Poonsti @ Owen Road - New Weekend Charcoal-Grilled Dinner Concept

Poonsti, the well-loved eatery specialising in crispy rosti, has launched a brand-new weekend evening dining concept. Staying true to its potato-loving roots, the space transforms into a charcoal grill house, where perfectly grilled meats are paired with their signature crispy rosti, a variety of sides, and craft beers for a hearty, comforting meal.

Build Your Own Rosti-Grill Set ($25+)

The dinner menu follows a customisable concept:

1. Choose your Rosti: Plain, Garlic & Chives, Curry, or Black Pepper & Cheese.
2. Pick a Grilled Meat: House Bacon, Beef Sausage, Flat Iron Steak, Pork Collar Steak or Chicken Thigh.
3. Select two Sides: Coleslaw, Baked BBQ Beans, Mac & Cheese, Buttered Corn or Salad.

Each set is served on a tray, but for the sake of presentation, we plated them for a better visual experience.

Garlic & Chives Rosti, Pork Collar Steak, Coleslaw, Mac & Cheese

For our first set, we opted for the Garlic & Chives Rosti (+$2), Pork Collar Steak (+$4), Coleslaw, and Mac & Cheese. Poonsti's signature rosti remains as delightful as ever, with a crispy golden exterior and soft, fluffy insides. The garlic and chives infusion adds a subtle yet aromatic depth to the potatoes. The pork collar steak was a pleasant surprise — tender, smoky, and juicy, with just the right amount of char. Worth highlighting are the side dishes, which are often an afterthought in many places. The Mac & Cheese was creamy and well-seasoned, while the Coleslaw had a nice balance of tang and crunch, rounding out the plate beautifully.

Curry Rosti, Chicken Thigh, Beef Sausage, Salad, Buttered Corn

For the second set, we went with Curry Rosti (+$2), Grilled Chicken Thigh, Salad, and Buttered Corn, with an additional Beef Sausage (+$8) for a more substantial meal. The Curry Rosti was an interesting twist — crispy like the classic version but infused with a light curry spice that added a Southeast Asian touch. The Chicken Thigh was well-marinated, tender, and charred to perfection, while the Beef Sausage was plump, juicy, and bursting with flavour. As for the sides, the Buttered Corn was sweet and buttery, and the Salad provided a refreshing contrast to the heavier components of the meal.

Poonsti's weekend grill concept successfully elevates its well-loved rosti by pairing it with well-executed charcoal-grilled meats and thoughtfully prepared sides. Unlike many places where sides are overlooked, Poonsti ensures each element of the meal is carefully crafted. If you're a fan of crispy potatoes and smoky grilled meats, this is definitely a spot worth checking out. The customisable menu, affordable pricing, and casual yet satisfying meals make it a great place for a laid-back weekend dinner.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Poonsti
127 Owen Road
Singapore 218931
Tel:+65 6818 3333
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Nearest MRT: Farrer Park (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 930am - 3pm
Sat-Sun: 9am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Farrer Park MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk down Race Course Road to Owen Road. Turn left onto Owen Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Kok Sen Restaurant @ City Square Mall - Eight Year Bib Gourmand Awardee Opens Second Outlet

The renowned Kok Sen Restaurant, a household name at Keong Saik with an impressive eight-year streak on the prestigious Michelin Bib Gourmand list, has expanded with a second outlet at City Square Mall. This milestone marks a new chapter for the family-run restaurant, which has been serving authentic Cantonese delights for over 54 years, spanning three generations.

Beyond its signature classics, the City Square Mall outlet also debuts exclusive dishes, offering both loyal patrons and new diners something fresh to look forward to.

Crispy Smoked Tea Duck 4/5

A highly anticipated new dish, the Crispy Smoked Tea Duck ($25/$50), is available in limited quantities daily. The duck is meticulously marinated for at least 8 hours in a secret sauce that deeply infuses the meat with rich flavours before being air-dried for 2-3 hours to remove excess moisture. It is then smoked and deep-fried to perfection, resulting in an incredibly light, crispy skin that complements the tender, fragrant meat.

Kok Sen's Original Big Prawn Thick Beehoon White Soup 4/5

Another City Square Mall exclusive is Kok Sen's Original Big Prawn Thick Beehoon White Soup ($19/$38/$57). This comforting dish features large, succulent prawns and thick rice vermicelli, all immersed in a robust, non-spicy superior prawn broth. Unlike the spicier, well-loved version at the Keong Saik outlet, this rendition stays true to the Wong Family's original recipe, which has been passed down for generations and enjoyed during festive celebrations, birthdays, and family gatherings.

Claypot Yong Tau Foo 4/5

A must-try staple at Kok Sen, the Claypot Yong Tau Foo ($18/$27/$36) is a hearty, comforting dish that highlights freshly made stuffed beancurd, brinjal, capsicum, and red chilli, all generously filled with a flavorful mix of squid and prawn paste. The dish is finished with a fragrant, umami-rich bean sauce, making every bite a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Deep Fried "Yu Gai" 3.5/5

The Deep Fried "Yu Gai" ($20/$30/$40) features thick, fleshy strips of deep-fried Toman fish meat fried to a golden crisp. What truly elevates this dish is the Chef's special dipping sauce, which enhances the fish's natural sweetness and adds a bold depth of flavour.

Roasted Pork with Black Sauce 4.2/5

The Roasted Pork with Black Sauce ($18/$27/$36) is a must-order for those who love a flavourful, saucy dish. Crispy, freshly roasted pork is wok-fried with caramelised onions and a rich, savoury-sweet black sauce, making it the perfect accompaniment to a bowl of steamed rice.

With its rich culinary heritage, new location, and exclusive dishes, Kok Sen's second outlet at City Square Mall is a fantastic addition to Singapore's food scene. Whether you're a long-time fan of their Michelin Bib Gourmand classics or eager to try their new, exclusive offerings, this expansion ensures that the Wong family's time-honoured flavours continue to delight old and new generations alike.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Kok Sen Restaurant
City Square Mall
180 Kitchener Road
#04-31/32
Singapore 208539
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Nearest MRT: Farrer Park (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 430pm - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Farrer Park MRT station. Take Exit H. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Marymount Bakehouse @ Race Course Road - Full-Fledged Café With Artisanal Sourdough Loaves and Dishes

Marymount Bakehouse has expanded its love for sourdough with a full-fledged café at Farrer Park, spreading the spirit of "Loavers Community" and a "Sourdough Living" lifestyle. Renowned for their hand-scored, naturally fermented sourdough loaves, Chef-owner Ian Ferdinand Chong combines his experiences in casual and fine dining to showcase creative sourdough expressions through artisanal loaves and café dishes.

Platter of Sourdough

At the heart of the boulangerie are Marymount's signature sourdough loaves. The current curation includes rather interesting creations such as the earthy Tomatillo Salsa Verde ($16.60), a herbed bread inspired by Chef Ian's Latin American friends, and a chocolatey Oolong Hydrated and Dark Chocolate Chip Sourdough. If you wish to try various selections, a curated platter with spreads is available.

The Feast of 7 Fishes Seafood Pie 5/5

Sourdough finds its way into their Levain Pies. The Feast of 7 Fishes Seafood Pie ($22.50) celebrates the bounty of the sea with a deluxe filling of tiger prawn velouté, scallops, crab, halibut, and seabass. The rich, creamy seafood mixture was well-seasoned, with delightful textures from the chunks of seafood and fried halibut topping, balanced by citrusy mayo.

Apple & Rhubarb Custard Pie 4.5/5

Another highlight is the French-style Apple & Rhubarb Custard Pie (from $15.90 for 4-inch). Its intricate "spoke latticework" elevated its visual appeal and enhanced its textural experience. The tartness of the rhubarb was balanced by the sweetness of the custard and apples, creating layered flavours. The crust-to-filling ratio was spot on, making each bite a harmonious blend of taste and texture.

Basque Tartine 3/5

Moving on to the cafe menu. A reinterpretation of an iconic wild mushroom dish Chef Ian tasted in San Sebastian, the Basque Tartine ($28) comprises sautéed porcini and chanterelle mushrooms, foie gras, and sunny-side-up eggs on a slice of their signature sourdough. Drenched in burnt butter, this tartine came across as an ideal hangover remedy. The nutty and sweet burnt butter balsamic tied the elements together and, at the same time, provided some relief to the overall saltiness. The foie gras may add a bit too much richness to the dish.

Lemon Cream Morel & Broccolini Peasant Style Sourdough Pasta 3.5/5

The Lemon Cream Morel & Broccolini Peasant Style Sourdough Pasta ($22) is conceived out of a no-waste policy where excess sourdough discarded was transformed into fresh handmade pasta. This rustic pasta's shape and hearty bite made it ideal for the lemon cream sauce.

Photos and words by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


Marymount Bakehouse
421 Race Course Road
Singapore 218668
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Nearest MRT: Farrer Park (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Sun: 9am - 5pm
(Closed on Mon-Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Farrer Park MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn right and walk to Race Course Road. On Race Course Road, turn left and walk down Race Course Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Kozen Sushi Bar & Restaurant @ Flanders Square - Offering Dry-aged Sashimi and a Variety of Delightful Japanese Dishes

Nestled in the quaint street just behind the City Square Mall carpark, Kozen Sushi Bar & Restaurant specialises in dry-aged sashimi, offering a unique twist on traditional Japanese cuisine.

Chawanmushi of the day – Snow Crab 4/5

We started our meal with the Snow Crab Chawanmushi ($16.90). The jiggling steamed egg topped with sweet snow crab meat and ikura was pleasantly delightful, with a fresh hint of sweetness from the snow crab. This dish was a definite winner, and we really enjoyed it.

Chawanmushi of the day – Scallop 3.8/5

Another chawanmushi we tried was the Scallop Chawanmushi ($16.90). It was a good dish topped with aburi fresh scallop and ikura, but it lacked the flavour depth of the snow crab version.

Lobster Toro Don 4.2/5

The Lobster Toro Don ($59.90) is a premium don featuring fatty tuna (toro) dry-aged for 9 days, chunks of lobster meat with uni sauce, and topped with ikura. It is served with raw egg yolk for dipping the tuna. This dish was incredibly umami, and we scraped every single grain of rice from the bowl!

Beef Wine Short Ribs 3.5/5

The Beef Wine Short Ribs ($45.90) offered fork-tender braised beef short ribs, making it an excellent appetiser for sharing if you're looking for something non-fish. However, we found it too salty for our taste, but it might be perfect for those who love beef.

Seasonal Nigiri 4/5

The Seasonal Nigiri Platter provided a great mix of dry-aged and seasonal sashimi, allowing us to try different fishes, each with its own sweetness and flavour. A highlight of any Japanese meal, this sushi platter did not disappoint. Our selection included Chutoro, Isaki, Kinmedai, Smoked Salmon, Minced Tuna Maki topped with Uni, Aka Ebi with Ikura, Mikan Tai, Shimaaji, and Akami. Be sure to check with the restaurant for the current selection, as it changes seasonally.

Chocolate Banana Waffle 3/5

Kozen has recently launched a dessert bar, open from 6pm daily until 1am, making it a great spot for late-night dessert cravings. We tried the Chocolate Banana Waffle ($14.90), accompanied by not-too-sweet chocolate ice cream and caramel macadamia. While the flavours were nice, the waffle itself wasn't crispy enough for our liking.

Kozen Sushi Bar & Restaurant impresses with its innovative dry-aged sashimi and a variety of delightful dishes. The Snow Crab Chawanmushi and Lobster Toro Don were standouts, offering exceptional flavors and quality. While some dishes like the Beef Wine Short Ribs and Chocolate Banana Waffle had room for improvement, the overall experience at Kozen was enjoyable and worth a visit for anyone looking to indulge in premium Japanese cuisine.

Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting..


Kozen Sushi Bar & Restaurant 
22 Flanders Square
Singapore 209306
Tel: +65 6816 0253
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Nearest MRT: Farrer Park (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Farrer Park MRT station. Take Exit H. Walk to Kitchener Link. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

VK Mess South Indian Feast @ Race Course Road - Bringing the Flavours and Lively Vibes of Traditional South Indian Mess to Singapore

VK MESS South Indian Feast, located on Race Course Road, is a newly opened restaurant serving authentic South Indian cuisine. Chef-owner Titus, who has a background honed in fine-dining restaurants both locally and abroad, has returned to his roots. After a pilgrimage to India to immerse himself in regional dishes, Chef Titus aims to bring the flavours and lively vibes of a traditional South Indian mess to Singapore.

The Ultimate Virundhu 5/5

The menu at VK Mess is carefully curated to highlight its specialities. To get an idea of their offerings, we tried the Deluxe Set ($55/2 pax) of The Ultimate Virundhu. This set includes more than 12 dishes: White Rice, Lamb Chukka/Curry, Chicken Uppukari/Curry, Prawn Sambal, Spanish Mackerel Fry, Chicken/Fish 65, Egg, Samba, Rasam, Mooru, Papadam, and three vegetables. We also sampled a few additional items.

Our deluxe set was elevated with coconut ghee rice, available only on selected days. The rice, infused with lamb stock and rose water, had a fluffy texture with delightful bites from crushed cashews. Slightly coconutty and accented with spices, especially cardamom, the plump raisins added a burst of sweetness that countered the savoury flavours of the surrounding dishes.

Shredded Shark Stir-fry

The dishes are on a rotational basis. One standout was the Shredded Shark Stir-fry. It had a flossy texture, and as exotic as it sounds, it had a bite reminiscent of Hei Bi Ham - moreish but more spice-forward rather than heat; it was definitely a memorable experience for me.

Lamb Chukka

Chicken Uppukari

The Lamb Chukka and Chicken Uppukari were also noteworthy. Lamb Chukka was a dry curry with morsels stir-fried until dry with spices and aromatics, allowing the curry to cling to each piece. The chicken uppukari was delectable with tender meat.

Prawn Sambal with Quail Eggs

A favourite was the Prawn Sambal with Quail Eggs. The prawns were succulent and finger-licking good with a nice amount of spice, and the quail eggs were perfectly cooked. Another notable item was the Fish Curry. Infused with tamarind, it added an appetising acidity to the meal.

Balancing the platter's flavours were the lightness and sweetness of the vegetables, comprising stewed cabbage, pumpkins, and long beans. The Dahl was delicious too. The vegetarian set offered here is also worth checking out.

Chicken 65 4.5/5

The set includes a side bite, Chicken 65. Despite its deep colour, the meat was surprisingly tender and not overly seasoned, allowing the spices and aromatics to shine.

Whole Lamb Shank Masala 4.5/5

VK Mess prides itself on its signature Whole Lamb Shank Masala ($18 ala carte/ $13 with set). Brined for 72 hours and then cooked in a pressure cooker, the meat easily fell off the bone and was succulent. The robust masala gravy made it even more satisfying.

Black Moon 5/5

The quality of the spices is crucial in determining the flavours of the dishes. The owner sources his spices from the mountains of Kolli Hills. Cardamom is commonly used both in coconut ghee rice and desserts. Be sure to try the Black Moon, which is made with black rice imported from India. Served with a sago crisp dotted with rose gel, reflecting the chef's fine dining background, this dessert showcased the art of flavour balance. Interestingly, the first taste was delightfully salty, enhancing both the coconut and black rice flavours. Shredded coconut mixed into the rice pudding added a delectable bite. It concluded my meal perfectly.

Photos and words by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


VK MESS South Indian Feast
42 Race Course Road
Singapore 218557
Tel: +65 94711706
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Nearest MRT: Little India (DT, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 1130am - 10pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Little India MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Nest At One Farrer @ One Farrer Hotel - Bespoke Private Dining Experience

Nest at One Farrer Hotel offers an exclusive and unique private dining experience inside their private studios and villas on level 20, the top floor of One Farrer Hotel. Jointly designed by Executive Chef Marcus Tan and Pastry Chef Wee Pai Hau, they invite you to experience their all-new Executive Set menus alongside curated wine recommendations.

The Havens' private dining studios are converted from their hotel rooms, with a staff assigned to serve the customers in these studios. Meaning we had had the entire room to ourselves! The private studios offer two 5-course Executive Dinner menus - Lavender set menu ($98) and Wisteria set menu ($98). Two Executive menus for lunch are available as well.

We started with two warm buns, served with Truffle Butter and Unsalted Butter. The fluffy and buttery soft bun was particularly warming.

Honey Soy Unagi 4/5

Both the starters were excellent. The Honey Soy Unagi (Lavender) is a warm starter that whets my appetite with savoury, unctuous unagi, complemented by a slightly sweet tamago. The al dente kimchi capellini topped with saltish ikura and scallion helped build the dish's texture.

Ceviche Hokkaido Scallop 4.8/5

As for the cold starter, Ceviche Hokkaido Scallop (Wisteria), each slice of the scallop was succulent, offering an almost melt-in-your-mouth texture, complemented by the bright flavours of the Asian citrus-soy dressing and pink ginger. The accompanying savoury kaiso salad added an extra layer of flavour dimension, and texture.

Ginseng Chicken Consommé Wolfberries, Chicken Gyoza 4.8/5

Mushroom Velouté 4/5

For the second course, the Ginseng Chicken Consommé (Lavender) stood out with its elegant consommé carrying a good depth of ginseng flavour. Partially immersed within, a chicken gyoza was a highlight, featuring a juicy, well-seasoned filling encased in a perfectly pan-fried crust. The Mushroom Veloute (Wisteria) boasted a deep, earthy flavour from sautéed forest trumpets, with a touch of truffle oil to further enhance that earthiness.

Hoisin-barbecue pork belly 4.5/5

Both the third courses were well executed, but I found the Hoisin-Barbeque Pork Belly (Wisteria) to have a better balance of flavours, thanks to a yummy house-made Hoisin sauce that elevated the barbecued pork belly. The pork belly itself was succulent and tender, devoid of any strong porky flavour, and the crunchy macadamia sprinkles on top provided a delightful textural contrast. The tangy pineapple compote added a sweet and bright acidity, cutting through the dish's richness.

Mentaiko Mayo Halibut 4/5

The flavour profile of the Mentaiko Mayo Halibut leans more towards the sweeter side, but overall, we still enjoyed the dish. The fish had a tantalizingly buttery texture and flavour, enriched by the mentaiko mayo. The fruity and savoury tomato mousseline, along with the pickled tomato, was a thoughtful touch by the chef.

Braised Beef Cheek Rendang 3.5/5

Both menus feature beef as the fourth course. The Lavender menu presents a visually appealing Braised Beef Cheek Rendang served with Blue pea glutinous rice, pickled pineapple-cauliflower, and crispy parsnip. The beef cheek was incredibly tender, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, and the pickled cauliflower played a role similar to our Asian achar in a rendang dish. Though the taste of the parsnip was slightly off for some reason, it was a cohesive dish.

Filet mignon 2.8/5

As for the Filet Mignon, while the 'shao xing' wine jus that dressed it was flavourful, alongside thin slices of pancetta, the meat seemed to lack seasoning to bring out its flavours fully.

White Peach Terrine 3.8/5

Apple Tart Tatin 4/5

For desserts, the White Peach Terrine with Red Muscat Granite and Aloe Vera (Wisteria) was refreshing, especially due to the delectable bite of the jelly terrine. The Apple Tart Tatin with vanilla crème anglaise (Lavender) was stunning, striking a good balance between sweetness and acidity. However, a slight, distinct bitterness came through from the apple itself, and I'm not sure if that was intentional.

For dining at The Havens, a minimum of 4 guests is required, up to a maximum of 10 guests. Floral arrangement is upon request.

Photos and words by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Nest at One Farrer
One Farrer Hotel
Level 20
1 Farrer Park Station Road
Singapore 217562
Tel: +65 6705 7828
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Nearest MRT: Farrer Park (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12 - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm

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