Club Rangoon @ Duxton Road - A Taste of Contemporary Burmese Cuisine in Singapore

After making its mark in Hong Kong, Club Rangoon by Burmese restaurateur, Nelson Htoo has found a new home in Singapore. Nelson's decision to relocate was driven by the lease ending in Hong Kong and his deep-rooted connection to Singapore, where he spent his teenage years. Additionally, Singapore's vibrant Southeast Asian community, including a significant Burmese diaspora, makes it an ideal place to showcase Burmese cuisine's rich and spiced flavours.

Laphet Thoke 4/5

We started our lunch with the Laphet Thoke ($17), a refreshing fermented tea leaf salad. This dish is a staple in Burmese cuisine and consists of shredded cabbage, cherry tomatoes, and green chilli, all tossed in a tangy sauce. The real star, however, is the double-fried beans that add an irresistible crunch to each bite. The tea leaves themselves, which are traditionally fermented, add a unique flavour that elevates the dish. While most of us are more accustomed to drinking tea, in Burma, it's just as common to eat it, making this dish a fascinating introduction to the cuisine.

Shan Htamin Jin 3.8/5

Next, we sampled the Shan Htamin Jin ($12.5/2pc), which translates to Shan-style rice. This light bite featured mildly turmeric-flavoured fermented rice balls crowned with a tomato chilli rice pillow. I was advised that it's best enjoyed in a single bite, allowing the slightly sticky yet firm rice to mingle with the savoury, tangy, and earthy notes. It's a textural delight that offers a harmonious blend of flavours, making it one of the standout items on the menu.

Dirty Egg Bites 4.2/5

Another popular item on the menu is the Dirty Egg Bites ($12/2pc). This dish features hard-boiled eggs topped with a curry and coriander sauce, accompanied by caramelized onions and a split pea chip. It’s a dish that offers a glimpse into the rich and complex flavors of Burmese cuisine. The combination of the egg with the curry sauce and crunchy chip makes for a satisfying bite that leaves you wanting more.

Fish & Chips 4.2/5

When you see Fish & Chips ($14) on the menu, you might expect the British classic. However, Club Rangoon's take on this dish is a delightful surprise. Instead of the usual battered fish, barramundi is pounded with a mixture of spices reminiscent of otah, a local fish cake. The dish is served with fish crackers, allowing you to scoop the spiced barramundi onto the crackers like nachos. It's a creative and flavorful twist on a familiar dish that showcases the chef's ingenuity.

Mohinga 4/5

No exploration of Burmese cuisine would be complete without Mohinga. This staple noodle dish is a complex and comforting bowl of goodness, featuring rice noodles in a lemongrass-catfish soup, banana stems, egg, grilled catfish, split pea fritter, chilli powder, and lime. The broth is light yet flavorful, with silky soft noodles that make it a joy to eat. The banana stems add an interesting crunch, although the fibrous texture might not be to everyone's liking. Overall, Mohinga is a must-try for anyone new to Burmese cuisine, offering a well-balanced and satisfying experience.

Duck Leg Confit Curry 4.5/5

The highlight of the meal for me was the Duck Leg Confit Curry ($32). The duck leg was cooked to perfection, fork-tender and rich in flavour. The curry itself was aromatic and deeply flavorful, enriched by the sweetness of onions and a medley of spices. This is the kind of dish that demands a bowl of steamed jasmine rice ($5) to soak up every last drop of the delicious curry. It's hearty, comforting, and absolutely delicious — a true showcase of the depth and complexity of Burmese cuisine.

Club Rangoon brings a slice of contemporary Burmese cuisine to Singapore, offering a diverse, familiar, and novel menu. Whether you're new to Burmese food or a seasoned fan, the dishes here are sure to leave a lasting impression. From the refreshing Laphet Thoke to the hearty Duck Leg Confit Curry, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Club Rangoon is a welcome addition to Singapore's vibrant food scene, and I can't wait to return for another round of culinary exploration.


Club Rangoon
76 Duxton Road
Singapore 089535
Tel: +65 8190 8827
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Nearest MRT: Maxwell (TE Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu: 530pm - 11pm
Fri-Sat: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Cross the road to Duxton Road. Walk down Duxton Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road and walk to Craig Road. Walk down Craig Road towards Duxton Road. Turn right onto Duxton Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Au Balcon @ The Summerhouse - Parktake In Comforting, Classic French Fare With The Reinvented Au Balcon

Formerly known as the French Dining Room at The Summerhouse, Au Balcon, located on the second floor of the historical building, refreshed its menu to focus on classic French flavours with a twist.

Octopus & Prawn Nicoise Salad 3,5/5

We kickstarted our dinner with several entrees, starting with the Octopus & Prawn Nicoise Salad ($28). It is an elevated take on the salad featuring a smoky, tender grilled octopus leg on a bed of fresh butterhead lettuce, sweet cherry tomatoes, haricot verts, olives, fingerling potatoes and local Kelong-farmed prawns. I am not a salad person, but the accompanying ingredients liven the enjoyment of the boring greens.

Florentine 65℃ Organic Egg 3.5/5

Next is the Florentine 65℃ Organic Egg ($18). A farm egg sits on a bed of garlic-sauteed spinach, cauliflower puree and is finished with a flourish of fresh truffle shavings, pecorino and truffle vinaigrette. It may look simple but do not be deceived by it. It is packed with lovely flavours.

Seared Atlantic Scallop 3.8/5

Seared to perfect golden brown is the plump and sweet Atlantic Scallop ($24), paired deliciously on a swath of smooth, vibrant romesco sauce, topped with sweet caper raisins and coriander cres from The Summerhouse's edible garden.

Pluma Iberico 4/5

Moving to the mains, we had the Pluma Iberico ($48) beautifully seared and paired with a sweet-sour apple celeriac puree and moreish garlic brussels sprouts. It is sprinkled with toasted almonds for a layered bite and a nutty finish.

Kuhlbarra Barramundi 4/5

The Kuhlbarra Baramundi ($36) is sustainably sourced, paired with creamy polenta and roasted heirloom carrots. A rich, savoury crustacean reduction beautifully ties the dish together, binding every component together in harmony.

Wagyu Striploin 4.2/5

Another delicious protein is the richly marbled Wagyu Striploin ($98), charcoal grilled to perfection. The melt-in-the-mouth beef is served with a buttery, smoked potato puree and crispy broccolini.

Citrus Creme Brulee 3.5/5

Wrapping our meal is the Citrus Creme Brulee ($16). The smooth and creamy vanilla custard is given a citrus lift with the addition of orange zest. However, I preferred the other dessert. The Paris Brest ($16) fares much better with airy choux pastry rings piped with a rich, nutty praline diploma and finished with a light dusting of icing sugar.

Paris Brest 4/5

Having dined at The Summerhouse previously, the new menu fell below my expectation. It is good, but the dishes felt safe without many surprises or its own character. They are classic French fare, which can be found in any French restaurant.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


The Summerhouse Dining Room
Seletar Airport
3 Park Lane
Singapore 798387
Tel: +65 88095840
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Nearest MRT: Punggol (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Dinner
Mon, Wed-Sun, Eve of PH & PH: 6pm - 10pm
Brunch
Sat-Sun, PH: 1130am - 3pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Punggol MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to Punggol Bus Interchange (Stop ID 65009). Take bus number 117. Alight 6 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 30 minutes. [Map]

L'Angelus @ Club Street - Elevates The French Dining Experience With A New Menu

Known for its top quality authentic French cuisine, L'Angelus at Club Street launched a delicious line-up of new dishes to their grand menu. Though the restaurant has been around since 1998, this is my first time visiting it. I am so looking forward to my dinner after hearing so many good reviews of their food.

Ventrèche en Tartare 4.2/5

Starting our meal is the Ventreche en Tartare ($34++), giving the classic tartare a Japanese take in the use of Japanese blue fin tuna belly, decadently combined with nori, homemade seaweed mayo and shallots, paired with crispy bread chips over-baked with extra virgin olive oil.

Oeufs Meurettes 4.2/5

The Oeufs Meurettes ($24++) is a hearty and comforting dish, comprising of 2 poached eggs, wild mushrooms, pancetta, red wine reduction and croutons. It remembers me of our local soft boiled eggs breakfast. I am craving for some bread to soak up that delicious sauce. It is also available as a option on the Three-Course All-Day Set Menu ($72) but it only comes with one poached egg.

Carpaccio de Saint Jacques 4.2/5

Another beautiful entree choice on the Three-Course All-Day Set Menu ($72) is the Carpaccio de Saint Jacques comprising thinly sliced Hokkaido scallop,topinambour purée, black truffle vinaigrette and pickled radish. I enjoyed the refreshing touch from the pickled radish that freshen the palate with each mouth bite.

Calamars Farcis 4.8/5

One of my favourite dish for the night is the Calamars Farcis ($42). The wild-caught squid is stuffed with couscous infused with preserved lemon, rosette and zucchini. It is then pan-roasted with butter for that extra lift in flavour, further topped with a vibrant Italian-style Romesco sauce and premium ikura.

La Légine 4.2/5

Another beautiful dish on the menu is the La Legine ($52) glazed with miso and sake-mirin reduction. The gorgeous Patagonian toothfish is paired in a sweet bafun uni butter sauce, complete with French beetroot and crispy wheat pastry.

Yugo Wagyu MS7 4.2/5

Moving from the sea to the land, we have the priced Yugo Wagyu MS7 ($92, 200g), an award-winning Australian full-blood ribeye boasting a marbling score of 6-7. The impressive cut is tender and juicy, paired with seasonal vegetable and pomme puree.

Crepe Suzette 3.5/5

The dessert that makes every heads in the dining hall turn is the Crepe Suzette ($26++). The dessert is prepared tableside, cooked i homemade orange syrup and flambeed with the classic Grand Marnier. A scoop of vanilla ice cream completes the treat.

Lavender Crème Brûlée 4/5

Last but not least, we ended out meal with the Lavender Creme Brulee ($16). The cream brulee is fragranted with lavender buds, complemented by the sourish rhubarb puree for a balanced and enjoyable finish, accompanied by a piece of homemade sable Breton (shortbread).

Note: This is an invited tasting.


L'Angelus
85 Club Street
Singapore 069453
Tel: +65 62256897
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Chinatown (DT Line, NE Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

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

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk down Cross Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Continue to the end of Amoy Street. Climb the stairs beside Siang Cho Keong Temple, up Ann Siang Hill. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

2) 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 4 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Pagoda Street to South Bridge Road. Cross the road and turn right. Walk down South Bridge Road. Turn left onto Ann Siang Hill and then left onto Club Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Armoury Craft Beer & Steak @ South Beach Quarter - Craft Beer Bar That Offers Spanish Tapas and Wagyu Steaks

Armoury at South Beach Quarter started in 2016 as a craft beer speciality bistro. Collaborating with local and international breweries, it introduces a wide range of craft beers, including its very own Armoury Lager and Armoury IPA. The food menu was basic back then, but it has now evolved to include Spanish-style offerings such as tapas, paella and even wagyu ribeye for the gourmands.

Its Armoury IPA is suitable for an easy start, as well as the Watermelon Martini.

Madrid Broken Egg 4/5

Our evening started strong with very enjoyable dishes from the Tapas menu. Madrid Broken Egg ($16) is a dish that will cure your hangover and set you up for more alcohol! I love the broken pieces of gooey egg yolks tossed alongside roasted potato chunks and chorizo sausages. It is on the saltier side but deeply satisfying nonetheless.

Spicy Mussel Bowl 4.5/5

The Spicy Mussel Bowl ($20) will whet your appetite with its garlic white wine broth. Aromatic with a depth of flavour lent from the white wine, it comes with a fiery kick but is gentle on the taste buds.

Gambas al Ajillo 4.5/5

Gambas al Ajillo ($20) was simple, with all three ingredients done well - prawns, olive oil and garlic. The perfectly browned chopped garlic was indeed the flavour bomb, which explained the side toasts to mop up the garlic-infused olive oil.

Mediterranean Seafood Paella 4/5

Mediterranean Seafood Paella ($39) is wholesome for mains with prawns, squids and scallops. The rice had a delicious bite, and the various seafood added to that enjoyable texture.

Armoury Wagyu + Pork Ribs Set 4/5

When you have a curation of craft beers to choose from, perhaps one way to amp up the experience is to have something luscious and sinfully indulgent. Other than its Spanish-style tapas and mains, what's worth highlighting is its wagyu steaks which are not so commonly available in such places. We had the Wagyu Ribeye and Pork Ribs Set ($95) served with Mentaiko Fries.

Molten Lava Cake 4/5

If you do need a dessert, the Molten Lava Cake($14) is good for sharing.

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.


Armoury Craft Beer & Steak
South Beach Quarter
36 Beach Road
#01-01
Singapore 189766
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Nearest MRT: Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sat: 1130am - 1030pm
Sun: 1130am - 10pm

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

Carrotsticks & Cravings @ Stanley Street - Aussie-Inspired Cafe's Third Outlet With Coastal-Inspired Interiors

Carrotsticks & Cravings, an Aussie-inspired cafe, unveils a new outlet in the heart of CBD along Stanley street. The third and latest outlet boasts a gorgeous coastal-inspired interior, offering freshest quality and wholesome dishes. The food menu comes in four categories - Morning Specials, Bowls, Open Herb Sourdough and Sandwiches.

Stanley Breakfast For 2 4.2/5

In celebration of its latest outlet's opening, it has launched the exclusive outlet only Stanley Breakfast For 2 ($46), a vibrant representation of the brand's founder and owner's Australian and Israeli roots. The platter comprises a generous serving of Israeli salad, two freshly-baked puff pastries filled with cream cheese, oven-roasted eggplant, homemade hummus, falafel patties, avocado, smoked salmon or chicken ham. There is more! A Sourdough breadbasket, choice of two eggs (poached, scrambled, sunny-side up or omelette) and two coffees complete the breakfast feast.

Signature Smashed Avo 4.2/5

A hearty breakfast on the menu is the Signature Smashed Avo ($18). Avocado and a poached egg rest on top of the toasted sourdough. It is further crowned with feta, dukkah and dressed with herb oil. Finally, zest up the flavour with a squeeze of the lemon.

Dukkah Salmon 4.2/5

Cooked to a beautiful pink is the Dukkah Salmon ($28) accompanied by brown rice, roasted pumpkin, asparagus, pomegranate and rocket leaves.

Red Shakshouka 4.5/5

For something comfortable, I will recommend the Red Shakshouka ($18). The spicy Mediterranean red sauce of tomatoes with poached eggs and goat cheese is best with the accompanying sourdough.

Peanut Butter Slice 4/5 and Keto Bomb 4/5

Peanut lovers will enjoy both the Peanut Butter Slice and Keto Bomb desserts.

Overall, I have enjoyed the brunch experience at Carrotstick & Cravings. I will recommend going for the Signature Smashed Avo and Red Shakshouka.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Carrotsticks & Cravings
5 Stanley Street
#01-01
Singapore 068724
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Tel: +65 8028 6651
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 8am - 6pm

1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk along the covered walkway until the junction of Mccallum Street and Telok Ayer Street. Turn right onto Mccallum Street and then left onto Stanley Street. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to junction of Telok Ayer Street and Upper Cross Street. Turn left onto Telok Ayer Street. Turn left again onto Boon Tat Street and make a right onto Stanley Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Casa Restaurant by Remy Lefebvre @ Chijmes - Contemporary Woodfire Gastronomy And The Warmth Of Home

Another new kid on the block has opened at Chijmes, replacing the now-defunct El Mero Mero. The new restaurant, Casa Restaurant by Remy Lefebvre, offers contemporary woodfire gastronomy. Customers can look forward to dishes focusing on seafood and vegetables. You can also find aged fish and dry-aged beef on the menu for its intensified and improved texture.

There are 3 set courses on the menu, 4- Course Discovery Menu ($118++ per pax), 6-Course Experience Menu ($198++ per pax) and 8-Course Carte Blanche ($258++ per pax). We had some snacks before starting on the menu. We had the Bacon Tart and Eggplant Puree. I like the burst of flavours from bacon tart filled with pumpkin miso and topped with thinly sliced lardo bacon. It is a combination that I wasn't expecting but works beautifully.

Gambas 4.2/5

We started with the Gambas, a smoked Mediterranean prawn dish with Japanese influence. You can taste familiar Japanese flavours such as yuzu and wasabi, transporting the Gambero Rosso red prawns from the Mediterranean coast to the coast of Japan.

Palermo Pepper 4/5

Like Chef Remy, I'm not too fond of raw peppers. But, just like how he got converted after trying the Palermo Pepper back in Beirut, Lebanon, he has managed to convert me too. The organic sweet pepper from Sicily is charcoal grilled to bring out the sweetness of the organic sweet pepper with a coat of smokiness. It is paired with Muhamara, a classic Armenian condiment based on roasted pepper and walnut.

Blue Mussels 4.8/5

We are all familiar with Japan's chawanmushi dish, and Chef Remy elevates it in his Blue Mussels dish. He has transformed the chawanmushi into an international dish melding the seafood and seasonal peaches from France, smoked eel from Spanish and Madras curry from India. The combination is complex but harmoniously balanced, bringing a global of flavours together.

Perfect Egg 4.5/5

Chef Remy rendition of his version of Perfect Egg is inspired by the pepper crab he had in Penang, Malaysia. He recreates the pepper sauce using wild pepper from Madagascar. You can also find razor clams, sweet corn stew and salsa verde in the dish. Mixing everything in the plate together, its sweetness and peppery kick remind me of my local half-boiled egg breakfast.

Wagyu Dry-aged 4.2/5

The 40 days Wagyu Dry-aged is grilled on an open fire and finished in the charcoal oven. Seasoned with salt and pepper, the Wagyu Dry-aged is fork-tender and intensely flavoured. Carrot and Cafe de Paris (a plethora of herbs mixed together with the excess beef fat from the dry-aged wagyu) make up the sides.

Rock Bass 4/5

Kampot Rice 4/5

From the land, we moved to the sea. Shio Koji is brushed onto the Rock Bass fish's skin before being grilled, served with lemon puree, sauce verge and sauteed Kampot Rice with sofrito. The dry ageing process probably gives the sweet rock bass a firmer texture. The kampot rice reminds me of our local claypot rice with burnt bits.

Apricot 4.2/5

Wrapping up our dinner, we have the Apricot and Raspberry for dessert. The organic French Apricots are seasoned with olive oil and sugar and barbecued in a charcoal oven. The roasted apricot is paired with almond sorbet, miso frangipane and tarragon oil. The hot and cold combination and how the miso frangipane lends a touch of saltiness work for me.

Raspberry 4.2/5

As for the Raspberry, its Chef's reminiscent of a frozen strawberry cheesecake. The burrata sorbet is served with organic freeze-dried raspberries, raspberry puree, along with a gluten-free and dairy-free crumble breton. It is light and refreshing.

I tried Chef Remy's cooking when he was at Butcher's Block. Compared to his new home at Casa Restaurant, it seems he has more freedom to express his culinary journey over the years. As a result, the flavours are more exciting and vibrant, with a complex expression of global flavours.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Casa Restaurant by Remy Lefebvre
Chijmes
30 Victoria Street
#01-20
Singapore 187996
Tel: +65 97228171
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line), Bras Basah (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Sat: 12pm - 2pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Cut across Raffles City Shopping Centre to Bras Basah Road. At the junction of Bras Basah Road and North Bridge Road, cross the road to Chijmes. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Bras Basah MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk southwards towards Victoria Road. At the junction of Bras Basah Road and Victoria Road, cross the junction to Chijmes. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]