Showing posts with label #Line: CC Line. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #Line: CC Line. Show all posts

Friday, May 1, 2026

Labyrinth @ Esplanade Mall - Unveils a Thoughtfully Curated 12th Anniversary Menu Rooted in Produce and Heritage

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Celebrating its 12th anniversary this April 2026, Restaurant Labyrinth continues to push the boundaries of modern Singapore cuisine under the direction of Chef Han Li Guang, alongside Chef de Cuisine Zee Chan and Senior Sous Chef James Ngoi. Building on last year’s “Singapore Cuisine without Borders”, the latest menu refines Chef Han’s minimalist philosophy — an exploration anchored on Produce, Heritage, and Minimalism. Rather than reconstructing or replicating tradition, the kitchen embraces the essence of familiar flavours, distilling them into dishes that are clean, precise, and quietly expressive.

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Sup Tulang, Oxtail Mandu 4.2/5

The journey begins with Sup Tulang, Oxtail Mandu, a refined and thoughtful opener. The dish presents a clear, consommĂ©-style broth that carries surprising depth, drawing inspiration from the robust flavours of sup tulang while incorporating a gentle tang reminiscent of beef sinigang. The acidity lifts the palate, preparing it for the courses ahead. Instead of the traditional bone, a delicate mandu encases slow-braised oxtail, its gelatinous richness balanced by the broth’s lightness. A piece of creamy marrow completes the composition, echoing the indulgence of the original dish in a far more elegant form.

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Prata, Lamb, Raita 4.2/5

Next is Prata, Lamb, Raita, a playful take on the quintessential roti prata. Here, the familiar flatbread is transformed into a crisp, multi-layered pastry tower. Within, tender braised lamb is infused with warm spices, delivering a rich and aromatic bite. A luscious egg yolk crowns the dish, adding a silky element that ties together the crisp pastry and deeply flavoured filling.

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Sawara, Roti Jala 4.5/5

The seafood course, Sawara, Roti Jala, draws inspiration from fish head curry. The use of Japanese sawara introduces a clean, buttery profile, allowing the fish to take centre stage. The curry, laced with tamarind, brings a balanced interplay of acidity and spice that cuts through the natural oiliness of the fish. Paired with soft, lacy roti jala, the dish evokes the comforting ritual of dipping bread into curry, elevated through refined textures and technique.

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Zuwaigani Chilli Crab Pie 4.2/5

A highlight arrives in the form of Zuwaigani Chilli Crab Pie, a clever reinterpretation of Singapore’s iconic chilli crab. Encased in a thin, shatteringly crisp shell, the filling features sweet, delicate snow crab coated in a tangy chilli crab sauce with subtle notes of plum and pickle. By eliminating the need for shell-cracking and reimagining mantou as a light pastry, the dish delivers all the familiar flavours in a neat, indulgent bite.

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Coffee Brioche 4.5/5

The Coffee Brioche follows, offering a warm, comforting interlude. Inspired by local coffee buns, the brioche is airy and buttery, topped with a crackly coffee-infused crust that adds a gentle sweetness and textural contrast. It serves as both a nostalgic nod and a transition into the subsequent courses.

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Shima Aji, Stingless Bee Honey 4.5/5

The menu then shifts to lighter, more delicate expressions with Shima Aji and Stingless Bee Honey. Sliced sashimi-style and arranged like a blossoming flower, the Japanese striped jack is paired with a refreshing watermelon broth. The addition of stingless bee honey introduces floral and citrus notes, creating a natural dressing that enhances the fish’s clean sweetness while maintaining a refined balance.

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Kabu, Pidan Quail Egg 5/5

Following that is the Kabu, Pidan Quail Egg, an elegant interpretation of century egg congee. The creamy base of kabu (turnip) offers a natural sweetness, lifted by subtle acidity from rice vinegar and mirin. The pidan-style quail egg provides a familiar umami depth, while accents of pickled ginger and Sarawak pepper add complexity and gentle spice.

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Spaghettoni, Abalone 5/5

The Spaghettoni, Abalone showcases Chef Han’s mastery in reinterpretation, drawing from mee rebus. Al dente spaghettoni replaces traditional noodles, coated in a velvety, nutty gravy enriched with abalone liver. Thin slices of abalone contribute a delicate oceanic sweetness and a pleasing bite, resulting in a dish that is both comforting and refined.

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Amadai, Inaniwa Somen 5/5

Equally compelling is the Amadai, Inaniwa Somen, inspired by Teochew fish soup. The broth, simmered from fish bones and enriched with a trio of Chinese wines, is deeply flavourful yet remarkably clean. The silky Inaniwa somen provides an elegant texture, while the tender amadai completes a dish that feels both soothing and sophisticated.

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French Poulet, Chicken Rice Donabe 4.2/5

The main course, French Poulet, Chicken Rice Donabe, is a heartfelt tribute to Singapore’s national dish. The chicken is presented in two styles — poached breast and roasted thigh — highlighting both tenderness and depth of flavour. Beneath it lies a bed of Koshihikari and long-grain rice cooked in a donabe, infused with chicken fat, ginger, and pandan. The prized socarrat crust adds a layer of texture, making each bite deeply satisfying.

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Jerusalem Artichoke, Black Truffle 5/5

Dessert begins with Jerusalem Artichoke, Black Truffle, a creative reimagining of orh nee. The use of artichoke instead of yam is surprisingly convincing, delivering a familiar earthy sweetness. Paired with artichoke chips, foam, shallot ice cream, and gingko nuts, the dish balances innovation with nostalgic flavours.

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Kaya ‘Toast’ 4.5/5

The Kaya ‘Toast’ follows, presenting a visually deceptive take on the beloved breakfast staple. What appears to be toast is, in fact, a delicate meringue sandwiching housemade kaya and rich Bordier butter. It captures the essence of kaya toast while showcasing technical finesse.

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Milo Dinosaur 4/5

Finally, the experience concludes with the Milo Dinosaur, a lighter, more refined rendition made with coconut water, offering a nostalgic yet refreshing finish. Petit fours of Kueh Bolu, airy with a subtle banana note, round off the meal on a gentle, comforting note.

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Kueh Bolu 4.5/5

At 12 years on, Restaurant Labyrinth demonstrates a quiet confidence in its craft. This latest menu is not about dramatic reinvention, but a thoughtful distillation of Singapore’s culinary identity — where restraint, technique, and respect for heritage come together in harmonious balance.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Labyrinth
Esplanade Mall
8 Raffles Avenue
#02-23
Singapore 039802
Tel: +65 62234098
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Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Thu: 630pm - 11pm
Fri-Sun: 12pm - 230pm, 630pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit B or D. Walk to Raffles Avenue. Cross the road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 8 minutes. [Map]

Monday, April 20, 2026

Kai Garden @ Marina Square - Celebrate 10th Anniversary with New Creations and 50% OFF Selected Dishes

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Kai Garden celebrates its 10th anniversary this year with a specially curated menu by Group Executive Chef Fung Chi Keung, showcasing both signature favourites and new creations featuring premium ingredients like crab roe and black truffle. Diners can enjoy 50% off one selected dish from the anniversary menu (with no minimum spend), making this a great time to revisit or experience the restaurant.

Steamed Crystal Dumplings w Morel Mushrooms 1

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Steamed Crystal Dumplings w Morel Mushrooms 4/5

The Steamed Crystal Dumplings with Morel Mushrooms ($11.80) stood out for their delicate execution. The skin has a thin, almost mochi-like texture, giving it a slight chew while still feeling light. The filling is fresh and flavourful without being overpowering, allowing the earthy notes of the morel mushrooms to come through nicely.

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Baked BBQ Honey Pork Pastry 4/5

A dim sum classic, the Baked BBQ Honey Pork Pastry ($9.80) delivers with its buttery, flaky crust. What I appreciated most was that the char siew filling wasn’t overly sweet, striking a nice balance that makes it easy to enjoy without feeling cloying.

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Steamed Soup Dumplings with Crab Roe 4/5

The Steamed Soup Dumplings with Crab Roe ($12.80) may come across slightly premium, but the quality justifies it. Each dumpling is juicy, packed with umami and surprisingly not greasy. The vinegar served alongside is also worth mentioning! It’s not your typical sharp vinegar, but slightly sweet and ginger-infused, pairing beautifully with the dumplings and elevating the overall experience.

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Braised Seafood Thick Soup in Stone Pot 4.5/5

The Braised Seafood Thick Soup in Stone Pot ($38) is generous and indulgent, loaded with premium ingredients such as sea cucumber, fish maw, dried scallops, and even bird’s nest. It’s rich, collagen-packed and served piping hot in a stone pot, making it both comforting and luxurious. This is a classic Cantonese soup done well.

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Crab Roe with Pan-Fried Hor Fun 4.5/5

Crab roe dishes seem to be having a moment, and Kai Garden’s version with Pan-Fried Hor Fun ($48) is a solid one. The rice noodles have a nice wok hei, complemented by the savoury depth of cai poh and fish sauce before being topped with a luscious crab roe sauce. I particularly liked that it’s served over a flame, keeping the sauce warm, as it can develop a slightly fishy note once cooled. Portion-wise, it’s generous and easily shareable among 3–4 diners.

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Black Truffle Roasted Chicken 5/5

The Black Truffle Roasted Chicken ($32/half) was a pleasant surprise and a clear standout. The skin is crispy, the meat tender and juicy, and the truffle aroma is subtle. The truffle profile is not overpowering, with a slight hint of Chinese herbal notes that adds depth. A well-balanced dish that feels indulgent without being heavy.

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Kai Garden’s 10th anniversary menu brings together the restaurant’s strengths, refined Cantonese classics with a touch of modern luxury through ingredients like crab roe and black truffle. While the dishes lean towards a more polished, fine-dining profile, the 50% off promotion on selected dishes makes this an especially worthwhile time to visit and try some of their highlights. If you’re planning a meal here, I’d recommend going with a group so you can try a wider variety, especially the soup, hor fun and roasted chicken.

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


Kai Garden
Marina Square
6 Raffles Boulevard
#03-128A/128B
Singapore 039594
Tel: +65 62504826
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Website
Nearest MRT: Esplanade (CC Line), Promenade (CC, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 330pm, 6pm - 11pm
Sat-Sun: 11am - 4pm, 6pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit B, C, or D. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit A. Cross the road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]


Thursday, April 16, 2026

Westlake @ Queen's Road - Celebrates 52nd anniversary with 52% off Selected Heritage Favourites And New Dishes

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Located along Queen’s Road in a charming old neighbourhood, Westlake is celebrating 52 years of heritage with a lineup of new dishes, alongside attractive discounts on selected items from 13 April to 29 May 2026.

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Braised Pork with Pau 4.2/5

For decades, Westlake has been synonymous with its Braised Pork with Pau, which some may recall picking up on several occasions from its takeaway kiosks. At the restaurant, you can now enjoy this signature dish ($20 for 5pcs, $37 for 10pcs) in a more comfortable setting. The pork belly featured a pleasing fat-to-meat ratio, coated in a rich, flavoursome sauce that was thick yet not overwhelming. The lotus pau is specially made with a firmer structure to better hold the filling. While satisfying, I would have preferred a more melt-in-your-mouth texture and a slightly thicker cut of pork.

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Hot & Sour Soup 4.8/5

Another community favourite is Westlake’s Hot & Sour Soup ($16/$20/$28), and it’s easy to see why. Made with house-brewed chicken stock simmered for 24 hours and brimming with black fungus, shiitake mushrooms, and tofu, the soup was deeply flavourful with a pleasing consistency and well-balanced heat. Once adjusted with vinegar to taste, it easily ranks among the better renditions I’ve had in a long time.

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Butter King Prawn 4.2/5

Butter King Prawn ($38/$58/$76) impressed with prawns topped with a generous heap of butter-fried coconut flakes. While the prawns leaned slightly dry, the aromatic coconut flakes more than made up for it. The highlight was biting into the crispy prawn head together with the fragrant topping.

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Claypot Hokkien Mee 3/5

Served in an earthenware pot, the Claypot Hokkien Mee ($10/$16/$22) features wok-fried noodles simmered to absorb flavour. It was hearty and generously packed with prawns, squid, pork, and vegetables. However, it would have been better with a deeper wok hei and a less pronounced alkaline note in the noodles.

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Westlake Roast Chicken 4.5/5

A definite crowd-pleaser and a dish that regulars come back for, the Westlake Roast Chicken ($25/$43) is expertly fried whole, achieving a golden, crispy skin while retaining juicy meat.

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Stir-Fried Beancurd with Green Chilli 3/5

Among the new dishes, the Stir-Fried Beancurd with Green Chilli ($15/$19/$23) features tofu cooked in an umami-rich black bean sauce with minced meat. The dish is finished with a house sauce, originally crafted by Westlake’s founder and now passed down to the third generation. While the tofu itself was flavourful, the addition of green chillies felt somewhat unnecessary.

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Claypot Chilli Frog Leg 4/5

A more uncommon local offering, the Claypot Chilli Frog Leg ($25/$37/$48) is cooked with quintessential aromatics such as chilli padi, dried chilli, onion, ginger, and spring onion. Interestingly, it is paired with chee cheong fun instead of the usual porridge. While I have limited experience with this dish, enthusiasts might miss the comforting element that porridge typically brings.

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Minced Pork with Bean Sauce Noodle 5/5

My favourite among the new offerings is the founder’s treasured recipe of Minced Pork with Bean Sauce Noodle ($10/$16/$20). Tossed with spinach and shredded cucumber, the noodles are coated in a savoury, not overpowering fermented bean paste. Surprisingly light on the palate, this dish truly delighted.

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Tau Sah Pancake 3.5/5

To end on a sweet note, we had the Cantonese classic Tau Sah Pancake ($22). Thinner and crispier than most versions I’ve tried, it still delivered a satisfying finish to the meal.

To mark its 52nd anniversary, Westlake is offering diners 52% off selected dishes from 13 April to 29 May 2026. The promotion features Butter King Prawn, Stir-Fried Beancurd with Green Chilli, Claypot Chilli Frog Leg, and Minced Pork with Bean Sauce Noodle. The promotion is available all day from Monday to Wednesday, and during lunch hours (11am to 2pm) on Thursday and Friday

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.


Westlake
Block 4 Queen’s Road
#02-139
Singapore 260004
Tel: +65 6474 7283
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Nearest MRT: Farrer Road (CC Line)

Operating Hours:
Daily: 11am – 2pm, 5pm – 9pm

Direction:
Alight at Farrer Road MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 3 minutes. [Map]

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Jumboree @ Tai Seng - JUMBO Group’s Vibrant Food Hall Unites Signature Seafood and Hawker Favourites Under One Roof

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Tucked away in the industrial enclave of Tai Seng, JUMBOREE marks JUMBO Group’s first foray into a food hall concept, bringing together more than 10 of its well-loved brands under one expansive 17,997 sq ft space. Located at 26 Tai Seng Street, the off-the-beaten-track destination embraces Singapore’s communal dining spirit, complete with self-service alcohol taps (from $0.36 per 10ml) and a live band performing Mondays to Saturdays.

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Signature Black Bean Sauce Live Mud Crab on Shunde Chen Cun Flat Rice Roll 4.5/5

At the heart of the space is JUMBO 1987, a seafood dai pai dong (海鲜大牌档) that showcases both nostalgic classics and inventive creations inspired by JUMBO Seafood’s legacy.

A standout dish, the Signature Black Bean Sauce Live Mud Crab on Shunde Chen Cun Flat Rice Roll ($68) impresses with its robust, savoury black bean sauce that accentuates the natural sweetness of the mud crab. The unexpected addition of Shunde-style Chen Cun flat rice rolls lends a chewy, silky texture and soaks up the rich sauce beautifully, creating a satisfying pairing.

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1987 Signature Curry Fish Head with JUMBO You Tiao 4.2/5

The 1987 Signature Curry Fish Head with JUMBO You Tiao ($58) delivers on both scale and flavour. The meaty fish head is immersed in a creamy, aromatic curry brimming with brinjal, okra, long beans and cabbage. The accompanying jumbo-sized you tiao is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the luscious gravy.

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Crispy Fried Seafood Beancurd 3.8/5

A nostalgic throwback, the Crispy Fried Seafood Beancurd ($28 Large) features a crisp golden exterior that gives way to a silky-soft interior. Paired with a sweet dipping sauce, it offers a comforting balance of texture and flavour.

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1987 Signature Live Lobster Mapo Tofu 4/5

For something more indulgent, the 1987 Signature Live Lobster Mapo Tofu ($88) reimagines the Sichuan classic with chunks of succulent lobster. The dish carries a bold mala kick, while the velvety tofu and savoury sauce tie everything together in a rich, flavour-packed combination.

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Fragrant Maotai Sanbei Chicken 4/5

Another exclusive, the Fragrant Maotai Sanbei Chicken ($44 Large), arrives with a flourish, flambéed tableside with Maotai. The brief burst of flames releases an enticing aroma from ginger, garlic and basil, while the chicken is coated in a glossy, sweet-savoury glaze with a subtle smokiness.

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Tai Seng Satay 3.8/5

Beyond its seafood-centric offerings, the food hall brings together familiar hawker favourites and mini-restaurant concepts. From Tai Seng Satay, the Pork (from $6.80 for 6 sticks), Chicken (from $6.80 for 6 sticks), and Mutton Satay (from $7.80 for 6 sticks) are ideal for sharing alongside drinks, though the peanut sauce, enriched with grated pineapple, proves the highlight.

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Duo Fish Pao Fan 4/5

At Chao Ting Teochew Pao Fan, the Duo Fish Pao Fan ($13.50) comforts with its light yet flavourful broth and delicate grains, staying true to the Teochew style.

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Wonton Noodle Dry 4/5

Meanwhile, Kok Kee Wonton Noodle serves up its signature Wonton Noodle Dry ($5.50), featuring springy noodles tossed in a well-balanced, old-school sauce.

Other familiar names such as Tsui Wah Eatery and NG AH SIO Bak Kut Teh further round out the diverse lineup, making JUMBOREE a one-stop destination for varied cravings. Adding to the lively atmosphere, diners can enjoy live band performances from 8pm onwards, making it an appealing spot to unwind after work or gather with friends.

A fresh and ambitious concept by the JUMBO Group, JUMBOREE captures the essence of Singapore’s dining culture — communal, diverse and full of flavour. With its blend of signature seafood, hawker staples and convivial ambience, this new dining destination in Tai Seng offers a compelling reason to venture off the usual dining trail.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Jumboree
26 Tai Seng Street
#01-02
Singapore 534057
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Tai Seng (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 7am - 12midnight
Sun: 7am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tai Seng MRT station. Take Exit C. Exit the 18 Tai Seng Building. Facing the canal, turn left and walk to the destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]