Chatterbox @ Hilton Singapore Orchard - Iconic Coffee House Celebrates 51 years With Brand New Space, Menu And Dining Experience

Known for its world-famous chicken rice since it first opened its doors in 1971, Chatterbox has recently unveiled a brand new look at the newly-minted Hilton Singapore Orchard. The revamped menu is now more focused but comprehensive with starters, meat, seafood and vegetable courses, including a shortlist of meat-free items.

Chatterbox’s Punch

Be surprised by the bar at Chatterbox the moment you enter. For starters, a signature cocktail is recommended. Chatterbox's Punch ($17) is an easy-drinking gin and tonic concocted with vanilla, cinnamon, lemon, and banana-infused gin served with house tonic.

Mackerel & Crab Otah-Otah 4/5

Wok-fried Sambal Wing Beans 3/5

We started with two very flavoursome dishes - Mackerel & Crab Otah-Otah ($15) and Wok-fried Sambal Wing Beans ($8). Otah lovers will not be disappointed with the well-seasoned parcel of fresh mackerel fish paste, which is elevated with the addition of snow crab claw meat. However, I didn't quite enjoy the latter as the rempah was a tad sweet for my liking.

Lemon Butter Tiger Prawns 4.5/5

Sea Perch with Burnt Green Chilli 3.5/5

On the menu, you will find premium seafood dishes such as Lemon Butter Tiger Prawns ($25) and Sea Perch with Burnt Green Chilli ($28). Twice-fried before coating with lemon butter sauce, the shelled tiger prawns, were incredibly succulent, bouncy and firm. As for the latter, I would prefer a more zingy and zesty chilli topping for some freshness to counter the richness of the fried fish.

Mandarin Chicken Rice 4.5/5

The legendary Mandarin Chicken Rice ($25 for Individual Set | $38 for Half Chicken | $72 for Whole Chicken) is a must-try. Using only chickens that weigh around 2kg each, Chef Liew adopts a 'steam-cook' method. And what came to our table was lean, light and tender chicken. The set includes a punchy proprietary chilli sauce, grated ginger, dark soy sauce and a soul-satisfying bowl of chicken broth. The chilli sauce and even the grated ginger, specially sourced to secure ginger of a particular age, were amazingly good. A second helping may be necessary!

Seafood Hokkien Mee 4.5/5

Lobster Laksa 2.5/5

A rice and noodles section offers a luxurious version of our hawker fare - Seafood Hokkien Mee ($25) served on an opeh leaf and Lobster Laksa ($34). Premium ingredients aside, the hokkien mee impressed with a flavoursome umami broth that was further enlivened with a squeeze of calamasi. The laksa, however, disappoints with a relatively weak gravy.

Signature Coconut Ice Cream 2.8/5

For nostalgia's sake, you may wish to try Chatterbox's Signature Coconut Ice Cream ($15), which has been on the menu since its opening. Homemade with fresh coconut milk, coconut flesh and desiccated coconut and served in a coconut husk.

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.


Chatterbox
Hilton Singapore Orchard
333 Orchard Road
#05-03
Singapore 238867
Tel: +65 68316291
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 2pm, 530am - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Orchard Road. Turn left and walk to junction of Orchard Road and Grange Road. Cross the road. Continue on Orchard Road to Orchard Link. Turn left onto Orchard Link. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 mins. [Map]

Knock Knock Cafe @ Kallang - Floral-Themed Cafe Serving Asian-inspired Pasta, Burgers And Instagrammable Bear Lattes

Knock Knock Cafe is a quaint cafe decked in flower-filled walls in Kallang. The cafe serves up Asian-inspired Pasta and Burgers, and picture-worthy lattes. The cafe is a spin-off of the Knock Knock livestream app, created to connect creators with their fans and followers. In the same spirit, the cafe aims to be a space for people to gather over good food and service in a work-friendly environment.

Iced Bear Latte 4/5

Insta-worthy and adorable is the Iced Bear Latte ($6.50). It comes in 4 different flavours - caramel, lavender, mocha and chocolate. I went for Mocha which has a nice balance of roasted coffee notes and creamy cocoa flavours.

Golden Prawn Tacos 4.2/5

We started with some light bites in the Golden Prawn Tacos ($13 for 2pc). The deep-fried crunchy prawns are served in a soft toasted tortilla, laced with an addictive salted egg sauce and finished with tobiko bits. Other choices include Chilli Krab Tacos and Beef Steak Tacos.

Otak-Otak Burger 4/5

The cafe is known for its Asian-inspired pasta and burgers, so we have to try them. We had the Otak-Otak Burger ($17). The homemade batang fish patty is marinated with a medley of aromatic spices, coated with bread crumbs and deep-fried for a crispy golden exterior. The delectable patty is sandwiched between soft fluffy buns, served with fries and a sambal mayo dip. Other burgers available on the menu are Ultimate Wagyu Beef Burger, Krispy Buttermilk Chicken Burger and Mad for Mentaiko Fish & Chips.

Hae Bee Hiam Aglio Olio 4.5/5

The Hae Bee Hiam Aglio Olio ($17) is loaded with umami-rich hae bee hiam (spicy dried shrimp) on olio and topped with crunchy tiger prawns. The incorporation of spicy dried shrimp works for me. It complements the al dente pasta excellently.

Ondeh Ondeh Tiramisu 4/5

For dessert, we had the Ondeh Ondeh Tiramisu ($12). It comes in layers of pandan and gula melaka, topped with toasted coconut flakes. Each mouthful reminds me of the traditional kueh's characteristic flavours.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Knock Knock Cafe
101 Geylang Road
Singapore 389211
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Nearest MRT: Kallang (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 1030pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Kallang MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk to junction Geylang Lorong 1 and Sims Ave. Cross the road and walk down Geylang Lorong 1 towards Geylang Road. Turn left onto Geylang Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

JUMBO Seafood @ Riverside Point - Usher In An Abundant Chinese New Year With Sumptuous Seafood Feasts

JUMBO Seafood ushers in the most auspicious time of year with special set menus centred around its Award-Winning Chilli Crab. Its Reunion Sets are available on the eve of Chinese New Year (11 February) for those looking to enjoy one day-exclusive menu, with prices start from $298 for 4 pax.

We had their A8 Celebration Set Menu which is available from 25 January to 28 February (except 11 February), at $588 for 8 pax. (Prices start from $258 for 4 pax).

Prosperity Salmon 'Yu Sheng' 4/5

In all Lunar New Year reunion dinners, a must-have to start the evening is the Prosperity Salmon 'Yu Sheng' ($58/$88) to toss for abundance, prosperity and good fortune for the year ahead consisting of a vibrant medley of shredded vegetables and assorted toppings. It is also served with generous servings of fresh salmon slices, and other condiments before the Lo Hei commences.

Fried Baby Squids 3.5/5, Seafood Donut 3.8/5, Crispy Fried 'Otah' Beancurd 4.2/5

We started the meal with a trio of JUMBO Seafood Appetisers consisting of Fried Baby Squids, Seafood Donut Tossed in Salad Cream, and Crispy Fried 'Otah' Beancurd. My favourite is the Crispy Fried 'Otah' Beancurd, bringing an interesting twist to the traditional otah. This delicate treat is crispy on the outside and encases a flavourful and soft beancurd-like otah within.

Seafood Soup Braised with Crab Meat 3.8/5

Similar to the Shark's Fin Soup, but replaced with crab meat instead, the Seafood Soup Braised with Crab Meat is packed with a sweet crustacean freshness.

Boiled Live Prawns 4.2/5

To ensure utmost freshness, freshly caught live prawns are tossed into a boil with the head and shell still attached, and cooked till pink before serving. The Boiled Live Prawns have a sweet flavour and firm flesh, which tasted good enough on its own even without any chilli or sauces.

Live 'Long Hu' Garoupa Steamed with Preserved Radish 4/5

An auspicious tradition Lunar New Year dish, the Live 'Long Hu' Garoupa Steamed with Preserved Radish comes in a whole sizable portion. The fish is cooked to a perfectly soft and fork-tender texture, while the sauce packs a rich, savoury flavour to the dish.

Broccoli Braised with Shiitake Mushroom and Whole Conpoy 3.5/5

Another dish as part of the set menu is the Broccoli Braised with Shiitake Mushroom and Whole Conpoy. The juicy shiitake mushrooms, scallops and crunchy broccoli come in a full-bodied, savoury gravy that complements the rest of the ingredients.

Award-winning Chilli Crab with Deep Fried Mini Buns 4.5/5

The highlight is their Award-winning Chilli Crab that features live crabs drenched in a mouth-watering chilli crab sauce concocted with a myriad of over 10 different Southeast Asian spices. The flavourful blend of spiciness is tinged with a sweet sourness that complements the crab's freshness. The accompaniment of Golden Deep Fried Mini Buns is the best way to mop up all that finger-licking gravy.

Supreme Seafood Fried Rice 3.8/5

Light and fragrant, the Supreme Seafood Fried Rice showed a fair amount of egg, shredded cabbage and juicy prawns embedded in it, giving the dish a nice texture and flavour.

Chilled Mango Sago Pomelo 4/5

Bring the meal to a sweet finale with the Chilled Mango Sago Pomelo. The mango flavour has a refreshing fruity sweetness, paired with generous amounts of sago and pomelo, which adds a nice bite.

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.


JUMBO Seafood
Riverside Point
30 Merchant Road
#01-01/02
Singapore 058282
Tel: +65 65323435
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Website
Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit C or G. Turn left and walk along the river. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Kota Zheng Zong Bak Kut Teh @ Holland Village - Traditional Malaysian Herbal Bak Kut Teh With 39 Years Of Heritage

Kota Zheng Zong Bak Kut Teh (哥打正宗肉骨茶), the famed traditional Malaysian-style herbal Bak Kut Teh from Kelantan, Kota Tinggi, Malaysia has opened its first outlet in Holland Village, Singapore. Started as a humble tricycle pushcart stall in Kampung Kelantan in 1980 by Mr Pang Kow, the business has expanded into Johor Bahru and now across the causeway in Singapore.

Herbal Claypot Bak Kut Teh

Their signature Herbal Claypot Bak Kut Teh ($11.90/ $28.90/ $49.90) comes in three sizes that are suitable for 1 pax, 2-3 pax and 4-5 pax respectively. Using a 39-year-old recipe, the bak kut teh soup is brewed using pork ribs, belly, leg and tail, together with a mix of 18 Chinese herbs and dark soy sauce. The result is a robust, complex broth with savoury and bittersweet notes. I had the spare pork ribs which fell of the bone with ease. Diners can also add on other ingredients such as button mushroom ($1), crispy sheets of fried beancurd skin ($1) and pig's liver ($2.90).

Fried You Tiao 4/5, Preserved Vegetable 3.5/5, Braised Tau Pok 4.2/5

Chinese Lettuce 3.5/5, Muar Mackerel Otah 4.2/5

To complete the meal, diners can also paired it with other side dishes such as Fried You Tiao ($1.90), Braised Tau Pok ($3.90), Fragrant White Rice ($0.90), Chinese Lettuce ($5.90/ $8.90) and Muar Mackerel Otah ($9.90).

Diners can also opt for Premium Pork Ribs ($12.90/ $29.90/ $53.90) for the herbal claypot bak kut teh. For a different experience of appreciating bak kut teh, one can spike up the broth with a shot of Hua Tiao Rice Wine ($0.90), Hennessy VSOP ($3.90) or Martell Cordon Bleu ($10.90).

Spanish Iberico in White Pepper Soup 3/5

Besides the herbal style bak kut teh, the restaurant also offers the Spanish Iberico in White Pepper Soup ($15.90/ $39.90). Unfortunately, the white soup lacked the robustness of the peppery style that I am used to. Furthermore, I find the Spanish Iberico too fatty for my enjoyment.

Braised Pig's Trotters 4/5

Best savoured with a bowl of steaming white rice is the Braised Pig's Trotters ($12.90/ $31.90). The toothsome meat with its plush, soft fat is slow-cooked in dark soy sauce and other aromatics till tender.

Triple Mix Organ Soup 4.2/5

I love innards, hence I am glad that the restaurant serves Triple Mix Organ Soup ($13.90/ $32.90). In the piping hot claypot, one can find pig's liver, kidney and intestines in the herbal broth.

Though I am not a fan of Malaysia-style bak kut teh for its strong herbal taste, the version here is more balanced which will suit the local's palate.


Kota Zheng Zong Bak Kut Teh
15A Lorong Liput
Singapore 277742
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Nearest MRT: Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 11am - 330pm, 5pm - 10pm
Sat: 11am - 11pm
Sun: 11am - 10pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit B or C. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

O'TAH @ Jewel Changi Airport - New F&B Concept By Lee Wee & Brothers

Lee Wee & Brothers, a local F&B brand known for its traditional otah has opened a new modernise concept at Jewel Changi Airport. The new concept, O'TAH offers a modern take of the traditional otah with exclusive otah collection.

Four Exclusive Otah Collection 4.2/5

Customers can still purchase the traditional otah at the new concept stall locate at basement 2 of Jewel Changi Singapore. However, I would like to recommend the exciting new creations, whereby new flavours are incorporated into the classic otah. The four new exclusive flavours are Pink Salmon Otah ($26.40/box of 12), Scallop Otah ($26.40/box of 12), Cream Cheese & Corn Otah ($26.40/box of 12), and Petai & Anchovy Otah ($20.40/box of 12). These are all handmade. The ingredients are wrapped in a pair of coconut leaves, which impart a tropical fragrance and sweetness, then grilled for the smoky aroma.

O'TAH Fries 4/5

The O'TAH Fries ($6.90) looks like spam fries, isn't it? These are actually made from the traditional otah. They are hand-cut hunks of mackerel fish otah fries. It is paired with lime and herb mayonnaise dip for maximum indulgence.

Ben's Burger 4/5

I like to have the tradition otah with my bread, and the Ben's Burger ($11.90) definitely brings it to a new level. The Ben's Burger ($11.90) is a towering creation with mackerel fish patty, tomato, purple cabbage, caramelised onion and sunny side up, sandwiched between the fluffy charcoal buns.

TAH-co 3.5/5

Giving taco a local spin is the TAH-co ($9,90). The crispy tortilla comes with breaded mackerel fish otah, guacamole, salsa, corn and purple cabbage. Biting into the taco, one gets an abundance of flavours and textures.

Besides the new creations, O'TAH also serves many of Lee Wee & Brothers's fan-favourite dishes such as Banana Leaf Squid Otah, Fried Curry Chicken Nasi Lemak, Grilled Honey Chicken Nasi Lemak. There are also accompaniments such as Sambal Chilli, Ikan Bilis Pack.

Note: This is an inviting tasting.


O'TAH
Jewel Changi Aiport
78 Airport Boulevard
#B2-241
Singapore 819666
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Changi Airport (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 24 hours

Direction:
Alight at Changi Airport MRT station. Take Exit A or B. Walk to the link bridge to Jewel. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Town Restaurant @ The Fullerton Hotel Singapore - Satay Soiree by the River

In celebration of Singapore's upcoming national day, Town Restaurant at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore will launch a special dinner promotion from 1 to 11 August 2019. This dining promotion - Satay Soiree by the River, will feature the Singapore heritage brand, Chim’s Satay which is now in its third generation, alongside other local grill favourites. As grilling satays over charcoal flames plays a vital role in bringing out the best of the satays, the culinary team at Town Restaurant was personally trained by two of the three Chim sisters to ensure the quality of it.

Chim's Satay 4.5/5

There are 4 types of Satays - Chicken, Beef, Mutton and Pork, served with House-made buttery peanut sauce. The peanut sauce was really robust and smooth, with chunks of pineapple to loosen up its richness. \As for the satays, I think by far these are one of the best that I ever had. Each skewer was tender and juicy, and the Pork satay was quite exceptional. It can be rather tricky to get the meat to fats ratio right for pork satays, but Chim's Satay has mastered that over the years.

King Prawn 4/5

Mud Crab 4/5

And not just satays, Grilled Seafood are also available. While I was just expecting some Tiger Prawns skewers, what we were offered were King Prawns and Mud Crab. The team had done a great job in grilling the prawns over the charcoal flames. It is easy to over grilled these prawns, but what I had were succulent.

Sambal Sting Ray 3.5/5

Salmon Medallion 4.2/5

Adding on to the hawker flavour of this Satay Soiree is Sambal Sting Ray, individually wrapped with foil to keep it warm and moist till you open it up on your table. What I also appreciate is the addition of Salmon Medallion. Each chunk was fatty and tender. Although it may not be considered as a typical local barbeque ingredient, as a fan of salmon, this is a bonus.

Otah 4/5

Not to forget Otahwhich was packed with chunks of fish. Not in the picture is Chef Chan's Signature Salted Egg Yolk Lobster. I had horrible renditions of this dish before, in which the lobsters were either too dry or mushy, but this was moist and succulent. The salted egg yolk crust was generous but did not overpower the lobster at all. Do note that this is only available on Friday and Saturday.

Town Restaurant’s ‘Satay Soiree by the River’ Dinner Buffet
Date: 1 - 11 August 2019
Daily: 630pm to 1030pm

Local and International Buffet
Sun-Thu: Adult $59 / Child $30

Local and International Buffet with Seafood and Barbecue Specials
Fri-Sat: Adult $85 / Child $43
- Inclusive of Chef Chan’s Signature Salted Egg Yolk Lobster and other grilled meats and seafood specials.
- Enjoy a glass of house beer, wine or Singapore Sling with an additional S$10 net.

Written 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.


Town Restaurant
The Fullerton Hotel Singapore
1 Fullerton Square
Singapore 049178
Tel: +65 68778188
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 630pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT Station. Take Exit H. Turn right and walk towards the river. At the river, turn right again and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]