Sinpopo Brand @ Joo Chiat Road - Revamped Menu Of Local Food With A Fusion Twist

Sinpopo Brand at Joo Chiat has been around for 9 years and is most known for its focus on local food with a fusion twist and cakes inspired by local flavours, such as pulut hitam and putu piring.

Staying true to their brand story, they have recently launched a refreshed menu featuring return favourites and new innovative creations.

Sotong Hitam with Handmade Crab Tortellini 3.8/5

The Sotong Hitam with Handmade Crab Tortellini ($20) showcases Sinpopo's unique take on tortellini. Instead of the usual pasta skin, the crab meat filling is wrapped with dumpling-like skin. Together with slices of squid, they are then done in a fragrant squid ink rempah that carries quite a kick of spice.

Crab Bee Hoon 3/5

The Crab Bee Hoon ($19) is a popular return from the previous menu. It has vermicelli in a savoury seafood broth, topped with crab meat and roe.

Baked Miso Cod Hor Fun 3.5/5

The perfectly baked miso atlantic cod was the highlight of the Baked Miso Cod Hor Fun ($23). The cod was buttery and creamy and paired nicely with the lightly crisped-up pieces of fish maw. At this price tag, however, we wished there was a stronger wok hei and a bigger portion of hor fun.

Braised Cabbage in Superior Stock 3.5/5

A new interesting section on the refreshed menu is the Smoke-kissed Veggies to Share. There are 4 veggies to choose from, the Jambu Jack Salad, Butter Grilled Maitake, Nai Bai with Parmesan, and what we had, the Braised Cabbage in Superior Stock ($14). The savoy cabbage is braised till soft, grilled and served in a thick sauce. The overall smokiness was pleasant but could be much less salty.

Durian Pengat Crème Brûlée 3.8/5

If you have a sweet tooth, the rich Durian Pengat Crème Brûlée ($14) is one to consider. It has mao shan wang durian flesh cooked down with pandan and gula melaka, layered under custard and a caramelised top. On the side, there is coconut cream and biscuits to go along. It can get quite sweet and heavy, so it would be good to have this as a sharing dessert.

Sng Muay Pop

I enjoyed the fizzy Sng Muay Pop ($7)! It was scorching on the day of our visit, and this combination of 7-Up, lime and sour plum was refreshing. It's not too sweet, and they thoughtfully added preserved plum ice cubes. This drink helped to balance out the heavier-tasting dishes.

Sinpopo Teh Tarik

The Sinpopo Teh Tarik ($5) was a recommendation by the staff. Each cup is served with a pair of in-house cookies - we got the black sesame flavour. The teh tarik was smooth and sweet.

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.


Sinpopo Brand @ Katong
458 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore 427671
Tel: +63455034
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Nearest MRT: Dakota MRT (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Block 99 (Stop ID 81181). Take bus number 16. Alight 4 stops later. Cross the road and turn left. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

2) 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 to Joo Chiat Road. Turn left and walk to destination. Journey time about 18 minutes. [Map]

Les Bouchons @ Rochester Park - New Hot Destination For Classic Steak Frites, French Classics & Wines In The West

Les Bouchons, well known for its classic and value-for-money steak frites and French cuisine, has opened its latest outlet in the west. The restaurant is located in a two-storey heritage black and white bungalow built in the 1940s, surrounded by the serene and lush greenery of Rochester Park.

French Heirloom Beetroot Salad 4.8/5

With the opening of its latest outlet at Rochester, it has introduced several exclusive new dishes, such as the French Heirloom Beetroot Salad ($17). These beetroots are deliciously fruity, not those earthy tasting beetroots that I have eaten. On top of that, it has a delectable crunchy texture that is very enjoyable.

Terrine de Foie Gras "Maison" 4/5

The Terrine de Foie Gras "Maison" ($26) is another exclusive dish at the new outlet. It is served with onion chutney and toast. I am not sure about the others on the table, but I find having the terrine with toast weird. I prefer pairing it with the complimentary bread.

French Ceps Soup with Truffle Oil 3.8/5

It was a rainy day when I visited Les Bouchons. Hence the French Ceps Soup with Truffle Oil ($16) is a timely entree warming the body in the cold weather. Each spoonful came with an intense mushroomy flavour, but I thought it was rather heavy on the salt. In addition, I didn't find the use of truffle oil is necessary.

Grilled Sirloin Wagyu 4.8/5

The highlight at Les Bouchons has to be their mains. Making a grand entrance with its beautiful marbling is the Grilled Sirloin Wagyu ($78) cooked perfectly to medium-rare. Just a touch of salt at the side to appreciate the flavoursome piece of meat. There is no need for any sauce to enjoy the quality Japanese Hokkaido Black Wagyu MB +6/7.

Extra Tender Angus Beef Filet 4.8/5

Next, we have the Extra Tender Angus Beef Filet ($50). It is leaner compared to the wagyu, bursting with beefy jus of its own. It is not interior to the wagyu but up to the individual's preference for their steak. Fans like me that prefer more bite in their steak would choose the Angus beef filet over the grilled sirloin wagyu.

Poulet aux 40 Gousses d'Ail 4.5/5

Besides the beef, Les Bouchons does a very good Poulet aux 40 Gousses d'Ail ($32). I was secretly happy to be served the traditional 40 garlic roasted chicken. A dish I have not eaten for a long time. I reminded the last time I had it was many years ago at a friend's gathering. The chicken flavoured by the lovely aroma of garlic and rosemary was tender and juicy. I would highly recommend wiping up the delicious sauce with the bread too.

Truffle Brie "Maison" 50g 4/5

Round up with some cheese and crackers to complete the meal and enjoy the selection of wines available at the restaurant. It has a list of approximately 100 labels, including old and new world, rare and vintage selections, with 80% from France, ensuring that there is something to imbibe at any time of the day.

Double Chocolate Lava Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream 4/5

You will not get wrong with the Double Chocolate Lava Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream ($15) for desserts. Crusty on the exterior and molten inside, the chocolatey goodness is complemented by the creaminess of the vanilla ice cream, cutting through the richness.

Ile Flottante 4.2/5

Also known as the floating island is the Ile Flottante ($13). Floating in the tall glass is a meringue in creme anglaise. It was my first time having such an interesting dessert, and I enjoyed it. It felt like having ice cream in a creamy sauce.

Creme Brulee 4.2/5

Last but not least, we have the Creme Brulee ($13) that comes with a layer of crackling caramelised sugar atop a rich custard base infused with a hint of orange zest.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Les Bouchons Rochester
10 Rochester Park
Rochester Commons
Singapore 139221
Tel: +65 69048972
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Nearest MRT: Buona Vista (CC Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu: 12pm - 2pm, 6pm - 10pm
Fri: 12pm - 2pm, 6pm - 1030pm
Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm
Sun: 12pm - 3pm, 5pm - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Buona Vista MRT station. Take Exit C. Take the sheltered walkway and walk towards Star Vista. Turn left onto Rochester Drive. Walk to junction of Rochester Drive and Vista Exchange Green. Turn right onto Vista Exchange Green. Walk to junction of Vista Exchange Green and Rochester Park. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

BoCHINche @ Club Street - A New Home With Refreshed Menu

BoCHINche has moved into their new home at Club Street. The new restaurant spots an expanded open kitchen and grill that flanks the entire length of the restaurant. Compared to its old premises, the new place is bigger and brighter, illuminated with natural light through a glass-encased stairwell.

Bomba Arroz Verde 4.2/5

The classic Spanish-style dish - Bomba Arroz Verde is topped with grilled Argentinian prawns and scallop bites on a bed of rice glazed in seafood stock. The result is a satisfying and creamy finish.

Quail 4.2/5

The Quail ($28) is beautifully charcoal grilled to tender paired with salted crust beetroot, berries,  hazelnut and garden leaves, held together by a rich buttermilk sauce.

Rib Eye Steak 4.5/5 and Vintage Galiciana Striploin Bone In MBS 3+ 4.2/5

Not to be missed at BoCHINche is their steak. We tried the Rib Eye Steak ($65 for 300g) and Bone-In Galiciana Striploin ($140 for 400g). The classic Argentinian rib eye steak is exceptionally tender and juicy, best shown in its beautiful marbling. On the other hand, the bone-in Galiciana striploin is richer in flavour with a well-muscled texture that has been dry-aged for 38 days.

Hand Cut Chips "Provencal" 4.2/5

Roast Cauliflower 3.5/5

There are a list of yummy side dishes such as the Hand Cut Chips "Provencal" ($10) and Roast Cauliflower, Pine Nuts, Raisins & Pistachio Pesto ($15) to go along with the meats

Espresso Martini Creme Brulee 4/5

Last but not least, end the dinner on a sweet note with the Espresso Martini Creme Brulee ($19), finished with a scoop of brown sugar ice cream.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


BoCHINche
27 Club Street
Singapore 069413
Tel: +65 62354990
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Chinatown (NE Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun)

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 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 the end of the lane. Turn left onto Club Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk down South Bridge Road towards Ann Siang Road. Turn right onto Ann Siang Road. Walk down Ann Siang Road. Turn left onto Club Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Trattoria La Vita @ North Canal Road - Homely Italian Cuisine with Japanese Flair

Located just a simple short walk away from Clarke Quay MRT Station, Trattoria La Vita at North Canal Road is a homely Japanese-run Italian restaurant. I learnt that the kitchen is also helmed by a Japanese chef, who was trained in Italy for 3 years. On the menu, you will find not just Italian flavours, but also dishes imbued with a touch of Japanese flair.

Salmon Gazpacho with Cucumber & Grapefruit 4.2/5

Tagliatelle Carbonara with Button Mushroom 3.8/5

Assortment of Desserts 3/5

If you are looking for a good value and quality executive lunch, do try its 3-course Lunch Set, nett priced at $25. A top-up of $5 will get you a glass of house red or white wine. The selections of appetisers and mains are above average I would say. Instead of the usual soups or salads, one of the choices available for starters is Salmon Gazpacho with Cucumber & Grapefruit. Citrusy and extremely piquant, it wowed me with its textural variations given by the different ingredients. For Main, I had Tagliatelle Carbonara with Button Mushroom that was quite delectable as well. The set lunch comes with a serving of Assortment of Desserts, which I was served with a portion of Tiramisu and Cannoli.

Pear Salad with Parma Ham & Homemade Ricotta 4.5/5

Parma Prosciutto with Melon (tasting portion) 4.5/5

Coming down to its ala carte menu, for starters, we had Pear Salad with Parma Ham & Homemade Ricotta ($16.90) and Parma Prosciutto with Melon ($24.90). The Pear Salad is served with a Raspberry Vinaigrette. Its flavour paired really well with the milky sweet ricotta, almost like the combination of berry and cream, and its acidity along with the sweet pears cut the richness of the Parma Ham. Even though Parma Prosciutto with Melon is a classic pairing, but over here, it also shines in terms of its presentation and the quality of ingredients used.

Spaghetti Hokkaido Scallop with Myogo Tobiko Wasabi 3/5

Tagliollini Scampi with Cherry Tomatoes 3.8/5

Under Pasta, there are 3 different categories - Japanese Taste, Italian Classic and Special Seafood. Japanese Taste Spaghetti Hokkaido Scallop with Myoga Tobiko Wasabi ($27.90) is quite unique with the addition of Myoga, Japanese Ginger flower. Because of its distinct flavours, it gave the pasta much of its characters. There were julienned Oba leaves inside as well, which boosted that herbaceous flavour. However, the scallops didn't quite elevate the dish as much as we would like them to. As for Seafood pasta, we had Tagliollini Scampi with Cherry Tomatoes ($27.90), I love how succulent the scampi were, as well as the combination of fresh basil and tart-sweet Cherry Tomato.

Pizza Bismarck 4.5/5

The dish that won our hearts is this Pizza Bismarck ($13.90). Made with Italian flour, the crust, despite it being thin and crispy, was flavorful even on its own. Loaded with chunky pork bacon, asparagus, and sweet onion slices, there was satisfaction in every bite. The egg sitting in the middle had its white set, but its yolk spread and mingled with the cheese and tomato sauce, making the pizza extra scrumptious.

Tenderloin 4/5

La Vita also prides itself on its Josper Grill steaks, which includes John Stone dry-aged beef. We went for Tenderloin (200g $59.90), served with grilled vegetables and potatoes. Ribeye is available as well if you prefer a stronger beefy flavour.

Assorted Berries Tart with Pistachio Gelato 2.5/5

Creme Brulee 3/5

Great mains but the desserts here are all just alright. If you do need one, then go for Crème Brulee ($13.90). Mine was a little eggy, but it came with a nice tuile which went well with it. As for the Assorted Berries Tart with Pistachio Gelato ($16.90), the crust was underbaked, and the custard base was thick and cloying.

Trattoria La Vita has been rolling out quite a few promotions lately, including Ladies' Night every Wednesday from 6pm to 8pm. For any main dish purchased, there will be a complimentary free-flow sparkling wine and La Vito Keto Salad!

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.


Trattoria La Vita
35 North Canal Road
#01-01
Singapore 059291
Tel: +65 62261182
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Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (NE Line), Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk towards the junction of North Canal Road and South Bridge Road. Cross the junction and continue on North Canal Road. Walk along the shophouses along North Canal Road. Look out for an alley and turn left into it. Look for the entrance to the building and take lift to level 2. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk towards North Canal Road. Continue on North Canal Road. Walk along the shophouses along North Canal Road. Look out for an alley and turn right into it. Look for the entrance to the building and take lift to level 2. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

So France @ Duo Galleria - Experience The Taste of True Bistro Of Living

So France at Duo Galleria unveils a new look, introducing all-new menus, crafted to deliver an authentic contemporary French bistro experience. Classic, yet vibrant and modern, from the existing space that houses both a bistro and an epicurean grocer, So France now extends with a new alfresco terrasse for nights of drinks, tapas and sharing platters.

Salade Landaise 4.5/5

The new menu at So France embodies their philosophy of "innovative tradition", fusing classic French flavours into the current palate. And what caught my attention was the section on the menu that is devoted to duck. Starting with a salad that is native to the coastal Landes region of France, the Salade Landaise ($24) was hearty with cured duck gizzards (confit in duck fat and roasted to order) and cured duck breast. With crispy croutons tossed in, this salad was all about luscious mouthfill, meaty texture and crunch. The magic touch to this salad was the shaved foie gras terrine, that buttered every mouthful, but just very lightly, as they melt in my mouth. The ingredients sounded rather rich, but nothing was assertive, especially when the greens were simply dressed with Balsamic vinegar and olive oil.

Duck Rillette 4.5/5

Also available in their Tapas menu, Duck Rillettes ($15) is a must-order if you are in a group, especially when you are in the mood for a long night. What a pleasure to see and enjoy the rillettes with an entire bottle of cornichons! The duck leg meat is marinated with orange skin, star anise and thyme for 4 hours, rinsed and sous vide for 18 hours, then rested for about 26 hours. Shredded and not pulverised, a right amount of cold duck fat binds the shredded meats together, creating a luxurious spread for the accompanying croutons. The seasoning is on the lighter side, so one could really appreciate the very clean flavours of the duck and its fats.

Duck Confit 4.2/5

Mash Potatoes 4.5/5

You may have come across many versions ever since you get acquainted with French cuisine, but do try their highly raved Duck Confit ($34). Glistening, evenly roasted with smooth-running edges, the duck skin was crisp, and the meat was tender with a good ratio of fats. I could do with a bit more sauce, which helped to bring out the flavours of the duck confit. Although roasted Grenaille potatoes are served alongside, what really completes the dish is their Puree / Mash Potatoes ($8). A full-on, creamy confection of butter, cream and potatoes, this mash potatoes of theirs will have you coming back for more.

Oeufs Meurette 4.5/5

Oeufs Meurette ($22) is your eggs and bacon dish but done in a traditional Burgundian way. What gives this unassuming dish its characters is the complex homemade red wine sauce made with beef and chicken stocks, veal jus, shallots, vinegar, red wine and butter. It flavoured the subtlety of the poached eggs while the more assertive flavours of the meaty, thick-cut bacon mellowed out its sweetness and acidity.

Sea Bass Filet 4/5

For lighter fare, on the menu, they have Filet de Bar / Sea Bass Filet ($28). I loved how crispy the skin was, juxtaposed with creamy broccoli puree and broccolini mash.

So France Beef Burger 3.5/5

Catering to our undying love for burgers, there is So France Beef Burger ($24), with a patty made with a combination of brisket and chuck, layered with sundried tomatoes, raclette cheese, rocket and caramelised onion. Served medium rare, I reckon the patty needs more fats to up its beefy flavour. But overall, it was still quite a pleasure to bite into the fat burger, especially when the custom made sourdough bun was so light and chewy. You will appreciate the fries too, which is made with potatoes from France.

Creme Brulee 3.8/5

For desserts, the Creme Brulee ($12) was simple but comforting with it's warm, vanilla aroma and mellow sweetness.

Floating Island 3.8/5

The first time I tried a Floating Island was in Hungary at a sidewalk bistro, that was served in a cup. The Floating Island ($12) here is a much more elaborated version, and I do suggest you try this classic dessert, which is rather rare in Singapore.

Words and photos 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.


So France
Duo Galleria
7 Fraser Street
#01-51/56
Singapore 189356
Tel: +65 6909 6449
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Bugis (DT Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8am - 9pm
Sat: 9am - 9pm
Sun: 9am - 6pm

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