Honō 焱 Omakase @ International Plaza - Most Theatrical Omakase Experience in Singapore

Honō 焱 Omakase is arguably one of the most theatrical omakase experiences in Singapore now. Built around the concept of the “Magic of Fire,” guests are invited on a multi-sensory dining journey where flames, smoke, and Japanese culinary techniques create a visually captivating performance alongside each dish.

This presentation style may not appeal to purists who prefer a more traditional, understated omakase experience. Still, it offers a novel and exciting approach for diners who enjoy that touch of theatrics and dramatic presentation with their meal.

For lunch, Honō 焱 Omakase offers two menus priced at $138 and $168. Dinner features more elaborate experiences and premium ingredients, with the $238 Supreme Omakase and the $268 Ultimate Omakase.

Chawanmushi 4.2/5

In some restaurants, guests may be given a shot of dashi to start. Here, we were served a bowl of Chawanmushi with foie gras, Ikura, and mushrooms as a warm introduction to the evening.

Appetiser 4/5

The appetiser plate arrived shrouded in wispy plumes of mystery, created with the use of dry ice. It featured three small bites: baby eel, prawn tempura, and yuba topped with uni and caviar. Decorative popcorn was scattered across the plate, which turned out to be edible as well, adding a playful touch to the dish.

Baby Abalone

This Baby Abalone dish arrived covered by a paper cone, and we were given a match to light it. As the cone burned away, complete with a sprinkle of gold dust for added flair, it revealed a bowl of stewed baby abalone with pumpkin, mushrooms, and broccoli. The chef then ladled over a tasty, savoury sauce. Drama aside, it was a hearty and satisfying dish that I enjoyed very much.

Sashimi 4/5

The sashimi course was presented in a wooden box filled with billowing smoke. When the lid was lifted, it revealed an assortment of fresh cuts: Amberjack, Seabream, and premium fatty Tuna Belly, all topped with gold dust for good measure.

Tempura 4/5

The tempura course was one of my favourites, featuring deep-fried Amberjack accompanied by shiso leaf tempura, pumpkin purée, green pepper, and garlic chips. Happily, the fish was perfectly fried, crisp on the outside while remaining moist and flaky inside.

Sushi 4.2/5

What followed was a curated series of sushi courses: the delicate Kinmedai with Kombu, the tender Sea Robin, brightened with a hint of yuzu; warm, fatty Aburi Engawa topped with nutty mullet roe; and Botan Ebi paired with rich foie gras.

Uni 4.5/5

For the next course, be ready to use your hands: the chef gently places Uni on the back of your palm, then blows a shimmering, delicate bubble over it, turning the bite into a fleeting balancing act.

Chutoro 4.5/5

The next presentation gave us some edible jewellery: the chef presented each of us with a ceramic ring, placed a decadent Chutoro sushi topped with caviar on the flat top, and finished with a generous sprinkle of gold dust. A proposal we were happy to accept (and eat).

Wagyu Truffle Somen 4.2/5

The Wagyu Truffle Somen was also presented with a cloud of dry ice and smoke. It was a delight, with silky somen strands paired with tender, melt-in-your-mouth wagyu, a classic flavour combination that I love.

Clam Soup 4.2/5

To finish, the Hamaguri Clam with clear soup was simple yet satisfying. The clam was large and tender, and its natural brininess enriched the light, flavourful broth.

Dessert was presented on an elevated platform, with a carbon ring below ignited to create a magical, sparkling effect. We enjoyed a Monaka with Goma Ice Cream, along with premium Melon and White Strawberries. The combination was very pleasing. My tip is to eat the fruits first, to fully appreciate their sweetness before enjoying the ice cream.

Overall, this was a fun and interactive omakase experience, and the food was enjoyable. The theatrical elements added a lot of visual flair and creativity, though at times they shifted focus from the flavours themselves. Skill and care were evident in each dish, but the many details, such as spraying gold dust, pumping smoke, and lighting fires, kept the chefs quite busy, which, in a way, distracted them from the focus on the chef’s craft and the quality of the ingredients.

Perhaps it reflects the need to maximise every aspect of a dining experience, from flavour to presentation and entertainment, all at once. In Singapore’s highly competitive dining landscape, such theatrics may well be necessary to stand out. In any case, it made for a lively and engaging meal and would make for a nice special occasion celebration.


Hono Omakase
International Plaza
10 Anson Road
#01-50A
Singapore 079903
Tel: +65 9822 1722
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sun: 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 3 minutes. [Map]

Drim Gold @ Resorts World Sentosa — Singapore's First Cave-Inspired Korean Steakhouse

Drim Gold marks a confident and polished addition to the dining line-up at WEAVE, the newest lifestyle and dining enclave within Resorts World Sentosa. What sets Drim Gold apart from its predecessor is sheer scale and ambition. This is Singapore's first Korean steakhouse to merge a dramatic, large-scale cave-inspired interior with refined modern Hanok architecture. You enter through a sculpted stone passageway, its textured walls and warm concealed lighting immediately slowing your pace, as if inviting you to leave the bustle of the island behind entirely. Inside, wooden frameworks, layered fabric panels, and raw stone surfaces coexist in a balance that feels simultaneously grounded and quietly luxurious. At its core, Drim Gold champions premium Korean produce, from prized Hanwoo beef to Jeju abalone, framed within a menu that balances indulgence with restraint.

Kimchi Scampi 4.2/5

Kimchi Scampi comprises two sashimi-grade scampi, arriving plump and glistening. A staff member torches them lightly tableside, just a quick pass of flame that barely kisses the surface. The scampi stays almost raw within, springy and sweet, with that fresh oceanic snap that only top-quality shellfish delivers. The kimchi XO sauce adds depth and umami, delivering a savoury punch without overwhelming the delicate shellfish.

Jeju Jeonbok Butter Gui4.2/5

Jeju Jeonbok Butter Gui comes with fresh Jeju abalone, gently seared in butter until just tender. Butter coats every surface in a glossy, golden finish, and a scattering of Parmesan cheese and roasted garlic melts into that fat to create a savoury, nutty glaze that clings with every bite. The combination sounds indulgent, and it is.

Korean Beef Cut – Hanwoo 4.2/5

An exclusive selection of premium Hanwoo Beef, chosen for its fine marbling and clean, refined flavour. Grilled simply, the beef shines with its natural juiciness and tenderness, delivering a depth of flavour that lingers without heaviness. This is Korean beef at its best, allowing quality to speak louder than technique.

Drim Prime Cut – Signature Galbisal 4/5

Iberico boneless ribs are grilled to reveal their signature nutty richness. Tender and juicy, with just enough char to enhance their natural fats, the Signature Galbisal is satisfying and comforting. While less nuanced than the Hanwoo cuts, it remains a crowd-pleasing option for those who enjoy a richer, meat-forward experience.

Condiments and Vegetable Wrap

A classic accompaniment done well, featuring ssamjang, kimchi and an assortment of fresh vegetables for wrapping. The condiments add balance and contrast, cutting through the richness of the grilled meats while allowing diners to customise each bite according to their preference.

DRIM Signature Noodle – Deulgireum Makguksu 4/5

Made with 100% buckwheat, the Deulgireum Makguksu cold noodles are light yet satisfying, coated in fragrant perilla seed oil that lends a gentle nuttiness. Give everything a good toss to fully release the aromas before digging in. A vegetarian option is available, making it a refreshing and inclusive way to round off the meal.

Korean Beef & Vegetable Hot Pot – Eobok-Jaengban 4.2/5

The Eobok-Jaengban is a generous platter of Hanwoo beef brisket and beef shank, gently simmered in a rich Korean beef broth. The result is comforting and deeply flavourful, with the beef becoming tender as it enriches the soup. Served bubbling at the table, it is both hearty and communal, ending the meal on a warm and satisfying note.

Overall, Drim Gold delivers a thoughtfully curated Korean dining experience that emphasises ingredient quality, subtle technique and polished presentation. It is a welcome addition to Resorts World Sentosa, appealing to diners seeking premium Korean flavours in a refined yet relaxed setting.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Drim Gold
Weave
Resorts World Sentosa
26 Sentosa Gateway
#B1-204
Singapore 098138
Tel: +65 65776256
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Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit C or E. Walk to Vivocity Level 3 to Vivocity Monorail Station. Take the Monorail to Sentosa. Alight at Resorts World Station. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 10 minutes. [Map]

Hai Tien Lo @ Pan Pacific Singapore - Welcomes the Lunar New Year with Festive Celebrations and Culinary Delights

Executive Chinese Chef Edden Yap and his culinary team at Hai Tien Lo, Pan Pacific Singapore, have crafted a Lunar New Year feast that balances tradition with refinement. Available from 23 January to 3 March 2026, the eight set menus and à la carte specialities are designed to celebrate prosperity, happiness, and good fortune. We had the pleasure of sampling the Joyous Abundance Menu, a carefully curated journey through festive classics elevated with premium ingredients.

Vitality Yu Sheng with classic Whole Abalone, Lobster, and Smoked Salmon 4.5/5

A spectacular start to the meal, the Vitality Yu Sheng with classic Whole Abalone, Lobster, and Smoked Salmon is all about abundance and finesse. Plump whole abalone anchors the platter with prized chew and natural sweetness, complemented by succulent lobster and delicately smoked salmon. Tossed with crisp vegetables, pickled accents, crushed peanuts, and sesame seeds, the tangy-sweet house dressing harmoniously binds the textures and flavours. Luxurious yet approachable, this is prosperity served on a plate.

Double-boiled Dendrobium Chicken Soup 4.5/5

The restorative Double-boiled Dendrobium Chicken Soup, which features free-range chicken, fish maw, whole abalone, dried scallops, and sea whelk, is quietly elegant. Double-boiled with Dendrobium orchid stems, the broth is naturally sweet and crystal clear, infused with subtle herbal freshness and a lingering mineral nuance. It's soothing, refined, and deeply comforting, a perfect interlude before the richer dishes.

Sliced Crispy Barbecued Suckling Pig with Caviar 4.2/5

The Sliced Crispy Barbecued Suckling Pig with Caviar impresses with shatteringly crisp skin and tender meat beneath. Each slice is finished with caviar, introducing a briny pop that cuts through the richness without overpowering it. The balance of textures and flavours is precise, making this an indulgent yet measured dish.

Sliced Beijing Duck and Jelly Fish 4/5

The Sliced Beijing Duck and Jelly Fish brings together two classic Chinese delicacies with distinct personalities. Thinly sliced Beijing duck showcases lacquered skin and gentle smokiness, while jellyfish adds a crisp, cooling contrast. Together, they create a harmonious progression of textures and flavours — composed, refreshing, and engaging.

Steamed Half East Australian Lobster in Chinese Wine Broth 4.5/5

The East Australian Lobster shines in minimalist fashion, steamed to tender perfection. The accompanying Chinese wine broth lends subtle warmth and aromatic depth, enhancing but never overshadowing the lobster's natural sweetness. A lesson in letting premium ingredients speak for themselves.

Braised South African 10 Head Whole Dried Abalone with Sea Cucumber in Abalone Sauce 4.5/5

A ceremonial centrepiece, the Braised South Africian 10 Head Whole Dried Abalone with Sea Cucumber in Abalone Sauce celebrates patience and craftsmanship. The 10-head whole dried abalone is tender yet springy, paired with silky sea cucumber, all cloaked in a glossy, umami-rich abalone sauce. Each bite is indulgent, deeply savoury, and profoundly satisfying — a masterclass in Cantonese braising.

Sauteed Japanese A5 Wagyu Beef with Fresh Mushrooms and Green Vegetables 4.2/5

The A5 Wagyu melts effortlessly, its buttery richness complemented by earthy mushrooms and crisp green vegetables. Minimal seasoning allows the beef's natural sweetness to shine, making this a balanced and composed highlight of the menu.

Stewed Inaniwa Udon with Pan-fried East Spotted Grouper Fish Fillet in Fish Broth 4.2/5

A comforting yet refined course, the Inaniwa Udon absorbs the clean, oceanic sweetness of the clear fish broth. Topped with a lightly pan-fried East Spotted Grouper fillet, the dish achieves a delicate interplay of textures and flavours. It is elegant, soothing, and precise.

Prosperity Nian Gao coated with Peanuts and Shredded Yam 4.2/5

A festive dessert that balances tradition and texture. The tender Nian Gao is coated with crushed peanuts and shredded yam, offering a delightful contrast between chewiness and crunch. Golden and auspicious, it's a playful, celebratory take on a Lunar New Year classic.

Double-boiled Bird's Nest with Peach Gum and Red Dates, in Young Coconut 4.5/5

A luxurious finish, the Double-boiled Bird's Nest with Peach Gum and Red Dates combines bird's nest, peach gum, and red dates, served in refreshing young coconut water. Silky, gelatinous, and delicately sweet, it is light yet indulgent, leaving the palate nourished and satisfied.

Hai Tien Lo's Joyous Abundance Menu is a Lunar New Year feast that respects tradition while elevating it with premium ingredients and precise execution. From the celebratory Yu Sheng to the indulgent abalone centrepiece and refined desserts, each dish is thoughtfully composed, making it a festive dining experience that celebrates both flavour and symbolism.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Hai Tien Lo
Pan Pacific Singapore
7 Raffles Boulevard
Level 3
Singapore 039595
Tel: +65 68268240
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Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 630pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

Tien Court Restaurant @ Copthorne King's Hotel - Welcomes The New Year With Blossoms of Fortune Dining, A Series of Specially Curated CNY Set Menus

Tien Court Restaurant at Copthorne King's Hotel welcomes the Lunar New Year with Blossoms of Fortune Dining, a series of specially curated Chinese New Year set menus available from 30 January to 3 March 2026. Celebrating prosperity, vitality and good fortune, the menus bring together time-honoured Teochew flavours elevated with premium ingredients.

Prosperity Smoked Salmon Yu Sheng 4.5/5

The Sweet Happiness Set Menu ($142 per pax) opens with a Prosperity Smoked Salmon Yu Sheng. Thick slices of smoked salmon offered a satisfyingly meaty bite, while the addition of candied cashews brought a pleasant sweetness and nutty crunch that lifted the overall texture.

Braised Superior Pumpkin Soup 5/5

This was followed by Braised Superior Pumpkin Soup with Bird's Nest and Crab Meat, an elegant bowl of comfort. The soup was soothing yet refined, with well-balanced flavours that soothed the appetite.

Signature South African 6-Head Abalone 5/5

The Signature South African 6-Head Abalone with Fish Maw and Black Moss in Oyster Sauce was a highlight. The abalone was tender and well-infused with umami from the glossy oyster sauce, while the fish maw retained a delicate springiness that carried the sauce beautifully.

Pan-fried Cod Fish 4.5/5

Next came the Pan-fried Cod Fish with Golden Garlic Soy Sauce, a clear crowd-pleaser. The cod was moist and flaky within, contrasted by a crisp golden crust. Its buttery richness was complemented aptly by the savoury soy-based sauce.

Teochew Braised Sliced Irish Duck 4/5

A Teochew classic followed in the form of Teochew Braised Sliced Irish Duck. The use of Irish duck, favoured for its more unctuous fat, produced richly flavoured meat, while the accompanying vinegary chilli dip provided a welcome acidity to cut through the richness.

Wok-fried Glutinous Rice with Dried Scallop, Chinese Sausage and Black Truffle 5/5

The much-anticipated Wok-fried Glutinous Rice with Dried Scallop, Chinese Sausage and Black Truffle did not disappoint. The rice was satisfyingly sticky and chewy, made moreish with umami-laden diced scallops and fragrant Chinese sausage.

Double-boiled Peach Gum with Red Date and Glutinous Rice Ball, Steamed Niao Gao 3.8/5

Dessert concluded with Double-boiled Peach Gum with Red Date and Glutinous Rice Ball, served alongside Steamed Nian Gao. Lightly crusted with crushed peanuts, the nian gao was punctuated with a delectable nuttiness, while the peach gum provided a gently sweet finish to the meal.

Early Bird Promotion
20% early bird discount, full payment must be made within the promotional period: now to 28 January 2026.
10% dine-in from 30 January to 3 March 2026.

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.


Tien Court Restaurant
Copthorne King's Hotel
403 Havelock Road
Level 2
Singapore 169631
Tel: +65 63183193/ 63183198
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Nearest MRT: Havelock (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Havelock MRT station. Take Exit 5. Walk straight down Havelock Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Havelock MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to the bus stop opposite the Holiday Inn Atrium (Stop ID 06149). Take bus number 51, 64, 123, or 186. Alright, 1 stop later. Cross the road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 10 minutes. [Map]