VITIS Wine Bar and Bistro @ DUO Galleria - Pairing Modern Asian Dishes with Asian Wines

VITIS Wine Bar and Bistro, located at DUO Galleria, is an original concept that celebrates the richness and diversity of Asian wines and winemakers. Founded by seasoned sommelier Gary Low, who has worked in Michelin-starred establishments like JAAN by Kirk Westaway and Burnt Ends, VITIS boasts an exclusive collection of wines sourced from unique Asian terroirs. Executive Chef Kenneth Lin helms the culinary offerings, which are crafted to pair seamlessly with the wine selection, offering modern interpretations of beloved Asian flavours and classics.

Our experience began with the GranMonte Cremant Methode Traditionelle Extra Brut, a sparkling wine from Thailand. This wine paired well with a selection of starters with a rich mouthfeel.

Oyster with Ponzu

Chutoro Tartlet 4.5/5, Deep-Fried Pig’s Tail 4/5

The Oyster with Ponzu offered a fresh, briny bite with a citrusy lift, while the Chutoro Tartlet combined unctuous tuna enriched with cured egg yolk with the subtle tang of kumquat. The Deep-Fried Pig's Tail with garlic vinaigrette was moreish with a satisfying crunch and a slightly gelatinous texture.

Grilled Sumi Ika 4/5

Among the small plates, the Grilled Sumi Ika ($28) stood out both visually and in its execution. The tender, chewy squid stuffed with glutinous rice offered a delightful interplay of textures, further elevated by the nutty depth of a peanut and Kecap salsa.

Thai-Style Eggplant Salad 4.5/5

Equally appetising was the piquant Thai-Style Eggplant Salad ($18). The tender eggplant soldiers absorbed the vibrant flavours of the Thai green chilli sauce, while the addition of the creamy ajitama provided a perfect balance to the dish's spice and acidity, creating a harmonious blend of bold and mellow notes.

'HAE-MEE' Mussels 4/5

For large plates, the 'HAE-MEE' Mussels ($28) redefined the classic mussels dish with a robust prawn bisque. It was accompanied by sourdough bread meant for soaking up the umami-packed broth.

Assam Glazed Ribs 4.5/5

The Assam Glazed Ribs ($26) were equally exceptional. It featured fork-tender meat coated in a tangy, sweet Assam Kicap Manis glaze. The surprise addition of a Rojak Salad added a refreshing contrast and a unique character to this dish.

Both dishes paired beautifully with a bold Silver Heights Family Red, enhancing their robust flavours.

Deconstructed Valrhona Chocolate Cake 4.5/5

Dessert was a Deconstructed Valrhona Chocolate Cake ($18) paired with lychee and chocolate crumble. This 'cake' was incredibly rich with a velvety texture, an indulgent treat to conclude the meal.

The VITIS cellar features exclusive collections of bottles like the Long Dai Cabernet Blend 2019 from China’s Shandong region, often referred to as "The China Lafite," and the Fratelli Vitae Chardonnay 2016 from India. Other notable selections include Thailand’s GranMonte Sakuna Rosé 2023 and Taiwan’s Weightstone Blanc des Blancs Extra Brut 2020, showcasing the diverse terroirs of Asia. Additionally, the collection highlights wines crafted by Asian winemakers who have made their mark globally.

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.


VITIS Wine Bar and Bistro
DUO Galleria
7 Fraser Street
#01-46/47
Singapore 189356
Tel: +65 8823 3993
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (DT, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 215pm, 5pm - 1015pm
Sat: 5pm - 1015pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit E or F. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Yang Ming Seafood (Kelong) @ Vivocity - Popular Homegrown Live Seafood Restaurant Opens First In-mall Restaurant with a Kelong Theme Interior

Yang Ming Seafood, a well-loved homegrown seafood restaurant with branches in Bishan and Ubi, has launched its first in-mall waterfront outlet at VivoCity. Designed to evoke an authentic fish kelong experience, the largest of its three outlets seats up to 250 guests. It features a wine cellar, wooden floorboards, beams, fish nets, and live seafood tanks that all highlight the restaurant's commitment to freshness.

Charcoal Roasted Suckling Pig 4.2/5

The Charcoal Roasted Suckling Pig ($268) is a quintessential celebratory dish. Freshly roasted to order, the suckling pig arrives with incredibly aromatic and crispy skin — a perfect centrepiece for sharing.

NEW Fragrant Crispy Rice Crab 4/5

A standout addition to the menu is the Fragrant Crispy Rice Crab ($11 per 100g for Sri Lankan Crab, $10 per 100g for Indonesian Crab). This innovative dish offers a refreshing change from the traditional Singapore Chilli Crab. Paired with fragrant, crispy rice, the dish marries texture and flavour in a unique way, showcasing the crab's succulent, natural sweetness.

Crab Stewed Bee Hoon 4.2/5

Another crab option we tried was the Crab Stewed Bee Hoon ($11 per 100g for Sri Lankan Crab, $10 per 100g for Indonesian Crab). The silky bee hoon absorbs the robust, crustacean-rich flavours of the crab, resulting in a comforting, flavour-packed dish.

NEW Chicken Broth with Baby Cabbage 4.8/5

The Chicken Broth with Baby Cabbage ($88) is a crowd favourite, delivering a hearty, comforting experience. The broth is sweetened by chicken essence and baby cabbage, making it a light yet flavourful choice that’s perfect for group dining.

NEW Basil Sauce Live Prawn 4/5

Next up was the Basil Sauce Live Prawn ($28 for 300g, $40 for 500g, $78 for 1kg). This new addition offers a refreshing twist, with basil’s fragrant aroma enhancing the fresh, succulent prawns. The basil sauce brings an unexpected yet delightful flavour to the dish.

Minced Garlic Steamed Clam 4.2/5

The Minced Garlic Steamed Clam ($35 for 500g, $68 for 1kg) features plump, juicy clams steamed with fragrant minced garlic. Each bite captures the natural sweetness of the clams, complemented by the garlic’s savoury aroma.

NEW Braised Whole Tripe & Brisket 4.5/5

One of the evening's highlights was the new Braised Whole Tripe & Brisket ($108). This dish requires a pre-order and is well worth the wait. The beef tripe is stuffed with tender brisket and tendon, all in a flavourful, slightly spicy brown sauce. The complex layers of texture and taste make it a must-try for offal lovers.

NEW Dry Braised Pork Ribs 4/5

Another new menu item, the Dry Braised Pork Ribs ($20, $30, or $40), features tender, juicy pork ribs with a sauce that's been expertly absorbed into the meat. The ribs are a satisfying option, especially for those who enjoy bold, concentrated flavours.

Andrew Lobster 4.2/5

The Andrew Lobster is an iconic dish at Yang Ming Seafood. It is a dish my friend shared with the owner that he had in Hong Kong, and after much R&D, the chef created this dish, which became a hit with many foodies. The creation features silky chee cheong fan (rice noodle rolls) accented with fried shallots, fried garlic, and premium soy sauce. It's easy to see why; the dish strikes a perfect balance of flavour and texture, with each element enhancing the others.

Yang Ming Seafood's new VivoCity outlet is an impressive addition to the dining scene. With an emphasis on fresh, live seafood and authentic flavours, the restaurant delivers both innovation and comfort. The inviting kelong-inspired ambience and diverse menu make it an excellent choice for seafood lovers who enjoy quality dishes in a unique waterfront setting. Whether you're there for classic favourites or new creations, Yang Ming Seafood promises a memorable dining experience.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Yang Ming Seafood (Kelong)
VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
#02-158/159
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 65133009/ 80289907
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Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 10pm

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

La Hong Dian Hotpot (辣红殿重庆干锅) @ Chinatown - New Chongqing Restaurant Offering 12 Specialty Dry Pots

Mosque Street in Chinatown has become quite a hotspot for a variety of Chinese cuisines, and the latest addition to this bustling street is La Hong Dian Hotpot (辣红殿重庆干锅), a Chongqing restaurant specialising in dry pots. Their signature dish allows diners to enjoy it as what you see when it is first served and then transform it into a bubbling hotpot by adding soup, offering a dual dining experience.

The cosy restaurant spans two levels, with four tables on the ground floor and a VIP room upstairs to accommodate larger groups.

Century Egg with Green Peppers 3.5/5

We started our meal with the Century Egg with Green Peppers ($15), which featured slices of rich century egg topped with fragrant chilli crunch.

Stir-fried Shredded Cabbage 3/5

Following this, the Stir-fried Shredded Cabbage ($28) provided a comforting, homely touch amidst the spicier dishes. For the steep price tag, we were expecting a lot more of it, including a stronger wok hei finish.

Dry Pot Pork Ribs 4/5

The restaurant's signature dry pot is available in an impressive 12 different varieties, featuring ingredients such as seafood, squid, pork intestines, and more. We opted for the Dry Pot Pork Ribs ($49.90 for Small, $76.80 for Large), which is kept sizzling throughout the meal on an induction cooker. The dish was boldly spiced with a generous mix of dried chillies and peppercorns, though we felt that the spice lacked fragrance. A wider ariety of default ingredients, like sweet potato noodles and mushrooms, would have enhanced the dish. When you are almost done with the Dry Pot, you can request the service staff add extra broth and transform it into a hotpot. Additional hotpot ingredients are available to be ordered.

Spicy Chicken Cubes 3/5

We wrapped up the meal with the classic Spicy Chicken Cubes ($28), a dish generously loaded with dried chillies. While the chicken cubes had a decent crunch, the flavours were less robust than we had hoped.

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.


La Hong Dian Hotpot (辣红殿重庆干锅)
41 Mosque Street
Singapore 059519
Tel: +65 8428 8213
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Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to New Bridge Road. Turn right at New Bridge Road and walk to Mosque Street. Turn right onto Mosque Street and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

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]