Wild Coco @ McNair Road - A Delicious Plate Of Nasi Lemak As Good As Dickson Nasi Lemak

Are you missing Dickson Nasi Lemak after it temporarily closed its shop upon Malaysia's live chicken export ban to Singapore? If you are, I have a piece of good news. I have discovered Wild Coco at McNair Road, which sells an excellent plate of Ayam Goreng Berempah that is comparable to Dickson Nasi Lemak. Furthermore, you can dine-in at Wild Coco, unlike Dickson Nasi Lemak, which only could takeaway.

Ayam Goreng Berempah 4.5/5

We had the Ayam Goreng Berempah ($9.80), which comes with a whole spiced chicken leg, fried egg, ikan bilis, peanuts and sambal chilli. The deep-fried whole chicken leg is crispy on the exterior and well-flavoured by the beautiful aroma of the various spices. On the other hand, the meat is tender and juicy. It is comparable to Dickson Nasi Lemak.

As for the rice, Wild Coco's version is more subtle, while Dickson Nasi Lemak's version is robust and rich. The sambal chilli is also better at Dickson Nasi Lemak, which is spicier and more fragrant.

However, Wild Coco fares better in other areas. First, their Ayam Goreng Berempah comes with a fried egg instead of a hard-boiled egg at Dickson Nasi Lemak. Second, you can dine-in at Wild Coco, meaning you can have your food fresh out of the kitchen while Dickson Nasi Lemak can only takeaway.

After comparing the Ayam Goreng Berempah at both Wild Coco and Dickson Nasi Lemak, I find both have pros and cons. However, Wild Coco has a slight edge because you can dine in, and there are more varieties such as Fried Sambal Fish Nasi Lemak and other side dishes.


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Wild Coco
Blk 122 Mcnair Road
#01-45
Singapore 320122
Tel: +65 91193822
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Boon Keng (NE Line), Farrer Park (CC Line), Novena (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon: 1030am - 3pm
Tue-Sat: 1030am - 830pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Boon Heng MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk to Towner Road. Walk to traffic junction of Towner Road and McNair Road. Cross the road onto McNair Road and walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Farrer Park MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk to bus stop at Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple (Stop ID 07211). Take bus number 21, 125, 130 and 139 . Alight 2 stops later. Cross the road and walk to McNair Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Novena MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Novena MRT station (Stop ID 50038). Take bus number 21. Alight 4 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Sky22 @ Courtyard By Marriott Singapore Novena - Best Of Both Land And Sea

For a limited promotional period on every Friday to Sunday from 13 September to 10 November 2019, Sky22 at Courtyard By Marriott Singapore Novena is offering a weekend 'Surf & Turf' buffet. The buffet features the best of both worlds where diners get to feast on a gastronomic journey of premium meats and freshest seafood.

Tuna Nicoise 4/5

Starting from the sea, we tried the Tuna Nicoise. The tuna is seared to a beautiful pink in the middle. It is paired with green beans, olive, tomatoes and quail eggs. This is all held together by the citrus dressing for a refreshing finish.

Oyster Rockefeller 4/5

A much sought-after dish in every buffet line is probably the oyster. The baked Oyster Rockefeller is topped with a creamy, buttery sauce, parsley and bread crumbs.

Singapore Laksa 4.2/5

Not to be missed at Sky22 is their signature Singapore Laksa. What I like about the bowl of laksa, is the rich dried shrimp flavour in the flavoursome broth.

Pan-seared Norwegian Salmon 4/5

The Pan-seared Norwegian Salmon is cooked to a beautiful pink in the middle. It is moist on the inside with crispy skin. The Mediterranean salsa provides the refreshing touch that brightens up the dish.

Sambal Tiger Prawns 3.5/5

I was a little disappointed with the Sambal Tiger Prawns. While the prawn is fresh with a delightful crunchy texture, I thought the sambal can be spicier.

Grilled New Zealand Lamb Rack 4.5/5

From the Sea, we moved to the land. First up is the Grilled New Zealand Lamb Rack. It didn't have the gamey taste at all. What I enjoyed most is the mango chutney rub on the lamb rack. Not only did it provide the extra textural bite, it also gives it the needed boost in flavour.

Crackling Roasted Bungalow Pork Belly 4.2/5

Another lovely meat from the carving station is the Crackling Roasted Bungalow Pork Belly with prune stuffing. The sweetness from the prune stuffing provides the balance for the succulent pork belly.

Roast Australian Grass-fed Beef Sirloin 4.5/5

The fork-tender Roast Australian Grass-fed Beef Sirloin with natural jus is another favourite from the carving station. There is no need of any sauces as the piece of meat is grilled to perfection, Each bite is an explosion of its natural flavour.

Surf & Turf lunch and dinner buffet is priced at S$68++ per adult and S$34++ per child (6 to 12 years old). To book a table or for more information, please call the restaurant at 6378 2040 or email fnb.coutyardsg@marriott.com, reserve online at http://bit.ly/Sky22_Reservations.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Sky 22
Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena
Level 22
99 Irrawaddy Road
Singapore 329568
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Novena (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily:
630am - 1030am (breakfast)
12pm - 230pm (lunch)
3pm - 5pm (Tea)
6pm - 10pm (Dinner)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Novena MRT station. Take A or B. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

So Ramen @ Novena Square - Shiok Tonkotsu + Bonito Broth

Singaporean loves Japanese food, and there are indeed quite a number of ramen shops in Singapore. One of the lesser-known brands is So Ramen a local brand by the breadtalk group. It offers three types of noodles (Hosomen, Chijiremen and Futomen) and 5 types of broths (shoyu, miso, tonkotsu, uobushi tonkotsu, and spicy tonkotsu).

Grand Tonkotsu 4/5

The Grand Tonkotsu ($13.90) consists of Toroniku (braised pork cheek), Cha Shu and Buta Kakuni (braised pork belly in special sauce), Ni Tamago and Menma (bamboo shoot). It is quite a luxury in a bowl considering the pricing. Black onion sauce is added to the rich and hearty broth, enhancing the flavour. While the pork belly is huge, I find it on the tough side.

Toroniku Uobushi Tonkotsu Ramen 4.2/5

The soup for the Toroniku Uobushi Tonkotsu Ramen ($13.90) is double-boiled comprising tonkotsu and premium bonito. The result is more intense and richer, which really pack a punch. Not only that, it comes with tender pieces of Toroniku (braised pork cheek, Ni tamago, menma and seaweed.

Yaki Gyoza 3.5/5

I also ordered Yaki Gyoza ($4 for 6pc) to go along with the ramen. The parcel comes with marinated premium pork wrapped in translucent dumpling skin, then pan-seared to crispy perfection

Butariki Ishinabe 4/5

Besides ramen, the restaurant also offers rice item on the menu. We tried the Butariki Ishinabe ($12.90) that is served in a hot stone-pot. One can find pan-fried and barbecued pork, seaweed, raw egg, caramelised onion and sesame in it. Mix everything up to coat the pearly Koshihikari rice with the sauce and get a mouthful of different flavours and textures.


So Ramen
Novena Square
238 Thomson Road
#01-05
Singapore 307683
Tel: +65 62536066
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Novena (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Novena MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Urbana Rooftop Bar @ Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena - Launches New Chillax Weekend Breakfast With A Panoramic Scenery

Nestled within level 33 of Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena is Urbana - one of the city's newest rooftop bar in an open-air setting framed by an infinity pool. Launching its new Chillax Weekend Breakfast menu available every Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 4pm, diners can sit back, relax and enjoy lazy, lengthy breakfast fares at this highest rooftop bar in the Novena district which offers panoramic views of the cityscapes.

Duck Confit & Waffle 4.2/5

All the breakfast specials on the new epicurean menu are prepared a la minute in the outlet's open kitchen. The first dish we had was the Duck Confit & Waffle ($18). Crispy, fluffy waffles, tender duck confit beneath crispy skin, and sealed off with white bean cassoulet and apple slaw which adds a nice crunch to the dish. Reintepreted from the classic Southern dish with duck confit, this rendition sees a perfect marriage of French elements to a traditional American dish.

Pandan Nasi Lemak Omelet 3.8/5

The Pandan Nasi Lemak Omelet ($16) comes in a generous portion of pandan flavoured nasi lemak rice wrapped in a huge thin omelet, coated with chilli just below the omelet skin to give the dish a sharp kick of spice. The tender beef brisket rendang has a nice spice aroma to it, which provides a richer flavour to the nasi lemak rice. Paired with pickled cucumber and belinjo crackers on the side to give a crunchy texture to the dish.

Urbana's Late Breakfast 4/5, Classic Egg Benedicts 4/5

The Urbana's Late Breakfast ($22) and the Classic Egg Benedict ($18) are classic breakfast dishes which is no stranger to the breakfast aficionados. The breakfast platter comes in hearty portions of pork/chicken/beef sausage, streaky bacon, homemade hash browns, herb tomatoes , waffles, sous vide egg and hollandaise sauce which is sure to satisfy all your breakfast cravings. As for the Classic Egg Benedict, no reinvention is needed and all the elements are well-executed - with poached eggs served atop ham slices on English muffins, complemented with a generous drizzle of Hollandaise sauce. Slice the eggs to reveal the oozy golden yolk, which just binds all the elements together.

Truffle Grilled Cheese 4.2/5

The Truffle Grilled Cheese ($18) hits all the right spots with tomato, avocado, cheddar, emmental and truffle brie sandwiched in between grilled sourdough bread. The melty gooey cheese flaunts a perfect combination with the crispy toasted sourdough, and with its flavours further enhanced by the strong truffle fragrance from the truffle brie.

Eggs Your Choice 4/5

The dish comes with an Eggs of your choice (we opted for scrambled eggs), on soft fluffy slabs of French toasts and crispy streaky bacon. Drizzle the maple syrup all over which adds a nice sweetness to the savoury dish.

Pork Belly 4.2/5

A special seasonal item which was off the regular menu and only available from time to time, the Pork Belly features juicy tender meat with an enjoyable crackling crisp exterior.

Complementing the Chillax Weekend Breakfast are gourmet dessert choices of liquor laced desserts of sliced cakes, jar cakes and slab cakes such as the Bailey Tiramisu, Black Forest, Pina Colada, Jar Cakes, Kirsch Cherry Brownie, Urbana Cognac Cheese Tart, Brandy Toffee Nuts Tart, Orchard Pick Normandine Tart, and more, priced from $7++ to $8++. As a special treat, for any main course ordered, all coffees are at $1 only.

All the desserts are handmade from scratch by in-house chef. Some of my favourites are the Choc Fudge ($8++), and Bailey Tiramisu ($8++). The soft layers of coffee-dipped savoiardi biscuits, creamy filling and chocolate just come together seamlessly, with a strong bailey flavour infused within the tiramisu.

Sip on cocktails from the beverage menu as you enjoy a lazy brunch afternoon at Urbana, such as the Tequila Sunrise, made of tequila, orange juice, and grenadine syrup and served unmixed in a tall glass.

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.


Urbana Rooftop Bar
Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena
99 Irrawaddy Road
Level 33
Singapore 329568
Tel: +65 63782060
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Novena (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Sat-Sun: 11am - 4pm, 5pm - 1am

Direction: 
1) Alight at Novena MRT station. Take A or B. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Viio Gastropub @ Balestier Road - For Affordable Weekday Lunch Set and Craft Beer On Tap

Situated in the heart of Balestier, just next to Zhongshan Mall is Viio Gastropub – the latest upscale casual dining restaurant in the Balestier neigbourhood, helmed by Chef Ronald Li who has an impressive history of culinary experiences at high end restaurants and hotels over the years. Featuring a menu of specially curated pasta and donburi, they have an affordable weekday lunch set option from 11.30am to 2.30pm as well. Each main comes with house greens and soup of the day, starting from $9.90++ onwards. They also sport a lineup of fresh craft beer on tap to cater to the casual happy hour gatherings as well.

Spaghetti Aglio Alio with Prawns 3.8/5

We had the Spaghetti Aglio Alio with Prawns ($9.90) which features al dente pasta tossed in a homemade prawn and olive oil mixture, giving the dish a fragrant aroma and a subtle hint of spice. Paired with plenty of small shrimps atop which has a crunchy sweet texture. Although I wished plump juicy prawns were used instead but for the pricing, it is rather value for money.

Rigatoni Bolognese with Onsen Egg 4/5

The al dente chewy texture of the pasta for the Rigatoni Bolognese with Onsen Egg ($12.90) was pure enjoyment on its own. The dish is cooked in a flavourful bolognese sauce to elevate its flavours. Not forgetting a flowy onsen egg to gel everything together as well.

BBQ Pork Ribs Donburi 4.2/5

A personal favourite is the BBQ Pork Ribs Donburi ($14.90) which features flavourful slabs of pork cooked till tender, and seasoned with a marinate to give it a tinge of sweetness. Also comes with complements of seasonal vegetable and pickle to add another flavour and texture dimension to the dish, as well as to cut through the richness of the BBQ pork ribs. Break into the oozy onsen egg to meld all the elements in the bowl together.

Duo Wagyu Beef Slider and Chips 4.2/5

The Duo Wagyu Beef Slider and Chips ($16.90) is served with a side of fries. Although mini in size, the beef patty sandwiched in between the buttery toasted buns was thick and succulent. Each slider also comes with tomato, melted cheese, oyster mushroom and pickle, which adds some sweetness and crunch to the sliders.

D.Chocolate Fondant 3.8/5

End the meal on a sweet note with their D.Chocolate Fondant ($14). Featuring a beautifully plated desserts of two mini chocolate lava cakes with assorted berries and mango sorbet, which adds a sour flavour to complement the richness of the chocolate. My only gripe is that the chocolate cakes did not flow, and would be better if there is more chocolatey goodness in it.

Overall, we were impressed with flavour-focused menu at Viio Gastropub, with the lunch set deals being an extremely worthy deal especially for people working around the area on the weekdays.

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.


Viio Gastropub
520 Balestier Road
#01-01
Singapore 329853
Tel: +65 62535752
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Toa Payoh (NS Line), Novena (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am – 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Novena MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Irrawaddy Road. Walk towards Ren Ci Community Hospital direction along Irrawaddy Road. Turn onto Shan Road and walk to the end. At the end of the Shan Road, cross Balestier Road to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Toa Payoh MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Toa Payoh bus interchange (Stop ID 52009). Take bus number 139 and 145. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Toa Payoh MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to bus stop at Toa Payoh MRT station along Toa Payoh Lorong 2 (Stop ID 52189). Take bus 56, 105 or 153. Alight 1 stop later. Cross the canal. Cut through the cluster of HDB flats and carpark towards block 103 onto Ah Hood Road. Continue on Ah Hood Road to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Sky 22 @ Courtyard By Marriott Singapore Novena - Flavours Of Korea Buffet

For a limited period from 15 March to 28 April 2019, Sky22 at Courtyard By Marriott Singapore Novena will be offering the Flavours of Korea buffet during the weekends. The Korean themed buffed is specially curated by their new South Korea Chef Hwang In Yong (Ian) and Executive Chef John Chye. Guests will be in for a feast of Korean classics as well as popular Korean street foods.

Cabbage Kimchi

Not to be missed is the housemade Cabbage Kimchi, they are so good. It has the right balance of sourish and spiciness on top of the crunchy texture. I was hoping that I can buy some of these to take home.

Spicy Seafood Tofu Soup 3/5

While my group of diners love the Spicy Seafood Tofu Soup, I have different view. The flavour is there but I felt that it lacked the heat to match its description. I really hope it can be spicier.

Braised Short Ribs 4/5

The Braised Short Ribs on the other hand was spot on. They were well infused in the sweet sauce with fall of the bone meat. A very delightful dish to go with some steamed rice.

Kimchi Fried Rice 3/5

Unfortunately I could not taste the robustness of kimchi in the Kimchi Fried Rice. The chef definitely need to improve on the dish or it will be passed off as normal fried rice.

Braised Kimchi Pork 3.5/5

Contradicting to the kimchi fried rice, the Braised Kimchi Pork Ribs came across more flavourful with the distinct kimchi flavour. As for the braised pork, it can be more tender.

Sweet and Spicy Deep Fried Chicken Cube 4/5

I actually enjoyed snacking the Sweet and Spicy Deep Fried Chicken Cube. The chicken pieces are well coated with the sticky sweet and spicy sauce, fragrant with sesame seeds. Some of the diners felt that it is a bit dry but I actually like the slightly tough texture for that bite to chew on.

Bibimbap 4.2/5

Diners at the Korean themed buffet can also have a little fun creating their own Bibimbap at the DIY  Bibim Bar. Have some fun putting the bibimbap together. The food will always taste better when you make it yourself.

Vegetable Pancake 3.5/5

I find the Vegetable Pancake will be subjective to individual liking. If you are not into greens than you will not like it. As for me I like the fact that there was not a lot of batter on the pancake, allowing me to appreciate the greens.

Korean Sweet Pancake 4/5

Complete the feast on a sweet note with Korean desserts such as Rice Cakes, Chestnut Balls and Sweet Pancakes. For the buffet spread, on top of the Korean delights, there are also a myriad of seafood from the steam & grill seafood bar to complement the spread.

Flavours Of Korea
Date: 15 March to 28 April 2019
Time: 12pm - 230pm (Sat-Sun, except Easter), 6pm - 10pm (Fri-Sat)
Price: $56++ adult, $28++ child (6 to 12 years old)
- Add $28++ per pax for free flow house pour red & white wine, prosecco, soft drinks.
- Add $12+ per pax for free flow soft drinks and juices.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Sky 22
Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena
Level 22
99 Irrawaddy Road
Singapore 329568
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Novena (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily:
630am - 1030am (breakfast)
12pm - 230pm (lunch)
3pm - 5pm (Tea)
6pm - 10pm (Dinner)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Novena MRT station. Take A or B. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]