MYX @ Chip Bee Garden - Soulful Comfort Food with a Playful Twist

MyX (pronounced “Mix”), the latest concept by Eleven Co. Group — the team behind MOXIE, SIRI HOUSE and CUDO — has found a cosy home in Chip Bee Gardens, Holland Village. Designed as a neighbourhood gathering spot, MyX blends soulful comfort food inspired by the American Coastal South and Latin America with a relaxed, community-driven vibe. The menu is built around sharing, bold flavours and creative reinterpretations, making it an inviting place to linger over food, drinks and conversation.

Artichoke Dip 4.2/5

We started with the Artichoke Dip ($15), a deceptively indulgent yet straightforward opener. A lush blend of cream cheese, ricotta and parmesan is enriched with truffle paste and truffle oil, giving it a deep, earthy aroma. The marinated artichokes add a gentle tang, while the fried Jerusalem artichokes bring a satisfying crunch. Finished with dill, it is comfort food at its most addictive, especially when scooped generously.

Salmon Tiradito 4.2/5

The Salmon Tiradito ($25) impressed with its layered flavours and finesse. The salmon is brined, brushed with shoyu and lightly torched, lending it a subtle smokiness. The dressing — a complex mix of lime juice, citron vinegar, hot pepper sauce, housemade adobo paste, guajillo chilli paste, agave syrup and white shoyu — strikes a delicate balance between acidity, sweetness and heat. Pickled daikon adds freshness, while harissa mayo, balsamic glaze and fried capers elevate the dish with richness and pops of umami.

Red Prawn Ceviche 4.5/5

Another standout cold dish was the Red Prawn Ceviche ($23). Lightly blanched local Anka prawns are paired with a chilled tomato-based sauce made from charred beef tomatoes, red bell peppers, red onions, habanero and garlic, blended with paprika, Clamato juice, red wine vinegar and beet juice. Seasoned with Cantonese prawn powder and sakura ebi oil, the ceviche delivers depth and savouriness, while crispy sakura ebi, pickled cucumber and watermelon radish add texture and contrast.

Venus Clams 4.2/5

Moving on to warm plates, the Venus Clams ($19) offered comforting indulgence. Bathed in a creamy sauce of nduja, housemade garlic confit, soju, and cream, the clams are further enhanced with smoky chipotle oil. Served with a garlic butter griddled baguette, this dish is made for mopping up every last drop of the rich, flavour-packed sauce.

Grilled Iberico Pork 4.2/5

For mains, the Grilled Iberico Pork ($38) is a confident highlight. The pork secreto is marinated overnight in citrus juices, aromatics and Mexican beer, resulting in tender, juicy meat. Lacquered with chipotle aioli and torched upon ordering, it carries a gentle smokiness. Accompaniments such as arugula, pickled plum, burnt red onion purée and a Thai-style toasted rice dressing add layers of acidity, nuttiness and spice, making each bite dynamic and well-balanced.

Dirrrty Chicken Rice 4.2/5

The Dirrrty Chicken Rice ($32) is MyX’s playful take on a Southern classic with familiar comfort at its core. The chicken, marinated overnight with a robust spice blend and citrus, is roasted till flavourful and succulent. It is paired with dirty rice sautéed with onions, red bell peppers, chorizo, confit garlic, Southern spices and adobo paste, then steeped in chicken stock. Hearty and deeply satisfying, this dish bridges bold Southern flavours with comforting familiarity.

Yuanyang Tres Leches 4.2/5

Desserts rounded off the meal on a high note. The Yuanyang Tres Leches ($14) is a clever hybrid of tiramisu, yuanyang and tres leches. A light sponge soaked in black tea, espresso, condensed milk, evaporated milk, cream and cocoa is rich yet not cloying, topped with vanilla-infused mascarpone and served with raspberries for a refreshing lift.

Kaffir Lime Panna Cotta 4.2/5

The Kaffir Lime Panna Cotta ($14) offers a lighter finish, with a softly set Greek yoghurt panna cotta infused with kaffir lime and lime juice. The brown butter crumble adds nuttiness, while the cherry compote introduces gentle sweetness and acidity.

Overall, MyX delivers soulful comfort food with creativity and confidence, backed by thoughtful execution and bold flavour combinations. With its inviting atmosphere, shareable plates and playful spirit, it is a welcome addition to Holland Village — a spot that encourages gathering, sharing and returning for more.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Myx
44 Jalan Merah Saga
#01-46
Singapore 278116
Tel: +65 94871552
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Nearest MRT: Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu: 11am - 10pm
Fri: 11am - 11pm
Sat: 1030am - 11pm
Sun: 1030am - 9pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and cut across the carpark to Jalan Merah Saga. Turn left at Jalan Merah Saga. Walk to the destination. [Map]

The Orchard Cafe @ Orchard Hotel Singapore - Year End Festive Buffet with Spread of Festive Highlights and Local Favourites

With the year-end festivities approaching, The Orchard Cafe at Orchard Hotel Singapore has unveiled its Festive Buffet, featuring an array of seasonal creations alongside local favourites.

The restaurant is also offering several early bird promotions:

Promotions:
● 25% off on buffet for reservations by 8 December 2025
● 15% off on buffet for reservations from 9 December 2025 to 11 January 2026
● Complimentary dining for children aged 5 and below
● Children aged 6 to 12 enjoy 50% off the adult price

Pricing (Per Adult):
Lunch
Monday to Friday: $94
Saturday and Sunday: $104

Dinner
Monday to Thursday: $108
Friday to Sunday: $118

24 December 2025
Lunch: $120
Dinner: $150

25 December 2025
Lunch and Dinner: $138

31 December 2025
Lunch: $120
Dinner: $148

1 January 2026
Lunch: $106
Dinner: $120

We enjoyed the selection of cold dishes under the Christmas Salad spread, especially the Roasted Squash & Pomegranate Quinoa Salad and the Maple Baked Ham Salad. Other options include the Heirloom Tomato Caprese Salad, Duck Leg Confit with Smoked Lemon Hummus and more.

Beside it sits the Sashimi and Sushi station, where sashimi lovers can look forward to Norwegian Salmon Trout, Yellow Fin Tuna and Hokkaido Tako.

The popular Seafood on Ice section showcases Red Prawns, Cherry Clams, Sea Whelks, Black Mussels and Half Shell Scallops. These were of decent quality. Depending on the buffet session, diners can also look forward to Snow Crabs and Boston Lobsters.

The highlight of the spread is undoubtedly the Festive Carvings. Diners can choose from a range of hearty meats, including Spanish Style Honey and Brandy Glazed Royal Ham, French Style Butter & Black Truffle Infused Roasted Whole Turkey, Moroccan Style Slow Roasted Australian Grain Fed Black Angus Striploin and Greece Style Papillote Sustainable Barramundi.

We also appreciated the thoughtful pairings, with each carving accompanied by its own condiments and sides, such as Cinnamon Apple Chutney and Rum & Raisin Sauce for the Royal Ham, or Baby Potatoes and Yorkshire Pudding to go with the Striploin.

There was also a Seafood Orzo Pasta prepared in a Cheese Wheel, which was a crowd favourite during our visit.

The Grill & Stove station featured items such as Homemade Chicken Satay, Slow-Cooked Wagyu Beef Cheek, Turkish-Style Chicken, Tiger Prawns A La Plancha, Lebanese-Style Lamb Chop, and a Festive Sourdough Pizza of the Day. There were a few misses for us here, but the Tiger Prawns were grilled just right.

Local Favourites continue to be a key element for the restaurant, with the Local & Chinese and Indian stations serving dishes such as Stir Fry Mala Pork, Steamed Fish with Crispy Taucheo, Stir Fry Chow Mein, Naan Bread, Paneer Butter Masala and Andhra Pepper Chicken. Do note that the items at these stations rotate regularly.

For diners craving quintessential comfort bowls, the chefs at the Live Station can prepare Prawn Noodles and Laksa on the spot. Alternatively, the Roast Station offers Chicken Rice with a selection of roasted meats and all the classic accompaniments.

Bread and Cheese lovers can check out the variety available.

The Dessert section features a mix of festive treats and the cafe’s signature dishes. The logcakes were delightful, with options such as the light Tahitian Vanilla & Caramel Pear and the richer Cherry & Chestnut Hukambi 53%.

Other Christmas-themed Sweets include Traditional Minced Fruit Pie, Oaty Granola Tart and Spiced Christmas Cookies. Chocolate lovers should try the Festive Cranberry Chocolate Pudding, which was indulgent but not overly sweet.

For familiar favourites, the Signature Durian Pengat, Signature Mango Cake and a Chocolate Fountain with condiments remain popular choices.

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 Orchard Cafe
Lobby
442 Orchard Road
Singapore 238879
Tel: +65 67396565
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Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 2.30pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to Wheelock Place. Walk to traffic junction of Orchard Road and Angullia Park. Cross the road to Royal Thai Embassy. Turn left and continue down Orchard Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Boon Tong Kee @ River Valley Road - Heritage Cantonese Chicken Rice & Zi Char Delights

Boon Tong Kee is a household name in Singapore since 1979, recognised as a heritage brand for Cantonese-style Chicken Rice. Over the years, it has expanded beyond a humble chicken rice shop into a full-fledged zi char–style Cantonese restaurant, offering a wide selection of comforting dishes alongside its signature chicken rice.

Signature Boiled Chicken 4.5/5

I visited the River Valley branch, and of course, we had to order their Signature Boiled Chicken ($19 for half). The chicken was poached perfectly to tenderness with a beautiful layer of gelatinous skin. These days, most poached chickens are dunked in an ice bath to achieve that silky jelly-like layer. To avoid serving it icy cold, I noticed the kitchen gives the chicken a quick rinse in hot water before serving, so it arrives warm at the table.

The staff then drizzle soy sauce over the chicken, enhancing its savoury depth. The rice was fluffy and fragrant, while the chilli sauce packed a spicy, tangy punch, precisely what you want for a satisfying plate of chicken rice. It’s easy to see why Boon Tong Kee remains one of the most recognised names for chicken rice in Singapore, with the Balestier flagship even earning a spot in the Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand.

Fried Bean Sprouts with Salted Fish 4.2/5

Fried French Bean with Spicy XO Sauce 4.2/5

To complement the chicken rice, we ordered a couple of zi char dishes. The Fried Bean Sprouts with Salted Fish ($14) was stir-fried to a lovely crunch, with the salted fish adding a punch of umami depth. The Fried French Bean with Spicy XO Sauce ($18) was equally well executed. The beans remained crunchy and were coated in a savoury, spicy XO sauce that added layers of flavour.

Crispy Beancurd 4.5/5

A perennial favourite at Boon Tong Kee is the Crispy Beancurd ($12). Deep-fried to a perfect golden brown, the tofu is crisp on the outside while luxuriously silky within. It’s served with a wasabi mayonnaise dipping sauce, which adds a pleasant tang and slight heat that beautifully lift the dish.

Fried Threadfin in Superior Sauce 4.2/5

The Fried Threadfin in Superior Sauce (market price) was another highlight. The fish was deep-fried to a crisp skin while the flesh remained moist and tender. The superior sauce was the soul of the dish — rich, aromatic, and enhancing the natural sweetness of the fish.

Crispy Cereal Prawn 4.8/5

A favourite of ours was the Crispy Cereal Prawn ($49.80). The prawns were large and deep-fried to a delightful crispness; even the shell was edible. The meat was sweet, firm, and bouncy, coated in a sweet-savoury cereal mix infused with salted egg and aromatic curry leaves. Each bite was addictive and indulgent, a dish that truly stood out among the spread.

Overall, Boon Tong Kee continues to deliver consistent quality across its classic Cantonese offerings. Whether it’s for their signature chicken rice or a comforting zi char meal with family and friends, the restaurant remains a trusted name in Singapore’s dining scene. It is a true testament to its enduring legacy since 1979.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Boon Tong Kee
425 River Valley Road
Singapore 248324
Tel: +65 6736 3213
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Nearest MRT: Great World (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 5pm - 915pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Great World MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to bus stop at The Cosmopolitan (Stop ID 13079). Take bus number 32 and 139. Alight 1 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]