Oriole Coffee + Bar @ Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Orchard - A Cafe by Day, A Bar by Dusk, All In the Heart of Bustling Town

Since its establishment in 2008, Oriole Coffee + Bar in Somerset has been serving diners with their freshly brewed speciality coffee and cafe classics in the day. It transforms into a bar in the evening, with a diverse selection of house-pour wines, beers, interesting cocktails, and hearty dishes - all the good ingredients for a place to unwind and relax for the night.

From 21 August to 31 October 2023, Oriole is introducing their "Oriole's Summer Specials", showcasing a number of new menu offerings and refreshing cocktails that were concocted in collaboration with Tanqueray. Some of these dishes include the Veggie Puttanesca Pizza, Acqua Pazza Barramundi and Donut Balls.

The cafe has both indoor and outdoor seats, each providing its unique vibe.

Truffle Fries 4.2/5

Before taking our seats, we spotted Truffle Fries ($15) on almost every other table. While this starter was slightly pricey, we thoroughly enjoyed the fries' consistent crunch and fluffy interior.

Shrimp-paste Marinated Chicken Wings with Bali Rub 4.5/5

These Shrimp-paste Marinated Chicken Wings ($16) left a huge impression! Following the recommendation of our friendly waitress, we opted for our wings with an additional Bali Rub (+$1.90). The piping hot wings arrived coated in a slick, sweet sauce. The crunch was on point, and the meat remained wonderfully juicy. If you're feeling adventurous, consider adding the Butter Sriracha (+$1.90) for a unique twist.

Veggie Puttanesca Pizza 3.8/5

Our first main was the Veggie Puttanesca Pizza ($22), featuring an all-vegetable assortment of toppings on a base decked with puttanesca sauce. It includes Kalamata olives, capsicum, Roma tomatoes, button mushrooms, yellow onions and arugula. The base leans a little more dry and biscuity.

Acqua Pazza Barramundi 4/5

Our next main dish was the Acqua Pazza Barramundi ($28), which highlighted the freshness of the protein. It was marinated with extra virgin olive oil and thyme before being poached in a tomato-based sauce.

Donut Balls 3.8/5

Oriole's house-made Donut Balls ($15) are freshly fried upon order and come accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It was decorated with crumbles and blueberries and served with sweet blueberries and date compote. However, despite the decently satisfying crunch on the outside, the centre was too doughy for our liking.

Mango Berry Sunset

From the special cocktail menu curated in collaboration with Tanqueray, we sampled the refreshing Mango Berry Sunset ($20). It was a very bright concoction, both visually and in taste, with its mix of Tanqueray London Dry, Raspberry Puree, Lemon Juice and Mango.

Do make a reservation before visiting. You can do so easily at https://www.oriole.com.sg/reservations.

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.


Oriole Coffee + Bar
Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Orchard
96 Somerset Road 
#01-01
Singapore 238163
Tel: +65 6238 8348/ +65 9248 1972
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Website
Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 11am - 1030pm
Fri: 11am - 1130pm
Sat: 10am - 1130pm
Sun: 10am - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B. Go to the ground level. Turn left and walk straight to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

KOAL @ Shaw Centre - Latest Concept by Les Amis Group

KOAL at Shaw Centre is the latest addition to Les Amis Group's array of award-winning restaurants across Singapore. It is an all-day grill restaurant that marries Asian and Western flavours and grilling techniques centred on the open flame.

Chunky Salmon Sashimi 4.5/5

We started our dinner with a couple of starters, beginning with the Chunky Salmon Sashimi ($12). I can't make out what is the complementing sauce which is slightly spicy and tangy. The acidity gives the sashimi a refreshing touch.

Scallion Salad 4/5

The Scallion Salad ($6) may be seen as a pool of greens, but there is more than meet the eyes. The addition of wakame gives the salad extra textural bite. At the same time, the spicy sesame soy dressing accentuates the earthy note of the shredded scallion.

KOAL's Bread Roll 4.8/5

The KOAL's Bread Roll ($8) is a must-have baked with bacon and grilled spring onions. It is so good! The bread roll is fragrant, soft and fluffy. It is even more enjoyable with the accompanying sour cream and chive butter.

Red Skin Potato Salad 4.8/5

Words can't describe how delicious the Red Skin Potato Salad ($10) is. It is one of the best potato salads I have eaten. The chunky potatoes are dressed in mentaiko mayo and topped with tobiko. It even comes with a six-minute egg.

Crispy Pork Riblets 4.2/5

A delectable starter is the Crispy Pork Riblets ($16). The tender pork ribs come with a bit of heat from the mala honey glaze, topped with peanuts, dried chilli and coriander.

Charred Broccoli 4.2/5

The Charred Broccoli ($8) will be a delightful choice for its crunch, deliciously flavoured by the soy pickled onions, sesame dressing, and bonito flakes for a balanced diet.

Salmon with Kimchi Butter Sauce 4.5/5

Moving on to the mains, we started with the Salmon with Kimchi Butter Sauce. While the focus has been on the grill, we should not forget the effort in the sauce. The kitchen has made a delicious effort in the sauce pairing, elevating the appreciation of the fresh ingredients.

Iberico Pork Collar 180g 4.2/5

Hanging Tender 180gm 4.5/5

For the meat lovers, guests will adore the Iberico Pork Collar 180g ($19) and Hanging Tender 180gm ($24). The iberico pork collar, which has a good proportion of fat, has a delectable crunch on top of the tender meat. What is even more beautiful is the grilled Hanging Tender. It just needs a pinch of salt to enjoy the flavoursome piece of meat.

Freshly Fried Donut 4.5/5

KOAL has also caught on the donut wagon and introduced Freshly Fried Donut ($8 for 2 pc) on their menu. We had the cheesecake mousse & raspberry coulis and nutella & banana mousse. They are addictively good.

Hojicha and Whiskey Tiramisu 4.2/5

Last but at least, we have the Hojicha and Whiskey Tiramisu ($12), a twist from the classic tiramisu boosting heavenly earthy and nutty flavours.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


KOAL
Shaw Centre
1 Scotts Road
#03-09/10/11
Singapore 228208
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Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk along the underground path to Shaw House. Take the elevator to the ground level of Shaw House. Walk to Shaw Centre. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map] 

TXA Pintxo Bar @ The Alkaff Mansion - Bringing Basque Culture And Lifestyle To The Greenery Hilltop

1-Group has taken over the space at The Alkaff Mansion, restored and relaunched it with Basque-centred TXA Pintxo Bar on the ground floor and UNA on the second floor, bringing Basque culture and lifestyle to the greenery hilltop. It also houses the all-day flora cafe Wildseed Cafe. The purpose of my visit is to check out TXA Pintxo Bar. The first bar in Singapore dedicated to the unique Basque pintxo experience.

Aceituna Rellena De Vermouth 3.5/5

Our pintxo experience started with the Olive ($2.90) stuffed with vermouth jelly and orange zest and topped with fennel flower. Olive on itself can be sour, so the stuffed vermouth jelly provided the balance with its sweetness.

Crudiente de Jamon 4/5

The Iberico Cracker is sandwiched with smoked cod roe sauce. It is presented like a bikini sandwich. It may look simple, but it is packed with texture and flavour. The crispiness of the Iberico ham is a winner for me.

Boquerones con piperrada 4/5

Next, we had the Boquerones con piperrada ($3.90). Sitting atop the toasted bread is the picquillo cream, pickled anchovies and sauteed green and red bell pepper. The sweetness of the picquillo (a typical Spanish red pepper) is enhanced by the acidity of the tangy anchovies.

Pintxo Igeldo 4/5

The Pintxo Igeldo ($6.90) in a glance may look similar to the Boquerones con piperrada. A closer look you will notice that the toasted bread is made up of confit tomato, tuna, anchovies and piparra. The different ingredients come across complex but harmonious in flavours.

Crema de Roquefort Con Manzana Y Nueces 4.5/5

Initially, I was hesitant to try the Crema de Roquefort Con Manzana Y Nueces ($4.90) because I am not a fan of blue cheese. After much encouragement from my fellow diners, this turned out to be my favourite for the night. The pintxo is not as piquant as I thought. In fact, the sweetness of the apple jam cuts the acquire taste, and the walnut gives it a nutty finish. In short, it turned out to be a heavenly combination. A must order.

Pimiento Del Padron Con 4.5/5

The Fried Padron Pepper and Maldon Salt is another dish which I enjoyed. The Padron pepper named after the city it is from is not spicy at all. In fact, it is tough to find one that is spicy. You can add on Jamon Iberico de Bellota for an addition $3 for 5 gram.

Croquetas de Jamon Iberico 3.5/5

Many will be familiar with croquette, and it comes in every Spanish restaurant, in different forms and varieties. The Croquetas de Jamon Iberico ($14 for 4pc) deep fried to golden brown comes with a crispy breadcrumb exterior and soft interior with cured serrano ham.

Piquillos Rellenos de Brandada 3.8/5

The piquillo pepper is used again in the Piquillos Rellenos de Brandada ($4). It is stuffed with salted Atlantic codfish (bacalao) and paired with piquillo emulsion. The piquillo emulsion plays a vital role in holding the dish together, for the flavours to come together in harmony.

Txangurro a la Donostiarra 4/5

The Txangurro a la Donostiarra ($14) uses fresh crab meat and cook in sofrito base. Flour and seafood stock is then added before the mixture is poured into the empty crab shell. It is then topped with breadcrumb and butter and grilled. The appearance reminds me of a similar-looking Chinese dish, but the taste profile is very different. I thought it tasted like having french onion soup with crab meat, probably from the caramelised onion in the sofrito base.

Black Rabas "A Fuego Negro" 4.2/5

The Black Rabas "A Fuego Negro" ($22 for 5pc) is a traditional dish presented in a contemporary style. Squid and squid ink are blended together with other ingredients and fish stock. It is then formed into a donut shape using a mould and frozen. To serve, it is coated with flour, egg, tempura batter and deep fried. Pick up the squid ink donut with your hand and bite into a crispy exterior. The inside is soft with bits of diced squid.

Pulpo a la Parrilla con Pure de Nabo 4/5

Grilled to a perfect tender with hint of smokiness is the Pulpo a la Parrilla con Pure de Nabo ($8). It is paired with turnip cream, honey and picada oil. A well-thought dish with each components coming together for the delicious plate.

Carrillera estofada al vino tinto con espuma de patata 4.2/5

The Beef Cheek ($8) is stewed in red wine and paired with potato foam, caramelised apple cubes, parsley and garlic oil. The melted in the mouth beef cheek comes with a sweet winery flavour which goes well with the smooth potato foam. The caramelised apple cubes also help to cut through the richness. Another well-executed dish on the menu.

Buñuelos de Viento 3/5

The Buñuelos de Viento ($7.90) is little Spanish donuts that that an airy interior. The dough which is made from flour and eggs is deep fried and then dusted with icing sugar.

Tarta de Queso "LA VIÑA" 4.2/5

The Tarta de Queso "LA VIÑA" ($4.90) is a burnt cheesecake inspired from the popular La Vina in San Sebastian. It comes with a molten creamy centre and a caramelised flavoured crust. In a way or another, there is no need to fly all the way to Spain to know why the cheesecake is so famous.

If you are one that can't decide with choices, then you can go for the Pintxos Experience ($55++), in which the Basque Chefs will decide and prepare the different pintxos for you. Look forward to 10-12 savoury pintxos and 2 sweets. I find it somewhat similar to Japanese omakase experience, in which you leave it to the chef and served 'al momento'.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


TXA Pintxo Bar
The Alkaff Mansion
10 Telok Blangah Green
Singapore 109178
Tel: +65 67730070
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Telok Blangah (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 5pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Blangah MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite Telok Blangah MRT station (Stop ID 14169). Take bus number 176. Alight 2 stops later. Walk down Henderson Road. Turn left onto Telok Blangah Green. Walk to destination. Journey time about 20 minutes. [Map]

Oh My Tian @ Whampoa West

Oh my god did you hear the latest news, the folk behind Hatter Street has opened another new concept call Oh My Tian at Whampoa West. Inspired by the 16th century European design, the team has created the cafe to look somewhat like a carnival, fulfilling their internal fantasy.

Whoaffles 4.5/5

At Oh My Tian, guests will get to enjoy the signature Whoaffles ($5.50) from Hatter Street. It is still as good as I last remembered. Crispy on the exterior and dense inside. Add a scoop of ice cream for $9 with additional $3 for double scoops. Sauces such as salted caramel, chocolate, espresso butterscotch, maple & butter are available at an additional $0.50

Carrot Cake 3/5

The cafe also offers some bakes on their menu such as the Carrot Cake ($6.80). The cake has a nice dense texture. I like my carrot cake to be more nutty as I am not a big fan of cinnamon. Unfortunately this is the opposite.

Donut Burger 3.8/5

If we can have ramen burger, why not a Donut Burger ($13) which comes with a choice of beef or chicken patty, hashbrown, mushrooms, caramelized onions, cheddar, dressed with bbq sauce. I would not say this is the best burger but the gimmicky creation using the extremely soft donut turned out rather good considering cafe standard.

When I visited the cafe, it was only opened for a couple of days. I understand the cafe progressively will be introducing new creation, pushing the boundaries that will be based on their journey around the world.


Oh My Tian
34 Whampoa West
#01-79
Singapore 330034
Tel: +65 66121166
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Boon Keng (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 12pm - 10pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Boon Keng MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Overeasy @ Liat Tower (Orchard Road)

The famous stretch of Orchard Road welcomes OverEasy's second outlet at Liat Tower. The second outlet is different from its Fullerton branch offering an American family and communal dining experience. This is also the exact same spot where Singapore's first McDonald is housed, paying homage to American dining culture at the iconic spot.

Crispy Brussels Sprouts 2.8/5

The dining experience at Overeasy begun with some starters. We started with the Crispy Brussels Sprouts ($12). The appearance was a bit unappetising but the saving grace has to be the deep fried crispiness and the sriracha dipping sauce. Not my preferred way of enjoying the brussels sprouts. I still like it to be crunchy.

Popcorn Chicken with Salted Caramel Popcorn 4/5

Don't say I don't warn you that the Popcorn Chicken with Salted Caramel Popcorn ($16) is very addictive. The chicken are coated in a thin layer of cornflake batter that is light and crispy. Pairing it with the sweet salted caramel popcorn, the awkward combination strangely works perfectly. How I wish I have a full bowl of these for my movie night every time.

Spicy Buffalo Wings 4.2/5

If you are in for a fiery delicious challenge, the Spicy Buffalo Wings ($16) will give you a fiery kick start to the meal. It comes in 4 spicy levels, with level 4 the hottest. For the daredevils, the restaurant also has a spicy wing roulette, adding some fun into the meal.

The Truffle Burger 4.2/5

What is American food without the burger right? A must try at Overeasy is the Truffle Burger ($28) which the patty is made of wagyu chuck blend sandwiched on toasted brioche bun, served with fries on the side. Topped with Swiss cheese, truffle mayo, sauteed onions and mushroom, this is one juicy goodness that you don't mind getting your hands messy.

Mac & Cheeks 4.2/5

The Mac & Cheeks ($22) is mac & cheese level up with braised beef cheeks, gruyere and parmesan. The combination of cheesy and bites of pulled braised beef cheeks gives the dish an addition lift in both taste and texture enjoyment.

Beer Can Chicken 4.5/5

A secret menu item at Overeasy is the Beer Can Chicken ($58). Do check with the kitchen as there are only limited quantity each day and it will take a while to cook it. However it will be worth the wait as the chick is extremely tender, juicy and flavourful. I will definitely go back for this.

Bourbon Donut Holes with Homemade Fudge 4/5

The dessert menu is a bit disappointing with only 3 selections. Nevertheless the Bourbon Donut Holes with Homemade Fudge ($12) is a delectable chewy finishing to the dinner.

I actually went to Overeasy without much expectation as I am not a big fan of American food. I have to say I left the place feeling satisfied and in fact impressed with some of the dishes. After a long day shopping at Orchard Road, pop into Overeasy with your shopping bags and you may get some freebies from the restaurant. This is some of the ongoing promotions to reward their guests. Do check out the website or facebook for the latest promotions.


Overeasy
Liat Towers
541 Orchard Road
#01-01
Singapore 238881
Tel: +65 66841453
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 11pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk towards Wheelock Place via ION. Exit Wheelock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Walk to destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

Fix Cafe @ HomeTeamNS - JOM Clubhouse

The folks behind Grub at Bishan Park has opened Fix Cafe at HomeTeamNS - JOM Clubhouse. The open concept cafe comes with a workshop look with furniture made from stained wooden plank,  paint buckets and metal pipes. The halal cafe offers a selection of starters, mains and pastries that will delight your taste buds.

3 Cheese Penne Gratin 4/5

As there was quite a big group of us, we managed to try quite a variety of items offered at Fix Cafe. Starting with the 3 Cheese Penne Gratin ($10), we thought this was well executed and balanced. The cheese was not overpowering but instead complemented the penne.

Crispy Soy Chicken Drumlets 3.8/5

The Crispy Soy Chicken Drumlets ($7) will be a delightful snack bite with it's flavourful marination on top of the crumby skin.

Chicken Tikka and Achar Naanwich 3/5

Beef & Kimchi Naanwich 3/5

Giving the tradition naan a new refreshing spin is the Chicken Tikka & Achar Naanwich ($10) and Beef & Kimchi Naanwich ($10). I really like the concept and how well the unique combinations of flavours worked together in harmony. Unfortunately the dish was lacked down by the lackluster naan. If the cafe has the space and equipment to freshly made these naan, I am sure it will get a high score of approval from my humble palate.

Brunch FIX 3.5/5

If you are the all day breakfast person, then the Brunch FIX ($12) would be a welcoming dish for you. On the plate, there are toasted brioche, scrambled eggs, turkey ham, sauteed mushroom and greens. The scrambled eggs were a bit runny for me but I am not too fussy about it. However the highlight on the plate has to be the toasted brioche. The bread was extremely soft and fluffy. It is too good to be missed.

Latte 4/5

Actually this is quite new to me, I have never known there is such thing as Halal coffee beans until my visit to Fix Cafe. The Latte ($4.5) was pretty good with a nice aroma and not too acidic.

Donuts 3.5/5

If you not too hungry and just want a small bite, the mini Donuts ($7) with a choice of Salted Egg or Lemon Custard dip is quite interesting. I thought the salted egg dip was a bit of gimmick lacking in the salted egg flavour I was expecting. The lemon custard dip will be a better choice.

Twice Baked Sourcream Cheesecake 3.8/5

Cacao Barry Chocolate Truffle Cake 4/5

Strawberry Pistachio Rose Tart 4/5

Passionfruit, Mango & Coconut Chiffon Cake 4.5/5

I am not sure it is a good thing or not but the cakes and pastries at Fix Cafe fares better than the mains and starters. Among the various cakes and pastries I tried, my favourite has to be the Butterscotch Arabica Choux and Passionfruit, Mango & Coconut Chiffon Cake. Starting with the Passionfruit, Mango & Coconut Chiffon Cake ($7) which is a light and soft. Cut through the different layers of chiffon cake to have a bit of everything. It was like magical with all the different subtle flavours coming together delighting every sense of the taste buds.

Butterscotch Arabica Choux 4.5/5

For those that prefers something richer and more robust, the Butterscotch Arabica Choux ($6) is not to be missed. Cut right through the choux to reveal the surprise salted caramel filling inside. This is da bomb if you are into sweet pastry.

Although the location can be a bit out of the way, the cafe seems to have found the winning formuale attracting crowds from around the island. I have seen been back to Fix cafe on several occasions and the cafe has been packed. The folks from Grub has also recently opened another outlet, Grub Noodle Bar which is also receiving great reviews from many foodies.


Fix Cafe
HomeTeamNS - JOM Clubhouse
31 Ah Hood Road
Singapore 329979
Tel: +65 62561484
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FIXsg
Website: http://fix-cafe.com.sg/
Nearest MRT: Toa Payoh (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 930am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Toa Payoh MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to HDB Hub. Continue walking to Orange Tee building. Cross the road at the overhead bridge further down the road. Turn right at Toa Payoh Swimming Complex. Cut across the park and take across the expressway using the overhead bridge. Cross the canal and walk to destination. Journey time about 20 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Toa Payoh MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Toa Payoh Bus Interchange (Stop ID 52009). Take bus number 139. Alight 4 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Toa Payoh MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to bus stop at Toa Payoh MRT station along Toa Payoh Lorong 2 (Stop ID 52189). Take bus 56, 105 or 153. Alight 1 stop later. Cross the canal. Cut through the cluster of HDB flats and carpark towards block 103 onto Ah Hood Road. Continue walking until the end of Ah Hood Road. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]