Royal Host @ Takashimaya - Celebrates SG60 & Its 1 Year Anniversary with Locally Inspired Dishes

To mark Singapore’s 60th birthday and one year since opening at Jewel Changi Airport, Royal Host unveils a special SG60 menu that fuses familiar local flavours with Japanese-Western flair. Here’s what we tried from the limited-time offerings, available till 31 August 2025.

Singapore Sling Mocktail & Vanda Miss Joaquim Tea

The Singapore Sling ($10.30) mocktail reminded us of a fruity punch that is light and refreshing, though nothing groundbreaking. On the other hand, the Vanda Miss Joaquim Tea ($6.80) was surprisingly memorable. Delicately floral, this orchid-and-cornflower blend slowly grows on you with every sip.

Laksa Flame Duet Grill 4/5

The Laksa Flame Duet Grill ($30.60) was the star of the meal. A surf-and-turf combo featuring juicy laksa-marinated prawns and chargrilled chicken thigh, this dish hits all the right notes. You can choose between Laksa Sauce and Truffle Cream Sauce; we recommend the Laksa. Rich, creamy and full of lemak without being jelak. Bonus: the tomato steak with melted cheese on top adds a nostalgic Western touch.

Flame Shell Symphony Pasta 3.8/5

This Flame Shell Symphony Pasta ($28.60) is a bold, seafood-forward dish with generous chunks of crab meat and prawns. The sauce, inspired by chilli crab, leans sweet and spicy, but we found the overall flavours a little too light. Spice lovers may still enjoy the kick.

Laksa Crunchy Slaw 3/8

A reinterpretation of the classic coleslaw, the Laksa Crunchy Slaw ($7.60) is dressed in a tangy laksa-spiced emulsion and topped with fresh coriander and crispy fried shallots. While refreshing and easy to eat, it didn’t leave a lasting impression.

Cendol Delight 5/5

We’d return just for this! The Cendol Delight ($8.60) swaps the usual shaved ice for scoops of luscious coconut gelato, topped with Japanese azuki beans, pandan jelly and crushed walnuts. The thick house-made gula melaka ties it all together. It’s nostalgic, indulgent and our favourite of the lot.

Royal Host's SG60 limited-time menu is a fun and respectful nod to Singapore's culinary heritage, with the inclusion of Singapore's favourites such as laksa, chilli crab and cendol -reimagined through a Japanese-Western lens.

To sweeten the celebration, Royal Host is offering a 1-for-1 promotion on their signature “ROYAL” Hamburg Steak (U.P. $24++) from 6 to 8 August 2025, available at both Jewel Changi Airport and Takashimaya outlets. This juicy patty made with premium steak-grade beef is one of their crowd favourites, definitely worth checking out if you haven’t tried it yet!

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


Royal Host
Takashimaya
391 Orchard Road
#B2-25/26
Singapore 238872
Tel: +65 6908 1339
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Nearest MRT: Orchard Road (NS Line), Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Follow the walkway through Wisma Atria to Takashimaya. Continue walking straight at Ngee Ann City until destination. Journey about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B to Orchard Road. Head west or turn left onto Orchard Road against the flow of traffic. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

SIRI House @ Dempsey Hill @ Bubbles & BBQ Experience amidst The Lush Greenery of Dempsey Hill

Nestled amidst the lush greenery of Dempsey Hill, Siri House presents an enchanting open-air dining escapade known as Bubbles & BBQ. Tailored for groups of 12 or more, this opulent garden soiree showcases a live BBQ station brimming with contemporary Asian BBQ delicacies. To elevate the experience, guests have the option to bedeck their tables with exquisite tropical adornments courtesy of Estilo & Co. These include hanging, table, and buffet floral centrepieces that infuse a touch of nature's elegance. And for a bit of effervescence, a champagne bar cart awaits, where patrons can concoct their own bubbly elixirs using fresh fruit, citrus, herbs, and liqueurs.

Siri House’s Bubbles & BBQ Private Dining Experience unfolds in three captivating packages:

1. Standard Package: Priced at $128++ or $148++ per person, this package entitles you to savour the live BBQ station's offerings, relish the buffet spread, and dine amidst a basic table setup.

2. Tropical Chic Package: For $208++ or $228++ per person, this package embraces the live BBQ station, the sumptuous buffet, and the enchantment of a stunning tropical table setup bedecked with captivating floral centrepieces by Estilo & Co.

3. Champagne Trolley Add-on: Available for $108++ per person, this add-on enriches your experience with 2 hours of free-flowing Champagne accompanied by delightful accompaniments.

Apple Coleslaw 4.5/5

Diving into the delectable spread, We commenced with the Apple Coleslaw, a delightful blend of red and white cabbage, mesclun, green apple, raisins, cashews, and house-pickled carrots. The addition of house-pickled carrots provides a tantalizing textural contrast.

Arugula Beet Salad 4/5

Another vibrant salad, the Arugula Beet Salad, combines arugula, pickled beetroot, pomelo, feta, and pistachios, elevated by a zesty dressing comprising yuzu kosho, yuzu juice, lime juice, and olive oil.

Nori Potatoes 4.8/5

The Nori Potatoes are a delightful treat, featuring cut potatoes blanched and deep-fried, then elevated with a dash of nori seaweed butter. The result? Fluffy and utterly addictive potato bites.

Nuoc Cham Street Corn 4/5

Grilled yellow Corn is impeccably dressed in Siri House's rendition of Nuoc Cham, featuring minced grilled spring onions, shallots, ginger, garlic, coriander, fish sauce, and lime juice, all perfectly punctuated with a drizzle of hot oil. This dish delivers sweet corn with a delightful hint of spiciness.

Mushroom Risotto 4.5/5

Japanese rice takes on a whole new dimension in the Mushroom Risotto, infused with a blend of burnt onion dashi and burnt mushroom puree. The dish is beautifully seasoned with the essence of burnt nori, creating a comforting and flavorful rice experience.

Green Curry Baked Mussels 4.2/5

The Mussels are bathed in a flavorful paste crafted from green chilli, coriander, lemongrass, holy basil, coconut milk, and coconut cream, with a rich finish of garlic butter. It's a Thai-inspired delight that marries beautifully with the plump mussels.

Sambal Grilled Barramundi 5/5

The Barramundi takes centre stage, adorned with a fiery sambal paste crafted from red chilli, shallots, garlic, lemongrass, galangal, and dried shrimp. Slow-cooked and nestled in banana leaves before grilling, it's a triumph of flavours. The sambal sauce deserves special mention—it's so good that it could easily outshine our local sambal stingray.

Duroc Pork Collar 4.2/5

The succulent Pork Collar is marinated in a tantalising blend of hoisin, fish sauce, ginger, garlic, shallots, coriander, chilli, cardamom, and brown sugar, then sous-vide cooked and expertly grilled. The result is a hint of smokiness with the perfect ratio of lean and fats.

Petite Tender 4.2/5

The Petite Tender Steak takes a journey through sous-vide cooking in olive oil, garlic, shallots, thyme, and tarragon before grilling. The finishing touch comes in the form of a housemade kombu aioli, where garlic aioli is artfully blended with charred onion puree, kombu, and lemon juice. This pairing elevates the tender beef to a mouthwatering

Tarts 4/5

To conclude your culinary voyage, indulge in two delightful Tarts. The first is crowned with chocolate ganache and adorned with seasonal fruits, while the second is generously filled with housemade passionfruit curd, leaving a sweet and tangy impression.

The enchanting experience is open for bookings for groups of 12 or more, from Tuesdays to Sundays, between 11:30 am and 8:00 pm. To make a reservation, you can email reservations.sg@sirihouse.com or book online via www.sirihouse.com/private-dining. A minimum of 7 days' advance notice is required to confirm date availability, and menu pre-orders are necessary 5 days ahead.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Siri House
Dempsey Hill
8D Dempsey Road
#01-02
Singapore 249672
Tel: +65 96670533
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Nearest MRT: Napier (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sat: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm
Sun: 1130am - 4pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Napier MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk to bus stop opposite Singapore Botanic Gardens (Stop ID 13011). Take bus number 7, 75, 77, 105, 106, 123 or 174. Alight 2 stops later. Walk up to Dempsey Hill. Walk right to the back of the cluster. Walk to destination. Journey time 12 minutes. [Map]

Roof Terrace BBQ Private Dining @ East Coast Road - A Feast Of Grilled Meat and Seafood

Recently, together with my foodie friends, we went to Roof Terrace BBQ, a private dining home at East Coast Road that specialises in barbeque. The action happens on the roof terrace under the stars. However, during our visit, the roof terrace's lighting was not working, so we shifted indoors.

Smoked Beef Brisket

We started the dinner with the Smoked Beef Brisket. It comes with a beautiful pink smoke ring. The smoked beef brisket was flavorful, succulent and packed with a smoky aroma.

Roasted Baby Potatoes with Fried Garlic and Shallots, Sauteed Swiss Brown Mushrooms

Japanese Coleslaw

Grilled Zucchini, Eggplant, Baby Corn, Bell Peppers

Cornbread

To go with the mains, the host has prepared a couple of sides to go along with them. They are delicious sides that complemented the mains excellently. Diners can look forward to sides such as Roasted Baby Potatoes with Fried Garlic and Shallots, Sauteed Swiss Brown Mushrooms, Japanese Coleslaw, Grilled Vegetables, and our favourite Cornbread.

Grilled Spanish Duroc Pork Chops

For the non-beef eaters, do not worry, as the host can customise the menu, such as the Grilled Spanish Duroc Pork Chops we had. Grilled to perfection, it is tender and juicy.

Salted Baked Fish

Grilled Jumbo Tiger Prawns

Besides the grilled meats, we also have seafood on the menu. We had a whole Salted Baked Wild Caught Red Snapper and Jumbo Tiger Prawns.

Sticky Date Pudding with Caramel and Homemade Burnt Vanilla

Wrapping the BBQ feast, we had Sticky Date Pudding with Caramel and Homemade Burnt Vanilla. A beautiful dessert for a sweet ending.

We paid $75 per pax. It is a price you can't find in the current private dining scene. Most of the private dining places are charging above $100 per pax nowadays. Unlike other private dining places, Roof Terrace BBQ does not allow alcohol.


Roof Terrace BBQ Private Dining
East Coast Road
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Fish & Chicks @ Clementi West Street 2 - Salted Egg And Chilli Crab Fish & Chips

Fish & Chicks has recently opened a new outlet in Clementi West Street 2. It has eleven outlets around the island. The western food stall is known for its array of Asian-infused western food, pairing Asian spices with classic western dishes, served in generous portions.

Salted Egg Fish & Chips 3.8/5

I had the Salted Egg Fish & Chips ($11.80). It comes in an enormous piece of moist fish fillet coated in a crispy and light batter. I was sceptical whether the salt egg yolk sauce complements the fried fish, and it turned out the sauce was legit yummy, which goes very well with the fried fish. For the sides, we have coleslaw and french fries.

Chilli Crab Fish & Chips 3.5/5

My partner has the Chilli Crab Fish & Chips ($11.80), which comes with the same coleslaw and french fries for the sides. However, the chilli crab sauce fell short of my expectation. It lacks the punchy taste profile that makes the chilli crab a national dish both locals and foreigners love.

Besides Fish and Chips, the stall sells many other western fares such as steak, pasta and even Japanese donburi. Fish & Chicks is a hawker stall; hence I can't expect restaurant quality for its fish and chips. However, it is affordable, and serving is generous. I don't mind going back to try the other items on the menu.


Fish & Chicks
Blk 713 Clementi West Street 2
#01-115
Singapore 120713
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Nearest MRT: Clementi (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Clementi MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Clementi MRT station (Stop ID 17179). Take bus number 201. Alight 3 stops later. Cross the road. Walk straight across the housing blocks to Clementi West Street 2. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Clementi MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Clementi Bus Interchange (Stop ID 17009). Take bus number 282. Alight 4 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Thirty Six Brewlab & Smokehouse @ Club Street - A Celebration Of Craftsmanship in All Forms: Food, Art, Music And Beer

Thirty Six Brewlab & Smokehouse at Club Street features a 120-seat restaurant, a state-of-art on-site 500-litre microbrewery, and 23 taps pouring a selection of the finest craft beer. The menu here is centred around open-flame grilling on a custom-built brick hearth.

Fresh on draught are Lion Brewery Co’s flagship and seasonal brews, rotating guest brews from other local and international craft breweries, and a constantly changing lineup of beers brewed right on site at the microbrewery. Some of the beer highlights include Thirty Six Brewlab Lah-ger (craft beer4,8%), Lion Brewery Co Straits Pale Ale (pale ale 4.5%), Lion Brewery Co Kaiser Kolsch (pale ale 4.5%), Thirty Six Brewlab Olg Greg (session IPA 4.5%), Lion Brewery Co Island Lager (lager 4.5%), Thrity Six Brewlab Something Something (india pale ale 5.7%) and Thirty Six Brewlab Raspberry Beer-et (berliner weisse 4.6%).

Crispy Popcorn Chicken 4.2/5

The Crispy Popcorn Chicken ($9) is marinated in cider for a day and soaked in buttermilk for another day. Finally, it is sprinkled with chilli powder and togarashi for an addictive finishing — an ideal snack dish to go with a few glasses of beer.

Scotch Egg 3.5/5

The Scotch Egg ($10) here is slightly different with the use of impossible meat, coat in breadcrumbs and deep-fried. It is paired with housemade sriracha mayo sauce made with mayonnaise, lime juice and sriracha.

Grilled Black Tiger Prawns 4.5/5

Simply seasoned with sea salt and grilled over open flame is the Grilled Black Tiger Prawns ($20). Nothing fancy but just pure enjoyment of the fresh seafood with smokey aroma.

Spicy Pork Belly Satay 4.5/5

One of my favourite dishes is the Spicy Pork Belly Satay ($16), marinated in sambal manis. The rich flavour profile complements the tender pork belly excellently. In addition, the archar is a welcoming side to freshen up the palate.

Flat Bread 4/5

The Flat Bread ($14) is made from pizza dough using low in gluten flour. It is best enjoyed with the smoked baba ghanoush.

Wood-fried Cauliflower 3.5/5

Do you like your vegetable grilled? If you are, you may enjoy the Wood-fired Cauliflower ($25) rubbed with turmeric, ginger and black peppercorn. The cauliflower is first steamed before being grilled. The acidity from the dressing lifted the enjoyment of its crunchy texture.

Charred Romaine Lettuce 3/5

Another grilled vegetable on the menu is the Charred Romaine Lettuce ($9). The heart of the romaine lettuce is seasoned with oil, salt and pepper before being charred on an open flame. The smoked vinaigrette elevates the crunchy and refreshing romaine lettuce.

Mixed Cabbage Slaw 4.2/5

The addition of fresh green apple sticks in the Mixed Cabbage Slaw ($7) gives it an additional textural enjoyment on top of the sliced white and red cabbage, dressed in mayonnaise and plain Greek yoghurt. Definitely, one of the better slaws I have eaten.

Pork Chop 4.2/5

The huge Pork Chop ($36 for 300g) is grilled to a beautiful tender complement by the green parsley and caper sauce. It is paired with spiced pork crackling.

Sticky BBQ Pork Ribs 4.8/5

The finger-licking good is the Sticky BBQ Pork Ribs ($28 half rack/ $52 full rack). The fall of the bone pork rib is glazed with a sauce made from kicap manis, chipotle sauce and rice vinegar. Squeeze the lime over the pork rib to get a balance to the savoury burnt flavour of the tender meat.

Burnt Cheesecake 4/5

Given a local twist is the Burnt Cheesecake ($13) infused with Pandan flavour. It is served with raspberries and housemade coconut meringue.

With fresh beer and good food, Thirty Six Brewlab & Smokehouse is worth checking out. Hidden away at Mohd Ali Lane, off the main Club Street, it felt like I had walked into a restaurant in a foreign country.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Thirty Six Brewlab & Smokehouse
36 Club Street
Singapore 069469
Tel: +65 62390350
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Chinatown (DT Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 1030pm
Sat-Sun: 10am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Cross Street to Club Street. Turn left onto onto Club Street. Walk to Mohd Ali Lane. Turn right onto Mohd Ali Lane. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight down Pagoda Street to South Bridge Road. Cross the road. Walk to Mohd Ali Lane. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]