Chengdu Bowl (成都碗) @ Tanjong Pagar - Summer Launch of Sichuanese Flavours with New Modern Takes

Chengdu Bowl (成都碗) was established in 2020, introducing its style of Sichuan tapas and rice bowls. Its newer flagship store in Tanjong Pagar offers a variety of iconic Sichuan dishes alongside creations that highlight modern twists.

Exclusive to this flagship store, diners can look forward to a new Summer Launch featuring five new dishes. It is best to make a reservation before heading down, as the restaurant can get quite busy.

Housemade Beverages

We ordered their two speciality Housemade Beverages, the Pineapple Lime Jasmine Tea ($3.80) and Grapefruit Lime Oolong Tea ($3.80). We requested less sweetness, and they were quite refreshing, perfect for washing down the upcoming spice.

Pan Fried Golden Tofu Cubes 4/5

The Pan Fried Golden Tofu Cubes ($12.80) is a new addition to the list of starters. We liked that these crunchy mouthfuls had a clean fry and were not oily, but would have preferred the batter to be just a touch thinner.

Chongqing Signature Chicken Pot 4.2/5

Served on a gas stove to keep it bubbling hot through the meal, the Chongqing Signature Chicken Pot ($27.80) was brimming with beancurd skin, potatoes and chicken. Its rich, savoury broth is thick, akin to a stew, with the potatoes simmered until soft and the chicken tender.

Fish-flavoured Shrimp Noodle 2/5

The new Fish-flavoured Shrimp Noodle ($15.80) was unfortunately underwhelming. Even though it came with a decent number of prawns, the noodles, which seemed similar to instant noodles, were overcooked and didn't manage to pick up the accompanying sweet sauce well.

Green Sichuan Pepper Fish 4/5

Another dish from the Summer Launch is the Green Sichuan Pepper Fish ($27.80), featuring dory fish slices, enoki mushrooms, black fungus, bean sprouts, and lettuce asparagus. While I found it pricey for the number of fish slices included, we enjoyed its addictive spicy broth, which provided a lingering numbness.

Juewei Spicy Hotpot with Mixed Vegetables 4.2/5

If you're looking for something to satisfy your craving for mala spice, go for the Juewei Spicy Hotpot with Mixed Vegetables ($27.80). Diners are able to opt from one of the three meat options: beef, beef omasum and braised chicken thigh, accompanied by a fixed set of ingredients, including potatoes, lotus root, sweet potato noodles and enoki mushrooms. We opted for the braised chicken thigh, which came in a substantial portion. The hotpot was authentically rich and spicy; although some may find it too oily, we didn't mind it. We especially loved the crunchy lotus root and chewy sweet potato noodles, which soaked up all the spice!

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.


Chengdu Bowl (成都碗)
120 Tanjong Pagar Road
#01-01
Singapore 088532
Tel: +65 8869 7257
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11.30am to 3pm, 5pm to 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road. Turn right onto Tanjong Pagar Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Toku Nori @ Telok Ayer Street - Reinventing Handrolls with Their Own Special, Modern and Unique Take

Toku Nori, a new Japanese restaurant, is nestled on the second and third storeys of a pre-war heritage shophouse along Telok Ayer Street. The name "Toku (特)" translates to "special" in Japanese, and true to its name, Toku Nori is reinventing handrolls with its unique touch. The 40-seater sushi bar counter dining space infuses traditional design elements of a Japanese handroll bar with contemporary aesthetics, offering an inviting ambience for a memorable dining experience.

Handroll: Hotate Roll 4/5

We began our dinner with a selection of handrolls, each crafted by the chef right before our eyes at the sushi bar counter, served and timed to individual pace. The Hotate Roll ($9), paired with yuzu koshi, lime, and chives, was a delightful start. The premium-grade japonica pearl rice, Koshihikari, provided a sublime balance of moisture, stickiness, and subtle sweetness that complemented the scallop's natural sweetness. The yuzu koshi and lime pairing heightened the overall flavour profile, making each bite a refreshing experience.

Handroll: Maguro Roll 4/5

Next, we had the Maguro Roll ($8), featuring smoked onion cream, crispy shallots, and melt-in-the-mouth maguro. The combination of flavours and textures worked harmoniously, offering a delightful textural enjoyment that left us craving more.

Handroll: Engawa Roll 4/5

The Engawa Roll ($9.5) was another highlight, aburi for a touch of smokiness before being wrapped into a roll with shiro miso and roast garlic. The slight char from the aburi added a depth of flavour that elevated the delicate engawa.

Premium Roll: Foie Gras Roll 4.2/5

For a more luxurious experience, we opted for the Foie Gras Roll ($16). The creamy foie gras, given a kiss of fire from the torch, was paired with a garlic soy glaze and spicy leek, resulting in an explosion of flavours that was both rich and satisfying.

Premium Roll: Wagyu & Uni Roll 4.5/5

The Wagyu & Uni Roll ($16) comprised of wagyu karubi, Hokkaido sea urchin, and caviar. This luxurious combination of fatty, melt-in-the-mouth wagyu, the sweetness of uni, and the umami from the caviar created a heavenly flavour profile that left us wanting more.

Izakaya Platter

Kakuni Pork Belly, Aburi Salmon Crispy Sushi, Maguro Popper, Chicken Rib 4.5/5

In addition to the sushi rolls, Toku Nori offers a selection of izakaya items. We sampled the Kakuni Pork Belly ($14/2pc), Aburi Salmon Crispy Sushi ($16/3pc), Maguro Popper ($12/3pc), and Chicken Ribs ($14). Each item was well executed, delicious, and perfectly complemented with alcohol, making them ideal for a casual night out.

Wagyu Sando 4/5

The Wagyu Sando was another standout dish. The rich, buttery wagyu was sandwiched between lightly toasted, golden brown bread. The exceptionally tender wagyu and the slight crunch of the bread created a delightful mouthfeel that was both satisfying and memorable.

Sakura Matcha Latte, Yuzu Matcha, Housemade Warabi Mochi 4.2/5

To wrap up our meal, we enjoyed the Housemade Warabi Mochi ($12), which was airy and soft, presented in three different flavours: kinoko, goma, and matcha. For matcha lovers, we had the Sakura Matcha Latte and Yuzu Matcha, both of which used ceremonial-grade premium tsuki matcha, offering a perfect balance of flavours to end our meal on a high note.

Toku Nori is a gem in the heart of Telok Ayer Street, offering a unique and modern take on traditional Japanese handrolls. Its inviting ambience, attentive service, and innovative menu make it a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the delicate art of sushi and handrolls. Toku Nori promises an exceptional dining experience that will leave you coming back for more.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Toku Nori
200A Telok Ayer Street
Singapore 068638
Tel: +65 8082 6536
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 1145am - 230pm, 530pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Turn left and walk down Telok Ayer Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk to Telok Ayer Street. Turn left onto Telok Ayer Street. Walk down Telok Ayer Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Fortuna @ Craig Road - Singapore’s First Sicilian-Neapolitan Trattoria with 50+ Hour Fermentation Pizza Dough

First started in Sydney, Fortuna at Craig Road is Singapore's first Sicilian-Neapolitan trattoria. Created by an Italian trio – master pizzaiolo Giorgio Sorce (ranked 87th worldwide), Michelin-starred chef Omar Tutino, and F&B operator Egon Marzaioli – they aim to offer authentic Sicilian and Neapolitan cuisine. This second outlet adopts the same contemporary design as the one in Sydney, delivering a welcoming, laid-back vibe.

Ricotta Mantecata

Pane Di Casa 5/5

Our meal began with a great starter: Pane Di Casa ($12), served with Ricotta Mantecata ($16). The wood-fired bread, simply dressed with salmoriglio (a Sicilian sauce made of garlic, lemon, oil, and oregano), was incredibly fluffy with a bit of chewiness. It shares the same dough as the Napoletana Pizza, which has undergone a 50+ hour fermentation. The Ricotta Mantecata, one of three dips on the menu, features ricotta jazzed up with honey and house-made Fortuna chilli. The combination of bread and dip was pure joy.

Cuoppo Di Pesce 3.5/5

For Antipasti, the Cuoppo Di Pesce ($25) showcased one of Neapolitan's popular street foods – fried calamari, elevated with garlic lemon dressing and salumi XO mayo. Three types of flour were used in the batter to achieve a light and crisp texture.

Not Just A 4 Cheeses 4.5/5

Pizza at Fortuna is crafted in the distinctive style known as the "Kingdom of the Two Sicilies," using 100% Sicilian ingredients. First, we had the Napoletana Pizza (available in 22cm or 30cm). The dough left to rise for 50 hours through a two-process fermentation, is shaped four hours later and baked in a wood-fired Valoriani oven. The flavour we tried, Not Just A 4 Cheeses ($29), combined Fior di Latte, Gorgonzola Dolce, Ricotta Salata, and Parmesan Chips with sweet fig compote to round off the cheesy flavours. This was the best, as it allowed the dough's natural taste and beautiful texture to shine.

Gambero & Stracciata 3/5

Next, we tried the Fried & Baked Pizza (22cm), which is double-cooked by frying and baking for extra crispiness. The Gambero & Stracciata ($38) featured delicious Stracciata and Gamberi di Massara toppings, but the baking process dried and toughened the fried dough, especially the portion under the toppings. Typically, based on what I had tried, fried pizza is crisp and puffy on the outside while remaining soft and chewy inside. I reckoned they could have draped the cheese over the fried dough and topped it with the other ingredients without baking it.

Truffle & Anchovies 2.5/5

The Contemporary Pizza Al Ruoto, cooked in an aluminium pan, follows a unique three-way pre-fermented dough process that takes 18 hours and achieves 80% hydration, resulting in an incredibly crunchy exterior and soft interior akin to focaccia. The Truffle & Anchovies ($42) combined walnut whipped butter, anchovies, and truffle. While the dough was delectable, the toppings and dough didn't meld together well, and the combination of anchovies and truffles needed to be more harmonious too.

‘1000’ Layers Lasagna 2.8/5

All of Fortuna's pasta is made in-house à la minute using quality flour from Naples, a balanced mix of semolina and 00 flour, local free-range eggs, and Sicilian olive oil. The '1000' Layers Lasagna ($36) is prepared the way Egon's mother in Sicily makes it, with layers of Provolone del Monaco and Bronte Pistacchio pesto. The bechamel sauce allowed the flavourful Mortadella to shine, accenting the butteriness of the provolone cheese. The nuttiness of the lasagne imparted from the Pistacchio pesto elevated the overall flavour profile. However, served cross-sectioned and pan-fried to achieve crispy edges based on the recipe, it was nostalgic but lacked the satisfaction of tucking into a hearty lasagna, feeling more like a snack than a main. And it was just too compact and flat to allow the homemade pasta to shine.

Spaghetti 3/5

The Spaghetti ($38) showcases succulent Mazzara King Prawn, served with a bisque accentuated with Fortuna Chili. The depth of crustacean flavours was impressive, but the salt level could be more restrained, as it sometimes overwhelmed the diced King Prawn.

Pollo Marinara 3.5/5

We tried Pollo Marinara ($34) for mains, a half-roasted chicken served with olive tapenade, capers, and San Marzano tomatoes. The chicken was aptly seasoned and tender, with a rustic charm.

Fortunamisu 3/5

To sum up our dinner, we had Fortunamisu ($18) for dessert. The house tiramisu is made with Savoiardi ladyfingers, Illy Caffe coffee, and chocolate crumble. The crumble's textural crunch was a nice touch, but it could have been improved by more coffee-soaked ladyfingers and a touch of bittersweet alcohol.

Opt for the full experience with their 4-course Italian set lunch at $39++. Enjoy wood-fired bread with your choice of dip, a selection of antipasti, a choice of main course, and a delightful dessert with coffee.

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.


Fortuna
7 Craig Road
Singapore 089667
Tel: +65 9115 1597
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 12pm - 230pm, 530pm - 930pm
Fri-Sat: 12pm - 230pm, 530pm - 1030pm


Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Orchid Hotel. Walk to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road and walk to Craig Road. Continue on Craig Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Cross the road and walk to Duxton Road. Walk down Duxton Road. Turn right onto Craig Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Tempura Udon by Mizuya @ Tanjong Pagar Road - $1 Salmon Sashimi Promo with Any Order Of Tempura/Udon Set

Nestled in the cosy confines of Orchid Hotel along Tanjong Pagar Road, Tempura Udon by Mizuya may not have the widespread fame of larger Japanese restaurant chains, but it certainly holds its own with quality tempura, fresh sashimi and delicious dishes. Returning here was a delightful experience, reaffirming its status as a gem for Japanese food.

Hyogo Fresh Oyster 4.5/5

We began our dinner with the fresh Hyogo Oysters ($12 for 2pcs). These oysters were impressively large, plump, briny, and creamy, offering a delightful start to our meal.

Mix Sashimi Platters 4.5/5

Next, we indulged in the Mix Sashimi Platters ($35), which featured four kinds of fresh and thickly cut sashimi. The quality of the sashimi was outstanding, and I was thoroughly impressed by the freshness and richness of each slice.

Mix Tempura Udon 4.5/5

The highlight of our dinner was the Mix Tempura Udon ($18). The bouncy and chewy udon noodles came in a light, refreshing, and flavorful dashi soup. The accompanying plate of tempura was coated in a light and crispy batter, making each bite a perfect combination of texture and taste.

Salmon Sashimi 4.8/5

Currently, the restaurant is running a promotion where any order of Tempura or Donburi Set entitles you to purchase Salmon Sashimi at one dollar per piece (maximum 5 pieces). Despite being a promotional item, the quality of the salmon sashimi was not compromised. Each piece was fat and thickly cut, offering a melt-in-the-mouth experience that was truly satisfying.

Shake Aburi Don 4/5

We concluded our meal with the Shake Aburi Don ($23). Its vibrant presentation is reminiscent of the Chinese Yusheng. After giving the bowl of ingredients a good toss, the different textures and flavours came together beautifully, creating a delicious and harmonious mouthful with each bite.

Tempura Udon by Mizuya is a delightful spot for those seeking quality Japanese cuisine in a cosy setting. The fresh Hyogo Oysters, impressive Mix Sashimi Platters, delectable Mix Tempura Udon, and the well-executed Shake Aburi Don are standout dishes that showcase the restaurant's commitment to quality. Don't miss out on their promotional Salmon Sashimi - it's an incredible deal for such high-quality sashimi. Tempura Udon by Mizuya is definitely worth a visit for an authentic and satisfying Japanese dining experience.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Tempura Udon by Mizuya
Orchid Hotel
1 Tras Link
#01-14 Singapore 078867
Facebook
Instagram
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon – Sat: 1130am – 230pm, 6pm – 1030pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT statin. Take Exit A. Walk straight to Orchid Hotel. Go around the building to the other side facing Tanjong Pagar Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Boeuf @ Teloy Ayer Street - Launches A Revamped Menu Alongside an Upgrade Weekend Free-Flow Steak Promotion

Known for its dry-aged steaks, Boeuf at Telok Ayer Street recently launched a revamped menu alongside an upgrade to its popular Weekend Free-Flow Steak promotion, including three unlimited sides.

Shrimp Avocado Salad 4.5/5

Adding to the range of appetisers available, the Shrimp Avocado Salad ($18) will certainly appeal to seafood lovers. Lightly coated with a sweet and tangy homemade whiskey cocktail sauce, the chilled shrimp boasted a succulent texture enhanced by creamy fresh avocado slices, with pops of crunch and sweetness from pomegranate seeds. Topped with lumpfish caviar, the salad's overall sweetness was punctuated by a delightful briny and salty nuance.

BBQ Short Ribs 5/5

Due to popular demand, the BBQ Short Ribs ($48), previously available only as part of a platter, are now offered à la carte. It's no wonder, given that the AUS Black Angus Short Ribs were incredibly tender and juicy, with delectably gelatinous parts. The exterior, deliciously caramelised with a blood orange glazed BBQ sauce, provided a sweet and umami complement to the beefy flavours.

Signature Dry-Aged Ribeye 3.5/5

Steak Butter

We also tried the Signature Dry-Aged Ribeye ($99) — AUS Black Angus Ribeye MB5 (400g), served with one side and one sauce of your choice. Truffle fries and steak butter are new items, also available à la carte. The steak butter, offered in three different flavours, might intrigue you for an enhanced experience. However, I didn't enjoy the ribeye as much as the short ribs, finding it slightly too chewy and lacking in flavour.

Truffle Fries 3.5/5

The fries were pretty crisp and moreish with a creamy truffle dip. However, I prefer them with a generous sprinkle of parmesan for that extra oomph.

Lemon Tart 4/5

For dessert, we had the Lemon Tart ($13 for 2 pieces). Unlike a regular lemon tart filled entirely with lemon curd, which can be overly sweet, this one was filled with whipped mascarpone flavoured with Madagascar vanilla lemon curd and a sprinkle of toasted hazelnuts, offering a more balanced sweetness.

As mentioned, Boeuf brings a new Weekend Free Flow Steak Promotion. For just $48++ per diner, enjoy endless servings of Argentinian Black Angus Ribeye Steak, grilled over a charcoal fire, with a free-flow trio of sides, including crisp skinny fries, fresh sourdough with butter, and creamed spinach. There is also a refreshing three-course set lunch ($29.90 ++ ) including an appetiser, main course, and coffee or dessert.

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.


Boeuf
159 Telok Ayer Street
Singapore 068614
Tel: +65 69701255
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 1030pm
Sat-Sun: 1130am - 330pm, 530pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Telok Ayer Street. Turn left and walk down Telok Ayer Street. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Turn left and walk down Telok Ayer Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Pura Brasa @ Tanjong Pagar - New Fiery and Smoky Menu Featuring Charcoal-grilled Creations

Pura Brasa, located directly above Tanjong Pagar MRT in Guoco Tower, is a well-known Spanish restaurant chain with its seventh outlet in Singapore. Known for serving quality Spanish comfort food, Pura Brasa is launching a new fiery and smoky menu at the end of May, featuring items made with its Josper charcoal oven. Despite being a Tuesday night, the restaurant was bustling with diners happily chatting over food and drinks.

Hand-Cut 72-Month-Aged 100% Acorn Fed Bellota Jamón Ham 4.5/5

We started with a classic appetiser: Pura Brasa's Hand-Cut 72-month-aged 100% Acorn-Fed Bellota Jamón Ham ($65/60g, $35/30g) from award-winning producer Monte Nevado. The jamón had a lovely and delicate saltiness that didn't overwhelm, making it perfect to pair with the provided slices of bruschetta.

Josper-Grilled House Smoked Wild Tasmanian Abalone 4.2/5

Presented in its shell, the tender Josper-Grilled House Smoked Wild Tasmanian Abalone ($48) carried a waft of smokiness. The portion is suitable for sharing.

Pancetta and Kale Pizza with Sour Cream 3.8/5

Pura Brasa's pizzas feature a much chewier crust. We tried the Pancetta and Kale Pizza with Sour Cream ($33). While we enjoyed the combination of roasted kale, slices of cured pork belly, and tangy sour cream, we found it a tad too salty overall.

Josper-Grilled Crispy Pork Belly with Porcini Mushroom Sauce 4.2/5

Fans of fattier cuts of pork belly must check out the Josper-Grilled Crispy Pork Belly with Porcini Mushroom Sauce ($29). Each piece of sous vide pork belly boasts a crunchy skin, while the high fat-to-meat ratio ensures the rest melts in your mouth.

Josper-Grilled Red Snapper with Panaderas Patatas and Umami Crab Sauce 4.2/5

Next on the menu was the Josper-Grilled Red Snapper with Panaderas Patatas and Umami Crab Sauce ($34). Enjoy the fish with its skin for a distinct smokiness. I thoroughly enjoyed the flaky fish meat, complemented by the crab sauce, which added bits of umami and crustacean sweetness.

30 Days Dry-Aged Australian Wagyu Ribeye

While I couldn't try the 30 Days Dry-Aged Australian Wagyu Ribeye ($33), my dining companions found it flavourful and tender. They quickly polished it off the plate.

Injeolmi Iceballs with Chocolate Comb by Sobok 3.8/5

I was surprised to see that the dessert we were having was Korean. The Injeolmi Iceballs with Chocolate Comb by Sobok ($16) featured chewy rice cake iceballs in assorted flavours, covered in ice cream and rolled in bean powder. They were topped with a sweet comb-shaped chocolate.

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.


Pura Brasa Singapore
Guoco Tower
#01-16
5 Wallich Street
Singapore 078883
Tel: +65 6386 9678
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]