IM QALB by Pun Im @ Tampines Mall - A Creative Take on Southern Thai and Malay Flavours

IM QALB by Pun Im at Tampines Mall is a new creative, casual Thai-Malay restaurant that blends the rich culinary heritage of Southern Thailand with Malay cuisine. The menu highlights the bold, aromatic, and soulful character of Southern Thai cooking while incorporating familiar Malay flavours and techniques into a range of creative dishes.

From spicy and sour soups to grilled meats, coastal seafood, and comforting desserts, the menu showcases aromatic herbs, chilli, seafood, fermented ingredients, and spices central to both culinary traditions.

Spicy & Sour Beef Soup 4.8/5

One highlight for me was the Spicy & Sour Beef Soup ($16.80), inspired by Isaan cuisine from Northeastern Thailand. Made with three cuts of beef (gold coin, oxtail, and tendon), the soup has a rich, hearty mouthfeel, with each cut adding layers of texture. What makes it stand out is the housemade toasted rice powder, prepared by toasting Thai Jasmine Rice together with three aromatic herbs before grinding it. This adds a fragrant toasted aroma and subtle texture to the soup. The broth itself is punchy, spicy and sour, with robust flavours that make it particularly satisfying.

Golden Crab Tahu Kai Jeow 4.5/5

The Golden Crab Tahu Kai Jeow ($18.80) is perhaps one of the more interesting creations on the menu, combining Thai Kai Jeow with the Malay Tahu Telur. Made with tofu, jumbo lump crab meat, and acacia leaves, the mixture is deep-fried Tahu Telur-style until golden brown and crisp on the outside while staying light inside. It is served with a housemade sweet sauce and finished with a rich, tangy and umami-packed egg yolk sauce. I thought this was a clever marriage of the two cuisines, although I would have liked to see more crab meat in the dish.

Stir Fried Petai With Wild Caught Black Tiger Prawns 4.2/5

For something with a more pronounced Southern Thai character, there is the Stir Fried Petai with Wild Caught Black Tiger Prawns ($19.80). Petai, or stink beans, is a popular ingredient in Southern Thai cuisine, prized for its distinctive flavour and slightly crisp texture. Here, succulent wild-caught black tiger prawns are wok-tossed with petai, housemade chilli paste and shrimp paste, resulting in a dish that is spicy, savoury and packed with umami. The petai brings its characteristic nuttiness, while the prawns add sweetness to the aromatic and punchy sauce.

Stir-Fried Squid in Black Ink Sauce 5/5

My favourite dish of the meal was the Stir-Fried Squid in Black Ink Sauce ($19.80). This lesser-known Southern Thai coastal dish features fresh squid stir-fried in its own natural ink, creating a luscious, glossy sauce with a delicate sweet and savoury balance. The sauce is further layered with onions, garlic, shallots, lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves, giving it plenty of fragrance and depth. The squid was nicely cooked with a pleasant bite, while the black ink sauce was intensely savoury without being overly heavy. Definitely one I would order again.

Southern Thai Style Ayam Perchik 3.8/5

The Southern Thai Style Ayam Perchik ($18.80) combines Southern Thai curry flavours with the Malay-style ayam percik. Chicken thighs are marinated in a fragrant curry paste with cinnamon, coriander, and cumin seeds, then grilled three times, with the marinade basted onto the chicken after each turn. This gives the skewers a nicely charred and caramelised exterior while keeping the meat tender and juicy. Served with lontong and a sweet and tangy Thai-style achar, it makes for a fairly complete plate. While I enjoyed the chicken's texture, I felt the overall flavour could have been more pronounced and punchy.

Rose Tea with Lychee Smoothie 4.2/5

The menu also includes a selection of Thai-inspired drinks. The Rose Tea with Lychee Smoothie ($7.80) combines fragrant rose tea with sweet lychee in an icy, refreshing smoothie. It is floral, fruity and not overly heavy.

Rose Milk Tea with Cream Cheese Foam 4/5

The Rose Milk Tea with Cream Cheese Foam ($7.80) takes a more indulgent direction, pairing rose-infused milk tea with a velvety cream cheese foam. The tea's floral sweetness pairs well with the creamy foam, which adds a gentle savoury finish.

Thai Chendol Drink with Scented Coconut Milk 4.2/5

For something more familiar, the Thai Chendol Drink with Scented Coconut Milk ($7.80) puts a Thai spin on a Southeast Asian favourite. Silky chendol and sweet jackfruit are served in fragrant coconut milk, making it a refreshing, lightly sweet option to pair with the spicier dishes.

Thai Banana Fritter 4.5/5

Dessert-wise, the Thai Banana Fritter ($9.80) was another highlight. Also known as Gluai Kaeg, the Thai version differs from the familiar Malay goreng pisang by using ripe Namwa bananas and a batter enriched with shredded coconut and toasted white sesame seeds. Fried until golden and crisp, the exterior has a lovely crunch while the banana inside remains naturally sweet, soft and creamy. The toasted sesame and coconut add a pleasant nuttiness and aroma, making this a simple but very satisfying way to end the meal.

Overall, IM QALB by Pun Im offers an interesting take on Thai cuisine, pairing Southern Thai flavours with Malay influences. While some dishes worked better for me than others, the restaurant clearly tries to move beyond the usual Thai restaurant offerings, particularly with creations such as the Golden Crab Tahu Kai Jeow and Southern Thai Style Ayam Perchik.

My personal favourites were the Spicy & Sour Beef Soup and especially the Stir-Fried Squid in Black Ink Sauce, which I found particularly bold and flavourful. If you enjoy spicy, aromatic and herb-driven flavours, IM QALB is a new addition in Tampines worth checking out.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Im Qalb by Pun Im
Tampines Mall
4 Tampines Central 5
#04-02
Singapore 529510
Tel: +65 8145 6713
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Nearest MRT: Tampines (DT, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tampines MRT Station (EW Line). Take Exit C. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 3 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tampines MRT Station (DT Line). Take Exit D. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

Heartland by Enjoy @ Tampines - Introduces New Dishes With Familiar Flavours That Comes With Creative Twists

Tucked away in the heartlands, Heartland by Enjoy has expanded its menu with new dishes that blend familiar local flavours with modern café-style influences. From crispy sharing bites and fusion mee pok creations to hearty rice sets, comforting fish curry, and indulgent desserts, we dropped by to see whether these latest additions are worth the trip.

Block Party Mac & Cheese 2/5

New on the menu is the Block Party Mac & Cheese ($6.90), a fun little sharing dish made with breaded and deep-fried mac and cheese bites. They were nicely fried with a crisp exterior; however, we were expecting the centre to be much creamier and gooier. Instead, the filling was a little dry for our liking, so it unfortunately didn’t quite hit the spot for us.

Ultimate Garlic Mee Pok 3/5

Mee Pok Carbonara 2/5

Out of curiosity, we tried both fusion mee pok dishes on the menu. The Ultimate Garlic Mee Pok ($15.90) comes with smoked duck and has a pleasant garlicky aroma, though we were hoping for a bolder garlic flavour. The Mee Pok Carbonara ($14.90), on the other hand, is topped with an egg that adds richness and creaminess, giving it a flavour profile closer to an authentic carbonara.

While both dishes offer an interesting fusion twist, we found the mee pok a little too soft, with the alkaline taste coming through more than we’d like. Cooking the noodles to a firmer, more al dente texture would greatly improve the overall experience.

Ayam Gepuk Berempah Set 4/5

Another new addition is the Ayam Gepuk Berempah Set ($13.90), which we found to be really good value for money. The set comes with BBQ chicken thigh, fragrant coconut rice, a fried egg, peanuts, ikan bilis and three different sauces on the side.

Our chicken portion was a little dry that evening, although we were assured this is not usually the case. We really enjoyed the rice. It had a lovely coconut fragrance, and the use of basmati rice kept every grain nicely separated instead of clumping together. A hearty and satisfying option for the price.

Kampung Barra Fish Curry 4/5

One of our favourite dishes from the evening was the Kampung Barra Fish Curry ($27.90). A whole piece of barramundi fillet is used, which means you get to enjoy the fish without having to deal with bones. The curry was rich and comforting, with a nice balance between sweetness and spice without being overly heavy. It also comes with tofu, tofu puffs and vegetables that soak up the curry beautifully. We also liked the crispy tofu skin served separately on the side. It added a nice crunchy contrast and was especially good dipped into the curry.

Drinks 4/5

We tried three drinks — the Coconut Smoothie ($7.90), Avocado Gula Melaka Smoothie ($7.90) and Coconut Coffee Ice Blend ($7.90). All three were enjoyable, with rich flavours and just the right amount of sweetness. A refreshing option which made them easy to drink alongside the heavier dishes.

Sago Gula Melaka 5/5

The Real Chendol 5/5

We ended our meal with two desserts — the Sago Gula Melaka ($5.90), which is new to the menu, and The Real Chendol ($6.90). Both were excellent and easily our favourite sweet treats of the evening. The standout was undoubtedly the gula melaka, which was rich, fragrant and tasted authentic without being overly sweet. These are definitely worth saving some room for.

Heartland by Enjoy’s newest menu offerings are a mix of hits and misses, but there are certainly dishes worth returning for, like the Kampung Barra Fish Curry and desserts.

The restaurant itself has a cosy neighbourhood charm, although the dining area is quite compact with tables placed close together. It also gets very busy during peak meal hours, so be prepared for a short wait if you’re dropping by. Overall, it’s a worthwhile spot for comforting local flavours, especially if you’re in the area and looking to try something new.

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


Heartland by Enjoy
Blk 481 Tampines Street 44
#01-267
Singapore 520481
Tel: +65 87766757
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Nearest MRT: Tampines East (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10:30am - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Tampines East MRT station. Take Exit A. Cut across the HDB blocks and walk to Tampines Street 42. Cross the road and walk down Tampines Street 44. Walk to the destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Tiong Bahru Hainanese Chicken Rice @ Takashimaya - Opens First Full-Service Restaurant

After close to four decades of feeding loyal crowds at its famed Tiong Bahru Market stall, Tiong Bahru Hainanese Chicken Rice takes a significant step forward with its first full-service restaurant at Takashimaya Shopping Centre. A proud recipient of the Michelin Bib Gourmand for nine consecutive years, the heritage brand now brings its time-honoured flavours into a more refined, comfortable dine-in setting along Orchard Road. The 76-seater space not only offers a more elevated experience but also introduces exclusive dishes and customisation options that give a fresh perspective to this beloved local staple.

Hainanese Chicken 4/5

At the heart of the menu are the signature plates that built its reputation. The Hainanese Chicken Rice ($14) showcases poached chicken with smooth, gelatinous skin and tender flesh, delicately seasoned to highlight its natural flavours. Equally satisfying is the Roasted Chicken Rice ($14), boasting a beautifully bronzed, crisp skin that gives way to juicy meat beneath.

For those who cannot decide, the Classic Hainanese Combo Chicken Rice ($16) offers the best of both worlds, pairing poached and roasted chicken on one plate. Portions are also available for sharing, from quarter to whole birds, making it ideal for communal dining.

Roasted Chicken 4/5

A standout feature at this outlet is the ability to customise your rice. Diners can choose from three varieties — the Signature Fragrant Chicken Rice ($2), rich with chicken stock and deeply savoury; the lighter Fragrant Basmati Rice ($2.50), offering a fluffier, lower-GI alternative; or the premium Niigata Koshihikari Rice ($3), prized for its soft, slightly sticky texture and gentle sweetness. This thoughtful addition elevates the experience, allowing diners to tailor their meal to personal preference.

Hainan Curry Fish Pot 4/5

Moving beyond chicken rice, the expanded menu introduces hearty sharing dishes such as the Hainan Curry Fish Pot ($38/$42). Served bubbling in a thick, creamy curry, the dish delivers bold, comforting flavours with a gentle spice. The fish remains moist and tender, soaking up the aromatic gravy, while long beans, brinjal and fried beancurd skin add both texture and substance to the dish.

Hainanese Crispy Pork 3.8/5

The Hainanese Crispy Pork ($14) is another highlight, featuring golden crackling that shatters with each bite, revealing juicy, well-marinated pork belly within. It is indulgent, richly flavoured, and highly addictive.

Twin Style Kailan 3.5/5

Balancing the meal is the Twin-Style Kailan ($15), which cleverly contrasts textures by pairing crunchy leaves with tender stems. The addition of savoury pork floss lends a surprising umami lift that ties the dish together.

Homemade Ngoh Hiang with Tiger Prawn 4/5

Completing the spread is the Homemade Ngoh Hiang with Tiger Prawns ($10/$18). Wrapped in crisp beancurd skin, the filling of minced pork, tiger prawns and water chestnuts is well-seasoned with aromatic five-spice powder, delivering a satisfying bite with layers of flavour and texture.

Coconut Chendol Bliss 4/5

Ending on a refreshing note, the Coconut Chendol Bliss ($8) brings together familiar local flavours in a more indulgent format. Silky pandan jelly and soft red beans sit beneath scoops of creamy coconut ice cream, all drizzled with fragrant gula melaka. It is a cooling, satisfying dessert that rounds off the meal beautifully.

With its opening of a full-service restaurant setting, Tiong Bahru Hainanese Chicken Rice successfully bridges heritage and modern dining. While its signature chicken rice remains the main draw, the introduction of premium rice options and an expanded menu of comforting dishes adds depth to the experience. Whether you are a long-time fan or a first-time visitor, this new Takashimaya outpost offers a polished yet familiar taste of one of Singapore’s most iconic dishes.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Tiong Bahru Hainanese Chicken Rice
Takashimaya
391 Orchard Road
#B2-36A
Singapore 238873
Tel: +65 69004320
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line), Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 9pm
Sat-Sun: 1030am - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Follow the walkway through Wisma Atria to Takashimaya. Continue walking straight toward Ngee Ann City until you reach the destination. Journey about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B to Orchard Road. Head west or turn left onto Orchard Road against the flow of traffic. Walk to the destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

The Peranakan Club @ Orchard Towers - Heritage Peranakan Food and Cultural Experience Under One Roof

Tucked within a sprawling 5,000 sq ft space, The Peranakan Club offers what could well be Singapore’s most immersive Peranakan experience to date. More than just a dining destination, it is a “living museum” where heritage, culture, and cuisine intertwine seamlessly. From the moment you step inside, you are transported into the rich world of Peranakan traditions — a thoughtfully curated journey that invites diners to taste, see, and experience its legacy all under one roof.

The space is conceptually divided into several unique experiences. The Kebaya Bar serves up Peranakan-inspired cocktails in collaboration with Brass Lion Distillery, while the Keronsong Tea Room offers an elegant setting for tea, champagne, and caviar. For a more comforting experience, The Little Nyonya presents familiar, family-style classics, while Grand Peranakan caters to private tok panjang feasts reminiscent of lavish heritage banquets. Beyond dining, The Peranakan Gallery showcases heirloom costumes and artefacts, and the Baba Nyonya Atelier features beautifully crafted kebayas and lifestyle pieces, completing the cultural immersion.

Peranakan Prosperity Lo Hei 4/5

Interestingly, the restaurant offers its own version of yusheng year-round. The Peranakan Prosperity Lo Hei retains the familiar components but stands out with the addition of ulam, lending a refreshing herbal lift and a distinct Peranakan identity.

Bakwan Kepiting 4/5

The Bakwan Kepiting is a comforting, soulful soup that warms both the palate and the stomach. Featuring delicate hand-rolled meatballs made from a blend of crab meat and minced pork, the dish is served in a clear, naturally sweet broth of bamboo shoots. The meatballs are tender yet firm, packed with flavour, while the bamboo shoots add a pleasant crunch and sweetness. A dollop of sambal belachan enhances the overall profile with a punchy, umami kick.

Nasi Ulam with Raja Ulam 4.2/5

A labour-intensive dish, the Nasi Ulam with Raja Ulam here reflects the finesse of Peranakan cooking. Finely julienned herbs and aromatics are meticulously prepared to blend harmoniously with the rice. Often regarded as the “queen” of Peranakan rice dishes, this version stands out for its inclusion of ulam raja, which adds a peppery note with hints of green mango. The result is a complex, aromatic, and refreshing rice salad.

Prawn Ngoh Hiang 4.5/5

The Prawn Ngoh Hiang impresses with its chunky, hand-minced filling of pork and prawns, wrapped in a thin beancurd skin and fried to a crisp. The addition of water chestnuts provides a delightful crunch and subtle sweetness, while the balance of fat in the pork ensures a juicy bite.

Salmon Fish Wing with Sambal Belimbing 3/5

An interactive dish, the Salmon Fish Wing is served deep-fried alongside Sambal Belimbing, with a brush provided for diners to apply the sambal themselves. The sambal delivers a tangy, sourish heat that is undeniably appetising. However, while both components are enjoyable individually, they do not quite come together as a cohesive dish.

Babi Assam 4.2/5

The Babi Assam is a comforting Peranakan stew that delivers both richness and balance. Chunky cuts of pork belly are simmered for a long time, allowing the fat to render beautifully and the meat to become melt-in-the-mouth tender. The tamarind-based gravy is the star here, offering a tangy, slightly spicy profile with a deep, fruity acidity that cuts through the richness of the pork, resulting in a dish that is both hearty and appetising.

Ayam Buah Keluak 4.5/5

A quintessential Peranakan classic, the Ayam Buah Keluak showcases deep, earthy flavours from the prized buah keluak nut. The gravy is rich and complex, with notes reminiscent of dark chocolate, while the chicken is stewed until tender and fully infused with the nut’s distinct umami depth.

Nangka Rendang 3.8/5

The Nangka Rendang offers a plant-based alternative using young jackfruit as a meat substitute. Its fibrous texture mimics that of slow-cooked meat, and it absorbs the spices well. While the execution is commendable, it may not fully satisfy those who prefer the richness of traditional rendang with meat, though it remains a solid option for vegetarians.

Rempah Nenas Udang 4.5/5

Bright and vibrant, the Rempah Nenas Udang combines prawns and pineapple in a rich, tangy coconut gravy. The sweetness of the pineapple balances the spices beautifully, creating a dish that is both refreshing and indulgent.

Ikan Goreng Chuan Chuan 4.2/5

At first glance, the Ikan Goreng Chuan Chuan appears to be a simple deep-fried seabass. However, the filleted fish is thoughtfully paired with blue pea-infused beehoon beneath, which soaks up the tangy sauce. The result is a more layered and satisfying dish than expected.

Chendol Melaka 4/5

Ending the meal on a sweet note, the Chendol Melaka impresses with its robust gula melaka, offering a deep caramelised sweetness. However, being served in a glass makes it slightly less enjoyable, as the components remain layered and harder to mix compared to the preferred bowl presentation.

Apom Bok Kuah Pisang 4/5

A rare Peranakan dessert, the Apom Bok Kuah Pisang features soft, fermented rice pancakes paired with a warm banana coconut sauce. The pancakes are slightly tangy with a springy texture, while the sauce is creamy, sweet, and lightly savoury — a comforting and nostalgic finale.

The Peranakan Club is more than just a restaurant — it is a holistic cultural experience that celebrates Peranakan heritage engagingly and thoughtfully. With its diverse concepts and well-executed dishes, it offers diners not only a satisfying meal but also a deeper appreciation of the traditions and stories behind the cuisine.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


The Peranakan Club
Orchard Towers
1 Claymore Drive
#02-01
Singapore 229594
Tel: +65 89880201
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk towards Wheelock Place via ION. Exit Wheellock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Cross the road at the traffic light junction and turn left towards the Royal Thai Embassy. Walk down Orchard Road towards the junction of Orchard Road and Claymore Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 10 minutes. [Map]