808 Eating House @ Joo Chiat Road - New Brunch Collaboration with Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee

We first stepped into 808 Eating House for Province Restaurant's omakase experience. Province was tucked away at the back, where we needed to walk through 808 Eating House to reach. The latter caught our attention, and I made a mental note to return to try their dishes.

Situated in the quaint Joo Chiat neighbourhood, this Asian restaurant specialises in fusion-style local creations, blending a diverse range of culinary influences. Their brunch and dinner menus feature sharing snacks, mains, sides, and desserts. In collaboration with Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee, customers can now indulge in delicious food over a cup of aromatic coffee.

Duck Fat Financiers 4.5/5

I was most intrigued by the Duck Fat Financiers ($10), especially after learning that they're currently one of the most popular sharing snacks on the menu. While the financiers were slightly dense, they had a decent fluffy texture.

Pairing them with the chicken liver mousse was a delightful combination. The mousse was rich, buttery, and had a perfect balance of salty and sweet flavours.

Pickled Quail Eggs 4.2/5

We also ordered the Pickled Quail Eggs ($6), about a dollar each. They were thoroughly marinated, delivering an immediate kick of black vinegar with a hint of coriander fragrance lingering in the background.

Charcoal Grilled Kaya Toast 4.2/5

Are you looking for a unique twist on your classic kaya toast? Try the Charcoal Grilled Kaya Toast ($8), where the chefs have elevated the dish with a special housemade kaya that's creamy and rich in coconut flavour. It strikes a good balance of sweetness, and the toast is crunchy. However, if you're not a fan of coconut, you might want to skip this option.

Chicken Curry Rice 4.8/5

I absolutely adored the Chicken Curry Rice ($18). Our server highly recommended this, and I definitely understand why. The dish features fluffy Hom Mali rice topped with prawn-coconut floss, chicken skin crumbles, and chives, accompanied by a fragrant pour of Hainanese curry and a side of crispy chicken thigh.

While I wished they were more generous with the curry, it still won me. The curry was mildly coconutty yet flavorful, with a delightful lingering spice.

Cold Bee Hoon 4/5

The Cold Bee Hoon ($7) reminded us of cold-tossed somen. It used rice vermicelli, shallot oil, shio kombu, sakura ebi and chives. While the flavours were present, I found it too moist as a whole.

Ice Cream Sandwich 3.8/5

Among the three dessert options, we decided on the Ice Cream Sandwich ($13) with black sesame parfait, coconut caramel, mushroom crumble and mint. We didn't notice that it used parfait instead of regular ice cream, and we were less of a fan of the slightly oily mouthfeel.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


808 Eating House
153 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore 427431
Tel: +65 8946 8089
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Website
Nearest MRT: Dakota (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Fri: 12pm - 3pm, 5pm - 11pm
Sat-Sun: 8am - 3pm, 5pm - 11pm
(Closed on Mon and Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at block 99 (Stop ID 81181). Take bus 33. Alight 5 stops later. Walk across the open-air carpark. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Province @ Joo Chiat Road - Relish in a 7-course Autumn Menu of Fusion Southeast Asian Flavours in Hidden Private Dining Restaurant

Led by Chef-owner Law Jia-Jun, Province stands as a private dining restaurant in Joo Chiat dedicated to exploring the diversity of Southeast Asian ingredients and flavour combinations. Chef finds inspiration in many sources, from his childhood memories to his travels, the people he has met, and more. A meal here is perfect if you're looking for something different yet still done brilliantly.

Locating the restaurant, nestled discreetly within 808 Eating House, is the first adventure for diners. It may be tricky initially, but head on in via the main entrance of 808 Eating House, and the staff will provide guidance.

The intimate space, accommodating only eight guests, is perfect for a date night or a cosy celebration with friends and family. The chef refreshes his menu every season, curating the finest ingredients for his creations. The 7-course prix fixe menu begins with smaller bites, progresses to larger-sized proteins, and concludes with desserts. During this visit, we had the opportunity to try the Autumn menu.

Rice ‘Toast’ with Charcoal Seared Prawns 4.8/5

We were impressed right from the first dish, the Rice 'Toast' with Charcoal Seared Prawns. Inspired by grilled onigiri, the toast here was made of rice, giving it a unique texture, topped with fresh and sweet seared prawns from Ah Hua Kelong.

Ah Ma’s Popiah 4/5

Next was a dish inspired by Chef's grandma - Ah Ma's Popiah. With a chewier skin base with a hint of butter fragrance, this elevated rendition of popiah featured cured pork belly, sweet sauce and fried beancurd.

Yakitori 4.2/5

Instead of the traditional choice of chicken, the Yakitori at Province uses local deboned frog leg. It is charcoal grilled and served with a charred calamansi for a drizzle of acidity.

Cephalopod 4.5/5

The Cephalopod highlights squid in two ways. First in a smoky grilled style and second as fried. Paired with pomelo, betel leaf, and pickled spring onions, the dish was a harmonious mix of savoury, sweet, tangy, and subtle bitterness.

Into the Brassica Garden 4.2/5

Into the Brassica Garden showcases ingredients which were all sourced from Cameron Highlands. The dish features various forms of broccoli, including a warm and creamy broccoli puree as the base, complemented by kohlrabi and mustards. The addition of calamansi vinaigrette provides a delightful brightness to the ensemble.

Golden Cap Farms 4.5/5

Mushroom lovers would surely be delighted with Chef's Golden Cap Farms. This dish combines a medley of King Blue Oyster mushrooms and fermented mushrooms topped with caramelised onions, croutons, and chives. The dish, reminiscent of a mushroom pie, impressed with its layered flavours, even though the caramelised onions stole a bit of the spotlight.

Finned 4.5/5

Finned has fork-tender local halibut served with Ah Hua Kelong's clams, garlic scapes and a lightly savoury barigoule sauce. It was a delightful take on halibut.

Feathered 4.8/5

The most surprising dish for many of us was Feathered. Despite its unassuming appearance, it delivered a remarkable depth of flavour. The chicken, meticulously prepared by removing the skin and stuffing it with various chicken parts, including liver and heart, was marinated in whisky and homemade five spices before being roasted. The succulent meat was paired with a scoop of nutty roasted yam, coriander oil, and a black vinegar reduction infused with a 10-year-old Chinese Hua Diao wine.

Fruit I 4.8/5

We thought using starfruit in Fruit I, our first dessert, was genius! It was made up of variations of starfruit with attap seeds as the icy base. I've never been a fan of attap seeds as well, but the use of them here for their sweetness and crunchy texture was excellent. It was lovely paired with a topping of tangerine gem, which provided citrusy floral notes.

Fruit II 4.8/5

Our second dessert of Fruit II was equally impressive. Here, we had a base of Indonesian vanilla chantilly between crunchy mille-feuille, sweet Berangan bananas poached in rum and spices, and a scoop of rum ice cream. It reminded us of a childhood sweet treat, but much more elevated.

While some may find the overall portion of food to lean smaller, I thoroughly enjoyed Chef Jia-Jun's innovative creations. The team provided attentive and warm service, taking the time to explain each meticulously prepared dish passionately. It was a delightful experience worth a visit!

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Province
(Located inside 808 Eating House)
153 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore 427431
Tel: +65 8075 1896
Instagram
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Dakota (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Thu-Sat (Lunch)
1st Seating: 12.30pm

Tue-Sat (Dinner)
1st Seating : 6.15pm
2nd Seating : 8.30pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at block 99 (Stop ID 81181). Take bus 33. Alight 5 stops later. Walk across the open-air carpark. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Little Farms Bistro @ Katong Point - Introduces Brand New Wood-fired Creations

Located at Katong Point, Little Farms Bistro introduces its brand-new wood-fired gastronomic creations. Head Chef Ming Earn curates a menu that celebrates the finest farm-fresh ingredients, emphasizing wood-fired grilled dishes featuring high-welfare meats from renowned brands, elevating dining with a harmonious fusion of flavours, from vibrant salads to satisfying mains, all prepared thoughtfully to deliver exceptional taste and nutritional value.

Kickstart the meal with thirst quenchers such as the Grapefruit & Hibiscus Lemonade ($8) and Orange & Lavender Earl Grey Iced Tea ($8). The latter stands out for its delicate fragrance of orange and lavender, a refreshing beverage for those who appreciate a touch of floral and citrus in their tea.

Prawn & Bourbon Bisque 4/5

The Prawn & Bourbon Bisque ($14) is a sumptuous soup offering a rich and creamy base infused with the essence of prawns. The addition of bourbon adds a unique depth and sophistication to the flavour profile, creating a harmonious blend of smoky and slightly sweet notes.

Cured Salmon Tartare 4.2/5

The Cured Salmon Tartare ($12) features finely chopped cured salmon, accompanied by grilled Wawa cabbage for a smoky dimension, creamy avocado wasabi for a touch of heat, and garnished with lumpfish roe, which adds briny notes that accentuate the flavours of the salmon.

Chermoule Braised Fable Mushroom 3.8/5

The Chermoule Braised Fable Mushroom ($24) features meaty Fable Mushrooms braised in a fragrant and slightly spicy Chermoula sauce. Accompanied by grilled aubergine, tangy tomato, and cauliflower rice, the dish offers a harmonious fusion of textures and flavours. It is served atop grilled pita bread, adding a delightful crunch and toasty aroma to the dish.

Thai Style Organic BBQ Chicken 4/5

The Thai Style Organic BBQ Chicken ($30) features organic BBQ chicken expertly grilled to perfection, achieving a juicy and tender texture. The grilling process imparts a smoky char and a mouthwatering barbecue flavour to the chicken, enhancing its natural juiciness. This Thai-inspired creation is accompanied by a refreshing scallion, pickled garlic salad, and a sweet-spicy Thai sauce, offering a harmonious blend of flavours and textures and giving the dish a distinct Thai flair.

Roaring Forties Lamb Cutlet 4.2/5

From the wood-fired grill, we tried the Roaring Forties Lamb Cutlet ($42/200g) served with mint sauce. The grilling process over the wood-fired grill imparts a delightful smokiness to the lamb, enhancing its overall flavour profile. The exterior achieves a beautiful char and slightly crispy texture, pleasingly contrasting the tender and succulent interior. The classic mint sauce adds a refreshing and herbal note, creating a harmonious balance of flavours.

Yakult Peach Mousse 4/5, Black Sesame Opera 3.5/5

For desserts, they have a selection of delectable choices, such as the Yakult Peach Mousse ($10), which features Yakult's refreshing, tangy taste paired with the sweetness and aroma of peaches. It is a harmonious and light dessert that perfectly balances fruity and creamy flavours, making it a delightful and refreshing conclusion to your meal. The Black Sesame Opera ($12) delivers a sophisticated blend of flavours. While it has a faint black sesame undertone, the predominant taste is that of nutty chocolate. It caters to chocolate lovers while offering a subtle nod to the unique taste of black sesame.

Photos and words by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Little Farms Bistro
Katong Point
451 Joo Chiat Road
#01-01
Singapore 427664
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Website
Nearest MRT: Dakota (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon: 8am - 930pm
Tue-Thu: 8am - 830pm
Fri: 8am - 9pm
Sat: 730am - 9pm
Sun: 730am - 830pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Walk to bus stop at Block 99 (Stop ID 81181). Take bus number 16. Alight 4 stops later. Walk down Joo Chiat Road to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

The Social Outcast @ East Coast Road (Joo Chiat) - Omakase Experiential Dining Hidden in a Mexican Grocer

Nestled discreetly behind The Madman & Co, a Mexican grocer, lies The Social Outcast - an intimate omakase haven boasting 12 counter-seats. Offering 5, 7, and 10-course omakase menus for lunch and dinner, this unassuming eatery beckons diners into a world of woodfire, smoke, and charcoal-grilled delights from across the globe.

Lobster Consomme 4.2/5

The 7-course Omakase Experiential Dining ($138++) commenced with Lobster Consomme, featuring a whole lobster meticulously grilled over charcoal. This exquisite crustacean immersed itself in a pool of sweet, revitalizing consomme. The lobster's charred essence gracefully infused the consomme, adding an alluring smoky undertone.

Eggs on Eggs 4.2/5

Our adventure segued into "Eggs on Eggs" - a reinterpretation of Chawanmushi. This velvety delight harmonised four egg varieties: chicken, century, ikura, and urchin. The addition of century egg elevated the flavour and introduced a tantalising textural contrast atop the silky egg custard.

Japanese Wagyu 3.8/5

Japanese Wagyu, a short rib cut featuring a marbling score of 12, followed suit. The pristine cut received a gentle kiss from the fire on one side, seasoned with a delicate touch of pepper. A marinated egg yolk was served alongside, intended to be a luscious steak sauce. Regrettably, the yolk's excessive saltiness somewhat disrupted the delicate equilibrium needed to fully savour this exceptional Wagyu.

Tea Pairing 4/5

Amidst the richness of our preceding courses, a fragrant bowl of tea acted as the perfect intermission, cleansing our palates and preparing us for the delectable courses yet to come.

Sate Lilit 4/5

Sate Lilit Bali was our subsequent encounter, featuring minced meat skewered on fragrant lemongrass sticks and expertly grilled. This cooking technique imparted a tantalising lemongrass aroma. Served alongside were freshly cut green and red chillies, bathed in fragrant coconut oil, adding an extra layer of aroma and flavour.

Oyster 4/5

I indulged in Oyster paired with ikura and shark cartilage for the seafood offering. A novel combination, the shark cartilage introduced a delightful textural dimension akin to soft bones, perfectly complementing the tender oysters.

Congee 4/5

Inspired by Northern Thai cuisine, the Congee arrived infused with the spicy and tangy essence of tom yum, customisable to preferred spice levels. Jamaican Jerk chicken accompanied this congee and was a complete, soul-warming meal. A drizzle of lobster oil added a robust flourish to this comforting dish.

Gelato 4/5

Our culinary journey culminated in Gelato, featuring vanilla ice cream drizzled with olive oil and adorned with lumpfish caviar. This dessert skillfully harmonised sweet and savoury elements, providing a delightful conclusion to our epicurean exploration.

Additionally, The Social Outcast offers a tantalizing Wagyu Experiential Dining experience on weekends. This indulgent affair comprises 9 exquisite cuts of Wagyu, paired with a playful DIY Sando experience.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


The Social Outcast
89 East Coast Road
#01-01
Singapore 428790
Tel: +65 8923 8924
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Dakota (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Fri: 12pm, 130pm, 6pm, 8pm
Sat-Sun: 12pm, 130pm, 4pm, 6pm, 8pm
(Closed on Mon & Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at block 99 (Stop ID 81181). Take bus number 10 or 32. Alight 6 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

La Bottega Enoteca @ Joo Chiat Road - Singapore’s Number One Pizzeria Unveils New Menu Celebrating Award and Second Anniversary

Celebrating its 2nd anniversary, La Bottega Enoteca has unveiled an enticing new menu. The joy is twofold as La Bottega Enoteca recently secured the 19th spot on the prestigious 50 Top Pizza Asia Pacific 2023 ranking – a remarkable achievement in the culinary world. Remarkably, it is the sole pizzeria in Singapore to earn this recognition, cementing its status as the city's premier pizzeria.

NEW: Calamaretti Alla Griglia 4.5/5

Among the new additions to the menu, the Calamaretti Alla Griglia ($25) stands out. This antipasto features grilled baby calamari adorned with pea, mint, and lemon zest. The baby calamari is impeccably tender and retains its delightful oceanic sweetness.

Newpolitan®: ½ Broccolini & ½ Mortadella 4.5/5

With the revamped menu, La Bottega introduces fresh pizza flavours. We opted for the Newpolitan®: ½ Broccolini & ½ Mortadella, which offers the delightful option of trying both. The Broccolini ($28/half) boasts charred broccolini layered with San Marzano DOP tomatoes, taleggio cheese, and a crisp blend of lemon breadcrumbs, oregano, and chilli. On the other half, the Mortadella ($32/half) entices with gooey parmesan fondue, silky Italian mortadella, red pesto, crunchy pistachios, sweet potato chips, and fresh basil. The Mortadella's complex flavours and textures were particularly captivating among the two.

Arrosticini 4.2/5

In addition to the new dishes, we sampled some signature and classic favourites, beginning with the Arrosticini ($7/each, minimum 3 pieces). These lamb neck skewers are grilled in the Abruzzo style, featuring a lovely lamb flavour and a delightful crunch heightened by a herbaceous touch.

Pappadelle Al Ragú D’ Anatra 4.2/5

The Pappardelle Al Ragù D'Anatra ($34) features homemade pappardelle cooked to perfection with goose meat. The dish is elevated by adding Parmigiano Reggiano 24 Months and orange zest, resulting in a multi-dimensional flavour profile.

Pulma Alla Griglia 4.2/5

The Pluma Alla Griglia ($58) is a highlight for the carnivores. This dish showcases grilled Spanish Pluma of Iberico pork placed over a bed of crunchy asparagus and fragranced with Sicilian capers and red capsicum. Instead of traditional sauce, the tender meat pairs beautifully with Sicilian capers, which impart a salty seasoning.

Caciucco E Fregola 4.5/5

Shifting from land to sea, the Caciucco E Fregola ($68) presents monkfish cooked with Gambero Rosso, Japanese scallops, Australian mussels, and squid in a rich and flavorful tomato-based broth. Toasted bread accompanies the dish, allowing diners to savour every drop of the delectable broth.

La Focaccia di Recco Classica 4.2/5

The La Focaccia di Recco Classica (V, $52) is a must-try, featuring paper-thin layers of dough filled with soft, melted cheese. Drizzled with high-quality extra virgin olive oil, it is baked to a golden and crispy perfection.

NEW: Sfogliatella Riccia Gelato Al Parmigiano Reggiano 24 Mesi 4.5/5

Dessert lovers will be delighted with the three new desserts on the menu. The Sfogliatella Riccia Gelato Al Parmigiano Reggiano 24 Mesi ($16) showcases La Bottega's signature Parmigiano Reggiano Gelato in a delicate Neapolitan "Sfogliatella Riccia" shell. It's a delightful blend of crispy, flaky pastry with the creaminess of Parmigiano Reggiano Gelato.

NEW: Seadas 4.2/5

Another delightful surprise is the Seadas ($14), a Sardinian delicacy. This raviolo is stuffed with cow's cheese, fried to a golden crisp, and drizzled with honey. The sweet and savoury combination is a harmonious delight for the palate.

NEW: I Bomboloni “Fai Da Te” 4.8/5

Last but not least, the I Bomboloni "Fai Da Te" (V, $18) offers daily DIY baked doughnuts with a luscious Mascarpone filling. These doughnuts are incredibly soft and moist, without any greasiness, making for a delectable ending to your meal at La Bottega Enoteca.

In conclusion, La Bottega Enoteca consistently delivers classic Italian flavors that celebrate the essence of traditional cuisine. The focus here is undeniably on the food, and it shines brilliantly. From the rich and robust pasta dishes to the carefully crafted pizzas and mouthwatering desserts, La Bottega Enoteca brings Italy's culinary heritage to life with every bite. Whether you're seeking the comfort of timeless Italian classics or simply a delicious dining experience, this restaurant's dedication to the authenticity of its offerings makes it a must-visit for food enthusiasts looking to savor the very best of Italy.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


La Bottega Enoteca
346 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore 427596
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Dakota (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 530pm - 1030pm
Fri-Sat: 12pm - 2pm, 530pm - 11pm
Sun: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at block 99 (Stop ID 81181). Take bus number 16. Alight 4 stops later. Cross the road, turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]