Eden Cafe @ Jurong Lake Garden (Chinese Garden) - A Beautiful Cafe Surround by Lush Greenery with Room for Improvement in its Food

During the Mid-Autumn Festival, I visited the Chinese Garden to soak in the festive atmosphere with the stunning lantern displays and the Cloud Pagoda light show. Amidst the scenic surroundings, I decided to check out the newly opened Eden Cafe, located just beside the Cloud Pagoda. The café, with its picturesque location, seemed like the perfect pit stop to unwind and escape the heat.

Ice White 4/5 and Matcha Latte 3.8/5

Given the sweltering afternoon heat, my companion and I opted to sit indoors in the air-conditioned section of the café, which was a welcomed relief from the sun. We ordered the Ice White ($7), which uses coffee beans from Dutch Colony, and a Matcha Latte ($7.50) for drinks. The coffee was smooth and balanced, with a satisfying hit of caffeine to refresh us for the rest of the day. Meanwhile, the matcha latte was decent, offering a slight bitterness from the matcha that contrasted nicely with the milk. However, it could have benefited from a richer, more robust matcha flavour.

Rendang Burger 3/5

For food, we started with the Rendang Burger ($20). The burger featured a juicy beef patty layered with rendang sauce, a fried egg, tomato, and arugula, all sandwiched between charcoal buns. The burger was served with a side of fries and achar, a nod to the local palate. Unfortunately, the rendang sauce didn't quite hit the mark for me. While the beef patty was cooked well, the rendang's flavour didn't complement it. The sauce lacked the rich, deep spiced profile typical of a good rendang, making the overall dish feel disjointed. Some tweaking could certainly improve the flavour harmony here.

Singaporean Har Cheong Gai Waffles 3/5

Next up was the Singaporean Har Cheong Gai Waffles ($22), which had potential but ultimately fell short. The Har Cheong Gai (prawn paste chicken) itself was excellent — juicy, flavourful, and fried to a crispy perfection. However, the waffles didn't hold up their end of the dish. They lacked the expected light, airy texture, and there was an absence of buttery flavour. A crisp exterior with a fluffy inside is what makes a great waffle, but here, they were somewhat flat and lacklustre, making it a disappointing pairing with the well-executed chicken.

While the ambience of Eden Cafe is undeniably beautiful, with its tranquil garden surroundings and cosy indoor setting, the food didn't quite live up to expectations. The Rendang Burger needed a more robust, more cohesive flavour profile, and the waffles in the Har Cheong Gai dish could benefit from a serious texture and flavour upgrade. That said, the drinks were refreshing and well-crafted, especially on a hot day.

Eden Cafe is still relatively new, and with some adjustments in the kitchen, it will have the potential to be a dining destination that matches the serene beauty of its location. For now, the café offers a nice respite for visitors exploring the Chinese Garden, but I hope to see some improvements in their menu to make it a spot truly worth visiting.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Eden Cafe
Jurong Lake Garden (Chinese Garden)
70B Yuan Ching Road
#01-04
Singapore 619629
Tel: +65 98630516
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Nearest MRT: Chinese Garden (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 8am - 8pm
Fri-Sat: 8am - 9pm

Direction:
1. Alight at Chinese Garden MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Shaburi & Kintan Buffet @ JEM - New Summer Buffet Menu Featuring Seafood Platter with Oysters, Scallops, Prawns and More

Shaburi & Kintan Buffet has been a popular, family-friendly option at JEM. It offers both Shabu-Shabu and Kintan (Japanese BBQ) buffet options at various price points. The restaurant has launched a new seasonal Natsu Matsuri Shaburi Platter/Kintan Platter as part of summer celebrations.

From now till 27 June 2024, the Natsu Matsuri Shaburi Platter is available at an attractive 20% discount, priced at $68.04++ for 2 pax (U.P. $78.80++). After that, it will return to its original price point and remain available until the end of August.

Natsu Matsuri Shaburi Buffet 4/5

The restaurant was decked out in vibrant decor that matched the summer vibes. Look out for the blue food tags to identify the special seasonal items!

Twin Pot

With the whole range of broths available, we definitely appreciated that we could opt for two broths instead of just one. For an additional $1, you can opt for the Twin Pot. We chose the classic Original Kombu and Chicken Collagen Paitan for our first pot and the seasonal Creamy Truffle and Clear Truffle for our second. Other broth options include Hot Miso, Tonkotsu, and Sukiyaki.

Banchan

We enjoyed the Banchan more than we expected! The sesame spinach, beansprouts, kimchi and radish tasted fresh and had a good crunch.

Sushi Rolls

However, the Sushi Rolls, mainly consisting of chicken and a higher rice-to-meat ratio, were skippable in favour of better carb options.

Takoyaki

At the Fried Food section, you can find Tempura Sweet Potato, French Fries and Takoyaki, all of which we noticed were popular with children.

Tori Karaage

Among the starters, there was Chawanmushi and Tori Karaage available. The latter was chunky and seasoned well, despite lacking crunch.

Hot Food

The Hot Food section offered a variety of dishes, including Bacon with Potatoes, Beef Japchae, Curry Chicken, Yakisoba and Ginger Fried Rice. We were pleasantly surprised by the Ginger Fried Rice, which had a lingering ginger aroma.

Condiments

All Condiments are included in the buffet price, and there is a good selection of sauces to choose from. Take a look at their sauce board for the restaurant's recommended mixes. I liked the Japanese Favourite, a tangy and refreshing mix of ponzu, original Shaburi sauce, and Japanese leek. The seasonal spicy Shaburi sauce, studded with sesame seeds, is perfect for those who like more heat.

Natsu Matsuri Shaburi Platter

Next came the buffet's highlight, the Natsu Matsuri Shaburi Platter, served in a wooden boat. It featured a range of seafood, including Half-Shell Scallops, Cooked Prawns, Fresh Salmon, Baby Cuttlefish, Oysters, and White-Shell Clams. Our favourites were the plump scallops and crunchy prawns.

Special Shabu Meat

As part of the buffet, we could select two plates of Special Shabu Meat. We chose the Tender Chicken, Homemade Chicken Ball, Iberico Pork, and Pork Cheese Shabu. The meats were thinly sliced and fresh, without any gamey smell. The Pork Cheese Shabu was particularly interesting, with cheese slices served alongside the pork. We were taught to roll the cheese up before putting it into the bubbling pot for a quick cook for that cheesy ooze.

Shabu ingredients

Shabu ingredients are free-flowing for all diners, including leafy vegetables and chilled/frozen options like fishcakes, crabsticks, chikuwa, and fish balls. We enjoyed the fresh ingredients, including black fungus, corn, mushrooms, tofu, egg, etc.

Chocolate Fondue

For desserts, we started with the Chocolate Fondue, which featured bittersweet chocolate with choices of marshmallows, churros, and more to pair. Unfortunately, we found the churros and donuts a bit too hard and preferred the fresh fruits.

Dango

The time-limited Dango leaned more dense. They come in pairs on a stick, with sauces on the side to drizzle over. While we found the Dango average, the black sesame paste was rich and fragrant.

DIY Kakigori Station

The DIY Kakigori Station, located with the beverage machines, allowed us to make our own shaved ice. Pour the ice cubes into the top of the machine, switch it on, and you will have a bowl of shaved ice in no time. Drizzle with sauces such as Strawberry sauce, Blue Hawaii sauce, and Condensed Milk before pairing with azuki red beans or even soft serve and warabi mochi. While the ice wasn't as fine in texture, it was a fun experience.

As part of the summer celebration, diners who spend a minimum of $80 can participate in their Sure-win Gachapon Game, with prizes such as return cash vouchers and cute keychains.

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.


Shaburi & Kintan Buffet
JEM
#03-11/12
50 Jurong Gateway Road
Singapore 608549
Tel: +65 6262 4329
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Nearest MRT: Jurong East MRT (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

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

Curry Times Restaurant - Unveils New Chicken Cutlet Curry Pao Fan

Founded by Old Chang Kee, Curry Times restaurant is a new dine-in concept specializing in curry dishes. Set in a nostalgic setting reminiscent of the glorious days of Mama's home-cooked food, Curry Times aims to bring back flavours and dishes from the past to be enjoyed once again. With multiple outlets island-wide, we visited the Curry Times Restaurant outlet at Westgate. The restaurant provides a casual and welcoming atmosphere for patrons to enjoy a wide range of dishes, including Hainanese Chicken Rice and Nasi Lemak, alongside various curry-based options.

Chicken Cutlet Curry Pao Fan 4.2/5

Curry Times is introducing an exciting new creation: the Chicken Cutlet Curry Pao Fan. This creation combines a generous serving of pao fan, a comforting rice porridge, and a crispy chicken cutlet placed on top. The dish is further enhanced with fragrant and creamy curry sauce, creating a harmonious blend of flavours and textures. For enthusiasts of both curry and pao fan, this inventive creation promises a must-try experience, allowing you to enjoy the best of both culinary worlds in a single, satisfying bowl. This set also comes with a free Barley drink at $10.90++.

Nasi Lemak with Chicken Super Drum 4/5

Apart from their new dish, we also tried the popular Nasi Lemak with Chicken Super Drum ($10.90). The Nasi lemak is a traditional Malaysian and Singaporean dish known for its fragrant coconut rice, and it is typically accompanied by various condiments such as sambal (spicy chilli paste), peanuts, fried anchovies, cucumber, and a hard-boiled or fried egg. In this variation, the dish is elevated with a huge chicken drumstick, adding a substantial and flavourful element to the classic nasi lemak.

Curry Chap Chye 4/5

The Curry Chap Chye is a flavourful and aromatic dish that combines the essence of two classic Asian dishes: curry and chap chye. This dish typically features a rich and savoury curry sauce infused with a blend of aromatic spices. The curry is then generously loaded with a variety of fresh vegetables and ingredients, such as tofu, beancurd skin, and assorted vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and mushrooms. The result is a hearty and wholesome curry that serves as a perfect complement to your steamed white rice or Nasi Lemak rice.

Crispy Chicken Wing (3pc) 3.8/5

The Crispy Chicken Wing dish ($6.50) at Curry Times is a mouthwatering treat. We ordered them as a snack, which features a perfectly fried and crispy exterior while being tender and juicy on the inside. The wings paired well with the sweet chilli sauce provided on the side.

Photos and words by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Curry Times
Westage
3 Gateway Drive
#02-08
Singapore 608532
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Nearest MRT: Jurong East (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Jurong East MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Cai Lin Ji (蔡林记) @ Jurong Point - Exploring the Unique Flavours of Hubei Street Food

Cai Lin Ji (蔡林记), located at Jurong Point, introduces the unique flavours of Hubei cuisine, featuring a range of street food from this region, including the famous Wuhan Hot Dry Noodles. Service here is quick, reminiscent of a fast-food restaurant, making it a convenient choice for a satisfying meal.

Three Delicacies Dou Pi (三鲜豆皮) 3.5/5

My curiosity was piqued by the Three Delicacies Dou Pi (三鲜豆皮), priced at $4.50 for one or $8.50 for two pieces. This traditional Hubei snack is a multilayered dish, with potato flour forming the base, steamed egg or glutinous rice in the middle, and a top layer featuring bamboo shoots or minced meat combined with pork belly and mushrooms. It's somewhat akin to our local prata, with layers of ingredients that create a delightful texture.

Fresh Meat Soup Bun (鲜肉汤包) 4/5

The Fresh Meat Soup Bun (鲜肉汤包), priced at $5.90 for three pieces, closely resembles our beloved Xiao Long Bao. These little pockets are filled with juicy and well-marinated pork to be savoured with a side of vinegar dip.

Signature Shao Mai (重油烧卖) 3.8/5

The Signature Shao Mai (重油烧卖), at $3.90 for three pieces, offers a unique twist on the Cantonese-style siew mai we're familiar with. This peppery rendition features a mixture of sticky rice, raisins, rock candy, peanuts, osmanthus flowers, orange peel, and shredded carrots. It's a delightful blend that somewhat resembles our local Png Kueh.

Signature Zha Jiang Hot Dry Noodle (炸酱热干面) 3.8/5

The Signature Zha Jiang Hot Dry Noodle (炸酱热干面), priced at $7.90, was a novel discovery. Hailing from Wuhan, this dish holds the title of "Top 10 Noodles in China." It's served dry and coated with a secret black sesame sauce. While it's undoubtedly a good bowl of noodles, I needed time to adjust to the unique pairing of black sesame sauce with noodles.

Xiang Yang Beef Noodles/Beehoon (襄阳牛肉面/米粉) 4.2/5

The Xiang Yang Beef Noodles/Beehoon (襄阳牛肉面/米粉) at $10.90 is a staple breakfast in Hubei. I opted for the beehoon, which had a silky texture with a delightful bite. It came with crunchy bean sprouts and was served generously in rich beef broth laden with beef and offal. I found this bowl of noodles incredibly enjoyable and versatile enough to have for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Shrimp Wanton (虾仁馄饨) 4.8/5

We originally wanted to order the Han Kou Wonton, but it was sold out. We settled for the Shrimp Wanton (虾仁馄饨), priced at $9.90 for ten pieces, which were freshly made daily. These wantons featured fresh shrimp encased in tender, chewy skin and cooked in a flavorful broth.

Signature Osmanthus Paste Rice Wine (桂花糊米酒) 4/5

My culinary journey took an exciting turn with two Hubei speciality soups. First up is the Signature Osmanthus Paste Rice Wine (桂花糊米酒), priced at $3.90. This delight combines rice wine with glutinous balls in a sweet, slightly starchy broth. The second is the Egg Drop Rice Wine (蛋花米酒), priced at $4. It involves dropping a raw egg into boiling water at 100 degrees and adding rice wine. The more I indulged in these unique flavours, the more I appreciated the new tastes that graced my palate.

Signature Egg Drop Rice Wine (蛋花米酒) 3.8/5

In summary, my visit to Cai Lin Ji at Jurong Point expanded my culinary horizons. The menu featured dishes I'd never tasted before, emphasizing the vastness of the culinary world and the endless possibilities for exploration.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Cai Lin Ji
Jurong Point
63 Jurong West Central
#03-56
Singapore 648331
Tel: +65 9238 0368
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Nearest MRT: Boon Lay (EW Lne)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 9pm

Direction:
1. Alight at Boon Lay MRT station. Take Exit C, D or E. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Tiong Bahru Bakery @ JEM - Well-loved Tiong Bahru Bakery Opens First Branch in the West

Tiong Bahru Bakery (TBB) has been steadily growing and expanding since its founding in Tiong Bahru. Recently, they opened their 17th outlet and are making their debut in the West by spreading a new branch in JEM at Jurong East.

The warmly decorated 60-seater space is conveniently located next to the mall's taxi stand and is a short walk from Jurong East MRT station. It operates from 7.30am to 10pm daily, making it fit for a drop-in any time of the day - whether you are looking for an early breakfast, a hearty brunch, or a dessert spot after dinner.

It continues offering its classic bakes, pastries and desserts alongside freshly brewed coffee, tea and juices to complete the meal.

Brie & Roasted Mushroom Croissant 4.5/5

We quickly demolished the savoury Brie & Roasted Mushroom Croissant ($12.60). The flaky croissant was filled with rocket leaves, earthy sautéed mushrooms, onions and generously portioned brie. I particularly appreciated how the base of the croissant remained delightfully crisp.

Tartine Set 4.2/5

The Tartine Set is a returning favourite, and fans would be happy to hear that this is now officially available at all outlets. Comprising slices of TBB's signature sourdough served with Le Beurre Bordier butter, La Trinquelinette jam, and a beverage of choice. It makes for the perfect choice as a substantial snack or light meal.

Chocolate Kouign Amann 4/5

Apart from the original Kouign Amann ($5.50), check out the Chocolate Kouign Amann ($6.70) studded with bits of chocolate within the swirls.

Quiche Lorraine with Salad 3.8/5

We tried another item from the savoury menu, the Quiche Lorraine with Salad ($13.70). I appreciated how the palm-sized quiche was nicely served warm, but I didn't find it as value for money compared to the other items. The taste was average, and the quiche was eggy, with bits of bacon within.

Hot Chocolate 4/5

There's an extensive choice of beverages, from coffees to teas, bottled juices, kombucha and non-caffeinated options. The Hot Chocolate ($6.80) was nice and not too sweet.

Hojicha Latte 3.8/5

Similarly done less sweet, the Hojicha Latte ($8.50) leaned a lot more milky than I would prefer.

Exotic Cheesecake 3.8/5

The Exotic Cheesecake ($9.50) was much lighter in its cheese notes than I expected. It had a coconut sponge paired with lime and vanilla cream cheese mousse, a mango, passion fruit and yuzu filling, topped with coconut and lime chantilly on a coconut crumble.

Chocolate Tart 4.2/5

Try TBB's Chocolate Tart ($8.70) if you are here for a sweet treat. Although it has chocolate from top to bottom, it's layered nicely with drops of caramel to finish.

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.


Tiong Bahru Bakery
JEM
50 Jurong Gateway Road
#01-34/35
Singapore 608549
Tel: +65 6877 4812
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Nearest MRT: Jurong East (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 730am - 10pm

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