Established in 1989 by Michael Allpress in Auckland, New Zealand, Allpress Espresso has become a renowned specialty coffee roaster for independent cafés worldwide including Australia, Japan, the United Kingdom, and Singapore.

Allpress Espresso Singapore is opening its first pop-up cafe in Singapore at 73 Duxton Road on 2 May 2023 for 6 months.

To celebrate its opening, Allpress @ 73 Duxton will be having a 1-for-1 promotion for all espresso-based coffees for a week from 9 to 14 May 2023

Allpress Espresso Singapore will be serving its signature drinks such as Espresso (S$5), Long Black (from S$5), Flat White (from S$6) and Latte (from S$6).

It has partnered The Dark Gallery team to curatee a food menu to enhance the coffee experience, which includes delicious savory bagels, pastries, cake, and ice cream.

Photos credit: Allpress Espresso Singapore

Some of the desserts include Coffee Basque Cheesecake (S$8), Vanilla Espresso Cake (S$9), Allpress Dirty Caramel Chips ice cream (from S$6), as well as a vegan-friendly Allpress Cold Brew Sorbet (from S$6).

Fans of Allpress Espresso can also get limited-edition merchandise such as t-shirts and tote bags that are specially-designed for this pop-up, as well as Allpress Espresso’s range of products are also retailed at the shop.

Allpress Expresso Singapore @ 73 Duxton
73 Duxton Rd, Singapore 089532
Tuesday – Sunday: 8am – 5pm

The Feather Blade has moved out of its former location at Club Street and it will be reopening at 61 Tanjong Pagar Road in mid-Jan 2021.

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

The Feather Blade will be taking over the kitchen at REVAMP cocktail and bar at 61 Tanjong Pagar Road

The drinks programme at the new location will be run by Boo Jing Heng who is a Diageo world-class 2016 winner, and they will be focusing on craft wines and whiskies.

Until then, The Feather Blade is having a pop-up at their sister restaurant, Rappu, serving a limited menu focusing on their mains—steak, burger, and gyudon.

Singapore is known to be a food haven with abundant options such that we always find ourselves spoilt for choice when it comes to making a decision on what to have for our next meal. However, within Singapore itself, there are several enclaves where foodies will find themselves at during the next outing with their mates. Needless to say, Tanjong Pagar is one of them.

Many would think of just Korean restaurants when Tanjong Pagar comes to mind, but beyond that, Tanjong Pagar is home to a slew of cafés, restaurants and eateries. Whether it is Western food or Chinese fare you are looking for, cheap-eats or posh, elegant restaurants to bring your date, Tanjong Pagar has it all.

Here we have sussed out 27 eateries, cafés and restaurants in Tanjong Pagar for you to check out!

BAR-ROQUE GRILL

Awarded with a Michelin Bib Gourmand, Bar-roque Grill is a meat-centric smokehouse offering the best of French European cuisine.

Here you can indulge in decadent French-inspired food, including the esteemed Rotisserie Chicken (S$24/ half chicken) that is made using free-range and hormone-free French breed of chicken.

165 Tanjong Pagar Road #01-00
Singapore 088539
Tel: +65 6444 9672
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sat: 6pm – 10.30pm
(Closed on Sunday)
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

BEARDED BELLA

Whipping up contemporary brunch fare is Bearded Bella, a Melbourne-inspired café situated along Craig Road. Their coffee beans are sourced from Ethiopia, so coffee-goers should make sure to not skip their signature caffeine beverages.

Otherwise, Bearded Bella also serves a range of substantial, hearty meals that will no doubt leave you satisfied.

8 Craig Road
Singapore 089668
Tel: +65 9880 0775
Mon to Thu: 7.30am – 5pm
Fri: 7.30am – 11pm
Sat to Sun: 7.30am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

CAKE SPADE

Looking for somewhere to chill out and indulge in desserts after dinner? Score yourself some sweet treats at Cake Spade, one of the most popular dessert spots in Tanjong Pagar.

Cake Spade is best known for their amazing cakes in the likes of Strawberry Tofu Cheesecake and Speculoos Cheesecake; loyal patrons also visit them again for their brownies, crumbles and tarts.

83 Tanjong Pagar Road
Singapore 088504
Tel: +65 6444 3868
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 9.30pm
Fri to Sat: 12pm – 10.30pm
(Closed on Sunday)
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

CHO-WON GARDEN KOREAN RESTAURANT

Situated just a 3-minute walk away from Tanjong Pagar MRT station along Peck Seah Street, Cho-won Garden Korean Restaurant offers some of the best and authentic Korean cuisines in Singapore.

Owned by a Korean ahjumma, you know Cho-won Garden Korean Restaurant is legit when you see many Koreans frequenting this eatery!

2 Peck Seah Street
Singapore 079305
Tel: +65 6225 1317
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Sun: 5.30pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

DOCO

Located at International Plaza, DOCO—short for ‘Donburi Coconut’—specialises in wholesome rice bowls that are priced affordably for the masses.

For a hearty and filling meal, we’d suggest that you opt for the Sh-nack Don (S$8.90) which features grilled minced beef and cajun fish sprinkles nestled atop steaming hot Japanese white rice. Don’t forget to get a serving of Doco’s Coconut Soft Serve (S$4.90) for a refreshing treat.

10 Anson Road #01-16
International Plaza
Singapore 079903
Tel: +65 9049 9926
Mon to Fri: 11am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 8pm
(Closed on Saturday and Sunday)
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

DRURY LANE CAFÉ

Our go-to for delicious brunch over the weekends, Drury Lane Café is a two-storey café located just down the road from Cake Spade.

You can expect an extensive range of food, from hearty, filling meals to simpler options including Banana Cake and Pancakes.

94 Tanjong Pagar Road
Singapore 088515
Tel: +65 6222 6698
Mon to Fri: 8am to 5pm
Sat to Sun: 10am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

FIVE OARS COFFEE ROASTERS

Five Oars Coffee Roasters is the newest addition to the list of cafés along Tanjong Pagar Road. This Aussie-style café strikes all the right chords in terms of aesthetics, and trust us when we say that it isn’t just the interior that will leave you in awe.

Their menu offers a tantalizing array of contemporary dishes—Mentaiko Royale (S$21), Valrhona Chocolate Pancakes (S$19.5) and pasta dishes such as the Spaghetti Granchio (S$18.50).

39 Tanjong Pagar Road
Singapore 088462
Daily: 8am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

GATTOPARDO RISTORANTE DI MARE

Gattopardo Ristorante Di Mare is one of the restaurants along Tras Street that promises guests a gastronomical dining experience—their posh interior makes the restaurant perfect for an intimate meal.

Chef Lino Saruo has over 25 years of culinary expertise in preparing Sicilian dishes and strives to use only sustainable seafood. From entrance to departure, what you get is an impeccable experience; gorgeous elegant interiors, exceptional service with attention to details and mouthwatering Southern Italian cuisine.

34 Tras Street
Singapore 079026
Tel: +65 9325 8843
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Sat: 6.30pm – 10.30pm
(Closed on Sunday)
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

Photo Credit: Hokkaido Izakaya

HOKKAIDO IZAKAYA

Hokkaido Izakaya is where you can relish the taste of Hokkaido in Singapore. Their dishes are cooked using fresh ingredients imported from four cities—Yakumo, Akkeshi, Furano, and Kamishihoro.

They offer a myriad of Japanese fare ranging from sashimi to sushi and soba sets so you would surely be spoilt for choice.

95 Tanjong Pagar Road
Singapore 088516
Tel: +65 6221 7118
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 12am
Sun: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

KURO MAGURO

If you have a hankering for maguro donburi, then Kuro Maguro will be your best bet. Conveniently located on the ground floor of Tanjong Pagar Centre, it is definitely an ideal location for those working in the CBD area.

Prices range from S$20 to S$40, with dishes including the classic Barachirashi (S$18.80++) as well as the Salmon Oyako Meshi (S$20.80++), both featuring a generous helping of fresh seafood slices nestled atop warm Japanese white rice.

7 Wallich Street #01-04
Tanjong Pagar Centre
Singapore 078884
Tel: +65 6386 8561
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 2pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Sat to Sun: 11.30am – 2pm, 5.30pm – 9pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

L’ENTRECÔTE THE STEAK & FRIES BISTRO

The single item menu at L’Entrecôte features their speciality steak, which comes doused in their house-made legendary brown sauce—a palate-pleaser for the carnivores.

For those who love anything free-flow, you’d be glad to hear that ordering a main will entitle you to unlimited servings of crisp, golden brown fries!

36 Duxton Hill
Singapore 089614
Tel: +65 6690 7561
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Fri: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm –11pm
Sat: 5pm – 11pm
Sun: 12pm – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Outram Park / Tanjong Pagar

LUCHA LOCO

Lucha Loco is a casual and vibrant Mexican cocina and garden bar located along Duxton Hill that offers contemporary Mexican food.

Looking for a date night place to impress your significant other? Their outdoor dining area hits all the right spots for a romantic night out. While you are there, be sure to try the stellar Barbecued Chicken Quesadilla (S$16++) and 6-inch Chorizo Y Papa Tacos (S$12++)!

15 Duxton Hill
Singapore 089598
Tel: +65 6226 3938
Mon to Tue: 12pm – 4pm, 5pm – 11pm
Wed: 12pm – 4pm, 5pm – 12am
Thu: 12pm – 4pm, 5pm – 1am
Fri: 12pm – 4pm, 5pm – 2am
Sat: 6pm – 12am
(Closed on Sunday)
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

LUNAR COFFEE BREWERS

Brought to you by the same team behind Atlas Coffeehouse and the now-defunct Assembly Coffee, Lunar Coffee Brewers is a café in the CBD worth checking out after a hectic day at work.

Their premium cold brewed beverages and coffee will serve as fantastic accompaniments to their hearty donburi bowls.

6 Shenton Way #01-49/50
OUE Downtown Gallery 2
Singapore 068809
Tel: +65 6224 4500
Mon to Fri: 8am – 7pm
Sat: 9am – 3pm
(Closed on Sunday)
Nearest Station: Downtown / Tanjong Pagar

Photo Credit: Man Man Singapore

MAN MAN JAPANESE UNAGI RESTAURANT

As its name suggests, Man Man Japanese Unagi Restaurant specialises in Unagi-centric dishes. With freshwater eels specially imported from the Mikawa Isshiki region, what you can expect is the utmost premium quality of unagi and nothing less.

Man Man Japanese Unagi Restaurant offers their guests a dining experience unlike any other—you can watch the chefs expertly slice the freshwater eels and charcoal grill them over high heat right before you!

1 Keong Saik Road #01-01
Singapore 089109
Tel: +65 6222 0678
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
(Closed on Sunday)
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar / Outram Park

Photo Credit: Ninja Bowl

NINJA BOWL

Ninja Bowl is a dining concept owned and operated by The Astronauts Group, and this where you can get affordably priced Japanese-inspired dishes that will have you crooning over how gorgeous they look.

They offer an all-day brunch menu, which includes items such as the Mentaiko Scrambled (S$19), Steak & Udon (S$22) and Ebisu (S$18). Otherwise, their Ninja Bowls—Noka (S$14), Kamo (S$18) and Torinosu (S$18) are great options too.

15 Duxton Road
Singapore 089481
Tel: +65 6222 8055
Mon to Fri: 9.30am – 9pm
Sat to Sun: 9am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

OVEN & FRIED CHICKEN

The fried chicken at this humble eatery will leave you so satisfied that you would throw any plans of a diet out of the window immediately.

Over at Oven & Fried Chicken, you can tuck into a tantalizing array of fried chicken done in a myriad of ways, some of which you have never heard of before—this includes crispy fried chicken smothered in Neapolitan-flavoured ice cream which goes highly recommended by us!

182 Telok Ayer Street
Singapore 068630
Tel: +65 6222 5959
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 12am
Sat to Sun: 4pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

PARK BENCH DELI

Park Bench Deli started out as mere vendors at pop-up events, but the success of their gourmet sandwiches have led them to open up a store along Telok Ayer Street years ago.

For the love of sandwiches, go for their Cheese Steak (S$16) or the Fried Chicken Sandwich (S$16) which are all made fresh upon order.

179 Telok Ayer Street
Singapore 068627
Tel: +65 6815 4600
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 4pm, 5pm – 9pm
Sat to Sun: 9am – 3pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

PINCE & PINTS

Mirroring a similar concept to Burger & Lobster in London, Pince & Pints is dedicated to serving the best lobster dishes under one roof.

Their menu is rather limited, but you cannot go wrong with their signature Live Whole Lobster (S$58++) and The Lobster Roll (S$58++) which were our favourites. Alternatively, you can get local-inspired lobster dishes such as Chilli Lobster (S$58++) and Lobster Noodle (S$58++).

32-33 Duxton Rd
Singapore 089496
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Sat: 12pm – 10pm
Closed on Sunday
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

PRAELUM WINE BISTRO

This intimate wine bar along Duxton Hill is perfect for after-work drinks or a night out with your girlfriends.

Managed by famous sommelier Gerald Lu—two-time National Sommelier Champion—and his partners, Praelum Wine Bistro is a welcoming space for not just wine connoisseurs, but anyone who enjoys good food with even better wine.

4 Duxton Hill
Singapore 089590
Tel: +65 6238 5287
Mon to Sat: 6pm – 1am
(Closed on Sunday)
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

Photo Credit: Ryo Sushi

RYO SUSHI

Home to one of the most affordable Omakase sets in Singapore is Ryo Sushi, which is within walking distance from Orchid Hotel.

Setting you back at just S$38 for a 15-course meal, Ryo Sushi is where you should head to if you are looking for somewhere to get a holistic, indulgent dining experience without breaking the bank.

1 Tras Link #01-06
Orchid Hotel
Singapore 078867
Tel: +65 6443 3463
Mon to Sat: 11.45am – 2.45pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
(Closed on Sunday)
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

SALMON SAMURAI

Situated in 100AM Mall, Salmon Samurai is a hidden gem that all salmon-lovers ought to visit the next time you are in the vicinity.

They offer salmon donburi bowls, with options such as Salmon Mentaiko, Salmon Poke, and Garlic Shoyu Salmon, all priced reasonably at S$9.90. The Warrior Maki (S$9.90) had a good mix of crab meat, salmon sashimi, fresh cucumber and savoury chicken floss.

100 Tras Street #01-11
100AM
Singapore 079027
Tel: +65 6543 6823
Mon to Fri: 11am – 9.30pm
Sat to Sun: 11am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

SUPER STAR K

Super Star K specialises in using a charcoal grill and the authentic dining experience explains its popularity among Singaporeans and tourists alike.

They offer banchan that are not overly ambitious, unlike many other Korean eateries. Our personal favourites to order here include the beef short rib and pork belly. Also, did we mention that Super Star K is open until 4am daily?

75 Tanjong Pagar Road
Singapore 088496
Tel: +65 6224 0504
Daily: 11.30am – 2am
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

HAMBURG STEAK KEISUKE

There are only 2 items on the menu—the Keisuke Prime Beef Hamburg Steak Set (S$18.80) and Triple Cheese Prime Hamburg Steak Set (S$20.80). The latter is essentially hamburg steak with generous cheese filling within the grounded beef patty, which oozes out upon tearing the patty apart.

You’d be pleased to hear that diners have access to a free-flow salad buffet and 7 different egg stations as well!

72 Peck Seah Street
Singapore 079329
Tel: +65 6908 4348
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

Photo Credit: The Daily Cut

THE DAILY CUT

If you fancy wholesome, albeit hearty, salad bowls that will satiate you nonetheless, The Daily Cut at Tanjong Pagar Centre should be your go-to.

To start, simply grab the order list and check off your desired base, protein and supplements. They offer 4 different sizes ranging from petite (S$9) to X-Large (S$18), all of which are fully customisable.

7 Wallich Street #B2-16
Tanjong Pagar Centre
Singapore 078884
Tel: +65 6386 6160
Mon to Fri: 11am – 9pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 4pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

THE MARMALADE PANTRY

Known for their eclectic mix of desserts, pasta, weekend brunch items and afternoon high tea, The Marmalade Pantry is a leading dining destination where you can always get hearty and wholesome food in a cosy environment.

You must try the melt-in-your-mouth Char Siew Kurobuta Pork Belly (S$32) and the luxurious Lobster Barley Risotto (S$34) for a satisfying meal that will bring your taste buds on a gastronomic journey.

100 Peck Seah Street #01-01
Oasia Hotel Downtown
Singapore 079333
Tel: +65 6385 0741
Daily: 6.30am – 10.30am, 11.30am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

Photo Credit: Wafuken

WAFUKEN

Wafu refers to the Japanese style of western cuisine, whereas Ken is short for Kenko, which means wellness in Japanese. Wafuken essentially serves sous-vide rice bowls that are healthy but delectable nonetheless.

Most dishes are priced below S$20, making Wafuken a popular spot to get wholesome yet not overly-indulgent meals!

12 Marina View #02-05
Asia Square Tower 2
Singapore 018961
Tel: +65 9459 6073
Mon to Fri: 11am – 8pm
(Closed on Saturday and Sunday)
Nearest Station: Downtown

XIAO YA TOU

Standing out amongst the bustling nightlife of Duxton Hill, Xiao Ya Tou is a restaurant bar that exudes charm and quirkiness unlike any other.

This modern fusion restaurant offers upgraded versions of ubiquitous street food, including the to-die-for XYT Hokkien Mee (S$16) and the XYT Ayam Percik (S$26) which we would find ourselves returning for.

6 Duxton Hill #01-01
Singapore 089592
Tel: +65 6226 1965
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 11pm
Fri: 12pm – 12am
Sat: 10am – 12am
Sun: 10am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar / Outram Park

The cafe scene in Singapore is saturated with a plethora of cafes that more or less serve up grub that’s pretty mainstream, namely typical brunch items such as eggs Benedict, french toast, granola bowls and the likes. Newly-opened Kafe Utu, however, stands out from the crowd.

Proudly proclaiming themselves Singapore’s first Afro-themed cafe, they dish out brunch-style classics underscoring heavy influences from African cuisine that are sure to trump your typical eggs and toast any day. Aside from that, they also brew seriously good coffee.

Upon entering, we were blown away by the gorgeous, rustic interior of the cafe. Period.

The place has a modern African theme going on and is beautifully furnished with wooden counter tops, metallic fittings, warm colours and breathtaking paintings.

Our first order of business was the Utu Plate (S$18). This colourful ensemble features two slices of sourdough toasts that were topped with marinated goat cheese, cumin roasted tomato, raw garlic, curried avocado, arugula and a side of butter and jam.

The idea of eating raw garlic doesn’t really sound that appetising but surprisingly, it worked. It also added a nice sweet yet spicy flavour to the mix and really complemented the creaminess of the curried avocado.

From the Mama Africa section of the menu, which features some of their more traditional African dishes, we had a go at their Swahili Fish Curry (S$29). The curry consists of tender slices of red snapper fillets and coconut rice that was doused in a sauce made from tamarind, coconut milk, house curry paste and habanero.

The curry packs a punch and massive amounts of flavour without being overly spicy.

A visit to Kafe Utu would be a wasted trip if you left without trying a Mandazi, which is a classic African fried bread that originates from the Swahili Coast. These doughnut-like treats have a sweet and slightly savoury taste to it which make them incredibly addictive to munch on.

The ones here were also sprinkled with a generous amount of coconut flakes and cardamom, which added a subtle sweetness and spiciness to the bread.

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

Managed by famous sommelier Gerald Lu—two-time National Sommelier Champion—and his partners, Praelum Wine Bistro is a welcoming space for not just wine connoisseurs, but anyone who enjoys good food with even better wine.

Its location at Duxton Hill is just one of many reasons why working professionals head there after work for a good time with their colleagues and friends.

Service is intimate, food is impressive and they have their very own walk-in cellar which houses about 1,000 bottles of vino. What other reasons do you need to visit Praelum Wine Bistro?

Their wines, oh their wines. Wine aficionados will appreciate the splendid array of fine wines that are sourced from all over the world—including Italy, France and Germany. But for someone who is just starting out on wines, it can be somewhat intimidating to go through the extensive wine menu but this is when the servers step in to give suggestions.

Whether you are looking for bubbles, pinks, reds or whites (from S$17++/glass onwards), Praelum Wine Bistro has them all. We have been told by Gerald that the wine list is updated frequently so guests can probably expect something new on every visit. Well, more reasons to keep going back then!

While wine is the main focus here, we actually like how the bistro keeps their food menu concise—focusing on quality instead of quantity.

You cannot go wrong with the Pork Parcels, Tomato-Basil and Pineapple Chutney (S$27++), Foie Gras, Caramelised Apple and Balsamic Reduction (S$28++) and Salmon-En-route, Dill-Tarragon Butter (S$35++). Ask the wait staff for their recommended wine pairing and you are on your way to a gastronomic journey!

If you are curious and wish to sample on a variety of wines, opt for the wine flights where you can get to taste three to five different types and even rare wines that are not easily found anymore. The sommeliers will also share about the history and story behind the wines.

Praelum Wine Bistro
4 Duxton Hill
Singapore 089590
Tel: +65 6238 5287
Mon to Sat: 5pm – 1am
(Closed on Sundays)
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

Walking down Craig Road in Tanjong Pagar, it would be easy to miss the unassuming Kko Chi Bar, a Korean BBQ skewer restaurant. It took us quite awhile to find the restaurant as it was tucked away in a corner with a signboard featuring only Korean words. However, our little adventure to Kko Chi Bar was just so worth it.

The restaurant is run by a Korean owner who spent most of his early life in China, hence the menu has a very distinct Chinese influence. Each table has an interesting auto-rotating BBQ machine where you can simply place the skewers on and the machine rolls each skewer periodically to ensure that the meats and vegetables are cooked evenly.

The menu is pretty straightforward with a huge variety of skewers and other classic Korean dishes that you would find at any Korean restaurant. You can either pick from the a la carte menu or go for the value-for-money skewer sets.

The Set A (2 pax, S$45) is a great choice for those dining in a pair as it features a whopping 24 skewers that you can enjoy. The set includes–Chicken Skewers, Marbled Beef Skewers, Lamb Skewers, Sliced Lamb Chop Skewers, Pork Belly Skewers, Pork Belly with Enoki Mushroom, Shishamo Skewers, Grilled Mushroom Skewers, Garlic Moss Skewers and Mushroom Skewers.

Each set comes with banchan such as Kimchi and white rice to complement the skewers. You will also be served 2 condiments, a non-spicy dry dip and a sweet and spicy Korean-style chilli sauce. Each skewer was delicious but the spicy Lamb Skewers were a stand-out.

The lamb is dry-rubbed with Szechuan-style spices that reminded us of good ol’ Ma La Xiang Guo. The gaminess of the lamb is rid completely as the spices complement the juicy meat outstandingly well.

Kko Chi Bar
10 Craig Rd
Singapore 089670
Tel: +65 9730 4433
Daily: 6pm to 3pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

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

If you are craving for authentic Korean food after having binge-watched a whole series of K-dramas, Cho-won Garden Korean Restaurant might just be the perfect place to head to.

Situated just a 3-minute walk away from Tanjong Pagar MRT station along Peck Seah Street, Cho-won Garden Korean Restaurant offers some of the best Korean cuisines in Singapore. They serve a tantalising collection of Korean fare, ranging from barbecue meats to stews and Korean fried chicken.

The spacious interior of Cho-won Garden Korean Restaurant makes it the perfect place for a casual meal with family and friends or even group gatherings. This Korean restaurant is well-furnished and has a homely feel, atop the authentic taste of their Korean cuisine. It is no wonder that this place is frequented by many Koreans!

In addition, Cho-won Garden Korean Restaurant has several private dining rooms fit for small private functions.

JAEYUL-BOSAM WRAPPED KIMCHI WITH PORK

Cho-won Garden Korean Restaurant boasts this dish as their signature dish and there is no doubt why. Use the lettuce to wrap the pork belly as well as the kimchi which had fresh oysters hidden beneath it—the taste of each component complemented each other, making this dish pleasantly balanced.

SPICY SAUSAGE STEW

No Korean dining experience will ever be truly completed without army stew. The Spicy Sausage Stew (S$38 / S$48) that we had was absolutely delicious—the savoury yet slightly tangy broth definitely did not disappoint, although it was milder than those that you’d usually get elsewhere.

Indeed, it is hard to go wrong with army stew—we would gladly finish this huge portion of army stew at Cho-won Garden Korean Restaurant!

ASSORTMENT OF AUTHENTIC KOREAN DISHES

One would be glad to hear that the menu at Cho-won Garden Korean Restaurant is as extensive as it can get. Take your pick from their wide array of options, including Korean Fried Chicken (S$20 for half, S$36 for whole), Korean Seafood Pancake (S$19) and Beef Bulgogi Bibimbap!

If you are with a group of friends, opt for their sharing portions for their Korean BBQ and barbeque your own meats to get the full Korean dining experience! Their Seasoned Prime Rib (S$33) should not be missed!

Cho-won Garden Korean Restaurant may not be the most affordable Korean restaurant you can find in Singapore, but rest assured that they definitely do not compromise on the quality of their food. Given the authenticity and quality of their food, Cho-won Garden Korean Restaurant is definitely worth a try.

Cho-won Garden Korean Restaurant
2, Peck Seah Street
Singapore 079305
Tel: +65 6225 1317
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

Craig Road is a bustling street filled with established dining concepts and its dynamic food scene is a reason why it is such a popular foodie destination. Joining the long list of restaurants and cafes is a new F&B initiative that opened in February this year—Bearded Bella.

Inspired by Melbourne’s cafe culture, Bearded Bella is a contemporary Australian-style cafe started by a pair of individuals who are passionate about creating the perfect gastronomic experience by coupling great food with excellent coffee brews.

Currently still in soft launch, keep your eyes peeled for their official opening as they will be introducing a wider range of brunch and dinner food items on the menu. For now, here is what you can expect at Bearded Bella.

With its spacious table arrangement, high ceiling and muted colour tones, Bearded Bella is designed with a glass rooftop where natural sunlight can filter in; the light-filled cafe offers a soothing ambience where guests are encouraged to linger on with a cuppa or two.

At Bearded Bella, guests must not skip their signature caffeine beverages as the owners themselves are well-trained when it comes to coffee making techniques, having worked at Strangers Reunion and other F&B establishments for many years before opening up their own place.

The cafe sources its coffee beans from Ethiopia and you will find the usual suspects such as Espresso (Single/Double), Black and White. Their Cappuccino will please both serious coffee drinkers and those who are just looking for something to perk them up—medium-bodied with a fragrant aroma, carrying a harmonious balance of espresso, milk and frothed milk.

A scrumptious selection of mains and small plates lead the lunch menu and it goes beyond what you would expect at a standard cafe. The Bearded Eggs, for example, was a gorgeous dish served with slow-cooked pork jowls on toasted baguette.

While we enjoyed the crispy pork jowls with tangy pickled daikon, what caught our attention was the beautifully executed poached eggs which was complemented with a generous portion of minty green hollandaise sauce. Cut the eggs right down in the middle for that Instagram-worthy Boomerang shot!

Other items on the menu worth mentioning include the Smashed Avocado, Dill Cured Salmon and Pulled Brisket Sliders. For those who are looking for something to share, there are also small plates such as Charred Brussels Sprouts and Lamb Ribs.

Although prices on the menu are not fixed yet, Bearded Bella is slated to open officially in the upcoming week so do drop by the cafe for coffee and brunch if you happen to be around the area.

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.

Bearded Bella
8 Craig Road
Singapore 089668
Tel: +65 9880 0775
Daily: 7.30am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

Fans of Korean food would know that Tanjong Pagar is home to many authentic Korean restaurants and popular Korean barbecue joints. The latest addition to Tras Street is Daegweol, a new Korean restaurant that opened discreetly in August.

Those who enjoy hearty, traditional Korean dishes will find Daegweol right up their alley—their straightforward menu focuses on Korean delicacies such as Galbi-Tang (beef short ribs soup) and Suyuk (pork belly).

Daegweol also offers affordable lunch sets starting from S$16++. As the restaurant is currently still in soft launch, diners can expect an updated menu in coming months.

Taking over the premise of the now-defunct May May, Daegweol has a similar refined interior which boasts polished marble tables and a sleek counter bar right at the back of the hall.

The modern restaurant’s soft ambient lighting, crawling greens and wooden furnishing help to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere that is perfect for business lunches with clients, a romantic date with your significant other and even a gathering with large groups of friends.

We dropped by for their weekday lunch sets and the first thing that caught our eye was the Galbi-Tang (lunch – S$18++, dinner – S$26). For those who are not familiar with Korean cuisine, Galbi-Tang is beef short-rib soup and it is a favourite among Koreans.

The intense beef flavours from Daegweol’s Galbi-Tang is a result of simmering beef short-ribs for a total of six hours before they are served to diners. We pulled the tender meat off the bone easily and sang praises of its robust flavours. Other ingredients you can find in the soup are radish, leeks, glass noodles and stripped slice eggs.

Their Suyuk with Rice Set (lunch – S$16++, dinner – S$24++) came with six pieces of boiled pork, pork soup, healthy multigrain rice and fresh lettuce. The chewy boiled pork slices may be too tough for some but we felt that it went well in a wrap with seasoned bean paste. Wash it all down with refreshing light pork broth.

All main dishes come with free-flow ban chan such as kimchi, fried anchovies, tamagoyaki amongst others. We ordered a few rounds of the tamagoyaki which had bits of crunchy carrot for extra textures.

Apart from what we tried, the menu currently has three other main dishes—Suyuk, DweaJi-GukBap (pork bone soup) and NaeJang-GukBap (stuffed pork organ rolls). If you are up for some desserts, Daegweol has a range of bingsu, Green Teaffogato and Hotteok.

Daegweol
65 Tras Street
Singapore 079004
Tel: +65 6222 1828
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sun: Closed
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

]]> https://www.ladyironchef.com/2017/11/daegweol-singapore/feed/ 2 https://www.ladyironchef.com/2017/11/doco-singapore/ https://www.ladyironchef.com/2017/11/doco-singapore/#comments Fri, 03 Nov 2017 06:01:57 +0000 Dick Tan http://www.ladyironchef.com/?p=149344 Continue reading →]]>

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.

style=”display:block; text-align:center;”
data-ad-layout=”in-article”
data-ad-format=”fluid”
data-ad-client=”ca-pub-1199323522078805″
data-ad-slot=”3885138539″>
//

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.

style=”display:block; text-align:center;”
data-ad-layout=”in-article”
data-ad-format=”fluid”
data-ad-client=”ca-pub-1199323522078805″
data-ad-slot=”3885138539″>
//

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.

style=”display:block; text-align:center;”
data-ad-layout=”in-article”
data-ad-format=”fluid”
data-ad-client=”ca-pub-1199323522078805″
data-ad-slot=”3885138539″>
//

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.

style=”display:block; text-align:center;”
data-ad-layout=”in-article”
data-ad-format=”fluid”
data-ad-client=”ca-pub-1199323522078805″
data-ad-slot=”3885138539″>
//

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.

Mileslife is our favourite app to accumulate miles through everyday spending. You can earn 2 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.

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

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

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.

Freehouse is a craft beer joint you can escape to after a hard day’s work. Hidden on the second floor of a shophouse along Boon Tat Street, feel free to knock back a few pints and leave your troubles at the door.

This unsuspecting craft beer den houses up to 16 different craft beers and ciders on rotation, all affordably priced from S$9 for a 10oz pint. The selection changes constantly, so feel free to ask the bartender what the hottest beers are for the week.

In addition to their excellent range of tipples, they also serve up amazing grub; interesting bar bites like their signature Cereal Frog Legs With Ginger Flower Dressing to mouth watering mains like their Bombay Burger With Piccalilli.

Freehouse does not have a particularly striking sign board, just a small fluorescent one that might be a little tricky to spot. Once you find it, your journey to beer heaven begins at the foot of a dimly lit staircase.

This joint exudes a cosy and laid-back vibe. The quaint shophouse space is simply decorated with wood furniture, twinkling lights, graffiti stained walls, and craft beer posters but what really got us excited was the bar—a row of 16 shiny taps against pristine tiles.

We started off with some of their more interesting varieties; a 10oz glass of Heretic Chocolate Hazelnut Porter (S$12++ for 10oz) followed by another (of the same measure) of Zeffer Cider Cherry Bomb (S$11.50++ for 10oz)

Their food menu is not extensive, but they sure pack a punch and include possibly some of the most interesting renditions of classic bar bites we have ever seen.

We ordered the Bombay Burger With Piccalilli (S$15++) which comprised a massive boneless chicken thigh seasoned beautifully with Indian spices (cumin being a dominant flavour), sandwiched between two sturdy yet pillowy, perfectly charred buns. The chicken itself brimmed with so much flavour and was tender enough to chew off with relative ease.

If you love spicy food, then definitely go for the Thai Beef Sliders With Somtum (S$16++). Although small in size, the kitchen really goes above and beyond to stuff a smorgasbord of ingredients between two tiny buns.

The Thai flavours really came through with this. It was tangy, sweet with an intense heat that kicks you at the end. The beef patty was firm and juicy and the tangy som tum salad provided an added brightness to the dish.

Despite the spiciness leaving us gasping for ice water after, we must say that this was some of the best sliders we have ever had. Period.

Freehouse
21A Boon Tat Street
Singapore 069620
Tel: +65 8362 6740
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Thu & Sat: 5pm – 12am
Fri: 3pm – 12am
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/salmon-samurai-singapore/ https://www.ladyironchef.com/2017/03/salmon-samurai-singapore/#comments Wed, 08 Mar 2017 01:00:16 +0000 Julee Ooi http://www.ladyironchef.com/?p=127256 Continue reading →]]>

Japanese rice bowls are all the rage and we are happy that the trend is here to stay. Besides Kuro Maguro which just opened earlier this year, we have discovered another gem in Tanjong Pagar that offers affordable donburi.

Salmon Samurai in 100AM Mall mainly features S$9.90 customisable salmon donburi sets. Of a mere 10-minute walk from Tanjong Pagar Station, the Japanese eatery’s prime location and hospitable service make it a popular dining location for those who are working in the vicinity.

Ready for this quick and affordable salmon don fix?

Salmon Samurai goes by an efficient semi-self service concept where diners will make payment at the counter and collect their utensils before taking a seat. Once your food is ready, the wait staff will bring them to your table.

We decided to go with brown rice for our Garlic Shoyu Salmon (S$9.90). The huge serving came with generous pieces of tender salmon and an onsen egg sitting atop a bed of warm and moist brown rice.

If brown rice is not your thing, you can also choose to have your salmon with udon or mixed salad. For more flavours in your bowl, there are also extra toppings such as avocado and ebiko.

Don’t forget to complete your meal with a Warrior Maki (S$9.90). We really enjoyed the combustion of flavours which came from the crab meat, salmon sashimi, fresh cucumber and savoury chicken floss. The creamy garlic mayo added an interesting sweet and sour note to it.

Apart from Garlic Shoyu Salmon, diners also have other choices including Salmon Sashimi with Avocado, Salmon Mentaiko, Spicy Salmon and Salmon Poke (S$9.90).

While options are rather limited, the dishes are hearty and unpretentious just the way we like it.

Salmon Samurai
100 Tras Street
#03-22 100AM
Singapore 079027
Tel: +65 6543 6823
Mon to Fri: 11am – 8pm
Sat & Sun: 12pm – 6pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

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.

Chick Can Rotisserie is a new establishment which prides itself in whipping up Canadian-style Roasted Chicken and Poutine—it is one place to head to for comfort, rustic Western food.

Located along Amoy Street—just a 5-minute walk from Telok Ayer station—Chick Can is a cosy and wallet-friendly option for those who work in the Central Business District.

We were pleasantly surprised that all the items on the menu are below S$20, with the exception of the Half Chicken Meal (S$22+) which can easily feed three to four people. As if that is not enticing enough, you don’t have to pay for service charge at Chick Can Rotisserie too!

From now until 30 November 2016, our readers can quote “ladyironchef” to enjoy 40% off the second main course during dinner (6pm to 10pm). This promotion is valid for dine-in and takeaway.

The self-service concept at Chick Can Rotisserie is a simple one—you grab the menu and decide on what you want, tell the friendly staff over the counter and a buzzer will be given so you know when to collect your food.

Otherwise, have a Chick Can meal in the comforts of your home or during lazy days in the office by opting for takeaway. You can also get your roasted chicken delivered via Foodpanda.

MOZZARELLA CHEESE STICKS

Start your meal with some appetisers; well they make great finger food to go with your beer.

Of course, with every tasty North American food, comes a cheesy appetiser. The Mozzarella Cheese Sticks (S$7, regular/S$12, large) were delicious. Have it immediately and you can break and stretch the cheese, dip it into the marinara sauce on the side and enjoy it. We loved the golden herb crust on the sticks as well as it added to the overall flavour in each bite.

CHICK CAN’S CHICKEN WINGS 

Also, appetisers/ beer snack always mean we need our chicken wings. The Chicken Wings at Chick Can Rotisserie are specially marinated and served piping hot with BBQ sauce or ranch dressing. These crispy delights are going at S$7.50+ for four and S$13+ for eight.

CHILLI CHICKEN DIP

This is a twist of our favourite chilli crab sauce, but with chicken slices. We enjoyed the strong sweet and spicy flavour of the sauce which was meant as a dip for the toasted bread. A perfect savoury snack for those who are there for drinks.

AUTHENTIC POUTINE

There are not many places in Singapore where you can find authentic Poutine—a Canadian dish which originated from Québec.

For the uninitiated, Poutine is made with French fries and cheese curds sprinkled on top, then topped off with a drizzle of light brown sauce. Imagine our delight when we found out that it is part of Chick Can Rotisserie’s menu!

You can choose to have your Poutine in various styles and we went for Poutine with Chicken (S$12.50+).

The fresh cut fries are crispy on the outside with soft interiors, and goes well with the generous portions of chicken cubes and twirling cheese curds doused in brown gravy. There is a good balance between the main ingredients which made it a hit among those at the table.

ROTISSERIE CHICKEN & SIDES

Chicken is a staple in Asian cuisines. And precisely because this is our ultimate comfort food, we had very high expectations for their Roast Chicken. So how did it fare?

Most rotisserie chickens tend to be a little on the dry side but this is definitely not the case at Chick Can.

Each chicken is lightly seasoned to keep the original taste of the meat. It is then slow-roasted in a rotisserie oven specially imported from Canada to achieve the perfect result—juicy meat and crispy skin.

There are three options: Quarter Leg Meal (S$16.50), Quarter Breast Meal (S$18.50) and Half Chicken Meal (S$22+).

We shared the Half Chicken Meal and it came with a toasted bun, a side dish of your choice, coleslaw and dipping sauce. You get to choose between salads, Rice Pilaf and French Fries for sides. It is indeed a huge portion that can easily feed two to three people.

The half chicken is roasted to lip-smacking perfection with its crispy reddish brown skin that envelops succulent, tender chicken meat. We could really hear the skin crack as we dug into it with knives! Try it with the traditional brown dipping sauce. We loved the Asian dipping sauce which is similar to the Thai sweet chilli sauce.

CHICKEN PIE WITH COLESLAW

The Chicken Pie with Coleslaw (S$12) reminds us of home. It was simple, hearty and we loved the flaky crust combined with the massive chunks of chicken and vegetables inside. It also comes with a side of coleslaw to complete your meal.

BAKED RICE/PASTA, SANDWICHES AND WRAPS

Roasted chicken aside, Chick Can Rotisserie also offers two baked dishes—Chicken Baked Rice (S$15) and the Chicken Baked Pasta (S$15). Also, you can expect dishes such as Club Sandwich with Chicken (S$15), BBQ Chicken Wrap (S$15) and Spicy Chicken Wrap (S$15).

SUGAR PIE

All of us agreed that the Sugar Pie (S$6.50+) at Chick Can Rotisserie is a wonderful option for those with a sweet tooth. It is unabashedly sweet and comes accompanied with smooth whipped cream. The classic French-Canadian pie is served warm from the oven to our table and was demolished within minutes.

From now until 30 November 2016, our readers can quote “ladyironchef” to enjoy 40% off the second main course during dinner (6pm to 10pm). This promotion is valid for dine-in and takeaway.

Chick Can – Rotisserie
82 Amoy Street
#01-00
Singapore 069901
Tel: +65 6221 8598
Mon to Sat: 11am – 10pm
Sun: Closed
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

This post is brought to you by Chick Can Rotisserie.