Offbeat @ Far East Square - Asian-inspired Dishes by Coq & Balls

Offbeat, located in Far East Square, introduces the latest dining concept by Coq & Balls. The food menu showcases Asian-inspired dishes, ranging from Bites and Tapas to Mains, Grills, and Roman-style pizzas.

Salmon Tartare 4/5

We started with the Salmon Tartare ($18.90), a delightful dish featuring marinated raw salmon tossed with avocado and baby radish, garnished with tobiko. To complement the creamy tartare, crispy black sesame rice crackers were provided for a textural contrast. The combination was mouthwatering, with occasional bursts of nuttiness from the black sesame crackers.

Spanish Squid 4.5/5

From the Flamed Grill section, we indulged in the Spanish Squid ($22.90) dressed with salted egg beurre blanc and sweet tare. The expertly prepared grilled squid was delicious. It boasted a firm yet tender texture and a delightful smoky flavour. While the salted egg sauce added that Asian twist, it didn't quite elevate the natural flavours of the squid as expected.

Tiger Prawn Laksa Spaghetti 3.8/5

Drop by Offbeat during lunch and enjoy their mains at a special lunchtime price, with add-ons available, such as a glass of wine for just $6. Most items are crafted with Asian flavours, such as Pulled Pork Bahn Mi and Wagyu Beef Krapao Rice Bowl. During our visit, we tried the Tiger Prawn Laksa Spaghetti ($16.90). The Laksa sauce was more complex and heady than other laksa pasta variants I've tried, slightly reminiscent of curry noodles. The prawns were succulent, pairing well with the al dente spaghetti.

Egg Quinoa Cauliflower 'fried rice' 4.8/5

While most of the lunch specials are richly flavoured, there are also lighter options such as the Egg Quinoa Cauliflower 'fried rice' ($14.90), served with roasted butternut squash pumpkin. The 'fried rice' was flavourful and satisfying, with delightful bites of fried egg, reminiscent of a traditional fried rice dish. The large chunks of pumpkin were soft and deliciously sweet, accented with a hint of smoky flavour. I also appreciated the added freshness from the greens and slices of baby radish, which enhanced the dish's overall taste.

Okonomiyaki Pinsa 3.8/5

Offbeat offers Pinsa, a Roman-style stretched pizza. We indulged in the Okonomiyaki Pinsa ($24.50), a hearty Asian fusion creation featuring bacon and prawns, topped with oozy mozzarella and finished off with a drizzle of mentaiko cream and a sprinkle of bonito flakes. The ciabatta pizza base was light and airy, perfectly complementing the rich pizza toppings. While it could get a tad salty after a while, it was a scrumptious dish meant for sharing.

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.


Offbeat by Coq & Balls
Far East Square
40 Pekin Street
#01-01
Singapore 048770
Tel: +65 6322 3835
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 11:30am - 11pm
Fri: 11:30am - 12:30am
Sat: 5:30pm - 12midnight
(Closed on Sun & PH)

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

LUCE by Davide Giacomelli @ Intercontinental Singapore - Celebrate the Magic of A Grandeur Christmas with Celebratory Sunday Champagne Brunch

This Christmas, step into a world of opulence and grandeur at InterContinental Singapore, where the spirit of the season comes to life through a splendid array of festive offerings. LUCE by Davide Giacomelli has introduced a lavish Celebratory Sunday Champagne Brunch for the Christmas season. Commencing from the 19th of November, this brunch extravaganza unfolds every Sunday and the first Saturday of the month, promising a feast of opulence and culinary excellence. Revel in diverse offerings, including standout features like Snow Crab Legs, Traditional Roasted U.S. Tom Turkey, Saffron Risotto served in a Parmesan Cheese Wheel, and the delectable Christmas Fruit Spiced Plum Pudding.

Commence your buffet adventure with the striking showcase of seafood on ice, presenting a diverse array of the freshest catches. Indulge in delights like yabbies, tiger prawns, snow crab legs, mussels, whelks, USA oysters, and Boston lobsters to set the tone for a luxurious dining experience. Take advantage of the finest sashimi and handmade sushi, adding an international flair to your brunch. Also, diners can delight in gourmet soups and salads, initiating the merriment on a delicious note.

Relish in small bites of exquisite flavours such as the smoked salmon poke bowl, Asian-style spicy ahi tuna tartar, Gamberi in Salsa Rosa, Egg Mimosa with tuna mayonnaise, coconut chia seed pudding, and Greek Style Quinoa Salad.

The smoked salmon poke bowl offers a delightful mix of seasoned wakame, edamame beans, pickled cucumber, red radish, and baby cos lettuce, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. The Asian-style spicy ahi tuna tartar brings a zingy and spicy twist, while Gamberi in Salsa Rosa introduces succulent prawns in a tantalizing pink sauce. For a touch of elegance, savour the Egg Mimosa with tuna mayonnaise. Sweeten your palate with the coconut chia seed pudding, and revel in the healthful and flavourful Greek-style quinoa salad. Each bite is a celebration of diverse and well-crafted flavours, adding a layer of sophistication to your dining experience.

Witness culinary artistry firsthand as chefs man a dedicated station crafting the exquisite Saffron Risotto in a Parmesan Cheese Wheel. The creamy and velvety saffron-infused risotto, cooked to perfection, takes on a luxurious quality. As the risotto is prepared within the Parmesan Cheese wheel, it absorbs the essence of the aged Parmesan, resulting in a flavourful and indulgent experience.

Additionally, savour the flavours of the Signature Intercontinental Laksa Noodle, which offers a burst of rich and aromatic flavours. The robust and spicy laksa broth, harmoniously blended with coconut milk, creates a luscious base for the dish.

The Christmas roasts at LUCE by Davide Giacomelli feature a trio of delectable options: Australian Angus Beef, Traditional Roasted U.S. Turkey, and Slow Charred Lamb Shoulder with mustard and rosemary. The Australian Angus Beef stands out for its superb tenderness and rich flavour. The meat is complemented by a red wine jus that adds depth and enhances the overall savoury experience.

Indulge in the wood-fired pizza offerings at LUCE by Davide Giacomelli, featuring enticing options like Pinsa Margherita, Amatriciana Pinsa, Cotto e Funghi, and Formagii e Uva. The Pinsa Margherita showcases the classic combination of fresh tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil. At the same time, the Amatriciana Pinsa may feature flavours reminiscent of the traditional pasta dish with tomato, guanciale, and pecorino romano. Cotto e Funghi combines cooked ham and mushrooms for a savoury delight, and Formagii e Uva presents a blend of cheeses with the sweet addition of grapes. These wood-fired pizzas promise a symphony of flavours, offering a delightful journey for your taste buds.

Choose from a delectable selection of familiar Asian delights, such as the Honey-glazed Pork Char Siew, which features a delightful combination of sweet and savoury flavours. The succulent pork, coated in a glossy honey glaze, offers a perfect balance of tenderness and caramelized richness.

For something more substantial, go for the X.O. Sauce Fried Rice with tiger prawns or Penne All' Arrabiata with homemade tomato sauce and parmesan cheese.

Conclude your dining experience on a sweet note with a delectable array of desserts at the buffet. Indulge in an assortment of delights, including assorted macarons, pralines, exotic coconut cake, Heritage Chestnut Cake, Oreo Cheesecake, Luce-Misu, Crunchy Chocolate Choux Puff, Winter Berries, and Sesame Golden Ball filled with salted egg custard. Savour Christmas treats like Christmas Fruit Spiced Plum Pudding, Christmas Stollen, and Christmas Fruit Cake for a festive touch.

Enhance the sweetness with a visit to the Dark Chocolate fountain, accompanied by tempting condiments such as strawberries, rock melon, marshmallows, dried fruits, pretzels, Oreos, and peanut M&Ms.

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.


LUCE by Davide Giacomelli
InterContinental Singapore
Level 1
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 68251008
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Sun: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Mon-Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Oscar's @ Conrad Centennial Singapore - Weekend Brunch at Oscar's Delights with Fresh Seafood, Succulent Roasts, Artisanal Desserts and Exceptional Live Stations

At Conrad Centennial Hotel, Oscar's offers an exceptional buffet experience that artfully blends local and international flavours. With live-grilled charcoal barbecue, noodle bar, a seafood counter, live waffle station and an enticing array of desserts, the restaurant boasts a diverse array of popular local and international dishes showcased across 15 different food counters.

The buffet experience at Oscar's commences with a captivating seafood on-ice display. The spread features an assortment of delicacies, including flower clams, dry scallops, slipper lobsters, mussels, prawns, and fresh oysters from Australia and Japan.

The Pan-Seared Foie Gras showcases perfectly seared foie gras with a velvety texture. Accompanied by Pink Ginger Mango Puree, Green Papaya, and Passionfruit, it balances sweet and tangy flavours. The Pistachio Crumble adds a delightful crunch, enhanced by the savoury Duck Jus.

For those seeking heartier options, indulge in the Kimchi Egg Fried Rice or the Wok-tossed Egg Noodles with Truffle Mushroom Sauce. In addition, be delight in the bold flavours of Kung Po Prawns and the rich tenderness of Beef Rendang. For a taste of Indonesian culinary heritage, the Indonesian Kapitan Chicken Curry promises a journey of authentic and aromatic spices.

Savour the iconic flavours of Chilli Crab with Crispy Fried Mantou, a dish that encapsulates the heart of Singaporean culinary heritage. The star of the show is the luscious Chilli Crab, boasting tender crab meat enveloped in a rich and savoury sauce that is both spicy and indulgent. The experience is elevated by the accompaniment of Crispy Fried Mantou, a brilliant contrast to the crab's saucy goodness. The mantou's golden exterior yields a soft, fluffy interior, providing the perfect vessel to scoop up every bit of the delightful sauce. The combination of textures, from the succulent crab to the crispy mantou, adds an exciting dimension to each bite.

Immerse yourself in a culinary adventure at Oscar's Signature Noodle Bar, a coveted station within the buffet that celebrates the essence of local flavours. Among the highlights is the Signature Seafood Laksa, a beloved classic that combines coconut milk's creaminess with aromatic spices' boldness. This robust dish features succulent prawns, tender fish cakes, and bean sprouts, all immersed in a luscious laksa broth that's both fragrant and satisfying.

The Prawn Noodles Soup features plump prawns in a flavourful broth, accompanied by springy noodles and an assortment of tantalising condiments that enhance the overall experience. Other options at the noodle bar include the fish noodles soup and wonton mee.

Not to be missed is the Charcoal Barbeque station, where a tempting array of grilled delights awaits. Indulge in a symphony of flavours as you savour signature offerings like the succulent Sambal Lobster, a harmonious blend of spicy and savoury notes that elevate the natural sweetness of the lobster meat. To taste the grill's artistry, the Moo Ping Pork Skewers present a smoky, tender bite beautifully complemented by their savoury marinade. The Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce is a timeless favourite, featuring perfectly grilled skewers served with a rich and aromatic peanut sauce that will delight the senses.

Indulge in a delightful dessert experience at the live waffles station, where warm waffles are paired with an array of ice cream flavours. The Chocolate Fondue adds interactive fun, allowing you to dip various condiments into rich molten chocolate.

The dessert journey continues with options like the Lava Cheese Tart, Creme Brulee, Hojicha Cake with Light Coffee Cream, and traditional treats like Bread and Pudding. Assorted Pralines provide the perfect finale to this sweet symphony.

Oscar's buffet at Conrad Centennial Hotel offers a diverse and captivating culinary experience. It presents a harmonious fusion of tradition and innovation, providing a refined presentation of Singapore's culinary heritage. Whether you're seeking local favourites or international classics, the buffet, with its carefully curated stations and diverse dishes, is a treasure trove of gastronomic treasures that promise to delight and captivate.

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.


Oscar's
Conrad Centennial Hotel Singapore
2 Temasek Boulevard
Singapore 038982
Tel: +65 64327481
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Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 6am - 1030pm

Breakfast Weekdays: 6am - 1030am
Breakfast Weekends & PH: 6am - 11am
Lunch Weekdays: 12pm - 230pm
Bruch Weekends: 1230pm - 330pm
A La Carte: 230pm - 6pm
Dinner: 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit B. Continue walking along Temasek Avenue to destination Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

The Kongsee @ Genmill Lane - Mod-Sin Izakaya Conceptualised by Chef Willin Low

The Kongsee on Genmill Lane is conceptualised as a mod-sin izakaya with the vibe of an underground lounge, with Chef Willin Low as the food consultant.

Barramundi Ceviche 3.5/5

Barramundi Ceviche ($22) is a dish that was conceived against the backdrop of our local food history and culture. The Barramundi is locally sourced, treated and presented as a Latin American dish with a Southeast Asia flair. It is accompanied by some cold and warm elements for flavour and textural contrast - Pickle Onions, Fried capers, Fried Diced Eggplant, Savoury Ice Cream and mini Papadams, which serve as a vessel to bring it all together. While the concept was good, the flavours of the various elements didn't quite come together.

Kongsee Crab Cake 4/5

As our fondness for Thai food has also shaped our local food scene, the menu also offers a few Thai-inspired dishes, such as the Kongsee Crab Cake ($28), made with Wild Caught Crab in Tom Kha Kai. The flavour of the Crab Cake was reminiscent of the Thai Fish Cake, which was in harmony with the coconut soup. The soup, delectably infused with lemongrass and aromatic kaffir lime oil, added to the cohesiveness of the dish.

Iberico Satay 4.8/5

Salted Egg Prawn 4.2/5

We tried 2 of the Skewers (minimum 2 skewers) that spotlight the quality of the respective ingredients - Iberico Satay ($8) and Salted Egg Prawn ($7). The iberico secreto was grilled to perfection over binchotan, rendering its fats and attaining the right amount of char on the exterior, which fully developed the iberico's tantalising flavours. The accompanying Javanese Peanut Sauce and Pineapple Salsa showcase the restaurant's attention to detail in bringing you the dish's essence. The latter was well executed too. I could taste the Tiger Prawn's sweetness enhanced by the contrasting Salted Egg sauce. It also had a delectable firm, and meaty texture.

Ngoh Hiong Dumplings 3.5/5

Ngoh Hiong Dumplings ($8) is a rendition of our traditional Ngoh Hiong, made with a Crab and Pork mixture wrapped with Bean Curd Skin and finished with a dash of Vinegar. While the mixture was considerably juicy and the flavour was good, it lacked the crunch and sweetness in the absence of prawns and water chestnut.

Roxy Crab Laksa 4/5

Roxy Crab Laksa ($12) is a highly anticipated dish cooked with Chef Willin's Secret Recipe Laksa Broth. The broth undoubtedly captivated me with its robustness. It was pleasantly spicy with a well-balanced of flavours. Though switching prawns with Wild wild-caught crab elevates the finesse of the dish, the comfort and satisfaction of a laksa are missing.

Lamb Kut Teh 4.8/5

Lamb Kut Teh ($32) is by far the best Lamb dish I had in a long time. Whether or not you are a lamb lover, you should give it a try. The soup carried a good amount of heat lent from White Peppercorn, permeated with just a faint gaminess from the lamb. The Lamb Denver Ribs had been grilled over binchotan before serving, which elevated its succulent texture with a contrasting, slightly charred exterior. The smoky nuance inherited by ribs from the binchotan had also made them even more moreish.

Churro Waffle with Kaya Ice-Cream 4.5/5

Rounding off our mod-sin journey was a memorable Churro Waffle with Kaya Ice Cream ($12). Given that the churro was skinner than usual and bore more ridges, it had an excellent balance of crispy golden crust and a chewy, dense, but airy interior. The Homemade Kaya Ice Cream that was nestled perfectly on the churros was on point with our familiar taste of kaya and the right amount of sweetness. The Coconut Cream salted with Shio Kombu enriched the mouthfeel of the dessert and counterbalanced its overall sweetness.

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.


[CLOSED]
The Kongsee
10 & 12 Gemmill Lane
Singapore 069252
Tel: +65 8828 7664
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Chinatown (DT, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Wed: 530pm - 1030pm
Thu: 1130am - 3pm, 5pm - 1030pm
Fri-Sat: 1130am - 3pm, 5pm till late
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk down Cross Street towards Amoy Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street and then right onto Gemmill Lane. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight down Pagoda Street. Cross the road and walk to Mohd Ali Lane. Walk to the end of Mohd Ali Lane to Club Street. Turn left onto Club Street. Walk to Gemmill Lane. Turn right onto Gemmill Lane. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]