Artichoke @ New Bahru - Recalibrates with a Bolder Middle Eastern Identity

Artichoke Pizza Parlor at New Bahru is turning the dial back to where it all began — its Middle Eastern roots. Six months into its opening, the refreshed menu isn’t about reinvention but a confident recalibration. Chef Bjorn Shen’s irreverent style remains unmistakable, now sharpened with a more pronounced Middle Eastern DNA. The result? A menu that feels tighter, more intentional, yet still brimming with playful surprises.

Hummus 4.2/5

We started with the Hummus ($16), a returning staple that continues to hold its ground as a dependable opener. Made in-house from dried chickpeas soaked overnight, the hummus is smooth, nutty and deeply satisfying. It comes crowned with housemade chilli oil and chilli crunch, almond dukkah, and a medley of roasted seasonal vegetables such as lotus root, broccolini, mushrooms and baby carrots. A squeeze of lemon lifts the richness, setting the stage for the bold flavours that follow.

Garlic Bread 4/5

To complement it, the Garlic Bread ($10) is a must-order. Crafted from Artichoke’s pizza bianca — a focaccia-like dough — the bread is brushed with an aglio olio-style garlic relish before being toasted to a crisp. The relish itself is thoughtfully prepared, with garlic fried in oil and gently braised in water to mellow its sharpness while retaining its aromatic depth. The result is a crisp, flavourful base that serves as the perfect vehicle for scooping up every last bit of the hummus.

Baked Camembert 4.2/5

For something indulgent, the Baked Camembert ($28) delivers in both richness and comfort. The whole wheel of Camembert is baked until molten and oozy, then drizzled with black truffle-infused honey — made by shaving real black truffles into honey — and finished with roasted mixed nuts tossed in brown butter. Served alongside Ritz crackers, it’s a decadent combination of sweet, savoury, creamy and crunchy elements that come together effortlessly.

Arti-Casear 4.5/5

The Arti-Casear ($24) offers a lighter interlude. Featuring pistachio mortadella, soft egg, crisp greens and croutons, the salad is tossed in a well-balanced Caesar dressing. While straightforward in concept, the interplay of textures — from crunchy vegetables to the richness of the soft egg — keeps it satisfying without feeling heavy.

Sunny Slice 4.5/5

The spotlight, however, firmly belongs to the pizzas. The refreshed menu places a stronger emphasis on Artichoke’s signature rectangular UnderCrunch pizzas — pillowy slabs with cheddar-crisped frico bases that deliver both crunch and chew.

The new Sunny Slice ($26) is a standout addition. Built on a pizza bianca base spread with toum (a punchy garlic sauce), it is layered with roasted fennel, haloumi cubes and fresh kumquat slices. Finished with housemade hot honey, arugula, mint and pistachio crumble, the pizza offers a vibrant balance of sweet, savoury and herbaceous notes. The kumquat lends a bright citrusy pop, while the haloumi adds a satisfying saltiness against the crisp, golden base.

Crab-Onara 4.2/5

On the other end of the spectrum are the Stone Baked Rounds, which mark a return to a more traditional style. The Crab-Onara ($34) is a prime example of how Artichoke blends classic techniques with bold creativity. The dough, fermented for three days, yields a light and puffy crust. Topped with garlic cream sauce, fior di latte, zucchini and sautéed pancetta, it is then finished with generous chunks of crab claw meat. A unique “jellified” egg yolk sauce — made by cooking yolks sous vide before seasoning — adds a luscious, carbonara-like richness, rounded off with a dusting of pecorino and black pepper. It’s indulgent, complex, and undeniably satisfying.

OG Date Pudding 4.8/5

Dessert brings us to the OG Date Pudding ($16), a nostalgic throwback made the original way in 2010. This warm steamed date cake is paired with a cold dulce de leche sauce, creating a pleasing temperature contrast. Accompaniments of black coffee jelly, crunchy cashew nougat and a touch of smoked salt add layers of bitterness, sweetness and texture, elevating the dish beyond a typical sticky date pudding.

Artichoke Pizza Parlor’s refreshed menu feels like a confident step forward by looking back. By leaning into its Middle Eastern roots while refining its offerings, the restaurant delivers a dining experience that is both focused and full of personality. It’s not about doing more, but doing what it does best — with even greater clarity and conviction.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Artichoke
New Bahru
46 Kim Yam Road
#01-02
Singapore 239351
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Nearest MRT: Fort Canning (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue: 5pm - 10pm
Wed-Sun: 11am - 10pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Fort Canning MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to the traffic junction of 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 the destination. Journey time is about 10 minutes. [Map]

Baia @ Esplanade Mall - Rooftop Dining with Marina Bay Views and Mediterranean Fare Under $30

Baia at Esplanade Mall is a rooftop dining lounge bar by the ilLido Group. It has recently revamped its menu, introducing a refreshed lineup of Mediterranean dishes available for both lunch and dinner. The menu is thoughtfully structured, spanning bar bites, starters, mains, and desserts, with concise selections for each course. All food and cocktails are kept under $30, alongside a rotating three-course weekday lunch set ($28++), which further enhances its appeal for daytime dining.

Hamachi Tartare 4.5/5

We started with an elegantly plated Hamachi Tartare ($16), topped with salmon pearls. The dressing was vibrant and herbaceous, with acidity, and the saltiness of the ikura complemented the diced hamachi, creating a bright and tantalising start.

Duck Samosas 4.8/5

Moving on to richer flavours, we had the Duck Samosas ($18) with whipped foie gras and pistachios, as well as the Mezze Platter ($24). The duck filling in the samosas was deeply satisfying, reminiscent of a duck rillette. At the same time, the slightly funky whipped foie gras was velvety and luscious, adding depth and mouthfeel to each bite.

Mezze Platter 5/5

The Mezze Platter was particularly moreish, featuring six distinct dips — from whipped feta and avocado hummus to muhammara (roasted red pepper dip), baba ganoush, and tzatziki with olives and pickled peppers. Each component was vibrant and flavourful, making the platter highly addictive. The pita, aromatic and fluffy, is worth an additional order ($8) to fully enjoy the dips.

Pacific Halibut 3.8/5

For mains, the Pacific Halibut ($26) was served with pumpkin bisque and topped with maitake mushrooms. While the fish fillet was rather bland, the pumpkin bisque lent a subtle crustacean sweetness, while the maitake added a pleasant chew and earthy depth.

Grilled Octopus 4.5/5

The Grilled Octopus ($29) came glazed with a lip-smacking cowboy butter, a compound butter zingy with garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and spices such as smoked paprika, cayenne, and chilli flakes. The octopus was well-executed with a nice char, and the addition of Brussels sprouts provided a delectable textural bite and balance to the dish.

Knickerbocker Glory 5/5

Dessert was a satisfying throwback in the form of a Knickerbocker Glory ($18). Originating in the 1920s, this classic layered ice cream sundae is traditionally served in a tall conical glass with a long spoon and is particularly popular in Great Britain and Ireland, I learnt. Baia’s version struck a nice balance of sweetness and fruitiness, layered with fresh cream, vanilla ice cream, mango, and raspberries, and topped with mini cheesecakes and macarons for an indulgent finish.

Baia offers a relaxing view of Marina Bay paired with a beautifully designed interior, making it well-suited for both daytime and evening dining. Their cocktail menu is also worth exploring, featuring a mix of familiar classics and creative house signatures.

Photos and words by Si An. A homebody who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, the smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


Baia
Esplanade Mall
Level 4
8 Raffles Avenue
Singapore 039802
Tel: +65 9173 8182
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Nearest MRT: Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Mon: 1130am - 12midnight
Tue-Thu: 1130am - 1am
Fri-Sat: 1130 - 2am

Direction:
1) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit B or D. Walk to Raffles Avenue. Cross the road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 8 minutes. [Map]

Club Rangoon @ Duxton Road - A Rare Gem Showcasing Contemporary Burmese Cuisine in Singapore

Along the vibrant stretch of Duxton Road, Club Rangoon continues to stand its ground in Singapore's ever-evolving dining landscape. Having first visited shortly after its opening in August 2024, it is heartening to return nearly a year and a half later to see the restaurant not only surviving but refining its identity. In a city where dining concepts come and go with startling frequency, Club Rangoon remains a rare gem — spotlighting contemporary Burmese cuisine, a cuisine still relatively underrepresented in Singapore.

Laphet Hummus 4.2/5

The Laphet Hummus ($14) offers a thoughtful reinterpretation of a familiar staple. Infused with fermented tea leaves, the hummus carries a distinctive Burmese accent that is earthy, umami-rich, and gently herbaceous, setting it apart from its Mediterranean counterpart. The texture is luxuriously smooth, almost velvety, serving as a canvas for the nuanced flavours of laphet and tea leaf oil drizzled atop. This "gentle funk" adds intrigue without overwhelming the palate. Paired with warm, pillowy pita, it becomes an addictive starter that invites repeated scooping.

Short Rib Skewers 4.2/5

The Short Rib Skewers ($18 for 2pc) exemplify the restaurant's knack for balancing richness with brightness. Grilled to tender perfection, the beef boasts a melt-in-the-mouth texture, accented by a light smoky char. What elevates the dish is the Burmese-style chimichurri, sharper and more herbaceous than the traditional Argentinian version, cutting cleanly through the meat's fattiness. The accompanying pennywort salad lends a refreshing crunch and a slightly bitter note, rounding out the dish with finesse.

Samusa Thoke 4/5

A beloved Burmese street food classic, the Samusa Thoke ($12) is a medley of textures and flavours. Crispy potato samosas are broken apart and tossed into a warm, comforting yellow split pea soup, allowing them to soak up the broth while retaining bits of crunch. The addition of shredded cabbage and fresh mint introduces a crisp, cooling contrast, while a squeeze of lime ties everything together with a bright, zesty lift. The interplay between warm and fresh elements makes this dish both hearty and refreshing.

Ohn-No Khout Swel 4/5

The Ohn-No Khout Swel ($20) delivers a comforting bowl of coconut chicken noodle curry. Rich yet approachable, the mildly spiced broth is thick enough to coat each strand of egg noodles and envelop tender pieces of chicken. A halved boiled egg adds an extra layer of richness, while crunchy yellow rice crackers provide textural contrast. With lime and chilli on the side, diners can easily adjust the balance of acidity and heat, making it a highly customisable and satisfying main.

Wet Thar Dan Dauk 4.5/5

A standout on the menu, the Wet Thar Dan Dauk ($34) is a luxurious take on Burmese-style biryani. Fragrant basmati rice, infused with saffron and ghee, forms the base for a generous portion of slow-cooked pork knuckle. The meat is incredibly tender, with gelatinous richness that melts effortlessly on the palate. To offset this indulgence, a side of tangy green mango salad provides a refreshing acidity and crunch, ensuring each bite remains balanced and enjoyable.

Yone Pathay Thee Tofu Kyaw 4.5/5

The Yone Pathay Thee Tofu Kyaw ($22) showcases the depth of Burmese "dry curry" techniques. Featuring okra and tofu stir-fried with a robust masala blend, the dish delivers concentrated, caramelised flavours with every bite. The tofu absorbs the spices beautifully, while the okra adds a tender, slightly crisp texture. A touch of tamarind introduces a sharp, fruity acidity that cuts through the warmth of the spices, resulting in a dish that is both hearty and well-balanced.

Laphet-yay Ice Cream 4.5/5

Ending on a high note, the Laphet-yay Ice Cream ($14) is a creative homage to Burmese milk tea. Smooth and creamy, the ice cream captures the bold, slightly tannic notes of black tea, mellowed by the sweetness of condensed milk. The addition of a banana and jaggery crumble introduces a contrasting texture and a deep, caramel-like sweetness. The interplay between warm, earthy flavours and the cold creaminess of the ice cream makes for a refined yet comforting dessert.

Returning to Club Rangoon, the progression is evident. The refreshed menu feels more confident and cohesive, with flavours that are better defined and more attuned to the local palate without losing their Burmese essence. This second visit not only deepened my appreciation for the cuisine but also highlighted the restaurant's growth in bridging tradition and modernity. In many ways, Club Rangoon continues to play an important role in introducing and evolving Burmese cuisine within Singapore's dynamic food scene.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Club Rangoon
76 Duxton Road
Singapore 089535
Tel: +65 8190 8827
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Nearest MRT: Maxwell (TE Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu: 530pm - 11pm
Fri-Sat: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Cross the road to Duxton Road. Walk down Duxton Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time about 3 minutes [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road and walk to Craig Road. Walk down Craig Road towards Duxton Road. Turn right onto Duxton Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 6 minutes. [Map]

Shabestan @ Robertson Quay - Authentic Persian Flavours by the Scenic Riverside

Shabestan is a multi-award-winning Persian restaurant located in Singapore's Robertson Quay, celebrated for its authentic cuisine, warm hospitality, and scenic riverside setting. Since its establishment in 2013, the restaurant has aimed to bring the rich, traditional flavours of Persia to a modern audience, becoming a popular destination for both locals and international visitors seeking a refined Middle Eastern dining experience.

Hummus 3.8/5

The Hummus ($16) is made from freshly cooked chickpeas blended with lemon juice, garlic, tahini, and olive oil. It was somewhat puzzling for me as the Hummus was served chilled, whereas I am accustomed to it being served at room temperature. Despite the temperature, the texture remained smooth and the flavours well-balanced.

Persian Bread 4/5

To accompany the dip, we had the Persian Bread, which is freshly baked and noticeably thinner than traditional naan. Though thin, it has a wonderful, chewy, and fluffy texture with a delightful bite. It serves as the perfect vessel for scooping up the creamy Hummus.

Shirazi Salad 4.2/5

For a refreshing start, the Shirazi Salad ($16) is an excellent choice. It features finely chopped cucumber, tomato, and onion tossed in Shabestan's signature Shirazi dressing. The salad is light and fresh, with the crisp cucumber providing a refreshing crunch in every mouthful.

Shandiz 4/5

The Shandiz Kebab ($57) features tender chunks of spring lamb on the bone, charcoal-grilled to perfection. The lamb chops were well-marinated and succulent, boasting a beautiful char on the edges while remaining tender inside. Like all kebab dishes here, it is served with rice and a side salad. We opted for a mix of fragrant Basmati and Saffron rice, which offered a good textural bite.

Prawn Kebab 4/5

Another standout was the Prawn Kebab ($43), consisting of huge, de-shelled tiger prawns marinated in saffron and charcoal-grilled until crunchy and juicy. These were drizzled with a homemade seafood sauce that enhanced their natural sweetness. For this dish, we were served Dill rice, which imparted a lovely herby aroma. A pro-tip shared by the staff: dice up the grilled tomato and mix it into the rice for an extra layer of depth and flavour.

Overall, Shabestan delivers a solid Persian dining experience with high-quality ingredients and traditional grilling techniques that truly shine in their kebab selection.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Shabestan
The Pier at Robertson
80 Mohamed Sultan Road
#01-13
Singapore 239013
Tel: +65 9397 6562
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Nearest MRT: Fort Canning (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Fort Canning MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to the traffic junction of Clemenceau Ave and River Valley. Cross the road. Turn left and walk down Clemenceau Ave. Turn right onto Unity Street. Then left onto Merbau Road. Walk straight towards the river. Turn right at the river. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 8 minutes. [Map]

STYXX @ Teck Lim Road - Modern Middle Eastern Grill Restaurant

Located along the buzzing stretch of Teck Lim Road, STYXX is a modern grill restaurant anchored in Middle Eastern flavours. Celebrating the joy of communal dining with a touch of energetic vibe, dishes are served all at once to the centre of a table lined with kraft paper, with sauces and condiments piped directly onto the surface before the food is laid on top.

Dolma 4.2/5

Complementing the skewers, the Dolma ($18) is one to try. Instead of the usual stuffed grape leaves, this rendition features Sogan Dolma, onions stuffed with spiced beef and rice, cooked in demi glace. The onions were beautifully softened, lending a natural sweetness that balanced the savoury spiced meat filling.

Freekeh Salad 4.2/5

The Freekeh Salad ($17) delivered plenty of textural bite with winged beans, toasted green wheat and dollops of creamy smoked labneh. While the classic Arabic salad is also available, this felt like a more exciting choice. Styxx's hummus certainly did not disappoint.

Hummus Baladi 4.2/5

The Hummus Baladi ($19) was smooth and rich with tahini, sprinkled with deeply roasted pine nuts that amplified its nutty depth. A spoonful of matbuha added a gentle tomato sweetness, lifting the hummus's earthiness.

Iraqi Laffa 4/5, Filfil Pardon 4/5

The skewers are served directly on the kraft paper lined table, over a spread of beetroot tahini, mustard and basil tahini. The freshly baked Iraqi laffa was incredibly soft, fluffy, and chewy, making it much more satisfying than pita for eating the meats. Filfil Pardon ($16), essentially Padrón Peppers, were well seasoned, but I would have preferred a deeper char and blistering.

King Oyster Mushrooms 4/5

The King Oyster Mushrooms ($18), on the other hand, were impressive with a pronounced smokiness and a satisfyingly meaty bite.

Duck Kebab 3/5. Adani Kebab 3.5/5, Samak Fish 4.2/5

The standout for me was the Duck Kebab ($19). Each bite into the unctuous, fatty skin, coupled with its smoky char, made it particularly memorable and uncommon elsewhere. The Adani Kebab (Beef Turkish Kebab) ($18) was slightly disappointing. The minced meat felt unevenly seasoned and a touch dry. I have had better renditions at other Turkish establishments. Samak Fish ($19) features white fish grilled with spices and herbs, a technique commonly adopted in coastal Middle Eastern cuisine. It was well-grilled, remaining moist and tender, with balanced seasoning.

Not all the dishes hit the mark, but overall Styxx offers a lively, shareable dining experience ideal for gatherings.

Words by Si An. A homebody who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, the smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


STYXX
18 Teck Lim Road
Singapore 088390
Tel: +65 9711 6913
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Nearest MRT: Outram Park (EW, NE, TE Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 5pm - 11pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk straight down New Bridge Road. Turn right onto Kreta Ayer Road. Walk down Kreta Ayer Road. Turn right onto Keong Saik Road. Walk down Keong Saik Road. Turn left onto Teck Lim Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Walk straight down Neil Road. Turn right onto Teck Lim Road. Walk down Teck Lim Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

Fat Prince @ Peck Seah Street - Mediterranean Food in Singapore with Middle Eastern Soul

Fat Prince is one of those restaurants where the moment you step in, you already know you're in for a treat. Warm light, low seating, soft fabrics. The air hums with conversation and clinking glasses. Intimate yet lively, this is Mediterranean dining with Middle Eastern flair, done the Fat Prince way.

Cashew Hummus 4/5

We started with the house-baked pita bread served with cashew hummus and baba ganoush. The Cashew Hummus ($14) was creamy and nutty, topped with a roasted cashew gremolata and smoked paprika.

Baba Ganoush 4/5

The Baba Ganoush ($14) was smoky and bright, topped with a harissa-tomato topping and fresh parsley. Both were delicious spread over the warm Pita Bread ($5 per piece). Other dip options include Muhammara ($14) and Labneh ($12).

Egyptian House Roll with Date Butter 4/5

Their pillowy-soft Egyptian House Roll ($8), also house-baked, deserves a mention of its own. It comes with a date butter that's slightly sweet, and feels like a Middle Eastern twist on honey butter.

Halloumi 4.5/5

One of the table favourites was the Halloumi drizzled with truffle honey ($16). The cheese was grilled to a golden crust, springy inside, salty in a good way, and the truffle honey added a lovely sweetness and aroma, making us all eye for that last piece.

Chicken and Lamb Skewers 4.5/5

The skewers arrived on a rather impressive large platter, and the meat was plated with a flourish. The Chicken Skewer ($16/piece), served with a traditional Lebanese garlic toum, was tender and juicy with a lightly charred exterior. The Lamb Skewer ($18/piece) was nicely seasoned and complemented by a refreshing mint tzatziki that cut through the richness. They also have a beef skewer option, as well as other tempting mezze plates such as crispy calamari, Fattoush and Tabbouleh salads, fried cauliflower, falafel, and fried harissa chicken!

Build your own kebab - Fried Red Snapper 4.5/5

For sharing, the build-your-own kebab is a fun and communal way to enjoy the evening. The ingredients are vibrant and fresh! We had the Fried Red Snapper ($48), which I loved! It's crispy on the outside, flaky and tender inside, and paired with a very appetising fennel slaw, tahini yoghurt, and pickled vine peppers. If fish isn't your thing, they also have a version with Wagyu Beef Cheek ($68) or a vegetarian Grilled King Oyster Mushroom ($32).

Marble Potatoes with Harissa Aioli 4.2/5

On the side, the Marble Potatoes with Harissa Aioli ($12) were dangerously snackable. Crispy skins, fluffy centres, and a smoky-spicy aioli that kept us reaching for more.

Dubai Chocolate Knafeh 4.2/5

Fat Prince doesn't let the meal taper off quietly; the desserts demand some attention, too. The Dubai Chocolate Knafeh ($15) was warm, decadent, and drenched in a dark chocolate sauce. Paired with rose and pistachio ice cream, it offered a contrast of floral and nutty notes. You have to devour it though, before the centre gets soggy from the ice cream.

Baklava Ice Cream 3.8/5

We also tried the Baklava Ice Cream ($14) served with orange honey, almonds, and shards of filo pastry. It has some of the crunch and sweetness of baklava, reimagined into an ice cream dessert.

Drinks

Don't leave without trying their drinks. I like that the drinks menu is inclusive and offers Full Proof (classic cocktails with a full pour), Half Proof (half the alcohol but all the flavour), and No Proof (completely alcohol-free). It's perfect for someone like me who doesn't drink much but still wants a beautifully crafted drink in hand.

Fat Prince creates a dining experience that offers a fresh interpretation of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. The plates are designed for sharing, and the atmosphere invites relaxed conversations. Whether you come for the smoky skewers, the halloumi, or that pretty chocolate knafeh, you have a meal filled with character, warmth, and generosity.

Photographed and penned by Shermine. Through her pictures and stories, she shares her journey of savouring new flavours and experiences. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Fat Prince
48 Peck Seah Street
Singapore 079317
Tel: +65 8876 8769
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right onto Peck Seah Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]