KUN (坤) Omakase @ Amoy Street - An Omakase Style Course Meal Paired with Tongue-tingling Thrill of Sichuan Cuisine

Conveniently located in Telok Ayer, KUN (坤) offers the elegance and refinement of an omakase-style course meal paired with the tongue-tingling thrill of Sichuan cuisine. The space is intimate yet sophisticated, with sleek, minimalist decor and bar counter seating that offers guests a front-row view of the chefs in action. Hailing from Sichuan, China, the chefs bring their expertise and passion to each dish, showcasing their culinary skills and artistry. I also loved the tasteful choice of crockery; every dish was served on beautifully designed plates and bowls, enhancing each dish's aesthetics.

In addition to their signature seasonal 8-course ($168++) and 10-course ($289++) dinner menus, KUN has recently introduced a new 8-course Seafood and Crab Feast ($168++). The menu highlights the vibrant, fresh flavours of the ocean while taking diners on a journey through the bold, evolving layers of Sichuan spices. As the meal progresses, the intensity of the flavours deepens, a blend of heat and complexity that is just so satisfying for the tastebuds.

Varieties of Pickled Vegetables 3.5/5

The first dish to arrive is a Varieties of Pickled Vegetables, presented in a long glass vessel. Served in a specific order — from left to right — the selection includes tangy and spicy bamboo shoots, navel orange-infused winter melon, and savoury, spicy cherry radish. Each bite offers some crunch and a mild tanginess that awakens the palate. It is a refreshing prelude to the rest of the dinner menu.

Seafood Crab Meat Soup 4.5/5

The Seafood Crab Meat Soup is the lightest dish on the menu, designed to allow diners to fully appreciate the natural sweetness of the Canadian clams and flower crab leg. The consommé is delicate and clear, having been steamed for 6 hours to draw out all the flavour of the seafood. There are also succulent pieces of clam and crab meat in the soup.

Live Scotland Bamboo Clams with Red Oil Garlic 4.5/5

The Live Scotland Bamboo Clams with Red Oil Garlic showcases plump pieces of bamboo clams coated in a fragrant, spicy garlic red oil dressing made fresh daily. This aromatic dressing imparts a mild yet captivating heat. For some contrast in texture, crunchy Dongbei fungus is added, and ikura is also mixed into the sauce.

Cold Rice Noodles with Homemade Red Oil dressing 4.5/5

I was excited for the dish of Cold Rice Noodles with Homemade Red Oil dressing and was intrigued by how the rice noodles were expertly shaved off a whole piece of noodle dough and neatly folded into a bowl. Thicker than kway teow and made from a blend of rice and pea flour, the noodles are soft and pleasantly smooth. This dish is a summertime staple in Sichuan, with chilled noodles tossed in a fragrant red chilli oil dressing. The default spice level is "zhong la," or medium spicy, but you can request extra spice or a milder version in advance, depending on your preference. The combination of refreshing noodles and the zing of chilli oil makes it a perfect dish for a warm day.

Stir-Fried Flower Crab with Crispy Golden Beans 4.8/5

The Stir-Fried Flower Crab with Crispy Golden Beans was undoubtedly the showstopper of the evening. Each diner is served their own flower crab, expertly cooked in the classic Sichuan "dry fry" method. It involves flash-frying the ingredients to lock in their flavours before tossing them with aromatic seasonings and spices reminiscent of La Zi Chicken. The result is a perfectly cooked crab that is so fragrant and incredibly tasty. We all eagerly put on our gloves and used our hands and a little fork to crack open the crab and dig into the sweet flesh. Though the crab isn't very meaty — a deliberate choice by the chefs — it encourages diners to fully immerse themselves in the experience, sucking at the crab legs and savouring the spices that coat every bite.

Red Oil Xiao Long Bao 4.2/5

Following the flower crab is a dish of two steamed Red Oil Xiao Long Baos. These dumplings contain Brazilian pork filling, coated in a sweet and sour red oil dressing, and finished with a sprinkling of homemade chilli powder. The dumplings are quite good, retaining their rich soup and offering a juicy bite, but the skin could be slightly thinner.

Seafood Rice Bowl 4.2/5

To conclude the savoury courses, we had an umami-packed Seafood Rice Bowl featuring black tiger shrimp, dried scallop, crab meat, and tofu with a rich salted egg sauce. The ingredients were served atop a bed of Japanese pearl rice, which perfectly absorbed the tasty sauce. Mix it all up and enjoy! It's a satisfying, hearty dish that filled us up.

Murasaki Imo Momo 4.2/5

After the richness of the meal, the Murasaki Imo Momo dessert is a lovely and refreshing combination of sweet peach ice cream balls paired with purple sweet potato balls, which contain a blend of honey, condensed milk and coconut. The sweet potato itself is not too sweet, and hidden inside is a piece of seasonal fruit such as melon.

Overall, it's a thoughtfully presented course menu that indulges diners in the tasty flavours of premium seafood infused with Sichuan-style elements for a perfect balance of heat and aromatic complexity. The chefs demonstrate impressive skill, carefully managing the spices so as not to overpower the delicate seafood. Instead, they enhance its natural sweetness and depth, allowing diners to fully appreciate the taste of each ingredient. The layers of spice provide a memorable kick without overwhelming the palate.

For those craving even more crab, seasonal hairy crab is available as an add-on for just $18! Additionally, KUN offers personalised menus upon request, with three days' advance notice, allowing diners to customise their dining experience to suit their preferences.

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.


KUN Omakase
72 Amoy Street
Singapore 069893
Tel: +65 8785 6997
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon, Wed-Sun: 12pm - 2pm, 6pm - 11pm
(Closed on Tue)

Direction:

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

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

Shabu Shabu Sumire An @ 100AM Mall - All You Can Eat Shabu Shabu

Located next door to Yakiniku Gyubei is Royal Shoji's second concept, Shabu Shabu Sumire An, which brings us the beloved Japanese hotpot experience. Shabu Shabu Sumire An also offers a highly competitive lunch deal, allowing guests to choose from options like Pork Belly, US Beef Chuck Roll, US Strip Loin, or Wagyu Beef Chuck Eye Roll. In addition to 1 serving of main protein, diners can enjoy unlimited servings of rice, noodles, vegetables, and desserts — all within a 60-minute time limit. This all-you-can-eat experience is a great option for those looking to indulge in a hearty lunch.

During our visit, we also tasted the Hokkaido Silky Pork Belly featured on their dinner menu. The pork had a remarkably clean taste that I thoroughly enjoyed. The chef thoughtfully paired it with Konbu Dashi to allow us to fully appreciate the high quality of the pork. While the pork was undeniably excellent, I found the Konbu Dashi too light for my preferences.

Not to worry though, guests can choose their preferred two soups from a selection of six options - Signature Black Sesame-based Spicy Soup, Kombu Dashi, Spicy Miso Dashi, Soy Milk Dashi, Chicken Broth Dashi, and Tomato Dashi.

The vegetable counter offers a wide selection of vegetables to cook in your hotpot, including my favourite- pumpkin!

There were also somen noodles paired with a hot dipping sauce, which was a nice touch. I recommend adding some yuzu kosho and spring onions into the sauce for a refreshing citrusy kick.

To end, there is also a dessert counter with a small selection of fresh-cut fruits and some ice creams.

Whenever you're in the mood for Japanese hotpot, Shabu Shabu Sumire An is a good option for those seeking comforting, quality Japanese dining experiences at accessible price point. 

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


Shabu Shabu Sumire An
100AM Mall
100 Tras Street
#03-11
Singapore 079027
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 3pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk towards Gopeng Street and turn into Tras Street. Walk to Amara Hotel. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Racines @ Sofitel Singapore City Centre - Feasts Of Fortune to Usher in Year of the Snake

This Lunar New Year, Sofitel Singapore City Centre celebrates the season of prosperity and reunion with thoughtfully curated culinary experiences, blending traditional flavours with modern touches. Over at Racines, the Fortune Set Lunches and Dinners curated are 4-course set lunch and 5-course set dinner, perfect for gatherings with loved ones or even business lunches.

Bountiful 8-Grain Yu Sheng (Tasting portion) 4/5

Begin the feast with an auspicious toss of Yu Sheng. The Bountiful 8-Grain Yu Sheng (Vegetarian) ($48/$88/$138), a new creation for the season, symbolizes an abundant harvest. Designed with health-conscious diners in mind, it features a wholesome mix of grains and seeds, including black-eyed beans, quinoa, pumpkin seeds, and millet, offering delightful textures.

Double-boiled Chicken Soup 5/5

The next course, a Double-boiled Chicken Soup with Dried Scallop and Cordycep Blossoms, impressed with its comforting sweetness and deep flavours, making it a crowd favourite.

Pen Cai 4.5/5

Another quintessential dish, Chef Andrew's Pen Cai, combines an opulent array of ingredients, such as abalone, scallops, prawns, pork belly, duck, pork tendon, fish maw, braised sea cucumber, fatt choy, and truffle. The sauce had a nice, savoury depth of flavour without being overly rich.

Deep-fried Tiger Prawn in Curry Garlic Aioli 3/5

The Deep-fried Tiger Prawn in Curry Garlic Aioli added a modern flair to the menu. While the batter was slightly greasy, the prawn itself was succulent, with a satisfying texture.

Hakka-style Pork Belly with Taro 4.5/5

The Hakka-style Pork Belly with Taro, a nostalgic recipe passed down in Chef Andrew's family since the 1970s, exuded a sense of homely comfort. Its richness was best enjoyed with a warm bowl of white rice.

Cod Fish with Yuzu Butter Sauce 4/5

Another dish that offered a contemporary twist to a Lunar New Year staple was the Cod Fish with Yuzu Butter Sauce. The fish was perfectly moist and flaky, while the yuzu butter sauce added a delightful balance of richness and citrusy brightness.

Hor Yip Fan 5/5

The highlight was the most aesthetically pleasing Hor Yip Fan (Steamed Waxed Meat Rice and Chinese Sausage in Lotus Leaf). This classic, traditionally made with glutinous rice, was reimagined with a lighter blend of fragrant rice and glutinous rice. Steamed with three waxed meats — pork, pork belly, and liver — for two hours, the dish was flavourful, texturally delightful, and certainly moreish!

Duo of Osmanthus Jelly with Bergamot Sorbet & Fried Nian Gao 3.5/5

Dessert was a Duo of Osmanthus Jelly with Bergamot Sorbet & Fried Nian Gao, delivering a delightful hot-and-cold contrast. While the crust of the Nian Gao was slightly thicker than expected, its chewy, sweet interior was satisfying. The refreshing bergamot sorbet rounded off the dessert beautifully. Osmanthus Jelly with Bergamot Sorbet

4-Course Fortune Set Lunch 13 January to 12 February 2025 12pm to 3pm $68++ per person
5-Course Fortune Set Dinner 13 January to 12 February 2025 6pm to 10pm $88++ per person

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.


Racines
Sofitel Singapore City Centre
Level 5
9 Wallich Street
Singapore 078885
Tel: +65 64285000
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 7am - 1030am, 12pm - 3pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right on Peck Seah Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Ya Ge (雅阁) @ Orchid Hotel Singapore - A Springtime Feast of Togetherness For Chinese New Year

Ya Ge (雅阁), nestled within the Orchid Hotel, welcomes the Year of the Snake with its Chinese New Year 2025 Menu, a vibrant celebration of togetherness and abundance. The menu features nine festive dine-in options, ranging from $98++ per person to $2488++ for groups of ten, ensuring every intimate or grand gathering is imbued with culinary excellence. For those celebrating at home, Ya Ge also offers a takeaway menu with a variety of festive delights.

Crispy Golden Eel and Yellowtail Yu Sheng 4.2/5

No Chinese New Year celebration is complete without a Lo Hei, and Ya Ge takes it to the next level with its Crispy Golden Eel and Yellowtail Yu Sheng. Designed in the shape of a snake to honour the Year of the Snake, the dish combines vibrant yellowtail, crispy eel skin, and finely shredded vegetables. The highlight is the house-made passionfruit kumquat dressing, which adds a fruity zest to the traditional dish. The presentation is elevated with koi fish-shaped mango puddings, providing a delightful, sweet finishing touch.

Double-boiled Superior Soup with Whole Chicken and Shark's Fin stuffed in Pig's Maw 5/5

The Double-boiled Superior Soup is a showstopper. A deboned An Xin chicken and premium shark's fin are carefully stuffed inside a pig's maw, then slow-simmered in a broth brimming with flavours from old hen, chicken feet, chicken bones, lean meat, and white pepper. The result? A deeply comforting and indulgent bowl of soup with tender chicken and luscious shark's fin, perfect for savouring every last drop.

Stir-fried Australian Lobster with Truffle Oil, Pine Nuts, Hokkaido Milk and Asparagus 4/5

This luxurious dish features Stir-fried Australian Lobster paired with tender white asparagus, enveloped in a rich Hokkaido milk and egg white sauce. A touch of truffle oil adds an earthy aroma, while pine nuts and caviar lend textural contrast and umami richness. Every bite feels decadently smooth and flavourful — a true highlight of the meal.

Smoked Herb-infused Irish 'Pipa' Duck 5/5

The Smoked Herb-infused Irish 'Pipa' Duck is a crowd favourite. This masterpiece is dry-aged for 168 hours, marinated for 24 hours, and roasted to perfection. Smoked with a blend of Western and Chinese herbs, the duck's crispy, golden skin encases tender, flavourful meat, making it a sensory delight and a must-try dish for all diners.

Braised 5-head Abalone and Pork Trotter with White Shiitake Mushroom 4.5/5

Slow-braised for over four hours, the Braised Pork Trotter is fork-tender, with its gelatinous skin melting in the mouth. Paired with premium 5-head abalone and white shiitake mushrooms, the dish offers a harmonious blend of textures and flavours, complemented by a rich, aromatic sauce.

Claypot Chicken Rice with Chinese Sausage and Grilled Eel 4.2/5

The Claypot Chicken Rice is a comforting and elevated take on a classic. The rice, infused with the smoky essence of preserved meats like Chinese sausage, is fragrant and fluffy. Adding grilled eel as a topping enhances the dish with a layer of richness, creating a luxurious, flavourful finish.

Yoghurt Raspberry Pudding 4/5

Chilled Plum Jelly with Fresh Berries 4/5

The meal concludes on a refreshing note with two exquisite desserts. The Yoghurt Raspberry Pudding balances creamy sweetness with the tang of raspberry, while the Chilled Plum Jelly with Fresh Berries provides a sweet-and-sour symphony that is both light and invigorating, making it the perfect finale to a festive feast.

Ya Ge's CNY 2025 menu will be available for dine-in from 13 January to 12 February 2025, with reservations highly recommended due to limited seating and high demand. The takeaway sets and goodies can be made online 3 days in advance at https://eshop-yage.myshopify.com or the restaurant. Guests can enjoy a 15% discount on pre-orders made between 1 and 31 January. For more information on all Chinese New Year menus and takeaway festive goodies, please log on to www.orchidhotel.com.sg/offers/yage-2025-chinese-new-year

Note: This is an invited tasting


Ya Ge (雅阁)
Orchid Hotel Singapore
1 Tras Link
Singapore 078867
Tel: +65 6818 6831
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight towards Orchid Hotel. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Yakiniku Gyubei @ 100AM Mall - Japan's Zero-waste, Head-to-Tail Wagyu Restaurant Debuts In Singapore

Royal Shoji introduces two new exciting Japanese dining concepts situated side by side at 100AM mall. The first concept, Yakiniku Gyubei, marks the brand's highly anticipated debut outside Japan. With a rich heritage spanning over 25 years and 22 outlets across Japan, Yakiniku Gyubei has built a reputation for its innovative approach to yakiniku dining.

The restaurant is renowned for its zero-waste, head-to-tail philosophy, which ensures every part of the ethically sourced Wagyu beef from the Kyushu region is utilised to create an exceptional dining experience. Guests can enjoy a wide selection of 24 premium cuts, each carefully chosen for its quality and tenderness.

Yakiniku Gyubei offers an extensive and enticing lunch menu designed to suit a variety of budgets. For those seeking a quick and casual meal, options like Hot Stone Bibimbap are available starting at just $12.90. Meanwhile, their cook-your-own-lunch sets are available starting at an affordable $13.90, with choices including US Beef Ribs, Hokkaido Pork, and Chicken Thigh. Each set is served with a salad, a side dish, rice, and soup, for a satisfying meal. enjoy a wide selection of 24 premium cuts, each carefully chosen for its quality and tenderness.

For those who prefer a more indulgent experience, the Signature Gyubei lunch ($33.90++) features three premium cuts of Wagyu beef, each seared to perfection on your personal grill. It's paired with the same assortment of fresh salad, side dish, rice, and soup. It's really delicious!

For an elevated dining experience, opt for the Omakase lunch for two (100++ for 2 pax). It sets itself apart by showcasing six premium cuts sourced from a single cow and highlighting wagyu's rich marbling and exceptional tenderness. Each cut delivers a melt-in-your-mouth buttery texture and a rich depth of flavour.

This omakase lunch also includes salad, a side dish and two meals from a choice of:

· Bibimbap + Soup
· Beef Rib Soup + Rice
· Hot & Spicy Beef Soup + Rice
· Egg Drop Soup + Rice
· Cold Noodle

The dinner menu includes à la carte options like wagyu sushi, sashimi, noodles as well as Yakiniku Assortment Grill Sets available in 4 Kinds ($48), 6 Kinds ($98), and 8 Kinds ($148). To celebrate its grand opening in Singapore, Yakiniku Gyubei is offering $30 off its Yakiniku Assortment Grill Sets (6 Kinds) ($68, U.P. $98) from 10–26 January 2025. This exclusive promotion is available for walk-ins only.

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


Yakiniku Gyubei
100AM Mall
100 Tras Street
#03-10
Singapore 079027
Tel: +65 69700276
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk towards Gopeng Street and turn into Tras Street. Walk to Amara Hotel. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Cafe Oriental @ Amara Singapore - Celebrates The Rich Culinary Heritage of Singapore With “Local Legends”

Amara Singapore celebrates the rich culinary heritage of Singapore with its new "Local Legends" series, which will launch in January 2025 at Café Oriental. This initiative features collaborations with celebrated chefs and iconic dining institutions, with each installment highlighting unique culinary traditions through a showcase of their heritage recipes and signature flavours.

The series debuts with home chef Christina Hunter of Hunter's Kitchen (@hunterskitchensg). Originally from Ketapang in West Borneo, Christina is known for her authentic Indonesian cuisine, which is often imbued with subtle influences from her Teochew-Peranakan heritage. Her private dinners and curated menus consistently sell out.

Sambals and Kerupuk

Sambal Mangga

The semi-buffet spread showcases a selection of Christina's homemade sambals and kerupuk (chilli pastes and crackers). The sambals were particularly captivating with their bold and punchy flavours. The Sambal Mangga, crafted from young mango, stood out with its tangy profile, while the lesser-seen Sambal Terong, made with eggplant, delivered a robust and spicy kick. In fact, they were all addictive.

Lontong 5/5

Hunter's signature Lontong elevated this humble dish to a new level. My bowl was topped with tender Opor Chicken, Sambal Goreng Beef Petai, and Balado Quail Eggs. The homemade compressed rice cakes were perfectly textured — firm yet tender — and paired harmoniously with the well-braised vegetables in a light coconut milk gravy, creating a comforting and flavourful combination.

Asam Garam Sotong 4/5

For the main course, diners had two set options. Set One offered a choice between Suak Chui Koi (chilli chicken) and Asam Garam Sotong (squid cooked with tamarind), while Set Two featured Rawon Beef, a Javanese-style beef stew infused with keluak nut. I opted for the Asam Garam Sotong, which was perfectly cooked and coated in a punchy gravy. The dish was accompanied by Nasi Liwet, aromatic rice cooked in coconut milk and spices, along with Sayur Lodeh Tauco, Balinese omelette, Tempe Orek Ikan Bilis, and Bakwan Jagung. The rice was particularly noteworthy, adding an irresistible, aromatic richness to the plate. The crunchy bits of the Tempe Orek Ikan Bilis were a tad saltish, but they added another layer of aroma and flavour to each bite.

Pisang Goreng 4/5

Es Teler 2.5/5

The desserts featured were Pisang Goreng and Es Teler. The Pisang Goreng offered the satisfying contrast of sweet, creamy banana encased in hot, crispy batter. However, the Es Teler — a chilled dessert of mixed fruits and coconut — was slightly lacklustre.

The next installation of Local Legends will feature a collaboration with acclaimed Chef Damian D'Silva of Rempapa in March 2025, highlighting Singapore Heritage cuisine. More exciting collaborations will be unveiled throughout 2025.

Reservations for Local Legends - Cafe Oriental x Hunter’s Kitchen can be made at https://reserve.oddle.me/en_SG/amarasingapore/ticket/5744. For two days only on 16 and 17 January 2025, Christina will tantalise diners with a semi-buffet dinner, priced at S$108++ per person, limited to 50 reservations per day.

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.


Cafe Oriental
Amara Singapore
165 Tanjong Pagar Road
Singapore 088539
Tek: +65 68792626
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 11am - 830pm
Sun: 11am - 6pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk down Peck Seah Street towards Gopeng Street. Turn right onto Gopeng Street and walk down Gopeng Street. Turn left onto Tras Street and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]