Chao Shan Xiao Chi (潮汕小吃) @ Geylang Road - Traditional Teochew Flavours Priced Between $8 and $15 Dollars

Chao Shan Xiao Chi (潮汕小吃) is a no-frills, casual Teochew eatery along Geylang Road, run by a father-and-son team, with the chef hailing from Chao Shan, China. Most dishes are priced between $8 and $15, and what's even better, there is no GST or service charge here. The menu leans heavily on traditional Teochew fare, including some rarely seen heritage dishes.

Traditional Fried Oyster Omelette 4/5

One of the most popular items here is the Traditional Fried Oyster Omelette ($8). Unlike the usual gooey style, this version is more crispy, with plump and fresh oysters. The tangy chilli sauce on the side lifts the dish and rounds off the flavours nicely.

Pig Intestine Glutinous Rice 4/5

The Pig Intestine Glutinous Rice ($12) is a traditional, labour-intensive dish not often found in restaurants today. The glutinous rice was aromatic and comforting, further enhanced by the addition of peanuts and sesame seeds, which gave both fragrance and textural contrast.

Large Pig Intestine Stir Fried with Preserved Vegetable 3/5

This was a first for me to have Large Pig Intestine Stir Fried with Preserved Vegetable ($10). The sweet-salty preserved vegetable paired decently with the chewy intestine, which was well-cleaned and free from gaminess. Straightforward but not particularly memorable.

Pig Trotter Terrine 4/5

A classic Teochew favourite, the Pig Trotter Terrine ($12) was gelatinous and silky, set naturally from collagen. The standout here was the braising sauce, which carried a richer depth of flavour compared to others I’ve tried.

Prawn Roll, Liver Roll Platter 4/5

The Prawn Roll and Liver Roll Platter ($15) was deep-fried to golden brown perfection. The exterior was crisp while the generous fillings provided a hearty bite. It is a great sharing plate.

Kai Lan with Dried Sole Fish 3.5/5

The Kai Lan with Dried Sole Fish ($12) was well executed, with the greens retaining their crunch. However, the dried sole fish flavour was rather muted.

Steamed Pomfret (Market Price)

The Steamed Pomfret was done in the traditional Teochew style, steamed with salted vegetables and sour plum for a light, slightly tangy broth. The fish was moist, allowing its natural sweetness to shine.

Cold Crab 2.5/5

Unfortunately, the Cold Crab fell short. The one we had wasn’t the freshest nor the meatiest, making it a disappointing order that night.

Rice Noodle with Preserved Radish 4/5

The Rice Noodle with Preserved Radish ($12) had good wok hei, with the noodles infused with smoky flavour. The addition of diced kai lan and preserved radish provided crunch and contrast, making it an enjoyable dish.

Teochew Oyster Congee 4.2/5

My favourite dish of the evening was the Teochew Oyster Congee ($12), served bubbling hot in a claypot. Cooked in the Teochew style, the rice grains retained their texture instead of being fully broken down. The oysters lent a natural seafood sweetness to the light, flavourful broth – hearty, comforting, and delicious.

Sugar Coated Sweet Potato with Yam 4/5

We ended the meal on a sweet note with the Sugar Coated Sweet Potato with Yam ($12), a simple yet delightful dessert. The root vegetables were coated in a crisp, syrupy glaze for a satisfying crunch and sweetness.

Chao Shan Xiao Chi is a hidden gem for traditional Teochew cuisine, featuring some rare and heritage recipes. While not every dish stood out (the Cold Crab was a miss), there are plenty of authentic offerings here worth returning for – especially the Oyster Congee, Pig Trotter Terrine, and Pig Intestine Glutinous Rice.


Chao Shan Xiao Chi (潮汕小吃)
749 Geylang Road
Singapore 389655
Tel: + 65 9815 3139
Nearest MRT: Paya Lebar (CC, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Paya Lebar MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk down Paya Lebar Road to Geylang Road. Turn right onto Geylang Road. Walk down Geylang Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Bancheria @ Concourse Skyline (Beach Road) - Where Banchan Meets Tapas, First Korean X Spanish Concept in Singapore

Singapore has seen its fair share of fusion concepts, but Bancheria sets itself apart as the first Korean x Spanish dining experience. Cosy yet vibrant, the restaurant is a playful stage where tapas and banchan meet, creating bold, unexpected flavour pairings. Bancheria feels both familiar and adventurous, precisely the kind of place where you'll want to bring friends to eat, drink and explore.

Signature Bancheria Banchan Platter 4/5

Our meal began with the show-stopping Signature Bancheria Banchan Platter ($12 per guest), a colourful spread of nine in-house banchan. Seasonal and ever-changing, the platter promises a different mix with every visit. Highlights from our visit included the crunchy pickled mustard greens, Spanish tortilla, Jeju mandarin kimchi and spicy jamón cucumber. The platter is priced per head, must be ordered by the whole table and comes with up to three refills. This makes the perfect bite over drinks.

Bancheria Mozzarella Balls with Kimchi Tomato Jam 4/5

Bancheria Paaprika Fried Chicken Wings 4/5

If there's one thing Bancheria does well, it's fried food. We sampled two signature tapas: Mozzarella Balls with Kimchi Tomato Jam ($7 for 3 pcs) and Paprika Fried Chicken Wings ($12 for 2 pcs). The mozzarella balls are exactly what you'd expect - hot, stretchy cheese encased in a crisp shell, but the kimchi tomato jam takes them up a notch, cutting through the richness with a tangy-sweet bite. The chicken wings were a revelation with crispy skin and juicy meat. Totally unexpected for wings to taste this good.

Bancheria Jamon Fries with Broken Egg 3.8/5

The Bancheria Jamon Fries with Broken Egg ($18) is indulgence done right, starting with the fries themselves, which are crispy, golden and easily some of the best fries I've had in a while. The creamy broken egg ties everything together, coating each fry in a rich, velvety layer. A generous snowfall of shredded cheese adds nutty depth while the jamón brings a punch of savoury-salty flavour that keeps things exciting. This is a great alternative to the usual truffle fries.

Iberico Bulgogi & Pipparas Montadito 4/5

Soy Crab Salad Montadito 3/5

Next came the Montaditos, open-faced bites served on crusty bread. The Iberico Bulgogi & Piparras ($8) was an instant favourite with tender, savoury bulgogi elevated by the kick of fresh piparras peppers. The Soy Crab Salad ($8) had generous chunks of crab, which I appreciated, though my dining partner found it a touch fishy. A squeeze of lime would have brightened the flavours and brought balance.

Chorizo Tteokbokki 5/5

For something heartier, the Chorizo Tteokbokki ($22) is a must-order. Chewy tteokbokki (Korean rice cakes) are coated in an addictive gochujang cream, layered with broken manchego and finished with aged sherry vinegar. The dish also hides pieces of Korean fish cake for extra texture and nostalgia. It's rich, bold and utterly satisfying that we cleaned the plate in minutes. It's no surprise this is Bancheria's bestseller; it's the dish we're already craving to return for.

Hotteok with Homemade Honey Selections 3.8/5

Churros with Plum & Cinnamon 3.8/5

Desserts at Bancheria are as playful as the savouries. The Hotteok ($5 per pc) arrives with a tasting flight of housemade honeys, each infused with unique flavours like orange peel, barley, corn, peppermint and even garlic. We loved the crispy pancake skin with its gooey brown sugar centre, especially paired with the orange peel honey.

The Churros ($4 per pc) are dusted with plum and cinnamon, an inventive twist that’s intriguing, though we still prefer the classic cinnamon-sugar (which is also available). A new Gochujang Chocolate Dip is in the works, which we’ll definitely be back to try. For cheesecake lovers, keep an eye out as Basque Burnt Cheesecake by Michelin-starred chef Albert Adrià will soon debut on the menu as well!

Solmija

House Sangria (Red)

Be sure to check out Bancheria's cocktails, priced at a very approachable $12. We tried the Solmija (gin, lemon, mint, omija, egg white), which is refreshing with a touch of herbaceous complexity and the House Sangria (Red), a fruit-infused wine topped with a foamy crown of red wine. Both were easy-drinking and perfect complements to the bold flavours of the food.

Bancheria is more than a fusion restaurant — it's a creative playground that makes you excited to see what's next. With a cosy, friendly vibe, pet-friendly outdoor seating and a menu that evolves with seasonal banchan and new creations, it's the kind of spot that rewards repeat visits. Just make sure to book ahead as tables are limited, especially on weekends.

PS: By popular demand, the full menu will be available all day on weekends starting 6 September 2025. Weekday lunch features lunch sets alongside selected tapas.

Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Bancheria
Concourse Skyline
302 Beach Road
#01-06
Singapore 199600
Tel: +65 8788 3337
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Nearest MRT: Nicoll Highway (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon, Wed-Sun: 1130am - 9pm
(Closed on Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Nicoll Highway MRT station. Take Exit A. Take the overhead bridge and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

GUPSHUP @ The Serangoon House - The Great Indian Feast, 1-for-1 Promotion

GUPSHUP at The Serangoon House presents the vibrant, diverse flavours of Indian cuisine, elevated with contemporary finesse, under the guidance of Chef Jolly, a former MasterChef India judge and an award-winning culinary personality with over 25 years of global experience. The restaurant is tucked discreetly in the basement of The Serangoon House. Its intimate space, designed in Indian colonial style, carries a sense of grandeur with a touch of mystery. Chef Jolly's curation of regional dishes is wholesome, and some of which may be unfamiliar to the local palate. It is best experienced through the newly launched The Great Indian Feast, an unlimited à la carte dining journey spanning India's rich culinary tapestry.

Lotus Papdi Chaat 3.5/5

The Feast features 13 dishes, beginning with three appetisers: Pani Poori, Bhindi Amchur, and Lotus Papdi Chaat. The Pani Poori was an absolute standout, with paper-thin semolina shells filled with crushed potato and chickpeas. Served alongside were tamarind and spicy mint shots, which were sharp and tart, making each mouthful a punchy delight. The Lotus Papdi Chaat delivered a creamier contrast with yoghurt, pomegranate-mint sauce, and the satisfying crunch of lotus crisps.

Bhindi Amchur 3/5

The Bhindi Amchur are okra fries, dusted with chickpea flour, cumin, and mango powder, leaning more towards crisp finger food than juicy bites, but made for moreish nibbles.

Amritsari Chole 4.5/5

Tandoori Kulcha 4/5

From the Small Plates, the signature Amritsari Chole and Tandoori Kulcha stood out. The curried chickpeas were deeply spiced and hearty, well stewed to tender and soft, while the kulcha, stuffed with spiced potatoes, coriander, lime, and dried pomegranate seeds, was delicious even on its own.

Chicken Chettinad Curry & Parotta 4/5

Chettinad cuisine is renowned for its rich, chilli-driven gravies, and the Chicken Chettinad Curry exemplifies South India's bold, spice-laden profile. The curry carried a robust depth with tender chicken. Unfortunately, the handmade parotta fell short, seemingly undercooked and lacking the full layering of a well-made parotta.

Gosht Seekh Kebab 4/5

Chicken 65 4/5

Chicken Keema Kal Dosa 3.5/5

Other savoury highlights included Gosht Seekh Kebab, featuring tender lamb mince skewers flavoured with garlic, coriander, and mild chillies; Chicken 65, a South Indian classic of spiced, crispy fried chicken morsels; and Chicken Keema Kal Dosa, offering homely rice flatbread topped with spiced minced chicken.

Chilli Paneer 4.5/5

One dish that intrigued me the most was Chilli Paneer, one of the most well-known dishes in Indo-Chinese cuisine. The flour-coated fried paneer is tossed in a Tangra-style sauce that is sweet, spicy, tangy, and garlicky. The flavoursome sauce was a sharp yet delicious contrast to the gentle, milky sweetness of the paneer.

Kulfi Falooda 4/5

For desserts, we had Kulfi Falooda, featuring a house-made frozen reduced milk with almond and pistachio, fragrant with cardamom and rose, topped with vermicelli, holy basil seeds and a drizzle of raspberry sauce.

Other than The Great Indian Feast, GUPSHUP has also launched a refined menu of small plates, hearty mains, and creative desserts, ranging from street-style favourites such as chaat to elevated tandoor-grilled specialities and regional delicacies.

Promotion from 1 Sep to 15 Oct 2025
1-for-1 on The Great Indian Feast, $59++ for 2pax (limit to 90mins)
Only valid on Fri, Sat and Sun lunch

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.


GUPSHUP
The Serangoon House
301 Serangoon Road
Basement 1
Singapore 218224
Tel: +65 8866 0947
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Nearest MRT: Farrer Park (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm – 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Farrer Park MRT Station. Take Exit A. Walk down Rangoon Road to Serangoon Road. Turn right onto Serangoon Road. Walk down Serangoon Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

SUSHISAMBA Singapore @ Capital Tower - Introduces Long Friday Lunch From $48++ For Guest to Slow Down, Unwind, and Ease into the Weekend

SUSHISAMBA Singapore at Capital Tower has launched Long Lunch Fridays, a dining concept that encourages guests to slow down, unwind, and ease into the weekend. Unlike the Vivo Business Lunch, which is designed for a quick and efficient corporate escape, Long Lunch Fridays presents a more indulgent line-up of dishes with the option of a 2-hour free-flow to elevate the experience.

Tuna Tiradito 3.8/5

I began with the Tuna Tiradito (+$5), a raw fish preparation similar to ceviche but without marination in acid. Instead, sashimi-style slices are dressed with a bright, acidic sauce just before serving to preserve their delicate tenderness. The tuna was skillfully sliced to even thickness and finished with citrusy orange ponzu, kizami wasabi, and a sprinkle of shio kombu. Lean yet tender, it was enhanced by creamy avocado, which enriched the mouthfeel. While the overall flavour was vibrant and umami-laden, I found the metallic note of the fish a touch more pronounced than I would have preferred.

Samba Taquitos Platter 4.5/5

To up the ante of your experience, do add on the Samba Taquitos Platter for a supplementary $22, featuring Lobster, Waygu Carne Moida and Yellowtail Taquitos. The shells were ultra-light yet sturdy, holding the generous fillings without breaking apart. The Lobster version had meaty chunks that were creamy with Japanese tartar, although I wished the yuzu gel were sharper and less sweet. The Wagyu Carne Moida was satisfyingly rich, balanced by a dollop of sour cream, while the Yellowtail combined with avocado delivered a smooth, creamy bite.

Chilean Sea Bass 5/5

For my main, I chose the Chilean Sea Bass (+$15). Its caramelised exterior glistened invitingly, carrying the savoury depth of a white miso glaze. The flesh was buttery and delicately flaky, thoughtfully paired with a Baby Gem salad topped with black quinoa and yuzu dressing, which added a refreshing and nutty component to the dish.

Pandan Cake 3/5

To conclude, I tried the Pandan Cake (+$5), which is layered with coconut cream and served alongside Chendol ice cream. The cake itself was light and fragrant, but the ice cream fell short of being a true Chendol ice cream.

For Long Lunch Fridays, the 3-course set lunch is priced from $48++ onwards, with an optional 2-hour free-flow option available for $68++. The beverage selection includes cocktails, sake, and sparkling pours, such as the Guava & Shiso Caipirinha, Samba Paloma, Espresso Martini, and Nino Franco Valdobbiadene NV.

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.


Sushisamba Singapore
Capital Tower
168 Robinson Road
#52-01
Singapore 068912
Tel: +65 6550 2290
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 1am
Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 2am
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]