Le Jardin @ Fort Canning Park - French European Cuisine Amidst Lush Greenery in Heart of Fort Canning Park

Le Jardin is tucked away in a quiet corner of Fort Canning Park, surrounded by lush greenery at Level 2 of Fort Canning Arts Centre.

Diners can choose to sit al fresco on its breezy porch or step indoors into a charming Victorian-style space inspired by Monet’s garden in Giverny, Paris.

The interior is adorned with fresh-cut blooms and preserved florals, and also serves as a lovely venue for events and intimate weddings.

This French European restaurant makes for a pleasant pit stop throughout the day, with a menu spanning Breakfast Brunch, Side Dishes, Mains, House-made Desserts, and a Kids’ Menu. The beverage list is equally extensive, offering classic coffees and teas, as well as speciality drinks and alcoholic options.

Burrata 4.2/5

The Burrata ($18) was a pleasant sharing starter, featuring milky cheese paired with a base of mildly earthy pea velouté, tangy pickled cherry tomatoes and parma ham.

Crab Cake 4/5

Seafood lovers may consider the Crab Cake ($18). The pan-seared cake was generously packed with crab meat, made even more appetising by a touch of heat from the tomato and chilli coulis and the freshness of the tomato salsa.

Truffle Fries 3.8/5

The Truffle Fries ($18) were fried to a nice crunch, though we felt the cheese could have been more generous and the truffle flavour could have been more pronounced.

Spicy Pan Seared Prawn Alfredo 4.5/5

Our favourite dish was the Spicy Pan Seared Prawn Alfredo ($24), which can also be prepared non-spicy upon request. The al dente linguine was beautifully coated in the rich, house-made shrimp Alfredo sauce, with the spice helping cut through its creamy consistency. The addition of sakura ebi as a topping was a clever touch, adding a subtle briny note.

Pan Seared Salmon 4.2/5

The Pan Seared Salmon ($30) arrived with a crisped skin, accompanied by asparagus, tomatoes, buttery mashed potatoes and a creamy tobiko beurre blanc. We particularly enjoyed the tanginess of the beurre blanc, enhanced by the savoury pops of tobiko.

Burnt Basque Cheesecake 3.5/5

For dessert, we went with the Burnt Basque Cheesecake ($14). While it was sufficiently cheesy, we wished it had a much more oozy centre for better texture.

Lemon Cloud Matcha 4.2/5

The Lemon Cloud Matcha ($10.90) was a delightful surprise, made with homemade honey lemon cream, lemonade, and matcha. The matcha was mildly earthy, well-balanced in sweetness, and finished with a refreshing citrusy zing.

Violet Secret 3/5

My dining companion’s Violet Secret ($9.90) combined Kyoto grape, lime and jasmine tea. While the flavour combination was interesting, it was unfortunately a little too sweet for our liking.

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.


Le Jardin
Fort Canning Arts Centre
Level 2
5 Cox Terrace
Singapore 179620
Tel: +65 8870 9977
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Nearest MRT: Dhoby Ghaut MRT (NE, CC, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 9pm
Sat-Sun: 9am - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Dhoby Ghaut MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk to Penang Road. Cross the road to UBS Singapore. Cut through UBS Singapore to Fort Canning Road. Cross the road to Fort Canning. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 10 minutes. [Map]

Keming Bing Sat (克茗冰室) @ Plaza Singapura - Famous Hong Kong Ice Bear Drink & No.1 Char Siew Rice Debuts in Singapore

Award-winning Hong Kong cha chaan teng Keming Bing Sat (克茗冰室), with over 140 outlets across Hong Kong and China, has landed in Singapore with its first outpost at Plaza Singapura. Known for its viral Ice Bear Drink and its No.1 Best-Selling Char Siew Rice in China, the brand offers a vibrant menu filled with nostalgia and Hong Kong café classics, featuring a playful local twist.

Ice Bear Drink Series 4/5

We kicked off our meal with the whimsical Ice Bear Drink Series, a delightful quartet of beverages crowned with adorable bear-shaped ice sculptures that are as photogenic as they are refreshing. Each drink offers a unique flavour profile — Little Bear Iced Hong Kong Milk Tea ($4.90) delivers that classic, robust tea fragrance with silky smoothness; Little Bear Iced Lemon Tea ($4.90) is bright and tangy, offering a thirst-quenching citrus zing. For something more playful, the Pink Bear Soda ($5.90) is a sweet, strawberry-hued fizz, while the Dreamy Blue Bear Soda ($5.90) brings a tropical twist with its cooling blue curaçao-inspired base. These drinks aren’t just eye candy, they’re well-balanced and thoughtfully crafted for both taste and visual appeal.

Signature Snack Platter 3/5

To whet our appetites, we ordered the Signature Snack Platter ($8.80), a well-rounded selection of classic Hong Kong street bites perfect for sharing. The Spiced Chicken Wing Tips were savoury with a gentle heat, their skin lightly crisped and coated in a fragrant spice blend. The Curry Fish Balls, a nostalgic staple, were bouncy and soaked in a rich, aromatic curry gravy that clung to every bite. The highlight for us was the Signature Chee Cheong Fun in Mixed Sauce. It was silky smooth rice rolls, generously dressed in a medley of peanut and sweet sauces, that brought out an addictive balance of sweet and nutty flavours. Rounding out the platter were the Thai-Style Shrimp Rolls, crisp on the outside and packed with juicy prawn filling. We enjoyed the chee cheong fun so much that we ended up ordering a whole portion on its own.

Stephen Chow's Favourite Noodles 4/5

A tribute to Hong Kong cinema and comfort food, Stephen Chow's Favourite Noodles ($10.90) is a simple yet satisfying combo of instant noodles topped with beef brisket, chicken wing, luncheon meat, and a fried egg. It's a dish that feels like a warm hug, especially nostalgic for fans of old-school cha chaan teng fare.

Char Siew Rice 4/5

The undisputed star of the menu is the Char Siew Rice ($10.90), a dish that truly lives up to its title as the No.1 Best-Selling Char Siew Rice in China. The char siew is masterfully roasted using a time-honoured technique developed by a Hong Kong roast meat specialist with over 40 years of experience. Each slice of pork boasts a glistening caramelised edge, with just the right balance of tender meat and smoky, melt-in-your-mouth fat. Nestled on a bed of fragrant, fluffy Wuchang rice, the dish is further elevated with two soft-fried eggs, their golden yolks oozing luxuriously into the rice and meat. What ties everything together is the signature in-house sauce, a deeply aromatic blend of 23 ingredients, including lemongrass, onions, and pork lard, that adds a rich, savoury complexity to every bite. It's a humble bowl but packed with layers of flavour and technique that speak to its cult following.

Thai Style Curry Beef Brisket Rice 4/5

For something more hearty and aromatic, the Thai Style Curry Beef Brisket Rice ($13.90) hits the spot. The beef brisket is fork-tender, simmered in a mild coconut curry that even kids can enjoy. The subtle Thai spices give it an extra dimension without overpowering the dish.

Thick-Cut Sirloin Steak 3/5

While the menu has a few Western additions, the Thick-Cut Sirloin Steak ($19.90) was a letdown. Though generously portioned, the steak was chewy and sinewy, making it a less favourable choice compared to their signature items.

Lava Ovaltine Toast 4/5

Dessert time! The Lava Ovaltine Toast ($7.90) is a sweet tooth's dream. It's crispy on the outside, toast overflowing with milk and condensed milk, topped with whipped cream, a dusting of Ovaltine powder, and crushed Oreo crumbs. It's messy, indulgent, and very satisfying.

Happines Lava Egg Waffles 4/5

End your meal on a gooey note with the Happiness Lava Egg Waffles ($3.80 for 2 pcs / $6.90 for 4 pcs). Each golden bubble bursts with creamy cheese for an umami kick, encased in a soft, eggy batter. It is a playful twist on the traditional Hong Kong street snack.

Keming Bing Sat brings a fun and flavourful slice of Hong Kong to Singapore, blending viral hits with time-honoured classics. While a couple of dishes could be refined, the char siew rice, chee cheong fun, and bear drinks alone make this newcomer well worth a visit. Perfect for casual gatherings, nostalgic bites, and of course plenty of Instagram moments.

Note: This is an invited tasting.



Keming Bing Sat (克茗冰室)
Plaza Singapura
68 Orchard Road
#B2-01
Singapore 238839
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Nearest MRT: Dhoby Ghaut (CC, NE, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 8am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Dhoby Ghaut MRT station. Take Exit D and E and walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Tsui Wah 翠華 @ The Cathay - Opens 5th Outlet at Singapore's Iconic Landmark with New Exclusive Dishes and Drinks

Fans of authentic Hong Kong cha chaan teng fare have reason to celebrate. Tsui Wah has officially opened its fifth outlet in Singapore at the revamped The Cathay. As part of this exciting launch, diners can look forward to a refreshed and exclusive menu, stylish interiors that blend nostalgic charm with modern flair, and even a new bottled drinks collection for on-the-go indulgence.

Handmade Bitter Gourd Lemon Tea and Bottled Signature Yuen Yang 3.5/5

We began our meal with two new additions to the beverage menu: Handmade Bitter Gourd Lemon Tea ($5.30) and Bottled Signature Yuen Yang ($4.80). The former is an intriguing drink believed to have detoxifying properties. It is surprisingly palatable with only a light bitter aftertaste unless you bite into the gourd bits. The bottled Yuen Yang offers a smooth tea-coffee blend and is part of Tsui Wah's new takeaway drink series, available exclusively at The Cathay. Other bottled flavours include Coffee and Citrus Honey.

Scallion Oil Chicken Steak with Triple Eggs & Steamed Rice 4/5

This new main won us over. The Scallion Oil Chicken Steak ($14.80) is topped with fragrant scallion oil and three perfectly runny eggs on a bed of fluffy steamed rice. It is generous, satisfying, and very value for money. This dish is also available with pork chop instead of chicken. It is part of the exclusive offerings at The Cathay outlet.

Kagoshima-style Pork Cartilage & Wontons in Fish Soup with Mixian 4/5

Comfort in a bowl. This hearty Kagoshima-style Pork Cartilage & Wontons in Fish Soup with Mixian ($11.80) combines soft pork cartilage (think: stewed canned pork texture), plump wontons and a light fish broth. Perfect for a rainy day or if you're after something soothing and less heavy.

Tsui Wah's Signature BBQ Pork 3.5/5

The Hong Kong-style BBQ Pork ($13.80) is one of Tsui Wah's Signature dishes. It features tender meat but is a bit sweet for our palate. Nonetheless, it is a staple dish and great for those who enjoy a sweeter char siew profile.

Crispy Bun with Condensed Milk 4/5

No visit to Tsui Wah feels complete without this classic. At $4.20, the Crispy Bun with Condensed Milk is simple comfort food done right! It's crispy, buttery, and lightly sweet. Just be sure to eat it while it's hot, or the bun gets a bit tough when cold.

Hong Kong-style Egg Tart 3/5

A cha chaan teng essential, this Hong Kong-style Egg Tart ($2.20) arrived piping hot. The egg custard was fragrant, but the crust was denser than we preferred. It is a warm and satisfying bite.

Salted Egg Lava French Toast 5/5

My personal favourite from this tasting was definitely the Salted Egg Lava French Toast ($8.80). The sweet-savoury filling was rich and buttery, oozing out as you cut into the toast. It has crisp edges and a soft centre, and the salted egg wasn't overpowering. There's also a Curry Chicken French Toast variant we'll return to try next!

Whether you're a regular or visiting for the first time, the new Tsui Wah at The Cathay offers a refreshed and inviting space, plus exclusive dishes that make it well worth a trip down. We left full and satisfied, and are already planning our return visit.

To celebrate the new opening, Tsui Wah at The Cathay is offering a special set meal for just $15.80 (U.P. $20.10) from now until 30 June 2025.

The set includes:
– A main of either Scallion Oil Pork Chop with Triple Eggs and Steamed Rice or Scallion Oil Chicken Steak with Triple Eggs and Steamed Rice
– A drink of your choice: Handmade Bitter Gourd Lemon Tea or Handmade Lemon Tea

Available exclusively at The Cathay outlet.

Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Tsui Wah 翠華
The Cathay
2 Handy Road
#01-04
Singapore 229233
Tel: +65 6978 9275
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Nearest MRT: Dhoby Ghaut (CC, NE, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 830am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station. Take Exit A. Walk to Orchard Road. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Tim Ho Wan @ Plaza Singapura - Celebrates 12th Anniversary with Newly Revamped Menu

Tim Ho Wan, the famed Hong Kong dim sum chain, marks 12 incredible years in Singapore at its inaugural outlet at Plaza Singapura. To commemorate this milestone, the brand has launched a newly revamped menu that blends the comfort of familiar favourites with fresh creations and elevated classics, all at new pocket-friendly prices.

Barbecue Pork Rice 4/5

Barbecue Pork Noodles 4/5

The Barbecue Pork Rice ($12.80) and Barbecue Pork Noodles ($11.80) stood out among the new dishes. Both feature tender, smoky char siew that's full of flavour and satisfyingly moreish. The rice comes topped with a sunny-side-up egg, and we recommend breaking the yolk and mixing in more sauce for that extra indulgence. The noodles, while deceptively simple in appearance, were springy and well-seasoned.

BBQ Pork Bun 4.2/5

No visit to Tim Ho Wan is complete without their signature BBQ Pork Bun ($7.50/3pcs), and this revamped version delivers on all fronts. With a more fragrant, slightly crisp crust and juicier, chunkier meat fillings, this classic dim sum favourite is as crave-worthy as ever. It remains one of our top must-orders.

Pork & Shrimp Dumplings 4.2/5

Spinach Dumplings with Shrimp 3.8/5

For other dim sum staples, we tried the Pork & Shrimp Dumplings ($5.80/3pcs) and the Spinach Dumplings with Shrimp ($4.80/3pcs). The former impressed us with its juicy, flavourful filling, which we suspect is a subtle upgrade in the recipe. The latter, while lighter in taste, was generous in filling and offered a refreshing contrast on the table.

Sweet Plum Jelly 3.5/5

The Sweet Plum Jelly ($3.80) was a lovely palate cleanser to end the meal. Its soft, jiggly texture paired well with the sweet-tangy notes, making it a great way to balance out the richer dishes and cut through any lingering greasiness.

Cold Brew Teas 4/5

Tim Ho Wan's new Cold Brew Teas ($3 each) are a refreshing option if you want a chilled drink to pair with your meal. The White Peach Oolong and Rose Lychee Black teas offer distinct floral-fruity notes and aroma. Fragrant and light, they complement the dim sum spread beautifully, perfect for Singapore's weather.

Whether you're a long-time fan or a first-time diner, Tim Ho Wan's refreshed offerings are worth revisiting. The 12th anniversary menu stays true to the brand's commitment to traditional flavours while introducing modern touches that make the experience even more enjoyable. Celebrate this milestone with comforting dim sum and discover what's new. Now available at all Tim Ho Wan outlets across Singapore.

Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Tim Ho Wan
Plaza Singapura
68 Orchard Road
#01-29A/52
Singapore 238839
Tel: +65 6251 2000
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Dhoby Ghaut (CC, NE, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 930pm
Sat-Sun: 10am - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Dhoby Ghaut MRT station. Take Exit D, E or F. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]