Showing posts with label .Area: Orchard. Show all posts
Showing posts with label .Area: Orchard. Show all posts

Friday, April 10, 2026

Yakiniku LIKE @ The Cathay - Celebrates 6 Years of Tasty, Quick, and Value Dining With Attractive Promotions

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Yakiniku LIKE, Singapore's first Japanese-origin fast-casual yakiniku brand, is celebrating its sixth anniversary with a lineup of attractive promotions from 23 March to 17 May 2026. We dropped by the outlet at The Cathay to check out the promotions.

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Kagoshima Wagyu Cuts

From now till 19 April 2026, the brand is running a Kagoshima Campaign showcasing premium Kagoshima Wagyu cuts. One of them is the Triangle Rib, a rare cut that yields only about 1% per head of cattle. It is also highly prized for its beautiful balance of tender, lean meat and sweet, buttery fat. Other featured Kagoshima Wagyu cuts include Prime Karubi and Nakaochi.

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Kagoshima A5 Wagyu & Karubi Duo Set 4/5

We dropped by the latest outlet at The Cathay. Among the available A5 Kagoshima Wagyu selections, we had the Kagoshima A5 Wagyu & Karubi Duo Set ($48.90). Designed for two diners, the set comes complete with Cold Tofu, Kimchi, Salad, Seaweed Soup, and Rice, making it a satisfying and well-rounded meal.

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Harami and Rosu

To fully enjoy the anniversary promotions, be sure to add on some of the special 6th Anniversary Add-Ons, available till 17 May 2026. These include $6 Prime Karubi (50g), $6 Harami (50g), and $6 Rosu (100g). Both the Harami and Rosu offer a meatier bite, providing a nice contrast to the Kagoshima Wagyu cuts, which are richer and more indulgent due to their fats' marbling.

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What's more, from 6 to 17 April 2026 on weekdays, loyal Yakiniku LIKE members can enjoy 50% off a second set meal on selected offerings.

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Celebrating six years of bringing authentic Japanese yakiniku to Singapore, Yakiniku LIKE's anniversary promotions are a fitting reflection of the brand's continued promise of Tasty, Quick, Value.

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


Yakiniku Like
The Cathay
2 Handy Road
#01-02
Singapore 229233
Facebook
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Nearest MRT: Dhoby Ghaut (CC, NE, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Dhoby Ghaut MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Orchard Road and Handy Road traffic junction. Cross the road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

Thursday, April 9, 2026

PLU Singapore @ Goodwood Park Hotel - Bangkok’s Bib Gourmand PLU Thai Cuisine Lands in Singapore

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Quietly taking over the former space of Alma, PLU Singapore arrives in Singapore with little fanfare but plenty of pedigree. Hailing from Bangkok and backed by a Bib Gourmand accolade, PLU marks its first international outpost, setting up home within the charming grounds of Goodwood Park Hotel. Named after the wild betel leaf and Bangkok’s Suan Plu Alley, the restaurant offers a space that blends colonial elegance with modern touches, providing a tranquil dining sanctuary amid Orchard’s bustle.

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Burmese Tea Leaves Salad 4.5/5

The Burmese Tea Leaves Salad ($20), or Lahpet Thoke, is a rare find in Singapore and a standout starter. Built around fermented tea leaves, the dish delivers a fascinating interplay of textures and flavours. A medley of crunchy elements, particularly the toasted peanuts, adds depth and contrast, while a punchy dressing of fish sauce, lime juice and peanut oil ties everything together. It is bright, nutty and deeply aromatic, a refreshing yet complex opening to the meal.

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Chicken with Galangal Coconut Soup 4.5/5

The Chicken with Galangal Coconut Soup ($28), better known as Tom Kha Gai, showcases a comforting balance of richness and fragrance. The broth, made from chicken stock enriched with coconut milk, is luxuriously silky without being overly heavy. Lemongrass and makrut lime leaves lend a lifted citrusy aroma, while tender chicken pieces and mushrooms soak up the creamy, flavourful soup beautifully.

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Chicken Green Curry 4.5/5

A staple done right, the Chicken Green Curry ($28) delivers on all fronts. The curry strikes a harmonious balance of spice, sweetness and savouriness, enriched by the creaminess of coconut milk. The tender chicken pairs perfectly with the thin, fragrant gravy, which begs to be soaked up with steamed rice. It’s a comforting, well-executed classic and an essential order.

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Stir-Fried Baegu Leaves with Egg 4.2/5

The Stir-Fried Baegu Leaves with Egg ($22) introduces a lesser-known Southern Thai speciality. The Baegu leaves are surprisingly approachable, with a mild, nutty sweetness and no bitterness. Even after stir-frying, they retain a pleasant, slightly waxy bite. The addition of softly scrambled eggs, forming tender curds that cling to the leaves, adds richness and aroma. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that offers a welcome respite from the bolder flavours on the table.

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Shrimp Pad Thai 4.5/5

The Shrimp Pad Thai ($29) is a quintessential representation of Thai street food done with finesse. The noodles boast a glossy sheen and a beautiful reddish-bronze hue from the tamarind. Each bite delivers the signature Thai balance of sweet, sour and savoury notes, complemented by the fragrance of toasted nuts and a hint of caramelisation. A highlight here is the egg, which retains a slight runniness, adding an extra layer of richness often missing elsewhere.

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PLU Singapore may have opened quietly, but it certainly makes a strong impression. With its refined yet approachable dishes and a menu that balances familiar favourites with lesser-seen regional specialities, it brings a slice of Bangkok’s culinary charm into the heart of Singapore. The thoughtful execution and well-calibrated flavours make it a worthwhile addition to Orchard’s dining scene.


PLU Singapore
Goodwood Park Hotel
22 Scotts Road
Singapore 228221
Tel: +65 9750 5888
Facebook
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 2pm, 5pm - 9pm

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

Tuesday, April 7, 2026

Wagokoro Mineno (和心 嶺野) @ Orchard Plaza - A New Kappo Omakase Experience That Not Quite Justify Its Price Point

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Tucked away on the second floor of Orchard Plaza, Wagokoro Mineno (和心 嶺野) is a relatively new addition to the local omakase scene, offering a Kappo-style dining experience. Priced at $148 per pax, the 8-course omakase menu can be further elevated with a $30 supplement to include uni in the courses.

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Sesame Tofu, Ikura, Uni 3/5

Our dinner commenced with a visually appealing trio of Sesame Tofu, Ikura and Uni served in a martini glass. While it set a luxurious tone, the execution fell short of expectations. The robust nuttiness of the sesame tofu overshadowed the more delicate flavours of the ikura and uni, resulting in an imbalance.

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Clam Soup 3/5

Following that was a comforting bowl of Clam Soup with seaweed. The clear broth carried a gentle sweetness from the clams, complemented by the briny depth of the seaweed. It was light yet soothing, offering a nice transition into the subsequent courses.

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Sashimi 3/5

The Sashimi course featured a trio comprising white fish, salmon and sea urchin. The cuts were fresh, with the white fish offering a clean, subtle sweetness, while the salmon delivered a richer, more familiar profile. The uni added a creamy element to the assortment, though it lacked the intensity and lingering umami one might expect at this price point. Overall, while competent, the course did not particularly stand out.

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Deep-fried Japanese Saba 3.5/5

Next, the Deep-fried Japanese Saba impressed with its crispy exterior and moist, flavourful flesh within. The frying was well-executed, locking in the saba’s natural oils and enhancing its richness.

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Chicken 3.8/5

Taking a break from seafood, the Chicken showcased tender poached meat with the skin lightly torched for a hint of smokiness and textural contrast. The addition of yuzu brightened the dish with a refreshing citrus note, lifting the overall flavour profile and making it an enjoyable interlude.

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Chawanmushi 4/5

A highlight of the meal was the Chawanmushi. Unlike the usual rendition, this version incorporated sushi rice and shirako, offering a more layered experience. The silky steamed egg paired beautifully with the creamy shirako, while the sushi rice introduced a surprising bite, adding dimension to the dish.

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Kimedai 4/5

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Isaki 3.5/5

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Flounder Fin 4.2/5

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Akami 3.5/5

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Sayori 3/5

For the sushi course, we were presented with an assortment of five: Kimedai, Isaki, Flounder Fin, Akami, and Sayori. Standouts included the kimedai and flounder fin. The latter, in particular, delighted with its subtle crunch, while the inclusion of shiso leaf released a fragrant aroma with each bite. On the other hand, the isaki was slightly overwhelmed by an overly assertive use of wasabi, and the sauce on the sayori proved too heavy-handed, disrupting the balance. The sushi rice across the board leaned towards the sweeter side, which may not appeal to all.

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Otoro topped with Uni, Gold Flakes 4.2/5

The indulgent Otoro topped with Uni and Gold Flakes was arguably the highlight of the evening. Rich and buttery, the otoro melted effortlessly in the mouth, while the uni amplified the umami, creating a decadent, flavour-packed bite.

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Miso Soup 3/5

The meal concluded rather abruptly with a simple Miso Soup and no dessert. This unconventional ending felt somewhat underwhelming, especially given the premium pricing and expectations associated with omakase dining.

Overall, while Wagokoro Mineno offers a competent Kappo-style omakase experience, it did not quite justify its price point. With several strong contenders in Singapore offering more refined and cohesive experiences at a similar range, this felt like a meal that, while enjoyable in parts, lacked the finesse and balance to truly stand out.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Wagokoro Mineno (和心 嶺野)
Orchard Plaza
150 Orchard Road
#02-27/28
Singapore 238841
Tel: +65 8338 2065
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Website
Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 6pm - 12midnight
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk to the traffic junction of Orchard Road and Killiney Road. Cross the road. Walk to Orchard Plaza. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

Friday, April 3, 2026

Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant (萬豪軒) @ Marriott Tang Plaza Singapore - Unveils its “Spring in Bloom Delicacies” Limited-time Menu

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Marking the arrival of Spring, Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant unveils its "Spring in Bloom Delicacies", a limited-time menu inspired by seasonal ingredients traditionally enjoyed during this vibrant time of year. Available from 4 March to 30 April 2026, the menu showcases the restaurant's dedication to premium, sustainably sourced produce, thoughtfully crafted into refined Cantonese creations. Diners can look forward to an extensive à la carte selection of handcrafted dim sum, alongside a beautifully curated 5-course set menu.

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Trio of Appetisers 4/5

We began our dinner with the Trio of Appetisers, a delightful introduction to the season's flavours presented in elegant bite-sized portions. The Deep-Fried Prawn with Mandarin Orange Sauce stood out with its light, crisp exterior coated in a citrusy glaze that added a refreshing zing. The Roast Kurobuta Pork Char Siew with Osmanthus Honey offered a luscious balance of smoky sweetness, elevated by the floral notes of osmanthus. Completing the trio was the Pan-Fried Japanese Scallop with Spring Bamboo Shoot and Yuzu, where the scallop's natural sweetness was complemented by the gentle crunch of bamboo shoot and a subtle yuzu brightness.

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Steamed Marble Goby Fillet 3.8/5

Next, we had the Steamed Marble Goby Fillet with Pea Sprout in Lemongrass Chicken Superior Stock. The marble goby fillet was delicate and tender, boasting a clean, naturally sweet flavour and a silky texture that absorbed the broth's essence well. The superior stock, enriched with chicken and lifted by aromatic lemongrass, lent the dish a creamy depth. While comforting and well-executed, the flavour profile leaned towards being slightly one-dimensional, and a more pronounced piquant contrast could have added greater complexity.

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Stewed Iberico Pork 4/5

The Stewed Iberico Pork with Fermented Red Bean Curd Paste and Spring Bamboo Shoot, served in a stone pot, delivered a hearty and satisfying note. The Iberico pork was fork-tender, richly infused with the fermented red bean curd paste, giving it a deep umami richness. This was beautifully balanced by the natural sweetness and crisp texture of the spring bamboo shoots, adding both contrast and dimension to the dish.

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Golden Vermicelli with Crab Meat, Spring Bamboo Shoot and Ginger 3.8/5

Following that, the Golden Vermicelli with Crab Meat, Spring Bamboo Shoot and Ginger offered an interplay of textures. The vermicelli, deep-fried to a golden crisp, provided a light crunch that paired well with the plump, sweet crab meat and crunchy bamboo shoots. While enjoyable, the accompanying sauce could have been brighter and more vibrant to better tie the elements together and elevate the overall dish.

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Chilled White Chrysanthemum Jelly with Honey Sorbet 3/5

To conclude, the Chilled White Chrysanthemum Jelly with Honey Sorbet provided a refreshing and soothing finish. The chrysanthemum jelly was light and subtly floral, complemented by the gentle sweetness of the honey sorbet — a clean and palate-cleansing end to the meal.

Overall, the Spring in Bloom Delicacies menu at Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant captures the essence of the season through refined Cantonese craftsmanship, highlighting quality ingredients with elegant restraint. While some dishes could benefit from bolder contrasts, the menu remains a thoughtful and polished celebration of springtime flavours.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant (萬豪軒)
Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel
320 Orchard Road
Singapore 238865
Tel: +65 6831 4605
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Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11.30am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

Saturday, March 28, 2026

Eizaburo (栄三郎) @ Cuppage Plaza - Build-Your-Own 90-minute Dinner Experience with Free Flow Alcohol

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Looking for a spot to chill and gather with friends? Eizaburo Orchard at Cuppage Plaza offers a fun and interactive Build-Your-Own 90-minute dinner experience. Priced at $79++ with free-flow alcohol or $49++ without, diners can customise their meal from a curated selection of Japanese dishes. Each set includes a choice between a Sashimi Box or Appetiser Box, along with 3 Yakitori, 1 Side Dish, and 1 Main Dish — making it a flexible and value-driven option for group dining.

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Free Flow Drinks

The free-flow drinks option is a highlight, comprising both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. For those going for the alcohol package, there is a good variety of options, including sake, highballs, beer, and umeshu, perfect for pairing with the grilled skewers and small plates.

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Assorted Appetisers Box

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Assorted Sashimi Box

Diners can choose between the Assorted Appetisers Box or the Assorted Sashimi Box. As there were two of us, we opted to have one of each sample both offerings. The Assorted Appetisers Box features a selection of cooked items, including unagi, aburi fish, tamago, sushi rolls, and grilled prawn — a comforting assortment with a balance of textures and flavours. The Assorted Sashimi Box, on the other hand, showcases a variety of fresh seafood, including ebi, scallops, salmon, and chutoro, offering a clean and satisfying start to the meal.

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Yakitori 4/5

For the Yakitori selection, each diner gets to choose three skewers. We went with Tebasaki (wing), thigh, pork jowl, iceberg pork roll, and leek. The skewers were well-executed with a nice char and smokiness, making them ideal accompaniments to the drinks.

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Creamy Crab Croquette 3.5/5

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Potato Salad 4.2/5

For sides, we had the Creamy Crab Croquette and Potato Salad. The croquette was fried to a golden crisp, revealing a creamy, flavourful filling. The Potato Salad was particularly enjoyable, elevated by the addition of ikura, which added bursts of briny umami to each bite.

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Wagyu Sirloin Steak 4/5

For the mains, the Wagyu Sirloin Steak delivered on tenderness and juiciness. However, the portion felt somewhat small for a main course, especially for those with larger appetites.

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Overflowing Toro-Taku Roll 3.8/5

A more substantial alternative would be the Overflowing Toro-Taku Roll, which offered a generous filling and a satisfying bite, making it a better choice for those seeking something heartier.

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Overflowing Ikura, Salmon Negitoro Don 3.8/5

Another fulfilling option is the Overflowing Ikura Salmon Negitoro Don. The bowl comes topped with creamy salmon negitoro and generously piled ikura, delivering a rich and savoury combination that pairs well with the rice.

Overall, Eizaburo Orchard’s Build-Your-Own dinner experience is a great option for casual gatherings. With its customisable format, wide selection of dishes, and free-flow drinks option, it offers a lively and enjoyable way to dine with friends in the heart of Orchard.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Eizaburo
Cuppage Plaza
5 Koek Road
#04-04
Singapore 228796
Tel: +65 8245 1798
Facebook
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 530pm - 11pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B, C, or D. Walk to Orchard Road. Cross the road and walk to Cuppage Road. Walk down Cuppage Road. Walk to Cuppage Plaza. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]