Dakga @ Duxton Road - First And Only Chicken-Centric Korean Barbecue Restaurant In Singapore

Dakga at Duxton Road is Singapore's first and only chicken-centric Korean barbecue restaurant. Unlike other Korean barbecue places, Dakga offers farm-fresh chicken straight from the coop to the table. You can also enjoy different parts of the poultry on the grill.

Chicken Heart and Gizzard

I am a fan of chicken innards, so I am glad I can get Chicken Heart ($13/100g) and Gizzard ($13/120g) at Dakga. It is also the first time having them on the grill.

Chicken Oyster

One of the juiciest parts of the chicken is the Chicken Oyster ($24 for 6pc). It is considered one of the tastiest parts of the chicken, just behind near the thigh area.

Boneless Neck Meat

The most prized cut of the chicken has to be the Boneless Neck Meat ($28 for 150g). Unfortunately, only limited qualities are available each day. As you can imagine, a chicken only has a neck, and there is not a lot of meat around. After grilling, it has a delightfu l crunchy texture.

Marinated Bone in Thigh ($28 for 400g)

Another favourite among the different cuts of the chicken is the Marinated Bone In Thigh ($28 for 400g). It is marinated in a house-blend seasoning, lifting the taste profile.

  Kimchi Pancake 3/5

There are several sides to complement the barbeque experience, each carefully crafted to match the flavour of the chicken. Firing up the appetite is the sour and spicy Kimchi Pancake ($16), which is a bit too doughy for my liking.

Curry Fried Chicken 4/5

The Curry Fried Chicken ($22 for 3 pc) is a delightful side seasoned with curry powder and coated in crisp. I recommend dunking this into the cheese fondue for accentuated enjoyment.

Old School Lunch Box 4.5/5

If you are still not full, you can fill up with the Old School Lunch Box ($10) which consists of fluffy rice, Korean chicken spam, sunny side up, myeoichi-bokkeum (stir-fried anchoivies) and kimchi. You can suppose to close the lid and give it a good shake to mix everything together.

Dakga takes pride in capturing that same simple and comforting element of Korean dining by reinventing dakgalbi in its unique interpretation – through prized chicken offerings and colourful sides for an authentic Korean chicken BBQ experience. In addition, diners get free cheese fondue with nachos/tortillas with $50 minimum spend on food.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


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Dakga
17 Duxton Road
Singapore 089483
Tel: +65 89112487
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Nearest MRT: Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 6pm - 1155pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Cross the road and walk down Duxton Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

The Hainan Story Coffee House @ Nex - Opens First Coffee House Concept In Serangoon

The Hainan Story has launched its fourth location in the heartlands of Serangoon at NEX Shopping Mall. It is also their first-ever coffeehouse concept - The Hainan Story Coffee House that will serve a selection of new exclusive dishes alongside classic favourites.

Hainanese Ah Mai’s Chee Cheong Fun 4/5

The Hainanese Ah Mai's Chee Cheong Fun ($7.80) features smooth rice rolls drenched in a spicy, savoury blend of four sauces: chee cheong fun, rojak, green chilli as well as light soya sauce. It also comes with fishballs and crispy wanton.

Hainanese Pig’s Trotter Assam Curry Noodle 4/5

The Hainanese Pig's Trotter Assam Curry Noodle ($9.80) consists of tender pork trotter, fish cake, hard-boiled egg, and yellow noodles in a sour-spicy assam curry gravy. It has a tangy, full-bodied flavour with subtle spicy notes.

Childhood Fried Chicken Wing 3.8/5

The Childhood Fried Chicken Wing ($2.80/pc) boosts tender and juicy meat. They were pretty standard, though I wished the wings could be meatier.

Hae Bee Hiam Spaghetti 4.2/5

Another must-try dish is the Hae Bee Hiam Spaghetti with Hainanese Fried Pork Cutlet ($12.80). A fusion pasta for those who are a fan of the Hae Bee Hiam (Dried Shrimps Spicy Sambal), the flavour was pronounced and aromatic. The spice level was also intense enough to give that fiery kick.

Classic Pandan Waffles 4.2/5

Dessert options include the Classic Pandan Waffles (from $2.20), which can be paired with sweet toppings like gula melaka kaya, nutella, honey butter, and even savoury flavours like avocado egg mayo. We opted to go with the gula melaka kaya, which was not too sweet and had a delicious gula melaka fragrance. The waffle itself also has the perfect fluffiness with subtle pandan notes.

Words and photos 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 Hainan Story Coffee House
Nex
23 Serangoon Central
#02-17
Singapore 556083
Tel: +65 97835757
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Website
Nearest MRT: Serangoon (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 8am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Serangoon MRT station. Take Exit B, E, G & H. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Pang's Hakka Noodles @ Sprout Hub (Henderson Road) - Traditional Hakka Food By Ex-Antoinette Chef

I have known Chef Pang back in the dates at Antoinette. After the closing of Antoinette, he has moved on to open Pang's Hakka Noodles, from a restaurateur to being a hawker. I recently paid a visit to his stall at Sprout Hub at Henderson Road.

Hakka Noodles with Scholar Soup 4.2/5

I had the Hakka Noodles with Scholar Soup ($5.50) which comes with a bowl of soup on the side that consists of radish, fishball, pig's liver, minced pork and pork slices. The tale has it that Hakka mothers during the ancient Qing Dynasty dish cooked the dish for their children taking the imperial exam. It even comes with three cuts of pork, symbolising the top three places in the imperial exam. The highlight to me is the noodle texture that has a delightful bite tossed in a homemade minced pork sauce, and crispy pork lards.

Hakka Red Wine Chicken Noodle Soup with Egg 4/5

On the menu, a traditional Hakka dish is the Hakka Red Wine Chicken Noodle Soup with Egg ($8). The red wine broth is not as strong, making it more drinkable. On top of the soft and silky mee sua, the bowl of slurping goodness comes with black fungus, tau kwa, tau kee, egg and chicken.

Hakka Fried Wings 4/5

To complete the meal, you can add on the Hakka Fried Wings ($4 for 2pc) marinated in fermented red beancurd. What sets the chicken wings apart is that extra crunch that is extremely crispy.

Hakka Braised Pork Rice 3.8/5

Chef Pang has also recently launched the Hakka Braised Pork Rice ($7), which comes with braised pork belly, braised tau kwa, braised egg and salted vegetable. The braised sauce is on the sweeter side, which is tasty when mixed with the fluffy white rice. I only wish the braised meat could be fatter.

I am glad to see Chef Pang holding the torch for traditional Hakka food. It is a cuisine that is not commonly available nowadays. Furthermore, the tasty food is reasonably priced, allowing more people to try traditional Hakka cuisine.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


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Pang's Hakka Noodles
Sprout Hub
102 Henderson Road
Singapore 159562
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Nearest MRT: Tiong Bahru (EW Line), Redhill (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon, Wed-Fri: 9am - 3pm
Sat: 11am - 4pm
Sun: 9am - 4pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Redhill MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Redhill MRT station (Stop ID 10209). Take bus number 132 or 145. Alight 4 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 14 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tiong Bahru MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite Tiong Bahru MRT station (Stop ID 10161). Take bus number 16 or 851. Alight 3 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Binary @ Palais Renaissance - New Gastrobar Featuring Asian And Western Cuisines

Newly opened at Palais Renaissance is Binary, a gastrobar that offers both Asian and Western cuisines complemented by a remarkable selection of 60 wine labels and cocktails. The menu allows guests to choose from two culinary approaches or enjoy both styles on the same plate.

Home-made Kubaneh Bread 4.5/5

A crowd favourite with almost every diners that I know that has visited the gastrobar is the Home-made Kubaneh Bread ($14) served with garlic butter and kombu butter. The Jewish Yemeni pull-apart bread is so soft and fluffy that is addictive so good with the butter pairing. 

Tomato Bruschetta 3/5

The other bread item on the menu is the Tomato Bruschetta ($14) served with fresh tomato concasse and sour plum infused tomatoes. Tomato is served two ways incorporating both Asian and Western flavours. It is enjoyable but not something extraordinary.

Deep-fried Burrata 

It is my first time having a Deep-fried Burrata ($18). The whole burrata is coated in panko and deep-fried. It is paired with pesto alla genovese. It may be an interesting idea, but I didn't find it helps elevate the enjoyment. I still prefer the burrata in its original form.

Chicken Wings 4.5/5

I adore the "Nasi Lemak" style Chicken Wings ($18) served with sambal tumis. It is very flavourful and aromatic from the various spices marination. The accompanying sambal tumis is an excellent pairing for the delicious chicken wings.

Tiger Prawns 4.5/5

A beautiful dish on the menu is the classic Spanish tapas, Gambas Al Ajillo. The bouncy and crunchy tiger prawns are sauteed in olive oil, garlic, chilli flakes, parsley, lemon juice and white wine.

Octopus 4.5/5

The Grilled Octopus in Lao Gan Ma Chilli is a unique dish on the menu. It is an interesting combination that works for me. I have tried a local take using sambal, but Lao Gan Ma Chilli's version is even better.

Iberico Pluma 4.5/5

The Iberico Pluma ($38) is marinated with Korean Gochujang, served with fresh green coral lettuce, ssamjang sauce, chopped kimchi and sea salt. The best way to enjoy the tender meat is to eat it like a wrap, wrapping it with lettuce.

10 Veg Chopped Salad

Parmesan Bacon Cauliflower

You can also order some sides to go along with your mains such, as 10 Veg Chopped Salad ($14) and Parmesan Bacon Flower ($14).

Ice Jelly, Yuzu Sorbet

Warm Homemade Fudgey Brownie, Vanilla Ice Cream

Ending the night on a sweet note, we have the Ice Jelly, Yuzu Sorbet ($16) and Warm Homemade Fudgey Brownie, Vanilla Ice Cream ($16). I prefer the Aiyu Jelly as it is sweet and refreshing.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Binary
Palais Renaissance
390 Orchard Road
#01-01A
Singapore 238871
Tel: +65 93630101
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Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 1030pm

Direction:
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 8 minutes.  [Map]

JU95 @ Boat Quay - A Modern Izakaya Restaurant By A Talented Young Chef

JU95 is a modern izakaya restaurant located at Boat Quay opened for about 3 months. From what I understand, the kitchen is helmed by Chef Louis who supposed to follow a 2 Michelin starred chef to Belgium which was put off due to the pandemic.

Parfait Ju 4.2/5

The Parfait Ju ($15) gives me a glimpse of what the restaurant meant by modern izakaya. The finesse of how the chef beautifully laid the fermented mushroom on a bed of chicken liver paste on top of the koji sable cookies is both stunning in taste and sight.

Stuffed Chicken Wing 4.2/5

The next dish is Stuffed Chicken Wing ($18). It is a lavish take stuffed with foie gras paired with mala dip, unlike the usual.

Hay Smoked Hamachi 4.5/5

Another impressive dish is the Hay Smoked Hamachi ($25). The fresh hamachi is infused with a hint of smokiness paired with padron peppers and leek. The accompanying sweet and sour berry sauce brightens up the enjoyment.

Cold Angel Hair 4.2/5

For some carbo intake, diners can go for the Cold Angel Hair ($24) topped with scallop tartare, truffle, ikura and avruga caviar. Served chilli, the refreshing goodness can be further complemented with the creaminess of Hokkaido uni for an additional $18.

Grilled Baby Squid Donabe 4.8/5

The highlight for the night has to be the Grilled Baby Squid Donabe ($45). The treasure pot comprises seaweed schmaltz, mushroom and ikura. Give it a good toss, and the aroma will hit your senses, followed by complex yet flavoursome flavours from the different ingredients.

Ice Cream Sandwich 4.5/5

I do not have a sweet tooth, but I highly recommend saving space for the Ice Cream Sandwich ($10). Sandwiched between the biscuity shells are sweetened sour cream instead of ice cream, sake soaked cherry and garnished with rose petals. The play of flavours and textures is a unique take of the traditional ice cream sandwich.

I am impressed with the food at Ju95. The dishes I tried are creative and tasty with touches of finesse, giving a modern take of traditional izakaya. Ju95 is one of the best restaurants I have eaten this year, and I recommend you check it out.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Ju95
41 Boat Quay
Singapore 049830
Facebook
Website
Tel: +65 82012737
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Thu-Fri, Sun: 12pm - 2pm (lunch)
Tue-Sun: 6pm - 1030pm (dinner)

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk towards the river. Turn left and walk along the river bank. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Atico Lounge @ ION Orchard - Soar To New Height & Take Flight Into Singapore's Newest Sky-High Lifestyle Landmark

The opening of Atico Lounge marks the completion of 1-ATICO. This luxe multi-concept destination sits on level 56 of ION Orchard. The third and final instalment, Atico Lounge, complements its sister concepts of contemporary "fire-in-the-sky" Argentinian restaurant FIRE and Japanese-Peruvian influenced sumiyaki bar and grill FLNT.

With the golden age of air travel and fine drinking as the backdrop, you will find here an extensively curated list of champagnes and wine labels from across the globe and a bar stocked with craft spirits and liqueurs. But what makes the lists far more intriguing is the collection of cocktails inspired by key getaway destinations around the world. Crafted from artisanal spirits and house-made ingredients, every iconic cocktail tells a story about its place of origin - Japan, United Kingdom, Italy and France, with a series of five cocktail options available from each destination.

Mirukuūron

From Japan, cocktails bind the essence of the Japanese spirit of tradition and ritual with innovative touches. For example, Mirukuūron combines shiso leaves with milk oolong gin and garnished with a representative stalk of hanahao flowers. It's an easy yet intriguing drink to start any conversation of the evening.

Boulevardier

For something much bolder and darker, it would be going back to the classics in the1920s Paris - the Boulevardier, a spirit-forward drink composed of bourbon, Campari and vermouth.

Apollonia

My favourite of the evening was the tiki-style Apollonia, belonging to the destination Italy. Concocted with Spiced Rum, Fernet Branca and fresh pineapple, it was tangy, herbaceous, warm and rich with nuances of sweet spices.

Aviation

We also had another classic Aviation cocktail derived from the United Kingdom. A gin-based cocktail imbued with Crème De Violette. Pretty and mild-looking in pink, but it's pretty potent!

Fleur Du Ciel

The rooftop lounge bar also launches this month with a "travelling" cocktail program inspired by key getaway destinations around the world and monthly guest shifts with local bartenders, such as its upcoming collaboration with The Bar at 15 Stamford on 20 May 2021. That also gives us one of the most delightful drinks of the evening - Fleur Du Ciel, which sets itself apart with a layer of elusive floral notes and flavour. It may look very much like a lady's drink, but it has a good level of strength, allowing one to sip and savour it slowly.

Deep-fried Crumbed Ebi

Edamame

Crispy Chicken Winglets

The gourmet bar bites are from FIRE's culinary team. The simple plate of Edamame with an umami seasoning was extremely moreish. Our Deep-Fried Crumbed Ebi was well done with a succulent ebi wrapped within a crispy crust, and the Crispy Chicken Winglets didn't disappoint with their golden-browned crispy skin and juicy meat.

Hand-cut Shoestring Fries

Another crowd-pleasing bite is the 1-ATICO’s Hand-Cut Shoestring Fries that comes served with truffle mayo and a chilli lime leaf dipping sauce. You can choose from a few Japanese spices such as wasabi-lime, chilli-furikake, Japanese curry and truffle kombu.

Argentinian Beef Burger 4/5, Chicken Karaage Burger 3.5/5

For heartier items, the signature 1-ATICO burgers with a choice of Argentinian Beef, Chicken Karaage and a Smoked Salmon ($24 each) bagel burger. I like the Argentinian Beef Burger. Although some parts of the patty was on the dry side, the flavours lent from the caramelised onions and the fruity Piquillo sauce worked were on point. They worked well with the beef patty.

Smoked Salmon Bagel Burger 3/5

As for the Smoked Salmon Bagel Burger, as much as the flavours were there, it fared better as a simple breakfast sandwich.

Each month starting from April, ATICO Lounge will organise pop-ups where collaborators will present handcrafted cocktails intended to transport guests to far-flung destinations. All cocktails are at $20++ each. Bookings can be made online via www.1-atico.sg/atico-lounge.

Photos and words by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Atico Lounge
1-Atico ION Orchard
2 Orchard Turn
Level 56
Singapore 238801
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]