Big Wine Freaks @ Bukit Pasoh Road - Champagne and Wine Restaurant with Ingredient-forward Cuisine

Big Wine Freaks at Bukit Pasoh is a Champagne and wine restaurant with an outstanding wine selection that showcases labels from a new generation of star producers, natural wines from renowned French regions, and rare picks from unique micro-farms. Channelling the same electric energy as their Moscow origins, the space is brought to life by Sabrina Bignami and Alessandro Capellaro of B-Arch Architectural Bureau in Florence. It's an expressive blend of light, colour, and texture, a setting that speaks about the experience that they want to offer. Their ingredient-forward menu features a raw seafood bar, bite-sized starters, vegetables, and mains cooked over an open-fire grill.

Oysters 3.5/5

Daily from 5.30pm to 7pm is the time for Aperitivo ($58), which I believe is the best way to soak in the atmosphere of Big Wine Freaks. We were served a Cichetti Assortment comprising Oysters, Trout Gravlax, Parma Ham, Arancini, and Padron Peppers.

Parma Ham 4/5

Trout Gravlax 5/5

There was plenty to love about this assortment. It offered a satisfying balance of cold and hot starters and, more importantly, the rich mouthfeel and savouriness that pair beautifully with their wines and Champagne. Both the Parma Ham and Trout Gravlax stood out for their indulgent textures, especially the latter, with its tangy and mustardy toast and delicate ribbons of gravlax that paired perfectly with the glass of Gounel-Lassalle Esprit Voyager we had.

Padron Peppers 4.5/5

Arancini 4.5/5

The Arancini were well executed too. Encased in a crisp golden crust was a molten mixture of rice, mozzarella, and Jamon, made even more indulgent with the accompanying aioli. Rounding off the plate, the blistered Padron Peppers were juicy and vibrant, adding a fresh green bite that nicely balanced the lineup.

Octopus 3/5

The mains feature selections from the Josper Basque Grill. The Octopus ($58) was incredibly well cooked, with a texture and flavour that stood out as one of the better renditions I've had. Unfortunately, the dish was slightly let down by an oversprinkle of finishing salt.

Beef Short Rib 3/5

For the Beef Short Rib ($46), while the meat wasn't as tender as hoped, it made up for it with flavour. The caramelised, charred exterior imparted a depth and smokiness that was deeply satisfying.

Donut 4.5/5

Dessert was a pure joy. The fluffy Donuts, filled with berry jam and custard, were a delightful way to end the meal. While I would have preferred the custard to be a touch lighter, the overall experience was still indulgent and comforting.

There's also a noticeable attention to detail when it comes to presentation. Each dish is served on dinnerware by Ginori 1735, the renowned Florentine porcelain house now under the creative direction of Alessandro Michele. The wine-by-the-glass list is equally thoughtful, featuring over 40 rotating options that highlight fresh finds from their cellar. Every glass is served in exceptional stemware, featuring brands such as Zalto from Austria, Sydonios from France, and Kimura from Japan, which further elevates the overall experience.

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


Big Wine Freaks
44 Bukit Pasoh Road
Singapore 089857
Tel: +65 6019 0765
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Nearest MRT: Outram Park (EW, NE, TE Line)

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

Direction:
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 4. Turn right and walk down Teo Hong Road. Walk to Bukit Pasoh Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Alegria @ Teck Lim Road - New Menu Brings Brazilian Flair and Filipino Soul Together

Alegria, located at the heart of Keong Saik district, specialises in Latin Asian cuisine reimagined with Asian and European influences. Their newly launched menu draws from Peruvian, Mexican, and Brazilian flavours, with unmistakable Filipino touches woven throughout.

Pão de Queijo 5/5

We started with a brilliant lineup of starters. The Pão de Queijo ($15), Brazil's iconic cheese bread, arrived warm and chewy, served with house-fermented basil butter. The herbaceous butter beautifully complemented the cheesy interior, making these morsels utterly moreish.

Coxinha 5/5

Next came the Coxinha ($16), a classic Brazilian chicken croquette and a first for me. I braced for a heavy, cheesy filling, but Alegria's version surprised me with its lightness. Encased in a crisp crust, the mashed potato dough encased a well-seasoned shredded chicken filling that had a subtle curry-like warmth. The balance of crunch, fluff and spice all come together in each bite, deliciously satisfying without being cloying.

Sisig Taco 4.5/5

Alegria truly shines with its tacos. Made fresh in-house from corn flour, the tortillas were soft, warm, and gently fluffy. The Sisig Taco ($19) offered a creative spin on the Filipino staple, topped with zesty salsa and a creamy dinakdakan sauce. While the pork belly had a tougher bite than expected, almost like fried pancetta, the flavour was spot on, savoury and vibrant.

Pescado Taco 4.5/5

The Pescado Taco ($19) showcased firm but tender and flaky Baja-style fried fish encased in a light, crisp batter. A zingy salsa and sweet charred corn brought brightness and contrast, while the chipotle mayo tied everything together with a smoky, creamy finish.

Seafood Moqueca 3.5/5

Among the mains, the Seafood Moqueca ($34) was a comforting Brazilian seafood stew, especially when paired with savoury sinangag rice. Vibrant with the flavours of capsicum and curry, the prawns were cooked just right. It was succulent and tender. However, the stew leaned noticeably sweet overall. A touch of acidity or heat helped cut through the richness and brought better balance to the dish.

Pollo Asado 5/5

The standout main was the Pollo Asado ($34), which consisted of a woodfire-grilled half chicken glazed in achiote and cilantro crema. Instead of grilling the chicken whole, it was portioned into three, allowing each piece to achieve deeper caramelisation and smoky char. Juicy and flavourful, it was elevated further by adding tangy pineapple kimchi that cut through the richness of the crispy skin.

Churros 5/5

We ended on a sweet note with Churros ($15) served with a Dulce de Leche dip. Perfectly fried, they were crispy outside and airy inside. These were among the best I've had, leaving a lasting impression.

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.


Alegria
18 Teck Lim Road
Singapore 088390
Tel: 82604742/62231553
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Nearest MRT: Outram Park (EW, NE, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 10am - 11pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk straight down New Bridge Road. Turn right onto Kreta Ayer Road. Walk down Kreta Ayer Road. Turn right onto Keong Saik Road. Walk down Keong Saik Road. Turn left onto Teck Lim Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Maggie's @ Keong Saik Road - The Rebellious Sister of Marcy that Serves Up Boundary-Pushing Chinese Cuisine

Meet Maggie's — Marcy's mei mei, a.k.a. darling little sister. If Marcy's is all elegance and polish, Maggie's is the rebellious one who rolls up her sleeves, throws caution to the wind, and serves up a daring, boundary-pushing adventure for your taste buds.

Maggie's blends the old with the new, East with West, bold with refined. An "Almost Chinese" bistro that plays by no one's rules, Maggie's celebrates flavour that doesn't bow to tradition. Instead, it dances on the edge, leading a high-energy, flavour revolution that leaves you craving more. Led by Chef Ryan Nile Choo, the menu at Maggie's is kept concise, meant to be enjoyed in a sharing style, and will be refreshed every quarter. The current iteration of the menu is rather adventurous, featuring dishes such as cod milt, quail, and lamb tartare.

First, the space is absolutely stunning. The low ceilings and vibey red lighting set the perfect mood, blending vintage 'grandma chic' with a touch of '70s glamour. It's a space that feels both nostalgic and effortlessly cool, like stepping into a time capsule where vintage elegance meets modern edge. There are lots of little thoughtful details in the décor, so take the time to soak it all in.

"Golden Gun" Cigars 4.5/5

The first dish we tried was the "Golden Gun" Cigars ($18 for 2 pc). These feature bigeye tuna crudo mixed with olive leaves (kana chai) and wrapped in a crispy, golden skin like a spring roll. It's finished with a dusting of tomato powder and served on a bed of crème fraiche and spring onions. I loved how the olive leaves added a unique subtle, earthy note to the dish.

Golden Prawn Croque-Madame 4.8/5

Next up was the Golden Prawn Croque-Madame ($25), and wow, what an excellent flavour combination! A Tiger Prawn "Mojo" prawn paste infused with Sichuan green peppercorns for that signature mala kick is sandwiched between two thin, crispy slices of homemade focaccia. There's also a fried egg on top, and it's all tied together with a refreshing passionfruit hollandaise that adds a burst of tangy creaminess to balance out the slight mala heat.

Fufu e Pepe 4.2/5

The Fufu e Pepe ($26) was the polarising dish of the evening. Inspired by the classic Caccio e Pepe, hand-pulled La Mian is coated with a sauce made with fermented bean curd and tossed with guanciale pecorino and Jinhua ham. The flavours are deep and intense, with the Jinhua ham adding a smoky richness as well. Some might consider this dish way too pungent to enjoy. However, for those who relish adventurous, complex tastes, this is a dish worth trying.

Roasted Pomfret 4.2/5

The Roasted Pomfret ($36 half, $58 whole) can be ordered as a half or full portion and is cooked with green peppercorn salsa verde and extra virgin olive oil. The fish is fresh and delicious, with a subtle mala spiciness that adds an additional layer of flavour. However, do note that the fish isn't fully de-boned, and the dim lighting can make it tricky to navigate, so take your time to work your way through this dish.

Maggie’s 8 Treasures 4/5

For dessert, we enjoyed Maggie's 8 Treasures ($16), a combination of glutinous rice, red date gelato, red bean cloud, longans, jujubes, and peanut brittle. I liked the date ice cream and peanut brittle, but I found the glutinous rice element too heavy for dessert; it felt like a lot to digest at the end of the meal.

Maggie's is a promising newcomer to Keong Saik Road. It offers diners an innovative and exciting experience paired with a beautifully designed ambience. It's very suitable for a date or girl's night out. As they continue to refresh the menu for future runs, I hope they keep some of the standout dishes from this iteration, like the prawn croque madame, which is unforgettable!

Penned by Shermine. Through her pictures and stories, she shares her journey of savouring new flavours and experiences. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Maggie's
1 Keong Saik Road
#01-04
Singapore 089109
Tel: +65 9622 6679
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Nearest MRT: Outram Park (EW, NE, TE Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu, Sun: 530pm - 1030pm
Fri-Sat: 530pm - 1130pm

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]

Bonjour by Ma Cuisine @ Craig Road - Breakfast With A Parisian Vibe

The much-beloved Michelin-starred Ma Cuisine has introduced Bonjour by Ma Cuisine, capturing a Parisian bistro's casual and relaxed charm. Sharing the same space at Craig Road, the menu is crafted with classic French breakfast and lunch favourites, reimagined with a modern touch.

Poireaux Vinaigrette 4/5

For appetisers, we tried the Poireaux Vinaigrette ($15.80) and a Lyonnaise speciality, Quenelle De Brochet Sauce Nantua ($20.80). The first is a traditional French dish featuring leeks slow-cooked to tender perfection, drizzled with a tangy mustard vinaigrette, and topped with delicate mimosa egg crumbles. I love leeks, and this dish didn't disappoint — their almost creamy texture was beautifully complemented by the bright acidity of the vinaigrette and the richness of the egg crumbles, with crispy mini bread crumbles adding a satisfying contrast.

Quenelle De Brochet Sauce Nantua 5/5

The Quenelle De Brochet ($20.80) pays homage to Lyon's culinary heritage. It is similar to our fish paste but with a much softer, almost creamy texture and a subtly milky taste. The accompanying sauce, Nantua — a luxurious crayfish butter sauce enriched with cream and Cognac — adds depth of flavour while further enhancing the dish's rich, velvety mouthfeel.

Croque Madame Truffé 4/5

For a more breakfast-leaning option, the bistro's Croque Madame Truffé ($28.80) takes indulgence to the next level. Extra-crispy, thin and buttery sourdough encases truffle, Comté cheese, and ham. But what truly stole the show for me was the beautifully and meticulously executed sunny-side-up egg — its golden yolk glistening in a deep orangey hue, beckoning to be unveiled.

Linguine au Parmesan 4.5/5

Another much-raved-about dish is the handmade Linguine au Parmesan ($14.90). Tossed in a sauce made with 24-month-aged Parmigiano Reggiano, the handmade tagliatelle was cooked to the perfect doneness, allowing it to uphold the richness of the sauce while remaining surprisingly light on the palate. Personally, I would have enjoyed it even more with a crack of coarse black pepper.

Coquelet Français Rôti 4.5/5

The Coquelet Français Rôti ($19.90), a rustic French spring roast chicken seasoned with herbes de Provence, garlic, and butter, was simple but well executed. It offered crisped skin and succulent, flavourful meat.

Trou Normand 4/5

Crème Caramel 5/5

We tried the Trou Normand ($12.60) and Crème Caramel ($9.80) for desserts. The first was a scoop of apple sorbet with a shot of Calvados Château du Breuil 15 YO, delivering a boozy and refreshing kick that awakened my senses. The latter was a comforting classic, featuring a smooth, decadent custard dressed in bittersweet caramelised sugar.

To round off the experience, sip on a glass of wine or indulge in classic French apéritifs such as Kir Royal and Mimosa.

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.


Bonjour Ma Cuisine
39 Craig Road
Singapore 089677
Tel: +65 9627 1058
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Maxwell (TE Line), Outram Park (EW, NE, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8am - 230pm
(Closed on Sat & Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Walk to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road. Walk to Craig Road. Turn left and walk down Craig Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to Duxton Plain Park. Turn right and walk to Neil Road. Cross the road using the underpass. Take the staircase and walk to Craig Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

3) Aloght at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Walk down Neil Road. Cross the road at the junction of Craig Road and Neil Road. Turn left onto Craig Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Nomada @ Keong Saik - Where Tradition Meets Bold Perspective, Where Every Flavour Tells A Story

A recent addition to the lively Keong Saik restaurant scene, Nómada has quickly become a buzzworthy spot, even drawing a full house on a weekday evening when we visited. Chef Gonzalo Landin, formerly of Binomio and Set of Six, brings his global culinary expertise to the table, serving Spanish cuisine with a modern, innovative twist.

The décor at Nómada showcases rustic Spanish charm with a sleek, contemporary elegance, featuring warm lighting and earthy tones. For private events, there's also a curtained-off area towards the back of the restaurant for a more intimate setting.

Upon reviewing the menu, it's clear that Chef Landin doesn't shy away from incorporating adventurous ingredients, making Nómada an exciting choice even for the seasoned foodie. If you're game to try something a little different, there's chicken liver, ox tongue and even pig ears on the menu! But don't worry if that's not for you — the à la carte format ensures everyone can choose something you'll enjoy.

Homemade Flatbread with Za’atar 4/5

We started our dinner with the Homemade Flatbread with Za'atar ($16), a starter featuring Za'atar — a traditional Middle Eastern spice blend. This aromatic mix typically combines dried oregano, thyme, sumac, and toasted sesame seeds. The flatbread was soft and pillowy, topped with goat cheese and rocket.

Grilled Oyster with Spicy Sobrasada 3/5

Next, we were served Grilled Oyster with Spicy Sobrasada (2pcs, $16), which had a vibrant presentation thanks to the sobrasada. This soft spread, made from cured pork sausage and seasoned with paprika and other spices, brings a smoky flavour to the dish. However, the combination of the spicy sobrasada and the oyster didn't particularly complement each other.

Squids, Lemon & Parsley Sauce with Squid Ink Emulsion 4.2/5

I much preferred the Squid with Lemon & Parsley Sauce and Squid Ink Emulsion ($26), where the lemon and parsley sauce really stood out. Zesty and fresh, it was so delicious that I found myself going back for more. The squid itself was sufficiently tender with a slight chewiness, the subtle taste of the squid allowing the brightness of the sauce to shine through.

Braised Short Ribs on the Bone with Cauliflower 4/5

The Braised Short Ribs on the Bone with Cauliflower ($38) was a comforting dish that delivered hearty, savoury flavours. The short ribs were cooked very well, with a fork-tender texture. However, the dish gets a bit heavy and slightly oily after a while, so it's best to share it.

Iberico Pork Chop, Apple Cider Gels and Hipsy Cabbage 4.5/5

Between the beef and pork dishes we tried, we unanimously agreed that the Iberico Pork Chop, Apple Cider Gels and Hipsy Cabbage ($38) was our preferred choice. The pork chop was juicy and tender, with a hint of pink in the centre. We also loved the apple cider gel's subtle sweetness and tanginess, which added a lovely balance to the taste of the pork. The apple cider gel is also something interesting and different from the apple sauce you usually get with pork chops.

Iberico Pluma Rice 4.8/5

I was very impressed with the Iberico Pluma Rice ($68), a paella dish served in a large, shallow pan. The rice was rich and savoury, having absorbed the full depth of the broth and seasonings. The texture of the rice was slightly chewy, offering a substantial mouthfeel and delightfully crispy bits at the bottom and sides. Cooked with Iberico Pluma, a tender cut of pork, this dish satisfied my paella cravings.

Custard & Nutmeg Tart with Salted Caramel Ice Cream 4/5

At first glance, I mistook this for a cheesecake, and perhaps it was inspired by the cheesecake and given a little twist. The Custard & Nutmeg Tart, paired with Salted Caramel Ice Cream ($16), featured a velvety custard filling, subtly spiced with nutmeg, whilst the salted caramel ice cream lent this dessert a sweet and salty creaminess.

Nómada's menu is different from traditional Spanish restaurants, with a style sure to appeal to those who enjoy bold, intense flavours. The restaurant features an open-concept kitchen, allowing diners to watch the chefs at work, though it also means you might leave with a slight smokiness on your clothes.

Penned by Shermine. Through her pictures and stories, she shares her journey of savouring new flavours and experiences. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Nomada
1 Keong Saik Road
#01-05
Singapore 089109
Tel: +65 8209 7809
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Nearest MRT: Outram Park (DT, EW, TE Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 230pm, 530pm - 1030pm
Sat: 530pm - 1030pm
(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]