Showing posts with label Pork Belly. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pork Belly. Show all posts

Saturday, October 18, 2025

Song Yue Taiwan Cuisine (松悦台式料理) @ Kallang Leisure Park - Dive into the ‘Taste of Hakka’ with Reimagined Hakka Classics

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Song Yue Taiwan Cuisine (松悦台式料理), located in Kallang Leisure Park, has been a popular choice for comforting Taiwanese fare prepared with fresh and quality ingredients. The restaurant has recently unveiled an exciting seasonal ‘Taste of Hakka’ menu, featuring reimagined renditions of traditional Hakka classics. Available from now until 31 December 2025, the menu pays homage to the rich culinary heritage of the Hakka community with a modern touch.

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Wok-Fried Abacus Beads 4.8/5

I was most excited for the Wok-Fried Abacus Beads ($20.90), a rare Hakka delicacy that’s hard to come by these days. It didn’t disappoint at all - each abacus bead was soft yet pleasantly chewy, perfectly coated in a fragrant stir-fry of shredded yam and beancurd. Every bite was loaded with umami and kissed with an addictive hint of wok hei.

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Hakka Stir-Fry with Pork Belly and Chives 4.2/5

The Hakka Stir-Fry with Pork Belly and Chives ($21.90) may look simple, but it impressed with its balanced mix of textures and flavours. The fragrance of the chives was pronounced in the combination of pork belly, beancurd and peanuts.

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Lobster in Superior Broth with Hakka Sweet Rice Wine 4/5

The Lobster in Superior Broth with Hakka Sweet Rice Wine (Market Price) was served bubbling hot in a claypot, peppered with wood ear mushrooms, white shimeiji mushrooms and slices of angelica root. The lobster chunks were a little tough, but otherwise, the nourishing broth was satisfying.

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Traditional Hakka Salt Baked Chicken 4.2/5

The Traditional Hakka Salt Baked Chicken ($36.90) features a whole spring chicken encased in salt and slow-baked. The result was tender, juicy meat infused with a subtle herbal fragrance. We also appreciated how it wasn’t overly salty.

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Traditional Mee Sua in Superior White Pepper Broth 4.2/5

My dining companions were fans of the Traditional Mee Sua in Superior White Pepper Broth with Sliced Pork Fillet, Meatballs and Pig’s Stomach ($23.90). Full of warmth, the lightly peppered broth paired nicely with tender pork fillets, meatballs, and cleanly prepared slices of pig’s stomach.

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Grandpa’s 3-Hour Slow Braised Pork Belly with Cabbage and Dried Bamboo Shoots 4.5/5

We ended with Grandpa’s 3-Hour Slow Braised Pork Belly ($36.90), a dish that would satisfy fans of fatty pork belly. The pork belly was melt-in-the-mouth tender, balanced by the crunch of cabbage and bamboo shoots. I’d highly recommend pairing this and its rich sauce with a bowl of white rice.

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In conjunction with this limited launch, diners can also receive a limited-edition Song Yue jute bag with a minimum order of at least one Hakka dish and a spend of $138 for members or $168 for non-members.

Photos and words by Jo, 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.


Song Yue Taiwan Cuisine (松悦台式料理)
Leisure Park Kallang
#01-38/39
5 Stadium Walk
Tel: +65 6988 3322
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Nearest MRT: Stadium (CC Line), Tanjong Rhu (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 930pm
Fri-Sat, Eve PH: 1130am - 330pm, 5pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Stadium MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Rhu MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk towards the river. Cross the bridge to indoor stadium. Cut across the open air carpark towards Stadium Crescent Road. Walk to Kallang Theatre. Turn right onto Stadium Walk. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Thursday, August 28, 2025

Filo Bistro @ Upper Thomson Road - Family-Run Bistro Offering Western Cuisine with Asian and Local Influences

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"First in, last out" is what Filo Bistro set out to achieve when it first opened its doors at Upper Thomson a year ago. Unlike the more casual dining spaces in the vicinity, Filo offers a more elevated yet cosy experience, one meant to be so memorable that guests feel reluctant to leave, living up to its motto of being the "first in, last out." The team has now decided to bring together the most beloved dishes from both the Brunch and Dinner menus into a single Unified Menu, launching on 1 September.

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Crispy Halibut 3/5

To start, the Crispy Halibut with Yuzu Mayo ($18) made for a delightful finger food. The airy batter encased firm and flaky slices of halibut, while the citrusy yuzu mayo added a creamy lift to the overall mouthfeel. However, I preferred a thinner crust, considering that the flesh is rather delicate.

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Asahi Clams with Sourdough 5/5

From the appetisers, the Asahi Clams with Sourdough ($22) was a standout. Its soul lay in the broth, crafted with Asahi beer and Japanese sake, an aromatic mix carrying a waft of alcohol, a depth of umami from kombu, and natural sweetness from the clams. The toasted sourdough bread was served as a vehicle to soak up all the goodness of the broth, though it would be more practical to serve them warm in a basket lined with cloth rather than in a dim sum steamer.

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Hokkien Mee Paella 4/5

The menu highlights Western cuisine with Asian and local influences, most evident in the Hokkien Mee Paella ($32). The rice was well infused with the flavours of a rich pork bone and prawn broth, offering both bite and depth. An assortment of seafood ingredients gave the dish a hearty texture, while the use of calamansi in place of lemon was a brilliant nod to a local delight. Still, the addition of a punchy sambal further reinforced that connection.

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Aged Crispy Pork Belly 2.5/5

Less successful was the Aged Crispy Pork Belly ($32). While the skin delivered the desired crunch, the meat itself was tough, and the flavours didn't quite benefit from the ageing process. The accompanying Thai curry barley risotto, though robust in flavour, leaned overly creamy and somewhat cloying, as the barley seemed to have been stirred into a curry cream base rather than cooked together. A more balanced approach could be presenting the risotto topped with bite-sized pieces of crispy pork belly, allowing one to enjoy both elements in a single spoonful and achieve a better harmony of textures and flavours.

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Eternal Blossom, Filo Signature

To complement the food, the drinks menu features curated gin-based cocktails such as Eternal Blossom, alongside a thoughtful selection of coffees and teas. An interesting option is the iced Filo Signature, a mild coffee infused with pandan extract, prepared in-house.

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For those seeking a more intimate dining spot in the Upper Thomson area, Filo Bistro offers a distinctive alternative, presenting an elevated yet homely experience.

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.


Filo Bistro
265 Upper Thomson Road
Singapore 574392
Tel: +65 8347 5888
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Nearest MRT: Upper Thomson (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Thur - Tue: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 10pm
(Closed on Wed)

Direction:
Alight at Upper Thomson MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Sunday, August 24, 2025

Liberty Singapore @ Marina Bay Financial Centre - Special Weekend Discount, 1-For-1 Asahi Draft and Close-up Magic

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Liberty Singapore at Marina Bay Financial Centre (MBFC) Tower 2 has introduced the "Liberty X Asahi Weekend Escape", featuring attractive weekend deals and live close-up magic performances by magician Ming Da on 23, 30 August and 6 September 2025. With great food, drinks, and entertainment, it makes for a lively weekend hangout spot.

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Asahi Draft

Kick off the weekend with the Asahi Draft 1-for-1 Promotion, where you get 2 pints for the price of 1. A refreshing way to unwind after a long week – cheers to the weekend!

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Nori Truffle Fries 4/5

To go along with the drinks, there’s a variety of bar snacks. A crowd-pleaser is the Nori Truffle Fries ($12). The crispy fries are topped with parmesan and served with truffle mayo, adding a touch of indulgence to the classic bar snack.

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Weekend Special (2 Brunch Mains for $59) - Liberty Breakfast 4/5

Weekend Special: 2 Brunch Mains for $59. The Liberty Breakfast ($32) is a hearty all-day breakfast platter comprising Butifarra and Chorizo sausages, bacon, asparagus, mushrooms, hash browns, sourdough, and your choice of eggs. A generous and satisfying brunch plate that works anytime of the day.

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Liberty Burger 4/5

The Liberty Burger with Fries ($32) features a juicy grilled wagyu patty, paired with aged cheddar, streaky bacon, caramelised onions, and Liberty’s signature BBQ sauce. Sandwiched between fluffy buns and served with crispy fries, it’s a comforting and well-executed classic.

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Prawn Tagliatelle 4.5/5

The standout among the brunch mains is the Prawn Tagliatelle ($34). Cooked perfectly al dente, the pasta is coated in a robust sambal lobster bisque, with tobiko adding delightful bursts of briny flavour. Two large, fresh prawns, grilled to perfection, crown the dish – a must-try for seafood lovers.

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Artisanal Pizza from 3.5/5

Artisanal pizzas are also available from $12.90. We tried the Margherita ($26), made with Poolish dough that combines Italian Caputo flour with Japanese flour. The result is a light and airy crust, though the flavours leaned towards the safe side.

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Smoked Meat Platter 4.5/5

The Smoked Meat Platter (U.P. $138, now $98) is a huge weekend steal. It comes with 200g of Char Siu Pork Belly and 200g of Kalbi Short-rib – both succulent, tender, and deeply flavourful. Despite the discount, the quality is uncompromised, and the accompanying Asian salad provides freshness to balance the richness. For pork lovers, the Char Siu Pork Belly (U.P. $24) is also available at 50% off ($12).

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With its wide variety of food, generous portions, and irresistible weekend promotions, Liberty Singapore makes for a great dining and drinking spot at MBFC. Whether you're here for brunch, pizza, smoked meats, or to enjoy pints of Asahi while being entertained by magic, the Weekend Escape promises both fun and value.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Liberty Singapore
Marina Bay Financial Centre (MBFC)
Tower 2
10 Marina Boulevard
#01-04
Singapore 018983
Tel: +65 6322 3777
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Nearest MRT: Downtown (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8am - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 1030am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Exit D. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Thursday, July 24, 2025

Morita Unigoro @ Stanley Street - An Exclusive 1-for-1 Six-course Dinner at $298++

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Osaka’s acclaimed uni omakase specialist Morita UNIGORO at Stanley Street launches an exclusive 1-for-1 six-course dinner at $298++, available daily for dinner until 31 July 2025. This limited-time offering presents a more accessible way to enjoy the restaurant’s premium uni-focused omakase, showcasing Hokkaido sea urchin alongside seasonal Japanese ingredients.

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Duo Sashimi 4.8/5

Our first course is a sashimi dish featuring two different cuts of tuna - Chutoro and Otoro. To enhance the enjoyment of the fatty tuna, diners can pair it with the accompanying sea salt and wasabi.

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New "Uniku" (Uni & Meat) 5/5

The next course is the New "Uniku" comprising Uni and Meat. The A5 Wagyu Uchimomo (top round) is slightly torched and served together with egg yolk and uni. The three ingredients seem unassociated or unrelated, but when you have them all together, the combination of flavour and texture is out of this world. It was almost heavenly, deliciously good.

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Tempura Scallop with Uni 4.5/5

Following that, we were served the Tempura Scallop with Uni. The plump and juicy scallop was lightly coated in a delicate, crispy batter, perfectly complementing the creamy sweetness of the uni. A touch of roasted seaweed tied all the elements together, enhancing both the aroma and umami, making for another beautifully executed and well-balanced dish.

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The highlight of the six-course dinner is the Signature Uni Hot Pot. The hot pot comes with premium ingredients, including Uni, Lobster, Clam, Abalone, A5 Wagyu Beef Ribeye, Japanese Pork Belly, and Vegetables.

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Signature Uni Hot Pot 4.8/5

The hot pot is brought to a boil, with uni added to the broth. Parmesan and olive oil are further added to elevate the taste profile. The ingredients are top-notch quality, too. The clam was the biggest I had ever seen and eaten; it was as big as my palm. The other highlight is the melt-in-the-mouth A5 wagyu.

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Uni Mixed Rice 4.2/5

To fill one's up, the last savoury course is the Uni Mixed Rice. The rice was fluffy and well-infused with the robust flavour from the uni. My only complaint is that the portion is too small. I don't understand why the restaurant is reluctant to offer a larger portion or provide diners with the option to choose a different-sized portion of rice to their preference.

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Homemade Granita 3.5/5

Last but not least, we wrapped up the meal on a sweet and refreshing note. The Homemade Granita was ideal after all the richness.

To book, make reservation at https://reserve.toretaasia.com/moritaunigorosg#/


Morita Unigoro
10 Stanley Street
Singapore 068729
Tel: +65 85256553
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 1130am - 2pm, 6pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk to Telok Ayer Street. Turn left onto Telok Ayer Street, walk to Boon Tat Street. Turn left onto Boon Tat Street. Turn right onto Stanley Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Turn left onto Telok Ayer Street. Walk to Mccallum Street. Turn right onto Mccallum Street. Turn left onto Stanley Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Tuesday, April 29, 2025

HighHouse @ One Raffles Place - Affordable New Set Lunch Menu Starting from $48++ Per Person, Available Till 15 June

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Perched on Level 62 of One Raffles Place, HighHouse offers a set lunch menu starting from $48++ per person for two courses. The new menu, crafted in collaboration with Chef Daniele Sperindio of Art di Daniele Sperindio, is available for a limited time until 15 June. With an impressive skyline view and a well-curated selection of hot and cold appetisers, mains, and desserts, HighHouse is the perfect spot for a leisurely lunch or a business meeting. We tried the three-course set ($58++ per person) to experience a little bit of everything – and it certainly delivered.

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Sticky Mango Highball 3.5/5

We started our lunch with a Sticky Mango Highball ($20) — we couldn't resist, especially with the tempting cocktail menu and that spectacular view. Made with Chalong Bay Thai Agricole, Mango Sticky Rice Cordial, and Bright Citrus, the alcohol level was generous. However, we found it lacking the distinct sticky mango element that the name promised.

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Summer in Seoul 3.8/5

For appetisers, we chose one cold and one hot dish. The first is the cold appetiser: Summer in Seoul, which features chilled somen noodles, aged watermelon, and geranium leaf in a tomato broth. It was a refreshing start to the meal, and the geranium leaf reminded us of a pesto-like flavour, giving it a surprisingly Italian twist. The aged watermelon also added an interesting, almost meaty texture to the dish.

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Saikyo Miso Foie Gras 4.5/5

Our hot appetiser was the Saikyo Miso Foie Gras, which was the highlight of the meal. The sweet corn velouté was creamy without being cloying, while the crispy Sichuan corn and pork pancetta added delightful texture and flavour. The foie gras itself, marinated in miso, was elevated beautifully, enhancing its rich flavour without overpowering the dish. We couldn't get enough of this one.

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12-Hour Slow Cooked Sakura Pork Belly 3.8/5

Moving on to mains, we had the 12-Hour Slow Cooked Sakura Pork Belly. It came with a strong char flavour and was paired with a coffee balsamic sauce that leaned quite sweet. It reminded us of Hong Kong-style char siew, though we wished the pork belly could have been a touch more tender and the sauce slightly less sweet. On the side, there are Brussels sprouts, brown butter carrot sauce (very delicious) and a crispy piece of coconut sticky rice, which we found the rice a little too hard for our liking.

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Spanish Octopus Reginette Pasta 3.8/5

The other main was the Spanish Octopus Reginette Pasta, featuring fork-tender chunks of octopus tossed in a lobster bisque reduction. The addition of kimchi added a nice crunch from the cabbage, but overall, the dish leaned on the salty side, possibly due to the furikake topping. A little less salt would have made this dish perfect.

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Matcha Gateau 4/5

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Coconut & Cashew Tart 4.2/5

For dessert, we went with the recommended Matcha Gateau and Coconut & Cashew Tart. The Matcha Gateau was delightful: a soft Sencha Jaconde Sponge layered with a high-quality Matcha Ganache. The pairing with Grapefruit Compote added a refreshing citrus kick that balanced the richness nicely.

However, the Coconut & Cashew Tart truly stole the show. Its buttery tart shell was filled with Almond Cream, topped with a Sea Salt Cashew Mousseline, and paired with roasty Barley Tea Ice Cream. This was easily our top pick for dessert.

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Whether you're looking to impress clients or simply enjoy a relaxed meal with breathtaking views, HighHouse ticks all the boxes. This limited-time lunch menu, thoughtfully crafted with Chef Daniele Sperindio, is available until 15 June — making it the perfect reason to plan a visit soon. With its beautiful setting and well-executed dishes, HighHouse promises an elevated and memorable dining experience. Be sure to reserve early if you want one of the coveted window seats.

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


HighHouse
1 Raffles Place
L61-62
Singapore 048616
Tel: +65 9677 8074
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Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Tue, Thu: 1130 am–1 am
Wed: 1130 am–2 am
Fri-Sat: 5 pm–2 am
(Closed on Sun)

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