Common Man Coffee Roasters @ Anchorpoint - Launches New Asian-inspired Menu Alongside a Refreshed Drinks Selection

Drawing inspiration from familiar regional flavours and comforting favourites, Common Man Coffee Roasters at Anchorpoint has introduced a new Asian-inspired menu alongside a refreshed drinks selection. The new offerings celebrate the vibrancy and boldness of regional flavours, incorporating influences from dishes such as butter chicken, laksa, curry and tom yum.

Crispy Duck Curry 3.8/5

Of the six new dishes, we tried the Crispy Duck Curry ($32) and Bulgogi Beef Bowl ($26). The Crispy Duck Curry came accompanied by their signature croissant, making for an especially indulgent pairing. The curry was thick, almost paste-like in consistency, deeply aromatic with spices and packed with a lingering heat. The buttery croissant proved perfect for soaking up every last bit of the rich curry. The duck delivered on its promise of crisp skin and succulent meat, though it was slightly let down by an overly heavy hand with the salt.

Bulgogi Beef Bowl 3.5/5

The Bulgogi Beef Bowl was a wholesome combination of mixed grains, fluffy omelette and a generous slab of beautifully charred beef. While the beef was flavourful and nicely grilled, some portions were a little too sinewy.

Citrus Cloud Cold Brew

For drinks, the Citrus Cloud Cold Brew ($9.50) featured a delicious layer of airy foam atop a cold brew infused with yuzu, lemon and calamansi. Refreshing and citrusy, it would be better with a stronger coffee presence and a touch less sweetness for better balance.

Miso Lucky

The Miso Lucky ($9) was a more successful, well-balanced concoction which combines iced white chocolate infused with savoury white miso and lightly sweetened with maple syrup, resulting in a creamy and nuanced beverage.

Common Man Coffee Roasters’ new menu brings familiar Asian flavours into a modern café setting. While there are a few areas that could be refined, the flavours are largely on point.

Photos and words by Si An. A homebody who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, the smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


Common Man Coffee Roasters
Anchorpoint
368 Alexandra Road
#01-01
Singapore 159952
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Nearest MRT: Redhill (EW Line), Queenstown (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Tue: 730am - 5pm
Wed-Sun: 730am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Redhill MRT station. Take Exit A. Cross the road, walk to the bus stop opposite Redhill MRT (Stop ID 10201). Take bus number 33 or 120. Alight 4 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 12 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Queenstown MRT station. Take Exit B or C. Walk to the bus stop at Queenstown MRT station (Stop ID 11149). Take bus number 195. Alight 3 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 10 minutes. [Map]

 

Seoul & So @ National Gallery - Brings Contemporary Korean BBQ to National Gallery Singapore with Value Lunch Sets

Seoul & So debuts at National Gallery Singapore, introducing a fresh Korean barbecue concept set within one of the city’s most iconic cultural spaces. Located on Level 5, the restaurant offers a unique dining experience where guests can enjoy grilled premium meats while overlooking the Ng Teng Fong Roof Garden Gallery installations, blending art, architecture, and cuisine into a single immersive setting.

Created by the award-winning team behind Seoul Restaurant (Conrad Singapore Orchard), Seoul & So is the Rhee siblings’ modern take on Korean barbecue. While grounded in authentic Korean flavours and traditional techniques, the concept embraces a livelier, more contemporary approach, offering both à la carte dishes and curated tasting menus designed for sharing.

I visited on a weekday for lunch and was particularly drawn to their wallet-friendly 4-Course Lunch Sets. Priced at $45 for Set A (Beef) and $35 for Set B (Pork), each set comprises an Appetiser, Main, Post-Main, and Dessert. With two of us dining, we opted to try both sets for a more comprehensive experience.

The meal began with an assortment of Banchan, Korea’s signature side dishes. The spread offered a delightful variety of flavours and textures — from tangy pickles to savoury bites — thoughtfully prepared to complement the grilled meats that followed.

For the mains, Lunch Set A offers a choice between USDA Prime Short Ribs or Rib Fingers (Aus Wagyu 6/7), while Set B features Jeju Pork Belly or Iberico Pork Collar, each portion at 150g.

Rib Fingers (AUS Wagyu 6/7) 4/5

We had the Rib Fingers (Aus Wagyu 6/7), a premium cut sourced from between the rib bones. Known for its rich marbling and intense beefy flavour, this cut delivers a deeply satisfying bite. As it grills, the fat renders beautifully, creating a lightly charred exterior while keeping the interior juicy. The presence of natural tendons adds a slight chew, giving the meat a robust texture that enhances its overall appeal.

Jeju Pork Belly 4.2/5

The Jeju Pork Belly was equally noteworthy. Imported from Jeju Island, the cut stood out for its clean, natural sweetness and balanced fat content. Grilled to a gentle crisp on the outside, the pork retained a tender, juicy centre without feeling overly greasy. The rendered fat imparted a buttery richness that coated the palate, elevating each bite with a luxurious mouthfeel.

Mul Naengmyeon 4.2/5

For the Post-Main course, diners can choose from Kimchi Jjigae, Doenjang Jjigae, Mul Naengmyeon, or Naeng Kalguksu. We selected the Mul Naengmyeon and Kimchi Jjigae for contrast.

The Mul Naengmyeon was a refreshing interlude. Served in an icy, clear beef broth, the dish delivered a clean, subtly tangy flavour with a hint of sweetness. The buckwheat noodles were springy and pleasantly chewy, complemented by slices of cold beef, crisp cucumbers, and pickled radish. It was light, cooling, and especially satisfying after the richness of the barbecue.

In contrast, the Kimchi Jjigae offered a comforting depth of flavour. The stew leaned towards a balanced, hearty profile rather than an overly sour or fiery one. Well-aged kimchi had softened beautifully, infusing the broth with richness, while tender pork and silky tofu added substance to the dish.

The meal concluded with a simple dessert of ice cream paired with coffee or tea — a light and pleasant finish to the multi-course lunch.

Kimchi Jjigae 4/5

Seoul & So’s 4-Course Lunch Sets impress with both value and quality, making it an accessible way to enjoy premium Korean barbecue in a refined setting. Situated within the National Gallery, the restaurant offers more than just a meal — it delivers a dining experience that seamlessly weaves together culture, flavour, and contemporary flair.


Seoul & So
National Gallery
1 St. Andrew’s Road
#05-03
Singapore 178957
Tel: +65 64232807
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit D. Turn left and walk down North Bridge Road. Turn left onto Coleman Street. Walk down Coleman Street. Walk to the destination. Journey time is around 5 minutes. [Map]