Racines @ Sofitel Singapore City Centre - Flavours From The Heart

Racines at Sofitel Singapore City Centre unveils a brand-new menu, “Home: Flavours from the Heart”, introducing Straits heritage cuisine inspired by memory, migration, and home kitchens. Racines’ Asian repertoire has long been established, and this latest chapter builds on that foundation with more than 20 Asian and Straits-inspired dishes.

Tahu Telur 4/5

We started with two appetisers. Tahu Telur ($18) is a classic Indonesian-style tofu omelette featuring fried tofu and egg, skilfully formed into a cylindrical shape, crisp on the outside with a soft, tender core. Topped with shredded cucumber and turnips for a refreshing contrast, the rich, robust peanut sauce complemented the dish without overwhelming it.

Penang Fruit Rojak 4.5/5

The Penang Fruit Rojak ($20) combines crunchy jicama, cucumber and pineapple with crispy dough fritters, crispy cuttlefish and peanuts. The dough fritters were satisfyingly chunky, with a good amount of crunch, and everything was evenly coated in a well-balanced Penang-style shrimp dressing. I would have loved a little more ginger flower to further elevate the dish’s distinctive floral fragrance.

Nyonya Assam Curry Snapper 4.8/5

For mains, the Nyonya Assam Curry Snapper ($38) stood out as one of the signature dishes. Featuring fried snapper served in a tangy tamarind-based assam curry, it comes accompanied by okra, eggplant and beancurd puffs. The restaurant prepares its assam paste from scratch, resulting in a robust and moreish curry that left a strong impression. Crispy rice-paper “scales” added texture to the fish, though even without them, the snapper was expertly fried with a crisped exterior while retaining its tender, moist flesh.

Sweet & Sour Pork 4/5

The Sweet & Sour Pork ($38) was a crowd-pleaser. The pork morsels were tender, with a good balance of fat and lean, while the batter coating remained light and not overly thick. The sauce was delectable without being excessively sweet.

Singapore Style Hokkien Mee 5/5

Singapore Style Hokkien Mee ($28) remains a mainstay on the menu and is truly delicious. Yellow noodles and rice vermicelli bathed in a full-bodied prawn and pork broth delivered impressive depth of flavour. Brimming with roasted pork, tiger prawns and squid, every bite was mouth-filling and satisfying, with a gentle hint of wok hei. A squeeze of calamansi and a dollop of sambal belacan further amplified the flavours.

Wok-Fried Beef Hor Fun 3.5/5

On the other hand, I found the gravy in the Wok-Fried Beef Hor Fun ($28) slightly too heavily seasoned and rich for my preference. That said, the wok hei was impressive, and the beef slices were pleasingly tender.

Pandan Coconut Jelly 4/5, Cempedak Creme Brulee 3/5

For dessert, we had the Cempedak Creme Brulee and Pandan Coconut Jelly. While the creme brulee offered a delightful fusion of French technique and local flavours, I preferred the pandan coconut jelly for its lightness and refreshing finish, making it a more fitting conclusion to the meal.

To celebrate the launch of HOME: Flavours from the Heart, you can explore the new Straits-inspired repertoire through both the à la carte menu and the Feast of the Straits dinner buffet, with attractive promotions available for Accor Plus members and selected credit card holders.

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.


Racines
Sofitel Singapore City Centre
Level 5
9 Wallich Street
Singapore 078885
Tel: +65 64285000
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 7am - 1030am, 12pm - 3pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right on Peck Seah Street. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 3 minutes. [Map]

Sukiyaki Yotaro @ Tanjong Pagar Road - A Dual-Style Wagyu Sukiyaki Experience in a Cozy Kyoto-Inspired Setting

Located at Tanjong Pagar Road, Sukiyaki Yotaro offers a refreshing take on the traditional Japanese hot pot experience. This intimate shophouse restaurant brings diners on a thoughtfully curated culinary journey, showcasing premium Wagyu beef flown directly from Japan. With its rustic, izakaya-style interior and warm, attentive service, the restaurant sets the stage for a memorable and immersive meal.

What truly distinguishes Sukiyaki Yotaro is its unique two-part sukiyaki experience — seamlessly guiding diners through both Kansai-style (grilled) and Kanto-style (simmered) preparations. This dual approach allows one to appreciate the nuanced characteristics of Wagyu in different cooking styles, elevating the dining experience beyond the ordinary.

Japanese Wagyu Beef Tartar 4.2/5

We began the evening with a selection of starters, starting with the Japanese Wagyu Beef Tartar ($20). Finely chopped premium Wagyu is crowned with a luscious golden egg yolk, creating a visually inviting dish. Once mixed, the yolk lends a velvety richness that complements the beef’s natural sweetness and umami. The delicate marbling melts effortlessly on the palate, delivering a clean yet indulgent start to the meal.

Steamed Oyster Soaked in Garlic Oil 4.2/5

Next, the Steamed Oyster Soaked in Garlic Oil ($12) offered a briny, aromatic contrast. The oyster was plump and juicy, its natural oceanic sweetness enhanced by the fragrant garlic oil. The infusion of savoury depth rounded out the flavours beautifully without overpowering the freshness of the seafood, serving as a bright and appetising prelude to the richer courses ahead.

Simmered Pork Loin Cutlet 4/5

The Simmered Pork Loin Cutlet ($20), prepared in a comforting Katsutoji style, brought a homely touch to the spread. The golden-fried pork cutlet is gently simmered in a sweet-savoury dashi broth and topped with a soft, barely set egg. Despite the simmering process, the pork retained its tenderness, while the panko crust soaked up the flavourful broth. Each bite was a harmonious blend of textures — crisp, juicy, and silky.

Japanese Wagyu Marbled Beef with Vegetables 4.8/5

The highlight of the meal is undoubtedly the sukiyaki. The experience begins with the Kansai-style Japanese Wagyu Marbled Beef with Vegetables ($53/100g). Prepared tableside by the attentive staff, the Wagyu is grilled on a hot pan, allowing the fat to render and caramelise lightly. This method brings out the pure, robust flavour of the beef. Enjoyed first with a light dashi and leeks, and then dipped into raw egg yolk, the beef delivers an indulgent, creamy richness that lingers on the palate.

Following this, the meal transitions into the Kanto-style sukiyaki, where a medley of vegetables is simmered in a sweet-savoury house broth. The broth gradually absorbs the essence of the Wagyu, deepening in flavour as the meal progresses.

Japanese Wagyu Lean Beef with Vegetables 4.5/5

Diners then swish slices of both Japanese Wagyu Marbled Beef with Vegetables ($53/100g) and Japanese Wagyu Lean Beef with Vegetables ($43/100g) into the bubbling broth. Cooked just briefly to retain a tender, medium-rare finish, the beef takes on a comforting, umami-rich profile. This second phase offers a heartwarming contrast to the bold, direct flavours of the Kansai style.

To conclude the savoury portion, we opted for rice. The staff thoughtfully cracked an egg into the remaining broth, creating a rich, flavourful mixture that coats the rice beautifully. It is a simple yet deeply satisfying finale.

Coffee Jelly 4/5

Dessert was equally delightful. The Coffee Jelly ($8) featured a delicate, jiggly texture with a well-balanced bitterness and subtle sweetness. Paired with creamy ice cream, the contrast between the cold, velvety dairy and the light, bouncy jelly created an addictive finish.

Oba Sorbet 4.2/5

The Oba (Shiso) Sorbet ($6) provided a refreshing end to the meal. Light and aromatic, it captured the herbaceous essence of shiso with hints of mint, basil, and citrus. Its clean, icy texture made it a perfect palate cleanser after the richness of the Wagyu.

Sukiyaki Yotaro delivers more than just a meal. It offers a thoughtfully paced dining experience that celebrates the versatility and quality of Japanese Wagyu. From the attentive service to the dual-style sukiyaki concept, every element is designed to engage and satisfy. For those seeking an authentic yet unique Japanese hot pot experience in Singapore, this cosy spot is well worth a visit.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Sukiyaki Yotaro
106 Tanjong Pagar Road
Singapore 088525
Tel: +65 97311136
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon, Wed-Thu: 530pm - 11pm
Fri-Sun: 12pm - 230pm, 530pm - 11pm
(Closed on Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Cross the road to Duxton Road. Walk down Duxton Road. Turn left onto Duxton Hill towards Tanjong Pagar Road. Turn right onto Tanjong Pagar Road and walk to the destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road. Turn right and walk to the destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Sushi Nakamura @ Onze (Tanjong Pagar) - Japanese Omakase Restaurant Focusing On Premium Sushi And Seasonal Ingredients

Sushi Nakamura at Onze @ Tanjong Pagar is an intimate sushi spot offering Nigiri course, omakase, and a curated à la carte menu. Our omakase experience was crafted using seasonal ingredients.

Abalone 4.5/5

To start, we had abalone with abalone liver sauce. The sauce, mellowed with butter, was rich with deep, oceanic umami that beautifully enhanced the abalone's natural sweetness.

Gurnard Fish 3.5/5

This was followed by a cold dish comprising Gurnard Fish with Dashi Vinegar Jelly, Ice Plant, and tomato. The dish delivered a refreshing fruity acidity that awakened the palate.

Sardine 3/5

Next came Sardine rolled with pickled ginger and shiso leaf, carrying a similarly briny yet tart and earthy profile.

Spanish Mackerel Shabu Shabu 4/5

A comforting turn came with Spanish Mackerel Shabu Shabu, served in a light, delicate broth that gently showcased the fish's natural flavours.

Tairagai 4/5

Then came a moreish grilled Tairagai, notable for its firm yet tender bite, with an intense umami richness elevated by grilled nori.

Seaweed Soup with Bamboo Shoots & Firefly Squid 4/5

Before the mains, we were served a Seaweed Soup with Japanese Bamboo Shoots and Firefly Squid. The gentle, light broth allowed the natural flavours of the springtime ingredients to shine, highlighting the sweet corn-like flavours of the crunchy bamboo shoots and the rich, briny depth of the squid.

Trio-style Seafood Donburi 4/5

Warm Seafood Noodles 3/5

We were served sampling portions of two signature dishes from their main menu: Trio-style Seafood Donburi and Warm Seafood Noodles. The donburi stood out with its satisfying textures and deeply flavourful rice. The noodles were comforting, though the broth leaned slightly too salty towards the end.

Nigiri 3/5

The final savoury course featured five types of Nigiri. The Ika impressed with its creamy, almost buttery texture, while the Unagi provided a bold, smoky finish to the meal.

Dessert 3/5

Dessert was a delightful combination of strawberry and kantan made with white bean paste and white chocolate. Overall, it was light, balanced, and a pleasant end to the experience.

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.


Sushi Nakamura
Onze
11 Kee Seng Street
#01-12
Singapore 089218
Tel: +65 89087964
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon: 6pm – 11pm Tue-Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road at Tanjong Pagar Road. Turn left onto Tanjong Pagar Road. Walk down Tanjong Pagar Road. Turn right onto Kee Seng Street. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 8 minutes. [Map]

Mary Grace Cafe @ Tras Street - Beloved Filipino Bakery-Café Makes Singapore Debut with Signature Ensaymadas and Comfort Classics

The beloved Filipino bakery-café chain Mary Grace makes its international debut in Singapore with its first overseas outpost along Tras Street. Officially opening on 13 March 2026, the homegrown favourite from the Philippines. With over 140 branches, it brings its signature bakes, comforting Filipino classics, and warm hospitality to our local dining scene. Alongside well-loved staples like Ensaymadas and Cheese Rolls, diners can also look forward to Singapore-exclusive creations.

Mary Grace Ensaymada 4.2/5

A must-try is the Mary Grace Ensaymada ($5.50), the brand's signature take on the classic Spanish-Filipino pastry. The brioche is soft, fluffy and buttery, crowned with premium-aged Queso de Bola (Edam cheese) from Holland. Unlike traditional versions, this rendition is lightly toasted, adding a delicate crispness that enhances both texture and aroma, especially bringing out the cheese's richness. There is also a Singapore-exclusive Salted Egg version for those seeking a local twist.

Kaya Pandan Cheese Roll 3.8/5

Another exclusive item is the Kaya Pandan Cheese Roll ($5.30). This variation features homemade pandan kaya paired with a savoury cheese core, all wrapped in the café's signature soft bread and finished with a light coating of caramelised coconut sugar. The combination delivers a comforting balance of sweet and savoury flavours.

Mary Grace Hot Chocolate 3.5/5

Pair your bakes with the Mary Grace Hot Chocolate ($7.50), made from premium Belgian cocoa. Rich and indulgent, it works well both as a drink and as a dip for the pastries.

Ube Coconut Cloud 4/5

For something refreshing, the Ube Coconut Cloud ($10) offers a delightful mix of coconut water topped with creamy ube foam and toasted coconut flakes. It is light, fragrant and very tropical.

Cassava Chips with Onion Dip 4.2/5

Beyond pastries, the menu also showcases hearty Filipino fare. The Cassava Chips with Onion Dip ($12) are paper-thin and crispy, but the addictive onion dip truly steals the show.

Angus Beef Tapa 4/5

The Angus Beef Tapa ($25.50) showcases a Filipino classic, featuring tender sirloin strips marinated for 24 hours. The sweet-savoury flavours are well-balanced and deeply satisfying. It comes with a choice of garlic or rosemary rice and eggs done your way — we opted for the garlic rice, which was fluffy and fragrant, paired with sunny-side-up eggs that completed the dish nicely.

Grilled Chicken Inasal Focaccia 4.2/5

A highlight among the savoury offerings is the Grilled Chicken Inasal Focaccia ($19.50). The chicken, marinated in a tangy achuete-spiced blend, is grilled to bring out smoky, zesty notes of lemongrass and tamarind. Sandwiched in house-baked focaccia that is crisp on the outside and fluffy within, it delivers both flavour and texture in every bite.

Mango Bene 4.5/5

We wrapped up the meal with the Mango Bene ($14.50, petite), a delightful dessert layering crisp meringue, silky custard cream, and fresh mangoes. Slightly frozen at the core, it offers a refreshing, almost ice cream-like finish that is both light and indulgent.

Overall, Mary Grace's Singapore debut delivers a comforting mix of nostalgic Filipino flavours and thoughtful local touches, making it a charming addition to the Tras Street dining scene.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Mary Grace Cafe
52 Tras Street
Singapore 078991
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 9am - 6pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Tras Street. Turn right onto Tras Street. Walk down Tras Street. Walk to the destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 2. Turn left and walk down Tanjong Pagar Road. Turn left onto Tras Street. Walk down Tras Street. Walk to the destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

SUSHISAMBA Singapore @ Capital Tower - 3-Course Alegria Dinner from Monday to Wednesday

SUSHISAMBA Singapore at Capital Tower offers an Alegria Dinner menu from Monday to Wednesday, a vibrant three-course experience from $78 per person, celebrating Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian cuisines.

Bahia Roll 3/5

For starters, we had the Bahia Roll (+$10), a maki sushi roll with tuna, shrimp tempura, jumbo crab, avocado, and spicy aji panca. The roll offered a delicate, creamy mouthfeel, while the shrimp tempura provided a satisfying crunch and textural contrast.

Beef Tenderloin Anticucho 3/5

Given SUSHISAMBA's reputation for robata grill specialities, we also tried the Beef Tenderloin Anticucho (+$10). The meat was expertly grilled, tender and blushing pink, though the flavour mostly came from the charred exterior and accompanying sauce rather than the cut itself.

Australian Grassfed Striploin 4.5/5

For mains, the Australian Grassfed Striploin (+$18) delivered unexpectedly rich, beefy notes for such a lean cut. It was evenly cooked with a consistent char on the exterior, enhancing the steak's natural flavour.

Chilean Sea Bass 5/5

I also enjoyed the Chilean Sea Bass (+$18), with firm, buttery flesh complemented by a umami white miso. The vibrant hajikami garnish added a refreshing contrast, cutting through the richness of the fish.

Passionfruit 3.5/5

Pistachio Ice Cream 4/5

Desserts were straightforward yet satisfying, featuring a citrusy, tart Passion Fruit (+$5) and a velvety Pistachio Ice Cream.

Alegria Dinner (Mon-Wed from 6pm)
3-Courses | $78 per pax
2-Hour Free Flow | $80++ per pax (Add-On)

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.


Sushisamba Singapore
Capital Tower
168 Robinson Road
#52-01
Singapore 068912
Tel: +65 6550 2290
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 1am
Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 2am
(Closed on Sun)

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