Masizzim @ 313 Somerset - Expanded Menu Offering Shabu-Shabu, Crabmeat Egg Roll & More

The popular Korean restaurant, Masizzim has expanded their menu, offering new dishes such as Shabu-Shabu, crabmeat egg roll and spicy octopus. The new dishes will be available at both the 313 Somerset and Westgate outlets.

Shabu-Shabu 4/5

The newly launched Shabu-Shabu comes in spicy and non-spicy soup base. Customers have a choice of pork collar ($17.90 single portion), beef short plate ($19.90 single portion) or premium wagyu beef ($24.90 single portion) for the their shabu-shabu. Each shabu-shabu set also includes a bowl of assorted vegetables and mushrooms, Korean ramyeon and dipping sauces. Diners can also request for add-ons which is available at a nominal price.

Bulgogi Rice Ball Pork and Beef 4.2/5

Following their popular seafood-based rice balls, Masizzim has added new renditions incorporating Bulgogoi Fried Pork ($9) and Bulgogi Fried Beef ($10) into the mixed grain rice with seaweed, kimchi and sesame seeds. If you are new to the dish, it is served in a deconstructed bowl whereby customers need to get their hand dirty, to shape their own rice balls.

King's Ribs 3.5/5

Slow cooked to fork tender in Masizzim's secret stew sauce is the King's Ribs ($16.90). It is then stir fried with capsicums, red dates, king oyster mushrooms, chilli powder and sesame seeds. Unfortunately I find the sauce a bit too sweet for my liking.

Spicy Octopus 3.8/5

Another new dish on the menu is the Spicy Octopus ($17) served in a bed of blanched beansprouts. I thought the sauce can be more fiery. Customers can also eat it like a wrap, wrapping the baby octopus in the soft tortilla. I feel that the restaurant can serve more of the soft tortilla as it goes really well with the spicy octopus and beansprouts.

Crabmeat Egg Roll 4.5/5

Last but not least, my favourite item of the expanded menu is the Crabmeat Egg Roll ($12.90). This is great for sharing. Stuffed with real shredded crabmeat and seaweed, the omelette is sweet, fluffy and pillowy. One word - Oishii!

Overall I feel that diners will enjoy the new dishes at Masizzim and it has given diners more choices and reasons for a re-visit. Moreover, the price is pretty reasonable.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Masizzim
313 Somerset
313 Orchard Road
#B3-02
Singapore 238895
Tel: +65 65095808
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

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

Direction: 
Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to 313 Somerset. Take the escalator to basement 3. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Two Hana @ Century Square - Bringing Two Cultures, Korean And Western Together

There are quite a number of restaurants and eateries to check out at the newly re-opened Century Square mall. One of these restaurants and eateries is Two Hana which is located near the mall's taxi stand. It is a Korea meets West cafe concept offering a eclectic menu featuring all-day dining, light bites, hearty mains, alluring dessert, refreshing drinks and specialty coffee from All Press.

Two Hana Drumlets 3.5/5

Since it is a Korean inspired cafe, then we can do without the Korean fried chicken. The Two Hana Drumlets ($9) comes in 2 flavours - Honey Butter and Spicy Yangnyeom. It is a sweet and spicy combination with deep fried crispy skin. The honey butter sauce drumlets are topped with popcorn and almond while the spicy yangnyeom comes with sesame seeds.

Korean Cauliflower Fritters 4/5

Kimchi Mac & Cheese Bites 3.5/5

For some light bites on the menu, there are the Korean Cauliflower Fritters ($8) and Kimchi Mac & Cheese Bites ($9). The cauliflower is coated in a light crispy tempura batter and glazed in a sweet and spicy sauce. Up a notch with the kimchi mac & cheese whereby the cheesy filling is spiced up with kimchi chucks enveloped by crispy breadcrumbs.

Bulgogi Sidewinders 3.5/5

If you find having fries alone is rather boring, then the Bulgogi Sidewinders ($9) will be a nice change with its abundance of toppings such as beef bulgogi, creamy bulgogi sauce, kimchi bits, onions and parmeson cheese. It may sounds and looks messy but the combination actually comes together quite well.

Korean Slaw & Rocket Salad 3/5

If you want something light and healthy, there is the Korean Slaw & Rocket Salad ($9). The green consists of an assortment of rockets, cabbage and red cabbage. It is topped with pear, parmesan, mandarin orange, citron jam, yogurt and raisins. I enjoyed how the fruits and jam lend a citrus touch to the earthy greens.

Kimchi Bibimwrap 3/5

A staple Korean dish is the bibimap which is usually served in a bowl. How about the Kimchi Bibimwarp ($12), bibimap in a wrap? The wrap is stuffed with kimgaru rice, spinach, namul, shiitake mushrooms, fried garlic, egg, lettuce, cabbage, toasted sesame dressing and fried garlic. This is a meal on its own. You can also opt not to have rice in the wrap.

Striploin Bap 4/5

Rice bowl has been one the latest food trends in Singapore. Jumping on the bandwagon is the Striploin Bap ($13), its Korean interpretation of the rice bowl. Beautifully seared striploin slices, together with servings of kimchi, spinach, beansprout namul, caramelised onions and poached egg rest on top of the kimgarou rice. In fact, I find the bowl a bit small for the generous servings.

Crisp-Battered Pacific Cod 3/5

The Crisp-Battered Pacific Cod ($14) is served on a bed of doenjang mashed potatoes and comes with a choice of kimchi veloute or honey soy mayonnaise sauce. Unfortunately the highlight of the dish is the doenjang mashed potatoes, made from 60% potatoes, 40% butter and doenjang sauce. The bland tasting pacific cod is overshadowed by the creamy mashed potatoes with chunky bites.

Korean Seafood Cioppino 4.5/5

The dining group's favourite has to be the Korean Seafood Cioppino ($12), brimming with a medley of mussels, clams, prawns, mushroom and carrots stewed in tomatoes cream base. Diners can have a choice of tofu or soft rolls to go with the rich and creamy soup. It's like have a bowl of lobster bisque.

Gochujang Braised Lamb Shank 3.8/5

I thought the Gochujang Braised Lamb Shank ($24) is rather special. Unlike the usual, it is braised in a gochujang tomato sauce. While the braised sauce was delish, I was lacked down by the texture of the lamb shank. I was expecting it to be more tender. It seems that the lamb shank needs more hours in the pot.

Apple Caramel Waffles with Doenjang Caramel Ice Cream 3.5/5

As for dessert, I tried both the Apple Caramel Waffles with Doenjang Caramel Ice Cream ($9) and Strawberry Waffles with Honey Citron Ice Cream ($9). The waffles are crispy and dense. The addition of fruits help to cut those density with the yummy ice cream providing the home run.

Strawberry Waffles with Honey Citron Ice Cream 3.5/5

Overall, I feel that Two Hana serves some interesting Korean meets Western dishes but some are not at that level yet. There is potential in the dishes but probably needed more refinement to reach to excellent. Putting the food aside, the cafe serves great coffee using beans from All Press. So don't forget to get your caffeine fix whenever you drop by the cafe.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Two Hana
Century Square
2 Tampines Central 5
#01-21
Singapore 529509
Tel: +65 62604339
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Tampines (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tampines MRT station. Take Exit C. Turn left and walk to traffic light junction. Cross the road and walk down Tampines Central 5. Walk to Century Square. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Seoul In A Sandwich @ Century Square - Army Stew Sandwich And Issac Toast Inspired Seoul Street Toast

With the opening of revamped Century Square, the residents of Tampines will be glad to have more dining options in the neighbourhood. One of the newest concept to open at the basement of Century Square is Seoul In A Sandwich. It is a takeaway kisok offering a blend of Western breads with Korean food.

Seoul Street Toast 4.2/5

If you have heard of the popular Isaac Toast in the Korean, then you will not be unfamiliar the Seoul Street Toast ($6.50). Probably inspired by the isacc toast, the toasted white bread is sandwiched with onion cabbage omelette, chicken ham and sliced cheese. Bite into it and you will be surprised how wonderfully the different components come together for a hearty breakfast.

Bulgogi Cheesesteak 4/5

To be frank I am not a sandwich person as I find them boring. I am glad that Seoul In A Sandwich has brought something exciting to the table such as the Bulgogi Cheesesteak ($8.50). Flavourful grilled bulgogi beef, with sauteed onions, peppers and melted cheddar and mozzarella mix are sandwiched between two crispy buttered baguette.

Kimchi Prawn Cocktail 4/5

The Kimchi Prawn Cocktail ($7.50) is another unusual combination of toasted buttered focaccia stuffed with crunchy Asian pear, chopped kimchi, prawn cocktail and mesclun salad. The flavours are rich with a hint of spiciness. However I thought the loose prawn cocktail is a bit difficult to handle, it can get a bit messy eating it.

Army Stew-ich 4.5/5

The favourite among the group is the Army Stew-ich ($8.50). Who would have image bringing the popular Korea dish - Army Stew into a sandwich. Between the toasted ciabatta, you can find tteokbokki, chicken sausage, chicken spam, sliced cheese, daikon slaw, gochuang dressing, melted cheddar and mozzarella mix. You just need to try it to know how good it is.

Besides the sandwiches that I have tired, there are others such as Matcha White Chocolate, Ssamjang Chicken, Kimchi Grilled Cheese and more. The best thing is that they are all under $10 and the cheapest is only $3.50.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Seoul In A Sandwich
Century Square
2 Tampines Central 5
#B1-23
Singapore 529509
Tel: +65 62604339
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Tampines (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tampines MRT station. Take Exit C. Turn left and walk to traffic light junction. Cross the road and walk down Tampines Central 5. Walk to Century Square. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Chicken Up @ Jurong East - Voted The Best Korean Fried Chicken

I actually did not know that Chicken Up has been around since 2010. What surprises me more is that there is a Chicken Up outlet at Jurong East MRT station itself. It is actually located on the ground floor of the station.

Watermelon Soju 4.5/5

Something that I have always wanted to try at Chicken Up after seeing numerous photo of it on social media platforms is their Watermelon Soju. The cocktail blend of soju and watermelon juice makes it a very easy and happy drink to enjoy with friends and families.

Ganjang (Soya) Chicken Wings 4.5/5

One of Chicken Up's bestseller is their Ganjang Chicken Wings ($12). It was even declared as the best korean fried chicken conducted in a blind taste with 8 different brands. This is my first time having it and I can understand why. The freshly deep fried chicken wings which are dipped in Chicken Up's special soya sauce blend, is very crispy on the outside, tender and juicy inside.

Bulgogi Fries 3.5/5

I was told that the Bulgogi Fries ($18) is very popular with the diners. The shoestring fries is topped with thin slices of beef marinated in soy sauce and drizzled over with white garlic sauce and garnished with springs of coriander.

UFO Toppoki 4.2/5

New on the menu is the UFO Toppoki ($35.10) which comprises of rice cake, fish cake and deep fried breaded squid in a spicy chilli paste sauce (gochujang). I have tried many gochujang before but this version is really spicy, it sets my tongue burning. The dish got its name because it is served in an UFO pan. On the side includes other stuff such as caramelized kimchi, cheese, corn cheese, kimchi fried rice, steamed egg and some grinded padano cheese as garnish.

For those that has a big appetite, Chicken Up has a All Day Ala Carte Buffet for both lunch and dinner. It comes with unlimited serving of mega half chicken (spicy, crispy, yangnyum, spicy yangnyum, ganjang), wings/popcorn (ganjang, yangnyum, spicy yangnyum) and side dishes such as fries (kimchi, bulgogi, truffle), topoki, jabchae and fried dumpling.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Chicken Up
Jurong East MRT Station
10 Jurong East Street 12
#01-01
Singaopore 609690
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Jurong East (EW Line, NS Line)

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

Direction: 
1) Alight at Jurong East MRT station. Take Exit A. Take the escalator to level 1. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Montana Cafe @ POMO

Since my last visit to Montana Cafe in 2015, the cafe has expanded and move up to level two of Pomo. With the new movement, it also took over the two storey space that used to be The Connoisseur Concerto (TCC). Montana Cafe and Fabulous Dough are located at level two while South Bronx Burger is at level one.

Red Velvet Waffle 4/5

With the new expanded space on level two, Montana Cafe has also revamped its menu. Having introduced new items on the menu, it has also keep some of the classics. One of them is the Red Velvet Waffle Stack ($11) with vanilla ice cream and white chocolate rose sauce. I like the idea that the cafe allows customer to choose between crispy or fluffy waffle, since everyone has their own preference.

Black Velvet Waffle 4/5

The new dessert waffle on the menu is the Black Velvet Waffle ($14). The black sesame waffle comes with black miso caramel and black chocolate coated vanilla ice cream.I was thinking that the miso caramel will be very sweet and overpowering but it turned out otherwise. The whole creation is very balanced for a wholesome enjoyement.

Jalapeno Mac & Cheese Waffle 4.2/5

On the savoury menu, Montana Cafe has retained the Jalapeno Mac & Cheese Waffle ($12) topped with white truffle oil, and served with tomato relish and jalapeno cheese dip on the side. This is one of their earlier creation that I enjoyed a lot with the mac & cheese stuffed inside the waffle. A combination that still works beautifully until today.

Assam Crab Waffle 4.8/5

There is no one waffle recipe that can paired with all ingredients. In my opinion, Montana has always been my waffle specialist. They have put in many thoughts in each waffle creation that is put on the menu. Their latest creations, Assam Crab Waffle ($18) is inspired by the Kedah laksa. The unique creation comes with assam spiced waffle, seasoned crab meat and pineapple cucumber salsa. At many times, a lot of the savoury waffles felt like piecing two items together. But the assam crab waffle felt completed, with everyone components working harmoniously together as a dish. This is definitely a must try!

Bulgogi Beef Waffle 3.8/5

Another Korean inspired creation is the Bulgogi Beef Waffle ($16).  The Gochujang rice waffle comes with sous vide bulgogi beef, orange sesame coleslaw, sous vide poached egg and bonito flakes.The waffle is very different. It is more cakey and moist. I noticed that it is also served in a bowl with a spoon instead of the usual plate, fork and knife. It's like telling me to have it like a bowl of rice. My only wish is that the bulgogi beef can be sweeter and more flavourful.

Nitro Coconut Cold Brew 4.2/5

Montana is not only a waffle specialist, they are a coffee specialist  too. Introducing a new twist in appreciating coffee is the Nitro Coconut Cold Brew ($6.50). The cold brew is poured into coconut juice infused ice ball. As the ice ball dissolved and released the sweetness of the coconut juice, it gives a new experience in coffee appreciation. Usually cold brew can be quite acidic and the coconut sweetness also help to reduce it.

The folks from Montana Singapore has definitely brought to Singapore an interesting 3-In-1 concept that house Montana Cafe, Fabulous Dough and South Bronx Burger under one roof. Montana Cafe has also up the game, setting a new standard in the waffle world with its new creation and menu. It has successfully retained my title of waffle specialist.


Montana Cafe
Pomo
1 Selegie Road
#02-25
Singapore 188306
Tel: +65 98331790
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Bras Basah (CC Line), Dhoby Ghuat (CC Line, NE Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 8am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bras Basah MRT station. Take Exit D or E. Walk down Bras Basah Road to the junction of Bras Basah Road and Prinsep Street. Cross the road and turn right onto Prinsep Street. Walk down Prinsep Street and continue onto Selegie Road. Continue walking down Selegie Road until destination. Journey time about 12 mins. [Map]

2) Alight at Dhoby Ghuat MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Orchard Road to the junction of Orchard Road and Prinsep Street. Turn left onto Prinsep Street. Walk down Prinsep Street and continue onto Selegie Road. Continue walking down Selegie Road until destination. Journey time about 12 mins. [Map]

Squash @ The Central (Clarke Quay)

Located at the basement of The Central Clarke Quay is Squash, a new juice and salad bar founded by Mr Allan Foo. Holding a Curtin university degree in finance and marketing, Mr Allan Foo used to work in the banking industry and in real estate investment. The late nights and busy schedule has taken a toll of his health. Through the benefits of juices and micro-nutrients, he managed to restore his own health. Hence he decided to leave the corporate world and opened Squash, inspired to help others to get back in health with his delicious and nutritious food and drink offering.

Cold Pressed Juices 4.2/5

The main products at Squash is their Cold Pressed Juices that ranges from $6.90 to $9.90. Cold pressed juice is sort of a drinking trend lately even though the price is much higher compared to normal fruit juice extracted from juicers. It is understand that the cold pressed method retains more nutrients of the fruit or vegetables. It is also understand that the owner will be introducing a cold pressed juice cleansing programme in the very near future. If you are not a person that is too adventurous in taste, my advice is to avoid the vegetable cold pressed juices.

Noodle/Pasta Salad 3.5/5

Squash is not just a juices bar. Adjacent to it is a salad bar where one can mix and match their own salad preference or combination. The salad starts from $5.90 with a base (mesclun greens, noodles salad etc) and choice of 2 standard toppings and 1 dressings. Additional cost applies for premium toppings and dressings.

Thai Prawn Salad 4/5

Chicken Bulgogi Salad 3.5/5

A unique twist to the normal salad bar is the interesting introduction of Asian flavours into the salad. The exotic additions such as Thai Prawn and Chicken Bulgogi gives a new take in eating greens.

Ultimate Rojak Salad 4/5

A very bold attempt is the Ultimate Rojak Salad. The used of rojak dressing in your greens is a local twist to the hawker favourite, rojak. Dried cuttlefish and caramelized pineapple are also added to the salad. Sounds crazy but it kind of work.

Wrap 3/5

If you need something more substantial, you can add $2 to make your salad into a wrap.

Salad Yu Sheng 3/5

With the lunar new year just around the corner, Squash has also introduced the Salad Yu Sheng. Tossed to a healthy new year ahead, with this interpretation of the yu sheng.

Overall the highlight at Squash still has to be their cold pressed juices. The salad is an additional bonus for people who wants to eat healthy. Unfortunately eating healthy does not come cheap but at least at Squash the salad is quite substantial for the amount you are paying for.


Squash
The Central
6 Eu Tong Sen Street
#B1-26
Singapore 059817
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SquashTheJuicePlace
Nearest MRT: Clark Quay

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 10am - 9pm
Sun: 10am - 6pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit F. Journey time about 2 minute. [Map]