Latido @ Tras Street - Singapore’s First Colombian Restaurant Refreshes Its Menu with Vibrant New Dishes

Since my last visit to Latido, I’ve been raving about Singapore’s first and only Colombian restaurant to all my foodie friends. Naturally, I was excited to return and explore their refreshed menu, and once again, Chef Fernando and team did not disappoint.

Pan de la Casa 4.5/5

A returning favourite, the Pan de la Casa ($8) remains a must-order. This house-made rye bread is glazed with fermented mushrooms and maple, bringing a deep, earthy note that is layered with sweetness. Paired with a luscious caramelised butter, it's something we couldn't resist slathering generously on every slice.

Carimanolita de Queso 4/5

A delightful surprise, the Carimanolita de Queso ($18) presents a cheese block crafted from cassava, crème fraîche, and Oaxaca cheese, then finished with a touch of black truffle. It’s an unexpected combination, but it melds beautifully into a creamy, savoury bite with an aromatic lift.

Ceviche Tropical 4.2/5

A vibrant new addition, the Ceviche Tropical ($24) is a tropical medley of mango, chilli, coconut, and Leche de Tigre served over thick slices of fresh Hamachi. It’s bright, zesty, and refreshing, perfect for Singapore’s heat.

Nuestra Arepa 3.5/5

The Nuestra Arepa ($18) is Chef Fernando’s homely rendition of the classic Colombian flatbread. Stuffed with Taleggio cheese and accompanied by a sweet-and-spicy Nduja sauce, this comforting dish felt like something you’d find at a Colombian family table, simple, rustic, and soul-satisfying.

Pulpo Asado 4.5/5

One of the showstoppers of the evening was the Pulpo Asado ($42). The perfectly charred, smoky octopus was incredibly tender and paired with cucumber, avocado, and Guindilla pepper. A gentle reminder, eat the octopus with a bit of the pepper for an extra punch that rounds out the dish.

El Tamalito 3.8/5

A creative take on a traditional tamale, El Tamalito ($32) features chicken and polenta wrapped in banana leaf, served with aji sauce for spice and sugar pearls for a subtle sweetness. It’s a dish that balances savoury and sweet with finesse.

Pescado a la Parilla 4.8/5

The Pescado a la Parilla ($68) absolutely stole the show. A whole grilled sea bass served with coconut rice and deep-fried plantains, the fish was moist, tender, and cooked to perfection. It’s a hearty, flavour-packed main that captures the essence of Colombian coastal cuisine.

Maracuya y Caffee 4.2/5

We ended the meal with Maracuya y Caffee ($12), a glass of burrata ice cream glazed with fermented lulo juice, layered with passionfruit, macadamia nuts, and Colombian coffee sauce. Think of it as an elevated affogato, creamy, tangy, nutty, and nuanced.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Latido
40 Tras Street
Singapore 078979
Tel: +65 89618191
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm
Fri: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 12midnight
Sat: 6pm - 12midnight
(Closed on Sun and Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Tras Street. Turn right onto Tras Street. Walk down Tras Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 2. Turn left and walk down Tanjong Pagar Road. Turn left onto Tras Street. Walk down Tras Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Shin Katsu @ Tanjong Pagar Road - Tonkatsu Speciality Shop By Former Head Chef of Ma Maison

Shin Katsu is a newly opened tonkatsu speciality shop in Tanjong Pagar, bringing fresh excitement to Singapore's Japanese dining scene. Helmed by Chef Matsubayashi Masato, a tonkatsu specialist and former Head Chef of Ma Maison, who brings over 15 years of experience from Japan, Spain, and Singapore. At Shin Katsu, Chef Masato brings his long-held culinary vision to life, focusing on premium pork cuts and a perfected breading technique to deliver tonkatsu that's crisp on the outside and juicy within.

Mangalica Rosu Katsu

The menu centres on premium, globally sourced pork cuts curated by Chef Masato, coated in a tried-and-tested panko breading technique that delivers a satisfying crunch while preserving the meat's succulence. The signature here is the Hungarian Mangalica pork ($42.80/160g), often dubbed the "Kobe beef of pork" for its rich marbling and buttery mouthfeel. Served in limited quantities daily, the Mangalica pork loin cutlet comes with a specially paired salt, refillable miso soup, charcoal-grilled rice, shredded cabbage, and housemade pickles.

Tonkatsu Sauce

The housemade Tonkastu Sauce was umami and sweet, with a fruity acidity that complement the richness of the cutlet well.

Mangalica Rosu Katsu Set 4.8/5

All tonkatsu dishes come with the set mentioned. I appreciate how every element on the plate was thoughtfully executed. The miso soup was sweet and savoury, with tender slices of daikon. The charcoal-grilled rice was plump, glossy, and subtly smoky. The cabbage was fine-cut and refreshingly crisp, while the radish pickles struck the right balance of acidity without being overly sharp. For those seeking variety, leaner yet flavourful options like the U.S. Kurobuta Rosu (pork loin) and Hire (pork tenderloin) are also available.

Katsu Curry 4/5

The menu is also rounded out with familiar comforts such as Ebi Fry and Chicken Katsu sets, along with Katsu Curry featuring a housemade sauce that truly deserves a try. Their curry sauce, made with charcoal powder and squid ink, is available à la carte as well. It's well-balanced, savoury without being overly sweet, and far more nuanced than the standard Japanese curry fare.

Chicken Thigh Skewer 4.5/5, Asparagus Skewer 4.5/5

To complement the mains, Shin Katsu also offers deep-fried skewers and small plates. I tried the Chicken Thigh Skewer ($3.80) and the Asparagus Skewer ($2.80). The skewers use a different type of panko, resulting in a distinct texture and flavour profile that delivers a unique experience compared to the tonkatsu.

Unagi 4.5/5, Kaki Fry 4.5/5

Among the appetisers, two seafood items stood out: the Unagi ($8.80) and Kaki Fry (oyster) ($4.30). Both were beautifully crisp outside, while the interiors, unctuous unagi and briny oyster, paired incredibly well with a tangy, rich tartare sauce, making each bite indulgent and addictive.

Boneless Chicken Wings 4.5/5

A likely crowd-pleaser is the sweet and savoury Boneless Chicken Wings ($8.80) glazed in a sweet tare and finished with a sprinkle of peppery-salty seasoning.

It's been a while since a dedicated tonkatsu concept came into the scene, and Shin Katsu impresses with its attention to detail, from the precise frying technique to the side dishes and thoughtful accompaniments.

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.


Shin Katsu
84/86 Tanjong Pagar Road
Singapore 088505
Tel: +65 88258311
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Nearest MRT: Maxwell (TE Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 5pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Cross the road to Duxton Road. Walk down Duxton Road. Turn left onto Duxton Hill towards Tanjong Pagar Road. Turn right onto Tanjong Pagar Road and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road. Turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Black Olive Bakery & Cafe @ Keong Saik Road - A Surprisingly Cosy Spot For Mediterranean Fare

Black Olive Bakery & Cafe is a cosy space nestled along Keong Saik Road, focusing in Mediterranean fare and handmade baked goods. The moment I stepped inside, its warm and inviting space offered a welcome respite from the buzz of the neighbourhood. The menu is versatile — equally suited for a quick stopover for sandwiches, pastries, and coffee or a more leisurely meal with complete courses and wine. All the breads and toasts on the menu are baked in-house by owner Suzanne, who brings years of experience from her time helming the baking departments of prestigious kitchens before settling into this venture.

Paprika Chicken Salad 4.5/5

I began with the Paprika Chicken Salad ($11.80) and Truffle Mushroom Soup ($6.80). I loved the addition of olives to the salad. Their briny tartness kept me going back for more. The sous-vide chicken breast was nicely cooked. It was tender and moist even when thinly sliced.

Truffle Mushroom Soup 2.8/5

The soup came with house-made truffle focaccia crouton, which, I enjoyed more than the soup itself. The truffle flavour in the soup was a tad too overwhelming for my liking.

Prawn Linguine 4/5

From the pasta selection, the Prawn Linguine ($19.80) carried more of a tropical vide. While coconut isn't typical in Mediterranean cuisine, it worked well here as a dairy-free alternative to creamy sauces. The spicy coconut cream was rich in aromatics, punctuated by bursts of sweetness from cherry tomatoes, and the fresh tiger prawns were well-seasoned. The linguine was al dente and held the sauce beautifully. That said, a squeeze of lime would have added a welcome lift to balance the richness.

Shakshuka 3.8/5

Moving on to the mains, I tried the Shakshuka ($15.90), which is available as part of their lunch set, along with the earlier salad. It's vegetarian-friendly (with the option to swap the egg for mushrooms), and the vegetable stew is slow-braised for around three hours. The result was tender bites of vegetables infused with herby, aromatic depth. I only wish the spice profile was a little bolder, and the egg could have been creamier. Overall, it was a comforting, anytime kind of dish.

Portuguese Pork Shoulder 4.8/5

The Portuguese Pork Shoulder ($18.90) was a highlight for me. Bold and full of character, the tender pork was rich with spices and chilli, balanced by a generous dollop of Greek yoghurt that added just the right amount of creaminess. The lemon cilantro rice was fluffy and fragrant, though I personally would have preferred a punchier hit of cilantro and a sturdier basmati grain to better stand up to the richness of the pork.

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.


Black Olive Bakery & Cafe
7 Keong Saik Road
Singapore
Tel: +65 69707568
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Nearest MRT: Outram Park (DT, NE, TE Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 1130am - 10pm
Fri: 1130am - 11pm
Sat: 11am - 7pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk straight towards Kreta Ayer Road. Turn right onto Keong Siak Road. Walk down Keong Siak Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Walk straight down Neil Road to Keong Saik Road. Turn right onto Keong Saik Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 mintues. [Map]

Daikoku Japanese Izakaya @ Maxwell KADA - Embodies The Rustic Charm of Japanese Izakaya

Daikoku Japanese Izakaya at Maxwell KADA embodies the charm of a rustic Japanese izakaya, offering an inviting and down-to-earth atmosphere. At the heart of the kitchen is a Japanese couple who previously ran their own yakitori shop in Sendai before taking a leap of faith to bring their craft to Singapore.

Yakitori 4/5

Crown Yakitori

We started with a platter of their signature charcoal-grilled yakitori — definitely the highlight here. A standout was the Crown Yakitori ($5). It had a chewy texture at the centre, contrasted with jagged, charred edges that offered moreish, smoky bites. Rare and hard to find, this is a must-try for yakitori enthusiasts.

Wing Yakitori

Meatball Yakitori

Two other notable skewers were the Wing Yakitori ($3.80) and Meatball Yakitori ($3.80). The wings were expertly butterflied, allowing the skin to crisp up beautifully without the usual greasiness. The meat stayed tender and juicy, clearly not rushed on the grill. As for the meatball, it was aptly seasoned, with a loose yet juicy texture — not an easy feat when skewering minced meat.

Thigh with Leek Yakitori

Other staples include Thigh with Leek Yakitori ($3.80) and Enoki Pork Belly ($4), which were well-grilled, rendering off any excess fats and retaining their meaty texture.

Vegetable options include the Asparagus Yakitori ($3.40) and Yellow Corn ($4.80). The latter was particularly enjoyable — sweet, juicy, and laced with aromatic, buttery flavour.

Dragon Maki 4.5/5

Beyond skewers, the maki rolls are well worth exploring. The Dragon Maki ($14.80) impressed with its balance of plump, well-seasoned rice and fillings like fried ebi, cucumber, avocado, and tamago. Each bite was mouth-filling and satisfying — easily one of the better maki rolls I've had in recent memory.

Ikura Chawanmushi 5/5

From the appetisers, we tried both versions of the Chawanmushi — the Regular ($4.50) and the more luxurious Ikura Chawanmushi ($8.50). Both were silky-smooth and custardy, with savoury, umami-packed mushrooms at the base that seemed to have been pre-cooked for extra flavour. The ikura added pops of briny richness, but it was the texture and execution of the steamed egg that stood out.

Mentaiko Fries 2.5/5

Pitan Tofu 4/5

The Mentaiko Fries ($7.80), however, leaned heavy on the sauce. While it's meant to be indulgent, mentaiko sauce, especially when mayo-based, works best in moderation for a boost of mouthfeel and flavour. On the other hand, the Pitan Tofu ($4.80) was creamy and addictive.

There’s also a commendable selection of sake. I started with a shot of Kawatsuru Sanuki Cloudy, which was soft and textural, and ended with a refreshing Yuzu Sake, sweet and citrusy — perfect to round off the meal.

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.



Daikoku Japanese Izakaya
Maxwell KADA
5 Kadayanallur Street
#01-03
Singapore 069183
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Nearest MRT: Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 530pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk to Erskine Road. Turn right and walk down Erskine Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Les Mains Deli @ The URA Centre - Flavourful Protein & Salad Bowls, Fresh Bakes and Gelato

Les Mains Deli, located on the ground floor of The URA Centre, is a cosy café where you can enjoy protein bowls crafted with a well-curated selection of ingredients. As an extension of Les Mains Bakery, a beloved neighbourhood café in Opera Estate, Les Mains Deli also opens for breakfast, offering a selection of their signature bakes. The space likewise houses their in-house gelato brand, Microcreamery, featuring a range of signature flavours.

Large Protein Bowl

For the Build-Your-Own Protein Bowl, three sizes are available: Small, Regular, and Large, starting at $9. The Large option includes two bases, two proteins, three supplements, one topping, and one dressing. My wholesome bowl featured Mixed Greens and Bulgur Wheat as the base, paired with Oven-Baked Salmon and Tuna Tataki. For supplements, I chose Butternut Squash with Kale, Pineapple Achar, and a Mayak Egg, topped with a sprinkle of nutty and heady Dukkah and finished with a smoky Chipotle Vinaigrette.

Bulgur Wheat

The Bulgur Wheat base, reminiscent of a grain salad, was packed with texture and flavour, featuring a blend of grains and pumpkin seeds that lent a nutty depth and aromatic quality.

Tuna Tataki 4.5/5

Oven-baked Salmon 3.5/5

Of the proteins, the Tuna Tataki stood out as one of the better renditions I've had. The tuna was beautifully seared on the outside and tender on the inside, retaining the fresh, clean flavour of the tuna. The portion of Oven-baked Salmon was generous, though the leaner parts leaned slightly dry.

Mayak Egg

Butternut Squash, Pineapple Achar

The Mayak Egg was a standout, with a golden, runny yolk and a savoury umami punch from its soy-based marinade. The Butternut Squash offered a lovely natural sweetness but could benefit from a longer roast to bring out a softer, starchier texture. Meanwhile, the Pineapple Achar added a tangy acidity and vibrancy, balancing the richness of the proteins. Both vegetarian and vegan-friendly versions are also available.

Lentil Meatballs 4.5/5

I particularly enjoyed the Lentil Meatballs, which is one of the protein options. They were thoughtfully prepared, not overly seasoned or oily, retaining a rustic mashed-lentil texture with a hearty bite. You can also top up for drinks like fresh fruit juice, kombucha, or coffee.

Black Sea Salt Croissant 4.5/5

Shio Pan 3/5

During breakfast hours, freshly baked goods are available alongside their coffee offerings. I tried their signature Black Sea Salt Croissant and Shio Pan. The croissant delivered with a rich, buttery aroma and flavour, complemented by a subtle hit of Black Sea Salt. The Shio Pan had a crisp, crusty exterior and a buttery base, although it could have benefited from a more generous filling of salted butter at its core.

EVOO Strawberry, Rum & Raisin

Microcreamery, their in-house gelato brand, offers both classic and unconventional flavours. From their original 16-flavour lineup, popular options like EVOO Strawberry, Baileys & Cookies and Pandan Blueberry are available at this outlet. I went with the recommended EVOO Strawberry and a staple Rum & Raisin. The former was delicious, with pockets of tart strawberry puree and a subtle grassy note from the extra-virgin olive oil. The Rum & Raisin was a classic done right. It was indulgent, creamy, and packed with plump, rummy raisins.

Vanilla Affogato

Off the menu, you can also request your gelato to be served affogato-style for a bitter-sweet dessert or a mid-day perk-me-up.

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.


Les Mains Deli
The URA Centre
45 Maxwell Road
#01-02
Singapore 069118
Tel: +65 80205596
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Nearest MRT: Maxwell (TE Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8am - 7pm
Sat: 8am - 5pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 2. Turn left and walk to Maxwell Road. Turn left on Maxwell Road. Walk down Maxwell Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn lef and walk to Maxwell Road. Cross the road and walk down Maxwell Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]