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]

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]

Mashi No Mashi @ Nakin Row - Relocates and Reopens With An Improved Menu Featuring A5 Wagyu

Mashi No Mashi, acclaimed for serving the world's first 100% Wagyu ramen, has relocated to Nakin Row and reopened as a ramen bar concept. Established by Wagyumafia, a collective of restaurants renowned for harnessing the qualities and versatility of Japan's most famous beef through various culinary concepts. Founded by Chef Hisato Hamada, Wagyumafia prides itself on working directly with farmers and selecting only the top 1% of the finest Kobe and Ozaki beef.

Ultra Wagyu Ramen 4.5/5

With the relocation comes an elevated menu. The restaurant has upgraded from A4 to A5 Wagyu and introduced special reopening prices. Signature dishes remain, including the Ultra Wagyu Ramen ($18.80). This generous Hakata-style bowl features a milky, rich Wagyu bone broth and A5 Wagyu chashu. Compared to the very first Ultra Wagyu Ramen I had when the brand first opened, which was noticeably beefier and richer, this version took on a lighter approach. That said, it remained a satisfying bowl, with a flavoursome broth where the beefy depth still hummed in the background. The Red Chilli tare added a savoury, slightly fiery kick that lifted the flavours of the chashu even further.

Wagyu Bak Kut Teh 4.5/5

The Wagyu Bak Kut Teh ($19.65) is a Singapore-exclusive creation. Served in a peppery, garlicky homemade Wagyu bone broth, the beef was succulent and tender, pairing beautifully with black soy sauce and Japanese rice. Now offered at a special SG60 price, it's definitely more attractive to diners than before.

Wagyu Steak Rice 4.8/5

We also tried the Wagyu Steak Rice ($32.80), featuring charcoal-grilled A5 Wagyu. The charcoal-grilled beef highlighted its natural flavours more distinctly than the chashu, and the accompanying umami steak sauce complemented the meat superbly.

Wagyu Gyoza 5/5

Charcoal Edamame 4.8/5

For sides, while it's a pity to see the Wagyu Siew Mai removed from the menu, the scrumptious Wagyu Gyoza ($6.80) remains. A new addition is the Charcoal Edamame ($4.80), grilled and basted with Wagyu beef fat, a more luxurious take on the usual boring edamame.

The drinks menu now features Suntory Highball on tap, ideal for cutting through the richness of the meal. The Ginger Sour ($12) was an interesting option as well, with the acidity of sushi ginger.

Mr Mashi Ice Cream 4/5

For dessert, we tried the MNM ice creams — Mr Mashi and Mashi Jr. Mr Mashi is a creamy banana sherbet, sweetened with maple and studded with pecans and caramel bites, while Mashi Jr leans towards a raspberry swirl. Both had a well-balanced sweetness that rounded off the meal nicely.

Reopening as a ramen bar concept is a natural fit for Mashi No Mashi, highlighting both its ramen focus and beef-centric identity. With the upgrade to A5 Wagyu, it's now an even more.

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.


Mashi No Mashi
3 Pickering Street
#01-42
Nankin Row
Singapore 048660
Contact: +65 8957 8620
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Chinatown (DT, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit F. Walk down Cross Street to South Bridge Road. At the junction of Cross Street and South Bridge Road, cross the road. Turn left onto South Bridge Road. Walk down South Bridge Road. Turn right onto Nakin Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to China Street. Turn right onto China Street. Walk down China Street. Turn left onto Nakin Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Cavern Restaurant @ Rainforest Wild ASIA - Ups Its Game with Fresh Flavours

Recently, I made a return visit to Cavern Restaurant at Rainforest Wild Asia for dinner. Since my previous trip during its opening, the restaurant has refreshed its menu, introducing new dishes and refined flavours that made this revisit worthwhile.

Prawn Cocktail 4/5

We began the meal with the Prawn Cocktail ($16 for 3pc). Each prawn sits atop lettuce, paired with sriracha mayo, pomelo, and crispy cucumber, creating a refreshing starter that combines sweet, spicy, tangy, and crunchy elements. It’s a simple dish, but one that delivers a satisfying multi-sensorial play of flavours and textures.

Berry Good Time 3.8/5

Ginger Slammer 3.8/5

Cavern also boasts a beautiful bar, so we explored a couple of their beverages. Berry Good Time ($16) is a lively blend of mixed berries, mint, lime juice and soda. It is bright, fruity, and perfectly fizzy. The Ginger Slammer ($23), made with tequila blanco, ginger syrup, lime juice, and soda water, is bold and zesty, with a spicy kick from the ginger. Both drinks bring refreshing profiles that pair well with the rainforest setting.

XO Burrata with Heirloom Tomato 4/5

The XO Burrata with Heirloom Tomato ($22) stands out for its unique Asian twist. The pairing of XO sauce and chilli oil with creamy burrata may sound unconventional, but it works, similar to the sambal-burrata combination I’ve tried at One Prawn Co. The result is creamy, savoury, slightly spicy and well-balanced, with the tomatoes adding a sweet finishing lift.

Smoked Pork Rack 4/5

The Smoked Pork Rack ($30) features a tender pork loin served on a bed of mashed potatoes. It comes completed with a strawberry chilli and herb salad, adding brightness and a gentle heat that cuts through the meat’s richness. A hearty and well-executed dish.

Clam Vongole 3.8/5

The Clam Vongole ($24) arrives with perfectly cooked tagliatelle accompanied by juicy asari clams, chilli padi, parsley, chives, garlic, and white wine. The pasta is al dente and full of flavour from the sweet clams. The addition of chilli padi gives it a punchy lift. One puzzling detail: the dish comes with a white wine broth, which isn’t typical as vongole is usually served dry. Still, the flavours are enjoyable.

Brulee Oolong Cheesecake 4/5

The Brulee Oolong Cheesecake ($12) features a biscuity base and a creamy cheesecake body infused with subtle oolong notes. The crackling layer of caramelised sugar adds a delightful textural contrast, making it a satisfying dessert for tea lovers.

Rocher 4.2/5

The Rocher ($16) is a visually appealing dessert of dark chocolate ice cream, hazelnut cream, and hazelnut pieces. Rich, nutty, and texturally layered, it is a well-crafted sweet finish to the meal.

This second visit to Cavern Restaurant proved even more enjoyable than the first, thanks to its refreshed menu and creative flavour pairings. From starters to desserts, the dishes feel more confident and refined. Paired with its cavern-inspired interior, textured stone elements, and an intimate, cave-like ambience, Cavern offers a cosy, immersive dining experience that makes it even more memorable.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Cavern Restaurant
Rainforest Wild ASIA
20 Mandai Lake Road
Singapore 729825
Tel: +65 60220229
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Nearest MRT: Springleaf (TE Line), Choa Chu Kang (NS Line), Khatib (NS Line)

1) Alight at Springleaf MRT station. Take Exit 3. Walk to bus stop opposite Thong Soon Road (Stop ID 56091). Take bus number 138. Alight 12 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 25 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Choa Chu Kang MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Choa Chu Kang Bus Interchange (Stop ID 44009). Take bus number 927. Alight 16 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 30 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Khatib MRT station. Take the Mandai Khatib Shuttle Bus (not free). Journey time about 30 minutes. [Map]