Long-time café hoppers would have been familiar with The Bravery – a Muslim-owned brunch café which has been around since 2013 at Horne Road in the Jalan Besar area.

Following their lease expiry, the café has found a new home at Amoy Street, a short walk from Telok Ayer or Tanjong Pagar MRT stations.

It is a stone’s throw from familiar F&B neighbours along the same stretch of road like LUNA, Dumpling Darlings, Chengdu Restaurant and Chi Chi Dining.

The new space is a drastic change from its rustic predecessor.

Now it is a two-storied shop house with first floor featuring its modern chic coffee bar, with its second level washed with clean pretty pastel-coloured interior and retaining some of its iconic hanging lights feature.

They use a coffee blend of beans from Allpress Espresso which boasts slight fruity acidity and chocolatey tones, followed by a smooth aftertaste.

The coffee is available in 6oz and 8oz Black ($4.50/$5), White ($5.50/$6), and Mocha ($6/$6.50).

Also making a comeback is their signature Lavender Latte ($6/$6.50), scented with faint gentle lavender concoction together with a shot of espresso.

For those who prefer something floral, this may be worth your shot.

From the brunch menu, they serve hearty options like Wholesome Breakfast ($23), Nova Cheese Toast ($14), Smoked Duck Aglio Olio ($14) and Rosemary Chicken Breast ($14).

I had the Pancake Stacks ($14) which came with fluffy stacks of pancakes decorated with mixed berries, berry compote, cream cheese and maple syrup.

The texture of the pancakes was also on point – moist and balanced and I could easily finish most of it without feeling jelak (overwhelmingly rich).

I also managed to takeaway some of their petite-sized Hazelnut Brownies which appealed to my taste buds.

It was chocolatey and fudgy, yet not cloyingly sweet which I could easily finish a few at a go.

Only to regret the calorie count later. Welcome back, The Bravery!

The Bravery
50 Amoy Street, Singapore 069876
Opening Hours: 8am – 9pm (Tues – Sun), Closed Mon

Other Related Entries
LUNA (Amoy Street)
Baker’s Bench Bakery (Bt Pasoh)
Korio (Far East Square)
Nylon Coffee Roasters (Everton Park)
The Food Peeps (Maxwell House)

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

Coffee lovers who once stayed or studied in Melbourne should be familiar with Proud Mary Coffee Roasters and Café, one of the Australia’s best known coffee brands. (Miss the days with just a cuppa watching people walk past at Oxford Street.)

Now the good news: You can have a taste of Proud Mary’s coffee at the new cafe and dine out bar – Ballad of Anna May. Love the interesting name and ‘personality’ by the way.

Don’t rush to head down yet, as the café officially opens on 5th February, Friday.

Ballad of Anna May is located at 42 Craig Road near Tanjong Pagar MRT Station, of walking distance from Shake Shack Neil Road and Bearded Bella.

It is the first coffee specialty shop in Singapore to bring in Proud Mary beans.

Anyway, it is Anna May, not Anna Shay. lol

They are a coffee bar attached to a gentlemen’s barber parlour, Hounds of the Baskervilles.

Some background of Proud Mary: the coffee brand is founded by Nolan Hirte is a specialty coffee roaster, café, coffee educator and retailer based in Melbourne, Australia and Portland, Oregon USA.

They are focused on sustainable sourcing, recognised as a pioneer of the specialty coffee industry in Australia.

(Photo credit: Ballad of Anna May Facebook)

Specialty drinks on the menu include the Flat White ($5.50), Cappuccino ($5.50), Mocha ($6.50) and Orange Cold Brew ($7.50).

This cold brew is brewed using the Ghost Rider beans by Proud Mary, which has won 5 medals at the Golden Bean awards, including 3 Gold medals back to back.

Get the option with orange peel, which complements the red grape and stewed apricot notes of the beans.

Refreshing for Singapore’s tropical climate.

Food wise, you can expect savoury toasties The First Born ($13) which is Beef Pastrami Toastie, Dangerous To Know You ($13) included with different types of cheeses, and Across To Singapore ($13) of a classic tuna melt.

Recommended is the The Flame of Love ($13) included with Nutella, cheddar, and banana, which harkens back to one of the co-founder’s childhood, being something that he loved eating growing up in New Zealand.

Looking forward to the good coffee and hearty food from this Friday onwards.

Ballad of Anna May Coffee & Dine Out Bar
42 Craig Road Singapore 089680
Opening Hours: 7:30 am – 4pm (Mon – Sun)
Launch Day: Friday, 5th February 2021

Other Related Entries
Bearded Bella (Tanjong Pagar)
Monument Lifestyle (Duxton Road)
Nesuto (Tras Street)
Lunar Coffee Brewers (Downtown Gallery)
Nylon Coffee Roasters (Everton Park)

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

The stretch of shophouses along Tanjong Pagar Road is where K-food lovers head to satisfy their Korean BBQ cravings. And the one restaurant that is always popular with long queue is O.BBa BBQ (at 63 Tanjong Pagar Road).

Only walk-ins are allowed with no reservation, which means that some customers do come slightly before the restaurant’s opening hour to better secure a seat.

HOWEVER, not many people know O.BBa BBQ has expanded with another outlet, a few shops away at Unit 59.

This branch is a two-in-one concept – with both BBQ and Jjajang offerings in a single restaurant.

Just a few minutes’ walk away from Tanjong Pagar MRT Station, this is is O.BBa’s 4th outlet (The other two are O.BBa Jjajang at 77 Tanjong Pagar and O.BBa Jjajang & BBQ at 19 Cheong Chin Nam Road).

If you are hankering for Korean fare, here is a place where you can enjoy both barbecue and Korean-Chinese cuisine in the likes of Jajangmyeon, Jjamppong and Tangsuyuk at the same time.

Its cosy interior is decked with a row of booth seats, ideal for small group dining. The soju bottles-lined wall and neon lights herald fun dining vibes as you celebrate over BBQ, noodles, and of course, soju or a cold bottle of Hite beer.

The menu is quite extensive, including even Japchae and Japchae Rice ($19), Shrimp Fried Rice ($15), Gunmandu ($12 for 8 pcs), Garlic Chicken ($35), Kkanpunggi ($38, $48, $58), Budae Jjigae aka Army Stew ($40), Kimchi Pancake ($22), Ginseng Chicken Soup ($19), Jokbal or Pig Trotters ($48) and Bossam ($39).

If you are divided at what to choose from, get the BBQ set A, B, or C because it is really value-for-the-money.

BBQ Set A ($89) is beef-focused with GgokSal (prime beef), DeungSim (sirloin) and USamGeup (thinly sliced beef short plate); Set B ($79) has GgokSal, SamGyupSal (pork belly) and DaePaeSamGyupSal (thin-sliced pork belly); while Set C includes SamGyupSal, DaePaeSamGyupSal, and HangJungSal (pork jowl). (Pictured above is Set B.)

The sets good for 2 to 3 pax to share include a choice of noodles, rice, or stew such as Jajangmyeon, Kimchi Stew or Sundubu Jjigae, AND a steamed egg for free.

Also O.BBa is generous with its Korean banchan or sides like kimchi, mashed potatoes, long beans, cucumber and many more – wide selection plus a few surprises here and there. Here’s more:

BBQ GgokSal, USDA Prime Beef (180g) ($43 ala carte, or part of BBQ Set A or B)
Make your BBQ night extra special with an order of this premium beef. Double the usual size, an order gives you a plate of 180g of meat for your grilling pleasure.

It’s #JMT (Jon-Mat-Taeng) ‘존맛탱’.

See how fresh the meat slices are, but more so, taste how soft and savoury they become after a few seconds on the grill. The marbling results in a succulent piece of USDA Prime Beef.

The slanted metal griddle takes care of the fats as it drips down after flavouring your beef.

Grill together with garlic, onions, mushrooms, or whatever you fancy.

An option for eating is to place grilled beef on a fresh lettuce with some ssamjang (condiment made with seasoned mixture of chili paste and soy bean paste), and roll up to make ssam (wrap) and eat in one mouthful.

SamGyupSal, Sliced Pork Belly (90g) ($22 for ala carte, part of BBQ Set B or C)
Try the wildly popular SamGyupSal, almost synonymous to some as Korean BBQ. pork belly.

With an optimal grilling temperature and optimal thickness of 3cm, you can taste that extra bite, tenderness and robust flavour compared to ordinary pork.

Better yet, let the O.BBa’s staff grill them for you to the right degree of doneness.

Take a piece of grilled pork belly, dip it in gireum-jang (sauce made with fragrant sesame oil, salt and black pepper), then pop into your mouth in one go.

DaePaeSamGyupSal, thin-sliced pork belly (10 pcs) ($19 for ala carte, part of BBQ Set B or C)
SamGyupSal (or “three layer flesh”) comes in many varieties, but DaePae is simply unmarinated and unseasoned thin slices of pork belly.

Machine sliced for optimal thinness, the pork belly is served without skin and comes in 10 pieces.

The striations of lean meat and fat make it ideal for grilling, as the fat melts and stimulates the pork taste.

Complement the plain meat with garlic, onions, green chili peppers, mushroom and even kimchi grilled over fat trickling from the pork belly.

Sundubu Jjigae ($13 ala carte or free with BBQ set)
As part of the BBQ set, you can pick a free item from the options of Jajangmyeong, Jjamppong, Fried Rice, Kimchi Stew, Miso Stew, or Sundubu Jjiagae.

I would recommend having the Sundubu Jjigae, prepared completely in-house using the head chef’s secret recipe (no off the shelf sauces). The ingredients are also freshly prepared daily for the day’s order.

The stock used to make the soup base was flavourful, as it uses quite a variety of seafood from prawns to squid.

I found the bowl chock full of ingredients; base rich and robust, just mildly spicy, with that alluring seafood sweetness.

The following Korean-Chinese cuisine items are also available at O.BBa Jjajang.

Jajangmyeon ($13, $14 with fried egg)
Known for its distinct black-coloured sauce, this Jjajangmyeon is made of yellow handmade noodles that are smooth, chewy and springy.

It is served with diced pork, vegetables, and topped with chujang, thick black bean sauce made from roasted soy beans and caramelised onions.

I think O.BBa Jjajang serves one of the best Jajangmyeon in Singapore. The sauce has a starchy texture but not too grainy and a slightly sweet-earthy taste.

If you like saucy dishes, the generous sauce-to-noodle ratio makes this a treat. But it is best to mix the noodles and sauce and eat right away as the noodles tend to stick together if left there for a while.

GoChu Jajangmyeon ($14)
Have a taste of Jajangmyeon’s sassy spicy sibling, GoChu Jajangmyeon. Providing heat to this dish is the essential Korean chilli powder aka gochugaru, made with ground sun-dried chili peppers.

Though not in the high altitude range of spice meters, the gochugaru adds a pleasant medium heat and a slightly smoky flavour.

Slices of fresh red and green chilies are added alongside the gochugaru topping. Its vibrant colours pop out from the blanket of black chujang sauce over the handmade noodles.

Jjamppong ($16, $18 with beef)
This spicy seafood Chinese-style noodle dish features a chockful of ingredients, from the freshest veggies to a miscellany of seafood. Includes shrimps, mussels, clams, and squid.

You will notice a smoky flavour, which comes from the wok-fried cooking technique in high heat. In swift motion, the flames quickly touch the tossed stir-fried veggies and seafood.

Cooked in a fiery pork-based broth (though not the numbing kind) with wok-hei.

Be mindful of the serving size – this bowl is huge. Large enough for sharing actually.

There is a Chadol Jjamppong ($18) version which includes chadol or beef brisket; or Budae Jjamppong ($16) which has army stew elements.

Kkanpunyuk ($30)
New in O.BBa’s menu is Kkanpunyuk, a deep-fried pork dish in a hot pepper sauce. Because of its fried and spicy flavours, it is ideal as anju or bar chow.

It is made with bite-sized pieces pork, combined with sliced lotus root, and diced red and green chili peppers.

My favourite part was the crunchy and mildly sweet lotus root which adds a slightly nutty flavour to the dish and a pleasant texture.

Tangsuyuk ($28, $38, $49)
Tangsuyuk is another beloved Korean-Chinese dish, much like the Shandong-original jjajangmyeon. Available in 3 sizes, this dish is ideal as an appetiser for sharing.

Bite-sized cuts of pork are seasoned with pepper and marinated in soy sauce, then tossed in a potato starch batter before deep-frying.

The pork crust turns slightly chewy yet crispy. Served alongside a small pitcher of a delightfully sweet and tangy sauce, a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and even some carrots, onions, and cucumber, and wood ear mushroom.

Before eating, pour sauce generously onto the fried pork and let the meats’ crunchy exterior soak up all the sweet and sour sauce.

Cheese HaeMulPaJeon ($28)
The traditional Korean pancake haemul pajeon made from a batter of mixed seafood and spring onions takes on a cheesy spin.

Served topped with melted mozzarella cheese, the crisp-on-the edge soft-centred pancake turns pizza-like as you get that satisfying cheese pull on each slice.

O.BBa BBQ & Jjajang
59 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088484
Opening Hours: 4:30pm – 2am Last Order 1am (Mon, Wed – Sun), Closed Tues

O.BBa BBQ
63 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088484
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 3pm, 5pm – 11:30pm (Mon, Wed – Sun), Closed Tues

O.BBa Jjajang
77 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088498
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 4pm, 5pm – 11pm (Mon, Wed – Sun), Closed Tues

O.BBa Jjajang & BBQ
19 Cheong Chin Nam Road, Singapore 599743
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 3pm, 5pm – 11pm (Mon, Wed – Sun), Closed Tues

* This entry is brought to you in partnership with O.BBa BBQ & Jjajang

Tanjong Pagar is known for a food paradise with many cafes and Korean eateries all located in the same area.

Located at the second floor of Tanjong Pagar Plaza (directly opposite 100AM Mall) in one ulu corner, you would find Equate Coffee – the newest kid on the block.

Here at Equate Coffee, they focus more on artisanal coffee and bakes on their menu.

Their interior is definitely eye-catching with many elements in play: a huge grey wall made from raw, unfinished concrete materials at the entrance.

There is also that sleek, industrial-themed long bench and flooring, with futuristic-looking golden coffee bar counter on the other end.

This brings back memories of the latest cafe interior trends in Korea, with the ingenious use of raw materials to create a space of immersive experience.

There is also a strong logo branding with the four signs of mathematical operations (plus, minus, multiply, divide) from the floor to the coffee pitcher, paper cups, dine-in cups and disposable paper on trays.

Strangely, this reminds me of % Arabica.

Using a 2-beans-blend from Brazil and Sumatra roasted in Malaysia for their espresso-based drinks, the usual suspects such as Black ($4.50), White ($5) and Mocha ($5.50) are available.

Diners can also choose to add-on Iced (+$1), Oat/ Soy Milk (+$1), Espresso Shot (+$0.50) and Upsize from 6oz to 8oz (+$0.50).

My cup of Tall White ($5.50) had a smooth medium body with a darker roast, chocolatey and nutty tone in the tasting notes.

For the serious coffee drinkers, single origin from Brazil ($7) with dark cocoa and roasted nuts and Ethiopia ($8) with peach and tea are used for their filtered coffee using V60.

For the non-coffee drinkers, there are options such as Chocolate ($5), Green Tea ($5.50), Fruit Punch ($5.50), Ginger Lemon Tea ($5.50) and Earl Grey Tea ($5.50) on the menu.

2 permanent cakes are on display, freshly baked in house: Canele ($4) and Mount Ondeh ($7) and rotating items such as Earl Grey Cake ($4).

My favourite was the Earl Grey Cake ($4) with a soft, fluffy and moist texture with lemon icing sugar drizzled on it for additional sweetness.

There was a subtle tea fragrance that was not overwhelming, which complemented well with their coffee.

The Mount Ondeh ($7) was essentially an Ondeh Ondeh Cake shaped like a mountain and thus the name.

It is made of moist and crumbly pandan sponge cake, topped with desiccated coconut flakes and Gula Melaka drizzle with a cream cheese in the centre.

Overall, there was a good mix of textures with distinctive taste of pandan, though a tad sweet.

The Canele ($4) made from vanilla beans infused with rum, was leaning more towards dense and chewy.

Equate Coffee is a hidden gem with a unique interior that is cosy, yet serving quality artisanal coffee and bakes for a perfect afternoon tea.

Equate Coffee
1 Tanjong Pagar Plaza, #02-25, Singapore 082001
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 5:30pm (Mon – Fri), 8am – 3pm (Sat), Closed Sun

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

There is that “Shake Shack” effect. When some years ago, burgers in Singapore would generally mean fast food or gourmet restaurants, and few in between.

Fast-casual burger specialty restaurants such as Omakase Burger were few and far beween back then, but we have seen the likes of Five Guys, 8ASH, The Corner Grill, BurgerLabo, The Goodburger, and Zipp Burger And Pasta getting a slice of the pie. And the profile (and prices) of burgers have gone up.

Enter Carne Burger at Amoy Street with a glorious backing.

It is conceptualised by Mauro Colagreco of 3-star Michelin Mirazur. He is the Italian-Argentine chef who is ranked 1st in the world according to the ranking World 50 Best Restaurants 2019. The brand is in collaboration with the Il Lido Group.

Accordingly, he has perfected the ideal burger made from premium quality ingredients – 100% grass-fed meat from Argentina, 100% organic vegetables, and cage-free eggs.

There was no way I escaped Instagram scrolling last week without seeing someone gushing over it, and so I visited.

The restaurant had the usual upbeat music, lively vibes and open kitchen concept – kind of reminded me of a more stylish and less noisy Five Guys. Opps.

You order at the counter, take a beeping device, and wait say about 10 to 15 minutes.

However, the restaurant was not as packed as I would have expected from all the publicity it has received. Would price point be that factor?

On its menu are the Classic Burger ($19.50), Complete Burger ($28), Junior Cheeseburger ($13), Grilled Beef and Mushroom Burger ($24) and Veggie Burger ($16). Wait, $28?

Those exclusive to the Singapore market for now are the Beef and Chimichurri Burger ($24) and Crispy Chicken Burger ($18).

The recommended Classic Burger ($19.50) included natural grass-fed beef, local oak lettuce, organic tomato, organic red onion in a butter bun.

Reading the ingredients list already made me feel this would be more environmentally-conscious and perhaps healthy.

The moment of truth. I first noted how soggy the burger was, so consuming would almost definitely be a messy affair.

It was a densely packed, moderately succulent patty, though it didn’t blow me in the World’s-Number-1-restaurant kind of way.

There was something about the burger buns which I didn’t feel gel very well with the rest of the components.

The Crispy Chicken Burger ($18) probably had the crunchiest batter I had of late. I wondered a little if it was over-fried, as the poussin chicken thigh meat ended up on the dry side.

So much so that I wished there was more of that organic greek yogurt dressing.

The Triple cooked Agria Fries – steamed, fried (low-temperature), then deep-fried again, were thick-cut and wedges-like.

These would please those who love to taste the softness of real potatoes.

Despite reading of all the wonderful reviews about those fries, I then wondered if it was consistency issue as my batch could be much more crisp on the exterior.

Overall, a not bad experience, though I was expecting to be blown away. Not yet.

Carne Burger
88 Amoy Street Singapore 069907
Opening Hours: 8am – 11pm, Last Order 10:45pm (Mon – Sun

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

From Taiwan to Singapore, famous Roji Monster Ice Cream 路地 氷の怪物 has finally opened in Tanjong Pagar, providing a late night dessert-supper option. (Also read: 10 Taiwanese Cafes In Singapore)

The brand is known for their “monster-like” shaved ice cream and has outlets worldwide in countries such as US, China, Korea, Canada, Australia, and Malaysia.

Stepping inside, the 32-seater space has a MUJI-like minimalist interior, fully equipped with wood elements and muted colour tones like a Japanese teahouse. Quite zen.

Roji ろじ, refers to an “an alley” in the Japanese language, a place where people can find peace and tranquil amidst the hustle and bustle of city life.

The black sphere-like character, Roji, is the mascot of the shop and can be found here in the decoration, food and drinks, bringing comfort to all diners.

Their menu is short and concise, with their cute, customisable signature Monster Ice Cream ($12.90) available in 4 different flavours: Milk, Uji Matcha, Cocoa and Black Sesame.

Diners can choose to customise their Monster Ice Cream with 2 complimentary toppings (extra toppings +$2.90) among the 23 options there.

What you do is to stamp the respective ink stamps on the order card at the photo wall right at the entrance before proceeding to make the payment.

There are both traditional Japanese and local toppings here such as Rice Dumpling with Red Bean/ Hojicha Jelly/ Matcha Jelly, Salted Cherry Jelly, Honey Osmanthus Jelly, Mini Dorayaki, Iced Gem Biscuits, Cendol, Matcha & Taro Balls and Brown Sugar Tapioca.

The shop uses an ice shaving machine specially imported from Japan to create the thin sheets of ribbon-like ice cream.

100% dairy, no water added, no additives, no artificial flavourings.

Topped with a pair of Roji’s cute eyes made from icing sugar as a finishing touch, the Roji monster is now created.

Unlike the finely-shaved Korean Bingsu and fluffy Japanese Kakigori, this Roji monster has a shape similar to Taiwanese shaved ice, created in thin sheets and layers.

The thing that surprised me most is the texture, in between that of a gelato and soft serve b- eing soft, milky and creamy without any icy kick.

The Uji Matcha Monster Ice Cream ($12.90) was my favourite, light and creamy with lingering scent and aroma of matcha with an earthy and robust flavour.

The rice dumpling (shirotama) with red beans is worth a mention, soft and chewy texture with Azuki red bean that is not overly sweet.

The Black Sesame Monster Ice Cream ($12.90) is also worth a try, with earthy taste of grounded black sesame seeds, slightly on the sweeter side.

Apart from the Monster Ice Cream, Monster Waffle ($10.90) is another dessert available on their menu.

Comes with a waffle shaped like Roji, milk soft serve, matcha cream and chocolate sauce, the waffle was not the type I preferred, being eggy and dense with crispy edges.

You can have it in many ways, drizzling the chocolate sauce on it, dabbing some matcha cream for some uamami-ness or add some soft serve onto it for the icy sensation.

Both hot and cold drinks are available for Matcha Latte (Hot $5.90, Cold $6.90), Hojicha Latte (Hot $5.90, Cold $6.90).

Once again, Roji appears on the drink, created by sprinkling matcha/ Houjicha powder on the layer of milk foam.

While people may think this is just “instagrammable” Roji Monster Ice Cream does score in both the aesthetics and flavours aspects Oishii desu~

Roji Monster Ice Cream
52 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088473
Opening Hours: 2pm – 11pm (Sun – Thurs), 3pm – 12am (Fri – Sat)

Other Related Entries
10 Taiwanese Cafes In Singapore
Tie Fun Wan (Hougang)
Jiak by Jin Feng 金峰 (Ang Mo Kio)
Isshin Machi 一心一町 (East Coast Road)
Eat 3 Bowls 呷三碗車站 (Pasir Panjang)

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

At Orchid Hotel lined with Japanese restaurants such as Keisuke Tonkotsu King, Teppei Japanese Restaurant, Kajiken, Hana Hana, Gyoza King, Menya Sanji, and Ryo Sushi, perhaps you may miss out the only Thai eatery there.

Sukhothai Boat Noodles is a humble-looking, small and narrow shop right smack in the middle, and is easily missable. Even if you work nearby at Tanjong Pagar.

The type of restaurant you walk past all the time but not head in (yet).

It is one of the few Thai eateries around that serves up Sukhothai Noodles.

The rice noodle soup dish is characterised by thin translucent noodles, topped with sliced pork, ground pork, crackling in a sweet-sour red-colour soup base.

You will also spot tiny bowls of Boat Noodles ($2), Tom Yum Noodles with Bouncy Pork ($12), Tom Yum Noodles with Seafood ($15), Creamy Tom Yum Goon with River Prawn ($15), and Rice with Braised Pork or Beef ($15).

You can pick from Rice Noodles, Egg Noodles, Rice Vermicelli, or Sweet Potato Vermicelli for the carb choices.

For nibbles, also available are Moo Ping Skewers – grilled pork ($6) and Chicken Wings ($10) that can be paired with Thai Milk Tea ($3.50).

Feeling like I wanted to have something meaty, I had the Wagyu Beef Noodles ($15) which also came with meatballs, crackling and some kang kong vegetables.

This momentarily brought me back to Bangkok’s Victory Monument for a while, as the broth had rich, robust and strong flavours that was also belly-warming.

Could be a tad salty for certain local diners, but I think they maintained to find a good balance point in trying to maintain authenticity as well (as we cannot use pig’s blood in soups here, which adds that umami-like flavour in boat noodles).

It also has a more ‘commercial’ taste, compared to say eateries at Golden Mile.

I am curious to try out more noodle dishes here, such as the Tom Yum Egg Noodles with Bouncy Pork.

Sukhothai Boat Noodles
Orchid Hotel, 1 Tras Link, #01-07, Singapore 078867
Opening Hours: 12pm – 10pm (Tues – Sun), Closed Mon

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

If you are feelin’ you need a travel to Spain but unfortunately can’t, you can still get a delicioso Spanish cuisine experience at Pura Brasa.

Pura Brasa is a Spanish concept originating from the colourful Barcelona, and this is reflected in its food offerings.

The other special element is that the restaurant brand is created by Josper, the internationally recognised brand of charcoal ovens – which is also used by many Michelin-starred restaurants and celebrity chefs.

This outlet which is the first in Singapore and the brand’s first overseas outpost, is located at Guoco Tower directly above Tanjong Pagar MRT station.

Enjoy Spanish-inspired tapas and mains in this 120-seater modern venue, ideal for small, intimate gatherings with family and friends.

The brand is all about combining top-quality ingredients, modern cooking technologies and a relaxing ambiance.

They offer a variety of cooked-to-order dishes from salads to burgers, fish and meat – all with that distinct grilled flavour. Its varied menu also includes options for vegetarians and veggie lovers.

If you are undecided at what to get, some of its best-selling items include Spanish Omelette ($16), Grilled Mussels ($25), Jamon Iberico ($38), Mediterranean Nachos ($15), Grilled Black Codfish with Mushroom Ragout ($34), Spanish Pork Ribs ($45), Spanish Suckling Pig ($70) to even Wagyu Tomahawk Steak ($18 for 100g).

Best paired with some refreshing Sangria Gls with red or white wine.

Here’s more on Pura Brasa’s NEW and signature dishes:

Squid Ink Paella with Hokkaido Uni ($68)
Spanish dining won’t be complete with Paella. Pura Brasa takes the traditional rice dish and makes it extra indulgent by adding uni (sea urchin) specially flown in from Hokkaido.

The dish begins with a flavourful prawn stock cooked in a casserole. Into it comes the paella base – a mix of plump bomba rice and squid ink.

The paella is grilled in a wood-fired Josper charcoal oven, then topped with tiger prawns, and dollops of fresh uni.

Loaded with Mediterranean flavours, take one mouthful of the plump grains and you get that burst of smoky seafood flavours absorbed within – can be hard to stop once you start.

What you would call a deep-sea-flavour-on-a-plate dish.

Charcoal Seafood Paella by Josper ($36 for small, $55 for big)
This iconic Spanish dish of Charcoal Seafood Paella is topped with Australian mussels and tiger prawns grilled using the signature Josper oven.

The paella base combines bomba rice grains and prawns with aromatics like garlic, onion, red capsicum and seasoned with tomato, and olive oil.

Together, they are added to a flavourful prawn stock to simmer until the rice is cooked, which has good depth of flavours.

Patatas Bravas with Hokkaido Uni ($16)
The traditional Spanish patatas bravas (which means “spicy potatoes”) is transformed as they are served not just as cubes but actually made up of layers of thinly sliced potatoes. While you may not be able to see it from the naked eye, you can feel that difference when you pop one into the mouth.

Deep-fried in olive oil, the blocks’ edges turn crisp and golden.

And instead of the usual spicy sauce, it is elevated with a topping of creamy uni especially air-flown from Hokkaido, for that added indulgence.

Hokkaido Uni Cream Croquette ($10 for 2 pcs)
Savour this one or two-biter croquette, made of potatoes turned into a fluffy mash.

Deep-fried ‘til it forms a crunchy exterior, the croquette (from French croquer, i.e. “to crunch”) is made extra special with a soft filling of Hokkaido-sourced sea urchin.

This gives the soft, creamed potato that bright orange colour, slightly gooey filling, and distinct sea urchin flavour.

Josper-grilled Scallop with Caviar ($36)
Indulge in a luxe seafood tapa with a taste of Josper-grilled scallops. Fresh, plump scallops are seared to a golden-brown finish, cooked with precision to avoid overcooking.

The smoky aroma of grilled scallops is heightened with an exceptional topping of 100% natural, premium Belgian Osietra caviar – known for its pleasant mouthfeel with salty and typical nutty flavour followed by touches of minerals.

The briny flavour of the salt-cured roe adds a delightful hint of ocean flavour.

Served plated with a tangy cream sauce sprinkled with microgreens.

Catalan-style Suquet de Peix ($36)
Suquet de Peix is a traditional Catalan potato-based seafood stew which began as a fisherman meal using leftover catch.

Today, the seafood stew has reached restaurant status using premium ingredients.

Pura Brasa’s rendition makes use of chunks of red snapper, mussels and tiger prawns. Combined together in an aromatic Picada sauce, they form a unique blend of seafood flavours for the stew.

While the ingredients are simple, the traditional Catalan sauce plays a key role here. Made from a blend of toasted nuts, fried bread, garlic and chili powder, the Picada sauce brings out the dish’s distinct taste and aroma.

Grilled Octopus Leg with Potato Truffle Puree ($36)
Complement your food with Grilled Octopus Leg, made with a large and tender octopus leg marinated in olive oil and garlic.

Also grilled over charcoals in the Josper oven, the leg’s outer part turns smoky charred and a bit crispy. Served with a potato truffle puree for added aroma and a dash of smoked paprika powder.

Pura Brasa
5 Wallich Street #01-16, Guoco Tower Singapore 078883
Tel: +65 6386 9678
Opening Hours: 12pm – 11pm (Mon – Sun)
https://www.facebook.com/purabrasa.singapore/
Island-wide delivery: https://purabrasa.oddle.me/en_SG

* This entry is brought to you in partnership with Pura Brasa.

While ramen shops in Singapore are a dime in a dozen, udon eateries are less commonly found.

Let alone Inaniwa Udon.

Most Japanese restaurants in Singapore serve up the Sanuki style of udon characterised by its square shape and flat edges with chewy texture.

Therefore, I was quite curious about Miso Salmon located at Tanjong Pagar which specialises in Inaniwa Udon. It is found along the same stretch as Whole Earth, Teppanyaki Hamburg Nihonbashi Keisuke Bettei, Itaewon Jjajang and Fat Prince.

As the name suggests, the Japanese eatery also focuses on miso soup bases and salmon fish in their noodle bowls.

Nope, you won’t find cha siu, beef, or chicken as toppings.

The good thing about having one signature product is having focus; though Singaporean diners can be more fickle and sometimes prefer variety.

Because there are people who may not like either miso or salmon.

Here’s how it works: for convenience diners can pick one of their specialty bowls, which includes Original Bowl ($15), Spicy Bowl ($15), Sesame Bowl ($15), Garlic Bowl ($15) and Veggie Bowl ($15).

All their food items are inclusive of GST with no additional service charge.

If not, go for the DIY to build their own bowl starting from selection of miso soup flavours, such as fish collagen, truffle, garlic, spicy, and sesame.

The main topping includes salmon, Asari clams, tiger prawns, mussels, Japanese boiled scallops and crayfish meat ($4 – $6 per serving).

Other add-on items are inari, sweet corn, soft egg yolk, broccoli, wakame seaweed, shimeji mushroom, and naruto maki ($1 per serving).

I generally liked their Inaniwa Udon which was long and thin, with a chewy yet silky-smooth texture.

Also, the noodles were easy on the throat and do not feel that filling overall.

For those going for a low-calorie diet, the good news is there is the option of Shirataki noodles (sometimes called miracle noodles or konjac noodles) which fills up your tummy yet make you feel satisfied longer and eat less.

So have this, with the original miso soup (have less sips) with the Norwegian salmon slices for that guilt-free meal.

The garlic miso soup was flavourful and rather fragrant, though on the lighter side with less depth if you would compare with a conventional ramen broth.

Also, my friend and I thought that the soup could have been served more steaming hot for greater satisfaction.

The Spicy Bowl ($15) needed some getting used to as the chilli paste added tasted more ‘local’ rather than the usual Japanese kara-miso style.

The owner mentioned that he was still adapting the spiciness to local tastebuds as customers have varying feedback. Perhaps one method out of it would be to serve the chilli on top (or separately) rather than to have it mixed in.

Another little suggestion would be to expand with a sides selection. Having some seafood gyoza, edamame, or even salmon tempura may make good accompaniments to the existing bowls.

Miso Salmon
60 Peck Seah Street, Singapore 079323 (Tanjong Pagar)
Opening Hours: 11am – 9pm (Mon – Sun)

Other Related Entries
SUKIYA (Suntec City)
&JOY Dining Hall (Great World)
Kogane Yama (Bugis Junction)
Kure Menya (Frasers Tower)
Donburi-Ya (CityLink Mall)

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

Champion Bolo Bun had been one of the most anticipated openings to me.

It is a Bolo Bun specialty brand which started off as an online business in 2019, and I had subsequently tried in various public events such as the World Food Fair held at Singapore Press Holdings and Artbox Singapore.

What intrigued me is their concept store, an entire 3-storey cafe modern cha chaan teng (or u can called it a cafe) focusing on selling just Bolo Bao at Tanjong Pagar.

Home to many Korean restaurants and eateries, Tanjong Pagar is known for being a food heaven filled with cafes, restaurants and popular Maxwell Food Centre a short walk away.

There have been some new changes to the Tanjong Pagar district lately, such as the opening of shaved ice cream shop Roji Monster Ice Cream from Taiwan, Sukhothai Boat Noodles, Miso Salmon, minimalist cafe Equate Coffee and Ballad Of Anna May.

“Bolo Bao” is a popular sweet bun in Hong Kong, with a golden cookie crust with textures that resembled a pineapple (and thus the name – Bolo), even though it doesn’t contain one.

Instead of going to the usual culinary schools, owner Hoh Loyi headed to Taiwan as she was inspired by Taiwanese Master Baker Wu Pao-Chun and the uniqueness and pride of Asian breads.

Upon graduation, Loyi headed to Hong Kong, the land of Bolo buns and worked in a Hong Kong cha chaan teng, where she learnt the laborious process of creating her own masterpiece.

The triple-storey high Champion Bolo Bun is unlike any normal cha chaan teng that we are familiar with.

Clean, minimalist and spacious decked in MUJI-like style on the first floor, with the creative use of contrasting modern wood and rattan against the white walls and old-school floor tiles.

Head upstairs and you will find space decorated in Scandinavian style, with the use of natural sunlight, wooden elements and green plants to create a conducive environment for the perfect afternoon snack.

Their menu is short and concise, focusing mainly on Bolo Buns: Classic ($4.50), Classic with Butter ($5), Curry Potato ($6), Mini (4 for $4.50).

Each Bolo bun comes in individual takeaway box, freshly made upon order and best consumed within 20 minutes.

I must say they are one of the best Bolo buns I had in Singapore, extremely soft and fluffy cotton-like buns that separate easily. Yet the bun was extremely chewy with the right amount of sweetness.

The surprise came when you sink your teeth into the golden-brown cookie-like crust on top that is iconic to Bolo Buns – crispy and crunchy outer layer that is firm and non-soggy.

The contrast in textures between the crunchy golden crust on top and fluffy bread beneath was of the right balance.

Personally, I will prefer the Mini Bolo Bun (4 for $4.50) to the Classic ($4.50) as you feel less guilty eating the bite-sized versions even though it is so addictive that you will end up finishing everything eventually.

My friends commented that OLs would love the bite sized ones too, as they won’t want to mess up their work stations while having their tea time snack at their desks.

My favourite was the Curry Potato Bolo Bun ($6), that comes with generous amount of curry fillings in it, just like our local Golden Pillow.

Very fragrant with spices and a little spicy, the spiciness is well balanced by the sweet bread and cookie crust of the bolo bun.

The Classic Bolo Bun with Butter ($5) had a creamier texture due to the slab of melted butter in it.

I believed this is what most Singaporeans are familiar with, similar to the traditional local breakfast toast with butter.

Apart from their signature bolo buns, there are signature drinks here such as Champion’s Coffee ($5.50), Champion’s Milk Tea ($5.50), Champion’s Lemon Tea ($5.80) with alternative Iced versions (+$0.50).

For those who prefer cafe-style espresso-based drinks, you can check out their Espresso ($4.50), Americano ($5) and Latte ($5.50) too.

Just like how Hong Kong Milk Tea will taste like, the Champion’s Milk Tea ($5.50) came with a little “siapiness” in the tea due to the tannins that create friction on the tongue surface.

I really enjoyed the conducive and aesthetic environment of Champion Bolo Bun, perfect for a quiet afternoon snack amidst the hustling CBD crowd.

Champion Bolo Bun
92 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088513
Soft Launch Opening Hours: 12pm – 3pm (Tues – Sun), Closed Mon

Other Related Entries
Roji Monster Ice Cream (Tanjong Pagar)
Equate Coffee (Tanjong Pagar)
Ballad Of Anna May (Craig Road)
Joy Luck Teahouse (ION Orchard)
Joy Luck Yum Sing (Funan)

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

With so many choices available for a heart-warming celebration meal or a one-of-a-kind experience specially made for mothers, it is the best time to pamper the very important woman in your life.

And what better way than with exquisite high tea?

If you have a penchant for delicate éclairs, then this is for you and your mum. 1864 joins the celebration of this beloved Mother’s Day by partnering with L’éclair Pâtisserie, available exclusively for the month of May 2021 (Reservations highly recommended.)

L’éclair Pâtisserie is Singapore’s first éclair specialty store and cafe, known for its creative bites that look highly instagrammable as well.

Together, Sofitel Singapore City Centre’s Executive Pastry Chef Sam Leong and Chef Owner of L’éclair Pâtisserie Michelle Looi have created a delectable array of sweet and savoury delights as part of the hotel’s “Culinary Master Series”.

1864 is located conveniently at Level 5 of Sofitel Singapore City Centre (hotel right next to Tanjong Pagar MRT station), named after the year Tanjong Pagar Dock Company was founded.

The Afternoon Tea starts at 2pm to 5pm, within the stylish bar and tea lounge.

As for the items, they come in a pretty two-tiered box serving four signature mini éclair flavours – Isaphan, Lemon Meringue, Kaya Pandan and Paris Brest and more; with sweets on one tier and savoury on the other.

Each Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea Set will also include one mini Maison21G Paris roll-on perfume in Lemon Bergamot scent, a fresh and citrus blend – the perfect take home gift for mom.

Check out some of the 10 delightful highlight items in the Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea Special set: (serves 2 diners)

1. Isaphan
Start off with L’éclair Pâtisserie’s signature éclair Isaphan. Inspired by Pierre Herme’s Ispahan creations, this 8cm mini éclair is a harmonious balance of raspberries, lychee, and rose cream.

Taste how refined it is as the choux pastry is made of French butter, each batch takes 1 to 1.5 hours to bake. Each piece is hand piped to become pretty-in-pink edible art.

2. Kaya Pandan Éclair
Probably my personal favourite of the four éclairs, this is inspired by local flavours, and features an exquisitely hand-piped kaya cream made from scratch.

Adding crunch to the soft texture are coconut biscuits and a dusting of desiccated coconut.

3. Lemon Meringue Éclair
Give in to your citrusy cravings as you revel this happy looking éclair, hand piped with an invigoratingly tangy lemon cream.

The flavour, texture and overall look is completed with a topping of baked meringues.

4. Paris Brest
An éclair taking inspiration from the French dessert made of choux pastry and a praline flavoured cream. Hand-piped with a blend of rich and creamy hazelnut praline, this crisp pastry is made of almond choux and topped with crunchy hazelnuts.

5. Earl Grey Scone with Dried Fruits
A couple of the scones are studded with dried fruits and infused with Earl Grey tea.

The black tea blend gives the scones a darker shade, and a citrusy aroma and flavour due to the added oil of bergamot in the tea. Bite into it and taste a burst of sweetness from the dried fruits.

6. Plain Scone served with Chantilly Cream and Homemade Marmalade
The set contains the quintessential teatime treat – scones – which come plain but as little cubes.

Brushed with milk and egg, they achieve a pale golden-brown crust. Enjoy them with traditional accompaniments of clotted cream and house-made Bonne Maman marmalade.

7. Baked Croissant with Truffle Eggs
The soft flakiness of the croissant dough makes this pastry a delight to bite. Its tart-like shell coddles some grated eggs mixed with a sauce, giving it a creamy contrast of textures.

8. Kueh Pie Tee with Crab Meat and Caviar Crème
These crisp, delicate Nyonya top hats are filled with savoury crab meat. Shredded into fine threads, the kani is topped with caviar crème to add a velvety feel.

9. Baked Frittata with Octopus and Smoked Cayenne Aioli
Inspired by the Italian egg-based breakfast dish frittata, this baked piece is a block of finely layered eggs. But instead of the usual pre-cooked veggies, this frittata is made with octopus.

Topped with dollops of smoked cayenne aioli, a mildly spicy emulsion of olive oil, garlic, and salt.

10. Atlantic Smoked Salmon Finger Sandwiches
A creamy blend of thinly sliced salmon delicacy is sandwiched in between bright yellow slices of bread. Using Atlantic salmon fillet, the cured meat is a balance of salt, sugar, and smoke.

Pick up with ease these finger sandwiches, topped with a squeeze of cream and microgreens.

The saccharine side of the set also comes with sweet pastries like Peanut Butter Financier, a small light and moist French almond cake flavoured with beurre noisette or brown butter.

For chocoholics, the Dark Chocolate Tart filled with a hazelnut-flavoured crème Chantilly is a charming addition.

Completing the dessert line-up are assorted macarons and bonbons specially picked by the chef.

Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea Collaboration Featuring L’éclair Pâtisserie
The afternoon tea is available 1 to 31 May 2021 from 2:00pm to 5:00pm and serves two diners.

Choose from a selection of TWG Teas, including the hotel’s exclusive Singapour Je T’aime tea blend, or any of the 13 blends of grand cru coffee by Nespresso. They will prepare it for you according to your preference.

Pricing:
$118++ for weekday (Monday – Thursday); $128++ for weekend (Friday – Sunday; including eve of Public Holiday and Public Holiday)
Pairing with Bosquet Mocktail: Add on $10++
Pairing with As It Is! Barrel-Aged Cocktail: Add on $20++
Pairing with Champagne: Add on $36++

T&C:
– Accor Plus members enjoy 50% off except on the following blackout dates – 1st, 8th, 9th, 13th and 26th May 2021.
– HSBC members enjoy 40% off except on the following blackout dates – 1st, 8th, 9th, 13th and 26th May 2021.
– Promotions are subject to change without advance notice.
– For enquiries or orders, please email HA152-FB8@sofitel.com or call +65 6428 5110.
– Reservations are highly recommended. Book a table HERE.

1864 – The Lobby Lounge, Sofitel Singapore City Centre
9 Wallich Street, 5th floor Sofitel Singapore City Centre, Singapore 078885
High Tea Timing: 2pm – 5pm (Mon – Sun)
Book a table HERE

* This entry is brought to you in partnership with Sofitel Singapore City Centre.

Honesty speaking, while there are more Japanese stalls appearing in hawker centres around Singapore, the quality can be a hit-and-miss.

Yao Japanese Rice House with its striking yellow signboard and caricature of “Yao” at Tanjong Pagar Food Centre piqued my curiosity, specialising in Japanese-style Omu Fried Rice and Curry Rice.

While you are there at the hawker centre, some of the popular stalls to look out for include Rong Xing Yong Tau Fu, Delicious 美味 Mee Rebus, Pandan Leaf Nasi Lemak, Rolina Traditional Hainanese Curry Puff, Issan Thai Food, Ming Kee Cooked Food, and Kueh Ho Jiak.

No websites have covered this Japanese Rice stall though – strange, and so I have decided to give it a try (as part of what food bloggers should do is share these hidden gems).

On the menu are Omu Fried Rice dishes with Japanese Curry Sauce ($4.50), Mushroom Cream Sauce ($4.50), Teriyaki Chicken ($5.50), Thai Style Chicken ($5.50), Braised Pork ($5.50) and Salmon with Wasabi Mayo ($6.50).

Customers can top up with grilled chicken, chicken cutlet, grilled pork loin or pork cutlet for $1.70 extra each.

Compared to many Japanese casual eateries and cafes, this food here comes at a fraction of the price. I mean, Salmon Omu Fried Rice at $6.50 – where to find?

All dishes come served with miso soup, but the soup is not available with takeaways. Understandable.

I had the Japanese Curry and Chicken Cutlet ($6.00), and the most impressionable part was the hot silky-runny egg.

While the egg didn’t wrap around the rice perfectly, it was certainly on par in taste and texture if not better than what some of the cafes serves. (You can pay top dollars for café brunches, but not can do their eggs well.)

Some may find it slightly on the saltier side, but I think the plainer-tasting short-grained rice kind of balanced it off.

The Japanese curry all thick and smooth came with a spicier kick than the usual, but was absolutely manageable in terms of the spice levels.

There was even pickled radish and carrot on the side to cut through the richness.

I would have enjoyed the Salmon with Wasabi Mayo ($6.50) better if the slab of fish wasn’t that dry. But at that price, I am not complaining much.

The wasabi mayo had a sweeter and milder touch, and won’t become an intense nostril hit.

If rice is not your thing, also available are Potato Salad options with pork cutlet, grill pork loin, chicken culet and grilled chicken, paired with Japanese Curry, Tonkatsu or Black Pepper sauce.

Yao Japanese Rice House
6 Tanjong Pagar Plaza, #02-42 Tanjong Pagar Food Centre, Singapore 081006
Opening Hours: 9:30am – 3:30pm (Mon – Sat), Closed Sun

Other Related Entries
Tanjong Pagar Food Centre Hawker Guide
Rong Xing Yong Tau Fu (Tanjong Pagar Food Centre)
Rolina Traditional Hainanese Curry Puffs (Tanjong Pagar Food Centre)
Issan Thai Food (Tanjong Pagar Food Centre)

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

Coffee and toast stall Mad Roaster at Amoy Street Food Centre has a different proposition, aiming to be a vehicle to support people in the refugee community.

Opened by a part-time lawyer, Mad Roaster helps by commissioning tiny works of refugee art in the design of each of their customised logos found on the cups and products.

Buy a coffee to fulfil your caffeine craving and support a worthy cause. Why not? (I must have bought about 10 cups from them at least already.)

So look out for the hand-coloured sticker you find on your cups. The refugees who are seeking asylum in Thailand get paid for every sticker they colour (about 50c per sticker according to an 8 Days interview).

The coffee here features a signature blend featuring Ethopian Sidamo Arabica, with choices of Espresso ($2.80), Americano ($2.80), Flat White ($3.80) and Latte ($3.80). Add a dollar for Oat Milk, and 50c for iced version.

Specials include Honey Butter Latter ($4), Matcha Latte ($4), and Cold Brews with Black ($4.50), White ($5) and Cereal Milk ($5).

The coffee here is legit smooth, on par with many of the hipster cafes yet much more affordable, bold flavour without the deep bitter notes (that some CBD coffee can be more leaned to).

Not to be missed are the bakes of Chocolate Babka or Cinnamon Brioche, which comes at $2 per slice or $18 a loaf. But these treats do get sold out pretty early.

The Chocolate Babka came with swirls of chocolate within the soft fluffy bread, topped with extra chocolate crumble with hints of salt within. Lovely rich buttery flavours, best to go with an Americano.

The only thing is, as the chocolate crumbs may ‘fly’ away if a wind blows through in your direction.

Mad Roaster hopes to make it bigger some day, so that they can increase the amount of art they commission to the refugees. Good coffee with heart.

Mad Roaster
Amoy Street Food Centre #02-107, Maxwell Road MND Complex Annexe, Singapore 069111
Opening Hours: 8am – 3pm (Mon – Fri), 10am – 1pm (Sat), Closed Sun

Other Related Entries
25 Must-Try Amoy Street Food Centre Stalls

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

Love Tarts?

LUNA patisserie at Amoy Street known mouth-watering cakes and pastries, has launched a number of new buttery tarts in their menu.

Not to be confused with Lunar Coffee Brewers (OUE Downtown Gallery) and Luna Cafe (One North), LUNA is a patisserie located near Amoy Street Food Centre.

While its menu changes periodically according to the seasons, best-sellers still available continue to be the popular Orh Nee Cake ($8 per slice, $80 per whole cake) with velvety yam ginko paste and yam cubes; LUNA 2.0 ($9 for entremet, $90 for cake) made of Valrhona Guanaja 70% chocolate mousse; and Matcha Opera ($8 for slice, $80 for whole cake).

Note that during the “Phase 2” (heightened alert) period, the tarts are only available via online pre-order (self-collection) or delivery.

Here’s a look at the 7 tarts LUNA has introduced:

Goma x PB ($8.50)
Probably the most elegant looking tart of this range and my personal favourite. Swirled on top is a smooth Chantilly cream filling flavoured with black sesame.

Upon the first bite, the earthy and nutty black sesame flavour came out distinctly, then you get that slight peanut butter notes at the end of the palate.

Inside, there are also crushed peanuts for some of that roasted crunchiness.

Sea Salt Noir Dark Chocolate ($8)
Original noir dark chocolate filled with a decadent Guanaja 70% chocolate ganache. My second favourite of the range.

I found that the exquisite flavour of intense dark chocolate paired better with the tart base which was on the milder side. The little surprise was the hint of fine sea salt in the chocolate.

Pistachio Raspberry ($9)
What you see are soft Pistachio Chantilly piped on top, sprinkled with crunchy pistachio bits.

Lying beneath is a layer of fresh raspberry jelly for that summer taste, followed by mildly sweet, full-flavoured roasted pistachio crèmeux to balance it off the tanginess.

Yuzu Meringue Cheese ($8)
This tart is covered with Italian meringue then torched to create the effect of beautiful golden-brown exterior with swirly pattern.

At the heart of its flavour are bright, citrus notes from Japanese Yuzu juice and cheesecake-like curd – breaking the sweetness from the frosting.

Hojicha-Kōhī ($8.50)
You would taste the rich and creamy Hojicha first, followed by the coffee notes. Decorated in the middle is ‘Mont Blanc’ vanilla Chantilly that completes this delicate pastry.

Wild Strawberry Earl Grey ($8.50)
Earl Grey infused crème embellished with Vanilla Chantilly cream. In the middle is strawberry-filled sphere.

Cut through the top and let the fruity centre flow into the rest of the tart fillings. I wasn’t too sure about this pairing; and that I wished the earl grey flavour could have been more prominent.

Tarte au Tropicale ($8.50)
Pineapple tart filled with pineapple crémeux, diced pineapple and a delicate dollop of coconut mousse on top of the crust.

Other than the tarts, the regular LUNA cakes available include Strawberry Elderflower ($8.50), Gula Melakaya ($8 per slice, $80 whole cake), Lychee Mint ($8.50 per entremet, $85 whole cake), Strawberry Love ($85 whole cake) and Sakura Bloom ($70 whole cake) topped with Sakura Gin & Tonic jelly made with Roku Gin.

Orh Nee ($8 per slice, $80 whole cake)
The Orh Nee was my favourite of the selection, made of pumpkin sponge layered with a mixture of yam and ginkgo paste.

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

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

Chocolate Truffle ($8 per slice, $80 whole cake)
Get the whole cake and you can also see your reflection in that shiny glaze. Beneath this smooth, dark chocolate glaze lies a light and fluffy choco-buttermilk sponge cake.

A gentle slice reveals a luscious ganache made from Valrhona Guanaja 70% couverture chocolate, the first in the word to reach 70% cocoa. Indulge in this chocoholic dream, capturing the original taste of cacao beans.

Islandwide Delivery
You can now have your favourite LUNA cakes and tarts delivered to your doorstep at this link: https://www.luna.sg/order with its islandwide delivery.

There is a minimum order of $24 for all delivery. A delivery fees of $7 applies for all orders.

LUNA
53 Amoy Street, Singapore 069879
Opening Hours: 12pm – 6:30pm (Mon – Thurs), 12pm – 7:30pm (Fri, Sat), 12pm – 6pm (Sun)
https://www.facebook.com/luna.patisserie.sg/
Delivery: https://www.luna.sg/order

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

Burger Bench & Bar (BBB) may have closed 10 years ago at Orchard Cineleisure, but it has made its return.

“Bench & Bar” is often related to judiciary and legal matters, and the name is because Chef Willin Low is an ex-lawyer.

Many guests have asked Chef Willin to bring it back, and this burger brand is now resurrected as a delivery-only pop-up via Oddle Eats https://burgerbenchbar.oddle.me.

They may consider making it permanent depending on response.

BBB is operating out from Relish / Roketto Izakaya at Frasers Tower. (Do support their next door neighbours Kure Menya when you are there.)

Chef Willin mentioned this whole experience of dealing with COVID-19 changes in the F&B industry and pivoting to various concepts and menus was ”akin to opening four restaurants in a year”.

There are 4 burgers right now (3 beef + 1 chicken), with Sarawak Black Pepper Cheeseburger ($16.90), Japanese Curry Torikatsu Burger ($16.90), Caramelised Onions Cheeseburger ($16.90), and Sauté Mushrooms Cheeseburger ($16.90).

All the juicy patties you bite into are made by hand, while sauces are cooked with only the freshest ingredients.

My personal favourite is the Sarawak Black Pepper Cheeseburger ($16.90) comprising of handmade beef patty, Sarawak black pepper sauce, Bombay red onions and melted cheddar cheese.

Apparently, Chef Willin was experimenting with a thick black pepper sauce for another crab dish, and thought this worked great with the cheese burger. Fresh cut red onions were subsequently added for that bolt of refreshing flavour.

As to why Sarawak peppers, known for its concentrated flavour which results in a hot and pure bite, another chef who is also from Sarawak insisted on using it.

When I first had the first mouthful, I thought it tasted really familiar… it was like… Prosperity Burger!

Apparently, Chef Willin has yet to experience the famous McDonald’s seasonal burger. I thought that while Prosperity Burger was saucier (almost like an oyster sauce), this had that punch.

As for the Japanese Curry Torikatsu Burger ($16.90) with breaded boneless chicken drumstick, the chicken piece was very succulent with a juicy mouthfeel.

However, I thought the curry component could have tasted closer to a Japanese curry. I wonder if adding some components of potatoes and sweet carrots would help.

So far, the sets have been selling quite well, and Chef Willin said it was encouraging for the team. Recommended is the Set Menu B ($46.10) with choice of any 2 burgers, 1 French Fries and 4 pieces of Har Jeong Chicken Wings.

The batter of the wings is developed deliberately for delivery so that they stay crunchy.

It’s true. My fingers stayed almost oil-free while the inside had the distinct prawn paste flavour. They should keep this permanent on the menu.

Burger Bench & Bar
182 Cecil Street Frasers Tower, #02-12/13, Singapore 069547
Tel: +65 6904 5458
Opening Hours: 11:45am – 9:30pm (Mon – Sun)
Delivery: https://burgerbenchbar.oddle.me

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

When you walk past Amoy Street Food Centre Stall on the ground level, you may notice this “Fried Kway Teow” stall located at the corner, opposite the ATM.

This Char Kway Teow stall with striking blue signboard “炒粿條” does not have a special name, so it has been called the “Nameless Fried Kway Teow” before.

When we talk about famous Char Kway Teow in Singapore, some of the usual popular ones include Outram Park Fried Kway Teow Mee (Hong Lim Food Centre), No. 18 Zion Road Fried Kway Teow (Zion Road Food Centre), Hill Street Fried Kway Teow (Bedok South Food Centre), 91 Fried Kway Teow Mee (Golden Mile Food Centre), Lao Fu Zi Fried Kway Teow (Old Airport Road Food Centre), and Guan Kee Fried Kway Teow (Ghim Moh Food Centre).

(My personal favourite is Hai Kee Teochew Cha Kuay Teow at Telok Blangah Crescent.

So this stall which originated from Boon Tat Street during the 1960s is still considered slightly under-the-radar, though it has good support among regulars in the CBD.

You could tell Uncle has loads of experience frying for many years.

Plus point is that the stall starts operating at early hours of 9:30am, so if you have breakfast cravings for Char Kway Teow, you know where to head to.

The regular serving size of Char Kway Teow costs $4 or $5 (increased from previous $3 or $4), and was quite filling with some Chinese sausages, cockles and beansprouts.

This version was lighter in colour than the usual, probably because uncle used less of the dark sweet sauce so it did have those deep, intense flavours. It was not too greasy comparatively, so could give customers the impression this is a ‘healthier’ version.

The rice noodles were moist enough but not too wet, but one would wish for more wok-hei.

If you love your see hum, you would be in luck as there were quite a number added in my plate.

Fried Kway Teow 炒粿條
Amoy Street Food Centre #01-01
Opening Hours: 9:30am – 2:30pm (Mon – Sat), Closed Sun

Other Related Entries
10 Must-Try CHAR KWAY TEOW In Singapore
Guan Kee Fried Kway Teow (Ghim Moh Food Centre)
Hill Street Fried Kway Teow (Bedok South Food Centre)
91 Fried Kway Teow Mee (Golden Mile Food Centre)
No. 18 Zion Road Fried Kway Teow (Zion Road Food Centre)

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

Wah Kee Noodle 華記面食品 may be less frequently mentioned on social media or noodle listicles, but it does deserve a spot to be one of the top hawker wanton mee in Singapore.

Located on Level 2 of Amoy Street Food Centre, there used to be two long lines at this section during peak hour lunch time.

One is for Han Kee fish soup, the other is for Wah Kee. During pre-COVID days, their lines almost get intertwined sometimes.

Note: this is not to be confused with Hua Kee Hougang Famous Wanton Mee at Old Airport Road Food Centre, and many other noodle stalls also called “Hua Ji”.

The stall manned by a Cantonese speaking couple has a number of signature dishes including Wanton Noodles ($3.50, $4.50), Dumpling Noodle ($3.50, $4.50), Mushroom Noodles ($3.50, $4.50), and Shredded Chicken Hor Fun ($3.50, $4.50).

There are other items such as Dumpling Soup, Vegetables, and Mushroom & Vegetables.

I have patronised the stall several times, but my order would somehow always be the same – usual order of Wanton Mee added with braised mushrooms ($4.50).

The plate of noodles may look plain at first sight, but give it a good toss with the sauce. You would find the thin strand of noodles served light, QQ-springy with a good bite while not overcooked.

Their char siew while sliced quite thinly, were still sweet with charred smokiness, and a nice fat to lean meat ratio.

But if char siew is your main element in Wanton Noodles, then you would prefer it cut to much thicker slices.

The wontons were pretty average, but at least the soup was tasty.

Worthy to mention is the kailan – very Hong Kong style, blanched with the right amount of crunchiness and not overly bitter.

Which brings me to the most important part of the plate, the braised mushrooms.

They were stewed till soft, tender, juicy and in thick slices drenched in a savoury sauce, and elevated this entire plate. Must add-on.

Wah Kee Noodle
Amoy Street Food Centre #02-125, 7 Maxwell Road, Singapore 069111
Opening Hours: 7am – 2:30pm (Mon – Sat), Closed Sun

Other Related Entries
Ji Ji Noodle House (Hong Lim Food Centre)
Koka Wanton Noodle (North Bridge Road Food Centre)
Hua Kee Hougang Famous Wanton Mee (Old Airport Road Food Centre)
Yong Chun Wanton Noodle 永春云吞面 (Bukit Merah View Food Centre)
Wen Kang Ji Wanton Noodle 文康記 (Golden Mile Food Centre)

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

Dry Mee Siam, Bolo Bun, Okonomiyaki, Croissant, Waffles, Kueh Salat, Baileys Tiramisu… the menu items at The New And Old Café are as diverse as it gets.

Yet, this café at International Plaza (near Tanjong Pagar MRT) is not too big in space, or considered in-the-radar.

The reason for the name “The New and Old Café” is because the owners wanted to bring both modern and traditional foods and beverages into one place.

The owner Edmund quit his full-time IT job (with prayers and blessing from his family) and started this café with his wife Joanna.

He takes care mainly of the kitchen aspect, while Joanna runs the marketing and aesthetic components.

In terms of mains, there are items of Special Beef Multigrain Rice ($12.90), Luncheon Meat Noodles ($6.90), Dry Laksa ($9.90, available Wed), Dried Fried Mee Siam ($9.90, available Thurs), and Okonomiyaki ($8.90) filled with tuna, chicken or prawn (additional $1 – $1.50).

There are lighter snacks of Crispy Bun with Condensed Milk ($3.50), Luncheon Meat and Scrambled Egg Sandwich ($5.50), Kaya Butter Toast ($2.20) and Peanut Butter Toast ($2.20).

So it does look japalang to a certain extent.

I have been there numerous times because the menu just kept expanding, and the very first item I tried was the HK Style Milk Tea ($3.50 for hot, $5 for chilled bottle).

Edmund has R&D for almost half a year to achieve the silky and smooth texture of the HK Style Milk Tea, and I enjoyed the lingering bitterness without being overpowering or siap siap.

Also, both were silky renditions with delicate tea aroma, with the chilled version coming in a bottle submerged in ice cubes (so that it does not get diluted yet cold) and lightly sweetened.

While I liked this drink enough, I am not sure if the price-point would totally attract the office crowd which has many other teh options around.

The Bolo Bun with Luncheon Meat ($4.50) was the other recommended – relatively crispy on the outer layer, with a moderately thick and soft slice of spam within.

These buns came pre-baked, and oven-ed upon order to maintain the slight crispy layer (so factor in waiting time). I wished the outer layer had more sugared-crunchiness, but the texture within was considered fluffy.

After I tried a number of items, I would say that the café is stronger in the Hong Kong cha chaan teng food aspect, but customers may not get a clear idea of its focus for now.

Its Dry Laksa ($9.90) fried with egg, fishcake and taupok was a decent version with light spiciness, but lacked of a certain ‘oomph’ factor.

It could be creamier, tangier, or more fragrant, just so as to differentiate from the rest out there.

Some of the cakes are baked in-house by Joanna, such as the Mini Kueh Salat Cake ($18) and Philadelphia Cream Cheesecake ($7.90 per slice).

Thus, you would find the taste rather home-baked, rather than the typical ones with more commercial finesse.

Free delivery islandwide with min order of $20 via Whatsapp order – that’s pretty affordable. Also available on GrabFood (islandwide), Deliveroo and Foodpanda.

The New And Old Café
10 Anson Road, International Plaza 01-11, Singapore 079903 (along Choon Guan Street)
Tel: +65 8797 7775
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 7pm (Mon – Fri), 10:30am – 7:30pm (Sat), Closed Sun

Other Related Entries
Champion Bolo Bun (Tanjong Pagar)
Joy Luck Teahouse 歡樂冰室 (Causeway Point)
Tsui Wah Singapore (Heeren)
Social Place (Orchard Road)
Hui Lau Shan (Chinatown Point)

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

Talk about matcha and three brands may come to mind: Hvala, Matchaya, and Tsujiri, all specialising in matcha drinks and desserts.

Just a stone throw away from their 3rd outlet at Keong Saik, Hvala has opened their 4th outlet along Craig Road, near Shake Shack and Ballad of Anna May.

Started off as a waffles kiosk at 313@somerset and subsequently opened a few Japanese-style cafes over the years at CHIJMES, TripleOne Somerset and Keong Saik, Hvala has shifted their focus to offering vegan options.

Here at their newest outlet, their entire menu is fully vegan, meaning no eggs, dairy products and other animal-derived ingredients are incorporated.

It is a challenge as most consumers are already used to how a usual cake, tart, latte or even gelato will taste like.

With over 70 vegan items on their menu, customers can keep a lookout for Warabi Mochi ($4.80), Waffles. ($11.80), Hanami Dango ($8.80), Sliced Cakes ($9.80), Gelato (Single $5.80 – $7.80), Soy Tea Latte ($5.80), ice Blend ($6.50 – $7) and Cold Brew ($6.80 – $7.80).

Their new outlet at Craig Road is shaped like a long art gallery with a total of 20 tables and a section with sunlight pouring through their sunroof.

New on their menu are the Warabi Mochi ($4.80) that comes in 5 different flavours: Kinako, Matcha, Hojicha, Goma and Yuzu.

Comes with Japanese kuromitsu (black sugar) by the side, customers can choose to drizzle it over the Warabi mochi or simply dip into it for extra sweetness.

The Yuzu Warabi Mochi ($4.80) is wobbly and pretty chewy, with distinctive citrus notes that is refreshing and not overpowering.

My favourite was the Warabi Mochi with Gelato ($8.80) served with home-made Kinako Warabi mochi and a scoop of Matcha Level 1 gelato.

The kinako (roasted soybean flour) added some depth to the creamy, robust and umami matcha gelato, giving it an earthy and distinctive flavour.

Using soy milk for their in-house tart shells, the Matcha Mont Blanc ($8.80) comes with matcha chestnut purée on top, fresh cream and black sesame sponge cake layer in the middle on top of their homemade vegan tart.

While I enjoyed the chestnut puree and the light and fluffy oat milk cream, the tart base turned out to be a tad too moist and dense, not as crumbly and flaky as I expected.

Their signature is their Dairy-Free Waffles ($11.80) first introduced at their Keong Saik outlet, which had subsequently converted to a different concept serving plated desserts.

Made using oatmilk instead of incorporating the usual butter and fresh milk, the dairy-free waffle was more airy and less dense compared to normal waffle due to the less creamy oat milk used.

Without using butter, the aroma from the waffles was mainly attributed to the cinnamon powder used, which surprisingly tasted Christmasy.

12 gelato flavours ($5.80 – $7.80) are available at any one time, all vegan using soy milk instead of fresh milk.

Think Matcha Level 1 and Level 2, Genmaicha, Hojicha, Goma (Black Sesame), Matcha Cookies & Cream, Hazelnut, Oatmilk and Strawberry/ Chocolate/ Yuzu/ Rockmelon sorbet.

My favourite was the Goma (Black Sesame) which has a smoother texture compared to their non-vegan counterpart.

Without dairy-milk, the vegan Goma Gelato is now lighter, refreshing and less jelak, yet still retaining the pronounced roasted and nutty notes from the sesame seeds.

Hvala has continued to evolve and change over the years but still maintained the quality and consistency in their new vegan market.

Hvala – Craig Road
40 Craig Road, Singapore 089678
Opening Hours: 12pm – 9:30pm (Mon – Wed – Sun), Closed Tues

Other Related Entries
Matchaya (Takashimaya)
Cafe Kuriko (Funan)
Cafe Aux Bacchanales (Plaza Singapura)
MoMiJi (Bukit Timah)
108 Matcha Saro (Suntec City)

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

Miso Salmon, Singapore’s first authentic Inaniwa Udon specialty restaurant, has officially unveiled its concept at Tanjong Pagar area.

It is found along Peck Seah Street, the same stretch as Whole Earth, Teppanyaki Hamburg Nihonbashi Keisuke Bettei, Itaewon Jjajang and Fat Prince – a short walking distance from Tanjong Pagart MRT Station.

This Japanese eatery offers quality yet affordable comfort food with casual vibes and ample space.

The menu revolves around Inaniwa Udon, one of the ‘Three Greatest Udon in Japan’. Inaniwa Udon was born in Inaniwa, Akita Prefecture, using a repeated kneading process. This makes the udon slender, smooth and chewy.

To keep it authentic and premium, they only use Inaniwa udon specially imported from Japan.

Most Japanese restaurants in Singapore serve up the Sanuki style of udon characterised by its square shape and flat edges with chewy texture. So this is something different.

As its name denotes, miso and salmon play key roles here. Miso, a traditional Japanese fermented seasoning paste, is blended with vegetable stock to enhance flavours in each bowl.

Salmon is infused with a secret concoction and poached rather than boiled to maintain the succulent texture.

Customers can “build Your Own Bowl” and explore Miso Salmon’s six different flavours of miso soup – Original, Garlic, Spicy, Sesame, Truffle or Fish Collagen.

You can customise by choosing your noodles, soup base, mains, and add ons. Or conveniently choose from a pre-designed selection of Specialties and Premium bowls.

Here are the recommended items at Miso Salmon:

Fish Collagen Miso Bowl ($17)
Begin with a house speciality featuring a bowl of Inaniwa udon in a fish collagen miso soup. (You can also choose Shirataki noodles, but more on that later.)

These thin, chewy, silky-smooth noodles are topped with tender steaks of poached salmon – its pink Omega-3 acid-rich flesh delicate and succulent.

I generally liked their Inaniwa Udon which was long and thin, with a chewy yet silky-smooth texture. Also, the noodles were easy on the throat and do not feel that filling overall.

They are flanked with tofu cubes, sweet corn, soft yolk egg, and spring onions.

Not only is this bowl filling; it also nourishes your skin thanks to fish collagen. (The smallest among other forms of collagen, this Type 1 collagen is the easiest one to absorb by the body. And so it helps delay signs of aging and supposedly boosts your inner glow.)

Seafood Miso Bowl ($19)
If you love noodles but you are keeping your calories at bay, go for the Seafood Miso Bowl with Shirataki noodles.

Made from glucomannan, a dietary fibre from konjac root, Shirataki is also called Konjac or Miracle noodles for they are very low in calories yet high in fibre.

These long, chewy strands are topped with tofu and a medley of sea-centric items – salmon, boiled Japanese scallops, Asari clams, wakame seaweed, and Japanese fish cake.

A light yet flavourful meat ideal for a lean diet. Fills up your tummy yet make you feel satisfied longer and eat less.

Truffle Miso Bowl ($17)
Another specialty bowl, Truffle Miso Udon comes with slices of salmon, large chunks of tofu, steamed broccoli, Shimeji mushrooms, spring onions, and truffle paste.

Savour the rich broth made with Shiro miso blended with a unique vegetable stock. I only thought that the soup could have been served more steaming hot for greater satisfaction.

Packed in umami flavours, this bowl is a showcase of the traditional Japanese fermented seasoning paste. Delicious-meets-nutritious.

Unagi Bowl ($19)
From soups, switch over to premium dry bowls like Unagi ($19), Tiger Prawn with Mentaiko ($19), and Scallop with Truffle ($19).

Unagi lovers will relish this dry bowl showcasing grilled unagi, onsen egg, shredded nori, cherry tomatoes, broccoli and spring onions. Give it a good toss, and savour the teriyaki sauced mixed noodles with sweetish flavours.

Tiger Prawn with Mentaiko Bowl ($19)
Feast your eyes and palate on the colours and flavours of this bowl of white udon, topped with orange-tinged Tiger prawns, mentaiko, and tobiko side-by-side with green broccoli, red cherry tomatoes, and dark green shredded nori.

Comes with an onsen egg sprinkled with chopped spring onions.

Aburi Salmon Mentai with Edamame Don ($15)
Apart from soup and dry udon specialties, Miso Salmon offers donburis made with Akita Komachi rice.

This premium rice is cultivated in Akita Prefecture and has a light, fragrant taste and soft, sticky texture.

Try the hearty Aburi Salmon Mentai with Edamame Don, featuring salmon steaks topped with mentaiko sauce then aburi-ed. The special rice is topped with edamame, furikake, tobiko, onsen egg, shredded nori, shibazuke pickle, yuzu sauce and spring onions.

A couple more donburis to try are Yakitori Chicken with Truffled Mushroom Don ($15) and Smoked Duck with Sweet Corn Don ($15).

Still famished? Upgrade your meal with lip-smacking sides like the Deep Fried Chicken & Vegetable Gyoza ($6), Yakitori Chicken Skewers ($7), Mentai Mayo Tamagoyaki ($6), Truffle Edamame ($7), and many more.

Mentai Mayo Tamagoyaki ($6)
Enjoy this traditional Japanese dish prepared by adding mayonnaise and mirin to whisked eggs, before turning them into a light and fluffy rolled omelette.

Served sliced into blocks, the tamagoyaki is topped with Alaskan pollock roe called mentaiko. A layer of shredded nori and pickled ginger completes this side.

Chicken Karaage with Parmesan Cheese ($7)
Complement your main with a side of chicken cutlets, flavoured with ginger, garlic, sake and soy sauce, then coated with corn starch before deep-frying.

The result are crunchy pieces of bite-sized chicken, served with Japanese mayo, a wedge of lemon and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.

Truffle Edamame ($7)
Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of this side dish – it can be addictive.

These pods of young, soft soybeans have a nutty, sweet flavour and a creamy yet mildly crunchy texture.

Tossed with white truffle oil, truffle paste and salt, the edamame gets that unique earthy mushroom-y flavour.

Miso Salmon
60 Peck Seah Street, Singapore 079323 (Tanjong Pagar MRT)
Opening Hours: 11am – 9pm (Mon – Sun)
www.misosalmon.com
Islandwide Delivery: https://misosalmon.oddle.me (also on GrabFood)

* This entry is brought to you in partnership with Miso Salmon.