Dancing Crab @ Orchard Central - Introduces a Limited-Time $60 Combo Bag Bundle

Seafood feasts just got a lot more value-packed at Dancing Crab. Known for its lively American-style seafood boils and hands-on dining experience, the popular restaurant is rolling out a limited-time $60 Combo Bag Bundle that’s perfect for sharing. Available from now till 28 February, this deal lets diners enjoy a generous spread of seafood, sauces, sides and desserts. If you’ve been looking for an excuse to revisit Dancing Crab (or try it for the first time), this might just be it.

#2 Combo Bag 4/5

The #2 Combo Bag ($60++), ideal for 2–3 diners, comes loaded with a satisfying mix of fresh prawns, hamaguri clams, half-shell scallops, sweet corn and Arabiki chicken sausage. What makes the experience even better is the ability to choose three sauces from Dancing Crab’s signature range. We went with the World Famous Signature Cajun, White Pepper Cream, and the new Garlic Chilli Crisps Sauce.

Cocktail Shrimp Salad with Zesty Lemongrass Dressing 4/5

Truffle Fries 3.8/5

For sides, we picked the Cocktail Shrimp Salad with Zesty Lemongrass Dressing and Truffle Fries. The salad was a pleasant surprise - light, refreshing and packed with texture. The zesty lemongrass dressing cuts through the richness of the seafood, while the crunchy granola adds a satisfying bite. Honestly, this is one dish I wouldn’t mind having as a meal on its own. The Truffle Fries were enjoyable but slightly overshadowed by other sides later in the meal. There are stronger contenders on the menu.

Hokkaido Cheesecake Creme Brulee 3.8/5

For dessert, we opted for the Hokkaido Cheesecake Crème Brûlée, with the alternative being the Gâteau au Chocolate Cake. This dessert surprised us in a good way! Creamy, smooth and indulgent with a nicely torched top. It leans on the sweeter side; if the sweetness were toned down slightly, it would be close to perfect.

Crab Cakes 4/5

We also add on other dishes to our meal. The Crab Cakes ($26.80) are made with generous amounts of fresh crab meat and coated in a crisp panko crust. Each bite delivers a balanced mix of crab sweetness and exterior crunch. Well-executed and comforting, this is a safe yet satisfying order for crab lovers.

Lobster Roll 4/5

The Lobster Roll ($58.80) features chunky pieces of fresh Boston lobster tucked into a soft buttery bun. Sweet, juicy and indulgent, it’s a straightforward dish done right. But the real star here? The sweet potato fries on the side are crispy, addictive and far more memorable than the truffle fries. I’ll definitely be choosing these on my next visit.

Ultraviolet Berry Lemonade & Southern Iced Sweet Tea

To wash everything down, we tried the Ultraviolet Berry Lemonade ($5.80), made with freshly squeezed lemon juice and blue pea flower, and the Southern Iced Sweet Tea ($5.80), a refreshing blend of Earl Grey and English Breakfast tea topped with mint. Both drinks are light and refreshing and pair well with the heavier seafood dishes.

The $60 Combo Bag Bundle at Dancing Crab is a solid value, especially for those who enjoy variety and communal dining. With generous portions, flexible sauce choices and the inclusion of sides and desserts, it’s a well-rounded feast without breaking the bank. Available till 28 February for dine-in only, this deal is ideal for casual catch-ups, family meals, or a fun, messy seafood night out. If you’re a fan of bold flavours and hands-on dining, this is one promotion worth checking out before it ends.

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


Dancing Crab
Orchard Central
181 Orchard Road
#07-14/15
Singapore 238896
Tel: +65 6509 1878
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit C or D. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 3 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]

Terra Tokyo Italian @ Tras Street - Unveils Its First-ever A La Carte Menu and Weekday Set Lunch Starting from $45

Terra Tokyo Italian embarks on an exciting new refresh under the direction of Head Chef Shozo Sugano. Trained in Italy for 8 years, Chef Shozo brings a new perspective to the Michelin-starred restaurant, unveiling its first-ever à la carte menu and an enticing weekday set lunch starting at $45.

The new à la carte dining format invites guests to rediscover the soulful artistry of terra’s Tokyo Italian philosophy, now with the added freedom to curate their own meal and experience in tune with their personal tastes and preferences. It could be a simple evening of pasta and wine, or a leisurely multi-course meal shared with someone special. The choice is entirely yours.

Hokkaido Sweet Shrimp Crudo with Passionfruit and Yoghurt 4.5/5

The meal begins on a high note with the Hokkaido Sweet Shrimp Crudo with Passionfruit and Yoghurt ($28). Fresh, creamy amaebi is artfully paired with passionfruit jelly, diced green apple, yoghurt and crispy focaccia chips. It offers a refreshing balance of sweetness, tang and texture that’s delicious and satisfying.

Smoked Salmon with Creamy Hokkaido Potato 4.5/5

I really loved the Smoked Salmon with Creamy Hokkaido Potato ($29), a silky potato espuma that gently envelops the smoked salmon. Finished with Amur caviar and a hint of lemon, this appetiser is savoury and comforting with an airy lightness in the espuma that prevents the dish from feeling too rich or cloying. It’s a must-try!

Burrata from Puglia with Fruit Tomatoes 4/5

The third appetiser we tried was a classic Burrata from Puglia with Fruit Tomatoes ($24). It’s naturally delightful; it’s hard to go wrong with this combination. Compared to the other appetisers, where Chef presented more unique interpretations, this dish felt more like a safe and less inventive option. Still, the burrata and tomatoes were excellent and tasty.

Linguine al Pomo-d’oro 4.2/5

I’d heard that the pastas at Terra Tokyo were delicious, so I decided to try the Linguine al Pomo d’Oro ($29), a seemingly simple tomato-based pasta with a twist: it’s made with yellow tomatoes (the word “oro” means gold, so the name of the dish is a clever pun!). Finished with guanciale, salsa verde, and Parmigiano Reggiano chips, the dish showcases a simple yet flavourful sauce made with yellow tomatoes, basil, and ricotta cheese.

For something more indulgent, there’s also the Chitarra ai Hokkaido Sea Urchin ($38), which I didn’t try but sounds incredible. In this creative take on carbonara, the uni replaces the egg yolk, while pecorino is replaced by karasumi (salted mullet roe), adding an umami depth to the dish.

Char-grilled A4 Tochigi Wagyu Beef with Fig & Hazelnut Pesto 4.8/5

For the Char-grilled A4 Tochigi Wagyu Beef with Fig & Hazelnut Pesto ($68), the Tochigi Wagyu has been sourced from the very same farm since the restaurant’s opening, thanks to the deep relationship with its producers. Beautifully marbled and richly flavourful, the beef melts in the mouth with a buttery tenderness. It’s a true indulgence, elevated by the Fig and Hazelnut Pesto, which complements the meat’s richness. Each bite felt like a luxurious treat.

Italian Lava Cake with Raspberry Sorbet 4.2/5

The Italian Lava Cake with Raspberry Sorbet ($17) is Terra Tokyo’s take on a perennial dessert favourite amongst Singaporean diners: a well-crafted molten chocolate cake with a crisp exterior and a gooey centre. We thoroughly enjoyed it, and we left not one lick of chocolate on the plate.

Rare Cheese Cake with Apricot Sauce 4.5/5

The Rare Cheese Cake with Apricot Sauce ($15) is a pretty special dessert, tasting like a light, fluffy cloud with a luscious apricot sauce centre that adds a slight tartness. Whilst I love chocolate cake more than cheesecake in general, this rare cheesecake is the more creative and interesting dessert between the two. Anyway, there is nothing to stop you from having both cakes for dessert, and that’s precisely what I did!

Blending Japanese finesse with Italian heart, Terra Tokyo Italian delivers a dining experience that’s refined and balanced, made complete with an impeccable wine and sake selection by Head Sommelier Daisuke Shibuya. Their new à la carte menu may be concise, but the dishes on offer are solid options that make for a lovely evening out.

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.



Terra Tokyo Italian
54 Tras Street
Singapore 078993
Tel: +65 97512145
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 230pm, 630pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun)

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 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 destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Ember @ North Canal Road - A Woodfire Restaurant With The Menu Built Around Dishes Prepared Over Open Flames

Ember at North Canal Road is a woodfire restaurant where the menu is built around dishes prepared over open flames. The offering is concise yet well-curated, spanning starters, sharing plates, and mains, with some creative touches that also make it brunch-friendly.

Signature Cold Angel Hair 3.5/5

For appetisers, the Signature Cold Angel Hair delivered a pasta done perfectly al dente, coated with truffle paste and topped with sashimi scallops and ikura. While the dish was indeed crowd-pleasing with the standard combination, I wonder if the truffle paste can be swapped with an alternative for a more refreshing approach.

Taramasalata Crab Toast 3/5

From the Coals section, the Taramasalata Crab Toast with N25 Caviar offered a fresh spin on the traditional Greek mezze. The assertive char on the bread helped offset the richness of the creamy taramasalata, but an extra crunch or a deeper savoury element would have brought the dish a better balance.

Spanish Octopus Tentacles 5/5

For mains, the Spanish Octopus Tentacles impressed with tender, meaty slices dressed in a vibrant Nam Jim. The piquant dressing drew out the sweetness of the crunchy white corn kernels and tomatoes, layering brightness onto the smoky octopus. Each bite excited the taste buds, with both flavour and textural interplay.

Koji-Aged Grain-Fed Ribeye 3/5

The Koji-Aged Grain-Fed Ribeye delivered robust, beefy flavours, elevated by a well-developed char and further enriched by the accompanying port wine jus. That said, the cooking was noticeably uneven, affecting the overall enjoyment of the dish.

Ember’s Cheesecake 4.5/5

For dessert, Ember's Cheesecake provided a pleasant sweet ending, well-baked with a slightly oozy, luscious core.

Overall, Ember presents a well-thought-out menu, though the execution could benefit from refinement. With woodfire concepts becoming increasingly common, it would be even more compelling if the desserts, too, carried some of those elusive charred flavours to complete the experience.

Photos and words by Si An. A homebody who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


Ember
35 North Canal Road
#01-01
Singapore 059291
Tel: +65 9839 3877
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Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Wed: 6pm - 10pm
Thu-Sun: 12pm - 4pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to North Canal Road. Cross the road. Turn right onto North Canal Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Waterfall Ristorante Italiano @ Shangri-La Singapore - Unveils a Revamped Menu Celebrating Southern Italian Flavours

Waterfall Ristorante Italiano at Shangri-La Singapore has introduced a newly refreshed à la carte menu featuring over 20 new dishes inspired by the culinary traditions of Puglia, the Southern Italian hometown of Chef de Cuisine Simone Loisi. The updated offerings blend timeless Italian classics with modern techniques, providing both loyal patrons and newcomers with a vibrant take on Italian dining.

Focaccia 4.2/5

We began our dinner with a warmly baked Focaccia, golden and crisp on the outside, yet moist and fluffy on the inside, with a gentle chew. The addition of olives and herbs elevated its aroma and flavour, offering a comforting and aromatic start to the meal.

Frittura Di Pesce 4.5/5

From the antipasti selection, the Frittura Di Pesce was a standout, an assortment of lightly battered and perfectly fried seafood, including baby cuttlefish, octopus, and prawns. The thin, crispy coating provided just the right crunch, while a squeeze of lemon and a dollop of aioli added brightness and creaminess that tied the dish together beautifully.

Orecchiette Al Ragu Di Braciole 4/5

For pasta, we opted for the Orecchiette Al Ragu Di Braciole. The small, ear-shaped pasta was cooked al dente, offering a satisfying bite. Its concave shape was ideal for holding the rich tomato-based sauce, which was deeply flavoured from slow-cooked pork, pecorino cheese, and fresh parsley. Each mouthful was a comforting balance of savoury and herbaceous notes.

Rustica 4/5

From the pizza selection, we chose the Rustica. Topped with mozzarella, goat cheese, thyme, honey, walnut crumble, and dried figs, it was an impressive harmony of flavours. The savouriness of the cheese paired delightfully with the sweetness of the honey and figs, while the walnut crumble added texture and earthiness. It is a well-executed, sweet and savoury finish.

Tiramisu Classico 4/5

To end the meal, we indulged in a trio of desserts: Tiramisu Classico, Cannoli Siciliano Fatto In Casa, and Torta Al Formaggio E Pistacchio.

The Tiramisu Classico was my personal favourite, featuring the classic elements of savoiardi ladyfingers, mascarpone, coffee, and cocoa powder, all perfectly balanced and executed with finesse.

Cannoli Siciliano Fatto In Casa 3.8/5

The Cannoli Siciliano Fatto In Casa featured a crispy homemade shell piped with sweetened ricotta, elevated by hints of orange zest, bitter chocolate chips, and crushed pistachios. It was rich, textured, and satisfying. The Torta Al Formaggio E Pistacchio was enjoyable, with a creamy texture and nutty undertones. However, the pistachio flavour could have been more pronounced to leave a stronger impression.

Totra Al Formaggio E Pistacchio 3/5

Waterfall Ristorante Italiano's refreshed menu is a warm tribute to Chef Simone Loisi's Southern Italian roots. With elevated classics, quality ingredients, and thoughtful execution of flavours, the restaurant continues to deliver an authentic yet refined Italian dining experience in an elegant resort setting.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Waterfall Ristorante Italiano
Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore
22 Orange Grove Road
Level One, Garden Wing
Singapore 258350
Tel: +65 62134398
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk towards Wheellock Place via ION. Exit Wheellock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Cross the road at the traffic light junction and turn left towards Royal Thai Embassy. Walk down to the end of Orchard Road. Turn right onto Orange Grove Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 23 minutes. [Map]