OUD Restaurant @ Kandahar Street - Woodfire-grilled Delights Nestled in a Charming Shophouse Celebrates First Anniversary

OUD Restaurant is thrilled to announce the celebration of its first anniversary! Nestled in a charming shophouse, OUD showcases the talent of local chefs Indra and Ridz, who bring their unique culinary flair to the menu, having previously trained in Michelin establishments. The restaurant is proudly halal-friendly, ensuring that everyone can enjoy their offerings. It specialises in woodfire-grilled delights fired up by house speciality citrus wood. OUD offers a casual, inviting atmosphere where diners can enjoy dishes infused with rich, smoky flavours.

To start, we were served some of their bread with smoked butter, which was enjoyable. However, the butter was still slightly cold instead of at room temperature, making it a bit difficult to spread smoothly on the bread. We had to wait a little while for it to soften.

Caviar Cornets 3.5/5

The Caviar Cornets ($11 per piece) are made with a thin spring roll skin, then filled with smoked cream cheese and topped with Sturgeon caviar. It's a tasty appetiser but could benefit from more complexity.

Fire-grilled Unagi 3.8/5

Next, we were served Fire-grilled Unagi ($10 per piece) featuring barbecue-glazed unagi slices on rice puff. The rice puff was nicely textured, with a satisfying crunch on the outside that gave way to a surprisingly chewy, mochi-like interior.

K.F.C, Krispy Fried Cauliflower 4/5

Then came the creatively titled K.F.C (Krispy Fried Cauliflower) ($12), which had florets of cauliflower battered and fried to a golden crisp, delivering a satisfying crunch with every bite. It's also coated with a tasty sauce and is quite a nice snack appetiser.

OUD Fries 4/5

The OUD Fries ($15 for 3pc) is a signature dish featuring layered crispy potatoes topped with a choice of beef tartare, salmon tartare, or tuna tartare. I preferred the salmon and tuna tartare as I found the flavour of the beef tartare a bit overpowering. The crispy potatoes themselves were well-executed, providing a solid base for the toppings.

Grilled Octopus 2.8/5

We then had Grilled Octopus ($26) with romesco sauce, beef chorizo butter, and smoked paprika. The octopus was nicely charred. However, the plentiful sauce caused the octopus to become 'wet', and the crispy exterior was quickly lost. I also found the beef chorizo butter to be quite strong in flavour, which overshadowed the more delicate taste of the octopus.

Firegrill Chicken Skewers 4.5/5

I much preferred the Firegrill Chicken Skewers ($26), which was perfectly grilled to achieve a delightful tenderness and smokey char. Accompanying the skewers is a vibrant coriander sauce that adds a refreshing herbaceous note. The dish is also served with an onion herb salad, bringing a crisp texture and freshness to the plate. The combination of the juicy chicken, zesty sauce, and lively salad created a well-rounded dish that feels light and satisfying.

Atlantic Miso Cod Fish 4.2/5

The next dish, Atlantic Miso Cod Fish ($38), was also very much to my liking. The cod is marinated in miso and roasted in corn husks, and the fish is perfectly done for a soft, buttery texture. The miso marinade enhanced the natural sweetness of the cod, creating a balance between savoury and slightly sweet notes.

Squid Ink Seafood Paella 3.8/5

The Squid Ink Seafood Paella ($48) is quite impressively presented with large fire-roasted prawns and bits of octopus. The rice is evenly coated with the squid ink, imparting a slightly earthy and umami-rich quality. Regarding the texture, it could be due to how the paella was individually portioned. Still, I didn't encounter any of the characteristic crispy bits I usually get from a paella. The texture was creamier, like risotto, for my plate, at least.

Pressed Lamb Belly 4/5

The Pressed Lamb Belly ($38) features a prime cut that has been skilfully prepared and flavoured with a distinctive glaze of chives, curry, and sesame seeds. This combination enhances the succulent qualities of the lamb. The lamb belly is juicy and melt-in-your-mouth soft, with a generous amount of fat. This dish not only highlights the richness of the lamb but also introduces intriguing layers of taste. It's best enjoyed as a sharing dish, as the high-fat content can become quite rich after a while.

Oudfire Mushrooms 3.8/5

Honey Roasted Baby Carrots 3.8/5

Accompanying the main plates were some sides of Oudfire Mushrooms ($16) and Honey Roasted Baby Carrots ($12). The grilling of the mushrooms brought out their earthy flavours, and the carrots' sweetness was enhanced by the caramelisation from roasting. The price point is on the high side though for a side dish.

Mango Sorbet 4.5/5

I was wowed by the presentation of the Mango Sorbet ($18), which was served in the hollowed-out skin of a mango itself. This creative touch made the whole dessert very aesthetic. The sorbet itself was deliciously smooth, with a perfect balance that wasn't overly sweet or sour. The addition of finger limes introduced a burst of citrusy brightness, while the fresh honey mangoes provided a lovely sweetness and texture that complemented the sorbet beautifully. After a lot of grilled dishes, this was a refreshing treat for my taste buds.

Some final thoughts about my experience are that OUD excels at woodfire grilling for tender and juicy meat dishes. However, it's worth noting that the open-concept kitchen means you might find the aroma of smoke lingering in your clothes and hair after your visit. Still, it is an inclusive, halal-friendly option to check out if dining with friends with dietary requirements.

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.


OUD Restaurant
48 Kandahar Street
Singapore 198899
Tel: +65 9727 3048
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm -10pm
Sat-Sun: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm
(Closed on Fri)

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Eixt B or E. Walk to North Bridge Road. Walk down North Bridge Road to traffic junction of North Bridge Road and Ophir Road. Cross the road. Walk to Haji Lane. Turn right onto Haji Lane. Walk down Haji Lane. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

The Masses @ Arcade The Capitol Kempinski - Relocated to a More Centralised Place While Maintaining the Pricing Affordable

The Masses by Chef Dylan Ong has relocated from Beach Road to the prestigious Arcade at the Capitol Kempinski Hotel. This new chapter introduces a refreshed menu that marries contemporary French cuisine with bold Asian elements, delivering a unique Franco-Asian dining experience. The menu offers a cuisine with a French core harmoniously layered with Asian elements.

Squid Ink Kueh Pie Tee 4.2/5

We began our culinary journey with the Squid Ink Kueh Pie Tee ($12.90/4pc). Unlike the traditional version stuffed with cooked jicama, Chef Dylan elevates this snack by infusing the shell with squid ink and topping it with fresh crab meat. The sweetness of the crab pairs beautifully with the savoury crunch of the shell, making for a delightful start.

Smoked Pu Er Caviar & Beignet 4/5

Next, we tried the Smoked Pu Er Caviar & Beignet ($9.90/2pc). These fluffy beignets are filled with yuzu creme and topped with Avruga caviar, which has been smoked in-house with pu er tea. The tea's subtle aroma and the caviar burst create an elegant and unique flavour profile.

Steak Tartare 4/5

The Steak Tartare ($26.90) here is a symphony of flavours and textures. Served with sour cream, wasabi, mustard, charred onion, and pickled chye sim and topped with fried garlic chips, shallot chips, and caviar, it offers a rich and complex taste. Spreading the tartare on the accompanying shiso Kueh Loyang adds a crispy contrast that enhances each bite.

Salad Nicoise 3.5/5

A refreshing and healthy option is the Salad Nicoise ($23.90). This vibrant dish features gem lettuce, seasonal vegetables, tomatoes, olives, and aburi swordfish, all dressed in a tuna emulsion and topped with a soft-boiled egg. It perfectly balances flavours and textures, making it a standout salad.

Moules Marinieres 4/5

The Moules Marinieres ($16.90) is an innovative twist on the classic chawanmushi. Beneath the uni sabayon sprinkled with Espelette pepper lies a soft and creamy steamed egg custard with blue mussels. It's a delightful mix of textures and flavours paired with a crispy rice paper cracker.

Wagyu Beef Tongue 4/5

The Wagyu Beef Tongue served atop a crispy scallion pancake, is layered with red wine onion marmalade, pickled mustard seeds, pickled onions, shiso leaf, Dijon mustard, and lemon vinaigrette. The sweetness of the marmalade and the sharpness of the pickled elements create a harmonious balance, making this dish a highlight.

Stuffed Zucchini Flower 3/5

The Stuffed Zucchini Flower ($29.90), air-flown from Holland, is filled with mozzarella cheese and drizzled with lavender honey. Though the flower-to-cheese ratio felt a bit off, the lemon and caper aioli lifted the dish, adding a zesty finish.

Lemon Sole Meuniere 4/5

The Lemon Sole Meuniere ($39.90) makes a grand entry with a whole sole fish served in an "Asian Grenobloise" sauce topped with coldwater shrimp and sliced almonds. The unique twist of salted vegetables blended into the sauce offers a nod to the traditional Teochew steamed fish.

Dry Aged Spiced Roasted Chicken 4.5/5

A favourite is the Dry Aged Spiced Roasted Chicken ($21.90/half). The tender chicken served with parsnip puree, chilli jam, and charred kailan in a soy sauce chicken jus, stands out for its flavorful skin and well-balanced accompaniments.

Duck Confit 4.8/5

The Duck Confit ($21.90), a signature dish from Chef Dylan's early career, is served atop rice noodles with local mushrooms and mirabelle plum vinaigrette, finished with house-cured egg yolk. This dish reinterprets the local moonlight Hor Fun, adding a nostalgic yet innovative touch.

Steak Au Poivre 5/5

The Steak Au Poivre ($29.90) features 2GR Australian Wagyu seared and served in a browned butter sauce accented by lemon and capers. The tender shoulder cut is packed with robust flavour, and the black pepper sauce is truly the soul of this dish.

Corn & Cereal 4.5/5

For dessert, we had the Corn & Cereal ($13.90), a warm toffee and corn pudding served in whiskey caramel sauce, topped with cereal and housemade cereal ice cream. It's not overly sweet and offers a delightful play of textures and flavours.

Truffle & Tulakalum, TNT 4.2/5

The Truffle & Tulakalum, TNT ($15.90) is a savory-sweet chocolate-based dessert. Housemade black truffle ice cream is paired with Valrhona Tulakalum chocolate ganache and piped chocolate mousse and finished with shaved black truffle, sea salt, and lemon verbena oil. This dessert is a must-try for chocolate lovers.

The Masses at The Capitol Kempinski Hotel offers a sophisticated yet approachable dining experience with its Franco-Asian cuisine. Chef Dylan Ong's innovative take on classic dishes and his use of premium ingredients make this a must-visit destination. The varied menu ensures there is something for everyone, and I'm excited to see how the menu evolves over time.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


The Masses
Arcade @ The Capitol Kempinski
13 Stamford Road
#01-84
Singapore 178905
Tel: +65 6518 4988
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 1130am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit B. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Ki Su Shoujin Omakase @ Tanjong Pagar Road - Experience the First-Ever Innovative Plant-Based Japanese Omakase

Ki Su Shoujin Omakase is the first-ever plant-based Japanese omakase in Singapore. It is an exciting new culinary venture led by the original team behind Joie by Dozo. The focus is inspired by shojin ryori cuisine, which is traditional Buddhist cooking.

The restaurant sits along Tras Street and is decked in wood elements to create a zen Japanese atmosphere. Diners can opt to sit at the counter or book a private room for a cosy get-together.

Dinner Omakase 4/5

Lunch presents an 8-course omakase menu priced at $88 per person, while dinner elevates the experience with a 10-course offering at $168 per person. The staff revealed that extensive research went into curating a diverse array of ingredients and combinations, which excited us to explore the potential of a complete plant-based omakase. During this visit, we tried the 10-course dinner.

Beetroot Cigar

Our starters began with the delicate Beetroot Cigar, a paper-thin beetroot casing carrying diced apples and mayonnaise.

Avocado Taco, Egg Yolk Toast with Air Flown Tonburi Caviar

Following that, we had the Avocado Taco and Egg Yolk Toast with Air-Flown Tonburi Caviar. Personally, I found the latter more appealing, with its velvety sous vide egg yolk atop crunchy buttered toast. The addition of caviar provided an extra burst of savoury flavour.

Shiro Shimeji

The next part of the omakase was the 4-piece Nigiri Sushi, which seemed to focus a lot on providing a variety of textures. Our first sushi was Shiro Shimeji, white mushrooms.

Red Capsicum

The Red Capsicum was lightly torched for a lovely char. All sushi rice used was pre-seasoned with soy.

Eggplant

The third piece featured Eggplant. This was also my favourite among the nigiri sushi.

Uni with Ikura

We were all intrigued by how this plant-based Uni with Ikura sushi looked. I will keep it a surprise as to what they are both made out of, but the "uni" carries hints of sweetness with a smooth texture.

Truffle Pâté

The following dish drew inspiration from foie gras. The Truffle Pâté featured a base of crispy buttered toast adorned with mustard seeds and truffle sauce. I was pleasantly surprised by the lusciously creamy texture of the cashew nut pâté, which complemented the earthy truffle notes.

King Oyster

My favourite dish was the King Oyster course, featuring juicy king oyster mushroom with fried shiso leaf and a sweet pea purée. I loved the burst of juiciness and texture of the mushroom.

Yakimono

For the Yakimono dish, we had a skewer of beancurd skin wrapped with enoki mushroom and a cherry tomato. This leaned slightly more sweet.

Kabutoni

Next was the Kabutoni, our simmered course. This traditional stew dish had daikon, eggplant, tofu skin, morel mushroom and bamboo fungus cooked in a soy sauce and sake combination.

Golden Temaki

We were then each handed a Golden Temaki, a crunchy seaweed hand roll with maitake mushrooms and egg yolk.

Entrée

The Entrée showcased a meaty Monkey Head Mushroom, meticulously prepared to preserve its juiciness. The black pepper sauce was notably mild, but the truffle mash, although slightly salty, was buttery and flavourful.

Soup

Before concluding our omakase dinner with dessert, we were served a Leek-based Soup with a subtle hint of yuzu.

First Dessert

For our First Dessert, we were presented with slices of Honeydew and a bowl of Matcha Cake. The latter had layered sweet caramel, nutty pistachio mousse, matcha cookie crumbs and watercress leaves, and a crunchy leaf-shaped corn biscuit. I found this too sweet but appreciated the thought behind it.

Second Dessert

We each had a bowl of colourful edible flower petals, mint leaves, and fragrant herbs sitting in front of us before the chefs came around to pour liquid nitrogen into them to freeze-dry them. After crushing them, we had a scoop of Hokkaido ice cream mixed in. This Second Dessert is only available for dinner.

While the omakase price is considerably steep, the team put a tremendous amount of creativity and detail into each dish. The restaurant currently only offers omakase, but we are also looking forward to perhaps having an a la carte menu in the future.

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.


Ki Su Shoujin Omakase
60 Tras Street
#01-01
Singapore 078999
Tel: +65 8522 6824
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm
(Closed on Sun)

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

Ginkyo by Kinki @ One Holland Village - Redefining Japanese Dining with a Festival of Flavours

Nestled in the heart of One Holland Village, Ginkyo by Kinki emerges as a vibrant social haven, weaving a tapestry of contemporary creativity into the fabric of traditional Japanese dining. Drawing inspiration from the Icho Matsuri 'Ginkgo Festival' in Tokyo, this modern Japanese bistro is the brainchild of the visionaries behind Kinki Restaurant + Bar at Customs House. Ginkyo doesn't just offer a meal; it orchestrates an experience, blending authenticity with a touch of avant-garde flair.

Truffle Fat Wings 4.2/5

We first sampled the Truffle Fat Wings ($19) - a delightful symphony of textures and flavours. Deboned wings, generously stuffed with Niigata Koshihikari rice infused with truffle paste, edamame, and sea kelp. Charcoal-grilled to perfection and glazed with housemade yakitori sauce, these wings transcend the ordinary. The oil from the chicken skin elevates the dish, and a squeeze of lemon adds the perfect zing.

Uni, Caviar, Ikura 4.2/5

The Uni, Caviar, Ikura dish ($22) is a visual and gustatory masterpiece. Resembling sushi, the rice is seasoned with kombu, shaped, and pressed overnight. Tempura-battered and deep-fried for a crispy texture, it's adorned with negitoro, Tokujo grade uni, Magnum ops, Oscietra caviar, Kita-sanriku ikura, sliced cucumber, and gold flakes. A symphony of flavours unfolds with each bite—a perfect harmony of the sea and land.

Kimchi Onigiri Arancini 3.8/5

Ginkyo's playful creativity shines in the Kimchi Onigiri Arancini ($14). A Japanese twist on Italian arancini, deep-fried kimchi rice filled with gorgonzola is wrapped in seaweed and served with kimchi aioli. The result is a tantalising explosion of spicy and savoury notes, redefining the boundaries of fusion cuisine.

Swordfish Ceviche 4/5

The Peruvian Swordfish Ceviche ($19) is a journey to South America and Japan on a single plate. Diced swordfish marinated in fig-infused Japanese rice vinegar and lime juice meets a medley of citrus, tomato, avocado, Japanese cucumber, shallots, pickled green chilli, and spicy mayo. Enjoy it on crispy rice crackers for a burst of textures and flavours — a delightful wrap of freshness.

Hamburg Wagyu 4.2/5

For a carnivorous indulgence, the Hamburg Wagyu ($36) steals the spotlight. Kagoshima A4 wagyu, minced and seasoned to perfection, graces a bed of crispy rice. Topped with a hot egg bath, burdock chips, and oba tempura, this dish is an orchestra of flavours and textures — grilled elegance that unfolds with every bite. There is also the option of topping up $15 for foie gras.

Okonomi-Rosti 4.5/5

The Okonomi-Rosti ($30) offers a quirky take on the traditional okonomiyaki. Grated potatoes seared to a crisp form the base, adorned with cabbage, bacon, Hokkaido scallops, bonito flakes, mentaiko sauce, and shredded nori. Each bite is a dance of flavours — a perfect fusion of Japanese and European influences.

Ginkyo by Kinki is more than a restaurant; it's a culinary overture that celebrates the fusion of tradition and innovation. The menu is a curated symphony, with each dish a note in the harmonious composition of Japanese flavours and global influences. As you step into Ginkyo, prepare for a gastronomic journey that transcends boundaries, guided by the expert hands of culinary maestros.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Ginkyo by Kinki
One Holland Village
7 Holland Village Way
#03-01 to 04
Singapore 275748
Tel: +65 9337 7451
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 1130am - 230pm, 5pm - 10pm
Fri-Sat: 1130am - 230pm, 5pm - 1030pm
Sun: 5pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk to Lorong Liput. Turn right onto Lorong Liput. Walk down Lorong Liput. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]