Have you ever experienced that awkward silence when you are asked about Singapore’s culture, and you fumble, hem and haw as you try to find some costume, dance or tradition that is unique to Singapore? I have. Well, at least until I start talking about food. Now that’s where stopping me would be a problem.

It is amazing how much our nation loves food. Our day-to-day conversation inevitably revolves around food. And the best part is for a fraction of the price, you get something no less satisfying than a meal in a high-end restaurant. So here is a guide to introduce 10 of the best Singapore Hawker Food.

Char Kway Teow

Char Kway Teow was a dish created by coolie workers who needed a cheap way to prepare an energy-rich meal. Today, calories have become a bane, but we love our char kway teow all the same. How can anyone resist a plate of silky rice noodles fried with cockles, chinese sausage and – wait for this – heaps of crispy pork lard. I’d risk having a heart attack for Hill Street Char Kway Teow (Blk 16 Bedok South Road). Though the master is no longer helming the wok, he has imparted his skills to the son, who has taken over. Otherwise, try our Prime Minister’s favourite stall, Zion Road Char Kway Teow (Zion Road Food Center).

Carrot Cake

No it does not come with cream cheese and walnuts, but I’d pick our local version of Carrot Cake any day. Black or white, a good carrot cake is one that is crispy and eggy on the outside, and as you place a chunk in your mouth, dissolves without the need to even masticate. Fu Ming Carrot Cake at Redhill Food Centre is the epitome of carrot cakes. For a more unique version, I’d recommend U Fried Carrot Cake (Block 89 Pipit Road Market). The chunks of steamed radish cake are chopped larger than the usual, and it is sweeter than usual since they are more liberal with their sauce. Still, it is fried just nice such that you get that smokey aroma of burnt caramel in your mouth.

Hainanese Chicken Rice

If there’s one dish that’s synonymous with Singaporean cuisine, it has to be Chicken Rice. The name itself sounds so unappealing; how good can chicken on rice taste? Pretty awesome, actually. The glistening grains of rice perfumed by fresh chicken stock and a whiff of ginger is so good you can even eat it on its own. I could go on for hours about the best chicken rice in Singapore, but for the sake of trying the most famous one in Singapore, head to Tian Tian at Maxwell market which has earned boasting rights to getting Anthony Bourdain’s stamp of approval. Otherwise, Sin Kee (Mei Ling market) is good for those who prefer grains with a little more moisture.

Tze Char

So Tze Char is not exactly a dish per se, but it represents our culture of communal dining. Dishes are placed in the middle of a round table for sharing and each person will be equipped with a bowl of rice and a pair of chopsticks. For me, Tze Char (which means ‘cook and fry’) is all about bold flavours, good wok hei and gravy. It is difficult to recommend a particular Tze Char stall since there are usually hits and misses, but I know I’d never go wrong with Kok Sen Seafood (Keong Saik Road). I have recommended to many people for their big prawn hor fun amongst other fantastic dishes, and not once has it disappointed. For more creative offerings (think pumpkin prawns and coffee crabs), check out Siang Hee (Serangoon Gardens Way). Joo Hing (Joo Chiat Road) is where you can get your Tze Char fix amidst classier ambience but with equally good food. Their rendition of the steamed fish head is one of the best in town.

For more recommendations, read our guide to the best Tze Char restaurants in the west of Singapore.

Chilli Crab

While chilli crab is not a hawker food, no food guide is complete without a feature of this national dish. The vibrant red hue of the dish instantly captures the attention of any reader. The silky gravy, laced with shreds of egg, is sweet and mildly spicy (at least by the standards of locals; I have heard foreigners breaking out into a sweat from it).

The history of this dish dates back to the 1950s when the owners of Roland Restaurant (Marine Parade Central) decided to do a little experimentation with crabs, tomato sauce and chilli sauce. Today, big players in seafood cuisine include Long Beach, No Signboard and Jumbo Seafood. Each restaurant’s rendition is slightly different, and it’s a tough call as to which is the best.

Bak Chor Mee

When I need something hearty after a hard day at school, I’d head straight for Bak Chor Mee. Perhaps it is the lightly blanched lean pork slices and pinkish liver, or maybe it is the sharp vinegar-laced sauce, or just the fact that everything comes together so well to make this the perfect comfort food. No one will dispute that Tai Hwa (Block 466 Crawford Lane) serves the best Bak Chor Mee in Singapore; you will find queues even at odd hours of the day despite the obscure location. Lian Kee (Alexandra Village Food Centre) is unique for its slightly sweet sauce, while the two stalls at Block 85 Fengshan Centre battle it out for the best soup version of Bak Chor Mee.

Rojak

Rojak is a fruit and vegetable salad dish consisting of you tiao (fried dough fritters), bean curds, bean sprouts, pineapples, and turnips. Everyone knows about Hoover Rojak (Whampoa Market) and Toa Payoh Rojak (oddly located within Old Airport Rd). But I will let you in on a little secret. The nameless rojak stall at the basement food court of Katong Shopping Centre is extremely value-for-money at just $2 for a regular size portion.

Ice Kacang

It is not as delicate as the Japanese version, nor is it as fine as Taiwanese snowflake ice, but our Ice Kacang is nonetheless, very satisfying on a hot day. A towering portion of crushed ice slapped on with sugar syrup in a myriad of colours. The standard version comes with atap seeds, grass jelly, agar bits and red bean, though we can be thankful for product differentiation by our hawkers these days.

Those who miss Annie’s, which started serving the first peanut ice kacang at Tanjong Pagar market, is now at Ghim Moh Market since the former closed for renovation. Jin Jin’s version comes with thick gula Melaka syrup, and is hands down my favourite dessert stall in Singapore. I can easily conquer another of their Gangster ice (which comes with mangoes and durian puree) after finishing a bowl of their ice kacang. It is the stall with the longest queue at ABC market at Bukit Merah.

Yong Tau Foo

The healthiest of the lot, Yong Tau Foo is probably something you will want to have after days of indulging in lard-laden hawker dishes. Hui Ji (Tiong Bahru market) serves a version that is a cross between fishball noodles and Yong Tau Foo. Yong Xing Xiang (People’s Park Complex) has one of the best Yong Tau Foo in Singapore with a soup base that is clear yet intensely flavourful. Do not miss the crispy deep-fried pork balls from Xi Xiang Feng (Ang Mo Kio central market). It is so addictive that I’d advise putting at least three of these little morsels in your bowl, lest you regret afterwards. Ok, maybe I lied… It is not exactly all that healthy after all!

Wanton Mee

Wanton mee is probably the most underrated hawker dish ever… or maybe it is just something I personally have a soft spot for. There is so much more to it than just noodles and dumplings. I like my noodles thick and al dente a la Ji Ji Wanton Mee (Hong Lim Food Centre); I am salivating just thinking about it. Though if I had the luxury of time, I’d queue half an hour every morning to have Chun Ji (164 Stirling Rd). It is sticky, gooey, mildly sweet gravy coats each strand of noodles, which in turn are cooked with deft skills that only comes with decades of practice. For ardent fans of Hong Mao Wanton Mee previously at Tembling Road, the man is back in action and has set up stall at the basement of Dunman Rd Food Centre; do pay Ah Huat Wanton Mee – they have the most flavourful wantons ever.

Words by Sarah Lim, photographs by ladyironchef

Ramen is one of the most popular Japanese food for a reason. It is not only comforting and delicious, but also relatively affordable. We are very lucky that there are many good ramen shops in Singapore which are as good as the ones that you can find in Japan.

Here is a guide to the best ramen in Singapore.

Bari Uma Ramen

Bari Uma does a mean bowl of ramen which we feel is completely underrated. Don’t miss out on their gyozas, which were fresh, succulent and bursting with juices.

#B1-01 Tanglin Shopping Centre
19 Tanglin Road
Tel: +65 6887 4484
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

Ippudo Ramen

Often cited by ramen aficionados as the best ramen in Singapore, Ippudo is also one of the most expensive. But it is not unjustified, considering the food quality and the luxe dining environment. Don’t miss out on their pork buns while you are there too.

333A Orchard Road
#04-02/03/04 Mandarin Gallery
Tel: +65 6235 2797
Mon to Sat: 11am – 11pm
Sun: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

Keisuke Tonkotsu King

The snaking queues during lunch and dinner time probably says it all – Keisuke Tonkotsu King is the epitome of ramen, and probably the closest you’d ever get to an authentic ramen experience.

#01-19 Orchid Hotel
1 Tras Street
Tel: +65 6636 0855
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

Keisuke Tori King

It is hard to imagine how a chicken-based broth can taste so good, but Keisuke Tori King yet again impresses with a robust broth that is surprisingly light on the palate. We particularly liked the tender chicken thigh that comes with each bowl, with meat so tender we do not even miss our chashu.

#03-15 100 AM
100 Tras Street
Tel: +65 6604 6861
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

Marutama Ramen

Another popular ramen restaurant in Singapore is Marutama Ramen. It specialises in chicken soup-based ramen, which is light and tasty, and great for a quick lunch.

#03-90 The Central
8 Eu Tong Sen Street
Tel: +65 6534 8090
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

Menya Musashi

Menya Musashi commanded long queues in the first few months, but the hype has died down since then which is unfortunate, as they’ve opened a few more branches around and out of town. Those with big appetites will be glad to know that they allow one to order up to five times the amount of noodles without any additional charge.

#01-16 Raffles City Shopping Centre
252 North Bridge Road
Tel: +65 6336 6500
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: City Hall

Miharu Sapporo Ramen

If you are a fan of Sapporo style ramen, check out Miharu Sapporo which just reopened at Millenia Walk. Come here for the signature miso-based ramen with buttered sweetcorn.

Millenia Walk #01-06
9 Raffles Boulevard
Tel: +65 6733 8464
Daily: 12.00pm to 3pm, 6pm to 10pm
Nearest Station: City Hall/Promenade

Nantsuttei

We like Nantsuttei for its simple, hearty and flavourful stock. The original Nantsuttei ramen comes with a rather generous layer of roasted garlic oil, which may be a tad greasy for some.

181 Orchard Road
Orchard Central #07-12/13
Tel: +65 6337 7166
Daily: 11am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

Ramen Santouka

Here is a worthy contender for the best all-rounded ramen. A robust broth, chewy noodles and one of the most tender chashu we have had (it is the prized pork cheek after all), it is one easy ramen to love.

#02-76, Central, 6 Eu Tong Sen Street
Tel: +65 6224 0668
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

Tampopo Japanese Restaurant

We love how Tampopo comes up with new dishes every once in a while – we tried their triple black ramen recently which came with a squid ink-infused noodles in a light ink-tinged broth, topped with their black pig shabu shabu-style. Though not always impressive, we are glad there’s always something new to look forward to on their menu. Otherwise, their Tonkatsu Ramen is always good. A bowl of delicious ramen accompanied by Tampopo’s signature tonkatsu.

391 Orchard Road
#B2-33 Ngee Ann City
Tel: +65 6235 2318
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

Tonkotsu Kazan Ramen

The theatrics itself is already worth a visit, though that is secondary to the flavourful broth. Go for the Ishiyaki ramen that comes in a pre-heated stone bowl, and supposedly resembles an erupting volcano when soup is poured in.

#02-68/69 Square 2
10 Sinaran Drive
Tel: +65 6379 6636
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Novena

Uma Uma Ramen

Chef Iggy’s take on this Japanese classic is quite unlike any other ramen. The broth has an interesting twist, and epitomises umami.

583 Orchard Road
#01-41/42/43 Forum The Shopping Mall
Tel: +65 6235 0855
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 3pm, 6.30pm – 10pm
Sun: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

With a tongue-in-cheek name like Rabbit Carrot Gun, it is hard not to do a double take when we passed this watering hole along East Coast Road. Like its name suggests, Rabbit Carrot Gun does not take things too seriously. The menu is full of quirky dishes that fortunately turned out fairly well.

The casserole of Mushrooms ($14.90), described on the menu as crème fraiche on toasted brioche, poached egg & balsamic is a delicious, creamy concoction of fragrant, earthy mushrooms slowly simmered in a delicate cream sauce. The golden yolk stirred into the dish gave this a luxurious touch.

If we can overlook the amount of oil that went into making the warm caramelized onion tartlet ($13), we would have appreciated this dish a lot more. The candy-sweet onions came in a generous portion atop a flaky tart, and then topped with a dollop of strikingly pink of beetroot pesto that enlivened the dish.

We could not resist the sound of a Rhubarb and Ginger Crumble ($11.50), but it was unfortunate that this temptation resulted in the meal ending on a sour note, literally. We cringed on the first bite, and did not like that it left an odd aftertaste. The slipshod preparation of this dish was a far cry from their savoury dishes. The ice cream which came specked with vanilla beans, appeared promising, but reeked of mediocrity.

We love the chill-out vibe and the enthusiastic service of this little gem of a café. A downside of this place is the lack of air-conditioning, which can be frustrating for the heat-intolerant. But the expatriates living in the area seem to be enjoying this new addition, for they throng the place in bermudas in the evenings and on weekends for brunch.

And you’re probably as curious as we were about the name. Apparently the idea comes from the game scissors-paper-stone. So next time instead of playing scissors-paper-stone, why not try rabbit-carrot-gun instead?

Rabbit Carrot Gun
49 East Coast Road
Tel: +65 6348 8568
Tue to Sun: 8am – 12 Midnight
Nearest Station: Eunos
Words and photographs by Sarah Lim

It seems like a new brunch spot opens every other week, so it is surprising to see Symmetry doing a roaring business for weekend brunch despite its out-of-the-way location at 9 Jalan Kubor.

Symmetry is beautiful in a rustic sort of way. The brick walls and dim lights lend a cosy feel to it, making it perfect for a lazy weekend brunch.

It seems as if eggs are given a whole new status on brunch menus; Singaporeans have no qualms forking out $20 for a pair of eggs. The Eggs Benedict ($20) from Symmetry were well worth the price tag, for they were one of the best we have tried in a long while. These little babies were poached beyond perfection, with wobbly whites and golden viscous yolks. We liked how the hollandaise, itself already a perfect balance of flavours, was torched to a crisp.

We also loved the lightly scrambled eggs and the huge cheesy sausage from the Big Breakfast ($24), though the limp bacon and plain toast were distractions to this otherwise fantastic dish.

We would advise against having desserts here though; the Pain Perdue ($15) recommended by our server was nothing more than French toast with vanilla ice cream. We were struggling to finish this dish, which one-dimensional and boring to eat.

On weekdays, Symmetry does decent pastas for lunch; our favourite being the Penne ($22) which comes with a delicious truffle-tinged cream sauce and a heaping amount of mushrooms and rocket leaves. Dinner is a more sophisticated affair, with mains such as Beef Short Ribs and a whole Baby Barramundi. As for the brunch menu, we recommend sticking to the eggs, Afterall, that is what brunch is all about!

Symmetry
9 Jalan Kubor #01-01
Tel: +65 62919 901
Tue to Thu: 11am – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 12 midnight
Sun: 11am – 7pm

Words and photographs by Sarah Lim

Speak about Arteastiq, and its tea lounge at Mandarin Gallery instantly comes to mind. Recently, the good people behind this one-of-its-kind art jamming cum studio café have gone traditional with its new restaurant Arteastiq Tea Bone China at Millenia Walk.

The décor was effortlessly classy, bringing a sense of nostalgia without the tackiness. We were especially fascinated by the birdcages that dangled from the ceiling, an attempt to recreate the experiences of olden-day Chinese merchants who’d bird-watch while sipping pots of tea.

The hotpot menu is limited, with a choice of 3 soup bases – Bak Kut Teh ($5.50), Pork Bone ($6.50) or Ginseng Chicken ($8.80), and a selection of ingredients such as Sliced Salmon ($14.80), Kampong Chicken ($11.80) and Vegetables ($6.80).

We went for the pork bone soup, which was comforting and flavourful, if just a tad heavy-handed on the salt. The Sliced Beef ($12.80) which a at first glance looked fresh and promising, turned out to be sinewy and lacking in flavour. Vegetables are, well, vegetables. But they made for a feel-good meal together with a bowl of brown rice ($2), which was cooked with a mish-mash of vegetables and beans.

Apart from the hotpots, Arteastiq dishes up a variety of communal dishes, from the ubiquitous pan-fried Silver Cod Fish ($16.80) to the intriguing Crispy Tofu with Chicken and Avocado Cream ($12.80).

We enjoyed the Siew Mai ($4.80) from the dim sum menu, but found the signature Xiao Long Baos ($6.80) unremarkable. If there is one dish we’d return to Tea Bone China for, it is the Wanton with hot chilli sauce ($5.80). Sitting in a pool of sourish, slightly spicy Chinese vinegar were 6 plump, juicy prawn and pork dumplings encased in a silky wanton skin. These were remarkably satisfying.

Arteastiq’s attempt to recreate the hotpot experience fine-dining style is commendable, but would probably not please traditionalists looking for a hearty hotpot meal since portions are small. While the experience is worth a visit, the food is not. With so many other dining options at Millenia Walk, we doubt we will be hurrying back any time soon.

Arteastiq Tea Bone China
9 Raffles Boulevard
#02-19/20 Millenia Walk
Tel: +65 6333 5117
Sun to Thu: 11am – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 11pm

Words and photographs by Sarah Lim

If you were patient enough to learn about the history of The White Rabbit at Harding Road, you’d probably have had a pretty intense lesson on Singapore’s history. Occupying the space of what used to be a chapel, this one-of-its-kind restaurant impresses the moment we step foot in. It is whimsical, classy and charming all at the same time.

We were excited to find out Chef Benjamin Tan is back, assuming the role of Head Chef after a hiatus, and has made a radical overhaul of the menu. It seems we weren’t the only one pleased; our waiter gushed over the good news, and reassures us that the meal was going to be nothing short of spectacular.

We began with the Classic Lobster Bisque, which assaults our senses the moment the lid was uncovered. This was unabashedly bold and intense as if a whole lobster had been grounded and concentrated to produce a velvety liquid. The half Maine Lobster ($38) served was exceedingly fresh, succulent and bouncy.

We’d never encountered beef so delicate and tender as that served in our next appetizer of Wagyu Carpaccio ($26). Chef Ben’s flair for marrying flavours shines through in this flawless dish; each mouthful a burst of flavors from the beef, balsamic pearls and aroma from the shaved truffles.

The Risotto ($21 as appetiser, $32 as main) was predictable, though we cannot find any fault about it. It was cheesy and pungent, and once again enlivened by generous shavings of truffle. Each grain barely retained its form in the creamy concoction, yet was perfectly al dente to give retain a satisfying bite.

We’ve been tormented by our obsession with the Char-Grilled Mangalica Pork Collar ($46) ever since we have had it. And so are many of their regular customers, we were told, who would return time and time again just for this dish. Step aside Kurobuta, for the Mangalica Pig puts every other porcine dish we’ve had to shame. We have never had pork this way, and can no longer have pork any other way now that we’ve tasted this. The well-marbled pork was almost surreal in flavor and texture; almost like beef except with flavours more sublime and delicate. We could not care less for the extraneous calvados cream and the odd-tasting celery root puree, and would even have this slab of pink, decadent pork steak by itself.

The White Chocolate Soufflé ($18) was light and fluffy, though curiously without a trace of white chocolate. We’d be lying if we said it was the best we’ve had but we liked that it didn’t suffer the common pitfall of being overly sweet, which meant that it paired beautifully with the dense chocolate ice cream. This is a dessert that would concur with those looking for a light way to end the meal.

We would recommend the 24-Hour Poached Pear ($16) instead, which was a stellar work of art. Two halves of a crimson red poached pear encasing a scoop of vanilla ice cream, perched atop a concoction of spiced crumble and burnt butter cake. This was an extremely satisfying end to a wonderful meal.

We cannot help raving about The White Rabbit. Every dish was delicate, well-balanced, and something that only a very talented chef could have achieved. Chef Ben’s return definitely marks a new beginning for The White Rabbit. Service does get a little slow, though we are unsure if this was with the intention for customers to enjoy a long evening. We can’t wait to make a revisit, and with tempting offerings on their brunch menu (think truffle mac and cheese), we’re sure we’ll be back pretty soon.

The White Rabbit
39C Harding Road
Dempsey Singapore
Tel: +65 6473 9965
Note: This was an invited media tasting.

Words and photographs by Sarah Lim.

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse is quite a household name among steak lovers, with over 130 restaurants worldwide. It’s rich history dates back to almost half a century ago, when a single mother mortgaged her home to buy a neighbourhood restaurant called Chris Steak House. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Fast forward 50 years, and Ruth’s Chris has managed to find its way onto our shores. The restaurant, like the rest of the Marina Mandarin Hotel, is dimly lit and cosy. There is no fancy tableware or glitzy décor to speak of and is reminiscent of an authentic American steakhouse.

If your partner loves steak, why not surprise him/her with a dinner here during Valentine’s Day?

We knew we were off to a good start when we caught a whiff of the Cajun Style Crab Cakes ($35), two generous hemispherical mounds that came sizzling in a fragrant herb butter, each packed firm with succulent crab meat tasting like they came fresh from the sea.

The sauce stole the limelight in our next appetiser of BBQ Shrimps in Creola Butter ($35). “You must have it with the bread,” our waiter told us, pointing to the pool of sauce of the BBQ shrimps. Good advice, as it would have been a sin not to mop up the lusciously creamy reduction, almost like a thicker version of good lobster bisque. If we were to nitpick, we didn’t exactly enjoy the alkaline shrimps, which were unremarkable.

For all the rave reviews, it’s inevitable that we had high expectations of the steaks which were fortunately met, if not surpassed. We had the Filet Mignon ($85) and the USDA Prime Ribeye ($85 for 340g) done medium rare, both of which were exceedingly tender, pink and fully packed with beefy juices. The former is slightly more forgiving on the conscience and would please those who appreciate a leaner cut. But go for the Ribeye; it is happiness on a plate as the beautifully marbled cut literally melts in your mouth.

The idea that good beef should only be seasoned with salt and pepper sits well with us; there’s no better way to fully savour what is said to be the top 2% of America’s beef than to have it unadulterated.

Unless you are one who needs the obligatory greens or carbohydrates, we’d advise passing on the sides. The Asparagus with Hollandaise ($25) and Steak Frites ($25) we had were unspectacular and boring. You’d be better off saving whatever precious stomach space you have left for something else.

To wrap up the meal, go for the Cheesecake ($25) and the Banana Cream Pie ($25). The banana cream pie was an absolutely stunning, with each slice of banana encased by a thin layer of crispy, caramelized sugar atop dense cold cream, and then a buttery tart that held everything together perfectly.

There is nothing fanciful about the Cheesecake, just an honest, no-nonsense version that is pretty much the epitome of this American classic. In other words, it was rich, it was creamy, and it was huge. So much so that we had to surrender a quarter of the way through.

There’s no shortage of steak restaurants in Singapore, and to make us excited over one takes more than just good food, yet Ruth’s Chris does just that. It impresses with authenticity and needless to say, the steaks are spectacular. The only downside is the rather steep pricing. But dining at Ruth’s Chris is more than just a meal; it’s the experience of dining in this widely acclaimed steakhouse that has served and impressed steak lovers worldwide.

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse
6 Raffles Boulevard
Level 4 Marina Mandarin Hotel
Tel: +65 6336 9093
Daily: 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 11pm
Note: This was an invited media tasting.

Words by Sarah Lim, photographs by ladyironchef

Note: Parco Caffe is no longer in operation.

Located within the tranquil Raeburn Park, Parco Caffe – by the folks behind Spruce and Alkaff Mansion Ristorante – is where you would find solace from the hustle and bustle of city life. What is compromised for accessibility is more than made up for ambience. It was apparent that much of Parco’s emphasis is on atmosphere; from the creeping vines along its granite walls and lush carpet grass, to the floor-to-ceiling windows that bathed the café in natural sunshine, this place is stunning in every sense of the word.

Parco Caffe has a separate menu for lunch and dinner. Brunch on weekends starts at 9am, which is when the café dishes up egg-centered offerings in addition to their dinner menu.

We were disappointed to be told that the eggs roulade and risotto we had our eyes set on were no available, but went ahead with our orders for two other dishes from their brunch menu.

We picked the Tartufo Nero Scrambled Eggs ($29), a chef’s recommendation described as scrambled eggs in a Parmesan basket with shaved black truffle, sautéed porcini mushrooms, bacon, cherry tomatoes and toast. On hindsight we did get what was stated (though curiously missing the cherry tomatoes), but for the price, were sorely disappointed to be offered a miniscule portion which was unfortunately, not redeemed by the taste. The eggs were overly curdled, and the parmesan basket soaked through and soggy. The porcini mushrooms and bacon seemed to be an afterthought, and did nothing to salvage the dish.

The Portobello ($23) fared better; 2 eggs on grilled Portobello mushroom, smoked salmon, poached asparagus, baked sweet potato with crème fraiche, cherry tomato bruschetta and toasted black olive bread was literally quite a mouthful. We enjoyed ploughing through the variety, but none of it was exceedingly spectacular.

We shared a serving of the Lemon Honey Kurobuta Ribs ($28) from the dinner menu, which turned out to be the best dish of the day. We loved how the tender meat gave way under the slightest nudge of our forks. The sweet, sticky glaze made for a decadent candied pork dish that left us with a lasting impression.

With so many other places offering better brunches at more reasonable prices, we’d be hard pressed to find a reason to return. That said, Parco Caffe is definitely still a destination for those looking for an ambience like no other.

Parco Caffe
10 Raeburn Park #01-28
Tel: +65 6223 6338
Daily: 11.30am – 11pm

Words and photographs by Sarah Lim

It’s amusing to watch the rate at which restaurants in Singapore open and close, so it was partly out of curiosity that we decided to visit Tamon Izakaya (214 East Coast Road) which has survived the test of time and influx of competitors to stay in operation for 18 years.

This Japanese eatery sits no more than 30 people, but we liked that tables were spaced sufficiently far apart to allow privacy of conversation. The restaurant was fully packed on a Saturday evening despite the horrors of parking along East Coast road, but we hear that business is quiet during lunch.

We each got a complimentary dish of tamago. We weren’t expecting much from a dish that had been prepared beforehand, and it served its purpose of giving us something to nibble on while waiting for our orders.

But the wait didn’t take long anyway; our first dish of Salmon Mentai Maki ($15) came within minutes. We were delighted to see generous slivers of flame-torched salmon, still pink and raw on the underside that came topped with a dollop of tangy, creamy mentai. This itself was good enough for us to distract us from the under-seasoned rice.

Skewers supposedly take centre stage at Tamon. Among those we tried, we enjoyed the Shishito or Japanese green pepper which was bursting with juices despite being charred to a crisp. The Gyu Maki Cheese ($5) was also an ingenious creation with tender beef slices encasing a delicate filling of gooey, almost mochi-like cheese. The Beef Karubi ($5) and Chicken Thigh with leek ($3) were average, but what disappointed was the Chicken Liver ($2.80), which came across as dry and hard.

Our favourite dish turned out to be the Pork Belly Stew ($10). Contrary to what its name would have you believe, this was surprisingly light on the palate. We loved that it was was chock-full of sukiyaki-style pork slices, stewed onions, carrots and potatoes that had soaked up the intense flavours of the broth. This was comfort food at its best and we’d have been happy spooning this over mounds of rice.

Instead, our carbohydrates came in the form of an oyako don ($15) which was really nothing more than a tummy-filler. A rather unfortunate way to end the meal as this was bland and unexciting.

As izakaya meals go, it’s easy to chalk up a hefty sum from ordering ala-carte. We can’t help but notice offerings at Tamon are much less refined that what we Singaporeans have been spoilt by. Though we weren’t won over by the food, we were thoroughly impressed with the service, which was prompt, personal and yet unintrusive. The service staff came by time to time to check on our needs and not once were our glasses of tea left empty. Perhaps therein lies the secret to surviving as a restaurant in Singapore for so many years.

Tamon Izakaya
214 East Coast Road
Tel: +65 6346 6667
Daily: 11.30 – 2pm, 6pm – 10pm

Words and photographs by Sarah Lim

For more recommendations, read our Guide to Japanese Restaurants in Singapore

Located just a few units away from Pepperoni Pizza of Les Amis fame, one would question the viability of Capri Trattoria & Pizzeria at Binjai Park which similarly dishes up Italian classics. We were torn between safe and adventurous and were glad to be rewarded for picking Capri.

A waiter greets us at the door and leads us to a cosy corner. It’s homely and inviting and we instantly fall in love with this charming little Italian restaurant. Capri is as authentic as can be, with an artfully-styled brick-laid walls decorated with paintings reminiscent of what a restaurant in Italy would be like.

The menu features an affordable array of appetisers ($10-$18), pasta ($20-26), pizzas ($16-25) and mains ($26-148) including a tantalizing-sounding Florentine steak ($148). We asked for recommendations, and were pointed out more than half the menu. We’d like to think that is because the chef has got them all perfected.

The soup of the day was a stunning Seafood Soup ($10). The piquant tomato base with bold crustacean notes whetted our appetites. We appreciated the generous portion of seafood – prawns, clams and squid – that were sufficiently fresh to leave us wanting more.

And so more seafood we had, in our next dish of Scialatielli di Capri ($24). Baking in a parchment paper isn’t exactly our favourite cooking method for the way-past-al-dente noodles which lacked the satisfying bite and chewiness of a good pasta dish.

Touted as a must-try, the Ricotta e Pera ($10) fell short of expectations. While the biscuit crust and creamy ricotta was a fun contrast of textures, the taste came across as a tad one-dimensional.

We know a good squid ink pasta when we taste it, and the Ravioli al nero di seppia ($22) certainly fulfilled all the criteria for one. Said to be simmered over 6 hours, the viscous, unctuous sauce was a star of its own but eaten with the seafood and mascarpone ravioli brought this dish a notch higher.

The Lava Cake ($10), on the other hand, was phenomenal. Rich, warm and decadent molten chocolate beneath a crisp, almost wafer-like layer of baked chocolate cake, the theatrics that came with it – being set ablaze when served – was worth an order in itself.

We loved the food, but it was unfortunate that our experience was marred by the preferential service to the extent that we noticed even difference in the portions of our food; on a second visit our order of tagliere all italiana, unlike the opposite table, came with a single slice of parma ham and meagre pieces of burrata, and our lava cake didn’t come flaming (yes we still can’t get over that). But overlooking the patchy service, the chef’s passion is apparent through the attention paid to the preparation of Capri’s dishes. While portions weren’t exactly hearty, flavours are strong yet well-balanced. Capri’s definitely a gem of a restaurant and a welcome addition to the Bukit Timah area.

Capri Trattoria & Pizzeria
3 Binjai Park
Tel: +65 6468 4886
Daily: 12 noon – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm

Words and photographs by Sarah Lim.

With a name as quirky as Table Manners, it is hard not to do a double-take when we passed this little gastrobar hidden in a corner of Changi City Point. The sleek layout had been thoughtfully planned, with wooden furniture and quirky quotes adorning the walls, adding a casual vibe to the chic atmosphere.

But what truly makes this place a gem is the timbre-decked pavilion. Set against a backdrop of lush greenery with a koi pond to boot, we couldn’t resist opting for al-fresco dining both times we were there.

The emphasis of Table Manners is on their drinks (they are after all, started by the good people at A Thousand Tales who are behind Cafe Fables and Bar Stories). On-menu drinks include a virgin mojito sorbet mocktail ($9) and an enticing strawberry shortcake cocktail ($16, or $12 between 5-8pm daily). We were told that they are able to customise drinks to suit any palate, even if one were odd enough to crave a spicy or bitter drink.

We sampled a not-yet-named mocktail of watermelon, lemongrass and thyme that was pretty enough to warrant envious glances from the next table. This refreshing citrus drink with ever-so-subtle undertones of herbs had our gastric juices working for the meal ahead.

The menu is comprehensive, with a bar bites ranging from the typical truffle fries ($6) and spicy wings ($7.50) to more creative options like ebiko mussels ($8.50). We picked the mushroom risotto balls ($7.50) and were pleasantly surprised to be rewarded with crispy little morsels that gave way to a creamy mash of risotto. Ask for the accompanying home-made sauce, akin to a less salty version of mentaiko, which brought a whole new dimension to the nibbles.

The aglio olio ($14), a simple dish made exciting by a huge grilled pork sausage, was satisfying if not particularly spectacular. We’d advise going for the pasta al fungi ($14) instead; a generous portion of toothsome, al-dente fettuccine drenched in a luscious pesto cream perfumed with earthy mushrooms and garlic bits.

Pass on the Arcadian Chicken ($16) and Grilled Pomodoro Chicken ($15), which unfortunately tasted like something you’d be able to whip up at home; there are items on the menu that are better worth your calories.

Which immediately brings us to our favourite item on the menu: the King’s Burger ($16), a 70%-beef-30%-pork patty which turned out surprisingly juicy and flavourful. Not a King’s burger without a reason, the sizeable patty was topped off with a smorgasbord of bacon, gherkins, cheese, and a sunny-side up egg, completed with a serving of truffle fries.

We already had our eyes set on three desserts, and we blame the tempting display at the counter. The lemon cheesecake ($5.50) was a piquant, citrus-tinged treat that managed a creamy texture without being overly rich. Kudos to the chef for perfecting the sea salt chocolate caramel tart ($6.50), which was smooth, sticky and oh-so-decadent. The tiramisu was the only disappointment; we enjoyed the crumbly bits with the mascarpone cheese, but a tiramisu simply isn’t one without our pillowly rum-soaked lady’s fingers.

With its hearty grub fare at student-friendly prices, and its after work chill-out vibe, we are sure it won’t be long before this little gastrobar starts drawing in the after-work crowd from the Changi area.

Table Manners
#01-68/69 Changi City Point
5 Changi Business Park Central 1
Tel: +65 6604 7669
Daily: 11am to 12am

Words and photographs by Sarah Lim.

Nestled amidst the Mohammed Sultan enclave, Bistecca Tuscan Steakhouse makes an exciting new addition to the semi-fine dining scene in Singapore. This 6-month-old restaurant claims to be the first and only Italian restaurant specialising in steak. How does it fare against other steakhouses in Singapore? Is it worth a try?

Besides steaks, the menu is extensive with a selection of 8 different appetizers ($15 – $38) and a variety of pastas ($22 – $25) and mains ($28 – $45), so much so that we eventually gave up on deciding and left our orders to the discretion of our host.

We knew we were off to a good start when the bruschetta al pomodoro con burrata e olio al basilico ($18) was served to us. We adored the curls of milky burrata cheese with the accompanying tart tomatoes delicately laid atop a crisp toast, making for a simple dish with a clever play on taste and texture.

The stellar appetizer was probably why the tortellini ripieni di mortadella con crema di piselli e pancetta ($25) fell short of expectations. Each parcel was perfectly al dente, but we secretly wished for more a more robust flavour in the beef and sausage stuffing.

The piece de resistance, a 1.2kg Fiorentina Wagyu T-bone steak ($178), would make any meat lover weak in the knees. Lightly seasoned and cooked over a wood-fired grill, the meat came charred around the edges with a luscious, pink interior oozing with beefy goodness. Bistecca’s one year search for the perfect beef was not unwarranted, for this was one of the most flavourful and well-marbled beef we’ve ever had. Ditch the accompanying sauces, which we felt were simply distractions and savour the beef in its most natural form.

For sides, we ordered a portion each of the crema di spinaci ($14) and patate arrosto in erbe ($10), the latter of which had us head over heels. It was hard to fathom how potatoes can taste so good, as if there was a secret recipe that went into creating these smoky little morsels. So tasty were these that for a fleeting moment, it diverted our attention away from the steak.

We’d advise passing on the traditional desserts and head straight for the more unique offerings; what the tiramisu tradizionale servitor con crema al caffe ($12) lacked in alcoholic flavours, the sbriciolona al pistachio con Vin Santo ($14) more than made up for. Served with a sweet dessert wine, these biscotti-like polenta and pistachio biscuits were a great way to end a satisfying meal.

Prices are no where near cheap, but Bistecca Tuscan Stakhouse is definitely worth your while if you’re looking for quality food and personal service amidst a stunning setting, just for that special occasion. If anything, don’t miss out on the steaks. The beef is, after all, in their beef.

Words by Sarah Lim, photos by ladyironchef

Bistecca Tuscan Steakhouse
25 Mohamed Sultan Road
Tel: +65 6735 6739
Tue to Fri: 12pm–2pm, 6pm–11pm
Sat: 11am–4pm, 6pm–11pm
Sun: 11am–4pm
Note: This was an invited media tasting.