance Singapore 238871
Opening Hours: 8am – 10:30pm (Mon – Sun)

French Lifestyle Cafe At Orchard, With Beautiful Bohemian-Chic Outdoor Space
French restaurant-café Merci Marcel has a couple of outlets, at Tiong Bahru, Club Street, and this lifestyle concept at Orchard Road.

The Merci Marcel completes that picture – coffee, desserts, wine, food, place to Instagram and shop, and kids would probably feel comfortable here as well.

The all-day dining destination has quite a number of highlight dishes on its menu, including Ravioles de Royans ($18, $28)– French dumpling pasta filled with cheese & spinach, foie gras emulsion, Atlantic Wild Cod ($34), Barramundi Tartare ($23), Smoked Haddock Salad ($18), and of course the trending Impossible Marcel Burger ($28).

For desserts, there is the Crepe Mercel with tiramisu emulsion ($12), and Pineapple Carpaccio ($11) which my friend described as the best sweet thing she had in a while. Always packed. Merci Marcel (Orchard)

Brown Butter
583 Orchard Road, #01-18-19, Forum The Shopping Mall, Singapore 238884
Opening Hours: 11am – 8:30pm (Mon – Sun)

Avocado And Beetroot-Centric Cafe With Pink And Teal Colours
From the folks behind the Over-The-Top Milkshakes at Benjamin Browns and Flying Noodles at Hana restaurant, one would expect their newest venture would be another Instagram hit.

The entire space at Brown Butter is full of Instagram spots; from a wall full of pink roses to an entire pink shelf, pink fridge and a dual tone wall decked in pink and teal for the perfect #OOTD shot.

Their desserts menu is short and concise with avocado incorporated within it, namely Avocado Pancakes ($18), The Works ($21) served with bacon and sunny side up, Avo Waffles ($16) and Torched Avocado Cheesecake ($12).

The Avocado Pancakes ($18) came with 2 stacks of avocado pancakes with avocado slices sandwiched in between, and topped with blueberries and banana.

Social Place Singapore
Forum The Shopping Mall, #01-22, 583 Orchard Road, Singapore 238884
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 2:30pm, 6pm – 9pm (Sun – Thurs), 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 9:30pm (Fri – Sat)

Retro-Chic Tea House From Hong Kong Opens At Orchard Road
Founded in Hong Kong, Social Place is a retro-chic contemporary tea house imbued with nostalgic touches from olden Hong Kong days, which serves an innovative spread of Chinese fares and Dim Sum offerings.

Upon stepping into the restaurant, you will be greeted with sleek modern interior accompanied with fun vibrant elements such as, using ping pong table for dining and a whole mural wall made up of mah-jong tiles.

They were probably the OG innovators for the now already available dishes in Singapore such as Flaming Pineapple, Fried Chicken Pieces with Chillies served in Nest, and Truffle Mushroom Buns.

What left an impression was their Pork Sliders ($14.80) aka Chinese Kong Bak Pao which came with a slice of tender braised fatty pork meat sandwiched in between soft fluffy buns which literally melts in your mouth. Social Place (Orchard Road)

Cafe de Muse
350 Orchard Road Isetan Scotts, Shaw House, #01-00 & #02-00 Singapore 228208
Opening Hours: 24/7

Korean Coffee and Dessert Place at Shaw House
It seems like Cafe de Muse is a “Korean” cafe, looking at the servers, customers (who are primary Koreans) and they serve up Bingsu as well.

The cafe serves up the typical brunch items such as Avocado on Toast ($22), Egg Benedict ($26), a couple of sandwiches such as Beef & Chimichurri ($20), and Pasta dishes ($20 – $24).

The seats by the window make it a place to people-watch, and a friend quipped there is a “hunky cute Korean server with a soft voice”. Otherwise, I thought that the menu could have more differentiating factor to match its higher than average price point.

Leckerbaer Singapore
350 Orchard Road, Shaw House Isetan Scotts #01-K2 & #01-K3, Singapore 238868
Opening Hours: 11am – 8pm (Mon – Sun)

Famous Danish Cookies Specialty Cafe At Orchard Road
From Denmark to Singapore, Leckerbaer has opened at Shaw House Isetan Scotts with a café concept. (Luke’s Lobster is neighbour and the brand-new Shake Shack is just across the road at Liat Towers.)

Leckerbaer was founded by two pastry chefs, Gabi and Jakob Baer Mogensen, who have extensive experience in the Scandinavian Michelin-Star scene.

The pastry shop makes everything from scratch and there are 8 Småkager in the counter to choose from. Flavours in Singapore include Banana, Milk, Chocolate, Vanilla, Passionfruit, Raspberry, Lemon, and Caramel.

However, these are not your usual-priced cookie, with each piece slightly bigger than a 50 cent coin costing $2.80. Savoury tarts from priced at $11 – $13, while a Breakfast Set is at $13. Leckerbaer Singapore (Orchard Road)

Poulet + Brasserie
ION Orchard #B3-21, 2 Orchard Turn, Singapore 238801
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

French Fusion Restaurant-Café With Duck Confit, Nutella French Toast, At ION Orchard
Fans of Poulet would be familiar with its Roast Chicken with mushroom Chardonnay, Diane sauce, or cranberry sauce; but Poulet + Brasserie presents quite an entirely different concept.

A menu quite unlike their existing one, this one takes inspiration from cuisines in different places – Melbourne’s café-hopping scene, a little bit of Thai and French fare, and Singapore’s own local dishes. You can expect to find Seafood Laksa Linguine and Kaya French Toast here.

Chef Joshua Khoo (one of the chef-founder of Saveur) leads the kitchen brigade in preparing these dishes, combining local flavours with traditional French cooking techniques.

Get the Truffle Mushroom Risotto ($15++) which is infused with lots of umami flavours from combining different types of mushrooms – including oyster, button and brown shimeji mushrooms. You will also find bacon cubes and almond nuts for that multi-textural contrast. Poulet + Brasserie (ION Orchard)

Bacha Coffee
2 Orchard Turn, #01-15/16 ION Orchard Mall, Singapore 238801
Opening Hours: 9:30am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Gorgeous Moroccan Themed Coffee Boutique & Brunch Place
This is the Moroccan brand’s first international outpost, specialising in coffee from single origins, coffee blends as well as flavoured coffee.

People think the concept is like TWG, but coffee version.

There are over 200 to choose from, and so you can come almost every day in a year if variety is what you crave. While the coffee selection may look overwhelming at first, they do include the taste profile and strength, and the serving staff can guide you along to make a preferred selection.

The décor itself is striking, designed to reflect the Moroccan Dar el Bacha palace in Marrakech. Some customers take the opportunity to strike a pose, some repeatedly and too many.

As for food, perhaps the more unique and Moroccan style dishes left a better impression, such as the Morrocan Chicken Pastilla infused with Rosenheim Coffee ($24), and Moroccan Kefta Meatballs accompanied with straw potato fries ($28). Bacha Coffee (ION Orchard)

Matchaya – Paragon
#B1-K4, Paragon, 290 Orchard Road, Singapore 238859
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

New Outlet at Orchard Paragon With Matcha Koffee, Houjicha Cakes
While many Japanese Cafes in Singapore are imports, Matchaya is a home-grown brand that has enjoyed quite a following.

Other than its café-style space at The Cathay (it previously moved from Icon Village), it has opened a NEW kiosk at Orchard Paragon.

The Japanese tea outlet at the basement of Paragon serves up more than just modern Japanese-inspired beverages, but also include desserts, cakes and softserves.

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.

Flipper’s Pancakes Singapore
391 Orchard Road Takashimaya Shopping Centre #B1-56 Singapore 238872
Opening Hours: 10:30am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Famous Soufflé Pancakes Cafe At Takashimaya
The famous Flipper’s Pancakes from Japan has opened in Singapore at Takashimaya Shopping Centre, Ngee Ann City.

Diners in Singapore can come expecting 6 different soufflé pancake flavours.

They include the original Kiseki Pancake Plain ($16.80), Matcha Azuki ($20.80), Hazelnut Chocolate ($21.80), Millennial Strawberry ($20.80), Fresh Fruits ($21.80). And for a savoury option, there is the Benedict Pancake ($21.80).

Their Kiseki pancakes (well, most of them) are served in stacks of 3s, come with a wobbly soufflé-like texture, and with house-made maple-butter cream.

So comparing this to say the average souffle pancake in Singapore, what makes that difference is that the milk, Kanagawa Hinata eggs, and Hokkaido Kitahonami wheat flour used are all imported from Japan.

Which would just give that added subtle ‘egginess’. Flipper’s Pancakes Singapore (Takashimaya)

The Cupping Room Singapore
Unit #02-10A Takashimaya Shopping Centre, Ngee Ann City, 391 Orchard Road, Singapore 238872
Opening Hours: 10am – 8pm (Mon – Sun)

Famous Cafe In Hong Kong Has Opened At Takashimaya
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.

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.

I had the smaller cup of White, and thought that the acidity level could be on the stronger side for the Singapore palate. Perhaps next time I would order a larger cup or iced version with more milk to balance off.

There is a small selection of pastries and light bites offered such as Hazelnut Brownie ($5), Banana Bread ($5), Kouign Amann ($7) and Pain Au Chocolate ($6.50). Cupping Room Coffee Roasters Singapore (Takashimaya)

Drips Bakery Café – Orchard
Ngee Ann City #B2-31, 391 Orchard Road, Singapore 238872
Tel: +65 6222 0400
Opening Hours: 8am – 9pm (Mon – Sun)

Tarts Specialty Shop Opens At Ngee Ann City
Compared to the Tiong Bahru outlet, this is a smaller space and functions more like a takeaway shop.

They also offer Baked Tart with Long Black/Tea sets at $11.80, or Scone/Teacake/Croissant with Long Black or Tea at $6.

Rotating tarts you can expect to find there include Baked Almond Tart, Matcha Yuzu Tart, Cinnamon Egg Tart, Choc Truffle Tart, Baked Crumble Tart, Fresh Avocado Tart, Fresh Yuzu Tart, Lemon Meringue Tart, Baked Lemon Tart, Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart, and more.

The one item that has remained as a best seller over the decade is the Seasonal Fresh Fruit Tart ($12.90).

They use a secret recipe to create a French butter tart shell paired with freshly made in-house custard infused with Madagascar vanilla beans.

The tart is then topped with freshest seasonal fruits available. I once had the Mixed Fruit Tart with raspberries and blackberries which had a soft crumbly crust, smooth cream cheese.

Cafe Ma Maison
333A Orchard Road #02-33/34 Mandarin Gallery Singapore 238897
Tel: +65 6235 6411
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Japanese Cafe With Pretty Fresh Fruits Shortcakes And Fruits-Sando
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.

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.

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). Café Ma Maison (Mandarin Gallery)

Alchemist Design Orchard (DO)
250 Orchard Road, #03-01 Design Orchard, Singapore 238905
Opening Hours: 10am – 7pm (Mon – Sun)

Hidden Café At A Rooftop Garden In The Heart Of Orchard Road
Called “Alchemist Design Orchard (DO)”, this is Alchemist’s fourth outlet, following branches at International Plaza, Hong Leong Building, and a flagship store in Tai Seng. (Okay, they must think I love them A LOT since I actually wrote 4 reviews for them.)

Alchemist DO will be to many, the ‘perfect Instagram spot’ with concrete interiors, a swanky terrazzo tile coffee bar along with stainless steel finishing, along with some natural daylight at certain angles.

Pastries are supplied by local micro-bakery Bakehaus, and you can expect Butter Croissant ($3.50), Chocolate Croissant ($4.50), Almond Chocolate ($5), Raisin Custard Swirl ($5), and Passionfruit Danish ($5).

%Arabica Singapore – 313@somerset
313 Orchard Road #01-14/15 313@somerset Singapore 238895
Opening Hours: 10am – 8pm (Mon – Sun)

Famous Kyoto Coffee Shop At 313@somerset
A rather prominent location for %Arabica Singapore, especially if you come out from Somerset MRT, or walk from 313 to Orchard Central.

The company strives to source all its beans directly from the origins. Depending on the season and availability, you can find coffees from Japan, Guatemala, Brazil, El Salvador, Ethiopia and Panama.

The Caffe Latte is priced at $7 for short, $8 for tall, while the iced version is priced at $8. Not considered cheap.

If you prefer something sweeter, also available is the Spanish Latte ($7.80. $9.00) which is included with condensed milk.

Grain Alley
Orchard Central #01-10, 181 Orchard Road, Singapore 238896
Opening Hours: 9am – 11pm (Mon – Sun)

Brunch Place With Instagrammable Interior At Orchard Central
Grain Alley falls into a strange situation where you would expect to find rice bowls in a place called “GRAIN Alley”, but it sells anything but that.

The menu features an all-day brunch with items such as Chorizo Shakshuka ($21), Duck Tagine with Truffle Mash ($25), Bratwurst Brunch Platter ($29), Great Greek Salad ($19), Smoked Salmon Croissant ($9, and Vegan Avocado Toast ($11).

Some of the cakes such as the Sea Salt Caramel Cake ($9) is worth a mention for is smooth texture, though one may hesitate to order due to its price.

Location is central, interior is welcoming, staff members are friendly. Grain Alley (Orchard Central)

Walking On Sunshine Cafe
Orchard Central #03-07, 181 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238896
Tel: +65 8877 0088
Opening Hours: 10am – 8pm (Mon – Sun)

Garden-themed Cafe At Orchard Central
Walking On Sunshine or WOS, the newest beauty and dining hub in the block, is located at the 3rd floor of Orchard Central. It is one of the biggest you can find in Singapore, juxtaposing a salon and a café in one location.

If you could just pick one item from the food menu, make it the Instagram-popular Soufflé Pancake ($20.50).

Imagine a stack of three light and fluffy pancakes topped with a special cream, nuts, and fresh fruits like berries, grapes and strawberries. Good for sharing (or save all for yourself), this dish is loved by kids and adults alike.

Or have a savoury pancake for a change. The Crab and Kimchi Pancake ($20.50) is definitely on the other side of the flavour spectrum, but its spicy-sour taste is just as inviting.

Sip famous teas from Korea as you delight in the sight of beautiful flowers and plants around you, while enjoying time with your family and friends.

Glyph Supply Co
111 Somerset Road, #01-06, Singapore 238164
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 5pm (Mon – Fri), 10:30am – 5pm (Sat – Sun)

Minimalist White Café Found At Somerset
Glyph Supply Co. has been attracting quite a fair bit of customers, because it is an artisanal café with quite an “instagrammable” interior.

Coffee is priced at $4.50 for the black, $5.50 for the white, Coldbrew at $6.00, while iced versions cost $1 extra. For non-coffee drinkers, there is also offering of Matcha ($6.00) and Chocolate ($6.00).

This is slightly pricier than what you find in other hipster cafes in the neighbourhoods, but I suppose they have high rentals to pay.

Bakes are from Carpenter & Cook, and you get a rotational selection from Lemon Tart, Chocolate Sea Salt Caramel Tart, Passionfruit Meringue Tart, Almond Croissant, Pain Au Chocolat, to savoury bites of Mushroom Quiche, and Ham and Cheese Croissant.

Quality coffee you can find at this part of town, plus it is considered slightly hidden. Glyph Supply Co. (TripleOne Somerset)

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

Minimalist Japanese Cafe At Somerset
Hvala’s Japanese teahouse is what I would describe as a little oasis in busy downtown.

The space located at TripleOne Somerset (do check out Coney Donut while you are there) has got almost full-white look with minimalist touch, natural daylight, and Japanese zen-like vibes.

The teahouse is designed such that there are steps in which customers can sit on and sip on matcha latte.

What I appreciated was there are different sections with varying seating arrangements, so those who come alone can enjoy some ‘me’ time, while friends can sit around a table in a group.

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. Hvala (TripleOne Somerset)

Tsui Wah – The Heeren
260 Orchard Road, The Heeren #02-02 Singapore 238855
Tel: +65 6366 9270
Opening Hours: 10:30am – 10pm (Sun – Thurs), 10:30am – 11pm (Fri – Sat)

2 Storey Outlet At Orchard Road, NEW Items Of Mala Prawns And Bottled Milk Tea
This Tsui Wah at The Heeren is a two-storey 192-seater establishment which features a quick service concept on Level 1 and a contemporary-styled restaurant on Level 2.

That means customers can choose to drop by for takeaways or dine-in alfresco without any service charge at Level 1; or they can also head upstairs to the full-fledged restaurant.

Tsui Wah The Heeren has included two new dishes, such as the Mala Prawns ($11) – mala soup of prawns in a broth laden with enoki mushrooms and stewed radish; and the Assorted Vegetables and Prawns Curry with Steamed Rice ($16).

Launched exclusively at Tsui Wah The Heeren is the Tsui Wah Bottled Milk Tea. Freshly brewed daily and served chilled, customers can choose to grab-and-go at Level 1 ($5.50) or enjoy it cold from an iced bucket at Level 2 ($5). Tsui Wah Singapore (Heeren)

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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.ghlights. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.