Udon Shin @ Takashimaya - Tokyo’s Udon Specialist Opens First Overseas Outpost in Singapore

Fans of udon will be pleased to welcome Udon Shin, a renowned udon specialist from Tokyo boasting 14 years of experience. Its new outlet at Takashimaya marks the brand’s first international debut, bringing its beloved handmade noodles out of Japan for the very first time.

Since 2011, Udon Shin has drawn long queues at its Shibuya store, thanks to its fresh, chewy udon made entirely in-house. The brand stands by its “Four Fresh” philosophy - freshly kneaded, freshly cut, freshly boiled, and freshly fried.

Every bowl features noodles crafted daily for that signature firm, stretchy bite, while all tempura items are fried to order.

The Singapore menu offers a wide selection, from simple hot or cold udon to tempura sets, unique flavour combinations, and even customisable build-your-own bowls.

A few interesting creations that caught our attention include the Butter Shoyu Tamago Udon ($12), Tempura Cheese Butter Udon ($26) and Yuzu Wagyu Kake Udon ($42).

The space is casual and cosy, complete with an open kitchen where diners can watch the entire udon-making process from dough to bowl.

Carbonara Udon 4.2/5

The Carbonara Udon ($24) is Udon Shin’s viral signature, and though we were initially unsure about how the combination would turn out, it worked surprisingly well. The base is udon cooked in dashi, topped with a rich mix of parmesan cheese, butter, spring onions, pepper and a raw egg.

Once stirred together, each chewy strand becomes coated with a creamy, buttery sauce that stays savoury without being too heavy. The indulgent thick bacon tempura was another standout, being crisp and non-greasy.

Premium Tempura Kake Udon 4.2/5

Next was the Premium Tempura Kake Udon ($34), featuring hot udon soup paired with an assortment of tempura: two shrimps, four types of vegetables, fish and squid.

The udon once again delivered the perfect chew, while the broth offered deep umami, though it may definitely lean more salty for some. Among the tempura pieces, the tender salmon and large juicy prawns were my favourites.

Tempura Zaru Udon 4.2/5

Cold udon lovers should try the Tempura Zaru Udon ($28), which comes with two shrimps and four vegetable tempura pieces. Served on a bamboo tray with chilled dashi dipping sauce, the udon felt extra bouncy and refreshing when eaten cold. The tempura was fried just right once again.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Udon Shin
Takashimaya Shopping Centre
#B2-32
391 Orchard Road
Singapore 238873
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NE, TE Line), Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Follow the walkway through Wisma Atria to Takashimaya. Continue walking straight at Ngee Ann City until destination. Journey about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B to Orchard Road. Head west or turn left onto Orchard Road against the flow of traffic. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Kai Duck @ Takashimaya - Enjoy 30% Off Dim Sum & 50% Off Speciality Dishes For Members

Iconic Duck Specialist Kai Duck, located at Takashimaya, is turning up the indulgence with an irresistible dining promotion offering 30% off the entire dim sum menu during weekday lunch and 50% off one of six signature specialities during dinner. All you need to do is sign up for Kai Duck’s free membership programme to unlock these privileges. Known for its modern approach to Peking duck and Cantonese cuisine, Kai Duck’s menu continues to surprise with creative reimaginings of familiar favourites and well-executed classics.

Sliced Peking Duck with Crackers 4/5

Instead of the traditional crepe, the Sliced Peking Duck with Crackers ($23.20 for 4pc) is presented on crispy crackers paired with tomato and a sweet-tangy sauce. The contrast in textures — crisp cracker, tender duck, and juicy tomato — works harmoniously, while the sauce lifts the flavours and prevents the dish from feeling dry. It’s a playful and modern take on the classic that still respects its origins.

Pan-fried Siew Mai with Teriyaki Sauce 4/5

The Pan-fried Siew Mai with Teriyaki Sauce ($12.80 for 4pc) offers a refreshing twist on a dim sum staple. Plump and generously filled with minced meat and prawn, each bite bursts with flavour. The pan-fried exterior adds a slight crispness, and the teriyaki glaze imparts a savoury-sweet note that adds depth to this reinvented classic.

Deep-fried Yams and Pumpkin 4.2/5

A standout item, the Deep-fried Yam and Pumpkin ($9.80 for 3pc) impresses with its multi-layered texture. The top layer is light and crispy, followed by sweet pumpkin and fragrant yam. It is a delightful combination of crunch and softness, sweetness and earthiness. It’s a well-balanced and comforting bite that showcases the kitchen’s finesse.

Baked Pastry with Chinese Ham & Scallion 3.5/5

The Baked Pastry with Chinese Ham & Scallion ($9.80 for 3pc) features a beautifully flaky pastry topped with sesame seeds, exuding a lovely aroma. However, the filling could be more generous and robust in flavour to better match the pastry’s fragrant richness. It’s pleasant but lacks the punch of the other dishes.

Wok-fried Claypot Crab Tang Hoon with Luffa 4/5

A new addition to the menu, the Wok-fried Claypot Crab Tang Hoon with Luffa ($108) brings hearty satisfaction. The glass noodles absorb the savoury-sweet essence of the crustaceans, making every strand intensely flavourful. The crab is fresh and succulent, while the luffa adds a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of the dish.

Kai Duck continues to impress with its thoughtful modern interpretations of Chinese cuisine. With the 30% off dim sum and 50% off speciality dishes for members, it’s the perfect opportunity to revisit or discover this contemporary duck specialist at a great value.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Kai Duck
Takashimaya
391 Orchard Road
#05-10/11
Singapore 238872
Tel: +65 62355419
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line), Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 1130am - 3pm, 545pm - 10pm
Fri: 1130am - 5pm, 545pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 11am - 5pm, 545pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Follow the walkway through Wisma Atria to Takashimaya. Continue walking straight at Ngee Ann City until destination. Journey about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B to Orchard Road. Head west or turn left onto Orchard Road against the flow of traffic. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Ginger.Lily @ Hilton Singapore Orchard - New Afternoon Tea Chapter, "A Symphony of Origins: Terroir and Bloom"

The next chapter in Ginger.Lily's storybook-inspired afternoon tea concept invites guests to discover "A Symphony of Origins: Terroir and Bloom", a collaboration between Michelin-starred Chef Adrien Descouls and Hilton Singapore Orchard's Executive Sous Chef Cindy Khoo. Inspired by the landscapes, traditions, and artistry that define their culinary journeys, this menu is a whimsical tribute to heritage and nature reimagined on the plate.

From savoury creations that echo the volcanic soils and rolling hills of Chef Adrien's native Auvergne, to delicate pastries where Chef Cindy infuses French precision with Japanese finesse, each bite tells a story of place, memory, and imagination. Together, they present an afternoon tea experience that is both refined and poetic, a celebration of origins transformed into flavours that linger.

Afternoon tea at Ginger.Lily is available in two seatings, 1:00pm to 3:00pm and 3:30pm to 5:30pm. The experience is priced at $78++ per diner and includes one glass of cocktail or mocktail and two pots of tea, with a minimum of two diners required. Guests are kindly encouraged to inform the team of any dietary restrictions at the time of reservation.

Tea Scent Bar

Before diving into the food, I must first share my love for the artisanal tea selection, thoughtfully curated with Pryce Tea. The offerings are pretty special, featuring floral and fruity blends such as Vanda Miss Joaquim, Pink Ginger.Lily, Forest Berries, Kyoho Oolong, and Shizuoka Muskmelon. There is a tea scent bar, where guests can smell the various tea blends before making a choice. Coffee is also available, with a regular selection of black coffee, Americano, Latte, Flat White and Cappuccino.

Peach Sour Mocktail

Guests are also treated to a welcome drink, either the Champignon "Mushrooms" Cocktail, an interesting blend of sous-vide shiitake, Lapsang Souchong tea, and Stranger & Sons gin, or the Peach Sour Mocktail, crafted with Hakuto peach oolong, slow-pressed guava, and yuzu. We opted for the mocktail, which was bright, refreshing, and a perfect start to the afternoon.

Huître - Oyster

To begin, we were served freshly shucked Oysters, delicately paired with floral tea jelly, lemongrass, and a hint of vin jaune.

Shepherds’ Truffle Broth

The next course was a heartwarming Shepherds’ Truffle Broth, where the velvety richness of Marabel potatoes blended with cheese, finished with fresh truffle shavings for an earthy, comforting, and luxurious touch.

Tartare de Bœuf

The Tartare de Bœuf features Fin Gras du Mézenc, a prized beef from the Auvergne region, paired with spiced tea and a roasted artichoke sabayon. Whilst this is of course meant to be served raw, I opted to have the beef cooked to suit my preference. It is a tasty, moreish appetiser.

Savouries In A Pink Box

The selection of savoury tea treats arrived in a charming pink, storybook-like box. On the top layer were the Pink Radish Flower Tarte, Cold-Smoked Trout, and Hen’s Egg with French Caviar, all of which I thoroughly enjoyed.

Pink Radish Flower Tarte

Cold-smoked Trout

The Pink Radish Flower Tarte was so pretty, and had vegetable top pesto as well as beurre noisette. The Cold-smoked Trout was a delicate finger sandwich with strained fresh cheese and some ikura.

Hen’s Egg with French Caviar

In particular, the Hen’s Egg with French Caviar was a luxurious miniature masterpiece, featuring a smooth vodka mousse crowned with exquisite French caviar, and with a whisper of umami from dashi.

Drawer of Sandwiches

In one of the drawers, there were heartier savoury options. There was the Seven-Grain French Baguette with Beef Ham and creamy Saint-Nectaire cheese, alongside the Slow-Cooked Veal Milk Bread Bun. However, there was too much bread for me, and this was quite filling.

Sweet Ending - In A Blue Box

The dessert selection was a charming array of inventive sweets, beautifully presented in a storybook-like box.

Plate of 4 Sweets

The Hakuto Peach Chouquette was a delicate puff, layered with herb gel, peach tea, and framboise jam, while the Pink Lady Macaron combined black sesame praline with a subtly tea-infused ganache. The Tarte aux Amandes with Avocado paired creamy avocado whip with tangy lemon crémeux for a surprisingly fresh twist, dressed with delicate purple edible flowers. There were also soft, fragrant Hojicha Honey Madeleines, glazed with a honey olive drizzle.

Hokkaido Potato Churros

I was very pleasantly surprised by the Golden Hokkaido Potato Churros, which were served hot and crispy, and tasted like a cross between French fries and sweet churros. These were super good! It was also served with a bright kumquat cream for dipping.

Berries en Fleurs Gâteau

The Berries en Fleurs Gâteau was a decadent composition of tea-infused crémeux, freeze-dried raspberries, and rich Botanique en Fleurs 68% house-blend chocolate.

Scones

No afternoon tea is complete without scones and Ginger.Lily offering features Tahitian Vanilla and Strawberry Scones, accompanied by passionfruit compote, lychee muscat marmalade, and rich clotted cream.

Overall, it was a thoughtfully curated afternoon tea experience, with lovely presentation, nuanced flavours, and a delightful play of floral and fruity notes that I really enjoyed. Warm and thoughtful service too from the team, who made our afternoon very enjoyable and relaxing.

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


Ginger.Lily
Hilton Singapore Orchard
Level 5
333 Orchard Road
Singapore 238867
Tel: +65 6831 6273
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Nearest MRT: Somerset MRT (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 8am to 1am

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to ground level. Turn left onto Orchard Road. Walk down Orchard Road. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Marché Singapore @ 313 Somerset - Explore The Refreshed Food Lovers’ Place with A New Bakery and Revamped Dining Hall

313@somerset’s Marché Singapore has reopened after renovations, now welcoming guests to its refreshed and rebranded ‘Food Lovers’ Place’. The updated space introduces a brand new bakery and café corner on the ground floor, complementing the familiar basement dining hall. To mark the occasion, the bakery has also launched a new tiramisu for diners looking for a sweet treat.

The dining hall’s former Swiss chalet theme has been replaced with a brighter, livelier interior, creating a more vibrant atmosphere. While the food stations remain, the focus is still firmly on freshly prepared dishes made with quality produce.

Marché continues to make everything in-house, from freshly baked breads to hearty hot meals and its wide range of desserts.

Authentic Swiss Rosti Plain 4.2/5

No visit to Marché feels complete without their signature rosti, so we headed straight for it. The Authentic Swiss Rosti Plain ($13.90) was as hearty as we remembered. It was crisp and golden on the outside without being greasy. We added Hearty Mushroom Ragout ($8.90), Velvety Sour Cream ($1.90), and Spicy Chorizo Sausage ($8.90) as toppings.

German Pork Knuckle 4/5

Whole Roasted Chicken 4/5

For meats, we went with two of the restaurant’s signatures, the German Pork Knuckle ($34.40 for Half) and Whole Roasted Chicken ($33). Both delivered on flavour, but the roasted chicken definitely stood out for its juiciness.

Ocean Platter 3/5

From the seafood station, we tried the Ocean Platter ($35.90). While the prawn had a pleasant char and the squid was cooked to a tender bite, the salmon and barramundi were unfortunately on the dry side for us. The portion was also smaller than expected.

Smoked Duck Breast Pizza 4/5

Right across from the seafood counter is the fresh pasta and pizza station. We opted for the Smoked Duck Breast Pizza ($29.90), which arrived fresh from the oven with a thin, crisp crust. The combination of smoky duck slices, melted cheese, and other toppings made for a balanced sweet-savoury flavour.

Banana Chocolate Coconut Crumble 4/5

For dessert, we followed the staff’s recommendation and ordered the Banana Chocolate Coconut Crumble ($8.90). It was a good end to the meal with its balanced sweetness and crumbly texture.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Marché Singapore
313@somerset
#01-40
313 Orchard Road
Singapore 238895
Tel: +65 6593 1703
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Website
Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 11am - 930pm
Fri: 11am - 1030pm
Sat: 10am - 1030pm
Sun: 10am - 930pm

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