Coriander Leaf @ Craig Place - New Flagship Location Serving Signature Pan-Asian Cuisine

After over a decade at Chijmes, Coriander Leaf has found a new home at Craig Place. Staying true to its food philosophy, the menu continues to celebrate the richness and diversity of Pan-Asian cuisine. Contrary to what many may mistake as Asian fusion, Coriander Leaf is all about taking classic regional favourites from across Asia and reimagining them into modern, shareable small plates. The menu is divided into five distinct flavour profiles: Fresh, Spicy, Familiar, Umami, and Sweet. The restaurant also offers an Executive Lunch Menu Set, perfect for individuals to get a taste of different regions.

South Asia Lunch Set

Tomato Soup, Butter Naan 5/5

There are four options for the lunch set inspired by Thailand, South Asia, China, and Persia. I picked South Asia and Persian ($38 each). South Asia features Tomato Soup, Nepalese Chicken Momo Dumpling, Tandoori Chicken, and Butter Naan. The tomato soup, drizzled with roasted cumin oil, was thick and robust — perfectly seasoned and spiced to bring out the richness of the tomato. The butter naan was soft and stretchy, a delicious pairing with the soup.

Momo Dumpling 3.8/5

Tandoori Chicken 4.5/5

The Momo Dumplings were served with a tangy roasted tomato relish that complemented the meaty filling well. They were flavourful, with a subtle hint of Sichuan pepper, though I found them leaning slightly on the dry side. The Tandoori Chicken was succulent, with a lovely char that added an alluring smokiness. A tangy cucumber relish and refreshing mint chutney balanced its spiced flavours. Between the butter naan and steamed jasmine rice offered in the set, the naan was definitely the better choice, especially to soak up the soup and pair it with the meat.

Persian Lunch Set

The Persian set began with a Watermelon Salad made with watermelon, mint, pomegranate, and Turkish white cheese. I reckon more mint and leaving them as a whole would have brought a better balance to the flavours. The main dish featured a Persian Beef Kebab, served with Vegetable Shashlik, Mixed Pickled Vegetables, and Butter Basmati Rice.

Beef Kebab 4/5

The Beef Kebab was delightfully tender, served with a dollop of yoghurt atop, which elevated the meat with a refreshing tang. But what made the dish even more enjoyable was the incredibly fluffy and aromatic Butter Basmati Rice. The pickled vegetables added a refreshing acidity to cut through the richness of the meat.

Vegetable Shashlik 4/5

The Vegetable Shashlik was delicious. The bell peppers, eggplants, and onions cooked down nicely and seasoned with aromatics and spices, making them rather moreish.

The new environment is also designed to be cosier and even more inviting than the previous location, offering an ideal setting for an intimate meal amidst the bustle of the CBD.

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.


Coriander Leaf
Craig Place
20 Craig Road
#01-01
Singapore 089692
Tel: +65 9618 0142
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Nearest MRT: Maxwell (TE Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 5pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Orchid Hotel. Walk to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road and walk to Craig Road. Continue on Craig Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Cross the road and walk to Duxton Road. Walk down Duxton Road. Turn right onto Craig Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Barood @ Tras Street - Modern Latin Indian Izakaya with Spiced Tapas and Inventive Cocktails

Barood has been hiding its culinary prowess for a year now, and it was high time I uncovered the gem at Tras Street above Revolver. This modern Latin Indian izakaya continues to push the boundaries with its spiced tapas and inventive cocktails, making every visit an exciting journey for the taste buds.

Sydney Spritz

Roma Amara

The evening began with a global tour of cocktails, each a liquid passport to a different destination. The Sydney Spritz ($24) and Roma Amara ($26) were our pre-dinner companions, setting the tone with their light and refreshing profiles.

Tostadas 4.2/5

We kicked off the 7-course Tasting Menu ($89/pax) with Tostadas that left us marvelling. These toasted tortillas were crowned with smoked aubergine, a seemingly humble ingredient that played a starring role. Even the aubergine sceptics among us were converted as the dish unfolded into a harmonious blend of flavours and textures.

Scallop Tart 5/5

The Scallop Tart, adorned with mango, chipotle, and curry leaf oil, was a delightful exploration of contrasts. The sweetness from the scallop shone through the layers of flavours. All encased in a crispy shell that added a satisfying crunch.

Goat Biryani Arancini 4.5/5

A highlight of the meal was the Goat Biryani Arancini, a delightful fusion of Italian rice balls with an Indian twist. Pulled goat, biryani, and pickle mayo were expertly combined, coated in breadcrumbs, and deep-fried to perfection. The result was a burst of robust Indian spices.

Mexican Kiss

Tokyo no Sumo

We didn't stop at one round of cocktails. We sipped on the Mexican Kiss ($26) and Tokyo no Sumo ($28) for the second act, each offering a unique taste journey.

Smoked Lobster Yakitori 4.8/5

One of the menu's stars was the Smoked Lobster Yakitori, featuring sweet and bouncy lobster skewered alongside smoked chillies and chipotle chutney. The lobster's freshness and the sauce's smoky richness made for an unforgettable pairing.

Malabar Pork Taco 4.2/5

The Malabar Pork Taco was an elevated take on the traditional al pastor. Amul Cheese and fruity mango elevated the seasoned and marinated pork, creating a symphony of fireworks in every bite.

Momo Calcutta 4/5

Served in a steaming basket, the Momo Calcutta presented plump dumplings stuffed with ginger chicken, accompanied by pea shoots. The dumplings were juicy, and the pea shoots provided a delightful textural contrast. Pairing them with the Goan sambal elevated the experience.

Bombay Creme Brulee 4/5

We concluded the feast on a sweet note with the Bombay Creme Brulee, which had its own twist. Fresh corn and saffron were added, introducing new dimensions to this classic dessert. The sweet corn brought a pleasant sweetness, while the saffron added an aromatic touch.

Barood continues to stand out with its innovative dishes and inventive cocktails. Here's to another year of delightful surprises from this Latin Indian gem.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Barood
56A Tras Street
Singapore 078995
Tel: +65 96223410
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Sat: 5pm - 12midnight
(Closed on Sun to Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Tras Street. Turn right on Tras Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

COMO Cuisine @ Dempsey - A Collection Of Global Cuisines Across COMO Properties And COMO Shambala

Mentioned COMO Cuisine at Dempsey, many will think that the food here is about wellness. It is actually not that. The menu at COMO Cuisine comprises of signatures dishes handpicked from across the COMO properties and COMO Shambala. It is a unique culinary journey where you can experience a collection of global cuisines sans having to get on a plane, all in one place.

Bhutanese Momos 3.5/5

We started with some Bhutanese Momos ($12++). At a glance, it looks like Chinese dumpling, but the dough is thicker, made from a combination of buckwheat flour and wheat flour. It is quite substantial, filled with pork, garlic, coriander and Szechuan pepper. I was actually disappointed that the accompanying Ezay chilli sauce did not use Bhutanese sun-dried chilli powder but Korean chilli powder which lacks the spicy kick.

Mangrove Crab Salad 4.5/5

The Mangrove Crab Salad ($24++) may look a little dull in colour but don't be deceived by it. It is a colourful firework of flavours from the fish sauce, lime juice, garlic and palm sugar. This is COMO Cuisine's interpretation of Thai Som Tum with fresh-picked mud crabs tossed in a salad of green mango, starfruit, cherry tomatoes, beansprouts, mint, coriander, Thai basil, fresh coconut slices and cashew nuts.

Spicy Prawn Relish 4/5

The Spicy Prawn Relish ($12++) is not spicy at all. It is like a bowl of chilli soup with chopped local tiger prawns and grilled corns. What is more interesting is the accompanying starfruit, guava, cucumber crudites and house-made rice crackers for dipping into the relish.

Golden Beetroot 4/5

A clean and delicious tasting dish is the Golden Beetroot ($20++). The heirloom beetroot is roasted in oil and vinegar, and served with Australian goat's feta cheese and finished with poppy seed dressing.

Lobster Biryani 4.5/5

The Lobster Biryani ($48++) really comes as a surprise for me. I thought COMO cuisine is all about the western fare, but this really was unexpected. I like how it is cooked with a house-made naan covering the bowl of basmati rice, locking in all the flavours. On the side, we have raita and guava pomegranate salad, for a balanced diet.

Tandoor Cauliflower 4.2/5

I guess COMO Cuisine never failed to surprise me with the Tandoor Cauliflower ($22++). I mean who will skewered chunks of cauliflower and roasted them in tandoor oven. What brings the dish together is the lemon dressing, giving it the needed acidity on top of the smokiness.

Pappardelle 4.2/5

Freshly made daily is the Pappardelle ($30++) that is cooked to a beautiful al dente bite. I love my pasta saucy and hence the duck ragout was a match in heaven for me. This is further topped with radicchio, basil and shaved pecorino.

Lamb Shank Massaman 4.5/5

Another beautiful dish on the menu is the Lamb Shank Massaman ($45++) served with naan bread and lightly pickled pineapple and cucumber. The lamb shank is cooked to fork-tender, falling off the bone with ease. It is so good that I could not stop going back for more naan to mop up the sauce.

Rich Chocolate Cake 4.2/5

The Rich Chocolate Cake ($14++) is COMO Cuisine's take on the chocolate florentine. The tart base is made from digestive biscuits and then covered with Michel Cluizel 70% chocolate. It is then served with rum-marinated cherries, fresh berries, coffee caramel, mascarpone chantilly infused vanilla bean and edible gold leaf.

Mocha Soft Serve 4/5

Subject to daily flavour, we had the Mocha Soft Serve ($10++). Who can resist a soft, creamy and refreshing soft served to wrap up dinner? It actually tastes like milo soft serve.

Jackfruit Pudding 4.2/5

Another beautiful dessert on the menu is the Jackfruit Pudding ($14++). The soft and moist ginger jackfruit pudding is served warm and topped with fresh jackfruit, passionfruit and coconut slivers. This is complemented by a scoop of house-made jaggery ice cream

Note: This is an invited tasting.


COMO Cuisine
Dempsey Hill
Block 18A Dempsey Road
Singapore 249677
Tel: 1800 3046688
Facebook
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line), Holland Village (CC Line), Farrer Road (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Breakfast
Mon-Fri: 8am - 12pm
Lunch
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 3pm
Afternoon Menu
Daily: 3pm - 6pm
Dinner
Sun-Thu: 6pm - 10pm
Fri-Sat, PH: 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop along Orchard Boulevard (Stop ID 09022). Take bus number 7, 77, 106, 123 or 174. Alight 7 stops later. Walk to Dempsey Road. Walk to the round about near block 17 and 18. Walk to destination. Journey time 30 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to bus stop at Block 12 (Stop ID 11401). Take bus 106. Alight 4 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to Dempsey Road. Walk to the round about near block 17 and 18. Walk to destination. Journey time 20 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Farrer Road MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite Farrer Road MRT station (Stop ID 11119). Take bus number 174 or 564. Alight 5 stops later. Walk to Dempsey Road. Walk to the round about near block 17 and 18. Walk to destination. Journey time 20 minutes. [Map]