Leila @ Teck Lim Road - A Contemporary Blend of Middle Eastern and Balkan Flavours

Leila at Teck Lim Road is a gastrobar serving up a vibrant mix of Middle Eastern and Balkan flavours in a stylish, contemporary setting.

Kubana Bread 2/5

Spicy Plate 4/5

We started with the Kubana Bread ($15), a traditional Yemenite Jewish yeasted bread beloved for its pillowy-soft texture. The dough is typically generously layered with butter before being shaped into pull-apart rolls and baked until golden. While ours arrived with an enticing crust and a soft interior, the bread was slightly denser than expected and seemed to lack the rich, buttery flavour that defines a good Kubana. Thankfully, the accompanying tahini and grated tomato helped elevate it, as did the additional Spicy Plate ($13), which featured earthy grilled peppers, smoky harissa and mellow garlic confit that paired well with the bread.

Nabulus Salad 4/5

The Nabulus Salad ($17) is a chopped salad of cucumbers, tomatoes, pickled onions and mint, providing a refreshing accompaniment to the richer dishes.

Manseef 3/5

The Manseef ($33) comprised minced chicken served over a bed of creamy hummus, finished with harissa and an extra drizzle of tahini. While the dish was enjoyable, I felt that lamb or beef would have been a more suitable choice. Their richer, more robust flavour profile carries the Mediterranean spices and aromatics more effectively than chicken does, adding greater depth and dimension to the dish alongside the creamy, nutty hummus.

Green Chilli Shrimp 4/5

One of Leila’s signatures, the Green Chilli Shrimp ($27), showcased beautifully grilled prawns coated in a herbaceous green tatbila sauce. The freshness of the herbs came through nicely, though a touch more citrus would have brightened the dish and added greater vibrancy.

Knafeh 2/5

For dessert, we had the classic Middle Eastern sweet Knafeh ($21). Ours was finished tableside with a pour of sugar syrup, which wasn’t necessary as it sweetened the ice cream as well. I had expected delicate floral notes of rose or orange blossom to perfume the dessert, but the flavours were rather muted. Although the fried kataifi encased a layer of cheese, the pastry seemed slightly overfried, resulting in a dessert that lacked the aromatic complexity and balance I had hoped for.

Leila offers an interesting interpretation of Middle Eastern and Balkan flavours in a contemporary gastrobar setting. With a little more refinement, the menu could better showcase the rich culinary traditions it draws inspiration from.

Photos and words by Si An. A homebody who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, the smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


Leila
12 Teck Lim Road
Singapore 088387
Tel: +65 8016 4117
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Nearest MRT: Outram Park (EW, NE, TE Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 6pm - till late
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk straight down New Bridge Road. Turn right onto Kreta Ayer Road. Walk down Kreta Ayer Road. Turn right onto Keong Saik Road. Walk down Keong Saik Road. Turn left onto Teck Lim Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Walk straight down Neil Road. Turn right onto Teck Lim Road. Walk down Teck Lim Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Obongzip @ The Star Vista - A Hearty Korean Feast of Nakji, Bossam and Makguksu

Obongzip has expanded its presence in Singapore with a new outlet at The Star Vista, bringing its popular Korean comfort fare to the West. Conveniently located at the exterior of the mall near the taxi stand, the restaurant draws diners in with its signature offerings of fiery stir-fried octopus and comforting bossam platters. For our visit, we went straight for the Obongzip Special ($108), a hearty set comprising Fire-Grilled Spicy Nakji, Pork Bossam, and Makguksu — ideal for sharing.

Banchan 3/5 & Seaweed Soup 4.8/5

Our meal began with a tray of banchan, dipping sauces, and a bowl of Seaweed Soup. The banchan selection offered the usual assortment of pickles and sides to whet the appetite, but the seaweed soup stood out. Light yet deeply comforting, it provided a gentle, savoury warmth that felt almost restorative — a thoughtful prelude to the bold and robust flavours to come.

Fire Grilled Spicy Nakji 4.5/5

The Fire-Grilled Spicy Nakji took centre stage. Available in varying spice levels, the dish features tender octopus stir-fried in a glossy, sweet-spicy sauce alongside vegetables. The staff thoughtfully cuts the octopus into bite-sized pieces, making it easy to enjoy. Each mouthful delivered a satisfying chew, coated in a punchy sauce that balanced sweetness with a lingering heat.

For a more complete experience, we highly recommend ordering a bowl of Seaweed Rice. Mixing the spicy octopus into the rice with a drizzle of sesame oil transforms it into a bibimbap-style dish — deeply flavourful, aromatic, and incredibly satisfying.

Makguksu 4.2/5

The Makguksu is presented differently from what one might expect. Served on a plate with the buckwheat noodles, seaweed, vegetables and sauce laid out separately, the staff will toss everything together tableside before serving. Once mixed, the noodles are evenly coated in the spicy-sweet gochujang sauce. The buckwheat noodles have a delightful chew, while the vegetables lend a refreshing crunch. A splash of vinegar further brightens the dish, cutting through the richness of the meal and adding a tangy lift that makes it especially slurp-worthy.

Pork Bossam 4.2/5

The Pork Bossam was another highlight of the meal. The tender slices of boiled pork were soft, juicy, and clean-tasting, with just the right amount of fat for richness. There are multiple ways to enjoy it — on its own to appreciate its natural flavours, paired with kimchi for a punch of acidity, or wrapped in lettuce with garlic and green chilli for a more robust bite. For added depth, dipping the pork into Obongzip’s fermented shrimp sauce or ssamjang further enhances its savoury profile, delivering layers of umami with every bite.

With its generous portions and well-executed dishes, Obongzip at The Star Vista offers a satisfying Korean dining experience, especially for those who enjoy bold, punchy flavours. The Obongzip Special is a great introduction to the restaurant’s signatures, making it a worthwhile spot for group dining or casual get-togethers in the West.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Obongzip
The Star Vista
1 Vista Exchange Green
#01-43/K4
Singapore 138617
Tel: +65 83432251
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Nearest MRT: Buona Vista (CC, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 5pm - 1030pm

Direction:
Alight at Buona Vista MRT station. Take Exit A or C. Walk to destination. Journey time is about 3 minutes. [Map]