Jiak Bar @ Far East Square - A Day-to-Night Taiwanese Eatery Bringing the Spirit of “Re Chao” to China Street

Tucked away on China Street, Jiak Bar is a charming dual-concept eatery that effortlessly morphs from a casual Taiwanese lunch spot by day into a vibey izakaya-style bar by night. Inspired by Taiwan's beloved "Re Chao" culture – where small, wok-fried dishes are served at bustling local joints – Jiak Bar introduces Singapore to its take on "Xiao Chao," with comforting street-style plates and a solid lineup of cocktails and Taiwan beers perfect for winding down.

Braised Pig's Ears 3.5/5

We started with a few small bites to warm up the palate. The Braised Pig's Ears ($5.80) offered that signature crunch from the marinated and tender cartilage, a classic Taiwanese snack done well.

Golden Kimchi 4/5

Unlike its spicier Korean cousin, the Golden Kimchi ($5.80) has a refreshing balance of sweet and tangy flavours that nicely whet the appetite.

Mala Soft Bone 3/5

Another crunchy option was the Mala Soft Bone ($6.80), mildly spicy with an addictive, numbing hint of mala, offering a textural contrast from the soft cartilage.

Oyster Popcorn 3.5/5

The Oyster Popcorn ($9.80) came golden and crispy on the outside, hiding juicy, briny oysters within. Accompanied by keropok and crispy basil, it was a playful and aromatic dish, though it could use just a touch more seasoning.

Taiwanese Stir-fried Pork 4/5

One of the more comforting dishes on the menu is the Taiwanese Stir-fried Pork ($9.80), which felt like something straight out of a home kitchen. Pork belly, tofu, and greens come together in a familiar stir-fry, with a touch of heat from red chillies rounding out the dish.

Three Cup Century Egg 3.8/5

The Three Cup Century Egg ($7.80) was a standout for those who love century eggs. Deep-fried for a crispy edge, then cooked in the classic Taiwanese "three cup" style — soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice wine — this dish also featured basil and peanuts for added texture and aroma.

Naked Pepper Chicken Soup 4/5

A personal favourite was the Naked Pepper Chicken Soup ($12.80), a unique offering in the Taiwanese repertoire. The addition of clams gave the broth an oceanic sweetness, while green peppercorns added a vibrant, peppery zing. It was comforting yet bold in flavour.

Claypot Mala Tofu Stew 2.8/5

Not every dish was a hit, though. The Claypot Mala Tofu Stew ($12.80) was a miss for me. While inspired by Taiwan's classic duck blood mala stew, the tofu substitute here didn't quite capture the essence. It lacked both the expected heat and the numbing intensity of real mala.

Hsinchu Fried Vermicelli Meal 4/5

For something more filling, the Hsinchu Fried Vermicelli Meal ($7.80) was satisfying and hearty. Springy, chewy rice vermicelli came paired with a fried egg and wu xiang, making this an affordable and complete one-dish meal

Crispy Chicken Braised Meat Rice 4.2/5

Another crowd-pleaser was the Crispy Chicken Braised Meat Rice ($10.80), which arrived as a generously loaded bowl. The braised pork had the right fat-to-meat ratio for richness, paired with a whole slab of crispy chicken cutlet, braised egg, pickled cucumber, and stewed cabbage. This dish really delivered on flavour and satisfaction.

Whether you're swinging by for a comforting Taiwanese lunch or settling in for a night of drinks and nibbles, Jiak Bar manages to channel the spirit of a true Taiwanese "Re Chao" joint with a contemporary twist. While not every dish was a knockout, the playful flavours, casual vibes, and thoughtful touches throughout the menu make this a spot worth checking out — especially if you're craving a taste of Taiwan in the heart of Singapore.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Jiak Bar
Far East Square
22 China Street
#01-01
Singapore 049564
Tel: +65 9733 9157
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Nearest MRT:

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 830pm
Fri-Sun: 11am - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk down Cross Street to China Street. Turn right onto China Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine (湘香湖南菜) @ Parkway Parade - Expanding its Footprint to 15 Outlets with New Creations

Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine continues to win over Singaporean diners with its authentic Hunan flavours and comforting dishes. Officially opened on 15 March 2025, the 15th outlet at Parkway Parade introduces a line-up of exclusive new dishes that bring even more to love this well-loved brand.

Sizzling Claypot Chicken 4.2/5

Simmered in a claypot with a savoury housemade sauce, the Sizzling Claypot Chicken (Non-Member: $22.90, Member: $18.90) delivers a homely richness that pairs perfectly with their signature 五常米 (Wǔcháng mǐ) rice. The tender chicken soaks up the mildly spicy sauce beautifully, and we’re hoping to see this comforting dish rolled out across all outlets soon.

Stir-fry Spicy Squid Tentacles 3/5

Visually appealing and bold in flavour, the Stir-fry Spicy Squid Tentacles (Non-Member: $22.90, Member: $18.90) is punchy and aromatic. However, the cumin-forward profile may not suit every palate, and we found the tentacles would have benefitted from being cut into larger pieces to better retain their texture.

Braised Beef Brisket with Whole Tomato 3.5/5

This dish brings to mind a hearty Italian Bolognese with a twist. The Braised Beef Brisket with Whole Tomato (Non-Member: $22.90, Member: $19.90) features slow-braised brisket in a tangy tomato broth that’s rich, warming and surprisingly addictive.

Claypot Sweet and Spicy Prawns 3.8/5

As part of the brand's mainstays from other outlets in February, the Claypot Sweet and Spicy Prawns (Non-Member: $22.90, Member: $19.90) stand out. Fresh prawns are gently simmered in a claypot with a secret sauce blend that evokes a touch of spicy Japanese curry. The addition of tender potato chunks soaking up the flavour is a lovely touch.

Braised Luffa 3.8/5

While we usually choose cauliflower as our go-to veggie dish, the Braised Luffa (Non-Member: $15.90, Member: $12.90) surprised us with its delicate sweetness. The luffa is light and refreshing, and the dough fritters were mistaken at first glance for tau pok.

Hunan Stir-Fry Pork 4.5/5

Our must-order at every Xiang Xiang visit, the Hunan Stir-Fry Pork ($19.90), remains a bestseller for a reason. Over 200,000 servings are sold annually. It's easy to see why. Spanish Iberico pork is stir-fried with fiery Shandong screw peppers and crunchy Yunnan white fungus, creating a crave-worthy medley of textures and spice.

Roasted Chili & Century Egg with Mashed Eggplant 4/5

A chilled appetiser with vivid flavour, the Roasted Chili & Century Egg with Mashed Eggplant (Non-Member: $12.90, Member: $11.90) hits all the right notes — pungent, creamy, and deeply savoury. The interplay between the smoky eggplant, spicy roasted chilli, and umami-rich century egg is absolutely moreish.

Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine's newest outlet at Parkway Parade not only expands the brand's footprint but also introduces fresh creations that highlight its commitment to flavour, quality ingredients, and thoughtful presentation. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to Hunan cuisine, this is a great time to rediscover its offerings, especially if you live in the East. We're excited to see what's next as Xiang Xiang continues its journey across Singapore.

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


Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine
Parkway Parade
80 Marine Parade Road
#01-30
Singapore 449269
Tel: +65 9137 4773
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Nearest MRT: Marine Parade (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily 11am - 10pm

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

Tenkaichi Japanese BBQ Restaurant @ Marina Square - Affordable Wagyu Beef Yakiniku Buffet

Tenkaichi Japanese BBQ Restaurant at Marina Square specialises in Wagyu Beef Yakiniku. It offers a high-quality buffet spread at affordable prices. For those seeking an elevated experience, premium Japan Kagoshima Wagyu is available in different grades on the à la carte menu.

Kagoshima Wagyu 3 Cuts

The buffet has three tiers: Standard, Deluxe, and Premium. To enjoy Wagyu beef, opt for the Deluxe or Premium options, with the latter featuring Kagoshima Wagyu. The Kagoshima Wagyu is served in three different cuts, unveiling its beautiful marbling and allowing diners to experience a variety of textures.

Japanese Wagyu Sirloin Steak, Angus Beef Ribeye

The Premium buffet also includes a thick-cut (300g) Japanese Wagyu Sirloin Steak for those who prefer a chunkier bite. Alternatively, the Angus Beef Ribeye is a great choice if you prefer a meatier cut with less marbling.

Pork Cheek Fillet, Iberico Pork Collar, Pork Belly

Pork lovers won't be disappointed either — the buffet includes high-quality pork selections such as Black Pork Belly, Iberico Pork Collar, and Pork Cheek Fillet. All were tender and succulent, but the pork cheek fillet stood out with its melt-in-your-mouth texture, reminiscent of Wagyu.

Seafood

Seafood selections were thoughtfully curated and exceptionally fresh, featuring options like salmon, prawns, ika (squid), hotate (scallops), and more.

Sashimi

There's a wide variety of accompaniments to complement the BBQ meats and seafood. The Sashimi selection includes salmon, maguro (tuna), tai (sea bream), hamachi (yellowtail), tako (octopus), and shime saba (vinegared mackerel). The Premium buffet further impresses with Wagyu Sashimi and Wagyu Tataki.

Furikake Gohan, Garlic Chahan

For carbs, the Furikake Gohan and Garlic Chahan were excellent pairings. I especially enjoyed the Garlic Chahan, topped with crispy fried garlic bits. Having it alongside the rich, fatty Wagyu cuts and a comforting bowl of miso soup truly enhanced the dining experience.

Other side dishes, including Tamago Yaki, Maki, Kaki Fry, and Ebi Fry, completed the feast. We couldn't get through the entire menu, but the Kaki Fry — fried breaded oyster — was exceptionally moreish and worth trying.

Kaki Fry

DELUXE BUFFET (U.P $69.80)
LUNCH: Mon – Fri: $49.90++ Sat- Sun & PH: $54.90++
DINNER: Mon – Thu: $54.90++ Fri – Sun, Eve & PH: $59.90++

PREMIUM BUFFET (U.P $119.80)
LUNCH: Mon – Fri: $85.90++ Sat- Sun & PH: $89.90++
DINNER: Mon – Thu: $89.90++ Fri – Sun, Eve & PH: $95.90++

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.


Tenkaichi Japanese BBQ Restaurant
Marina Square
6 Raffles Boulevard
#03-129
Singapore 039594
+656250 8918
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Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC, DT Line), Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 10pm
Sat & Sun, PH: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit B or D. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit A. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

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
Instagram
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]