Fatt Choy Eating House (發財餐馆) @ Haji Lane - Enjoy Modern Singaporean Fare With Craft Beers and Sake

Fatt Choy Eating House at Haji Lane prides itself on its modern Singaporean fare, complemented by house-brewed beers and locally brewed sakes. Situated opposite its sister brand, Good Luck Beerhouse, Fatt Choy offers a well-curated menu that features small plates and bites that pair perfectly with drinks and classic local delicacies served in much heartier portions.

Pitan with Ice Lettuce 4.2/5

The vegetable dishes are meant to be as indulgent. We started with a refreshing Pitan with Ice Lettuce, which combined ultra-creamy Taiwanese Century Egg with a Pickled Ginger Dressing, providing a great contrast with the crunch of the Ice Lettuce. This dish hit all the right notes with its balance of creaminess and texture.

Wawa Cabbage with Fried Dace 4.5/5

The umami-packed Wawa Cabbage with Fried Dace ($12) brought a nostalgic flavour, with the fried dace sauce recalling the familiar taste of fermented black beans, albeit in a healthier version.

Masala Brussels Sprout 3/5

The Masala Brussels Sprout ($15) delighted with its chunky fried sprouts, but the masala sauce lacked depth and could have benefited from more tang and robustness.

Iberico Satay 3.8/5

The Iberico Satay ($15) featured grilled Secreto Iberico Pork skewers paired with Javanese Peanut Sauce and Pineapple Salsa. One of the tastiest skewers I had with all the sauce and zingy salsa, but a bit more grilling to render the fat and add a more robust char on the meat would have elevated the dish.

Singapore Fried Hokkien Mee 4.2/5

The signature dishes included Singapore Fried Hokkien Mee ($18) and XO Carrot Cake ($15). Although the wok hei was missing from the Hokkien Mee, it was still rich in flavour, loaded with various cuts of pork, squid, and a handful of crispy pork lard. The accompanying sambal was spot-on.

XO Carrot Cake 3.8/5

The XO Carrot Cake stood out for being generously coated with XO sauce, delivering a surprisingly well-rounded flavour with fried egg, beansprouts, and chives. However, the radish cake lacked caramelisation, likely due to being prepared with just a quick toss in the sauce.

KL Dai Lok Mee 4.2/5

KL Dai Lok Mee is a more elevated version of KL style Hokkien Mee, served in a claypot and adorned with mini abalones, offering a much celebratory vibe. There were also tender pork tendons in it, flavoursome with the sauce and adding even more textural bite to the noodles. Serving it in a claypot allowed the sauce to thicken and caramelise over time, enhancing the overall dish.

Kaya Ice Cream with House-made Churro 4.8/5

For dessert, Fatt Choy keeps it simple with one option and a delicious one: Kaya Ice Cream with House-made Churro ($12). This coconut cream-based kaya ice cream, housemade with fresh pandan, struck the right balance of sweetness and aroma and paired perfectly with the churro, which had a golden crust and a light, airy bite.

The restaurant also collaborates with a local sake brewery to offer a unique sake menu. We tried Utama The 2nd (Fresh on Tap) ($25) and the creamy, unfiltered Cempedak Cream Sake ($15), both of which complemented the food well.

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.


Fatt Choy Eating House
10 Haji Lane
Singapore 189203
Tel: +65 8128 0660
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit B or E. Walk to North Bridge Road. Walk down North Bridge Road to junction of North Bridge Road and Ophir Road. Cross the road and walk to Haji Lane. Turn right onto Haji Lane. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Town Restaurant @ The Fullerton Hotel Singapore - "Heritage Hawker Stories: Reunion Feast" in Collaboration with Six Local Hawkers

In celebration of National Day, Town Restaurant at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore presents the "Heritage Hawker Stories: Reunion Feast", a collaboration with six esteemed local hawkers: Ah Hui Prawn Noodle, Good Chance Popiah, Ministry of Rojak, To-Ricos Kway Chap, Warong Serembat Satay, and 146 Famous Bukit Merah Ang Ku Kueh. This special event, running throughout August, offers diners a chance to savour iconic Singaporean hawker dishes in a luxurious setting.

Ah Hui Prawn Noodle

I made a beeline for Ah Hui Prawn Noodle, one of my all-time favourite stalls. This nostalgic dish is a rare treat since the owner has retired, coming out of retirement specifically for this event. The umami-packed broth, rich with the flavours of prawn and pork, brought back fond memories and nearly brought tears to my eyes.

To-Rico Kway Chap

Next, I indulged in the famous To-Ricos Kway Chap from Old Airport Road Food Centre. As soon as I entered Town Restaurant, the herbal aroma from the boiling broth filled the air. The generous portion included braised pork trotter, pig skin, braised pork belly, tau pok, braised egg, and big and small intestines. The rich, savoury broth and tender meats were a true delight.

Warong Serembat Satay

Warong Serembat Satay from Upper Boon Keng Food Centre was another highlight. The beef and chicken satay, grilled over a charcoal fire, filled the air with a beautiful aroma. The satay was plump and juicy, perfectly complemented by a deliciously nutty satay sauce.

Good Chance Popiah

Good Chance Popiah, established in 1977, is another heritage guest hawker at the buffet. The popiah was freshly wrapped on the spot, packed with turnips, prawns, sliced omelette, lettuce, beansprouts, sweet sauce, chilli, garlic, peanuts, and coriander. Each bite was a burst of flavours and textures.

Ministry of Rojak

Ministry of Rojak, by the popular Adhus Salam Rojak from Ayer Rajah Food Centre, was also featured. The wide variety of deep-fried ingredients were placed in a big basket, allowing diners to pick their favourites — the assortment of flavours and textures made for a satisfying and delicious experience.

146 Famous Bukit Merah Ang Ku Kueh

Lastly, I tried 146 Famous Bukit Merah Ang Ku Kueh for the first time. Available in five flavours — Peanut, Bean, Corn, Coconut, and Durian — I found the skin a bit thick and the filling too sparse, resulting in a less-than-ideal bite.

Laksa

Rojak

Durian Chendol

In addition to these featured hawkers, the buffet also included local favourites such as Laksa, Rojak, and Durian Chendol. Stepping into Town Restaurant in August felt like entering a hawker centre, where you can indulge in a variety of iconic Singaporean dishes in one sitting.

Beyond the hawker cuisine, diners can also look forward to an eclectic spread of Chinese and Indian cuisine, as well as the ever-popular Sushi and Sashimi station and the Seafood on Ice station.

Sashimi

Seafood on Ice

Heritage Hawker Stories: Reunion Feast
1 to 31 August 2024
Tuesday to Saturday, 6.30 p.m. to 10.00 p.m.
S$88* per adult, S$44* per child (six to 11 years old) from Tuesday to Thursday
S$98* per adult, S$49* per child (six to 11 years old) from Friday and Saturday To-Ricos Kway Chap will be available from Wednesday to Saturday exclusively.

For dining reservations, visit www.fullertonhotels.com/dining or email dining-rsvp@fullertonhotels.com.
*Prices are subject to service charge and prevailing government taxes.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Town Restaurant
The Fullerton Hotel Singapore
1 Fullerton Square
Singapore 049178
Tel: +65 68778188
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Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 630pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT Station. Take Exit H. Turn right and walk towards the river. At the river, turn right again and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Spruce Petite @ East Coast Road - Pet Friendly Restaurant with All Day Brunch

Spruce Petite is the latest addition to the vibrant dining scene on East Coast Road, offering a unique dual experience. During the day, it serves as a pet-friendly restaurant with an all-day brunch menu. By night, it transforms into a gastropub, providing a delightful selection of bar bites complemented by an extensive beverage list that includes wine, spirits, and cocktails.

Kok Kok Satay 3.5/5

We began our meal with the Kok Kok Satay ($10), whimsically named for its playful twist on traditional chicken satay. The chicken skewers were grilled to a tender perfection with a slight char on the exterior. However, the lack of smokiness hinted that they were likely grilled over an electric grill rather than charcoal. Despite this, the accompanying peanut sauce was spot on, adding a rich, savoury complement to the satay.

Garlic Butter Prawn Aglio Olio Pasta 3/5

Next, we tried the Garlic Butter Prawn Aglio Olio Pasta ($16). This dish, featuring spaghetti cooked with garlic, olive oil, and chilli padi, delivered a satisfying spicy kick. While it was a safe and decent choice, it could have been more extraordinary. It's a reliable option if you're in the mood for a classic pasta dish.

Pork Benny 3.5/5

From the brunch menu, we sampled the Pork Benny ($15). This dish combines marinated slow-cooked pulled pork and sous vide egg, resting atop a homemade English muffin and dressed in hollandaise sauce. The different components came together harmoniously, creating a hearty and satisfying meal that left a positive impression.

Beef Sausage & Potato Rosti 3.8/5

Another brunch item we tried was the Beef Sausage & Potato Rosti ($15). The highlight of this dish was the potato rosti, which boasted a crispy exterior and was topped with a perfectly poached egg, all tied together by a drizzle of hollandaise sauce. The smoked beef sausage was equally delicious, making this a standout item on the brunch menu.

Spruce Petite adds a refreshing dynamic to East Coast Road's versatile offerings. Whether you're looking for a pet-friendly brunch spot or a lively gastropub experience in the evening, this new establishment has something for everyone. While not uniformly exceptional, the dishes provide reliable and satisfying options, with some standout items worth trying. I understand they will revamp their menu soon, so do look out for that.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Spruce Petite
19 East Coast Road
Singapore 428746
Tel: +65 9068 9249
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Nearest MRT: Dakota (CC Line), Marine Parade (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 3pm - 11pm
Fri: 3pm - 12midnight
Sat-Sun: 1030am - 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 6 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Marine Parade MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk to Brooke Road. Turn right onto Brooke Road. Walk down Brooke Road to East Coast Road. Cross the road, turn left and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes.  [Map]

SPRMRKT @ Dempsey Hill - Limited-time Collaboration with Enjoy Eating House and Bar for Redefined Local Dishes

Enjoy Eating House and Bar, helmed by Chef Joel Ong, is renowned for its elevated take on local cuisine, showcased at its flagship outlet in Jalan Besar and a second location on Sixth Avenue. Now, in collaboration with SPRMRKT, diners can savour its offerings amidst the verdant surroundings of Dempsey Hill. The collaboration is available from Thursdays to Sundays, 5pm to 10pm, until the end of July.

Black Dog Quail Egg 4/5

Served chilled and inspired by black vinegar braise, the Black Dog Quail Egg ($8) served as a tangy and appetising starter.

Kueh Pie Tee 3.8/5

The Kueh Pie Tee ($18) featured a pretty flavourful shredded jicama filling made in prawn and conpoy stock alongside handmade pastry shells. Despite this, my dining companion and I found it a tad too pricey for its portion. It was served with house garlic chilli, egg, and sweet soy to pair.

Chonky Chicken Satay 4.2/5

The Chonky Chicken Satay ($20) lived up to its name with generously sized, spice-marinated chicken chunks served alongside homemade ketupat and a side of creamy peanut sauce infused with a zesty pineapple purée. Each juicy chicken piece boasted a delightful smoky char.

Enjoy Hokkien Mee 3.8/5

The Enjoy Hokkien Mee ($34) is one of the restaurant's popular dishes. It consists of noodles simmered in a prawn broth stir-fried with wild-caught "Ang Kar" prawns, pork belly, squid, and pork lard. While the noodles carried a decent amount of wok hei and the seafood was fresh, we thought the dish was considerably pricey. If you enjoy the pork lard-laden type of hokkien mee, you will enjoy this.

Crispy Local Barramundi in Chef Joel’s Red Curry 4.5/5

For me, a must-order is the Crispy Local Barramundi in Chef Joel's Red Curry ($29). The perfectly fried barramundi sat atop a house coconut curry sauce featuring sautéed local vegetables. The fish impressed with its flaky, tender meat and lightly crisp skin, while the rich curry sauce striked a balance with its satisfyingly creamy texture and just the right amount of heat. This was value for money.

Smoked Cod Otah 4/5

Chef Joel showcased innovation with his Smoked Cod Otah ($22), a departure from the familiar smooth-textured steamed muar otah. His rendition features grilled spicy fish paste with smoked cod chunks, which offer a delightful smokiness, lingering heat and mix of texture. For an extra zest, pair it with the side cincalok.

If you frequent Dempsey Hill, this is a good opportunity to sample Enjoy Eating House’s food. SPRMRKT also offers a wide range of alcoholic drinks to accompany.

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.


SPRMRKT x Enjoy Eating House and Bar
Blk 8 Dempsey Road
#01-15A
Singapore 247696
Tel: +65 8129 8166
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Nearest MRT: Napier (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Enjoy Eating House and Bar Menu
Thu-Sun: 5pm to 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Napier MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk to bus stop opposite Singapore Botanic Gardens (Stop ID 13011). Take bus number 7, 75, 77, 105, 106, 123 or 174. Alight 2 stops later. Walk up to Dempsey Hill. Walk right to the back of the cluster. Walk to destination. Journey time 12 minutes. [Map]

Café 2000 @ M Hotel Singapore - Launches Enchanting Festive Buffet at Cafe 2000

M Hotel Singapore, situated on Anson Road in Singapore, presents an enchanting Festive Buffet at Cafe 2000 this Christmas. The buffet offers a delightful array of culinary delights, ranging from the freshest seafood-on-ice to exceptional carvings like Chargrilled Australian Tomahawk with Kampot Pepper, Roast Turkey, Bone-in Gammon Ham, Foie Gras with Berries Coulis, including ‘live’ Crowaffle and Flambe Crepes station and unforgettable spread of yuletide desserts.

The Festive Dinner is available from November 16 to December 21, followed by the Christmas buffet starting from December 22. It's a perfect opportunity to celebrate the Yuletide season with a blend of festive flavours and a joyful ambience at M Hotel Singapore.

The Seafood On Ice display is a captivating showcase of oceanic delights, offering a feast for seafood enthusiasts. The display features an assortment of premium seafood, including succulent crab legs, plump prawns, and a variety of mussels and clams.

The Christmas specials include Roast Lamb Rib, Roast Beef, Roasted Turkey, and Honey Baked Ham. The standout is the freshly grilled Roast Beef, sliced and cooked on the spot, imparting a smoky taste. It is also superbly tender and juicy, with the fatty parts, in particular, showcasing a melt-in-the-mouth sensation, adding a luxurious and indulgent touch to every bite.

The Roast Lamb Rib promises succulence, Roasted Turkey delivers a classic holiday experience, and the Honey-baked Ham combines sweetness with savoury notes.

The local delight of Chilli Crab captures the essence of Singapore's rich food culture perfectly. The Chilli Crab features a luscious and flavourful sauce, showcasing the perfect blend of sweet, savoury, and spicy notes that define this iconic dish. The combination is a harmonious marriage of textures and flavours, paired with crispy mantou.

For an alternative crab option, the Tanghoon Crab features crab paired with tanghoon, also known as glass noodles. The crab was prepared with a flavourful sauce that coats the tanghoon, creating a delightful combination of textures and tastes. At the same time, the noodles absorbed the savoury essence of the crab and sauce, providing a unique and enjoyable mouthfeel.

Don't miss out on the Baked Lobsters adorned with a rich and flamed cheesy sauce that adds a layer of decadence to the dish. The sauce features a creamy and flavourful blend, complementing the succulent lobster meat harmoniously.

Other delectable options in the buffet include Steamed Fish and Nonya Curry, Fried Seafood Beehoon, Lamb Stew, Chicken Satay, Hawaiian Pizza and many more.

The dessert section is a haven for sweet lovers, featuring a diverse selection of indulgent treats. Highlights include the classic Apple Crumble, decadent Chocolate Fudge Cake, velvety Cream Caramel, refreshing Yuzu Cake, and delightful Assorted Cupcakes.

For a local twist, don't miss the mini glasses of Durian Pengat, showcasing the unique durian flavour. A standout is the Croffle, a hybrid treat combining a croissant's crispiness with a waffle's fluffy texture. This dessert spread caters to a spectrum of preferences, ensuring a satisfying and sweet conclusion to the dining experience.

Photos and words by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Café 2000
M Hotel Sigapore
81 Anson Road
Singapore 079908
Tel: +65 6500 6112
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 7am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit C. Turn right onto Anson Road. Walk down Anson Road. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]