TUX Bar & Lounge @ Carlton Hotel Singapore - Newly Crafted Afternoon High Tea Set at $39 Per Pax

TUX Bar & Lounge, located within Carlton Hotel Singapore, is a short walk from Bras Basah and City Hall MRT stations. This stylish lounge offers a cosy setting for intimate gatherings and features various promotions, including Happy Hour (4 to 7 pm daily) and Ladies' Night (4 to 11 pm on Wednesdays).

Most recently, TUX introduced its new Afternoon High Tea Set, which is also available at Tuxedo Cafe & Patisserie on weekends from 1 to 4 pm. Guests can enjoy it in the lounge or the newly opened alfresco dining area.

Afternoon High Tea Set 4/5

The set is priced at $39 per person (minimum two diners) and includes a curated mix of handcrafted sweet and savoury delights paired with coffee or tea. For a touch of indulgence, diners can opt for two glasses of Elderflower Gin Fizz or Pol Remy Excellence at $108 for two. These alcoholic options are also available à la carte at $22 per glass.

With six coffee and tea options available, we opted for the Elegant Earl Grey and Acai Berry Pomegranate & Vanilla.

We tucked into the tea, starting with the savoury tower. It included a decent range of Mushroom Quiche, Tuna Sandwich, Egg Mayo Croissant, and Fruity Avocado & Honey Walnut Coulis.

Traditional English and Raisin Scones were also included, accompanied by classic clotted cream, strawberry, and blueberry yuzu jam.

The highlight of the sweets tower was the Tuxedo Signature Cake, which changes regularly. During our visit, we had the Kumquat Hazelnut - a crisp-based dessert filled with rich, nutty chocolate that carried a tangy touch.

Other sweets included Handcrafted Bonbon, Mini Honey Apricot Pistachio, Pina Colada Verrine, Mini Matcha Financier with Yoghurt Cream, Blueberry Cheese Tartlet, and Chocolate Raspberry Verrine.

While the rest of the selection was pleasant, we found the Mini Matcha Financier’s matcha flavour milder than expected.

Combo Platter Selection 4.2/5

Additionally, we sampled the Combo Platter Selection ($38) from the bar’s à la carte menu, ideal for 2 to 3 diners. It featured chicken satay, prawn cakes, fish fingers, marmite chicken wings, and pork skewers.

Though initially had no expectations, we were pleasantly surprised by the piping-hot, well-executed items. Our favourites were the tender chicken satay and juicy pork skewers.

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.


TUX Bar & Lounge
Carlton Hotel Singapore
76 Bras Basah Road
Singapore 189558
Tel: +65 6311 8839
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Nearest MRT: Bras Basah (CC Line), City Hall (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 4pm - 2am
Fri-Sat: 4pm - 1am

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Cut through Raffles City Shopping Centre to Bras Basah Road. Walk to traffic junction of Bras Basah Road and North Bridge Road. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Bras Basah MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Bras Basah road. Turn left and walk down Bras Basah Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Fu Hui Gen Tang (福慧根汤 ) @ Thye Hong Centre - Experience The Culinary Wellness Ritual Of Taiwan’s Famed 40-year-old Speciality Soup Restaurant

Fu Hui Gen Tang (福慧根汤 ), Taiwan's famed 40-year-old speciality soup restaurant, debuts in Singapore this February at Thye Hong Centre, bringing its renowned herbal wellness soup culture. Favoured by celebrities and politicians, its signature soup, crafted from 50 traditional Chinese medicinal herbs, is based on an imperial recipe from the Eastern Han Dynasty. Co-founded by Professor Wu, a renowned TCM practitioner, the restaurant marries ancient wisdom with modern refinement after years of research.

The soup follows the principles of five elements and five flavours, undergoing a meticulous "九蒸九晒" (nine steaming, nine sun-drying) process for optimal purity and balance. To fully experience its restorative effects, diners are advised to drink three bowls (600ml) of the soup before starting the rest of the meal. This allows the soup to enter the liver for detoxification, the spleen for nutrient absorption, and the kidneys for storage. Interestingly, the taste profile of each bowl changes depending on individual constitution, ranging from sweet, bitter, tingling, sour, to salty.

Fu Hui Gen Tang Chicken 5/5

The soup is available in three variations: Fu Hui Gen Tang Original, Chicken, and Mushroom. Diners can opt for an à la carte order or curated set menus, which pair the soup with a selection of complementary dishes. I tried the Individual Set Menu ($108 per person) featuring the Chicken variation, which had a deep herbaceous aroma but remained light and smooth on the palate. I was told the original variation delivers an even more intense herbal flavour. Drinking the soup might have a boozy effect on some individuals due to the accelerated blood circulation in the body. Back in Taiwan, diners will rest themselves on the tatami floor!

Black Fungus

Celtuce

After finishing the three bowls of soup, the meal began with two cold starters: Black Fungus with Vinegar and Celtuce with Preserved Snow Cabbage. The black fungus had a satisfying crunch, with a slight tanginess that whetted the appetite, while the celtuce offered a crisp texture and a subtle umami from the preserved snow cabbage.

White-braised Pig Trotter 3.8/5

Next came the White-braised Pig Trotter. Unlike the rich, heavily seasoned braised pork dishes, this version was much lighter in taste, almost reminiscent of Okinawan-style braised pig trotter. The clean flavours allowed the natural gelatinous texture of the pork to shine, though it could have been even more tender.

Vermicelli with Steamed Egg White 4.5/5

The final savoury dish was Vermicelli with Steamed Egg White. Japanese vermicelli is used for its texture and ability to absorb stocks. The soft, silky noodles soaked up the essence of the broth, harmonising perfectly with the delicate steamed egg white beneath.

Dessert was a serving of gelatinous White Fungus with Astragalus and Angelica. Lightly sweetened and infused with herbal depth, it was a soothing end to the meal, rounding out the experience with a lingering, aromatic finish.

Kindly Note: Fu Hui Gen Tang's soup is not recommended for individuals who have recently undergone major surgery, those with alcohol allergies, women in the early stages of pregnancy, and children under six years of age.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Fu Hui Gen Tang
Thye Hong Industrial Centre
2 Leng Kee Road
#01-05/06
Singapore 159086
Tel: +65 8805 5400
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Nearest MRT: Redhill (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue - Sun: 12pm - 10pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Redhill MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk down Tiong Bahru Road. Continue onto Leng Kee Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Hee Hee Hee Steamed Fish & Seafood (喜喜蒸鱼海鲜) @ Clementi Ave 3 - Affordable Steamed Seafood at Clementi

Hee Hee Hee Steamed Fish & Seafood (喜喜蒸鱼海鲜), known for its affordable and fresh seafood offerings, has expanded with a new outlet at Clementi Ave 3. Specialising in steamed seafood at wallet-friendly prices, this humble hawker stall delivers simple yet satisfying dishes.

Golden Promfret 3.8/5

We opted for the Golden Pomfret ($12), which was topped with minced garlic and ginger and drizzled with soy sauce before being steamed to perfection. The cooking method allowed the fish's natural sweetness to shine through. While the dish was enjoyable, a more premium, fragrant soy sauce could have elevated the flavours further. However, given the affordable price point at a hawker stall, it remains a great value-for-money choice.

Steamed Nai Bai 3/5

For our vegetable dish, we had the Steamed Nai Bai ($6). Much like the fish, it was prepared simply — topped with fried shallots and soy sauce before being steamed. While fresh and light, the dish could have benefited from a more pungent seasoning or additional garnishes for extra depth.

Thai Chilli Sotong 4/5

A standout dish was the Thai Chilli Sotong ($12). The squid was steamed to a tender, bouncy texture, retaining its natural juiciness. It was then dressed in a sweet, spicy, and tangy Thai chilli sauce, which added a delightful kick, making the dish both appetising and refreshing.

With its affordable pricing and fuss-free cooking, Hee Hee Hee Steamed Fish & Seafood is a great spot for a quick and satisfying seafood meal in the heartlands.


Hee Hee Hee Steamed Fish & Seafood (喜喜蒸鱼海鲜)
Blk 431 Clementi Ave 3
Singapore 120431
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Nearest MRT: Clementi (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 11am - 9pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Clementi MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Clementi Mall. Cut through the mall to the other end of the mall (beside Uniqlo). Exit the mall. Turn right and walk to traffic light junction. Cross the road and turn left. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Latido @ Tras Street - Singapore's First and Only Colombian Restaurant

Latido celebrates the vibrant, playful culture of Latin America. It is led by veteran Chef Fernando Arévalo, who hails from Bogotá, Colombia, but has considered Singapore his home for over a decade. Chef Arévalo's impressive background and previous concepts include the highly regarded Preludio and Bacatá.

Latido offers dishes that work well to introduce Colombian food to the local Singaporean palate whilst providing a few more unique dishes to pique the interest of the adventurous, such as chicken hearts and rabbit meat. The menu concisely reflects the recent trend in diner's preferences. It is offered in an à la carte format, allowing diners to curate their own experience and choose dishes at their own pace and comfort level. They also offer a very tempting lunch deal, which is worth checking out.

The restaurant is very spacious, a luxury in the Tanjong Pagar area. Spanning two shophouses, the restaurant offers two distinct dining areas with different vibes. One side features a long chef's table crafted from Brazilian wood, allowing diners to watch the chefs work up close. This brightly lit area creates a lively, casual, and relaxed atmosphere reminiscent of dining at a close friend's house. On the other side, the ambience shifts to a more intimate setting with individual tables and mood lighting, offering a cosier dining experience. The restaurant is also decorated with arts and crafts sourced from indigenous Colombian tribes. Look out for the unique wine bottle carved out of a hoof!

Bocados de Tiradito 4/5

Bocado translates to mean a mouthful or a bite, and we started our dinner with two flavourful bites: one with Tiradito, a lighter version of ceviche, and one with white corn.

The Bocados de Tiradito ($22) looks like the local favourite Kueh Pie Tee but is filled with ceviche. Sawara (Spanish Mackerel) is used, with leche de Tigre and pearls of lime vinegar inside the kueh pie tee shell, infused with coriander seed. It's tasty, with a bit of a creaminess, but not as much of the brightness that I'm used to with cured fish.

Bocados de Maiz 4.5/5

The Bocados de Maiz ($16) was new and interesting for me. Very crunchy white corn is on top of a crispy cassava tart base, layered with avocado mousse and a touch of Aji Amarillo (chilli pepper). Palm sugar pearls contribute a hint of sweetness. The dish is finished with parmesan cheese shavings. A lovely combination of flavours and textures!

Pan de la Casa 4.5/5

Next, we had Chef Fernando's signature rye bread, Pan de la Casa ($8), a recipe he has perfected over the years. The rye bread is glazed with fermented mushrooms and maple, and you can taste the earthy flavour coming through. It's paired with a rich, caramelised-infused butter that I happily slathered all over my bread.

Arepa de Chocolo Y Huevo 4.8/5

The Arepa is a traditional cornmeal flatbread with roots in indigenous Colombian culture, offering what feels like a cross between a pancake and a taco. Chef Fernando shared that there are many regional variations of the Arepa, and this particular version hails from the Northern part of Colombia. The Arepa de Chocolo y Huevo ($22) features a sweetcorn cake stuffed with a fried egg, and savoury cured pork jowl, which is finished with a touch of spicy paprika. Absolutely delicious, a must-try!

Arepan Conejo 4.5/5

Next, we tried a unique dish featuring braised rabbit, which is not so commonly served in Singapore. The Arepan Conejo ($38) stars tender, juicy rabbit sourced from Hungary, served on a cassava wrap that has a nice chewy, mochi-like texture. The dish is complemented by bacon, parmesan cheese, and pickled onions. It's recommended to fold it up and enjoy it with your hands, letting the tasty juices drip as you savour each bite. The rabbit itself has a mild, chicken-like flavour and is cooked till very tender.

Sopa Langousta 4.5/5

The Sopa Langousta ($50) is expertly crafted. It features lobster that's lightly poached to retain a sashimi-like texture. The dish also includes chunks of creamy avocado, delightful corn bits, and a warm, velvety potato soup to tie everything together.

Lechonista 4.2/5

We eagerly anticipated the Lechonista ($38 per 100g), especially after watching the preparation of the suckling pig while enjoying other courses. It's served pulled pork style with pickled chilli and paired with cassava wraps, pork jus sauce, and pickled onions.

We were encouraged to wrap everything together for an enjoyable bite. What I really appreciated about this dish is that this suckling pig dish didn't have the strong, sometimes overwhelming pork flavour that you may find in other preparations.

Plantainitos 4.2/5

There's only one dessert option on the menu — Plantainitos ($16) — and it showcases plantains, which are starchy fruits similar to bananas but typically less sweet. Plantains can be used ripe or unripe, and the ripe version is chosen for this dessert. A layer of cake made with dates, toffee, and rum is topped with smooth, creamy burrata ice cream.

It was a fun evening exploring Colombian ingredients and flavours, presented in a way that was accessible and delicious for our taste buds. We also appreciated the warm service and the friendly hospitality from the staff, which contributed to the overall experience.

Penned by Shermine. Through her pictures and stories, she shares her journey of savouring new flavours and experiences. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Latido
40 Tras Street
Singapore 078979
Tel: +65 89618191
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm
Fri: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 12midnight
Sat: 6pm - 12midnight
(Closed on Sun and Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Tras Street. Turn right onto Tras Street. Walk down Tras Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 2. Turn left and walk down Tanjong Pagar Road. Turn left onto Tras Street. Walk down Tras Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

The House of Ghungdam @ Duxton Road - The House of Korean Grill and Dish

The House of Gungdam is the latest addition to Duxton Road, offering a contemporary Korean barbecue experience in a stylish modern hanok-inspired interior. Guests can choose between counter or table seating, with charcoal and gas grilling options available. During our visit, we opted for counter seating, where we enjoyed the charcoal grilling experience, allowing the smoky aroma to elevate the meats.

Boneless Short Rib 4.5/5

We indulged in the House Feast Set ($129 for 2 pax), which includes:

- Boneless Short Rib
- Marinated Boneless Short Rib
- Thinly Sliced Brisket
- Soy Bean Soup, Banchan, Steamed Egg, and Vegetables

We began with the Boneless Short Rib, expertly grilled over charcoal by the staff. The smoky aroma beautifully enhanced the natural richness of the beef, which was tender, juicy, and packed with flavour. With minimal seasoning, the quality of the meat truly shined, allowing for a pure appreciation of its robust taste.

Thinly Sliced Brisket 4.5/5

Next, we had the Thinly Sliced Brisket, which featured excellent marbling that melted in the mouth upon each bite. The fatty richness of the brisket contributed to its buttery texture, making it incredibly enjoyable.

Marinated Boneless Short Rib 4.2/5

The Marinated Boneless Short Rib was a highlight for those who enjoy a hint of sweetness in their meats. Chunky and substantial, each bite was tender and flavourful, thanks to the well-balanced marinade that enhanced the meat’s natural juiciness. These BBQ meats can also be enjoyed with fresh vegetables and condiments, adding texture and contrast to each bite.

Steamed Egg 4/5

Served soufflé-style, the Steamed Egg was light, fluffy, and well-seasoned. The delicate eggy aroma added to its overall comforting appeal.

Soy Bean Soup 4.2/5

A hearty bowl of Soy Bean Soup packed with depth and umami, featuring tender beef cubes and daikon. Each spoonful was rich and satisfying, making it a perfect accompaniment to the grilled meats.

Jinju Cold Buckwheat Noodles 4.2/5

The Jinju Cold Buckwheat Noodles ($19) was a standout dish with its chewy, springy texture and refreshing, tangy broth. The addition of sweet pear and crisp cucumber enhanced the overall flavour, making each bite light yet satisfying — perfect for enjoying on a warm day.

Cheese-Potato Jeon 4.2/5

Unlike the typical Korean pancake, the Cheese-Potato Jeon ($27) was a delightful twist. Made with fluffy-textured potatoes from Gangwon, it had a crispy, golden-brown exterior similar to a Swiss rosti, providing a satisfying charred texture and rich aroma.

Galbi Mandoo 4/5

From the bar bite menu, we tried the Galbi Mandoo ($17). These oversized Korean dumplings were generously stuffed with minced beef, wrapped in delicate, translucent skin, and served in a light yet flavourful broth.

Mango Shaved Ice, Red Bean Shaved Ice 4.5/5

We ended our meal on a refreshing note with the Mango Shaved Ice ($10) and Red Bean Shaved Ice ($10). Both featured soft, sweet, and milky bingsu, but the Red Bean Shaved Ice deserves a special mention — the homemade red bean was slow-cooked to perfection, delivering deep, natural sweetness that elevated the dessert.

The House of Gungdam brings a modern yet authentic Korean barbecue experience to Duxton Road. It offers top-quality meats expertly grilled over charcoal, along with delicious side dishes and comforting Korean classics. Whether you're a BBQ enthusiast or simply a fan of Korean cuisine, this new restaurant is well worth a visit.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


The House of Ghungdam
72 Duxton Road
Singapore 089531
Tel: +65 83362068
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Nearest MRT: Maxwell (TE Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 12pm - 3pm, 530pm - 10pm
Fri-Sun: 12pm - 3pm, 530pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Cross the road to Duxton Road. Walk down Duxton Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road and walk to Craig Road. Walk down Craig Road towards Duxton Road. Turn right onto Duxton Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]