Occupying floors 25 to 39 of the Duo Tower and towering over the beautiful Kampong Glam enclave is the latest lifestyle hotel brand, Andaz Singapore. Boasting marvellous skyline views and a sensational snippet into Singapore’s vibrant dining scene is Alley on 25, an immersive novel dining concept that shares the hotel lobby of Andaz Singapore.

An F&B destination in its own rights, you’ll find various different restaurant concepts, a bar and a lounge that cohesively share the space; each of them with its own identity and no two concepts are alike. It is like stepping into a different world despite being in the same zone; it is one enthralling alley.

Inspired by Singapore’s vast and fluid dining culture, tuck into a splendid array of edible delights from hearty stews and family-style roasts from The Green Oven, charcuterie, a variety of cold dishes and locally-inspired desserts from Icehaus, to rustic modern Asian fare from Smoke & Pepper.

The truth of the matter is, whichever dining concept you choose to dine at, you can be certain that the impeccable service standard at any of their 5 restaurant concepts will have you feeling pampered from head to toe, and leave your taste buds sufficiently satisfied. Here’s every reason why Alley on 25 should be on your go-to list.

ICEHAUS

Icehaus—the all-day dining restaurant at Alley on 25—offers cold cuts, sustainable seafood, heirloom salads and locally-inspired desserts.

During lunch, Icehaus has a semi-buffet lunch concept whereby you can opt for the full spread of edible delights for only S$18++/ pax. Tuck into the likes of freshly baked bread from the local bakery, Tiong Bahru Bakery, a well-stocked salad bar, as well as unlimited amounts of charcuterie, cheese, soft-serve ice cream and iced tea.

Guests hankering for a light yet satisfying desserts can also opt for Icehaus’ famous desserts that beautifully encompass the elements of local street sweets but with a modern approach.

We are huge fans of their Pandan Chiffon Cake (S$14++) as well as their Andaz Chendol Pop (S$10++). The former really took us by surprise with its heady pandan aroma and decadent yet light mouthfeel, and the latter in itself was such a joy to eat (and look at).

The Andaz Chendol Pop consists of gula melaka coconut ice cream, red bean caramel and pandan white chocolate—all of which work wonderfully well together to form the ultimate treat.

AUNTIE’S WOK & STEAM

Meandering down the alleyway, guests will surely be drawn to the sounds of clanking metal and a strong scent of stir-fried delights wafting through the air courtesy of Auntie’s Wok and Steam. The restaurant emulates Singapore’s zichar scene but with a hint of Szechuan influences thrown into the mix.

The result? An array of hearty zichar-style dishes that pack massive flavour, heady wok hei and a fiery kick.

Diners can also look forward to a smorgasbord of dim sum offerings in addition to classic rice and noodle dishes.

A variety of the signatures from Auntie’s Wok and Steam include Double Boiled Beef Short Rib (S$22++) that comes with hand-stretched egg noodles and a spicy Szechuan broth, Jiao Zi Dumplings (S$12++ for 6 pieces) as well as Organic Fried Rice (S$18++) that comes with massive chunks of crab meat.

PLANCHA’LAH!

Currently available for dinner service only, Plancha’Lah! is where one can find a multitude of premium ingredients spanning from all corners of the Pacific Rim—from Japan to as far as South America—all expertly prepared by a team of seasoned teppanyaki chefs.

The live culinary theatre that features an open flat top, also known as a plancha is a true spectacle to behold.

Combining both the precision and sophistication of Japanese teppanyaki techniques and a wide array of international dishes such as Hokkaido Scallops, Grass-fed Black Angus Tenderloin and Patagonian Toothfish, what diners can expect is no less than culinary finesse with a hint of dramatic effect.

We absolutely love their Patagonian Toothfish “en papillote” (S$42++) and their Grass-Fed Black Angus Tenderloin (S$35++), both of which boast a superb sear before being tossed around with a combination of seasonal root vegetables.

And what better way to round off our meal than with their must-try Pineapple Flambé (S$15++). Perfectly seared on the flat top with lots of clarified butter before being a shot of tequila is added for an added kick (and dramatic effect), this savoury-sweet dessert is literally the best thing one can have after a hearty meal.

SMOKE & PEPPER

Dishing out primarily Asian-focused fare with a touch of modernity, Smoke and Pepper impresses with not just their stellar interior furnishings, but with their food as well. Perhaps the largest dining destination at Alley on 25, this humble restaurant entices with its barbecued specialities that are prepared over an open-fire grill.

Dig into the succulent likes of their Black Angus Beef Burger (S$18++), Grilled Squid (S$18++) that comes served with shiso peppers and a green chilli dressing, Black Angus Beef Skewers (S$35) and more!

THE GREEN OVEN

For those who crave all things homey, comforting and meaty, The Green Oven works up the ultimate treat. This restaurant is where one can tuck into a myriad of classic international fare, prepared from the heart of the kitchen, that is within the confines of the restaurant’s massive green-colour Beech oven.

Look forward to comfort dishes such as Roast Black Figs (S$18++), Whole Spring Chicken (S$ 35++)—cooked in a claypot along with bacon lardons, baby potatoes, rosemary and thyme—,Braised Osso Buco–a Milanese staple—and not forgetting their oh-so-glorious Lobster Mac & Cheese (S$35++)

These homey, soul-warming dishes are a favourite among many and will definitely delight every palate.

NEW EXTENDED “LAZY BREAKFAST”

Too tired to wake up for brunch on weekends? Now, you can sleep in and still have an awesome breakfast/brunch meal at Andaz Singapore! Alley on 25 just launched their new “Lazy Breakfast” from 11.30am to 2.30pm daily, priced at just S$35++ per pax (Child S$17.50++). You can enjoy unlimited offerings at their breakfast buffet spread, including one a la carte dish of your choice. For another S$35++, you can enjoy free-flow Proseccos, wines and draught beer.

A la carte items include Eggs Benedict, Steak and Egg prepared with Australian Sirloin, Breakfast Burger, Smoked Salmon Bagel, Breakfast Quesadilla and Grilled Pastrami & Cheese Sandwich. Besides the a la carte dish, stuff yourselves with their huge variety of items in the buffet spread that features pastries from Tiong Bahru Bakery, gluten-free cereals and even Asian dishes such as congee and dim sum.

Alley on 25
5 Fraser Street, Level 25
Andaz Singapore
Singapore 189354
Daily: 6.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

This post was brought to you by Andaz Singapore.

It was not too long ago when PizzaExpress opened its first outlet in Singapore at Scotts Square just about a year ago and already this colossal pizza restaurant chain—with 600 outlets in the UK, Asia, the Middle East and in several parts of Europe—has opened its second outlet at Duo Galleria with a third one at Marina One on its way.

Founded in London more than 50 years ago, PizzaExpress specialises in gourmet, hand-made Italian pizza that even Italian palates will agree with. Quite contrary to its name, it really isn’t an “express” fast food chain. With so many years of expertise to its name, diners can expect nothing less than top-notch pizzas, pasta, salads and desserts.

There are so many items to love at PizzaExpress and one trip is simply not enough! Read on to find out more about our favourites and must-tries. And you’d have to take a look at its new outlet at Duo Galleria. There are cosy al fresco seating, too!

Staying true to its signature layout across its restaurants around the world, their new outlet features a cosy, intimate interior with marble counters and tables. The kitchen adopts an open concept where diners can watch the masters at work. Witness how your pizzas are flipped and prepped!

All the food at PizzaExpress are made from scratch in-house using only fresh ingredients. Besides pizzas, the menu also features a diverse range of Italian-style salads, pasta and desserts. What’s more, most of the items here are priced around S$20 or less which is incredibly reasonable considering their portion sizes and quality.

STARTERS – ITALIAN ANTIPASTO, DOUGH BALLS & BURRATA

If you are not dining alone, then get some starters to share. The Classic Italian Antipasto (S$26++) is a grand platter that includes Italian mozzarella, Italian sausages, strips of prosciutto that will literally melt-in-your-mouth and more.

The Dough Balls Doppio (S$11++) is another ideal appetiser for sharing. Consisting of sixteen dough balls along with three types of dip—garlic butter, pesto siciliano and pesto genovese—this simple snack is truly a tasty treat that even kids will love!

If you adore Italian squeaky cheese, then the Burrata with Roasted Peppers (S$19++) is highly recommended. This may not be the most visually appealing item but you can bet that it is pretty darn satisfying—milky, smooth cheese that tears so smoothly; it is one of the better Burratas we’ve had in Singapore.

SALADS FOR CHAMPIONS

Hardly anyone goes to a pizza joint to get a salad, but over at PizzaExpress, you just might. Consider the Beetroot & Goat’s Cheese Salad (S$11++ small, S$18++ large) that is packed full of wild rocket, beetroot, avocado, goat’s cheese, walnuts, dried cranberries and drizzled with a decadent honey balsamic dressing.

Never mind the judgemental stares, this salad is legit! And it is really pretty filling!

A TASTE OF CALABRIA

For fans of heat, the Calabrese (S$26++) will not disappoint. This iconic rectangular pizza inspired by the food of Calabria—a region in South-West Italy—comprises Calabria-style sausage, spicy Italian sausage, fresh mozzarella, jalapeño peppers and more.

Do be cautioned that this is not for kids and for the faint-hearted because it can get really spicy.

CLASSIC PIZZAS – SIMPLE AND SO SATISFYING

Staying true to their original recipes which have not changed since 1965, go for PizzaExpress’ Classic Lava (S$22++) that comprises simply olives, burrata cheese, chilli oil, cherry tomatoes and finished with basil for that added herbaceous note that goes perfectly well with tomatoes; or the La Reine (S$16++) that is topped with mushrooms, olives, ham, mozzarella and passata.

ROMANA PIZZAS – BIGGER, THINNER & CRISPIER

The Romana pizzas are inspired by the pizzas from Rome—thinner and crispier. Out of all their quirky concoctions, we particularly enjoyed the Carbonara (S$25++).

Consisting of crispy smoked bacon, mozzarella, a creamy béchamel sauce and finished with garlic oil and a soft egg in the middle, this instantly won our hearts. All in all, the runny egg yolk, the sauce and the rendered bacon fat makes each mouthful a rich yet flavourful experience.

LEGIT ITALIAN PASTAS – CRABMEAT LINGUINE AND LOBSTER & CRABMEAT RAVIOLI

If you love yourself a good lasagne, then the Lasagna Classica (S$18++) should be right up your alley. Layers of rich beef bolognese and a mixture of béchamel and parmesan cheese are enveloped in thin sheets of pasta that is then topped with more cheese and heated in a broiler to give you a nice charred surface.

We also highly recommend the Linguine Granchio Con Pana (S$23++)—one of the best crabmeat pastas in Singapore. It is essentially a crabmeat pasta that includes steamed crab meat, onion, garlic and coriander in a spicy cream sauce finished with caviar and a wedge of lime.

With such a heavy cream based sauce accented with distinct notes of seafood, the wedge of lime does really well to cut through all that.

The Lobster and Crabmeat Ravioli (S$26++) is also worth a try. The classic ravioli is pimped up with fresh and generous amounts lobster and crab meat with a mushroom pomodoro sauce to bind it all together.

This dish has everything we love about a good ravioli—pasta has a nice bite, tender lobster and crab meat and a luscious sauce that is decadent yet not overpowering.

DESSERTS TO END THE MEAL

After a heavy meal filled with so much richness, it is never a bad idea to end it off with some sweet treats. The Mango Panna Cotta (S$8++) here is a must-try for pudding lovers. We liked that the mango was slightly tart, which did well to cut through the creaminess of the panna cotta which is pretty dense.

The Chocolate Fudge Cake (S$9++) is flavoured with a touch of salt, giving the dessert a nice savoury touch to combat the overall sweetness.

And this is a little tip—enjoy all your PizzaExpress dishes with a glass of the signature Lemonade (S$6), featuring freshly squeezed lemon and lime, soda, and mint. Italian food can be pretty rich and heavy so this drink definitely helps in balancing the flavours and keeping you refreshed throughout your meal!

It is also good to note that if you plan on driving, park at Park View Suites instead of Duo Galleria to minimise on the walking distance!

PizzaExpress
7 Fraser Street, #01-01/02
Duo Galleria
Singapore 189356
Daily: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

This post is brought to you by PizzaExpress Singapore.