Atic @ Citadines Connect City Centre Singapore - The Rooftop Restaurant Reopens with a New Contemporary Southeast Asian Cuisine

The rooftop restaurant at Citadines Connect City Centre Singapore has recently reopened as Atic, offering a menu of contemporary Southeast Asian cuisine. Helmed by Chef Newein Dolph Toolseram, whose multicultural roots span Burmese, Chinese, Dutch, Thai, and Peranakan-Hokkien heritage, Atic presents a vibrant reflection of the region's rich culinary traditions — reimagined with modernity and Chef Newein's distinctive personal touch.

Peperoncino Egg Noodles with seared Barramundi 3.8/5

As a start, Atic opens exclusively for weekday lunch, offering a well-priced menu featuring sharing sides and customisable lunch sets. The set allows diners to mix and match a base with their preferred protein, creating a satisfying and personalised experience. There are four base options to choose from. The Peperoncino Egg Noodles were pleasing with a springy texture, and the flavour profile was reminiscent of local soy sauce wanton noodles — savoury and comforting.

Roti John with Ribeye 3/5

Nasi Kuning with Signature Pork Chop Bakar 4/5

The Roti John, which uses Hainanese buns layered with a spiced omelette, had a lovely, sweet, bready aroma. However, the buns leaned too soft and doughy for my liking, lacking the airy, light texture one might expect. On the other hand, the Turmeric Basmati Rice, or Nasi Kuning, stood out with its fluffiness and aromatic spices, making it my preferred base for its well-balanced and comforting qualities. For something lighter, there's also the option of a mesclun salad.

Brick Chicken 4.5/5

The Brick Chicken was a clear winner among the proteins — delightfully crispy skin enveloping tender, succulent meat. The Signature Pork Chop Bakar fared equally well. Inspired by Chef Newein's hometown, the pork is marinated in spices and grilled using traditional Malay-style techniques, resulting in flavours that evoke the smoky taste of satay. The Ribeye was simply seasoned and grilled to the right doneness, allowing its natural beefy flavour to take centre stage.

Fried Oyster Mushrooms 3.8/5

While I found the Fried Oyster Mushrooms an interesting protein option, their deep-fried nature and addictive crunch made them feel more like a side dish than a main dish.

Rojak 4.5/5

On the side menu, the Rojak ($13.90) was a refreshing and vibrant take on the traditional dish. Pomelo, cubed cucumber, pineapple, and turnip were tossed in a citrusy shrimp paste, paired with mesclun leaves and mixed herbs, and finished with croutons in place of the usual you tiao for the textural crunch.

Chicken Wings 4/5

Spiced Calamari 2/5

The Chicken Wings ($13.90) were their rendition of shrimp paste chicken, featuring juicy and tender meat beneath a thin, crisp, umami-packed crust, complemented by their housemade sambal. The Spiced Calamari ($13.90) came with a delicious roasted masala crust, but the calamari rings were somewhat bland, falling short in flavour.

Grilled Hispi Cabbage 4/5

The Grilled Hispi Cabbage ($11.90) was deeply savoury, enriched by a bonito emulsion and shio kombu, though I found myself wishing for a hint of citrus to lift and balance the umami.

Lunch set menu starts from $17.90+, available Monday to Friday, 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM.

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.


Atic
Citadines Connect City Centre Singapore
182 Clemenceau Ave
Singapore 239923
Tel: +65 8087 1182
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Nearest MRT: Dhoby Ghaut (CC, NE, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 230pm
(Closed on Sat-Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Dhoby Ghaut MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Penang Road. Cross the road. Turn right and walk to Penang Lane. Turn left onto the Penang Lane. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Beok Private Dining - Natural Flavors Through Korean Contemporary Cuisine

Singapore's private dining scene continues to thrive with inventive concepts, and one of the rising stars is Beok Private Dining. Launched in May 2023, Beok offers a unique perspective on contemporary Korean cuisine, infusing traditional elements with modern interpretations in a refined, intimate setting. I finally had the chance to pen down my experience from a visit sometime back when I indulged in their carefully curated Autumn menu.

Makgeolli Bread with Smoked Purple Sweet Potato Butter 4.2/5

The evening began on a promising note with Makgeolli Bread and Smoked Purple Sweet Potato Butter. The bread, soft with a pleasant chew and gentle rice fragrance from the makgeolli, was beautifully elevated by the subtly sweet and smoky butter. It was a warm, comforting introduction to the meal.

Salt-grilled Prawn 4/5 and Bingtteok 4.2/5

Next came a duo of small bites – the Salt-grilled Prawn and Bingtteok. The prawn was fresh and plump, paired with a Fuji apple and lime chojang jelly that delivered a bright medley of acidity and sweetness, teasing the palate with layers of texture. The Bingtteok, a buckwheat pancake topped with kombu and finely shredded white radish, was a lovely surprise. Earthy and umami-rich with a gentle bite, it played beautifully between savoury and refreshing.

Gam Endive Muchim 3/5

The following dish, Gam Endive Muchim, was probably the most restrained in flavour. Slightly bitter endive leaves were dressed in a date-anchovy sauce and topped with biltong and a jujube chip. The textures were interesting, but overall it leaned towards a clean, minimalist profile.

Haemul Tang 4.2/5

Things took a heartier turn with the Haemul Tang, a spicy seafood broth that arrived brimming with flavour. Half-dried mussels, flower crab, and butternut squash added depth and sweetness to the umami-rich broth. It was warm, soothing, and satisfying.

Perilla Noodle 4.5/5

A standout of the night was the Perilla Noodle. The hand-pulled buckwheat noodles were silky yet toothsome, swimming in a nutty, aromatic broth enriched with perilla oil. Garnished with cucumber, nuts, and a touch of jalapeño for a bit of heat, this dish was layered, fragrant, and completely moreish.

Sutbul Moksal 4.2/5

Sutbul Anchang 4.5/5

The centrepiece of the meal came next – grilled meats cooked over binchotan charcoal. First, the Sutbul Moksal, featuring Australia Bangalow sweet pork collar, was well marinated and charred just right, paired with sweet potato leaf jangajji for a tangy counterpoint. Then came the Sutbul Anchang, showcasing a marbled MB7/8 Tajima Wagyu outside skirt, grilled to a perfect medium rare. Juicy, tender, and full of umami, it was easily the highlight among the proteins. That said, the portions were rather petite – each diner only got a small tasting portion, which left us craving a bit more.

Mushroom Gondre Sotbap 4.2/5

Pickles and Soup

To round out the savouries, we had the Mushroom Gondre Sotbap – a comforting bowl of multigrain Korean rice infused with wild thistle and topped with autumn mushrooms. Earthy and nutty, it showcased the beauty of simplicity. A side of soup and house pickles helped cleanse the palate and tie everything together.

Bam & Bac 4/5

Dessert came in the form of Bam & Bac, a delicate and well-composed plate featuring firm yet smooth chestnut yanggaeng, sweet poached pear, a scoop of ice cream, and an artistic fallen leaves tuile. It was a sweet ending with finesse – not too rich, but well-balanced and satisfying.

Overall, Beok Private Dining offers a unique and thoughtful exploration of Korean cuisine beyond the usual fare. The dishes are artfully plated, flavourful, and well-curated, with an elegant progression from start to finish. While some plates felt a little restrained and a couple of portions modest, the overall experience was intimate, elevated, and reflective of the Chef's evolving interpretation of Korean flavours. It is a gem worth experiencing for anyone seeking modern Korean fare with soul.


Beok Private Dining
Farrer Road
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5 On 25 @ Andaz Singapore - Usher in the Year of the Snake with Auspicious Lunar New Year Dishes, Refined Set Menus and New Takeaway Goodies

Ushering in the Year of the Snake, 5 ON 25 at Andaz Singapore introduces an array of auspicious Lunar New Year dishes, refined set menus, and festive takeaway goodies, available from 13 January to 12 February 2025. Curated by Executive Chef Martin Satow, Head Chinese Chef Lim Hong Lih, and their culinary team, the offerings highlight thoughtfully sourced ingredients while staying true to authentic Cantonese flavours.

5 ON 25 Signature Yusheng ($88/$148 Dine-in/Takeaway) features luscious slices of house-smoked sustainable Ora King Salmon from New Zealand, crispy fried yam, candied nuts, and a tangy plum dressing. For an indulgent upgrade, add-ons are available: Sustainable Canadian Lobster Meat ($78), Sustainable Surf Clam ($28), Crispy Whitebait ($20), and Crispy Salted Egg Yolk Fish Skin ($20).

Dim Sum 4.5/5

Highlights from the special Dim Sum lunch menu include the Truffle, Pumpkin & Water Chestnut Dumpling, Shrimp & Crab Dumpling, Crispy Taro Fritter with Chicken Sustainable Prawns & Mushroom. Both dumplings boasted soft, chewy skins with juicy fillings, while the taro fritter had a light, airy crust that paired beautifully with the creamy taro and well-seasoned interior.

Buddha Jumps Over The Wall 4.5/5

Buddha Jumps Over The Wall is a nourishing soup prepared with a dash of premium yellow rice wine from Mansong Wine Estate and simmered over low heat. Packed with tender herbal chicken, abalone, fish maw, sea cucumber and dried scallops, it was comforting and flavourful with depth and richness.

Stuffed Morel Mushrooms 3.5/5

Available during lunch and dinner, Stuffed Morel Mushrooms ($68) is a limited-time special. Filled with sustainable shrimp mousse and water chestnuts, the presence of Yunnan black truffle enhanced the earthy flavour of the mushrooms. Chinese yam and edamame complemented the dish with added texture and flavour.

Mapo Tofu 2.8/5

5 ON 25's rendition of Mapo Tofu combined two colours of beancurd and was elevated with sea cumber and fish maw. While its firmer tofu and a much more pronounced peppercorn flavour deviated from traditional map tofu with firm beancurd, it offered a different experience of enjoying the dish.

Turbot 4.5/5

Live seafood selections offer farmed Turbot. We had it steamed Hong Kong style, showcasing the fish at its best with buttery texture and delicate sweetness.

Master Stock Braised Barley-Fed Beef Short Rib & Baby Abalone 4.5/5

Master Stock Braised Barley-Fed Beef Short Rib & Baby Abalone was noteworthy. It featured fork-tender short ribs that were unctuous and flavorful, coated in a savoury, sweet, and malty sauce.

Wu Liang Ye Flambéed Claypot Baked Jasmine Rice 4/5

The Wu Liang Ye Flambéed Claypot Baked Jasmine Rice was a showstopper with its dramatic tableside flambé presentation. Topped with braised jade tiger abalone, Cantonese cured sausage, Romanesco and rice crisp, every bite was an interplay of flavours and textures, and the amount of moreish scorched rice crust achieved made it even more satisfying.

Mandarin Entremet 4.5/5

Dessert was well-considered and exquisite — Mandarin Entremet ($16), which delighted with airy pineapple sponge cake, light vanilla mousse, glutinous rice, and black rock sugar.

Six set lunch and dinner menus are available from $98 per person, served in the main dining hall or private dining suites – Emerald (up to 12 guests, minimum spend of $1,800) and Ruby (up to eight guests, minimum spend of $1,200).

For restaurant reservations and takeaway orders, please call + 65 6408 1228 or visit https://www.hyatt.com/andaz/sinaz-andaz-singapore/dining/5-on-25.

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.


5 On 25
Andaz Singapore
5 Fraser Street
Level 25
Singapore 189354
Tel: +65 64081228
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (DT Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 12pm - 230pm, 6-1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit E or F. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Mizuki @ Ngee Ann City - Tempura Omakase with Quality Seasonal Ingredients in Orchard Road

Mizuki, located in Ngee Ann City since 2017, offers a refined dining experience that specialises in tempura. Guests can choose from a variety of omakase menus, including Tempura Omakase, Wagyu Omakase, and Signature Omakase, alongside set meals and à la carte options.

With its serene, minimalist interiors, the restaurant offers diners the opportunity to enjoy their meals at the 9-seater tempura counter or in private rooms, making it a perfect setting for an intimate experience.

Tempura Dinner Omakase 4.5/5

On our visit, we had the Tempura Dinner Omakase ($198/pax). Before the meal commenced, the chefs showcased the seasonal ingredients of the day, beautifully presented with autumn leaves, giving us a glimpse of what was to come.

Sashimi

The omakase began with Sashimi, featuring meticulously sliced fish of freshness, especially the Kampachi.

Chawanmushi

This was followed by a comforting shiitake and edamame Chawanmushi, topped with snow crab and shark fin.

Seasonal Tempura 9 Kinds

The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the Seasonal Tempura 9 Kinds. We observed the chefs carefully prepare each piece, delicately laying each ingredient and coating it in a traditional batter before placing it in the fryer.

Diners are provided with an assortment of condiments, including salt, tentsuyu sauce, lemon, and freshly grated radish, to customise their tempura experience.

Japanese Tiger Prawn

The Japanese Tiger Prawn served with its head featured a light and crisp batter that complemented the prawn's natural sweetness rather than overwhelming.

Tara No Me

Tara No Me is a mountain vegetable with a slightly bitter taste. We enjoyed the bitter notes on their own, but they are also good paired with the Tentsuyu for an extra touch of savoury.

Uni on Shiso

One of the most luxurious bites was the Uni on Shiso, a harmonious combination of creamy bafun uni, baby whitefish, and caviar atop a tempura-fried shiso leaf and seaweed. It was indulgent without being excessive and left a lasting impression.

Ginkgo

Next was a classic Gingko.

Fish with Cucumber

The Fish with Cucumber was an unexpected combination. The fish meat was delicate and soft, and the cucumber gave a lightness.

Hotate

Another standout was the Hotate, served in two parts. The first was fried to retain a pink, tender centre, accompanied by a refreshing zest of grated yuzu.

Hotate

The second was wrapped in nori and topped with ikura, creating a delightful contrast of flavours and textures.

Mushroom

Additional prawn paste was added to the Mushroom before frying.

Ika

Next was the uniquely prepared Ika, drizzled with a reduced sauce made of squid head. While the exterior was crisp, the Ika in the middle was intentionally kept raw.

Anago

The Anago was one of my favourite courses, along with the Uni and Hotate. The mild, sweet meat was absolutely tender, enhanced by a squeeze of lemon.

Dried Persimmon

One of the more creative dishes was the Dried Persimmon with Mochi, where a tempura-fried persimmon slice was sandwiched between crispy mochi and wrapped in nori. The combination of sweet, chewy, and salty elements made it memorable.

Kakiage Don & Miso Soup

The meal concluded with the Kakiage Don & Miso Soup, a bowl of fried tiger prawns and sakura shrimp served over rice. I recommend breaking the egg yolk and mixing it in.

Assorted Dessert

Assorted Dessert followed, featuring a trio of homemade creations: Strawberry Ice Cream, Warabimochi, and Pudding. The desserts were decent, with the milky pudding standing out more for its creamy texture.

Overall, the tempura at Mizuki was outstanding, and I particularly appreciated the chefs' condiment recommendations for each piece served. Additionally, the pacing of the meal was attentive and comfortable.

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.


Mizuki
Ngee Ann City
#05-32
391 Orchard Road
Singapore 238872
Tel: +65 8828 2260
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 3. Follow the walkway through Wisma Atria to Takashimaya. Continue walking straight at Ngee Ann City until destination. Journey about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B to Orchard Road. Head west or turn left onto Orchard Road against the flow of traffic. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]