Bari Bari Grand @ The Capitol Kempinski - Premium Teppan with Complimentary Unlimited Gourmet Bar

If you enjoy sizzling teppan dishes with plenty of sides, Bari Bari Grand at The Capitol Kempinski Singapore is a new Japanese steak and seafood concept worth checking out. An evolution of the Bari Bari dining experience, the new concept takes things up a notch with more premium steak and seafood options, an expanded free-flow gourmet bar, and a more upscale social dining space.

The idea remains familiar — order your choice of teppan main and enjoy it straight from the hot stone — but Bari Bari Grand offers a wider selection of premium proteins, including Miyazaki Wagyu, lobster, scallops and Angus beef. Every teppan order also includes complimentary access to the Free-Flow Gourmet Bar, featuring a rotating selection of fresh salads, seasonal appetisers, and other accompaniments. All teppan mains are also served with homemade truffle mashed potatoes, cherry tomatoes, brussels sprouts and pearl corn, making each platter a rather substantial meal.

Lobster & Wagyu Hamburg Teppan 4.2/5

Lobster & Wagyu Hamburg Teppan ($49) is a fun surf-and-turf combination that gives you both seafood and beef in one plate. The lobster arrives piping hot on the teppan, topped with a rich, cheese-forward Thermidor-style sauce. The sauce melts into the lobster meat, giving it a creamy, savoury, decadent finish without completely masking the lobster’s sweetness. Alongside it is a house-made Japanese Wagyu beef patty, which adds a juicy, beefy component to the dish. I liked the variety here, from the richness of the lobster and sauce to the comforting truffle mash and vegetables on the side.

Gindara Teriyaki & Scallops Mentaiko Teppan 3.5/5

The Gindara Teriyaki & Scallops Mentaiko Teppan ($36) combines flaky black cod with scallops for a seafood-focused option. The gindara is teppan-grilled until tender and flaky, and the black cod’s natural richness pairs well with the house-made teriyaki sauce. The glaze is sweet, savoury and deeply caramelised around the edges from the heat of the teppan. The scallops come with a creamy mentaiko sauce, adding a slightly briny and savoury contrast. This is a fairly rich combination, especially with the fatty gindara, but seafood lovers will appreciate the different textures on the plate.

Chicken Thigh & Angus Saikoro Steak Teppan 4/5

For something more value-driven, the Chicken Thigh & Angus Saikoro Steak Teppan ($32) is a multi-protein platter with plenty to eat. The Angus beef is cut into bite-sized cubes, making it easy to pick up and enjoy with the accompanying sauce. The beef was tender with a good savoury beefiness. What stood out more, though, was the chicken thigh. The skin was nicely crisp and well marinated, while the meat underneath stayed tender and juicy. The combination feels comforting and satisfying without being overly complicated.

Miyazaki Wagyu Teppan 4.2/5

For those looking to splurge a little more, the Miyazaki Wagyu Teppan ($75) features 150g of ribeye round sourced from Miyazaki Wagyu. The beef is rich and exceptionally tender, with the kind of deep, savoury flavour and marbling you would expect from premium Japanese Wagyu. It is cooked on the teppan, allowing the exterior to develop a nice sear while keeping the meat juicy inside. The steak is finished with a dollop of house herb butter, which slowly melts over the warm beef and adds another layer of richness and aroma. Bari Bari Grand highlights A4/A5-grade Miyazaki Wagyu from a producer associated with the prestigious National Wagyu Award, making it one of the menu’s more premium options.

Atsuage Negi Cheese Yaki 3.8/5

For a lighter side or something to snack on while waiting for the mains, the Atsuage Negi Cheese Yaki ($8) is worth adding. The atsuage tofu is deep-fried until it develops a thin, lightly crisp exterior while retaining its soft, silky and slightly wobbly texture inside. The tofu is then topped with an umami-rich mentaiko sauce and melted cheese, then finished with crisp scallions. It is creamy, savoury and quite addictive, with the scallions adding some freshness and crunch to cut through the richness. This would work particularly well as a starter or bar bite alongside a drink.

Iidako Karaage 4.2/5

The Iidako Karaage ($10) was another favourite. Instead of the usual larger pieces of octopus, this uses whole baby octopus, lightly coated in seasoned starch and deep-fried until golden and crunchy. The exterior is satisfyingly crisp, while the baby octopus inside stays pleasantly chewy and tender. Seasoned simply with salt and savoury spices, it is the sort of snack that is easy to keep reaching for.

Whether you are here for a casual meal with friends or looking to indulge in premium Japanese beef, there’s a wide range to choose from. I particularly enjoyed the Lobster & Wagyu Hamburg Teppan and Miyazaki Wagyu Teppan, and the Iidako Karaage is a great addition to share. If you like your food served hot and sizzling straight from the teppan, Bari Bari Grand is one to add to your list for a Japanese-style steak and seafood meal with plenty of sides to go around.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Bari Bari Grand
Arcade @ The Capitol Kempinski
15 Stamford Road
#01-82
Singapore 178906
Tel: +65 62843788
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Nearest: City Hall (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

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

OMMA Korean Charcoal BBQ @ Holland Village - Celebrates 5th Anniversary With Up To 40% OFF

OMMA Korean Charcoal BBQ, Singapore’s first wood-fired Korean charcoal barbecue experience, celebrates its 5th anniversary this year with the OMMA Mega Promo. From 24 August 2026 for a limited time, diners can enjoy up to 40% off the total bill (excluding drinks), with a minimum spend of $100 per table. The promotion is based on the number of diners, with the maximum 40% discount available when dining in with 4 pax or more.

Original Korean Chicken 5/5

Japchae 2.8/5

We visited the Holland Village outlet and had the Pork Omma Set ($73) with Marinated Chicken 150g ($31), plus a couple of sides. Of the sides, the Original Korean Chicken (Half $22) was a clear winner, with a stunningly thin golden crust encasing succulent, juicy meat. The Japchae ($22), however, was rather mediocre, with flavours that felt somewhat one-dimensional.

Pork Omma Set 4/5

The Pork Omma Set ($73) features Iberico Pork Collar, Black Pork Belly, and Iberico Pork Jowl, offering a good balance of cuts with varying fat-to-meat ratios.

Marinated Chicken 3/5

As for the Marinated Chicken ($31), while the meat was tender, we found the seasoning slightly too heavy for our liking.

Soybean Paste Soup 3.5/5

Steamed Egg 3.5/5

The set also comes with a Steamed Egg, a choice of Soybean Paste Soup (beef or seafood) or Kimchi Stew (tuna or pork), plus free-flow side dishes and fresh vegetables. The accompanying banchan turned out to be a pleasant surprise, especially the kimchi, which we really enjoyed. In fact, we loved it so much that we bought a couple of bottles to bring home.

With the anniversary promotion happening now, it is also a good time to gather a few friends and enjoy a Korean BBQ feast.

OMMA Mega Promo
2 pax: 20% off
3 pax: 30% off
4 pax or more: 40% off

Valid from 24 August 2026 for a limited time. Minimum spending of $100 per table applies. The discount applies to the total food bill and excludes drinks. *Promotion is not applicable on all eve of PH and PH. Promotion is not stackable with any other ongoing promotions. Promotion is subject to a minimum spend of $100 per table. T&C apply.

Note: The promotion is available at OMMA Holland Village (Mon-Wed) and OMMA Bukit Timah (Mon-Thur) all day, and at OMMA Telok Ayer (Sun-Mon) all day.

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


OMMA Korean Charcoal BBQ
Holland Village
21 Lor Mambong
Singapore 277680
Tel: +65 8765 5851
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Nearest MRT: Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 11pm

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 and turn right onto Lorong Mambong. Walk to the destination. Journey time about 5 minutes.[Map]

Akashi Japanese Restaurant @ Paragon - Buy 1 Get 2 Temaki Deal

Akashi’s popular Twilight Hour promotion runs from Monday to Friday, from 2.30pm onwards, offering a Buy 1 Get 2 deal on all signature temaki (excluding Uni Temaki). Beyond the promotion, we also sampled several of the restaurant’s signature dishes to see whether they were worth a return visit.

Temaki 5/5

We sampled six freshly made Temaki varieties — Spicy Shake, California, Chef’s Special (featuring Tuna and Uni), Salmon & Tamago, Negitoro, and Beef Steak served with a raw egg dipping sauce. Prices start from an affordable $6 and go up to $48 for the premium Uni Temaki. What impressed us most was the generous amount of fillings packed into every handroll. Unlike many temaki, where the ingredients disappear halfway through, these remained generously filled right down to the final bite.

It was honestly one of the most satisfying temaki experiences we’ve had. That said, don’t expect three handrolls to leave you completely full. With a rice-to-filling ratio of roughly 30:70, the emphasis here is clearly on quality ingredients rather than carb-heavy portions.

Nasu Awaseyaki 4.8/5

Nasu Awaseyaki ($20) features Japanese eggplant topped with homemade miso. What stood out immediately was the texture. Instead of the soft, melt-in-your-mouth consistency typically associated with eggplant, this version offered a pleasant bite and slight crunch. Encased in a light tempura-style coating, the eggplant remained juicy within, while the savoury miso topping added depth and umami. Interestingly, the combination somehow reminded us of fried bananas! It was unexpected, yet surprisingly enjoyable.

Wakadori 4.5/5

Wakadori ($18) is a pan-seared chicken dish glazed with teriyaki sauce. The chicken was executed beautifully, with crisp, golden skin giving way to tender and juicy meat. We approached this dish with modest expectations, as teriyaki sauces can often lean overly sweet. Thankfully, Akashi strikes a more balanced savoury-sweet profile. As we continued eating, the flavour became strangely familiar, reminiscent of marmite chicken but subtler and more refined. This is the kind of dish that practically begs for a bowl of steamed rice.

Kani Ramen 4.5/5

Kani Ramen ($18) is a stir-fried ramen dish topped with fresh crab meat. The flavour profile was lighter and more nuanced than expected. There was a gentle tanginess running through the dish, which initially led us to believe vinegar was involved. We later learned that the acidity actually came from Japanese sake, lending the noodles a subtle brightness without overpowering the crab’s sweetness. Portion-wise, it was just right, satisfying without feeling heavy or cloying, making it an easy dish to finish.

While the Buy 1 Get 2 Temaki promotion is undoubtedly the headline attraction, Akashi’s signature dishes proved equally capable of holding their own. The standout for us was undoubtedly the temaki, thanks to the freshness of the ingredients and the generous fillings packed into every roll.

If you’re looking for a casual Japanese dining spot that delivers quality ingredients, well-executed dishes and excellent value during off-peak hours, Akashi’s Twilight Hour promotion is certainly worth checking out.

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


Akashi Japanese Restaurant
Pargaon
290 Orchard Road
#B1-01/02
Singapore 238859
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line), Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1. Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to ground level. Turn left onto Orchard Road. Walk down Orchard Road. At the traffic junction of Orchard Road and Orchard Link, cross the road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 10 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 2 or 3. Proceed to the road level. Walk down Orchard Road until the junction of Orchard Road and Orchard Link. Cross the road and walk to Paragon. Journey time is about 12 minutes. [Map]

Nai Nai Flavor (椿花奶奶) @ I12 Katong - Debuts in Singapore with Unique Hangzhou Dishes You Don’t Often See

One of Hangzhou’s most sought-after dining concepts has arrived in Singapore with the opening of Nai Nai Flavor (椿花奶奶), marking its first foray outside China. The restaurant showcases a repertoire of handmade dishes and regional specialities that are still relatively under the radar locally. Rooted in Hangzhou, the cultural heart of the Jiangnan region, the cuisine here draws from Hang Bang Cai (杭帮菜), a subset of Zhejiang cuisine, one of China’s eight great culinary traditions. Known for its refined, lighter profile and emphasis on natural flavours, the dishes lean towards balance rather than bold seasoning.

Spicy Tofu Pan-fried Bun 3.5/5

The Spicy Tofu Pan-fried Bun ($12.80) is a rare find in Singapore, offering a creative spin on the classic sheng jian bao. Swapping out the usual minced pork filling, this version features a mapo-style tofu interior, bringing a Sichuan-inspired twist to the Jiangnan staple. The dough is freshly prepared and pan-fried to achieve a crisp, golden base, while the top remains soft and fluffy from steaming. What sets this apart is the addition of a thin layer of whisked egg at the base during frying, forming a delicate, crispy “skirt” that carries a subtle omelette-like fragrance. While I appreciated the contrast in textures, from the fluffy bun to the crisp base and eggy crust, the tofu filling fell short. It lacked the depth and satisfying bite that a well-marinated meat filling typically delivers, resulting in a less impactful overall experience.

Shaoxing Steamed Soup Dumplings 3.5/5

The Shaoxing Steamed Soup Dumplings ($11.50) present a lesser-seen variation of xiao long bao. Originating in Shaoxing, Zhejiang, these dumplings are filled with seasoned pork. They are topped with finely shredded egg and a light brushing of fermented bean curd sauce, lending a gentle savoury complexity. While the concept was intriguing, the execution did not quite meet expectations. The dumplings lacked the hallmark soupy interior one would anticipate, and the distinctive aroma of Shaoxing wine was barely perceptible. As such, the dish felt more like a regular steamed dumpling rather than a standout regional speciality.

Youbu Style Egg Cake (Egg & Chicken Pancake) 4.5/5

A highlight of the meal, the Youbu Style Egg Cake: Egg & Chicken Pancake ($11.80) is another rarity in Singapore. This regional delicacy is said to be prepared using a 1,300-year-old technique in which an egg is incorporated directly into the dough during cooking rather than added as a filling. The result is something between a pancake and a flatbread, with crisp, golden edges and a rich, slightly chewy centre. Packed with juicy chicken, fragrant chives, and egg, each bite was immensely satisfying. The interplay of textures and flavours made this dish incredibly addictive and easily one of the standouts on the menu.

Saliva Chicken 3/5

The Saliva Chicken ($8.80), also known as mouthwatering chicken, is a cold appetiser with a bold, spicy profile designed to whet the appetite. However, this rendition felt rather muted. It lacked the punchy, numbing heat and aromatic complexity typically associated with the dish, making it somewhat forgettable.

Minced Pork Noodles 3/5

The Minced Pork Noodles ($8.50) features springy noodles topped with a generous portion of braised minced pork in a dark soy-based sauce. The flavour profile leans towards the savoury-sweet spectrum characteristic of Zhejiang cuisine. Accompaniments such as shredded cucumber, carrot, and peanuts add layers of texture. While comforting, the dish did not quite stand out among the other offerings.

Grandma’s Secret Dish, Chicken & Pork Soup 4.2/5

The Chicken & Pork Soup ($16.80/$29.80) is a hearty claypot dish that focuses on depth of flavour achieved through slow cooking rather than heavy seasoning. Sealed with a sheet of beancurd skin, the dish releases a comforting aroma upon opening. The broth is rich yet clean-tasting, drawing natural sweetness from ingredients such as sweet corn, mushrooms, and red dates. It delivers a nourishing, homely quality that is both soothing and satisfying. Notably, while menu photos and other reviews indicated the presence of cordyceps flowers, these were absent in my serving.

Brown Sugar Glutinous Rice Cake 4.2/5

Rounding off the meal is the Brown Sugar Glutinous Rice Cake ($5.80), a traditional dessert also known as Hong Tang Ci Ba. The glutinous rice is pounded and shaped into batons, then deep-fried to achieve a crisp exterior while retaining a soft, chewy centre. Served with a generous drizzle of brown sugar syrup, the dessert offers deep caramel notes that complement the mild, sticky rice. It is a simple yet satisfying end to the meal, beautifully balancing texture and sweetness.

Overall, Nai Nai Flavour offers a refreshing glimpse into the understated elegance of Hangzhou cuisine, featuring several unique dishes not commonly found in Singapore. While some executions could be refined, the restaurant succeeds in bringing a distinct regional identity to the local dining scene.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Nai Nai Flavor (椿花奶奶)
I12 Katong
112 East Coast Road
#02-13/14
Singapore 428802
Tel: +65 62220535
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Nearest MRT: Marine Parade (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Marine Parade MRT station. Take Exit 3. Walk straight to Joo Chiat Road. Turn left onto Joo Chiat Road. Walk down Joo Chiat Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time about 6 minutes [Map]

Jumboree @ Tai Seng - JUMBO Group’s Vibrant Food Hall Unites Signature Seafood and Hawker Favourites Under One Roof

Tucked away in the industrial enclave of Tai Seng, JUMBOREE marks JUMBO Group’s first foray into a food hall concept, bringing together more than 10 of its well-loved brands under one expansive 17,997 sq ft space. Located at 26 Tai Seng Street, the off-the-beaten-track destination embraces Singapore’s communal dining spirit, complete with self-service alcohol taps (from $0.36 per 10ml) and a live band performing Mondays to Saturdays.

Signature Black Bean Sauce Live Mud Crab on Shunde Chen Cun Flat Rice Roll 4.5/5

At the heart of the space is JUMBO 1987, a seafood dai pai dong (海鲜大牌档) that showcases both nostalgic classics and inventive creations inspired by JUMBO Seafood’s legacy.

A standout dish, the Signature Black Bean Sauce Live Mud Crab on Shunde Chen Cun Flat Rice Roll ($68) impresses with its robust, savoury black bean sauce that accentuates the natural sweetness of the mud crab. The unexpected addition of Shunde-style Chen Cun flat rice rolls lends a chewy, silky texture and soaks up the rich sauce beautifully, creating a satisfying pairing.

1987 Signature Curry Fish Head with JUMBO You Tiao 4.2/5

The 1987 Signature Curry Fish Head with JUMBO You Tiao ($58) delivers on both scale and flavour. The meaty fish head is immersed in a creamy, aromatic curry brimming with brinjal, okra, long beans and cabbage. The accompanying jumbo-sized you tiao is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the luscious gravy.

Crispy Fried Seafood Beancurd 3.8/5

A nostalgic throwback, the Crispy Fried Seafood Beancurd ($28 Large) features a crisp golden exterior that gives way to a silky-soft interior. Paired with a sweet dipping sauce, it offers a comforting balance of texture and flavour.

1987 Signature Live Lobster Mapo Tofu 4/5

For something more indulgent, the 1987 Signature Live Lobster Mapo Tofu ($88) reimagines the Sichuan classic with chunks of succulent lobster. The dish carries a bold mala kick, while the velvety tofu and savoury sauce tie everything together in a rich, flavour-packed combination.

Fragrant Maotai Sanbei Chicken 4/5

Another exclusive, the Fragrant Maotai Sanbei Chicken ($44 Large), arrives with a flourish, flambéed tableside with Maotai. The brief burst of flames releases an enticing aroma from ginger, garlic and basil, while the chicken is coated in a glossy, sweet-savoury glaze with a subtle smokiness.

Tai Seng Satay 3.8/5

Beyond its seafood-centric offerings, the food hall brings together familiar hawker favourites and mini-restaurant concepts. From Tai Seng Satay, the Pork (from $6.80 for 6 sticks), Chicken (from $6.80 for 6 sticks), and Mutton Satay (from $7.80 for 6 sticks) are ideal for sharing alongside drinks, though the peanut sauce, enriched with grated pineapple, proves the highlight.

Duo Fish Pao Fan 4/5

At Chao Ting Teochew Pao Fan, the Duo Fish Pao Fan ($13.50) comforts with its light yet flavourful broth and delicate grains, staying true to the Teochew style.

Wonton Noodle Dry 4/5

Meanwhile, Kok Kee Wonton Noodle serves up its signature Wonton Noodle Dry ($5.50), featuring springy noodles tossed in a well-balanced, old-school sauce.

Other familiar names such as Tsui Wah Eatery and NG AH SIO Bak Kut Teh further round out the diverse lineup, making JUMBOREE a one-stop destination for varied cravings. Adding to the lively atmosphere, diners can enjoy live band performances from 8pm onwards, making it an appealing spot to unwind after work or gather with friends.

A fresh and ambitious concept by the JUMBO Group, JUMBOREE captures the essence of Singapore’s dining culture — communal, diverse and full of flavour. With its blend of signature seafood, hawker staples and convivial ambience, this new dining destination in Tai Seng offers a compelling reason to venture off the usual dining trail.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Jumboree
26 Tai Seng Street
#01-02
Singapore 534057
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Nearest MRT: Tai Seng (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 7am - 12midnight
Sun: 7am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tai Seng MRT station. Take Exit C. Exit the 18 Tai Seng Building. Facing the canal, turn left and walk to the destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]