Showing posts with label Cafe Hopping. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cafe Hopping. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 7, 2025

Fortuna Terrazza @ Craig Road - New Amalfi-inspired Cafe and Burnch Terrace by The Team Behind Fortuna Italian Trattoria

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Fortuna Terrazza, situated along Craig Road, is an Amalfi-inspired café and brunch terrace newly opened by the team behind Fortuna Italian Trattoria, located just a stone's throw away. Taking on a distinctly different vibe from its sister concept, Fortuna Terrazza is bright and sunny, dressed in lemony-yellow hues and breezy shades. The menu leans brunch-centric, rounded out with a selection of mains, pastas, and panuozzi crafted with their signature pizza dough.

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Folded Eggs alla Diavola 4/5

From the brunch selections, I had the Folded Eggs alla Diavola ($26), which resembled a breakfast-worthy fried pizza. A layer of ricotta spread over Fortuna's fried pizzetta formed the base, topped with wilted spinach, tender folded eggs, and savoury strips of salamino Napoletano, finished with crispy shallots and threads of chilli. It was hearty and wholesome.

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Caprese Panuozzi 2/5

From the panuozzi section, I opted for the Caprese Panuozzi, essentially a Caprese salad encased in a folded pizza. While the marinated ox heart tomatoes were sweet and juicy, the overall combination didn't quite come together. The tomato's marinade leaned overly acidic, and the cheese, which was meant to be mozzarella, was runny to the point that I initially mistook it for stracciatella. With nothing substantial to bind the filling to the pizza base beyond the tomato's juices, which unfortunately caused the inside of the pizza to be soggy, the result felt loose and unbalanced.

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Amalfi Ravioli 2/5

There are 2 pasta dishes, in which I had the Amalfi Ravioli ($29), featuring crab and ricotta-filled ravioli in a vibrant limoncello sauce accented with basil and chilli oil. The sauce was divine, but the ravioli itself fell short of expectations. The dough was tough and a little dry, with one even arriving cracked, and the thick rims gave a heavy, doughy bite that took away from the delicacy of the filling.

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To round off the experience, Fortuna Terrazza also offers a range of Bellinis, wines, and signature drinks, which include the Pistachio 2.0, an indulgent iced coffee topped with pistachio cream.

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Overall, while Fortuna Terrazza is charming and enjoyable, with its energetic vibes and wholesome, joyful offerings, the dishes could be more polished to live up to its concept.

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.


Fortuna Terrazza
10 Craig Road
Singapore 089670
Tel: +65 9115 1597
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 430pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Orchid Hotel. Walk to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road and walk to Craig Road. Continue on Craig Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Cross the road and walk to Duxton Road. Walk down Duxton Road. Turn right onto Craig Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Saturday, September 27, 2025

Under Der Linden @ Portsdown Road - Floral Escape With European Vibes

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Tucked away along Portsdown Road at One-North, Under Der Linden offers diners a floral-themed dining escape, blending European vibes with whimsical charm. The restaurant draws inspiration from the medieval poem "Under der Linden", infusing its interiors with pastel blooms, whitewashed walls, and arched details. The result is a serene, picture-perfect setting, and one of the rare pet-friendly restaurants in Singapore where even furry companions are welcome indoors.

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Ice Latte 4.2/5

Kickstart the meal at Under Der Linden with a refreshing Ice Latte, smooth and lightly aromatic, setting the tone for a relaxing dining experience.

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Burrata Garden Delight 4/5

For our lunch, we started with the Burrata Garden Delight ($22). A whole vine tomato sits on top of a bed of mizuna salad. Slice open the tomato, and it reveals a creamy burrata hidden within. The dish is light, fresh, and visually playful, marrying creamy richness with the peppery crunch of mizuna greens.

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Crispy Calamari Fiesta 4.2/5

The Crispy Calamari Fiesta ($16) is super addictive, with its exterior perfectly crisp while the inside remains firm and tender. A comforting sharing dish that is simple yet executed with finesse.

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Duck Confit 4/5

The Duck Confit ($32) is very well executed. The duck was tender and fell off the bone with ease. It is paired with compressed nashi pear, beetroot purée, and natural jus. The sweetness from the pear and beetroot balances the richness of the duck, creating a harmonious bite.

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Wagyu Beef Burger 4.2/5

The Wagyu Beef Burger ($29) features a juicy, medium-rare 200g wagyu patty sandwiched between two soft and fluffy buns. Layered with onion compote, bacon jam, miso aioli, and cheddar cheese, the burger is flavour-packed and indulgent, easily one of the highlights of the menu.

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Under Der Linden stands out as more than just a floral café. With its elegant interiors, pet-friendly policy, and well-executed menu, it makes for a charming spot for dates, gatherings, or simply a peaceful retreat from the city's bustle. The food is not only beautifully presented but also thoughtfully crafted, making it a dining destination that marries aesthetics with flavour.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Under Der Linden
5B Portsdown Road
#01-02
Singapore 139311
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Nearest MRT: One-North (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon, Wed-Fri: 10am - 330pm, 530pm - 9pm
Sat-Sun: 10am - 9pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at One-North MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop opposite One-North MRT station (Stop ID 18151). Take bus number 191. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Monday, June 9, 2025

Hvala @ TripleOne Somerset - Celebrate 10th Anniversary with A refresh Look, and 1-For-1 Promo on 9 and 10 June 2025

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Hvala at TripleOne Somerset officially reopens on 9 June 2025, unveiling a refreshed look to mark its 10th anniversary. The space now features a fun new colour palette, merging Hvala's iconic zen minimalism with modern touches.

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Returning fans can look forward to a revamped menu of artisanal drinks and desserts. To celebrate, there's a 1-for-1 promo on their new hot flavoured lattes on 9 and 10 June, limited to the first 50 guests daily. Iced versions, extra toppings, and milk alternatives are available at additional cost.

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Adding to the experience is Hvala's latest team member - Bob, a robotic arm dedicated to supporting whisking matcha.

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The lineup of new handcrafted beverages is extensive, including both Flavoured Tea Lattes and Brewed Tea Lattes. Highlights include the Bluepea Matcha Latte, Floral Matcha Sakura Latte, and Pine Smoked Black Tea.

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Matcha Kinako 4.5/5

We started with the Matcha Kinako ($7.80 hot, $8.80 iced), which impressed us with its nutty and earthy balance. It is a surprisingly harmonious blend.

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Strawberry Matcha 4.2/5

Next was the Strawberry Matcha ($7.80 hot, $8.80 iced), which we had heard good things about even before our visit. This version stood out for its natural strawberry chunks and well-balanced flavour, though a tad sweet at the end. We'd gladly order it again with less sugar.

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Matcha Mochi Harmony 3.5/5

A recent social media darling is the Matcha Mochi Harmony ($9.90). It combines a base of "liquid mochi" with kuromitsu and honey mochi cubes, Hvala's signature M1 matcha gelato and a fresh Tsuki matcha shot.

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Texture-wise, the mochi cubes were more like slightly harder jellies, while the 'liquid mochi' was the oozy sort. While creative, the components didn't quite gel, and we found it overly sweet. If you're looking for a vegan option, inform the friendly servers, and they will swap the honey mochi cubes for the kuromitsu ones.

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Matcha Petit 3.8/5

The Matcha Petit ($10.90) layered chantilly, nama chocolate, mousse, sponge, and pistachio feuilletine. We wished there was more of a crunch for that textural contrast and for the pistachio notes to come out stronger.

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Matcha Hojicha Tart 4.2/5

Our favourite of the day, the Matcha Hojicha Tart ($10.90), featured a crisp shell filled with intense matcha-hojicha ganache and chewy mochi pieces. The mochi here was a much better fit, and its textures and sweetness were on point.

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Hojicha Choux Puff 3.8/5

The Hojicha Choux Puff ($7.50) came with a hojicha mascarpone filling and a tea-infused shell. Though the filling was slightly lighter than expected, it was still enjoyable.

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Shiro Matcha Yuzu Basque Cheesecake 4/5

We concluded with the Shiro Matcha Yuzu Basque Cheesecake ($10.90), which featured a rich matcha base accented by a zesty yuzu flavour. While I'd prefer a smoother texture to the cheesecake, it was a satisfying piece that was best for sharing.

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.


Hvala
TripleOne Somerset
111 Somerset Road
#01-10
Singapore 238164
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 930pm

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

Tuesday, March 4, 2025

Golden Moments Durian Cafe @ Bugis - Durian-themed Afternoon Tea at Its First Flagship Durian Cafe

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Golden Moments, renowned for its fresh durian and durian-based desserts (such as its trending durian mooncakes and various durian cakes), has launched its first flagship durian cafe in Bugis, Golden Moments Durian Cafe. The cafe offers both vacuum-packed fresh durians and an expanded menu of durian and non-durian creations.

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The Golden Durian Swirl 3.5/5

We began with the highlight, The Golden Durian Swirl ($62), which included four fresh durian pieces (Black Gold Mao Shan Wang and Black Thorn), two Golden Mao Shan Wang QQ, a slice of D24 Strudel, and two beverages.

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We were served a Sour Plum Smoothie and Homemade Lemon Tea for our two beverages. We preferred the latter, which was less sweet and more refreshing to complement the sweets.

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The fresh durians we had were indeed of good quality.

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Between the Golden Mao Shan Wang QQ and D24 Strudel, we leaned towards the strudel, as we preferred a thinner skin on the QQs, though both durian fillings were satisfying.

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Signature MSW Durian Bomb 4/5

Next, we sampled more durian desserts, starting with the Signature MSW Durian Bomb ($12 for 3). The crisp cookie-crust puffs were fresh and filled with durian puree, which we wished there was more of for a better ratio.

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Pandan MSW Durian Cake 4.2/5

Our favourite durian treat of the day was the Pandan MSW Durian Cake, featuring soft pandan chiffon layered with durian-infused mousse. The mild sweetness and delicate balance stood out, while the crumble topping added a delightful texture.

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Golden 3 Hours Crab Noodles 3.8/5

Moving to savoury options, we tried the Golden 3 Hours Crab Noodles ($16.80). The noodles came with prawns, crab balls, and half an egg in a rich crab broth. An extra side of crab meat was provided to enhance the dish, though the flavourful broth could feel heavy quite quickly.

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Grilled Chicken Yakitori 3.5/5

For sides, we had the Grilled Chicken Yakitori ($10), which featured pretty tender chicken cubes glazed in a sweet-savoury sauce with mayonnaise.

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Mentaiko Bonito Fries 3/5

The Mentaiko Bonito Fries ($10) were decently crisp and substantial, though we found the mentaiko mayonnaise lacking in intensity.

During our visit, we noticed the cafe was slightly understaffed, which caused some delays in order preparation — something to keep in mind if you're in a hurry.

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.


Golden Moments Durian Cafe
779 North Bridge Road
#01-01
Singapore 198747
Tel: +65 8818 8497
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Nearest MRT: Bugis MRT (EW, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk straight down Victoria Street towards Jalan Kubor. Turn right onto Jalan Kubor. Walk straight down Jalan Kubor towards North Bridge Road. Turn left onto North Bridge Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

[CLOSED] Guerilla Coffee @ Kallang Riverside - Flagship Outlet With An All-Day Menu and An On-site Roastery

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Guerilla Coffee, the homegrown speciality coffee concept, has unveiled its flagship outlet at Kallang Riverside, introducing an all-day dining menu. The space highlights the art of coffee, featuring globally sourced beans roasted in small batches onsite and a 'slow' coffee bar where curated filter brews are served. Beyond coffee, the outlet doubles as a hub for community engagement, hosting regular programs and events to enrich the coffee experience.

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Guerilla Butterboard 4/5

Guerilla Seasonal Butterboard ($18) was an indulgent offering that showcased house-churned butter generously spread across a wooden board. It was accompanied by seasonal fruits, sourdough, and house-made coffee salt. So decadent was the butter that some diners couldn't resist scraping every bit off the board! However, for the amount of butter on the board, definitely more sides are needed.

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Summer Chicken Salad 4.5/5

The Summer Chicken Salad ($18) was a refreshing and zesty dish. It combined a hearty amount of tender shredded chicken with crisp greens, juicy pomelo, and orange slices in a citrusy dressing.

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Buttermilk Chicken Waffles with Espresso Maple 3.8/5

A cafe-essential dish but uniquely Guerilla's: Buttermilk Chicken Waffles and Espresso Maple ($20). The buttermilk-marinated chicken is coated in a cereal-style batter, resulting in a perfectly crispy exterior while remaining juicy inside. The accompanying house-made espresso maple syrup lent the dish a dark, complex note while tying it back to Guerilla's coffee expertise.

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Tamarind Sea Bass 4/5

The Tamarind Sea Bass ($28) offers a locally sourced fillet. Both sides were well-seared and delighted with a tender and flaky texture. The accompanying tamarind broth was light yet flavourful, with herbaceous and tangy undertones from ginger flower and lime.

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Grilled Pork Jowl 4.5/5

The Grilled Pork Jowl is a true crowd-pleaser. With an ideal fat-to-meat ratio, the pork was tender and flavourful with an enjoyable bite, elevated by a tangy Nam Jim Jaew sauce. The sauce cut through the richness of the meat, enhancing its flavours and making it even more appetising. For a more complete experience, house-made brioche is a highly recommended side. Its buttery sweetness provides a delightful contrast, complementing the pork's savoury notes and the sauce's acidity.

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Guerilla G2 Tiramisu Deck 4/5

We tried 2 desserts: the Guerilla G2 Tiramisu Deck ($16) and the Walnut Dark Choc Banana Bread with Chantilly Cream ($12). The tiramisu was better executed, with bittersweet Savoiardi biscuits soaked in Guerilla No.2 espresso and Kahlua, achieving a perfectly balanced of sweetness. On the other hand, the banana bread fell short of expectations. Its cloying sweetness overpowered the chocolate and banana flavours, making it more reminiscent of a standard counter-style banana bread rather than an elevated dessert.

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Walnut Dark Choc Banana Bread 2.5/5

Guerilla Coffee also avocates the 'slow coffee' movement, a philosophy that promotes mindfulness and a deliberate pace in both brewing and enjoying coffee. There is an on-site roastery to enable the team to source and roast small batches of premium coffee beans globally. In addition, you can even choose from a selection of beans to be roasted on the spot in just 15 minutes, allowing for a highly personalised experience. A 1-hour Auction Coffee Discovery Session ($148) is available for booking if you wish to take your experience up a notch.

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.


[CLOSED]
Guerilla Coffee
Kallang Riverside
51 Kampong Bugis
#01-03
Singapore 338986
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Nearest MRT: Lavender (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Fri: 10am - 5pm
Sat-Sun: 9am - 5pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Lavender MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Crawford Street. Turn right onto Crawford Street and walk down Crawford Street. Cross the bridge at Kallang Riverside Park West across the canal. Turn left at Kampong Bugis. Walk down Kampong Bugis to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]