WALA Pizza Private Dining - Out Of This World Pizza Flavours That Will Blow Your Mind

WALA Pizza is a new private home dining started in 2021 by Jenna that offers Canotto-style pizza with out-of-the-world flavour profiles that you can't find elsewhere. Besides the delicious food, be treated to Jenna's warm in-home hospitality and inspiring travel stories to find the best pizza.

Herring & Red Beet Hummus, Kale Wrap

Our antipasto started with the Herring & Red Beet Hummus paired with Wala homegrown Kale Wrap and dill. Resting on a bed of red beet hummus are marinated herring topped with caviar and pomegranate dressed with Italian extra virgin olive oil. To eat, place everything onto the kale and have it like a wrap.

Garlic Basil Bread

The other antipasto is Garlic Basil Bread. A glimpse of Canotto-style pizza with its huge air pocket. The airy and fluffy pizza dough is topped with Wala sweet Italian basil, French garlic and Italian 36-month-aged Parmigiano.

REAL Pistachio Mortadella

A popular choice among the diners is the REAL Pistachio Mortadella. The pizza is topped with Italian mortadella, Wala Sicilian pistachio puree, fresh Italian stracciatella, creme fraiche, 36-month-aged Parmigiano, crushed Sicilian pistachio, and further accentuated with lemon zest and Wala homegrown basil.

Pumpkin 4 Cheese

Next, we have another exciting and unique combination in the Pumpkin 4 Cheese. It comprised Wala Japanese pumpkin creme, 36-month-aged Parmigiano, Ex-matured vintage cheddar, gorgonzola, charred halloumi, pink peppercorn, red onion and Wala homegrown Thyme as the topping.

Truffle Carbonara

An OG of Wala Pizza and a must-have for any first-timer is the Truffle Carbonara. The airy and fluffy pizza is packed with beautiful flavours from topping comprising Italian tartufata truffle, buffalo milk, guanciale, creme fraiche, pasteurized egg yolks, 36-month Parmigiano and Italian truffle-infused EVOO.

Xinjiang Lamb

An unexpected pizza on the menu is the East meets West, Xinjiang Lamb pizza. It is the most flavoured pizza that packs a robust punch to it. It is topped with Wala Xinjiang spiced lamb, cumin seeds, Wala basil, red onion, mala oil, white sesame and fresh Italian mozzarella.

3-Way Toms & Chovies

The last savoury pizza we had was the 3-Way Toms & Chovies topped with Wala San Marzano base, Italian sun-dried tomatoes, roasted golden tomatoes confit, Spanish anchovies, Italian burrata, Wala pine pesto, Wala dill and Italian balsamic vinegar.

5-Spice Pumpkin Kaya & Coconut 'Nice' Cream

We opted for the 5-Spice Pumpkin Kaya & Coconut 'Nice' Cream for the dessert pizza. It is a sweet combination of hot and cold contrast. The hot elements came from the Australian pumpkin, Nyonya pandan kaya and Chinese 5-spice, while the coconut dairy-free ice cream, Wala mint and orange zest provided the cold element.

Wala Pizza Private Dining is worth visiting for its unique flavour combinations that are out of this world. Jenna has over 100 different flavours up her sleeves, and I have only seven of them. However, I am already planning my next visit to try other flavours. By the way, it may be seen that there are a lot of pizzas over one meal, but the dough is airy; hence you will not feel stuffed after the meal.


WALA Pizza Private Dining
Choa Chu Kang
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Jia Wei Chinese Restaurant @ Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy - All New A La Carte & Dim Sum Menu In Support Of Local Produce

Jia Wei Chinese Restaurant, located at Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy, introduces new a la carte and dim sum items to support our local produce and reduce the reliance on food imports. Chinese Executive Chef Victor Lee has curated a mouth-watering menu sourcing vegetables and fish from the local farms, incorporating them into the revamped menu.

Wok-fried Daikon Cake with XO Sauce 4.5/5

A must-try is the Wok-fried Daikon Cake ($10) from the dim sum menu with XO sauce. Coated in umami XO sauce, the wok-fried daikon is crispy on the exterior and soft inside. Topped with shredded egg and beansprouts, they give the daikon cake a lift in flavour and texture.

Jia Wei Butterfly Pea Har Gow 4.2/5

Butterfly Pea Rice Roll with Australian Scallop 3.8/5

Giving the classic Har Gow and Rice Roll a modern take is the Jia Wei Butterfly Pea Har Gow ($7.80 for 3pc) and Butterfly Pea Rice Roll with Australian Scallop ($8.80). The Har Gow was plump with crunchy prawns. As for the rice roll, I find the scallop stuffing an unusual choice as the ingredient itself is rather bland in taste. Thanks to delicious soy sauce that lifted the flavour profile.

Crispy Local Soft Shell Crab with Ice Plant 4/5

Moving to the a la carte menu, we started with the Crispy Local Soft Shell with Ice Plant ($22 per serving). A refreshing combination of crispy soft shell crab paired with crunchy ice plant. The whole enjoyment is brightened with the addition of ume infused tomato and yuzu dressing.

Curly Kale Soup 4/5

I am not a fan of kale, but that does not deter me from finishing the Curly Kale Soup ($20 per serving) cooked with braised crab meat and beancurd. It doesn't have the earthy Kale taste, which I dislike. Instead, it felt more like having a bowl of chicken soup with the braised crab meat and beancurd giving it a substantial mouthfeel.

Corn-fed Har Cheong Chicken Slider 4.2/5

One of my favourite dishes for the night is the Corn-fed Har Cheong Chicken Slider ($28) drizzled with yuzu dressing, giving it a tangy kick. A crispy and tender chicken fillet is sandwiched between a soft and fluffy bun. I enjoy the textural combination of soft, fluffy, tender and crisp, all coming together in a delicious bite.

Wok-fried Celtuce Stem 4.5/5

It is my first time trying celtuce stem, and I was surprised by how much I like it. The Wok-fried Celtuce Stem ($24) cooked in Szechuan dried chilli has a delectable sweetness and a delightful crunchy texture.

Crispy Egg Noodle 4.2/5

Regulars can still look forward to perennial favourites and signature dishes on the menu. One of them is the Crispy Egg Noodle ($26) in chicken broth gravy. It even comes with fresh seafood such as prawns and fish slices.

Chilled Homemade Coconut Pudding 4.8/5

Wrapping up our dinner is the Chilled Homemade Coconut Pudding ($15 per serving) with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The pudding made from fresh coconut water is light and refreshing. It is just a perfect dessert to end the night. 

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Jia Wei Chinese Restaurant
Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy
50 East Coast Road
Level 2
Singapore 428769
Tel: +65 63405678
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Nearest MRT: Dakota (CC Line), Paya Lebar (EW Line, CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Block 99 (Stop ID 81181). Take bus number 31. Alight 6 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Paya Lebar MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop along Paya Lebar Road (Stop ID 81111). Take bus number 43, 76, 134 or 135. Alight 8 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 18 minutes. [Map]

Blu Kouzina @ Siglap - Greek-style Breakfast In An Idyllic Setting

Blu Kouzina at Dempsey has been known for its authentic Greek cuisine for the past decade. Its latest outlet at Siglap now even includes a breakfast menu, allowing customers to enjoy a full-fledged Greek dining experience any time of the day. It opens as early as 730am on the weekend!

It is such a great place to be before the day begins with its idyllic island-inspired setting. I was lucky to visit on a weekday morning, where I got to enjoy its serenity before it got disturbed by the buzz of chatter from the afternoon crowd.

Greek Breakfast 4.5/5

The biggest drawn of its Breakfast Menu is its Greek Selection. We had the Greek Breakfast ($22) that comes with a choice of coffee or tea, alongside a Spinach Pie ($9.50) and Lamb Sausage Roll ($11.50). The Greek Breakfast was wholesome with a slab of feta cheese, two perfectly done hardboiled eggs with a slight oozy yolk, tomatoes, fried bread, olives, a generous portion of yoghurt, a handful of walnuts and a serving of honey.

I amped up my Greek Breakfast with a few Add ons - Crispy Kale ($2), Roasted Potatoes ($3), and Spinach ($2). The Roasted Potatoes is not your usual kind but are marinated with lemon before roasting to give it a touch of tanginess.

Spinach Pie 4.2/5

Rarely you will get a good Spinach Pie loaded with spinach and feta cheese filling. The pie is incredibly yummy with a thin, buttery and flaky crust made with phyllo pastry.

Lamb Sausage Roll 3.8/5

The highly recommended Lamb Sausage Roll ($11.50) comes with homemade sausage. The lamb sausage was tender and juicy, and the rich tomato sauce complemented it excellently.

Homemade Granola 4/5

Every place has its recipe for homemade granola. You will probably crave its Homemade Granola ($8) if it is your kind of breakfast. The granola wasn't too sweet, and the generous portion of yoghurt and honey dolloped over the granola was pleasingly satiable.

Lemon Verbena Tea

Greek Coffee

The regular coffees are great but do try the specialities such as the Greek Coffee and a range of tea imported from Greece.

Photos and words by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Blu Kouzina Siglap
907 East Coast Road
#01-01
Singapore 459107
Tel: +65 91010681/ 91010682
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Nearest MRT: Bedok (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed - Mon: 830am - 10pm
(Closed on Tue)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Bedok MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to Bedok Bus Interchange (Stop ID 84009). Take bus number 16. Alight 6 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 25 minutes. [Map]

Fat Prince @ Tanjong Pagar - Turns Up The Vibe With Its New Brunch Menu

The notion of fun dining is central to the recent revamp of Fat Prince at Peck Seah Street. Known for its modern middle eastern cuisine and unconventional 'kotails', a new head chef is on board to drive the refreshed menu. If you are looking for more ideas for brunches, Fat Prince might just be the answer.

Morning Star Kotail

Fat Prince’s brunch menu is available every Saturday from 1130am to 3pm. And you will be delighted to know you can couple that with a two-hour free-flow from 12pm to 2pm ($59), featuring a selection from red and wine wines, prosecco, Peroni lager and the signature Morning Star Koktail.

Mimosa

The brunch menu comprises Mezze and Salads, Mains and Kebah. You can also opt for a Royal Brunch ($49 per person), a set which includes their pick of a brunch exclusive, paired with a glass of Mimosa to start, a choice of Fat Prince’s signature house dips, a mezze or salad, and a dessert of the day.

Cured Salmon Crudo 4/5

Mezzes are great introductory dishes to Fat Prince's take on modern middle eastern's flavours. Served as a light appetiser, I enjoyed the mouth-filling texture of the Cured Salmon Crudo ($18) and the contrasting crunch from the sprinkle of Dukkah. The drizzle of Pomegranate Molasses and Smoked Date Puree layered the dish with notes of dark, caramelised sweetness, which complemented the savouriness of the cured fish really well.

Cashew Hummus 4/5

Hummus lovers will not be disappointed with this Cashew Hummus ($10) - savoury, lemony and zingy; as compared to a chickpea hummus, it is more textured, which makes it all the more suitable for the soft, fluffy toasted yoghurt pita.

Lamb Meatballs 4/5

The Lamb Meatballs ($18) was an aromatic dish with much emphasis on the use of herbs and spices. The meatballs were well seasoned, juicy on the inside and crisp on the outside. They sat on top of Chermoula, a Morrocan sauce which is a mix of garlic, herbs and spices, accentuated by a sprinkle of Za’atar and a handful of arugula leaves. There are a lot of heady flavours going on in one dish, and it is one good dish to order if you are here for their kotails.

Negroni Rouge

I have to say, if you didn't go for their kotails, a Saturday at Fat Prince would be like any other Saturdays.  For a more cautious start, perhaps go for the Gimlet 100 ($20) with Roku Gin, Japanese cucumber cordial and citrus. For something a lot bolder, the menu features two renditions of Negroni: Negroni Rouge ($22) with Beefeater Gin, Mancino Rosso, peppercorn and juniper; and Negroni Blanc ($22) with Beefeater Gin, dill, Mancino Secco and gentianne. Even for the untrained palate, they came across as more balanced and rounded than what I had tried till date.

Fatteh Breakfast 3.5/5

To hold the drinks, line your stomach with something hearty, such as the Fatteh Breakfast ($24). What a feast to the eyes to see a wholesome combination of poached eggs, halloumi and falafel served with yoghurt, baby spinach and toasted pita. What stood out for me is the falafel with a dollop of hummus, as well as the spiced eggplant stew. What didn't sit well with the dish was the eggs - Sous vide eggs ain't just the same as eggs that are skillfully poached in water, and in the case, the runny eggs messed up the plate the moment they were being broken.

Mememen 3.8/5

The Menemen ($28) scores with its robust spiced tomato base, lightened with labneh (a creamy, yoghurt cheese) and toasted pita. You get a choice of either lamb or halloumi.  Every spoonful of the tender shredded lamb meat together with the deep savoury tomato was deeply satisfying. The dish could have fared even better if raw eggs were cracked directly into the spiced tomato. Our eggs were overdone, and I reckoned that was because those were pre-cooked eggs.

Shakshuka Leek & Kale 3.5/5

Chef's vegetarian version of Shakshuka is this Shakshuka Leek & Kale ($20) - Baked Eggs, Leek & Kale Ragout, Dukkah and Toasted Pita. Although I don't quite agree that this embodies the authentic flavours of shakshuka, which can also be done in various meatless versions using eggplants, capsicums and so on, I appreciate it as a meatless dish that appeals on taste and texture. Interestingly, it reminds me of thunder rice tea with the diced leek and kale, along with the addition of ground nuts!

Half Fried Chicken 3.5/5

The Half Fried Chicken ($24) was clean and straightforward, hitting us with the right amount of greasiness and flavours. The fried yoghurt batter was thin and crisped, and the accompanying sauces and pickles injected even more characters into this classic dish.

Spiced Berry French Toast 3/5

Something sweet on the brunch mains, which can also be a dessert is the Spiced Berry French Toast ($21) - Brioche, Caramelised Banana, Preserved Lemon Ice Cream. The saltish housemade preserved lemon ice cream was a winner but the dense slices of thick-cut toast that tried to pass off as a legit brioche were disappointing. It was a pity as the spiced berry compote stuffed inside the toast was really delicious.

Overall, the vibe that Fat Prince provides, on a Saturday morning, will set you right for the rest of your weekend.

Written and photography by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


Fat Prince
48 Peck Seah Street
#01-01
Singapore 079317
Tel:+65 62217794
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm to 12midnight
Sat: 1130am -3pm, 6pm to 12midnight
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT Station. take Exit A. Turn right onto Peck Seah Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Burger & Lobster @ Raffles Hotel Singapore - Second Outlet With Wider Selection Of Lobsters, Burgers and Cocktails

Following the successful opening of Burger & Lobster at Jewel Changi Airport, it opens a second outlet at Raffles Hotel Singapore, situated at the newly reopened Raffles Arcade. The space is three times larger than the Jewel outlet with a wider selection of lobsters, burgers and cocktails. It also has an outdoor bar and an eclectic fresh seafood counter. Another great news is that guests can make reservations at the new restaurant via their website, unlike Jewel outlet whereby reservation is not allowed.

"BBQ" Whiskey Sour 4.2/5

From the bar, we started with some pre-dinner drinks. I had the "BBQ" Whiskey Sour ($22++)  which is a concoction of Wild Turkey 101 bourbon, lemon, sugar, charred lapsang souchong and egg white. It is an easy drink to kick start dinner with a hint of smokiness.

Fresh Seafood Platter 4.5/5

Great for sharing is the Fresh Seafood Platter (Medium $240++). The huge platter comes with freshly shucked oysters, half a lobster, chilled Dutch mussels, king crab legs, Vietnamese tiger prawns and octopus. All served on a bed of ice with samphire, mignonette dressing, chilli and coriander dip and fresh lemon.

Lobster Rosti 4.2/5

The Lobster Rosti ($18++) makes a perfect brunch item with its slightly crispy exterior topped with gently spiced guacamole, succulent lobster meat, red chilli and fresh lime.

Kale & Quinoa Salad 4/5

For a healthy luxury salad, one can go for the Kale & Quinoa Salad ($65++). The kale comes with quinoa avocado, dried fig, cranberry and roasted walnuts. Not to forget the bouncy texture of the lobster tail and claws. Holding all these together is the balsamic dressing, which gives the salad the needed sweetness and acidity.

Marinated Octopus 4.2/5

A dish that I would order in my return is the Marinated Octopus ($16++). Lightly pan-fried, the octopus is dressed in lemon, parsley, garlic and olive oil. Instead of char-grilled, which gives the octopus a hint of bitterness, the execution preserved the natural flavour of the octopus with a tender, bouncy texture. Give the lime a squeeze to perk up the taste profile.

Uni, Lobster and Caviar Roll 3.8/5

At Burger & Lobster Raffles Arcade, the restaurant ups its game with the Uni, Lobster and Caviar Roll ($50++). This is the ultimate combination swerved in a toasted brioche roll. Unlike the original lobster roll which comes with the rich lemon garlic sauce, this version is lightly seasoned to allow the appreciation of the luxe ingredients.

The B&L Beef Brisket Roll 4.2/5

Surprisingly, it turned out that I enjoyed The B&L Beef Brisket Roll ($25++) more than the Uni, Lobster and Caviar Roll. The buttery roll sandwiched with braised Angus beef brisket marinated in the jerky sauce and finished with Havana spiced rum is more robust in flavour. Guess I have a preference for strong flavour.

Spicy Miso Burger 4.5/5

It is not just about lobster roll at Burger & Lobster. As the name of the restaurant suggests, it serves burgers too. And they serve a damn good burger. I had the Spicy Miso Burger ($23++), and I love it. The Nebraskan beef patty glazed with spicy miso sauce is moist and juicy. It is topped with provolone cheese, lightly spiced guacamole, kale, red chilli flakes, onion and sandwiched in between their signature brioche bun.

Laksa Lobster 4.2/5

Like its flagship outlet in Singapore, there is a locally inspired dish on the menu. Over at the Raffles Arcade, there is the Laksa Lobster ($70++). The aromatic laksa sauce is legit with rice noodles, bean sprouts and crispy tofu. It is really delicious but expensive too.

Ice Cream Mochi 3.5/5 and Apple Crumble Pie 3.5/5

Wrapping up the dinner, we have the Ice Cream Mochi ($11++) and Apple Crumble Pie ($14++). I would pick the ice cream mochi over the apple crumble pie. It is like having those old school ice cream sandwiched in waffle biscuit, but with a slightly softer texture. It comes drizzled with either strawberry or chocolate sauce.

Given a choice, I prefer the new outlet at Raffles Arcade. The menu is larger with more variety. Location is more central and it accepts reservation.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Burger & Lobster
Raffles Hotel Singapore
Raffles Arcade
328 North Bridge Road
#01-25
Singapore 188719
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Wed: 11am - 11pm
Thu-Sat: 11am - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to the junction of Bras Basah Road and North Bridge Road. Cross the road. Walk down North Bridge Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]