Acqua e Farina @ Keong Saik Road - Authentic Italian Restaurant at The Rail Mall Opens New Outlet

Acqua e Farina, known for its authentic Italian cuisine since 2016 at The Rail Mall, has now expanded with a new outlet at Keong Saik Road. The restaurant continues to be helmed by Chef Antonio Manetto and Chef Roberto Galbiati, who hail from Southern and Northern Italy respectively, bringing their regional expertise to the table.

We learnt from our last visit to The Rail Mall's branch that the restaurant's name directly translates into Italian for water and flour, reflecting the Chefs' goal of bringing authentic Italian fare using traditional recipes, top-quality ingredients and their own twists. Ingredients are mostly sourced directly from Italy.

As a warm welcome, all diners are treated to complimentary warm bread, which we found delightfully chewy and perfect for dipping into olive oil.

The restaurant's beverage menu is impressive, with various non-alcoholic drinks, spritzes, wines, and housemade cocktails. The attentive servers are always happy to offer their recommendations if needed.

Tegamino con Cipolle, Asparagi e Guanciale 4.5/5

Our meal started with the Tegamino con Cipolle, Asparagi e Guanciale ($32), a savoury mix of braised onions, green asparagus, and pan-fried guanciale. The dish's smokiness, sweet-savoury flavour combination, and contrasting textures made it a hit, especially when paired with the starter bread.

Tortino 4/5

We also tried the Tortino ($32), a tart made with homemade puff pastry dough filled with a rich crayfish sauce, tender crayfish chunks, and porcini mushrooms. While the tart shell wasn’t my favourite, the crustacean sweetness of the sauce was reminiscent of a flavorful lobster bisque.

Montara 4.2/5

Exclusive to the Keong Saik outlet is the Montanara ($34), a twice-cooked pizza that’s first left to rise for 36 hours and deep-fried before being baked. The pizza, topped with tomato sauce, pork sausages, spicy nduja, and creamy stracciatella, had a perfectly crisp edge and was surprisingly light, making it easy to enjoy without feeling too heavy.

Risotto ai Ricci di Mare e Bottarga 4/5

Next, we tried the Risotto ai Ricci di Mare e Bottarga ($36), a luxurious risotto dish enhanced with briny sea urchin and freshly grated salt-cured bottarga. The dish was creamy without the use of cream, relying on the slow-simmered stock for its richness.

Tagliatelle al Cacao con Gamberetti e Nduja 4/5

We also enjoyed the Tagliatelle al Cacao con Gamberetti e Nduja ($36), a unique handmade cocoa pasta tossed in spicy nduja salami paste, complemented by portobello mushrooms and shrimp. Mixing in the cocoa powder provided a subtle sweetness that balanced the spicy nduja.

Paccheri alla Norma 4.2/5

For a vegetarian option, we sampled the Paccheri alla Norma ($34), a tube-shaped pasta tossed in a fresh tomato sauce with eggplant and topped with grated ricotta. Based on Chef's family recipe, this dish was a pleasant surprise with its bright and simple flavour.

Acqua e Farina’s Dessert Platter 4/5

To end our meal, we opted for the Dessert Platter ($20), which offered bite-sized portions of Acqua e Farina’s best desserts: Panna Cotta, Tiramisu, Crème Brûlée, and Lava Cake. The Lava Cake stood out for its rich, oozing chocolate centre.

Nutella Donuts 4.2/5

We were also treated to off-the-menu Nutella Donuts, which were fluffy, chewy, and definitely worth making a permanent fixture on the menu.

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.


Acqua e Farina
35A Keong Saik Road
Singapore 089142
Tel: +65 9105 2377
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Nearest MRT: Outram Park MRT (EW, TE, NE Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11.30am - 2.30pm, 5.30pm - 10.30pm
(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]

Uoharu (魚治) @ IOI Central Boulevard Towers - Renown Tokyo Kaizen Izakaya Opens Doors to Second Overseas Outpost in Singapore

A renowned izakaya from Tokyo has just arrived on our shores. Founded by Chef Masahiro Uchiyama, Uoharu has garnered acclaim for its delectable dishes created using fresh ingredients sourced from Toyosu Market and its commitment to reducing food waste using cosmetically imperfect ingredients. Uoharu Singapore is the second international outpost for the brand, following Uoharu Hong Kong, which is so popular that reservations are required a month in advance.

The izakaya is located on Level 1 of the IOI Central Boulevard Towers. The signage is quite discreet, so look out for the Toast Box beside it to find the place. Step inside, and the ambience and vibes will make you feel as if you've been whisked away to Japan. Expect a lively, bustling atmosphere, some traditional Japanese elements in the décor, and an overall cosy and inviting vibe.

Baguette Toast with Cream Cheese and Maple Syrup 4.2/5

The Baguette Toast with Cream Cheese and Maple Syrup ($7.80) was delicious. The toast itself was very crispy and provided a satisfying crunch with every bite. The smooth and light cream cheese had a luscious texture that complemented the toast beautifully, whilst the maple syrup added just the right amount of sweetness without being overwhelming.

Bagna Cauda 4/5

We also enjoyed Bagna Cauda ($3/pax), a classic Italian dip known for its rich, savoury profile featuring anchovies and garlic. This dish was served as a warm, indulgent dipping sauce, perfect for pairing with a colourful assortment of fresh vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, and sweet potato. The vegetables are served on a bed of ice to keep them cold and crisp before dipping.

Potato Salad with Smoked Mackerel and Egg 3.5/5

There was also a serving of Potato Salad with Smoked Mackerel and Egg ($7.80). It's a fairly standard and yummy version of a popular comfort food dish, with the mackerel adding some smoky flavours.

Akita Smoked Radish with Cream Cheese 2.8/5

We tried a popular drinking snack that is apparently quite popular at Uoharu Hong Kong: the Akita Smoked Radish with Cream Cheese ($10.80). It's quite an acquired taste in terms of flavour and texture. The radish is chewy and very salty, perhaps not for me.

Seared Miso Sashimi Tartare 4.2/5

The other drinking snack we sampled was much more to my liking. The Seared Miso Sashimi Tartare ($14.80) is prepared tableside. It features a seared portion of sashimi served with a raw egg yolk and seaweed. This interactive dish adds an element of fun, as diners are encouraged to scoop some of the sashimi tartare, wrap it in the seaweed, and then dip it into the egg yolk to create their own flavour bomb.

Japanese-style Thick Fried Tofu 3.5/5

The Japanese-style Thick Fried Tofu ($6.80) was served piping hot and crispy on the outside, while the tofu was soft and creamy inside. It is quite nice, but I would have loved it to have some dipping sauce.

Manzoku Tuna and Sea Urchin Sushi Roll 4.2/5

The Manzoku Tuna and Sea Urchin Sushi Roll ($28.80) is visually stunning, with treasures of the sea heaped on it. Each bite offers a rich, umami-packed experience, topped with Ikura and crab and combining the buttery, briny notes of sea urchin with the freshness of the tuna.

Mentaiko in Olive Oil with French Baguette 4.2/5

I also enjoyed the Mentaiko in Olive Oil with French Baguette ($12.80), where the mentaiko comes in a hot pan of olive oil with julienned potato strips. The rich mentaiko is meant to be generously spread onto the crispy baguette toast for a pretty unique but tasty bite.

U.S. Beef Short Rib with bone 3.5/5

The U.S. Beef Short Rib with Bone ($32.80) is a promising dish with a juicy and flavourful bite. However, on this particular occasion, the dish was too heavy-handed with the salt, which detracted from the full enjoyment of the dish. More measured seasoning would improve the dish so that diners can fully savour the taste of the beef itself.

Grilled Squid served with Squid Liver Sauce 4/5

There is also a Grilled Squid served with Squid Liver Sauce ($16.80), prepared to showcase its tender yet slightly chewy texture. The liver sauce is the special feature of the dish, with a deep, concentrated and briny flavour with a smooth, creamy texture.

Homemade Snow Crab Croquette Rice 4.5/5

My favourite dish of the evening is Homemade Snow Crab Croquettes Rice ($29.80). The homemade snow crab croquette is a standout element, offering a creamy and rich filling encased in a crispy, golden-brown crust. The dish is further elevated by adding ikura, which adds a delightful briny pop with each bite, and succulent crab meat. All these are combined in a claypot and mixed for a very delicious rice dish, where each spoonful is a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Soba with Karasumi 3/5

There's also the interesting Soba with Karasumi ($20.80), also known as cured mullet roe. Karasumi is known for its rich, salty, and umami-packed flavour profile. The roe is air-dried and cured, then shaved over the top of the soba. The roe has a nice crumbly texture that goes well with the soba. However, after a few bites I found it a tad dry eaten on its own.

Matcha Baguette Ice Cream Sandwich 3/5

For a simple dessert, you can opt for a Matcha Baguette Ice Cream Sandwich ($6.80) which is exactly what its name suggests –nice matcha ice cream served in a baguette sandwich. Points given for the baguette which is served hot and crispy to contrast with the cold ice cream.

Homemade Japanese Pumpkin Crème Brulee 4/5

For something more interesting, opt for the Homemade Japanese Pumpkin Crème Brulee ($8.80), which is creamy, nutty and sweet. The pumpkin is pureed and incorporated into the custard base, giving the dessert a distinctive taste and a vibrant, golden-orange hue.

Whilst there were hits and misses, it was overall an enjoyable meal, complemented by a very pleasant and convivial atmosphere and friendly staff. It is an excellent place to hang out with friends for drinks, and they have more than 100 kinds of Japanese sake, beer, highball, lemon sour, cocktails, shochu, wines, and other beverages, all directly imported from Japan. Uoharu is also one of the few places to offer Draft Sake, a speciality brew made with no preservatives. Non-alcoholic drinkers can also enjoy some nice yuzu and Aomori apple sodas and a variety of Japanese teas.

Last but not least, don't miss the nightly Katsuo Warayaki Show, a fiery spectacle of traditional straw-roasting and grilling after which diners are offered a complimentary tasting of grilled bonito fish!

Photographed and penned by Shermine. Through her pictures and stories, she shares her journey of savouring new flavours and experiences. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Uoharu (魚治)
IOI Central Boulevard Towers
2 Central Boulevard
#01-16
Singapore 018916
Tel: +65 6931 2733
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Nearest MRT: Downtown (DT Line), Shenton Way (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 11am - 10pm
(Closed on Sun)

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

2) Alight at Shenton Way MRT station. Take Exit 4. Cut across Asia Square Tower to Commerce Street. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes.[Map]

1864 The Bar @ Sofitel Singapore City Centre - Sofitel x Sulwhasoo Ginseng Afternoon Tea

In an exclusive partnership with renowned Korean luxury beauty brand Sulwhasoo, Sofitel Singapore City Centre has recently launched a co-branded afternoon tea experience. Available from 1 March to 26 April, this limited-time afternoon tea set incorporates the essence of the brand's signature ingredient, ginseng, into a repertoire of sweet and savoury delights. What's more, you get to walk away with a set of Sulwhasoo Anti-aging Kit.

Chinese Herbal Tea Quail Egg

We started with Chinese Herbal Tea Quail Egg, which was simply adorable and tasty. I appreciate the addition of olive oil pearls which added a unique flavour and mouthfeel to the egg.

Chilled Ginseng Egg Royale with Shredded Crab Meat was delicious with soft egg custard paired with sweet crab meat.

Chicken Collagen Broth with Coconut Noodles and Goji Berries

Chicken Collagen Broth with Coconut Noodles and Goji Berries was my absolute favourite. Served chilled, it was like a delectable savoury-sweet ginseng shot with a texture bite lent from coconut noodles.

Ginseng Crème Brûlée Sable Cookie

Among the sweets, Ginseng Crème Brûlée Sable Cookie was infused with a pronounced taste of ginseng, which harmonised well with the creme brulee. The sugar bits are reminiscent of ginseng candy. However, the uneven caramelised sugar affected the overall texture and sweetness balance.

Yuzu Ginseng Tart with Swiss Meringue

Caramel Ginger Puff

Adorned with a flower, both Yuzu Ginseng Tart with Swiss Meringue and Caramel Ginger Puff captivated us aesthetically. The Yuzu Ginseng Tart was like an elevated version of a Lemon Tart, offering a tangy blend of yuzu and ginseng, while the latter surprised with an interesting cylindrical puff pastry filled with sweet and eggy custard.

Honey Mascarpone Lemon Cake

Among the sweet pastries, Honey Mascarpone Lemon Cake stood out with its fluffy sponge cake, honey mascarpone layer, and soft chantilly cream. Each layer harmonised with the others, and the sweetness level was just right.

Chilled Hashima Ginseng Soup with Goji Berries

Chilled Hashima Ginseng Soup with Goji Berries added a nourishing and refreshing touch to the Sulwhasoo Ginseng Afternoon Tea experience.

Each Sofitel x Sulwhasoo Afternoon Tea Set also comes with two sets of Sulwhasoo Anti-aging Kits worth $222. Each kit features sample sizes of Sulwhasoo's top products: Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream (5ml), First Care Activating Serum (8ml), Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Serum (5ml), and Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Eye Cream (3ml).

Sofitel x Sulwhasoo Ginseng Afternoon Tea Price: $118++ for two persons. High tea hours is 2pm to 5pm daily. Make a reservation via their official website, call 6428 5000 or email HA152@sofitel.com

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. Note: This is an invited tasting.


1864
Sofitel Singapore City Centre
Fifth Floor
9 Wallich Street
Singapore 078885
Tel: +65 6428 5000
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
High Tea: 2pm - 5pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right on Peck Seah Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Barood @ Tras Street - Modern Latin Indian Izakaya with Spiced Tapas and Inventive Cocktails

Barood has been hiding its culinary prowess for a year now, and it was high time I uncovered the gem at Tras Street above Revolver. This modern Latin Indian izakaya continues to push the boundaries with its spiced tapas and inventive cocktails, making every visit an exciting journey for the taste buds.

Sydney Spritz

Roma Amara

The evening began with a global tour of cocktails, each a liquid passport to a different destination. The Sydney Spritz ($24) and Roma Amara ($26) were our pre-dinner companions, setting the tone with their light and refreshing profiles.

Tostadas 4.2/5

We kicked off the 7-course Tasting Menu ($89/pax) with Tostadas that left us marvelling. These toasted tortillas were crowned with smoked aubergine, a seemingly humble ingredient that played a starring role. Even the aubergine sceptics among us were converted as the dish unfolded into a harmonious blend of flavours and textures.

Scallop Tart 5/5

The Scallop Tart, adorned with mango, chipotle, and curry leaf oil, was a delightful exploration of contrasts. The sweetness from the scallop shone through the layers of flavours. All encased in a crispy shell that added a satisfying crunch.

Goat Biryani Arancini 4.5/5

A highlight of the meal was the Goat Biryani Arancini, a delightful fusion of Italian rice balls with an Indian twist. Pulled goat, biryani, and pickle mayo were expertly combined, coated in breadcrumbs, and deep-fried to perfection. The result was a burst of robust Indian spices.

Mexican Kiss

Tokyo no Sumo

We didn't stop at one round of cocktails. We sipped on the Mexican Kiss ($26) and Tokyo no Sumo ($28) for the second act, each offering a unique taste journey.

Smoked Lobster Yakitori 4.8/5

One of the menu's stars was the Smoked Lobster Yakitori, featuring sweet and bouncy lobster skewered alongside smoked chillies and chipotle chutney. The lobster's freshness and the sauce's smoky richness made for an unforgettable pairing.

Malabar Pork Taco 4.2/5

The Malabar Pork Taco was an elevated take on the traditional al pastor. Amul Cheese and fruity mango elevated the seasoned and marinated pork, creating a symphony of fireworks in every bite.

Momo Calcutta 4/5

Served in a steaming basket, the Momo Calcutta presented plump dumplings stuffed with ginger chicken, accompanied by pea shoots. The dumplings were juicy, and the pea shoots provided a delightful textural contrast. Pairing them with the Goan sambal elevated the experience.

Bombay Creme Brulee 4/5

We concluded the feast on a sweet note with the Bombay Creme Brulee, which had its own twist. Fresh corn and saffron were added, introducing new dimensions to this classic dessert. The sweet corn brought a pleasant sweetness, while the saffron added an aromatic touch.

Barood continues to stand out with its innovative dishes and inventive cocktails. Here's to another year of delightful surprises from this Latin Indian gem.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Barood
56A Tras Street
Singapore 078995
Tel: +65 96223410
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Sat: 5pm - 12midnight
(Closed on Sun to Tue)

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]