88 Pocha @ Holland Village - Korean Street Food In A Vibrant Pojangmacha-style Eatery

Newly joining the variety of dining options in Holland Village is 88 Pocha, brought in by a South Korean chef who has been living long-term in Singapore. Chef hopes to introduce the Korean Pojangmacha (covered wagon) culture and recreate the taste of his favourite Korean street food. The eatery is vibrantly styled with bright blue and red plastic dining furniture and has K-pop tunes playing through the space.

The menu is interestingly categorised into A, B, C, D and E, alongside canned drinks, alcoholic options and desserts. Each category is priced in tiers, ranging from $8.88 to $28.88. We tried a couple of dishes across the categories.

Gimmari 3.5/5

We started with the Gimmari ($8.88), which came in a portion of 4 pieces. Gimmari is fried seaweed rolls with a filling of glass noodles. Albeit crunchy, we found them too pricey for the size.

Sausage Gimbap 3.5/5

Rolled in seaweed with rice, sausage and cheese filling, the Sausage Gimbap ($11.88) had a pleasant mild aroma of sesame oil.

Corn Cheese Ramyeon 3.5/5

Their Corn Cheese Ramyeon ($11.88) reminded us a lot of the instant Samyang Volcano Noodles, with a milder heat. The noodles are tossed in the spice and topped with kernels, cheese, seaweed strips and sesame seeds. It wasn't too surprising in terms of taste, and we wished there was more to it at this price tag.

Kimchi Pancake 4/5

Despite being a little oily, the Kimchi Pancake ($15.88) impressed me with its taste. The pancake was done nicely thin with a good crisp all around. Their rendition has less batter, with more kimchi and melted cheese laid on top.

Half Fried Chicken 4.2/5

The Half Fried Chicken ($15.88) was done surprisingly well. Served with a side of sweet chilli sauce, each piece of fried chicken was fried to a spot-on crunch while retaining juicy meat within.

Oden Soup 4/5

Lastly, we had the Oden Soup ($18.88). We appreciated how the Korean fish cake soup was served in a kettle over a gas stove that kept it hot throughout our meal. We wished they were a bit more generous with the comforting soup. We enjoyed the intentional slight heat in the soup and the sticks of soft Korean fish cakes.

Beverages

For drinks, we opted for the canned drinks of Haitai Pear Juice ($3.88) and Milkis ($3.88). If you are interested in alcoholic beverages, you can expect a selection of Suntory highball creations, bottled beers, classic makgeolli and soju.

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.


88 Pocha
26A Lor Mambong
Singapore 277685
Tel: +65 62359950
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Nearest MRT: Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 12midnight
Sat-Sun: 1130am - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk to Lorong Liput. Turn right onto Lorong Liput. Walk down Lorong Liput and turn right onto Lorong Mambong. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes.[Map]

Da Paolo Pizza Bar @ Holland Village - Toss To An Auspicious Lunar New Year With The Unique Lo Hei Pizza

In conjunction with the Lunar New Year, Da Paolo Pizza Bar at Holland Village has launched a unique Lo Hei Pizza. Available all day, from now till 31 January 2023, for dine-in only. The Lo Hei Pizza combines both the spirit of their pizza and the celebratory dish, featuring a colourful medley of julienned vegetables and seafood atop a freshly baked mozzarella cheese pizza base.

Lo Hei Pizza

The base of the artisanal thin-crust pizza is made with Da Paolo's proprietary pizza dough recipe, where the dough is leavened for 48 hours, hand-stretched, and then stone-baked in the oven. Lo Hei Pizza ($58) is a pizza bianca in which a white base is chosen to pair with the yu sheng topping. Atop the mozzarella cheese pizza base is a combination of crunchy vegetables such as carrot, daikon, and celery, as well as piquant house-pickled red cabbage for some acidity. The seafood topping includes succulent raw Hokkaido scallops and citrusy house-cured Atlantic salmon slices. Binding the ingredients and the pizza dough together is a homemade plum sauce with some extra crunch and nuttiness from white sesame seeds, crushed peanuts, and crispy rice paper.

Lobster Bisque Fried Croquettes 4/5

After tossing to an auspicious new year, we had a couple of starters from the menu - Lobster Bisque Fried Croquettes ($18) and Buratta & Prosciutto ($30). The croquettes were very robust in flavour and not too creamy despite the addition of bechamel cream. I like how the piquillo sauce gave it a touch of peppery and fruity sweetness to balance its flavours.

Burrata & Prosciutto 4/5

Burrata & Prosciutto ($30) is an evergreen item here. With the burrata so plump, fresh and creamy, I can see why.

Spicy Lobster Tagliolini 4.5/5

We also had the Spicy Lobster Tagliolini ($36), a lip-smacking delicious pasta dish on the menu with a full-bodied tomato sauce spiced up with garlic and chilli, accented with occasional bust of sweetness from blistered tomatoes. I love the chunky slipper lobster too!

Tiramisu 4/5

For dessert, we had the signature Da Paolo's Tiramisu. It is good for two, but one can easily polish it clean.

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.


Da Paolo Pizza Bar
44 Jalan Merah Saga
#01-46
Singapore 278116
Tel: +65 64796059
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Website
Nearest MRT: Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 1030pm
Sat-SuN & PH: 11am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Turn left and cut through the open air carpark. Walk to Jalan Merah Saga Road. Turn left at Jalan Merah Saga Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

SENS Dining @ Holland Village - New Menu With Innovative Add-ons Plus A Hidden Bar Concept

Known for its contemporary Japanese cuisine, SENS Dining at Holland Village has recently launched a new menu, offering innovative new dishes and sets for sharing. In addition, to deliver an even more unique experience, SENS Dining has also incorporated a Japanese whisky and cocktail bar concept - Bar Nikai.

Yagura Ketsuga Sushi Box 4.5/5

Available in limited sets daily, Yagura Ketsuga Sushi Box ($88) allows you to create your own handrolls using the beautiful ingredients provided - a combination of fish and seafood, beautifully arranged in a tower modelled after an ancient Japanese fortress. The first tier of the box (the roof of the tower) holds the pieces of crispy seaweeds; the second tier is loaded with uni, negitoro, ikura and avocado, while the last tier is a chirashi of scallops, salmon, tuna and Hamachi atop sushi rice. It is a tasty and fun way to present and enjoy the food.

Sushi Tacos 4.5/5

Its all-new Sushi Tacos fit perfectly into its Bar Nikai concept. The taco shell is made of ebi senbei prawn crackers, available in five flavours: Ebi with Tobiko ($8), Tsubugai Shellfish ($8), Salmon Mentai ($12.50), Negitoro ($13.20) and Hotate Uni ($25.80). As the ingredients for the sushis were pretty mouth-filling and buttery, the extra crunch and slight savouriness from the taco shell complement the texture and flavour exceptionally well.

Hokkaido Treasure Don 4.5/5

Hokkaido Treasure Don ($48.80) highlights the freshness of the ingredients. Revamped with additional ingredients, the oyster is a rare treat from a don.

Aburi Sugoi Maki 4/5

A crowd-pleaser is the Aburi Sugoi Maki ($18.50) - Seared Avocado Salmon maki roll with Century Egg sauce and Flying Fish roe. What makes this special is the use of century egg sauce. The maki was good, but the century egg sauce was less distinctive than I had expected.

Wagyu Sukiyaki Set 4.5/5

The Wagyu Sukiyaki Set ($39.50) is my all-time favourite with its extremely comforting broth. The broth's recipe has been tweaked to make it even more flavourful.

Kurobuta Rosu Katsu 4/5

Kurobuta Rosu Katsu ($19.80) features an aged Kurobuta pork cutlet. The pork has been aged for a richer flavour. The katsu wasn't as moist as I had wanted, but I still enjoyed its clean taste and crusty texture.

Bar Nikai curates a wide array of rare Japanese whiskies and Sakes from independent breweries. In addition, the cocktail menu features Japanese culinary-inspired drinks.

Enjoy 1-for-1 tacos for the entire month of November 2022. You get the options of Tsubugai Taco, Negitoro Taco or Salmon Mentai Taco. The free taco will be of the same flavour and exclusively for dine-in. Best to go with a drink or two from the bar!

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.


SENS Dining
243 Holland Avenue
Singapore 278977
Tel: +65 62625618
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Website
Nearest MRT: Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sun: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

PN Resto Bar @ Holland Village - Former Black Pearl Steakhouse, Renamed and Revamped Its Menu

PN Resto Bar at Holland Village, formerly known as Black Pearl Steakhouse, has a revamped menu that encompasses a broader range of tapas and mains, including a list of wines and specially crafted cocktails.

Canadian Pacific Live Oysters

We started with Canadian Pacific Live Oysters ($26/6pcs), which were plump and fresh, accompanied by a glass of House White.

Angus Beef Cubes 2.8/5

For a place known for its steak, this plate of Angus Beef Cubes ($28) disappoints with unevenly cooked meat. Some of them were nicely sauteed, but most were chewy or tough.

Grilled Barramundi Fillet 3.8/5

The mains fared much better. The Grilled Barramundi Fillet ($31) with mango salsa was served with crispy skin, with sautéed cherry tomato giving bursts of sweetness to the creamy white wine sauce.

Ebi Sakura Capellini 4/5

Ebi Sakura Capellini ($27) with ikura never fails to please when done right - al dente capellini punctuated with savoury sakura ebi, with occasional bursts of briny saltiness from the ikura pearls.

Red Velvet Molten Lava Cake 3/5

Our dessert was a Red Velvet Molten Lava Cake ($16). I love the almost-crusty layer of sponge cake but not so much on its sweetness. A more bittersweet chocolaty cake would have been more delectable.

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.


PN Resto Bar
40 Lor Mambong
Singapore 277695
Tel: +65 65184280
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu, Sun: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm
Fri-Sat: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 12midnight
(Closed on Mon)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk to Lorong Liput. Walk down Lorong Luput. Turn right onto Lorong Mambong. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Moonbow @ Dempsey Hill - New Royal Midday High Tea, 70% Savoury 30% Sweet

Having visited Moonbow when it opened earlier in the year, I was back at the restaurant on a weekend afternoon to check out the newly launched Royal Midday High Tea. The high set is available on Friday to Sunday, from 230pm to 530pm.

High Tea Set

I am not a high tea person because I do not have a sweet tooth. Thanks to Chef Heman, who has come up with the new High Tea Set ($68.80) that focuses more on savoury than sweet. I was overwhelmed as 70% of the high tea set is savoury, and only 30% is sweet. For the savoury items, diners can look forward to Parma Ham Rose, Evvo Caviar, Salted Egg Bacon Bits Choux Pastry, Scallop Flower Amuse Bouche, Braised Short Rib Artisan Squid Ink Bread and Dark Chocolate Coated Foie Gras Lollipop.

High Tea Set

There are Green Tea Fondant, Black Berries Rice Sorbet, Bacon Cheesecake and Mango Chocolate Mousse for the sweets selection.

Tomato Butter Scones

A must-have to complement the high tea experience is the Tomato Butter Scones. Unlike the traditional English scone, Chef Heman's version is infused with tomatoes giving it a sweet, tangy finishing.

As it is the truffle's season, Chef Heman has also incorporated the premium ingredients into the high tea menu.

Cheesy Truffle Curly Fries

Besides the high tea set and scone, do check out the small plates to complete the high tea experience. The Cheesy Truffle Curly Fries covered with Parmesan Cheese and paired with Truffle Mayo Dips are delightfully addictive.

Crispy Salmon Finger in Drawer

I feel that the Crispy Salmon Finger in Drawer is worthy of a shot at the main menu. Deep-fried to golden brown and looks like our local goreng pisang, it is a unique take of the usual deep-fried fish with a crispy exterior coat. In addition, it comes with two dipping sauces - truffle mayo and arrabbiata olio for the fullest enjoyment of the crispy salmon finger.

Suppose you are someone like me preferring savoury over sweets. In that case, you will enjoy the high tea set at Moonbow, which is different from other places with more sweets than savoury. As you can see from the set that I tried, it's not your usual cake, tart, sandwich or kueh.

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]

SIRI HOUSE @ Dempsey - Launches New Weekend Brunch And Brunch Cocktails

SIRI HOUSE at Dempsey is known for its modern Asian cuisine. Making full use of its tranquil setting, with lush greenery right outside its doorstep, SIRI HOUSE invites you to spend a relaxing weekend with them. It has launched the new SIRI HOUSE Weekend Brunch, available on both Saturday and Sunday afternoons. The casual and communal brunch menu offers a la carte small and large brunch plates to share, coupled with a range of classic brunch cocktails concocted with a modern Asian twist.

Brunch Cocktails

The brunch cocktails at $12 per tipple are very affordable. It incorporates handcrafted infusions, freshly squeezed juices, housemade syrups and spice blends. I kick start the brunch with the Mary Nagano, which showcases an Asian twist to the popular Bloody Mary. You can taste the familiar heat from wasabi and other Asian ingredients - Worcestershire, chilli padi and Japanese vinegar. For a refreshing note, go for the more citrus-forward mix of Aperol, Summertime Madness for an easy start to your day.

Lobster Scramble 3/5

We had Lobster Scramble ($21) and Aranici ($21) from the small plates menu. I suggest going for its regular Easy Scramble ($7) instead, as the lobster scramble being a more luxurious egg dish was rather underwhelming. A good and straightforward scrambled eggs dish would have brought more joy.

Arancini 3.8/5

On the other hand, the Arancini surprised us with its takoyaki-alike flavours, giving the classic risotto balls an Asian facelift. Instead of using Italian rice, this is made using dashi infused Japanese rice, chunks of octopus and chorizo and encased within is oozy mozzarella. Atop the crisp balls are Jaew (Thai chilli) mayo, bonito flakes and furikake.

Champion Roll 3.8/5

We had the Champion Roll ($26) - a sourdough bread loaded with a baked egg, mushrooms, bacon, asparagus, gouda, and an arrabbiata cream sauce from the Large Plate menu. If you like pizza, this will be your thing.

Cheeseburger 4/5

Also on the menu is SIRI HOUSE’s Signature Cheeseburger ($29). The fluffy toasted milk bun is a plus point. The housemade beef patty was flavourful, with a good spread of harissa mayo to bring all the ingredients together.

Bomboloni 3.8/5

Cherry Sundae 4/5

For dessert, we had the adorable, bite-size Bomboloni ($16). It's an assortment of fluffy Italian style doughnuts with cashew chocolate ganache and mixed berry compote fillings. The Cherry Sundae ($18) with tart cherry compote and a milky sweet yoghurt ice cream is delicious too.

The SIRI HOUSE Brunch menu is available on Saturdays from 11.30am to 2.30pm (last order 2pm) and on Sundays from 11.30 am to 9.00pm (last order 8pm.

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.


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-Sat: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm
Sun: 1130am - 4pm
(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]

Takeshi-San @ Holland Village - A New Modern-Japan Restaurant With Stairway To Heaven Sushi Kaidan Sets

Takeshi-San is a new kid on the block in Holland Village, offering classic Japanese cuisine with an elegant interpretation. Its exterior doesn't look like a Japanese restaurant, more like a bistro or pub. Let's not judge a book by its cover. We will let the food speak for itself.

Mixed Carpaccio 4/5

I started with the Mixed Carpaccio ($16), which consists of tuna, salmon, hamachi and hotate. The addition of ponzu dressing brightens the whole enjoyment.

Ikura Chawanmushi 4/5

Next up is the Ikura Chawanmushi ($8). The steamed egg is flavourful with a chicken stock base topped with ikura. Digging into the creamy and smooth steamed egg, you can also find pieces of mushroom, chicken and prawn in it.

Incredible Hulk Roll 4/5

The sushi roll I had has an interesting name. It is called the Incredible Hulk Roll ($20). It probably comes from the green coloured avocado that is laid on top of the sushi roll. The sushi roll is stuffed with ebi tempura, cream cheese and baked eel, giving it a delectable textural contrast.

Garlic Fried Rice with A5 Miyazaki Wagyu Cubes 4/5

For something more substantial to fill up your tummy, go for the Garlic Fried Rice with A5 Miyazaki Wagyu Cubes. Fragrant egg and aromatic fried garlic accentuated the enjoyment of the fluffy rice.

Premium Takeshi Set (6pc of various assortments) 4/5

A popular dish on the menu is their Sushi Kaidan Sets. I noticed that almost every table has one of the eight sets or more on its table. I tried their Premium Takeshi Set ($26), which consists of 6 different sushi. Displayed in a wooden stair, I work my way up to the top, starting with the unagi foie gras sushi and finishing with chutoro sushi.

Overall I feel the food at Takeshi-San is unpretentious with a modern take of classic Japanese cuisine. Though the restaurant's interior does not feel like a Japanese restaurant, it brings me back to those Japanese restaurants I visit in Melbourne.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Takeshi-San
38 Lorong Mambong
Singapore 277694
Tel: +65 62480886
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 10pm

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]