[Bangkok] No one should ever leave Bangkok without trying the famous dessert of khao niaow ma muang aka Mango Sticky Rice.

While there are Michelin-recommended eateries,, many street side stalls, and even the Suvarnabhumi Airport souvenir shops selling that, where you can find instagrammable version of the iconic dessert is at Mango Garden.

The thematic mango dessert place first originated from the Phi Phi Island, then crossed over to Bangkok to open at Siam Paragon.

It is located at level 1, a short walking distance from After You Desserts.

As the name suggests, this café is basically an explosion of mango the moment you step inside.

The aesthetics truly depict the king of fruits in all its glory with tainted glasses painted with mangoes, ripe mangoes on display and a lot of yellow mixed in with the furnishing and décor.

The café specializes in traditional mango desserts – most of them with a modern twist.

This is truly inventive and creative, as they take traditional desserts like sticky rice and enhance it with colours and Thai touches.

Many go for the famous Sunrise Mango (215 baht for usual size, 145 baht for mini size). I went for the mini-sized which came with one sweet mango, and half-and-half rice.

The mango sticky rice contains dried fish flakes to add those little flavours of Thailand and give you that extra kick of flavours.

You might feel skeptical at first but the savory fish flakes actually go surprisingly well with mango.

Beautifully-presented with both blue and white sticky rice, the blue colours are from the Thai butterfly pea flower and add an ethnic touch to the dessert.

The rice comes from organic paddy fields in the Chiang Rai province, and was nicely cooked till moist and not overly rich. However, some may feel that the high price may not be justifiable.

Another popular dessert is the Garden Reuben Toast (255 baht) which is your shibuya toast with 3 scoops of ice cream, fresh mangoes and sticky rice. Carb alert.

If bingsu or kakigori is your kind of desserts, the Mango Glacier (285 baht) comes with blue rubies, grass jelly, and mangoes, then further topped with coconut ice-cream for that sweet treat.

The Mango Garden (Siam Paragon)
Rama1 Siam Paragon Ground Floor, BangkokThailand
Tel: +66 91 989 2965
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

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[Bangkok] The search for a good bakery café in Bangkok led me to Holey Artisan Bakery, known for its warm and butter croissants.

The bakery is so named due to the importance of “holes” in breads.

Located at Phrom Phong (same area as Emquartier), many people around the area (including shopkeepers and locals) would suggest this café to you.

The rustic and sophisticated architecture is very chic from the outside, and cozy and warm from inside with a minimalistic approach.

And I found it interesting there are two big “holes” right at the entrance, that allow you to peak into its interior. There are also constant delivery riders waiting to pick up bakes to residents in the vicinity.

The café is classy-looking with plain white layout and wood furnishing, working on the philosophy of less being more, which is very true.

The glass display has a vast selection of delicious treats with freshly brewed coffee which makes it an well-loved place for breakfast among the expat community.

Owner by Bangladeshi owner Nasirul Alam Porag, the bread selection in the café is impressive. Bonus point: it opens at 6:30am for the early birds.

Other than the famed Sour Dough and Butter Croissant, there is a variety from Sourdough Bagel, English Sausage Roll, London Steak & Ale Pie, Apple Causson, Almond Croissant, Cherry Danish, Peach Danish, Super Sticky Bun, to Ultimate Banana Bread.

During the weekends, there are limited treats such as the Beer Bread included with stout and oats, and Semolina Plus with tanginess from fresh oranges.

The breads cost about 100 baht to 150 baht (SGD4.50 to SGD6.80).

Holey Artisan Bakery is best known for its Butter Croissant (100 baht) which is hand-made over two days using French butter, but I wanted to try out its Almond Croissant (120 baht).

It was indeed ‘holey’ and fluffy, filled with fragrant and sticky homemade almond frangipani.

I was more indifferent towards the Top Carrot Cake (150 baht). While I enjoyed its cream cheese frosting, the cake overall could have been more moist and was on the dry side.

You can get both hot and cold coffee from their wide selection, or even go for a mocktail after a day out shopping.

People recommend their rich and creamy Holey Dark Chocolate (100 baht). You can also enjoy a light lunch with Sandwiches, Paninis and side salads or load up on some cookies on your way out.

Holey Artisan Bakery
245/12 Sukhumvit Soi 31, Bangkok, Thailand
Tel: +66 2 101 1427
Opening Hours: 6:30am – 7pm (Mon – Sun)
Google Maps – Holey Artisan Bakery

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BOYY & Son Cafe (Gaysorn, Bangkok)
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Roots (Sathorn, Bangkok)
Omotesando Koffee (Siam Paragon)

Click HERE for other BANGKOK Food Entries

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

Fast-casual Japanese eatery Yuba Hut ユバ屋 which serves up sushi rolls, donburi rice bowls and sashimi, has been making its entrance in many parts of the heartlands.

Other than its newest outlet at Potong Pasir’s The Poiz Centre, you can find the modern Japanese restaurant at Heartland Mall, Hillion Mall, Bishan Junction 8, Northpoint City and White Sands.

Yuba Hut is best known for its sushi rolls aka aburi-ed maki sensations zhnged up with a number of toppings, from its signature Champion Floss Maki, Cream Cheese Mentaiko Salmon to Salmon Aburi Maki.

The concept has also launched its “Singapore’s first-ever Rainbow Soba Protein Bowl”. Rainbow?

The fancy caption aside, the bowls are called “rainbow” due to the colourful vegetables and ingredients toppings, ranging from crabstick (red), tobiko (orange), onsen egg, corn (yellow), edamam, seaweed and spring onions (green).

If only there was a touch of edible flowers to complete the blue and indigo.

These ingredients go on top of chewy green tea soba noodles, and customers can further customise with preferred protein base and sauces.

You can choose from four types of protein including unagi ($13.90), beef ($13.90), chicken ($9.90), and salmon ($13.90); and sauces of mala, Japanese sesame, yuzu and kimchi. This is proof that mala has started to penetrate in every other dish you can find.

Here are some of my recommended pairings:

Yuba Hut Unagi Bowl ($13.90)
This is my favourite combination, with a sizable slab of succulent unagi (Japanese sea eel) on a bed of soba and greens.

The eel is first pan-fried then glazed with tare sauce which provides that sweetish-savoury taste; the texture thick and sufficiently moist.

It is best paired with soba tossed with goma sauce (Japanese sesame) which has a nutty and rich-earthy flavour which doesn’t over-shadow the eel.

Yuba Hut Beef Bowl ($13.90)
Protein lovers won’t want to miss out on this steak bowl cooked with quality Australian beef – pan- seared till caramelised on the outside while remaining tender in the middle.

The steak slices were slightly on the lean side, with just the right among of fats.

If you are more ‘adventurous’, pair this with mala sauce which is a concoction made with eight kind of spices including peppercorn, chilli powder, chilli oil, and pepper powder.

To be honest, soba and mala together can be disjointing; and so if you prefer something safer, stick to the goma.

Yuba Hut Chicken Bowl ($9.90)
Brazilian chicken thigh pieces pan-fried with in-house sauce till tender and succulent, then topped on soba noodles.

K-food lovers can pair this with “kimchi” sauce. While this is called “kimchi”, there aren’t actual fermented cabbages to be found.

Instead, the sauce is a medley of Korean chilli paste (gochujang), Korean chilli powder (gochugaru), sesame oil, salt and sugar which gives a blend of spicy, sour and slightly-sweet savour.

Yuba Hut Salmon Bowl ($13.90)
Norwegian (or Chilean) salmon which has a velvety-firm texture and buttery-ness, served on the hearty bowl of rainbow soba.

For seafood, the yuzu sauce included with fresh yuzu pulps gives a fruity-refreshing aftertaste.

As a suggestion, Yuba Hut can consider offering similar “Rainbow Rice Protein Bowl” with customisable sauces, such as steak, black pepper or teriyaki in the future.

Salmon Aburi Don ($14.90)
Talking about Donburi, Yuba Hut is still best known for its Japanese rice bowls, with offerings of Salmon Aburi, Salmon Sashimi, Saba, Teriyaki Chicken, Ebi Tempura, Katsu, Salmon and Una Don.

All the bowls are priced between $7.80 and $14.90.

Its best-seller is the Salmon Aburi Don neat-fully arranged with torched salmon slices around a ‘hill’ of Japanese rice, topped with ikuru and tobiko then drizzled with sauce.

Champion Floss Maki ($9.90 for 4 pieces, $16.90 for 8 pieces)
The main highlight of Yuba Hut to me is the Champion Floss Maki, so-named because the sushi roll is piled with ingredients.

Here’s what goes into the maki: sushi rice rolled with cucumber and aburi salmon sashimi, further topped with house-made mayonnaise sauce, further topped with chicken floss and ebiko.

In terms of appearance, it just looked like it was over-flowing with mayo, floss and roe.

The shiok-ness comes from the creaminess of the sauce sliding with the fluffy flossy and crunchy ikura. The thick slices of salmon also added that buttery richness that kind of melted in the mouth.

Cream Cheese Mentaiko Salmon ($9.90 for 4 pieces, $16.90 for 8 pieces)
The Cream Cheese Mentaiko Salmon with smoky aburi salmon drizzled with a spicy-mentaiko creamy cheesy sauce, sprinkled over with crunchy tempura bits.

This is even richer, I thought that the cream cheese was slightly overpowering but there is always the option of sweeping it away.

Samurai Unagi Aburi Maki ($8.90 for 4 pieces, $15.90 for 8 pieces)
A trio of tamago, crabstick and cucumber in the middle, topped with unagi, cheese slices and mentaiko sauce then torched with first.

The aburi melts the cheese slightly, so you get a touch of the caramelisation with soft-gooey mouth-feel.

While I won’t say that all the items are hits (for example, I am still not too sure about mala with soba), there are quite a number of interesting fare that are good for quick take-aways and a fuss-free Japanese meal.

The next time you spot a Yuba Hut, try heading for the donburi with thick and fresh sashimi offerings, or over-the-top sushi rolls.

Yuba Hut Rainbow Soba Protein Bowl Promotion
Yuba Hut will be offering 50% OFF second bowl of Rainbow Soba Protein Bowl ordered. Till end Dec 2019.

If you fancy more protein, upsize your bowl additional half a portion of salmon, beef, unagi (add on $2), or chicken (add on $1). Top up $1 for a drink of hot or cold green tea.

The Poiz Centre
51 Upper Serangoon Rd, #01-03, The Poiz Centre, Singapore 347697
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Heartland Mall
#01-19/20, Block 205, Hougang Street 21,Singapore 530205
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Hillion Mall
17 Petir Rd, #01-05/06, Hillion Mall, Singapore 678270
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Bishan Junction 8
9 Bishan Place, #B1-K15, Bishan Junction 8, Singapore 579837
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Northpoint City
930 Yishun Ave 2, #B1-186, Northpoint City South Wing, Singapore 769098
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

White Sands
1 Pasir Ris Central Street 3, #01-26/27, White Sands, Singapore 518459
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

* This entry is brought to you in partnership with Yuba Hut.

[Tokyo] The gourmet capitol city of Japan – Tokyo has once again earned the honours of having the largest number of Michelin-starred restaurants in city for its latest 2020 Michelin Guide.

However, two famous names were conspicuously not included in this edition – sushi restaurants Sukiyabashi Jiro Honten and Sushi Saito.

The Michelin Guide explained that this is because reservations in both restaurants have become unavailable to the general public.

The guide has included 464 restaurants and 34 hotels, with 11 restaurants receiving 3 Michelin stars. Japanese restaurant Kadowaki was promoted from 2 to 3 stars.

Inua produced by three-star Danish restaurant Noma, joined the two-star list for the first time.

From Nihonryori Ryugin

3 Michelin stars: Exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey
– Kagurazaka Ishikawa (Japanese) Shinjuku-ku Reserve Online – Kagurazaka Ishikawa
– Kadowaki (Japanese) Minato-ku (from 2 to 3 stars) Reserve Online – Kadowaki
– Kanda (Japanese) Minato-ku Reserve Online – Kanda
– Quintessence (French) Shinagawa-ku Reserve Online – Quintessence
– Kohaku (Japanese) Shinjuku-ku Reserve Online – Kohaku
– Joël Robuchon (French) Meguro-ku Reserve Online – Joël Robuchon Restaurant
– Makimura (Japanese) Shinagawa-ku Reserve Online – Makimura
– Azabu Yukimura (Japanese) Minato-ku Reserve Online – Yukimura
– Sushi Yoshitake (Sushi) Chuo-ku Reserve Online – Sushi Yoshitake
– Ryugin (Japanese) Chiyoda-ku Reserve Online – Ryugin
– L’Osier (French) Chuo-ku Reserve Online – L’Osier

2 Michelin stars: Excellent cooking, worth a detour
– Usukifugu Yamadaya (Fugu) Minato-ku Reserve Online – Usukifugu Yamadaya
– Tentempura Uchitsu (Tempura) Shibuya-ku
– Esquisse (French) Chuo-ku
– Édition Koji Shimomura (French) Minato-ku
– Okamoto (Japanese) Minato-ku
– Hommage (French) Taito-ku
– Akasaka Kikunoi (Japanese) Minato-ku
– Sushi Kimura (Sushi) Setagaya-ku
– Tempura Ginya (Tempura) Minato-ku
– Ginza Koju (Japanese) Chuo-ku
– Kaiseki Komuro (Japanese) Shinjuku-ku
– Goryukubo (Japanese) Minato-ku
– Tempura Kondo (Tempura) Chuo-ku
– Sawada (Sushi) Chuo-ku
– Sant Pau (Spanish) Chiyoda-ku
– Jushu (Japanese) Minato-ku
– Sukiyabashi Jiro Roppongiten (Sushi) Minato-ku
– Zurriola (Spanish) Chuo-ku
– Seizan (Japanese) Minato-ku
– Seisoka (Japanese) Minato-ku
– Daigo (Shojin) Minato-ku
– Kaiseki Tsujitome (Japanese) Minato-ku
– Narisawa (Innovative) Minato-ku
– Hatsunezushi (Sushi) Ota-ku
– Pierre Gagnaire (French) Minato-ku
– Higuchi (Japanese) Shibuya-ku
– Ginza Fukuju (Japanese) Chuo-ku
– Kioicho Fukudaya (Japanese) Chiyoda-ku
– Beige Alain Ducasse (French) Chuo-ku
– Mitamachi Momonoki (Chinese) Minato-ku
– Yunke (Korean) Chuo-ku
– La Table de Joël Robuchon (French) Meguro-ku
– L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon (French) Minato-ku
– Ryuzu (French) Minato-ku
– Le Mange-Tout (French) Shinjuku-ku
– L’Effervescence (French) Minato-ku
– Dominique Bouchet (French) Chuo-ku
– Florilège (French) Shibuya-ku
– Higashiazabu Amamoto (Sushi) Minato-ku
– Nabeno-Ism (French) Taito-ku
– Harutaka (Sushi) Chuo-ku
– Oryori Miyasaka (Japanese) Minato-ku
– Ginza Shinohara (Japanese) Chuo-ku (from 1 to 2 stars)
– Sazenka (Chinese) Minato-ku
– Den (Innovative) Shibuya-ku
– Prisma Restaurant (Italian) Minato-ku (from 1 to 2 stars)
– Kobikicho Tomoki (Sushi) Chuo-ku
– Inua (Innovative) Chiyoda-ku (NEW entry)

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Florilège (Aoyama, Tokyo)
Quintessence (Tokyo)
Sukiyabashi Jiro (Roppongi, Tokyo)
Nihonryori Ryugin (Roppongi, Tokyo)
Les Créations de Narisawa (Tokyo)

Click HERE for other Tokyo Food Entries

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Poulet has opened a brand-new restaurant called “Poulet + Brasserie”, otherwise known as “P+” in the heart of town at ION Orchard basement 3 (right above MUJI).

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.

With a contemporary setting, roast chicken still stays as its focus.

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.

This specially curated menu, exclusively available at P+, offers you varied breakfast choices, alongside other exciting new French fusion dishes.

Chef Joshua Khoo now leads the kitchen brigade in preparing these dishes, combining local flavours with traditional French cooking techniques.

If you find his name familiar, that is because he is one of the co-founders of Saveur and several other concepts. Therefore, you may find some of his signature touches incorporated in the menu, such as the Duck Confit. Here’s more:

P+ Roast Chicken ($20++)
This signature dish is a slow-roasted chicken, cooked using a different technique from the original Poulet.

It is a spin-off from Poulet’s original French roast chicken, this time cooked longer at low temperature to make the meat extra tender.

It is all about the temperature, as that beautiful golden-brown skin is a result of roasting in high temperature.

Served with bacon, corn kernel and mushroom, and poured over with chicken jus.

There are no other extra sauces added, as Chef believed that the chicken’s natural jus makes it tasty and meat extra juicy. The chickens are roasted with lemon and thyme, so as to give some nice citrusy-herbal notes.

Signature Duck Confit ($22++)
Another recommended dish is the signature duck confit, which is what Chef Joshua is first known for during his Saveur days.

This French dish uses the classic French technique for cooking duck legs in fats, resulting in a satisfying crisp on the outer layer, easy-fall-apart and juicy meat within.

To balance out the richness of the meat, the dish comes with mixed salad added with roasted nuts and pomegranate for a fruity-tart accompaniment.

Truffle Mushroom Risotto ($15++)
This Italian-style rice dish 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.

This recipe calls for a dollop of truffle paste which makes this dish heady aromatic. Plus, the shaved parmesan adds a creaminess when mixed altogether. A must-order dish.

Jumbo Prawn & Garlic Pasta ($24++)
Now for some seafood flavours, try their Jumbo Prawn & Garlic Pasta made extra luxurious and very French with lumpfish caviar.

This pasta uses al dente capellini aka angel hair tossed in kombu and chili oil, and made meaty with spicy chorizo and local jumbo prawns.

Wild Sea Bream ($25++)
The sea bream is known for its delicate-clean taste and satisfyingly meaty texture. Lightly pan-fried to lock in the flavours and juices, it comes with a foam made with clam jus emulsion infused with white wine.

Another special component is the base of couscous, made more fruity and crunchy with inclusion of red and green raisins, green seedless grapes, and almonds nuts.

As a finale, it is drizzled with lemon vinaigrette to impart a bright sparkling acidity to the dish.

P+ Big Breakfast ($22++)
For early risers or those who love to have your brunch food at night, Poulet + Brasserie also features an all-day breakfast menu to help you start your day right, whichever time you like.

Prepare for a big day with P+ Big Breakfast, a combination of chicken chipolata, bacon, sunny side-up eggs, tater tots, and sourdough toast for a complete meal.

Other eggs dishes you can expect to find include Bacon & Cheese Omelette, Mushroom & Feta Omelette, Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedicts and B.E.T.T – included with 2 eggs in any style, smoky bacon, roast vine tomatoes on sourdough toast.

Spicy Baked Eggs with Tomatoes ($15++)
A simple yet delectable way to enjoy your eggs for breakfast. This spiced tomato concasse is served with spicy chorizo bits on top of a crusty baguette.

What makes this dish special is the in-house tomato sauce used as base. Made entirely from scratch and not from a can, the sauce combines rough cut tomatoes flavoured with paprika and nutmeg.

It includes a blend of pumpkin seeds and almond nuts for crunch, chorizo bits and finished with garlic aioli.

Smashed Avocado with Poached Egg ($16++)
Throw in some healthy fats to your breakfast diet with Smashed Avocado with Poached Egg.

This open sandwich is served with a meticulously prepared 64-degree poached egg, rocket salad, crushed almonds, and roasted vine tomatoes.

You’ll notice some heat in your smashed avocadoes from the added chili flakes, and a splash of acidity to balance it out from lemon juice.

Nutella French Toast ($14++)
For some, the breakfast table ain’t complete without a jar of Nutella. Here’s a dish that is drizzled with that yummy hazelnut-chocolate sauce.

Imagine a French brioche toast with hints of vanilla and cinnamon, side by side with extra ripe crunchy banana fritters, made a la mode with a scoop of salted caramel ice cream.

But… the best part in this sweet dish is really the bread, cooked till there is this buttery aroma, and soft-fluffy texture with milky coating. Yums.

Banana Crumble ($9++)
Seal those cravings with Poulet’s Banana Crumble, made with a mix of fresh bananas and banana jam prepared a la mode.

I found the banana base slightly on the sweet side, though it was balanced with slightly salty-sweet flavours of salted caramel ice cream.

While some customers may just associate Poulet with Poulet + Brasserie, you can see both as separate concepts.

I would say Poulet + Brasserie is slightly more experimental and bold in its offerings, as you would see items such as Kaya French Toast, Seafood Eggs Benedict with Laksa hollandaise sauce, and even a Salad de Rojak dish.

However, if you are still looking for your classic French fare and brunch items, then I would say the Duck Confit, Jumbo Prawn & Garlic Angel Hair Pasta, and Nutella French Toast would leave you feeling satisfied.

Poulet + Brasserie
ION Orchard #B3-21, 2 Orchard Turn, Singapore 238801
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)
https://www.instagram.com/PouletPlus

* This entry is brought to you in partnership with Poulet.

[Tokyo] Remember that perpetual long queue for Takoyaki at Ion Orchard basement 4 a couple of years ago?

Japan’s number 1 Takoyaki chain-store Gindaco has made its departure once here in Singapore, but it is coming back to Singapore. (Previously it was also found at Raffles City, Bedok Point and Jurong Point.)

The location will be at JCube Jurong within Don Don Donki, anticipated opening date 29th of November.

It seems like it will be part of the 360-seater food court which also houses Hotto Motto, Arizuki Express and Tsukiji Unagi Daioh.

Takoyaki, the well-liked Japanese dumpling snack first popularised at Osaka, is a ball-shaped Japanese snack made of a wheat flour-based batter and cooked in a special molded pan.

The flour mixture is typically filled with minced or diced octopus, tempura scraps, pickled ginger, and green onion.

The Japanese do get more adventurous and top it up with ingredients such as mentaiko mayo, egg mayo, bacon, pizza toppings or anything seasonal.

While there are a couple of such kiosks (and even pasar malam stalls) serving the Japanese street snack in Singapore, the “Gindaco” brand does enjoy certain form of popularly.

There is a part of watching the chefs in action: dissolving the flour and eggs into the bowl, slowly filled the griddle with the mixed batter, slowly placed the octopus pieces into the centre of each ball, slowly added tenkasu (crunchy bits of deep-fried flour dough), dried shrimps, slowly flipped the balls over, and slowly shaped each individual ball.

This cooking process would be repeated many times with the entire batch until the batter took a clear spherical shape and grilled to a deep golden colour.

Over in Japan, a box of six typically cost about 463 Yen (SGD5.80), while a box of 8 is priced at 538 Yen (SGD6.70).

The Takoyakis added with mayonnaise, aonori seasoning and shaved dried bonito, would be contained in a boat shaped container said to absorb excess oil and prevent condensation.

Gindaco’s versions are typically crispy-grilled, with the inside gushing out with warm batter that had a slightly more salty and unique taste than the usual brands.

You would feel that the constant turning and grilling was necessary to create the delicious constant between the exterior and interior of a seemingly simple ball.

I do not have high hopes that the Singapore version will be as impressive as those in Japan, but let’s hope they keep it 70-80% there and standard will be consistent.

Gindaco Tokyo – located at various parts, including
Toshikazu Bldg. 1-2F, 1-14-24 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku Tokyo (Harajuku Station – Yamanote line)

Gindaco Singapore
JCube #B1-12/18/19, 2 Jurong East Central 1 Singapore 609731 (within Don Don Donki)
(Opening 29th November)

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Kushikatsu Tanaka (Clarke Quay)
Tamoya Udon Singapore (Liang Court)
Japan Gourmet Hall SORA (Changi Airport T1
Tsuruhashi Fugetsu (Suntec City)
Aburi-EN (VivoCity)

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

[Bangkok] Fancy hearty Thai food and treats amidst a fairy-tale set up?

B-Story Café has earned quite a reputation on Instagram for its part-gothic part old-world European style décor, complete with stained glass windows and ‘old’ chunky wooden furniture.

It is so weird you can imagine a European family having Thanksgiving dinner in their upper room. But yet, there are like teddy bears all around and… Thai Milk Tea.

The other thing I really like about B-Story Café, is that it is really quite easy to get to. Just train to Ratchathewi BTS Station, get down and it is just there.

Not many people know that there is also a newly opened B-Story Garden Cafe & Restaurant, but that is located near Lat Phrao which is much further to get to from Central Bangkok.

B-Story will truly offer you some instagrammable moments the minute you step in.

The entire décor and layout of the café is stunning in its own quirky way, and quite easy to spot as well.

Its architecture with huge windows and a lot of lovely flowers and lush green pots is hard to miss.

Going to the café during holidays is a bonus as there is some really charming festive decoration to lighten up your mood and lift up your holiday spirits.

The menu of B-story is extensive (and eclectic) and mainly offers Thai and Western dishes.

You get anything from Pad Thai and shrimp wrapped in egg (145 baht), Fried Rice Chicken Green Curry with Salted Egg (135 baht), Baked Rice with Pineapple served in a Pineapple – nope, no typo (220 baht), to a dish called “Stir Fried Aimlessly” (250 baht) – that is a mixture of seafood and vegetables.

Yet, there is also a Western side offering Fettucine Alfredo with Truffle Oil (270 baht), Linguine Marinara Seafood (270 baht), Grilled Seabass with dill sauce (290 baht), and Salmon with Hollandaise sauce (290 baht).

When I see a café with such a menu, I don’t get overly confident. You know the saying, “Jack of all trades, but master of none.”

But on a surprising note, those I ordered turned out to be quite tasty and flavourful.

The Nero Pasta Tom Yum (320 baht) had that tangy-sour-spicy sauce which made the squid ink spaghetti very appetising, and it was served with a gigantic grilled prawn.

Though I did think it was slightly on the expensive side.

The Basil Fried Rice with Fried Egg (125 baht) though slightly salty (suspect it was stock powder or something), was fried till deliciously-moist with the wok-heat.

You could wash the food down with their signature Banoffee Shake (135 baht) – creamy with a nice balance of sweetness.

A thing to note is their iced drinks come with an impossibly-cute 3D foam art of a bear, consistent with the teddy soft toys placed all around.

B-Story Café
89, 70 Phayathai Rd, Thanon Phetchaburi, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
Tel: +66 2 656 5677
Opening Hours: 10am – 11pm (Mon – Sun)
Google Maps – B-Story Café

B-Story Garden Cafe & Restaurant
B-Story Garden 33 25 Pradit Manutham Alley, Lat Phrao, Bangkok 10230, Thailand
Opening Hours: 10am – 11pm (Mon – Sun)
Google Maps – B-Story Garden Cafe

Other Related Entries
BOYY & Son Cafe (Gaysorn, Bangkok)
Hands and Heart (Thonglor, Bangkok)
Roast (ThongLor, Bangkok)
Lhong Tou Café (Yaowarat, Bangkok)
On Lok Yun (Charoen Krung Road, Bangkok)

Click HERE for other BANGKOK Food Entries

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

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

Japanese Kurogama, Hojicha, and Sencha Latte with “Okinawa brown sugar pearls” may just end up to be your new favourites.

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

You would also find that the chewiness and sweetness of the boba pearls are unlike the usual. That is because “Okinawa brown sugar pearls” are used, cooked with a combination of Okinawan brown sugar and kuromitsu which gives it a distinctive caramelised-sweetness.

Plus, the Kuromitsu Latte is also available in hot versions (especially when hot bubble teas are popular in Taiwan) for that warm and fuzzy feeling while holding and drinking it. Here’s more on the Emma’s New Drink Offerings:

Kuromitsu Kurogoma Latte ($4.50 for hot, $4.80 for cold, add $1 for boba pearls or soft serve)
This Black Sesame Latte is my favourite of the three newly-launched drinks. There is just something about the aromatic flavour of black sesame with slight-nutty mouthfeel.

The Latte is made with premium Hokkaido milk which would complete that smooth and creamy texture.

Accordingly, each cup of Emma’s Kuromitsu Kurogoma Latte has about 6,000 pieces of sesame seeds – jam-packed with fibre and Vitamin B.

We were divided on whether we preferred the hot or cold drinks. The hot reminded me of the lighter version Hong Kong style dessert of zhi ma hu, while the cold added with boba pearls made an addictive gently-creamy drink.

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

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

Kuromitsu Sencha Latte ($4.50 for hot, $4.80 for cold, add $1 for boba pearls or soft serve)
Of the three, the Kuromitsu Sencha Latte has the lightest and most delicate flavour, and would be refreshing for an after-meal pick me up.

All the cold drinks can be further customised to include an Emma’s signature soft serve (additional $1), akin to an indulgent float.

Emma Signature Soft Serve in a Cup
Another new menu mainstay is the customisable Emma Signature Soft Serve in a Cup, with affordable prices that start from $3.80. Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Choose a base
Choose from a choice of crunchy bases — crushed Oreos, waffle or cereal. The premium soft serve is housed above the base, with Japanese kuromitsu (Okinawa brown sugar syrup) drizzled all over.

Step 2: Choose soft serve flavours
Hokkaido milk, Kurogoma black sesame, or mixed flavours.

Step 3: Choose a sprinkle
Matcha power, kinako powder, cocoa powder, nuts, or genmai crackers.

Step 4: Add an extra topping (optional, additional $1)
Tapioca boba pearls, azuki red beans, matcha warabi mochi, Kuromitsu warabi mochi.

If not, get the recommended signature soft serves, complete with crunchy base, smooth premium Japanese milk soft serve, fragrant or crunchy sprinkles, and toppings.

Signature Emma Soft Mix (Waffle-Kinako) ($4.00)

Signature Emma Soft Milk (Oreo-Matcha) ($3.80)

Signature Emma Soft Kurogoma (Cereal-Genmai) ($4.20)

The new Emma outlet is located at 100AM Mall Tanjong Pagar, located next to Japanese Mazesoba specialist Menya Kokoro.

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

Emma – Plaza Singapura
Plaza Singapura, 68 Orchard Road, #B2-45, Singapore 238839
Opening Hours: 11am – 9:30pm (Mon – Sun)

* This entry is brought to you in partnership with Emma.

There is always something different about Japanese bakeries, from the likes to Donq, Johan Paris, Pullman Bakery, Mama Patisserie, Asanoya Bakery to Fine Dining Bakery, in terms of making soft fluffy breads and incorporating interesting ingredients.

Therefore I was very curious about what Kamome Bakery, a new bakery-café at Goldhill Shopping Centre (walking distance from Novena MRT station) has to offer. (“Kamome” is a limited express train operated by JR Kyushu in Japan.)

True enough, there are a couple of varied sandwich choices of Meat Loaf ($5.80), Croquette ($5.20), Tonkatsu ($5.60).

Breads are quite uniquely-Japanese, with the offering of Red Bean & Butter, Teriyaki Chicken Pizza, Yuzu Chestnut, Dark Cherry Tart, Cinnamon Roll, Banana Brown Sugar – all priced from $3 to $5 thereabout.

Having Deep Fried Ebi Cutlet in a baguette-shaped soft bread certainly sounded enticing, but I was rather surprised that the café did not offer heating up service.

This is considering that the some of the breads have been left there for a long while, and especially if customers come at the later part of the day.

Needless to say, while the bread had quite a pleasant pillow-soft yet dense texture, the soggy deep-fried prawn piece (and cold) did not work well for me.

The Japanese Red Bean with salted butter bun was a moderate delight with its smooth paste and thick slab of butter.

Perhaps due to opening operational challenges, I noted that the colour of some of the bakes did not look right.

For example, the croissants did look slightly burnt, and I was slightly surprised because Japanese bakeries would have quite a stringent QC standard.

With a promising variety of stew, bakes and breads, perhaps Kamome Bakery should really consider about providing heating-up service, so that customers who want to sit in and enjoy a warm bite have that option.

Kamome Bakery かもめベーカリー
Goldhill Shopping Centre, 169 Thomson Road Singapore 307621
Opening Hours: 8am – 7pm (Mon – Sun)

Other Related Entries
Mellow Pan (Our Tampines Hub)
Kazo (Chinatown Point)
Voyage Patisserie (Outram Road)
Lee’s Confectionery (Jurong East)
Wu Pao Chun Bakery (Capitol Singapore)

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

All right. My last café guide of the 2019!

December is typically the month when many F&B businesses chiong (rush) to open to get the Christmas crowd, especially in the Orchard region.

There are a couple of well-liked overseas food brands that have opened kiosks in Singapore this month, including Zaku Zaku and Monga at ION Orchard and Gindaco at JCube.

What we have seen in 2019 is the trend of many overseas food businesses setting up in Singapore, and this is likely to continue in 2020.

That is not to say that Singaporeans do not support local cafes and start-ups. They do. But perhaps they want to experience something different, and not just the usual Eggs Ben, Waffles and Sandwiches any more.

Poulet + Brasserie
ION Orchard #B3-21, 2 Orchard Turn, Singapore 238801
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

French Fusion Restaurant-Café at ION Orchard
Poulet has opened a brand-new restaurant called “Poulet + Brasserie”, otherwise known as “P+” in the heart of town at ION Orchard basement 3.

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.

This specially curated menu, exclusively available at P+, offers you varied breakfast choices, alongside other exciting new French fusion dishes.

Go for hearty dishes such as the Truffle Mushroom Risotto, Jumbo Prawn & Garlic Pasta, Signature Duck Confit, and end off with a brunch-dessert dish of Nutella French Toast. Poulet + Brasserie (ION Orchard)

%Arabica Singapore – 313@somerset
313 Orchard Road #01-14/15 313@somerset Singapore 238895
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Popular Coffee Shop Has Opened At 313@somerset
%Arabica Singapore has taken over the space previously occupied by Barrio by Mex Out. A rather prominent location, especially if you come out from Somerset MRT, or walk from 313 to Orchard Central.

Not many may know that %Arabica is originally from Hong Kong technically, but gained more international recognition after the store moved to Kyoto.

Over in Singapore, 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.

Expect it to be crowded, especially since there will be more visitors to Orchard Road during this season of the year. %Arabica (313@somerset)

FLOR Capitol
13 Stamford Road, #01-11, Capitol Singapore, Singapore 178905 (City Hall MRT Station)
Tel: +65 6977 7202
Opening Hours: 10.30am – 9.30pm (Mon – Sun)

Flor Patisserie Opens Japanese-Style Café With Brown Sugar Roll Cake
Fans of Japanese-style cakes and pastries should be familiar with FLOR Patisserie Café which has two branches at Duxton Hill and Siglap Drive.

It has recently opened its 3rd outlet with a slightly different concept, FLOR Capitol at Capitol Singapore (formally known as “Capitol Piazza”).

Something to note: This is the first FLOR Patisserie Café to feature freshly made desserts, and some of the recommended include the Signature Roll ($6 for slice, $22.45 for whole), Tiramisu in a Glass ($12), Warm Blueberry Pie with ice cream ($12), and Gula Melaka Crème Caramel ($10).

The one thing to get is the Gula Melaka Brown Sugar Roll Cake ($6) in which you can enjoy the interplay of play of two complex sugars in a single cake. And thankfully light and not too sweet as well.

In terms of texture, the sponge layer was fluffy and soft, while the cream inside was smooth and not too heavy. All in all, a delicious soft roll cake. FLOR Capitol (Capitol Piazza)

Apollo Coffee Bar
65 Serangoon Garden Way, Singapore 555961
Opening Hours: 9am – 10pm (Tue – Sat), 9am – 7pm (Sun), Closed Mon

Mediterranean-Inspired Brunch Café Opens At Serangoon Garden
By the people behind Atlas Coffeehouse, Lunar Coffee Brewers and Columbus Coffee Co., the team have got their formula quite right with every venture, by coming up with variance of industrial chic dining environment coupled with creative food offerings to satisfy café hopper’s interest.

The food menu at Apollo are mostly new creations and inspired from Mediterranean origins. They are also categorized into SMALL and LARGE plates to promote communal dining.

I took a liking to the recommended Pork & Pear Tartine ($19.50) which came with roasted pears, bacon chunks, caramelized onions and ricotta cheese spread on a bed of fluffy ciabatta bread.

Exclusive to Apollo Coffee Bar is the Dark Chocolate and Miso Caramel Softserve ($7). I prefer the latter which has an interesting blend of salty miso and sweet caramel flavour. Apollo Coffee Bar (Serangoon Garden)

The Better Half
1 Everton Park, #01-43, Singapore 081001
Tel: 9248 7088
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 5:30pm (Tues – Fri), 9:30am – 5:30pm (Sat – Sun), Closed on Mon

Bakery Café With Korean Vibes And Delicious Cakes
Established by two passionate individuals who also happens to be each other’s better half, the café aims to serve honest and real fare to everyone who visits.

The bakes are placed in the shop exudes a certain Korean bakery vibe – kind of what you see in Layered 레이어드 or Cafe Highwaist.

All the bakes you see in The Better Half all made from scratch in-house. Even if you order a toast, the bread is made within the store and not from a supplier.

While I was thinking of what to get, the owners kindly suggested a slice of Rose Raspberry Cake ($8) which they were just about to display.

Essentially a rose sponge cake with raspberry cream cheese, the cake was fluffy in texture and not dry at all. The Better Half (Everton Park)

Micro Bakery & Kitchen – Red House
63 East Coast Road #01-06 Singapore 428776
Opening Hours: 8:30pm – 5pm Last Order 3pm (Wed – Fri), 8:30pm – 5pm, Last Order 4:30pm (Sat – Sun)

Bakery Café With Delicious Breads Hidden Within The Iconic Red House
The Red House is an iconic fixture along East Coast Building, now housed by Micro Bakery & Kitchen.

Their breads are naturally leavened using organic and sustainable flour, using natural ingredients and no additives.

Its brunch menu includes Big Breakfast ($18), Granola ($8), Smoked Salmon on Sourdough English Muffin ($18), Micro Club Sandwich ($14), Grilled 3 Cheese Sandwich ($12), Ricotta Tartine ($12), Smashed Avocado Tartine ($14) and Scrambled Free Range Egg Tartine ($14).

The Brownies ($5, $6 each) here are not to be missed – chocolatey, dense and moist, sometimes coming with interesting flavours such as cookies and cream, Bischof, and even miso with coconut flakes suitable for vegans. Micro Bakery & Kitchen Red House (East Coast)

Kong Cafe
896 Dunearn Road, Sime Darby Centre #01-11 Singapore 589742 (King Albert Park MRT Exit B)
Opening Hours: 8am – 8pm (Mon – Tues), 8am – 10pm (Wed – Sun)

Korean Lifestyle Cafe With Honey Butter Waffles & Wings
This is a minimalist style Korean lifestyle café at Bukit Timah, which appears to be still quite under-the-radar.

The café is owned partially by a Korean artist and avid yogini, who felt that the Bukit Timah area needed a quiet and chill place where people could relax and enjoy themselves.

Due to her background, there are a number of Korean-infusions and treats for the health-conscious.

Some eye-catching items on the menu include the Honey Butter Waffles ($18), Bulgogi Sandwich ($17), Ban Ban Wings ($20 for 10), Korean Chicken Rice ($16), Bulgogi Pesto Pizza ($18), Ramyun ($14), and Tteokbokki ($14).

The Ban Ban Wings ($10 for 4) in choice of spicy & sticky or honey butter sauce, tasted quite authentically Korean.

It vaguely reminded me of Kyochon’s with its sticky-honeyed-sweetness, and the meat was deliciously moist. Kong Café (Bukit Timah)

IndoBowl
39 Sultan Gate, Singapore 198487
Tel: +65 6291 7152
Opening Hours: 11am – 4pm, 5pm – 10pm (Mon – Fri), 12pm – 4pm, 5pm – 10pm (Sat – Sun)

1st Indomie-Focused Eatery In Singapore
The first Indomie-focused eatery IndoBowl has opened in Singapore, located at Sultan Gate near Arab Street.

IndoBowl has made some waves online due to the offering of a mega IndoMie Mumbo Jumbo, priced at $49.90 meant for 3 to 4 pax. In true Insider-video style, the bigger, the better, the more viral.

Smaller dishes such as Indomie Ayam Bakar ($9.90), Indomie Sate Ayam ($9.90), Indomie Ayam Goreng Jawa ($9.90), Indomie Seafood Goren ($10.90), and Indomie Dendeng ($10.90) are available.

Each is available in two styles – Sambal Balado (indicated by a red “B” on the menu) and Sambal Ijo (indicated by a green “H”). The Balado refers to the hot and spicy sauce, while Ijo refers to Indonesian-style green chilli paste. IndoBowl (Sultan Gate)

Kamome Bakery かもめベーカリー
Goldhill Shopping Centre, 169 Thomson Road Singapore 307621
Opening Hours: 8am – 7pm (Mon – Sun)

Japanese Bakery-Café At Novena
Kamome Bakery is a new Japanese bakery-café at Goldhill Shopping Centre, located near Novena MRT Station.

There are a couple of varied sandwich choices of Meat Loaf ($5.80), Croquette ($5.20), Tonkatsu ($5.60).

Breads are quite uniquely-Japanese, with the offering of Red Bean & Butter, Teriyaki Chicken Pizza, Yuzu Chestnut, Dark Cherry Tart, Cinnamon Roll, Banana Brown Sugar – all priced from $3 to $5 thereabout.

The Japanese Red Bean with salted butter bun was a moderate delight with its smooth paste and thick slab of butter. Kamome Bakery (Goldhill Shopping Centre)

Chun Yang Tea 春陽茶事
Jewel Changi Airport #03-207
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Popular Taiwanese Bubble Tea Shop Opens At Jewel Changi Airport
Another day, another new bubble tea shop. And there are already that many BBT places there including The Alley Singapore, Woobbee at AC.Kafe and Signature KOI.

It seems like Taiwanese show host Blackie Chen aka Hei-Ren (Fan Wei Qi’s husband) is an ambassador / co-owner of the shop (Will he come here one day to grace the opening?)

The best-selling drinks at Chun Yang include Honey Lemon Oolong Tea ($5.90), Oolong Tea Latte with Pudding ($5.80), Brown Sugar Pearl with Fresh Milk ($5.80), Sugar Cane Fresh Milk ($4.90) and Cheese Macchiato with Tea ($5.50).

The boba pearls had a delightful caramelised-sweetness and chewy texture, though slightly on the expensive side and under-the-radar.

Other Related Entries
10 NEW Cafes In Singapore Nov 2019
10 NEW Cafes In Singapore Oct 2019
10 NEW Cafes In Singapore Sep 2019
10 NEW Cafes In Singapore Aug 2019
10 NEW Cafes In Singapore July 2019
10 NEW Cafes In Singapore June 2019
10 NEW Cafes In Singapore May 2019
10 NEW Cafes In Singapore April 2019
10 NEW Cafes In Singapore March 2019
10 New Cafes In Singapore February 2019
10 New Cafes In Singapore January 2019

* Compiled by Daniel @DanielFoodDiary, Lewis @juicyfingers and Song Yu @__sy_g.

For foodies on a search for new restaurants in Singapore, meet this destination dining place – Arcade @ The Capitol Kempinski, which contains of a series of exciting dining establishments.

The Arcade is an extension of The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore, the perfect venue to dine and wine your way at this part of Singapore.

It is located right at Capitol Singapore, previously known as “Capitol Piazza” (connected direct from City Hall MRT station Exit D).

You can literally spend every day of the week trying out a different restaurant here, which serves up cuisine from all over the globe – from German with Austrian influences, classic Italian pizza and pasta place, Spanish tapas bar, to Thai restaurant with comforting flavours.

What’s special about these few but well-conceptualised selection of food stalls is they weave a story about the historic hotel and the iconic Capitol Theatre.

Step back in time and in different parts of the world through your food journey at the Arcade @ The Capitol Kempinski. Here are the 8 dining concepts you can try over this festive period with your family and friends:

Frieda
Arcade @ The Capitol Kempinski #01-87
Tel: +65 6715 6873
Opening Hours: Lunch 12pm – 3pm, Dinner 6pm – 10:30pm Last Order 9:30pm (Mon – Sun)

Reinterprets traditional German cuisine with Austrian influences
Experience German flavours and hospitality at Frieda, named after the only daughter of hotel founder Berthold Kempinski and wife Helene. It is the ideal place for an abendbrot aka a homely evening meal with family and friends.

The menu is all about traditional German food, spiced up with Austrian influence. You can choose from their premium sausage selections, German-style breads and salads, meat dishes, and many more.

I would recommend the Oven Roasted Pork Knuckle ($39), prepared from the oldest recipes, using a whole free-range Australian pork hind leg knuckle washed in an ice-bath for at least 2 hours.

After slow-cooking it for 3 hours in a stock with bay leaves, peppercorns, cloves, juniper berries, garlic and onion, it is then skinned and baked in the oven until extra crisp. Accompanied with pretzel dumplings and house-made sauerkraut and jus, this dish is hands-down a must-have at Frieda.

Another traditional German fare you cannot skip is the Veal Wiener Schnitzel ($37). It is a thick cutlet of veal, breaded and pan-fried until golden brown. Served with both potato salad and some German-style gurkensalat, a refreshing salad of thinly sliced cucumbers tossed in sour cream, sprinkled with dill and chopped parsley.

Foodie Tip 1: Frieda daily lunch-set menu goes for an inexpensive $17++ for a 2-course, and $22++ for a 3-course inclusive of dessert. Main course selection includes Grilled German Sausage, Baked Chicken or Swabian Noodles.

Foodie Tip 2: Look out for “Beer O’clock” available daily, with a pint of draught beer costing $5 at 5pm, $6 at 6pm etc. What a good deal! In addition, sport fans can look out for the live sports on the hanging screens in the arcade from 4pm onwards.

La Scala Ristorante
Arcade @ The Capitol Kempinski #01-86
Tel: +65 6715 6877
Opening Hours: Lunch 11:30am – 2:30pm, Dinner 6pm – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Classic Italian dining outpost with its own brick oven
La Scala Ristorante is one of the latest addition to the bevy of dining choices here at the Arcade. It offers an Italian menu that captures the taste of Italian summers through its antipasti, zuppe, pasta, pizza and dolci.

Named after the world-famous Milan theater, La Scala Opera House, this restaurant is the perfect venue for an Italian feast.

Start off with some Burratina & Pomodorini ($18), a small burrata served with rocket salad and sweet cherry tomato with basil and chef’s dressing. Cheese lovers will love this fresh cheese that simply melts in your mouth.

Of course, you cannot not have pizza. Highly recommended is the Pizza Calabrese ($26) from the Calabria region of Italy.

It is a classic thin crust pizza topped with mozzarella, pepperoni salami, roasted black olives and sun-dried tomatoes over a simple tomato sauce.

For your pasta, order the Spaghetti Costiera ($25), featuring a mix of classic spaghetti pasta and succulent prawns, made rich with shellfish reduction and grated mullet Bottarga. If you love black paste, try their Linguini Nero di Mare ($26) prepared with squid ink. This delectable pasta is cooked with mussels, squid, clams, prawns and crayfish in a rich tomato sauce.

The traditional Tiramisu ($14) is a simple yet fitting ending to your Italian meal. This home-made dessert is spiked with an Amaretto Kahlua reduction for that distinct flavour.

Foodie Tip: Get the Tiramisu as part of the 2-course ($17++) or 3-course set lunch. The Main choices include Lasagna Classic, Branzino Mediteranneo (pan-fried seabass), Penne Rosa (penne pasta with smoked salmon), and Lamb Shank Stinco D’agnello (braised lamb shank with mashed potato).

Chalerm Thai
Arcade @ The Capitol Kempinski #01-85
Tel: +65 6715 6875
Opening Hours: Lunch 11:30am – 2:30pm, Dinner 6pm – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Thai restaurant with delicious Tom Yum Goong, Pai Thai and Pineapple Fried Rice
Named after the Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theater in Bangkok, Chalerm Thai is your outlet for all things Thai. Drop by for a comforting lunch or dinner filled with traditional Thai fare from appetisers down to desserts.

Their menu offers a selection of rice and noodle dishes, soups, salads, Thai-style curries, seafood mains and many more popular dishes from the Land of Smiles.

You can’t go wrong with the Tom Yum Goong ($15), a Thai-style spicy and sour seafood soup that is a staple in any Thai meal. In fact, this is one of the best versions I had in Singapore of late.

Its warmth and spice will perk you up and open up your appetite for more. Seafood lovers will love the mix of prawns, fish, clams, mussels and squid.

Looking for a rice dish? The Khao Phad Sapoarod ($15) is a pineapple-based fried rice with a distinctly sweet savoury taste. It’s fun to bite into the sweet, juicy chunks of fresh pineapple, and the crunch of cashew nuts. The additional raisins provide a different kind of sweetness to the dish, served topped with a sprinkling of shrimp floss.

The traditional dessert Kao Neow Muang ($10) is the best ending to your Thai meal. This sticky rice dessert has a rich and creamy coconut taste that blends with the sweetness of thick fresh mango slices.

Foodie Tip: Similarly, a 2-course lunch at Chalerm Thai goes for $17++, and 3-course at 22++, applicable daily. Main course selection includes Tom Yum Sen, Phad Thai Kung, Kao Phad Gai (chicken fried rice), or Krob Phad Kra Pao Gai (stir-fried Thai basil chicken with steamed jasmine rice).

Capitol Milk Bar
Arcade @ The Capitol Kempinski #01-84B
Tel: +65 6715 6874
Opening Hours: 11am – 9pm (Mon – Sun)

Modern day reincarnation of the iconic Magnolia Snack Bar
Looking for a place to bring your family for a fun, wholesome diner experience? Head out to Capitol Milk Bar where it recreates the iconic Magnolia Snack Bar from the 60s.

Your folks will probably remember it as the go-to snack place for movie-goers at the old Capitol Building.

This all-American themed diner captures the nostalgia of the golden era with its offerings of burgers, hot dogs, milkshake and ice cream. Plus, a touch of European with the profiteroles — ice cream-filled choux pastry drizzled with hot choco sauce, vanilla Chantilly and roasted almonds.

Expect to see these timeless classic items in the menu but given a modern flair.

For instance, their burgers and sandwiches come with special buns baked fresh daily in-house. You have a choice of either charcoal brioche bun, multi-grain bun, or sesame wheat bun. Highly recommended is the “Capitol” ($19), made with a Black Angus beef patty (up to 150g) in an egg wrap and topped with cheddar and a creamy black pepper mushroom sauce.

Relive the good ole days with their signature ice creams, milk shakes, and floats. Share an order of The Capitol Milk Bar Banana Split ($15), an upgraded version of perhaps your childhood fave. Enjoy scoops of vanilla, chocolate and strawberry ice cream alongside with caramelised banana raisin, banana vanilla espuma, freeze dried banana and banana rum glaze.

Throw in a local flavour with the “Singapore Dash Milkshake” aka Chendol Milk Shake ($14), prepared with red bean, pandan jelly, gula Melaka and coconut flakes. Slightly on the sweet side, but rich and indulgingly-good.

Berthold Delikatessen
Arcade @ The Capitol Kempinski #01-84
Tel: +65 6715 6872
Opening Hours: 8am – 9pm (Mon – Sun)

Sophisticated European-style café for sandwiches, cakes and coffee
Named after hotel founder Berthold Kempinski, Berthold Delikatessen is a stylish European-style café that offers the best of traditional German delicatessen.

Here you can conveniently pair their signature Berthold house coffee or the Andraschko German blend with any of their wide selection of breads, rolls, pastries.

There aren’t many local bakeries that offer these traditional German-style baked goods, such as classic Bretzel, Bauernbrot aka farmer’s bread, and the braided Hefezopf ($7 to $9). At Berthold, they have it fresh every day.

If you prefer something more filling like sandwiches or salads, try the Berthold Signature Dark Rye Sourdough with Pastrami Ham ($14), a classic combination of the mildly sour break and the saltiness of the ham.

Or go for the Charcoaled Brioche ($14) served with either Chicken or Smoked Salmon for a lighter flavour.

For the salads (everything at $8 each), they have the colourful and chunky Beetroot Salad and Swabian Potato Salad, a traditional regional salad made with beef broth, German mustard and vinegar. Or go the healthier route via a Classic Waldorf Salad with Walnut ($8), served with sliced apples, celery, mayonnaise, and chopped walnuts.

Round up your deli experience by bringing some quiches, pies and cakes (I say go for the Black Forest cake), or have them for your afternoon tea.

El Teatro Tapas
Arcade @ The Capitol Kempinski #01-83
Tel: +65 6715 6875
Opening Hours: Lunch 11:30am – 2:30pm, Dinner 6pm – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Theatre of Spanish flavours, from tapas to paellas
Explore the flavours of Spain at El Teatro Tapas, a stage for the best tapas, Spanish paella, and bar drinks this side of town.

Tapas range from hot to cold so you’re bound to encounter your fave snack and nibblers here. Whether you’re craving for a cold soup like gazpacho from Andalusia, or some grilled tuna from La Parrilla, you’ll find it at El Teatro.

For the quintessential Spanish Paella, you will have a number of choices. The Classic Paella de Marisco ($30) is a good starting point for its classic mix of seafood, while Paella de Pollo ($28) is specially made for those who really just want chicken.

Indulge with the Paellas de Bogavante ($40), filled with sweet juicy chunks of lobsters or try the crowd-fave Paella Mixta ($30), combining the best of both worlds, a medley of seafood and chicken for a true Spanish party.

For dessert, there is no better way than to end your meal with a traditional Churros Con Chocolate ($12), a very typical Spanish sweet treat. Or try the rich and creamy hand-whisked Crema de Mi Abuela ($12), a Spanish pudding made with custard cream

Foodie Tip: Get an appetiser with main (or main and dessert) for $17++; or appetiser with main and dessert at $22++. Exciting choices for main include Berenjenas a La Miel (eggplant with honey), Croquetas De Pollo (chicken, mushroom or prawn croquette), Gambas Al Ajillo (garlic prawns), or Atun Con Verduras A La Parrilla (tuna with grilled vegetables).

Katachi Style
Arcade @ The Capitol Kempinski #01-82
Tel: +65 6241 6447
Opening Hours: Lunch 12pm – 2:30pm Last Order 2:15pm, Dinner 6pm – 10pm Last Order 9:45pm (Mon – Sun)

Wide variety of Japanese classics including Chirashi Don and Unagi Jyu
Katachi Style is the newest addition to Capitol Singapore, helmed by veteran Chef Keiji Matoba, a haven for Japanese sushi lovers.

Grab a quick lunch via its a la carte menu, a set of dishes made using fresh ingredients specially sourced from Japan for that authentic taste. All these are a product of Chef Keiji’s years of experience in fine dining establishments around the world. His style combines the beauty of nature and modern culinary techniques.

You’ll have ample of choices from sushi to sashimi, from tempura to grilled meats, noodles and desserts.

For lunch, expect a more casual feel as you go for bento-style set meals. Each set comes with a main dish, assorted appetisers, ie scallop nigiri, aburi salmon maki, and pork tonkatsu.

The Chirashi Don ($38) is a must order from the menu, a mountain of rice topped with thick-slices of fresh sushi. If you love the unique flavor of eel, go for the Grilled Unagi Jyu (On Rice) ($34)

For a more relaxed meal, try this joint in the evening. Treat a friend or a business associate for dinner, where you can have a more pampered style of dining with individually-plated dishes.

Katachi Sushi
Arcade @ The Capitol Kempinski #01-82
Tel: +65 6241 6447
Opening Hours: Lunch 12pm – 2:30pm Last Order 1:30pm, Dinner 6pm – 10pm Last Order 8:30pm (Mon – Sun)

Experience Japanese omakase by Chef Keiji Matoba
Katashi Sushi boasts of authentic hand-formed sushi meticulously prepared by a sushi artisan, Chef Keiji Matoba.

Here you can satisfy your seafood cravings in a private and exclusive space.

With its wide array of sushi selection, it’s easy to get lost. Start with the “Hana’ Sushi Course ($140), featuring amuse-bouche/3 appetizers, umami soup, 2 kinds of sashimi, 9 kinds of sushi, miso soup, and dessert.

Or the “Ten” Sushi Course ($180), which includes an additional sashimi and sushi, and Inaniwa udon noodles.

For intense cravings, getting the Katashi Omakase Course ($240) is advisable. You’re in for some amuse-bouche/3 appetizers, followed by umami soup and a specially prepared delicacy, uni (sea urchin). You get 3 kinds of fresh sashimi, plus the day’s catch aka Today’s Simmer Fish.

For the main event, you get Wagyu Steak and 9 kinds of premium sushi. The set also includes Inaniwa Udon Noodle, and a dessert to cap off your meal.

Dine at Arcade @ The Capitol Kempinski X DFD Exclusive Promotion
Have a meal at any of the Arcade @ The Capitol Kempinski restaurants recommended above (min. spent $10), and receive a $10 mall voucher which can be used at any participating outlets at Capitol Singapore.

T&C:
– Dine at any of the 8 recommended restaurants above at Arcade @ The Capitol Kempinski to qualify, with minimum expenditure of $10.
– Redeem voucher at Capitol Singapore’s concierge counter from 10:30 am to 10:30pm daily
– Show receipt with min. $10 spend (same day receipts).
– Quote “DanielFoodDiary” upon redemption.
– Redeem a $10 voucher (with 3 months validity) to be used at participating outlets in the mall.
– Voucher redemption ends at the end of December or when 100 vouchers have been redeemed.

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

[Seoul] Tongyeong, a port city along the south eastern coast of South Korea, is the inspiration behind this eatery.

This bustling coastal area is known for its abundant fresh seafood, the key ingredient here at Oh Tongyoung 오통영 (sometimes spelt as “Oh Tongyeong”).

This simple shop is right in the middle of Seoul’s luxury fashion district, interpreting the taste of Tongyeong in a modern way.

There are no English signages, so look out for the Korean words of “오통영”, enter and head downstairs.

Inside, the space has that industrial feel – cement floors, exposed ceiling, metal chairs, and overhead lamps. Not quite the typical Korean restaurant vibes.

Their signature dish is the Jeonbok Musoesot Bap (44,000 Won for 2 pax, SGD51) or Abalone Hot Pot Rice, a combination of abalone, wood ear mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms and chives, alternating layers over a bed of white rice.

Mix them up with unsalted butter and seasoned wild chive soy sauce for a marriage of umami flavours.

Want a different rendition of abalone? Order Jeonbok Gui (44,000 Won, SGD51) and have your abalone grilled on a cast iron skillet with button mushroom, shiitake mushroom and zucchini.

Other noteworthy specialties include Seongge Bibimbap (Sea Urchin Bibimbap), Meongge Bibimbap (Sea Pineapple Bibimbap), Seongge Miyeok Guk (seaweed soup with sea urchin), and Muneo Sukhoe (blanched octopus).

Dishes range from 11,000 to 65,000 Korean Won (SGD12.70 to SGD75). Prices are generally on the higher side as it is also located at the upscale Gangnam area.

I ordered the Uni & Salmon over Rice (28,000 Won, SGD32.40). Perhaps there was some ‘lost-in-translation’ in the process, the “bibimbap” did not come in the usual hot-stone bowl that I was expecting.

If you are used to hearty, saucier Korean fare, then this may come across as healthier and perhaps bland to some.

The chefs use minimum seasoning in the food, with just accompanying kimchi and some side dishes, so that diners can taste the freshness of the seafood caught by local fishermen.

In any case, this was indeed generous serving of creamy sea urchin and salmon on a bed of sticky rice, but I did feel that there was a need of a sauce of some kind to ‘hold’ everything together.

To balance it off, I also had a Galbie – Grilled Ground Beef (30,000 Won) of two patties of Korean Beef with mixed vegetables.

If not, complement your seafood dishes with a platter of Modeum Jeon (assorted Korean pancakes).

Oh Tongyeong 오통영
B1F, 10 Seolleung-ro 158-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 544 2377
Opening Hours: Lunch 11:30am – 3pm, Dinner 5pm – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Other Related Entries
Nampo Myeonok 남포면옥 (Da-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul
Chanyang-jip 찬양집 (Donui-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul)
Hadongkwan (Myeongdong, Jung-gu, Seoul)
Balwoo Gongyang (Gyeonji-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul)
Mimi Myeonga 미미면가 (Sinsa-dong Gangnam-gu, Seoul)

Click HERE for other SEOUL Food Entries

* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. Daniel’s Food Diary paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

Other than Restoran Kota Zheng Zong Bak Kut Teh, another Malaysian brand that just reached our shores is Go Noodle House.

No need to drive to JB liao – at least for this?

Go Noodle House has opened at the basement of 313@somerset to relatively long queue.

The casual eatery is known for its fish bone broth along with Jiangxi province-style silky mixian – made fresh every day in Malaysia based on a secret recipe.

That same noodles is delivered to Singapore.

Talking about the soup, the master stock is said to be steeped by more than 40 types of fish bones including tenggiri or mackerel (which sits in a secret location in Shah Alam kept safe behind a fireproof wall.)

This is then transported in -20°C frozen blocks across the border. Wah!

I must say that I was slightly confused (or overwhelmed) by the extensive menu.

To make things easier for you, the signature dishes include Bursting Meatballs in family recipe fish bone broth ($10.90), Handmade Fish Paste ($10.90) and GO trio platter ($12.90) with Five Spice Meat Roll, Crispy Fuchuk and Goin Coin (something like the bak kwa).

Singapore exclusives are Fresh Fish Slice (usually tenggiri or mackerel), Australian ribeye slices and frog (to be introduced later).

You get a choice between the “superior soup” or “homemade spicy soup” with mixian or fine bee hoon. I was recommended to try the original superior soup which had the mellow taste of hua diao jiu.

I was actually keener to try out the Dry Pan Mee, and so ordered a Special Dark Sauce with Onsen Egg ($8.90).

After adding some of those bursting meatballs, pork balls and enoki mushrooms, the bill for a bowl reached up to more than $20 though.

All the pan mee are made at every outlet twice a day, every day. The differences between Malaysia and Singapore are mainly they do not offer tear pan mee in Singapore (only thick and thin).

The pan mee comes with separate servings of fried shallots, fried anchovies, and minced pork which you can add separately.

I wasn’t that bowled over by the special dark sauce, which I thought was missing an ”oomph” factor (perhaps because I have had many good dry Ban Mian in Singapore), but the addition of the chilli sauce made it shiokingly-delicious.

The signature bursting meatballs are made of pork and filled with minced pork, which may remind you of Fuzhou fishballs.

While they were indeed juicy, there wasn’t that big-bursting effect that I would have imagined.

While yes, you can get that same noodles across the Causeway at a fraction of the price, or even find delicious dry Pan Mee around in Singapore, I think what Orchard Road needs are more eateries like this – comfort food you can have on a daily basis, yet in a comfortable environment.

GO Noodle House Singapore
313 Orchard Road, #B3-37/38 313@Somerset, Singapore 238895
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm (Mon – Sun) Note: The restaurant will close from 3pm – 6pm from now till 9 December 2019.)

Other Related Entries
Congee Legend (Geylang Road)
The Coconut Club (Ann Siang)
Downstairs (UE BizHub East)
Chef Kang Prawn Noodle House (Toa Payoh)
Song Fa Bak Kut Teh (New Bridge Road)

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

Talk about one of the best steakhouses in Singapore, and Lawry’s The Prime Rib Singapore will always come to mind.

Known for its exceptional prime ribs, the multi-awarded Lawry’s at the Mandarin Gallery is a top destination for steak and meat lovers in Singapore.

This 170-seater restaurant is known to serve the best of American cuisine in a sleek and elegant ambiance.

The added bonus is that the restaurant overlooks the bustling Orchard Road through panoramic 4-meter floor-to-ceiling windows. (Great especially if you intend to head there for shopping before or after your meal).

Lawry’s has always been known for the place for celebrations – may it be a birthday, anniversaries, and even wedding proposals.

You have different dining venues available, including the Main Dining Hall, a Grand Bar, and six private Dining Rooms for private or corporate events, anniversary, birthday and other festivities. Simply go online and reserve your table for up to 15 guests, plus kids if you are bringing some to your party.

The good news is, Citi Cardmembers can get up to 40% OFF a la carte food items (more details at the bottom of the post), giving you more reasons to head down for an indulgent meal.

Choose from any of their a la carte lunch and dinner menus, as well as set meals for kids, and a selection of desserts. Here’s more:

Lawry’s Cut ($120 for 285g)
What makes the rib roasts utterly tender is the aging process that takes up to 28 days.

In addition, the meats are slowly roasted on beds of rock salt. This allows the juices to flow inwards and ensure a uniformly succulent meat.

The Lawry’s Cut that I had was indeed blushing pink all the way through, really meaty yet still juicy and almost melt-in-your-mouth tender.

I think it is not just about the rib roast that it appealing, but how it is presented. Incorporating theatrics into your meal, the carvers serve juicy, flavourful standing rib roast meats from their famous Silver Carts.

The meat is carved to order right by your tableside, and the friendly staff will do some explanation about the cuts – adding some interactivity.

This is served alongside with their famed US Idaho mashed potatoes. You may choose to order ala-carte accompaniments from the Silver Wagon, such as creamed spinach, creamed corn, buttered peas or the Silverside Trio, which is a mixture of everything.

Special mention goes to the Idaho russet potatoes cooked in hearth ovens. These whole potatoes are whipped with milk and butter to achieve that smooth and creamy consistency.

This is complete with a table-side showmanship of the Original Spinning Bowl Salad. The salad is spun on a bed of ice- mixes up crisp romaine and iceberg lettuce, together with baby spinach, shredded beets, chopped eggs and crunchy baked croutons.

For the dressing, they are tossed in the exclusive Lawry’s vintage dressing. And did you know you get a chilled fork with this salad?

Accompanying the rib roasts are Lawry’s signature Yorkshire pudding, a crisp bread you can use to soak up all the meat juices.

Specially baked in individual copper skillets, the pudding complements that additional sides you’re getting.

Level up the flavours with some whipped cream horseradish, a blend of whipped cream and some biting grated fresh horseradish.

For those with hearty appetites who love an extra-thick cut, you can go for the “Diamond Jim Brady” Cut ($180 for 450g). Other cuts available include the Singapore Cut ($75 for 130g), California Cut ($80 for 160g), and English Cut ($95 for 200g).

Atlantic Lobster Dinner ($95)
Lawry’s Atlantic Lobster Dinner serves you a trio of broiled lobster tails with drawn butter for a rich, velvety taste. Comes with mashed potatoes made from US Idaho potatoes, and sautéed mix vegetables.

If you typically find consuming lobsters slightly messy, worry not as the hard gloriously-succulent flesh has been skilfully removed from the hard-shells.

I had quite a number of lobsters of late, but these babies were indeed sweet-tasting and tenderly-juicy. A dip into the drawn butter just seals the deal.

Also available is an Atlantic Lobster Duo ($73) during lunch. Head off to the Atlantic for a taste of the freshest lobster tails without leaving the city.

Hokkaido Scallops ($35)
Order this starter and get four pieces of these prized scallops, specially sourced from Hokkaido, Japan.

Cooked by searing over high temperature, the scallops retain their succulence without being tough and dry.

Enjoy them with the accompanying strawberry and mango salsa, for that sweet and tangy flavour combo.

Pan Seared Goose Foie Gras ($39)
You can add a luxurious note to your meal with this pan-seared goose foie gras, a popular French delicacy.

The sliced fattened goose liver is flash seared on high heat on both sides to keep it rare –as this retains its rich flavour and silky texture.

Lawry’s Mudpie ($18)
For dessert, you can’t go wrong with this all-time favourite. Take a delicious digestive biscuit top it with a combination of Häagen-Dazs vanilla, coffee & chocolate ice cream, all drizzled with an irresistible hot fudge.

Traditional Tiramisu ($18)
Another popular favourite is this Italian specialty made with the finest Italian mascarpone cheese, with strong coffee and alcoholic taste from a mixture of Grand Marnier, Kahlua and Marsala Wine.

Promotion for Citi Cardmembers:
1 person dining – 15% off a la carte food items on minimum order of 1 main course
2 persons dining – 40% off a la carte food items on minimum order of 2 main courses
3 persons dining – 30% off a la carte food items on minimum order of 3 main courses
4 persons dining and above – 20% off a la carte food items on minimum order of 4 main courses

T&C:
– The Promotion period is till 20th December 2019.
– Under the Promotion, a Citi Cardmember will enjoy the offers on a la carte food items at Lawry’s The Prime Rib when payment is charged to his/her Citibank Debit/Credit Card.
– Promotion is valid on a la carte food items only, excluding beverages, promotional items, set menus, government taxes and service charge.
– Promotion is valid daily during lunch and dinner.
– Promotions are valid for dine-in customers only, takeaway items are not included. Other T&C apply.

Lawry’s The Prime Rib Singapore
333A Orchard Road, #04-01/31 Mandarin Gallery, Mandarin Orchard Singapore 238897
Tel: +65 6836 3333
Email: reservations@lawrys.com.sg
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 10pm (Sun – Thurs), 11:30am – 10:30pm (Fri, Sat, Eve of PH)

* This entry is brought to you in partnership with Lawry’s The Prime Rib Singapore.

Looking for a Halal, group-friendly restaurant to dine at Jewel Changi Airport?

The halal-certified Commons is a family-friendly place that also caters to vegetarian guests.

Located right next to the picturesque HSBC Rain Vortex, Commons is an ideal venue for your next gathering with family and friends in between travels or just about any occasion.

As there are long tables and spacious seating available that can easily accommodate you and you company, Commons is recommended for guests who dine in groups, whether big or small.

You don’t have to worry about menu options and portion sizes as they have sharing platters.

Food selection is diverse as they specialise in specially crafted Asian-Fusion delights, from appetisers to desserts. And with its all-new, fully revamped menu just launched, you can expect more unique items to choose from.

Be ready to tease your palate with their signature dishes such as the locally-inspired Satay Chicken Griller. Go Thai-style with their Sticky Lamb Ribs, or try a fusion of Mexican and Asian flavours with the Lamb Wanton Tacos.

The crowd-fave Oven-Baked Chicken Thigh shouldn’t be missed, as well as classics like Double Truffle Fries and Spicy Prawn and Classic Hawaiian Pizza.

The Meat Feast ($65, serves 3-4 pax)
This chef-recommended dish serves a group of 3-4 diners offering assorted meats that will please any carnivore foodie.

The entire platter includes a bountiful spread of Sticky Lamb Ribs, Satay Chicken Griller, a succulent rib-eye steak, and Italian chicken sausages.

Worthy of mention is the Sticky Lamb Ribs ($38 full, $28 half if ordered ala carte). This sticky rendition of tender baby back lamb ribs is slow cooked for 8 hours, resulting in a smoky savoury flavour. Served with a finger-lickin’ good sweet and sticky sauce, with a mild spice level for a little bit of heat.

Also included is the Satay Chicken Griller ($18 if ordered ala carte). The chicken gets the nod of spicy food lovers, featuring a whole thigh grilled to precision. Adding a layer of flavour and aroma is a fragrant and nutty satay sauce you can dip into.

Complementing your feast fare are baked creamy Japanese sweet potato, roasted baby carrots, asparagus spears & vine tomatoes. Both a visual and gustatory stunner.

Commons Platter ($22, serves 3 – 4 pax)
Dining with your pals? Get the Commons Platter which can feed 3 really hungry diners or 4 with regular appetites.

Combining oozy and creamy cheddar cheese sticks, crispy breaded chicken cutlets, fries drizzled with nacho cheese & mayo, spicy prawn wanton tacos.

Everything is balanced out with a side of fresh salad to rest your palate in between tastings.

Sweet & Smoky Chicken Wings ($12)
Bring in the element of fun with these sweet & smoky chicken wings, the ultimate finger food for every party.

Each wing is coated with an irresistible honey Sriracha sauce that gives you the best of both worlds – sweet and spicy combined guaranteed to excite your taste buds.

Be ready to get messy though as the sauce is on the sticky side.

Lamb Wanton Tacos ($9)
Whet up your appetite with these starters, featuring pulled lamb meat and assorted salad veggies stuffed in wanton skin tacos.

A word of caution for those who have an aversion for spicy dishes as this appetiser is drizzled with Sriracha mayo, finished off with a dash a lime cutting through the creaminess of the dressing.

Soba Salad ($10, with Chicken Char Siew additional $2)
Add in a salad to your meal and get the Soba Salad with an optional Chicken Char Siew.

Joining the party are French beans, shiitake mushrooms, carrots & purple cabbage intermingling with a sweet-savoury honey soy dressing.

The cold soba noodles, cooked to the right texture, are the star of the dish.

Gula Melaka Banana Lopes ($12)
Moving on to the sweets… add in some local flavours to your sweet meal endings and get these delectable pandan-infused glutinous rice balls.

Their chewy goodness is complemented with some sweet, soft, caramelised banana slices and a drizzle of sweet gula melaka. Warning: sweetness overload up ahead.

Salted Caramel Waffle with Apple Berry Crisp ($16)
Here’s a sweet-salty combo to cap off your meal, combining a stack of crispy-edged and fluffy waffles blanketed with apples, berries and crumbly oats.

The rich salted caramel sauce is slathered all over, then finished off with a topping of Cookies & Cream ice cream.

Milo Beast ($8), Bandung Chin Chow ($6)
End your meal with a bang with this beast of a beverage. Drown your worries away in this all-time fave, pumped up with Milo powder for extra energy.

You get an iced chocolate drink served with a scoop of Milo-flavoured ice cream (yes!), then topped with a generous squeeze of luscious whipped cream dusted off with a sprinkling of Milo powder.

If not, quench your thirst with a refreshing Bandung Chin Chow, combining two favourite local drinks with the creaminess of rose syrup with milk and cooling grass jelly.

Commons Jewel Changi Airport X DFD Promo:
– Get 10% OFF total bill, applicable for ala carte/set menu items.
– Valid till 31st Jan 2020 for dine-in or takeaway.
– Flash this post and quote “DanielFoodDiary10” during payment to enjoy discount.

– Valid for one redemption per transaction only.

Commons @ Jewel Changi Airport
#B1-289/290 78 Airport Boulevard Jewel Changi Airport Singapore 819666
Tel: +65 6242 9542
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CommonsSG
Instagram: @CommonsSG

* This entry is brought to you in partnership with Commons.

If you often travel up to Johor Bahru when you crave for the Malaysian-style claypot herbal style Bak Kut Teh, well… you can have it now without travelling across the Causeway, right at Holland Village.

The famous Restoran Kota Zheng Zong Bak Kut Teh 哥打正宗肉骨茶 first gained popularity as a pushcart stall at Kota Tinggi, and subsequently expanded to Johor Bahru.

They do get a lot of Singaporeans patronising the restaurant, and therefore the thought of opening up in Singapore; also to offer us something different in terms of soup styles.

In Singapore, we typically get three styles of Bak Kut Teh which is the peppery Teochew style (the most commonly found), Hokkien style which incorporates dark soy sauce, and strong herbal-flavoured Cantonese style.

Kota Zheng Zong uses a 39 years-old recipe, and is quite unlike those we may be used to.

I would say it is in between the Cantonese and Hokkien styles, so you get fragrant and robust soup yet with that touch of herb-flavour. Menu highlights include:

Herbal Claypot Bak Kut Teh (Spare Pork Ribs, $11.90, $28.90, $49.90; Premium Pork Ribs $12.90, $29.90, $53.90)
While most traditional Bak Kut Teh uses pork off-cuts to brew their soup, Kota Zheng Zong’s recipe includes various parts of the pig from ribs, belly, leg and tail. When you see all that fatty belly boiling in the rich stock, you know you are in for good stuff.

These parts are boiled together with a mix of 18 Chinese herbs and dark soy sauce for about 2 hours to achieve that complex-tasting broth.

Diners can add on other pork parts such as pork belly, and I would recommend including as Button Mushrooms ($1) and crispy sheets of Fried Beancurd Skin ($1) – which is a highlight to me. (Especially when you semi-soak it in the broth till it is still part-crispy.)

As I have tried the original version at Restoran Kota Zheng Zong, I would say that the Singapore’s take does not depart too far off.

You get that hearty, flavourful soup with mild-tasting herbal notes (not as strong as what you may expect) and surprisingly not that oily at all.

The pork ribs were meaty and tender – almost fall off the bones.

The main difference is that I remembered the JB’s version remain hotter throughout, perhaps because the soups are cooked over claypot there and also we consume this under air-con here.

For a more novel dining experience, you can even have your soup spiked with a shot of Hua Tiao Rice Wine ($0.90), Hennessy VSOP ($3.90) or Martell Cordon Bleu ($10.90).

Spanish Iberico in White Pepper Soup or Herbal Soup ($15.90, $39.90)
You can also go for a ‘luxe’ rendition of the Bak Kut Teh with Spanish Iberico pork ribs.

The Ibercio ribs have a higher fat composition and more tender texture compared to the normal pork we get (I also read that the fats are healthier than the fats from usual pork). There is also none of that ‘porky’ aftertaste that I know most diners are not fancy of.

If you typically enjoy the Teochew peppery style of Bak Kut Teh, then you can opt for the White Pepper Soup; cooked with Sarawak white pepper and fresh chives.

I enjoyed that there is a certain mellowness in the broth, and was delicately-sweet.

In terms of pepperiness level, I would say this is somewhere in the middle and they can probably afford to up it a notch more just to add that kick.

Other than spare ribs, you can also go for the White Pepper Pig’s Maw Soup ($11.90, $28.90) or White Pepper Pork Tendon ($10.90, $24.90).

Braised Pig’s Trotter ($12.90, $31.90)
While Ter Kah may not be my kind of usual food, these braised pork trotters were so moist, tender and savoury-flavourful.

And that sauce… when you pour it over a bowl of steaming white rice and add some chilli padi, it is good enough to eat it on its own.

The pork trotters here are slow-cooked in special recipe of dark soy sauce with other aromatics till soft, so that the fat would meltingly dissolve in your mouth.

All Bak Kut Teh are recommended to be paired with these side dishes:

Fried You Tiao ($1.90)

Braised Taupok ($3.90)

Chinese Lettuce ($5.90, $8.90)

Muar Mackerel Otah ($9.90) must-get

When the eatery opened to feedback of slow service and long waiting times during opening days, they have ironed operational-hiccups and processes are a lot smoother now.

Nothing quite like a piping hot claypot of flavourful broth that sends that feeling of comfort in the belly. I think this is a style of Bak Kut Teh Singaporeans will like, and they should be able to expand further.

Kota Zheng Zong Bak Kut Teh Singapore
15A Lorong Liput, Singapore 277742
Opening Hours: 11am – 3:30pm, 5pm – 10pm (Mon – Fri) 11am – 11pm (Sat), 11am – 10pm (Sun)
https://www.facebook.com/ ZhengZongBKTsg

* This entry is brought to you in partnership by Kota Zheng Zong Bak Kut Teh.

[Taipei] It is true that KiOSK café in Taipei is quite an instagrammer’s delight, but perhaps that is not doing enough ‘justice’ to its coffee and quality.

Situated across the Guanghua Digital Plaza, KiOSK is a minimalist-designed café just a 10-minute walk from the MRT. Take the Blue and Orange Lines and get off at Zhongxiao Xinsheng station.

KiOSK’s blue façade with large windows has become a distinctive trademark.

Instagrammers love the natural light streaming, and actually do try to sit at this section for the best photos.

The black-and-white interior looks chic and modern, the perfect canvass for your coffee shots.

Comfy seats are plenty, with some tables large enough for groups. Free, unlimited WiFi coupled with several power sockets make this a remote worker’s dream spot.

There were a couple of people holding mini-meetings when I visited, but in Taipei, it is never too loud, never too obtrusive.

This is a primary coffee place, but they do offer cakes and toasts in limited quanties.

Sweet tooths should love their creamy and airy Lemon Olive Oil Cheesecake. But if you prefer savoury, try their signature Avocado and Egg Slices on Toast, served with chilies, dried pork sprinkle, and a fresh cucumber salad.

The coffee menu includes the usual Latte, Flat White, Cappuccino, Mocha, Dirty, Iced Latte, Ice Americano, all priced from TWD120 – 160 (SGD5.36 to 7.15, USD3.94 to 5.26)

Among the espresso and filtered beverages, their Flat White is popular. The roast is slightly on the darker side, but all-in-all, a well-balanced good cup of coffee with the right amount of lingering.

But do try the Shakerato, an Italian drink prepared using espresso and ice cubes.

For the tea drinkers out there, you can choose from their TWG offerings.

Compared to many other hipster cafes, KiOSK Café has this easy-going, relaxing yet professional touch – the kind that you won’t spending an afternoon here reading a book.

KiOSK Cafe
No. 40號, Section 1, Xinsheng North Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10471
台北市中山區新生北路一段40號
Tel: +886 2 2542 8090
Opening Hours: 10am – 5pm (Wed – Mon), Closed Tues
https://www.facebook.com/KIOSKtw
Google Maps – KiOSK Cafe

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Coffee Smith Cake 時安靜好 (Zhongshan District, Taipei)
Monga Coffee Roasters 丸花豆倉 (Wanhua District, Taipei)

Click HERE for other TAIPEI Food Entries

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

Hearty zi char dishes with Tiger Beer right next to Jewel Changi Airport’s Canopy Park?

Though Tiger Beer is truly Singaporean with its first brew made in Singapore in 1932, the brand has a global presence – you’ll find it across the world in more than 50 markets. Something Singaporeans can be proud of.

What you may not know is there is a Tiger Street Lab located at Level 5 of Jewel Changi Airport.

(Also look out for the “DFDTIGER” promo to enjoy 10% discount of ALL beers in the single receipt. Promotion valid until 31st January 2020.)

This is its first-ever global concept store, where it collaborates with different local talents to create enticing local dishes and merchandise.

Other than seasonal brews and personalised beer bottles, you can expect local street food and zi char favourites cooked up by the chefs of Da Shi Jia 大食家.

This includes a diverse menu of local food faves such as Wok-fried King Prawn White Bee Hoon, Handmade Beancurd Skin Prawn Roll, Indonesian Curry King Prawns, and the Trio-Sampler of Sambal Quail Eggs, Salt Pepper Shrimps and Tiger Infused Crispy Baby Sotong – with some dishes incorporating unique beer flavours.

Here are some of the delectable dishes you can try when you visit this innovative concept:

Wok-fried King Prawn White Bee Hoon ($18.80)
The must-get there. If you have been or heard of Da Shi Jia 大食家大大大虾面 at Killiney Road, this is the one dish that earned high praise and even a 3 star ”Food King Good” rating.

This signature dish is cooked up with white bee hoon noodles in a rich prawn broth that gives it its intense seafood flavour. Totally comforting especially when the thin vermicelli has absorbed some of that stock.

That is because the broth used is simmered for a number of hours using wild sea-caught prawns for that sweetness and umami-ness, making the base slurp-worthy.

The wok hei in this dish is evident, and large king prawns which have soft yet bouncy texture are generously topped to make this noodle dish quite filling.

Pork Ribs King ($15.80)
For starters, you can go for this filling dish of pork ribs, prepared boneless for convenience.

That lovely golden-brown colour and crispy texture, contrasted with tender meat, is enough to make your mouth water.

Other than the Pork Ribs King, another option is the Pork Belly Char Siew ($13.80) – thin slices of meat which are are succulent and tender, with well-balanced sweet and savoury sauce.

You can also experience the Pork Ribs King and Char Siew in fuss-free rice bowls, available $8.80 during weekday lunch.

Grilled NZ Grass-fed Sirloin ($28.80)
A hefty 200g serving of sirloin specially sourced from New Zealand is the star of this dish.

The beef fillet is prepared sous-vide style to ensure maximum tenderness to the core. Once tender, it is then grilled with precision to the right level of doneness.

Served with a savoury sauce that complements the smoky charred taste of the meat. The sauce is inspired by the “ginger and spring onions” (姜葱) dishes, lending a sense of local familiarity in this Western dish.

Indonesian Curry King Prawns ($34.80)
Splurge on this dish if you love curry, as it is served with King Prawns drenched in an Indonesian-style curry.

Each order comes with 3 pieces of mini mantou – crispy fried buns that will soak up all that yummy semi-thick curry sauce.

This Indonesian-style curry is said to be from a family-recipe, and reminded me of a cross between aromatic Peranakan-style which is mildly-spicy; and Indian fish curry with savoury and umami flavours.

Needless to say, we almost wiped the gravy clean.

Also a chef’s recommended item in the menu, be sure to order this as one of your seafood dishes. Other seafood dishes available include Salt Pepper Crispy Shrimps with Curry Leaves ($14.80), Nonya Sambal Stingray ($16.80), and Pickled Garlic Fried Barramundi Fillet ($18.80).

Handmade Beancurd Skin Prawn Roll ($15.80)
A chef’s recommendation, this dish features generous chunks of minced prawns encased in a crispy bean curd skin.

Tiger-Infused Crispy Baby Sotong ($15.80)
These baby sotong (sotong kia) are allowed to mingle with a refreshing Tiger Radler Lemon beer as a marinade and fried until crispy.

These are fried till golden-brown and really crunchy, good as a nibble with drinks.

Tiger Beer-Battered Assortment ($18.80)
This Tiger-infused special is available for lunch and dinner, featuring assorted battered meats, fruits, and veggies including Tiger-beer battered chicken, banana, baby squids, mushrooms, and scallops.

Playfully arranged and presented as crunchy “eggs” on a nest of crisp rice noodles. Recommended for those who enjoy the crunch in every bite.

There is also a surprise element within, in which one piece is deep-fried with wasabi. Try to find it, and let the ‘lucky’ one be in for a treat.

Tiger Beer champions and supports not only Singapore food but also local talents. At Tiger Street Lab, you’ll find unconventional artworks and customised merchandise designed by local talents.

You can even personalise your own Tiger Beer bottle label through its interactive digital customisation station.

Tiger Street Lab X DFD Promo
Quote “DFDTIGER” to cashier when you visit Tiger Street Lab and enjoy 10% discount of ALL beers in the single receipt. Promotion valid until 31st January 2020.

Tiger Street Lab
Jewel Changi Airport, 78 Airport Blvd, #05-205, Singapore 819666
Tel: +65 6243 2047
Opening Hours: 10am – 12am (Sun – Thurs), 9am – 1am (Fri – Sat)

* This entry is brought to you in partnership with Tiger Street Lab.

[Tokyo] The Michelin Guide inspectors in Tokyo seems to have a penchant for lighter clam or chicken based ramen, with Tsuta 蔦 (clams), Nakiryu (Dan Dan noodles cooked with oysters and chicken), and Sobahouse Konjiki Hototogisu (hamaguri clam) getting 1 Michelin star each.

Other Michelin Bib Gourmand ramen eateries awardees include Mugi to Olive, Ichifuku, Gottsu, Menson Rage, Yamaguchi, Shinohara, and Kagari.

Pronounced “moo-gee toh oh-ree-boo”, Mugi to Olive is a ramen specialty restaurant that’s one of the busiest in the Ginza area.

It was recognised by Michelin Guide Tokyo as one of the Bib Gourmand restaurants with best value for under 5,000 Yen.

You can reach it via a 5-minute walk from Higashi Ginza Station or Exit A4 of Ginza Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza, Marunouchi, or Hibiya lines. Find it behind GINZA SIX Shopping Complex.

This small café-style ramen place doesn’t accept reservation nor does it offer any outdoor seating. Be ready to queue like a local.

But don’t worry –turnover is quick so lines don’t last that long. You could be in line for about 10-15 minutes.

Menu is quite limited. You get Chicken Soba (880 Yen), Clam Ramen (980 Yen), Triple Soba with Chicken, Clam and Dried Small Sardines (980), and Maze Soba (840 Yen).

The only slight confusing thing is while there is an English menu board outside and inside the store, the vending machine which you need to order from is all in Japanese.

For tourists who come during busy hours, I would suggest you try to recognize some of the kanji characters such as 雞 (chicken), 蛤 (clams), and 特製 (special).

Locals often line up for the signature dish, Hamaguri Soba (1180 Yen, SGD14.80 or USD10.90), a ramen dish with soba noodles in a shoyu broth with a variety of Asian hard clams called Hamaguri.

You can taste the malty notes from the soy sauce, which is made from an old brewery in Kagawa.

If you are used to tonkotsu styles of soup broths, then this comes quite completely different. The soup was brimming with clam flavours (in a good way), with delicate-sweetness and depth all at the same time.

The moment when the soup slides down your throat, was very satisfying.

If you’re wondering if they use and serve olive oil at Mugi & Olive, well yes. And you can season your ramen with it – highly recommended.

The soba noodles (made from 20 types of wheat!) have a good texture with quite a firm bite, that doesn’t turn soggy too fast.

A couple of variations include the Tori Soba and Tariple Soba. Tori Soba presents a shoyu-chicken broth topped with sous-vide chicken, nori, fried nagaimo (mountain yam) sticks, and fried fishcake with a twist.

The broth is made extra flavourful with the chicken fat, mitsuba (wild Japanese parsley), and fried scallions.

The Tariple Soba features a trio of toppings, chicken, hamaguri, and niboshi (dried sardine).

On hot days, you’d probably want to try mazemen, a dry ramen with no broth. Mix the soba with the egg yolk from ajitsuke tamago, splash some olive oil, and then slurp.

Mugi to Olive むぎとオリーブ 銀座本店
6 Chome-12-12 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061, Japan
6-12-12, Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0061
〒104-0061 東京都中央区銀座6-12-12 銀座テラスビル1F
Tel: +81 3-3571 2123
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 10pm (Mon – Fri), 11:30am – 9pm (Sat), Closed Sun
Google Maps – Mugi to Olive

Other Related Entries
Tsuta 蔦 (Sugamo, Tokyo)
Tamawarai 玉笑 (Shibuya, Tokyo)
Afuri Ramen (Roppongi, Tokyo)
Kyushun Jangara 九州じゃんがら(Harajuku, Tokyo)
Fu-unji 風雲児 (Shinjuku, Tokyo)

Click HERE for other Tokyo Food Entries

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

The essence of a good shabu-shabu, other than the soup bases, is the incorporation of quality meats, fresh seafood and vegetables.

And oh, that comforting porridge created by the ‘leftover’ soup at the end of the meal.

Can’t deny that Singapore is a hotpot-lovin’ nation, yet less is talked about Japanese shabu-shabu. It gets its name from the ”swish swish” sounds as diners only need to lightly swish the meats around in the boiling broth before eating.

(Also look out for the DFD promo in which diners can get a FREE dessert of the day. More details at the end of the post.)

Hidden on Level 3 of Paya Lebar Quarter (PLQ) Mall is Makino, a “do-it-yourself” style Japanese shabu-shabu restaurant conceptualised by the team behind Akashi Group (Akashi Japanese Restaurant, Akanoya, London Fat Duck, Gyoza-Ya).

Japanese shabu-shabu (しゃぶしゃぶ) is a nabemono hotpot dish of thinly sliced meat and vegetables boiled in water and served with dipping sauces.

The difference at Makino is that the soup bases are actually quite interesting and varied, created for the local palate as well.

The variety of Japanese soup bases you can find include the Tori Soup (a 36 hours cooked chicken broth), Mentaiko Soup, Tsurai Miso Soup, Kinoko Soup (assorted mushroom), Tonkotsu Soup, Kaisen Soup (Seafood), Kosho Tonkotsu (pepper pork broth), Tomato Soup and even Singapore Laksa.

The soups are placed in a split nabe pot with a divider down the center, so that diners cook with two different kinds of broth at once.

Each pot serves from 2 to 5 pax, and the soups cost from $9 to $12 per side. Here are the recommended soup choices:

Mentaiko Soup
While we have seen mentaiko incorporated in various dishes, having it as a shabu-shabu base certainly sounds very enticing.

Mentaiko (明太子) is made from whole roe sacs of Alaskan pollack, then cured with salt and marinated in various seasonings and spices. When you add them in soup, you get a slight-spicy and savoury taste which is pretty-unique.

The cod roe here is shaped into a fish, which is let it go into the soup during serving then slowly dissolves.

As the soup is already very flavourful, I would recommend adding the plainer tasting ingredients such as fishballs and vegetables, then you get a bit of that sweetness with alluring spiciness.

Tonkotsu Soup
The tonkotsu broth will be certainly be a crowd-favourite. Cooked with pork bones that have been simmered for hours, the result is a creamy, nearly white in colour and flavourful broth.

In fact, it is tasty enough to drink on its own.

Do not worry as the thickness and richness won’t be like the typical ramen, as it is toned down to best complement meat slices and vegetables.

Kaisen Seafood Soup
A dashi soup base cooked with fresh seafood such as prawns for umami flavour. Great to go with seafood such as fish slices, fresh tiger prawns, Hokkaido scallops, seasonal clams, and fish curd.

Tsurai Miso Soup
Add spices and chilli to miso broth provided this soup a richer taste and aroma. Do order some ramen noodles to go along, so that you can cook up some DIY spicy bowl of ramen.

Shabu-shabu is best eaten with a variety of thinly sliced meats and fresh vegetables. With many of the ingredients imported directly from Japan, they are as fresh as they get.

Also take note that the raw meats here are sliced paper thin, and you would just need to swish the slices briefly in the hot stock for a couple of seconds, rather than submerging in them.

I would recommend getting a variety of meats, but do balance it off with some tofu and vegetables such as Tomio aka Dou Miao – Makino grows these fresh bean seedlings organically.

Check out the following recommended hotpot ingredients:

Beef Platter ($52), included with wagyu slices, sirloin slices, chuck tender slices, beef cubes, beef balls, beef tripe, honeycomb tripe, and beef tendon.

Saikoro Steak ($18) – marbled beef steak cubes

Karubi ($16) – short ribs

Buta Menchi – fresh minced pork belly ($8.80) and Tori Menchi ($8.80) – fresh minced chicken

Mentaiko ($16) – pollock roe

Fishball with Roe ($6)

Soft Boiled Marinated Quail Egg ($6)

Yuba ($8) – crispy beancurd skin

Sakana Aburaage ($6) – signature Makino fish beancurd

Yamabushitake ($12.80) – Japanese Lion’s Mane Mushroom; Tamogitake ($10.80) – golden oyster mushroom; Hiratake ($10.80) – ruby oyster mushroom; and Maitake ($12.80) – hen of the wood mushroom. Many of these mushrooms varieties from Japan that are unique and not so common in Singapore.

Gyo Udon ($5.80) – Japanese fish meat udon; and Ramen ($5.80) – Japanese wheat noodles to be pair with the Tonkotsu Soup to create your very own ramen

One thing about shabu-shabu which sets it apart from other kinds of Japanese hot pot meals is that it involves dipping meat and vegetables into a large variety of assorted sauces.

The sauces and condiments (available at $3 per person) include sesame sauce, ponzu, layu (chilli oil), chilli padi, garlic, coriander and more, and a specially-created Makino sauce.

The highlight of the shabu-shabu is the Makino Shabu Zousui ($8) – the ‘ritual’ of making porridge at the end of the meal.

Once the meat and vegetables have been mostly eaten, the leftover broth (I would recommend tonkotsu) from the pot customarily combined with the rice to create a comforting congee which is the perfect end to the meal. You can already imagine how flavourful the bowl would be.

Aside shabu-shabu, Makino’s menu also covers a variety of other dishes like set meals, sashimi and sushi; with fuss-free lunches available from $9.90 onwards.

Recommended ala carte dishes to get include the Gyu Teriyaki Donburi ($25), Shake Mentaiko Donburi ($23), Gyu Niku Inaniwa Udon ($20.80) and Nadare Moriawade ($12.80 onwards) which are their signature avalanche sushi rolls.

More than just shabu-shabu to get your fill of Japanese food.

Makino X DanielFoodDiary.com (DFD) Promo
Get a FREE dessert of the day when diners quote “DFDMakino” upon ordering. Limited to one free dessert per table per transaction.

Promotion valid until 19 Jan 2020 (Sunday).

Makino @ PLQ Mall
Paya Lebar Quarter Mall #03-28/29, #03-28/29 Singapore 409057
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)
https://www.facebook.com/Makino-100572411369293

* This entry is brought to you in partnership with Makino.