NUDE Grill is our favourite pet-friendly restaurant in Singapore. It ticks all the boxes for us: a comfortable environment for the furkids to roam with water bowls provided for them, relaxing ambience and real, good food for humans, and it is sheltered!

The problem with most pet-friendly restaurants/ cafes in Singapore is that the food for humans is always shitty, and sometimes there is no shelter so there are no bad weather contingencies if it rains.

And all these make NUDE Grill even more ideal when you want a good meal at a nice seafood restaurant in Singapore but can’t bear to leave your furkid alone at home. They do not have a menu for pets but hey, that’s a small issue.

The centralized location makes it accessible to everyone. Conveniently sitting within Marina One, the popular seafood restaurant sits on the first level of the office-cum-residences building and has a big, airy space for you to walk your furkids.

NUDE Grill is able to serve quality seafood at reasonable prices as their family business is Hai Sia Seafood, a 3rd generation seafood wholesaler.

On their menu, expect honest good food from all-day brunch items to fresh seafood and Binchotan-grilled meats.

The ‘Bouillabaisse’ Seafood Stew (S$25.60) is our all-time favourite. A bowl of tiger prawns, seasonal fish, clams and cuttlefish simmered with watercress and potato, this hearty bowl of goodness is comforting as much as it is flavourful.

We also like the Grassfed NZ Wagyu ‘Bavette’ Steak (S$27.50). A slab of smoky steak prepared in your preferred doneness is served with a side of sweet corn (so good!) and scrambled eggs – simple and very filling. Oh, we sometimes cheat by letting our furkid have a piece of steak.

Some other popular items on the menu include the NUDE Breakfast (S$27.50), Fish & Chips (S$19.90), Fisherman’s Linguine (S$26.8) and Miso Halibut with Udon (S$22.9). They’ve got got a pretty comprehensive drinks menu, with reasonably-priced wines.

NUDE Grill
5 Straits View, #01-22 Marina One, Singapore 018935
Tel: +65 8726 1576

Few things come close to the sheer majesty that sinking one’s teeth into a quality steak entails; the flavour of buttery beefiness oozing all over the tongue, enveloped by a smoky flavour and brought to life with speckles of sea salt. Cooked perfectly, be it roasted and finished under a broiler, grilled or even sous vide, a properly cooked steak can be life-changing. Period.

A good steak will always reign supreme among the food-obsessed and is almost always money well spent. Whether you’re looking to spend lavishly, indulging in the crème de la crème of beefy divinity or simply a more economically-friendly alternative just to curb your cravings, here is our list of 11 places in Singapore to get a very, very good steak.

AKIRA BACK

Located in the heart of the designer hotel, JW Marriott Singapore South Beach, this glitzy outfit by award-winning chef Akira Back features innovative dishes centred around modern Japanese cuisine with a touch Korean influences. We are huge fans of their Charcoal-Grilled Ribeye, a 350-day grain fed Wagyu behemoth that packs insane amounts of flavour.

30 Beach Road
JW Marriott Singapore South Beach
Singapore 189763
Tel: +65 6818 1914
Sun to Thu: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Esplanade/ Raffles City

BEDROCK BAR & GRILL

This modern steakhouse exudes a rustic, almost roughed up, vibe with its many granite and wooden elements, which is the sort of mood that’s befitting of their food. Their steak is simply out of this world, selected and prepared by a team of passionate individuals who pour their heart and soul into selecting only the best quality beef, dining here is always a memorable experience. Simply done, what you get is a perfectly cooked steak, seasoned appropriately and topped with a dollop of butter.

96 Somerset Road, #01-05
Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Orchard,
Singapore 238163
Tel: +65 6238 0054
Daily: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

BISTECCA TUSCAN STEAKHOUSE

If you’ve never enjoyed a steak the way the Italians do, then you really need to head over to Bistecca Tuscan Steakhouse. They’re famous for their Bistecca Alla Fiorentina — a thick cut, char-grilled T-bone steak that’s good for sharing among 2 or even 3 people. Prepared the traditional Tuscan way, their steaks are grilled over a wood-fire and at immensely high temperatures, producing a gloriously charred crust and tender, juicy meat.

26 Mohamed Sultan Road
Singapore 238970
Tel: +65 6735 6739
Mon: 6pm – 10pm
Tue to Sun: 12pm – 2pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Fort Canning

CUT BY WOLFGANG PUCK

Opened by celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck, this modern steakhouse at Marina Bay Sands impresses with its swanky interiors and quality service. While the appetisers alone are enough to entice, we suggest saving room for the main affair—their steak. Whether you opt for their Filet Mignon or Ribeye, you’ll leave thoroughly satisfied with your mind completely blown.

2 Bayfront Avenue B1-71, Galleria Level
The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
Singapore 018972
Tel: +65 6688 8517
Sun to Thu: 5.30pm – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 5.30pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Bayfront

FAT COW

A place where terrific food, culinary finesse and Japanese hospitality culminate, Fat Cow is one restaurant that offers diners one of the best steaks in Singapore. While their omakase might be their strong point, they are most famous for their variety of premium quality Wagyu beef—hence the name. The marbling on their signature cuts is enough to swoon over but seared over a hot grill, they release a flavour complexity that’s rich, buttery and delicious.

Camden Medical Centre #01-01/02,
1 Orchard Boulevard,
Singapore 248649
Tel: +65 6735 0308
Sun to Thu: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

MORTON’S THE STEAK HOUSE

If you’re in a jacket and tie sort of mood, then Morton’s The Steak House is one to consider. Evoking the same archetypal atmosphere of a classic high-end steakhouse in New York, the restaurant beautifully encapsulates the classic, speakeasy-style of American fine dining. This steakhouse juggernaut in Mandarin Oriental is known for many things, but if steak is what you’re after, we’re confident that the wet-aged Prime Ribeye Steak and the colossal 48-ounce Porterhouse will do the trick.

5 Raffles Avenue, Fourth Storey
Mandarin Oriental,
Singapore 039797
Tel: +65 6339 3740
Mon to Sat: 5.30am – 11pm
Sun: 12pm – 9pm
Nearest Station: Promenade

OPUS BAR & GRILL

It’s captivating ambience, coupled with its surprising affordability, makes Opus Bar & Grill perfect for virtually any occasion. These folks take grilling seriously and pride themselves on serving only top quality stuff from sustainable sources. In the mood to indulge? Then you should definitely opt for their 1kg Black Angus Porterhouse. Cooked over white-hot coals, the meat develops a beautifully caramelised and smoky flavour along with a buttery, beef goodness.

Hilton Singapore
581 Orchard Road, Lobby Level
Tel: +65 6730 3390
Daily: 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard Road

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE

This posh, upscale outfit located in Marina Mandarin Hotel boasts an award-winning wine list and a repertoire of fine steaks. The restaurant prides themselves on their signature method of broiling and seasoning their steaks, a perfected art that ensures each cut of the USDA Prime beef arrives at the table, perfectly cooked and sizzling on a 500° plate.

Raffles Boulevard
Marina Mandarin Hotel
Singapore 039594
Tel: +65 6336 9093
Daily: 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Esplanade

SHATOBURIAN

A clever play on the word ‘chateaubriand’—which is a prime tender cut of wagyu—Shatoburian is the most talked-about Japanese yakiniku restaurant in town now. Famed for their extensive menu of prized Hida wagyu cuts, this contemporary Japanese BBQ restaurant is a heaven for wagyu aficionados.

On the yakiniku menu, you can choose from thin-slice, normal-slice as well as steak cuts such as Ribeye and
Chateaubriand (S$150)—Shatoburian’s prized cut—which is 120g of the most tender and best cut of the tenderloin.

Shatoburian
390 Orchard Rd, #02 – 08, Singapore 238871
Tel: +65 6904 3308

THE FEATHER BLADE

Inspired by the famous London steakhouse Flat Iron where founder Sheen Jet Leong honed his skills, The Feather Blade specialises in their signature Feather Blade steak. But what makes The Feather Blade different from Flat Iron is its Asian-inspired sides and sauces.

61 Tg Pagar Rd, Singapore 088482

WOLFGANG’S STEAKHOUSE

If the words, USDA Black Angus Beef, dry-aged and tender are among your top few trigger words then Wolfgang’s Steakhouse is a place you must visit. No doubt a splurge, what you do get is a top-quality steak that arrives at the table piping hot with a gorgeous caramelised crust. All their steaks are dry-aged in-house for about a month, allowing the meat to dry out and develop an even more intense beef flavour.

1 Nanson Road
InterContinental Singapore Robertson Quay #02-01
Singapore 238909
Tel: +65 6887 5885
Daily: 11.30am – 11.30pm
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

WOOLOOMOOLOO

When it comes to a proper, immaculate steakhouse experience, few keep it as real-deal as Wooloomooloo. From their elegant, woody decor and classic trimmings, right down to their variety of classic steak cuts, this restaurant is among the best places for a good, hearty steak. Begin with a dozen oysters on the half shell before taking on their signature Wooloomooloo Steak, a 12-ounce beast of a ribeye, wet-aged for 4 weeks and marinated with Cajun spice.

2 Stamford Road
Swissotel The Stamford, Level 3
Singapore 178882
Tel: +65 6338 0261
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 11.30pm
Sat & Sun: 11.30am – 11.30pm
Nearest Station: City Hall

Fat Belly is a new speakeasy-style steakhouse in Singapore that shares the same space with its sister brand and ice cream joint, Sugarhaus, at Serene Centre. It only opens in the evening, occupying the counter seats at the back of the ice cream parlour.

This 10-seater steakhouse is helmed by chef-owner Stanley Seow, who specialises in alternative, less well-known cuts of beef such as the Flat Iron, which is essentially a cut taken from the shoulder of a cow—generally much less tender than a tenderloin or even a ribeye but let us leave it to the expert to prove us otherwise.

Photo Credit: Fat Belly Singapore

The menu is small and concise. Choose either the Flat Iron (S$22) or the juicy well-marbled Short Rib (S$25). Instead of drowning their steaks in an overly rich sauce, they are treated with a modest seasoning of salt and a house-made chimichurri sauce that comes served on the side—simple, yet ideal for meat as flavourful as this.

Some side dishes to consider are their Guanciale Mac & Cheese (S$5), Salted Thyme Mushrooms (S$5) and the surprisingly addictive, Creamed Kale (S$5).

For dessert, don’t miss out on the unusual Foie Gras Ice Cream (S$13) that comes served with candied bananas, Speculoos and roasted nuts.

Fat Belly
10 Jalan Serene, #01-03A
Serene Centre
Singapore 258748
Tel: +65 6314 2247
Sun to Thu: 6pm – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Botanic Gardens

FIVE-TEN is the latest addition to the developing restaurant scene located along South Bridge Road. If there is any way to describe their food, it is total comfort inspired by the dynamic street food scene of Taipei.

During lunchtime, they offer a spectacular array of innovative dishes such as their take on the popular Taiwanese street food, Lu Rou Fan, and at night, the humble and seemingly innocent establishment transforms into a bar where you can enjoy a tipple.

At FIVE-TEN, you can expect quality Taiwanese-style comfort food at super affordable prices.

The interior is dark yet sophisticated, similar to the kind you would expect to find at a speakeasy bar. The brick wall by the bar adds to the ambiance by giving this eatery a rustic feel.

FIVE-TEN has an array innovative tipples like gaoliang slushies as well as a curated selection of beers, wines, and spirits—priced between $5++ and $10++—to cater to the after-work drinking crowd and late night revelers.

For starters, we ordered a sharing plate of their Fried Chicken (S$5++). A mixture of chicken thigh and breast meat are thinly coated with flour and are deep fried till crispy. The dish comes with a seaweed mayonnaise which the chef makes in-house.

The fried chicken pieces were super crisp and surprisingly juicy on the inside. The seaweed mayonnaise added a refreshing umami touch to the dish, creating a new dimension of savouriness which worked exceptionally well with the crispy chicken.

Fans of Taiwanese food fare will be impressed with their version of the iconic Lu Rou Fan
(S$10++).

A bowl filled with a generous scoop of Japanese short-grain rice doused in a sweet and savoury sauce is topped with thick cuts of braised pork belly, boiled kai lan and a sous-vide egg.

Each individual element was executed perfectly; the braised pork belly was tender, juicy and beautifully infused with the braising liquid, while the kai lan added a nice crunch to the dish. The runny egg yolk provided an added richness to the dish which we felt was what made the whole dish such a joy to eat.

One of their popular mains at FIVE-TEN is the Steak, Rice, and Egg (S$10++). As its name suggests, it is essentially a rice bowl with seared sirloin steak topped with a sous-vide egg.

A generous portion of beautifully cooked steak is neatly displayed to showcase its glorious pink shade. It was tender and the few sprinkles of sea salt really helped to bring out the beefy flavours.

The dish comes with pickled Chinese cabbage on the side. We felt that the tartness added a whole new flavour dimension. It really helped to cut through the richness of the steak and the egg.

If tasty innovative Taiwanese-style eats at affordable prices are what you are after, then you need to make a trip down to FIVE-TEN today!

Five Ten
237 South Bridge Road
Tel: +65 6924 7352
(Closed on Mondays)
Tues to Sat: 10am – 10pm
Sun: 10am – 2.30pm
Nearest Station: Chinatown

A slew of eateries—including Lunar Coffee Brewers, 6 Oz Espresso, Venue by Sebastian—has opened at the new Downtown Gallery in the Central Business District.

The newest addition is The Autobus—a bicycle-themed cafe that serves up healthy salad bowls as well as good coffee and tea. This is undoubtedly every bicycle enthusiast’s dream because not only do they sell food here, they also carry a huge range of bicycle equipment and apparel.

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This newly-established cafe adopts a DIY food menu in that customers are required to fill up an order form. The current menu only includes rice bowls ranging from S$12 to S$16 with additional charges for premium ingredients. The weekend brunch menu has more options such as Full Breakfast (S$18), Eggs Ben (S$11) and Wagyu Burger (S$24).

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We got ourselves two standard S$12 bowls which include, 1 protein, 1 carb, 3 sides and a dressing of choice.

For the first bowl, we got a base carb of quinoa, with the protein being the Grilled Sirloin Steak (+S$2) and topped with the Soy Sesame dressing. Sides consisted of Broccoli, Sweet Corn, and the Spa Egg.

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The Grilled Sirloin Steak was cooked medium-rare and was incredibly tender which is perfect for steak fans.

For our second bowl, we went for Penne pasta for our base carb and the BBQ Pulled Pork as the protein. Sides included Bell Peppers, Button Mushrooms, and the Spa Egg, which were all completed with fresh and fragrant Basil Pesto.

The pasta was cooked al dente and the BBQ Pulled Pork was moist and flavourful. We also liked that the peppers were cooked till soft—something which many salad joints tend to neglect.

We must say that we were really impressed by the Chai Latte here. Unlike many other cafes that source their Chai spice mix externally (and in bulk), the baristas at The Autobus actually make it in-house daily!

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Each individual Chai spice is toasted in a pan separately to bring out a much deeper aroma. After which, they are all steeped in a pot filled with Ceylon tea and brought to a simmer. The flavours are then allowed to mingle and intensify overnight, only to be served the following day.

Their hot Chai Latte (S$5) is the epitome of a perfect beverage on a rainy day. Spicy, comforting and incredibly aromatic. This is something we definitely recommend.

Overall, we really enjoyed in this huge and cosy space. A conducive working environment with free wi-fi, coupled with the beautiful aromas of freshly heated spices make for a pretty decent work-week afternoon.

The Autobus
6A Shenton Way
Downtown Gallery #01-01
Mon to Fri: 7am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 7am – 3pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

72o Bistro & The Toys is the latest addition to Holland Village’s vibrant dining scene and the spacious restaurant specialises in North Indian and Western cuisine.

At this new Heroes-themed restaurant, you can look forward to a comprehensive menu, the best beer deals and an impressive collection of Marvel’s limited edition figurines—including a life-size iron man!

Most of the dishes on 72o Bistro & The Toys’ menu are priced below S$15 nett—there is no GST and service charge.

Quote ‘ladyironchef’ to enjoy 1-for-1 promotion on all main courses (during Sundays to Thursdays lunch and dinner) from now until 28 Feb 2016.

Set foot into the dimly-lit restaurant and you will be greeted by a gigantic Iron Man statue. The life-size figurine was imported directly from the United States of America; and we say, it is a dream come true for all fans. We couldn’t stop staring at it, and we chose a table right beside so it felt like we were dining with Tony Stark!

72o Bistro & The Toys’ glass cabinet showcases a wide selection of Marvel limited edition figurines, including Black Widow, Captain America, Hulk, Thor and more. The restaurant owner has been collecting these figurines since 2000 and he decided to open a themed bistro to share his prized possessions with like-minded fans.

The collection is really expensive, and it is fascinating, to say the least.

There are a bunch of starters on 72o Bistro & The Toys’ menu. We suggest you get the Spicy Buffalo Wings (S$8.90 nett / five pieces) for sharing.

Each succulent chicken wing is marinated, deep-fried and tossed in spicy buffalo sauce. Carrot and cucumber sticks are served on the side with a blue cheese dip.

For something more substantial, share the 2 Amigos Pizza (S$13.90 nett) baked with bacon bits, bratwurst sausage, tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese.

It is worth mentioning that every item is served in an incredibly generous portion!

The Dancing Prawn Aglio Olio (S$14.80 nett) might look unassuming, but do not let its simplicity fool you. It is hands down our favourite Western dish from 72o Bistro & The Toys.

Al dente spaghetti is served with fresh and plump sautéed prawns, chilli flakes, garlic, onion, olive oil and pepper. Flavourful in every bite, and certainly very filling!

The 72o House Burger (S$15.80 nett) is a value-for-money main course that will fill you up easily. Melted cheese, chargrilled beef patty, smoked bacon bits, mushroom, romaine lettuce, cherry tomato, mayonnaise and a sunny side egg are served atop two palm-size sesame buns with a garden salad and a tin of fries on the side.

72o Bistro & The Toys’ signature dish is the chef-recommended Grass-fed Rib-eye Steak (S$24 nett). The rib-eye steak is grilled to the doneness of your choice and served with asparagus, mushrooms, potato wedges, salad and drenched in an aromatic brown sauce.

For something different, consider the 72o Curry Chicken Burger (S$12.80 nett), which resembles more of a sandwich. Fork-tender marinated chicken, Indian curry gravy, pineapple rings, romaine lettuce and onion slices are stuffed inside a ciabatta bread.

We have to admit that the North Indian delicacies served at 72o Bistro & The Toys seriously surpassed our expectations. Frankly speaking, there seems to be little or no link between North Indian cuisine and a bistro decked out in Marvel decors. But boy, we were impressed to no end.

The fragrant Butter Chicken (S$12.80 nett) is a must-order. In fact, we would gladly make a return special trip just for their Butter Chicken! Think tender boneless chicken cooked with a thick, buttered masala gravy. Needless to say, this Indian classic was the star of the meal—everyone was digging into the viscous tomato-based mixture.

Think tender boneless chicken cooked with a thick, buttered masala gravy. Needless to say, this Indian classic was the star of the meal—everyone was digging into the viscous tomato-based mixture.

While the Butter Chicken tastes good on its own, the Cheese and Garlic Naan (S$4.80 nett) and Chicken Briyani (S$11.80 nett) make great accompaniments.

The former is a delicious Indian bread baked in clay oven, whereas the latter is a traditional Indian dish comprising curried chicken and spiced rice. Can’t decide what to have? Order all. No such thing as too much good food.

By now, you are probably overwhelmed by the seemingly endless options available.

Want more sharing dishes? Then give the Chicken Suslick (S$9.80 nett / two sticks, S$17.80 nett / four sticks) a shot. These skewers consist of marinated chicken chunks, grilled capsicums and onions.

For the most bang for your buck, visit 72o Bistro & The Toys during lunchtime and dig into these scrumptious dishes at unbelievable prices—we are talking about S$8.80 nett for a set!

72o Bistro & The Toys is also ideal for after-work drinks. Marvel figurines and toys; sounds like a fab idea.

They have an awesome variety of beverages. Regardless of whether it is beer, wine, liquor or non-alcoholic drinks you are after, there is bound to be something you fancy sipping.

Ladies, do give their house-made 72o Classic Champagne (S$12 nett) a shot! This refreshing bubbly is available exclusively on Ladies Night aka Wednesdays at one-for-one. Weekend warriors should try their Watermelon Soju (S$28 nett), which is essentially an entire carved watermelon filled with soju. Note that this fruity potent drink is only available on Saturdays.

And by the way, their prices are one of the most competitive in the Holland Village dining district! Now you know where to head to next for drinks and food when you are in the vicinity. We know for sure that we will be heading back for Butter Chicken and drinks!

And Tony Stark.

Remember to quote ‘ladyironchef’ to enjoy 1-for-1 promotion on all main courses (during Sundays to Thursdays lunch and dinner) from now until 28 Feb 2016.

P.s. 72o Bistro & The Toys’ venue is also available for private events.

72o Bistro & The Toys
19 Lorong Liput
Singapore 277732
Tel: +65 6463 6028
Mon to Thu: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 11pm
Fri and Sat: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 1am
Sun: 11.30am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Holland Village

This post is brought to you by 72o Bistro & The Toys.

Newly opened contemporary restaurant Ash & Char sits in the heart of Singapore’s CBD. The gastro-bar—opened by the team behind Rise & Grind Coffee Co—is just a short walk away from Tanjong Pagar MRT Station and Telok Ayer MRT station.

Ash & Char derived its name from the primary cooking techniques used for its dishes. Do not let the fancy interiors put you off; the menu is actually surprisingly affordable. The scrumptious main courses here range between S$15++ to S$21++ for a scrumptious plate of Aglio Olio and Hanger Steak respectively.

The versatile venue is perfect for business luncheons, dinner dates and even after-work drinks.

The Hanger Steak (S$21++) was cooked to medium rare, but we thought the soft and chewy slices were leaning towards rare doneness instead. The 150-day grain-fed Angus steak is served with charred baby romaine lettuce, tomatoes, garlic flakes and a semi-spicy pickled jalapeño purée.

Ash & Char’s Korean Chicken Burger (S$17++) was served with crisp sweet potato fries. Succulent marinated fork-tender Korean fried chicken, in-house fermented kimchi and refreshing apple slaw are sandwiched between two fluffy sesame buns.

If you are torn between the Korean Chicken Burger and the Hanger Steak, we say go for the burger instead.

We also recommend the Bacon & Mushroom Carbonara (S$16++). Al dente penne pasta is cooked in fragrant white wine and served with aromatic mushrooms, crispy garlic flakes, streaky bacon and a sous vide egg.

Ash & Char
#01-03/04, 21 McCallum Street
Singapore 069047
Tel: +65 9132 8880
Daily: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

About the writer:
Hui Jun Ng is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She previously worked in the food and marketing industry. She loves travelling and enjoys exploring underrated destinations. In her free time, you will find her indulging in coffee and her all-time favourite local dish – bak chor mee.

Brothers In Fine Food, a new cafe open in Tampines West Community Centre, is opened by the good folks behind Penny University.

The space sits in the heart of the Tampines West residential cluster and it is definitely one of the new cafés in Singapore that you should not miss out on.

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Brothers In Fine Food mixes quality, creative interpretations of dishes with amazingly affordable prices, making it the perfect recipe for a tantalising yet comforting meal in neighbourhood spaces.

Opened just a few weeks ago in November 2016, Brothers In Fine Food is the perfect place to be at for a peaceful solo lunch, or a casual get-together with friends after work.

Do not be fooled by Brothers In Fine Food’s seemingly small interiors. Their creative menu innovations give the saying ‘tiny but mighty’ new meaning. Case in point: the Beef Steak.

The beef sits in a pool of bright pink beetroot purée, which adds an unexpected yet welcome sweetness to the otherwise regular beef steak. The meat is succulent, juicy, and cooked to the perfect tenderness, while the beetroot purée is both creamy and tangy.

We found ourselves wiping the purée off the plate even after we were long done with the steak. The best part about this dish: it is available at just S$13.50. What is there not to love?

For desserts, the Greek Yoghurt Panna Cotta (S$8) is a good shout. The homemade honeycomb crunch, fruits and lavender honey lends the dish a balanced mix of soft, milky, crispy and fragrant all at once. It was a treat for the senses to say the least.

The poached pears that came with the panna cotta was also cooked to just the right texture – crunchy and sweet to taste. It made a great pairing with the greek yoghurt panna cotta.

As is expected, Brothers In Fine Food also offers a range of coffee for your daily caffeine dosage. We got a regular latte which costs just S$5.50. It was just what the doctor ordered to complement the entire meal.

Brothers In Fine Food
5 Tampines Avenue 3
#02-07, Tampines West Community Club
Singapore 529705
Tue to Fri: 12pm – 10.30pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 10.30pm
Closed on Mondays
Nearest Station: Tampines

The East of Singapore is where one will find plenty of hidden treasures. While there are many concept cafes out there, To-gather Cafe in Bedok (next to Fengshan Market) is one gem where you can unwind from work.

Walk into the cafe and you will notice that cursive writings of inspirational quotes and song lyrics fill up the walls in the most elegant manner. There is also a wall featuring post-it notes with messages and compliments penned down personally by customers.

Inspired by an all-time favourite childhood song “The More We Get Together”, the owners of To-gather cafe aims to create a homey ambience concept where people gather together over a good meal and artisan coffees. The cafe offers delectable signature dishes and the most flavourful desserts to end your meal with.

The best part? Most of the main courses are affordably priced under S$12. To-gather Cafe is one place where you can have a good meal without breaking the bank.

GRILLED TENDERLOIN OF BEEF

We are mentioning this dish first because everyone agreed unanimously that this was the best.

Everything about the Grilled Tenderloin of Beef (S$24.90) just clicked together—the soft tenderloin steak grilled to pinkish medium rare doneness, with an addictive black pepper sauce and fragrant truffle oil, complete with mash potatoes and seasonal vegetables.

BRAISED BEEF PASTA

If having a beef steak is too much for you, go for the Braised Beef Pasta (S$11.90). We enjoyed the warm creamy spaghetti jazzed up with colourful bell peppers, button mushrooms and caramelised onions. The star ingredient of this pasta dish is the slow braised beef brisket. We always appreciate the flavours of a long simmered sauce; rich, aromatic and very tender.

The star ingredient of this pasta dish is the slow braised beef brisket. We always appreciate the flavours of a long simmered sauce; rich, aromatic and very tender.

PORK CORDON BLEU

The Pork Cordon Bleu (S$11.90) at To-gather Cafe is coated with a crispy crust of bread crumbs and we were greeted by a generous portion of ham and cheese stuffing when we pulled the pork loin apart.

It is important that the chef has the skills to ensure that the top layer has been deep fried to form a crispy casing, while the meat inside remains juicy. We are glad to say that the one at To-gather Cafe is worth trying. The Pork Cordon Bleu comes with fries and fresh salad drizzled over with light mustard sauce.

GRILLED PANDAN CHICKEN CHOP

Chicken chop may be a common item on most menus but Pandan Chicken Chop? Now that’s something we have to mention. The folks at To-gather Cafe have reinvented what used to be a run-of-the-mill food item into an interesting dish you cannot help but notice.

The marinated grilled chicken chop (S$9.90) is marinated with, of course, pandan and doused in a light coconut sauce. To spice things up a little more, a spoonful of pineapple salsa—made from scratch within the premises—is placed atop the chicken chop.

This is something the older folks can try if you are planning to visit with your family!

ARTISANAL COFFEE AND DESSERTS

The baristas at To-gather cafe have the usuals to serve you—Caffe Latte (S$4.20) and Cappuccino (S$4.20); and if you are more inclined towards tea, try the Matcha Latte (S$5.20). If you do not know, yes, Matcha Latte has no coffee in it.

You know what is the one dessert that got all of us swooning? The Homemade Hojicha Swiss Roll with Thick Hojicha Shot (S$5.90), a new item that is launched earlier this month. The idea of serving the dessert with a shot of Hojicha Latte is so that you can take sips in between bites because Swiss rolls tend to be dry; yes, we were so incredibly impressed by this “little touch”.

By the way, the Hojicha used for this dessert is made of premium Hojicha powder imported directly from Japan!

To-gather Cafe’s Matcha Lava Cake with Vanilla Gelato (S$7.20) has been making its rounds on Instagram in the last two years. It comes with a distinctively rich matcha flavour and a single scoop of vanilla gelato,

Come November 2016, To-gather Cafe will be celebrating its third birthday! And in conjunction with their birthday celebrations, they will be returning to society by donating a part of their proceeds to a social enterprise that provides clean water for rural communities.

Bring your family and friends over to this nostalgic cafe for a meal in the heartlands. After all, this is what To-gather Cafe is all about—the more we get together, the happier we’ll be!

And while you are at it, don’t forget to check out all the murals on the wall! They are done by local artists and it does not hurt to have a photo or two of it on your Instagram account!

To-gather Cafe
#01-25/27
84 Bedok North Street 4
Singapore 460084
Tel: +65 6445 1011
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bedok

This post is brought to you by To-gather Cafe.

Sitting in the heartlands of Singapore, in the bustling neighbourhood of Toa Payoh is Krazy Salad Bar, a nondescript eatery that is more than just salad. It is a semi-buffet place that has a full menu of Western main courses and we love them for their value-for-money main course + salad bar concept.

Of course, it is up to you whether you want to go for the full works, and you can always just opt for just the main course or the salad buffet. But if we are telling you that for under S$20, you get free flow of main courses, salad and desserts, would you not be tempted?

Now, this offer right in the heart of Toa Payoh Central is a gem—yes you need to check out Krazy Salad Bar.

From now until 30 November 2016 (Mon – Thu), readers of ladyironchef can simply quote “ladyironchef” or flash this post to enjoy the free top-up of a salad buffet, or to enjoy a discounted top-up of S$5 for free flow main courses from the special promotional menu.

ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT SALAD BAR

While you may frown upon salads, let’s just say Krazy’s salad bar is more than just vegetables and healthy whatnots.

There is a selection of soups on a weekly rotation. Soup choices range from the highly popular Mushroom Soup to comforting Clam Chowder Soup and Country Pumpkin Soup. The Mushroom Soup is a mainstay because it is the most well-loved for its chunky, creamy goodness.

The salad and toppings are also on rotation. Enjoy free-flow Smoked Duck Salad on the first week; Pumpkin and Cashew on the second; and Hawaiian Chicken on the third… you get the drift.

At Krazy Salad Bar, some vegetables such as Tangy Romaine, Green Caesar and Lollo Red are actually local produce from Singapore’s very own vegetable farm. And the best news is that they are pesticide-free! Indeed, the vegetables are a lot more crisp, fresh and sweet.

And did we mention that there is free-flow soft serve, too?

The all-you-can-eat salad bar is available as an a la carte at S16.90 (lunch) & $19.90 (dinner) and S$9 as an add-on to your main. But you know what is the good news?

Simply flash this post upon ordering and the add-on fee of S$9 will be waived entirely. In other words, with every order of a main course, you are entitled to a buffet at the salad bar too!

KRAZY PEPPERY RIBS

Oh, just look at that glorious rack of ribs. Baked slowly in the oven, the Krazy Peppery Ribs (S$28.90) are glazed with homemade peppery BBQ sauce. We enjoyed pulling the ribs apart and have it fall into a beautiful mess of tender meat and sticky peppery BBQ sauce.

TENDERLOIN STEAK

You might sceptical about a steak at a salad bar. We shared the exact sentiments too before taking a bite into the tenderloin. Our medium rare steak (S$29.9) was juicy and flavourful, to say the least.

Red wine infused gravy poured over the steak gave it an extra oomph, and it was the kind of comforting Western food goodness that reminded us of good old childhood days when our parents would reward us with a good Western meal if we did well in school.

HOT LAVA CHICKEN

This one is for those who want something spicier and more kickass. The Hot Lava Chicken (S$13.90++) is served with Chef David’s homemade hot and spicy lava sauce, and was strongly recommended to us as one of the best sellers in the house.

We could see why it is a favourite among regulars for the marinated chicken thigh was so tender, with hints of BBQ sauce and chilli, and complete with a smoky aftertaste.

TYSON PORK CUTLET

It is not just the Japanese who serve up good pork cutlets. The pork cutlet (S$13.90++) we had at Krazy Salad Bar was extremely crispy. Every piece is double crumbed and deep fried till golden brown, and Chef Tyson’s recipe carries a mild charred taste which balances well with the accompanying sweet sauce.

OTHER MAINS AT KRAZY SALAD BAR

Besides the dishes that we’ve mentioned, Krazy Salad Bar has an extensive menu which has other main courses such as Battered Fish & Chips, Surf & Turf, Pan-seared Salmon Steak, Lemongrass Pacific Dory, Pan-seared Duck Breast and Oriental Pork Chop.

EXCLUSIVE PROMOTION FOR READERS OF LADYIRONCHEF

There are various top-up options, but our readers are exclusively entitled to a complimentary salad bar top-up when you quote “ladyironchef” or flash this post upon placing your order. This means you are only paying for your main course but your meal will come complete with salads, pasta, soups and more at the all-you-can-eat salad bar.

The next option, which is the one we prefer, is a top-up of S$9 (Option B) on top of your mains from Krazy’s special promotional menu—which includes mains such as Hot Lava Chicken, Salmon Steak, Pork Cutlet, Sirloin Steak and American Sticky Ribs—to enjoy the salad bar buffet and endless mains!

That means paying only S$9 for your second or even third plate of Sirloin Steak. How awesome is that? And for Ladyironchef readers, the add-on fee for Option B will be only S$5 when you flash this post upon ordering. Yes, S$5 for a complete buffet. You know this is one deal you must not pass up on!

This exclusive promotion is valid on Mondays to Thursdays (not applicable on eve of and Public Holiday) from 13 October to 30 November 2016.

By the way, you don’t have to pay for GST when you dine at Krazy Salad Bar. This is really one wallet friendly semi-buffet place – for students, for those who are tight on their budgets, for those who are after a casual yet satisfying meal, for everyone who loves both their greens and meats!

Krazy Salad Bar
Toa Payoh Central (Above KFC)
#02-516, Block 190 Toa Payoh Lorong 6
Singapore 310190
Tel: +65 6254 7872
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm (last order 9.30pm)
Nearest Station: Toa Payoh

This post is brought to you by Krazy Salad Bar.

Over the years and especially in recent times, a new wave of mod-sin gourmet interpretations have been taking Singapore’s dining scene by storm and we are now seeing more and more unique East-meets-West creations. The terminology ‘mod-sin’ stands for modern Singaporean and refers to the interesting marriage of local delicacies and western classics, and should be a harmonious blend of flavours that complement each other.

With that simple but important focus, redpan at Marina Square – a hidden gem we fell in love with lately – has created a comprehensive menu of fusion inventions that have successfully combined the best of both worlds.

A little fun fact: redpan is an exciting collaborative venture between local architectural company DP Architects and homegrown The Food Explorer Group, who is behind Grub.

From Truffle Floss Fries, Prawn & ‘Hae Bi Hiam’ Pasta and Banana Donuts ‘Milo Dinosaur’, redpan’s menu drove us crazy and we actually cannot pick just one favourite. Well, our lunch was good and these were what we had.

To enhance the theme and celebrate local design, the designers from DP created a multi-functional space that is warm, vibrant and conveys a sense of chic, with its custom-made wooden curves.

Design accents, like the custom-designed hanging glass feature comprising 2,000 glass pieces individually adjusted by hand over weeks, celebrate local creativity and craftsmanship complementing the food.

#1 CHAR SIEW CHILLI FRIES

Why settle for plain old boring French fries when you can have a deluxe version topped with a familiar ingredient? redpan’s Char Siew Chilli Fries (S$7++) is quite a showstopper with its homemade char siew ragout, jalapeño salsa and sour cream toppings. Think of it like the Singapore-style chilli con carne fries.

#2 TRUFFLE FLOSS FRIES

However, it is the insane Truffle Floss Fries (S$8++) that we will return religiously for. This mouthwatering rendition of Truffle Fries is one of the best we ever had. Cooked in truffle aioli and topped with chives and chicken floss, this starter is a blend of contrasting flavours that is totally worth every calorie. Damn, it’s addictive to say the least!

#3 PORK POPS

If fries are not your thing, then order the Pork Pops (S$9++). Presented in a red ceramic dish, the deep-fried marinated pork belly entree is complemented with a refreshing mango sauce that we couldn’t stop dipping our bites in.

#4 STEAK & CHINCHALOK

Chinchalok is a spiced Malaysian condiment made from chilli, lime juice, shallots and shrimp paste. Truth to be told, we were rather skeptical about the unlikely combination of fermented shrimps atop grilled steak. But we were to find out that the combination is an unconventionally brilliant one. The pickled onions might overpower the steak a little, but that was fine. We enjoyed this dish a lot.

#5 PRAWN & ‘HAE BI HIAM’ PASTA

Who would have thought that a Southeast Asian approach to a prawn pasta would produce such an extraordinary outcome? redpan’s Prawn & ‘Hae Bi Hiam’ Pasta (S$16++) is a huge plate of al dente tagliatelle tossed with handcrafted sambal and fresh sautéed prawns. You might want to know that the spicy shrimp paste is prepared with renowned Chef Mervyn Phan’s grandmother’s recipe.

#6 ‘HAR CHEONG’ CHICKEN CUTLET

redpan has extracted the key essence of Singaporeans’ beloved tze char dish prawn paste chicken wings (a.k.a. har cheong gai) and infused its flavours into a succulent chicken cutlet. Yes, that’s right – a plump chicken thigh that has been coated and marinated with aromatic shrimp paste before being deep-fried to a beautiful golden brown. The juicy cutlet is served with fragrant smashed potatoes, and you bet it totally won us over.

#7 100% NATURAL PORK BELLY ‘BAK KUT TEH’*

All hail the 160-gram seared pork belly (S$21++)! This main course is definitely far from what we all know of the local pork ribs soup. Instead, the fork-tender meat is a semi-dry version that is lavishly soaked in a thick, viscous peppery bak kut teh sauce and served with deep-fried crunchy dough fritters.

#8 BEEF SHORT RIB ‘SATAY’*

redpan’s Beef Short Ribs ‘Satay’ (S$32++) is another surprise and what we would totally use as a definition of mod-sin cuisine. Think 400 grams of soft, fleshy beef that has been sous vide to tenderness before being drenched in rich satay sauce and garnished with onions and pickled cucumber. Robust in flavour, and nothing short of delight in every bite.

#9 SALMON ‘KUNING’*

The Salmon Kuning (S$24++) features a generous slab of fish that is wonderfully delicate on the inside and finished off with a grilled crispy skin topped with kaffir lime aioli and curry powder. Not the most exciting dish, but we actually couldn’t stop eating this because it is a simple fish dish that is very comforting.

#10 CORNFED MAGRET DUCK BREAST*

Cornfed Margret Duck Breast (S$26++) is a fancy-looking poultry main that has been glazed with kechap manis (Indonesian sweet sauce), drizzled with cherry compote and decorated with yummy tropical pomegranates. Highly recommended and it is one of our favourites amongst the lot.

#11 RED DATE BUTTER CAKE

Desserts are incredibly pricey these days, so imagine our surprise when we discovered that redpan’s sweet treats cost no more than S$8++.

Red Date Butter Cake (S$8++) is an interesting hybrid between a sticky date pudding and butter cake. Served warm and moist, we love how the caramel date sauce and vanilla ice-cream elevated the richness of the cake.

#12 ‘TEH HALIA’ CREME BRÛLÉE

Teh Halia refers to our local beverage of ginger milk tea, and redpan is possibly the one and only restaurant in Singapore to serve such an exotic creation of ‘Teh Halia’ Creme Brûlée (S$7++). This dessert is really a classic creme brûlée infused with ginger tea. The taste of ginger is actually extremely subtle and the dessert remains sweet overall, so even if you are not a fan of ginger’s spiciness, this dessert is for you all the same!

#13 BANANA DONUTS ‘MILO DINOSAUR’

We actually haven’t met any Singaporean who does not like Milo Dinosaur. Guess what’s new, guys? Banana Donuts ‘Milo Dinosaur’ (S$7++) at redpan! This never-seen-before dessert is made up of banana spherical doughnuts that has a very lovely doughy texture that is slightly sticky. Served with milo crumbs, condensed milk and hazelnuts. Top up S$3.50++ to add a scoop of vanilla ice-cream, this is definitely the best dessert in the house!

*These items are only available from 5.30pm onwards.

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redpan
6 Raffles Boulevard
#02-03/04 Marina Square
Singapore 039594
Tel: +65 6255 5850
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: City Hall

This post is brought to you by redpan.

A good steak is like your best friend – always there for you when you are down, never failing to cheer you up, and brings you so much happiness. But we may not be able to dine at celebrity chefs’ steak restaurants every day. That is when we need our budget fix. While these steaks may not be the best of cuts, an affordable steak is still pretty enjoyable.

Now, you might be wondering how a cheap sirloin can satisfy your cravings but we can assure you that there are countless steaks out there that are both pocket-friendly and still absolutely delicious.

We have curated a list of our favourite budget steaks that you can enjoy without feeling guilty of overspending. Here is our list of 7 Drool-Worthy Steaks Under S$20 in Singapore.

#1 ASTONS SPECIALTIES

You must have had Astons at least once in your lifetime. They serve extremely affordable local-Western fare, offering hearty selections from grilled fish to chicken. Oh and yes, they serve a good steak too. From just S$15.90 for a great Sirloin, have your steak here prepared to your preferred doneness and thank us later. You can pick out two of your favourite sides to go along with your steak too!

2 Handy Road*
The Cathay Building #04-03/04
Singapore 229233
Tel: +65 6887 5889
Sun to Thu: 11.30am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 11.30am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

*Astons Specialities has multiple restaurants island wide

#2 BAR BAR BLACK SHEEP TANJONG KATONG

If you are up for a hearty meal of meats, look no further than the Western side’s selection of grilled meats at Bar Bar Black Sheep Tanjong Katong. The Striploin Steak (S$19) can be cooked to your desired doneness and the steak itself is slathered in delicious black pepper sauce.

Each order comes with a side of mesclun salad and fries. If you prefer other cuts of beef, there is also a Rib Eye Steak (S$19) that comes with the same sauces and sides!

362 Tanjong Katong Road
Singapore 437122
Tel: +65 6348 8275
Mon to Fri: 11am – 12midnight
Sat & Sun: 11am – 1am
Nearest Station: Paya Lebar

#3 BY THE FIRE

By The Fire is a relatively new concept along East Coast Road, spearheaded by the same people who brought us Immanuel French Kitchen at Salute Coffee Shop. Their Hangar Steak (S$19) had so much juicy goodness oozing out that we polished the plate off within minutes. The roasted potatoes that came along with the steak was a bonus that we so enjoyed.

125 East Coast Road
Singapore 428810
Tel: +65 9185 4824
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sat & Sun: 12pm – 4pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Dakota

#4 HOT TOMATO

Don’t be quick to write Hot Tomato off just yet, for they serve decent cuts of steak at ridiculously affordable prices! The Ribeye Steak (S$14.90) was cooked nicely to our preferred doneness and was a juicy delight. Served alongside is their famous Aglio Olio and mesclun salad to balance out the rich flavours.

#B1-47, Nex*
23 Serangoon Central
Singapore 556083
Tel: +65 6753 4300
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station Serangoon

*Hot Tomato has multiple outlets island wide

#5 LESTEAK BY CHEF AMRI

This is a Halal-certified steakhouse located along the popular Jalan Kayu strip of great food. What we enjoyed about the Sirloin Steak ($14.90), besides the great price, is how unpretentious the food at LeSteak was. Just seriously good meats. The steaks here have the best cook out of all in this list, with a perfect pink medium rare center, just like how we wanted it!

248 Jln Kayu
Singapore 799472
Tel: +65 6556 3588
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 2.30pm, 5.30 – 11pm
Fri: 3pm – 11pm
Sat & Sun: 12pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Thanggam (Sengkang LRT)

#6 STEAKOUT

For a mere S$16.90, this is possibly one of the most value-for-money options. The steak doneness was spot-on and we liked how we could pick from an array of various sides. From broccoli to rice, the options are endless for us to customize our perfect meal.

89 Victoria St
Singapore 188017
Tel +65 6720 8103
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

#7 iSTEAKS

iSteaks grew from a humble hawker stall at Serangoon Garden to a full-fledged restaurant in myVillage at Serangoon Gardens because of its immense popularity with the crowd. A 250g New Zealand Striploin will only set you back by S$17.90. It comes with two sides of your choice, and is more than enough to fill you up while satisfying some simple cravings.

Serangoon Gardens, 1 Maju Avenue
#02-03 to 06 (myVillage)
Singapore 556679
Tel: +65 6285 8839
Sun to Thu: 11am – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 12am
Nearest Station: Serangoon

For more recommendations, read our guide to Singapore’s Top 12 Steak Restaurants.