Nomada @ Keong Saik - Where Tradition Meets Bold Perspective, Where Every Flavour Tells A Story

A recent addition to the lively Keong Saik restaurant scene, Nómada has quickly become a buzzworthy spot, even drawing a full house on a weekday evening when we visited. Chef Gonzalo Landin, formerly of Binomio and Set of Six, brings his global culinary expertise to the table, serving Spanish cuisine with a modern, innovative twist.

The décor at Nómada showcases rustic Spanish charm with a sleek, contemporary elegance, featuring warm lighting and earthy tones. For private events, there's also a curtained-off area towards the back of the restaurant for a more intimate setting.

Upon reviewing the menu, it's clear that Chef Landin doesn't shy away from incorporating adventurous ingredients, making Nómada an exciting choice even for the seasoned foodie. If you're game to try something a little different, there's chicken liver, ox tongue and even pig ears on the menu! But don't worry if that's not for you — the à la carte format ensures everyone can choose something you'll enjoy.

Homemade Flatbread with Za’atar 4/5

We started our dinner with the Homemade Flatbread with Za'atar ($16), a starter featuring Za'atar — a traditional Middle Eastern spice blend. This aromatic mix typically combines dried oregano, thyme, sumac, and toasted sesame seeds. The flatbread was soft and pillowy, topped with goat cheese and rocket.

Grilled Oyster with Spicy Sobrasada 3/5

Next, we were served Grilled Oyster with Spicy Sobrasada (2pcs, $16), which had a vibrant presentation thanks to the sobrasada. This soft spread, made from cured pork sausage and seasoned with paprika and other spices, brings a smoky flavour to the dish. However, the combination of the spicy sobrasada and the oyster didn't particularly complement each other.

Squids, Lemon & Parsley Sauce with Squid Ink Emulsion 4.2/5

I much preferred the Squid with Lemon & Parsley Sauce and Squid Ink Emulsion ($26), where the lemon and parsley sauce really stood out. Zesty and fresh, it was so delicious that I found myself going back for more. The squid itself was sufficiently tender with a slight chewiness, the subtle taste of the squid allowing the brightness of the sauce to shine through.

Braised Short Ribs on the Bone with Cauliflower 4/5

The Braised Short Ribs on the Bone with Cauliflower ($38) was a comforting dish that delivered hearty, savoury flavours. The short ribs were cooked very well, with a fork-tender texture. However, the dish gets a bit heavy and slightly oily after a while, so it's best to share it.

Iberico Pork Chop, Apple Cider Gels and Hipsy Cabbage 4.5/5

Between the beef and pork dishes we tried, we unanimously agreed that the Iberico Pork Chop, Apple Cider Gels and Hipsy Cabbage ($38) was our preferred choice. The pork chop was juicy and tender, with a hint of pink in the centre. We also loved the apple cider gel's subtle sweetness and tanginess, which added a lovely balance to the taste of the pork. The apple cider gel is also something interesting and different from the apple sauce you usually get with pork chops.

Iberico Pluma Rice 4.8/5

I was very impressed with the Iberico Pluma Rice ($68), a paella dish served in a large, shallow pan. The rice was rich and savoury, having absorbed the full depth of the broth and seasonings. The texture of the rice was slightly chewy, offering a substantial mouthfeel and delightfully crispy bits at the bottom and sides. Cooked with Iberico Pluma, a tender cut of pork, this dish satisfied my paella cravings.

Custard & Nutmeg Tart with Salted Caramel Ice Cream 4/5

At first glance, I mistook this for a cheesecake, and perhaps it was inspired by the cheesecake and given a little twist. The Custard & Nutmeg Tart, paired with Salted Caramel Ice Cream ($16), featured a velvety custard filling, subtly spiced with nutmeg, whilst the salted caramel ice cream lent this dessert a sweet and salty creaminess.

Nómada's menu is different from traditional Spanish restaurants, with a style sure to appeal to those who enjoy bold, intense flavours. The restaurant features an open-concept kitchen, allowing diners to watch the chefs at work, though it also means you might leave with a slight smokiness on your clothes.

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


Nomada
1 Keong Saik Road
#01-05
Singapore 089109
Tel: +65 8209 7809
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Nearest MRT: Outram Park (DT, EW, TE Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 230pm, 530pm - 1030pm
Sat: 530pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk straight towards Kreta Ayer Road. Turn right onto Keong Siak Road. Walk down Keong Siak Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Walk straight down Neil Road to Keong Saik Road. Turn right onto Keong Saik Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 mintues. [Map]

Joji’s Sandwich Parlour @ Upper Serangoon – A 24 hour Amercian Diner-style Sandwich Joint

Nestled near Nex in Serangoon, Joji's Sandwich Parlour, the sister brand of Joji's Diner next door, serves up hearty American-style sandwiches around the clock. This cosy café is perfect for those late-night cravings or a casual meal any time of the day.

Yuzu Matcha Soda 3.8/5 and Avocado Smoothie 3/5

We started our meal with two beverages. The Yuzu Matcha Soda ($6.90) was a refreshing choice with a citrusy yuzu base and subtle matcha notes, though the flavours could have blended more cohesively. On the other hand, the Avocado Smoothie ($7.90) fell short of expectations — it was served less chilled than we'd prefer, with a somewhat bland flavour profile.

Fresh Calamari 4/5

The Fresh Calamari ($12), touted as being fresh from Jurong Port, did not disappoint. Each bite was delightfully crispy, with a perfectly seasoned batter that beautifully complemented the fresh squid.

Bang Bang Cauliflower 3.8/5

The Bang Bang Cauliflower ($9) offered promising flavours but didn’t quite hit the mark with texture. While the seasoning was spot-on, the batter lacked crispiness, and the cauliflower's softness from cooking made the interior slightly soggy.

Classic Reuben 3.8/5

A signature item on Joji's menu, the Classic Reuben ($24) features Black Angus beef brisket brined for 14 days. The brisket was tender and flavourful but leaned on the saltier side midway through the sandwich. Paired with yellow mustard, sauerkraut, and sliced cheese, the flavours were balanced to an extent. Diners can choose between sourdough and focaccia bread. All sandwiches come with two sides, which you can select. We got the Pico De Gallo, a refreshing contrast to the rich sandwich, but the hash left little impression.

Shrimp Po’ Boy 4/5

The Shrimp Po'Boy ($22) was the standout of our meal. Generously filled with fresh tiger prawns in a tangy-sweet sauce, this sandwich was paired perfectly with fresh vegetables. The fries were crispy and satisfying, while the coleslaw, topped with diced apples, provided a crisp, refreshing balance.

Joji's Sandwich Parlour offers a delightful range of sandwiches and sides, perfect for satisfying your cravings any time of the day. While some items could use minor tweaks, the café's dedication to fresh ingredients and bold flavours shines through. Whether you're a sandwich lover or just looking for a cosy 24-hour café, Joji's is worth a visit.

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


Joji's Sandwich Parlour
536 Upper Serangoon Road
Singapore 534551
Tel: +65 91009030
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Nearest MRT: Serangoon (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 24 Hours

Direction:
1) Alight at Serangoon MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight down Upper Serangoon Road. Walk to destintion. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Red House Seafood @ Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel - CNY 2025 Menus and New Dishes

Celebrate this Lunar New Year at Red House Seafood at Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Singapore with their specially curated CNY Set Menus and exciting new dishes.

Prosperity Abalone and Coral Seaweed Yu Sheng 4/5

The Prosperity Abalone and Coral Seaweed Yu Sheng is a perennial favourite among regulars. It is loved for its unique crunch, which comes from the addition of coral seaweed, adding a refreshing twist to this classic dish.

Jackfruit Salad 5/5

To start, we indulged in a delightful array of new side dishes. The Jackfruit Salad stood out with its vibrant citrusy flavours, beautifully balanced by the tangy Buah Kedongdong Sauce.

Salted Egg Tempeh 4/5

Crispy Baby Squid 4/5

Both the Salted Egg Tempeh and Crispy Baby Squid offered savoury, addictive bites.

Grilled Marinated Squid 4/5

Meanwhile, the Grilled Marinated Squid impressed with its tender texture and subtle smokiness from the grill that elevated its flavour.

Steamed Giant Grouper Tail with Bentong Ginger 4.5/5

A signature highlight is the Steamed Giant Grouper Tail with Bentong Ginger, a speciality of Red House Seafood. The restaurant uniquely offers different cuts of the giant grouper, akin to steak cuts. This particular dish featured tender, firm meat with a gelatinous skin. The bentong ginger, known for its extra punchy aroma, beautifully complemented the robust flavours of the fish.

Lemongrass and Jasmine Tea Smoked Chicken 5/5

Another standout was the Lemongrass and Jasmine Tea Smoked Chicken. The meat was tender, offering a flavour profile reminiscent of sweet soy sauce chicken but elevated by the subtle, aromatic notes of lemongrass and jasmine.

Braised Sea Cucumber with Shiitake Mushroom and Duo Cauliflower 4/5

Braised Sea Cucumber with Shiitake Mushroom and Duo Cauliflower was more aesthetically pleasing than usual. The use of Yellow and Purple Cauliflower added a pop of colour to the dish. The sauce had a savoury depth of flavour that aptly complemented the braised sea cucumber.

Glutinous Rice Chicken Roll with Quinoa and Wax Meat 4.5/5

The Glutinous Rice Chicken Roll with Quinoa and Wax Meat showcased the culinary team's expertise. The chicken was skillfully processed into a paste to encase a flavourful mixture of glutinous rice, quinoa, and wax meat, then shaped into an elegant roulade with the chicken's skin. The incorporation of quinoa lightened the dish while making it more nutritious, a thoughtful twist on the traditional version.

Signature Chilli Crab 4.5/5

No visit would be complete without the Signature Chilli Crab, served with adorable crab-shaped mantou. The sauce struck the perfect balance of sweet and mildly spicy flavours, while the mantou was golden crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside — ideal for soaking up every last bit of the sauce.

Crispy Bubur Cha Cha 4.5/5

Purple Glutinous Rice Cake 4.5/5

For desserts, the Crispy Bubur Cha Cha offered a creative and delightful spin on the traditional dish. The crispy sweet potato strips provided an enjoyable crunch, complementing the soft sweet potato cubes and the creamy yam coconut base. The Purple Glutinous Rice Cake was another highlight, offering a healthier and aromatic take on traditional Nian Gao. The earthy flavour of the purple glutinous rice and the fragrant shredded coconut boosted an additional texture and aroma to the festive treat.

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.


Red House Seafood
Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Singapore
392 Havelock Road
Level 2
Singapore 169663
Tel: +65 67357666
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Nearest MRT:

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 5pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Havelock MRT station. Take Exit 4. Turn left and walk to traffic junction of Havelock Road and Kim Seng Road. Cross the road. Turn left and walk down Kim Seng Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

A Beautiful Day Café & Tea Room @ PLQ Parkside - Contemporary Chazuke and Yoshoku Cuisine

A Beautiful Day Café & Tea Room, which began as a pop-up in Changi two years ago, has now established its permanent home at PLQ Parkside. Centred around the art of tea, the café presents a menu that marries contemporary Chazuke and Yoshoku cuisine in a Victorian-inspired setting.

Applewood Smoked Negitoro Kway Pie Tee 3/5

We started with the Applewood Smoked Negitoro Kway Pie Tee with Tobiko ($18.90). The Kway Pie Tee shell was perfectly crisp, offering a satisfying crunch that paired well with the luscious filling. However, the amount of sauce in the Negitoro filling was slightly cloying.

Cauliflower Poppers 2.5/5

Spicy Smashed Potatoes 3/5

Both the Cauliflower Poppers ($9.90) and Spicy Smashed Potatoes ($6.90) shared a strikingly similar flavour profile with the Kway Pie Tee, likely due to the creamy, mayo-based dressings — mentai mayo for the former and a chilli mayo sauce for the latter. As with the Kway Pie Tee, a lighter hand with the sauce would have improved the dishes. The potatoes were tasty with just the furikake.

Hotate Ceviche 4/5

The Hotate Ceviche ($19.90) stood out with its refinement in both presentation and taste. Thinly sliced scallops were elevated by a scallion ponzu sauce that brought a delicate, balanced acidity and savouriness to the dish.

Unagi Chazuke 4/5

For mains, the Unagi Chazuke ($19.90) was delightful. We first steeped jasmine tea leaves with hot dashi, creating a fragrant jasmine-infused broth that was then poured over grilled eel and Japanese rice. After the rich flavours of the appetizers, this felt wholesome and nourishing. The subtle jasmine aroma lifted the dish, and the rice was firm and pearly, perfectly carrying the dashi.

Carbonara Udon 3/5

In contrast, the Carbonara Udon ($16.90) leaned heavily toward indulgence. The cheese mayo sauce was rich and creamy, but thankfully, the al dente udon provided a pleasant chew and held the sauce well. Due to its richness, it's a dish best shared.

Scarlet Robe Rock Oolong

Kiwi Tie Guan Yin Tea

A Beautiful Day Café & Tea Room also offers an impressive tea selection, including CoffTEA (a tea-coffee hybrid akin to Yuan Yang), Teatails, and Camellia Premium Rock Tea Series. We tried the Kiwi Tie Guan Yin Tea, a refreshing blend of fruit juice and tea that paired well with the bold flavours of the dishes. Scarlet Robe Rock Oolong, served in an elegant crystal bottle, was notably smooth on the palate,

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.


A Beautiful Day Café & Tea Room
PLQ Parkside
Park Place Residences
2 Paya Lebar Road
#01-09
Tel: 98552826
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Nearest MRT: Paya Lebar (CC, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 11am - 11pm
Fri: 11am - 12midnight
Sat: 11am - 11pm
Sun: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Paya Lebar MRT station. Take Exit D, E or F. Walk to Sims Ave road. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Alma by Juan Amador @ Goodwood Park Hotel - Festive Set Lunch by 1-Michelin-starred Restaurant at $78++

This festive season, Alma by Juan Amador, a 1-Michelin-starred European restaurant at Goodwood Park Hotel, unveils its 4-course Festive Set Lunch ($78++), showcasing “affordable luxury” with a refined twist on Christmas classics.

Festive Set Lunch 4.2/5

Chef Yew Eng Tong crafts an indulgent menu reinvented with Alma's signature finesse, featuring premium ingredients like turkey, beef, and lobster.

Cauliflower Tartlet, Takoyaki Potato Gratin

The meal begins with a delightful duo of snacks: the Cauliflower Tartlet, which is both flavorful and intricately crafted, and the Takoyaki Potato Gratin, Chef Yew’s creamy, garlicky reinterpretation of the beloved Japanese snack.

Tuna Tartare

The starter offers two options: the Tuna Tartare, served atop crispy rice paper layered with nori, smoked soy-infused mayo, and horseradish for a mild kick, or the Wagyu Beef Tartare, a rich and decadent alternative. Both starters are thoughtfully plated, delivering a harmonious balance of flavour and textures.

Agnolotti of Lobster

Next comes the Agnolotti of Lobster, a pasta course filled with lobster meat. For added depth, it is served with a crustacean crème, bouillabaisse foam, and a hint of coriander. While flavourful, the filling edges slightly on the salty side for me.

Crispy Skin Barramundi & US Scallop

For the main course, diners can choose fish, turkey or beef. For fish, it features Crispy Skin Barramundi with US Scallop paired with a smooth pumpkin purée, burnt butter, and saffron sauce.

Drunken Stuffed Turkey Breast

The festive Drunken Stuffed Turkey Breast is elevated with pan-fried foie gras, daikon, and scallion. The turkey breast impressed with its tenderness, while the daikon absorbed the rich and buttery flavours of the foie gras.

For diners who are fans of beef, there is also an option to upgrade to the Yukimuro Snow-Aged A5 Wagyu (+$58).

Rose Financier

Desserts began with the Rose Financiers, which carried subtle floral notes.

Black Forest Chocolate Cake

Lastly, there was the Black Forest Chocolate Cake, accompanied by cherries, vanilla ice cream, and a dollop of chantilly. This reinvented rendition was a sweet treat to end the meal.

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.


Alma by Juan Amador
Goodwood Park Hotel Singapore
22 Scotts Road
Singapore 228221
Tel: +65 6735 9937
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sat: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun & Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk down Scotts Road to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes.[Map]

Nong Geng Ji (农耕记 ) @ Orchard Gateway - Popular Hunanese Restaurant Opens New Outlet inthe Heart of Orchard Road

Hunanese restaurant Nong Geng Ji (农耕记) has quickly gained popularity since opening its flagship outlet at Collyer Quay late last year.

Its fifth new location in the basement of Orchard Gateway provides a spacious and welcoming setting, ideal for group gatherings. The restaurant also features a membership programme offering special discounted prices for nearly all dishes (indicated by ‘MP’ on the menu), excluding steamed rice and beverages.

Pan-seared Green Chilies with Century Egg 4.2/5

We began with the Pan-seared Green Chilies with Century Egg (MP $10.80, U.P $13.80), a unique chilled appetiser served in a mortar. Diners can opt to pound it themselves or have the staff assist. The dish was a delight with its creamy century eggs paired with smoky green chillies that carried just the right amount of heat.

Stir-fried Pork with Abalone and Chilli 4/5

Next was the Stir-fried Pork with Abalone and Chilli (MP $25.80, U.P $28.80), a creative combination of baby abalones, sliced pork, Hunan green peppers, and crunchy white fungus. While the dish had a fun variety of textures, we wished the green pepper flavours were more prominent.

Stir-fried Cauliflower 4.2/5

The simple looking Stir-fried Cauliflower (MP $13.80, U.P $16.80) was executed well. It was garlicky and seasoned just right.

Big Shrimp with Vermicelli and Garlic 4.2/5

Served on a portable gas stove, the Big Shrimp with Vermicelli and Garlic (MP $19.80, U.P $22.80) was precisely timed until it was ready to be eaten. The vermicelli thoroughly soaked up the garlicky and savoury sauce.

Sauerkraut Fish with Soup 3.8/5

The Sauerkraut Fish with Soup (MP $25.80, U.P $28.80) fell short for us. The broth leaned on the saltier side, and though the fish slices were fresh, the number of bones made it less enjoyable.

Lotus Root with Superior Pork Broth 4.2/5

Our second soup was the Lotus Root with Superior Pork Broth (MP $21.80, U.P $25.80). This was so homely and comforting that we wiped the bowl clean quickly. It also helped to cut the spice from the rest of the dishes.

Dry Pot Pork Intestine with Sauerkraut 4/5

Lastly, we tried the Dry Pot Pork Intestine with Sauerkraut (MP $21.80, U.P $24.80). Those who appreciate fattier cuts of pork intestine would enjoy this that has a blend of spicy and tangy notes from the sauerkraut.

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.


Nong Geng Ji (农耕记)
Orchardgateway
#B1-13
277 Orchard Road
Singapore 238858
Tel: +65 6908 0153
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS, Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

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