Hortus @ Gardens by The Bay Flower Dome - New Mediterranean Sharing Menu Comprising of 9 Dishes

Nestled within the lush beauty of Gardens by the Bay's Flower Dome, Hortus offers diners a taste of the Mediterranean, surrounded by vibrant blooms and cool serenity. With its focus on fresh, vibrant sharing plates and rustic wood-grilled mains, Hortus presents an experience that goes beyond the food—especially with its newly launched Mediterranean Sharing Set Menu ($68++ per pax), which even includes complimentary Flower Dome admission and a buggy ride to and from the Main Entrance. A perfect little getaway without leaving Singapore!

Hummus, Olive Oil and Paprika 4.8/5

Muhammara, Roasted Bell Pepper and Walnut Dip 4.5/5

The meal kicks off with an array of five sharing starters. The Hummus with Olive Oil and Paprika was an instant hit — creamy, nutty, and elevated by the earthiness of paprika and a generous drizzle of olive oil. It is paired beautifully with the warm, fluffy housemade pita. Equally delightful was the Muhammara, a roasted bell pepper and walnut dip that was slightly smoky, nutty, and tangy — a deliciously vibrant alternative to the classic hummus.

Fried School Prawns, Calamari, Whitebait with Lemon Aioli 4.5/5

Next up was the Fried Seafood Basket, featuring school prawns, calamari, and whitebait, all perfectly crispy and light, paired with a zesty lemon aioli. It was dangerously addictive, with each piece a burst of flavour and crunch.

Yellowtail Kingfish Crudo 4.8/5

The Yellowtail Kingfish Crudo was a standout among the starters. Dressed with bergamot and green olives and scattered with pomegranate seeds, it was refreshingly bright, delicately sweet, and brimming with Mediterranean sunshine.

Kingfish Collar with Cabbage and Fennel Salad and Nduja 4.2/5

Moving on to the mains, we tried the Kingfish Collar with Cabbage and Fennel Salad and Nduja. Grilled to crispy perfection on the outside while keeping the flesh moist and tender, the kingfish was livened up beautifully by a squeeze of lemon and the spicy kick from the nduja. The accompanying salad of cabbage and fennel provided a refreshing counterpoint.

Beef and Lamb Adana Kebab with Sumac Onions 4.2/5

We also sampled the Beef and Lamb Adana Kebab with Sumac Onions. Typically, kebabs can veer on the dry side, but Hortus' version was juicy, aromatic, and full of flavour. The sweet and tangy sumac onions on top brought a much-appreciated brightness to the hearty meat skewer.

Cracked Wheat Salad with Dill, Mint, and Pomegranate 4.2/5

Rice Pilaf with Pistachio and Lemon 4.5/5

To complement the mains, we had the Cracked Wheat Salad and the Rice Pilaf with Pistachio and Lemon. Both were excellent — the cracked wheat salad was herby and fresh with pops of pomegranate, while the rice pilaf was light, fragrant, and enhanced by the nuttiness of pistachios and citrusy lemon.

House churned Vanilla Gelato, Halva, Tahini 4.5/5

Desserts were a true surprise and delight. The House Churned Vanilla Gelato, paired with halva, tahini, pomegranate syrup, and mint, was a symphony of textures and flavours — sweet, nutty, creamy, and refreshing all at once.

Rose and Cardamom Basbousa 4.5/5

The final treat, Rose and Cardamom Basbousa, sealed the meal on a high note. The moist semolina cake, topped with house churned pistachio gelato and cardamom cream, offered a beautiful blend of floral and nutty flavours that was both comforting and exotic.

Hortus isn't just a restaurant — it's an experience. The combination of fresh Mediterranean flavours, an idyllic garden setting, and thoughtful touches like complimentary entry and transport make it a memorable destination dining spot. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a leisurely meal with a view, Hortus delivers in every way.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Hortus
Flower Dome
Gardens by the Bay
18 Marina Garden Drive
#01-09
Singapore 018953
Tel: +65 6702 0158
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Nearest MRT: Bayfront MRT

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 330pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bayfront MRT station. Take Exit B. Take the pathway to Bayfront Plaza Ticketing. Take for the shuttle bus to flower dome or walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Cavern Restaurant @ Rainforest Wild ASIA - Singapore's First and Only Restaurant in a Cave

Tucked away within the Mandai Wildlife Reserve's new Rainforest Wild ASIA, Cavern Restaurant is the latest concept by the TungLok Group. Designed to resemble the Mulu Caves of Sarawak, one of Southeast Asia's largest and most intricate cave systems, the restaurant offers a unique dining setting surrounded by rugged rock formations and lush greenery. Its location near the entrance of this new attraction makes it a convenient and immersive stop for visitors looking to relax and enjoy a meal in an environment that feels like a natural extension of the rainforest.

Crystal Cave Salad 4/5

The Crystal Cave Salad ($22) is a vibrant and refreshing start to the meal. A creamy Spanish burrata sits at the heart of the dish, paired beautifully with heirloom beetroot in both classic red and golden hues. The truffle honey dressing lends a luxurious touch, while toasted walnuts provide a delightful crunch, elevating the salad's texture and flavour.

Stone Hearth Loaf 3.5/5

Freshly baked in-house, the Stone Hearth Loaf ($12) boasts a crispy crust and a chewy, tangy interior, making it an excellent companion to the meal. The bread's rustic charm shines through, especially when paired with dips or butter.

Emerald Canopy 3.5/5

For a lighter, crisp alternative, the Emerald Canopy ($12) features romaine lettuce tossed in a creamy green goddess dressing, punctuated with the peppery bite of fresh radish. It's simple yet refreshing.

Spicy Wing 3.5/5

The Spicy Wing ($16 for 4pcs) isn't particularly fiery despite its name. However, the blue cheese dip served alongside — its pungent creaminess balances out any lingering heat, though its strong flavour might not appeal to everyone.

Pulled Pork Taco 3.8/5

The Pulled Pork Taco ($22 for 3pcs) impresses with its succulent, slow-cooked pork infused with deep, smoky flavours. The buttery avocado and smoky paprika aioli add layers of creaminess and spice, all encased within a soft, pillowy taco shell. Every bite is a harmonious blend of textures and flavours, making it one of the best offerings on the menu.

Smouldering Core 3.8/5

A much-improved version from its original, the Smouldering Core ($20) features charred cauliflower, halved and grilled to perfection. The barbecue sauce glaze on the exterior adds a smoky richness, while the garlic aioli and pickles inside provide a creamy, tangy contrast. It's visually stunning and finished with microgreens and edible flowers, giving it an elegant touch.

Rigatoni Alla Vodka 3.5/5

The Rigatoni Alla Vodka ($22) delivers al dente pasta bathed in a tangy tomato-based sauce topped with micro greens and parmesan cheese. While the flavours are pleasant, I wished for a more generous amount of sauce to better coat each piece of rigatoni.

Caveman's Meat Skewer 3/5

A dish for meat lovers, the Caveman's Meat Skewer ($38) features 200g of beef tenderloin, button mushrooms, shallots, and peppers, paired with chimichurri sauce. While well-cooked, the dish feels ordinary, lacking a standout element to truly impress.

Ironstrike Knuckle 3.5/5

More satisfying than the skewer, the Ironstrike Knuckle ($28) is braised to fork-tender perfection, allowing the meat to fall apart effortlessly. Served with a mustard jus, the bold, tangy sauce enhances the richness of the pork, making it a comforting and well-executed dish.

Pandan Bambolini 3/5

For dessert, we indulged in the Pandan Bambolini ($6 per piece) — a fried doughnut filled with kaya. The kaya itself is outstanding, bursting with fragrant pandan and coconut flavours, but the execution was inconsistent. Some pieces had barely any filling, leaving the dough too dry to enjoy fully. When balanced correctly, however, it's an aromatic and indulgent end to the meal.

It’s important to set the right expectations at Cavern Restaurant. It isn’t about fine dining but rather a place designed to cater to the large volume of visitors, families, and tourists exploring the attraction. The menu is curated to be approachable and crowd-friendly, ensuring a quick and satisfying meal for guests of all ages.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Cavern Restaurant
Rainforest Wild ASIA
20 Mandai Lake Road
Singapore 729825
Tel: +65 60220229
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Nearest MRT: Springleaf (TE Line), Choa Chu Kang (NS Line), Khatib (NS Line)

1) Alight at Springleaf MRT station. Take Exit 3. Walk to bus stop opposite Thong Soon Road (Stop ID 56091). Take bus number 138. Alight 12 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 25 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Choa Chu Kang MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Choa Chu Kang Bus Interchange (Stop ID 44009). Take bus number 927. Alight 16 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 30 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Khatib MRT station. Take the Mandai Khatib Shuttle Bus (not free). Journey time about 30 minutes. [Map]

KA-MON @ Resorts World Sentosa - Three Traditional Japanese Grilling Techniques Under One Roof

Nestled within Resorts World Sentosa, KA-MON is the latest venture by celebrated Chef Hal Yamashita. It promises an authentic yet innovative Japanese grilling experience. What sets KA-MON apart is its integration of three traditional grilling techniques — irori, robatayaki, and warayaki — all within a single restaurant. It reminds me of Setsuri Ishinomake, which also embraces multiple grilling styles under one roof, showcasing the depth and versatility of Japanese cuisine.

Our meal began with an Amuse Bouche — a delightfully crisp fried fish paired with pickled vegetables in a sweet and sour sauce. The pickles' vibrant acidity perfectly balanced the fish's richness, making it a refreshing and appetising start.

Wagyu Beef Tartare 4.8/5

The Wagyu Beef Tartare is a reimagined take on Yukke, seasoned with soy, garlic, sesame, and gochujang. The quail egg yolk, resting atop the finely diced wagyu, added a luscious creaminess. Mixing everything together and scooping it up with the accompanying crisp papadam created a harmonious blend of sweet, savoury, and umami flavours.

Organic Egg & Ikura 4.5/5

One of the standout dishes was the Organic Egg & Ikura, a decadent layering of Ajitsuke Tamago, briny ikura, and luxurious Hokkaido uni. This dish offered a symphony of textures — from the silky yolk to the creamy sea urchin and the signature pop of salmon roe — all heightened by the sharp, fresh heat of wasabi.

Sakoshi Bay Oyster 4.2/5

Seafood took centre stage with the Sakoshi Bay Oyster, a prized delicacy from Hyogo Prefecture. Grilled over robatayaki until just 80% cooked, the oyster was then glazed with shio kombu butter and topped with a fragrant crumble of garlic, ginger, and shallots, enhancing its natural oceanic richness.

Tuna Wara Tataki 4.5/5

The Tuna Wara Tataki featured Big Eye Tuna, sustainably sourced from Australia's East Coast. Unlike traditional charcoal grilling, this dish was kissed by straw fire, resulting in a gently charred exterior while preserving the buttery, raw centre. The subtle smokiness complemented the bright ponzu sauce, thinly sliced myoga, and crisp garlic chips, perfectly balancing smoke and freshness.

Irori Grilled Jumbo Tiger Prawn 4.2/5

The Irori Grilled Jumbo Tiger Prawn was a prime example of traditional grilling techniques. Skewered and slow-grilled over charcoal in the irori style, a method dating back to the Jomon period, this dish showcased the prawn's natural sweetness and succulence. A touch of Maldon sea salt and a squeeze of lemon were all that was needed to highlight its pure, briny essence.

Aged Breast of Duck 4.8/5

For meat lovers, the Aged Breast of Duck was a revelation. Dry-aged for at least five days, the duck was slowly grilled over robatayaki to a perfect medium-rare, resulting in crisp skin and tender flesh. It was accompanied by burdock root purée for an earthy depth, while the spicy romaine and apple salad added a touch of sweetness and crunch, echoing the balance found in Korean BBQ and Japanese yakiniku.

Coriander Salad 4/5

One of the most polarising dishes on the menu is the Coriander Salad — a love-it-or-hate-it experience. Tossed in a white soy vinaigrette and topped with crispy fried sakura ebi and fragrant bawang goreng, the salad delivered a bright, herbal crispness that might not be for everyone but certainly intrigued the palate.

Saba Donabe 4.2/5

The meal culminated in the Saba Donabe, a tableside performance where rice was cooked in a traditional claypot over grilled fish bone dashi. Depending on the daily fresh catch from Nagasaki, our version featured grilled saba, which was folded into the rice at the tableside. The result? It is a deeply comforting dish with fluffy grains and crisped edges served with miso soup for a satisfying finish.

Mont Blanc "Flower" 4.2/5

To end on a high note, we were served the Mont Blanc "Flower", a delicate yet indulgent dessert. The chestnut mousse, piped atop a crisp French meringue, was paired with mikan yuzu jelly, creating a beautiful contrast between nutty richness and citrusy brightness. It felt like we were enjoying two desserts in one, perfectly encapsulating French pastry finesse and Japanese flavour precision.

With its seamless integration of traditional Japanese grilling techniques, premium ingredients, and meticulous execution, KA-MON at Resorts World Sentosa offers a one-of-a-kind Japanese grill experience in Singapore. Chef Hal Yamashita's expertise is evident in each dish, which celebrates both the purity of ingredients and the artistry of grilling. Whether you're a fan of seafood, premium meats, or comforting rice dishes, KA-MON delivers an elevated dining experience that is both exciting and deeply satisfying.

Note: This is an invites tasting.


KA-MON
(Opposite Resorts World Station) Resorts Word Sentosa
Hotel Michael
Level 1
Tel: +65 6577 6448/6688
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Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbour Front MRT station. Exit station to Vivocity Shopping Mall. Go to Sentosa Express Station at Level 3 of Vivocity. Take Sentosa Express Train to Resorts World station. Alight at Resorts World station. Walk to destination. Jourrney time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Murger Han @ Shenton Way - London Famous Xi'an Restaurant Opens In Singapore Serving Signature Biang Biang Noodles

UK-based Murger Han has built a strong following across its four London outlets for its authentic Xi'an cuisine. Now, it has opened its first Asian outpost in Singapore at Robinson Centre.

3-in-1 Noodles 4.5/5

The casual eatery offers its signature dishes at reasonable prices, with the highlight being its hand-pulled Biang Biang Noodles. We tried the 3-in-1 Noodles ($8.80), featuring a mix of tomato egg sauce, spring onion, chilli oil, and stir-fried vegetables. For the protein, diners can choose from Braised Pork, Slow-Cooked Lamb, Slow-Cooked Beef, or Beef Brisket. We opted for braised pork.

I loved the thick and chewy noodles paired with well-balanced flavours of sweetness, savouriness, and a touch of tang.

For those wanting more variety, the 5-in-1 Noodles ($9.80) include two meat choices, while simpler options such as Spring Onion & Chili Oil Noodles ($6.80) and Tomato & Egg Sauce Noodles ($6.80) are also available.

Crusty Murger with Pork 3.8/5

Another signature is the murger, available with a normal or crispy crust and a choice of fillings. We tried the Crusty Murger with Pork ($5.80), but while the bread was flaky, it lacked crunch, and we found the filling slightly too salty. Other options include Lean Pork and Spicy Chicken with Peppers and Cumin.

Steamed Rice Noodles with Seasonal Vegetables 4/5

We also had the Steamed Rice Noodles with Seasonal Vegetables ($6.80), which were fresh, slightly chewy, and well-seasoned. We added a portion of Sesame Sauce ($1), which contributed a creamy nuttiness, though we wished the chilli oil had packed more heat.

Lamb Soup with Tofu, Vermicelli and Vegetables 4/5

For something warm, the Lamb Soup with Tofu, Vermicelli, and Vegetables ($7.80) was substantial. It featured lamb slices, vermicelli, and small dough-like noodles. While I found the lamb's gaminess very strong, my dining partner enjoyed the comforting broth.

Mixed Salad 2/5

However, the Mixed Salad ($7.80) was the least impressive, as the flavours were relatively muted.

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.


Murger Han
Robinson Centre
#01-02
61 Robinson Road
Singapore 068893
Tel: +65 6970 0286
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Nearest MRT: Shenton Way (TE Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Downtown (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily 11am - 10pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Downtown MRT station. Take Exit 6. Walk to Mccallum Street. Turn left and walk down Mccallum Street. Turn right onto Boon Tat Link. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit F. Walk to Robinson Road. Turn left and walk down Robinson Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Downtown MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk to Commerce Street. Turn right and walk down Commerce Street. Turn left onto Boon Tat Link. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]