Modern Asian Diner (MAD) @ The Grandstand

Helmed by TungLok Group, Bar Stories and Dick Lee, Modern Asian Diner (MAD) at the Grandstand combines 5 dining experiences into 1. This five in one collaboration features a bar from Bar Stories; a charcoal powered Josper Oven to enchance the flavour of meats and seafood; a Omakase style tapas counter; a wine cellar and tasting room by Top Wines; and a bakery and bread boutique by Bakerzin.

Completing the atmosphere of nostalgia and modernity, MAD also features a curated retail gallery that displays and sells uniquely designed MAD merchandise and orginial creations by up and coming local talents.

Oolong Collins

Squarepants

Peru With Love

Reently I was introduced to bespoke cocktails by Bar Stories and I didn't expect to revisit the experience so soon. The bar at MAD is manned by famed mixologist Kino from Bar Stories. The artistic and innovative cocktails creations left a deep impression.

With a bakery from Bakerzin under one roof, diners are served with complimentary freshly baked artisan breads.

Foie Gras Terrine, Pineapple Chutney, Black Olive Crumble and Vanilla Oil 3/5

The Foie Gras Terrine was nice but did not really get me excited. I still prefer my foie gras pan seared. Nevertheless, the sweetness of the pineapple chutney goes very well with the foie gras. I also enjoyed spreading the foie gras over the bread and eating it that way. I felt that the black oilve crumber was a bit redundant and it was quite hard.

Teriyaki Glazed Mushrooms with Cuttlefish Tagliatelle 4.5/5

My favourite for the night is the Teriyaki Glazed Mushrooms with Cuttlefish Tagliatelle. I like how the cuttlefish was presented. It has a nice firm and springy texture. Paired with the teriyaki glazed mushroom, the dish comes with an enjoyable dimensions of textures and flavours.

Flaky Raddish and Ham Pastry 4/5

The Flaky Raddish and Ham Pastry resembles the yam pastry we usually have over dim sum. The raddish and ham is a good change to the normal sweet yam filling.

Deep Fried Beef Spring Roll 3/5

The huge cigar look alike Deep Fried Beef Spring Roll was kind of fun snack. Each bite into the crispy spring roll is filled with the beef filling, bursting with beautiful flavour.

Baby Back Ribs with Homemade Barbeque Sauce 4.2/5

The full slab of Baby Back Ribs with Homemad Barbeque Sauce was simply finger licking good. The tender meat slipped off the bone easily and the lovely homemade barbeqe sauce was excellent. It was so good that I ditched my fork and knife and just picked it up with my bare hand.

Mushroom Risotto with Poached Egg 4.5/5

Although the rice absorbed the beautiful flavours, the rice was still firm with a nice bite. Each mouthful of the Mushroom Risotto with Poached Egg was bursting with rich earthy mushroom flavours.

Rum and Banana Tatin with Vanilla Ice Cream 4/5

MAD also offers a dessert menu to complete the meal on a sweet note. I tried the Rum and Banana Tatin with Vanilla Ice Cream. The lovely caramelized banana of the upside tart with the soft pastry and ice cream completed the dinner with a smile.

MAD is a bakery, cafe and dim sum place in the day and then a restaurant and cocktail bar at night. It has something for everyone. A very interesting, bold and fresh concept.

For shuttle bus service to The Grandstand, frequency is every 1 hour interval.
- Newton MRT Station (845am - 845pm), pick up point at exit A bus stop.
- Botanic Gardens MRT station (850am - 850pm), pick up point at exit A bus stop.
- Toa Payoh MRT station (945am - 845pm), pick up point at exit C bus stop.


Mondern Asian Diner (MAD)
The Grandstand, Turf City
200 Turf Club Road
#01-20/21
Singapore 287994
Tel: +65 64663303
Website: http://www.modernasiandiner.com
Nearest MRT: Botanic Gardens (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 10am - 1030pm
Sat-Sun: 9am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Botanic Gardens. Take shuttle bus service at bus stop at Exit A. Journey time about 8 minutes.

Soup Broth Asia @ Raffles City Shopping Centre

Opened on 24 August 2010 at Raffles City Shopping Centre's newly revamped basement level, Soup Broth Asia is the latest contemporary Asian soup concept by The Soup Spoon, a leading soup chain in Singapore since 2002. After almost 2 and a half years dishing out an exciting variety of homemade Asian soups, Soup Broth Asia launches its new and improved food and beverage menu on 21 January 2013.

Osmanthus Flower Tea 4.2/5 and Brewed Pink Barley 3.5/5

In the new beverage menu, Soup Broth Asia introduces 3 specialty drinks. They are Osmanthus Flower Tea with Goji Berries ($4.50), Brewed Pink Barley with Lychee Jelly ($3.80) and Red Date Longan Tea with Grass Jelly ($3.80). My favourite was the Osmanthus Flower Tea with Goji Berries. It was a very refreshing drink.

Kimchi Beef Hotpot 4.2/5

For the new menu, Soup Broth Asia created a series of 3 hotpot dishes inspired by unique and distinctive Asian flavours. The Kimchi Beef Hotpot ($16.80) comes with succulent beef slices and Korean rice cakes simmered in a flavourful and lightly spiced kimchi stew. For the price, I find the hotpot value for money with kimchi, beef slices, tofu and Korean rice cakes. I only wish that the stew can be more spicy.

Sumo Nabe Hotpot 3/5

For the health conscious, the Sumo Nabe Hotpot ($15.80) is low in calorie and nutritious with addition of soy milk to the broth. Served with chicken, cabbage, tofu, lotus root and carrots this is a popular dish eaten by Japanese sumo wrestlers as part of their daily diets. For me, the taste is a bit acquire. Either you like it or not. The size of the chicken pieces can also be improved.

Three Cup Chicken Hotpot 3.8/5

The Three Cup Chicken Hotpot ($13.80) is a classic Asian dish simmer in a thick and rich homemade three-cup sauce (sesame oil, rice wine and soy sauce) with basil and dried chilli.

Paper Wrapped Herbal Chicken 4.5/5

The Paper Wrapped Herbal Chicken ($16.80) is my favourite among all the new dishes. The chicken is slow cooked and infused in a nourishing herbal concoction of dang gui, dang shen, red daes and goji berries. The chicken was moist and tender. The herbal taste was just nice not overpowering. In face there was a nice herbal sweetness to it.

Hainanese Fish Maw Soup 4/5

Available on the new menu is 10 different hearty Asian inspired soups. The crowd pleaser, Hainanese Fish Maw Soup ($9.40) is the family recipe of SouperChef Anna. The flavourful gourmet stock comes with a tasty melange of fish, carrots, shitake mushrooms, leeks and fish maw.

Szechuan Style French Beans 4/5

To round up the meal, you can also order some sides to go along. The Szechuan Style French Beans ($6.90) was cooked to an enjoyable crunchy texture.

Braised Tofu in Sambal Chilli Sauce 4/5

The Braised Tofu in Sambal Chilli Sauce ($7.50) was beautifully paired with the sambal chilli sauce. The tofu was also smooth and silky.

Cheng Tng 3.8/5

The new menu's dessert section may not be extensive but it completes the meal on a sweet note. The Cheng Tng ($3.80) was light, refreshing and sweet.

Mango Sago 3.5/5

The Mango Sago ($3.80) was bursting with the fruity mango flavour. Unfortunately the sago was not chewy, in fact it was frozen.

Soup Broth Asia new revamped menu offers customers more choices with new selections to indulge the unique and distinctive Asian flavours. Besides the menu, the dining concept at Soup Broth Asia has also changed. Previously you ordered and paid at the counter before finding a seat. Now you find a table, decided your meal, tick on the ordering sheet and pay at the counter. Your food will be served to you when it is ready.


Soup Broth Asia
Raffles City Shopping Centre
252 North Bridge Road
#B1-62
Singapore 179103
Tel: +65 63386909
Website: http://www.soupbrothasia.com/
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line), Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 11am - 10pm
Fri-Sat: 11am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Take escalator beside Starbucks to the basement. Walked to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes.

2) Alight at Esplanade. Take Exit G. Follow the underground walkway to Raffles City Shopping Centre basement. Journey time about 8 minutes.

Bliss Restaurant @ Cheng San Community Club

Bliss Restaurant which used to be at Punggol Park has been relocated to Ang Mo Kio at Cheng San Community Club. Nestled in the heartland, I am quite surprised to find the 300 seaters restaurant surrounded by cozy greenery surrounding among the blocks of HDB flats. The restaurant offers both an alfesco and air conditioned dining area with a very extensive menu that is as thich as a textbook. It was overwhelmed and I have to get the staff for recommendation.

Top Shell 4/5

The Top Shell ($7.90) tossed with chilli marinade has a refreshing spicy and tangy flavour tantalizing the appetite. It is also a good snack to go with beer.

Mussel in White Wine 4.5/5

The Mussel in White Wine ($13.90) comes with a a dozen of half shell mussels cooked in white wine, topped with garlic and parsley. The fresh and fat mussels eaten with the garlic and white wine broth was simply heavenly.

Durian Gold Rush 4/5

It is either you love it or hate it for the Durian Gold Rush ($6.90). I love durian so I am excited to have this. The unadulterated pure durian plups was deep fried with batter. The batter was not too thick hence the full flavour of the durian can be enjoyed. It has to be eaten hot so as to enjoy the crisp of the batter.

Air Flown Ribeye Steak 4/5

The Air Flown Ribeye Steak ($16.90) accompanied with baby potatoes and greens is served on a sizzling hot plate. Cheddar Cheese is also melted over the ribeye for extra flavour. It was cooked perfect to my medium request. It was a good steak but not premium. Nevertheless for the portion that is served, it is very value for money.

Aglio Olio Smoked Pepper Duck Spaghetti 4.2/5

If you order the pasta dish, you can have a choice of either spaghetti or squid ink tagliatelle. For the sauce you can go for the rich cream sauce, tomatoes marinara sauce or aglio olio. I went for the Aglio Olio Smoked Pepper Duck Spaghetti ($12.90). The spgahetti was cooked al dente with a nice bite. The Smoked Pepper Duck was beautiful, pink and succulent.

Deadly K Meet Mr. Dark 4.2/5

This alcoholic sundae has an interesting name, Deadly K Meet Mr. Dark ($7.90). Deadly K for Kahlua and Mr Dark for Dark Chocolate. Served in a glass with dark chocolate ice cream swimming in kahlua bath, chunky rich brownie cubes and chocolate fudge hit the perfect note wrapping up the dinner in a sweet note.

I am actually quite delighted to discover where Bliss Restaurant has relocated to. I also envy the people staying at Ang Mo Kio where they are only a doorstep away from the cozy dining place with great and affordable food. Bliss also provides catering services too.


Bliss Restaurant
Cheng San Community Club
6 Ang Mo Kio Street 53
#01-01
Singapore 569205
Tel: +65 62803389
Website: http://www.blissrestaurant.com.sg/
Nearest MRT: Ang Mo Kio (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 3pm - 12am
Fri-Sat: 3pm - 2am
Sun: 3pm - 12am

Direction:
1) Alight at Ang Mo Kio MRT station. Take Exit B. Follow the covered walkway along Ang Mo Kio Ave 8. At the end of  the walkway. turn right (tunnel like path) to the back (other side) of the MRT station and follow the covered walkway along the MRT track to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes.

DANRO Japanese Hot Pot @ Serangoon NEX

I was quite excited when I heard about DANRO Japanese Hot Pot opening near my neighbourhood at Serangoon Central. It is a new concept from Ministry of Food (MOF). Danro is the Japanese word for 暖炉 which means steamboat and the restaurant specialises in nabemono referring to all varieties of Japanese hot pot dishes. This is the first hot pot restaurant in Singapore serving specialty hot pots from the different regions in Japan.

photo credit: MOF

Singaporean has been introduced to ramen from different regions in Japan and many ramen outlets/restaurants have also opened here. The new concept of MOF introduces Singaporean to the hot pots from the different regions (Nagoya, Kyoto, Hokkaido, Akita, Tokyo, Nara, Shikoku, Fukuoka and Osaka) in Japan. Currently Danro offers customers a choice of 8 different broth namely, Wafu, Wafu Miso, Chicken Miso, Tonkotsu, Chicken & Milk, Chicken Spicy, Chicken Paitan and Tonkotsu Miso.

By the way it is Eat ALL YOU CAN BUFFET at DANRO Japanese Hot Pot. Singaporean loves buffet isn't it? The buffet counter offers an extensive selections of steamboat items ranging from seafood, meats, greens, many others steamboat ingredients, cooked food and desserts.

Hot Pot Ingredients

Beef and Pork

The thinly sliced beef and pork are eaten shabu shabu style  Maybe I was too hungry, I just throw them all inside the hot pot. Anyway, it is free flow. I just need to go to the buffet counter to get more.

Goma and Ponzu Sauce

For a good hot pot meal, besides the broth and ingredients the dipping sauce is as important for the perfect meal. The Goma sauce goes well with white meat while the Ponzu sauce enriched the flavour of red meat. DANRO has also specially prepared sambal chill sauce for locals who have specifically requested for this house favourite and it was also my favourite. I was totally sold.

Fresh Cold Prawn

New on the buffet counter spread is the Cold Prawn. Two ways of eating it. It can be thrown into the hot pot or just have it cold.

Spicy Chicken and Tonkosu Soup Base

DANRO uses the Ying Yang pot or what we called the half-half pot so customers can get to have choices and try the 8 different broth. I got to try the following soup base, Spicy Chicken, Tonkotsu, Chicken & Milk and Chicken Miso. Accordingly to the restaurant, Singaporean prefers the chicken and pork soup base. Wafu broth is more suitable for the Japanese palate, the local may not be able to appreciate it. My favourite among the 4 soup base I tried was Chicken & Milk.

The Japanese has hot pot with Kiritanpo (grilled rice skewer) which is a culture and tradition in Japan. Kiri means cut and tanpo means rick stick. DANRO is probably the first restaurant in Singapore to be serving this tradition Japanese food and it is complimentary for each table. Currently DANRO serves the original and miso flavour kiritanpo.

Kiritanpo is freshly handmade in the kitchen and labour intensive.  The freshly cooked Japanese rice is first pound and mash, form cylinder sticks by hand, brush special sweet sauce and miso for flavour and toasted on an open fire till the exterior is slightly crisp. The rick sticks can be dipped into the hot pot soup or enjoyed with one of DANRO's specially made dips.

We know that having steamboat takes a bit of patient for the raw ingredients to be cooked. If you are really very hungry, wary not as the buffet counter also comes with cooked food. I am not sure what is the Japanese name for the 2 dishes above so typical local term I called them the Japanese Yong Tau Foo and Japanese BaK Kut Teh.

DANRO also has a section offering deep fried food. Besides the adult, the section will be a delight for families with children.

It is a Japanese restaurant hence inevitable there is also Sushi at the buffet spread.

There is also a dessert section offering delish desserts such as jelly, cakes, ice cream and fruits.

In Japan, having hotpot with handmade kiritanpo has a significance of reunion. DANRO hopes to keep this authentically traditional to promote the culture of "nabe wo kakomu" which means sitting around the pot, providing premium quality Japanese good at affordable price for family and friends to get together. To encourage this, there are special rates for senior citizens and children.

Weekday Lunch / Dinner
Adult: $16.90++ / $22.90++
Children (12 years & below): $9.90++ / $9.90++
Seniors (60 years & above): $13.90++ /$18.90++
Students : $14.90++ / $18.90++
Members: $14.90++ / $20.90++

Weekend Lunch / Dinner
Adult: $20.90++ / $24.90++
Children (12 years & below): $9.90++ / $9.90++
Seniors (60 years & above): $18.90++ /$20.90++
Students : $18.90++ / $22.90++
Members: $18.90++ / $22.90++


DANRO Japanese Hot Pot
Serangoon NEX
23 Serangoon Central
#02-04/06
Singapore 556083
Tel: +65 66344608
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DanroSingapore
Website: http://www.ministryoffood.com.sg
Nearest MRT: Serangoon (CC Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun & PH: 1130am - 330pm, 530pm - 10pm
Fri-Sat & Eve PH: 1130am - 330pm, 530pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Serangoon MRT station. Take Exit B, E, H or G. Walk to Nex Shopping Mall Level 2 opposite Courts. Journey time about 3 minutes.

Steam Sia @ Hindoo Road (Little India)

From the olden days coffeeshop tables and chairs to the display cabinets with antique cameras and kitchenwares, stepping into Steam Sia felt like walking into a museum reminiscing the good old days. The kitchen is helmed by Chef Seah who is formerly from Jin Shan Lou in Marina Bay Sands. Steam Sia offers an extensive menu featuring Nonya cuisines to western delights.

At the bistro entrance, there is even a kachangputeh kisok that has good old days games and snacks. Customers can help themselves to the games and complimentary snacks while waiting for the food to be served.

I particularly like this cozy corner at Steam Sia, it remembers me of my living room in the late 70s.

Seafood Stuffed Sailing Boat 3.5/5

The Seafood Stuffed Sailing Boat ($8.90) is oven baked potatoes topped with seafood. Shaped like a sailing boat, I like the fact that the potatoes came with the skin. It gave that nice extra texture contrast. Topped with seafood, the creamy sauce was a perfect marriage for the ingredients.

Grilled Salmon with Fruit Salsa 4/5

My girlfriend enjoyed the Grilled Salmon with Fruit Salsa ($18.90) the most. The salmon was cooked to perfection. Cutting into the salmon revealed the pinkish fish meat while the exterior was grilled to a nice crisp. Accompanied by the refreshing and fruity salsa, it was a excellent pairing.

Tom Yam Spaghetti with Seafood 3.8/5

We already have eateries serving chilli crab and laksa spaghetti, I was eager to try this fusion creation, Tom Yam Spahetti with Seafood ($16.90). Taste wise, the dish has potential with very distinct and robust flavours. Unfortunately it was a tad salty during my visit. However, I believe with a little quality control on the salt, this can be another fusion pasta dish that the new generation will enjoy.

Nonya Curry Chicken 4.2/5

I was looking forward to try the Nonya Curry Chicken ($12.90 for 1pax, $20.90 for 2pax) with potatoes and carrots served with bread. Many that have visited the bistro gave good reviews for their curry. I was even told that the Indians at Little India also like their Nonya style curry. So did it disappoint me? No it did not. I have always prefer Nonya curry to the Chinese curry because of the thick gravy and spices used. The nonya curry chicken also came with large pieces of tender chicken that is rather value for money.

Singaporean probably will know how crowded Little India can be during the weekends. I like the fact that Steam Sia is located at the quieter side of Little India away from the crowd where I can enjoy a peaceful meal. As the vicinity does not offer many non Indian food eateries, Steam Sia will be a good alternative choice for a different. With more budgets hotels being built in the area, it may also offer the foreigners a cheaper meal alternative and an insight of Singapore in the 60s to 80s.


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Steam Sia
5 Hindoo Road
Singapore 209107
Tel: +65 63966585
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SteamSia
Website: http://www.steamsia.com/
Nearest MRT: Farrer Park (NE Line), Little India (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 12 Midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Farrer Park MRT station. Take Exit A or G. Walk down Upper Serangoon Road and turned left into Hindoo Road. Journey time about 8 minutes.

2) Alight at Little India MRT station. Take Exit E. Turn right and walk down Buffalo Road. Turn left onto Upper Serangoon Road. Turn right into Hindoo Road. Journey time about 10 minutes.