LAVI TACO @ Pearl’s Hill Terrace - Hidden Al Fresco Mexician Dining Up on Pearl's Hill

It takes a walk to reach LAVI TACO at Pearl's Hill Terrace, whether or not you're heading there from Chinatown or Outram Park MRT. But make your way up, and you will be welcomed to an al fresco dining space with laid-back and chill vibes, perfect for a night to unwind over food and drinks with friends.

The brand prides itself on offering an authentic spread of Mexican fare.

Nachos 4/5

The classic starter of Nachos ($15) came with crunchy corn tortilla chips and jalapeno pickles, with salsa verde, pico degallo and sour cream to pair. At another $5 top-up, you can opt for the loaded option that provides a topping choice of birria oxtail & brisket or pulled mushrooms.

Birria 4/5

Available in limited portions daily, the Birria ($25) tacos are the one to go for if you are a fan of beef and bolder flavours. The slow-cooked oxtail and brisket, braised in a spicy and aromatic birria broth, is topped with melted cheese and held between tortillas. These are served with an additional cup of broth for you to dunk in or enjoy as soup.

Pulled Mushroom 4.2/5

I first tried LAVI TACO's vegetarian Pulled Mushroom ($18) tacos at their gourmet food truck pop-up in Resorts World Sentosa. I enjoyed the generously filled shells with a very well-textured mushroom filling. The plant-based slow-cooked pulled mushrooms were smoky and flavourful, complemented well with a refreshing and tangy mix of red cabbage, cheese, cilantro, pico de gallo, sour cream and salsa verde.

Taco Meat Platter 4.5/5

Named the "ultimate taco experience", the Taco Meat Platter ($129 for 3-4 pax) is the perfect choice if you're here in a group. The interactive DIY element here adds an extra layer of fun.

Loaded up and served on a tray, it features rows of various taco toppings, including flame-grilled steak, crunchy Argentinean garlic prawns, chipotle pepper chicken thigh, alongside grilled vegetables, an assortment of taco condiments, and a good number of corn tortillas. A smaller portion that feeds approximately 2 pax is also available at $69.

While the prices are on a slightly higher end, they are all nett, without gst and service charges. I would highly recommend making a reservation here https://reserve.oddle.me/kultyard before heading down!

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.


LAVI TACO
195 Pearl's Hill Terrace
#01-54
Singapore 168976
Tel: +65 9763 8931
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Nearest MRT: Chinatown MRT (DT Line and NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Sun: 5pm - 930pm
(Closed on Mon & Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk straight to the food centre. Cut through the food centre to the back. Walk towards the hill on the left. Take the flight of stairs up the hill. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Tanglin Cookhouse @ Paya Lebar Quarter (PLQ) - Opens new Outlet at Paya Lebar, Specialising in Contemporary British Colonial Cuisine

Tanglin Cookhouse is a hidden gem nestled in the tranquil corner of Tanglin Mall, providing an oasis of lush British colonial-style setting for diners to indulge in timeless yet contemporary colonial cuisine away from the bustling streets of Orchard. They are thrilled to announce their newly opened outlet at Paya Lebar Quarter, inviting diners to experience the harmonious blend of history and contemporary culinary delight at Tanglin Cookhouse.

We kickstarted the meal with an enticing cocktail selection. The "Tanglin Classic" ($18) offers a refreshing blend of Widges London Dry Gin, cucumber, rosemary, and Fever Tree tonic. At the same time, the "Bloody Brilliant" ($18) features Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz Gin, fresh blood orange, and Fever Tree tonic. Our favourite goes to the latter, which delivered a fruity explosion that sets the perfect tone for the dining adventure ahead.

Tanglin Scotch Egg 4.2/5

The Tanglin Scotch Egg ($20) is a modern twist on a classic dish. It features a cage-free organic egg with a perfectly runny yolk, served on a vibrant bed of purple cabbage slaw. The dish is elevated by adding pickled mustard seeds, which provide a tangy contrast, and a creamy ranch dressing that ties all the flavours together.

Spiced Curry Lamb Papadum Nachos 4/5

The Spiced Curry Lamb Papadum Nachos ($16) are a delightful fusion of Indian and Western flavours, offering a unique and delicious twist on traditional nachos. It features crispy papadum chips as a base, providing a delightful crunch. These chips are then generously topped with tender and flavourful spiced curry lamb, which adds a rich and aromatic dimension to the dish. The yoghurt dressing adds a creamy texture and a hint of tanginess that complements the spiciness of the curry.

White "Rojak" Fruit Salad with Kaffir Lime Quinoa 4/5

The White "Rojak" Fruit Salad with Kaffir Lime Quinoa ($22) is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines the best of both worlds - the traditional flavours of Rojak and a contemporary twist with quinoa. The salad boasts a mesclun salad base, artfully adorned with a colourful medley of ingredients, including dragonfruit, pineapple, turnip, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes. The unique twist in this dish is the Kaffir Lime Quinoa, as its tangy and aromatic profile adds depth and complexity to the salad. To further elevate the dish, it includes You Tiao Croutons, which offer a crispy contrast to the fruits and quinoa. The cashew nuts add a delightful crunch, while the ginger flower vinaigrette ties all the flavours together with its aromatic and slightly spicy notes.

Crispy Hainanese Kurobuta Pork Chop 4/5

The Crispy Hainanese Kurobuta Pork Chop ($32) is a harmonious fusion of Asian and Western flavours, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of Hainanese cuisine with a modern twist. Featuring a succulent Kurobuta pork chop with a crispy exterior, it's complemented by an Oriental tomato sauce that balances sweet and tangy notes. The dish is enriched with garden peas, golden fries, and a refreshing purple cabbage slaw.

Tanglin Style Pao Fan 3.5/5

The Tanglin Style Pao Fan ($34) is an exquisite and comforting dish that showcases a lavish array of seafood and flavours. The poached rice dish features organic jasmine rice, known for its delicate fragrance and fluffy texture. The seafood selection is a highlight, including locally farmed tiger prawns, succulent crabmeat, tender clams, plump scallops, and squid. The Pao Fan is further elevated with puffed rice, which adds a delightful crunch and playful contrast to the tender seafood and rice and an onsen egg, which enriches the dish with its velvety yolk. What ties everything together is the superior broth. However, the broth was slightly less rich than expected.

Sunday Roast 4.2/5

The Sunday Roast (36) is a classic and hearty meal that pays homage to a Sunday roast dinner tradition. The beautifully roasted grass-fed Angus beef is at the heart of this dish, cooked to perfection to ensure tenderness and flavour. A rich and savoury onion gravy is generously drizzled over the meat, enhancing its taste and adding depth to every bite. The Yorkshire pudding, an essential component of a traditional Sunday roast, is served alongside the beef. These crispy and airy delights are the perfect complement to the meat, providing a satisfying contrast in texture. A medley of vegetables on the side, which includes garden peas, roasted potatoes, carrots, and charred broccoli, adds colour and vibrancy to the dish.

British Danish Bread & Butter Pudding 4.2/5

Finally, we round off the meal on a sweet note with the British Danish Bread & Butter Pudding ($18). It is a delightful dessert that marries the comforting charm of a classic British bread pudding with the sweet indulgence of Danish flavours. This dessert features a decadent bread and butter pudding base made with rich and flavourful ingredients like rum-soaked raisins, velvety chocolate, and aromatic cinnamon. These elements come together to create a comforting, warm, and slightly spiced sensation. It is topped with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, which adds a refreshing contrast to the warm pudding. As a finishing touch, it is adorned with delicate cocoa nibs, which provide a delightful crunch and a hint of bittersweet chocolate flavour.

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.


Tanglin Cookhouse
PLQ 3
2 Tanjong Katong Road
#01-06/07
Singapore 437161
Tel: +65 65924572
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Nearest MRT: Paya Lebar (CC, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 9am - 10pm

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

Tres Sombreros @ Upper East Coast Road - New Mexican Eatery On Upper East Coast Road Serving Vibrant Mexican Feast

Opened late last year along Upper East Coast Road, Tres Sombreros is a vibrant Mexican restaurant offering various Mexican dishes, from tacos and burritos to chimichangas and quesadillas, as well as Mexican coffee and cocktails. The restaurant is spacious, with colourful murals and decorations, perfect for a casual dinner or a festive celebration.

Sangria 4.2/5, Virgin Mojito 4/5

We started off the meal with their signature Margaritas, cocktails or mocktails. I had a huge glass of their signature Sangria ($18), which is available in a jug for sharing, and a Virgin Mojito ($8), a refreshing beverage for the flavour-intense mains later on.

Nachos 3.8/5

The Nachos ($18) come with crispy corn chips, topped with a myriad of ingredients such as cheese, black olives, black olives, Jalapeno, sour cream, tomatoes, guacamole, and salsa sauce. If you're with a group of friends, you may also upgrade to the Ultimate Nachos with a choice of lamb or beef, which is fit for 3 to 4 pax.

Grilled Fish 3.5/5, Spicy Chipotle Shrimp 4/5

For the tacos, we opted for the Grilled Fish ($10) and Spicy Chipotle Shrimp ($10). Our favourite is Spicy Chipotle, and I enjoyed the juicy shrimp wrapped in the warm flour tortilla. Other options include the Pollo Asado (chicken), Birria Quesa (beef) and Carnitas (pork).

Birria Sliders 3.8/5

The Birria Sliders ($16) are pulled beef sliders served with Birria consomme to dunk it in. The meat is very soft and tender, with the Birria consomme adding more beefy flavours to the sliders.

Quesadilla 4.2/5

The Quesadilla ($19) comes packed with melted cheese and spiced lamb meat in a soft tortilla skin. These little pockets of spice and cheesiness are easy to pick up and dip into the salsa sauce.

Chimichanga 4/5

The Chimichanga ($26) consists of a fried crispy flour tortilla stuffed with chicken, cheese, black beans, and jalapeños. It is then topped with sour cream and pico de gallo. It also comes with sides of homemade salsa verde and guacamole. The portion size is huge, suitable for sharing between 2 pax.

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.


Tres Sombreros
77 Upper East Coast Road
#01-02
Singapore 455218
Tel: +65 86463571
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Nearest MRT: Bedok (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 10am - 2pm, 5pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bedok MRT station. Walk to Bedok Bus Interchange (Stop ID 84009). Take bus number 16. Alight 5 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Kinki Restaurant + Bar @ Customs House - A Bigger, Bolder, Badder Revamp

Time flies, and  Kinki Restaurant + Bar at Customs House has been around for more than 10 years since May 2010. On the cusp of a new decade, Kinki starts a new chapter with an audacious revamp. Gone is the sumo, passing his legacy to the Geisha for her epitome of Japanese femininity and hospitality.

Cassava Nachos 4.2/5

We started our dinner with some light bites. First up is the Cassava Nachos ($18) topped with tomato miso beef, guacamole, creme fraiche, Japanese cucumber and cherry tomatoes. Kinki substituted the usual tortilla chips with tapioca chips for a more delightful textural bite. At the same time, the Japanese cucumber gives it a refreshing finish.

Corn Duo 4.8/5

Next is the Corn Duo ($16), which comprises baby corn and corn puree. The addition of furikake elevated the enjoyment of the corn's sweetness.

AC/DC Dynamite 4.5/5

I would highly recommend the AC/DC Dynamite ($22) for an explosion of flavours. The tempura-fried mixed seafood roll is capped by a slice of Japanese cucumber with fresh raw seafood and avocado. The homemade Sriracha sweet soy provides the ignition to the explosion.

Cowabunga 4.2/5

Beef lover will enjoy the Cowabunga ($36) compromising Japanese rice rolled with cream cheese, cucumber, homemade spicy mayo, and melt-in-the-mouth seared A4 Wagyu beef slices. The parcel is topped with tobiko, potato floss and soy reduction for the different textural contrast.

Unagi Claypot 4.5/5

The off the menu Unagi Claypot ($35), which only served during special occasions, has now made it permanently to the menu. Besides the huge piece of unagi on top of the charred fried rice, chopped unagi is also tossed in it, doused in a homemade unagi sauce. Each mouthful is full of addictive charred flavour for a comforting enjoyment.

Kickass Chirashi Don 4.5/5

Being a Japanese restaurant, it can't do without fresh seafood. The Kickass Chirashi Don ($78) comes with the Chef's selection of premium seafood on sushi rice. During my visit, there is otoro, kinmedai, hirame, salmon, shima aji, hotate, botan ebi, tamago, ikura and Polanco Oscietra caviar.

Karaage Chicken Bao 4.2/5

A delightful Japanese-Chinese fusion is the Karaage Chicken Bao ($20) with juicy, deep-fried chicken thigh, momotaro tomato and pickled cucumber sandwiched in a soft, fluffy steamed bun. It is dressed in a sweet soy sauce for a multi flavour and textural finish.

Spicy Buffalo Katsu 3/5

The Spicy Buffalo Katsu ($30) was slightly disappointing for me compare to the rest. The breaded pork loin cutlet tossed in homemade Japanese buffalo sauce is slightly on the dry side for me. Furthermore, it is not spicy at all.

Grilled Squid Chimichurri 4.5/5

New on the menu is the Grilled Squid Chimichurri ($32). It is smokey and tender paired excellently with the sweet and sour sauce. Perfect to have this with a couple of drinks.

Ice Cream 3/5

We have Ice Cream ($8/ $12) to wrap up the dinner. There are flavours such as yuzu, momo, black sesame and more.

Diners can look forward to The Bottomless Brunch ($68) on Saturday, for unlimited a la carte servings of sushi, sashimi, maki, hot and cold Japanese favourites, and desserts. You can also top it up with free-flow beer, sake, prosecco or shochu for $35.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Kinki Restaurant + Bar
Customs House
70 Collyer Quay
#02-02
Singapore 049323
Tel: +65 83636697
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Website
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Restaurant
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 215pm, 6pm - 1015pm
Sat & PH: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1015pm

Bar
Mon-Sat: 5pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Clifford Centre. Cut across the building. Go to 2nd floor, take the overhead bridge link across the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Torasho Ramen & Charcoal Bar @ Tras Street - New Contemporary Izakaya In The Heart Of Tanjong Pagar

I am glad that I am reunited with Chef Sho Naganuma at his new restaurant Torasho Ramen & Charcoal Bar. Formerly the Execute Chef at Hide Yamamoto, chef Sho Naganuma has partner with restaurateur Tora Widjaja to open the contemporary izakaya restaurant in the heart of Tanjong Pagar.

Ikura Nachos 4/5

We started with a couple of appetisers, and I have to say they are not the usual items you get in a traditional izakaya restaurant. The creative bites are inspired by the sophisticated Singapore palate which chef Sho Naganuma has a wealth of experience, having been working in Singapore since 2010. First up, we had the Ikura Nachos ($12). The delightful bite comes with tobiko and herbs on a crispy papadum chip. A delightful bite with the right balance of flavour and texture.

Unagi Tacos 3.8/5

The Unagi Tacos ($15) is quite similar to the ikura nachos except the meaty unagi takes centre stage resting on the crispy papadum, crown with green papaya for acidity and crunch. I thought a little more punch in the sourness from the green mango and even a little heat will lift the dish.

Uni Pillow 4.8/5

The Uni Pillow ($15/pc) may seem small in portion, but it's an explosive combination of flavours and textures from the karaage crumbs, nori and uni. This is definitely one of my favourite appetisers.

Wagyu Chips 4.2/5

The Wagyu Chips ($8) thinly sliced and fried with the wagyu fats is very addictive. It comes with truffle shio konbu that perfumed the enjoyment further.

Noble Scallops 4.5/5

The first thing that caught my attention is the colourful shells of the Noble Scallops ($27). Cooked in a sake-soy butter nage, the scallop was plump and juicy, infused with the aroma of sweet sake. Don't forget to take a sip of the sake based broth to enjoy the umami flavour.

With all the delicious appetisers, don't forget to order some sake to go along with them. Torasho even has their sake brand. If you order a bottle of sake, they even come in a mini sake barrel. Do note there are limited sake barrels available, so don't be disappointed if you didn't get one.

Truffle Baby Chick 4/5

For those that need something for filling or you have a big group, there is the big plates and rice section on the menu. The Truffle Baby Chicken ($38) may look like any original roasted chicken, but you will be in for a surprise. The chicken is actually stuffed with Kolkata style biryani rice cooked with potato inside. The hint of truffle further elevated the aroma and enjoyment of the fluffy rice and tender roasted chicken.

Bak Kut Teh Donabe 4.5/5

Anther rice dish on the menu is the locally inspired Bak Kut Teh Donabe ($38). Give the hotpot a good mix to get all the flavours blended together. The rice does come across garlicky and peppery like the local white bak kut teh. However, it doesn't resemble a bak kut teh dish at all. It is a delicious dish on its own with its own characteristic which all of us enjoyed.

One should not miss the ramen at Tora, especially their Dipping Ramen. Having tried Menya Sakura owned by Chef Sho Naganuma, I look forward to tasting the familiar flavour again at Torasho. At Torasho, the menu offers three types of ramen - Dipping, Dry and Soup.

Uni and Ikura Dipping Ramen 3.8/5

For the Dipping Ramen, we decided to go for the Uni and Ikura ($34) and Tsukemen "Singapore Best" ($14). The Uni and Ikura Dipping Ramen comes with a bowl of uni dipping soup, separates from the ramen that is topped with uni, ikura and nori. The noodle for dipping ramen is thicker and chewier compare to the rest as to complement the rich dipping soup.

Tsukemen "Singapore Best" Dipping Ramen 4.2/5

Between the two dipping ramens I tried, I still prefer the Tsukemen "Singapore Best" Dipping Ramen which comes with charcoal pork, bamboo shoot and nori with rich seafood and tonkotsu dipping soup. The dipping soup is more robust and richer in flavour, which goes better with the thick noodle. After finishing your noodle, you can ask for the staff to add either clear dashi broth or yuzu dashi broth to the soup so that you can appreciate the drink the remaining dipping soup. I would recommend the clear dashi broth.

Soup Ramen 3.8/5

For the soup ramen, there are three choices. You can go for the normal Tonkotsu Ramen ($12), Truffle Tonkotsu Ramen ($18) or Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen ($14). I decided to have the Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen, which comes in three levels of spiciness. Even at level 1, I feel that it will be a challenge for those that can't take spicy. What you can find in the bowl of ramen are roasted garlic, green onion, nori, kikurage and charcoal pork chashu. While the chashu is thick and charred, some prefer the more thinly sliced and tender type.

Dry Ramen, Lobster 4/5

Last but not least for the dry ramen, diners can choose to have the Truffle & Wagyu ($20), Lobster ($16) or Torasho Pork "Bak Chor Mee" ($14). We decided to have the Lobster Dry Ramen that comes with minced lobster, claw croquette, onsen egg, green onion and nori. Due to the crustacean flavour, it tastes like have a bowl of dry prawn noodle.

It has been a while since I get excited about a new opening. I really enjoyed the food at Torasho. Besides the flavours, I like the modern-inspired izakaya dishes that brings a refreshed concept to the table. It is definitely a place I will recommend my friend to go to for our next gathering.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Torasho Ramen & Charcoal Bar
32 Tras Street
(Main Entrance along Cook Street)
Singapore 078972
Tel: +65 69705055
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 1130am - 12midnight

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