PAUL Singapore Unveils Noël Collection 2025 Featuring An All New Nonya Series

For this upcoming Christmas, PAUL unveils its Noël Collection 2025, a delightful curation of sweets and savouries featuring an all-new Nonya Series. Whether it is an intimate gathering or a grand festive party, each creation is available individually or as part of thoughtfully assembled sets, perfect for celebrations of any size.

Buah Keluak Turkey

Stuffed Buah Keluak, Chilli Cashew Turkey Ham, Butterfly Pea Rice, Strawberry Achar

It was intriguing to see how the Nonya Series played out. The Buah Keluak Turkey (3.5 to 4.5kg, $159) is marinated in an aromatic rempah of turmeric, tamarind and a medley of spices before being roasted to golden perfection. It is served with 6 Buah Keluak Shells stuffed with minced chicken and accompanied by PAUL’s housemade buah keluak sauce. The stuffed buah keluak turned out to be quite a treat, so moreish that six pieces hardly seemed enough. The turkey itself was delightfully tender, and the earthy buah keluak marinade made it much more flavoursome. To complete the experience, accompaniments such as the Butterfly Pea Rice ($15, à la carte) and Strawberry Achar ($20, à la carte) make excellent additions.

Chilli Cashew Turkey Ham

Adding a spicy kick to the lineup is the Chilli Cashew Turkey Ham (1.5kg, $89), glazed with an aromatic blend of chilli, garlic, shallots and ground cashew nuts. It is served with a matching chilli cashew gravy and a jar of PAUL’s signature apricot jam for a touch of sweetness.

Seared Beef Tenderloin & Roasted Potatoes

Lamb Rack

For those who prefer classic festive fare, there is the Seared Beef Tenderloin & Roasted Potatoes ($39) and the Lamb Rack (1kg, $89), served with mint yoghurt and rosemary sauce. The latter was a pleasant surprise, crusted with a crushed-almond-and-lemon mix; the lamb was wonderfully succulent, with just a faint hint of gaminess.

Canapés

Returning this year is PAUL’s signature range of canapés: Maine Lobster & Caviar (box of 8, $42), Wild Mushroom & Truffle (box of 8, $40) and Beef Teriyaki & Wasabi (box of 8, $42). Each was delectable, though I would have preferred a more buttery tart base to elevate the overall taste.

Banana-Rama

Banana-Rama, Merry Berry Lychee, Coco Blush Bauble, Berry Pistachio Snowglobe

On the sweet side, my favourite was the Banana-Rama (from $40), an indulgent creation layered with peanut sponge, caramelised banana and a moreish peanut praline base. Also joining the festive lineup are PAUL’s charming tartlets, including the new Coco Blush Bauble Tartlet (box of 8, $42), a tropical blend of cashew praline and rich cashew coconut cream, and the festive Berry Pistachio Snowglobe Tartlet (box of 8, $42) featuring pistachio custard and raspberry crémeux.

The Noël Collection 2025 will be available for pre-order online or at all PAUL tea-rooms in Singapore from 20 October 2025, with self-collection or delivery available between 10 November 2025 and 31 December 2025.

For more information, please log on to https://www.paul-singapore.com/
Online Orders at https://www.paul-singapore.com/ordering/

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.


PAUL Singapore
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Verandah @ Rael's @ The Star Vista - Opens A Second Outlet in the West

Verandah @ Rael's, having opened its doors at TripleOne Somerset, is thrilled to unveil its second outlet at The Star Vista. Boasting both indoor and outdoor seating, as well as a private room, this new establishment offers the perfect space for gathering with family and friends to indulge in your favourite Peranakan and Indonesian comfort dishes.

Kueh Pie Tee 3.5/5

We kicked off our dinner with the Kueh Pie Tee, featuring bite-sized crispy tart shells accompanied by a sweet mixture of vegetables and shrimp. Diners can enjoy the interactive experience of assembling their own delectable bites, and for those seeking a spicy kick, a dollop of homemade chilli adds an extra dimension of flavour.

Verandah's Achar 3.5/5

A newcomer to the menu, Verandah's Achar, offers a mildly spiced and sourish condiment, providing the perfect accompaniment to the main dishes.

Nonya Ngoh Hiang 4.2/5

The Nonya Ngoh Hiang emerged as a crowd favourite. Its deep-fried rolls were filled with flavorful minced pork, prawns, and the sweetness of water chestnut encased in dried beancurd skin. It was so delightful that we found ourselves requesting a second serving.

Verandah's Specialty Sambal Brinjal 4/5

Sambal Long Beans 4/5

For our vegetable dishes, we savoured the Verandah's Specialty Sambal Brinjal, wok-fired and adorned with the restaurant's tangy house speciality sambal, as well as the new Sambal Long Beans, where crunchy beans are stir-fried in a fragrant and spicy sambal sauce.

Tau Yu Bak 3.8/5

Introducing another addition to the menu, the Tau Yu Bak featured pork braised in caramelized soy sauces with spices. This resulted in a savoury dish with a hint of sweetness, though some felt the pork could have been more tender.

Curry Chicken 4.5/5

A definite must-have was the Curry Chicken, where tender chicken pieces were bathed in a rich and fragrant curry gravy infused with ground herbs, spices, and a hint of lemongrass. The irresistible curry gravy left me reaching for more to drench our rice in.

Assam Fish 4/5

Finally, the Assam Fish, filleted for ease of consumption, was simmered in a mouthwatering Assam gravy that tantalized the taste buds with its spicy and tangy flavours.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Verandah @ Rael's
The Star Vista
1 Vista Exchange Green
#01-33/K2
Singapore 138617
Tel: +65 6380 2381
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Nearest MRT: Buona Vista (CC, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
Alight at Buona Vista MRT station. Take Exit A or C. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Ebi Bar @ Cuppage Plaza - New Mod-Sin Noodle Bar

Ebi Bar at Cuppage serves up its modern take on Singaporean prawn noodles with its specially concocted prawn broth and handmade noodles. The menu includes some of our favourite side dishes, but with an added touch of fanciness to make it their own.

Signature “Chao Da” (Charred) Ebi Noodles 3.8/5

Ebi Bar's unique take on our local prawn noodles is this Signature “Chao Da” (Charred) Ebi Noodles ($14.90), served with a pair of charred prawns and slices of chicken roulade. As the main selling point of Ebi Bar, the broth didn't disappoint with its deep rich prawn flavour, and I love how savoury it tasted. The chicken roulade slices laced with charred skin were beautifully tender, and the noodles were springy with a nice bite. It was a pity that the prawns, however, were slightly overcooked and not appropriately deveined either.

Signature “Chao Da” (Charred) Ebi Pao Fan 3.8/5

There's a new item on the menu - Signature “Chao Da” (Charred) Ebi Pao Fan ($18.90), which I thought works even better with the flavourful prawn broth. The rice was plump with a bite, with added rice crisp for texture and crunch. The rice soaked up the broth well, and every mouthful of the rice and the broth was truly enjoyable.

Truffle Broth Booster, Mala Broth Booster, Miso Broth Booster

You can also amp up your dish with “Broth Boosters” - Mala ($1.90), Miso ($1.90) and Truffle ($2.50). The Mala Broth Booster adds a layer of peppery aroma to the broth. At the same time, the Miso Broth Booster enhanced the savouriness of the broth, akin to the ramen miso broth. I don't suggest going for the Truffle Broth Booster at all, which was too overpowering.

Crispy Fried Chicken in Salted Mackerel Marinate 4/5

There are a couple of interesting sides to complete your meal. Crispy Fried Chicken in Salted Mackerel Marinate ($6.90) is its take on Har Cheong Gai. Each morsel made from chicken thigh was pretty juicy, and the best bit was the crisped chicken skin.

Chilled Tofu with Homemade Sauce 3.5/5

Ah Ma’s Achar Gone Fancy 3.5/5

I enjoyed the simple dishes on the menu, such as the Ah Ma's Achar Gone Fancy ($5.90) and Chilled Toufu with Homemade Sauce ($4.90). The achar with jellyfish is exceptionally crunchy, while the chilled tofu with cold sweet and savoury sauce is very appetising. Unfortunately, the portion was a tad too little.

Ebi & Vege Crispy Fritter 2.5/5

As for the Ebi & Vege-Crispy Fritter ($5.90), I reckon the batter requires a bit of work to be less greasy and stay crisp for a longer period.

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.


Ebi Bar
Cuppage Plaza
5 Koek Rd
#B1-21
Singapore 228796
Tel: +65 89221284
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 11am - 1030pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B, C or D. Walk to Orchard Road. Cross the road and walk to Cuppage Road. Walk down Cuppage Road. Walk to Cuppage Plaza. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Founder Bak Kut Teh @ Hotel Boss (Jalan Sultan) - Introduces New Mama's Home-cooked Dishes

Many of you will be familiar with Founder Bak Kut Teh, a well known local restaurant serving the fragrant and peppery pork ribs soup for the past 40 years. Even a lot of foreign celebrities visited the restaurant for their bak kut teh when they were in Singapore, judging from the numerous photos paste around the restaurant taken between these celebrities and founder Mr Chua.

Not to be missed of course is the signature Founder Bak Kut Teh ($8.90). The pork ribs are cooked to tender using the freshest meaty pork ribs, simmered in a specially formulated broth of herbs and spices. Diners can choose among options of ribs, short ribs, lean meats or offal to go with the peppery broth too.

Neighbour's "Ho Liao" 4.2/5

Besides the signature Bak Kut Teh, the restaurant has rolled out a number of new home-cooked dishes paying tribute to their late mother. If you are a fan of chicken feet, you will love their Neighbour's "Ho Liao" ($5/$10). It is cooked in a black bean sauce, just like how their late mum did it for the family.

Cheeky Secret 4/5

Spinach and mushroom are mixed into the tofu for the Cheeky Secret ($8/$14). Parents may want to learn a trick or two here if you're going to make your children consume vegetable.

Too Moody To Eat 3.8/5

Too Moody To Eat ($6.80/$10.80) is pork chop marinated with garlic and pan-fried. The interesting part is the accompanying achar which helps to cut the greasiness.

Grandma's Pork Belly 3.5/5

Braised and cooked to tender is the Grandma's Pork Belly ($12). While the texture is acceptable, I felt that the braising sauce is on the light side and lacks the depth I was looking for.

Best with Rice 4.5/5

One of the new dishes that we all given the thumb of approval is the Best with Rice ($6.80). It is not only a simple steamed egg dish but consists of trio eggs, including century egg and salted egg. On top of that, pork lard is added for that extra boost in flavour and texture.

Once Upon A Gathering 4.2/5

Once Upon A Gathering ($8/$12) is a special dish in the family which is only served during special celebratory occasions. A homely and hearty dish that consists of steamed chicken with Chinese sausages, mushrooms, and ginger.

"Ah Lau" Pan Fried Fish 4.2/5

For the fish lover, there is the "Ah Lau" Pan Fried Fish (Fish Steak $15, Fish Tail $28). The fish is simply pan-fried and served with marinated garlic atop, swimming in a complementing pool of soy sauce.

Year 1988 Assam Teochew Steamed Fish 3.5/5

Last but not least, making an impressive entry is the Year 1988 Assam Teochew Steamed Fish (Fish Steak $15, Fesh Head $25, Fish Tail $28). For the pricing and very value for money. However I find the assam is on the mild side, I think it can be heavier in taste to give it more zest.

Overall, I have enjoyed the meal at Founder Bak Kut Teh. I like the addition of the new dishes, giving diners a more complete meal experience.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Founder Bak Kut Teh
Hotel Boss
500 Jalan Sultan
#01-09
Singapore 199020
Tel: +65 6816 2582
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Nearest MRT: Lavender (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 5am

Direction:
1) Alight at Lavender MRT station. Take Exit B. Continue walking down Kallang Road towards Victoria Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Jiak (家) @ Joo Chiat Place - Grandma's Recipe Private Dining With Whiskey Pairing

One of the newest kid in the private dining scene is Jiak at Joo Chiat Place. The 3 month's old private dining place is helmed by Chef Anon Foo. Unlike most of the private dinings I have attended which the chefs have a colourful resumes of working in top restaurants, Anon followed and learned from his grandmother at her hawker stall since young. Hence at Jiak, one can look forward to home cooked dishes largely inspired by Anon's grandmother.

Achar 4/5

Before starting our dinner, each of us are given a small serving of homemade Achar.

Signature Foie Gras Ngor Hiang 3/5

Our meal started with the Signature Foie Gras Ngor Hiang. It is an interesting take of the traditional ngor hiang and it taste pretty good. However the foie gras did not stand out in the execution which is a slight disappointment. Some of us also find that it is on the salty side.

Prime Rib Lotus Root Soup 4.2/5

Doubled boiled over charcoal is the Prime Rib Lotus Root Soup. The slow cooked over charcoal has drawn out the essences and sweetness of the ingredients without the used of salt. All of us had another helping as this is really good.

Kong Bak Pau 4/5

The surprise special of the day is the Kong Bak Pau. Sandwiched in between the soft and fluffy bun is the pork belly that has been well infused with the braising sauce.

Herbal Emperor Chicken 3.5/5

Didn't look too photogenic is the Herbal Emperor Chicken as I did not get a shoot before it was dissected at the back of the kitchen before serving. I appreciate the fact that the tender chicken didn't come across too strong in the herbal taste which was pleasing to the palate.

Steamed Cod Fish in Chicken Broth 3,8/5

Next up we are served a whole fillet of Steamed Cod Fish in Chicken Broth. Nothing complicate just allowing the soy sauce to bring out the buttery flavour of the cod fish.

Dry Laksa 4.2/5

For the mains, diner will have a choice of Dry Laksa or Homemade Fish Otah Nasi Lemak. The Dry Laksa comes with 2 huge prawns in a very coconuty sauce. Add a dollop of chilli to spice up the flavour. I only wish that I can get the usual bean sprouts, fish cakes, tao pok and even cockles in my laksa though.

Homemade Fish Otah Nasi Lemak 4.2/5

Personally I prefer the Homemade Fish Otah Nasi Lemak for the fact that it is more substantial. The otah is really good, so good that I have to reconfirm whether it is really homemade as it tastes very similar to a particular brand I like. The plate of fragrant rice even comes with ikan bilis, japanese-style lava egg and sambal chilli.

Green Bean Soup with Coconut 4.5/5

The Green Bean Soup with Coconut wrapped up our meal. Diner has a choice of either hot or cold. I would recommend going for the hot one to appreciate the full flavour as the ice tends to duplicate the richness.

Dining at Jiak is set at $70 nett per pax for 6 dishes plus a special of the day. Whisky pairing is available at $12 to $15 per dram to complement the meal, which has been put together by their in-house whisky connoisseur. If you plan to bring your own wine or whisky, corkage fee applies at $25 and $50 respectively.

Note: This is an invited tasting


Jiak (家)
184B Joo Chiat Place
Singapore 427896
Tel: +65 82842758
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Nearest MRT: Eunos (EW Line), Dakota (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
630pm till late

Direction:
1) Alight at Eunos MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Eunos Bus Interchange (Stop ID 82009). Take Bus 150. Alight 2 stops later. Walk down Still Road. At the junction of Still Road and Joo Chiat Place, cross the junction. Turn right onto Joo Chiat Place. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 mins [Map]

2) Alight at Eunos MRT station. Take Exit A or B. Walk to Bus Stop at Sims Ave (Stop ID 82061). Take Bus 13 or 155. Alight 1 stops later. Walk down Still Road. At the junction of Still Road and Joo Chiat Place, cross the junction. Turn right onto Joo Chiat Place. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 mins [Map]

3) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Walk to bus stop at Blk 99 Old Airport Road (Stop ID 81181). Take bus 33. Alight 7 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 20 mins. [Map]