Showing posts with label Ice Cream. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ice Cream. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 26, 2025

Mashi No Mashi @ Nakin Row - Relocates and Reopens With An Improved Menu Featuring A5 Wagyu

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Mashi No Mashi, acclaimed for serving the world's first 100% Wagyu ramen, has relocated to Nakin Row and reopened as a ramen bar concept. Established by Wagyumafia, a collective of restaurants renowned for harnessing the qualities and versatility of Japan's most famous beef through various culinary concepts. Founded by Chef Hisato Hamada, Wagyumafia prides itself on working directly with farmers and selecting only the top 1% of the finest Kobe and Ozaki beef.

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Ultra Wagyu Ramen 4.5/5

With the relocation comes an elevated menu. The restaurant has upgraded from A4 to A5 Wagyu and introduced special reopening prices. Signature dishes remain, including the Ultra Wagyu Ramen ($18.80). This generous Hakata-style bowl features a milky, rich Wagyu bone broth and A5 Wagyu chashu. Compared to the very first Ultra Wagyu Ramen I had when the brand first opened, which was noticeably beefier and richer, this version took on a lighter approach. That said, it remained a satisfying bowl, with a flavoursome broth where the beefy depth still hummed in the background. The Red Chilli tare added a savoury, slightly fiery kick that lifted the flavours of the chashu even further.

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Wagyu Bak Kut Teh 4.5/5

The Wagyu Bak Kut Teh ($19.65) is a Singapore-exclusive creation. Served in a peppery, garlicky homemade Wagyu bone broth, the beef was succulent and tender, pairing beautifully with black soy sauce and Japanese rice. Now offered at a special SG60 price, it's definitely more attractive to diners than before.

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Wagyu Steak Rice 4.8/5

We also tried the Wagyu Steak Rice ($32.80), featuring charcoal-grilled A5 Wagyu. The charcoal-grilled beef highlighted its natural flavours more distinctly than the chashu, and the accompanying umami steak sauce complemented the meat superbly.

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Wagyu Gyoza 5/5

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Charcoal Edamame 4.8/5

For sides, while it's a pity to see the Wagyu Siew Mai removed from the menu, the scrumptious Wagyu Gyoza ($6.80) remains. A new addition is the Charcoal Edamame ($4.80), grilled and basted with Wagyu beef fat, a more luxurious take on the usual boring edamame.

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The drinks menu now features Suntory Highball on tap, ideal for cutting through the richness of the meal. The Ginger Sour ($12) was an interesting option as well, with the acidity of sushi ginger.

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Mr Mashi Ice Cream 4/5

For dessert, we tried the MNM ice creams — Mr Mashi and Mashi Jr. Mr Mashi is a creamy banana sherbet, sweetened with maple and studded with pecans and caramel bites, while Mashi Jr leans towards a raspberry swirl. Both had a well-balanced sweetness that rounded off the meal nicely.

Reopening as a ramen bar concept is a natural fit for Mashi No Mashi, highlighting both its ramen focus and beef-centric identity. With the upgrade to A5 Wagyu, it's now an even more.

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.


Mashi No Mashi
3 Pickering Street
#01-42
Nankin Row
Singapore 048660
Contact: +65 8957 8620
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Chinatown (DT, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit F. Walk down Cross Street to South Bridge Road. At the junction of Cross Street and South Bridge Road, cross the road. Turn left onto South Bridge Road. Walk down South Bridge Road. Turn right onto Nakin Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to China Street. Turn right onto China Street. Walk down China Street. Turn left onto Nakin Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Monday, August 11, 2025

Quenino @ Artyzen Singapore - Launches A New La Carte Menu

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It was a pleasure to return to Quenino at Artyzen Hotel, which has just been recognised as a MICHELIN-selected restaurant. Guided by Melbourne-based Chef Victor Liong and led by Chef Su of Indian-Chinese heritage, Quenino offers a richly layered, multicultural dining experience with a strong Asian focus. We were there to enjoy the latest iteration of their menu. We were pleased to find out that in addition to their Discovery Menu ($200++ per guest), Quenino has also introduced an à la carte menu, giving diners the freedom to curate their own experience.

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Quenino Prelude- Tamarillo Tart 4/5

The first bite of the Quenino Prelude is the Tamarillo Tart, where a crisp tartlet is topped with tamarillos from the Cameron Highlands, paired with rasam gel, balonglong and chilli caviar. I liked that they showed us the actual Tamarillo fruit to smell and touch!

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Quenino Prelude- Spiced Yam Dumpling 4.2/5

The second bite is a Spiced Yam Dumpling, drawing inspiration from both Indian vadai and Chinese dim sum wu kok. Encased within its crisp, golden shell is a savoury filling of prawns and poached oysters, enhanced with oyster kijap.

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Octopus 4/5

Next came a beautifully plated salad starring Australian Octopus, loosely inspired by Sotong Kangkong. Instead of kangkong, however, the dish features a medley of locally sourced herbs and flowers such as pea tendrils and sweet potato leaves. It is finished with sweet soy sauce espuma, tempeh cream, green mango and Jicama terrine, crispy fish snacks, and macadamia nuts, giving us a playful, textural dish that is both vibrant and intriguing.

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Indonesian Mud Crab 4.5/5

The next course of Indonesian Mud Crab was one of my favourites of the evening, a bold and flavourful take on both the hairy crab and the local classic white pepper crab. On top of the egg white custard is rich mud crab and roe, turmeric white peppercorn sauce, fragrant deep-fried shallots, puffed grains, and a savoury touch of cured egg yolk.

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Amur Caviar 4.2/5

For something more indulgent, you can opt for the Amur Caviar (supplement +20), sourced from Yunnan, China. It’s elegantly served on a silky bed of dragon chive custard, with scallop mousse, razor clams, and a touch of fermented chilli. A luxurious dish for true caviar lovers, but personally, I found the Indonesian Mud Crab course more memorable.

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Green Lip Abalone 4.8/5

The Green Lip Abalone resembles a piece of Yong Tau Foo, but with a creative twist. Instead of stuffed beancurd, the abalone is filled with prawn and green chilli, then delicately wrapped in veiled bamboo fungus. It's served with a rich brown butter sauce infused with Chinese Angelica herbs. A fusion dish where East meets West, executed flawlessly.

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Peach and Young Gingerflower Popsicle 4.2/5

As a palette cleanser, we were served a Peach and Young Ginger Flower Popsicle topped with cured and candied peach, edible flowers, and served on a dish of dry ice. It was a light and sweet floral interlude that was both visually pleasing and refreshing.

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Stone Axe M9 Wagyu Striploin 5/5

Every dish had been delicious thus far, but the highlight for me was this Stone Axe M9 Wagyu presented with Variations of Garlic. The Stone Axe M9 Wagyu Striploin was juicy, tender, and delightfully marbled, but what truly made the dish outstanding and unique was the imaginative presentation of garlic in five distinct forms. There was jungle garlic dust, a tangy pickled garlic sprout salad, airy black garlic foam, and Quenino’s house green garlic chilli sauce, playfully presented in a fast-food-style packet.

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Adding a local touch, the dish also came with a warm pink garlic broth inspired by Bak Kut Teh, the beloved herbal pork rib soup. A very clever celebration of garlic that complemented the Wagyu beautifully and gave guests a lot of personal choice as to how to best enjoy their beef.

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“Fried Rice" 4.8/5

Another standout on their menu is the “Fried Rice”, a creative reinterpretation inspired by three Southeast Asian rice dishes: Fried Rice, Mui Fan, and Nasi Ulam. Guests are presented with condiments carefully arranged in a ring. There is ham floss, house-made X.O. sauce, Chinese olive relish, pickled bean sprouts, cucamelon, spring onions, coriander, garlic sesame crumbs and fried moringa leaf. The rice is then ladled into the centre, inviting guests to sample each condiment with the rice individually, before mixing it all up to enjoy.

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Green Chilli Ice Cream 4.2/5

The Green Chilli Ice Cream dessert draws inspiration from Chef Su’s Chinese New Year traditions and the familiar ingredients she often finds at home during the festive season. It features pineapple, almonds, and bakkwa, while the ice cream delivers an extra creamy texture due to the inclusion of yoghurt and cheese.

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Petit Fours and Mignardise 4/5

The Petit Fours and Mignardise showcase the effort put into the curation of the menu, right down to the very last bite. First, we have a crispy waffle infused with black sesame and sea salt, drizzled with fragrant shallot oil. Then, there is a tartlet inspired by Minjiang kueh, but featuring corn, peanut and salted egg yolk instead. On a bed of edible cocoa, we also had Kumquat and Sour Plum Sweets, as well as Bittersweet Chocolate Bonbons filled with rich black sesame paste, crafted in collaboration with Singaporean pastry chef Janice Wong.

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As with my first visit to Quenino, the food remains unique and deeply flavourful, thoughtfully crafted with a deep respect for local ingredients and familiar tastes. The elegant ambience makes it an ideal setting for a special occasion, and with the introduction of their à la carte menu, there’s now even more reason to consider Quenino for your next night out.

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.


Quenino
Artyzen Singapore
Level 4
9 Cuscaden Road
Singapore 249719
Tel: +65 6371 6030
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Nearest MRT: Orchard Boulevard (TE Line), Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue: 6pm - 1030pm
Wed-Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun and Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard Boulevard MRT Station. Take Exit 1. Walk to Cuscaden Road. Turn right onto Cuscaden Road. Walk down Cuscaden Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Orchard MRT Station. Take Exit 11. Walk down Orchard Boulevard towards Four Seasons Hotel. Take the walk path beside Four Seasons Hotel to Cuscaden Road. Walk to the junction of Cuscaden Road and turn left onto Cuscaden Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Thursday, June 12, 2025

Swensen’s Unlimited @ Geneo - Halal-certified Buffet Offering Peranakan, Seafood, Hand-stretched Pizzas and Desserts

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Swensen's popular buffet concept, Swensen's Unlimited, has launched its third outlet at the newly opened Geneo Mall in Singapore Science Park, following earlier openings at VivoCity and Changi Airport Terminal 2.

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What sets this new branch apart is its spacious 200-seat layout, designed to host special events such as weddings or corporate gatherings. The space features a customisable LED backdrop and a private suite with an attached bathroom - ideal as a bridal room or multi-purpose event space.

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Pricing starts at $35++ for weekday lunch and $38++ for weekday dinner (Monday to Thursday). On Fridays, weekends, public holidays, and special occasions (such as Mother's Day), the price is $50++ for lunch and $60++ for dinner. Lunch runs from 11am to 5pm, and dinner from 5pm to 10pm, with a 90-minute dining limit. Menus vary slightly depending on the day.

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Swensen’s Unlimited Buffet 3.8/5

Begin at the Seafood on Ice section with free-flow tiger prawns, mussels, clams, and flower crabs. While reasonably fresh, it was a pity that the seafood lacked flavour.

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Cold Cuts & Appetisers

Next to the Seafood on Ice are several cold cuts & appetisers, including salads and cheeses.

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Hot Food

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The Hot Food lineup consists of Indian, Asian, Western and Peranakan dishes, as well as soups such as Cream of Mushroom.

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Mala Stir-Fry Pot

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Mala Firecracker Chicken

The Hot Food spotlight shines on three outlet-exclusive dishes: Ayam Masak Merah, Mala Firecracker Chicken, and Mala Stir-Fry Pot, which packs a strong kick of spice.

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Live Carving Station

There are also a couple of live food stations. First, the Live Carving Station featured fresh roast meats, including Roast Striploin and Roast Chicken.

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Pizza Station: Trio Cheese Hand-stretched Pizza

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Pasta Station Aglio Olio Spaghetti

Second, the Pizza and Pasta Stations offered Hand-stretched Pizzas and freshly prepared pasta with various sauces and pasta options.

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Baked Rice and Noodles Station: Laksa

Lastly, the Baked Rice and Noodles Station offered Swensen's classic baked rice flavours (Curry Chicken, Chicken, and Fish) and two noodle options: Beef Noodles and Laksa.

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Ice Cream and Gelato

Moving to the last and most popular sweets section, diners will be welcomed with Swensen's massive range of Ice Cream and Gelato on rotation from its book of 48 flavours. They are made up of a mix of classics and newer creations. Some flavours that caught our eye include Zero Sugar Sticky Chewy Chocolate, Berry Hibiscus, Smoked Oak Tiramisu, and Chrysanthemum with Choco Fudge.

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Ice Cream and Gelato

The assortment of condiments allows you to customise your sundaes - do make sure to try their outlet-exclusive Pistachio Kunafa Sauce!

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Croissants and Waffles

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Chocolate Fountain

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Assorted Kueh

Continuing with the options for sweets, diners can also indulge in a chocolate fountain, croissants, waffles, assorted kuehs, fruits, and more.

Please ensure you make a reservation before heading down, especially for meals on weekends and special occasions.

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.


Swensen’s Unlimited
Geneo
#01-06
1 Science Park Drive
Singapore 118221
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Nearest MRT: Kent Ridge (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily 11am - 10pm

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

Sunday, March 2, 2025

Chen's Kitchen @ Paragon - Bold Chuka Ryori Flavours with Michelin-Quality Comfort Food

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Famed Michelin Chef Kentaro of Shisen Hanten debuts a comfort dining concept, Chen's Kitchen, at Paragon Shopping Centre. The new casual family dining concept brings bold Chuka Ryori flavours and his renowned Mapo Tofu to the heart of Singapore. The new concept offers comfort Chinese food with finesse, blending Japanese techniques with rich Szechuan flavours and promising sustainable pricing.

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Chen's Pork Shumai 4/5

Chef Kentaro's Szechwan-inspired Pork Shumai ($9.90) The siew mai features juicy, seasoned pork enriched with the umami depth of conpoy. Topped with a touch of mala daikon, it offers a delicate kick that elevates this classic dish. While I enjoyed the version here, my dining companions preferred a firmer texture.

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XXL Szechwan La Zi Ji 4.5/5

A store-exclusive dish is the XXL Szechwan La Zi Ji ($17.90), an elevated take on Szechwan Popcorn Chicken with crispy karaage, soy puffs, garlic chips, cashews, aromatic spices, and dried chillies for bold flavour and irresistible crunch. Unlike the traditional La Zi Ji, the size of the chicken is like a chicken nugget, giving it a more substantial bite. The soy puffs give the dish an extra textural contrast.

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Poached Fish Fillet in Golden Broth 4.2/5

Another store-exclusive dish on the menu is the Poached Fish Fillet in Golden Broth ($24.90). Chunky, moist, and fork-tender fish fillets are boiled in a golden broth made of Japanese pumpkin, with mushrooms, asparagus, and sansho pepper for a hint of heat or spiciness.

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Mapo Tofu (Red) 4.8/5

The star at Chen's Kitchen has to be their Mapo Tofu. Chen's Kitchen offers the classic version and three other innovative variations. We had the Classic Mapo Tofu Red Version ($16.90/$26.90), which comprises soft silky tofu cooked with fermented broad bean paste (Dou Ban Jiang) sourced from the Pixian District in Chengdu, Szechwan pepper-flavoured fermented chilli bean paste, and savoury minced meat.

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Szechwan French Beans & Mushroom 4.5/5

For our vegetable dish, we opted for the Szechwan French Beans & Mushroom ($13.90). They are wok-fried in Szechwan spices with minced pork. The dish is well executed, with the greens retaining a delightful crunch and a spice aroma.

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Szechwan Spiced Chahan with Sakura Shrimp 4.2/5

Next, we had the Szechwan Spiced Chahan with Sakura Shrimp ($13.90). This is Szechwan-spiced fried rice with sakura shrimp, egg, and garlic. It is a flavoured packed fried rice, with the various aromatics accentuating the enjoyment of the fragrant rice.

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Caramelised Mala Pecan Ice Cream 4.2/5

In my wildest imagination, I cannot imagine that this combination actually works. The Caramelised Mala Pecan Ice Cream ($4.80) turns out to be deliciously good. The hint of mala kick with the vanilla ice cream works harmoniously, rounding out the enjoyment with the nuttiness of the Pecan.

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Double Boiled Pear 4.5/5

I like the Double-Boiled Pear ($6.90) dessert, which is very fitting for spicy and bold cuisine. This light and refreshing dessert can help ease and wash down the richness and also cool down the tongue for those who can't ready take spicy food.

Chen's Kitchen at Paragon brings Chef Kentaro's signature bold Chuka Ryori flavours into a more casual, accessible dining setting without compromising on quality. From their famous Mapo Tofu to innovative XXL Szechwan La Zi Ji, every dish is thoughtfully crafted with Japanese precision and rich Szechwan influences. The restaurant's affordable pricing and well-executed flavours make it a fantastic option for both quick meals and family gatherings. Whether you're a fan of spicy, umami-packed flavours or comforting, home-style dishes, Chen's Kitchen is well worth a visit.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Chen's Kitchen
Paragon Shopping Centre
200 Orchard Road
#B1-43
Singapore 238859
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line), Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 930pm

Direction:
1. Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to ground level. Turn left onto Orchard Road. Walk down Orchard Road. At the traffic junction of Orchard Road and Orchard Link, cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 2 or 3. Proceed to the road level. Walk down Orchard Road until the junction of Orchard Road and Orchard Link. Cross the road and walk to Paragon. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]