Kai Duck @ Takashimaya - Enjoy 30% Off Dim Sum & 50% Off Speciality Dishes For Members

Iconic Duck Specialist Kai Duck, located at Takashimaya, is turning up the indulgence with an irresistible dining promotion offering 30% off the entire dim sum menu during weekday lunch and 50% off one of six signature specialities during dinner. All you need to do is sign up for Kai Duck’s free membership programme to unlock these privileges. Known for its modern approach to Peking duck and Cantonese cuisine, Kai Duck’s menu continues to surprise with creative reimaginings of familiar favourites and well-executed classics.

Sliced Peking Duck with Crackers 4/5

Instead of the traditional crepe, the Sliced Peking Duck with Crackers ($23.20 for 4pc) is presented on crispy crackers paired with tomato and a sweet-tangy sauce. The contrast in textures — crisp cracker, tender duck, and juicy tomato — works harmoniously, while the sauce lifts the flavours and prevents the dish from feeling dry. It’s a playful and modern take on the classic that still respects its origins.

Pan-fried Siew Mai with Teriyaki Sauce 4/5

The Pan-fried Siew Mai with Teriyaki Sauce ($12.80 for 4pc) offers a refreshing twist on a dim sum staple. Plump and generously filled with minced meat and prawn, each bite bursts with flavour. The pan-fried exterior adds a slight crispness, and the teriyaki glaze imparts a savoury-sweet note that adds depth to this reinvented classic.

Deep-fried Yams and Pumpkin 4.2/5

A standout item, the Deep-fried Yam and Pumpkin ($9.80 for 3pc) impresses with its multi-layered texture. The top layer is light and crispy, followed by sweet pumpkin and fragrant yam. It is a delightful combination of crunch and softness, sweetness and earthiness. It’s a well-balanced and comforting bite that showcases the kitchen’s finesse.

Baked Pastry with Chinese Ham & Scallion 3.5/5

The Baked Pastry with Chinese Ham & Scallion ($9.80 for 3pc) features a beautifully flaky pastry topped with sesame seeds, exuding a lovely aroma. However, the filling could be more generous and robust in flavour to better match the pastry’s fragrant richness. It’s pleasant but lacks the punch of the other dishes.

Wok-fried Claypot Crab Tang Hoon with Luffa 4/5

A new addition to the menu, the Wok-fried Claypot Crab Tang Hoon with Luffa ($108) brings hearty satisfaction. The glass noodles absorb the savoury-sweet essence of the crustaceans, making every strand intensely flavourful. The crab is fresh and succulent, while the luffa adds a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of the dish.

Kai Duck continues to impress with its thoughtful modern interpretations of Chinese cuisine. With the 30% off dim sum and 50% off speciality dishes for members, it’s the perfect opportunity to revisit or discover this contemporary duck specialist at a great value.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Kai Duck
Takashimaya
391 Orchard Road
#05-10/11
Singapore 238872
Tel: +65 62355419
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line), Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 1130am - 3pm, 545pm - 10pm
Fri: 1130am - 5pm, 545pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 11am - 5pm, 545pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Follow the walkway through Wisma Atria to Takashimaya. Continue walking straight at Ngee Ann City until destination. Journey about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B to Orchard Road. Head west or turn left onto Orchard Road against the flow of traffic. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

10|SCOTTS @ Grand Hyatt Singapore - Relaunch of The Grand Afternoon Tea

Following the official completion of the redevelopment of Grand Hyatt Singapore, 10|SCOTTS welcomes you back with the relaunch of its Grand Afternoon Tea. This thoughtfully curated semi-buffet celebrates provenance and sustainability, and rounds off the experience with a tableside tier of desserts.

Artisanal Cheeses & Charcuterie

The savoury spread showcases artisanal Cheeses, Charcuterie, seasonal produce, and the chef’s signatures. The cheeses are specially selected from Les Frères Marchand, one of France’s oldest and largest cheese-maturing houses with a heritage spanning 7 generations. These prized cheeses are paired with freshly shaved charcuterie and the quintessential accompaniments of nuts, dried fruits, chutney, and olives.

ASC-certified Smoked Salmon

Sustainability takes centre stage with highlights such as the ASC-certified Smoked Salmon, responsibly sourced in line with Aquaculture Stewardship Council standards, paired simply with horseradish cream and capers.

ASC Seafood Vol-au-vent

Chef’s Signature presents ASC Seafood Vol-au-vent, a delicious buttery pastry generously filled with prawns, crab, and seafood bisque, delivering rich, crustacean-driven flavours.

Tomato Toast with White Anchovies

Spanish Gazpacho

On the day of our visit, a standout was the Tomato Toast with White Anchovies, where the natural sweetness of the tomato harmonised with the savoury anchovies. This was complemented by a Spanish Gazpacho, which brought out the bright, refreshing flavours of fresh tomatoes.

Salad Counter

Roasted Pumpkin with Yoghurt

At the Salad Counter, crisp organic vegetables were offered alongside antipasti, condiments, and house dressings. A plated salad of Roasted Pumpkin with Yoghurt added warmth, while fresh figs made a delightful seasonal appearance.

Scones

Scones were served warm to the table, accompanied by clotted cream, jam, and kaya. The kaya, with its mousse-like texture, was lighter than the traditional version, making it a perfect complement to the buttery scones. The jam leaned slightly tart, adding balance.

Vanilla Mille-Feuille

Red Wine Poached Pear

The dessert tier is also served at your table. A supposed Vanilla Mille-Feuille with Red Wine Poached Pear turned out closer to a French butter cookie, crunchy and buttery, though it veered a touch cloyingly sweet.

Citrus Pavlova

Opera Cake, Raspberry Fruit Tart, Chocolate Mousse

The Opera Cake stood out for its deep coffee intensity, while the Citrus Pavlova was dainty and airy. A Seasonal Fruit Tart rounded out the set, marrying tart raspberries with a sweet, custard-like base. While the savouries stood out, the sweets as a whole felt a little too sweet, which overshadowed some of their finer details.

Overall, while the sweet offerings leaned a little too sweet for my palate, the savoury selections were well-executed and memorable. With wooden bookshelves reminiscent of a library, plush couches, and inviting seating arrangements, 10|SCOTTS feels less like a restaurant and more like a grand living room, offering a warm, comfortable escape from the bustle of Orchard Road.

Grand Afternoon Tea
Weekdays: 2pm - 430pm
Weekends: 1130am - to 2pm and 230pm - 5pm
Price: $65++ per adult | $30++ per child (aged 6 to 12 years old)
Free Flow Beverage Package: $50++ for free-flow Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut Champagne; $70++ for free-flow Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut Champagne, selected red wine, white wine, cocktail and mocktail

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


10|SCOTTS
Grand Hyatt Singapore
Lobby Level
10 Scotts Road
Singapore 228211
Tel: +65 67381234
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk down Scotts Road to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

CUDO @ Stanley Street - Modern Comfort Food with Latin Soul

Located along Stanley Street, CUDO is the latest bold concept by the team behind Siri House and Moxie. Rooted in the spirit of modern Latin American cuisine, CUDO draws on bold, comforting flavours reimagined through a contemporary lens. With Chef Steve at the helm, the menu offers a vibrant medley of dishes inspired by his culinary travels and nostalgic eats, all given a fresh, creative twist.

Torched Truffadito 4.5/5

We began our dinner on a high note with the Torched Truffadito ($25). This refreshing small plate features thick slices of Japanese yellowtail, macerated in soy sauce and gently torched for a touch of smokiness. Finished with chipotle aioli, pickled cucumber, and radish, the dish is a beautiful balance of freshness, savoury, and zesty crunch.

Warm Crab Queso 4.2/5

The Warm Crab Queso ($18) is CUDO's take on a classic cheese dip, elevated with luxurious touches. The dip combines cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream, smoked mozzarella, and chilli cheddar, infused with Worcestershire, Tabasco, and white onion confit. Sakura ebi oil and crispy ebi add an umami punch, while zucchini and lump crab bring freshness and texture. It is perfect when scooped up with the accompanying fried tortillas.

Calabaza 4.2/5

A vegetarian delight, the Calabaza ($12) spotlights roasted Japanese pumpkin with a smoky chipotle aioli spiked with yuzu kosho. The sweetness of the pumpkin is complemented by pomegranate molasses, salty cotija cheese, and pistachio dust, which is a creative and flavour-packed small plate.

Disco Fries 4.5/5

Inspired by Chef Steve's time in Staten Island, the Disco Fries ($16) are indulgent, satisfying, and utterly addictive. Crisp fries are blanketed in mozzarella and cotija cheese, drenched in a beef jus-based brown gravy, and tossed with chorizo, pickled onions, and salsa Rosada. It's a glorious mash-up of American diner nostalgia with Latin vibrancy.

Chipotle Butter Prawns 4.2/5

The Chipotle Butter Prawns ($18) bring the heat and depth of flavour. Tiger prawns are rubbed with chipotle, roasted, and glazed with agave molasses before being finished with a torch. Served with house pesto and lime, each bite is smoky, sweet, and savoury with a zesty lift.

Grilled Seabass Fillet 3.8/5

The Grilled Seabass Fillet ($33) was beautifully plated with parsley-lime sauce and pineapple salsa, but the over-charred skin was slightly too bitter, distracting from the fish's freshness. While the flavour elements were sound, the execution slightly fell short of the mark.

Spaghetti Con Camarones 4.5/5

One of the showstoppers of the evening, the Spaghetti Con Camarones ($38), features squid ink pasta tossed in a luxurious Ancho bisque and topped with grilled tiger prawns. The sauce, made from sundried tomatoes, capers, white wine, ancho chilli paste, and seafood stock, packs rich, crustacean flavours balanced with tang and spice. Finished with chipotle oil, it's a must-order.

Coconut Tres Leches 4.2/5

Light yet indulgent, the Coconut Tres Leches ($14) delivers a tropical spin on the classic dessert. The housemade sponge is soaked in coconut milk, vanilla, and condensed milk, then sprayed with white rum and topped with coconut cream, toasted coconut flakes, and berry compote, making for a refreshingly sweet end to the meal.

Chocolate Tart 4.2/5

For chocolate lovers, the Chocolate Tart ($16) hits the spot. A silky chocolate mousse ganache is encased in a tart shell and garnished with cocoa pearls, housemade chilli jam, and candied nuts, creating layers of richness with a slight kick.

Toffee Plantain 4.2/5

The Toffee Plantain ($15) is a decadent finale, combining a moist plantain-banana sponge with banana mousse, vanilla ice cream, and caramelised plantain. The orange zest adds a lovely citrusy lift, rounding off a dessert that’s both comforting and refined.

CUDO impresses with its thoughtful reinterpretation of Latin American dishes, presented with flair and rooted in comfort. From inventive appetisers to bold mains and delightful desserts, it’s a welcome addition to Singapore’s modern dining scene.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


CUDO
13 Stanley Street
Singapore 068732
Tel: +65 8221 6330
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

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

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk to Telok Ayer Street. Turn left onto Telok Ayer Street, walk to Boon Tat Street. Turn left onto Boon Tat Street. Turn right onto Stanley Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Turn left onto Telok Ayer Street. Walk to Mccallum Street. Turn right onto Mccallum Street. Turn left onto Stanley Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Kaarla Wood-Fire Grill and Bar @ CapitaSpring - Pivoted From Fine Dining to Casual Australian-Japanese Restaurant

Formerly a fine dining concept, Kaarla at 1-Arden CapitaSpring has transitioned into a casual Australian-Japanese restaurant that offers a welcoming space for communal dining over wood-fire sharing plates and classic cocktails. Diners can also look forward to regular live entertainment for a chillout evening. Despite this pivot, Kaarla continues its commitment to sustainable dining by using ethically sourced ingredients from artisanal producers and local farms, incorporating over 158 species of edible greens, herbs, and flowers from its 10,000 sq-ft urban farm.

Yuzu Shoyu Salmon Skewers 4/5

Deep-Fried Lotus Root Chips 4/5

Parker Brioche 4/5

Instead of courses and a la carte dishes, the menu is now categorised into more affordably-priced sharing plates suitable for communal dining or after-work drinking sessions. To start the evening, we enjoyed some bar snacks, including crisped Deep-Fried Lotus Root Chips ($12), which were moreish with sweet-savoury furikake and dashi honey. The Parker Brioche ($10) with shio kombu butter added extra butteriness, and the Yuzu Shoyu Salmon Skewers ($15) satisfied with their fatty texture and smoky umami flavour.

Burrata 3/5

Coal Roasted Tiger Prawns 2.8/5

We tried the Coal Roasted Tiger Prawns ($22) and Burrata ($14) from the small plates. The burrata was lusciously soft and pillowy, complemented by a contrasting garlicky goma sauce. However, I couldn't help wondering what happened to the other half of the burrata. The prawns had good flavours imparted from sansho pepper and a tangy native tamarind jam, but they weren't as succulent as expected.

Natural Pork Loin 4.5/5

John Dory 2.5/5

For mains, the Natural Pork Loin ($36) was excellently done over a wood fire, served pink-tender over a bed of braised barley and garden vegetables from the farm. However, the John Dory ($46) fell short with a rubbery texture.

Wood Roasted Pumpkin 5/5

The Wood Roasted Pumpkin ($14) was a highlight for me. Slow-roasted, it had a dense and starchy texture, with a sweetness aptly contrasted by sharp goat's feta cheese and an umami miso glaze made from its own seeds, ground and mixed with miso. Atop the feta cheese was a handful of watercress from its farm, which surprised me with a refreshing, crunchy texture.

Cherry Ripe 4.5/5

Rounding off our meal was a divine Cherry Ripe ($18), featuring a classic combination of tart cherries and bitter dark chocolate ganache, brought together by a creamy coconut fudge.

Garden Fizz, Old Fashioned Kaarla

Alongside the revamped menu, the drinks selection has been refined to a concise selection of four signatures (all at $22), maximising house-grown herbs and kitchen ingredients. The Garden Fizz is a citrusy drink accented with rosemary, while the Old Fashioned Kaarla exudes a much bolder flavour, concocted with Australian bush tomatoes muddled with bourbon to give a slight caramel hint.

For the upcoming National Day, Kaarla is also one of the best options to catch the fireworks:

* Indulge in a 5-Course National Day Dinner priced at $168++ per person. (Available on July 27th, August 3rd, and 9th)
* Raise a Toast with Free-Flow Alcohol for $59++ per person on August 9th, from 6-8PM
* Join the Skyline Sparkle Party every Saturday from June 22nd to August 9th, Tickets are $30 nett per person and include one drink (choice of soft drink, juice, beer, housepour spirits, or wines).

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.


Kaarla Wood-Fire Grill & Bar
CapitaSpring
88 Market Street
#51-02
Singapore 048948
Tel: +65 8518 3763
Instagram
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon- Fri: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 11pm
Sat: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk to Malacca Street. Walk down Malacca Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Man Fu Yuan @ InterContinental Singapore - Welcomes the Year of the Dragon with Golden Resplendence

Man Fu Yuan at InterContinental Singapore invites patrons to partake in an opulent Lunar New Year feast from 15 January to 29 February 2024, promising an immersive experience that captivates the senses and ushers in good fortune.

Upholding the grand tradition, Man Fu Yuan unveils the colossal 'Dragon's Wealth' Yu Sheng 龙飞凤舞喜捞生 ($888++ serves up to 10 guests), a 60-inch spectacle that symbolizes strength, power, health, and good luck for the New Year. Packed with shredded vegetables, it is adorned with indulgent ingredients like rock lobster, sea urchin, ikura, shredded dried Hokkaido scallops, salmon sashimi, and crispy fish skin. A refreshing honey miso golden peach dressing and shallot oil complete this masterpiece.

Man Fu Yuan Abundance Treasure Pot 4.8/5

Taking centre stage is the Man Fu Yuan Abundance Treasure Pot ($498 nett), a culinary treasure trove featuring rock lobster, premium sea cucumber, five-head whole abalone, tiger palm mushroom, dried whole scallop, South Africa fish maw, goose web, pig trotters, dace fish ball, oysters, chicken wings, preserved Kurobuta sausage, pork liver sausage, Japanese premium flower mushroom, and more.

Steamed Atlantic Cod Fish Fillet 4.2/5

The Steamed Atlantic Cod Fish Fillet, topped with crispy preserved radish and scallions, offers a buttery and moist texture. It's paired with umami superior soya sauce, complementing the richness of the cod fish.

Oven-baked Lobster with Golden Butter Sauce and Cheese 4.5/5

The Oven-baked Lobster, bathed in golden butter sauce and cheese, presents sweet lobster meat with a finishing touch of smoky aroma from torching.

Sichuan Style Roasted Chicken 4/5

A firework of fiery flavours, the Sichuan Style Roasted Chicken features dried chilli, sesame seed, peanut, Sichuan spice, and scallion, complementing the tender chicken with crispy skin.

Lobster Mapo Tofu 4/5

Elevating Mapo Tofu with lobster meat, the dish boasts soft and silky tofu, robust flavours, and a good Sichuan spicy punch leaning towards appetizing rather than overly spicy.

Roasted Suckling Pig with Five Grain Glutinous Rice 4.5/5

A signature delight, the Roasted Suckling Pig ($528++) is stuffed with five grain glutinous rice, ensuring crackling crisp skin and tender, juicy meat infused with the delicious jus of the pig through roasting.

Chilled Pumpkin Puree, Longan, Lotus Seeds, Peach Collagen 4.5/5

Sweet Golden Nian Gao 3.5/5

To conclude the feast, the Chilled Pumpkin Puree with Longan, Lotus Seed, and Peach Collagen offers a refreshing and soothing dessert. Additionally, the symbolic Sweet Golden Nian Gao, a Chinese New Year sticky rice cake, signifies growth, progress, and the attainment of new heights.

Man Fu Yuan's Lunar New Year Extravaganza promises not just a feast but a culinary symphony of prosperity and good fortune.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Man Fu Yuan
InterContinental Singapore
Level 2
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 63387600
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1145am - 330pm, 630pm - 1030pm

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