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Korean Dining Review: Na Oh at 2 Bulim Ave HMGICS, Level 3, Singapore 649674

2026-05-09T14:16:15.603+08:00

I had the good fortune to get a spot last month (April 2026) at Na Oh, a Korean contemporary fine dining restaurant located at the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Centre Singapore building, located in the far west of Singapore (near Lakeside). It was really ulu. But the trip there was worth it because it felt we were overseas, being transported to a world of innovation and excellence in motoring and... food. Greeting any visitor were vats of jang (sauces) fermenting and ageing in a temperature controlled room just at the entrance of the restaurant on Level 2.

The space was elegant and minimal yet warm and traditional with the paper and wood accents.

Apparently the lamps were imported from Korea (of course) with handmade paper. Everything is thoughtful and intentional, from the intricate tableware to the furniture itself.

This was the Winter menu - it changes by the season and we were just at the tail end of it. For lunch was just $78++ per pax which I felt was an excellent deal for a 5-course menu! Of particular note was also the tableware and service - both of which were top notch! I will be surprised if they do not have a star sometime in the future, seeing that the restaurant's opened by a 3-Michelin-starred Korean chef based in San Fran, Corey Lee.

We started off with the homemade tofu with aged soy sauce, which was served cold but not lacking at all with flavours, with the earthiness of the soybean mingled with the umami lightness of the soy sauce.

Next was the a trio of Assorted Jeon featuring the sablefish, mountain yam and Korean squash. When I think jeon, a thick flour batter fried pancake with chopped bits comes to mind, but here it was completely not the case. It was more Korean style tempura, with the batter light and crispy and just thinly coating the ingredient to let the natural flavours shine. And shine they did. My favourite was the fish. So light! So ethereal!

The last of the starters was the acorn jelly and beef tendon salad in icy kimchi broth. This was my favourite I think because it reminds me of naengmyeon, and the beef tendon made its savoury gelatinousness presence known without overpowering the salad.

For mains, we all ordered something different. The friend sitting opposite me had the ground soybean stew with mangrove crab and Jeju pork collar suyuk with golden queen's rice. What a spread. The Jeju pork slices were thin and they were just clean-tasting pork flavour strips!

My other friend picked the Grilled Jeju Beltfish with Golden Queen's Rice which was served with a spicy winter seafood stew. For those who like eating saba type fish, I think this will be right up your alley.

For my main dish, I chose the Galbijjim finished over charcoal, where Hanbang-style beef short ribs were braised in aged soy sauce and served with a chestnut and thistle sotbap and maesil dongchimi (fermented radish with green plum syrup. This was amazing because of how soft the beef was but also how great the sides are. There was even ginseng in the stone pot.

Just look at how melt-in-mouth soft the beef was!

And we were treated to tableside service for the sotbap, where the rice was scooped meticulously into the bowl. Broth was then poured into the fluffy rice. It was light and fragrant - the perfect foil for the sweet and savoury beef. I had trouble finishing it, but my dining partners graciously helped.

I loved the 3 side dishes very much because they offer a quick break from the meat and rice.

Lastly for dessert we had the injeolmi cake with candied nuts and seeds, which reminds me a bit of the corn cake from Kenny Rogers. But I really like the sticky nutty bits with the warm cake.

We ended with a refreshing pear sorbet with fresh and preserved persimmon sujeongwa to cleanse our very satisfied palates.

After that very satisfying meal, we took a 2.5 hour tour of the facilities. We started with the robotic hydroponics farm. It was amazing looking at robot arms planting tiny seeds and extracting them from the soil.

There were several veggy varieties being grown this way. Apparently these were used in Na Oh as well, and some were donated to food charities. The robots and growing reminded me of Westworld for some reason.

We had our chance at harvesting some greens, and even had Omakase tasting of all the greens grown at HMGICS! It was sooo interesting to taste them on their own because the ice plant was actually slightly salty as it leeches salt from the soil when it grows. Nature is so wonderful.

We even had a VR experience to see how the cars are assembled at the Hyundai Motoring factory.
It was all very inspiring to see how innovation has been applied to different parts of life. What an experience! We left the place 4.5 hours later, fully satiated and happy.

To cap everything off, I must say that Na Oh exceeded my already high expectations for the food with its impeccable service and attention to detail. The food itself was a gastronomic treat, with ingredients and techniques respected as much as the experience. I would highly recommend reserving a lunch if you can (reservations released 30 days in advance at 10am)

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Na Oh
2 Bulim Avenue, HMGICS, Level 3, Singapore 649674
Tuesdays to Saturdays: 11:30am to 3:30pm; 6pm to 7:30pm
Closed on Sundays and Mondays
Reserve a table

Pasta Review: Barilla Al Bronzo premium range launches in SG with extraordinary sauce grip!

2026-05-03T17:33:36.448+08:00

I have always been a Barilla customer when it comes to supermarket pasta. It is one of those pantry staples that does what it says on the packet, and I usually have a pack or two lying around for lazy dinners when I do not want to overthink things. So when Barilla sent over a media drop for their new premium Al Bronzo range, I was curious to see if it was really that different from their regular pasta. The red box was very pretty, almost like a pasta gift set, and came with the new Al Bronzo spaghetti, penne rigate (all S$3.65 until 1 June 26), a jar of Barilla pesto sauce (S$8.08) and the Barilla Basilico Pasta Sauce with Italian Tomatoes (S$5.70).

For those who have not seen it yet, Al Bronzo is Barilla’s premium pasta range that has just launched in Singapore in mid April 2026. The main difference about it is the texture. Instead of the smoother surface we are used to from regular pasta, Al Bronzo is made using traditional bronze die extrusion, which gives the pasta a rougher and more uneven surface. The idea is that sauce clings better to the pasta instead of sliding off, so every bite tastes more complete. As my friend noted, "extraordinary sauce grip" almost sounds like a threat! To me, that's a good thing.

The Al Bronzo range comes in a deep red flexible bag instead of the usual Barilla blue box, which makes it look a bit more atas. The Singapore range includes classic shapes like spaghetti, linguine, penne rigate and fusilli. I also found out from the press release that the pasta is also made with selected durum wheat semolina with a higher protein content exceeding 14%, which is meant to give it a firmer, more elastic bite.

For my first try, I decided to make something very simple at home: minced beef tomato sauce spaghetti. Nothing fancy and also no onions because I don't like them. Just garlic, minced beef, Barilla Basilico tomato sauce and the Al Bronzo spaghetti. I wanted to see if the pasta itself could make a normal weekday pasta taste a bit better. For the sauce, I first put some chopped garlic in olive oil, then added the minced beef and cooked it before pouring in the Barilla Basilico tomato sauce. The sauce is made with Italian tomatoes and basil, and it worked very well as a quick base. It had that tangy tomato brightness which helped cut through the richness of the beef. Some pasta water was added to the mix and I let the pan simmer before adding the pasta in the last 2 minutes to cook. The total cooking time was 11 minutes - the time it takes to cook the pasta (2 more minutes than regular Barilla). I did not have to do much, which is the whole point of a jarred sauce on a weeknight.

Before cooking, I did notice the spaghetti looked different. The strands had this slightly matte, uneven surface compared to the usual smoother spaghetti. It is subtle, but you can see it when you hold the pasta up close. That's the result of the bronze extrusion.

After boiling, the texture was the first thing I noticed. The spaghetti had a firmer bite and was more toothsome than regular Barilla pasta. I really liked that because I prefer pasta that has some resistance and does not go soft too quickly. It also held up well after tossing with the sauce. And yes, the sauce grip thing is quite real. When I tossed the spaghetti with the beef tomato sauce, the sauce seemed to cling onto the strands better. Each forkful had a nice coating instead of feeling like plain pasta with sauce added on top. It was not a huge dramatic difference, but it was noticeable enough, especially when compared to the regular supermarket spaghetti I usually cook.

I also liked that the Barilla Al Bronzo spaghetti gave the dish a more “restaurant pasta” feeling, even though the recipe itself was very basic. The bite was better, the sauce held on more, and the whole plate felt a bit more put together. For home cooks who already enjoy pasta nights, this is probably the kind of small upgrade that makes sense.

The pesto sauce and penne rigate are still waiting for another meal, but I can already imagine the penne working nicely with thicker or chunkier sauces because of the ridges and rougher surface. The pesto would also be a good test since oilier sauces tend to expose whether a pasta can really hold sauce well.

Overall, I was quite impressed with the Barilla Al Bronzo range. It is still convenient supermarket pasta, but with a better bite and more texture. The difference is not just packaging. The spaghetti was more al dente, more toothsome and did grip the tomato beef sauce better than the usual smooth pasta.

The new Barilla Al Bronzo range is now available at FairPrice stores, including FairPrice Finest, FairPrice Xtra and selected FairPrice outlets. I saw that the spaghetti was sold out online when I checked, but the range is currently going at a promotional price of $3.65 per 500g pack, usual price $4.25, while stocks last. I think this is quite reasonable for a premium pasta, and worth a try if you spot it in stores.

Thank you Barilla for sending this over!

Food Review: Yeast Side Sourdough Pizza & Craft Beer at myVillage, #01-26, Singapore 556679

2026-05-01T17:40:01.904+08:00

I had the pleasure to be invited to try out Yeast Side recently and I was quite impressed by how they have grown from one branch in 2020 (a Covid baby!) to 4 branches this year. I tried their food briefly a while back at the KAP branch, so to find that there is one at Serangoon Gardens (near me) was a joy. Bonus point is they are pet-friendly at the alfresco area outdoors, which is great news for pawrents! I visited on a weekday evening and the place was quite but spacious and warm. There wasn't a strong greasy food smell after as well which was good (my pet peeve in restaurants is bad ventilation).

There is a beer tap wall highlighting the craft beers du jour, which I thought was really cool. What's even better was there were 3 sour beers on tap, and the friendly staff let me sample all 3. The first was super berry-smoothie esque, followed by a melon one that was a bit too medicinal for me. The last one was just nice - sour but refreshing and still tasted like beer, which I figured will go well with the sourdough pizza.

Speaking of pizzas, here is the sourdough pizza menu. All pies are made fresh in house! I like that they have 6 classics and 5 specials and prices are all very reasonable.

They also have light bites, which we got 2 of. I appreciated the Mediterranean touch in the hummus, but it also contained stuff that Singaporeans like, such as mentaiko.

Other than pizza and bites, they also breakfast, which is nice. I'd imagine the focaccia sandwiches to be quite satisfying for brunch and prices average $16, which is decent.

Here's my sour craft beer. Very juicy and refreshing. Even though it is carb on carb, one can't help but think that beer just goes well with pizza!

First, the sides. We got the Burrata Salad ($19), which is really simple. However, the burrata is imported from Italy and I really enjoyed the creaminess in the high quality soft cheese. Of course the arugula and tomatoes were also really fresh. Nothing bad to say about it! 4/5

The more unique starter would be the Let's Caulihummus ($16), which me and my friend really enjoyed. The cauliflower was gently roasted and soft, and the pomegranate bits mixed with the smooth hummus was a textural and flavour delight. Really good way to get some fibre and protein in without sacrificing on flavour. 4/5

On to the pizzas! First up was the Beef Bolognese (S$23), which saw minced beef with housemade tomato sauce, mozzarella, black pepper and fennel seed. My friend thought that was a pasta dish at first! But I am a big fan of bolognese so I got it. Loved the pizza dough with the slightly sour note cutting through the richness of the toppings. However, I wish there was more tomato sauce. It felt like it was mostly just minced beef. While a rather special rendition, it could be improved on. 3/5

The other pizza, the K-pop 2.0 (S$23), was much better. It had Korean Gochujang mayo, popcorn chicken, mozzarella, baby corn, pickled onion and some spring onions. The popcorn chicken chunks were still a little bit crispy and the combination with the slightly spicy mayo and sweet corn really shone through with the sourdough base, which acted as the perfect foil. The sourdough pizza was also the right thickness, texture and the sourish flavour makes it so addictive.

I would definitely recommend checking out Yeast Side, because they have gotten the formula down pat when it comes to pizza and beer. Try their specials if you are curious, but for me, their classics will probably be just as good because of the dough. I know I will be back for them when the craving hits!

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Yeast Side
1 Maju Ave, #01-26/27/28 My Village, Singapore 556679

Mon to Fri 11am to 11pm, Sat to Sun 9am to 11pm
Reservations on their website

Thank you Yeast Side for the invite!

Bubble Tea Intel: Molly Tea Singapore at Orchard Central #01-17A, Singapore

2026-04-26T12:30:37.958+08:00

I finally tried the latest bubble tea brand from China, Molly Tea! It is apparently handcrafted Jasmine tea - jasmine in Chinese is 茉莉 which sounds like molly. It has a cute blindbox style mascot. The queue to order was not too long when I went on 25 April 2026 Saturday 5pm. However, the wait time was a bit longer but I sat down for the number to be called.

Here's the menu of drinks at their flagship Orchard Central branch. Click to enlarge in a new window.

There were these gentle reminders about drinking your foamed drinks quickly and choosing 70% sweetness cos their drinks are not that sweet. Well I chose 30% and that was just nice for me!

You can order on their app to skip the queue, but there was a lot of stuff that was OOS in the app (the oolong, and the boba topping) and the queue moved quite quickly too. I also wanted to take a photo of the menu for you guys.

Here's my Snowy Jasmine. Like the other famous Chinese bbt brand just a few steps away, they also utilised the super thin straw to enhance the fragrance of the drink. I call it oxygen deprivation. But also it really works to make you taste the tea more. And for some parents with kids, it makes them drink the drink more slowly. Haha.

Found out later that the crunchy bits on the jasmine foam (so light and fragrant) was the insides of pecans, which are popular in Hangzhou where this was from. I thought they were some sort of nutty biscuit. I really enjoyed the bits with the foam - they give you a plastic spork to eat it. I would suggest eating all of them and then sip on the drink.

Their Orchard Central branch is open daily from 10am to 10.30pm and you can also buy merch from the booth at the store.

What I learned when my phone suddenly became a brick

2026-04-13T13:17:00.007+08:00

I was at the Habourfront Centre yesterday morning waiting to take the ferry when my Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra phone suddenly died. The battery was 76% and it was not overheated nor was I doing anything extreme on it (just texting). Pressing down and power button did nothing. We found a HP shop in the mall and asked the guy, who confirmed my suspicion that the phone is completely dead, likely due to a motherboard failure. I asked Chatgpt what happened later and this is what it said: likely a pmic failure out of nowhere. Basically the chip just failed.

In any case I wasn't gonna let a bricked phone deter me from going to Batam for my 3D2N vacay. So on the ferry we went (thank goodness for physical tickets and passports!). On the 55-min ride me and my friend joked that this is going to be a forced digital detox.

At first I thought yea, likely have to be, as I was under the impression that I was using an eSim and to gain access to it I had to scan the telco email again to set it up. Then I realized that I cannot remember my Gmail password because I am so reliant on having my phone (I saved all my passwords on a sheet on my Google drive) so I cannot even access anything much less my Gmail. We found a Samsung service centre in Batam that opens on Mon so initially I thought yea let me make it through all of Sun and get it fixed on Mon.

However, as we got off the ferry and made it to our hotel and then to lunch, I had a sudden realization that I should have a physical sim! So I opened the tray with an earring (thank goodness) at lunch. Indeed I have not one but two sim cards inside. So now my hopes were renewed - perhaps I can get a budget phone, even secondhand, so I can add the sim card inside and roam and at least get to Google Maps and entertainment (ebooks, YouTube). But this also made me realize how reliant and addicted to a phone I was. More of the reliance - it feels weird to be traveling and not take photos of food and places!

Anyway, we managed to find a HP shop that sells budget phones in a more rundown mall to the one that we were at. I told the guy my budget is under 4M rupiah, or $300 sgd and he immediately shared the Samsung A17 phone options with me. Either 128gb or 256gb and 4G or 5G. In the end I chose the absolute cheapest of all and got it at $255 sgd including a free screen protector, charger and case. Good deal, also thanks to the extremely favourable exchange rates.

We then spent like 30 mins at the shop just trying to set it up but in the end we had to use a new Gmail account for the phone to run cos I was stuck in some loop with my old Gmail account. It gave me the option of inputting a code sent to my Gmail that I cannot access, 🙄 or to my Hotmail backup email (that I also cannot access or even login via my friend's phone because of the Outlook app authentication required). Damn the 2FA!

In the end I was like as long as I get data roaming and cell phone number SMS otp, I am fine. We left the shop and I managed to get on Telegram since I could remember my login and password. Thank goodness. That means I have a way to connect to my friend's phone!

It was during that time that I thought maybe I could instruct my dad at home to help me take a photo of my logins and PW sheet and send it to me via my friend's WhatsApp (thank goodness she saved his number!). Luckily everything is logged in to my Google Chrome profile on my MacBook so my dad just had to type the sheet name for it to pop up. But while he was doing it live I decided to authenticate my Google account by asking him to share the auth code sent to my Gmail inbox as a photo. And it worked perfectly since once again he did not have to sign in. And I manage to finally access my Google account, change the password, and log in to my other accounts via the saved PW sheet. Phew! The only messaging app I couldn't access is my WhatsApp because it only allows linking of secondary devices with permission so maybe I need to try it when I go home because I don't want to lose out all the chat history.

Back in the hotel, I have also changed the backup email of my main Gmail to a less secure Gmail (just requires login and password no 2FA). And have written down all the important passwords to keep in my wallet in case something like this happens!

tldr, here is what I learned and you need to also take note of in case something like this happens to you when you are not close to home, like overseas.

1. Make sure to retain the physical SIM option unless you have absolute no choice so you can access OTPs via SMS. This saved my life. Also tied to that - have at least one cc card on you so you can tap for public transport.
2. Ensure you have essential logins and passwords in hard copy with you (not at home) maybe in a wallet<
3. Tied with that, make sure your recovery email to important accounts can be easily logged in without 2FA or authentication on another device (such as a bricked phone). This is so stupid but it's an infinite loop of hell otherwise
4. Not essential but memorise your parents' HP contact or get it saved in your close friend's contacts (I did it after experiencing the BKK earthquake). This was how I could contact my dad and got him to help me authenticate. Luckily my Mac was also unlocked with a simple password I can remember and not just using touch id.

That is it I think. I'm just lucky to unlock step one. The alternative was to wait 3 days, go back to Singapore the analog way, get online to my MacBook and use it to communicate while sending my phone in for repair. That being said I think I might evaluate the cost and if it is prohibitive, explore alternative Android brands.

Currently my Samsung A17 is very serviceable and even the photos and videos have a digicam vibe to it that I don't mind. So it will be my interim backup phone for now! I just feel grateful my trip wasn't too ruined.

3-Michelin Stars Fine Dining: Odette at National Gallery, Singapore

2026-03-02T10:35:00.003+08:00

I feel incredibly blessed. That was the thought when my work friend said he wanted to invite me to a thank you lunch. And I was like sure! The next thing I knew, I received a calendar invite to Odette for dinner on 13 January. Wow. I did not think a 3-star Michelin restaurant that just reopened after renovation will be on my 2026 bingo card, but there you have it. I accepted the cal invite happily, of course!

The interior is all peach hues and classy vibes, but not stuffy. That seemed to be a difficult feat to pull off but they did!

Here's their January menu for the 7-course Epicure dinner (S$498++). We also got the Discovery flight wine pairing (S$295++). Steep prices so I'm glad I was not the one paying! Though if one is a gourmand foodie, it might be worth it.

Ingredients featured in the dinner were highlighted here. I love that it is a blend of East and West.

We started with GRIGNOTAGES which was a trio of snacks, mushroom soup and a lovely bread basket with butter.

The mushroom soup was so warming and comforting with the earthly flavours grounding the palate for more.

We were gently advised not to go too hard on the bread basket since there is a lot of food coming, but it was so good we could not resist, plus it was paired with French butter. I should have stopped at a bite each.. the white wine that got us started was also lovely. I searched on Vivino for all of them and to no one's surprise they are all rated 4 and above!

We had the first starter, the HOKKAIDO BOTAN EBI

Bafun Uni | Brown Butter 'Ponzu' | Maison 'Kaviari' Caviar where the uni was not metallic tasting (of course) but super rich and creamy on top of the crunchy toast. What's not to like about using the butter of the sea?

Here's the friendly waiter who helped us with the caviar. They are really super friendly and affable but not too much. Personally I think that the service in a fine dining restaurant matters almost as much as the food, so it is saying something!

The dish is a two parter - the creamy, rich and non-metallic uni on toast, and the caviar on brown butter ponzu sauce. It was so delicate you can taste every note and texture!

Our next starter was the CRAB 'CONTRAST' Rémoulade | Béarnaise | Chili Crab. It was a fun one involving different types of crab, done in 3 ways. Very creative and and I liked that the chilli crab rendition subtly pays homage to Singapore.

I think I liked this the best. Wrapping a pillowy soft mantou bun over some sweet and slightly spice chilli crab is genius!

Our third starter was the LANGOUSTINE 'COMME UN DUMPLING'

Leek Fondue | Vin Jaune | Katsuobushi, which was incredibly savoury with the fondue sauce running over the silky smooth skin on the dumpling. The sweet seafood taste of the langoustine inside also worked well with the umami notes from the katsuobushi.

Our fourth starter was the "ba kut teh", or JEJU ABALONE & FOIE GRAS DUO

Shiitake | Pork Broth | Yuzu. The clear pork broth really did feel like an elevated rendition of our bakuteh but the pops of flavour comes from the foie gras and the bouncy abalone. I would never have dreamed of having foie gras swimming in broth. Boundaries, pushed!

Before our main course, we had the SHIMANE AMADAI with Kabu | Yari Ika | Sauce 'Indochine'. The slightly spicy sauce was the perfect foil for the fish, and I particularly enjoyed the crunchy, slightly spiky skin on it.

The main course was their signature KAMPOT PEPPER CRUSTED PIGEON with Topinambour | Black Garlic | Fig Leaf Oil. Despite every other menu item that might change, this was a mainstay for Odette.

There's a message tied to the pigeon (ha) which was actually paragraphs of a story by the chef. We had to piece our paragraphs together to get the picture. TBH the pigeon was alright to me, because at this point we were already very full. And pigeon has never been my top choice for protein. Here it was well-executed and very French.

Paired with a robust red, of course.

They then rolled out a cheese cart, which can be had if we paid for it. But at that point we were absolutely stuffed. So it was a pass. But what a pretty cart!

We had a delicate but super refreshing palette cleanser.

Dessert was the HAZELNU-T-ELLA made with Piedmont Hazelnut Praliné, and it was fabulous. Props to the dessert chef for this delectable creation that played on a familiar flavour of Nutella but elevated it.

And we ended with DOUCEURS comprising of 3 little sweet treats and fruits.

I loved the canele so much. My rosy cheeks makes an appearance after more than 1 glass of wine.

We were all gifted with homemade pineapple jam to take home too, which was such a lovely sweet touch to end the meal.

This was an incredible fine dining experience that will stay in my memory forever. While it was really quite pricey, getting to enjoy this modern European cuisine in the heart of Singapore and not having to fly to Europe means it remains quite a steal since you save on the airfare. What's more, the service really stood out to me. It is so rare to get good service here so when it happens it makes an impression. If you are looking for a special place to celebrate an occasion or person, I would recommend considering Odette.

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Odette

National Gallery, #01-04, Singapore 178957

Tue to Sat 12-1pm, Mon-Sat 6.30pm-8pm (last seating times)

Closed on Sundays

Korean Lunch Review: The House Chungdam at 72 Duxton Rd, #01-01, Singapore 089531

2026-02-01T17:29:00.004+08:00

The House Chungdam, a relatively new Korean restaurant (opened in December 2024) that's been making waves in Tanjong Pagar, invited me to try their weekday lunch sets again late last year. I decided to revisit them since I had such a good experience trying their BBQ set for lunch last time. I was also in the mood for Korean food after watching the latest season of Culinary Class Wars.

Unlike the typical Korean BBQ joints crammed with ceiling-to-table exhaust pipes and dark, greasy interiors, The House Chungdam stands out with its clean, minimalist aesthetic courtesy of renowned Korean architect Jenie W. Jung.

The space is bright, airy and surprisingly spacious - occupying two shophouses wide - and the powerful ventilation system means ZERO lingering BBQ smell, which is honestly a game-changer and what made me want to revisit.

Here's their weekday lunch menu. Dishes are grouped into 5 (noodles at the back) categories, and each comes with a starter trio during weekdays, as well as the standard banchan (4 high quality ones). They also have 2 sides (cheese potato joen and cheese kimchi joen).

Prices start from $19 for the lunch set and go up to $39 for the LA Short Ribs with A5 Wagyu.

The trio of starters were so delicious, especially the quail egg and mushrooms skewer! I also liked the tiny joen and japchae to not fill you up but whet your appetite for what's to come.

Here is the complete set, with the 4 banchan dishes as well. Special mention goes to the kimchi, which was really delicious and authentic.

For the mains, we tried 3 between the two of us. First was the Thinly Sliced Brisket Soy Bean Jjigae Bansang (S$25). I learned that "Bansang" most commonly refers to a traditional Korean table setting where a main dish (meat or fish) is served with rice, soup, and various side dishes (banchan) on a single tray. In this case, we have the doenjang stew, which unfortunately was not as good as the other 2. The stew itself was quite nice for me, but my friend did not like the slightly sour taste of the fermented soybean. My main gripe was the brisket, for they were quite bland in itself and several pieces were tough. 2.5/5

In contrast, the Beef Tartare Bibimbab (S$27) did very well. We both loved the sweet marinade on the tender, raw AU MB9+ wagyu slices, which went well with the perfectly tossed short grain rice with bits of veggies. It was healthy and light but filling. 4/5

My personal favourite of the day had to be the Jinju Cold Buckwheat Noodles (S$19), which I actually tried before and would have again and again, especially on a warm day. This was refreshing, umami and well-balanced with notes of vinegar not being too overpowering or light. 4.5/5

The House Chungdam has quickly become one of my favourite Korean spots in Singapore. The service was impeccable - attentive, warm and knowledgeable, with staff who were quick to refill banchan and explain each dish. The lunch sets offer phenomenal value for money, especially considering the location and quality of ingredients. Whether you're looking for a quick weekday lunch or planning a special BBQ dinner, The House Chungdam delivers on all fronts. Highly recommended!

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The House Chungdam

72 Duxton Road, #01-01, Singapore 089531

Lunch: Monday to Sunday, 12:00pm - 3:00pm

Dinner: Monday to Thursday 6:00pm - 10:30pm, Friday to Saturday 6:00pm - 11:00pm

Book on Chope or call +65 8336 2068

Omakase Review: Sushi Masa By Ki-setsu at Cuppage Plaza, 5 Koek Rd, #06-03, Singapore 228796

2026-01-13T23:29:00.010+08:00

I had the utmost pleasure and blessing to be invited to try out Sushi Masa by Ki-setsu on 11 December 2026, and while this blog review is severely delayed, I had posted about the experience on my IG and TikTok in video form, because photos and words hardly do an experience like what I had justice. Regardless, I would still love to note down all the wonderful sushi and dishes I had for dinner (no lunch service), hand-crafted by Chef Masa.

Here's the drinks menu. The omakase menu can be found on their website. Prices start from $230+ for a 16 course omakase, with seafood flown in fresh from Toyosu market daily or directly from Fujiyama.

For starters, 2 small earthy plates and 1 soupy dish was served.

a) Edamame tofu from Yamagata with sea urchin

Tofu had a really unique spongey texture.

b) Eggplant with mushrooms from Osaka

Enjoyed the greenness of the eggplant lightly seasoned with the mushroom.

c) Japanese fishball with ginkgo nuts and seasonal vegetables

Dashi broth was delicious with a hint of yuzu; fish was quite tender but the star was the ginkgo nuts which were tender and not bitter at all. Didn't think the pairing would work but it did.

On to the sushi courses, and boy was there a lot.

1) Longtail grouper, or kuwei, flown directly from Fujiyama

The fish underwent special treatment - they remove the nerves from the fish using special tool of high pressure water and it is aged for 15 days. It is smooth with a distinctive fish, but not fishy tasting.

2) Aburi Kamasi, Japanese barracuda from Mie

Clean tasting, slightly spongey with the aburi lending a hint of smokiness

3) Otoro with egg yolk in wafer with special sauce

Super fatty and oily. I skipped the chilli but the green paste helps to cut through the fat. Very classic presentation, I was told.

4) Baby Golden Squid from Nagoshima

This was super seasonal and not supposed to be still around (only Aug, Sep). Hence it was twice the price of regular one. It was super delicious and bouncy yet tender - best sushi everrrrr.

5) Akami, or lean bluefin tuna from Hokkaido

Quite early on we were treated to this tuna sushi. It tasted very tuna-y but went to the gym so it wasn't fatty. The wasabi in there was quite a hit but it worked well with the stronger tasting fish.

6) Salmon roe from Hokkaido marinated with miso, chrysanthemum and leaves (variation of tang oh). The roe was stuck together with the miso marinate but still popped in my mouth and was great with the snappy greens and the slightly floral chrysanthemum.

7) Scallop with seaweed

It was super meaty and sweet and grilled to perfection in front of our eyes. The sight and smell of charcoal was quite the show.

8) Japanese Spotted Prawn or botan ebi

Sweet but clean tasting despite being so soft. The guts were oven-roasted before it was placed on top, giving it an intense flavour.

10) Skipjack from Nagasaki with maple leaves

It was salty and substantial with the soy sauc, but tasted pretty average. The presentation gets top marks though!

Then some spinach as a palate cleanser, which I appreciated.

11) Nitoro sushi (medium fatty tuna)

It was so good. It melted completely in my mouth.

12) Kohada, Gizzard Shad

Don't really like it, it is a bit too fishy for me.

13) Monkfish liver from Hokkaido

Not my favourite, quite rich and heavy like a foie

The second palate cleanser was the ice plant with seaweed - it worked super well too.

14) Lightly aburi otoro sushi

Fatty, but not as melt in mouth as expected. At this point I think I was too full and did not manage to take a photo of it. It was all starting to become a haze.

15) Uni sushi

However, when the box of gold was brought out, I snapped to attention. A box of this is worth someone's wages in a month, probably.

It was as expected creamy, decadent and not metallic at all because it is so fresh AND of premium quality. You can see how each sliver holds up well instead of melting into the rice.

16) Anago, or sea eel sushi

So soft with a hint of smokey flavour. But by then, I was seriously done. This was a fat one too.

And all 16 sushi has been served, which means it was time for the closing act.

d) Asari clam miso soup

Clean and comforting. Unfortunately out of 3 asari clams i still got sand in one! It only happens to me... but that's why I generally don't like clams.

e) Tamago castella cake

This was pretty normal and customary after all the omakase. Quite interesting from a cultural but not necessarily culinary perspective.

f) "My Heart" grapes

Available only for two weeks from the Yamanashi Prefecture developed by the Shimura Grape Laboratory,.. It was not too sweet, seedless with a very succulent skin.

I ended the meal with my belly and heart full. What an experience!

Even though it was pricey, I think the care in selecting the ingredients and making sure they are the absolute freshest and best makes this omakase potentially worth the treat.

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Sushi Masa by Ki-setsu
Cuppage Plaza, 5 Koek Rd, #06-03, Singapore 228796

Tuesdays to Saturdays 7pm to 10pm

Closed on Sundays and Mondays

Reservation

Restaurant Review: Meimei Bali Southeast Asian BBQ at 87 Jln Pantai Batu Bolong, Canggu Bali 80361

2025-12-29T20:19:00.003+08:00

I have done some quick research before coming to Canggu, Bali this time round because the last time I was here was 1.5 years ago and I know a lot of new places have opened up (and old ones have shut). Meimei was on my radar to check out as the 1-year old sister restaurant of another popular restaurant Yuki so I made a booking on Xmas eve this year. Going in, the place was buzzy, dark but well-ventilated despite the gigantic open kitchen on the right side where the BBQ action was happening.

I had to wait a tiny bit for my table so I sat at the bar and got a cocktail. I like the Asian twist on cocktails, even if all the alcohol's been pre-made.

I got the Tomat dry martini (170k IDR) made with gin, tomato & bell pepper brine, vermouth. It was the right call because it was refreshing with a hint of tomato tartness to whet my appetite for dinner. It wasn't too sweet or syrupy.

Here's the ala carte menu. If you are here as a pair you get to try the Chef's Menu but since I am solo, ala carte it is. Actually the floor manager was so friendly and he made all the best dishes recommendations so I didn't feel like I was missing out. Prices were also decent for a lot of the raw seafood.

I first started with the handpicked Papaun crab "opor" on toast (IDR 85k) which was probably my favourite dish of the night. The crab flavour was so delicate from the spices used and was perfect on the toast. 5/5

Next was another stellar recommendation, the squid with tamarind butter sate skewer (IDR 85k). It was the right size and the chilli oil mixed with the slightly acidic tamarind butter mixed with the juicy and soft squid was a great combination. Who knew squid could taste so good?? 5/5

Next was the Beef carpaccio kilawin baka, shallot, chilli, citrus, puff tendon (IDR 170k) which was the weakest of the lot I think. Should have skipped it and gone for another skewer, maybe. Nothing offensive, just a bit too tart with the citrus that the natural beef flavour was covered up. 3/5

For my mains, I was glad the Filet "line caught fish", Jimbaran butter, sambal matah (IDR 300k) was suggested. I think it is a red snapper. Regardless, the thin layer of sambal matah sauce below went so well with the clean taste of the super fresh fish. It wasn't overwhelming either despite being very similar to the sambal stingray combi we have in Singapore. There was just enough. The star of the show was the fresh fish with that gorgeous charred skin that showed off the skill of the chefs. 5/5

I was quite full mostly due to the fish, but still decided to order a dessert. It was Xmas eve after all! I had their sticky ginger pudding, tamarind caramel with vanilla ice cream (IDR 100k) which was a bestseller. To be honest, it was not as indulgent as I'd imagine because they have used ginger and the tamarind was a bit too sour in the caramel. The vanilla ice cream was the best quality though, you could see all the vanilla bean bits. 3/5

I also got to try their mango sorbet with passion fruit, coconut yogurt & mint (IDR 95k) with compliments from the chef and I have to say, this actually beats the sticky ginger pudding. It was tropical, it was rich and refreshing and the perfect ending to a great meal. I really appreciate the freebie! 5/5

Overall there were more hits than misses at meimei and I left feeling satisfied. It wasn't just the food either - the service was warm and friendly without overly selling. The phrase that comes to mind is "just the right touch". The spices were not overpowering, the salt was measured and the warmth was like a hug from a friend. I would recommend the restaurant and would love to try their organic chicken next time with more friends!

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Meimei | Southeast Asian Barbeque
87 Jln. Pantai Batu Bolong, Canggu, Bali 80361
Daily 5pm to 2am
Reserve on Google

BKK Restaurant Review: Aunglo by Yangrak in Silom, Bangkok

2025-12-28T15:44:00.004+08:00

I have heard many good things about Aunglo by Yangrak, which is a Thai-fusion izakaya known for cooking over a traditional charcoal grill ("aunglo"). They are also recognised by the Michelin Bib Gourmand. So when I was in Bangkok for a month in March 2025, I took the opportunity to reserve a seat to try out their skewers and rice bowls. And I got a counter seat on the second floor of the restaurant and saw the action first hand! However, there was no smokey smell that clung on to me after leaving, so props to the team for ventilating it well.

The place is located in a quiet part of the neighbourhood and looks minimal and modern. Their Bib Gourmand sign is proudly displayed out front.

I started with a craft beer (price unsure). Feels like the right type of beverage to go with all the grilled items!

First up was this highly recommended Coconut pancake & grilled shrimp with Southern style curry sauce (190 Baht) and I can see and taste why. It was an explosion of flavours from the slightly spicy curry to the sweetness of the shrimp on top of a fragrant biscuit made of coconut. The tiny pulps of pomelo on top gave it a surprising note of freshness as well. 4/5

I also had the Grilled pork belly with chilli and salt (75 baht), which took a while to arrive but was worth the wait. The fatty pork belly was melt-in-mouth juicy with just the right amount of smokiness. 4/5

One of my favourites of the night was the Yum Som-O, or Pomelo Salad (195 Baht). This was fresh, spicy, shrimpy and tangy, which was a great way to whet one's appetite for more! I really appreciated the blend of flavours. 4.5/5

The main for the night was the Moo Ping Rice Bowl (209 Baht) with grilled pork, egg yolk and chilli oil. By this point I was honestly quite full (as you can see in the background I barely touched the beer!) But I still managed to enjoy the soft, tender grilled pork that was made silky smooth with the egg yolk, mixed with the jasmine rice below. This was extremely satisfying just on its own, even though it could get a bit plain with the large amount of rice underneath it all. 4/5

Ended the evening with some sort of panna cotta dessert with a type of seed (poppy? pumpkin?) and a sweet caramel sauce which I think was not just caramel. Regardless, this was also a fantastic way to end the meal even though it was not as special as the grilled meat. 3.5/5

Overall I enjoyed my dinner at Aunglo by Yangrak. Every dish was made with care and it shows. I can see where there's a hype around it. However, I would also say that nothing is extremely differentiated, so temper your expectations somewhat. It is just that the level of excellence in BKK is higher and this place just sits above it. Would recommend since bookings are not that difficult to secure just 2 weeks before.

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Aunglo by Yangrak

174/4-6 Decho Road, Suriya Wong, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand

Monday to Sundays 11:30am to 2:30pm; 5pm to 10pm

Closed on Tuesdays

Reserve on Tablecheck

Kaya Toast Review: Dong Sheng Cafe at Blk 163 Ang Mo Kio Ave 4, #01-414, Singapore 560163

2025-12-16T16:50:00.001+08:00

Dong Sheng Cafe is a Nanyang-style cafe that opened late last year near me. I of course had to check them out since I am a big fan of Nanyang cuisine, especially their dirty kopi and kaya toast! However, Dong Sheng Cafe does get quite crowded at the weekends and it is a small space, so I held off visiting until one Monday (15 Dec 2025) where it was less crowded.

The cafe has savoury mains like laksa and nasi lemak as well as noodles. Since this was my lunch, I decided to go for a laksa with a dirty iced kopi (S$3.90 ala carte, $2.30 add on), and ordered the kaya toast ala carte after that. The dirty iced kopi was thick, rich and quite fragrant. The froth does actually make it taste better than regular iced kopi, but one cannot hold the cup normally (I ended up rotating the saucer below). 4/5

The laksa (S$6.80) was nothing to write home about. The bits of hum (cockles) were quite disturbing for me because I don't really like their taste, but their presence enhanced the broth, which tasted quite thin. 2.5/5

The main item was the kaya toast. They were probably the best I have ever tried in Singapore. I say this because the toast is nicely toasted, but the star was the Hainanese kaya made with 100% palm sugar. This gave the kaya jam an incredible coconutty fragrance and taste which differentiated it from everyone else. 4.5/5

Here's the menu for the ala carte dishes when I visited in May 2026. I found that just ordering the normal iced kopi (top up 0.70c) with the set was good enough. The mains like nasi lemak and mani cai noodles were on another menu not shown!

Overall I would return for the kaya toast, iced kopi and maybe eggs (the set). For mains, I have yet to try their other offerings which might do better than the laksa. Regardless, my tip for you if you're interested to go check it out is to visit on a weekday!

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Dong Sheng Cafe
Blk 163, AMK Ave 4, #01-414, Singapore 560163
7am to 5pm daily (walk-in only)

Pasta Review: Scarpetta at 47 Amoy St, Singapore 069873

2025-12-12T12:09:00.004+08:00

When Scarpetta, a new pasta bar on Amoy St opened up early this year in Feb 2025, it attracted snaking long queues. I had seen the raving posts on social media and had bookmarked it, but the long queues were such a turn off that I convinced myself I should wait until the hype dies. In Singapore, it is quite common for queues to form and die in a month or two. So I finally managed to set a date to visit it for Wednesday lunch with my buddy Steph, who suggested we meet at 1pm. I thought surely the queue would have dissipated and we will have no trouble getting in. Wrong. The place was packed at 1.10pm and a sign said next seating at 1.45pm. So i walked in and left my name for 2 pax on the waitlist (very important! don't just queue, leave your name and come back when it is time). I was waiting outside and saw they changed the board to "see you at 6pm!" at 1.30pm. Luckily I came just a bit earlier!

The place is a typical tiny rectangular shophouse that has an open kitchen concept and bar chairs surrounding it as well as tables at the side. Despite all the cooking, we did not walk out smelling like food, which is kudos to the ventilation system, even though it wasn't very cool inside with the AC. The vibes were pretty good, in fact.

We sat at the bar counter and was treated to all the cooking, tossing and toasting action from the well-oiled team. Pasta takes very little time to cook, so it is perfect that they can cook, toss, serve immediately without the dish sitting under a lamp for a bit.

Here's the menu, which I noticed had changed slightly from previous versions on Google. I guess they kept on refining it. There was also uni and crab toasts specials which were not on the menu. One of the USPs of Scarpetta was their pricing. Pastas were not ridiculously priced - they were fair and $22 or under for 4 of the 6 pastas. They also have schiacciata toasts. Apparently if you are finishing your pasta they will give you free schiacciata bread to mop up the sauce (the menu explains that the act of mopping up sauce with bread is termed "la scarpetta", which is their namesake).

We originally wanted to get the Charred Bone Marrow Toast, but they were out of that and the Burrata. So we got the Broccolini (S$18) as a starter instead. This was interesting because of the slightly spicy nduja sauce which also was tangy. That made the veggy (cooked perfectly) really appetising and crunchy with the garlic crumbs! 4/5

On to the main event, the pastas. I had been eyeing the Cacio E Pepe with crispy guanciale (S$22) ever since it launched, since it is SO DIFFICULT to find good ones in Singapore or even outside of Italy. I had high expectations and they were met. The pecorino cheese sauce was properly emulsified so you can see the glossy shine of that mixed with the starchy pasta water (no cream, no oil, no butter!) and not too salty. The crispy guanciale bits were so satisfying with the pop of saltiness. If I to nitpick, I'll say the pepper could be more aromatic and the pecorino a bit more pungent but that's a personal preference thing. For a dish with just 5 ingredients - pasta water, thick spaghetti pasta called pici (perfectly al dente), pepper, pecorino cheese and guanciale (pork cheese), it shone. 5/5

We also got the All' Assassina (S$19) which was super simple. Slightly charred or burnt spaghetti in tomato sauce and a bit of chilli. This was actually the more flavourful pasta due to the stronger tomato base which was tart and rich (they used Italian tomatoes, for sure). I liked the texture of the burnt parts and the pasta was served piping hot. The portion was just right (if you have it with sides) too. 5/5

We ended off with the Tiramisu (S$11), which was well-priced and very tasty because the first bite was a cacophony of textures and flavours. Alcoholic was the first thing that comes to mind, but then the creamy mascarpone and the fine cacao bits gave that textural backdrop. I appreciated the use of the nibs for a bit of grittiness - most tiramisus come with a fine dusting of cocoa powder so this stood out. 4/5

If you have the time, Scarpetta is worth checking out for their pastas. The bustling restaurant filled with patrons even till now is evidence of their good food and pricing strategy. I will actually try to go back again to try other pastas and maybe the toasts!

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Scarpetta

47 Amoy St, Singapore 069873

Tuesdays to Saturdays 11.30am-2.30pm, 6pm-10.30pm or later

Closed on Sundays and Mondays

Walk-ins only

BKK Michelin 1-Star Restaurant Review: MIA Bangkok

2025-11-19T16:11:00.008+08:00

I had been eyeing MIA Bangkok while I was in Bangkok for a month since I had the luxury of time to scout out and dine at Michelin restaurants without breaking the bank, and decided to try MIA out. Housed in a charming two-storey blue house, this 1-Michelin Star restaurant is the brainchild of chef-duo Pongcharn "Top" Russell (Thai-British) and Michelle Goh (Malaysian pastry chef). Both have impressive pedigrees - having worked at Jason Atherton's Pollen in Singapore and other Michelin-starred establishments - and it shows in their modern European cuisine infused with Asian soul.

The restaurant earned its first Michelin star in the 2024 Guide and retained it in 2025, and I could not wait to see what the fuss was all about over lunch.

The decor inside was very Millennial chic with the lush green plants and pink suede.

I had the lunch set at 2550++ baht, which was insanely good value for 3 snacks, bread, 1 starter, 1 main course and 1 dessert. I did not take up the wine pairing at 1950++ baht because I needed to make it out of the restaurant after.

Here's the wine by the glass list, which was priced decently I guess.

The meal started with a presentation of the ingredients that will be used in the snacks and starter, like in Sorn. What a visual feast!

Duck Liver Parfait | Apple Compote | Cocoa Nibs

The experience started with a bite of rich duck liver that contrasted with the fresh apple compote with cocoa nibs adding a textural element.

Taramasalata Cigar | Chives | Tobiko

I especially enjoyed this taramasalata cigar with the fish roe encapsulated in the crunchy shell. These bites were so fun to experience!

Lemongrass Prawn Taco | Tomato Jelly | Black Quinoa

The lemongrass prawn taco also shone for how complete it was as a starter while looking exquisite.

Sourdough Brioche | Shallot Butter | Onion Ash

But the star of the lunch had to be the homemade bread with shallot butter and onion ash. This was SO GOOD, I had to ask for seconds.

Can you see how fluffy it was? When I broke it up, steam rose gently and wafted up to my nose. The smell was incredible.

The shallot butter was also a savoury creamy hug for the fluffy bread.

This was my SECOND bread. I know, I should have held back, but I figured this was most likely a once in a lifetime thing so, worry about carbs and being full.. never. The server was also really encouraging and friendly with it.

The starter was the Andaman Sea Crab | Ajo Blanco | Grapes

This was a symphony of the sea with the freshness of the grapes harmonising with the sweetness of the crab. And everything was such a joy to look at.

At this point I couldn't help but order a glass of white wine to go with the meal.

Grilled Ocean Trout | "Tartare Sauce" | Garden Peas

The main course was the ocean trout, and TBH this was the most basic of the set. It was simply a normal trout. The sauce was really moreish though - it was slightly creamy, a bit tangy and went superbly with the fish. But nothing overall to exclaim about.

Mia's Cereal Bowl | Malted Milk Chocolate | Corn

Unlike the finishing dish, the dessert, which was inspired by a cereal bowl. It really tasted like when you have cereal and the milk ends up tasting sweeter with the cereal flavour. Super creative while harking back to comfort. I think that was the angle of all the dishes.

There's also a complimentary petit.. one? Which was a nice surprise after the dessert. I had enjoyed this lunch.

The decor was noteworthy with this neon sign in the toilet.

Level one was the bar area, which was in a very pleasing dark shade of green.

I think MIA Bangkok is worth a visit for lunch because they provide the perfect non-stuffy but fine dining experience at great value, service and experience. I would actually return to this if I have the chance to again (and get to have the bread!)

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MIA Bangkok

30 Attha Kawi 1 Alley, Khlong Tan, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110, Thailand

Tuesdays to Fridays 5-11pm, Sat and Sundays 12-2pm, 5-11pm

Closed on Mondays

Reserve on sevenrooms

Cafe Review: National Gallery's KOPI 1930 and Twenty Eight Cafe opens

2025-11-02T19:20:00.001+08:00

Good news! National Gallery visitors now have two new options for food with the opening of KOPI 1930 and Twenty Eight cafe on 1 November 2025! They are situated right at Level 1 of the main gallery building (City Hall wing) and open daily from 8am to 7pm. The two establishments are sister-cafes offering Asian and Western food respectively, which is great because foreigners and locals alike have a choice or can sample from both easily. And after going for their food tasting, I am confident to say that both cafes are putting out really authentic and delicious dishes that are iconic in their own ways.

The cafe is L-shaped and there's plenty of seats surrounding both sides. It feels very airy and open because there are no walls or doors, it is just a section of the gallery when you walk in past the gift shop.

Photo credit: Kopi1930 and Twenty Eight Cafe

Here are the menus for KOPI1930. From what I understand, the OG branches of both cafes are at Wilkie Road and the outlets at National Gallery are new. That's great. Here's is the menu for Kopi 1930, with some National Gallery exclusives!

We had the chance to sample 3 Kopi 1930 mains as well as their bestselling butter cake, kaya toast and signature UFO bun. I started with the Mee Siam (S$10.90, $13.60 with a drink) and was immediately impressed by the flavour. It was NOT SWEET. In fact, it was pleasantly tangy and that refreshing flavour paired with the gentle spices made the dish super moreish and easy to eat. I could down the entire plate for lunch easily! It also came with generous ingredients - a WHOLE egg, and two big prawns (deshelled!). This was really authentic tasting of the old-school mee siam I remember. 5/5

The next dish was the Mee Reebus (S$10.90, $13.60 with a drink). This was definitely sweeter and had a peanutty flavour. The thick rich broth was cut through with the green chillis and fried shallots. I enjoyed this quite a lot too, even though I preferred the mee siam. 4/5

The Chicken Rendang Nasi Lemak (S$13.90, $16.60 with a drink) is one of their top sellers, and I can immediately see and taste why. While the rice itself was pretty generic, the chicken rendang was soft and incredibly well-spiced with layers of flavour just coating the chicken drumstick. That sauce is necessary to get the rest of the rice and peanuts with ikan bilis and sambal chilli going. I only wished the rice was more fragrant. 3.5/5

We also tried an assortment of sweet treats, including the super thick Signature Butter Cake (S$5/pc) which was so buttery and indulgent. It also tasted extremely nostalgic and reminded me of home, or someone's grandma's cooking 5/5.

The Signature "Min Jiang Kueh" UFO bun (S$3.50 for plain) was termed as such because there's butter, sugar, and crushed peanuts sandwiched between two fluffy buns with a layer of peanut butter. It was an interesting concept, but I felt like the bun was a bit too thick and dense to work with the dry ingredients inside! 3/5

I liked their Homemade Kaya Toast and Butter on white bread (S$2.80), though I wish the kaya was less sweet and more fragrant. The toast and butter was perfectly done though. 3/5

I've definitely had better elsewhere, but this was a decent rendition. My Yuan Yang Iced drink was average as well, though the ice melted quite quickly and diluted the taste. 3/5

Now on to the Twenty Eight Cafe side! Here's their menu.

We had three mains and a dessert as well, starting with the Avocado Smash (S$20) on top of some sourdough bread with tomato salsa and garlic. The lemon vinaigrette really helped cut through the creaminess of the avocado and I appreciate the crunch and freshness from the pomegranate seeds and pine nuts. However, a tiny gripe was the two poached eggs burst into super watery? yolk when cut into, which was less ideal. However, we gave feedback and was confident that the team will be able to rectify it easily. 3.5/5

The Seafood Cioppino with Sourdough (S$26) was pricey, but that's only because it came with generous amounts of mussels, clams and prawns in a rich laksa broth that wasn't too spicy or thick. It went perfectly with the seafood and the sourdough was the perfect carb foil to soak all the juices up. I could not stop eating this! 4/5

We also had the Club Sandwich (S$20) comes with paprika chicken breast, cheddar cheese, egg, baby spinach, tomatoes, roasted sesame mayo sandwiched in 3 layers of pullman bread, and a side of delicious golden fries. I was bursting by this time, so I only had a small taste. It was good, but not fantastic. I think this is merely a matter of preference, but if there's other exciting things on the menu like laksa mussels or avocado toast, I'm going to opt for that. 3/5

Lastly, we had the aignature Kaya Heritage Souffle Pancake (S$20, 20 mins wait). This was the best dish of the tasting, hands down. The incredibly fluffy souffle pancake was paired with kaya by Kopi 1930, coconut cream, butter and coconut flakes and a side of toasted bread biscuit. It was so fluffy, so light, but the coconut fragrance and the cream helped to give it a Nanyang flavour. A must try! 5/5

Overall, I think the food at Kopi 1930 and Twenty Eight cafe did not disappoint. Even though there were some small misses, most of their dishes were executed well and retains their authenticity and flavours. And I think it is high time that our local kaya toast, coffee and dishes like nasi lemak gets to shine. I would recommend these cafes, especially for the mee siam and souffle pancake!

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KOPI 1930 and Twenty Eight Cafe
National Gallery Singapore 178957

Open daily from 8am to 7pm

Walk-ins welcome

Thanks to the National Gallery and Cafe team for the invite!

Gadget Review: Is the new LUMOS Tablet Pro worth it?

2025-10-30T14:12:00.001+08:00

Believe it or not but I am actually reviewing this by typing on the keyboard that comes with the LUMOS Tablet Pro and using the tablet as the device to connect to the blog site. I've just spent a week plus reviewing and testing out the LUMOS Tablet Pro and I have to say that I am quite impressed with what it can do vs how much it costs (S$249).

So I was sent the tablet comes with the bundle (+SGD79). First impressions was the 10.1" tablet itself was really light at just 490g. Which is important when one is using it to watch shows or pack it to go for travel. I think I've had meals that were heavier than 490g...

After unboxing and installing all the apps and figuring out where everything goes, my conclusion is that this is an ALL ROUNDER. It comes with 18GB of RAM so it is lightning quick, and runs on Android 15 so it is compatible with all the apps. (I have a ChromeOS Lenovo tablet and it is so laggy I don't use it anymore). There's also a generous 128 GB of storage AND comes with two SIM card slots so this device can also run on mobile internet, not WIFI. That in itself is a game changer.

this is the actual speed of me launching MS Powerpoint

Since the LUMOS Tablet Pro is only 10.1", all Microsoft Apps also can be installed on it for free, such as PowerPoint or Word. That is also very important, because you can work on the go on the tablet to do traditional desktop tasks like editing slides, text (or even type a full blog review like I am here) or editing photos (because you can connect a mouse!). I also installed WPS Office, which can be used to open Office and PDF files. And the battery life can last 8 hours, so a plane ride to/from Japan will be no problem.

This is a photo of the review that I did on the tablet. How very meta.

I installed primarily social media, reading, AV media and work apps. Yes, not much of a gamer. I prefer to read or watch shows/movies!

Screenshot of the home screen with all the productivity apps

The tablet is also in Full HD resolution of 1920 x 1200 px with a 60 Hz refresh rate. Shows downloaded look great and even when I am viewing stuff on Pinterest or Instagram on it there is no pixelation. A tiny gripe is that on the YouTube (Premium) app, I can only go up to 720p quality for some videos but videos were perfectly hi-res (up to 2160p!) on the mobile YouTube site. Another aspect which I think could be improved is the sound quality from the speakers - I think in making it so light, they had to sacrifice something. Like I said, this is an all-rounder. As a pure entertainment machine, it will not hit all the marks.

The bundle is definitely more of an entry-level set up for basic usage if someone do not have all the accessories on hand. I like that the keyboard is rechargeable by USB-C and featherlight, but I have ordered some "feet" to prop it up so it is more comfortable to type on. The mouse needs 2 AAA batteries to work (not included) but I have my own mice, so I can use those. The case is probably the MVP in the bundle since it protects the tablet and acts as a stand. I wonder if they can sell just that because I feel like the other accessories can be gotten elsewhere, or paired with existing ones. The idea of pairing a keyboard, mouse and stylus to turn the tablet into a laptop so easily though is brilliant.

TLDR; the pros and cons in case you are considering:

Cons:

- Less than full sound from speakers

Pros:

- Ultra lightweight with long battery life for portability

- Super fast and responsive, no lag

- Microsoft Office compatibility

- Dual sim card slots for mobile connectivity

- Clear and high resolution screen

- Top tier specs for a low price of just $249 (with 1 year warranty included!)

As you can see, the pros outweighed the cons, where I am really just nitpicking. I just wanted to be 100% honest and transparent about what I felt. But for the price, the LUMOS Tablet Pro far exceeded my expectations for something you can game, work, watch and read stuff on. In fact, I think this might even take over my Kindle on trip and I can insert a local 4G sim card and stay connected so I don't have to keep asking for WIFI.

All in all, if you are looking for an all-rounded premium tablet, I would recommend you consider the LUMOS Tablet Pro from the trusted brand that brought you those incredible projectors (all super good value and durable!).

The tablet comes with a wall charger with the USB-A hole and a USB-A to USB-C cable and SIM tray ejector (handy!).

Thanks to LUMOS for sending me this bundle for review! All opinions and thoughts are 100% my own.

Food Review: The Populus Cafe celebrates 10th Anniversary with Throwback Specials

2025-10-27T17:34:00.136+08:00

Time flies. But when you are in F&B in Singapore, 10 years is quite an achievement. The Populus Cafe at 146 Neil Road has managed to keep the lights on and the food good. through thick and thin, which says something about the quality of the food and their service. I had the pleasure to be invited to try their latest limited edition Wagyu Beef Rendang Donburi, which apparently was one of their first menu items! They will be progressively rolling out other fan favourites from their archives, but the Beef Rendang bowl was fantastic, as is with the other 3 mains I tried.

Like I said, the Heirloom Rendang Wagyu Beef Donburi (S$26++) was fabulous. The wagyu beef did not require much chewing - it was that tender. The spices coating the beef was so flavoursome it went really well with the rice. And the homemade achar tasted so homely and that hit of acidity and crunch really balanced out the dish, which was brought together with the runny egg. This is available only for limited time so go try it as soon as you can! 5/5

My friend picked the Seafood Linguine (S$29), which despite the high price, was actually worth it for the portion size (SUPER generous) and ingredients used. 4 plump and juicy scallops (cooked perfectly) surrounds the linguine, which is topped by fresh crab meat (super fresh and no shells!) and tobiko. The linguine was braised with homemade lobster bisque and you can actually TASTE the umami sweetness from the lobster. Definitely an indulgence worth the calories! 5/5

We also saw the girls at the next table having the Mushroom & Truffle Carbonara (S$24) and it looked and smelled amazing, so we decided to order the same. Since The Populus is halal-certified, the "bacon" in this dish is turkey. Which works because it was not too salty or overpowering. The cream sauce was also smooth but not overwhelmingly creamy or gelat. That allowed the mushroom flavours, including truffle, to really come through, with a burst of additional creaminess from the runny egg. We really enjoyed this dish. 5/5

I thought since we are 3 people who go to the gym, let's have more protein so I also got the Halibut with Leek (S$28) which comes with braised leek with turkey bacon on super soft roasted Atlantic halibut (tastes like a healthier cod fish). The creamy garlic and dill sauce mixed with the chunky potato mash was divine. However, in terms of flavour, this is definitely a bit more muted compared to the other 3, but I would come back for this more regularly because it is healthier. 4.5/5

We also had their new Matcha Creme (S$8.50?) where the creamy matcha layer is poured on top of cold brew coffee. The best of both worlds!

I had their Yuri Matcha Latte (S$6.50) which came with award-winning barista latte art. The poodle was so intricately drawn! It tasted great as well - it was not grassy at all - the milk blended smoothly and the discernible matcha was rich, earthy and fragrant.

Here's their menu as of 2025 November in case you are wondering! Their signature item is the Populus Scramble, and their Spring Pancake & Fried Chicken.

Overall, The Populus deserves all the hype and continued popularity for the past 10 years because they have consistently served up good quality food that reflected the tastes of the time. I'm glad they brought back the Wagyu Beef Rendang bowl, but I am also glad to try other mainstays that were equally delicious. I would highly recommend this place if you are looking for halal cafe food that is modern yet satisfying.

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The Populus
149 Neil Road, Singapore 088879
Open daily 9am to 6.30pm (until 9.30pm for Fri and Sat)
Reservations on Chope

Thanks to The Populus for the invite!

Gadget Review: UGREEN MagFlow Qi2 25W Magnetic Powerbank

2025-09-28T19:44:00.009+08:00

iPhone 16-17 users rejoice! There's now a 25W Qi2 Magsafe powerbank by UGREEN to fast charge your iPhone without using a wire. I've always liked UGREEN gadgets. Their wires, chargers and accessories are a grade above the usual, which is why I was pleased when I was sent the latest UGREEN MagFlow Qi2 25W magnetic powerbank (retailing at $61.92 SGD on Shopee) to try out.

After 3 weeks of reviewing it when I came back from Greece, I have to say I am suitably impressed with the build quality and effectiveness in charging my devices (Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, Buds3 Pro and Apple Airpods Pro 2). Not to mention the colour and sleek design!

Source: UGREEN

Even though I had a wireless pad for my earbuds (I strangely dislike plugging wires into them), the powerbank charges the earbuds without issue. You can see it in action here, hehe.

But of course, the main purpose is to charge the newer Apple/Android smartphones - be it the latest iPhone 17 or 16 as well as the Pixel 10 line. According to the press release,

"It can charge the iPhone 16 Pro Max to approximately 50% in about 30 minutes. The product has a built-in USB-C cable that supports 30W two-way fast charging and can also be used as a portable lanyard. Coupled with UGREEN's SmartCharge intelligent charging technology, it can simultaneously power three devices. Additionally, the product offers a strong, stable magnetic attachment, real-time power display, and features 13 layers of safety protection, including temperature control."

Source: UGREEN

Actually for me, the most important factor in buying a power bank is SAFETY. Goodness knows how many power banks have gone up in flames that airlines are extra careful about them, even making sure they are within line of sight on flights. That's because unsafe power banks are like bombs. And since I charge my devices and power banks beside my bed (and head), that is one risk I am not willing to take for something cheaper. When I use the power bank, my device and the power bank get slightly warm but not overheated.

The power bank came with a bit of charge out of the box, but charges up quickly to 100% with my USB-C super fast charging 35W wall plug and wire.

I like that the lanyard also doubles as a wire because sometimes it is more efficient to charge with built-in wire when i just leave it in the bag or on the table. Goodness knows how many wires I bought overseas because I have a powerbank but NO WIRE.

This UGREEN powerbank is not the slimmest I have seen, but I always have doubts about those tiny magnetic power banks that claim to be 10,000mAh. I verified this one against my Samsung's 4855mAh and it could charge my phone from empty to full at lease once. Not charge it twice over from zero to 100% though, because ICYMI and according to Google, "A 10,000mAh power bank has an actual usable capacity of approximately 6,000 to 7,000mAh, which is about 60-70% of its advertised rating. This is due to energy losses from voltage conversion and charging inefficiencies within the power bank and the device being charged."

Overall, I've been very satisfied with the UGREEN MagFlow Qi2 25W 10,000mAh magnetic power bank (buy on Shopee) And my recommendations when it comes to tech has to be something I use and like, so even though this was sent to me for review, I have given my honest thoughts.

Here's the TLDR - it's to me quite an obvious choice.

Pros ✅

High safety assurance from a trusted and established brand

Super fast wireless and wired charging for newer phones

Strong magnetic suction

No overheating

Built in USB-C cable and lanyard

Sleek design and colour

Cons ❌

Thicker and heavier than normal wired 10,000mAh power banks

Slightly pricier than normal

Thanks to UGREEN for sending me the device for review!

Lunch review: SHOU Handmade Dim Sum Restaurant at KADA Maxwell, #01-02/03, Singapore 069183

2025-09-26T15:59:00.004+08:00

I was invited to try out the signature lunch menu at SHOU, a handmade dim sum restaurant at the new-ish KADA building beside Maxwell food centre. I was intrigued because the dim sum disparity in Singapore is huge - you have the local cheap and cheerful 126 alley types vs the super premium hotel types and nothing much in between except maybe Tim Ho Wan. Dim sum for lunch in the CBD is also another rarity since dim sum typically takes quite a long time to serve and eat and is hence reserved for the weekends/PH. I was thus pleasantly surprised by the Signature Lunch Set at SHOU.

For just $21.90++, there is a 10-hour simmered broth chicken pao fan (great for those with shellfish allergies!). It also comes with 3 steamed and 3 fried dim sum items and a cup of premium Yunnan Pu 'Er tea from 100-year-old tea trees. The value alone is incredible - but of course, how did it taste?

The restaurant itself is nice and minimal - it turns into a Japanese izakaya by night, hence the bar. But the rest of the restaurant, while somewhat non-air conditioned, was cooling and well ventilated.

Here's the simple dim sum and food menu. Prices look really decent to me for this economy, in this location.

I really love the dessert offerings and the fact that drinks include dim sum beverages like Hong Kong milk tea, coffee and pu'er (choice of 100 or 200 year old).

The chicken pao fan was delicious. One bowl was enough for sharing between two (we got another noodle dish on top of the set's). The broth was rich, comforting and full of umami that can only come from hours on the stove, not MSG. Amongst the dim sum, my favourites were the steamed siew mai and har gao. They tasted handmade - and that is the point of dim sum to me! None of that factory mass production stuff. The pan-fried beancurd skin shrimp roll was yummy too. 4/5

I'm still thinking of the Deep-fried pork belly noodles, mild spicy ($10.50) which we got to share as well. The noodles were perfectly al dente, not alkaline, and goes well with the incredibly fatty pork belly that melted in our mouths. 4.5/5

Outside of the set lunch, we also tried their House special savoury shrimp dumplings mild spicy (5 pcs for $5.80) which was the right mix of sour and spicy. 4.5/5

There was also the Pan-fried radish cake (5 pcs for $5.50) which is yet another dim sum favourite. Here it was executed really well with the exterior crispy while the interior remained moist and flavourful. Takes skill! 4.5/5

Lastly, not pictured, but as part of the set the Honey Osmanthus Wolfberry Jelly was also superb. I was so full by then but the jelly disappeared in a flash in front of me, and unless magic was involved, I was the culprit! It was the perfect light and sweet palate cleanser for the meal.

I would highly recommend checking out SHOU, as it surpassed my every expectation. The CP ratio is super high and the food was delicious. The only downside to be prepared for is the massive food coma after lunch. But there are tonnes of coffee places nearby so you will be fine!

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SHOU Handmade Dim Sum

KADA Maxwell, #01-02, Singapore 069183

11am to 2.30pm daily, walk-ins welcome

Thanks to SHOU for the invite!

Food Review: POCHA! Korean Street Dining at JEM #03-05/06, Singapore 608549

2025-08-01T11:05:00.087+08:00

I love the idea of Korean food, like all Singaporeans influenced by the K-wave soft power. However, I find Korean food to actually be quite similar after a while, even in Korea, as a lot of their food relies on the sweet/spicy sauce. However, I was intrigued when popular Korean street food restaurant POCHA! invited me to try the menu featuring food from all parts of Korea, not just Seoul, in July in JEM. This menu style might no longer be available, but the dishes will remain largely intact I think!

We started with some Sundubu Jiggae (S$15.90) which was warm, comforting and came with plenty of ingredients including an entire block of soft tofu. Nothing mind-blowing, but decent. It was a great way to warm us up for what's to come! 3.5/5

The Jjajangmyeon ($13.90) was a bit strange though. The thick black sauce DID NOT taste like normal jjajang sauce. Instead it was quite watery and had a strong peanut taste. While the noodles were nice and bouncy, I was quite disturbed by the sauce. 2/5

The Daejeon Seafood Kalguksu ($16.90) was a bit bland, not gonna lie, after the prior dishes. It felt like something someone would order if they are looking for a super light dish to soothe the stomach. However, all the seafood inside were pretty fresh and you could taste the seafood flavour in the soup. Noodles were pretty average. 3/5

One of my favourite was surprisingly this Stir-Fried Octopus ($14.90) which was spicy (not overbearing) and slightly sweet. The strong fllavoured sauce and soft onions went perfectly with the bouncy baby octopi. 4.5/5

I also really enjoyed this Stir-Fried Chicken With Cheese ($13.90) which was my friend's favourite. The cheese was melty on the hot plate, and the chicken chunks were tender and coated with a similar spicy sweet sauce. 4/5

We also tried the Busan Gukbap ($20.90) which was the most expensive dish on the menu. It came hot and bubbling on the stone pot - did not look like much, but we could all taste the 12 hours that were put into simmering the pork belly! The generous chunks of soft pork belly had a distinctive porky taste - not gamey, but some people might not be a fan. For me, that was fine. I liked this dish quite a bit! 4/5

Lastly we had the Rose Tteokbokki ($12.90) which was also very satisfying because there were pork belly slices mixed in and the sauce was balanced between creamy and spicy. 4/5

We ended the meal with a refreshing yuzu sorbet ($3.90) - there was only 1 portion by the time we got to it, so their food does run out!

The restaurant had a bit of a queue at around 7pm on a weekday, indicating its popularity.

I appreciate that POCHA! is bringing craveable Korean street food to Singapore at wallet-friendly prices. While a few of their dishes were misses, the general vibe and quality of their stir-fried dishes and stews are there. I would still recommend them as a place to go if you have Korean food craving and do not want to spend too much!

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POCHA! Korean Street Food Dining

50 Jurong Gateway Rd, #03-05/06 Moon Moon Food (JEM), Singapore 608549

Open daily from 11.30am to 10pm

Website to contact/book or see menu

Thanks to POCHA! for the invite!

Buffet review: Flavours of the Lion City SG60 Buffet at Edge, L3 Pan Pacific Singapore 039595

2025-07-31T11:36:00.004+08:00

I love local food. But it is tough to get to the best of Singapore's local food, which includes everything from chilli crab to roti prata without spending a lot of time traversing the island. Which is why when the Pan Pacific team invited me to their "Flavours of the Lion City" buffet at the Edge restaurant that is available from now until 9 August , I immediately said yes. I think Singaporeans show their love to the country by indulging in its food - I know I do! And this buffet is also a great way for foreigners and tourists to sample the best of what Singapore had to offer (except chicken rice, maybe. That one is easy enough to find.)

The buffet's also affordably priced if you think about what you're getting and considering the price of food nowadays. It is easily $60 for a meal with one glass of wine at a restaurant and there is no unlimited portions of ANYTHING.

Weekday Dinner View Full Menu

10 July to 9 August 2025, Monday to Thursday 6:00pm to 10:00pm

SGD98++ per adult | SGD49++ per child

Weekend Dinner View Full Menu

10 July to 9 August 2025, Friday to Sunday 6:00pm to 10:00pm

SGD118++ per adult | SGD59++ per child

This buffet also comes with free flow local drinks stall with 2 options on rotation per night. I love the concept of the old school container and there was Soya Cincau and Syrup Bandung when I visited. The other options are Teh O Iced Limau (Ice Lemon Tea) and Syrup Limau - classics as well!

What's outstanding in this buffet is the Salted Baked Crab, which was novel and kind of ingenious. The crabs are baked in a giant wok of salt, which draws out the sweet crab flavour without making any mess since the thick shells protect what's inside from being salted and there's no sticky gooey sauce on the crab, leaving one to choose to have it plain or to dip it in sauce.

There's chilli crab sauce and mantous provided. The sauce was quite to my liking - it was slightly sweet but not overpoweringly so and had a bit of a spicy kick, but again moderated.

The salt bake method really made peeling and eating the crabs so much easier!

I could also taste the pure flavour of the crab without any sauces. And the shell came off easily, which is a sign of freshness! Towards the end of the evening, there were no more crabs, so if you are coming for this buffet be sure to get here before 8pm, I'd say! Savvy buffet goers will come at 6pm when it starts.

Other than the salt baked crab, there's also lots of other normal buffet options like roasted meat.

As well as Boston lobsters, oysters, clams and prawns.. all super fresh and chilling on ice.

So I started with some sashimi, oyster and the Boston lobster with some nam prik sauce (Thai green chilli). There was also a live mushroom tempura frying station for fresh tempura.

The Edge is also famous for their Signature Laksa, which is also available for their local high tea at the Pacific Emporium downstairs. The laksa is so freakin' delicious and I don't say it lightly - I would know since my parents used to sell laksa and I've eaten my fair share. Here, the laksa broth is thick and full of spice but it is not fiery such that you cannot taste or enjoy it. The thick beehoon mixed with yellow noodles is my go-to combination, though you can ask the server to make it any way you want. It comes with some tau pok, a quail egg, fish cake and peeled local Vannamei prawn. It is a big bowl that was going to take up precious stomach space, but I finished it.

There's also a Peking duck station where you can make Peking Duck rolls with the skin provided.

Other local classics were also fried or made fresh on the spot, including this Wok-fried Hokkien Prawn Noodle in Opah Leaf (from the betel nut palm). This rendition is not too wet and has a generous seafood aroma and crispy lard bits which paired well with the chilli. My friend pointed out that every local dish has its own specialty chilli (as it is with our local food - we are quite peculiar that way), which is a nice attention to detail.

I also tried the Giant Cast Iron Pan Fried Oyster Omelette which was paired with another type of chilli, a more sour and lighter version. It was also very delicious and fresh since it was fried moments ago!

I also tried the Braised Kong Bak with Lotus Leaf Bun, where the pork belly was melt-in-my-mouth tender. This is one of my comfort foods, I think.

We also saw other local delights but unfortunately lacked the stomach space to try, such as the Teochew Style Steamed Local Farm Hybrid Grouper, Poached Local Farm Xia Pai Chai with Egg White Crab Meat Sauce and Pork Lard Mix Rice with Crispy Pork Lard. We had to save space for the dessert station, and for this buffet there's the Durian Pie Tee, which saw super rich durian puree poured into pie tee shells. The same puree was in the durian pengat, which was so sinfully good. We were also very surprised by how good the Signature Durian Pandan cake was - it tasted light and fluffy despite the strong durian aroma.

All in all, I felt super grateful that I got to try this Flavours of the Lion City buffet that is specially curated for Singapore's 60th birthday. It was a good reminder of how good our local food is given we're still such a young country. I could not recommend this enough as well. The weekend version has slightly more premium seafood but both versions are worth it. Go before 9 August!

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Edge

Level 3, Pan Pacific Singapore, 7 Raffles Boulevard, Singapore

Mondays to Thurs 6pm to 10pm, Fri to Sun 6pm to 10pm

Reserve on Tablecheck ($100 credit card authorisation hold required)

Thank you Pan Pacific Singapore for inviting me!

Bubble Tea Intel: No. 17 Tea opens at Esso East Coast Singapore

2025-07-31T10:54:00.002+08:00

One of my favourite bubble tea brands, No. 17 Tea, has opened at Esso petrol station at East Coast Road recently. I was invited to the opening day. It is on the right corner of the petrol kiosk when you walk in the main entrance.

I got the chance to try the kiosk-outlet exclusive Croffle (S$3.50) that is made fresh on the spot. It was sweet, flaky on the outside and fluffy on the inside. A superb snack!

I tried their Lychee Oolong with Aloe Vera that day and it was super refreshing for the swelteringly hot day. If you bring the reusable cup, you will also get 17% off your drink!

Here's the bubble tea menu. Tap on it to view it in a larger size.

Also note that if you are studying around the area, there's a student special for $2.50 Pearl Milk Tea if you flash your student pass!

Food review: Curry Rice Stand 'SAGE' by Yasunori Doi at #01-36 150 Orchard Rd, Orchard Plaza, Singapore 238841

2025-07-28T18:44:00.006+08:00

My close friend, who is a fan of Japanese curry like me, told me about this mysterious place called Curry Rice Stand 'SAGE' that serves up Japanese curry rice for lunch and turns into a one-man exquisite Japanese fine dining place, SAGE by Yasunori Doi, by night. Of course I was intrigued. I was undeterred by the fact that we might not get to eat it if we don't show up right before opening time at noon to grab seats, and back then was only open Tues to Thurs. I got there with said friend and another friend right after some hunting. Turns out, the place faces out to an open foyer of sorts at Orchard Plaza and is right opposite the famous Bistro Du Le Pin with a long queue for lunch as well. I almost thought that was the Curry Rice Stand queue. Whew! Once sat, I can see why we needed to be there early - and why dinner is by reservations only. There was only 8 counter seats and I think 2 more table seats!

In any case, reading their latest Instagram update, as of 21 June 2025 the curry rice stand is open from 12pm to 1.30pm on Saturdays and Sundays only and requires a reservation for their Lunch Short Course (S$60++). The other curry rice items should still be available for walk-in but there is only 10 portions daily. When we visited in May, there was also no Wagyu Steak Set (S$35) which is available now. We did try everything else though!

The Chef's Whimsical Special Curry and Rice (S$20) turned out to be a combination of beef and chicken, which worked out for my friend. She also added the marinated vegetable of the day (S$3) which is no longer available. I tried it and the curry was divine with the pearly Japanese short grain rice. The pieces of meat were tender. It is also impossible to eat less rice than the portioned amount (there's free top up of rice, though!). The curry was velvety smooth and infused deep with umami flavour. 5/5

My other friend got the Lobster Bisque Curry and Rice (S$20) which really was like having a super rich lobster bisque masquerading as curry. This is every seafood lover's dream. Of course for the price you cannot expect there to be lobster meat in the curry but the essence is every bit there. I think the chunks you see were beef. This was the heaviest curry of the lot - I think if you are new here, go for the other 3 types of curry. 5/5

I got the Red Wine Wagyu Curry & Rice (S$23), which I topped up $3 for grilled cheese. The torched mozzarella was a good touch to add a bit of creaminess to the heavy red wine curry sauce that is perfumed with chunks of melt-in-mouth wagyu. The combination of the slightly astringent red wine with the intense spices of the curry mixed with stretchy cheese and rice created a party in my mouth! 5/5

We also got a crab cream croquette (S$8, no long available on menu) to try and this was also executed perfectly to achieve that balance between the creamy potato and the crab. 5/5

Lastly, we also got a wagyu beef potato croquette (S$8) and again it was perfection in a patty. 5/5

Writing this is making me miss the curry rice! It is also very rare for me to give 5 out of 5 for EVERY. SINGLE. DISH. That's how mind-blowingly good it was for me. I highly recommend you to check this out if dinner at SAGE is a bit outside of your price range because lunch is a good deal for the quality. Props to Chef Yasunori as well for doing this and I hope to get to eat it again soon!

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Curry Rice Stand 'SAGE'

#01-36 150 Orchard Rd, Orchard Plaza, Singapore 238841

Saturdays and Sundays 12pm to 1.30pm (10 portions available per day)

Reserve in advance for the Lunch Set at this link

Italian Food Review: Thirty9 at 39 Duxton Hill, Singapore 089617

2025-07-28T17:59:00.002+08:00

I've been wanting to visit Thirty9, an Italian restaurant in the cosy Duxton Hill enclave that is right next door to Latteria Mozzarella Bar, for a while now after hearing my friend rave about the baked red snapper. So I finally made it there on a random weekday catch up with a girl friend! The place was quite empty at 7.30pm on a weekday. It's evident that F&B restaurants in the Duxton Rd/Hill area are struggling somewhat. Nonetheless, it was nice and quiet, which suits us perfectly.

No food smell despite being near the kitchen window. The AC was not very strong though.

Here is the menu, which contains a lot of mouthwatering options. However, I am trying to reduce carbs, so no pasta. Prices are typical of restaurants in the area.

They even have pizza, which I also did not try. Sigh, why are all the yummy things in life made with wheat.

Me and my friend decided to get some white wine, and have a prawn salad to share first. The Finocchi and Gamberi (S$18 for small, $24 for large) was made with mixed mesclun salad, generous amounts of fennel, avocado, orange slices, dill, red prawns and lemon dressing. It was the perfect tart and refreshing salad to whet our appetites. 3.5/5

We were really there for the red snapper casserole. Initially they told us they had sold out of the red snapper. But after some fridge digging, we were told that they have another fish available that can be prepared the same way. The Whole red snapper casserole (for two, 25 minutes wait, S$68) uses seasonal seafood, spicy tomato sauce and is covered with crusted pizza dough.

There were generous amounts of clams, squid and spices. The tomato sauce was light, tangy and not too spicy at all, which makes it the perfect sauce for the white fish. The fish was fresh and meaty, which made us incredibly stuffed! 4/5

I am quite satisfied with the meal at Thirty9 despite just have 2 dishes, and the service was affable too. The only downside was that me and my friend were not big eaters! I would like to try out the pasta, pizza and other Italian dishes next time.

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Thirty9

39 Duxton Hill, Singapore 089617

Mondays to Saturdays 12-2.30pm, 6-10.30pm

Closed on Sundays

Reservations call 6717 3939 or visit thirty9.sg

Bubble Tea Intel: Cha Mulan 茶木兰 TCM bubble tea menu

2025-07-28T15:36:00.005+08:00

Have you heard of TCM bubble tea? Probably not, but it was inevitable I think (and quite genius), since tea originates from China. I recently discovered Cha Mulan 茶木兰 at AMK Central and decided to buy a cup of the Radiant White Peach Oolong tea after being offered a sample by a super friendly shop staff. Their menu is pretty small but contains quality peach gum, goji berries and snow fungus. Other than the "collagen tea" they also offer Korean Fruit Vinegar teas.

Here's the tiny shop. Plus there's a buy 3 get 1 free promo, but I did not get it because I was worried it will not keep well in the fridge. Turns out I need not worry because non-milk versions can be kept!

I think giving out samples is a good idea because they are a new brand. And each sample had a bit of the peach gum, and the guy said it was 50% sugar.

I opted for a 25% sugar Radiant tea. It was not the lowest priced at $5.90, but there are at least healthy toppings inside! And it came in a lovely insulated bag and reusable cup with lid. Pretty good packaging!

Here are their outlets. This is a non-sponsored or invited post! Check them out if you are curious.

📍Jewel Changi B2 (1 Aug)
📍Suntec B1 (Oct)
📍703 AMK Central
📍Chinatown Complex
📍Bukit Merah ABC
📍84 Marine Parade
📍Bedok 216

Tonkatsu Review: Tonshou at 51 Tras St, Singapore 078990

2025-07-11T13:00:00.000+08:00

Tonshou, the world's first charcoal-grilled pork cutlet restaurant from Korea, has been on my radar since they opened late December 2024 and I was so glad I finally went with a friend recently for our long overdue meet up. The small shophouse restaurant was in the Tanjong Pagar area and had limited seating, which is why I had avoided it when they first opened because you cannot make any reservations. Instead, you have to join the virtual queue and turn up within 7 minutes when your number is called. I did exactly that and the long snaking queues were gone so me and my friend only waited for about 20 minutes to be seated after arriving at 7pm.

Tonshou is a popular charcoal grilled tonkatsu place from Busan and their Singapore outlet is the first international outlet, which is a big deal. My expectations were quite high because they are a specialty tonkatsu restaurant, meaning they only do one thing, and that thing should be good.

I think the counter seats make people eat more quickly - it is definitely not a chit chat and linger opposite each other at regular tables type of place but more of a eat side by side, enjoy the food, then leave.

Here are some pages of their menu. Prices are also decent, starting from $28 for the Hire Katsu (recommended). All sets come with corn soup, free flow rice and cold green tea.

The cold corn soup was refreshing and light, which whetted my appetite for the set which was quickly served upon ordering. They have a very efficient team behind the counter!

Apparently, Tonshou uses a unique four-stage cooking process using low heat, high heat, resting and charcoal grilling. My friend had the Hokkaido Kurobuta Rosu Katsu Set (S$32), which I tried a piece of. It was fatty, juicy and meaty with the distinctive Kurobuta taste. I really enjoyed that but I wonder if I would be able to finish everything if I had this by myself. 4/5

Instead, I got the recommended Hire Katsu Set ($28) which features these coined sized pieces of clean-tasting pork that is purposely pink in the middle. Yes, they even had a sign to tell you this is on purpose and it is safe to consume. I believe them too - a restaurant like Tonshou stakes their reputation on preparing the pork exactly the way it should be done. Every bite was so good I did not even finish half the rice! The clean tasting tender pork with the perfectly crispy exterior was delicious. I struggled towards the end to finish the last two pieces but managed. I was stuffed, but in a good way. 4.5/5

Overall it was a great experience trying out the Korean tonkatsu at Tonshou. It was delicious and value-for-money and the queue wasn't too long. Would recommend!

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Tonshou
51 Tras St, Singapore 078990
Daily 11am to 9.30pm
Join the virtual queue at this link