Puzzle Coffee @ Dempsey Hill - Cafe from Melbourne Opens Flagship Outlet With An All-Day Menu

Puzzle Coffee at Dempsey Hill, the brand's flagship and second outlet in Singapore, introduces a new all-day menu showcasing a mix of local and international flavours.

Reuben Toastie 4/5

One of the standout dishes is the Reuben Toastie ($20), a substantial sandwich filled with house-prepared beef brisket, tangy sauerkraut, and rich Gruyère cheese, all held together with light rye sourdough. The spread of Dijon mustard adds a great balance to the richness, though some pieces of the beef were overly chewy, which detracted from the overall enjoyment.

Chia Seed Pudding 2.5/5

The Chia Seed Pudding ($17) impressed me with its presentation, reminiscent of what I have had in Melbourne. The pudding is made by infusing almond milk with chai tea leaves and blended with chia seeds and pitted dates. However, the almond milk, being quite thin, didn't allow the chia seeds to bloom into the desired pudding texture. There wasn't much taste or flavour coming through from the pudding other than a hint of sweetness. It would have benefited from a richer base, like coconut cream or yoghurt, to have a better pudding texture and a taste that complements the tropical dragonfruit sorbet and fresh fruit topping.

Buttermilk Pancakes 4.2/5

The Buttermilk Pancakes ($25) were well-executed, with a nicely brown exterior and fluffy interior. The layer of creamy and citrusy cheesecake mousse and whipped cream atop was a boast to the texture, made moreish with sweet and tart mixed berry compote spread between the pancakes.

Chilli Scramble Eggs 4.5/5

Amongst the various versions of Chilli Scramble Eggs I had tried this year, this Chilli Scrambled Eggs ($26) stood out with its in-house chilli jam spread. Gorgeously yellow scrambled eggs on grilled sourdough, the jam, crafted from fresh tomatoes, chilli peppers, and spices, provided a fruity and sweet contrast. The sprinkle of crumbled goat cheese added a creamy and savoury element, but the diced jalapeños were a bit too assertive for the dish.

Prawn Linguine 4.5/5

The Prawn Linguine ($30) was delicious, with perfectly cooked, succulent prawns that had an almost creamy texture. The al dente pasta was tossed in a sauce made from slow-cooked capers, chilli, dill, and cherry tomatoes, with a touch of white wine and butter to finish.

Thai Mango Salad 3.5/5

The Thai Mango Salad ($24), a milder version of the classic som tam, was tasty but lacked the punch one might expect, and at this price point, there are wiser options on the menu.

Brown Sugar Boba Cake 2/5, Matcha Lava Cake 2/5, Cold-Drip Tiramisu 4/5

For desserts, we tried the Brown Sugar Boba Cake ($21), Matcha Lava Cake ($22), and Cold-Drip Tiramisu ($21), and they were rather mediocre compared to the mains. The boba pearls for the cake were tough, and the matcha lava cake, while texturally good, was overwhelmingly sweet with occasional chocolatey notes. The tiramisu, with its layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers, Kahlua, and Marsala wine, was the best of the trio, offering a good balance of bitterness and sweetness. Still, you might be better off opting for pancakes or pastries for desserts at these prices.

Strawberry Matcha

As for beverages, beyond their coffee offerings, the Strawberry Matcha (from $6.50) is worth trying if you're in the mood for something different.

To celebrate its opening, Puzzle Coffee at Dempsey Hill offers two promotions from 30 September to 13 October 2024.
1. Buy one-get-one free for all coffee and iced drinks
2. 10% off all food items

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.


Puzzle Coffee
Dempsey Hill
71 Loewen Road
#01-02
Singapore 248846
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Nearest MRT: Napier (TE Line)

Operating Hours:
Daily: 8am - 6pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Napier MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk to bus stop at Napier MRT station (Stop ID 13011). Take bus numbe 7, 75, 77, 105, 106, 123, and 174. Alight 2 stops later. Walk up the hill to block 26, and make your way to Harding Road. Continue on Harding Road and turn right onto Loewen Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

True Cost @ Suntec City - Rooftop Restaurant and Bar Overlooking Suntec City Offering Asian and Modern European Flavours

True Cost in Suntec City's Sky Garden prides itself on offering diners food and alcohol at low markups. The menu primarily features Asian and Modern European flavours, complemented by an extensive beverage list, which includes house-made cocktails, mocktails, wines, spirits, and beers.

The rooftop restaurant and bar provide a scenic overlook of Suntec City, with gorgeous natural sunlight pouring in during the day.

For a complimentary entry, visiting between 3pm to 5pm on weekdays and 9pm to 10pm daily is best. Outside these times, a moderate entrance fee of $5 per person for lunch between 12pm and 3pm and $10 per person for dinner between 5pm and 9pm. However, there's a 50% discount on the fees daily from 5pm if you opt for bar seating.

Watermelon Ceviche 3.8/5

We began with the refreshing Watermelon Ceviche ($9). The combination of tomatoes, feta cheese, pecans, olive oil, and watermelon created a delightful mix of textures and flavours. The fragrant and crunchy pecans were a standout.

Octopus Carpaccio 2.8/5

Next, we tried the Octopus Carpaccio ($15.95), which was unfortunately less impressive. The sliced octopus, tossed in a bright orange dressing with tahini, sundried tomatoes, and za'atar, was too chewy and tough. At its price point, it felt slightly overpriced.

BBQ Pork Ribs 4/5

True Cost's BBQ Pork Ribs ($18.50) appeared to be a popular choice among diners. Served alongside grilled corn and kimchi cucumbers, the fall-off-the-bone ribs had a pleasant hint of smokiness. Although the slightly spiced corn was a touch dry, the overall dish was satisfying.

Crab Linguini 4/5

For our second main dish, we had the Crab Linguine ($22). The al dente linguine was tossed in a rich, savoury, buttery bisque sauce with ample crab meat.

Baklava Sundae 4.2/5

Dessert was the Greek-inspired Baklava Sundae ($11), which was made with a base of sunflower seed mousse, pistachio ice cream, and cherry syrup drizzled over. We broke into the thin, super flaky pastry and were pleasantly surprised by the balanced sweetness. The layered textures - from the crushed nuts and crisp pastry to the nutty sunflower seed mousse and tangy cherry syrup, were delightful. While a richer pistachio ice cream would have been preferred, it worked good as a sharing dessert to end the meal.

Reservations to the restaurant can be made at their official website, https://www.truecostsingapore.com/.

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.


True Cost
Suntec City
SkyGarden
#03-302/303
3 Temasek Boulevard
Tel: +65 88940615
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Nearest MRT: Esplanade (CC Line), Promenade (CC, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 10.30pm

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

2) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Stella Seaside Lounge @ NSRCC Sea Sports Centre - Chill Beach Retreat with Sea Breeze, Cocktails and Grilled Platters

Entering Stella Seaside Lounge feels like a tropical escape reminiscent of Bali. The restaurant offers unobstructed views of the beautiful sea, complemented by swaying coconut trees and the soft glow of dim light bulbs. This laid-back eatery is located at Changi Coastal Walk and provides a welcome respite from the city's hustle and bustle.

With its coastal vantage point, Stella Seaside Lounge invites patrons to enjoy a serene atmosphere while indulging in burgers, grills, and cocktails. The outdoor seating and glimpses of the sea create a beachside retreat, making it the perfect place to relax and relish a delightful meal.

Beautiful To Sea 4.2/5, Dirty Little Pina Colada 4.2/5, Seaside Sangria 4/5

To kick off our dining experience, we indulged in some expertly crafted cocktails while savouring the gorgeous sea view. The "Beautiful To Sea" cocktail ($21/glass) combines vodka, kyoho grape liqueur, lemon juice, sugar, and lychee, creating a refreshing and fruity concoction. For those seeking a tropical twist, the "Dirty Little Pina Colada" ($23/glass) presents a delightful mix of dark rum, honey pineapple juice, vanilla sugar, and coconut cream. Lastly, the "Seaside Sangria" ($16/glass) is a vibrant ensemble of white wine, rum, peach liqueur, orange juice, green apple, and strawberries, promising a perfect harmony of flavours to complement the seaside ambience.

Seasonal Live Oysters 3.8/5

We tried their Seasonal Live Oysters, available in a set of six units, with each oyster expertly shucked upon ordering. The selection of oysters varies daily, ensuring a fresh and dynamic assortment for patrons.

Lemongrass Wings 4/5

We tried the Lemongrass Wings ($16/6pcs), a tempting offering of six deep-fried chicken wings marinated with lemongrass. The infusion of lemongrass imparts a fragrant and citrusy note to the wings, creating a unique and aromatic experience. To elevate the taste, these delectable wings are served with a homemade spicy dip, adding an extra kick to every bite.

Butter Garlic Prawns 4/5

A recommended starter was the Butter Garlic Prawns ($22), which features head-on prawns cooked to perfection in a flavourful garlic and butter broth. Served alongside crispy sourdough toast, this dish promises a harmonious blend of succulent prawns and the rich, aromatic essence of garlic and butter.

Grilled Pork Skewers 4.2/5

Our favourite is the Grilled Pork Skewers ($16/6pcs), which features marinated pork skewers and a delectable homemade spicy dip. The succulent pork, grilled to perfection, is complemented by the tantalising heat and zest of the spicy dip.

Seasonal Squid 4.2/5

Elevate your dining experience with the must-try Seasonal Squid ($22). The squid is expertly pan-seared to perfection, showcasing its seasonal freshness. Served with a homemade spicy dip to add an extra layer of flavour to the dish.

Seafood Linguine 3.8/5

We tried the Seafood Linguine ($18), a delectable pasta dish with a rich and cheesy base and a medley of succulent prawns, clams, and squid. Topped with crispy herbed bread crumbs, the linguine was perfectly cooked to al dente, adding a satisfying texture to the overall dish.

Smashed Beef Burger 4.2/5

The Smashed Beef Burger ($24) features double smashed beef patties, complemented by homemade sauce, onions, and cheddar cheese. This flavourful ensemble is served alongside a generous portion of fries.

Beer Battered Fish on Chips 3.5/5

The Beer Battered Fish on Chips ($18) offers a delightful combination of tangy beer-battered Humpty Doo barramundi slices served with a side of crispy fries and mayo, creating a delicious and satisfying dish.

Fisherman’s Tray 4.5/5

The Fisherman’s Tray ($170), available exclusively from Friday to Sunday, is a delightful sharing platter that features a whole lobster, seasonal live whole fish, and clams bathed in a flavorful cajun sauce. This sumptuous seafood ensemble is complemented by a selection of assorted vegetables, making it a perfect choice for those who appreciate a variety of ocean-fresh delights.

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.


Stella Seaside Lounge
NSRCC Sea Sports Centre
11 Changi Coast Walk
Singapore 499740
Tel: +65 6214 9168
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Nearest MRT: Tanah Merah (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 4pm -10pm
Sat-Sun, PH: 12pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanah Merah MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Tanah Merah MRT station (Stop ID 85091). Take bus number 35. Alight 6 stops later at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal. Walk to Tanah Merah Coast Road. Turn left and walk down Tanah Merah Coast Road. Turn right onto Changi Coast Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 45 minutes. [Map]

Brasserie Astoria @ Victoria Theater & Concert Hall - Bringing a Touch of Sweden's Grand Dining Halls to Singapore

Brasserie Astoria, nestled within the iconic Victoria Theater & Concert Hall, brings a touch of Sweden's grand dining halls to Singapore. Here, Chef Frantzén adds his unique twist to classic brasserie dishes, all served with flair, from tableside service to flambé trolleys.

Spanish Ham 4.2/5

The Spanish Ham ($21) heralded the beginning of our dining experience, pairing the full-flavoured Spanish ham with fragrant Charentais melon from Philibon. Pine nuts and espelette pepper added a delightful crunch and complexity to this classic combination.

Calamares Fritos 4.2/5

Calamares Fritos ($14) arrived next, encased in a light, crispy batter that promised a satisfying textural bite. Served with Galangal aioli, this dish offered a delightful interplay of flavours.

Garlic Bread a la Astoria 4.5/5

The Garlic Bread a la Astoria ($10) was no ordinary garlic bread. Sourdough baguette toasted in browned butter, shiro miso, parmesan, yuzu, roasted garlic, and herbs elevated this simple dish to a complex yet utterly delicious masterpiece.

Crudites 3.5/5

The Crudites ($17) with ranch dressing defied expectations. The vegetables were presented on ice to retain their freshness and were remarkably sweet and delicious — a surprising conversion for any non-vegetarian.

Butter Fried Råraka 4/5

The Butter Fried Råraka ($36), a Swedish classic akin to Swiss Rösti, delighted with its crispy, buttery texture. Best savoured with vendace roe, chives, creme fraiche, and red onion — each element complementing the other.

Toasted Astoria 4.5/5

The Toasted Astoria ($32) showcased a medley of prawns, Norwegian king crab, trout roe, wasabi aioli, and pickled red onion atop butter-fried toast. The seafood symphony harmonized beautifully, creating a delectable masterpiece.

Kebab Pizza 4/5

Kebab Pizza ($35) with duck confit, harissa yoghurt, and pickled jalapeno was a thoughtful combination of flavours that exploded with taste. The fluffy pizza dough provided the perfect canvas.

Whisky Flambeed Beef (Angus) 4.5/5

The Whisky Flambéed Angus Beef ($68) was a tableside spectacle. A perfectly cooked steak, tender and juicy, flambéed to perfection and served with kampot and green pepper sauce. It was a true delight for any beef lover, accompanied by roasted potatoes glazed with Fourme d' Ambert.

Linguine a la Astoria 4.5/5

Linguine a la Astoria ($56) was a revelation, bursting with flavours from melted garlic, parmesan, and fine herbs infused perfectly with the cooked pasta, paired with clams and bafun uni creating a symphony of taste.

The Waffle Ice Cream 4.2/5

The Waffle Ice Cream ($20) sandwiched between pistachio waffles was a delightful dessert. Oolong ice cream, with its tea aroma paired perfectly with raspberry sauce, all served in a heart-shaped waffle that melted hearts with its thoughtfulness and sweetness.

Petite Four

Lastly, the Petite Four Trolley offered an array of sweet, bite-sized confectionery priced at $4 each. My favourites included the Macaron, Kardemumma Bulle, and Canele, providing a sweet conclusion to our dinner experience.

At Brasserie Astoria, classic brasserie fare is elevated to an art form, making every visit a memorable dining experience.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Brasserie Astoria
11 Empress Place 
#01-01
Singapore 179558
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line), Raffles Place (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 1145am - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles MRT station. Take Exit H. Walk towards the riverbank. Cross the bridge and walk to Empress Place road. Walk down Empress Place road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]