Along the picturesque side of Esplanade mall, Noosh Noodle Bar & Grill—a halal-certified restaurant which specialises in ModSin cuisine—is one of the many dining destinations located along the boardwalk.

Opened by renowned Chef Ummi Abdullah, who is incidentally also the person behind the success of Ambeng Cafe, this chic classy restaurant serves up a plethora of not only attractive noodle and grill dishes but also tantalising desserts and mocktails.

Perhaps one of the most popular, as well as the most innovative dish, their Smoked Duck Lemak Chilli Padi Pasta (S$18.90) pays homage to the traditional Ayam Masak Lemak Cili Padi. Just like the original, this dish is fiery, much so that the waiters even warned us as we ordered it.

This dish is a super savoury coconut-based gravy, with warm pasta neatly twirled in the middle, and generously topped with smoked duck, arugula and cherry tomatoes. Don’t be so quick to dismiss the vegetables. The gravy is packed full of heat that’s only quelled by the fresh tart vegetables. The smoked duck meat was tender and juicy, though the smoked flavour was a little overwhelmed by the gravy.

We also ordered their Tori Hanjuku Ramen (S$16.90). After all, how often do you come across halal ramen? It was one of the more highly anticipated dishes online, and needless to say, we were pretty excited about it too. However, the appearance of the dish was rather underwhelming, with most of the ingredients hidden under the soup.

We weren’t too impressed by the taste either. While the noodles were firm and al dente, and the eggs lusciously soft and creamy, the soup itself was much saltier than the usual chicken based broth with little else to it.

Despite being a noodle-focused restaurant, their rice dishes delivered fairly well too. The last dish we ordered was their Noosh Bulgogi Chicken (S$14.90). It’s a classic bowl of stir-fried chicken in teriyaki sauce served over rice. Unpretentious and simple, the warm bowl of rice was nothing short of comforting and soothing.

The sauce to rice ratio was also just right, and made for a moist savoury bite, with honest chunks of chicken and sticky caramelised onions.

Located along the prime area facing Singapore’s iconic skylines, Noosh Noodle Bar & Grill is one of the more affordable restaurants around with plenty of tasty enticing modern Singapore specialities.

Noosh Noodle Bar & Grill
8 Raffles Avenue
Esplanade Mall #01-13B
Singapore 039802
Fri: 3pm – 10pm
Sat to Thurs: 12pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Esplanade

It goes without saying that spice is one of the rubrics of Asian cuisines, with many countries and cultures incorporating spices, especially chillies with a high spice level, into their daily food intake. As Asians ourselves, we are generally used to really intense spiciness since we are exposed to spicy food since young.

On top of enhancing the taste of your food, spice is actually beneficial to you and your body in so many ways.

If you are not convinced, here are 5 Reasons Why Spicy Food Lovers Are Healthier People.

#1 SPICY FOOD IS GOOD FOR YOUR HEART

You might think that we are out of our minds but it is actually proven. Spicy food have been shown to decrease the chances of any heart disease risks by lowering the “bad” low-density lipoproteinn and cholesterol in your body and instead, increase the “good” high-density lipoprotein and improving circulation.

#2 SPICY FOOD CAN CLEAR YOUR SINUS

Have you ever had spicy food with a blocked or runny nose and realise that after you are done with your food, your nose pretty much clears up? This is because the capsaicin in chilli and peppers are similar to a compound found in many decongestants – so the hotter your food is, the more significant the results.

#3 CHILLIES ARE PACKED WITH VITAMINS

It is said that chillies contain seven times the amount of Vitamin C an orange can offer. And chillies are also high in Vitamins A and E, and folic acid. You know you need those in your life.

#4 SPICY FOOD CAN HELP WITH WEIGHT LOSS

Chillies aid digestion. Frequent consumption of spicy food may also result in a faster metabolism rate on some people. It might also suppresses your appetite and increases the rate of calorie burn in your body. It is important to note that this is not a guarantee as every individual react to the contents differently.

#5 SPICY FOOD CAN STOP ULCERS

You know how we usually stay away from spicy food when we have ulcers? This fact is a game changer. The bacteria that usually causes ulcers in your mouth will actually be killed when you consume hot chillies and peppers. Now, forget the old wive’s tale and go ahead with your spicy food when you are burdened with ulcers!