Ninja Bowl @ Duxton Road - Turns Two With A Whole New Slew Of Hearty Dishes

Ninja Bowl at Duxton Road celebrates its 2nd anniversary with a refreshed menu. In addition to the whole new slew of hearty dishes, it has for the first time introduce a range of pasta dishes too.

Tamago Sandwich 4.2/5

For our lunch, we started with the Tamago Sandwich ($16). The soft and fluffy tamogo is coated with a layer of melted gouda cheese for that extra oomph and sandwiched in between a croissant. Besides that, it is further accompanied with a side of Japanese curry minced beef and an onsen egg. You can even use the croissant to wipe the plate clean.

Hokkaido 4/5

For the seafood lover, there is Hokkaido ($16) which comes with tempura-battered fish fillet and soft shell crab. The tendon rice bowl is pretty substantial. Instead of the usual tendon sauce, homemade chilli crab sauce is used for a local twist.

Harajuku 4.5/5

It is probably hard to tell from the picture but on the plate is a whole roasted cauliflower. The Harajuku ($18) is a roasted cauliflower steak topped with tempura bits and pine nuts. Accompanying the dish is yaki unagi that has been glazed with kebayaki sauce and creamy mac & cheese. The combination may sounds a weird but surprisingly it works.

Ohayo 4/5

Last but not least we had the Ohayo ($20). The savoury-sweet combination can either be a brunch item or dessert. Two fluffy French toast is paired with maple-glazed pork belly, pomegranate. rocket, momo tomatoes and burrata. I feel the milky and buttery burrata cheese plays an important role in harmonizing the whole dish.

The new menu at Ninja Bowl has definitely delivered new excitement to the table, giving more reasons for guest to return. It once again has impressed me with their new creations.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Ninja Bowl
15 Duxton Road
Singapore 089481
Tel: +65 62228055
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 930am - 930pm
Sat-Sun: 9am - 6pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Orchid Hotel. At Orchid Hotel turn right onto Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road to the opposite side of Tanjong Pagar Road. Walk along Tanjong Pagar Road to Duxton Hill. Turn left onto Duxton Hill and then turn right on Duxton Road. Journey time about 15 mins. [Map]

The Guild @ Keong Saik - Celebrates The Craft Of Small Scale Producers With Independent Craft Beer And Homemade Comfort Food

The Guild at Keong Saik is a restaurant and bar put together by Hong Kong’s Young Master Brewery and Chef Vinny Lauria. Known to be currently the most acclaimed craft brewery in Hong Kong, the drinks menu features a total of 19 craft beers, alongside a rotating selection of independent craft beers from top-tier international breweries. With the drinks taken care of, Chef Vinny and Sous Chef Alton Huang concentrate on churning out dishes that are built on the works of small-scale, artisanal producers.

Young Master has two breweries in Hong Kong producing their signature range - Cha Chaan Teng Gose, Classic Pale Ale, and 1842 Island imperial IPA, which you get to try all three, together with their seasonal and limited releases.

Accompanying the brews are dishes that aim at delivering the taste of comfort, hence expect pretty highly flavoured food. Salt & Vinegar Fries ($8) is a very down-to-earth starter which was wiped out in minutes. It reminds me of my mum's Asian style soy sauce potato strips but done in a British manner.

Freshly Shucked Oysters 3.5/5

Sourced from Singapore’s only oyster farm off Pulau Ubin, I was surprised by the likable texture of the Freshly Shucked Oysters ($6/pc). Those big and voluptuous oysters may be appealing to some, I find these relatively smaller local breed much appetizing with a balance of firm meat and less brinier taste.

Fried Oysters 3.8/5

Inspired by egg benedict, these Fried Oysters with Hollandaise, Chilli, Pickled Shallots ($7/pc) are really delicious. When the dish is mostly fried items, a complementary dip is important. For these crusted oysters, the lemony hollandaise brilliantly took on that role.

Market Fish 3.8/5

From our local fish market, the market fish of the day was Pomfret with Smoked Eel Consomme ($9). Seeing our local pomfret given a French touch was impressive and the respect given to this fish translates to a deeper appreciation of its texture.

Brawn Terrine 3.5/5

To make pig's head palatable, it all boils down to chef's execution or at least based on my previous experience at Dehasa, where such dish was made memorable. As ravenous as that might sound, it can be quite an experience trying out this ingredient. Chef Vinny's Brawn Terrine ($12) is demure but assertive. The spicy pickled veg cuts away some of the greasiness while the charred bread soaks up all the juice and flavours within. The bread, however, was too harshly charred, causing the edges to be bitter and inedible.

Charred Sweet Corn 3.5/5 and Tang O 2.5/5

From the vegetables menu, we had Charred Sweet Corn ($12) and Tang O ($9) with fermented chilli. While I applaud their effort in westernizing many of our local ingredients, serving that few leaves of Tang O in a side plate is just stretching the concept a bit too much. The Charred Sweet Corn was good though, it was creamy with crunchy butter grits, and charring the sweet corn teases out its sweetness by a notch.

Grilled Sweet & Spicy Bacon 3/5

The Mains are even richer in taste, providing all the taste and grease for your beers. The thick-cut Grilled Sweet & Spicy Bacon ($28) were solid with flavours, exuding strong hues of smoky taste in every bite.

Mac n Cheese 3/5

For Chef Vinny's favourite Mac n Cheese ($18). It may appear similar with the rest but one could taste the subtle elevation brought about by the house-cured egg yolk.

BCM Tagiatelle "Bolo" 2.8/5

The BCM Tagiatelle "Bolo" ($22) is a good attempt but the delicate handmade pasta is tasked to handle too many ingredients. The pork ragu and pickled shitake with the chilli would have been enough. The liver simply overwhelms the rest.

Butter Roasted Chicken 3/5

I must say I love the presentation of this Butter Roasted Chicken ($25). It would have been too goody-goody, if not for that single chicken feet playfully tied to its body. Tender meat with just a touch of seasoning, this simple dish is a respite from all the rich dishes.

Buah Keluak Ice Cream 4/5

Despite a heavy meal, the nutty and chocolaty Buah Keluak Ice Cream leaves one craving for more with that elusive earthy and nuttiness.

Drinks are the drawn but the accompanying food match up equally to give that buzz. Be it the façade, interior design, drinks or food menu, I find each element of The Guild well thought out, giving it a strong identity amongst the establishments along Keong Siak Road.

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.


The Guild
55 Keong Saik Road
#01-01
Singapore 089158
Tel: +65 62241262
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Nearest MRT: Outram Park (EW Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Sun: 5pm - 12midnight
(Closed on Mon-Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Outram MRT station. Take Exit H. Walk to Keong Saik Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes.  [Map]

The Hungry Caveman @ Orchard Central - Electric Automated Barbecue Concept

Recently opened in Orchard Central, The Hungry Caveman brings to Singapore an electric automated barbecue concept. In partnership with China’s biggest BBQ chain - “某个时间全自动烧烤店”, who has approximately 138 outlets in China, expect old-aged caves as the interiors.

There is a wide selection of meat and vegetables. However, do note that the marinade on most of the dishes is spicy, those mala numbing type and they are not stated in the menu. I did not enjoy the marination as it does not complement some of the meat skewers but others might think otherwise.

Guava with Dried Orange Skin 4.2/5

I started off with the signature Guava with Dried Orange Skin because this will just open up your tastebuds to the dishes that are coming up. The guava pieces are thinly cut and are so refreshing with its sourness.

Signature Lamb & AUS Grain Fed Beef 3/5

Top selling dishes here include the Signature Lamb & AUS Grain Fed Beef. Unfortunately, the waiters here will not help you with the barbecue and this means you have to judge the food based on your own knowledge. Thus, my skewers turned out too tough.

Taiwan and German Pork Sausage 4/5

I was really into the Spear-The-Salmon Skewers as the barbecue gave them a charred taste while still being so smooth and flaky. Juices were flowing out with each bite, you just can’t stop at one. Do remember to keep a watch on these salmon as you don’t want to overcook them. Sausage skewers are also available. Personally, I preferred the Taiwan Sausage over the German Pork Sausage but they both had their different tastes. The sausages will burst upon contact with the heat from the barbecue and will be bursting with juices.

Bacon Enoki Skewer 4.5/5

Your mouth will water at the sight of the Bacon Enoki Skewer. Well, I am a bacon-lover so I might be biased but this is one of the dishes you can’t miss out on when you’re doing a barbecue

There were also many vegan friendly choices like the Oyster Mushroom, Shitake Mushroom and Grilled Sweet Corn. Also, there are ready cooked dishes like the Grill Golden Mushroom and Grill Eggplant that you can try.

Grilled Milk Man Tou 3/5

I expected the Grilled Milk Man Tou to turn out like the ones that always come with chilli crab but these man tous will come in their white and raw form. This man tou was probably a healthier version of the fried man tous since they are grilled so you may give it a try if you’re interested.

Grill Scallop Garlic Vermicelli 4.5/5

Another ready to eat dish you should try is the Grill Scallop Garlic Vermicelli. It comes in one piece only but the flavours were really nice and I liked how the vermicelli absorbed the garlic flavour.

The Hungry Caveman’s Healthy Soup 4.5/5

If you’re a soup person, do order The Hungry Caveman’s Healthy Soup, aka “Ge Da” soup in Chinese. It was my first time having such a different soup as this one was thick and packed with many ingredients like noodle bits, tomatoes, egg and vegetables.

Each table comes with fully-automated barbecue machines which allow diners to enjoy barbecued food at ease. However, the heat from the machine was too hot and made it quite hard for me to enjoy my food without trying to burn my face. I have been to another automated barbecue restaurant at Tanjong Pagar before this in which I had a better experience as the heat didn’t affect me at all, hence my base of comparison.

Photos and words by Vanessa Chia. A girl who has a passion for taking photos. Determined to always get better at what I am doing. Note: This is an invited tasting.


The Hungry Caveman
Orchard Central
181 Orchard Road
#06-25
Singapore 238896
Tel: +65 66348871
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

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

Pig N Whistle Bistro & Bar @ Hexacube (Changi Road) - Great British Fare And Quality British Craft Beers & Ciders In The Heartland

Pig N Whistle recently opened at Hexacube, which is just around 5 minutes walk from Eunos MRT. It is really a nice place for you to have a drink at the bar and indulge in some delicious food at the same time. Even though there is no service charge here, the customer service is prompt, warm and friendly.

First of, the drinks serve here are really unique as they aren’t the typical beers or ciders that bars in Singapore serve. We are recommended the bottle ciders which was purely made out of apple juice and alcohol, no sugar is added. Ciders like Somersby usually has sugar added, and here at Pig N Whistle, they want it to be all natural for health reasons.

As I’m a sweet person, I would recommend the Sheppy’s Cloudy Cider ($12) with ribena (only upon request at the bar) or even the Sheppy’s Raspberry Cider, in which they add real raspberry juice in the drink. Another drink you should give a go is their Caramel Vodka ($10) which they make in-house by mixing salted caramel and vodka for 10 days. You’ll never get something like this elsewhere.

Vegan Burger 4/5

For burgers, they had a vegan option called the Vegan Burger ($16.90) which uses yellow beans, capsicum, spanish onions, swiss brown mushrooms, carrot and herbs in their patty. As you can tell, a lot of effort goes into making this burger an unforgettable experience for those who give it a go.

Fish & Chips 4/5

The Fish & Chips ($15.90) here has a really crispy and flavourful house made beer batter that has its own British twist. Something else that is really unique is the mushy peas at the side that is served in English cuisines. It is boiled till the skins fall out and then mashed to a certain consistency before being served.

Pork Chop 4.5/5

The star for me was the Pork Chop ($18.90) and I loved how they use free range pigs that have 10,000 acres to roam. It is well seasoned and served with a side of British gravy that I would die for. The British gravy also goes very well with the creamy mash potatoes.

Full Monty 4/5

If you’re planning to visit this place on weekends, you’ll love the Full Monty ($18.50) here which consisted of 2 eggs, 2 bacons, 2 sausages, 2 hash browns, black pudding, mushrooms, beans, and bread/toast. The fat and juicy sausages are made of 70% pork meat, 30% fat and 3 secret spices. It will have you wanting more of it with that robust flavours. You might also be wondering what is the black pudding? It’s actually an English name for blood sausage which had an acquired taste. If you think this portion is too much for you, they can have a Half Monty ($14.50).

Burrito 4/5

Under the snack section, there is the Burrito ($12.90). Honestly, it’s a full meal itself at 12-inch. It is stuffed with egg, bacon, potato, cheddar cheese, capsicum, lettuce, tomato, onion and a chili salsa, finished with a nicely grilled tortilla. The chili salsa was pretty spicy for me as I can’t really take spicy food but you might love this salsa as it is house-made too. Plus, for the size, it is super value for money.

If you come at Happy Hours, the House Wines & Spirits are 15% off and Snacks are 10% off. The Happy Hours are Saturday and Sunday,12pm to 7pm, and Monday to Friday, 5pm-8pm.

Photos and words by Vanessa Chia. A girl who has a passion for taking photos. Determined to always get better at what I am doing. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Pig N Whistle Bistro & Bar
Hexacube
160 Changi Road
#01-08
Singapore 419728
Tel: +65 67474367
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Nearest MRT: Eunos (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 5pm - 1am
Sat: 12pm - 1am
Sun: 10am - 1am

Direction:
1) Alight at Eunos MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to traffic light and across the road. Turn right and go around the estate to Changi Road. Cross Changi Road, turn left and walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Morton's The Steakhouse @ Mandarin Oriental Singapore - New Spring Menu With Some Twists and Fun

For this Spring, Morton’s of Chicago at Mandarin Oriental Singapore has brought to its all-American classic menu a delectable new Spring items. These new items on the menu will have your familiar flavours but with some twists and fun.

Wagyu Royal Ribeye Cap Steak 3.5/5

If you are one of Morton's regulars, try the 2 new steaks offerings for a change,. Known to be the most sought after cut of American wagyu beef, the 8oz American Wagyu Royal Ribeye Cap Steak ($112) may just cap your day with a high note. I'm not a true beef connoisseurs but I believe its price tag does say something about its flavour and value.

American Wagyu Filet Mignon 3/5

For a little twist of flavour, The 7oz American Wagyu Filet Mignon with Fire Roasted Poblano Butter ($108) pairs up with Mexican spice. The mild to medium heat of the pepper-infused butter teases the taste buds just a little, not too much. This cut is leaner though and more salt is appreciated to highlight its flavour.

Nueske’s Bacon Steak with Peach Bourbon Glaze 3.8/5

What set the temperature high that evening, other than the Mortinis, was the Nueske’s Bacon Steak with Peach Bourbon Glaze ($20). A bacon, yet a steak at the same time - thick cut of apple-smoked pork belly (12oz) being prepared in the same manner as a traditional steak. Coated with a sweet peach-bourbon glaze, the sweet-savoury chemistry exuding from this thick cut of pork, along with its fats was pleasurable. Those on the table consuming it, was like posing for a Magnum shot!

Burrata 3/5

Like all richly flavoured food, it is always good to harmonise all that goodness with something light and refreshing. The creamy Burrata, served with Grilled Asparagus & Baby Heirloom Tomato Salad ($32++) with be an excellent choice to get the balance.

Seared Cod with Romesco Sauce 3/5

What can match up with a steak is probably a quality piece of cod fish. The new seafood item, Seared Cod with Romesco Sauce ($78) is inspired by Catalonian dishes. The pan-seared cod is served atop of a classic sauce made of roasted red peppers and toasted nuts. Smokey, tangy, sweet and nutty, the Romesco sauce adds much vibrancy to this dish.

The new menu is available from 19 April 2018 for a limited time only.

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.


Morton's The Steakhouse
Mandarin Oriental Singapore
Level 4
5 Raffles Avenue
Singapore
Tel: +65 63393740
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Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC Line, DT Line). Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 530pm - 11pm
Sun: 12pm - 9pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit A. Cross the road. Walk to Marina Square. Follow the signage to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit B or D. Walk to Marina Square. Follow the signage to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Morganfield's @ Orchard Central - Launches Limited Time Ribs Specials to Celebrate Mother's and Father's Day

Known for its signature sticky bones - authentic, good ol’ fashioned, prime pork ribs slow-cooked and smoked to tender perfection, Morganfield’s is claimed to be the home of the best ribs in town. This time back with a new promotion, Morganfield's presents two new mouth-watering Sticky Bones sauces for a limited time only in May and June, namely the Candied Peach BBQ and Smokey Bacon Bourbon in conjunction with Mother's Day and Father's Day. Mark your calendar for you might take your parents out to Morganfield’s for a well-deserved treat.

Bacon Wrapped Meatballs 4/5

With a variety of appetizer to choose from, we started off with the Bacon Wrapped Meatballs ($11.90) which comes in deep fried pork meatballs wrapped with crispy bacon. The side of Garlic Aioli sauce dip is a great complement to the savoury pork and bacon.

Pop Corn Pork 3.8/5

The Pop Corn Pork ($9.90) features a basket full of pork cubes marinated with Morganfield's secret spice mix & deep fried till crisp. Dipping it into their homemade Garlic Aioli & BBQ Ranch Sauce adds a sweet tangy and smoky flavour to the savouriness of the meat.

Golden Fried Wings 4/5

We had the Golden Fried Wings ($12.90) as the third appetizer. Marinated with a secret recipe, its outer skin is fried till a golden brown crispiness, while its meat is tender and juicy. The appetizers are best paired with a glass of beer in hand.

Summer Peach Cooler 4/5 and SweetWater Blue 4/5

For drinks, we had the Summer Peach Cooler ($6.90) and SweetWater Blue ($10). The former is a refreshing blend of sweet peach & orange flavour with a splash of fizzy soda, while the latter is a fruit beer which has a refreshing and fruity taste, light with a hint of fresh blueberries. With an ABV of 4.8%, the craft beer is easy to drink and finishes extra clean.

Candied Peach BBQ Sticky Bones 4.2/5

The highlight of the meal is the limited-time Candied Peach BBQ Sticky Bones (Half Slab $29.90, Full Slab $46.90). Created specially for the ladies, it is made with slices of juicy peaches and rich honey, which constitutes the perfect blend of sweet and tangy over the generously-portioned and well-executed ribs.

Smokey Bacon Bourbon Sticky Bones 4.5/5

Another one of their highlights - The Smokey Bacon Bourbon Sticky Bones (Half Slab $29.90, Full Slab $46.90) features a slab of tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs, topped with a hearty, rich and smoky sauce infused with bourbon, hand-chopped bacon bits and strips of candied bacon. With a flavourous luscious coating atop the savoury meat, the dish displays the perfect balance of sweet and savoury.

Bread Pudding 4/5

End your meal on a sweet note with the Bread Pudding ($11.90). This comforting homemade bread pudding comes served with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream & whiskey sauce. A recommended dessert option for the alcoholics, as the whiskey sauce is very thick and rich in taste, that I feel might be a tad too overpowering for the dish.

Chocolate Brownie 4.2/5

For chocolate lovers, try the Chocolate Brownie ($13.90) which comes in a fudgey chocolate and walnut brownie, and served warm with vanilla ice cream & chocolate sauce.

These limited time offers are available all day, every day from 30th April to 24th June. Make a date with your Mum and Dad to enjoy this special treat at Morganfield’s.

Note: The Candied Peach BBQ and Smoky Bacon Bourbon Sticky Bones are also available as part of the weekday Top Value Set Lunch promotion ($29.90), that comes with a free soup and drink.

Words and photos by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Morganfield’s
Orchard Central
181 Orchard Road
#11-03/04
Singapore 238896
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 11am – 11pm
Fri-Sat: 11am – 12midnight

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