Peh Gao Coffeeshop @ Serene Centre - Coffeeshop In The Day, Taproom In The Night

Tucked within Serene Centre, Peh Gao presents a unique dual-concept space that seamlessly shifts from a nostalgic kopitiam by day to a lively craft beer destination by night. Operating from 8am to 3pm, the daytime menu pays homage to local breakfast staples alongside hearty mains, before transforming into Orh Gao in the evening, offering Asian-inspired bar bites paired with an eclectic craft beer selection.

The morning crowd can look forward to a concise menu before 10am, featuring traditional toast and open-top sandwiches. From 10am to 2pm, the offerings expand to include a range of noodle and rice dishes, complemented by satisfying sides.

Traditional Kaya Butter Toast 5/5

Starting with the Traditional Kaya Butter Toast ($2.80), it’s easy to see why this has garnered a reputation as one of the best in town. The toast strikes an ideal balance — crisp on the outside yet thick enough to retain a soft, fluffy interior, offering a delightful textural contrast. Slathered with fragrant kaya rich in coconut and pandan notes, and layered with a generous slab of butter, each bite delivers a harmonious blend of sweetness and richness that lingers.

Mapo Tofu Udon 4.2/5

Moving on to the Mapo Tofu Udon ($12), the dish brings together elements of different cuisines in a comforting fusion bowl. Featuring silky mapo tofu, minced pork, onsen egg, and fried beancurd skin, it evokes a sense of familiarity akin to bak chor mee or even a bolognese-style pasta, with udon replacing the usual noodles for a heartier bite.

Nasi Lemak Beef Rendang 4.8/5

A standout on the menu is undoubtedly the Nasi Lemak Beef Rendang ($15). The coconut rice is aromatic and fluffy, forming the perfect base for the exceptionally tender beef cheek, which is braised until melt-in-the-mouth soft and deeply infused with rempah spices. Paired with classic accompaniments such as sambal, ikan bilis, peanuts and egg, this is a must-order dish that impresses on all fronts.

Fried Spring Rolls 3/5

The Fried Spring Rolls ($5) offer a crisp exterior, deep-fried to a golden brown. However, the radish and carrot filling lacks depth of flavour, making it less memorable than the other dishes.

Pho Ultimate 3.8/5

For something comforting, the Pho Ultimate ($19) features generous chunks of beef short rib alongside flat rice noodles, bean sprouts and fresh herbs in a spiced broth. The broth leans lighter in flavour, but the addition of condiments elevates the overall profile, resulting in a soothing bowl.

Crunchy Chicken Cartilage 3.8/5

Come evening, the space transitions into Orh Gao, where the focus shifts to bar bites and craft brews. The Crunchy Chicken Cartilage ($12) makes for an ideal accompaniment to drinks, with its well-marinated, crispy bites delivering a satisfying crunch and chew, especially when paired with chilli sauce.

Kra Pow Mee Tai Mak 4/5

Equally inventive is the Kra Pow Mee Tai Mak ($15), a creative fusion dish marrying Thai basil chicken with claypot mee tai mak. Each mouthful is packed with bold flavours — aromatic basil, a gentle heat, and the richness of the onsen egg tying everything together.

Curry Mussels 4/5

The Curry Mussels ($21) round off the experience on a comforting note. The fresh mussels are bathed in a sambal butter curry that leans slightly sweet and creamy, accompanied by focaccia bread perfect for soaking up every bit of the sauce.

Craft Beer

Of course, no visit to Orh Gao is complete without exploring its rotating selection of craft beers on tap. The diverse lineup ensures there’s something to suit every palate, making it an inviting spot to unwind.

With its thoughtful concept and well-executed menu spanning both traditional and modern flavours, Peh Gao successfully carves out its identity as both a dependable breakfast spot and a vibrant evening hangout.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Peh Gao / Orh Gao
Serene Centre
10 Jalan Serene
#01-06
Singapore 258748
Tel: +65 8749 2755
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Nearest MRT: Botanic Gardens ( CC, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Peh Gao
Tue-Sun: 8am - 3pm
Orh Gao
Tue-Thu, Sun: 4pm - 11pm
Fri-Sat: 4pm - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Botanic Gardens MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk down Bukit Timah Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

Orchid Live Seafood @ Seletar Hills Estate - Fresh Live Seafood & Fun Mystery Seafood Bags

If you are a fan of fresh live seafood, Orchid Live Seafood is probably one of those places that should already be on your radar. Known for its tank-to-table seafood and Teochew-style cooking, this long-standing local favourite has been serving up quality live catches for years, with preparations that let the seafood's natural sweetness shine. On our recent visit to their Jalan Kelulut outlet, we got to try a mix of their signature dishes, seasonal specials, and even their newly launched Mystery Seafood Bag experience, which adds a fun surprise element to the meal.

Homemade Tofu served with Century Egg & Tobiko 4.5/5

Starting with a cold appetiser, the Homemade Tofu served with Century Egg & Tobiko ($8) was a pleasant surprise. The tofu had a firmer, more custardy texture, with strips of imitation crab meat tucked inside. The century egg purée was well-balanced and not too strong, while the tobiko added a little pop. A simple but enjoyable starter.

Signature Local Rock Lobster Porridge 5/5

The Signature Local Rock Lobster Porridge ($120 for 1kg) was easily one of our favourite dishes of the meal. Although meant for 4 persons, it can definitely feed 5 to 6 if you are sharing other dishes too. The broth was light yet packed with sweetness from the fresh live rock lobster, making it both comforting and flavourful. A must-order here for that umami punch!

Steamed Snow Crab 4.5/5

For April, Orchid Live Seafood is offering Live Snow Crab at $78 for 1 or $138 for 2 (U.P. $138/kg). Steamed with egg white, the crab was naturally sweet, letting the freshness shine. A little tip: we added some egg white to the lobster porridge, and it made it even more umami. Do not miss this incredible offer, really value for money!

White Pepper Dungeness Crab 4.5/5

Blind boxes are trending, but have you tried Blind Seafood? Orchid Live Seafood's new Mystery Seafood Bag lets diners pick from two tiers ($48++ / $68++) to reveal a surprise live seafood item at up to 50% off, plus a cute seafood plushie to bring home.

There are a few possible catches, including Bamboo Clams, Boston Lobster, Abalone, Soon Hock, Turbot and Dungeness Crab. We got the Dungeness Crab and had it cooked in white pepper style - fragrant, fresh and super addictive.

Signature Steven Chicken 4.5/5

Not everything worth ordering here is seafood. The Signature Steven Chicken ($24, medium) is one of the restaurant's long-time favourites, and it's easy to see why. Nicely fried, crispy and coated in a savoury-sweet glaze, sprinkled with sesame seeds - this was a very addictive dish that would appeal to almost everyone at the table, especially the kids.

Stir Fry Royal Chives 4.5/5

Also known as Qing Long Cai, the Stir Fry Royal Chives ($18, small) was cooked just right, retaining a nice crunch. Light, fresh and simple, it was a good contrast to the richer seafood dishes.

Overall, Orchid Live Seafood offers fresh live seafood, comforting local-style flavours and good value for the quality. Portions are generous, the staff are friendly, and the dining experience feels fuss-free yet satisfying. It is a great option for family meals and seafood gatherings, and it even has a private dining room for special occasions. They currently have 2 outlets - Jalan Kelulut and HomeTeamNS Khatib.

Membership Perks

Join Orchid Live Seafood's FREE membership programme and enjoy:
• $10 voucher for your next visit
• 2 x $5 vouchers for your 2nd and 3rd visit
• Earn 1 point for every $10 spent
• Redeem $10 for every 30 points
*T&Cs apply.

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


Orchid Live Seafood
16 Jalan Kelulut
Singapore 809033
Tel: +65 6484 2495
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Nearest MRT: Buangkok (NE Line), Serangoon (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 230pm, 5pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Serangoon MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk to bus stop at Serangoon MRT Station (Stop ID 66351). Take bus number 70, 104. Alight 10 stops later. Walk to Jalan Kelulut. Turn left onto Jalan Kelulut. Walk to destination. Journey time is about 25 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Buangkok MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Buangkok MRT Station (Stop ID 67601). Take bus number 104. Alight 6 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to Jalan Kelulut. Turn left onto Jalan Kelulut. Walk to destination. Journey time is about 16 minutes. [Map]

SABOR Cocina Y Tapas @ CHIJMES - A New Lively & Stylish Spanish Dining with Room for Refinement

Located within the charming grounds of CHIJMES, SABòR Cocina Y Tapas is a bold new addition to the dining scene, officially opening on 1 April 2026. Taking over the former space of Privé, this 100-seater Spanish concept is helmed by the team behind Duomo Ristorante. The restaurant offers a lively, communal dining experience, seamlessly transitioning from a laid-back daytime setting to a vibrant evening destination. Diners can choose between the sleek glass-enclosed dining hall or the picturesque alfresco courtyard, which comes alive at night with twinkling lights set against the historic chapel backdrop.

Bikini Sobrasada, Honey & Cheese 3.8/5

We started with the Bikini Sobrasada, Honey & Cheese ($18), a modern take on the classic Spanish pressed sandwich. Stuffed with sobrasada, a soft, paprika-spiced cured sausage. The sandwich delivered a rich, smoky depth, elevated by melted cheese. A drizzle of honey adds a distinct sweet note, giving it a sweet-savoury profile that leans away from the traditional version. While interesting, preferences may vary depending on whether one favours the classic savoury rendition.

Bread & Tomatoes 3/5

The Bread & Tomatoes ($12) pays homage to a Spanish staple. Featuring crisped crystal bread topped with ripe tomatoes, olive oil and salt, it celebrates simplicity and ingredient quality. However, the seasoning was a tad heavy-handed, slightly overshadowing the natural flavours.

Spicy Crab Croquette 3/5

Jamón Serrano Croquette 3/5

Moving on to the croquettes, both the Spicy Crab Croquette ($4/pc) and Jamón Serrano Croquette ($4/pc) boasted a crisp exterior with a molten, creamy interior. Unfortunately, the fillings lacked distinction, with neither the crab nor the jamón coming through clearly, leaving us underwhelmed.

Chicken Wings' Dirty Pepe' 3/5

The Chicken Wings' Dirty Pepe' ($18) takes inspiration from Madrid's iconic Casa Pepe. Deep-fried to a satisfying crisp, the wings are coated in a smoky, sweet-savoury glaze that is more balanced and approachable than the original's punchy saltiness. Interestingly, the flavour profile and glaze evoked Korean-style fried chicken, with its addictive sweet-savoury coating.

Grilled Wagyu Beef Paella 3.8/5

For a hearty centrepiece, the Grilled Wagyu Beef Paella ($48) offers a meat-forward take on the traditional dish. While flavourful, the rice leaned closer to a risotto-like consistency, lacking the coveted socarrat — the crispy caramelised crust that defines a well-executed paella.

Grilled Barramundi, Picon Sauce 4/5

From the grill, the Grilled Barramundi with Picon Sauce ($34) was well executed, with crisp skin and moist, flaky flesh. The accompanying mojo picón sauce added a punchy, smoky spice that complemented the fish beautifully.

Crispy Pork Belly, Green Apple 3/5

The Crispy Pork Belly, Green Apple ($36) featured tender meat but fell short on the crackling, with the skin turning out slightly rubbery rather than crisp. The green apple slaw, however, provided a refreshing acidity that helped balance the richness.

Potatoes 'Bravisimas' 4.5/5

One of the highlights of the meal was the Potatoes 'Bravisimas' ($16). This elevated take on patatas bravas features golden, crispy potatoes, fluffy inside, coated in a deeply addictive seasoning. It's the kind of dish that keeps you reaching for more.

Crema Catalana with Cookies 3/5

Churros with Chocolate 3.5/5

Ending on a sweet note, the Crema Catalana with Cookies ($14) impressed with its silky, citrus-infused custard and delicate caramelised crust. The addition of cookie crumbs beneath adds a delightful textural contrast. Meanwhile, the Churros with Chocolate ($12) delivered exactly what you’d expect — crispy on the outside, light within, and paired with a rich, indulgent chocolate dip.

Overall, SABòR Cocina Y Tapas brings an energetic Spanish dining concept to CHIJMES, with a strong emphasis on ambience and communal plates. While certain dishes could be more refined in execution, there are standout items that showcase its potential as a lively spot for gatherings over tapas and drinks.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


SABOR Cocina Y Tapas
Chijmes
30 Victoria Street
#01-33
Singapore 187996
Tel: +65 9611 9127
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Nerest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line), Bras Basah (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 430pm - 12midnight
Fri-Sun: 12pm - 2pm, 430pm - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Cut across Raffles City Shopping Centre to Bras Basah Road. At the junction of Bras Basah Road and North Bridge Road, cross the road to Chijmes. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Bras Basah MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk southwards towards Victoria Road. At the junction of Bras Basah Road and Victoria Road, cross the junction to Chijmes. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

Mr Triple Hotpots (三锅先生) @ Jalan Sultan - A Taste of Northern China with Traditional Copper Pot & Lamb Spine Hotpot

Located along the bustling stretch of Jalan Sultan, Mr Triple Hotpots (三锅先生) offers a robust selection of Northern Chinese specialities, including a variety of hotpot styles and Jinzhou-style BBQ. From the traditional Beijing copper pot to the hearty lamb spine hotpot, the concept here goes beyond the usual hotpot experience commonly found in Singapore.

Classic Beijing Copper Pot 4/5

We began our meal with the Classic Beijing Copper Pot, a style deeply rooted in Northern Chinese dining culture. Unlike the typical flavourful broths we are accustomed to, the pot uses plain water in a charcoal-fired copper chimney vessel. The design ensures a consistent, high heat, ideal for flash-cooking thinly sliced meats. This minimalist approach allows the natural flavours of the ingredients to shine, with the dipping sauces playing a crucial role in elevating each bite.

To complement the pots, we ordered a selection of sliced beef, lamb, and pork, along with bamboo shoots. Each ingredient cooks quickly in the boiling water, retaining its inherent freshness and texture. One particularly interesting accompaniment was the pickled garlic, which was new to me. Its tangy and slightly pungent profile works surprisingly well as a palate cleanser, refreshing the taste buds between bites and preparing you for the next round of indulgence.

Lamb Spine Pot 4.2/5

In addition to the copper pot, we also tried the Lamb Spine Pot (羊蝎子), a dish that may sound intimidating at first. The direct translation can be misleading, but it actually refers to the lamb spine, named for its resemblance to a scorpion’s tail. This was my first encounter with the dish, and it turned out to be a pleasant surprise. The pot is richly flavoured with spices, and the lamb spine is chopped into chunky pieces, similar to oxtail. The meat is tender and gelatinous, while the radish in the pot soaks up the deeply savoury broth beautifully. Diners can also add additional raw ingredients into the pot, transforming it into a more familiar hotpot experience.

Lamb Skewer 4.2/5

To kickstart the meal while waiting for the hotpot to come to a boil, we had the Lamb Skewers. Grilled to a slight char, the skewers were tender, juicy, and packed with aromatic spices, delivering a fragrant, satisfying bite. It is a great addition to the meal, especially for those looking for something cooked and ready to enjoy immediately.

Overall, Mr Triple Hotpots offers a refreshing take on hotpot dining by showcasing traditional Northern Chinese styles that are less commonly seen locally. Whether it is the simplicity of the Beijing copper pot or the bold flavours of the lamb spine hotpot, the experience here is both unique and comforting — perfect for those looking to explore something different beyond the usual hotpot options in Singapore.


Mr Triple Hotpots (三锅先生)
61 Jalan Sultan
Singapore 198980
Tel: +65 8039 1818
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Nearest MRT: Nicoll Highway (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 4pm - 6am

Direction:
1) Alight at Nicoll Highway MRT station. Take Exit A. Take the overhead bridge and walk to the end. Continue onto Jalan Sultan until the traffic junction of North Bridge Road and Jalan Sultan. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Butcher’s Block @ Raffles Hotel Singapore - Welcomes The Season of Renewal With Spring IMUA Tasting Menu

At Butcher's Block, the latest Spring IMUA tasting menu celebrates the restaurant's signature wood-fired cooking, whole animal butchery, and zero-waste philosophy. Showcasing seasonal produce alongside returning favourites, the multi-course experience is complemented by thoughtfully curated wine pairings.

Big Eye Ahi Poke Tartlet

Blackmore Farms Wagyu Beef Pipikaula

The meal began with the Big Eye Ahi Poke Tartlet. Crowned with premium Osetra caviar, the bite-sized snack whetted the appetite with intense savouriness and a creamy finish. Alongside were ribbons of Blackmore Farms Wagyu Beef Pipikaula, complemented by moreish Beef Fat Fried Rice that delivered deep, umami-rich notes.

Grilled Green Asparagus

Smoked Ahi Pâté

The next appetiser featured slices of Grilled Green Asparagus paired with lacto-fermented white asparagus. Smoky and earthy, the dish was balanced by a panna cotta at the base, made with asparagus stems, which also added a subtle creaminess to the mouthfeel. Accompanying this was a Smoked Ahi Pâté, crafted with gently smoked tuna belly. A crunchy, burnt leek churro, savoury with a hint of sweetness, formed the tart base, slathered with the pâté and topped with slices of smoked Japanese saba. Each bite delivered layers of texture and flavour, with full-bodied richness.

Lomi Lomi Kombu-Cured Big Eye Ahi

The following course, Lomi Lomi Kombu-Cured Big Eye Ahi, offered a punchy, citrusy, and herbaceous flavour profile that lifted and complemented the delicately Hawaiian-cured fish.

Western Plains Kalua Pork

Next came the Western Plains Kalua Pork, a colourful representation of the traditional Hawaiian dish. Rolled in savoy cabbage, the pork was succulent, carrying a bold, salty punch and a distinctive smokiness. Balancing its hearty taste were velvety sweet potato purée and luscious coconut cream, which added a gentle sweetness and rounded out the flavours.

Huli-Huli Dry-Aged Duck

The Huli-Huli Dry-Aged Duck is one of the restaurant's signature courses, conceptualised to showcase different parts of the Malaysia-sourced duck. For this season, the plate featured 21-day dry-aged duck breast, served alongside a duck leg foie gras terrine and a duck liver parfait tartlet topped with duck heart bushi. The level of thought and craftsmanship behind the dish was impressive. Turning the duck heart into a bushi was particularly intriguing, underscoring the restaurant's commitment to its zero-waste philosophy.

Japanese Kinmedai

The next course highlighted Japanese Kinmedai, featuring a lightly grilled 3-day dry-aged fillet. It was topped with a layer of flavoursome nduja gratin made from the trimmings of the Blackmore Farms cattle that Butcher's Block brings in, and finished with a seaweed and fennel beurre blanc. The interplay of flavours was interesting, with the smoky richness of the nduja complementing the fish's heightened oceanic flavours.

Blackmore Farms Full-Blood Wagyu Beef

The final main course, Blackmore Farms Full-Blood Wagyu Beef, served as a fitting finale. The dish delivered an intensely smoky Wagyu meatloaf alongside dry-aged, koji-marinated beef. Completing the plate was an indulgent potato mille-feuille fried in beef fat rendered from the same Blackmore Farms cow, tying the dish back to the restaurant's whole-animal ethos.

Blooming of Spring

Blooming of Spring, a refreshing combination of compressed cucumber, cantaloupe sorbet, and Monkey's Milk, was served as a palate cleanser.

Memoir

The dinner experience concluded with Memoir, a dessert inspired by the chef's personal journey. The composition brought together ponzu gelée, nori ice cream and caramel. An interesting detail about this dessert is the chef's discovery that blending nori with milk produces a flavour reminiscent of matcha, a nuance reflected in the dessert's flavour profile.

The Spring IMUA tasting menu is available from now until 30 May 2026 and is served at both lunch and dinner. For a more elevated experience, you may opt for the Dom Pérignon Prestige Pairing.

Spring IMUA Tasting Menu
Lunch: S$168++ per guest
Tailored Wine Pairing: S$138++ per guest
Dinner: S$228++ per guest
Tailored Wine Pairing: S$168++ per guest
Dom Pérignon Prestige Pairing: S$408++, served for the whole table
Booking Link: https://www.sevenrooms.com/explore/butchersblock/reservations

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.


Butcher's Block
Raffles Hotel Singapore
Raffles Arcade
328 North Bridge Road
#02-02
Singapore 188719
Tel: +65 6337 1886
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line), Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Lunch (Wed-Sat): 12pm - 230pm
Dinner (Tue-Sat): 6pm - 930pm
(Closed on Sun and Mon)

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

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