Leila @ Teck Lim Road - A Contemporary Blend of Middle Eastern and Balkan Flavours

Leila at Teck Lim Road is a gastrobar serving up a vibrant mix of Middle Eastern and Balkan flavours in a stylish, contemporary setting.

Kubana Bread 2/5

Spicy Plate 4/5

We started with the Kubana Bread ($15), a traditional Yemenite Jewish yeasted bread beloved for its pillowy-soft texture. The dough is typically generously layered with butter before being shaped into pull-apart rolls and baked until golden. While ours arrived with an enticing crust and a soft interior, the bread was slightly denser than expected and seemed to lack the rich, buttery flavour that defines a good Kubana. Thankfully, the accompanying tahini and grated tomato helped elevate it, as did the additional Spicy Plate ($13), which featured earthy grilled peppers, smoky harissa and mellow garlic confit that paired well with the bread.

Nabulus Salad 4/5

The Nabulus Salad ($17) is a chopped salad of cucumbers, tomatoes, pickled onions and mint, providing a refreshing accompaniment to the richer dishes.

Manseef 3/5

The Manseef ($33) comprised minced chicken served over a bed of creamy hummus, finished with harissa and an extra drizzle of tahini. While the dish was enjoyable, I felt that lamb or beef would have been a more suitable choice. Their richer, more robust flavour profile carries the Mediterranean spices and aromatics more effectively than chicken does, adding greater depth and dimension to the dish alongside the creamy, nutty hummus.

Green Chilli Shrimp 4/5

One of Leila’s signatures, the Green Chilli Shrimp ($27), showcased beautifully grilled prawns coated in a herbaceous green tatbila sauce. The freshness of the herbs came through nicely, though a touch more citrus would have brightened the dish and added greater vibrancy.

Knafeh 2/5

For dessert, we had the classic Middle Eastern sweet Knafeh ($21). Ours was finished tableside with a pour of sugar syrup, which wasn’t necessary as it sweetened the ice cream as well. I had expected delicate floral notes of rose or orange blossom to perfume the dessert, but the flavours were rather muted. Although the fried kataifi encased a layer of cheese, the pastry seemed slightly overfried, resulting in a dessert that lacked the aromatic complexity and balance I had hoped for.

Leila offers an interesting interpretation of Middle Eastern and Balkan flavours in a contemporary gastrobar setting. With a little more refinement, the menu could better showcase the rich culinary traditions it draws inspiration from.

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.


Leila
12 Teck Lim Road
Singapore 088387
Tel: +65 8016 4117
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Nearest MRT: Outram Park (EW, NE, TE Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 6pm - till late
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk straight down New Bridge Road. Turn right onto Kreta Ayer Road. Walk down Kreta Ayer Road. Turn right onto Keong Saik Road. Walk down Keong Saik Road. Turn left onto Teck Lim Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Walk straight down Neil Road. Turn right onto Teck Lim Road. Walk down Teck Lim Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Torikizoku @ Vivocity - Japan's #1 Yakitori Chian Opens Its Biggest-Ever Outlet in Singapore

Japan’s popular yakitori chain Torikizoku has officially made its Singapore debut at VivoCity, opening its largest outlet worldwide on 29 May 2026. Spanning an impressive 174 seats across both indoor and al fresco dining areas overlooking the promenade, the space is designed to deliver a lively yet relaxed izakaya experience.

Built on its philosophy of offering quality Japanese fare at accessible prices, Torikizoku keeps things refreshingly simple. All food and non-alcoholic beverages are priced at $3.90++, while kids’ meals and alcoholic drinks are priced at $9.90++. The menu features a mix of grilled skewers, comforting sides, and casual bites, making it an easy spot for gatherings with friends or family.

Chicken Nanban 3.8/5

Starting with the Chicken Nanban ($3.90++), this classic Japanese favourite of karaage paired with tartar sauce delivered a satisfying balance of textures. The chicken was crispy on the outside while remaining tender and juicy within. The creamy tartar sauce helped to cut through the richness, adding a tangy contrast that lifted the overall flavour profile.

Potato Salad 4/5

The Potato Salad ($3.90++) was a pleasant surprise. Creamy yet not overly heavy, it featured chunks of potato that added a more rustic texture. The addition of bonito flakes added a subtle umami note, elevating what would otherwise be a simple side dish.

Grilled Fluffy Grated Yam 3/5

One of the more unique items on the menu is the Grilled Fluffy Grated Yam ($3.90++). Light and airy with a soft, almost soufflé-like texture, it carried a delicate savoury flavour. While it is meant to complement the skewers as a comforting side, its texture and flavour profile may not appeal to everyone and can be an acquired taste.

Chicken Liver 3/5, Stuffed Bell Pepper Ponzi 3/5, Signature Kizokuyaki Thigh & Leek 3.5/5

Yakitori remains the highlight here, with each plate comprising two skewers priced at $3.90++. Among the selections, the Chicken Liver and Stuffed Bell Pepper with Ponzu were decent, though not particularly outstanding. The liver had a slightly grainy texture, while the stuffed pepper offered a refreshing tang from the ponzu but lacked a stronger flavour punch.

Chicken Liver 3/5, Stuffed Bell Pepper Ponzi 3/5, Signature Kizokuyaki Thigh & Leek 3.5/5

The standout was the Signature Kizokuyaki Thigh & Leek (Sauce), part of the brand’s signature jumbo skewer range. Glazed in Torikizoku’s iconic tare sauce — a recipe refined over more than 40 years — the chicken thigh was juicy and flavourful, with a good balance of sweetness and savouriness. The leek added a mild sweetness without overpowering the meat. Notably, the Kizokuyaki skewers are larger than typical yakitori skewers, making them feel more substantial and better value for money.

Wings 3.8/5

Moving on to the Wings ($3.90++), these were grilled with the bone in, which helped retain moisture and enhance flavour. The meat was tender and juicy, with a lightly crisp exterior. While slightly greasy, it delivered the kind of satisfying richness that makes grilled wings so enjoyable.

Chicken Kamameshi 3.5/5

For something more filling, the Chicken Kamameshi ($3.90++) is a comforting option. Served in a traditional pot and cooked fresh at the table, the dish combines rice, chicken, and vegetables into a hearty one-pot meal. The rice absorbs the flavours of the ingredients as it cooks, resulting in a fragrant and savoury dish. Do note that it requires about 30 minutes of cooking time, so it is best to order this early.

Overall, Torikizoku brings a casual and approachable izakaya concept to Singapore. While the food may not be the most refined or top-tier, the consistent pricing and generous portions make it incredibly accessible. At $3.90++ per dish, it offers a fuss-free dining option where you can sample a variety of items without worrying about the bill. In short, Torikizoku may not serve the best yakitori in town. Still, it delivers solid flavours, a lively atmosphere, and unbeatable value — making it a place you’ll return to for easy, wallet-friendly Japanese dining.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Torikizoku
Vivocity
1 HarbourFront Walk
#01-104, 105
Singapore 098585
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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 & E. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 3 minutes. [Map]

Dumplings.ru @ Maxwell Chamber - You Can Find Authentic Russian Cuisine In Singapore Too

Dumplings.ru at Maxwell Chamber is the brainchild of Russian owners, Vadim Zoubovski and his wife, Alena Zubovska, conceived based on their yearning comforting taste of their grandmothers' home-cooked Russian dishes. Dumplings.ru uses family-owned recipes passed down from over 100 years ago. Diners will get to taste traditional Russian dishes from handmade dumplings, hearty soups, street food to classic homemade desserts found in every Russian household.

Salad Sampler 3.8/5, Shuba 3.5/5

The Salad Sampler ($10) is an excellent way to start dinner. A platter featuring Beetroot Salad, Eggplant Salad, Spicy Carrot, Potato Salad and Handmade Pickles, what stood out for me was the Eggplant Salad. I love its super soft texture, almost like a spread, and it is also deliciously flavoured. If you are familiar with nordic pickled herring, you may also try the Shuba - Salted Herring Salad ($9.90), made of beetroot, egg, carrot, herring layering over one another.

Ukrainian Borscht Soup 4/5

Do try their soups here. We had a hearty Ukrainian Borscht Soup ($9.50), richly flavoured with herbs and tomatoes, sweet with vegetables and meaty with tender potatoes and pork.

Dumplings 3.8/5

The star of Dumplings.ru is of course, the Dumplings. Pelmeni is considered Russia's national dish. What is offered here is divided into three main categories - Classic, Fusion and Wholesome. Our 12pcs Combo Platter ($19.90) consists of a mixture of 3. Classic features single meat flavour - salmon, pork, ram, beef and chicken. Fusion dumplings are made with a combination of 2 types of meat, and Wholesome dumplings are either potato-based or cheese. Much to my surprise, instead of the meat variants, those with potato such as Potato + Sauerkruat, Potato + Bacon, and the one with Paneer Cheese, is the one that I find most yummy.

Chebureki 2.8/5

While we grew up with curry puffs, Russians have their very own Chebureki (cheese/pork $12/2 pcs). The filling is flattened inside the pastry like a spread. While the fried pastry was quite tasty with the mayonnaise, they were a tad too greasy for my liking.

Stuffed Bell Pepper 4.5/5

The Stuffed Bell Pepper ($14.50) was the highlight. The perfectly roasted bell pepper was soft with fruity sweetness. The stuffing, made with minced beef, rice and vegetables, was warm and comforting. The homemade sour cream was milky with a slight tang, bringing all together with an added deliciousness.

Medovik 4.8/5

Their Medovik - Honey Cake ($7.90) was marvellous! I feel so blessed to taste this again, and it is way more delicious than the one I had back in Prague. A popular dessert in countries of the former Soviet Union, this multi-layered honey cake is prepared by hand using a traditional recipe. The layers of sponge cakes were extraordinarily light and airy. The caramelised honey and dulce de leche layering in between were mellow sweet with a tang, which binds the layers of sponge cakes together in harmony.

Dumpling.ru also serves up a very good Kvass ($5.90), almost like a non-alcoholic lager. There's a selection of Georgian wines, including ‘Joseph Stalin’s favourite Georgian red wine’, Khvanchkara Red Wine ($17/glass).

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.


Dumplings.ru
Maxwell Chambers
32 Maxwell Road
#01-05
Singapore 069115
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Nearest MRT Station: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon: 530pm - 1030pm
Tues-Sun: 12pm - 230pm, 530pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]