Ember @ North Canal Road - A Woodfire Restaurant With The Menu Built Around Dishes Prepared Over Open Flames

Ember at North Canal Road is a woodfire restaurant where the menu is built around dishes prepared over open flames. The offering is concise yet well-curated, spanning starters, sharing plates, and mains, with some creative touches that also make it brunch-friendly.

Signature Cold Angel Hair 3.5/5

For appetisers, the Signature Cold Angel Hair delivered a pasta done perfectly al dente, coated with truffle paste and topped with sashimi scallops and ikura. While the dish was indeed crowd-pleasing with the standard combination, I wonder if the truffle paste can be swapped with an alternative for a more refreshing approach.

Taramasalata Crab Toast 3/5

From the Coals section, the Taramasalata Crab Toast with N25 Caviar offered a fresh spin on the traditional Greek mezze. The assertive char on the bread helped offset the richness of the creamy taramasalata, but an extra crunch or a deeper savoury element would have brought the dish a better balance.

Spanish Octopus Tentacles 5/5

For mains, the Spanish Octopus Tentacles impressed with tender, meaty slices dressed in a vibrant Nam Jim. The piquant dressing drew out the sweetness of the crunchy white corn kernels and tomatoes, layering brightness onto the smoky octopus. Each bite excited the taste buds, with both flavour and textural interplay.

Koji-Aged Grain-Fed Ribeye 3/5

The Koji-Aged Grain-Fed Ribeye delivered robust, beefy flavours, elevated by a well-developed char and further enriched by the accompanying port wine jus. That said, the cooking was noticeably uneven, affecting the overall enjoyment of the dish.

Ember’s Cheesecake 4.5/5

For dessert, Ember's Cheesecake provided a pleasant sweet ending, well-baked with a slightly oozy, luscious core.

Overall, Ember presents a well-thought-out menu, though the execution could benefit from refinement. With woodfire concepts becoming increasingly common, it would be even more compelling if the desserts, too, carried some of those elusive charred flavours to complete the experience.

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.


Ember
35 North Canal Road
#01-01
Singapore 059291
Tel: +65 9839 3877
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Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Wed: 6pm - 10pm
Thu-Sun: 12pm - 4pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to North Canal Road. Cross the road. Turn right onto North Canal Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Niku Niku Oh!! Kome @ Resort World Sentosa - Japanese Wagyu Hamburg Steak Grilled Before Your Eyes

Niku Niku Oh!! Kome, a concept by Japan's top listed F&B company Monogatari Corporation, opened its doors at Weave, Resorts World Sentosa, in August 2025. With over 40 outlets across China, Hong Kong, Jakarta and Manila, the Singapore outpost marks a partnership between Monogatari Corporation and homegrown brand Putien.

At Niku Niku Oh!! Kome, diners are treated to the theatrical experience of live grilling, where Japanese aged wagyu beef hamburg steaks are cooked right in front of your eyes at the counter. Each patty is freshly ground and hand-pounded daily at the outlet, ensuring maximum flavour and a satisfying texture. To personalise the experience, diners can choose from three signature sauces, five condiments, and even optional indulgent toppings such as melted cheddar or a raw egg yolk. Every set also comes with free-flow rice, soup and broccoli.

Original Hamburg Steak 4.5/5

We started with the Original Hamburg Steak. The beef was meaty, juicy, and full of flavour. Adding an egg gave the dish an extra layer of creaminess that elevated the whole enjoyment. While the spotlight is on the hamburg, the unspoken hero here is the rice – soft, fluffy and polished in-house from husked grains for optimal freshness. The restaurant uses a special blend of Japanese Niji no Kirameki rice and Vietnamese jasmine rice, resulting in an aromatic and delicate complement to the steak.

Cheese Hamburg Steak 4.5/5

Next up was the Cheese Hamburg Steak, where the patty was smothered in melted cheddar and freshly grated Grana Padano. The richness of the cheese deepened the flavours of the beef, reminding me of a decadent cheeseburger, but with the juiciness of a premium wagyu patty. Definitely one of my favourites.

Avocado Hamburg Steak 4.2/5

The Avocado Hamburg Steak came topped with avocado slices, tartar, and teriyaki sauces. While unique, this combination did not quite hit the mark for me, as the flavours seemed to compete rather than complement the beef. It was my least favourite of the three.

Prices at Niku Niku Oh!! Kome are surprisingly reasonable. A basic set with two original hamburg steaks starts at $16.80, while the most expensive set at $22.80 offers all three flavours. Each set is generous, inclusive of one pasteurised egg, along with unlimited servings of soup, rice, and broccoli – making it a value-for-money experience, especially given the premium quality of the wagyu beef.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Niku Niku oh!! Kome
Weave Mall
Resort World Sentosa
26 Sentosa Gateway
#01-228
Singapore 098138
Tel: +65 6908 3100
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Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit C or E. Walk to Vivocity Level 3 to Vivocity Monorail Station., Take Monrail to Sentosa. Alight at Resorts World Station. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Neon Pigeon @ Carpenter Street - New Menu with $10 Dishes and Cocktails

Neon Pigeon, a well-loved name in the local dining scene and a 50 Best Discovery Bar, celebrates its 10th Anniversary with a refreshed culinary direction under Head Chef Sean Mell, formerly of Nobu Hawaii and Hong Kong. To mark the milestone, the restaurant is rolling out a brand-new menu alongside its celebratory “Perfect 10” lineup of $10 dishes and cocktails.

Tokyo Hummus 4/5

We started with the Tokyo Hummus ($12), a playful twist on the classic. Smooth, creamy edamame hummus is paired with curry chips as the perfect vessel for scooping. Light yet addictive, this is an excellent snack to kickstart the meal.

Toro Tataki 3.5/5

The Toro Tataki ($18/ $29) comes lightly torched, imparting a smoky aroma and a hint of caramelisation. Dressed in waku dressing with onion and wakame, the seaweed provides extra crunch for textural contrast. While enjoyable, the flavours felt a little restrained compared to the rest of the dishes.

Snapper 3.8/5

Served sashimi-style, the Snapper ($11/ $18) is clean and fresh, complemented by yuzu kosho, cucumber and pickled radish. The citrusy finish from the yuzu brightens the palate, giving the delicate fish a vibrant lift.

Shrimp Tempura Maki 3.8/5

The Shrimp Tempura Maki ($18) offers a delightful interplay of textures from sticky sushi rice, crispy shrimp tempura and refreshing cucumber crunch. A dollop of spicy mentaiko adds creamy heat, tying everything together nicely.

Kushiyaki Moriawase 4/5

Perfect for sharing over drinks, the Kushiyaki Moriawase ($29/ $48) features skewers of Pork Belly with Curry Salt, Corn with Miso Butter & Nori Powder, and Shiso Chicken Thigh with Yuzu Zest. Each is well-seasoned, smoky and flavourful, making this a standout pairing with cocktails.

Salt Baked Hamachi Collar 4.2/5

My personal favourite of the night, the Salt Baked Hamachi Collar ($25), showcases expert technique that keeps the fish moist with a perfect balance of firmness and flakiness. The buttery, sweet flesh is lifted by ponzu, daikon and lemon. It is a must-try dish.

A5 Wagyu Ribeye 4/5

The A5 Wagyu Ribeye ($54/100g) is grilled to perfection, served with tare sauce, yuzu kosho, ponzu and pickles. Tender and juicy, it delivers the richness one expects from premium wagyu.

Unagi Foie Gras Donabe 3.5/5

The Unagi Foie Gras Donabe ($22) combines smoky eel with buttery foie gras over rice, dusted with sansho and kinome. Comforting, hearty and indulgent, this dish is a clever East-meets-West pairing.

Chocolate Trifle 3.5/5

To end, the Chocolate Trifle ($12) brings layered decadence – chocolate ganache, cake, whipped cream, miso almond brittle and dulce de leche. A sweet finish that balances richness with a touch of crunch.

Overall, Neon Pigeon’s refreshed menu under Chef Sean Mell impresses with its creative flair and well-executed flavours, making it a strong new chapter as the bar celebrates its milestone 10th year.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Neon Pigeon
36 Carpenter Street
#01-01
Singapore 059915
Tel: +65 3129 7551
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Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 530pm - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Clark Quay MRT station. Take Exit E. Cross the road using the overhead bridge. Turn left and walk down New Bridge Road. Turn left onto Hong Kong Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Ministry of Crab @ Dempsey Hill - Award-Winning Asia’s 50 Best Restaurant From Sri Lankan Seafood Lands in Singapore

Ministry of Crab, proudly featured on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list from 2015 to 2022, has finally opened its doors in Dempsey, Singapore. Founded by celebrated chef Dharshan Munidasa, the Sri Lankan institution is famed for its pristine seafood, particularly the legendary Sri Lankan mud crabs and freshwater prawns, airflown daily and prepared with a clever blend of Japanese, Sri Lankan and Mediterranean influences.

Pure Crab 4.5/5

Our dinner begins with the Pure Crab ($98, Small up to 700g) – arguably the purest way to savour the sweetness of Sri Lankan mud crab. Steamed and then chilled, the crab’s delicate flavours shine through. Served with warm butter, homemade calamansi ponzu and chilli vinegar, the condiments enhance without overshadowing. The style reminds me of our very own Teochew cold crab, but elevated.

Crab Liver Pate 4.2/5

The Crab Liver Pate ($25) is a unique indulgence. The creamy pate, made from crab liver, is rich and umami-packed, perfect to spread on toasted bread. For balance, a drizzle of Kithul Treacle (palm sugar syrup) brings a smoky sweetness that cuts through the richness beautifully.

Kani Tama 4.8/5

A new creation, the Kani Tama is a revelation. Crab roe is gently cooked with Japanese egg and served in its shell, accompanied by rice or bread cushions (we chose the latter). Mixing it all together and dipping the bread cushions reminded us of Singapore’s kaya toast with soft-boiled egg – comforting yet luxurious. Each bite bursts with umami, and a touch of housemade chicken rice chilli sauce or hot sauce takes it to another level.

Garlic Chilli Prawn with Garlic Bread 5/5

The Garlic Chilli Prawn ($45 Regular, 200-250g) completely wowed us. The sauce was so addictive that we had the Garlic Bread ($7) to mop up every last drop. This is a must-try.

Black Pepper Dashi Crab 4.8/5

The highlight of the night was undoubtedly the Black Pepper Dashi Crab ($208-$248, Colossal). Sri Lanka's black pepper has long been revered as the "king of spice," and here it is married with the Japanese culinary philosophy of dashi. Hand-crushed pepper, ground on the traditional Miris Gala stone, gives the sauce its bold, aromatic punch. The result? A refined, deeply flavourful rendition that surpasses even our local black pepper crab.

Shibuya Style French Toast 4/5

The Shibuya Style French Toast ($18) is a decadent end to the savoury courses. Made with a thick slice of Sri Lankan street bread, it’s soft, spongy and indulgent, paired with whipped cream, strawberries and palm sugar syrup for balance.

Coconut Creme Brulee 4.2/5

For dessert, the Coconut Creme Brulee ($15) offers a tropical twist on a classic. Served in a fresh coconut, the custard made with rich coconut milk is silky and smooth, topped with a caramelised sugar crust torched at the table – a lovely, theatrical finish.

In collaboration with Ministry of Crab, make your reservation with the restaurant HERE to enjoy a complimentary Coconut Creme Brulee or show this blog post to the staff.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Ministry of Crab
Blk 6 Dempsey Road
Singapore 249683
Tel: +65 8389 0948
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Nearest MRT: Napier (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 3pm, 530pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Napier MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk to bus stop at Napier Station (Stop ID 13011). Take bus number 7, 75, 77, 105, 106, 123 or 174. Alight 2 stops later. Walk to dempsey road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes.[Map]

Dulukala Peranakan @ Silat Avenue - The Family-Run Eatery at Beauty World Makes A Comeback After 7 Years Hiatus

Dulukala Peranakan is a family-run Peranakan eatery serving homecooked-style Nonya dishes, crafted from heirloom recipes passed down through generations. Having spent over 20 years at Beauty World since 1999, the eatery recently reopened at Silat Avenue after a 7-year hiatus. Deviating from its previous standalone restaurant format, Dulukala Peranakan now operates as a Cze Char stall at Kopi Haus, reaching a wider audience seeking authentic Nonya flavours.

Nyonya Stewed Mix Vegetables 4/5

The Nyonya Stewed Mix Vegetables ($14.80) was a simple dish done right, flavoursome yet light enough for everyday enjoyment. The cabbage was well braised. It was tender but still retaining a pleasant bite. While satisfying in taste, the price point feels steep given the casual kopitiam setting.

Ikan Assam Pedas 4.2/5

The Ikan Assam Pedas ($18.80) was a delight with its piquant, tangy Assam gravy. The fish was delightfully fresh, steamed perfectly to a moist texture, complemented by the robust spiced sauce.

Ayam Buah Keluak 4.2/5

The Ayam Buah Keluak ($15.80) featured succulent chicken with a rich, bold, and savoury gravy. The keluak nuts were notably more bittersweet and nutty than versions I’ve tried before, giving the dish a pronounced intensity that made it memorable.

Bakwan Kepeting Soup 3/5

The Bakwan Kepeting Soup ($13.80) offered a lighter option. The homemade crab and pork meatballs were soft and juicy, but lacked the desired springy texture. I also find the broth slightly watered down and somewhat salty.

Sotong Hitam 3/5

The Sotong Hitam ($15.80) featured sliced squid in a squid ink sauce. The sotong itself was tender and chewy, but the expected flavours of umami, brininess, and subtle acidity were rather muted, leaving the dish less punchy than we hoped for.

Just four months into settling at their new Silat Avenue space, regulars are already flocking in to savour the familiar, comforting flavours of their Peranakan dishes. Some of the beloved specialities require at least three days' advance notice, so be sure to reserve early to avoid disappointment.

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.


Dulukala Peranakan
Kopi Haus Coffeeshop
Blk 148 Silat Avenue
Singapore 160148
Tel: +65 8119 5117
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Nearest MRT: Outram Park (EW, NE, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Outram MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to bus stop at Outram Park Station (Stop ID 05069). Take bus number 124 or 143. Alight at 3 stops later. Cross the road and walk to destination. [Map]

2) Alight at Outram MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to bus stop at Outram Park Station (Stop ID 05069). Take bus number 147 or 961. Alight at 3 stops later. Walk to destination. [Map]