The Chir Cafe + Bar @ Holland Village – Brand New Korean Fusion Concept Dishing Up Brunch, Dinner, And All-day Pastas

Cafe by day and resto-bar by night, The Chir Cafe + Bar is an all-new eatery opening at Holland Village just late last year. The same folks who brought popular South Korean fried chicken franchise, Chir Chir Fusion Chicken Factory to Singapore, conceptualised it. The menu is a fun, eclectic fusion of Korean and Western cuisines.

Chir Chicken Croffle 4.2/5

Available for Brunch and Dinner, the Chir Chicken Croffle ($17.50) features succulent deep-fried chicken thigh and fluffy golden-brown croffles. Interestingly, the waffles are baked using croissant dough, which makes it fluffy and chewy inside, yet crispy and flaky on the outside, akin to a croissant. Drizzle some homemade maple butter syrup, and it makes for a scrumptious sweet-and-savoury pairing.

Fondue Chicken Burger 4/5

The Fondue Chicken Burger ($15.50) comes with a juicy slab of fried chicken thigh, grilled pineapple, onion marmalade and fresh rocket, sandwiched between toasted burger buns. The entire stack is then doused in a nacho cheese sauce and served with a side of shoestring fries - an ultimate dream for the cheese lovers. The Fondue Chicken Burger is available for Brunch and Dinner.

Three Mushroom Truffle Pasta 4/5

The Three Mushroom Truffle Pasta ($18.50) features al dente linguine with a creamy and fragrant black truffle cream sauce clinging to its every strand. A mix of juicy shiitake, button, and portobello mushrooms complete this classic truffle pasta dish.

Cheese Spam Fries 3.8/5

For sides, we had the Cheese Spam Fries ($14). The thick strips of fried spam are fried nicely with a crispy exterior and fluffy insides. It is perfectly paired with some ranch cheese sauce.

Iced Sea Salt Caramel Latte 3.8/5, Summer Cooler 4/5

On top of the standard lattes and cappuccinos, customers can also find unconventional concoctions, such as the Sea Salt Caramel Latte ($6.50 for iced). The fragrant caramel infused espresso is topped with freshly crushed sea salt. Craft beers and soju are also available by the bottle, while house pour red and white wines can be purchased by the glass ($15) or bottle ($70). We had the Summer Cooler ($16), a refreshing cocktail with sweet fruity notes from the green grape soju, perfect for unwinding over the rich, hearty dishes.

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.


The Chir Cafe + Bar
Holland Village
26A Lorong Mambong
Singapore 277685
Tel: +65 62359950
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Holland Village (CC Line)

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

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

Rice & Fries @ Changi Road - Passion, Consistency and Quality Food in Neighbourhood Restaurant

It has been almost 3 years since I last visited Rice & Fries at Changi Road. In this competitive F&B scene, I have seen so many restaurants come and go. I am glad that Chef Ken and his team are still hanging around, delicately dishing out delicious food to their customers.  This time I am back again to check out their new menu.

Spam Bots 4.5/5

The Spam Bots ($9.80) is probably the best spam fries I have tried. What I like about the luncheon meat frites is the crispy exterior while the innard still retain the moist texture, unlike most places that deep fried everything to a dry almost crispy texture. It also comes with a salt egg yolk dip that made it even more addictive.

Chicken Wings 4/5

Another great snack bite is the Chicken Wings ($6.80 for 2pc). Deep fried to crispy with juicy interior, this is a delectable starter for sharing.

Somersby Apple Cider 4.5/5

The ice cold Somersby Apple Cider which is light and refreshing, is perfect to go with the spam bots and chicken wings. Rice & Fries also serve it in an interesting way, instead of just drinking it straight from the bottom. The bottle is inverted and dunk into a glass of ice of a cool enjoyment.

French Onion Soup 4/5

On the new revamped menu, we tried both the French Onion Soup ($6.80) and Lobster Bisque ($12.80). Quite a well executed dish whereby I can taste the rich beef broth together with the sweetness of the carmalized onions coming together. Instead of the toasted garlic bread at the side, it will be even better if the french onion soup is topped with crouton and cheese.

Lobster Bisque 3.8/5

The Lobster Bisque ($12.8) comes in a gorgeous thick and creamy lobster seafood bisque with crab meat, served with a toasted garlic bread. I enjoyed the bowl of soup but I thought it leaned more towards a seafood soup rather than a lobster bisque. Hence I think the dish name was a bit misleading until I read the description in details.

Salted Egg Yolk Pasta 4.2/5

One of the bestseller at Rice & Fries is the Salted Egg Yolk Pasta ($19.80) topped with a deep fried soft shell crab. The version at Rice & Fries is rich, intense and creamier, coating every stand of the pasta. On top of that, the used of curry leaves lifted the flavour, giving it an extra oomph.

BBQ Pork Ribs 4/5

The BBQ Pork Ribs ($22.80) is one dish that we have mixed options. The rack of ribs was cooked to a nice tender, falling off the bone with ease. The meat also comes with a hint of smokiness. I find that the sweet house special bbq sauce enhances the whole enjoyment of the dish but my dining partner feels that it is too sweet. That's why taste is always subjective. You can't satisfy everyone's palate.

Crab & Lobster Risotto 4.5/5

Among the mains I tried. The Crab & Lobster Risotto ($21.80) is probably my favourite. The risotto is cooked to an enjoyable grainy bite texture which is how I like it. The risotto is also well infused with the rich and intense lobster bisque, packed with generous serving of crab meat.

Lemon Tart 3/5

Wrapping up the dinner, we have the Lemon Tart ($6.80) and Dark Chocolate Lava Cake ($9.80). The pastry case of the lemon tart was a little under baked during our visit. It did not have the biscuity texture. Nevertheless, the lemon custard is well balanced, not overly sour which at time can be quite unpalatable.

Dark Chocolate Lava Cake 3.5/5

The Dark Chocolate Lava Cake ($9.80) with vanilla ice cream fares better than the lemon tart. The warm molten lava cake has a crusty surface that adds a layer of texture enjoyment amid the chocolate lava centre and moist body.

Overall, I have enjoyed my meal at Rice & Fries. It is great to come back to a restaurant to know that they have kept their passion, consistency and quality in dishing our beautiful food to their customers. For people living in the Kembangan area, I envy you for having such a good neighbourhood restaurant in your vicinity.


Rice & Fries
484 Changi Road
Singapore 419896
Tel: +65 97386648
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Kembangan (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon, Wed-Fri: 12pm - 3pm, 5pm - 11pm
Tue: 6pm - 11pm
Sat-Sun, PH: 12pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Kembangan MRT station. Take Exit A. Cross the road at Sims Ave East. Walk along the canal to Changi Road. Cross the road and turn left. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Joo Bar and Restaurant @ Tan Quee Lan Street (Bugis)

Joo is a new makegeolli bar and restaurant setting a whole new trend in Singapore food and beverage scene with inspiring modern Korean fare and tipples. Joo which means alcohol in Korean, is located in a three storey heritage shophouses along Tan Quee Lan Street, spotting a sleek, casual and inviting venue.

Hong Dae Tripping 4/5

Makegeolli cocktail could be the next trendsetting drinks using the oldest alcoholic beverage native to Korea. I had the Hong Dae Tripping ($24) which is made from Joo's house brew organic makegeolli (also known as Joo Brew). The cocktail is a mixture of Joo Brew, Grey Goose, Apricot Brandy, Cherry Blossom, Lemon and Rosemary. A light, refreshing and zesty drink.

A trio of Korean banchan welcomes diners as being our diner experience at Joo.

Tofu Chips with Guacamole & Kimchi Salsa 4.2/5

Kick starting the evening we started with the Anju which is similar to bar food that goes well with alcohol. First is the Tofu Chips with Guacamole & Kimchi Salsa ($14). The house made tofu chips is so what like the nachos. I preferred the kimchi salsa but both is as well. It's really addictive and I could not stop going back for more.

Baby Eel Paper 3/5

The Deep Fried Baby Eel Paper ($14) imported from Korean is an interesting snack bite but I don't quite know how to appreciate it.

Warm Kimchi with Tofu & Spam 4.5/5

Many bars have introduced spam fries as a trend for bar snack however I find it too salty to have it on its own. The Warm Kimchi with Tofu & Spam ($16) was an excellent idea to pair house made kimichi, mangalitsa pork belly, tofu, onion and scallion with the luncheon meat. It may sounds complex but the flavours actually work harmoniously.

Makgeolli Sampler 4/5

Being a makegeolli specialized bar and restaurant, I am sure it can be a bit overwhelming with the different selections not knowing where to start with. Worry not as Joo offers a Makgeolli Sampler ($35 for 5). Among the samplers, my favourite is the Yuzu infused makegeolli which is sweet and easy to drink.

Kimchi Chicken Pot Pie 4/5

A nice twist is the Kimchi Chicken Pot Pie ($14) covered by a golden flaky pastry dome. Inside it is a rosy kimchi bechamel gravy studded with chicken tenderloin, celery, carrot, mushrooms, onion and corn. The additional of kimchi gave it good lift in flavour from the somewhat boring traditional taste.

Joo Bossam 4.5/5

Joo uses Mangalitsa for it's pork dishes which is a domestic breed developed in the 19th century by cross breeding the traditional Hungarian Bakonyi an Szalontal breeds with imported Sumadia pigs from Serbia. I thought the Joo Bossam ($28) showcases the sweetness the flavour of the mangalitsa pork belly excellent. Take a piece of the boiled mangalitsa pork belly, white yucha kimchi and a bit of the spicy radish salad and eat it all together.

Slow Roasted Mangalitsa Pork Belly  4.2/5

Another version showcasing the mangalitsa pork is the Slow Roasted Mangalitsa Pork Belly ($32). The thick cut mangalitsa pork belly is eaten together with spring onion salad and Dijon mustard. Have a bit of everything together to get a nice concoction of flavours in the mouth.

Hand Chopped Korean Minced Rib Steak 4.2/5

Beautifully marinated, the Hand Chopped Korean Minced Rib Steak ($20) literally melted in the mouth. Topped with garlic flakes, chopped nuts and spring onions to give it another layer of texture and flavour, lifting the whole enjoyment.

Sojurita 4.2/5

Perfect for chilling out with friends is the Sojurita ($28) which a good for 2 to 4 pax. The easy to drink alcohol, making up of soju and beer will be tough to just stop at one.

Seafood Gochujang Risotto 4.5/5

Last but not least, if you need something substantial then a must try is the Seaffod Gochujang Risotto ($24). The red pepper paste cream sauce risotto comes with an Asian influenced flavour served with shrimp, black mussel, clam and squid. Korean can cook their risotto too!

I left Joo Bar and Restaurant having a better appreciation of makegeolli, especially their preservative free makegeolli with organic rice and purified water which is brew in Singapore locally. The modern take of Korean fare also impressed me a lot. It modernizes the way we appreciate classic Korean cuisine while retaining the traditional flavours.


Joo Bar and Restaurant
5 Tan Quee Lan Street
Singapore 188094
Tel: +65 81381628
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joobarsg
Website: http://www.joo-bar.com/
Nearest MRT: Bugis (DT Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 530pm - 12midnight

Direction: 
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk straight to Tan Quee Lan Street. Turn left and walk to destination. [Map]

5 Drunken Rabbits Bistro & Bar @ Pasir Ris Park

It was supposed to be a trip to the east to have dinner at the newly refurnished Changi Village Food Centre but we couldn't find a place for parking so we headed down to Coastal Settlement. Once again we ran into parking issue so I suggested checking out 5 Drunken Rabbits Bistro & Bar at Pasir Ris Park which has plenty of parking lots and its free.

Luncheon Fries 2/5

We ordered the Luncheon Fries ($7.80) to go along with our beer. I have to say I did not enjoy it at all. I have much better one at Backyard @ Dempsey. The luncheon fries were greasy and unappetizing. Lucky I have the beer to drunk my taste.

Drunken Chicken Roll 2.5/5

I have the Drunken Chicken Roll ($20.80) which is stuffed with mushroom, mozzarella, cheese served with seasonal greens. roasted cherry tomatoes and mashed potato in citrus Jack Daniel sauce. The chicken was tender and juicy but the dish was lacking a body bringing the whole dish together.

Baby Back Ribs 3/5

The Baby Back Ribs ($20.80) on the other hand tasted much better than the chicken. The pork ribs was glazed with in house BBQ sauce and served with seasonal greens, roasted cherry tomatoes and jacket potato.

The restaurant comes with a beautiful nature surrounding of the Pasir Ris Park unfortunately the food was lacklustre. For the price, I am expecting better quality food.


5 Drunken Rabbits
Pasir Ris Park (Carkpark D)
201 Pasir Ris Road
Singapore 519147
Tel: +65 65810842
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/5DrunkenRabbits
Website: http://www.5drunkenrabbits.com/
Nearest MRT: Pasir Ris (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri & PH Eve: 330pm - 2am
Sat-Sun & PH: 1130am - 2am

Direction:
1) Alight at Pasir Ris MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk to bus interchange (Stop ID 77009). Take bus number 403 and alight 9 stops later. Journey time about 20 minutes.

Backyard @ Dempsey

Backyard@Dempsey is a casual and comfort restaurant and bar amidst the lush and mature greenery nature just off the Dempsey catchment of F&B establishments. The nook in the woods is a relaxing haven for the frazzled and for those seeking a brief respite from the everyday hustle of Singapore.

Cream of Shitake Mushroom 3.8/5

I enjoyed the Cream of Shitake Mushroom ($6.30) that came with slices of shitake mushroom giving it texture and flavour.

Lobster Bisque 3.5/5

I could tasted the roasted lobster flavour in the Lobster Bique ($7.30) but I would prefer it to be more creamy.

Ayam Goreng Kunyit 4.5/5

When the Ayam Goreng Kunyit ($2.10 per pc) was served, I already could smell the aroma of the spices. We were pleasantly surprised that such Malay style chicken marinated in turmeric and cumin is served at Backyard@Dempsey. A best try.

Spam Fries 4.2/5

Actually I have no clue what is Spam Fries ($9.80) until I bite into it. Instantly fell in love with the luncheon meat fries! This is my first time having them and I hope I don't sound like a mountain tortise.

Spinach Salad with Marinated Chick Peas & Feta with Grilled Chicken 3.8/5

The Spinach Salad with Marinated Chick Peas & Feta with Grilled Chicken ($14.30) is a lovely combination of fresh and healthy ingredients.

Kronenbourg Beer Battered Fish & Chips 4.2/5

Two types of Fish & Chips are available at Backyard@Dempsey, the bread crumbled and beer battered. Han, the owner told us the best beer battered fish is from Guinness Stout but the appearance is not presentable. The Kroenbourg Beer Battered Fish & Chips ($14.30) is the next best. Golden brown and crispy outside while fresh and moist inside.

Pomodoro Sausage Linguine 4.5/5

The pasta at Backyard@Dempsey is quite special. I would labelled it as semi dry version with a nice amount of sauce coating the linguine. It also has a nice balance of tomato and cream sauces making the Pomodoro Sausage Linguine ($12.80) very delectable.

Grilled Chicken Spaghetti 4.2/5

Like the Pomodoro Sausage Linguine, the Grilled Chicken Spaghetti ($12.80) is cream base but same semi dry version with the right amount of sauce coating the spaghetti. Both the pastas were as good except that I preferred tomato base sauce.

US Black Angus Prime Ribeye 250g 4.2/5

This may not be Wagyu Beef but the US Black Angus Prime Ribeye 250g ($45.80) was just as good. The lovely beef was nicely grilled and fork tender. The ribeye was already flavourful without any sauces. Nevertheless you can still request for topping such as truffle salt ($2.80), blue cheese ($2.30), sauteed onions ($1.20) or sauteed shitake ($2.80). I tried the truffle salt with the ribeye and it enhanced the flavour even more.

Shroom Burger 4.2/5

The Shroom Burger ($13.80) was topped with shitake mushrooms sauteed in a special herbed mozzarella brown sauce. The patty may not look appetising but it was packed with flavours and juiciness. Definitely one of the better burgers I have tried.

Dressed Up Dog 4.2/5

Dressed up indeed it was. The Dressed Up Dog ($14.80) was all dressed up with bacon, melted cheddar cheese and a sunny side up egg. We had the giant chicken hot dog as some in the group does not take beef. The owner told me that giant beef frank will be more flavourful with the combo.

Affogato 4.2/5

Being both a coffee and ice cream lover, I just can't fault the Affogato ($7.30) that is shot of espresso served over a scoop of clotted cream ice cream. As per what I have shared with the owner, I have affogato elsewhere where it is more elegantly presented.

Blueberry Panna Cotta 4/5

I don't really know how to appreciate panna cotta but I do enjoy the silky smooth lightness of Blueberry Panna Cotta ($7.30).

Honey Walnut Panna Cotta 4/5

Besides blueberry panna cotta, Backyard@Dempsey also serves Honey Walnut Panna Cotta ($7.30) if you prefer stronger flavours.

Most of the F&B establishments are located at the hill top of dempsey and it is rather inconvenient for people that do not drive. Backyard@Dempsey is conveniently located within walking distance from the bus stop opposite Gleneagles Hospital. For car owners, Backyard@Dempsey has plenty of free parking lots too.

Thank you for Han, Val and Jerome for the invitation and hospitality.


[CLOSED]
Backyard @ Dempsey
130E Minden Road
Singapore 248819
Tel: +65 64790388
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/backyardatdempsey
Website: http://www.backyardatdempsey.com
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am to 12am

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT. Take Exit B. Cross the road and walk to bus stop at Boulevard Orchard opposite Orchard MRT (Stop ID 09022). Take bus no. 7, 77, 106, 123 or 174. Alight 5 stops later. Walk to Minden Road. Journey time about 20 minutes.