Armoury Craft Beer & Steak @ South Beach Quarter - Craft Beer Bar That Offers Spanish Tapas and Wagyu Steaks

Armoury at South Beach Quarter started in 2016 as a craft beer speciality bistro. Collaborating with local and international breweries, it introduces a wide range of craft beers, including its very own Armoury Lager and Armoury IPA. The food menu was basic back then, but it has now evolved to include Spanish-style offerings such as tapas, paella and even wagyu ribeye for the gourmands.

Its Armoury IPA is suitable for an easy start, as well as the Watermelon Martini.

Madrid Broken Egg 4/5

Our evening started strong with very enjoyable dishes from the Tapas menu. Madrid Broken Egg ($16) is a dish that will cure your hangover and set you up for more alcohol! I love the broken pieces of gooey egg yolks tossed alongside roasted potato chunks and chorizo sausages. It is on the saltier side but deeply satisfying nonetheless.

Spicy Mussel Bowl 4.5/5

The Spicy Mussel Bowl ($20) will whet your appetite with its garlic white wine broth. Aromatic with a depth of flavour lent from the white wine, it comes with a fiery kick but is gentle on the taste buds.

Gambas al Ajillo 4.5/5

Gambas al Ajillo ($20) was simple, with all three ingredients done well - prawns, olive oil and garlic. The perfectly browned chopped garlic was indeed the flavour bomb, which explained the side toasts to mop up the garlic-infused olive oil.

Mediterranean Seafood Paella 4/5

Mediterranean Seafood Paella ($39) is wholesome for mains with prawns, squids and scallops. The rice had a delicious bite, and the various seafood added to that enjoyable texture.

Armoury Wagyu + Pork Ribs Set 4/5

When you have a curation of craft beers to choose from, perhaps one way to amp up the experience is to have something luscious and sinfully indulgent. Other than its Spanish-style tapas and mains, what's worth highlighting is its wagyu steaks which are not so commonly available in such places. We had the Wagyu Ribeye and Pork Ribs Set ($95) served with Mentaiko Fries.

Molten Lava Cake 4/5

If you do need a dessert, the Molten Lava Cake($14) is good for sharing.

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.


Armoury Craft Beer & Steak
South Beach Quarter
36 Beach Road
#01-01
Singapore 189766
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sat: 1130am - 1030pm
Sun: 1130am - 10pm

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

San Shu Gong Private Dining (三叔公私房菜) @ Geylang Road - Teochew Cuisine By Former Chui Huay Lim Chef

Together with my foodie friends, we made a reservation at San Shu Gong Private Dining (三叔公私房菜) for a Sunday lunch. From what I understand, the restaurant specialises in Teochew cuisine, and their chef was formerly from Chui Huay Lim Teochew Cuisine in Singapore. It happened to be one of my favourite Chinese restaurants in Singapore.

Braised Goose, Teochew Style 4/5

We started with the Braised Goose, Teochew Style ($26 | $70 | $136). The sliced goose meat is laid on top of a bed of braised tofu in a light yet flavoursome braising sauce. To fully appreciate it, I would highly recommend having the tender goose meat with tangy chilli dipping sauce.

Pig's Liver with Crispy Youtiao and Spring Onion 4.5/5

A special item for the day was the Pig's Liver. The pig's liver was well executed, having a delightful crunchy texture. What surprises us is the addition of crispy youtiao, soaking up the delicious sauce. The pairing is something new for me. I have not seem this pairing in other restaurants.

Steamed Fish with Aged Radish and Minced Meat 4/5

Being a Teochew, I love my steamed fish. Hence it is inevitable that I have to order the dish. They have a few options for cooking the fish, and we decided to try the Steamed Fish with Aged Radish and Minced Meat.

Pan-fried Oyster Omelette 4.2/5

I got excited when I saw the Pan-fried Oyster Omelette ($15). It is my favourite dish at Chui Huay Lim Teochew Cuisine. I am glad that I can have this unique style of an oyster omelette here. Crispy on the outside and gooey inside, this is probably the best version of the oyster omelette I have eaten.

Braised Salted Pork Ribs with Mustard Green 4/5

Not many people like mustard green, but being a Teochew, I have grown up eating it, and it has become a taste of childhood for me. Whenever possible, I will order it if my dining companions don't mind, as mustard green has a bitter-earthy taste. We had the Braised Salted Pork Ribs with Mustard Green ($28 | $42). The pork ribs were incredibly tender and cooked in a delicious superior broth. The mustard green was also soft and tender.

Wok-fried Kailan with Dried Sole 3.5/5

We also have the Wok-Fried Kailan with Dried Sole ($18 | $24 | $36). While the Kai Lan was cooked to a delectable crunch, it lacked the aroma from the dried sole.

Wok-fried "Cai Pu" Kway Teow with Homemade XO Sauce 3/5

While the Wok-fried "Cai Pu" Kway Teow with Homemade XO Sauce ($12 | $18 | $24) was packed with wok hei with crunchy diced kai lan, the rice noodle was a bit heavy-handed on the salty side.

Deep-fried Yam Stick Encrusted with Fine Sugar 3/5

For dessert, we tried the Deep-fried Yam Stick Encrusted with Fine Sugar ($18). I didn't quite enjoy it as it was on the dry side. I have tried the same dish elsewhere, which has a softer interior.

Fried Water Chestnut

We also had the deep-fried Fried Water Chestnut. It was crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.


San Shu Gong Private Dining (三叔公私房菜)
135 Geylang Road
#01-01
Singapore 389226
Tel: +65 67410344
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Kallang (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Kallang MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk to traffic junction Geylang Lorong 1 and Kallang Road. Cross the road and walk down Geylang Lorong 1 towards Geylang Road. Turn left onto Geylang Road. Walk to destination. [Map]

Fei Lou Fatt @ Upper Thomson Road - White Restaurant Group Opens New Prawn Noodle & Lok Lok Concept

Newly opened at Upper Thomson Road, beside Springleaf MRT station exit 1 is Fei Lou Fatt, a Prawn Noodle and Lok Lok concept by the White Restaurant Group.

Signature Fei Lou Noodle Soup 4.2/5

We started with the Signature Fei Lou Noodle Soup ($20), which comes with 3 half sliced Ang Kar prawns, fork-tender braised pork ribs and abalone in a slurp-worthy bowl of umami-rich prawn broth. The broth's rich flavour comes from the generous use of fresh prawn heads, slow-cooked for up to 10 hours. Unlike other prawn noodles stalls, the pork ribs here are braised, flavouring the tenderness enjoyment.

Signature Fei Lou Noodle Dry 4/5

There is also a dry version of the Signature Fei Lou Noodle Dry ($20), which is tossed in an addictive homemade hae bee hiam volcano chilli that complements the ingredients and the noodle.

The prawn noodle comes with an assortment of choice ingredients such as the Big Prawn Noodle ($16), Prawn Noodle (Small: $8, Big: $11), Prawn and Braised Pork Ribs Noodle (Small: $8, Big: $11) and Braised Pork Ribs Noodle (Small: $8, Big: $11). There are both soup and dry versions, and the choice of noodles include the usual suspects of Bee Hoon, Thick Bee Hoon, Kway Teow and Yellow Noodle to suit different palates.

Big Prawn Zuke 4.2/5

The Big Prawn Zuke ($16) is a unique offering on the menu, inspired by Ochazuke (rice porridge). It is served with fragrant fluffy Japanese rice topped with big succulent Ang Kar prawns and a crispy homemade fried rice cracker for a textural crunch. There is also the Prawn-zuke ($8) version which comes with vannamei prawns.

Braised Pork Ribs with Rice 4/5

I asked the owner which is his favourite dish on the menu, and he recommended that we try the Braised Pork Ribs with Rice ($6.80). It is not the Taiwanese-style version, but it is a delicious rice bowl with fork tender meat.

Lok Lok 4/5

Apart from the mains, customers can pick from a wide variety of over 20 types of Lok Lok ($1.20 to $3) to complement their meal. There are 4 different types of seasoning to choose from - Sze Chuan Mala, Seaweed, BBQ and Furikake. In addition, have them with the dipping sauces (Mayonnaise, Thai Sweet Chilli and Thai Seafood Green Chilli) for the ultimate lok lok experience.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Fei Lou Fatt
928 Upper Thomson Road
Singapore 787121
Tel: +65 62523400
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Springleaf (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 8am - 10pm

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

Yanxi Dim Sum & Hotpot @ Chin Swee Road - Creative Take On The Traditional Dim Sum

Together with a couple of friends, we visited Yanxi Dim Sum & Hotpot for lunch. Two pre-eminent chefs, former Executive Chef of Mott 32, Chef Chan Wai Keung and former Dim Sum Chef at The Fullerton Hotels & Resorts Singapore, Chef Ben Yapp helm the restaurant. The duo brings their culinary expertise to Yanxi steamboat, elevating the hotpot experience with tantalising starters and bespoke dim sum.

Tobiko, Prawn & Scallop, Water Chestnut and Egg White Dumpling 4.5/5

As we were there for lunch, we didn't have the hotpot. Instead, we had dim sum and their signature items. We started with the Tobiko, Prawn & Scallop, Water Chestnut and Egg White Dumpling ($10). The dumpling is beautiful crafted, showing the chef's creative take on quintessentially traditional fare

Yanxi Prawn and Petai with Sambal Chilli Dumpling 3.8/5

Next is the Yanxi Prawn and Petai with Sambal Chilli Dumpling ($11). It looks like any ordinary prawn dumpling from the exterior. However, it is a bold and acquired creation incorporating the acquired petai into the morsel paired with sambal chilli.

Quail Egg & Bonito Flakes Siew Mai 4.5/5

Indeed the dim sum items at Yanxi is unique compared to other restaurants. The classic siew mai is given an elevated transformation in the Quail Egg & Bonito Flakes Siew Mai ($12). The traditional siew mai may be too heavy with its meaty stuffing. Hence the addition of quail egg lightens the enjoyment, with the bonito flakes lifting the taste profile.

Netted Prawn & Tobiko, Spinach Infused Rice Roll 4.2/5

Even the classic rice roll is given a new facelift in the Netted Prawn & Tobiko, Spinach Infused Rice Roll ($12). Not only is it beautiful, the exquisite rice roll stuffed with crunchy prawn is packed with a playful touch of textural enjoyment.

Mapo Tofu in Crispy Beancurd  Skin Roll 4.8/5

The Mapo Tofu in Crispy Beancurd Skin Roll ($9) is an unexpected creation with fragrant mapo tofu. I doubt I have seen or eaten the dish anywhere before. It is a fantastic creation.

XO Sambal Carrot Cake 4/5

XO Sambal Carrot Cake ($9) is common, but it is uncommon to be presented as such. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, this is delectable but fell short of the wow factor I got from the other dim sum items.

Fried Yam, Abalone and Kurobuta Okinawa 4/5

The Fried Yam with Abalone and Kurobuta Okinawa ($15) is a luxury take of the fried yam.

General Tso's Chicken 4.2/5

Besides the quintessential dim sum items, there are several signature dishes on the menu, such as the General Tso's Chicken ($16) and Hong Kong Golden Garlic Pork Short Ribs ($12). The General Tso's Chicken is smoked in a glass dome, infused with smokiness on top of the tender and sweet chicken pieces.

Hong Kong Golden Garlic Pork Short Ribs 4/5

As for the Hong Kong Golden Garlic Pork Short Ribs, the pork short ribs are cooked in Bi Feng Tang style. It is coated in an aromatic pool of fried garlic, complementing the fork-tender pork.

MICHELIN Herbal Seafood Ee Fu Noodles 4.2/5

I am not sure why the noodle dish is named MICHELIN Herbal Seafood Ee Fu Noodles ($18). My guess is this is a dish that the chef has created in his previous restaurant that could have won a Michelin star. Nevertheless, the plate of slurping goodness is brimming with fresh seafood such as prawn, scallop and fish in a herbal broth. However, I find the herbal taste is relatively mild.

Hokkaido Milk Charcoal Egg Tart 4.5/5

The finale has to be the Hokkaido Milk Charcoal Egg Tart ($16 for 6pc). The freshly baked has a creamy, gooey cheese custard filling encased in a crumbly charcoal pastry. For something cold and refreshing, go for the Jackfruit Sago.

Though I did not try their hotpot, their dim sum items already left a very deep impression. Of course, the price is a bit expensive compared to most dim sum places, but you get quality, creativity, and unique dim sum that you don't get in most dim sum places. I have since recommended many friends to check out their dim sum selection.


Yanxi Dim Sum & Hotpot
175A Chin Swee Road
Singapore 169879
Tel: +65 88589711
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to bus stop opposite State Court (Stop ID 06171). Take bus number 174. Alight 1 stop later. Walk up the hill to Hotel Re!. Walk to the building beside Hotel Re!. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

KOAL @ Shaw Centre - Latest Concept by Les Amis Group

KOAL at Shaw Centre is the latest addition to Les Amis Group's array of award-winning restaurants across Singapore. It is an all-day grill restaurant that marries Asian and Western flavours and grilling techniques centred on the open flame.

Chunky Salmon Sashimi 4.5/5

We started our dinner with a couple of starters, beginning with the Chunky Salmon Sashimi ($12). I can't make out what is the complementing sauce which is slightly spicy and tangy. The acidity gives the sashimi a refreshing touch.

Scallion Salad 4/5

The Scallion Salad ($6) may be seen as a pool of greens, but there is more than meet the eyes. The addition of wakame gives the salad extra textural bite. At the same time, the spicy sesame soy dressing accentuates the earthy note of the shredded scallion.

KOAL's Bread Roll 4.8/5

The KOAL's Bread Roll ($8) is a must-have baked with bacon and grilled spring onions. It is so good! The bread roll is fragrant, soft and fluffy. It is even more enjoyable with the accompanying sour cream and chive butter.

Red Skin Potato Salad 4.8/5

Words can't describe how delicious the Red Skin Potato Salad ($10) is. It is one of the best potato salads I have eaten. The chunky potatoes are dressed in mentaiko mayo and topped with tobiko. It even comes with a six-minute egg.

Crispy Pork Riblets 4.2/5

A delectable starter is the Crispy Pork Riblets ($16). The tender pork ribs come with a bit of heat from the mala honey glaze, topped with peanuts, dried chilli and coriander.

Charred Broccoli 4.2/5

The Charred Broccoli ($8) will be a delightful choice for its crunch, deliciously flavoured by the soy pickled onions, sesame dressing, and bonito flakes for a balanced diet.

Salmon with Kimchi Butter Sauce 4.5/5

Moving on to the mains, we started with the Salmon with Kimchi Butter Sauce. While the focus has been on the grill, we should not forget the effort in the sauce. The kitchen has made a delicious effort in the sauce pairing, elevating the appreciation of the fresh ingredients.

Iberico Pork Collar 180g 4.2/5

Hanging Tender 180gm 4.5/5

For the meat lovers, guests will adore the Iberico Pork Collar 180g ($19) and Hanging Tender 180gm ($24). The iberico pork collar, which has a good proportion of fat, has a delectable crunch on top of the tender meat. What is even more beautiful is the grilled Hanging Tender. It just needs a pinch of salt to enjoy the flavoursome piece of meat.

Freshly Fried Donut 4.5/5

KOAL has also caught on the donut wagon and introduced Freshly Fried Donut ($8 for 2 pc) on their menu. We had the cheesecake mousse & raspberry coulis and nutella & banana mousse. They are addictively good.

Hojicha and Whiskey Tiramisu 4.2/5

Last but at least, we have the Hojicha and Whiskey Tiramisu ($12), a twist from the classic tiramisu boosting heavenly earthy and nutty flavours.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


KOAL
Shaw Centre
1 Scotts Road
#03-09/10/11
Singapore 228208
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk along the underground path to Shaw House. Take the elevator to the ground level of Shaw House. Walk to Shaw Centre. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]