JB Claypot Curry Fish Head @ Bedok North Street 3 - Hearty JB-Style Curry Fish Head & Zi Char Dishes

Claypot curry fish head has been gaining plenty of attention lately, and one of the places we recently checked out is JB Claypot Curry Fish Head, tucked inside Chang Sheng Eating Place at Bedok North Street 3. The stall specialises in charcoal claypot curry fish head, alongside a selection of hearty, comforting zi char-style dishes that are perfect for sharing over a casual meal.

While the Signature Curry Fish Head ($26) is the dish to try here, we chose the Curry Fish Tail ($33) instead. The stall prides itself on its JB-style curry, which comes with a noticeably rich and lemak profile. The curry is thick, creamy and packed with coconut richness, with just enough savouriness to keep you going back for more. It is the kind of curry that works especially well with a bowl of steamed rice, soaking up all that luscious gravy.

Signature Curry Fish Head / Fish Tail 4.2/5

Served bubbling in a charcoal claypot, the curry fish tail is topped with crispy beancurd skin, adding a pleasant textural contrast. Digging underneath, there is a generous amount of vegetables including cabbage, long beans, brinjal and okra, making this a hearty one-pot dish. The fish tail itself was meaty and paired well with the rich curry.

Sambal Four Heavenly Kings 3.8/5

We also tried the Sambal Four Heavenly Kings ($12), a familiar mix of long beans, okra, brinjal, and petai, finished with crispy fried ikan bilis for extra crunch. The vegetables retained a decent bite, while the ikan bilis added a nice savoury contrast. However, the sambal was rather mild and lacked the fiery punch we were expecting. If you enjoy your sambal with plenty of heat, this might come across as a little restrained.

Dried Shrimp Fried Lala 4/5

The Dried Shrimp Fried Lala ($14) was another enjoyable dish. The lala were plump and juicy, wok-fried in a fragrant dried shrimp sauce with sweet, spicy, and savoury notes. The dried shrimp gave the sauce a deep umami character, coating the shellfish with plenty of flavour without overpowering its natural sweetness. A good option to order alongside the curry and rice for some variety.

Ginger Paste Kampung Chicken 3.5/5

The Ginger Paste Kampung Chicken ($18) comes with kampung chicken, identifiable by its slightly more yellow-toned skin. The chicken was paired with a fragrant ginger paste that brought a warm, aromatic quality to the dish. The ginger sauce complemented the chicken well, though we found some parts of the chicken slightly dry. It is a comforting and familiar zi char-style dish, but compared to the curry fish tail, it was less memorable.

JB Claypot Curry Fish Head offers a satisfying selection of hearty zi char dishes, but the highlight for us was definitely the JB-style Curry Fish Tail. The rich, creamy and lemak curry, together with the crispy beancurd skin and generous serving of vegetables, makes it particularly enjoyable with plenty of steamed rice. If you are a fan of rich curry and communal zi char meals, this Bedok North stall is worth checking out for its charcoal claypot curry.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


JB Claypot Curry Fish Head
Chang Sheng Eating Place
Blk 539 Bedok North Street 3
#01-593
Singapore 460539
Instagram
Nearest MRT: Bedok (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bedok MRT Station. Take Exit B or C. Walk to Bedok Bus Interchange (Stop ID 84009). Take bus number 225G. Alight 3 stops later, cross the road and walk to the destination. Journey time is about 10 minutes. [Map]

Burma Social @ Siglap - Singapore’s First Multicultural Restaurant and Bar Opens 2nd Outlet in the East

Burma Social has recently opened its second outlet at Siglap. As Singapore's first multicultural restaurant and bar, this new space aims to offer an experiential immersion into the culture and heritage of the Burmese people, where traditional Burmese recipes take on modern interpretations infused with influences from its five bordering neighbours — Chinese, Thai, Indian, Bangladeshi, and Laotian.

Kyar Pin Kyaw 2/5

Siam Spiced Barramundi 4/5

From the Wok & Fried selections, we had the Kyar Pin Kyaw ($24), featuring fried lotus root slices tossed with Pin Sean Tamarind Sauce and Siam Spiced Barramundi ($28). I preferred the latter, which offered tender barramundi in an appetising chilli coriander sauce, complemented by crunchy pieces of mustard leaf stems. The fried lotus roots were a tad too saucy and salty.

Silky Siam Truffle and Har Gao 3/5

What's interesting about this new outlet is the lineup of contemporary takes on dim sum. We had the Silky Siam Truffle ($18/4 pcs) and Har Gao with Green Curry Prawn Farce ($22/4 pcs). The truffle dumpling had an enjoyable skin, but the filling lacked texture, being simply a mixture of cream cheese and truffle. The latter was tasty with a well-seasoned filling, but it was rather ordinary without the green curry drizzle, which was supposed to be served together.

Burmese Bao 2.5/5

Pork Bao 2.5/5

The dim sum includes Bao Buns laced with Burmese spices. We tried the Pork ($24/3 pcs) and Burmese Bao ($20/3 pcs) versions. While the pork slices were unctuous and tender, they were overly sauced, which caused the bao to be soggy. Unfortunately, the Burmese Bao was a plant-based version with mock meat and was just as highly flavoured.

Shan Kauk Swe Prawns 3.8/5

For mains, we had Shan Kauk Swe with Prawns ($36) with Burmese rice noodles and pickled mustard greens, and Curry Pyazzo ($28), a traditional Indian herb-infused curry served with Burmese salad, black chickpeas, and onion fritters. Both were equally mouthwatering with robust flavours. Shan Kauk Swe with Prawns is served with a spiced chickpea gravy, where you toss the rice noodles with the gravy when served. The spiced gravy had a fruity tomatoey flavour, which balanced the spices and savoriness of the dish perfectly. Sprinkled with crunchy condiments, the textural play in the dish was superb, though it could benefit from silkier rice noodles.

Curry Pyazzo 3/5

As for the Curry Pyazzo, the chickpea curry was moreish with Indian herbs, offering textural enjoyment from the onion fritters. However, it was too soupy to be a satisfying curry without substantial ingredients.

Gula Melaka Sago 3/5

For dessert, we had Gula Melaka Sago ($14). The freshly grated coconut was a plus, but I would have preferred a more proportionate ratio of sago to ice cream. After all, it is a sago dessert.

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.


Burma Social
907 East Coast Road
Singapore 459107
Tel: +65 6016 9140
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Marine Terrace (TE Line), Bedok (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 12midnight
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Marine Terrace MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to bus stop opposite block 57 (Stop ID 92071). Take bus number 13 or 16. Alight 5 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Bedok MRT station. Take Exit B or C. Walk to Bedok Bus Interchange (Stop ID 84009). Take bus number 16. Alight 6 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 18 minutes. [Map]

Tres Sombreros @ Upper East Coast Road - New Mexican Eatery On Upper East Coast Road Serving Vibrant Mexican Feast

Opened late last year along Upper East Coast Road, Tres Sombreros is a vibrant Mexican restaurant offering various Mexican dishes, from tacos and burritos to chimichangas and quesadillas, as well as Mexican coffee and cocktails. The restaurant is spacious, with colourful murals and decorations, perfect for a casual dinner or a festive celebration.

Sangria 4.2/5, Virgin Mojito 4/5

We started off the meal with their signature Margaritas, cocktails or mocktails. I had a huge glass of their signature Sangria ($18), which is available in a jug for sharing, and a Virgin Mojito ($8), a refreshing beverage for the flavour-intense mains later on.

Nachos 3.8/5

The Nachos ($18) come with crispy corn chips, topped with a myriad of ingredients such as cheese, black olives, black olives, Jalapeno, sour cream, tomatoes, guacamole, and salsa sauce. If you're with a group of friends, you may also upgrade to the Ultimate Nachos with a choice of lamb or beef, which is fit for 3 to 4 pax.

Grilled Fish 3.5/5, Spicy Chipotle Shrimp 4/5

For the tacos, we opted for the Grilled Fish ($10) and Spicy Chipotle Shrimp ($10). Our favourite is Spicy Chipotle, and I enjoyed the juicy shrimp wrapped in the warm flour tortilla. Other options include the Pollo Asado (chicken), Birria Quesa (beef) and Carnitas (pork).

Birria Sliders 3.8/5

The Birria Sliders ($16) are pulled beef sliders served with Birria consomme to dunk it in. The meat is very soft and tender, with the Birria consomme adding more beefy flavours to the sliders.

Quesadilla 4.2/5

The Quesadilla ($19) comes packed with melted cheese and spiced lamb meat in a soft tortilla skin. These little pockets of spice and cheesiness are easy to pick up and dip into the salsa sauce.

Chimichanga 4/5

The Chimichanga ($26) consists of a fried crispy flour tortilla stuffed with chicken, cheese, black beans, and jalapeños. It is then topped with sour cream and pico de gallo. It also comes with sides of homemade salsa verde and guacamole. The portion size is huge, suitable for sharing between 2 pax.

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.


Tres Sombreros
77 Upper East Coast Road
#01-02
Singapore 455218
Tel: +65 86463571
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Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Bedok (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 10am - 2pm, 5pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bedok MRT station. Walk to Bedok Bus Interchange (Stop ID 84009). Take bus number 16. Alight 5 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Diamond Kitchen @ Laguna Park - Celebrate 10th Anniversary with Lip-smacking ‘3 Crabs for $49.90’ Deal

I still remember my first visit to Diamond Kitchen at Laguna Park eight years ago after an article by Straits Times food critic Wong Ah Yoke brought it to fame. The restaurant saw snaking queues overnight, and I heard they even have to turn away customers. It was so hard to get a table then. Yet, in a blink of an eye, the restaurant is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.

Honey Marmite Crab 4.5/5

In conjunction with the restaurant's 10th anniversary, it is rolling out an irresistible crablicious deal. The special promotion allows customers to enjoy 3 Crabs for $49.90 for both dine-in and takeaway. Each crab weighs about 500g. What's more astonishing is your can choose to cook the crab in 20 different flavours.

Gan Xiang Crab 4.2/5

I was surprised that the restaurant now offers up to 20 flavours for the crabs. Some of them are unique flavours, such as Honey Marmite Crab. It never occurs to be the sweet and savoury combination of honey and marmite that come together harmoniously with the crustaceans. It is a good change from the usual chilli and black pepper crab, which is more suitable for children.

Curry Crab 4.8/5

The Gan Xiang Crab was the signature when the restaurant first opened. I am glad that it is still on the menu. However, I find the spice level has been toned down and is sweeter now, which didn't showcase the spices' aroma. The crowd's favourite for the night is the Curry Crab served in claypot with long beans and eggplant. It is like a crab version of the curry fish head. The curry sauce is very appetising, and I love the new style of having crab.

X.O Crab Bee Hoon Soup 4/5

Another beautiful crab dish on the menu is the X.O Crab Bee Hoon Soup ($55.90). It hits the spot for for a good bowl of crab bee hoon soup. The only disappointment is I couldn't taste the X.O in the soup.

Salted Egg Yolk Sotong 4.5/5

Besides the crab promotion, Diamond Kitchen also rolls out an All-Stars Set Menu ($85++ for 3-4pax / $155++ for 6-8pax) that showcases their all-time signature dishes over the ten years. It comprises five courses, starting with the Salted Egg Yolk Sotong, which is coated in a light crispy batter of cream crackers and flour for that addictive crunch. It is further tossed in handmade salted egg yolk powder and curry leaves, elevating the taste profile.

Champagne Pork 4.2/5

Juicy and tender is the Champagne Pork. The double deep-fried pork collar is tossed in a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavour that is delightful with each bite.

Brinjal Claypot 4.5/5

The best to savour with a bowl of steaming rice is the Brinjal Claypot cloaked in piquant homemade sauce. The sauce is so delicious that I can have a few bowls of rice with it.

Superior Stock Clam Bee Hoon 4.5/5

Another dish that brought Diamond Kitchen to fame is the Superior Stock Clam Bee Hoon. The silky bee hoon served in a thick superior stock is packed with natural sweetness from the generous portion of succulent fresh clams and wolfberries. I recommend having it together with their fragrant homemade sambal chilli if you love spicy food. It elevates the enjoyment to a whole new level.

Pumpkin & Ginko Yam Paste 4.2/5

Ending the 5-course meal on a sweet note is the Pumpkin & Ginko Yam Paste. I love Orh Nee and enjoyed the rich, creamy, and flavourful warm pureed yam.

It is glad to see Diamond Kitchen is still around after all these years, surviving the tough years of COVID. I am happy that the head chef is still around, maintaining the same standard and quality all these years. The promotions will be available at both their Laguna Park and Science Park outlet.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Diamond Kitchen (钻石小厨)
Laguna Park Condominium
5000F Marine Parade Road
#01-22/23
Singapore 449289
Tel: +65 64480629
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Bedok (EW Line), Siglap (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 230pm, 530pm -11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bedok MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Bedok MRT station (Stop ID 84039). Take bus number 31. Alight 6 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Bedok MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Bedok Bus Interchange (Stop ID 84009). Take bus number 196 or 197. Alight 7 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Siglap MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Blu Kouzina @ Siglap - Greek-style Breakfast In An Idyllic Setting

Blu Kouzina at Dempsey has been known for its authentic Greek cuisine for the past decade. Its latest outlet at Siglap now even includes a breakfast menu, allowing customers to enjoy a full-fledged Greek dining experience any time of the day. It opens as early as 730am on the weekend!

It is such a great place to be before the day begins with its idyllic island-inspired setting. I was lucky to visit on a weekday morning, where I got to enjoy its serenity before it got disturbed by the buzz of chatter from the afternoon crowd.

Greek Breakfast 4.5/5

The biggest drawn of its Breakfast Menu is its Greek Selection. We had the Greek Breakfast ($22) that comes with a choice of coffee or tea, alongside a Spinach Pie ($9.50) and Lamb Sausage Roll ($11.50). The Greek Breakfast was wholesome with a slab of feta cheese, two perfectly done hardboiled eggs with a slight oozy yolk, tomatoes, fried bread, olives, a generous portion of yoghurt, a handful of walnuts and a serving of honey.

I amped up my Greek Breakfast with a few Add ons - Crispy Kale ($2), Roasted Potatoes ($3), and Spinach ($2). The Roasted Potatoes is not your usual kind but are marinated with lemon before roasting to give it a touch of tanginess.

Spinach Pie 4.2/5

Rarely you will get a good Spinach Pie loaded with spinach and feta cheese filling. The pie is incredibly yummy with a thin, buttery and flaky crust made with phyllo pastry.

Lamb Sausage Roll 3.8/5

The highly recommended Lamb Sausage Roll ($11.50) comes with homemade sausage. The lamb sausage was tender and juicy, and the rich tomato sauce complemented it excellently.

Homemade Granola 4/5

Every place has its recipe for homemade granola. You will probably crave its Homemade Granola ($8) if it is your kind of breakfast. The granola wasn't too sweet, and the generous portion of yoghurt and honey dolloped over the granola was pleasingly satiable.

Lemon Verbena Tea

Greek Coffee

The regular coffees are great but do try the specialities such as the Greek Coffee and a range of tea imported from Greece.

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.


Blu Kouzina Siglap
907 East Coast Road
#01-01
Singapore 459107
Tel: +65 91010681/ 91010682
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Bedok (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed - Mon: 830am - 10pm
(Closed on Tue)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Bedok MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to Bedok Bus Interchange (Stop ID 84009). Take bus number 16. Alight 6 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 25 minutes. [Map]

Golden Charcoal @ Bedok North Street 1 - Zichar By An Indian Head Chef Fluent In Mandarin

Golden Charcoal, located at Bedok North Street 1 is a new Zichar stall by two young partners. Justin, the owner, used to work in the finance industry while his head chef, David (小黑), worked for a zichar stall in the Thomson area. Currently, they are having promotions offering two crabs for $60.

Mala Chicken 3/5

My friend who has dined here a few times is in charge of ordering some of her favourite dishes. We started with Mala Chicken, whereby the tender chicken is tossed in fragrant mala sauce. While the mala is pungent, I thought it was a bit heavy with the sodium chloride.

Prawn Paste Chicken 3.8/5

I think children will love the Prawn Paste Chicken here. Not only is it juicy, but it is also incredibly crispy. However, I prefer the prawn paste flavour to be more distinct.

Sambal Kang Kong 4/5

Sometimes, the most simple dish is the best way to show the chef's culinary skill behind the wok. The Sambal Kang Kong is one of the best I tried. The sambal is fragrant and with the greens still having a nice crunch.

Assam Fish Head 4/5

Another beautiful dish on the menu is the Assam Fish Head. The fresh fish head is complemented by the pungent assam, which is incredibly delicious. I could not help drenching my plate of rice with the flavoursome sauce.

Cereal Fried Rice

For some carbo intakes, diners can go for the Cereal Fried Rice or Moonlight Hor Fun. Children will enjoy the Cereal Fried Rice. The topping of the sweet and crispy cereal brightens up the fluffy fried rice. 

Moonlight Hor Fun 3.8/5

For the Moonlight Hor Fun, I can't help comparing it to my favourite at KEK Seafood. The style here is the savoury type packed with wok hei. Give the egg a good toss to give the noodles an enjoyment coat of creaminess. 

Chilli Crab 4.2/5

Diners should not miss the current two crabs for $60 promotion. We have it cooked with chilli crab sauce. The sauce is legit, and it is one of the best I have eaten. Best is to order some mantou to wipe up the yummy chilli crab sauce. I heard their mala crab and black pepper crab are as good too.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Golden Charcoal Seafood
Blk 204 Bedok North Street 1
#01-435
Singapore 460204
Tel: +65 97304808
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Bedok (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bedok MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left to the pathway between Bedok Mall and Bedok Interchange hawker centre. Walk to the end. Walk to block 204. Walk to the coffeeshop facing the park. Journey time about 4 minutes. [Map]