Blu Kouzina @ Siglap - Greek-style Breakfast In An Idyllic Setting

Blu Kouzina at Dempsey has been known for its authentic Greek cuisine for the past decade. Its latest outlet at Siglap now even includes a breakfast menu, allowing customers to enjoy a full-fledged Greek dining experience any time of the day. It opens as early as 730am on the weekend!

It is such a great place to be before the day begins with its idyllic island-inspired setting. I was lucky to visit on a weekday morning, where I got to enjoy its serenity before it got disturbed by the buzz of chatter from the afternoon crowd.

Greek Breakfast 4.5/5

The biggest drawn of its Breakfast Menu is its Greek Selection. We had the Greek Breakfast ($22) that comes with a choice of coffee or tea, alongside a Spinach Pie ($9.50) and Lamb Sausage Roll ($11.50). The Greek Breakfast was wholesome with a slab of feta cheese, two perfectly done hardboiled eggs with a slight oozy yolk, tomatoes, fried bread, olives, a generous portion of yoghurt, a handful of walnuts and a serving of honey.

I amped up my Greek Breakfast with a few Add ons - Crispy Kale ($2), Roasted Potatoes ($3), and Spinach ($2). The Roasted Potatoes is not your usual kind but are marinated with lemon before roasting to give it a touch of tanginess.

Spinach Pie 4.2/5

Rarely you will get a good Spinach Pie loaded with spinach and feta cheese filling. The pie is incredibly yummy with a thin, buttery and flaky crust made with phyllo pastry.

Lamb Sausage Roll 3.8/5

The highly recommended Lamb Sausage Roll ($11.50) comes with homemade sausage. The lamb sausage was tender and juicy, and the rich tomato sauce complemented it excellently.

Homemade Granola 4/5

Every place has its recipe for homemade granola. You will probably crave its Homemade Granola ($8) if it is your kind of breakfast. The granola wasn't too sweet, and the generous portion of yoghurt and honey dolloped over the granola was pleasingly satiable.

Lemon Verbena Tea

Greek Coffee

The regular coffees are great but do try the specialities such as the Greek Coffee and a range of tea imported from Greece.

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.


Blu Kouzina Siglap
907 East Coast Road
#01-01
Singapore 459107
Tel: +65 91010681/ 91010682
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Nearest MRT: Bedok (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed - Mon: 830am - 10pm
(Closed on Tue)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Bedok MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to Bedok Bus Interchange (Stop ID 84009). Take bus number 16. Alight 6 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 25 minutes. [Map]

SOD Cafe @ Upper Thomson Road - Opens Second Outlet At Upper Thomson With Bubble Tea And All-Day Cafe Brunch

After their first outlet within Ci Yuan Community Centre in Hougang, SOD cafe has recently launched their second outlet in the bustling enclave of Upper Thomson. Besides being more accessible, the new space has experienced a new facelift with chic design and vibrant settings. Their menu has also expanded to include more outlet-exclusive items.

Taro Milk Tea 4/5, Tan Milk Tea 4/5

Having started as a bubble tea shop originally, you can expect the same boba tea options at SOD Cafe's second outlet here. Their Taro Milk Tea ($4.70) has a pleasant taro fragrance, while the Tan Milk Tea ($4.70) has a subtle charcoal oolong flavour to the smooth milk tea base. We added black pearls as well, and they were sufficiently soft and chewy, providing a great bite to the drinks.

Sourdough Big Breakfast 4/5

SOD offers an all-day brunch with a selection of breakfast essentials. We went with the Sourdough Big Breakfast ($15.90), which comes in a satisfying platter of scrambled eggs, ham, sausages, bacon, baked beans, garden greens, and crispy sourdough bread.

Waffles with Scrambled Eggs & Candied Bacon 3.5/5

The Waffles with Scrambled Eggs & Candied Bacon ($12.90) features perfectly cooked soft scrambled eggs and crispy bacon. However, we felt that the waffles were done overly brittle and a tad too dry, lacking the expected fluffiness.

French Toast with Salted Caramel Bananas 3.8/5

The French Toast with Salted Caramel Bananas ($12.90) is a pleasant salty-sweet combination of soft and fluffy brioche toast slices. However, we wished there would be some maple syrup provided, as the caramel sauce was on a slightly excessive side.

Sweet Potato Fries 4/5

The Sweet Potato Fries ($7.90) comes in a generous portion of well-done sweet potato strips, mostly fluffy and retains a thin layer of crispiness around it.

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.


SOD Cafe
183 Longhaus
183 Upper Thomson Road
#01-05
Singapore 574332
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Nearest MRT: Marymount (CC Line), Upper Thomson (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1030am – 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Marymount MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to junction of Marymount Lane and Thomson Road. Cross the road and turn right. Walk down Thomson Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Upper Thomson MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk down Upper Thomson Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

KARA Cafe & Dessert Bar @ Bukit Timah Road - Launched New Breakfast Menu With Delectable Twist To Traditional Morning Favourites

Nestled in the beautiful lush green neighbourhood of Bukit Timah, KARA Cafe & Dessert Bar is an upscale independent café serving eclectic ‘all-day dining’ hearty comfort food. Available from Friday to Monday, 8am to 11:30am, their new breakfast menu features a variety of savoury and sweet traditional morning favourites, carefully curated and integrated to bring out the best tastes, drawing the essence from ingredients across cultures.

They have also recently expanded the section on the second floor, which used to be the private two-storey events loft space. The exclusive extended dining area can accommodate more people with ample room for social distancing yet still maintain an intimate community feel with its cosy seating and warm surroundings. Customers can enjoy their hearty meals in a bright sun-lit interior overlooking the tree-lined sidewalk through tall glassy windows.

Big Brekkie Waffle Plate 4/5

The Big Brekkie Waffle Plate ($22) is a hearty rendition of the classic American Big Breakfast with corn waffles, grilled sausage, crispy bacon, sautéed mushroom, soft scrambled eggs, and roasted tomato with a side of healthy greens.

Avocado Open Face Sandwich 4.2/5

Another staple in the breakfast menu is the Avocado Open Face Sandwich ($18.50). The sourdough bread is crisped to perfection and smothered with melted cheese and avocado before being topped with a fried sunny-side-up egg and sprinkling of kale chips.

Kaya Butter French Toast 4/5

For desserts, we had their Kaya Butter French Toast ($14), which is inspired by the traditional Singapore breakfast food of kaya toast. The gorgeous dish features fragrant pandan bread dusted generously with toasted coconut flakes, capped with seasonal fresh fruits and edible flowers.

Okonomiyaki Truffe Tots 4/5

We also had a side of their signature Okonomiyaki Truffle Tots ($12) which comes in a generous portion of crispy tater tots doused in an umami okonomiyaki sauce.

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.


Kara Cafe & Dessert Bar By Sogurt
617 Bukit Timah Road
Singapore 269718
Tel: +65 64688940
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Nearest MRT: Tan Kah Kee (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 1030am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tan Kah Kee MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk down Bukit Timah Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Experience Exhilarating, Fun-filled Staycations @ Singapore Marriot Tang Plaza Hotel

Hotels are re-opening in phase 2, and if you're planning a quick getaway, it is the perfect time to pack your bags and enjoy a well-deserved staycation with your loved ones at Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel. It is among the list of approved and certified SG clean by the local authorities, so you can enjoy your holidays with a peace of mind!

Located strategically in the heart of Orchard Road and just at the doorsteps of Orchard MRT station, you can enjoy unrivalled accessibility as well as convenient access to a myriad of shopping malls just a stone's throw away from the hotel.

Guests can also look forward to their attractive perks such as a 24-hour stay with check-in and check-out flexibility, F&B credit, complimentary breakfast, free parking, English High Tea with Champagne, and more.

Book a luxurious stay with one of their specially-curated Staycation packages such as the Iconic City Staycation from S$258++ per room, per night (which was valued at $570++). The package is inclusive of:

• One-night stay in the contemporary Deluxe Room
• Complimentary breakfast for up to two persons
• $25 F&B credit per night, per person
• Complimentary late check-out at 3pm
• One complimentary parking during your stay

We checked in to the contemporary Deluxe Room on the 18th floor. The room is spacious, complete with plush comfortable beds, sofa, dining area, tv and even an additional dressing counter in the bathroom.

The Iconic City Staycation allows guests to enjoy a late check-out of 3pm as well. This also gives us more to explore the many facilities. Guests can enjoy access to the outdoor swimming pool located on level 5, as well as the fitness centre located on level 4. However, advanced booking has to be made before gaining access to these facilities.

For the $50 worth of F&B credits received, guests can spend it at their 4 F&B outlets or In-room dining. We chose from their extensive in-room dining menu and ordered their Marriott Beef Burger ($30), and Tiramisu ($16) from the dessert selection.

A Complimentary Breakfast Buffet at Marriot Cafe is also included for the next morning from 6am to 11am. With the safety precautions in place, guests can only order ala-carte dishes on their rise & shine breakfast menu selection instead of queueing along buffet lines. Breakfast items prepared a la minute and served to your table upon order. Service is quick and efficient, so you can simply sit back, relax and enjoy a slow morning with a delicious breakfast spread.

Besides the Iconic City Staycation, other packages available include the Ultimate Family Getaway with 24-Hour Stay with Flexible Check-in/ Check-out (from S$300++ per room, per night), as well as the Blissful Escapes (from S$380++ per room, per night, Fridays to Sundays) to upgrade your staycation experience.

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.


Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel
Tang Plaza
320 Orchard Road
Singapore 238865
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)
[Map]

Raffles Courtyard @ Raffles Hotel - Newly-launched Weekend Brunch Menu With Asian And Western Delights

Raffles Courtyard at Raffles Hotel now presents a new weekend brunch menu to include both Asian and Western delights, as well as healthy beverages to fuel you for the rest of the week.

Antipasti 3/5

If you are reaching out for some bubbly or wines, the Antipasti ($58) would be ideal for 3 to 4 pax. It comes with an Anchovy spread, selection of Cold Cuts, Smoked Salmon, Marinated Vegetables, some cheeses and a couple of raisins. The Anchovy spread was really yummy, and to appreciate its flavours, simply spread it onto the breads that is served with the antipasti. The bunch of raisins was abit awkward on the plate, a handful more dried fruits would definitely help to make this platter more complete.

Avocado Tartine 2.8/5 

You can go for ala carte or create your own Courtyard Brunch ($28) which will provide you with a Main Course, a Cold Beverage and a Hot Beverage. For Main Course, I had a Tartine from the Heartier Options category, that is to be topped with Avocado Hash, Guacamole, Toasted Pine Nuts, Rocket and Parmesan Cheese (ala carte $22). Although this dashed my hopes of a creamy, satisfying avocado toast luxe for carrying only a thin spread of Guacamole and heaps of rocket, the refreshing bitter greens that was beautifully salted, in combination with the toasty pine nuts, was very much enjoyable.

For beverages, there are some interesting choices for juices, customisable smoothie and teas.

Kaya Toast Set 3.5/5 

From the Asian Delights, the Kaya Toast Set delights with its thick slices of butter and mellow sweet kaya. I hope the toasting of the bread can be improved over time, as mine felt like it needed a minute more. It comes with traditional kopi or teh.

Popular local items such as Nasi Lemak and Mee Goreng are also available, as well as the quintessential egg-centric dishes which can be found in the Protein category.

The weekend brunch is served on weekends from 930am to 3pm.

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.


Raffles Courtyard
Raffles Hotel
328 North Bridge Rd
Singapore 188719
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 3pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 930am -10pm

Direction:

1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to the junction of Bras Basah Road and North Bridge Road. Cross the road. Walk down North Bridge Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Fleur De Sel Le Restaurant @ Tras Street - Bringing Fine French Cuisine To The Comfort Of Your Home

Fleur De Sel Le Restaurant is a French restaurant located at the heart of Singapore's Central Business District along Tras Street. I am actually quite surprise the restaurant has been under my radar all these years. If it is a new restaurant I could have understand but it has been around since 2013. If not for the pandemic with the restaurant joining the food delivery bandwagon, I probably would not have known the restaurant opened by Chef/Owner Alexandre Lozachemeur.

Lobster Bisque

Beef Cheek Bourguignon

Who says you can't have fine French cuisine at the comfort of your home? Starting with some soups, we have the Lobster Bisque and Beef Cheek Bourguignon. We also got some bread to go along with the soups. The soups were legit, packed with depth and flavours. 

Crab & Prawn Citrus Salad 

Light and yet refreshing is the Crab & Prawn Citrus Salad, paired with avocado and coriander vinaigrette. 

Chicken Thigh Basquaise with Tomato & Stewed  Capsicums

Moving to the mains, we have a whole Chicken Thigh Basquaise with Tomato & Stewed Capsicums, that has been cooked to tender and soaking up the delicious sauce.

Seared Hokkaido Scallops

Another beautiful dish on the menu is the Seared Hokkaido Scallops paired with braised leek and 

black truffle chicken sauce. Besides the plump scallop, what delighted me is the braised leek that complemented the dish excellently.

Beef Tongue with Tomato Sauce, Gherkins and Potato

Beef Tongue maybe acquire for some but as long as you can overcome psychological block, you will appreciate the fork tender piece of meat cooked in tomato sauce. I like the addition of gherkins which help to freshen up the palate from the richness. 

Seabass in Papillote with Zucchini, Tomato, Lemon and Thyme

For the Seabass in Papillote, you just need to heat up and you are ready to dine. The seabass was really moist, complemented by zucchini, tomato, lemon and thyme, elevating the whole taste as well as presentation.

Tiramisu

For dessert, I have the Tiramisu. I like the way it is done, light and not overly sweeten with the distinct espresso coming through from each mouthful. 

Lemon and Meringue Tart

If you like something sweet and sour, you will definitely enjoy the Lemon and Meringue Tart. It is definitely one of the best I have eaten for a long time.

Breakfast Basket

Not to be missed is the Breakfast Basket from Fleur De Sel with their freshly bakes. The breakfast basket consists of 2 croissants, 2 Almond Croissants, 2 Pain Au Chocolat, 2 Pain Au Raisin with 3 mini jams and butter.

Fleur De Sel Le Restaurant 

64 Tras Street

Singapore 079003

Tel: +65 62226861

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Website

Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:

Mon-Fri: 12pm - 2pm, 630pm - 10pm

Sat: 630pm - 10pm

(Closed on Sun)

Direction:

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

The Lobby Lounge @ Shangri-La Hotel Singapore - Experience Local Hawker Fare For Breakfast At Weekend Semi-Buffet

In collaboration with local hawkers to serve authentic local hawker fare, The Lobby Lounge, Shangri-La Hotel Singapore presents their Breakfast Buffet with an enticing array of local heritage dishes for everyone to enjoy iconic hawker fare in town, all under one roof. The authentic Singaporean breakfast spread showcase 6 specially curated Singaporean breakfast items from the ala carte menu, which include: Nasi Lemak ($19) from The Coconut Club; Roti Prata with Dhalcha and Fish Curry ($12) from Springleaf Prata Place; Carrot Cake ($12) from The Lobby Lounge’s Chef Yong Jia; Dry Wanton Mee ($14) from Shang Palace’s Executive Chef Mok Kit Keung; Soft Boiled Eggs with Kaya Toast ($12) from The Lobby Lounge’s Signature; Hainanese Porridge ($12) from The Lobby Lounge’s Signature.

Nasi Lemak 4.2/5

Prepared with the original recipe from The Coconut Club, a Michelin's Bib Gourmand Singapore 2018 awardee, the Nasi Lemak ($19) is a perfect medley of flavours. It featured a base of aromatic pandan-scented rice infused with coconut milk and served with an array of topping including the crispy anchovies, peanuts, fried egg, sliced cucumber and homemade sambal chilli for that kick of spice. The dish is completed with a crispy chicken leg deep fried till golden brown.

Dry Wanton Mee 4/5

A perennial favourite amongst the locals, the Dry Wanton Mee ($14) features soft and springy al dente noodles tossed with a special black sauce and barbequed pork by Shang Palace's Chinese Executive Chef Mok Kit Keung. The dish is topped with tender char siew and crunchy leafy greens and accompanied by a bowl of flavourful pork and shrimp dumpling soup.

Hainanese Porridge 3.8/5

The Hainanese Porridge ($12) is a simple, comforting bowl of breakfast. The silky congee is cooked with tender minced pork balls and meat slices, with the flavours enhanced with a dash of sesame oil and ginger. Served with a side of crispy fried strips of Youtiao to dunk into the porridge, perfect for soaking up the goodness.

Savour other nostalgic dishes in line with unlimited helpings of it, such as a plate of economic bee hoon, luncheon meat, cabbage and fried egg.

Soon Kueh 4/5, Chwee Kueh 4.2/5

We love the signature Soon Kueh by Ah Yee. A popular Teochew snack in Singapore, it is made with hand-kneaded dough from rice-tapioca flour. What we like is the tender and springy skin with the right amount of bite to it. The fillings are generous - an aromatic combination of shredded carrots, black fungus, turnip and dried shrimps.

The Chwee Kueh - Tiong Bahru Jian Bo Shui Kueh’s signature dish is also a favourite. Yet another popular Teochew snack well-loved for its firm rice cakes topped with sweet and savoury preserved radish. It's the perfect breakfast to kickstart your morning with.

Chee Cheong Fun 3.8/5

The Chee Cheong Fun hit the spot with its thin silky smooth skin and generous glaze of sweet black sauce. Perfectly springy and chewy, the delicate rice rolls had us going back for more.

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.


The Lobby Lounge
Shangri-La Hotel Singapore
Lobby Level
22 Orange Grove Road
Singapore 258350
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 730am - 1am

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk towards Wheellock Place via ION. Exit Wheellock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Cross the road at the traffic light junction and turn left towards Royal Thai Embassy. Walk down to the end of Orchard Road. Turn right onto Orange Grove Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 23 minutes. [Map]