IM QALB by Pun Im @ Tampines Mall - A Creative Take on Southern Thai and Malay Flavours

IM QALB by Pun Im at Tampines Mall is a new creative, casual Thai-Malay restaurant that blends the rich culinary heritage of Southern Thailand with Malay cuisine. The menu highlights the bold, aromatic, and soulful character of Southern Thai cooking while incorporating familiar Malay flavours and techniques into a range of creative dishes.

From spicy and sour soups to grilled meats, coastal seafood, and comforting desserts, the menu showcases aromatic herbs, chilli, seafood, fermented ingredients, and spices central to both culinary traditions.

Spicy & Sour Beef Soup 4.8/5

One highlight for me was the Spicy & Sour Beef Soup ($16.80), inspired by Isaan cuisine from Northeastern Thailand. Made with three cuts of beef (gold coin, oxtail, and tendon), the soup has a rich, hearty mouthfeel, with each cut adding layers of texture. What makes it stand out is the housemade toasted rice powder, prepared by toasting Thai Jasmine Rice together with three aromatic herbs before grinding it. This adds a fragrant toasted aroma and subtle texture to the soup. The broth itself is punchy, spicy and sour, with robust flavours that make it particularly satisfying.

Golden Crab Tahu Kai Jeow 4.5/5

The Golden Crab Tahu Kai Jeow ($18.80) is perhaps one of the more interesting creations on the menu, combining Thai Kai Jeow with the Malay Tahu Telur. Made with tofu, jumbo lump crab meat, and acacia leaves, the mixture is deep-fried Tahu Telur-style until golden brown and crisp on the outside while staying light inside. It is served with a housemade sweet sauce and finished with a rich, tangy and umami-packed egg yolk sauce. I thought this was a clever marriage of the two cuisines, although I would have liked to see more crab meat in the dish.

Stir Fried Petai With Wild Caught Black Tiger Prawns 4.2/5

For something with a more pronounced Southern Thai character, there is the Stir Fried Petai with Wild Caught Black Tiger Prawns ($19.80). Petai, or stink beans, is a popular ingredient in Southern Thai cuisine, prized for its distinctive flavour and slightly crisp texture. Here, succulent wild-caught black tiger prawns are wok-tossed with petai, housemade chilli paste and shrimp paste, resulting in a dish that is spicy, savoury and packed with umami. The petai brings its characteristic nuttiness, while the prawns add sweetness to the aromatic and punchy sauce.

Stir-Fried Squid in Black Ink Sauce 5/5

My favourite dish of the meal was the Stir-Fried Squid in Black Ink Sauce ($19.80). This lesser-known Southern Thai coastal dish features fresh squid stir-fried in its own natural ink, creating a luscious, glossy sauce with a delicate sweet and savoury balance. The sauce is further layered with onions, garlic, shallots, lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves, giving it plenty of fragrance and depth. The squid was nicely cooked with a pleasant bite, while the black ink sauce was intensely savoury without being overly heavy. Definitely one I would order again.

Southern Thai Style Ayam Perchik 3.8/5

The Southern Thai Style Ayam Perchik ($18.80) combines Southern Thai curry flavours with the Malay-style ayam percik. Chicken thighs are marinated in a fragrant curry paste with cinnamon, coriander, and cumin seeds, then grilled three times, with the marinade basted onto the chicken after each turn. This gives the skewers a nicely charred and caramelised exterior while keeping the meat tender and juicy. Served with lontong and a sweet and tangy Thai-style achar, it makes for a fairly complete plate. While I enjoyed the chicken's texture, I felt the overall flavour could have been more pronounced and punchy.

Rose Tea with Lychee Smoothie 4.2/5

The menu also includes a selection of Thai-inspired drinks. The Rose Tea with Lychee Smoothie ($7.80) combines fragrant rose tea with sweet lychee in an icy, refreshing smoothie. It is floral, fruity and not overly heavy.

Rose Milk Tea with Cream Cheese Foam 4/5

The Rose Milk Tea with Cream Cheese Foam ($7.80) takes a more indulgent direction, pairing rose-infused milk tea with a velvety cream cheese foam. The tea's floral sweetness pairs well with the creamy foam, which adds a gentle savoury finish.

Thai Chendol Drink with Scented Coconut Milk 4.2/5

For something more familiar, the Thai Chendol Drink with Scented Coconut Milk ($7.80) puts a Thai spin on a Southeast Asian favourite. Silky chendol and sweet jackfruit are served in fragrant coconut milk, making it a refreshing, lightly sweet option to pair with the spicier dishes.

Thai Banana Fritter 4.5/5

Dessert-wise, the Thai Banana Fritter ($9.80) was another highlight. Also known as Gluai Kaeg, the Thai version differs from the familiar Malay goreng pisang by using ripe Namwa bananas and a batter enriched with shredded coconut and toasted white sesame seeds. Fried until golden and crisp, the exterior has a lovely crunch while the banana inside remains naturally sweet, soft and creamy. The toasted sesame and coconut add a pleasant nuttiness and aroma, making this a simple but very satisfying way to end the meal.

Overall, IM QALB by Pun Im offers an interesting take on Thai cuisine, pairing Southern Thai flavours with Malay influences. While some dishes worked better for me than others, the restaurant clearly tries to move beyond the usual Thai restaurant offerings, particularly with creations such as the Golden Crab Tahu Kai Jeow and Southern Thai Style Ayam Perchik.

My personal favourites were the Spicy & Sour Beef Soup and especially the Stir-Fried Squid in Black Ink Sauce, which I found particularly bold and flavourful. If you enjoy spicy, aromatic and herb-driven flavours, IM QALB is a new addition in Tampines worth checking out.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Im Qalb by Pun Im
Tampines Mall
4 Tampines Central 5
#04-02
Singapore 529510
Tel: +65 8145 6713
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Nearest MRT: Tampines (DT, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tampines MRT Station (EW Line). Take Exit C. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 3 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tampines MRT Station (DT Line). Take Exit D. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

Heartland by Enjoy @ Tampines - Introduces New Dishes With Familiar Flavours That Comes With Creative Twists

Tucked away in the heartlands, Heartland by Enjoy has expanded its menu with new dishes that blend familiar local flavours with modern café-style influences. From crispy sharing bites and fusion mee pok creations to hearty rice sets, comforting fish curry, and indulgent desserts, we dropped by to see whether these latest additions are worth the trip.

Block Party Mac & Cheese 2/5

New on the menu is the Block Party Mac & Cheese ($6.90), a fun little sharing dish made with breaded and deep-fried mac and cheese bites. They were nicely fried with a crisp exterior; however, we were expecting the centre to be much creamier and gooier. Instead, the filling was a little dry for our liking, so it unfortunately didn’t quite hit the spot for us.

Ultimate Garlic Mee Pok 3/5

Mee Pok Carbonara 2/5

Out of curiosity, we tried both fusion mee pok dishes on the menu. The Ultimate Garlic Mee Pok ($15.90) comes with smoked duck and has a pleasant garlicky aroma, though we were hoping for a bolder garlic flavour. The Mee Pok Carbonara ($14.90), on the other hand, is topped with an egg that adds richness and creaminess, giving it a flavour profile closer to an authentic carbonara.

While both dishes offer an interesting fusion twist, we found the mee pok a little too soft, with the alkaline taste coming through more than we’d like. Cooking the noodles to a firmer, more al dente texture would greatly improve the overall experience.

Ayam Gepuk Berempah Set 4/5

Another new addition is the Ayam Gepuk Berempah Set ($13.90), which we found to be really good value for money. The set comes with BBQ chicken thigh, fragrant coconut rice, a fried egg, peanuts, ikan bilis and three different sauces on the side.

Our chicken portion was a little dry that evening, although we were assured this is not usually the case. We really enjoyed the rice. It had a lovely coconut fragrance, and the use of basmati rice kept every grain nicely separated instead of clumping together. A hearty and satisfying option for the price.

Kampung Barra Fish Curry 4/5

One of our favourite dishes from the evening was the Kampung Barra Fish Curry ($27.90). A whole piece of barramundi fillet is used, which means you get to enjoy the fish without having to deal with bones. The curry was rich and comforting, with a nice balance between sweetness and spice without being overly heavy. It also comes with tofu, tofu puffs and vegetables that soak up the curry beautifully. We also liked the crispy tofu skin served separately on the side. It added a nice crunchy contrast and was especially good dipped into the curry.

Drinks 4/5

We tried three drinks — the Coconut Smoothie ($7.90), Avocado Gula Melaka Smoothie ($7.90) and Coconut Coffee Ice Blend ($7.90). All three were enjoyable, with rich flavours and just the right amount of sweetness. A refreshing option which made them easy to drink alongside the heavier dishes.

Sago Gula Melaka 5/5

The Real Chendol 5/5

We ended our meal with two desserts — the Sago Gula Melaka ($5.90), which is new to the menu, and The Real Chendol ($6.90). Both were excellent and easily our favourite sweet treats of the evening. The standout was undoubtedly the gula melaka, which was rich, fragrant and tasted authentic without being overly sweet. These are definitely worth saving some room for.

Heartland by Enjoy’s newest menu offerings are a mix of hits and misses, but there are certainly dishes worth returning for, like the Kampung Barra Fish Curry and desserts.

The restaurant itself has a cosy neighbourhood charm, although the dining area is quite compact with tables placed close together. It also gets very busy during peak meal hours, so be prepared for a short wait if you’re dropping by. Overall, it’s a worthwhile spot for comforting local flavours, especially if you’re in the area and looking to try something new.

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


Heartland by Enjoy
Blk 481 Tampines Street 44
#01-267
Singapore 520481
Tel: +65 87766757
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Nearest MRT: Tampines East (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10:30am - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Tampines East MRT station. Take Exit A. Cut across the HDB blocks and walk to Tampines Street 42. Cross the road and walk down Tampines Street 44. Walk to the destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Joji’s Sandwich Parlour @ Upper Serangoon – A 24 hour Amercian Diner-style Sandwich Joint

Nestled near Nex in Serangoon, Joji's Sandwich Parlour, the sister brand of Joji's Diner next door, serves up hearty American-style sandwiches around the clock. This cosy café is perfect for those late-night cravings or a casual meal any time of the day.

Yuzu Matcha Soda 3.8/5 and Avocado Smoothie 3/5

We started our meal with two beverages. The Yuzu Matcha Soda ($6.90) was a refreshing choice with a citrusy yuzu base and subtle matcha notes, though the flavours could have blended more cohesively. On the other hand, the Avocado Smoothie ($7.90) fell short of expectations — it was served less chilled than we'd prefer, with a somewhat bland flavour profile.

Fresh Calamari 4/5

The Fresh Calamari ($12), touted as being fresh from Jurong Port, did not disappoint. Each bite was delightfully crispy, with a perfectly seasoned batter that beautifully complemented the fresh squid.

Bang Bang Cauliflower 3.8/5

The Bang Bang Cauliflower ($9) offered promising flavours but didn’t quite hit the mark with texture. While the seasoning was spot-on, the batter lacked crispiness, and the cauliflower's softness from cooking made the interior slightly soggy.

Classic Reuben 3.8/5

A signature item on Joji's menu, the Classic Reuben ($24) features Black Angus beef brisket brined for 14 days. The brisket was tender and flavourful but leaned on the saltier side midway through the sandwich. Paired with yellow mustard, sauerkraut, and sliced cheese, the flavours were balanced to an extent. Diners can choose between sourdough and focaccia bread. All sandwiches come with two sides, which you can select. We got the Pico De Gallo, a refreshing contrast to the rich sandwich, but the hash left little impression.

Shrimp Po’ Boy 4/5

The Shrimp Po'Boy ($22) was the standout of our meal. Generously filled with fresh tiger prawns in a tangy-sweet sauce, this sandwich was paired perfectly with fresh vegetables. The fries were crispy and satisfying, while the coleslaw, topped with diced apples, provided a crisp, refreshing balance.

Joji's Sandwich Parlour offers a delightful range of sandwiches and sides, perfect for satisfying your cravings any time of the day. While some items could use minor tweaks, the café's dedication to fresh ingredients and bold flavours shines through. Whether you're a sandwich lover or just looking for a cosy 24-hour café, Joji's is worth a visit.

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


Joji's Sandwich Parlour
536 Upper Serangoon Road
Singapore 534551
Tel: +65 91009030
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Nearest MRT: Serangoon (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 24 Hours

Direction:
1) Alight at Serangoon MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight down Upper Serangoon Road. Walk to destintion. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Surrey Hills Grocer @ Woodleigh Mall - Exclusive Month-long Collaboration Menu by Chef Damian D’Silva, Founder of Rempapa

Surrey Hills Grocer at Woodleigh Mall is introducing a fresh dining experience this April with a curated menu by Chef Damian D'Silva. Known for his multicultural cuisine at Rempapa, Chef Damian presents six specially crafted dishes exclusively for one month until 30 April 2024.

Located along The Woodleigh Mall's Heritage Walk, the Woodleigh outlet of Surrey Hills Grocer may require some navigation for first-time visitors. The air-conditioned environment accommodates up to 90 diners, making it an ideal gathering spot. Furry companions are welcome, too, with a dedicated menu tailored just for them.

Each Surrey Hills Grocer outlet offers a differentiated menu, ensuring diners experience new takes on familiar favourites. For instance, while the Woodleigh outlet serves Tom Yum Tater Tots, the ION outlet offers Mentaiko Tater Tots - a creative concept that adds variety to the dining experience.

Surrey's Homemade Iced Lemon Tea

I ordered the mildly sweet Surrey's Homemade Iced Lemon Tea ($8) from its extensive beverage list, which was made in-house using cold-brewed premium black tea dust and fresh lemons.

Berry Dragonfruit Smoothie

My dining companions went with the Berry Dragonfruit Smoothie ($13), Appily Ever After ($10) and Berrylicious Lemonade ($9).

Signature Nasi Lemak with Opor Ayam 3.8/5

We started with a few of Chef Damian's specialities first. Among what we had, we preferred the Signature Nasi Lemak with Opor Ayam ($25) - a classic nasi lemak ensemble featuring coconut rice, fried silver fish, sambal, a fried Nuyolk egg, and a side of opor ayam. The nasi lemak, with its fluffy and aromatic rice, was the biggest highlight. However, we found the opor ayam lacking the richness we anticipated. The traditional spiced coconut gravy was milder than expected, missing the aromatic notes of cumin and coriander. Nonetheless, the chicken remained tender.

Kerabu Ikan Tenggiri 3.8/5

I've not had Kerabu Ikan Tenggiri ($22) before, but the refreshing crunch and mildly spiced dressing were enticing. This traditional salad comprises barred Spanish mackerel, wing beans, cherry tomatoes, long beans, herbs and salted eggs. Considering the price tag, we were hoping for more significant portions of mackerel.

Peranakan Prawn Sambal 2.8/5

The Peranakan Prawn Sambal ($26) left us disappointed. Our prawns were dry and difficult to extract from their shells. Despite its sambal and shrimp paste base, intended to appeal to spice fans, the dish lacked the expected heat and flavour profile.

Skillet Squid Ink Pasta 4.5/5

The standout dish of the evening was unanimously the Skillet Squid Ink Pasta ($28), topped with creamy kewpie mayo. The briny and umami hints in the mouthfuls of broken squid ink pasta were addictive, and the addition of squid and shrimp further enhanced the experience.

Triple Truffle Fries 4.2/5

The Triple Truffle Fries ($19) is one of the few dishes available across the Surrey Hills Grocer outlets. Tossed in fragrant truffle olive oil and dusted with truffle powder, they are adorned with generous parmesan shavings. While they may not be the crispiest fries, their satisfying crunch and accompanying homemade truffle mayo dip made for a delightful sharing snack.

Matcha Udon 3.8/5

We were initially sceptical when we spotted the Matcha Udon ($26) on the menu, but with assurances from the staff, we decided to give it a try. The soft udon was cooked in a creamy white wine matcha sauce, accompanied by smoked pork belly, ramen egg, Korean seaweed flakes and grated parmesan cheese. Surprisingly, it was a pleasant combination, with the carbonara flavour taking the lead. We appreciated the balance that avoided being overly rich, but matcha lovers should note that the matcha bitterness was very subtle for what it's named. You'll find carbonara-based dishes prepared differently if you visit other Surrey Hills Grocer outlets.

The Signature Stack 4.2/5

The highly recommended Melburnian Pancake Parlour pancakes lived up to their reputation. Opting for The Signature Stack ($24) as our dessert, we were treated to two pieces of old-school style buttermilk pancakes, generously topped with vanilla crème chantilly, seasonal fruit compote, fresh berries, and sea salt butterscotch. The pancakes were worth a try, being somewhat fluffy and buttery. The additional crumbles littered on top added good texture contrast. For those with a sweet tooth, this also came with extra maple syrup and caramel sauce for drizzling. I recommend sharing this with a friend or two, as it gets heavy quickly.

While the prices are steep, we were fans of the restaurant's ambience and pet-friendly space. We enjoyed its main menu more than the seasonal offerings and look forward to trying the unique variations across its outlets.

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.


Surrey Hills Grocer
The Woodleigh Mall
#01-52/53
11 Bidadari Park Drive
Singapore 367803
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Nearest MRT: Woodleigh (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

Direction:
1. Alight at Woodleigh MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]