The Chir Cafe + Bar @ Holland Village – Brand New Korean Fusion Concept Dishing Up Brunch, Dinner, And All-day Pastas

Cafe by day and resto-bar by night, The Chir Cafe + Bar is an all-new eatery opening at Holland Village just late last year. The same folks who brought popular South Korean fried chicken franchise, Chir Chir Fusion Chicken Factory to Singapore, conceptualised it. The menu is a fun, eclectic fusion of Korean and Western cuisines.

Chir Chicken Croffle 4.2/5

Available for Brunch and Dinner, the Chir Chicken Croffle ($17.50) features succulent deep-fried chicken thigh and fluffy golden-brown croffles. Interestingly, the waffles are baked using croissant dough, which makes it fluffy and chewy inside, yet crispy and flaky on the outside, akin to a croissant. Drizzle some homemade maple butter syrup, and it makes for a scrumptious sweet-and-savoury pairing.

Fondue Chicken Burger 4/5

The Fondue Chicken Burger ($15.50) comes with a juicy slab of fried chicken thigh, grilled pineapple, onion marmalade and fresh rocket, sandwiched between toasted burger buns. The entire stack is then doused in a nacho cheese sauce and served with a side of shoestring fries - an ultimate dream for the cheese lovers. The Fondue Chicken Burger is available for Brunch and Dinner.

Three Mushroom Truffle Pasta 4/5

The Three Mushroom Truffle Pasta ($18.50) features al dente linguine with a creamy and fragrant black truffle cream sauce clinging to its every strand. A mix of juicy shiitake, button, and portobello mushrooms complete this classic truffle pasta dish.

Cheese Spam Fries 3.8/5

For sides, we had the Cheese Spam Fries ($14). The thick strips of fried spam are fried nicely with a crispy exterior and fluffy insides. It is perfectly paired with some ranch cheese sauce.

Iced Sea Salt Caramel Latte 3.8/5, Summer Cooler 4/5

On top of the standard lattes and cappuccinos, customers can also find unconventional concoctions, such as the Sea Salt Caramel Latte ($6.50 for iced). The fragrant caramel infused espresso is topped with freshly crushed sea salt. Craft beers and soju are also available by the bottle, while house pour red and white wines can be purchased by the glass ($15) or bottle ($70). We had the Summer Cooler ($16), a refreshing cocktail with sweet fruity notes from the green grape soju, perfect for unwinding over the rich, hearty dishes.

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.


The Chir Cafe + Bar
Holland Village
26A Lorong Mambong
Singapore 277685
Tel: +65 62359950
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 1030pm
Sat-Sun: 930am - 1030pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Lorong Liput. Walk down Lorong Luput. Turn right onto Lorong Mambong. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

MOONBOW @ Dempsey Hill - A Dazzling New Addition That Specialises In Modern European Cuisine With An Asian Accent

The ever-changing dining scene at Dempsey Hill sees a dazzling new addition, MOONBOW. Chef Heman Tan and Dylan Soh opened the restaurant, which specialises in modern European cuisine with an Asian influence. The glass wall in the main dining hall separating the kitchen reminds me of Hell Kitchen's scene. Diners have a full view of the adrenaline rush in the kitchen.

Candy Floss 3.5/5

Our dinner begins with the complimentary Candy Floss. It is a playful starter to kick start the dinner.

Moonbow Oyster Bay 4/5

Next up is the Moonbow Oyster Bay ($10++/pc), serves with oyster leaves at the side. The purposes of the oyster leaves are to open up the palate. The briny Fine de Claire oyster is paired with yuzu gel, cucumber pearl and yuzu granita for a flavoured and refreshing finish.

Garden of Escargot 3.5/5

The Escargot ($23++) is plated like a garden as if the snails are roaming among the fields of edible flowers, fresh micro cress, truffle gelato, mashed edamame and mushroom soil. There are even lychee pearls representing raindrops.

Jerusalem Artichoke 4/5

The Jerusalem Artichoke ($25++) is a comforting and creamy soup that comes with a 64 °C Sous Vide Egg, Caviar and Sunchoke Chips to balance the earthiness of the artichoke.

Cauliflower Bloom 4/5

The Cauliflower Bloom ($25++) is a multi-textural enjoyment of the various forms of cauliflower. On the plate, you can find warm cauliflower floret, dehydrate cauliflower, cauliflower cous cous, cauliflower puree paired with nuts crumbs, garlic crumbs, cress and hollandaise.

Tomahawk de Swine 4.2/5

Moving to the mains, we tried a couple of items from their menu. First is the gigantic Tomahawk de Swine ($68++). The restaurant uses untrimmed 4 days aged young pork tomahawk chop paired with roasted garlic, caramelized lime and pineapple compote. The pork chop glazed with BBQ marinade is grilled to a beautiful tender with a hint of smokiness and sweetness. My favourite way of appreciating the beautiful pork is to spread the roasted garlic on it.

Black Silkie Poulet 4.2/5

My first thought when I see the Black Silkie Poulet ($38++) is that the restaurant has taken a big risk. It is an ingredient that is usually used in Chinese cuisine but not in European cuisine. The sight of a black chicken may turn some diners off. I love black chicken, so I was worried but internally delight to have the dish on the menu. The black chicken's leg is chargrilled and paired with garlicky crumb, wolfberry mashed, black garlic puree, ugly heirloom tomatoes and chives. I have to call out the accompanying bearnaise sauce that brightens the tender chicken.

Chef Heman’s Black Berry 4 Grain Healthy Rice With Roasted Pork Jowl “Ton Toro” 4/5

One can opt for Chef Heman's Black Berry 4 Grain Healthy Rice With Roasted Pork Jowl "Ton Toro" ($38++) for a healthy eat. I enjoyed the different textures of the rice, and what brightens up the dish is the addition of Chinese lap cheong sausage.

Fermented Red Yeast Wine 4.5/5

Another favourite dish of mine is the Fermented Red Yeast Wine ($38++). I applaud the creativity of incorporating fermented red glutinous rice wine with the barramundi fillet. I am usually sceptical of this type of East meets West creations, but this dish has won me over.

Treasure Drawer 4/5

To wrap up the dinner on a sweet note, you can try the Treasure Drawer ($32++), which comes in two trays of dessert. Diners can enjoy a sweet treat of pistachio chocolate souffle, mango passion mousse, petite apple crumble tartlets, financier raspberry, orange granita, yuzu star anise pate fruit and truffle cheese macaron. It will be a good choice as you can have a bit of everything.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


[CLOSED]
MOONBOW
Block 10 Dempsey Road
#01-21
Singapore 247700
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line), Holland Village (CC Line), Farrer Road (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm
Sat-Sun: 10am -3pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop along Orchard Boulevard (Stop ID 09022). Take bus number 7, 77, 106, 123 or 174. Alight 7 stops later. Walk up to Dempsey Hill. Walk right to the back of the cluster. Walk to destination. Journey time 30 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to bus stop at Block 12 (Stop ID 11401). Take bus 106. Alight 4 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to Dempsey Road. Walk up to Dempsey Hill. Walk right to the back of the cluster. Walk to destination. Journey time 20 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Farrer Road MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite Farrer Road MRT station (Stop ID 11119). Take bus number 174 or 564. Alight 5 stops later. Walk up to Dempsey Hill. Walk right to the back of the cluster. Walk to destination. Walk to destination. Journey time 20 minutes. [Map]

Full of Luck Restaurant @ Holland Village - Usher In A Bountiful And Joyous New Year With Traditional Dishes With A Modern Flair

Usher in the Year of Ox with classic Cantonese favourites but imbued with a modern flair at Full of Luck Restaurant. Chinese New Year sets will be made available from 1 February to 28 February 2021, with dishes that satisfy your palate and visually delightful with fun and thoughtful designs.

Yu Sheng 4/5

Toss to a year of bountiful blessings with Prosperity Lo Hei with Smoked Salmon and Yuzu. Setting itself apart from others with an adorable cartoon-inspired look, it is also one of the few yushengs that comes with huge fruity pearls of both passionfruit and pomegranate seeds. The homemade sauce is concocted with plum, apple, pineapple and yuzu for a more balanced tangy and sweet flavour.

Truffled Jade Melon Rings Stuffed with Pork & Abalone 4.5/5

Truffled Jade Melon Rings Stuffed with Pork & Abalone surprised me with its soft and tender melon rings and extremely juicy stuffing. The flavoursome sauce is extracted from the ingredients' essence, making the dish even more nourishing.

Double Delights Platter 4.8/5

The Double Delights Platter pairs its Signature Honey Glazed Char Siew with Crispy Kurobuta Pork. The char siew especially had just enough fats to butter over the lean meat. The occasional bites into the charred bits were pleasurable.

Abundance Money Bag Stuffed with Crabmeat and Pork 4.5/5

Abundance Money Bag Stuffed with Crabmeat and Pork was one of my favourite dishes with juicy and flavourful dumplings in sweet and savoury golden pumpkin sauce.

Auspicious XL Prawn Ball with Bak Kwa Sauce 3/5

Auspicious XL Prawn Ball is unique with its housemade bak kwa sauce but the prawn ball was too tough for my liking.

Scallion Oil White Jade Noodle with Black Garlic Tiger Prawns 4/5

Scallion Oil White Jade Noodle with Black Garlic Tiger Prawns will win you over with its homely and comforting taste. The prawns were a tad mushy, but all the flavours were on point.

Glutinous Rice Wrapped in Lotus Leaf 4.5/5

The Glutinous Rice Wrapped in Lotus Leaf with Tiger Prawns and Scallops is one of the highlights in the set meal. Slathered with a layer of piquant garlic spicy sauce, it was yummy and moreish, making sure that you are well-fed for a bountiful year ahead!

Chinese New Year Set menus are available for dine-in from $188 for 2 pax to $668 for 10pax. Takeaway Set Menu is available at $65 per pax with a minimum of 2 to order.

Note: This is an inviting tasting.


Full Of Luck Restaurant
243 Holland Ave
Singapore 278977
Tel: +65 62086845
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk to destination. Journey time about 2 minutes. [Map]

Mian Jia Noodle Bar (麺家料理) @ Holland Village - Blown Away By the Super Shiok Mala Spicy Lobster Broth

I have not visited Holland Village since the start of the circuit breaker, and during this period it seems that there are quite a few changes. One of the newest addition to the F&B scene at Holland Village is Mian Jia Noodle Bar (麺家料理) which opened during the pandemic last year. To be exact, it relocated from Alexandra Central to its current location.

Lobster Prosperous Treasure Pot 4.5/5

For the upcoming Lunar New Year, Mian Jia Noodle Bar has launched the Lobster Prosperous Treasure Pot ($288). Quote "TENOFF" to enjoy 10% discount. Call or visit the restaurant to place your order, takeaway only as there is limited quantity. Unlike other Pen Cai, the treasure pot comes in a drinkable lobster bisque broth that comes brimming with premium ingredients. Customers can look forward to a sumptuous feast of Boston lobster, 10 heads braised abalone, Australian golden sea cucumber, Japanese scallops, Shajing oyster, Spanish Duroc pork ribs, handmade shrimp balls, braised chicken mid wings, bean root, pumpkin and Chinese cabbage.

Live Boston Lobster Broth Noodle 4.5/5

Signature at Mian Jia Noodle Bar is their Live Boston Lobster Broth Noodle ($26.90). There is both the Non-Spicy and Mala version. I got to try both versions, and I was blown away by the robust broth that is full of depth. The Mala version is beyond my expectation, the addition of peppercorn elevated the flavour to a whole new level. To be frank, I cannot decide which I like. Worth mentioning is the la mian noodle that has been cooked to a delectable consistency. The restaurant has specially imported the special cooking machine for consistency in every bowl.

Special Stewed Iberico Pork with Homemade Wanton Dry Noodle 4/5

Besides noodle soups, the restaurant also offers a variety of dry noodles. One of them is the Special Stewed Iberico Pork with Homemade Wanton Dry Noodle ($15.90). The chunky pork pieces may look sort of dry, but it melted in my mouth when I sunk my tooth into it. Give the la mian a good toss, to coat the sweet, savoury dark sauce on each noodle stand for a slurping enjoyment. The sauce reminds me of Malaysian kolo mee.

Crispy Crusted Chicken Cutlet 3.8/5

There are several side dishes on top of the dry and noodle soup on the menu to complete the meal. I tried the Crispy Crusted Chicken Cutlet ($6.90) though the skin was not as crispy as I would have like, the chicken was surprisingly very tender and juicy.

Spicy Chilli Oil Homemade Wanton 3.5/5

I also had the Spicy Chilli Oil Homemade Wanton ($5.90) which looks more like a dumpling than wanton. It is plump and juicy, dressed in spicy and fragrant chilli oil.

If not for my friend's introduction to this place, I probably would not have known of the restaurant as it  is hidden away at the end of the road from sight. I am glad that I have discovered a new noodle place that serves a delicious and a quality bowl of noodle. 

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Mian Jia Noodle Bar (麺家料理) 
19 Lorong Liput
Singapore 277732
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit B or C. Walk to Lorong Liput. Walk towards the junction of Lorong Liput and Lorong Mambong. Turn left onto Lorong Liput. Walk to the end of the road. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Hathaway @ Dempsey Hill - New Restaurant At Dempsey Showcasing A Strong Local Influence Interlaced With French or Middle-Eastern Cuisine

A new addition to Dempsey Hill enclave is Hathaway by the same folk behind Bread Yard. The interior feels casual, more like a cafe/bistro though it categorises itself as a modern Asian restaurant. The menu showcases a strong local influence interlaced with French or Middle-Eastern cuisine.

I started with my daily dose of caffeine. I mentioned earlier that the place is more like a cafe because the restaurant has a proper barista coffee machine with skilful barista making each cup of coffee with beautiful latte art.

Whole Baby Potato Cottage Fries 4/5

I have tried fries served in many ways such as curly, wedges, waffle, shoestring etc. but the Whole Baby Potato Cottage Fries ($16) is a unique cut. It is almost like having a begedil topped with garlic and rosemary. It comes with za'atar labneh and chilli-lime cilantro dipping sauces.

Octopus Bakar & Sambal Udang 4.2/5

We actually skipped the brunch menu and dived for the mains because we find them more interesting over the usual egg benedict and toasts. We started with the Octopus Bakar & Sambal Udang ($42). The octopus grilled will kecap manis gives the tentacle a delectable sweetness and smokiness. 

Ah Nya's Fish Curry 4.2/5

The Ah Nya's Fish Curry ($32) is an exciting dish on the menu that comes with a whole fillet of local Kuhlbarra barramundi, fondant potatoes and a super long toasted bread to soak up that delicious curry sauce.

Seri Muka 4.2/5

The dessert at Hathaway is definitely worth your calories. We have the Seri Muka ($16) whereby the kueh salat is accompanied with a scoop of apom berkuah ice cream in pengat pisang sauce. The binding of Nonya kueh with western techniques delivers the traditional Nonya snack a new form of appreciation.

The Queen's Conserve 4.5/5

Last but not least, we have The Queen's Conserve ($16). A scoop of lavender ice cream is sandwiched two pieces of crispy and flaky kouign amann paired with passionfruit curd.

The food at Hathaway is really delicious and unique as they are items not commonly offered elsewhere. However, the price is quite expensive. For the cost of the mains, it almost the same as for the more high end or Michelin starred restaurant.


Hathaway
Blk 13 Dempsey Road
#01-07
Singapore 249674
Tel: +65 96650681
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line), Holland Village (CC Line), Farrer Road (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 9am - 9pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop along Orchard Boulevard (Stop ID 09022). Take bus number 7, 77, 106, 123 or 174. Alight 7 stops later. Walk up to Dempsey Hill. Walk right to the back of the cluster. Walk to destination. Journey time 30 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to bus stop at Block 12 (Stop ID 11401). Take bus 106. Alight 4 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to Dempsey Road. Walk up to Dempsey Hill. Walk right to the back of the cluster. Walk to destination. Journey time 20 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Farrer Road MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite Farrer Road MRT station (Stop ID 11119). Take bus number 174 or 564. Alight 5 stops later. Walk up to Dempsey Hill. Walk right to the back of the cluster. Walk to destination. Walk to destination. Journey time 20 minutes. [Map]

Jam at Siri House @ Dempsey Hill - Monthly Tasting Table Feast

I am back at Jam at Siri House for the monthly Tasting Table. It is a monthly feast event whereby a sumptuous spread of over 20 small plates is offered tableside from roving trolleys. Similar to those traditional dim sum house, you just need to pick the dishes you want to try from the trolleys.

Osmanthus Jelly 4/5

Mee Sua 2.8/5

During my visit which falls in the Chinese New Year period, the Tasting Table incorporates a few Chinese New Year inspired dishes such as the Osmanthus Jelly ($6) and Mee Sua ($12). Osmanthus jelly is an interesting take of the Chinese dessert, making it into a savoury dish. The jelly block is actually made with osmanthus and bonito and then topped with smoked trout roe and Siberian caviar. As for the mee sua kueh, I thought it was a bit disappointing. This fell short of Swee Choon's version, which comes with a layer of crispy vermicelli.

Bufala 4/5

A light starter is the Bufala ($8). I enjoyed the addition of tangerine and yuzu dressing which gives the milky ciligini di bufala a lift in enjoyment, with the toasted watermelon seeds for texture.

Chawanmushi 4.2/5

At a glance, the Chawanmushi ($8) looks rather ordinary with the kani. It is not until I took a mouthful of it and my eyes brightened by the sharp flavours of Thai cuisine. The egg custard is steamed in tom yum broth and topped with fried lime leaf, injecting the bright flavours of Thai cuisine into the traditional Japanese chawanmushi.

Chicken 4.2/5

A hearty and delicious dish is the Grilled Chicken Oysters ($12) that is fragrant by the crab fat garlic butter. The char on the chicken gives it a further smoky bitterness, giving it an aromatic finishing. I like the touch of adding diced water chestnut for the extra textural bite.

Kingfish 4.5/5

For something clean and tasty, go for the Hiramasa Kingfish Carpaccio ($12) which is cleverly paired with umeboshi vinaigrette, pickled green chilli and lumpfish roe. It complemented the clean flavour of the fish while not stealing the limelight of the main ingredients.

Beef 3/5

I can understand what the chef is trying to do with the Wagyu Tri Tip MB 6/7 ($12), it is a twist to the local satay. It comes in the form of grilled wagyu skewer, pickled shallot and a glutinous rice ball, elevating the components of the traditional satay. Unfortunately, I thought the meat was a bit tough for my liking, but I adore the other support items on the dish.

Tiger Prawns 4.2/5

Grilled to perfection with crunchy texture is the Tiger Prawns ($12). It is paired with laksa anchovy emulsion to complement the sweetness of the deep sea tiger prawns.

Corn Dog 3.5/5

I find the Corn Dog ($6) is a fun and playful dish, bringing out the childhood in me. Instead of the usual sausage with cornmeal batter, it uses Taiwanese pork sausage coated with cornflake. It is best to enjoy with the accompanying Sriracha mustard sauce.

Grilled Pineapple 4/5

For dessert, I decided to go for the Grilled Pineapple ($8) since the dish sort of reminds me of the popular pineapple tart snack eaten during Chinese New Year period. Grilled pineapple is served on top sugee shortbread and paired with pineapple tarragon ice cream. A deconstructed form of the pineapple tart.

While I enjoyed the food at Jam in my previous visit, I mentioned that the price is on the steep side. The tasting table, on the contrary, is more reasonable with price ranging from $6 to $12 per dish. I also like the concept of roving trolleys, which injected charm and interaction into the whole experience. Their next Tasting Table is on 19 March 2020, you can Book via http://bit.ly/tastingtablemarch or call +65 96670533. Do check the website regularly for the next upcoming Tasting Table.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Jam at Siri House
Dempsey Hill
8D Dempsey Road
#01-02
Singapore 249672
Tel: +65 96670533
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line), Holland Village (CC Line), Farrer Road (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop along Orchard Boulevard (Stop ID 09022). Take bus number 7, 77, 106, 123 or 174. Alight 7 stops later. Walk up to Dempsey Hill. Walk right to the back of the cluster. Walk to destination. Journey time 30 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to bus stop at Block 12 (Stop ID 11401). Take bus 106. Alight 4 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to Dempsey Road. Walk up to Dempsey Hill. Walk right to the back of the cluster. Walk to destination. Journey time 20 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Farrer Road MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite Farrer Road MRT station (Stop ID 11119). Take bus number 174 or 564. Alight 5 stops later. Walk up to Dempsey Hill. Walk right to the back of the cluster. Walk to destination. Walk to destination. Journey time 20 minutes. [Map]