Cafe Natsu @ Joo Chiat - Offers Refreshed Flavours With A Stronger Japanese Influence

Following the opening of their second outlet at Clemenceau Citadines Connect Hotel just six months from the brand's debut in the heritage district of Joo Chiat, Cafe Natsu has launched a refreshed set of offerings for their Joo Chiat outlet as well. Approximately half the menu features brand-new dishes with a stronger Japanese influence.

Fried Ebi Croquette 4.2/5

We kickstarted the meal with the Fried Ebi Croquette ($12) appetiser. The deep-fried ebi croquette has a nice crispy exterior. Biting into it reveals a moist and creamy shrimp filling on the inside.

Wagyu Hamburg 4/5

The Wagyu Hamburg ($26) with Okonomiyaki was one of our favourites. The hamburg was tender and juicy, while the pan-fried base of batter and cabbage was executed perfectly as well. The combination of western wagyu hamburg and Japanese Okonomuyaki hit all the right notes with its savoury flavours. The downside is that it might get slightly cloying with such a highly-flavoured dish.

Cold Somen 3.8/5

The Cold Somen ($14) features a bowl of al dente somen with confit egg yolk, soy dashi, myiga, capers, cucumber and shiso. Break the yolk and mix all the ingredients for a creamy finish. The dish may be a tad mild in flavour, which might be more suitable for diners who prefer a lighter main.

Mochi Fried Doughnuts 4.2/5

We ended the meal on a sweet note with the Mochi Fried Doughnuts ($12). Whilst simple, the dessert is nothing short of amazing. The mochi doughnuts were superbly fluffy and chewy on the inside. It does not have many flavours on its own, so dipping into the salted Hokkaido milk ice cream lends a nice saltish-sweet creamy flavour to the doughnuts, which elevates the whole experience.

The evolving menu goes beyond traditional brunch standards to offer versatile, comforting dishes ideal for any time of day — a testament to the Café Natsu team's progressive interpretation of a cafe experience.

Words and photos 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.


Cafe Natsu
283 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore 427537
Tel: +65 88864497
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Nearest MRT: Dakota (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 830am - 530pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk to bus stop at block 99 (Stop ID 81181). Take bus number 33. Alight 4 stops later. Walk to Koon Seng Road. Turn right onto Koon Seng Road. Walk to Joo Chiat Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Wagatomo @ Guoco Tower - New Japanese Grill Restaurant By Ex-Akira Black Chef

New at Guoco Tower is Wagatomo, helmed by Chef Tomoyuki Kiga, formerly from Akira Black. The new restaurant focuses on cooking quality ingredients over grill fire using binchotan charcoal and oak wood. Drawing from his previous experiences, he now lends his culinary ingenuity and his multi-cultural background to cook up modern renditions of Japanese cuisine.

Momotaro Tomato 4.2/5

Whetting the appetite is the bright and invigorating Momotaro Tomato ($16) tossed in fuji apple vinaigrette, sweet corn puree, and finished with a dash of amazu and sweet Japanese vinegar.

Hokkaido Scallop 4.2/5

For the cold bites, we had the Hokkaido Scallop ($27) served raw with mango sambal and yuzu oroshi. The nanbanzu sauce, which comprised the marriage between ponzu and amazu, lifted the taste profile.

A5 Wagyu Pizza 4/5

The A5 Wagyu Pizza ($32) may look familiar to a similar dish served at Akira Black, but Chef Tomoyuki has replaced it with A5 Wagyu, giving it a luxe touch. It is generously topped with slices of A5 wagyu and complemented with ponzu mayo, pickled myoga (ginger flower) and yuzu kosho cream before finishing with a drizzle of truffle oil.

A5 Tri Tip 4/5

Beef lovers will adore the A5 Tri Tip ($98) that has been slow-cooked for six hours. It is rubbed with sansho spice for a deepen taste profile, paired with charred onion puree and vegetables to complete the dish. In my personal opinion, I thought the flavour was too rich to appreciate the beautiful piece of red meat fully.

Ume Miso Glazed Pork Chop4.5/5

The non-beef eater can opt for the Ume Miso Glazed Pork Chop ($42). I enjoyed the rub of ume miso, giving the succulent pork a delectable sweetness, served with an apple fennel slaw to cut the richness.

Scampi Ochazuke 4.5/5

The Scampi Ochazuke ($35) is the Chef's rendition of the traditional ochazuke green tea over rice. Smoke is infused into the bowl before serving. Diners will be greeted with a beautiful aroma upon lifting the lid. Savoury scampi dashi replaces the traditional green tea, finished with smoked pickled daikon, hana ho flowers and caviar.

Don Tomo 4.2/5

There are several donburi dishes on the menu for those looking for a quick meal. The Don Tomo ($32) is a delicious choice, brimming with slow-cooked wagyu topped with a hearty daikon steak and bamboo shoots.

Monaka 4/5

Wrapping up the meal on a sweet note is the Monaka ($9). Underneath the shiratama mochi wafer is a scoop of housemade matcha ice cream paired with yuzu azuki beans.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Wagatomo
Guoco Tower
5 Wallich Street
#01-12
Singapore 078883
Tel: +65 83136622
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 1030pm
(Cloed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A or B. Walk to Guoco Tower. Walk to the open air square. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Boyutei @ Ann Siang - All-day Dining Japanese High Tea Set

Boyutei, located on Ann Siang Road, is a contemporary French-Japanese cafe concept by Whitegrass and Hvala. It recently launched its first high tea comprising sweet and savoury Otsumami, conceived by Head Chef Takuya Yamashita of one Michelin-starred Whitegrass. Ranging from sweet to savoury, the dainty otsumami are served in the classic Japanese jubako (tiered boxes), reminiscent of Japanese Osechi Ryori (new year) festivities as an ode to tradition.

Somen with Sakura Ebi

Unagi Toast

I appreciate that the savoury range is not overloaded with carbs but a very well-considered serving of small bites. You may first wish to tuck into a small but hearty bowl of Somen with Sakura Ebi, followed by the mouth-filling Unagi Toast, layered with shredded egg omelette.

Ebi Katsu, Narazuke Cream Cheese in Monaka, Olive Financier

The 2nd tier of savoury items is filled with little surprises. In particular, Narazuke Cream Cheese in Monaka features a delicious sweet-meets-saltish combination of whipped cream cheese and crunchy narazuke, and the Olive Financier proves to be even more addictive than its original sweet counterpart.

Bocconcini with Moromi Miso

I enjoyed the Bocconcini with Moromi Miso a lot too. The intense miso flavour teases out the subtle milky flavour of the cheese, but more miso is definitely needed.

Goma Nama Chocolate, Matcha Warabi Mochi, Hojicha Financier, Sticky dates

Tiramisu

For the sweets, the Goma Nama Chocolate is much raved about for its aromatic black sesame exterior and its rich and velvety chocolate. The same goes for the chewy Matcha Warabi Mochi. My favourite is the Tiramisu. The sponge cake was adequately soaked with dark rum, and the cheese carried only a touch of sweetness. The matcha dust lent a kiss of bitterness which worked with the alcohol-soaked sponge cake. It has been a while since I last had an excellent non-traditional tiramisu!

The high tea set is priced at $69 per set for 2 persons, comes with two hot brews and is available for all-day dining.

On all weekdays of September, elevate your high tea experience a notch with free-flow natural sparkling wine from 3 – 5pm at a top-up of $30(u.p. $38) per person. Alternatively, opt for Masumi Junmai Ginjo Shiro sake at $15 (u.p. $18) per glass or $70++ (u.p. $88) per bottle.

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. Note: This is an invited tasting.


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Boyutei
28 Ann Siang Road
#01-02
Singapore 069708
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Chinatown (DT Line, NE Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk down Cross Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Continue to the end of Amoy Street. Climb the stairs beside Siang Cho Keong Temple, up Ann Siang Hill. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk to Erskine Road. Turn right and walk down Erskine Road. Turn left onto Ann Siang Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 4 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Pagoda Street to South Bridge Road. Cross the road and turn right. Walk down South Bridge Road. Turn left onto Ann Siang Hill. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Avenue 87 @ Amoy Street - The Third Edition Tasting Menu

I am back again at Avenue 87, a modern Asian restaurant opened by co-Chef-Founders Glen Tay and Alex Phan. The duo has recently put together a new menu - Journey Menu (125++) and  Experience Menu ($168++).

Pork Jelly 3.5/5

I had the Experience Menu, kickstarting with several Snacks that showcase the chef's interpretation of the local flavours. For example, the Pork Jelly is inspired by the classic Teochew pig's trotter jelly sandwiched between two thin crispy sheets.

Tofu and Kueh Pie Tie 4/5

Next is the Tofu and Kueh Pie Tie. The Tofu is an interpretation of the mapo tofu substituting the spiciness with Korean chilli paste (gochujang). The Kueh Pie Tie is not a new snack but an elevated one for their love of the local curry fish head. It is Indian-style curry, tangy and packed with aroma from the spices.

Laksa 3.5/5

As for the Laksa sphere, it was an interesting representation of the local flavour topped with caviar and an Indian spiced cracker. Unfortunately, I thought the cracker spices overpowered the appreciation of the laksa flavour.

Uni on Toast 4.2/5

The last snack is the Uni on Toast. A delicious combination that will get one screaming for more.

Foie Gras 4/5

Moving on to the next dish, we have the Foie Gras, which is thick and creamy, paired with Chinese celery, confit tomato and mandarin orange. I like the touch of mandarin orange that helps to refresh the palate.

Duck 4.5/5

One of my favourite courses is the Duck item, a soup dish. Being Chinese, we love our soup. The saltiness from the salted vegetables and heat from the peppercorn made this a delicious pot of soup. You can also find a cabbage roll wrapped with duck meat in it.

Frog Legs 4.2/5

The Frog Legs are my dining companions' favourite dishes. The boneless and tender frog legs are cooked in a beautiful Thai green curry sauce, with the addition of lemongrass and Thai basil for the extra fragrant.

Toothfish 4.5/5

The Toothfish has a sweet buttery flavour similar to cod fish. The beautifully cooked fish is complemented by the crab roe and baijiu sauce, topped with ikura.

Aged Yamaguchi Wagyu

The last savoury dish is the Aged Yamaguchi Wagyu. It is served together with Taiwanese claypot rice with wild mushrooms. Having them together, it felt like having a plate of Asian char siew rice on a plate.

Calpis

Before moving to the dessert, we had the palate cleanser that was sweet and refreshing.

Toast 4.2/5

For dessert, we had a soft and fluffy Toast deep-fried to a crispy exterior, paired excellently with kaya ice cream.

Last, we had the Petite Four to wrap up the dinner. I enjoyed the soft and spongy Mochi coated with peanuts. The Jackfruit Ice Cream Sandwich is as good too.

Overall, I enjoyed the new menu at Avenue 87. Previously, I felt their menu might be hard for customers to accept as it was too focused on local flavours. The new menu is more balance, incorporating more Asian flavours while still showcasing the local flavours in the snack items.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


[CLOSED]
Avenue 87
47 Amoy Street
Singapore 069873
Tel: +65 98388401/ 69705491
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon, Wed-Sat 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 10pm
(Closed on Tue, Sun and PH)

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Amoy Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk down Telok Ayer Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Three Point Two @ Kampong Bahru - Introducing New Durian Delights, Gelato Bun And Craqueline Puffs

Three Point Two at Kampong Bahru is a gelato cafe that offers a range of specially crafted durian delights for durian aficionados. This cafe is the founders' second outlet, following their successful venture Pang Zi Durian at Jurong West. As durian sellers themselves, one can be assured of the quality of durians used in their ice cream and sweet treats.

First-timers visiting Three Point Two may go for Four Heavenly Kings ($16.80), showcasing two D24 Durian Puffs, two MSW Craquelin Puff, two Durian Mochi and one Durian Mousse. Their Durian Mousse ($5.50, additional D24 shot +$1) made quite an impression during my very first visit to Pang Zi Durian. I love the bittersweet dollop of D24 shot atop the mousse, and its sweetness level was quite on point.

The Durian Puffs are like choux pastry. The lightly crisp exterior that comes with an elevated buttery taste complemented the durian mousse. However, for the durian filling, I would prefer more flesh in it for better textural contrast.

The Mochi was all right. The highlight goes to the MSW Craquelin Puff that has a very indulgent buttery, sugary crust.

Waffle is also on the menu to pair with your gelatos. However, for a more interesting experience, or even a more delicious one, in my opinion, go for its Gelato Bun ($4). It is like a blown-up version of the Craquelin Puff that gives twice the pleasure of eating it. We had ours with Pistachio gelato, seemingly quite popular among its regulars.

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. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Three Point Two
85 Kampong Bahru Road
Singapore 169380
Tel: +65 83669952
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Nearest MRT: Outram Park (NE Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun: 12pm - 10pm
Fri-Sat: 12pm - 2am

Direction:
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 5. Walk to New Bridge Road. Left turn and walk down New Bridge Road. Continue onto Kampong Bahru Road. Walk to the row of shophouses along Kampong Bahru Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Nude Seafood @ Marina One - It Is Not All About Seafood Here, The Non-Seafood Dishes Are Delicious Too

I decided to drop by Nude Seafood at Marina One for a weekend lunch to get myself out of the house for a change from all the food delivery. We decided to go for the Feast For 2 priced at $98, which comes with 2 Starters, 2 Mains, 1 Side, 1 Dessert and 2 Drinks. While the menu is extensive, the choices are pretty limited for the feast for 2 unless you top up for most of the dishes.

Kale & 'Ma Haw' 4.2/5

For the starters, we go for the Kale & 'Ma Haw'. I am not a big fan of kale, but this version is exceptionally addictive. The Thai pork dressing brightens up the earthy flavour while adding pomelo and mint gives it a refreshing touch, finished with nuttiness and texture from the peanut.

Clam in White Wine 4.2/5

The other starter we choose is Clam in White Wine. We have to add an extra $6 for it. The sweet and juicy clam accentuate by the confit garlic, and wine broth is worth the extra dollar. It even comes with sourdough to soak up the delicious broth.

Nude's Rosti 4/5

For the side, we had the Nude's Rosti. I like the charred edges for their crispiness.

Young Chicken 4.2/5

It is not all about seafood here. I tried the Young Chicken, which comprises coriander emulsion, nameko, daikon, chicken fat aioli, Sansho and sourdough crisp. What stood out for me was the dark-coloured sauce which complemented the grilled tender chicken excellent. If I am not wrong, the dark coloured sauce is some squid ink concoction.

Miso Halibut & Udon 4.2/5

The other main we had is the Miso Halibut & Udon. I love the chewy texture of the sanuki udon in the refreshing mushroom dashi broth. Not forgetting the grilled halibut, which has a delectable buttery flavour further enhanced by the sweetness of the miso.

Daifuku Mochi 3/5

Wrapping up our dinner is Daifuku Mochi. It comes in a sweetened filling, but the texture is gelatine like instead of the chewy type, which I didn't enjoy.

While the Feast for 2 Pax at $98 seems quite value for money, the choices are pretty limited unless customers decide to add on extra for more options on the menu. Before my visit, I thought Nude Seafood forte was on seafood, but the non-seafood dishes I had were as delicious.


Nude Seafood
Marina One
East Tower
5 Straits View #01-23
Singapore 018935
Tel: +65 87261576
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Nearest MRT: Downtown (DT Line), Marina Bay (CC Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon: 1130am - 2pm Tue-Sun: 1130am - 2pm, 6pm - 8 pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Downtown MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk to junction of Straits View and Boulevard Central. Turn right onto Stratis View. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Marina Bay MRt station. take Exit B. Walk to junction of Marina way and Boulevard Central. Turn left onto Marina way. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 mintues. [Map]