Showing posts with label Mandu. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mandu. Show all posts

Friday, May 1, 2026

Labyrinth @ Esplanade Mall - Unveils a Thoughtfully Curated 12th Anniversary Menu Rooted in Produce and Heritage

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Celebrating its 12th anniversary this April 2026, Restaurant Labyrinth continues to push the boundaries of modern Singapore cuisine under the direction of Chef Han Li Guang, alongside Chef de Cuisine Zee Chan and Senior Sous Chef James Ngoi. Building on last year’s “Singapore Cuisine without Borders”, the latest menu refines Chef Han’s minimalist philosophy — an exploration anchored on Produce, Heritage, and Minimalism. Rather than reconstructing or replicating tradition, the kitchen embraces the essence of familiar flavours, distilling them into dishes that are clean, precise, and quietly expressive.

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Sup Tulang, Oxtail Mandu 4.2/5

The journey begins with Sup Tulang, Oxtail Mandu, a refined and thoughtful opener. The dish presents a clear, consommé-style broth that carries surprising depth, drawing inspiration from the robust flavours of sup tulang while incorporating a gentle tang reminiscent of beef sinigang. The acidity lifts the palate, preparing it for the courses ahead. Instead of the traditional bone, a delicate mandu encases slow-braised oxtail, its gelatinous richness balanced by the broth’s lightness. A piece of creamy marrow completes the composition, echoing the indulgence of the original dish in a far more elegant form.

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Prata, Lamb, Raita 4.2/5

Next is Prata, Lamb, Raita, a playful take on the quintessential roti prata. Here, the familiar flatbread is transformed into a crisp, multi-layered pastry tower. Within, tender braised lamb is infused with warm spices, delivering a rich and aromatic bite. A luscious egg yolk crowns the dish, adding a silky element that ties together the crisp pastry and deeply flavoured filling.

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Sawara, Roti Jala 4.5/5

The seafood course, Sawara, Roti Jala, draws inspiration from fish head curry. The use of Japanese sawara introduces a clean, buttery profile, allowing the fish to take centre stage. The curry, laced with tamarind, brings a balanced interplay of acidity and spice that cuts through the natural oiliness of the fish. Paired with soft, lacy roti jala, the dish evokes the comforting ritual of dipping bread into curry, elevated through refined textures and technique.

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Zuwaigani Chilli Crab Pie 4.2/5

A highlight arrives in the form of Zuwaigani Chilli Crab Pie, a clever reinterpretation of Singapore’s iconic chilli crab. Encased in a thin, shatteringly crisp shell, the filling features sweet, delicate snow crab coated in a tangy chilli crab sauce with subtle notes of plum and pickle. By eliminating the need for shell-cracking and reimagining mantou as a light pastry, the dish delivers all the familiar flavours in a neat, indulgent bite.

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Coffee Brioche 4.5/5

The Coffee Brioche follows, offering a warm, comforting interlude. Inspired by local coffee buns, the brioche is airy and buttery, topped with a crackly coffee-infused crust that adds a gentle sweetness and textural contrast. It serves as both a nostalgic nod and a transition into the subsequent courses.

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Shima Aji, Stingless Bee Honey 4.5/5

The menu then shifts to lighter, more delicate expressions with Shima Aji and Stingless Bee Honey. Sliced sashimi-style and arranged like a blossoming flower, the Japanese striped jack is paired with a refreshing watermelon broth. The addition of stingless bee honey introduces floral and citrus notes, creating a natural dressing that enhances the fish’s clean sweetness while maintaining a refined balance.

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Kabu, Pidan Quail Egg 5/5

Following that is the Kabu, Pidan Quail Egg, an elegant interpretation of century egg congee. The creamy base of kabu (turnip) offers a natural sweetness, lifted by subtle acidity from rice vinegar and mirin. The pidan-style quail egg provides a familiar umami depth, while accents of pickled ginger and Sarawak pepper add complexity and gentle spice.

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Spaghettoni, Abalone 5/5

The Spaghettoni, Abalone showcases Chef Han’s mastery in reinterpretation, drawing from mee rebus. Al dente spaghettoni replaces traditional noodles, coated in a velvety, nutty gravy enriched with abalone liver. Thin slices of abalone contribute a delicate oceanic sweetness and a pleasing bite, resulting in a dish that is both comforting and refined.

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Amadai, Inaniwa Somen 5/5

Equally compelling is the Amadai, Inaniwa Somen, inspired by Teochew fish soup. The broth, simmered from fish bones and enriched with a trio of Chinese wines, is deeply flavourful yet remarkably clean. The silky Inaniwa somen provides an elegant texture, while the tender amadai completes a dish that feels both soothing and sophisticated.

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French Poulet, Chicken Rice Donabe 4.2/5

The main course, French Poulet, Chicken Rice Donabe, is a heartfelt tribute to Singapore’s national dish. The chicken is presented in two styles — poached breast and roasted thigh — highlighting both tenderness and depth of flavour. Beneath it lies a bed of Koshihikari and long-grain rice cooked in a donabe, infused with chicken fat, ginger, and pandan. The prized socarrat crust adds a layer of texture, making each bite deeply satisfying.

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Jerusalem Artichoke, Black Truffle 5/5

Dessert begins with Jerusalem Artichoke, Black Truffle, a creative reimagining of orh nee. The use of artichoke instead of yam is surprisingly convincing, delivering a familiar earthy sweetness. Paired with artichoke chips, foam, shallot ice cream, and gingko nuts, the dish balances innovation with nostalgic flavours.

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Kaya ‘Toast’ 4.5/5

The Kaya ‘Toast’ follows, presenting a visually deceptive take on the beloved breakfast staple. What appears to be toast is, in fact, a delicate meringue sandwiching housemade kaya and rich Bordier butter. It captures the essence of kaya toast while showcasing technical finesse.

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Milo Dinosaur 4/5

Finally, the experience concludes with the Milo Dinosaur, a lighter, more refined rendition made with coconut water, offering a nostalgic yet refreshing finish. Petit fours of Kueh Bolu, airy with a subtle banana note, round off the meal on a gentle, comforting note.

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Kueh Bolu 4.5/5

At 12 years on, Restaurant Labyrinth demonstrates a quiet confidence in its craft. This latest menu is not about dramatic reinvention, but a thoughtful distillation of Singapore’s culinary identity — where restraint, technique, and respect for heritage come together in harmonious balance.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Labyrinth
Esplanade Mall
8 Raffles Avenue
#02-23
Singapore 039802
Tel: +65 62234098
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Thu: 630pm - 11pm
Fri-Sun: 12pm - 230pm, 630pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit B or D. Walk to Raffles Avenue. Cross the road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 8 minutes. [Map]

Thursday, October 24, 2024

POCHA! Korean Street Dining @ Compass One - Launches 1-Metre Korean Street Food Platter

1 Metre K Platter

POCHA! Korean Street Dining has always been a go-to spot for those seeking authentic and flavourful Korean street food. This time, they've taken it up a notch with the launch of their 1-Metre Korean Street Food Platter - a feast of eight different items, designed to transport you to the bustling street markets of Korea.

Platter 1
Seafood Pancake and Krispy Chunks 3.5/5

Platter 3
Sindang Tteokbokki 3/5, Eomuk 3/5 and Kimari 3.5/5

Platter 4
Kimchi Mandu, Corn Dog and Rice Balls 2.8/5

The 1-Metre Korean Street Food Platter ($34.90) presents a mix of hits and misses. While the Kimari, Seafood Pancake, and Krispy Chunks stood out with their rich flavours and delightful textures, some items could have been more enjoyable if served hotter. Despite this, the platter remains an excellent option for sharing between 2 to 3 people, offering a satisfying variety of street food favourites.

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Fried Chicken Stir Fry Spicy Shin Ramyeon 3/5

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Cheese & Bacon Stir Fry Spicy Shin Ramyeon 4/5

The Fried Chicken Stir Fry Spicy Shin Ramyeon ($13.90) pairs a crispy chicken cutlet with stir-fried Shin Ramyeon, delivering a satisfying kick of spice. While the heat is spot on, the dish falls short in creativity, tasting more ordinary than expected.

The Cheese & Bacon Stir Fry Spicy Shin Ramyeon ($13.90) stands out with its rich, creamy texture, thanks to the addition of bacon, mushrooms, and cheese. Though the spice level is mild, the flavour profile is incredibly satisfying, making it our favourite.

Sindang-Dong Tteokbokki 1
Sindang-Dong Tteokbokki 4/5

With the added cheese topping, their signature Sindang-Dong Tteokbokki ($11.90) comes highly recommended. The sauce is packed with flavour, and the tteokbokki has just the right amount of chewiness, making it a comforting dish for any Korean street food lover.

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Ganjang-Gejang 3/5

We ventured to try the Ganjang-Gejang ($15.90 per piece, 2 for $26.90, 3 for $33.90), a raw marinated crab dish. The crabs are soaked in a homemade soy sauce, giving them a jelly-like, unique texture. While slightly salty, the dish offers an intriguing flavour experience.

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The new dishes are available at all POCHA! outlets.

Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


POCHA! Korean Street Dining
Compass One
#02-42
1 Sengkang Square
Singapore 545078
Tel: +65 98516240
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Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Sengkang (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

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

Tuesday, May 9, 2023

Noodle Star K @ Tanjong Pagar Road - Authentic Korean Cuisine With Signature Handmade Buckwheat Cold Noodles

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I have wanted to visit Noodle Star K for the longest time for its naengmyeon (cold noodles), and I finally found time to visit the restaurant. The place is usually pretty crowded, so it is advisable to go slightly early, before lunch/dinner time.

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Upon placing our orders, we are served three different Banchan - Kimchi, Beansprouts and Pickles. The serving is small but refillable. It even comes with a cup of beef soup.

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Bibim Naengmyeon 4.5/5

I could not decide between the Chik Naengmyeon and Bibim Naengmyeon ($16.80). Ultimately, I decided to go for the latter since I am in the mood for spicy food. The buckwheat noodles tossed in a spicy gochujang-based sauce are refreshing and flavourful. It is a bowl of slurping goodness served in a chilled broth.

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Mixed Mandu 4.2/5

To complete the meal, we ordered the Mixed Mandu ($11.80) to try both flavours. The mandu are huge and plump! Between the Gogi and Kimchi flavours, my favourite is the meat dumpling packed with juiciness.

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Spicy Sliced Pork 4.2/5

Another signature dish on the menu is the Spicy Sliced Pork ($15.80). The thinly sliced pork is pan-fried until cooked through and caramelized for a delicious balance of spicy and sweet flavours. It is best to go with a bowl of rice.


Noodle Star K
58 Tanjong Pagar Road
Tel: +65 62246061
Singapore 088479
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Maxwell (TE Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 330pm, 530pm - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Cross the road to Duxton Road. Walk down Duxton Road. Turn left onto Duxton Hill towards Tanjong Pagar Road. Turn right onto Tanjong Pagar Road and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road. Turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]