Sunday, June 28, 2026

Udon Shin @ Takashimaya - Debuts Its First Seasonal Special in Singapore: A Bright, Summer-Ready Arrabbiata Udon

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Since opening its doors in November 2025, Udon Shin Singapore has quickly garnered attention for its meticulous approach to handcrafted udon. As the brand’s first international outpost from Tokyo, expectations have been high, and with the unveiling of its very first seasonal special, the restaurant marks a meaningful milestone. Available from 16 June to 13 September 2026, the Singapore-exclusive Arrabbiata Udon celebrates both Japanese culinary sensibilities and the vibrancy of summer produce.

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Arrabbiata Udon 4.5/5

The Arrabbiata Udon ($30) is a thoughtful interplay of Japanese and Italian influences, anchored by kamaage-style udon served with a rich, house-made spicy tomato sauce. Inspired by the coastal Japanese tradition of enjoying peak-season tomatoes in the warmer months, the dish showcases the natural sweetness and acidity of ripe tomatoes, which are transformed into a robust yet balanced base.

Each component adds depth and nuance. Velvety confit tomatoes intensify the fruit’s sweetness, while grated parmesan cheese lends a savoury umami richness. A drizzle of bonito-infused oil introduces a subtle smokiness, tying the flavours back to Japanese culinary roots, while micro shiso contributes a delicate herbal lift. The gentle heat from the arrabbiata-style sauce is restrained, allowing the natural flavours to shine rather than overwhelm.

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Arrabbiata Udon 4.5/5

Complementing the noodles is an impressive assortment of tempura. The highlight is undoubtedly the Snow Crab Leg Tempura, two generous pieces, lightly battered to preserve the crab’s inherent sweetness and delicate texture. Alongside are four varieties of seasonal vegetable tempura, each crisp and airy, adding both contrast and variety to the dish. Altogether, the bowl delivers a vibrant harmony of tangy, savoury and subtly sweet notes, resulting in a dish that feels both refreshing and comforting, an apt reflection of the summer season it draws inspiration from.

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Butter Shoyu Tamago Udon 4.2/5

I also tried the Butter Shoyu Tamago Udon ($12). In contrast, the Butter Shoyu Tamago Udon offers a more understated, homely appeal. Despite being described as a hot udon, the dish leans more toward a warm or room-temperature preparation than a piping-hot, soup-based bowl. Simplicity is key here, but it is executed with finesse. A generous knob of butter melts gently into the warm noodles, mingling with a soft-boiled egg to create a luscious, creamy coating. The freshly cracked black pepper cuts through the richness with a gentle heat. Bright green spring onions add a refreshing bite, balancing the overall profile. When mixed thoroughly, the dish transforms into a silky, indulgent bowl that is deeply satisfying despite its minimal ingredients.

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With the launch of its first seasonal special, Udon Shin Singapore demonstrates its ability to innovate while staying grounded in its core philosophy of quality and seasonality. The Arrabbiata Udon stands out not just as a creative fusion dish, but as a carefully composed bowl that respects both Japanese traditions and the vibrancy of summer produce. Meanwhile, the Butter Shoyu Tamago Udon proves that simplicity, when done right, can be just as compelling. As the brand continues to establish itself in Singapore’s dining scene, this seasonal offering signals an exciting direction, one that embraces creativity without losing sight of craftsmanship.

Note: This is an invite tasting.


Udon Shin
Takashimaya Shopping Centre
#B2-32
391 Orchard Road
Singapore 238873
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line), Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 10pm
(queue stops at 2pm and 8pm)

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Follow the walkway through Wisma Atria to Takashimaya. Continue walking straight towards Ngee Ann City until you reach the destination. Journey about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B to Orchard Road. Head west or turn left onto Orchard Road against the flow of traffic. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 10 minutes. [Map]


Saturday, June 27, 2026

Brozeit German Beer Bar & Restaurant @ Westgate - Launched Limited-time 20th Anniversary Menu - Where German Classics Meet Asian Soul

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Celebrating two decades in Singapore, Brozeit German Beer Bar & Restaurant marks a significant milestone with a limited-time 20th Anniversary Menu, available from 23 June to 26 August 2026 across all its outlets. Long regarded as a stalwart of authentic German dining in Singapore, the brand takes a bold yet thoughtful step forward with a menu that bridges its Bavarian roots and the vibrant flavours of Asia. Helmed by Group Executive Chef Lorenz Raich, the dishes reinterpret traditional German favourites through an Asian lens, while staying grounded in classic techniques and craftsmanship. A collaboration with local craft beer brand Bo Chup further injects a distinct Singaporean identity into the celebratory lineup.

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Asiatische Schweinshaxn (Mala-marinated Pork Knuckle) 4.2/5

A centrepiece of the menu is the Asiatische Schweinshaxn ($42), a mala-marinated pork knuckle that reimagines Brotzeit’s iconic crispy knuckle with a fiery twist. Marinated for 24 hours and slow-braised to tenderness, the meat is succulent and falls effortlessly off the bone. The mala profile is aromatic and numbing without overwhelming the palate, offering a balanced heat. Served with rice, a crunchy Chinese cucumber salad, and mapo tofu in a nostalgic tingkat, the dish cleverly marries comfort and creativity.

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Knusprige Schweinshaxn (Crispy Pork Knuckle) 4.5/5

For purists, the Knusprige Schweinshaxn ($45) remains a benchmark. The oven-roasted pork knuckle boasts a shatteringly crisp crackling, revealing juicy, flavourful meat beneath. Accompanied by potato salad, bacon sauerkraut and a rich beer gravy, it delivers the hearty, robust flavours that Brotzeit is known for.

Those torn between the Asiatische Schweinshaxn (Mala-marinated Pork Knuckle) and Knusprige Schweinshaxn (Crispy Pork Knuckle) can opt for the West Meets East Platter Combo ($78), which offers both versions side by side — a satisfying showcase of tradition and innovation.

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Spinat Teigtaschen mit Seidentofu Sichuan 3/5

The Spinat Teigtaschen mit Seidentofu Sichuan ($22) presents a vegetarian option, pairing German spinach and potato dumplings with silken tofu in a Sichuan-style mapo sauce. Shiitake mushrooms stand in for minced meat, lending earthy depth. However, the dish leans toward the salty side and lacks the expected punch and complexity of a classic mapo tofu, making it less memorable than the other offerings.

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Rindergulasch “Rendang” 3.8/5

A more successful reinterpretation is the Rindergulasch “Rendang” ($35). Paired with housemade Spätzle (traditional egg pasta), reminiscent of mini gnocchi with its soft, doughy texture and a delightful bite, the dish offers a comforting base for the richly braised beef shank. Slow-cooked for five hours, the meat is tender and infused with aromatic rendang spices and a gentle sweetness from gula melaka. Together, the elements come across almost like a ragu pasta, but with an Asian twist, bringing a familiar yet distinctive depth of flavour to the plate.

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Hummer Laksa Spätzle 4/5

The Hummer Laksa Spätzle ($42) continues the East-meets-West theme with flair. The traditional egg pasta is tossed in a fragrant lobster broth infused with laksa leaves, then topped with a grilled lobster tail. Fresh coriander and red chilli add brightness, resulting in a dish that is both indulgent and vibrantly layered.

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Mala Bratwurst 4.5/5

Among the highlights is the Mala Bratwurst ($25). Crafted from Brotzeit’s in-house recipe, the sausage is lower in sodium and nitrate-free, yet packed with flavour. The mala seasoning brings a peppery, numbing kick that elevates the juicy bratwurst, making it a standout for those who enjoy spice-forward profiles.

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Hühnerschnitzel “Salted Egg” 4.5/5

Equally impressive is the Hühnerschnitzel “Salted Egg” ($28), a creative nod to Singapore’s beloved cereal prawn. The tender chicken schnitzel is coated in a crispy golden cereal crust and enriched with luscious salted egg, delivering both crunch and umami. Paired with a curry-spiced potato salad, the dish strikes a delightful balance between zi char familiarity and German tradition, easily one of the most memorable plates on the menu.

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Apfel Pandan Kaya Strudel 4/5

Desserts continue the playful fusion. The Apfel Pandan Kaya Strudel ($15) layers pandan sponge, kaya and apple strudel within a flaky pastry, finished with salted gula melaka. Surprisingly harmonious, the components come together in a nostalgic yet refined manner.

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Matcha Kaiserschmarrn 4.5/5

The Matcha Kaiserschmarrn ($22) is a fitting finale — soft, fluffy torn pancakes infused with earthy matcha, complemented by fresh strawberries and a tangy strawberry compote. Light yet indulgent, it is irresistibly moreish even for those who are not typically dessert-inclined.

Brotzeit’s 20th Anniversary Menu is a bold and thoughtful celebration of its journey in Singapore. By weaving Asian flavours into its German culinary foundation, the restaurant delivers a menu that feels both innovative and respectful of tradition. While not every dish hits the mark, the stronger creations, particularly the pork knuckle variations, Mala Bratwurst and Salted Egg Schnitzel, showcase the potential of this cross-cultural approach. It is a fitting tribute to two decades of dining, and a reminder of how far Brotzeit has come while continuing to evolve with its audience.

Note: This is an invited tasting.



Brotzeit German Beer Bar and Restaurant
Westgate
3 Gateway Drive
#01-04
Singapore 608532
Tel: +65 64659874
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Nearest MRT: Jurong East (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Jurong East MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 3 minutes. [Map]