Shabu Days @ Bukit Panjang - Affordable Solo Shabu-Shabu Sets from S$14.90

Tucked within the bustling Kopitiam Food Hall at Hillion Mall, Shabu Days presents a personal shabu-shabu concept that is both comforting and convenient, ideal for a quick midday recharge or a fuss-free dinner. The concept of solo hotpot dining is executed with thoughtful precision here, offering well-balanced sets that feel both nourishing and accessible for everyday indulgence.

Starting from an approachable S$14.90, each set at Shabu Days is designed to deliver a complete and satisfying meal. Diners can choose from nine cut-to-order mains, spanning from classic options such as Chicken Thigh ($14.90), Pork Collar ($16.90) and Beef Brisket ($19.90) to more premium selections like Australian Wagyu ($29.90), Japanese A5 Wagyu ($39.90), and the Seafood Treasure Platter ($29.90). The variety ensures there is something for every palate and occasion.

Japanese A5 Wagyu Chuck Roll

Pork Collar

During our visit, we opted for the Japanese A5 Wagyu Chuck Roll and Pork Collar. Sliced upon order, the meats showcased beautiful colour and marbling, immediately hinting at their quality. The Japanese A5 Wagyu, in particular, was richly marbled, delivering a buttery tenderness and depth of flavour that melted effortlessly with each swish in the broth. The Pork Collar, on the other hand, offered a satisfying balance of lean meat and delicate fat, remaining juicy and flavourful after cooking.

Bonito Kombu Broth 4.2/5

Tangy Tomato Broth 4.2/5

Complementing the meats is a selection of nourishing broths, each bringing its own distinct character to the experience. The Bonito Kombu broth stood out with its clean, umami-rich profile, layered with the subtle sweetness of kombu and the smokiness of bonito. The Herbal Angelica broth offered a gentle, comforting herbal note, while the Tangy Tomato provided a light, refreshing acidity that brightened the meal. For those seeking bolder flavours, the Sukiyaki broth paired with a pasteurised egg delivers a sweet-savoury richness. In contrast, the Spicy Umami broth caters to those who prefer a more robust and punchy base.

Each set is accompanied by a thoughtfully assembled Yasai Garden Bowl, featuring a colourful medley of seasonal vegetables, including green and red coral lettuce, enoki and shimeji mushrooms, and carrot and pumpkin. This not only adds vibrancy to the meal but also balances the richness of the meats with freshness and texture. Diners can further customise their set with a choice of carbohydrates, Calrose white rice, ramen or udon alongside the "Three Treasures" of kinchaku, mini chikuwa and gyoza, rounding out the meal with additional variety.

A highlight of the Shabu Days experience is the signature DIY Egg Risotto (add $3.50). Using the remaining broth, diners can transform it into a comforting, risotto-style dish by adding rice, a pasteurised egg, and condiments. This interactive finale is both satisfying and resourceful, allowing the broth's flavours to culminate in a warm, hearty finish.

Overall, Shabu Days delivers a well-executed solo hotpot experience that strikes a fine balance between quality, value and convenience. With its curated sets, quality ingredients and comforting flavours, it is a concept that invites repeat visits, whether for a quick solo meal or a casual, satisfying indulgence.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Shabu Days
Kopitiam Food Hall
Hillion Mall
17 Petir Road
#02-15-20
Singapore 678278
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Nearest MRT: Bukit Panjang (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bukit Panjang MRT station. Take Exit A2. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 3 minutes. [Map]

MODU High @ Amoy Street - Elevated Next Chapter of Singapore's first premium Samgyetang specialty restaurant, Bigger Menu and Bigger Space

MODU, Singapore’s first premium Samgyetang speciality restaurant, has recently opened its latest outlet along Amoy Street, MODU High. Transforming the entire shophouse into a modern Hanok-inspired space, the new outlet offers a more intimate and spacious setting to enjoy its signature organic spring chicken Samgyetang, alongside an expanded menu featuring twelve distinct flavours.

Appetisers 4/5

We were served the 2-Gather Set ($118), a curated sharing set for two. It includes a pot of tea, appetisers, two bowls of Samgyetang, a shareable plate, and a traditional dessert to round off the meal. To start, we were each served a trio of appetisers: Honey Marinated Garlic & Ginseng, Steamed Eggplant with Soy Vinegar Sauce, and Tomato Carpaccio with Balsamic Vinegar. The standout was the Honey Marinated Garlic & Ginseng, offering a distinctive interplay of sweet, bitter, and garlicky notes that lingered on the palate.

Buckwheat Crepe Samhap 3/5

For the shareable plate, we chose the Buckwheat Crepe Samhap. This featured delicate buckwheat crepes, meant to wrap slices of grilled tofu and kimchi. Unfortunately, the crepes were disappointingly small and insufficient for the size of the tofu, which also leaned greasy. The saving grace here was the housemade kimchi, delivering a unique nutty and savoury depth.

Wild Mushroom Samgyetang 4.5/5

Moving on to the stars of the meal, the Samgyetang bowls. We tried the Wild Mushroom ($38), a new addition to the menu, featuring the rare and hence highly prized uncultivated neungi mushrooms. While the broth itself did not fully capture the mushrooms’ essence, biting into the chewy, dark-fleshed mushrooms released an intense, woody flavour that added depth to the Samgyetang. As for the halal-certified organic spring chicken, it impressed with its tenderness and, more importantly, its clean, natural flavour. A simple dip into the accompanying pepper salt was more than sufficient to bring out its qualities.

Perilla Seed Samgyetang 4.5/5

The Perilla Seed Samgyetang ($38), one of the two creamy variations, offered a completely different expression of Samgyetang. Rich and aromatic, it carried notes reminiscent of soybean and tahini. The experience evolved as we topped it up midway with the free-flow herbal broth, which lightened the richness while introducing more herbal complexity.

Dessert 4/5

Ending the meal on a comforting note was a traditional Korean Honey Cookie, paired with a mellow, gently sweet housemade Jujube and Cinnamon Punch.

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.


MODU High
96 Amoy Street
Singapore 069916
Tel: +65 8035 7883
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Website
Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 1130am - 10pm
Fri-Sat: 1130am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Amoy Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk down Telok Ayer Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 8 minutes. [Map]

The SIXTH Thai Noodles House @ Sixth Avenue - Affordable, Authentic Thai Noodles From Just $7.50 Nett

Hidden within Soi Thai Soi Nice at Sixth Avenue, The SIXTH Thai Noodles House brings the vibrant flavours of Bangkok’s street food scene to our shores. The concept keeps things simple and wallet-friendly, offering authentic Thai noodle bowls starting from just $7.50 NETT with no GST or service charge, making it an attractive spot for a fuss-free, satisfying meal. The menu features seven noodle variations alongside a concise selection of sides. Despite its modest offerings, each dish channels bold, punchy flavours synonymous with Thai street fare.

Tom Yum Kway Teow Soup 4.5/5

Starting with the Tom Yum Kway Teow Soup ($7.50), this was easily the standout of the meal. The silky kway teow is immersed in a robust tom yum broth that strikes a delightful balance between spicy heat and tangy acidity. Each spoonful is layered with complexity — aromatic, zesty and deeply comforting. The bowl is generously loaded with ingredients such as fried dumpling, ngoh hiang, prawn balls, fishcake slices and minced pork, making it both hearty and satisfying. It’s the kind of dish that instantly transports you to the bustling streets of Bangkok.

Yum Mama 4.2/5

For something dry, the Yum Mama ($7.50) offers an equally addictive experience. The Mama instant noodles are springy and well-coated in a punchy tom yum dressing, delivering that signature spicy-sour kick with every bite. Tossed with a medley of ingredients, the dish is light yet intensely flavourful — a slurp-worthy plate that keeps you going back for more.

Duck Feet Noodle 3/5

A more adventurous option on the menu is the Duck Feet Noodle ($7.50). Served with yellow noodles in a herbal braising sauce, the dish leans towards a more acquired taste. While the sauce carries a gentle herbal depth, the duck feet lack the rich gelatinous texture typically enjoyed in braised chicken feet. As such, it may not appeal to everyone, especially those expecting a more collagen-rich mouthfeel.

Homemade Prawn Paste Soup 4.2/5

To complement the noodles, the Homemade Prawn Paste Soup ($5) is a worthy addition. The prawn balls, made in-house, are impressively bouncy with a firm bite, packed with real prawn meat that delivers natural sweetness. It’s a simple yet satisfying side that highlights the kitchen’s attention to quality.

Century Egg Salad 4.2/5

Another side worth ordering is the Century Egg Salad ($4). The creamy century egg is paired with sharp onions and dressed in a spicy, tangy sauce that beautifully cuts through the richness. It’s a refreshing, palate-awakening dish that adds contrast to the meal.

Overall, The SIXTH Thai Noodles House delivers on its promise of affordable, authentic Thai noodles with bold flavours and comforting familiarity. While not every dish may suit all palates, the well-executed classics like the Tom Yum Kway Teow Soup make it a spot worth returning to for a quick Thai fix without breaking the bank.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


The SIXTH Thai Noodles House
10E Sixth Ave
#01-02
Singapore 276474
Tel: +65 9295 6488
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Nearest MRT: Sixth Avenue (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 5pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Sixth Avenue MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Sixth Avenue. Turn left onto Sixth Avenue. Walk to Toast Box. At Toast Box, turn right and walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

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

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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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]

LUCE @ Frasers House - Unveils a Richer, More Immersive Dining Experience

Curated under the direction of Chef de Cuisine Giuseppe Di Caetano, Luce at Fraser House introduces a more indulgent and dynamic dining experience, marked by an expanded lineup of live stations and a deeper repertoire of dishes.

Seafood on Ice

The experience began the moment I stepped in, greeted by an impressive seafood-on-ice display showcasing premium selections such as Japanese oysters, wild-caught Australian spanner crab, and an array of seasonal shellfish.

Cold Cuts and Charcuterie

The Cold Cuts and Charcuterie Room is an ideal way to start, a dedicated space housing an extensive selection of artisanal cheeses from Italy and France, including a noteworthy 36-month-aged cheddar, alongside premium cured meats like the 18-month dry-cured Prosciutto di Parma.

Chilled Antipasti and Salads

Burrata

The spread includes a variety of chilled antipasti and salads, with burrata as a highlight. A sushi and sashimi selection is also available alongside.

Housemade Squid Ink Tagliolini

Pasta station

At the heart of Luce lies its Italian culinary tradition. One of the standout live stations features the Housemade Squid Ink Tagliolini, prepared tableside on a gueridon. Tossed with fresh river prawn and a fragrant kaffir crustacean bisque, the dish is finished in a signature Parmesan wheel for added depth and richness. The pasta station also offers choices such as Trofie, Cheese Ravioli, and Rigatoni, complemented by sauces like Guanciale Carbonara and slow-cooked Beef Bolognese.

Bone Marrow

Brandy and Mustard Marinated Angus Beef Striploin

From the live stations, the Brandy and Mustard Marinated Angus Beef Striploin is a notable highlight, served alongside indulgent open flame bone marrow, green asparagus, vine tomatoes, and a brandy rosemary sauce.

Louisiana Style Barbecue Pork Ribs

Pollo Limone

Rotational roasts add variety, including Louisiana Style Barbecue Pork Ribs with Grilled Pineapple and Pollo Limone, featuring free-range chicken marinated with Cajun spices and finished with a lemon-and-mushroom cream sauce.

Oven Baked Sustainable Barramundi

Amongst the Italian specialities, channelling the essence of coastal Italian cuisine, the Sicilian-style Whole Branzino, presented as an oven-baked sustainable barramundi, was moist and tender, scrumptious with capers, tomatoes, olives, and perfectly cooked potatoes that brought everything together beautifully.

Seafood Stew

Vegetable Stew

Comforting classics such as Il Caciucco di Mare, a robust mixed seafood stew, and Frecanto di Verdure, a full-bodied vegetable medley brimming with the vibrant flavours of black olives, oregano, capers, tomato, garlic, onion, and white wine.

Homemade Meatballs

For homely fare, the Homemade Meatballs in fresh basil and tomato marinara deliver familiar comfort. At the same time, the Ragout alla Genovese, featuring slow-braised Wagyu with durum wheat pasta, was a pleasing staple.

Signature Pork Lup Cheong e Gorgonzola Dolce Pizza

The Pinsa station dishes out freshly made pizzas that take centre stage, including a cross-cultural creation: the Chef’s Signature Pork Lup Cheong e Gorgonzola Dolce Pizza, where the savoury, smoky lup cheong is balanced by a cream-softened Gorgonzola.

Fraser House Signature Laksa station

Satays

Local favourites remain a strong draw, with Fraser House Signature Laksa and Grilled Chicken and Beef Satay continuing to impress, the latter particularly notable for its spice-forward marinade and aromatic depth.

Braised Pork Belly

The Asian selection features staples such as Mee Goreng, Dim Sum, and curries. However, the standout was undoubtedly the Braised Iberico Pork Belly with dried chilli and five spice, meltingly tender and richly flavoured.

Dessert Station

LUCE-misu

To conclude, the dessert station is nothing short of abundant. Expect a Valrhona Chocolate Fountain, an assortment of Nyonya kueh, and an elegant spread of cakes. The signature LUCE-misu is given its own dedicated live station, offering a decadent finale.

Visit www.lucesingapore.com to explore monthly exclusive dining privileges at LUCE. In celebration of the relaunch, guests are invited to enjoy 30% dining privileges on weekdays with LUCE30 and 25% dining privileges on weekends with LUCE25. For reservations, please contact the Dining Reservations team at +65 6825 1008 or email tlc.sinlb.luce@luxurycollection.com.

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.


LUCE
Fraser House, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Level 1
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 6825 1008
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm

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