Offbeat @ Far East Square - Asian-inspired Dishes by Coq & Balls

Offbeat, located in Far East Square, introduces the latest dining concept by Coq & Balls. The food menu showcases Asian-inspired dishes, ranging from Bites and Tapas to Mains, Grills, and Roman-style pizzas.

Salmon Tartare 4/5

We started with the Salmon Tartare ($18.90), a delightful dish featuring marinated raw salmon tossed with avocado and baby radish, garnished with tobiko. To complement the creamy tartare, crispy black sesame rice crackers were provided for a textural contrast. The combination was mouthwatering, with occasional bursts of nuttiness from the black sesame crackers.

Spanish Squid 4.5/5

From the Flamed Grill section, we indulged in the Spanish Squid ($22.90) dressed with salted egg beurre blanc and sweet tare. The expertly prepared grilled squid was delicious. It boasted a firm yet tender texture and a delightful smoky flavour. While the salted egg sauce added that Asian twist, it didn't quite elevate the natural flavours of the squid as expected.

Tiger Prawn Laksa Spaghetti 3.8/5

Drop by Offbeat during lunch and enjoy their mains at a special lunchtime price, with add-ons available, such as a glass of wine for just $6. Most items are crafted with Asian flavours, such as Pulled Pork Bahn Mi and Wagyu Beef Krapao Rice Bowl. During our visit, we tried the Tiger Prawn Laksa Spaghetti ($16.90). The Laksa sauce was more complex and heady than other laksa pasta variants I've tried, slightly reminiscent of curry noodles. The prawns were succulent, pairing well with the al dente spaghetti.

Egg Quinoa Cauliflower 'fried rice' 4.8/5

While most of the lunch specials are richly flavoured, there are also lighter options such as the Egg Quinoa Cauliflower 'fried rice' ($14.90), served with roasted butternut squash pumpkin. The 'fried rice' was flavourful and satisfying, with delightful bites of fried egg, reminiscent of a traditional fried rice dish. The large chunks of pumpkin were soft and deliciously sweet, accented with a hint of smoky flavour. I also appreciated the added freshness from the greens and slices of baby radish, which enhanced the dish's overall taste.

Okonomiyaki Pinsa 3.8/5

Offbeat offers Pinsa, a Roman-style stretched pizza. We indulged in the Okonomiyaki Pinsa ($24.50), a hearty Asian fusion creation featuring bacon and prawns, topped with oozy mozzarella and finished off with a drizzle of mentaiko cream and a sprinkle of bonito flakes. The ciabatta pizza base was light and airy, perfectly complementing the rich pizza toppings. While it could get a tad salty after a while, it was a scrumptious dish meant for sharing.

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.


Offbeat by Coq & Balls
Far East Square
40 Pekin Street
#01-01
Singapore 048770
Tel: +65 6322 3835
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 11:30am - 11pm
Fri: 11:30am - 12:30am
Sat: 5:30pm - 12midnight
(Closed on Sun & PH)

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Ureshii @ The Arts House - A Korean-Japanese Fusion Culinary Haven at the Old Parliament House

Embarking on a culinary journey that defies convention, Ureshii, the brainchild of Chef Jung from Tanoshii, presents a fusion of Korean, Japanese, and European influences. Situated at the venerable Old Parliament House, facing the picturesque Padang, Ureshii beckons with promises of a unique gastronomic adventure. Beyond its captivating dishes, the restaurant's exquisite interior weaves a sense of classic elegance with a hint of enigmatic charm.

Ureshii Kimchi Salad 4.2/5

Setting sail into our culinary voyage, we indulged in the Ureshii Kimchi Salad ($13), a refreshing starter that marries the zest of kimchi dressing with the sweetness of pear, cherry tomatoes, and capsicum. This delightful overture awakened our taste buds, paving the way for the symphony of flavours that followed.

Gujeolpan 3/5

The Gujeolpan ($38) was a majestic offering from Joseon court cuisine. Arriving in an octagon box, it showcased a harmonious assembly of nine ingredients, including meat and vegetables. To enjoy, we orchestrated our own wrap, skillfully combining a thinly fried pancake with various ingredients. This dish not only tantalized the palate but also encouraged shared moments at the table.

Monkfish Fillet Karaage 4/5

A symphony of flavours was furthered with the Monkfish Fillet Karaage ($18), an ideal companion to Ureshii's expansive sake collection and curated wines. The deep-fried Anglerfish from Jeju Island boasted a moist interior and a delicate crunch, beautifully complemented by Ureshii's tartare sauce.

Yook-hoe 5/5

A stand-out among the dishes was the Yook-hoe ($38). It is a work of art, both visually and gastronomically. The Korean beef tartare, toasted in aromatic sesame oil, danced with the sweetness of pear and the added dimension of a rice cracker. This dish was a true testament to Ureshii's fusion mastery.

Gochoojang Galbi Kimchi Taco 3.5/5

With the Gochoojang Galbi Kimchi Taco ($18 for 2pc), Ureshii seamlessly merged Mexican and Korean flavours. The generous taco is wrapped with stir-fried short ribs and kimchi, resulting in a bold and robust combination.

Osaka Okonomiyaki 4.2/5

The Osaka Okonomiyaki ($28) transported us to the streets of Osaka, its savoury pancake showcasing an ensemble of octopus, scallops, shrimp, cabbage, and egg. This dish was a symphony of textures and flavours topped with katsuobushi and a special okonomiyaki sauce.

Octopus Steak 4.2/5

From the ocean realm, the Octopus Steak ($48) shone with its perfect texture, lightly grilled for a hint of smokiness. Served with truffle mashed potatoes, romesco sauce, chickpeas, and stir-fried kimchi, this dish epitomized Ureshii's fusion philosophy.

Ureshii Tteok-Galbi 4.5/5

Gochoojang Galbi Yakiniku 4.5/5

The parade of culinary marvels continued with the Ureshii Tteok-Galbi ($38), featuring prime-grade minced beef ribs marinated in a special soy sauce and grilled to perfection. The Gochoojang Galbi Yakiniku ($38) followed suit, grilling prime-grade ribs with Ureshii's signature gochujang seasoning.

Ureshii Bibimbap 3.8/5

Adzuki Bingsoo 4/5

The Ureshii Bibimbap ($28) captured the heart of Korean cuisine with its array of vegetables and beef, served with gochujang sauce. Wrapping up our culinary escapade, we savoured the Adzuki Bingsoo, a delightful treat of shaved ice topped with sweet red beans and chewy mochi.

Garlic Butter & Cream Cheese Bread 4.5/5

Surprising us all, the Garlic Butter & Cream Cheese Bread emerged as a dessert revelation. This toasted bun, adorned with a luscious blend of garlic butter and cream cheese, was a divine conclusion to a mesmerizing dining experience.

In essence, Ureshii stands as a testament to culinary ingenuity, weaving a tapestry of diverse influences into a harmonious whole. Beyond its exceptional dishes, the restaurant's timeless ambience is an invitation to explore, and savour flavours that bridge continents and cultures. Ureshii is a celebration of the culinary arts in their truest and most imaginative form, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking an unforgettable fusion feast.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Ureshii
The Arts House
1 Old Parliament Lane
#01-02
Singapore 179429
Tel: +65 63224054
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 1150am - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm (Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles MRT station. Take Exit H. Walk towards the riverbank. Cross the bridge and walk to Empress Place road. Walk down Empress Place road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Kurohanabi @ Eat At Seven (Suntec City) - Introducing An Unique Motsu Nabe Experience Together With Authentic Okonomiyaki & Yakisoba Staples

Kurohanabi, a Motsu Nabe speciality restaurant that originated in Hokkaido in 2009, has recently set up Eat at Seven @ Suntec City. Kurohanabi is known for its unique sesame miso flavour soup base specially created for the signature Motsu Nabe. In addition, Kurohanabi brings original motsu recipe dishes from Japan and non-offal popular dishes such as Okonomiyaki and Yakisoba staples to create a unique Motsu Nabe experience for their diners.

Hokkaido Motsu Nabe 4.5/5

To get the most out of your Motsu Nabe experience, go for the Hokkaido Motsu Nabe ( $32 ). The hotpot boils up Kurohanabi's signature sesame miso soup base, melts down the beef intestines and thickens into a rich broth. It had this intense and savoury sweetness, seemingly resulting from cooking down the vegetables accompanying the motsu. The motsu itself was chewy and unctuous but surprisingly not gamey, with the flavour of a fish belly.

Wagyu Motsu Yakisoba 4/5

With the motsu being so fatty, a good sear will also make the most out of their flavours. Wagyu Motsu Yakisoba ( $21.80 ) was loaded with beef chunks and innards laced with charred edges and caramelised savoury sauce. Unfortunately, the innards had also rendered much of its fats and flavours into the soba. A tad greasy, but it had a very enjoyable texture and taste. I would have loved a bigger portion of the soba to go with the morsels. Non-innards Yakisoba (from $13.80) are also available.

Okonomiyaki 3/5

Kurohanabi's Okonomiyaki (from $13.80) comes with flavour options of pork kimchi, seafood, beef, or pork, and also in the form of Motsu Okonomiyaki ($19.80). However, I find the sauce too saltish, which overpowers the entire dish.

Lamb Tsukune 4/5

We also tried their Lamb Tsukune ($15.80), a pan-fried patty made with a mixture of minced lamb, nagaimo, onions, and chives, drizzled with housemade teriyaki sauce. The sweet sticky sauce worked brilliantly well with the gaminess of the lamb, so delicious that one of the dining companions decided to mix his rice into the remaining sauce left on the hot plate.

Kamo Hanabi 3.5/5

Another side dish on the menu is the Kamo Hanabi ($14.80), featuring pan-fried duck breast marinated in a house-made sauce. It tasted good but was a tad dry for me.

Hokkaido Signature Shochu Cocktails

Kurohanabi also has a new selection of refreshing Hokkaido Signature Shochu Cocktails or mocktails available in lemon, orange, or tomato flavours.

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.


Kurohanabi
Eat at Seven
3 Temasek Boulevard
Suntec City Tower 1
#03-316
Singapore 038983
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Esplanade (CC Line), Promenade (CC Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily - 1130am – 3pm, 530pm – 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

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
Facebook
Instagram
Website
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]

Kushikatsu Tanaka Singapore @ Clarke Quay - Japan's Number 1 Kushikatsu Chain Fires Up New Grand Menu

I first visit Kushikatsu Tanaka at Clarke Quay when it opened its door in January 2018. Back then, the menu is focused on its signature kushikatsu, the Osaka-style fried cutlet skewers. Recently it has expanded its menu, rolling out a fresh new line-up of authentic Japanese izakaya items as well as yakiniku.

Great for sharing over a couple of drinks is the izakaya dishes such as the Salmon Sashimi ($10), Pork Kakuni ($10), Chicken Skin & Aspara Amakara Itame ($10), Ika Butter Yaki ($8) and Tako Butsu ($10). My favourite is the stir-fried chicken skin and asparagus in a mildly spicy soy-based sauce, followed by the sliced salmon sashimi in yuzu mustard sauce. The other items are as good too. The pricing is also very attractive, ranging from eight to ten dollars.

Cheese Imo Mochi 3.5/5

Cheesy Fried Potato 3.5/5

The new menu has a Cheese Special section. If you love something more cheesy, you can have the Cheese Imo Mochi ($6) and Cheesy Fried Potato ($6). The potato mochi is pan-fried and then topped with sweet teriyaki sauce. As for the cheesy fried potato, it is drizzled with nacho cheese sauce.

Okonomi Yaki 3/5

Salmon Belly Teriyaki 3.5/5

It's not just about small plates at Kushikatsu Tanaka. Some items are more substantial and filling such as the Okonomi Yaki ($8) and Salmon Belly Teriyaki ($12). Besides vegetables, there is also pork in the okonomiyaki. Initially, I thought the salmon belly teriyaki looks like unagi, this is because it is drenched in a sweet teriyaki sauce. This literally melted in the mouth due to the use of the fatty cut.

Yakiniku 4/5

The highlight of the new menu has to be the Yakiniku. It comes in 3 different offerings. The Yakiniku Rib Eye ($17), Yakiniku Age Beef Tongue ($22) and Yakiniku Mori ($26). If you want variety, I would recommend the yakiniku mori which comes in a mix platter of rib eye and aged beef tongue.

Kushikatsu 4/5

A must-have here is definitely the Kushikatsu which has been deep-fried to golden brown that ranges from $1.20 to $2.80 per skewer. Some of the new golden skewers are Unagi Cheese ($2.80), Shitake Niku Tsume ($2.80) and Tomato Bacon ($1.80). Besides the new items, I also had some of the classic golden skewers such as the shrimp, bacon cheese and asparagus. It even has dessert skewer such as Cookie & Cream and Banana.

The revamped and expanded menu at Kushikatsu Tanaka means there is something for everyone. Besides its golden fried skewers, the menu also includes yakiniku and an array of Osaka-style street foods and sharing items.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Kushikatsu Tanaka
Merchants' Court Clarke Quay
Block A #01-01B
3A River Valley Road
Singapore 179020
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (NE Line), Fort Canning (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 12pm - 230pm, 5pm - 12midnight
Fri & Eve of PH: 12pm - 230pm, 5pm - 2am
Sat: 11am - 2am
Sun & PH: 11am - 12midnight

Direction: 
1) Alight at Fort Canning MRT Station. Take Exit A. Turn right and down River Valley Road. Turn right onto Tan Tye Place. Walk to the end of the road. Turn left onto Clark Quay. Walk to destination. Journey time bout 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit C or G. Walk to the river front. Turn left and walk down the river. Cross the bridge. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes.  [Map]

Makanista @ Tampines Mall - Unique Range Of Local Delights With A Delicious Twist

The people behind Food Junction has opened a new concept called Makanista at Tampines Mall. The convivial dining space is located on the ground floor of Tampines Mall, with a chic cafe interior. Four different stalls - Chicken Rice, Yong Tau Foo, Western, and Prata & Desserts offers diners both classic hawker favourites as well as inventive creations with a little twist. There is no pork, no lard here. It is in the process of applying for their Halal certification to cater to a wider group of diners.

Beef Hamburg & Fries 3.5/5

We started our dinner from the Western station with the Beef Hamburg & Fries ($10.90). On top the mound of fries is a whole beef patty and a sunny side up egg. It is like having a full set meal in a dish less the buns. The fries are dressed in a decadent black pepper and truffle cheese sauce, that goes very well with the crispy fries. For those that don't take beef, there is a chicken hamburg verison at $8.90.

French Chicken Curry Pasta 4/5

Bored of the usual cream and tomato base pasta? How about a little local twist with the French Chicken Curry Pasta ($7.50). The curry sauce is a concoction of curry. chiili powders, turmeric. coconut milk and whipped cream. It is something familiar but unusual in a western pasta dish, which turns out pretty good. It was well received by my other dining friends too.

Spicy Honey Mustard Wings 4/5

You can also find Korean-style fried chicken at the Western station such as the Spicy Honey Mustard Wings ($7.50 for 6pc). The chicken wings are dipped in a batter and deep fried, before being tossed in the different sauces. They are crispy and juicy. Other flavours available include Pesto Cheese and Kicap Manis.

Bakwan Sayor 4/5

A great snack to share with friends and family is the Bakwan Sayor ($2.80) from the Yong Tau Foo station. It is fried vegetable fritter which consists of shredded cabbage, carrots, chilli, beansprouts and spring onions. This is best eaten with the Lingham chilli sauce.

Curry Yong Tau Foo 4/5

Yong Tau Foo is a common dish that we can find in any food centre or foodcourt but have you hear of Soto, Mee Siam, Satay and Curry Yong Tau Foo? Yes, besides the normal Yong Tau Foo whereby diners get to pick 7 items plus a choice of rice or noodles (yellow noodles, bee hoon, hor fun, rice roll, thick bee hoon) for $6.50, for an additional one dollar you can change the soup base. After sampling the 4 different soup flavours, my favourite goes to the Curry Yong Tau Foo while I think the satay will complement the dry version better.

Combo Meal - Duo 3/5

If you order the Combo Meal - Duo ($16.50) from the Chicken Rice station, it will be served on a ceramic rattan ' dulang' or tray. This way of serving is similar to how the traditional Nasi Ambeng is presented. Besides the normal Hainanese and roasted chicken, the stall offers both Thai and Mala style chicken rice too. I would recommend sticking to the traditional. The combo meal also comes with a soft drink, a Japanese inspired house special ramen egg and sides like bean sprouts, fresh vegetables in oyster sauce or tahu goreng.

Mutton Prata Burger 4/5

My favourite station at Makanista is the Prata station for its specialty pratas which are unique and delicious. We start with the Mutton Prata Burger ($8.50) which is their own rendition of Ramly burger in a murtabak. Besides the mutton patty, you can also find sauteed onions and fried egg with mayonnaise and black pepper sauce in it.

Okonomiyaki Prata 4.5/5

A must try is the Okonomiyaki Prata ($7). Inspired by the Japanese dish, the prata is wrapped with shredded carrots, purple and white cabbage, cheese and egg. It is then drizzled with mayonnaise and sweet okonomiyaki sauce, topped with bonito flakes. This is one of its kind prata, with textures and flavours that wins me over. This is like prata gone international. Other savoury prata include Chicken Luncheon & Floss and Special Tandoori Chicken.

Peanut Butter and Jam Prata 4/5

For the sweet take of the prata, there is the Peanut Butter and Jam Prata ($2.80). This is a brilliant combination of nuttiness and sweetness coming together. It brings the appreciation of the tradition prata to another level.

Overall I think the food at Makanista is really unique and interesting. However for some of the items, it still need more adjustment to get it right. For the time being, I would recommend going for the specialty pratas.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


[CLOSED]
Makanista
Tampines Mall
4 Tampines Central 5
#01-42/43/44
Singapore 529510
Tel: +65 62606002
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Tampines (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 8am - 10pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Tampines MRT station. Take Exit C. Turn left and walk to traffic light junction. Cross the right, walk along Tampines Central 5 towards Century Square direction. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]