Jumboree @ Tai Seng - JUMBO Group’s Vibrant Food Hall Unites Signature Seafood and Hawker Favourites Under One Roof

Tucked away in the industrial enclave of Tai Seng, JUMBOREE marks JUMBO Group’s first foray into a food hall concept, bringing together more than 10 of its well-loved brands under one expansive 17,997 sq ft space. Located at 26 Tai Seng Street, the off-the-beaten-track destination embraces Singapore’s communal dining spirit, complete with self-service alcohol taps (from $0.36 per 10ml) and a live band performing Mondays to Saturdays.

Signature Black Bean Sauce Live Mud Crab on Shunde Chen Cun Flat Rice Roll 4.5/5

At the heart of the space is JUMBO 1987, a seafood dai pai dong (海鲜大牌档) that showcases both nostalgic classics and inventive creations inspired by JUMBO Seafood’s legacy.

A standout dish, the Signature Black Bean Sauce Live Mud Crab on Shunde Chen Cun Flat Rice Roll ($68) impresses with its robust, savoury black bean sauce that accentuates the natural sweetness of the mud crab. The unexpected addition of Shunde-style Chen Cun flat rice rolls lends a chewy, silky texture and soaks up the rich sauce beautifully, creating a satisfying pairing.

1987 Signature Curry Fish Head with JUMBO You Tiao 4.2/5

The 1987 Signature Curry Fish Head with JUMBO You Tiao ($58) delivers on both scale and flavour. The meaty fish head is immersed in a creamy, aromatic curry brimming with brinjal, okra, long beans and cabbage. The accompanying jumbo-sized you tiao is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the luscious gravy.

Crispy Fried Seafood Beancurd 3.8/5

A nostalgic throwback, the Crispy Fried Seafood Beancurd ($28 Large) features a crisp golden exterior that gives way to a silky-soft interior. Paired with a sweet dipping sauce, it offers a comforting balance of texture and flavour.

1987 Signature Live Lobster Mapo Tofu 4/5

For something more indulgent, the 1987 Signature Live Lobster Mapo Tofu ($88) reimagines the Sichuan classic with chunks of succulent lobster. The dish carries a bold mala kick, while the velvety tofu and savoury sauce tie everything together in a rich, flavour-packed combination.

Fragrant Maotai Sanbei Chicken 4/5

Another exclusive, the Fragrant Maotai Sanbei Chicken ($44 Large), arrives with a flourish, flambéed tableside with Maotai. The brief burst of flames releases an enticing aroma from ginger, garlic and basil, while the chicken is coated in a glossy, sweet-savoury glaze with a subtle smokiness.

Tai Seng Satay 3.8/5

Beyond its seafood-centric offerings, the food hall brings together familiar hawker favourites and mini-restaurant concepts. From Tai Seng Satay, the Pork (from $6.80 for 6 sticks), Chicken (from $6.80 for 6 sticks), and Mutton Satay (from $7.80 for 6 sticks) are ideal for sharing alongside drinks, though the peanut sauce, enriched with grated pineapple, proves the highlight.

Duo Fish Pao Fan 4/5

At Chao Ting Teochew Pao Fan, the Duo Fish Pao Fan ($13.50) comforts with its light yet flavourful broth and delicate grains, staying true to the Teochew style.

Wonton Noodle Dry 4/5

Meanwhile, Kok Kee Wonton Noodle serves up its signature Wonton Noodle Dry ($5.50), featuring springy noodles tossed in a well-balanced, old-school sauce.

Other familiar names such as Tsui Wah Eatery and NG AH SIO Bak Kut Teh further round out the diverse lineup, making JUMBOREE a one-stop destination for varied cravings. Adding to the lively atmosphere, diners can enjoy live band performances from 8pm onwards, making it an appealing spot to unwind after work or gather with friends.

A fresh and ambitious concept by the JUMBO Group, JUMBOREE captures the essence of Singapore’s dining culture — communal, diverse and full of flavour. With its blend of signature seafood, hawker staples and convivial ambience, this new dining destination in Tai Seng offers a compelling reason to venture off the usual dining trail.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Jumboree
26 Tai Seng Street
#01-02
Singapore 534057
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Nearest MRT: Tai Seng (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 7am - 12midnight
Sun: 7am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tai Seng MRT station. Take Exit C. Exit the 18 Tai Seng Building. Facing the canal, turn left and walk to the destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Tanglin Cookhouse @ Tanglin Mall - All-New 90-Minute Nasi Lemak Buffet

Tanglin Cookhouse, known for its contemporary colonial cuisine, has recently launched a brand new Lemak & Co. à la carte Nasi Lemak Buffet. This 90-minute experience offers unlimited servings of 15 classic local nasi lemak dishes, spanning appetisers, mains, and desserts.

Emping Chips with Sambal Belacan

We began with Emping Chips with Sambal Belacan. The crisp belingo crackers, with their subtle bitterness, proved to be the perfect vehicle for the piquant housemade sambal.

Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce & Condiments 3.8/5

Next came the Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce & Condiments. While the chicken was well-marinated and tender, it lacked the defining smoky char typically associated with satay. The peanut sauce was decent, though I personally prefer a more savoury profile.

White Rojak Quinoa Salad 4.2/5

The White Rojak Quinoa Salad was my favourite appetiser. Its refreshing mix of jicama, cucumber, and quinoa, tossed in a fragrant ginger flower dressing, made it an excellent palate cleanser and a welcome contrast to the richer dishes.

Ayam Goreng Berempah 4.2/5

For mains, the Ayam Goreng Berempah featured succulent spice-rubbed fried chicken topped with moreish rempah crumbs.

Braised Beef Rendang 3/5

The Braised Beef Rendang, made with slow-braised beef cheek infused with coconut, galangal, and spices, was somewhat disappointing. Some pieces were tender and delicious, while others leaned dry. The gravy also came across slightly too sweet.

Sambal Barramundi with Cincalok 4.5/5

The Sambal Barramundi with Cincalok was my favourite. The pan-seared fish was moist and flaky, crowned with salty fermented shrimp that beautifully enhanced the fish’s natural sweetness.

Turmeric Coconut Rice 5/5

The true highlight of the buffet, however, was the Turmeric Coconut Rice. This basmati coconut rice, infused with turmeric, was delightfully fluffy and aromatic. Honestly, even when paired simply with a fried egg, sambal chilli, and peanuts, it was satisfying enough to stand on its own.

Yam “Orh Nee” 4.2/5

To round off the meal, the Heritage Gula Melaka Sago Pudding offered a light and refreshing finish, with fragrant palm sugar and coconut. For something more indulgent, the warm Yam “Orh Nee” with Candied Ginkgo Nuts stood out. Unlike some versions that can be overly oily, this one was thoughtfully balanced and well executed.

Lemak & Co. is available all day, Monday to Wednesday, at $29.90++ per pax (min. 2 pax, with one drink per person), from 11am onwards.

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.


Tanglin Cookhouse
Tanglin Mall
163 Tanglin Road
#01-106
Singapore 247933
Tel: +65 6235 9382
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Nearest MRT: Orchard Boulevard (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 9am – 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard Boulevard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk straight down Grange Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 3 minutes. [Map]

White Rose Cafe @ York Hotel - SG60 Heritage Dining Series - "Cherished Hainanese Fare"

As part of York Hotel's SG60 Heritage Dining Series, White Rose Cafe brings the series to a close with "Cherished Hainanese Fare", running from 1 October to 30 November 2025. This final instalment pays tribute to the Hainanese community, one of Singapore's most beloved culinary influences, known for their hearty comfort dishes and nostalgic flavours that have stood the test of time.

Chicken or Pork Satay 4/5

Diners can choose between Grilled Chicken or Pork Satay ($19 for 6pcs), served with rice cake, cucumber, onion, and a peanut sauce enriched with pineapple purée. Grilled to a nice char, the meat was well-marinated, tender and flavourful. The nutty sauce paired beautifully with the pineapple's slight sweetness, enhancing the overall experience.

Kaya Toast, Soft Boiled Egg and Hainanese Coffee 4/5

The Kaya Toast Set ($12) comes with crisp toast layered with house-made kaya, soft-boiled eggs, and a cup of aromatic Hainanese coffee. A simple yet satisfying classic, this everyday breakfast staple makes for a comforting snack or light meal.

Hainanese Pork Chop 4.2/5

The Hainanese Pork Chop ($23) was well executed. The crispy, tender pork loin was generously coated in a tangy tomato-based sauce featuring green peas, onions, tomatoes, and potatoes. Each bite balanced sweetness and acidity, and with steamed rice on the side, it made for a complete and satisfying meal.

Hainanese Curry Rice Set 4.2/5

The Hainanese Curry Rice Set ($24) brings together crispy pork, curry chicken with potatoes, braised cabbage and fried egg, all generously drenched in a mildly spiced homemade curry gravy. Though its presentation leans rustic, every element delivered on taste, evoking the comforting charm of a hawker-style curry rice.

Poached Chicken with Fragrant Steamed Rice/ Fried Rice Balls 3.5/5

The Poached Chicken with Fragrant Steamed Rice or Fried Rice Balls ($23) fell short for me. While the chicken was tender with a nice gelatinous skin, it lacked depth of flavour. The saving grace, however, was the chilli sauce, which is robust, spicy and tangy; it truly hit the mark for what a good chicken rice chilli should be.

Claypot Pork Porridge 4/5

The Claypot Pork Porridge ($17) offered a homely, comforting bowl of smooth, creamy porridge loaded with sliced and minced pork, egg, crispy dough fritters, fried shallots, scallions, and ginger. Served piping hot in a claypot, it retained its warmth throughout the meal, a simple pleasure that warms both heart and belly.

Herbal Mutton Soup 4.2/5

The Herbal Mutton Soup ($26) impressed with tender mutton ribs and meat simmered in a robust, herbaceous broth enhanced with red fermented beancurd (nam yue). The mutton fell off the bone effortlessly, and the nam yue added a savoury depth that beautifully balanced the strong herbal notes. Served with steamed rice, this was hearty and satisfying.

Chin Bo Leung 4.2/5

To end the meal on a refreshing note, the Chin Bo Leung ($12) is a dessert rarely seen in Singapore. It offered a medley of green beans, red beans, kidney beans, barley, taro, jelly and watermelon in chilled coconut milk. Light, sweet and cooling, it was reminiscent of Bo Bo Cha Cha and made for a delightful finish.

Cherished Hainanese Fare at White Rose Cafe is a nostalgic celebration of Hainanese heritage, presenting familiar dishes done with heart and tradition. It's a fitting conclusion to York Hotel's SG60 Heritage Dining Series, honouring the flavours that have long been cherished in Singapore's culinary landscape.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


White Rose Cafe
York Hotel
21 Mount Elizabeth
Singapore 228516
Tel: +65 67370511
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am to 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk down Scotts Road towards Goodwood Park Hotel. At Goodwood Park, turn right and walk to the end of the car park. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Chatterbox Cafe @ Resorts World Sentosa - Chatterbox Opens Cafe Concept at Weave RWS with Signature Chicken Rice and Local Favourites

Chatterbox at Hilton Orchard Singapore is well known for its "most expensive chicken rice in Singapore". Now, it has expanded with a new concept, Chatterbox Cafe, at the new Weave Mall in Resorts World Sentosa, offering its signature Mandarin Chicken Rice along with a range of local delicacies, at a slightly more affordable price point, around $2 to $3 cheaper than its flagship location.

Grilled Satay 4/5

We kick-started the meal with the Grilled Satay ($15), available in both beef and chicken options. Grilled over binchotan, the skewers come with onions, cucumber, ketupat and a sweet-savoury peanut sauce. While the meat was well-marinated and tender, I would have preferred a deeper char for added smokiness. The highlight is undeniably the peanut sauce, which is nutty with a subtle tang from the addition of pineapple puree.

Sweet and Sour Kurobuta Pork 4.2/5

The Sweet and Sour Kurobuta Pork ($22) is a classic redefined. Premium pork is lightly battered, deep-fried, then wok-tossed in a bright, balanced sauce. I appreciated how the glaze didn’t lean overly sweet or sour, allowing the flavour of the pork to shine through without being masked by heavy batter.

Mandarin Chicken Rice 4.5/5

The star, of course, is the Mandarin Chicken Rice. While still premium-priced ($40 for half chicken, or $23 for an individual set), it remains one of the best-tasting plates of chicken rice you can find in Singapore. The rice is aromatic with chicken oil and pandan fragrance, while the poached chicken is juicy and succulent. The accompanying chilli sauce is fiery, zesty and ticks all the right boxes. It's a dish that justifies its reputation, even if the price may still divide opinions.

Chilli Crab

Another iconic local favourite is the Chilli Crab ($168 per portion), served with eight golden fried mantous for mopping up the luscious sauce. The portion is generous, best shared between two to three diners.

Stir Fried Prawn with Palm Sauce

The Stir Fried Prawn with Palm Sauce ($26) features large prawns glazed with caramelised palm sugar, delivering a bold, sweet-savoury depth with wok hei aroma.

Beef Hor Fun

The Beef Hor Fun is a comforting rendition, where velvety smooth rice noodles are infused with wok hei and paired with tender beef slices. Everything is brought together in a luscious black bean gravy that carries both smokiness and umami.

Sweet Platter 4/5

We ended on a sweet note with the Sweet Platter ($13), an assortment of Nyonya kuehs made fresh daily with recipes passed down through generations. These colourful treats not only satisfy the sweet tooth but also celebrate the rich culinary heritage of Singapore.

Overall, Chatterbox Cafe brings its signature Mandarin Chicken Rice and a curated selection of local favourites to Resorts World Sentosa at a more approachable price point. While still positioned as a premium offering compared to hawker fare, the quality of ingredients and execution make it a worthwhile option for those seeking elevated Singapore classics in a comfortable setting.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Chatterbox Cafe
Weave Mall
Resorts World Sentosa
26 Sentosa Gateway
#02-207
Singapore 098138
Tel: +65 9654 4611
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Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 330pm, 530pm - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit C or E. Walk to Vivocity Level 3 to Vivocity Monorail Station., Take Monrail to Sentosa. Alight at Resorts World Station. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

GU:UM @ Keong Saik - Contemporary Korean Steakhouse Launches Limited-Time Local-Inspired SG60 Menu

Helmed by Chef Louis Han of One Michelin-starred NAE:UM, GU:UM continues to impress with its contemporary take on Korean barbecue, spotlighting premium meats laced with Asian and Korean influences.

To celebrate SG60 and Singapore’s birthday, Chef Louis and his team have launched a limited-time SG60 Menu available till the end of August. This special offering showcases familiar local flavours creatively fused with traditional Korean ingredients and sauces, available either a la carte or as part of the GU:UM Sang Set Menu ($168 per pax), which includes both current signatures and SG60 exclusives. Diners ordering the set will also enjoy a complimentary cocktail during August.

For non-alcoholic pairings, we tried the Homemade Chung Fizz ($12), available in grapefruit or orange. The grapefruit version stood out with its crisp, refreshing finish and lighter sweetness.

Mandu Wings 4.2/5

We kicked off with the Mandu Wings ($18), deboned chicken wings restuffed with a savoury mandu-style mix of marinated minced chicken, glass noodles, and chives. Deep-fried and baked for a crisp finish while retaining a juicy interior, the wings were served with an appetising mala tomato gochujang sauce that added a punchy, tangy spice. We thought that this was such a clever cross!

Gochujang Soft Shell Chilli Crab 4.2/5

Next came the Gochujang Soft Shell Chilli Crab ($32), a nod to one of Chef Louis’ favourite local dishes. The dish stayed true to key chilli crab elements while layering in Korean touches. Crispy soft shell crabs, coated in fried sago, were nestled in a gochujang-spiced gravy, paired with grilled Cheongyang peppers and chewy Korean rice cakes instead of the classic fried mantous. It was balanced and flavourful, with notes of sweetness, acidity and buttery depth.

Iberico Pork OP Rib 4.5/5

Though not part of the SG60 menu, the Iberico Pork OP Rib ($116 for 400g) was a standout. Grilled to a medium pink with a light char, the pork was tender yet slightly chewy, served with a vibrant spread of condiments including wasabi, kimchi, achar, and fermented squid. This cut is one of the restaurant’s three new premium additions alongside Shimo Wagyu MBS6 Anchangsal ($156 for 280g, $86 for half portion) and Australian Rack of Lamb ($126 for 550g).

Dalkochi Satay 4.2/5

The smoky Dalkochi Satay ($26) reimagines local satay using skewered chicken, tteok, and Japanese leek, marinated in a nutty ssamjang rempah sauce.

Uncle Lulu’s Fried Rice 4.8/5

Served in a hot Korean stonepot, Uncle Lulu's Fried Rice ($34 for 2-3 pax) featured kimchi fried rice topped with tender grilled Jeju-style squid. We polished this quickly despite being full at this point, and loved it for its alluring char and well-balanced kimchi flavour. Unlike the usual renditions of this dish we've had, where the kimchi usually overpowers, it was less tangy and acidic here.

Red & White Bingsu 4.5/5

To wrap up, the Red & White Bingsu ($18) delivered a surprising highlight. Inspired by Singapore's national colours and traditional Korean shaved ice, it featured watermelon sorbet, yoghurt cream, pomelo bits, watermelon lime granita, mint, and lemon zest. It was textural, wonderfully refreshing, and not too sweet, making it a perfect finish to our indulgent meal.

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.


GU:UM
29 Keong Saik Road
Singapore 089136
Tel: +65 8831 6308
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Nearest MRT: Outram Park (EW, NE, TE Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu: 6pm - 11pm
Fri-Sat: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 11pm
Sun: 1130am - 430pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk straight towards Kreta Ayer Road. Turn right onto Keong Siak Road. Walk down Keong Siak Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Walk straight down Neil Road to Teck Lim Road. Turn right onto Teck Lim Road. Walk down Teck Lim Road to Keong Saik Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 mintues. [Map]