Sampanman Kelong @ Jurong Point - Opens Second Outlet in The West with Free-Flow Chendol and Exclusive Dishes

Following its debut at Jewel Changi Airport, Sampanman Kelong has cast its nets westward with the opening of its second outlet at Jurong Point. This new branch offers several exclusive items, including free-flow Chendol and outlet-only dishes, while the flagship at Jewel has also undergone a recent menu refresh.

Grilled Shellfish Sampan 3/5

A highlight of our visit was the Grilled Shellfish Sampan ($39). It came in a vibrant, rustic presentation served atop a wooden boat. The dish features an enticing mix of flower clams, prawns, and scallops, all tossed in a sweet and mildly spicy kicap manis sauce that's rich, sticky, and thoroughly addictive. While the sauce elevated the seafood, the portion was underwhelming, both in terms of quality and quantity, especially for its price point.

Tingkat

To round out our meal, we added on the Tingkat set — available in 2-Tier ($14) or 3-Tier ($20) options. We chose the 3-Tier set, which allowed us to select one item each from the rice, vegetable, and meat categories for a satisfying and balanced meal.

Blue Pea Rice 4/5

From the rice options — which also include Jasmine White Rice and Egg Fried Rice — we went with the Blue Pea Rice. It was nicely steamed, lightly aromatic, and added a touch of visual appeal to the tingkat.

Stir-Fried Sweet Potato Leaves 3/5

For vegetables, we opted for the Stir-Fried Sweet Potato Leaves. While the greens were tender and well-cooked, the sambal leaned a little too sweet, lacking the fiery punch I had hoped for. Moreover, the vegetables were chopped into small pieces, which took away from the textural enjoyment. Other options include Stir-Fried French Beans and Spicy Egg Sambal.

Nanyang Chicken Curry 4.2/5

The Nanyang Chicken Curry was the standout among the tingkat selections. The chicken was succulent and tender, and the curry sauce was rich, lemak, and fragrant. It was a well-executed, comforting dish. Other available proteins include Berempah Fried Chicken and Fried Mid Wing.

Butter & Gula Melaka Toast 3/5

For something sweet, I went off the beaten track and tried the Butter & Gula Melaka Toast ($2.90). The toast had a lovely charred exterior with a soft, fluffy interior. Unfortunately, the gula melaka spread lacked the depth and smoky aroma typically associated with high-quality palm sugar. It leaned more towards one-dimensional sweetness, which made it less memorable.

Sampanman Kelong continues to offer a kampung-inspired seafood experience in the modern mall setting, with creative local twists and nostalgic presentations. While some dishes shine, particularly the Nanyang Chicken Curry and the addictive kicap manis sauce on the shellfish, there's room for improvement in terms of consistency and value. That said, the free-flow Chendol and hearty Tingkat sets offer diners something both fun and familiar in the West.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Sampanman Kelong
Jurong Point
1 Jurong West Central 2
#01-16G/H/J
Singapore 648886
Tel: +65 83184863
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Nearest: Boon Lay (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 8am - 10pm

Direction:
1. Alight at Boon Lay MRT station. Take Exit C, D or E. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

NA OH @ Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Centre Singapore (HMGICS) - A Unique Korean Fine Dining Experience at a Conventional Automotive Production Facility

Located within the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Centre Singapore (HMGICS), Na Oh has quickly become one of the most sought-after restaurants in town. This exclusive dining destination is a collaboration between Hyundai and Chef Corey Lee, the first Korean chef to earn three Michelin stars for his renowned San Francisco restaurant, Benu.

Na Oh offers a four-course prix fixe seasonal menu. Guests can opt for Jinjitsang, a traditional Korean meal setting with an array of accompaniments. We recently visited to experience their Winter Menu, a showcase of refined Korean flavours.

Homemade Tofu with Aged Soy Sauce 4.2/5

Our meal began with the Homemade Tofu with Aged Soy Sauce. The highlight was undoubtedly the aged soy sauce, which provided deep umami notes that enhanced the soft, silky tofu, making for a simple yet elegant dish.

Buckwheat and Mugunji Jeon 4.2/5

Next, we had the Buckwheat and Mugunji Jeon, served with a salad of freshly harvested lettuce. This was a unique take on Korean pancakes — paper-thin with a crisp exterior. The accompanying vinegary dipping sauce was essential, adding brightness and acidity that balanced the flavours.

Chilled Hand-Pulled Somyeon 4.8/5

A light and refreshing dish, the Chilled Hand-Pulled Somyeon featured silky noodles in a lightly fermented kimchi broth, delivering a delicate tang. The dish was completed with braised octopus and beef tendon, adding contrasting textures and richness.

For the Jinjitsang, diners can choose from three main options:

1. Grilled Jeju Beltfish with Golden Queen’s Rice
2. Galbijjim Finished Over Charcoal
3. Pheasant Mandu Soup with Freshly Milled Rice Cakes (which we did not try)

Spicy Winter Seafood Stew with Pollock Roe and Cod Milt 4.5/5

Grilled Jeju Beltfish 5/5

Seaweed Gyeran Mari, Bellflower Root Muchim 4.2/5

The Grilled Jeju Beltfish with Golden Queen's Rice was a beautifully executed dish, allowing the fish's natural sweetness to take centre stage. The Beltfish was grilled to perfection, with its delicate flesh remaining moist and tender, complemented by a lightly crisped skin. Accompanying the fish was an array of thoughtfully prepared side dishes that added depth to the meal. The Spicy Winter Seafood Stew with Pollock Roe and Cod Milt stood out with its bold flavours, while the Bellflower Root Muchim introduced a slightly bitter, earthy contrast. The Seaweed Gyeran Mari, a soft rolled omelette infused with umami-rich seaweed, added a comforting touch to the meal.

Galbijjim 5/5

Preserved Maesil Geotjeori 4.2/5

The Galbijjim Finished Over Charcoal was equally satisfying for those who prefer a meat option. The Hanbang-style Beef Short Ribs were braised in aged soy sauce, resulting in exceptionally tender meat infused with a deep, savoury aroma, enhancing the dish's richness and making each bite incredibly flavourful. It was served alongside Chestnut and Thistle Sotbap, a nutty and earthy rice dish that complemented the robust galbijjim. The Preserved Maesil Geotjeori provided a bright, tangy contrast that helped balance the meal, ensuring that every element worked harmoniously together.

Winter Hwachae of Jeju Citrus, Naju Pear, Pomegranate

To wrap up the meal, we enjoyed the Winter Hwachae, a vibrant Korean fruit bowl featuring Jeju Citrus, Naju Pear, and Pomegranate. Its natural sweetness and refreshing acidity made it a perfectly light and invigorating dessert.

Na Oh delivers an elevated yet deeply rooted Korean dining experience, blending traditional techniques with modern refinement. With its seasonal menus and hard-to-secure reservations, dining here is a rare treat worth experiencing.


Na Oh
Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Centre Singapore
(HMGICS)
2 Bulim Link
Level 3
Singapore 649674
Tel: +65 6263 1548
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Nearest MRT: Boon Lay (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Sun: 1130am - 330pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Boon Lay MRT station. Take Exit C or E. Walk to Boon Lay Bus Interchange (Stop ID 22009). Take bus number 157. Alight 3 stops later. Walk straight down Jurong West Ave 2. Turn left onto Bulim Ave. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes.  [Map]

2) Alight at Boon Lay MRT station. Take Exit C or E. Walk to Boon Lay Bus Interchange (Stop ID 22009). Take bus number 174. Alight 5 stops later. Walk straight down Corporation Road. Cross the road to Bulim Ave.Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes.  [Map]

Cai Lin Ji (蔡林记) @ Jurong Point - Exploring the Unique Flavours of Hubei Street Food

Cai Lin Ji (蔡林记), located at Jurong Point, introduces the unique flavours of Hubei cuisine, featuring a range of street food from this region, including the famous Wuhan Hot Dry Noodles. Service here is quick, reminiscent of a fast-food restaurant, making it a convenient choice for a satisfying meal.

Three Delicacies Dou Pi (三鲜豆皮) 3.5/5

My curiosity was piqued by the Three Delicacies Dou Pi (三鲜豆皮), priced at $4.50 for one or $8.50 for two pieces. This traditional Hubei snack is a multilayered dish, with potato flour forming the base, steamed egg or glutinous rice in the middle, and a top layer featuring bamboo shoots or minced meat combined with pork belly and mushrooms. It's somewhat akin to our local prata, with layers of ingredients that create a delightful texture.

Fresh Meat Soup Bun (鲜肉汤包) 4/5

The Fresh Meat Soup Bun (鲜肉汤包), priced at $5.90 for three pieces, closely resembles our beloved Xiao Long Bao. These little pockets are filled with juicy and well-marinated pork to be savoured with a side of vinegar dip.

Signature Shao Mai (重油烧卖) 3.8/5

The Signature Shao Mai (重油烧卖), at $3.90 for three pieces, offers a unique twist on the Cantonese-style siew mai we're familiar with. This peppery rendition features a mixture of sticky rice, raisins, rock candy, peanuts, osmanthus flowers, orange peel, and shredded carrots. It's a delightful blend that somewhat resembles our local Png Kueh.

Signature Zha Jiang Hot Dry Noodle (炸酱热干面) 3.8/5

The Signature Zha Jiang Hot Dry Noodle (炸酱热干面), priced at $7.90, was a novel discovery. Hailing from Wuhan, this dish holds the title of "Top 10 Noodles in China." It's served dry and coated with a secret black sesame sauce. While it's undoubtedly a good bowl of noodles, I needed time to adjust to the unique pairing of black sesame sauce with noodles.

Xiang Yang Beef Noodles/Beehoon (襄阳牛肉面/米粉) 4.2/5

The Xiang Yang Beef Noodles/Beehoon (襄阳牛肉面/米粉) at $10.90 is a staple breakfast in Hubei. I opted for the beehoon, which had a silky texture with a delightful bite. It came with crunchy bean sprouts and was served generously in rich beef broth laden with beef and offal. I found this bowl of noodles incredibly enjoyable and versatile enough to have for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Shrimp Wanton (虾仁馄饨) 4.8/5

We originally wanted to order the Han Kou Wonton, but it was sold out. We settled for the Shrimp Wanton (虾仁馄饨), priced at $9.90 for ten pieces, which were freshly made daily. These wantons featured fresh shrimp encased in tender, chewy skin and cooked in a flavorful broth.

Signature Osmanthus Paste Rice Wine (桂花糊米酒) 4/5

My culinary journey took an exciting turn with two Hubei speciality soups. First up is the Signature Osmanthus Paste Rice Wine (桂花糊米酒), priced at $3.90. This delight combines rice wine with glutinous balls in a sweet, slightly starchy broth. The second is the Egg Drop Rice Wine (蛋花米酒), priced at $4. It involves dropping a raw egg into boiling water at 100 degrees and adding rice wine. The more I indulged in these unique flavours, the more I appreciated the new tastes that graced my palate.

Signature Egg Drop Rice Wine (蛋花米酒) 3.8/5

In summary, my visit to Cai Lin Ji at Jurong Point expanded my culinary horizons. The menu featured dishes I'd never tasted before, emphasizing the vastness of the culinary world and the endless possibilities for exploration.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Cai Lin Ji
Jurong Point
63 Jurong West Central
#03-56
Singapore 648331
Tel: +65 9238 0368
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Nearest MRT: Boon Lay (EW Lne)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 9pm

Direction:
1. Alight at Boon Lay MRT station. Take Exit C, D or E. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Tsukimi Hamburg @ Jurong Point - Comforting And Satisfying Hamburg Steak Donburi

Tsukimi Hamburg is a new Japanese restaurant at Jurong Point selling a time-honoured dish in every Japanese household - Hamburg Donburi, a succulent hamburg steak set atop hot steaming Japanese rice.

Tsukimi Hamburg Don 4.2/5

The signature at Tsukimi Hamburg has to be their Tsukimi Hamburg Don ($12.80), whereby a delightful orange Japanese egg yolk sits atop a succulent hamburg steak, grated radish and Japanese rice. The patty is hand-shaped in a blend of Mizyzaki wagyu beef, pork and US beef for optimal flavours and textures. Break the egg yolk and allow the creaminess to tie the whole dish together for a comforting and satisfying finish.

Bacon Hamburg Steak Teishoku 4.2/5

Besides the ala carte donburi, the restaurant offers set meals too. The set meal comes with a bowl of steaming Japanese rice, salad, pickles and tamago soup. One of these sets is the Bacon Hamburg Steak Teishoku ($19.80), comprising a huge thick-cut bacon laid on top of the succulent hamburg steak paired with wafu onion sauce.

Raclette Cheez Hamburg Steak Teishoku 4/5

For cheese lovers, you will enjoy the Raclette Cheez Hamburg Steak Teishoku ($16.80) drenched in a flowy raclette cheese that gives the juicy hamburg steak a lift in taste profile with its savouriness, sweetness and nuttiness.

Overall, the Tsukumi Hamburg offers a delicious bowl of Hamburg Steak Donburi with various toppings of choice that provides a satisfying and comforting meal at a pocket-friendly price.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Tsukimi Hamburg
Jurong Point
1 Jurong West Central 2
#B1-52
Singapore 648886
Tel: +65 62506728
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Nearest MRT: Boon Lay (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Boon Lay MRT staton. Take Exit C, D or E. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map].

Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee @ Jurong West Ave 5 - A Delicious Discovery In The Old Jalan Bahar Camp

Little did I know the old Jalan Bahar Camp at Jurong West Ave 5 has been redeveloped. The old camp area now sits a Sheng Siong Supermarket, warehouse and food court. Not known to many, there is an excellent Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee in what is known as the Sheng Siong Food Court or FM Food Master Food Court.

The fried hokkien prawn mee stall offers quite a variety such as Slipper Lobster Fried Hokkien Mee ($10), Big Prawn Fried Hokkien Mee ($8), La La Fried Hokkien Mee ($8), Roasted Pork Hokkien Mee ($8) and Fried Hokkien Mee ($4/ $5/ $8). There is even a Premium Fried Hokkien Mee ($25) which comes with slipper lobster, la la, big prawns, roasted pork and squid. On top of that, it sells Fried Carrot Cake and Fried Oyster.

Roasted Pork Fried Hokkien Mee 4.5/5

I only tried the Roasted Pork Fried Hokkien Mee ($8) as I am alone. The stall woks up a wet version of the hokkien mee, which reminds me of Xiao Di Fried Prawn Noodle. It comes in a generous portion of prawns and roasted pork, soaked in a robust prawny broth packed with depth. Even the chilli goes very well with the slurping goodness.

Overall, it is a good plate of fried hokkien prawn mee. However, if there is any room for improvement, it needs more wok hei to the plate of goodness. According to my friend who lives nearby, it also depends on who is behind the wok. The young Malaysian chap fries a better plate of hokkien mee.


Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee
Sheng Siong Food Centre
Blk 9 Jurong West Avenue 5
Singapore 649487
Nearest MRT: Boon Lay (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 7am - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Boon Lay MRT station. Take Exit C, D, E. Walk to Boon Lay Bus Interchange (Stop ID 22009). Take bus number 199. Alight 3 stops later. Enter the old camp via the side gate. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Suzuki Cafe and Roastery @ Chin Bee Ave (Boon Lay) - A Hidden Japanese-Style Wooden Teahouse Cafe In The West

Having stayed in the West for more than five years, I didn't even know the existence of Suzuki Cafe and Roastery at Chin Been Ave. The cafe is hidden in an industrial area at Boon Lay. It probably caught the attention of social media when it revamped the place, spotting a Japanese wooden teahouse interior. It seems to work, attracting and creating more awareness for the cafe. In fact, Suzuki Gourment Coffee has been around since 1979, and it is one of Singapore's oldest coffee roastery.

Unlike other cafes, Suzuki Cafe does not serve food. It only offers a variety of coffee, matcha latte and hojicha latte. It also uses Hokkaido milk for a creamier and more full-body finish. The coffee is rather pricey here, costing double what you get in other cafes, around $7-$8.

The drinks come in a wooden tray with a piece of Lotus Biscuit. Though I enjoyed my Flat White with Hokkaido Milk ($8), I was disappointed that the coffee comes in a plastic takeaway cup for the price I paid. 

While Suzuki Cafe is not easily accessible by public transport, I like the chill and relax vibe. It felt like being transported to a cafe in a small town in Japan. Time seems to pass slowly as I enjoy my cup of coffee in a cafe filled with the coffee's aroma.


Suzuki Cafe and Roastery
8 Chin Bee Ave
Singapore 619932
Tel: +65 62663933
Website
Nearest MRT: Boon Lay (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Fri: 10am - 5pm
Sat-Sun: 10am - 4pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Boon Lay MRT station. Take Exit C, D or E. Walk to Boon Lay Bus Interchange (Stop ID 22009). Take bus number 79. Alight 5 stops later. Walk to destination, Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]