Bulgogi Syo @ Suntec City - Limited Time Collaboration with Culinary Class Wars S2 Chef Jung

For a limited time, fans of Netflix's Culinary Class Wars Season 2 can experience an exciting collaboration as Chef Jung Ho-young, one of the Top 4 finalists, makes his first overseas appearance in Singapore at Bulgogi Syo. Bringing dishes straight from the show to the table, the exclusive menu also features signatures from his popular Udon Caden, offering diners a rare taste of his culinary repertoire beyond Japan.

Monkfish Liver Chawanmushi 4/5

The Monkfish Liver Chawanmushi ($10.90) is undoubtedly the most anticipated dish on the menu and one of the most talked-about creations from the show. Having witnessed Chef Jung butcher a whole monkfish during the launch event, just as seen on screen, adds to the appreciation of the dish. The flesh is charcoal-grilled with soy-based seasoning, while the liver, often dubbed the "foie gras of the sea," is braised with a kombu-infused soy glaze. These are then combined into a silky steamed egg custard, finished with yuzu skin and a hint of wasabi. While the custard is smooth and flavourful, the slight bitterness from the yuzu peel and the presence of wasabi may not appeal to everyone.

Crispy Prawn Croquette 3/5

From Udon Caden, the Creamy Prawn Croquette with Sesame Sauce ($12.90 for 2pc) delights with its crisp exterior and creamy, oozy interior reminiscent of corn cream soup. Each bite reveals juicy prawn chunks, while the accompanying house-made roasted sesame sauce adds a nutty depth that ties the dish together beautifully.

Grilled Sea Eel with Lotus Root Manju 3/5

Another highlight from Culinary Class Wars Season 2 is the Grilled Sea Eel Renkon Manju with Crab Sauce ($39.90). The eel is braised on one side and grilled on the other, resulting in a delicate yet flavourful finish. It is paired with a renkon manju, a lotus root pastry made from finely shredded lotus root, chilled and fried, and served in a luscious crab broth with sweet crab meat and a subtle ginger aroma. Accompaniments include kimchi salad, pickled radish and sotbap rice furikake. However, the eel contains many fine bones, making it less suitable for children. The lotus root manju, while unique, leans towards a soft and creamy texture that may feel somewhat one-dimensional. Diners can opt for the Grilled Codfish Renkon Manju with Crab Sauce ($29.90) as a more approachable alternative.

Yakibuta Skewer 3/5

Signature Beef Curry Udon 3.5/5

The Signature Beef Curry Udon ($19.90) is a comforting staple from Udon Caden. The udon noodles are chewy and springy, paired with a silky, mildly spiced curry filled with tender beef cubes and soft potatoes. For an additional $3, diners can add a Yakibuta Skewer, smoky, juicy pork belly glazed with caramelised shoyu tare. While the pork is well-executed, the leek pieces could be smaller for a more balanced bite.

Citrus-Soy Grilled Cod 3.5/5

The Citrus-Soy Grilled Cod Fish ($25.90) highlights the fish's natural sweetness. Lightly grilled and glazed with a dashi soy lemon sauce, the cod develops a caramelised exterior while remaining buttery and moist inside. Served alongside mushrooms, lotus root and vegetables, it makes for a wholesome and satisfying dish.

In all, this limited-time collaboration at Bulgogi Syo offers a unique opportunity to taste Chef Jung Ho-young's creations beyond Jeju Island. While not every dish may appeal to all palates, the experience of enjoying dishes inspired by Culinary Class Wars, brought to life by the chef himself, makes it a worthwhile visit for fans and food enthusiasts alike.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Bulgogi Syo
Suntec City
3 Temasek Boulevard
#B1-133
Singapore 038983
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Nearest MRT: Esplanade (CC Line), Promenade (CC, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 6 minutes. [Map]

Tien Court Restaurant @ Copthorne King's Hotel - Welcomes The New Year With Blossoms of Fortune Dining, A Series of Specially Curated CNY Set Menus

Tien Court Restaurant at Copthorne King's Hotel welcomes the Lunar New Year with Blossoms of Fortune Dining, a series of specially curated Chinese New Year set menus available from 30 January to 3 March 2026. Celebrating prosperity, vitality and good fortune, the menus bring together time-honoured Teochew flavours elevated with premium ingredients.

Prosperity Smoked Salmon Yu Sheng 4.5/5

The Sweet Happiness Set Menu ($142 per pax) opens with a Prosperity Smoked Salmon Yu Sheng. Thick slices of smoked salmon offered a satisfyingly meaty bite, while the addition of candied cashews brought a pleasant sweetness and nutty crunch that lifted the overall texture.

Braised Superior Pumpkin Soup 5/5

This was followed by Braised Superior Pumpkin Soup with Bird's Nest and Crab Meat, an elegant bowl of comfort. The soup was soothing yet refined, with well-balanced flavours that soothed the appetite.

Signature South African 6-Head Abalone 5/5

The Signature South African 6-Head Abalone with Fish Maw and Black Moss in Oyster Sauce was a highlight. The abalone was tender and well-infused with umami from the glossy oyster sauce, while the fish maw retained a delicate springiness that carried the sauce beautifully.

Pan-fried Cod Fish 4.5/5

Next came the Pan-fried Cod Fish with Golden Garlic Soy Sauce, a clear crowd-pleaser. The cod was moist and flaky within, contrasted by a crisp golden crust. Its buttery richness was complemented aptly by the savoury soy-based sauce.

Teochew Braised Sliced Irish Duck 4/5

A Teochew classic followed in the form of Teochew Braised Sliced Irish Duck. The use of Irish duck, favoured for its more unctuous fat, produced richly flavoured meat, while the accompanying vinegary chilli dip provided a welcome acidity to cut through the richness.

Wok-fried Glutinous Rice with Dried Scallop, Chinese Sausage and Black Truffle 5/5

The much-anticipated Wok-fried Glutinous Rice with Dried Scallop, Chinese Sausage and Black Truffle did not disappoint. The rice was satisfyingly sticky and chewy, made moreish with umami-laden diced scallops and fragrant Chinese sausage.

Double-boiled Peach Gum with Red Date and Glutinous Rice Ball, Steamed Niao Gao 3.8/5

Dessert concluded with Double-boiled Peach Gum with Red Date and Glutinous Rice Ball, served alongside Steamed Nian Gao. Lightly crusted with crushed peanuts, the nian gao was punctuated with a delectable nuttiness, while the peach gum provided a gently sweet finish to the meal.

Early Bird Promotion
20% early bird discount, full payment must be made within the promotional period: now to 28 January 2026.
10% dine-in from 30 January to 3 March 2026.

Photos and words by Si An. A homebody who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, the smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


Tien Court Restaurant
Copthorne King's Hotel
403 Havelock Road
Level 2
Singapore 169631
Tel: +65 63183193/ 63183198
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Nearest MRT: Havelock (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Havelock MRT station. Take Exit 5. Walk straight down Havelock Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Havelock MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to the bus stop opposite the Holiday Inn Atrium (Stop ID 06149). Take bus number 51, 64, 123, or 186. Alright, 1 stop later. Cross the road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 10 minutes. [Map]

Fortune in Motion: Galloping into a Prosperous New Year with Shangri-La Singapore

One of the most anticipated Lunar New Year celebrations each year has to be at Shangri-La Singapore, and this year's festivities are nothing short of spectacular. Taking centre stage is a majestic revolving lantern (走/跑马灯), symbolising the turning of fortunes and the promise of prosperity. Surrounding it are beautifully presented Yu Sheng platters, inviting diners to toss to an abundant and prosperous new year.

Assorted Dim Sum 4.2/5

Our Lunar New Year dinner began with a refined platter of Assorted Dim Sum, featuring Deep-fried King Prawn Pastry with Chinese Chives, Deep-fried Glutinous Rice Sesame Ball with Diced Chicken and Salted Fish, Steamed Grouper Dumpling with Asparagus, and Steamed Scallop Dumpling with Egg White and Black Truffle. Each morsel was delicately crafted, showcasing finesse in both flavour and execution.

Abundance Pen Cai 4.8/5

Served in an individual mini claypot, the Abundance Pen Cai may be petite in size but is generously packed to the brim with premium ingredients. Highlights include abalone, stuffed dace fish, pan-fried fish maw, sweet and sour pan-fried prawn, dried scallop, sea cucumber, goose web, roasted pork, soy sauce chicken, dried oyster, fragrant mushrooms, white radish, taro, baby Chinese cabbage, fried beancurd skin, chestnut and black moss. Each layer contributed to a harmonious medley of textures and flavours, making this a standout dish of the evening.

Double-boiled Chicken Soup with Dried Scallops and Fresh Matsutake Mushrooms 4.2/5

The Double-boiled Chicken Soup was clear yet intensely flavourful, drawing richness from the essence of dried scallops and fresh matsutake mushrooms. Comforting, hearty and nourishing, this was a bowl that warmed both the palate and the soul.

Roasted Whole Suckling Pig Stuffed with Fried Glutinous Rice 4/5

A quintessential celebratory dish, the Roasted Whole Suckling Pig was elevated with a stuffing of fragrant fried glutinous rice. The skin was crispy and crackling, offering delightful textural contrast, while the aromatic glutinous rice added depth and richness to each bite.

Cod Fillet in Rich Seafood Bisque with Crispy Rice 4.2/5

The Cod Fillet in Rich Seafood Bisque impressed with its lightly crisp exterior encasing buttery, moist flesh. The robust seafood bisque delivered an intensified oceanic flavour, complemented by crispy rice that added an enjoyable crunch and textural contrast.

Pumpkin Sago with Bird's Nest 4.2/5

Jin Jun Mei Peach Resin Coconut Pudding 4/5

Desserts rounded off the meal on a satisfying note. The Pumpkin Sago with Bird's Nest, served charmingly in a mini pumpkin, was creamy and gently sweet, with the bird's nest lending a luxurious, gelatinous bite. Meanwhile, the Jin Jun Mei Peach Resin Coconut Pudding featured a chewy, nian gao-like texture, delicately infused with the aromatic notes of Jin Jun Mei, a premium Chinese black tea, offering a refined and elegant finish to the festive feast.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Shangri-La Singapore
22 Orange Grove Road
Singapore 258350
Tel: +65 67373644
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Man Fu Yuan @ Fraser House, a Luxury Collection Hotel - Ushers in The Year of The Horse with an Impressive Line-up of Seven Festive Set Menus

Man Fu Yuan at Fraser House by a Luxury Collection Hotel ushers in the Year of the Horse with an impressive line-up of seven thoughtfully curated festive set menus, starting from $168++ per person. Designed to cater to celebrations of all scales – from intimate family reunions to large corporate gatherings – the menus also include a refined vegetarian option, reflecting both inclusivity and finesse in their festive offerings.

Celestial Auspicious Yu Sheng 4/5

A definite showstopper of the season is the spectacular 88cm Celestial Auspicious Yu Sheng ($1,288++, serves up to 10), dramatically crowned with a 1.2m mythical horse in mid-leap, symbolising strength, vitality and boundless possibilities for the year ahead. Beyond its visual impact, the Yu Sheng impresses with its lavish selection of premium ingredients – abalone, rock lobster, ikura, crispy shredded dried Hokkaido scallop, salmon sashimi, crispy fish skin and auspicious condiments – tossed in a fragrant golden peach–passion fruit sauce and shallot oil. The combination delivers both textural contrast and a well-balanced sweet-tangy finish, making it a festive centrepiece worthy of the occasion.

Cantonese Lobster Soup, Crab Meat, Crab Roe, Premium Fish Maw 4.2/5

The luxurious bowl of Cantonese Lobster Soup is an umami-laden delight. Rich with crab meat, crab roe and premium fish maw, the broth carries deep crustacean sweetness, elevated further by the briny richness of the roe. The tender, gelatinous fish maw adds an indulgent textural contrast, making each spoonful comforting yet opulent.

Steamed Alaskan King Crab, Egg White, 15-Year Chinese Wine, Scallion 4.5/5

Another elegant seafood dish follows: Steamed Alaskan King Crab, served on a silky bed of egg white. Lightly perfumed with 15-year Chinese wine and finished with scallions, the dish highlights the crab's natural sweetness. The egg white, steamed with the crustacean, absorbs its essence beautifully, resulting in a refined, aromatic plate.

Salt-baked Chicken with Red Rice Wine, Dongjiang Style 4.2/5

The Salt-baked Chicken with Red Rice Wine is baked to tender perfection, retaining its succulence beneath a gently seasoned exterior. The addition of red rice wine enhances the aroma and adds a subtle fermented sweetness, lending depth and complexity to this comforting classic.

Steamed Silver Cod Fillet, Duo Garlic, 15-Year Preserved Radish, Superior Soya Sauce 4.2/5

A delicate showcase of technique, the Steamed Silver Cod Fillet highlights the fish's buttery richness and flaky texture. The pairing with duo garlic, aged preserved radish and superior soya sauce accentuates its natural sweetness, creating a clean yet deeply satisfying flavour profile.

Wuxi-style Braised Iberico Pork Belly, 18-Head South African Premium Dried Abalone 4.8/5

One of the standout dishes of the evening is the duo of Wuxi-style Braised Iberico Pork Belly and 18-head South African Premium Dried Abalone with broccoli. The pork belly, with its perfect ratio of fat to lean, is wobbly tender and melts in the mouth – indulgent yet not greasy. The abalone is equally impressive, cooked to tender perfection with a molten centre, a clear testament to the chef's mastery of this prized ingredient. This dish alone justifies the menu's premium nature.

Golden Fried Rice, Crispy Premium Spiky Sea Cucumber, Preserved Leek Sauce 4/5

As with all traditional Chinese banquets, the meal concludes with a comforting carbohydrate dish. The Golden Fried Rice is satisfying and well-executed, complemented by crispy premium spiky sea cucumber in preserved leek sauce. The sea cucumber offers a delightful firm, and bouncy texture, adding interest to this hearty finale.

Mandarin Kumquat Sorbet, Red Osmanthus Honey, Golden Bird's Nest 4.2/5

Wrapping up the meal is a light, refreshing dessert of Mandarin Kumquat Sorbet, paired with Red Osmanthus Honey and Golden Bird's Nest. Clean, aromatic and gently sweet, it provides a refreshing close to a rich and indulgent Lunar New Year feast.

Note: This is an invited tasting


Man Fu Yuan
Fraser House, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Level 2
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 63387600
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

Pulsii French Bistro @ Tras Street - Where French Finesse Meets Japanese Precision

Back at Pulsii French Bistro, helmed by Chef Daisuke Yoshikawa, we were introduced to its refreshed menu that continues to reflect refined French techniques with comforting, well-balanced flavours.

Duck Confit Croquettes 4/5

We began with the Duck Confit Croquettes ($4/pc), deep-fried to a beautiful golden brown. Breaking into the crisp exterior reveals a savoury, flavour-packed centre that delivers an immediate burst of richness. The addition of purple cabbage is a thoughtful touch, providing a refreshing contrast that nicely balances the robust duck flavours.

Fromage de Tete Spring Rolls 4/5

Another delightful starter is the Fromage de Tete Spring Rolls ($14). Encased in a crisp skin, the filling consists of slow-braised pork ragout made from four different cuts, resulting in layers of texture and depth. It is a satisfying bite that showcases both richness and finesse, making it an enjoyable snack to share.

Truffle Souffle Omelette with Beef Stew 4.2/5

The Truffle Souffle Omelette with Beef Stew ($16) arrives looking like a soft, fluffy egg cloud. Cutting through the delicate omelette reveals a hearty beef stew beneath, featuring fork-tender beef that has absorbed the deep, savoury flavours of the sauce. The truffle aroma adds an elegant touch, elevating this comforting dish.

Grilled Japanese Cod 4/5

For mains, we had the Grilled Japanese Cod ($55). The fish is wonderfully fatty and buttery, cooked just right to retain its moist texture. It is complemented by a fragrant clam saffron sauce, with fresh tomato and fennel adding brightness and balance to the dish.

Overall, Pulsii French Bistro’s new menu showcases Chef Daisuke Yoshikawa’s thoughtful approach to French bistro fare, where comforting flavours meet refined execution. From well-crafted starters to satisfying mains, the dishes strike a balance between indulgence and finesse, making Pulsii a pleasant choice for both casual dining and special occasions. With its polished yet approachable offerings, Pulsii remains a spot worth revisiting for diners seeking modern French cuisine with depth and character.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Pulsii French Bistro
55 Tras Street
Singapore 078994
Tel: +65 9689 8407
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 12midnight
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Tras Street. Turn right onto Tras Street. Walk down Tras Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 2. Turn left and walk down Tanjong Pagar Road. Turn left onto Tras Street. Walk down Tras Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Cendra Tapas Bar and Grill @ Gemmill Lane - Modern Catalan Flavours in a Cosy Hideout

Tucked away along Gemmill Lane, Cendra Tapas Bar and Grill is a cosy, modern Spanish-Catalan restaurant helmed by Chef-Owner Xavi Palau. Hailing from Barcelona, Chef Xavi brings a thoughtful mix of tradition and innovation, backed by his experience as former Executive Sous Chef at FOC. At Cendra, his personal interpretation of Catalan cuisine shines through in comforting, flavour-driven plates.

Crystal Bread with Tomatoes 4.8/5

We kick-started the meal with the Crystal Bread with Tomatoes ($12), further elevated with Iberico Ham ($36 for 50g). The sweet tomato spread layered over the crisp toast combined beautifully with the intensely flavoured Iberico ham. Each bite brought back fond memories of Barcelona, in which simple ingredients were treated with respect and allowed to shine.

Canadian Oysters N2 4/5

The Canadian Oysters N2 with Gin Fizz Foam ($8) offered a refreshing counterpoint. Briny and creamy, the oyster was lifted by the bright, zesty gin fizz foam, giving the classic raw oyster a playful twist.

"Ensaladilla Rusa", Smoked Mackerel on Crisp Toast 4.8/5

The Ensaladilla Rusa with Smoked Mackerel on Crisp Toast ($22 for 2pc) was one of the standout tapas. The classic, creamy Spanish potato salad paired harmoniously with smoked mackerel. It was simple yet incredibly satisfying. This dish is a reminder of how straightforward components can come together to create something truly memorable.

Cod Fish Fritters 4.2/5

The Cod Fish Fritter ($10 for 2pc) is another Spanish classic done well. Encased in a paper-thin, golden crust that gently shatters, the interior reveals a light, airy, mousse-like texture brought about by the whipped batter. The flavours unfold gradually, from the crisp, lightly toasted exterior to the tender, mildly briny cod within. A squeeze of lemon or a swipe of aioli brightens and completes this comforting bite.

Roasted Leek, Romesco, Hazelnuts 4.2/5

The Roasted Leek ($16) is grilled just enough to achieve a slight char, imparting a hint of smokiness while preserving its sweetness. Paired with romesco (a traditional Catalan sauce celebrated for its nutty, smoky richness) and hazelnuts, the dish offers a lovely balance of textures and flavours.

Spanish Octopus with Iberico Chorizo Foam 4.5/5

Another highlight was the Spanish Octopus with Iberico Chorizo Foam ($30). The octopus was cooked to a beautifully tender consistency, complemented by the rich, savoury Iberico chorizo foam that added depth and umami to every bite.

Pork Butifarra Rice "a la Llauna" 4.5/5

Unlike typical Spanish restaurants, Cendra does not serve paella. Instead, it introduces diners to A La Llauna, a traditional Catalan technique where rice is baked in a shallow metal tray. The Pork Butifarra Rice "a la Llauna" ($40) comes laden with a tomato-based sauce infused with butifarra sausage, pork ribs, and mushrooms. Smoky, savoury, and deeply comforting, each spoonful evokes the warmth of home-style Catalan cooking, refined just enough for the modern table.

Chocolate Soufflé with Stracciatella Ice Cream 4.2/5

We ended the meal with the Chocolate Soufflé with Stracciatella Ice Cream ($18), a flourless soufflé made with Costa Rica 70% chocolate. Soft, fluffy, and intensely chocolatey, it's a dessert that will undoubtedly delight chocolate lovers.

Cendra Tapas Bar and Grill stands out for its honest, flavour-driven approach to Catalan cuisine. While the menu keeps things tight and focused, each dish reflects Chef Xavi's depth of experience and personal connection to his heritage. Whether you're here for small plates, comforting baked rice, or simply to explore Catalan flavours beyond the usual paella, Cendra offers a warm and satisfying dining experience worth seeking out on Gemmill Lane.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Cendra Tapas Bar and Grill
5 Gemmill Lane
#01-01
Singapore 069261
Tel: +65 96634084
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Mon, Wed-Fri: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 11pm
Sat: 6pm - 11pm
(Closed on Tue)

Direction:
Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk down Cross Street. Turn left onto Club Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]