Hortus @ Gardens by The Bay Flower Dome - New Mediterranean Sharing Menu Comprising of 9 Dishes

Nestled within the lush beauty of Gardens by the Bay's Flower Dome, Hortus offers diners a taste of the Mediterranean, surrounded by vibrant blooms and cool serenity. With its focus on fresh, vibrant sharing plates and rustic wood-grilled mains, Hortus presents an experience that goes beyond the food—especially with its newly launched Mediterranean Sharing Set Menu ($68++ per pax), which even includes complimentary Flower Dome admission and a buggy ride to and from the Main Entrance. A perfect little getaway without leaving Singapore!

Hummus, Olive Oil and Paprika 4.8/5

Muhammara, Roasted Bell Pepper and Walnut Dip 4.5/5

The meal kicks off with an array of five sharing starters. The Hummus with Olive Oil and Paprika was an instant hit — creamy, nutty, and elevated by the earthiness of paprika and a generous drizzle of olive oil. It is paired beautifully with the warm, fluffy housemade pita. Equally delightful was the Muhammara, a roasted bell pepper and walnut dip that was slightly smoky, nutty, and tangy — a deliciously vibrant alternative to the classic hummus.

Fried School Prawns, Calamari, Whitebait with Lemon Aioli 4.5/5

Next up was the Fried Seafood Basket, featuring school prawns, calamari, and whitebait, all perfectly crispy and light, paired with a zesty lemon aioli. It was dangerously addictive, with each piece a burst of flavour and crunch.

Yellowtail Kingfish Crudo 4.8/5

The Yellowtail Kingfish Crudo was a standout among the starters. Dressed with bergamot and green olives and scattered with pomegranate seeds, it was refreshingly bright, delicately sweet, and brimming with Mediterranean sunshine.

Kingfish Collar with Cabbage and Fennel Salad and Nduja 4.2/5

Moving on to the mains, we tried the Kingfish Collar with Cabbage and Fennel Salad and Nduja. Grilled to crispy perfection on the outside while keeping the flesh moist and tender, the kingfish was livened up beautifully by a squeeze of lemon and the spicy kick from the nduja. The accompanying salad of cabbage and fennel provided a refreshing counterpoint.

Beef and Lamb Adana Kebab with Sumac Onions 4.2/5

We also sampled the Beef and Lamb Adana Kebab with Sumac Onions. Typically, kebabs can veer on the dry side, but Hortus' version was juicy, aromatic, and full of flavour. The sweet and tangy sumac onions on top brought a much-appreciated brightness to the hearty meat skewer.

Cracked Wheat Salad with Dill, Mint, and Pomegranate 4.2/5

Rice Pilaf with Pistachio and Lemon 4.5/5

To complement the mains, we had the Cracked Wheat Salad and the Rice Pilaf with Pistachio and Lemon. Both were excellent — the cracked wheat salad was herby and fresh with pops of pomegranate, while the rice pilaf was light, fragrant, and enhanced by the nuttiness of pistachios and citrusy lemon.

House churned Vanilla Gelato, Halva, Tahini 4.5/5

Desserts were a true surprise and delight. The House Churned Vanilla Gelato, paired with halva, tahini, pomegranate syrup, and mint, was a symphony of textures and flavours — sweet, nutty, creamy, and refreshing all at once.

Rose and Cardamom Basbousa 4.5/5

The final treat, Rose and Cardamom Basbousa, sealed the meal on a high note. The moist semolina cake, topped with house churned pistachio gelato and cardamom cream, offered a beautiful blend of floral and nutty flavours that was both comforting and exotic.

Hortus isn't just a restaurant — it's an experience. The combination of fresh Mediterranean flavours, an idyllic garden setting, and thoughtful touches like complimentary entry and transport make it a memorable destination dining spot. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a leisurely meal with a view, Hortus delivers in every way.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Hortus
Flower Dome
Gardens by the Bay
18 Marina Garden Drive
#01-09
Singapore 018953
Tel: +65 6702 0158
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Bayfront MRT

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 330pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bayfront MRT station. Take Exit B. Take the pathway to Bayfront Plaza Ticketing. Take for the shuttle bus to flower dome or walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Min Jiang at Dempsey @ Dempsey Hill - Celebrates 6th Anniversary with a Six-Hands Collaboration

In celebration of its sixth anniversary, Min Jiang at Dempsey presents the 'Six-Hands Anniversary Showcase' from 7 to 12 April 2025. This exclusive collaboration brings together the exceptional artistry of three renowned chefs — Master Chef Goh Chee Kong, Chef Pung Lu Tin, and Chef Daniel Koh. Three specially curated set menus will be featured, culminating in a one-night-only 7-course dinner on 12 April.

Foie Gras Terrine Monaka 4/5

The 7-course dinner begins with an Amuse Bouche: Foie Gras Terrine Monaka by Chef Daniel. Drawing from his classical Western training, preparing this terrine involves a meticulous two-day process, including steaming, baking, and an ice bath. Encased between crisp monaka (Japanese-style wafer) and a delicate slice of orange, it offered a unique and delightful way to enjoy terrine — its luscious, buttery texture reminiscent of an ice cream filling or the indulgent richness of a cold butter slab. A subtle hint of brandy aroma also came through and intertwined beautifully with the bright citrus notes from the orange.

Min Jiang Appetiser Platter 3.8/5

Next was the Min Jiang Appetiser Platter, featuring Pan-Seared Hokkaido Scallop with Pineapple Lime Sauce by Chef Pung and Typhoon Shelter Crab Claws by Master Chef Goh. The premium Hokkaido scallop was perfectly seared, boasting a succulent interior and a beautifully caramelized exterior. Its flavours were elevated by the tangy, refreshing sauce and an unexpected depth of umami from a final touch of fermented shrimp paste. The crab claw was equally delightful — a harmonious blend of crispy garlic, dried chilli, curry leaves, and aromatic spices, with a subtle sweetness from honey used in the frying process.

Double-Boiled Morels, Agaricus Mushrooms, Abalone, and Dried Scallops 4.5/5

The soup course was wholesome and nourishing — Double-Boiled Morels, Agaricus Mushrooms, Abalone, and Dried Scallops in a Whole Mini Pumpkin by Chef Pung. The broth had a light yet slightly gelatinous consistency, offering a beautiful depth of savouriness and sweetness with comforting herbaceous notes coming through.

Yin Yang Fish Rolls 4/5

Next was Chef Daniel's Yin Yang Fish Rolls with Salmon, Sea Perch, and Tianjin Cabbage. Resembling delicate maki, the salmon and sea perch were wrapped in tender Tianjin cabbage, which offered a refreshing contrast to the richness of the oily fish. The savoury soy sauce blend elevated the dish beautifully, adding a perfect touch of umami. While the slice of truffle nestled between the fish layers was subtle and not particularly pronounced, the overall dish was well-executed and thoroughly enjoyable.

Baked Pork Rib with Hawthorn Sauce 5/5

Chef Pung's Baked Pork Rib with Hawthorn Sauce details the laborious preparation process involving overnight marination, deep frying, and steaming. The pork was tender with a slight chew. The hawthorn sauce glazing the meat, alongside diced seasonal fruits, provided a gentle acidity to cut through the richness of the meat.

Stewed Lobster in Superior Stock with Deep-Fried Glutinous Rice 5/5

The final main course was Chef Goh's highly anticipated Stewed Lobster in Superior Stock with Deep-Fried Glutinous Rice. The lobster was expertly stewed in a rich, flavorful broth, resulting in tender, succulent meat. Complementing it was a crisp, golden deep-fried glutinous rice ball, offering a delightful contrast with its crunchy exterior and satisfyingly chewy center. The luxurious broth tied both elements together beautifully, enhancing each bite with its depth of flavour.

Deep-Fried Yam Pastry with Custard and Pistachio Gelato 4/5

Dessert featured a warm and cold pairing of Deep-Fried Yam Pastry with Custard and Pistachio Gelato by Chef Goh. Cutting through the delicate, flaky yam puff revealed a luscious, savoury custard centre that oozed with each bite. The pistachio gelato was velvety and nutty, providing a lovely contrast in both temperature and texture. While the flavours were enjoyable, the overall sweetness of the dessert could have been toned down slightly for better balance.

The Set Menus 7 to 12 April 2025
5-course lunch menu for min. 2 persons at $126++ per person
6-course dinner menu for min. 2 persons at $146++ per person
7-course dinner menu for min. 2 persons at $186++ per person (available for one night only on 12 April)

Dine-in reservations may be made via phone: 6774 0122, email: mjdempsey@goodwoodparkhotel.com and https://www.tablecheck.com/en/goodwood-park-hotel-min-jiang-dempsey/reserve/.

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.


Min Jiang At Dempsey
7A & 7B Dempsey Road
Singapore 249684
Tel: +65 67740122
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Napier (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 630pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Napier MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk to bus stop at Napier Station (Stop ID 13011). Take bus number 7, 75, 77, 105, 106, 123 or 174. Alight 2 stops later. Walk to dempsey road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Momolato @ North Bridge Road - New Halal Dessert Cafe with Gelato, Kunafa Waffle and Savoury Options

Momolato, a halal-certified dessert cafe, has opened its second outlet on North Bridge Road following the success of its first location in Haji Lane. The cafe now offers an expanded menu featuring plated desserts, savoury options, and signature gelato.

The cosy 20-seater has a warm atmosphere and is adorably decorated.

Gelato 3.8/5

Diners will be spoilt for choice at their 24 rotating Gelato flavours display. Scoops start at $5.30, with premium selections available for an additional $1. Unique flavours such as Popcorn Butterscotch and Hibiscus Apple offer intriguing options, although all that we sampled leaned toward the sweeter side.

Warabi Mochi Coffee 3.5/5

From the beverage menu, the Warabi Mochi Coffee caught our eye. The Emerald Beast ($8.50) combines roasted Sicilian pistachio, pistachio milk, espresso, and warabi mochi, while the Shady & Nut ($7.90) features chocolate hazelnut milk, hazelnut bits, espresso, and warabi mochi. All warabi mochi used are homemade.

Sicilian Pistachio Kunafa 4.2/5

A highlight is the newly launched Sicilian Pistachio Kunafa ($21), a plated dessert that pairs a buttermilk waffle with crisp ricotta-mozzarella kuna fa, Sicilian pistachio cream, caramelised banana, torched fig, and pistachio gelato, offering delightful textural contrasts.

Fried Buttermilk Garlic Chicken Waffle 3.8/5

The savoury Fried Buttermilk Garlic Chicken Waffle ($16.90) features buttermilk chicken with truffle cheese sauce and maple honey, though the sauce could benefit from a thicker consistency.

Cheddar Cheese Coin 3/5

It was a pity that our Cheddar Cheese Coin ($6.50) seemed to have less cheese added, which led to the lack of an oozy cheese stretch we were hoping for. Otherwise, the batter itself was buttery and fragrant.

Yellow Fever 3.8/5

The Yellow Fever ($16) blends mango pudding, coconut cream, and mangoes in syrup, topped with coconut gelato, reminiscent of tropical desserts like mango sticky rice and mango sago.

Korean Strawberry Cheesecake 3/5

Fans of mochi can look out for their mochi-centred desserts, such as the Korean Strawberry Cheesecake ($12). It has deep-fried mochi wrapped around Korean strawberry cheesecake gelato and drizzled with strawberry sauce. While the chewy mochi was enjoyable, the drizzle felt overly sweet and slightly artificial. We would also have liked the cheesecake flavour to be more distinct.

Not Plain Jane 3.8/5

Finally, the Not Plain Jane ($12). This thin crepe is filled with fresh vanilla cream and topped with strawberries and French vanilla bean gelato. The sweetness here was well-balanced.

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.


Momolato
723 North Bridge Road
Singapore 198691
Tel: +65 9679 7268
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu, Sun: 11am - 11pm
Fri-Sat: 11am - 1am
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk straight down Victoria Street to Jalan Pinang. Turn right onto Jalan Pinang. Walk down Jalan Pinang to North Bridge Road. Turn left onto North Bridge Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Odem @ New Bahru - Modern Korean Restaurant and Craft Makkoli Bar

In New Bahru, Singapore's latest trendy lifestyle and dining destination, Odem is a modern Korean restaurant and craft makkoli bar. Nestled in the corner of this vibrant development, Odem brings a fresh take on Korean cuisine with a contemporary twist. During my visit, I had the chance to sample several standout dishes.

Brioche & Gamtae Seaweed Butter 4/5

We began our meal with the Brioche & Gamtae Seaweed Butter ($20). With its soy glaze, the brioche was soft, buttery, and delightful. The highlight, however, was the Gamtae seaweed butter, which paired perfectly with the warm brioche, enhancing its flavours and adding a hint of umami. It's a simple dish but incredibly satisfying.

Banchan Platter 3/5

Next, we tried the Banchan Platter ($24), which consisted of Granochi (an Anchovy Granola bar with anchovies, nuts, and seeds), Dubu mousse, kimchi, Spinach & Tott, Cucumber Kimchi, and Gim Chips. The Granochi was my personal favourite, offering a nice crunchy texture, while the cucumber kimchi was refreshing. However, considering most Korean restaurants serve banchan for free, I don't know if I would justify paying for this platter.

Makkoli Flights

Odem distinguishes itself from typical Korean restaurants by offering an impressive array of handcrafted makkoli sourced from across South Korea. They've curated two tasting flights for those unfamiliar with makkoli: Odem Quintet ($60) and Moonshots ($88). For those eager to explore, this is a fun way to delve into the world of makkoli, with a range of flavours and profiles that complement the modern Korean fare.

Savoury Donut 4.2/5

The Savoury Donut ($15) was a pleasant surprise. Fluffy and dusted with smoked gochugaru, the donut had a delicate sweetness that balanced perfectly with the savoury filling. Bite into it, and you'll find a delicious combination of shio kelp, salmon roe, and creme fraiche, making it a unique burst of flavours. A definite must-try!

Toro Kimbap 4.8/5

One of my favourite dishes of the night was the Toro Kimbap ($55). The generous portions of chutoro and akami were luxurious, wrapped with perilla, pickled radish, kelp-soy, and sesame. The balance of fish to rice ratio was perfect, and the freshness of the fish elevated this dish. It's a luxurious spin on the classic kimbap and absolutely worth the splurge.

Barbecued Kalbi 5/5

The star of the night was undoubtedly the Barbecued Kalbi ($78). These US boneless beef ribs were marinated to perfection, boasting a sweet glaze that beautifully complemented the charred exterior with tender, juicy ribs that melted in the mouth. This dish was a showstopper, served with a side of watercress salad dressed in tokki butter sauce. If you only try one dish here, make sure it's this one.

Chapssal Donut, Pine Nut Gelato (3pc) 3.5/5

We ended the meal with the Chapssal Donut with Pine Nut Gelato ($18 for 3 pieces). The donuts, filled with red bean paste, offered a nice twist from the usual dessert offerings. While the donuts were good, I actually enjoyed the Pine Nut Gelato more. It was light and refreshing, making for a lovely palate cleanser after the richer dishes. I wouldn't mind having just the gelato to wrap up the meal.

Odem offers a refreshing take on modern Korean cuisine with unique twists and luxurious ingredients. The ambiance, paired with their expertly crafted dishes, makes it an exciting dining spot to explore. While some items might seem a little pricey (especially considering banchan is usually complimentary), the quality of the food and the innovative takes make it worth a visit. If you're looking to indulge in something new, be sure to try the Toro Kimbap and Barbecued Kalbi!

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Odem
New Bahru
46 Kum Yam Road
#01-17
Singapore 239351
Tel: +65 8494 8626
Facebook
Instagram

Website
Nearest MRT: Fort Canning (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Fri: 5pm - 12midnight
Sat-Sun: 12pm - 2pm, 5pm - 12midnight

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]

The Lobby Lounge @ InterContinental Singapore – Reimagined Flavours of Japan Afternoon Tea

Timeless elegance with teatime affair at The Lobby Lounge as Executive Pastry Chef Jason Goh and his talented culinary team bring back the crowd-favourite Flavours of Japan Afternoon Tea following its successful debut last year. The updated menu reimagines classic Japanese sweet and savoury delights that marries traditional Japanese flavours with modern culinary artistry.

Japanese Lobster Salad Sandwich 4/5

Seafood Inari with Shoyu Ikura 3.8/5

There are 4 savoury items, and our favourite was the Japanese Lobster Salad Sandwich, which was really flavourful, and we loved the overall texture. The Seafood Inari with Shoyu Ikura has great potential with Hokkaido Scallop, Jumbo Lump Crab, Octopus, Seasoned Wakame, Salmon Roe and Wasabi-Yuzu Dressing but the sweet tofu pocket overpowered all the ingredients. The other 2 items were the Baked Miso Black Cod, which was a little too salty for our liking, and the Charcoal Barbeque Eel Quiche, which has a nice flavour but is a little dry.

Scones: English Buttermilk and Ichida Hoshigaki / Charcoal Barbeque Eel Quiche

Scones are one item we always look forward to during an afternoon tea. The classic Buttermilk Scones are buttery and perfect with clotted cream. The other 2 condiments to go with the scones are Sakura Peach Preserves and Strawberry-Mint Marmalade. Even though we can't taste the mint, we prefer the Strawberry-Mint Marmalade over the Sakura Peach Preserves. As for the Ichida Hoshigaki Scones, made with dried Japanese persimmon, have a slightly bitter aftertaste, which we are not a fan of.

The afternoon tea set includes a good selection of TWG Tea or Coffee. However, note that it is only one serving. If you order a tea, you may refill hot water.

Yuzu Kumquat Mame (in shot glass) 3/5 and Japanese Matcha Roll 3.5/5

Okinawan Tartlet 3/5

The Sweet Fancies look so pretty we didn't know where to start! Our favourite has to be the Kurogoma Ryokucha Mousse, which actually is just a simple black sesame cream on a genoise sponge, but it is so soft and light, and the fragrant black sesame is such a delight; it was unexpected! Chef Jason told us that he was trying to mimic soba for the black sesame cream part, it's cute. The Japanese Matcha Roll made with roasted almond sponge was rolled with a light hojicha mascarpone cream but sandwiched with 2 pieces of white chocolate, which made it a little too sweet.

Mizu Shingen Mochi 3.5/5

Kurogoma Ryokucha Mousse 4/5

The Okinawan Tartlet has good potential, but the tart shell was too bitter for our liking, overpowering the Okinawan sweet potato crème, and the caramelised macadamia wasn't sweet enough to balance it out. Mizu Shingen Mochi, the once viral raindrop cake, was paired with Japanese black honey (we thought it was Okinawa's famous black sugar at first) and kinako (soybean powder). It was fun to eat but nothing surprising. You may adjust your preference for sweetness with the amount of black honey.

Enjoy the free flow of sorbet and gelato, with two flavours rotating daily. We had the Mixed Berry Sorbet and Vanilla Gelato.

Flavours of Japan Afternoon Tea is available daily till 12 November 2024 at $65++ per person on weekdays and $70++ per person on weekends. Add on $28++ for one flute of champagne. There are 2 seatings available at 1pm-3pm and 3.30pm-5.30pm.

Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


The Lobby Lounge
InterContinental Singapore
Level 1
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 68251008
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1-3pm, 330pm - 530pm

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