AMO @ Hong Kong Street - A Feast of Italian Delights in an All New Revamped Menu

Amò, named after the affectionate Italian term for "love," invites diners to rediscover the heart of Italian dining with its refreshed menu. The new offerings promise an unforgettable experience filled with flavour, warmth, and the true Italian spirit.

Artisanal Burrata Cheese with Datterini Tomatoes and Basil Pesto 4.2/5

We began our meal with the Artisanal Burrata Cheese with Datterini Tomatoes and Basil Pesto ($28). The soft, creamy burrata was complemented by the tomatoes' natural sweetness, while the basil pesto added an aromatic lift, bringing the dish together beautifully.

Roman Artichoke Fries with Paprika and Black Truffle Crema 4.2/5

For a crispy, addictive snack, the Roman Artichoke Fries with Paprika and Black Truffle Crema ($18) was a standout. Coated in a light batter, the artichokes had a crispy exterior and fluffy interior, reminiscent of potato wedges but with a richer, earthier flavour.

Wagyu Beef Carpaccio with Rucola, Parmigiano and Truffle Relish 4.2/5

The Wagyu Beef Carpaccio with Rucola, Parmigiano, and Truffle Relish ($26) delivered a melt-in-the-mouth experience. The peppery rucola, savoury Parmigiano, and fragrant truffle relish elevated the silky, tender beef, creating a vibrant and well-balanced dish.

Sourdough Bruschetta with Pizzutelli Tomatoes and Basil Pesto 4/5

Another delightful bite was the Sourdough Bruschetta with Pizzutelli Tomatoes and Basil Pesto ($20). The toasted sourdough provided the perfect base for the sweet Pizzutelli tomatoes and herbaceous basil pesto, offering a satisfying crunch with every bite.

Homemade Spaghetti Chitarra with Seafood and Pomodoro 4.5/5

Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe with Pecorino Cheese and Black Pepper 4.2/5

For the pasta course, we tried the Homemade Spaghetti Chitarra with Seafood and Pomodoro ($35) and the Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe with Pecorino Cheese and Black Pepper ($26). The Spaghetti Chitarra stood out with its sweet and tangy tomato-based sauce, perfectly paired with fresh seafood. Meanwhile, the Cacio e Pepe, a creamy and cheese-laden delight, catered to those who enjoy rich, indulgent flavours. However, it felt slightly plain without additional ingredients to enhance the dish.

Quattro Formaggi 4/5

The Quattro Formaggi ($28) was a must-try for cheese lovers. A decadent combination of Smoked Scamorza, Taleggio, Buffalo Mozzarella, and Provolone created a rich, umami-packed pizza with layers of distinct flavours melding together beautifully.

Grilled Wagyu Beef Hanging Tender Tagliata with Truffle Mash 4.2/5

The Grilled Wagyu Beef Hanging Tender Tagliata with Truffle Mash ($42) was grilled to perfection. It boasted a gorgeous charred exterior while remaining tender and full-bodied inside. The luxurious truffle mash added a smooth and creamy complement to the dish.

Grilled Iberico Pork Secreto with Sweet Onion Figgione 4.2/5

Another highlight was the Grilled Iberico Pork Secreto with Sweet Onion Figgione ($36). The succulent, well-marbled pork paired wonderfully with the sweet onion figgione, enhancing the meat's natural flavours with a delightful sweetness.

Roasted Seabass with Artichokes, Capers and Confit Tomatoes 4.5/5

The Roasted Seabass with Artichokes, Capers, and Confit Tomatoes ($42) was a beautifully executed dish for seafood lovers. The crispy skin, flaky flesh, and acidity from the confit tomatoes created a balanced and satisfying bite.

Panna Cotta with Blood Orange Caramel 4.2/5

To round off the meal, we indulged in the Panna Cotta with Blood Orange Caramel ($15). The wobbly, creamy panna cotta was perfectly matched with the rich blood orange caramel, delivering a satisfying balance of sweetness and acidity.

Amo Tiramisu 4.2/5

The Amò Tiramisu ($18) stayed true to tradition, offering a well-executed rendition of this classic Italian dessert. Each bite was light yet flavourful, ticking all the boxes for a great tiramisu.

Pistachio & White Chocolate Lave Cake with Amaretto Cream 3.8/5

The Pistachio & White Chocolate Lava Cake with Amaretto Cream ($16) was a luxurious treat. The nutty aroma of pistachio combined with the sweetness of white chocolate created a delightful harmony, while the Amaretto cream added a nutty, boozy finish to elevate the dish further.

Amò's revamped menu showcases a strong dedication to authentic Italian flavours with a modern touch. From the flavorful antipasti to the indulgent desserts, each dish reflects the warmth and passion of Italian dining. Whether you're a fan of rich cheeses, premium meats, or fresh seafood, there's something on the menu to satisfy every craving.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Amo
33 Hong Kong Street
Singapore 059672
Tel: +65 67237733
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Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Clark Quay MRT station. Take Exit E. Cross the road using the overhead bridge. Turn left and walk down New Bridge Road. Turn left onto Hong Kong Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Fu Yuan Teochew Dining (馥苑) @ Clarke Quay - A New and First Teochew Restaurant in Clarke Quay

Fu Yuan Teochew Dining, a fresh addition to the Clarke Quay dining scene, opened its doors in November 2024. The restaurant blends tradition with modern elegance, featuring a sleek black and red colour palette that creates a sophisticated yet welcoming ambience. Specialising in authentic Teochew cuisine with innovative touches, Fu Yuan offers an array of delectable dishes that celebrate the rich culinary heritage of Teochew cooking.

Prosperity Abalone Yu Sheng 3/5

To mark the Chinese New Year festivities, we started with the Prosperity Abalone Yu Sheng ($58/$88). A staple of any Lunar New Year celebration, this dish set the tone for an auspicious meal as we tossed for good fortune, abundance, and prosperity.

Marinated Raw Roe Crab 4.5/5

One of Fu Yuan’s signature dishes, the Marinated Raw Roe Crab ($88), is a true indulgence for seafood lovers. Fresh and generously packed with roe, the crab is steeped in a self-brewed white wine marinade, giving it a delicate floral aroma that enhances the sweetness of the crab meat. This dish is a must-try for those who appreciate bold, umami flavours.

Crispy 'Bing Chuan' Brinjal 4.8/5

A unique offering at Fu Yuan, the Crispy 'Bing Chuan' Brinjal, features an uncommon variety of eggplant sourced from high-altitude, cool-climate regions. This growing environment produces a firmer, denser texture with low moisture content, making it ideal for frying. The result? A crisp, crunchy bite that retains the natural sweetness of the brinjal. Even non-eggplant eaters may find themselves converted by this dish!

Grilled Black Char Siew 4.2/5

While not traditionally Teochew, the Grilled Black Char Siew ($22) is expertly charcoal-grilled, delivering a smoky, caramelised crust that encases tender, flavorful meat. The execution of this Cantonese classic is commendable, making it a worthy addition to the menu.

Teochew Style Pan-fried Oyster Omelette 3.5/5

The Teochew Style Pan-fried Oyster Omelette ($18) takes a more homely approach than the crispy, gooey versions I preferred. This rendition is eggier and fluffier, resembling a classic home-cooked style rather than the traditional wok-fried oyster omelette. While it lacks the expected crispy and starchy contrast, the tangy chilli sauce provides a great complement.

Pan-fried Dragon Tiger Grouper with Shark Cartilage Soup Teochew Style 3.8/5

A departure from the usual steamed Teochew-style fish, this Pan-fried Dragon Tiger Grouper with Shark Cartilage Soup Teochew Style ($13/100g) offers a crispy exterior while keeping the fish meat tender. The creamy shark cartilage soup adds an umami depth, making this a delightful alternative to the traditional preparation.

Creamy Pumpkin Boston Lobster 4.2/5

The Creamy Pumpkin Boston Lobster ($16/100g) presents a unique twist on the usual lobster preparations. The sauce, reminiscent of salted egg yolk, combines the sweetness of pumpkin with an aromatic curry leaf finish, creating a balanced and addictive flavour that pairs beautifully with the lobster meat. Promo: Reserve via Chope using promo code "FYLOBSTER" to enjoy a complimentary Creamy Pumpkin Boston Lobster!

Wok-fried Preserved Radish Hor Fun 3.8/5

While the Wok-fried Preserved Radish Hor Fun ($24/$48) is a well-executed plate of rice noodles, it leans more towards a classic fried kway teow rather than the expected Teochew-style preserved radish hor fun. The preserved radish flavour is not distinct, and the crunch from diced kai lan is lacking, which would have added more texture and depth to the dish.

Peach Gum with Hokkaido Milk 3.8/5

To wrap up the meal, we enjoyed two classic Teochew desserts. The Peach Gum with Hokkaido Milk ($8) is served hot or cold. It is smooth, creamy, and lightly sweetened, making for a refreshing finish. We also had the Mashed Taro 'Orh Nee' ($7), a classic Teochew dessert that is rich, smooth, and well-balanced in sweetness, perfect for rounding off the dining experience.

Mashed Taro 'Orh Nee' 4/5

Fu Yuan Teochew Dining is a welcome addition to the Clarke Quay dining scene, offering classic Teochew cuisine with modern and creative interpretations. Standouts include the Marinated Raw Roe Crab, Crispy 'Bing Chuan' Brinjal, and Creamy Pumpkin Boston Lobster. While some dishes, like the oyster omelette and hor fun, could be refined further, the overall experience showcases quality ingredients and skilful execution. Whether you're looking for a prosperous Chinese New Year meal or a place to indulge in Teochew specialities, Fu Yuan is worth a visit.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Fu Yuan Teochew Dining (馥苑)
Clarke Quay
3A River Valley Road
#01-01C/01D
Singapore 179020
Tel: +65 88020101
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Nearest MRT: Fort Canning (DT Line), Clarke Quay (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 5pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit C or G. Walk to the river. Turn left and walk down the river towards the bridge. Cross the bridge. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Fort Canning MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right onto River Valley Road Walk down River Valley Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

SAKEMARU Artisan Sake Hideout @ Clarke Quay - Modern Japanese Kappo-style Izakaya with Extensive Range of Exclusive Artisanal Saké

SAKEMARU Artisan Sake Hideout is an izakaya tucked along South Bridge Road, between Clarke Quay and Raffles Place MRT stations. Specialising in modern Kappo-style Japanese cuisine, the restaurant exudes a cosy ambience with options for counter seating or regular tables.

True to its name, SAKEMARU boasts an extensive selection of artisanal sakes, many of which are rare finds not typically available in other local establishments.

Chef Kudo’s Omakase 4/5

The highlight of the menu is the signature Chef Kudo’s Omakase ($150/pax), while a la carte options are also available.

Saikzuke

The omakase begins with Saikzuke, a curated appetiser platter. This includes monkfish liver delicately paired with ponzu sauce, a saucer of flavourful boiled spinach, sweet Annou potato tempura, dried horse mackerel, and a fresh cuttlefish sushi piece.

Wanmono

The Wanmono soup course features a light yet hearty turnip soup, enhanced with cod milt and garnished with green onions.

Sashimi

No omakase is complete without Sashimi, and we were treated to thick, fresh slices of tuna, sea bream, and mackerel.

Yakimono

For our Yakimono course, we were served with buttery grilled scallops, brussel sprouts, and a tender slice of fish topped with sea urchin.

Agemono

Next was the Agemono course, which consisted of three tempuras: smelt, lotus root, and tilefish. While the ingredients were fresh, we found the batter slightly bland.

Sunomono

The Sunomono course showcased snow crab, grouper, and radish pickled in sweet vinegar, further dressed in Tosazu vinegar. While refreshing, it was a little too sweet for our liking.

Gohan

The main course was Gohan, featuring grilled yellowtail served with saikyo miso claypot rice, paired with a cup of miso soup. The rice is lightly savoury, complementing the grilled fish. I particularly liked the clear miso soup that had depth.

If you are not able to finish your portion of rice, the staff can shape it into small onigiri for takeaway, ensuring nothing goes to waste.

Kanmi

The meal concluded with the Kanmi course. While I wished there was slightly more azuki filling, this traditional Japanese sweet treat of strawberry daifuku came with a juicy, sweet strawberry encased in soft mochi skin.

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.


SAKEMARU Artisan Sake Hideout
55 South Bridge Road
Singapore 058686
Tel: +65 65132789
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Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (NE Line), Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat:1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit E. Cross the road and walk to Carpenter Street. Walk down Carpenter Street to South Bridge Road. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk down Chulia Street to North Canal Road. Walk to the junction of North Canal Road and South Bridge Road. Turn right onto South Bridge Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Shakō-Ba @ North Canal Road - A Vibrant & Immersive Experience Alongside Classic and Innovative Izakaya Creations

Time to check out the hottest new izakaya bar in town! Shakō-Ba is conceptualised around a unique daruma theme, inspired by the traditional Japanese doll symbolising perseverance and good luck. The space is stylishly decorated, with a main bar and dining area showcasing cheeky neon signage to create the perfect atmosphere for a night out. There's also a private room available for diners who want to enjoy a karaoke session.

The kitchen is led by Chef Patrick, who brings with him over 25 years of culinary expertise. Besides the ala carte main menu, they have recently launched an omakase menu, served in a cosy dining room away from the main bar and dining area. This setting offers a more intimate and sophisticated ambience whilst still embracing a fun and playful vibe. During my visit, my dining companion and I were treated to the Daruma Lite Omakase, and to begin the evening, we were presented with a tray of 6 different types of Japanese cups and glasses. This welcome ritual allows each diner to choose their preferred vessel, which is then paired with a complimentary welcome drink! There are both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options available, and I was pleased with my refreshing iced yuzu drink.

Seasonal Appetisers 4.5/5

Chef Patrick then presented the first dish: a tray of Seasonal Appetisers featuring three delightful items. The fruit tomato, delicately sprinkled with snowflake salt, was set alongside a bowl of beancurd skin paired with wasabi. Intriguingly, there were two little river crabs perched on the tray — I initially thought they were just decorative! However, they are indeed meant to be eaten. Deep-fried and seasoned with salt and garlic powder, the crabs were incredibly crunchy, and we demolished them rather quickly.

Seasonal Sashimi Tray 4.2/5

Next, we were treated to the Seasonal Sashimi Tray, presented with a touch of flair as lights illuminated the ice beneath. We were served three thick, fresh slices of fish: chutoro, yellowtail, and swordfish belly. Chef Patrick adds a creative twist to the soy sauce by transforming it into a foam, encouraging diners to apply the soy sauce foam directly onto the fish rather than dipping it.

Scallops Cold Truffle Somen 4.8/5

Before diving into the Scallops Cold Truffle Somen, diners get to engage in an exciting game of dice with Chef Patrick! The stakes are high—those who win will be well rewarded with a complimentary topping of fresh seasonal hairy crab to elevate their somen! But even if luck isn't on your side, the truffle somen is already very delicious, featuring large, succulent pieces of scallops that make it a delight regardless!

Truffle Chawanmushi 4.2/5

Next is a Truffle Chawanmushi that is served piping hot and warms the palate. Each spoonful reveals a silky smooth consistency, enhanced by earthy truffle flavours.

Tempura Prawn & Corn Rice 4.2/5

We were then served a tray of Tempura Prawn & Corn Rice, a dish beautifully showcasing textures' harmony and flavours. The bite-sized pieces of prawn and corn tempura are perfectly crisp, providing a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, fluffy bed of rice beneath. The rice is seasoned with furikake, and I found the dish to be quite tasty, although my dining companion felt that the rice could do with an extra pinch of salt.

Shots Tray

At this point, you have the chance to win free shots — if you’re feeling daring! The odds are definitely in your favour, as you’ll draw from a full deck of cards, winning the corresponding number of shots based on your draw. But beware: if you happen to draw the Joker, you'll have to buy a round for all the diners at the omakase table, though at a discounted 1-for-1 price! Are you willing to take the risk?

Note: The shots shown in my photo are the mini version, as we requested a reduced size. Typically, the shots served are in standard shot glasses!

Clam Soup 4.2/5

After all that excitement, sip on a comforting bowl of Clam Soup, where each spoonful envelops you in warmth and contentment. The broth is richly infused with the briny essence of fresh clams, and the many tender pieces of clam in the soup provide a satisfying bite in every sip.

Dessert 4.2/5

For dessert, diners are treated to three delightful pieces of mochi, each one coated in your choice of chocolate, kinako, or sesame. A nice way to experience traditional Japanese sweets with a modern twist.

Brown Sugar Cheesecake 4.5/5

This Brown Sugar Cheesecake isn't included in the Daruma-lite omakase menu, but it's absolutely worth ordering from the main menu. The cheesecake boasts a luscious, melted top layer of cheese that perfectly complements the crispy brown sugar crust, adding rich caramel sweetness to every bite. Each forkful combines the creamy filling, the crispy sugar crust and the buttery biscuit base, creating a harmonious blend of textures that will leave you craving more.

The drinks menu is equally enticing, featuring a diverse selection of flavoured shochu, sake, highballs and more, ensuring there’s something to please every palate. Whether you prefer the refreshing notes of a fruity shochu or the nuanced flavours of a finely crafted sake, you’ll find the perfect accompaniment to your meal.

Additionally, there's an exciting option to press the "Superstar Button." If you're feeling like a boss, this fun feature lets you treat the whole crowd to a round of shots for just $288! It's a fantastic way to celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy a lively night out with friends. Whether you're here for drinks and izakaya bites or a multi-course omakase, you can be sure of one thing: the team at Shakō-Ba is ready to welcome you for a good time!

Photographed and penned by Shermine. Through her pictures and stories, she shares her journey of savouring new flavours and experiences. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Shakō-Ba
12 North Canal Road
#02-01
Singapore 048825
Tel: +65 9689 9010
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Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (CC Line), Raffles Place (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 5pm - 12midnight
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk towards the junction of North Canal Road and South Bridge Road. Cross the junction and continue on North Canal Road. Walk along the shophouses along North Canal Road. Look out for an alley and turn left into it. Look for the entrance to the building and take lift to level 2. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]


2) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk towards North Canal Road. Continue on North Canal Road. Walk along the shophouses along North Canal Road. Look out for an alley and turn right into it. Look for the entrance to the building and take lift to level 2. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]