Hortus @ Gardens by The Bay Flower Dome - New Mediterranean Sharing Menu Comprising of 9 Dishes

Nestled within the lush beauty of Gardens by the Bay's Flower Dome, Hortus offers diners a taste of the Mediterranean, surrounded by vibrant blooms and cool serenity. With its focus on fresh, vibrant sharing plates and rustic wood-grilled mains, Hortus presents an experience that goes beyond the food—especially with its newly launched Mediterranean Sharing Set Menu ($68++ per pax), which even includes complimentary Flower Dome admission and a buggy ride to and from the Main Entrance. A perfect little getaway without leaving Singapore!

Hummus, Olive Oil and Paprika 4.8/5

Muhammara, Roasted Bell Pepper and Walnut Dip 4.5/5

The meal kicks off with an array of five sharing starters. The Hummus with Olive Oil and Paprika was an instant hit — creamy, nutty, and elevated by the earthiness of paprika and a generous drizzle of olive oil. It is paired beautifully with the warm, fluffy housemade pita. Equally delightful was the Muhammara, a roasted bell pepper and walnut dip that was slightly smoky, nutty, and tangy — a deliciously vibrant alternative to the classic hummus.

Fried School Prawns, Calamari, Whitebait with Lemon Aioli 4.5/5

Next up was the Fried Seafood Basket, featuring school prawns, calamari, and whitebait, all perfectly crispy and light, paired with a zesty lemon aioli. It was dangerously addictive, with each piece a burst of flavour and crunch.

Yellowtail Kingfish Crudo 4.8/5

The Yellowtail Kingfish Crudo was a standout among the starters. Dressed with bergamot and green olives and scattered with pomegranate seeds, it was refreshingly bright, delicately sweet, and brimming with Mediterranean sunshine.

Kingfish Collar with Cabbage and Fennel Salad and Nduja 4.2/5

Moving on to the mains, we tried the Kingfish Collar with Cabbage and Fennel Salad and Nduja. Grilled to crispy perfection on the outside while keeping the flesh moist and tender, the kingfish was livened up beautifully by a squeeze of lemon and the spicy kick from the nduja. The accompanying salad of cabbage and fennel provided a refreshing counterpoint.

Beef and Lamb Adana Kebab with Sumac Onions 4.2/5

We also sampled the Beef and Lamb Adana Kebab with Sumac Onions. Typically, kebabs can veer on the dry side, but Hortus' version was juicy, aromatic, and full of flavour. The sweet and tangy sumac onions on top brought a much-appreciated brightness to the hearty meat skewer.

Cracked Wheat Salad with Dill, Mint, and Pomegranate 4.2/5

Rice Pilaf with Pistachio and Lemon 4.5/5

To complement the mains, we had the Cracked Wheat Salad and the Rice Pilaf with Pistachio and Lemon. Both were excellent — the cracked wheat salad was herby and fresh with pops of pomegranate, while the rice pilaf was light, fragrant, and enhanced by the nuttiness of pistachios and citrusy lemon.

House churned Vanilla Gelato, Halva, Tahini 4.5/5

Desserts were a true surprise and delight. The House Churned Vanilla Gelato, paired with halva, tahini, pomegranate syrup, and mint, was a symphony of textures and flavours — sweet, nutty, creamy, and refreshing all at once.

Rose and Cardamom Basbousa 4.5/5

The final treat, Rose and Cardamom Basbousa, sealed the meal on a high note. The moist semolina cake, topped with house churned pistachio gelato and cardamom cream, offered a beautiful blend of floral and nutty flavours that was both comforting and exotic.

Hortus isn't just a restaurant — it's an experience. The combination of fresh Mediterranean flavours, an idyllic garden setting, and thoughtful touches like complimentary entry and transport make it a memorable destination dining spot. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a leisurely meal with a view, Hortus delivers in every way.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Hortus
Flower Dome
Gardens by the Bay
18 Marina Garden Drive
#01-09
Singapore 018953
Tel: +65 6702 0158
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Nearest MRT: Bayfront MRT

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 330pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bayfront MRT station. Take Exit B. Take the pathway to Bayfront Plaza Ticketing. Take for the shuttle bus to flower dome or walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Atic @ Citadines Connect City Centre Singapore - The Rooftop Restaurant Reopens with a New Contemporary Southeast Asian Cuisine

The rooftop restaurant at Citadines Connect City Centre Singapore has recently reopened as Atic, offering a menu of contemporary Southeast Asian cuisine. Helmed by Chef Newein Dolph Toolseram, whose multicultural roots span Burmese, Chinese, Dutch, Thai, and Peranakan-Hokkien heritage, Atic presents a vibrant reflection of the region's rich culinary traditions — reimagined with modernity and Chef Newein's distinctive personal touch.

Peperoncino Egg Noodles with seared Barramundi 3.8/5

As a start, Atic opens exclusively for weekday lunch, offering a well-priced menu featuring sharing sides and customisable lunch sets. The set allows diners to mix and match a base with their preferred protein, creating a satisfying and personalised experience. There are four base options to choose from. The Peperoncino Egg Noodles were pleasing with a springy texture, and the flavour profile was reminiscent of local soy sauce wanton noodles — savoury and comforting.

Roti John with Ribeye 3/5

Nasi Kuning with Signature Pork Chop Bakar 4/5

The Roti John, which uses Hainanese buns layered with a spiced omelette, had a lovely, sweet, bready aroma. However, the buns leaned too soft and doughy for my liking, lacking the airy, light texture one might expect. On the other hand, the Turmeric Basmati Rice, or Nasi Kuning, stood out with its fluffiness and aromatic spices, making it my preferred base for its well-balanced and comforting qualities. For something lighter, there's also the option of a mesclun salad.

Brick Chicken 4.5/5

The Brick Chicken was a clear winner among the proteins — delightfully crispy skin enveloping tender, succulent meat. The Signature Pork Chop Bakar fared equally well. Inspired by Chef Newein's hometown, the pork is marinated in spices and grilled using traditional Malay-style techniques, resulting in flavours that evoke the smoky taste of satay. The Ribeye was simply seasoned and grilled to the right doneness, allowing its natural beefy flavour to take centre stage.

Fried Oyster Mushrooms 3.8/5

While I found the Fried Oyster Mushrooms an interesting protein option, their deep-fried nature and addictive crunch made them feel more like a side dish than a main dish.

Rojak 4.5/5

On the side menu, the Rojak ($13.90) was a refreshing and vibrant take on the traditional dish. Pomelo, cubed cucumber, pineapple, and turnip were tossed in a citrusy shrimp paste, paired with mesclun leaves and mixed herbs, and finished with croutons in place of the usual you tiao for the textural crunch.

Chicken Wings 4/5

Spiced Calamari 2/5

The Chicken Wings ($13.90) were their rendition of shrimp paste chicken, featuring juicy and tender meat beneath a thin, crisp, umami-packed crust, complemented by their housemade sambal. The Spiced Calamari ($13.90) came with a delicious roasted masala crust, but the calamari rings were somewhat bland, falling short in flavour.

Grilled Hispi Cabbage 4/5

The Grilled Hispi Cabbage ($11.90) was deeply savoury, enriched by a bonito emulsion and shio kombu, though I found myself wishing for a hint of citrus to lift and balance the umami.

Lunch set menu starts from $17.90+, available Monday to Friday, 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM.

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. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Atic
Citadines Connect City Centre Singapore
182 Clemenceau Ave
Singapore 239923
Tel: +65 8087 1182
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Nearest MRT: Dhoby Ghaut (CC, NE, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 230pm
(Closed on Sat-Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Dhoby Ghaut MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Penang Road. Cross the road. Turn right and walk to Penang Lane. Turn left onto the Penang Lane. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Beok Private Dining - Natural Flavors Through Korean Contemporary Cuisine

Singapore's private dining scene continues to thrive with inventive concepts, and one of the rising stars is Beok Private Dining. Launched in May 2023, Beok offers a unique perspective on contemporary Korean cuisine, infusing traditional elements with modern interpretations in a refined, intimate setting. I finally had the chance to pen down my experience from a visit sometime back when I indulged in their carefully curated Autumn menu.

Makgeolli Bread with Smoked Purple Sweet Potato Butter 4.2/5

The evening began on a promising note with Makgeolli Bread and Smoked Purple Sweet Potato Butter. The bread, soft with a pleasant chew and gentle rice fragrance from the makgeolli, was beautifully elevated by the subtly sweet and smoky butter. It was a warm, comforting introduction to the meal.

Salt-grilled Prawn 4/5 and Bingtteok 4.2/5

Next came a duo of small bites – the Salt-grilled Prawn and Bingtteok. The prawn was fresh and plump, paired with a Fuji apple and lime chojang jelly that delivered a bright medley of acidity and sweetness, teasing the palate with layers of texture. The Bingtteok, a buckwheat pancake topped with kombu and finely shredded white radish, was a lovely surprise. Earthy and umami-rich with a gentle bite, it played beautifully between savoury and refreshing.

Gam Endive Muchim 3/5

The following dish, Gam Endive Muchim, was probably the most restrained in flavour. Slightly bitter endive leaves were dressed in a date-anchovy sauce and topped with biltong and a jujube chip. The textures were interesting, but overall it leaned towards a clean, minimalist profile.

Haemul Tang 4.2/5

Things took a heartier turn with the Haemul Tang, a spicy seafood broth that arrived brimming with flavour. Half-dried mussels, flower crab, and butternut squash added depth and sweetness to the umami-rich broth. It was warm, soothing, and satisfying.

Perilla Noodle 4.5/5

A standout of the night was the Perilla Noodle. The hand-pulled buckwheat noodles were silky yet toothsome, swimming in a nutty, aromatic broth enriched with perilla oil. Garnished with cucumber, nuts, and a touch of jalapeño for a bit of heat, this dish was layered, fragrant, and completely moreish.

Sutbul Moksal 4.2/5

Sutbul Anchang 4.5/5

The centrepiece of the meal came next – grilled meats cooked over binchotan charcoal. First, the Sutbul Moksal, featuring Australia Bangalow sweet pork collar, was well marinated and charred just right, paired with sweet potato leaf jangajji for a tangy counterpoint. Then came the Sutbul Anchang, showcasing a marbled MB7/8 Tajima Wagyu outside skirt, grilled to a perfect medium rare. Juicy, tender, and full of umami, it was easily the highlight among the proteins. That said, the portions were rather petite – each diner only got a small tasting portion, which left us craving a bit more.

Mushroom Gondre Sotbap 4.2/5

Pickles and Soup

To round out the savouries, we had the Mushroom Gondre Sotbap – a comforting bowl of multigrain Korean rice infused with wild thistle and topped with autumn mushrooms. Earthy and nutty, it showcased the beauty of simplicity. A side of soup and house pickles helped cleanse the palate and tie everything together.

Bam & Bac 4/5

Dessert came in the form of Bam & Bac, a delicate and well-composed plate featuring firm yet smooth chestnut yanggaeng, sweet poached pear, a scoop of ice cream, and an artistic fallen leaves tuile. It was a sweet ending with finesse – not too rich, but well-balanced and satisfying.

Overall, Beok Private Dining offers a unique and thoughtful exploration of Korean cuisine beyond the usual fare. The dishes are artfully plated, flavourful, and well-curated, with an elegant progression from start to finish. While some plates felt a little restrained and a couple of portions modest, the overall experience was intimate, elevated, and reflective of the Chef's evolving interpretation of Korean flavours. It is a gem worth experiencing for anyone seeking modern Korean fare with soul.


Beok Private Dining
Farrer Road
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Ikki Izakaya @ The Metropolis - Japanese Comfort Food with a Local Twist

Tucked away at The Metropolis in Buona Vista, Ikki Izakaya is a modern Japanese-style izakaya that impresses with its expansive space, high ceilings, and laid-back yet contemporary atmosphere. Despite being around for eight years, it still feels like a hidden gem — offering a solid lineup of Japanese comfort food alongside an impressive selection of alcoholic beverages. Whether you're looking to wind down after work or catch up with friends over bites and booze, Ikki delivers an easygoing, fuss-free dining experience.

Spicy Maguro Poppers 4/5

We started the meal with the Spicy Maguro Poppers ($9.80) — a fun and flavourful bite served in crunchy pie tee cups. Inside, you'll find cubes of tuna sashimi marinated in gochujang, sitting on a creamy avocado base and topped with tobiko for that extra savoury burst. It's spicy, creamy, crunchy — all in one mouthful — and a great way to whet the appetite.

Tofu Crisps 3.5/5

We also tried the Tofu Crisps ($9), a simple yet addictive snack that substitutes fries or chips with thin, crispy tofu skin. While not particularly bold in flavour, it's a satisfying vegetarian-friendly option that goes perfectly with a cold pint.

Ikki Maki 4/5

One of the standouts for the evening was the Ikki Maki ($17.70), a rich and indulgent sushi roll that hits all the right notes. Cream cheese, avocado, and mentaiko sauce form the core of the roll, wrapped and topped with aburi salmon, mini fish roe, and a dusting of seaweed powder. Each bite is creamy, smoky, and umami-packed — a roll that's clearly earned its signature status on the menu.

IKKI's Kick Ass Har Cheong Gai Curry Udon 3.5/5

Adding a local twist to Japanese fare, the IKKI's Kick Ass Har Cheong Gai Curry Udon ($16.50) offers a unique blend of flavours. The creamy Japanese curry base is comforting and fragrant, served with a crispy chicken cutlet marinated in traditional prawn paste. While the concept is fun, the execution was slightly off during our visit — the seasoning leaned too salty, which overwhelmed the dish's otherwise enjoyable components.

SPAM Kimchi Fried Rice 4/5

For something more comforting and hearty, the SPAM Kimchi Fried Rice ($12.80) hits the mark. The fried rice is smoky and robust, filled with the punchy flavour of well-fermented kimchi and balanced out by soft, sweet tamagoyaki and pan-fried spam slices. It's the kind of dish you'd want after a long night out.

Ikki's Tsukune Platter 3.5/5

We ended with Ikki's Tsukune Platter ($16.80), featuring five yakitori-style chicken meatballs glazed in a different sauce: Mentaiko, Gochujang Miso, Okonomiyaki, Cheese, and Original. The platter makes for a great sharing dish, offering variety in flavour, though some combinations stood out more than others. Still, it's a fun and interactive way to sample different seasonings, especially with drinks.

Overall, Ikki Izakaya feels like a well-kept secret. It blends local influences with Japanese izakaya vibes in a relaxed and spacious setting. Whether you're in it for the drinks, the creative fusion dishes, or just a chill place to hang out, Ikki Izakaya checks all the right boxes.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Ikki Izakaya
The Metropolis
9 North Buona Vista Drive
#01-06/07
Singapore 138588
Tel: +65 8138 8578
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Nearest MRT: Buona Vista (CC, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 11pm
Sat: 6pm - 10pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction
1) Alight at Buona Vista MRT station. Take Exit B or D. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Edge @ Pan Pacific Singapore - More Scrumptuous Sunday Brunch with New Live Stations

Sunday brunch at Edge is now even more scrumptious with new spreads curated by Executive Chef Andy Oh and his Culinary Team. The buffet lineup spans Singaporean, Chinese, Malay, Indian, Japanese, Thai, and Western cuisines, along with a comprehensive Breakfast Station.

Breakfast Station, Egg Benedict 4.5/5

The Breakfast Station delights with a live egg station, offering omelettes, scrambled eggs, and sunny-side-up eggs made to order. I especially loved the addition of Eggs Benedict with Smoked Salmon, accompanied by Chicken and Pork sausages, Streaky Pork Bacon, Grilled Tomatoes, and Sautéed Mushrooms.

12-hour Slow-roasted Gigantic Veal Leg 4/5

Signature Carvings Station 4.5/5

A must-visit is the Signature Carvings Station, featuring an impressive 12-hour slow-roasted gigantic veal leg with Yorkshire pudding alongside Roasted Five-spice Whole Golden Pig with Hai Xian sauce, roasted Virginia Ham Hock, and Herb-roasted Whole Lamb with lamb jus and yoghurt mint sauce.

Master Butcher Handcrafted Cold Cut 4.5/5

If you enjoy charcuterie, the Master Butcher Handcrafted Cold Cut selection pairs perfectly with a glass of wine or champagne — and if you opt for the Bottomless Package, you'll enjoy Taittinger Brut Champagne. The spread includes gorgeous Jamón Ibérico, Pan Pacific home-cured beef salami, chicken ham, pastrami, mortadella, paprika Lyoner, and meatloaf.

Asian Delights 4.8/5

Salt-baked Chinese Herbs Free-range Chicken 4.5/5

The Asian Delights section is another highlight, featuring Chef Andy’s signature "wok hei" Penang Char Kway Teow and Edge’s signature black vinegar pork trotters. I also enjoyed the Chinese "Shao Xing" Wine White Clam lala and the Salt-baked Chinese herbs Free-range Chicken, complemented by Wok-fried USA asparagus with scallops in XO sauce.

Fresh Pacific Seafood on Ice 4/5

Steamed Whole Mud Crab with Chinese Herbs in Lotus Leaf 4/5

One of the mainstays is the Fresh Pacific Seafood on Ice, a luxurious spread of Boston lobster, snow crab legs, tiger prawns, Pacific clams, half-shell scallops, crawfish, sea conch, black mussels, and live oysters. Elevating the seafood experience further is the Seafood Live Station, which serves Steamed Whole Mud Crab with Chinese Herbs in Lotus Leaf.

Apple Strudel 4/5

Assortment of Tarts and French Pastries 4.5/5

Desserts are aplenty, including a new live station serving Crêpes Suzette with Grand Marnier sauce and sliced oranges, a Chocolate fountain with an array of condiments, and an assortment of tarts and French pastries. But my favourite was the Apple Strudel, featuring a deliciously thin, flaky crust encasing tender apple chunks.

Sunday Brunch
12pm to 3pm $138++ per adult | $69++ per child (6 to 12 years old)

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. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Edge
Pan Pacific Singapore
Level 3
7 Raffles Boulevard
Singapore 039595
Tel: +65 6826 8240
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Nearest MRT: Promenade MRT (DT, CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

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