Pulsii French Bistro @ Tras Street - $19.80 Steak Frites Lunch Special

Nuzzled among the heritage shophouses of Tras Street, Pulsii French Bistro is a chic yet unpretentious dining spot that brings a touch of Parisian bistro charm to the edge of the CBD. Helmed by Chef Daisuke Yoshikawa, whose culinary experience includes time in Michelin-starred Japanese kitchens, the restaurant presents a menu that marries classic French techniques with Japanese ingredients and a distinctly modern approach.

The menu ranges from approachable small plates to more substantial mains, with dishes showcasing Chef Daisuke’s precision and affinity for open-fire cooking. For the weekday crowd, Pulsii also offers a 2-course set lunch at $20 or $35, making it an attractive option for a leisurely yet reasonably priced meal.

One of the biggest draws, however, is the Steak Frites Lunch Special at just $19.80++. Available from Monday to Saturday, only 20 portions are offered each day, so early arrival is recommended.

Bread and Yuzu Cheese Spread 3.5/5

We started with some Bread and Yuzu Cheese Spread, a simple yet pleasant bite to ease into the meal. The bread provides a soft, comforting base while the yuzu-infused cheese spread adds a gentle citrusy brightness, giving the otherwise creamy spread a refreshing lift.

Shima Aji Carpaccio 4.5/5

The Shima Aji Carpaccio ($24) makes a light, refreshing starter. Thick slices of Japanese Shima Aji are served with ponzu and mustard vinaigrette, pairing the fish’s naturally clean, subtly sweet flavour with pleasant acidity. The Shima Aji has a firm yet delicate texture, while shaved fennel stem and microcress add freshness and a slight crunch. The mix of Japanese ingredients with French-style presentation gives the dish a refined yet uncomplicated character, keeping the quality of the fish as the focus.

French Onion Gratin Soup 4.2/5

A comforting classic, the French Onion Gratin Soup ($16) is built around onions slowly cooked down until deeply caramelised, sweet, and jammy. The resulting broth is rich and intensely savoury, with the natural sweetness of the onions shining through. Topped with toasted bread and a generous layer of melted cheese, the soup delivers plenty of textural contrast — from the bubbling, gooey cheese to the bread that soaks up the deeply flavoured broth. It is hearty without being overly complicated, and certainly one for those who enjoy the comforting flavours of traditional French bistro cooking.

Lamb Skewer 4/5

The Lamb Skewer ($20) takes a more rustic direction, with the lamb cooked directly over an open woodfire flame. The high heat creates a nicely charred exterior while helping to retain the meat’s natural juices. The smoky notes from the woodfire add depth, giving the lamb a robust grilled character without overwhelming its natural flavour. Served with Japanese egg yolk, the yolk’s richness provides a creamy accompaniment to the smoky lamb, making this a satisfying small plate to share.

Japanese Kinmedai 4.2/5

For the mains, the Japanese Kinmedai ($58) showcases Chef Daisuke’s Japanese-French approach particularly well. Kinmedai, a prized deep-sea Japanese fish, is known for its rich, fatty flesh and delicate texture. Here, the fish is cooked over an open woodfire, allowing the skin to develop a beautifully charred exterior while keeping the flesh tender and moist. It is served with savoy cabbage tapenade and a dry vermouth cream sauce, which brings a combination of earthy, vegetal and creamy flavours to the plate. The smoky char from the fire complements the fish’s richness, while the sauce adds another layer of savouriness without masking the Kinmedai’s delicate character.

Steak Frites 4.2/5

Pulsii’s standout value proposition is its Steak Frites Lunch Special at $19.80++. Available Monday to Saturday at lunch, the special includes a 250g steak, crispy fries, and a seasonal green salad with Pulsii’s signature dressing. Only 20 portions are available each day, first come, first served, until sold out.

For the price, the portion is particularly generous. The steak is cooked over an open flame, leaving a nicely seared, charred exterior while keeping the centre tender and juicy. The open-fire cooking also lends the meat a subtle smokiness that works particularly well with the classic bistro-style preparation. The accompanying shoestring fries are crisp and golden, providing the essential crunchy counterpart to the juicy steak. A fresh seasonal salad rounds things off, adding some acidity and freshness to cut through the richness of the meat and fries.

Mille-Feuille with Vanilla Ice Cream 4.2/5

To end, the Mille-Feuille with Vanilla Ice Cream ($15) offers a classic French dessert with a satisfying play on textures. The puff pastry is baked until crisp, buttery and caramelised, creating delicate layers that shatter with each bite. Sandwiched between the pastry are smooth, creamy layers that contrast beautifully with the pastry’s crispness. Served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, the dessert gains another dimension as the cold, creamy ice cream slowly melts into the warm pastry. The combination of buttery pastry, creamy filling, and vanilla makes for a comforting, indulgent finish without feeling excessively heavy.

For those working around the CBD, the $20 or $35 2-course set lunches make Pulsii worth considering for a weekday meal. At the same time, the $19.80++ Steak Frites is particularly hard to overlook for its generous 250g portion and limited daily offering.

With its stylish setting, approachable pricing and a menu that blends French and Japanese influences, Pulsii French Bistro offers a refreshing dining option along Tras Street — whether you’re dropping by for a quick business lunch or settling in for a more leisurely meal.

Note: This is an invited tasting.



Pulsii French Bistro
55 Tras Street
Singapore 078944
Tel: +65 96898407
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 2:15pm, 6pm - 11pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Tras Street. Turn right onto Tras Street. Walk down Tras Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 2. Turn left and walk down Tanjong Pagar Road. Turn left onto Tras Street. Walk down Tras Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

CUDO @ Stanley Street - Vibrant Latin Flavours Take Centre Stage at Cudo’s New Saturday Brunch

Tucked along Stanley Street, Cudo brings a fiery, free-spirited energy to the weekend dining scene with its newly launched Saturday brunch. Drawing inspiration from modern Latin cuisine, the menu leans into bold flavours and vibrant combinations, while keeping things approachable with brunch-friendly plates and shareable dishes designed for leisurely grazing.

Sundried Tomato and Artichoke Dip 4/5

We began with the Sundried Tomato and Artichoke Dip ($15), a comforting yet flavour-packed starter. The dip blends sundried tomatoes with cream cheese and sour cream, further enriched with aromatic basil oil. Topped with chopped green olives, artichokes and a drizzle of chipotle oil, each scoop delivers a tangy, smoky depth. The accompanying fried tortilla chips are crisp and sturdy, making them perfect vessels to mop up every bit of the creamy dip.

Chilli Scramble 4.2/5

The Chilli Scramble ($17) offers a Latin twist on a brunch staple. The softly scrambled eggs are laced with chilli tomatillo salsa, giving the dish a gentle heat and a slightly tangy lift. Finished with feta and sour cream, it strikes a balance between richness and brightness. Paired again with fried tortilla chips, it becomes a hearty, satisfying plate that works equally well as a light main course.

Torched Truffadito 4.2/5

One of the highlights is the Torched Truffadito ($27). Featuring thick slices of yellowtail, the dish showcases the fish’s freshness and clean sweetness. The interplay of shoyu, ancho chilli and truffle-infused tiger’s milk adds layers of umami and citrusy brightness, while pickled radish introduces a refreshing crunch. The torching lends a subtle smokiness, rounding out a vibrant and well-composed dish.

Cauliflower 4.2/5

Vegetable dishes are far from an afterthought here. The Cauliflower ($16) impresses with its bold seasoning and textural contrast. Baked with house pesto, the florets retain a pleasant bite before being paired with a creamy Aji Amarillo-based sauce — a hallmark of Peruvian cuisine. Enhanced with shallots, garlic, jalapeño, turmeric and lime juice, the sauce is both zesty and indulgent. Finished with Cotija cheese and torched until lightly caramelised, the dish is further lifted by a side of fresh pico de gallo and parsley, adding brightness to each mouthful.

Lobster Enchiladas 4.5/5

For something more indulgent, the Lobster Enchiladas ($38) delivers on both flavour and richness. Generous chunks of Boston lobster are folded into a luscious mixture of shallots, garlic, pickled jalapeño, cream, caper juice and a blend of cheddar and smoked cheeses. Wrapped in a flour tortilla and baked, the enchiladas are served with a deeply flavourful lobster bisque enriched with kani miso, with a hint of lime to cut through the richness. The addition of salsa, crema, chipotle oil and herb oil provides layers of flavour, allowing diners to customise each bite.

Lamb Pastor 4.2/5

The Lamb Pastor ($28) showcases robust, slow-cooked flavours. The lamb shoulder is braised for six hours in an adobo chilli paste with cumin and coriander, resulting in tender, flavourful meat that pulls apart easily. Served on a corn tortilla, it is layered with smashed avocado, pineapple pico de gallo and Salsa Rosada, then finished with pickled onions. The combination of smoky, savoury lamb with sweet pineapple and creamy elements creates a well-balanced and satisfying taco.

Coconut Tres Leches 4.2/5

To end on a sweet note, the Coconut Tres Leches ($14) is a light yet indulgent dessert. The airy sponge is soaked in a mixture of coconut milk, condensed milk and cream, then lightly sprayed with white rum for added depth. Topped with thick coconut cream, toasted coconut flakes and berry compote, it offers a tropical finish that is both fragrant and refreshing.

Caramel and Date Pastel 4.2/5

The Caramel and Date Pastel ($15) leans towards a richer profile. The moist date and chocolate sponge is layered with luscious caramel sauce and complemented by a brown butter crumble. A scoop of coffee ice cream adds a bittersweet contrast, balancing the dessert’s sweetness while enhancing its depth.

Cudo’s Saturday brunch is a lively expression of modern Latin flavours, weaving together bold spices, bright acidity and comforting textures. With its mix of vibrant small plates and hearty mains, it offers a refreshing alternative to the usual brunch fare in the city.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


CUDO
13 Stanley Street
Singapore 068732
Tel: +65 8221 6330
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 1130am - 1030pm
Fri-Sat: 1130am - 1130pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk to Telok Ayer Street. Turn left onto Telok Ayer Street, walk to Boon Tat Street. Turn left onto Boon Tat Street. Turn right onto Stanley Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Turn left onto Telok Ayer Street. Walk to McCallum Street. Turn right onto McCallum Street. Turn left onto Stanley Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Quan Hotpot @ Hotel Michael - A Refined Five Elements Hotpot Experience

Located at Resorts World Sentosa, Quan Hotpot is a contemporary dining concept that offers a refined take on the traditional hotpot experience. Situated within Hotel Michael (Level 1), the restaurant emphasises balanced flavours and sustainable, locally sourced ingredients, guided by the Chinese philosophy of the Five Elements — sour, sweet, bitter, spicy, and salty.

Departing from the communal pot format, Quan Hotpot serves its broths individually, allowing diners to tailor their experience from the outset. The selection is diverse, ranging from the rich Signature Singapore Laksa Broth to the comforting Traditional Congee Broth and Collagen Herbal Chicken Broth. Those who prefer bolder flavours can opt for the Classic Sichuan Mala Broth, while the Heritage Suan Cai Broth offers a tangy, fermented profile.

I went with the Heritage Suan Cai Broth, which delivered a well-balanced tanginess that was both appetising and comforting. The acidity of the preserved mustard greens was gentle yet distinct, lifting the flavours of the accompanying ingredients without overpowering them. It proved to be a versatile base that grew more flavourful as the meal progressed.

Once the broth is selected, the experience becomes interactive with a selection of condiments presented tableside. Diners can mix their own dipping sauces to suit their preferences, adding another layer of personalisation to the meal.

The Signature 4 Element Hotpot Set Menu ($68 per person) offers a comprehensive spread, covering premium meats, seafood, vegetables, housemade items, noodles, and dessert. It is a well-curated selection that balances variety and quality.

The Premium Meat Selection includes Organic Australian Pork Belly, US “CAB” Beef Short Plates, Kampong Chicken Thigh, and Sliced Salt Grass-Fed Australian Lamb Shoulder. Each was thinly sliced for quick cooking, with the beef short plate standing out for its tenderness and marbling, while the pork belly offered a satisfying balance of fat and lean.

The Premium Fresh Seafood Selection features Live Tiger Prawns, Hokkaido Scallops, Fish Slices, and Live Korean Abalone. The prawns were firm and naturally sweet, while the scallops were plump and delicate. The abalone added a touch of indulgence, with a tender bite and subtle briny sweetness.

The Vegetable Selection was equally satisfying, comprising Bok Choy, Napa Cabbage, Spinach, King Oyster and Shiitake Mushrooms, along with Beancurd Roll, Silken Tofu, Potato, and Sweet Corn. Fresh and vibrant, the assortment provided a good balance to the meal’s richer components.

A highlight in both presentation and texture is the 5 Elements Fish Noodles, served in striking hues of orange, purple, yellow, black, and green. Beyond their visual appeal, the noodles offered a delightful chew and springy bite, making them a fun addition to the hotpot.

The dessert was less impressive. The Flamed Meringue Ice Cream arrived with a theatrical flourish but leaned overly sweet, overshadowing the ice cream beneath. The Fresh Fruit platter provided a lighter finish, though the fruits lacked the sweetness expected to round off the meal on a stronger note.

Overall, Quan Hotpot delivers a polished and thoughtfully executed hotpot experience. Its focus on individual broths, quality ingredients, and a balanced flavour philosophy sets it apart, making it a compelling option for those seeking a more refined take on this comforting dining tradition.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Quan Hotpot
Hotel Michael
Level 1
8 Sentosa Gateway
Singapore 098269
Tel: +65 6577 6665
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 5pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit C or E. Walk to Vivocity Level 3 to Vivocity Monorail Station. Take the Monorail to Sentosa. Alight at Resorts World Station. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 15 minutes. [Map]

LINO @ Binjai Park - Indulge in New Weekend Brunch with Free Flow Starters, Pizzas, Pastas and Desserts

Casual Italian restaurant LINO has launched its new Weekend Brunch at its Binjai Park outlet.

Weekend Brunch 3/5

Priced at $68 per pax, the brunch includes free-flow starters, pasta, pizza, and desserts, along with a choice of one main per diner. It also comes with coffee or tea, or you can opt for free-flowing prosecco with a $38 top-up per pax. Available every Saturday and Sunday for lunch only, excluding the eve of and actual public holidays, as well as festive periods.

Canadian Oysters

There are five starters in total. We began with fresh, briny Canadian Oysters, topped with a refreshing blood orange granita. This is limited to six pieces per person, with additional orders available at $10 for three.

LINO’s Egg Benedict

Next, the LINO’s Egg Benedict arrived, featuring a base of housemade fried dough, smoked bacon, a poached egg and hollandaise, alongside arugula with grated parmesan. We enjoyed the warm, crunchy dough and the savoury combination of flavours.

Smoked Salmon

The Smoked Salmon came with herb ricotta on crisp sourdough toast, topped with slices of hard-boiled egg. It was simple yet satisfying.

Gnocco Fritto

Each serving of Gnocco Fritto came as a pair of crisp pillows filled with parmesan cream and topped with a slice of prosciutto.

Italian Chopped Salad

For a lighter option, the Italian Chopped Salad offers a crunchy mix of romaine lettuce, Japanese cucumber, salami and more, dressed in a slightly creamy house dressing.

Vannamei Prawns Spaghetti

The pastas fell short for us. While the Vannamei Prawns Spaghetti featured fresh, sweet prawns, the tomato-based sauce leaned too sweet and acidic for our preference.

Vongole Linguine

The Vongole Linguine fared slightly better, though we wished the natural briny sweetness of the clams were more pronounced.

Lamb Spare Rib

Each diner gets to choose one main. We went with the Lamb Spare Rib, featuring a rack of slow-cooked Australian lamb served with sweet peas and potato cubes in a honey mustard sauce. The meat was tender, though much fattier than we would have liked. Other mains include Red Snapper, Pork Sausage and the popular Angus Beef Striploin.

Pancetta

For pizza, the Pancetta is a nice pick if you enjoy pesto. It features a basil pesto base topped with potatoes, Swiss smoked farmer bacon, mozzarella, Parmigiano Reggiano and an oozy egg. The crust is thin with a slight chew. Other options include Salame Picante, Margherita and Mixed Mushrooms.

Panna Cotta

For desserts, we tried one of each option. The Panna Cotta was smooth and jiggly, topped with honey, raspberry coulis and walnuts.

Cheesecake

The Cheesecake came with hazelnut crumble and raspberry coulis on the side.

Lemon Sorbet

Lastly, there is a selection of gelato and sorbetto in flavours such as vanilla, chocolate, strawberry and lemon. We opted for the tangy Lemon Sorbet, which made for a refreshing end to the meal.

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.


LINO
7 Binjai Park
Singapore 589821
Tel: +65 9738 0891
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: King Albert Park (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 2.15pm, 5.30pm - 9.30pm

Direction:
1) Alight at King Albert Park MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk down Dunearn Road to Binjai Park Road. Turn left onto Binjau Park Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 6 minutes. [Map]