Tampopo @ Takashimaya - Showcases Niigata’s Premium Produce in Limited-Time Seasonal Menu

A household name in Singapore’s Japanese dining scene, Tampopo has long been instrumental in making authentic Japanese cuisine accessible, consistent, and affordable. Founded by Takagi Takaaki, the brand continues to honour its philosophy of working closely with Japanese producers. This season, Tampopo spotlights the bounty of Niigata Prefecture with a limited-time menu that highlights premium ingredients flown in from the region.

A key highlight is the introduction of Niigata-grown “Shinnosuke” rice, a relatively new varietal that inherits the prized genetics of Koshihikari while offering its own distinct character. With a higher amylose content, the rice delivers a gentle sweetness, fuller flavour, and a firm, springy bite. Cultivated using pristine snowmelt water and benefiting from Niigata’s dramatic temperature shifts, each grain is glossy, aromatic, and refined.

Niigata Umaimon Gozen 4/5

The Niigata Umaimon Gozen ($35.80) is the best way to experience “Shinnosuke” rice in its purest form. This well-balanced set comes complete with sashimi, grilled fish, vegetables, and soup, allowing the rice to shine as the centrepiece. Its texture pairs beautifully with the accompanying dishes, elevating the overall dining experience.

Tampopo’s Chirashi Sushi 3.8/5

Amaebi Shinjyo with Lotus 3.8/5

The menu also features the prized Oguchi Lotus root from Nagaoka City, known for its exceptional crunch and tenderness. Harvested using the meticulous mizuhori method, the lotus root retains its clean, crisp texture without excess fibrousness.

This premium ingredient appears in Tampopo’s Chirashi Sushi ($29.80), adding a refreshing bite, and in the Amaebi Shinjyo with Lotus ($12.80), where it is stuffed with sweet shrimp paste and deep-fried into a delicate tempura. The contrast between the crunchy lotus root and the creamy amaebi filling creates an enjoyable textural interplay.

Niigata Soul Food “Noppe” 3.5/5

A comforting traditional dish, “Noppe” is a celebratory stew deeply rooted in Niigata’s culinary heritage. The hearty bowl features a medley of ingredients, including lotus root, mushrooms, salmon, chicken, satoimo, and kamaboko, simmered in a light yet umami-rich dashi broth enhanced with dried scallops and mushrooms. It is wholesome, nourishing, and quietly satisfying.

Tampopo’s Hegi Soba with Prawn Tempura (tasting portion) 4.2/5

A rare find in Singapore, Hegi Soba is a regional speciality from Niigata’s Uonuma region. Made using funori seaweed as a binder, the noodles boast a firmer, more elastic texture with a subtle smoothness. At Tampopo, the Hegi Soba with Prawn Tempura ($19.80) features lightly battered prawns fried to a crisp golden finish. The tempura adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth, springy noodles. Dipped into the accompanying sauce, each bite balances delicate soba flavours with the savoury richness of the tempura.

Tagliatelle with Amaebi

A standout collaboration dish with THE NIIGATA Bit GINZA, the Handmade Rice-Flour Tagliatelle with Amaebi ($27.80) bridges Japanese ingredients with Italian technique. The sauce is laboriously prepared using 20kg of amaebi shells and flesh, simmered for hours to extract maximum flavour, then flambéed with brandy. Sourced from Sado Island, the amaebi is prized for its natural sweetness and creamy texture, often dubbed the “candy of the sea.” The resulting dish is deeply umami-rich, with a robust crustacean intensity that will resonate strongly with local palates.

Niigata Matcha Parfait 4.5/5

End the meal on a sweet note with the Niigata Matcha Parfait ($11.80), made using Murakami matcha from Fujimien. The matcha is notably smooth with minimal bitterness, offering a refined finish. Alternatively, the Niigata Strawberry Parfait features the region’s prized Echigo-hime strawberries, known for their sweetness and fragrance.

Tampopo’s Niigata showcase is more than just a seasonal menu. It is a thoughtful tribute to the region’s rich agricultural and culinary heritage. By bringing together premium ingredients, traditional techniques, and creative collaborations, the experience offers diners a rare glimpse into the essence of Niigata, right here in Singapore.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Tampopo
Takashimaya
Tower B
391 Orchard Road
#B2-33
Singapore 238872
Tel: +65 6235 2318
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 845pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Follow the walkway through Wisma Atria to Takashimaya. Continue walking straight to Ngee Ann City. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

One-Ninety Restaurant @ Four Seasons Hotel Singapore - Refreshed Convivio Weekend Brunch Featuring Italian Signatures, Fresh Seafood Bar and Dessert Spread

Transport yourself to Italy at One-Ninety Restaurant’s Convivio Weekend Brunch, featuring a refreshed menu specially curated by Chef de Cuisine Valerio Pierantonelli.

Convivio Weekend Brunch 4.5/5

“Convivio” means “feast” in Italian and refers to a lively, communal dining experience. In this unique brunch concept, diners can choose one of six mains, complemented by an extensive spread featuring a fresh seafood bar, a cheese trolley, and decadent desserts. The brunch is priced at $78 per adult and $39 per child (ages 6 to 12), with a $48 top-up for free-flowing prosecco, Aperol Spritz, and red and white wine.

Roasted Butternut Squash

Brunch began with a warm and comforting serving of Roasted Butternut Squash, presented to all diners upon arrival. It was delightfully smooth, naturally sweet and well-balanced.

Bread Table

The Bread Table featured an inviting variety of freshly baked breads, including Dark Chocolate Bread, Rosemary Grissini, Sun-Dried Tomato Focaccia, Olive Bread and Ciriola, accompanied by rich Bordier Butter.

Affettati Station

The Affettati Station was beautifully arranged with a curated selection of cured meats, including Spicy Spianata, Coppa, Mortadella, and Culatello Ham.

Premium Seafood on Ice

At the Seafood Bar, fresh Tiger Prawns, Scallops and Mussels were available, served with classic condiments such as lemon wedges and house dressings.

Composed Salads

The Composed Salads selection rotates weekly. During our visit, the standouts were the Duy Pu Lentil (with sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes, olives and lemon dressing) and the Octopus salad (with fingerling potatoes, capers and citrus). Both were lightly seasoned and refreshing.

Cheese Trolley

Fresh Cheese

Cheese lovers will appreciate the Cheese Trolley, which showcases impressive house-marinated cheeses paired with condiments, alongside a Fresh Cheese selection featuring Buffalo Mozzarella, Giuncata with Citrus Zest, Pesto-infused Burrata and our favourite, the Truffle-infused Ricotta.

Lasagne

Do not miss the Lasagne station, offering three variations: Salmon, Bolognese and Mushroom. Each was generously layered, cheesy and moist, making them all equally satisfying.

For mains, each diner can choose one of six options, including Braised Wagyu Beef Cheek, Burrata Ravioli, Grilled Swordfish, Slow-Cooked Baby Chicken, Baby Octopus Rigatoni and Pinsa Romana.

Burrata Ravioli

One of One-Ninety’s signatures, the Burrata Ravioli is topped with Parmigiano Reggiano foam and black truffle. This was excellent, with each ravioli perfectly cooked and filled.

Grilled Swordfish

The quality of the fish shone through in the Grilled Swordfish. It was firm and meaty yet remained succulent, with a subtle natural sweetness. The pairing of grilled green asparagus and balsamic-marinated tomato sauce added brightness to the dish.

Dessert Table

We were spoiled for choice at the Dessert Table, which featured indulgent favourites such as Tiramisu Cake, Vanilla Panna Cotta, Cannoli, Bronte Pistachio Tart and assorted chocolate bon bons. The classic Tiramisu Cake and Bronte Pistachio Tart stood out as our favourites.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


One-Ninety Restaurant
Four Seasons Hotel Singapore
190 Orchard Boulevard
Singapore 248646
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Weekend Brunch: 12pm - 3pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 11. Walk straight down Orchard Boulevard Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 6 minutes. [Map]

Kaya @ The Standard - Weekend Brunch Showcasing Its Signature Japanese-Fusion Flair Every Saturday

Every Saturday, Kaya at The Standard presents a Weekend Brunch that reflects the restaurant’s signature Japanese-fusion flair. The menu features an à la carte free-flow selection of hot and cold appetisers, small bites, mains, and desserts. The brunch experience includes a free flow of non-alcoholic beverages, with the option to upgrade to premium packages that include alcoholic drinks.

The Standard Tray

To start, we were first served The Standard Tray, alongside our drink orders. This was perfect for tempering the usual morning hunger while waiting for the rest of the food to arrive. The tray comprises four items from the menu across the cold, hot bites, and sando categories, prepping our appetite with Chicken Karaage, Tamago Sando, Apple Sesame Salad, and Assorted Sashimi.

Chicken Karaage 4.8/5

The hot morsels of Chicken Karaage were juicy and moreish with a golden crust. I appreciated the bite-sized portions, which worked better than the usual large and chunky pieces.

Sashimi 4/5

Apple Salad 4.5/5

Balancing the tray were the fresh chilled Sashimi and the refreshing Apple Sesame Salad.

Daikon Slaw 5/5

From the cold selection, I was also delighted to find Daikon Slaw, one of my favourite items from their regular menu during my last visit.

Tamago Sando 3/5

Unagi Sando 3.5/5

As for the sando, while the tamago filling was delectable, softer white sandwich bread might have improved the overall texture and taste. There is also an Unagi Sando option, which delivers a much more savoury, meatier bite.

Tacos 3.5/5

The tacos were visually exciting with their colourful presentation. Among the three options — Teriyaki Cured Salmon Taco, Spicy Beef Taco, and Salada Taco, the Spicy Beef Taco was the most satisfying, with hearty beef slices delivering a punch of flavour. The salmon taco, however, turned out a little bland, while the Salada Taco, though enjoyable with avocado, felt slightly underwhelming as a taco.

Konabe Udon 4/5

For mains, the Konabe Udon was simple yet comforting.

Kamo Katsu with Curry Hollandaise Don 3/5

Pork Belly Char Siu Don 3/5

The Kamo Katsu with Curry Hollandaise Don featured a crispy duck cutlet, and the curry hollandaise was rich with umami, flavouring the dish beautifully. It was a pity that the duck itself was a tad dry. The same could be said for the Pork Belly Char Siu Don, where the char siu was not as unctuous as I had expected.

Desserts 3.8/5

Desserts were delightful. The Sakura & Coconut Panna Cotta and Coffee Jelly Shooter were both pleasing, with the latter delivering a pleasant bittersweet note. The Matcha Lemon Tart impressed with its thin, buttery crust, which complemented the tart’s bright, lemony, and earthy matcha flavours.

While there were hits and misses, the cosy ambience of Kaya at The Standard nonetheless makes the brunch format well-suited for a relaxed weekend catch-up with friends and loved ones. The Weekend Brunch is available only on Saturdays from 12 noon to 3pm, with options starting at $78 per person.

Photos and words by Si An. A homebody who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, the smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


Kaya
The Standard, Singapore
12 Orange Grove Rd
#02-00
Singapore 258353
Tel: 6040 1888
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 630am - 1030pm
Fri-Sat: 630am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk towards Wheellock Place via ION. EWheelocklock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Cross the road at the traffic light junction and turn left towards Royal Thai Embassy. Walk down Orchard Road to the end. Turn right onto Orange Grove Road. Walk to destination. Journey time is about 23 minutes. [Map]

The Orchard Cafe @ Orchard Hotel Singapore - OZ “Meats” Buffet, A Vibrant Celebration of Premium Australian Produce, Culinary Craftsmanship, and Bold Flavours.

The Orchard Cafe at Orchard Hotel Singapore has recently launched the OZ "Meats" Buffet, showcasing the best of premium Australian produce through a lineup of curated dishes and live stations. Complementing the hearty offerings is an array of decadent desserts, ranging from classics to those inspired by Australian favourites.

Nachos Station

The Nachos Station gets things off to a lively start, featuring AUS grain-fed beef or pork con carne. Paired with condiments such as tender beans, creamy guacamole, spicy salsa, sweet corn and sour cream, it makes for a fun and flavourful starter to the buffet.

Aussie-Style BBQ Pork Shoulder

Slow-roasted AUS Grain-fed Striploin.

At the Carving Station, diners can enjoy Slow-roasted AUS Grain-fed Striploin and Aussie-Style BBQ Pork Shoulder. I personally favoured the pork shoulder, which was noticeably juicier and more tender, with flavours beautifully complemented by the accompanying BBQ sauce.

Halibut

For seafood lovers, the Australian Catch of the Day was Halibut served with Béarnaise sauce. It was a lighter, more delicate option that balances the heavier meat offerings.

AUS Wagyu Beef Sliders

The AUS Wagyu Beef Sliders are also not to be missed, with fluffy buns sandwiching flavoursome patties and melted cheese. These relatively humble-looking bites turned out to be one of my personal favourites.

Short Plate

Lebanese Style Lamp Chop

Another highlight is the Charcoal Grill Station, where AUS Beef Tri-tip, Short Plate and Veal Tenderloin are flame-grilled over charcoal, imparting enticing smoky notes to the succulent meats.

Tim Tam Tart with Berries

Lamingtons

The dessert selection was an absolute joy, rounding off the buffet on a sweet note. Among the seasonal selections, the Tim Tam Tart with Berries was indulgently rich with chocolate, delivering a delightful nutty crunch with every bite. Lamingtons offered a simple pleasure with soft butter cake coated with desiccated coconut, executed well with just the right level of sweetness.

Passion Fruit Pavlova with Fresh Fruit

The Passion Fruit Pavlova with Fresh Fruit was another standout, crisp around the edges with a slightly chewy centre, carrying bright tropical notes of mango and passion fruit.

Bourbon, Rum & Raisin Bread Pudding

The Hot Dessert Station was particularly irresistible, featuring indulgent treats such as Salty Peanut Brownie Pudding, Bourbon, Rum & Raisin Bread Pudding, and a comforting Baked Rice Pudding with Raspberry.

OZ "Meats" Buffet is available from now to 30 April 2026.

Weekday Lunch (Monday to Friday): $88 per person
Weekday Dinner (Monday to Thursday): $102 per person
Weekend Lunch (Saturday to Sunday): $98 per person
Weekend Dinner (Friday to Sunday): $112 per person

For the months of March and April 2026, make a reservation via https://www.millenniumhotels.com/tc/sgfoodonfoot to enjoy a complimentary glass of The Orchard Cafe Signature Drink.

Photos and words by Si An. A homebody who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, the smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


The Orchard Cafe
Lobby
442 Orchard Road
Singapore 238879
Tel: +65 67396565
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Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 2.30pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to Wheelock Place. Walk to the traffic junction of Orchard Road and Angullia Park. Cross the road to the Royal Thai Embassy. Turn left and continue down Orchard Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 10 minutes. [Map]