SG Food on Foot Best Restaurants 2012

Goodbye 2012 and welcome 2013. A great thanks to all the readers, supporters, media friends and friends. 2012 has been a busy year for me and it was not easy maintaining the blog while at the same time striking a balance between my full time job and personal life.

Being a food blogger, many times friends and readers will ask me for recommendations or which is the best restaurant I have visited? Here is a wrap up of the restaurants in 2012 that I have visited and I find their food memorable. Since my blog is about food near the MRT stations, the 10 restaurants below (not in any order of merit) are selected as they are near to MRT stations too.

Without further a do, I present to you SG Food on Foot Top 10 Best Restaurants 2012.

STELLAR @ 1 ALTITUDE

Stellar @ 1 Altitude
One Raffles Place
1 Raffles Place
Level 62
Singapore 048616
Website: http://www.1-altitude.com/
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (NS Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 12am
Sat, Sun & PH: 6pm - 12am

Direction:
Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk towards One Raffles Place which is on the left. Journey time about 5 minutes.

CAFFE B

Caffe B
The Shoppes @ Marina Bay Sands
2 Bayfront Avenue
#B1-15 & 01-83
Singapore 018972
Tel: +65 68873311
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/caffeb.singapore
Website: http://www.caffeb.com.sg
Nearest MRT: Bayfront (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Restaurant:
Daily: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm
Bar:
Sun-Wed: 11am - 11pm
Thu-Sat & even of PH: 11am - till late

Direction:
1) Alight at Bayfront MRT station: Exit and walk towards The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands. Journey time about 5 minutes.

RUTH'S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE

Ruths Chris Steak House
Marina Mandarin Hotel
6 Raffles Boulevard
Singapore 039594
Tel: +65 63369093
Website: http://www.ruthschris.com/
Nearest MRT: Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit B or D. Walk to Marina Mandarin Hotel. Journey time about 5 minutes.

WOOLOOMOOLOO

Wooloomooloo Steakhouse
Swissotel the Stamford
2 Stamford Road
Level 3
Singapore 178882
Tel: +65 63380261
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WooloomoolooGroup
Website: http://www.wooloo-mooloo.com/
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line), Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Restaurant
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 630pm - 11pm
Set Lunch
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 230pm
Bar
Mon-Thu: 12pm - 1am
Fri-Sat: 12pm - 2am
Sun: 12pm - 12am
Bar Bites
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 12am
Sun: 12pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Swissotel the Stamford lift lobby. Take lift to level 3. Turn right to Wooloomooloo Steakhouse. Journey time about 5 minutes.

2) Alight at Esplanade. Take Exit G. Follow the underground walkway to Raffles City Shopping Centre. Proceed to level 3 and walk to Wooloomooloo Steakhouse. Journey time about 8 minutes.

GU MA JIA

Gu Ma Jia
Sennett Estate
45 Tai Thong Crescent
Singapore 347866
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sg.gumajia
Website: http://www.gumajia.com.sg
Nearest MRT: Potong Pasir (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Potong Pasir MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk along Upper Serangoon road towards the row of shophouses. Turn left into Tai Thong Crescent and walk to the end of the road. Journey time about 5 minutes.

MOUTH RESTAURANT

Mouth Restaurant (地茂馆)
China Square Central
South Bridge Court Shop House
22 Cross Street
#01-61
Singapore 048421
Tel: +65 64385798
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mouth-Restaurant-%E5%9C%B0%E8%8C%82%E9%A6%86/213508241996944
Website: http://www.mouth.com.sg
Nearest MRT: Chinatown (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Weekday: 1130am -3pm, 6pm - 10pm
Weekend & PH: 10am - 10pm

Direction:
Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit E. Cut throught Chinatown Point and Hong Lim Complex. Cross South Bridge Road. Walk towards the stretch of shop houses along South Bridge Road. Journey time about 8 minutes.

MAJESTIC BAY SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

Majestic Bay Seafood Restaurant
Gardens by the Bay
Flower Dome
18 Marina Gardens Drive
#01-10
Singapore 018953
Tel: +65 66046604
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MajesticBay
Website: http://www.majesticbay.sg
Nearest MRT: Bayfront (CC Line), Marina Bay (CC Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1145am - 230pm, 545pm - 930pm (last order)
Sat, Sun & PH: 1130am - 230pm, 545pm - 930pm (last order)

Direction:
1) Alight at Marina Bay MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Marina Bay MRT station (Stop ID 03311). Take bus no. 400. Alight 4 stops later. Walk to vistor centre. Follow the sheltered walkway to flower dome direction. At the ticketing counters, take the escalator on the right side. Head down the escalator and the restaurant is on the left. Journey time about 20 minutes.

2) Alight at Bayfront MRT station. Take Exit B. Follow the underground link way. Exit and cross the Dragonfly Bridge into Gardens by the bay. Turn left and keep walking straight cutting through the Malay Garden, Chinese Garden and Indian Garden towards the flower dome. At the ticketing counters, take the escalator on the right side. Head down the escalator and the restaurant is on the left. Journey time about 15 minutes.

RAMEN KEISUKE TORI KING

Ramen Kaisuke Tori King
Amara Hotel Shopping Mall
100AM
100 Tras Street
#03-15
Singapore 088539
Tel: +65 66046861
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KeisukeTokyoSG
Website: http://www.grandcuisine.jp/keisuke/
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk towards Gopeng Street and turn onto Tras Street. Walk to Amara Hotel Shopping Mall. Journey time 5 minutes.

2 FIFTEEN KITCHEN

2fifteen Kitchen
Rochester Mall
35 Rochester Drive
#02-15
Singapore 138639
Tel: +65 66598215
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2fifteenkitchen
Website: http://www.epicurean.com.sg
Nearest MRT: Buona Vista (CC Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 11am - 10pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
Alight at Buona Vista MRT station. Take exit A or C. Head south on North Buona Vista Road towards Rochester Park. At Rochester Mall, take the escalator to level 2 and walk to the end of the building facing Rochester Park. Journey time about 7 minutes.

JAPANESE DINING SUN

Japanese Dining SUN
Chijmes
30 Victoria Street
#02-01
Singapore 187996
Tel: +65 63363166
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Japanese-Dining-SUN-Chijmes/112908922053939
Website: http://www.sundining.com.sg/sun-dining-chijmes.html
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line), Bras Basah (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Lunch (Sun-Fri): 12pm - 3pm
Dinner (Mon-Sat): 630pm - 11pm
Sun & PH: 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Cut across Raffles City Shopping Centre to Bras Basah Road. At the junction of Bras Basah Road and North Bridge Road, cross the road to Chijmes. Journey time about 5 minutes.

2) Alight at Bras Basah MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk southwards towards Victoria Road. At the junction of Bras Basah Road and Victoria Road, cross the junction to Chijmes. Journey time about 5 minutes.

Bornga @ The Star Vista

The brain child of celebrity Chef Jong Won Paik, Bornga is established in 2002 in Korea. Famed for numerous patented under his belt, Woo Samgyup is one of his original creations offered at Bornga. Bornga has 46 outlets internationally, including 33 in Korea and 13 across China, United States, Indonesia and now Singapore. Opened at Star Vista in November 2012, Bornga adds to the growing Korean BBQ-dinning scene in Singapore.

Ssamcheban

A long tray of fresh raw vegetables is served at Bornga when you dine you. I actually adore the idea instead of repeat request for refilling. Interesting fact that even the long tray is patented.

Like all Korean restaurants, side dishes are served.

Samgyupsal

Samgyupsal 4.2/5

If you noticed, the meat at Bornga is in its natural colour without any pre-marination causing the colour of the meat to be dark brown or black. Concerned about the appearance of Korean BBQ meats, Chef Paik created a new Korean style of BBQ while keeping the natural colour and taste of meats. The Samgyupsal or Grilled Pork Belly ($18) is chosen for the right proportion of fat and meat. Surprisingly the grilled pork belly tasted as good or even much better in its natural flavour without marination.

Woo Samgyup

Woo Samgyup 4.5/5

The star attraction and probably the reason for repeated customers is the Woo Samgyup or Thinly Sliced Beef with Bornga's Special Sauce ($22). Woo Samgyup is served shortly after being doused in a unique dressing that retains the meat's natural colour while enhancing the traditional bulgogi taste. The beautiful marbled meat was tender and juicy. In exact fact, it tasted better than bulgogi/galbi. I will definitely return for it again.

3 different types of dipping sauces are served at Bornga. Woo Samgyup sauce, Bean Paste sauce and Sesame Oil with Salt. The darker coloured one is the Woo Samgyup sauce, another of Chef Paik's patented creation.

Chadol Duejang Jjigae

Chadol Duejang Jjigae

Chadol Duejang Jjigae

Chadol Duejang Jjigae 4.2/5

Another signature at Bornga is the Chadol Duejang Jjigae ($16). The Korean beef stew made with rich soybean paste is reduced over a few minutes at table side over a table top stove. The stew is then poured over the rice, mixed and served like a bibimbap. Each mouthful of the rice coated with the beef stew was filled with wonderful flavours partying on the palate.

Jap Chae 3/5

The Jap Chae ($23) which is glass noodles stir fried with pork and vegetables. The silky glass noodles were nicely flavoured by the soy sauce but I felt it was a bit on the oily side.

Naengmyeon 4.2/5

Another favourite of mine in Korean cuisine is Naengmyeon ($15), buckwheat noodles with cold broth. The best method of eating cold noodles is to add some mustard and vinegar to it. The combinations of sour, sweet and spicy was very appetising and refreshing summer dish for the Singapore weather.

Kimchi Jjigae 4.2/5

Kimchi Jjigae ($15) is a hearty and comfort spicy stew with kimchi, pork, tofu and vegetables. Give me a pot of kimchi jjigae and a bowl of rice I will be content.

Haemul Pajeon 3.5/5

The Haemul Pajeon ($22), Korean pancake made with scallions and a variety of seafood. The egg batter, wheat flour and rice flour mixture was not too thick with a slight crisp on the surface. The haemul pajeon itself was a bit bland and it is best enjoyed with the dipping sauce.

Omija

At the end of dinner, diners at Bornga will be served a complimentary drink, Omija also known as 5 flavour tea. The refreshing drink with its sour, sweet and bitter taste is really ideal to cleanse the palate after all the BBQ meat.

Bornga is an ideal place for family and friend gathering. Like any other Korean BBQ restaurant, do expect to smell like BBQ meat yourself after meal.


Bornga
The Star Vista
1 Vista Exchange Green
#02-24
Singapore 138617
Tel: +65 66944696
Website: http://bornga.co.kr/bonga/index.asp?str_na=en
Nearest MRT: Buona Vista (CC Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Buona Vista MRT station. Take exit A or C. Follow the shelved walkway and walk to Star Vista. Journey time about 5 minutes.

Looking Back 2012 and OpenRice 2013 Calendar Giveaway

Time flies and I have been blogging for another year. Thank you for all your supports and feedbacks. No one is perfect and I can't please everyone. I can only do my best and remain true to my passion. I have never regret starting this blog. I have learnt a lot during these 3 years and get to know a group of good friends during the journey. I am very heartened by their friendship and food really can bring people together.

Last but not least I wish all my friends, supporters and readers a HAPPY NEW YEAR and BLISSFUL YEAR.

"GIVEAWAY - 12 OpenRice 2013 Calendar"

(Thank you OpenRice for the giveaway)

12 lucky winners will be drawn to win OpenRice 2013 Calendar.

All you need to do is,
1. Find the OpenRice 2013 Calendar photo on my facebook page www.facebook.com/sgfoodonfoot
2. Like the photo.
3. Leave a comment.

Closing date: 1 Jan 2013, Tuesday at 2359hr.
Valid for readers in Singapore only.

NamNam Noodle Bar @ Wheelock Place

Following the opening of NamNam Noodle Bar at the basement of Raffles City Shopping Centre on 15 October 2012, the casual restaurant spin off from the Les Amis Group's Annam Vietnamese Cuisine opened its 2nd outlet at the basement of Wheelock Place in November 2012. The casual Vietnamese noodle bar features 11 bowls of Vietnamese noodles lifted from the streets of different regions in Vietnam. Apart from noodles, NamNam Noodle Bar serves the French inspired baguettes also known as Banh Mi.

Lime Soda 3.8/5

Upon settling down we ordered our beverages. We had the Lime Soda ($3) which was served in a nostalgic metal mug.

Pho Wagyu Beef Slices 4/5

Since this is a Vietnamese noodle bar, we have to try their Pho. Currently there are 5 different bowls of Pho available in their menu. I odered the Pho Wagyu Beer Slices ($16.90) which is the most expensive in the menu. Came with slices of beautiful Wagyu beef that was cooked by the delicious broth. The intense broth was boiled for at least 24 hours. The rice noodle was also firm and smooth. My girlfriend felt that the soup was a bit sour but I liked the soury from the lime and the fish sauce.

Mouse Tail Noodle Soup 4/5

I was not aware that Vietnamese has mouse tail noodle in their cuisine. The noodle is similar to our chinese Mee Tai Mak and I always thought only the Chinese eats that. The Mouse Tail Noodle Soup ($9.90) apparently Vietnamese breakfast or supper staple. The bowl of mouse tail noodle soup came with fish balls and slices of pig leg meat. The soup was not as intense compared to the Pho soup. It was lighter and has a hint of garlic taste.

Fried Prawn & Pork Roll 4/5

The Fried Prawn & Pork Roll ($4.90) was deep fried to a nice crisp with a nice balanced of flavours in the filling.

Caramelised 5 Spice Pork Belly, Pork Pate Banh Mi 3.8/5

My first Banh Mi was actually in Melbourne and I fell in love with it. I was looking forward to have it in Singapore but none has excited my palate. The Caramelised 5 Spice Pork Belly, Pork Mate Banh Mi ($5.90) at NamNam Noodle Bar came close but the baguette was not as crisp and the proportion of the fluffy part is too much.

Vanilla Pudding, Palm Sugar Caramel 3.5/5

I will call this the Vietnamese creme burlee, the Vanilla Pudding, Palm Sugar Caramel ($3.90). The dessert was extremely sweet and definitely one for the sweet tooth.

Chilled 3 Colour Dessert 4/5

The Chilled 3 Colour Dessert ($3.90) once again resembles another dessert, Red Ruby. A simple but yet flavourfully balanced dessert with chestnut, chendol, mung beans and corns.

The gentle on the the wallet Vietnamese bistro serves affordable Vietnamese street food with no service charge with all prices included GST. NamNam Noodle Bar also has great dining deals on weekdays. The Good Morning Vietnamnam Breakfast Set ($5.90) includes a Banh Mi and a drink while the 3 course Lunch Set ($9.90) includes a choice of chicken/beef Pho, 2 southern rolls and a drink.


NamNam Noodle Bar
Wheelock Place
501 Orchard Road
#B2-02
Singapore 238880
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/namnamnoodlebar/
Website: http://namnamnoodlebar.com.sg/
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk towards Wheelock Place via ION. NamNam Noodle Bar is located at the end of the walkway beside the escalator at the basement of Wheelock Place. Journey time about 5 minutes.

Sogurt @ The Star Vista

The homegrown self served yogurt brand Sogurt has opened their 5th outlets at the newly opened The Star Vista. Located strategically near the taxi stand, Sogurt brings you up to 6/8 different flavours of delicious low fat, high calcium yogurt.

At Sogurt, you can let your creativity runs wild with some simple steps to follow,

1. Take a size of the cup.
2. Dispense the yogurt.
3. Add your toppings.
4. Weight your cup.
5. Pay by weight.

Besides the original flavour, Sogurt offers a number of fruity flavours such as lychee, green apple, strawberry, blueberry and chocolate.

Comes with a huge selection of toppings, you can pile up your cup to your likings. After that, you just need to weight it and pay, $3.30 per 100 gram.

Actually this is my first time having Sogurt's yogurt and I find it different from those usually I got from supermarkets or had at hotel's buffet breakfast. Sogurt's yogurt texture is more like sorbet type. The icy smooth and not too sweet fruit based sweet-tangy flavours were my favourite, it feels like I am having the real fruit.


Sogurt
The Star Vista
1 Vista Exchange Green
#01-07
Singapore 138617
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sogurt
Website: http://www.sogurt.com.sg/

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Buona Vista MRT station. Take exit A or C. Follow the shelved walkway and walk to Star Vista. Journey time about 5 minutes.

Sushi Tei @ Takashimaya

Whenever I am craving for Japanese cuisine but tight in my wallet, I will always thought of Sushi Tei for a good deal of sushi. With 15 outlets island wide, I can easily satisfy my craving easily. For a limited period until 9 January 2013, Sushi Tei has rolled out a new promotional menu, The Perfect Interfusion. Centred around the autumn and winter seasons, it is a menu of warm and hearty rustic fare with a contemporary twist.

Mentai Potato Salad 4/5

Potato Salad is quite common but just a little twist with mixing it with chunky carrots, cucumbers and topped with mentai gave the Mentai Potato Salad ($6.80) a whole new dimension in enjoying the dish.

Spicy Ban Ban ji Ramen 4.2/5

At Sushi Tei, you can also find dishes created by their talented chefs from various outlets. The top six new creations in the Supreme Chef Challenge Creations will be available in the menu. If it received good responses, they will be featured permanently in the menu.

One of such creations is the cold noodle dish, the Spicy Ban Ban ji Ramen ($10) created by I12 Katong outlet. The Ban Ban ji Ramen was packed with beautiful flavours. The noodle was firm and springy. The aromatic sesame sauce with a hint of spiciness was the star that brings the whole dish together.

Yakiniku Cheese Roll 4/5

Another creation by the talented chef at Holland Village outlet is the Yakiniku Cheese Roll ($12). With the beef slice and cheddar wrapped around the sushi rice, seaweed and cucumber, it tasted like a re-interpretation of the cheeseburger.

Tori Nanban 4/5

Paired with the homemade Taru Taru sauce of mayonnaise, shallots and parsley, the Tori Nanban ($10) was crisp on the exterior and juicy inside.

Ikameishi 3.8/5

The Ikameishi ($12) which is char grilled squid stuffed with flavoured squid rice came with firm and nice crunchy texture. The lightly flavoured squid rice filling was a welcome addition complementing the fresh Hokkaido squid.

Mango Avocado Roll 4/5

The fruity and refreshing Mango Avocado Roll ($12) for me resembles the Thai dessert mango glutinous rice. A sushi roll of mango, crab stick, avocado and wafu dressing is an interesting  change to the tradition.

Ikasumi Pasta 3/5

The Ikasumi Pasta ($13.50) tossed in a luscious squid ink sauce and topped with fried garlic and squid was not memorable for me. If not for the fried garlic aroma that came with each mouthful of the al dente spaghetti, the whole dish was lacking in flavour and tasted rather bland.

Matsutake Sukiyaki (beef) 4/5

Simmer the thinly sliced meats and Matsutake mushrooms in the comforting melange of shiratake glass noodles, tofu, leeks, carrots and enoki mushrooms in sukiyaki soup. The Matsutake Sukiyaki ($26 beef, $22 chicken) features the seasonal Matsutake pine mushrooms combines with a choice of chicken or USDA beef tenderloin is a must try.

Nama Chocolate and Matcha Nama Chocolate Ice Cream 4.5/5

I have never given a thought to the dessert at Sushi Tei but after trying the Nama Chocolate Ice Cream ($4.80) and Matcha Nama Chocolate Ice Cream ($4.80) this will be my must order dessert in my future visits to Sushi Tei. The bite size ice cream filled the mouth with rich chocolate flavours as it slowly dissolved inside, tantalising the taste buds.

Shiratama Azuki 3.5/5

I found it very interesting for the Shiratama Azuki ($6) to be served in a waffle shell with a scoop of ice cream, azuki red beans and mochi. I had the Matcha ice cream but if you prefer other flavours you can also try their Yuzu or Salt ice cream which seemed to be favourite among the diners.


Sushi Tei
Takashimaya
Ngee Ann City Podium Block
391 Orchard Road
#05-30/31
Singapore 238872
Tel: +65 67378878
Website: http://www.sushitei.com/
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line), Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit D. Cut through Wista Atria building and walk to Ngee Ann City. Journey time about 8 minutes.

2) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B. Exit 313 Somerset. Walk down Orchard road towards Mandarin Gallery direction. Cross the traffic light at Orchard link and proceed to Ngee Ann City. Journey time about 8 minutes.