Bomul Samgyetang @ Chijmes - Singapore’s Largest Range of Korean Organic Chicken Soups

Korean comfort food lovers, there’s a new spot to bookmark at CHIJMES. BOMUL Samgyetang has officially opened its doors, bringing with it Singapore’s largest dedicated selection of samgyetang — the iconic Korean ginseng chicken soup prized for its nourishing and restorative qualities. Specialising exclusively in this traditional dish, BOMUL presents 10 thoughtfully curated variations, ranging from collagen-boosting, detoxifying broths to indulgent modern interpretations such as black truffle samgyetang.

Each bowl arrives like a warm embrace on a cool day — a whole organic chicken gently slow-simmered in a fragrant hanbang herbal broth brewed from over 18 medicinal ingredients. The result is a deeply comforting soup that feels both hearty and therapeutic, delivering wellness one spoonful at a time.

Energy Samgyetang

We began with the Energy Samgyetang ($36), which leans towards subtlety and balance. Infused with 100% Korean perilla, the broth carries a gentle nuttiness with soft, savoury undertones. The perilla adds an aromatic lift without overpowering the soup, much like a quiet supporting note that enhances the overall harmony. Light yet intensely flavourful, this bowl is ideal for those seeking nourishment without heaviness.

Rejuvenation Samgyetang

The Rejuvenation Samgyetang ($36) takes on a richer profile with the addition of aged black garlic. Slow-cooked to coax out its natural sweetness, the garlic lends the broth layers of caramelised depth, adding warmth and complexity. It’s a comforting, soul-soothing bowl — the kind that feels especially restorative after a long day.

Spicy Cure Samgyetang

For those who enjoy a fiery kick, the Spicy Cure Samgyetang ($32) delivers bold flavours that truly live up to its name. Brewed with extra-spicy chilli peppers, the soup packs a satisfying heat, while chives and enoki mushrooms add freshness and crunch. This is the bowl to order when you need something invigorating — like a culinary wake-up call that clears the senses.

Vitality Samgyetang

The most luxurious of the lot is the Vitality Samgyetang ($40), prepared with rare black ginseng that has undergone the traditional “Nine Steaming and Nine Drying” (kujeungkupo) process. The broth is more profound, more intense, with a refined herbal bitterness that lingers pleasantly. Said to enhance circulation and energy levels, this bowl feels like a premium tonic — robust, grounding, and unapologetically medicinal.

Spicy Chicken Feet

To complement the soups, BOMUL also offers a solid range of Korean classics and sides. The Spicy Chicken Feet ($18) are stir-fried in a fiery, glossy sauce that clings to every bite, delivering both heat and addictive umami.

Seafood Pancake

The Seafood Pancake ($25) is crisp on the outside and generously studded with fresh seafood, making it a reliable crowd-pleaser with each savoury mouthful.

Duck and Chicken Ddukgalbi

The Duck and Chicken Ddukgalbi ($22) pairs tender duck and chicken breast with chewy rice cakes, all glazed in a savoury-sweet sauce and finished with crushed peanuts for added texture.

Pumpkin Samgyejuk

For something gentler, the Pumpkin Samgyejuk ($25) offers a naturally sweet Korean pumpkin porridge that’s smooth, comforting, and packed with vitamins and fibre — perfect as a light meal or shared side.

Maesaengi Abalone

The Maesaengi Abalone Samgyejuk ($29) is richer and more luxurious, enriched with fresh abalone and nutrient-dense maesaengi seaweed, resulting in a bowl that feels both indulgent and nourishing.

With its focused dedication to samgyetang and an impressive range that spans both tradition and innovation, BOMUL Samgyetang positions itself as a destination for those seeking Korean comfort food with a wellness-driven approach. Whether you’re after gentle nourishment or a robust herbal boost, there’s a bowl here that feels thoughtfully crafted for the occasion.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Bomul
Chijmes
30 Victoria Street
#01-11/12
Singapore 187996
Tel: +65 9232 3838
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line), Bras Basah (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 10pm
Fri-Sun: 11am - 10pm

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 intersection to Chijmes. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

Robata Akari @ Duxton Hill - Showcases Traditional Robatayaki with Premium Ingredients

Robata Akari, located along Duxton Hill, is a Japanese robatayaki-style izakaya that opened in September 2025. The restaurant centres on the traditional robatayaki grilling technique, where premium ingredients are slow-grilled over charcoal, offering diners an authentic, communal Japanese dining experience in a warm, inviting setting.

We went with the Special Menu ($189), which provided a well-paced journey through appetisers, sashimi, grilled items and hearty mains. There is also a premium menu at $289.

Chef's Selection of 3 Appetisers 3.5/5

The meal began with the Chef's Selection of 3 Appetisers, featuring Wagyu with Sea Urchin, Cream Cheese with Wasabi, and Potato Salad. Among the trio, the Wagyu with Sea Urchin stood out effortlessly. The rich marbling of the wagyu paired beautifully with the briny sweetness of the uni, delivering a luxurious bite that set the tone for the meal.

Chilled Starters - Japanese Salad with Colourful Vegetables

The chilled course was a Japanese Salad with Colourful Vegetables. Unfussy and straightforward, it was light and refreshing, allowing the natural freshness of the greens to shine through. It's a good light starter before the heavier courses.

Sashimi - Chef's Selection of Sashimi 5 Kinds 4/5

Next came the Chef's Selection of Sashimi 5 Kinds, comprising Salmon, Bonito, Tuna, Yellowtail, and Shrimp topped with Salmon Roe. Each slice was fresh and clean-tasting, showcasing high-quality seafood with a balanced mix of textures and flavours.

Deep-Fried - Seasonal Vegetable & Agedashi Tofu 4/5

For the deep-fried course, we had Agedashi Tofu paired with capsicum and Eggplant. The tofu was soft and silky inside, with a light exterior that absorbed the savoury sauce nicely.

Akari's Special - Premium Wagyu Shabu-Shabu/ Sukiyaki 4.5/5

The highlight of the Special Menu is undoubtedly Akari's Premium Wagyu, available as either shabu-shabu or sukiyaki. I opted for the shabu-shabu, which allowed the beautifully marbled wagyu to shine. The beef was incredibly tender, delivering a melt-in-the-mouth texture with rich, beefy flavours.

Robata-Grilled - Eggplant 2.5/5

A series of robata-grilled selections followed, showcasing the restaurant's robata-grilling techniques. The Eggplant paired with Bonito came first, with the skin removed to reveal a very soft interior. Unfortunately, this dish did not quite resonate with me, as the flavours felt relatively mild and the texture leaned towards the mushy side.

Robata-Grilled - Black Cod 3.8/5

The Robata-Grilled Black Cod fared much better, offering a rich, buttery flesh with a pleasing crisp on the skin.

Robata-Grilled - Salmon with Salmon Roe 3.8/5

This was followed by the Robata-Grilled Salmon topped with Salmon Roe, which was cooked precisely, resulting in a moist texture without being dry, reflecting good control over the grilling timing.

Robata-Grilled - Chicken Meatballs with Egg Yolk 3/5

Rounding off the robata items were the Chicken Meatballs with Egg Yolk; while flavourful, the texture was a little too soft for my personal liking, making it less memorable compared to the other grilled dishes.

Claypot Rice with Wagyu & Corn 3.8/5

The Claypot Rice with Wagyu & Corn was a comforting and satisfying dish. The rice was fragrant, infused with wagyu fat for added depth, while the corn introduced a pleasant sweetness and textural contrast.

Dessert - Sweet Potato & Vanilla Ice Cream 3/5

Dessert was Sweet Potato with Vanilla Ice Cream. The sweet potato was naturally sweet with light smoky notes from the fire, pairing nicely with the cold, creamy vanilla ice cream for a simple yet effective hot-and-cold contrast.

Black Throat Sea Perch 4.5/5

We also tried the Black Throat Sea Perch from the à la carte menu. Skewered and slow-grilled over charcoal in irori style, the fish was evenly cooked, moist, and naturally sweet, allowing its quality to shine without excessive seasoning.

Overall, Robata Akari delivers a refined robatayaki experience, with strong execution of its grilled items and premium ingredients, making it a noteworthy addition to Singapore's Japanese dining scene — especially for those who appreciate charcoal-grilled flavours executed with restraint and precision.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Robata Akari
10 Duxton Hill
Singapore 089594
Tel: +65 9647 5330
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Nearest MRT: Maxwell (TE Line), Outram Park (EW, NE, TE Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 5pm - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Cross the road and walk to Duxton Road. Walk down Duxton Road. Turn right onto Duxton Hill. Walk down Duxton Hill. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 3 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road and walk to Craig Road. Walk down Craig Road towards Neil Road. Turn left onto Neil Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 6 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to the staircase behind the open-air car park. Take the stairs to Duxton Plain Park. Turn right and walk down Duxton Plain Park. Cross the tunnel, take the stairs to the road level and walk down Neil Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time bout 6 minutes. [Map]

The Masses @ Arcade The Capitol Kempinski - Celebrates The Festive Season with 7-Course Chef Menu Priced at $68.90 per pax

The Masses is ringing in the festive season with a playful, French-Asian inspired Christmas and New Year menu that showcases Chef Dylan’s signature flair for bold flavours, familiar comforts, and unexpected twists. We were invited to preview the 7-Course Chef Menu (from $68.90 per pax) and their seasonal beverages. What unfolded was a lively mix of colours, textures and creative pairings that will spark conversation around the table.

The Jingle Juice and The Grinch 3/5

We began with two festive drinks created specially for the season - The Jingle Juice and The Grinch. The Jingle Juice ($7.90/glass or $17.90/jug) is a refreshing cranberry-apple mocktail brightened with lime and mint. It tastes exactly as cheerful as it looks, making it an easy pick for non-alcohol drinkers. The Grinch ($18/glass or $49.90/jug), on the other hand, is a melon-liqueur and Prosecco cocktail that arrives in a gorgeous sparkling green. Visually enticing, though we found the flavour slightly muted compared to its vibrant appearance.

Home Made “Rainbow” Brioche 4/5

Louis Oyster 3.8/5

Gougeres 3/5

The meal opens with a trio of breads and snacks, and the standout for us was the Home Made “Rainbow” Brioche, which came warm, crusty, and beautifully speckled with pecans and prunes for added dimension. Slightly dense but very satisfying, especially when paired with the accompanying umami butter.

The Louis Oyster, topped with Bloody Mary, lime and a rim of smoked chilli salt, brings acidity and spice, though subtly. The Gougeres, stuffed with black truffle and finished with melted comté and kumquat, were adorable and aromatic, but flavour-wise leaned milder than expected.

Wagyu Beef Tartare 3.5/5

Kawaebi Pasta 4.2/5

Foie Gras 4.2/5

Among the four starter options, our table sampled three. The Wagyu Beef Tartare surprised us with the clever addition of nashi pear, which added crunch and gentle sweetness to balance the beef. The Kawaebi Pasta was easily the most memorable, packed with “prawn mee” umami thanks to Penang laksa prawn stock, minced pork, confit lemon, kawaebi shrimp and tiger prawn. What the menu didn’t mention but elevated the dish tremendously was the pork lard hidden within.

If you want something indulgent, the Foie Gras (+$15) is a worthy upgrade. Generously portioned, luscious and beautifully complemented by cranberry mostarda, petite apple and poultry jus.

Duo Irish Duck 3.8/5

Halibut 4/5

We continued with all three main options. The Duo Irish Duck features a flavourful confit portion and a tender duck breast, which is slightly gamey for my palate but still well-executed. The carrot-tangerine purée was bright, though the purple cabbage purée felt less cohesive, and we ultimately preferred the duck enjoyed on its own.

The Halibut was the favourite among us! A moist, clean-tasting fillet sitting atop a luxurious shellfish fondue hidden underneath. Elegant, balanced and something I would return specifically to order.

Wagyu Petite Tender 4/5

For beef lovers, the Wagyu Petite Tender (+$15) is a satisfying upgrade. The meat is fork-tender, but the true scene-stealer is the much-talked-about potato pavé that we absolutely couldn’t get enough of. While the miso aubergine purée added depth, it didn’t particularly enhance the wagyu itself.

Blood Orange Granita 3.8/5

A refreshing interlude arrives before desserts: the Blood Orange Granita, which reminded us of a refined take on mango-pomelo dessert. The combination of mango sorbet and pomelo works as a bright palate cleanser after the richer courses.

Chestnut Crème Caramel 3/5

Truffle & Tulakalum 3/5

There are two dessert choices. The Chestnut Crème Caramel brings together chestnut ice cream, gingerbread spice and spiced honey under a crème brûlée. Individually, each element is enjoyable, but together the flavours didn’t harmonise as well as expected.

The Truffle & Tulakalum is undoubtedly unique, with a heavy focus on truffles. The truffle ice cream, however, was a touch oily, likely due to truffle oil, but the Valrhona dark chocolate ganache and mousse were rich and well executed.

In true Chef Dylan fashion, the festive menu is creative, bold and peppered with unexpected pairings that make dining here a lively experience. While not every component landed perfectly for us, the menu offers variety, value and conversation-worthy dishes especially for festive gatherings with friends and loved ones.

Aside from the 7-Course Chef Menu, diners can also opt for a 10-Course Communal Menu ($68.90 per pax, min. 3 pax) and a 2-Course Lunch Menu (from $30.90 per pax) if you’re planning a daytime get-together.

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


The Masses
Arcade @ The Capitol Kempinski
13 Stamford Road
#01-84
Singapore 178905
Tel: +65 6518 4988
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 1130am - 1030pm
Sun: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit B. Cross the road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

Salt and Soul @ Frasers Tower - A Cosy CBD Hideout With Hits and Misses

Salt and Soul at Cecil Street is a fairly new dining spot located right opposite the bustling Amoy Street Food Centre. The space has a warm, welcoming charm, and the menu is concise with a curated selection of starters, pastas, and mains.

Prawn Toast 3/5

We began with two starters. The Prawn Toast ($14) features two deep-fried cristal bread toasts stacked with a thin layer of prawn mousse in between, topped with tomato salsa. Despite the noticeably thin spread of mousse, the prawn flavour was pronounced enough to permeate the fried toast. The crunch was satisfying — thanks to cristal bread’s holey structure — though it did get a tad greasy, even with the tomato salsa adding some freshness.

Pommes Frites 4.5/5

The Pommes Frites ($12) were simple but well-executed. They were crisp with a fluffy interior and well-seasoned. Paired with the spicy tomato mayo dip, it definitely satisfied my friend’s craving!

Beef Bourguignon 2.5/5

For mains, the Beef Bourguignon ($22) comes with braised chuck roll in red wine, pearl onions, carrot, mushrooms, and jus. I was expecting a more decadent, full-bodied sauce, but what arrived was rather watery. While the flavour was acceptable and the meat tender, it was on the stringy side and lacked depth. The mashed potato, however, was delightful.

Seabass en Papillote 4/5

As for the Seabass en Papillote ($22), the fish was moist and tender, with the steamed daikon soft, juicy, and absorbing all the surrounding flavours beautifully. There was a hint of lemongrass, but given the menu’s promise of lemongrass and a medley of herbs with “local aromatics,” I expected a punchier profile.

Beverage options include house pours, beers, cocktails, and coffee.

I really like the vibe of Salt and Soul, though not everything on the menu landed for me. Some items are quite favourably priced, with pastas starting from $13, and with a bit more refinement, it could easily become a regular spot for the working crowd in the vicinity.

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.


Salt and Soul
Frasers Tower
182 Cecil Street
Singapore 069547
Tel: +65 8728 8658
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 1130am -1030pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Turn left and walk down Telok Ayer Street. Walk to the destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Moxie @ Alumni Association Medical Centre (SGH) - Launches Brand New Weekend Brunch Experience

Moxie, located just minutes from Tiong Bahru, brings a refreshing Mediterranean beach-house vibe to its newly launched Weekend Brunch. Bright, airy and relaxed, the space is designed for lingering afternoons filled with sharing plates, seafood-forward dishes and easy drinks. We visited for an invited tasting to explore their updated brunch offerings. Here’s our complete, honest review.

Burrata 4/5

We started with the Burrata Salad ($26), featuring an ultra-creamy burrata paired with roasted and pickled red beets, flambeed grapes and a fragrant pistachio dukkah. The balance of sweetness, acidity and spice works beautifully, and the mint oil adds a refreshing lift. A simple dish elevated by thoughtful touches is a strong start to the meal.

Spiced Corn Ribs 3.8/5

The Spiced Corn Ribs ($16) arrived in adorable finger-sized pieces, lightly crisp and well-seasoned with paprika, coriander and cumin. The cumin-infused aioli, feta and fresh herbs add richness, making this an easy crowd-pleaser. Great as a starter or as a snack with drinks, though not particularly groundbreaking.

*NEW* Buttermilk Fried Chicken Lollipop 3/5

We were pretty excited for the Buttermilk Fried Chicken Lollipops ($15) as they looked promising and well-marinated. However, the flavour leaned too salty for our liking, and the charred edges introduced a bitterness that distracted from the marinade. The smoked almond aioli was tasty, but overall, this dish didn’t land as well as the others.

*NEW* Spanish Cod Brandade 4/5

The Spanish Cod Brandade ($19) turned out to be a pleasant surprise. Made with salted cod slow-cooked in aromatic milk, then folded with potatoes, garlic confit, shio kombu and crème fraiche, it has a comforting, creamy texture reminiscent of a seafood croquette filling. Spread on toasted sourdough, it’s rich, savoury and addictive. Definitely a dish that grows on you with each bite.

Black Garlic Pesto Linguine 3.5/5

The Black Garlic Pesto Linguine ($32) features al dente pasta in a sauce of white wine, black garlic pesto, rock shrimp, scallops, mussels, and chilli flakes. While the seafood was fresh and the pasta cooked well, the garlic flavours didn’t come through strongly enough, and the scallops were cut into tiny pieces, which reduced their satisfaction factor. A decent dish, but could be bolder.

*NEW* Shrimp and Grits 4.5/5

Umami Rice 4.2/5

Moxie does seafood really well, and it truly shows in both the Shrimp and Grits ($36) and the Umami Rice ($46). The former impressed us with three plump tiger prawns, marinated in Calabrian chilli and garlic, grilled perfectly, and served atop creamy saffron- and cotija-infused grits. Rich, flavour-packed and memorable, though best shared as it becomes heavy after several bites.

The latter features matsu rice simmered in shellfish bisque and crowned with prawns, scallops, squid and clams. We loved the firm, al-dente grains that absorbed all the bisque goodness. Deeply savoury and layered with briny sweetness, this was one of our favourites of the afternoon.

*NEW* Double Bone Iberico Pork Chop 3.8/5

The Double Bone Iberico Pork Chop ($42) is brined, sous-vide-cooked, pecan-crusted, and finished in the oven, resulting in tender, juicy meat. Paired with a pancetta and sweet corn potato hash, it’s hearty and flavourful. However, the combination veers slightly too sweet for our personal preference.

Dark Chocolate Mousse 3/5

*NEW* Pistachio Cheese Brulee Tart 3.5/5

We ended our meal with two desserts. The Dark Chocolate Mousse ($16) is velvety and rich, served with hazelnut ice cream, toasted hazelnuts and berry compote. The flavours are classic and comforting, though not particularly standout.

The Pistachio Cheese Brulee Tart ($18) features an almond sablé crust filled with a pistachio-infused cream cheese custard, which is torched before serving. Creamy, slightly savoury, and not overly sweet, this makes a lovely finish for those who prefer desserts on the lighter side.

For those who enjoy a tipple with brunch, Moxie offers a generous 2-hour free-flow programme — priced at $38++ for red/white wine and prosecco, or $48++ if you’d like to add rosé, Aperol spritz and beer. If free-flow isn’t your vibe, their menu also features a solid selection of creative and classic cocktails that pair well with a lazy weekend afternoon.

Moxie offers a breezy, enjoyable brunch experience with standout seafood dishes, vibrant starters, and a welcoming Mediterranean-inspired setting. While a few plates could benefit from stronger flavours or seasoning adjustments, many dishes delivered satisfying textures and freshness. The 2-hour free-flow option is also a great value for those planning to unwind over drinks. If you’re looking for a relaxed weekend spot to graze, share plates and enjoy well-executed seafood, Moxie is a charming choice worth checking out.

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


Moxie
Alumni Association Medical Centre
Singapore General Hospital (SGH)
2 College Road
Singapore 169850
Tel: +65 9339 3380
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Nearest MRT: Outram Park (EW, NE, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu, Sun: 1130am - 10pm
Fri-Sat: 1130am - 1130pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT. Take Exit 1. Cross the road. Turn right and walk down Outram Road towards the flyover. At the junction of Outram Road and Chin Swee Road, turn left and walk to College Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 6 minutes. [Map]