Showing posts with label Prawn Toast. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Prawn Toast. Show all posts

Saturday, January 24, 2026

One Prawn & Co @ New Bahru - Modern Asian Seafood Grill by Chef Gwyneth of Michelin Bib Gourmand Zhup Zhup

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One Prawn & Co would be familiar to prawn noodle enthusiasts, as the original Michelin Bib Gourmand prawn noodle eatery by Chef Gwyneth has since been rebranded as Zhup Zhup. Today, One Prawn & Co represents her newest culinary venture, a modern Asian seafood grill concept at New Bahru, centred around woodfire grilling and bold fusion flavours.

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The restaurant offers a mix of indoor and outdoor seating, along with counter seats that provide diners with a front-row view of the chefs at work in the open kitchen.

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The $100++ per pax dinner set menu is perhaps the best introduction to Chef Gwyneth’s cuisine. Thoughtfully curated, it takes diners on a progression of flavours, beginning with lighter, refreshing bites before moving into deeper, smokier notes. A minimum of two diners is required, and reservations should quote OPC100SET.

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Hamachi Tartare 4/5

The meal began with the Hamachi Tartare, served on a crisp sago cracker and topped with hamachi, tobiko, and kimchi. While the kimchi was more subtle than expected, the overall combination made for a clean and refreshing start.

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Smoky Prawn Toast 4.5/5

Next came the Smoky Prawn Toast, featuring juicy prawn paste, pickled red onion and homemade garlic aioli on crisp toast. It was a delightful bite that balanced crunch, creaminess and a gentle smokiness.

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Burrata & Smoky Beans 5/5

The brilliantly executed Burrata & Smoked Beans was my absolute favourite dish of the meal. Crunchy haricot verts and white bait are topped with umami-packed cracked chilli and creamy burrata. Unexpected yet perfectly harmonious, it was so addictive we polished it off super quickly. This is also available a la carte at $26, and I highly recommend ordering.

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Spicy Octopus 4.5/5

Fusion flavours continued to shine with the Spicy Octopus. Tender grilled octopus was paired with assam pedas, while lotus root chips added a satisfying crunch.

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Scorched Hor Fun 4.2/5

We watched as the chefs carefully prepared the Scorched Hor Fun, a modern nod to the local zi char classic. The hor fun is cooked in a mesh sieve over a woodfire to achieve an intense char, then tossed with XO sauce and Sichuan peanuts, and finished with plump seared scallops. While we definitely wished for a more potent XO punch, the lighter flavours were still enjoyable.

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“Typhoon Shelter” Prawn 4.8/5

The beautifully plated “Typhoon Shelter” Prawn followed. Five smoky, perfectly cooked prawns sat in a rich elderflower vermouth sauce with burnt leek oil, creating a sweet, savoury, herbaceous combination.

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Malt Black 4/5

Desserts began with Malt Black, a unique sourdough ice cream paired with roasted white chocolate, yuzu and Horlicks crumbs.

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Lemongrass Ice Kachang 4.2/5

The Lemongrass Ice Kachang was a refreshing finale, featuring osmanthus aiyu jelly, roasted coconut, lemongrass granita and plum vinegar.

Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed Chef Gwyneth’s refined yet soulful creations, particularly her thoughtful approach to reimagining local Asian flavours through a modern lens.

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.


One Prawn Co
New Bahru
46 Kim Yam Road
#01-10
Singapore 239351
Tel: +65 83660130
Facebook
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Website
Nearest MRT: Fort Canning (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Fri: 11am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 11am - 430pm, 6pm - 10pm
(Closed on Mon & Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Fort Canning MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to the traffic junction of River Valley Road and Clemenceau Ave. Cross the road and cut through UE Square to Unity Street. Turn right onto Unity Street and walk to Mohamed Sultan Road. Cross the road and walk to Kim Yam Road. Walk down Kim Yam Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 10 minutes. [Map]

Tuesday, December 9, 2025

Salt and Soul @ Frasers Tower - A Cosy CBD Hideout With Hits and Misses

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Salt and Soul at Cecil Street is a fairly new dining spot located right opposite the bustling Amoy Street Food Centre. The space has a warm, welcoming charm, and the menu is concise with a curated selection of starters, pastas, and mains.

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Prawn Toast 3/5

We began with two starters. The Prawn Toast ($14) features two deep-fried cristal bread toasts stacked with a thin layer of prawn mousse in between, topped with tomato salsa. Despite the noticeably thin spread of mousse, the prawn flavour was pronounced enough to permeate the fried toast. The crunch was satisfying — thanks to cristal bread’s holey structure — though it did get a tad greasy, even with the tomato salsa adding some freshness.

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Pommes Frites 4.5/5

The Pommes Frites ($12) were simple but well-executed. They were crisp with a fluffy interior and well-seasoned. Paired with the spicy tomato mayo dip, it definitely satisfied my friend’s craving!

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Beef Bourguignon 2.5/5

For mains, the Beef Bourguignon ($22) comes with braised chuck roll in red wine, pearl onions, carrot, mushrooms, and jus. I was expecting a more decadent, full-bodied sauce, but what arrived was rather watery. While the flavour was acceptable and the meat tender, it was on the stringy side and lacked depth. The mashed potato, however, was delightful.

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Seabass en Papillote 4/5

As for the Seabass en Papillote ($22), the fish was moist and tender, with the steamed daikon soft, juicy, and absorbing all the surrounding flavours beautifully. There was a hint of lemongrass, but given the menu’s promise of lemongrass and a medley of herbs with “local aromatics,” I expected a punchier profile.

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Beverage options include house pours, beers, cocktails, and coffee.


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I really like the vibe of Salt and Soul, though not everything on the menu landed for me. Some items are quite favourably priced, with pastas starting from $13, and with a bit more refinement, it could easily become a regular spot for the working crowd in the vicinity.

Photos and words by Si An. A homebody who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, the smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


Salt and Soul
Frasers Tower
182 Cecil Street
Singapore 069547
Tel: +65 8728 8658
Facebook
Instagram
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 1130am -1030pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Turn left and walk down Telok Ayer Street. Walk to the destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Thursday, August 7, 2025

Alice Boulangerie @ Raffles City - Bakery by Day, Cosy Dinner Spot by Night

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Alice Boulangerie has embarked on an exciting new chapter with the opening of its charming new outlet at Raffles City, designed to be a bakery by day and a cosy dinner spot by night. Featuring a refreshed all-day dine-in menu alongside a brunch selection, guests can look forward to hearty, deeply comforting dishes that uphold the high quality Alice Boulangerie is known for. The outlet also debuts the new bakery concept Fine Crumbs, which operates until 5:30pm and offers a delightful range of 25 creative types of sweet and savoury buns that appeal to both the eyes and the taste buds.

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Tiger Prawn Toast 4.2/5

We started our dinner with the Tiger Prawn Toast ($22), where chopped tiger prawns are tossed in a creamy blend of Dijon mustard, mayo, yoghurt, and a dash of Tabasco, then generously layered over airy and soft house-made brioche toast.

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Beef Tongue Skewers 4.2/5

A unique starter would be the grilled Beef Tongue Skewers ($22), which is charcoal-grilled with an ale glaze, then topped with green harissa and crispy chicken skin. There’s also a little hint of spiciness that adds an interesting kick to the dish.

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Hokkaido Scallop Crudo 4.5/5

The Hokkaido Scallop Crudo ($24) was a standout, featuring sashimi-grade Hokkaido scallops dressed in a zesty ponzu, drizzled with laksa leaf oil, and served with julienned Thai green mango and red chilli to round off this bright and refreshing appetiser.

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Grilled Spring Chicken 4.5/5

Honestly, between the two main courses we tried, we couldn't decide if we liked the chicken or the fish more because both are excellent and worth ordering. The Grilled Spring Chicken ($48) was very impressive for how tender and juicy it was. The meat is definitely not dry at all! A whole baby spring chicken is marinated overnight in an aromatic achiote pepper glaze and spice blend, then charcoal-grilled till perfection with a hint of smokiness. It's served with charred broccolini on the side, and also comes with two sauces: a garlic aioli and a sambal cincalok that is super addictive! It's quite a large portion, so this is good for sharing.

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Aqua Pazza 4.5/5

The Aqua Pazza ($39) is equally good, featuring seared, flaky smoked black cod in a tangy tomato sauce brimming with black olives, pearl onions, capers and cherry tomatoes. If you enjoy puttanesca sauce, you will love this. There are also deep-fried fish strips reminiscent of childhood cuttlefish snacks.

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We also got to try some of the buns from Fine Crumbs, where each bun is crafted with premium Japanese flour using the traditional Yudane method, which locks in moisture to create a soft, chewy texture. The dough undergoes a slow 12-hour natural fermentation, free from artificial additives or bread improvers, allowing flavours and structure to develop gently and naturally. From fermentation to proofing, every step is meticulously monitored to achieve the perfect light, airy crumb.

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Mentaiko Prawn Bun 4/5

We tried two of the savoury buns, starting with the Mentaiko Prawn Bun ($5.2), a charcoal bun stuffed with chopped tiger prawns and tobiko, tossed in creamy mentaiko mayo, and paired with a refreshing purple cabbage slaw and a tomato slice for crunch and balance.

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Bulgogi Beef Bun 3.8/5

Next was the Bulgogi Beef Bun ($5.7), where tender, marinated beef in a savoury-sweet glaze, paired with red and green chilli, roasted sesame and purple cabbage, all nestled in a soft, golden corn bun. Finished with a touch of mustard mayo, this hearty bun delivers familiar Korean-inspired flavours.

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Black Sesame Peanut Mochi Bun 4/5

For the sweet buns, the Black Sesame Peanut Mochi Bun ($4.8) is a soft black sesame bun filled with rich black sesame paste and chewy mochi, topped with a generous coating of fragrant ground peanuts. It’s quite an interesting bite that honours local favourites.

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Matcha Nama Chocolate 4.2/5

Matcha Nama Chocolate Bun ($6.5) is a green, fluffy matcha bun dusted with matcha powder and filled with a thick slab of luscious matcha nama chocolate and light mascarpone cream. This is great for the matcha lovers. I liked it a lot.

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With 25 interesting flavours on the menu, we're definitely keen to come back and try more! Some of the other savoury buns that caught our eye include the Charred Corn Bun, Big Brekkie Bun with roasted bell pepper, scrambled egg and streaky bacon, Truffle Portobello Bun, Pesto Chicken Bun, and the Croque Monsieur Bun.

As for the sweet treats, the Strawberry Milk Loaf, Yuzu Meringue, and Chocolate Banana Tart are high on our list! Do note that Fine Crumbs Bakery only operates until 5.30pm, after which they focus on serving their dine-in menu and wine list.

Penned by Shermine. Through her pictures and stories, she shares her journey of savouring new flavours and experiences. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Alice Boulangerie
Raffles City
252 North Bridge Road
#01-22A
Singapore 179103
Tel: +65 8083 5315
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 930am - 1030pm
Fri-Sat: 930am - 11pm

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

Sunday, July 27, 2025

Cafe Quenino @ Artyzen Singapore - The Heart of SG60: A Celebration of Local Flavours

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Back at Cafe Quenino in Artyzen Singapore, I returned for the July and August instalment of The Heart of SG60, a heartfelt culinary initiative commemorating Singapore's 60th birthday. This monthly series unites the hotel with seven beloved local culinary icons: Chef Inderpal Singh of Meh'r, Chin Mee Chin, Keng Eng Kee Seafood, Goobybakes, Abundance, Red House Seafood, and Cake Inspiration. Each month features a rotation of guest chefs and heritage brands to celebrate Singapore's vibrant food identity.

For August, diners are treated to a rare opportunity - a one-off collaboration menu featuring all participating guest chefs in one communal meal. At $65++ per pax, the Communal Set Menu presents six mains (choose four) along with starter, appetiser, and dessert, all served in a nostalgic tingkat-style.

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'Hei Zho' Prawn Toast 4/5

A crowd favourite from the July menu makes a return: the 'Hei Zho' Prawn Toast from Keng Eng Kee Seafood. Deep-fried white bread sandwiches a luscious prawn mousse, paired with a house-made tomato jam. Each bite hits with a satisfying crunch, followed by the briny sweetness of prawns and the jam's tangy-sweet finish. It is a refined twist on a zi char classic.

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Make-your-own Roti Kirai 4.2/5

We kick off with a fun and interactive start, featuring the Make-Your-Own Roti Kirai. The roti kirai is paired with pulled pork rendang, braised jicama, sambal ikan bilis, and baby gem lettuce. Guests are encouraged to roll it all up, taco-style, for a medley of textures and bold, layered flavours, a creative nod to Malay heritage cuisine.

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Beef Kut Teh Ravioli 4.8/5

The standout dish of the night is the Beef Kut Teh Ravioli, a brilliant creation from Abundance. Taking inspiration from Taiwanese beef noodles, the ravioli is generously stuffed with tender beef short rib and bathed in a robust herbal broth. Topped with crispy fried mee sua, it offers a modern, East-meets-West interpretation of local comfort food with stunning depth and umami.

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Seafood 'Paofan' 4/5

From Red House Seafood, the Seafood 'Paofan' is delicately balanced with a clear yet flavourful broth and puffed rice for texture. Prawns and baby scallops add sweet, oceanic richness. A piece of seared milkfish with a squeeze of calamansi on the side offers a zesty, tangy contrast – comforting yet elevated.

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Salted Egg Prawn 4.5/5

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Hainanese Beef Brisket 4/5

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Seafood Black Pepper Masak Kicap 4.8/5

With the opportunity to pick four out of six mains, we also tried the Hainanese Beef Brisket from Chin Mee Chin, a hearty and tender rendition reminiscent of classic Hainanese stews. Seafood Black Pepper Masak Kicap by Chef Inderpal Singh of Meh'r, where bold pepper heat and sweet soy meld in a rich, savoury seafood dish. Salted Egg Prawn, another creation from KEK, is served zi char-style with the creamy, grainy salted egg yolk clinging to the prawns. All mains are accompanied by fragrant Coconut Basmati Rice and a herbal, aromatic Nasi Ulam-style Wild Rice, both designed to complement the variety of dishes on the table.

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Kaya Mille-feuille 4.8/5

Dessert brings on nostalgia with the Kaya Mille-feuille, in collaboration with Chin Mee Chin. This modern reimagining layers Chin Mee Chin’s iconic kaya with mango lychee compote and coconut ice cream, sandwiched between crisp pastry sheets. A creative yet respectful homage to the old-school cream cracker, this dessert is both playful and deeply sentimental.

Cafe Quenino's SG60 initiative continues to impress, not just with its culinary creativity but with its authentic spirit of collaboration and tribute to Singapore's rich food culture. For those looking to rediscover beloved local flavours through a new lens, this August menu is not to be missed. With each month promising new highlights, Cafe Quenino is fast becoming a must-visit for anyone passionate about Singapore food, both old and new.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Cafe Quenino
Artyzen Singapore
9 Cuscaden Road
Level 1
Singapore 249719
Tel: +65 6371 6020
Facebook
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Nearest MRT: Orchard Boulevard (TE Line), Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 12 midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard Boulevard MRT Station. Take Exit 1. Walk to Cuscaden Road. Turn right onto Cuscaden Road. Walk down Cuscaden Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Orchard MRT Station. Take Exit 11. Walk down Orchard Boulevard towards Four Seasons Hotel. Take the walk path beside Four Seasons Hotel to Cuscaden Road. Walk to the junction of Cuscaden Road and turn left onto Cuscaden Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Saturday, April 12, 2025

Maggie's @ Keong Saik Road - The Rebellious Sister of Marcy that Serves Up Boundary-Pushing Chinese Cuisine

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Meet Maggie'sMarcy's mei mei, a.k.a. darling little sister. If Marcy's is all elegance and polish, Maggie's is the rebellious one who rolls up her sleeves, throws caution to the wind, and serves up a daring, boundary-pushing adventure for your taste buds.

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Maggie's blends the old with the new, East with West, bold with refined. An "Almost Chinese" bistro that plays by no one's rules, Maggie's celebrates flavour that doesn't bow to tradition. Instead, it dances on the edge, leading a high-energy, flavour revolution that leaves you craving more. Led by Chef Ryan Nile Choo, the menu at Maggie's is kept concise, meant to be enjoyed in a sharing style, and will be refreshed every quarter. The current iteration of the menu is rather adventurous, featuring dishes such as cod milt, quail, and lamb tartare.

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First, the space is absolutely stunning. The low ceilings and vibey red lighting set the perfect mood, blending vintage 'grandma chic' with a touch of '70s glamour. It's a space that feels both nostalgic and effortlessly cool, like stepping into a time capsule where vintage elegance meets modern edge. There are lots of little thoughtful details in the décor, so take the time to soak it all in.

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"Golden Gun" Cigars 4.5/5

The first dish we tried was the "Golden Gun" Cigars ($18 for 2 pc). These feature bigeye tuna crudo mixed with olive leaves (kana chai) and wrapped in a crispy, golden skin like a spring roll. It's finished with a dusting of tomato powder and served on a bed of crème fraiche and spring onions. I loved how the olive leaves added a unique subtle, earthy note to the dish.

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Golden Prawn Croque-Madame 4.8/5

Next up was the Golden Prawn Croque-Madame ($25), and wow, what an excellent flavour combination! A Tiger Prawn "Mojo" prawn paste infused with Sichuan green peppercorns for that signature mala kick is sandwiched between two thin, crispy slices of homemade focaccia. There's also a fried egg on top, and it's all tied together with a refreshing passionfruit hollandaise that adds a burst of tangy creaminess to balance out the slight mala heat.

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Fufu e Pepe 4.2/5

The Fufu e Pepe ($26) was the polarising dish of the evening. Inspired by the classic Caccio e Pepe, hand-pulled La Mian is coated with a sauce made with fermented bean curd and tossed with guanciale pecorino and Jinhua ham. The flavours are deep and intense, with the Jinhua ham adding a smoky richness as well. Some might consider this dish way too pungent to enjoy. However, for those who relish adventurous, complex tastes, this is a dish worth trying.

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Roasted Pomfret 4.2/5

The Roasted Pomfret ($36 half, $58 whole) can be ordered as a half or full portion and is cooked with green peppercorn salsa verde and extra virgin olive oil. The fish is fresh and delicious, with a subtle mala spiciness that adds an additional layer of flavour. However, do note that the fish isn't fully de-boned, and the dim lighting can make it tricky to navigate, so take your time to work your way through this dish.

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Maggie’s 8 Treasures 4/5

For dessert, we enjoyed Maggie's 8 Treasures ($16), a combination of glutinous rice, red date gelato, red bean cloud, longans, jujubes, and peanut brittle. I liked the date ice cream and peanut brittle, but I found the glutinous rice element too heavy for dessert; it felt like a lot to digest at the end of the meal.

Maggie's is a promising newcomer to Keong Saik Road. It offers diners an innovative and exciting experience paired with a beautifully designed ambience. It's very suitable for a date or girl's night out. As they continue to refresh the menu for future runs, I hope they keep some of the standout dishes from this iteration, like the prawn croque madame, which is unforgettable!

Penned by Shermine. Through her pictures and stories, she shares her journey of savouring new flavours and experiences. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Maggie's
1 Keong Saik Road
#01-04
Singapore 089109
Tel: +65 9622 6679
Facebook
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Website
Nearest MRT: Outram Park (EW, NE, TE Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu, Sun: 530pm - 1030pm
Fri-Sat: 530pm - 1130pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk straight towards Kreta Ayer Road. Turn right onto Keong Siak Road. Walk down Keong Siak Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Walk straight down Neil Road to Keong Saik Road. Turn right onto Keong Saik Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 mintues. [Map]