Xi Men Jie (西門街) @ The Rail Mall - New Casual Eatery Serving Popular Taiwanese Dishes

Taiwanese casual eatery Xi Men Jie (西門街) opened in 2015 and has steadily expanded to eight outlets across Singapore. The latest addition is located at The Rail Mall, conveniently situated at the end closest to The Rail Corridor.

Stepping in, the interior is bright, clean, and spacious. The menu focuses on popular Taiwanese staples, including Mee Sua, Braised Pork Rice, and Street Snacks, alongside a variety of noodles, fried rice, soups, and porridge options.

Ocean Blue Sparkle

We started with the Ocean Blue Sparkle ($6.90), a white peach-based drink with jelly cubes. This was too sweet for our taste. The beverage choices here are vast, ranging from bubble tea to homemade drinks and more classic hot beverages.

Xiao Tang Bao Soup Dumplings 3.8/5

The Xiao Tang Bao Soup Dumplings ($7.90) was served in a portion of six. Each dumpling carried a decent amount of savoury soup and tender meat.

Taiwan Smoked Sausage Egg Fried Rice 3/5

Next, we had the Taiwan Smoked Sausage Egg Fried Rice ($9.50). While we appreciated the use of pearl rice, the dish could be much better seasoned. Other fried rice options include pork cutlet, crispy chicken cutlet, and more.

Braised Pig Intestine Mee Sua 3.8/5

Last but not least, we had the Braised Pig Intestine Mee Sua ($8.90), a hearty and well-seasoned rendition. The mee sua is also available with other toppings, such as oysters and shredded chicken.

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.


Xi Men Jie (西門街)
The Rail Mall
398 Upper Bukit Timah Road
Singapore 678049
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Nearest MRT: Hillview MRT (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 8am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Hillview MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Upper Bukit Timah Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Choupinette @ Bukit Timah - Cosy French Cafe Founded in 2002 Offers Festive 5-Course Meal at $68/pax

Founded in 2002, Choupinette is a charming and quaint French cafe tucked along Bukit Timah, next to Coronation Plaza. Opened daily from 8am, it offers breakfast through dinner and a variety of pastries for takeaway.

Choupinette is decked out in delightful Christmas decorations to celebrate the festive season and introduces a special Five-Course Meal ($68/pax), comprising an Aperitif, Soup, Main, Dessert, and Drink.

Bread

Before starting the course, we began with warm, house-baked, light and crisp bread - a testament to the cafe's dedication to fresh, in-house baking.

Cocktail Joyeuses Fêtes

The first course, a festive cocktail named Cocktail Joyeuses Fêtes, sets quite a celebratory tone.

Crab Bisque 4.2/5

The Crab Bisque is a flavourful option for soups, balanced with bits of crab meat without being overpowering.

Soupe à l'Oignon 4.2/5

The classic Soupe à l’Oignon satisfies with its soft caramelised onions and gooey melted Gruyère.

Duck Breast Served with Raspberry Sauce 3.5/5

Next, we moved on to mains with the Duck Breast Served with Raspberry Sauce. Sliced thick, the duck was slightly chewy and leaned more gamey.

Salmon en Papillote with Herb Sauce 3.8/5

Our other main, the Salmon en Papillote with Herb Sauce, while generous in portion, fell short due to its dry texture.

Other main options for the course include Boeuf Bourguignon and Vegetable Gratin with Ratatouille.

French Apple Tart with Ice Cream 4.2/5

We went for the highly recommended French Apple Tart with Ice Cream for desserts. The warm, thin-crusted pastry carried slight sweetness from the apple slices, paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Chocolate Mousse 4/5

The indulgent Chocolate Mousse delivered in intensity in flavour, but my dining companion and I could have benefitted from a crunchier texture for balance. This would definitely be better for sharing as both texture and flavour could get too heavy for one.

Alternatively, the menu offers a classic Crème Brûlée as well.

The meal ends on a comforting note with a choice of tea or coffee, including options like Earl Grey, Chamomile, and Moroccan Mint.

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.


Choupinette
607 Bukit Timah Road
Singapore 269708
Tel: +65 6466 0613
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Nearest MRT: Tan Kah Kee (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon: 8am - 4pm
Tue-Sat: 8am - 930pm
Sun: 8am - 430pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tan Kah Kee MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk down Bukit Timah Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Barrio Spanish Restaurant @ Hillcrest Road - Unpretentious Spanish Cuisine Ideal For Intimate Meals and Get Togethers

Tucked away on the peaceful and charming Greenwood Avenue, Barrio invites guests to celebrate the vibrant flavours of Spanish cuisine. The warm and convivial neighbourhood atmosphere enhances the experience, making it an ideal spot for both intimate meals and lively get-togethers.

Barrio’s special ‘Ceviche’ 4/5

We began our dinner with a selection of Tapas, and the first was Barrio's special 'Ceviche' ($22), which features marinated seabass soaked in a zesty blend of citrus juices. Barrio's version has more robust, punchy flavours than the usually lighter flavours of ceviche. There are also plenty of fresh ingredients, like diced onions, cilantro, and a hint of chilli. Very addictive crispy tortilla chips accompany the dish, which provides a satisfying crunch and a contrast to the marinated fish.

Barrio ‘Bikini’ Sandwich 4.5/5

We absolutely loved the Barrio 'Bikini' Sandwich ($20), which stars a winning combination of ingredients that come together very well - roast beef, cheese and black truffle. The tender slices of roast beef are succulent and packed with flavour, while the melted cheese provides a savoury creaminess that perfectly complements the beef.

Garlic Prawns 4.2/5

The Garlic Prawns ($30) captivated our senses as soon as the dish arrived at the table, filling the air with an irresistible aroma. Each large, juicy prawn is perfectly cooked and beautifully presented alongside a velvety, earthy hummus and a sprinkling of dried chilli. It is an interesting flavour combination that captures both the taste of land and sea. There's also some crunchy toast to mop up the hummus and garlic sauce.

Fideuà 4.5/5

Our interest was piqued by the arrival of a huge pan of Fideuà ($55 for small, $75 for large), the less often seen sibling of Paella. Originating from the coastal region of Valencia, Fideuà is an interesting twist on the traditional rice dish, using short noodles instead. As we eagerly dug in, we discovered that the noodles had indeed soaked up the rich flavours of the broth and other ingredients like the pork sausage and mushrooms. Whether you prefer this or the rice version will probably depend on what texture you enjoy. We found that the noodle version was softer and easier to bite, whilst the rice version usually has a more chewy texture with some crispy, charred bits. Other options exist for the Paella and Fideuà, such as seafood, squid ink or vegetables.

¼ ‘Cochinillo’ Suckling Pig 3.5/5

Moving on to the main meat dish, we were presented with an impressive platter of ¼ 'Cochinillo' Suckling Pig ($89, good to share between 3-4 pax), a culinary centrepiece that requires approximately 45 minutes of preparation time upon order and is also served with Panadera potatoes and Padron Peppers. With succulent meat and a golden-brown crispy skin, there is little to fault regarding the execution of the dish or its texture, but we found the taste of the suckling pig to be quite strong, which was not to our taste preferences. Perhaps true pork lovers will enjoy this dish more than we did.

Churros with chocolate 4.8/5

Churros ($14) are always a delightful end to a Spanish meal, and Barrio's version is everything I want in a churro. Each churro has a soft, slightly mochi-like centre, providing a satisfying chewiness that contrasts beautifully with the crisp, crunchy exterior. The churros are accompanied by the slightest sugar dusting and a rich, velvety chocolate dipping sauce that offers a decadent finish.

Barrio offers an unpretentious dining experience that captures the essence of community. The food is tasty, and the portions are generally good to share. Little wonder the restaurant was quite full when we visited, with groups of families and friends enjoying the evening and some delicious Spanish food.

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


Barrio Spanish Restaurant
73 Hillcrest Road
Singapore 288945
Tel: +65 8328 7467
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Nearest MRT: Tan Kah Kee (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Fri: 12pm - 230pm, 5pm - 1030pm
Sat-Sun: 1130am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tan Kah Kee MRT station. Take Exit A. Use the overhead bridge to Exit B. Walk straight to Hillcrest Road. Turn right onto Hillcrest Road. Walk down Hillcrest Road and make a left into Greenwood Avenue. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

SPRUCE @ HillV2 - 15th Anniversary Grand Reopening with New Menu Featuring Collaboration by MasterChef Singapore Season 4 Winner Inderpal Singh

SPRUCE recently celebrated its 15th anniversary with a grand reopening at HillV2 and introduced a new bakery and bistro concept. Their all-new menu features a range of new dishes alongside an exclusive MasterChef collaboration with MasterChef Singapore Season 4 winner, Inderpal Singh. This collaboration consists of 5 items by Chef Inderpal, which showcase his expertise in spices.

The new modern space is adorned with warm lights and lots of greens, making it a cosy space for gatherings.

Beverages

Their beverage list is extensive, with homemade drinks such as Homemade Lemonade ($8), freshly squeezed lemon with fresh mint, and Arnold Palmer ($7), a blend of freshly brewed tea and homemade lemonade. Cocktails, created in collaboration with award-winning mixologist Nithi, are also available.

MasterChef Laksa Pumpkin Soup 3.8/5

The MasterChef Laksa Pumpkin Soup ($15) caught our eye for its intriguing combination of sweet pumpkin, laksa leaves, galanga and chilli! The creamy soup took some getting used to but paired well with a crunchy slice of garlic bread.

MasterChef - Fenugreek Crab Cake 4.2/5

A popular MasterChef creation is the Fenugreek Crab Cake ($22). Despite its price, it was chock full of succulent crab meat. We were also fans of the rich and aromatic fenugreek chutney, which enhanced the overall umami flavours.

MasterChef “Chilli Prawn” Roti John 3.5/5

The MasterChef "Chilli Prawn" Roti John ($27) featured prawns in chilli crab sauce on a basil roti john, offering a special twist on the classic beef or chicken versions. However, it was a tad pricey for its portion.

Prawn Orecchiette 4/5

For mains, we first had the Prawn Orecchiette ($24), which saw orecchiette pasta tossed in spinach and garlic cream sauce, with tiger prawn chunks and zucchini. While I would have liked the pasta a touch softer, the garlicky sauce was quite enjoyable.

Truffled & Mushroom Risotto 3.8/5

The Truffled & Mushroom Risotto ($23) was decent, with carnaroli rice simmered with mushrooms and mascarpone cheese. The thick texture made it better suited as a sharing dish.

Chimichurri Baby Back Ribs 4.2/5

Apart from the Fenugreek Crab Cake, our other unanimous favourite of the night was the Chimichurri Baby Back Ribs ($26). I rarely order baby back ribs as they usually come doused in a thick, sweet sauce, which I am not a fan of. SPRUCE's rendition, however, has the tender ribs served with a zesty homemade chimichurri sauce and shoestring fries on the side.

MasterChef - Barramundi & Coconut Briyani 4/5

The MasterChef — Barramundi & Coconut Briyani ($28), aptly described by my dining companions as a healthy briyani, was clean-tasting in a good way. The pan-seared barramundi had a crisp skin, while its meat remained tender. It was atop coconut briyani with pistachio and raisins and accompanied by a side of refreshing yogurt.

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.


SPRUCE
HillV2
#01-01
4 Hillview Rise
Singapore 667979
Tel: +65 9759 5790
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Nearest MRT: Hillview MRT (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 10pm
Sat-Sun, PH: 10am = 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Hillview MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Hillview Road. Turn right onto Hillview road. Walk down Hillview Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Let’s Kinn BRO @ Crown Centre - Be Transported to Thailand with Signature Spicy Seafood Mama Tom Yum Hot Pot

Let's Kinn THAI started in Tanjong Pagar and quickly gained popularity for their signature Seafood Mama Tom Yum Hot Pots. The team opened their newest outlet in the West, in Crown Centre at Bukit Timah. Crown Centre is the mall which houses Crown Bakery, just down the road from Atlas Coffeehouse. This new outlet goes with the name of Let's Kinn BRO.

Similarly, the team hopes to serve authentic Thai dishes alongside their highly raved hotpots. You can find classic options, such as Moo Ping, Green Curry Chicken, Basil Pork with Rice & Egg, and more.

Thai Ice Milk Tea 4.2/5

What's a Thai meal without Thai Ice Milk Tea ($2.50)? Although it was a tad too sweet for my liking, it tasted authentic. The tea base was fragrant, and as a whole, it was sufficiently thick without being cloying.

Fresh River Prawn Seafood Lover Mama Hot Pot 4.2/5

The main highlight of our meal here was definitely the Fresh River Prawn Seafood Lover Mama Hot Pot ($42.90). The portion feeds 3 pax well, with a layer of cabbage topped with mama instant noodles, mushrooms, clams, mussels, squid, eggs, prawns and a bigger river prawn, all brimming in a hearty tom yum broth. While the seafood could be fresher, the star for us was the flavourful broth that boasted tangy and spicy notes.

Thai Steamed Seabass with Lemon 4/5

We also had the Thai Steamed Seabass with Lemon ($29.90). The seabass was fresh and meaty, and I appreciated how cleanly the flaky meat fell off its bones. The spicy lime base sauce was appetising and garlicky, and I imagine it would pair well with white rice. However, it was a pity that our seabass was served lukewarm, and the base flame provided could not heat it up better.

Mango Sticky Rice 3.5/5

We had the Mango Sticky Rice ($8.90) to end our meal. While I enjoyed the coconut cream giving it a clever savoury addition, the glutinous rice was a little too hard. The mango was more sour than sweet as well.

Let's Kinn BRO is a decent spot for an authentic Thai meal. Skip the dessert and go for their tom yum hot pot. The restaurant also offers a range of alcoholic beverages for you to wash down the spice!

If you are heading down, I recommend making a reservation by calling them at +65 8851 2138 or saving a table online via Quandoo.

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.


LET’S KINN BRO
Crown Centre
557 Bukit Timah Road
#01-14
Singapore 269694
Tel: +65 8851 2138
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Nearest MRT: Botanic Gardens (CC, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 8am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Botanic Gardens MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk down Bukit Timah Road. Continue walking down Bukit Timah Road and walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes.[Map]