Oishii Bar @ Frasers Tower - Experience The Delicate Craftsmanship of Tempura Through an Omakase Set Menu

Oishii Bar at Frasers Tower started as a Japanese and Italian fusion restaurant, Oishii Ristorante before it was rebranded in February 2023. Shifting the focus to bring authentic Japanese Cuisine to the diners, Chef Shigenari Sato decided to enrich your dining experience in Oishii Bar by offering Oishii Omakase Tempura.

Oishii Bar at Frasers Tower started as a Japanese and Italian fusion restaurant, Oishii Ristorante before it was rebranded in February 2023. Shifting the focus to bring authentic Japanese Cuisine to the diners, Chef Shigenari Sato decided to enrich your dining experience in Oishii Bar by offering Oishii Omakase Tempura.

The Appetizer was excellent, aesthetically plated with four petite dishes, each showcasing one of four core ingredients - onion, tofu, abalone, and eggplant. Chef Sato skillfully utilized various ingredients with distinct umami profiles to accentuate the subtle flavours of each element - Onion with mozuku seaweed and Junsai (Watershield) Jelly, Beancurd skin with Dashi sauce, Miso Eggplant with Dashi Jelly and Abalone with abalone liver sauce.

Ebi

Kisu

Ama Dai

We managed to try 6 seafood tempuras. I appreciate how Chef Sato prepared the Kuruma Ebi Tempura, a rich aroma with sweet shrimp. Instead of dipping the crispy ebi head into the tempura sauce, Chef Sato suggested we try it simply with salt. That allowed me to really taste the lightness of his batter. Amadai was tasty with the expected crispy scale, but it wasn't the best I had thus far. Kisu was interesting. It is lean white fish, but deep drying made it plump and juicy. It is pretty moreish, akin to eating Finnish Muikku.

Mehikari

Ika

Ika tempura certainly surprised me with its beautifully creamy texture. Another standout was the Mehikari fish, also known as the greeneye fish. Despite its exotic nature, it was delicious with a delightful, fluffy texture, enhanced by the thin tempura crust.

Anago

It was my first time having Anago prepared in tempura style rather than the usual simmering method, which brought out its suppleness even more.

White Asparagus

Maitake Mushroom

Sweet Corn

The Vegetable tempuras were simply delicious. Chef Sato's tempura batter excels at the quick frying process, sealing in the tenderness and juiciness of each ingredient in a thin, crispy crust. The Sweet Corn, sourced from Hokkaido, was the most memorable among them. Its intense corn flavour and sweetness were heightened since it was in season, with an almost buttery taste. Both the Maitake Mushroom tempura and the seasonal White Asparagus were equally delectable.

Rice

The highlight of Chef Sato's Omakase Tempura was undoubtedly the rice dish. Ours was similar to a Shrimp kakiage Tendon, crowned with an egg yolk tempura. Bursting the yolk tempura open was immensely satisfying, watching its creamy yolk lava ooze onto the contents below. Finished with a drizzle of tare, the shrimp kakiage took on a slightly chewy texture, and every bite was filled with the satisfying crunch from the plump shrimps, diced to perfection for the full experience. The rice was pearly and fragrant, and the dish wouldn't be complete without it.

Dessert

Dessert showcases one of Japan's best produce - fruits! Both the melon and pear were sweet and refreshing.

Each session will be in an intimate setting, with a limit of 6 persons for Lunch and Dinner service. Hence, Reservation / Rescheduling / Cancellation needs to be done 5 days in advance.

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.


Oishii Bar
Frasers Tower
182 Cecil Street
#01-05
Singapore 069547
Tel: +65 6232 7890
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk to destination. Journey time about 4 minutes. [Map]

Barood @ Tras Street - Modern Latin Indian Izakaya with Spiced Tapas and Inventive Cocktails

Barood has been hiding its culinary prowess for a year now, and it was high time I uncovered the gem at Tras Street above Revolver. This modern Latin Indian izakaya continues to push the boundaries with its spiced tapas and inventive cocktails, making every visit an exciting journey for the taste buds.

Sydney Spritz

Roma Amara

The evening began with a global tour of cocktails, each a liquid passport to a different destination. The Sydney Spritz ($24) and Roma Amara ($26) were our pre-dinner companions, setting the tone with their light and refreshing profiles.

Tostadas 4.2/5

We kicked off the 7-course Tasting Menu ($89/pax) with Tostadas that left us marvelling. These toasted tortillas were crowned with smoked aubergine, a seemingly humble ingredient that played a starring role. Even the aubergine sceptics among us were converted as the dish unfolded into a harmonious blend of flavours and textures.

Scallop Tart 5/5

The Scallop Tart, adorned with mango, chipotle, and curry leaf oil, was a delightful exploration of contrasts. The sweetness from the scallop shone through the layers of flavours. All encased in a crispy shell that added a satisfying crunch.

Goat Biryani Arancini 4.5/5

A highlight of the meal was the Goat Biryani Arancini, a delightful fusion of Italian rice balls with an Indian twist. Pulled goat, biryani, and pickle mayo were expertly combined, coated in breadcrumbs, and deep-fried to perfection. The result was a burst of robust Indian spices.

Mexican Kiss

Tokyo no Sumo

We didn't stop at one round of cocktails. We sipped on the Mexican Kiss ($26) and Tokyo no Sumo ($28) for the second act, each offering a unique taste journey.

Smoked Lobster Yakitori 4.8/5

One of the menu's stars was the Smoked Lobster Yakitori, featuring sweet and bouncy lobster skewered alongside smoked chillies and chipotle chutney. The lobster's freshness and the sauce's smoky richness made for an unforgettable pairing.

Malabar Pork Taco 4.2/5

The Malabar Pork Taco was an elevated take on the traditional al pastor. Amul Cheese and fruity mango elevated the seasoned and marinated pork, creating a symphony of fireworks in every bite.

Momo Calcutta 4/5

Served in a steaming basket, the Momo Calcutta presented plump dumplings stuffed with ginger chicken, accompanied by pea shoots. The dumplings were juicy, and the pea shoots provided a delightful textural contrast. Pairing them with the Goan sambal elevated the experience.

Bombay Creme Brulee 4/5

We concluded the feast on a sweet note with the Bombay Creme Brulee, which had its own twist. Fresh corn and saffron were added, introducing new dimensions to this classic dessert. The sweet corn brought a pleasant sweetness, while the saffron added an aromatic touch.

Barood continues to stand out with its innovative dishes and inventive cocktails. Here's to another year of delightful surprises from this Latin Indian gem.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Barood
56A Tras Street
Singapore 078995
Tel: +65 96223410
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Sat: 5pm - 12midnight
(Closed on Sun to Tue)

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

Racines @ Sofitel Singapore City Centre - New Menu with Focus On Sustainability Dining By Chef Isaac Henry

Sofitel Singapore City Centre has a new Director of Culinary and Beverage on board - Isaac Henry. His culinary experience spans continents, honing his skills in Michelin-starred restaurants in both Paris and Singapore. As a strong advocator of sustainable dining, it is no surprise that you might have spotted him on the host of a six-part docu-series on Channel News Asia titled 'Zero Waste Kitchen'. On the refreshed Racines's menu, other than its attention-grabbing fashion magazine-style design, new signatures are introduced that were conceptualised with the environment in mind.

Chicken & Duck Foie Gras Mousse 4.8/5

Chef Isaac would like to call the Chicken & Duck Foie Gras Mousse a marriage between Asian food and French dishes – reflecting the restaurant's signature cuisine. The chicken liver is locally sourced, aligning with our commitment to sustainability. A small portion of duck liver is blended with chicken liver, cream and egg to achieve a velvety texture. Adding sweet and tangy Chinese black wine vinegar elevates this mousse to another level brilliantly, much like how a fruit compote complements the richness and flavour of a liver pate with a delightful touch of sweet acidity. It formed a luxurious spread for the sourdough bread served on the side.

Charred Asparagus with Housemade Hollandaise 5/5

I thoroughly enjoyed the Charred Asparagus, which differentiates itself with a tantalising combination of flavours and textures brought to life by creamy housemade Hollandaise, umami Shio Kombu, and sugar-roasted Almonds ($26). The asparagus, charred on an open-fire grill, was laced with a delightful smoky nuance, adding a flavour depth to the dish. The creamy and substantial sauce lent a satisfying mouthfeel to the asparagus, with its sweetness aptly balanced by the savoury shio kombu. The almond candies provided a morish textural crunch, completing this enticing plate of asparagus.

Otak Otak 4/5

Otak Otak ($18) features a spiced Spanish Mackerel Fish cake roasted in a Banana Leaf parcel served with housemade cincalok sauce. Chef Isaac used one of his oldest recipes when craving for otak-otak abroad, and none was readily available. Using a traditional way of making otak otak, made by blending slow-cooked rempah paste for two hours, he also added fresh water chestnuts for texture. I like the lightness of this Otak Otak versus some, which are more assertive in terms of the spice content. The cincalok sauce enlivened its taste even further.

Ngoh Hiang 4/5

Ngoh Hiang features Crispy Five-Spiced Seafood Wrapped in Beancurd Skin Served with Housemade Chilli Sauce ($18). Crusted within was a juicy seafood filling made with sotong paste, prawn meat, and crabmeat. Instead of the sweet sauce, we have a punchy house-fermented chilli sauce resulting from blended spices that is left to sit for a day to ferment.

Prawn Biryani 4.5/5

Chef Isaac's Smoked Argentinian Red Prawn Biryani Served with Salted Yoghurt ($36) is a "nontraditional version", which is a cure for hangover to me. The prawns were pre-seared, effectively sealing an incredible amount of juices within the heads. You will get everything in one spoonful by layering the rice with Spiced Ghee and Cashews and masala made with prawns. Although the rice was saucier than I would have liked it to be, the presence of the well-caramelised onions and the salted yoghurt served on the side provided a great balance to the masala.

Crispy Scale Red Snapper 4.8/5

The Crispy Scale Red Snapper ($42) comprises pumpkin puree, wilted baby spinach, squid ink, and beurre blanc. Snapper is also locally sourced from a farmer who slaughters and fillets it Ikejime-style, which kills it instantly, resulting in less blood and tender flesh. It gives it a much whiter, tastier flesh. Indeed, what we had was beautiful, moist and tender with a supreme taste. What I also appreciate is how the scales were left intact and crisped with hot oil as a means to minimise wastage. As the presentation of such dishes has a typical neutral flavour profile, the accompanying wilted spinach is cooked with squid ink to add that extra savoury element to enhance the flavour profile of the fish.

Sliced Beef Hor Fun 4.2/5

Sliced Beef Hor Fun features a wok-tossed thinly sliced Argentinian Grain-fed Beef with Flat Rice Noodles and Garlic Crisp ($38). While it is tough to attain a deep wok hei flavour into the rice noodle, this is nonetheless a very decadent version with soft and tender Beef Argentinian striploin. I also enjoyed how sweet the spring onions were, which balanced the flavour of this highly flavour dish. Attention is paid to the Garlic crisps. They are coated with flour and then fried to get a long-lasting crisp. However, I preferred a broader type of flat rice noodles for a better texture.

Sautéed Clams Manila Clams 4.8/5

Sautéed Clams Manila Clams ($60) stood out with a heedy broth. Chef Isaac uses locally sourced Manila clams, which do not have many sand sediments and are sweet in flavour. Tossed in Aged Guanciale, Housemade Nduja Butter and Parsley Pistou, the broth had so much body and packed a punch of flavour. The Nduja is sourced from a Basque country (France), producing milder' nduja. Hence, the sweetness of the clams was still very much present. Parsley Pistou was sharp, accenting the broth with herbaceous nuances.

Almond & Logan 4/5

For dessert, Chef Isaac's rendition of the Almond & Logan surprised me with an aesthetically pleasing plating and an exceptionally creamy Almond jelly. The white fungus could have been more cooked through for a softer texture.

Skillet Baked Dark chocolate Cookie 4.5/5

Skillet Baked Dark chocolate Cookie Salted Hokkaido Milk Ice Cream ($23) is a comfort food that will lift your spirits. The Skillet baking creates crisp edges with a moist and gooey centre.

Textures of Meringue 3/5

Pavlova features Textures of Meringue with Passion Fruit Sorbet, Micro Basil and Strawberries ($22). I find most meringue desserts to be on the sweeter side; hence, this is my least favourite of the lot.

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.


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 destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Ya Ge (雅阁) @ Orchid Hotel Singapore - Exquisite Weekend Dim Sum Brunch

Ya Ge Chinese Restaurant, nestled in the Orchid Hotel Singapore, has introduced an enticing culinary experience - the Exquisite Weekend Dim Sum Brunch. This brunch affair promises an array of premium, one-of-a-kind Chef's Specials, comprising meticulously crafted artisanal dim sum, hearty main courses, and delectable desserts. As a bonus, diners can savour these delicacies alongside unlimited servings of the restaurant's signature dishes.

Siew Mai, Fresh Scallop Dumpling, Steamed Glutinous Rice Dumpling 4.8/5

Kicking off our brunch adventure was a trio of exquisitely prepared dim sum: Siew Mai with Abalone in Abalone Sauce, Fresh Scallop Dumplings with a delightful Mentaiko Mayo twist, and Steamed Glutinous Rice Dumplings crowned with lobster and bathed in a rich seafood sauce, topped with delicate bonito flakes. These were no ordinary dim sum; each bite was a carefully orchestrated symphony of flavours that danced on the palate.

Double-boiled Shark's Fin Pomegranate Dumpling in Shark's Bone Cartilage Broth 4.5/5

One standout was the Double-boiled Shark's Fin Pomegranate Dumpling in Shark's Bone Cartilage Broth. It was like enjoying two culinary treasures in one dish – a luxurious dumpling encasing premium ingredients submerged in a deeply satisfying and gelatinous broth.

Garden Greens Rill 3.8/5, Gyoza 3.8/5, Deep-fried Gourd-shaped Puff 4.2/5, Shrimp Ball 4.2/5

The dim sum brunch continued with another quartet of dim sum delights: Garden Greens Rill with Black Garlic and Tea Tree Mushroom, Pan-fried Snow-flakes Kurobuta Pork Gyoza paired with Japanese Leek, Deep-fried Gourd-shaped Sea Cucumber and King Oyster Mushroom Puff, and the innovative Lava Mango Shrimp Ball. Among these, the Deep-fried Gourd-shaped puff filled with sea cucumber and king oyster mushrooms was a revelation. The interplay of textures, from the chewy puff to the crunchy filling, was a delightful contrast. Equally impressive was the Shrimp Ball, a creative twist on the classic dim sum featuring a mouthwatering combination of fried prawn and mango.

Crispy Noodles with King Prawn in Superior Broth 4/5

Braised Minced Meat in House's Special X.O. Sauce with Japanese Pearl Rice 3.5/5

Moving on to the main courses, we savoured Crispy Noodles with King Prawn in Superior Broth and Braised Minced Meat in the House's Special X.O. Sauce served with Japanese Pearl Rice. While these dishes provided comfort and satiety, they couldn't quite match the artistry of the dim sum that had preceded them.

Chilled Blueberry Yogurt Snow Ball Mochi 4.8/5, Steamed Red Dates Cake 4.2/5

The grand finale of the Chef's Special selection featured a tempting dessert duo - a chilled Blueberry Yogurt Snow Ball Mochi and a Steamed Red Dates Cake. However, the chilled Blueberry Yogurt Snow Ball Mochi truly stole the spotlight. It was my inaugural encounter with this Taiwanese sensation, and it left a lasting impression. The creamy filling, beautifully balanced with a stretchy mochi skin, offered a delightful contrast of sweetness and chewiness. It was a lovely discovery that concluded our dining experience on a high note.

Chilled Mango Sago Pomelo 4/5

For those with ample room in their stomachs, the unlimited signature selections offered even more culinary treasures, including Mini Pumpkin Pastries with Minced Chicken, Mushroom, and Thyme, Ugly Duckling with Chicken, Yam, and Mushroom, Golden Pumpkin Seafood Thick Broth, Braised Ma Po Tofu Sze Chuan-style, Sautéed Kurobuta Pork with Garlic Sauce, Chilled Mango Sago Pomelo, and Chilled Lemongrass Jelly with Aloe Vera to name just a few.

Chilled Lemongrass Jelly with Aloe Vera 4/5

Available every Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays, this Exquisite Weekend Dim Sum Brunch is priced at $68 per adult and $48 per child (with a minimum of two adults per table). It offers two seating options from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm and 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm. For those looking to elevate their experience, a $35 top-up grants unlimited pours of Le Contesse Prosecco Spumante DOC Treviso Brut, adding a touch of effervescent luxury to an already exceptional brunch affair.

Note: This is an invited tasting


Ya Ge (雅阁)
Orchid Hotel
1 Tras Link
Level 3
Singapore 078867
Tel: +65 68186831
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight towards Orchid Hotel. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Singapore JIAK @ Frasers Towers - Four Hawker Food Brands Under One Roof with Dishes Below $10 in CBD

Singapore JIAK at Frasers Towers is a food-court-inspired concept by the Singaporean-owned Akashi Group. Singapore JIAK debuts 4 hawker brands within this cosy space - Grandma's, Dunman Wanton Mee, Teck Kee Fat Duck and Ah Goh Fish Soup.

Grandma's Curry Chicken Nasi Lemak 4.5/5

Grandma's is a resurrected brand under the Akashi Group that was established in 2008. Some of you may be familiar with some of their local dishes. At Singapore JIAK, Grandma's showcases their nasi lemak dish, with options such as Chicken Wing Nasi Lemak ($5.80), Crispy Bukhari Chicken Leg Nasi Lemak ($9.80), and the signature Grandma's Curry Chicken Nasi Lemak ($9.80). We tried the latter, which came with a chicken leg doused in curry that packed a punch. The coconut rice was aromatic and fluffy, and I was delighted by how thick the egg omelette slice was.

Mixed Pork Wanton Mee 4.2/5, Fried Wanton 4/5

Behind Dunman Wanton Mee is the culinary team formerly from Wanton Seng, known for its bowls of springy noodles tossed with aromatic pork lard. There are four dishes on the menu – Classic Dunman Wanton Mee ($5.80), Char Siew Wanton Mee ($6.80), Roasted Pork Wanton Mee ($6.80) and Mixed Pork Wanton Mee ($7.80). We had the ultimate combination - Mixed Pork Wanton Mee. While the Char Siew was on the leaner side, the wantons were satisfying with their plump and meaty fillings, and the crispy pork delivered the much anticipated cracking skin. Fried Wantons is available as well.

Duck Rice 4.2/5

Teck Kee Fat Duck is the sister brand of London Fat Duck, renowned for its mouthwatering roasted Irish ducks. They use the same Irish duck and adopt similar roasting techniques, aiming to deliver the same melt-in-the-mouth and robust flavours to their customers. The menu also features other roasted meats, including salted chicken, roast pork, and honey char siew. True to their promise, what we had didn't disappoint, with its juicy and tender meat complemented by beautifully roasted skin. The sauce worked perfectly to bring the rice and meat together.

Sliced Fish Soup 4/5

Ah Goh Fish Soup is also an original brand created for this concept. The soup itself is boiled using fish bones leftover from premium fish imported from Japan, enhanced with a dash of 20-year-old Hua Tia wine. We had the Sliced Fish Soup ($5.80) with batang fish. What sets this fish soup apart you can taste is the pronounced flavour extracted from the specific fish bones they use. Although it was tasty, I prefer a sweet touch for a better balance. The fish slices were fresh and paired well with a generous portion of vegetables, making the bowl of fish soup delightfully wholesome.

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.


Singapore JIAK
Frasers Tower
182 Cecil Street
#02-15/16/17
Singapore 069547
Tel: +65 86847728
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon - Sat: 9am – 10pm
(Closed on Sun)

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

2) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk to Telok Ayer Street. Walk down Telok Ayer Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]