Established in 2012, The Market Grill along Telok Ayer Street offers a menu of classic meat and seafood including signature flown-in live Boston Lobsters and seasonal cuts of steak.

What you can expect from The Market Grill by Unlisted Collection is hearty and delicious meat and seafood that are grilled to perfection by executive chef Kenneth Lin.

A pioneer to introduce lobster rolls in Singapore, The Market Grill dishes out a solid lobster roll. 500g of lobster are stuffed into a toasted brioche roll that is lightly coated with herbed mayonnaise. To complete the dish, the magnificent roll is paired with a side of crunchy green salad and thick golden fries.

This is one of the best lobster rolls that you can get in Singapore.

Other than their signature lobster roll, The Market Grill also offers fantastic whole lobsters, burgers and steaks.

You can enjoy the live Boston Lobsters in three different styles—steamed, char-grilled or Thermidor. The whole lobster is accompanied with garlic butter sauce, greens and mashed potatoes.

There are various steak cuts available on the menu including USDA Prime Striploin (S$68), Rangers Valley Ribeye (S$88) and Blackmore Wagyu Karubi (S$58) and each steak comes with onion confit, and mashed potato.

The steaks are seasoned with salt and pepper and superbly grilled on the ‘Woodstone’ charbroiler. It comes with Chimichurri or Béarnaise sauce, but there is really no need for any sauce when the steak is good on its own.

The dishes at The Market Grill are simple yet perfectly executed and super comforting. It is a place which will never disappoint you and you can always be assured of a great meal.

The Market Grill
208 Telok Ayer Street
Singapore 068642
Tel: +65 6221 3323

The Bravery—one of the more popular Muslim-owned cafes in Singapore—is moving from its current location in Lavender to a new space in the Central Business District near Telok Ayer Street and Amoy Street.

The coffee shop is best known for its hearty brunch fare and excellent coffee. On the menu, you can expect brunch dishes including Bagel Set, Brave Omelette as well as our favourite Pancakes Stack with banana slices and cream cheese.

We are particularly fond of their signature Lavender Latte which boasts a really nice fragrance with a creamy finish. The cappuccino and cold brew are also consistently good.

The Bravery is currently waiting for SFA inspection this week and they should be ready to open their doors soon.

Decked out in leather couches, deep wood furnishings and all the things you’d expect out of an Ernest Hemingway novel, modern cigar bars are without a doubt a notch higher in terms of austerity and remains to this day, a gentleman’s hangout.

At many such cigar joints, you can enjoy a good old Cuban cigar with a bottle or glass of fine whisky or simply a black coffee. Step into one and you’ll immediately feel removed from the bustle of city life. There truly is no better way to enjoy a quality smoke tan at any one of these 6 cigar and whisky bars in Singapore.

Photo Credit: Capital Zouk Singapore

#1 CAPITAL ZOUK SINGAPORE

If you’re currently in a state of shock that Singapore’s most established club made it to this list, believe us, we are too. As part of club Zouk’s latest venture that aims to target the older and more refined crowd, what you can hope to find in Capital is an expansive lounge fully decked out in comfortable seat and sofas, a whisky bar and a state-of-the-art cigar room for your cigar smoking pleasure.

3C River Valley Road
#02-05 The Cannery
Singapore 179022
Tel: +65 6738 2988
Thu: 10pm – 2am
Fri: 10pm – 3am
Sat: 10pm – 4am
(Closed Monday to Wednesday and Sunday)
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

#2 MARTINI BAR

Located in mezza9 in Grand Hyatt Singapore, Martini Bar is a popular spot for cigar aficionados. Although the bar is not a cigar bar per se, there is a spacious and cosy smoking room in the restaurant where guests can enjoy a cigar or two.

What’s more, this martini-centric bar serves up refreshing drinks at 50% off during Happy Hour from Mondays to Saturdays between 4pm to 9pm, which makes heading there all the more enticing.

10 Scotts Road
Grand Hyatt Singapore
Singapore 228211
Tel: +65 6416 7322
Sun to Thu: 5pm – 12am
Fri and Sat: 5pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Orchard

#3 OLDE CUBAN

Tucked away in an old shophouse in Chinatown, Olde Cuban might not seem like much from the outside. Upon first glance, what you will first notice is a raggedy zi char restaurant but head on up the stairs and you will be greeted by fine, custom leather couches and a whole host of Cuban cigar brands numbering in the hundreds.

This understated spot is frequented mostly by regulars but feel free to mingle, because anybody with a cigar and whiskey in hand rarely ever is in the mood to be hostile.

2 Trengganu Street
Singapore 058456
Tel: +65 6222 2207
Mon to Fri: 11am – 12.30am
Sat: 1pm – 12.30am
Sun: 1pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Chinatown

#4 ORGO

Located on the roof with a spectacular view of Marina Bay, Orgo is the perfect spot to hit after the sun goes down in the CBD. This scenic restaurant is known for its unique and delicious martinis and range of tasty cocktails.

Although their cigar selection isn’t the restaurant strong point, we must admit that they do have a pretty impressive range. Feel free to bring your own as they have tables overlooking the Marina Bay skyline catered specifically for cigar smokers.

8 Raffles Avenue
#04-01 Esplanade-Theaters on the Bay
Singapore 039802
Tel: +65 6336 9366
Sat to Wed: 6pm – 1am
Thu and Fri: 6pm – 2am
Nearest Station: Esplanade

#5 QUAICH BAR

Established in 2006, Quaich Bar is the first whisky bar in Singapore to house more than 500 whiskies, 95% of which are sourced from boutique distilleries in Scotland including many rarities not easily available anywhere else in the world. It is quintessentially a heaven on earth for all whisky lovers but little do people know that it is a haven for cigar lovers as well.

Quaich’s cosy cigar room boasts more than thirty labels of cigars as well as all the tools you will need for a quality smoke. Grab yourself a bottle of fine scotch, light up a cigar and lean back against one of their plush leather couches.

28 Beach Road
#01-16 South Beach Avenue
Singapore 189763
Tel: +65 6386 5366
Sun to Thu: 5pm – 1am
Fri and Sat: 5pm – 2am
Nearest Station: Esplanade

Photo Credit: The Connoisseur Divan

#6 THE CONNOISSEUR DIVAN

The Connoisseur Divan is a spacious whisky and cigar bar that features live music, top-of-the-line whiskies and Hemingway-inspired Cuban style interiors. Situated right opposite UE Square, this bar is perfect for unwinding after work.

207 River Valley Road
Singapore 238275
Tel: +65 6733 7141
Mon to Thu: 4pm – 12.30am
Fri and Sat: 4pm – 1.30am
Sun: 6pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Fort Canning

Replacing the now defunct Jimoto-Ya along Pickering Street is Mister Wu, a casual dining eatery serving up Chinese far with a modern twist.

The concept behind the shop is simple staple food with little platters to share with colleagues and friends, with old-school Chinese and Cantonese music adding to the easy-going vibe of the place.

Catering to the lunch and dinner crowd with a specific menu to both, Mister Wu serves up la mian and rice bowls at affordable prices.

The main dishes start at just S$8, and with an additional S$4 you can get a lunch set inclusive of a side dish and tea.

We ordered Mr Su’s Braised Pork Rice (S$8), Revenge on Marco Polo (S$8) and Mahjong La Mian (S$8), along with a side of Fried Ping Pong Wanton (S$3 a la carte) and Brown Butter Oolong (S$3 a la carte).

We were told that the teas at Mister Wu are their own special blend, offering tea cocktails and tea ice creams made from the same blend.

The Brown Butter Oolong had a very subtle and light taste to it and was just perfect for cleansing our palate between each dish.

The Revenge of Marco Polo is a truffle mushroom dry la mian. The smell of truffles greeted us before we saw the dish, and piled at the side of the noodles were a mix of Enoki and Shimeji mushrooms, crunchy greens and a soft-yolk egg.

The Mahjong La Mian, on the other hand, had much stronger flavours. The spicy sesame sauce gave the creamy noodles a nice kick, while the shredded chicken and sliced cucumber helped to combat the heat and add texture to the bowl. Though the noodles were nice, we found the chicken a tad bit too dry.

Mr Su’s Braised Pork Rice is essentially a bowl of rice with braised pork on the side, with the same greens and egg as the previous two dishes. The braised pork was a good mix of fat and lean mean—not too dry, not too fatty, and just melts in your mouth.

The braising sauce was also rich, which accent the flavour of the pork. Though the rice had a bit of sauce on it, we did wish that the pork and rice were not served separately, as that would have allowed the sauce to soak into the rice more.

For just S$12, Mister Wu offers value-for-money meals in the CBD and is a place that would have you returning after trying their lunch menu to see what’s different in their dinner menu.

As they’ve only opened for about 2 weeks, Mister Wu is still currently undergoing their soft launch. Their full menu with pictures will be available from the 18th of this month onwards.

Mister Wu
3 Pickering Street, #01-44/45
China Square Central
Singapore 048660
Tel: +65 6781 3833
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm to 10pm
(Closed on Sundays & PH)
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

Red Holic is where lovers of Korean food can settle in for some of the tastiest tteokbokki around. Helmed by the same folks behind Super Star K, this cosy joint boasts a myriad of home-style Korean stews, dumplings and other tasty delights that go well with beer or soju.

Red Holic specialises in comforting Korean food in the likes of classic tteokbokki, ramyeon and Korean street snacks. While their menu is pretty selective, this Korean eatery does make for a nice pit stop for a quick snack on the go or for your friends and yourself to retire to over drinks after a hard day’s work.

Kick start your meal with one of Red Holic’s Giant Mandus (Korean dumplings). Red Holic serves a selective variety of this classic Korean street snack at a relatively affordable price per piece.

We opted for the Giant Kimchi Mandu (S$1.80++ per piece) and each piece came steaming hot and stuffed with generous amounts of kimchi, minced pork and glass noodles.

While the variety of textures, flavours and tongue-tingling heat surprised us in some way, we would have much preferred if it was less dry.

If you are tired of drooling over the Jjajangmyeon you often see in Korean dramas, hop over to Red Holic and order up a portion of Jjajang Tteokbokki that will satisfy any of such cravings.

The Crispy Chicken Jjajang Tteokbokki (S$27.80++) comes with Korean ramyeon noodles, quail eggs, 2 pieces of fried mandu, tteokbokki and pieces of diced up chicken thighs that are deep-fried to a nice golden brown.

The Jjajang sauce was mildly sweet and savoury with a slight spicy kick to it, which we felt went pleasantly well with the tteokbokki and ramyeon. The fried chicken arrives tender on the inside and crisp on the outside but we suggest you finish them up quickly before they turn soggy.

If you’re a fan of spicy food, don’t beat around the bush and head straight for the Red Holic Tteokbokki which comes with a broth that is equally as sweet as the Jjajang sauce, but with a fiery element that will impress.

The Red Holic Beef Brisket Tteokbokki (S$28.80++) can feed 2 to 3 people nicely given its size. Similar to the Crispy Chicken Jjajang Ttekbokki, this dish gives you the best of both worlds as it comprises both ramyeon as well as their signature Tteokbokki. Carbs aside, this dish will fill you up with the beef brisket, fried mandu as well as glass noodles too!

Tanjong Pagar may be home to plenty of Korean restaurants—this area is known to be Singapore’s ‘Little Korea’ after all—but what makes Red Holic stand out is their exceptional tteokbokki which are undeniably one of the best that we tried.

And while Red Holic’s menu is rather limited, they definitely deliver when it comes to quality. Should you wish to indulge in inexpensive and hearty Korean fare that is not overly pretentious, Red Holic is a great place to consider.

Red Holic
88 Tanjong Pagar Road
Singapore 088509
Tel: +65 6224 1064
Daily: 11.30am – 2am
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

Located at South Bridge Road, Un-Yang-Kor-Dai is one of the few restaurants in Singapore that specialises in Authentic Issan cuisine. Issan cuisines are usually spicier and sourer, making it a very appetising dining experience.

This place gives off a modern and chill vibe, with soft lighting, wooden furniture, and upbeat music that makes one feel at home.

Un-Yang-Kor-Dai’s dishes definitely brings you an authentic Thai experience and if you are into hot and fiery food, this is definitely the place for you.

The first dish that came up was the Tom Kha Chicken (S$14.50++), which looked really spicy and appetising. We ordered the soup with coconut milk because it gives this rich and creamy texture, which makes the soup more flavourful.

True to what it looks, the soup was tangy and bursting with flavours—filled with lots of ingredients like chicken, tomato and mushrooms that makes the whole dish complete.

Next came a refreshing dish that helped wash down the spiciness of the tom yum soup. We are not really fans of salad but this Papaya Salad With Salted Egg (S$10.50++) definitely won us over. The papaya salad was zesty, spicy and refreshing—combined with the peanuts and salted egg gives this crunchy and flavourful experience.

Up next was their Massaman Curry With Chicken (S$16.50++) was topped with peanuts and also sweet potato, which surprisingly complimented the whole dish. Masaman doesn’t pack as much heat as other curries, so if you are into something less spicy, this is the dish for you.

Marinated with cinnamon and star anise, the shredded chicken was tender and flavoursome, and the taste of the whole dish was really sweet and satisfying.

Saving the best for the last, one of the best pork necks we had was served on our table. We love their Grilled Pork Neck (S$12.90++) because the fat to meat ratio was 1:1, making it the golden ratio which allows you to taste the tenderness and juiciness of the meat. Dipped in the special sauce that was spicy and savoury, we devoured the dish within minutes.

As this restaurant is located in the CBD area, prices of the food might be a little bit pricey but fret not, for those who are looking for a more wallet-friendly option, they also have set lunches that comes with complimentary tom yum soup on weekdays at only S$15++.

Un-Yang-Kor-Dai
57 South Bridge Road, #01-02
Singapore 058688
Daily: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

OUE Downtown Gallery is one of our favourite hangout spots in the heart of town—there are endless dining options—such as The Autobus, Lunar Coffee Brewers and Omotesando Koffee—that leaves us spoilt for choice when we are feeling peckish.

Adding onto the long list of dining options is a relatively new vegan dining concept that has popped up in the mall—HRVST. Pronounced as ‘harvest’, this is one stylish cafe that will catch the fancy of all health and gym junkies.

The kitchen is helmed by a pair of partner chefs, Addis Tan and Dylan who have 20 years of experience working for established F&B names such as Tippling Club, Esquina and Cheek by Jowl.

Located just beside Kilter Avenue (a boutique gym), HRVST aims to redefine your expectations of vegan food—using only the freshest ingredients they can source and turning them into aesthetically pleasing dishes that do not compromise on taste at all.

While HRVST mainly gets their produce from reliable suppliers, they also make use of the edible garden outside the cafe for some of their dishes. Take a walk around the open rooftop garden where you can temporarily escape from the hustle of the city.

A favourite among their diners, the Sourdough with Orange-Glazed Grilled Tofu (S$16++) is a great brunch or lunch option that is appetising and wholesome.

Tuck into the dish and let your taste buds discover the layers of flavours and textures that come from the sourdough, nut spread, soft tofu, broccoli and cauliflower florets that are doused in kelp stock and pickled zucchini ribbons.

For those who are attempting vegan food for the first time, their BKT Barley Risotto (S$16++) will impress you it does replicate the original dish well—in terms of the oily texture (thanks to the garlic and coriander oil) and taste.

We were pleasantly surprised that all the spices of what you would expect from a regular bak kut teh were there sans the meat, of course. Instead, what diners can expect from this dish is diced fried daikon, pink radish, braised nuts and thin dough crisp that will remind you of you tiao.

We had the Matcha Ice Cream (S$8++) which was complemented with a touch of blood orange puree, poached plums and pistachio bits. To be completely frank, we still prefer our normal creamy matcha ice cream but the cafe’s vegan rendition wasn’t too lacklustre either as the ice cream was rich with matcha flavours.

On top of those that we have tried, HRVST’s straightforward menu also includes other dishes such as Pumpkin Fettucine (S$16++), Hay Salt Baked Celeriac (S$18++) and desserts including Caramelised Pineapple Ring (S$8++) and Blackforest Cake (S$8++).

HRVST
6A Shenton Way
#05-01, OUE Downtown Gallery
Singapore 068815
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm to 11pm
Sat: 10am – 3pm
Sun: Closed
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

Barnacles at Customs House is a popular after-work haunt that offers a medley of gourmet grub as well as a stellar view of the Marina Bay skyline. When the sun begins to set and the lights from the surrounding buildings begin to illuminate the night sky, there truly is nothing grander to marvel at.

Besides the awesome view, here is where diners can indulge in both inventive cocktails and top-notch fare. Choose your poison from an eclectic range of beers from around the world, signature cocktails, and a stunning selection of gin.

Top the experience off with Barnacles’ array of mouthwatering grub that comes either as full-on mains or small plates. Whatever it is you fancy, just know that when it comes to food, Barnacles is not one to skimp on flavour.

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A properly balanced plate, the Parma Ham & Spinach Salad (S$18++) comprised salty and fatty qualities courtesy of the thick slithers of Parma ham, feta cheese and pine nuts as well as bright and subtly sweet notes from the balsamic dressing and dried cranberries.

Essentially an oversized gnocchi, what we loved about the Potato Mochi with Camembert Cheese (S$14++)—besides its chewy texture—was the generous amount of melty camembert cheese that comes oozing out upon each bite.

Crispy on the outside with all that creamy goodness inside, this is hands down one of the best things you could ever put into your gob.

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For a Middle-Eastern-inspired flavour trip, we recommend trying the Hummus with Cucumber and Crostini (S$14++). Served with a crispy crostini instead of the usual pita bread, what really impressed us was the contrast in textures.

Arriving at your table hot, filled with warm spices and a generous drizzle of olive oil, the hummus really makes for a solid starter.

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Conventional fries really need to buck up with Barnacles’ outstanding Burdock Sticks With Sour Cream (S$16++). Perhaps one of the most underrated vegetables around, a burdock is essentially the root taken from the burdock plant and if you are aching to know, it tastes like a cross between an asparagus and an eggplant.

Deep-fried till crispy, the burdock goes beautifully well with the sour cream it comes served with.

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Although nothing that far off compared to the many that we have tried, the Truffle Fries (S$14++) served here does come with a herbed salt that that balances out the heavier parmesan cheese really well.

Barnacles
70 Collyer Quay, #01-01,
Customs House,
Singapore 049323
Tel: +65 6532 1011
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon & Tues: 11am – 11pm
Wed to Fri: 11am – 12am
Sat: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

Singapore’s cafe scene is booming, to say the least, and it is only growing more rampant with new cafes sprouting out everywhere. Yet, satisfying as artisanal coffee may be, a simple cuppa from a cafe often comes with a hefty price attached to it. It is during times like these that we are immensely thankful for establishments like Hangar Coffee Express.

Tucked away in Maxwell food centre, this new coffee shop is bent on serving up quality brews at slightly more affordable prices. Have you ever had a brewed flat white, let alone a macchiato or even a mocha at a hawker centre? Probably not, but now you can. Priding themselves with being the only hawker drink stall to have a LaMarzocco espresso machine, what you can expect—whether you’re a coffee aficionado or not—is a perfect shot of espresso every time.

The Hangar Coffee Express aims to bring the Melbourne-style café experience to office executives and tourists alike. They officially open for business today so if you happen to be around the area, you know where to get your caffeine fix!

Hangar Coffee Express only uses 100% Arabica beans sourced from the best estates in the world and are all roasted in small batches every week by its sister café, The Hangar. This week’s beans are from Sipirok, North Sumatra.

A pioneer of the café culture, The Hangar Coffee Express aims to sell quality artisanal coffee at affordable prices. You can get an espresso for S$3 and a flat white for S$4. For the non-coffee drinkers, you will be happy to know that speciality teas from A.Muse Projects and a homemade chai latte are also available—and are just as affordable.

Coffee Express is open every weekday from 8am to 5pm and in the future on weekend mornings as well.

Hangar Coffee Express
Maxwell Food Centre
1 Kadayanallur Street
Singapore 069184
Tel: +65 6291 0127
Daily: 8am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Chinatown

Photos are credited to Hangar Coffee Express. 

Located at International Plaza, DOCO—short for ‘Donburi Coconut’—is the new kid on the CBD circuit where you can now look to for hearty protein-packed rice bowls and refreshing coconut soft serve.

This speciality food kiosk was set up as part of a joint venture between brands, Soi Coco and Fish Sh-nack, of which are known for their coconut and fried fish skin products respectively. Being relatively new, their only offerings thus far comprise two speciality donburi rice bowls next to the vegan-friendly and dairy-free Coconut Shake and Coconut Soft Serve.

For all of you health nuts who are ‘in love with the coco’, this is perhaps one of the most promising health-centric eateries along the bustling Tanjong Pagar area. From now till the end of the year, lunch sets—which consists of one rice bowl and one coconut dessert—are going at S$11.90 instead of the usual S$13.90.

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The interior itself is pretty small. It includes the main kitchen area, a small order counter and bar seats at the side.

With lunchtime in the CBD often being a chaotic affair, the good folks at DOCO keep it simple. Simply, choose one of the two available donburi options, decide if you would like any add-ons and lastly, choose between either the coconut shake or the coconut soft serve.

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The Sh-nack Don (S$8.90—essentially a beef rice bowl—came with a generous portion of peppery beef, an onsen egg and a copious sprinkling of crispy cajun-spiced fish skin.

The grilled beef was jam-packed with flavour with a subtle sweetness that went excellently well with the Japanese rice. The onsen egg provided an added richness but the real money-maker was the cajun-spiced fish skin.

Crumbled nicely over the rice, it gave the modest rich bowl a wonderful smoky aroma as well as a much-needed hit of umami.

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The other alternative donburi option is the Sh-ken Don (S$8.90) which comprises honey miso chicken instead of beef. It, too, comes with an onsen egg as well as a generous ‘sh-prinkling’ of that glorious cajun-spiced fish skin.

Compared to the beef option, the chicken was tasty but a tad too dry for our liking. Be sure to pair it with the Coconut Shake, which is made purely from fresh blended Thai coconut water and coconut flesh.

A refreshing treat to have is their decadent Coconut Soft Serve (S$4.90) that comes as part of your main meal. This dairy and nut-free dessert is drizzled with gula melaka sauce and powdered gula melaka for that extra sweetness and oomph.

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The subtle roasted flavours of the gula melaka really elevate the rich and creamy coconut flavour making it pretty similar tasting to chendol (minus the little green slug-like jellies).

Overall, the soft serve is refreshing and light, and we would recommend trying it whether or not you decide to have your lunch there.

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DOCO
10 Anson Road
#01-16 International Plaza
Singapore 079903
Tel: +65 9049 9926
(Closed on Saturdays & Sundays)
Mon to Thu: 11am – 8pm
Fri: 11am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

A shout-out to those working in Singapore’s CBD because we are introducing to you a new coffee bar at Amoy Street, for you to get your daily fix of caffeine.

Officially launched on 25 September 2017, Upside Down Coffee Alternatives is a beautiful café space where you will discover quality brews which are crafted and poured by their main barista, Ivan. And on every Friday in October, you can get your hands on a batch brew for just S$1; what are you waiting for?

Behind Upside Down Coffee Alternatives lies the mission to create an alternate dimension where patrons can put aside any pressing thoughts in their mind and channel their complete focus on their great cup of coffee. This coffee joint also keeps things fresh and exciting with seasonal blends that are on a rotational basis.

Coffee options on their menu include the Espresso (S$4), Long Black (S$5), Mocha (S$6) and the Batch Brew (S$4) which is only available until 2pm.

Two seasonal beverages that you can look forward to are the Cold Drip & Tonic (S$7) which features natural gin-inspired flavours, juniper berries, coriander seeds and citrus peel; and the Ultraviolet (S$6.50— a delightful infusion of lychee and lime in cold-brew hibiscus tea.

Dropping by for a light tea snack? Well then, pair your coffee, tea or drink with Upside Down Coffee Alternatives’ Homemade Banana Bread which is freshly baked every day. Alternatively, you can enjoy a healthy Granola Parfait (S$10) or a Mini Sweet Potato Doughnut, too.

Upside Down Coffee Alternatives
115 Amoy Street, Lobby Space
Singapore 069935
Tel: +65 8826 6907
Mon to Fri: 8am – 4.30pm
Sat: 12pm – 6pm
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

All images are credited to Upside Down Coffee Alternatives.

Kimoto Gastro Bar is a quaint little Japanese kushiyaki bar at The Sail @ Marina Bay that offers pretty traditional Japanese bites at a fairly affordable price point.

Set in the busy Marina Bay area, this humble joint exudes a certain rustic charm reminiscent of local eateries off the busy streets of Tokyo. Not just that, the staff here display exceptional politeness and hospitality which gives you a familiar sense of Japanese hospitality.

They serve up an exciting array of caramelised, gorgeously charred kushiyaki (grilled skewers) pleasures along with a decent selection of small plates, salads, donburi and tempura. If you happen to be around the CBD area, this would probably be a good spot to check out.

The restaurant boasts a small and cosy space with a relaxed vibe. You get an amazing view of the open concept kitchen where you can see the chefs work their magic.

The menu here may not offer a huge selection of dishes but for what it lacks in variety, it compensates in quality—you will not be disappointed, we guarantee it!

Each lunch set comes with a simple salad drizzled with a sesame-based dressing and miso soup.

The serving for their Kushiyaki Don (S$14.90++) was modest with a mixture of 3 meat skewers, 2 vegetable skewers, a fried onsen egg and a good measure of the same of Japanese rice providing the cushion for the grilled skewers.

We really enjoyed the pork belly-wrapped asparagus, mushroom and zucchini skewers as they were delectably tender and brimming with a smoky, flame-licked flavour. The chicken breast skewers, however, were a tad bit dry.

Pop a few glances left and right and you will probably notice the Special Tempura Don (S$14.90++) being a popular choice among diners. The individual tempura featured ingredients such as shrimp, chicken, sweet corn, baby corn, pumpkin and a poached egg.

Kimoto Gastro Bar offers one of the best and reasonably priced tempura dons around the CBD.

Kimoto Gastro Bar
6 Marina Boulevard
#01-15 The Sail @ Marina Bay
Singapore 018987
(Closed on Saturdays & Sundays)
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Downtown

For more recommendations, read our guide on the best tendon in Singapore.

For those who work in the CBD, are you on a constant lookout for cheap places to dine at during lunch? It is true that prices of food in the CBD are usually fixed slightly higher than elsewhere, but this does not mean that there aren’t hidden gems where you can enjoy delicious food without breaking the bank.

Let us introduce you to Gochi-So Shokudo, an under-the-radar eatery located at the corner of the basement of One Raffles Place that brings to you top-quality Iberico Pork all the way from Spain at affordable prices. Their Iberico Pork Belly Don will cost you just S$10; isn’t that a steal?

One of Gochi-So Shokudo’s most value-for-money menu options is the Iberico Pork Belly Don (S$10). If you are feeling slightly hungrier, you can upgrade your meal with side sets such as Set C (S$4) which will give you a plate of Iberico Belly Enoki and Iberico Miso Soup.

The Iberico Pork Belly Don (S$10) comes with a generous portion of thinly-sliced Iberico pork belly, an onsen egg, a handful of seaweed strips and spoonful of sliced spring onion atop a bowl of hot, fluffy rice.

If you were to glance at the store front, you would notice that the Iberico pork belly will be grilled over a charcoal fire prior to service. The wonderful char-grilled taste was evident in every slice of meat and it further enhanced the taste of the pork belly. Elsewise, our onsen egg was executed perfectly and when broken, the egg yolk added a velvety texture over the whole don that was just so enjoyable.

The Iberico Loin Katsu (S$15.80) comes with a deep-fried Iberico pork loin cutlet, fluffy bowl of rice, sesame seeds and their special dipping sauce. Admittedly, we were hoping for something more when we compared the price point of the Iberico Loin Katsu (S$15.80)  to the Iberico Pork Belly Don (S$10).

Although the skin of the Iberico pork loin cutlet was a lovely golden-brown, we found the meat of the cutlet slightly dry and lacking flavour.

Gochi-So Shokudo
1 Raffles Place, #B1-30 One Raffles Place,
Singapore 048616
Tel: +65 6536 6447
Mon to Thu: 11am – 9.30pm
Fri to Sun: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

For many working professionals, Telok Ayer is the go-to place for after-work drinks at trendy bars. Telok Ayer is always bustling and full of life because of its strategic location in the heart of the Central Business District.

The vibrant neighbourhood is an interesting place to explore too—boasting the most exciting food establishments and cafes that turn into bars at night housed in traditional shop houses. It is a culture-rich place that is home to not just popular chill out spots, but also hidden gems that are waiting to be discovered.

Here are 12 Bars In Telok Ayer For The Night Owls.

#1 ASH & CHAR

For the uninitiated, Ash & Char is a up-and-coming gastrobar helmed by the same people in charge of Rise & Grind Coffee. Co. Siddle up to their chic bar for a beer, a glass of wine or their unique in-house cocktails such as the Elderflower Fuss.

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

Photo Credit: Bourbon Street Facebook

#2 BOURBON STREET

Bourbon Street is a cafe by day where you can pop by for a fuss-free meal which transforms into a bar at night so you can have a tipple or two with your friends. On their alcoholic drinks menu is their signature bespoke cocktails and New Orleans beer selections. Ladies, you will love the 1-for-1 cocktails ladies night promotion which occurs every Wednesday night.

#3 BITTERS & LOVE

Having moved from North Canal Road, Bitters & Love is one of the most popular bars in Telok Ayer now. Known for their bespoke cocktails, the bar also has a selection of bar snacks such as Rangers Valley Waygu and Triple Cooked Handcut Truffle Potatoes to pair with your drinks. Beyond that, Bitters & Love also organises ‘contemporary mixology’ classes as well.

#4 CLUB MEATBALLS

An open restaurant with a cocktail and wine bar, Club Meatballs is one of the nicest chill-out spots in China Square Central. The best day to visit Club Meatballs for drinks is on Saturday, where you get Happy Hour promotions all day long—Spirits and Mixers start at S$7 and a bottle of beer starts at S$8.

If you are planning to head over on other days, you can enjoy the same promotions from 12pm – 2pm and 4pm – 8pm.

20 Cross St, #01-34/35/36
China Square Central
Singapore 048422
Tel: +65 6222 8660
Mon to Fri: 8am – 12am
Sat: 11am – 12am
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

Photo Credit: Cocotto Facebook

#5 COCOTTO

A Japanese bar cum eatery, Cocotto is where you will find decent Japanese-French fusion cuisine to fill your tummy. If you are just there for drinks, delight yourself in a wide array of whisky, sake and beer. You will find groups of young people sharing a laugh over Kronenbourg or Asahi beer towers and tasty finger food.

#01-01 Far East Square
38 Pekin Street
Singapore 048768
Tel: +65 9800 4954
Daily: 11am – 2am
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

#6 EMPLOYEES ONLY

Hailing from New York City, Employees Only opened its first international outpost in Singapore’s Amoy Street. Have a taste of the legendary speakeasy’s signature concoctions such as Ready Fire Aim and Employees Only’s Manhattan.

112 Amoy Street
Singapore 069932
Tel: +65 6221 7357
Mon to Fri: 5pm – 1am
Sat: 5pm – 2am
Sun: 6pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

#7 FU LIN BAR & KITCHEN

You would never have guessed that this yong tau foo eatery is actually a hipster bar at night. By day, enjoy a hearty bowl of our local favourite dish and by night, indulge in their Asian tapas and alcoholic beverages.

Fu Lin Bar & Kitchen has an ongoing Happy Hour promotion from 4pm to 8pm daily. A bottle of Asahi is going at S$9.50 while a bucket of five Corona Extra sets you back at S$35. They also have a range of House Pours priced at S$9.

127 Telok Ayer Street
Singapore 068596
Tel: +65 6423 0311
Mon to Fri: 10am – 12 Midnight
Sat: 4pm – 12 Midnight
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

Photo Credit: Amie Hu

#8 FYR

If you are looking for a place to impress your date, look no further. Grab a pint of Pure Blond and Steinlager at S$9 each or go for a bucket of five (S$45), where you can mix and match between Carlsberg, Corona and Asahi Black. Fancy a cocktail? Get yourself a Blazing Scarlott (Tequila, Red Wine, Raspberries) from the bar.

19 Boon Tat Street
Singapore 069619
Tel: +65 6221 3703
Mon to Thu: 11.30am – 11pm
Fri & Eve of PH: 11.30am – 12midnight
Sat: 5.30pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

Photo Credit: Mojo Singapore Facebook

#9 MOJO

Adhering to a duo concept, Mojo Singapore serves up rice bowls in the day. And when night falls, the place transforms into an izakaya of sorts, with a menu of yakitori, small plates, and alcoholic beverages.

204 Telok Ayer Street
Singapore 068640
Tel: +65 6220 0723
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 12 Midnight
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

Photo Credit: Muse Amuse Facebook

#10 MUSE AMUSE

When it comes to creativity, Muse Amuse wins hands down. The minimalist design features an uncluttered, spacious venue with a long communal table where guests are expected to linger around, a bar counter to order Asian-influenced cocktails and an outdoor balcony.

289 South Bridge Road
Singapore 058835
Tel: +65 9475 5529
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 12 Midnight
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

#11 NAPOLEAN FOOD & WINE BAR

A retro bar to see and be seen at, those who are into anything rustic will love the interior design and ambience at Napolean Food & Wine Bar. The dining experience, however, is slightly more forward-looking with a long row of enomatic machines that are able to dispense 32 different wines for a taste test.

206 Telok Ayer Street
Singapore 068641
Tel: +65 6221 9282
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 12 Midnight
Sat: 6pm – 12 Midnight
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

#12 SUM YI TAI

Opened by the same owners behind the now defunct Butter Factory Group, Sum Yi Tai reminds you of old Hong Kong in the 80s. The Chinese bar offers three various concepts over three storeys in one shophouse—the first floor is for tapas and drinks, mid floor is a dining club for party animals and the top level is a private rooftop bar.

25 Boon Tat Street
Singapore 069622
Tel: +65 6221 3665
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5pm – 1am
Sat: 7pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

The newest cafe to open in the Central Business District is Lunar Coffee Brewers—opened by the same team behind Atlas Coffeehouse and the now-defunct Assembly Coffee.

Situated in Downtown Gallery, the cafe seeks to provide a space where you can escape from the pressures of everyday life with comfort food and specialty coffee.

Fill your tummy with hearty home-cooked rice bowls and even signature dishes that originated from Atlas Coffeehouse. The coffee selection is aplenty too; beans are sourced and roasted by Two Degrees North Coffee Co.

As an added bonus, visitors do not have to pay for GST and service charge as well. So if you are looking for a new lunch spot in the CBD area, Lunar Coffee Brewers is where you should be headed to next.

The sleek, clean lines of Lunar Coffee Brewers called out to the inner minimalists in us. We love how the interior is kept sophisticated and chic with marble tables in both white and black. The cafe reminded us of this old saying that sometimes, less is more.

The Lu Rou Belly Don (S$14.50) features bean sprouts, pickles, ginger, onsen egg and generous chunks of juicy pork belly lying atop a bed of warm fluffy rice. While it is not mind blowing, it is still worth a try.

We paired our lunch with a cup of Hot Cappuccino (S$4.50), just one of the many caffeine choices you have at the cafe. Coffee addicts would definitely enjoy the creamy milk and strong espresso which packs a punch. If there is one reason why we would patronise Lunar Coffee Brewers again, that would be their aromatic coffee.

Do not leave the cafe without trying their Milky Way Soft Serve (S$5.90). It is a white cold brew coffee soft serve ice cream made better with homemade shortbread crumble.

Lunar Coffee Brewers
#01-49 Downtown Gallery
6 Shenton Way
Singapore 068815
Tel: +65 6224 4500
Mon to Fri: 8am – 8pm
Sat: 9am – 3pm
Closed: Sun
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

]]> https://www.ladyironchef.com/2017/06/lunar-coffee-brewers/feed/ 0 https://www.ladyironchef.com/2017/03/katanashi-japanese-restaurant-singapore/ https://www.ladyironchef.com/2017/03/katanashi-japanese-restaurant-singapore/#comments Wed, 01 Mar 2017 01:00:27 +0000 Julee Ooi http://www.ladyironchef.com/?p=126592 Continue reading →]]>

Japanese donburi sets for only S$12 nett? Yes, you got that right!

Katanashi is a Japanese tapas bar along Boat Quay that offers reasonably priced set lunch meals on weekdays, catering mostly to working professionals whose offices are nearby.

For those who are not familiar with the area, Katanashi is a less-than-ten-minutes walking distance from Raffles Place MRT station. We are giving the Japanese bar bonus points for easy accessibility, but is their food really value-for-money? 

While Katanashi has an alfresco area, we would recommend going indoors to escape the scorching heat. Those who are dining alone can also choose to sit by the bar as you watch the chefs prepare your food right before you.

We first tried the Unatama-Don (S$12) which came in a lovely presentation.

The plump unagi glistened from the teriyaki sauce drizzled over it and went extremely well with savoury egg omelette and warm Japanese rice. There is also the usual seaweed flakes which adds extra texture in your donburi.

Every set meal comes with pickles, miso soup and cold chawanmushi. Considering the generous portion, having a lunch set meal at Katanashi is definitely a bargain!

Next up, we decided to go for that day’s Special Don—which happened to be Spicy Tuna Sashimi Don. Also at S$12 nett, it came with a huge serving of deep red tuna sashimi slices served atop warm rice and the same side dishes.

While the tuna was fresh and well marinated in spicy sauce, we would enjoy it more if the sashimi was served chilled instead.

Those who are keen to try other options can look forward to Rouleau-Don, Chicken Teritama-Don, Katsu Curry-Don and Maguro Salmon-Don (S$12).

Otherwise, treat yourself to something slightly more luxurious, such as the Hokkaido-Don and Roast Beef-Don (S$15).

Katanashi
77 Boat Quay
Singapore 049865
Tel: +65 6533 0490
Mon to Fri: 11.45am – 2.30pm, 5pm – 11.30pm
Sat: 5pm – 11.30pm
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

Julee is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She is an advocate of travel and hopes to visit Iceland someday. She enjoys having a good conversation over tea and a slice of cake. There are two things in the world she cannot live without—food and humour.

Japanese restaurant Kuro Maguro located at level one of  the all-newTanjong Pagar Centre is a new initiative by Japanese maguro and sashimi wholesaler Misaki Megumi Suisan.

Kuro Maguro is the second restaurant opened by the same people behind Maguro-Donya Miura-Misaki-Kou Sushi & Dining in Suntec City.

The restaurant’s name translates to Bluefin Tuna, which is one of the most popular fish used for sashimi and sushi in Japan. Specialising in maguro donburi, you can expect prices to range between S$20 to S$40.

While its convenient location makes it a choice lunch and dinner destination for those who are working around Tanjong Pagar, the waiting time may not be ideal for those who are in a hurry.

The Salmon Oyako Meshi (S$20.80++) comes with fresh salmon slices and a generous portion of juicy roe that give off a burst of flavour with every bite. We enjoyed the fatty salmon on its own without wasabi or ginger slices.

Underneath the salmon chunks sits a bed of slightly warm Japanese rice that has been marinated with mellow-tasting vinegar and dried seaweed flakes. You also get a bowl of miso soup on the side.

Other dishes on the menu include Kuro Maguro’s signature Otoro Meshi (S$32.80++), Toro Aburi Meshi (S$32.80++) and Barachirashi (S$18.80++). There is also free hot green tea during lunch hours.

Do take note that the waiting time may be longer than 20 minutes as space is limited to only 32 diners.

Kuro Maguro
#01-04 Tanjong Pagar Centre
7 Wallich Street
Singapore 078884
Tel: +65 6386 8561
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 10.30pm
Sat & Sun: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 9.30pm

Julee is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She is an advocate of travel and hopes to visit Iceland someday. She enjoys having a good conversation over tea and a slice of cake. There are two things in the world she cannot live without—food and humour.

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.

The sheer number of artisanal bakeries in Singapore has left us all cake lovers spoilt for choice – and we are certainly not complaining. Pantler is one awesome bakery in the CBD that will chase all your Monday Blues away with their gourmet creations.

Cake is serious business here; both founders have previously worked in the pastry-making departments of Joël Robuchon Singapore and the Grand Hyatt Tokyo. What you can expect at Pantler is a selection of classic sweet treats, savoury patisseries and contemporary desserts.

The bakery is fairly new in Singapore, but they have already impressed the crowd with the intricacy and dedication in every cake.

A satisfying lemon tart is hard to come by and we are glad that Pantler’s interpretation of the timeless citrus treat – The Citron Blanc (S$8.50++) – has met our expectations.

The Citron Blanc is essentially a shortbread crust encasing smooth tangy lemon curd, topped with fresh fromage blanc white cheese and stained yellow by lemon confit.

Yatsura (S$8.50++) is one of Pantler’s bestselling signature cakes for obvious reasons. The dacquoise cake boasts luscious layers of hazelnut cream, dark chocolate mousse and crunchy hazelnut feuilletine.

We completely understand if you can’t get enough of this glorious slice. Sizes are customisable – all you have to do is ask!

If you are after a light dessert after a filling meal, order the Pantler’s Mango Shortcake (S$7.50+) which consists of moist sponge cake alternated with layers of fresh whipped cream and juicy mango slices. Those with a sweet tooth might find this too mild, though!

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Pantler
198 Telok Ayer Street
Singapore 068637
Tel: +65 6221 6223
Mon to Fri: 8.30am – 7pm
Sat: 10.30am – 5.30pm
Closed on Sundays
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

Senate Coffee is a one-month-old cosy dining establishment in Great Eastern Centre that specialises in artisanal coffees and nutritious grain bowls. The cafe is actually by the same people behind The Populus Coffee & Food Co. and now-defunct Department of Caffeine.

Treat yourselves to Senate Coffee’s artisanal teas (from S$4), healthy grain bowls (from S$15), handcrafted coffee (from S$3.50) and premium valrhona chocolate (from S$5).

Open from 8am to 8pm on weekdays, Senate Coffee is a popular destination amongst the nearby corporate workers for a filling yet healthy lunch.

The holistic menu currently features seven prefixed Senate Bowls and what you can expect is a splendid variety of meat toppings such as pulled pork, roast chicken, grass-fed beef, roasted salmon and lamb shoulder.

The Roasted Salmon and Soba Senate Bowl (S$16) comprises generous amounts of soba noodle salad, a fresh teriyaki roasted salmon fillet, marinated mixed mushrooms, baby spinach, dill cucumbers, edamame beans and fresh herbs.

You would be so stuffed by the time you finish everything in this bowl.

The fun part lies in being able to customise your own grain bowls (from S$15.50).

Crafting your personalised bowl is very easy – all you have to do is choose a base (three-gain mix, soba noodle salad, brown rice salad or super greens), select your preferred protein and a choice of four ingredients.

Coffee is serious business here. The espresso blends used here for Senate Coffee’s caffeinated espresso-based beverages are roasted by Two Degrees North Coffee Co. Patrons can look forward to a full bodied cuppa with lingering chocolatey notes.

Senate Coffee
1 Pickering Street
Five Square
Great Eastern Centre
Singapore 048659
Mon to Fri: 8am – 8pm
Sat: 9.30am – 2.30pm
Tel: +65 6222 7632
Closed on Sundays
Nearest Station: Raffles Place