Kulto @ Amoy Street - Bringing Vibrant Spanish Flavours to Singapore

Kulto, located along Amoy Street, has garnered a loyal following for its authentic Spanish fare, surviving even the challenges of COVID-19 in Singapore's highly competitive food scene. Having heard much about the restaurant, I had the opportunity to visit recently and try a selection of their dishes. It was a meal that transported my taste buds to Spain, right in the heart of Singapore.

Jamon Iberico Croquettes and Truffle Mushroom Croquettes 4/5

We started with the Jamon Iberico Croquettes and Truffle Mushroom Croquettes, and they set the tone for the rest of the evening. Deep-fried to a perfect golden brown, each croquette boasted a crisp exterior while the inside was irresistibly creamy and pillowy. The savoury Jamon Iberico and earthy truffle mushroom filling made for delightful bites — simple yet packed with flavour.

Iberico Pork Belly with Piquillo Peppers & Caramelized Onion Pintxos 4/5

Next, we tried the Iberico Pork Belly with Piquillo Peppers & Caramelized Onion Pintxos. A slab of chargrilled Iberico pork belly was served atop a piece of toasted bread, and the pork itself was rich and flavourful. The caramelized onions added a perfect sweetness, cutting through the richness of the pork and creating a balanced and satisfying bite.

Salmon Tartare, Crispy Avocado & Almond Cream 4.5/5

A standout dish of the evening was the Salmon Tartare, Crispy Avocado & Almond Cream ($26). At first, the combination seemed unusual, but it turned out to be a unique pairing that worked surprisingly well. The freshness of the salmon paired beautifully with the creamy avocado, while the almond cream brought everything together with its rich, nutty flavour. It is a harmonious and inventive dish that I'd happily order again.

Roasted Cauliflower with Garlic Chilli Sauce, Hummus & Hazelnuts 4.8/5

I'm a fan of roasted cauliflower, having tried an excellent rendition at Kulto's sister restaurant. When I saw the Roasted Cauliflower ($24) on Kulto's menu, it was a must-order for me. This version did not disappoint — the spicy kick from the garlic chilli sauce elevated the charred and crunchy cauliflower. The creamy hummus and the delightful crunch of hazelnuts further enhanced the dish, adding multiple layers of texture and flavour.

Iberico Pork Rib Eye with Celeriac Puree & Broccolini 250g 4.5/5

For the main protein, we opted for the Iberico Pork Rib Eye with Celeriac Puree & Broccolini ($38). The pork rib eye was perfectly cooked, with a beautiful char on the outside, yet tender and juicy on the inside. The accompanying celeriac puree was smooth and earthy, complementing the pork, while the broccolini added a touch of freshness to round off the dish. It is a hearty and satisfying choice for those who enjoy robust flavours.

Squid Ink Paella 4.5/5

A highlight of Kulto's menu is their Squid Ink Paella, which comes in two sizes ($55 for a small portion, $75 for a larger one). Looking around the dining room, it was clear this dish was a crowd favourite, with many tables opting for it. The squid ink-infused rice was rich with the briny essence of the sea, and the dish was loaded with seafood, including seabass, mussels, clams, and squid. Every bite bursts with flavour, making it a must-try if you're a paella fan.

Kulto Cheesecake 5/5

To wrap up the meal, we indulged in the Kulto Cheesecake ($16). This dessert was a showstopper. Creamy and cheesy with a beautifully caramelized top, it had just the right amount of richness. The biscuity base added a satisfying crunch, while the accompanying raspberry ice cream helped cut through the cheesecake's richness. It was the perfect way to end the meal and is a definite must-have for any visit to Kulto.

Kulto impresses with its vibrant and flavourful Spanish fare, offering a variety of dishes that showcase the best of Spanish cuisine with a modern twist. The restaurant's cosy and laid-back ambience adds to the overall dining experience, making it a great spot to enjoy with friends and family. Whether you're in the mood for a rich Squid Ink Paella or looking to end your meal on a sweet note with their creamy Kulto Cheesecake, this Amoy Street gem delivers in every way.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Kulto
87 Amoy Street
Singapore 069906
Tel: +65 96205626
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

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

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

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Follow the covered walkway to the junction of Mccallum Street, Telok Ayer and Amoy Street. Turn left at the junction onto Amoy Street. Continue on Amoy Street to the end of the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

G Izakaya @ Golden Mile Tower - 1-for-1 8-Course Omakase at $188++

G Izakaya at Golden Mile Tower is once again offering a value-for-money 8-course Omakase at a promotional price of $188++ for two pax. The restaurant has garnered popularity for its seasonal omakase menus, which are offered at attractive prices. We visited in March, but we are back here again for their new menu, which is valid until 31 August.

Chi Ayu 3.8/5

The appetiser course includes two perfectly fried Chi Ayu, known as sweet fish, topped with Ikura. The tempura batter was light and very crispy. The fish reminded us of shishamo, or plumper whitebait, with a hint of sweetness.

Grilled Hokkaido Pork with Shiokoji Dressing 4/5

Next comes the Yakimono, with tender and flavourful pieces of Grilled Hokkaido Pork with Shiokoji Dressing, a type of marinate fermented from rice. The dish was again topped with Ikura, but we found that it didn't elevate it. Perhaps some tempura bits might add some texture to the dish.

Sashimi 3 Kinds 4.2/5

G Izakaya made the usual Sashimi course fun by combining them into a Rubik's cube! The 3 kinds of sashimi consist of Sakura Masu, Hamachi and Tuna, each topped with a sauce on top and coated with a seasoning of sesame seeds and herbs. Chef Edison said there is no right or wrong way to enjoy this dish, but he suggested we eat them individually first to taste. On our last bite, we combined all 3 sashimi, and the flavour was mind-blowing! We highly recommend you keep the last bite combining all.

Lobster Chawanmushi 4.2/5

The chef is generous with the chunks of lobster meat in the Lobster Chawanmushi! Other than the silky-smooth egg custard, a big shout-out to the rich umami broth within. This chawanmushi definitely left us wanting more! Even the flower is edible, but it has a rather bitter aftertaste, so you may leave it aside if you are not a fan of a bitter taste profile. There were also ginkgo nuts at the bottom of the chawanmushi.

Amela Tomato with Ume Jelly 4.2/5

We were served chilled Amela Tomato with Ume Jelly for the palate cleanser course. If you don't know, the Amela tomato is known for being the highest-grade sweet tomato in Japan. What caught us by surprise in this dish was the sliced lotus flower stem. It doesn't have much of a flavour, but the texture is crunchy, like eating apple slices! We have never heard or seen this ingredient, let alone tasting it so Chef Marcus brought it out to show us how it looks.

Madai

Then we have 7 Kinds of Sushi, made with seasonal sashimi, so we get to try the different profiles of fish, and Chef Edison pairs them with different sauces and toppings to enhance the flavours.

Hirame

Akami

Isaki

Shima Aji

Chutoro

Uni Handroll

The star of the show is definitely the Uni Handroll, which comes last. The chef sprays gold dust on it before serving it. If you like to experience this more than once, you may add it for $32++ per piece. They also have an A5 Wagyu Handroll at $25++, which is not included.

Pumpkin Fish Soup with Fish Curd 4.5/5

At an omakase, we are typically served miso soup, but G Izakaya levelled up the soup course for us by serving Pumpkin Fish Soup with Fish Curd. The soup is a flavour bomb, and despite its thicker consistency, it is very light! The fish curd is house-made using fish paste and egg. Its texture resembles a 'tau pok' (beancurd puff).

Melon and Cheesecake 3.8/5

Sweet Japanese Melon and Cheesecake were served as the dessert course, along with a cute free-hand drawing by another chef. The couple beside us was celebrating a birthday, and the restaurant was lovely to present them with a slice of cake with a birthday message written on the plate. Be sure to let the chefs know if you are celebrating a birthday or anniversary.

Overall, we really enjoyed the Omakase experience at G Izakaya. The intimate setting is very welcoming and most importantly, the food was great. Seats are limited so make sure to make reservations in advance. For dinner, they have 2 seatings at 6pm and 8pm.

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


G Izakaya
Golden Mile Tower
6001 Beach Road
#01-52A/B
Singapore 199589
Tel: +65 91835393
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Nearest MRT: Nicoll Highway (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 1130am - 130pm, 530pm - 930pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Nicoll Highway MRT station. Take Exit A. Take the overhead bridge to Beach Road. Turn right onto Beach Road and walk down Beach Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Fat Cow @ Camden Medical Centre - Launches New Lunch Set Menus and Additional A La Carte Items

Embarking on a culinary odyssey at Fat Cow, tucked in the heart of Camden Medical Centre, guarantees a voyage into the realm of refined Japanese dining. Enriched by a renewed set lunch menu, this establishment, a culinary staple since 2011, persists in refining the Wagyu encounter through intricate curation.

Priced from $45++, the set lunches are a comprehensive affair, featuring a salad, miso soup, chawanmushi, a choice of mains, and a dessert of the day. A symphony of flavours unfolds, inviting patrons into exquisite Wagyu indulgence.

Sous-vide Toriyama Wagyu Don 5/5

The highlight of the new set lunch mains, the Sous-vide Toriyama Wagyu Don ($55++), is a masterpiece. Slow-cooked Toriyama Wagyu from Gunma Prefecture graces a bed of Hokkaido Nanatsuboshi sushi rice. Sliced onions, chives, shio konbu, and housemade truffle ponzu sauce complement the dish, culminating in an explosion of umami flavours. Topped with a Japanese egg yolk, truffle shavings, and edible gold flakes, this donburi stands out as one of the best, boasting complexity and depth.

Pure Wagyu Hamburger Steak 4.8/5

The Pure Wagyu Hamburger Steak ($58++) is another gem among the set lunch mains. Crafted from 100% pure Wagyu minced patty, grilled over binchotan, it arrives with seasonal vegetables and Fat Cow's signature 'Fat Rice.' The flavorful and juicy minced patty paired with the hearty Fat Rice, seasoned with kombu, truffle, and rendered Wagyu fat, is a delightful combination, elevating the dining experience.

Australian Imperial Blossom F4 Wagyu 4.8/5

For those seeking pure beef indulgence, the Australian Imperial Blossom F4 Wagyu, available a la carte at $108++ for 200g, is a stellar addition. Renowned for its exceptional marbling, this Wagyu striploin offers unparalleled tenderness, succulence, and umami flavour. Accompanied by pickled Sri Lankan black pepper, Kizami Wasabi, and Sea Salt, each bite unveils a different facet of premium Wagyu indulgence.

Honeycomb Vanilla Ice Cream 3.5/5

As a sweet conclusion to the set lunch, a scoop of Honeycomb Vanilla Ice Cream provides a refreshing note. Smooth, creamy, and delicious, it also serves as a delightful palate cleanser after all the richness.

Housemade Yuzu Cheesecake 4/5

The Housemade Yuzu Cheesecake ($22++) is a revelation for those craving a tangy finish. Silky cream cheese and freshly shredded yuzu create a harmonious blend, delivering creaminess, tanginess, and the zest of yuzu in every bite.

Fat Cow's new set of lunch menus celebrates Wagyu artistry, showcasing the restaurant's commitment to providing an unparalleled Japanese dining experience.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Fat Cow
Camden Medical Centre
1 Orchard Boulevard
#01-01/02
Singapore 248649
Tel: +65 6735 0308
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Nearest MRT: Orchard Boulevard (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm
Fri-Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm

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

Joie @ Orchard Central - Restaurant with Modern Meatless Cuisine in Orchard Central’s Rooftop Garden

Tucked on the 12th floor of Orchard Central is Joie, a restaurant that prides itself on bringing diners a modern meatless menu with Japanese-European elements. It shares the top floor with one other restaurant and the mall's rooftop garden, with views overlooking the bustling Orchard Road.

Joie offers a 4 or 5-Course set for lunch and a 6-Course for dinner. The prices are as follows:

4-Course Lunch
$38++ on Mondays to Fridays, except Eve of Public Holidays and Public Holidays

5 Course Lunch
$50++ Daily

6-Course Dinner
$78++ on Mondays to Thursdays
$88++ on Friday to Sunday, Eve of Public Holidays and Public Holidays

For this visit, we had two sets of the 6-Course Dinner and hence could sample more dishes as indicated individually below. Beverages are not included, but Joie offers quite a comprehensive list of alcoholic drinks and a more straightforward non-alcoholic list containing mocktails, coffee, tea and soft drinks.

Complimentary Snack - Spaghetti Sticks

We were first served with a complimentary crunchy snack of Spaghetti Sticks in two flavours, spiced and non-spiced.

Palate Cleanser - Passionfruit Sorbet

After that, we were treated to Passionfruit Sorbet, which was intended to cleanse our palates before beginning the course properly. However, it could have been less icy and a lot less sweet to provide a lighter and more refreshing start.

Starter - Chef’s Selection of Assorted Platter 3/5

However, we were uncertain if it was intentional, but the capsicum kebab was made with a mix of vegetables in their raw form, and the raspberry sphere was overly sweet with a flat burst of flavour.

However, we were uncertain if it was intentional, but the capsicum kebab seemed to be just made with a mix of vegetables in their raw form, and the raspberry sphere was overly sweet with a flat burst of flavour.

Side Dish - Bailing Mushroom on Paper Hot Pot 2.8/5

Our first side dish was the Bailing Mushroom on Paper Hot Pot. We appreciated the chunky yet soft-texted mushrooms here, but the accompanying soup was overly sweet, making it challenging to savour fully. A more balanced base would have enhanced the overall enjoyment.

Side Dish - Gratinated Champignon with Mozzarella 2.8/5

For our second side dish, we had the Gratinated Champignon with Mozzarella. I looked forward to it when I saw the copious amount of cheese and golden-brown crust, but I was disappointed with the meagre portion of button mushrooms. The bread meant to pair with the Belgian endives was, unfortunately, a bit stale.

Cold Dish - Tuna Cold Steak 1/5

We ordered the Tuna Cold Steak as our first cold dish, which had marinated watermelon with dill mustard dressing and a topping of pine nuts. The texture of the 'steak' was soft, but flavour-wise, it was cloyingly sweet.

Cold Dish - Vegetable Sashimi On Ice with Oyster-Leaf Shooter Glass 2/5

We've had vegetarian sashimi a couple of times before this and were excited to try Joie's carefully plated rendition - Vegetable Sashimi On Ice with Oyster-Leaf Shooter Glass.

Instead of the usual konjac for the sashimi, they've ventured to use other elements, such as coconut, huai shan and aloe vera. The platter featured 'salmon, octopus, jellyfish and abalone', arranged from left to right. It was served with soy sauce and an oyster-leaf shooter glass. Unfortunately, like the previous dishes, most of these items leaned towards the sweeter side. We would have preferred a better balance with more savoury elements.

Soup - Japanese Kunbu Broth with Hand Carved Tofu 1/5

Our first choice of soup was the Japanese Kunbu Broth with Hand Carved Tofu. We understand from the menu that it was meant to be a double-boiled Japanese seaweed consomme, but what we had was regrettably bland.

Soup - Infusion of Cepes & Truffle 3/5

The Infusion of Cepes & Truffle was a better bowl. The mushroom soup here had delightful bits of mushroom and carried a mild truffle fragrance.

Main - Truffle Risotto 2.8/5

There are 5 mains to choose from for the dinner course. The Truffle Risotto with a croquette on top, mascarpone cream, greens, and black truffle didn't quite meet our expectations. The risotto had a thick porridge-like texture, lacking the desirable al dente bite. Additionally, we would have appreciated the croquette more if it had been served hotter and crunchier to provide better textural contrast.

Main - Grilled Summer Mushroom Steak on "Pu Ye" Hot Stone 3/5

Our second main, the Grilled Summer Mushroom Steak on "Pu Ye" Hot Stone, fared better. Beyond the visual presentation, the "Pu Ye" hot stone was intended to keep the dish hot. The mushroom steak here highlights a well-grilled monkey head mushroom with a mild smokiness. While the deep-fried spaghetti was too oily, I would have liked more of the truffle mashed potato as it was smooth and carried a good amount of flavour.

Dessert - Yoghurt Pudding 2.5/5

The Yogurt Pudding dessert had a watery texture, lacked the expected tangy yoghurt notes and leaned towards the sweeter side.

Dessert - Homemade Cheesecake with Oreo 2.8/5

Our last dessert was their Homemade Cheesecake with Oreo. It was average, with a decent amount of cheese flavour.

Unfortunately, our visit to Joie fell short of expectations. While we valued the warm service, the food quality needed to align with what we anticipated from a casual fine dining establishment. Many dishes lacked flavour or erred on the side of excessive sweetness. We hope this was an isolated occurrence and hope to experience better 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.


Joie
Orchard Central
#12-01
181 Orchard Road
Singapore 238896
Tel: +65 9663 0901
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit C or D. Walk to Orchard Central. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Gourmet Park @ Resorts World Sentosa - Gourmet Food Truck Park Featuring Exciting Michelin-Starred Names

Gourmet Park is conveniently located just outside the main entrance of Universal Studios Singapore in Resorts World Sentosa.

This innovative food truck park concept was created to offer visitors, whether tourists or locals, a carefully curated selection of emerging food brands and Michelin-starred cuisine to savour.

The food trucks are lined on the circumference, each serving their usual signatures and/or dishes specially prepared only to be enjoyed at the park.

Other notable park highlights include the alfresco dining area, live DJ sets on weekend evenings, the intentional inclusion of vegetarian options at three trucks, and free entry for all.

Blue Lotus - Signature Chilli Pomelo Crab Meat Rice Bowl 4/5

Blue Lotus is most known for its modern Chinese creations. The first we had from them was their Signature Chilli Pomelo Crab Meat Rice Bowl ($19). Although a tad pricey, it was great to enjoy the crab meat without needing to peel, and we particularly enjoyed the heat and variety of spices packed in its chilli crab sauce.

Blue Lotus - Five Spices "Lu Rou" Kurobuta Pork Belly Rice Bowl 3.8/5

The second dish, the Five Spices "Lu Rou" Kurobuta Pork Belly Rice Bowl ($17), was decent, with chunky and well-braised pork belly on white rice.

The Kathi Roll Co - Butter Chicken Roll 4/5

At The Kathi Roll Co, dig into their range of Indian street food consisting of wraps, rolls and bowls. Our Butter Chicken Roll ($18) came with nicely spiced and tender chicken chunks, but we also found it quite pricey.

Kotuwa - Chicken Kottu 4.5/5

Kotuwa is a Michelin-starred name that focuses on traditional Sri Lankan cuisine. It was a unanimous nod of approval from all of us for their Chicken Kottu ($16). This elevated rendition of a Sri Lankan street classic features a mix of chopped roti, vegetables, chicken and a curry-like gravy. It was hearty with the perfect spice, richness and textures.

Chun Noodle Bar - Truffle Char Siu Noodle 4/5

The wanton noodles from Chun Noodle Bar are available in various renditions. We had the Truffle Char Siu Noodle ($13) that had egg noodles tossed in their housemade sauce, tender Iberico char siew and wantons.

Lavi Taco - Pulled Mushroom Taco 4.2/5

If you want a vegetarian option, check out Lavi Taco's Pulled Mushroom Taco (3 for $20 / 2 for $26). The tacos were generously filled with its well-textured mushroom filling, so much so that one of my dining companions didn't realise it was vegetarian till the end!

Luke’s Lobster - Lobster Roll 4/5

Luke's Lober's Lobster Roll ($27.60) uses lobsters from Maine, USA. Most would be familiar with them and their buttered rolls stuffed with your choice of lightly seasoned seafood.

QUEIC & Olivia Market - Olivia Cheesecake 4.8/5

Moving to desserts, I was so excited to spot QUEIC & Olivia Market's truck as they made my favourite cheesecakes! The prized Olivia Cheesecake ($14) has this amazingly oozy filling made of cream cheese and blue cheese, sat on a crunchy almond sable crust. It is so intense yet so well-balanced. I highly recommend this to all cheese lovers.

Spank My Dough - Artisanal Brioche Doughnuts 4.2/5

Grab more desserts from Spank My Dough, which specialises in Artisanal Brioche Doughnuts ($4.50 - $6.80/piece) produced in small batches daily and with piped fillings. The fluffy bombolonis are available in various flavours, including Vanilla Bean, Raspberry Cheesecake, Pistachio Cream, Blueberry Lavender Lemon and more.

With the wide variety of cuisine available here, there is something for everyone. Other brands not featured here include Blue Smoke, Coolhaus, Dickson Nasi Lemak, JAMBA, Mad Roaster, Quattro Pizza and Seafood Bar by Bleu.

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.


Gourmet Park
Resorts World Sentosa
The Bull Ring
8 Sentosa Gateway
Singapore 098269
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Nearest MRT: Harbourfront MRT (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 8pm
Sat-Sun: 11am - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbour Front MRT station. Exit station to Vivocity Shopping Mall. Go to Sentosa Express Station at Level 3 of Vivocity. Take Sentosa Express Train to Resorts World station. Alight at Resorts World station. Walk to destination. Jourrney time about 10 mins