Hello Arigato @ Seng Poh Road - Japanese-Inspired Sandos, Comforting Pasta and Casual Dinner Bites

Since 2021, Hello Arigato has been serving Japanese-inspired sandos that keep diners coming back for more. With six outlets across Singapore, each offering its own outlet-exclusive dishes, the homegrown café has refreshed its menu to bring together some of its most-loved creations from across the neighbourhoods, alongside updated recipes and new additions. The refreshed menu features signature sandos, beloved pasta dishes, savoury sides, and favourites from its matcha and coffee line-up, now available across all locations.

Arigato Fried Chicken 5/5

We visited the Tiong Bahru outlet, which has recently introduced a dinner menu featuring Japanese-inspired tapas and alcoholic beverages, offering diners a chance to wind down over casual bites and drinks. We started with the Arigato Fried Chicken, featuring deboned chicken wings stuffed with juicy tsukune filling. The batter was crunchy and well seasoned, while the chicken stayed juicy and succulent with every bite.

Tomato & Watermelon Salad 3/5

The Tomato & Watermelon Salad ($16) featured dashi-marinated mixed tomatoes and compressed watermelon, served with stracciatella cheese and golden raisin purée, and finished with extra virgin olive oil. The combination of compressed watermelon and creamy stracciatella was refreshing, though I found the dashi-marinated tomatoes slightly unusual.

Big Fish Sando 4.5/5

Moving on to the brand's signature sandos, the Big Fish Sando ($22), previously exclusive to the Joo Chiat and Cross Street outlets, has become one of Hello Arigato's best-selling offerings. It was easy to see why. The halibut fish katsu was moist and flaky, complemented by Japanese tartar sauce, tobiko mayo, American cheddar, pickled onions and shredded cabbage, all sandwiched between soft Japanese milk bread. The combination of textures and sauces made this a satisfying bite.

Porkatsu Sando 3/5

The Porkatsu Sando ($24) features 12-hour sous vide Kurobuta pork collar katsu with a special tonkatsu sauce. The sauce gave the sando an addictive umami flavour, though the pork was a tad dry at the edges.

Wild Kinoko Pasta 4/5

From the pasta selection, the Wild Kinoko Pasta ($18) is a vegetarian-friendly option featuring spaghetti tossed in shoyu butter sauce with assorted mushrooms. I appreciated the savoury shoyu butter base, which offered a welcome alternative to the cream-based mushroom pastas commonly found elsewhere. Crispy kale and mushrooms added extra textural contrast.

Kurobuta Ragu Pasta 4/5

Another pasta worth trying is the Kurobuta Ragu Pasta ($22), updated with ribbons of mafalda pasta in place of rigatoni. The chewy pasta ribbons worked well with the rich, slow-cooked pork ragù, enriched with confit garlic and stracciatella cheese. Basil coulis added freshness, balancing the sauce's richness.

Yuzu Highball, Ginger & Lemon Highball

For alcoholic beverages, the highballs are particularly affordable during happy hour, and we tried the Yuzu ($10) and Ginger Lemon ($10) versions. Both made refreshing accompaniments to the food.

Coconut Orh Nee Cloud, Matcha Orh Nee Cloud

We also tried 2 Tiong Bahru-exclusive drinks: Coconut Orh Nee Cloud ($5.50), an aromatic concoction of 100% natural coconut water topped with Taro Cold Foam. We equally enjoyed the Matcha Orh Nee Cloud ($8.50), featuring Matcha Latte topped with Taro Cold Foam.

The Tiong Bahru outlet's dinner menu adds another dimension to the cafe experience, with Japanese-inspired bites and wallet-friendly happy hour highballs, making it a great option for a casual evening out.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Hello Arigato
58 Seng Poh Road
#01-15
Singapore 160058
Tel: +65 8027 2558
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Nearest MRT: Havelock (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 9am – 4pm, 530pm – 9pm
Sat-Sun: 8am – 4pm, 530pm – 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Havelock MRT station. Take Exit 1 or 2. Walk down Zion Road to Tiong Bahru Road. At the traffic junction of Zion Road and Tiong Bahru Road, cross the road and turn right onto Seng Poh Road. Walk down Seng Poh Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 6 minutes. [Map]

KIAP KIAP Chicken Club & Bar @ Liang Seah Street - A Playful Take on Fried Chicken and Comfort Food

KIAP KIAP Chicken Club & Bar is a hidden find tucked among the slew of Chinese eateries lining busy Liang Seah Street. The convivial chicken-focused spot is co-founded by three Singaporeans — seasoned F&B professional Lucas Chua, his wife Aderline Che, a former streamer with a knack for building communities, and veteran F&B owner James Wang.

The concept brings together nostalgic childhood favourites, playful takes on familiar comfort food, and of course, their signature secret-recipe fried chicken. The menu is casual and fun, with plenty of options designed for sharing over drinks and a good time.

Fried Chicken with Aji Verde Sauce 4.5/5

The signature fried chicken is definitely one of KIAP KIAP's highlights. We had the Fried Chicken with Aji Verde Sauce ($16), featuring sizeable pieces of deep-fried chicken that are noticeably bigger than what you typically get at fast-food chains. The chicken is fried until golden and crispy on the outside while remaining tender and juicy inside. What makes this version particularly enjoyable is the vibrant Aji Verde Sauce, a creamy Peruvian green sauce with a refreshing, herbaceous character that cuts through the richness of the fried chicken. The combination works surprisingly well, giving the crispy chicken a tangy, creamy and slightly punchy lift.

For those who prefer something more straightforward, the Kiap Kiap Original Fried Chicken ($12) is also available, while the Mentaiko Fried Chicken with Ikura ($18) offers a richer, Japanese-inspired option.

Duck Fat Mala Fried Chicken 3.5/5

Inspired by the many Chinese eateries around Liang Seah Street, KIAP KIAP gives fried chicken a local twist with its Duck Fat Mala Fried Chicken ($14). The chicken is tender and juicy, tossed generously in aromatic mala spice and rich duck fat. It's fragrant and savoury, but the heat is no joke. Even as someone who generally handles spicy food quite well, I found the mala considerably too fiery. The spice intensity made it difficult for me to fully appreciate the juicy fried chicken underneath. I would have preferred a bit more balance, letting the flavour of the chicken and duck fat come through.

King's Truffle Poutine 4.2/5

One side you shouldn't skip is the King’s Truffle Poutine ($20). This playful take on the Canadian comfort food combines crispy French fries and cheese curds with hot brown gravy, but KIAP KIAP takes it several steps further with shaved truffle, beef gravy, Parmesan and a runny egg. The result is rich, indulgent and seriously addictive. The combination of salty fries, creamy cheese, savoury beef gravy and earthy truffle makes this a particularly satisfying sharing dish. Once you break the egg and mix it through, everything comes together into a luscious, messy plate of comfort food. Definitely one to order for the table.

Hot Mozzarella 4/5

The Hot Mozzarella ($12) is another delightful bite. The mozzarella is coated and fried until golden on the outside, giving way to a warm, stretchy and gooey centre when pulled apart. Served with raspberry sauce on the side, the sweet-tart fruitiness contrasts nicely with the rich, savoury fried cheese. It is a simple combination, but the sweet-and-savoury pairing works nicely.

Jenny's Udon 3.8/5

Beyond fried chicken, the menu also reflects the owners’ personal memories and nostalgic favourites. Jenny’s Udon ($12 for chicken, $16 for seafood) is named after James’ mother and is based on a comforting udon dish she used to cook for him. The homestyle stir-fried udon is reminiscent of a hearty plate of Hokkien Mee, with thick and chewy Japanese wheat noodles tossed with the accompanying ingredients. It is comforting and easy to eat, with a familiar quality that makes it feel like a simple home-cooked meal.

However, do not expect a robustly flavoured udon cooked in a rich, prawny stock. This is more like a good plate of stir-fried noodles — straightforward, comforting, and satisfying without being particularly complex.

Signature Milkshake Olive Oil & Sea Salt 4.8/5

One of my favourites from the visit was the Signature Milkshake Olive Oil & Sea Salt ($8). This is a thick and creamy milkshake with a rather unexpected finishing touch — a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. The olive oil adds a subtle fruity richness, while the sea salt balances the sweetness, creating a surprisingly sophisticated take on the classic milkshake. It is rich without being overly sweet, creamy without feeling too heavy, and just plain delicious. I have not had a really good milkshake in a long while, and this was a pleasant surprise.

Banana Pudding 3.8/5

Dessert comes in the form of a caramelised Banana Pudding ($6), which is served tableside. It has an almost Italian-restaurant-style presentation, reminiscent of a tray of tiramisu brought to the table, except here, it is banana pudding. The pudding itself is smooth and velvety, with caramelised banana adding a deeper sweetness and warmth. It is generously finished with crunchy cookie crumble, specifically crushed Biscoff biscuits, which provide a welcome contrast to the soft pudding. It is a comforting and indulgent way to round off the meal.

KIAP KIAP Chicken Club & Bar is an interesting addition to Liang Seah Street, offering something a little different from the cluster of Chinese restaurants that dominate the area. The menu is built around the owners’ personal favourites and childhood memories, with fried chicken as the central focus.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Kiap Kiap Chicken Club & Bar
1 Liang Seah Street
#02-15
Singapore 189022
Tel: +65 9751 2319
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (DT, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 530pm - 1am
Fri-Sat: 530pm - 2am

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT Station. Take Exit D. Walk to Tan Quee Lan Street. Take the side lane and walk to the back of Tan Quee Lan Street to Liang Seah Street. At Liang Seah Street, walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Bugis MRT Station. Take Exit C. Walk to North Bridge Road. Cross the road and walk to Liang Seah Street. Walk down Liang Seah Street. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

Hill Street Chicken Rice Delights (禧街鸡饭) @ Peninsula Shopping Complex - New Chicken Rice Stall Hidden Inside A Shopping Mall

Chicken rice is one of those dishes that never really goes out of style, and there is always room for another stall to join the scene. One of the newer additions is Hill Street Chicken Rice Delights (禧街鸡饭), a newly opened stall tucked away inside Peninsula Shopping Complex. Beyond the usual Poached Chicken and Roasted Chicken, the stall also offers a wider selection including Fried Chicken Cutlet Rice, Salted Baked Chicken Rice and Nan Ru Fried Pork Belly, along with a variety of sides and braised items. So if you are dining with a group, there’s plenty to choose from.

We started with the Roasted Chicken ($19 Half Chicken), which came with beautifully glossy skin coated in a soy and honey glaze. The glaze delivers rich, concentrated savouriness with lovely caramelised depth, balanced by earthy, subtly sweet notes from the honey. Despite the glaze’s richness and the chicken skin, I found it surprisingly easy to eat without feeling overly greasy or heavy. More importantly, the meat underneath remained tender, juicy and succulent, making each bite satisfying without being too rich.

Roasted Chicken 4.2/5

The chicken is good, but I think the condiments really complete the experience. The Garlic-Chilli Sauce packs a fiery kick with a bright, garlicky punch, while the fresh Ginger-Scallion Sauce adds a more aromatic, refreshing lift. Even the Dark Soya Sauce is worth mentioning, with a thick, sweet and fragrant profile.

Of course, a good plate of chicken rice is never just about the chicken. The rice here is fragrant and fluffy, with the grains infused with chicken essence. They are moist, plump and glossy, with enough savoury depth to complement the sweet-savoury profile of the roasted chicken. Personally, I prefer my chicken rice grains with a slightly firmer bite, so I would have liked the texture a little firmer. But this is very much a matter of personal preference, and the rice itself has good flavour.

Poached Chicken 4.2/5

The Poached Chicken ($19 Half Chicken) was equally enjoyable, especially if you prefer something lighter and more straightforward. The meat was exceptionally tender, silky and succulent, with the flesh remaining moist and juicy without feeling undercooked. It has a clean, naturally sweet poultry flavour, with gentle poaching aromatics that enhance rather than overpower the chicken.

Between the two, I would probably alternate depending on my mood — the Roasted Chicken for something richer and more caramelised, and the Poached Chicken when I want to taste the chicken’s natural sweetness.

Mixed Organ 3.5/5

Braised Egg, Tofu, Beancurd 3.8/5

For those who enjoy chicken innards, the Mixed Organ ($3/$5) comes with both chicken liver and gizzard. The liver was soft and creamy, while the gizzard offered a firmer, slightly crunchy bite. It is a simple side but works well with the chicken rice, especially with a little chilli and dark soya sauce.

You can also add a selection of braised items to make your meal more substantial. We had the Braised Egg ($1), Braised Tofu ($1) and Braised Beancurd ($1.20). Of the three, the Braised Tofu stood out for me. It had a soft and silky texture and soaked up the savoury braising sauce nicely. Definitely one I would get again as a simple accompaniment to the chicken rice.

Oyster Sauce Vegetable 3/5

Oyster Sauce Bean Sprouts 3.5/5

For some greens, there are Oyster Sauce Vegetable ($5/$8) and Oyster Sauce Bean Sprouts ($4/$7). Between the two, I preferred the bean sprouts. They retained a nice crunch and came topped with fried shallots, which added a fragrant, slightly crispy finish and made the dish more interesting.

Nan Ru Fried Pork Belly 3.5/5

The Nan Ru Fried Pork Belly is another option if you are looking beyond chicken. The pork belly is marinated in Nan Ru, or fermented red bean curd, giving it a distinctive savoury umami flavour with a subtle sweetness and plenty of depth. The exterior is deep-fried until golden and crisp, while the meat inside remains tender, juicy and succulent. The crispy outer layer contrasts nicely with the softer, fatty pork belly within. You can order it on its own to share, or as a dedicated Nan Ru Pork Rice set.

Fried Chicken Cutlet 3.5/5

For something a little different, the stall also offers Fried Chicken Cutlet in three flavours — Original, Wasabi Mayo and Salted Egg. The cutlet has a crispy, golden-brown crust, while the meat stays tender, juicy, and moist. One thing to note, however, is that Hill Street Chicken Rice Delights is primarily a chicken rice stall rather than a fried chicken specialist. The cutlets are prepared beforehand rather than deep-fried to order, so they may not have that just-out-of-the-fryer heat and crispness you would get from a dedicated fried chicken shop. Still, it is a useful option if you are dining with friends or family who want something other than traditional chicken rice.

Hill Street Chicken Rice Delights is a new addition to Peninsula Shopping Complex worth checking out if you’re in the area. The Poached and Roasted Chicken are the main draws for me. I particularly enjoyed the roasted version for its caramelised soy and honey glaze, while the poached chicken offers a cleaner and more delicate profile. The range of sides, braised items and alternative rice dishes also makes the stall suitable for sharing and for diners who want more than just a plate of chicken rice. It may still be a new stall, but the menu already offers a decent variety to explore. For me, I would return for the chicken rice, chilli and that silky braised tofu.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Hill Street Chicken Rice Delights (禧街鸡饭)
Peninsula Shopping Complex
3 Coleman Street
#01-12
Singapore 179804
Tel: +65 8152 2204
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon: 10am - 6pm
Tue-Sat: 10am - 7pm
(Closed on Sun)

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

Artichoke @ New Bahru - A New Era As A Pizza Parlor, Transforming from Mezza to Mozza

After 15 years of serving up bold and unapologetic Middle Eastern flavours, Chef Bjorn Shen has given his beloved Artichoke a fresh identity. The long-standing establishment has transformed from mezza to mozza with its brand-new concept – Artichoke Pizza Parlor. This new-school pizza joint celebrates pizza in all its playful, unpretentious glory.

Artichoke Pizza Parlor isn't about chasing traditional wood-fired Neapolitan ideals. Instead, its DNA is part 80s and 90s American-Italian pizzeria nostalgia, part new-school innovation, and all classic Bjorn. The result? An original pizza experience crafted for Singaporeans by a Singaporean who simply loves pizza - not the artisanal, precious kind, but the kind that sparks joy, indulgence, and memories of childhood pizza parties.

Beef Lasagna Nuggets 4/5

The Beef Lasagna Nuggets ($16) are frozen, breaded cubes of beef lasagna deep-fried to a golden crunch. Each bite delivers a contrast of textures. The soft, layered pasta is paired with a crisp breadcrumb coating, all pulled together by a bright, tangy marinara sauce.

Green N' Golden Kiwi 4.2/5

A surprise on the menu, the Green N' Golden Kiwi Salad ($14) features fresh kiwi (both green and golden) topped with pecorino, mint, and black pepper. It's refreshing and unexpectedly delicious, a clever play on sweet and savoury.

Super Crunch Fried Chicken 4.2/5

An Artichoke classic reimagined, the Super Crunch Fried Chicken ($24) lives up to its name. The juicy chicken encased in an ultra-crisp crust, glazed with za'atar honey and finished with garlic sauce. Sweet, savoury, and addictive.

Chicory Salad 3/5

The Chicory Salad ($20) brings together radicchio, endives, roasted red grapes, onions, herbs, mango amba dressing, whipped sesame, and falafel crumbles. While the bitterness of radicchio may not appeal to everyone, the sweet dressing and nutty falafel soften the edge of the acquired taste.

Creamy Green Harissa Prawn Spaghetti 4.8/5

One of the standouts, the Creamy Green Harissa Prawn Spaghetti ($34), is bold and flavour-packed. The zesty, punchy harissa sauce clings to each strand of pasta, making every slurp irresistible.

Rounds: Tropic Thunder 4.2/5

Pizza is the main highlight here, presented in three unique forms: Rounds, Stacks and Slabs.

The Tropic Thunder ($32) comes in the Rounds-style, which is airy, puffy-crust pizzas inspired by Naples' Montanara, fried then baked for extra texture. Topped with Parma ham, burrata, jackfruit, ginger flower, and honey, this is tropical decadence done right.

Stacks: Dirty Duck 3.8/5

Stacks-style is double-decker pizzas with layers of dough stuffed with ingredients. The Dirty Duck ($30) packs Bali-spiced duck, mozzarella, snake bean lawar, sambal matah, and coconut cream. Intense, punchy, and flavour-heavy. Though for me, the richness felt overwhelming for pizza, better suited to a rice dish.

Slabs: Beef Pepperoni, Pickled Long Pepper, Chilli Honey 4.5/5

The Slabs-style is where things get exciting. It is a hybrid of Roman and Detroit styles, featuring a rectangular base with a unique "undercrunch" layer of cheddar baked beneath the dough. The Beef Pepperoni ($26), topped with marinara, pepperoni, chilli honey, garlic oil, and pickled peppers, is balanced, spicy, and satisfying.

Slabs: Bacon Apple Pie 4.5/5

Even better was the Bacon Apple Pie ($32). Pancetta, apple butter, brie, baked apples, mozzarella, hazelnuts, and rosemary come together in a sweet-savoury harmony. Almost like a dessert pizza, it's unconventional yet a standout.

Sundae 4.2/5

The Sundae ($20) is a playful finish featuring passionfruit ice cream with lemongrass cream, banana bread croutons, meringue, and macerated strawberries. Light, tropical, and fun.

Cinnamon-Cherry Pie 4.2/5

A hearty bake, the Cinnamon-Cherry Pie ($18) combines almond frangipane and sour cherry filling within a buttery crust, topped with cookie crumbs and orange cream. A tart, fragrant balance of sweet and spiced.

Mud Cake 4.8/5

The Mud Cake ($14) is not your average chocolate cake. Served warm with banana & raisin jam, layered with banana bread, then topped with chocolate milk, Ovaltine crunchies, and smoked salt. Rich, nostalgic, and delightfully messy, it is pure Bjorn style.

Artichoke Pizza Parlor is Bjorn Shen's most personal and playful project to date. It's a place where pizza isn't bound by tradition but reimagined with bold ideas, local flair, and plenty of heart. Come with an open mind (and stretchy pants), and you'll leave grinning because pizza is meant to be fun.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Artichoke
New Bahru
46 Kim Yam Road
#01-02
Singapore 239351
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Nearest MRT: Fort Canning (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue: 5pm - 10pm
Wed-Sun: 11am - 10pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Fort Canning MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to traffic junction River Valley Road and Clemenceau Ave. Cross the road and cut through UE Square to Unity Street. Turn right onto Unity Street and walk to Mohamed Sultan Road. Cross the road and walk to Kim Yam Road. Walk down Kim Yam Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Mr Grumpy by Fiie's Cafe @ Holland Drive - Famous Crispy Fried Chicken Rice From Lucky Plaza

Mr Grumpy by Fiie's Cafe, located at Holland Drive, is the latest outpost from the team behind the famed Nasi Ayam Goreng at Lucky Plaza. It's hard to miss the stall with its bright yellow signage boldly proclaiming itself as the "No.1 Nasi Ayam Goreng in Town." That cheeky confidence feels like a direct challenge, daring you to try the dish and judge for yourself. The name Mr Grumpy is just as memorable, and for good reason. The owner is known in local food circles as Singapore's 'rudest' nasi ayam goreng seller, a reputation earned from his no-nonsense, straight-talking style at the original Far East outlet. But if there's one thing you can expect, it's that the food does the talking.

Nasi Ayam Goreng 4.5/5

At $6.50, each plate of Nasi Ayam Goreng comes with your choice of thigh or breast meat, deep-fried to a perfect golden brown. The skin is crisp with a generous sprinkle of crunchy batter bits on top, giving every bite a satisfying crackle. Despite being deep-fried, the chicken retains its moisture beautifully. It's tender, juicy, and full of flavour.

The real surprise, though, lies beneath the chicken. The rice, cooked in chicken fat, is fragrant and flavourful, reminiscent of Hainanese chicken rice but with a bolder undertone. It's rich without being greasy and forms a perfect base for the fried chicken. Then there's the sambal, a sweet and spicy concoction that brings the whole dish together. It has just the right amount of heat, laced with a sweetness that doesn't overpower but complements the chicken and rice seamlessly.

Want to elevate your meal? You can add on side items like Sambal Quail, Sambal Hotdog, or Begedil for just $1 each. These small extras round off the meal nicely, adding more variety and indulgence.

Mr Grumpy may be gruff, but he's not messing around when it comes to his food. This plate of Nasi Ayam Goreng hits all the right notes: crispy, juicy chicken, flavourful rice, and a punchy sambal that keeps you coming back for more. The bold signage outside may come off as a gimmick, but once you've tried it, you might agree that this unassuming stall deserves its claim to fame.


My Grumpy by Fiie's Cafe
Blk 43 Holland Drive
#01-75
Singapore 270043
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Nearest MRT: Bouna Vista (CC, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 8pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Buona Vista MRT station. Take Exit A. Follow the underpass to the other side of the road. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]