Esora @ Mohamed Sultan Road - Celebration of the Organic Beauty and Purity Found in the Finest Seasonal Produce

Located in the quaint conservation area of Mohamed Sultan Road, Esora, a Michelin-starred restaurant under the guidance of Head Chef Takeshi Araki, this modern Japanese Kappo Restaurant invites diners on a gastronomic journey inspired by kisetsukan – the changing seasons. Esora's cuisine celebrates the organic beauty and purity of the finest seasonal produce, harmoniously marrying traditional Japanese techniques with a modern flair.

Foie Gras Monaka 4.5/5

Embarking on the Winter Dinner Menu ($368++), Esora unfolds a symphony of flavours, capturing the essence of the season. Each dish is meticulously crafted to showcase the beauty of winter's bounty and the artistry of Chef Takeshi Araki.

The dinner commences with the Foie Gras Monaka, a signature creation of Maison Mitteault foie gras takes centre stage, accompanied by the seasonal brightness of kumquat. Layered with black sesame paste, this dish is a dance of sweet and tangy notes adorned with myoga, kinome, and fresh kumquat slices.

Snowcrab 4.2/5

The Snowcrab presents the Matsuba snow crab in all its wintry glory. This seemingly simple cold dish conceals intricate layers of white vinegar pickled red turnip, blanched snow spinach in dashi, and a base of black vinegar jelly. With the addition of kani miso and crab roe, each bite is a celebration of sweetness, expertly balanced.

Fugu 4.8/5

The Fugu, or puffer fish, is a winter delight presented in a deep-fried masterpiece. Marinated with kanzuri, a Niigata fermented chilli paste, and deep-fried, it is served with a squeeze of kabosu, a unique citrus fruit from Oita Prefecture, offering a refreshing twist.

Esora Winter Hassun

The Esora Winter Hassun artfully arranges seasonal delicacies on a 'snow' bed, showcasing Chef Araki's dedication to aesthetic presentation and flavorful cohesion.

Himi Kanburi - Winter Yellowtail Fish 4.5/5

Himi Kanburi, or Winter Yellowtail Fish, takes the spotlight as a seasonal delight. With its heightened fattiness and creamy texture during winter, it is paired with negi shio to enhance its inherent sweetness.

Ankimo - Monkfish Liver 4/5

Ankimo, also known as the foie gras of the sea, graces the menu. Paired with winter Kyoto Kujyo Negi, Akagai (blood clam), Koshin Daikon (watermelon radish), and Nuta, a sweet Japanese mustard, it is a testament to the richness of the ocean.

Ruri'lro Nasu - Blue Eggplant 4.5/5

The Ruri'lro Nasu, a deep-fried blue eggplant, is a sensory experience. Cooked in dashi until tender, it is crowned with lobster butter, sea urchin, and wasabi, creating a flavourful crescendo.

Kasujiru 4.8/5

In homage to winter comfort, Kasujiru, a sake lees soup, graces the table. Somen, dashi-braised awabi, daikon, carrots, and kuro shichimi are immersed in a sea bream stock, white miso, ginger, garlic, and sake lees broth, offering warmth and depth.

Akamutsu - Black Throat Sea Perch 4.2/5

Akamutsu, or Black Throat Sea Perch, showcases Chef Araki's finesse in grilling. Lightly seasoned and grilled over binchotan, it is served with sautéed Chinese dragon chives, presenting a harmonious play of flavours.

Omi Wagyu 4.5/5

The mainstay at Esora, the Omi Wagyu, is recognised as one of Japan's Wagyu masterpieces. Inspired by the joy of eating a sukiyaki in winter, it is paired with a sukiyaki sauce. Chargrilled maitake mushroom, charred pecoros onion, and shungiku accompany this A5 Omi Wagyu, offering a symphony of textures and tastes.

Donabe 4.5/5

The Donabe, evolving with the seasons, features anago (saltwater eel) cooked with eel stock. Topped with Japanese herbs, chargrilled anago, wasabi, seaweed, and dashi sauce, it is a testament to Esora's commitment to seasonal variety. Miso soup is presented alongside the rice.

Setoka

Chef Araki introduces Setoka mandarin in a refreshing pre-dessert, a citrus fruit that heralds the transition from winter to spring. Served with white yuzu snow ice cream and sansho pepper, it creates a sweet, zesty experience.

Sweet Potato 4/5

The dessert finale is a homage to winter nights, featuring Sweet Potatoes drizzled with kuro mirin caramel. Layered with vanilla ice cream, diced caramelised sweet potato, red bean paste, sweet potato tuille, and lemon jam, it captures the essence of winter warmth.

Esora, with its Winter Elegance menu, invites discerning diners to partake in a culinary journey that transcends seasons. Chef Takeshi Araki's meticulous approach to presenting the finest seasonal produce in a modern Japanese context transforms dining into a sensory symphony. Each dish, a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, echoes the organic beauty of nature's bounty.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Esora
15 Mohamed Sultan Road
Singapore 238964
Tel: +65 8533 7528
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Fort Canning (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed & Fri: 6:30pm - 10:30pm
Thur: 12pm - 3:30pm, 6:30pm - 10:30pm
Sat & Sun: 5:30pm - 10:30pm
(Closed on Mon & Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Fort Canning MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to traffic junction Clemenceau Ave and River Valley Road. Cross the road. Continue walking down River Valley Road. Turn left onto Mohamed Sultan Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Wildfire Burgers @ Robertson Walk - Gourmet Burgers at Affordable Prices

Wildfire Burgers, located in the heart of Robertson Walk, has emerged from a revamp with a brand new menu that not only elevates the dining experience but also reinforces its status as a go-to destination for gourmet burgers, succulent steaks, enticing sides, and a diverse drinks menu. With the closure of its other outlets, the Robertson Walk flagship stands as a beacon for those seeking a delicious yet affordable gourmet burger.

Wedge Salad 3.5/5

Kicking off our dinner, we delved into the Wedge Salad ($13), a refreshing ensemble of iceberg lettuce dressed in creamy parmesan sauce. Topped with crispy bacon, cherry tomatoes, Spanish onions, crumbled blue cheese, walnuts, and crushed Kampot peppercorn, it's a firework of flavours that complement the crunch of the iceberg lettuce. The marriage of textures and tastes offers a delightful start to the meal.

Salt & Vinegar Fried Onion Rings 3/5

The Salt & Vinegar Fried Onion Rings ($8) aimed to reinvent the classic, infusing extra saltiness and tanginess. While the intention was commendable, it fell slightly short of expectations. Thicker onion rings might enhance the sweetness of the onion, aligning better with taste preferences.

Golden Chicken Nuggets 4.2/5

The Golden Chicken Nuggets ($8 for 6pc/ $10 for 9pc) emerged as a clear favourite. A classic elevated to gourmet heights, these nuggets, made with 100% chicken, were served with a delightful array of sauces: Japanese Curry Mayo, Nacho Cheese, or Chipotle Mayo. The pairing with Japanese Curry Mayo is particularly recommended, surpassing expectations and outshining similar offerings from an 'M' brand restaurant.

Truffled Mushroom 4.8/5

The Truffled Mushroom ($18 Single/ $22 Double) stood out among the eight gourmet burgers. Nestled between butter-toasted brioche buns, the stone axe wagyu patties delivered a burst of flavour. Truffled mayonnaise, sautéed mushrooms, Monterey Jack cheese, beer-pickled onions, and master sauce formed a symphony of taste. The judicious preparation of the wagyu patty, allowing for a chunky bite, added to the allure.

Hot Honey Butter Chicken 4/5

For those eschewing beef, alternative options like Ottoman Lamb, Black Halibut, and Hot Honey Butter Chicken burgers await. The Hot Honey Butter Chicken ($18 Single) presents a generously sized, hot and spicy fried chicken thigh adorned with whipped Sriracha honey butter and crispy bacon. Sandwiched between butter-toasted brioche buns and drizzled with master sauce, it provides a spicy symphony for the taste buds, delivering crunch and flavour in every bite.

Wildfire Burgers at Robertson Walk has not just reopened; it has rekindled a flame, offering a gourmet burger experience at affordable pricing that tantalizes the senses and sets the stage for a delightful dining experience.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Wildfire Burgers
Robertson Walk
11 Unity Street
#01-12
Singapore 237995
Tel: +65 8139 5952
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Fort Canning (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 4pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Fort Canning MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to traffic junction Clemenceau Ave and River Valley Road. Cross the road. Turn left onto Clemenceau Ave. Walk towards Unity Street. Turn right onto Unity Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Entrepôt @ The Robertson House - A Taste of Anglo-Asian Inspired Cuisine

Entrepôt at The Robertson House stands the hotel's all-day dining restaurant and bar. Conceptualised based on Singapore's quayside story and growth as an entrepôt port, Entrepôt's menu is inspired by Anglo-Asian cooking techniques and flavours. The dishes are also crafted with communal dining and a spirit of friendliness in mind.

Black Sesame Hummus 2.8/5

Pita Bread

Our dinner began with an off-the-menu starter - Black Sesame Hummus and Charcoal-grilled Pita Bread with dukkah. The acidity of the hummus was quite on point, but the flavour of the black sesame seemed to have been overshadowed by the seasoning.

Signature Chinese Terracotta Tea 4/5

Next was the Signature Chinese Terracotta Tea ($10/portion), featuring a Crustacean Tortellini in Chinese Dried Mushroom Tea and Lapsang Souchong. The tea-infused mushroom consomme was earthy and light, complementing the meaty tortellini well.

Heirloom Tomato and Fermented Plum Salad 4/5

From the Starter menu, we also tried the Heirloom Tomato and Fermented Plum Salad ($18). The Fermented Plum Dressing, combined with a sprinkle of salty Olive Vegetables, worked harmoniously to enhance the inherent sweetness of the tomatoes. Elevating the dish further were drops of Thai Basil Oil, adding a delightful pepperiness to the overall flavour profile.

Angelica Root French Corn-fed Chicken Roast 3/5

Tasting portion

For Mains, we had the Angelica Root French Corn-fed Chicken Roast ($45), served with Cordyceps, Mushrooms and Asian Napa Cabbage. The well-caramelised skin was deliciously savoury-sweet with Herbal Honey. While the meat was tender, I found it rather bland, particularly when contrasted with the heavily seasoned Angelica Root Chicken Jus.

Claypot Rice 3/5

Claypot Rice ($28) indulged with Chorizo Sausage and Smoked Pancetta, contributing robust flavours and a meaty texture to the rice. The earthiness of the Wild Mushrooms provided a well-balanced contrast to the intense flavours of the meats. However, the dish leaned towards being a bit overly flavoured due to the infusion of Harissa in the rice.

Sticky Red Date Pudding 3/5

For desserts, we had Sticky Red Date Pudding with Butterscotch Ice Cream. The ice cream had a smooth and velvety texture, but the pudding, unfortunately, lacked the dense and sticky texture that I was anticipating.

The Drinks Menu is attractive with spirits and teas exclusively crafted for The Robertson House, such as Dr Robertson's Gin & Tonic concocted with Dr Robertson's Gin, the hotel's exclusive gin crafted with Tanglin Gin, Singapore's pioneering gin distillery.

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.


Entrepôt
The Robertson House
1 Unity Street
Singapore 237983
Tel: +65 8301689
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Fort Canning (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 630am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Fort Canning MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk to Clemenceau Ave. Turn left onto Clemenceau Ave, walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Maguro Samurai @ Robertson Quay - New Modern “Fish Market” Izakaya Specialising in Unique Tuna Parts, Overflowing Ikura Dons and More

Maguro Samurai, a new addition to the Robertson Quay dining scene, brings a modern 'fish market-style' izakaya concept to Singapore. Associated with Kansushi, the restaurant takes pride in its range of authentic Japanese dishes, including items uncommonly found in Singapore.

The interesting 'fish market' concept allows diners to first take their pick from a display of seafood imported from Japan and then decide on a preferred cooking method. Some of these include sashimi, grilled and sushi.

For its interior, several samurai swords are on display, alongside an impressive collection of Japanese alcohols, most of which are available for order.

Avocado Shiokobu Ae 4/5

Our first dish was the Avocado Shiokobu Ae ($9), which had cubes of creamy avocado tossed in salted kelp and topped with bonito. We enjoyed this lightly savoury starter but wished it came in a more significant portion for its price.

Maguro Yukke 4.5/5

Next up, we had their Maguro Yukke ($38). Crack the silky raw egg yolk and mix it thoroughly to let the yolk coat each piece of tuna. The tuna chunks, marinated in a flavorful spicy sauce, matched harmoniously.

Negitoro Bucket 3.8/5

The Negitoro Bucket ($28) comprises minced fatty tuna and is meant to be savoured as a spread on crunchy baguette slices. While the additional garlic butter on the baguette was clever, we found it quite average overall.

Maguro Sashimi Mori 4.5/5

Tuna lovers should check out the Maguro Sashimi Mori ($52), which showcases four different tuna sashimi cuts. We had fresh and thick slices of Otoro (fatty tuna), Chutoro (medium fatty tuna), Maguro Zuniku (tuna head meat) and Akami (Bluefin tuna).

Grilled Maguro Zuniku 4.5/5

After enjoying the sashimi version, we were excited to try the Grilled Maguro Zuniku ($38). The grilled tuna head meat carried a bit of a soft, fatty texture and was done tender and smoky.

Grilled Maguro Hohoniku 4.5/5

Similarly, the Grilled Maguro Hohoniku ($16) was also grilled expertly, with the tuna cheek meat retaining its buttery and firm yet tender bite. The simple condiments of fresh wasabi, salt and garlic chips were more than sufficient.

Ninniku Syoyu Engawa Don 4.2/5

We had two different dons, the first being the Ninniku Syoyu Engawa Don (Flounder fin garlic flavour rice bowl). It was quite a small bowl, but we were impressed by the buttery slices of melt-in-your-mouth Engawa.

Ikura Kobore Don 4/5

The presentation of the Ikura Kobore Don ($39) was a whole visual treat. The chef first began a short performance on his drums while one of his servers generously topped on spoons of ikura synchronised to the rhythm of the beats. The don was finished with a shimmering spray of gold dust. While the plump ikura was briny and flavourful, this is definitely best as a sharing dish for 3 or more pax.

Kakigori 3.8/5

Dessert was a traditional Japanese offering, a freshly made calamansi-flavoured Kakigori. The layers of shaved ice here are thicker with a soft texture. It was refreshing, albeit a bit sweet.

Overall, the dishes we sampled at Maguro Samurai were indeed of decent quality; however, the general pricing was also relatively high.

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.


Maguro Samurai
Village Residence Robertson Quay
#01-16
30 Robertson Quay
Singapore 238251
Tel: +65 6320 3637
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Fort Canning (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 4pm - 11pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Fort Canning MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to traffic junction of Clemenceau Ave and River Valley. Cross the road. Turn left and walk down Clemenceau Ave. Turn right onto Unity Street. Then left onto Merbau Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Three Buns Quayside @ Robertson Quay - For Weekends Brunches, Award-Winning Burgers and Cocktails by Potato Head Family

Nestled in the vibrant Robertson Quay of Singapore is Three Buns Quayside. This trendy eatery offers a menu that goes beyond the ordinary, featuring a mouthwatering selection of gourmet burgers crafted from the finest ingredients. The chic and welcoming ambience, paired with a carefully curated cocktail menu, makes Three Buns the perfect place to unwind with friends or enjoy a memorable meal by the scenic riverside.

Aperol Spritz 4/5

Kickstart the meal with their selection of brunch cocktails, or brunchtails, as they called it. One of their standout offerings is the classic Aperol Spritz ($15). This refreshing cocktail is a harmonious blend of bright and zesty flavours, making it an ideal aperitif.

Blueberry Basics 4.5/5

The brunch menu at Three Buns, available every weekend from 10am to 4pm, is a delightful fusion of classic brunch favourites and innovative twists. We tried the Blueberry Basics ($15), which features a generous stack of buttermilk pancakes, each layer light and fluffy, topped with a luscious wild blueberry compote and drizzled with organic grade A maple syrup. The pièce de résistance is the pairing with salted vanilla ice cream, a creamy and slightly savoury contrast that elevates this brunch dish to a level of pure indulgence.

Shrooms with a View 4.2/5

The Shrooms with a View ($18) centres around scrambled free-range eggs prepared to a silky and tofu-like texture, providing a unique and velvety mouthfeel. The eggs are expertly paired with sautéed diced garlic mushrooms, olive oil and zesty tomato salsa to brighten the dish with fresh and tangy notes. All this deliciousness is served atop crispy and chewy toasted sourdough, which provides a delightful contrast in textures.

Chick It Out 4/5

The Chick It Out ($20) features similar creamy scrambled free-range eggs with a unique tofu-like texture. The star of the dish is the twice-cooked sakura boneless chicken thigh that is perfectly tender and juicy. The guacamole, olive oil, and tomato salsa add a creamy, rich, and zesty note, while the crispy toasted sourdough provides a hearty base.

Jason Four Cheese 4.5/5

The Jason Four Cheese ($27) is an indulgent masterpiece for burger enthusiasts. This signature burger boasts a decadent combination of flavours and textures, starting with a double beef patty made from 100g Tasmanian Vintage Beef Patties. What sets it apart is the special blend of four premium cheeses: VSOP Aged Gouda, Cave Aged Cheddar, Brie, and Mozzarella. The blend is expertly cooked down with Brewlander IPA to enhance the cheese infusion, creating a rich and intense cheese sauce that envelops the beef patties. The burger is further layered with double ketchup and three-island mayo, providing tangy and creamy elements that balance the richness of the cheese. All of these mouthwatering components are nestled inside a toasted demi brioche bun. The Jason Four Cheese burger is a flavour explosion that is both rich and intensely flavourful, making it a must-try for those seeking a truly indulgent and satisfying burger experience at Three Buns.

Naughty Fries Jnr. 4/5

The Naughty Fries Jnr. ($10) is a delightful twist on loaded fries. They are generously coated with spiced béarnaise sauce and hot beef chilli, creating a contrast of creaminess and spiciness. The crispy fried shallots (bawang goreng) and Parmesan Reggiano cheese add crunch and richness, while the sesame seeds provide a nutty aroma. These fries have a curved potato chip-like shape perfect for scooping up the generous toppings. This dish is a flavour-packed and satisfying snack, ideal for those craving a combination of textures and bold flavours.

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.


Three Buns Quayside
60 Robertson Quay
Singapore 238252
Tel: +65 69097838
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT, NE Line), Fort Canning (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 5pm - 12midnight
Fri: 12pm - 12midnight
Sat: 10am - 12midnight
Sun: 10am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to bus stop opposite State Courts (Stop ID 06171). Take bus number 51 or 186. Alight 1 stop later. Cross the road and walk to Alkaff Bridge. Cross the bridge and walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

2) 1) Alight at Fort Canning MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to traffic junction of Clemenceau Ave and River Valley. Cross the road. Turn left and walk down Clemenceau Ave. Turn right onto Unity Street. Then left onto Merbau Road. Walk towards the river. At the river, turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]