En Sushi @ Middle Road - Launches New Menu Featuring Signature Sashimi Moriawase, Delectable Maki Rolls And Sushi

Indulge in authentic Japanese delicacies at En Sushi - a contemporary Japanese dining restaurant featuring an extensive menu of Sushi, Sashimi, Donburi, Maki, Hand Rolls and Yaki that offer incredible value for money. Each dishes are delicately crafted to bring out the mouthwatering flavours of Japanese food.

The restaurant brings in a daily seafood import of at least 28kg with more than 20 types of fish incomparably priced for its freshness and quality, making Japanese feasts easy on the wallet at En Sushi. For those seeking quality Japanese fare without the hefty price tags, En Sushi offers a nonpareil dining experience with a plethora of fresh seafood, sashimi and savoury dishes for diners to indulge in.

En Signature Sashimi Moriawase 4.5/5

We were treated to a skilfully and strategically plated work of art - the En SIgnature Sashimi Moriawase (Seasonal). The plating stole the show with its gorgeous plating, vibrant array of flower embellishments, and several kinds of seasonal fresh fish served as sashimi. The selection of thick and delicately sliced premium fish includes the Mebaru (Black Rockfish), Madai (Seabream), Hirame (Flounder) and Shimaaji (Striped Horsemackerel), as well as a generous serving of fresh, creamy uni.

Appetiser Platter 4/5

For the appetiser platter, we had the Uni Ikura Onsen Tamago ($10.90), Pitan Tofu (4.90), Spicy Salmon Belly ($5.90) as well as the Chuka Wakama ($4.90). The sea urchin adds a creamy, slightly sweet note to the wobbly hot spring egg, and the salmon roe lends a juicy pop to the dish. Another favourite goes to the Spicy Salmon Belly, which has an addictive spicy tang to the fresh sashimi.

9-Kind Premium Sushi 4.2/5

The 9-Kind Premium Sushi ($70.90) features a vibrant platter display of 9 different kinds of sushi. On the plate, there are Otoro (Premium Tuna Belly), Chutoro (Tuna Belly), Akami (Premium Tuna), Madai (Seabream), Shimaaji (Striped Horsemackerel, Uni (Sea Urchin), Ikura (Salmon Roe) and Aka Ebi (Argentina Red Shrimp).

Buta Kakuni 3.5/5

The Buta Kakuni ($16.90) features braised pork belly, which leans slightly on the drier side. While we hoped that the meat retains a more tender, juicy texture, it is still packed full of umami.

Tofu Cheesecake 4/5

Round off the meal with their Tofu Cheesecake ($8.90) freshly made in-house. It boasts a soft melt-in-the-mouth texture reminiscent of tofu. It comes with a subtle hint of cheese and sweetness to it, making it a very light and enjoyable dessert to end your meal with.

Photos and words 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.


En Sushi
Midland House
112 Middle Road
#01-00B
Singapore 188970
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Website
Tel: +65 62598548
Nearest MRT: Bugis (DT Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm
Fri-Sun: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to junction of Victoria Street and Middle Road. Turn right onto Middle Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Koon Signatures @ Bukit Timah - More Than Just Traditional Bak Kut Teh

Koon Bak Kut Teh at Bukit Timah opened its door in 2012, serving traditional Bak Kut Teh and other home-cooked dishes. As competition within the industry gets tougher, its founder Moses, decided to revamp the outlet by improving its interior and ambience, and most importantly, incorporating dishes that deviates from his usual classics. With the transformation, it has also renamed the restaurant as Koon Signatures.

Mushroom Buns 3/5

I thought these Handmade Mushrooms Buns gels pretty well with Bak Kut Teh concept. I was half expecting it to taste like our typical Chinese mushroom bun with custard filling but it turned out to be minced mushrooms filling which lean towards the flavour of a western mushroom soup. I like the filling but the texture of the bun was a little too soft.

Classic Bak Kut Teh 3/5, Braised Phoenix Claws 3.5/5

The Classic Bak Kut Teh ($6.50) was decent though it is supposed to be its core dish. The soup was peppery but slightly watered down. I like the Braised Phoenix Claws much more. They were fatty and not too highly flavoured with the braising sauce. The fried you tiao seemed to have an additional layer of crispiness to it, definitely one of the better ones I ever had.

Modern Braised Meat Rice 4/5

I would say its Modern Braised Meat Rice ($8.90) outshines its classic. Wholesome with sauteed cherry tomatoes and mushrooms, the melt-in-your-mouth braised pork didn't seem to leave any trace of fats in my mouth, and no lingering porky flavour. The crunchy pickled cucumber slices added to the pleasure. In CBD area, this would have been a hit.

Char Siew Chicken 3/5 and Deep Fried Pork Belly 3.5/5

Koon's signatures include Char Siew Chicken ($8.90) and Deep Fried Pork Belly ($8.90). Ordering the Signature Platter ($16.90) will get you both. The Char Siew Chicken was quite successful in getting the char siew flavours right, especially those desirable burnt ends. But I find the glaze too much on the meat which made it a little too sweet. The pork belly was like KFC's original chicken, which has a thin layer of crisp crust that stays even after a while.

Superior Chicken Stew 3/5

The Superior Chicken Stew ($8.90) with fish maw serves as a very comforting meal for one. It looked promising but the soup didn't taste as rich as expected, nor it has the consistency of a nourishing fish maw soup.

Kale 4/5

I love its Braised Kale with Superior Stock ($11.90)! So much that I could finish the entire plate. The kale was pretty much being left alone, only lightly flavoured with garlic and pork belly to mellow out its rawness.

Black Sesame Lava Cake 3/5

One of its latest creations is this Black Sesame Lava Cake with Glutinous Rice & Gelato ($11.90), which has a slight Japanese feel to it. The black sesame was rich but the sweetness level was way over the limits, especially after a meaty meal. I love the unsweetened glutinous rice which combines well with the gelato. Still, with such comprehensive spread that caters to different crowd, Koon Signatures is a great option for a casual family gathering.

Words and photos 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.


Koon Signatures
10 Cheong Chin Nam Rd
Singapore 599735
Tel: +65 64630111
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Website
Nearest MRT: Beauty World (DT Line)bak

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 2am

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

Go-Ang Kaomunkai Pratunam @ NEX Shopping Mall - Bangkok Michelin Bib Gourmand Chicken Rice Opens In Singapore

Some said we learn cultural similarity and diversity through food and this sentiment headlined my experience with Thailand’s Go-Ang Kaomunkai Pratunam, which has recently opened its door at NEX Shopping Mall. Established in 1960 as a food stall specialising in Hainanese chicken rice in the Pratunam district of Bangkok and awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand award in 2018. This Thai Hainanese chicken rice may or may not make it to your top list but it will change your perception of how this iconic dish can be consumed.

Chicken Rice 3.5/5

Go Ang Chicken Rice comes with either Thigh ($5.50) or Breast ($4.50) meat. As expected, the thigh meat is naturally more tender than the breast meat, and the layer of plump skin was certainly not those to be chucked at one side. The grainy and firm rice worked well to bring out its pleasing texture. That said, the breast meat fared well too if you like firmer meat. The rice, however, didn't manage to captivate my taste buds. I feel it lacked a certain fragrance and aromatics, which make the chicken rice itself addictive.

But ultimately, what gives this Go Ang Chicken Rice its unique identity is the chilli sauce that comes with it. Based with fermented chilli, fermented soy beans, coarsely chopped ginger, this piquant sauce is a tapestry of Thais' flavours in another perspective.

Omelette 3.5/5

Like what they always say "same same but different", this goes the same for their Omelette. Its accompanying sauce again, has all the elements to whet your appetite. Chye Pok version ($6.50) is available as well.

Braised pork 3.5/5

In Bangkok, the locals not only love their chicken rice but also their braised pork and surprisingly soups too. The Bitter Melon & Pork Rib Soup ($6.50) wowed us with its tender pork ribs and the depth of flavour. As for the Signature Braised Pork ($8/$12), considered that lean meat is used, its fork tender meat was impressed. I like the braising sauce too, which was relatively much lighter compared to our version but packed with flavours. Love it with the omelette's dip sauce!

Steamed Sea Bass 4.5/5

Among all the dishes, I enjoyed the Steamed Sea Bass with Chilli, Lime & Garlic the most. I had this dish a couple of times but theirs by far is the most memorable. Judging by the what was left on the plate, it just showed how tasty this dish was. We were fighting for the last drop of the lemony and spicy gravy.

Basil Chicken with Kai Lan 3.8/5

To ensure the authenticity and quality of the cuisine, all kitchen staff were trained by Go-Ang founder Mr. Sombat Pruekpaiboon at the original restaurant in Bangkok. Hence, even simple dishes like Stir Fried Basil Chicken with Kai Lan seemed to exude a taste that was much elevated than what are available elsewhere.

Chendol 3.8/5

Red Ruby 3/5, Steamed Tapioca 3.5/5

For desserts, we tried Homemade Red Ruby with Coconut Ice Cream ($5.00) and Steamed Tapioca with Coconut Cream ($4.50). Homemade red ruby is a rare gem these days and these gems can also be found in their Thai Chendol ($5), which I highly recommend you to order it over your usual Thai Milk Tea. The strands of chendols were soft with a bite and so yummy to chew on when I seeped them with the milky concoction. Nothing was overly sweet, except for the red ruby but these are the gems that make them so delicious for the dessert. I like the steamed tapioca too, which was warm and comforting to end a meal.

Go-Ang Chicken Rice may not replace that sense of comfort and familiarity given by your favourite plate of chicken rice but it sure stirs up some excitement when you need it.

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.


Go-Ang Chicken Rice
Nex Shopping Mall
23 Serangoon Central
#B1-05/06
Singapore 556083
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Nearest MRT: Serangoon (CC Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours: 
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Serangoon MRT station. Take Exit B, E, G & H. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

White Rose Cafe @ York Hotel - Flavours of Asian Rice Bowls

For a limited period from 1 June to 31 July 2018, White Rose Cafe at York Hotel will be rolling out six hearty Asian Rice Bowls. These bowls are inspired by popular gourmet in our neighbouring Asia countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, Taiwan and more.

Beef Donburi with Wafu Sauce 4/5

The Beef Donburi with Wafu Sauce ($16) comes with a tender and moist patty grilled and drizzled with flavourful wafu sauce. It comes with black and white sesame rice topped with onsen egg, shreded white cabbage, corn and Japanese pickles.

Minced Pork with Thai Basil 3.5/5

A classic Thai dish is the Minced Pork with Thai Basil. The steamed rice is topped with stir fried ground pork and basil leaves, sunny-side up egg and long beans. I thought the stir-fried pork needs a bit more intensity in the sauce and spiciness, to bring out the authentic characteristic of the dish.

Lemongrass Grilled Chicken 3.5/5

The chicken is marinated with lemongrass, lemon juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic and fish sauce. It is then grilled to a nice tender texture, infusing with the aroma of lemongrass and smokiness. The rice bowl comes with sunny-side up egg and pickled vegetables over steamed fragrant rice.

Sambal Ikan 4/5

Suitable for the local palate is the Sambal Ikan. The rice bowl comes with a crispy deep fried red snapper fillet, spicy bean curd with tempeh, onion omelette and steamed fragrant rice. The highlight of the rice bowl has to be the crunchy achar and sambal chilli.

Braised Pork Rice 4.2/5

One of my favourite bowls is the Braised Pork Rice. The pork belly chopped into chunky pieces is well braised to tender, absorbing the flavoursome sweet and savoury sauce. Not forgetting the piquant chilli sauce that goes so well with the braised items for that extra punch.

Healthy 'Vegan-licious' Rice Bowl 4.2/5

For the healthy conscious folks, there is the Healthy 'Vegan-licious' Rice Bowl which comes with deep-fried bean curd, sauteed mushrooms and a beautiful assortment of kimchi, black fungus, corns and cucumbers. Similar to the Korean bibimbap but this is vegan. Instead of steamed rice, it is substituted with delicious olive fried rice. Last but not least, a homemade oriental sesame is drizzled over the rice for a aromatic lift.

The Flavours of Asian Rice Bowls promotion is available from 1 June to 31 July 2018. UOB credit and debit cardholders enjoy 10% off total bill off the rice bowls with a minimum spending of $50 in a single receipt.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


White Rose Cafe
York Hotel
21 Mount Elizabeth
Singapore 228516
Tel: +65 68301156
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Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Scotts Road towards Goodwood Park Hotel. At Goodwood Park, turn right and walk to the end of the carpark. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Dehesa Restaurant @ North Canal Road - Surprising In Flavour And Not In Cuts

“Surprising in flavour, and not in cuts" is what sets Dehesa's new menu apart from its original. Located admist a row of bistros and cafes along North Canal Road, Dehesa (which in Spanish means “grasslands” – home of the Iberico pig) was conceptualised in 2015 as a nose to tail dining experience that showcased alternative cuts. But as Chef-Owner Jean-Philippe Patruno also wishes to engage diners who are more flavours driven, this new menu was born.

Charred Peppers with Sea Salt 3/5

For starters, we had a couple of one-ingredient dish from Chef's Specials. Pimientos De Padron ($14) is a traditional Spanish style blistered Padron peppers, a dish that either gives you the kick when done right or doesn't at all. With a skinny frame akin to green chilli, it still tastes rather sharp after roasting but blessed with the inherent sweetness of bell peppers. The sprinkle of sea salt seems to be an innocent gesture but is quintessential in making it right. Closer to the stalk is where the seeds resides and you might just love the kick of biting into it.

Salt-cured Jamon Ham 3/5

Jamon De Bellota 100% Iberico 5J ($36). An iberico breed that can only be found in Spain, this plate of salt-cured Jamon Ham is known for its rich flavour due to its high fats content. That of course, translate to a more luscious mouthfeel as well. Great if you have a drink in hand!

Jamon Croquetas 3.5/5

Clams, Sherry. Garlic and Chilli 3.5/5

Grilled Octopus, Potatoes and Lard 4/5

All Time Favourites offers dishes with familiar flavours but packed with a punch. Croquetas 4 Pieces ($14) has a light and crispy exterior, and each piece is delish with creamy Bechemel sauce, enriched with Jamon ham. The smell of Sherry Lala ($18) - the combination of Sherry, butter and garlic, will just make you salivate. Looking at the creamy broth, again, I could only lament on the absence of bread to soak up the broth enriched by the juice that seeped out from the lala. Dehesa Octopus ($28) is a must-order from the list. Torch and melt in front of your eyes, visual feast on how the lard spreads over the octopus and eventually insulates each piece when cooled. It's a Spanish version of our braised pork belly Dong Po Rou!

Crispy Braised Pig With Capers And Soft Yolk 4.5/5

Alternative cuts are still here for diners who appreciate them and you could get them from Dehesa The Grasslands. Rather sceptical about how my acceptance level towards the dishes but be it the presentation or the taste of the dish, Chef makes me forget about my reservations. Crispy Pig's Head Dehesa Signature ($28), as its moniker, is like a fried pork rillettes made with the entire pig's head. The flavours are strangely homely and inviting, a dish that you will keep going back for. I believe the pork has been simmered for very long in its own fats to attain such a soft texture and rich flavours which are all fortified by the fried crust. The crust which has a chewiness to it, is another element that the table will fight over for. Some toasts within reach would be great to deliver the luscious texture into my mouth and allow me to slowly savour it.

Sliced Tender Braised Pig Skin With Meat And Vegetable Stew 4.5/5

Pig Skin Tagliatelle, Ragout ($28) is another dish that took me by surprise. The pasta in this dish is actually made of pig skin. Its texture is springy, very much like Korean's potato starch noodles. I love how homely the meat and vegetable stew tastes, like a pot of stew served in winter.

Tender Ox Cheek, Spanish Onions Purée, Bone Marrow 4/5

The towering bone marrow in Ox Cheek, Oloroso Glazed ($36) is surely eye catching. Ox cheeks was well done to fork tender, hence no complaints. The only thing that is missing - the action of me slathering the bone marrow onto a crostini. It's funny how often I wished for toasts throughout the dinner!

Squid Ink With Tender Baby Octopus 3.5/5

2 types of seafood Spanish style rice are available, in which we had the Squid which serves 2 pax ($28). In pitch black squid ink, the rice was creamy, rich in ocean flavour but not too much.

Boozy Gin Panna Cotta With Berry Compote And Crumble 3.5/5

Gin Panna Cotta ($15) is a straight forward dessert but again, deliver an enjoyment beyond its simplicity. The touch of the deep bitter-sweetness from Gin balances the sweetness, along with a slight tartness from the berry compote. This creamy dessert also has a contrasting crunch to it, in the form of candied walnuts.

So elegant and refine are the dishes, that one's taste buds could readily relate to. As novel as Dehesa may sound, I certainly don't feel alienated at all. You may also head down for its latest brunch offering which is available every Sunday from 11.30am to 4pm, and priced at $58++ per pax. Free flow soft drinks, juice and coffee are available at an additional $20+ per pax while guests can enjoy free flow cava, house pours, soft drinks, juice and coffee for an additional $30+.

Words and photos 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.


Dehesa Restaurant
12 North Canal Road
Singapore 048825
Tel: +65 62217790
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line), Clarke Quay (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 12midnight
Sat: 530pm - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk towards North Canal Road. Continue on North Canal Road. Walk along the shophouses along North Canal Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk towards the junction of North Canal Road and South Bridge Road. Cross the junction and continue on North Canal Road. Walk along the shophouses along North Canal Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Eat 3 Bowls (呷三碗) @ Seah Im Food Centre - Young Hawkers Serving A Great Bowl Of Mee Sua & Lu Rou Fang

Eat 3 Bowls (呷三碗) at Seah Im Food Centre is a new stall opened by 2 young men. During our visit for lunch on a Saturday afternoon, the place seems rather quiet. Great that I do not need to queue up to order my food. Since there is 2 of us, we decided to go for the set meal for two pax which costs $15. It comes with 2 soups, 2 bowl of braised pork rice, 1 vegetable and the salted crispy chicken.

Braised Pork Rice 4.5/5

I have to agree with many reviews that I have seem online that the Braised Pork Rice ($2.50) or also known as Lu Rou Fan is top notch. The braised sauce is not overly sweet with hints of spices such as star anise and cinnamon. The minced pork literally melted in the mouth which has absorbed the essence of the braising sauce which complemented the soft and pearly rice excellently.

Salted  Crispy Chicken 4.2/5

The Salted Crispy Chicken ($4) comes in spicy and non-spicy. Thinly coated with a crispy batter. The chunky pieces of chicken were tender, juicy and crispy. The chemistry of the sodium chloride and chilli powder provided the stimulation for taste buds to appreciate the dish.

Braised Chinese Cabbage 4/5

The Braised Chinese Cabbage ($3) was cooked to a delectable softness while still retaining the natural sweetness of the Chinese cabbage.

Bittergourd Pork Ribs Soup 1/5

The Bittergourd Pork Ribs Soup ($3) is way too healthy for me. It tasted really bland. There was no body to it and it felt like the stall has forgotten about the seasoning.

Intestine Mee Sua 4.5/5

Since I have made my way down to Seah Im Food centre, I have to order another signature item on the menu, their Intestine Mee Sua ($3.50). Using the red mee sua, the rendition by the 2 young gentlemen reminded me of my Taiwan trip. This is probably the best and closest I have eaten by far. Add some garlic and vinegar to complete the full appreciation of the mee sua.

Eat 3 Bowls (呷三碗)
Seah Im Food Centre
2 Seah Im Road
#01-21
Singapore 099114
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Nearest MRT: Harbour Front (CC Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 830am-730pm

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