Paper Rice Vietnamese Kitchen @ Changi City Point - Discover Refreshed Taste of Authentic Vietnamese Flavours at The Renovated Space

Paper Rice Vietnamese Kitchen has unveiled its newly renovated space at Changi City Point, alongside a refreshed menu that dives deeper into the rich culinary traditions of Vietnam. Helmed by a native Vietnamese chef, the restaurant promises an immersive journey through more than 15 cities in Vietnam, offering dishes that are both authentic and beautifully executed. From hearty bowls of pho to light, vibrant salads, the new menu balances the comfort of street food with refined presentation.

Beef with Banana Blossom and Starfruit Salad 3.5/5

The Beef with Banana Blossom and Starfruit Salad ($11.90) kicks off the meal with a medley of vibrant colours and textures. Julienned banana blossoms are tossed with grilled beef rump slices, pickled radish, onions, mint leaves, and fresh starfruit, all bound together with a bright fish sauce dressing and finished with crushed peanuts. It’s a symphony of flavours comprising sweet, sour, tangy, and umami that play harmoniously on the palate. Light yet deeply flavourful, it’s a perfect appetiser to whet the appetite.

Hue Minced Pork Lemongrass Skewers 4/5

Inspired by the central Vietnamese city of Hue, the Minced Pork Lemongrass Skewers ($11.90) are fragrant and juicy. The pork, subtly laced with lemongrass, is grilled and served with rice vermicelli, purple lettuce, and a side of Vietnamese peanut sauce. While the bitterness of the purple lettuce may not appeal to everyone, wrapping the pork with the noodles and sauce brings balance and richness to each bite. A playful, hands-on dish that encourages diners to customise their bites.

Vietnamese Crepe (Banh Xeo) 3.5/5

The Vietnamese Crepe ($16.90) is a crispy egg crepe folded over a generous filling of bean sprouts, yellow mung beans, onions, and spring onions. We had the seafood version, but you can also choose from grilled pork belly, chicken, or mushrooms. Served with fresh herbs and a tangy fish sauce for dipping, each bite brings crunch, freshness, and a gentle richness from the crepe itself. A classic Vietnamese street food favourite that’s executed with finesse.

Wagyu Waterfall Beef Pho 4/5

One of the most visually arresting dishes on the menu is the Wagyu Waterfall Beef Pho ($34.90). Premium Wagyu beef slices are served hanging dramatically over a steaming bowl of pho, before being fire-torched at the table by the staff. The thin slices are then dipped into the slow-cooked beef bone broth, where they finish cooking to perfection. Silky rice noodles, a robust yet clean broth, and tender beef make this bowl of pho as comforting as it is luxurious. Served with crisp vegetables on fried rice paper, it’s a feast for the eyes and palate.

Banana Sago in Coconut Creme 4/5

BTo end the meal on a high note, the Banana Sago in Coconut Crème ($5.90) is a creamy, comforting dessert. The base of rich coconut cream holds chewy tapioca pearls and slices of caramelised banana, topped with chopped nuts for added texture. Sweet, nutty, and lightly aromatic, it’s a fitting conclusion to a flavour-packed Vietnamese meal.

With its refreshed interiors and thoughtfully curated menu, Paper Rice Vietnamese Kitchen at Changi City Point succeeds in offering a slice of Vietnam right here in Singapore. The blend of street-style favourites and premium touches such like the show-stopping Wagyu Pho, makes it suitable for both casual lunches and special occasions. Whether you're a fan of bold, spicy salads or comforting broths, there's something on the menu that’ll transport you straight to the streets of Hanoi or Saigon.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Paper Rice Vietnamese Kitchen
Changi City Point
5 Changi Business Park Central 1
#B1-27
Singapore 486038
Tel: +65 6443 1261
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Nearest MRT: Expo (EW, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 9pm
Sat-Sun: 11am - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Expo MRT station. Take Exit B, E or F. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Cavern Restaurant @ Rainforest Wild ASIA - Singapore's First and Only Restaurant in a Cave

Tucked away within the Mandai Wildlife Reserve's new Rainforest Wild ASIA, Cavern Restaurant is the latest concept by the TungLok Group. Designed to resemble the Mulu Caves of Sarawak, one of Southeast Asia's largest and most intricate cave systems, the restaurant offers a unique dining setting surrounded by rugged rock formations and lush greenery. Its location near the entrance of this new attraction makes it a convenient and immersive stop for visitors looking to relax and enjoy a meal in an environment that feels like a natural extension of the rainforest.

Crystal Cave Salad 4/5

The Crystal Cave Salad ($22) is a vibrant and refreshing start to the meal. A creamy Spanish burrata sits at the heart of the dish, paired beautifully with heirloom beetroot in both classic red and golden hues. The truffle honey dressing lends a luxurious touch, while toasted walnuts provide a delightful crunch, elevating the salad's texture and flavour.

Stone Hearth Loaf 3.5/5

Freshly baked in-house, the Stone Hearth Loaf ($12) boasts a crispy crust and a chewy, tangy interior, making it an excellent companion to the meal. The bread's rustic charm shines through, especially when paired with dips or butter.

Emerald Canopy 3.5/5

For a lighter, crisp alternative, the Emerald Canopy ($12) features romaine lettuce tossed in a creamy green goddess dressing, punctuated with the peppery bite of fresh radish. It's simple yet refreshing.

Spicy Wing 3.5/5

The Spicy Wing ($16 for 4pcs) isn't particularly fiery despite its name. However, the blue cheese dip served alongside — its pungent creaminess balances out any lingering heat, though its strong flavour might not appeal to everyone.

Pulled Pork Taco 3.8/5

The Pulled Pork Taco ($22 for 3pcs) impresses with its succulent, slow-cooked pork infused with deep, smoky flavours. The buttery avocado and smoky paprika aioli add layers of creaminess and spice, all encased within a soft, pillowy taco shell. Every bite is a harmonious blend of textures and flavours, making it one of the best offerings on the menu.

Smouldering Core 3.8/5

A much-improved version from its original, the Smouldering Core ($20) features charred cauliflower, halved and grilled to perfection. The barbecue sauce glaze on the exterior adds a smoky richness, while the garlic aioli and pickles inside provide a creamy, tangy contrast. It's visually stunning and finished with microgreens and edible flowers, giving it an elegant touch.

Rigatoni Alla Vodka 3.5/5

The Rigatoni Alla Vodka ($22) delivers al dente pasta bathed in a tangy tomato-based sauce topped with micro greens and parmesan cheese. While the flavours are pleasant, I wished for a more generous amount of sauce to better coat each piece of rigatoni.

Caveman's Meat Skewer 3/5

A dish for meat lovers, the Caveman's Meat Skewer ($38) features 200g of beef tenderloin, button mushrooms, shallots, and peppers, paired with chimichurri sauce. While well-cooked, the dish feels ordinary, lacking a standout element to truly impress.

Ironstrike Knuckle 3.5/5

More satisfying than the skewer, the Ironstrike Knuckle ($28) is braised to fork-tender perfection, allowing the meat to fall apart effortlessly. Served with a mustard jus, the bold, tangy sauce enhances the richness of the pork, making it a comforting and well-executed dish.

Pandan Bambolini 3/5

For dessert, we indulged in the Pandan Bambolini ($6 per piece) — a fried doughnut filled with kaya. The kaya itself is outstanding, bursting with fragrant pandan and coconut flavours, but the execution was inconsistent. Some pieces had barely any filling, leaving the dough too dry to enjoy fully. When balanced correctly, however, it's an aromatic and indulgent end to the meal.

It’s important to set the right expectations at Cavern Restaurant. It isn’t about fine dining but rather a place designed to cater to the large volume of visitors, families, and tourists exploring the attraction. The menu is curated to be approachable and crowd-friendly, ensuring a quick and satisfying meal for guests of all ages.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Cavern Restaurant
Rainforest Wild ASIA
20 Mandai Lake Road
Singapore 729825
Tel: +65 60220229
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Nearest MRT: Springleaf (TE Line), Choa Chu Kang (NS Line), Khatib (NS Line)

1) Alight at Springleaf MRT station. Take Exit 3. Walk to bus stop opposite Thong Soon Road (Stop ID 56091). Take bus number 138. Alight 12 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 25 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Choa Chu Kang MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Choa Chu Kang Bus Interchange (Stop ID 44009). Take bus number 927. Alight 16 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 30 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Khatib MRT station. Take the Mandai Khatib Shuttle Bus (not free). Journey time about 30 minutes. [Map]

Nomiya Izakaya & Bar @ Chinatown - Offering Contemporary Twist on Japanese Izakaya

Nestled amid Chinatown’s bustling streets, Nomiya Izakaya & Sake Bar stands out with its contemporary twist on a traditional Japanese izakaya. Offering an inviting space for gatherings over unique small plates and an impressive selection of Japanese sake, whisky, and craft beer.

Amid the bustling stretch of Chinatown, Nomiya stands out effortlessly among the rows of souvenir shops.

Hokkaido Scallop Aburi 3/5

Ikura Negitoro Pie Tee 3.5/5

We tried the Hokkaido Scallop Aburi and the inventive Ikura Negitoro Pie Tee to kick off our meal. We found the Pie Tee especially delightful, priced at $17 for two pieces each. The crispy shell filled with fresh minced tuna was visually appealing and offered a satisfying crunch and burst of flavour.

Charred Brussels Sprouts 3/5

Foie Gras Chawanmushi 4/5

Moving on to the next course, the Charred Brussels Sprouts ($9.50) arrived, infused with kombu butter. While the charred flavour added depth, it slightly overpowered the kombu, making it more of an accompaniment to drinks. The Foie Gras Chawanmushi ($18.50) was the highlight. This velvety custard, dotted with ingredients like crab meat and camembert, was topped with a sesame-crusted piece of foie gras. It is on the expensive end but definitely an indulgent experience.

Gold Dust Charcoal Chicken 3.5/5

Tempura Cauliflower 3.5/5

Next up were two fried dishes: the Gold Dust Charcoal Chicken ($14) and Tempura Cauliflower ($9.50). The chicken was crispy outside and juicy inside, paired with a tangy tartar-like sauce, though a more robust marinade could have elevated it further. The cauliflower was a fun twist on a classic, topped with furikake for added flavour. We would have loved a dipping sauce and a bit more crunch on the cauliflower, as the ones we had were a tad soft.

Dashimaki Tamago with Mentaiko 3.5/5

The Dashimaki Tamago with Mentaiko combined fluffy Japanese egg with creamy mentaiko. The salty mentaiko and tobiko topping made for a bold contrast, though a touch more sweetness in the tamago would have created a better balance.

Charred Ebi with Burnt Butter 3/5

We had high hopes for the Charred Ebi with Burnt Butter ($29), but the two prawns felt a bit steep in price for the portion size. The baguette pieces that accompanied it were intended for dipping but could have been softer. Adding extra bread for $1.50 may be helpful for those looking for a heartier bite.

Charcoal Grilled Skewers 3/5

Yuzu Glazed Char-Grilled Pork Jowl 3/5

From the grill, we got a selection of skewers, including Tori Momo (Chicken Thigh) ($4.50), Miso Glazed Butabara (Pork Belly) ($5), Asparagus ($4), and Smoked Duck with Salsa ($6). While each skewer was well-marinated and tender, we found ourselves wishing for more of that quintessential smoky char. The Yuzu Glazed Char-Grilled Pork Jowl stood out for its fatty, tender texture, but the flavours didn’t quite hit the mark - the marinade leaned slightly sweet, and the tartness of the yuzu didn’t come through as much as expected.

Mini Cold Udon & Seasonal Truffle 3.5/5

Smoked Duck Carbonara Udon 3/5

We tried two types of udon for our final dishes: the Mini Cold Udon with Seasonal Truffle ($11.50, $22 for full portion) and Smoked Duck Carbonara Udon ($13). With its bold truffle aroma, the cold udon was a refreshing palate cleanser after the richer dishes and came in a convenient mini size. The carbonara udon, on the other hand, had a lighter cream sauce that, while less heavy, lacked a distinctive carbonara richness. The cheese slices didn't add much to the presentation, giving the dish a less refined feel.

Nomiya offers izakaya sets for 2-6 people starting from $139, making it a great spot for small gatherings. Their extensive selection of Japanese drinks adds to the lively and trendy atmosphere, with upbeat music (which can be a bit loud) and attentive service. With limited seating, including outdoor tables and bar seats, Nomiya is a vibrant destination for a night out in Chinatown.

Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Nomiya Izakaya & Bar
11 Trengganu Street
Singapore 058465
Tel: +65 6232 7827
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Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT, NE Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon: 530pm - 1030pm
Tue-Thu: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 1030pm
Fri: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 11pm
Sat: 1130am - 1030pm
Sun: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight down Pagoda Street. Turn right onto Trengganu Street. Walk down Trengganu Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk straight to Sago Street. Turn left onto Sago Street and walk to the end. Turn right onto Trengganu Street. Walk down Trengganu Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Ju Kyu Singapore @ Telok Ayer Street - Modern Japanese Restobar Catering to Various Occasions Booasting an Eclectic Menu

Located in Telok Ayer, Ju Kyu offers a modern Japanese dining experience within an enigmatic space adorned with sakura blossoms and vibrant Japanese motifs. The restaurant caters to various occasions, boasting a full menu ranging from skewers to tapas, small plates, rice dishes, noodles, mains, and desserts. Handcrafted cocktails with a Japanese twist are also one of the key offerings of Jyu Kyu.

Skewers 3.8/5

Grilled over Bincho-tan charcoal in a traditional Japanese Konro, Jyu Kyu's skewers are a highlight of the menu. We enjoyed a selection that included Pork Belly Enoki ($5.50), Beef Striploin ($6.50), Asparagus ($4.50), and Grilled Corn ($6.50). Each item had a well-executed caramelisation, but the Pork Belly Enoki stood out for its juicy, flavorful bite. The Grilled Corn, dusted with house spices, had great flavour but could have benefitted from a plumper corn cob.

Chargrilled Squid 3.8/5

The Chargrilled Squid ($22), grilled with care and served with sambal chilli and lime, had a lovely balance of flavours, though the squid could have been juicier for a more satisfying bite.

Chawanmushi 4/5

Cold Tofu 4.5/5

We tried the Cold Tofu ($14) from the tapas selection and Chawanmushi ($7.80). The marinated tofu was topped with ikura and furikake, with the marination seemingly infused with century egg, adding an excellent funky depth. The Chawanmushi, brimming with ikura, also surprised us with its generous fillings of salmon and mushrooms.

Uni & Crab Cracker 4/5

For a unique small plate, the Uni & Crab Cracker ($26) offered a mix of creamy crab rillettes and uni, topped with ikura and served on crispy rice paper puffs. The coriander infusion was subtle, but the contrast between the creamy filling and the crunchy base was delightful.

Unagi & Eggplant Rice 4.5/5

Under the Rice selection, the Unagi & Eggplant Rice ($26) was a standout, combining smoky, caramelized teriyaki eggplant with perfectly grilled eel. The smokiness of the eggplant added a surprising depth to the otherwise familiar unagi rice bowl, elevating the dish with texture and flavour.

Pork Belly Tonkotsu Ramen 4.8/5

A surprise hit was the Pork Belly Tonkotsu Ramen ($26). Despite not being a ramen speciality shop, Jyu Kyu delivered a bowl of rich, creamy pork broth hearty with tender chashu served slightly charred, a beautifully marinated ajitsuke tamago, and nicely cooked noodles.

Miso Black Cod 3.8/5

For Mains, we tried the Miso Black Cod ($34), served with spinach goma-ae was decent but felt like it could use a bit more refinement. While the pairing with goma-ae was thoughtful, the dish didn't quite reach the same heights as other mains.

Ju Kyu's beautifully decorated interior, featuring sakura-filled ceiling and Japanese illustrations, provides the perfect backdrop for a drink or two. Their curated cocktail menu offers aesthetically pleasing beverages that excite your eyes and palate.

Photos and 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.


Ju Kyu
198 Telok Ayer Street
Singapore 068637
Tel:: +65 8819 8000
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 1130am - 230pm, 5pm - 11pm
Fri: 1130am - 230pm, 5pm - 1130pm
Sat: 5pm - 1130pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Turn left and walk down Telok Ayer Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk to Telok Ayer Street. Turn left onto Telok Ayer Street. Walk down Telok Ayer Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]