Pratunam PLUS @ Bugis+ - Delicious & Crazy Affordable Thai Street Food From Just $6.90

Pratunam PLUS at Bugis+ is Soi Thai Soi Nice's new flagship outlet that boasts an exclusively more extensive menu, with items that will not be available at the existing outlets at ARC and Westgate. Dressed in a bright and bold colour palette, Pratunam Plus wants you to have a fun and exciting dining experience of tucking into its offerings of Thai street food tagged with pocket-friendly prices. Expect exclusive items such as Thai-style Grilled Skewers, coupled with Thai Milk Bubble Teas or even beers if you are in the mood.

Assorted Skewers 3.5/5

The offering of a wide range of skewers set Pratunam PLUS apart from other Thai eateries. Starting from $1.20 onwards, let the entire skewers menu tempts you with exotic items such as Thai street staples - Chicken Heart, Chicken Liver, Chicken Gizzard, and even Small Intestines are all priced at $1.60 per stick. The less adventurous me chose Enoki Mushroom Pork Belly Slices from the Ham or Pork Belly Series ($1.80 per stick), which didn't disappoint with its nicely charred pork belly and juicy mushroom. I also tried the Pork Skewer and Basil Pork ($1.80 each) which were a tad too dry, whereas the non-meat skewers such as Lady's Fingers, Shitake Mushrooms and Oyster Mushrooms, were a lot more delectable.

Butterfly Pea Bubble Tea

Amp up the fun factor with its range of Bubble Teas!

Premium Tom Yum Mama 4/5

Under Noodles, fans of Tom Yum Mama will be delighted with its Premium Tom Yum Mama ($12.90). Served with gooey melted cheese slab and a glistening runny egg, this humble Thai instant noodles brimmed with flavours and hearty ingredients, such as squid, prawns and ham, including its signature handmade Thai Minced Pork Ball.

Runny Omelette Prawn Fried Rice 4.5/5

A must-try Rice dish is its Runny Omelette Prawn Fried Rice ($8.90). The luscious omelette blanket was amazingly soft and tender, draping over fried rice that was skillfully done with a hint of wok hei. The prawns were sweet and crunchy, which stood out even more against the velvety egg and savoury rice. The piquant and fiery green chilli sauce served at the side lent an extra kick of flavour.

Tom Yum Seafood Soup 4.5/5

I love the Tom Yum Seafood Soup too. The portion was generous with loads of mushrooms, prawns, fish and squid, and its flavours were balanced and on point. It was fiery and heady with herbs and spices, yet it wasn't too oily and rich compared to most of the red versions that I have tired.

Fragrant Fried Pork Belly 3.8/5

Vermicelli Salad 3/5

Mango Salad 3.8/5

For Sides, the options are aplenty but you won't go wrong with its Fragrant Fried Pork Belly ($6.90). You may want to balance these chunks of fatty goodness with some of the classic Thai salads - Mango Salad and Vermicelli Salad.

Pratunam PLUS delivers punchy food with flavours without being overly assertive, and the young and vibrant atmosphere may lure you back for more.

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. 


Pratunam PLUS
Bugis+
201 Victoria Street
#04-09
Singapore 188067
Tel: +65 65094790
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Bugis (DT Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 1130am - 930pm
Fri-Sat: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit C. Cross Victoria Street. Walk to Bugis+. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Goodwood Park Hotel Singapore - Celebrates 120th Anniversary With Mao Shan Wang & D24 Durian Delights

Goodwood Park Hotel celebrates its 120th anniversary with a lavish durian dessert buffet spread, featuring Mao Shan Wang and D24 Durian Delights. Available from 17 October to 15 November at Coffee Lounge, indulge in an exclusive line-up of durian delights such as Mao Shan Wang Mousse Cake, Crepe, Swiss Roll and Mini Eclair, including hot D24 favourites such as D24 Puff and D24 Ice Cream!

Mao Shan Wang Mousse Cake

Such a thick layer of pulpy Mao Shan Wang Mousse layered in between airy sponge cake, the Mao Shan Wang Mousse Cake is definitely my favourite of the lot.

Mao Shan Wang Crepe

The Mao Shan Wang Crepe is also highly sorted after with its super thin egg crepe encasing the rich, creamy durian mousse, with no other fillers such as cream or sponge cake whatsoever in between.

D24 Puffs

For D24 Delights, there's a reason why these chubby D24 Puffs are such a huge drawn year after year. Each airy choux pastry is filled with a luxuriant swirl of creamy D24, and it was such a pleasure finishing this pillowy durian goodness. 

D24 Mini Peanut Tart, Mao Shan Wang Swiss Roll, Mini Eclair

There's also petite size durian pastry such as the Mao Shan Wang Swiss Roll, a daintier version of the mousse cake, as well as D24 Mini Peanut Tart and Mao Shan Wan Eclair.

A limited item among the spread is the D24 Ice Cream (one serving per guest). I would prefer it to be lightly more bitter-sweet.

The dessert buffet also includes other pastries and warm desserts such as Cheesecakes, Mango Pudding with Crème Chantilly and Fresh Mango, Cherry Crumble and a Bread and Butter Pudding with Vanilla Sauce. The extravagant Dessert Buffet with Mao Shan Wang and D24 Durian Delights spread is priced at $58.80++ per person, available during lunch from 12pm to 230pm and dinner from 6pm to 1030pm.

Deep-fried Pomfret in Feng Sha Style

Goodwood Park Hotel is also known for its Taiwan Porridge A La Carte Buffet. You can also opt for the Taiwan Porridge A La Carte Buffet inclusive of Dessert Buffet with Mao Shan Wang and D24 Durian Delights at $72++ per adult, $43.20++ per child. Out of the entire spread, we tried a few dishes which were all well executed. The Deep-fried Pomfret in Feng Sha Style was impressive. The meaty part of the fish was skilfully sliced out, leaving minimum to the bones and fried to perfection. As promised, each piece was crispy on the outside, juicy and moist on the inside. The sugary crispy rice puff and raisins topping elevated the crunch factor as well.

Steamed Minced Pork with Salted Egg Yolk

The Steamed Minced Pork with Salted Egg Yolk has a very homely flavour, yet incredibly satisfying. Loosely packed and juicy, the seasoning was just right on bringing out the flavours of the meat.

Fried Omelette with Silver Fish

This UFO looking Fred Omelette with Silver Fish was simple but substantial with silverfish packed within its fluffy interior.

Braised Chinese Mustard with Sakura Ebi

The Braised Chinese Mustard with Sakura Ebi was not just aesthetically pleasing, but soothing to the palate as well.

There are also other ways to enjoy the dessert buffet. It can also be paired with Coffee Lounge’s signature offerings:

- Top-up of Dessert Buffet with Mao Shan Wang and D24 Durian Delights with any A La Carte Main Course order $48.80++ per person.
- 3-course Design Your Own Local Degustation Menu, inclusive of Dessert Buffet with Mao Shan Wang and D24 Durian Delights $62++ per person.
- 4-course Design Your Own Local Degustation Menu, inclusive of Dessert Buffet with Mao Shan Wang and D24 Durian Delights $66++ per person.

The Deli also features five delectable Mao Shan Wang and D24 durian creations from 17 October to 30 November for a decadent treat any time of the day.

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. 


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

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm

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

Syohachi Wagyu Hamburg @ One Raffles Place Shopping Mall - Premium Japanese A5 Wagyu Beef Hamburgs At Affordable Prices

Farm-to-table restaurant Syohachi Wagyu Hamburg at One Raffles Place Shopping Mall offers hamburgs made from premium cuts of A5 wagyu fresh from Japan. Under the same brand which runs Hong Kong’s well-known speciality yakiniku joint, Syohachi Yakiniku, Syohachi Wagyu Hamburg prides itself in its farm-to-table concept. This is made possible as they own an exclusive partnership with Japan’s award-winning Hidakami Ranch in the Japanese prefecture of Miyagi-ken, allowing them access to exquisite cuts of Japanese A5 Wagyu beef.

Other than Syohachi Wagyu Hamburg, buttery Japanese thick toasts can also be found on their menu. To ensure the freshness of every dish served and to keep up with the lunch crowd, Syohachi Wagyu Hamburg’s offerings vary from breakfast to lunch to dinner. The Breakfast Menu runs from morning till 11.30am, while Lunch Menu is between 11.30am to 2.30pm, followed by an Afternoon Tea & Dinner Menu starting from 2.30pm onwards to closing. So be sure to catch the right timing to avoid disappointment. And also, each set meal comes with a free-flow salad buffet which unfortunately has to be revised to portioned salads due to the Covid-19 situation. Once the situation allows for it, Syohachi Wagyu Hamburg will implement its free-flow salad buffet.

Japanese A5 Wagyu Hamburg Steak Set 3.8/5

The signature Japanese A5 Wagyu Hamburg Steak Set ($16.50), available from 11.30am onward, comes with fresh mixed green salad, seasonal Japanese pickles and Japanese steamed rice with Syohachi’s signature beef gravy. At first glance, the hamburg looked kind of 'naked' compared to the usual hamburgs served in a hot plate with sauces. That said, as a fast-casual concept in the CBD area, it does make sense to make it more fuss-free and takeaway friendly. Prepared upon order, its beefy flavour and juicy texture say a lot about its quality.

Japanese Steamed Rice with Syohachi’s Signature Beef Gravy

But what stood out of this set meal was the humble bowl of Japanese steamed rice with Syohachi’s signature beef gravy served at the side. The gravy had a perfect consistency, keeping the rice plump and pearly with a nice bite to it. I love the onions in it, which had been thoroughly softened and left to impart sweetness into the gravy. There were morsels of mushrooms as well, which added a depth of flavour and a textural bite to the rice.

Wagyu Beef Toastie with Cheddar Cheese and Egg Omelette 4/5

For a less than usual breakfast, afternoon snack or light dinner, try its Syohachi Japanese A5 Wagyu Beef Toastie ($7.70 ala carte/$10.70 set). A cut of A5 wagyu beef patty sandwiched in between two thick buttery slices of white bread. The oomph factor was definitely there when I had it with an extra top-up of a serving of cheddar cheese and egg omelette. All add-ons are priced at $1 per serving. For Japanese Butter Toasties, their sets come with a fresh mixed green salad, seasonal Japanese pickles and crispy tater tots. (Not available for lunch.)

Japanese Egg Omelette and Cheddar Cheese Toastie 3.8/5

Even if you ain't in the mood for meat, its Japanese Egg Omelette and Cheddar Cheese Toastie ($6.50 ala carte/$9.50 set) will leave you just as satisfied. Served hot from the grill, the molten cheese that oozed out whet my appetite instantly. The omelette, however, wasn't as fluffy as expected, and I felt the white slices of bread could be less charred as well to retain some of their softness. (The set is available all day, and Ala Carte is not available during lunch hours.)

Chunky Peanut Butter with Condensed Milk Toastie 3.8/5

Reminiscent of a Hongkong style toast, this Chunky Peanut Butter with Condensed Milk Toastie ($5 ala carte/$8 set) hit all the right spots with its savoury, crunchy peanut butter and creamy condensed milk without being too cloying. I would prefer a softer bread though, to cradle the oozy filling much better. (Not available during lunch hours)

Syohachi Wagyu Hamburg is celebrating its opening with a 50% OFF promotion on selected sets featuring Japanese A5 Wagyu Beef from 23 to 25 October for both dine-in and takeaway. Selected sets featuring their premium Japanese A5 Wagyu Beef will be on offer at different time periods:

- Breakfast (8.30am-11.30am): 50% OFF Wagyu Beef Toastie Set
- Lunch (11.30am-2.30pm): 50% OFF Wagyu Hamburg Steak Set
- Afternoon Tea & Dinner (2.30pm-8.30pm): 50% OFF Wagyu Beef Toastie Set or Wagyu Hamburg Steak Set

Terms & Conditions apply: Simply follow @syohachi_wagyu_hamburg on Instagram or Syohachi Wagyu Hamburg SG on Facebook to redeem the promotion. Limited to one redemption per person.

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. 


Syohachi Wagyu Hamburg
One Raffles Place
1 Raffles Place
#01-01
Singapore 048616
Tel: +65 6223 0755
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily 830am - 830pm
830am -830pm daily

Direction:
Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit A or B. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Town Restaurant @ The Fullerton Hotel Singapore - Experience Local & International Cuisine Sunday Brunch

Sit back, relax and toast to a Sunday brunch at Town Restaurant, situated in The Fullerton Hotel. Guests get to enjoy delicious brunch staples like Egg Benedict alongside irresistible favourites such as Chilled Maine Lobsters and Scallops, Grilled Angus Striploin, Slow-Roasted Lamb Leg scented with Rosemary and Garlic, and more.

With the current ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, The Fullerton Hotel has set up rigorous cleanliness practices and safe distancing measures at their restaurants to ensure that diners can experience an enhanced level of protection. Guests will experience a whole new different way of enjoying buffets in these unprecedented times, as ala-carte dishes can only be ordered from the menu, which will then be freshly prepared by the chefs upon order and delivered to your table. But of course, dishes will be free-flow for the duration of the buffet!

Chilled Seafood Delight 4/5

First, we kickstart the buffet with some crustacean delights from the starters menu. The Chilled Seafood Delight comprises a half Maine lobster, tiger prawns, half-shell scallops, snow crab legs and Venus clams.

Omakase Makimono 3.8/5

We had the Omakase Makimono - with a selection of maki rolls including the lobster & avocado salad maki roll, spicy tempura ebi roll and California maki, as well as the selection of sushi which consists of Hamachi, Norwegian salmon, octopus and yellowfin tuna. While fresh Hamachi, Norwegian salmon, yellowfin tuna is served on the sashimi platter for the seafood lovers.

Butcher Block Charcuterie 3.8/5

Moving on to the Butcher Block Charcuterie, it is a must-order for the cheese lovers for the mini platter of Parma ham, duck rillettes, saucisson, bresaola with freshly baked olive & rosemary focaccia.

Lan Zhou Hand Pulled La Mian Noodles 4.2/5

Traditional Malay-Style Grilled Chicken & Beef Satays 4/5

Not to be missed is the selection of their local favourites. The Lan Zhou Hand Pulled La Mian Noodles comes in a flavourful rich broth, with tender-braised wagyu beef cheek, Szechuan chilli, and scallion oil. We also had the Traditional Malay-Style Grilled Chicken & Beef Satays with Ketupat and chunky peanut sauce which adds a rich nutty flavour to the satays.

Dim Sum Selection 3.8/5

From the dim sum selection, they have the Steamed Crystal Prawn Dumplings, Chicken Siew Mai, and the Hong King-Style Char Siew Pau.

BBQ Hong Kong Roasts 4.2/5

From the BBQ Hong Kong Roasts selection, we had the Five-spiced Roasted Duck, Crispy Crackling Pork Belly, and Honey Glazed Char Siew. The tender roast meats are best paired with the Town Signature Tender-Poached Chicken Rice with house-made chilli and ginger.

Spaghetti Vongole with White Wine Fresh Clams and Chilli 3.8/5

For something substantial, opt for their meats from the grill, as well as pasta and pizza from the Italian corner. The Italian classic of Spaghetti Vongole with White Wine Fresh Clams and Chilli was quite balanced with a light briny, garlicky aroma, and a subtle tinge of chilli.

Grilled Angus Striploin 4.2/5

From the grill station, the Grilled Angus Striploin was one of my favourite dishes, which was cooked to perfect medium-rare doneness, and the addition of mousseline potato, smoked mustard and au just elevated the dish. Another highlight is the potato, which is made using premium french butter and sea salt for its superb smooth, buttery tones. We ordered additional Potato Mousseline, Broccoli Almondine, Roasted Champigon Mushrooms with thyme, and Signature Truffle Fries with Parmesan to go along with the steak as well.

Because breakfast is an all-day luxury, go for their organic eggs done in 3 different ways, and accompanied with a choice of sides such as mini rosti, crispy bacon and chicken chipolata.

Graham Cracker Key Lime Tart, Mango Pana Cotta & Exotic Macaroon Platter 4/5

We ended the meal on a sweet note with their Graham Cracker Key Lime Tart, Mango Pana Cotta & Exotic Macaroon Platter. Of the three, we fancied the Mango Pana Cotta the most for its lightly sweet but not cloying fruity flavours, as well as its soft and smooth texture. From the dessert menu, there is also an assortment of Nyonya Kueh, Classic Crème Brulee, selection of tropical fruits, cheese platter, and ice cream & sorbet available as well.

Kids^ Dine Free till 30 August 2020
The Fullerton Club Members enjoy 20% discount# on Sunday Brunch.

S$173* per adult
with free-flow of house wine, Champagne, Bloody Mary, Gin & Tonic and Negroni

S$120* per adult
with free-flow of chilled juices and soft drinks

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.


Town Restaurant
The Fullerton Hotel Singapore
1 Fullerton Square
Singapore 049178
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Breakfast (Daily): 630am - 1030am
Sunday Brunch: 1230pm - 330pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT Station. Take Exit H. Turn right and walk towards the river. At the river, turn right again and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes [Map]

11 Hamilton @ Hamilton Road - Modern Chic Cafe That Offers A Contemporary Australian-Inspired Menu With A Fusion Twist

The folks behind cafe Hustle Co. has recently rebranded and officially opened a new all-day dining concept - 11 Hamilton. Moving out of its former premises at Craig Road, the cafe was relocated in the Lavender and Jalan Besar precinct, serving contemporary Australian inspired menu with a fusion twist. Gather your loved ones over hearty brunch dishes during the day, or enjoy a range of craft beer and dinner service from 5pm onwards.

Breakfast For Champs 3.8/5

The Breakfast For Champs ($22) comes in a huge heart portion of Huevos Estrellados made with crispy potato cubes, jamon slices, scrambled eggs and runny yolk sauce to bind everything together. The dish is initially obscured by the mass of wild rocket which provides a bitter, nutty taste to the dish.
 

Deconstructed Spanish Jamon Omelette 3.8/5

The Deconstructed Spanish Jamon Omelette ($22) is reminiscent of a huge pizza on a pan. It features jamon slices doused with piquillo mayo, a mass of wild rockets and grilled asparagus spears on a thin bed of omelette. Although I enjoyed the rich savouriness of the jamon slices, again, we felt that the bitter, nutty rocket leaves overwhelmed the primary flavours of the dish.

Blueberry Banana Cinnamon Pancake 4/5

The Blueberry Banana Cinnamon Pancake ($18) comes in a thick fluffy slab of pancakes, embellished with berries and caramelised banana slices, and sweetened with a slight drizzle of maple syrup. However, we felt that the sweetness of the pancake can be brought up a few more notches. Perhaps the maple syrup could be served on the side for diners to adjust the sweetness level themselves.

Sweet Potato Fries 4/5

The Sweet Potato Fries ($9) arrived in a pretty huge portion, perfect for sharing. The fries boast a crisp exterior, yet pack a solid bite filled with fragrant sweet potato filings. A simple, yet well-executed side to go along with the mains.

Ondeh Ondeh Cake 4.2/5

Round off your meal on a sweet note with an array of gorgeous bakes from a local partner, The Brickyard. We tried their bestseller, Ondeh Ondeh ($7), which boasts light and fluffy pandan chiffon, layered with gula melaka frosting and topped with crunchy coconut shreds. This delicate, locally inspired dessert is not too sweet or cloying and is totally worth the indulgence.

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.

11 Hamilton
11 Hamilton Road
#01-00
Singapore 209182
Tel: +65 94510821
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Bendemeer (DT Line), Lavender (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 9am - 10pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Bendemeer MRT station. Take Exit A or B. Walk to traffic junction of Hamilton Road and Lavender Street. Cross the road and walk to Hamilton Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Lavender MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Horne Road. Turn left and walk down Horne Road. Turn right onto Hamilton Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]