The Marmalade Pantry @ Tanjong Pagar - Celebrates 25th Anniversary with Refreshed Menu of Light and Vibrant Flavours

The Marmalade Pantry is celebrating its 25th Anniversary with a refreshed menu across its four outlets in Tanjong Pagar, Novena, ION, and Anchorpoint. The menu introduces lighter and more vibrant flavour profiles, incorporating new dishes and enhancements to its signature items.

The extensive line-up includes a variety of starters, salads, mains, pasta, risottos, and desserts, as well as an updated beverage selection featuring NON, an Australian non-alcoholic wine alternative.

Red Velvet Latte 3.5/5

I decided on the Red Velvet Latte ($8) as I was curious about adding fresh beetroot to the dark cocoa drink. While it was a tad sweet for me, I appreciated the subtle earthy notes from the beetroot.

Fried Brussels Sprouts 4/5

We began our meal with the Fried Brussels Sprouts ($16), which had a delightful Japanese twist. The brussel sprouts are dressed in sesame soy kewpie mayo and topped with pickled chillies, nori strips, and sesame seeds.

Roasted Smashed Sweet Potatoes 4.2/5

Next up was the Roasted Smashed Sweet Potatoes ($16). A fresh dill and chives, yoghurt dressing, and tangy pickled onions nicely balanced the potatoes' natural sweetness.

Chicken Salad 4.2/5

Another standout starter for me was the Chicken Salad ($23). This vibrant and healthy dish was a colourful mix of fresh salad vegetables, green apples, cherry tomatoes, cashews, and coriander, all tossed in a tangy Viet-Thai dressing. The sous vide chicken strips were particularly tender and well-seasoned.

Crispy Barramundi 3.8/5

Moving on to the mains, we tried the Crispy Barramundi ($32). The fish was lightly seasoned and paired with stronger aromatics from the masala potatoes and vegetable chutney.

Chicken Burger 3.8/5

The Chicken Burger ($28) surprised us with its spicy kick. It featured a crunchy chicken thigh sandwiched between soft potato buns, accompanied by tangy slaw and spicy garlic soy. The burger was served with a side of fries and beet-pickled cauliflower.

Tomato Risotto 4.2/5

Next, we were served with the Tomato Risotto ($26). The risotto was creamy yet not too heavy, thanks to the addition of stracciatella cheese, cherry tomatoes, and a Thai basil salsa. It was a comforting dish.

Butternut Mac & Cheese 4.5/5

The unanimous favourite of the meal was the Butternut Mac & Cheese ($26). A signature dish of The Marmalade Pantry has been refined in the new menu with a rich truffle cream and blue cheese base, enhanced by sweet roasted butternut squash and a black vinegar glaze. This dish is a wholesome, decadent, and balanced cheese lover's dream.

Miso Sesame Cupcake 3.8/5

We tried the Miso Sesame Cupcake ($6.50), a new addition to the brand's cupcake range for dessert. The savoury-sweet frosting had a nutty flavour with hints of peanut butter, complementing the moist cake base.

Green Tea Basque 3/5

Lastly, we ended with a slice of Green Tea Basque ($15). This double-layered baked cheesecake had a top layer of white chocolate and green tea, which balanced the richness of the cheese. However, I found it too sweet for my liking.

The Marmalade Pantry's 25th-anniversary menu refresh has something to offer for everyone, whether you're a fan of their classic dishes or eager to try something new.

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.


The Marmalade Pantry
Oasia Hotel Downtown
#01–1
100 Peck Seah Street
Singapore 079333
Tel: +65 6385 0741
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar MRT (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjang Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk to destination. [Map]

Wildfire Burgers @ Robertson Walk - Gourmet Burgers at Affordable Prices

Wildfire Burgers, located in the heart of Robertson Walk, has emerged from a revamp with a brand new menu that not only elevates the dining experience but also reinforces its status as a go-to destination for gourmet burgers, succulent steaks, enticing sides, and a diverse drinks menu. With the closure of its other outlets, the Robertson Walk flagship stands as a beacon for those seeking a delicious yet affordable gourmet burger.

Wedge Salad 3.5/5

Kicking off our dinner, we delved into the Wedge Salad ($13), a refreshing ensemble of iceberg lettuce dressed in creamy parmesan sauce. Topped with crispy bacon, cherry tomatoes, Spanish onions, crumbled blue cheese, walnuts, and crushed Kampot peppercorn, it's a firework of flavours that complement the crunch of the iceberg lettuce. The marriage of textures and tastes offers a delightful start to the meal.

Salt & Vinegar Fried Onion Rings 3/5

The Salt & Vinegar Fried Onion Rings ($8) aimed to reinvent the classic, infusing extra saltiness and tanginess. While the intention was commendable, it fell slightly short of expectations. Thicker onion rings might enhance the sweetness of the onion, aligning better with taste preferences.

Golden Chicken Nuggets 4.2/5

The Golden Chicken Nuggets ($8 for 6pc/ $10 for 9pc) emerged as a clear favourite. A classic elevated to gourmet heights, these nuggets, made with 100% chicken, were served with a delightful array of sauces: Japanese Curry Mayo, Nacho Cheese, or Chipotle Mayo. The pairing with Japanese Curry Mayo is particularly recommended, surpassing expectations and outshining similar offerings from an 'M' brand restaurant.

Truffled Mushroom 4.8/5

The Truffled Mushroom ($18 Single/ $22 Double) stood out among the eight gourmet burgers. Nestled between butter-toasted brioche buns, the stone axe wagyu patties delivered a burst of flavour. Truffled mayonnaise, sautéed mushrooms, Monterey Jack cheese, beer-pickled onions, and master sauce formed a symphony of taste. The judicious preparation of the wagyu patty, allowing for a chunky bite, added to the allure.

Hot Honey Butter Chicken 4/5

For those eschewing beef, alternative options like Ottoman Lamb, Black Halibut, and Hot Honey Butter Chicken burgers await. The Hot Honey Butter Chicken ($18 Single) presents a generously sized, hot and spicy fried chicken thigh adorned with whipped Sriracha honey butter and crispy bacon. Sandwiched between butter-toasted brioche buns and drizzled with master sauce, it provides a spicy symphony for the taste buds, delivering crunch and flavour in every bite.

Wildfire Burgers at Robertson Walk has not just reopened; it has rekindled a flame, offering a gourmet burger experience at affordable pricing that tantalizes the senses and sets the stage for a delightful dining experience.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Wildfire Burgers
Robertson Walk
11 Unity Street
#01-12
Singapore 237995
Tel: +65 8139 5952
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Fort Canning (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 4pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Fort Canning MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to traffic junction Clemenceau Ave and River Valley Road. Cross the road. Turn left onto Clemenceau Ave. Walk towards Unity Street. Turn right onto Unity Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

CARNE @ Amoy Street - Burger Joint By Three Michelin Star Chef Mauro Colagreco

CARNE, making its first international debut in Singapore, is brought to you by Argentinian chef Mauro Colagreco whose restaurant Mirazur in France has a three Michelin star and is the number one restaurant on World's 50 Best Restaurants. With five stores in Argentina, the burger chain's concept believes in sustainable gastronomy, ensuring quality and sustainable production in every ingredient for the burgers. Carne is also the first burger chain to become a Certified B Corporation, a triple impact certification (social, environmental and economic) for business committed to doing better for the world.

Classic Burger 3.5/5

We started with the Classic Burger ($19.50) in a buttery bun, sandwiched with a tightly compact natural grass-fed beef patty, local oak lettuce, organic tomato and organic red onion. Diners can choose to complete their meal with fries and mineral water or soft drink for an additional $10 to make it a combo meal.

Beef and Chimichurri Burger 3.5/5

Carne debuts the Beef and Chimichurri Burger ($24) and Crispy Chicken Burger ($18) specially created for Singapore for its new opening. The Beef and Chimichurri Burger comes with their signature natural grass-fed beef patty and butter bun. It is paired with murcian cheese, jalapeno, organic red onion and local arugula dressed in chimichurri sauce for the taste of Argentinian roots.

Crispy Chicken Burger

The Crispy Chicken Burger uses locally-sourced, GMO-free poussin chicken thigh with fresh green cabbage, chilli pickled organic cucumber, and organic greek yogurt dressing.

Triple Cooked Agria Fries 4.5/5

One of the crowd's favourite is the Triple Cooked Agria Fries ($8.90). Thickly cut into the size of wedges; it is crispy on the outside and fluffy inside.

Veggie Burger 4/5

Surprisingly, of the four burgers I tried, my favourite is the Veggie Burger ($16). Unlike the other burger's bun, it is flavoured with turmeric hence the yellow colour. There are grilled portobello, local oak lettuce, tomato tapenade, and charred halloumi cheese between the buns.

Having tried the burgers, I am not sure whether the burger joint will win over the Singaporean's tummy. The burgers are pretty pricey, and I am not sure whether the locals will enjoy the beef patty style. I prefer those that are more loose, minced and airy.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


[CLOSED]
CARNE
88 Amoy Street
Singapore 069907
Tel: +65 88684388
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 8am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to 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. Walk down Telok Ayer Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

The Chir Cafe + Bar @ Holland Village – Brand New Korean Fusion Concept Dishing Up Brunch, Dinner, And All-day Pastas

Cafe by day and resto-bar by night, The Chir Cafe + Bar is an all-new eatery opening at Holland Village just late last year. The same folks who brought popular South Korean fried chicken franchise, Chir Chir Fusion Chicken Factory to Singapore, conceptualised it. The menu is a fun, eclectic fusion of Korean and Western cuisines.

Chir Chicken Croffle 4.2/5

Available for Brunch and Dinner, the Chir Chicken Croffle ($17.50) features succulent deep-fried chicken thigh and fluffy golden-brown croffles. Interestingly, the waffles are baked using croissant dough, which makes it fluffy and chewy inside, yet crispy and flaky on the outside, akin to a croissant. Drizzle some homemade maple butter syrup, and it makes for a scrumptious sweet-and-savoury pairing.

Fondue Chicken Burger 4/5

The Fondue Chicken Burger ($15.50) comes with a juicy slab of fried chicken thigh, grilled pineapple, onion marmalade and fresh rocket, sandwiched between toasted burger buns. The entire stack is then doused in a nacho cheese sauce and served with a side of shoestring fries - an ultimate dream for the cheese lovers. The Fondue Chicken Burger is available for Brunch and Dinner.

Three Mushroom Truffle Pasta 4/5

The Three Mushroom Truffle Pasta ($18.50) features al dente linguine with a creamy and fragrant black truffle cream sauce clinging to its every strand. A mix of juicy shiitake, button, and portobello mushrooms complete this classic truffle pasta dish.

Cheese Spam Fries 3.8/5

For sides, we had the Cheese Spam Fries ($14). The thick strips of fried spam are fried nicely with a crispy exterior and fluffy insides. It is perfectly paired with some ranch cheese sauce.

Iced Sea Salt Caramel Latte 3.8/5, Summer Cooler 4/5

On top of the standard lattes and cappuccinos, customers can also find unconventional concoctions, such as the Sea Salt Caramel Latte ($6.50 for iced). The fragrant caramel infused espresso is topped with freshly crushed sea salt. Craft beers and soju are also available by the bottle, while house pour red and white wines can be purchased by the glass ($15) or bottle ($70). We had the Summer Cooler ($16), a refreshing cocktail with sweet fruity notes from the green grape soju, perfect for unwinding over the rich, hearty dishes.

Photos and words by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


The Chir Cafe + Bar
Holland Village
26A Lorong Mambong
Singapore 277685
Tel: +65 62359950
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Holland Village (CC Line)

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

Direction: 
1) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Lorong Liput. Walk down Lorong Luput. Turn right onto Lorong Mambong. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Burger Frites @ Joo Chiat Road - Get Your Hands Dirty For Good Ol' Classic Burgers At New Gourmet Burger Joint Opened By French Chef

Following his first Steakhouse success at Braseiro, close to 5 years later, Founder Alexandre Pini opens his new gourmet burger joint, Burger Frites just right across the road along the shophouses of Joo Chiat Road. This cosy restaurant serves up gourmet burgers and homemade fries and has been a popular hangout spot for burger lovers living in the area.

Aiming to break the stereotype of burgers as junk fast food, Burger Frites is a casual burger joint unlike any other by focusing on quality ingredients, sourcing the best U.S. Angus beef patties from the butchery and bread from artisan bakery in Singapore. This is to ensure quality and freshness. They make their own french fries from scratch, and also offers a variety of sauces for a personal touch.

The menu is straightforward and simple, with only beef, chicken, and brie to choose from (each burger at $16++). Customisation is provided on the next step of selection for the addition of cheese at $1++, turkey bacon at $2++, and both cheese and bacon at $3++. There's an option of doubling the patty at $8++ or change your bun to a gluten-free one at $3++. You can choose the sauces to add to the burger as well, at no extra costs!

180G Angus Beef Burger 4.5/5

We went for the Beef Burger with Cheese and Bacon (with added cheese and bacon $19++) which looked sinfully good with its huge 180g Angus beef patty, layered with melted cheddar and bacon slices, tomatoes, lettuce and pickles in between perfectly fluffy and soft brioche buns. Done medium rare, the beef patty was nicely cooked with the right amount of fattiness in it and boasts a superb tenderness and juiciness. Even though the accompanying flavours didn't stand out as much with the main star being the 180g Angus beef patty stealing the show with loads of its juicy beef flavours, overall, I was impressed with their excellent rendition of the beef burger. Definitely one of the best beef burgers if you're looking for something classic and unpretentious.

Crispy Chicken Burger 3.8/5

Different from what you might expect for a Chicken burger, the Crispy Chicken Burger (with added cheese $17++) here is served with four strips of crispy chicken tenders stacked on top of each other. While we loved the crispiness of the meat that goes well with the fluffy milky buns, we felt that the chicken tenders were too dry for our liking. Add on some fries ($4++) on the side to go with your burgers. Those homemade hand-cut potato strips were twice-fried - fluffy, but not as crispy as we hoped. It's still a joy pairing them with the different sauces available, such as the flavourful black pepper cream.

Coconut Milkshake 4/5, Homemade Ice Lemon Tea 4/5

From the drinks menu, we had the Coconut Milkshake ($9++) and Homemade Ice Lemon Tea ($5++). For something more indulgent, go for the milkshake option. They have 6 different milkshake flavours (vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, coconut, speculoos and pistachio). Thick and creamy, the milkshake was flavourful with the fragrant taste of coconut yet not too overwhelming.

Photos and words by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Burger Frites
340 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore 427592
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Dakota (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Fri: 5 - 11pm
Sat-Sun: 12pm - 11pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Block 99 (Stop ID 81181). Take bus number 16. Alight 4 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]