Sinchon Korean Anju & Drinks @ Neil Road - Bringing the Lively Spirit of Korea to Singapore

Nestled in the heart of Chinatown and Tanjong Pagar, Sinchon Korean Anju & Drinks brings the lively energy of Korea's iconic dining culture right to our doorstep. Inspired by the vibrant streets of Sinchon, Seoul, this casual eatery celebrates all things Korean — flavour-packed dishes, refreshing drinks, and the warmth of shared meals with Korean heritage.

Refillable Banchan 3.5/5

Sinchon offers two types of refillable Banchan, both of which are excellent palate cleansers. They are tangy, spicy, and delightfully crunchy.

Fresh Oyster 3.8/5

The Fresh Oysters ($25 for 5 pieces) were a highlight. They were served with minimal chilli toppings that enhanced rather than masked their natural brininess. The freshness was unmistakable, delivering a taste of the ocean in every bite.

Scallop Butter Grill 3.8/5

The Scallop Butter Grill ($24 for 4 pieces) was a delectable starter. The savoury melted cheese atop the tender scallops added a rich layer of flavour, making this dish a crowd-pleaser for seafood lovers.

Soy Sauce Marinated Crabs 3.8/5

Sinchon's Soy Sauce Marinated Crabs ($50 for 1 piece, $80 for 2 pieces) are marinated in-house by the owner. They boast a fresh taste with a perfect balance of saltiness. The crabs' jelly-like texture, combined with a hint of spice, creates a harmonious flavour that's truly satisfying.

We were told that the traditional way to enjoy this is with seaweed and white rice. It is a very interesting experience.

Mixed Sashimi Platter 4/5

It was our first experience with Korean Sashimi, and it was an eye-opener! Unlike Japanese sashimi's delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture, Korean-style sashimi boasts a firmer, chewier bite, with some cuts even offering a satisfying crunch. The variety of textures alone made it an exciting dish to explore.

What's even more delightful is the versatility of how you can enjoy it. You can dip it simply in wasabi and soy sauce, wrap it in shiso leaf or lettuce with garlic and chilli for a burst of flavour, roll it in seaweed, or pair it with Korean chilli sauce for a spicy kick. Each method brings out a unique aspect of the sashimi, making it a fun and interactive dining experience.

The Mixed Sashimi Platter ($68) offers a customizable selection of premium fish, including Rockfish, Korean Halibut, and Flounder, all flown in fresh from Korea. The options vary with availability and seasonality, ensuring the freshest catch every time.

Cheese Steamed Egg 3/5

A quintessential Korean comfort dish, the Cheese Steamed Egg ($15) arrived piping hot and fluffy. While the egg was slightly overcooked, the addition of cheese offered a rich flavour. A suggestion for improvement would be to incorporate melted cheese within the egg for a smoother texture rather than placing it on top.

Japchae 3.5/5

The Japchae ($22) featured a medley of vegetables, mushrooms, fish cake, and chewy glass noodles, all brought together with fragrant sesame oil. While the flavours were milder compared to other versions, the overall dish was light and satisfying.

Kimchi Pancake 3.8/5

The Kimchi Pancake ($20) impressed with its crispy exterior and generous chunks of kimchi embedded within the batter. The pancake was light yet flavourful, offering a delightful balance of textures, tanginess and spice.

Kimchi Fried Rice 4/5

Sinchon's Kimchi Fried Rice ($15) was an undeniable favourite. It was packed with strong kimchi flavours and topped with a perfectly crispy egg with a runny yolk and seaweed garnish. This dish was so addictive that it kept us coming back for more.

Stir-Fry Chilli Pork 3.5/5

Served on a sizzling hotplate, the Stir-Fry Chilli Pork ($30) featured marinated pork chunks accompanied by fresh lettuce and big pieces of Shiso leaves, which is rarely seen in Singapore's version of this dish. While the dish was flavourful, the pork could have been more tender and spicier to elevate the experience.

Clams Stew 4/5

The Clams Stew ($40) served bubbling over a flame is on fire, literally. The spicy broth was packed with meaty clams, sweet white radish and a fiery kick that made it perfect for a rainy night. However, non-spicy eaters should approach with caution!

Mango Soju and Watermelon Soju 4/5

Refreshing and vibrant, the Mango Soju and Watermelon Soju ($18 per glass, $48 per jug) were delightful beverages to accompany the meal. The fruity Soju also come in pineapple flavour, adding a fun twist to the dining experience.

After indulging in Sinchon's diverse menu, it's clear that this spot is more than just a restaurant — it's an experience. The thoughtful attention to detail, authentic Korean flavours, and relaxed vibe make it a perfect place for food lovers and social diners alike. Come here for a slice of Seoul in Singapore.

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


Sinchon
55 Neil Road
Singapore 088892
Tel: +65 81891538
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Nearest MRT: Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minut4es. [Map]

Tajimaya Yakiniku @ VivoCity - Golden Feast Yakiniku Platter in an Elegant Revolving Carousel with Premium Cuts and Seafood

For this Chinese New Year, Creative Eateries brings a touch of innovation to the festive season with a variety of celebratory menus across its restaurant brands, including a unique Japanese twist at Tajimaya Yakiniku with their Golden Feast Yakiniku Platter.

The star of the show, presented on an elegant revolving carousel surrounding the charcoal grill, was a decadent assortment of 8 premium meat cuts and 2 types of fresh seafood. The carefully curated lineup included A5 Miyazaki Striploin, A5 Miyazaki Nami Karubi Short Ribs, A5 Kagoshima Zabuton Chuck Flap, A5 Kagoshima Sasabara Flank, MS6/7 Australian Wagyu Rib Fingers, MS6/7 Australian Wagyu Tongue Negi Shio, US Kurobuta Pork Belly, US Kurobuta Pork Jowl, Mekajiki (Swordfish) and Hokkaido Hotate Scallops.

A5 Miyazaki Striploin

A5 Kagoshima Zabuton Chuck Flap

The Miyazaki and Kagoshima cuts stood out with their rich, buttery flavours and melt-in-your-mouth textures, delivering an indulgent experience. However, the MS6/7 Wagyu Rib Fingers proved a little tough to chew, and I would have preferred the Wagyu Tongue to be served in thinner slices for a more enjoyable bite.

Kurobuta Pork Jowl

Among the pork selections, I enjoyed the Kurobuta Pork Jowl, which had a more balanced fat-to-meat ratio than the pork belly.

Mekajiki

The Mekajiki (Swordfish) was an unexpected delight, especially when grilled to form a golden crust that added a satisfying crunch to its firm, dense, and meaty texture. Its natural fattiness created a luscious mouthfeel rivalling the premium meats.

Truffle Kaisen Tartare with Tenkatsu

Japanese Wagyu Sukiyaki Don

The menu also featured Zansai, a starter course showcasing Truffle Kaisen Tartare with Tenkatsu and a mini Japanese Wagyu Sukiyaki Don topped with a silky onsen egg yolk. The don's slices of meat were slightly dry despite the creamy egg yolk adding richness.

Japanese Yuzu Sorbet

The meal concluded with a refreshing scoop of Japanese Yuzu Sorbet, offering a bright and citrusy finale that cleansed the palate beautifully after the indulgent feast.

Golden Feast Yakiniku Platter is from $178++ for two persons and $348++ for 4 persons. Promotion Validity: 15 January 2025 - 12 February 2025

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.


Tajimaya Yakiniku
VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
#01-102/103
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 3125 8831
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Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 10pm
Fri-Sun: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit C & E. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Shisen Hanten by Chen Kentaro @ Hilton Orchard Singapore - Celebrates Year of The Snake With a Variety of Festive Set Menus

Chūka Szechwan Ryori specialist Shisen Hanten by Chen Kentaro celebrates the upcoming Chinese New Year with a variety of festive set menus, à la carte offerings, as well as festive goodies available for takeaway.

The renovated space is stunning, with a high ceiling and well-curated art pieces throughout. Befitting its Michelin-starred status, the service here is attentive, gracious and thoughtful, capturing the essence of omotenashi, the quintessentially Japanese spirit of hospitality.

The Abundance Set Menu ($208++ per guest) is an elegant 8-course experience designed to delight the senses. Other festive set menus, ranging from $168++ to $388++ per guest, are also available for dine-in from 12 January to 12 February 2025.

Abalone and Madai Yu Sheng 4.5/5

The evening commenced with an Abalone and Madai Yu Sheng presented to the table. This festive favourite features tender slices of abalone and Japanese Madai (Sea Bream). It is accompanied by a vibrant mix of shredded carrots, green and white radishes, pickled ginger, and cucumbers, and the dish is finished with a calamansi plum sauce, sesame oil, and a sprinkling of crushed peanuts. We tossed it well and high for good luck and enjoyed this refreshing start to the meal.

Crab Roe Foie Gras Chawanmushi with Bird’s Nest 5/5

Next came a dish of Crab Roe Foie Gras Chawanmushi with Bird's Nest, served in its own warmer. This dish was silky and rich, using carefully hand-picked crab that lent it a delicate sweetness. Each spoonful was warm and totally luxurious, especially with the added indulgence of Bird's Nest on top.

Stir-Fried Prawns with Basil Sauce 4.5/5

Our next dish was Stir-Fried Prawns with Basil Sauce. It featured a plump, juicy prawn coated in a fragrant, aromatic basil sauce. The prawn was slightly crisp and very fresh, with firm yet tender flesh. Eaten with the basil sauce, it was simply delicious!

Steamed Seasonal Fish Fillet with Pickled Peppers 4.2/5

Following the prawn was the Steamed Seasonal Fish Fillet with Pickled Peppers. We were presented with Kinmedai, prized for its sweet, clean taste and firm texture, which is a bit richer than other white fish. It was served with pickled peppers and topped with a chilli blend for a subtle kick of spice. While the sauce was excellent, I found the fish itself to be slightly overcooked.

Wok Fried Hokkaido Shirobuta Pork with XO Sauce 4.2/5

The Wok-Fried Hokkaido Shirobuta Pork with XO Sauce was served with a medley of vegetables, such as asparagus, peppers, and mushrooms. Shirobuta is known for its fine, even marbling in the meat, which gives it a juicy, melty mouthfeel. The tasty XO Sauce also enhanced the overall flavour of the pork.

Braised Australian 4-head Whole Abalone with Mushrooms in Oyster Sauce 4.8/5

I really enjoyed the Braised Australian 4-head Whole Abalone with Mushrooms in Oyster Sauce, which had very comforting flavours. The abalone had a smooth, delicate texture that wasn't rubbery or tough and absorbed the delicious sauce it was sitting in. I also liked that they cooked it with some crisp lettuce for a slight crunch. The sauce was so good. I would have loved to eat it with white rice or stewed noodles if I had not already been so full!

Wok-fried Glutinous Rice with Chinese Sausages topped with Crispy Sakura Shrimps 4.5/5

Despite being so full, I couldn't resist trying the Wok-fried Glutinous Rice with Chinese Sausages, topped with Crispy Sakura Shrimps. The rice was fragrant and aromatic, infused with the rich flavour of the Chinese sausages. The rice was nice and sticky, with a slightly chewy texture.

Double-boiled Hashima with Dried Longan and Crispy Duo-flavour Nian Gao Roll 4/5

For dessert, we were treated to a bowl of Double-boiled Hashima with Dried Longan, as well as a Crispy Duo-flavour Nian Gao Roll. The Hashima, with its soft, gelatinous texture, is believed to be rich in collagen, offering both beauty and health benefits. Cooked with longan and dates, it was light and subtly sweet.

However, my personal preference was the crispy Nian Gao roll, wrapped in spring roll skin. In addition to the traditional nian gao, it also featured a pandan-flavoured version, adding an interesting twist to the roll.

As my dining companion doesn't eat Hashima, the staff kindly offered her a bowl of mango sago instead, which was a tangy and very refreshing end to her meal.

Overall, dining at Shisen Hanten is a real treat and a memorable experience from start to finish. With its refined cuisine, sophisticated ambience and impeccable service, it's definitely the kind of place to bring someone you'd like to impress. Wine and tea pairings are also available to complement your dining experience.

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.


Shisen Hanten by Chen Kentaro
Hilton Singapore Orchard
Level 35
333 Orchard Road
Singapore 238867
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to ground level. Turn left onto Orchard Road. Walk down Orchard Road. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Nong Geng Ji (农耕记 ) @ Orchard Gateway - Popular Hunanese Restaurant Opens New Outlet inthe Heart of Orchard Road

Hunanese restaurant Nong Geng Ji (农耕记) has quickly gained popularity since opening its flagship outlet at Collyer Quay late last year.

Its fifth new location in the basement of Orchard Gateway provides a spacious and welcoming setting, ideal for group gatherings. The restaurant also features a membership programme offering special discounted prices for nearly all dishes (indicated by ‘MP’ on the menu), excluding steamed rice and beverages.

Pan-seared Green Chilies with Century Egg 4.2/5

We began with the Pan-seared Green Chilies with Century Egg (MP $10.80, U.P $13.80), a unique chilled appetiser served in a mortar. Diners can opt to pound it themselves or have the staff assist. The dish was a delight with its creamy century eggs paired with smoky green chillies that carried just the right amount of heat.

Stir-fried Pork with Abalone and Chilli 4/5

Next was the Stir-fried Pork with Abalone and Chilli (MP $25.80, U.P $28.80), a creative combination of baby abalones, sliced pork, Hunan green peppers, and crunchy white fungus. While the dish had a fun variety of textures, we wished the green pepper flavours were more prominent.

Stir-fried Cauliflower 4.2/5

The simple looking Stir-fried Cauliflower (MP $13.80, U.P $16.80) was executed well. It was garlicky and seasoned just right.

Big Shrimp with Vermicelli and Garlic 4.2/5

Served on a portable gas stove, the Big Shrimp with Vermicelli and Garlic (MP $19.80, U.P $22.80) was precisely timed until it was ready to be eaten. The vermicelli thoroughly soaked up the garlicky and savoury sauce.

Sauerkraut Fish with Soup 3.8/5

The Sauerkraut Fish with Soup (MP $25.80, U.P $28.80) fell short for us. The broth leaned on the saltier side, and though the fish slices were fresh, the number of bones made it less enjoyable.

Lotus Root with Superior Pork Broth 4.2/5

Our second soup was the Lotus Root with Superior Pork Broth (MP $21.80, U.P $25.80). This was so homely and comforting that we wiped the bowl clean quickly. It also helped to cut the spice from the rest of the dishes.

Dry Pot Pork Intestine with Sauerkraut 4/5

Lastly, we tried the Dry Pot Pork Intestine with Sauerkraut (MP $21.80, U.P $24.80). Those who appreciate fattier cuts of pork intestine would enjoy this that has a blend of spicy and tangy notes from the sauerkraut.

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.


Nong Geng Ji (农耕记)
Orchardgateway
#B1-13
277 Orchard Road
Singapore 238858
Tel: +65 6908 0153
Facebook
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS, Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

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