Cafe Quenino @ Artyzen Hotel Singapore - New Concept: Build Your Table The Way You Like. Any Plates, Any Combination

Set within the stylish enclave of Artyzen Singapore, Cafe Quenino introduces a refreshed dining concept that reimagines Singapore's beloved "tze char" culture in a contemporary Orchard setting. Anchored by the philosophy of "tze char comfort for today's table" and a communal format of "plates for the table, shared your way", the experience encourages diners to curate their own feast from a diverse menu of Southeast Asian flavours.

The ordering format is straightforward and convivial. Guests can choose from 3, 5, or 7 plates, paired with sides depending on the selected tier — much like ordering a spread at a traditional tze char establishment. Dishes span starters, mains, larger plates and desserts, all designed for sharing in the middle of the table.

- 3 Plates + Choice of 2 Sides: $88
- 5 Plates + Choice of 3 Sides: $138
- 7 Plates + Choice of 4 Sides: $188

For our visit, we opted for the 5-plate format, with a balanced spread of 2 appetisers, 2 mains, and 1 dessert.

Heirloom Tomato Salad 4.2/5

We started with the Heirloom Tomato Salad, a vibrant medley of coloured tomatoes paired with buffalo mozzarella, basil, shallots and a black vinegar dressing. It was light yet refreshing, whetting the appetite with its bright acidity and clean flavours.

King Salmon Sashimi 4.2/5

Another starter, the King Salmon Sashimi, impressed with its generous portion and quality. The salmon was fresh and buttery, elevated by chilli and black bean accents, while a squeeze of calamansi added a zesty lift that brought the dish together beautifully.

Pineapple Assam Prawn 4.2/5

Moving on to the mains, the Pineapple Assam Prawn delivered robust flavours. The prawns were complemented by cherry tomatoes and okra, all coated in a tangy, spicy tamarind sauce. The balance of sweet, sour, and heat worked harmoniously, highlighting the prawns' natural sweetness.

Ayam Percik 4/5

The Ayam Percik featured half a spring chicken, offering a hearty portion perfect for sharing. The chicken was tender and sat atop a bed of aromatic percik sauce, finished with an onion herb salad that added a fresh contrast.

French Fries with Aioli 4.8/5

Garlic Roasted Baby Potato Curry Leaves 4.2/5

To complement the mains, we had the Coconut Basmati Rice, which paired especially well with the richly flavoured dishes. The French Fries with Aioli turned out to be a standout — crisp on the outside, fluffy within, and highly addictive. The Garlic Roasted Baby Potato with Curry Leaves offered a more aromatic alternative, with earthy notes enhanced by the fragrance of curry leaves.

Coconut Pandan Burnt Cheesecake 3.8/5

The meal ended with the Coconut Pandan Burnt Cheesecake, a localised take on the classic dessert. Infused with pandan and accompanied by coconut whipped cream and grated coconut gula melaka, it delivered familiar flavours. However, the texture leaned denser than expected, lacking the molten centre that would have elevated the indulgence.

Overall, the new concept at Cafe Quenino successfully captures the essence of communal tze char dining while presenting it in a polished, modern format. The flexibility to mix and match dishes across categories makes it an appealing option for groups, offering both variety and a sense of familiarity with a contemporary twist.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Cafe Quenino
Artyzen Singapore
9 Cuscaden Road
Level 1
Singapore 249719
Tel: +65 6371 6020
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Nearest MRT: Orchard Boulevard (TE Line), Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 12 midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard Boulevard MRT Station. Take Exit 1. Walk to Cuscaden Road. Turn right onto Cuscaden Road. Walk down Cuscaden Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Orchard MRT Station. Take Exit 11. Walk down Orchard Boulevard towards the Four Seasons Hotel. Take the walkway beside the Four Seasons Hotel to Cuscaden Road. Walk to the junction of Cuscaden Road and turn left onto Cuscaden Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 10 minutes. [Map]

Wagokoro Mineno (和心 嶺野) @ Orchard Plaza - A New Kappo Omakase Experience That Not Quite Justify Its Price Point

Tucked away on the second floor of Orchard Plaza, Wagokoro Mineno (和心 嶺野) is a relatively new addition to the local omakase scene, offering a Kappo-style dining experience. Priced at $148 per pax, the 8-course omakase menu can be further elevated with a $30 supplement to include uni in the courses.

Sesame Tofu, Ikura, Uni 3/5

Our dinner commenced with a visually appealing trio of Sesame Tofu, Ikura and Uni served in a martini glass. While it set a luxurious tone, the execution fell short of expectations. The robust nuttiness of the sesame tofu overshadowed the more delicate flavours of the ikura and uni, resulting in an imbalance.

Clam Soup 3/5

Following that was a comforting bowl of Clam Soup with seaweed. The clear broth carried a gentle sweetness from the clams, complemented by the briny depth of the seaweed. It was light yet soothing, offering a nice transition into the subsequent courses.

Sashimi 3/5

The Sashimi course featured a trio comprising white fish, salmon and sea urchin. The cuts were fresh, with the white fish offering a clean, subtle sweetness, while the salmon delivered a richer, more familiar profile. The uni added a creamy element to the assortment, though it lacked the intensity and lingering umami one might expect at this price point. Overall, while competent, the course did not particularly stand out.

Deep-fried Japanese Saba 3.5/5

Next, the Deep-fried Japanese Saba impressed with its crispy exterior and moist, flavourful flesh within. The frying was well-executed, locking in the saba’s natural oils and enhancing its richness.

Chicken 3.8/5

Taking a break from seafood, the Chicken showcased tender poached meat with the skin lightly torched for a hint of smokiness and textural contrast. The addition of yuzu brightened the dish with a refreshing citrus note, lifting the overall flavour profile and making it an enjoyable interlude.

Chawanmushi 4/5

A highlight of the meal was the Chawanmushi. Unlike the usual rendition, this version incorporated sushi rice and shirako, offering a more layered experience. The silky steamed egg paired beautifully with the creamy shirako, while the sushi rice introduced a surprising bite, adding dimension to the dish.

Kimedai 4/5

Isaki 3.5/5

Flounder Fin 4.2/5

Akami 3.5/5

Sayori 3/5

For the sushi course, we were presented with an assortment of five: Kimedai, Isaki, Flounder Fin, Akami, and Sayori. Standouts included the kimedai and flounder fin. The latter, in particular, delighted with its subtle crunch, while the inclusion of shiso leaf released a fragrant aroma with each bite. On the other hand, the isaki was slightly overwhelmed by an overly assertive use of wasabi, and the sauce on the sayori proved too heavy-handed, disrupting the balance. The sushi rice across the board leaned towards the sweeter side, which may not appeal to all.

Otoro topped with Uni, Gold Flakes 4.2/5

The indulgent Otoro topped with Uni and Gold Flakes was arguably the highlight of the evening. Rich and buttery, the otoro melted effortlessly in the mouth, while the uni amplified the umami, creating a decadent, flavour-packed bite.

Miso Soup 3/5

The meal concluded rather abruptly with a simple Miso Soup and no dessert. This unconventional ending felt somewhat underwhelming, especially given the premium pricing and expectations associated with omakase dining.

Overall, while Wagokoro Mineno offers a competent Kappo-style omakase experience, it did not quite justify its price point. With several strong contenders in Singapore offering more refined and cohesive experiences at a similar range, this felt like a meal that, while enjoyable in parts, lacked the finesse and balance to truly stand out.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Wagokoro Mineno (和心 嶺野)
Orchard Plaza
150 Orchard Road
#02-27/28
Singapore 238841
Tel: +65 8338 2065
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 6pm - 12midnight
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk to the traffic junction of Orchard Road and Killiney Road. Cross the road. Walk to Orchard Plaza. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

Eizaburo (栄三郎) @ Cuppage Plaza - Build-Your-Own 90-minute Dinner Experience with Free Flow Alcohol

Looking for a spot to chill and gather with friends? Eizaburo Orchard at Cuppage Plaza offers a fun and interactive Build-Your-Own 90-minute dinner experience. Priced at $79++ with free-flow alcohol or $49++ without, diners can customise their meal from a curated selection of Japanese dishes. Each set includes a choice between a Sashimi Box or Appetiser Box, along with 3 Yakitori, 1 Side Dish, and 1 Main Dish — making it a flexible and value-driven option for group dining.

Free Flow Drinks

The free-flow drinks option is a highlight, comprising both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. For those going for the alcohol package, there is a good variety of options, including sake, highballs, beer, and umeshu, perfect for pairing with the grilled skewers and small plates.

Assorted Appetisers Box

Assorted Sashimi Box

Diners can choose between the Assorted Appetisers Box or the Assorted Sashimi Box. As there were two of us, we opted to have one of each sample both offerings. The Assorted Appetisers Box features a selection of cooked items, including unagi, aburi fish, tamago, sushi rolls, and grilled prawn — a comforting assortment with a balance of textures and flavours. The Assorted Sashimi Box, on the other hand, showcases a variety of fresh seafood, including ebi, scallops, salmon, and chutoro, offering a clean and satisfying start to the meal.

Yakitori 4/5

For the Yakitori selection, each diner gets to choose three skewers. We went with Tebasaki (wing), thigh, pork jowl, iceberg pork roll, and leek. The skewers were well-executed with a nice char and smokiness, making them ideal accompaniments to the drinks.

Creamy Crab Croquette 3.5/5

Potato Salad 4.2/5

For sides, we had the Creamy Crab Croquette and Potato Salad. The croquette was fried to a golden crisp, revealing a creamy, flavourful filling. The Potato Salad was particularly enjoyable, elevated by the addition of ikura, which added bursts of briny umami to each bite.

Wagyu Sirloin Steak 4/5

For the mains, the Wagyu Sirloin Steak delivered on tenderness and juiciness. However, the portion felt somewhat small for a main course, especially for those with larger appetites.

Overflowing Toro-Taku Roll 3.8/5

A more substantial alternative would be the Overflowing Toro-Taku Roll, which offered a generous filling and a satisfying bite, making it a better choice for those seeking something heartier.

Overflowing Ikura, Salmon Negitoro Don 3.8/5

Another fulfilling option is the Overflowing Ikura Salmon Negitoro Don. The bowl comes topped with creamy salmon negitoro and generously piled ikura, delivering a rich and savoury combination that pairs well with the rice.

Overall, Eizaburo Orchard’s Build-Your-Own dinner experience is a great option for casual gatherings. With its customisable format, wide selection of dishes, and free-flow drinks option, it offers a lively and enjoyable way to dine with friends in the heart of Orchard.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Eizaburo
Cuppage Plaza
5 Koek Road
#04-04
Singapore 228796
Tel: +65 8245 1798
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 530pm - 11pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B, C, or D. Walk to Orchard Road. Cross the road and walk to Cuppage Road. Walk down Cuppage Road. Walk to Cuppage Plaza. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

Kaya @ The Standard - Weekend Brunch Showcasing Its Signature Japanese-Fusion Flair Every Saturday

Every Saturday, Kaya at The Standard presents a Weekend Brunch that reflects the restaurant’s signature Japanese-fusion flair. The menu features an à la carte free-flow selection of hot and cold appetisers, small bites, mains, and desserts. The brunch experience includes a free flow of non-alcoholic beverages, with the option to upgrade to premium packages that include alcoholic drinks.

The Standard Tray

To start, we were first served The Standard Tray, alongside our drink orders. This was perfect for tempering the usual morning hunger while waiting for the rest of the food to arrive. The tray comprises four items from the menu across the cold, hot bites, and sando categories, prepping our appetite with Chicken Karaage, Tamago Sando, Apple Sesame Salad, and Assorted Sashimi.

Chicken Karaage 4.8/5

The hot morsels of Chicken Karaage were juicy and moreish with a golden crust. I appreciated the bite-sized portions, which worked better than the usual large and chunky pieces.

Sashimi 4/5

Apple Salad 4.5/5

Balancing the tray were the fresh chilled Sashimi and the refreshing Apple Sesame Salad.

Daikon Slaw 5/5

From the cold selection, I was also delighted to find Daikon Slaw, one of my favourite items from their regular menu during my last visit.

Tamago Sando 3/5

Unagi Sando 3.5/5

As for the sando, while the tamago filling was delectable, softer white sandwich bread might have improved the overall texture and taste. There is also an Unagi Sando option, which delivers a much more savoury, meatier bite.

Tacos 3.5/5

The tacos were visually exciting with their colourful presentation. Among the three options — Teriyaki Cured Salmon Taco, Spicy Beef Taco, and Salada Taco, the Spicy Beef Taco was the most satisfying, with hearty beef slices delivering a punch of flavour. The salmon taco, however, turned out a little bland, while the Salada Taco, though enjoyable with avocado, felt slightly underwhelming as a taco.

Konabe Udon 4/5

For mains, the Konabe Udon was simple yet comforting.

Kamo Katsu with Curry Hollandaise Don 3/5

Pork Belly Char Siu Don 3/5

The Kamo Katsu with Curry Hollandaise Don featured a crispy duck cutlet, and the curry hollandaise was rich with umami, flavouring the dish beautifully. It was a pity that the duck itself was a tad dry. The same could be said for the Pork Belly Char Siu Don, where the char siu was not as unctuous as I had expected.

Desserts 3.8/5

Desserts were delightful. The Sakura & Coconut Panna Cotta and Coffee Jelly Shooter were both pleasing, with the latter delivering a pleasant bittersweet note. The Matcha Lemon Tart impressed with its thin, buttery crust, which complemented the tart’s bright, lemony, and earthy matcha flavours.

While there were hits and misses, the cosy ambience of Kaya at The Standard nonetheless makes the brunch format well-suited for a relaxed weekend catch-up with friends and loved ones. The Weekend Brunch is available only on Saturdays from 12 noon to 3pm, with options starting at $78 per person.

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.


Kaya
The Standard, Singapore
12 Orange Grove Rd
#02-00
Singapore 258353
Tel: 6040 1888
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 630am - 1030pm
Fri-Sat: 630am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk towards Wheellock Place via ION. EWheelocklock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Cross the road at the traffic light junction and turn left towards Royal Thai Embassy. Walk down Orchard Road to the end. Turn right onto Orange Grove Road. Walk to destination. Journey time is about 23 minutes. [Map]