The Social Outcast @ East Coast Road (Joo Chiat) - Omakase Experiential Dining Hidden in a Mexican Grocer

Nestled discreetly behind The Madman & Co, a Mexican grocer, lies The Social Outcast - an intimate omakase haven boasting 12 counter-seats. Offering 5, 7, and 10-course omakase menus for lunch and dinner, this unassuming eatery beckons diners into a world of woodfire, smoke, and charcoal-grilled delights from across the globe.

Lobster Consomme 4.2/5

The 7-course Omakase Experiential Dining ($138++) commenced with Lobster Consomme, featuring a whole lobster meticulously grilled over charcoal. This exquisite crustacean immersed itself in a pool of sweet, revitalizing consomme. The lobster's charred essence gracefully infused the consomme, adding an alluring smoky undertone.

Eggs on Eggs 4.2/5

Our adventure segued into "Eggs on Eggs" - a reinterpretation of Chawanmushi. This velvety delight harmonised four egg varieties: chicken, century, ikura, and urchin. The addition of century egg elevated the flavour and introduced a tantalising textural contrast atop the silky egg custard.

Japanese Wagyu 3.8/5

Japanese Wagyu, a short rib cut featuring a marbling score of 12, followed suit. The pristine cut received a gentle kiss from the fire on one side, seasoned with a delicate touch of pepper. A marinated egg yolk was served alongside, intended to be a luscious steak sauce. Regrettably, the yolk's excessive saltiness somewhat disrupted the delicate equilibrium needed to fully savour this exceptional Wagyu.

Tea Pairing 4/5

Amidst the richness of our preceding courses, a fragrant bowl of tea acted as the perfect intermission, cleansing our palates and preparing us for the delectable courses yet to come.

Sate Lilit 4/5

Sate Lilit Bali was our subsequent encounter, featuring minced meat skewered on fragrant lemongrass sticks and expertly grilled. This cooking technique imparted a tantalising lemongrass aroma. Served alongside were freshly cut green and red chillies, bathed in fragrant coconut oil, adding an extra layer of aroma and flavour.

Oyster 4/5

I indulged in Oyster paired with ikura and shark cartilage for the seafood offering. A novel combination, the shark cartilage introduced a delightful textural dimension akin to soft bones, perfectly complementing the tender oysters.

Congee 4/5

Inspired by Northern Thai cuisine, the Congee arrived infused with the spicy and tangy essence of tom yum, customisable to preferred spice levels. Jamaican Jerk chicken accompanied this congee and was a complete, soul-warming meal. A drizzle of lobster oil added a robust flourish to this comforting dish.

Gelato 4/5

Our culinary journey culminated in Gelato, featuring vanilla ice cream drizzled with olive oil and adorned with lumpfish caviar. This dessert skillfully harmonised sweet and savoury elements, providing a delightful conclusion to our epicurean exploration.

Additionally, The Social Outcast offers a tantalizing Wagyu Experiential Dining experience on weekends. This indulgent affair comprises 9 exquisite cuts of Wagyu, paired with a playful DIY Sando experience.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


The Social Outcast
89 East Coast Road
#01-01
Singapore 428790
Tel: +65 8923 8924
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Website
Nearest MRT: Dakota (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Fri: 12pm, 130pm, 6pm, 8pm
Sat-Sun: 12pm, 130pm, 4pm, 6pm, 8pm
(Closed on Mon & Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at block 99 (Stop ID 81181). Take bus number 10 or 32. Alight 6 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

PARKROYAL on Beach Road - Celebrates Lunar New Year With Local Festive Favourites At Ginger And Bespoke Tipples At Club 5

Ginger at PARKROYAL on Beach Road ushers in the Year of Tiger with a repertoire of uniquely local festive favourites, available from 15 January 2022 – 15 February 2022. As a halal-certified all-day dining restaurant, it is an ideal place to gather with colleagues, friends and your loved ones for a wholesome feast.

We started our buffet feast with a mini Chinese New Year Smoked Salmon Yu Sheng perfect for two. It was rather fun as there aren't many options out there made for two servings.

Butternut Pumpkin Soup 3/5

Double-boiled Soup 4/5

As starters, we had the festive special Butternut Pumpkin Soup and Double-boiled Soup which was homely and comforting.

Cereal Lobster 4.5/5

For the main festive spread, the Cereal Lobster was my favourite of all. The meat was plump and sweet, and the savoury-sweet cereal crust made it even more delicious.

Thai Jumbo Prawns with XO Sauce 3/5

Thai Jumbo Prawns with XO Sauce had a nice smokey flavour imparted from the grill.

Crayfish Ipoh Hor Fun 3/5

Crayfish Ipoh Hor Fun had a delicious broth rich with chicken stock, but the taste of the crayfish was rather bland.

Prawns with Asparagus and Pine Nuts 3.5/5

I enjoyed the Prawns with Asparagus and Pine Nuts too - seasoned to bring out the ingredients' natural flavours. I love how the roasted pine nuts add crunch and accent the dish with the dish nuttiness.

Grilled Chicken Bakkwa Slider 4/5, Braised Angus Beef Cheek with Mantou 3/5

The festive spread includes two delightful finger foods - Grilled Chicken Bakkwa Slider and Braised Angus Beef Cheek with Mantou. The Grilled Chicken Bakkwa Slider surprised us with a very yummy piece of chicken Bakkwa nicely grilled to render the fats and a nicely toasted fluffy bun. The latter, on the other hand, was a tad dry.

If your dinner feast ends early, drop by Club 5 for bespoke tipples. On the menu, you will find cocktails characterised by the interesting stories of Bugis Junction, Arab Street and Beach Road. It draws inspirations from its surrounding locations that are rich in history and heritage,

For a bold and smokey drink, go for Paper Flames, presented with some theatrics. For a lighter citrus drink yet laced with a tinge of complexity, you can try High Tide Swizzle concocted with cashew orgeat and passion fruit.

During the lunar new year, guests may opt for either a pair of personalised Glenfiddich 12-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whiskey with distinct fresh fruity notes or a twin bottle deal of either Milagro Tequila, Hendrick's Gin or Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum from $288 onwards.

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.


Ginger
PARKROYAL on Beach Road
7500 Beach Road
Singapore 199590
Tel: +65 65055710
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Nicoll Highway (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Tue: 8am - 1030am
Wed-Sun: 8am - 1030am, 12pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Nicoll Highway MRT station. Take Exit A. Follow the overhead walkway all the way to The Concourse building. Take the exit down to Nicoll Highway and walk towards Parkroyal Serviced Residences. Cut through towards Parkroyal Hotel. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Halal Restaurants With Island Wide Delivery And Takeaway To Satisfy Your Craving During COVID-19 Outbreak

With the latest announcement by the government to tighten measures to fight the coronavirus outbreak in Singapore, all schools and non-essential business have to be closed. The public is also advised to stay at home as far as possible. Even F&B establishments are not allowed to accept dine-in customers from 07 April to 01 Jun 2020 during the "circuit breaker" period. However, takeaway and delivery are still allowed. With this new ruling, many F&B establishments have to change their business model.

Since we can't dine outside anymore. We have to cook, takeaway or order food delivery during this period. If you have run out of ideas on what to cook or get tired of the food offered by the food delivery services within your vicinity, here is a list of Halal restaurants that offer island-wide delivery.

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All Things Delicious

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Create your very own stay-in brunch experience at home with All Things Delicious.  They will not disappoint with their freshly baked goods and wholesome food.

Promotion
Free delivery for order above $250
$9.90 delivery fee for central district
$14.90 delivery fee for other districts

Order
Island-wide Delivery: https://togo.allthingsdelicious.sg/
Takeaway Self Pickup: https://togo.allthingsdelicious.sg/

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Fika Swedish Cafe & Bistro

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For a taste of homecooked, traditional Swedish food and pastry, look no further than Fika Swedish Cafe & Bistro.  Travelling seems too far-fetched an idea now, and Fika is as close as you can get to excellent Swedish food.

Promotion
20% Off Value Set Meals

Order
Island-wide Delivery: https://www.fikacafe.com/
Takeaway Self Pickup: https://www.fikacafe.com/

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IndoChili

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IndoChili is the premium brand of Java Kitchen Group serving an exquisite authentic Indonesian cuisine, mostly from Java, Padang, and Bali.  Its spices are made from scratch using only natural and fresh spices and ingredients. IndoChili does not add any MSG in cooking and strive to presents their customers the best taste of Indonesia.

Promotion
20% discount on self collect order on all bentos and ala-carte menu.
Free delivery on all orders above $50

Order
Island-wide Delivery: Call 6445 1766 or WhatsApp 8922 8185
Takeaway Self Pickup: Call 6445 1766 or WhatsApp 8922 8185

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Jalapeno South-West

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A rare find in the west, Jalapeno South-West serves up Mexican grub in the western region at affordable prices.

Promotion
Islandwide delivery fee at $6.
Free delivery for orders above $50

Order
Island-wide Delivery: WhatsApp 9465 6901
Takeaway Self Pickup: WhatsApp 9465 6901

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Pu3 Restaurant

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Pu3 Restaurant is known for its Nasi Ambeng and other traditional Malay cuisines. Their Melaka Asam Pedas is also highly sought after too.

Promotion
Islandwide delivery at $15

Order
Island-wide Delivery: Call or WhatsApp 9272 0034
Takeaway Self Pickup: Call or WhatsApp 9272 0034

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Streats Cafe

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Catering to everyone in your family, Streats Cafe serves popular Hong Kong, Macau, Indonesian and Asian street food.  On the menu are traditional dim sum, noodles, pasta and palatable Asian fanfares.

Promotion
Free delivery for orders above $80

Order
Island-wide Delivery: https://order.streats.com.sg/en_SG/
Takeaway Self Pickup: https://order.streats.com.sg/en_SG/

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The Dim Sum Place

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The Dim Sum Place serves up authentic Cantonese cuisine with a local twist.

Promotion
20% Off total bill for Pick and Go.

Order
Island-wide Delivery: Call 6655 8787 or WhatsApp 9666 7420
Takeaway Self Pickup: Call 6655 8787 or WhatsApp 9666 7420

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Tash Tish Tosh

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Established in 2013, Tash Tish Tosh serves American food infused with flavours inherent to Malay food.

Promotion
Islandwide delivery at $10

Order
Island-wide Delivery: WhatsApp 8714 8677
Takeaway Self Pickup: WhatsApp 8714 8677

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The Ramen Stall

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The Ramen Stall serves authentic Halal ramen and a wide range of Japanese dishes that are adapted to the local palate.

Promotion
Free delivery for order above $50.

Order
Island-wide Delivery: Call or WhatsApp 8733 0425
Takeaway Self Pickup: Call or WhatsApp 8733 0425

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Yassin Kampung

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Yassin Kampung is a casual family restaurant that serves Halal Asian Cuisine.  First established in 2002, Yassin Kampung Seafood has been popular among the locals in the northern region of Singapore as well as travellers passing through the Causeway for its family-oriented environment and affordable prices.

Promotion
Free delivery for order above $100.

Order
Island-wide Delivery: http://order.yassin.com.sg/
Takeaway Self Pickup: http://order.yassin.com.sg/

Disclaimer
Kindly note, the information may change after the publication of this article. Do call or check the official restaurant sites to get the most updated information.

Grill Ninety Nine @ Arab Street - Halal Restaurant Offering Quality & Affordable Western Cuisine

Less than 5 minutes walk from Bugis MRT station will bring you to Grill Ninety Nine at Arab Street. Serving western cuisine that is prepared using halal-certified ingredients, Grill Ninety Nine prides itself on its meat offerings, featuring good quality beef and lamb from New Zealand.

Crispy Crab Cakes 4.5/5

Appetisers may not be the primary focus of your meal, but you must try its Crispy Crab Cakes ($12.90) which is also available as a burger variant. When so often crab cakes are loaded with fillers, crusts that are too thick or over-fried even, these were thin and crisp, with the inside moist and well-seasoned to bring out the delicate flavours of the crab leg meat.

Cream of Mushroom 3.5/5

Cream of Mushroom ($6) is made in-house too. I loved the peppery-ness of it, which elevated the aromatic and earthy flavours of the mushrooms. It is very creamy and heavy, hence do share if you are going for it.

Ribeye Steak 4/5

Grill Ninety Nine's signature items are undeniably its steaks, served with a choice of black pepper, mushroom or brown sauce. We tried Ribeye Steak ($29.90 for 200g/ $45 for 425g). Lightly seasoned with salt and pepper, it was skillfully grilled to the doneness we requested. What made it even tastier was the fresh medley of herbs, in particular rosemary, that accented its fats and juice. Steaks are served with either fries or mash potato. We had ours changed to their new side item, sweet potato fries, for tasting purposes. It is available as a side for $9.90.

A highlight on its menu is the offering of Raclette Cheese at $8.90, which you can add as a topping on your mains, be it steak, burger, pasta. Prepared a la minute after your main is served, get your phone ready to capture the wow moment as you see a huge dollop of warm, gooey raclette cheese being scraped and allow to fall onto your plate.

Oven Roasted Angus Beef Ribs 3/5

The much anticipated Oven-roasted Angus Beef Ribs ($49.90) didn't quite hit the mark. The portion definitely sells, which was a feast for the eyes when it was served to us, but the sticky glaze that coated the meat was too sweet, and the meat was not as tender as expected.

Jawbreaker 3.5/5

Moving on to burgers, Jawbreaker ($22) offers your ravenous soul with a triple handmade beef patty piled between freshly baked brioche buns. Each patty is about 150g and in between patties are pickles and inhouse sauces. I like the buns used here, they didn't go all soggy even then they had to hold what was being stuffed between them. The spices and herbs used in the patty flavoured the meat well, but the juiciness of the patties fell short from expectations. Without the natural fats and juice from the meat, it lacked the beefy flavour that I seek. Nacho cheese is used for the burgers here, and personally, I feel that hard cheeses that are sharper in flavours work better in burgers. That said, the whole visual entertainment and satisfaction derived from eating a three-tiered patty burger are still considered tummy and senses filling.

Nutella Brownie Milkshake 3.5/5

On the drinks menu, what stood out is the Nutella Brownie Milkshake ($10) that comes with a rich and moist brownie stick. I think this combination will also work should there be a hot version of it.

Waffle with Ondeh-Ondeh Ice Cream 3.8/5

Desserts are simple, such as cakes, scoops of ice cream or housemade soft-serve ice creams. We tried the combination of Waffle with Ondeh-Ondeh Ice Cream. The waffle was soft with a crispy exterior, and interestingly as they sopped up the ice cream, they attained a slightly chewy texture which accentuated the characteristics of Ondeh Ondeh experience. A handful more grated coconut would have made this dessert more complete.

Written and photography 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.


Grill Ninety Nine
142 Arab Street
Singapore 199828
Tel: +65 62927363
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily 12pm - 10pm

Direction:
Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk down Victoria Street towards Arab Street. Turn right onto Arab Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Positano Risto @ Bussorah Street - Launches New Menu With More Than 10 Scrumptious Classic Italian Dishes

Situated in the heart of Kampong Glam, just a stone throw away from the buzzing Haji Lane is Positano Risto - a 7-month old Muslim-owned establishment with a casual Italian dining concept. Bringing a brand new menu to the table with more than 10 new Italian dishes to indulge in, diners can expect a variety of classic Italian must-haves such as the Squid Ink Pasta, handmade Thin Crust Roma Style Pizzas and have a taste of authentic flavours from dishes such as herbed Osso Bucco and Premium Short Ribs.

Arancini Balls 3.8/5

The Arancini Balls ($11.95) features 4 pieces of golden brown crispy spheres made with warm fragrant Italian rice and stuffed with stretchy mozzarella. Fried to perfection, the Arancini balls does not taste oily and the homemade sauce at the bottom complemented the Italian rice balls excellently.

Positano's Signature Boston Lobster Fettuccine 3.5/5

Their Signature Boston Lobster Fettuccine ($58.95) features a whole Boston lobster with fettuccine soaked in a generous portion of creamy lobster bisque sauce. While we find the heap of fettuccine a tad too salty, the noodles are cooked al dente and the creamy sauce further brings our the natural sweetness of the lobster meat. The larger portioned dish is suitable for sharing between 2 pax.

Godfather 4/5 and Frullato Di Frutta 4/5

The Godfather ($13.95) features a ferrero rocher nutella milkshake with vanilla ice cream. Packed with a rich ferrero rocher flavour, the drink may be a tad sinful, yet thoroughly enjoyable as it is not overly sweet and filled with an intense nutty chocolate aroma. The Frullato Di Frutta ($8.95) features a non-fat orange yogurt drink, which is a refreshing sweet-sour combination with a minty aftertaste.

Photos and words by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Positano Risto
66 Bussorah Street
Singapore 199479
Tel: +65 62921866
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Nicoll Highway (CC Line), Bugis (DT Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 1130am - 1030pm
Fri: 1130am - 11pm
Sat: 1130am - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Nicoll Highway MRT station. Take Exit A. Take the overhead bridge to Beach Road. Walk towards the junction of Jalan Sultan and Beach Road. Cross the road and walk down Beach Road. Turn right onto Bussorah Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk towards Raffles Hospital. Walk to junction of North Bridge Road and Ophir Road. Cross the junction and walk down North Bridge Road towards Arab Street. Turn right into Arab Street. Walk down Arab Street. Turn left onto Baghdad Street. Turn right onto Bussorah Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Brothers In Fine Food @ Tampines West Community Centre – Halal Neighbourhood Café With Quality Food At Affordable Prices

Opened by the same folks behind Penny University, Brothers in Fine Food is a Muslim-owned halal cafe established late last year in 2016. No doubt a true hidden gem - with its inconspicuous locale on the second level of Tampines West Community Club, and an extensive menu of delicious yet creative fusion offerings inspired by a mix of modern European, Mediterranean, North African and other Asian influences. What's more all the dishes are affordably priced at nett prices. Think mains such as a plate of generously portioned beef steak with substantial sides at $14, and even a chicken waffles dish at only $8.

The interiors with its minimalistic design - contemporary wooden furnishings, cement floorings and metallic accents, add a casual chic industrial feel to the place. Fuss-free and comfortable, the space gives off a chill and relaxed vibe, perfect for lazy weekend brunches or a temporary hideout to get lunch and some work done on quiet weekday afternoons.

Butcher’s Daugher 4.5/5

The Butcher's Daughter ($14) is a dish available only on their weekend brunch menu. The highlight of the dish would be those generous pieces of sous-vide seared beef steak, lusciously tender and succulent with a slight browning on the outside in its perfect medium-rare done form. Tendons are intact, which may be less favourable with its rubbery texture and flavourless taste. Not forgetting, eggs on the side done in your selected choice of way (scrambled/sunny side-up/over easy), a generous portion of well-seasoned frites, as well as a side of salad to boot. The best part is that the dish is priced affordably at only $14. What's there not to love?

Builder’s Breakfast 4.2/5

The Builder's Breakfast ($15) comes in an assortment of the usual elements on a breakfast platter, including the rosemary chicken sausage, strips of beef bacon, mushrooms, potatoes, tomatoes, toasted sourdough with a side of salad, and eggs done in your selected choice of way. Seasoned simply with pepper and salt, all the components are decently executed and complement well with one another. I had the eggs done in scrambled form, and it leans towards the milkier and creamier side.

Moroccan Baked Eggs 4/5

The Moroccan Baked Eggs ($12) comes in slices of chicken sausage, harissa, chopped tomates, with an egg atop, and 3 pieces of toasted sourdough for dipping. It is an extremely hearty comfort dish that suffices as a filling meal by itself despite the seemingly small portion, albeit a tad too spicy.

Waffles with Fresh Fruits 3.8/5

There are different options of toppings available for the waffle, such as Nutella and cheese, Peanut butter and jelly or chicken karage and beef bacon. I had the Waffles with Fresh Fruits ($8), which comes in a thick buttery waffle with generous slices of fresh bananas, strawberries and blueberries atop. The waffle leans more towards the denser and stodgier side, though I'd prefer a fluffier version with a crispier exterior.

Nagasari 4.2/5

The Nagasari ($8) is a traditional dessert hailing from Indonesia. Intricately plated, it is an eye-catching piece in the cake display at the counter, which tastes equally unique as well. The white steamed cake with caramelised bananas boasts such a smooth and soft texture that it literally melts in the mouth. The accompaniments of gula melaka foam, sautéed coconut shavings and panadan crumbs contribute to a perfect mix of flavours and textures.

Recipes at Brothers in Fine Food undergo constant fine-tunings, and menu items are refreshed every few months to excite tastebuds and prompt revisits. As it passes its one year hallmark of operations, Brothers in Fine Food continues to draw in crowds with its remarkable fusion cafe fare and amazingly affordable prices that is hard to beat for its food quality and variety, despite its slightly obscure location.

Words and photos by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting


Brothers in Fine Food
Tampines West Community Centre
5 Tampines Ave 3
#02-07
Singapore 529705
Tel: +65 90089314
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Tampines West (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 1030pm
Sat-Sun: 9am - 1030pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Tampines West MRT station. Take Exit A. Cut across the hosing estate to Tampines Street 81. Cross the road at Tampines Street 81. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]