SanSara @ Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel - Discover Awadhi Cuisine with Influences from North India

It's been a year since SanSara joined the lineup of Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel restaurants, showcasing the best of Awadhi cuisine with influences from North India.

Non-Vegetarian Set Menu 4/5

It is celebrating this special milestone with a limited-time 'A Regal Lucknowi Feast' available from 4 to 17 October and 11 to 30 November 2024. The feast is available in both non-vegetarian and vegetarian options.

Murgh Badami Shorba

Our Non-Vegetarian Menu ($78 per pax) began with Murgh Badami Shorba, a hearty chicken broth. Its garlicky and peppery undertones were reminiscent of a well-seasoned bak kut teh.

Murgh Jahan-ara, Jhinga Dum Nisha

For appetisers, we were treated to the Murgh Jahan-ara, a tender chicken dish richly marinated in a saffron-spiced yoghurt, blending garlic, green chilli, and cardamom powder for a well-balanced flavour.

Alongside, the Jhinga Dum Nisha, a grilled tiger prawn, boasted a subtly spiced cardamom profile with an additional peppery kick. The tangy yoghurt dressings enhanced both dishes with a refreshing contrast.

Main Course

The Main Course featured a fun spread of four distinctive curries served with fluffy basmati rice. These included Murgh Rezala, a creamy chicken curry with mint and almonds, and Gosht Shahi Pasanda, a fragrant lamb curry featuring Mathania chilli and garam masala.

The Dhuandhar Dum Aloo had baby potatoes simmered in a buttery yoghurt sauce, while the Nawabi Dal had yellow lentil curry with saffron and cream.

Sheermal Roti, Warqi Paratha

Accompanying the curries were two types of freshly made bread - Sheermal Roti and Warqi Paratha. They were crisp and flaky, perfect for scooping up the rich curries. Our table quickly polished off the basket.

Chawal Gulab Ka Kheer

The dessert was Chawal Gulab Ka Kheer, a rose-scented rice pudding topped with cashews, pistachios, and almonds. While the combination of fragrant rose petals and nuts was intriguing, the dish felt a bit heavy after the indulgent meal. I personally would prefer a lighter dessert to complement.

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.


SanSara
Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Singapore
392 Havelock Road
Singapore 169663
Tel: +65 6233 1338
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Nearest MRT: Havelock (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Havelock MRT station. Take Exit 4. Turn left and walk to traffic junction of Havelock Road and Kim Seng Road. Cross the road. Turn left and walk down Kim Seng Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

POCHA! Korean Street Dining @ Compass One - Launches 1-Metre Korean Street Food Platter

POCHA! Korean Street Dining has always been a go-to spot for those seeking authentic and flavourful Korean street food. This time, they've taken it up a notch with the launch of their 1-Metre Korean Street Food Platter - a feast of eight different items, designed to transport you to the bustling street markets of Korea.

Seafood Pancake and Krispy Chunks 3.5/5

Sindang Tteokbokki 3/5, Eomuk 3/5 and Kimari 3.5/5

Kimchi Mandu, Corn Dog and Rice Balls 2.8/5

The 1-Metre Korean Street Food Platter ($34.90) presents a mix of hits and misses. While the Kimari, Seafood Pancake, and Krispy Chunks stood out with their rich flavours and delightful textures, some items could have been more enjoyable if served hotter. Despite this, the platter remains an excellent option for sharing between 2 to 3 people, offering a satisfying variety of street food favourites.

Fried Chicken Stir Fry Spicy Shin Ramyeon 3/5

Cheese & Bacon Stir Fry Spicy Shin Ramyeon 4/5

The Fried Chicken Stir Fry Spicy Shin Ramyeon ($13.90) pairs a crispy chicken cutlet with stir-fried Shin Ramyeon, delivering a satisfying kick of spice. While the heat is spot on, the dish falls short in creativity, tasting more ordinary than expected.

The Cheese & Bacon Stir Fry Spicy Shin Ramyeon ($13.90) stands out with its rich, creamy texture, thanks to the addition of bacon, mushrooms, and cheese. Though the spice level is mild, the flavour profile is incredibly satisfying, making it our favourite.

Sindang-Dong Tteokbokki 4/5

With the added cheese topping, their signature Sindang-Dong Tteokbokki ($11.90) comes highly recommended. The sauce is packed with flavour, and the tteokbokki has just the right amount of chewiness, making it a comforting dish for any Korean street food lover.

Ganjang-Gejang 3/5

We ventured to try the Ganjang-Gejang ($15.90 per piece, 2 for $26.90, 3 for $33.90), a raw marinated crab dish. The crabs are soaked in a homemade soy sauce, giving them a jelly-like, unique texture. While slightly salty, the dish offers an intriguing flavour experience.

The new dishes are available at all POCHA! outlets.

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


POCHA! Korean Street Dining
Compass One
#02-42
1 Sengkang Square
Singapore 545078
Tel: +65 98516240
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Nearest MRT: Sengkang (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

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

Tiffin Room @ Raffles Hotel Singapore - Celebrates The Rich Traditions Of The Festival of Lights

From 20 October to 3 November 2024, Tiffin Room at Raffles Hotel Singapore celebrates the Festival of Lights with a special Diwali set menu curated by award-winning Chef de Cuisine Kuldeep Negi. The menu showcases a vibrant array of dishes that represent the diverse flavours of India, spanning from the North to the South, East to West. Complementing the culinary experience, Raffles' resident sommeliers have curated a selection of alcoholic beverages to pair with the meal.

Makai Matar Chaat 4/5

The meal commenced with two appetizers. From West India came the Makai Matar Chaat, a delightful medley of sweet corn, green peas, onions, and tomatoes, brought to life with tangy tamarind and herbaceous mint chutneys.

Khumani Mugh Kebab 5/5

Next was the Khumani Mugh Kebab, a tandoor-grilled chicken leg from Uttar Pradesh in North India, tender and rich in spices with a smoky finish, served alongside refreshing yoghurt rice for balance.

For the mains, the dishes were served in the Tiffin Room's signature tiffin boxes, accompanied by an assortment of Garlic Naan, Butter Naan, and the moreish Kashmiri Naan. Nutty and sweet-savoury with pistachios and cranberries, the Kashmiri naan was the perfect pairing for the flavourful curries.

Murgh E Lazeez 4.5/5

The main courses featured regional specialities. From Hyderabad came Murgh E Lazeez, a stuffed chicken breast in a light, well-balanced gravy of onion, chilli, tomato, and cashew nuts. The chicken was tender and infused with the aromatic stuffing.

Erachi Ularthu 4.5/5

Next was Erachi Ularthu, a Keralan-inspired lamb chop stir-fry with caramelized onions, coconut, fennel seeds, and curry leaves. The rich and onion-sweet gravy paired harmoniously with the tender lamb.

Kadhai Lobster 4.2/5

Kadhai Lobster, inspired by Punjabi cuisine, featured a robust tomato curry infused with bell peppers and coriander. Although slightly salty, the lobster was succulent and satisfying.

Moradabadi Fish Biryani 4/5

The Moradabadi Fish Biryani, a take on the biryani from Uttar Pradesh, presented slices of fried pomfret fish buried in fragrant rice, garnished with mint and coriander. While delectable, the version from last year, featuring fresh tomatoes, was preferred for its simplicity and enhanced the rice's flavour.

Diwali Sweets 4.5/5

Dessert was a well-balanced trio of traditional Diwali Sweets paired exquisitely with 1985 Dalva Port wine. The Akhrot Halwa was a sweet, nutty indulgence made from walnut pudding with mixed nuts. The Kaju Strawberry Katli, a slightly creamy cashew fudge blended with strawberries, offered a Southern Indian twist, while the Besan Till Burfi, a chickpea flour and coconut confection, delighted with its comforting sweet finish.

The Diwali dining experience will be available for lunch and dinner in both non-vegetarian (S$122++ per guest) and vegetarian (S$110++ per guest) options from 20 October to 3 November 2024, with a wine pairing option to elevate the dining experience (S$88++ per guest).

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.


Tiffin Room
Raffles Hotel
1 Beach Road
Singapore 189673
Tel: +65 63371886
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Lunch: 12pm - 130pm
Dinner: 630pm - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Junction of North Bridge Road and Bras Basah Road. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit F. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Aburi-EN @ Shaw House - New Izakaya Menu with Each Dish Priced Below $10

Aburi-EN has recently expanded its offerings with a brand-new Izakaya Menu, available across most of its outlets islandwide. Known for their range of donburi bowls, this Aburi-EN has recently expanded its offerings with a brand-new Izakaya Menu, available islandwide across most of its outlets. Known for its range of donburi bowls, this new addition brings a variety of meats, vegetables, and seafood, all priced under $10.

From 5pm daily, diners can enjoy their meal with a 1-for-1 Classic Highball or Asahi Beer promotion.

Pork Gyoza 3.8/5

We began our meal with the Pork Gyoza ($6.90 for 5 Pcs). The gyozas were filled with juicy and well-seasoned meat, though I would have preferred them with a little more crisp.

Sweet Corn with Butter Shoyu 3.5/5

Next up was the Sweet Corn with Butter Shoyu ($4.90). While the corn was slightly dry but still well-seasoned, bathed in a savoury blend of butter and soy sauce.

Mehikari Karaage 3/5

The Mehikari Karaage ($8.90), featuring deep-fried green eyes fish served with mayonnaise and shichimi, could have benefited from a crunchier texture. The flavour was decent but didn't quite hit the mark for me.

Crab Cream Croquette 3.5/5

The Crab Cream Croquette ($6.90) had a creamy, oozy centre and a crunchy exterior. Served with tartar sauce, these croquettes were enjoyable, though we were hoping for a stronger seafood flavour in the filling.

Hokkaido Buta Bara Asparagus Kushiyaki 4/5

One of my two favourites from the evening was the Hokkaido Buta Bara Asparagus Kushiyaki ($6.90). This dish featured crunchy asparagus wrapped in juicy pork belly, grilled, and glazed with a savoury seasoning.

Sumibi Chicken Yaki 4/5

My second favourite was the Sumibi Chicken Yaki (available at $5.50 for half and $9.90 for full). The charcoal-grilled chicken chunks were succulent and paired harmoniously with a bright and spiced yuzu paste, adding a refreshing citrusy kick to each bite.

Surume Ika Ponzu 4/5

Lastly, we tried the Surume Ika Ponzu ($9.90), a dish of grilled squid in ponzu sauce. While I wished the squid was less salty and offered in a larger portion, it was tender and had a satisfying fresh crunch.

Overall, the grilled items stood out the most during our meal. Currently, the Izakaya Menu is available at several Aburi-EN outlets, except for Jem and Paragon, where it has yet to be introduced.

Those interested in the full menu can visit Aburi-EN locations at Causeway Point, Chinatown Point, Guoco Tower, Isetan Scotts, Junction 8, NEX, and Tampines 1. A slightly adapted menu, excluding the Hokkaido Buta Bara Asparagus Kushiyaki and Kinoko Itame, will be available at Changi City Point, Jewel Changi Airport, Orchard Central, Suntec City, and VivoCity.

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.


Aburi-EN
Shaw House
350 Orchard Road
#01-K1
Singapore 238868
Tel: +65 6235 7616
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Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alightat Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Take the underpass and walk to Shaw House. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

VK Mess South Indian Feast @ Race Course Road - Bringing the Flavours and Lively Vibes of Traditional South Indian Mess to Singapore

VK MESS South Indian Feast, located on Race Course Road, is a newly opened restaurant serving authentic South Indian cuisine. Chef-owner Titus, who has a background honed in fine-dining restaurants both locally and abroad, has returned to his roots. After a pilgrimage to India to immerse himself in regional dishes, Chef Titus aims to bring the flavours and lively vibes of a traditional South Indian mess to Singapore.

The Ultimate Virundhu 5/5

The menu at VK Mess is carefully curated to highlight its specialities. To get an idea of their offerings, we tried the Deluxe Set ($55/2 pax) of The Ultimate Virundhu. This set includes more than 12 dishes: White Rice, Lamb Chukka/Curry, Chicken Uppukari/Curry, Prawn Sambal, Spanish Mackerel Fry, Chicken/Fish 65, Egg, Samba, Rasam, Mooru, Papadam, and three vegetables. We also sampled a few additional items.

Our deluxe set was elevated with coconut ghee rice, available only on selected days. The rice, infused with lamb stock and rose water, had a fluffy texture with delightful bites from crushed cashews. Slightly coconutty and accented with spices, especially cardamom, the plump raisins added a burst of sweetness that countered the savoury flavours of the surrounding dishes.

Shredded Shark Stir-fry

The dishes are on a rotational basis. One standout was the Shredded Shark Stir-fry. It had a flossy texture, and as exotic as it sounds, it had a bite reminiscent of Hei Bi Ham - moreish but more spice-forward rather than heat; it was definitely a memorable experience for me.

Lamb Chukka

Chicken Uppukari

The Lamb Chukka and Chicken Uppukari were also noteworthy. Lamb Chukka was a dry curry with morsels stir-fried until dry with spices and aromatics, allowing the curry to cling to each piece. The chicken uppukari was delectable with tender meat.

Prawn Sambal with Quail Eggs

A favourite was the Prawn Sambal with Quail Eggs. The prawns were succulent and finger-licking good with a nice amount of spice, and the quail eggs were perfectly cooked. Another notable item was the Fish Curry. Infused with tamarind, it added an appetising acidity to the meal.

Balancing the platter's flavours were the lightness and sweetness of the vegetables, comprising stewed cabbage, pumpkins, and long beans. The Dahl was delicious too. The vegetarian set offered here is also worth checking out.

Chicken 65 4.5/5

The set includes a side bite, Chicken 65. Despite its deep colour, the meat was surprisingly tender and not overly seasoned, allowing the spices and aromatics to shine.

Whole Lamb Shank Masala 4.5/5

VK Mess prides itself on its signature Whole Lamb Shank Masala ($18 ala carte/ $13 with set). Brined for 72 hours and then cooked in a pressure cooker, the meat easily fell off the bone and was succulent. The robust masala gravy made it even more satisfying.

Black Moon 5/5

The quality of the spices is crucial in determining the flavours of the dishes. The owner sources his spices from the mountains of Kolli Hills. Cardamom is commonly used both in coconut ghee rice and desserts. Be sure to try the Black Moon, which is made with black rice imported from India. Served with a sago crisp dotted with rose gel, reflecting the chef's fine dining background, this dessert showcased the art of flavour balance. Interestingly, the first taste was delightfully salty, enhancing both the coconut and black rice flavours. Shredded coconut mixed into the rice pudding added a delectable bite. It concluded my meal perfectly.

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.


VK MESS South Indian Feast
42 Race Course Road
Singapore 218557
Tel: +65 94711706
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Nearest MRT: Little India (DT, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 1130am - 10pm
(Closed on Mon)

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

Little Pond 小鱼塘 @ Holland Village - Sauerkraut Fish Hotpot and Prawn Pot Restaurant with Unlimited Drinks, Ice Cream and Condiments at $1/Pax

I’ve been curious about Little Pond (小鱼塘) after visiting the relatively new One Holland Village. The Chinese restaurant sits on the second floor, just next to Lau Wang Claypot.

The restaurant was filled with a constant stream of diners on a weekday night. Little Pond specialises in Golden Sauerkraut Fish (酸菜鱼) and Fried Prawn dishes available in different flavours.

For $1 per person, you get unlimited drinks, ice cream, condiments, and sauces.

A special mention to their drinks - apart from the typical sweet cold beverages, they offer healthier customisable drinks using a range of tea ingredients, such as Jasmine Tea, Rock Sugar, Chrysanthemum Flowers, and more.

Golden Sauerkraut Fish 4/5

What differentiates Little Pond from other sauerkraut fish places is that their Golden Sauerkraut Fish ($39.90 for Small) can be enjoyed like a steamboat! After having the fish, you can opt for additional sides to cook in the soup afterwards.

The induction stove in the middle of each table will help keep your pot bubbling hot, and the service staff will assist in adding more broth along the way. While it may not be the best sauerkraut fish we've had, we liked the freshness and texture of the fish slices. We found it pretty value for money too. By default, the pot comes with slices of snakehead fish, cabbage, enoki mushrooms and tofu puffs. Note that the broth can get quite salty, especially after you've added additional ingredients.

For our ‘steamboat ingredients’, we had Sliced Chestnut Pork Neck Roll ($8.50), Mashed Shrimp Meat Paste ($7), 6 Sec Seaweed ($5), Cheerful Farm ($12), and Sweet Potato Noodle ($3.80).

I would skip the Sweet Potato Noodle next time, as the type they use disintegrates too quickly for my liking.

Signature Fragrant Spicy Prawn 4/5

Moving on to their Signature Fragrant Spicy Prawn ($49.90 for Small), it was a pity that even though the prawns were sizable and meaty, we found them overcooked. The prawn pot was a lot more oily but had good heat. It came with a bed of ingredients such as konjac, corn cobs, potato strips, lotus root, and more.

Cold Mixed Shredded Vegetables 4.2/5

If you're coming in a bigger group, try their starters too. We particularly enjoyed the Cold-Mixed Shredded Vegetables ($8) and Cold-Mixed Tofu and Dried Moss Vege ($6). The former had a mix of kelp, carrot, beancurd skin, peanuts, and more in a tangy seasoning.

Cold Mixed Tofu & Dried Moss Vege 4.2/5

On the other hand, the Cold Mixed Tofu & Dried Moss Vege ($6) had crunchy dried moss vegetables and slices of beancurd in a mild dressing.

Orlean Chicken Skewers 4/5

We also had the Orlean Chicken Skewers ($3.90 for 2 Sticks), which were seasoned well but slightly pricey.

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.


Little Pond
One Holland Village
#02-32
7 Holland Village Way
Singapore 275748
Tel: +65 8013 2050
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Nearest MRT: Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

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. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]