True Cost @ Suntec City - Rooftop Restaurant and Bar Overlooking Suntec City Offering Asian and Modern European Flavours

True Cost in Suntec City's Sky Garden prides itself on offering diners food and alcohol at low markups. The menu primarily features Asian and Modern European flavours, complemented by an extensive beverage list, which includes house-made cocktails, mocktails, wines, spirits, and beers.

The rooftop restaurant and bar provide a scenic overlook of Suntec City, with gorgeous natural sunlight pouring in during the day.

For a complimentary entry, visiting between 3pm to 5pm on weekdays and 9pm to 10pm daily is best. Outside these times, a moderate entrance fee of $5 per person for lunch between 12pm and 3pm and $10 per person for dinner between 5pm and 9pm. However, there's a 50% discount on the fees daily from 5pm if you opt for bar seating.

Watermelon Ceviche 3.8/5

We began with the refreshing Watermelon Ceviche ($9). The combination of tomatoes, feta cheese, pecans, olive oil, and watermelon created a delightful mix of textures and flavours. The fragrant and crunchy pecans were a standout.

Octopus Carpaccio 2.8/5

Next, we tried the Octopus Carpaccio ($15.95), which was unfortunately less impressive. The sliced octopus, tossed in a bright orange dressing with tahini, sundried tomatoes, and za'atar, was too chewy and tough. At its price point, it felt slightly overpriced.

BBQ Pork Ribs 4/5

True Cost's BBQ Pork Ribs ($18.50) appeared to be a popular choice among diners. Served alongside grilled corn and kimchi cucumbers, the fall-off-the-bone ribs had a pleasant hint of smokiness. Although the slightly spiced corn was a touch dry, the overall dish was satisfying.

Crab Linguini 4/5

For our second main dish, we had the Crab Linguine ($22). The al dente linguine was tossed in a rich, savoury, buttery bisque sauce with ample crab meat.

Baklava Sundae 4.2/5

Dessert was the Greek-inspired Baklava Sundae ($11), which was made with a base of sunflower seed mousse, pistachio ice cream, and cherry syrup drizzled over. We broke into the thin, super flaky pastry and were pleasantly surprised by the balanced sweetness. The layered textures - from the crushed nuts and crisp pastry to the nutty sunflower seed mousse and tangy cherry syrup, were delightful. While a richer pistachio ice cream would have been preferred, it worked good as a sharing dessert to end the meal.

Reservations to the restaurant can be made at their official website, https://www.truecostsingapore.com/.

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.


True Cost
Suntec City
SkyGarden
#03-302/303
3 Temasek Boulevard
Tel: +65 88940615
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Nearest MRT: Esplanade (CC Line), Promenade (CC, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 10.30pm

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

2) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Epicure Brunch @ Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel - Indulge in Buffet Spread from 15 Live Stations Spanned Across the Hotel’s 3 Restaurants

The Epicure Brunch Buffet at Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel boasts 15 live buffet stations spread across the hotel's three restaurants, promising a delightful array of options to suit every diner's palate.

Epicure Brunch 4.2/5

Held every Sunday from 12pm to 3pm, this brunch offers a diverse range of cuisines. From Food Capital, indulge in fresh seafood-on-ice; SanSara serves up traditional North Indian dishes, while Riverside Terrace, the hotel's newest addition, specialises in Josper grill creations like Wagyu ribeye and foie gras.

Prices for the buffet are as follow:
- $128++ for adults, $64++ for children aged 6-11
- Includes unlimited non-alcoholic beverages such as mocktails, juices and soft drinks.

- $158++ for adults
- Includes unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages such as prosecco, wine, beer, juices and soft drinks

- $188++ for adults
- Includes additional Veuve Clicquot Champagne

Seafood-on-ice

The Seafood-on-ice station was a popular choice among many diners as their first stop. It showcased a tower of fresh snow crab legs, scallops, mussels, clams, tiger prawns, lobsters, and more.

Seafood-on-ice

Our top two favourites among these options were the sweet and meaty snow crab legs and the briny oysters.

Cheese Table

The Cheese Table had a good number of options, with sides of nuts, dried fruits, and crackers to pair with them.

Smoked Salmon and Ham Cuts

Next to the Cheese Table, a spread of Smoked Salmon and Ham Cuts awaits. I enjoyed the various cuts of ham, and the smoked salmon came in several flavours.

Salad

For something lighter, look for the Salad Corner, which offers Idaho Potato and Mushroom, Mixed Seafood Salad, Mediterranean Quinoa Salad, and the option to make your own with their homemade dressings.

Bread Table

Bread lovers can find all types of bread at the Bread Table.

Carved Meats

Among the Carved Meats, expect Herb Marinated Prime Rib, Pork Rib, Barbecue Veal Rib and more.

Hot Food

Apart from the generous meat offerings, there was also a significant selection of other hot foods, including Grilled Vegetables, Sauteed Fish, and even the iconic combination of Fried Mantou and Singapore chilli crab. The Chilli Crab carried a good amount of fragrance and heat.

Hot Food

Another popular station among diners was the Grilled Scallops and plated Pan-Fried Foie Gras. Definitely give the latter a try! The buttery Foie Gras was topped with a tangy-sweet fruit sauce and raspberry sorbet.

Live Noodle Station

The chefs at the Live Noodle Station will prepare your Laksa or Prawn Noodles fresh upon request. There were also various boiled soups on the side.

Josper Grill Station

Grab the wooden pegs at your table to make your order at the Josper Grill Station. Dishes cooked a la minute include prawns and tender Mediterranean Octopus. After you order, they will be thoughtfully sent to your table.

Josper Grill Station

At the same station, I look forward to the well-seasoned Australian Lamb Rack, Wagyu Ribeye, and Roasted Chicken.

Crab Ravioli

Make sure that you do not miss out on the far end of the buffet line. Here, you can enjoy Pizzas, Truffle Fries, Tapas, and freshly cooked Pasta. We opted for the creamy Crab Ravioli.

North Indian Delicacies

At a surprise corner, explore quality North Indian Delicacies presented by the team of the new SanSara. From Lamb Bhuna Gosht to Dum Ke Murgh, get them to pair with a side of naan, roti or paratha, all fresh from the tandoor.

Dessert

Save some stomach space for Dessert from their exciting range. There was a Strawberry Chocolate Fondue, Cakes, Croffles, and Ice Cream — to name a few. If you had to pick, I would recommend checking out the Artisanal Chocolate counter. I especially adored the chocolates with tea-based flavours.

The Epicure Brunch buffet menu is rotational and subject to change.

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.


Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Singapore
392 Havelock Road
Level 1
Singapore 169663
Tel: +65 6233 1338
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Nearest MRT: Havelock MRT (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Sunday: 12pm - 3pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Havelock MRT station. Take Exit 4. Turn left and walk to the traffic junction of Havelock Road and Kim Seng Road. Cross the road. Turn left onto Kim Seng Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Song Yue Taiwan Cuisine (松悦台式料理) @ Kallang Leisure Park - A Showcase of Taiwanese Homestyle Specialities Alongside Exquisite Fine Teas

Song Yue Taiwan Cuisine (松悦台式料理), a celebration of Taiwan's culinary heritage, has left an indelible mark on my gastronomic journey this year. The restaurant, a gem nestled in the heart of Singapore, artfully crafts a menu that accentuates the natural goodness of seasonal produce. Recommending it to friends has become a familiar refrain, and I'm already planning a return for another delightful dinner.

Taiwanese Style Pickled Chilled Dishes 4/5

Our dinner at Song Yue commenced with a trio of Taiwanese-style home-pickled chilled dishes. While the Pickled Cherry Tomatoes with Sour Plums presented a familiar delight, the Winter Melon Pickled with Fresh Passion Fruit and Pickled Cabbage & Radish introduced a refreshing novelty.

Pineapple Prawns with Crispy You-Tiao 4.2/5

A standout from many Taiwanese menus, the Pineapple Prawns with Crispy You-Tiao ($18.90) featured prawns delicately battered and wok-tossed with pineapples in a citrusy mayonnaise dressing. The addition of homemade dough fritters stuffed with hand-beaten squid and prawn paste elevated the dish, providing a delightful textural contrast.

Traditional Ginger Duck 4.2/5

The Traditional Ginger Duck ($19.90/ $36.90) delivered a bowl of comfort with tender duck stewed in a rich broth infused with ginger and black sesame oil. It was a warm embrace of earthy and nutty notes.

Farm Chicken with Spring Onion 4.5/5

Equally compelling was the Farm Chicken with Spring Onion ($18.90 Half/ $33.90 Whole). The local kampong chicken, poached to perfection, was paired with a homemade fresh spring onion and ginger dipping sauce, creating a symphony of natural flavours.

Salt and Pepper Promfret with Crispy Garlic Chips 4.2/5

The Salt and Pepper Promfret with Crispy Garlic Chips ($35.90) showcased a pristine promfret, deboned and fried to a crispy golden perfection. Seasoned with salt and pepper, it was adorned with crunchy, deep-fried garlic chips for an aromatic finish.

Silken Tofu with Pumpkin and Crabmeat 4.5/5

The Silken Tofu with Pumpkin and Crabmeat ($18.90) is an uplifting symphony of flavours, where the silkiness of white tofu meets the sweetness of golden pumpkin and the umami richness of fresh crabmeat.

Slow-Braised Pork Ribs with White Radish 4/5

The Slow-Braised Pork Ribs with White Radish ($18.90) presents succulent prime ribs and sweet white radish, lovingly simmered over low heat in a soy-based sauce infused with a variety of herbs. The result is a dish where the ribs become melt-in-the-mouth tender, offering a delightful harmony of flavours.

Crispy Egg with Black Sesame Oil 5/5

A seemingly simple dish, the Crispy Egg with Black Sesame Oil ($16.90), garnered rave reviews. Perfectly fried fresh eggs with crisp edges and a soft, oozy centre were simmered in a sweet-and-savoury sauce made with fragrant local black sesame oil. This dish, suitable for all ages, pairs wonderfully with a bowl of rice.

Ah Ma's Rice Vermicelli and Taro Soup 4.5/5

The Ah Ma's Rice Vermicelli and Taro Soup ($19.90/ $32.90) pays tribute to the nostalgic Taiwanese rice vermicelli soup. Crafted using the finest rice vermicelli from Xin Zhu, it is presented in a rich, aromatic pork bone broth with sliced pork, dried shrimp, lala clams, shiitake mushrooms, and fragrant taro. Every spoonful evokes a warm embrace of tradition and comfort, reminiscent of grandma's cooking.

Cabbage and Hokkaido Scallop Stone Pot Rice 4.2/5

For those who adore rice, the standout is the Cabbage and Hokkaido Scallop Stone Pot Rice ($19.90/ $32.90). It is crafted with top-notch grade 1 short-grained rice from Tai Chung, renowned for its sweetness and firm, slightly chewy texture. Served in a piping hot stone pot, the Taiwanese Cabbage Rice rendition adds a smoky flavour to the rice, crowned with seared Hokkaido scallops.

Chilled Oolong Ai-Yu Jelly with Green Lemon 4.2/5

Sweet Potato in Ginger Soup 4.2/5

The meal concluded with traditional homemade desserts, including the nourishing Double-boiled Apple & Pear in White Fungus Soup ($7.90), wholesome Sweet Potato in Ginger Soup ($6.90), and the invigorating Chilled Oolong Ai-Yu Jelly with Green Lemon.

Double-Boiled Apple & Pear in White Fungus Soup 4.2/5

Beyond the delectable dishes, Song Yue Taiwan Cuisine also places a spotlight on Taiwan's tea culture. With a selection of premium Taiwanese teas sourced directly from small family tea farms, the restaurant offers a delightful journey into the world of Taiwanese tea. The in-house certified tea specialist ensures a perfect brew, complementing the dining experience. The restaurant's homemade chilled tea and fruit beverages add an extra layer of enjoyment to an already exquisite meal. A visit to Song Yue is not just a meal; it's an exploration of Taiwan's culinary richness and a journey through the island's tea culture.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


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 - 330pm, 5pm - 9pm
Fri-Sat, Eve PH: 1130am - 330pm, 5pm - 930pm

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]

Surrey Hills Grocer @ Raffles City - Indulge in Limited-Time Menu for a Hearty Chinese New Year Feast

This February, Surrey Hills Grocer at Raffles City has 2 gastronomic collaborations going on - with British pop artist Philip Colbert till 18 February 2024, as well as with a local home-based chef Kenneth Loh, widely known as "Chef Ken", till 27 February 2024.

Philip Colbert Lobster Roll 4.5/5

Philip Colbert x Surrey Hills collaboration - Philip Colbert is a Scottish-born British artist with a global following for his distinctive cartoon lobster persona. Surrey Hills Grocer drew inspiration from Philip's artwork to celebrate his inaugural large-scale solo exhibition in Singapore from 6 January to 3 March 2024 and launched an exclusive "Philip Colbert Lobster Roll" ($42). The brioche bun was soft and buttery, loaded with chunks of fresh Canadian lobster meats that were creamy with Surrey Hills Grocer's special lobster dressing. I like the slight tang in the dressing. Accompanying the roll was some lightly spiced zucchini fries coated with parmesan cheese.

Golden Nectar

Surrey Hill Grocer has also launched 2 festive drink options for this Chinese New Year celebration. One of which is "Golden Nectar" ($25), a concoction of Kiku-Masamune white peach liqueur, white wine, orange juice, and cranberry juice, complete with a slice of Medallion bakkwa.

Kyoto Style Miso Pork Rib 5/5

The Surrey Hills Grocer x Chef Ken collaboration menu features Festive Flavours of Chef Ken's three new savoury dishes. Inspired by his recent trip to Kyoto, the "Kyoto Style Miso Pork Rib" ($32) is almost like a feast served on a single plate - slow-braised miso pork ribs and daikon piled over scrambled eggs that blanketed over Niigata rice, which is wholesome with edamame and charred onions. Notably recognised for his Taiwanese braised pork rice bowl, his culinary mastery over pork is also showcased in this dish. The fork-tender pork was tantalising with the flavours of the miso sauce, which also provided a mouthwatering gravy for the homely omu rice.

Seafood Udon in Crab Broth 4/5

Seafood Udon in Crab Broth ($42) comes luxurious with fresh local farmed mussels, sea prawns, seared Hokkaido scallops, chikuwa, and wakame seaweed. The milky crab broth had a good depth of crustacean flavour, accentuated with savoury sea grapes. I reckon a thinner udon would better suit the broth.

Spicy Basil Lala Capellini 4.8/5

Spicy Basil Lala Capellini ($28) is a well-executed dish that surprises with a harmonic blend of East and West ingredients. The al dente capellini carried the delightful aromatic blend of aged hua tiao wine, garlic, clam stock, chilli, and basil.

Seafood Shashuka 3/5

If you are here for a celebratory brunch, spruce up your meal with one of their regular items - a hearty Seafood Shashuka ($42). Loaded with flavourful beef sausages, potatoes, oozy eggs, and seafood, I loved how robust and heady the gravy was. While the seafood didn't necessarily elevate the shakshuka experience, it did amp up the luxe factor for a Chinese New Year Feast.

If you still have room for something sweeter, ⁠Banana Bread ($18) will provide a little comforting, sweet ending to your meal.

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.


Surrey Hills Grocer
Raffles City
252 North Bridge Road
#03-42
Singapore 179103
Tel: +65 83321024
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

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