808 Eating House @ Joo Chiat Road - New Brunch Collaboration with Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee

We first stepped into 808 Eating House for Province Restaurant's omakase experience. Province was tucked away at the back, where we needed to walk through 808 Eating House to reach. The latter caught our attention, and I made a mental note to return to try their dishes.

Situated in the quaint Joo Chiat neighbourhood, this Asian restaurant specialises in fusion-style local creations, blending a diverse range of culinary influences. Their brunch and dinner menus feature sharing snacks, mains, sides, and desserts. In collaboration with Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee, customers can now indulge in delicious food over a cup of aromatic coffee.

Duck Fat Financiers 4.5/5

I was most intrigued by the Duck Fat Financiers ($10), especially after learning that they're currently one of the most popular sharing snacks on the menu. While the financiers were slightly dense, they had a decent fluffy texture.

Pairing them with the chicken liver mousse was a delightful combination. The mousse was rich, buttery, and had a perfect balance of salty and sweet flavours.

Pickled Quail Eggs 4.2/5

We also ordered the Pickled Quail Eggs ($6), about a dollar each. They were thoroughly marinated, delivering an immediate kick of black vinegar with a hint of coriander fragrance lingering in the background.

Charcoal Grilled Kaya Toast 4.2/5

Are you looking for a unique twist on your classic kaya toast? Try the Charcoal Grilled Kaya Toast ($8), where the chefs have elevated the dish with a special housemade kaya that's creamy and rich in coconut flavour. It strikes a good balance of sweetness, and the toast is crunchy. However, if you're not a fan of coconut, you might want to skip this option.

Chicken Curry Rice 4.8/5

I absolutely adored the Chicken Curry Rice ($18). Our server highly recommended this, and I definitely understand why. The dish features fluffy Hom Mali rice topped with prawn-coconut floss, chicken skin crumbles, and chives, accompanied by a fragrant pour of Hainanese curry and a side of crispy chicken thigh.

While I wished they were more generous with the curry, it still won me. The curry was mildly coconutty yet flavorful, with a delightful lingering spice.

Cold Bee Hoon 4/5

The Cold Bee Hoon ($7) reminded us of cold-tossed somen. It used rice vermicelli, shallot oil, shio kombu, sakura ebi and chives. While the flavours were present, I found it too moist as a whole.

Ice Cream Sandwich 3.8/5

Among the three dessert options, we decided on the Ice Cream Sandwich ($13) with black sesame parfait, coconut caramel, mushroom crumble and mint. We didn't notice that it used parfait instead of regular ice cream, and we were less of a fan of the slightly oily mouthfeel.

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.


808 Eating House
153 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore 427431
Tel: +65 8946 8089
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Nearest MRT: Dakota (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Fri: 12pm - 3pm, 5pm - 11pm
Sat-Sun: 8am - 3pm, 5pm - 11pm
(Closed on Mon and Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at block 99 (Stop ID 81181). Take bus 33. Alight 5 stops later. Walk across the open-air carpark. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

1864 The Bar @ Sofitel Singapore City Centre - Sofitel x Sulwhasoo Ginseng Afternoon Tea

In an exclusive partnership with renowned Korean luxury beauty brand Sulwhasoo, Sofitel Singapore City Centre has recently launched a co-branded afternoon tea experience. Available from 1 March to 26 April, this limited-time afternoon tea set incorporates the essence of the brand's signature ingredient, ginseng, into a repertoire of sweet and savoury delights. What's more, you get to walk away with a set of Sulwhasoo Anti-aging Kit.

Chinese Herbal Tea Quail Egg

We started with Chinese Herbal Tea Quail Egg, which was simply adorable and tasty. I appreciate the addition of olive oil pearls which added a unique flavour and mouthfeel to the egg.

Chilled Ginseng Egg Royale with Shredded Crab Meat was delicious with soft egg custard paired with sweet crab meat.

Chicken Collagen Broth with Coconut Noodles and Goji Berries

Chicken Collagen Broth with Coconut Noodles and Goji Berries was my absolute favourite. Served chilled, it was like a delectable savoury-sweet ginseng shot with a texture bite lent from coconut noodles.

Ginseng Crème Brûlée Sable Cookie

Among the sweets, Ginseng Crème Brûlée Sable Cookie was infused with a pronounced taste of ginseng, which harmonised well with the creme brulee. The sugar bits are reminiscent of ginseng candy. However, the uneven caramelised sugar affected the overall texture and sweetness balance.

Yuzu Ginseng Tart with Swiss Meringue

Caramel Ginger Puff

Adorned with a flower, both Yuzu Ginseng Tart with Swiss Meringue and Caramel Ginger Puff captivated us aesthetically. The Yuzu Ginseng Tart was like an elevated version of a Lemon Tart, offering a tangy blend of yuzu and ginseng, while the latter surprised with an interesting cylindrical puff pastry filled with sweet and eggy custard.

Honey Mascarpone Lemon Cake

Among the sweet pastries, Honey Mascarpone Lemon Cake stood out with its fluffy sponge cake, honey mascarpone layer, and soft chantilly cream. Each layer harmonised with the others, and the sweetness level was just right.

Chilled Hashima Ginseng Soup with Goji Berries

Chilled Hashima Ginseng Soup with Goji Berries added a nourishing and refreshing touch to the Sulwhasoo Ginseng Afternoon Tea experience.

Each Sofitel x Sulwhasoo Afternoon Tea Set also comes with two sets of Sulwhasoo Anti-aging Kits worth $222. Each kit features sample sizes of Sulwhasoo's top products: Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream (5ml), First Care Activating Serum (8ml), Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Serum (5ml), and Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Eye Cream (3ml).

Sofitel x Sulwhasoo Ginseng Afternoon Tea Price: $118++ for two persons. High tea hours is 2pm to 5pm daily. Make a reservation via their official website, call 6428 5000 or email HA152@sofitel.com

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.


1864
Sofitel Singapore City Centre
Fifth Floor
9 Wallich Street
Singapore 078885
Tel: +65 6428 5000
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
High Tea: 2pm - 5pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right on Peck Seah Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Homura by Kai @ Orchard Plaza - A Hidden Yakitori Omakase Inside An Unassuming Shopping Mall

Homura by Kai, nestled discreetly on the third floor of Orchard Plaza, is a yakitori omakase haven awaiting discovery. This unassuming restaurant opens its shutters precisely at 6:30 pm, revealing a cosy space with 12 counter seats that provide a full view of the chef orchestrating his culinary magic over a charcoal pit.

I had the 18-course Yakitori Omakase ($188), which promises an array of flavours and textures. The feast includes 3 Appetisers, 13 Skewers, 1 Signature Ramen/Soup, and a Dessert. There's also a slightly more modest 12-course Yakitori Omakase available at $138.

Chawanmushi 4/5

We embarked on this journey with a delightful Chawanmushi. This Japanese classic presents a smooth and silky steamed egg bathed in dashi broth and adorned with a slice of chicken and a mushroom. It's a soothing prelude to the meal.

Spanish Mackerel 4.5/5

A highlight of the evening was the Spanish Mackerel. At first glance, it might appear straightforward, but upon closer examination, it reveals two distinct textures. The top layer is slightly grilled to a delicate crisp, while the other half is served as sashimi. This clever preparation combines two different textural experiences in a single bite.

Chicken Neck 4.2/5

Chicken Skin 3.5/5

Chicken Heart 4/5

We continued the journey through the diverse world of chicken skewers. The Chicken Neck surprised me with its pleasantly meaty bite, while the Chicken Skin was delightfully crispy. Chef Roy even meticulously trimmed away charred bits, ensuring no unpleasant burnt taste lingered. The Chicken Heart offered a delectably tender texture, showcasing the art of grilling different chicken parts.

Shirako 4.5/5

Moving on, we encountered Shirako, cod fish's milt, a delicacy in season. Chef Roy coated it with a sweet sauce and grilled it over charcoal, adding a slight crispness to the exterior and a smoky aroma, all finished with a hint of sweetness.

Zucchini 4.2/5

Mushroom 4/5

The exploration of skewers continued with a focus on vegetables. The Zucchini, kissed by the fire and lightly seasoned with salt, brought out its natural sweetness. The Mushroom was perfectly grilled, preserving its juicy core.

Chicken Oyster 4.5/5

Chicken Wing 4.2/5

Next in line were the Chicken Oyster, a prized part of the chicken located on the back near the hip joint, offering a moist, juicy, and slightly silky texture. The Chicken Wing, as one might expect, was packed with flavour due to its bone-in preparation.

Gingko Nuts 3.8/5

Gingko Nuts made an appearance, with their green hue resembling grapes, though the taste was quite different, offering hints of sweetness and nuttiness after grilling over charcoal.

Japanese Yam 2.8/5

Japanese Yam, however, was the least favourite. The skin-on grilling left it somewhat dry, with a lingering aftertaste that might not appeal to all palates.

Chicken Gizzard 4/5

Chicken Cartilage 4.2/5

The Chicken Gizzard and Chicken Cartilage provided a delightful crunch, demonstrating the versatility of various chicken parts. These skewers were a testament to how even less common parts can be transformed into delectable treats.

Chicken Liver 4/5

Chicken Liver followed, my personal favourite among chicken innards. Typically enjoyed with chicken rice, it presented a unique flavour profile after grilling, resembling pig's liver more closely than the usual boiled variety.

Tsukune 4.5/5

The Tsukune, seasoned ground chicken formed into oval shapes, was a beloved dish in Japanese cuisine. It showcased the art of grilling and flavouring meat to create savoury and slightly sweet bite-sized portions of grilled chicken.

Quail Egg 4/5

The omakase feast culminated with Quail Egg, grilled and seasoned with pepper. Unlike the usual tough texture of quail eggs, these retained a soft, runny centre, a testament to Homura's grilling skills.

Ramen 3.8/5

The savoury part of the meal ended with Ramen served with an onsen egg and seaweed. The broth, light yet rich, was the perfect ending to a fantastic feast. Finally, for the grand finale, a scoop of Ice Cream, available in Matcha, Black Sesame, or Vanilla, rounded off the dining experience.

Homura by Kai offers an exceptional yakitori omakase feast where each ingredient is expertly grilled to bring out its full flavour. The chef and service staff provide not only delicious dishes but also a warm and attentive dining experience. It was a truly enjoyable and memorable omakase dinner.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Homura by Kai
Orchard Plaza
150 Orchard Road
#03-16
Singapore 238841
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 630pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk to traffic junction of Orchard Road and Killney Road. Cross the road. Walk to Orchard Plaza. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Madame Fan @ The NCO Club - Introducing Over 10 New-to-menu Masterfully Crafted A La Carte Delights

Executive Chinese Chef Pak Chee Yit at Madame Fan has put together more than 10 new masterfully crafted a la carte dishes to the menu, bridging both classic and contemporary culinary techniques, flavours and philosophies.

Pan-fried Foie Gras, Truffle, Caviar with Crispy Beancurd Skin 4/5

We commenced the dinner with some delightful starters, beginning with Pan-fried Foie Gras ($38) that is paired with caviar and truffle. It is served in a crispy beancurd skin tart. Chef Pak incorporated modern ingredients while retaining longstanding heritage of the dish, creating new and different flavours or textures for the palate

Smoky Lishan Oolong Mala Quail Eggs 4.2/5

The Smoky Lishan Oolong Mala Quail Eggs ($16) reminded me of the Chinese Tea Eggs. It is given a modern take by marinating the quail eggs in mala sauce and smoked in premium Lishan oolong tea leaves, resulting in a smoky, earthy and savoury taste profile.

Alaska King Crab Somen 4.2/5

The Alaska King Crab Somen ($22) is a refreshing starter served chill. A hot and sour consomme made from preserved Szechuan vegetables is poured at tableside, giving the silky smooth somen a subtle hint of tangy for the palate.

Kampong Chicken Soup 4.8/5

An indispensable part of Cantonese dining table is the culture of soup drinking. At Madame Fan, Chef Pak's Kampong Chicken Soup ($88) is savoured over two courses. 

The first course is a Chicken Soup whereby the essence of the kampong chicken is drawn from simmering over low heat for four hours, served with cordyceps flower and bamboo pith. Diners can also opt to add on premium fish maw at a supplement of $28 per person. The second course is Hand-shredded Chicken in Aged Vinegar Sauce. The chicken is handed shredded and refreshingly dressed in vinegar ginger sauce.

Braised Cognac Soon Hock

The Braised Cognac Soon Hock (Seasonal Price), doused in cognac is delicately braised to retain its natural juices, paired with Chinese yam, baby cabbage in a rich broth with flavours of shellfish, lobster, crab and clam.

Slow Cooked Wagyu Oxtail

A beautiful dish that is slow cooked to tender is the Wagyu Oxtail ($38). The cooking breaks down the collagen-rich tissues, resulting in a thick, velvety, and almost sticky consistency. It gives the dish a luxurious mouthfeel to the dish in a cinnamon and star anise sauce.

Boston  Lobster with Winter Melon 'Noodles'

The Boston Lobster with Winter Melon 'Noodles' is a creative dish replacing the usual noodle with shredded winter melon. The winter melon noodles are simmered in a spicy pickled pepper to give it a good balance of tangy and sour to the refreshing broth. It is paired with sweet Boston lobster meat for a luxurious indulgence.

Gui Zhou Maotai Ice Cream

Last but not least, we had the Gui Zhou Maotai Ice Cream for dessert, paired with cinnamon chocolate stick and ginseng crumbs. The infuse of alcohol gives the ice cream a sweet, fruity finish with a lovely aroma.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Madame Fan
The NCO Club
32 Beach Road
Singapore 189764
Tel: +65 68181921
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Nearest MRT: Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun, PH: 11am - 330pm, 6pm - 10pm

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