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

Wednesday, August 27, 2025

Homm Dessert @ Resorts World Sentosa - Opens Second Outlet at Weave RWS with Exclusive DIshes

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Melbourne-born Thai dessert café Homm Dessert has expanded beyond its first outlet at Raffles City, now opening its second branch at the new Weave Mall in Resorts World Sentosa. Known for their creative takes on Thai-inspired sweets, the RWS outlet introduces not only its signature bingsu and drinks but also a range of exclusive savoury and sweet offerings.

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Cheese Top Thai Milk Tea, Cheese Top Taro Milk Tea 4.2/5

We started with the Cheese Top Thai Milk Tea ($6.80) and Cheese Top Taro Milk Tea ($7.80). Refreshing and not overly sweet, both drinks hit the spot on a hot day. The flavours were distinct and natural, without the artificial aftertaste sometimes found in flavoured teas.

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Mango Soba Salad 4/5

One of the savoury exclusives at the RWS branch is the Mango Soba Salad ($16.80). The vibrant combination of soba, ripe mango, soft-boiled egg, avocado, chilli, coriander, and red onion makes this a light yet satisfying option. Tossed in a spicy dressing of fish sauce, chilli and lime juice, it delivered a punchy, zesty kick that tied everything together.

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Thai Chilli Crab Linguine 4/5

Another exclusive is the Thai Chilli Crab Linguine ($22.80). The pasta is generously coated in a robust Thai chilli crab sauce made with lemongrass, shallots, garlic, candlenut and bird's eye chilli. While flavour-packed and fragrant, it leaned more towards sweet than spicy. The two crispy soft-shell crabs served alongside added extra indulgence and texture to the dish.


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Mount Chendol 4/5

For desserts, the RWS-exclusive Mount Chendol ($18.80) is their creative spin on the beloved local treat. A fluffy coconut “snowflake ice” base is layered with jackfruit, pandan jelly, semi-smashed red beans, creamy corn, grass jelly and drizzles of gula melaka. It’s a fun, Thai-inspired take on chendol, or as it’s called there, “lod chong.”

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Thai Milk Tea Avalanche Bingsu 4.5/5

Of course, no visit to Homm is complete without their signature Thai Milk Tea Avalanche Bingsu ($19.80). Using a blend of fragrant Thai tea leaves, the flavours are earthy yet smooth, never too tannic. The “avalanche” reveal is a playful touch, unveiling whipped cream cheese on Thai tea snowflake ice, gelato, and buttery sable crumbles. Served with Thai tea sauce, grass jelly, and condensed milk on the side, this is an indulgent dessert perfect for sharing.

Homm Dessert continues to impress with its creative interpretations of Thai classics. With the addition of exclusive savoury dishes at the new RWS outlet, it makes for a fun spot not just for desserts but also for a light meal.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Homm Dessert
Resorts World Sentosa
Weave Mall
26 Sentosa Gateway
#01-232
Singapore 098138
Tel: +65 6745 5323
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Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 6pm

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]

Tuesday, October 29, 2024

Kushi Japanese Dining @ Grantral Mall & Complex MacPherson - Offering Budget-Friendly A La Carte Japanese Buffet

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Kushi Japanese Dining has been a fixture in Singapore for the past 16 years, having moved locations a few times before settling into its current spot at Grantral Mall, MacPherson. Offering a budget-friendly à la carte buffet, Kushi boasts an extensive selection of Japanese dishes that satisfy all your cravings.

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Assorted Sashimi Platter 4/5

We began our buffet experience with the Assorted Sashimi Platter, which included maguro, sake, shiro maguro, tako, ika, meikajiki, and hamachi (limited to one serving per table). The sashimi was impeccably fresh, with the shiro maguro standing out as a rare find at many Japanese restaurants.

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Pitan Tofu 3.5/5

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Chawanmushi 3.5/5

We also enjoyed the Chawanmushi, which was subtly flavourful, and the must-try Pitan Tofu, a unique and creamy dish that offered a different take on tofu.

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Agedashi Tofu 4/5

Tako Yaki 1
Tako Yaki 3/5

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Asari Miso Soup 4/5

Moving on to the hot dishes, we sampled the perfectly fried Agedashi Tofu, which was crispy on the outside and tender within. It's a dish we could quickly devour on our own. The Tako Yaki was decent but could be skipped if you're looking to save room for more sashimi. The Asari Miso Soup, with its plump and fresh clams, served as a refreshing palate cleanser, preparing us for the next round of food.

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Assorted Kushiyaki 3.8/5

Saba Shoyaki
Saba Shoyaki 4/5

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Pork Belly Shogayaki 3/5

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Surume Ika 4/5

Next, we tried an assortment of Kushiyaki, as recommended by our server. Each skewer was perfectly grilled, but our favourites were the Saba Shoyaki and Surume Ika. The saba was generously portioned, lightly salted, and deliciously flaky, while the grilled squid had a pleasantly charred flavour and was only available in limited servings. The Pork Belly Shogayaki was tasty, but we wished we had room to enjoy it with rice.

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Assorted Tempura Platter 4/5

For Tempura, the Ebi stood out with its light, crispy batter, and the prawn itself was fresh and sweet.

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Kitsune Soba 3/5

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Garlic Fried Rice 3/5

Kushi offers options like Garlic Fried Rice, Kitsune Soba, and Mini Ramen if you need carbs. While they were decent, they didn't leave a lasting impression.

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Shabu Shabu Pork 4/5

However, the Shabu Shabu Pork was a pleasant surprise. The broth was clean and sweet, likely from the vegetables, and perfectly contrasted with the heavier grilled and fried dishes we had been enjoying. This hotpot dish is a must-try if you want something to cut through the greasiness and refresh your palate.

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Wafu Beef Steak 3.5/5

For those looking for more beyond the buffet, Kushi offers a 25% discount on selected à la carte dishes. We decided to try the Wafu Beef Steak. You can request your preferred doneness, and the flavourful wafu sauce enhances the tender steak.

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Priced at $54.90++ for lunch and $58.90++ for dinner, Kushi's buffet is exceptional value for money, offering a wide variety of quality Japanese dishes. The restaurant is clean, brightly lit, and nicely decorated, providing a comfortable dining environment.

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For those planning a special gathering, Kushi also offers two private dining rooms, each accommodating up to 10 people, or 20 if combined, with a minimum spend required. Whether you're a fan of sashimi, grilled items, or hotpot, Kushi Japanese Dining will surely satisfy you.

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


Kushi Japanese Dining
Grantral Mall & Complex Macpherson
601 Macpherson Road
#01-27/28
Singapore 368242
Tel: +65 69040728
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Nearest MRT: Tai Seng (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tai Seng MRT Station. Take Exit B. Turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Tuesday, August 27, 2024

Sushi Sei @ Holiday Inn Singapore Ochard City Centre - Taste the Height of Summer with Its New Seasonal Summer Menus

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Sushi Sei at Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre has welcomed a new head chef, Chef Kaoru Mitsuhashi, who has introduced lunch and dinner menus centred around the traditional art of Edomae sushi, focusing on bite-sized nigiri sushi. This summer, the menus highlight the best seasonal ingredients, such as the sweet catch of Ayu and peak-season harvest Komo Nasu Japanese eggplant from Kyoto. The 綾 Aya Lunch Menu, priced at $98 per person, is a concise yet refined offering, while the 絆 Kizuna Dinner Menu is a more extensive experience, priced at $480 for two persons.

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Kyoto Japanese Eggplant 4.5/5

My lunch began with an appetiser course featuring Kyoto Japanese Eggplant, simply dressed to accentuate its gentle flavour.

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Smoked Ayu Fish 4.5/5

Next, I was served a Smoked Ayu Fish, a symbol of Japanese summer. At their peak in mid-summer, Ayu fish are at their meatiest and juiciest. Chef Mitsuhashi prepared it simply salted and grilled, accompanied by a peppery green that complemented the fish perfectly.

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Tachiuo, Baby Corn and Radish 4.5/5

The next 2 courses were my favourite dishes - Tachiuo (Silver Belt fish) paired with Baby Corn and Radish in a soy sauce glaze and Snow Crab. The baby corn captured my taste buds with its intense corn flavour and sweetness, intensified by an aromatic butter soy glaze. Every bite was a delightful crunch of sweet, savoury, buttery flavours.

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Snow Crab 5/5

The Snow Crab was prepared into a morsel topped with shaved karasumi. With a texture that was almost creamy, the meat was incredibly sweet, especially so when contrasted with the umami karasumi.

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Nama Soba 4.5/5

I was also served a cold Nama Soba, a unique take on soba noodles to cool off the summer heat. Instead of the typical dipping sauce served on the side, the dip was presented as a mirin and dashi espuma foam, coating each strand of soba.

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Shima-Aji Sushi

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Kohada

Next came the sushi course, offering five pieces for lunch. I savoured Takabe Sushi, Wild Bluefin Tuna Sushi (from Canada), Shima-Aji Sushi (Wild Striped Jack), Kohada (Gizzard Shad), and Uni. Chef Mitsuhashi's mastery was evident in how he expertly sliced the surface of each fish, allowing it to catch the soy sauce he lightly dabbed on before serving. This technique beautifully brought out the fish's natural sweetness.

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Takabe Sushi

The Takabe Sushi was particularly memorable, with an added depth of smoky flavour from the grill.

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Wild Bluefin Tuna

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Uni

The Wild Bluefin Tuna sushi delighted my palate with its unctuous mouthfeel, while the Uni was featured in a simple yet satisfying handroll.

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Atsuyaki Tamago

A savoury Atsuyaki Tamago with yam and shrimp was served as a palate cleanser before dessert.

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Coconut Pudding, Warabimochi 4.5/5

Dessert was excellent, accompanied by matcha brewed by Chef Mitsuhashi himself. The Coconut Pudding was pillowy soft, complemented by the slight bitterness of the matcha glaze on top. Even adding that single black bean gave the delicate dessert an extra depth of flavour. Accompanying the pudding was a serving of housemade Japanese Warabimochi, completing this elegant and satisfying meal.

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.


Sushi Sei
Holiday Inn Singapore
11 Cavenagh Road
#01-13/14
Singapore 229616
Tel: +65 81399600
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Thu, Sun: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 930pm
Tue: 6pm - 930pm
Fri: 6pm - 10pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B and C. Walk to Orchard Road. Cross the road. Turn right and walk to Cuppage Road. Turn left onto Cuppage Road.Walk down Cuppage Road and cut through Cuppage Terrace to Kramat Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Monday, August 19, 2024

Uoharu (魚治) @ IOI Central Boulevard Towers - Renown Tokyo Kaizen Izakaya Opens Doors to Second Overseas Outpost in Singapore

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A renowned izakaya from Tokyo has just arrived on our shores. Founded by Chef Masahiro Uchiyama, Uoharu has garnered acclaim for its delectable dishes created using fresh ingredients sourced from Toyosu Market and its commitment to reducing food waste using cosmetically imperfect ingredients. Uoharu Singapore is the second international outpost for the brand, following Uoharu Hong Kong, which is so popular that reservations are required a month in advance.

The izakaya is located on Level 1 of the IOI Central Boulevard Towers. The signage is quite discreet, so look out for the Toast Box beside it to find the place. Step inside, and the ambience and vibes will make you feel as if you've been whisked away to Japan. Expect a lively, bustling atmosphere, some traditional Japanese elements in the décor, and an overall cosy and inviting vibe.

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Baguette Toast with Cream Cheese and Maple Syrup 4.2/5

The Baguette Toast with Cream Cheese and Maple Syrup ($7.80) was delicious. The toast itself was very crispy and provided a satisfying crunch with every bite. The smooth and light cream cheese had a luscious texture that complemented the toast beautifully, whilst the maple syrup added just the right amount of sweetness without being overwhelming.

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Bagna Cauda 4/5

We also enjoyed Bagna Cauda ($3/pax), a classic Italian dip known for its rich, savoury profile featuring anchovies and garlic. This dish was served as a warm, indulgent dipping sauce, perfect for pairing with a colourful assortment of fresh vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, and sweet potato. The vegetables are served on a bed of ice to keep them cold and crisp before dipping.

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Potato Salad with Smoked Mackerel and Egg 3.5/5

There was also a serving of Potato Salad with Smoked Mackerel and Egg ($7.80). It's a fairly standard and yummy version of a popular comfort food dish, with the mackerel adding some smoky flavours.

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Akita Smoked Radish with Cream Cheese 2.8/5

We tried a popular drinking snack that is apparently quite popular at Uoharu Hong Kong: the Akita Smoked Radish with Cream Cheese ($10.80). It's quite an acquired taste in terms of flavour and texture. The radish is chewy and very salty, perhaps not for me.

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Seared Miso Sashimi Tartare 4.2/5

The other drinking snack we sampled was much more to my liking. The Seared Miso Sashimi Tartare ($14.80) is prepared tableside. It features a seared portion of sashimi served with a raw egg yolk and seaweed. This interactive dish adds an element of fun, as diners are encouraged to scoop some of the sashimi tartare, wrap it in the seaweed, and then dip it into the egg yolk to create their own flavour bomb.

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Japanese-style Thick Fried Tofu 3.5/5

The Japanese-style Thick Fried Tofu ($6.80) was served piping hot and crispy on the outside, while the tofu was soft and creamy inside. It is quite nice, but I would have loved it to have some dipping sauce.

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Manzoku Tuna and Sea Urchin Sushi Roll 4.2/5

The Manzoku Tuna and Sea Urchin Sushi Roll ($28.80) is visually stunning, with treasures of the sea heaped on it. Each bite offers a rich, umami-packed experience, topped with Ikura and crab and combining the buttery, briny notes of sea urchin with the freshness of the tuna.

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Mentaiko in Olive Oil with French Baguette 4.2/5

I also enjoyed the Mentaiko in Olive Oil with French Baguette ($12.80), where the mentaiko comes in a hot pan of olive oil with julienned potato strips. The rich mentaiko is meant to be generously spread onto the crispy baguette toast for a pretty unique but tasty bite.

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U.S. Beef Short Rib with bone 3.5/5

The U.S. Beef Short Rib with Bone ($32.80) is a promising dish with a juicy and flavourful bite. However, on this particular occasion, the dish was too heavy-handed with the salt, which detracted from the full enjoyment of the dish. More measured seasoning would improve the dish so that diners can fully savour the taste of the beef itself.

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Grilled Squid served with Squid Liver Sauce 4/5

There is also a Grilled Squid served with Squid Liver Sauce ($16.80), prepared to showcase its tender yet slightly chewy texture. The liver sauce is the special feature of the dish, with a deep, concentrated and briny flavour with a smooth, creamy texture.

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Homemade Snow Crab Croquette Rice 4.5/5

My favourite dish of the evening is Homemade Snow Crab Croquettes Rice ($29.80). The homemade snow crab croquette is a standout element, offering a creamy and rich filling encased in a crispy, golden-brown crust. The dish is further elevated by adding ikura, which adds a delightful briny pop with each bite, and succulent crab meat. All these are combined in a claypot and mixed for a very delicious rice dish, where each spoonful is a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

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Soba with Karasumi 3/5

There's also the interesting Soba with Karasumi ($20.80), also known as cured mullet roe. Karasumi is known for its rich, salty, and umami-packed flavour profile. The roe is air-dried and cured, then shaved over the top of the soba. The roe has a nice crumbly texture that goes well with the soba. However, after a few bites I found it a tad dry eaten on its own.

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Matcha Baguette Ice Cream Sandwich 3/5

For a simple dessert, you can opt for a Matcha Baguette Ice Cream Sandwich ($6.80) which is exactly what its name suggests –nice matcha ice cream served in a baguette sandwich. Points given for the baguette which is served hot and crispy to contrast with the cold ice cream.

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Homemade Japanese Pumpkin Crème Brulee 4/5

For something more interesting, opt for the Homemade Japanese Pumpkin Crème Brulee ($8.80), which is creamy, nutty and sweet. The pumpkin is pureed and incorporated into the custard base, giving the dessert a distinctive taste and a vibrant, golden-orange hue.

Whilst there were hits and misses, it was overall an enjoyable meal, complemented by a very pleasant and convivial atmosphere and friendly staff. It is an excellent place to hang out with friends for drinks, and they have more than 100 kinds of Japanese sake, beer, highball, lemon sour, cocktails, shochu, wines, and other beverages, all directly imported from Japan. Uoharu is also one of the few places to offer Draft Sake, a speciality brew made with no preservatives. Non-alcoholic drinkers can also enjoy some nice yuzu and Aomori apple sodas and a variety of Japanese teas.

Last but not least, don't miss the nightly Katsuo Warayaki Show, a fiery spectacle of traditional straw-roasting and grilling after which diners are offered a complimentary tasting of grilled bonito fish!

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


Uoharu (魚治)
IOI Central Boulevard Towers
2 Central Boulevard
#01-16
Singapore 018916
Tel: +65 6931 2733
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Nearest MRT: Downtown (DT Line), Shenton Way (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 11am - 10pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Downtown MRT station. Take Exit E or F. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Shenton Way MRT station. Take Exit 4. Cut across Asia Square Tower to Commerce Street. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes.[Map]