Pho Vietz @ Bugis Junction - Brings Authentic Flavours of South Vietnam’s Street Food to Singapore

Pho Vietz, the well-established Vietnamese cuisine restaurant group with outlets across the United States, Hong Kong, and Malaysia, has officially opened its first flagship outlet in Singapore. Founded by Chef Kenny Ton Ngoc Hiep, Pho Vietz is dedicated to showcasing the authentic flavours of South Vietnam — a culinary philosophy he has upheld for over two decades. The Singapore flagship reflects this commitment, offering a comprehensive menu that spans street food favourites to comforting noodle and rice dishes.

Vietnamese Spring Roll 4/5

We began our meal with some light bites, starting with the Vietnamese Spring Roll ($6.80). This deep-fried version is filled with well-seasoned minced meat, wrapped in a thin, crispy skin, and fried to a beautiful golden brown. Simple yet satisfying, it makes for a good starter to whet the appetite.

Steamed Flat Rice Roll with Minced Pork 4.2/5

The Steamed Flat Rice Roll with Minced Pork ($8.80) is a must-order. Each rice roll skin is freshly made upon order, resulting in a silky-soft texture. Inside, the filling of minced meat, glass noodles, black fungus, and prawns is flavourful and well-balanced, making this dish both comforting and delicious.

Vietnamese Prawn Salad 4.2/5

The Vietnamese Prawn Salad ($10.80) is refreshing and appetising, featuring a pleasant balance of tangy and sweet flavours that instantly lifts the palate. Served with crispy crackers, which can be broken and used as a vessel for the salad, it adds both textural contrast and fun to the dining experience.

Famous Vietnamese Baguette 4.2/5

Pho Vietz’s Singapore flagship features a dedicated Banh Mi station, and the Famous Vietnamese Baguette ($11.80) highlights the best of Vietnamese sandwich-making. The light, crusty baguette is generously filled with steamed ham, fried ham, gammon ham, and pork ear. Each bite delivers a delightful interplay of flavours and textures, making it a very satisfying option.

4 Beef Combo Noodle Soup 4.2/5

No Vietnamese meal is complete without pho. We opted for the 4 Beef Combo Noodle Soup ($17.80), which features a naturally sweet, beefy broth simmered for 8 hours with beef bones, marrow, and thigh bones. The bowl is generously topped with premium sliced beef, beef shank, beef ribeye, and handmade beef balls. This is a well-executed and comforting bowl of pho that hits all the right notes.

Pho Vietz Dried Beef Noodle 4.2/5

For something different, the Pho Vietz Dried Beef Noodle ($17.80) offers a dry-style alternative. Diners can choose between Ho Fun or egg noodles, tossed in a savoury, addictive sauce that reminds me of Indomie Goreng. Accompanied by a separate bowl of soup with premium sliced beef, beef shank, beef ribeye, and handmade beef balls, this unique offering is not commonly found in other Vietnamese restaurants.

Hue Style Spicy Pork Rib Noodle Soup 4.2/5

A signature favourite at Pho Vietz outlets internationally, the Huế-style spicy noodle soup features an intensely aromatic broth simmered with beef and pork bones, lemongrass, and fermented shrimp paste, finished with a fiery homemade chilli oil. The Hue Style Spicy Pork Rib Noodle Soup ($14.80) comes with thick, round rice vermicelli and two massive, fork-tender pork ribs. The broth delivers a distinctive balance of spicy, sour, salty, and sweet flavours that fans of bold tastes will appreciate.

Grilled Marinated Pork Belly Rice 4/5

For those who prefer rice over noodles, the Grilled Marinated Pork Belly Rice ($14.80) is a solid choice. The dish features tender, flavourful pork belly served with a fried egg, pickled vegetables, and crackers. A sweet and tangy Vietnamese dipping sauce is provided, which can be poured over the rice to add another layer of flavour.

Overall, Pho Vietz delivers an authentic and satisfying taste of South Vietnam, with well-executed dishes that reflect the group’s strong culinary heritage. Whether you are craving pho, banh mi, or classic Vietnamese rice dishes, this new flagship outlet is a worthy addition to Singapore’s Vietnamese dining scene.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Pho Vietz
Bugis Junction
B1-08
200 Victoria Street
Singapore 188021
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW, DT Line)

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

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 3 minutes. [Map]

Mama Pinto’s Kitchen – Homey Eurasian Private Dining That’s Hard to Come By

Private dining concepts continue to flourish, but Eurasian cuisine remains a rarity in Singapore’s dining landscape. That was precisely why the foodie gang decided to try Mama Pinto’s Kitchen, opting for a Eurasian-focused menu, though Mama Pinto does a mix of Eurasian and Peranakan dishes. At $90 for 7 dishes, it’s also one of the more value-for-money private dining menus we’ve come across.

Pomelo Salad 4/5

We started with the Pomelo Salad, a refreshing opener that whetted the appetite. The natural sweetness of the pomelo is lifted with a spicy lime dressing, then topped with nuts, garlic crisp and dried prawns for extra crunch and umami.

Stuffed Beancurd Puff 4.2/5

Next came the Stuffed Beancurd Puffs, packed with minced beef and potatoes. Deep-fried to a golden crisp, the exterior gives way to a soft, hearty centre. Pair it with the sambal kicap on the side for a spicy-sweet kick that elevates the bite.

Itek Teem 4.2/5

The Itek Teem was a standout soup course. A good version hinges on a well-built broth, and here it’s slow-cooked with pork ribs for added depth, along with duck and salted vegetables. Mama Pinto even marinates the duck with brandy. Diners can add an extra splash of brandy to the soup for more flavour dimension.

Eurasian Beef Semur 3/5

The Eurasian Beef Semur unfortunately leaned on the tougher side due to the cut used. Stewed with onions, potatoes and carrots, the flavours were promising; a better choice of beef would have made this dish shine.

Eurasian Kari Devil 4.8/5

The clear favourite of the night was the Eurasian Kari Devil. This spicy chicken curry, brightened with mustard and vinegar, features tender chicken pieces, potatoes, and chicken sausages. Bold, tangy and full-bodied — the table unanimously approved.

E

Eurasian Pork Tambrinyu 4.5/5

The Eurasian Pork Tambrinyu, an Eurasian take on babi assam, was another enjoyable dish. Using both pork belly and pork ribs, diners get two different textures: thick slices of belly for melt-in-the-mouth richness, and rib meat that slips off the bone effortlessly.

Eurasian Sambal Ma Juliana Prawns 4.5/5

We wrapped up with the Sambal Ma Juliana Prawns with Petai. The sweetness of the prawns pairs well with the spicy, tangy tamarind-based sambal, while the petai adds a distinct aroma and bite.

We ended the meal with a comforting homemade Pineapple Tart served with a scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream. A simple yet satisfying finish, the warm tart and cold ice cream made a delightful pairing. I enjoyed it so much that I completely forgot to take a photo.


Mama Pinto
Upper East Coard Road
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QIN Restaurant and Bar @ The Clan Hotel - Unveils an Exquisite New Menu Helmed by Incoming Homegrown Icon Chef Marvas Ng

Perched on the fourth floor of The Clan Hotel, QIN Restaurant & Bar continues to make its mark on the local dining scene with its cityscape views and refined East-meets-West culinary philosophy. With the arrival of homegrown chef Marvas Ng, formerly from the MICHELIN-Selected Path Restaurant, QIN ushers in an exciting new chapter. His refreshed menu leans into chef-driven creativity while staying rooted in familiar Asian flavours elevated with French finesse. From small plates to signatures, diners can expect thoughtful compositions using premium local and regional produce — a renewed identity that brings fresh energy to QIN's dining experience.

Local Marinated Cherries Tomato 4.2/5

A light and elegant start is the Local Marinated Cherry Tomatoes ($22). Sweet tomatoes sourced from Cameron Highlands are paired with delicate chrysanthemum jelly in a refreshing citrus broth that whets the appetite for what's to come.

Straits Wild Caught Sea Bream "Hai Diao" 4/5

Next is the Straits Wild Caught Sea Bream "Hai Diao" ($28). Clean-tasting slices of sea bream sit atop a local vegetable spring roll, offering a light and crisp bite with textural contrast from the crunchy vegetables.

Sarawak Pork Ear Terrine "Qian Cheng" 4.2/5

An innovative execution, the Sarawak Pork Ear Terrine "Qian Ceng" ($22) transforms humble pig ears into a delicate terrine inspired by classic pig trotter preparations. It is paired with pickled mountain pepper gastrique and local vegetables for acidity and depth.

Shanghainese Hairy Crab Roe "Dou Hua" 4.8/5

One of my favourite dishes of the evening is the Shanghainese Hairy Crab Roe "Dou Hua" ($22). Smooth housemade soy curd is topped with brown crab, hairy crab roe and pickled chilli — a savoury, robust and aromatic combination that complements the creamy curds beautifully. A slice of toasted bread is served on the side, perfect for spreading the rich mixture like a pâté.

Wagyu Beef "Hei Hu Jiao" 4.2/5

The Wagyu Beef "Hei Hu Jiao" ($6 per piece, $16 for 3 pieces) comes in the form of a black sphere filled with wagyu beef, black pepper sauce, shallot and mustard seed. Bite into it for an explosion of peppery, aromatic flavours reminiscent of a Taiwanese Hu Jiao Bing.

Hokkaido Pork Belly (Yume No Daichi) "Har Cheong" 4.2/5

Another addictive dish is the Hokkaido Pork Belly "Har Cheong" ($20). Instead of the usual prawn paste chicken, the prawn paste marinade is used on thinly sliced Hokkaido pork belly. Deep-fried to a crisp, it carries the unmistakable aroma of har cheong — a moreish bite that's hard to stop at one.

Spanish Bellota Ribs "Shao Kao" 4.2/5

The Spanish Bellota Ribs "Shao Kao" ($35) impress with their tenderness. Coated in a savoury Chu Hou sauce and topped with tomato and crispy aromatics, the ribs are delicious and fall off the bone with ease.

Straits Line Caught Local Threadfin "Qing Zhen" 4.2/5

The Straits Line Caught Local Threadfin "Qing Zheng" ($42) is steamed Canton-style with a shallot soy vinaigrette that highlights the natural sweetness and freshness of the fish.

During lunch, QIN offers three business set menus ranging from $38++ to $65++, each accompanied by either rice or salad. The rice is fluffy and fragrant, and I recommend it unless you prefer a lighter meal; in that case, the refreshing oyster-shallot vinaigrette salad is a suitable choice.

Cameron Highland "Nai Cha" 4.5/5

A creative dessert is the Cameron Highland "Nai Cha" ($12), inspired by bubble tea. Roasted black tea from Cameron Highlands is infused into a cream custard, served with cream cheese espuma, black tea boba, and buckwheat for textural contrast. A sprinkle of sea salt subtly lifts the flavours.

Gula Melaka "Ma Shu" 4/5

The Gula Melaka "Ma Shu" ($9), made with warabi starch, takes inspiration from ondeh-ondeh. Chewy and coated in coconut flakes, it reminds me more of kueh kosui in texture.

Sesame 'Su" 4/5

Lastly, the Sesame "Su" ($7 per piece, $18 for 3 pieces) resembles a spring roll, with crisp filo pastry wrapped around a filling of Okinawan brown sugar and nutty black sesame — a simple but satisfying end to the meal.

With Chef Marvas Ng at the helm, QIN Restaurant & Bar enters a refreshing new phase, bringing elevated Asian flavours and polished French techniques into a cohesive, contemporary menu. The dishes are thoughtfully executed with quality ingredients, presenting both comfort and creativity in equal measure. Whether you're here for their value-for-money business lunch sets or a leisurely dinner overlooking the city skyline, QIN offers a refined yet approachable dining experience worth returning for.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


QIN Restaurant & Bar
The Clan Hotel
Level 4 & 5
10 Cross Street
Singapore 048417
Tel: +65 6980 3535
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 3pm, 630pm - 1030pm

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

Revolution Wine Bistro @ Henderson Industrial Park - New Food-Forward Dining Destination by The Team Behind Defunct RVLT

From the team behind the now-closed RVLT, Revolution at Henderson Road is a brand-new restaurant that has redefined itself as a food-forward dining destination, shedding its old wine bar image. The cosy space is designed in collaboration with iconic Danish design house Fritz Hansen. It is furnished entirely with pieces from their design heritage, lending an understated yet elegant and cosy atmosphere.

Chicken Nuggets with Tomato Sriracha 4.5/5

At lunch, the menu leans towards simple, comforting fare — shareable starters, locally inspired pastas, and hearty mains. A must-try from the sharing plates is the Chicken Nuggets with Tomato Sriracha ($20), a highly requested favourite carried over from its previous spot. These are far from your usual fast-food nuggets. Made from a golden ratio of 80% chicken thigh and breast to 20% soft bones, they were tender and succulent, with a contrasting crispy crust. The crunchy, soft-bone bits buried within elevated the textural enjoyment. And what made these morsels even more addictive was the in-house Tomato Sriracha dip, crafted with 3-day fermented tomatoes, which imparted a fruity-sweet, vinegary tartness and a punch of heat, making it an excellent palate awakener.

Homemade Sourdough with Whipped Seaweed Butter 4.5/5

The Homemade Sourdough with Whipped Seaweed Butter ($8) was pleasing, featuring a well-made sourdough that struck a delicate balance of tang, nuttiness, and structure, with a crusty exterior and a chewy interior that paired beautifully with the umami-rich butter.

Hua Diao White Clams Linguine 4.5/5

Revolution also offers a Set Lunch ($28.80) comprising a salad, a choice of pasta, and a drink (iced tea, lemonade, or coffee). I tried both the Hua Diao White Clams Linguine ($19.80) and the Chicken Rendang Homemade Ravioli ($19.80). The linguine had an intoxicating aroma of Hua Diao wine, with a buttery, garlicky sauce that coated the al dente pasta and large, meaty clams.

Chicken Rendang Homemade Ravioli 2/5

The ravioli, however, paled in comparison. The pasta dough was a bit thick, and the minced chicken filling made only a slight impact. While the rendang gravy was bold and aromatic, textured with seasoned breadcrumbs, a simpler execution, such as egg pasta with shredded chicken, could have been more successful in conveying the idea.

Kale Salad 4/5

Among the salads, the Kale Salad was delightful, featuring crisp, fried kale paired with fresh leaves, avocado chunks, and tomatoes.

Crystal Sensu Fan 5/5

Chicken Skin Stroopwafel 5/5

Dinner service features a five-course tasting menu ($98++), and I tried a couple of the courses. The starters showcase a Trio of Snacks, starting with Crystal Sensu Fan, topped with Lobster Roe Bavarois and Caviar, which was incredibly delicate yet deeply umami. The Chicken Skin Stroopwafel with Drunken Foie Gras and Rose Wine Jelly offered a playful contrast of crisp chicken skin waffle and unctuous foie gras terrine, with the jelly cutting through the richness.

Mala Taco 4.5/5

In the same vein, the Mala Taco, filled with luscious negitoro and topped with tomato jelly, featured a sesame and hazelnut-infused tuile that delivered a layered sweet-savoury nuttiness and mala warmth without overwhelming the negitoro. In contrast, the tomato jelly balanced the richness of the bite.

Mussels Cheong Fun 4.5/5

Another course I tried was the brilliantly executed Mussels Cheong Fun. The soft, tender cheong fun acted like a delicate veil, concealing a surprise of aromatic moules marinières beneath — sweet-savoury with a touch of brininess, brightened by vibrant acidity and a drizzle of scallion oil that added gentle herbaceous notes. Paired with a Jerusalem artichoke purée, the mild, earthy base absorbed the sauce beautifully, making for a deeply satisfying bite.

Pandan Madeleines 4/5

Rounding off the meal, the petite Pandan Madeleines ($12) were delightful, with a lingering buttery flavour in every bite.

Photos and words by Si An. A homebody who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, the smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


Revolution
Henderson Industrial Park
211 Henderson Road
#01-05
Singapore 159552
Tel: +65 8955 8168
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Nearest MRT: Redhill (EW Line), Telok Blangah (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Wed: 11am - 3pm
Thu-Sat: 11am - 3pm, 6pm - 12midnight
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Redhill MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Redhill MRT station (Stop ID 10209). Take bus 145. Alight 5 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Telok Blangah MRT station. Take Exit A. Cross the road. Walk to bus stop opposite Telok Blangah MRT station (Stop ID 14169). Take bus 176. Alight 4 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Artichoke @ New Bahru - A New Era As A Pizza Parlor, Transforming from Mezza to Mozza

After 15 years of serving up bold and unapologetic Middle Eastern flavours, Chef Bjorn Shen has given his beloved Artichoke a fresh identity. The long-standing establishment has transformed from mezza to mozza with its brand-new concept – Artichoke Pizza Parlor. This new-school pizza joint celebrates pizza in all its playful, unpretentious glory.

Artichoke Pizza Parlor isn't about chasing traditional wood-fired Neapolitan ideals. Instead, its DNA is part 80s and 90s American-Italian pizzeria nostalgia, part new-school innovation, and all classic Bjorn. The result? An original pizza experience crafted for Singaporeans by a Singaporean who simply loves pizza - not the artisanal, precious kind, but the kind that sparks joy, indulgence, and memories of childhood pizza parties.

Beef Lasagna Nuggets 4/5

The Beef Lasagna Nuggets ($16) are frozen, breaded cubes of beef lasagna deep-fried to a golden crunch. Each bite delivers a contrast of textures. The soft, layered pasta is paired with a crisp breadcrumb coating, all pulled together by a bright, tangy marinara sauce.

Green N' Golden Kiwi 4.2/5

A surprise on the menu, the Green N' Golden Kiwi Salad ($14) features fresh kiwi (both green and golden) topped with pecorino, mint, and black pepper. It's refreshing and unexpectedly delicious, a clever play on sweet and savoury.

Super Crunch Fried Chicken 4.2/5

An Artichoke classic reimagined, the Super Crunch Fried Chicken ($24) lives up to its name. The juicy chicken encased in an ultra-crisp crust, glazed with za'atar honey and finished with garlic sauce. Sweet, savoury, and addictive.

Chicory Salad 3/5

The Chicory Salad ($20) brings together radicchio, endives, roasted red grapes, onions, herbs, mango amba dressing, whipped sesame, and falafel crumbles. While the bitterness of radicchio may not appeal to everyone, the sweet dressing and nutty falafel soften the edge of the acquired taste.

Creamy Green Harissa Prawn Spaghetti 4.8/5

One of the standouts, the Creamy Green Harissa Prawn Spaghetti ($34), is bold and flavour-packed. The zesty, punchy harissa sauce clings to each strand of pasta, making every slurp irresistible.

Rounds: Tropic Thunder 4.2/5

Pizza is the main highlight here, presented in three unique forms: Rounds, Stacks and Slabs.

The Tropic Thunder ($32) comes in the Rounds-style, which is airy, puffy-crust pizzas inspired by Naples' Montanara, fried then baked for extra texture. Topped with Parma ham, burrata, jackfruit, ginger flower, and honey, this is tropical decadence done right.

Stacks: Dirty Duck 3.8/5

Stacks-style is double-decker pizzas with layers of dough stuffed with ingredients. The Dirty Duck ($30) packs Bali-spiced duck, mozzarella, snake bean lawar, sambal matah, and coconut cream. Intense, punchy, and flavour-heavy. Though for me, the richness felt overwhelming for pizza, better suited to a rice dish.

Slabs: Beef Pepperoni, Pickled Long Pepper, Chilli Honey 4.5/5

The Slabs-style is where things get exciting. It is a hybrid of Roman and Detroit styles, featuring a rectangular base with a unique "undercrunch" layer of cheddar baked beneath the dough. The Beef Pepperoni ($26), topped with marinara, pepperoni, chilli honey, garlic oil, and pickled peppers, is balanced, spicy, and satisfying.

Slabs: Bacon Apple Pie 4.5/5

Even better was the Bacon Apple Pie ($32). Pancetta, apple butter, brie, baked apples, mozzarella, hazelnuts, and rosemary come together in a sweet-savoury harmony. Almost like a dessert pizza, it's unconventional yet a standout.

Sundae 4.2/5

The Sundae ($20) is a playful finish featuring passionfruit ice cream with lemongrass cream, banana bread croutons, meringue, and macerated strawberries. Light, tropical, and fun.

Cinnamon-Cherry Pie 4.2/5

A hearty bake, the Cinnamon-Cherry Pie ($18) combines almond frangipane and sour cherry filling within a buttery crust, topped with cookie crumbs and orange cream. A tart, fragrant balance of sweet and spiced.

Mud Cake 4.8/5

The Mud Cake ($14) is not your average chocolate cake. Served warm with banana & raisin jam, layered with banana bread, then topped with chocolate milk, Ovaltine crunchies, and smoked salt. Rich, nostalgic, and delightfully messy, it is pure Bjorn style.

Artichoke Pizza Parlor is Bjorn Shen's most personal and playful project to date. It's a place where pizza isn't bound by tradition but reimagined with bold ideas, local flair, and plenty of heart. Come with an open mind (and stretchy pants), and you'll leave grinning because pizza is meant to be fun.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Artichoke
New Bahru
46 Kim Yam Road
#01-02
Singapore 239351
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Nearest MRT: Fort Canning (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue: 5pm - 10pm
Wed-Sun: 11am - 10pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Fort Canning MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to traffic junction River Valley Road and Clemenceau Ave. Cross the road and cut through UE Square to Unity Street. Turn right onto Unity Street and walk to Mohamed Sultan Road. Cross the road and walk to Kim Yam Road. Walk down Kim Yam Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]