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]

Osteria Mozza @ Hilton Singapore Orchard - Famous Artisanal Wood-fire Pizzas By Celebrity Chef Nancy Silverton

Osteria Mozza in Hilton Singapore Orchard is the restaurant's only Asian outpost, with a menu featuring Celebrity Chef Nancy Silverton's signature American-style salads and world-famous artisanal wood-fired pizzas. The restaurant's ambience and lunch menu exudes a more casual and playful side of the restaurant. We were here on a Sunday, and the restaurant was almost full, with tables of diners present for various celebrations.

Prosciutto Wrapped Grissini Sticks 4/5

First, we were served the Prosciutto Wrapped Grissini Sticks that successfully whetted our appetites. The thinly sliced prosciutto was soft with a buttery texture.

Roasted Chicken Salad 4/5

The Roasted Chicken Salad ($26) is one of the restaurant’s available American-style salads. It has a creamy yet light mix of napa cabbage, olives, grain mustard and chicken. Other salad options include the Shrimp Caesar and Cobb Salad.

Margherita 4.2/5

Moving on to the highlight of Osteria Mozza, Chef Nancy Silverton's artisanal wood-fired pizzas. The classic Margherita ($34) is topped with mozzarella, tomato and basil. We thoroughly enjoyed the airy and puffy sourdough crust and the wonderfully thin and crisp base.

Fennel Sausage 4.5/5

Our vote goes to the Fennel Sausage ($40) between both pizzas we had. On top of the well-executed pizza base, the savoury combination of panna, mozzarella, red onion, and scallion worked perfectly together. All pizzas ordered are fired in the restaurant's custom wood-burning oven over California almond wood, known for its fruit wood flavour, high heat, low smoke and balanced sweetness.

Tin Roof Sundae 3.8/5

Caramel gelato, marshmallow sauce, salted peanuts and a waffle biscuit base form the Tin Roof Sundae. My dining companion and I found this too sweet to our liking but appreciated the intentional variety of textures. It would work better as a group sharing dessert.

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.


Osteria Mozza
Hilton Singapore Orchard
333 Orchard Rd, Level 5
Singapore 238867
Tel: +65 68316271
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 5pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Orchard Road. Turn left and walk to junction of Orchard Road and Grange Road. Cross the road. Continue on Orchard Road to Orchard Link. Turn left onto Orchard Link. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 mins. [Map]

SIRI HOUSE @ Dempsey - Launches New Weekend Brunch And Brunch Cocktails

SIRI HOUSE at Dempsey is known for its modern Asian cuisine. Making full use of its tranquil setting, with lush greenery right outside its doorstep, SIRI HOUSE invites you to spend a relaxing weekend with them. It has launched the new SIRI HOUSE Weekend Brunch, available on both Saturday and Sunday afternoons. The casual and communal brunch menu offers a la carte small and large brunch plates to share, coupled with a range of classic brunch cocktails concocted with a modern Asian twist.

Brunch Cocktails

The brunch cocktails at $12 per tipple are very affordable. It incorporates handcrafted infusions, freshly squeezed juices, housemade syrups and spice blends. I kick start the brunch with the Mary Nagano, which showcases an Asian twist to the popular Bloody Mary. You can taste the familiar heat from wasabi and other Asian ingredients - Worcestershire, chilli padi and Japanese vinegar. For a refreshing note, go for the more citrus-forward mix of Aperol, Summertime Madness for an easy start to your day.

Lobster Scramble 3/5

We had Lobster Scramble ($21) and Aranici ($21) from the small plates menu. I suggest going for its regular Easy Scramble ($7) instead, as the lobster scramble being a more luxurious egg dish was rather underwhelming. A good and straightforward scrambled eggs dish would have brought more joy.

Arancini 3.8/5

On the other hand, the Arancini surprised us with its takoyaki-alike flavours, giving the classic risotto balls an Asian facelift. Instead of using Italian rice, this is made using dashi infused Japanese rice, chunks of octopus and chorizo and encased within is oozy mozzarella. Atop the crisp balls are Jaew (Thai chilli) mayo, bonito flakes and furikake.

Champion Roll 3.8/5

We had the Champion Roll ($26) - a sourdough bread loaded with a baked egg, mushrooms, bacon, asparagus, gouda, and an arrabbiata cream sauce from the Large Plate menu. If you like pizza, this will be your thing.

Cheeseburger 4/5

Also on the menu is SIRI HOUSE’s Signature Cheeseburger ($29). The fluffy toasted milk bun is a plus point. The housemade beef patty was flavourful, with a good spread of harissa mayo to bring all the ingredients together.

Bomboloni 3.8/5

Cherry Sundae 4/5

For dessert, we had the adorable, bite-size Bomboloni ($16). It's an assortment of fluffy Italian style doughnuts with cashew chocolate ganache and mixed berry compote fillings. The Cherry Sundae ($18) with tart cherry compote and a milky sweet yoghurt ice cream is delicious too.

The SIRI HOUSE Brunch menu is available on Saturdays from 11.30am to 2.30pm (last order 2pm) and on Sundays from 11.30 am to 9.00pm (last order 8pm.

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.


Siri House
Dempsey Hill
8D Dempsey Road
#01-02
Singapore 249672
Tel: +65 96670533
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line), Holland Village (CC Line), Farrer Road (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sat: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm
Sun: 1130am - 4pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop along Orchard Boulevard (Stop ID 09022). Take bus number 7, 77, 106, 123 or 174. Alight 7 stops later. Walk up to Dempsey Hill. Walk right to the back of the cluster. Walk to destination. Journey time 30 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to bus stop at Block 12 (Stop ID 11401). Take bus 106. Alight 4 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to Dempsey Road. Walk up to Dempsey Hill. Walk right to the back of the cluster. Walk to destination. Journey time 20 minutes. [Map]

The Dempsey Cookhouse & Bar @ COMO Dempsey - Causal Dining Restaurant By 3 Michelin-Starred Chef Jean Georges Vongerichten

Opened earlier in the year at COMO Dempsey is The Dempsey Cookhouse & Bar by world renowned NYC Chef Jean Georges Vongerichten. The casual dining restaurant spots an open kitchen where diners can have full view of the chefs dancing around the kitchen. It felt like a scene in hell kitchen except that they are synchronization in their dance, like a well oiled machine, dishing out dishes after dishes.

Tuna Tartare with Caviar 4.2/5

For appetizer we started with the Tuna Tartare with Caviar ($38). It is both beautiful in presentation and on the palate. The tuna tartare sat on a bed of avocado cream that was well balanced with citrus zest to it.

Fresh Tagliatelle with Clams 4.2/5

Next, we had the Fresh Tagliatelle with Clams ($20) which had a good bite to it, cooked to al dente. This is freshened up by garlic and parsley, together with the sweetness of the clam. Chilli was also added to spice up the pasta dish.

Mushroom, Farm Egg, Parsley-Garlic Oil Pizza 4.2/5

Many diners have gone for the popular black truffle and fontina cheese pizza but we decided to try something different. Hence we ordered the Mushroom Pizza ($19) with Farm Egg and Parsley-Garlic Oil. We didn't regret trying something different, the thin pizza was slightly more doughy on the rim with a little charred. The ingredients may not be the most luxurious, it didn't lose out either with its wholesome flavour.

Roasted Cod 4/5

Cod has always been my preferred choice of fish for its firm and buttery taste. The Roasted Cod ($34) is well executed. It is paired with a herbal coconut broth and comes with broccoli rabe. I did enjoy the dish but I was a little confused by the description of the dish. I could not taste any heat or coconut in the broth.

Peach Pavlova 2.8/5

Moving to the dessert menu, we started with the Peach Pavlova ($18). While we enjoyed the meringue, we did not like the peach at all. It somehow tasted like cough syrup.

Salted Caramel Ice Cream Sundae 4.8/5

A must order is the Salted Caramel Ice Cream Sundae ($14) which is good for sharing. It came with 3 generous scoop of salted caramel ice cream, hot chocolate fudge, peanuts and popcorns. Who would have thought of such heavenly combination? I guarantee you will be fighting to the last scoop, this is simply too good to be missed.

JG Warm Chocolate Cake 4.2/5

An incidentally order from the dessert menu is JG Warm Chocolate Cake ($14) as we wanted to celebrate one of our friend's birthday. It turned out this is the dessert that Chef Jean Georges Vongerichten has made famous in NYC and now almost in every restaurant's menu. While the original creator of this dessert is left to be disputed. Put that aside, I have to say the chocolate cake was really good, it was really rich with a nice exterior crisp.

Overall, the restaurant is really beautiful and food is good. However I find that dining there is a bit expensive. It is probably those restaurant that I will only visit once in a blue moon. I also do not like the 2 seating arrangement. While the staff is polite enough to hint that they have to turn the table for the 2nd seating, it did disrupt my experience at such a lovely restaurant.


The Dempsey Cookhouse & Bar
COMO Dempsey
17D Dempsey Road
Singapore 249676
Tel: 1800 304 5588
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Nearest MRT: Orchard Road (NS Line), Farrer Road (CC Line), Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 12midnight
Fri: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 1am
Sat: 12pm - 4pm, 6pm - 1am
Sun: 12pm - 4pm, 6pm - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop along Orchard Boulevard (Stop ID 09022). Take bus number 7, 77, 106, 123 or 174. Alight 7 stops later. Walk to Dempsey Road. Walk to the round about near block 17 and 18. Walk to destination. Journey time 30 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to bus stop at Block 12 (Stop ID 11401). Take bus 106. Alight 4 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to Dempsey Road. Walk to the round about near block 17 and 18. Walk to destination. Journey time 20 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Farrer Road MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite Farrer Road MRT station (Stop ID 11119). Take bus number 174 or 564. Alight 5 stops later. Walk to Dempsey Road. Walk to the round about near block 17 and 18. Walk to destination. Journey time 20 minutes. [Map]