Baci Baci Ristorante @ Serangoon Garden - Celebrates 12th Anniversary with 50% Off Pizza & Pasta

Tucked away in the leafy enclave of Serangoon Gardens, Baci Baci Ristorante is celebrating its 12th anniversary with a fresh new look and the same comforting, rustic Italian flavours that have made it a neighbourhood favourite for over a decade.

Meaning “Kiss Kiss” in Italian, Baci Baci Ristorante has quietly established itself as a go-to destination for authentic Italian fare, helmed by Chef Alberto Dalla Vecchia. From hearty, slow-cooked pastas to homemade pizzas baked in a wood-fired oven, the restaurant focuses on unfussy, generous cooking that feels warm and familiar.

To mark its 12th anniversary, diners can enjoy 50% off any pizza or pasta from Monday to Thursday, from now until 31 August 2026, making it a great time to revisit this neighbourhood gem.

Grilled Mediterranean Octopus 4/5

We started with the Grilled Mediterranean Octopus ($35), served with tomato salsa. The octopus was impressively tender and meaty, with none of the rubbery texture that can sometimes accompany grilled octopus. A good char from the wood-fired grill gave the exterior smoky depth, while the refreshing tomato salsa provided a bright, slightly tangy contrast. It is a simple combination, but one that lets the quality and natural flavour of the seafood come through.

Cacciucco 4.2/5

Next was the Cacciucco ($33), a traditional Tuscan-style seafood stew that makes for a hearty and comforting starter or main to share. The tomato-based broth was rich, savoury and robust, with a gentle sweetness developed from slow cooking. It comes generously loaded with seafood, including clams, mussels, prawns and squid, each adding its own layer of briny flavour to the stew. Best enjoyed with some crusty bread to soak up every last bit of the flavourful broth.

Submarine 4/5

For pizza, the Submarine ($35) is easily one of the more distinctive creations on the menu. Rather than the usual round pizza, this signature creation is rolled and folded into a submarine-like shape, enclosing mozzarella, gorgonzola and mortadella ham before being topped with tomato sauce, fresh rocket and crushed pistachios. A side of spicy tomato sauce provides an additional kick.

The wood-fired dough develops a nicely charred exterior while retaining a satisfying chew, creating a substantial base for the rich fillings. Creamy mozzarella mellows out the sharper, funky notes of gorgonzola, while the mortadella brings a savoury, delicate meatiness. Fresh rocket adds peppery freshness, and crushed pistachios provide a pleasant crunch and earthy nuttiness. The spicy tomato sauce is a nice touch, adding heat that keeps the richness in check.

Fig Time 4.2/5

Another pizza worth trying is the Fig Time ($35), a popular house speciality that turns the classic sweet-and-savoury combination into a decadent wood-fired pizza. Baked in an authentic beechwood-fired oven, the pizza comes with a molten combination of mozzarella and brie, generous slices of Parma ham and figs.

The natural sweetness of the figs works beautifully with the salty, savoury Parma ham, while the creamy cheeses create what is essentially a slice of “cheesy heaven”. A subtle spicy note also cuts through the richness. The crust is crisp and lightly charred around the edges while remaining tender and chewy within. If you enjoy pizzas that venture beyond the usual tomato-and-meat combinations, this is one to consider.

Tagliatelle all’ Anatra 4.2/5

For pasta, the Tagliatelle all’ Anatra ($34) is a comforting choice that showcases Baci Baci’s rustic approach to Italian cooking. The egg tagliatelle is tossed with a slow-braised duck ragù, creating a deeply savoury, hearty pasta. The broad ribbons of tagliatelle suit the rich ragù, catching plenty of sauce with every bite. Unlike a tomato-heavy ragù, this version is cooked in a white base, keeping the flavour of the duck front and centre. The sauce has a deep, savoury quality that gives the dish a distinctly homestyle character — the kind of pasta that feels hearty without being overly complicated.

Maiale Grigliato 4/5

For meat lovers, the Maiale Grigliato ($46) features a grilled pork chop served with roasted potatoes and mixed vegetables. The pork is first prepared sous vide to retain its natural juices and tenderness, then finished on the grill for a nicely charred, smoky exterior. The result is a pork chop that remains juicy and tender within, with the grill adding plenty of flavour to the outside. It comes with a light white wine sauce that adds a gentle savoury richness without masking the meat. Roasted potatoes and seasonal grilled vegetables complete the dish, making it a substantial, satisfying main course.

Tagliata Rucola Scaglie Di Grana e Balsamico 4/5

The Tagliata Rucola Scaglie Di Grana e Balsamico ($54) is another hearty main, centred around a grilled Argentinian ribeye steak. Prepared tagliata-style and sliced into thick pieces, the steak was tender and juicy, with a good grilled flavour. Fresh, peppery rocket and shavings of Grana Padano balance the beef’s richness, while a drizzle of balsamic reduction adds sweetness and acidity. The balsamic works particularly well here, cutting through the richness of both the steak and cheese. Served with golden roasted potatoes, it is a classic rustic Italian combination that doesn’t need much embellishment.

Chocolate Salami 3.5/5

Dessert takes a more traditional turn with the Chocolate Salami ($18). Designed to resemble a cured salami, the dense chocolate log is studded with crunchy biscuit pieces, creating the characteristic marbled appearance when sliced. It is rich and chocolatey without being overly complicated, with the biscuits providing a welcome textural contrast. The dessert comes with handmade pistachio ice cream, fresh fruits including figs, grapes and strawberries, and a light dusting of icing sugar. The pistachio ice cream pairs particularly well with the chocolate, adding a creamy, nutty element that lightens each bite.

Homemade Tiramisu 4/5

The Homemade Tiramisu ($18) rounds things off on a more classic note. Layers of airy mascarpone cream and delicate ladyfingers soaked generously in espresso create a dessert that is rich yet surprisingly light on the palate. The robust coffee aroma comes through clearly, balanced by the smooth mascarpone cream and a generous layer of cocoa powder on top. It has the familiar flavours of a traditional tiramisu, with a soft, creamy texture that melts easily in the mouth. A fitting way to end a meal centred around comforting Italian classics.

After 12 years in Serangoon Gardens, Baci Baci Ristorante still offers Italian cooking that feels approachable and familiar, with plenty of character from the kitchen. Chef Alberto Dalla Vecchia’s menu spans comforting pastas, inventive wood-fired pizzas, hearty grilled meats and classic desserts, making it an easy choice for both casual neighbourhood meals and gatherings with family and friends.

With 50% off any pizza or pasta from Monday to Thursday until 31 August 2026, the anniversary promotion is a great excuse to head down, revisit old favourites, or explore the menu for the first time. For those looking for rustic Italian comfort food away from the bustle of the city centre, Baci Baci remains a charming little slice of Italy in Serangoon Gardens.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Baci Baci Ristorante
27 Lichfield Road
Serangoon Garden
Singapore 556847
Tel: +65 9820 7969
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Nearest MRT: Lorong Chuan (CC Line), Serangoon (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon, Wed-Sat: 12pm - 2pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sun: 12pm - 2:30pm, 5:30pm - 9:30pm
(Closed on Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Serangoon MRT Station. Take Exit G. Walk to Serangoon Bus Interchange (Stop ID 66009). Take bus number 317. Alight 7 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to Lichfield Road. Walk down Lichfield Road. Walk to destination. Journey time is about 18 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Serangoon MRT Station. Take Exit G. Walk to Serangoon Bus Interchange (Stop ID 66009). Take bus number 315. Alight 9 stops later. Walk to Lichfield Road. Turn right and walk down Lichfield Road. Walk to destination. Journey time is about 20 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Lorong Chuan MRT Station. Take Exit B. Cross the road and walk to the bus stop at Goldenhill Park Condo (Stop ID 66701). Take bus number 73. Alight 6 stops later. Walk to Lichfield Road. Turn right and walk down Lichfield Road. Walk to destination. Journey time is about 15 minutes. [Map]

Keum Eun Don Korean BBQ @ HillV2 - The Idol-Visit Seoul BBQ Known for Its Premium Pork and Woodae Galbi Lands in Singapore

Imported straight from Seoul’s Yongsan district, Keum Eun Don arrives in Singapore with a strong pedigree rooted in craftsmanship, provenance, and a deep respect for Korean grilling culture. Widely recognised as a celebrity-frequented establishment located beside HYBE Entertainment in Seoul, the brand carries the official 모범음식점 (Exemplary Restaurant) certification — a testament to its consistency and quality.

Built on 17 years of F&B expertise, Keum Eun Don is best known for its Iberico pork programme. Selected cuts undergo a meticulous two-stage ageing process, wet ageing followed by dry ageing,  designed to develop both tenderness and a clean, concentrated flavour profile. Before reaching the table, the meats are lightly kissed with charcoal aroma in the kitchen, setting the stage for diners to complete the grilling themselves for optimal doneness.

Adding to its credibility, actor and WANNA ONE member Hwang Min Hyun recently named Keum Eun Don as his personal go-to for Korean BBQ, citing its precision grilling and premium execution. His endorsement feels less like marketing and more like insider validation, the kind that reflects genuine loyalty.

Banchan 4/5

As expected, the meal begins with a spread of complimentary banchan and dipping sauces. While the assortment is fairly standard, a few stood out. The kimchi delivered a satisfying balance of tang and depth, while the corn and potato sides offered a comforting sweetness that complemented the grilled meats nicely. It’s a modest but well-executed supporting cast.

EUN Set 4/5

We opted for the EUN Set ($145), designed for 2 to 3 diners. The set includes Prime Beef Short Rib, Pork Belly, Pork Collar, a choice of stew, and a single drink.

While the quality of the meat is evident, the set’s structure feels somewhat restrictive. The inclusion of only one drink, despite being marketed for up to three diners, feels unusual. Similarly, limiting the set to just one stew choice lacks the variety typically seen in Korean BBQ sets across Singapore, where additional sides or cooked dishes are often included. From a value perspective, it leans on the premium quality of ingredients rather than quantity or diversity.

Pork Collar 4/5

Built on 17 years of F&B expertise, Keum Eun Don specialises in Iberico pork, with selected cuts undergoing a two-stage ageing process of wet ageing followed by dry ageing, developed specifically to enhance depth, tenderness, and a clean flavour profile. Before service, the meats are lightly exposed to the charcoal aroma in the kitchen to enhance their natural smokiness, then served to guests to complete the grilling process at the table, ensuring full control over doneness and texture.

Pork Belly 4.2/5

A standout cut, the Pork Collar exemplifies Keum Eun Don’s expertise in Iberico pork. Compared to pork belly, it carries a higher lean-to-fat ratio, resulting in a more balanced bite. The marbling ensures juiciness, while the texture remains tender without veering into chewiness. Thanks to the dual ageing process, the pork collar develops a deeper, almost nutty pork flavour that lingers pleasantly. Grilled over the tabletop charcoal, it achieves a beautiful caramelisation while retaining its moisture, a testament to both the ingredient quality and preparation technique.

The Pork Belly, or samgyeopsal, delivers exactly what fans of Korean BBQ seek — richness, indulgence, and textural contrast. Comprising alternating layers of meat and fat, the cut crisps up beautifully on the grill, yielding a satisfying bite that is both juicy and slightly charred. At Keum Eun Don, the sourcing elevates this classic beyond the ordinary. The fat renders cleanly without greasiness, and each bite carries a depth that speaks to careful ageing and quality control.

Prime Beef Short Rib 4/5

A Singapore-exclusive addition, the Prime Beef Short Rib (woodae galbi) introduces a beef option to a pork-centric concept. The cut is aged and subtly infused with charcoal aroma before service. On the grill, it cooks quickly, revealing a tender, almost buttery texture. The flavour is rich yet refined, with a slight smokiness that enhances rather than overwhelms the natural beefiness. While it diverges from the brand’s pork-focused identity, it serves as a strong complement for those seeking variety.

Soft Tofu Stew with Seafood 4.2/5

For the stew, we chose the Soft Tofu Stew with Seafood. Served bubbling hot, the dish features silky tofu immersed in a robust, spicy seafood broth. The stew strikes a comforting balance, bold in flavour yet not overly heavy. The umami from the seafood adds depth, while the gentle heat cuts through the richness of the grilled meats, making it an essential companion to the BBQ experience.

Keum Eun Don brings a slice of Seoul’s refined Korean BBQ culture, emphasising technique, ingredient quality, and precision. The Iberico pork programme, in particular, stands out for its depth of flavour and thoughtful preparation, making it the highlight of the experience. That said, while the EUN Set showcases the restaurant’s strengths, it falls slightly short in perceived value compared to other Korean BBQ offerings in Singapore, which often offer a broader selection of dishes at similar price points. Ultimately, Keum Eun Don is less about abundance and more about refinement. In this place, the focus is on doing a few things exceptionally well rather than offering everything at once.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Keum Eun Don Korean BBQ
HillV2
4 Hillview Rise
#01-09
Singapore 667979
Tel: +65 62220221
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Nearest MRT: Hillview (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 5pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Hillview MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Hillview Road. Turn right onto Hillview Road. Walk down Hillview Road. Turn right onto Hillview Link. Cross the road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 6 minutes. [Map]

LUCE @ Frasers House - Unveils a Richer, More Immersive Dining Experience

Curated under the direction of Chef de Cuisine Giuseppe Di Caetano, Luce at Fraser House introduces a more indulgent and dynamic dining experience, marked by an expanded lineup of live stations and a deeper repertoire of dishes.

Seafood on Ice

The experience began the moment I stepped in, greeted by an impressive seafood-on-ice display showcasing premium selections such as Japanese oysters, wild-caught Australian spanner crab, and an array of seasonal shellfish.

Cold Cuts and Charcuterie

The Cold Cuts and Charcuterie Room is an ideal way to start, a dedicated space housing an extensive selection of artisanal cheeses from Italy and France, including a noteworthy 36-month-aged cheddar, alongside premium cured meats like the 18-month dry-cured Prosciutto di Parma.

Chilled Antipasti and Salads

Burrata

The spread includes a variety of chilled antipasti and salads, with burrata as a highlight. A sushi and sashimi selection is also available alongside.

Housemade Squid Ink Tagliolini

Pasta station

At the heart of Luce lies its Italian culinary tradition. One of the standout live stations features the Housemade Squid Ink Tagliolini, prepared tableside on a gueridon. Tossed with fresh river prawn and a fragrant kaffir crustacean bisque, the dish is finished in a signature Parmesan wheel for added depth and richness. The pasta station also offers choices such as Trofie, Cheese Ravioli, and Rigatoni, complemented by sauces like Guanciale Carbonara and slow-cooked Beef Bolognese.

Bone Marrow

Brandy and Mustard Marinated Angus Beef Striploin

From the live stations, the Brandy and Mustard Marinated Angus Beef Striploin is a notable highlight, served alongside indulgent open flame bone marrow, green asparagus, vine tomatoes, and a brandy rosemary sauce.

Louisiana Style Barbecue Pork Ribs

Pollo Limone

Rotational roasts add variety, including Louisiana Style Barbecue Pork Ribs with Grilled Pineapple and Pollo Limone, featuring free-range chicken marinated with Cajun spices and finished with a lemon-and-mushroom cream sauce.

Oven Baked Sustainable Barramundi

Amongst the Italian specialities, channelling the essence of coastal Italian cuisine, the Sicilian-style Whole Branzino, presented as an oven-baked sustainable barramundi, was moist and tender, scrumptious with capers, tomatoes, olives, and perfectly cooked potatoes that brought everything together beautifully.

Seafood Stew

Vegetable Stew

Comforting classics such as Il Caciucco di Mare, a robust mixed seafood stew, and Frecanto di Verdure, a full-bodied vegetable medley brimming with the vibrant flavours of black olives, oregano, capers, tomato, garlic, onion, and white wine.

Homemade Meatballs

For homely fare, the Homemade Meatballs in fresh basil and tomato marinara deliver familiar comfort. At the same time, the Ragout alla Genovese, featuring slow-braised Wagyu with durum wheat pasta, was a pleasing staple.

Signature Pork Lup Cheong e Gorgonzola Dolce Pizza

The Pinsa station dishes out freshly made pizzas that take centre stage, including a cross-cultural creation: the Chef’s Signature Pork Lup Cheong e Gorgonzola Dolce Pizza, where the savoury, smoky lup cheong is balanced by a cream-softened Gorgonzola.

Fraser House Signature Laksa station

Satays

Local favourites remain a strong draw, with Fraser House Signature Laksa and Grilled Chicken and Beef Satay continuing to impress, the latter particularly notable for its spice-forward marinade and aromatic depth.

Braised Pork Belly

The Asian selection features staples such as Mee Goreng, Dim Sum, and curries. However, the standout was undoubtedly the Braised Iberico Pork Belly with dried chilli and five spice, meltingly tender and richly flavoured.

Dessert Station

LUCE-misu

To conclude, the dessert station is nothing short of abundant. Expect a Valrhona Chocolate Fountain, an assortment of Nyonya kueh, and an elegant spread of cakes. The signature LUCE-misu is given its own dedicated live station, offering a decadent finale.

Visit www.lucesingapore.com to explore monthly exclusive dining privileges at LUCE. In celebration of the relaunch, guests are invited to enjoy 30% dining privileges on weekdays with LUCE30 and 25% dining privileges on weekends with LUCE25. For reservations, please contact the Dining Reservations team at +65 6825 1008 or email tlc.sinlb.luce@luxurycollection.com.

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.


LUCE
Fraser House, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Level 1
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 6825 1008
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

Smolder @ Outram Road - Brings Authentic Farm-to-Table Coastal Backyard BBQ to the Heart of Singapore

If you’re looking to support local while indulging in something delicious and exciting, make your way to Smolder, a vibrant new seafood grill and bar along Outram Road. Brought to you by the team behind Scaled and Ah Hua Kelong, Smolder continues their mission of championing locally farmed seafood, this time with a bold, flame-kissed twist.

The menu at Smolder is divided into five sections, and the Sides segment alone is enough to draw your attention, with tempting offerings such as stuffed squid, calamari, fresh local green lip mussels, octopus, and potato salad, as well as zucchini-parmesan fritters.

Elote 4.5/5

Since we knew more seafood dishes were coming later, we opted for the Elote ($9), a grilled sweet corn slathered in mayo, sour cream, parmesan, chilli, garlic, coriander, and lime. The white corn had the perfect balance of sweetness and crunch, lifted beautifully by the smoky, tangy glaze. I could easily have eaten a whole cob on my own!

Portuguese Seafood Stew 4/5

From the Mains section, we went with the Portuguese Seafood Stew ($28) and the Clams Linguine in Buzara Tomato Sauce ($26). Other options on the menu include Braised Short Ribs, a Wagyu Beef Burger, steak, blackened sea bass, and grilled snapper or grouper piccata pasta.

The Portuguese Seafood Stew ($28) is one of owner Wong Jing Kai’s personal favourites, crafted with a hearty mix of both seafood and meat. Think pork belly, plump mussels wild caught daily, clams, and prawns, all simmered in a paprika and tomato-based broth, served with grilled garlic bread on the side. While the freshness and generous portions of the ingredients stood out, I found that the flavour of the stew itself could have been a little more robust.

Clams Linguine in Buzara Tomato Sauce 4.5/5

I personally preferred the Clams Linguine in Buzara Tomato Sauce ($26), which features fresh clams simmered in a tomato and white wine base. What’s interesting is that no salt is added; the dish relies solely on the natural brininess of the clams for seasoning. The result was simple yet tasty, and I found it very much to my liking.

Pearl Grouper 4.5/5

For the Big Plates, diners can opt for a whole 700g fish, with choices including snapper, seabass, or pearl grouper, or go all out with Boston lobster or Alaskan king crab legs. Each Big Plate is paired with two Small Plates, with options such as cornbread, fried potato, grilled corn salad, grilled vegetable salad, or broccolini.

If you’re unsure which fish to pick, the team is happy to recommend one. Since we prefer fish with a flaky texture, we went with their suggestion of the Pearl Grouper ($85). The Pearl Grouper arrived marvellously executed. Its skin was seared till it was pretty crisp, while the flesh inside was fresh, moist, and flaky. The clean, delicate sweetness of the fish really shone through, showcasing the quality of the produce, enhanced by some good flame grilling. It felt like an indulgence, but also a relatively healthy one at the same time. The grouper was also served with a spicy but satisfying house chilli and a lemon wedge.

Cornbread 4.2/5

We chose the American-style Cornbread as one of our small plates, and I enjoyed its dense, hearty texture, which was not too dry, and was studded with sweet grilled corn kernels for a satisfying bite.

Broccolini 3.8/5

We also picked the charred baby broccolini, drizzled with smoky, house-made romesco sauce and with toasted almonds, adding a nice crunch to the greens.

The dessert menu features four options: a double-layered chocolate cake, an olive oil cake, a New York–style cheesecake, and a spiced apple wonton with vanilla semifreddo. We were unfortunately too full to try any, but they certainly sound like a sweet finale worth saving room for next time!

The newly opened 90-seat restaurant was lively even on a weekday night. The buzz reflected Ah Hua Kelong’s loyal following, drawn by local seafood that’s as fresh as it gets.

Penned by Shermine. Through her pictures and stories, she shares her journey of savouring new flavours and experiences. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Smolder Seafood Grill and Bar
271 Outram Road
Singapore 169062
Tel: +65 9888 6849
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Nearest MRT: Havelock (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu: 5pm - 11pm
Fri-Sun: 12pm - 230pm, 5pm - 11pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Havelock Road. Take Exit 1. Walk straight to Seng Poh Road. Turn left onto Seng Poh Road. Walk down Seng Poh Road to Outram Road. Turn right onto Outram Road. Walk down Outram Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]