Diamond Kitchen @ Laguna Park - Celebrate 10th Anniversary with Lip-smacking ‘3 Crabs for $49.90’ Deal

I still remember my first visit to Diamond Kitchen at Laguna Park eight years ago after an article by Straits Times food critic Wong Ah Yoke brought it to fame. The restaurant saw snaking queues overnight, and I heard they even have to turn away customers. It was so hard to get a table then. Yet, in a blink of an eye, the restaurant is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.

Honey Marmite Crab 4.5/5

In conjunction with the restaurant's 10th anniversary, it is rolling out an irresistible crablicious deal. The special promotion allows customers to enjoy 3 Crabs for $49.90 for both dine-in and takeaway. Each crab weighs about 500g. What's more astonishing is your can choose to cook the crab in 20 different flavours.

Gan Xiang Crab 4.2/5

I was surprised that the restaurant now offers up to 20 flavours for the crabs. Some of them are unique flavours, such as Honey Marmite Crab. It never occurs to be the sweet and savoury combination of honey and marmite that come together harmoniously with the crustaceans. It is a good change from the usual chilli and black pepper crab, which is more suitable for children.

Curry Crab 4.8/5

The Gan Xiang Crab was the signature when the restaurant first opened. I am glad that it is still on the menu. However, I find the spice level has been toned down and is sweeter now, which didn't showcase the spices' aroma. The crowd's favourite for the night is the Curry Crab served in claypot with long beans and eggplant. It is like a crab version of the curry fish head. The curry sauce is very appetising, and I love the new style of having crab.

X.O Crab Bee Hoon Soup 4/5

Another beautiful crab dish on the menu is the X.O Crab Bee Hoon Soup ($55.90). It hits the spot for for a good bowl of crab bee hoon soup. The only disappointment is I couldn't taste the X.O in the soup.

Salted Egg Yolk Sotong 4.5/5

Besides the crab promotion, Diamond Kitchen also rolls out an All-Stars Set Menu ($85++ for 3-4pax / $155++ for 6-8pax) that showcases their all-time signature dishes over the ten years. It comprises five courses, starting with the Salted Egg Yolk Sotong, which is coated in a light crispy batter of cream crackers and flour for that addictive crunch. It is further tossed in handmade salted egg yolk powder and curry leaves, elevating the taste profile.

Champagne Pork 4.2/5

Juicy and tender is the Champagne Pork. The double deep-fried pork collar is tossed in a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavour that is delightful with each bite.

Brinjal Claypot 4.5/5

The best to savour with a bowl of steaming rice is the Brinjal Claypot cloaked in piquant homemade sauce. The sauce is so delicious that I can have a few bowls of rice with it.

Superior Stock Clam Bee Hoon 4.5/5

Another dish that brought Diamond Kitchen to fame is the Superior Stock Clam Bee Hoon. The silky bee hoon served in a thick superior stock is packed with natural sweetness from the generous portion of succulent fresh clams and wolfberries. I recommend having it together with their fragrant homemade sambal chilli if you love spicy food. It elevates the enjoyment to a whole new level.

Pumpkin & Ginko Yam Paste 4.2/5

Ending the 5-course meal on a sweet note is the Pumpkin & Ginko Yam Paste. I love Orh Nee and enjoyed the rich, creamy, and flavourful warm pureed yam.

It is glad to see Diamond Kitchen is still around after all these years, surviving the tough years of COVID. I am happy that the head chef is still around, maintaining the same standard and quality all these years. The promotions will be available at both their Laguna Park and Science Park outlet.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Diamond Kitchen (钻石小厨)
Laguna Park Condominium
5000F Marine Parade Road
#01-22/23
Singapore 449289
Tel: +65 64480629
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Website
Nearest MRT: Bedok (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 230pm, 530pm -11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bedok MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Bedok MRT station (Stop ID 84039). Take bus number 31. Alight 6 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Bedok MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Bedok Bus Interchange (Stop ID 84009). Take bus number 196 or 197. Alight 7 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

OUMI @ CapitaSpring - New Contemporary Japanese Kappo Cuisine At The Top Of Level 51

Located on level 51 of CapitaSpring is Oumi, the newest Japanese restaurant serving contemporary Japanese Kappo cuisine. It shares the same space with Kaarla, a contemporary Australian restaurant and bar.

Momotaro Cheese 4.5/5

We started our dinner with the Momotaro Cheese ($20) whereby miso cheeses are sandwiched between slices of Momotaro tomatoes. The sweet and savoury combination worked harmoniously on the palate, while the nori rice puff topping provided the extra textural enjoyment.

Kabocha Uni Tofu 4.8/5

A beautiful dish that is both pleasing to the palate and sight is the Kabocha Uni Tofu ($30). The housemade silky smooth pumpkin tofu is accentuated by sea urchin's topping, dressed in lovely shiitake tsuyu

Nasu Dengaku 4.2/5

I felt that the Nasu Dengaku ($20) may not be everyone's cup of tea due to the egg plant's slimy texture that has been grilled over binchotan with nori white miso and chopped into chunks and garnished with deep-fried golden buckwheat, deep-fried sakura ebi, hojiso (shiso) flowers and cat whiskers from the 1-Arden Food Forest. However, I enjoyed the dish for its complex play of textures and flavours coupled with smokiness from the grilling.

Gyutan Yaki 4.8/5

The thinly sliced Gyutan Yaki ($35), seasoned lightly with salt and pepper is grilled over binchotan for a delightful crunchy finish. The serving of shio negi complemented and freshen up the appreciation of the tender beef tongue.

Foie Gras Monaka 4.5/5

The dishes at Oumi are very beautifully presented. Take for example the Foie Gras Monaka ($15/pc) which is not only appetising in sight, but bright in taste profile too. The delicious foie gras ganache is piped into the light and crispy wafer, topped with Japanese salmon roe, Japanese flying fish roe, chrysanthemum petals, kombu-pickled daikon, wasabi, edible flowers and leaves from the 1-Arden Food Forest.

Tempura Crepe 5/5

Another beautiful dish on the menu is the Tempura Crepe ($25 for 2pc). I personally felt it can be one of their signature must try items. The cheesy crepe is topped with Australian scampi roe, Japanese flying fish roe, avocado slices, Ao-togarashi yoghurt, deep-fried sakura ebi, balsamic-teriyaki sauce, hojiso flowers and chrysanthemum petals. It is another multi-sensational dish with a delightful play of flavours and textures.

Kohitsuji Yaki 4.8/5

The Kohitsuji Yaki ($70) is another item on the menu that I enjoyed a lot. The juicy and tender Australian lamb chop is coated with finely chopped lemon myrite and lemon balm, served with Japanese sweet potato puree, fresh calamansi and garnished with edible flowers from the 1-Arden Food Forest.

Buta Kakuni 4.5/5

The Buta Kakuni ($60) reminds me of Okinawa cuisine which has Chinese influence. The wobbly and melted in the mouth braised pork belly has a hint of tang from the orange peel, served with grilled eringii mushrooms, fame flower, fresh egg yolk, mountain caviar, wasabi, edible flowers and leaves.

Awabi 4/5

The exquisite Awabi ($50), fresh live Australia abalone is salt-baked on the teppan. Once cooked, it is sliced and served on its shell, together with the innards topping and chipped wasabrina.

Wagyu 4.5/5

The Wagyu ($30 per serving) with fill you up at Oumi with the luxurious Kagashma A5 wagyu sirloin on top of Akita Komachi sushi rice, topped with an onsen egg yolk, Ao-Togarashi Yoghurt, Japanese leeks, lemon balm and served with freshly grated wasabi.

Kyoho Sorbet 4/5

To wrap up our dinner, we had the Kyoho Sorbet ($20) paired with warabi mochi and black sesame praline. A light and delicious dessert to end the dinner on a sweet note.

Note: This is an invited tasting


Oumi
CapitaSpring
88 Market Street
#51-01
Singapore 048948
Tel: +65 83383251
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Malacca Street. Turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

True Cost Singapore @ Suntec City - Quality Fare Priced At its “True Cost” Instead Of Usual Market/Restaurant Price

True Cost Singapore at Suntec City prides itself on offering quality dining at a fraction of the market price. You need only pay a relatively low cover charge ($5 for weekday lunch) and ($10 for weekend dinner) to experience good quality fare at a fraction of its market price. Each dish is tagged on the menu with its "True Cost" price and market prices.

Yellowtail Crudo 4.8/5

We started the meal with a few cold appetisers showing off their ingredients' freshness. The Yellowtail Crudo ($7.65 / Usual Market Price $24.00) had a firm flesh and a light flavour elevated with a citrusy but savoury dressing. I love how the olive tapenade and green chillies atop lent an extra bite and freshness.

Heh Marinated Scallop 4/5

Another well-loved dish is this plump Heh Marinated Scallop ($19.76 Usual/ Market Price $24.00) flavoured with fragrant chilli garlic, coriander and pink pepper that brought out the sweetness of the scallop. The pickled cucumber added an enjoyable crunch to these mouth-filling pieces of the scallop.

Salmon Truffle Crudo 4/5

Salmon Truffle Crudo ($10.50 / Usual Market Price $18.00) is a crowd-pleasing dish. The addition of fresh horseradish gave the salmon an edge that counters its richness.

Hummus With Kim Chi Cucumbers 4/5

Hummus With Kim Chi Cucumbers ($5.95 / Usual Market Price $14.00) was rich, creamy and wholesome, perfect with the flatbread served on the side.

Japanese Style Beef Tartare 3/5

Japanese Style Beef Tartare ($9 / Usual Market Price $23.00) was decent, but its creamy and tangy accompaniment overwhelmed its flavour.

Bone Marrow 3.5/5

Slathered with dried chilli oil, the Bone Marrow ($14.25 / Price In Other Restaurants $28.00) was full-flavoured, with a cheesy yoghurt sauce served on the side to cut its richness. A basket of bread instead of just a slice is probably more apt to clean the bones!

Grilled Eggplant With Miso 2.5/5

I had an excellent grilled eggplant with miso at Sens of Japan before, and that is just unforgettable. Unfortunately, this Grilled Eggplant With Miso ($6.65 / Price In Other Restaurants $14.00) paled in comparison with a confusing flavour profile and too many elements. The miso lacks flavour, and the presence of the pickled onions seems unnecessary.

Octopus With Potato Mousse 4/5

For mains, Octopus With Potato Mousse ($19.85 / Price In Other Restaurants $30.00) is a real gem at this price point. The octopus was grilled with the right amount of char and doneness. However, the potato mousse could have been less buttery as it got cloying after a while.

Beef Cheek With Pea Purée 2.5/5

The Beef Cheek With Pea Purée ($12.75 / Price In Other Restaurants $30.00) comes at a very attractive price point but was disappointingly dry. The curry-flavour puree was too sweet and intense, and the sauce didn't quite bring the elements together either.

Ceviche Mary 4/5

True Cost also keeps the tipples at affordable prices despite its location and gorgeous setting. We had a smokey and piquant Ceviche Mary ($11.30), a reimagination of the morning cocktail Bloody Mary, featuring a tomato mix blended with 12 handpicked secret ingredients.

Cover Charges
Mon - Thu: 11am - 3pm - $5
Mon - Thu: 5pm - 10pm - $10
Mon - Fri: 3pm - 5pm - FREE ENTRANCE
Fri: 5pm - 10pm - $15
Sat: $15
Sun: $10
PH: $15

I understand the restaurant currently is opened daily from 5pm to 11pm but it has planned to extend it opening hours in the future.

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.


True Cost Singapore
Suntec City
Sky Garden
3 Temasek Boulevard
#03-302-303
Singapore 038983
Tel: +65 88940615
Website
Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC Line, DT Line), Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 5pm - 11pm

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

2) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Yan Restaurant (宴) @ National Gallery - Nourishing Cantonese Delights To Replenish The Body With Two Wellness Menus

For a limited period from 6 June to 31 August 2022, Yan Restaurant (宴) at National Gallery rolls up two Wellness Set Menus, developed together with guidance from Zhongjing Traditional Chinese Medicine. The delicious Cantonese fare incorporates the principles of Yao Shan (药膳) through the two set menus that harmonise wellness and health to replenish the body during the hot and humid summer months.

Crispy Skin Roasted Duck 4.5/5

The six-course wellness menu is priced at $158++ per pax, while the eight-course wellness menu is priced at $108++ per pax. We had the eight-course wellness menu starting with the Crispy Skin Roasted Duck marinated with Dried Mandarin Peel, accompanied with Chinese Pancake, Cucumber and Spring Onions. The use of Mandarin peels is said to nourish the spleen and lungs.

Double-boiled Chicken Soup with Immunity-Boosting Herbs 4.2/5

The Double-boiled Chicken Soup with Immunity-Boosting Herbs is brewed for 4 hours using a herbal soup mix curated by Zhongjin's physicians. The nourishing soup combines the wholesome benefits of ingredients such as milkvetch root, siler root, lotus seed, wolfberry, red dates, and candied dates. It helps to strengthen the spleen, reinforce and harmonise the vital energy in the body for summer.

Braised Sliced Abalone with Eggplant in Oyster Sauce 4.2/5

Eggplant, known to help reduces the risk of heart disease due to its fibre, potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B6 and antioxidants, is paired with Braised Sliced Abalone in an abalone and oyster sauce. It is my first time having eggplant done this way, and I truly enjoyed it.

Wok-fried King Prawns in Hawthorn Sauce 4.5/5

The Wok-fried King Prawns are cooked in Hawthorn sauce, which has many cardiovascular benefits such as treating high blood pressure, improving blood circulation, and many more. Its sweet and sour taste profile reminds me of sweet and sour pork, which excellently complements the prawn's freshness.

Steamed Chilean Cod Fillet with Cordyceps Flower 4.5/5

A favourite dish among the dining companions is the Steamed Chilean Fillet with Cordyceps Flower. The moist buttery-sweet Chilean cod fish is paired with cordyceps flower, commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine to strengthen the liver and kidneys.

Sauteed Australian Scallops, Asparagus with Fresh Lily Bulbs 3.5/5

Sauteed Australian Scallops with Asparagus is a common dish in most Chinese restaurants. At Yan, it is elevated with the addition of lily bulbs promoting lung health, such as relieving coughs, dry throats, and other respiratory conditions.

Stewed Ee-fu Noodles with Mushrooms

Like every Chinese restaurant, we ended the meal with a carbo dish before the dessert. The stewed Ee-fu Noodles come with three different mushrooms - King Oyster Mushrooms, Enoki Mushrooms and Shimeji Mushrooms loaded with antioxidants.

Chilled Mao Shan Wang Durian Pudding 3/5

Last but not least, we had the Chilled Mao Shan Wang Durian Pudding to wrap up the dinner. While it is packed with the distinct aroma from the king of fruits, I didn't enjoyed the custardy texture of the pudding.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Yan Restaurant (宴)
National Gallery Singapore
1 St Andrew's Road
#05-02
Singapore 178958
Tel: +65 63845585
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit D. Turn left and walk down North Bridge Road. Turn left onto Coleman Street. Walk down Coleman Street. Walk to destination. Journey time around 5 minutes. [Map]

Basdban @ Telok Ayer - Rock & Roll Sichuanese Food

Basdban is the latest concept by the folks behind contemporary Sichuan-influenced restaurant Birds of a Feather. Taking over the space previously occupied by 51 Soho, Basdban is under the new stewardship of Chef Pang Kok Keong. Basdban strides to introduce the authentic and bold flavours of Sichuan cuisine with a touch of fun.

Roasted Eggplant 4.5/5

This is not an ordinary Roasted Eggplant ($14). Instead, the creative pairing of garlic sauce, smoked bacon, mixed cheeses and funky popcorn with the ordinary eggplant turns it into a unique and delicious dish. Now I understand what the restaurant meant by introducing Sichuan flavours with a touch of fun.

Whampoa Omelette 4.5/5

The dish's name - Whampoa Omelette ($20), caught my attention when browsing the menu. I was pleasantly surprised by the egg omelette's fluffiness, paired with spicy, tangy crab meat sauce and finished with nori dust. It is a beautiful dish both in taste and presentation.

Fried Crispy Pork Trotter 3.5/5

The Fried Crispy Pork Trotter ($14) is served in a paper bag of gentle spice mix. Give it a good shake to give the bite-sized chunks of braised trotter fried to crisp a delight coat of the spice mix. There is also a non-spicy option.

Lalalalalala Fried Chicken 4.8/5

Another interestingly named dish is the Lalalalalala Fried Chicken ($26 | $34). The plate of juicy chunks of fried chicken and tender clams are tossed in a gleaming heap of fragrant Er Jing Tiao green chilli chunks. It is addictive combination of meaty succulence and refreshing crunch in each bite.

B-52 4/5

For those who prefer the spicy version of fried chicken, you can go for the B-52 ($20 | $28). it is indeed packed with fiery spiciness, but I thought it lacked the dumbness from the mala.

Basdban Donabe 4.5/5

Great for sharing is the Basdban Donabe ($35 | $48). Lifting the claypot lid reveals an aroma pot of rice brimming with Sichuan waxed meat, spicy sausage, dried sole, morel mushrooms, special shoyu, edamame sakura ebi, crab and most importantly, pork lard. Infused with the ingredients' essences, each mouthful of the rice is filled with complex yet lovely flavours that will make you go back for more.

Cheesecake Ice Cream 4/5

We tried two different ice creams on the menu for dessert - Cheesecake Ice Cream ($14) and Fermented Rice Ice Cream ($12). The cheesecake ice cream with vanilla tuile and strawberry compote is light and refreshing. However, I prefer the fermented rice ice cream paired with osmanthus poached pear and charcoal coral. It has unique yet distinct rice fragrant, giving it a sweet and savoury finishing.

Fermented Rice Ice Cream 4.2/5

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Basdban
51 Telok Ayer Street
#01-01
Singapore 048441
Tel: +65 97551058
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 1030pm

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