SanSara @ Grand Copthorne Waterfront - Reopens with a New Interior and Revitalised Menu

SanSara, the North Indian restaurant nestled along Robertson Quay at Grand Copthorne Waterfront, reopened on 1 August 2025, unveiling a stunning new interior and a revitalised menu that celebrates both tradition and innovation. Drawing inspiration from the ancient culinary heritage of Awadh and India's regal palatial architecture, SanSara offers an immersive, soulful, and deeply authentic dining experience. This journey delights all the senses.

Tali Hokkaido Scallops 3.5/5

A standout addition to the refreshed menu, the Tali Hokkaido Scallops feature plump, sweet scallops lightly marinated in turmeric and ginger. Pan-seared with chef's masala, they deliver a gentle coastal vibrance that's both fragrant and satisfying.

Kutti Lal Mirchi Murgh Tikka 4/5

The Kutti Lal Mirchi Murgh Tikka features tender boneless chicken, marinated in crushed red chillies, yoghurt, and aromatic spices, then grilled over high heat. Each bite is smoky, juicy, and perfectly balanced in heat, with roasted edges and a bright hint of lemon that elevates the flavours beautifully.

Mutter Darakash Ki Tikki 3.8/5

A comforting vegetarian starter, the Mutter Darakash Ki Tikki is a green pea and potato patty subtly spiced with cumin, ginger, and coriander. Pan-seared to a crisp golden-brown, the tikki is simple yet deeply satisfying, letting the natural sweetness of the peas shine through.

Sailana Shevand 4/5

The Sailana Shevand is a luxurious reinterpretation of a royal prawn dish substitutes lobster, stewed in fenugreek, coconut cream, and a rich tomato-onion gravy. The sauce is so delicious that every bite begs for the accompanying naan to mop up every drop — a decadent indulgence.

Vilayati Subzi 3.5/5

The Vilayati Subzi is a vibrant medley of seasonal "foreign" vegetables such as asparagus, water chestnuts, and tangy tomato, lightly sautéed and finished with fragrant garam masala. Each vegetable retains a pleasant crunch, allowing its natural sweetness to shine while providing a delightful textural contrast.

Sansara-Nasila Dungar Lal Maas 3.5/5

The Sansara-Nasila Dungar Lal Maas is a refined take on Rajasthan's celebrated lamb shank curry, this dish features tender shank slow-cooked in a Mathania chilli-infused gravy. The sauce is rich, velvety, and smoky, enhanced by a subtle aroma from hot charcoal and ghee. While rum is added tableside, it can slightly overpower the curry's delicate fragrance.

Bhuna Pyaz Our Kaju Ka Pulao 4/5

A fragrant and comforting rice dish, the Bhuna Pyaz Aur Kaju Ka Pulao combines slow-caramelised onions with toasted cashews and perfectly separate, fluffy basmati rice. Lightly infused with saffron, ghee, and whole spices, the dish offers gentle sweetness, nutty richness, and a warm, inviting aroma — a classic accompaniment that never disappoints.

Olive Goat Cheese Naan 3.5/5

The Olive Goat Cheese Naan offers a modern twist on traditional Indian bread. Fresh from the tandoor, the naan is soft with a subtle chew, and blistered char spots add smokiness. Creamy goat cheese melts into the warm bread, while briny olives add savoury bursts to each bite, creating a layered, memorable flavour profile.

Gajar Ka Halwa 4.2/5

A timeless dessert, the Gajar Ka Halwa is made from slow-cooked grated carrots simmered in milk, enriched with ghee, and lightly sweetened. Soft, slightly fudgy, and fragrant with cardamom, each spoonful evokes comforting nostalgia. Pistachios add a gentle crunch, rounding off a perfect finale to the meal.

SanSara's reopening is a celebration of North Indian cuisine at its finest — refined yet soulful, modern yet respectful of tradition. From luxurious seafood to comforting vegetarian bites, the menu beautifully balances depth, spice, and texture, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking an elevated, authentic taste of India along Robertson Quay.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


SanSara
Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Singapore
392 Havelock Road
Singapore 169663
Tel: +65 6233 1338
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Nearest MRT: Havelock (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Havelock MRT station. Take Exit 4. Turn left and walk to traffic junction of Havelock Road and Kim Seng Road. Cross the road. Turn left and walk down Kim Seng Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Po Restaurant @ The Warehouse Hotel - Celebrates Singapore Nanyang Heritage Cuisine

This October, Po Restaurant at The Warehouse Hotel unveils its brand-new menu, celebrating Singapore's rich Nanyang heritage and culinary traditions. Moving away from its previous mod-sin concept, the new direction is led by Head Chef Desmond Yong, who brings nearly two decades of experience, including his tenure as Head Chef at Rempapa, and a background spanning hawker stalls to refined kitchens. Together with his team, he has crafted a diverse yet concise menu showcasing dishes from Chinese, Malay, Indian, Eurasian, and Peranakan traditions. Treasured family recipes, either his own or generously shared by others, are reinterpreted with finesse.

Samsui Chicken 5/5

For starters, the Samsui Chicken was a pure delight. Served chilled, the poached organic chicken was tender, with slightly gelatinous skin. Complementing it was a gingery, garlicky dressing that beautifully whetted the appetite.

Singgang Serai 4.5/5

Another outstanding starter was the Singgang Serai ($24), inspired by a Eurasian fish curry. The mackerel stew, rich with turmeric rempah and coconut milk, was encased in a toasted rice shell and topped with a delicate tomato jelly. The jelly lent a fruity sweetness and gentle tartness that balanced the umami-packed stew, while the rice shell, reminiscent of a Japanese monaka, added mild sweetness and textural crunch to each bite.

Ikan Kerabu 4/5

The Ikan Kerabu ($28) reimagines the classic Peranakan kerabu with yellowtail cured in ginger flower and plum dressing, topped with a tangy herb salad, sakura shrimp, and coconut. While the dish was delicious, the use of herbs and coconut could be less restrained to better accentuate its kerabu character.

Kambing Masak Lemak Chilli 5/5

The Kambing Masak Lemak Chilli ($28) was scrumptious, featuring ultra-tender, slow-braised lamb in a rich, aromatic spiced curry. The meat had a lovely char that deepened its flavour, and the fluffy steamed rice vermicelli served as the perfect accompaniment to the heady curry.

Housemade Beancurd with Crabmeat 3/5

Among the main dishes, the Housemade Beancurd with Crabmeat ($32) featured silky steamed egg beancurd topped with plump crabmeat in superior sauce. While enjoyable, it leaned more toward an elevated Japanese chawanmushi than a Chinese-style dish, perhaps because of the addition of ikura.

Sotong Masak Hitam 4.5/5

The Sotong Masak Hitam ($30) showcased a Peranakan classic of squid cooked in its own ink. Stir-fried with rempah and reduced to a thick, glossy sauce, it was richly spiced with just a hint of heat. The squid roe, left intact, lent additional depth and creaminess, making each bite satisfying and full-bodied. The tentacles, coated in a blend of rice and corn flour, were a brilliant touch, adding crisp texture to this traditional dish.

Itek Sioh 5/5

The Itek Sioh ($30) was prepared confit-style, simmered in tamarind, coriander seed, and dark soy sauce. It was easily one of the better duck leg confits I've had in a while, with meat that was perfectly tender and well-balanced in flavour.

Babi Tohay 3/5

The Babi Tohay ($32) featured Iberico pork slowly braised in Po's house-made fermented krill paste and red rice paste. While the gravy was delectable, I found some of the meat slightly dry.

Lobster Mee 4.5/5

The Lobster Mee ($58) offered a luxurious take on KL Hokkien Mee, brimming with pork lard and premium seafood. Udon noodles were used instead of the typical yellow noodles. While purists may miss the alkaline bite of the original, I appreciated the chewiness of the udon, which made the dish feel lighter against the dark, flavoursome soy gravy.

Brinjal Fry 2/5

For vegetables, the Brinjal Fry ($24) featured South Indian-style pan-grilled eggplant, drizzled with honey and topped with spiced puffed rice and feta. While it aimed for an Indian-inspired profile, the flavours didn't quite come together, and the brinjal itself was slightly tough and watery. I was reminded of a stir-fried brinjal dish I had previously had over here. It was more rustic in presentation but homely and delicious in flavour.

Nasi Telang 4.5/5

There's always room for rice, and the Nasi Telang ($12) was a fragrant pleasure, glossy with ghee and aromatic with herbs.

Kueh Tingkat 3/5

Yuzu Cheng Tng 3.5/5

For desserts, we had the Kueh Tingkat ($22), featuring three freshly made varieties of kueh, and the Yuzu Cheng Tng ($18). The kuehs were pleasant, though the kueh kosui was a touch too sweet and lacked the desired softness. The Cheng Tng was light and refreshing, elevated by a scoop of yuzu sorbet.

Po's refreshed menu reflects Singapore's diverse culinary roots with heart and intent. Many dishes shine with thoughtful execution, though a few have lost a touch of their traditional soul in the process of refinement. Still, kudos to Chef Desmond Yong and his team for steering Po in a bold new direction amid today's challenging F&B landscape.

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.


Po Restaurant
The Warehouse Hotel
320 Havelock Road
Singapore 169628
Tel: +65 6828 0007
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Nearest MRT: Havelock (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 7 - 1030am, 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Havelock MRT station. Take Exit 4. Turn left and walk down Havelock Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Smolder @ Outram Road - Brings Authentic Farm-to-Table Coastal Backyard BBQ to the Heart of Singapore

If you’re looking to support local while indulging in something delicious and exciting, make your way to Smolder, a vibrant new seafood grill and bar along Outram Road. Brought to you by the team behind Scaled and Ah Hua Kelong, Smolder continues their mission of championing locally farmed seafood, this time with a bold, flame-kissed twist.

The menu at Smolder is divided into five sections, and the Sides segment alone is enough to draw your attention, with tempting offerings such as stuffed squid, calamari, fresh local green lip mussels, octopus, and potato salad, as well as zucchini-parmesan fritters.

Elote 4.5/5

Since we knew more seafood dishes were coming later, we opted for the Elote ($9), a grilled sweet corn slathered in mayo, sour cream, parmesan, chilli, garlic, coriander, and lime. The white corn had the perfect balance of sweetness and crunch, lifted beautifully by the smoky, tangy glaze. I could easily have eaten a whole cob on my own!

Portuguese Seafood Stew 4/5

From the Mains section, we went with the Portuguese Seafood Stew ($28) and the Clams Linguine in Buzara Tomato Sauce ($26). Other options on the menu include Braised Short Ribs, a Wagyu Beef Burger, steak, blackened sea bass, and grilled snapper or grouper piccata pasta.

The Portuguese Seafood Stew ($28) is one of owner Wong Jing Kai’s personal favourites, crafted with a hearty mix of both seafood and meat. Think pork belly, plump mussels wild caught daily, clams, and prawns, all simmered in a paprika and tomato-based broth, served with grilled garlic bread on the side. While the freshness and generous portions of the ingredients stood out, I found that the flavour of the stew itself could have been a little more robust.

Clams Linguine in Buzara Tomato Sauce 4.5/5

I personally preferred the Clams Linguine in Buzara Tomato Sauce ($26), which features fresh clams simmered in a tomato and white wine base. What’s interesting is that no salt is added; the dish relies solely on the natural brininess of the clams for seasoning. The result was simple yet tasty, and I found it very much to my liking.

Pearl Grouper 4.5/5

For the Big Plates, diners can opt for a whole 700g fish, with choices including snapper, seabass, or pearl grouper, or go all out with Boston lobster or Alaskan king crab legs. Each Big Plate is paired with two Small Plates, with options such as cornbread, fried potato, grilled corn salad, grilled vegetable salad, or broccolini.

If you’re unsure which fish to pick, the team is happy to recommend one. Since we prefer fish with a flaky texture, we went with their suggestion of the Pearl Grouper ($85). The Pearl Grouper arrived marvellously executed. Its skin was seared till it was pretty crisp, while the flesh inside was fresh, moist, and flaky. The clean, delicate sweetness of the fish really shone through, showcasing the quality of the produce, enhanced by some good flame grilling. It felt like an indulgence, but also a relatively healthy one at the same time. The grouper was also served with a spicy but satisfying house chilli and a lemon wedge.

Cornbread 4.2/5

We chose the American-style Cornbread as one of our small plates, and I enjoyed its dense, hearty texture, which was not too dry, and was studded with sweet grilled corn kernels for a satisfying bite.

Broccolini 3.8/5

We also picked the charred baby broccolini, drizzled with smoky, house-made romesco sauce and with toasted almonds, adding a nice crunch to the greens.

The dessert menu features four options: a double-layered chocolate cake, an olive oil cake, a New York–style cheesecake, and a spiced apple wonton with vanilla semifreddo. We were unfortunately too full to try any, but they certainly sound like a sweet finale worth saving room for next time!

The newly opened 90-seat restaurant was lively even on a weekday night. The buzz reflected Ah Hua Kelong’s loyal following, drawn by local seafood that’s as fresh as it gets.

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


Smolder Seafood Grill and Bar
271 Outram Road
Singapore 169062
Tel: +65 9888 6849
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Nearest MRT: Havelock (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu: 5pm - 11pm
Fri-Sun: 12pm - 230pm, 5pm - 11pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Havelock Road. Take Exit 1. Walk straight to Seng Poh Road. Turn left onto Seng Poh Road. Walk down Seng Poh Road to Outram Road. Turn right onto Outram Road. Walk down Outram Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Magpie @ Eng Hoon Street (Tiong Bahru) - Borderless Soul Food with Punchy Flavours and Playful Creativity

Magpie at Eng Hoon Street offers borderless soul food by New Zealand-born chef-owner Eliot Thomas. It’s a place that embraces being unconventionally familiar and unapologetically bold. The philosophy here is simple – come as you are and celebrate life’s moments over aggressively delicious shared plates, a kickass curation of booze, and the irresistible allure of music.

The menu is refreshed regularly, but when I visited, it was categorised into four sections – Snacks, Small Plates, Big Plates and Dessert. Each dish felt like a flavour bomb, and one common thread tied them together: a zesty, tangy punch that lingered in almost every bite.

Fresh Tandoor Bread 3.5.5

We started with the Fresh Tandoor Bread ($12) glazed with Magpie’s butter. The bread was delightfully chewy, but what truly elevated it was Nikki’s Special Chilli. Think of it as Magpie’s version of Lao Gan Ma – robust, spicy, and addictively savoury, the kind of condiment that makes everything taste better.

Prawn Tostada 4/5

The Prawn Tostada ($30) was next, with a thick prawn paste patty sandwiched between two crispy tortilla bases. The tostada was generously drenched in a rich, tangy tomato-based sauce, creating a textural contrast of crunch, tenderness, and saucy brightness.

Kokoda Ceviche 4/5

A standout was the Kokoda Ceviche ($29), a traditional Fijian dish. Unlike Peruvian ceviche that typically uses tiger milk, this version brought together passionfruit, coconut, and avocado. The result was tropical, punchy, and refreshing, pairing beautifully with the delicate slices of fish.

Cumin Lamb Ribs 4.2/5

My favourite of the night was the Cumin Lamb Ribs ($36 for 4pc). The meat fell off the bone effortlessly, tender and juicy, enhanced by a bold aji amarillo sauce and fresh coriander. This was comfort food reimagined with a fiery kick and layered complexity.

Lebanese 7 Spice Chicken 3.8/5

For the main, the Lebanese 7 Spice Chicken ($52) delivered a hearty plate brimming with aromatics. The blend of spices gave depth and warmth, balanced by pistachio yoghurt, pomegranate, and mint for freshness and tang. It was a dish that showcased both richness and restraint in the right proportions.

Magpie is not about subtlety – it’s about vibrancy, boldness, and soul. Every dish we tried had that unmistakable zesty finish, making it a dining experience that stays memorable. If you enjoy food that excites the palate with punchy flavours and playful creativity, Magpie should definitely be on your radar.


Magpie
Blk 57 Eng Hoon Street
#01-88
Singapore 160057
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Nearest MRT: Havelock (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Thu: 530pm - 930pm
Fri-Sun: 12pm - 230pm, 530pm - 930pm
(Closed on Mon & Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Havelock MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk straight down Zion Road. Walk to traffic junction of Zion Road and Tiong Bahru Road. Cross the road and walk to Seng Poh Road. Walk down Seng Poh Road. Turn left onto Eng Hoon Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Ah Pui Teochew Porridge Buffet @ Four Points by Sheraton Singapore Riverview - Savour The Comforting Flavours Of Home-Cooked Fare

In conjunction with Singapore's 60th birthday this year, Four Points by Sheraton Singapore, Riverview has launched a much-loved dining concept – the Ah Pui Teochew Porridge Buffet. Diners can now enjoy this local tradition at the hotel's Four Points Eatery, which has recently extended its service to weekends. Executive Chef Anthony has curated a line-up of home-cooked fare, featuring classic porridge options like Sweet Potato Porridge and Plain Teochew Porridge, accompanied by a spread of over 20 heritage dishes and condiments.

Teochew Braised Duck

The standouts and crowd favourites are the braised and steamed items, such as Teochew-style Steamed Seabass Fillet, Teochew Braised Duck and Braised Pork Belly.

Seabass Fillet

Braised Pork Belly

I enjoyed both the Seabass Fillet and Braised Pork Belly. The fish was flaky and tender, and the pork belly slices had a good ratio of fats and meat, which deeply satisfied. As for the duck, while the meat was succulent, some came across slightly gamey.

Prawn Paste Chicken Wings

Deep-Fried Fermented Pork

Beyond the classics, moreish treats include Deep-Fried Fermented Pork, Prawn Paste Chicken Wings, and Steamed Otah. The Deep-Fried Fermented Pork impressed with its savoury crust and unctuous meat, sliced into bite-sized pieces for the best experience.

Otah

The Steamed Otah was a delight, featuring chunks of fish meat and a well-seasoned coconut paste.

Chai Po Omelette

Braised Pork Trotter

Other dishes that exude the warmth of home-cooked comfort include Braised Pork Trotter, Curry Chicken, Chai Po Omelette, Soy Sauce Eggs, Braised Tau Pok, and Tau Kee. I adored the Chai Po Omelette, which was done with the right thickness and packed full of the umami Chai Po flavour.

Mui Choy

One particular dish that stood out for me was the Mui Choy, simmered to utmost tenderness with well-balanced flavours.

Condiments

Along the condiments counter, you'll find all the flavours that build a sumptuous bowl of porridge – from Salted Egg, XO Shrimp Sauce, and Teochew Bean Paste to Pickled Cai Xin, Pickled Cucumber, and Fermented Beancurd.

Nyonya Kueh

Glutinous Rice Dumpling in Ginger Soup

Desserts are simple yet satisfying. I ended my afternoon with a comforting bowl of Glutinous Rice Dumpling in Ginger Soup and an assortment of Nyonya Kueh. The rice dumplings were plump and chewy with black sesame. I only managed to grab two morsels before they were all snapped out! Same for the kueh, bear in mind that they are of limited quantity too.

The menu is rotated regularly. Although beverages require an additional top-up, the Ah Pui Teochew Porridge Buffet offers a warm, homely dining experience at the spacious Four Points Eatery, which overlooks the idyllic Singapore River.

Pricing
Monday to Thursday: S$21.80++ per adult | S$15.80++ per child (aged 6y – 12y)
Friday to Sunday & Public Holidays: S$24.80++ per adult | S$18.80++ per child (aged 6 – 12y)

Special Offer
For a limited time, enjoy 20% off the Ah Pui Teochew Porridge Buffet. Book directly via their official reservation platform with the promo code “APTP20”.
Terms and conditions apply. Reservation Advance reservations of at least one day prior required.
Call +65 6349 4872 or WhatsApp +65 9837 3635 Email at eatery@fourpointssingaporeriverview.com

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.


Four Points Eatery
Four Points by Sheraton Singapore, Riverview
1st Storey
382 Havelock Road
Singapore 169629
Tel: +65 63494872
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Nearest MRT: Havelock (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Havelock Road MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk straight down Havelock Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]