Les Mains Deli @ The URA Centre - Flavourful Protein & Salad Bowls, Fresh Bakes and Gelato

Les Mains Deli, located on the ground floor of The URA Centre, is a cosy café where you can enjoy protein bowls crafted with a well-curated selection of ingredients. As an extension of Les Mains Bakery, a beloved neighbourhood café in Opera Estate, Les Mains Deli also opens for breakfast, offering a selection of their signature bakes. The space likewise houses their in-house gelato brand, Microcreamery, featuring a range of signature flavours.

Large Protein Bowl

For the Build-Your-Own Protein Bowl, three sizes are available: Small, Regular, and Large, starting at $9. The Large option includes two bases, two proteins, three supplements, one topping, and one dressing. My wholesome bowl featured Mixed Greens and Bulgur Wheat as the base, paired with Oven-Baked Salmon and Tuna Tataki. For supplements, I chose Butternut Squash with Kale, Pineapple Achar, and a Mayak Egg, topped with a sprinkle of nutty and heady Dukkah and finished with a smoky Chipotle Vinaigrette.

Bulgur Wheat

The Bulgur Wheat base, reminiscent of a grain salad, was packed with texture and flavour, featuring a blend of grains and pumpkin seeds that lent a nutty depth and aromatic quality.

Tuna Tataki 4.5/5

Oven-baked Salmon 3.5/5

Of the proteins, the Tuna Tataki stood out as one of the better renditions I've had. The tuna was beautifully seared on the outside and tender on the inside, retaining the fresh, clean flavour of the tuna. The portion of Oven-baked Salmon was generous, though the leaner parts leaned slightly dry.

Mayak Egg

Butternut Squash, Pineapple Achar

The Mayak Egg was a standout, with a golden, runny yolk and a savoury umami punch from its soy-based marinade. The Butternut Squash offered a lovely natural sweetness but could benefit from a longer roast to bring out a softer, starchier texture. Meanwhile, the Pineapple Achar added a tangy acidity and vibrancy, balancing the richness of the proteins. Both vegetarian and vegan-friendly versions are also available.

Lentil Meatballs 4.5/5

I particularly enjoyed the Lentil Meatballs, which is one of the protein options. They were thoughtfully prepared, not overly seasoned or oily, retaining a rustic mashed-lentil texture with a hearty bite. You can also top up for drinks like fresh fruit juice, kombucha, or coffee.

Black Sea Salt Croissant 4.5/5

Shio Pan 3/5

During breakfast hours, freshly baked goods are available alongside their coffee offerings. I tried their signature Black Sea Salt Croissant and Shio Pan. The croissant delivered with a rich, buttery aroma and flavour, complemented by a subtle hit of Black Sea Salt. The Shio Pan had a crisp, crusty exterior and a buttery base, although it could have benefited from a more generous filling of salted butter at its core.

EVOO Strawberry, Rum & Raisin

Microcreamery, their in-house gelato brand, offers both classic and unconventional flavours. From their original 16-flavour lineup, popular options like EVOO Strawberry, Baileys & Cookies and Pandan Blueberry are available at this outlet. I went with the recommended EVOO Strawberry and a staple Rum & Raisin. The former was delicious, with pockets of tart strawberry puree and a subtle grassy note from the extra-virgin olive oil. The Rum & Raisin was a classic done right. It was indulgent, creamy, and packed with plump, rummy raisins.

Vanilla Affogato

Off the menu, you can also request your gelato to be served affogato-style for a bitter-sweet dessert or a mid-day perk-me-up.

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.


Les Mains Deli
The URA Centre
45 Maxwell Road
#01-02
Singapore 069118
Tel: +65 80205596
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Nearest MRT: Maxwell (TE Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8am - 7pm
Sat: 8am - 5pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 2. Turn left and walk to Maxwell Road. Turn left on Maxwell Road. Walk down Maxwell Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn lef and walk to Maxwell Road. Cross the road and walk down Maxwell Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

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
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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
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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
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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
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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]