Showing posts with label .Station: Nicoll Highway. Show all posts
Showing posts with label .Station: Nicoll Highway. Show all posts

Saturday, July 12, 2025

Steak Sudaku @ Beach Road - Omi Beef Steakhouse , Importing The Prized Beef Directly From Shiga Prefecture

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Steak Sudaku has recently opened its second outlet along Beach Road. Specialising in Omi beef, one of Japan's top wagyu brands with over 400 years of heritage. The restaurant imports its prized beef directly from Shiga Prefecture.

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The menu features three types of beef cuts with varying degrees of marbling alongside other non-steak dishes that showcase the versatility of this premium ingredient. Steak options include the A5 Regular Wagyu Steak ($29.80/150g), A5 Grade Lean Wagyu Steak ($34.80/150g), and A5 Grade Marbled Omi Beef Steak ($39.80/150g). I tried both the Lean Wagyu and the Marbled Omi Beef.

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A5 Lean Wagyu Steak 4.5/5

The A5 Lean Wagyu Steak offers a cut with a higher proportion of lean meat and finer fat particles. As it's derived from a more muscular section, the steak had a chewier bite and a meatier texture. I was pleasantly surprised by the depth of flavour in each bite, especially given that it's a leaner cut. The savoury steak sauce poured over upon serving added an umami-rich dimension to the overall profile.

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A5 Marbled Omi Beef Steak 4/5

In contrast, the A5 Marbled Omi Beef Steak, with its high-fat marbling, was sliced thinner and given a quick sear on both sides before being served on a hotplate. The thinner cut helped render the fat more effectively, resulting in a rich and flavourful bite that wasn't overwhelmingly fatty. That said, the tail end of the steak was slightly drier than the centre. Overall, the steaks were satisfying, though I felt that the black pepper seasoning and steak sauce could be toned down, allowing the natural flavours of the beef to shine.

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There's also an option to turn your steak into a set by topping up for Salad ($2.80), Soup ($2.80), and Rice ($3.80), all of which come with free refills. The salad, essentially sliced cabbage, was quite basic and skippable, especially since pickles were already provided at the table. The soup, made from beef trimmings simmered for three hours, felt homely and rustic in the best way, though it could benefit from less salt. The rice was plump, glossy, and enjoyable, something I would much prefer over the wedges that were served alongside the steak.

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Stepping into Steak Sudaku feels like walking into a small, rustic eatery in Japan. With its simple furnishings and somewhat makeshift decor, it’s a no-frills spot for diners craving a fuss-free wagyu steak experience.

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.


Steak Sudaku
Concourse Skyline
302 Beach Road
#01-09
Singapore 199600
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Nearest MRT: Nicoll Highway (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11pm - 3pm, 5pm - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Nicoll Highway MRT station. Take Exit A. Take the overhead bridge and walk to The Concourse. Continue to Concourse Skyline. Walk to destination. Journey time anbout 5 minutes. [Map]

Saturday, June 14, 2025

Si Chuan Dou Hua Restaurant @ PARKROYAL on Beach Road - À La Carte Dim Sum Buffet Featuring Over 50 dishes

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Si Chuan Dou Hua Restaurant at PARKROYAL on Beach Road has introduced an À La Carte Dim Sum Buffet featuring over 50 dishes, available from now till 31 August 2025. Guests can indulge in unlimited servings from an extensive menu, along with a platter of four premium creations limited to one serving per guest.

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Premium Creations 3/5

The Premium Creations platter comprises Steamed Prawn Dumpling with Bird's Nest, Steamed Pomegranate Seafood Dumpling, Steamed Mushroom Bun with Minced Chicken, and Steamed "Shao Mai" topped with Sea Urchin. While all three dumplings shared a similar taste profile despite the variations in ingredients, the Steamed Prawn Dumpling with Bird's Nest stood out. The Bird's Nest itself did not significantly elevate the flavour, but the dumpling had a more succulent and refined bite compared to the others.

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Smoked Duck and Prawn Dumpling 3/5

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Crab Meat and Vegetable Dumpling 3.5/5

We also tried four more dumplings. The Smoked Duck and Prawn Dumpling offered a pleasing smoky depth that differentiated it from a typical prawn dumpling, though the filling felt overly compact. The Crab Meat and Vegetable Dumpling leaned towards a generic seafood profile, but the flavour of the crab meat still came through.

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Black Pepper Minced Beef Dumpling 4/5

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Minced Meat Glutinous Rice Dumpling 4/5

Both the Black Pepper Minced Beef Dumpling and the Minced Meat Glutinous Rice Dumpling wrapped in Banana Leaf left a stronger impression. The former featured a paper-thin dough skin skillfully wrapped around a delicious minced beef filling, with the skin offering a satisfying bite. The latter was a delightful combination of sweet glutinous rice dough and savoury minced meat, further elevated by the fragrance of the banana leaf.

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Radish Puff Pastry 4.5/5

Among the pastries, the Radish Puff Pastry was a highlight. It had a thin, flaky crust encasing juicy radish, and the addition of white sesame seeds added a brilliant touch of aromatic nuttiness to each bite.

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Hot and Sour Soup 2.5/5

For soups, we tried the Hot and Sour Soup. Unfortunately, the level of heat was overwhelming.

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“Chong Qing” Diced Chicken with Dried Chilli 3/5

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Fried Crispy Iberico Pork 4/5

The buffet also features Sichuan classics such as "Chong Qing" Diced Chicken with Dried Chilli and Fried Crispy Iberico Pork, both of which remain crowd favourites.

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Bean Curd in Spicy Minced Meat Sauce 2.5/5

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Stir-fried Prawn with Dried Chilli and Cashew Nut 3.5/5

However, the Bean Curd in Spicy Minced Meat Sauce was surprisingly one-dimensional, lacking the signature numbing aroma of Sichuan pepper and missing the juiciness one would expect from the minced meat. The Stir-fried Prawn with Dried Chilli and Cashew Nut was more satisfying, with succulent prawns coated in a fragrant glaze.

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Sautéed Black Pepper Beef 4/5

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Deep-fried Prawn with Wasabi 3.8/5

From the Cantonese selections, the Sautéed Black Pepper Beef offered tender slices of beef packed with bold black pepper flavour. The Deep-fried Prawn with Wasabi was well-executed, featuring a creamy wasabi sauce that struck a well-balanced note without being overpowering.

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Herbal Jelly

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Chilled Mango Sago

To end the meal, we had Chilled Mango Sago and Herbal Jelly — simple yet refreshing desserts to sum up the dim sum experience.

À La Carte Dim Sum Buffet
Fri - Sun & PH from 11.30am to 2.30pm (last order at 2.00pm)
Adults: $68++, Child (6 to 12 years): $34++

Promotions:
Father’s Day: On 14 and 15 June 2025, dad eats for FREE with a minimum of 3 paying adults (Cap at 3 dads eat free per table)
Pan Pacific DISCOVERY Members enjoy a 20% discount
DBS/POSB Bank Cardholders enjoy a 15% discount

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.


Si Chuan Dou Hua Restaurant
PARKROYAL on Beach Road
7500 Beach Road
Singapore 199591
Tel: +65 65055724
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Website
Nearest MRT: Nicoll Highway (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 6pm, 630pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Nicoll Highway MRT station. Take Exit A. Follow the overhead walkway all the way to The Concourse building. Take the exit down to Nicoll Highway and walk towards Parkroyal Serviced Residences. Cut through towards The Plaza at Parkroyal Hotel. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Sunday, May 18, 2025

Belimbing @ Beach Road - A Bold New Chapter in Singapore Cuisine

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Helmed by Marcus Leow, a Magic Square and Naked Finn alum, Belimbing is the latest venture from the team behind The Coconut Club. Located at Beach Road, the restaurant reimagines Singapore’s culinary identity through a contemporary lens, rooted in heritage yet refreshingly progressive. With a focus on native ingredients, reinterpreted classics, and bold creativity, Belimbing presents a compelling narrative of what new-generation Singapore cuisine can be.

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Red Prawn in Charcoal Kueh Pie Tee Shell 4/5

We had the 4-course menu ($88) for dinner. The meal began on an elegant note with a single bite that packed layers of texture and flavour. The sweet Red Prawn paired with honeydew, leek, and fried shallots created a playful burst of umami and sweetness, all housed in a delicate charcoal kueh pie tee shell. Crisp, refreshing, and a great conversation starter.

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Smoked Wagyu Ox Tongue 4.5/5

The Smoked Wagyu Ox Tongue surprised with its tenderness and nuanced balance. It is thinly sliced and elevated with chinchalok, offering a briny punch, while stracciatella cheese adds richness. It was a beautiful mix of umami, creaminess, and acidity, refined yet comforting.

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Grilled Firefly Squid 4.2/5

Inspired by the local favourite rojak, this dish was a celebration of unexpected pairings. The Grilled Firefly Squid came with a medley of elements: pickled jambu, strawberries, young ginger, hargow caramel, dark soy, and crispy kailan. Every bite delivered complexity and surprise, bold, yet grounded in familiar flavours.

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Crispy Meesua 4/5

The Crispy Meesua was a delicate reinterpretation of mee sua kueh. Unlike the denser street-style versions, this was lighter and flakier, offering crunch without heaviness.

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Batang Otah

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Dragon Chives, Pineapple

Accompanying it was a fragrant Batang Otah, smooth and gently spiced, perfect when spread over the crispy noodles or dipped in the fermented soybean sauce. Rounding it off was a refreshing grilled pineapple and dragon chive salad that reset the palate with every bite.

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Braised Angus Oxtail 4.2/5

A hearty dish full of soul, the tender Braised Angus Oxtail rested on a bed of smoked mashed potatoes soaked in green tomato beef broth. The oxtail's richness met its match in the tomato's acidity, creating depth and warmth in every spoonful.

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Clam Custard 4.5/5

A luxurious twist on chawanmushi, the Clam Custard boasted the full-bodied flavour of shellfish. Topped with scallops and laced with assam pedas, it delivered a comforting brininess with a spicy, tangy finish.

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Wok-fried Nasi Ulam 4.2/5

Wrapped in banana leaf, the fragrant Wok-fried Nasi Ulam showcased aromatic herbs and spices. Each grain of rice was infused with flavour. Accompanied by seared pomfret, fish floss, and tomato chutney, it felt like a well-crafted homage to a lost kampung recipe revived with finesse.

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Fried Chicken 4.5/5

The Fried Chicken brought back memories of Hainanese curry rice and scissor-cut rice stalls, but with refined execution. The fried chicken was juicy with a golden, crispy crust, served atop a bed of luscious yellow curry. A dollop of sauerkraut added tang and crunch, giving the dish unexpected vibrancy.

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Min Jiang Kueh 4.2/5

The humble Min Jiang Kueh gets a creative spin. It is stuffed with cempedak and peanut brittle. Warm, sticky, and nutty, it delivers flavour and texture in equal measure. It is a delightful play on a childhood favourite.

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Corn Salat 4.5/5

The Corn Salat ($16) is a beautiful reinterpretation of Nonya kueh salat. It replaces the traditional pandan layer with a creamy corn custard. Sweet yet delicate, the glutinous rice base retains its chewy bite. Served with a warm cup of corn tea, it was a thoughtful and elegant finale.

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Belimbing presents a thoughtful and exciting evolution of Singaporean cuisine that honours tradition while fearlessly charting new territory. With inventive flavour pairings, reimagined textures, and meticulous technique, Marcus Leow and his team tell a compelling story about local food's next chapter. If you're curious to experience what Singapore cuisine might look like in the future, Belimbing is the table to book.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Belimbing
269A Beach Road
Singapore 199546
Tel: +65 8869 7243
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (DT, EW Line), Nicoll Highway (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 12 - 330pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn right and walk down Victoria Link to North Bridge Road. Turn left onto North Bridge Road. Walk down North Bridge Road to Haji Lane. Turn right onto Haji Lane. Walk down Haji Lane to Beach Road. Turn left onto Beach Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk down North Bridge Road to Haji Lane. Turn right onto Haji Lane. Walk down Haji Lane to Beach Road. Turn left onto Beach Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Nicoll Highway MRT station. Take Exit A. Take the overhead bridge and walk to Beach Road. Walk to traffic junction of Beach Road and Jalan Sultan. Cross the road and walk straigh down Beach Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Yu Cun Curry Fish Head (渔村砂煲咖喱鱼头) @ Sultan Gate - Enticing Lunar New Year Menu Alongside Its Signature Curry Fish Head

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After nearly a decade since my first visit to Yu Cun Curry Fish Head's (渔村砂煲咖喱鱼头) inaugural outlet at Upper Paya Lebar in 2015, I decided to explore its second outlet at Sultan Gate. With Chinese New Year just around the corner, Yu Cun has rolled out an enticing festive menu alongside its signature dishes that continue to attract fans. Here's a detailed look at my dining experience.

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Yu Cun Prosperity Yu Sheng 3/5

No Chinese New Year celebration is complete without tossing Yu Sheng for abundance and prosperity. Yu Cun's Prosperity Yu Sheng ($55++) is a vibrant dish, but compared to other Yu Sheng offerings in the market, it lacked a wow factor in terms of taste and textural interplay. While the flavours are enjoyable, I found them more ordinary than memorable.

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Braised Chicken Soup with Creamy Red Lotus 4.2/5

The Braised Chicken Soup with Creamy Red Lotus ($78++) is a comforting, hearty dish packed with rich flavours, perfect for rainy, chilly weather. The broth, brimming with chicken, red lotus, and white fungus, showcases depth and warmth, making it a standout in their menu.

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Prosperity Eight Treasure Duck 4.5/5

The Prosperity Eight Treasure Duck ($98++) is a delightful surprise and an absolute highlight of the meal. The tender, well-braised duck is stuffed with fragrant glutinous rice, creating a perfect harmony of textures and flavours. This dish exudes festive indulgence and is a must-try for anyone looking for something special on the menu.

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Pen Cai 4.2/5

The Pen Cai ($298++) is a decadent celebration pot filled with premium ingredients such as 10-head abalone, prawns, fish maw, dried scallops, sea cucumber, roasted meats, and vegetables like cabbage and broccoli. The generous portions and luxurious ingredients make it a festive centrepiece. As an added bonus, you can enjoy a 15% discount on the Pen Cai with any purchase of Yu Cun's CNY package.

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Steamed Red Grouper in Golden Broth 3.8/5

Fish is an auspicious symbol of abundance during Chinese New Year, and Yu Cun's Steamed Red Grouper in Golden Broth ($118++) is well-executed. The delicate grouper fillets, sandwiched with ham and carrot, are tender and flavorful. While the ham adds richness, the overall dish is satisfying but not groundbreaking.

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Bonito Flake Pork Ribs 4/5

The Bonito Flake Pork Ribs ($78++) are fork-tender and marinated in a luscious, sweet sauce. While the addition of bonito flakes adds visual appeal, they don't significantly elevate the flavour profile. That said, the ribs themselves are delicious and worth trying.

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Lobster Combinations 3.8/5

The Lobster Combinations ($218++) offers lobster cooked in two styles. The first is deep-fried lobster meat in a sweet orange sauce, while the second is paired with a tangy, spicy Thai-style salad. While the contrasting flavours are enjoyable, the dish felt slightly predictable and lacked the wow factor compared to other seafood options on the menu.

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Claypot Curry Fish Head 4.8/5

The star of the show is undoubtedly Yu Cun's Claypot Curry Fish Head. Revisiting this signature dish after almost a decade, I was pleasantly surprised by the improvement in flavour. The curry is now richer, creamier, and more lemak than I remembered. The dish is loaded with fresh vegetables like long beans, lady's fingers, and tau kee, making it a hearty and satisfying offering. It's clear that Yu Cun has refined its recipe over the years, and this dish alone is worth the visit.

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Yu Cun Curry Fish Head continues to be a go-to spot for hearty, comforting Chinese cuisine, especially during the festive season. While some dishes on the CNY menu could use a touch more creativity, signature items like the Claypot Curry Fish Head and Prosperity Eight Treasure Duck shine brightly. Whether planning a celebratory feast with family or revisiting old favourites, Yu Cun's offerings will surely make your meal memorable.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Yu Cun Curry Fish Head (渔村砂煲咖喱鱼头)
29/31 Sultan Gate
Singapore 198477
Tel: +65 6038 0391
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Nearest MRT: Nicoll Highway (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Nicoll Highway MRT station. Take Exit A. Take the overhead bridge to the end. Walk along Beach Road towards Sultan Gate road. Turn right onto Sultan Gate road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]