SPRMRKT @ Dempsey Hill - Limited-time Collaboration with Enjoy Eating House and Bar for Redefined Local Dishes

Enjoy Eating House and Bar, helmed by Chef Joel Ong, is renowned for its elevated take on local cuisine, showcased at its flagship outlet in Jalan Besar and a second location on Sixth Avenue. Now, in collaboration with SPRMRKT, diners can savour its offerings amidst the verdant surroundings of Dempsey Hill. The collaboration is available from Thursdays to Sundays, 5pm to 10pm, until the end of July.

Black Dog Quail Egg 4/5

Served chilled and inspired by black vinegar braise, the Black Dog Quail Egg ($8) served as a tangy and appetising starter.

Kueh Pie Tee 3.8/5

The Kueh Pie Tee ($18) featured a pretty flavourful shredded jicama filling made in prawn and conpoy stock alongside handmade pastry shells. Despite this, my dining companion and I found it a tad too pricey for its portion. It was served with house garlic chilli, egg, and sweet soy to pair.

Chonky Chicken Satay 4.2/5

The Chonky Chicken Satay ($20) lived up to its name with generously sized, spice-marinated chicken chunks served alongside homemade ketupat and a side of creamy peanut sauce infused with a zesty pineapple purée. Each juicy chicken piece boasted a delightful smoky char.

Enjoy Hokkien Mee 3.8/5

The Enjoy Hokkien Mee ($34) is one of the restaurant's popular dishes. It consists of noodles simmered in a prawn broth stir-fried with wild-caught "Ang Kar" prawns, pork belly, squid, and pork lard. While the noodles carried a decent amount of wok hei and the seafood was fresh, we thought the dish was considerably pricey. If you enjoy the pork lard-laden type of hokkien mee, you will enjoy this.

Crispy Local Barramundi in Chef Joel’s Red Curry 4.5/5

For me, a must-order is the Crispy Local Barramundi in Chef Joel's Red Curry ($29). The perfectly fried barramundi sat atop a house coconut curry sauce featuring sautéed local vegetables. The fish impressed with its flaky, tender meat and lightly crisp skin, while the rich curry sauce striked a balance with its satisfyingly creamy texture and just the right amount of heat. This was value for money.

Smoked Cod Otah 4/5

Chef Joel showcased innovation with his Smoked Cod Otah ($22), a departure from the familiar smooth-textured steamed muar otah. His rendition features grilled spicy fish paste with smoked cod chunks, which offer a delightful smokiness, lingering heat and mix of texture. For an extra zest, pair it with the side cincalok.

If you frequent Dempsey Hill, this is a good opportunity to sample Enjoy Eating House’s food. SPRMRKT also offers a wide range of alcoholic drinks to accompany.

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.


SPRMRKT x Enjoy Eating House and Bar
Blk 8 Dempsey Road
#01-15A
Singapore 247696
Tel: +65 8129 8166
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Nearest MRT: Napier (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Enjoy Eating House and Bar Menu
Thu-Sun: 5pm to 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Napier MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk to bus stop opposite Singapore Botanic Gardens (Stop ID 13011). Take bus number 7, 75, 77, 105, 106, 123 or 174. Alight 2 stops later. Walk up to Dempsey Hill. Walk right to the back of the cluster. Walk to destination. Journey time 12 minutes. [Map]

Verandah @ Rael's @ The Star Vista - Opens A Second Outlet in the West

Verandah @ Rael's, having opened its doors at TripleOne Somerset, is thrilled to unveil its second outlet at The Star Vista. Boasting both indoor and outdoor seating, as well as a private room, this new establishment offers the perfect space for gathering with family and friends to indulge in your favourite Peranakan and Indonesian comfort dishes.

Kueh Pie Tee 3.5/5

We kicked off our dinner with the Kueh Pie Tee, featuring bite-sized crispy tart shells accompanied by a sweet mixture of vegetables and shrimp. Diners can enjoy the interactive experience of assembling their own delectable bites, and for those seeking a spicy kick, a dollop of homemade chilli adds an extra dimension of flavour.

Verandah's Achar 3.5/5

A newcomer to the menu, Verandah's Achar, offers a mildly spiced and sourish condiment, providing the perfect accompaniment to the main dishes.

Nonya Ngoh Hiang 4.2/5

The Nonya Ngoh Hiang emerged as a crowd favourite. Its deep-fried rolls were filled with flavorful minced pork, prawns, and the sweetness of water chestnut encased in dried beancurd skin. It was so delightful that we found ourselves requesting a second serving.

Verandah's Specialty Sambal Brinjal 4/5

Sambal Long Beans 4/5

For our vegetable dishes, we savoured the Verandah's Specialty Sambal Brinjal, wok-fired and adorned with the restaurant's tangy house speciality sambal, as well as the new Sambal Long Beans, where crunchy beans are stir-fried in a fragrant and spicy sambal sauce.

Tau Yu Bak 3.8/5

Introducing another addition to the menu, the Tau Yu Bak featured pork braised in caramelized soy sauces with spices. This resulted in a savoury dish with a hint of sweetness, though some felt the pork could have been more tender.

Curry Chicken 4.5/5

A definite must-have was the Curry Chicken, where tender chicken pieces were bathed in a rich and fragrant curry gravy infused with ground herbs, spices, and a hint of lemongrass. The irresistible curry gravy left me reaching for more to drench our rice in.

Assam Fish 4/5

Finally, the Assam Fish, filleted for ease of consumption, was simmered in a mouthwatering Assam gravy that tantalized the taste buds with its spicy and tangy flavours.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Verandah @ Rael's
The Star Vista
1 Vista Exchange Green
#01-33/K2
Singapore 138617
Tel: +65 6380 2381
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Nearest MRT: Buona Vista (CC, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
Alight at Buona Vista MRT station. Take Exit A or C. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Jiak Kim House @ Jiak Kim Street (Kim Seng Road) - Former Zouk Transformed into a Beautiful Modern Asian Restaurant by The Brewerkz Group

Stepping into the former Zouk, one encounters the metamorphosis into Jiak Kim House, an enchanting dining venture brought to life by The Brewerkz Group. Chef-Partner Seow Tzi Qin takes the reins, introducing an inventive menu that weaves modern Asian cuisine with Southeast Asian flavours, all within a contemporary framework. This establishment is more than a restaurant; it celebrates evolution against the backdrop of Zouk's storied past.

The dinner commences with complimentary rotating bread, with the noteworthy Bolo Bun stealing the spotlight with its century egg and salted egg filling. This treat could easily grace the shelves of a bakery. Following this, an Amuse Bouche takes the stage, presenting a delightful ensemble of crunchy jellyfish paired with a palate-refreshing sorbet, setting the tone for the dining experience.

Chilli Crab Pie Tee 4/5

7-Herbed Crab Cake, Assam Mayo 4.8/5

Spanish Mackerel Otak Otak, Green Curry 3.8/5

Lamb Golash Croquette, Mint Coriander Coulis 4.5/5

For those venturing into Jiak Kim House for the first time, I strongly recommend having the Tingkat of Memories ($36). This ensemble features four distinct items: the 7-Herb Crab Cake with Assam Mayo, Lamb Goulash Croquette with Mint Coriander Coulis, Chilli Crab Pie Tee, and Tri-Colour Otak Otak. These items aptly exemplify Chef TQ's culinary vision and the establishment's unique gastronomic style. Moreover, they offer a vibrant introduction to the rich and diverse flavours of Southeast Asian cuisine.

Mushroom Herbal Tea 'Macchiato' 5/5

The Mushroom Herbal Tea 'Macchiato' ($22) is the chef's creative take on the beloved local Bak Kut Teh. The concoction comprises peppery mushroom consommé infused with a fragrant herb and spice blend. Topped with a frothy green peppercorn foam, the dish is served with a delightful side of playful mini dough fritters. I found joy in dipping the dough fritters into the comforting and flavoursome soup, a reminiscent act of savouring local Bak Kut Teh delightfully.

Hay-Smoked Wagyu Hamburg 4/5

The Hay-Smoked Wagyu Hamburg ($28) draws inspiration from the Vietnamese Bo La Lot. This delectable dish features juicy chargrilled patties made from a succulent blend of chuck, short rib, and pork belly, expertly wrapped in fragrant shiso leaves. Accompanied by a tantalising green pepper sauce, the dish is complemented by fresh kimchi pickles at the side, adding a delightful touch that helps balance the richness of the flavours.

Herbal Scallops 'Pao Fan' 4/5

The Herbal Scallops 'Pao Fan' ($42) received mixed reviews from some dining companions who felt it fell short of the traditional Chinese Pao Fan dish's expectations. Despite presenting components like puffed rice, the dish deviated from the anticipated experience. Rather than a faithful representation of Pao Fan, it resembled more of a scallop dish paired with earthy cordyceps and briny ikura in dashi buerre blanc. Nevertheless, it was still enjoyable as a scallop dish on its own.

Garum Quail Panggang 4.5/5

The Garum Quail Panggang ($46) left me in awe of Chef TQ's cooking. It stands as the most delightful way I've experienced quail thus far. The quail, expertly butterflied and beautifully chargrilled, is served alongside creamy celeriac mash, truffle sauce, crispy lotus root chips, and deep-fried cauliflower bhaji. The combination of flavours and textures in this dish is truly magical.

Kam Heong Sambal Grouper 4.2/5

The Kam Heong Sambal Grouper ($40) showcases a boldly flavoured Tiger Grouper fillet marinated overnight in black peppercorns and homemade sambal. Paired with lively mangosteen salsa and served alongside cilantro rice, the dish presents a delightful fusion of robust flavours and diverse textures, creating a unique and memorable dish.

Beef Tongue-To-Tail 4/5

The Beef Tongue to Tail ($42) presents fork-tender spice-infused rendang short ribs, torched ox tongue, and braised oxtail. Accompanied by domino potatoes adorned with grated coconut, smoky grilled shishito peppers, and a refreshing rojak salad, the dish artfully showcases the diverse and delectable facets of the cow.

Challans Duck Two Ways 4/5

The Challans Duck Two Ways ($48) is meticulously roasted to a beautiful pink, accompanied by a tangy sour plum sauce and served alongside a salted vegetable risotto. Despite the tender and flavourful duck meat, some diners felt it lacked the pronounced Southeast Asian flavours evident in the other dishes.

Snow Peak 4/5

The ethereal Snow Peak ($22) unveils a Moutai and pineapple-infused sorbet nestled on a bed of diced scoby, draped in a delicate coconut jelly, and adorned with guava, strawberries, and playful lime meringue shards. This dessert is a delightful and refreshing conclusion to the meal.

Jiak Kim 4.5/5

Jiak Kim ($22), literally translating to 'eat gold,' is an exquisite flower-shaped dessert adorned with gold foil. This dessert combines layers of roselle hawthorn jelly, earl grey mousse, Berriolette compote, and namelaka chocolate cream, delivering a harmonious blend of flavours and textures.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Jiak Kim House
5 Jiak Kim Street
#01-16/17
Singapore 169426
Tel: +65 98315430
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Nearest MRT: Havelock (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Havelock Road MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to traffic junction Kim Seng Road and Havelock Road. Cross the road. Turn left and walk down Kim Seng Road towards Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel. Turn right onto Jiak Kim Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

INDOCAFÉ Peranakan Dining @ Scotts Road - Reopens with New Peranakan Dishes

Nestled within "The White House" along Scotts Road, the reopening of INDOCAFÉ Peranakan Dining unveils the iconic colonial-style bungalow that has been transformed into an enclave that embraces both modernity and the vibrant heritage of Peranakan culture. Its interiors blend Peranakan influences with a touch of modern sophistication, creating a cosy and inviting ambience. The new menu, curated by Penang-born Chef Heng Eng Ho, features old favourites alongside new dishes showcasing his understanding of Peranakan flavours developed over more than 20 years of culinary experience.

Belinjo Crackers

We were delighted with a mouthwatering complimentary welcome snack - crunchy Belinjo Crackers with Sambal Belacan, Gula Melaka & Acar. The sambal belacan whetted my appetite, with its piquancy laced with a hint of hit, making it the perfect dip throughout the meal. I love the crunch from the acar as well.

We started with the Trio Platter from its Signature Tasting Menu - Kueh Pie Tee, Ngoh Hiang, Otah Otah. Individual items are available in the ala carte menu. Within the Kueh Pie Tee ($19) is braised shredded turnip, topped with dried prawns and crabmeat. The shredded turnip retained a good crunch and aptly seasoned, and a touch of the vibrant chilli sauce lifted its flavours. Both the and were equally delightful. The Ngoh Hiang ($19) showcased an excellent proportion of pork and chopped water chestnuts, resulting in a testy, juicy meat roll. Nonya Otah Otah ($16) was tasty with chunky mackerel fish, and Nyonya herbs and spices were also quite balanced.

Itek Tim (tasting portion) 4/5

We also had a soup starter - Itek Tim ($14), a salted vegetable duck leg soup. It boasted a profound tartness from pickled mustard greens, balanced with fruity sweetness imparted by tomatoes. The duck meat was cooked to tender. The soup was also elevated with shaved nutmeg for a subtle lift and a dash of brandy for a depth of flavour.

INDOCAFÉ Wagyu Beef Rendang (tasting portion) 4.5/5

Moving on to the Mains. We savoured the INDOCAFÉ Wagyu Beef Rendang ($38), elevated with premium Wagyu beef cheek. The beef cheek is cooked with spices, shrimp paste, chilli and coconut milk for over three hours, followed by additions of Nyonya rempah and a medley of fresh aromatics. The beef was tender and moist, and the flavours were well-rounded without overly intense.

Babi Pongteh (tasting portion) 4.5/5

INDOCAFÉ also amped its Babi Pongteh ($28) with Spanish Iberico pork. The pork is marinated to the bone with fermented soybean paste and then cooked with potatoes, aromatic spices, onion and garlic. Having Spanish Iberico pork prepared in this manner for the first time, I was pleasantly surprised by how well it was being executed. Despite the absence of the usual chunky layers of fats and skin found in a regular pork belly, the flavours and texture were not compromised.

Ikan Sambal Bunga Kantan (tasting portion) 3.8/5

We also had a seafood fish - Ikan Sambal Bunga Kantan ($39). The Patagonian toothfish is deep-fried and dressed with ginger flower and Thai sweet and sour chilli sauce. It was tasty with a firm and succulent texture, although a thinner crust would have been preferable.

Dry Laksa 3/5

We tried its Dry Laksa ($26) with Argentina Red Prawns. The laksa lacked the robustness and punch we expected, and the prawns were a bit mushy in texture.

Sago Gula Melaka 4.5/5

Ending things on a sweet note - Sago Gula Melaka ($14) was indulgent with prime D24 durian pengat. The sticky sago pudding was lightly sweetened with gula melaka and doused with warm coconut milk, bringing the elements together into a harmonious delight.

Kueh Salat 4/5

The Signature Kueh Salat ($15) was aesthetically presented, featuring a scoop of coconut ice cream adorned with desiccated coconut and crushed peanuts. While the pandan coconut custard was deliciously creamy, the glutinous rice layer could be softer to combine better with the custard. The overall sweetness was on the higher side.

Kerinci

To complete the dining experience, INDOCAFÉ Peranakan Dining has also incorporated artisanal coffee offerings and exclusive beverages. During our meal, we had a refreshing mimosa to complement the richness of the food. When it came to desserts, between Gesha Passiflora ($19) from Colombia and Kerinci ($11) from Indonesia, I opted for the latter, which offers tasting notes of tropical fruits, dried fruits, berries, stone fruits with a wine-like sweet finish.

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.


INDOCAFÉ Peranakan Dining
35 Scotts Road
Singapore 228227
Tel: +65 9430 7307
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Nearest MRT: Newton (DT, NS Line)

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

Direction:
1) Alight at Newton MRT station. Take Exit A. On Scotts Road, turn right and walk down Scotts Road towards Orchard Road direction. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]