Nomiya Izakaya & Bar @ Chinatown - Offering Contemporary Twist on Japanese Izakaya

Nestled amid Chinatown’s bustling streets, Nomiya Izakaya & Sake Bar stands out with its contemporary twist on a traditional Japanese izakaya. Offering an inviting space for gatherings over unique small plates and an impressive selection of Japanese sake, whisky, and craft beer.

Amid the bustling stretch of Chinatown, Nomiya stands out effortlessly among the rows of souvenir shops.

Hokkaido Scallop Aburi 3/5

Ikura Negitoro Pie Tee 3.5/5

We tried the Hokkaido Scallop Aburi and the inventive Ikura Negitoro Pie Tee to kick off our meal. We found the Pie Tee especially delightful, priced at $17 for two pieces each. The crispy shell filled with fresh minced tuna was visually appealing and offered a satisfying crunch and burst of flavour.

Charred Brussels Sprouts 3/5

Foie Gras Chawanmushi 4/5

Moving on to the next course, the Charred Brussels Sprouts ($9.50) arrived, infused with kombu butter. While the charred flavour added depth, it slightly overpowered the kombu, making it more of an accompaniment to drinks. The Foie Gras Chawanmushi ($18.50) was the highlight. This velvety custard, dotted with ingredients like crab meat and camembert, was topped with a sesame-crusted piece of foie gras. It is on the expensive end but definitely an indulgent experience.

Gold Dust Charcoal Chicken 3.5/5

Tempura Cauliflower 3.5/5

Next up were two fried dishes: the Gold Dust Charcoal Chicken ($14) and Tempura Cauliflower ($9.50). The chicken was crispy outside and juicy inside, paired with a tangy tartar-like sauce, though a more robust marinade could have elevated it further. The cauliflower was a fun twist on a classic, topped with furikake for added flavour. We would have loved a dipping sauce and a bit more crunch on the cauliflower, as the ones we had were a tad soft.

Dashimaki Tamago with Mentaiko 3.5/5

The Dashimaki Tamago with Mentaiko combined fluffy Japanese egg with creamy mentaiko. The salty mentaiko and tobiko topping made for a bold contrast, though a touch more sweetness in the tamago would have created a better balance.

Charred Ebi with Burnt Butter 3/5

We had high hopes for the Charred Ebi with Burnt Butter ($29), but the two prawns felt a bit steep in price for the portion size. The baguette pieces that accompanied it were intended for dipping but could have been softer. Adding extra bread for $1.50 may be helpful for those looking for a heartier bite.

Charcoal Grilled Skewers 3/5

Yuzu Glazed Char-Grilled Pork Jowl 3/5

From the grill, we got a selection of skewers, including Tori Momo (Chicken Thigh) ($4.50), Miso Glazed Butabara (Pork Belly) ($5), Asparagus ($4), and Smoked Duck with Salsa ($6). While each skewer was well-marinated and tender, we found ourselves wishing for more of that quintessential smoky char. The Yuzu Glazed Char-Grilled Pork Jowl stood out for its fatty, tender texture, but the flavours didn’t quite hit the mark - the marinade leaned slightly sweet, and the tartness of the yuzu didn’t come through as much as expected.

Mini Cold Udon & Seasonal Truffle 3.5/5

Smoked Duck Carbonara Udon 3/5

We tried two types of udon for our final dishes: the Mini Cold Udon with Seasonal Truffle ($11.50, $22 for full portion) and Smoked Duck Carbonara Udon ($13). With its bold truffle aroma, the cold udon was a refreshing palate cleanser after the richer dishes and came in a convenient mini size. The carbonara udon, on the other hand, had a lighter cream sauce that, while less heavy, lacked a distinctive carbonara richness. The cheese slices didn't add much to the presentation, giving the dish a less refined feel.

Nomiya offers izakaya sets for 2-6 people starting from $139, making it a great spot for small gatherings. Their extensive selection of Japanese drinks adds to the lively and trendy atmosphere, with upbeat music (which can be a bit loud) and attentive service. With limited seating, including outdoor tables and bar seats, Nomiya is a vibrant destination for a night out in Chinatown.

Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Nomiya Izakaya & Bar
11 Trengganu Street
Singapore 058465
Tel: +65 6232 7827
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Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT, NE Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon: 530pm - 1030pm
Tue-Thu: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 1030pm
Fri: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 11pm
Sat: 1130am - 1030pm
Sun: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight down Pagoda Street. Turn right onto Trengganu Street. Walk down Trengganu Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk straight to Sago Street. Turn left onto Sago Street and walk to the end. Turn right onto Trengganu Street. Walk down Trengganu Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Fatt Choy Eating House (發財餐馆) @ Haji Lane - Enjoy Modern Singaporean Fare With Craft Beers and Sake

Fatt Choy Eating House at Haji Lane prides itself on its modern Singaporean fare, complemented by house-brewed beers and locally brewed sakes. Situated opposite its sister brand, Good Luck Beerhouse, Fatt Choy offers a well-curated menu that features small plates and bites that pair perfectly with drinks and classic local delicacies served in much heartier portions.

Pitan with Ice Lettuce 4.2/5

The vegetable dishes are meant to be as indulgent. We started with a refreshing Pitan with Ice Lettuce, which combined ultra-creamy Taiwanese Century Egg with a Pickled Ginger Dressing, providing a great contrast with the crunch of the Ice Lettuce. This dish hit all the right notes with its balance of creaminess and texture.

Wawa Cabbage with Fried Dace 4.5/5

The umami-packed Wawa Cabbage with Fried Dace ($12) brought a nostalgic flavour, with the fried dace sauce recalling the familiar taste of fermented black beans, albeit in a healthier version.

Masala Brussels Sprout 3/5

The Masala Brussels Sprout ($15) delighted with its chunky fried sprouts, but the masala sauce lacked depth and could have benefited from more tang and robustness.

Iberico Satay 3.8/5

The Iberico Satay ($15) featured grilled Secreto Iberico Pork skewers paired with Javanese Peanut Sauce and Pineapple Salsa. One of the tastiest skewers I had with all the sauce and zingy salsa, but a bit more grilling to render the fat and add a more robust char on the meat would have elevated the dish.

Singapore Fried Hokkien Mee 4.2/5

The signature dishes included Singapore Fried Hokkien Mee ($18) and XO Carrot Cake ($15). Although the wok hei was missing from the Hokkien Mee, it was still rich in flavour, loaded with various cuts of pork, squid, and a handful of crispy pork lard. The accompanying sambal was spot-on.

XO Carrot Cake 3.8/5

The XO Carrot Cake stood out for being generously coated with XO sauce, delivering a surprisingly well-rounded flavour with fried egg, beansprouts, and chives. However, the radish cake lacked caramelisation, likely due to being prepared with just a quick toss in the sauce.

KL Dai Lok Mee 4.2/5

KL Dai Lok Mee is a more elevated version of KL style Hokkien Mee, served in a claypot and adorned with mini abalones, offering a much celebratory vibe. There were also tender pork tendons in it, flavoursome with the sauce and adding even more textural bite to the noodles. Serving it in a claypot allowed the sauce to thicken and caramelise over time, enhancing the overall dish.

Kaya Ice Cream with House-made Churro 4.8/5

For dessert, Fatt Choy keeps it simple with one option and a delicious one: Kaya Ice Cream with House-made Churro ($12). This coconut cream-based kaya ice cream, housemade with fresh pandan, struck the right balance of sweetness and aroma and paired perfectly with the churro, which had a golden crust and a light, airy bite.

The restaurant also collaborates with a local sake brewery to offer a unique sake menu. We tried Utama The 2nd (Fresh on Tap) ($25) and the creamy, unfiltered Cempedak Cream Sake ($15), both of which complemented the food well.

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.


Fatt Choy Eating House
10 Haji Lane
Singapore 189203
Tel: +65 8128 0660
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit B or E. Walk to North Bridge Road. Walk down North Bridge Road to junction of North Bridge Road and Ophir Road. Cross the road and walk to Haji Lane. Turn right onto Haji Lane. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Market Bistro @ Marina Bay Financial Centre (MBFC) - NY Style Bistro That Offers Tasty, Unpretentious, Comfort Meals in the CBD

Market Bistro at Marina Bay Financial Centre (MBFC) is a cosy bistro in the heart of the bustling CBD. Run by Eleven Seventeen, the group behind Singapore's well-known steakhouses like Meadesmoore and Fat Belly, the restaurant has curated a menu that offers high-quality meats at great value.

Salmon Croquettes 4.5/5

We tried the Salmon Croquettes ($14) and Fried Brussels Sprouts ($14). The Salmon Croquettes were a true delight, featuring chunky bits of salmon mixed with mashed potatoes and a generous amount of dill — a classic combination. The tangy Gribiche dip provided a creamy texture and a piquant lift in flavour.

Fried Brussels Sprouts 4.5/5

The Fried Brussels Sprouts were moreish, with umami soy caramel honey dressing that added sweetness, complemented by rice puffs for a touch of nuttiness and crunch.

Irish Duck Confit 4/5

We had the signature Irish Duck Confit ($28) and Grass-Fed Ribeye ($34) for mains. The duck confit had a delectable crust and was notably a meatier bite compared to a typical duck confit. The dish was accompanied by sweet potato mash and succotash and had a nice textural contrast. However, considering that the meat was on the fattier side, and the accompaniments were relatively sweet, the dish could have benefited from a more savoury or tart to balance the richness.

Grass-Fed Ribeye 4.5/5

The Grass-Fed Ribeye was one of the better steaks I've had in a while. Cooked to the right doneness with good char, the fats were rendered perfectly, enhancing the flavour. The red wine sauce however, could have been more intense to better complement the steak.

Baked Alaska 3.8/5

We enjoyed a pretty Baked Alaska ($12) served with passionfruit sauce for dessert. The meringue contained red berries, vanilla ice cream, and a genoise cake. The meringue was too sweet for my taste, but the tartness of the passionfruit sauce and red berries helped to balance it out.

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.


Market Bistro
Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 3
12 Marina Boulevard
#01-03
Singapore 018982
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Website
Nearest MRT: Downtown (DT Line), Marina Bay (CC, NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon–Fri: 8am – 9pm
(Closed on Sat and Sun)

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

2) Alight at Marina Bay MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk to traffic junction of Marina Way and Central Boulevard. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

The Marmalade Pantry @ Tanjong Pagar - Celebrates 25th Anniversary with Refreshed Menu of Light and Vibrant Flavours

The Marmalade Pantry is celebrating its 25th Anniversary with a refreshed menu across its four outlets in Tanjong Pagar, Novena, ION, and Anchorpoint. The menu introduces lighter and more vibrant flavour profiles, incorporating new dishes and enhancements to its signature items.

The extensive line-up includes a variety of starters, salads, mains, pasta, risottos, and desserts, as well as an updated beverage selection featuring NON, an Australian non-alcoholic wine alternative.

Red Velvet Latte 3.5/5

I decided on the Red Velvet Latte ($8) as I was curious about adding fresh beetroot to the dark cocoa drink. While it was a tad sweet for me, I appreciated the subtle earthy notes from the beetroot.

Fried Brussels Sprouts 4/5

We began our meal with the Fried Brussels Sprouts ($16), which had a delightful Japanese twist. The brussel sprouts are dressed in sesame soy kewpie mayo and topped with pickled chillies, nori strips, and sesame seeds.

Roasted Smashed Sweet Potatoes 4.2/5

Next up was the Roasted Smashed Sweet Potatoes ($16). A fresh dill and chives, yoghurt dressing, and tangy pickled onions nicely balanced the potatoes' natural sweetness.

Chicken Salad 4.2/5

Another standout starter for me was the Chicken Salad ($23). This vibrant and healthy dish was a colourful mix of fresh salad vegetables, green apples, cherry tomatoes, cashews, and coriander, all tossed in a tangy Viet-Thai dressing. The sous vide chicken strips were particularly tender and well-seasoned.

Crispy Barramundi 3.8/5

Moving on to the mains, we tried the Crispy Barramundi ($32). The fish was lightly seasoned and paired with stronger aromatics from the masala potatoes and vegetable chutney.

Chicken Burger 3.8/5

The Chicken Burger ($28) surprised us with its spicy kick. It featured a crunchy chicken thigh sandwiched between soft potato buns, accompanied by tangy slaw and spicy garlic soy. The burger was served with a side of fries and beet-pickled cauliflower.

Tomato Risotto 4.2/5

Next, we were served with the Tomato Risotto ($26). The risotto was creamy yet not too heavy, thanks to the addition of stracciatella cheese, cherry tomatoes, and a Thai basil salsa. It was a comforting dish.

Butternut Mac & Cheese 4.5/5

The unanimous favourite of the meal was the Butternut Mac & Cheese ($26). A signature dish of The Marmalade Pantry has been refined in the new menu with a rich truffle cream and blue cheese base, enhanced by sweet roasted butternut squash and a black vinegar glaze. This dish is a wholesome, decadent, and balanced cheese lover's dream.

Miso Sesame Cupcake 3.8/5

We tried the Miso Sesame Cupcake ($6.50), a new addition to the brand's cupcake range for dessert. The savoury-sweet frosting had a nutty flavour with hints of peanut butter, complementing the moist cake base.

Green Tea Basque 3/5

Lastly, we ended with a slice of Green Tea Basque ($15). This double-layered baked cheesecake had a top layer of white chocolate and green tea, which balanced the richness of the cheese. However, I found it too sweet for my liking.

The Marmalade Pantry's 25th-anniversary menu refresh has something to offer for everyone, whether you're a fan of their classic dishes or eager to try something new.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


The Marmalade Pantry
Oasia Hotel Downtown
#01–1
100 Peck Seah Street
Singapore 079333
Tel: +65 6385 0741
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar MRT (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjang Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk to destination. [Map]

IPPUDO with BAR IPPUDO @ Shaw Centre - Refreshed Hakata Dining Experience with IPPUDO’s 2024 Grand Menu, Featuring Bar Snacks and 5 New Ramen

Starting 1 June, Hakata ramen chain IPPUDO is launching a refreshed grand menu featuring 5 brand new ramen options, rice dishes, sides and desserts. This includes the brand's first plant-based ramen. BAR IPPUDO at Mohamad Sultan, One Holland Village, i12 Katong and Shaw Centre will also introduce a new range of bar snacks.

IPPUDO x Umeshuya

From 20 to 21 June 2024, diners can enjoy a special IPPUDO x Umeshuya collaboration featuring a curated selection of over 15 types of umeshu exclusively at IPPUDO One Holland Village.

Special deals for the collaboration include:
- Order 1 bar snack and top up $22 for 30-mins free-flow umeshu
- Order 1 bar snack and top up $15 for 3 glasses of your choice
- Ala Carte $7 per glass

My favourite among the 3 glasses I tried was the TOROTORO NO UMESHU, a sweet green plum and shochu-based umeshu.

Mentaiko Mac N’ Cheese 3/5

Our first choice of bar snack was served sizzling hot on a teppan plate. The Mentaiko Mac N’ Cheese ($10) featured a buttery bed of macaroni with melted cheese and a dollop of mentaiko. While its taste was decent, we were definitely expecting more at this price.

Fried Brussel Sprout Typhoon Shelter 4.2/5

We loved our second bar snack, the Fried Brussel Sprout Typhoon Shelter ($6). These addictive mouthfuls of crunchy fried brussel sprouts were dressed in a savoury anchovy sauce and garlic panko.

Yokohama Shoyu 4/5

For a heartier ramen with more meat, we heard that the new Chikara Tonkotsu Ramen is the one to go for. The tonkatsu-based ramen is a new spin on the classic IPPUDO Shiromaru Ramen and comes with slices of the same chashu and half a ramen egg. We decided on the Yokohama Shoyu ($19) instead, which marries the Hakata-style pork bone broth and shoyu, topped with spinach, bamboo shoot and seaweed. There was also a huge rectangular slice of pork belly chashu with a lower fat-to-meat ratio.

Nirvana NY 4.2/5

We couldn’t leave without checking out the intriguing plant-based ramen, Nirvana NY ($18). We were more than surprised by the robust plant-based broth, which was both creamy and nutty, enhanced by the fragrance of onion oil.

Here, you will be served hand-pressed wavy noodles, a slice of grilled eggplant chasu, enoki tempura, grated carrots, and spring onion. While I wished there were a few more ingredients to justify the price tag better, it was a delightful bowl to enjoy.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


IPPUDO with BAR IPPUDO
Shaw Centre
#04-22/23
1 Scotts Road
Singapore 228208
Tel: +65 6235 2547
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Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (TE, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri; 11.30am - 9.20pm
Sat-Sun: 11am - 9.20pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Take the underpass to Shaw House. Walk to ground level. Walk to Shaw Centre next door. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]