Good Chai People @ East Coast Road - Singapore First Chai Specialty Cafe In Katong

Located in Katong, Good Chai People is Singapore's first Chai Cafe that puts a spotlight on handmade artisanal sticky chai, served along with hearty brunch and mains. The 60-seater cafe is tastefully designed to allow customers to enjoy a comforting cup of chai in a cosy and homely space.

Sticky Chai Latte 3.8/5, Hoji-Chai Latte 3.8/5

With a total of 11 iterations of chai, we were spoilt for choice. The Sticky Chai Latte ($8) features a soothing blend of Ceylon OPA leaves, oat milk, coconut sugar and cinnamon, while the Hoji-Chai Latte ($8) has subtle notes from the Japanese roasted tea, which paired well with the chai aroma. However, the chai flavour in both cups was not as intense as I would have liked and could be stronger. Oat milk and coconut sugar are used in the chai drinks to be more inclusive, vegan-friendly, and more considerate towards customers who are lactose-intolerant.

Burnt Brussels Sprouts 4.2/5

The Burnt Brussels Sprouts ($16) was an addictive side. The yuzu sesame drizzle provided a refreshing tanginess to the dish, which cut through the bitterness of the brussels sprouts. It is also topped with nori and sesame seeds for some added flavour.

Mommy's Spinach 4/5

The Mommy's Spinach ($12) is an elevated take on the creamed spinach. It comes in a comforting mix of Gruyère cheese, bechamel sauce, and brown butter, with fried eggs atop. You can also add $2 for additional sourdough toasts to dip in.

24-Hr Beef Brisket 4.5/5

One of our favourite dishes is the 24-Hr Beef Brisket ($20). The beef brisket is well-marinated and tender and comes with two perfectly oozy poached eggs, tangy toasted sourdough, confit baby potatoes, and hand-cut potato chips.

Prawn & Chorizo Aglio Olio 4.2/5

The Prawn & Chorizo Aglio Olio ($22) comprises perfectly al-dente pasta tossed in umami prawn head butter and paired with char-grilled tiger prawns and savoury chorizo strips. The dish comes with a strong fiery kick, suitable for those who like their aglio olio extra spicy.

French Toast 4/5

We enjoyed the gorgeous French Toast ($20), which tasted as good as it looked, featuring a thick Brioche French toast sandwiched in layers of tangy berry compote and peanut butter, topped with whipped cream cheese, and a maple thyme drizzle.

Words and photos 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.


Good Chai People
225 East Coast Road
Singapore 428922
Tel: +65 97835757
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Nearest MRT: Dakota (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 8am - 6pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Take exit A. Walk to bus stop at Blk 99 Old Airport Road (Stop ID 81181). Take Bus 10 or 32. Alight 7 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 18 minutes. [Map]

Cafe Natsu @ Joo Chiat - Offers Refreshed Flavours With A Stronger Japanese Influence

Following the opening of their second outlet at Clemenceau Citadines Connect Hotel just six months from the brand's debut in the heritage district of Joo Chiat, Cafe Natsu has launched a refreshed set of offerings for their Joo Chiat outlet as well. Approximately half the menu features brand-new dishes with a stronger Japanese influence.

Fried Ebi Croquette 4.2/5

We kickstarted the meal with the Fried Ebi Croquette ($12) appetiser. The deep-fried ebi croquette has a nice crispy exterior. Biting into it reveals a moist and creamy shrimp filling on the inside.

Wagyu Hamburg 4/5

The Wagyu Hamburg ($26) with Okonomiyaki was one of our favourites. The hamburg was tender and juicy, while the pan-fried base of batter and cabbage was executed perfectly as well. The combination of western wagyu hamburg and Japanese Okonomuyaki hit all the right notes with its savoury flavours. The downside is that it might get slightly cloying with such a highly-flavoured dish.

Cold Somen 3.8/5

The Cold Somen ($14) features a bowl of al dente somen with confit egg yolk, soy dashi, myiga, capers, cucumber and shiso. Break the yolk and mix all the ingredients for a creamy finish. The dish may be a tad mild in flavour, which might be more suitable for diners who prefer a lighter main.

Mochi Fried Doughnuts 4.2/5

We ended the meal on a sweet note with the Mochi Fried Doughnuts ($12). Whilst simple, the dessert is nothing short of amazing. The mochi doughnuts were superbly fluffy and chewy on the inside. It does not have many flavours on its own, so dipping into the salted Hokkaido milk ice cream lends a nice saltish-sweet creamy flavour to the doughnuts, which elevates the whole experience.

The evolving menu goes beyond traditional brunch standards to offer versatile, comforting dishes ideal for any time of day — a testament to the Café Natsu team's progressive interpretation of a cafe experience.

Words and photos 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.


Cafe Natsu
283 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore 427537
Tel: +65 88864497
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Website
Nearest MRT: Dakota (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 830am - 530pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk to bus stop at block 99 (Stop ID 81181). Take bus number 33. Alight 4 stops later. Walk to Koon Seng Road. Turn right onto Koon Seng Road. Walk to Joo Chiat Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Sinpopo Brand @ Joo Chiat Road - Revamped Menu Of Local Food With A Fusion Twist

Sinpopo Brand at Joo Chiat has been around for 9 years and is most known for its focus on local food with a fusion twist and cakes inspired by local flavours, such as pulut hitam and putu piring.

Staying true to their brand story, they have recently launched a refreshed menu featuring return favourites and new innovative creations.

Sotong Hitam with Handmade Crab Tortellini 3.8/5

The Sotong Hitam with Handmade Crab Tortellini ($20) showcases Sinpopo's unique take on tortellini. Instead of the usual pasta skin, the crab meat filling is wrapped with dumpling-like skin. Together with slices of squid, they are then done in a fragrant squid ink rempah that carries quite a kick of spice.

Crab Bee Hoon 3/5

The Crab Bee Hoon ($19) is a popular return from the previous menu. It has vermicelli in a savoury seafood broth, topped with crab meat and roe.

Baked Miso Cod Hor Fun 3.5/5

The perfectly baked miso atlantic cod was the highlight of the Baked Miso Cod Hor Fun ($23). The cod was buttery and creamy and paired nicely with the lightly crisped-up pieces of fish maw. At this price tag, however, we wished there was a stronger wok hei and a bigger portion of hor fun.

Braised Cabbage in Superior Stock 3.5/5

A new interesting section on the refreshed menu is the Smoke-kissed Veggies to Share. There are 4 veggies to choose from, the Jambu Jack Salad, Butter Grilled Maitake, Nai Bai with Parmesan, and what we had, the Braised Cabbage in Superior Stock ($14). The savoy cabbage is braised till soft, grilled and served in a thick sauce. The overall smokiness was pleasant but could be much less salty.

Durian Pengat Crème Brûlée 3.8/5

If you have a sweet tooth, the rich Durian Pengat Crème Brûlée ($14) is one to consider. It has mao shan wang durian flesh cooked down with pandan and gula melaka, layered under custard and a caramelised top. On the side, there is coconut cream and biscuits to go along. It can get quite sweet and heavy, so it would be good to have this as a sharing dessert.

Sng Muay Pop

I enjoyed the fizzy Sng Muay Pop ($7)! It was scorching on the day of our visit, and this combination of 7-Up, lime and sour plum was refreshing. It's not too sweet, and they thoughtfully added preserved plum ice cubes. This drink helped to balance out the heavier-tasting dishes.

Sinpopo Teh Tarik

The Sinpopo Teh Tarik ($5) was a recommendation by the staff. Each cup is served with a pair of in-house cookies - we got the black sesame flavour. The teh tarik was smooth and sweet.

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.


Sinpopo Brand @ Katong
458 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore 427671
Tel: +63455034
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Website
Nearest MRT: Dakota MRT (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Block 99 (Stop ID 81181). Take bus number 16. Alight 4 stops later. Cross the road and turn left. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Take exit A. Walk to bus stop at Blk 99 Old Airport Road (Stop ID 81181). Take Bus 10 or 32. Alight 6 stops later. Walk to Joo Chiat Road. Turn left and walk to destination. Journey time about 18 minutes. [Map]

Jia Wei Chinese Restaurant @ Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy - All New A La Carte & Dim Sum Menu In Support Of Local Produce

Jia Wei Chinese Restaurant, located at Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy, introduces new a la carte and dim sum items to support our local produce and reduce the reliance on food imports. Chinese Executive Chef Victor Lee has curated a mouth-watering menu sourcing vegetables and fish from the local farms, incorporating them into the revamped menu.

Wok-fried Daikon Cake with XO Sauce 4.5/5

A must-try is the Wok-fried Daikon Cake ($10) from the dim sum menu with XO sauce. Coated in umami XO sauce, the wok-fried daikon is crispy on the exterior and soft inside. Topped with shredded egg and beansprouts, they give the daikon cake a lift in flavour and texture.

Jia Wei Butterfly Pea Har Gow 4.2/5

Butterfly Pea Rice Roll with Australian Scallop 3.8/5

Giving the classic Har Gow and Rice Roll a modern take is the Jia Wei Butterfly Pea Har Gow ($7.80 for 3pc) and Butterfly Pea Rice Roll with Australian Scallop ($8.80). The Har Gow was plump with crunchy prawns. As for the rice roll, I find the scallop stuffing an unusual choice as the ingredient itself is rather bland in taste. Thanks to delicious soy sauce that lifted the flavour profile.

Crispy Local Soft Shell Crab with Ice Plant 4/5

Moving to the a la carte menu, we started with the Crispy Local Soft Shell with Ice Plant ($22 per serving). A refreshing combination of crispy soft shell crab paired with crunchy ice plant. The whole enjoyment is brightened with the addition of ume infused tomato and yuzu dressing.

Curly Kale Soup 4/5

I am not a fan of kale, but that does not deter me from finishing the Curly Kale Soup ($20 per serving) cooked with braised crab meat and beancurd. It doesn't have the earthy Kale taste, which I dislike. Instead, it felt more like having a bowl of chicken soup with the braised crab meat and beancurd giving it a substantial mouthfeel.

Corn-fed Har Cheong Chicken Slider 4.2/5

One of my favourite dishes for the night is the Corn-fed Har Cheong Chicken Slider ($28) drizzled with yuzu dressing, giving it a tangy kick. A crispy and tender chicken fillet is sandwiched between a soft and fluffy bun. I enjoy the textural combination of soft, fluffy, tender and crisp, all coming together in a delicious bite.

Wok-fried Celtuce Stem 4.5/5

It is my first time trying celtuce stem, and I was surprised by how much I like it. The Wok-fried Celtuce Stem ($24) cooked in Szechuan dried chilli has a delectable sweetness and a delightful crunchy texture.

Crispy Egg Noodle 4.2/5

Regulars can still look forward to perennial favourites and signature dishes on the menu. One of them is the Crispy Egg Noodle ($26) in chicken broth gravy. It even comes with fresh seafood such as prawns and fish slices.

Chilled Homemade Coconut Pudding 4.8/5

Wrapping up our dinner is the Chilled Homemade Coconut Pudding ($15 per serving) with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The pudding made from fresh coconut water is light and refreshing. It is just a perfect dessert to end the night. 

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Jia Wei Chinese Restaurant
Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy
50 East Coast Road
Level 2
Singapore 428769
Tel: +65 63405678
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Dakota (CC Line), Paya Lebar (EW Line, CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Block 99 (Stop ID 81181). Take bus number 31. Alight 6 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Paya Lebar MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop along Paya Lebar Road (Stop ID 81111). Take bus number 43, 76, 134 or 135. Alight 8 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 18 minutes. [Map]

Dickson Nasi Lemak @ Joo Chiat Road - Rated Best Nasi Lemak In Malaysia

Recently. my friend Alison invited me to do a Nasi Lemak PK episode on her Youtube Channel - 艾莉愛吃 Ali Eats, and we decided to check out Dickson Nasi Lemak at Joo Chiat Road. Rated as best Nasi Lemak in Malaysia, it is opened by the same folk behind Champion Bolo Bun. Apparently it claims to use the same recipe as the renowned Village Park Restaurant in Malaysia.

Unfortunately, Dickson Nasi Lemak is not a dine-in restaurant. Customers can only takeaway from the restaurant. Currently, the menu is minimal. During my visit, it only has the Ayam Goreng Berempah ($9.20). Upon ordering at the cashier, customers will be given a buzzer and need to wait for another 10 minutes for the kitchen to bring out their takeaway. I suspect the wait is for the kitchen to freshly fried a new batch of chicken leg for each order.

Ayam Goreng Berempah 4.5/5

The packet of Nasi Lemak comes with a deep-fried chicken leg, ikan bilis, hard-boiled egg and sambal chilli. The rice is very fragrant and packed with a rich coconut milk flavour. I can even taste a bit of sweetness in the rice. Probably some sugar is added.

The spiced marinated chicken leg is super good. It is tender and juicy. I could taste spices such as turmeric, lemongrass and cumin, giving it a beautiful aroma. You will like the accompanying sambal chilli for those that can take spicy. It is fiery, with the heat lingering at the back of your tongue.

Dickson Nasi Lemak
320 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore 427571
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Nearest MRT: Dakota (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Tue, Thu-Sun: 8am - 10am, 1130am - 230pm
(Closed on Wed)

Direction:
1) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Block 99 (Stop ID 81181). Take bus number 16. Alight 4 stops later. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Da Dong Prawn Noodles @ Joo Chiat Road - A Stingy Bowl Of Prawn Noodle

I have heard many raving reviews of Da Dong Prawn Noodles at Joo Chiat Road. Some even labelled it the best in Singapore, with long queues at the stall daily and usually sold out by late noon. Da Dong has been around since 1966, and now the 2nd generation is running the stall. So together with my foodie friends, we dropped by on a Monday morning to try the prawn noodle.

Prawn Noodle Soup 4/5

The prawn noodle comes in 3 sizes for $6, $8 and $15. We have the regular size for $8. the Prawn Noodle Soup comes with two small prawns sliced into half and julienne pork slices. My first reaction was that it is a very stingy bowl of noodles for $8. Even the prized soup is only half-filled. I can understand why many raved about the soup. Unlike the other more crustacean based soup, their soup is more pork-based, incline to a tonkotsu broth.

Prawn Noodle Dry 4.2/5

We also ordered the Prawn Noodle Dry, another pathetic serving of 2 small prawns sliced into half and two small pieces of pork ribs. Taste-wise it is better because of the sambal and pork lard. I would recommend going for the dry version.

Is it a good bowl of prawn noodles? Yes, it is. Is it worth it? No, it does not. Why so? While their soup is different and tasty, it is too stingy and not value for money. Unless you stay around the neighbourhood, it is not worth travelling all the way for it.


Da Dong Prawn Noodles
354 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore 427600
Facebook
Nearest MRT:

Opening Hours:
Wed-Mon: 730am - 2pm
(Closed on Tue)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Block 99 (Stop ID 81181). Take bus number 16. Alight 4 stops later. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Joo Chiat Place Fried Kway Teow @ Dong Cheng Eatery (Joo Chiat Place) - An Underrated Char Kway Teow Stall Comparable To Outram Park CKT

All of us probably has our own favourite char kway teow stall, and mine is Outram Park Fried Kway Teow Mee at Hong Lim Food Centre. I am glad to discover an underrated Char Kway Teow stall at Joo Chiat Place Fried Kway Teow. It is located in a corner coffeeshop along Joo Chiat Place. In my opinion, it is comparable to Outram Park Fried Kway Teow.

Fried Kway Teow 4.5/5

Two ladies run the stall. The elder one fries the noodles while the young lady is busying de-shelling the cockles at the back of the stall. I suspect they are a mother and daughter team. I observed the stall fry a big batch of noodles for a quick 2 to 3 minutes and put them aside. Then the older lady will fry one plate at a time upon order. Before throwing the noodles, she first cracked an egg, followed by the different ingredients and sauces.

Each plate of Fried Kway Teow here is priced at $4 or $5. It is neither wet nor dry. It is a well-balanced plate of smoky yellow noodles and rice noodles, with cockles, beansprouts, lup cheong, fishcake and egg.

What do I like about the plate of char kway teow here? First, it is not too sweet, having a good balance of sweet and savoury. The texture is not too dry or wet. It is packed with smokiness and is not cloyingly greasy. All in all, everything comes together as a plate of complex yet delicious goodness.

So what is the difference between Outram Park Fried Kway Teow and Joo Chiat Place Fried Kway Teow? Taste-wise, both are very comparable, but Joo Chiat Place is smokier. Outram Park's egg is runnier. Also, I was not too fond of the lup cheong used by Joo Chiat as it has a mushy texture. Last but not least, there is no queue at Joo Chiat. I can't guarantee when more foodies know about the stall, but I only waited for 5 minutes when I was there.

Joo Chiat Place Fried Kway Teow
59 Joo Chiat Place
Singapore 427783
Nearest MRT: Dakota (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 830pm
(Closed on alternate Wed)

Direction:
1) Alight at Dakota MRT Station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at block 99 (Stop ID 81181). Take bus number 33. Alight 6 stops later. Walk to junction of Tembeling Road and Joo Chiat Place. Walk to destination. Journey time about 18 minutes. [Map]