Im Jai by Pun Im @ Icon Village - Debuts Lunar New Year 2026 Menu with a Thai Twist

Im Jai by Pun Im at Icon Village ushers in Lunar New Year 2026 with its inaugural festive menu, reimagining classic Chinese New Year staples through a distinctly Thai lens. Known for its bold Thai flavours and creative reinterpretations, Im Jai presents a refreshing celebration that marries auspicious symbolism with vibrant Thai ingredients and techniques.

Charoen “Prosperous” Yu Sheng 4.2/5

Replacing the customary shredded vegetables, Im Jai’s Yu Sheng takes inspiration from Thai salads. The Im Jai Charoen Yu Sheng (Serves 3–5, $58) features premium salmon belly slices atop a colourful medley of green papaya, green mango, pomelo, mandarin oranges, and cherry tomatoes. Tossed in a signature Som Tum–style spicy-sour sauce blended with sweetened fish sauce, the dish is finished with toasted coconut, fried shallots, ground dried shrimp, and pumpkin seeds. The result is a uniquely Thai Yu Sheng that delivers a harmonious balance of sweet, sour, savoury, and spicy flavours, complemented by engaging textures. For larger gatherings, the Im Jai Grand Charoen Yu Sheng (Serves 6–8, $98) is also available.

Crispy Cloud Egg 3.8/5

Im Jai offers a playful spin on the traditional Thai omelette with the Crispy Cloud Egg ($16.80). Kampong egg whites are deep-fried until ultra-fluffy and paired with six pieces of five-hour house-cured sweet-savoury egg yolks. Served with lime, raw shallots, and chilli padi, the dish is impressively crisp and airy. While the cloud-like texture will appeal to many, it leaned a little too light for my personal preference. I found myself missing a more substantial bite.

Fried Squid Tentacles with Im Jai Curry Mayonnaise 4.2/5

The Fried Squid Tentacles with Im Jai Curry Mayonnaise ($10.80) features lightly battered squid tentacles fried to a crisp. What truly elevates the dish is the housemade curry mayonnaise, seasoned with Im Jai’s proprietary blend of Thai curry powder. This addictive combination kept me going back for more, making it a highly enjoyable snack or sharing dish.

Fortune Crispy Spring Rolls 4.2/5

Available for both dine-in and takeaway, the Fortune Crispy Spring Rolls ($23.80) are filled with a medley of vegetables and mushrooms. Encased in a golden, crispy skin, the filling is flavourful and provides a pleasing contrast in texture, resulting in a multi-textural bite that works well as a festive starter.

Golden Crispy Soon Hock & Thai Mango Salad 4.2/5

A whole fish is a must-have on any Chinese New Year table, and Im Jai puts a Thai spin on this tradition with the prized Marble Goby (Soon Hock). The Golden Crispy Soon Hock & Thai Mango Salad ($108, about 1.2kg) is expertly butterflied and deep-fried head-on, with the scales left on, resulting in delicate, crispy, edible scales while keeping the flesh succulent and moist. The fish is paired with a spicy, sweet, and zesty Thai green mango salad, creating an elegant balance of flavour and texture. This is a tasting portion of the whole fish. Diners may also opt for the Steamed Soon Hock with Thai Mango Salad ($108, about 1.2kg).

Steamed Festive Seabass with Spicy & Sour Dressing 4.2/5

Another steamed fish option on the menu is the Steamed Festive Seabass with Spicy & Sour Dressing ($32.80). The fish is perfectly steamed to a moist texture and complemented by a punchy dressing that delivers a delightful spicy kick and sour, zesty finish.

Im Jai Golden Harvest Seafood Claypot Rice 4/5

The Im Jai Golden Harvest Seafood Claypot Rice ($110.80) is a luxurious festive staple featuring wild-caught jumbo black tiger prawns, diced hotate scallops, deep-fried soft shell crab, and deep-fried pork lard. Rich, indulgent, and aromatic, it is a satisfying communal dish well-suited for celebrations.

Black Sticky Rice Nian Gao 5/5

For dessert, the Black Sticky Rice Nian Gao ($21.80) truly stands out. Im Jai’s signature pancake is transformed into a festive Nian Gao using house-milled black sticky rice flour and strips of coconut flesh. Crisp on the outside yet chewy and fragrant within, this dessert is exceptionally good and easily one of the highlights of the meal.

Sweet Coconut Reunion Tang Yuan 4/5

The Sweet Coconut Reunion Tang Yuan (Serves 4–6, $30.80) is based on the traditional Bualoy dessert from Im Jai’s regular menu. It features auspicious red and yellow glutinous rice balls with coconut strips in sweetened coconut milk, finished with a salted egg lava cream. The sweet-savoury interplay reflects the hallmark flavours of Thai desserts.

IM SABAAI’s Signature Abundance Pork Floss

To complete the festivities, Im Jai also offers IM SABAAI’s Signature Abundance Pork Floss ($98), the first of its kind manufactured in Singapore. Presented in an elegant gift box of four bottles adorned with a Fire Horse design and a poetic Chinese couplet, it is available in both Original and Spicy flavours—making it a thoughtful and auspicious Lunar New Year gift.

1. Im Jai CNY Menu is available for both dine-ins and takeaways from 26 January – 3 March.
2. Guests can mix and match any items in the CNY menu and spend $288 to receive 20% discount.
3. Guests who place their orders before 23 January for dine-in and takeaways after 26 January can enjoy an Early Bird Discount of another 10% if they hit $288.
4. IM JAI will operate only for takeaways on CNY eve, 16 February until 1pm.
5. IM JAI will be closed for CNY holidays from 17-19 Feb and resume operations on 20Feb.
6. IM JAI will strictly be taking only reservations on 20 February; no walk-ins allowed.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Im Jai by Pun Im
Icon Village
12 Gopeng Street
#01-78/81
Singapore 078877
Tel: +65 6518 3151
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 3pm, 4pm - 930pm
(Closed on Sat & Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk down Peck Seah Street. Cross the road at the junction of Peck Seah Street and Gopeng Street. Walk to ICON village. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

Cutlery Optional Private Dining - South Indian Flavours in a Homely Setting

Our private dining exploration this round took us to Cutlery Optional Private Dining by Vasunthara Ramasamy, a contestant from MasterChef Singapore Season 2. Specialising in South Indian cuisine, her home dining concept stood out to us, as most private dining experiences in Singapore lean heavily towards Peranakan or Chinese cuisine. This was one we had been especially looking forward to.

Plantain Chips & Chutney 3.8/5

We started the evening with Plantain Chips & Chutney, a light and crispy bite made addictive with the aromatic and spice-laden chutney. A simple yet impactful appetiser that teased the palate for what was to come.

Coconut Toddy Thosai 4.5/5

Malabar Chicken Curry 4.8/5

The Malabar Chicken Curry was a highlight. The chicken was tender, soaked in a robust curry brimming with depth and fragrance. What elevated the dish further was the freshly made Coconut Toddy Thosai, which was soft, fluffy, and carried a beautiful hint of coconut. Perfect for mopping up every last bit of curry.

Spicy Fried Fish Fry with Coconut Topping 4/5

Next came the Spicy Fried Fish Fry, crisp on the outside and moist within. The addition of coconut topping added a welcome lift in both flavour and texture.

Pork Fry 4.2/5

The Pork Fry reminded us of Chinese sio bak, yet with an unmistakable Indian twist. Crispy, succulent, and deeply savoury — it was addictive enough to keep going back for seconds.

Prawn Green Mango Curry 5/5

The Prawn Green Mango Curry emerged as one of my favourites of the evening. Large, succulent prawns were paired with a mild, balanced curry. The fruity tang of green mangoes complemented the natural sweetness of the prawns, making this dish stand out.

Mix Vegetable Thoran 4/5

To refresh the palate from the richer dishes, the Mix Vegetable Thoran was perfectly timed. Crunchy and light, it provided a nice balance to the heavier curries and roasts.

Crab Roast 4.5/5

Another memorable dish was the Crab Roast. Unlike the familiar Singaporean renditions of chilli crab, black pepper crab, or salted egg yolk crab, Vasunthara’s version showcased a spice-forward, aromatic profile that paired beautifully with the crab’s sweetness. A refreshing take that still held its own against our beloved local styles.

Mango Ice Cream 4.2/5

The meal concluded with Mango Ice Cream. Bursting with the intensity of ripe mangoes, it was refreshing and vibrant. It's almost like eating the fruit itself. A fitting end to a flavourful journey.

Cutlery Optional Private Dining is a rare gem in Singapore’s private dining landscape, offering authentic South Indian flavours with personal touches from Vasunthara. It’s a feast that bridges familiarity and discovery, making it an experience well worth seeking out.

Cutlery Optional Private Dining
Ang Mo Kio Ave 9 / Yio Chu Yang 
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Nearest MRT: Yio Chu Yang (NS Line)

Kok Sen Restaurant @ City Square Mall - Eight Year Bib Gourmand Awardee Opens Second Outlet

The renowned Kok Sen Restaurant, a household name at Keong Saik with an impressive eight-year streak on the prestigious Michelin Bib Gourmand list, has expanded with a second outlet at City Square Mall. This milestone marks a new chapter for the family-run restaurant, which has been serving authentic Cantonese delights for over 54 years, spanning three generations.

Beyond its signature classics, the City Square Mall outlet also debuts exclusive dishes, offering both loyal patrons and new diners something fresh to look forward to.

Crispy Smoked Tea Duck 4/5

A highly anticipated new dish, the Crispy Smoked Tea Duck ($25/$50), is available in limited quantities daily. The duck is meticulously marinated for at least 8 hours in a secret sauce that deeply infuses the meat with rich flavours before being air-dried for 2-3 hours to remove excess moisture. It is then smoked and deep-fried to perfection, resulting in an incredibly light, crispy skin that complements the tender, fragrant meat.

Kok Sen's Original Big Prawn Thick Beehoon White Soup 4/5

Another City Square Mall exclusive is Kok Sen's Original Big Prawn Thick Beehoon White Soup ($19/$38/$57). This comforting dish features large, succulent prawns and thick rice vermicelli, all immersed in a robust, non-spicy superior prawn broth. Unlike the spicier, well-loved version at the Keong Saik outlet, this rendition stays true to the Wong Family's original recipe, which has been passed down for generations and enjoyed during festive celebrations, birthdays, and family gatherings.

Claypot Yong Tau Foo 4/5

A must-try staple at Kok Sen, the Claypot Yong Tau Foo ($18/$27/$36) is a hearty, comforting dish that highlights freshly made stuffed beancurd, brinjal, capsicum, and red chilli, all generously filled with a flavorful mix of squid and prawn paste. The dish is finished with a fragrant, umami-rich bean sauce, making every bite a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Deep Fried "Yu Gai" 3.5/5

The Deep Fried "Yu Gai" ($20/$30/$40) features thick, fleshy strips of deep-fried Toman fish meat fried to a golden crisp. What truly elevates this dish is the Chef's special dipping sauce, which enhances the fish's natural sweetness and adds a bold depth of flavour.

Roasted Pork with Black Sauce 4.2/5

The Roasted Pork with Black Sauce ($18/$27/$36) is a must-order for those who love a flavourful, saucy dish. Crispy, freshly roasted pork is wok-fried with caramelised onions and a rich, savoury-sweet black sauce, making it the perfect accompaniment to a bowl of steamed rice.

With its rich culinary heritage, new location, and exclusive dishes, Kok Sen's second outlet at City Square Mall is a fantastic addition to Singapore's food scene. Whether you're a long-time fan of their Michelin Bib Gourmand classics or eager to try their new, exclusive offerings, this expansion ensures that the Wong family's time-honoured flavours continue to delight old and new generations alike.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Kok Sen Restaurant
City Square Mall
180 Kitchener Road
#04-31/32
Singapore 208539
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Nearest MRT: Farrer Park (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 430pm - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Farrer Park MRT station. Take Exit H. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Fourgather @ Telok Ayer Street - Newest Modern Thai Restaurant with Fusion Flavours in Vibrant Thai Street Food-Themed Space

Discover Fourgather, the latest addition to Telok Ayer's dining scene, tucked away within Amoy Hotel. Upon entering, you'll be greeted by a vibrant and eclectic ambience carefully curated by its four co-owners.

The casual restaurant is divided into two spaces adorned with stylish decor pieces imported from Thailand. Combined with lively background music, we definitely felt like we were transported to the Land of Smiles. The extensive menu features both authentic Thai dishes and creative items of fusion flavours.

Beverages

The beverage menu offers a wide variety, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Opting for non-alcoholic choices, we selected Thai Chrysanthemum ($5.50), Pandan Thai Milk Tea ($5.50), Butterfly Pea Lemonade Soda ($7.90), and Soya Bean Milk Tea ($6.50). While slightly pricey, we appreciated that the drinks weren't overly sweet, with the fragrant Thai Chrysanthemum standing out for its lovely herbal notes.

Fourgather Matchstick Wings 4.8/5

The Fourgather Matchstick Wings ($11.90) is a must-try! The 10 split mid-joint wings are marinated in a housemade aromatic sauce and expertly fried to perfection. They are so juicy, crunchy and addictive. Remember to enjoy them with the fragrant, crispy garlic for an extra burst of flavour.

Roasted Rice Pork - Moo Koop Foon 4.5/5

Before this dinner, I had never tried nor heard about Roasted Rice Pork — Moo Koop Foon ($18.90). This deep-fried pork dish is coated with roasted rice and finished with chilli powder, giving it an extra texture dimension on its exterior. Much like the Matchstick Wings, the pork is fried to a perfect crunch while retaining its juiciness inside.

Thai Style Kang Kong - Morning Glory 4/5

We opted for the Thai Style Kang Kong - Morning Glory ($12.90) as our vegetable dish. While the taste was as expected, the portion size was small for the price.

Thai Fried Kway Teow - Pad See Ew 3.5/5

One of our favourite Thai mains is Pad See Ew ($14.90), the classic Thai Fried Kway Teow. We ordered it here as well but were disappointed to find it lacked the wok hei.

Thai Train Fried Rice - Khao Pad Rod Fai 3.5/5

We were curious about the Thai Train Fried Rice ($13.90), which we later learned was named after a popular dish sold by vendors at train stations. It was average on its own, but it was better when paired with a side of Thai fish sauce and cut chillies.

Green Curry Chicken with Roti 4.2/5

If you prefer less thick and creamy Thai green curries, go for the Green Curry Chicken with Roti ($15.90). The fragrant curry was loaded with assorted vegetables and chicken bites. Make sure to dip the roti pieces while it's hot for that crisp.

Yum Salmon 4.2/5

Yum Salmon ($26.90) is one of the raw marinated seafood dishes on the menu, next to Yum Raw Prawn ($20.90) and Yum Puu Maa — Flower Crabs ($39.90). The salmon sashimi comes in thick chunks, tossed in a salivating tangy-spicy Thai sauce mix.

Tom Yum Soup - Seafood 4/5

Between the creamy and clear Tom Yum Soup ($24.90), we went with the former. Fourgather's rendition leaned a bit more to the sweet end while staying decently fragrant with the classic tom yum herbs of lemongrass, galangal and kaffir lime. Apart from Seafood, you can choose other toppings, such as Vegetable ($13.90), Chicken ($16.90) and Prawn ($19.90).

Fisherman’s Harvest - Fried Fish Miang 4.2/5

Consider trying the fried whole fish dishes when dining here in a group. The Fisherman's Harvest - Fried Fish Miang ($44.90) was perfect for sharing and presented impressively. The fried fish chunks, conveniently boneless, boast a meaty texture with a light crispiness. Served with a whole tray of vibrant condiments and various chillies, diners are encouraged to wrap the fish chunks with vegetables and select their preferred condiments, akin to our familiar Korean BBQ wraps. It was refreshing and interactive, ideal for enjoying in a group.

Coconut Ice Cream 4.2/5

Our desserts started with the classic Coconut Ice Cream ($8.90) served with fresh coconut meat and crushed peanuts. Although it was quite pricey, it was good, mildly sweet, and creamy.

Freshly Made Red Ruby 3.5/5

Next was the Freshly Made Red Ruby ($9.90) served with jackfruit and coconut meat. While the red rubies were expectedly crunchy, we found the chewy tapioca flour exterior to be too thin in ratio.

Thai Butter Toast 4/5

Seeing the Thai Butter Toast ($9.90) reminded us of Thailand's popular After You Cafe! Choose between steamed or toasted toasts, and they will be served with housemade pandan custard dip and Thai milk tea dip. The portion could definitely do with more toasts at this price tag.

Although the prices may be on the higher side, we found the overall experience and ambience at Fourgather to be enjoyable. The food was generally well-balanced in flavours - being flavourful and avoiding being too oily, overly sweet or salty. Surprisingly, the sides impressed us more than the mains.

The restaurant also serves Lunch Sets available between 11.30am to 3pm (last order at 2.30pm) at more attractive price points.

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.


Fourgather
76 Telok Ayer Street
#01-02
Singapore 048464
Tel: +65 8071 2946
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer MRT (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 11:30am - 11:30pm
(Closed on Sun)

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