Housed in a dignified colonial building, Mess Hall is the pinnacle of exquisite dining in the new Sentosa experience – Mess Hall, Village Hotel Sentosa, The Outpost Hotel and The Barracks Hotel. What was originally a military outpost has now been transformed into a contemporary village of endless gourmet possibilities.

More than just culinary excellence, the architecture of the building brags of a quiet elegance. Beyond the perimeters of the building lies a Heritage Courtyard, replete with grassy terrains and a serene atmosphere.

From Hidemasa by Hide Yamamoto’s refined Japanese cuisine, to Royal Taj’s curries and biryani, and Quentin’s Bar and Restaurant’s sophisticated Eurasian dishes, here is our guide on the 3 restaurants at Mess Hall that you have to dine at.

HIDEMASA BY HIDE YAMAMOTO

For a luxurious Japanese indulgence, set your sights on Hidemasa by Hide Yamamoto. This elegant Japanese restaurant prides itself on its multi-disciplinary dining concept — Hide and Masa — which sees the harmonious matrimony of teppanyaki and omakase in a single venue.

The man behind the establishment, Hide Yamamoto, is a Japanese-born French chef who was trained in Italy. With multiple culinary accolades under his belt, you can rest assured that you will definitely have an amazing dining experience here.

Hide, their teppanyaki concept, is housed in a sophisticated space dressed in warm, woody tones. Guests can have front-row seats at the teppanyaki counter to get a first-class view of the chef’s performative cooking.

Their signature menu sees a significant number of truffle-infused creations, such as Truffle Chawanmushi, Robatayaki, and Truffle Ice Cream.

The Robatayaki features a whole young chicken stuffed with truffle butter rice and grilled atop charcoal fire. The succulent chicken was served in tasteful pieces and liberally garnished with fresh truffle shavings. Not forgetting the truffle rice, which had a delicious buttery crisp.

But the highlight of the entire menu for us has got to be their Miyazaki A5 Wagyu Chateaubriand. Juicy, melt-in-your-mouth tender and finished with a charred crisp, the beef was absolutely divine.

As for Masa, their omakase dining counterpart, it is set in an intimate space equipped with a long bar seating. The open-concept kitchen showcases fresh seasonal ingredients snagged straight from the markets of Japan. Relish in thick slices of buttery sashimi and artistically crafted sushi.

Simply quote ‘ladyironchef’ to enjoy 1-for-1 330ml beer with teppanyaki & Omakase order from now until 2 April 2020.

#01-05
Tel +65 6513 6699
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 10.30pm
https://www.hidemasa.com

ROYAL TAJ

If you are in the mood for some piquant curries and biryani, Royal Taj will be more than happy to accommodate you. This respectable establishment showcases inventive and classic Indian fare in their ala-carte lunch and bountiful dinner buffet selection.

Influenced by flavours from all across India, you’ll be getting a taste of authentic, age-old recipes made from globally sourced ingredients. With endless streams of tikka masala and fresh naan at your disposal, it’s the ultimate Indian dining experience.

Their interior brags of a cosy and clean atmosphere, with pops of dark blue and vibrant paintings. It’s perfect for either a casual lunch for a relaxing dinner.

Some of the highlights of their buffet line-up include the Tandoori Platter, Royal Taj Special Butter Chicken, Paneer Pasanda and Mango Phirni.

The Tandoori Platter features Paneer Achari Tikka, Mustard Broccoli, Chicken Malai Kebab and Fish Amritsari Tikka. Our favourites were the Paneer Achari Tikka — grilled marinated cottage cheese — and Chicken Malai Kebab.

Royal Taj’s rendition of Delhi-style Butter Chicken was easily the best we’ve had. Thick, creamy and delectably spiced, it was everything you could ever ask for. Their Palak Paneer was a crowd favourite as well, brimming with herbaceous creaminess. Paired with their crisp fluffy naan and fragrant basmati rice, it was the dreamiest combination.

Also, for those of you reading, you’re in for a treat! Our readers can quote ‘ladyironchef’ to get 10% off your bill at Royal Taj from now until 2 April 2020.

#02-07
Tel +65 9118 5896
Daily: 11am – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
http://www.royaltaj.sg

QUENTIN’S BAR AND RESTAURANT

Talk about Eurasian cuisine in Singapore and one name will come up. Quentin’s Bar and Restaurant is the ultimate spot for authentic and sophisticated Eurasian dishes.

If you aren’t too familiar with Eurasian cuisine, it’s the beautiful matrimony of European and Asian flavours. That particular style of cooking often involves a blend of exotic spices and piquant sauces, such as tamarind and vinegar.

The kitchen is helmed by Chef Quentin Pereira, who combines quality ingredients with age-old recipes to produce delicious, mouthwatering dishes. Expect nothing less than a lavish chow-down at his chic abode.

The space speaks of modern minimalism, with a play on monotones and chic textures. The varying wine glasses add a touch of sophistication to every table.

Take your pick from their mains selection which includes dishes such as Chicken Curry Debal and Pot Roast Beef. Their Pot Roast Beef was excellently succulent and doused with a light savoury jus. Bolstered by roasted vegetables, it made for a super hearty dish.

End your dinner on a sweet note with their thoughtfully decadent desserts. Their Sugee Cake is delightfully buttery with a super addictive crunch from the almonds embedded within.

Quote “ladyironchef” for a 10% discount off Quentin’s Bar and Restaurant’s food & beverage menu from now until 2 April 2020.

#01-08
Tel +65 8817 6742
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 11pm
https://www.quentins.com.sg

You can also enjoy 3-hour free parking promotion when you dine at Mess Hall. Redemption at the participating restaurants.

Mess Hall at Sentosa
2 Gunner Lane
Singapore 099567
Nearest Station: Imbiah Station

This post was brought to you by Mess Hall.

&nsbp;

It is an indisputable fact that the best way to end a day is to grab a chill drink with your pals at a cozy watering hole. Yet, not all of us have that extra cash to constantly ball on bottles of liquor or buckets of beer — especially not with Singapore’s high cost of living.

Being cheapskates ourselves, we decided we simply cannot live up to the baller life. So, we have narrowed down 15 happy hour spots along Orchard Road where you can “step rich and classy” and not break the bank!

From draft beers at crowd-favourite bistros to house spirits at “atas” bars, you can be sure to get your money’s worth of affordable happy-hour alcohol at these places!

Photo Credit: sg.openrice.com

#1 NY NIGHT MARKET

Upon stepping out from Somerset MRT, NY Night Market is one restaurant you won’t miss. Decked in neon signs and colourful larger-than-life décor, the bustling eatery serves up more than just korean-western fusion cuisine: all day, every day, happy hour promotions!

Enjoy their 1 for 1 draft beers after a satisfying meal and pick your poison for the night (or even a mid-day delight): Hoegaarden White, Hoegaarden Rose, Stella Artois and Black Cab Stout. Prices range from S$12++ (330ml) to S$85++ (tower).

181 Orchard Road
313@Somerset #01-29
Singapore 238896
Tel: +65 6957 4620
Mon to Thurs & Sun: 8am – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 8am – 1am
Nearest Station: Somerset 

#2 ORIOLE COFFEE + BAR

A coffee café by day and a bar serving house pours, beer and wine by dusk, Oriole Coffee + Bar is a popular establishment among locals and tourists for their extensive menu of comfort food and drinks. Located in the heart of Somerset, the place exudes a chill ambience with an indoor and outdoor dining area.

#ORIOLENIGHTS only get better with their daily happy hour promotions, available from 3pm to 9pm. Unwind with your friends after a long day at work and indulge in 1 for 1 draft beers, house wines, sangria (glasses) and house pour spirits (glasses).

Cider or beer bucket deals are also available from 9pm till late; you can mix and match five of your favourite bottles at only S$38++!

96, #01-01 Somerset Rd
Pan Pacific Serviced Suites
Singapore 238163
Tel: +65 6238 8348
Mon to Thurs & Sun: 8am – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 8am – 12am
Nearest Station: Somerset

Photo Credit: Urban Journey

#3 ALLEY BAR

Emerald Hill is an enclave of popular bars teeming with people at night, all gravitating toward establishments offering the best deals. Alley Bar is one of them — with its “atas-looking”, old-school décor, the swanky place looks as if you can never afford what’s on their menu. Yet, what really attracts the masses are their pocket-friendly happy hour promotions!

Available from 5pm to 9pm every day, Alley Bar offers S$6 house spirits, S$7 house wines and S$10 draught beer. They do make mean cocktails as well, though not included in the happy hour promos.

2 Emerald Hill Rd
Peranakan Place
Singapore 229287
Tel: +65 6732 6966
Mon to Thurs & Sun: 5pm – 1am
Fri & Sat: 5pm – 2am
Nearest Station: Somerset

Photo Credit: Acid Bar

#4 ACID BAR

Located opposite 313 Somerset, Acid Bar is an accessible bar perfect to relax at after a long day of work. If you like drinking and music, you will be happy to know that this establishment offers daily live performances for you to groove to while sipping on a drink or two.

Diners can constantly stay happy with their daily happy hour promotions happening from 5pm to 9pm — enjoy S$6 house spirits, S$8 house wine, S$10 draught beer and S$10 cocktails!

180 Orchard Rd
Peranakan Place
Singapore 238846
Tel: +65 6738 8828
Mon to Thurs & Sun: 5pm – 1am
Fri & Sat: 5pm – 2am
Nearest Station: Somerset

 Photo Credit: Bar on 5

#5 BAR ON 5

Bar on 5 is a posh bar situated at Mandarin Orchard, well-loved among the working class for their cosy, lounge seats and groovy music. Warm lights and an al fresco dining area adds to the ambience, making it the perfect hang-out spot for diners.

As part of their Anniversary Extravaganza, you can treat yourself to a drink (or two) with their happy hour promotions from 5pm to 9pm daily (excluding Fridays). At just S$5++ per serving, they offer their special house pour spirits: Tenjaku Highball, Carlsberg draught beer and Signature Rock-atini.

333 Orchard Rd
Level 5 Mandarin Hotel
Singapore 238867
Tel: +65 6831 6286
Mon to Thurs & Sun: 11am – 1am
Fri & Sat: 11am – 2am
Nearest Station: Somerset

#6 FIVE TAPAS BAR

Located in the heart of Orchard underneath a Peranakan shophouse, Five Tapas Bar is a crowd-favourite among locals. The place is always bustling with laughter while crowds huddle around towers of beer.

They are well known for their S$5 specials, available all day and every day. To pair with your drinks, they have a wide array of tasty sides too!

25 Cuppage Rd
Cuppage Terrace
Singapore 229454
Tel: +65 8121 9304
Mon to Thurs & Sun: 5pm – 12am
Fri & Sat: 5pm – 2am
Nearest Station: Somerset

Photo Credit: KPO Cafe Bar

#7 KPO CAFE BAR

KPO Café Bar is located along the vibrant Orchard Road, just right beside the iconic Killiney Post Office. Known for both their stylish diner and chill-out bar, the place offers an open-space dining area resembling a “greenhouse”. Diners can overlook the greenery while sipping on cold drinks.

From Tuesday to Saturday, expect swell music from local DJs spinning their electronic tunes. Their happy hour promotions are also available daily from 3pm to 8pm, with 1 for 1 draft beer and prices as low as S$12 for their house spirits.

1 Killiney Rd
Singapore 239518
Tel: +65 6733 3648
Mon to Thurs: 3pm – 1am
Fri: 3pm – 2am
Sat: 6pm – 2am
(Closed on Sundays)
Nearest Station: Somerset

#8 MARTINI BAR AT MEZZA9

As implied by its name, award-winning Martini Bar at mezza9 is a multi-concept restaurant famed for making mean martinis. They also serve up innovative cocktails as well as savoury accompaniments to the drinks.

Martini fans can rejoice — there are daily happy hour promotions from 3pm to 9pm, offering S$14++ signature and classic martinis, handcrafted gin and tonics, sustainable wines by the glass and selected house pours. All beers will go for S$9++, and S$55++ for all house pour wines by the bottle.

mezza9, Mezzanine Level
Grand Hyatt Singapore
Tel: +65 6738 1234
Mon to Thurs & Sun: 3pm – 12am
Fri & Sat: 3pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Orchard  

#9 PRIVE

Offering not only scrumptious dining dishes, Prive also serves up alcohol for you to grab post-work drinks with your colleagues. Situated in the middle of Orchard Road, the restaurant exudes laid-back vibes and a welcoming atmosphere, great for friends and families alike.

From 5pm to 9pm daily, the eatery is offering 50% off their house pours: ½ draught beers, wines and spirits.

501 Orchard Road
Singapore 238880
Tel: +65 6776 0777
Mon to Fri: 9am – 1am
Sat & Sun: 8am – 1am
Nearest Station: Orchard

#10 TANUKI RAW

Not just notable for their donburis, Tanuki Raw is also a raw bar happy hour spot. Offering fantastic happy hour deals, shoppers can pop over for post-shopping drinks and chill at the sophisticated restaurant with their savoury bites and liquor.

From 5pm to 8pm daily, expect S$10 martinis and cocktails as well as S$12 pints of beer. The perk about these deals? One drink entitles you to purchase six raw oysters, ten slices of sashimi and unlimited uni too!

181 Orchard Road, 04-01
Orchard Central
Singapore 238896
Tel: +65 6636 5949
Daily: 11.30am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

#11 BAR CANARY

A rooftop bar, Bar Canary is perched atop Grand Park Orchard in an al fresco garden setting. Lawn chairs and beanbags are strewn everywhere, adding to its soothing, cosy ambience. When night falls, the atmosphere turns magical as you bask under the moonlight with your loved ones.

Happy hour promotions are available only on Friday and Saturday, offering Beat The Clock packages inclusive of eight drinks of your choice from a selection of beer, wines, cocktails, ciders, spirits and champagne. From 12pm to 6:59pm, the package costs S$77++, while from 7pm to 10pm, the price rises to S$88++.

270 Orchard Road
Singapore 238857
Tel: +65 6603 8855
Sun to Thu: 12pm – 1am
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 2am
Nearest Station: Orchard Road

Photo Credit: Salt Grill & Sky Bar

#12 SALT GRILL & SKY BAR

Decked in a modern-chic setting, Salt Grill & Sky Bar is one of the prettiest bars on this list where you can pretend to be a rich tai-tai enjoying your pocket-friendly evening drink. Happening from 5pm to 7:30pm, you will definitely get a bang for your buck with Salt Grill & Sky Bar’s happy hour promotions.

The promos include S$10 cocktails such as Black Russian, Caipirinha, Cuba Libre, Mojito, Moscow Mule, Tequila Sunrise and S$8 mocktails such as Strawberry Sling, Lycheetini and Mojito.

Beers such as Corona and Peroni go for S$9; draught in Asahi Super Dry, S$7 for ½ pint and S$13 for a pint; S$9 spirits such as St Remy Martin, Jim Beam, 42 Below Vodka, Broker’s Gin, Barcadi Orio and Famous Grouse and S$10 wines from House Red to House White and Sparkling Wine.

2 Orchard Turn
#55-01 ION Orchard
Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 6592 5118
Mon to Fri: 11:30am – 1:45pm, 6pm – 9:45pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 2:30pm, 6pm – 9:45pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

Photo Credit: Sam Han

#13 MORGANFIELD’S

Not just a homely restaurant offering yummy western cuisine, Morganfield’s offers a wide range of alcoholic drinks ranging from cocktails, house wines, distilled drinks and bottled wine. With happy hour promotions happening every day, this makes it a great place for families and friends to have an after-meal indulgence.

On Mondays to Saturdays, promos are available from 11am to 8pm, while it is all day for Sundays! You get special prices on draft beers, house wines and spirits; prices range from S$9 a glass.

181 Orchard Road
Orchard Central, #11-03/04
Singapore 238896
Tel: +65 6634 1828
Mon to Thurs & Sun: 11am – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 12am
Nearest Station: Somerset

 
Photo Credit: Asia Bars

#14 BEDROCK BAR & GRILL

Known as one of the best steakhouses on our little island, Bedrock Bar & Grill specialises in grilled dishes and an extensive range of single malt whiskies and cocktails. Stepping in, you will be greeted by a handsome New York-inspired interior, complete with wooden furniture and warm lights.

The bar also features an outdoor terrace for diners to lounge at. Happy hour happens every day from 12pm to 3pm and 5pm to 9pm. The drinks included are their beers, wine and spirits.

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

#15 AL CAPONE’S RISTORANTE & BAR

One of the must-visit bars in Singapore with the best deals is of course, Al Capone’s Ristorante & Bar! A prominent establishment among youngsters, this place is best known for their cheap promos and is always packed full of people.

Their awesome happy hour promotions are what keeps the crowd coming; from 5:30pm to 3am every day, treat yourself to three bottles of Heineken at S$13 nett, and a Guinness Pint at S$8.80 nett. A special promotion happening from 24^th August 2019 to 30^th September 2019 encompasses 15 bottles of Heineken and a basket of Golden Fries at S$69 nett.

2 Orchard Link
#02-38 Scape Building
Singapore 237978
Tel: +65 6509 5097
Daily: 5:30pm – 3am
Nearest Station: Somerset

Nowadays you’ve probably heard a lot about ModSin cuisine, though more often than not the novelty of fusion food is pretty much a thin disguise for more gimmicky quirks than actual delights. Fortunately, Uncle Kiisu in Novena Square 2 offers up an affordable yet impressive plethora of dishes that seeks to please all sorts of foodies.

This relatively new establishment serves up fusion food where West meets modern Asian cuisine. Aiming to challenge culinary norms, Uncle Kiisu displays its unique interpretations of food where diners are constantly wowed with creative combinations of Peranakan, Japanese and other local flavours.

First to arrive was their Mentaiko Cheese Bruschetta (S$3.80), two pieces of crispy dough fritters that were mercilessly doused with mentaiko and cheese and topped with ikura. Freshly torched before serving, the breath of char made this umami bomb all the more smoky and creamier.

Next was a plate of KiiWings (S$7.80), which was the furthest thing from your regular fried chicken. The wings are tossed in a mixture of soy and sambal and sprinkled with Japanese seasoning and fried garlic shards.

It’s really hard not to suck the meat off the bones because of how well seasoned the wings were. Crispy, juicy and succulent, the flavours oozed out with every single crunch of the fried exterior.

We also ordered their BellyRollMee (S$12.80) which was their take on a classic Porchetta, stuffed with mee siam instead of the usual meat based filling. This was, hands down, the single best bite we’ve taken, and perhaps in ever too. From the beautiful crackling skin to the fragrant fat and the soft tender meat, everything was melty and oozy and just absolutely divine.

Touted as their number one signature dish, we definitely understand why.

Last but not least, we also had their SobaSoGood (S$8.80). A simple and classic pun for a dish name, it was also the dish that we were most looking forward to. With cold matcha noodles served in truffle soba sauce alongside hotate and ikura, what more could we have asked for?

When it arrived, the smell of truffle wafted through the air and was definitely not hiding. We took a couple of generous slurps and fully enjoyed the way the delicate flavours played off one another.

Uncle Kiisu
10 Sinaran Drive
#02-65 Square2
Singapore 307506
Mon to Fri: 10am – 10.30pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 11.30pm
Nearest Station: Novena

The beauty in fusion cuisine lies in its ability to combine different culture, culinary techniques and cuisine to create something entirely different and intrinsically better. But it goes far beyond simply slathering kaya on a scone or sprinkling curry leaves onto pasta—it takes practice, and possibly hundreds of failed attempts to achieve the perfect recipe.

Maru Dine & Bar is a contemporary Asian fusion restaurant located in Icon Village in Singapore’s central business district that expertly integrates the cultures of Vietnam, Japan and America into its food.

Be charmed by its uniquely designed interior that creatively encompasses the essences of each individual culture, as well as a stellar array of quirky creations that will please your palate as much as it will tickle your senses.

Photo Credit: Maru Dine & Bar

Setting their sights on a new culinary direction, the chefs behind Maru aim to deliver refreshing and inventive dishes that are derived from the collision of cuisines from around the world.

Some popular items on their menu include the Iberico Pork Jowl that features strips of tender and crispy pork cheek served along with a tofu purée and a savoury mentaiko sauce, as well as their Uni Ikura Angel Hair that comes with caviar, seaweed, truffle and a Japanese-inspired sauce made using fresh sea urchin.

Photo Credit: Maru Dine & Bar

For cuisine that bends all the rules in an edgy yet sophisticated setting, Maru Dine & Bar is a spot you should totally visit.

Maru Dine & Bar
12 Gopeng Street#01-05 Icon Village
Singapore 078877
Tel: +65 6327 1123
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 11pm
Sat: 4pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

We are seeing a rapid growth in F&B establishments that are experimenting with mod-sin cuisine. Known as ‘Modern Singaporean’ cuisine, this cooking style takes on an innovative approach with local dishes and it requires plenty of time for research and development in order to get the recipes right.

Jiakpalang Eating House is an up-and-coming casual restaurant along Alexandra Road that offers local Zi Char dishes with a twist. Driven by his passion for food and cooking, the restaurant’s executive chef Nixon Low gained some experience assisting in the kitchen before starting his own business.

Some of the interesting dishes you can expect at Jiakpalang Eating House are Charcoal Katarosu Pork Collar slathered with Kopi “C” sauce, Cereal Pan Seared Foie Gras and “Assam” Pulau Ubin Sea Bass. If you are getting tired of the usual Zi Char dishes, why not give this place a try?

Jiakpalang Easting House is a great lunch spot for executives who are working nearby. During lunch, the restaurant serves up delicious rice bowls set at affordable prices that would not burn a hole in your wallet.

Some of the flavours you can look forward to indulging include Sesame Soy Chicken Rice Bowl (S$6.90) and Cereal Prawn Rice Bowl (S$13.90).

Photos Credit: Jiakpalang Easting House

If not, pop by for dinner with your family—the restaurant’s dinner menu features an unconventional take on Singaporean delicacies such as Yuzu Lala Clams (S$12), “Ang Ji Kao” Stout-Braised Beef Cheek ($17) and Har Cheong ($13).

Jiakpalang Easting House
456 Alexandra Road
#01-04/06, Fragrance Empire Building
Singapore 119962
Tel: +65 6266 8511
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 10pm
Sat: 6pm – 10pm
Sun: Closed
Nearest Station: Labrador Park

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.

Mileslife is our favourite app to accumulate miles through everyday spending. You can earn miles for every dollar spent at this restaurant. Download and try Mileslife out now! You can use our code ‘Ladyironchef‘ upon your first spending to get 1,000 miles.

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.

Ding Dong! Who’s there?

The quirky brand is actually the brainchild of celebrity chef Ryan Clift. Ding Dong’s contemporary tapas menu features an eclectic mix of Asian-inspired cocktails, Peranakan-style desserts and East-meets-West gourmet dishes. These fusion delicacies are set to impress – at a hefty price of course.

Located in Ann Siang, the fusion eatery is a favourite haunt among epicureans, expatriates and working professionals. Make a special trip there and get ready for a fascinating dining experience.

Everything that was previously unthinkable is now made possible; expect never-seen-before items such as Pi Pa Gao Cocktail (S$22++) and Crispy Pig Ears (S$17++) at Ding Dong.

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Ding Dong’s main entrance is shockingly grimy, where an unexpected pink ‘Ding Dong’ signboard greets visitors at the front door to indicate that they have arrived at the right place.

Electric blue bar chairs and Chinese red-coloured paper cutout murals further illuminate the restaurant’s eccentricity – perhaps a preview of what diners can anticipate for their food?

Patrons are going to either love or hate the unconventional menu. Depending on one’s personal preferences, some may be enraged by the ‘unnecessary’ revamps of classics, while others will find these reinterpretations a sheer stroke of genius.

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We say, go with an open mind and you might just be pleasantly surprised. Quality of food is superb, but a la carte prices are rather unjustifiable.

Thankfully, there is still an affordable way to sample Ding Dong’s delicious creations! Drop by during lunchtime and dig into a reasonably priced 3-course set lunch at only S$25++.

If budget is not an issue for the lucky ones, do order the amazingly tender Wagyu Beef Char Siew (S$29++), where beef short ribs have been sous vide for two days in char siew sauce. So divine!

Ding Dong
23 Ann Siang Road
Singapore 069703
Tel: +65 6557 0189
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 12am
Sat: 6pm – 12am
Sun: Closed
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 traveling 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.

Gone are the days where you can indulge in a mouthwatering western meal without burning a hole in the pocket. Fortunately, 49 Seats exists and has made it a point to keep its fusion gourmet very affordable and accessible amidst the rising costs in this competitive industry. Most of the dishes are priced below S$16.90 and there is no GST and service charge.

From their signature spicy Tom Yum Seafood Pasta (S$14.90) to Cheesy Chicken Chop (S$16.90), 49 Seats may not be any gourmet fine dining establishment but its menu will leave you salivating. Your grandparents will find them comfortingly nostalgic whilst your kids will have no qualms gobbling them up. It is surely a place for everyone, without breaking the bank!

Here’s sharing our favourite dishes at 49 Seats. It is hard to just decide on one, or two.

49 Seats is renowned for their industrial chic ambience, where old-school metallic plates and tin mugs are used. We love that fuss-free, retro-ish touch to the food.

As its name suggests, the founding store at Outram Park sits exactly 49 diners. Due to its increasing popularity, 49 Seats has proceeded to open two bigger outlets at Bugis Plus and Orchard Central to accommodate more patrons. The casual dining establishment takes pride in serving East-meets-West delicacies similar to those served during Singapore’s British colonial era.

Being one of the leading pioneers in Singapore to create fusion dishes with spicy tom yum broth, we have to applaud 49 Seats for their brilliant concept of integrating Asian flavours into classic Italian dishes.

Who would have known that these seemingly contrasting ingredients would actually complement each other so well? We were completely hooked to the Tom Yum Seafood Pasta (S$14.90).

Active foodies on the prowl might have already heard about this highly raved dish that features an exotic cream-based seafood pasta. It packs a punch of sweetness, sourness and spiciness with every bite and is indeed illustrative of Singapore’s diverse ethnicity.

Topped with generous amounts of mussels and prawns, the semi-spicy pasta is the bestseller at 49 Seats and you will not get this unique pasta rendition elsewhere.

The Creamy Smoked Duck Pasta (S$14.90) and Smoked Duck Aglio Olio (S$14.90) also got to us with its simplicity. The smoked duck breasts are so tender and juicy, and either way, we liked both pastas. The former takes on the classic carbonara, while the latter is a traditional aglio olio – the end results are delightful fusion dishes with a notable local twist.

Do note that the Smoked Duck Aglio Olio is not on the menu so one would have to make a special request for it.

Fish options to look out for are the Old Fashioned Fish & Chips (S$16.90) and Pan-fried Fish (S$16.90). The former is a battered seasonal fish, while the latter is a tender dory cooked simply with salt and pepper and lemon juice.

Both fishy mains are generously portioned and served with either an Al Scampi or Tom Yum sauce on the side for dipping. For the uninitiated, the Al Scampi is a seafood dish prepared with sautéed clams, mussels and prawns.

If your briny cravings are still not met, order the deep-fried Fish Bites (S$9.90) that comes in a basket of 10. Damn, these snacks got us hooked and we couldn’t stop munching on them while waiting for our mains! By the way, you would have guessed that the Tom Yum sauce is addictive, right?

49 Seats also offer a few poultry and red meat dishes, such as the chef’s recommendations of Cheesy Chicken Chop (S$16.90) and Sirloin Steak (S$19.90).

Complete your main and make it a set with an additional S$4.90, and you get a portion of soup of the day, and a soft drink of your choice. And the drink choices include their pretty house fizz beverages (S$2.50 for a la carte); we’d say go for these instead of the normal soft drinks!

Should you be a light eater, there is a variety of light bites for you to snack on. Our favourite appetisers is the glorious Cheese Fries (S$7.90).

Need another reason to love 49 Seats? They are open at ungodly hours if you need supper! Ain’t this good news?! There is an ongoing supper promotion for all main courses where 49 Seats’ customers get to enjoy 10% off after 10pm, 20% off after 11pm and 30% off after 12am. Like it cannot get cheaper, nocturnal creatures actually get to enjoy an unbelievable 50% off all pastas after 3am! Partygoers now know where to go after all that dancing.

If you haven’t realised, 49 Seats’ favourite number is evidently number 49. Alcoholic drinks are very affordable, where you can enjoy a bucket of 5 beer bottles for just S$49! Choose your poison from Corona, Heineken, Hoegaarden, Stella Artois and Tiger. And if you fancy some wines, a bottle of red or white wine is reasonably priced at S$60 and S$70 respectively.

This Christmas, customers also get to enjoy a scrumptious festive feast at 49 Seats at just S$49 nett for two. The value-for-money set meal is inclusive of two soups, two mains and a dessert for sharing.

We will definitely head back when those midnight hunger pangs strike, for both their lip-smacking dishes and awesome discounts!

For the latest updates, head over to www.49seats.com and like them on Facebook.

49 Seats Main Outlet
49 Kreta Ayer Road
Singapore 089007
Mon to Thu: 6pm – 2am
Fri to Sat: 6pm – 5.30am
Tel: +65 6225 4332
Nearest Station: Outram Park

Orchard Central #08-08
181 Orchard Road
Singapore 238896
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 2.30pm 5.30pm – 10pm
Sat to Sun: 11am – 10pm
Tel: +65 6509 5895
Nearest Station: Somerset

Bugis Plus #07-04
201 Victoria Street
Singapore 188067
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Sat to Sun: 11am – 10pm
Tel: +65 6884 4633
Nearest Station: Bugis

This post is brought to you by 49 Seats.

Note: Preparazzi has closed.

Words by Alexa Michelle, photographs by ladyironchef

Ever wondered how it’s like to have Asian food in your taste buds while dining in a western ambience? That would be my closest description to how I felt when at Preparazzi Bar Gourmet.

Located in the midst of the Central Business District area along Boon Tat Street, Preparazzi Bar Gourmet is a relatively new restaurant which specialises in serving modern Singapore cuisine – western dishes with a local twist.

Upon arrival at the restaurant, I was greeted with an arty interior as the walls had a canvas painting and a shimmery gold typography that says ‘hello gorgeous’. We proceeded to order the truffle mac & cheese ($10.90) and beef slider ($14.90) as a start. The truffle mac & cheese consists of macaroni; cheddar cheese mixed with truffle salt and honshimeiji mushrooms. As a truffle lover, the smell and blend of truffle salt with honshimeiji makes this dish a must-try, making it taste like a fusion of macaroni mixed with Asian mushroom.

The beef slider wrapped in gougère, looking very much like a pastry, was filled with Angus beef steak, topped with tamarind pepper, pineapple chutney and onion jam. Once you bite into it, you’ll taste a blast of sweet and savoury; sweetness from the pineapple and jam and savoury tasting from the Angus beef.

For our mains, we tried the X.O. vongole ($20.90) and duck confit ($19.90). The X.O. vongole is a dish cooked in spaghetti with white clams, X.O. gremolata, white wine and asparagus. The fragrance of the X.O. gremolata and cut asparagus will make one feel that this pasta dish is not too heavy to indulge while enjoying the white clams. A dish that has a good balance of healthy sides while indulging in seafood!

My favourite has to be the duck confit as it was accompanied with sweet potato gnocchi, corn, garlic, chilli and 5-spice salt. On the first bite of the duck meat, this dish brought sudden memories of dining in a Chinese restaurant. I felt that the chewy sweet potato gnocchi was paired with the duck meat to replace the typical carbohydrates selection of rice or potatoes.

Another main dish we got to try was the roast pork crackling ($23.90), a pork belly dish served with crispy cayenne apple, corn, pea and pineapple chutney. Similar to the duck confit, it brings a whiff of Asian aroma and taste to the dish. However, the roast pork crackling is slightly dryer than the duck confit as it had various thick pastes accompanying it.

Last but not least, every girl’s favourite, would be the part we get to desserts. It is almost impossible for most ladies to resist the sweet ending to a meal! With that said, we ordered the kopi-misu ($15). You might wonder why the name kopi-misu? This dessert is in fact similar to tiramisu except it is a sponge finger cake with kopi, mascarpone and coco powder. If you are a tiramisu lover, you’ll definitely fall in love with Preparazzi’s rendition. The texture of the cake was simply soft and creamy with a layer of coco powder set on top, it melted in our mouths on the first bite and we couldn’t resist finishing the entire plate afterwards.

Another dessert that we tried was the “baked” Singapore ($15.90). Its unique almond cake wraps in a combination of pineapple jam, raspberry sauce, vanilla gelato and meringue on top. It was indeed one of the most unique tasting desserts we’ve had representing the flavours of Singapore as a whole. But we felt that the portion of the meringue was overwhelming, and not something that we would order again.

To sum it up, Preparazzi Bar Gourmet offers a wide range of western food infused with Asian dishes. For the adventure seekers and exotic food lovers, you might want to venture to this area of the Central Business District to give it a try. Their menu also includes a fair selection of drinks such as cocktails and wine, sweet treats like cupcakes and French fries that come with a choice of truffle salt ($9.90), curry salt ($9.90) and rosemary salt with parmesan ($8.90). Recommended for dining up to 4 pax.

Preparazzi Bar Gourmet
29 Boon Tat Street, Singapore
Tel: +65 6220 0629
Mon to Sat: 11am – 11pm
(Closed on Sun)
Note: This was an invited media tasting.

About the writer:
In her free time, Alexa likes to visit museum exhibitions, reading or lying on the beach. Apart from having a sweet tooth, on selective food items of course, she also enjoys lounging to the beat of good tunes. Tempt her with tea and cakes if you could, weak spots do it right all the time. To read more of Alexa’s writings, please visit Pixiekrane.

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My fourth, her third, another’s second, and many others first. Our common love for food. That’s how it all began. At the heart of East-Meet-West. Persimmon.

Kopitiam, the symbolic of our local heartlands. The place where everybody grew up sipping their milo & coffee, where everybody settled their three meals when their mother was on strike, and the gateway to many delicious heritage hawker food.

Persimmon is quintessentially a swanky and upmarket kopitiam, retaining the traditional feel by using the classic kopitiam furnitures and floor tiles. The furnishings were a combination between comtemporary and rustic. And not to mention her location is right in the middle of Tiong Bahru, with the shophouses and kopitiam lining side by side.

Choices of desserts pick from a la carte buffet. Bread pudding, carrot cake, mango pudding, panna cotta, chocolate mousse. For the discerning us, perhaps only the carrot cake made the cut.

The kong ba bao (stewed pork belly) was way off my radar. The bun was hard and dry, the meat was not fatty enough, and lacked the delicious gravy. And oh ya, it wasn’t part of our menu, but was under the a la carte buffet offered.

Inspired by NoSignBoard white pepper crab, Persimmon white pepper Crabcake is all about that. Enjoyed the white pepper “crab”, no doubt in the form of crabcake, without any hassle. Under the sunny weather, the crab was toned prefectly brown, with a crisp-cross shell, and savoury meat within. Adiós

The crown of Persimmon. Hainanese Chicken Salad. Featured in almost all the media publications, there isn’t any excuse for you to miss this dish. The concept is simple, Singaporeans loved their chicken rice, but dreaded the calories. So what do you do? Remove the rice, throw in some greens, and voila! Singapore’s very own Hainanese chicken salad. Poach chicken, fresh local herbs & mesclun greens, rise crisps, and special dressing.

Tomato base pasta? Boring! How about our rich cream base instead? I hate cream! Right, why not try our Linguine laksa leaf Pesto? Specially created for your exquisite taste buds, the laksa infused linguine will definitely blow you away with its unique taste. Think laksa, but swop the thick rice noodles with pasta. Some felt that the laksa leaf was too heavy and overwhelm the whole dish. On the other hand, i thought the pasta was perfectly fine. Innovative with a big I.

Mixed blonds (fusion) are interesting in some ways, and the 8 treasures certainly roused my curiosity. Three mushrooms, two nuts, chinese sausage, parmesan cheese and risotto. What happens when Italian Risotto combine with the 8 treasures? You get the 8 treasure Risotto! The intial impression was Glutinous rice, but it was way better. I need to be honest, i couldn’t taste all of you. But in the end, it doesn’t really matter, you are all mine!

Staying true with the principle of fusion food, we have the European-style steak meeting heads on with our Asian carrot cake. The grilled ribeye with “chye tao kueh” carrot cake is bound to make your eyes popped out. The carrot cake was fried with XO and balsamic, with the latter providing a sour taste. A vast contrast with the steak. Not everyone could accepted sour carrot cake with steak though. Aspiring combination, but somehow failed to sizzle with the seemingly weird taste.

Eaten alone, the Slow poached salmon with zuchinni ribbons didn’t come as tender as we thought it will. But dipped in the green curry sauce, the fish went through a make-over in the taste department. There was cucumbers used in the green curry, which caught my attention. Like what one of our fellow friend say, when you don’t understand, just say “fusion!”

Our humble Otak is given a upmarket transformation by going créme brulée. With richly flavoured spicy kaffir lime & coconut used as the main ingredients, there was fish mousse hidden beneath the otak. The otak creme brulee is a very creative fusion dish indeed, but the experiement could perhaps be better. Some of us found the otak to be too watery, and maybe it’s meant to be this way. But is créme brulée ever so soggy?

There was a slight tweak to the menu compared to the one i previously shown. And the cost per person was 20 dollar nett, which everybody agreed was a reasonable price given we managed to try a variety of food. I hope everybody enjoyed their meal, and see you all at the next LIC food outing! We had 27 people for this outing, which was quite a healthy figure.

Well, like what some of you mentioned, it was a case of hits and misses, fusion food is pretty much an experiment between the Asian and Western cuisines, and it was certainly interesting to try some food which we’ll never get to try elsewhere.

And not to forget, LIC outing is all about the fun, joy and laughter during the event, and getting to know more friends. I’ll also like to take the opportunity to thank Helena and Sharon, the co-owners of Persimmon for having us there.

Do add me on facebook, if you missed the links earlier.

Read Jaime-la-nourriture chinese post on the outing here

For those who missed this Persimmon outing, you can get the best discounts when you mentioned ladyironchef while you are at Persimmon. So do go down and give the fusion food a try.