Opus Bar & Grill @ Voco Orchard Singapore - Launches the All New Grill Out Sunday

Opus Bar & Grill's newly launched Grill Out Sunday might hit the spot if you're looking for a satisfying Sunday lunch spot. Think endless appetisers, sides, and desserts alongside a variety of grilled mains - all served à la carte style to your table. There is no need to leave your seat for the buffet line; sit back and indulge.

With quality ingredients, freshly grilled meats, and comforting sides done right, it's the kind of restaurant where you leave full, happy, and already planning your next visit.

A good variety of appetisers and sides accompany your grilled meats. Here are our highlights from what we tried:

Shrimp Cocktail — This cocktail is beautifully presented with fresh, crunchy shrimp paired with Marie Rose sauce, shredded lettuce, and tomato chutney. It's a classic done well.

Beetroot and Feta — Pickled beetroot paired with feta cheese, rocket, and almond flakes. It's tangy and refreshing, a great palate cleanser between bites of meat.

Beef Fat Roasted Potatoes — Potatoes and meat are a match made in heaven. These crispy, well-seasoned roasted potatoes are dangerously addictive. They are a must-order.

Creamed Spinach with Egg Yolk — This one surprised us! Silky creamed spinach is topped with a raw egg yolk that adds richness and depth. We liked it so much that we ordered seconds.

Yorkshire Pudding — This pudding is a nod to a traditional British roast. While nicely baked, it lacks the essential gravy and can get a little dry. Tip: Pair it with creamed spinach!

Pumpkin Soup 4/5

Mac & Cheese 4.8/5

The last two dishes we want to highlight are Pumpkin Soup and Mac & Cheese. The pumpkin soup was creamy and comforting, with a lovely balance of savoury and sweet. It was topped with herb oil and almond flakes for added texture.

As for the Mac & Cheese, let's say I haven't had one this good in a long time! It was gooey, rich, and incredibly satisfying. The macaroni still had a slight bite, and the cheese blend was spot on, with quality cheese used. We wished we had space for another bowl.

On to the live grill station, we told them to make us a platter of everything so we could sample it all. Since it is a buffet, you may order more of what you like afterwards. They have every type of meat available: Roasted Tandoori Chicken, Beef Prime Rib, Crispy Pork Knuckle, Smoked Lamb Leg, Grilled Seabass, and Roasted Spicy Cauliflower.

The Roasted Tandoori Chicken was juicy and well-seasoned, one of our favourites. The Grilled Seabass was fresh and had nice char, though you should watch out for the tiny bones. The Roasted Spicy Cauliflower was another standout. It was smoked, flavourful, and a great meat-free option.

Apple Crumble 3.8/5

To end the meal, we were served the Gueridon Dessert of the Day - Apple Crumble made tableside with a touch of flambé flair. The apples retained a nice crunch, complemented by crumble bits, whipped cream and caramel sauce.

Other desserts, like Crème Brulee and Ice Cream Sundae, are also available, but we were far too full to continue. Do come with an appetite on your next visit!

This is a great way to spend your Sunday afternoon, with delicious food, good variety and a relaxed setting. Do note that service can be a little slow, but that's expected with an à la carte buffet where everything is cooked fresh upon order.

Grill Out Sunday is available every Sunday from 12pm to 3pm at $88++ per adult and $44++ per child, inclusive of free-flow fresh juices, speciality coffee, and artisanal teas. There’s also an à la carte option at $48++, which includes one main and two sides, perfect for lighter eaters.

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


Opus Bar & Grill
VOCO Orchard Singapore
581 Orchard Road
Singapore 238883
Tel: +65 6730 3390
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 630am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk towards Wheelock Place via ION. Exit Wheelock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Walk down Orchard Road to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Cavern Restaurant @ Rainforest Wild ASIA - Singapore's First and Only Restaurant in a Cave

Tucked away within the Mandai Wildlife Reserve's new Rainforest Wild ASIA, Cavern Restaurant is the latest concept by the TungLok Group. Designed to resemble the Mulu Caves of Sarawak, one of Southeast Asia's largest and most intricate cave systems, the restaurant offers a unique dining setting surrounded by rugged rock formations and lush greenery. Its location near the entrance of this new attraction makes it a convenient and immersive stop for visitors looking to relax and enjoy a meal in an environment that feels like a natural extension of the rainforest.

Crystal Cave Salad 4/5

The Crystal Cave Salad ($22) is a vibrant and refreshing start to the meal. A creamy Spanish burrata sits at the heart of the dish, paired beautifully with heirloom beetroot in both classic red and golden hues. The truffle honey dressing lends a luxurious touch, while toasted walnuts provide a delightful crunch, elevating the salad's texture and flavour.

Stone Hearth Loaf 3.5/5

Freshly baked in-house, the Stone Hearth Loaf ($12) boasts a crispy crust and a chewy, tangy interior, making it an excellent companion to the meal. The bread's rustic charm shines through, especially when paired with dips or butter.

Emerald Canopy 3.5/5

For a lighter, crisp alternative, the Emerald Canopy ($12) features romaine lettuce tossed in a creamy green goddess dressing, punctuated with the peppery bite of fresh radish. It's simple yet refreshing.

Spicy Wing 3.5/5

The Spicy Wing ($16 for 4pcs) isn't particularly fiery despite its name. However, the blue cheese dip served alongside — its pungent creaminess balances out any lingering heat, though its strong flavour might not appeal to everyone.

Pulled Pork Taco 3.8/5

The Pulled Pork Taco ($22 for 3pcs) impresses with its succulent, slow-cooked pork infused with deep, smoky flavours. The buttery avocado and smoky paprika aioli add layers of creaminess and spice, all encased within a soft, pillowy taco shell. Every bite is a harmonious blend of textures and flavours, making it one of the best offerings on the menu.

Smouldering Core 3.8/5

A much-improved version from its original, the Smouldering Core ($20) features charred cauliflower, halved and grilled to perfection. The barbecue sauce glaze on the exterior adds a smoky richness, while the garlic aioli and pickles inside provide a creamy, tangy contrast. It's visually stunning and finished with microgreens and edible flowers, giving it an elegant touch.

Rigatoni Alla Vodka 3.5/5

The Rigatoni Alla Vodka ($22) delivers al dente pasta bathed in a tangy tomato-based sauce topped with micro greens and parmesan cheese. While the flavours are pleasant, I wished for a more generous amount of sauce to better coat each piece of rigatoni.

Caveman's Meat Skewer 3/5

A dish for meat lovers, the Caveman's Meat Skewer ($38) features 200g of beef tenderloin, button mushrooms, shallots, and peppers, paired with chimichurri sauce. While well-cooked, the dish feels ordinary, lacking a standout element to truly impress.

Ironstrike Knuckle 3.5/5

More satisfying than the skewer, the Ironstrike Knuckle ($28) is braised to fork-tender perfection, allowing the meat to fall apart effortlessly. Served with a mustard jus, the bold, tangy sauce enhances the richness of the pork, making it a comforting and well-executed dish.

Pandan Bambolini 3/5

For dessert, we indulged in the Pandan Bambolini ($6 per piece) — a fried doughnut filled with kaya. The kaya itself is outstanding, bursting with fragrant pandan and coconut flavours, but the execution was inconsistent. Some pieces had barely any filling, leaving the dough too dry to enjoy fully. When balanced correctly, however, it's an aromatic and indulgent end to the meal.

It’s important to set the right expectations at Cavern Restaurant. It isn’t about fine dining but rather a place designed to cater to the large volume of visitors, families, and tourists exploring the attraction. The menu is curated to be approachable and crowd-friendly, ensuring a quick and satisfying meal for guests of all ages.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Cavern Restaurant
Rainforest Wild ASIA
20 Mandai Lake Road
Singapore 729825
Tel: +65 60220229
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Nearest MRT: Springleaf (TE Line), Choa Chu Kang (NS Line), Khatib (NS Line)

1) Alight at Springleaf MRT station. Take Exit 3. Walk to bus stop opposite Thong Soon Road (Stop ID 56091). Take bus number 138. Alight 12 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 25 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Choa Chu Kang MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Choa Chu Kang Bus Interchange (Stop ID 44009). Take bus number 927. Alight 16 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 30 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Khatib MRT station. Take the Mandai Khatib Shuttle Bus (not free). Journey time about 30 minutes. [Map]

藝 Yì by Jereme Leung @ Raffles Hotel Singapore - Usher in Prosperity and Luck in the Year of the Snake

Celebrate the Lunar New Year in style at 藝 Yì by Jereme Leung, where tradition meets luxury. Choose from various carefully curated menus with signature dishes that symbolise prosperity, good fortune, and happiness. With its elegant atmosphere and impeccable service, Yì by Jereme Leung is the perfect place to gather with loved ones and usher in the Lunar New Year with a banquet of unforgettable flavours.

We were treated to the Opulence Set Menu ($258++ per person, minimum of 2 persons), a sumptuous array of festive delicacies inspired by the rich culinary traditions of various regions across China. The menu showcases an array of premium seafood, including abalone, succulent lobster, fresh fish, and more, each prepared with the utmost care to highlight their natural flavours. Each dish is beautifully presented in a communal style and then portioned into individual servings for each guest to enjoy.

Yu Sheng 3.8/5

No Lunar New Year celebration is complete without the time-honoured tradition of Lo Hei, and this year’s creation is the Prosperity Yu Sheng with Abalone, Spanish Iberico Ham, Honey Melon Slices, and Chef Jereme’s Signature Yunnan Rose Dressing. The delicate abalone is complemented by Spanish Iberico ham, while the sweet, crisp honey melon slices provide a refreshing contrast to the dish. The signature Yunnan rose dressing adds a fragrant, floral touch to bring all the flavours together. With its vibrant, festive presentation, this Prosperity Yu Sheng offers a wonderful start to the celebrations.

Sea Cucumber, Poached Squid, Roasted Duck 3.5/5

The next dish is a beautifully presented trio of appetisers. The Sea Cucumber with Shrimp Oil and Garlic has a subtle brininess enhanced by shrimp oil and garlic. The Poached Squid is quite tender, complemented by a fragrant ginger and scallion sauce, together with black moss and enoki mushrooms. Finally, the Roasted Duck with Tangerine Peel is smoky and savoury, although the citrus was quite subtle.

Double-boiled Wild Red Mushroom, Dried Scallop & Fish Maw Soup with Abalone 4.8/5

The Double-boiled Wild Red Mushroom, Dried Scallop & Fish Maw Soup is a nourishing bowl of comfort, served with its own warmer. The broth, the result of hours of careful simmering, is infused with the natural sweetness of wild red mushrooms and the umami of dried scallops. Fish maw, renowned for its health and wellness benefits, adds a silky bite to the soup. Each spoonful offers a satisfying and rejuvenating experience.

Braised Pork Knuckle & Sun-dried Oyster with “Fa Choy” Black Moss 4.2/5

The dish of Braised Pork Knuckle & Sun-Dried Oyster with Fa Choy (black moss) is both great tasting and has auspicious connotations. Slow-braised to perfection, the pork knuckle has a rich, melt-in-the-mouth texture and a tasty savoury sauce. Sun-dried oysters are known for their briny sweetness and prized as a symbol of good fortune, while the "fa choy" (black moss) brings an earthy, slightly sweet flavour.

Steamed Spotted Garoupa 4.8/5

The Steamed Spotted Garoupa with Chicken Essence, Luffa Melon, Cured Meat, and Shao Xing Wine is cooked to bring out the delicate flavours of the fish and showcase just how fresh it is. The flesh is firm and flaky, and the addition of chicken essence and Shao Xing wine enhances the taste and aroma of the dish beautifully. This was my favourite dish of the evening!

Steamed Green Asian Lobster with Yellow Pepper Sauce 4.5/5

The Steamed Green Asian Lobster with Yellow Pepper Sauce was truly impressive, featuring half of a generously sized lobster. The lobster itself was wonderfully sweet and tender, perfectly complemented by the vibrant yellow pepper sauce. The sauce added a bold, piquant kick, balancing the rich, savoury flavours of the lobster with a good amount of spice, resulting in a deliciously memorable dish.

Hong Kong-style Macaroni filled with Cuttlefish Paste 4.2/5

As we all know, the final main dish of a Chinese banquet typically features a staple to end the meal on a satisfying note, such as rice or noodle. However, the Chef took a creative twist with this course, serving up Hong Kong-style Macaroni filled with cuttlefish paste, minced meat, black moss, cheese, and fresh basil. This dish is a playful deviation from the traditional, blending familiar Chinese ingredients with a Western-inspired touch. The macaroni is presented almost like little toadstools, which adds a whimsical presentation to the dish. Whilst this dish strays from the usual Chinese banquet offerings, I found it quite enjoyable.

Double-boiled Superior Bird’s Nest with Almond Cream & Egg White 4.5/5

We all agreed that this Double-boiled Superior Bird’s Nest with Almond Cream & Egg White dessert was fantastic. The fresh almond cream was exceptionally fragrant and velvety smooth, offering a delicate, nutty sweetness that went so well with the silky texture of the bird’s nest. The egg white added a light, airy quality to the dish, creating a gentle contrast to the richness of the cream.

Steamed Red Date “Nian Gao” and Homemade “Yuan Bao” Water Chestnut Cake 3.5/5

The Steamed Red Date "Nian Gao" and Homemade "Yuan Bao" Water Chestnut Cake with Nostoc Pearl is a delightful combination of tradition and symbolism. The "Nian Gao," a classic sticky rice cake, is infused with the natural sweetness of red dates, offering a rich and comforting flavour. The water chestnut cake, shaped like a gold ingot to symbolise prosperity and good fortune, is light and subtly sweet. The addition of Nostoc pearls provides a slightly crunchy texture. Best enjoyed with a pot of Chinese tea for a soothing conclusion to this rich and celebratory meal.

In conclusion, dining at 藝 Yì by Jereme Leung provides a wonderful experience to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Each course highlights the restaurant's dedication to culinary excellence and artistry. In addition to the set menus, 藝 Yì by Jereme Leung also offers a Lunar New Year 2025 à la carte menu, allowing diners the flexibility to choose their preferred dishes and create a personalised dining experience tailored to their tastes.

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.


藝 Yi By Jereme Leung
Raffles Arcade
328 North Bridge Road
Singapore 188719
Tel: +65 63371886
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 2pm, 6pm - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Junction of North Bridge Road and Bras Basah Road. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Song Yue Taiwan Cuisine (松悦台式料理) @ Kallang Leisure Park - Launches Banquet Dishes (辦桌菜)

Song Yue Taiwan Cuisine at Leisure Park Kallang has recently launched a new menu based on the culinary tradition of 辦桌菜 (bàn zhuō cai) or 'banquet dishes'. Originating in the 17th century, 辦桌 are gatherings typically held to celebrate occasions.

Celebratory Lobster Combination Platter 5/5

We started with Song Yue's Celebratory Lobster Combination Platter ($88.8 – Medium / $128.8 – Large) featuring five distinct dishes that synergised well with one another with their different flavour profiles and texture - Lobster and Fruit Salad, Chicken Tossed in Sesame Oil, Soy Braised Duck Wings, Spring Onion Marinated Abalone and Century Eggs in Shrimp Paste. Each dish had its merits, but what stood out for me were the flavourful and tender duck wings as well as the century eggs done in the style of a classic scotch egg.

Traditional Chicken with Pig's Stomach and Abalone Soup 4.5/5

Next was a nourishing Traditional Chicken with Pig's Stomach and Abalone Soup ($98.8). The chicken, stuffed with pig stomach, ginkgo nuts, and baby abalone, is stewed in a superior pork and chicken broth for five hours, resulting in a collagen-rich broth, as reflected in its yellow hue. Unlike a typical Pig's stomach soup, which may occasionally be quite gamey, this is more of a chicken soup with added benefits of a pig's stomach soup.

Steamed Live Lobster Rice Cake 5/5

My favourite dish of the evening was the Steamed Live Lobster Rice Cake ($88.8 for medium, $158.8 for large). Beyond the succulent lobster, the Taiwan glutinous rice, infused with pork belly, dried conpoy, shiitake mushrooms, and dried shrimp, was deeply flavourful and aromatic. Topped with garlic oil and fried garlic, it had a perfect balance of richness and savoury notes, and each bite of it just got more and more delicious.

Golden Phoenix-Tail Tiger Prawns 4.5/5

The Golden Phoenix-Tail Tiger Prawns ($35.8 for medium, $55.8 for large) were another highlight. Giant tiger prawns were wrapped in beancurd skin with a seafood mix, salted egg yolk, century egg, and coriander filling. Skillfully fried to a crisp golden brown, they were paired with a well-matched homemade sweet and sour sauce.

Braised Pork Knuckle with Homemade Mustard Greens 4/5

The Braised Pork Knuckle with Homemade Mustard Greens ($58.8) was a rich, fork-tender dish. The pork knuckle was braised for three and a half hours. However, I felt the mustard greens could have been more bittersweet to better balance the richness of the pork and gravy.

Handmade Crispy Duck with Taro 3.8/5

Lastly, the Handmade Crispy Duck with Taro ($48.8) featured duck slices encased in creamy yam paste and deep-fried to a light and crispy finish. While the flavours were good, the dish could have benefited from a thicker yam layer, as the portions without enough yam felt a little dry.

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.


Song Yue Taiwan Cuisine
(松悦台式料理)
5 Stadium Walk
#01-38/39
Singapore 397693
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]

ViewDee Thai Bistro & Bar @ Sprout Hub - Great Chill Out Place With Delicious Thai Food At Former Henderson Secondary School

Taking over the space at Sprout Hub is ViewDee Thai Bistro & Bar, transforming the former Henderson Secondary School's canteen into little Thailand with neo lights and stalls selling Thai-centric cuisine. The huge and airy premise is an excellent location for chilling out with friends over drinks and delicious Thai food. The huge selection of Thai dishes also caters for a hearty family dinner.

Signature Lobster Tom Yum Mama 4/5

Great for sharing is the Signature Lobster Tom Yum Mama ($48.80). Besides the majestic lobster, there is other seafood, such as squid, mussels and clams. It is very enjoyable. However, the tom yum soup was too sweet. A bit more balance in the soup would be preferred. There is even a hearty seafood porridge version that is ideal for the rainy weather.

Royal Thai Fish Head Hot Pot 4.5/5

Something uncommon on the menu is the Royal Thai Fish Head Hot Pot ($48.80). The creamy soup base is packed with robust flavour, complemented by ingredients such as tofu, mushrooms, seafood and yam and vegetable. It is non-spicy, hearty and comforting.

Green Papaya Salad $11.80

Besides the sharing tom yum mama and hotpot, the kitchen woks up an eclectic selection of Thai dishes. We started with the Green Papaya Salad ($11.80), whetting the appetite. The sharp flavours and the salad's crunchy texture make it an appetising starter.

Waterfall Deep Fried Pork Belly 4.5/5

The Waterfall Deep Fried Pork Belly ($15.80) is a favourite of mine and the dining group. The deep-fried pork belly is succulent and crispy on the skin. However, the soul of the dish goes to the sweet, sour and spicy sauce that elevates the taste profile to a whole new level.

Thai Style Kang Kong 4.2/5

Basil Minced Pork 4.2/5

The Thai Style Kang Kong ($12.80) and Basil Minced Pork ($15.80) are two items I often order at a Thai restaurant. Both are well executed in the way I like. I understand Thai chefs cook the dishes, and they don't hold back or tone down the flavours. That is why I enjoyed their cooking.

Thai Style Steamed Seabass 3.8/5

Another dish I enjoyed is the Thai Style Steamed Seabass ($38.80). The fish was moist and fresh, cooked in a sweet, sour and spicy sauce, the characteristic flavours in Thai cuisine. However, being picky, the chef is slightly heavy-handed on the sweetness.

Flaming Pork Knuckle 3.5/5

The Flaming Pork Knuckle ($38.80) made an impressive entrance lighted in flame. Served bone-in, it is crispy on the skin with fork-tender meat. It comes with three dipping sauces for full enjoyment.

Tom Yum Seafood Pizza 2.5/5

The menu even includes western fare, such as pizza and burgers. We tried the Tom Yum Seafood Pizza ($19.80). The flavours reconciled with me, but I was not fond of the dough. It tastes like instant dough.

Beer Gao

ViewDee Thai Bistro & Bar is a great place to chill over delicious Thai food. Besides the usual beer tower or liquors, you can get Beer Gao here, a combo of Stout and Lager.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


ViewDee Thai Bistro & Bar
Sprout Hub
102 Henderson Road
Singapore 159562
Tel: +65 65134611
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Nearest MRT: Tiong Bahru (EW Line), Redhill (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 11pm
Fri: 12pm - 1am
Sat: 1130am - 1am
Sun: 1130am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tiong Bahru MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Tiong Bahru MRT station (Stop ID 10161). Take bus number 16 or 851. Alight 3 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

1) Alight at Redhill MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Redhill MRT station (Stop ID 10209). Take bus number 132 or 145. Alight 4 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]