Wagyu X @ Club Street - The Rare Wagyu Crossbreed Available Chargrilled and Smoked in New Menu

Returning to Wagyu X on Club Street, I ventured to experience the exquisite Hokkaido wagyu crossbreed, renowned for its harmonious blend of Wagyu's buttery texture and Angus beef's robust flavour. Wagyu X has elevated their offerings with a new menu featuring beef chargrilled over binchotan charcoal and infused with the subtle, fruity essence of Sakura wood smoke, imparting delightful cherry notes to the dish.

Amuse Bouche

I began with the Amuse Bouche — a delicate ensemble of tender Wagyu slices enveloping enoki mushrooms. This prelude offered a tantalising preview of the exceptional quality and flavour awaiting me.

Wagyu Carpaccio 4.5/5

Following suit was the Wagyu Carpaccio ($42) — a sublime creation boasting paper-thin slices of wagyu adorned with a drizzle of truffle oil and garnished with arugula and parmesan chips. Each bite was a symphony of umami flavours, celebrating the purity of Wagyu in its most pristine form.

Chilled Truffle Somen 4/5

Introducing a refreshing starter to the menu, the Chilled Truffle Somen with Scallop ($26) presented a harmonious blend of flavours. Delicately tossed in truffle kombu sauce and garnished with ikura, this dish offered a delightful juxtaposition of textures and an irresistible burst of flavour.

Binchotan Flame Grilled Wagyu X Sirloin 4.5/5

The pièce de résistance arrived in the form of the Binchotan Flame Grilled Wagyu X Sirloin ($180/500g, $335/1kg) and Tenderloin ($135/250g, $245/500g) — showcasing the Wagyu's exquisite flavour profile. Charred to perfection over binchotan charcoal, this dish boasted a crispy exterior, revealing a succulent and flavourful interior.

Binchotan Flame Grilled Wagyu X Tenderloin 4.2/5

Delving into the tenderloin, I was met with bold, rich flavours and a substantial texture that left a lasting impression. However, upon savouring the striploin, I found myself drawn to its abundance of marbling, which contributed to a fuller flavour profile and a remarkably tender texture.

Horenso Gomaae (Spinach Salad) 3.8/5

Wagyu Fat Fries 4.5/5

Accompanying the main course were the Horenso Gomaae ($16) — a simple yet flavourful spinach salad—and the irresistible Wagyu Fat Fries, which proved to be irresistibly addictive with each crispy bite.

Wagyu Fried Rice 3.8/5

Initially conceived as a simple staff meal, the Wagyu Fried Rice ($28) has made its way onto the menu, boasting a unique twist. Cooked with wagyu fat for an added depth of flavour, the fried rice is served atop ooba leaf foam. While the dish offers an interesting concept, I questioned the foam's contribution, as it tended to soak up the rice, detracting from its desired fluffy texture.

Japanese Sweet Potato Croquettes 3.5/5

The Japanese Sweet Potato Croquettes ($16) is a new sides. Japanese sweet potato is used for its starchier texture. Deep fried to golden brown. Crispy on the exterior, sweet and soft inside.

Apple Tart with Ice Cream 4.2/5

For dessert, the Apple Tart with Ice Cream ($18) offered a delightful finale. Slices of Granny Smith apples were served alongside a housemade berry sauce — a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness to end the meal on a satisfying note.

Wagyu X continues to reign supreme as a haven for discerning diners seeking the ultimate Wagyu experience.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Wagyu X
82 Club Street
Singapore 069450
Tel: +65 8795 6664
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Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT, NE Line), Telok Ayer (DT Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk down Cross Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Continue to the end of Amoy Street. Climb the stairs beside Siang Cho Keong Temple, up Ann Siang Hill. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk down South Bridge Road towards Ann Siang Road. Turn right onto Ann Siang Road. Walk down Ann Siang Road. Turn left onto Club Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 4 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Pagoda Street to South Bridge Road. Cross the road and turn right. Walk down South Bridge Road. Turn left onto Ann Siang Hill and then left onto Club Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Claypot & Cooked Food Kitchen @ Chinatown Complex Food Centre - Cantonese Fare that Opens Only for 3 Hours

Claypot & Cooked Food Kitchen is a humble hawker stall nestled in a corner of Chinatown Complex Food Centre, helmed by Uncle Hong, who brings forth traditional Cantonese delicacies honed through years of experience at renowned Chinese restaurants, including the iconic Lai Wah Restaurant, established in 1963 by the legendary "Four Heavenly Kings of Singapore Cantonese Cuisine".

Braised Fish Head 4.2/5

Getting a taste of the stall's offerings requires some strategic planning due to its limited operating hours. To secure a meal, one must arrive well before lunchtime. We arrived at 9:30 am to place our order, and by 11 am, our dishes were served. Unfortunately, those who came later, around 11 am, were all turned away.

Taking the spotlight first is the Braised Fish Head ($25), an impressive dish both in portion size and flavour. The fried fish head is generously bathed in a light yet flavourful gravy, accompanied by vegetables, tofu, and taro.

Sweet and Sour Pork 4/5

Among the array of claypot delights, the signature Sweet and Sour Pork ($7) stands out. Crispy pork, cloaked in a delicate batter, is enrobed in a sweet and tangy sauce, possibly tinged with hawthorn for a unique zesty twist.

Claypot Pork Liver 4.2/5

The Claypot Pork Liver is a true gem. It boasts thick slices of pork liver cooked to perfection in a savoury brown sauce infused with the aromatic essence of ginger and scallions, sizzling in the claypot.

Sea Cucumber Stew 4/5

The Sea Cucumber Stew presents bouncy sea cucumber alongside succulent roasted pork, mushrooms, and cabbage, all bathed in a rich and flavourful sauce.

Sambal Kang Kong 4/5

For those craving a kick of heat, the Sambal Kang Kong delivers, offering crunchy kang kong stir-fried to perfection in a spicy and aromatic sambal sauce, providing a burst of flavour in every bite.

Prawn Paste Chicken 3.8/5

While the Prawn Paste Chicken doesn't quite steal the show like its counterparts, it still holds its own with its mild yet satisfying prawn paste flavour.

Salted Fish Char Siew Shrimp Fried Rice 4/5

Finally, the Salted Fish Char Siew Shrimp Fried Rice wraps up the meal with its fragrant aroma and comforting wok hei, offering a simple yet satisfying conclusion to a wonderful meal.


Claypot & Cooked Food Kitchen
Chinatown Complex Food Centre
335 Smith Street
#02-83
Singapore 050335
Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 10:30am - 12:30pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Pagoda Street. Turn right onto Trengganu Street and walk to the end of the street. Cross Smith Street and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk to Sago Lane. Turn left and walk down Sago Lane. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

MOSS CROSS TOKYO Singapore @ Capri by Fraser China Square - Debuts its First Outlet Outside Singapore

MOSS CROSS TOKYO Singapore, located in Capri by Fraser China Square, is the brand's debut outside Japan. Helmed by Executive Chef Akihiro Masuyama, boasting a wealth of experience in French cuisine, the restaurant presents traditional Japanese flavours infused with a modern French flair, showcased in its omakase menus.

Shokado-9 5/5

Two lunch menus start from $69, and two dinner menus start from $128. We had the 7-course $150 Dinner Menu alongside a 7-flight alcohol pairing ($90). Shokado-9, the dish signature to MOSS CROSS TOKYO, is presented as the First Course for all menus. The 9-course small-bite masterpiece is pieced together by arranging each dish (vary by season) according to their distinct flavour profiles. Unfolding from right to left, top to bottom, the sequencing allows diverse flavours to build up on one's palate gradually. First to awaken our palate is a chilled, tangy Tomato Raspberry Fruit Salad of Tomatoes, Fresh Raspberries and Blackberries in a Plum and Tomato Compote, followed by Seared Madai in Chef Masuyama's renowned Herb Dressing, a signature blend hailing from Tokyo. Then we moved on to a slightly spicy and creamier Chutoro Wasabi Tartar and a more vibrant Squid Shiso Sauce Orange. What came after was a delightfully sweet and rich Carrot Mousse Crab Tomato Consommé before proceeding to a savoury-sweet Corn Jelly Caviar Yuzu that exuded an intense corn sweetness.

The last column began with an interesting blend of texture and flavour - Octopus Mango Gochujang, balanced with a Red Bell Pepper Herb Rice Sushi that follows. We ended with a mouth-filling Roasted Wagyu Seaweed Sauce Avocado, featuring tender, roasted Wagyu elevated by an umami homemade seaweed sauce crafted with Marushin soy sauce from Shimane Prefecture.

Alcohol pairing: Mutsu-Hassen Prototype from Hachinohe Sake Brewery

Hyogo Oyster 4.5/5

The second course, Hyogo Oyster, is paired with a Camembert mousse and milk foam, topped with Caviar and konbu. The Camembert mousse gave the oyster a further textural boost with complementing milky notes. The dish's robust flavours are punctuated by punchy diced raw onions and tangy bursts of yuzu pearls and lime zest, adding the right amount of acidity to the overall composition.

Alcohol pairing: Matsumidori S.Tokyo Junmai Ginjo Aroma is like green apple and muscat.

Molten Crab Chawan-mushi 4.5/5

Third Course Molten Crab Chawanmushi. Done using the French technique, the spoonful of the chawanmushi was exceptionally soft and pillowy, with textural contrast lent from bits of Lily Bulb. Bisque Emulsion provided a delectable crustacean flavour to the dish.

Alcohol pairing: 2022 Sato 'L'Atypique' Orange Pinot Gris

Hokkaido Tokachi Herb-fed Beef Cutlet 5/5

Fourth Course Hokkaido Tokachi Herb-fed Beef Cutlet. Chef Akihiro Masuyama would like to showcase the lesser-known Tokachi beef in this course. While slightly less marbled than Wagyu, Tokachi beef boasts a profound and rich flavour profile, elevated by its unique diet featuring over ten types of herbs. With a slightly crisped breading of parsley and breadcrumbs, the exceptional texture of the meat was accentuated even further. The addition of Parmesan cheese sprinkle added a depth of savouriness to the accompanying homemade Worcestershire sauce.

Alcohol pairing: Wakaze Red Wine Barrel Sake

Roasted Hirame 4/5

The Fifth Course of Roasted Hirame is served with toasted Almond Flakes in Sake-Beurre Blanc with Herb Oil. While I found the fish slightly drier than desired, the sake cream sauce provided that additional richness to balance the fish.

Alcohol pairing: Folium Sauvignon Blanc 2022 This Sauvignon Blanc exhibits vibrant aromas of citrus fruits

Kyoto Wagyu Sushi, Sea Urchin 4.5/5

Sixth Course Kyoto Wagyu Sushi, Sea Urchin, Truffle Soy Sauce served with Tsugani (Crab) Miso Soup. Again, much attention was given to providing a satisfying mouthfeel. Sushi rice is marinated overnight with red wine, which helps to blend even better with the luxurious slices of tender Kyoto Wagyu and creamy sea urchin sitting atop. Bringing the elements together is a dab of truffle soy sauce spiked with more assertive Middle Eastern spices.

Alcohol pairing: Chanter Muscat Bailey A Ycarre CuveeK.

Daikon Compote Tiramisu, Mikan 5/5

Seventh Course Daikon Compote Tiramisu, Mikan. The dessert was definitely the highlight for me. A tiramisu dessert that uses daikon as the cake base. The daikon is boiled with rice to enrich its sweetness. I love the charred fresh Mikan Mandarin oranges that imparted a lot of freshness to the dish and the vibrant accompanying Mikan puree that paired perfectly with the dusting of Chinese five-spice powder and cacao powder. The airy mascarpone cheese provided that creaminess that bound everything together in harmony.

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.


MOSS CROSS TOKYO Singapore
Capri by Fraser China Square
181 South Bridge Road
#02-01
Singapore 058743
Tel:
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Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue–Sun: 12 – 3pm, 6 – 10pm
(Closed on Sun and Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit F. Walk to South Bridge Road. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Downtown MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to China Street. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes [Map]

LAVI TACO @ Pearl’s Hill Terrace - Hidden Al Fresco Mexician Dining Up on Pearl's Hill

It takes a walk to reach LAVI TACO at Pearl's Hill Terrace, whether or not you're heading there from Chinatown or Outram Park MRT. But make your way up, and you will be welcomed to an al fresco dining space with laid-back and chill vibes, perfect for a night to unwind over food and drinks with friends.

The brand prides itself on offering an authentic spread of Mexican fare.

Nachos 4/5

The classic starter of Nachos ($15) came with crunchy corn tortilla chips and jalapeno pickles, with salsa verde, pico degallo and sour cream to pair. At another $5 top-up, you can opt for the loaded option that provides a topping choice of birria oxtail & brisket or pulled mushrooms.

Birria 4/5

Available in limited portions daily, the Birria ($25) tacos are the one to go for if you are a fan of beef and bolder flavours. The slow-cooked oxtail and brisket, braised in a spicy and aromatic birria broth, is topped with melted cheese and held between tortillas. These are served with an additional cup of broth for you to dunk in or enjoy as soup.

Pulled Mushroom 4.2/5

I first tried LAVI TACO's vegetarian Pulled Mushroom ($18) tacos at their gourmet food truck pop-up in Resorts World Sentosa. I enjoyed the generously filled shells with a very well-textured mushroom filling. The plant-based slow-cooked pulled mushrooms were smoky and flavourful, complemented well with a refreshing and tangy mix of red cabbage, cheese, cilantro, pico de gallo, sour cream and salsa verde.

Taco Meat Platter 4.5/5

Named the "ultimate taco experience", the Taco Meat Platter ($129 for 3-4 pax) is the perfect choice if you're here in a group. The interactive DIY element here adds an extra layer of fun.

Loaded up and served on a tray, it features rows of various taco toppings, including flame-grilled steak, crunchy Argentinean garlic prawns, chipotle pepper chicken thigh, alongside grilled vegetables, an assortment of taco condiments, and a good number of corn tortillas. A smaller portion that feeds approximately 2 pax is also available at $69.

While the prices are on a slightly higher end, they are all nett, without gst and service charges. I would highly recommend making a reservation here https://reserve.oddle.me/kultyard before heading down!

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.


LAVI TACO
195 Pearl's Hill Terrace
#01-54
Singapore 168976
Tel: +65 9763 8931
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Nearest MRT: Chinatown MRT (DT Line and NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Sun: 5pm - 930pm
(Closed on Mon & Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk straight to the food centre. Cut through the food centre to the back. Walk towards the hill on the left. Take the flight of stairs up the hill. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Wagyu X @ Club Street - Serving A Hokkaido Special Wagyu Crossbreed Not Commonly Found Outside Japan

At Wagyu X, a recently opened Japanese steakhouse on Club Street, Chef Masahiro Takada showcases a rare Hokkaido special wagyu crossbreed, a delicacy not often found outside Japan. This particular breed is celebrated for its exceptional balance, offering both the melt-in-your-mouth texture of Wagyu and the rich, beefy juiciness reminiscent of Angus beef.

Vinaigrette Cherry Tomatoes and Seaweed 3/5

The dining experience kicks off with a delightful Amuse Bouche - Vinaigrette Cherry Tomatoes and Seaweed, adorned with luscious Ikura pearls. This appetizer expertly whets the appetite for the dinner ahead.

Corn Mousse with Uni 4/5

The spotlight at Wagyu X remains firmly on the beef. While the restaurant prides itself on its exquisite cuts of Hokkaido special Wagyu crossbreed, it also boasts a well-curated selection of seasonal appetizers to complement the star of the show. The Corn Mousse with Uni ($30) is a silky revelation. The dish offers a mouthful of corn mousse, tantalizing the palate with the delightful popping pearls of salmon Ikura. The crowning touch of Bafun Uni adds a burst of flavour, resulting in an explosion of taste that sets the tone for what's to come.

Hokkaido Scallop 4.5/5

A Hokkaido Scallop ($26) creation further excites the senses. This dish takes sashimi-grade whole medallions of scallops and bakes them in a flavoured butter infusion. Accompanied by a housemade capsicum puree, it elevates the sweet creaminess of the scallop to another level.

Wagyu X Ribeye 4.8/5

Onto the main attraction, the Wagyu X itself, which comes in three iterations - Wagyu X Sirloin (500g $160, 1kg $300), Wagyu X Ribeye (500g $125, 1kg $240), and Wagyu X Tenderloin (250g $120, 500g $230). We started our carnivorous adventure with the Wagyu X Ribeye. Each slice is thoughtfully seasoned with a gentle sprinkle of salt, allowing the bold natural flavour and texture of the meat to shine. The ribeye boasts an ideal balance of lean meat and fats. Grilled to perfection, it presents a delightful charred edge, with the fats, after grilling, exuding a tantalizing aroma.

Wagyu X Sirloin 4.5/5

For those who prefer a more substantial bite, the Wagyu X Sirloin will be a suitable choice. This cut offers a bolder and more intense flavour than the ribeye, ensuring a satisfying indulgence for meat lovers.

Cream Spinach 4/5

Matsutake Fries 3/5

Roasted Japanese Pumpkin with Walnut 4.2/5

To round off the dining experience, diners can complement their steak with an array of tantalising sides. The Creamed Spinach ($12), sautéed in garlic, the Matsutake Fries ($12), and the Roasted Japanese Pumpkin with Walnut ($12) are excellent choices. Personally, I found the Roasted Japanese Pumpkin with Walnut to be a standout. This dish features sweet and tender pumpkin complemented by candied walnuts, adding a delightful nutty dimension.

Tiramisu 4.2/5

For dessert, the house speciality is the Tiramisu ($18). It's created from the same recipe as Chef Masa's sister restaurant, Ristorante Takada. This deconstructed masterpiece allows diners to savour the individual ingredients or enjoy them as a harmonious whole. What sets this tiramisu apart is the preparation of the ladyfingers. Instead of soaking them in coffee liqueur beforehand, they are quickly dipped upon order, resulting in a tiramisu with a delightful crunch, a unique twist on this classic dessert.

Burnt Cheesecake with Ice Cream 4/5

Alternatively, those with a sweet tooth can opt for the Burnt Cheesecake with Matcha Affogato ($24). This rich cheesecake is a delightful conclusion to the meal, especially when paired with a cold serving of vanilla ice cream and matcha sauce.

For busy executives in the CBD, Wagyu X offers a 3-Course Set Lunch Menu starting at $38++. This set menu includes a starter, main, and dessert, providing a quick yet savoury lunch option while allowing diners to experience the unique flavour of the Wagyu crossbreed. Wagyu X at Club Street indeed offers a rare and satisfying journey into the world of exquisite beef dining.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


    

Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine (湘香湖湖南菜) @ Mosque Street - Unlocking the Hidden Gems of Hunan Cuisine

I can't believe it took me this long to stumble upon Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine (湘香H湖南菜). Surprisingly, they've been part of Singapore's culinary scene for 15 years, with four outlets scattered across Seng Kang, Bedok, Bugis, and Chinatown. I recently visited the Chinatown branch to unravel the wonders of Hunan cuisine.

Hunan Style Fried Pork 4.8/5

A must-try at this eatery is their signature Hunan Style Fried Pork. The pork slices were incredibly tender and succulent, and the chilli peppers added a satisfying crunch. The bold black bean sauce and garlic flavours tied the dish together, creating a delicious medley of tastes and textures.

Homemade Preserved Egg with Chilli 4/5

The Homemade Preserved Egg with Chilli was served in a mortar-like bowl, and our server masterfully pounded the crushed chilli from Changsha with the century egg. This technique allowed the spicy goodness to infuse into the preserved egg. While the texture might differ from everyone's cup of tea, I found it quite interesting and loved the unique flavour that the century egg brought to the dish.

Crispy Tofu stuffed with Soymilk 3.5/5

The Crispy Tofu stuffed with Soymilk is deep-fried to perfection. It had a wonderfully crispy exterior and a silky-smooth interior. However, the sauce could have been more robust to elevate the overall experience. It lacked that extra punch.

Stir-fried Cauliflower 4.8/5

A delightful surprise came in the form of Stir-Fried Cauliflower. While it might seem like a simple dish, it was executed brilliantly. The cauliflower was cooked to a delightful crunch, and the fragrant pork crackling added a lovely crispy texture to the dish.

Pumpkin Soup with Tofu and Shrimp 4.2/5

The Pumpkin Soup with Tofu and Shrimp was a pleasant surprise. It offered a delightful combination of sweetness and creaminess, blurring the lines between Chinese and Western-style soups. Adding tofu, shrimp, carrots, and peas complemented the soup perfectly.

Spicy Bullfrog Pot 4.5/5

One of my favourite dishes was the Spicy Bullfrog Pot. It was spicy and fragrant, with the bullfrog meat being incredibly tender and clean-tasting. Hidden beneath the pile of bullfrogs were other ingredients like mung bean noodles and vegetables, adding depth to the dish.

This was my first experience with Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine, and it did not disappoint. I now understand why this restaurant has remained crowded and successful for 15 years.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine
8/9/10 Mosque Street
Singapore 059488
Tel: +65 62255968
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Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to New Bridge Road. Turn right at New Bridge Road and walk to Mosque Street. Turn right onto Mosque Street and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes.[Map]