Club Rangoon @ Duxton Road - A Rare Gem Showcasing Contemporary Burmese Cuisine in Singapore

Along the vibrant stretch of Duxton Road, Club Rangoon continues to stand its ground in Singapore's ever-evolving dining landscape. Having first visited shortly after its opening in August 2024, it is heartening to return nearly a year and a half later to see the restaurant not only surviving but refining its identity. In a city where dining concepts come and go with startling frequency, Club Rangoon remains a rare gem — spotlighting contemporary Burmese cuisine, a cuisine still relatively underrepresented in Singapore.

Laphet Hummus 4.2/5

The Laphet Hummus ($14) offers a thoughtful reinterpretation of a familiar staple. Infused with fermented tea leaves, the hummus carries a distinctive Burmese accent that is earthy, umami-rich, and gently herbaceous, setting it apart from its Mediterranean counterpart. The texture is luxuriously smooth, almost velvety, serving as a canvas for the nuanced flavours of laphet and tea leaf oil drizzled atop. This "gentle funk" adds intrigue without overwhelming the palate. Paired with warm, pillowy pita, it becomes an addictive starter that invites repeated scooping.

Short Rib Skewers 4.2/5

The Short Rib Skewers ($18 for 2pc) exemplify the restaurant's knack for balancing richness with brightness. Grilled to tender perfection, the beef boasts a melt-in-the-mouth texture, accented by a light smoky char. What elevates the dish is the Burmese-style chimichurri, sharper and more herbaceous than the traditional Argentinian version, cutting cleanly through the meat's fattiness. The accompanying pennywort salad lends a refreshing crunch and a slightly bitter note, rounding out the dish with finesse.

Samusa Thoke 4/5

A beloved Burmese street food classic, the Samusa Thoke ($12) is a medley of textures and flavours. Crispy potato samosas are broken apart and tossed into a warm, comforting yellow split pea soup, allowing them to soak up the broth while retaining bits of crunch. The addition of shredded cabbage and fresh mint introduces a crisp, cooling contrast, while a squeeze of lime ties everything together with a bright, zesty lift. The interplay between warm and fresh elements makes this dish both hearty and refreshing.

Ohn-No Khout Swel 4/5

The Ohn-No Khout Swel ($20) delivers a comforting bowl of coconut chicken noodle curry. Rich yet approachable, the mildly spiced broth is thick enough to coat each strand of egg noodles and envelop tender pieces of chicken. A halved boiled egg adds an extra layer of richness, while crunchy yellow rice crackers provide textural contrast. With lime and chilli on the side, diners can easily adjust the balance of acidity and heat, making it a highly customisable and satisfying main.

Wet Thar Dan Dauk 4.5/5

A standout on the menu, the Wet Thar Dan Dauk ($34) is a luxurious take on Burmese-style biryani. Fragrant basmati rice, infused with saffron and ghee, forms the base for a generous portion of slow-cooked pork knuckle. The meat is incredibly tender, with gelatinous richness that melts effortlessly on the palate. To offset this indulgence, a side of tangy green mango salad provides a refreshing acidity and crunch, ensuring each bite remains balanced and enjoyable.

Yone Pathay Thee Tofu Kyaw 4.5/5

The Yone Pathay Thee Tofu Kyaw ($22) showcases the depth of Burmese "dry curry" techniques. Featuring okra and tofu stir-fried with a robust masala blend, the dish delivers concentrated, caramelised flavours with every bite. The tofu absorbs the spices beautifully, while the okra adds a tender, slightly crisp texture. A touch of tamarind introduces a sharp, fruity acidity that cuts through the warmth of the spices, resulting in a dish that is both hearty and well-balanced.

Laphet-yay Ice Cream 4.5/5

Ending on a high note, the Laphet-yay Ice Cream ($14) is a creative homage to Burmese milk tea. Smooth and creamy, the ice cream captures the bold, slightly tannic notes of black tea, mellowed by the sweetness of condensed milk. The addition of a banana and jaggery crumble introduces a contrasting texture and a deep, caramel-like sweetness. The interplay between warm, earthy flavours and the cold creaminess of the ice cream makes for a refined yet comforting dessert.

Returning to Club Rangoon, the progression is evident. The refreshed menu feels more confident and cohesive, with flavours that are better defined and more attuned to the local palate without losing their Burmese essence. This second visit not only deepened my appreciation for the cuisine but also highlighted the restaurant's growth in bridging tradition and modernity. In many ways, Club Rangoon continues to play an important role in introducing and evolving Burmese cuisine within Singapore's dynamic food scene.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Club Rangoon
76 Duxton Road
Singapore 089535
Tel: +65 8190 8827
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Nearest MRT: Maxwell (TE Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu: 530pm - 11pm
Fri-Sat: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Cross the road to Duxton Road. Walk down Duxton Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time about 3 minutes [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road and walk to Craig Road. Walk down Craig Road towards Duxton Road. Turn right onto Duxton Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 6 minutes. [Map]

Homm Dessert @ Resorts World Sentosa - Opens Second Outlet at Weave RWS with Exclusive DIshes

Melbourne-born Thai dessert café Homm Dessert has expanded beyond its first outlet at Raffles City, now opening its second branch at the new Weave Mall in Resorts World Sentosa. Known for their creative takes on Thai-inspired sweets, the RWS outlet introduces not only its signature bingsu and drinks but also a range of exclusive savoury and sweet offerings.

Cheese Top Thai Milk Tea, Cheese Top Taro Milk Tea 4.2/5

We started with the Cheese Top Thai Milk Tea ($6.80) and Cheese Top Taro Milk Tea ($7.80). Refreshing and not overly sweet, both drinks hit the spot on a hot day. The flavours were distinct and natural, without the artificial aftertaste sometimes found in flavoured teas.

Mango Soba Salad 4/5

One of the savoury exclusives at the RWS branch is the Mango Soba Salad ($16.80). The vibrant combination of soba, ripe mango, soft-boiled egg, avocado, chilli, coriander, and red onion makes this a light yet satisfying option. Tossed in a spicy dressing of fish sauce, chilli and lime juice, it delivered a punchy, zesty kick that tied everything together.

Thai Chilli Crab Linguine 4/5

Another exclusive is the Thai Chilli Crab Linguine ($22.80). The pasta is generously coated in a robust Thai chilli crab sauce made with lemongrass, shallots, garlic, candlenut and bird's eye chilli. While flavour-packed and fragrant, it leaned more towards sweet than spicy. The two crispy soft-shell crabs served alongside added extra indulgence and texture to the dish.

Mount Chendol 4/5

For desserts, the RWS-exclusive Mount Chendol ($18.80) is their creative spin on the beloved local treat. A fluffy coconut “snowflake ice” base is layered with jackfruit, pandan jelly, semi-smashed red beans, creamy corn, grass jelly and drizzles of gula melaka. It’s a fun, Thai-inspired take on chendol, or as it’s called there, “lod chong.”

Thai Milk Tea Avalanche Bingsu 4.5/5

Of course, no visit to Homm is complete without their signature Thai Milk Tea Avalanche Bingsu ($19.80). Using a blend of fragrant Thai tea leaves, the flavours are earthy yet smooth, never too tannic. The “avalanche” reveal is a playful touch, unveiling whipped cream cheese on Thai tea snowflake ice, gelato, and buttery sable crumbles. Served with Thai tea sauce, grass jelly, and condensed milk on the side, this is an indulgent dessert perfect for sharing.

Homm Dessert continues to impress with its creative interpretations of Thai classics. With the addition of exclusive savoury dishes at the new RWS outlet, it makes for a fun spot not just for desserts but also for a light meal.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Homm Dessert
Resorts World Sentosa
Weave Mall
26 Sentosa Gateway
#01-232
Singapore 098138
Tel: +65 6745 5323
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Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 6pm

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]

SOD Cafe @ Upper Thomson Road - Launches New Night Concept With A Focus On Freshly Made Pasta

Nestled within the Upper Thomson vicinity, SOD Cafe has launched a new night concept focusing on freshly made pasta. There are a total of 7 pasta dishes to choose from, with the bases all made with either linguine or fettuccine. They make their pasta from scratch daily, with portions only limited to 30 per night for now, though they have hoped to increase the daily portions to 50 in the near future!

Taro Milk Tea 4/5, Green Milk Tea 4/5

We started off the meal with their signature bubble tea drinks, such as the Taro Milk Tea and Green Milk Tea with pearls. The drinks were aromatic, creamy and not too sweet, while the black pearls were soft and chewy, providing a great bite to the drinks.

Aglio Olio with Prawns 4.2/5

We opted for their Aglio Olio with Prawns, cooked with fragrant butter garlic and topped with ebiko, and tiger prawns cooked to plump juicy perfection. The addition of ebiko added a nice bite, and the fettuccine pasta was cooked to a nice al dente texture.

Cream Mushroom 4/5

The Cream Mushroom comprises button mushrooms cooked in mixed herbs and cream. It is perfect for pasta lovers who love creamy pasta, and the shrooms' aroma was strong without being too overwhelming. The fettuccine pasta was similarly cooked to a nice al dente texture.

Beef Stew 4.2/5

The Beef Stew comes with tender 8-hour cooked beef shank cubes and cream demi-glaze. The perfectly done fettuccine was smothered in a robust beef gravy, not too heavy yet sufficiently flavourful. Other pasta options are available such as the Spicy Tomato with Wagyu Beef Balls and Salmon Pesto.

Sweet Potato Fries 3.8/5

We also tried their sides, such as the Sweet Potato Fries, which are fluffy and retain a thin layer of crispiness around them.

Photos and words by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


SOD Cafe
183 Longhaus
183 Upper Thomson Road
#01-05
Singapore 574332
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Nearest MRT: Marymount (CC Line), Upper Thomson (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1030am – 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Marymount MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to junction of Marymount Lane and Thomson Road. Cross the road and turn right. Walk down Thomson Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Upper Thomson MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk down Upper Thomson Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Tai Er Chinese Sauerkraut Fish @ Jewel Changi Airport - Popular Chinese Restaurant In China With Nearly 300 Stores Opens In Singapore

Popular Tai Er Chinese Sauerkraut Fish, with nearly 300 stores in China, has opened its first outlet in Singapore at Changi Jewel Singapore. The restaurant is known for its Chinese Sauerkraut Fish seeing daily queues at the stores to savour the fish fillets in a spicy and sour broth.

Chinese Sauerkraut Fish 4.5/5

The Chinese Sauerkraut Fish ($48/$68/$88) comes in a huge plate with the tender fish slices swimming in a pool of soup, brimming with red chillis, Sichuan peppercorn and pickled cabbage. If I am not wrong, they use tilapia fish for the dish. The combination of mala, spicy and sour flavours is super shiok. I can understand why it is so popular in China now.

Poached Sliced Beef in Hot Chilli Oil 4.8/5

Another crowd favourite is the Poached Sliced Beef in Hot Chilli Oil ($26). The beef slices are incredibly tender. The star has to be the aromatic hot and spicy broth accentuating the full enjoyment. I feel the flavours are well balanced for Singapore's palate, neither too spicy nor mala. The dish is seriously one of the best interpretations of the classic Sichuan dish I have eaten for a long while.

Abalone and Shrimp in Spicy Sauce 4/5

The Abalone and Shrimp in Spicy Sauce ($12) is a delightful starter to whet up your appetite. However, I probably save my calories for the other star dishes on the menu, such as the Chinese Sauerkraut Fish and Poached Sliced Beef in Hot Chilli.

Fried Crispy Prawn Topped with Mustard 4/5

Not everything on the menu is spicy. There are also non-spicy dishes such as the Fried Crispy Prawn Topped with Mustard ($13). Coated in a light batter, it gives the crunchy prawn a crispy exterior coat paired with a sweet mustard sauce.

Seaweed Roll with Salted Egg Yolk 2.5/5

Exclusively for the Singapore outlet is the Seaweed Roll with Salted Egg Yolk ($6). I find it disappointing for an exclusive dish. It felt half-hearted by putting together a few pieces of seaweed cracker and drizzled it with salted egg yolk sauce.

Egg Coated Glutinous Rice Rolls with Brown Sugar 4.8/5

Another beautiful dish we enjoyed is the Egg Coated Glutinous Rice with Brown Sugar ($10). The texture is like mochi, soft and chewy paired with sweet brown sugar dip. It is so good.

Ice Jelly with Coconut Milk 4/5

Sichuan Pepper Milk Tea and Lemon Tea With Passionfruit Juice

If you find the food is too hot to handle, don't worry. You can cool off with some cold beverages and desserts such as the Ice Jelly with Coconut Milk ($3), Sichuan Pepper Milk Tea ($5) and Lemon Tea With Passionfruit Juice ($5).

I have enjoyed the food at Tai Er Chinese Sauerkraut. I will be back again to check out the rest of the menu. Please note that they do not accept walk-in. You have to make reservation via their facebook page or WeChat. For the first-timer, the must-try items are Chinese Sauerkraut Fish, Poached Sliced Beef in Hot Chilli Oil and Egg Coated Glutinous Rice Rolls with Brown Sugar.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Tai Er Chinese Sauerkraut Fish
Jewel Changi Airport
80 Airport Boulevard
#03-208
Singapore 819642
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Nearest MRT: Changi Airport (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 2pm, 5pm - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Changi Airport MRT station. Take Exit A or B. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Makino @ Paya Lebar Quarter - New Japanese Dining And Shabu Shabu Hotpot Concept

Nestled within the new Paya Lebar Quarter (PLQ) mall, just next to Paya Lebar MRT station, Makino is the first shabu shabu concept launched by Asahi Group, where you can savour fresh seafood, meat and vegetables all cooked to your preference in a fragrant stock permeated broth.

Choose from their variety of special Japanese soup bases such as the spicy Tsurai Miso Soup, Mentaiko Soup, Kinoko Soup and Tonkotsu Soup laden with rich flavours.

Kickstart the meal with their popular Royal Milk Tea with Azuki Beans ($5.80). Instead of the usual boba pearls, azuki beans are used as toppings which adds a subtle sweetness to the drink. We found the Citrus Fruit with Homemade Barley drink ($5.80) to be quite an interesting combination as well, with an additional zesty touch to the usual barley flavour.

With quality ingredients and an extensive menu that features all types of seafood, meat and vegetables, we had a good mix of everything from the Ebi Shinjo (Makino special minced prawn), Tori Menchi (minced fresh chicken thigh with chicken soft bone), Reito Tofu and Kyabetsu cabbage to the Zuwai Kani (Japanese snow crab legs).

I actually like to have the Uzura Tamago (quail eggs) served cold, but a dip into the flavoursome boiling pot rendered the yolk all melty and gooey, with a delicate pork bone flavour added to it.

For the meat lovers, go for the Karubi US short ribs ($16.80) and the Butakara Kurobuta Pork Collar ($12). We loved the Karubi for its well-balanced flavours and marbling. The thinly sliced meat has a fast cooking time in the steaming hot broth and just melts in your mouth instantaneously. The Butakara is also rich in flavours while possessing a remarkable melt-in-your-mouth texture.

If that's not enough to satiate your hunger, load up on the carbs with their noodles selection such as the Ramen ($6.80), Gyo Somen ($9.50), Inaniwa Udon ($6.80), and Cha Soba ($6.80).

Besides the shabu shabu option, the menu also offers a plethora of appetising popular Japanese dishes. If shabu shabu is not your thing, go for their range of ala carte donburis, tempura, sushi and sashimi instead.

Photos and words by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Makino
Paya Lebar Quarter
10 Paya Lebar Road
#03-28/29
Singapore 409057
Website
Tel: +65 60722770
Nearest MRT: Paya Lebar (CC Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

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

The Alley Luxe @ Cineleisure - The Alley's First Ever Premium Lifestyle Concept With Signature Beverages And European Baked Pastries

This May, The Alley makes its mark in Singapore with the launch of its first-ever premium concept - The Alley Luxe at its first flagship store at Cineleisure. This premium lifestyle cafe concept will showcase The Alley's finest collection of beverages, as well as an array of exquisite European baked pastries such as croissants, cruffins and kouign-amann. Customers get to enjoy the scenic view of Orchard Road as they indulge in The Alley's signature beverages and mouth-watering baked pastries. The Alley’s flagship store will open on the 18th of May 2019, at Orchard Cineleisure Level 2.

Brown Sugar Deerioca Fresh Milk 4.2/5, Matcha Brown Sugar Deerioca Fresh Milk 4.5/5

Renowned for its signature Brown Sugar Deerioca series, The Alley continues to amaze with soft, chewy pearls meticulously brewed for over 4 hours with their all-natural brown sugar, and complete with Japanese grade fresh milk for the perfect brown sugar fresh milk experience. Go for their Brown Sugar Deerioca Fresh Milk ($5.30) or Matcha Brown Sugar Deerioca Fresh Milk ($6.30) which boasts a robust bittersweet matcha flavour. Remember to suck on the brown sugar pearls at the bottom of the cup first to experience that warm, rich caramelised soft pearls before mixing the cold milk together with the warm brown sugar pearls for a satisfying cup.

Royal No. 9 Milk Tea 4/5

Garden Milk Tea 4/5

The milk tea series, Garden Milk Tea ($5.30) and Royal No. 9 Milk Tea ($4.30) boasts a rich assam tea aroma with a roasted, milky flavour, and complete with soft, chewy pearls. The Garden Milk Tea comes with an additional blanket of oreo crumbs atop and mint leaves, resembling a 'garden', which also adds some crunchy texture to the drink as well.

Snow Strawberry Lulu 4/5

The all-new Lulu series features a concoction of fresh fruits and tea, finished off with a dollop of snow velvet cream that will surely delight all fruit tea with its refreshing and fragrant taste. The Snow Strawberry Lulu ($6.30) is light with a well-balanced tangy-sweetness from the freshly brewed white peach oolong tea and fresh strawberries added to form a perfect blend of flavours.

Snow Velvet Peach Oolong Tea 4.2/5

For something light and refreshing, go for their Snow Velvet Peach Oolong Tea ($5.80) which features oolong tea freshly brewed from the oolong tea leaves upon order and tops with a creamy snow velvet cap. Twist the cap to sip on the foam and use a straw for drinking the tea separately, and you get to enjoy the natural taste of the tea.

Aurora Series: Northern Lights 4.2/5

An eye-catching bottle of ice blended drink - the Aurora series: Northern Lights ($8.80) features a wonder infusion of tea and fresh fruits which includes apple vinegar, grapes and butterfly blue pea to form a beautiful gradient of colours. Not just instagrammable, it scores on the taste as well!

The Alley Luxe also introduces a new lineup of European baked pastries such as the Almond Croissant, Sausage and Cheese Croissant, Cruffins (salted caramel, lemon meringue, kaya and chocolate flavours) and Kouign-Amann. The cruffins are a croissant-muffin hybrid and boast flaky external layers, fluffy insides and slightly sweet yet flavourful centres.

Having opened its very first outlet in 2013, The Alley has come a remarkable way with more than 300 outlets around the world today, in places like Toronto, Los Angeles, Paris, Mainland China, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan etc. The Alley commits to create only the finest beverages and uphold an extremely high standard in its choice of ingredients, placing great attention in quality, from the hand harvesting of tea plants to the choice of ingredients and ratios. As a leading trendsetter of artisanal tea, the brand continues to make waves in the international food and beverage scene with its signature beverages that everyone loves.

Photos and words by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


The Alley Luxe
Cineleisure Orchard
8 Grange Road
#02-06A/B
Singapore 239695
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily 12pm to 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Grange Road. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]