Terra Tokyo Italian @ Tras Street - Unveils Its First-ever A La Carte Menu and Weekday Set Lunch Starting from $45

Terra Tokyo Italian embarks on an exciting new refresh under the direction of Head Chef Shozo Sugano. Trained in Italy for 8 years, Chef Shozo brings a new perspective to the Michelin-starred restaurant, unveiling its first-ever à la carte menu and an enticing weekday set lunch starting at $45.

The new à la carte dining format invites guests to rediscover the soulful artistry of terra’s Tokyo Italian philosophy, now with the added freedom to curate their own meal and experience in tune with their personal tastes and preferences. It could be a simple evening of pasta and wine, or a leisurely multi-course meal shared with someone special. The choice is entirely yours.

Hokkaido Sweet Shrimp Crudo with Passionfruit and Yoghurt 4.5/5

The meal begins on a high note with the Hokkaido Sweet Shrimp Crudo with Passionfruit and Yoghurt ($28). Fresh, creamy amaebi is artfully paired with passionfruit jelly, diced green apple, yoghurt and crispy focaccia chips. It offers a refreshing balance of sweetness, tang and texture that’s delicious and satisfying.

Smoked Salmon with Creamy Hokkaido Potato 4.5/5

I really loved the Smoked Salmon with Creamy Hokkaido Potato ($29), a silky potato espuma that gently envelops the smoked salmon. Finished with Amur caviar and a hint of lemon, this appetiser is savoury and comforting with an airy lightness in the espuma that prevents the dish from feeling too rich or cloying. It’s a must-try!

Burrata from Puglia with Fruit Tomatoes 4/5

The third appetiser we tried was a classic Burrata from Puglia with Fruit Tomatoes ($24). It’s naturally delightful; it’s hard to go wrong with this combination. Compared to the other appetisers, where Chef presented more unique interpretations, this dish felt more like a safe and less inventive option. Still, the burrata and tomatoes were excellent and tasty.

Linguine al Pomo-d’oro 4.2/5

I’d heard that the pastas at Terra Tokyo were delicious, so I decided to try the Linguine al Pomo d’Oro ($29), a seemingly simple tomato-based pasta with a twist: it’s made with yellow tomatoes (the word “oro” means gold, so the name of the dish is a clever pun!). Finished with guanciale, salsa verde, and Parmigiano Reggiano chips, the dish showcases a simple yet flavourful sauce made with yellow tomatoes, basil, and ricotta cheese.

For something more indulgent, there’s also the Chitarra ai Hokkaido Sea Urchin ($38), which I didn’t try but sounds incredible. In this creative take on carbonara, the uni replaces the egg yolk, while pecorino is replaced by karasumi (salted mullet roe), adding an umami depth to the dish.

Char-grilled A4 Tochigi Wagyu Beef with Fig & Hazelnut Pesto 4.8/5

For the Char-grilled A4 Tochigi Wagyu Beef with Fig & Hazelnut Pesto ($68), the Tochigi Wagyu has been sourced from the very same farm since the restaurant’s opening, thanks to the deep relationship with its producers. Beautifully marbled and richly flavourful, the beef melts in the mouth with a buttery tenderness. It’s a true indulgence, elevated by the Fig and Hazelnut Pesto, which complements the meat’s richness. Each bite felt like a luxurious treat.

Italian Lava Cake with Raspberry Sorbet 4.2/5

The Italian Lava Cake with Raspberry Sorbet ($17) is Terra Tokyo’s take on a perennial dessert favourite amongst Singaporean diners: a well-crafted molten chocolate cake with a crisp exterior and a gooey centre. We thoroughly enjoyed it, and we left not one lick of chocolate on the plate.

Rare Cheese Cake with Apricot Sauce 4.5/5

The Rare Cheese Cake with Apricot Sauce ($15) is a pretty special dessert, tasting like a light, fluffy cloud with a luscious apricot sauce centre that adds a slight tartness. Whilst I love chocolate cake more than cheesecake in general, this rare cheesecake is the more creative and interesting dessert between the two. Anyway, there is nothing to stop you from having both cakes for dessert, and that’s precisely what I did!

Blending Japanese finesse with Italian heart, Terra Tokyo Italian delivers a dining experience that’s refined and balanced, made complete with an impeccable wine and sake selection by Head Sommelier Daisuke Shibuya. Their new à la carte menu may be concise, but the dishes on offer are solid options that make for a lovely evening out.

Photographed and penned by Shermine. Through her pictures and stories, she shares her journey of savouring new flavours and experiences. Note: This is an invited tasting.



Terra Tokyo Italian
54 Tras Street
Singapore 078993
Tel: +65 97512145
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 230pm, 630pm - 1030pm
(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]

Il Toro Woodfire Grill @ Gemmill Lane - A Celebration of Woodfire Showcases Fire-Driven Italian-Australian Flavours

IL TORO Woodfire Grill at Gemmill Lane is a brand new concept by Chef Drew Nocente, the same chef-owner behind Cenzo and Chicco Pasta Bar. Drawing inspiration from the Italian tradition of grigliata and shaped by the Australian spirit, the restaurant places fire at the core of its menu. Expect bold flavours, whole cuts of meat, and a warm sense of hospitality, all anchored by the primal draw of woodfire cooking.

Focaccia, Beef Fat Candle 4/5

A playful start to the meal, the Focaccia ($8) comes accompanied by a candle made from beef fat. As it melts, the rendered fat becomes a savoury spread. The Focaccia itself is grilled for a crisp exterior, making this both fun in concept and enjoyable in flavour.

Foie Gras, Fig & Pistachio 4/5

The Foie Gras ($8/pc) is rich and creamy, paired thoughtfully with sweet fig and crunchy pistachio. The combination provides a balance of sweetness and nuttiness, lifting the foie gras without overwhelming it.

Coffin Bay Oysters, Yuzu Koshu & Smoked Beef Fat 4/5

The Coffin Bay Oysters ($6/pc) offer clean brininess with a bright citrus touch from yuzu koshu. The smoked beef fat adds depth, resulting in a finish that is both vibrant and savoury.

Sea Bream, Amalfi Lemon, Bone Reduction and Caviar 3.8/5

The Sea Bream ($22) is served in a ceviche style with Amalfi lemon and bone reduction, topped with caviar. While well assembled, the flavours could be bolder to better highlight the fish's natural sweetness.

Iberico Pork Belly & Sausage Skewer 3.8/5

The Iberico Pork Belly & Sausage Skewer ($8/pc) is hearty and satisfying, and many tables seemed to be ordering it. Although nicely grilled, the seasoning could be punchier to fully showcase the meat's richness.

Tiger Prawns, Garlic Chilli 4/5

The Tiger Prawns ($10/pc) are sweet and smoky from the grill. The garlic chilli brings bold flavour and enhances the prawn's natural sweetness, giving a rich, robust kick.

Octopus, Nduja, Burnt Chive Butter & Miso Corn 4.2/5

The Octopus ($36) is well handled, tender, and has a pleasant bite. The pairing of nduja and burnt chive butter adds layers of umami and spice. The side of miso corn is notably excellent, sweet, juicy, and highly addictive.

Blackmore Wagyu MS9+ Tri Tip 4.2/5

The Blackmore Wagyu MS9+ Tri Tip ($78, 200g) is exclusive to IL TORO and available daily in limited quantities. While tri tip is naturally leaner, it is cooked beautifully here, resulting in tender, flavourful meat with the signature woodfire aroma.

Baby Potatoes, Hot Honey & Ricotta 4.5/5

A standout side, the Baby Potatoes ($12) are tossed in hot honey and served on creamy ricotta. Sweet, savoury and texturally satisfying. This is the kind of side you'll want seconds of.

Mint Slice Al Fuoco 4/5

For dessert, the Mint Slice Al Fuoco ($16) features mint semifreddo, smoked chocolate ganache and meringue. The tableside brûlée of the meringue adds theatre and creates a pleasing caramelised crunch to finish.

Overall, IL TORO delivers a bold, fire-forward dining experience that showcases Chef Drew's strong understanding of balance, produce and smoky depth. The woodfire element is consistent and intentional, from starters to dessert. A welcome addition to Gemmill Lane for those who appreciate grilled meats and Italian-Australian conviviality.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Il Toro Woodfire Grill
18 Gemmill Lane
Singapore 069255
Tel: +65 82591021
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sat: 12pm - 230pm, 530pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun & Mon)

Direction:
Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk down Cross Street. Turn left onto Club Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

SanSara @ Grand Copthorne Waterfront - Reopens with a New Interior and Revitalised Menu

SanSara, the North Indian restaurant nestled along Robertson Quay at Grand Copthorne Waterfront, reopened on 1 August 2025, unveiling a stunning new interior and a revitalised menu that celebrates both tradition and innovation. Drawing inspiration from the ancient culinary heritage of Awadh and India's regal palatial architecture, SanSara offers an immersive, soulful, and deeply authentic dining experience. This journey delights all the senses.

Tali Hokkaido Scallops 3.5/5

A standout addition to the refreshed menu, the Tali Hokkaido Scallops feature plump, sweet scallops lightly marinated in turmeric and ginger. Pan-seared with chef's masala, they deliver a gentle coastal vibrance that's both fragrant and satisfying.

Kutti Lal Mirchi Murgh Tikka 4/5

The Kutti Lal Mirchi Murgh Tikka features tender boneless chicken, marinated in crushed red chillies, yoghurt, and aromatic spices, then grilled over high heat. Each bite is smoky, juicy, and perfectly balanced in heat, with roasted edges and a bright hint of lemon that elevates the flavours beautifully.

Mutter Darakash Ki Tikki 3.8/5

A comforting vegetarian starter, the Mutter Darakash Ki Tikki is a green pea and potato patty subtly spiced with cumin, ginger, and coriander. Pan-seared to a crisp golden-brown, the tikki is simple yet deeply satisfying, letting the natural sweetness of the peas shine through.

Sailana Shevand 4/5

The Sailana Shevand is a luxurious reinterpretation of a royal prawn dish substitutes lobster, stewed in fenugreek, coconut cream, and a rich tomato-onion gravy. The sauce is so delicious that every bite begs for the accompanying naan to mop up every drop — a decadent indulgence.

Vilayati Subzi 3.5/5

The Vilayati Subzi is a vibrant medley of seasonal "foreign" vegetables such as asparagus, water chestnuts, and tangy tomato, lightly sautéed and finished with fragrant garam masala. Each vegetable retains a pleasant crunch, allowing its natural sweetness to shine while providing a delightful textural contrast.

Sansara-Nasila Dungar Lal Maas 3.5/5

The Sansara-Nasila Dungar Lal Maas is a refined take on Rajasthan's celebrated lamb shank curry, this dish features tender shank slow-cooked in a Mathania chilli-infused gravy. The sauce is rich, velvety, and smoky, enhanced by a subtle aroma from hot charcoal and ghee. While rum is added tableside, it can slightly overpower the curry's delicate fragrance.

Bhuna Pyaz Our Kaju Ka Pulao 4/5

A fragrant and comforting rice dish, the Bhuna Pyaz Aur Kaju Ka Pulao combines slow-caramelised onions with toasted cashews and perfectly separate, fluffy basmati rice. Lightly infused with saffron, ghee, and whole spices, the dish offers gentle sweetness, nutty richness, and a warm, inviting aroma — a classic accompaniment that never disappoints.

Olive Goat Cheese Naan 3.5/5

The Olive Goat Cheese Naan offers a modern twist on traditional Indian bread. Fresh from the tandoor, the naan is soft with a subtle chew, and blistered char spots add smokiness. Creamy goat cheese melts into the warm bread, while briny olives add savoury bursts to each bite, creating a layered, memorable flavour profile.

Gajar Ka Halwa 4.2/5

A timeless dessert, the Gajar Ka Halwa is made from slow-cooked grated carrots simmered in milk, enriched with ghee, and lightly sweetened. Soft, slightly fudgy, and fragrant with cardamom, each spoonful evokes comforting nostalgia. Pistachios add a gentle crunch, rounding off a perfect finale to the meal.

SanSara's reopening is a celebration of North Indian cuisine at its finest — refined yet soulful, modern yet respectful of tradition. From luxurious seafood to comforting vegetarian bites, the menu beautifully balances depth, spice, and texture, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking an elevated, authentic taste of India along Robertson Quay.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


SanSara
Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Singapore
392 Havelock Road
Singapore 169663
Tel: +65 6233 1338
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Nearest MRT: Havelock (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Havelock MRT station. Take Exit 4. Turn left and walk to traffic junction of Havelock Road and Kim Seng Road. Cross the road. Turn left and walk down Kim Seng Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Firangi Superstar @ Craig Road - Launches Brand-New Saturday-Only Champagne Superstar Brunch

Firangi Superstar at Craig Road has introduced a brand-new, Saturday-only affair - the Champagne Superstar Brunch. Showcasing its signature modern Indian cuisine in a free-flow brunch format, the experience offers tiered options, from a food-only package to a premium champagne indulgence. Each set includes a selection of starters, a main course, and free-flow desserts.

Caviar Puri

Spiced Poha Papad Pulled Pork, Mushroom Pepper, Fry Endive Crab, Sunchoke

The brunch starts with the Out of the Box Starterkit, a beautiful presentation that opens up to reveal eight canapé-like bites. We tried both the vegetarian and non-vegetarian versions. The Caviar Puri was one of my favourites, featuring creamy mashed potatoes, tangy crème fraîche, and bursts of savouriness from caviar and ikura.

Sesame Murukku with Salmon/Beetroot Mousse

Podi Cheese Dosa

The vegetarian variation with lemon ikura was equally intriguing. The Sesame Murukku with Salmon or Beetroot Mousse (Veg) stood out too, an aesthetically pleasing bite with savoury mousse atop sweet, crispy murukku. The Podi Cheese Dosa offered moreish, cheesy bites that were easy to enjoy.

Avocado Kulcha with Egg Jam, Biryani-Spiced Bacon/Celeriac

Mango Lassi

Truffle Puri

Overall, the starter kit made for an engaging and playful introduction, though I found the flavours relatively restrained for Indian cuisine. Even the Truffle Puri lacked the bold piquancy I was anticipating.

Steak & Eggs 4/5

For mains, we had the Steak & Eggs (+$20) and Baked Eggs with Keema Pav. The Steak & Eggs featured a grass-fed striploin served with masala scrambled eggs. The striploin was evenly seared, well-seasoned, and flavorful, while the eggs, though nicely cooked, lacked much of a hint of masala.

Baked Eggs with Keema Pav 4.5/5

The Baked Eggs with Keema Pav delivered the most distinct Indian flavours of the meal. The braised minced mutton was heady with spices and heat, rich and deeply savoury, while the accompanying soft, heavily buttered toast balanced the intensity with its comforting sweetness.

Strawberry Shortcake 4/5

Rum Chocolate Cake 4/5, Carrot Cake 4/5

Desserts are free-flow, featuring a rotating selection that includes Strawberry Shortcake, Cinnamon-Ginger Cookie, Rum Chocolate Cake, Bru Coffee Cannoli, and Carrot Cake with Cardamom Frosting. The Rum Chocolate Cake stood out with its crunchy Parle-G crumble — buttery-sweet bits made from India's nostalgic Parle-G biscuits. I also enjoyed the Strawberry Shortcake for its tender buttery sponge cake slathered with tart berry jam in between, and the Carrot Cake for its moist, spiced-forward sponge cake and velvety cardamom frosting.

Champagne Superstar Brunch takes place every Saturday, 12pm to 230pm. The Marvelous ($68) is a food-only option, and the Magnificent Superstar Experience (+$70 per person) includes 2.5 hours of free-flow Bauget-Jouette Brut & Rosé Champagne, house red and white wines, brunch-time cocktails, house beer, soft drinks, and Masala chai. For the ultimate indulgence, the Massjestica Superstar (+$188) upgrades the experience with premium champagne.

Photos and words by Si An. A homebody who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, the smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


Firangi Superstar
20 Craig Road
#01-03
Singapore 089692
Tel: +65 63043022
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 230pm, 530pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Walk to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road. Walk to Craig Road. Turn left and walk down Craig Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Turn righ and walk to Neil Road. Cross Neil Road. Walk to Duxton Road. Turn right onto Duxton Hill. Walk to Craig Place. Cut through Craig Place to Craig Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Shang Palace @ Shangri-La Singapore - Savour the Autumn Harvest: An Exquisite Hairy Crab Feast

This autumn, Shang Palace at Shangri-La Singapore invites diners to savour one of the season's most prized delicacies — the Hairy Crab from Taihu Lake. From 20 October to 30 November 2025, Executive Chinese Chef Daniel Cheung presents a specially curated menu celebrating the golden richness of hairy crab through refined Cantonese creations. Diners can look forward to a Hairy Crab Six-Course Set Menu (S$268++ per person, minimum two diners) or a range of à la carte highlights.

Appetiser 3/5

The meal begins with a quad of appetisers, each offering its own take on the luxurious crustacean:
- Pan-fried Eggplant with Hairy Crab Roe
- Chilled Cucumber Roll wrapped with Hairy Crab and Chicken Oil
- Hairy Crab Roe Sushi Roll
- Sautéed Prawn with Hairy Crab Roe and Black Truffle Sauce served in a Golden Nest

Each item showcases Chef Daniel's delicate hand in balancing textures and flavours. The standout for me was the Sautéed Prawn in Golden Nest, where the briny roe meets the aroma of truffle for a delightful harmony. The Hairy Crab Roe Sushi Roll, however, fell short. The rice was dry and tough. If the kitchen wishes to incorporate sushi into Chinese fine dining, the rice texture could use more refinement to achieve the ideal softness and fluffiness.

Braised Bird's Nest Broth with Hairy Crab Roe and Beancurd 4.2/5

Braised Dried Scallop Broth with Bamboo Fungus and Hairy Crab Roe 4.2/5

Diners can choose between two soups — the Braised Bird's Nest Broth with Hairy Crab Roe and Beancurd, or the Braised Dried Scallop Broth with Bamboo Fungus and Hairy Crab Roe. Both options offer nourishing warmth and oceanic depth, depending on your preference. The bird's nest version leans towards a luxurious, silky texture, while the dried scallop broth adds a savoury profile.

Baked Lobster and Hairy Crab Meat in Shell with Puff Pastry 4.2/5

My favourite dish of the evening is the Baked Lobster and Hairy Crab Meat in Shell with Puff Pastry. Beneath the flaky golden crust lies a mix of sweet lobster and creamy hairy crab meat. Each bite is indulgent, buttery, and aromatic, with a satisfying contrast between the crisp pastry and the succulent seafood beneath. A truly memorable dish.

Steamed Hairy Crab 4/5

No hairy crab feast would be complete without the Steamed Hairy Crab itself. Served with a cup of warming ginger tea, this was the centrepiece of the evening. The natural sweetness of the Taihu Lake hairy crab and the luscious umami of its roe exemplify why this seasonal delicacy is so revered.

Braised Ee Fu Noodles with Egg White, Hua Tiao Wine and Hairy Crab Roe 4/5

Braised Fried Rice with Shredded Fish Maw and Hairy Crab Roe 3.8/5

The meal then rounds off with a choice of Braised Ee Fu Noodles with Egg White, Hua Tiao Wine and Hairy Crab Roe, or Braised Fried Rice with Shredded Fish Maw and Hairy Crab Roe. Both showcase the roe's signature richness, but the noodles won my vote. The egg white adds a light, fluffy texture that complements the springy noodles, while the Hua Tiao wine lends a subtle fragrance. The fried rice, though comforting, felt a little one-dimensional in comparison, more of a canvas for the crab roe rather than a full expression of it.

Chilled Osmanthus Cake with Fermented Glutinous Rice Wine 3.5/5

Sweetened Mixed Bean Soup with Coconut Milk 4/5

Dessert features a comforting duo: Sweetened Mixed Bean Soup with Coconut Milk and Chilled Osmanthus Cake with Fermented Glutinous Rice Wine. The floral aroma of osmanthus and the mellow sweetness of rice wine bring a refined close to the autumn feast.

Guests enjoying the set menu will receive a complimentary 375ml bottle of eight-year Chinese Yellow Wine and a glass of Veuve Clicquot Brut NV. The mellow sweetness of the yellow wine pairs beautifully with the creamy crab roe, while the champagne adds a bright effervescence. For a touch of indulgence, diners can also opt for the Veuve Clicquot Champagne Flight (S$158++ per person), featuring Veuve Clicquot Rosé NV, La Grande Dame 2018, and RICH NV. The Hairy Crab Menus are available daily for lunch and dinner until 30 November 2025 — a celebration of Cantonese finesse and autumnal decadence not to be missed.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Shang Palace
22 Orange Grove Road
Singapore 258350
Tel: +65 6213 4473
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 2.30pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 11am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk towards Wheelock Place via ION. Exit Wheelock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Cross the road at the traffic light junction and turn left towards Royal Thai Embassy. Walk down to the end of Orchard Road. Turn right onto Orange Grove Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 23 minutes.[Map]