Marché Singapore @ 313 Somerset - Explore The Refreshed Food Lovers’ Place with A New Bakery and Revamped Dining Hall

313@somerset’s Marché Singapore has reopened after renovations, now welcoming guests to its refreshed and rebranded ‘Food Lovers’ Place’. The updated space introduces a brand new bakery and café corner on the ground floor, complementing the familiar basement dining hall. To mark the occasion, the bakery has also launched a new tiramisu for diners looking for a sweet treat.

The dining hall’s former Swiss chalet theme has been replaced with a brighter, livelier interior, creating a more vibrant atmosphere. While the food stations remain, the focus is still firmly on freshly prepared dishes made with quality produce.

Marché continues to make everything in-house, from freshly baked breads to hearty hot meals and its wide range of desserts.

Authentic Swiss Rosti Plain 4.2/5

No visit to Marché feels complete without their signature rosti, so we headed straight for it. The Authentic Swiss Rosti Plain ($13.90) was as hearty as we remembered. It was crisp and golden on the outside without being greasy. We added Hearty Mushroom Ragout ($8.90), Velvety Sour Cream ($1.90), and Spicy Chorizo Sausage ($8.90) as toppings.

German Pork Knuckle 4/5

Whole Roasted Chicken 4/5

For meats, we went with two of the restaurant’s signatures, the German Pork Knuckle ($34.40 for Half) and Whole Roasted Chicken ($33). Both delivered on flavour, but the roasted chicken definitely stood out for its juiciness.

Ocean Platter 3/5

From the seafood station, we tried the Ocean Platter ($35.90). While the prawn had a pleasant char and the squid was cooked to a tender bite, the salmon and barramundi were unfortunately on the dry side for us. The portion was also smaller than expected.

Smoked Duck Breast Pizza 4/5

Right across from the seafood counter is the fresh pasta and pizza station. We opted for the Smoked Duck Breast Pizza ($29.90), which arrived fresh from the oven with a thin, crisp crust. The combination of smoky duck slices, melted cheese, and other toppings made for a balanced sweet-savoury flavour.

Banana Chocolate Coconut Crumble 4/5

For dessert, we followed the staff’s recommendation and ordered the Banana Chocolate Coconut Crumble ($8.90). It was a good end to the meal with its balanced sweetness and crumbly texture.

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.


Marché Singapore
313@somerset
#01-40
313 Orchard Road
Singapore 238895
Tel: +65 6593 1703
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 11am - 930pm
Fri: 11am - 1030pm
Sat: 10am - 1030pm
Sun: 10am - 930pm

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

Poonsti @ Owen Road - New Weekend Charcoal-Grilled Dinner Concept

Poonsti, the well-loved eatery specialising in crispy rosti, has launched a brand-new weekend evening dining concept. Staying true to its potato-loving roots, the space transforms into a charcoal grill house, where perfectly grilled meats are paired with their signature crispy rosti, a variety of sides, and craft beers for a hearty, comforting meal.

Build Your Own Rosti-Grill Set ($25+)

The dinner menu follows a customisable concept:

1. Choose your Rosti: Plain, Garlic & Chives, Curry, or Black Pepper & Cheese.
2. Pick a Grilled Meat: House Bacon, Beef Sausage, Flat Iron Steak, Pork Collar Steak or Chicken Thigh.
3. Select two Sides: Coleslaw, Baked BBQ Beans, Mac & Cheese, Buttered Corn or Salad.

Each set is served on a tray, but for the sake of presentation, we plated them for a better visual experience.

Garlic & Chives Rosti, Pork Collar Steak, Coleslaw, Mac & Cheese

For our first set, we opted for the Garlic & Chives Rosti (+$2), Pork Collar Steak (+$4), Coleslaw, and Mac & Cheese. Poonsti's signature rosti remains as delightful as ever, with a crispy golden exterior and soft, fluffy insides. The garlic and chives infusion adds a subtle yet aromatic depth to the potatoes. The pork collar steak was a pleasant surprise — tender, smoky, and juicy, with just the right amount of char. Worth highlighting are the side dishes, which are often an afterthought in many places. The Mac & Cheese was creamy and well-seasoned, while the Coleslaw had a nice balance of tang and crunch, rounding out the plate beautifully.

Curry Rosti, Chicken Thigh, Beef Sausage, Salad, Buttered Corn

For the second set, we went with Curry Rosti (+$2), Grilled Chicken Thigh, Salad, and Buttered Corn, with an additional Beef Sausage (+$8) for a more substantial meal. The Curry Rosti was an interesting twist — crispy like the classic version but infused with a light curry spice that added a Southeast Asian touch. The Chicken Thigh was well-marinated, tender, and charred to perfection, while the Beef Sausage was plump, juicy, and bursting with flavour. As for the sides, the Buttered Corn was sweet and buttery, and the Salad provided a refreshing contrast to the heavier components of the meal.

Poonsti's weekend grill concept successfully elevates its well-loved rosti by pairing it with well-executed charcoal-grilled meats and thoughtfully prepared sides. Unlike many places where sides are overlooked, Poonsti ensures each element of the meal is carefully crafted. If you're a fan of crispy potatoes and smoky grilled meats, this is definitely a spot worth checking out. The customisable menu, affordable pricing, and casual yet satisfying meals make it a great place for a laid-back weekend dinner.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Poonsti
127 Owen Road
Singapore 218931
Tel:+65 6818 3333
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Nearest MRT: Farrer Park (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 930am - 3pm
Sat-Sun: 9am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Farrer Park MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk down Race Course Road to Owen Road. Turn left onto Owen Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Coucou @ Craig Road - New Look and Menu Elevated With Additional Swiss Classics

Coucou, the Swiss Restaurant located at Craig Road, has recently unveiled a refreshed new look and menu. The revamped cosy interior brings to our sunny island the ambience of a snug alpine cabin in the Swiss mountains, making it a cosy spot to gather over bubbling hot cheese fondue.

Malakoff 4.5/5

Part of the mainstays, Malakoff features a golden, deep-fried dome of Gruyère cheese with a crispy exterior and gooey, molten centre. It is a Swiss speciality, unique to only three villages in the "La Côte" region. Served with vinegary Dijon Mustard to cut its richness, Swiss mercenaries once enjoyed this treat with local white wine. Over here at Coucou, a curated list of wines is offered.

Fondue Moitié Moitié 4/5

A staple for almost every table at Coucou, Fondue Moitié Moitié is a decadent pot of melted Vacherin Fribourgeois and Gruyére, served with crusty bread. Sides such as potatoes and pickles for add-ons are available.

La Fameuse Salade Coucou 4/5

It is recommended to have some La Fameuse Salade Coucou alongside to complement its richness - a curly chopped salad tossed with housemade 'Grand Père' dressing, a recipe passed down from the co-owner Yves' grandfather.

Le Tartare De Boeuf 4/5

Coucou offers a Le Tartare De Boeuf prepared tableside. The beef tartare is mixed with Sbrinz Cheese, Rucola salad, chopped onions, chilli and mustard. A sampling is given to ensure that the spice and tang levels are suited to your preference. I had mine with more mustard for an extra kick of tang.

L'iconique Emince De Veau Zurichoise 4.5/5

The Traditional Zurich Style Veal Ragout with Rosti is a crowd-pleaser for mains. The mushroom sauce was comforting and flavoursome, and the rosti was fluffy with crispy sides. While some of the sliced veal were slightly dry, the delightful creamy mushroom sauce compensated for it.

Pave De Bar Au Safran 4.5/5

The Sea Bass Fillet is a lighter option. The moist and flaky fish paired aptly with a subtle floral saffron sauce. The sauce had an excellent consistency, adding a gentle yet flavorful note to the delicate sweetness of the fish.

Tartrelette Au Citron De Mrs Chin 4/5

Dessert was a Lemon Tart with raspberry and its top brûlée. The tart shell was buttery and delicious, and I appreciate how the bitter caramelised notes and the tart raspberry balanced the sweetness of the curd.

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.


Coucou
9 Craig Road
#01-01
Singapore 089669
Tel: +65 9642 1624/+65 6226 0060
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun - Thurs:12pm - 230 pm, 6pm - 11pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Orchid Hotel. Walk to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road and walk to Craig Road. Continue on Craig Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Cross the road and walk to Duxton Road. Walk down Duxton Road. Turn right onto Craig Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Spruce Petite @ East Coast Road - Pet Friendly Restaurant with All Day Brunch

Spruce Petite is the latest addition to the vibrant dining scene on East Coast Road, offering a unique dual experience. During the day, it serves as a pet-friendly restaurant with an all-day brunch menu. By night, it transforms into a gastropub, providing a delightful selection of bar bites complemented by an extensive beverage list that includes wine, spirits, and cocktails.

Kok Kok Satay 3.5/5

We began our meal with the Kok Kok Satay ($10), whimsically named for its playful twist on traditional chicken satay. The chicken skewers were grilled to a tender perfection with a slight char on the exterior. However, the lack of smokiness hinted that they were likely grilled over an electric grill rather than charcoal. Despite this, the accompanying peanut sauce was spot on, adding a rich, savoury complement to the satay.

Garlic Butter Prawn Aglio Olio Pasta 3/5

Next, we tried the Garlic Butter Prawn Aglio Olio Pasta ($16). This dish, featuring spaghetti cooked with garlic, olive oil, and chilli padi, delivered a satisfying spicy kick. While it was a safe and decent choice, it could have been more extraordinary. It's a reliable option if you're in the mood for a classic pasta dish.

Pork Benny 3.5/5

From the brunch menu, we sampled the Pork Benny ($15). This dish combines marinated slow-cooked pulled pork and sous vide egg, resting atop a homemade English muffin and dressed in hollandaise sauce. The different components came together harmoniously, creating a hearty and satisfying meal that left a positive impression.

Beef Sausage & Potato Rosti 3.8/5

Another brunch item we tried was the Beef Sausage & Potato Rosti ($15). The highlight of this dish was the potato rosti, which boasted a crispy exterior and was topped with a perfectly poached egg, all tied together by a drizzle of hollandaise sauce. The smoked beef sausage was equally delicious, making this a standout item on the brunch menu.

Spruce Petite adds a refreshing dynamic to East Coast Road's versatile offerings. Whether you're looking for a pet-friendly brunch spot or a lively gastropub experience in the evening, this new establishment has something for everyone. While not uniformly exceptional, the dishes provide reliable and satisfying options, with some standout items worth trying. I understand they will revamp their menu soon, so do look out for that.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Spruce Petite
19 East Coast Road
Singapore 428746
Tel: +65 9068 9249
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Nearest MRT: Dakota (CC Line), Marine Parade (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 3pm - 11pm
Fri: 3pm - 12midnight
Sat-Sun: 1030am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at block 99 (Stop ID 81181). Take bus number 10 or 32. Alight 6 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Marine Parade MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk to Brooke Road. Turn right onto Brooke Road. Walk down Brooke Road to East Coast Road. Cross the road, turn left and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes.  [Map]

Ginkyo by Kinki @ One Holland Village - Redefining Japanese Dining with a Festival of Flavours

Nestled in the heart of One Holland Village, Ginkyo by Kinki emerges as a vibrant social haven, weaving a tapestry of contemporary creativity into the fabric of traditional Japanese dining. Drawing inspiration from the Icho Matsuri 'Ginkgo Festival' in Tokyo, this modern Japanese bistro is the brainchild of the visionaries behind Kinki Restaurant + Bar at Customs House. Ginkyo doesn't just offer a meal; it orchestrates an experience, blending authenticity with a touch of avant-garde flair.

Truffle Fat Wings 4.2/5

We first sampled the Truffle Fat Wings ($19) - a delightful symphony of textures and flavours. Deboned wings, generously stuffed with Niigata Koshihikari rice infused with truffle paste, edamame, and sea kelp. Charcoal-grilled to perfection and glazed with housemade yakitori sauce, these wings transcend the ordinary. The oil from the chicken skin elevates the dish, and a squeeze of lemon adds the perfect zing.

Uni, Caviar, Ikura 4.2/5

The Uni, Caviar, Ikura dish ($22) is a visual and gustatory masterpiece. Resembling sushi, the rice is seasoned with kombu, shaped, and pressed overnight. Tempura-battered and deep-fried for a crispy texture, it's adorned with negitoro, Tokujo grade uni, Magnum ops, Oscietra caviar, Kita-sanriku ikura, sliced cucumber, and gold flakes. A symphony of flavours unfolds with each bite—a perfect harmony of the sea and land.

Kimchi Onigiri Arancini 3.8/5

Ginkyo's playful creativity shines in the Kimchi Onigiri Arancini ($14). A Japanese twist on Italian arancini, deep-fried kimchi rice filled with gorgonzola is wrapped in seaweed and served with kimchi aioli. The result is a tantalising explosion of spicy and savoury notes, redefining the boundaries of fusion cuisine.

Swordfish Ceviche 4/5

The Peruvian Swordfish Ceviche ($19) is a journey to South America and Japan on a single plate. Diced swordfish marinated in fig-infused Japanese rice vinegar and lime juice meets a medley of citrus, tomato, avocado, Japanese cucumber, shallots, pickled green chilli, and spicy mayo. Enjoy it on crispy rice crackers for a burst of textures and flavours — a delightful wrap of freshness.

Hamburg Wagyu 4.2/5

For a carnivorous indulgence, the Hamburg Wagyu ($36) steals the spotlight. Kagoshima A4 wagyu, minced and seasoned to perfection, graces a bed of crispy rice. Topped with a hot egg bath, burdock chips, and oba tempura, this dish is an orchestra of flavours and textures — grilled elegance that unfolds with every bite. There is also the option of topping up $15 for foie gras.

Okonomi-Rosti 4.5/5

The Okonomi-Rosti ($30) offers a quirky take on the traditional okonomiyaki. Grated potatoes seared to a crisp form the base, adorned with cabbage, bacon, Hokkaido scallops, bonito flakes, mentaiko sauce, and shredded nori. Each bite is a dance of flavours — a perfect fusion of Japanese and European influences.

Ginkyo by Kinki is more than a restaurant; it's a culinary overture that celebrates the fusion of tradition and innovation. The menu is a curated symphony, with each dish a note in the harmonious composition of Japanese flavours and global influences. As you step into Ginkyo, prepare for a gastronomic journey that transcends boundaries, guided by the expert hands of culinary maestros.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Ginkyo by Kinki
One Holland Village
7 Holland Village Way
#03-01 to 04
Singapore 275748
Tel: +65 9337 7451
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Nearest MRT: Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 1130am - 230pm, 5pm - 10pm
Fri-Sat: 1130am - 230pm, 5pm - 1030pm
Sun: 5pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk to Lorong Liput. Turn right onto Lorong Liput. Walk down Lorong Liput. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Poonsti @ Owen Road - Sister Brand of Old Hen Kitchen Offering a Specialised Rösti Menu Made Fresh Daily

Situated on Owen Road, Poonsti is Old Hen Kitchen's brand new rösti concept, offering a full menu of rösti dishes that are crafted entirely from scratch. Each rösti is meticulously prepared, with potatoes freshly shredded and handmade in small quantities, ensuring the utmost quality. The menu boasts five delightful variations of rösti, including a classic rendition paired simply with sour cream. Exclusively available at the Owen Road outlet, these delectable offerings are available daily, starting at 9:30am until they are sold out.

Rösti with Bacon 4.2/5

Each dish features a crispy and airy golden brown rösti base, served with different toppings. One of their signatures is the Rösti with House-cured Bacon and Fried Egg ($18) that comes with hot tomato jam, cream cheese and pickled radish. What sets Poonsti's house-cured bacon apart is its sumptuous and fatty texture, a result of a carefully crafted marination process. At the same time, the tomato jam contributes a fusion of sweetness and tanginess. This innovative combination creates a truly well-balanced dish that marries the satisfyingly fatty bacon with the nuanced flavours of the tomato jam.

Rösti with Smashed Avo 4.5/5

The Rösti with Smashed Avo ($17) comes with mango salsa and fried shallot, topped with a jammy egg and paired with a dollop of basil pesto cream. While I love the contrast between the crunchiness of the rösti and the creaminess of the avocado, what elevates the dish is the refreshing and zesty mango salsa that adds a burst of tanginess and tropical flair, complemented by the savoury crunch of fried shallots. The addition of a jammy egg adds a rich and velvety touch to the dish, while a dollop of basil pesto cream infuses a herbaceous and aromatic note. The combination here is executed with finesse, resulting in a symphony of flavours that intertwine seamlessly on the palate.

Rösti with House-cured Salmon 4/5

The Rösti with House-cured Salmon ($19) introduces an elevated take on a classic pairing. Unlike the conventional rösti with smoked salmon, Poonsti's rendition showcases their commitment to creativity and refinement. This dish presents a beautifully composed plate featuring a golden-brown rösti base topped with a generous portion of their house-cured salmon. The salmon's succulent and rich flavour is enhanced by adding creamy ricotta, which creates a luxurious contrast against the crispy texture of the rösti. Adding fried capers and pickled onion also contributes a sharp, vibrant note to the dish, turning this classic pairing into anything but ordinary.

Overall, the rösti dishes at Poonsti showcase creativity and refinement, featuring unique pairings and meticulous preparation. From the Rösti with house-cured salmon adorned with ricotta, fried capers, pickled onion, and dill to the Rösti with smashed avo complemented by zesty mango salsa and fried shallots, each dish is a symphony of flavours and textures. Do note that their rosti is only available in limited amounts daily, so head down early to avoid disappointment!

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.


Poonsti
127 Owen Road
Singapore 218931
Tel:+65 6818 3333
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Website
Nearest MRT: Farrer Park (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 930am - 3pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Farrer Park MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk down Race Course Road to Owen Road. Turn left onto Owen Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]