Baristart Coffee Singapore @ Wisma Atria - Hokkaido Cafe’s 3rd New Outlet in Town with Popular Hokkaido Cream Puffs, Coffee and Japanese Western Food

Good news to those who work in town, as Baristart Coffee welcomes its newest outlet at Wisma Atria, located within the OCBC branch on the fourth floor. It may be tricky to find as the third outlet is nestled within the bank's largest integrated lifestyle and banking branch with a fun retail space featuring books and selected lifestyle brands.

The brand is most known for its use of the creamy Hokkaido BIEI Jersey Milk, and it features it across several items on the menu, such as its beverages, cream puffs, and soft serves.

Baristart Latte

If it is your first visit here and you’re thinking of grabbing coffee, go for their smooth and aromatic Baristart Latte ($6.70). It's available both hot and iced, and you can top up a dollar for add-on flavours of caramel, vanilla or honey.

Mixed Berries Yoghurt Smoothie

The Mixed Berries Yoghurt Smoothie ($8.50) is one of the beverages under the non-caffeine list. However, it was a little too icy and muted than I was hoping for in its yoghurt flavour.

Hokkaido Tontoro 3.8/5

The Hokkaido Toronto ($17.80) features a light garden salad mix with tangy-sweet raspberry pommery dressing, yuzu ponzu radish sauce, and slices of Hokkaido Snow Pork Jowl. Although the dressing was appetising, the dish was pretty average and pricey.

Hokkaido Zangi 4.2/5

Drizzle lemon juice over the Hokkaido Zangi ($14.80) for that extra freshness to the crunchy bites. These well-marinated Hokkaido-style fried chicken chunks make an excellent sharing choice.

Wafu Pasta 4.2/5

We sampled a couple of main dishes, the first being a classic Japanese fusion dish, the Wafu Pasta ($19.80). While it was a touch oily, the spaghetti was well coated in an umami butter and dashi sauce mix with a slight kick of spice and studded with several toppings - prawns, bacon strips, asparagus and nori.

Obihiro Butadon 4/5

The Japanese rice-based Obihiro Butdaon ($19.80) is served with grilled pork belly dressed in a homemade teriyaki sweet sauce. A bowl of Shiro Miso soup also accompanies it.

Tonkatsu 4/5

The Tonkatsu ($18.80) is one of the three sandos on the menu. A thick, deep-fried Hokkaido pork loin patty is sandwiched between two soft and crustless white breads. It's finished with cabbage, mustard butter and sweet tonkatsu sauce, which gives a delightful mix of sweet, savoury and tangy notes. It's best to enjoy this while it's still hot.

Hokkaido Cream Puff 4.8/5

We definitely couldn't leave Baristart without having one of their well-loved Hokkaido Cream Puffs ($7). Baristart's rendition is one of my favourites. It is always generously piped with its signature BIEI Jersey Milk custard cream, so rich and luscious, paired with the irresistible crunchy crust.

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.


Baristart Coffee Singapore
Wisma Atria
#04-01
435 Orchard Road
Singapore 238877
Tel: +65 9836 9113
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Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (NE, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

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

Durian Fiesta 2019 @ Goodwood Park Hotel Singapore - 6 New D24 Durian Creations

The much anticipated Durian Fiesta at Goodwood Park Hotel since 1983 is back again from 15 March to 14 July 2019. In celebration of this year's event, the hotel has launched six new exquisite D24 durian desserts, together with 4 perennial favourites and signature 'Mao Shan Wang' durian pastries.

D24 Royale Cheesecake

New this year is the D24 Royale Cheesecake ($28 nett per cake, 350g) which comes in a layer of D24 durian mousse and cream cheese. A combination that works harmoniously together.

D24 Pandan Lapis Coconut Cake 

A favourite among the new creations is the D24 Pandan Lapis Coconut Cake ($16 nett per slice / $88 nett per cake, 1.2kg). The moist pandan sponge cake comes with layers of D24 durian mousse, enveloped with cream frosting and coconut flakes.

D24 Strawberry Bliss

Enlivened with the sweet scent of strawberries is the D24 Strawberry Bliss ($16 neet per piece / $68 nett per cake, 700g) that features a lavish and creamy D24 durian pulp.

D24 Matcha Mont Blanc Tart

The D24 Matcha Mont Blanc Tart ($14.88++ for 2pc / $42 nett for 6pc) is a intricate masterpiece of pistachio garland, crowned withwhite chocolate tuile and matcha sponge. The filling is match and chestnut mousse as well as D24 durian pulp.

Mini D24 Ice Cream Bars

The Mini D24 Ice Cream Bars ($22 nett for a box of 4) comes in 4 different flavours. They are durian ice encased in dark chocolate, almond, cappuccino and oreo.

D24 Singapore Commemoration Cake

In celebration of the bicentennial, Goodwood Park Hotel has also launched the 1 kilogram D24 Singapore Commemoration Cake that features 4 flavours (gula melaka, coffee, pandan and durian mousse). Imprinted on the cake is eight historical scenes of Singapore and Goodwood Park hotel illustrious past. The cake is limited to 200 pieces and an advance order of 5 days is required, subject to availability.

Besides the new creations, the old favourites are still available such as the D24 Mousse Cake , D24 Puff, D24 Crepe and D24 Ice Cream.

Dessert buffet with D24 durian pastries is also available at Coffee Lounge, Goodwood Park Hotel from 4 May to 14 July 2019. In addition to the signature local desserts, cakes and pastries, the spread features 9 D24 durian creations for a heighten durian indulgence.

Noted: This is an invited tasting


Coffee Lounge
Goodwood Park Hotel
22 Scotts Road
Singapore 228221
Tel: +65 67301746
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Scotts Road to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Baristart Coffee @ Tras Street - Popular Hokkaido Cafe Using BIEI Jersey Milk Opens In Singapore

The popular Baristart Coffee from Hokkaido has opened its first-ever overseas cafe in Singapore, offering exceptional Hokkaido milk quality, BIEI Jersey Milk from the Brown Jersey cows which is left with around eight hundred such cattle, making up barely 1% of the cow population in Hokkaido.

Flat White 3.8/5

I started with the Flat White ($6.70) which offers 3 types of beans - Baristart Blend and 2 single origin beans that will change every month. Indeed the BIEI Jersey Milk gives the coffee a rich and creamy finishing with a tinge of sweetness. I like my coffee to showcase the characteristic of the coffee beans hence I am not sure I really like it. Don't get be wrong, it is still a good cup of coffee but I felt that the milk is more than a supporting role in this case.

BIEI Jersey Milk Coffee 4.2/5

The best way to appreciate the sweet and creamy BIEI Jersey Milk is to try the BIEI Jersey Milk Coffee ($7.50). It is like having a coffee flavoured milk.

Tuna & Avocado Salad with Wasabi Dressing 3/5

For those that like to have something clean and healthy, the Tuna & Avocado Salad with Wasabi Dressing ($14.80) will be a good option. It is a decent dish but it doesn't quite excite me.

Tonkatsu Sando 3.8/5

The Tonkatsu Sando ($16.80) which comes with tender pork cutlet and coleslaw, sandwiched between 2 slices of fluffy bread is pretty enjoyable. It even comes with french fries for a complete meal.

Hokkaido Carbonara 3.5/5

Spaghetti Seafood Shiso Pesto 3/5

The pasta at Baristart Coffee is quite decent too. I tried both the Hokkaido Carbonara ($17.80) and Spaghetti Seafood Shiso Pesto ($17.80). I preferred the carbonara more for its creaminess, partly for the fact that I am not a pesto lover. The creamy sauce is a result of the concoction of their signature BIEI Jersey Milk.

Obihiro Butadon 4/5

Perfect for the office workers in the area looking for a quick lunch is the Obihiro Butadon ($18.80). The comforting pork rick bowl comes with slices of sweet soy sauce Kurobuta pork belly on top of a bowl of fluffy white Japanese rice.

Cream Puff 4.5/5

A must try at Baristart Coffee is their Cream Puff ($4.50/one, $12/three). It may seems like just another cream puff but this is loaded with luscious Hokkaido BIEI Jersey Milk custard cream, that is both rich and creamy with delectable crisps and sugary bits on the pastry.

Shaved Ice (Shiro Kuma) 3/5

The bear shaped Shaved Ice - Shiro Kuma ($9.80) is drizzled with Hokkaido BIEI Jersey Milk and comes with vanilla ice cream. Underneath in the bowl is a plethora of colourful fruits such as orange, mango, white peach and strawberry. Guest can have a choice of coffee, strawberry, mango or green tea flavoured homemade syrup that is to be poured over the shaved ice and enjoyed together.

Chestnut & Mont Blanc 4/5

Served in a glass is the Chestnut & Mont Blanc ($8.80) which comes with layers of houji tea pudding, vanilla ice cream, chestnut cream, mont blanc cream, chestnut patisserie cream, chestnut bits, feuillantine and buttery cookies. Have everything together for a multi textural enjoyment with the different flavours coming together.

While the main focus of Baristart Coffee is to showcase the coffee with their Hokkaido BIEI Jersey Milk, guests are assumed of a complete dining experience here. Besides coffee, guests have a a full range of mains to desserts which makes is an all day cafe to visit.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Baristart Coffee
65 Tras Street
Singapore 079004
Tel: +65 69043169
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

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

Marriott Cafe @ Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel - A Decadent Durian High Tea Buffet For All Durian Lovers

Durian lovers rejoice, for the king of the fruit season is back again! Known for its freshest International buffet spread, Marriott Cafe unveils its much anticipated Durian High Tea Buffet to delight those with a penchant for durians and desserts alike. Available from 1 June to 31 July 2018, prepare to relish in an extensive selection of this local favourite with a variety of durian pastries and desserts, meticulously handcrafted to perfection with premium Mao Shan Wang and D24 durians. The premium durians are innovatively incorporated into different types of desserts, such as the Glutinous Rice, Puff, Mochi and more.

An interesting take would be the Baked Durian Strudel. Best eaten piping hot, Marriott Cafe’s Baked Durian Strudel features rich creamy durian mousse wrapped in thick layers of glazed golden-brown flaky pastry.

The Glutinous Rice with Durian and Coconut Cream was also an unique dessert, as this sweet treat infuses coconut cream into moist sticky rice and pairs it with durian puree. The combination works surprisingly well together. The Durian Cream Puff comes in an airy choux pastry puff stuffed with durian mousse, whipped cream and custard, resulting in a compelling combination that makes it hard to just stop at one.

Another of their winning durian creation is the Durian Bread and Butter pudding. Featuring luscious D24 durian puree sandwiched in between sheets of durian custard and buttery brioche slices, it makes a doughy type of pudding filled with a rich durian flavour, which goes pretty well with a generous drizzle of the fragrant coconut sauce.

The Durian Crème Brulee Tartlet comes in a small buttery tart encasing smooth, melt-in-the-mouth durian custard. While the compelling combination presents rich flavours, I find the tartlet a tad too sweet due to the caramelised layer atop.

Among the platter of durian delights, one of my favourite is the Durian Mousse Cake, filled with robust D24 durian pulps, layers of velvety, light mousse and whipping cream complemented with soft sponge cake. The airy fluffiness of the cake is a good complement to the creaminess of the rich durian mousse. Another cake option is the Durian Swiss Roll which features soft fluffy cake roll sheets encasing a thin layer of smooth and rich durian cream. The Durian Mochi is also a favourite with its chewy soft mochi skin encasing thick durian puree.

In addition to the existing line of delish durian pastries and desserts, the buffet also boosts other tasty local delicacies. Do remember to save some space for the fresh seafood and sushi, including freshly shucked oysters, prawns and more.

Here, you can also savour in local favourites such as Dim Sum, Char Kway Teow, Oyster Omelette, Otah Otah, Chilli Crab with Mantou and more. There are also live station where you can get your choice of noodles prepared on the spot.

Indulge in the quintessential high tea experience with an assortment of fluffy scones, sandwiches and muffins. Apart from their durian specials, the buffet also presents an extensive array of nonya desserts and kuehs, as well as a selection of ice cream flavours.

Durian High Tea buffet
Date: 1 Jun to 31 Jul 2018
Time: 3pm to 5.30pm
Mon-Fri: Adult $45++ per pax / Child (5 to 12 years old) $27++ per child
Sat-Sun: Adult $48++ per pax / Child (5 to 12 years old) $30++ per child

Photos and words 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.


Marriott Cafe
Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel
320 Orchard Road
Singapore 238865
Tel: +65 68314605
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Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 6am - 10pm

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

Rakuya @ East Coast Road - Bringing Your Palate On An Adventure Across Asia

A new kid has moved into Katong offering Japanese fusion omakase. Unlike the traditional Japanese omakase restaurant, Rakuya brings you across Asia with its Asian influenced creations. It also brings an unique dining concept to the neighbourhood. 8-course omakase menu comes in three pricing - $48, $88 and $128 per pax.

Appetiser - Wanton Noodle 3.5/5

The omakase dinner at Rakuya started with the refreshing Amuse Bouche, a drink mixture of berries juice with orange peel, whetting up the appetite. The Appetiser is Chef's interpretation of wanton mee. The pasta is tossed in a light soy and goma sauce, topped with wanton skin and roes.

Butter Miso Asari 4/5

I was a little surprise by the use of the cracker base to pair with the Butter Miso Asari. The clever use of the butter miso accentuates the sweetness of the juicy clams. The combination actually works for me.

Salmon with Ponzu Sauce 4.5/5

One of my favourite dishes is the Salmon with Ponzu Sauce and White Truffle Oil. Every components on the plate tastes beautifully on the palate, working harmoniously together.

Mapo Tofu Chawanmushi 4.5/5

I was initially sceptical about the Mapo Tofu Chawanmushi. I thought it was fusion going a bit overboard. i was wrong after having it. It gives the traditional chawanmushi a whole new dimension and appreciation. The steamed egg is replaced with tofu while the foie gras substitutes the minced meat. Not forget the homemade mapo sauce that brings everything together. The finishing has a bit of spiciness with a little mala numbness at the end.

Tuna Curry Puff 4.2/5

The Tuna Curry Puff is a dish not seen elsewhere. The curry tuna is wrapped in a seaweed tempura shell. Have the tuna curry puff with the tempura dipping sauce at the bottom of the glass, for a burst of flavours and textures.

Pork Belly 3.5/5

The meat dish is inspired from the Dong Po Rou. The rich and intense sauce complements the pork belly excellent. However I thought the texture of the pork is far from the fork tender classic Dong Po Rou that it drawn its inspiration from. The pickled carrot is a welcome side to cut the richness though.

Bak Kut Teh Udon 4.2/5

For the noodle dish, we have the local inspired Bak Kut Teh Udon. Using Inaniwa udon, the broth is a cross between the herbal and peppery bak kut teh. It even comes with a piece of Kurobuta baby back ribs that has been cooked to tender, falling off the bone with ease. This is probably the most expensive bak kut teh I have eaten, topped with edible gold leaf.

Cream Puff with Orange Jam 4/5

For dessert, I have the Cream Puff with Orange Jam and Kaya Toast. As I shared with the Chef, the Cream Puff with Orange Jam has too many components at work. On the plate, there are curry meringue, coconut meringue and red beans besides the cream puff and orange jam. The dessert is too complex, losing the focus of the cream puff. For the Kaya Toast, yuzu kaya sauce is sandwiched between two crispy caramelized toasts. I find it really sweet but I enjoyed the crispy toasts. If you have a sweet tooth, you will like it.

Kaya Toast 4/5

I think Rakuya's Asian influenced omakase concept brings something new to the neighbourhood. One must dine here with an open mind as its not your typical Japanese omakase menu but more Asian inspired. If you are craving for some sushi and sashimi, they are also available on their ala carte menu. Every Tue and Fri is their delivery day, this is the best time to go for fresh sashimi.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Rakuya
89 East Coast Road
Singapore 428790
Tel: +65 64407071
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Website
Nearest MRT: Dakota (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Take exit A. Walk to bus stop at Blk 99 Old Airport Road (Stop ID 81181). Take Bus 10 or 32. Alight 6 stops later. Walk down East Coast Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]