Bailey & Patch Pet Cafe @ Enabling Village - A Pet Cafe, Pet Grooming Centre, and Training Ground for Special Needs and Disabilities

Bailey & Patch Pet Cafe is more than just a café tucked away in a cosy corner. It's a meaningful initiative that blends heart, hospitality, and hearty fare. As Singapore's first pet café and grooming centre that also serves as a training ground for individuals with special needs and disabilities, the space is as inclusive as it is inviting. Diners can expect a menu of affordable, comforting Asian favourites, with mains starting from $7.80 and appetisers from $3.80. Best of all, your furry companions are welcome to join, with fresh pet food available on-site.

Fried Prawn Paste Chicken Wings 4/5

The Fried Prawn Paste Chicken Wings ($6.80 for 5pc) are a crowd-pleaser. Deep-fried to a perfect golden crisp, each wing packs a punch of umami-rich prawn paste flavour. Comparable to the standard you'd expect at a solid zi char stall, they're delightfully addictive and well-executed.

Nasi Lemak with Ayam Berempah 3.8/5

A solid choice for those craving the familiar, the Nasi Lemak with Ayam Berempah ($10.80) comes with all the essentials comprising fragrant coconut rice, crunchy ikan bilis, peanuts, a fried egg, and most importantly, a piece of spiced, tender ayam berempah that delivers on both aroma and flavour. The menu allows customisation with other protein options such as curry chicken, karaage, pork chop, luncheon meat, or tempura prawn, catering to every palate.

Fried Rice with Black Pepper Roasted Chicken 4/5

The Fried Rice with Black Pepper Roasted Chicken ($11.80) hits the mark for a simple yet satisfying meal. The roasted chicken is tender, nicely seasoned, and pairs well with the egg fried rice. Like the nasi lemak, diners have the flexibility to swap proteins, from salted egg karaage to prawns or mushrooms, making it a customisable comfort dish.

Tornado Egg Rice with Mushroom Treasure 3.8/5

The Tornado Egg Rice with Mushroom Treasure ($8.80) features fluffy rice blanketed by a soft, ribbon-like omelette. Its earthy mushroom sauce seeps into every bite, creating a savoury and creamy finish. Again, you can pick your preferred protein, which adds to the dish's appeal for return visits.

Claypot Sesame Oil Chicken 4/5

A standout on the menu, the Claypot Sesame Oil Chicken ($12.80) is bold and aromatic. The rich sauce is infused with sesame oil, coating tender chunks of chicken that absorb all that savoury goodness. Served bubbling in a claypot, it's a dish best enjoyed hot and steaming.

Golden Seafood Soup 4.2/5

Looking for something comforting? The Golden Seafood Soup ($11.80) delivers. A medley of seafood ingredients is served in a robust, savoury broth that's hearty and full of flavour, perfect for a rainy day or when you just need a bowl of slurping satisfaction.

Signature Mee Goreng 4/5

The Signature Mee Goreng ($8.80) is another winning dish. Wok-fried to perfection, the springy noodles are coated in a sweet, tangy sauce that clings to every strand. A runny egg is tossed in at the end, giving the dish an extra layer of richness and depth.

Bailey & Patch is more than just a café. It's a heart-led haven where people and pets dine together in a warm, inclusive environment. The menu doesn't try to be fancy but delivers well-executed, nostalgic flavours at accessible prices. Whether you're popping by with your pup for a casual meal or supporting the café's meaningful mission, it's definitely worth a visit.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Bailey & Patch Pet Cafe
Enabling Village
20 Lengkok Bahru
#01-17
Singapore 159053
Tel: +65 8087 6692
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Nearest MRT: Redhill (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Redhill MRT station. Take Exit A. Cross the road and cut through the housing estate to Redhill Road. At Redhill road, cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes.[Map]

Yue (乐) @ Aloft Novena Singapore - Unlimited A La Carte Zi Char Buffet from $29.90++ with 1-for-1 Promotion

Yue at Aloft, nestled within Aloft Singapore Novena, launches what may be Singapore's most value-for-money a la carte zi char buffet, priced from just $29.90++ per person. And for a limited time, diners can enjoy an even sweeter deal with a 1-for-1 promotion (U.P. $59.80++/$71.80++ per pax, min. 2 to dine). The buffet features over 20 dishes showcasing Yue's signature modern Chinese cuisine with touches of local seafood flair. On top of that, each table receives two complimentary premium dishes: Crab with Creamy Milk and Salted Egg Lime Sauce and Kung Pao Duck Confit, making this deal even more irresistible.

Crab, Creamy Milk and Salted Egg Lime Sauce 3/5

While the Crab itself was fresh, sweet, and decently sized, the creamy salted egg lime sauce was overly zesty, throwing off the flavour balance. The sauce felt more citrus-forward than salted egg-rich, which may divide opinions.

Duck Confit, Kung Pao 3.8/5

The Kung Pao Duck Confit was a generous serving with two tender duck legs in a claypot. The meat was beautifully fork-tender, but the sauce lacked the bold, spicy, sweet punch typical of kung pao dishes. A little more heat and tang could have lifted it further.

Deep-Fried Mid-Joint Wings, Shrimp Paste 4/5

The Deep-Fried Mid-Joint Wings were a solid favourite. Deep-fried until crisp and marinated in shrimp paste, they were packed with umami and remained juicy inside. It is a classic zi char delight.

Crispy Baby Squid, Sweet Shrimp Paste and Ground Peanut 4/5

A clever, rojak-style take on Crispy Squid. These baby squid were deep-fried to a golden crunch, then tossed in a sweet shrimp paste and crushed peanuts. Addictive and well-executed. It is a standout dish.

Mapo Beancurd, Minced Pork 2.8/5

The Mapo Beancurd missed the mark. Using firm tofu instead of the usual silky type removed the velvety texture one expects from Mapo Tofu. Moreover, the sauce lacked the signature kick of doubanjiang and Sichuan peppercorns, making it flat and underwhelming.

Deep-fried Sea Bass Slices, Superior Soy Sauce 3.5/5

A simple and comforting dish, much like something you'd find in a home kitchen. The superior soy sauce played an essential role in adding depth and lifting the flavours of the tender Deep-fried Sea Bass Slices.

Cereal Prawns 4.2/5

This is a zi char staple that delivers on flavour. The Cereal Prawns are succulent and crispy, generously coated in buttery sweet cereal and fragrant curry leaves. They are comforting and well-balanced.

Sweet and Sour Pork, Popping Candy 4.2/5

The Sweet and Sour Pork was both playful and delicious. The succulent pork pieces were glazed in a tangy-sweet sauce, and the addition of popping candy gave it a whimsical, fizzy touch that added both texture and fun to the dish.

Spring Chicken, Luzhou Laojiao Zisha Tequila 3/5

Served sizzling, the Spring Chicken with Luzhou Laojiao Zisha Tequila was tender and well-flavoured. However, the dish lacked the aromatic complexity expected from the Luzhou Laojiao Zisha Tequila, making it feel more like a standard brown sauce braise.

Sliced Beef, Black Pepper Garlic Sauce 4.5/5

The Sliced Beef in Black Pepper Garlic Sauce was one of the stars of the night. The beef slices were juicy and tender, and the black pepper garlic sauce packed a sharp, pungent punch that paired exceptionally well with the meat.

Wanton Noodles Soup 2/5

The Wanton Noodles Soup is a letdown. While the noodles were decently springy, the soup lacked depth and body, resulting in a bland dish that felt more like an afterthought.

Yue's Signature 'LIMPEH' Bee Hoon 4.8/5

The must-order dish is Yue's Signature 'LIMPEH' Bee Hoon. A modern take on Chao Ta Bee Hoon, this version has a charred, crispy crust and deep wok hei. The soy sauce and lup cheong add an extra dimension of flavour, making it incredibly fragrant and satisfying. It is easily the best dish on the buffet.

Yue at Aloft impresses with a robust selection of zi char classics and playful modern twists. While a few dishes fell short of expectations, the value-for-money is undeniable, especially with the 1-for-1 promotion and free premium dishes. This buffet is worth every penny. It offers over 20 items, including crowd-pleasers like Cereal Prawns, LIMPEH Bee Hoon, and Sweet and Sour Pork with Popping Candy.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Yue (乐)
Aloft Novena Singapore

Lobby Level
16 Ah Hood Road
Singapore 329982
Tel: +65 68086846
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Nearest MRT: Toa Payoh (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm
Fri-Sun: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Toa Payoh MRT station. Take Exit A or B. Walk to Toa Payoh Bus Interchange (Stop ID 52009). Take bus number 139 or 145. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

JUwei 聚味老南洋咖啡店 @ SAFRA Town Club, Clarke Quay - Enjoy Nanyang Delights At This Modern Nanyang Coffeeshop Till 2am

JUwei 聚味老南洋咖啡店 is the new potential late-night spot for anyone craving Nanyang delights like nasi lemak and curry chicken, conveniently located just opposite Clarke Quay MRT station.

Open till 2am, this revamped coffeeshop within the SAFRA Town Club building is decked in retro furniture, decor, and multi-coloured lighting. Before its current iteration, the space was home to JUwei Sichuan Cuisine 聚味江湖菜馆. Now, the menu has shifted to focus on classic Nanyang fare.

The offerings are extensive, including breakfast toasts, beverages, cheong fun, wok-fried items, and rice sets. However, do note that the morning menu has a more limited selection.

Kaya Butter Toast 4.2/5

We enjoyed the Kaya Butter Toast ($2.50). It had cold slabs of butter and fragrant kaya sandwiched between thin crisp toasts. While the portion could be larger, I especially liked that the kaya wasn't too sweet. You can also make it a Toast Set ($5.90) with additional half-boiled eggs and a cup of kopi.

Chicken Curry Chee Cheong Fun 3.5/5

The Chicken Curry Chee Cheong Fun ($7.90) came paired with an assortment of ingredients - chicken, beans, beancurd skin, tau pok and pig skin. The curry was aromatic, but I wished the cheong fun was smoother.

Penang Char Kuey Teow 3.5/5

The Penang Char Kuey Teow ($10.90) carried a decent amount of flavour and wok hei, but it was a pity that the kway teow we had leaned to one of a harder texture. The dish was fried with fishcake, prawn, egg and lap cheong.

Prawn Paste Chicken Mid Joint 4/5

Our Prawn Paste Chicken Mid Joint ($8.90) was served piping hot, with each piece fried to a crunch that you would like your har cheong gai to have. These were nicely marinated, and its meat remained juicy.

Nasi Lemak with Crispy Fried Chicken Whole Leg Combo 4.2/5

Last but not least, we had to try JUwei's Nasi Lemak with Crispy Fried Chicken Whole Leg Combo ($12.90), a dish we saw many other diners enjoying. It was nicely served on a wooden platter with sides of achar, keropok, curry vegetables, egg, and a bowl of soup. The rice could be more lemak, but the texture was done well and fluffy. The highlight was the chunky chicken leg that came with crisp skin and tender meat, accompanied by extra crisp bits for added crunch. The soup was a miss, but the sambal added a sweet-spicy hit.

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.


JUwei 聚味老南洋咖啡店
29 Carpenter Street
Level 1
Singapore 059923
Tel: +65 6988 0836
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Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 8am - 2am
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit E. Cross the road and walk to Carpenter Street. Turn left onto Carpenter Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Claypot & Cooked Food Kitchen @ Chinatown Complex Food Centre - Cantonese Fare that Opens Only for 3 Hours

Claypot & Cooked Food Kitchen is a humble hawker stall nestled in a corner of Chinatown Complex Food Centre, helmed by Uncle Hong, who brings forth traditional Cantonese delicacies honed through years of experience at renowned Chinese restaurants, including the iconic Lai Wah Restaurant, established in 1963 by the legendary "Four Heavenly Kings of Singapore Cantonese Cuisine".

Braised Fish Head 4.2/5

Getting a taste of the stall's offerings requires some strategic planning due to its limited operating hours. To secure a meal, one must arrive well before lunchtime. We arrived at 9:30 am to place our order, and by 11 am, our dishes were served. Unfortunately, those who came later, around 11 am, were all turned away.

Taking the spotlight first is the Braised Fish Head ($25), an impressive dish both in portion size and flavour. The fried fish head is generously bathed in a light yet flavourful gravy, accompanied by vegetables, tofu, and taro.

Sweet and Sour Pork 4/5

Among the array of claypot delights, the signature Sweet and Sour Pork ($7) stands out. Crispy pork, cloaked in a delicate batter, is enrobed in a sweet and tangy sauce, possibly tinged with hawthorn for a unique zesty twist.

Claypot Pork Liver 4.2/5

The Claypot Pork Liver is a true gem. It boasts thick slices of pork liver cooked to perfection in a savoury brown sauce infused with the aromatic essence of ginger and scallions, sizzling in the claypot.

Sea Cucumber Stew 4/5

The Sea Cucumber Stew presents bouncy sea cucumber alongside succulent roasted pork, mushrooms, and cabbage, all bathed in a rich and flavourful sauce.

Sambal Kang Kong 4/5

For those craving a kick of heat, the Sambal Kang Kong delivers, offering crunchy kang kong stir-fried to perfection in a spicy and aromatic sambal sauce, providing a burst of flavour in every bite.

Prawn Paste Chicken 3.8/5

While the Prawn Paste Chicken doesn't quite steal the show like its counterparts, it still holds its own with its mild yet satisfying prawn paste flavour.

Salted Fish Char Siew Shrimp Fried Rice 4/5

Finally, the Salted Fish Char Siew Shrimp Fried Rice wraps up the meal with its fragrant aroma and comforting wok hei, offering a simple yet satisfying conclusion to a wonderful meal.


Claypot & Cooked Food Kitchen
Chinatown Complex Food Centre
335 Smith Street
#02-83
Singapore 050335
Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 10:30am - 12:30pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Pagoda Street. Turn right onto Trengganu Street and walk to the end of the street. Cross Smith Street and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk to Sago Lane. Turn left and walk down Sago Lane. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Nan Hwa Chong Fish Head Steamboat (南华昌(亚秋)鱼头炉) - Singapore Oldest Fish Head Steamboat Restaurant

Nan Hwa Chong Fish Head Steamboat, located at the corner of North Bridge Road, is Singapore's oldest fish head restaurant since 1927. The restaurant is also popularly known as Ah Chew Fish Head Steamboat among the regulars. Ah Chew has now retired, and the restaurant is run by his partner, Lee Hong Chuan's son, Michael now.

Fish Head Steamboat Grouper 3.5/5

A must-have at Nan Hwa Chong has to be their Fish Head Steamboat. You can choose the type of fish for the fish head steamboat. There are four choices - Pomfret, Grouper, Snapper and Song Fish. We had the grouper ($39/$48/$72) that was cooked with other ingredients such as cabbage, yam, and tofu in a rich pork bone broth and sole fish. However, the sole fish flavour is less prominent than it used to be. I was hoping for a richer flavour.

Signature Pork Belly 4/5

Besides the fish head steamboat, the restaurant also woks up a delicious selection of cooked dishes. The Signature Pork Belly ($12) is coated in fermented beancurd and deep-fried to a delightful bite. I enjoyed that the fermented beancurd was not overpowering, crispy on the exterior and succulent.

Signature Homemade Tofu 4/5

The Signature Homemade Tofu ($10) will delight both young and old. A soft and flavoursome tofu is encased inside the light and crisp batter coat. I can't pinpoint what they have done to make the homemade tofu, but it has been seasoned to elevate the taste profile.

Cuttlefish Kang Kong 4.2/5

Another lovely dish is the Cuttlefish Kang Kong cooked in a fragrant sambal sauce which is very shiok. The thickly sliced cuttlefish was firm and bouncy too. It is a simple stir-fried dish, but the cooking timing was perfect, retaining that crunch in the vegetable.

Prawn Paste Chicken Wings 4.2/5

Lastly, we had the Prawn Paste Chicken Wings ($10/$15/$20) deep-fried to a beautiful golden brown. Not only was it crispy and juicy, the distinct prawn paste flavour was well marinated into the chicken wings. It is one of the better versions I have eaten in a long while.

I have not returned to Nan Hwa Chong Fish Head Steamboat for years. The flavour was lighter for the fish head steamboat on my recent visit. However, the zichar items were better than what I had previously eaten.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Nan Hwa Chong Fishhead Steamboat
南华昌(亚秋)鱼头炉
812 North Bridge Road
Singapore 198779
Tel: +65 62979319
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Nearest MRT: Lavendar (EW Line), Nicoll Highway (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Nicoll Highway MRT station. Take Exit A. Take the overhead bridge and walk to the end. Continue onto Jalan Sultan until traffic junction of North Bridge Road and Jalan Sultan. Journey time about 8 minutes.[Map]

2) Alight at Lavender MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Lavendar MRT station (Stop ID 01319). Take bus number 107. Alight 2 stops later. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes.[Map]

3) Alight at Lavender MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and cut across the carpark towards the canal. Walk along the canal and across over. Cut through the blocks of flats to the main road. Turn right onto North Bridge Road. Continue on North Bridge Road until traffic junction of North Bridge Road and Jalan Sultan. Journey time about 12 minutes.[Map]

Nan Yang Dao (南洋岛) @ Serangoon Central - Authentic And Affordable Malaysian-Style Dishes In Serangoon

Nan Yang Dao (南洋岛), a vibrant eatery offering Malaysian-style dishes, opened earlier this year. It is located within Serangoon Central and just a short walk away from Serangoon MRT. The popular eatery has seen crowds throughout the year, especially during meal times to get a taste of their extensive variety of authentic Malaysian classics.

3 Layers Coffee 4/5

We kickstarted the meal with a cup of 3 Layers Coffee ($3). This layered drink was initially inspired by Sarawak's famous '3 Layer Tea. As for the coffee version, the drink consists of three layers of black coffee, palm sugar, and evaporated unsweetened milk. Perfectly milky without being overly sweet, it is great for coffee drinkers who prefer their coffee to be milkier and sweeter.

Penang Fried Kway Teow 4.2/5

The Penang Fried Kway Teow ($6.80) is one of their signatures. The Penang's rendition has lesser soy sauce and boasts a nice wok hei aroma. The pork lard gave the dish an extra oomph and comes with essential ingredients like Chinese sausages, bean sprouts, fish cakes and prawns.

Selayang Big Bowl Curry Noodle 4.2/5

Another signature is their Selayang Big Bowl Curry Noodle ($9.90). It arrives in a giant bowl of curry mee while a plate contains the excess curry broth at the bottom to depict the overflowing goodness. The rich curry broth is fragrant and slightly spicy and comes loaded with pork belly, prawns, beancurd skin, meatball, and fishball.

Dry Curry Mee 4/5

We also tried the Dry Curry Mee ($6.90), where yellow noodles are doused in a robust and creamy curry sauce and topped with char siu slices and french beans, along with tau pok and shredded chicken. Like the Selayang Big Bowl Curry Noodle, the spiciness was slightly tamer, but the dishes were still very satisfying.

Hometown Prawn Paste Fried Chicken 4.2/5

The Prawn Paste Fried Chicken ($10.80), better known as 'Har Cheong Gai', is crisp on the outside and succulent on the inside, with a pleasant prawn paste aroma. The wings packed a punch full of flavours from its special shrimp paste batter.

Chendol 4.5/5

To end off the meal on a sweet note, we had the Chendol ($3.50). It has a good amount of gula melaka without being overly sweet and has a nice brown sugar and coconut fragrance. The generous amount of red beans and chewy green jelly toppings also added a nice textural contrast to the dessert.

Words and photos 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.


Nan Yang Dao (南洋岛)
Blk 262 Serangoon Central
#01-85
Singapore: 550262
Tel: +65 65131750
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Nearest MRT: Serangoon (CC Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 10am - 9pm
Sat-Sun: 9am - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Serangoon MRT station. Take Exit E.Turn left and walk down Serangoon Central. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 mintues. [Map]