SABOR Cocina Y Tapas @ CHIJMES - A New Lively & Stylish Spanish Dining with Room for Refinement

Located within the charming grounds of CHIJMES, SABòR Cocina Y Tapas is a bold new addition to the dining scene, officially opening on 1 April 2026. Taking over the former space of Privé, this 100-seater Spanish concept is helmed by the team behind Duomo Ristorante. The restaurant offers a lively, communal dining experience, seamlessly transitioning from a laid-back daytime setting to a vibrant evening destination. Diners can choose between the sleek glass-enclosed dining hall or the picturesque alfresco courtyard, which comes alive at night with twinkling lights set against the historic chapel backdrop.

Bikini Sobrasada, Honey & Cheese 3.8/5

We started with the Bikini Sobrasada, Honey & Cheese ($18), a modern take on the classic Spanish pressed sandwich. Stuffed with sobrasada, a soft, paprika-spiced cured sausage. The sandwich delivered a rich, smoky depth, elevated by melted cheese. A drizzle of honey adds a distinct sweet note, giving it a sweet-savoury profile that leans away from the traditional version. While interesting, preferences may vary depending on whether one favours the classic savoury rendition.

Bread & Tomatoes 3/5

The Bread & Tomatoes ($12) pays homage to a Spanish staple. Featuring crisped crystal bread topped with ripe tomatoes, olive oil and salt, it celebrates simplicity and ingredient quality. However, the seasoning was a tad heavy-handed, slightly overshadowing the natural flavours.

Spicy Crab Croquette 3/5

Jamón Serrano Croquette 3/5

Moving on to the croquettes, both the Spicy Crab Croquette ($4/pc) and Jamón Serrano Croquette ($4/pc) boasted a crisp exterior with a molten, creamy interior. Unfortunately, the fillings lacked distinction, with neither the crab nor the jamón coming through clearly, leaving us underwhelmed.

Chicken Wings' Dirty Pepe' 3/5

The Chicken Wings' Dirty Pepe' ($18) takes inspiration from Madrid's iconic Casa Pepe. Deep-fried to a satisfying crisp, the wings are coated in a smoky, sweet-savoury glaze that is more balanced and approachable than the original's punchy saltiness. Interestingly, the flavour profile and glaze evoked Korean-style fried chicken, with its addictive sweet-savoury coating.

Grilled Wagyu Beef Paella 3.8/5

For a hearty centrepiece, the Grilled Wagyu Beef Paella ($48) offers a meat-forward take on the traditional dish. While flavourful, the rice leaned closer to a risotto-like consistency, lacking the coveted socarrat — the crispy caramelised crust that defines a well-executed paella.

Grilled Barramundi, Picon Sauce 4/5

From the grill, the Grilled Barramundi with Picon Sauce ($34) was well executed, with crisp skin and moist, flaky flesh. The accompanying mojo picón sauce added a punchy, smoky spice that complemented the fish beautifully.

Crispy Pork Belly, Green Apple 3/5

The Crispy Pork Belly, Green Apple ($36) featured tender meat but fell short on the crackling, with the skin turning out slightly rubbery rather than crisp. The green apple slaw, however, provided a refreshing acidity that helped balance the richness.

Potatoes 'Bravisimas' 4.5/5

One of the highlights of the meal was the Potatoes 'Bravisimas' ($16). This elevated take on patatas bravas features golden, crispy potatoes, fluffy inside, coated in a deeply addictive seasoning. It's the kind of dish that keeps you reaching for more.

Crema Catalana with Cookies 3/5

Churros with Chocolate 3.5/5

Ending on a sweet note, the Crema Catalana with Cookies ($14) impressed with its silky, citrus-infused custard and delicate caramelised crust. The addition of cookie crumbs beneath adds a delightful textural contrast. Meanwhile, the Churros with Chocolate ($12) delivered exactly what you’d expect — crispy on the outside, light within, and paired with a rich, indulgent chocolate dip.

Overall, SABòR Cocina Y Tapas brings an energetic Spanish dining concept to CHIJMES, with a strong emphasis on ambience and communal plates. While certain dishes could be more refined in execution, there are standout items that showcase its potential as a lively spot for gatherings over tapas and drinks.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


SABOR Cocina Y Tapas
Chijmes
30 Victoria Street
#01-33
Singapore 187996
Tel: +65 9611 9127
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Instagram
Website
Nerest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line), Bras Basah (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 430pm - 12midnight
Fri-Sun: 12pm - 2pm, 430pm - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Cut across Raffles City Shopping Centre to Bras Basah Road. At the junction of Bras Basah Road and North Bridge Road, cross the road to Chijmes. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Bras Basah MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk southwards towards Victoria Road. At the junction of Bras Basah Road and Victoria Road, cross the junction to Chijmes. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

Wah Lok Cantonese Restaurant @ Carlton Hotel Singapore - Welcomes the Year of the Fire Horse with Auspicious Lunar New Year Feasts

As the Year of the Fire Horse gallops in with renewed energy and hope, Carlton Hotel Singapore ushers in the festive season with a thoughtfully curated Lunar New Year dining experience at Wah Lok. From indulgent dine-in set menus for multi-generational reunions to beautifully crafted takeaway centrepieces for home celebrations, every detail reflects care, symbolism and a legacy of culinary refinement.

Available from 9 February to 3 March 2026, Wah Lok presents eight auspicious set menus starting from $88 per person, each dish designed to symbolise abundance, health and happiness – perfect for meaningful festive gatherings.

Sea Cucumber White Bait Yu Sheng 4/5

A festive meal begins, as tradition dictates, with a joyous Lo Hei. The Sea Cucumber White Bait Yu Sheng ($108/$148) offers a refined twist on the classic, combining auspicious ingredients with layered textures for a vibrant toss that symbolises rising fortune and hopeful beginnings. Making its debut as one of this year’s takeaway items, this elegant Yu Sheng is well-balanced and celebratory, setting the tone for the feast ahead.

Traditional-boiled Chicken Fish Maw Soup 3/5

The Traditional-boiled Chicken Fish Maw Soup was nourishing and comforting, with a clean, homely broth that warmed the palate. However, for a Chinese New Year menu, the soup could have been more luxurious, with deeper flavours or more premium ingredients to better reflect the festive occasion.

Pan-fried Scallop, Minced Shrimp, Crab Meat, Crab Roe 4/5

A luxurious seafood medley, the Pan-fried Scallop with Minced Shrimp, Crab Meat and Crab Roe delivered on visual appeal and indulgence. The scallop was plump and juicy, nicely complemented by the rich crab meat and crab roe sauce. While the dish was celebratory in spirit, I only wished the umami of the crab roe could come through more prominently to elevate the overall depth of flavour.

Abalone Eight Treasure Duck 4/5

Making its takeaway debut this season, the Abalone Eight Treasure Duck ($208) is a true showstopper and luxurious centrepiece. The tender duck is slow-braised with an impressive array of ingredients – abalone, sea cucumber, conpoy, pork, chestnut, mushroom and lotus seed. Rich in both flavour and symbolism, the dish embodies unity, prosperity and heartfelt blessings, making it perfect for meaningful reunion meals and festive gifting.

Pre-orders for Lunar New Year takeaways run from 1 January to 10 February 2026. Collection and delivery are available from 19 January to 16 February 2026, 11am to 7pm. For order and delivery enquiries, please visit https://celebrations.carltonhotel.sg/, contact the festive desk at +65 6349 1292 or email restaurants@carltonhotel.sg.

Pan-fried Sea Perch 3.8/5

The Pan-fried Sea Perch impressed with its beautifully crisp skin resting atop fat, buttery flesh. Simple yet satisfying, the fish was well-executed and paired nicely with the accompanying soy sauce, which added a subtle lift without overpowering the natural sweetness of the fish.

Housemade Soya Beancurd 4.5/5

Not to be missed is the Housemade Soya Beancurd, a standout dessert to end the meal on a gentle note. Wobbling smooth and silky, it carried a distinct soya fragrance that was both comforting and elegant – a quiet reminder that sometimes simplicity leaves the most profound impression.

For table reservations and enquiries, please contact Wah Lok at +65 6311 8188/ 8189, email wah.lok@carltonhotel.sg or visit https://www.carltonhotel.sg/dining/wah-lok.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Wah Lok Cantonese Restaurant
Carlton Hotel Singapore
76 Bras Basah Road
Singapore 189558
Tel: +65 6311 8188
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line), Bras Basah (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 1130am - 230pm, 630pm - 1030pm
Sun: 11am - 230pm, 630pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Cut through Raffles City Shopping Centre to Bras Basah Road. Walk to the traffic junction of Bras Basah Road and North Bridge Road. Cross the road and walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Bras Basah MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Bras Basah Road. Turn left and walk down Bras Basah Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

Bomul Samgyetang @ Chijmes - Singapore’s Largest Range of Korean Organic Chicken Soups

Korean comfort food lovers, there’s a new spot to bookmark at CHIJMES. BOMUL Samgyetang has officially opened its doors, bringing with it Singapore’s largest dedicated selection of samgyetang — the iconic Korean ginseng chicken soup prized for its nourishing and restorative qualities. Specialising exclusively in this traditional dish, BOMUL presents 10 thoughtfully curated variations, ranging from collagen-boosting, detoxifying broths to indulgent modern interpretations such as black truffle samgyetang.

Each bowl arrives like a warm embrace on a cool day — a whole organic chicken gently slow-simmered in a fragrant hanbang herbal broth brewed from over 18 medicinal ingredients. The result is a deeply comforting soup that feels both hearty and therapeutic, delivering wellness one spoonful at a time.

Energy Samgyetang

We began with the Energy Samgyetang ($36), which leans towards subtlety and balance. Infused with 100% Korean perilla, the broth carries a gentle nuttiness with soft, savoury undertones. The perilla adds an aromatic lift without overpowering the soup, much like a quiet supporting note that enhances the overall harmony. Light yet intensely flavourful, this bowl is ideal for those seeking nourishment without heaviness.

Rejuvenation Samgyetang

The Rejuvenation Samgyetang ($36) takes on a richer profile with the addition of aged black garlic. Slow-cooked to coax out its natural sweetness, the garlic lends the broth layers of caramelised depth, adding warmth and complexity. It’s a comforting, soul-soothing bowl — the kind that feels especially restorative after a long day.

Spicy Cure Samgyetang

For those who enjoy a fiery kick, the Spicy Cure Samgyetang ($32) delivers bold flavours that truly live up to its name. Brewed with extra-spicy chilli peppers, the soup packs a satisfying heat, while chives and enoki mushrooms add freshness and crunch. This is the bowl to order when you need something invigorating — like a culinary wake-up call that clears the senses.

Vitality Samgyetang

The most luxurious of the lot is the Vitality Samgyetang ($40), prepared with rare black ginseng that has undergone the traditional “Nine Steaming and Nine Drying” (kujeungkupo) process. The broth is more profound, more intense, with a refined herbal bitterness that lingers pleasantly. Said to enhance circulation and energy levels, this bowl feels like a premium tonic — robust, grounding, and unapologetically medicinal.

Spicy Chicken Feet

To complement the soups, BOMUL also offers a solid range of Korean classics and sides. The Spicy Chicken Feet ($18) are stir-fried in a fiery, glossy sauce that clings to every bite, delivering both heat and addictive umami.

Seafood Pancake

The Seafood Pancake ($25) is crisp on the outside and generously studded with fresh seafood, making it a reliable crowd-pleaser with each savoury mouthful.

Duck and Chicken Ddukgalbi

The Duck and Chicken Ddukgalbi ($22) pairs tender duck and chicken breast with chewy rice cakes, all glazed in a savoury-sweet sauce and finished with crushed peanuts for added texture.

Pumpkin Samgyejuk

For something gentler, the Pumpkin Samgyejuk ($25) offers a naturally sweet Korean pumpkin porridge that’s smooth, comforting, and packed with vitamins and fibre — perfect as a light meal or shared side.

Maesaengi Abalone

The Maesaengi Abalone Samgyejuk ($29) is richer and more luxurious, enriched with fresh abalone and nutrient-dense maesaengi seaweed, resulting in a bowl that feels both indulgent and nourishing.

With its focused dedication to samgyetang and an impressive range that spans both tradition and innovation, BOMUL Samgyetang positions itself as a destination for those seeking Korean comfort food with a wellness-driven approach. Whether you’re after gentle nourishment or a robust herbal boost, there’s a bowl here that feels thoughtfully crafted for the occasion.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Bomul
Chijmes
30 Victoria Street
#01-11/12
Singapore 187996
Tel: +65 9232 3838
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line), Bras Basah (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 10pm
Fri-Sun: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Cut across Raffles City Shopping Centre to Bras Basah Road. At the junction of Bras Basah Road and North Bridge Road, cross the road to Chijmes. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Bras Basah MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk southwards towards Victoria Road. At the junction of Bras Basah Road and Victoria Road, cross the intersection to Chijmes. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

Broth & Beyond Hot Pot @ Chijmes - Yunnan Ecological Hotpot Concept, Available Till 2.30am Daily

Joining the vibrant dining scene at CHIJMES is Broth & Beyond Hot Pot, a Yunnan-inspired individual hotpot concept that remains open daily until 230am.

The restaurant takes pride in offering MSG and preservative-free broths and ingredients at wallet-friendly prices.

Broth & Beyond Hot Pot 4/5

We opted for the Black Truffle & Eight-Mushroom Broth and the Golden Fungus Chicken Broth. Both are brewed in-house using natural ingredients, including produce flown in from Yunnan. Diners can also choose from five other exciting broths, such as 100% Pure Coconut Chicken, Spicy Broth, and Vegetarian Tom Yum, all created under the direction of their head chef.

The Black Truffle & Eight-Mushroom Broth offered earthy depth with a subtle umami lift from the black truffle, all made from a base of Yunnan mushrooms and chicken fat.

Meanwhile, the Golden Fungus Chicken Broth was creamy and nourishing. The individual hotpots are perfect for accommodating personal preferences.

Market Table

A standout feature is the Market Table, available for just $4.99 per diner, which grants access to a rotating selection of condiments, appetisers, fruits, and desserts. During our visit, the appetisers included house-made kimchi and mala king oyster mushrooms, reminiscent of another well-loved hot pot chain.

Yunnan Delicacy Mushroom Platter

We couldn't leave without trying their signature Yunnan Delicacy Mushroom Platter ($28.99), featuring lesser-seen varieties such as golden fungus, wine cap mushrooms, and chanterelles.

Seafood Platter

For seafood enthusiasts, the Seafood Platter ($43.99) had a mix of tiger prawns, scallops, abalone, mussels, and grouper slices. While pricey, we thoroughly appreciated the freshness and sweetness of the seafood in each item.

Jasmine Flower Shrimp Paté

The handcrafted Jasmine Flower Shrimp Paté ($18.99) was a highlight for us. Unlike the usual prawn paste, this had a delicate floral note infused within. The cooked shrimp paste was nicely springy with a bite.

Tri-Coloured Hand Crafted La Mian

For carbs, the Tri-Coloured Hand Crafted La Mian ($8.99), which had a chewy texture, was served in a portion sufficient for two to three people.

Fragrant Fermented Beancurd Chicken Wings 4/5

For sides, we tried out the Fragrant Fermented Beancurd Chicken Wings ($13.99), which were marinated in Yunnan spices and fermented Beancurd. They were enjoyable on their own, though they also came with tartar sauce for an optional twist.

To end the meal, we returned to the Market Table for dessert, where we could choose from sticks of candied hawthorn or create our own DIY Ice Jelly bowl. Toppings ranged from red bean and osmanthus jelly to taro balls and adorably shaped marshmallows.

If you're looking to try Broth & Beyond, consider their lunch set menu, the Flavour Discovery Set. Starting from $29.90 and available daily from 1130am to 5pm, each set includes a broth of your choice, meat, vegetables, noodles or rice, plus access to the Market Table.

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.


Broth & Beyond
CHIJMES
30 Victoria Street
#B1-02
Singapore 187996
Tel: +65 8220 7993
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line), Bras Basah (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
11.30am to 2.30am Daily

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Cut across Raffles City Shopping Centre to Bras Basah Road. At the junction of Bras Basah Road and North Bridge Road, cross the road to Chijmes. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Bras Basah MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk southwards towards Victoria Road. At the junction of Bras Basah Road and Victoria Road, cross the junction to Chijmes. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]