Issho Izakaya @ Marina One - Second Outlet with Lunch & Dinner Omakase Experiences from $68

Issho Izakaya has recently opened its second outlet at Marina One. In addition to their standard menu, this new outlet offers lunch and dinner omakase experiences, starting from $68, with options ranging from 8 to 11 courses.

Bonito Walnut

Homemade Tofu

We tried the 11+ course dinner omakase ($128), beginning with a trio of appetisers. The Bonito Walnut was crunchy and addictive with deep umami notes. The Homemade Tofu had a light, creamy mouthfeel, subtly flavoured with an aromatic corn sauce, which could have been less starchy.

Horse Mackerel with Seaweed Somen

The Horse Mackerel with Seaweed Somen brought an intriguing contrast of savoury crunch and briny strands of “seaweed noodles.” A touch of vinegar helped balance the brininess.

Sashimi 5/5

The Sashimi course was a highlight, featuring five indulgent belly cuts: Toro, Kanpachi Belly, Tai Belly, Kajiki Belly, and Salmon Belly, each unctuous with a lingering fullness.

Prawn Wanton in Black Vinegar 2.5/5

A local fusion touch came next with Prawn Wanton in Black Vinegar, reminiscent of chilli oil dumplings. The flavours were familiar and enjoyable, but the thick, slightly stiff wanton skin and the lack of a juicy filling were a letdown.

Tai 4.5/5

The Grilled Tai course delighted with its tender, flaky flesh and beautifully crispy scales. A squeeze of Japanese lime added a refreshing citrus lift.

Chilli Crab 4.5/5

Fusion continued into the Agemono course with their take on Chilli Crab, featuring fried soft-shell crab served alongside housemade chilli sauce and toast. The batter was light and airy, keeping the crab succulent. The sauce struck a delicate balance of sweetness and heat, making this dish a pleasant surprise.

Miyazaki A5 with Foie Gras Miso 3.5/5

The Miyazaki A5 with Foie Gras Miso followed. The desired beef flavour was there, but the texture and mouthfeel were slightly drier than expected. The accompanying grilled vegetables were full of flavour, and what I also loved about the dish was the savoury miso served at the side, which was infused with a subtle hint of foie gras funk that enhanced the flavour of the beef up a notch.

Cheese Kani 2.8/5

Instead of the usual temaki and rice course, we were served Cheese Kani and Beef Noodle with Clam Soup. The Cheese Kani, layered with gooey cheese, macaroni, and ikura, leaned indulgent but heavy, overshadowing the natural sweetness of the crab.

Beef Noodle 3.5/5

The Beef Noodle, a local interpretation of Japanese ingredients, was tasty, though a touch of grated yuzu zest could have brightened the richness and tied it more seamlessly to the overall theme. I reckon a less saucier Rice course would have given a much more cohesive flow of the omakase experience. The accompanying clam soup, while pleasant, could have carried more depth.

Dessert

Dessert was simple yet satisfying with sweet and juicy melon.

The fusion take on the omakase was refreshing and delivered a few standout dishes. That said, a stronger emphasis on seasonal ingredients, a more defined progression of courses, and greater refinement in execution would have elevated the experience into something truly memorable.

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.


Issho Izakaya
Marina One Show Gallery
West Tower
5 Straits View
#01-14
Singapore 018935
Tel: +65 6592 8876
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Nearest MRT: Shenton Way (TE Line), Marina Bay (CC, NS, TE Line), Downtown (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am – 3pm, 530pm – 10pm
Sat-Sun & PH: 11am – 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Shenton Way MRT station. Take Exit 1 or 5. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Marina Bay MRT station, Take Exit 1. Walk to Marina Way. Cross the road and walk to destination. [Map]

3) Alight at Downtown MRT station. Take Exit D or E. Walk to Straits View Road. Walk down Straits View Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Chatterbox Cafe @ Resorts World Sentosa - Chatterbox Opens Cafe Concept at Weave RWS with Signature Chicken Rice and Local Favourites

Chatterbox at Hilton Orchard Singapore is well known for its "most expensive chicken rice in Singapore". Now, it has expanded with a new concept, Chatterbox Cafe, at the new Weave Mall in Resorts World Sentosa, offering its signature Mandarin Chicken Rice along with a range of local delicacies, at a slightly more affordable price point, around $2 to $3 cheaper than its flagship location.

Grilled Satay 4/5

We kick-started the meal with the Grilled Satay ($15), available in both beef and chicken options. Grilled over binchotan, the skewers come with onions, cucumber, ketupat and a sweet-savoury peanut sauce. While the meat was well-marinated and tender, I would have preferred a deeper char for added smokiness. The highlight is undeniably the peanut sauce, which is nutty with a subtle tang from the addition of pineapple puree.

Sweet and Sour Kurobuta Pork 4.2/5

The Sweet and Sour Kurobuta Pork ($22) is a classic redefined. Premium pork is lightly battered, deep-fried, then wok-tossed in a bright, balanced sauce. I appreciated how the glaze didn’t lean overly sweet or sour, allowing the flavour of the pork to shine through without being masked by heavy batter.

Mandarin Chicken Rice 4.5/5

The star, of course, is the Mandarin Chicken Rice. While still premium-priced ($40 for half chicken, or $23 for an individual set), it remains one of the best-tasting plates of chicken rice you can find in Singapore. The rice is aromatic with chicken oil and pandan fragrance, while the poached chicken is juicy and succulent. The accompanying chilli sauce is fiery, zesty and ticks all the right boxes. It's a dish that justifies its reputation, even if the price may still divide opinions.

Chilli Crab

Another iconic local favourite is the Chilli Crab ($168 per portion), served with eight golden fried mantous for mopping up the luscious sauce. The portion is generous, best shared between two to three diners.

Stir Fried Prawn with Palm Sauce

The Stir Fried Prawn with Palm Sauce ($26) features large prawns glazed with caramelised palm sugar, delivering a bold, sweet-savoury depth with wok hei aroma.

Beef Hor Fun

The Beef Hor Fun is a comforting rendition, where velvety smooth rice noodles are infused with wok hei and paired with tender beef slices. Everything is brought together in a luscious black bean gravy that carries both smokiness and umami.

Sweet Platter 4/5

We ended on a sweet note with the Sweet Platter ($13), an assortment of Nyonya kuehs made fresh daily with recipes passed down through generations. These colourful treats not only satisfy the sweet tooth but also celebrate the rich culinary heritage of Singapore.

Overall, Chatterbox Cafe brings its signature Mandarin Chicken Rice and a curated selection of local favourites to Resorts World Sentosa at a more approachable price point. While still positioned as a premium offering compared to hawker fare, the quality of ingredients and execution make it a worthwhile option for those seeking elevated Singapore classics in a comfortable setting.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Chatterbox Cafe
Weave Mall
Resorts World Sentosa
26 Sentosa Gateway
#02-207
Singapore 098138
Tel: +65 9654 4611
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Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 330pm, 530pm - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit C or E. Walk to Vivocity Level 3 to Vivocity Monorail Station., Take Monrail to Sentosa. Alight at Resorts World Station. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Homm Dessert @ Resorts World Sentosa - Opens Second Outlet at Weave RWS with Exclusive DIshes

Melbourne-born Thai dessert café Homm Dessert has expanded beyond its first outlet at Raffles City, now opening its second branch at the new Weave Mall in Resorts World Sentosa. Known for their creative takes on Thai-inspired sweets, the RWS outlet introduces not only its signature bingsu and drinks but also a range of exclusive savoury and sweet offerings.

Cheese Top Thai Milk Tea, Cheese Top Taro Milk Tea 4.2/5

We started with the Cheese Top Thai Milk Tea ($6.80) and Cheese Top Taro Milk Tea ($7.80). Refreshing and not overly sweet, both drinks hit the spot on a hot day. The flavours were distinct and natural, without the artificial aftertaste sometimes found in flavoured teas.

Mango Soba Salad 4/5

One of the savoury exclusives at the RWS branch is the Mango Soba Salad ($16.80). The vibrant combination of soba, ripe mango, soft-boiled egg, avocado, chilli, coriander, and red onion makes this a light yet satisfying option. Tossed in a spicy dressing of fish sauce, chilli and lime juice, it delivered a punchy, zesty kick that tied everything together.

Thai Chilli Crab Linguine 4/5

Another exclusive is the Thai Chilli Crab Linguine ($22.80). The pasta is generously coated in a robust Thai chilli crab sauce made with lemongrass, shallots, garlic, candlenut and bird's eye chilli. While flavour-packed and fragrant, it leaned more towards sweet than spicy. The two crispy soft-shell crabs served alongside added extra indulgence and texture to the dish.

Mount Chendol 4/5

For desserts, the RWS-exclusive Mount Chendol ($18.80) is their creative spin on the beloved local treat. A fluffy coconut “snowflake ice” base is layered with jackfruit, pandan jelly, semi-smashed red beans, creamy corn, grass jelly and drizzles of gula melaka. It’s a fun, Thai-inspired take on chendol, or as it’s called there, “lod chong.”

Thai Milk Tea Avalanche Bingsu 4.5/5

Of course, no visit to Homm is complete without their signature Thai Milk Tea Avalanche Bingsu ($19.80). Using a blend of fragrant Thai tea leaves, the flavours are earthy yet smooth, never too tannic. The “avalanche” reveal is a playful touch, unveiling whipped cream cheese on Thai tea snowflake ice, gelato, and buttery sable crumbles. Served with Thai tea sauce, grass jelly, and condensed milk on the side, this is an indulgent dessert perfect for sharing.

Homm Dessert continues to impress with its creative interpretations of Thai classics. With the addition of exclusive savoury dishes at the new RWS outlet, it makes for a fun spot not just for desserts but also for a light meal.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Homm Dessert
Resorts World Sentosa
Weave Mall
26 Sentosa Gateway
#01-232
Singapore 098138
Tel: +65 6745 5323
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Website
Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 6pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit C or E. Walk to Vivocity Level 3 to Vivocity Monorail Station., Take Monrail to Sentosa. Alight at Resorts World Station. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

GU:UM @ Keong Saik - Contemporary Korean Steakhouse Launches Limited-Time Local-Inspired SG60 Menu

Helmed by Chef Louis Han of One Michelin-starred NAE:UM, GU:UM continues to impress with its contemporary take on Korean barbecue, spotlighting premium meats laced with Asian and Korean influences.

To celebrate SG60 and Singapore’s birthday, Chef Louis and his team have launched a limited-time SG60 Menu available till the end of August. This special offering showcases familiar local flavours creatively fused with traditional Korean ingredients and sauces, available either a la carte or as part of the GU:UM Sang Set Menu ($168 per pax), which includes both current signatures and SG60 exclusives. Diners ordering the set will also enjoy a complimentary cocktail during August.

For non-alcoholic pairings, we tried the Homemade Chung Fizz ($12), available in grapefruit or orange. The grapefruit version stood out with its crisp, refreshing finish and lighter sweetness.

Mandu Wings 4.2/5

We kicked off with the Mandu Wings ($18), deboned chicken wings restuffed with a savoury mandu-style mix of marinated minced chicken, glass noodles, and chives. Deep-fried and baked for a crisp finish while retaining a juicy interior, the wings were served with an appetising mala tomato gochujang sauce that added a punchy, tangy spice. We thought that this was such a clever cross!

Gochujang Soft Shell Chilli Crab 4.2/5

Next came the Gochujang Soft Shell Chilli Crab ($32), a nod to one of Chef Louis’ favourite local dishes. The dish stayed true to key chilli crab elements while layering in Korean touches. Crispy soft shell crabs, coated in fried sago, were nestled in a gochujang-spiced gravy, paired with grilled Cheongyang peppers and chewy Korean rice cakes instead of the classic fried mantous. It was balanced and flavourful, with notes of sweetness, acidity and buttery depth.

Iberico Pork OP Rib 4.5/5

Though not part of the SG60 menu, the Iberico Pork OP Rib ($116 for 400g) was a standout. Grilled to a medium pink with a light char, the pork was tender yet slightly chewy, served with a vibrant spread of condiments including wasabi, kimchi, achar, and fermented squid. This cut is one of the restaurant’s three new premium additions alongside Shimo Wagyu MBS6 Anchangsal ($156 for 280g, $86 for half portion) and Australian Rack of Lamb ($126 for 550g).

Dalkochi Satay 4.2/5

The smoky Dalkochi Satay ($26) reimagines local satay using skewered chicken, tteok, and Japanese leek, marinated in a nutty ssamjang rempah sauce.

Uncle Lulu’s Fried Rice 4.8/5

Served in a hot Korean stonepot, Uncle Lulu's Fried Rice ($34 for 2-3 pax) featured kimchi fried rice topped with tender grilled Jeju-style squid. We polished this quickly despite being full at this point, and loved it for its alluring char and well-balanced kimchi flavour. Unlike the usual renditions of this dish we've had, where the kimchi usually overpowers, it was less tangy and acidic here.

Red & White Bingsu 4.5/5

To wrap up, the Red & White Bingsu ($18) delivered a surprising highlight. Inspired by Singapore's national colours and traditional Korean shaved ice, it featured watermelon sorbet, yoghurt cream, pomelo bits, watermelon lime granita, mint, and lemon zest. It was textural, wonderfully refreshing, and not too sweet, making it a perfect finish to our indulgent meal.

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.


GU:UM
29 Keong Saik Road
Singapore 089136
Tel: +65 8831 6308
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Nearest MRT: Outram Park (EW, NE, TE Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu: 6pm - 11pm
Fri-Sat: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 11pm
Sun: 1130am - 430pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk straight towards Kreta Ayer Road. Turn right onto Keong Siak Road. Walk down Keong Siak Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Walk straight down Neil Road to Teck Lim Road. Turn right onto Teck Lim Road. Walk down Teck Lim Road to Keong Saik Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 mintues. [Map]

Yue (乐) @ Aloft Novena Singapore - Free Flow MSW Durian Together with an Upgraded Buffet Menu

With durian season in full swing, Yuè at Aloft rolls out a free-flow Mao Shan Wang durian buffet as a treat for its loyal diners. Even better? It's available alongside their upgraded à la carte zi char buffet, which now features a slew of premium additions. Due to popular demand, the 1-for-1 promotion has been extended too!

Singapore-style Chilli Crab 3.8/5

Duck Confit, Kung Pao 4/5

Poached Prawn 4/5

We were invited to try the new line-up, and there's plenty to shout about. Three premium dishes are limited to one serving per table, but they're worth ordering. The Singapore-style Chilli Crab features fresh, meaty crabs coated in a thick, slightly sweet sauce. While a tad too sweet for our taste, the freshness of the crab more than makes up for it. The Duck Confit, done Kung Pao-style, is fork-tender and pleasantly spicy. It is a brilliant East-meets-West twist that works. The Poached Prawns stood out for their sheer freshness. It was plump, juicy and a definite must-order.

Soup

Singapore-style Chilli Sauce, Deep-Fried Mantou 3/5

Over at the self-serve station, diners can help themselves to two soups: the Braised Fish Maw Broth with Crab Meat and Conpoy, which was decent but relatively standard, and the Old Cucumber Pork Ribs Soup, which was the slow-boiled soup of the day, really impressed us with its rich, homely flavour. For those who love chilli crab sauce but prefer not to get messy, the sauce is available on its own, accompanied by deep-fried mantou, served free-flow. We wish the mantou were a little crispier.

Sweet and Sour Pork 4/5

Among the main dishes, one of our favourites was the Sweet and Sour Pork with Popping Candy, which is a fun and surprisingly tasty combination where the crackling candy adds a playful texture. Just remember to break it up a little before dipping. Another standout was the Deep-fried Chicken with Dried Chilli and Szechuan Peppercorn, which was exactly what we want from a spicy dish - crispy, fragrant and totally addictive.

Deep-fried Seabass Fillet 4.5/5

Seafood-wise, there's only one item on the current menu, but it's a good one. The Deep-fried Seabass Fillet is served with a sweet and spicy mango sauce and hits all the right notes, featuring thick, tender fillets with a nicely balanced glaze that's both appetising and well-executed.

Yue’s Signature “LIMPEH” Bee Hoon 3/5

Egg Fried Rice 4/5

Mee Tai Bak 3.8/5

As for staples, we tried three options. Yuè's Signature "LIMPEH" Bee Hoon is one of their proud creations, but it tasted a little too ordinary for us. On the other hand, the Egg Fried Rice with Tobiko and Scallop was excellent. It was fluffy, well-seasoned and made even better with the occasional pop from the tobiko. The Mee Tai Bak with XO Sauce, Chai Poh and Chicken was a dinner-exclusive item. Slightly sweet, savoury and smoky, it reminded us of a cross between black carrot cake and char kway teow. If that is your flavour profile, you would love this.

To end the meal, diners can look forward to a DIY Homemade Beancurd bar with assorted toppings, along with chilled juices, coffee, and tea. If you're dining in the evening, you'll also get access to the Chilled Mango Sago, another dinner-exclusive that’s light and refreshing.

And of course, the highlight for many is the free-flow Mao Shan Wang durian, which is available as a top-up at $30++ per person, served at the alfresco area from Fridays to Sundays only. If you're only here for the durian, a standalone durian buffet option is also available, with the same 1-for-1 promotion at $108++ for two diners.

Yuè’s à la carte zi char buffet is available daily for lunch from 12pm to 3pm, and for dinner from 6pm to 10pm (Monday to Thursday) or 6pm to 10:30pm (Friday to Sunday). The current 1-for-1 promotion is valid until 28 September 2025, so don’t miss your chance to feast.

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


Yue (乐)
Aloft Novena Singapore
Lobby Level
16 Ah Hood Road
Singapore 329982
Tel: +65 68086846
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Nearest MRT: Toa Payoh (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm
Fri-Sun: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Toa Payoh MRT station. Take Exit A or B. Walk to Toa Payoh Bus Interchange (Stop ID 52009). Take bus number 139 or 145. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]