Umami 10 @ Telok Ayer Street - A Refined Japanese-European Fusion, Tapas-Style Experience

Located in the vibrant Telok Ayer district, Umami 10 delivers an elevated dining experience, blending the artistry of Japanese cuisine with refined European influences. Designed around a tapas-style concept, it offers a curated menu of inventive small plates, all served in an inviting setting perfect for savouring fine food, wine, and sake.

Premium Hyogo Oysters 4.2/5

The Premium Hyogo Oysters ($36) set the tone for the meal. Plump, juicy, and boasting a clean, briny flavour. The creamy oysters are elevated with uni and ikura toppings, delivering an exquisite taste of the sea in every bite.

Truffle Pitan Tofu 4.2/5

A standout dish was the Truffle Pitan Tofu ($20). This luxurious creation combines silky tofu with a rich, creamy century egg sauce, delivering a bold and savoury depth. Snow crab meat adds a delicate sweetness, while ikura pearls provide bursts of umami flavour. A subtle hint of truffle oil ties everything together with its earthy aroma, making it a must-try.

Cod Fish Shirako 4/5

The Cod Fish Shirako ($28) is a seasonal delicacy that should not be missed. The creamy texture and mild sweetness of the shirako are perfectly complemented by the house-made sauce, creating a delicate yet indulgent dish.

Gold Charcoal Karaage 4.2/5

The visually striking Gold Charcoal Karaage ($19) is as delicious as it is eye-catching. The chicken is coated in charcoal powder and finished with edible gold, delivering a crispy exterior and a tender, juicy interior. It's a perfect balance of flavour and texture, making it a treat for both the eyes and the palate.

Wagyu Boneless Short Ribs 4.2/5

The Wagyu Boneless Short Ribs ($35) are braised for 12 hours in a red wine blend, resulting in an incredibly tender, melt-in-the-mouth texture. The buttery flavour of the wagyu is enhanced by the richness of the braising liquid, offering a luxurious bite that's worth savouring.

Garlic Fried Rice 4.2/5

The Garlic Fried Rice ($20) is comfort food at its finest. Fluffy Japanese rice is cooked to perfection, with prawns adding a touch of sweetness. The garlicky and eggy fragrance is well-balanced, making it an irresistibly satisfying dish that complements the richer items on the menu.

Three Liqueur Tiramisu 4.2/5

To end on a sweet note, the Three Liqueur Tiramisu ($18) is a bold twist on the classic Italian dessert. The blend of three distinct liqueurs brings depth and complexity to the dish, striking the perfect balance between sweetness and subtle warmth from the alcohol. It's a decadent and satisfying finale to the meal.

Umami 10 impresses diners with its innovative Japanese-European fusion dishes, offering them an unforgettable dining experience in the heart of Telok Ayer. From indulgent small plates to exquisite seasonal offerings, each dish reflects a perfect harmony of flavours and textures. Pair it with their curated selection of sake or wine, and you have a dining destination that's perfect for both intimate meals and celebratory occasions.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Umami 10
163 Telok Ayer Street
Singapore 068616
Tel: +65 65135789
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 1030pm
Sat: 530pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left onto Telok Ayer Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Turn left onto Telok Ayer Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes.  [Map]

Fourgather @ Telok Ayer Street - Travel to Thailand With Fourgather’s Newly Expanded Menu of Modern Thai Flavours

When we last visited Fourgather at Telok Ayer, we enjoyed their creative, fusion-inspired Thai dishes. Now, just six months later, the restaurant has expanded its offerings to include more authentic dishes with unique twists.

The vibrant, eclectic space was bustling on a weekday night, making it ideal for relaxed gatherings. The upbeat Thai music playing in the background definitely added to the atmosphere.

Beverages

We opted for non-alcoholic beverages and appreciated the balanced sweetness. My favourite is their Thai Chrysanthemum ($5.50) for its lovely herbal notes and how it effectively washed down the spice from the food.

Thai Chicken Breast Salad 3.8/5

We started with the Thai Chicken Breast Salad ($16.90), featuring tender chicken breast in a mix of Thai herbs, nutty roasted rice powder, and a tangy spicy dressing.

Tom Yum Soup Clear 4.2/5

Next, the Tom Yum Soup Clear - Seafood ($24.90) was a flavourful, spicy option that struck a perfect balance with its herbaceous ingredients. Diners can choose from additional toppings like Vegetable ($13.90), Chicken ($16.90) or Prawn ($19.90), and a creamy version is available for those who prefer it.

PINTO Thai Rice Porridge Set for 2 Pax 4.2/5

On a chilly, rainy day, the new PINTO Thai Rice Porridge Set for 2 Pax ($23.90) felt incredibly soothing. This set includes a pot of unlimited pandan porridge accompanied by four side dishes. We sampled an array, from Steamed Pork Patty with Salted Fish to Thai Stir-Fried Pickled Mustard with Egg.

One of the standout dishes was the Crispy Pork Belly, Fish Sausage, and Fried Anchovies Yum Salad. The fish sausage crisps soaked up the tangy, spicy dressing beautifully, making it an addictive table favourite.

Another unexpected delight was the Chye Poh with Egg, featuring generous portions of sweet, crunchy chye poh.

For larger groups, a 4-person portion ($52.90) includes 10 side dishes. All sides are also available as a la carte.

Creamy LAVA EGG with Basil Minced Pork 4.2/5

Another new dish was the Creamy LAVA EGG with Basil Minced Pork ($14.90), where a layer of velvety eggs covered jasmine rice, topped with fragrant basil minced pork. The dish’s spice level is adjustable, and diners can choose different proteins, such as fried pork belly (+$3), prawns (+$6) and seafood (+$11).

Thai Crab Laksa 4/5

We ended our meal with the Thai Crab Laksa ($20.90). Dip the rice noodles into the creamy and mildly spicy coconut curry, pairing it with chunks of blue flower crab meat, fresh herbs and vegetables.

While the menu is slightly pricey, our meals at Fourgather are always a delight. We find their food to be authentic, with a touch of modernity, and well-balanced.

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.


Fourgather
76 Telok Ayer Street
#01-02
Singapore 048464
Tel: +65 8071 2946
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 11:30am - 11:30pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit B. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Ju Kyu Singapore @ Telok Ayer Street - Modern Japanese Restobar Catering to Various Occasions Booasting an Eclectic Menu

Located in Telok Ayer, Ju Kyu offers a modern Japanese dining experience within an enigmatic space adorned with sakura blossoms and vibrant Japanese motifs. The restaurant caters to various occasions, boasting a full menu ranging from skewers to tapas, small plates, rice dishes, noodles, mains, and desserts. Handcrafted cocktails with a Japanese twist are also one of the key offerings of Jyu Kyu.

Skewers 3.8/5

Grilled over Bincho-tan charcoal in a traditional Japanese Konro, Jyu Kyu's skewers are a highlight of the menu. We enjoyed a selection that included Pork Belly Enoki ($5.50), Beef Striploin ($6.50), Asparagus ($4.50), and Grilled Corn ($6.50). Each item had a well-executed caramelisation, but the Pork Belly Enoki stood out for its juicy, flavorful bite. The Grilled Corn, dusted with house spices, had great flavour but could have benefitted from a plumper corn cob.

Chargrilled Squid 3.8/5

The Chargrilled Squid ($22), grilled with care and served with sambal chilli and lime, had a lovely balance of flavours, though the squid could have been juicier for a more satisfying bite.

Chawanmushi 4/5

Cold Tofu 4.5/5

We tried the Cold Tofu ($14) from the tapas selection and Chawanmushi ($7.80). The marinated tofu was topped with ikura and furikake, with the marination seemingly infused with century egg, adding an excellent funky depth. The Chawanmushi, brimming with ikura, also surprised us with its generous fillings of salmon and mushrooms.

Uni & Crab Cracker 4/5

For a unique small plate, the Uni & Crab Cracker ($26) offered a mix of creamy crab rillettes and uni, topped with ikura and served on crispy rice paper puffs. The coriander infusion was subtle, but the contrast between the creamy filling and the crunchy base was delightful.

Unagi & Eggplant Rice 4.5/5

Under the Rice selection, the Unagi & Eggplant Rice ($26) was a standout, combining smoky, caramelized teriyaki eggplant with perfectly grilled eel. The smokiness of the eggplant added a surprising depth to the otherwise familiar unagi rice bowl, elevating the dish with texture and flavour.

Pork Belly Tonkotsu Ramen 4.8/5

A surprise hit was the Pork Belly Tonkotsu Ramen ($26). Despite not being a ramen speciality shop, Jyu Kyu delivered a bowl of rich, creamy pork broth hearty with tender chashu served slightly charred, a beautifully marinated ajitsuke tamago, and nicely cooked noodles.

Miso Black Cod 3.8/5

For Mains, we tried the Miso Black Cod ($34), served with spinach goma-ae was decent but felt like it could use a bit more refinement. While the pairing with goma-ae was thoughtful, the dish didn't quite reach the same heights as other mains.

Ju Kyu's beautifully decorated interior, featuring sakura-filled ceiling and Japanese illustrations, provides the perfect backdrop for a drink or two. Their curated cocktail menu offers aesthetically pleasing beverages that excite your eyes and palate.

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.


Ju Kyu
198 Telok Ayer Street
Singapore 068637
Tel:: +65 8819 8000
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 1130am - 230pm, 5pm - 11pm
Fri: 1130am - 230pm, 5pm - 1130pm
Sat: 5pm - 1130pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Turn left and walk down Telok Ayer Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

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

Freya @ Stanley Street - Modern Mediterranean Restaurant with Two Different Dining Experiences During the Day and Night

Freya at Stanley Street, a modern Mediterranean restaurant, offers two distinct dining experiences under one roof. During the day, the focus is on flavorful, nutritious salads and healthy grain bowls, while at night, you can enjoy modern Mediterranean cuisine alongside fine wines and cocktails.

Potato Pave 4.5/5

We began with the Potato Pave ($10), a crowd-pleasing starter. These potato mille-feuille bites, made in-house by compressing layers of thinly sliced potatoes, were pure deliciousness, especially when paired with the cold sour cream.

Beef Croquettes 4.5/5

The Beef Croquettes ($20) were more than just your typical croquettes. Each piece was a chunk of crumbed, coffee-braised beef cheek, and the contrasting crust accentuated the tenderness of the meat. The avocado cream on top added a luxurious mouthfeel.

Bresaola 4.2/5

The Bresaola ($12) was like a canapé, featuring air-dried Wagyu Bresaola with ricotta cheese and mustard on sourdough. The combination of savoury bresaola and milky ricotta was excellent for both mouthfeel and taste, with the mustard providing a final kick of flavour.

Carrot 3/5

The Carrot ($18) dish had the potential to be a great dish. The grilling of the young carrots could have been executed better to achieve a more tender texture and a more intensified sweetness to pair with the smoked feta. The savoury cashew nut crumbles offered a delectable crunch to the dish.

Mussels 4/5

For the main course, we had locally sourced Mussels in fermented chilli rice wine broth ($32). The broth had a mouthwatering aroma that appealed to all senses, and the plump mussels were best enjoyed with a glass of white wine. The restaurant has curated a selection of wines if you want to indulge.

Apple Tart 4/5

The dessert was good. The Apple Tart ($16) featured house-made apple filo parcels served with vanilla custard and candied walnuts. The apple filo was perfectly crisp with tender cinnamon-y apple cubes, but the custard could have been less sweet.

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.


Freya
13 Stanley Street
Singapore 068732
Tel: +65 8399 2450
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 11am - 10pm (Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk to Telok Ayer Street. Turn left onto Telok Ayer Street, walk to Boon Tat Street. Turn left onto Boon Tat Street. Turn right onto Stanley Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Turn left onto Telok Ayer Street. Walk to Mccallum Street. Turn right onto Mccallum Street. Turn left onto Stanley Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Jun Omakase @ Samsung Hub - Contunues to Impress with its Commitment to Quality and Freshness

It's been six years since I first visited Jun Omakase at Samsung Hub back in 2018, and I'm delighted to see that it has not only stood the test of time but continues to impress with its exceptional omakase offerings. On this visit, my friend and I decided to indulge in two of their omakase menus: the Ume Omakase ($168) and Jun Omakase ($228).

Ume Omakase - 3 Seasonal Appetiser 4/5

Jun Omakase - 3 Seasonal Appetiser 4/5

We began our omakase dinner with three seasonal appetisers, each offering a unique taste of the season's finest ingredients. The Ume Omakase featured a delightful trio: Fire Squid Tempura, Tofu Skin with Junsai (water shield), and Shellfish. Each bite was a delicate balance of flavours and textures, setting the stage for what was to come.

The appetisers for the Jun Omakase, which included Sawagani, a Japanese soft-shell freshwater crab, and Uni, took on a more premium flair. The Sawagani was crispy and full of umami, while the uni was rich and creamy, a perfect introduction to the higher-end offerings of the Jun Omakase.

Ume Omakase - Ikura Chawanmushi 4/5

Jun Omakase - Uni Truffle Chawanmushi 4.2/5

Next came the Chawanmushi, a beloved Japanese steamed egg custard. The Ume Omakase treated us to an Ikura Chawanmushi, where the briny pops of ikura (salmon roe) contrasted beautifully with the smooth, savoury custard. Meanwhile, the Jun Omakase elevated this dish with a luxurious Uni Truffle Chawanmushi, where the earthiness of the truffle melded with the richness of uni, creating a sublime dish that lingered on the palate.

Ume Omakase - 7pc Seasonal Sashimi 4.5/5

Jun Omakase - 8 pc Premium Sashimi 4.5/5

The sashimi course was undoubtedly the highlight of the night, showcasing an impressive array of freshly imported seafood from Japan. The Ume Omakase offered a 7-piece selection, including Tuna Jaw, Spotted Grouper, Striped Jack, Silver Beltfish, Sweet Shrimp, Scallops, and Sea Bream. Each piece was a testament to the restaurant's commitment to freshness and quality.

On the other hand, the Jun Omakase provided an 8-piece selection of premium sashimi. This included Tuna Jaw, Pomfret, Scallop, Alfonsino, Amberjack Belly, Silver Beltfish, Sweet Shrimp, and Herring Roe on Kelp. The additional piece of sashimi, coupled with the more luxurious choices, made this course a feast for the senses, truly showcasing the best of what the sea has to offer.

Ume Omakase - Two Types of Seasonal Dishes 4/5

Ume Omakase - Two Types of Seasonal Dishes 3.8/5

We were treated to two cooked seasonal dishes for the Ume Omakase: a perfectly grilled Sea Barracuda and a decadent combination of Scallop and Foie Gras. The Barracuda was beautifully charred, retaining its natural flavours, while the Scallop and Foie Gras dish provided a rich and indulgent contrast.

Jun Omakase - Two Types of Premium Dishes 4.2/5

Jun Omakase - Two Types of Premium Dishes 4/5

The Jun Omakase, staying true to its premium promise, offered Kinmedai (Golden Eye Snapper) for the grilled fish dish and an exquisite A5 Kagoshima Wagyu. The Kinmedai was delicate and flavourful, with its skin crisped to perfection. The A5 Wagyu, as expected, melted in the mouth, delivering an unparalleled richness that left a lasting impression.

Ume Omakase - Negi Toro Uni Don 4.2/5

For the carbo course, the Ume Omakase menu offered a choice between 6 pieces of Nigiri or Negi Toro Uni Don. We opted for the latter, a bowl of finely chopped fatty tuna topped with uni. The combination of flavours was as delightful as indulgent, a satisfying end to the savoury courses.

Jun Omakase - 6pc Nigiri 4.5/5

Jun Omakase - 2 Premium Hand Roll 4/5

There was no such choice in the Jun Omakase, but we were certainly not disappointed. It included 6 pieces of meticulously crafted Nigiri and 2 Premium Hand Rolls. By this point, I was almost too full, but the chef kindly reduced the amount of rice in the sushi, allowing me to savour each piece without feeling overwhelmed.

To conclude this exquisite meal, we were served a trio of desserts: Japanese Musk Melon, Cheesecake, and Kanten Jelly with Okinawa Brown Sugar. The Musk Melon was incredibly sweet and juicy, a refreshing palate cleanser. The Cheesecake was rich and creamy, while the Kanten Jelly provided a light, sweet ending to this remarkable dining experience.

Jun Omakase continues to impress with its commitment to quality, freshness, and culinary excellence. Whether you opt for the Ume Omakase or the more premium Jun Omakase, you're in for a dining experience that is both memorable and satisfying. This is a place where the art of omakase is celebrated, and where each dish is crafted with the utmost care and attention to detail. I'm glad to see that after six years, Jun Omakase remains a steadfast beacon of culinary brilliance in Singapore.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Jun Omakase
Samsung Hub
3 Church Street
Singapore 049483
Tel: +65 62240311
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Raffles Place (EW. NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 930pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk down Telok Ayer Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit F. Walk to the traffic light junction at Cecil Street and Church Street. Cross the road. Walk down Church Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]