Yum Cha @ Chinatown - Celebrates 24th Anniversary with Nine Best Selling Dishes at $2.40 Each

Yum Cha Restaurant, nestled in the heart of Chinatown, first opened its doors with a mission to bring back the charm of the traditional dim sum tea house. Its nostalgic shophouse setting, complete with marble tables and wooden chairs, has become a beloved dining spot for dim sum lovers. Celebrating its 24th anniversary, Yum Cha has curated its nine bestselling dishes, each priced at just $2.40 until November 30, 2024.

Squid Ink Dumplings 4/5

Black Garlic Shrimp Dumplings 4/5

No dim sum experience is complete without siew mai and har gow, and Yum Cha elevates these staples with a creative twist. The Squid Ink Dumplings and Black Garlic Shrimp Dumplings are both plump and juicy, with a delightful presentation to match their flavour. At $2.40 for two pieces, these are absolute must-tries.

Scallop Roll in Filo Dough 3.8/5

Lucky Tangerine Fried Prawn Balls 3.8/5

Freshly fried dim sum is always a crowd-pleaser, and Yum Cha delivers with the Scallop Roll in Filo Dough and Lucky Tangerine Fried Prawn Balls. The former boasts a crispy, flaky exterior filled with fresh scallop, while the latter wins on presentation with its mochi-like skin. Both are available at $2.40 for two pieces during the promotion.

Pan Fried Pork Pancake 3.8/5

The Pan-Fried Pork Pancake ($8.30) impresses with its generous portion of crispy skin encasing a hearty pork filling. This dish is perfect for sharing and pairs beautifully with Yum Cha’s selection of teas.

Paper Chicken Wing 3.5/5

The Paper Chicken Wings ($7.60) feature two well-marinated wings wrapped in greaseproof paper. While not as standout as the other dishes, they offer a satisfying bite for those who enjoy flavourful, tender chicken.

Crispy Prawn Rice Flour Roll 4.2/5

The star of the tasting session, the Crispy Prawn Rice Flour Roll ($8.60), combines silky-soft rice rolls with the crunch of crispy youtiao. What truly sets it apart is the prawn paste stuffed within the youtiao, creating an explosion of textures and flavours. This dish is an absolute must-have!

Supreme Soy Sauce Fried Noodles 4/5

If you're craving something beyond dim sum, the Supreme Soy Sauce Fried Noodles ($8.80) is a simple yet satisfying choice. Each strand of noodles is evenly coated in a rich soy sauce that delivers a smoky, wok hei flavour. Paired with fresh vegetables and tender slices of meat, this dish is perfect for those who enjoy classic, comforting Cantonese noodles.

Launching on December 1st, these festive reindeer-shaped dim sum feature a mochi-like skin filled with a savoury mix of mushrooms and ham. Don’t miss this adorable holiday treat!

In-House Cold Herbal Brews 3.5/5

Complete your meal with Yum Cha’s new range of cold herbal brews. The Chrysanthemum Tea with Wolfberries ($4.60) and Roselle Tea with Ginseng ($5.30) offer a refreshing finish to balance the rich flavours of the meal.

With its anniversary menu, Yum Cha takes diners on a nostalgic journey through its most iconic dishes. The $2.40 promotion not only celebrates the restaurant’s 24-year milestone but also offers a fantastic opportunity for both regulars and new patrons to rediscover Yum Cha’s culinary charm. Whether you're a dim sum enthusiast or looking to explore traditional Cantonese flavours, this celebration is not to be missed.

Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Yum Cha Chinatown
20 Trengganu Street
#02-01
Singapore 058479
Tel: +65 6372 1717
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Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Fri: 1030am - 9pm
Sat-Sun, PH: 9am - 9pm
(Closed on Mon, except PH)

Direction:
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Pagoda Street. Turn right onto Trengganu Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Sláinte @ Paragon Shopping Centre - Café By Day, Whiskey Bar By Night

Located in Paragon Shopping Centre, Sláinte offers a distinctive experience that seamlessly transitions from a cosy café by day to an elegant whiskey bar by night. The menu presents brunch favourites in the morning and charcoal-grilled specialities by evening, with an impressive selection of auction-sourced whiskies that elevate the night experience.

Boxty 3.5/5

One unique dish from the breakfast menu was the Boxty ($19.90) — an Irish potato pancake paired with crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, and crème fraîche. The chunky bacon was savoury, smoky, and nicely charred, complementing the buttery richness of the potato pancake and the eggs. While deliciously buttery, the pancake could benefit from a crispier exterior, as some portions felt a bit soggy. The crème fraîche was more of a sweetened yoghurt, which didn't quite complement the dish as a crème fraîche should.

Ayam Bakar 4.5/5

Sláinte's main courses are charbroiled over applewood, imparting a distinct smokiness. The Ayam Bakar ($24.80) is a must-try — spatchcock chicken marinated overnight. The chicken was juicy and tender throughout, with even the breast meat retaining succulence. Served with a brown sauce and house-made chilli, the dish was flavourful enough to enjoy on its own.

Pulpo a la Plancha 3/5

Another grilled speciality we tried was the Pulpo a la Plancha ($34.80) — a slow-charcoal-grilled octopus leg accompanied by fried onions, mashed potatoes, and grilled vegetables. While the dish was enjoyable overall, some parts of the octopus were slightly off in texture, leaving room for improvement.

Wood Fired Marshmallow 4/5

For dessert, the Wood Fired Marshmallow ($19.80) offered a hands-on treat. After roasting the marshmallow over the fire, we dipped it into salted chocolate ganache and then into crushed pistachios, a fun and satisfying end to the meal. The extensive drinks menu showcases rare auction-sourced whiskies alongside a broad wine selection.

Avery Shake

For non-alcoholic options, the milkshakes are a must-try; the Avery Shake was particularly rich, featuring avocado, berries, and milk. Their coffees, brewed from Allpress Espresso beans, are equally noteworthy.

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.


Sláinte
Paragon Shopping Centre
290 Orchard Road
#04-09
Singapore 238859
Tel: +65 87594368
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line), Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 9am - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 11am - 10pm

Direction: 1. Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to ground level. Turn left onto Orchard Road. Walk down Orchard Road. At the traffic junction of Orchard Road and Orchard Link, cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 2 or 3. Proceed to the road level. Walk down Orchard Road until the junction of Orchard Road and Orchard Link. Cross the road and walk to Paragon. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

POCHA! Korean Street Dining @ Compass One - Launches 1-Metre Korean Street Food Platter

POCHA! Korean Street Dining has always been a go-to spot for those seeking authentic and flavourful Korean street food. This time, they've taken it up a notch with the launch of their 1-Metre Korean Street Food Platter - a feast of eight different items, designed to transport you to the bustling street markets of Korea.

Seafood Pancake and Krispy Chunks 3.5/5

Sindang Tteokbokki 3/5, Eomuk 3/5 and Kimari 3.5/5

Kimchi Mandu, Corn Dog and Rice Balls 2.8/5

The 1-Metre Korean Street Food Platter ($34.90) presents a mix of hits and misses. While the Kimari, Seafood Pancake, and Krispy Chunks stood out with their rich flavours and delightful textures, some items could have been more enjoyable if served hotter. Despite this, the platter remains an excellent option for sharing between 2 to 3 people, offering a satisfying variety of street food favourites.

Fried Chicken Stir Fry Spicy Shin Ramyeon 3/5

Cheese & Bacon Stir Fry Spicy Shin Ramyeon 4/5

The Fried Chicken Stir Fry Spicy Shin Ramyeon ($13.90) pairs a crispy chicken cutlet with stir-fried Shin Ramyeon, delivering a satisfying kick of spice. While the heat is spot on, the dish falls short in creativity, tasting more ordinary than expected.

The Cheese & Bacon Stir Fry Spicy Shin Ramyeon ($13.90) stands out with its rich, creamy texture, thanks to the addition of bacon, mushrooms, and cheese. Though the spice level is mild, the flavour profile is incredibly satisfying, making it our favourite.

Sindang-Dong Tteokbokki 4/5

With the added cheese topping, their signature Sindang-Dong Tteokbokki ($11.90) comes highly recommended. The sauce is packed with flavour, and the tteokbokki has just the right amount of chewiness, making it a comforting dish for any Korean street food lover.

Ganjang-Gejang 3/5

We ventured to try the Ganjang-Gejang ($15.90 per piece, 2 for $26.90, 3 for $33.90), a raw marinated crab dish. The crabs are soaked in a homemade soy sauce, giving them a jelly-like, unique texture. While slightly salty, the dish offers an intriguing flavour experience.

The new dishes are available at all POCHA! outlets.

Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


POCHA! Korean Street Dining
Compass One
#02-42
1 Sengkang Square
Singapore 545078
Tel: +65 98516240
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Nearest MRT: Sengkang (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

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

Puzzle Coffee @ Dempsey Hill - Cafe from Melbourne Opens Flagship Outlet With An All-Day Menu

Puzzle Coffee at Dempsey Hill, the brand's flagship and second outlet in Singapore, introduces a new all-day menu showcasing a mix of local and international flavours.

Reuben Toastie 4/5

One of the standout dishes is the Reuben Toastie ($20), a substantial sandwich filled with house-prepared beef brisket, tangy sauerkraut, and rich Gruyère cheese, all held together with light rye sourdough. The spread of Dijon mustard adds a great balance to the richness, though some pieces of the beef were overly chewy, which detracted from the overall enjoyment.

Chia Seed Pudding 2.5/5

The Chia Seed Pudding ($17) impressed me with its presentation, reminiscent of what I have had in Melbourne. The pudding is made by infusing almond milk with chai tea leaves and blended with chia seeds and pitted dates. However, the almond milk, being quite thin, didn't allow the chia seeds to bloom into the desired pudding texture. There wasn't much taste or flavour coming through from the pudding other than a hint of sweetness. It would have benefited from a richer base, like coconut cream or yoghurt, to have a better pudding texture and a taste that complements the tropical dragonfruit sorbet and fresh fruit topping.

Buttermilk Pancakes 4.2/5

The Buttermilk Pancakes ($25) were well-executed, with a nicely brown exterior and fluffy interior. The layer of creamy and citrusy cheesecake mousse and whipped cream atop was a boast to the texture, made moreish with sweet and tart mixed berry compote spread between the pancakes.

Chilli Scramble Eggs 4.5/5

Amongst the various versions of Chilli Scramble Eggs I had tried this year, this Chilli Scrambled Eggs ($26) stood out with its in-house chilli jam spread. Gorgeously yellow scrambled eggs on grilled sourdough, the jam, crafted from fresh tomatoes, chilli peppers, and spices, provided a fruity and sweet contrast. The sprinkle of crumbled goat cheese added a creamy and savoury element, but the diced jalapeños were a bit too assertive for the dish.

Prawn Linguine 4.5/5

The Prawn Linguine ($30) was delicious, with perfectly cooked, succulent prawns that had an almost creamy texture. The al dente pasta was tossed in a sauce made from slow-cooked capers, chilli, dill, and cherry tomatoes, with a touch of white wine and butter to finish.

Thai Mango Salad 3.5/5

The Thai Mango Salad ($24), a milder version of the classic som tam, was tasty but lacked the punch one might expect, and at this price point, there are wiser options on the menu.

Brown Sugar Boba Cake 2/5, Matcha Lava Cake 2/5, Cold-Drip Tiramisu 4/5

For desserts, we tried the Brown Sugar Boba Cake ($21), Matcha Lava Cake ($22), and Cold-Drip Tiramisu ($21), and they were rather mediocre compared to the mains. The boba pearls for the cake were tough, and the matcha lava cake, while texturally good, was overwhelmingly sweet with occasional chocolatey notes. The tiramisu, with its layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers, Kahlua, and Marsala wine, was the best of the trio, offering a good balance of bitterness and sweetness. Still, you might be better off opting for pancakes or pastries for desserts at these prices.

Strawberry Matcha

As for beverages, beyond their coffee offerings, the Strawberry Matcha (from $6.50) is worth trying if you're in the mood for something different.

To celebrate its opening, Puzzle Coffee at Dempsey Hill offers two promotions from 30 September to 13 October 2024.
1. Buy one-get-one free for all coffee and iced drinks
2. 10% off all food items

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.


Puzzle Coffee
Dempsey Hill
71 Loewen Road
#01-02
Singapore 248846
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Nearest MRT: Napier (TE Line)

Operating Hours:
Daily: 8am - 6pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Napier MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk to bus stop at Napier MRT station (Stop ID 13011). Take bus numbe 7, 75, 77, 105, 106, 123, and 174. Alight 2 stops later. Walk up the hill to block 26, and make your way to Harding Road. Continue on Harding Road and turn right onto Loewen Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Butcher's Block @ Raffles Hotel Singapore - The All New Summer IMUA Tasting Menu

Housed in the magnificent heritage Raffles Singapore Hotel, Butcher's Block is a refined culinary destination that showcases contemporary wood-fired cooking. The restaurant features a custom-built wood-fired oven and grill to bring out the rich flavours of meat, seafood, and vegetables in their full glory. Butcher's Block emphasises a whole-animal, zero-waste philosophy and processes every part of the animal in-house.

With Chef Jordan Keao at the helm, this summer's IMUA Tasting Menu is a culinary tribute to his homeland, Hawai'i. Come savour an enticing array of dishes inspired by the tropical beauty and nostalgic flavours of his native island. The summer IMUA tasting menu is offered from 1 August till the end of October 2024 for both lunch (S$168++ for five courses) and dinner (S$218++ for six courses).

Brioche Bread 3.8/5

While waiting for dinner, we had a serving of their Brioche Bread. It is not as pillowy soft as other brioches I've had recently, but it is still pretty nice. The butter is excellent and has both furikake and kombu seasoning.

Wagyu Beef Pipikaula 4.5/5

Opening the IMUA tasting menu is a line-up of four tantalising, refined bite-sized creations. Firstly, the Wagyu Beef Pipikaula honours the tradition of Hawai'ian beef jerky made by local cowboys. The Butcher's Block version uses Blackmore Farm's Wagyu rump, marinated in a house-blend garlic shoyu and aged up to two months. The beef is served on beef fat rice with a topping of yuzu kosho aioli. It's such a flavour bomb!

Ahi Tuna Poké 4.8/5

The second creation is the Ahi Tuna Poké, featuring Butcher's Block's signature Smoked Sashimi Poké. This is traditionally enjoyed by fishermen who seasoned their fresh catches with sea salt, seaweed, and crushed candlenuts. The Butcher's Block version is elevated with cold-smoked tuna belly and a roasted kukui candlenut relish. It's elegantly presented on a garlic chive tuile, accompanied by caviar, ponzu gel, Japanese ogo seaweed, and allium flowers.

Butcher’s Block Farm Sorrel Pancake 4.5/5

Thirdly, the Butcher's Block Farm Sorrel Pancake reflects Hawai'i's diverse cultural influences and takes inspiration from the Korean jeon pancake. It is topped with raw Japanese amaebi and a house-made aioli made from their shells, creating an exceptionally sweet and creamy mouthfeel which is utterly delicious.

Western Plains Lap Cheong 4.2/5

The fourth bite- the Western Plains Lap Cheong embraces the restaurant's whole-animal butchery approach. Minced pork leg and shoulder are marinated with Chinese seasonings, encased, dry-aged for up to four weeks, and then cold-smoked. The sausage slices are dressed in Chinese rice wine vinegar and served atop pork chicharrón, garnished with herbs from the Butcher's Block farm. I'm not usually a fan of Lap Cheong, but my dining companions who like Lap Cheong found this to be their favourite of the four snacks.

Lomi Lomi 4.2/5

Next, we are served the Lomi Lomi, a cold dish that captivates with its visually striking, smoky presentation. The dish features smoked paprika pink trout, which imparts a delicate smokiness and vibrant colour. Accompanying the trout is a refreshing tomato water sorbet, which provides a burst of coolness. There are also charred pearl onion petals and piccolo tomato umeboshi, which introduces an additional layer of brightness.

Huli Huli Dry-aged Duck 4.2/5

The Huli Huli Dry-aged Duck is a signature dish inspired by the beloved Hawai'ian grilled chicken glazed with a sweet sauce. The duck is meticulously dry-aged for a week, enhancing its depth of flavour before being prepared in several distinct ways to highlight its versatility. The breast is further dry-aged, slow-cooked, and glazed with a caramelised shoyu reduction; the leg is confit, and the deboned wing is stuffed with black beans, shallots, and ginger. The dish is further elevated by a rich duck jus made from roasted bones, which adds a deep, savoury note. Accompanying elements are burnt eggplant puree, pickled red beets, charred beet leaves, fried frisée, and grilled garlic. My favourite part of this dish was the confit leg, which was the most tender.

Grilled Seabass 4.5/5

This Grilled Seabass highlights the delicate flavours of farmed seabass from Corsica, which is aged for four days to enhance its richness before being expertly grilled. The seabass is served over a bed of sushi rice and artfully complemented by ribbons of fresh summer squash, yellow corn curry and grilled sweet potato leaves. Adding a touch of the sea, crisp samphire seaweed brings a briny, crunchy contrast. Each component is thoughtfully prepared to enhance the overall experience, creating a well-rounded, tasty dish.

Blackmore Farm Wagyu Beef Trio 4.2/5

Moving on to the final main plate of the evening, the Blackmore Farm Wagyu Beef Trio presents a showcase of premium Wagyu cuts, each meticulously prepared to highlight its exceptional quality. This dish features a carefully curated selection of Wagyu cuts, each treated with a different cooking technique to bring out its unique flavours and textures. The preparation includes grilling, which imparts a charred, smoky flavour; smoking, which adds a deep, complex aroma; and ambient heat cooking, which ensures tenderness and rich, unadulterated beef flavour. The Wagyu beef trio is served with an array of complementary accompaniments such as grilled oyster mushrooms, vibrant mustard frills and a creamy potato puree. To add a touch of tangy contrast, house-fermented raspberries are included.

Rosella & Pink Guava Shaved Ice 3/5

The Rosella & Pink Guava Shaved Ice is presented in a fluffy kakigori style for dessert. The base of this treat is shaved from a block of ice that has been frozen with a blend of dried rosella flower 'tea' and pink guava puree. It is finished with a drizzle of condensed milk and is dusted with 'Li Hing Mui' dried plum powder. I was not such a fan of this dessert as I found it repetitive in taste and texture after a few spoonfuls.

Petit Fours

Last but not least, we had petit fours, which consisted of a chocolate bonbon, a sweet jelly and a financier. A nice sweet end to dinner!

Butcher's Block is also well-known for its excellent wine programme, with very knowledgeable and experienced sommeliers and an extensive wine list of nearly 300 labels, including rare and limited-edition selections. Elevate your dinner experience with a tailored wine pairing option, which comes at S$118++ for five glasses and S$138++ for six glasses.

Discerning guests will be pleased to know that Butcher's Block has been inducted into the exclusive Dom Pérignon society. For ultimate luxury, the Dom Pérignon Experience (S$408++) comes with 2 curated glasses of Dom Pérignon alongside 3 glasses of handpicked premium wines orchestrated for pure indulgence. Dom Pérignon is also available by the glass at S$98++.

Photographed and penned by Shermine. Through her pictures and stories, she shares her journey of savouring new flavours and experiences. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Butcher's Block
Raffles Hotel Singapore
Raffles Arcade
328 North Bridge Road
#02-02
Singapore 188719
Tel: +65 6337 1886
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line), Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Lunch (Thu-Sun): 12pm - 230pm
Dinner (Wed-Sun): 6pm - 945pm
(Closed on Mon and Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Junction of North Bridge Road and Bras Basah Road. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit F. Walk to Beach Road. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]