Club Rangoon @ Duxton Road - A Rare Gem Showcasing Contemporary Burmese Cuisine in Singapore

Along the vibrant stretch of Duxton Road, Club Rangoon continues to stand its ground in Singapore's ever-evolving dining landscape. Having first visited shortly after its opening in August 2024, it is heartening to return nearly a year and a half later to see the restaurant not only surviving but refining its identity. In a city where dining concepts come and go with startling frequency, Club Rangoon remains a rare gem — spotlighting contemporary Burmese cuisine, a cuisine still relatively underrepresented in Singapore.

Laphet Hummus 4.2/5

The Laphet Hummus ($14) offers a thoughtful reinterpretation of a familiar staple. Infused with fermented tea leaves, the hummus carries a distinctive Burmese accent that is earthy, umami-rich, and gently herbaceous, setting it apart from its Mediterranean counterpart. The texture is luxuriously smooth, almost velvety, serving as a canvas for the nuanced flavours of laphet and tea leaf oil drizzled atop. This "gentle funk" adds intrigue without overwhelming the palate. Paired with warm, pillowy pita, it becomes an addictive starter that invites repeated scooping.

Short Rib Skewers 4.2/5

The Short Rib Skewers ($18 for 2pc) exemplify the restaurant's knack for balancing richness with brightness. Grilled to tender perfection, the beef boasts a melt-in-the-mouth texture, accented by a light smoky char. What elevates the dish is the Burmese-style chimichurri, sharper and more herbaceous than the traditional Argentinian version, cutting cleanly through the meat's fattiness. The accompanying pennywort salad lends a refreshing crunch and a slightly bitter note, rounding out the dish with finesse.

Samusa Thoke 4/5

A beloved Burmese street food classic, the Samusa Thoke ($12) is a medley of textures and flavours. Crispy potato samosas are broken apart and tossed into a warm, comforting yellow split pea soup, allowing them to soak up the broth while retaining bits of crunch. The addition of shredded cabbage and fresh mint introduces a crisp, cooling contrast, while a squeeze of lime ties everything together with a bright, zesty lift. The interplay between warm and fresh elements makes this dish both hearty and refreshing.

Ohn-No Khout Swel 4/5

The Ohn-No Khout Swel ($20) delivers a comforting bowl of coconut chicken noodle curry. Rich yet approachable, the mildly spiced broth is thick enough to coat each strand of egg noodles and envelop tender pieces of chicken. A halved boiled egg adds an extra layer of richness, while crunchy yellow rice crackers provide textural contrast. With lime and chilli on the side, diners can easily adjust the balance of acidity and heat, making it a highly customisable and satisfying main.

Wet Thar Dan Dauk 4.5/5

A standout on the menu, the Wet Thar Dan Dauk ($34) is a luxurious take on Burmese-style biryani. Fragrant basmati rice, infused with saffron and ghee, forms the base for a generous portion of slow-cooked pork knuckle. The meat is incredibly tender, with gelatinous richness that melts effortlessly on the palate. To offset this indulgence, a side of tangy green mango salad provides a refreshing acidity and crunch, ensuring each bite remains balanced and enjoyable.

Yone Pathay Thee Tofu Kyaw 4.5/5

The Yone Pathay Thee Tofu Kyaw ($22) showcases the depth of Burmese "dry curry" techniques. Featuring okra and tofu stir-fried with a robust masala blend, the dish delivers concentrated, caramelised flavours with every bite. The tofu absorbs the spices beautifully, while the okra adds a tender, slightly crisp texture. A touch of tamarind introduces a sharp, fruity acidity that cuts through the warmth of the spices, resulting in a dish that is both hearty and well-balanced.

Laphet-yay Ice Cream 4.5/5

Ending on a high note, the Laphet-yay Ice Cream ($14) is a creative homage to Burmese milk tea. Smooth and creamy, the ice cream captures the bold, slightly tannic notes of black tea, mellowed by the sweetness of condensed milk. The addition of a banana and jaggery crumble introduces a contrasting texture and a deep, caramel-like sweetness. The interplay between warm, earthy flavours and the cold creaminess of the ice cream makes for a refined yet comforting dessert.

Returning to Club Rangoon, the progression is evident. The refreshed menu feels more confident and cohesive, with flavours that are better defined and more attuned to the local palate without losing their Burmese essence. This second visit not only deepened my appreciation for the cuisine but also highlighted the restaurant's growth in bridging tradition and modernity. In many ways, Club Rangoon continues to play an important role in introducing and evolving Burmese cuisine within Singapore's dynamic food scene.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Club Rangoon
76 Duxton Road
Singapore 089535
Tel: +65 8190 8827
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Nearest MRT: Maxwell (TE Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu: 530pm - 11pm
Fri-Sat: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Cross the road to Duxton Road. Walk down Duxton Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time about 3 minutes [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road and walk to Craig Road. Walk down Craig Road towards Duxton Road. Turn right onto Duxton Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 6 minutes. [Map]

ANJU @ Tras Street - Modern Korean Dining with Creative Flair

ANJU is a modern Korean dining and bar restaurant tucked along Tras Street in Tanjong Pagar. Taking its name from the Korean term for dishes enjoyed with alcohol, ANJU focuses on elevating traditional flavours while pairing its creative cuisine with a curated selection of Korean spirits and liquors. The restaurant delivers a refined take on Korean classics in a contemporary and elegant setting.

Buckwheat Crepe 4/5

We started with the Buckwheat Crepe ($16), a dish that immediately set the tone for the evening. The crepe had a gelatinous, bouncy bite, wrapping around pickled radish, egg, mushroom, and prawn, with Dijon mustard to tie it all together. A refreshing, eye-opening start.

Black Bean Mascarpone 4/5

The Black Bean Mascarpone ($16) was another creative snack, served with sourdough crackers. The mascarpone was addictively creamy with a balance of sweet and savoury notes.

Bangeo 4.2/5

The Bangeo ($26), featuring yellowtail ceviche paired with carrot kimchi and Earl Grey dongchimi, stood out for its lightness and refreshing zesty flavours.

Hogam Jeon 4.5/5

A highlight was the Hogam Jeon ($26), a signature dish comprising potato, zucchini, prawn, and onion pickle. Crispy on the outside with layers of textures inside, it was immensely satisfying. The optional addition of mozzarella (+$3) elevated the dish even further.

Yangnyeom Cauliflower 4/5

The Yangnyeom Cauliflower ($22) was a surprise. It looked like Korean fried chicken at first glance, but the crunchy cauliflower tossed in a sweet-spicy gochujang sauce (with chewy rice cakes for added texture) was just as addictive.

Dwaeji Deungsim 4.2/5

The Dwaeji Deungsim ($36) showcased tender, succulent Iberico pork grilled to perfection. Pairing it with barley ssamjang accentuated the flavour, while pickled radish refreshed the palate.

Spicy Dak Galbi 4.5/5

The Spicy Dak Galbi ($36) was another winner. Oven-baked, tender, and rich with flavour, the addictive marinade was complemented by cashew nuts and spring onions for texture and balance.

LA Galbi 4/5

We also tried the off-menu LA Galbi. The beef short ribs, cut across the bone, were marinated in a sweet sauce and grilled to a charred finish. Tender, juicy, and served with housemade green chilli sauce, it made for a harmonious bite.

Ssambob 3/5

Baek Kimchi 4/5

As accompaniments, the Ssambob ($10), barley rice rolls wrapped in savoy cabbage was a refreshing alternative to plain rice, though not particularly memorable. The Baek Kimchi ($7), a white kimchi with radish and red dates, was a bright palate cleanser that balanced the richness of the mains.

Korean Donut 4/5

Desserts at Anju were inventive and memorable. The Korean Donut ($18), made with sweet rice dough, had a chewy texture complemented by Parmesan tuile, cinnamon milk ice cream, sea salt meringue, and candied walnut. It was a light yet satisfying finish.

Sweet Potato 4.5/5

The Sweet Potato 2.0 ($18) was a standout. A reinterpretation of sweet potato crème brûlée (though more puree-like in texture), it was layered with caramelised sugar, sweet potato ice cream, brown butter crumble, chips, and a dusting of coffee powder. It was complex yet comforting.

Makgeolli Pannacotta 4.2/5

The Makgeolli Pannacotta ($18) was another creative dessert. The makgeolli jelly carried the fragrance of rice, enhanced by fresh melon and strawberry, condensed milk, and playful popping candy, for a sweet and refreshing ending.

ANJU is not your typical Korean restaurant. With its thoughtful pairings, modern reinterpretations, and polished presentation, it elevates Korean dining to something exciting and refreshing. While prices are on the higher side, the creativity and execution justify the splurge. Whether you’re here for a date night or a gathering with friends over soju and modern bites, ANJU delivers a memorable dining experience that stands out in Singapore’s Korean food scene.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


ANJU
62 Tras Street
Singapore 079001
Tel: +65 66121172
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sat: 6pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun & Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Tras Street. Turn right onto Tras Street. Walk down Tras Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 2. Turn left and walk down Tanjong Pagar Road. Turn left onto Tras Street. Walk down Tras Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Liberty Singapore @ Marina Bay Financial Centre - Special Weekend Discount, 1-For-1 Asahi Draft and Close-up Magic

Liberty Singapore at Marina Bay Financial Centre (MBFC) Tower 2 has introduced the "Liberty X Asahi Weekend Escape", featuring attractive weekend deals and live close-up magic performances by magician Ming Da on 23, 30 August and 6 September 2025. With great food, drinks, and entertainment, it makes for a lively weekend hangout spot.

Asahi Draft

Kick off the weekend with the Asahi Draft 1-for-1 Promotion, where you get 2 pints for the price of 1. A refreshing way to unwind after a long week – cheers to the weekend!

Nori Truffle Fries 4/5

To go along with the drinks, there’s a variety of bar snacks. A crowd-pleaser is the Nori Truffle Fries ($12). The crispy fries are topped with parmesan and served with truffle mayo, adding a touch of indulgence to the classic bar snack.

Weekend Special (2 Brunch Mains for $59) - Liberty Breakfast 4/5

Weekend Special: 2 Brunch Mains for $59. The Liberty Breakfast ($32) is a hearty all-day breakfast platter comprising Butifarra and Chorizo sausages, bacon, asparagus, mushrooms, hash browns, sourdough, and your choice of eggs. A generous and satisfying brunch plate that works anytime of the day.

Liberty Burger 4/5

The Liberty Burger with Fries ($32) features a juicy grilled wagyu patty, paired with aged cheddar, streaky bacon, caramelised onions, and Liberty’s signature BBQ sauce. Sandwiched between fluffy buns and served with crispy fries, it’s a comforting and well-executed classic.

Prawn Tagliatelle 4.5/5

The standout among the brunch mains is the Prawn Tagliatelle ($34). Cooked perfectly al dente, the pasta is coated in a robust sambal lobster bisque, with tobiko adding delightful bursts of briny flavour. Two large, fresh prawns, grilled to perfection, crown the dish – a must-try for seafood lovers.

Artisanal Pizza from 3.5/5

Artisanal pizzas are also available from $12.90. We tried the Margherita ($26), made with Poolish dough that combines Italian Caputo flour with Japanese flour. The result is a light and airy crust, though the flavours leaned towards the safe side.

Smoked Meat Platter 4.5/5

The Smoked Meat Platter (U.P. $138, now $98) is a huge weekend steal. It comes with 200g of Char Siu Pork Belly and 200g of Kalbi Short-rib – both succulent, tender, and deeply flavourful. Despite the discount, the quality is uncompromised, and the accompanying Asian salad provides freshness to balance the richness. For pork lovers, the Char Siu Pork Belly (U.P. $24) is also available at 50% off ($12).

With its wide variety of food, generous portions, and irresistible weekend promotions, Liberty Singapore makes for a great dining and drinking spot at MBFC. Whether you're here for brunch, pizza, smoked meats, or to enjoy pints of Asahi while being entertained by magic, the Weekend Escape promises both fun and value.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Liberty Singapore
Marina Bay Financial Centre (MBFC)
Tower 2
10 Marina Boulevard
#01-04
Singapore 018983
Tel: +65 6322 3777
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Nearest MRT: Downtown (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8am - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 1030am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Exit D. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Big Wine Freaks @ Bukit Pasoh Road - Champagne and Wine Restaurant with Ingredient-forward Cuisine

Big Wine Freaks at Bukit Pasoh is a Champagne and wine restaurant with an outstanding wine selection that showcases labels from a new generation of star producers, natural wines from renowned French regions, and rare picks from unique micro-farms. Channelling the same electric energy as their Moscow origins, the space is brought to life by Sabrina Bignami and Alessandro Capellaro of B-Arch Architectural Bureau in Florence. It's an expressive blend of light, colour, and texture, a setting that speaks about the experience that they want to offer. Their ingredient-forward menu features a raw seafood bar, bite-sized starters, vegetables, and mains cooked over an open-fire grill.

Oysters 3.5/5

Daily from 5.30pm to 7pm is the time for Aperitivo ($58), which I believe is the best way to soak in the atmosphere of Big Wine Freaks. We were served a Cichetti Assortment comprising Oysters, Trout Gravlax, Parma Ham, Arancini, and Padron Peppers.

Parma Ham 4/5

Trout Gravlax 5/5

There was plenty to love about this assortment. It offered a satisfying balance of cold and hot starters and, more importantly, the rich mouthfeel and savouriness that pair beautifully with their wines and Champagne. Both the Parma Ham and Trout Gravlax stood out for their indulgent textures, especially the latter, with its tangy and mustardy toast and delicate ribbons of gravlax that paired perfectly with the glass of Gounel-Lassalle Esprit Voyager we had.

Padron Peppers 4.5/5

Arancini 4.5/5

The Arancini were well executed too. Encased in a crisp golden crust was a molten mixture of rice, mozzarella, and Jamon, made even more indulgent with the accompanying aioli. Rounding off the plate, the blistered Padron Peppers were juicy and vibrant, adding a fresh green bite that nicely balanced the lineup.

Octopus 3/5

The mains feature selections from the Josper Basque Grill. The Octopus ($58) was incredibly well cooked, with a texture and flavour that stood out as one of the better renditions I've had. Unfortunately, the dish was slightly let down by an oversprinkle of finishing salt.

Beef Short Rib 3/5

For the Beef Short Rib ($46), while the meat wasn't as tender as hoped, it made up for it with flavour. The caramelised, charred exterior imparted a depth and smokiness that was deeply satisfying.

Donut 4.5/5

Dessert was a pure joy. The fluffy Donuts, filled with berry jam and custard, were a delightful way to end the meal. While I would have preferred the custard to be a touch lighter, the overall experience was still indulgent and comforting.

There's also a noticeable attention to detail when it comes to presentation. Each dish is served on dinnerware by Ginori 1735, the renowned Florentine porcelain house now under the creative direction of Alessandro Michele. The wine-by-the-glass list is equally thoughtful, featuring over 40 rotating options that highlight fresh finds from their cellar. Every glass is served in exceptional stemware, featuring brands such as Zalto from Austria, Sydonios from France, and Kimura from Japan, which further elevates the overall experience.

Photos and words by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling loves the feel of freedom, the smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


Big Wine Freaks
44 Bukit Pasoh Road
Singapore 089857
Tel: +65 6019 0765
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Nearest MRT: Outram Park (EW, NE, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 530pm till Late
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 4. Turn right and walk down Teo Hong Road. Walk to Bukit Pasoh Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

American Mass Hall @ Lumiere - Classic Amercian Food Layered with Vibrant Asian Nuances

American Mass Hall at Lumiere revives classic American comfort food while introducing creative dishes layered with vibrant Asian nuances. Chef Heman Tan oversees the menu, which spans a broad spectrum — from sides and soups to salads, appetisers, mains, and desserts. We began our meal with a selection of appetisers, soups, and a salad.

Mass Hall’s Oyster Bay 4/5

French Onion Soup 4/5

Hush Puppy Corn Ball 4/5

Mass Hall's Oyster Bay ($5/pc) showcased plump Japanese oysters topped with orange granita, adding a burst of citrus acidity that brightened the brininess of the oyster. Though made with vegetable stock, the French Onion Soup ($9) impressed with its well-balanced sweetness and savoury depth — a surprising feat given the absence of beef stock. The Hush Puppy Corn Ball ($8) was a delight with its crisp exterior and sweet corn-studded interior. A dollop of spicy mayo added a satisfying sweet-spicy kick and boosted its overall mouthfeel.

Chilli Crab Mac & Cheese 2/5

Moving to the heavier plates, the Chilli Crab Mac & Cheese ($18) came loaded with rich, gooey cheese and a unique chilli crab topping. While the spicy crab element helped to cut through some of the richness, the dish leaned too sweet for my liking, and the macaroni was somewhat overwhelmed by the cheese.

Burrata Lava Cheesy Wonderland Lovers 2/5

The same sentiment applied to the Burrata Lava Cheesy Wonderland Lovers ($24), for which I found the execution a little one-dimensional. To balance out the richness, I would have preferred a blend of cheeses with varying sharpness and complexity. The dough, too, could have been more aerated for that chewy bite.

Octopus 4.5/5

The Octopus ($22), served with mashed potato, sous vide egg, and hollandaise sauce, was an interesting and indulgent dish. Digging into the combination of buttery mash, runny egg, and rich hollandaise felt luxurious — creamy, velvety, and deeply satisfying. What elevated the dish was the charred edges of the sous vide octopus, which added a gentle smokiness that helped balance the overall richness.

Burrata Salad 2.5/5

For something lighter, we tried the Burrata Salad ($19), which paired burrata with watermelon, tomato, and Parma ham. The combination was refreshing and offered a nice interplay of sweet, juicy, and savoury elements. Unfortunately, the burrata itself was a letdown — too firm, lacking the pillowy softness and milky freshness that a good burrata should deliver.

“Bone Drop” BBQ Iberico Prime Ribs 4.2/5

120-day Grain Fed Angus Beef Short Ribs 3.8/5

For mains, we feasted on the "Bone Drop" BBQ Iberico Prime Ribs ($39), served with fresh coleslaw and potato wedges. True to its name, the meat was tender, succulent, and finger-licking good, coated in a sticky, smoky BBQ glaze that hit all the right notes. The 120-day Grain Fed Angus Beef Short Ribs ($30), smoked tableside, could have been more tender but made up for it with a satisfyingly rich, beefy flavour.

Fish & Chips 3.5/5

Cajun Blackened Barramundi Fillet 3.8/5

From the sea, the classic Fish & Chips ($18) uses Barramundi fillet instead of the usual dory, which gave the dish a more flavourful bite. The thin and airy crust was especially enjoyable. The Cajun Blackened Barramundi Fillet ($25) was well-executed with just the right amount of char. The smoky flavour from the blackening added depth to the naturally sweet and moist fish.

Spaghetti Prawn Aglio Olio 4/5

The Spaghetti Prawn Aglio Olio ($22) was a true crowd-pleaser. Tossed in a specially concocted Aglio Olio chilli, the al dente spaghetti was loaded with umami and a spicy kick. Slices of mushroom soaked up the sauce beautifully, adding layers of spicy, savoury richness to each bite.

Desserts

Desserts were varied and playful. My personal favourite was the Deconstructed Apple Crumble ($9), which delighted with chunks of cinnamon-spiced apples and buttery crumble bits that offered a satisfying crunch. Though eggless, the Tiramisu ($9) was impressive — light mascarpone cream paired with bittersweet, generously boozy ladyfingers made for a decadent treat. As for the Crème Brûlée Cempedak ($10), the dessert itself was delectable, perfumed with fragrant cempedak and topped with a nicely caramelised crust. However, while delicious, the scoop of ice cream atop added a touch too much sweetness and softened the brûlée's crisp surface more than I'd like.

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.


American Mass Hall
Lumiere
2 Mistri Road
#01-01
Singapore 079624
Tel: +65 9743 0116
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit D or H. Walk straight down Anson Road to Parsi Road. Turn left onto Parsi Road. Walk down Parsi Road towards Mistri Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]