NOOR @ Mohamed Sultan Road - Mediterranean Flavours With A Japanese Flair

Located along Mohamed Sultan Road, NOOR is a new dining destination showcasing Mediterranean flavours with subtle Japanese influences. Designed for communal dining, the menu starts with mezze and cold plates before moving on to larger dishes and desserts.

Shok Bread 5/5

We began with the Shok Bread ($15), NOOR’s take on Japanese shokupan. With many restaurants now offering their own signature house breads, NOOR has certainly delivered one worth returning for. Soft, fluffy and lightly buttery, it was served alongside Tahini and Matbucha, a slow-cooked pepper and tomato condiment with flavours that had been beautifully concentrated over hours of cooking.

Trio of Housemade Dips 4/5

The bread also served as the perfect vehicle for the Trio of Housemade Dips ($13): Ikra, Muhammara, and Yaki Feta. Each brought a distinct personality to the table. The taramasalata-inspired Ikra offered an addictive savoury brininess enriched with mentaiko, while the Muhammara Miso delivered deep, smoky flavours from roasted peppers. The Yaki Feta, a reinterpretation of babaganoush that blends feta with roasted eggplant, carried an intriguing funk tempered by its bruleed top.

Aka Beet Salad 3/5

From the Cold Plates, the Aka Beet Salad ($22) paired roasted beetroot with a zesty blood orange vinaigrette and citrus cream cheese. While we enjoyed the bright acidity of the dressing, the sweetness of the cream cheese tipped the dish slightly off balance, especially alongside the naturally sweet beetroot. A sharper, more savoury cheese would have complemented the other elements better.

Ebi Freekeh Risotto 2.8/5

Among the larger plates, the Ebi Freekeh Risotto ($38) featured freekeh cooked in dashi, accompanied by grilled tiger prawns and caramelised onion cream. We loved the freekeh’s satisfying bite and the nutty, earthy flavours that came through in every mouthful. The herbaceous shatta, the restaurant’s housemade green chilli sauce, folded through the grain, further elevating those flavours. However, an underlying sweetness, further amplified by the caramelised onion cream, became rather dominant after a few bites. The tiger prawns were also slightly overcooked, leaving them a touch dry.

Miso Butter Fish 3/5

The Miso Butter Fish ($39) paired Mediterranean snapper with smoked corn miso beurre blanc and was accompanied by robata-grilled cabbage. The beurre blanc was smooth and well executed, though it leaned noticeably sweet, likely due to the corn. While the fish had an appealingly caramelised exterior, it was unfortunately a little dry.

Mia Zaki 3/5

For a more indulgent option, the Mia Zaki ($68) featured Miyazaki Wagyu served with a black truffle and foie gras sauce. The menu describes it as A6-grade, though, based on my understanding, Japanese Wagyu is officially graded only up to A5. Regardless of the terminology, the beef was exceptionally unctuous, though an accompanying starch would have rounded out the dish nicely.

Sticky Goma 4/5

Desserts here are worth a try. The Sticky Goma ($19) featured a black sesame financier baked into a tart shell, topped with white chocolate yoghurt cream and finished with lime zest. The financier had a satisfyingly chewy texture, while the yoghurt cream added a welcome tang that balanced its sweetness.

Kuro Shokolata 4.5/5

Equally memorable was the Kuro Shokolata ($19), a velvety chocolate mousse encased in delicate cocoa tuile tubes atop an umami truffle toffee. The bitterness of the flaky, crisp cocoa tuile was spot on, complementing the silky mousse that flowed out with every bite. We thoroughly enjoyed every element of the dessert, save for the truffle note in the toffee, which was out of place and disrupted an otherwise harmonious flavour profile.

The drinks menu is equally extensive. We tried one of the signature cocktails, Master Mind ($25), a spirit-forward concoction that paired well with the richer dishes on the menu. For a non-alcoholic option, the First Light ($16) was bright and refreshing, offering a crowd-pleasing combination of lychee and pink grapefruit that made for an easy, palate-cleansing sip between courses.

NOOR offers a fresh take on Mediterranean cuisine with touches of Japanese influences. While the house bread and dips were excellent, some of the savoury dishes could have been better balanced and more consistently executed.

Photos and words by Si An. A homebody who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, the smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


NOOR
17 Mohamed Sultan Road
Singapore 238966
Tel: +65 8805 8075
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Nearest MRT: Fort Canning (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 5pm - 12am
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Fort Canning MRT Station. Take Exit A. Walk to the traffic junction between River Valley Road and Clemenceau Ave. Cross the road and walk down Clemenceau Ave towards Mohamed Sultan Road. Turn left onto Mohamed Sultan Road. Walk down Mohamed Sultan Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Artichoke @ New Bahru - Recalibrates with a Bolder Middle Eastern Identity

Artichoke Pizza Parlor at New Bahru is turning the dial back to where it all began — its Middle Eastern roots. Six months into its opening, the refreshed menu isn’t about reinvention but a confident recalibration. Chef Bjorn Shen’s irreverent style remains unmistakable, now sharpened with a more pronounced Middle Eastern DNA. The result? A menu that feels tighter, more intentional, yet still brimming with playful surprises.

Hummus 4.2/5

We started with the Hummus ($16), a returning staple that continues to hold its ground as a dependable opener. Made in-house from dried chickpeas soaked overnight, the hummus is smooth, nutty and deeply satisfying. It comes crowned with housemade chilli oil and chilli crunch, almond dukkah, and a medley of roasted seasonal vegetables such as lotus root, broccolini, mushrooms and baby carrots. A squeeze of lemon lifts the richness, setting the stage for the bold flavours that follow.

Garlic Bread 4/5

To complement it, the Garlic Bread ($10) is a must-order. Crafted from Artichoke’s pizza bianca — a focaccia-like dough — the bread is brushed with an aglio olio-style garlic relish before being toasted to a crisp. The relish itself is thoughtfully prepared, with garlic fried in oil and gently braised in water to mellow its sharpness while retaining its aromatic depth. The result is a crisp, flavourful base that serves as the perfect vehicle for scooping up every last bit of the hummus.

Baked Camembert 4.2/5

For something indulgent, the Baked Camembert ($28) delivers in both richness and comfort. The whole wheel of Camembert is baked until molten and oozy, then drizzled with black truffle-infused honey — made by shaving real black truffles into honey — and finished with roasted mixed nuts tossed in brown butter. Served alongside Ritz crackers, it’s a decadent combination of sweet, savoury, creamy and crunchy elements that come together effortlessly.

Arti-Casear 4.5/5

The Arti-Casear ($24) offers a lighter interlude. Featuring pistachio mortadella, soft egg, crisp greens and croutons, the salad is tossed in a well-balanced Caesar dressing. While straightforward in concept, the interplay of textures — from crunchy vegetables to the richness of the soft egg — keeps it satisfying without feeling heavy.

Sunny Slice 4.5/5

The spotlight, however, firmly belongs to the pizzas. The refreshed menu places a stronger emphasis on Artichoke’s signature rectangular UnderCrunch pizzas — pillowy slabs with cheddar-crisped frico bases that deliver both crunch and chew.

The new Sunny Slice ($26) is a standout addition. Built on a pizza bianca base spread with toum (a punchy garlic sauce), it is layered with roasted fennel, haloumi cubes and fresh kumquat slices. Finished with housemade hot honey, arugula, mint and pistachio crumble, the pizza offers a vibrant balance of sweet, savoury and herbaceous notes. The kumquat lends a bright citrusy pop, while the haloumi adds a satisfying saltiness against the crisp, golden base.

Crab-Onara 4.2/5

On the other end of the spectrum are the Stone Baked Rounds, which mark a return to a more traditional style. The Crab-Onara ($34) is a prime example of how Artichoke blends classic techniques with bold creativity. The dough, fermented for three days, yields a light and puffy crust. Topped with garlic cream sauce, fior di latte, zucchini and sautéed pancetta, it is then finished with generous chunks of crab claw meat. A unique “jellified” egg yolk sauce — made by cooking yolks sous vide before seasoning — adds a luscious, carbonara-like richness, rounded off with a dusting of pecorino and black pepper. It’s indulgent, complex, and undeniably satisfying.

OG Date Pudding 4.8/5

Dessert brings us to the OG Date Pudding ($16), a nostalgic throwback made the original way in 2010. This warm steamed date cake is paired with a cold dulce de leche sauce, creating a pleasing temperature contrast. Accompaniments of black coffee jelly, crunchy cashew nougat and a touch of smoked salt add layers of bitterness, sweetness and texture, elevating the dish beyond a typical sticky date pudding.

Artichoke Pizza Parlor’s refreshed menu feels like a confident step forward by looking back. By leaning into its Middle Eastern roots while refining its offerings, the restaurant delivers a dining experience that is both focused and full of personality. It’s not about doing more, but doing what it does best — with even greater clarity and conviction.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Artichoke
New Bahru
46 Kim Yam Road
#01-02
Singapore 239351
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Nearest MRT: Fort Canning (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue: 5pm - 10pm
Wed-Sun: 11am - 10pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Fort Canning MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to the traffic junction of River Valley Road and Clemenceau Ave. Cross the road and cut through UE Square to Unity Street. Turn right onto Unity Street and walk to Mohamed Sultan Road. Cross the road and walk to Kim Yam Road. Walk down Kim Yam Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 10 minutes. [Map]

Shabestan @ Robertson Quay - Authentic Persian Flavours by the Scenic Riverside

Shabestan is a multi-award-winning Persian restaurant located in Singapore's Robertson Quay, celebrated for its authentic cuisine, warm hospitality, and scenic riverside setting. Since its establishment in 2013, the restaurant has aimed to bring the rich, traditional flavours of Persia to a modern audience, becoming a popular destination for both locals and international visitors seeking a refined Middle Eastern dining experience.

Hummus 3.8/5

The Hummus ($16) is made from freshly cooked chickpeas blended with lemon juice, garlic, tahini, and olive oil. It was somewhat puzzling for me as the Hummus was served chilled, whereas I am accustomed to it being served at room temperature. Despite the temperature, the texture remained smooth and the flavours well-balanced.

Persian Bread 4/5

To accompany the dip, we had the Persian Bread, which is freshly baked and noticeably thinner than traditional naan. Though thin, it has a wonderful, chewy, and fluffy texture with a delightful bite. It serves as the perfect vessel for scooping up the creamy Hummus.

Shirazi Salad 4.2/5

For a refreshing start, the Shirazi Salad ($16) is an excellent choice. It features finely chopped cucumber, tomato, and onion tossed in Shabestan's signature Shirazi dressing. The salad is light and fresh, with the crisp cucumber providing a refreshing crunch in every mouthful.

Shandiz 4/5

The Shandiz Kebab ($57) features tender chunks of spring lamb on the bone, charcoal-grilled to perfection. The lamb chops were well-marinated and succulent, boasting a beautiful char on the edges while remaining tender inside. Like all kebab dishes here, it is served with rice and a side salad. We opted for a mix of fragrant Basmati and Saffron rice, which offered a good textural bite.

Prawn Kebab 4/5

Another standout was the Prawn Kebab ($43), consisting of huge, de-shelled tiger prawns marinated in saffron and charcoal-grilled until crunchy and juicy. These were drizzled with a homemade seafood sauce that enhanced their natural sweetness. For this dish, we were served Dill rice, which imparted a lovely herby aroma. A pro-tip shared by the staff: dice up the grilled tomato and mix it into the rice for an extra layer of depth and flavour.

Overall, Shabestan delivers a solid Persian dining experience with high-quality ingredients and traditional grilling techniques that truly shine in their kebab selection.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Shabestan
The Pier at Robertson
80 Mohamed Sultan Road
#01-13
Singapore 239013
Tel: +65 9397 6562
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Nearest MRT: Fort Canning (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Fort Canning MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to the traffic junction of Clemenceau Ave and River Valley. Cross the road. Turn left and walk down Clemenceau Ave. Turn right onto Unity Street. Then left onto Merbau Road. Walk straight towards the river. Turn right at the river. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 8 minutes. [Map]

Jellyfish Sushi (within Artichoke) @ New Bahru - Sushi Swims Freely Beyond Any Bounds

Hidden within Artichoke, Jellyfish Sushi is a quietly confident counter that pushes the idea of bread sushi into a more focused, sushi-adjacent direction. It is the older sibling to Small, another concept by Chef Bjorn Shen tucked away in the same space. Both share the same bloodline — intimate, experimental, and unmistakably original — but where Small is freeform and confrontational, Jellyfish Sushi is deliberately restrained. The emphasis here is on the purity of fish and flavour, staying firmly in a sushi-like lane while exploring what sushi can become when bread replaces rice.

With just ten seats, Jellyfish Sushi offers an intentionally intimate counter experience where each course unfolds at its own pace. Priced at $165++ per person, the tasting menu runs up to 12 courses and evolves every few months, with each iteration reinterpreting the bread sushi concept through different cuisines and cultural lenses. This is also where the lineage from Small becomes evident — experimental yet with a clearer sense of structure and restraint.

Trio of Appetisers 4/5

The 12-course dinner opens with a Trio of Appetisers that gently sets the tone. Hiroshima Oysters in Chilled Minestrone Dashi is refreshing and light, whetting the appetite with dashi-poached oysters wrapped in spinach and paired with diced leek, zucchini, and celeriac, finished in a chilled tomato-infused dashi. Salmon Maki-No-Rice follows — a rice-less salmon roll built with roe, avocado, fennel, and shikuwasa. Served atop a creamy sauce of avocado, salmon roe, chopped pickles, fennel, and Okinawan citrus, it is bright, clean, and quietly playful. Completing the trio is Grilled Anago. The saltwater conger eel, sautéed in garlic and olive oil, offers a delightful crunch that contrasts with its inherent richness.

Shime Saba & Stracciatella 4.2/5

The bread sushi journey begins with Shime Saba & Stracciatella. Salt-cured and plum-vinegar-pickled mackerel is layered with salted zucchini, stracciatella cheese, and wasabi mayo, then encased in bread and served as a hand roll with nori. The bread is brushed with white and rose balsamic vinegar to mimic the acidity of sushi rice. The result feels almost tapas-like, evoking the casual elegance of Spain while retaining Japanese sensibilities.

Kanpachi & Salted Lettuce 4.5/5

Kanpachi & Salted Lettuce is an unconventional pairing that works seamlessly. Soy and wasabi marinated amberjack sits atop salted lettuce dressed with smoked vinegar, served on the lower half of the bread for a spongier crumb and firmer crunch. Pickled mustard seeds add subtle pops of acidity.

Madai Carpaccio & Pistachio 4.2/5

Madai Carpaccio & Pistachio leans into finesse. Thinly sliced red sea bream, prepared using the kombujime technique, is dressed with garlic oil, spring onions, rocket, myoga, pickled ginger, sesame seeds, and lemon zest. Tossed with rocket leaves and pistachio pesto, it is served on the top crust of the bread for a softer, fluffier mouthfeel. It is delicate, aromatic, and beautifully balanced.

Have a Break with Heirloom Tomato 4/5

A brief pause comes in the form of Heirloom Tomato with Firefly Squid. Cherry tomatoes, peeled and pickled for three days in umeboshi, Japanese vinegar, and sugar, are sweet and tangy, refreshing the palate before the richer courses that follow.

Nagasaki Blue Fin Tuna - Akami 4.5/5

Next, we had the Nagasaki Blue Fin Tuna in three different cuts, starting with the Akami. Negitoro, made with finely chopped tuna and leek, is served on the "rib" or side crust of the bread for added crunch. Presented as a hand-roll wrapped in nori.

Nagasaki Blue Fin Tuna - Chutoro 4.5/5

Next is Chutoro, where cubed medium-fatty tuna is paired with avocado and underripe green tomato, dressed with soy sauce and wasabi. Presented in a bara-chirashi style over a crisp monaka wafer, it offers contrast in both texture and temperature.

Nagasaki Blue Fin Tuna - Otoro 5/5

The highlight, however, is the Otoro. Lightly seared and topped with garlic chives marinated in soy sauce, it is served on the bottom crust of the bread. Rich, indulgent, and deeply satisfying, it stands out as the most memorable of the trio.

Cold Noodles 3.8/5

A surprising detour comes with Wakame Ramen from Awaji Island, served with two dipping sauces — Roasted Saba Tsuyu and Cold Asari Clam Potage, alongside shredded spring onions and wasabi. While the flavours are interesting, the noodle texture is slightly firm; a softer, more slurpable bite would have been my preference.

Matcha Pudding 4.2/5

Dessert closes the meal on a gentle note. Matcha Pudding with Warabi Jelly and Okinawa Black Sugar layers earthy matcha with a delicate warabi jelly sheet, finished with Okinawan black sugar syrup and nishiki goma. It is understated, comforting, and a fitting end to a thoughtfully curated experience.

Jellyfish Sushi is a compelling evolution of the bread sushi idea. It is less confrontational than its sibling, but no less creative. By focusing on restraint, balance, and ingredient integrity, it offers a dining experience that feels both experimental and quietly assured, rewarding diners who appreciate nuance over spectacle.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Jellyfish Sushi (within Artichoke)
New Bahru
46 Kim Yam Road
Singapore 239351
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Fort Canning (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sat: 6pm - 8pm (1st Seating), 815pm - 1015pm (2nd Seating)
(Closed on Sun & Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Fort Canning MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to the traffic junction of River Valley Road and Clemenceau Ave. Cross the road and cut through UE Square to Unity Street. Turn right onto Unity Street and walk to Mohamed Sultan Road. Cross the road and walk to Kim Yam Road. Walk down Kim Yam Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 10 minutes. [Map]

One Prawn & Co @ New Bahru - Modern Asian Seafood Grill by Chef Gwyneth of Michelin Bib Gourmand Zhup Zhup

One Prawn & Co would be familiar to prawn noodle enthusiasts, as the original Michelin Bib Gourmand prawn noodle eatery by Chef Gwyneth has since been rebranded as Zhup Zhup. Today, One Prawn & Co represents her newest culinary venture, a modern Asian seafood grill concept at New Bahru, centred around woodfire grilling and bold fusion flavours.

The restaurant offers a mix of indoor and outdoor seating, along with counter seats that provide diners with a front-row view of the chefs at work in the open kitchen.

The $100++ per pax dinner set menu is perhaps the best introduction to Chef Gwyneth’s cuisine. Thoughtfully curated, it takes diners on a progression of flavours, beginning with lighter, refreshing bites before moving into deeper, smokier notes. A minimum of two diners is required, and reservations should quote OPC100SET.

Hamachi Tartare 4/5

The meal began with the Hamachi Tartare, served on a crisp sago cracker and topped with hamachi, tobiko, and kimchi. While the kimchi was more subtle than expected, the overall combination made for a clean and refreshing start.

Smoky Prawn Toast 4.5/5

Next came the Smoky Prawn Toast, featuring juicy prawn paste, pickled red onion and homemade garlic aioli on crisp toast. It was a delightful bite that balanced crunch, creaminess and a gentle smokiness.

Burrata & Smoky Beans 5/5

The brilliantly executed Burrata & Smoked Beans was my absolute favourite dish of the meal. Crunchy haricot verts and white bait are topped with umami-packed cracked chilli and creamy burrata. Unexpected yet perfectly harmonious, it was so addictive we polished it off super quickly. This is also available a la carte at $26, and I highly recommend ordering.

Spicy Octopus 4.5/5

Fusion flavours continued to shine with the Spicy Octopus. Tender grilled octopus was paired with assam pedas, while lotus root chips added a satisfying crunch.

Scorched Hor Fun 4.2/5

We watched as the chefs carefully prepared the Scorched Hor Fun, a modern nod to the local zi char classic. The hor fun is cooked in a mesh sieve over a woodfire to achieve an intense char, then tossed with XO sauce and Sichuan peanuts, and finished with plump seared scallops. While we definitely wished for a more potent XO punch, the lighter flavours were still enjoyable.

“Typhoon Shelter” Prawn 4.8/5

The beautifully plated “Typhoon Shelter” Prawn followed. Five smoky, perfectly cooked prawns sat in a rich elderflower vermouth sauce with burnt leek oil, creating a sweet, savoury, herbaceous combination.

Malt Black 4/5

Desserts began with Malt Black, a unique sourdough ice cream paired with roasted white chocolate, yuzu and Horlicks crumbs.

Lemongrass Ice Kachang 4.2/5

The Lemongrass Ice Kachang was a refreshing finale, featuring osmanthus aiyu jelly, roasted coconut, lemongrass granita and plum vinegar.

Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed Chef Gwyneth’s refined yet soulful creations, particularly her thoughtful approach to reimagining local Asian flavours through a modern lens.

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.


One Prawn Co
New Bahru
46 Kim Yam Road
#01-10
Singapore 239351
Tel: +65 83660130
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Website
Nearest MRT: Fort Canning (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Fri: 11am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 11am - 430pm, 6pm - 10pm
(Closed on Mon & Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Fort Canning MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to the traffic junction of River Valley Road and Clemenceau Ave. Cross the road and cut through UE Square to Unity Street. Turn right onto Unity Street and walk to Mohamed Sultan Road. Cross the road and walk to Kim Yam Road. Walk down Kim Yam Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 10 minutes. [Map]