Coexist Coffee Co. @ Pasir Panjang Road - New Third Outlet In The Rather Off-The-Beaten-Path Part of Singapore

Coexist Coffee Co. has opened its third outlet along Pasir Panjang Road, bringing its signature speciality coffees and hearty brunch offerings to this rather off-the-beaten-path part of Singapore. When I first walked into its minimalist space, what immediately caught my attention was its sheer spaciousness. It was indeed a much-needed retreat from the surrounding traffic and industrial density.

The food menu is well-curated, featuring a hearty selection spanning Brunch, Mains, Pastas, and Desserts. We tried two brunch items, both of which checked all the boxes of what makes a satisfying brunch.

Smoked Salmon Toast 4.8/5

The Smoked Salmon Toast ($20, +$4 for scrambled eggs) came generously topped with ribbons of smoked salmon, drizzled with dill yoghurt, on sourdough toast. With such a hearty serving of salmon, the toast's thickness provided a good balance, though a touch more dill yoghurt would have helped round out the flavours and mouthfeel. The scrambled eggs were delightfully rich and buttery.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich 4/5

The Grilled Cheese Sandwich ($20) with Tomato Soup reminded me of a version I once had in Bali, and I was pleasantly surprised to find it here as well. Between two slices of sourdough was a gooey mix of Colby Jack, Pepper Jack, and Mozzarella, offering a nice complexity of flavours. The accompanying tomato soup was delectable, though it could use a bit more savouriness and punch. The herbed potatoes were fluffy inside with a crisp skin, and I appreciated that both dishes came with a well portioned mesclun salad.

Carrot Cake Fries 3.8/5

For something to share, one of the popular finger foods here is the Carrot Cake Fries ($12). I considered them the level-up old-school carrot cake sticks. Each stick was battered and fried, then topped with sambal mayo and dehydrated chye poh.

Burnt Butter Toast 5/5

Burnt Butter Toast ($10), found under the Dessert section, was a delightful standout, but it is, in fact, wholesome and delicious enough to join the rest as a main brunch item. The toasted brioche had a beautifully caramelised crust, while the inside stayed soft and fluffy. The blueberry compote tasted homemade — plump and juicy, just lightly sweetened to complement the natural tartness — and the cream tied everything together perfectly. A simple dish, done exceptionally well.

Piccolo, Coconut Cold Brew

The coffee menu is extensive, offering both familiar classics and creative house specials. I had a double shot Piccolo and a Coconut Cold Brew ($7), the latter featuring a 12-hour cold brew mixed with coconut water. The piccolo, even with an extra shot, remained smooth and easy to drink. The cold brew, meanwhile, was refreshingly light, a great alternative to sweetened black coffee.

Coexist Coffee Co. has not only brought its speciality coffees and wholesome food to the Pasir Panjang quartier, but also created a welcoming space where one can truly linger.

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.


Coexist Coffee Co.
122 Pasir Panjang Road
Singapore 118544
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Nearest MRT: Pasir Panjang (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 8am - 5pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Pasir Panjang MRT Station. Take Exit A. Cross the road. Turn right on Pasir Panjang Road. Walk down Pasir Panjang Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant (萬豪軒) @ Marrott Tang Plaza Singapore - Indulge in New Seasonal Menu of Lobster & Sri Lankan Crab Delicacies Till 31 Dec 2025

Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant presents an exciting new seasonal menu that spotlights rock lobsters from Western Australia and prized Sri Lankan crabs.

Available now through 31 December 2025, the menu features eleven exquisite lobster and crab creations, all infused with refined Cantonese flair. Diners can look forward to both Dim Sum and À La Carte selections, with the Dim Sum items available exclusively during lunch.

Soup of the Day 4/5

We started with the Soup of the Day, a warm, soothing bowl of Pumpkin Pork Ribs Soup. The broth was flavourful and naturally sweet from the pumpkin and red dates.

Minced Lobster Dumpling with Gold Leaf 4/5

The first Dim Sum dish, Minced Lobster Dumpling with Gold Leaf ($18/2 pcs), featured plump lobster meat wrapped in a thin, slightly chewy skin.

Lobster Siew Mai with Crab Roe and Minced Pork 4/5

Next came the Lobster Siew Mai with Crab Roe and Minced Pork ($18/2 pcs), an indulgent mouthful of tender lobster and savoury minced pork.

Crispy Crab Meat Puff with Glass Noodles and Chinese Parsley 4.2/5

Our favourite among the three Dim Sum we had was the Crispy Crab Meat Puff with Glass Noodles and Chinese Parsley ($16/2 pcs). The golden, flaky pastry was wonderfully crisp, encasing moist crab meat and springy noodles for a satisfying textural contrast. Other Dim Sum highlights include the Deep-Fried Lobster with Century Egg Sesame Roll ($16/2 pcs) and the Crispy Vermicelli Lobster Roll wrapped with Beetroot Rice Noodle and Superior Light Soy Sauce ($28/2 pcs).

Sautéed Minced Lobster Meat with Shrimp Roe, Egg White and Diced Asparagus Lettuce 4.5/5

Moving to mains, I thoroughly enjoyed the Sautéed Minced Lobster Meat with Shrimp Roe, Egg White and Diced Asparagus Lettuce ($48/portion). Lightly seasoned to highlight the lobster’s natural sweetness, it was elevated by the briny aroma of shrimp roe and the crunch of asparagus lettuce.

Baked Crab in Foie Gras and White Pepper Sauce 4.2/5

The Baked Crab in Foie Gras and White Pepper Sauce ($18.80/100g) offered a bold yet balanced pairing. The lightly spiced, peppery sauce complemented the fresh crab’s sweetness, while the foie gras added richness and depth.

Wok-Fried Lobster with Onion in Green Peppercorn Sauce 4.5/5

Our top pick was the Wok-Fried Lobster with Onion in Green Peppercorn Sauce ($18.80/100g). Each lobster piece was fresh and succulent, wok-fried to perfection, and coated in a fragrant green peppercorn sauce that lent mild heat and herbaceous notes. Other dishes from the À La Carte menu include the Poached Sliced Pacific Top Shell with Asparagus Lettuce in Hairy Crab Meat and Roe Sauce ($48/portion), Stewed Lobster with Dried Hong Kong Cuttlefish, Thai Basil and Shallot in Claypot ($25/100g), and Wok-Fried Lobster with Japanese Glutinous Rice infused with Dried Squid and Dried Shrimp ($25/100g).

Double-Boiled Bird’s Nest with Red Date, Lotus Seed and White Fungus 4/5

We ended with the Double-Boiled Bird’s Nest with Red Date, Lotus Seed and White Fungus, a nourishing sweet dessert that rounded off the indulgent seafood feast.

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.


Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant (萬豪軒)
Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel
320 Orchard Road
Singapore 238865
Tel: +65 6831 4605
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11.30am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Boon Tong Kee @ River Valley Road - Heritage Cantonese Chicken Rice & Zi Char Delights

Boon Tong Kee is a household name in Singapore since 1979, recognised as a heritage brand for Cantonese-style Chicken Rice. Over the years, it has expanded beyond a humble chicken rice shop into a full-fledged zi char–style Cantonese restaurant, offering a wide selection of comforting dishes alongside its signature chicken rice.

Signature Boiled Chicken 4.5/5

I visited the River Valley branch, and of course, we had to order their Signature Boiled Chicken ($19 for half). The chicken was poached perfectly to tenderness with a beautiful layer of gelatinous skin. These days, most poached chickens are dunked in an ice bath to achieve that silky jelly-like layer. To avoid serving it icy cold, I noticed the kitchen gives the chicken a quick rinse in hot water before serving, so it arrives warm at the table.

The staff then drizzle soy sauce over the chicken, enhancing its savoury depth. The rice was fluffy and fragrant, while the chilli sauce packed a spicy, tangy punch, precisely what you want for a satisfying plate of chicken rice. It’s easy to see why Boon Tong Kee remains one of the most recognised names for chicken rice in Singapore, with the Balestier flagship even earning a spot in the Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand.

Fried Bean Sprouts with Salted Fish 4.2/5

Fried French Bean with Spicy XO Sauce 4.2/5

To complement the chicken rice, we ordered a couple of zi char dishes. The Fried Bean Sprouts with Salted Fish ($14) was stir-fried to a lovely crunch, with the salted fish adding a punch of umami depth. The Fried French Bean with Spicy XO Sauce ($18) was equally well executed. The beans remained crunchy and were coated in a savoury, spicy XO sauce that added layers of flavour.

Crispy Beancurd 4.5/5

A perennial favourite at Boon Tong Kee is the Crispy Beancurd ($12). Deep-fried to a perfect golden brown, the tofu is crisp on the outside while luxuriously silky within. It’s served with a wasabi mayonnaise dipping sauce, which adds a pleasant tang and slight heat that beautifully lift the dish.

Fried Threadfin in Superior Sauce 4.2/5

The Fried Threadfin in Superior Sauce (market price) was another highlight. The fish was deep-fried to a crisp skin while the flesh remained moist and tender. The superior sauce was the soul of the dish — rich, aromatic, and enhancing the natural sweetness of the fish.

Crispy Cereal Prawn 4.8/5

A favourite of ours was the Crispy Cereal Prawn ($49.80). The prawns were large and deep-fried to a delightful crispness; even the shell was edible. The meat was sweet, firm, and bouncy, coated in a sweet-savoury cereal mix infused with salted egg and aromatic curry leaves. Each bite was addictive and indulgent, a dish that truly stood out among the spread.

Overall, Boon Tong Kee continues to deliver consistent quality across its classic Cantonese offerings. Whether it’s for their signature chicken rice or a comforting zi char meal with family and friends, the restaurant remains a trusted name in Singapore’s dining scene. It is a true testament to its enduring legacy since 1979.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Boon Tong Kee
425 River Valley Road
Singapore 248324
Tel: +65 6736 3213
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Nearest MRT: Great World (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 5pm - 915pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Great World MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to bus stop at The Cosmopolitan (Stop ID 13079). Take bus number 32 and 139. Alight 1 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

White Rose Cafe @ York Hotel - SG60 Heritage Dining Series - "Cherished Hainanese Fare"

As part of York Hotel's SG60 Heritage Dining Series, White Rose Cafe brings the series to a close with "Cherished Hainanese Fare", running from 1 October to 30 November 2025. This final instalment pays tribute to the Hainanese community, one of Singapore's most beloved culinary influences, known for their hearty comfort dishes and nostalgic flavours that have stood the test of time.

Chicken or Pork Satay 4/5

Diners can choose between Grilled Chicken or Pork Satay ($19 for 6pcs), served with rice cake, cucumber, onion, and a peanut sauce enriched with pineapple purée. Grilled to a nice char, the meat was well-marinated, tender and flavourful. The nutty sauce paired beautifully with the pineapple's slight sweetness, enhancing the overall experience.

Kaya Toast, Soft Boiled Egg and Hainanese Coffee 4/5

The Kaya Toast Set ($12) comes with crisp toast layered with house-made kaya, soft-boiled eggs, and a cup of aromatic Hainanese coffee. A simple yet satisfying classic, this everyday breakfast staple makes for a comforting snack or light meal.

Hainanese Pork Chop 4.2/5

The Hainanese Pork Chop ($23) was well executed. The crispy, tender pork loin was generously coated in a tangy tomato-based sauce featuring green peas, onions, tomatoes, and potatoes. Each bite balanced sweetness and acidity, and with steamed rice on the side, it made for a complete and satisfying meal.

Hainanese Curry Rice Set 4.2/5

The Hainanese Curry Rice Set ($24) brings together crispy pork, curry chicken with potatoes, braised cabbage and fried egg, all generously drenched in a mildly spiced homemade curry gravy. Though its presentation leans rustic, every element delivered on taste, evoking the comforting charm of a hawker-style curry rice.

Poached Chicken with Fragrant Steamed Rice/ Fried Rice Balls 3.5/5

The Poached Chicken with Fragrant Steamed Rice or Fried Rice Balls ($23) fell short for me. While the chicken was tender with a nice gelatinous skin, it lacked depth of flavour. The saving grace, however, was the chilli sauce, which is robust, spicy and tangy; it truly hit the mark for what a good chicken rice chilli should be.

Claypot Pork Porridge 4/5

The Claypot Pork Porridge ($17) offered a homely, comforting bowl of smooth, creamy porridge loaded with sliced and minced pork, egg, crispy dough fritters, fried shallots, scallions, and ginger. Served piping hot in a claypot, it retained its warmth throughout the meal, a simple pleasure that warms both heart and belly.

Herbal Mutton Soup 4.2/5

The Herbal Mutton Soup ($26) impressed with tender mutton ribs and meat simmered in a robust, herbaceous broth enhanced with red fermented beancurd (nam yue). The mutton fell off the bone effortlessly, and the nam yue added a savoury depth that beautifully balanced the strong herbal notes. Served with steamed rice, this was hearty and satisfying.

Chin Bo Leung 4.2/5

To end the meal on a refreshing note, the Chin Bo Leung ($12) is a dessert rarely seen in Singapore. It offered a medley of green beans, red beans, kidney beans, barley, taro, jelly and watermelon in chilled coconut milk. Light, sweet and cooling, it was reminiscent of Bo Bo Cha Cha and made for a delightful finish.

Cherished Hainanese Fare at White Rose Cafe is a nostalgic celebration of Hainanese heritage, presenting familiar dishes done with heart and tradition. It's a fitting conclusion to York Hotel's SG60 Heritage Dining Series, honouring the flavours that have long been cherished in Singapore's culinary landscape.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


White Rose Cafe
York Hotel
21 Mount Elizabeth
Singapore 228516
Tel: +65 67370511
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am to 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk down Scotts Road towards Goodwood Park Hotel. At Goodwood Park, turn right and walk to the end of the car park. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Po Restaurant @ The Warehouse Hotel - Celebrates Singapore Nanyang Heritage Cuisine

This October, Po Restaurant at The Warehouse Hotel unveils its brand-new menu, celebrating Singapore's rich Nanyang heritage and culinary traditions. Moving away from its previous mod-sin concept, the new direction is led by Head Chef Desmond Yong, who brings nearly two decades of experience, including his tenure as Head Chef at Rempapa, and a background spanning hawker stalls to refined kitchens. Together with his team, he has crafted a diverse yet concise menu showcasing dishes from Chinese, Malay, Indian, Eurasian, and Peranakan traditions. Treasured family recipes, either his own or generously shared by others, are reinterpreted with finesse.

Samsui Chicken 5/5

For starters, the Samsui Chicken was a pure delight. Served chilled, the poached organic chicken was tender, with slightly gelatinous skin. Complementing it was a gingery, garlicky dressing that beautifully whetted the appetite.

Singgang Serai 4.5/5

Another outstanding starter was the Singgang Serai ($24), inspired by a Eurasian fish curry. The mackerel stew, rich with turmeric rempah and coconut milk, was encased in a toasted rice shell and topped with a delicate tomato jelly. The jelly lent a fruity sweetness and gentle tartness that balanced the umami-packed stew, while the rice shell, reminiscent of a Japanese monaka, added mild sweetness and textural crunch to each bite.

Ikan Kerabu 4/5

The Ikan Kerabu ($28) reimagines the classic Peranakan kerabu with yellowtail cured in ginger flower and plum dressing, topped with a tangy herb salad, sakura shrimp, and coconut. While the dish was delicious, the use of herbs and coconut could be less restrained to better accentuate its kerabu character.

Kambing Masak Lemak Chilli 5/5

The Kambing Masak Lemak Chilli ($28) was scrumptious, featuring ultra-tender, slow-braised lamb in a rich, aromatic spiced curry. The meat had a lovely char that deepened its flavour, and the fluffy steamed rice vermicelli served as the perfect accompaniment to the heady curry.

Housemade Beancurd with Crabmeat 3/5

Among the main dishes, the Housemade Beancurd with Crabmeat ($32) featured silky steamed egg beancurd topped with plump crabmeat in superior sauce. While enjoyable, it leaned more toward an elevated Japanese chawanmushi than a Chinese-style dish, perhaps because of the addition of ikura.

Sotong Masak Hitam 4.5/5

The Sotong Masak Hitam ($30) showcased a Peranakan classic of squid cooked in its own ink. Stir-fried with rempah and reduced to a thick, glossy sauce, it was richly spiced with just a hint of heat. The squid roe, left intact, lent additional depth and creaminess, making each bite satisfying and full-bodied. The tentacles, coated in a blend of rice and corn flour, were a brilliant touch, adding crisp texture to this traditional dish.

Itek Sioh 5/5

The Itek Sioh ($30) was prepared confit-style, simmered in tamarind, coriander seed, and dark soy sauce. It was easily one of the better duck leg confits I've had in a while, with meat that was perfectly tender and well-balanced in flavour.

Babi Tohay 3/5

The Babi Tohay ($32) featured Iberico pork slowly braised in Po's house-made fermented krill paste and red rice paste. While the gravy was delectable, I found some of the meat slightly dry.

Lobster Mee 4.5/5

The Lobster Mee ($58) offered a luxurious take on KL Hokkien Mee, brimming with pork lard and premium seafood. Udon noodles were used instead of the typical yellow noodles. While purists may miss the alkaline bite of the original, I appreciated the chewiness of the udon, which made the dish feel lighter against the dark, flavoursome soy gravy.

Brinjal Fry 2/5

For vegetables, the Brinjal Fry ($24) featured South Indian-style pan-grilled eggplant, drizzled with honey and topped with spiced puffed rice and feta. While it aimed for an Indian-inspired profile, the flavours didn't quite come together, and the brinjal itself was slightly tough and watery. I was reminded of a stir-fried brinjal dish I had previously had over here. It was more rustic in presentation but homely and delicious in flavour.

Nasi Telang 4.5/5

There's always room for rice, and the Nasi Telang ($12) was a fragrant pleasure, glossy with ghee and aromatic with herbs.

Kueh Tingkat 3/5

Yuzu Cheng Tng 3.5/5

For desserts, we had the Kueh Tingkat ($22), featuring three freshly made varieties of kueh, and the Yuzu Cheng Tng ($18). The kuehs were pleasant, though the kueh kosui was a touch too sweet and lacked the desired softness. The Cheng Tng was light and refreshing, elevated by a scoop of yuzu sorbet.

Po's refreshed menu reflects Singapore's diverse culinary roots with heart and intent. Many dishes shine with thoughtful execution, though a few have lost a touch of their traditional soul in the process of refinement. Still, kudos to Chef Desmond Yong and his team for steering Po in a bold new direction amid today's challenging F&B landscape.

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.


Po Restaurant
The Warehouse Hotel
320 Havelock Road
Singapore 169628
Tel: +65 6828 0007
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Nearest MRT: Havelock (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 7 - 1030am, 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Havelock MRT station. Take Exit 4. Turn left and walk down Havelock Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]