Café Barco @ Kaki Bukit - New Japanese-Western Fusion Cafe by Wunderfolks

Wunderfolks, which started as a home-based business in 2020, gained popularity for its tarts in various flavours.

Building on its success, the brand expanded beyond its physical stores and ventured into a new concept with the opening of Café Barco, a Japanese-Western fusion café in Kaki Bukit. It is conveniently situated within the Techview Building and just a short walk from Kaki Bukit MRT Station.

Iced Matcha Latte 3/5

Our meal began with the Iced Matcha Latte. We wished it had a stronger matcha flavour, as the drink leaned much more towards the milky side.

Cold Tofu 3/5

We had the Cold Tofu ($6), which is on the light side. It is served with a Japanese sesame dressing and topped with spring onions, nori, and sesame seeds.

Corn Croquette 3.5/5

Next, we tried the Corn Croquette ($8), which had a crunchy exterior and creamy interior. It was served with a sweet-tasting Barco brown sauce.

Tater Tots 3.5/5

The Tater Tots ($7) were well-fried and crispy but felt a bit plain. A bit of seasoning or a dipping sauce would have elevated this dish.

Mentaiko Egg Mayo Sando 4.2/5

The Mentaiko Egg Mayo Sando ($8.80) was a delightful treat. The creamy mentaiko egg mayo mix was nicely balanced and not overly rich. It was sandwiched between lightly toasted, fluffy bread. The tobiko sprinkled on top added a nice savoury pop to each bite.

Big Breakfast 4/5

A crowd favourite at Café Barco is the Big Breakfast ($14), a classic brunch dish featuring scrambled eggs, sautéed mushrooms, vine tomatoes, a hash brown, mesclun salad, and bread. While it didn't break any new ground, it was decently executed.

Curry Chicken Katsu Don 4.2/5

Among the mains, our top pick was the Curry Chicken Katsu Don ($14.80). The dish featured slices of crunchy, well-seasoned chicken katsu served on a bed of Japanese rice and a flavourful Japanese curry with potato and carrot chunks. The katsu remained tender.

Mentaiko Pasta with Salmon 3.5/5

On the other hand, despite its popularity, the Mentaiko Pasta with Salmon ($18.80) fell short of expectations. We found the dish to be more creamy than mentaiko-flavoured, leaving us wishing for a stronger mentaiko presence to better complement the linguine, grilled salmon, onsen egg, and tobiko.

For dessert, Café Barco offers an array of their signature Tarts alongside other pastries. Additionally, the café stocks canelés from Flourcrafts, which you can pre-order for pickup or purchase on the spot.

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.


Café Barco
Techview
#01-02
1 Kaki Bukit View
Singapore 415941
Tel: +65 9749 7940
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Nearest MRT: Kaki Bukit (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 8am - 8pm

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

Toast Box @ Takashimaya Shopping Centre - Unveils Latest 'Old-School' Concept Store, Inspired by Classic Kopitiams of Yesteryear

Singapore's beloved Nanyang coffee chain, Toast Box 土司工坊, has introduced a new concept store at Takashimaya Shopping Centre. This latest outlet pays homage to the classic kopitiams of the past, offering a blend of nostalgia and modernity. It offers exclusive experience sets that celebrate the rich traditions of Singaporean coffee shop culture.

Kopi/Teh Trio

A standout feature at this Takashimaya store is the store-exclusive Experience Sets, such as the Kopi Trio ($5.50) and Teh Trio ($5.50). These sets allow customers to explore the distinct flavours of traditional kopi and teh, offering a unique opportunity to experience Singapore's iconic way of ordering and enjoying these beloved beverages. It's a delightful and educational journey through the different coffee and tea concoctions, perfect for locals and tourists.

Toast Experience Set 4/5

No Nanyang coffee experience is complete without the classic toast. The Toast Experience Set ($4.50) lets diners sample a variety of toast combinations, featuring crispy toasted bread served with Nyonya Kaya, Hainanese Kaya, and Crunchy Peanut Butter. The spread-it-yourself style adds a fun, interactive element, allowing you to customise your toast to your liking. Each spread has its unique flavour, making this set a must-try for toast enthusiasts.

Asian Delight Yuan Yang 4.5/5

For those who want to indulge in a more substantial meal, the Asian Delight Yuan Yang Experience Set ($12) is a perfect choice. This set features two of Toast Box's iconic dishes — Laksa and Curry Chicken — in smaller portions, served with a choice of rice, toast, or roti prata. This combination lets you relish the best of both worlds, offering a hearty and satisfying meal that captures the essence of Singapore's diverse culinary heritage.

Waterfall Kopi/Teh 4.5/5

If you're in the mood for something visually striking and rich in flavour, the Waterfall Kopi/Teh ($4) is a must-try. Prepared in the traditional way, this freshly brewed Nanyang kopi or teh is topped with a thick layer of milky froth. The dramatic pour adds an element of theatre to your dining experience, while the rich, aromatic flavours make it a delightful treat for the senses.

Mentaiko Egg Sando 4.2/5

The all-new Mentaiko Egg Sando ($5.50) is another exclusive offering at this outlet. Sandwiched between soft and fluffy toast, this sandwich features a creamy mentaiko spread paired with a luscious egg omelette. The sweet and savoury combination is a true delight, offering a modern twist on a classic comfort food.

Char Siew Ramen 4/5

The Char Siew Ramen ($8.80) and Bak Chor Ramen ($8.80) are excellent choices for those seeking a more substantial meal. The Char Siew Ramen is reminiscent of traditional char siew wanton noodle soup, but with a twist — ramen noodles are used instead of the usual springy noodles, and the dish is topped with pork char siew and a sunny-side-up egg, though it does not include wanton.

Bak Chor Ramen 4.2/5

On the other hand, the Bak Chor Ramen is a reimagined version of the local Bak Chor Mee. This dish features ramen noodles in a robust broth infused with chilli and fragrant vinegar, accompanied by pork slices, minced pork, pork lard, prawns, mushrooms, and fish cake. The combination of flavours and textures makes this dish a bowl of slurping goodness, perfect for those who enjoy bold, hearty flavours.

To end your meal on a sweet note, Toast Box offers a selection of nostalgic cakes, such as the All Chocolate Cake, Black Sesame Cake, and Old School Happy Birthday Cake. These desserts are a delightful throwback to the flavours of yesteryears, providing a perfect finish to your nostalgic journey at Toast Box.

Toast Box's new concept store at Takashimaya Shopping Centre successfully blends the charm of old-school kopitiams with contemporary dining, offering exclusive experience sets that celebrate Singapore's rich coffee culture and culinary heritage. Whether you're stopping by for a quick kopi or indulging in a full meal, this new outlet promises a unique and memorable experience for all who visit.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Toast Box
Takashimaya Shopping Centre
391B Orchard Road
#B2-30
Singapore 238872
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line), Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 730am - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Follow the walkway through Wisma Atria to Takashimaya. Continue walking straight at Ngee Ann City until destination. Journey about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B to Orchard Road. Head west or turn left onto Orchard Road against the flow of traffic. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

The Feather Blade @ East Coast Road - Second Outlet with a Brand New Seafood Bar Alongside Store-exclusive Surf & Turf Dishes

The Feather Blade Steakhouse, renowned for its commitment to alternative cuts of beef, ventures into the East Coast with its second outlet. This new establishment introduces a seafood bar, showcasing delectable treasures from the sea, and debuts store-exclusive surf and turf dishes. In the spirit of melding the boldest flavours from the land with the sweetest offerings from the sea, The Feather Blade Steakhouse aims to provide a unique surf and turf steakhouse experience that resonates with Singaporeans' love for both steak and seafood.

Oysters 4/5

From the Seafood Bar, we indulged in Fresh Oysters from France, each pair paired with distinct accompaniments. The Salsa Taquera ($7.80/pair) offered a burst of flavours, while the Ponzu Ikura ($12/pair) elevated the oysters with a delightful zing.

Shrimp Cocktail 4/5

Another tempting creation from the seafood bar was the Shrimp Cocktail ($18.50 for 3pc). The prawns, poached to perfection and served chilled, retained their freshness and crunch. Accompanied by a sweet and tangy house cocktail sauce, it was a delightful symphony of flavours.

Scallop 4/5

Continuing our seafood experience, the Hokkaido Scallop Carpaccio ($16), served with a shiso lime glaze, the sweet scallop received a zesty finishing touch, accentuated by the briny burst of salmon roe.

White Corn 4/5

The menu includes a vegetable delight - White Corn ($8.50). Charred to perfection, the corn was remarkably sweet, with a hint of smokiness. The smoked paprika oil added a touch of spiciness, while the tarragon cream provided a creamy balance.

Aubergine 3.8/5

The Aubergine ($7.50) from Australia presented a unique pairing. While the eggplant was mild, the dish exploded with flavours from the feta cheese, miso glaze, and balsamico. Cashew nuts sprinkled on top added an extra layer of texture contrast.

Bincho Feather Blade 3.5/5

For the pièce de résistance, we savoured the Bincho Feather Blade ($28 for 200g). Grilled with a sweet and savoury house glaze over Bincotan, this signature steak might not be the most tender cut, but it compensates with a smoky richness in flavour.

Fries 4/5

Accompanying our main course was the Triple Cooked Wagyu Beef Fat Fries ($7.90). Crispy, fluffy, and imbued with the fragrance of wagyu beef fat, these fries were a delight. The dill sour cream dip added a refreshing twist, or, for an extra indulgence, you could opt for the ikura dip.

Swordfish Sando 4.5/5

A surprising gem was the Swordfish Sando ($32). Featuring swordfish belly with smoked katsu sauce sandwiched between toasted Japanese milk bread, it played an optical illusion akin to a pork sando. However, the swordfish's taste and tenderness set it apart, making it a remarkable dish.

Pistachio Tiramisu 3/5

The dessert, Pistachio Tiramisu, was a moist creation with a creamy pool of pistachio sauce drenching it, and pistachio nuts adding a delightful texture. Unfortunately, the pistachio flavour was somewhat subdued, leaving room for improvement.

In conclusion, The Feather Blade Steakhouse's East Coast outlet has successfully brought a unique blend of land and sea to the whole experience. With its alternative cuts of beef and the addition of a seafood bar, it continues to redefine the steakhouse experience, offering a symphony of flavours that will surely resonate with steak and seafood enthusiasts alike.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


The Feather Blade | Steak & Seafood Bar
225 East Coast Road
Singapore 428922
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Nearest MRT: Dakota (CC Line), Marine Parade (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon: 530pm - 11pm
Tue-Fri: 12pm - 330pm, 530pm - 11pm
Sat-Sun: 1130am - 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 7 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 18 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Marine Parade MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to Chapel Road. Turn left onto Chapel Road. Walk down Chapel Road to East Coast Road. Cross the road at East Coast Road. Turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Baristart Coffee Singapore @ Wisma Atria - Hokkaido Cafe’s 3rd New Outlet in Town with Popular Hokkaido Cream Puffs, Coffee and Japanese Western Food

Good news to those who work in town, as Baristart Coffee welcomes its newest outlet at Wisma Atria, located within the OCBC branch on the fourth floor. It may be tricky to find as the third outlet is nestled within the bank's largest integrated lifestyle and banking branch with a fun retail space featuring books and selected lifestyle brands.

The brand is most known for its use of the creamy Hokkaido BIEI Jersey Milk, and it features it across several items on the menu, such as its beverages, cream puffs, and soft serves.

Baristart Latte

If it is your first visit here and you’re thinking of grabbing coffee, go for their smooth and aromatic Baristart Latte ($6.70). It's available both hot and iced, and you can top up a dollar for add-on flavours of caramel, vanilla or honey.

Mixed Berries Yoghurt Smoothie

The Mixed Berries Yoghurt Smoothie ($8.50) is one of the beverages under the non-caffeine list. However, it was a little too icy and muted than I was hoping for in its yoghurt flavour.

Hokkaido Tontoro 3.8/5

The Hokkaido Toronto ($17.80) features a light garden salad mix with tangy-sweet raspberry pommery dressing, yuzu ponzu radish sauce, and slices of Hokkaido Snow Pork Jowl. Although the dressing was appetising, the dish was pretty average and pricey.

Hokkaido Zangi 4.2/5

Drizzle lemon juice over the Hokkaido Zangi ($14.80) for that extra freshness to the crunchy bites. These well-marinated Hokkaido-style fried chicken chunks make an excellent sharing choice.

Wafu Pasta 4.2/5

We sampled a couple of main dishes, the first being a classic Japanese fusion dish, the Wafu Pasta ($19.80). While it was a touch oily, the spaghetti was well coated in an umami butter and dashi sauce mix with a slight kick of spice and studded with several toppings - prawns, bacon strips, asparagus and nori.

Obihiro Butadon 4/5

The Japanese rice-based Obihiro Butdaon ($19.80) is served with grilled pork belly dressed in a homemade teriyaki sweet sauce. A bowl of Shiro Miso soup also accompanies it.

Tonkatsu 4/5

The Tonkatsu ($18.80) is one of the three sandos on the menu. A thick, deep-fried Hokkaido pork loin patty is sandwiched between two soft and crustless white breads. It's finished with cabbage, mustard butter and sweet tonkatsu sauce, which gives a delightful mix of sweet, savoury and tangy notes. It's best to enjoy this while it's still hot.

Hokkaido Cream Puff 4.8/5

We definitely couldn't leave Baristart without having one of their well-loved Hokkaido Cream Puffs ($7). Baristart's rendition is one of my favourites. It is always generously piped with its signature BIEI Jersey Milk custard cream, so rich and luscious, paired with the irresistible crunchy crust.

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.


Baristart Coffee Singapore
Wisma Atria
#04-01
435 Orchard Road
Singapore 238877
Tel: +65 9836 9113
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Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (NE, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

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

Ginger.Lily @ Hilton Singapore Orchard - Newly Refreshed Afternoon Tea Experience with Nikkei-inspired Delights

Embark on a four-part journey of Savoury, Sweet, Thirst and Take Me Home with Ginger.Lily's newly refreshed Nikkei-inspired Afternoon Tea menu. Thoughtfully curated by Director of Culinary Vijay and Executive Pastry Chef Cindy, they seek to bring diners to experience a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian flavours and ingredients.

A minimum of 2 diners per table is required, at $58++ per person for food only or $78++ per person for an additional glass of champagne. Included in the set is a choice of 2 hot teas per diner from an extensive range of 10 premium tea varieties.

If you prefer delicately flavoured teas like me, I would recommend Ginger.Lily's house blend, The Ginger.Lily. It is a specially put-together blend of tea leaves paired with goji berries and perfumed with mild florals and exotic fruits.

Welcome Drink

We were first served with a Welcome Drink of tangy-sweet pink guava and yuzu.

Nikkei-style Salmon 4/5

The trio of Nikkei Savouries started with an appetite lifter, the Nikkei-style Salmon. It had fresh cubes of salmon paired with crispy quinoa, cucumber strips and a generous pour of yuzu sauce.

Shishamo 4.2/5

Next, we had a fried piece of meaty Shishamo sandwiched between a lightly grilled mantou bun. It had a mild kick of heat from jalapenos and sriracha.

Sando 4.2/5

The last of this segment of savouries was the satisfying Sando, a well-fried chunky piece of Kurobuta pork laced with sweet tonkatsu sauce and black garlic aioli in bread.

Nikkei Nigiris 4/5

We were surprised to find out about this next part! Not only was it the first time for us to have sushi at an afternoon tea, but it was also carefully torched to finish by the chef at our tableside. The Nikkei Nigiris feature three pieces - the Foie-Gras, Maguro Chu-Toro and White Fish.

Nikkei Nigiris

While the sushi rice was a little more loose than we would prefer, we appreciated the freshness of each. The Maguro Chu-Toro was served with orange ponzu glaze and wasabi, while the White Fish had Shiromi chilli. My favourite was the melt-in-the-mouth Foie-Gras with a brush of ginger-flavoured teriyaki sauce.

Japanese Inspired Sweets 4.2/5

We moved into the Japanese-inspired sweets gorgeously presented in a layered turquoise drawer. Aside from the Red Tea Azuki Dorayaki and Scones, we were recommended to make our way through from the top to the bottom, progressing from the lighter to the more decadent flavours.

Matcha & Sudachi

Despite hoping for more intense matcha notes in the soft Matcha & Sudachi roll cake, it was a lovely, refreshing piece with tangy sudachi notes.

Japanese Mango Cheesecake, Muscat Anise Shortcake, Strawberry Miso Tart

Other featured sweets were the Japanese Mango Cheesecake, Muscat Anise Shortcake and Strawberry Miso Tart, which had an oozing filling of strawberry bits upon halving.

Mikan Cacao Pepper Choux, Sesame Finger Cookies, Hokkaido Potato Moelleux

The more assertive flavours are brought out in the unique Mikan Cacao Pepper Choux, nutty Sesame Finger Cookies and Hokkaido Potato Moelleux.

Scones 3.8/5

We ended off with an afternoon tea staple, scones. The Cranberry Scones and Vanilla Scones came in two pairs, accompanied by a side of strawberry apple jam, yuzu chocolate creme and clotted cream.

I found the scones a tad doughy, but I was particularly surprised to find myself enjoying the yuzu chocolate creme. I'm not usually a fan of a similar citrusy combination of chocolate and orange, but the yuzu here is distinctly bright and balanced off very well with the darker chocolate.

Nikkei Sour 4.5/5

I adored the new Nikkei Sour concocted in-house. It is part of a selection of Nikkei-inspired cocktails designed to pair with the refreshed afternoon tea pieces and their all-day dining. The Nikkei Sour is crafted using Matcha distillate and a Macchu Pisco base, boasting a light, fruity and citrusy profile.

Save a table for Ginger.Lily's afternoon tea at https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/sinorhi-hilton-singapore-orchard/dining/ginger-lily/. There are 2 seatings, with the first seating from 1pm to 3pm and second seating from 3.30pm to 5.30pm.

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.


Ginger.Lily
Hilton Singapore Orchard
Level 5
333 Orchard Road
Singapore 238867
Tel: +65 6831 6273
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 8am to 1am

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to ground level. Turn left onto Orchard Road. Walk down Orchard Road. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]