Madeleine's @ Aperia Mall - Madeleine’s Original Portuguese Egg Tarts Returns with a Modern Macau Cha Chaan Teng Twist

Nearly two years after its quiet departure, Madeleine’s Original Portuguese Egg Tarts makes a rather unexpected comeback to Singapore’s F&B scene. This time, the revival comes with a youthful energy led by 18-year-old baking enthusiast Vernice Olivia Ong. Working closely with the brand’s original founder, she honours its legacy while steering it into a new chapter — reimagined as a modern Macau cha chaan teng-inspired concept at Aperia Mall.

What was once a humble takeaway bakery has now evolved into a casual dine-in space, Madeleine at Aperia Mall, offering a wider menu of comforting Macanese-inspired fare, all kept accessible with wallet-friendly pricing and no GST.

Original Egg Tart 3/5

Working closely with Madeleine’s original founder to preserve the brand’s heritage while introducing it to a new generation of diners. Under the original founder’s guidance, the Original Portuguese Egg Tart ($2.50) is naturally the star attraction. Having learnt the original recipe and techniques directly from the founder, Vernice aims to preserve the nostalgic flavours many remember. However, on this visit, the execution felt slightly off. The custard appeared overbaked, taking on a curdled texture rather than the desired silky smoothness. While the pastry retained its signature flakiness, it lacked that crisp, buttery bite that elevates a good egg tart. It’s a decent rendition, but one that still needs fine-tuning to reach its full potential.

Gula Melaka Egg Tart 3/5

A localised twist comes in the form of the Gula Melaka Portuguese Egg Tart ($2.80). Infused with caramelised palm sugar, this version fares slightly better. The custard here was more balanced in texture, avoiding the overbaked consistency of the original. That said, the gula melaka flavour could be more pronounced to truly deliver that rich, smoky sweetness that defines the ingredient.

Pork Chop Bun 3/5

Beyond pastries, the Pork Chop Bun ($5.90) channels classic Macau street-food vibes. Sandwiched between toasted buns, the pork chop is paired with mustard-seed sauerkraut and a sweet shoyu glaze. While the meat wasn’t the most tender, it carried decent seasoning and flavour. It’s a satisfying, no-frills bite, though it stops short of being particularly memorable.

Minchee Rice 2/5

The Minchee Rice ($10.90), often regarded as a staple Macanese comfort dish, comes with minced meat and a hidden onsen egg beneath it. Meant to be mixed together for a harmonious bite, the dish felt rather pedestrian in execution. While hearty in concept, it lacked depth and excitement, coming across as overly simple and underwhelming compared to expectations.

Pan-Roasted African Chicken 3.5/5

A stronger showing comes from the Pan-Roasted African Chicken ($9.80). This signature Macanese dish — influenced by Portuguese colonial history — features tender chicken coated in a rich, aromatic sauce made with peanut butter, coconut milk, and spices. The chicken was flavourful and tender, and the addition of a fried egg and quinoa made it a well-rounded, hearty meal. At under $10, it delivers solid value and stands out as one of the better dishes on the menu.

Madeleine’s Original Portuguese Egg Tarts’ return is both nostalgic and refreshing, especially with a young owner at the helm breathing new life into the brand. While the intention to preserve heritage while innovating is commendable, the execution across some dishes still requires refinement — particularly the signature egg tarts that built its reputation. That said, there is clear potential here. With time and consistency, this revival could very well find its footing and win over a new generation of diners while rekindling fond memories for returning fans.

Note: This is an invited tasting session.


Madeleine's
Aperia Mall
#01-54
12 Kallang Avenue
Singapore 339511
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Nearest MRT: Lavender (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 730am - 6pm
Sat-Sun: 730am - 7pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Lavender MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to the traffic junction of Kallang Road and Lavender Street. Cross the road. Turn left onto Lavender Street. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

Viva Lavender @ Lavender Street – Modern European Plates, Charcoal-Grilled Meats & A Cozy Hideaway

Situated along a quieter stretch of Lavender, Viva Lavender brings together modern European flavours, house-aged meats and a breezy, welcoming space that transitions nicely from bright daytime dining to a warm, intimate evening ambience. With a strong focus on charcoal grilling and a surprisingly robust tapas/appetisers selection, the restaurant also offers one of the more attractive weekday happy hour deals in the area.

Truffle Mushroom Croquette 3.5/5

Perfect as a starter to warm up the palate, Truffle Mushroom Croquette ($8 for 2 pcs) comes crispy on the outside and creamy within. The truffle is intentionally subtle, allowing the mushroom filling to stand out without being overpowering. A comforting, easy-to-like bite.

Gambas Al Ajillo 3/5

A classic Spanish dish - Gambas Al Ajillo ($22) featuring four shrimps and toast. The house-made chilli oil adds personality, but we wished for a more potent garlic punch and more of that sizzling olive oil base to mop up with bread. Still enjoyable but could be bolder in flavour.

Padron Peppers 3.5/5

Padron Peppers ($16) came in a generous portion, ideal for sharing. Mildly spiced, light cream sauce on the side and topped with shaved cheese. Works well as a snack between heavier dishes or with drinks. Simple but satisfying.

Charred Cabbage 3.8/5

One of the more memorable vegetable dishes is the Charred Cabbage ($16), where the wedges of cabbage are juicy inside, served with herb yoghurt and house chilli oil, and topped with crispy kale for texture. While delicious, smaller wedges might allow the charred flavour to develop even more deeply. Still a solid, well-balanced plate.

Spanish Vintage Chilled Striploin 3/5

Known for dry ageing and grilling their meats, we were recommended the Spanish Vintage Chilled Striploin ($42/300g). It was well-seasoned and delicious with the grilled garlic, but the cut leaned a little ‘veinier’ than ideal for us. That said, it showed enough promise that we’d gladly return for their Tomahawk next time.

Braised Lamb Shoulder 3.5/5

Fork-tender and deeply comforting, this Braised Lamb Shoulder ($36) comes with silky pomme purée and yoghurt. The flavours reminded my dining partner of a refined rendang, which is rich and aromatic. Best shared, as the dish becomes quite heavy after several bites.

Miso Black Cod 4.5/5

A standout for me is the Miso Black Cod ($45) - buttery, silky, and melts instantly - complemented by a luscious tobiko beurre blanc that adds brininess and depth. A dish we would order again without hesitation.

Saffron Risotto with Hokkaido Scallop 4.5/5

Another favourite of the night is the Saffron Risotto with Hokkaido Scallop ($38), which was exceptionally fresh, and the ponzu pearl rice carries beautiful umami with each spoonful. A luxurious, well-executed entrée.

Hot Yuzu Margarita and Negroni

Espresso Martini and Mimosa

Viva Lavender runs a Monday–Thursday Happy Hour (4:30-6:30pm):

• 1-for-1 cocktails from $15
• Housepour wines at $10/glass
• Beer Bucket at $35 for 5 bottles

We tried four cocktails, including their Hot Yuzu Margarita, Negroni, Espresso Martini and Mimosa, and all were surprisingly well-balanced. Definitely worth stopping by early for drinks.

Viva Lavender strikes a balance between cosy neighbourhood charm and polished modern European dining. While a few dishes could deliver a punchier flavour profile, the seafood plates and lighter tapas truly shine, making it a spot worth returning to, especially with their generous weekday Happy Hour.

The restaurant also caters well to private events and group bookings, offering two private sections: a contemporary front bar area ideal for smaller, social gatherings and a warm, semi-private rear dining space suited for seated meals or intimate celebrations. Both areas are available with a minimum spend requirement, providing flexibility depending on the group size and occasion.

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


Viva Lavender
161 Lavender Street
#01-02/03/04
Singapore 338759
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Nearest MRT: Bendemeer (DT Line), Lavender (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 1130am - 230pm, 430pm - 1030pm
Sat-Sun: 1130am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bendemeer MRT station. Take Exit A. Cross the road at the traffic junction of Lavender Street and Kallang Bahru. Turn right and walk down Lavender Street. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Lavender MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to the bus stop at Lavender MRT station (Stop ID 01311). Take bus number 133 or 145. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to Foch Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 10 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Lavender MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Horne Road. Walk down Horne Road. Turn right onto Tyrwhitt Road. Walk down Tyrwhitt Road. Turn left onto Lavender Street and walk down Lavender Street. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 15 minutes. [Map]

[CLOSED] Guerilla Coffee @ Kallang Riverside - Flagship Outlet With An All-Day Menu and An On-site Roastery

Guerilla Coffee, the homegrown speciality coffee concept, has unveiled its flagship outlet at Kallang Riverside, introducing an all-day dining menu. The space highlights the art of coffee, featuring globally sourced beans roasted in small batches onsite and a 'slow' coffee bar where curated filter brews are served. Beyond coffee, the outlet doubles as a hub for community engagement, hosting regular programs and events to enrich the coffee experience.

Guerilla Butterboard 4/5

Guerilla Seasonal Butterboard ($18) was an indulgent offering that showcased house-churned butter generously spread across a wooden board. It was accompanied by seasonal fruits, sourdough, and house-made coffee salt. So decadent was the butter that some diners couldn't resist scraping every bit off the board! However, for the amount of butter on the board, definitely more sides are needed.

Summer Chicken Salad 4.5/5

The Summer Chicken Salad ($18) was a refreshing and zesty dish. It combined a hearty amount of tender shredded chicken with crisp greens, juicy pomelo, and orange slices in a citrusy dressing.

Buttermilk Chicken Waffles with Espresso Maple 3.8/5

A cafe-essential dish but uniquely Guerilla's: Buttermilk Chicken Waffles and Espresso Maple ($20). The buttermilk-marinated chicken is coated in a cereal-style batter, resulting in a perfectly crispy exterior while remaining juicy inside. The accompanying house-made espresso maple syrup lent the dish a dark, complex note while tying it back to Guerilla's coffee expertise.

Tamarind Sea Bass 4/5

The Tamarind Sea Bass ($28) offers a locally sourced fillet. Both sides were well-seared and delighted with a tender and flaky texture. The accompanying tamarind broth was light yet flavourful, with herbaceous and tangy undertones from ginger flower and lime.

Grilled Pork Jowl 4.5/5

The Grilled Pork Jowl is a true crowd-pleaser. With an ideal fat-to-meat ratio, the pork was tender and flavourful with an enjoyable bite, elevated by a tangy Nam Jim Jaew sauce. The sauce cut through the richness of the meat, enhancing its flavours and making it even more appetising. For a more complete experience, house-made brioche is a highly recommended side. Its buttery sweetness provides a delightful contrast, complementing the pork's savoury notes and the sauce's acidity.

Guerilla G2 Tiramisu Deck 4/5

We tried 2 desserts: the Guerilla G2 Tiramisu Deck ($16) and the Walnut Dark Choc Banana Bread with Chantilly Cream ($12). The tiramisu was better executed, with bittersweet Savoiardi biscuits soaked in Guerilla No.2 espresso and Kahlua, achieving a perfectly balanced of sweetness. On the other hand, the banana bread fell short of expectations. Its cloying sweetness overpowered the chocolate and banana flavours, making it more reminiscent of a standard counter-style banana bread rather than an elevated dessert.

Walnut Dark Choc Banana Bread 2.5/5

Guerilla Coffee also avocates the 'slow coffee' movement, a philosophy that promotes mindfulness and a deliberate pace in both brewing and enjoying coffee. There is an on-site roastery to enable the team to source and roast small batches of premium coffee beans globally. In addition, you can even choose from a selection of beans to be roasted on the spot in just 15 minutes, allowing for a highly personalised experience. A 1-hour Auction Coffee Discovery Session ($148) is available for booking if you wish to take your experience up a notch.

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.


[CLOSED]
Guerilla Coffee
Kallang Riverside
51 Kampong Bugis
#01-03
Singapore 338986
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Nearest MRT: Lavender (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Fri: 10am - 5pm
Sat-Sun: 9am - 5pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Lavender MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Crawford Street. Turn right onto Crawford Street and walk down Crawford Street. Cross the bridge at Kallang Riverside Park West across the canal. Turn left at Kampong Bugis. Walk down Kampong Bugis to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Wild Coco @ Hamilton Road (Lavender) - A Delicious Plate of Ayam Goreng Berempah And a Shiok Bowl of Laksa

Wild Coco, originally a coffeeshop concept at McNair Road, has now evolved into a restaurant on Hamilton Road, sharing space with its sister brand, Laksa Lobo.

Ayam Goreng Berempah 4.5/5

A must-order at Wild Coco is their Ayam Goreng Berempah ($15.90). This signature dish features a whole chicken leg, a fried egg, ikan bilis, peanuts, and sambal chilli. The chicken leg is deep-fried to a golden brown, resulting in a crispy exterior infused with aromatic spices. Inside, the chicken remains tender and juicy. The dish is complemented by crunchy ikan bilis and fragrant coconut rice, enhancing the overall experience.

Grandpa's Tahu Goreng 3.5/5

To accompany the Ayam Goreng Berempah, we also tried Grandpa's Tahu Goreng ($11.90). The deep-fried tofu is crispy on the outside and soft inside, drenched in a sweet and nutty sauce. Bean sprouts and cucumbers add a refreshing crunch, balancing the dish's richness.

Premium Laksa 4.5/5

From Laksa Lobo, we sampled the Premium Laksa ($11.90). This dish includes two large prawns, fish cake slices, and tau pok in a creamy and rich laksa broth. It ticks all the boxes for a good bowl of laksa, though the price might be a consideration for some customers.

Wild Coco and Laksa Lobo offer a satisfying blend of traditional and contemporary flavours, making them worthy additions to Hamilton Road's dining scene.


Wild Coco
14 Hamilton Road
Singapore 209184
Tel: +65 91193822
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Nearest MRT: Lavender (EW Line), Bendemeer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1030am - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Lavender MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn right and walk to Horne Road. Turn left onto Horne Road and walk down Horne Road. Turn right onto Hamilton Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Bendemeer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk down Kallang Bahru road to Lavender Street. Across the road at Lavender Street. Walk to Hamilton Road. Walk down Hamilton Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Nan Hwa Chong Fish Head Steamboat (南华昌(亚秋)鱼头炉) - Singapore Oldest Fish Head Steamboat Restaurant

Nan Hwa Chong Fish Head Steamboat, located at the corner of North Bridge Road, is Singapore's oldest fish head restaurant since 1927. The restaurant is also popularly known as Ah Chew Fish Head Steamboat among the regulars. Ah Chew has now retired, and the restaurant is run by his partner, Lee Hong Chuan's son, Michael now.

Fish Head Steamboat Grouper 3.5/5

A must-have at Nan Hwa Chong has to be their Fish Head Steamboat. You can choose the type of fish for the fish head steamboat. There are four choices - Pomfret, Grouper, Snapper and Song Fish. We had the grouper ($39/$48/$72) that was cooked with other ingredients such as cabbage, yam, and tofu in a rich pork bone broth and sole fish. However, the sole fish flavour is less prominent than it used to be. I was hoping for a richer flavour.

Signature Pork Belly 4/5

Besides the fish head steamboat, the restaurant also woks up a delicious selection of cooked dishes. The Signature Pork Belly ($12) is coated in fermented beancurd and deep-fried to a delightful bite. I enjoyed that the fermented beancurd was not overpowering, crispy on the exterior and succulent.

Signature Homemade Tofu 4/5

The Signature Homemade Tofu ($10) will delight both young and old. A soft and flavoursome tofu is encased inside the light and crisp batter coat. I can't pinpoint what they have done to make the homemade tofu, but it has been seasoned to elevate the taste profile.

Cuttlefish Kang Kong 4.2/5

Another lovely dish is the Cuttlefish Kang Kong cooked in a fragrant sambal sauce which is very shiok. The thickly sliced cuttlefish was firm and bouncy too. It is a simple stir-fried dish, but the cooking timing was perfect, retaining that crunch in the vegetable.

Prawn Paste Chicken Wings 4.2/5

Lastly, we had the Prawn Paste Chicken Wings ($10/$15/$20) deep-fried to a beautiful golden brown. Not only was it crispy and juicy, the distinct prawn paste flavour was well marinated into the chicken wings. It is one of the better versions I have eaten in a long while.

I have not returned to Nan Hwa Chong Fish Head Steamboat for years. The flavour was lighter for the fish head steamboat on my recent visit. However, the zichar items were better than what I had previously eaten.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Nan Hwa Chong Fishhead Steamboat
南华昌(亚秋)鱼头炉
812 North Bridge Road
Singapore 198779
Tel: +65 62979319
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Nearest MRT: Lavendar (EW Line), Nicoll Highway (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Nicoll Highway MRT station. Take Exit A. Take the overhead bridge and walk to the end. Continue onto Jalan Sultan until traffic junction of North Bridge Road and Jalan Sultan. Journey time about 8 minutes.[Map]

2) Alight at Lavender MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Lavendar MRT station (Stop ID 01319). Take bus number 107. Alight 2 stops later. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes.[Map]

3) Alight at Lavender MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and cut across the carpark towards the canal. Walk along the canal and across over. Cut through the blocks of flats to the main road. Turn right onto North Bridge Road. Continue on North Bridge Road until traffic junction of North Bridge Road and Jalan Sultan. Journey time about 12 minutes.[Map]

Char Restaurant @ Jalan Besar - Celebrates Nin Years With A Refreshed Menu

Lauded for its excellent Cantonese roast meats, especially its Char Siew, Char Restaurant at Jalan Besar celebrate its ninth anniversary and presents a scintillating new line-up of unique dish offerings and inspired renditions of familiar classics.

Double Roast 4.2/5

Inevitably we had to have the Cantonese roasts. We started with the Double Roast ($38) of their Signature Char Siew and Crispy Roast Pork. The char siew is still as good as I remembered, with the right portion of fats and lean meat. What impressed me most was the crispy roast pork, which fares better than the last time I had it.

Mala Char Siew 3.8/5

One of their new offerings is the Mala Char Siew ($20). The idea is interesting, but the housemade mala sauce lacked the piquant numbness I expected. It can't help associating it with Lan Gan Ma or Gan Xiang instead of mala. Putting the expectation of its description aside, it is still a well-executed dish.

Pig's Stomach with Anxin Chicken Soup 4.2/5

The Pig's Stomach with Anxin Chicken Soup ($32) is a hearty and belly-warming soup. The flavourful double-boiled soup is given an added punch with the addition of white peppercorns. It also comes brimming with tender pig's stomach slices and a whole fall of the bone chicken leg. The soup can be more peppery though.

Okra Banana Delight 4/5

The Okra Banana Delights ($15.50) is a novel pairing that I have not seen or eaten anywhere before. The sauteed okra in sweet and spicy sambal sauce comes with torched sliced bananas. A weird combination, but the banana's sweetness did provide the balance. However, is it necessary? Probably not.

Spicy Sichuan Chicken with Ice Cream 4/5

Another unusual combination is the Spicy Sichuan Chicken with Ice Cream ($18.80). It is a quirky take on the classic La Zi Ju which the juicy deep-fried chicken chunks are served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Once again, I don't know whether the hot and cold combination is necessary though it did not throw the dish's balance off.

Hometown Beancurd with Minced Meat 4/5

Handmade daily is the Hometown Beancurd with Minced Meat ($16.80). The egg beancurd is silky smooth, tossed in a lip-smacking housemade premium soya sauce, with a crowning of minced meat.

Tornado Butter Egg Prawns 4.2/5

From the seafood section, we had the Tornado Butter Egg Prawns ($22), which showcases the chef's skill in making the buttery egg floss, enveloping the succulent tiger prawns with fragrant curry leaves and chilli padi.

Crabmeat Fried Rice 4/5

Wrapping up our dinner is a hearty staple plate of Crabmeat Fried Rice ($19.80) comprising chunks of prized Sri Lankan crab meat, shiitake mushrooms and a generous spoonful of tobiko over the fragrant wok hei imbued egg fried rice.

Overall the dishes at Char Restaurant are still up to the mark. However, some of the new creations are not innovative but gimmicky. While they didn't throw the flavours off, it was also unnecessary, such as adding banana to the okra and ice cream to the spicy Sichuan chicken.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


[CLOSED]
Char
363 Jalan Besar
Singapore 208994
Tel: +65 68427759/ +65 96613678
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Nearest MRT: Bendemeer (DT Line), Lavender (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Lavender MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Horne Road. Turn left onto Horne Road. Walk to the end of Horne Road. Turn right onto Tyrwhitt Road. Turn left onto Beatty Lane and walk to Jalan Besar Road. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Bendemeer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk down Kallang Bahru Road towards Lavender Street.  Cross the road and turn right onto Lavender Street. Walk towards Bendemeer Road. Turn left onto Bendemeer Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]