Sampanman Kelong @ Jurong Point - Opens Second Outlet in The West with Free-Flow Chendol and Exclusive Dishes

Following its debut at Jewel Changi Airport, Sampanman Kelong has cast its nets westward with the opening of its second outlet at Jurong Point. This new branch offers several exclusive items, including free-flow Chendol and outlet-only dishes, while the flagship at Jewel has also undergone a recent menu refresh.

Grilled Shellfish Sampan 3/5

A highlight of our visit was the Grilled Shellfish Sampan ($39). It came in a vibrant, rustic presentation served atop a wooden boat. The dish features an enticing mix of flower clams, prawns, and scallops, all tossed in a sweet and mildly spicy kicap manis sauce that's rich, sticky, and thoroughly addictive. While the sauce elevated the seafood, the portion was underwhelming, both in terms of quality and quantity, especially for its price point.

Tingkat

To round out our meal, we added on the Tingkat set — available in 2-Tier ($14) or 3-Tier ($20) options. We chose the 3-Tier set, which allowed us to select one item each from the rice, vegetable, and meat categories for a satisfying and balanced meal.

Blue Pea Rice 4/5

From the rice options — which also include Jasmine White Rice and Egg Fried Rice — we went with the Blue Pea Rice. It was nicely steamed, lightly aromatic, and added a touch of visual appeal to the tingkat.

Stir-Fried Sweet Potato Leaves 3/5

For vegetables, we opted for the Stir-Fried Sweet Potato Leaves. While the greens were tender and well-cooked, the sambal leaned a little too sweet, lacking the fiery punch I had hoped for. Moreover, the vegetables were chopped into small pieces, which took away from the textural enjoyment. Other options include Stir-Fried French Beans and Spicy Egg Sambal.

Nanyang Chicken Curry 4.2/5

The Nanyang Chicken Curry was the standout among the tingkat selections. The chicken was succulent and tender, and the curry sauce was rich, lemak, and fragrant. It was a well-executed, comforting dish. Other available proteins include Berempah Fried Chicken and Fried Mid Wing.

Butter & Gula Melaka Toast 3/5

For something sweet, I went off the beaten track and tried the Butter & Gula Melaka Toast ($2.90). The toast had a lovely charred exterior with a soft, fluffy interior. Unfortunately, the gula melaka spread lacked the depth and smoky aroma typically associated with high-quality palm sugar. It leaned more towards one-dimensional sweetness, which made it less memorable.

Sampanman Kelong continues to offer a kampung-inspired seafood experience in the modern mall setting, with creative local twists and nostalgic presentations. While some dishes shine, particularly the Nanyang Chicken Curry and the addictive kicap manis sauce on the shellfish, there's room for improvement in terms of consistency and value. That said, the free-flow Chendol and hearty Tingkat sets offer diners something both fun and familiar in the West.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Sampanman Kelong
Jurong Point
1 Jurong West Central 2
#01-16G/H/J
Singapore 648886
Tel: +65 83184863
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Nearest: Boon Lay (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 8am - 10pm

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

Basil King @ Jurong West - Fiery Thai Basil Rice with Up to Four Sunny Side Up Eggs

Fans of Thai basil rice will be excited to know that Basil King, a Pad Kra Pao speciality stall, has been making its presence felt with five outlets islandwide — located at Yishun, Ang Mo Kio, Jurong West, Tampines, and Punggol Central. I visited their Jurong West outlet to check out what the hype is about.

At Basil King, the concept is simple and focused. Customers get to choose from four main proteins: Pork, Chicken, Beef, and Prawn. You also get to customise your meal with up to four fried eggs and a spice level ranging from 1 to 5.

Basil Pork with Double Egg 4/5

My dining companion went for the Basil Pork with Double Egg ($7.90). The first thing that caught our eyes was the perfectly fried sunny-side-up eggs with their golden yolks, which are irresistible. The minced pork was stir-fried with fragrant Thai basil and a punchy sauce blend of soy, fish sauce, and chilli. We chose spice level 3, which turned out pretty fiery, even for someone with a decent spice tolerance. The sauce soaked into the rice beautifully, making every bite satisfying and flavour-packed.

Basil Beef with Triple Egg 4/5

I opted for the Basil Beef with Triple Egg ($10.90) because why not go all out? The beef is not minced but served in tender slices, offering a more substantial bite and texture compared to the pork. The same signature sauce is used here, delivering a bold, savoury, and spicy kick that hits the spot. The triple egg combo added that extra indulgence and helped mellow out the heat from the spice level 3.

While the food hits the mark for flavour and value, I couldn't help but notice the stall's branding and presentation. From the logo to the plateware, the entire aesthetic bears a striking resemblance to Phed Mark, the popular pad kra pao spot in Thailand, founded by Thai food YouTuber Mark Wiens. It might not be the most original concept, but as long as it delivers delicious, comforting Thai flavours at affordable prices, I'm not complaining.


Basil King
Blk 496 Jurong West Street 41
#01-84
Singapore 640496
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Nearest MRT: Lakeside (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Lakeside MRT station. Take Exit A. Cross the road and walk to bus stop opposite Lakeside MRT station. Take bus number 98 or 187. Alight 4 stops later. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Moon Moon Food (雙月食品社) @ JEM - Taiwan’s Michelin-approved Restaurant Opens Its Second Outlet in the West of Singapore

Good news for Westies! Moon Moon Food (雙月食品社), the popular Michelin Bib Gourmand awardee from Taiwan, has expanded its footprint with a new outlet at JEM, Jurong East, joining its other locations at Ngee Ann City and VivoCity. After previously dining at the Ngee Ann City outlet, I was excited to revisit this beloved eatery, which is now conveniently located nearer to home.

Spicy Sesame Noodle 4.8/5

A must-try dish at Moon Moon Food is the Spicy Sesame Noodle ($13.80). The noodles are delightfully chewy with an excellent bite, tossed in a rich, nutty, and aromatic sesame sauce with a subtle kick of spice. It's comforting, addictive, and full of flavour. It is a bowl of slurping goodness that's hard to resist.

Braised Dish 3/5

Moon Moon Food also offers a selection of Taiwanese-style braised items, with nine options to mix and match. I tried the Bai Ye Tofu, Pork Moon Bone, and Pork Heart ($10.80 for 3 items). While the ingredients were cooked tender and well-soaked in the braising sauce, the flavours were relatively mild and didn't leave a strong impression.

Taiwanese Salty Crispy Popper 3.8/5

The Taiwanese Salty Crispy Popper is perfect for snacking. It comes in chunky, karaage-like bites that are juicy inside and crispy on the outside. Seasoned in classic Taiwanese fashion, it makes a satisfying nibble with your noodles or soup.

Peeled Chilli Pepper Chicken Soup 4.5/5

One of the highlights of the meal was the Peeled Chilli Pepper Chicken Soup ($18.80). The soup was light yet deeply flavourful, using a chicken broth base, drawing sweetness from cabbage and a gentle kick from peeled green chilli. The result is a comforting and warming bowl, perfect for rainy days or if you're feeling under the weather.

Moon Moon Signature Fried Rice 3/5

We also sampled the Moon Moon Signature Fried Rice ($13.80). While the ingredients were well-cooked and the rice had a nice texture, the overall flavour was too mild for my preference. A touch more wok hei or seasoning would have elevated this dish further.

Taro Toast with Ice Cream 3.5/5

To end on a sweet note, we had the Taro Toast with Ice Cream ($8.80). The crispy pastry encasing sweet, smooth taro paste was enjoyable, and the sesame fragrance added a nice touch. The accompanying ice cream helped balance the richness, making it a satisfying dessert, if not particularly stand out.

Moon Moon Food's arrival at JEM is a welcome addition to the West's food scene. Its authentic Taiwanese flavours, comforting soups, and signature noodles offer a taste of Taiwan in a casual, no-fuss setting. While some dishes could use a stronger flavour punch, the Spicy Sesame Noodles and Chilli Pepper Chicken Soup alone make it worth a visit.

Note: This is an invited tasting.

Moon Moon Food (雙月)
JEM
50 Jurong Gateway Road
#01-011
Singapore 608549
Tel: +65 6470 8209
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Nearest MRT: Jurong East (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 11am - 10pm

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

NA OH @ Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Centre Singapore (HMGICS) - A Unique Korean Fine Dining Experience at a Conventional Automotive Production Facility

Located within the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Centre Singapore (HMGICS), Na Oh has quickly become one of the most sought-after restaurants in town. This exclusive dining destination is a collaboration between Hyundai and Chef Corey Lee, the first Korean chef to earn three Michelin stars for his renowned San Francisco restaurant, Benu.

Na Oh offers a four-course prix fixe seasonal menu. Guests can opt for Jinjitsang, a traditional Korean meal setting with an array of accompaniments. We recently visited to experience their Winter Menu, a showcase of refined Korean flavours.

Homemade Tofu with Aged Soy Sauce 4.2/5

Our meal began with the Homemade Tofu with Aged Soy Sauce. The highlight was undoubtedly the aged soy sauce, which provided deep umami notes that enhanced the soft, silky tofu, making for a simple yet elegant dish.

Buckwheat and Mugunji Jeon 4.2/5

Next, we had the Buckwheat and Mugunji Jeon, served with a salad of freshly harvested lettuce. This was a unique take on Korean pancakes — paper-thin with a crisp exterior. The accompanying vinegary dipping sauce was essential, adding brightness and acidity that balanced the flavours.

Chilled Hand-Pulled Somyeon 4.8/5

A light and refreshing dish, the Chilled Hand-Pulled Somyeon featured silky noodles in a lightly fermented kimchi broth, delivering a delicate tang. The dish was completed with braised octopus and beef tendon, adding contrasting textures and richness.

For the Jinjitsang, diners can choose from three main options:

1. Grilled Jeju Beltfish with Golden Queen’s Rice
2. Galbijjim Finished Over Charcoal
3. Pheasant Mandu Soup with Freshly Milled Rice Cakes (which we did not try)

Spicy Winter Seafood Stew with Pollock Roe and Cod Milt 4.5/5

Grilled Jeju Beltfish 5/5

Seaweed Gyeran Mari, Bellflower Root Muchim 4.2/5

The Grilled Jeju Beltfish with Golden Queen's Rice was a beautifully executed dish, allowing the fish's natural sweetness to take centre stage. The Beltfish was grilled to perfection, with its delicate flesh remaining moist and tender, complemented by a lightly crisped skin. Accompanying the fish was an array of thoughtfully prepared side dishes that added depth to the meal. The Spicy Winter Seafood Stew with Pollock Roe and Cod Milt stood out with its bold flavours, while the Bellflower Root Muchim introduced a slightly bitter, earthy contrast. The Seaweed Gyeran Mari, a soft rolled omelette infused with umami-rich seaweed, added a comforting touch to the meal.

Galbijjim 5/5

Preserved Maesil Geotjeori 4.2/5

The Galbijjim Finished Over Charcoal was equally satisfying for those who prefer a meat option. The Hanbang-style Beef Short Ribs were braised in aged soy sauce, resulting in exceptionally tender meat infused with a deep, savoury aroma, enhancing the dish's richness and making each bite incredibly flavourful. It was served alongside Chestnut and Thistle Sotbap, a nutty and earthy rice dish that complemented the robust galbijjim. The Preserved Maesil Geotjeori provided a bright, tangy contrast that helped balance the meal, ensuring that every element worked harmoniously together.

Winter Hwachae of Jeju Citrus, Naju Pear, Pomegranate

To wrap up the meal, we enjoyed the Winter Hwachae, a vibrant Korean fruit bowl featuring Jeju Citrus, Naju Pear, and Pomegranate. Its natural sweetness and refreshing acidity made it a perfectly light and invigorating dessert.

Na Oh delivers an elevated yet deeply rooted Korean dining experience, blending traditional techniques with modern refinement. With its seasonal menus and hard-to-secure reservations, dining here is a rare treat worth experiencing.


Na Oh
Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Centre Singapore
(HMGICS)
2 Bulim Link
Level 3
Singapore 649674
Tel: +65 6263 1548
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Nearest MRT: Boon Lay (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Sun: 1130am - 330pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Boon Lay MRT station. Take Exit C or E. Walk to Boon Lay Bus Interchange (Stop ID 22009). Take bus number 157. Alight 3 stops later. Walk straight down Jurong West Ave 2. Turn left onto Bulim Ave. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes.  [Map]

2) Alight at Boon Lay MRT station. Take Exit C or E. Walk to Boon Lay Bus Interchange (Stop ID 22009). Take bus number 174. Alight 5 stops later. Walk straight down Corporation Road. Cross the road to Bulim Ave.Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes.  [Map]

Paradise Hotpot (品樂锅) @ Jurong East - Hong Kong-Style Hotpot Buffet by Paradise Group Opens New Outlet in Westgate, Prices Start From $19.90/Pax

Paradise Group’s Paradise Hotpot has been popular for its hotpot buffet since its launch in Compass One at Sengkang, and now they’ve opened their second outlet in the heart of Jurong, on the third floor of Westgate.

The buffet is priced affordably starting at $19.90/pax, with a dining limit of 80 minutes. The most value-for-money option is during their Tea Time, between 2.30pm and 4.30pm on Weekdays.

Diners can also opt for the Value or Premium Set, where the latter offers additional exclusive ingredients. The prices are as follows:

Value Set
Lunch (11.30am to 2.30pm): $23.90
Tea Time (2.31pm to 4.30pm): $19.90
Dinner (4.31pm to 10pm, last seating 8.30pm): $29.90

Premium Set
Lunch (11.30am to 2.30pm): $29.90
Tea Time (2.31pm to 4.30pm): $25.90
Dinner (4.31pm to 10pm, last seating 8.30pm): $37.90

Do note that there is an additional $3 surcharge per pax on Weekends and Public Holidays, while students and senior citizens (60 years and above) can enjoy a $3 discount per pax on Weekdays before 4.30pm, excluding Public Holidays.

Paradise Hotpot Buffet 4.2/5

In addition to its regular offerings, Paradise Hotpot has introduced three brand new soup bases: Century Egg with Coriander Soup, Satay Soup, and Clear Chicken Soup, adding to their lineup of nine, all freshly brewed in-house daily.

Both Value and Premium Sets include access to a whole range of unlimited snacks, cooked food, condiments, beverages and desserts.

The buffet's cooked food selection is a highlight, featuring Hong Kong-style dishes like Cantonese Steamed Rice with Preserved Meat, Braised Mixed Beef Offal, Ee Fu Noodles, Glutinous Rice Siew Mai with Mushroom and Curry Fish Ball.

There were a variety of snacks as well, including Fried Fish Beancurd Roll, Golden Crispy Prawn Cake, Crispy Pork Strips, Fried Chicken Wing and more.

I was pleasantly surprised to see a bubbling pot of Tea Egg available too. These were thoroughly braised and flavourful.

We liked how each diner has their own individual pot, as this means that everyone gets their preferred base. We were spoilt for choice among the broths and finally decided on the Authentic Pork Bone Soup Base and a vegetarian option, the Cordycep Flower with Mushroom Soup Base.

The pork bone soup base was flavourful and comforting, while the mushroom base is a good choice if you are looking for something nourishing and light. Broth refills were also available at each table to conveniently top up through the meal.

Most ingredients are available self-service, but diners can also order via QR code to have items delivered directly to their table.

The Premium Set included exclusive ingredients such as Sliced US Short Plate, Fresh Scallop, Scallop Seafood Paste, and more.

Our favourites from the Premium list of ingredients were the crunchy sweet Fresh White Sea Prawn, fresh Sliced Snakehead and tender Sliced Spanish Pork Collar.

Fans of Beauty in the Pot will be thrilled to know that the refreshing Yuzu Slush is available here but free-flow, along with hot tea and soft drinks.

Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed the quality and variety of food for the price. The only drawback was the 80-minute time limit, so it's best to order promptly and keep track of time to enjoy fully.

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.


Paradise Hotpot 品樂锅
Westgate, #03-10
3 Gateway Drive
Singapore 608532
Tel: +65 6805 8188
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Nearest MRT: Jurong East MRT (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11.30am to 10pm
Sat-Sun: 11am to 10pm

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