True Cost @ Suntec City - Rooftop Restaurant and Bar Overlooking Suntec City Offering Asian and Modern European Flavours

True Cost in Suntec City's Sky Garden prides itself on offering diners food and alcohol at low markups. The menu primarily features Asian and Modern European flavours, complemented by an extensive beverage list, which includes house-made cocktails, mocktails, wines, spirits, and beers.

The rooftop restaurant and bar provide a scenic overlook of Suntec City, with gorgeous natural sunlight pouring in during the day.

For a complimentary entry, visiting between 3pm to 5pm on weekdays and 9pm to 10pm daily is best. Outside these times, a moderate entrance fee of $5 per person for lunch between 12pm and 3pm and $10 per person for dinner between 5pm and 9pm. However, there's a 50% discount on the fees daily from 5pm if you opt for bar seating.

Watermelon Ceviche 3.8/5

We began with the refreshing Watermelon Ceviche ($9). The combination of tomatoes, feta cheese, pecans, olive oil, and watermelon created a delightful mix of textures and flavours. The fragrant and crunchy pecans were a standout.

Octopus Carpaccio 2.8/5

Next, we tried the Octopus Carpaccio ($15.95), which was unfortunately less impressive. The sliced octopus, tossed in a bright orange dressing with tahini, sundried tomatoes, and za'atar, was too chewy and tough. At its price point, it felt slightly overpriced.

BBQ Pork Ribs 4/5

True Cost's BBQ Pork Ribs ($18.50) appeared to be a popular choice among diners. Served alongside grilled corn and kimchi cucumbers, the fall-off-the-bone ribs had a pleasant hint of smokiness. Although the slightly spiced corn was a touch dry, the overall dish was satisfying.

Crab Linguini 4/5

For our second main dish, we had the Crab Linguine ($22). The al dente linguine was tossed in a rich, savoury, buttery bisque sauce with ample crab meat.

Baklava Sundae 4.2/5

Dessert was the Greek-inspired Baklava Sundae ($11), which was made with a base of sunflower seed mousse, pistachio ice cream, and cherry syrup drizzled over. We broke into the thin, super flaky pastry and were pleasantly surprised by the balanced sweetness. The layered textures - from the crushed nuts and crisp pastry to the nutty sunflower seed mousse and tangy cherry syrup, were delightful. While a richer pistachio ice cream would have been preferred, it worked good as a sharing dessert to end the meal.

Reservations to the restaurant can be made at their official website, https://www.truecostsingapore.com/.

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.


True Cost
Suntec City
SkyGarden
#03-302/303
3 Temasek Boulevard
Tel: +65 88940615
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Esplanade (CC Line), Promenade (CC, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 10.30pm

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

2) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Christina's @ Mondrian Singapore Duxton - Marriage of Mediterrane Nuances with Asian Flavours

Christina's at Mondrian Singapore Duxton has recently unveiled a new menu crafted by Chef Kenny, who blends his culinary experiences from Europe and Singapore to create dishes that marry Mediterranean nuances with Asian flavours. A standout feature of the new menu is the addition of wood-fired components in various dishes, enhancing their depth and complexity.

Quinoa Avocado Chicken Salad 4.5/5

We started our meal with a light option from the Soups & Salads selection: the Quinoa Avocado Chicken Salad ($24). This dish features a tender piece of grilled chicken breast atop a bed of quinoa, fresh mesclun salad, and creamy avocado chunks, offering a wholesome and refreshing start.

Octopus Carpaccio 4.5/5

Additionally, we tried the Octopus Carpaccio ($28) from the Social Plates selection. This dish combines smokey, wood-fired grilled octopus and delicate carpaccio-style octopus with a bed of fennel arugula salad, resulting in delightful textures and fresh flavours.

Seabass Fillet 4.8/5

We opted for the Seabass Fillet ($34) and King Prawns with Vodka ($38), both prepared over woodfire for mains. The seabass was very well executed, delivering tender meat and crispy skin. The simple preparation allowed the fish's natural flavours to shine, with the saltishness from diced Mediterranean olives enhancing its sweetness.

King Prawns 4.5/5

Likewise, the King Prawns were flambéed with vodka at our table, adding a dramatic flair. The prawns were served with a piquant, mouthwatering lime dip that enhanced the taste of the succulent prawns.

Josper Grilled Pineapple 2.5/5

Banoffee Mess 3/5

We had Josper Grilled Pineapple with Smoked Ice Cream ($14) and Banoffee Mess ($14) with ginger-caramelized banana for dessert. While both desserts were a bit too sweet for my liking, the Banoffee Mess fared better with its textural contrasts and varied flavours, featuring chocolate soil and chantilly. The grilled pineapple could have been more charred for a deeper flavour, and the smoked ice cream was overly sweet and one-dimensional.

Raspberry Pistachio Financier 3.5/5

Christina's also offers a selection of homemade pastries. The Raspberry Pistachio Financier ($8) surprised us with its unique nutty flavor and tangy raspberry core, which balanced the financier's sweetness.

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.


Christina's
Mondrian Singapore Duxton
16A Duxton Hill
#01-09/10
Singapore 089970
Tel: +65 6019 6010
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Maxwell (TE Line), Outram Park (EW, NE Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 8am - 11pm
Fri-Sat: 8am - 12midnight

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

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road and walk to Craig Road. Walk down Craig Road towards Neil Road. Turn left onto Neil Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to the staircase behind the open air carpark. Take the staircase to Duxton Plain Park. Turn right and walk down the Duxton Plain Park. Cross the tunnel, take the stairs to the road level and walk down Neil Road. Walk to destination. Journey time bout 6 minutes. [Map]

Duomo Ristorante @ CHIJMES - Italian Classics, Hearty Italian Flavours, Charming Ambience

Recently opened in January 2024, Duomo Ristorante is an aptly named culinary gem nestled within the beautiful grounds of CHIJMES. The menu offers Italian classics made with fresh ingredients from both the Northern and Southern regions, showcasing the hearty flavours of Italian cuisine.

There is a cosy indoor dining area, but the outdoor terrace is particularly delightful, especially on cool evenings. Here, guests can fully immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere while enjoying views of the picturesque CHIJMES hall. The outdoor terrace is thoughtfully accented with Italian decorative touches, creating a charming and inviting ambience that sets the backdrop for a relaxing dining experience.

Bruschetta 4.2/5

We started with a variety of antipasti, the first being a delightful Bruschetta ($21). This classic Italian starter showcased simplicity at its finest. Each slice of rustic bread was perfectly toasted and topped with heirloom Sicilian pizzutello tomatoes and Pecorino cheese shavings. The juicy sweetness of the tomatoes made each bite very enjoyable!

Wagy Carpaccio 4.2/5

The Wagyu Carpaccio ($28) is also delicious. Delicate slivers of wagyu are elevated with a house-made sauce of truffle cream, butter, and parmesan. To add a refreshing contrast, the dish is generously garnished with rocket leaves, which provide a crisp freshness to balance the richness of the wagyu and the creamy sauce.

Seafood Cioppino 4.5/5

For something hearty, opt for their Seafood Cioppino ($28). The base of the Seafood Cioppino is a rich tomato broth infused with aromatic herbs and spices and simmered to perfection. The broth provides a comforting warmth that sets the stage for the seafood medley of calamari, clams, and prawns — a harmonious ensemble that reflects the essence of coastal Italian cuisine.

Bella Duomo 4.2/5

Whilst they are not particularly a pizza speciality restaurant, the pizza we tried here was pretty good! We had the Bella Duomo ($36), where the star of the show is the rich and savoury mortadella cold cut, which comes straight from Bologna. Accompanying it are crunchy pistachios, adding a delightful texture and nutty flavour, as well as creamy stracciatella cheese generously spread across the pizza.

Tagliolini Gamberi & Lemon 4.5/5

Next up were two plates of pasta, both of which I thoroughly relished and savoured. The Tagliolini Gamberi & Lemon ($38) is a dish inspired by the chef's childhood and beautifully captures the essence of an Italian summer with its bright and zesty flavours. Some of my dining companions found it slightly too tangy, but I enjoyed the refreshing acidity imparted by the lemons and capers. Regarding flavour profile, this dish stands out as one of the more distinctive pastas I've had in Singapore. If you opt for this pasta, I recommend mixing it thoroughly with the sauce right away to prevent clumping and to ensure every bite is as delightful as the last.

Gnocchi Funghi & Salsiccia 4.5/5

The Gnocchi Funghi & Salsiccia ($28) is another comforting dish that satisfies my palate. The gnocchi, mushrooms, and Italian sausage are enveloped in a luxurious, savoury sauce. The sausage is slow-cooked with a medley of onions, celery, and white wine, infusing the dish with hearty flavours that linger on the taste buds.

Polipo Arrosto 3.8/5

Polipo Arrosto ($38) celebrates the ocean's bounty with grilled octopus, which offers a slightly crispy exterior with a smoky char while maintaining a firm but not rubbery texture. Accompanying the octopus is a citrusy sauce infused with diced tomatoes and olives, adding a vibrant and tangy contrast to the seafood. Silky smooth potato and rocket salad accompany the dish.

Nodino di Maiale 3.8/5

The Nodino di Maiale ($38) features a pork chop marinated for 24 hours in a fragrant blend of rosemary and thyme and grilled to perfection. It is complemented by a smooth house-made apple mustard that adds a hint of sweetness. The flavours are good, but our pork cut was pretty lean, and I would have preferred the meat to be juicier.

Duomo Tiramisu 4/5

For dessert, the Duomo Tiramisu ($16) is a crowd pleaser. Layers of delicate ladyfinger biscuits soaked in espresso impart a robust coffee flavour. Sandwiched between these espresso-soaked layers is a velvety mascarpone cream. The dessert is elegantly finished with a dusting of cocoa powder, balancing the sweetness with a hint of bittersweet cocoa notes. For inclusivity, the Tiramisu is served alcohol-free.

Panna Cotta Alla Vaniglia 3.5/5

Another option is the Panna Cotta Alla Vaniglia, a creamy and light dessert made from a traditional recipe without gelatin. It's infused with vanilla bean specks and served with some fruits and nuts.

Duomo Ristorante presents a delightful array of dishes to satisfy diverse tastes, complemented by refreshing drinks and a great ambience perfect for enjoying time with loved ones and friends. Immerse yourself in the essence of la dolce vita whilst savouring a slice of Italy in this cheerful communal dining setting!

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.


Duomo Ristorante
CHIJMES
30 Victoria Street
#01-32
Singapore 187996
Tel: +65 89114874
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line), Bras Basah (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 230pm, 530pm - 11pm
Sat: 12pm - 11pm
Sun: 12pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Cut across Raffles City Shopping Centre to Bras Basah Road. At the junction of Bras Basah Road and North Bridge Road, cross the road to Chijmes. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Bras Basah MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk southwards towards Victoria Road. At the junction of Bras Basah Road and Victoria Road, cross the junction to Chijmes. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Morsels @ Dempsey Hill - Chef Petrina Launches new Menu 3.0 showcasing Skilful Blend of Eastern and Western Influences

I recently returned to Morsels to experience its new Menu 3.0. The innovative new creations will delight fans of Chef Petrina's cooking style, which seamlessly incorporates East and West influences with fermented sauces.

Aka Ebi Tartare 4.2/5

We started our dinner with the Aka Ebi Tartare ($18). The red shrimp is tossed in a mixture of green grape raisin and raspberry gochujang, paired with a crispy nori cracker. This dish offers a multi-textural enjoyment, with each bite bursting with vibrant flavours.

Hokkaido Scallop Carpaccio 4.2/5

Next up was the Hokkaido Scallop Carpaccio ($28). Light, bright, and vibrant, the scallops are tossed in aguachile and paired with a smooth cannellini bean puree, making for a refreshing and delightful appetiser.

Whipped Burrata 4/5

The Whipped Burrata ($22) comes with glazed baby carrots, Brazil nuts, and a kale salad. The burrata is creamy and luxurious, while the glazed baby carrots add a nice sweetness and crunch. The fresh kale provides a crunchy bite, making this dish a well-balanced starter.

Duck Dumplings 4/5

We then had the Duck Dumplings ($30), served in brodo stock, paired with fermented garlic mash, and finished with juniper kombu oil. The dumplings were flavourful and satisfying, and the brodo added depth to the dish.

Galician Octopus 3/5

The Galician Octopus ($42) is grilled to a perfect char, resulting in a tender and bouncy texture. It comes with farfalle pasta tossed in squid ink assam sauce. While each component is delightful on its own, the combination did not quite gel together for me.

Mangalica Pork Loin 4.5/5

For the mains, we had the Mangalica Pork Loin ($44). The clean-tasting pork was tender and succulent. However, the accompanying pulled pork tortellini felt a bit unnecessary, with the skin being slightly dry from sitting too long. It seemed the chef wanted to showcase different ways to enjoy the beautiful pork or offer a replacement for the usual carbs like mash and fries.

BVP Quail 5/5

The BVP Quail ($50) was a standout dish. I thoroughly enjoyed the rub, which gave the tender quail a delicious flavour coat. It was paired with smoked corn miso cream and lacto-fermented baby corn, adding complexity to the dish.

Morsels Signature Milo Tiramiso 5/5

We ended our meal with a must-try dessert, Morsels Signature Milo Tiramiso ($17). This unique take on the classic tiramisu incorporates Saratoga dark rum and shiro miso for a deliciously sweet ending that left us thoroughly satisfied.

Morsels' new Menu 3.0 continues to impress with its creative and flavourful dishes. Highlights include the Aka Ebi Tartare, Hokkaido Scallop Carpaccio, Mangalica Pork Loin, BVP Quail, and the delightful Milo Tiramiso. Chef Petrina's skilful blend of Eastern and Western influences and her innovative use of fermented sauces make dining at Morsels a memorable experience.

Note: This is an invited tasting


Morsels
25 Dempsey Road
#01-04
Singapore 249670
Tel: +65 62663822
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Napier (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sun: 1130am - 3pm
(Closed on Sun dinner and Mon Full Day)

Direction:
1) Alight at Napier MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk to bus stop at Opposite Botanic Gardens (Stop ID 13011). Take bus number 7, 75, 77, 105, 106, 123 and 174. Alight 2 stops later. Take the flight of stairs up to Dempsey Hill. At Dempsey Road, turn left and walk to the open-air carpark in front of block 25. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Wagyu X @ Club Street - The Rare Wagyu Crossbreed Available Chargrilled and Smoked in New Menu

Returning to Wagyu X on Club Street, I ventured to experience the exquisite Hokkaido wagyu crossbreed, renowned for its harmonious blend of Wagyu's buttery texture and Angus beef's robust flavour. Wagyu X has elevated their offerings with a new menu featuring beef chargrilled over binchotan charcoal and infused with the subtle, fruity essence of Sakura wood smoke, imparting delightful cherry notes to the dish.

Amuse Bouche

I began with the Amuse Bouche — a delicate ensemble of tender Wagyu slices enveloping enoki mushrooms. This prelude offered a tantalising preview of the exceptional quality and flavour awaiting me.

Wagyu Carpaccio 4.5/5

Following suit was the Wagyu Carpaccio ($42) — a sublime creation boasting paper-thin slices of wagyu adorned with a drizzle of truffle oil and garnished with arugula and parmesan chips. Each bite was a symphony of umami flavours, celebrating the purity of Wagyu in its most pristine form.

Chilled Truffle Somen 4/5

Introducing a refreshing starter to the menu, the Chilled Truffle Somen with Scallop ($26) presented a harmonious blend of flavours. Delicately tossed in truffle kombu sauce and garnished with ikura, this dish offered a delightful juxtaposition of textures and an irresistible burst of flavour.

Binchotan Flame Grilled Wagyu X Sirloin 4.5/5

The pièce de résistance arrived in the form of the Binchotan Flame Grilled Wagyu X Sirloin ($180/500g, $335/1kg) and Tenderloin ($135/250g, $245/500g) — showcasing the Wagyu's exquisite flavour profile. Charred to perfection over binchotan charcoal, this dish boasted a crispy exterior, revealing a succulent and flavourful interior.

Binchotan Flame Grilled Wagyu X Tenderloin 4.2/5

Delving into the tenderloin, I was met with bold, rich flavours and a substantial texture that left a lasting impression. However, upon savouring the striploin, I found myself drawn to its abundance of marbling, which contributed to a fuller flavour profile and a remarkably tender texture.

Horenso Gomaae (Spinach Salad) 3.8/5

Wagyu Fat Fries 4.5/5

Accompanying the main course were the Horenso Gomaae ($16) — a simple yet flavourful spinach salad—and the irresistible Wagyu Fat Fries, which proved to be irresistibly addictive with each crispy bite.

Wagyu Fried Rice 3.8/5

Initially conceived as a simple staff meal, the Wagyu Fried Rice ($28) has made its way onto the menu, boasting a unique twist. Cooked with wagyu fat for an added depth of flavour, the fried rice is served atop ooba leaf foam. While the dish offers an interesting concept, I questioned the foam's contribution, as it tended to soak up the rice, detracting from its desired fluffy texture.

Japanese Sweet Potato Croquettes 3.5/5

The Japanese Sweet Potato Croquettes ($16) is a new sides. Japanese sweet potato is used for its starchier texture. Deep fried to golden brown. Crispy on the exterior, sweet and soft inside.

Apple Tart with Ice Cream 4.2/5

For dessert, the Apple Tart with Ice Cream ($18) offered a delightful finale. Slices of Granny Smith apples were served alongside a housemade berry sauce — a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness to end the meal on a satisfying note.

Wagyu X continues to reign supreme as a haven for discerning diners seeking the ultimate Wagyu experience.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Wagyu X
82 Club Street
Singapore 069450
Tel: +65 8795 6664
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT, NE Line), Telok Ayer (DT Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk down Cross Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Continue to the end of Amoy Street. Climb the stairs beside Siang Cho Keong Temple, up Ann Siang Hill. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk down South Bridge Road towards Ann Siang Road. Turn right onto Ann Siang Road. Walk down Ann Siang Road. Turn left onto Club Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 4 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Pagoda Street to South Bridge Road. Cross the road and turn right. Walk down South Bridge Road. Turn left onto Ann Siang Hill and then left onto Club Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]