Showing posts with label Media Gift. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Media Gift. Show all posts

Sunday, June 28, 2026

Udon Shin @ Takashimaya - Debuts Its First Seasonal Special in Singapore: A Bright, Summer-Ready Arrabbiata Udon

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Since opening its doors in November 2025, Udon Shin Singapore has quickly garnered attention for its meticulous approach to handcrafted udon. As the brand’s first international outpost from Tokyo, expectations have been high, and with the unveiling of its very first seasonal special, the restaurant marks a meaningful milestone. Available from 16 June to 13 September 2026, the Singapore-exclusive Arrabbiata Udon celebrates both Japanese culinary sensibilities and the vibrancy of summer produce.

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Arrabbiata Udon 4.5/5

The Arrabbiata Udon ($30) is a thoughtful interplay of Japanese and Italian influences, anchored by kamaage-style udon served with a rich, house-made spicy tomato sauce. Inspired by the coastal Japanese tradition of enjoying peak-season tomatoes in the warmer months, the dish showcases the natural sweetness and acidity of ripe tomatoes, which are transformed into a robust yet balanced base.

Each component adds depth and nuance. Velvety confit tomatoes intensify the fruit’s sweetness, while grated parmesan cheese lends a savoury umami richness. A drizzle of bonito-infused oil introduces a subtle smokiness, tying the flavours back to Japanese culinary roots, while micro shiso contributes a delicate herbal lift. The gentle heat from the arrabbiata-style sauce is restrained, allowing the natural flavours to shine rather than overwhelm.

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Arrabbiata Udon 4.5/5

Complementing the noodles is an impressive assortment of tempura. The highlight is undoubtedly the Snow Crab Leg Tempura, two generous pieces, lightly battered to preserve the crab’s inherent sweetness and delicate texture. Alongside are four varieties of seasonal vegetable tempura, each crisp and airy, adding both contrast and variety to the dish. Altogether, the bowl delivers a vibrant harmony of tangy, savoury and subtly sweet notes, resulting in a dish that feels both refreshing and comforting, an apt reflection of the summer season it draws inspiration from.

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Butter Shoyu Tamago Udon 4.2/5

I also tried the Butter Shoyu Tamago Udon ($12). In contrast, the Butter Shoyu Tamago Udon offers a more understated, homely appeal. Despite being described as a hot udon, the dish leans more toward a warm or room-temperature preparation than a piping-hot, soup-based bowl. Simplicity is key here, but it is executed with finesse. A generous knob of butter melts gently into the warm noodles, mingling with a soft-boiled egg to create a luscious, creamy coating. The freshly cracked black pepper cuts through the richness with a gentle heat. Bright green spring onions add a refreshing bite, balancing the overall profile. When mixed thoroughly, the dish transforms into a silky, indulgent bowl that is deeply satisfying despite its minimal ingredients.

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With the launch of its first seasonal special, Udon Shin Singapore demonstrates its ability to innovate while staying grounded in its core philosophy of quality and seasonality. The Arrabbiata Udon stands out not just as a creative fusion dish, but as a carefully composed bowl that respects both Japanese traditions and the vibrancy of summer produce. Meanwhile, the Butter Shoyu Tamago Udon proves that simplicity, when done right, can be just as compelling. As the brand continues to establish itself in Singapore’s dining scene, this seasonal offering signals an exciting direction, one that embraces creativity without losing sight of craftsmanship.

Note: This is an invite tasting.


Udon Shin
Takashimaya Shopping Centre
#B2-32
391 Orchard Road
Singapore 238873
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line), Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 10pm
(queue stops at 2pm and 8pm)

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Follow the walkway through Wisma Atria to Takashimaya. Continue walking straight towards Ngee Ann City until you reach the destination. Journey about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B to Orchard Road. Head west or turn left onto Orchard Road against the flow of traffic. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 10 minutes. [Map]


Sunday, June 20, 2021

Dine At Home During Phrase 2 Heighten Alert - Hand Bello

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Hand Bello is a modern pasta bar I discovered during the Phrase 2 Heighten Alert period. The same folk behind Dear Nesuto opens the restaurant located at 92 Amoy Street. The menu offers a variety of pasta that opens one's eyes to the world of pasta. It showcases the different kinds of pasta in its various forms and shapes.
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Pink Vodka 4.2/5

First up is the Pink Vodka, which features rigatoni pasta in tomato, cream and vodka, tossed with chilli flake. The pasta dish looks rather plain with no other ingredients. Surprisingly, the sauce itself is enough to elevate the pasta to a delicious note.

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Corny Tortellini 4.2/5

One of my favourite pasta is the tortellini. Maybe it is due to my Chinese heritage, and it looks like our Chinese dumpling. The Corny Tortellini is filled with mushroom and cream cheese, tossed in sweet corn veloute. It is then garnished with fried sage leaves.

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La Nonna's 4/5

A homely take of the Italian pasta is the La Nonna's. The bowl of piquant toasted chilli flecked casarecca pasta is paired with spicy kurobuta pork sausage and broccolini. It is finished with zingy lemon twang.

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Nuts for Pesto 3.8/5

One of the chef's recommendations is the Nuts for Pesto. The pasta is tossed in a bright and zesty pesto of zucchini, basil, tarragon, mint and walnut, and topped with curly kale and walnut. I am not a big fan of pesto, but I am sure its fans will enjoy the combination.

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For takeaway and islandwide delivery, customer can order via forms.gle/WgxXuTAXnZyoaqsH6


Hand Bello
92 Amoy Street
#01-01
Singapore 069911
Tel: +65 6977 7375
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Tuesday, June 15, 2021

Dine At Home During Phrase 2 Heighten Alert - Kibar Japanese Grill + Bistro

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Singapore is having another semi lockdown known as Phrase 2 Heighten Alert. One of the measures is that we are not allowed to dine in at all food establishments. Hence we are back to takeaway and delivery again, just like the circuit breaker period last year. One of the restaurants which impressed me with the yummy food is Kibar Japanese Grill + Bistro, located at Changi Civil Service Club. It is a restaurant under the radar, and I am glad to discover this hidden gem.

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Miso Yuzu Corn 4.8/5

Kibar is an all-day bistro serving modern French and Japanese fusion in the day. It transforms into a bar for modern Japanese tapas-style dining in the evenings. The first item I tried is the Miso Yuzu Corn. Discounting that the food needs time to travel from the far East to my home in the West still impressed me. The grilled corn coated with Japanese seasoning is so good and sweet. I thought Mexican seasoning is the best to complement the corn, but this has changed my mind.

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Truffle Portobello Katsu 4.5/5

The other fantastic starter we had is the Truffle Portobello Katsu. I love how the kitchen team elevated the enjoyment of the earthy and juicy mushroom, giving it a crusty coat.

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Roasted Chicken stuffed with Truffle & Wild Mushroom Rice 4.2/5

AAnother beautiful item on the menu is the Roasted Chicken stuffed with Truffle & Wild Mushroom Rice. The roasted chicken is tender and juicy with golden-brown skin. It is also stuffed with fragrant Japanese rice, truffle and mushrooms. It can be a meal on its own

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Iberico BBQ Spare Ribs 4.2/5

I am not sure I can fault any dish from Kibar. Cooked to fork-tender is the Iberico BBQ Spare Ribs. The ribs are marinated in Suntory black ale, grilled over binchotan for a smokey and malty finishing.

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Snow Crab Leg Seafood Pao Fan 4.5/5

Last but not least, a must-try is the Snow Crab Leg Seafood Pao Fan. The broth is packed with depth and crustaceans robustness. Besides the snow crab leg, there are clams, prawns, cabbage and rice.

Kibar Japanese Grill + Bistro is availabe for both self-collection and islandwide delivery. To order, you can visit https://order.kibar.sg/


Kibar Japanese Grill + Bar
Changi Civil Service Club
Block B
2 Netheravon Road
Singapore 508503
Tel: +65 82282640
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