Mom's Touch @ China Square Central - Returns to Singapore with Bigger, Juicier Chicken Burgers and K-Culture Flair

Korean burger and fried chicken brand Mom’s Touch is back in Singapore. After leaving the local scene in February 2022, the popular Korean brand returns on 14 August 2026, opening along South Bridge Road with a refreshed menu, hand-battered fried chicken, and a strong dose of K-culture.

Known for its generously sized chicken burgers and crispy fried chicken, Mom’s Touch is promising an upgrade for its second coming in Singapore. Each chicken thigh patty is made with 100% chicken thigh, hand-battered and fried to order, so diners get hot, crispy, juicy chicken straight from the fryer.

The comeback also introduces several Singapore-exclusive creations alongside new K-inspired flavours. Adding to the excitement is a collaboration with girl group LE SSERAFIM, the brand’s global ambassador, with exclusive merchandise and a K-pop experience for fans.

Super Thigh Chicken Burger 4/5

The Super Thigh Chicken Burger ($9.95) is the Singapore-exclusive creation and easily one of the most substantial burgers on the menu. At its centre is Mom’s Touch’s signature whole crispy chicken thigh, noticeably hefty and giving the burger plenty of bite. The chicken is encased in a craggy, golden-brown batter that delivers a satisfying crunch, while the meat underneath remains juicy and tender. It comes with lettuce, fresh onions, and pickles, adding freshness and acidity to balance the substantial fried chicken. What makes this Singapore edition different is the secret Singapore sauce, which brings together Korea’s familiar savoury-sweet profile with a bolder, peppery kick. The combination works particularly well with the juicy chicken thigh. It is hearty, indulgent and definitely built for those who enjoy their burgers with plenty of fried chicken.

All-in Chicken Burger 4/5

If you believe there is no such thing as too much chicken, the All-in Chicken Burger ($8.95) takes that idea quite literally. Available with either a crispy fried chicken thigh or breast patty, the burger is stacked with chicken ham, a fried egg, lettuce, onions and pickles. It’s finished with Thousand Island and herb sauces. A lot is going on here, but that is precisely the appeal. The crispy chicken provides the crunch and juiciness, while the chicken ham adds another layer of savoury flavour. The fried egg brings richness, especially when the yolk mixes with the sauces and chicken. The pickles and onions help cut through the richness, while the tangy Thousand Island sauce adds a familiar fast-food burger element. Go for the thigh if you prefer a juicier, more indulgent bite, or breast if you want something a little leaner.

White Garlic Chicken Burger 4.2/5

The White Garlic Chicken Burger ($7.95) is the one to consider if you are a serious garlic lover. Besides the crispy chicken patty, the burger comes with chicken ham, melted cheddar, onions and pickles, all tied together with a thick white garlic sauce. The sauce is creamy and almost mayonnaise-like in texture, but with a much more pronounced sweet and garlicky flavour. It coats the chicken generously and gives every bite a fragrant garlic kick. The cured chicken ham adds a salty, savoury dimension, while melted cheddar contributes extra richness. Thankfully, the fresh onions and tangy pickles add enough sharpness and crunch to keep the burger from getting too heavy. With crispy chicken, salty ham, melted cheese, and creamy garlic sauce, this is one of the more indulgent burgers in the lineup and should appeal strongly to garlic fans.

Grilled Beef Burger 3/5

For those who prefer beef over fried chicken, the Grilled Beef Burger ($7.95 single / $10.95 double) takes a more familiar approach. The burger comes with a juicy beef patty, melted cheddar, lettuce, tomatoes, onions and dill pickle sauce. Compared to Mom’s Touch’s towering chicken burgers, this feels much more like a classic fast-food cheeseburger. The beef patty brings the savoury foundation, while the melted cheddar adds creaminess. Lettuce and tomato add refreshing crunch and juiciness, while onions and dill pickle sauce add tang. It is straightforward and familiar, and perhaps less exciting than the chicken offerings, but that simplicity also makes it a lighter option. With the fresh vegetables replacing some of the heavier fried components, it is noticeably less rich on the palate.

Angus Beef Burger 4.2/5

The Angus Beef Burger ($12.95 single / $17.95 double) is a step up for beef lovers and another Singapore-exclusive creation. Made with Australian Angus beef, the burger comes with a juicy beef patty topped with a fried egg, cheddar, lettuce, onions, pickles, white garlic sauce, and steak sauce. The burger is rich from the beef and melted cheddar to the fried egg and creamy garlic sauce. The pickles and onions provide some much-needed acidity and crunch, while the steak sauce gives the beef a deeper savoury note. Compared to the Grilled Beef Burger, this is considerably more substantial and indulgent. The combination of Angus beef, fried egg and garlic sauce makes it feel more like a loaded burger rather than a simple fast-food cheeseburger.

Original Boneless Fried Chicken Thigh 4.2/5

Beyond the burgers, Mom’s Touch’s fried chicken remains one of the main reasons to visit. The Original Boneless Fried Chicken Thigh ($9.95 for 5pc) comes in generous half-sized pieces, battered and fried to order. The result is piping hot chicken with a crisp, golden exterior, while the thigh meat stays tender and juicy inside. The Original version is the most straightforward, allowing the crispy batter and chicken to take centre stage. It comes with Honey Mustard sauce on the side, adding a sweet, tangy contrast to the savoury fried chicken.

Soy Garlic Boneless Chicken Thigh 4/5

The Soy Garlic Boneless Chicken Thigh ($11.95 for 5pc) brings a more classic Korean fried chicken character. The crispy chicken pieces are coated in a sweet and deeply savoury soy garlic glaze, with plenty of aromatic garlic coming through. The sauce adds another layer of flavour to the crunchy chicken without completely overpowering the meat. The contrast between the crisp coating and sticky glaze makes this a satisfying choice for those who prefer their Korean fried chicken saucy and flavour-packed.

Cheesy Sichuan Boneless Chicken Thigh 3.5/5

For something with a Singapore-friendly kick, the Cheesy Sichuan Boneless Chicken Thigh ($12.95 for 5pc) is the more adventurous option. The fried chicken is coated with a thick, spicy Sichuan sauce and finished with a rich cheese sauce. The cheese mellows the heat while adding a creamy, savoury element to the chicken. Interestingly, the combination leans towards a sweet-and-sour profile, with the spicy sauce providing the heat and tang while the cheese rounds everything out. It is a fun combination and one for those who enjoy a little spice with their fried chicken without wanting the heat to completely dominate the dish.

Mom’s Touch’s return to Singapore comes with a noticeably bigger, more ambitious lineup, especially for fans of its signature chicken burgers and fried chicken. Hand-battering and frying the chicken to order makes a difference, with the chicken arriving hot, crisp, and juicy. Among the burgers, the All-in Chicken Burger and White Garlic Chicken Burger were our favourites, while the Super Thigh Chicken Burger stands out as the Singapore-exclusive creation to try. The fried chicken is also worth ordering, especially the Original if you want to appreciate the crisp batter and juicy thigh meat on its own. With Singapore-exclusive creations, familiar Korean flavours and the added LE SSERAFIM collaboration, Mom’s Touch is clearly returning with more than just nostalgia. Whether you remember the brand from its first run in Singapore or are trying it for the first time, its comeback offers plenty of crispy chicken, oversized burgers and K-inspired flavours to dig into.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Mom’s Touch
181 South Bridge Road
#01-03 (part of 18 Cross)
Singapore S058743
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Chinatown (DT, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 7am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT Station. Take Exit B. Walk down Cross Street. Walk to Capri by Fraser. The destination is further down Capri by Fraser. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Chinatown MRT Station. Take Exit F. Walk to the traffic junction of Cross Street and South Bridge Road. Cross the road. Walk to Capri by Fraser. The destination is further down Capri by Fraser. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

Shiok Pot @ Bukit Timah Interim Food Centre - A Mother’s Bold Career Switch from MNC to Hawker

Tucked away at the unassuming end of Bukit Timah Interim Food Centre is a newly opened hawker stall that comes with a story worth knowing. Meet Shiok Pot, started by 40-year-old Pei Jin, or PJ, who made a bold career switch from working in a corporate MNC to becoming a hawker after losing her job.

For someone who had a stable corporate career, starting from zero in the hawker trade was certainly not the obvious next step. PJ has no culinary training and no family background in the hawker business. What she does have is a love for cooking — and plenty of encouragement from her family, especially her daughter. Her daughter loved her cooking so much that she encouraged her mum to become a hawker and share her food with more people. That simple encouragement eventually pushed PJ to take the plunge.

At Shiok Pot, PJ serves hearty one-pot meals where diners can customise their meal by choosing their soup base, meats, and staple. Everything is cooked together with vegetables and tofu, making it a fuss-free, comforting one-pot meal.

Diners can choose from four soup bases: Original, Tomato, Sauerkraut, and Mala. For proteins, diners can choose two meats from Beef, Pork, or Chicken, then select one staple from Instant Noodle, Yi Mien, Thick Beehoon, Yellow Noodle, or Rice. It is essentially a build-your-own hotpot, but served as an individual portion, convenient for those who want a warm, filling meal without the commitment of a traditional hotpot.

Original Pork Bone Soup 4/5

For my first pot, I went with the Original Pork Bone Soup ($8.90) with beef and thick beehoon. The broth has a pleasant pork-bone depth and a savoury profile, balanced by the natural sweetness of the cabbage and corn. The soup also has a slight milky creaminess, giving it a comforting quality without making it overly rich. The beef was a substantial addition to the bowl, while the thick beehoon soaked up the broth well. With the vegetables and tofu thrown into the pot as well, there is quite a lot going on in a single serving. What stood out to me was the portion size. At $8.90, the bowl is fairly generous and makes for a hearty meal, especially for those looking for something warm and filling.

Sauerkraut Soup 3.5/5

For the second pot, we tried the Sauerkraut Soup ($8.90) with pork, chicken and Yi Mien. Again, the portion was generous, with a good mix of meat, noodles, vegetables, and tofu, making it another substantial one-pot meal. The sauerkraut broth has a light sourness that gives the soup a different character from the more comforting pork bone version. Personally, I felt the sauerkraut tang could be more pronounced. A little more acidity and perhaps some spiciness would also give the broth an extra kick and make it more distinctive.

That said, PJ shared that this is one of the soup bases she is still tweaking based on customer feedback. It is understandable for a newly opened stall to continue refining its recipes, and it will be interesting to see how the Sauerkraut Soup develops over time.

Unfortunately, I didn’t get to try the Tomato Soup, mainly because the portions were more generous than expected and we were already quite full after the two pots. From what I understand, the Tomato Soup is also one of the more popular choices among customers, alongside the Original Pork Bone Soup. That gives me a reason to return and try it on another visit.

I wouldn’t say Shiok Pot is currently one of those hawker stalls that I would travel across Singapore specifically for. However, for residents living around Bukit Timah and those working in the area, Shiok Pot offers something quite appealing. This hearty, customisable one-pot meal is generous and reasonably priced at $8.90. More importantly, the story behind the stall is rather heartwarming.

What started with cooking for the love of her daughter has now become an opportunity for PJ to share her food with a wider group of diners. It is a bold move for a 40-year-old mother to make such a drastic career change, especially without culinary training or hawker experience. The food may still be evolving as PJ gathers feedback and fine-tunes her recipes, but the passion behind Shiok Pot is clear. Sometimes, a new chapter begins not because you planned for it, but because life gives you no choice but to start again.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Shiok Pot
Bukit Timah Intermin Food Centre
2A Jln Seh Chuan
#01-075
Singapore 599213
Nearest MRT: Beauty World (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 11am - 8pm
(Closed on Mon)

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

Gotti Italiano @ Amoy Street - A Refreshed Menu Rooted In Italian Culinary Tradition

Gotti Italiano at Amoy Street is now led by newly appointed Executive Chef Alessandro Giustetti. Born and trained in Italy and having led kitchens across Singapore and Europe, Chef Alessandro’s cooking is deeply rooted in Italian tradition. Marking a new chapter for Gotti is a refreshed menu featuring more than 20 new dishes, paying homage to native Italian culinary traditions through slow-built sauces, seasonal ingredients, handmade pasta and more.

Tentacolo di Polpo 4.5/5

We started with one of the menu highlights, Tentacolo di Polpo ($36), a dish inspired by summers spent in Calabria, southern Italy, where tomatoes are abundant. The grilled, wild-caught Australian octopus leg had an enticing smoky flavour from its charred surface, which paired particularly well with the fruity sweetness of the cherry tomato coulis. Slow-cooked confit tomatoes were jammy and sweet, building on the dish’s tomato-forward character, while a drizzle of mint oil added a fresh, herbaceous accent. Sprinkles of almond slices provided a pleasant touch of nuttiness and crunch.

Guanciale di Manzo 4.8/5

For pasta, Guanciale di Manzo ($34) brings the slow-cooked comfort of a 12-hour Wagyu beef cheek ragù. Deep, savoury and richly flavoured, the tender, melt-in-the-mouth beef clung beautifully to the homemade fusilli, which was al dente with a satisfying bite. The pizzas didn’t disappoint either.

Crudo e Rucola 4.8/5

Crudo e Rucola ($38) features luscious ribbons of Parma ham that were so tender they were almost creamy when eaten together with the milky burrata. The dough was well-aerated, with a lightness that balanced the generous toppings without losing its satisfying bite.

Pere e Cioccolato 2.8/5

Millefoglie alla Ciliegia 4.2/5

For desserts, we found Pere e Cioccolato ($16) slightly disappointing. The warm Valrhona chocolate and pear cake was moist but lacked the chocolate intensity we expected. Millefoglie alla Ciliegia ($16), however, delighted us with buttery layers of puff pastry, tart mascarpone-cherry custard and macerated strawberries.

With Chef Alessandro at the helm, Gotti Italiano’s refreshed menu focuses on the fundamentals of Italian cooking, from slow-built sauces and handmade pasta to quality seasonal ingredients.

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.


Gotti Italiano
78 Amoy Street
Singapore 069897
Tel +65 3129 0321
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Tue, Thu: 11:30am - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm
Wed & Fri: 11:30am - 3pm, 6pm - 1am
Sat-Sun: 11:30 - 4pm, 6pm - 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]

Kimpson's Table @ Far East Square - From Home-Based Delivery to Full-fledged Restaurant

Ten years after arriving in Singapore from Korea, Chef Patrick Kim is embarking on a new chapter with the opening of Kimpson’s Table at Far East Square. What started as a humble home-based delivery business has now evolved into Chef Kim’s first permanent restaurant, bringing his take on comforting Korean home-style cooking to the heart of the CBD. Drawing inspiration from the convivial atmosphere of traditional Korean eateries and the contemporary energy of Seoul’s Seongsu district, Kimpson’s Table centres on Hansang dining — a Korean tradition where rice, nourishing mains, and an assortment of freshly prepared banchan come together as a complete, satisfying meal. The menu is rooted in familiar Korean flavours, but what stood out to me was Chef Kim’s focus on dishes that are comforting, wholesome and made with plenty of care. Here are some of the dishes we tried.

Dak Kalguksu 4.2/5

One dish I enjoyed was the Dak Kalguksu ($15), which makes its debut at Kimpson’s Table. For those unfamiliar, Kalguksu is a traditional Korean noodle dish featuring hand-cut wheat noodles served in a comforting broth. Chef Kim describes it as the Korean cousin of Singapore’s ban mee, and I can see why. The noodles have that pleasant, chewy bite, while the warm chicken broth makes the dish especially comforting. The broth itself gives Dak Kalguksu more depth. It is made using the same signature chicken broth as Chef Kim’s Samgyetang, simmered for up to five hours with a combination of ingredients to extract a rich, savoury flavour. The noodles are served with shredded chicken and leeks, keeping the bowl relatively simple and letting the broth take centre stage. Despite its simplicity, it has a satisfying depth, with the tender chicken adding texture and substance to every mouthful. It is the sort of bowl that feels particularly comforting on a rainy day — warm, nourishing and uncomplicated.

Dak Bibim Kalguksu 4/5

If you prefer something with more punch, the Dak Bibim Kalguksu ($15) offers a dry and more intensely flavoured take on the dish. The same hand-cut wheat noodles are tossed in Chef Kim’s house-made sauce, which includes gochujang and a blend of other ingredients. The noodles are then topped with shredded chicken, cucumber and sesame seeds. Compared to the soup version, this has a much bolder personality. The sauce brings a savoury and mildly spicy kick, balanced by a touch of sweetness, while the fresh cucumber cuts through the richness and adds a refreshing crunch. The chewy noodles also work particularly well with the sauce, making this a satisfying option for those who enjoy their Korean food with a little more heat and flavour.

Samgyetang 4/5

The Samgyetang ($18) remains the signature dish at Kimpson’s Table and is the very dish that helped build Chef Kim’s following during his home-based days. The bowl comes with half a French chicken immersed in a nourishing broth simmered for up to five hours with ingredients such as red dates, garlic, and ginseng. The chicken is tender and falls easily from the bone, while the broth has a gentle herbal character without being overly heavy or medicinal. Despite the long cooking process and rich ingredients, it remains surprisingly light and easy to drink. Interestingly, this very broth also forms the foundation of the Dak Kalguksu, creating a nice connection between the two dishes. For me, Chef Kim’s Samgyetang appeals because of its simplicity. No excessive seasoning or embellishment, just tender chicken and a deeply flavoured broth that feels wholesome and comforting.

Boneless Fried Chicken 4.2/5

Of course, no Korean meal feels quite complete without fried chicken. Kimpson’s Table offers its Boneless Fried Chicken in four flavours — Original ($15), Yangnyeom ($16), Soy Garlic ($16) and the new Bburinkle Cheese ($17). We tried the Original and Soy Garlic flavours. The bite-sized boneless pieces are fried until golden and crisp on the outside, while staying juicy and tender inside. The Original lets the fried chicken itself take centre stage, with a light, savoury seasoning that makes it dangerously easy to keep reaching for another piece. The Soy Garlic, meanwhile, brings a more pronounced savoury sweetness, with the fragrant garlic complementing the crispy chicken nicely. For those who enjoy more adventurous Korean fried chicken flavours, the Bburinkle Cheese is also worth checking out. Meanwhile, the Yangnyeom should appeal to fans of the classic sweet-and-spicy Korean fried chicken combination.

Potato Pancake 4/5

The Potato Pancake ($12) is a simple but enjoyable addition to the table. Pan-fried to order, it comes with a crisp, golden exterior while retaining a softer, more tender centre. A pleasant potato sweetness peeks out from beneath the savoury crust, making it a good sharing dish alongside the other stronger-flavoured items.

Cheese Potato Pancake 4/5

For something a little more indulgent, the Cheese Potato Pancake ($14) takes the same potato pancake and adds a layer of cheesy richness. The crisp edges and soft potato interior work well with the melted cheese, giving the pancake a moreish quality without making it overly heavy. There is also a Kimchi Pancake ($12) available for those who prefer something with a tangier and more savoury kick. Freshly pan-fried to order, the trio of pancakes makes for easy sharing and rounds out the meal nicely.

What I enjoyed about Kimpson’s Table is that the food does not try too hard to reinvent Korean cuisine. Instead, Chef Patrick Kim focuses on familiar dishes that are comforting, nourishing and rooted in the flavours he grew up with. The introduction of Dak Kalguksu is particularly interesting, especially for diners who may not have tried this Korean staple before. Its broth, made from the same painstakingly prepared stock used for the signature Samgyetang, also gives the menu a sense of continuity. With its Hansang-inspired approach to dining, Kimpson’s Table feels suited for both casual meals and gatherings where dishes are shared around the table. From comforting bowls of noodles and Samgyetang to crispy fried chicken and freshly made pancakes, the menu offers a strong mix of hearty, approachable Korean favourites.

Note: This is an invited tasting.



Kimpson’s Table
Far East Square
134 Amoy Street
#01-01
Singapore 049963
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 3pm, 5:30pm - 9pm
Sat: 12pm - 7pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit B. Cross the road and walk to The Clan Hotel. Go around the corner of the hotel and walk to the lane behind. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

Heartland by Enjoy @ Tampines - Introduces New Dishes With Familiar Flavours That Comes With Creative Twists

Tucked away in the heartlands, Heartland by Enjoy has expanded its menu with new dishes that blend familiar local flavours with modern café-style influences. From crispy sharing bites and fusion mee pok creations to hearty rice sets, comforting fish curry, and indulgent desserts, we dropped by to see whether these latest additions are worth the trip.

Block Party Mac & Cheese 2/5

New on the menu is the Block Party Mac & Cheese ($6.90), a fun little sharing dish made with breaded and deep-fried mac and cheese bites. They were nicely fried with a crisp exterior; however, we were expecting the centre to be much creamier and gooier. Instead, the filling was a little dry for our liking, so it unfortunately didn’t quite hit the spot for us.

Ultimate Garlic Mee Pok 3/5

Mee Pok Carbonara 2/5

Out of curiosity, we tried both fusion mee pok dishes on the menu. The Ultimate Garlic Mee Pok ($15.90) comes with smoked duck and has a pleasant garlicky aroma, though we were hoping for a bolder garlic flavour. The Mee Pok Carbonara ($14.90), on the other hand, is topped with an egg that adds richness and creaminess, giving it a flavour profile closer to an authentic carbonara.

While both dishes offer an interesting fusion twist, we found the mee pok a little too soft, with the alkaline taste coming through more than we’d like. Cooking the noodles to a firmer, more al dente texture would greatly improve the overall experience.

Ayam Gepuk Berempah Set 4/5

Another new addition is the Ayam Gepuk Berempah Set ($13.90), which we found to be really good value for money. The set comes with BBQ chicken thigh, fragrant coconut rice, a fried egg, peanuts, ikan bilis and three different sauces on the side.

Our chicken portion was a little dry that evening, although we were assured this is not usually the case. We really enjoyed the rice. It had a lovely coconut fragrance, and the use of basmati rice kept every grain nicely separated instead of clumping together. A hearty and satisfying option for the price.

Kampung Barra Fish Curry 4/5

One of our favourite dishes from the evening was the Kampung Barra Fish Curry ($27.90). A whole piece of barramundi fillet is used, which means you get to enjoy the fish without having to deal with bones. The curry was rich and comforting, with a nice balance between sweetness and spice without being overly heavy. It also comes with tofu, tofu puffs and vegetables that soak up the curry beautifully. We also liked the crispy tofu skin served separately on the side. It added a nice crunchy contrast and was especially good dipped into the curry.

Drinks 4/5

We tried three drinks — the Coconut Smoothie ($7.90), Avocado Gula Melaka Smoothie ($7.90) and Coconut Coffee Ice Blend ($7.90). All three were enjoyable, with rich flavours and just the right amount of sweetness. A refreshing option which made them easy to drink alongside the heavier dishes.

Sago Gula Melaka 5/5

The Real Chendol 5/5

We ended our meal with two desserts — the Sago Gula Melaka ($5.90), which is new to the menu, and The Real Chendol ($6.90). Both were excellent and easily our favourite sweet treats of the evening. The standout was undoubtedly the gula melaka, which was rich, fragrant and tasted authentic without being overly sweet. These are definitely worth saving some room for.

Heartland by Enjoy’s newest menu offerings are a mix of hits and misses, but there are certainly dishes worth returning for, like the Kampung Barra Fish Curry and desserts.

The restaurant itself has a cosy neighbourhood charm, although the dining area is quite compact with tables placed close together. It also gets very busy during peak meal hours, so be prepared for a short wait if you’re dropping by. Overall, it’s a worthwhile spot for comforting local flavours, especially if you’re in the area and looking to try something new.

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


Heartland by Enjoy
Blk 481 Tampines Street 44
#01-267
Singapore 520481
Tel: +65 87766757
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Nearest MRT: Tampines East (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10:30am - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Tampines East MRT station. Take Exit A. Cut across the HDB blocks and walk to Tampines Street 42. Cross the road and walk down Tampines Street 44. Walk to the destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

NOOR @ Mohamed Sultan Road - Mediterranean Flavours With A Japanese Flair

Located along Mohamed Sultan Road, NOOR is a new dining destination showcasing Mediterranean flavours with subtle Japanese influences. Designed for communal dining, the menu starts with mezze and cold plates before moving on to larger dishes and desserts.

Shok Bread 5/5

We began with the Shok Bread ($15), NOOR’s take on Japanese shokupan. With many restaurants now offering their own signature house breads, NOOR has certainly delivered one worth returning for. Soft, fluffy and lightly buttery, it was served alongside Tahini and Matbucha, a slow-cooked pepper and tomato condiment with flavours that had been beautifully concentrated over hours of cooking.

Trio of Housemade Dips 4/5

The bread also served as the perfect vehicle for the Trio of Housemade Dips ($13): Ikra, Muhammara, and Yaki Feta. Each brought a distinct personality to the table. The taramasalata-inspired Ikra offered an addictive savoury brininess enriched with mentaiko, while the Muhammara Miso delivered deep, smoky flavours from roasted peppers. The Yaki Feta, a reinterpretation of babaganoush that blends feta with roasted eggplant, carried an intriguing funk tempered by its bruleed top.

Aka Beet Salad 3/5

From the Cold Plates, the Aka Beet Salad ($22) paired roasted beetroot with a zesty blood orange vinaigrette and citrus cream cheese. While we enjoyed the bright acidity of the dressing, the sweetness of the cream cheese tipped the dish slightly off balance, especially alongside the naturally sweet beetroot. A sharper, more savoury cheese would have complemented the other elements better.

Ebi Freekeh Risotto 2.8/5

Among the larger plates, the Ebi Freekeh Risotto ($38) featured freekeh cooked in dashi, accompanied by grilled tiger prawns and caramelised onion cream. We loved the freekeh’s satisfying bite and the nutty, earthy flavours that came through in every mouthful. The herbaceous shatta, the restaurant’s housemade green chilli sauce, folded through the grain, further elevating those flavours. However, an underlying sweetness, further amplified by the caramelised onion cream, became rather dominant after a few bites. The tiger prawns were also slightly overcooked, leaving them a touch dry.

Miso Butter Fish 3/5

The Miso Butter Fish ($39) paired Mediterranean snapper with smoked corn miso beurre blanc and was accompanied by robata-grilled cabbage. The beurre blanc was smooth and well executed, though it leaned noticeably sweet, likely due to the corn. While the fish had an appealingly caramelised exterior, it was unfortunately a little dry.

Mia Zaki 3/5

For a more indulgent option, the Mia Zaki ($68) featured Miyazaki Wagyu served with a black truffle and foie gras sauce. The menu describes it as A6-grade, though, based on my understanding, Japanese Wagyu is officially graded only up to A5. Regardless of the terminology, the beef was exceptionally unctuous, though an accompanying starch would have rounded out the dish nicely.

Sticky Goma 4/5

Desserts here are worth a try. The Sticky Goma ($19) featured a black sesame financier baked into a tart shell, topped with white chocolate yoghurt cream and finished with lime zest. The financier had a satisfyingly chewy texture, while the yoghurt cream added a welcome tang that balanced its sweetness.

Kuro Shokolata 4.5/5

Equally memorable was the Kuro Shokolata ($19), a velvety chocolate mousse encased in delicate cocoa tuile tubes atop an umami truffle toffee. The bitterness of the flaky, crisp cocoa tuile was spot on, complementing the silky mousse that flowed out with every bite. We thoroughly enjoyed every element of the dessert, save for the truffle note in the toffee, which was out of place and disrupted an otherwise harmonious flavour profile.

The drinks menu is equally extensive. We tried one of the signature cocktails, Master Mind ($25), a spirit-forward concoction that paired well with the richer dishes on the menu. For a non-alcoholic option, the First Light ($16) was bright and refreshing, offering a crowd-pleasing combination of lychee and pink grapefruit that made for an easy, palate-cleansing sip between courses.

NOOR offers a fresh take on Mediterranean cuisine with touches of Japanese influences. While the house bread and dips were excellent, some of the savoury dishes could have been better balanced and more consistently executed.

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.


NOOR
17 Mohamed Sultan Road
Singapore 238966
Tel: +65 8805 8075
Instagram
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Website
Nearest MRT: Fort Canning (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 5pm - 12am
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Fort Canning MRT Station. Take Exit A. Walk to the traffic junction between River Valley Road and Clemenceau Ave. Cross the road and walk down Clemenceau Ave towards Mohamed Sultan Road. Turn left onto Mohamed Sultan Road. Walk down Mohamed Sultan Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]