Sichuan Alley @ Capitol Singapore - Dive into Contemporary Sichuanese Cuisine at Sichuan Alley’s Second Outlet in Singapore

New in Capitol Singapore is Sichuan Alley, whose flagship branch is situated at Telok Ayer. It's most known for its signature Mian Yang Rice Noodle offerings, which has yet to be found at any other local restaurants.

Here, diners can explore authentic and contemporary Sichuanese items alongside a range of unique Sichuan-inspired beverages. Flavours are rich, bold and authentic. Their interior was lovely, exuding warm and cosy vibes, perfect for big and small gatherings.

Sichuan-inspired Beverages

We took some time to look through their fun and fresh beverage list before deciding on the Cold Brew Yuzu Chrysanthemum Tea ($5.90), the Bamboo Breeze ($16) cocktail made from gin, bamboo green tea, pineapple, peach and jasmine, and the Osmanthus Rice Wine ($16).

Osmanthus Rice Wine

Our favourite among the three was the fragrant and mellowly sweet Osmanthus Rice Wine.

Mini Hotpot 4.2/5

We delved into the world of Sichuan flavours with their Mini Hotpot 成都冒菜 ($14). While it leaned on the oily side, we loved how all the ingredients nicely soaked up the spices and tingling numbness.

This was especially so for the crunchy slices of potato and celtuce, alongside prawns, black fungus, bean sprouts and cauliflower.

Yu Xiang Shredded Pork 4/5

The Yu Xiang Shredded Pork 鱼香肉丝 ($7.90) is made up of strips of tender pork, strips of celtuce and carrot, and black fungus. It's pretty appetising but a little sweeter than I'd prefer. A vegetarian version of this dish is also available.

Fried Chicken 4.5/5

I liked how Sichuan Alley's Fried Chicken 辣子鸡 ($16) is boneless, making it much more convenient to enjoy. They use chicken thighs fried to a crunch, mixed with cashew nuts, leek and addictive bits of fried garlic.

Sichuan Sour Vegetable Fish 4.5/5

By default, the Sichuan Sour Vegetable Fish 老坛酸菜鱼 ($19) comes with a number of ingredients, including sweet potato noodles, black fungus and my favourite crunchy celtuce. Though a touch oily, the sourness and spiciness were well-balanced, and the fish slices were tender.

Braised Pig Intestines with Tofu 4.8/5

If you're a fan of both mala flavours and pork intestines, the Braised Pig Intestines with Tofu 鲜豆花烧肥肠 ($17.30) will be up your alley. The fattier intestines are cleaned well, thoroughly soaking up all that lip-smacking spice. We liked how the flavour of the intestines permeates in the gravy and the soft beancurd as well. Get a bowl of white rice to accompany it, and you're good to go!

King Prawns with Vine Pepper Rice Noodle 4.2/5

Sichuan Alley's signature Mian Yang rice noodles are featured in their range of mains. We opted for the King Prawns with Vine Pepper Rice Noodle 藤椒大虾米粉 ($15.50), which is by default spicy, but there are several others, such as Braised Beef Rice Noodle and Braised Pork Ribs Rice Noodle which you can opt for in your preferred level of spice. You can imagine the rice noodles to be like mee sua, but just a bit thicker with a slight more chew. The deceptively clear vine pepper broth was tangy and comforting with its accompanying heat.

Speciality Ice Jelly 4.2/5

Our first dessert was the classic Speciality Ice Jelly 雪山红糖冰粉 ($5.50), featuring red beans, hawthorn, peanuts, rice balls, almond flakes and raisins on ice jelly with brown sugar. It had lots of texture and was refreshing.

Sweet Fermented Rice 4.2/5

I preferred the Sweet Fermented Rice 巷子桂花粉子醪糟 ($4.50) between both desserts even though it looks simpler. The bits of Osmanthus brought a lovely mild fragrance to the fermented rice, with soft glutinous rice balls.

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.


Sichuan Alley
13 Stamford Road
#B1-29/30
Singapore 178905
Tel: +65 9155 5244
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1030am - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit D, Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Toko Yakitori @ Dhoby Ghaut - Savour Smoky Chicken Yakitori at Latest Yakitori Hotspot by Michelin-Starred Chef Taisei Iwao

Enjoy 30% off all yakitori selections during the last week of December at the latest yakitori hotspot, Toko Yakitori. With a menu masterfully curated by Michelin-starred Chef Taisei Iwao, you know you are in for a treat.

Nestled in the cosy 14-seater restaurant adjacent to Ganko Sushi at Dhoby Ghaut's UBS Building, the star yakitori offerings are complemented by a menu featuring sashimi, mains, soups, salads, and sides.

Yellowtail Carpaccio with Yuzu Pepper 4/5

The Yellowtail Carpaccio with Yuzu Pepper ($18) served as a decent starter to whet our appetites. Slices of yellowtail sashimi were topped with a hint of yuzu pepper, providing a salty-spicy and citrusy punch. My only gripe is that they are thinly cut.

Whole Fruit Tomato Salad 4.5/5

Go for the Whole Fruit Tomato Salad ($9) for something refreshing and sweet. While the portion might be on the smaller side, the flavours are anything but. The tangy and bright onion-based light sweet sauce perfectly complements the sweet tomatoes imported from the Kōchi prefecture.

Chicken Wing Gyoza 4.5/5

The Chicken Wing Gyoza ($9) is made with deboned wings, re-stuffed with gyoza filling and fried to a crunch. Biting into the tender and juicy meat with bits of chives was satisfying.

Sweet and Spicy Fried Chicken 4.8/5

The Sweet and Spicy Fried Chicken ($9) was a pleasant surprise. The chicken chunks were deep-fried to an addictive airy crunch before being dressed in a vibrant, sweet sauce with a hint of heat. The silky yolk added a creaminess to balance.

Yakitori 4.5/5

I was excited to finally tuck into the main highlight of the restaurant, their Yakitori selection. We tried several sticks, including Chicken & Green Onions ($5), Breast ($4.50) and Skin ($4.50). They impressed me with the perfect char and smokiness, and the Chicken & Green Onions stood out as my favourite.

Other chicken options include Tail ($4.50), Heart ($4), Cartilage ($4.50), and more. Diners can choose to have the chicken yakitori finished with sauce or salt. The menu also features a variety of vegetable yakitori, including Zucchini ($7), Kaga Lotus Root ($5), Grilled Eggplant ($4), and more.

A tray of spice powders awaits at every table, featuring options like Bird Eye Chilli, Seven Spices, Yuzu Chilli, and more. These add an extra layer of flavour to the diverse yakitori selection. My favourite is always the Yuzu Chilli for the zesty spice.

Wing 4.5/5

Another standout yakitori item was the Wing ($5). Thoughtfully wrapped in foil for convenience of consumption, its skin was crisp while retaining a juicy interior.

Tsukune 4.2/5

Their Tsukune ($5) might not be the best of what we've had in terms of texture and juiciness, but they are still grilled to an above-average standard. Pairing them with the yolk adds a delightful touch of creaminess.

Chicken Stock Ramen 4.8/5

The Chicken Stock Ramen ($12) was an absolute comfort. The small portion featured thin al dente ramen noodles in a semi-clear chicken broth, accompanied by a slice of chicken and half an egg. The richness of the chicken broth, coupled with a subtle sweetness, created a well-rounded flavour profile. Needless to say, I wiped this clean very quickly, and I hope the restaurant considers offering a full portion in the near future!

Oyako Don 4.2/5

Concluding our dining experience with the classic Oyako Don ($6) was a delightful choice. The bowl featured a generous serving of tender chicken chunks, topped with velvety eggs, resting on a rice bed. While this much wetter rendition might not appeal to everyone, I enjoyed the harmonious blend of flavours.

If you enjoy beef and curry, make sure to try out Iwao Chef Curry ($8), introduced to the menu as a nod to Chef Iwao's favourite dish. It is, of course, crafted with his signature curry recipe using braised beef and the natural sweetness of a combination of fruits.

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.


Toko Yakitori
9 Penang Road
#01-02
Singapore 238459
Tel: +65 8289 0772
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Nearest MRT: Dhoby Ghaut (CC, NE, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Dhoby Ghaut MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk straight to Penang Road. Cross the right. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Baristart Coffee Singapore @ Wisma Atria - Hokkaido Cafe’s 3rd New Outlet in Town with Popular Hokkaido Cream Puffs, Coffee and Japanese Western Food

Good news to those who work in town, as Baristart Coffee welcomes its newest outlet at Wisma Atria, located within the OCBC branch on the fourth floor. It may be tricky to find as the third outlet is nestled within the bank's largest integrated lifestyle and banking branch with a fun retail space featuring books and selected lifestyle brands.

The brand is most known for its use of the creamy Hokkaido BIEI Jersey Milk, and it features it across several items on the menu, such as its beverages, cream puffs, and soft serves.

Baristart Latte

If it is your first visit here and you’re thinking of grabbing coffee, go for their smooth and aromatic Baristart Latte ($6.70). It's available both hot and iced, and you can top up a dollar for add-on flavours of caramel, vanilla or honey.

Mixed Berries Yoghurt Smoothie

The Mixed Berries Yoghurt Smoothie ($8.50) is one of the beverages under the non-caffeine list. However, it was a little too icy and muted than I was hoping for in its yoghurt flavour.

Hokkaido Tontoro 3.8/5

The Hokkaido Toronto ($17.80) features a light garden salad mix with tangy-sweet raspberry pommery dressing, yuzu ponzu radish sauce, and slices of Hokkaido Snow Pork Jowl. Although the dressing was appetising, the dish was pretty average and pricey.

Hokkaido Zangi 4.2/5

Drizzle lemon juice over the Hokkaido Zangi ($14.80) for that extra freshness to the crunchy bites. These well-marinated Hokkaido-style fried chicken chunks make an excellent sharing choice.

Wafu Pasta 4.2/5

We sampled a couple of main dishes, the first being a classic Japanese fusion dish, the Wafu Pasta ($19.80). While it was a touch oily, the spaghetti was well coated in an umami butter and dashi sauce mix with a slight kick of spice and studded with several toppings - prawns, bacon strips, asparagus and nori.

Obihiro Butadon 4/5

The Japanese rice-based Obihiro Butdaon ($19.80) is served with grilled pork belly dressed in a homemade teriyaki sweet sauce. A bowl of Shiro Miso soup also accompanies it.

Tonkatsu 4/5

The Tonkatsu ($18.80) is one of the three sandos on the menu. A thick, deep-fried Hokkaido pork loin patty is sandwiched between two soft and crustless white breads. It's finished with cabbage, mustard butter and sweet tonkatsu sauce, which gives a delightful mix of sweet, savoury and tangy notes. It's best to enjoy this while it's still hot.

Hokkaido Cream Puff 4.8/5

We definitely couldn't leave Baristart without having one of their well-loved Hokkaido Cream Puffs ($7). Baristart's rendition is one of my favourites. It is always generously piped with its signature BIEI Jersey Milk custard cream, so rich and luscious, paired with the irresistible crunchy crust.

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.


Baristart Coffee Singapore
Wisma Atria
#04-01
435 Orchard Road
Singapore 238877
Tel: +65 9836 9113
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Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (NE, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

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

Surrey Hill Grocer @ Arena Country Club (Jurong) - Savours The Flavours of Australia At A Pet-friendly Cafe

Surrey Hill Grocer, located at Arena Country Club in Jurong, is a delightful local gem encompassing a lifestyle grocer and a cafe. This homegrown establishment proudly imports authentic Australian products and produces, offering Singaporeans a taste of the Down Under. During my recent weekend visit for lunch, the cafe was bustling with diners, including their furry friends, as Surrey Hill Grocer is a pet-friendly establishment.

Sweet Potato Fries 3.5/5

As we eagerly awaited our mains, we indulged in the chunky and satisfying Sweet Potato Fries. Crispy on the outside yet delightfully sweet and moist on the inside, these fries paired perfectly with the accompanying dipping sauce, creating a delectable combination.

Wagyu Bolognese 4.5/5

However, the star of the show for me was the Wagyu Bolognese. The spaghetti was flawlessly cooked to al dente, providing a delightful bite. Tossed in a sweet and tangy tomato sauce, it was further enhanced by generous parmesan shavings for an added savoury kick. With each slurp, the ample serving of minced wagyu was a mouthful of pure indulgence.

Melbourne Breakfast Avocado, Poached Egg 4.2/5

For those seeking a taste of Melbourne's vibrant cafe scene, the Melbourne Breakfast Avocado with Poached Egg will surely transport you back to those fond memories. A thick slice of sourdough bread is adorned with luscious Australian mashed avocado, whipped ricotta, vegemite emulsion, honey dukkha, micro herbs, and perfectly poached nuyolk eggs. This hearty breakfast platter will brighten up your day and leave you satisfied.

Hot Honey Fried Chicken Waffle 4.2/5

Another popular choice from the menu is the Hot Honey Fried Chicken Waffle. The crispy yet fluffy waffle is a delightful base for a juicy piece of twice-cooked fried chicken thigh, generously glazed with hot honey for a touch of natural sweetness. Balanced with torched cheddar and shaved parmesan, this dish is accompanied by maple syrup and butter on the side, adding a delightful contrast of flavours.

Strawberry Waffle 4.2/5

To complete our meal, we indulged in the Strawberry Waffle, a heavenly dessert that combines hot and cold contrasting sensations. The ice cream, drenched in a luscious strawberry sauce, alongside the burst of freshness from grapes, blueberries, and granola, culminated in a delightful and satisfying sweet ending to our dining experience at Surrey Hill Grocer.

Overall, Surrey Hill Grocer offers a unique and enjoyable dining experience. With its wide range of delectable dishes and pet-friendly environment, it's a place where food lovers and pet owners alike can come together to savour the flavours of Australia and create cherished memories.


Surrey Hill Grocer
Arena Country Club
511 Upper Jurong Road
#01-01
Singapore 638366
Tel: +65 80357497
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Nearest MRT: Joo Koon (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Joo Koon MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Benoi Road. Turn left onto Benoi Road. Walk to Upper Jurong Road. Turn right onto Upper Jurong Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Joo Koon MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Joo Koo Bus Interchange (Stop ID 24009). Take bus number 99 or 974. Alight one stop later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes.[Map]

88 Pocha @ Holland Village - Korean Street Food In A Vibrant Pojangmacha-style Eatery

Newly joining the variety of dining options in Holland Village is 88 Pocha, brought in by a South Korean chef who has been living long-term in Singapore. Chef hopes to introduce the Korean Pojangmacha (covered wagon) culture and recreate the taste of his favourite Korean street food. The eatery is vibrantly styled with bright blue and red plastic dining furniture and has K-pop tunes playing through the space.

The menu is interestingly categorised into A, B, C, D and E, alongside canned drinks, alcoholic options and desserts. Each category is priced in tiers, ranging from $8.88 to $28.88. We tried a couple of dishes across the categories.

Gimmari 3.5/5

We started with the Gimmari ($8.88), which came in a portion of 4 pieces. Gimmari is fried seaweed rolls with a filling of glass noodles. Albeit crunchy, we found them too pricey for the size.

Sausage Gimbap 3.5/5

Rolled in seaweed with rice, sausage and cheese filling, the Sausage Gimbap ($11.88) had a pleasant mild aroma of sesame oil.

Corn Cheese Ramyeon 3.5/5

Their Corn Cheese Ramyeon ($11.88) reminded us a lot of the instant Samyang Volcano Noodles, with a milder heat. The noodles are tossed in the spice and topped with kernels, cheese, seaweed strips and sesame seeds. It wasn't too surprising in terms of taste, and we wished there was more to it at this price tag.

Kimchi Pancake 4/5

Despite being a little oily, the Kimchi Pancake ($15.88) impressed me with its taste. The pancake was done nicely thin with a good crisp all around. Their rendition has less batter, with more kimchi and melted cheese laid on top.

Half Fried Chicken 4.2/5

The Half Fried Chicken ($15.88) was done surprisingly well. Served with a side of sweet chilli sauce, each piece of fried chicken was fried to a spot-on crunch while retaining juicy meat within.

Oden Soup 4/5

Lastly, we had the Oden Soup ($18.88). We appreciated how the Korean fish cake soup was served in a kettle over a gas stove that kept it hot throughout our meal. We wished they were a bit more generous with the comforting soup. We enjoyed the intentional slight heat in the soup and the sticks of soft Korean fish cakes.

Beverages

For drinks, we opted for the canned drinks of Haitai Pear Juice ($3.88) and Milkis ($3.88). If you are interested in alcoholic beverages, you can expect a selection of Suntory highball creations, bottled beers, classic makgeolli and soju.

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.


88 Pocha
26A Lor Mambong
Singapore 277685
Tel: +65 62359950
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Nearest MRT: Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 12midnight
Sat-Sun: 1130am - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk to Lorong Liput. Turn right onto Lorong Liput. Walk down Lorong Liput and turn right onto Lorong Mambong. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes.[Map]