Full Circle by J-man @ Thye Hong Centre - Semi-Fine Dining Restaurant Hidden Within A Business Centre

Full Circle by J.man at Thye Hong Centre is a semi-fine dining restaurant serving progressive Asian cuisine, helmed by Chef Jay Teo. Its circular logo, with a stray end, symbolise the start of a new journey for Chef Jay - from culinary school as a trainee to a fully-fledged Chef, then back to being an instructor, completing a full circle with him back being a chef once again. Weekdays dinner and Saturday lunch feature a $168 Tasting Menu, alongside an option for Full Wine Pairing $128 and Abridged Pairing $88.

‘Lap Cheong’ Croquette

Cured Mackerel

The Tasting Menu is really interesting. I experienced five unique 'snacks', followed by a 'bread' item with a wine pairing. We started with a rose to complement the savoury snacks.

Smoked Chicken Cigar

‘Char Siew’ Tartlet

Cured Mackerel and 'Lap Cheong' Croquette were served together, followed by Smoked Chicken Cigar and 'Char Siew' Tartlet. Though dainty in size, each was packed with flavours. The Char Siew tartlet came loaded with caramelised fatty goodness and was rich and mouth-filling.

Blue Swimmer Crab Broth

Oyster Bread

The items that made a statement for me were the Blue Swimmer Crab Broth and Teochew oyster puff-inspired Oyster Bread. 2kg of blue swimmer crab to produce a litre of broth; hence each bowl is a full-bodied broth with depths of flavours. Sandwiched between each fluffy bread is a plump oyster, complementing each other perfectly.

Hokkaido Scallop 4.5/5

Hokkaido Scallop features a refreshing mix of Hokkaido scallop and water chestnut. Green apple slices and ginger flower sorbet served with pickled jicama jus added to that lightness and crunch. After all the savoury snacks, this refreshed my tastebuds with its citrus-forward flavour profile.

Obsiblue Prawn 3.8/5

The next course was Obsiblue Prawn, served with piquant pineapple, bamboo shoot and tamarind chutney, and coconut cream spiced with kaffir lime leaves and tamarind oil. I love how the tropical flavours played out in this dish and the mingling of the cold and warm elements, producing a very cohesive dish.

Quail 2.5/5

One of the mains featured was Quail served in 2 ways - one with angelica root infused jus and the other deep-fried with a tempura batter. Either way didn't quite work for me.

Duroc Pork Belly 4.8/5

On the other hand, the Spanish Duroc Pork Belly was deeply satisfying. Each laced with perfectly crisped skin amazed me with its clean flavour and optimal lean meat and fats ratio. Drawing ideas from Korean BBQ, diners are given lettuce to wrap each piece of pork belly, with coriander pesto and fish sauce caramel on the side to slather them with. Similar to kimchi, there are also some pickles to help cut the meat's richness. I was surprised that I was able to finish all of it without feeling of being overloaded. Thumbs up for this dish!

Red Snapper 4.5/5

You can choose to add on a Red Snapper course (+$28). Reminiscent of otah, the snapper was aromatic with the warm notes of banana leaf. Slathered with laksa rempah and coconut, the snapper was delicious with punchy spices. The juicy pomelo salad served on the side was an equally thoughtful touch to the dish.

Pre-dessert

There's also a pre-dessert course - Chrysanthemum Jelly with Goji Berry Sorbet. The chrysanthemum scent was uplifting, and I enjoyed how the sorbet sweetened the jelly, which carries a slightly bitter note.

Porcini Parfait 4.5/5

Dessert was a Porcini Parfait with Miso Sorbet paired with sesame crumbles and poached pear. Savoury ice creams are common, but I rarely get to try a plated dessert that is so well executed. The porcini had a distinctive taste but melded harmoniously with the miso sorbet, with added textures and nuances from the sweet pear and nutty sesame crumble.

Sweet Endings 4.5/5

Summing up our meal was Sweet Endings, featuring 9-spice Madeline and adorable Kaya Toast Macarons. The latter had a crust creatively done by mixing real toast with meringue to create the bread-meringue crust. The kaya custard had just the right amount of sweetness for the pandan flavour to come through.

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.


Full Circle by J-man
Thye Hong Centre
2 Leng Kee Road
#01-05
Singapore 159086
Tel: +65 80310141
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Nearest MRT: Redhill (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue: 6pm - 1030pm
Wed-Sat:12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm
(closed on Sun & Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Redhill MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk down Tiong Bahru Road. Continue onto Leng Kee Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Small Tables @ Pacific Plaza - New Sidewalk Cafe Bringing Ipoh Food To Singapore' Trendy Cafe Scene

Small Tables recently opened at Pacific Plaza on 3 September 2022. It is a sidewalk cafe serving signature Ipoh dishes, white coffee and other scrumptious Asian flavours. The menu at Small Tables is designed by Executive Chef Sandra Lim, better known to many as the chef behind Lady Boss Dining Club and Lady Boss Chicken.

Ipoh Curry Mee 3/5

I noticed many people at the restaurant ordered the Ipoh Curry Mee ($20). You can have it either soup or dry. We decide to go for the soup version. The bowl of noodles is brimming with ingredients such as poached chicken, char siu, sio bak, braised pig's ears, pig's skin, poached prawns, bean sprouts and mint leaves. However, the Ipoh version is not the lemak type. Hence, the local palate may not be so receptive.

Cuttlefish & Water Spinach 4.5/5

Surprisingly I enjoyed the Cuttlefish & Water Spinach ($12). I can't pinpoint the sauce used, but it is much more delicious than the traditional cuttlefish kang kong with Hei Ko (prawn paste).

Ipoh Chee Cheong Fun 4/5

How can we not try the Ipoh Chee Cheong Fun ($12) when we are at an Ipoh cafe. The cheong fun is thicker than the Hong Kong style and is served with fried beancurd skin, special chilli sauce, Ipoh curry and green chilli. I enjoyed having them soaking in curry sauce, paired with the green chilli and shiok chilli sauce, different from the usual local and Hong Kong style.

Whole Fish Otah 4.5/5

It is a fish, no it is otah. It is both. The otah fish paste is stuffed inside the whole yellow croaker and baked in banana leaf. The Whole Fish Otah ($28) is probably my favourite dish for my dinner.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Small Tables
Pacific Plaza
9 Scotts Road
#01-09/10/11/12
Singapore 228210
Tel: +65 64529688
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 1130am - 10pm
Fri-Sat: 1130am - 11pm
Sun: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Follow the underpass to Shaw House. On the ground level, walk to Scotts Road. Turn left and walk to down Scotts Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

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
Facebook
Website
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
Facebook
Website
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
Facebook
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]