Open Farm Community @ Dempsey - Bringing Its Beloved Weekend Brunch to Diners Every Day of The Week

Brunch has become a daily affair at Open Farm Community at Dempsey. You can now enjoy its once-weekend brunch menu any day of the week, surrounded by the lush greenery of its open farm and edible gardens. Even better, your furry companions are warmly welcomed, as guests who choose to dine alfresco with their pets will enjoy a discount on their bill.

OFC Farm Bread 4/5

Burrata 4/5

For starters, the OFC Farm Bread ($12) features the restaurant’s beloved sourdough and focaccia, served with a subtly flavoured salted butter. We paired it with the Burrata ($28), which whetted my appetite with savoury and meaty San Daniele ham, complemented by the acidity and sweetness of charred grapes and tomato jam, and a satisfying crunch from toasted pine nuts.

Beef Tongue Yakitori 5/5

For something bolder, the Beef Tongue Yakitori was a standout. The Bak Kut Teh marinated beef tongue was expertly prepared, with a slightly charred exterior that complemented its rich flavour. Shredded ginger flowers added freshness and helped balance the gaminess, resulting in a well-rounded dish.

Pulled Pork Benedict 4.5/5

The Brunch and Lunch menu features a lineup of well-loved classics. My favourite brunch item was the Pulled Pork Benedict ($29), a satisfying plate with tender and flavourful pork ragout accompanied by creamy sous vide eggs that enriched every bite with a luxurious mouthfeel. The hollandaise, done espuma style, delivered the same tangy richness in a lighter and airier form, enhancing the dish without the usual heaviness.

Shakshuka 3/5

Avocado Toast 3/5

Shakshuka and Avocado Toast are both presented in bowl form, similar to one another. The former features spiced tomato sauce and feta, while the latter is topped with mashed avocado and tomato salsa. While this format makes for easier eating, it slightly diminishes the essence of the dishes, especially the shakshuka. It would have been much more exciting to have it served hot in a pan with eggs poached directly in the sauce. The flavours leaned mild, with just a faint hint of fennel rather than the expected spice-forward kick. Still, both dishes remained wholesome, anchored by perfectly creamy yolks.

Spanish Omelette 3/5

The Spanish Omelette was given a local twist, topped with a heap of minced meat and mushrooms seasoned like bak chor mee. Though it had a beautifully golden exterior, it resembled more of a potato frittata, with more egg than potato, lacking the creamy and slightly starchy consistency that defines a traditional Spanish omelette made with slow-cooked potatoes.

Buttermilk Pancakes 3.5/5

For something sweet, the Buttermilk Pancakes ($22), served with banana brûlée and ice cream, were delightful, featuring a subtle bounce in texture.

Granola Yoghurt Bowl 2/5

The Granola Yoghurt Bowl ($18), however, was slightly too sweet, with yoghurt that was both thinner and sweeter than ideal. A version with tangier yoghurt and crunchy granola would have provided better contrast and balance.

Beer-Battered Fish & Chips 4/5

From the lunch selections, the Beer-Battered Fish & Chips ($34) impressed with its light, crisp batter encasing flavourful fish, complemented by equally well-executed chips.

Creamy Mushroom Mafaldine Pasta 4/5

The Creamy Mushroom Mafaldine Pasta, made with local mixed mushrooms, stood out for its firm and chewy texture. Meanwhile, the sauce, cheesy and accented with sharp Pecorino Romano, had just the right consistency to coat each ribbon beautifully. 15% off their bill.

Lemon Meringue Pavlova 3.5/5

Deconstructed Tiramisu 4.5/5

For desserts, the Deconstructed Tiramisu ($19) and Lemon Meringue Pavlova ($19) offer two very different experiences. I found the former more memorable, featuring an intense layer of Kahlua-soaked sponge complemented by light, aerated chocolate bites.

What truly stood out for me was the atmosphere at Open Farm Community. The space exudes a relaxed, nature-filled charm that invites one to linger. Offering a 15% discount to those who dine at the spacious alfresco area with their pets is also a thoughtful touch, reflecting the restaurant’s commitment to food, nature, community, and sustainability.

Photos and words by Si An. A homebody who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, the smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


Open Farm Community
130E Minden Road
Singapore 248819
Tel: +65 64710306
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Nearest MRT: Napier (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 9pm
Sat-Sun: 11am - 330pm, 6pm - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Napier MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk to Minden Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Yum Cha Restaurant @ Chinatown - Celebrate SG60 with Innovative Local-Inspired Dim Sum Creations at $6 Each Till End August

To celebrate SG60, Yum Cha Restaurant, one of Singapore's beloved dim sum brands, is launching a creative, limited-time menu inspired by signature local flavours.

Available at both its Chinatown and Changi Business Park outlets, the specials are priced at just $6 each from now till 31 August 2025. Expect familiar dishes reimagined through a dim sum lens, featuring Singaporean favourites like Laksa, Chilli Crab, and Bak Kut Teh.

Bak Kut Teh Xiao Long Bao 4.2/5

Yum Cha's chefs dedicate 16 hours to crafting the peppery broth inside the Bak Kut Teh Xiao Long Bao (3 pcs). We took a bite and sip of the soup and were pleasantly surprised by a distinct kick of peppery notes. It even came served with dark soy sauce and chilli, mirroring the traditional BKT experience.

Crusty Chilli Crab Bao 4/5

There has got to be chilli crab on an SG60 menu, right? These Crusty Chilli Crab Bao (2 pcs) were fried to a crisp on the outside and filled with tangy, mildly spicy crab sauce. Topped with a playful crab-shaped crust, it delivers the flavours of chilli crab without the mess.

Handmade Otak-Otak Siew Mai 3.8/5

With its spinach wrapper, black tobiko, and a fragrant otak centre, this version of Handmade Otak-Otak Siew Mai offers a localised spin, though we’d have preferred a punchier spice.

Laksa Rice Flour Roll 4.2/5

One of our favourites from this launch is the Laksa Rice Flour Roll. It's cleverly layered with crab, shrimp, chicken, and dried shrimp wrapped in a crisp rice net and finished with smooth cheong fun skin. We especially enjoyed their house-made laksa gravy, which is well-balanced, neither too lemak nor watery. Make sure to dig into this hot to enjoy it at its best.

Satay Fried Rice 3.5/5

Served next was the Satay Fried Rice accompanied by two satay chicken skewers. While the flavour remained true, it was a pity that the rice was slightly too dry.

Prata Pork Pancake 4/5

I was sceptical of the Prata Pork Pancake initially. Still, I was surprised by the crisp exterior and juicy minced pork filling, which was reminiscent of that from Xiao Long Bao. We found this an enjoyable and likeable pairing, albeit a little oily.

Kaya Bolo Bao 3/5

The Kaya Bolo Bao (2 pcs) comes with a slab of butter and kaya sandwiched inside. The texture leaned more toward bread, and we wished for a crunchier top crust and fluffier bun.

Kopi Gao Bao 3.8/5

Local coffee lovers can keep an eye out for their Kopi Gao Bao (2 pcs), a joint creation with Singaporean instant coffee brand Coffee Hock. Their signature Kopi Gao powder adds a different flair to the usual salted egg custard buns.

Apart from the attractive pricing, Yum Cha is also inviting diners to do good this season with their "Bringing Back the Joy of Five Stones" initiative. Partnering with SG Enable and Re:store, diners who spend a minimum of $60 can purchase handmade Five Stones by differently-abled artisans at $6.

If diners are confident of their Five Stones skills, they can choose to challenge Yum Cha’s in-house Five Stones champions and stand a chance to win a $20 Yum Cha voucher.

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.


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

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

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]

Taste Myeongdong @ Taste Orchard - New Food Hall with 7 Different Korean Concepts Under One Roof

Located along bustling Orchard Road, TASTE Myeongdong is the latest food hall concept that transports diners to the nostalgic, neon-lit streets of Myeongdong, South Korea. Inspired by the vibrant pocha (Korean street bar) culture, this food hall brings together seven distinct concepts, namely O'Bok Bibimbap, Red Cup, Gamtan Express, Singdang Bul Dakbal, Hoho Noodles, Myung Dong Pocha, and Breaders. They offer comforting, affordable, and all-day Korean fare under one roof. By evening, the space transforms into a lively pocha hub with a wide selection of sharing plates perfect for groups.

We visited for their Pocha Set Menu ($95 for 4 pax), available after 5pm. This menu includes a generous spread of Korean street favourites such as Tteokbokki, Fish Cake Soup, Fried Snacks, Gimbap, Chicken Feet, and a choice between Seafood Pajeon or Kimchi Jeon.

Singdang Bul Dakbal - Gimbap 4/5

Our meal began with a classic Beef Gimbap. It is fluffy, well-seasoned rice wrapped in crisp seaweed and layered with marinated beef, egg, and vegetables. Lightly brushed with sesame oil and topped with sesame seeds, each bite was aromatic and well-balanced. It is a comforting introduction to our pocha feast.

Singdang Bul Dakbal - Tteokbokki 4/5

Due to its often overly firm texture, I typically steer clear of Tteokbokki in Singapore. Thankfully, this version was a pleasant surprise. The rice cakes were delightfully soft and chewy, soaking up the spicy-sweet gochujang sauce with just the right amount of heat. It is a nostalgic nod to authentic Korean street food.

Singdang Bul Dakbal - Fried Snacks 3/5

The Fried Platter included an assortment of vegetables, shrimp, sweet potato, and squid fritters. While each was golden and crisp, the squid stood out for its firm and bouncy texture. It was a satisfying side dish, though it could benefit from a lighter batter for better overall balance.

Singdang Bul Dakbal - Chicken Feet 3.8/5

Served in a rich, dry spicy sauce, the Korean-style Chicken Feet brought bold, tongue-tingling flavours. It was a unique and surprisingly enjoyable experience — the gelatinous texture of the chicken feet complemented the fiery seasoning. While it may be acquired for some, it's worth trying if you're adventurous.

Myung Dong Pocha - Fish Cake Soup 4/5

Nothing says Korean street food like a steaming bowl of Eomuk (Fish Cake Soup). The comforting, umami-rich broth and soft fish cakes instantly transported me back to my Myeongdong trip. It is a simple but deeply satisfying dish, especially on a cool evening.

Myung Dong Pocha - Seafood Pajeon 3/5

We opted for the Seafood Pajeon over the Kimchi version. While the edges had a slight crisp, the pancake leaned a bit too doughy for my preference. That said, it was generously studded with seafood and paired nicely with a tangy dipping sauce. Fans of Korean pancakes may appreciate it more.

Breaders - Original, Crumble Blueberry, Pecan Walnut 3.8/5

Rounding off the meal on a sweet note, we sampled three flavours from Breaders, a popular Korean custard tart brand: Original, Crumble Blueberry, and Pecan Walnut. Unlike traditional egg tarts, these are best enjoyed chilled, featuring a creamy, molten-like centre with a delicate, flaky crust. They're less eggy, more dessert-like, and perfect for those who enjoy a soft, custardy texture. With a total of six flavours (including Sweet Potato, Earl Grey, and Blueberry Cream Cheese), there's something for every palate.

TASTE Myeongdong captures the heart and soul of Korean street food culture with an accessible, family-friendly format. Whether craving comforting classics or looking to wind down with pocha-style bites and soju, this food hall brings a slice of Korea to the heart of Singapore.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Taste Myeongdong
Taste Orchard
160 Orchard Road
Singapore 238842
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk to the traffic junction of Orchard Road and Killiney Road. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Beok Private Dining - Natural Flavors Through Korean Contemporary Cuisine

Singapore's private dining scene continues to thrive with inventive concepts, and one of the rising stars is Beok Private Dining. Launched in May 2023, Beok offers a unique perspective on contemporary Korean cuisine, infusing traditional elements with modern interpretations in a refined, intimate setting. I finally had the chance to pen down my experience from a visit sometime back when I indulged in their carefully curated Autumn menu.

Makgeolli Bread with Smoked Purple Sweet Potato Butter 4.2/5

The evening began on a promising note with Makgeolli Bread and Smoked Purple Sweet Potato Butter. The bread, soft with a pleasant chew and gentle rice fragrance from the makgeolli, was beautifully elevated by the subtly sweet and smoky butter. It was a warm, comforting introduction to the meal.

Salt-grilled Prawn 4/5 and Bingtteok 4.2/5

Next came a duo of small bites – the Salt-grilled Prawn and Bingtteok. The prawn was fresh and plump, paired with a Fuji apple and lime chojang jelly that delivered a bright medley of acidity and sweetness, teasing the palate with layers of texture. The Bingtteok, a buckwheat pancake topped with kombu and finely shredded white radish, was a lovely surprise. Earthy and umami-rich with a gentle bite, it played beautifully between savoury and refreshing.

Gam Endive Muchim 3/5

The following dish, Gam Endive Muchim, was probably the most restrained in flavour. Slightly bitter endive leaves were dressed in a date-anchovy sauce and topped with biltong and a jujube chip. The textures were interesting, but overall it leaned towards a clean, minimalist profile.

Haemul Tang 4.2/5

Things took a heartier turn with the Haemul Tang, a spicy seafood broth that arrived brimming with flavour. Half-dried mussels, flower crab, and butternut squash added depth and sweetness to the umami-rich broth. It was warm, soothing, and satisfying.

Perilla Noodle 4.5/5

A standout of the night was the Perilla Noodle. The hand-pulled buckwheat noodles were silky yet toothsome, swimming in a nutty, aromatic broth enriched with perilla oil. Garnished with cucumber, nuts, and a touch of jalapeño for a bit of heat, this dish was layered, fragrant, and completely moreish.

Sutbul Moksal 4.2/5

Sutbul Anchang 4.5/5

The centrepiece of the meal came next – grilled meats cooked over binchotan charcoal. First, the Sutbul Moksal, featuring Australia Bangalow sweet pork collar, was well marinated and charred just right, paired with sweet potato leaf jangajji for a tangy counterpoint. Then came the Sutbul Anchang, showcasing a marbled MB7/8 Tajima Wagyu outside skirt, grilled to a perfect medium rare. Juicy, tender, and full of umami, it was easily the highlight among the proteins. That said, the portions were rather petite – each diner only got a small tasting portion, which left us craving a bit more.

Mushroom Gondre Sotbap 4.2/5

Pickles and Soup

To round out the savouries, we had the Mushroom Gondre Sotbap – a comforting bowl of multigrain Korean rice infused with wild thistle and topped with autumn mushrooms. Earthy and nutty, it showcased the beauty of simplicity. A side of soup and house pickles helped cleanse the palate and tie everything together.

Bam & Bac 4/5

Dessert came in the form of Bam & Bac, a delicate and well-composed plate featuring firm yet smooth chestnut yanggaeng, sweet poached pear, a scoop of ice cream, and an artistic fallen leaves tuile. It was a sweet ending with finesse – not too rich, but well-balanced and satisfying.

Overall, Beok Private Dining offers a unique and thoughtful exploration of Korean cuisine beyond the usual fare. The dishes are artfully plated, flavourful, and well-curated, with an elegant progression from start to finish. While some plates felt a little restrained and a couple of portions modest, the overall experience was intimate, elevated, and reflective of the Chef's evolving interpretation of Korean flavours. It is a gem worth experiencing for anyone seeking modern Korean fare with soul.


Beok Private Dining
Farrer Road
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