SABOR Cocina Y Tapas @ CHIJMES - A New Lively & Stylish Spanish Dining with Room for Refinement

Located within the charming grounds of CHIJMES, SABòR Cocina Y Tapas is a bold new addition to the dining scene, officially opening on 1 April 2026. Taking over the former space of Privé, this 100-seater Spanish concept is helmed by the team behind Duomo Ristorante. The restaurant offers a lively, communal dining experience, seamlessly transitioning from a laid-back daytime setting to a vibrant evening destination. Diners can choose between the sleek glass-enclosed dining hall or the picturesque alfresco courtyard, which comes alive at night with twinkling lights set against the historic chapel backdrop.

Bikini Sobrasada, Honey & Cheese 3.8/5

We started with the Bikini Sobrasada, Honey & Cheese ($18), a modern take on the classic Spanish pressed sandwich. Stuffed with sobrasada, a soft, paprika-spiced cured sausage. The sandwich delivered a rich, smoky depth, elevated by melted cheese. A drizzle of honey adds a distinct sweet note, giving it a sweet-savoury profile that leans away from the traditional version. While interesting, preferences may vary depending on whether one favours the classic savoury rendition.

Bread & Tomatoes 3/5

The Bread & Tomatoes ($12) pays homage to a Spanish staple. Featuring crisped crystal bread topped with ripe tomatoes, olive oil and salt, it celebrates simplicity and ingredient quality. However, the seasoning was a tad heavy-handed, slightly overshadowing the natural flavours.

Spicy Crab Croquette 3/5

Jamón Serrano Croquette 3/5

Moving on to the croquettes, both the Spicy Crab Croquette ($4/pc) and Jamón Serrano Croquette ($4/pc) boasted a crisp exterior with a molten, creamy interior. Unfortunately, the fillings lacked distinction, with neither the crab nor the jamón coming through clearly, leaving us underwhelmed.

Chicken Wings' Dirty Pepe' 3/5

The Chicken Wings' Dirty Pepe' ($18) takes inspiration from Madrid's iconic Casa Pepe. Deep-fried to a satisfying crisp, the wings are coated in a smoky, sweet-savoury glaze that is more balanced and approachable than the original's punchy saltiness. Interestingly, the flavour profile and glaze evoked Korean-style fried chicken, with its addictive sweet-savoury coating.

Grilled Wagyu Beef Paella 3.8/5

For a hearty centrepiece, the Grilled Wagyu Beef Paella ($48) offers a meat-forward take on the traditional dish. While flavourful, the rice leaned closer to a risotto-like consistency, lacking the coveted socarrat — the crispy caramelised crust that defines a well-executed paella.

Grilled Barramundi, Picon Sauce 4/5

From the grill, the Grilled Barramundi with Picon Sauce ($34) was well executed, with crisp skin and moist, flaky flesh. The accompanying mojo picón sauce added a punchy, smoky spice that complemented the fish beautifully.

Crispy Pork Belly, Green Apple 3/5

The Crispy Pork Belly, Green Apple ($36) featured tender meat but fell short on the crackling, with the skin turning out slightly rubbery rather than crisp. The green apple slaw, however, provided a refreshing acidity that helped balance the richness.

Potatoes 'Bravisimas' 4.5/5

One of the highlights of the meal was the Potatoes 'Bravisimas' ($16). This elevated take on patatas bravas features golden, crispy potatoes, fluffy inside, coated in a deeply addictive seasoning. It's the kind of dish that keeps you reaching for more.

Crema Catalana with Cookies 3/5

Churros with Chocolate 3.5/5

Ending on a sweet note, the Crema Catalana with Cookies ($14) impressed with its silky, citrus-infused custard and delicate caramelised crust. The addition of cookie crumbs beneath adds a delightful textural contrast. Meanwhile, the Churros with Chocolate ($12) delivered exactly what you’d expect — crispy on the outside, light within, and paired with a rich, indulgent chocolate dip.

Overall, SABòR Cocina Y Tapas brings an energetic Spanish dining concept to CHIJMES, with a strong emphasis on ambience and communal plates. While certain dishes could be more refined in execution, there are standout items that showcase its potential as a lively spot for gatherings over tapas and drinks.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


SABOR Cocina Y Tapas
Chijmes
30 Victoria Street
#01-33
Singapore 187996
Tel: +65 9611 9127
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Nerest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line), Bras Basah (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 430pm - 12midnight
Fri-Sun: 12pm - 2pm, 430pm - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Cut across Raffles City Shopping Centre to Bras Basah Road. At the junction of Bras Basah Road and North Bridge Road, cross the road to Chijmes. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Bras Basah MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk southwards towards Victoria Road. At the junction of Bras Basah Road and Victoria Road, cross the junction to Chijmes. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

Man Fu Yuan @ Fraser House, a Luxury Collection Hotel - Ushers in The Year of The Horse with an Impressive Line-up of Seven Festive Set Menus

Man Fu Yuan at Fraser House by a Luxury Collection Hotel ushers in the Year of the Horse with an impressive line-up of seven thoughtfully curated festive set menus, starting from $168++ per person. Designed to cater to celebrations of all scales – from intimate family reunions to large corporate gatherings – the menus also include a refined vegetarian option, reflecting both inclusivity and finesse in their festive offerings.

Celestial Auspicious Yu Sheng 4/5

A definite showstopper of the season is the spectacular 88cm Celestial Auspicious Yu Sheng ($1,288++, serves up to 10), dramatically crowned with a 1.2m mythical horse in mid-leap, symbolising strength, vitality and boundless possibilities for the year ahead. Beyond its visual impact, the Yu Sheng impresses with its lavish selection of premium ingredients – abalone, rock lobster, ikura, crispy shredded dried Hokkaido scallop, salmon sashimi, crispy fish skin and auspicious condiments – tossed in a fragrant golden peach–passion fruit sauce and shallot oil. The combination delivers both textural contrast and a well-balanced sweet-tangy finish, making it a festive centrepiece worthy of the occasion.

Cantonese Lobster Soup, Crab Meat, Crab Roe, Premium Fish Maw 4.2/5

The luxurious bowl of Cantonese Lobster Soup is an umami-laden delight. Rich with crab meat, crab roe and premium fish maw, the broth carries deep crustacean sweetness, elevated further by the briny richness of the roe. The tender, gelatinous fish maw adds an indulgent textural contrast, making each spoonful comforting yet opulent.

Steamed Alaskan King Crab, Egg White, 15-Year Chinese Wine, Scallion 4.5/5

Another elegant seafood dish follows: Steamed Alaskan King Crab, served on a silky bed of egg white. Lightly perfumed with 15-year Chinese wine and finished with scallions, the dish highlights the crab's natural sweetness. The egg white, steamed with the crustacean, absorbs its essence beautifully, resulting in a refined, aromatic plate.

Salt-baked Chicken with Red Rice Wine, Dongjiang Style 4.2/5

The Salt-baked Chicken with Red Rice Wine is baked to tender perfection, retaining its succulence beneath a gently seasoned exterior. The addition of red rice wine enhances the aroma and adds a subtle fermented sweetness, lending depth and complexity to this comforting classic.

Steamed Silver Cod Fillet, Duo Garlic, 15-Year Preserved Radish, Superior Soya Sauce 4.2/5

A delicate showcase of technique, the Steamed Silver Cod Fillet highlights the fish's buttery richness and flaky texture. The pairing with duo garlic, aged preserved radish and superior soya sauce accentuates its natural sweetness, creating a clean yet deeply satisfying flavour profile.

Wuxi-style Braised Iberico Pork Belly, 18-Head South African Premium Dried Abalone 4.8/5

One of the standout dishes of the evening is the duo of Wuxi-style Braised Iberico Pork Belly and 18-head South African Premium Dried Abalone with broccoli. The pork belly, with its perfect ratio of fat to lean, is wobbly tender and melts in the mouth – indulgent yet not greasy. The abalone is equally impressive, cooked to tender perfection with a molten centre, a clear testament to the chef's mastery of this prized ingredient. This dish alone justifies the menu's premium nature.

Golden Fried Rice, Crispy Premium Spiky Sea Cucumber, Preserved Leek Sauce 4/5

As with all traditional Chinese banquets, the meal concludes with a comforting carbohydrate dish. The Golden Fried Rice is satisfying and well-executed, complemented by crispy premium spiky sea cucumber in preserved leek sauce. The sea cucumber offers a delightful firm, and bouncy texture, adding interest to this hearty finale.

Mandarin Kumquat Sorbet, Red Osmanthus Honey, Golden Bird's Nest 4.2/5

Wrapping up the meal is a light, refreshing dessert of Mandarin Kumquat Sorbet, paired with Red Osmanthus Honey and Golden Bird's Nest. Clean, aromatic and gently sweet, it provides a refreshing close to a rich and indulgent Lunar New Year feast.

Note: This is an invited tasting


Man Fu Yuan
Fraser House, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Level 2
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 63387600
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

Verandah Rooftop Rotisserie @ Momentus Hotel Alexandra - Welcomes the Year of The Horse with a Scrumptious Buffet Spread of Over 30 Auspicious Dishes and Signature Roasts

For the upcoming Chinese New Year 2026, Verandah Rooftop Rotisserie at Momentus Hotel Alexandra welcomes the Year of the Horse with a celebration themed around bountiful harvest and new beginnings. A scrumptious buffet spread of over 30 auspicious dishes and signature roasts awaits, complemented by tableside service and live carving stations.

14-Day Shio Kombu Butter Aged Angus Ribeye 4.5/5

Taking centre stage at the Signature Roast Station is the 14-Day Shio Kombu Butter Aged Angus Ribeye. Fire-grilled over charcoal, each slice boasted a beautifully charred exterior that further amplified the beef’s naturally rich flavours.

‘Sha Pi’ Suckling Pig 4.5/5

Next to it is an impressive lineup of live carving roasts, including ‘Sha Pi’ Suckling Pig and Vanilla-Scented Crackling Pork Belly. It was a rare treat to enjoy such a well-executed suckling pig, available exclusively on Chinese New Year’s Eve and the first day of Chinese New Year.

Vanilla-Scented Crackling Pork Belly 5/5

Black Truffle “Phoenix” Chicken 4/5

The crackling pork belly satisfied with every crunch into its perfectly crisped skin layered over succulent meat. A definite crowd-pleaser is the Black Truffle “Phoenix” Chicken, which stands out for its lightly crisped skin and tender, juicy meat.

Dong Po Wagyu Beef Karubi 5/5

Fragrant Cured Meat ‘Lap Mei Fan’ 4.5/5

Available for takeaway, the Twice-Cooked Black Garlic Pork Belly Char Siew captivated with its glossy glaze and smoky charred edges, offering a richly flavoursome, melt-in-the-mouth bite. Other restaurant-quality takeaway offerings include the unctuous Dong Po Wagyu Beef Karubi, a dish I kept returning to and that lingered in my memory for days. It pairs exceptionally well with the umami-packed Fragrant Cured Meat ‘Lap Mei Fan’.

Cold Pork Trotter Jelly 4.5/5

Drunken Chicken 4.5/5

At the Seafood & Cold Appetisers Station, an interesting lineup of cold seafood with familiar flavours is showcased. Highlights for me were the Poached Tiger Prawns with ginger-scallion dip and the roulade of Drunken Chicken with aged Shaoxing wine and wolfberries. The Cold Pork Trotter Jelly was also snapped up quickly.

Longevity Noodles 4.5/5

An elevated classic is the Longevity Noodles with crab roe and trout caviar. While the sauce looked relatively rich at first glance, it turned out to be well-balanced, coating the noodles with savoury depth without overwhelming them.

Braised Eight-Head Abalone with Sea Cucumber 4/5

Golden Lava Cheese Baked Lobster 2.8/5

Tableside service includes Golden Lava Cheese Baked Lobster and Braised Eight-Head Abalone with Sea Cucumber. The lobster was slightly too mushy for my liking, though the abalone dish was nicely executed.

Yam Purée

The dessert spread leans wholesome and nostalgic. The most popular item was undoubtedly the Yam Purée with caramelised pumpkin, served alongside other Chinese New Year favourites such as Steamed Nian Gao, pineapple tarts, and green pea cookies.

The Chinese New Year 2026 buffet at Verandah Rooftop Rotisserie offers a well-rounded and generous festive spread. Other than the excellent signature roasts, the festive mains are well-executed with consideration.

Early Booking Perks
- 10% off food bill for reservations confirmed before 16 Jan 2026
- Complimentary Yu Sheng for tables of 4+ adults
- Bonus bottle of wine for bookings with 6+ adults

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.


Verandah Rooftop Rotisserie
Momentus Hotel Alexandra
Level 7
323 Alexandra Road
Singapore 159972
Tel: +65 90215192
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Nearest MRT: Queenstown (EW Line), Redhill (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Breakfast Buffet (Daily): 6:30am – 10:30am
A La Carte Menu (Daily from 2 May): 2:30pm – 6:00pm
Semi-Buffet Lunch (Daily): 12 noon – 2:30pm
Semi-Buffet Dinner (Daily): 6:00pm – 10:00pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Queenstown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to the bus stop at Queenstown MRT station (Stop ID 11149). Take bus number 195. Alight 2 stops later. Walk towards Ikea. At Ikea, continue walking to the destination. Journey time is about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Redhill MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to the bus stop opposite Redhill MRT station (Stop ID 10201). Take bus number 33 or 120. Alight 4 stops later. Walk towards Ikea. At Ikea, continue to walk to the destination. Journey time is about10 minutes. [Map]

Myung Ga (명가) II Korean BBQ @ Bukit Timah Plaza - A Go-To Spot for Korean Comfort Food

Myung Ga (명가) II at Bukit Timah Plaza is a beloved Korean eatery known for its generous portions, comforting home-style dishes, and authentic flavours that bring a taste of Korea closer to home. While the restaurant's name includes "Korean BBQ," many regulars return for its extensive range of traditional Korean dishes — from hearty stews and noodles to well-executed grilled items and classic comfort food.

Banchan 4/5

Before our mains arrived, we were served a selection of complimentary banchan, which is refillable. These side dishes help set the tone for the meal and complement the mains' bold flavours nicely.

Jaeyuk Dupbap - Spicy Stir-Fried Pork Belly 4.5/5

The Jaeyuk Dupbap ($20) features tender pork belly slices stir-fried in a robust gochujang-based sauce. The flavours are well-balanced — sweet, spicy, and deeply savoury without being overly cloying. Portions are generous, and the dish is served with a bowl of rice, making it perfect for pairing with the intensely flavoured pork belly.

Haemul Sundubu - Seafood Soft Tofu Stew 4.5/5

Served piping hot, the Haemul Sundubu ($18) is comforting and hearty. The soft tofu is incredibly silky, almost melting in the mouth, while the stew is packed with rich seafood flavours that enhance the spicy base broth. A satisfying choice, especially for those who enjoy bold and warming Korean stews.

Altang - Spicy Fish Roe Stew 4.2/5

For the more adventurous diner, the Altang ($25) is a standout. This spicy fish roe stew is loaded with fish roe and milt, ingredients not commonly found on menus in Singapore. As a fan of fish roe and milt, this was a pleasant surprise and a dish that showcases the restaurant's commitment to authentic Korean flavours.

Haemul Buchu Jeon - Seafood Pancake 4/5

Another delightful dish is the Haemul Buchu Jeon ($22). The seafood pancake is crispy on the outside while remaining fluffy on the inside. Each bite is savoury and satisfying, especially when dipped into the accompanying sauce, which beautifully brings the flavours together.

Overall, Myung Ga (명가) II delivers comforting Korean fare with generous portions and authentic flavours, making it a reliable spot for both casual meals and hearty Korean cravings.


Myung Ga (명가) II Korean BBQ
Bukit Timah Plaza
1 Jalan Anak Bukit
#B1-55
Singapore 588996
Tel: +65 6469 5123
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Nearest MRT: King Albert Park (DT Line), Beauty World (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 1130am - 330pm, 530pm - 830pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at King Albert Park MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk down Bukit Timah Road. Cross the road at the traffic junction of Bukit Timah Road and Clementi Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Beauty World MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to the traffic junction of Upper Bukit Timah Road and Jalan Jurong Kechil. Cross the road at the traffic junction. Turn right onto Upper Bukit Timah Road. Walk down Upper Bukit Timah Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 8 minutes. [Map]