Showing posts with label Soba. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Soba. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Town Restaurant @ The Fullerton Hotel Singapore - ‘Treasures of the Sea’ Dinner Buffet, Featuring 29 Seafood Selections Prepared in 27 Different Styles

Crispy Fried Whole Barramundi 1

Seafood lovers, this one’s for you. Town Restaurant at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore is going big on seafood with its ‘Treasures of the Sea’ Dinner Buffet, featuring an impressive 29 seafood selections prepared across 27 different styles — from seafood on ice and charcoal-grilled favourites to curries, local dishes and more. And before you even start attacking the buffet, every table receives a Crispy Fried Whole Barramundi to share, served straight to your table. 

Outdoor BBQ Station

On Fridays and Saturdays, there’s even more to look forward to with a Charcoal Barbecue Station set up just outside the restaurant by the river.

Grilled River Prawns 1
Grilled River Prawn

Grilled Scallops
Grilled Scallop

Satay 1
Grilled Satay

Here, you’ll find Grilled River Prawn, Grilled Scallop, Chicken Satay and Sambal Stingray, the latter wrapped in aluminium foil and served piping hot. We got excited when we spotted the stingray, although the sambal wasn’t quite the spicy, flavour-packed version we’re used to. Thankfully, the fish itself was tender. The Chicken Satays, on the other hand, were a pleasant surprise. They are nicely seasoned and even better with a generous dip into the rich peanut sauce.

Lobster 1
Boston Lobster

Prawns 1
Poached Sea Prawn

Mussels 2
Green Mussel

Snow Crab Legs 1
Snow Crab Leg

Babylon Snail Hard-shell Clam 1
Babylon Snail Hard-shell Clam

Of course, what’s a seafood buffet without a glorious seafood-on-ice spread? There’s plenty to pile onto your plate, including Boston Lobster, Poached Sea Prawns, Green Mussels, Snow Crab Legs, Babylon Snails, Hard-shell Clams, and Half-shell Scallops.

Cheese 1
Assorted Cheeses

Salad Bar 1
Parmesan Cheese Wheel Salad Bar

Salad Bar 2
Compound Salad Bar

Oelek Chili Jelly Fish Salad 1
Oelek Chilli Jelly Fish Salad

Pesto Potatoes Salad
Pesto Potatoes Salad

Alongside the seafood spread is an Assorted Cheese selection, plus a Salad Bar where you can build your own plate or pick from prepared salads such as the Oelek Chilli Jelly Fish Salad and Pesto Potato Salad.

Saffron Seafood Chowder
Saffron Seafood Chowder

Don’t walk past the Saffron Seafood Chowder without getting yourself a bowl. Rich and creamy without being overly heavy, the chowder is loaded with crab meat, although much of the good stuff likes to settle at the bottom. Give it a good stir before ladling it into your bowl; there’s plenty of crab meat hiding down there. This was easily one of our favourites of the night.

Peruvian Spice Roasted Beef 1
Peruvian Spice Roasted Beef

Meat lovers aren’t forgotten either. Make a stop at the Carving Station for the Peruvian Spice Roasted Beef — that beautiful pink centre was simply too eye-catching for us to walk past. Served with Pimento Caper Chimichurri and a house-made spice blend, it’s a worthy detour from all that seafood.

Popiah 1

Popiah 3
Good Chance Popiah

The Live Station features Good Chance Popiah and Fish & Chips on Fridays and Saturdays, but the popiah deserves an honourable mention of its own. Freshly wrapped to order by the experienced auntie behind the counter, each roll is packed nice and tight with a generous amount of filling. The chilli has a proper kick too, so ask for more if you like yours spicy. These were so good that we nearly stuffed ourselves with popiah before making it through the rest of the buffet. In fact, I’m craving one again as I write this.

From Tuesday to Thursday, the Live Station switches things up with Royale Seafood Congee.

Slipper Lobster Pumpkin Curry 1
Slipper Lobster Pumpkin Curry

Ginger Scallion King Prawn 1
Ginger Scallion King Prawn

Sweet Chilli Garlic-Butter Snow Crab 1
Sweet Chilli Garlic-Butter Snow Crab

The seafood feast continues in the cooked food section, where choosing what to eat — and how much stomach space to sacrifice — gets difficult. Among the dishes are Slipper Lobster Pumpkin Curry, Ginger Scallion King Prawn and Sweet Chilli Garlic-Butter Snow Crab. With so many different preparations across the buffet, you can quite literally go back for seafood again and again without eating it the same way twice.

Abalone Truffle Soba 1
Abalone Truffle Soba

At the Japanese section, go beyond the usual fresh sashimi and look out for the Abalone Truffle Soba. Served in petite portions, it’s just the right size for a taste without filling yourself up too quickly. It is important when there’s still so much more waiting around the buffet.

Laksa 1
Laksa

We also love the DIY Noodle Station, where you can choose your own ingredients and exactly how much noodles you want. At a buffet this extensive, portion control is a survival skill! We deliberately went for a smaller serving of Laksa so we could still make our way through everything else. Prawn Soup is also available if you prefer something lighter.

Chocolate Lava Cake Salted Egg Crispy Fish Skin 1
Chocolate Lava Cake Salted Egg Crispy Fish Skin

Before we move on to the dessert spread, one creation deserves a mention simply because of how unusual it sounds: Chocolate Lava Cake with Salted Egg Crispy Fish Skin, prepared à la minute. Chocolate lava cake and fish skin isn't exactly a pairing that immediately makes sense, and yes, it tastes every bit as intriguing as it sounds. A little unusual, definitely interesting, and worth trying at least once.

Dark Chocolate Cherry Morello 1
Dark Chocolate Cherry Morello

Ivory Pistachio Mascarpone 1
Ivory Pistachio Mascarpone

Ondeh Ondeh Cake 1
Ondeh Ondeh Cake

Strawberry Lavender Vanilla 1
Strawberry Lavender Vanilla

Yuzu Jasmine Mousse 1
Yuzu Jasmine Mousse

Oozy Toffee Praline 1
Oozy Toffee Praline

Now, please leave stomach space for dessert. Seriously. The dessert spread sits right at the front of the restaurant, which meant we had already mentally mapped out what we wanted before dinner even properly began. With creations such as Dark Chocolate Cherry Morello, Ivory Pistachio Mascarpone, Ondeh Ondeh Cake, Strawberry Lavender Vanilla, Yuzu Jasmine Mousse, Oozy Toffee Praline, OMG Lemon Praline and Durian Gula Melaka Shooter, everything looks almost too pretty to eat.

As with any huge dessert spread, there will inevitably be hits and misses depending on personal preference, but we’d say there were definitely more hits than misses here.

OMG Lemon Praline 1
OMG Lemon Praline

Durian Gula Melaka Shooter 1
Durian Gula Melaka Shooter

Nonya Kueh 1
Assorted Nonya Kueh

Treasures of the Sea Dinner Buffet is available until 7 November 2028.
Tuesday to Thursday: S$98++ per adult | S$49++ per child aged 6–11
Friday and Saturday: S$118++ per adult | S$59++ per child aged 6–11

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


Town Restaurant
The Fullerton Hotel Singapore
1 Fullerton Square
Singapore 049178
Tel: +65 68778188
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Instagram
Website
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 the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

Monday, March 23, 2026

Tampopo @ Takashimaya - Showcases Niigata’s Premium Produce in Limited-Time Seasonal Menu

TampopoTakashimaya1

A household name in Singapore’s Japanese dining scene, Tampopo has long been instrumental in making authentic Japanese cuisine accessible, consistent, and affordable. Founded by Takagi Takaaki, the brand continues to honour its philosophy of working closely with Japanese producers. This season, Tampopo spotlights the bounty of Niigata Prefecture with a limited-time menu that highlights premium ingredients flown in from the region.

A key highlight is the introduction of Niigata-grown “Shinnosuke” rice, a relatively new varietal that inherits the prized genetics of Koshihikari while offering its own distinct character. With a higher amylose content, the rice delivers a gentle sweetness, fuller flavour, and a firm, springy bite. Cultivated using pristine snowmelt water and benefiting from Niigata’s dramatic temperature shifts, each grain is glossy, aromatic, and refined.

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Niigata Umaimon Gozen 4/5

The Niigata Umaimon Gozen ($35.80) is the best way to experience “Shinnosuke” rice in its purest form. This well-balanced set comes complete with sashimi, grilled fish, vegetables, and soup, allowing the rice to shine as the centrepiece. Its texture pairs beautifully with the accompanying dishes, elevating the overall dining experience.

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Tampopo’s Chirashi Sushi 3.8/5

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Amaebi Shinjyo with Lotus 3.8/5

The menu also features the prized Oguchi Lotus root from Nagaoka City, known for its exceptional crunch and tenderness. Harvested using the meticulous mizuhori method, the lotus root retains its clean, crisp texture without excess fibrousness.

This premium ingredient appears in Tampopo’s Chirashi Sushi ($29.80), adding a refreshing bite, and in the Amaebi Shinjyo with Lotus ($12.80), where it is stuffed with sweet shrimp paste and deep-fried into a delicate tempura. The contrast between the crunchy lotus root and the creamy amaebi filling creates an enjoyable textural interplay.

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Niigata Soul Food “Noppe” 3.5/5

A comforting traditional dish, “Noppe” is a celebratory stew deeply rooted in Niigata’s culinary heritage. The hearty bowl features a medley of ingredients, including lotus root, mushrooms, salmon, chicken, satoimo, and kamaboko, simmered in a light yet umami-rich dashi broth enhanced with dried scallops and mushrooms. It is wholesome, nourishing, and quietly satisfying.

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Tampopo’s Hegi Soba with Prawn Tempura (tasting portion) 4.2/5

A rare find in Singapore, Hegi Soba is a regional speciality from Niigata’s Uonuma region. Made using funori seaweed as a binder, the noodles boast a firmer, more elastic texture with a subtle smoothness. At Tampopo, the Hegi Soba with Prawn Tempura ($19.80) features lightly battered prawns fried to a crisp golden finish. The tempura adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth, springy noodles. Dipped into the accompanying sauce, each bite balances delicate soba flavours with the savoury richness of the tempura.

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Tagliatelle with Amaebi

A standout collaboration dish with THE NIIGATA Bit GINZA, the Handmade Rice-Flour Tagliatelle with Amaebi ($27.80) bridges Japanese ingredients with Italian technique. The sauce is laboriously prepared using 20kg of amaebi shells and flesh, simmered for hours to extract maximum flavour, then flambéed with brandy. Sourced from Sado Island, the amaebi is prized for its natural sweetness and creamy texture, often dubbed the “candy of the sea.” The resulting dish is deeply umami-rich, with a robust crustacean intensity that will resonate strongly with local palates.

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Niigata Matcha Parfait 4.5/5

End the meal on a sweet note with the Niigata Matcha Parfait ($11.80), made using Murakami matcha from Fujimien. The matcha is notably smooth with minimal bitterness, offering a refined finish. Alternatively, the Niigata Strawberry Parfait features the region’s prized Echigo-hime strawberries, known for their sweetness and fragrance.

Tampopo’s Niigata showcase is more than just a seasonal menu. It is a thoughtful tribute to the region’s rich agricultural and culinary heritage. By bringing together premium ingredients, traditional techniques, and creative collaborations, the experience offers diners a rare glimpse into the essence of Niigata, right here in Singapore.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Tampopo
Takashimaya
Tower B
391 Orchard Road
#B2-33
Singapore 238872
Tel: +65 6235 2318
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 845pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Follow the walkway through Wisma Atria to Takashimaya. Continue walking straight to Ngee Ann City. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

Tuesday, March 10, 2026

Karii @ Suntec City - Singapore’s First Okinawan Street Food Concept by EN Group

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kariifront

Karii かりー! That's how Okinawans say cheers in their dialect, where "karii" (kanji: 嘉例) translates to happiness. It is a fitting name for the newest opening by the established Japanese F&B veteran EN Group at Suntec City. Opening its doors on 4 February 2026, the eatery aims to set a trend of joy and long life through the vibrant, coastal flavours of Okinawa. Touted as Singapore's first Okinawan street food concept, the space is modern and warm, featuring lightwood finishes and subtle bingata patterns. Overlooking the Fountain Court, the menu spans from taco rice and Okinawa-style sandos to hearty bowls, all crafted for quick, quality enjoyment.

Karii2
Mozuku Tempura 2.5/5

We started with the Mozuku Tempura ($2.80), which is fried Okinawa seaweed. Unfortunately, preparing it this way did not do the ingredient justice. I couldn't really taste the delicate seaweed; instead, it was dominated by the crispy batter. It's perhaps not the best way to showcase this unique island speciality.

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Jimami Tofu 3/5

The Jimami Tofu ($2.80) is a traditional Okinawan peanut tofu. I must admit I am not a big fan of this dish as the texture is quite a departure from typical soybean tofu. Because it is made from peanuts, it has a more stretchy, chewy, and pudding-like consistency that might be an acquired taste for some.

Karii14
Okinawa-Style Taco Rice 3/5

A quintessential island dish, the Okinawa-Style Taco Rice features seasoned minced meat, cheese, arugula, cabbage, and cherry tomatoes over rice. You can choose between Hokkaido Pork ($6.80) or Beef ($7.80). For those watching their intake, there is a no-carb option where the rice is replaced with extra greens. You can also customise your bowl with add-ons like Goya Tempura, Teriyaki Chicken, or Rafute.

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Okinawa Soba 3/5

The Okinawa Soba ($8.80 Small / $13.80 Large) features rafute (braised pork belly), beni shoga, and chikuwa in a Japanese paitan tonjiru broth. While the small portion comes with two pieces of succulent pork and the large with four, the dish overall felt a little different from the authentic bowls I've had during my trips to Okinawa. It's a comforting bowl, but it didn't quite hit that nostalgic note for me.

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Mentai Ebi Onigiri 4/5

The highlight of the meal was the Mentai Ebi Onigiri ($9.50 Ala carte / $13.00 Dine-in Set). This hefty sandwich-style onigiri features a fried tiger prawn drizzled with mentaiko mayo, layered with spam, dashimaki (Okinawan egg), and mayonnaise wrapped in Japanese seaweed. If you dine in, the set is quite value-for-money, coming with white miso soup, mozuku su, and two appetisers of the day.

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Goya Shikuwasa Honey 4.2/5

For a refreshing thirst-quencher, the Goya Shikuwasa Honey ($6.80) is a must-try. It combines bitter gourd, shikuwasa juice, honey, and soda. Don't be put off by the bitter gourd; the bitterness is very subtle and balances well with the tart citrus and sweet honey. It is an incredibly refreshing choice for a hot afternoon.

Karii12

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Okinawa Donuts 3/5

To end on a sweet note, we tried the Okinawa Donuts (3 for $2.50). These come in three flavours: Original, Okinawan Brown Sugar, and Purple Sweet Potato. Unlike the soft, doughy donuts we are used to, these are traditionally crumbly and dense.

Overall, Karii offers a fun and accessible introduction to Okinawan culture in the heart of the city. While some dishes lean towards a more localised palate, the onigiri and refreshing drinks make it a great spot for a quick, casual meal.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Karii
Suntec City Mall
3 Temasek Boulevard
#B1-170 (Fountain Court)
Singapore 038983
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Esplanade (CC Line), Promenade (CC, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

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

2) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 6 minutes. [Map]