Showing posts with label Brussels Sprouts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Brussels Sprouts. Show all posts

Friday, July 11, 2025

665 Degrees Fahrenheit (665°F) @ Andaz Singapore - 'Tastes & Tunes', Strum Up an Unforgettable Night by Guitarist Dansen John

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We had a thoroughly enjoyable night out at 665°F, which is perched on Level 38 of Andaz Singapore. Specialising in meat-centric cuisine with Southeast Asian influences, the restaurant boasts an imported PIRA oven from Barcelona. Fuelled by a mix of charcoal and wood, it reaches a searing 665 degrees Fahrenheit, imparting bold, authentic grilled flavours and the irresistible aroma of barbecue to every dish.

On this occasion, we were treated to the full experience of 665°F. First, we had our dinner in the main dining room, enjoying some of their signature dishes. Then, we adjourned to The Cellar for their 'Tastes & Tunes' experience, where guitarist Dansen John serenaded us.

The Cellar is an elegant, cosy, and dimly lit space that offers an extensive selection of Old and New World wines, all set against the stunning backdrop of Marina Bay. Within this understated, luxurious lounge setting, Dansen's soulful blend of jazz, blues, and acoustic pop creates a rich, contemporary soundscape. It's a sophisticated way to unwind, and guests can enjoy a curated selection of fine wines, small plates, and nibbles, such as sliders, olives, cheese and ham, wings, and fries. Cellar Sessions take place every Saturday from 8:30 PM onwards.

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Signature Sourdough Bread and Seasonal Dip

Dinner began with a serving of their warm Signature Sourdough Bread, accompanied by a seasonal dip that was especially satisfying, complemented by a touch of their freshly ground pepper.

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Crudo Of Hiramasa Kingfish & Yellowfin Tuna 4.2/5

Next, we were served a cold appetiser of Crudo of Hiramasa Kingfish and Yellowfin Tuna dressed in a zesty tomato ponzu. The dish was garnished with tomberries, crunchy pickled cucumber, and a drizzle of gamtae oil. The textures were lovely, and it made for a light, refreshing start that whets the appetite for the courses to come.

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Tomato Salad 4/5

For my dining companion, who doesn't take raw fish, they thoughtfully offered a bright and refreshing Tomato Salad instead.

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Traditional French Onion Soup 4.5/5

Next, we were served their Traditional French Onion Soup, a dish I was particularly excited about, as I absolutely love French onion soup. Presented in a deep bowl, their version featured a rich, slow-cooked onion broth that was hearty and delicious. In place of the usual croutons, it offered a local twist with crispy youtiao, topped with a golden, savoury layer of melted Gruyère cheese.

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665°F Wagyu Tasting, 4.5/5

For the main event, we savoured three exceptional cuts of beef, each showcasing distinct qualities. The first was the Tajima Cross-Bred Wagyu Bavette, with a Marble Score of 4-5, offering a tender yet robust flavour with a satisfying balance of fat and meat.

Next, the Robbins Island 100% Full Blood Wagyu Tenderloin, with an impressive Marble Score of 7-8, stood out for its rich depth of flavour and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.

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Finally, the Satsuma Full Blood Wagyu Striploin, graded at Marble Score A4, was juicy and buttery, enhanced by the accompanying beef fat.

Among these cuts, the Robbins Island Full Blood Wagyu Tenderloin was our favourite! The beef was served alongside tomatoes, roasted garlic confit and a Sumac Selection of Mustards and Sauces, complementing each cut well.

We were also presented with three side dishes to accompany our wagyu tasting plate:

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Roasted Yukon Potatoes 4/5

Potatoes are a must-have when enjoying steak, and this side dish did not disappoint. Golden and tender Roasted Yukon Potatoes were tossed with fragrant curry leaves and a touch of dried chilli.

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Crispy Brussels Sprouts Sesame 3.5/5

Crisp-fried Brussels Sprouts are elevated with nutty sesame seeds, a kick of fresh jalapeño, and topped with delicate shavings of smoky bonito from Cameron Highlands.

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Padron Peppers 'A La Plancha' 3.8/5

Charred to perfection on a hot griddle, these mild Padron Peppers are served with a cooling drizzle of tangy hung yoghurt, balancing smoky heat with creamy freshness.

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Whiskey-Fired Ice Cream S'more 3.8/5

For dessert, the Whiskey-Fired Ice Cream S'more is a showstopper. A cube of Madagascan Vanilla & Salted Caramel ice cream is drizzled with hot fudge sauce, then flambéed with whiskey tableside. It's served alongside a graham cookie for the perfect finish. I only wish there had been less ice cream and a bit more marshmallow and hot fudge sauce instead!

In addition to their à la carte menu, 665°F offers 3- to 5-course signature dinner sets, along with an enticing $68++ unlimited steak frites deal available on weekends and public holidays. The service here was also excellent, and the team was warm, professional, and attentive throughout our visit. It's worth checking out for a relaxing night out or a special occasion.

Photographed and penned by Shermine. Through her pictures and stories, she shares her journey of savouring new flavours and experiences. Note: This is an invited tasting.


665°F
Andaz Singapore
Level 38
5 Fraser Street
Singapore
Tel: +65 64081255
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Bugis (DT Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 23pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit F. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Friday, November 15, 2024

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

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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.

Entrance 1

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

Hokkaido Scallop Aburi 1
Hokkaido Scallop Aburi 3/5

Ikura Negitoro Pie Tee 1
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.

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Charred Brussels Sprouts 3/5

Foie Gras Chawanmushi 3
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.

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Gold Dust Charcoal Chicken 3.5/5

Tempura Cauliflower 1
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 1
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.

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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 1
Charcoal Grilled Skewers 3/5

Yuzu Glazed Char-Grilled Pork Jowl 2
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 1
Mini Cold Udon & Seasonal Truffle 3.5/5

Smoked Duck Carbonara Udon 1
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.

Restaurant 1

Restaurant 2

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
Facebook
Instagram
Website
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]

Saturday, October 12, 2024

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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
Facebook
Instagram
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]

Thursday, September 26, 2024

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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
Instagram
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]

Saturday, August 31, 2024

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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
Facebook
Instagram
Website
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]