Surrey Hills Grocer @ Vivocity - Largest Surrey Hills Outlet, Bringing Diners the Aussie Rainforest Experience

Surrey Hills Grocer has unveiled its largest branch on VivoCity's rooftop, offering diners an Aussie rainforest-themed experience. The cosy space is adorned with lush greenery and playful animal decor like kangaroos, koalas, and giraffes.

Like its other branches, this new outlet introduces outlet-exclusive dishes and their first ever full kids menu.

Pet owners will also be happy to know that the outlet is pet-friendly and offers an all-new pet-friendly menu. Their freshly made treats are all crafted with quality, human-grade ingredients.

Diners can find a great variety of produce and food items to be purchased. The retail space is in a dedicated store segment near the entrance.

Surrey’s Homemade Iced Lemon Tea

Surrey has an extensive beverage list, which includes alcohols, fresh juices, wines, smoothies, teas and homemade options, such as the mildly sweet Surrey's Homemade Iced Lemon Tea ($8). It is made in-house using cold-brewed premium black tea dust and fresh lemons.

Corn & Crab Chowder 4/5

For a comforting start, we opted for the Corn & Crab Chowder ($14), a mildly creamy soup peppered with sweet crab meat bits and served with a side of focaccia.

Pumpkin Soup 4/5

Equally satisfying was the Pumpkin Soup ($12), which featured warm flavours of burnt orange and dukkah, balanced by a refreshing touch of mint, accompanied by focaccia.

Tender Seared Turkey 4.8/5

To add to the festive cheer, Surrey Hills Grocer has rolled out a seasonal Christmas menu available till the end of December. I was especially excited to try their Tender Seared Turkey ($32), which was strongly recommended by the staff. It was stellar and indeed one of the most tender renditions I've had of the meat. The turkey breast is drizzled with fragrant truffle butter and served with a bed of creamy truffled pomme puree, sherry caramel, miso glaze butternut squash and mushroom gravy.

Christmas Porchetta 4.5/5

Another festive highlight was the Christmas Porchetta ($28), which features tender Spanish chestnut pork belly with perfectly crisped skin stuffed with aromatics and sweet yet tangy apple cider glaze and cranberry apple compote.

Octopus Salad 3.8/5

Unfortunately, the Octopus Salad ($28) was less memorable, primarily due to its texture, which was a little too chewy. The sides of edamame, grape salsa and whipped cod roe went well together.

Flat Bread Hammy Benny 4/5

From the standard menu, we had the Flat Bread Hammy Benny ($26), featuring smoked Kurobuta ham, eggs of your choice, wilted spinach, truffle mushroom ragout, and foam-textured hollandaise on warmed flatbread. While enjoyable, my companions found it slightly overpriced for its simplicity.

Hot Honey Pepperoni Pizza 4.2/5

A standout speciality exclusive to this outlet is its Sicilian-style pizzas and pasta. The Hot Honey Pepperoni Pizza ($12) was a crowd-pleaser, featuring creamy ricotta, spicy pepperoni, Parmigiano Reggiano, and a drizzle of hot honey for a sweet-spicy kick.

“Hokkien Mee” 4.8/5

Among the pasta options, the "Hokkien Mee" ($26) impressed us with its creative local twist. Al dente malfadine pasta was bathed in a rich prawn bisque with lard and topped with ikura, grilled prawns, and spicy shrimp sambal. It was a bold, crustacean-infused dish.

Roasted Garlic Miso Butter Pasta 4/5

By contrast, the Roasted Garlic Miso Butter Pasta ($22) felt slightly underwhelming. The casarecce pasta, paired with pork sausage, asparagus, and fresh herbs, was well-cooked but lacked the robust flavours of the other dishes.

Strawberries Donut with Vanilla Custard, Vanilla Glazed Donut 3/5

We sampled two donuts for dessert: the Strawberries Donut with Vanilla Custard ($6.50) and the Vanilla Glazed Donut ($5). Both were dense and much sweeter than expected. We favoured the latter for its delicate sugar coating.

Sticky Date Pudding 4.5/5

Finally, the Sticky Date Pudding ($16) stole the show. This moist sponge cake was paired with sea salt butterscotch, almond crumble, and vanilla ice cream. The sweetness was balanced with a contrasting touch of saltiness.

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.


Surrey Hills Grocer
VivoCity
#03-02
1 HarbourFront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 8189 6392
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Nearest MRT: Harbourfront MRT (NE, CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit C & E. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 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]

Fourgather @ Telok Ayer Street - Travel to Thailand With Fourgather’s Newly Expanded Menu of Modern Thai Flavours

When we last visited Fourgather at Telok Ayer, we enjoyed their creative, fusion-inspired Thai dishes. Now, just six months later, the restaurant has expanded its offerings to include more authentic dishes with unique twists.

The vibrant, eclectic space was bustling on a weekday night, making it ideal for relaxed gatherings. The upbeat Thai music playing in the background definitely added to the atmosphere.

Beverages

We opted for non-alcoholic beverages and appreciated the balanced sweetness. My favourite is their Thai Chrysanthemum ($5.50) for its lovely herbal notes and how it effectively washed down the spice from the food.

Thai Chicken Breast Salad 3.8/5

We started with the Thai Chicken Breast Salad ($16.90), featuring tender chicken breast in a mix of Thai herbs, nutty roasted rice powder, and a tangy spicy dressing.

Tom Yum Soup Clear 4.2/5

Next, the Tom Yum Soup Clear - Seafood ($24.90) was a flavourful, spicy option that struck a perfect balance with its herbaceous ingredients. Diners can choose from additional toppings like Vegetable ($13.90), Chicken ($16.90) or Prawn ($19.90), and a creamy version is available for those who prefer it.

PINTO Thai Rice Porridge Set for 2 Pax 4.2/5

On a chilly, rainy day, the new PINTO Thai Rice Porridge Set for 2 Pax ($23.90) felt incredibly soothing. This set includes a pot of unlimited pandan porridge accompanied by four side dishes. We sampled an array, from Steamed Pork Patty with Salted Fish to Thai Stir-Fried Pickled Mustard with Egg.

One of the standout dishes was the Crispy Pork Belly, Fish Sausage, and Fried Anchovies Yum Salad. The fish sausage crisps soaked up the tangy, spicy dressing beautifully, making it an addictive table favourite.

Another unexpected delight was the Chye Poh with Egg, featuring generous portions of sweet, crunchy chye poh.

For larger groups, a 4-person portion ($52.90) includes 10 side dishes. All sides are also available as a la carte.

Creamy LAVA EGG with Basil Minced Pork 4.2/5

Another new dish was the Creamy LAVA EGG with Basil Minced Pork ($14.90), where a layer of velvety eggs covered jasmine rice, topped with fragrant basil minced pork. The dish’s spice level is adjustable, and diners can choose different proteins, such as fried pork belly (+$3), prawns (+$6) and seafood (+$11).

Thai Crab Laksa 4/5

We ended our meal with the Thai Crab Laksa ($20.90). Dip the rice noodles into the creamy and mildly spicy coconut curry, pairing it with chunks of blue flower crab meat, fresh herbs and vegetables.

While the menu is slightly pricey, our meals at Fourgather are always a delight. We find their food to be authentic, with a touch of modernity, and well-balanced.

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.


Fourgather
76 Telok Ayer Street
#01-02
Singapore 048464
Tel: +65 8071 2946
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 11:30am - 11:30pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit B. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

The Ushi Club @ Boat Quay - A Hidden Gem for Japanese Beef Aficionados

The Ushi Club on Circular Road offers an authentic Japanese yakiniku experience, showcasing premium A5-grade Miyazaki and Miyazawa beef. Walking into the restaurant feels like a brief escape to Japan; the cosy, intimate space exudes a Japanese ambience with its minimalist decor and warm, inviting atmosphere. We were seated at the counter, where each guest had their own grill, and the attentive staff handled the grilling process to ensure each cut was cooked to perfection.

Assorted Kimchi and Namul 4.2/5

We started our Ushi Club Course ($111) with a selection of Assorted Kimchi and Namul. The bright flavours and tangy notes perfectly whet the appetite, offering a refreshing counterbalance to the rich meats that followed. Throughout the dinner, we found ourselves returning to these small bites to cut through the richness of the beef.

Choregi Salad 4/5

The Choregi Salad might look simple at first glance, but it's surprisingly flavourful. The greens are tossed in a light yet savoury choregi dressing, adding a delightful crunch and freshness to the course lineup.

Wagyu Beef Sashimi 4.2/5

The Wagyu Beef Sashimi was a revelation. It might seem unusual for anyone unfamiliar with beef sashimi, but the clean and mild flavours of the high-quality raw beef surprised me. There was no hint of gaminess — just a smooth, buttery taste that elevated the experience.

Beef Muscle with Ponzu 3.5/5

The Beef Muscle with Ponzu was less tender than other cuts due to its natural texture, but the tangy ponzu sauce with radish brightened up the dish. While it was not my favourite, the flavours were well-complemented by the acidity of the ponzu, making it an interesting addition.

Assorted Wagyu Platter 4.8/5

Beef Tongue with Spring Onion 4.8/5

The star of the night was the Assorted Wagyu Platter (120g), featuring cuts like Chunk Tender, Premium Short Rib, Beef Skirt, Chunk Rib, Top Blade, and Triceps Brachii Caput. Each piece was grilled by the skilled staff, allowing us to savour the unique textures and flavors of each cut, one by one, at their optimal doneness. For a more adventurous bite, we had Beef Tongue with Spring Onion, which had a pleasant crunchiness balanced by the fresh, sharp flavour of the green onions.

Brisket Yakisuki 4.8/5

A standout from the grilled selection was the Brisket Yakisuki. Tender and well-marbled, this cut melts in your mouth. Dipping it into an egg yolk added a layer of creaminess, enhancing its richness and making it one of the most indulgent dishes of the night.

Garlic Rice 4/5

We were served a comforting bowl of Garlic Rice to wrap up the meal. The garlicky aroma and warm, hearty flavour were the perfect ends to a rich and satisfying dinner.

Wagyu Beef Tartare 4.2/5

We tried the Wagyu Beef Tartare ($28) from the à la carte menu. Mixed with egg yolk, spring onion, and a touch of seasoning, the tartare is perfect when paired with seaweed for a rich, umami-filled wrap.

Kourayaki 4/5

The seasonal Kourayaki ($18) was another treat—a blend of crab tomalley and roe grilled directly in its shell. The rich, creamy texture of the king crab tomalley, combined with the umami depth from Japanese cooking sake, homemade mirin, and butter, was a decadent addition to the meal.

The Ushi Club delivers a stellar Japanese yakiniku experience in a cosy setting where high-quality ingredients and meticulous preparation shine. Each course, from the refreshing starters to the premium Wagyu cuts, is thoughtfully prepared to bring out the best flavours. This spot is a hidden gem for Japanese beef aficionados, offering a taste of Japan in the heart of Singapore.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


The Ushi Club
64 Circular Road
#01-01
Singapore 049418
Tel: +65 6423 9060
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Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 6pm - 11pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk straight down Chulia Street to Circular Road. Walk down Circular Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]