Hvala @ TripleOne Somerset - Celebrate 10th Anniversary with A refresh Look, and 1-For-1 Promo on 9 and 10 June 2025

Hvala at TripleOne Somerset officially reopens on 9 June 2025, unveiling a refreshed look to mark its 10th anniversary. The space now features a fun new colour palette, merging Hvala's iconic zen minimalism with modern touches.

Returning fans can look forward to a revamped menu of artisanal drinks and desserts. To celebrate, there's a 1-for-1 promo on their new hot flavoured lattes on 9 and 10 June, limited to the first 50 guests daily. Iced versions, extra toppings, and milk alternatives are available at additional cost.

Adding to the experience is Hvala's latest team member - Bob, a robotic arm dedicated to supporting whisking matcha.

The lineup of new handcrafted beverages is extensive, including both Flavoured Tea Lattes and Brewed Tea Lattes. Highlights include the Bluepea Matcha Latte, Floral Matcha Sakura Latte, and Pine Smoked Black Tea.

Matcha Kinako 4.5/5

We started with the Matcha Kinako ($7.80 hot, $8.80 iced), which impressed us with its nutty and earthy balance. It is a surprisingly harmonious blend.

Strawberry Matcha 4.2/5

Next was the Strawberry Matcha ($7.80 hot, $8.80 iced), which we had heard good things about even before our visit. This version stood out for its natural strawberry chunks and well-balanced flavour, though a tad sweet at the end. We'd gladly order it again with less sugar.

Matcha Mochi Harmony 3.5/5

A recent social media darling is the Matcha Mochi Harmony ($9.90). It combines a base of "liquid mochi" with kuromitsu and honey mochi cubes, Hvala's signature M1 matcha gelato and a fresh Tsuki matcha shot.

Texture-wise, the mochi cubes were more like slightly harder jellies, while the 'liquid mochi' was the oozy sort. While creative, the components didn't quite gel, and we found it overly sweet. If you're looking for a vegan option, inform the friendly servers, and they will swap the honey mochi cubes for the kuromitsu ones.

Matcha Petit 3.8/5

The Matcha Petit ($10.90) layered chantilly, nama chocolate, mousse, sponge, and pistachio feuilletine. We wished there was more of a crunch for that textural contrast and for the pistachio notes to come out stronger.

Matcha Hojicha Tart 4.2/5

Our favourite of the day, the Matcha Hojicha Tart ($10.90), featured a crisp shell filled with intense matcha-hojicha ganache and chewy mochi pieces. The mochi here was a much better fit, and its textures and sweetness were on point.

Hojicha Choux Puff 3.8/5

The Hojicha Choux Puff ($7.50) came with a hojicha mascarpone filling and a tea-infused shell. Though the filling was slightly lighter than expected, it was still enjoyable.

Shiro Matcha Yuzu Basque Cheesecake 4/5

We concluded with the Shiro Matcha Yuzu Basque Cheesecake ($10.90), which featured a rich matcha base accented by a zesty yuzu flavour. While I'd prefer a smoother texture to the cheesecake, it was a satisfying piece that was best for sharing.

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.


Hvala
TripleOne Somerset
111 Somerset Road
#01-10
Singapore 238164
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

HighHouse @ One Raffles Place - Affordable New Set Lunch Menu Starting from $48++ Per Person, Available Till 15 June

Perched on Level 62 of One Raffles Place, HighHouse offers a set lunch menu starting from $48++ per person for two courses. The new menu, crafted in collaboration with Chef Daniele Sperindio of Art di Daniele Sperindio, is available for a limited time until 15 June. With an impressive skyline view and a well-curated selection of hot and cold appetisers, mains, and desserts, HighHouse is the perfect spot for a leisurely lunch or a business meeting. We tried the three-course set ($58++ per person) to experience a little bit of everything – and it certainly delivered.

Sticky Mango Highball 3.5/5

We started our lunch with a Sticky Mango Highball ($20) — we couldn't resist, especially with the tempting cocktail menu and that spectacular view. Made with Chalong Bay Thai Agricole, Mango Sticky Rice Cordial, and Bright Citrus, the alcohol level was generous. However, we found it lacking the distinct sticky mango element that the name promised.

Summer in Seoul 3.8/5

For appetisers, we chose one cold and one hot dish. The first is the cold appetiser: Summer in Seoul, which features chilled somen noodles, aged watermelon, and geranium leaf in a tomato broth. It was a refreshing start to the meal, and the geranium leaf reminded us of a pesto-like flavour, giving it a surprisingly Italian twist. The aged watermelon also added an interesting, almost meaty texture to the dish.

Saikyo Miso Foie Gras 4.5/5

Our hot appetiser was the Saikyo Miso Foie Gras, which was the highlight of the meal. The sweet corn velouté was creamy without being cloying, while the crispy Sichuan corn and pork pancetta added delightful texture and flavour. The foie gras itself, marinated in miso, was elevated beautifully, enhancing its rich flavour without overpowering the dish. We couldn't get enough of this one.

12-Hour Slow Cooked Sakura Pork Belly 3.8/5

Moving on to mains, we had the 12-Hour Slow Cooked Sakura Pork Belly. It came with a strong char flavour and was paired with a coffee balsamic sauce that leaned quite sweet. It reminded us of Hong Kong-style char siew, though we wished the pork belly could have been a touch more tender and the sauce slightly less sweet. On the side, there are Brussels sprouts, brown butter carrot sauce (very delicious) and a crispy piece of coconut sticky rice, which we found the rice a little too hard for our liking.

Spanish Octopus Reginette Pasta 3.8/5

The other main was the Spanish Octopus Reginette Pasta, featuring fork-tender chunks of octopus tossed in a lobster bisque reduction. The addition of kimchi added a nice crunch from the cabbage, but overall, the dish leaned on the salty side, possibly due to the furikake topping. A little less salt would have made this dish perfect.

Matcha Gateau 4/5

Coconut & Cashew Tart 4.2/5

For dessert, we went with the recommended Matcha Gateau and Coconut & Cashew Tart. The Matcha Gateau was delightful: a soft Sencha Jaconde Sponge layered with a high-quality Matcha Ganache. The pairing with Grapefruit Compote added a refreshing citrus kick that balanced the richness nicely.

However, the Coconut & Cashew Tart truly stole the show. Its buttery tart shell was filled with Almond Cream, topped with a Sea Salt Cashew Mousseline, and paired with roasty Barley Tea Ice Cream. This was easily our top pick for dessert.

Whether you're looking to impress clients or simply enjoy a relaxed meal with breathtaking views, HighHouse ticks all the boxes. This limited-time lunch menu, thoughtfully crafted with Chef Daniele Sperindio, is available until 15 June — making it the perfect reason to plan a visit soon. With its beautiful setting and well-executed dishes, HighHouse promises an elevated and memorable dining experience. Be sure to reserve early if you want one of the coveted window seats.

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


HighHouse
1 Raffles Place
L61-62
Singapore 048616
Tel: +65 9677 8074
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Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Tue, Thu: 1130 am–1 am
Wed: 1130 am–2 am
Fri-Sat: 5 pm–2 am
(Closed on Sun)

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

Kinki Restaurant + Bar @ Customs House - Celebrating 15 Years with a Throwback Menu

Kinki Restaurant + Bar marks 15 radical years in Singapore’s dining scene with its bold identity and innovative approach to Japanese cuisine. Known for reimagining Japanese comfort food into addictive new classics, Kinki continues to push boundaries while staying rooted in tradition.

This March, the restaurant brought back five of its well-loved creations as throwback à la carte dishes, offering diners a nostalgic yet exciting experience. I had the opportunity to sample three of these throwback dishes — Unagi Scallop Maki, Prawn & Spicy Tuna Maki, and Kinki Okonomiyaki—along with a few other menu highlights.

Unagi Scallop Maki 3.5/5

The Unagi Scallop Maki ($33) is a deep-fried maki roll featuring succulent unagi and scallops, complemented by house-made unagi sauce. Unlike traditional maki, this version has a tempura coating, giving it an additional crisp exterior. While the textures were enjoyable, the flavours could have been more pronounced to elevate the dish further.

Prawn & Spicy Tuna Maki 3.5/5

The Prawn & Spicy Tuna Maki ($28) offers a twist on the traditional spicy tuna roll by incorporating tempura prawn for a satisfying crunch. The spicy tuna mayo mixture adds a creamy element, but I wished for a more robust kick in the spice level to enhance the overall experience.

Kinki Okonomiyaki 3/5

Another throwback dish, the Kinki Okonomiyaki ($32), features classic okonomiyaki ingredients such as shredded cabbage, seafood, and streaky bacon. The dish is topped with bonito flakes and shredded nori but is served atop toasted bread, giving it a pizza-like presentation. Personally, I was not a fan of the bread base, which felt like a cost-cutting measure. I would have preferred a more traditional okonomiyaki with an abundance of shredded cabbage holding everything together.

Spicy Buffalo Katsu 1/5

We regretted ordering the Spicy Buffalo Katsu ($32). The katsu itself was very dry, and the spicy buffalo sauce was overwhelmingly spicy, making it difficult to appreciate the pork. Unfortunately, we were unable to finish this dish.

Buta Kakuni Claypot 4/5

Our favourite dish of the night was the Buta Kakuni Claypot ($35). This slow-cooked braised pork belly rice is served in a claypot with a perfectly poached egg. The pork belly was well-infused with the rich braised sauce, resulting in a melt-in-the-mouth texture. Every bite was packed with umami, making it a comforting and satisfying dish.

Matcha Lava Cake 2.5/5

To end the meal, we tried the Matcha Lava Cake ($15). While the matcha flavour was rich and distinct, the cake itself was denser than expected. Additionally, the pairing of matcha with goma (black sesame) ice cream felt mismatched, leaving us unconvinced by the flavour combination.

Kinki Restaurant + Bar continues to impress with its creative approach to Japanese cuisine, but this throwback menu had its highs and lows. While the Buta Kakuni Claypot stood out as a must-try, some dishes, like the Spicy Buffalo Katsu, missed the mark. Nonetheless, Kinki remains a vibrant spot for those looking to enjoy a fun and unconventional take on Japanese classics in a stylish setting.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Kinki Restaurant + Bar
Customs House
70 Collyer Quay
#02-02
Singapore 049323
Tel: +65 83636697
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Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

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

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Clifford Centre. Cut across the building. Go to 2nd floor, take the overhead bridge link across the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

ToMo Cafe @ Upper Thomson - Popular Joo Chiat Cafe with Insta-Worthy Specialty Drinks Opens New Outlet in Upper Thomson

ToMo Cafe opened its third outlet at Upper Thomson on 8 October 2024, following its success in Joo Chiat and Neil Road with popular, Instagram-worthy drinks and hearty, Japanese-style food.

This new location will introduce outlet-exclusive dishes, including rice bowls and handcrafted burgers.

To celebrate its opening, the first 100 customers in October will receive a free cloud drink, with November offering free ‘chuffles’ to the first 100 diners. Both promotions are valid with any purchase made.

Iced Houjicha Goma Cloud Latte 4.2/5

From their list of speciality drinks, I was immediately attracted to the Iced Houjicha Goma Cloud Latte ($8), which combines a slightly nutty base of houjicha and a creamy, rich layer of black sesame cloud cream. I thoroughly enjoyed this combination, but it's best enjoyed quickly.

Iced Matcha Strawberry Cloud Latte 4/5

The Iced Matcha Strawberry Cloud Latte ($8) is another crowd favourite, combining matcha and a base of strawberry bits, topped with dairy-free strawberry cream. This was earthy and sweet. Other matcha options include the Iced Matcha Cloud Latte ($8) with sea salt dairy-free cream and the Kagoshima Matcha Latte ($7).

Yuzuri Apple Fresca 3.8/5

For a refreshing non-coffee option, try the sparkling Yuzuri Apple Fresca ($7), made with Aomori apple, yuzu, and cherry blossom extract.

Tako Karaage 4/5

Starting with the Tako Karaage ($12), we enjoyed crunchy, battered octopus chunks paired with a tangy yuzu kosho mayo. Though the chunks could be more evenly battered, we still found it pretty addictive. The substantial portion is also great for sharing.

Grilled Tiger Prawn Capellini 4/5

The cafe staff highly recommended the Grilled Tiger Prawn Capellini ($22). The hefty portion of capellini was tossed in a savoury mentaiko mayo sauce and topped with grilled prawns, ebiko and seaweed. I would recommend this as a sharing dish as the richness may get too heavy for one.

Fish and Chip Burger 3.5/5

The Fish and Chip Burger offered a crispy tempura dory fillet with sour cream tartar, lettuce, and tomato. Unfortunately, the shoestring fries were undercooked during our visit, but we understand it was an issue with the fryer, which will be quickly fixed.

Homemade Tiramisu 3.8/5

For sweets, we decided on ToMo's Homemade Tiramisu ($9), which has a jar of espresso-infused ladyfingers layered with homemade mascarpone cream. You can enhance it with a shot of Baileys or Kahlua for an extra $4.

We appreciated the openness of the kitchen staff to feedback and look forward to seeing improvements once the cafe officially opens its doors.

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.


ToMo Cafe
185 Upper Thomson Road
Singapore 574333
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Nearest MRT: Upper Thomson (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 9am - 10pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Upper Thomson MRT station. Take Exit 5. Turn left and walk down Upper Thomson Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Mensho Tokyo @ Raffles City - Award-winning Global Ramen Brand Opens In Singapore with Exclusive Chilli Crab Ramen

Mensho Tokyo, founded by legendary ramen master Tomoharu Shono in 2005, has landed in Raffles City, Singapore. Known for combining traditional ramen-making with bold and complex flavour profiles, Mensho Tokyo's Singapore outlet boasts exclusive local creations. It is the first Mensho outlet in the world to offer desserts on its menu. Naturally, I had to check it out.

A5 Wagyu Abura Soba 4.2/5

The most premium item on the menu is the A5 Wagyu Abura Soba ($41). This dish features house-made thick wheat noodles and a sauce crafted from Kioke wood barrel-aged shoyu. The soba is accompanied by two types of Miyazaki A5 Wagyu, spinach, baby asparagus, red onion, truffle paste, charcoal leek, and calamansi. The rich, dry-style ramen highlights the luxurious wagyu cuts, making it a must-try for any beef lover, though the price tag might leave some hesitating.

Duck Matcha 4.2/5

I was taken aback when I saw Duck Matcha ($28) on the menu. Matcha paired with ramen? Intrigued by the audacity of this creation, I decided to give it a go. Surprisingly, it works! The house-made wavy noodles are served in a creamy chicken matcha broth, topped with tender duck chashu and whipped cream. The harmonious combination offers an intriguing balance of umami and matcha bitterness. However, this dish must be eaten hot, as the matcha powder tends to separate when the broth cools, affecting the overall experience.

Signature Toripaitan 4.5/5

If it's your first time at Mensho Tokyo, I highly recommend the Signature Toripaitan ($28). Initially priced at $38, it's now more affordable at $28. It is the quintessential dish at Mensho, with house-made wavy wheat noodles, served in a rich and creamy chicken broth, accompanied by a medley of A5 Wagyu chashu, smoked pork chashu, duck chashu, and chicken chashu. Topped with king oyster mushroom menma, truffle sauce, ajitama egg, and fried burdock roots, the flavours are decadent and satisfying. The Classic Toripaitan with just smoked pork chashu is available for a more straightforward option at $19.

Fujiringo Chamomile and Momo-no Bubbles

Unlike most ramen shops, Mensho Tokyo sets itself apart by offering cocktails, mocktails, and desserts. We tried the Fujiringo Chamomile ($10), made with cold brew chamomile, homemade Fuji apple purée, and sparkling water. The Momo-no Bubbles ($18), a refreshing mix of Japanese peach liqueur, fresh lime, passionfruit, and prosecco, added a delightful effervescence to the meal.

A5 Miyazaki Wagyu Cavier Sushi (2pc) 4.5/5

We couldn't resist trying the A5 Miyazaki Wagyu Caviar Sushi ($14/2pc). This luxurious sushi swaps the usual seafood for melt-in-your-mouth A5 wagyu, topped with a touch of caviar. The wagyu's fattiness and the caviar's delicate brininess created an elevated sushi experience that's well worth the indulgence.

Corn Wings 4/5

For sides, we ordered the Corn Wings ($8.80), which were grilled to perfection with an aromatic char that complemented the natural sweetness of the corn. It's a simple yet satisfying side dish that adds a fun twist to the meal.

Yuzu 4/5

Houjicha Tiramisu 4.2/5

We tried the Yuzu Sorbet ($8.80) and Houjicha Tiramisu ($8.80) for dessert. The Yuzu sorbet provided a refreshing palate cleanser after the richness of the ramen. The Houjicha Tiramisu was creamy and aromatic with a subtle roasted tea flavour, though the portion size in its shot glass serving felt a little small for the price.

Overall, Mensho Tokyo offers a unique and refined ramen experience. Despite the use of chicken soup for many of the ramen dishes, the broths are surprisingly rich and creamy, almost like a hybrid between tonkotsu (pork-based broth) and chicken-based ramen. The addition of exclusive dishes, sushi, and desserts elevates the experience even further, making it more than just a ramen stop but a dining destination. It's a little on the pricier side, but the quality justifies the cost. If you're looking for a place that reimagines ramen and offers something beyond the ordinary, Mensho Tokyo is definitely worth a visit!

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Mensho Tokyo
Raffles City
252 North Bridge Road
#03-43
Singapore 179103
Tel: +65 83808467
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

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