Pulsii French Bistro @ Tras Street - $19.80 Steak Frites Lunch Special

Nuzzled among the heritage shophouses of Tras Street, Pulsii French Bistro is a chic yet unpretentious dining spot that brings a touch of Parisian bistro charm to the edge of the CBD. Helmed by Chef Daisuke Yoshikawa, whose culinary experience includes time in Michelin-starred Japanese kitchens, the restaurant presents a menu that marries classic French techniques with Japanese ingredients and a distinctly modern approach.

The menu ranges from approachable small plates to more substantial mains, with dishes showcasing Chef Daisuke’s precision and affinity for open-fire cooking. For the weekday crowd, Pulsii also offers a 2-course set lunch at $20 and a 3-course set lunch at $35, making it an attractive option for a leisurely yet reasonably priced meal.

One of the biggest draws, however, is the Steak Frites Lunch Special at just $19.80++. Available from Monday to Saturday, only 20 portions are offered each day, so early arrival is recommended.

Bread and Yuzu Cheese Spread 3.5/5

We started with some Bread and Yuzu Cheese Spread, a simple yet pleasant bite to ease into the meal. The bread provides a soft, comforting base while the yuzu-infused cheese spread adds a gentle citrusy brightness, giving the otherwise creamy spread a refreshing lift.

Shima Aji Carpaccio 4.5/5

The Shima Aji Carpaccio ($24) makes a light, refreshing starter. Thick slices of Japanese Shima Aji are served with ponzu and mustard vinaigrette, pairing the fish’s naturally clean, subtly sweet flavour with pleasant acidity. The Shima Aji has a firm yet delicate texture, while shaved fennel stem and microcress add freshness and a slight crunch. The mix of Japanese ingredients with French-style presentation gives the dish a refined yet uncomplicated character, keeping the quality of the fish as the focus.

French Onion Gratin Soup 4.2/5

A comforting classic, the French Onion Gratin Soup ($16) is built around onions slowly cooked down until deeply caramelised, sweet, and jammy. The resulting broth is rich and intensely savoury, with the natural sweetness of the onions shining through. Topped with toasted bread and a generous layer of melted cheese, the soup delivers plenty of textural contrast — from the bubbling, gooey cheese to the bread that soaks up the deeply flavoured broth. It is hearty without being overly complicated, and certainly one for those who enjoy the comforting flavours of traditional French bistro cooking.

Lamb Skewer 4/5

The Lamb Skewer ($20) takes a more rustic direction, with the lamb cooked directly over an open woodfire flame. The high heat creates a nicely charred exterior while helping to retain the meat’s natural juices. The smoky notes from the woodfire add depth, giving the lamb a robust grilled character without overwhelming its natural flavour. Served with Japanese egg yolk, the yolk’s richness provides a creamy accompaniment to the smoky lamb, making this a satisfying small plate to share.

Japanese Kinmedai 4.2/5

For the mains, the Japanese Kinmedai ($58) showcases Chef Daisuke’s Japanese-French approach particularly well. Kinmedai, a prized deep-sea Japanese fish, is known for its rich, fatty flesh and delicate texture. Here, the fish is cooked over an open woodfire, allowing the skin to develop a beautifully charred exterior while keeping the flesh tender and moist. It is served with savoy cabbage tapenade and a dry vermouth cream sauce, which brings a combination of earthy, vegetal and creamy flavours to the plate. The smoky char from the fire complements the fish’s richness, while the sauce adds another layer of savouriness without masking the Kinmedai’s delicate character.

Steak Frites 4.2/5

Pulsii’s standout value proposition is its Steak Frites Lunch Special at $19.80++. Available Monday to Saturday at lunch, the special includes a 250g steak, crispy fries, and a seasonal green salad with Pulsii’s signature dressing. Only 20 portions are available each day, first come, first served, until sold out.

For the price, the portion is particularly generous. The steak is cooked over an open flame, leaving a nicely seared, charred exterior while keeping the centre tender and juicy. The open-fire cooking also lends the meat a subtle smokiness that works particularly well with the classic bistro-style preparation. The accompanying shoestring fries are crisp and golden, providing the essential crunchy counterpart to the juicy steak. A fresh seasonal salad rounds things off, adding some acidity and freshness to cut through the richness of the meat and fries.

Mille-Feuille with Vanilla Ice Cream 4.2/5

To end, the Mille-Feuille with Vanilla Ice Cream ($15) offers a classic French dessert with a satisfying play on textures. The puff pastry is baked until crisp, buttery and caramelised, creating delicate layers that shatter with each bite. Sandwiched between the pastry are smooth, creamy layers that contrast beautifully with the pastry’s crispness. Served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, the dessert gains another dimension as the cold, creamy ice cream slowly melts into the warm pastry. The combination of buttery pastry, creamy filling, and vanilla makes for a comforting, indulgent finish without feeling excessively heavy.

For those working around the CBD, the $20 2-course and $35 3-course set lunches make Pulsii worth considering for a weekday meal. At the same time, the $19.80++ Steak Frites is particularly hard to overlook for its generous 250g portion and limited daily offering.

With its stylish setting, approachable pricing and a menu that blends French and Japanese influences, Pulsii French Bistro offers a refreshing dining option along Tras Street — whether you’re dropping by for a quick business lunch or settling in for a more leisurely meal.

Note: This is an invited tasting.



Pulsii French Bistro
55 Tras Street
Singapore 078944
Tel: +65 96898407
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 2:15pm, 6pm - 11pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Tras Street. Turn right onto Tras Street. Walk down Tras Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 2. Turn left and walk down Tanjong Pagar Road. Turn left onto Tras Street. Walk down Tras Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Kai Duck @ Takashimaya - Celebrates SG61 With 50% Off Roasted Duck Cheong Fun & $18.80 Lunch Set

This August, Kai Duck at Takashimaya celebrates Singapore’s 61st birthday with a series of irresistible dining deals. From 50% off its viral Half Roasted Duck Cheong Fun to 61% off selected signature dishes and an affordable $18.80 lunch promotion, there are plenty of reasons to head down for a satisfying Cantonese feast this National Day month.

BBQ Pork with Homemade Sauce 4/5

Available daily with prior reservation, the Kai Duck Lunch Promotion offers diners a choice of four dishes from a selection of ten, making it a fuss-free option for a casual lunch with family or friends. The set also comes complete with steamed rice, dessert of the day and ice cream.

Among the dishes we tried was the BBQ Pork with Homemade Sauce. At first glance, the char siu appears rather fatty, but it surprisingly does not feel greasy. The meat has a pleasant tenderness, while the homemade sauce strikes a good balance with a savoury-sweet profile without becoming overly saccharine. The sauce works particularly well with the richness of the pork, cutting through the fattiness and keeping each bite moreish. It is the kind of dish that makes you go back for another piece without feeling too heavy.

Poached Chinese Spinach with Fish Beancurd served in Rice Broth 4/5

The Poached Chinese Spinach with Fish Beancurd served in Rice Broth was a comforting and clean-tasting dish that provided a nice contrast to the richer meats. The Chinese spinach retained a good crunch and freshness, while the delicate rice broth added a gentle savouriness without overpowering the vegetables. The fish beancurd brought a soft, bouncy texture to the dish, making it a hearty yet relatively light accompaniment to the meal.

Steamed Xiao Long Bao with Black Truffle Sauce 3.8/5

For something a little more indulgent, we had the Steamed Xiao Long Bao with Black Truffle Sauce. The dumplings arrive plump and generously filled, with juicy pork encased within the delicate skin. The black truffle sauce lends a distinct earthy aroma and richer finish to the dumpling. While the combination is enjoyable and certainly gives the classic xiao long bao a more luxurious touch, I personally prefer the natural porky flavours of the dumpling, where the savoury meat juices take centre stage.

Half Roasted Duck Cheong Fun 4.5/5

The viral Roasted Duck Cheong Fun from Guangzhou has been making waves for its indulgent combination of silky rice noodles and succulent roasted duck, and Kai Duck has brought its own rendition to Singapore. The roasted duck itself brings the essential richness to the dish, with tender meat and a fragrant roasted flavour that pairs beautifully with the smooth, delicate cheong fun. The contrast of textures makes this particularly enjoyable, with the silky rice noodles providing a soft base for the more substantial roasted duck.

For Singapore’s 61st birthday, Kai Duck is offering 50% off the Half Roasted Duck Cheong Fun at $18.80, U.P. $38, with a minimum spend of $88. It is also available as one of the selected dishes under the $18.80 Lunch Promotion, although diners will receive a smaller portion rather than the full half-duck serving.

Beyond the Half Roasted Duck Cheong Fun promotion, Kai Duck is also marking SG61 with 61% off selected signature dishes, including its Signature Peking Duck, giving diners even more reason to gather for a celebratory meal. With its mix of approachable lunch set and more indulgent signatures, Kai Duck’s SG61 promotions offer something for both casual weekday lunches and celebratory gatherings. The Half Roasted Duck Cheong Fun is the standout for us, especially at the promotional price, while the $18.80 lunch promotion makes it easy to sample several dishes without breaking the bank.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Kai Duck
Takashimaya
391 Orchard Road
#05-10/11
Singapore 238872
Tel: +65 62355419
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 1130am - 3pm, 545pm - 10pm
Fri: 1130am - 5pm, 545pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 11am - 5pm, 545pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Follow the walkway through Wisma Atria to Takashimaya. Continue walking straight to Ngee Ann City. Walk to destination. Journey time is about 8 minutes. [Map]

Coffee Lounge @ Goodwood Park Hotel - ‘A Taste of Home’ Afternoon Tea with Singapore-Inspired Local Favourites

‘A Taste of Home’ Afternoon Tea Set 4/5

Goodwood Park Hotel is celebrating the month of August alongside Singapore’s 61st birthday with a series of dining experiences inspired by the flavours and familiar comforts that have shaped our local food culture.

Among the offerings is the refreshed ‘A Taste of Home’ Afternoon Tea Set at Coffee Lounge, which returns following its successful debut in 2024. The menu reimagines familiar Singaporean and Asian flavours into elegant bite-sized creations, served on a three-tiered stand.

Available daily from 1 August onwards, 2.30pm to 5pm, the afternoon tea is priced at $68++ for 2 persons.

The savoury selection features a fun assortment of familiar flavours, including Fish Curry Jala Roll, Otah Nasi Lemak with Crispy Rice, Lobster Kueh Pie Tee, Mini Kong Bak Bao and Butter Chicken Roti Prata.

The Fish Curry Jala Roll offered a playful take on the classic fish curry, while the Otah Nasi Lemak with Crispy Rice combined fragrant nasi lemak flavours with a spicy slice of otah sandwiched between the rice. We particularly enjoyed its bold spice and crunchy textures.

For desserts, it featured the Gulab Jamun Crème Brûlée, D24 Durian Pandan Coconut Roll and Honey Pineapple Crumble Tart.

The D24 Durian Pandan Coconut Roll combined the unmistakable aroma of durian with classic pandan and coconut. At the same time, the Gulab Jamun Crème Brûlée was an interesting marriage of Indian- and French-inspired flavours.

The Honey Pineapple Crumble Tart rounded things off with a fruity sweetness and buttery crumble.

Each set also includes a cup of coffee or TWG tea, making this a leisurely afternoon experience designed for sharing between two.

Beyond the afternoon tea, Goodwood Park Hotel’s National Day celebrations also include the seasonal The Singaporean Dessert Box, as well as the new ‘The Local Palate Afternoon Tea Buffet’ at L’Espresso. Reservations to the Coffee Lounge can be made by phone at 6730 1746 or online at goodwoodparkhotel.com/dining.

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


Coffee Lounge
Goodwood Park Hotel
22 Scotts Road
Singapore 228221
Tel: +65 67301746
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk down Scotts Road to the destination. Journey time is about 10 minutes.[Map]

Mosella @ Pan Pacific Orchard - From Tapas to Josper Grill: New À La Carte Menu Celebrates Communal Dining

Mosella at Pan Pacific Orchard refreshes its dining concept with a vibrant new à la carte menu, shifting away from structured multi-course formats to embrace the convivial spirit of Mediterranean communal dining. Designed for both casual lunches and lively evening gatherings, the menu offers a flexible mix of tapas, hearty mains, and grill-centric showstoppers, all thoughtfully portioned to suit different occasions. By day, diners can graze on lighter plates and carb-forward staples, while dinner spotlights the Josper grill — the heart of the open kitchen — where flame-kissed meats and seafood take centre stage.

Beetroot & Burrata 4/5

The Beetroot & Burrata ($12 Lunch/ $16 Dinner) is an elegant opener, pairing smoky, creamy burrata with earthy beetroot. Accents of pickled shallots, baby arugula, and candied walnuts lend both brightness and texture, while a drizzle of Pedro Ximenez sherry dressing ties everything together with a gentle sweetness.

Pan Con Tomate 4/5

Equally satisfying in its simplicity is the Pan Con Tomate ($8 Lunch/ $11 Dinner). Served on crisp, airy cristal bread, the grated datterini tomatoes are fresh and vibrant, lifted by good-quality extra virgin olive oil. It’s a classic done right — light, refreshing, and highly addictive.

Potatas Bravas 3.8/5

The Potatas Bravas ($9 Lunch/ $14 Dinner) offers a more inventive take, featuring golden cubes of potato millefeuille. Crisp on the outside and fluffy within, they are paired with smoky mojo picón, garlic aioli, and finished with cured egg yolk shavings for an umami-rich touch.

Mosella Caesar Salad 3.5/5

For something heartier, the Mosella Caesar Salad ($10 Lunch/ $$19 Dinner) brings together baby gem lettuce, aged Manchego, and savoury Iberico ham. The boquerones Caesar dressing adds a subtle briny depth, while almonds and croutons contribute crunch, making it both refreshing and satisfying.

Chargrilled Octopus 3.5/5

The Chargrilled Octopus ($19 Lunch/ $36 Dinner) impresses with its tender texture and smoky char. Served atop a rustic white bean and potato stew with chorizo, each bite is layered with richness, further enhanced by saffron aioli and delicate shavings of bluefin bottarga.

Gambas Al Ajillo 4/5

A perennial favourite, the Gambas Al Ajillo ($9 Lunch/ $14 Dinner) delivers bold, comforting flavours. Plump king prawns are sautéed in aromatic garlic and chilli oil, making it perfect for mopping up with bread.

Paella Chorizo 3.8/5

Paella Mariscos 4/5

The paellas here are hearty and well-executed. The Paella Chorizo ($29 Lunch/ $56 Dinner) leans on robust, meaty flavours, combining diced chorizo, grilled chicken breast, and piquillo peppers in a savoury chicken stock base. Meanwhile, the Paella Mariscos ($28 Lunch/ $52 Dinner) showcases the ocean’s bounty, with saffron-infused Bomba rice cooked in shellfish stock, studded with calamari and prawns, and finished with mussels and king prawns for a deeply satisfying seafood profile.

Half Spatchcock Chicken 4/5

From the Josper grill, the Half Spatchcock Chicken ($38) stands out for its juicy, tender meat and smoky aroma. Paired with romesco, black garlic, and a hint of piment d’Espelette, it’s a well-balanced dish with both depth and vibrancy.

Whole Branzino 4.2/5

The Whole Branzino ($62) is another highlight. This wild-caught European seabass arrives beautifully roasted, its skin crisp and lightly charred, while the flesh remains moist and flaky. Accompaniments of confit tomatoes, burnt citrus, and thyme enhance its natural sweetness.

Galician Bone-in Striploin 4.2/5

For meat lovers, the Galician Bone-In Striploin ($158) is a true showstopper. This 700g Rubia Gallega cut boasts a deep, beefy flavour and satisfying chew, cooked to a perfect medium-rare and complemented by a rich porcini and beef glace.

Cochinillo Asado 4.2/5

A must-try for sharing is the Cochinillo Asado ($78). This 1.2kg quarter suckling pig undergoes an intensive preparation process before being roasted to achieve its signature crackling skin. Beneath the crisp exterior lies tender, flavourful meat, paired with apple and Calvados purée and anise pork jus for a well-rounded finish.

Cacao 4.2/5

Ending on a sweet note, the Cacao ($18) is indulgence at its finest, featuring a luscious 68% Nyangbo chocolate crèmeux paired with burnt milk gelato for a balance of richness and depth.

Strawberry & Sherry 4.2/5

The Strawberry & Sherry ($12 Lunch/ $18 Dinner) offers a lighter contrast, with a soft Basque butter cake topped with strawberry gelée and finished tableside with warm sherry cream.

Churro Rosette 4.2/5

For something playful, the Churro Rosette ($11 Lunch/ $16 Dinner) delights with its spiral form — crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and best enjoyed dipped in smoked vanilla dulce sauce.

Leche Frita 4.2/5

Oliva 3.8/5

Spanish Rice Pudding 4/5

Other noteworthy options include the nostalgic Leche Frita ($9), the citrusy Oliva ($9 Lunch/ $16 Dinner) olive oil cake, and the comforting Spanish Rice Pudding ($8) with brown butter gelato and puffed rice crunch.

With its refreshed à la carte concept, Mosella successfully captures the essence of Mediterranean dining — relaxed, generous, and centred around sharing. Whether you’re dropping by for a light lunch or gathering friends for a hearty grilled feast, the versatile menu offers something for every occasion. Combined with the theatre of the Josper grill and thoughtfully crafted dishes, Mosella makes a compelling destination for both casual meet-ups and celebratory meals.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Mosella
Pan Pacific Orchard
Level 2, Forest Terrace
10 Claymore Road
Singapore 229540
Tel: +65 6991 6875
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Buffet Breakfast
A La Carte Lunch
Sun-Fri: 12pm - 2:30pm
A La Carte Dinner
Sun-Thu: 6pm - 10pm
Fri, Sat & Eve of PH: 6pm - 10:30pm
Saturday Brunch
Sat: 12:30pm - 3pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk towards Wheelock Place via ION. Exit Wheelock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Cross the road at the traffic light junction and turn left towards Royal Thai Embassy. Walk to Palais Renaissance, which is right after the Royal Thai Embassy. Cut through Palais Renaissance to the other side of the building. Pan Pacific Orchard is opposite the building. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]