ClickAFood (CAF) @ Upper Paya Lebar Road - New Pastel-themed Café With 5 Concepts By Singer-songwriter Hong Junyang

Located along Upper Paya Lebar Road is the new multi-concept pastel-themed cafe CAF Clickafood in Singapore. The cafe offers a variety of cuisine - Korean, Thai, Western and local cuisine under one roof. It is the perfect place to have all your different cravings satisfied when dining together.

Seoul Army Stew 4/5

From the Korean menu, we had the Seoul Army Stew ($19.90/2 pax). One of the most popular hot pot dishes in Korea, it comes in a rich, spicy broth made with chilli powder, kimchi and topped with a variety of meats, cabbage, and instant noodle. With a choice of spice level from 1 to 4, you can opt for the amount of heat in your favourite army stew.

Korean Andong Jjimdak 3.8/5

The Korean Andong Jjimdak ($19.90/2 pax) features a soy sauce braised chicken stew with vegetables and chewy sweet potato noodles. Savoury, mildly salty and sweet with a very subtle spicy kick. It has a somewhat complex flavour that we enjoyed.

168 Nasi Lemak 3.8/5

We tried their 168 Nasi Lemak ($8.90), which comes with ikan bilis, peanuts, fried chicken wings, cucumber and sunny side up atop a fragrant butterfly pea-infused coconut rice.

Pad Thai “Bomb” 4/5

One of our favourites is the Pad Thai "Bomb" ($12.90) with spice Level 1-4. It features a fluffy deep-fried omelette covering wok-fried rice noodles, tossed in a delicious pad thai sauce and served with bean sprouts, peanuts and chilli flakes.

Crab Meat Omelette Fried Rice 4/5

Another of our favourites goes to the Crab Meat Omelette Fried Rice ($10.90), with geenrous pieces of crabmeat and soft omelette over a mound of fragrant wok-hei fried rice. While we still wished that the omelette came slightly runny. we still enjoyed the dish, especially with the addition of sweet chilli which went well with the savoury elements.

Nemo Burger 3.5/5

The Nemo Burger ($9.90) came with a huge golden battered dory fish sandwiched between fluffy buttered buns. The fish fillet looked promising, but we felt that the batter was a tad too sticky rather than having the nice crisp we were expecting. Add on the side of shoestring fries for an additional $2.90.

Mango Coconut 4/5, Bandung 3.8/5

The Mango Coconut ($5.50) is a refreshing ice blend of coconut cream, coconut foam, mangoes, and pomelo sago, as well as nata de coco for toppings. The Bandung ($3.90) was syrupy and fragrant, although a tad too sweet for our liking.

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.


CAF Clickafood
339 Upper Paya Lebar Road
Tel: +65 69705077
Singapore 534953
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Tai Seng (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am – 9pm

Directions:
1) Alight at Tai Seng MRT station. Take Exit A or B. Walk to bus stop at Tai Keng MRT station (Stop ID 70281). Take bus number 22, 24, 43, 58, 62, 70, 80 and 76. Alight 5 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Allium @ Kensington Square - A Little-known 16 Seater Restaurant By Ex-Chef Of GastroSmiths And Humble Loaf

Kind of under the radar without much fanfare of its opening is Allium located at Kensington Square. The 16 seater restaurant is helmed by husband-wife team, Executive Chef Dillon Ng, formerly from The Humble Loaf and GastroSmiths and Pastry Chef Lusiana Hendrika, formerly of Sukha Delights in Bandung, Indonesia. The restaurant offers a multi-course prix fixe lunch or dinner menu, embracing both local and cultural Asian flavours through a timeless culinary style that is modern yet modest.

House Bread, Smoky Speck Butter 4.2/5

Changing their menu quarterly, I visited Allium in February for lunch to celebrate my friend, Alison's birthday. We have the 5-course Modern European Menu ($88+ per pax). Our lunch started with freshly baked House Bread, accompanied by Smoky Speck Butter. The pairing is so good that we asked for a second serving.

Charred Rosemary & Wild Mushroom Soup

Next is the Charred Rosemary & Wild Mushroom Soup. While the earthy mushroom flavour is prominent, I felt that it lacked the creaminess which I preferred.

Roasted Alliums 4.2/5

While the Roasted Alliums may not be the best of presentation, the onion and celeriac sweetness tasted heavenly. The honey-roasted seeds provide the textural contrast, while the house 'Boursin' cheese gave it an elevated creamy finishing.

Chorizo Iberico, Celeriac, Port Wine Glaze 4.2/5

Following that, we have the Chorizo Iberico and Celeriac dressed in port wine glaze. I am not too sure, but I think it is topped with shaved parmesan. The combination works wonderfully. It even reminded me of my travel to Spain. How I wish we can travel again.

Black Cod, Bay Scallop & Hiroshima Oyster Pot Pie 4/5

For the mains, the guest has either the Black Cod, Bay Scallop & Hiroshima Oyster Pot Pie and Five Founders Carbon Neutral Striploin. The seafood pot pie comes encased in a flaky shell which you can find black cod, scallop and oyster in it. 

Five Founders Carbon Neutral Striploin 4.2/5

The striploin, which has been beautifully cooked to medium-rare, is paired with duck fat potatoes with marrow gravy. Nothing fancy but simply allowing the natural flavour of the beef to shine.

Sourdough Waffle with Orange Caramel Ice Cream 4/5

Wrapping up the five-course meal is the Sourdough Waffle with Orange Caramel Ice Cream. The waffle has a delightful texture, slightly chewy and fluffy with a lovely crisp on the exterior. As Chinese New Year was around the corner during my visit, the orange caramel ice cream gave the dish a delicious festive mood.

The modern European menu I had didn't showcase their philosophy of embracing local and cultural Asian flavours. While it is good, it did not wow me. I look at their upcoming March menu. I thought it is more exciting featuring dishes such as Sea Urchin, Local Mussels with Gazpacho "Sambal Cincalok", Fried Pomfret Pao Fan, Epok-Epok Mackerel etc.


Allium
Kensington Square
2 Jalan Lokam
#01-11
Singapore 537846
Tel: +65 88306230
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Tai Seng (CC Line), Serangoon (CC Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Thu: 6pm - 10pm
Fri-Sun & PH: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm
Eve of PH: 6pm - 10pm
(By Reservation Only)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tai Seng MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk to bus stop at Tai Seng MRT station (Stop ID 70281). Take bus number 22, 24, 43, 58, 62, 70, 76 and 80. Alight 5 stops later. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Serangoon MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to bus stop opposite Serangoon MRT (Stop ID 66359). Take bus 22, 43 and 70. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Serangoon MRT station. Take Exit H. Turn right and walk to bus stop at Serangoon MRT station (Stop ID 62131). Take bus 58. Walk to desintaion. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Dine At Home During Circuit Breaker - Poon Nah City Home Made Noodle

One of the hawker stall that I supported during the circuit breaker is Poon Nah City Home Made Noodle at City Plaza. With their island-wide delivery, I was able to order the handmade noodles and have them delivered to my home. I am glad to announce that they are continuing their islandwide delivery after the circuit breaker until further notice.

Abalone Mee Hoon Kueh

If you have been following my blog, you probably known that I have visited the stall many years ago. Back then, I have enjoyed the textures of the handmade noodles but I wasn't quite impressed with the soup base. I thought it lacked depth and robustness. However, this time round when I had the Abalone Mee Hoon Kueh, the soup was so flavourful that finished it to the last drop.  For $12.50, the Abalone Mee Hoon Kueh comes with abalone, fish maw, ikan bilis and mani cai. With the amount of ingredients, I find it value for money too.

Prawn Yu Mian Dry

Besides the soup version, they have the dry version in which the noodle is tossed in a dark sauce. I had the Prawn Yu Mian Dry which comes with prawn, minced pork, ikan bilis and mani cai.

Dumpling Soup

Besides the variety of noodle dishes on the menu, the stall also sells other stuff such as Dumpling Soup and fried snacks. For the fried snacks, I decided to go for the Mixed Snacks, which includes Wu Xiang, Crispy Beancurd, Fish Cake, Sotong Ball. I am not one that is satisfied with just a bowl of noodles. Hence, i am delight to have these snacks to complete my meals.

Mixed Snacks

Both takeaway and island-wide delivery is available at Poon Nah City Home Made Noodle. WhatsApp them at 91543515 or 83382241 to order.


Poon Nah City Handmade Noodle
City Plaza
810 Geylang Road
#05-02
Singapore 409286
Tel: +65 68424524
Nearest MRT: Paya Lebar (CC Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 8pm
(Closed on alt Sat)

Direction:
1) Alight at Paya Lebar MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk to junction of Paya Lebar Road and Geylang Road. Turn left onto Geylang Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Yakiniku Like @ Paya Lebar Quarter - Enjoy Top Quality Meats At Unbeatable Prices

Yakiniku Like, a new speciality fast food yakiniku restaurant has opened at Paya Lebar Quarter on 03 February 2020. The brand has 30 branches in Asia, which offers a quick-service concept that serves orders within three minutes. Fast food doesn't mean lousy quality, on the contrary aficionados can savour top-quality meats such as wagyu beef, karubi, harami, prime karubi,, misuji at an unbeatable price.

A yakiniku set at Yakiniku starts from as cheap as $7.80, which includes the choice of meat, rice, soup and a choice of kimchi or salad. There are a total of eight different set menus which feature the different cuts of meat.

Value for Money - Karubi Set: beef short plate ($8.80/100g, $12.80/200g, $16.80/300g)
Singapore Exclusive - Trio Set: beef short plate, pork jowl, chicken thigh ($11.80/150g, $16.80/300g)
AAA Top Quality Choice - Prime Karubi and Misuji Set: boneless short rib, top blade ($15.80/100g, $19.80/200g)
Authentic Japanese Taste - Sukiyaki Karubi Set: sukiyaki beef short plate ($9.80/100g, $13.80/200g)
No. 1 Choice - LIKE Set: beef tongue, skirt steak, beef short plate ($15.80/150g, $19.80/250g)
Best Seller in Japan - Karubi and Harami Set: beef short plate, skirt steak ($12.80/100g, $17.80/200g)
Unbeatable Price - Pork and Chicken Set: pork belly, chicken thigh ($7.80/100g, $11.80/200g)
Ultimate Indulgence - Wagyu Steak Set: premium Australian wagyu beef steak ($19.80/120g, $29.80/200g)

Specially customised for the Singapore outlet is the electric smokeless grill, which sucks the smoke down. Hence diners will not smell of smoke and grease when they leave the restaurant. Yakiniku Like is also the first restaurant in Singapore to offer individual grill for the individual customer. I thought this is a great idea, allowing an individual to enjoy yakiniku while not feeling awkward.

To perk up the enjoyment of the barbecue meats, each table comes with a variety of dipping sauces. My favourite is the Garlic Soy Sauce and Spicy Miso Sauce. There are also Like Original BBQ Sauce and Sea Salt Sauce. On top of that, there are condiments such as the red chilli, garlic chilli sauce, rock salt and black pepper.

For diners that have a bigger appetite and you feel that the set menu is not enough for you, the selection of meats are available for a la carte order too. Hence you can add on more meats if you are feeling hungry.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Yakiniku Like
Paya Lebar Quarter
10 Paya Lebar Road
#B1-28
Singapore 409057
Tel: +65 69707397
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Paya Lebar (CC Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

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

Shiokoji Tonkatsu Keisuke @ Paya Lebar Square - Unique Tuna and Salmon Rare Tonkatsu

Ramen Champion Mr Keisuke Takeda, known for its multiple ramen concepts in Singapore, has launched first-of-its-kind Tonkatsu dining for health-conscious diners. The new concept, Shiokoji Tonkatsu Keisuke, is located at Paya Lebar Square incorporating a mini salad bar and sauces for both rice and katsu.

Most tonkatsu restaurants come with free flow of cabbage, and Shiokoji Tonkatsu Keisuke has brought it a notch up with the mini salad bar, giving diners more varieties. On top of the black vinegar and olive oil dressing, there will be four other seasonal salad dressings each day to pair with the salad.

Unlike other tonkatsu restaurants, diners can create their own blend of Tonkatsu sauce from a spread of over 10 different sauce bases. It is like those hot pot places whereby diners can mix and match their own dipping sauce. Shiokoji Tonkatsu Keisuke aims to cater to different taste profile and create a different experience for diners.

Shiokoji Pork Loin Katsu Set 4/5

Inevitable I have to order the classic Shiokoji Pork Loin Katsu Set ($16.90  for 120g / $19.90 for 200g) to check out whether it is the real deal. Every tonkatsu set meal here comes with a fried half-boiled egg, rice, miso soup and Japanese pickles. The restaurant also positioned itself in serving a healthier version of tonkatsu, thanks to the state-of-the-art fryers with Water Molecule Control technology. Apparently, 50% less oil is absorbed into the meat during the frying process as compared to tradition deep-frying methods. I would say taste the texture are not comprised in the new method of cooking,

Rolled Pork & Vegetables Tonkatsu 4.2/5

Compared to the pork loin, I would prefer the Rolled Pork & Vegetables Tonkatsu. The pork is more tender due to the used of layered pork, rolled up. The mixed and match concept allows the diner to choose up to five vegetables of their choice, from over twenty different vegetables. This also gives the tonkatsu an additional crunchy texture.

Tuna Rare Katsu Set 4/5

Great news for pescatarian. Now you can also enjoy tonkatsu at Shiokoji Tonkatsu Keisuke with Mr Keisuke new creations - Tuna Rare Katsu Set ($19.90) and Salmon Rare Katsu Set ($17.90). Uniquely, the fish is still soft and rare on the inside while the outside is crunchy.

Assorted Seafood Katsu Set 4.2/5

If you have difficulty making a decision what to order, I would recommend the Assorted Seafood Katsu Set ($20.90), which you get a bit of everything.

It is incredible to see Mr Keisuke expanding its food empire in Singapore with yet another new concept into his group of restaurants. Instead of just introducing the classic tonkatsu to Singaporean, he also gives it a healthier take with a new experience to enjoy the tonkatsu.

Note: this is an invited tasting.


Shiokoji Tonkatsu Keisuke
Paya Lebar Square
60 Paya Lebar Road
#01-02/03
Singapore 409051
Tel: +65 62143345
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Paya Lebar (CC Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun, PH: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Paya Lebar MRT station. Take Exit A or E. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Donburi King @ Paya Lebar Quarter - Premium Dons With A Trove of Ocean Treasures Air-Flown From Japan

Fans of Japanese donburi rejoice, as you can now have your cravings fixed at Donburi King. This is the latest concept by S.H.E Global Group which specialises in authentic Japanese donburi with an extensive menu featuring 14 meticulously crafted seafood and meat selections as well as delicious appetisers, ramen, and Japanese hot dishes.

Situated in the newly opened Paya Lebar Quarter, the joint houses an open kitchen built in an 18-seater intimate setting, where customers can witness the preparation of each don, made with the freshest air-flown sashimi and premium selections of meat.

Donburi King Signature Kaisen Don 4.5/5

The limelight is undoubtedly the seafood-loaded bowl of goodness, Donburi King Signature Kaisen Don ($35.50). The overflowing exquisite ingredients consist of 9 different sashimi such as the Salmon, Uni, Hotate (scallop), Akaebi (wild-caught red shrimp), Tako (octopus), Ika (squid), Ikura, Tobiko, and oysters served with Nori seaweed, Tamago (omelette), Gari (marinated ginger), and Wasabi.

Spicy Mayomentai Don 4/5

The Spicy Mayomentai Don ($22.80) features thick slices of salmon sashimi and akaebi smothered in a lusciously creamy mentaiko sauce, and blow-torched for a smoky umami flavour. It comes served with Tamago (omelette), Takuan (pickled radish), Gari (marinated ginger), and Wasabi perched atop vinegared sushi rice.

Whole Unagi Don 4.2/5

Indulge in generous slabs of grilled unagi chunks from the Whole Unagi Don ($22.80). The unagi is grilled to perfection with a melt-in-your-mouth consistency and is served with Tamago (omelette) and Takuan (pickled radish).

Fried Oysters 4/5

If that's not enough, go for their selection of sides such as the Fried Oyster ($3 for 3pc). Deep-fried to crisp golden perfection, the oysters carries a creamy and slightly chewy texture.

The fresh flavourful dons at Donburi King promises sheer luxe and indulgence. Other donburi options include the Ootoro Don ($35.50) available in limited quantity daily based on seasonal availability, the Hotate with Ikura Don ($28.80) or the Aburi Salmon Belly with Ikura Don ($23).

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.


Donburi King
Paya Lebar Quarter
10 Paya Lebar Road
#03-26
Singapore 409057
Tel: +65 66116657
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Paya Lebar (CC Line, EW Line)

Opening hours:
Mon-Thu: 1130am - 3pm, 5pm - 10pm
Fri-Sun & PH: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Paya Lebar MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Makino @ Paya Lebar Quarter - New Japanese Dining And Shabu Shabu Hotpot Concept

Nestled within the new Paya Lebar Quarter (PLQ) mall, just next to Paya Lebar MRT station, Makino is the first shabu shabu concept launched by Asahi Group, where you can savour fresh seafood, meat and vegetables all cooked to your preference in a fragrant stock permeated broth.

Choose from their variety of special Japanese soup bases such as the spicy Tsurai Miso Soup, Mentaiko Soup, Kinoko Soup and Tonkotsu Soup laden with rich flavours.

Kickstart the meal with their popular Royal Milk Tea with Azuki Beans ($5.80). Instead of the usual boba pearls, azuki beans are used as toppings which adds a subtle sweetness to the drink. We found the Citrus Fruit with Homemade Barley drink ($5.80) to be quite an interesting combination as well, with an additional zesty touch to the usual barley flavour.

With quality ingredients and an extensive menu that features all types of seafood, meat and vegetables, we had a good mix of everything from the Ebi Shinjo (Makino special minced prawn), Tori Menchi (minced fresh chicken thigh with chicken soft bone), Reito Tofu and Kyabetsu cabbage to the Zuwai Kani (Japanese snow crab legs).

I actually like to have the Uzura Tamago (quail eggs) served cold, but a dip into the flavoursome boiling pot rendered the yolk all melty and gooey, with a delicate pork bone flavour added to it.

For the meat lovers, go for the Karubi US short ribs ($16.80) and the Butakara Kurobuta Pork Collar ($12). We loved the Karubi for its well-balanced flavours and marbling. The thinly sliced meat has a fast cooking time in the steaming hot broth and just melts in your mouth instantaneously. The Butakara is also rich in flavours while possessing a remarkable melt-in-your-mouth texture.

If that's not enough to satiate your hunger, load up on the carbs with their noodles selection such as the Ramen ($6.80), Gyo Somen ($9.50), Inaniwa Udon ($6.80), and Cha Soba ($6.80).

Besides the shabu shabu option, the menu also offers a plethora of appetising popular Japanese dishes. If shabu shabu is not your thing, go for their range of ala carte donburis, tempura, sushi and sashimi instead.

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.


Makino
Paya Lebar Quarter
10 Paya Lebar Road
#03-28/29
Singapore 409057
Website
Tel: +65 60722770
Nearest MRT: Paya Lebar (CC Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Paya Lebar MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]