Red Lips @ Jewel Changi Airport - Largest New-age Mala Tang Chain from Shanghai Arrived In Singapore

Red Lips, the largest new-age mala tang chain from Shanghai, has opened its first-ever overseas outlet at Jewel Changi Airport. With over 40 outlets in China within five years of its establishment, diners can customise their hotpot-in-a-bowl with 45 food items, authentic hotpot base and secret spices.

The 45 items include seafood, meat and vegetables, noodles and other speciality offerings. These ingredients are handpicked and selected for their freshness, quality and taste. It is unlike most mala fragrant pot stalls that serve frozen ingredients.

Customers will be handed an ordering sheet to tick the ingredients they want, give it to the cashier, pay, and the staff will pick the ordered ingredients. Instead of cooking the raw ingredients in hot boiling water which is bland, they are boiled in a flavoursome stock that has been boiled for hours.

What holds everything together is the secret spicy sauce that comprises of peppercorns, and a blend of over 20 ingredients and spices. It has a bold, full-bodied flavour with depth, leaving a pleasing and lingering aftertaste. I would recommend mixing it up with the creamy sesame sauce which kicks up the flavours by several notches. The sauces really go well with the ingredients and its very convenient for takeaway.

The winner for Red Lips is their fresh ingredients and delicious sauces that lifted the whole enjoyment. Prices starting from $0.90 is quite reasonable; however, the portion needs to be more generous. I have my colleague complaining that $0.90 only gets her 2 strands of spinach. The food is excellent, and I really hope the portion can be more generous to win more loyal fans.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Red Lips
Jewel Changi Airport
78 Airport Boulevard
#B2-263
Singapore 819666
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Nearest MRT: Changi Airport (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 7am - 12midnight
Fri-Sat, Eve of PH: 7am - 1am

Direction:
1) Alight at Changi Airport MRT station. Take Exit A and B. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

HANS IM GLUCK @ Vivocity - Get Thrice As Lucky With Their Brand New Menu Of Grill-ty Pleasures

German Burgergill originating from Munich, HANS IM GLUCK is known for its gourmet burger concept and creating burgers that are unique, healthy and delicious. Together with German draft beers and cocktail mixology, diners get to enjoy a mystical "dining in the woods" experience sitting amongst birch trees and oak furniture.

Entering into its third year in Singapore, the restaurant launches a completely refreshed menu in October, featuring 10 new burgers across the different patty categories, including two new vegan burgers with a plant-based patty, and vegan cheese, a first in Singapore. Following the introduction of its new burgers, HANS IM GLUCK now has the most extensive vegan and vegetarian burger selection in town boasting over 16 different options to choose from.

KRAFTPAKET 4/5

Bite into the juicy beef patty of the KRAFTPAKET ($17++), which comes enveloped in a beautiful black pepper crust to complement the beef flavours, and wonderfully blends the two complementary tastes. Round it off with strips of crispy bacon and a sunny side-up egg.

LANDGOCKEL 3.8/5

Another new addition is their LANDGOCKEL ($17++) which marries a perfectly grilled tender and juicy chicken breast with mushrooms, giving the burger a woody, earthy flavour. Topped it off with a sunny side up egg with a runny yolk to meld all the elements together.

From the thirst quencher selection, we had their Original Raspberry Basil which mixes the sweet-sour flavour of the raspberry with the peppery notes of basil for a refreshing drink. The Eistee Forest Berry & Cucumber is a different take on the classic ice lemon tea, featuring sweet forest berries infused with refreshing cucumber.

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.


HANS IM GLUCK
Vivocity
1 Harbourfront Walk
#01-57
Singapore 098585
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Website
Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu, PH: 11am - 12midnight
Fri-Sat, Eve of PH: 11am - 1am

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT Station. Take Exit C & E. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Wok In Burger @ JCube - Kungfu Zi Char Burgers

Wok In Burger is a new concept by the third generation of Keng Eng Kee (KEK) Seafood restaurant. Doing what they know best, they are bringing the local zi char dishes in the form of burgers to the table. They started experiencing at their Pandan Garden outlet which has now closed but brought the burger concept back to Keng Eng Kee (KEK) Seafood restaurant at Bukit Merah. Recently, they also opened a new outlet at Jcube.

Green Apple Curry Burger 4/5

What makes Wok In Burger different is their unique Asian style patty with Asian sauces. For example, the Green Apple Curry Burger ($15.80), with a choice of pork or chicken. My eyes brightened up at my first bite, as I tasted something familiar. The curry sauce reminds me of the popular sauce from a particular fast-food restaurant. I jokingly asked if they made the sauce or took it from the fast-food restaurant. I love the addition of green apple, giving the burger a refreshing crunch.

Fish Skin Salted Egg Burger 4/5

Standing towering tall is the Fish Skin Salted Egg Burger ($15.80). Like the other burgers, it comes with a choice of pork or chicken. We have the pork cutlet drenched in the delicious salted egg sauce. The fish skins give the burger the extra crunch on top of the soft fluffy bun.

Sambal Fish Burger 3.5/5

If you are a pescatarian, there is the Sambal Fish Burger. Sandwiched in between the soft and fluffy sesame buns is a slab of moist fish fillet with crispy batter paired with fragrant sambal sauce.

Strawberry Cereal Fried Rice 3.5/5

Besides burgers, Wok In Burger offers fried rice and pasta on the menu too. For example, the Strawberry Cereal Fried Rice ($12.80) is another unique take of the usual zi char items. It even comes with a fried egg to complete the meal.

Marmite Chicken Aglio Olio 3.8/5

Black Pepper Beef Spaghetti 4/5

For the pasta dishes, we tried the Marmite Chicken Aglio Olio ($10.80) and Black Pepper Beef Spaghetti ($12.80). It is a skill to wok-fried pasta in a wok, while still having an al dente bite to it. The marmite chicken comes with chunky, juicy chicken pieces glazed with the sweet and savoury sticky sauce. If you like it spicy, I would recommend the tender black pepper beef spaghetti.

Not to be missed is their latest $6.90 Set Meal promotion for students, senior citizen (60 years and above), Singapore Armed Forces (Army, Navy & Air Force), Police Force and Civil Defence and Nurses. The set meal comes with a choice of one main, an iced lemon tea and a scoop of ice cream.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Wok In Burger
JCube
2 Jurong East Central 1
#02-08
Singapore 609731
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Jurong East (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Jurong East MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk to the traffic light at Jurong Gateway Road. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Kei Kaisendon @ Marina Square - Quality And Affordable Japanese Rice Bowls For The Sashimi Lovers

The kaisendon is a traditional Japanese donburi dish consisting of a rice bowl loaded up with a variety of fresh sashimi. If you love Kaisendon, Kei Kaisendon is a place not to be missed for quality seafood dons without the hefty price tags.

You'd usually find the standard Kaisen don in most Japanese restaurants elsewhere, but this Kaisendon speciality restaurant gives diners plenty of options with its variety of kaisendons - from the mentaiyaki, to hotate and unagi kaisendon. You can also choose from their add-on selection, and make it a set with a soup and salad (+$3) for a more fulfilling meal.

Mentaiyaki Tamago Kaisendon 4.2/5

The Mentaiyaki Tamago Kaisendon ($18.90) arrived in an impressive array of cubed sashimi and mentaiko tamago pieces. I liked how the piquant flavour and slight saltiness of the mentaiyaki balance out the light sweetness of the tamago. While the sashimi cubes are fresh and silky, the mentaiko-laden tomago blow-torched to perfection adds a lovely umami flavour to the don.

Hotate Kaisendon 4/5

The Hotate Kaisendon ($19.90) features a subtly sweet, almost creamy-like hotate on a bed of fresh sashimi cubes. The hotate was no less fresh, with a melt-in-the-mouth texture. The kaisendons are also filled with cucumber cubes which adds a crunch to the dish. Together with mouthfuls of Japanese rice and fresh seafood, it is just pure indulgence.

Gyoza 4/5

We chose the Unagi ($3.90) and Gyoza ($6.90) for our add-ons. Glazed with a soy-based sauce before being torched, the unagi slices are richly flavoured and has an incredibly soft and tender texture. The Gyoza ($6.90) features savoury ground pork fillings wrapped in silky smooth dumpling skin. These little parcels of goodness go perfectly well with the light soya sauce provided to add a nice touch of flavour to the dish.

Kei Kaisendon at Marina Square has recently participated in the Food Masters Singapore 2019 competition hosted by Singapore Press Holdings. Vote for them by SMS-ing C11 to 91188980. Just flash the message of your voting to the staff for a 10% off total bill during your next visit. *Only at Marina Square outlet.

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.


Kei Kaisendon
Marina Square
6 Raffles Boulevard
#02-266A/B
Singapore 039594
Tel: +65 62528311
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take exit B. Walk to Marina Square via Marina Square Link. Walk to the destination. Journey time about 8 mins. [Map]

Bacha Coffee @ ION Orchard - Features Over 200 Types Of Coffee Around The World

First established in Marrakech in 1910, Bacha Coffee has set up its first coffee room and boutique outside of Marrakech at ION Orchard. Features over 200 single-origin coffees, fine flavoured coffees and fine blended coffees, the Arabica coffee beans are sourced from Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, Central and South America, the Caribbean, Asia and beyond, gathered and hand-roasted in Singapore. The interior is quite opulent, and I learnt Bacha at ION inherits the grandeur of Bacha Coffee's first coffee room in the Dar el Bacha Palace, where it still remains till date.

While you can select your choice of coffee according to their flavour profiles stated in the list, feel free to turn to any of the coffee masters for suggestions! All 200 of the Bacha coffees are served either hot or iced poured from gooseneck Bacha coffee pots, and you get to vary each cup of your coffee with its signature Bacha Coffee whipped cream, steamed milk, raw sugar and cracked vanilla bean.

From Single Origin Coffees, Fine Blended Coffees and Fine Flavoured Coffee, we tried Ethiopia - Sidamo Mountain Coffee ($9/pot), Saigon Morning Coffee ($9/pot) and 1910 Coffee ($9/pot) respectively. Each pot of coffee speaks true to its descriptions, especially for 1910 Coffee, which carries notes of strawberries and cream that lingers on the tongue even long after the cup returns to the table. It was quite a revelation to be able to 'read' coffee in such a manner, as I managed to do it once in Perth at a small cafe.

Coffee with cracked vanilla bean

Surprise, surprise. The coffee that I will return for is Kahwa! Kahwa! Decaffeinated Coffee ($9/pot) from the list of Fine Decaffeinated Coffees. Naturally C0₂ decaffeinated, decaffeinated coffee has never tasted so good. Instead of dulling the tastebuds, which I feel most coffees do, this seemed to have the ability to open up my senses even more.

Croissants 3.8/5

The menu is designed to enhance the coffee drinking experience, offerings include signature croissants with an array of sweet or savoury fillings, pastries, salads and mains. After trying a few of their pastries and dishes offered on their menu, I find the croissants ($8 for 2) are still the best accompaniments to my coffee. The simple formula of butter and coffee just seems so right.

Orange Almond Croissant

Nothing beats Butter Croissant, which you can fully appreciate the lovely aroma of the butter and the airiness of the croissant. The middle portion is where the dough has fully bloomed, with a crisp layer wrapping around it. I couldn't help but to tear it with my fingers and savour it. I like the size of it because compared to a larger one, you get four edges to munch on! As for the flavoured ones, you can't go wrong with the citrusy Orange Almond and Lemon. The tart Raspberry and Cinnamon will have been better if it isn't so sweet. 1910 Coffee and Chocolate sounds promising, but the chocolate filling wasn't to my liking. Pistachio disappoints with its flavourless filling.

Comte Cheese Croissant

Comte Cheese Croissant ($18) was voted one of the favourites too. It was loaded with warm, melted sharp cheese. Its dainty size comes in handy, as it may be too rich if it's any inch bigger.

Cucumber Tzatziki 2.8/5

On the menu, there are also Salads and Mains. Cucumber Tzatziki ($20) comes with caramelised watermelon and shredded cucumbers. Refreshing but it lacks some warm elements such as nuts or nutty dressings to balance the fresh ingredients.

Barramundi Tajine 4/5

For mains, Barramundi Tajine ($26) was wholesome and hearty with chunks of vegetables, with the Barramundi moist and tender. The broth was robust with seafood flavours, zesty and uplifting with spices.

Moroccan Pastilla 3.5/5

Traditionally made with pigeon, the Moroccan Pastilla ($24) here is made with chicken. Although I have never tried the original version before, this to me was delicious, especially when the filo crust was pleasingly thin and crisp. Again, I love the spices used in the filling, which add tons of flavours to the filling without being overpowering.

Strawberry Soup with Vanilla Ice Cream 3/5

We had a plated dessert as well - Strawberry Soup with Vanilla Ice Cream ($12), alongside with other pastries - Chocolate, Cocoa Bean Cake ($8), Tiramisu ($12) and Pandan Cheesecake ($9). The Strawberry soup was light and not cloyingly sweet. I like the density of the Chocolate and Cocoa Bean Cake, but it lacks richness. The Tiramisu is a child-friendly version, while the latter isn't worth the calories I would say.

Overall, I'm pretty impressed by the standard of coffee at Bacha, where each cup of coffee, served black, is distinctively different from one another. Bacha Coffee’s retail selection includes loose beans as well as coffees and single-serve coffee bags. Loose beans can be purchased by weight and ground to your specifications.

Written and photography 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.


Bacha Coffee
ION Orchard
2 Orchard Turn
#01-15/16
Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 63631910
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Makino @ Paya Lebar Quarter - New Japanese Dining And Shabu Shabu Hotpot Concept

Nestled within the new Paya Lebar Quarter (PLQ) mall, just next to Paya Lebar MRT station, Makino is the first shabu shabu concept launched by Asahi Group, where you can savour fresh seafood, meat and vegetables all cooked to your preference in a fragrant stock permeated broth.

Choose from their variety of special Japanese soup bases such as the spicy Tsurai Miso Soup, Mentaiko Soup, Kinoko Soup and Tonkotsu Soup laden with rich flavours.

Kickstart the meal with their popular Royal Milk Tea with Azuki Beans ($5.80). Instead of the usual boba pearls, azuki beans are used as toppings which adds a subtle sweetness to the drink. We found the Citrus Fruit with Homemade Barley drink ($5.80) to be quite an interesting combination as well, with an additional zesty touch to the usual barley flavour.

With quality ingredients and an extensive menu that features all types of seafood, meat and vegetables, we had a good mix of everything from the Ebi Shinjo (Makino special minced prawn), Tori Menchi (minced fresh chicken thigh with chicken soft bone), Reito Tofu and Kyabetsu cabbage to the Zuwai Kani (Japanese snow crab legs).

I actually like to have the Uzura Tamago (quail eggs) served cold, but a dip into the flavoursome boiling pot rendered the yolk all melty and gooey, with a delicate pork bone flavour added to it.

For the meat lovers, go for the Karubi US short ribs ($16.80) and the Butakara Kurobuta Pork Collar ($12). We loved the Karubi for its well-balanced flavours and marbling. The thinly sliced meat has a fast cooking time in the steaming hot broth and just melts in your mouth instantaneously. The Butakara is also rich in flavours while possessing a remarkable melt-in-your-mouth texture.

If that's not enough to satiate your hunger, load up on the carbs with their noodles selection such as the Ramen ($6.80), Gyo Somen ($9.50), Inaniwa Udon ($6.80), and Cha Soba ($6.80).

Besides the shabu shabu option, the menu also offers a plethora of appetising popular Japanese dishes. If shabu shabu is not your thing, go for their range of ala carte donburis, tempura, sushi and sashimi instead.

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.


Makino
Paya Lebar Quarter
10 Paya Lebar Road
#03-28/29
Singapore 409057
Website
Tel: +65 60722770
Nearest MRT: Paya Lebar (CC Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Paya Lebar MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

VUE @ OUE Bayfront - Singapore's Newest Rooftop Dining Destination

VUE the newest rooftop dining destination is located on the penthouse of OUE Bayfront on Collyer Quay. It actually takes over the now-defunct ME@OUE. The stunning restaurant overlooks the Marina Bay and the Singapore skyline. The restaurant's menu focuses on the binchotan grill, complemented by a versatile selection of wines. It is also home to Singapore's first rooftop spritz bar.

Oysters with Champagne Mignonette 4.5/5

Our dinner started with the Oysters with Champagne Mignonette. The Speciales Geay Size 2 Oysters are creamy and buttery, with a delicate balance of sweet and briny flavours.

Charcuterie 4.2/5

Always good for sharing is the Charcuterie which comes with daily chef specials. The is accompanied by La Coca Bread, Guindilla Peppers, Home-pickled Cherries and Preserved Apple.

Ceviche 4.5/5

I love Ceviche because each mouth is a firework of flavours. For the version at VUE, you will find halibut, scallop and prawns that are cured in homemade citrus-based spicy tiger's milk emulsion. It is then topped with shallots, pine nuts and sweet corns.

Kumamoto A5 Emperor "Kokuou" Wagyu Sirloin 4/5

The highlight at VUE has to be the Kumamoto A5 Emperor "Kokuou" Wagyu Sirloin. The Kokuou wagyu is known as the pinnacle of Japanese beef. The prized piece of meat is slow-roasted for over 20 hours and served with rice salt flake. What I enjoyed most is the crust on the exterior, sealing the fatty marbling within. Once you put it in your mouth, it literally melted without much effort to chew on it.

Bone Marrow 3.5/5

You can also order some side dishes to go along with the prized meat. Some of the items available on the menu are  Grilled Mushrooms, Grilled Shishito Peppers, Bone Marrow, Marbled Potatoes, Creamed Spinach, Purple Cabbage with Bayonne Ham and Onion Tempura.

Chestnut 3.8/5

For dessert, we had the Chestnut. It is a delicate cocoa nib tuile served on a bed of chocolate mousse. This is accompanied by a scoop of chestnut ice cream and chocolate truffle. The addition of fresh raspberries provides the acidity to balance the richness of the chocolate. Not to forget, the fresh truffle shaving on top for full indulgence. Yes! You get truffle for dessert too!

The restaurant is really very beautiful with a panoramic view of the Marina Bay and Singapore skyline. Food is on the pricey side, but this comes with the view and quality of ingredients used. This will be an ideal destination dining if you want to impress your date or business partners.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


VUE
OUE Bayfront
Level 19
50 Collyer Quay
Singapore 049321
Tel: +65 8879 0923
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon – Thu: 1130am - 2pm, 530pm - 1am
Fri: 1130am - 2pm, 530pm - 2am
Sat: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 2am
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Clifford Centre. Cut across the building. Take the overhead bridge link across the road. Turn right at the base of the overhead bridge. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]