Fat Cow @ Camden Medical Centre - Launches New Lunch Set Menus and Additional A La Carte Items

Embarking on a culinary odyssey at Fat Cow, tucked in the heart of Camden Medical Centre, guarantees a voyage into the realm of refined Japanese dining. Enriched by a renewed set lunch menu, this establishment, a culinary staple since 2011, persists in refining the Wagyu encounter through intricate curation.

Priced from $45++, the set lunches are a comprehensive affair, featuring a salad, miso soup, chawanmushi, a choice of mains, and a dessert of the day. A symphony of flavours unfolds, inviting patrons into exquisite Wagyu indulgence.

Sous-vide Toriyama Wagyu Don 5/5

The highlight of the new set lunch mains, the Sous-vide Toriyama Wagyu Don ($55++), is a masterpiece. Slow-cooked Toriyama Wagyu from Gunma Prefecture graces a bed of Hokkaido Nanatsuboshi sushi rice. Sliced onions, chives, shio konbu, and housemade truffle ponzu sauce complement the dish, culminating in an explosion of umami flavours. Topped with a Japanese egg yolk, truffle shavings, and edible gold flakes, this donburi stands out as one of the best, boasting complexity and depth.

Pure Wagyu Hamburger Steak 4.8/5

The Pure Wagyu Hamburger Steak ($58++) is another gem among the set lunch mains. Crafted from 100% pure Wagyu minced patty, grilled over binchotan, it arrives with seasonal vegetables and Fat Cow's signature 'Fat Rice.' The flavorful and juicy minced patty paired with the hearty Fat Rice, seasoned with kombu, truffle, and rendered Wagyu fat, is a delightful combination, elevating the dining experience.

Australian Imperial Blossom F4 Wagyu 4.8/5

For those seeking pure beef indulgence, the Australian Imperial Blossom F4 Wagyu, available a la carte at $108++ for 200g, is a stellar addition. Renowned for its exceptional marbling, this Wagyu striploin offers unparalleled tenderness, succulence, and umami flavour. Accompanied by pickled Sri Lankan black pepper, Kizami Wasabi, and Sea Salt, each bite unveils a different facet of premium Wagyu indulgence.

Honeycomb Vanilla Ice Cream 3.5/5

As a sweet conclusion to the set lunch, a scoop of Honeycomb Vanilla Ice Cream provides a refreshing note. Smooth, creamy, and delicious, it also serves as a delightful palate cleanser after all the richness.

Housemade Yuzu Cheesecake 4/5

The Housemade Yuzu Cheesecake ($22++) is a revelation for those craving a tangy finish. Silky cream cheese and freshly shredded yuzu create a harmonious blend, delivering creaminess, tanginess, and the zest of yuzu in every bite.

Fat Cow's new set of lunch menus celebrates Wagyu artistry, showcasing the restaurant's commitment to providing an unparalleled Japanese dining experience.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Fat Cow
Camden Medical Centre
1 Orchard Boulevard
#01-01/02
Singapore 248649
Tel: +65 6735 0308
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Nearest MRT: Orchard Boulevard (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm
Fri-Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard Boulevard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Honbo @ CHIJMES - Hong Kong's Homegrown Award Winning Burger Joint Opens In Singapore

Honbo, the award-winning home-grown burger joint hailing from Hong Kong, has arrived at CHIJMES with its first overseas outpost in Singapore. Serving American-style burgers crafted in-house by hand, Honbo's rendition uses its own imported corn-fed USDA Double Gold Beef directly from Wisconsin, USA, and paired with house-made potato milk buns, sauces and toppings. Notably, the potato milk buns are made from a patented all-natural exclusive recipe developed with renowned artisanal baker Eric Kayser, using only hand-mashed potatoes prepared in-house.

HONBO 1.5 4.5/5

Each patty is made with beef ground fresh daily in-house and only smashed on a flattop griddle upon order. The menu offers 2 types of patties - crispy (which is smashed thin patties) and thick. The HONBO Burger ranges from a single crispy patty all the way to four patties, with HONBO 1.5 ($23) being the most popular. It has three crispy patties, cheese, pickles, onion, and house sauce. Sourced from 36-month-old Holstein and Angus breed cattle that is valued for its deeper depth of flavour, the beef patty undeniably stood out with tantalising beefy notes. The fluffy potato buns were stars in their own right, with a tasty buttery crust and could hold their shape even under the weight of the ingredients. I love how the sharp and acidic raw onions and pickles cut through the richness with a tang.

The Gold Standard 4.2/5

The thick patty is showcased in the style of a basic Hamburger ($15) of a single thick beef patty, followed by a Cheeseburger range of single, double and The Gold Standard ($28). We had The Gold Standard, a double Cheeseburger with additional Applewood smoked bacon, complemented with pickles, onion, lettuce, and house sauce. While this was just as scrumptious with added freshness from the lettuce, I prefer the Honbo 1.5 as it offers an ideal bun-to-patty ratio.

To amp up the Honbo experience, try your burgers with the exclusively developed hot Flagrant Smash Sauce.

Scallop Burger 3.8/5

Limited for 3 months only, the Scallop Burger ($26) is an interesting option, comprising sashimi grade Hokkaido scallops dressed with Honbo's own piquant wasabi Pico De Gallo concoction. This was delectable with juicy scallops, but I prefer my burger to be more indulgent and sinfully delicious, like the above!

Chilli Fries 3.8/5

Sweet Potato Fries 3.8/5

For sides, the Chili Fries ($15) is highly raved for its robust chilli topping, which is for sale too! My all-time favourite Sweet Potato Fries ($8) took on a different look with a thick cut and a sugary crust. This unexpected touch of sweetness provided a delightful contrast to the savoury notes of the burgers, making them even more irresistible. I reckon they will be great with the chilli topping too.

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.


Honbo
CHIJMES
30 Victoria Street
#01-09
Singapore 187996
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line), Bras Basah (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Cut across Raffles City Shopping Centre to Bras Basah Road. At the junction of Bras Basah Road and North Bridge Road, cross the road to Chijmes. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Bras Basah MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk southwards towards Victoria Road. At the junction of Bras Basah Road and Victoria Road, cross the junction to Chijmes. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Cafe Natsu @ Joo Chiat - Offers Refreshed Flavours With A Stronger Japanese Influence

Following the opening of their second outlet at Clemenceau Citadines Connect Hotel just six months from the brand's debut in the heritage district of Joo Chiat, Cafe Natsu has launched a refreshed set of offerings for their Joo Chiat outlet as well. Approximately half the menu features brand-new dishes with a stronger Japanese influence.

Fried Ebi Croquette 4.2/5

We kickstarted the meal with the Fried Ebi Croquette ($12) appetiser. The deep-fried ebi croquette has a nice crispy exterior. Biting into it reveals a moist and creamy shrimp filling on the inside.

Wagyu Hamburg 4/5

The Wagyu Hamburg ($26) with Okonomiyaki was one of our favourites. The hamburg was tender and juicy, while the pan-fried base of batter and cabbage was executed perfectly as well. The combination of western wagyu hamburg and Japanese Okonomuyaki hit all the right notes with its savoury flavours. The downside is that it might get slightly cloying with such a highly-flavoured dish.

Cold Somen 3.8/5

The Cold Somen ($14) features a bowl of al dente somen with confit egg yolk, soy dashi, myiga, capers, cucumber and shiso. Break the yolk and mix all the ingredients for a creamy finish. The dish may be a tad mild in flavour, which might be more suitable for diners who prefer a lighter main.

Mochi Fried Doughnuts 4.2/5

We ended the meal on a sweet note with the Mochi Fried Doughnuts ($12). Whilst simple, the dessert is nothing short of amazing. The mochi doughnuts were superbly fluffy and chewy on the inside. It does not have many flavours on its own, so dipping into the salted Hokkaido milk ice cream lends a nice saltish-sweet creamy flavour to the doughnuts, which elevates the whole experience.

The evolving menu goes beyond traditional brunch standards to offer versatile, comforting dishes ideal for any time of day — a testament to the Café Natsu team's progressive interpretation of a cafe experience.

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.


Cafe Natsu
283 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore 427537
Tel: +65 88864497
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Nearest MRT: Dakota (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 830am - 530pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk to bus stop at block 99 (Stop ID 81181). Take bus number 33. Alight 4 stops later. Walk to Koon Seng Road. Turn right onto Koon Seng Road. Walk to Joo Chiat Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Syohachi Wagyu Hamburg @ One Raffles Place Shopping Mall - Premium Japanese A5 Wagyu Beef Hamburgs At Affordable Prices

Farm-to-table restaurant Syohachi Wagyu Hamburg at One Raffles Place Shopping Mall offers hamburgs made from premium cuts of A5 wagyu fresh from Japan. Under the same brand which runs Hong Kong’s well-known speciality yakiniku joint, Syohachi Yakiniku, Syohachi Wagyu Hamburg prides itself in its farm-to-table concept. This is made possible as they own an exclusive partnership with Japan’s award-winning Hidakami Ranch in the Japanese prefecture of Miyagi-ken, allowing them access to exquisite cuts of Japanese A5 Wagyu beef.

Other than Syohachi Wagyu Hamburg, buttery Japanese thick toasts can also be found on their menu. To ensure the freshness of every dish served and to keep up with the lunch crowd, Syohachi Wagyu Hamburg’s offerings vary from breakfast to lunch to dinner. The Breakfast Menu runs from morning till 11.30am, while Lunch Menu is between 11.30am to 2.30pm, followed by an Afternoon Tea & Dinner Menu starting from 2.30pm onwards to closing. So be sure to catch the right timing to avoid disappointment. And also, each set meal comes with a free-flow salad buffet which unfortunately has to be revised to portioned salads due to the Covid-19 situation. Once the situation allows for it, Syohachi Wagyu Hamburg will implement its free-flow salad buffet.

Japanese A5 Wagyu Hamburg Steak Set 3.8/5

The signature Japanese A5 Wagyu Hamburg Steak Set ($16.50), available from 11.30am onward, comes with fresh mixed green salad, seasonal Japanese pickles and Japanese steamed rice with Syohachi’s signature beef gravy. At first glance, the hamburg looked kind of 'naked' compared to the usual hamburgs served in a hot plate with sauces. That said, as a fast-casual concept in the CBD area, it does make sense to make it more fuss-free and takeaway friendly. Prepared upon order, its beefy flavour and juicy texture say a lot about its quality.

Japanese Steamed Rice with Syohachi’s Signature Beef Gravy

But what stood out of this set meal was the humble bowl of Japanese steamed rice with Syohachi’s signature beef gravy served at the side. The gravy had a perfect consistency, keeping the rice plump and pearly with a nice bite to it. I love the onions in it, which had been thoroughly softened and left to impart sweetness into the gravy. There were morsels of mushrooms as well, which added a depth of flavour and a textural bite to the rice.

Wagyu Beef Toastie with Cheddar Cheese and Egg Omelette 4/5

For a less than usual breakfast, afternoon snack or light dinner, try its Syohachi Japanese A5 Wagyu Beef Toastie ($7.70 ala carte/$10.70 set). A cut of A5 wagyu beef patty sandwiched in between two thick buttery slices of white bread. The oomph factor was definitely there when I had it with an extra top-up of a serving of cheddar cheese and egg omelette. All add-ons are priced at $1 per serving. For Japanese Butter Toasties, their sets come with a fresh mixed green salad, seasonal Japanese pickles and crispy tater tots. (Not available for lunch.)

Japanese Egg Omelette and Cheddar Cheese Toastie 3.8/5

Even if you ain't in the mood for meat, its Japanese Egg Omelette and Cheddar Cheese Toastie ($6.50 ala carte/$9.50 set) will leave you just as satisfied. Served hot from the grill, the molten cheese that oozed out whet my appetite instantly. The omelette, however, wasn't as fluffy as expected, and I felt the white slices of bread could be less charred as well to retain some of their softness. (The set is available all day, and Ala Carte is not available during lunch hours.)

Chunky Peanut Butter with Condensed Milk Toastie 3.8/5

Reminiscent of a Hongkong style toast, this Chunky Peanut Butter with Condensed Milk Toastie ($5 ala carte/$8 set) hit all the right spots with its savoury, crunchy peanut butter and creamy condensed milk without being too cloying. I would prefer a softer bread though, to cradle the oozy filling much better. (Not available during lunch hours)

Syohachi Wagyu Hamburg is celebrating its opening with a 50% OFF promotion on selected sets featuring Japanese A5 Wagyu Beef from 23 to 25 October for both dine-in and takeaway. Selected sets featuring their premium Japanese A5 Wagyu Beef will be on offer at different time periods:

- Breakfast (8.30am-11.30am): 50% OFF Wagyu Beef Toastie Set
- Lunch (11.30am-2.30pm): 50% OFF Wagyu Hamburg Steak Set
- Afternoon Tea & Dinner (2.30pm-8.30pm): 50% OFF Wagyu Beef Toastie Set or Wagyu Hamburg Steak Set

Terms & Conditions apply: Simply follow @syohachi_wagyu_hamburg on Instagram or Syohachi Wagyu Hamburg SG on Facebook to redeem the promotion. Limited to one redemption per person.

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. 


Syohachi Wagyu Hamburg
One Raffles Place
1 Raffles Place
#01-01
Singapore 048616
Tel: +65 6223 0755
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Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily 830am - 830pm
830am -830pm daily

Direction:
Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit A or B. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Makanista @ Tampines Mall - Unique Range Of Local Delights With A Delicious Twist

The people behind Food Junction has opened a new concept called Makanista at Tampines Mall. The convivial dining space is located on the ground floor of Tampines Mall, with a chic cafe interior. Four different stalls - Chicken Rice, Yong Tau Foo, Western, and Prata & Desserts offers diners both classic hawker favourites as well as inventive creations with a little twist. There is no pork, no lard here. It is in the process of applying for their Halal certification to cater to a wider group of diners.

Beef Hamburg & Fries 3.5/5

We started our dinner from the Western station with the Beef Hamburg & Fries ($10.90). On top the mound of fries is a whole beef patty and a sunny side up egg. It is like having a full set meal in a dish less the buns. The fries are dressed in a decadent black pepper and truffle cheese sauce, that goes very well with the crispy fries. For those that don't take beef, there is a chicken hamburg verison at $8.90.

French Chicken Curry Pasta 4/5

Bored of the usual cream and tomato base pasta? How about a little local twist with the French Chicken Curry Pasta ($7.50). The curry sauce is a concoction of curry. chiili powders, turmeric. coconut milk and whipped cream. It is something familiar but unusual in a western pasta dish, which turns out pretty good. It was well received by my other dining friends too.

Spicy Honey Mustard Wings 4/5

You can also find Korean-style fried chicken at the Western station such as the Spicy Honey Mustard Wings ($7.50 for 6pc). The chicken wings are dipped in a batter and deep fried, before being tossed in the different sauces. They are crispy and juicy. Other flavours available include Pesto Cheese and Kicap Manis.

Bakwan Sayor 4/5

A great snack to share with friends and family is the Bakwan Sayor ($2.80) from the Yong Tau Foo station. It is fried vegetable fritter which consists of shredded cabbage, carrots, chilli, beansprouts and spring onions. This is best eaten with the Lingham chilli sauce.

Curry Yong Tau Foo 4/5

Yong Tau Foo is a common dish that we can find in any food centre or foodcourt but have you hear of Soto, Mee Siam, Satay and Curry Yong Tau Foo? Yes, besides the normal Yong Tau Foo whereby diners get to pick 7 items plus a choice of rice or noodles (yellow noodles, bee hoon, hor fun, rice roll, thick bee hoon) for $6.50, for an additional one dollar you can change the soup base. After sampling the 4 different soup flavours, my favourite goes to the Curry Yong Tau Foo while I think the satay will complement the dry version better.

Combo Meal - Duo 3/5

If you order the Combo Meal - Duo ($16.50) from the Chicken Rice station, it will be served on a ceramic rattan ' dulang' or tray. This way of serving is similar to how the traditional Nasi Ambeng is presented. Besides the normal Hainanese and roasted chicken, the stall offers both Thai and Mala style chicken rice too. I would recommend sticking to the traditional. The combo meal also comes with a soft drink, a Japanese inspired house special ramen egg and sides like bean sprouts, fresh vegetables in oyster sauce or tahu goreng.

Mutton Prata Burger 4/5

My favourite station at Makanista is the Prata station for its specialty pratas which are unique and delicious. We start with the Mutton Prata Burger ($8.50) which is their own rendition of Ramly burger in a murtabak. Besides the mutton patty, you can also find sauteed onions and fried egg with mayonnaise and black pepper sauce in it.

Okonomiyaki Prata 4.5/5

A must try is the Okonomiyaki Prata ($7). Inspired by the Japanese dish, the prata is wrapped with shredded carrots, purple and white cabbage, cheese and egg. It is then drizzled with mayonnaise and sweet okonomiyaki sauce, topped with bonito flakes. This is one of its kind prata, with textures and flavours that wins me over. This is like prata gone international. Other savoury prata include Chicken Luncheon & Floss and Special Tandoori Chicken.

Peanut Butter and Jam Prata 4/5

For the sweet take of the prata, there is the Peanut Butter and Jam Prata ($2.80). This is a brilliant combination of nuttiness and sweetness coming together. It brings the appreciation of the tradition prata to another level.

Overall I think the food at Makanista is really unique and interesting. However for some of the items, it still need more adjustment to get it right. For the time being, I would recommend going for the specialty pratas.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


[CLOSED]
Makanista
Tampines Mall
4 Tampines Central 5
#01-42/43/44
Singapore 529510
Tel: +65 62606002
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Nearest MRT: Tampines (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 8am - 10pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Tampines MRT station. Take Exit C. Turn left and walk to traffic light junction. Cross the right, walk along Tampines Central 5 towards Century Square direction. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Ippudo @ Tanjong Pagar Centre - The Famed Ramen Opens Its 9th Outlet

With IPPUDO opening its ninth outlet at Tanjong Pagar Centre, CBD crowd can now enjoy another famed ramen to either fuel them for the long day or comfort their tired soul at dusk. What's special about this outlet is that three new side dishes were crafted exclusively for it, alongside with the reintroduction of its three seasonal ramen dishes.

Salmon Katsu 4.5/5

It's not all about ramen at Ippudo. Savour their new side dishes before tucking into your favourite ramen. The three new sides dishes are Aburi Beef Sushi with Ikura ($18), Teppan Chashu Hamburg ($15) and Salmon Katsu ($18).

Salmon Katsu wins me over with its soft and tender sashimi core that comes breaded. Like any fried stuff, the crispy thin batter adds an extra yumminess to the salmon sashimi and the accompanying piquant house-made tartar sauce makes it even more delish and satisfying.

Aburi Beef Sushi with Ikura 3/5

Aburi Beef Sushi with Ikura comes in cute bundles of Hokkaido sushi rice wrapped with pan-seared prime beef slices, crowned with fresh ikura. Thicker slices of beef might have made them fuller in flavour and texture.

Teppan Chashu Hamburg 3.5/5

Teppan Chashu Hamburg is a light starter featuring a hand-chopped pork patty topped with a raw egg yolk. Pouring the complementing homemade teriyaki sauce over while it was still hot had a slight sizzling effect that whets my appetite.

Spicy Black 4/5

Spicy Black, Chuka Soba and Hakata Niku Soba are seasonal ramens that have earned themselves a place in the main menu. Preferring thick and milky broth, we tried Spicy Black ($19) and Hakata Niku Soba ($17). Inspired by bak kut teh, Spicy Black comes with a dollop of a special homemade miso paste that enriches the already thick broth with spices and peppers, resulting in a robust, creamy broth with nutty nuances. It reminds me of black sesame broth but the flavour is alot more intense.

Hakata Niku Soba 3/5

Hakata Niku Soba ($17) is however, disappointing. The thin slices of pork belly were somewhat dry when I was expecting meltingly tender meats.

A good refreshing beverage to go with your ramen would be Lemon Soda ($5)

Another addition to this new outlet is its sake bar which offers hot and cold sake, Sapporo beer and whisky highball. I like the fact that I'm given the choice of tasting portion and full cup. I do recommend trying out their premium sake which is round, sweet and refreshing.

Following Japanese culture where Japanese diners seek out quality alcoholic drinks at best-value prices, its Choinomi Set Promotion ($12.90) comes with a choice of draft beer, highball or bottled beer together with one serving of otsumami - snacks specially prepared to pair with the drinks. You can choose from 12 different snacks including Chicken Karaage, Spicy Chicken Wing and Otsumami Menma. Promotion is available daily from 3 pm onwards until closing.

Words and photos 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.


Ippudo
Tanjong Pagar Centre
5 Wallich Street
#01-15
Singapore 078883
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Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 11am - 10pm
Fri-Sat: 11am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]