Fu Xiao Xian (抚小鲜) @ Bugis Junction - $12.80 Customisable Individual Fish Set Meals Available with 5 Different Soup Bases

Fu Xiao Xian (抚小鲜) opened its doors in Bugis last year, offering diners their speciality of Yunnan-style cooking and pressure-steamed fish. The restaurant prides itself on not using any MSG, preservatives, additives, or artificial flavours.

Their signature dishes, such as the Paper Wrapped Fish and Fish Hotpots, are more suitable for group sharing, but the new Individual Fish Set Meals ($12.80) would satisfy those seeking a quick and convenient meal and that of solo diners. These sets, available all day, allow you to customise by choosing your preferred soup base, adding two sides, and coming complete with a bowl of rice and a beverage.

Five different soup bases are available - the Spicy Fish, Vitamin C Tomato Fish, Sauerkraut Fish, Original Bone Broth Fish and Pumpkin Lemon Fish with Sauerkraut. By default, the set uses sea bass fillet, but you can opt to top up $2 for a swap to dory fish.

For the sides, each set allows two to be added in. These include enoki mushroom, black fungus, sweet potato vermicelli, beancurd, beancurd skin, bean sprouts and potato slices.

While waiting for your food to be ready, you can head to the self-service sauce station to prepare your bowl of condiments. We were pleasantly surprised to find fresh fruits offered for all diners as well. On the day of our visit, there were oranges and slices of watermelon.

Original Bone Broth Fish 3.8/5

We decided on the Original Bone Broth Fish with sea bass fillet, potato slices and beancurd for our first set. Unfortunately, the richness of the broth was just average, and despite the generous portion of broth, the slices of fish included were cut pretty thin and came in small numbers. While tender, the slices were also a tiny bit fishy.

Pumpkin Lemon Fish with Sauerkraut 4/5

Our preferred soup base between the two we tried was the Pumpkin Lemon Fish with Sauerkraut. While the sweet pumpkin flavour was relatively subtle, the zesty lemon notes complemented the sauerkraut and the amount of spice well. We opted to add black fungus and sweet potato vermicelli, which thoroughly soaked up the broth. I would have preferred this to be much less oily though.

Deep Fried Crisp Pork 4/5

We also had a side of Deep Fried Crisp Pork ($7.80) to share. I would have liked these a lot meatier, but I liked the savoury marinate and its crunch that wasn't too oily. The seasoning was actually pretty addictive.

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.


Fu Xiao Xian
Bugis Junction
#01-88/89
200 Victoria Street
Singapore 188021
Tel: +65 8787 6791
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Nearest MRT: Bugis MRT (EW, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
11am to 10.30pm Daily

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

88 Pocha + BBQ @ Duxton - Bringing Together The Atmosphere of Pojangmacha and Korean BBQ Under One Roof

88 Pocha + BBQ at Duxton brings together the vibrant atmosphere of Pojangmacha with the enticing lure of Korean BBQ. The Korean BBQ selection showcases good quality cuts, including Chicken Set, Duroc Pork Set and A5 Wagyu Beef.

Duroc Pork Set 4/5

Duroc Pork Set ($45.88) comes with 180g Pork Belly, 180g Pork Jowl, Kimchi, Chinese Chives, and Watercress.

Pork Belly

Pork Jowl

The Pork Belly though thinly sliced, was as succulent as the Pork Jowl. The best parts were the charred bits, especially the Pork Jowl. The best way to barbecue the pork jowl is to cut it into small pieces when they are halfway done to get its edges charred and turn them into moreish morsels. The grilled kimchi and chives helped offset the fatty meats' richness.

Seafood Tofu Stew 2.5/5

Tteokbokki 3.5/5

88 Pocha + BBQ also offers a variety of stews to accompany the BBQ sets. We had Seafood Soft Tofu Stew and Tteokbokki. The stew could have been better. It wasn't much of a stew with a very thin consistency. The latter fared better. The rice cake was chewy with a nice bite, and the sauce complemented it well.

Bacon Kimchi Fried Rice 3/5

The BBQ set also comes with a complimentary Bacon Kimchi Fried Rice, which is heated up and tossed with cheese when you are done with the meats. The taste was average, but it was a nice touch to complete the experience.

To complete the experience of Pojangmacha, 88 Pocha also offers a wide range of beverages, from bottled beers, Soju, and Highball, to traditional Korean rice liquor and makgeolli.

Words and photos 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.


88 Pocha + BBQ
17 Duxton Road
Singapore 089483
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Nearest MRT: Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130pm-3pm, 5pm-11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Cross the road and walk down Duxton Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Lime House Caribbean Restaurant @ Jiak Chuan Road - Launches New Caribbean Weekend Brunch Menu

Indulge in a captivating weekend brunch experience at Lime House Caribbean Restaurant, where the new brunch menu is set to delight your taste buds. Led by Chef Ricardo Allen, a talented chef from Jamaica, the menu showcases his passion for Jamaican street food and his heartfelt culinary creations inspired by his grandmother. The brunch menu at Lime House offers a delightful range of options inspired by all things Caribbean, from tapas to sharing platters, ensuring that there is something for everyone.

With over 300 labels, Lime House boasts one of the largest and most robust selections of rums, allowing you to pair your meal with refreshing rum or tropical cocktails. Sip on expertly crafted libations that perfectly capture the spirit of the Caribbean, further enhancing your dining experience. The Rumgria at Lime House Caribbean Restaurant is a tropical twist on Sangria, featuring homemade sorrel, a mix of fruits, red wine, and blended rum. This refreshing drink captures the essence of the Caribbean with its vibrant flavours and tropical flair.

Vegetable Stamp and Go 4.2/5

The Vegetable Stamp and Go ($10) features deep-fried fritters made with a flavourful blend of various vegetables, creating a medley of textures and tastes. To enhance the flavours and add a touch of sweetness, the fritters are served with a mango-flavoured sweet chilli sauce. The mango flavour adds a tropical twist, bringing a refreshing and fruity element to the dish.

Mini Patties 3.8/5

The Mini Patties at Lime House Caribbean Restaurant are delicious bite-sized pastries available in Beef ($15) or Vegetable ($12) options. The Beef Mini Patties feature tender and flavourful beef fillings, while the Vegetable Mini Patties offer an assortment of seasoned vegetables. Both options are wrapped in flaky pastry and served with jerk BBQ sauce. These Mini Patties are a delightful treat that packs big flavours in a small package, perfect for enjoying as an appetizer or as part of a shared meal.

Reggae Jerk Platter 4.2/5

The Reggae Jerk Platter ($50) brings together a mouthwatering combination of jerk BBQ shrimp, chicken, and pork or beef ribs. Served with sides of festival, roasted corn, and coleslaw, it offers a complete and satisfying meal that showcases the vibrant flavours of the Caribbean. The dish comes in a family platter for $80 or single platter for $50.

Traditional Jamaican Escovitch Fish 4/5

The Traditional Jamaican Escovitch Fish ($39) is a classic dish showcasing Jamaican cuisine's vibrant and bold taste, offering a tantalising combination of crispy fried fish, tangy escovitch pickles, and fluffy festival. The combination creates a symphony of flavours that will transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Jamaica. It is a must-try dish that celebrates the bold and vibrant flavours of the Caribbean.

Curried Goat 4.2/5

The Curried Goat ($30) showcases tender goat meat cooked in a flavourful curry sauce alongside potatoes and carrots. To complete the meal, ripe plantains are served alongside the curried goat. The sweet and caramelised flavours of the ripe plantains provide a delightful contrast to the savoury curry, adding a touch of sweetness. The dish is also served with rice and peas. The rice is cooked with flavourful coconut milk and kidney beans, infusing it with a creamy and aromatic quality.

Photos and words by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Lime House Caribbean Restaurant
2 Jiak Chuan Road
Singapore 089260
Tel: +65 6222 3130
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Nearest MRT: Maxwell (TE Line), Outram Park (EW, NE, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu: 5pm - 12midnight
Fri-Sat: 12pm - 12midnight
Sun: 12pm - 11pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Walk down Neil Road towards Keong Siak Road. Turn right into the lane after the carpark. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to Duxton Plain Park. Cut through the park to Keong Siak Road. At Keong Siak Road, walk to Jiak Chuan Road. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Morsels @ Dempsey Hill - Celebrates 10th Anniversary With A New Spring Menu

Morsels at Dempsey Hill celebrates its 10th anniversary with a renewed concept. Moving away from its small plates sharing menu concept, Morsels 2.0 offers a new fixed course tasting menu concept to showcase the season's best produces with Chef Petrina's fermented sauces.

Season Oyster 4.2/5

We had the 9-course Full Tasting Menu ($188++), starting with four snack items. Interestingly, Chef Petrina incorporates East and West influences into each snack. We kickstarted with the fresh Season Oyster (French + Japanese) paired with citron green tea kombucha vinaigrette and olive gel, brightening the taste profile of the shellfish.

Sanchoku Corned Beef Cream 4/5

Next is the Sanchoku Corned Beef Cream (British + Indian) that is presented in the form of a Pani Puri. The blended Sanchoku beef d-rump is mixed with crunchy cornichon stuffed inside a crispy pani puri shell. Bite into it and get an explosion of flavours.

Zucchini Pancake 4/5

The bite-size Zucchini Pancake (Korean + Spanish) coated in egg batter is pan-fried till golden brown and topped with ricotta cheese, red bell pepper and boquerones. I felt the soul of the dish come from the marinated anchovy fish, accentuating the whole dish.

Mushroom Garum Broth 3.8/5

Lastly is the Mushroom Garum Broth (Chinese + Indian), packed with the essence from the smoked willow tree mushrooms and blaze mushrooms, topped with burnt banana leaf oil. It even comes with a crispy light puffed pastry twist dusted with oregano, thyme and onion powder.

After the snacks, we had the bread course, in which a warm and fluffy Brioche is served together with seaweed herb butter.

Cured Stolt Farm Turbot Carpaccio 4.2/5

We moved on to the entree, starting with the Cured Stolt Farm Turbot Carpaccio. The sustainably sourced turbot is aged for 3-5 days, then thinly sliced and dressed in smoked zucchini dashi to enjoy the turbot. It is paired with crunchy ice plant, cucumber and crispy rice puff for texture, enhanced with 8 Gems caviar for popping brininess.

Toriyama A4 Japanese Wagyu Eye Round Tataki 4.2/5

Next is the Toriyama A4 Japanese Wagyu Eye Round Tataki paired with a spring salad. The wagyu eye round is cured overnight in Morsels's two years old corn miso and finished in the hibachi for a pleasant smokiness while retaining the tender and juiciness. Round up the enjoyment with the thick creamy sabayon and cured eye yolk.

Chinese Celery Tortellini 4/5

Another beautiful dish is the Chinese Celery Tortellini. The delectable texture of the pasta dough is stuffed with wild mushrooms and potato duxelles, served in a vibrant green pea sauce and preserved lemon foam. Lastly, the morsel is topped with charred fermented asparagus for texture.

Jeju Abalone & Sakura Chicken 3/5

The Jeju Abalone & Sakura Chicken is a rice dish. The bouncy abalone and tender chicken rested on a bed of multigrain risotto flavoured with Morsels's four year old doenjiang. I enjoyed the risotto texture comprising Koshihikari Japanese rice, Calrose Californian short grain rice, Cambodian brown rice, and barley. It felt like travelling to Jeju island with the beetroot stock surrounding the dish, poured at the tableside. However, there was a lack of sharpness in the flavour, and it was too earthy for my preference.

Fjord Trout 4/5

Still from the ocean, we had the Fjord Trout that is lightly cured and smoked, complemented by a delicious soy dashi stock, rhubarb compote and edamame cereal. Though cooked using Western techniques, each bite has flavours resembling our local fish soup.

Primrose Farm Pork Tenderloin 4.2/5

I have already lost count of the number of dishes I had, and we are just moving to the mains. For mains, there is a choice of Primrose Farm Pork Tenderloin or Rougie Magret Duck. The sous vide Primrose Farm Pork Tenderloin was tender and succulent, enlivened by the accompanying kumquat red pepper kosho. The other components on the plate are potato pave and grilled baby gem.

Rougie Margret Duck 4.2/5

The other main is the Rougie Margret Duck presented in Western and Asian styles. The grilled duck breast grilled and glazed with ume bbq sauce is tender and comes with a hint of smokiness and sweetness. For the Asian style, it is served as a Japanese duck tsukune.

Palate Cleanser

After all the savoury dishes, we had a cup of refreshing beverage comprising a mixture of lemongrass, pear juice and yuzu juice as a palate cleanser.

Apple 4/5

Moving to desserts, we started with the Rice Whipped Panna Cotta, which is topped with sago and diced apple. The dessert, served chilled with shiso granita and apple lemon balm kombucha, provided the acidity for a light and refreshing finish.

Ang Butter 3.8/5

Morsels's version of Any Butter comes in the form of a polenta cake crowned with Amalfi lemon cream, sitting atop a bed of sweet red bean paste, paired with rosemary namelaka and kinako sable. It is richer in flavour than the first dessert, but the combination worked beautifully.

Petit Fours

Wrapping up the 9-course meal is the Petit Fours comprising of choux, nougat, and pear sour cherry pate de fruit.

Note: This is an invited tasting


Morsels
25 Dempsey Road
#01-04
Singapore 249670
Tel: +65 62663822
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Nearest MRT: Napier (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sun: 1130am - 3pm
(Closed on Sun dinner and Mon Full Day)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Napier MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk to bus stop at Opposite Botanic Gardens (Stop ID 13011). Take bus number 7, 75, 77, 105, 106, 123 and 174. Alight 2 stops later. Take the flight of stairs up to Dempsey Hill. At Dempsey Road, turn left and walk to the open-air carpark in front of block 25. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Noodle Star K @ Tanjong Pagar Road - Authentic Korean Cuisine With Signature Handmade Buckwheat Cold Noodles

I have wanted to visit Noodle Star K for the longest time for its naengmyeon (cold noodles), and I finally found time to visit the restaurant. The place is usually pretty crowded, so it is advisable to go slightly early, before lunch/dinner time.

Upon placing our orders, we are served three different Banchan - Kimchi, Beansprouts and Pickles. The serving is small but refillable. It even comes with a cup of beef soup.

Bibim Naengmyeon 4.5/5

I could not decide between the Chik Naengmyeon and Bibim Naengmyeon ($16.80). Ultimately, I decided to go for the latter since I am in the mood for spicy food. The buckwheat noodles tossed in a spicy gochujang-based sauce are refreshing and flavourful. It is a bowl of slurping goodness served in a chilled broth.

Mixed Mandu 4.2/5

To complete the meal, we ordered the Mixed Mandu ($11.80) to try both flavours. The mandu are huge and plump! Between the Gogi and Kimchi flavours, my favourite is the meat dumpling packed with juiciness.

Spicy Sliced Pork 4.2/5

Another signature dish on the menu is the Spicy Sliced Pork ($15.80). The thinly sliced pork is pan-fried until cooked through and caramelized for a delicious balance of spicy and sweet flavours. It is best to go with a bowl of rice.


Noodle Star K
58 Tanjong Pagar Road
Tel: +65 62246061
Singapore 088479
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Nearest MRT: Maxwell (TE Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 330pm, 530pm - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Cross the road to Duxton Road. Walk down Duxton Road. Turn left onto Duxton Hill towards Tanjong Pagar Road. Turn right onto Tanjong Pagar Road and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road. Turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

The Oyster Bank @ Tanjong Pagar Road - Thrid Outlet With New Bar Concept And Exclusive Offerings

Nestled in a row of shophouses, The Oyster Bank at Tanjong Pagar is designed as a bar with a sit-and-stand concept. Like the youngest sibling, who often has the luxury of being more carefree and laidback, this third space exudes much more of that easy-going and relaxed vibes than the first two outlets.

Assorted Oysters 4.5/5

The Oyster Bank offers Japanese oysters in their freshest original state and with various condiments to jazz them up a little. Out of the three we tried - Kimchi Cucumber ($4.75), Tosazu Combu ($4.75), and Uni Ikura ($9.90), I enjoyed Kimchi Cucumber the most, while I find the latter a tad too briny.

Salmon Crudo 4/5

Salmon Crudo ($18) was an enjoyable starter. The thick-cut salmon sashimi was enlivened with a nutty and zesty wafu goma sauce, with extra crunch and freshness from julienned green apple.

Pork Kushiyaki 3.5/5

Pork Kushiyaki is a superb bar food if you intend to drink and sip your day away. Served with fermented apple puree and shiso oba to cut the richness of these fatty morsels, they were tender with flavoursome caramelised bits of fats. However, the layers of fats were pretty thick. It would have been even more delish if the cut was smaller to achieve more charred surfaces.

Hamachi Kama 3.8/5

Hamachi Kama ($36/2 pcs) with ginger ponzu sauce and kosho daikon was tasty too. The accompanying dipping sauce was perfect for the fish.

Chargrilled Octopus 3.8/5

The Chargrilled Octopus ($32) was delicious, but the dish's name is misleading. It is more of a rich potato cream soup with chunks of octopus. The bonito potato espuma was rich and buttery, laced with smoky bonito flavours that reinforced the octopus's chargrilled taste. However, the shiso chimichurri sauce lacked the acidity to enliven the dish.

Ikura Kaisen Don 3/5

Ikura Kaisen Don ($38) features Hamachi slices, hokkaido scallops, tuna, uni and ikura. It tasted all right but lacked brightness and excitement.

Warabi Mochi

Cha-Niwa Ice Cream

The desserts were simple but satisfying. The stars were definitely the two ice creams featured - Warabi Mochi ($14) with sea salt ice cream and Cha-Niwa Ice Cream ($12) featuring yuzu gel and matcha ice cream.

Pop Goes The Weasel, Umeshu Daze

Do give the cocktails a go ($25 each). One of our popular ones was Pop Goes The Weasel, a twist to the Bellini cocktail - bubbly with a popsicle of your choice, strawberry or passionfruit. Umeshu Daze is an excellent sour with bourbon and aged umeshu.

Garden of Eden, Chrysanthemum Osmanthus Gin

We also had 2 others with more floral notes - Garden of Eden and Chrysanthemum Osmanthus Gin. Check out their Happy Shucking Hour (for oysters): Monday to Friday 3-8pm, Saturday to Sunday all day. The all-day promotion is valid till 30 June 2023

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.


The Oyster Bank
39 Tanjong Pagar Road
#01-02
Singapore 088462
Tel: +65 69707662
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Nearest MRT: Maxwell (TE Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Tue: 3pm - 11pm
Wed-Fri: 3pm - 12midnight
Sat: 12pm - 12midnight
Sun: 12pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT Station. Take Exit A. Walk straight to Tanjong Pagar Road. Turn right onto Tanjong Pagar Road. Walk down Tanjong Pagar Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 2. Turn left onto Tanjong Pagar Road. Walk down Tanjong Pagar Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]