Ginkyo by Kinki @ One Holland Village - Redefining Japanese Dining with a Festival of Flavours

Nestled in the heart of One Holland Village, Ginkyo by Kinki emerges as a vibrant social haven, weaving a tapestry of contemporary creativity into the fabric of traditional Japanese dining. Drawing inspiration from the Icho Matsuri 'Ginkgo Festival' in Tokyo, this modern Japanese bistro is the brainchild of the visionaries behind Kinki Restaurant + Bar at Customs House. Ginkyo doesn't just offer a meal; it orchestrates an experience, blending authenticity with a touch of avant-garde flair.

Truffle Fat Wings 4.2/5

We first sampled the Truffle Fat Wings ($19) - a delightful symphony of textures and flavours. Deboned wings, generously stuffed with Niigata Koshihikari rice infused with truffle paste, edamame, and sea kelp. Charcoal-grilled to perfection and glazed with housemade yakitori sauce, these wings transcend the ordinary. The oil from the chicken skin elevates the dish, and a squeeze of lemon adds the perfect zing.

Uni, Caviar, Ikura 4.2/5

The Uni, Caviar, Ikura dish ($22) is a visual and gustatory masterpiece. Resembling sushi, the rice is seasoned with kombu, shaped, and pressed overnight. Tempura-battered and deep-fried for a crispy texture, it's adorned with negitoro, Tokujo grade uni, Magnum ops, Oscietra caviar, Kita-sanriku ikura, sliced cucumber, and gold flakes. A symphony of flavours unfolds with each bite—a perfect harmony of the sea and land.

Kimchi Onigiri Arancini 3.8/5

Ginkyo's playful creativity shines in the Kimchi Onigiri Arancini ($14). A Japanese twist on Italian arancini, deep-fried kimchi rice filled with gorgonzola is wrapped in seaweed and served with kimchi aioli. The result is a tantalising explosion of spicy and savoury notes, redefining the boundaries of fusion cuisine.

Swordfish Ceviche 4/5

The Peruvian Swordfish Ceviche ($19) is a journey to South America and Japan on a single plate. Diced swordfish marinated in fig-infused Japanese rice vinegar and lime juice meets a medley of citrus, tomato, avocado, Japanese cucumber, shallots, pickled green chilli, and spicy mayo. Enjoy it on crispy rice crackers for a burst of textures and flavours — a delightful wrap of freshness.

Hamburg Wagyu 4.2/5

For a carnivorous indulgence, the Hamburg Wagyu ($36) steals the spotlight. Kagoshima A4 wagyu, minced and seasoned to perfection, graces a bed of crispy rice. Topped with a hot egg bath, burdock chips, and oba tempura, this dish is an orchestra of flavours and textures — grilled elegance that unfolds with every bite. There is also the option of topping up $15 for foie gras.

Okonomi-Rosti 4.5/5

The Okonomi-Rosti ($30) offers a quirky take on the traditional okonomiyaki. Grated potatoes seared to a crisp form the base, adorned with cabbage, bacon, Hokkaido scallops, bonito flakes, mentaiko sauce, and shredded nori. Each bite is a dance of flavours — a perfect fusion of Japanese and European influences.

Ginkyo by Kinki is more than a restaurant; it's a culinary overture that celebrates the fusion of tradition and innovation. The menu is a curated symphony, with each dish a note in the harmonious composition of Japanese flavours and global influences. As you step into Ginkyo, prepare for a gastronomic journey that transcends boundaries, guided by the expert hands of culinary maestros.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Ginkyo by Kinki
One Holland Village
7 Holland Village Way
#03-01 to 04
Singapore 275748
Tel: +65 9337 7451
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Nearest MRT: Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 1130am - 230pm, 5pm - 10pm
Fri-Sat: 1130am - 230pm, 5pm - 1030pm
Sun: 5pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk to Lorong Liput. Turn right onto Lorong Liput. Walk down Lorong Liput. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Kimchi Dining @ Orchard Central - Aesthetic Korean Restaurant Offering Modern Korean Dining Concept

Kimchi Dining is a modern Korean dining concept located on the 6th floor of Orchard Central. The menu offers ala carte dishes as well as set menu for 2-pax and 4-pax. We tried the 2-pax set menu ($60/pax) that comes with appetisers and mains, 2 desserts and 2 makgeolli cocktails (tea options are also available).

Makgeolli Bread 4/5

Our meal started with warm and comforting Makgeolli Bread, served with a generous portion of White Bean butter. The bread was mildly sweet and fluffy with a slight chewy texture.

Kimchi Platter 3.5/5

Next came the Kimchi Platter, showcasing 6 types of house-fermented kimchi. While the portion of some of the kimchi was rather sad-looking with a couple of vegetable strands, I enjoyed the experience of being able to try their different taste profiles.

Gaji Ganjeong 3.8/5

Then came Gaji Ganjeong. This charcoal tempura eggplant had an airy batter and was delectable with an umami-sweet honey soy dressing.

Gamjajeon 5/5

The set includes the much highly-raved Gamjajeon. These potato pancakes are shaped into mini rosti with moreish crispy edges. Topped with sharp Parmesan cheese, radish, and tangy onion jangaiji, the various flavour nuances woven into these otherwise simple potato pancakes make them even more irresistible. The creamy Siberian onion truffle mayo gives it a satisfying, mouth-filling texture.

Arongsatae & Dogani 4/5

Jeju Pork Noodle 3/5

For Mains, we chose Arongsatae & Dogani and Jeju Pork Noodle. Arongsatae & Dogani is a beef heel muscle and tendon braised for over six hours. The beef itself impressed with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. As for the tendons, I appreciated their clean taste, but some were less tender than expected. The Jeju Pork Noodle, on the other hand, while it had a light and tasty Jeju-style pork broth, paled in comparison due to a rather tough pork belly.

Black Sesame Injeolmi Sundae 3/5

Chocolate Injeolmi Tart 3.8/5

For desserts, we had Chocolate Injeolmi Tart and Black Sesame Injeolmi Sundae. Both desserts incorporated chewy rice balls, adding a contrasting texture. I prefer the bitter-sweet notes of the chocolate tart. The sundae was a tad too sweet due to the drizzling of jujube syrup.

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.


Kimchi Dining
Orchard Central
181 Orchard Road
#06-10
Singapore 238896
Tel:+65 9113 7090
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm 0 930pm
Sat-Sun, PH: 1130am - 930pm
(Closed on Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Kuroki Japanese Yakiniku Restaurant @ Paragon Shopping Centre - Unveiling Orchard Road’s Hidden Lunch Gem

Amidst Paragon's opulent retail and dining landscape, Kuroki Japanese Yakiniku Restaurant pleasantly surprised me with its affordable yet premium lunch sets starting from $35.

Kuroki sets itself apart by sourcing prized cuts of beef based on availability and prime freshness. The selection ranges from A5 Iwate Wagyu to Kumamoto Wagyu and Snow-Aged Karubi from Hokkaido, promising an elevated yakiniku experience.

Kuroki Tasting Set 4.2/5

Opting for the Kuroki Tasting Set ($35), I discovered a well-curated ensemble featuring Kurobuta pork belly, Kurobuta pork collar, and a choice between tontoro or chicken thigh. The set, designed for a hearty lunch, didn't compromise on the quality or portion of the meats. It included an appetiser, salad, chawanmushi, rice, soup, and a delightful dessert, creating a wholesome dining experience.

Kuroki Premium Set 4.5/5

For the ardent beef aficionados, the Kuroki Classic Set ($48) beckons with three cuts of wagyu beef, accompanied by appetisers, salad, chawanmushi, rice, soup, and dessert. To escalate the indulgence, the Kuroki Premium Set ($58) offers four cuts of Wagyu - Wagyu Sirloin, Wagyu Prime Karubi, Wagyu Ribeye Lip, and Wagyu Short Rib, providing a symphony of textures and flavours.

Wagyu Tongue 4.5/5

Kimchi Soup 3/5

To enhance our dining experience, we indulged in add-ons such as the Wagyu Tongue ($22). When grilled, it exhibited a delightful crunch, adding a unique texture to the meal. While rich and robust, the Kimchi Soup ($10) veered towards being too hearty for a drinkable soup, brimming with shredded meat and kimchi.

Wrapping up our lunch set, a scoop of ice cream sealed the meal on a sweet note. I opted for the earthy matcha flavour, while my dining partner savoured the delicate sea salt flavour.

In the heart of Orchard Road, Kuroki Japanese Yakiniku Restaurant stands out as a hidden gem, offering premium lunch sets at an unparalleled value. With a commitment to quality cuts, thoughtful sets, and add-ons for customisation, Kuroki invites diners to savour the essence of Japanese yakiniku without breaking the bank.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Kuroki
Paragon Shopping Centre
290 Orchard Road
#05-03
Singapore
Tel: +65 6339 3383
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line), Orchard Road (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm
Set Lunches: 1130am - 230pm

Direction:
1. Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to ground level. Turn left onto Orchard Road. Walk down Orchard Road. At the traffic junction of Orchard Road and Orchard Link, cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 2 or 3. Proceed to the road level. Walk down Orchard Road until the junction of Orchard Road and Orchard Link. Cross the road and walk to Paragon. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

88 Pocha + BBQ @ Duxton - Bringing Together The Atmosphere of Pojangmacha and Korean BBQ Under One Roof

88 Pocha + BBQ at Duxton brings together the vibrant atmosphere of Pojangmacha with the enticing lure of Korean BBQ. The Korean BBQ selection showcases good quality cuts, including Chicken Set, Duroc Pork Set and A5 Wagyu Beef.

Duroc Pork Set 4/5

Duroc Pork Set ($45.88) comes with 180g Pork Belly, 180g Pork Jowl, Kimchi, Chinese Chives, and Watercress.

Pork Belly

Pork Jowl

The Pork Belly though thinly sliced, was as succulent as the Pork Jowl. The best parts were the charred bits, especially the Pork Jowl. The best way to barbecue the pork jowl is to cut it into small pieces when they are halfway done to get its edges charred and turn them into moreish morsels. The grilled kimchi and chives helped offset the fatty meats' richness.

Seafood Tofu Stew 2.5/5

Tteokbokki 3.5/5

88 Pocha + BBQ also offers a variety of stews to accompany the BBQ sets. We had Seafood Soft Tofu Stew and Tteokbokki. The stew could have been better. It wasn't much of a stew with a very thin consistency. The latter fared better. The rice cake was chewy with a nice bite, and the sauce complemented it well.

Bacon Kimchi Fried Rice 3/5

The BBQ set also comes with a complimentary Bacon Kimchi Fried Rice, which is heated up and tossed with cheese when you are done with the meats. The taste was average, but it was a nice touch to complete the experience.

To complete the experience of Pojangmacha, 88 Pocha also offers a wide range of beverages, from bottled beers, Soju, and Highball, to traditional Korean rice liquor and makgeolli.

Words and photos 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.


88 Pocha + BBQ
17 Duxton Road
Singapore 089483
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Nearest MRT: Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130pm-3pm, 5pm-11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Cross the road and walk down Duxton Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Wang Dae Bak Grill @ Holland Piazza - South Korean Barbecue in a Modernized Classic Setting

Wang Dae Bak Grill at Holland Piazza is the brand's 3rd outlet, offering authentic South Korean barbecue in a modernised classic setting. The menu features fresh gourmet varieties such as US Prime Sirloin, Marinated Prime Ribs and Flower Pork Belly, including sets that cater to different dining group sizes.

The banchan here was really delicious! Besides the kimchi, I most enjoyed the braised egg and sauteed brinjal. They are refillable too.

Duroc Pork Belly

Duroc Pork Collar

For 2 or 3 pax, Buddy Set ($68) would be ideal if you intend to enjoy your meats with other dishes. The set has Marinated Prime Ribs, Duroc Pork Belly/Collar, Flower Pork Belly, and Marinated Chicken. The Pork Collar had a balanced marbling, lending the meat a good amount of flavour as the fats rendered off slowly on the sizzling grill.

Marinated Prime Ribs

Marinated Chicken

Both the chicken and prime ribs meat were marinated, but the marination did the chicken more justice than the latter. The chicken thighs were succulent, with flavours elevated by the marination. On the other hand, the tender beef did not deliver the anticipated beefy notes of a prime rib.

Spicy Seafood Tofu Stew 4/5

Other signature WDB dishes include this Spicy Seafood Tofu Stew with soft wobbly tofu. It was robust and heady with a depth of crustacean flavour from the fresh prawns and clams.

Kimchi Cheese Rolls 2.5/5

Kimchi and cheese combination sounds enticing, but the execution fell short with the Kimchi Cheese Rolls, which turned out to be a tad greasy. The kimchi and the cheese melded into one saltish tang. A kimchi cheese mandu or dumpling may have been a better alternative.

Kimchi Fried Rice with Cheese 4/5

Kimchi Fried Rice with Cheese was hearty and flavoursome, with the kimchi bits evenly tossed together with the pearly rice grains. The cheese was absent though. The charred bits formed at the base of the fried rice imparted a tantalising smokey nuance to the overall taste.

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.


Wang Dae Bak Grill
Holland Piazza
3 Lorong Liput
#02-01
Singapore 277725
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Nearest MRT: Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk to Lorong Liput. Turn right at Lorong Liput. Walk down Lorong Luput. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

The Marmalade Pantry @ Anchorpoint - New Outlet With New Menu-exclusives And Retail Items

The Marmalade Pantry has recently launched a new outlet at Anchorpoint. For a limited time until 31 August 2023, you get to enjoy new menu-exclusive Anchorpoint Specials alongside the familiar classics of the restaurant.

Fried Artichoke with Lemon Ricotta 4/5

From the outlet's exclusive menu, we started with Fried Artichoke with Lemon ($20). The Polenta-coated fried artichokes were crisped on the outside, with some of the inner petals remaining succulent and tender. The cold and zesty ricotta provided a cool and creamy contrast to the crispy artichoke.

Tortilla with Mesclun Salad 3.8/5

The next appetiser was Tortilla with Mesclun Salad ($16) that was goozy within, loaded with deep-fried cubed potatoes, flavourful diced Spanish Chorizo and sweet caramelised onions. The dollop of soy-based garlic aioli added a subtle tanginess to the tortilla and further enriched the mouth feel of the dish.

Pork Cheek and Carrot Puree 3.5/5

For mains, we had Pork Cheek and Carrot Puree ($28), served with roasted cabbage, tamarind, and ginger carrot puree. The texture of the braised pork cheek could be more tender, but overall they were nicely flavoured and enjoyable. A notable element of this dish is the sweet-sour tamarind and ginger carrot puree, which helped cut through the meat's richness.

Black Pepper Seafood Spaghetti 4/5

Black Pepper Seafood Spaghetti ($29) stood out with all elements done right. The black pepper sauce made with Sarawak black pepper was punchy, and the charred capsicum's fruity sweetness brought out the succulent seafood's sweetness. The seafood was at their right doneness with a good bounce, and the al dente spaghetti was a very satisfying plate of food.

Duck Ragu Pappardelle 3.8/5

Duck Ragu Pappardelle ($30) was hearty with a tantalising combination of flavours - plump, sweet tomatoes punctuating the deep and rich flavours of the balsamic braised duck. The large surface of the pappardelle and its relatively rough texture made it ideal for such a robust ragu. However, the texture of the pasta could have been better.

Kimchi Steak Fried Rice 3.8/5

A mainstay on the menu, Kimchi Fried Rice served with Argentinian Grass-Fed Sirloin Steak, 100g ($28) is a dish that excites the palate. The steamed rice was mouthwatering with soy sauce, sesame oil and fiery with chilli. The plancha-grilled sirloin steak had rich beefy notes, which complemented the bold flavours of the kimchi rice. However, some fresh elements as garnishes would help give this dish a more well-rounded taste.

Honeycomb Poached Pear 3.8/5

The outlet's exclusive dessert is Honeycomb Poached Pear ($16). The pear was made by poaching it in an aromatic ginger flower syrup. While I wished the flavour of the ginger flower could be more pronounced, it was tender and not overly sweet. The accompanying whipped mascarpone provided a decadent creaminess, while the unassuming honeycomb gave a delectable crunch and sweetness.

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.


The Marmalade Pantry
Anchorpoint Shopping Centre
Level One (Central Atrium)
370 Alexandra Road
Singapore 159953
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Nearest MRT: Queenstown (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am – 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Queenstown MRT station. Take Exit B or C. Walk to bus stop at Queenstown MRT station (Stop ID 11149). Take bus number 195. Alight 3 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]