Fei Zap Mai Laan (肥汁米蘭) @ Vivocity - Opens First Overseas Outlet in Singapore with Its Famous Hong Kong Rice Noodles

FËI ZAP MÂI LÄAN (肥汁米蘭), a well-known name for Hong Kong-style rice noodles, marks its first overseas venture with the opening of its 85th outlet at VivoCity. Originating in China, the brand is famous for its consistently long queues, with customers drawn to its nostalgic flavours and comforting bowls inspired by heritage recipes dating back over 60 years. The founder personally travelled to Hong Kong to learn the craft behind these recipes, and today, the same techniques are used to recreate the familiar flavours that many grew up with.

For those who prefer a straightforward choice, the Signature Bowls offer preset ingredient combinations carefully matched with each soup base, allowing diners to enjoy a well-balanced bowl without the hassle of customising from scratch.

The Mighty Four Bowl 4/5

The Mighty Four Bowl ($13.90) features a generous combination of fish roe balls, ham, wuxiang, and Fei Zap's house-made char siew, served with bean sprouts, coriander, and rice noodles. What stands out is the broth, which is thicker and richer than the usual clear soup. With savoury minced meat and a light smoky fragrance from the stir-fried zhajiang, the slow-simmered bone base delivers a smooth, collagen-rich texture that clings nicely to the noodles.

The Pickled Punch Beef Bowl 4.2/5

The Pickled Punch Beef Bowl ($15.90) is one of the most popular menu items. This bowl combines sliced beef, beef tendon balls, tau pok, and black fungus, finished with bean sprouts and coriander. Paired with the Pickled Punch Soup Base, the broth is bright and tangy with a gentle spicy kick, making it a refreshing option for those who enjoy bolder flavours.

The Supreme Twin Fish Bowl 3.8/5

Fish lovers will appreciate the Supreme Twin Fish Bowl ($16.90), which comes with both fried fish and sliced fish, along with black fungus, crabstick, radish, and bean sprouts. The broth is clean yet flavourful, allowing the fish's natural sweetness to come through. Light but satisfying, this is a good option for those looking for a nourishing and comforting bowl.

The Tomato Chop Bowl 4.2/5

Inspired by cha chaan teng classics, the Tomato Chop Bowl ($16.90) features a sunny side up egg, a specially marinated Hong Kong-style fried pork chop, vegetables, and diced tomatoes, served with macaroni. The tomato-based broth is gently tangy and sweet, and the crispy pork chop adds a hearty touch to this nostalgic, café-style dish.

Beyond the signature bowls, diners can customise their own combinations with over 30 different toppings, ranging from light vegetables to heartier meat options. Each topping is priced between S$0.99 and S$2.99, making it easy to tailor a bowl according to individual preferences.

Braised Wings 4/5

Curry Fishballs 3/5

Fried Wontons 3/5

To go along with the noodle bowls, a small selection of side dishes is available for sharing. The Braised Wings (S$4.90 for 3 pcs), Curry Fishballs (S$3.90 for 3 pcs), and Fried Wontons (S$5.90 for 5 pcs) make for easy add-ons to round out the meal. Among the three, the Braised Wings are the highlight, with tender meat that is well infused with the savoury marinade.

Mango Pomelo Sago 4/5

Red Bean Double-Skin Milk Pudding 4/5

For dessert, the Mango Pomelo Sago ($5.90) and Red Bean Double-Skin Milk Pudding ($4.30) provide a light, refreshing finish to the meal.

With its heritage-inspired recipes, comforting broths, and flexible customisation, FËI ZAP MÂI LÄAN offers a familiar yet satisfying noodle experience for those who enjoy Hong Kong-style rice noodles.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Fei Zap Mai Laan (肥汁米蘭)
Vivocity
1 Harbourfront Walk
#01-167/168
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6298 3817
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Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit C & E. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Le Jardin @ Fort Canning Park - French European Cuisine Amidst Lush Greenery in Heart of Fort Canning Park

Le Jardin is tucked away in a quiet corner of Fort Canning Park, surrounded by lush greenery at Level 2 of Fort Canning Arts Centre.

Diners can choose to sit al fresco on its breezy porch or step indoors into a charming Victorian-style space inspired by Monet’s garden in Giverny, Paris.

The interior is adorned with fresh-cut blooms and preserved florals, and also serves as a lovely venue for events and intimate weddings.

This French European restaurant makes for a pleasant pit stop throughout the day, with a menu spanning Breakfast Brunch, Side Dishes, Mains, House-made Desserts, and a Kids’ Menu. The beverage list is equally extensive, offering classic coffees and teas, as well as speciality drinks and alcoholic options.

Burrata 4.2/5

The Burrata ($18) was a pleasant sharing starter, featuring milky cheese paired with a base of mildly earthy pea velouté, tangy pickled cherry tomatoes and parma ham.

Crab Cake 4/5

Seafood lovers may consider the Crab Cake ($18). The pan-seared cake was generously packed with crab meat, made even more appetising by a touch of heat from the tomato and chilli coulis and the freshness of the tomato salsa.

Truffle Fries 3.8/5

The Truffle Fries ($18) were fried to a nice crunch, though we felt the cheese could have been more generous and the truffle flavour could have been more pronounced.

Spicy Pan Seared Prawn Alfredo 4.5/5

Our favourite dish was the Spicy Pan Seared Prawn Alfredo ($24), which can also be prepared non-spicy upon request. The al dente linguine was beautifully coated in the rich, house-made shrimp Alfredo sauce, with the spice helping cut through its creamy consistency. The addition of sakura ebi as a topping was a clever touch, adding a subtle briny note.

Pan Seared Salmon 4.2/5

The Pan Seared Salmon ($30) arrived with a crisped skin, accompanied by asparagus, tomatoes, buttery mashed potatoes and a creamy tobiko beurre blanc. We particularly enjoyed the tanginess of the beurre blanc, enhanced by the savoury pops of tobiko.

Burnt Basque Cheesecake 3.5/5

For dessert, we went with the Burnt Basque Cheesecake ($14). While it was sufficiently cheesy, we wished it had a much more oozy centre for better texture.

Lemon Cloud Matcha 4.2/5

The Lemon Cloud Matcha ($10.90) was a delightful surprise, made with homemade honey lemon cream, lemonade, and matcha. The matcha was mildly earthy, well-balanced in sweetness, and finished with a refreshing citrusy zing.

Violet Secret 3/5

My dining companion’s Violet Secret ($9.90) combined Kyoto grape, lime and jasmine tea. While the flavour combination was interesting, it was unfortunately a little too sweet for our liking.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Le Jardin
Fort Canning Arts Centre
Level 2
5 Cox Terrace
Singapore 179620
Tel: +65 8870 9977
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Nearest MRT: Dhoby Ghaut MRT (NE, CC, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 9pm
Sat-Sun: 9am - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Dhoby Ghaut MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk to Penang Road. Cross the road to UBS Singapore. Cut through UBS Singapore to Fort Canning Road. Cross the road to Fort Canning. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 10 minutes. [Map]

Lan Xiang Ban Mian @ Bukit Merah Central Food Centre - Comforting Handmade Bowl of Noodles

Lan Xiang Ban Mian is a well-loved ban mian stall at Bukit Merah Central Food Centre, known for its handmade noodles, flavourful broth, and generous portions at wallet-friendly hawker prices. Its popularity is evident from the steady lunchtime queues, filled with loyal regulars who keep coming back for its comforting bowls of noodles. I decided to drop by for lunch on a weekend afternoon to see what the hype was about.

Ban Mian Soup 4.5/5

The handmade noodles are the highlight here, boasting a delightful chewy texture with just the right bite. The Ban Mian Soup ($4.50) is addictively viscous, savoury and lightly sweet, clearly enriched by the slow-simmered ikan bilis broth. One standout component is the well-seasoned, tender, juicy marinated minced pork ball, which adds depth and satisfaction to every spoonful.

Mee Hoon Kway Soup 4.5/5

Equally impressive, the Mee Hoon Kway Soup ($4.50) features hand-torn noodles that are silky yet substantial, soaking up the rich broth beautifully. Each bowl delivers the same comforting balance of flavours, making it an excellent alternative for those who prefer broader noodle sheets.

Beyond ban mian and mee hoon kway, Lan Xiang Ban Mian also offers a wide selection of noodle options such as bee hoon, mee sua, yee mian and even Maggie mee. Diners can further customise their bowls with different flavours, including prawn, chicken, sliced fish and tom yum. With its consistency, value and hearty flavours, it’s easy to see why this stall remains a Bukit Merah favourite.


Lan Xiang Ban Mian
Bukit Merah Central Food Centre
163 Bukit Merah Central
#02-06
Singapore 150163
Nearest MRT: Commonwealth (EW Line), Harbourfront (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 7pm
Sat-Sun: 11am - 2pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Commonwealth MRT station. Take Exit B or C. Walk to the bus stop at Commonwealth MRT station (Stop ID 11169). Take bus number 147 or 196. Alight 9 stops later. Take the overhead bridge and cross the road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 20 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk to the bus stop opposite Vivocity (Stop ID 14119). Take bus number 855. Alight 7 stops later. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 18 minutes. [Map]

Fiamma @ Capella Singapore - A Celebration of Italian Family Cuisine Rooted In Heritage and Crafted With Passion

Nestled within the lush grounds of Capella Singapore, Fiamma is a heartfelt tribute to the warmth and generosity of Italian cuisine. In this place, the flame's glow brings people together in moments of celebration. The kitchen is helmed by Executive Sous Chef Antonio Corsaro, whose Neapolitan heritage shapes every creation, and the table comes alive with flamboyantly colourful dishes that highlight the natural beauty and freshness of seasonal ingredients. From richly hued sauces to hand-finished plates, his dishes are as pretty to look at as they are delicious to eat.

Bread Basket

For our dinner, we savoured an elaborate, curated selection of dishes from Fiamma's festive menus and seasonal à la carte menu, a showcase of the range of their culinary artistry. We started with the bread basket and two beautifully plated antipasti, each bursting with colour and intricate plating.

Carpaccio di verdure e frutti invernali 4.5/5

The Carpaccio di verdure e frutti invernali was a medley of finely sliced Italian winter fruits and vegetables, accented with the gentle tang and complexity of aged balsamic, the crunch of walnuts and pomegranate seeds, and the aroma of black truffle. The dish is finished with an artistically arranged selection of edible flowers and fresh herbs.

Carpaccio di ricciola marinata 4.2/5

Offering a contrasting expression of freshness, the Carpaccio di ricciola marinata showcases marinated kingfish paired with sweet pumpkin, orange, spaghetti seaweed, tangy oxalis, and savoury bottarga. Also well-presented with many different elements and textures in the dish.

Gnocchi Fegato Grasso e Funghi 4.8/5

Moving on to the primo piatto, typically a starch-based course, we had three outstanding dishes, making it difficult to rank them. After some deliberation, however, both my dining companion and I agreed that our favourite was the Gnocchi Fegato Grasso e Funghi. This deeply indulgent, earthy dish showcases a balance of finesse and comfort. Excellent house-made gnocchi form the foundation, generously coated in a velvety Albufera sauce with mushrooms, cacao and foie gras. A decadent yet balanced dish that does not feel overly heavy.

Risotto Di Barbabietola E Ricci Di Mare 4.5/5

My second favourite primo piatto was the Risotto Di Barbabietola E Ricci Di Mare, visually striking with the risotto rice dyed a rich, jewel-like pink that contrasts beautifully with the orange uni. The rice is al dente with a slight bite, and each spoonful delivers a creamy, sweet-savoury richness from the beetroot combined with the uni.

Tagliatelle Fatte A Mano Allo Scoglio 4.2/5

My dining companion, on the other hand, preferred the Tagliatelle Fatte A Mano Allo Scoglio. This dish will delight seafood lovers, as it is heaped with clams, plump mussels, squid, and a striking red Mazara del Vallo prawn. The pasta is coated in a rich, flavourful seafood sauce that ties together all the ocean-fresh ingredients.

Filetto Di Wagyu Cotto A Legna Alla Rossini 4.8/5

Between the three Secondi Piatti, the most impressive was the Filetto Di Wagyu Cotto A Legna Alla Rossini, a sumptuous Wagyu beef fillet served with a rich sear of foie gras and generous shavings of aromatic black truffle. Finished with a red wine sauce, this dish is the epitome of indulgent fine dining, a very premium special occasion treat.

Rombo Alla Griglia Spinaci, Gambero Rosso Di Mazzara Del Vallo 4/5

We also had the Rombo Alla Griglia Spinaci, Gambero Rosso Di Mazzara Del Vallo, charred turbot served with spinach and a Sicilian red prawn. The fish was cooked nicely, but the turbot head reduction sauce was a touch too intense for our taste. Thankfully, the touch of lemon and cream added a refreshing lift to the dish.

Melanzane Alla Parmigiana 4/5

For a vegetable-forward option, the Melanzane alla Parmigiana features tender layers of eggplant, smoky scamorza cheese, and a rich, luscious tomato sauce, baked to perfection. Ideal for vegetarian diners or anyone seeking a lighter, yet satisfying alternative this season.

We were more than stuffed by this point, but still eagerly looking forward to the Dolce course because who doesn't love desserts?

Amarena al Tiramisu 3/5

The Amarena al Tiramisu puts a twist on the classic Italian dessert, with Mascarpone Amarena cream, biscuit, espresso, and Amaretto, a sweet, almond-flavoured Italian liqueur. While it is generous with both espresso and Amaretto, this resulted in a dessert that was a bit too soft and watery, and overly sweet.

Panna Cotta Citrus Saffron 4.8/5

We were, however, a lot more impressed by the Panna Cotta. In fact, this is probably the best Panna Cotta I've eaten so far. It's usually not my go-to dessert due to its often gelatinous texture and bland flavour, but this one surprises with a silky, creamy softness and fragrant vanilla bean. The addition of citrus and fresh fruits keeps it light, lively, and utterly delightful.

Overall, Fiamma presents a celebratory affair this festive season, where authentic flavours, shared moments, and beautifully crafted dishes take centre stage. Coupled with its intimate setting, exclusive location, and friendly service, it offers a memorable experience for life's special occasions.

Photographed and penned by Shermine. Through her pictures and stories, she shares her journey of savouring new flavours and experiences. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Fiamma
Capella Singapore
1 The Knolls
Singapore 098297
Tel: +65 6591 5046
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Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Lunch: 12pm - 230pm
Dinner: 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit C or E. Walk to Vivocity Shopping Mall. Go to Sentosa Express Station at Level 3 of Vivocity. Take the Sentosa Express Train to Imbiah Station. Alight at Imbiah station. Proceed to Artillery Ave. Walk along Artillery Ave until you come to a road (slope) to the Capella Hotel. Turn right onto the road and walk up the hill to the destination. Journey time is about 25 mins. [Map]