Chin Mee Chin @ Nex - The 101-Year-Old Confectionery Ventures Beyond Katong

After more than a century in Katong, Chin Mee Chin has finally ventured beyond its East Coast home with a new outlet at NEX. Founded in 1925, the heritage confectionery is best known for its old-school bakes, kaya toast and traditional kopi, served against its unmistakably nostalgic backdrop.

Ham & Cheese Danish 2.8/5

Choux au Craquelin

Kaya Custard & Dark Chocolate Choux au Craquelin 2.8/5

Among the new and outlet-exclusive offerings are the Ham & Cheese Danish ($3.60) and Choux au Craquelin, available in Kaya Custard ($3) and Dark Chocolate ($3). Unfortunately, neither really impressed us. The Danish was served at room temperature and was rather hard, and given its small size, I didn’t find it particularly worth the price. The Choux au Craquelin fared slightly better, although the cream filling tasted somewhat artificial to me. Between the two flavours, I preferred the Kaya Custard over the Dark Chocolate. On the plus side, both were thankfully not overly sweet.

Smashed Fried Chicken w Housemade Sambal Sandwich 3.5/5

They also offer a selection of ready-to-eat sandwiches, and we tried the Smashed Fried Chicken with Housemade Sambal ($8.80). The portion is decent, with soft bread and well-seasoned fried chicken, but the sandwich doesn’t quite hold everything together—be prepared for a slightly messy meal. I was hoping for a stronger kick from the housemade sambal as its flavour was rather faint, but the nicely seasoned fried chicken helped make up for it.

Kaya Toast 4/5

The best thing we tried was, unsurprisingly, one of Chin Mee Chin’s classics — the Kaya Toast ($2.80 à la carte). Its signature kaya has that familiar slightly curdled appearance and is generously spread over a soft, round bun with a slab of butter. Unlike at the original outlet, the buns here are not charcoal-toasted. In fact, the ones we had barely seemed toasted at all, which was a little disappointing. Still, the combination of soft bun, kaya and butter remains comforting and nostalgic, and this is easily the one item I would return for.

Kaya Cloud Kopi 3.5/5

We also tried two outlet-exclusive drinks. The Kaya Cloud Kopi ($5.50) comes topped with a creamy foam carrying a subtle kaya flavour. It reminded us of Starbucks’ recent National Day creation, though once the foam mixes into the kopi, the kaya flavour becomes almost indistinguishable.

Roselle Cucumber Tea 1/5

The Roselle Cucumber Tea ($4.50), unfortunately, was the weakest item of the meal. It tasted predominantly like cucumber-infused water and didn’t leave much of an impression. I’d stick to Chin Mee Chin’s regular local-style kopi or teh instead.

The 26-seat self-service cafe gives Chin Mee Chin’s nostalgic identity a more contemporary interpretation. It features familiar details from the original outlet, with an open bakery display and a visible coffee counter.

Being inside NEX makes Chin Mee Chin much more accessible for those who don’t often make the trip to Katong, although the limited seating means the outlet can get very busy. The new and exclusive items were a mixed bag for us, with some needing a little more refinement.

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

Chin Mee Chin
NEX
23 Serangoon Central
B2-60/61
Singapore 556083
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Nearest MRT: Serangoon (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 8am - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Serangoon MRT Station. Take Exit B, G or H. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 3 minutes. [Map]

Lucine by LUNA @ Somerset - New Halal Certified Savoury Menu with Over 30 Options Under $20

Starting 28 April, Lucine by LUNA at Somerset will launch its brand-new savoury menu, featuring more than 30 items, all priced under $20.

The cafe, newly Halal-certified and located at 111 Somerset, is best known for its intricate petit cakes from homegrown patisserie LUNA.

Korean Spicy Marinated Egg with Scrambled Eggs Toast 3/5

The viral Korean marinated egg, also known as Mayak ("drug") eggs, inspired Lucine's Korean Spicy Marinated Egg with Scrambled Eggs Toast ($14.90). Served on toasted brioche, it is topped with creamy scrambled eggs and a savoury-sweet marinated egg with a jammy centre. We would have preferred a thicker brioche for better texture and a stronger marination on the egg.

Crispy Breaded Chicken 2.8/5

Next was the Crispy Breaded Chicken ($16.90), featuring boneless chicken thigh coated in a house-made breadcrumb crust.

Superb Dry Laksa 3.5/5

Lucine's expanded menu also introduces a wider selection of pasta dishes. The Superb Dry Laksa ($16.90) is one of the new additions, with pasta tossed in a house-made rempah and paired with prawns, fishcake and taupok. While the pasta could have had a better bite, we enjoyed the bold, flavourful rempah with a pleasant heat.

Tofu 4.2/5

The gorgeous petit cakes remain the highlight, and we were spoilt for choice. Our first pick was the crowd favourite, Tofu ($8.50), featuring a unique combination of silken tofu cream, hazelnut ganache, and buckwheat-infused crème anglaise mousse, all atop a crisp sablée base. It was delightfully light and well-balanced.

LUNA 2.0 Petite 4.2/5

For chocolate lovers, the LUNA 2.0 Petite ($9) is a must-try. Dig into the Valrhona Guanaja 70% chocolate mousse layered with hazelnut sponge, and you'll uncover a crunchy centre of crushed hazelnuts, salted caramel, hazelnut dacquoise and dark chocolate-coated feuilletine.

Photos and words by Jo. A lady 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.


Lucine by LUNA
111 Somerset Road
#01-06
Singapore 238164
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 930am - 630pm
Fri-Sat: 930am - 9pm

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

Mary Grace Cafe @ Tras Street - Beloved Filipino Bakery-Café Makes Singapore Debut with Signature Ensaymadas and Comfort Classics

The beloved Filipino bakery-café chain Mary Grace makes its international debut in Singapore with its first overseas outpost along Tras Street. Officially opening on 13 March 2026, the homegrown favourite from the Philippines. With over 140 branches, it brings its signature bakes, comforting Filipino classics, and warm hospitality to our local dining scene. Alongside well-loved staples like Ensaymadas and Cheese Rolls, diners can also look forward to Singapore-exclusive creations.

Mary Grace Ensaymada 4.2/5

A must-try is the Mary Grace Ensaymada ($5.50), the brand's signature take on the classic Spanish-Filipino pastry. The brioche is soft, fluffy and buttery, crowned with premium-aged Queso de Bola (Edam cheese) from Holland. Unlike traditional versions, this rendition is lightly toasted, adding a delicate crispness that enhances both texture and aroma, especially bringing out the cheese's richness. There is also a Singapore-exclusive Salted Egg version for those seeking a local twist.

Kaya Pandan Cheese Roll 3.8/5

Another exclusive item is the Kaya Pandan Cheese Roll ($5.30). This variation features homemade pandan kaya paired with a savoury cheese core, all wrapped in the café's signature soft bread and finished with a light coating of caramelised coconut sugar. The combination delivers a comforting balance of sweet and savoury flavours.

Mary Grace Hot Chocolate 3.5/5

Pair your bakes with the Mary Grace Hot Chocolate ($7.50), made from premium Belgian cocoa. Rich and indulgent, it works well both as a drink and as a dip for the pastries.

Ube Coconut Cloud 4/5

For something refreshing, the Ube Coconut Cloud ($10) offers a delightful mix of coconut water topped with creamy ube foam and toasted coconut flakes. It is light, fragrant and very tropical.

Cassava Chips with Onion Dip 4.2/5

Beyond pastries, the menu also showcases hearty Filipino fare. The Cassava Chips with Onion Dip ($12) are paper-thin and crispy, but the addictive onion dip truly steals the show.

Angus Beef Tapa 4/5

The Angus Beef Tapa ($25.50) showcases a Filipino classic, featuring tender sirloin strips marinated for 24 hours. The sweet-savoury flavours are well-balanced and deeply satisfying. It comes with a choice of garlic or rosemary rice and eggs done your way — we opted for the garlic rice, which was fluffy and fragrant, paired with sunny-side-up eggs that completed the dish nicely.

Grilled Chicken Inasal Focaccia 4.2/5

A highlight among the savoury offerings is the Grilled Chicken Inasal Focaccia ($19.50). The chicken, marinated in a tangy achuete-spiced blend, is grilled to bring out smoky, zesty notes of lemongrass and tamarind. Sandwiched in house-baked focaccia that is crisp on the outside and fluffy within, it delivers both flavour and texture in every bite.

Mango Bene 4.5/5

We wrapped up the meal with the Mango Bene ($14.50, petite), a delightful dessert layering crisp meringue, silky custard cream, and fresh mangoes. Slightly frozen at the core, it offers a refreshing, almost ice cream-like finish that is both light and indulgent.

Overall, Mary Grace's Singapore debut delivers a comforting mix of nostalgic Filipino flavours and thoughtful local touches, making it a charming addition to the Tras Street dining scene.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Mary Grace Cafe
52 Tras Street
Singapore 078991
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 9am - 6pm
(Closed on Mon)

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

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 2. Turn left and walk down Tanjong Pagar Road. Turn left onto Tras Street. Walk down Tras Street. Walk to the destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Ms Durian @ Jalan Besar - Fresh Durians, Sweet and Savoury Durian Creations

Ms Durian at Jalan Besar is known for its handcrafted Mao Shan Wang (MSW) durian cakes and pastries. What's less known is that the brand also offers savoury creations and even sells fresh durians during the durian season.

MSW Cake with Durian Pod 4.5/5

Lemongrass Pandan Drink

For this harvest season, we had the chance to try the Durian Lover Set ($26.80), which includes an original MSW Cake, a Durian Pod, and a Lemongrass Pandan Drink. The chiffon sponge layer of the MSW cake was supremely fluffy and airy, and tying the sponge and MSW filling together was a light, elegant Madagascar Vanilla Chantilly Cream. I found the MSW filling slightly on the sweeter side, but overall, this MSW cake remains one of the better ones I've tried.

From their fresh durian harvest, we were also quite satisfied with the MSW selected for us. Despite the recent rainy weather, they managed to pick a good one from the lot.

King of Durian Nasi Lemak 3.8/5

Durian also incorporates durian brilliantly into one of their savoury creations - the King of Durian Nasi Lemak ($46). This hearty dish features MSW durian coconut rice topped with fresh MSW durian, fried mackerel, house-marinated chicken wing, and a sunny side up. Durian with coconut rice is not new, as it's commonly enjoyed as a dessert; however, pairing the durian with their house-made sambal introduced a different kind of chemistry and flavour interplay. The rice could have a touch more coconut richness to really stand out, and while the chicken wing was great, the fish was slightly on the dry side.

The atmosphere at Ms Durian is really cosy, allowing one to enjoy durians in all forms in a comfortable environment. It is in the midst of setting up an alfresco dining area with tents and durian stands for diners who crave an authentic roadside durian-eating experience.

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.


Ms Durian
11 Kelantan Road
Singapore 208604
Tel: +65 69620057
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Nearest MRT: Jalan Besar (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 9am - 10pm
Fri-Sat: 9am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Jalan Besar MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk down Jalan Besar Road towards Kelantan Road. Turn right onto Kelantan Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

All Hands Café @ Telok Ayer - Boeuf Reopens as All Hands Cafe Serving Housemade Shokupan, Matcha Desserts and Speciality Drinks

All Hands Café in Telok Ayer sports a vibrant blue exterior, a brand new concept by the same team behind the former steakhouse, Boeuf, which once occupied the same space. The beautifully renovated shophouse is modern with charming heritage touches.

Transitioning from its steakhouse roots, the team has reimagined the menu to spotlight freshly baked Shokupan (Japanese milk bread) in creative variations. Alongside the signature bread, diners can also look forward to matcha-based desserts, speciality drinks, and more.

Signature Shokupan 4/5

The Signature Shokupan ($8.94) is a playful twist on our beloved local kaya toast breakfast. It comes with two sous-vide eggs, topped with furikake and kombu-infused soy sauce, and is accompanied by your choice of bread flavour: Kaya Butter Snow, Milo Dino, or Peanut Butter & Jam.

Unlike the typical Shokupan known for its soft, pillowy texture, All Hands’ version omits eggs, resulting in an airier crumb that’s less moist, but still pretty enjoyable.

DIY Shokupan 3.8/5

The DIY Shokupan (from $8.94) lets you build your own toasts with a range of bases and toppings. Start with options like Egg Mayo, Crispy Sunny Side Up, Buttery Scramble, Smash Avo, or Cheesy Tomato, and layer on add-ons such as parma ham (+$6), candied bacon (+$4), sous-vide chicken breast (+$5), or sautéed mushrooms (+$4).

Here we tried the Egg Mayo Garlic Prawn combination, which came with lots of prawns, but I wished it was a little less saucy overall.

Burrata with Parma Ham 4.2/5

If you prefer ready-made options, Open-Faced Shokupan creations are available too. The Burrata with Parma Ham ($14.49) had a hidden layer of green pesto that paired well with the burrata and savoury Parma ham. The addition of compressed tomatoes added a pop of sweetness. Each open-faced toast comes with fries or salad. I’d recommend the crispy fries, which were seasoned perfectly.

We also heard that the A5 Sukiyaki ($28.49) is another delicious option, alongside Kimcheesy ($16.49) and Smoked Salmon Berry ($16.49).

Specialty Drinks

Among their speciality drinks, we tried the eye-catching Blue Spirulina Matcha ($8.49) and the Peanut Butter Hojicha Latte ($8.49). We much preferred the matcha for its surprisingly pleasant combination.

Matcha Brûlée Basque Cheesecake 4/5

Moving to their house-made desserts, the rich Matcha Brûlée Basque Cheesecake ($6.49) would appeal to cheesecake lovers. We liked the prominent matcha notes and the thin caramelised top.

Matcha Banana Pudding 3.8/5

On the other hand, we wished the Matcha Banana Pudding ($6.49) had come in a larger portion with stronger pandan notes, as we expected based on its menu description. However, the matcha cloud that came along was lovely.

Fans of Boeuf will be delighted to know that the cafe has kept a part of its steakhouse legacy with a dedicated menu section, “Keeping the Best of Boeuf”, featuring Boeuf’s Best Selling Rossini Tenderloin, Boeuf’s Bourguignon, and Steak Tartare.

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.


All Hands Café
159 Telok Ayer Street
Singapore 068614
Tel: +65 9863 1626
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 8am - 5pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Telok Ayer Street. Turn left and walk down Telok Ayer Street. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Turn left and walk down Telok Ayer Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]