Kozen Sushi Bar & Restaurant @ Flanders Square - Offering Dry-aged Sashimi and a Variety of Delightful Japanese Dishes

Nestled in the quaint street just behind the City Square Mall carpark, Kozen Sushi Bar & Restaurant specialises in dry-aged sashimi, offering a unique twist on traditional Japanese cuisine.

Chawanmushi of the day – Snow Crab 4/5

We started our meal with the Snow Crab Chawanmushi ($16.90). The jiggling steamed egg topped with sweet snow crab meat and ikura was pleasantly delightful, with a fresh hint of sweetness from the snow crab. This dish was a definite winner, and we really enjoyed it.

Chawanmushi of the day – Scallop 3.8/5

Another chawanmushi we tried was the Scallop Chawanmushi ($16.90). It was a good dish topped with aburi fresh scallop and ikura, but it lacked the flavour depth of the snow crab version.

Lobster Toro Don 4.2/5

The Lobster Toro Don ($59.90) is a premium don featuring fatty tuna (toro) dry-aged for 9 days, chunks of lobster meat with uni sauce, and topped with ikura. It is served with raw egg yolk for dipping the tuna. This dish was incredibly umami, and we scraped every single grain of rice from the bowl!

Beef Wine Short Ribs 3.5/5

The Beef Wine Short Ribs ($45.90) offered fork-tender braised beef short ribs, making it an excellent appetiser for sharing if you're looking for something non-fish. However, we found it too salty for our taste, but it might be perfect for those who love beef.

Seasonal Nigiri 4/5

The Seasonal Nigiri Platter provided a great mix of dry-aged and seasonal sashimi, allowing us to try different fishes, each with its own sweetness and flavour. A highlight of any Japanese meal, this sushi platter did not disappoint. Our selection included Chutoro, Isaki, Kinmedai, Smoked Salmon, Minced Tuna Maki topped with Uni, Aka Ebi with Ikura, Mikan Tai, Shimaaji, and Akami. Be sure to check with the restaurant for the current selection, as it changes seasonally.

Chocolate Banana Waffle 3/5

Kozen has recently launched a dessert bar, open from 6pm daily until 1am, making it a great spot for late-night dessert cravings. We tried the Chocolate Banana Waffle ($14.90), accompanied by not-too-sweet chocolate ice cream and caramel macadamia. While the flavours were nice, the waffle itself wasn't crispy enough for our liking.

Kozen Sushi Bar & Restaurant impresses with its innovative dry-aged sashimi and a variety of delightful dishes. The Snow Crab Chawanmushi and Lobster Toro Don were standouts, offering exceptional flavors and quality. While some dishes like the Beef Wine Short Ribs and Chocolate Banana Waffle had room for improvement, the overall experience at Kozen was enjoyable and worth a visit for anyone looking to indulge in premium Japanese cuisine.

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


Kozen Sushi Bar & Restaurant 
22 Flanders Square
Singapore 209306
Tel: +65 6816 0253
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Nearest MRT: Farrer Park (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Farrer Park MRT station. Take Exit H. Walk to Kitchener Link. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Shao (烧) Modern Teochew Dining @ Rangoon Road - The Group's Third Outlet In The Quiet Corner of Little India

SHAO (烧), with its flagship restaurant at Frankel, has recently opened a third outlet at Rangoon Road, named SHAO Modern Teochew Dining. This new venue offers a contemporary take on Teochew cuisine. The interior presents a captivating blend of modern and traditional aesthetics, with part of the dining hall resembling a Chinese opera stage, adding to the unique dining experience.

Teochew Cold Roe Crab 4.2/5

As a Teochew, I couldn't resist trying the Teochew Cold Roe Crab ($78 for 400-500g). The meat was sweet and packed with umami roe, capturing the essence of crustacean flavours. They also offer an elevated BBQ Roe Crab version, which I'm eager to try next time.

Stewed Iberico Pork with Soy Bean Paste 4.5/5

This was my first encounter with the Stewed Iberico Pork with Soy Bean Paste ($38/$58). Served in a piping hot claypot, the tender Iberico pork is simmered in a sweet, tangy broth reminiscent of the Salted Vegetable Duck Soup. This dish stood out for its rich flavours and comforting taste.

Braised Combination Platter 3/5

Braised items are a staple in Teochew cuisine, so I had to order the Braised Combination Platter ($28/$38), which includes braised duck, pig trotter, and tau kwa. Among the three, the pig trotter was the most enjoyable for its tenderness. However, the duck meat was a bit dry, and the braising sauce needed to have the fragrant depth I was hoping for, failing to infuse the ingredients adequately.

Stir-fried Fish Noodle with Seafood 4/5

For our carbo dish, we chose the Stir-fried Fish Noodle with Seafood ($18). The noodle texture was unique, being bouncier than the regular noodles. Adding truffle and stir-frying lent an earthy note and smokiness, while the roes provided a savoury uplift, making it a delightful dish.

Mix Fruit Pai in Teochew Style 3/5

We wrapped up our dinner with the simple Mix Fruit Pai in Teochew Style ($10). This dish features cut fruits in a sour plum and liquorice root sauce, offering a refreshing end to the meal. Their Orh Nee is also highly recommended for those seeking something more traditional.

SHAO Modern Teochew Restaurant at Rangoon Road successfully blends contemporary and traditional elements, both in its ambience and its culinary offerings. While some dishes stood out more than others, the overall dining experience was enjoyable, making it a worthy addition to the Teochew dining scene in Singapore.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Shao (烧) Modern Teochew
223 Rangoon Road 
#01-01/02
Singapore 218460
Tel: +65 69932223
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Nearest MRT: Farrer Park (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Farrer Park MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to the traffic junction of Tessensohn Road and Rangoon Road. Cross the road and walk to Rangoon Road. Walk to the end of Rangoon Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Nest At One Farrer @ One Farrer Hotel - Bespoke Private Dining Experience

Nest at One Farrer Hotel offers an exclusive and unique private dining experience inside their private studios and villas on level 20, the top floor of One Farrer Hotel. Jointly designed by Executive Chef Marcus Tan and Pastry Chef Wee Pai Hau, they invite you to experience their all-new Executive Set menus alongside curated wine recommendations.

The Havens' private dining studios are converted from their hotel rooms, with a staff assigned to serve the customers in these studios. Meaning we had had the entire room to ourselves! The private studios offer two 5-course Executive Dinner menus - Lavender set menu ($98) and Wisteria set menu ($98). Two Executive menus for lunch are available as well.

We started with two warm buns, served with Truffle Butter and Unsalted Butter. The fluffy and buttery soft bun was particularly warming.

Honey Soy Unagi 4/5

Both the starters were excellent. The Honey Soy Unagi (Lavender) is a warm starter that whets my appetite with savoury, unctuous unagi, complemented by a slightly sweet tamago. The al dente kimchi capellini topped with saltish ikura and scallion helped build the dish's texture.

Ceviche Hokkaido Scallop 4.8/5

As for the cold starter, Ceviche Hokkaido Scallop (Wisteria), each slice of the scallop was succulent, offering an almost melt-in-your-mouth texture, complemented by the bright flavours of the Asian citrus-soy dressing and pink ginger. The accompanying savoury kaiso salad added an extra layer of flavour dimension, and texture.

Ginseng Chicken Consommé Wolfberries, Chicken Gyoza 4.8/5

Mushroom Velouté 4/5

For the second course, the Ginseng Chicken Consommé (Lavender) stood out with its elegant consommé carrying a good depth of ginseng flavour. Partially immersed within, a chicken gyoza was a highlight, featuring a juicy, well-seasoned filling encased in a perfectly pan-fried crust. The Mushroom Veloute (Wisteria) boasted a deep, earthy flavour from sautéed forest trumpets, with a touch of truffle oil to further enhance that earthiness.

Hoisin-barbecue pork belly 4.5/5

Both the third courses were well executed, but I found the Hoisin-Barbeque Pork Belly (Wisteria) to have a better balance of flavours, thanks to a yummy house-made Hoisin sauce that elevated the barbecued pork belly. The pork belly itself was succulent and tender, devoid of any strong porky flavour, and the crunchy macadamia sprinkles on top provided a delightful textural contrast. The tangy pineapple compote added a sweet and bright acidity, cutting through the dish's richness.

Mentaiko Mayo Halibut 4/5

The flavour profile of the Mentaiko Mayo Halibut leans more towards the sweeter side, but overall, we still enjoyed the dish. The fish had a tantalizingly buttery texture and flavour, enriched by the mentaiko mayo. The fruity and savoury tomato mousseline, along with the pickled tomato, was a thoughtful touch by the chef.

Braised Beef Cheek Rendang 3.5/5

Both menus feature beef as the fourth course. The Lavender menu presents a visually appealing Braised Beef Cheek Rendang served with Blue pea glutinous rice, pickled pineapple-cauliflower, and crispy parsnip. The beef cheek was incredibly tender, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, and the pickled cauliflower played a role similar to our Asian achar in a rendang dish. Though the taste of the parsnip was slightly off for some reason, it was a cohesive dish.

Filet mignon 2.8/5

As for the Filet Mignon, while the 'shao xing' wine jus that dressed it was flavourful, alongside thin slices of pancetta, the meat seemed to lack seasoning to bring out its flavours fully.

White Peach Terrine 3.8/5

Apple Tart Tatin 4/5

For desserts, the White Peach Terrine with Red Muscat Granite and Aloe Vera (Wisteria) was refreshing, especially due to the delectable bite of the jelly terrine. The Apple Tart Tatin with vanilla crème anglaise (Lavender) was stunning, striking a good balance between sweetness and acidity. However, a slight, distinct bitterness came through from the apple itself, and I'm not sure if that was intentional.

For dining at The Havens, a minimum of 4 guests is required, up to a maximum of 10 guests. Floral arrangement is upon request.

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.


Nest at One Farrer
One Farrer Hotel
Level 20
1 Farrer Park Station Road
Singapore 217562
Tel: +65 6705 7828
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Nearest MRT: Farrer Park (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12 - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Farrer Park MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. Map]

Poonsti @ Owen Road - Sister Brand of Old Hen Kitchen Offering a Specialised Rösti Menu Made Fresh Daily

Situated on Owen Road, Poonsti is Old Hen Kitchen's brand new rösti concept, offering a full menu of rösti dishes that are crafted entirely from scratch. Each rösti is meticulously prepared, with potatoes freshly shredded and handmade in small quantities, ensuring the utmost quality. The menu boasts five delightful variations of rösti, including a classic rendition paired simply with sour cream. Exclusively available at the Owen Road outlet, these delectable offerings are available daily, starting at 9:30am until they are sold out.

Rösti with Bacon 4.2/5

Each dish features a crispy and airy golden brown rösti base, served with different toppings. One of their signatures is the Rösti with House-cured Bacon and Fried Egg ($18) that comes with hot tomato jam, cream cheese and pickled radish. What sets Poonsti's house-cured bacon apart is its sumptuous and fatty texture, a result of a carefully crafted marination process. At the same time, the tomato jam contributes a fusion of sweetness and tanginess. This innovative combination creates a truly well-balanced dish that marries the satisfyingly fatty bacon with the nuanced flavours of the tomato jam.

Rösti with Smashed Avo 4.5/5

The Rösti with Smashed Avo ($17) comes with mango salsa and fried shallot, topped with a jammy egg and paired with a dollop of basil pesto cream. While I love the contrast between the crunchiness of the rösti and the creaminess of the avocado, what elevates the dish is the refreshing and zesty mango salsa that adds a burst of tanginess and tropical flair, complemented by the savoury crunch of fried shallots. The addition of a jammy egg adds a rich and velvety touch to the dish, while a dollop of basil pesto cream infuses a herbaceous and aromatic note. The combination here is executed with finesse, resulting in a symphony of flavours that intertwine seamlessly on the palate.

Rösti with House-cured Salmon 4/5

The Rösti with House-cured Salmon ($19) introduces an elevated take on a classic pairing. Unlike the conventional rösti with smoked salmon, Poonsti's rendition showcases their commitment to creativity and refinement. This dish presents a beautifully composed plate featuring a golden-brown rösti base topped with a generous portion of their house-cured salmon. The salmon's succulent and rich flavour is enhanced by adding creamy ricotta, which creates a luxurious contrast against the crispy texture of the rösti. Adding fried capers and pickled onion also contributes a sharp, vibrant note to the dish, turning this classic pairing into anything but ordinary.

Overall, the rösti dishes at Poonsti showcase creativity and refinement, featuring unique pairings and meticulous preparation. From the Rösti with house-cured salmon adorned with ricotta, fried capers, pickled onion, and dill to the Rösti with smashed avo complemented by zesty mango salsa and fried shallots, each dish is a symphony of flavours and textures. Do note that their rosti is only available in limited amounts daily, so head down early to avoid disappointment!

Photos and words 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.


Poonsti
127 Owen Road
Singapore 218931
Tel:+65 6818 3333
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Nearest MRT: Farrer Park (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 930am - 3pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Farrer Park MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk down Race Course Road to Owen Road. Turn left onto Owen Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Jia He Grand Chinese Restaurant @ One Farrer Park Hotel - Jia He New Sister Restaurant With A Bold And Contemporary Concept

Jia He Grand Chinese Restaurant, the latest addition to the dining scene at One Farrer Park Hotel, continues to impress with its bold and contemporary approach to Chinese cuisine. While its sister restaurant, Jia He Chinese Restaurant (a very doors away), offers wholesome and homely dishes, Jia He Grand takes things up a notch by presenting diners with multi-sensorial creations that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.

Trio of Starters 4/5

To start our culinary journey, we indulged in a trio of starters. The Sauteed Stuffed Mushroom with Truffle Sauce delighted our taste buds with its robust earthy flavours from both the mushroom and truffle. The Century Egg with Preserved Sakura Ginger and Vintage Vinegar presented a unique combination, with sweet beancurd skin wrapping around century egg and preserved sakura ginger, creating a harmonious blend of flavours. Lastly, the Crispy Pork Belly with Preserved Bean Paste, eaten like a Korean wrap, offered a delightful contrast of textures as the romaine lettuce refreshed the palate while complementing the crispy pork belly.

Roasted Peking Duck 5/5

The meal's highlight was undoubtedly the Roasted Peking Duck ($88 Whole Duck), which I can confidently say is the best in Singapore. The duck was perfectly roasted, boasting a crispy skin that gave way to succulent and juicy meat. What truly set this dish apart was the toasted pancake wrap. Unlike the usual thin pancakes, these were soft and fluffy and enhanced the overall enjoyment of the Peking duck to a whole new level.

Signature Double-boiled Chicken and Pig Stomach Soup 4.5/5

The Signature Double-boiled Chicken and Pig Stomach Soup impressed with its flavorful broth and a piquant peppery kick that left a lasting impression. The pig stomach was expertly prepared, resulting in a tender, clean-tasting delight.

Steamed Fillet of Sea Perch with Preserved Sakura Ginger and Silky Tofu 4.2/5

For seafood lovers, the Steamed Fillet of Sea Perch with Preserved Sakura Ginger and Silky Tofu ($26/pc) offered a unique pairing of preserved sakura ginger with the firm and mildly sweet sea perch. The soy sauce added depth to the dish, complementing the fish's natural sweetness.

Flambe Beef Brisket in Whole Pineapple 4.2/5

A dish that captured both our taste buds and attention was the Flambe Beef Brisket in Whole Pineapple ($28/order). The grand entrance, with the beef brisket set ablaze at the tableside, added a touch of theatricality. Beyond the showmanship, the beef brisket was incredibly tender, and the pineapple infused the dish with an extra layer of fruity sweetness.

Stir-fried Shredded Luffa Melon with Gingko and Black Fungus 4.2/5

The Stir-fried Shredded Luffa Melon with Gingko and Black Fungus ($24/small) showcased luffa in a whole new light. The dish was perfectly prepared, offering a delightful crunch and natural sweetness. The owner even playfully remarked that it looked like stir-fried chendol, adding an element of humour to the dining experience.

Crispy Rice with Boston Lobster in Superior Broth 4/5

The Crispy Rice with Boston Lobster in Superior Broth ($42/small) was a standout dish packed with robust crustacean flavour. The combination of fluffy and crispy rice immersed in the delicious broth and the sweetness of the Boston lobster made every spoonful a pure delight.

Collagen Pork Bone and Tomato Soup with Boston Lobster and Purple Potato Noodle 3.8/5

An unexpected dish on the menu was the Collagen Pork Bone and Tomato Soup with Boston Lobster and Purple Potato Noodle ($40/pax). This luscious creation combined purple potato noodles with a refreshing and appetising tomato soup, a delightful twist I had not encountered elsewhere.

Almond Soup with Peach Resin 4.5/5

To conclude the meal on a sweet note, we savoured the Almond Soup with Peach Resin. Served warm and comforting, the soup struck a perfect balance, not overly sweet, with a smooth almond base and delightful crunch from the peach resin. This dessert satisfied our sweet tooth and offered beauty and nutritional benefits.

Jia He Grand Chinese Restaurant continues to impress with its contemporary take on Chinese cuisine, delivering innovative and visually stunning dishes. With its exceptional culinary offerings and dedication to creating a memorable dining experience, it is undoubtedly a place worth visiting for those seeking a gastronomic adventure.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Jia He Grand Chinese Restaurant
One Farrer Park Hotel
1 Farrer Park Station Road
#01-01
Singapore 217562
Tel: +65 65389688
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Nearest MRT: Farrer Park (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Farrer Park MRT station. Take Exit C. Turn right and walk down towards One Farrer Park Hotel. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Allô @ Jalan Besar - Indulge In French Cuisine For A Chic Brunch Or Cosy Dinner In Modern Shophouse

The newly opened French restaurant Allô sits along one of the many lanes of shophouses in Jalan Besar. It may seem to be quite an unexpected location at first. Still, the restaurant has done its interior in a chic yet cosy fashion, which makes it suitable for various occasions. When we came by for dinner, there were several groups of diners celebrating Father's Day.

Dinner aside, Allô also offers both brunch and value-for-money lunch sets. The Brunch menu is available on weekdays from 11am to 3pm and all day on weekends, offering classic brunch options such as Eggs Benedict ($23) and elevated dishes like Rosti, Eggs & Minute Steak ($32).

The Lunch Sets, on the other hand, are priced affordably from $15.90 onwards. Available from Tuesdays to Fridays, 11am to 3pm, the three-course weekday set lunch includes a choice of starter, a pasta main and a dessert.

Beverages

The restaurant offers various alcohols: beers, house pours, reds, whites, dessert wines and champagnes. We opted for non-alcoholic beverages of Sparkling Apple ($6) and Citrus Blue Magic ($7.50). The former is made with sparkling water infused with 100% apple juice, while the latter has blue pea flower tea, yoghurt drink and citrus juice.

Salmon Rillette 3.5/5

Our starter of Salmon Rillette ($18) features a rillette made of cured salmon slow-cooked in butter, served with capers, a petit salad and a side of sweet potato chips. My dining companion and I were quite disappointed with this as the rillette was mostly overpowered with a sharp sourness and masked any flavour of the salmon. The sweet potato chips lacked crispness as well.

Lobster Bisque 4.5/5

Thankfully, the next dish fared much better. This Lobster Bisque ($18) was also one of our two favourites of the night. Made in-house from freshly caught lobsters, the bisque turned out luscious and creamy but not overly thick. It was bursting with seafood sweetness and had just the right amount of savoury notes.

My dining companion and I enjoyed this very much and mopped it up quickly with the bread from the complimentary bread basket. I did wish there were bits of lobster meat in it for extra texture, though!

Saucisson Croquettes 3.8/5

The homemade Saucisson Croquettes ($12) came in a portion of three, served with a tangy peanut butter dressing with a touch of heat. We appreciated the crunchy exterior and creamy filling; otherwise, it was average. We also hoped to have a better bite of the saucisson bits in it.

Duck Confit with Pomme Purée & Orange Balsamic Glaze 4/5

Next, we were served our first main, the Duck Confit with Pomme Puree & Orange Balsamic Glaze ($30). The dish uses a whole duck leg roasted in its own fat, served with a side of purée and asparagus.

While I enjoyed the tangy-sweet orange balsamic glaze and the slight crispiness on the duck skin, the duck meat was not as fork-tender as I expected. The meat could be better tenderised, and the mash could be more buttery.

Lobster Risotto 4.5/5

Then came our second favourite of the night, the Lobster Risotto ($32). It was hands down one of the best risotto we have had in a while. The rich lobster stock base had an impressive amount of crustacean sweetness brimming through and was nicely finished with cream to achieve that lip-smacking consistency. The arborio rice was perfectly cooked to a lovely creaminess and further topped with chunks of tender butter-poached lobster meat.

Valrhona Dark Chocolate Feuillantine Cake 4/5

We ended our dinner on a sweet note with the Valrhona Dark Chocolate Feuillantine Cake ($15). Made of dark chocolate covertures on a base of feuillantine and crumbles, the chocolate portion was rich without being cloying. The accompanying scoop of yoghurt gelato gave a refreshing and tangy touch.

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.


Allô
72 Desker Road
Singapore 209595
Tel: +65 88979230
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Nearest MRT: Jalan Besar (DT Line), Farrer Park (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 11am - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm
Fri-Sat: 11am - 3pm, 6pm - 12midnight
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Jalan Besar MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk straight down Jalan Besar Road to Desker Road. Turn left onto Desker Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Farrer Park MRT station. Take Exit F. Walk to Roberts Lane. Turn left onto Roberts Lane, walk to Serangoon Road. Cross the road and walk down Desker Road. Walk down Desker Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]