Po Restaurant @ the Warehouse Hotel - A Refined Modern Singaporean Concept

Known for its modern interpretations of Singaporean and Chinese classics, Po Restaurant is the flagship restaurant of The Warehouse Hotel, where people gather and bond over its famous popiah and other signature dishes.

Popiah with Fresh Flower Crab 4.8/5

Naturally, Popiah was the first course of our evening. We had the Fresh Flower Crab ($52) popiah, with plump flower crab meat as a topping. All options, including the Classic ($32) and Prawns ($42), come with 4 skins, classic toppings, and condiments, serving 1-2 persons. Seeing the platter of popiah ingredients laid out on our table was just as exciting as wrapping our own and tucking them in. All the popiah platters include fresh handmade wheat skins, specially sourced for their desired stretchy and chewy texture, stewed pork and vegetable filling, lettuce, beansprouts, as well as all the toppings and sauces. A vegetarian option ($32) is available as well.

The popiah filling, which includes jicama, carrots, and Holland peas, is hand-cut, resulting in a tender but not mushy texture despite being stewed and caramelized over four hours. There was a rich and savoury depth to it and a textural enjoyment thanks to the addition of pork, dried shrimp, and bamboo shoots. Lettuce and beansprouts provided freshness, served alongside a condiment platter that included crispy flatfish, giving the popiah an extra moreishness. The sweet sauce had a subtle honey-malt sugar taste, binding the savoury elements with the skin harmoniously. By the time I was done putting all the ingredients, my popiah was the size of a burrito and deeply satisfying.

Nyonya Prawn Salad 4/5

Next, we had some starters from the menu: Nyonya Prawn Salad ($24) and Gobi 65 ($20). The Nyonya Prawn Salad was mouthwatering with a piquant dressing concocted with sambal, plum sauce, and calamansi. Alongside fresh and crisp organic lettuce, succulent tiger prawns, and crunchy cucumber cubes, tomatoes pickled with plum sauce were thrown in, adding to the delectable texture and flavour. Crispy shallots and sakura ebi accented the salad with umaminess.

Gobi 65 3/5

Gobi 65 consisted of nuggets of fried cauliflower marinated with spices and curry leaves. The flavour was more curry-forward than expected, and while a side salad was provided to lift the flavours, the dish would have been more exciting with a creamy dip or something similar.

Beef Cheek Rendang 4.5/5

For mains, the Beef Cheek Rendang ($40) is a taste of a century-old recipe, and the execution definitely did the recipe justice. The Angus beef cheek was succulent and fork-tender, intensely flavoured with a concoction of 11 different spices. Served with sago chips and coconut milk crumbs, the latter added an enjoyable sweetness akin to crushed coconut candy.

Stir-Fried Brinjal 4.2/5

Stir-Fried Brinjal ($22) felt homely. The generous dose of stir-fried minced pork and dried shrimps, coupled with thinly sliced crunchy ladyfingers, gave this brinjal dish a considerable amount of texture. There was also basil in it, but it was too mild to impart any noticeable flavours.

Nasi Lemak 4/5

We also had the privilege of trying an off-menu item known among Po's regulars: Nasi Lemak, served with sambal telur buried in a reasonable amount of sweet-spicy sambal. The rice was aromatic and not overly rich with coconut, with a comforting soft bite. Served alongside are the quintessential crunchy peanuts and refreshing cucumber slices.

Kueh Kosui 4/5

Summing up our meal was the Kueh of the Day ($18), handmade daily specials from the kitchen (limited portions available), featuring Kueh Kosui. Only rice flour and palm sugar were used, making it gluten-free. They had a wonderful soft texture, though not the usual wobbly kind. The palm sugar is specially sourced from Jawa Timur, which is pure and has no sugar added. That said, we felt the kueh would be even more yummy if it were a little less sweet.

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.


Po Restaurant
The Warehouse Hotel
320 Havelock Road
Singapore 169628
Tel: +65 6828 0007
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Nearest MRT: Havelock (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 7 - 1030am, 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Havelock MRT station. Take Exit 4. Turn left and walk down Havelock Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. 

INDOCAFÉ Peranakan Dining @ Scotts Road - Reopens with New Peranakan Dishes

Nestled within "The White House" along Scotts Road, the reopening of INDOCAFÉ Peranakan Dining unveils the iconic colonial-style bungalow that has been transformed into an enclave that embraces both modernity and the vibrant heritage of Peranakan culture. Its interiors blend Peranakan influences with a touch of modern sophistication, creating a cosy and inviting ambience. The new menu, curated by Penang-born Chef Heng Eng Ho, features old favourites alongside new dishes showcasing his understanding of Peranakan flavours developed over more than 20 years of culinary experience.

Belinjo Crackers

We were delighted with a mouthwatering complimentary welcome snack - crunchy Belinjo Crackers with Sambal Belacan, Gula Melaka & Acar. The sambal belacan whetted my appetite, with its piquancy laced with a hint of hit, making it the perfect dip throughout the meal. I love the crunch from the acar as well.

We started with the Trio Platter from its Signature Tasting Menu - Kueh Pie Tee, Ngoh Hiang, Otah Otah. Individual items are available in the ala carte menu. Within the Kueh Pie Tee ($19) is braised shredded turnip, topped with dried prawns and crabmeat. The shredded turnip retained a good crunch and aptly seasoned, and a touch of the vibrant chilli sauce lifted its flavours. Both the and were equally delightful. The Ngoh Hiang ($19) showcased an excellent proportion of pork and chopped water chestnuts, resulting in a testy, juicy meat roll. Nonya Otah Otah ($16) was tasty with chunky mackerel fish, and Nyonya herbs and spices were also quite balanced.

Itek Tim (tasting portion) 4/5

We also had a soup starter - Itek Tim ($14), a salted vegetable duck leg soup. It boasted a profound tartness from pickled mustard greens, balanced with fruity sweetness imparted by tomatoes. The duck meat was cooked to tender. The soup was also elevated with shaved nutmeg for a subtle lift and a dash of brandy for a depth of flavour.

INDOCAFÉ Wagyu Beef Rendang (tasting portion) 4.5/5

Moving on to the Mains. We savoured the INDOCAFÉ Wagyu Beef Rendang ($38), elevated with premium Wagyu beef cheek. The beef cheek is cooked with spices, shrimp paste, chilli and coconut milk for over three hours, followed by additions of Nyonya rempah and a medley of fresh aromatics. The beef was tender and moist, and the flavours were well-rounded without overly intense.

Babi Pongteh (tasting portion) 4.5/5

INDOCAFÉ also amped its Babi Pongteh ($28) with Spanish Iberico pork. The pork is marinated to the bone with fermented soybean paste and then cooked with potatoes, aromatic spices, onion and garlic. Having Spanish Iberico pork prepared in this manner for the first time, I was pleasantly surprised by how well it was being executed. Despite the absence of the usual chunky layers of fats and skin found in a regular pork belly, the flavours and texture were not compromised.

Ikan Sambal Bunga Kantan (tasting portion) 3.8/5

We also had a seafood fish - Ikan Sambal Bunga Kantan ($39). The Patagonian toothfish is deep-fried and dressed with ginger flower and Thai sweet and sour chilli sauce. It was tasty with a firm and succulent texture, although a thinner crust would have been preferable.

Dry Laksa 3/5

We tried its Dry Laksa ($26) with Argentina Red Prawns. The laksa lacked the robustness and punch we expected, and the prawns were a bit mushy in texture.

Sago Gula Melaka 4.5/5

Ending things on a sweet note - Sago Gula Melaka ($14) was indulgent with prime D24 durian pengat. The sticky sago pudding was lightly sweetened with gula melaka and doused with warm coconut milk, bringing the elements together into a harmonious delight.

Kueh Salat 4/5

The Signature Kueh Salat ($15) was aesthetically presented, featuring a scoop of coconut ice cream adorned with desiccated coconut and crushed peanuts. While the pandan coconut custard was deliciously creamy, the glutinous rice layer could be softer to combine better with the custard. The overall sweetness was on the higher side.

Kerinci

To complete the dining experience, INDOCAFÉ Peranakan Dining has also incorporated artisanal coffee offerings and exclusive beverages. During our meal, we had a refreshing mimosa to complement the richness of the food. When it came to desserts, between Gesha Passiflora ($19) from Colombia and Kerinci ($11) from Indonesia, I opted for the latter, which offers tasting notes of tropical fruits, dried fruits, berries, stone fruits with a wine-like sweet finish.

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.


INDOCAFÉ Peranakan Dining
35 Scotts Road
Singapore 228227
Tel: +65 9430 7307
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Nearest MRT: Newton (DT, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm -1030pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Newton MRT station. Take Exit A. On Scotts Road, turn right and walk down Scotts Road towards Orchard Road direction. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Linda's Table Private Dining @ Pandan Valley - Impressive Peranakan-Cantonese Cuisine that Showcases a Level of Finesse

Linda's Table, a private dining experience blending Peranakan and Cantonese influences, has become one of the most sought-after private dining spots in town. The long wait over six months to secure a reservation at Linda's Table indicates its popularity. Linda's reputation for exceptional cooking and her unique fusion of flavours make her fully booked until next year. She is not currently accepting any more bookings, as it's become overwhelming for her to manage.

Kerabu Jambu 4.2/5

Our meal began with the Kerabu Jambu. For the visit, Linda thoughtfully replaced the jambu with pineapple, offering a refreshing starter that perfectly paired the sweet tang of pineapple with the satisfying crunch of winged beans.

Kueh Pie Tee and Ngoh Hiang 4.5/5

The Kueh Pie Tee and Ngoh Hiang presented delightful bites, made even more enjoyable with a tantalisingly spicy sambal.

Hu Pioh Tng (Fish Maw Soup) 4.8/5

The Hu Pioh Tng, a traditional Fish Maw Soup, was hearty and comforting. It exuded robust flavours enriched with the deep essence of crustaceans, elevating it to a whole new level.

Pork Lard Rice 4.8/5

The simple yet much-loved Pork Lard Rice stole the show. Fragrant and fluffy rice, infused with freshly fried pork lard, was bound together by a dark soy sauce hailing from Ipoh.

Nonya Chap Chai 4.8/5

Nonya Chap Chai, a staple in Peranakan cuisine, showcased perfectly cooked vegetables with a slight crunch, all harmoniously infused with rich soybean paste. Linda possibly incorporated prawn stock to elevate the dish further, adding depth and flavour.

Babi Tohay 4.2/5

Babi Tohay, an almost forgotten dish rarely found in restaurants, was a revelation. This unique pork dish was prepared with red rice yeast, fermented shrimp, and brandy, resulting in a complex and rich flavour that was both unfamiliar and utterly delicious.

Sambal Prawns with Belimbing 5/5

The Sambal Prawns with Belimbing had a real kick. The spicy and fragrant prawns were beautifully complemented by the tang and sourness of the belimbing, and the sauce paired wonderfully with rice.

Beef Rendang 4.8/5

Beef Rendang was a standout, with its fragrant and delightful rempah seasoning that enhanced the tenderness of the beef. The flavours were beautifully absorbed into the succulent meat, creating a dish that was a perfect companion for rice.

Sago Gula Melaka 4/5

To conclude this remarkable culinary journey at Linda's Table, the Sago Gula Melaka presented a harmonious blend of fragrant and creamy coconut milk, sweet and savoury gula melaka, and chewy sago pearls.

Having visited various Peranakan private dining experiences, Linda's cooking left a lasting impression. Her dishes not only brimmed with flavour but also showcased a level of finesse that set her apart from the others.


Linda's Table Private Dining
Pandan Valley
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Oscar's @ Conrad Centennial Singapore - Weekend Brunch at Oscar's Delights with Fresh Seafood, Succulent Roasts, Artisanal Desserts and Exceptional Live Stations

At Conrad Centennial Hotel, Oscar's offers an exceptional buffet experience that artfully blends local and international flavours. With live-grilled charcoal barbecue, noodle bar, a seafood counter, live waffle station and an enticing array of desserts, the restaurant boasts a diverse array of popular local and international dishes showcased across 15 different food counters.

The buffet experience at Oscar's commences with a captivating seafood on-ice display. The spread features an assortment of delicacies, including flower clams, dry scallops, slipper lobsters, mussels, prawns, and fresh oysters from Australia and Japan.

The Pan-Seared Foie Gras showcases perfectly seared foie gras with a velvety texture. Accompanied by Pink Ginger Mango Puree, Green Papaya, and Passionfruit, it balances sweet and tangy flavours. The Pistachio Crumble adds a delightful crunch, enhanced by the savoury Duck Jus.

For those seeking heartier options, indulge in the Kimchi Egg Fried Rice or the Wok-tossed Egg Noodles with Truffle Mushroom Sauce. In addition, be delight in the bold flavours of Kung Po Prawns and the rich tenderness of Beef Rendang. For a taste of Indonesian culinary heritage, the Indonesian Kapitan Chicken Curry promises a journey of authentic and aromatic spices.

Savour the iconic flavours of Chilli Crab with Crispy Fried Mantou, a dish that encapsulates the heart of Singaporean culinary heritage. The star of the show is the luscious Chilli Crab, boasting tender crab meat enveloped in a rich and savoury sauce that is both spicy and indulgent. The experience is elevated by the accompaniment of Crispy Fried Mantou, a brilliant contrast to the crab's saucy goodness. The mantou's golden exterior yields a soft, fluffy interior, providing the perfect vessel to scoop up every bit of the delightful sauce. The combination of textures, from the succulent crab to the crispy mantou, adds an exciting dimension to each bite.

Immerse yourself in a culinary adventure at Oscar's Signature Noodle Bar, a coveted station within the buffet that celebrates the essence of local flavours. Among the highlights is the Signature Seafood Laksa, a beloved classic that combines coconut milk's creaminess with aromatic spices' boldness. This robust dish features succulent prawns, tender fish cakes, and bean sprouts, all immersed in a luscious laksa broth that's both fragrant and satisfying.

The Prawn Noodles Soup features plump prawns in a flavourful broth, accompanied by springy noodles and an assortment of tantalising condiments that enhance the overall experience. Other options at the noodle bar include the fish noodles soup and wonton mee.

Not to be missed is the Charcoal Barbeque station, where a tempting array of grilled delights awaits. Indulge in a symphony of flavours as you savour signature offerings like the succulent Sambal Lobster, a harmonious blend of spicy and savoury notes that elevate the natural sweetness of the lobster meat. To taste the grill's artistry, the Moo Ping Pork Skewers present a smoky, tender bite beautifully complemented by their savoury marinade. The Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce is a timeless favourite, featuring perfectly grilled skewers served with a rich and aromatic peanut sauce that will delight the senses.

Indulge in a delightful dessert experience at the live waffles station, where warm waffles are paired with an array of ice cream flavours. The Chocolate Fondue adds interactive fun, allowing you to dip various condiments into rich molten chocolate.

The dessert journey continues with options like the Lava Cheese Tart, Creme Brulee, Hojicha Cake with Light Coffee Cream, and traditional treats like Bread and Pudding. Assorted Pralines provide the perfect finale to this sweet symphony.

Oscar's buffet at Conrad Centennial Hotel offers a diverse and captivating culinary experience. It presents a harmonious fusion of tradition and innovation, providing a refined presentation of Singapore's culinary heritage. Whether you're seeking local favourites or international classics, the buffet, with its carefully curated stations and diverse dishes, is a treasure trove of gastronomic treasures that promise to delight and captivate.

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.


Oscar's
Conrad Centennial Hotel Singapore
2 Temasek Boulevard
Singapore 038982
Tel: +65 64327481
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Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 6am - 1030pm

Breakfast Weekdays: 6am - 1030am
Breakfast Weekends & PH: 6am - 11am
Lunch Weekdays: 12pm - 230pm
Bruch Weekends: 1230pm - 330pm
A La Carte: 230pm - 6pm
Dinner: 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit B. Continue walking along Temasek Avenue to destination Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]