POCHA! Korean Street Dining @ Compass One - Launches 1-Metre Korean Street Food Platter

POCHA! Korean Street Dining has always been a go-to spot for those seeking authentic and flavourful Korean street food. This time, they've taken it up a notch with the launch of their 1-Metre Korean Street Food Platter - a feast of eight different items, designed to transport you to the bustling street markets of Korea.

Seafood Pancake and Krispy Chunks 3.5/5

Sindang Tteokbokki 3/5, Eomuk 3/5 and Kimari 3.5/5

Kimchi Mandu, Corn Dog and Rice Balls 2.8/5

The 1-Metre Korean Street Food Platter ($34.90) presents a mix of hits and misses. While the Kimari, Seafood Pancake, and Krispy Chunks stood out with their rich flavours and delightful textures, some items could have been more enjoyable if served hotter. Despite this, the platter remains an excellent option for sharing between 2 to 3 people, offering a satisfying variety of street food favourites.

Fried Chicken Stir Fry Spicy Shin Ramyeon 3/5

Cheese & Bacon Stir Fry Spicy Shin Ramyeon 4/5

The Fried Chicken Stir Fry Spicy Shin Ramyeon ($13.90) pairs a crispy chicken cutlet with stir-fried Shin Ramyeon, delivering a satisfying kick of spice. While the heat is spot on, the dish falls short in creativity, tasting more ordinary than expected.

The Cheese & Bacon Stir Fry Spicy Shin Ramyeon ($13.90) stands out with its rich, creamy texture, thanks to the addition of bacon, mushrooms, and cheese. Though the spice level is mild, the flavour profile is incredibly satisfying, making it our favourite.

Sindang-Dong Tteokbokki 4/5

With the added cheese topping, their signature Sindang-Dong Tteokbokki ($11.90) comes highly recommended. The sauce is packed with flavour, and the tteokbokki has just the right amount of chewiness, making it a comforting dish for any Korean street food lover.

Ganjang-Gejang 3/5

We ventured to try the Ganjang-Gejang ($15.90 per piece, 2 for $26.90, 3 for $33.90), a raw marinated crab dish. The crabs are soaked in a homemade soy sauce, giving them a jelly-like, unique texture. While slightly salty, the dish offers an intriguing flavour experience.

The new dishes are available at all POCHA! outlets.

Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


POCHA! Korean Street Dining
Compass One
#02-42
1 Sengkang Square
Singapore 545078
Tel: +65 98516240
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Nearest MRT: Sengkang (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

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

Club Rangoon @ Duxton Road - A Taste of Contemporary Burmese Cuisine in Singapore

After making its mark in Hong Kong, Club Rangoon by Burmese restaurateur, Nelson Htoo has found a new home in Singapore. Nelson's decision to relocate was driven by the lease ending in Hong Kong and his deep-rooted connection to Singapore, where he spent his teenage years. Additionally, Singapore's vibrant Southeast Asian community, including a significant Burmese diaspora, makes it an ideal place to showcase Burmese cuisine's rich and spiced flavours.

Laphet Thoke 4/5

We started our lunch with the Laphet Thoke ($17), a refreshing fermented tea leaf salad. This dish is a staple in Burmese cuisine and consists of shredded cabbage, cherry tomatoes, and green chilli, all tossed in a tangy sauce. The real star, however, is the double-fried beans that add an irresistible crunch to each bite. The tea leaves themselves, which are traditionally fermented, add a unique flavour that elevates the dish. While most of us are more accustomed to drinking tea, in Burma, it's just as common to eat it, making this dish a fascinating introduction to the cuisine.

Shan Htamin Jin 3.8/5

Next, we sampled the Shan Htamin Jin ($12.5/2pc), which translates to Shan-style rice. This light bite featured mildly turmeric-flavoured fermented rice balls crowned with a tomato chilli rice pillow. I was advised that it's best enjoyed in a single bite, allowing the slightly sticky yet firm rice to mingle with the savoury, tangy, and earthy notes. It's a textural delight that offers a harmonious blend of flavours, making it one of the standout items on the menu.

Dirty Egg Bites 4.2/5

Another popular item on the menu is the Dirty Egg Bites ($12/2pc). This dish features hard-boiled eggs topped with a curry and coriander sauce, accompanied by caramelized onions and a split pea chip. It’s a dish that offers a glimpse into the rich and complex flavors of Burmese cuisine. The combination of the egg with the curry sauce and crunchy chip makes for a satisfying bite that leaves you wanting more.

Fish & Chips 4.2/5

When you see Fish & Chips ($14) on the menu, you might expect the British classic. However, Club Rangoon's take on this dish is a delightful surprise. Instead of the usual battered fish, barramundi is pounded with a mixture of spices reminiscent of otah, a local fish cake. The dish is served with fish crackers, allowing you to scoop the spiced barramundi onto the crackers like nachos. It's a creative and flavorful twist on a familiar dish that showcases the chef's ingenuity.

Mohinga 4/5

No exploration of Burmese cuisine would be complete without Mohinga. This staple noodle dish is a complex and comforting bowl of goodness, featuring rice noodles in a lemongrass-catfish soup, banana stems, egg, grilled catfish, split pea fritter, chilli powder, and lime. The broth is light yet flavorful, with silky soft noodles that make it a joy to eat. The banana stems add an interesting crunch, although the fibrous texture might not be to everyone's liking. Overall, Mohinga is a must-try for anyone new to Burmese cuisine, offering a well-balanced and satisfying experience.

Duck Leg Confit Curry 4.5/5

The highlight of the meal for me was the Duck Leg Confit Curry ($32). The duck leg was cooked to perfection, fork-tender and rich in flavour. The curry itself was aromatic and deeply flavorful, enriched by the sweetness of onions and a medley of spices. This is the kind of dish that demands a bowl of steamed jasmine rice ($5) to soak up every last drop of the delicious curry. It's hearty, comforting, and absolutely delicious — a true showcase of the depth and complexity of Burmese cuisine.

Club Rangoon brings a slice of contemporary Burmese cuisine to Singapore, offering a diverse, familiar, and novel menu. Whether you're new to Burmese food or a seasoned fan, the dishes here are sure to leave a lasting impression. From the refreshing Laphet Thoke to the hearty Duck Leg Confit Curry, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Club Rangoon is a welcome addition to Singapore's vibrant food scene, and I can't wait to return for another round of culinary exploration.


Club Rangoon
76 Duxton Road
Singapore 089535
Tel: +65 8190 8827
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Nearest MRT: Maxwell (TE Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu: 530pm - 11pm
Fri-Sat: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Cross the road to Duxton Road. Walk down Duxton Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road and walk to Craig Road. Walk down Craig Road towards Duxton Road. Turn right onto Duxton Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Golden Peony @ Conrad Centennial Singapore - Celebrate the Roaring Year of the Dragon with a Line-up of Cantonese Creations

Weaving his expertise in Cantonese cuisine with modern elements, Executive Chinese Chef Ku Keung of Golden Peony presents an array of Lunar New Year set menus and a la carte specialities to celebrate the roaring year of the Dragon.

From now until 24 February 2024, diners can select from lavish set menus for intimate and group celebrations. The chef has even thoughtfully prepared a vegetarian menu for vegetarian diners. The 6 set menus range from $178 per pax to $2698 per table of 10.

Fortune Gold Flakes ‘Yu Sheng’ 4.2/5

The Fortune Gold Flakes 'Yu Sheng' ($188 for 10 pax) features a medley of ingredients, including lobster, baby abalone, crispy whitebait, golden coin chicken bak kwa, fish skin, and fresh fruit. This festive mainstay dish is also available for takeaway or delivery.

Multigrain Rice Ball Infused with Chicken Purée and Smoked Chili Sauce 4/5

The chef's disciple created the Multigrain Rice Ball Infused with Chicken Purée and Smoked Chili Sauce. It had several unique elements that were all made from chicken - a chicken purée, chicken pâté, and even a chicken bak kut teh like jelly on the side.

Spanish Carabinero Prawn ‘Yuan Yang’ Fish Paste Noodle 4.2/5

My favourite dish of the night was the Spanish Carabinero Prawn 'Yuan Yang' Fish Paste Noodle ($48 per person). The slightly springy fish paste noodles sit in a delicate egg white and Chinese wine broth, with two pieces of sweet Spanish Carabinero Prawns done two ways - thoroughly steamed and half cooked.

Duck Breast Stewed with Hawthorn, Snow Pear and American Ginseng 4/5

Next was the Duck Breast Stewed with Hawthorn, Snow Pear and American Ginseng ($38 per person). While the duck was tender, the sauce was a bit sweeter than I'd prefer.

Lobster Superior Broth with Preserved Vegetables, Tomato and Beancurd 4.2/5

Another highlight for me was the Lobster Superior Broth with Preserved Vegetables, Tomato and Beancurd. It is Chef's rendition of the increasingly popular suan cai yu, with a bolder and spicier kick. The plump and fleshy lobster was sweet and tender.

Roasted Suckling Pig Stuffed with Kimchi Fried Rice and Chicken 4.2/5

The Chef's unique suckling pig creation is an annual Lunar New Year highlight at Golden Peony. This year, the Chef brought to the table a Roasted Suckling Pig Stuffed with Kimchi Fried Rice and Chicken ($468 for Whole). It's packed to the brim with kimchi fried rice and a surprise centre of fried chicken.

Chilled Dragon Fruit with Crystal Pearls 4/5

We wrapped up the dinner with a two-part dessert. First, it was the refreshing Chilled Dragon Fruit with Crystal Pearls. It was put together with the fruit's flesh, popping pearls and a scoop of dragon fruit ice cream.

Trio of Warm Desserts 4.2/5

Second, the warm Trio of Crispy Sesame Ball was filled with Egg Custard, Dragon Beard Candy with Crushed Peanuts and Tau Sar Piah. These were classic snacks done well.

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.


Golden Peony
Conrad Centennial Singapore
2 Temasek Boulevard
Singapore 038982
Tel: +65 6432 7482
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Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 230pm, 630pm - 1030pm
Sat-Sun: 1130am - 1pm, 130pm - 3pm, 630pm - 1030pm

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

Masizzim @ 313 Somerset - Expanded Menu Offering Shabu-Shabu, Crabmeat Egg Roll & More

The popular Korean restaurant, Masizzim has expanded their menu, offering new dishes such as Shabu-Shabu, crabmeat egg roll and spicy octopus. The new dishes will be available at both the 313 Somerset and Westgate outlets.

Shabu-Shabu 4/5

The newly launched Shabu-Shabu comes in spicy and non-spicy soup base. Customers have a choice of pork collar ($17.90 single portion), beef short plate ($19.90 single portion) or premium wagyu beef ($24.90 single portion) for the their shabu-shabu. Each shabu-shabu set also includes a bowl of assorted vegetables and mushrooms, Korean ramyeon and dipping sauces. Diners can also request for add-ons which is available at a nominal price.

Bulgogi Rice Ball Pork and Beef 4.2/5

Following their popular seafood-based rice balls, Masizzim has added new renditions incorporating Bulgogoi Fried Pork ($9) and Bulgogi Fried Beef ($10) into the mixed grain rice with seaweed, kimchi and sesame seeds. If you are new to the dish, it is served in a deconstructed bowl whereby customers need to get their hand dirty, to shape their own rice balls.

King's Ribs 3.5/5

Slow cooked to fork tender in Masizzim's secret stew sauce is the King's Ribs ($16.90). It is then stir fried with capsicums, red dates, king oyster mushrooms, chilli powder and sesame seeds. Unfortunately I find the sauce a bit too sweet for my liking.

Spicy Octopus 3.8/5

Another new dish on the menu is the Spicy Octopus ($17) served in a bed of blanched beansprouts. I thought the sauce can be more fiery. Customers can also eat it like a wrap, wrapping the baby octopus in the soft tortilla. I feel that the restaurant can serve more of the soft tortilla as it goes really well with the spicy octopus and beansprouts.

Crabmeat Egg Roll 4.5/5

Last but not least, my favourite item of the expanded menu is the Crabmeat Egg Roll ($12.90). This is great for sharing. Stuffed with real shredded crabmeat and seaweed, the omelette is sweet, fluffy and pillowy. One word - Oishii!

Overall I feel that diners will enjoy the new dishes at Masizzim and it has given diners more choices and reasons for a re-visit. Moreover, the price is pretty reasonable.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Masizzim
313 Somerset
313 Orchard Road
#B3-02
Singapore 238895
Tel: +65 65095808
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 11am - 10pm
Fri-Sat: 11am - 11pm

Direction: 
Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to 313 Somerset. Take the escalator to basement 3. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Positano Risto @ Bussorah Street - Launches New Menu With More Than 10 Scrumptious Classic Italian Dishes

Situated in the heart of Kampong Glam, just a stone throw away from the buzzing Haji Lane is Positano Risto - a 7-month old Muslim-owned establishment with a casual Italian dining concept. Bringing a brand new menu to the table with more than 10 new Italian dishes to indulge in, diners can expect a variety of classic Italian must-haves such as the Squid Ink Pasta, handmade Thin Crust Roma Style Pizzas and have a taste of authentic flavours from dishes such as herbed Osso Bucco and Premium Short Ribs.

Arancini Balls 3.8/5

The Arancini Balls ($11.95) features 4 pieces of golden brown crispy spheres made with warm fragrant Italian rice and stuffed with stretchy mozzarella. Fried to perfection, the Arancini balls does not taste oily and the homemade sauce at the bottom complemented the Italian rice balls excellently.

Positano's Signature Boston Lobster Fettuccine 3.5/5

Their Signature Boston Lobster Fettuccine ($58.95) features a whole Boston lobster with fettuccine soaked in a generous portion of creamy lobster bisque sauce. While we find the heap of fettuccine a tad too salty, the noodles are cooked al dente and the creamy sauce further brings our the natural sweetness of the lobster meat. The larger portioned dish is suitable for sharing between 2 pax.

Godfather 4/5 and Frullato Di Frutta 4/5

The Godfather ($13.95) features a ferrero rocher nutella milkshake with vanilla ice cream. Packed with a rich ferrero rocher flavour, the drink may be a tad sinful, yet thoroughly enjoyable as it is not overly sweet and filled with an intense nutty chocolate aroma. The Frullato Di Frutta ($8.95) features a non-fat orange yogurt drink, which is a refreshing sweet-sour combination with a minty aftertaste.

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.


Positano Risto
66 Bussorah Street
Singapore 199479
Tel: +65 62921866
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Nearest MRT: Nicoll Highway (CC Line), Bugis (DT Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 1130am - 1030pm
Fri: 1130am - 11pm
Sat: 1130am - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Nicoll Highway MRT station. Take Exit A. Take the overhead bridge to Beach Road. Walk towards the junction of Jalan Sultan and Beach Road. Cross the road and walk down Beach Road. Turn right onto Bussorah Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk towards Raffles Hospital. Walk to junction of North Bridge Road and Ophir Road. Cross the junction and walk down North Bridge Road towards Arab Street. Turn right into Arab Street. Walk down Arab Street. Turn left onto Baghdad Street. Turn right onto Bussorah Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Nirai Kanai Okinawan Restaurant @ Liang Court - A Different Type Of Japanese Cuisine

It has been a long while since I last visited Nirai Kanai Okinawan at Liang Court in 2012. This time I am back with my colleagues who are interested to find out more about Okinawan food. Even though Okinawa is part of Japanese but their cuisine is very different from the main land.

Peanut Bean Curd 2.8/5

We started with some light bites such as the Peanut Beancurd ($6.50). The texture of the beancurd is almost pudding like. However I find it hard to appreciate the combination of peanut with the silky smooth texture.

Salted Young Fish & Salted Bonito on Okinawan Cold Bean Curd 1/5

We decided to be adventurous and ordered the Salted Young Fish and Salted Bonito on Okinawan Cold Beancurd ($9). Unfortunately it turned out to be a horror decision. the salted young fish and bonito were extremely fishy. I could not accept the acquire taste.

Pig's Ear Marinated with Ponzu Sauce 4/5

The last time I visited the restaurant I had the Pig's Ear ($8) with peanut sauce but this time we had it with the ponzu sauce instead. The ponzu sauce gave the pig's ear a new refreshing dimension on top of its crunchy texture.

Green Caviar - Seaweed with Ponzu Sauce 3.5/5

Whetting up the appetite is the Green Caviar - Seaweed with Ponzu Sauce ($14). The popping saltiness complemented by the tangy ponzu sauce for a delectable appetizer.

Tacos Rice 4/5

We are actually quite surprised to find Tacos Rice ($15.80) on the menu. My guess is that the dish comes about because of the America navy base in Okinawa. Over the years, it may have influenced the cuisine in Okinawa. Served in a hot pot, the dish comes with minced spicy beef, lettuce, cheese, salsa sauce and rice, Give it a good toss for the sauces to coat the rice for a fragrant and cheesy enjoyment.

Okinawan Seasoned Rice Ball 4.2/5

The other rice dish on the menu we tried is the Okinawan Seasoned Rice Ball ($6.50 for 2pc). Beautifully seasoned, it somewhat reminded me of the Chinese's glutinous rice used in rice dumpling. I enjoyed it and this is one item I will order in my next visit.

Aosa Seaweed Tempura 3/5

While the Aosa Seaweed Tempura ($8.80 for 2pc/ $13 for 4pc) has a good crispy bite, I find that the flavour was rather bland. It needed some extra savoury element to boost the finishing or it felt like eating a pile of grass.

Simmered Pork Belly 4.2/5

The Simmered Pork Belly ($9.80 for 2pc / $14.80 for 4pc) is one of the dishes I enjoyed during my previous visit hence I recommended by colleagues to try. It is still a very enticing dish with the wobbly layer of fats attached to the well braised lean part of the pork. However I felt that the texture was not as soft as I remembered. It seemed like it needed more time to break it down more.

Pan Fried Salted Pork Belly 3.5/5

Known as the Okinawan beacon it the Pan Fried Salted Pork Belly ($12). Nothing fantasy, just like eating a big piece of sio bak to appreciate the the crispy pork belly.

Stir Fried Bitter Gourd with Pork, Okinawan Bean Curd and Okinawan Egg 4.8/5

The highlight at Nirai Kanai OKinawan for me is the Stir Fried Bitter Gourd with Pork, Okinawan Bean Curd and Okinawan Egg ($7 small/ $9.50 large). It was a hearty and comforting dish that probably can be eaten in every Okinawan's home. Though simple, I like how it was executed with the runny egg coating the crunchy bitter gourd, complemented for the silky tofu for that contrast in textures.

In fact, Okinawan cuisine is rather unique. It is totally different from Japanese cuisine that we know. In short, it felt like many of the dishes were Chinese inspired while some probably influenced by the American. I also noted that Okinawan cuisine simple to be focus in pork, tofu and bitter gourd.


Nirai Kanai Okinawan Restaurant
Liang Court Shopping Centre
177 River Valley Road
#B1-01/02
Singapore 179030
Tel: +65 63394811
Nearest MRT: Fort Canning (DT Line), Clarke Quay (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm
Sat-Sun: 12pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Fort Canning MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit C, F or G. Walk along the river toward Riverside Point direction. Cross the bridge to the other end of the river. Turn left and walk towards Liang Court. Journey time about 10  minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk to bus stop at Clark Quay Station (Stop ID 04222). Take bus number 54. Alight 2 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]