Daily Affairs @ Cairnhill Community Club – Hidden Gem With Quality Food Within Cairnhill CC

Nestled inconspicuously within the basement level of Cairnhill Community Club is Daily Affairs, a cosy dining space serving up a variety of Asian-Western fusion cuisine. Established since May 2017 by two home grown chefs Qihao and Jiahong, it is fuelled by their passion in infusing unique elements into dishes and curating new fusion foods, which never fails to surprise customers, and increasingly draw crowds in with their ever-changing menu prolific of creative offerings at affordable prices. The Chefs also make personal trips down to the market to source for the freshest ingredients daily, hence the availability of most dishes each day is largely dependent on the ingredients they are able to buy fresh on that day.

Daily Affairs rolls out an extensive menu of dishes ranging from all-time favourites such as the Atlantic Salmon glazed with Honey Miso Marinade, Trio Mushroom Creamy Pasta, kids favourites of the familiar fish and chips, and mac and cheese, to the unique ones such as the 12-Hour Braised Beef Short Rib with Chinese Hua Diao wine. They also offer daily lunch specials at only $9.90 for a set comprising of a main, soup and drink, with a different surprise for customers each day.

12 Hour Braised Beef Short Rib 4.2/5

The 12 Hour Braised Beef Short Rib ($18) consists of a beef short rib slow cooked for 12 hours in aged Hua Diao wine, rendering the meat texture to resemble that of a braised pork belly – soft, tender, and melts in the mouth with each bite. It also boasts a sweet and savoury combination of flavours due to the sweet wine used in its cooking, as well as the addition of caramelised onions atop. Essentially a western dish of beef short rib, yet executed perfectly with an infusion of the Asian element. The side of potato pancake boasts a fried crisp exterior and soft potato fillings to create a different mouth feel to the tender beef meat, creating a dish that not only features unique combination of flavours but also a medley of textures to continuously excite tastebuds from the first bite to the last.

Atlantic Pink Salmon 3.8/5

The main courses on the menu such as this Atlantic Pink Salmon ($15.50) comes with a side of a vegetable and a starch (choice of steamed calrose rice, sea salt fries and mashed potatoes). The cereals usually incorporated in the more known “creal-crusted prawn” dish was used here on the honey miso glazed salmon, soft and tender meat with a thin crisp salmon skin. Yet another well executed fusion dish with the addition of cereal and a kick of spice from the chilli padi embedded within.

Smoked Duck with Soba 4/5

The Smoked Duck with Soba ($12.50) comes with generous slices of tender smoked duck meat on a bed of buckwheat soba and salad, with wakame and wafu dressing. The smoked duck slices add a mild saltiness to enhance the flavours of the soba and salad, with a small portion of duck fats still attached on each slice, playing out a perfect ratio balance of meat and fats. For the health-conscious, you can opt to have the duck fats removed instead.

Mushroom Cappuccino 4/5

The Mushroom Cappuccino ($6) features a bowl of trio mushroom soup with truffle oil and garlic. It also comes with an extremely crispy and addictive breadstick, which was slathered with butter and toasted to a crisp texture. Dip that into the mushroom soup, and it is simply pure enjoyment.

The menu at Daily Affairs undergoes constant changes and fine-tunings to bring new flavours and fusion dishes every day to surprise its customers. Barely half a year into operations and it is already drawing families and office crowds with its quality fusion fare and affordable prices despite its slightly obscure location.

Words and photos by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Daily Affairs
Cairnhill Community Centre
1 Anthony Road
#01-02
Singapore 229944
Tel: +65 62624342
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Newton (DT Line, NS Line)

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

Direction:
1) Alight at Newton MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk towards the carpark. Cut through the carpark to Anthony Road. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Shimbashi Soba @ Great World City - Freshly Made Soba Using The "Santate" Process

Shokutsu Ten Japanese Food Street has moved into the city with the opening of its third outlet at Great World City. The Japanese food enclaves at its third venue presents 5 food, beverage and retail brands under one roof. Joining Ichiban Boshi and Kuriya Japanese Market in the expanded area at the basement of Great World City is Shimbashi Soba, offering freshly made buckwheat noodles daily using pesticide-free buckwheat cultivated under the most ideal weather conditions in Tasmania.

Seiro 4.2/5

I personally find that the best way to appreciate the soba (buckwheat noodles) is to have it plain. The Seiro ($11.80) with the soba served chilled comes with delectable chewy bite. The more I chew on it, the fragrant of the buckwheat since to be more prominent. You can also dip the soba into the dipping sauce for a deeper profile.

Chilled Ume Soba & Prawn Tempura 4/5

I find the Chilled Ume Soba & Prawn Tempura ($18.80) rather unique. This is the first time I tried the dish. The chilled soup noodle comes with vegetables, seaweed, pickled plum, grated radish, bonito flakes and lemon served with prawn & pumpkin tempura. The soup was light and refreshing but I thought there was a bit too much flavours at play.

Warigo Soba 3.5/5

If you like variety then the Warigo Soba ($21.80) will suit you. It comes with 5 small bowls of chilled noodles with 5 different toppings. Items are subject to change according to seasonality and availability. Among the 5 bowls, my personal favourite is the soba with lemon and seaweed. The sour from the lemon unexpectedly liven the whole enjoyment of the buckwheat noodle.

Buckwheat Tea 4.2/5

Last but not least, washed down all the delicious bowl of noodles with a cup of Buckwheat Tea. This is the same buckwheat that is used to make the noodles.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Shimbashi Soba
Great World City
Shokutsu Ten Japanese Food Street
#B1-01/02/03/04
1 Kim Seng Promenade
Singapore 237994
Tel: +65 68359052
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line), Outram Park (EW Line, NE Line), Tiong Bahru (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop opposite Orchard MRT station (Stop ID B09022). Take bus number 16 or 175. Alight 4 bus stops later. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite Outram MRT station. (Stop ID B06011). Take bus number 75 or 970. Alight 5 stops later. Walk to Great World City. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Tiong Bahru MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Tiong Bahru MRT station (Stop ID 10169). Take bus number 5, 16 or 195. Alight 4 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Nadai Fujisoba Ni-Hachi @ 100AM Mall - Handmade Soba From Japan Tokyo Shibuya Since 1966

Nadai Fujisoba Ni-Hachi is a soba specialist restaurant within the Japanese precinct of 100AM mall. Tucked at a corner, its quiet demeanour seems to have obscured its reputation as Japan’s number one soba restaurant. Noodles are freshly made daily using buckwheat flour specially imported from a well-established milling factory in Japan in 2:8 ratio͟ - the perceived golden combination of wheat flour (20%) and buckwheat flour (80%) and hence the name Ni-Hachi. You can enjoy four types of soba: warm soba; cold soba; maze (mixed) soba; and mori (dipping) soba.

Mori Soba

Thick ribbons of noodles are used for the Mori Soba which comes with grated wasabi as well as chopped leeks that can be added to the cold dipping sauce. This is simplest way to enjoy the original taste of a good soba.

Special Truffles Dashi ki Tamago 2.5/5

We had two appetizers which are created specially to entice the locals - Special Truffles Dashi ki Tamago ($15) with club Japanese sauce and Sauteed Sobagaki and Foie Gras ($17) with kaeshi sauce. The two key ingredients which you might have spotted, are truffles and foie gras.

Sauteed Sobagaki and Foie Gras 2.8/5

The tamago itself was decent, soft and fluffy. The truffles part for me is rather redundant as I couldn't taste or smell it at all. Like most extremely truffle dishes, perhaps a dash of the truffle potion may help to wire my tastebuds to taste the truffle. As for the Sobagaki, I probably won't see it anywhere else. Traditionally served on its own, an extravagant piece of foie gras is piled on it. I was really surprised to see buckwheat being served like mashed potato and I do like the taste of the buckwheat. Adding foie gras to it will certainly attract locals to order this dish, which may otherwise be too rustic for some.

Hot Sukiyaki Soba 4.2/5

Hot Sukiyaki Soba ($18) is one of my favourites. The warm soba’s tsuyu (noodle soup base) comes from the dried bonito flakes and kaeshi (concentrated soup base). This warm soba uses a black kaeshi, which is made with a special recipe of the restaurant. The soup is a balance of sweet and savoury, with the onsen egg to give it abit of creaminess. The beef was tender and soft, and everything comes together like a comforting hotpot.

Crispy Sakura Ebi Tempura & Soba 3.8/5

Crispy Sakura Ebi Tempura & Soba ($19.50) drizzled with truffle oil was beautiful with reddish tempura prawns which inherited their colour from crushed Sakura Ebi. The Shrimp soup base is enhanced with truffle oil, which exudes an appetising aroma. Both are prawns and chicken slices were well done, prawns being plump and succulent while the latter was tender.

Dry Kamo Maze Soba 4.5/5

Two brand-new soba dishes have been introduced - Dry Kamo Maze Soba ($16) and Deep-fried Soba with Savoury Spicy Seafood Sauce ($18.50). The dry version which is a duck noodle-inspired soba, is brilliantly executed with its handmade duck meatballs and smoked duck. The duck meatballs were juicy and flavourful while the smoked duck was fatty, rich but not gamey or salty. The braised sauce coated the soba neatly with the help of the onsen egg. I'm rather impressed with the presentation and the execution of the dish. I wouldn't see this as a soba dish but an extremely delicious Japanese duck noodles.

Deep-fried Soba with Savoury Spicy Seafood Sauce 2.5/5

As for the Deep-fried Soba, I find the spicy seafood sauce a bit too salty. However, if you are an Ee Mee fan, you may like it.

Nadai Fujisoba Ni-Hachi has an extensive menu of soba and side dishes, and with creative local-inspired dishes, there's no lack of choices here even for non-soba fans. If you are a small eater, beware of the serving here as it can be really huge!

Words and photos 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. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Nadai Fujisoba Ni-Hachi
100AM Mall
100 Tras Street
#03-14
Singapore 079027
Tel: +65 64438827
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 3pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk towards Gopeng Street and turn into Tras Street. Walk to Amara Hotel. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Misato @ The Centrepoint - High Quality, Handcrafted Japanese Cuisine At Affordable Prices

Located inside Gastro+ on level 1 of The Centrepoint is Misato, a contemporary and chic Japanese restaurant. It used to be located at The Cathay before moving to its current home. I was told that the owner spent a huge sum of $400K for its customized tableware, and using high quality ingredients imported from Japan for its dishes.

Edamame 4/5 and Tamagoyaki 4/5

We were a little puzzled when the server brought a towering Japanese castle to our table. To our delight there is food inside. Inside the castle, there was Edamame ($4.90) and Tamagoyaki ($5.50). The edamame is given a coat of spiciness which I thought was quite appetizing. The tamagoyaki was fluffy and sweet.

Chawanmushi 4.5/5

The Chawanmushi ($4.90) is a smooth and silky starter that will whet up your appetite with its flavoursome dashi stock cooked from scratch.

Seafood Kaminabe Set 4.5/5

The highlight at Misato has to their Seafood Kaminabe Set ($20,80). It comes with homemade niboshi broth which is poured into the hotpot at the table. In the Japanese hotpot, you can can find ingredients such as fresh tiger prawns, Norwegian salmon, chicken, assorted Japanese mushrooms, toufu and vegetables. It also comes with a bowl of Japanese rice. This is definitely a very satisfying and hearty meal set.

Cha Soba 4.2/5

Not into hotpot, then the Cha Soba ($13.80) is a worthy option. The matcha noodle has a nice biting texture to it which is further enliven by the homemade dipping sauce. I like to add in some wasabi into the dipping sauce for that extra kick.

Oknomiyaki 4/5

The Oknomiyaki ($14.90) made with high quality Japanese yam and Japanese cabbage fillings is both fluffy and crunchy. I like the fact that it is not overly sweet and the charred bottom, giving it a smoky, crispy finish.

Mixed Fried Set 4/5

A value for money dish is the Mixed Fried Set ($18.80) that comes with chicken, tiger prawn and cheese korokke coated with fresh panko. Among the three items, I enjoyed the tender and juicy chicken most.  The set also comes with Japanese shredded cabbage, miso soup and barley rice. The huge portion will definitely make this a very satisfactory meal.

Handmade Gyoza 4.5/5

The Handmade Gyoza ($6.90 for 6pc / $10.90 for 10pc) is one of the best I have eaten. The filling of the gyoza seems to have a more cabbage to chicken ratio, giving it a more crunchy interior. Have it together with the dipping sauce for a mouth-watering taste.

Kuzukiri 4/5

The Kuzukiri ($8.80) is a rather rare dessert to make it to the menu. The slippery and silky like noodles is made from Japanese arrowroot and served cold. The way to enjoy this is to dip it into the accompanying kuromitsu sauce.

Sanshoku Warabi Mochi 4.8/5

A specialty at Misato is the Sanshoku Warabi Mochi ($8.80). The sanshoku warabi mochi are freshly handmade every day using high-quality ingredients air-flown directly from Japan. The whole process of making it takes about 2 hours. It comes with 3 different flavours - goma, kinako and matcha.

Matcha Bavarois 4.5/5

The Matcha Bavarois ($7.80) is a matcha flavoured pudding texture like dessert. However, this is extremely wobbly, you will have fun playing with your dessert. The matcha bavarois is made using a special mold and a highly exclusive powder imported from Nara prefecture. The catch unfortunately is only 12 of this is available each day!

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Misato
The Centrepoint
Gastro+ Level 1
176 Orchard Road
#01-33E
Singapore 238843
Tel: +65 62352822

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B and C. Walk to the main street. Cross the road. Turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Japan Foods Garden @ Food Republic Shaw House - Five Different Concept Under One Roof

Japan Foods Garden is a mini Japanese food precinct within Food Republic Shaw House. Newly opened in September, it is the latest and probably the first Japanese food cluster in a foodcourt style. That said, the authenticity of what are being offered here, which has 5 different concepts, easily surpasses your typical Japanese restaurant that sets in a mall.

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Akasaka Yukun - Steamed Unagi Specialist

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If you have been to the Kyushu region, you might have come across this heritage restaurant well-known for their steamed eel dishes. Founded in Kurume, Kyushu in 1952, Akasaka Yukun has 8 outlets across Japan only. This opening in Singapore is actually its first ever overseas branch!

Steamed Eel with Rice and Shredded Egg 4.5/5

Needless to say, what is a must-try here is their Unagi Seiro Mushi 1 Layer ($28.80). The conventional way of treating eel is grilling. However, Yukun steams theirs to keep the meat soft and moist. After tasting it, I can understand why they chose to use the preparation technique. The eel was tender and evenly flavoured with their special sauce - a secret recipe which is now at its third generation. The rice underneath is also well seasoned and tasty on its own. I was told their Unagi Iron Pot is just as popular. Akin to a Bibimbap, I could only imagine the tasty fried bits of the seasoned rice against the hot pot. Something to come back for!

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Freshly-made Soba, Tempura and Donburi

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A bowl of freshly-made soba seems good for any time of the day. The soba is made on the spot using a machine specially imported all the way from Japan. It compresses the homemade dough and strands of noodles will passes out from the machine that go straight into a pot of boiling water. 

Freshly-made Buckwheat Soba with Assorted Tempura 3.8/5

The lightness of the noodles is something that no other commercial soba can offer. Boiled for a framed timing and rinsed in cold water, their Zuru soba ($5.50) is detectable on its own with just the dipping sauce. What's best to go with these slurping goodness is none other than their tempura. Among those that we had tried, Tempura Ebi ($3), Tempura Chicken ($2) and Tempura Sweet Potato ($1), my favourite is their Ebi. The prawn is really huge and succulent. What's notable is also their fluffy batter which leaves my mouth no trace of oil. A look around, we noticed a number of tables ordered their Ten-don. It is hard to miss those gigantic tempura prawns, squid and vegetables piling up high from the rice bowl.

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Banzaiya - Kyoto Small Sides Concept

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Obanzai is a home-style dining originated in Kyoto, where Japanese families will serve a large variety of small, traditional homecooked dishes to relatives and friends on special occasions. Expect different selections each time you visit Banzaiya, priced from $1.50 to $5.00 each.

Small Dishes 3.8/5

We chose 3 items out of the entire selection. Their Chawanmushi ($2.50) has a silkiness that is beyond my expectations. The portion is also quite generous which probably can feed 2 ladies. Their Fried Tofu ($2.50) is just as outstanding. The sticky glaze on the light batter elevates the humble dish to a whole new level. What doesn't delight me as much is perhaps their Temari Sushi ($4 for 3pcs) which is relatively plain.

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Gyu Tetsu Teppanyaki - Japanese Iron Plate Bar

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One of the trendy teppanyaki restaurants in Japan, Gyu Tetsu Teppanyaki is here to bring to us their signature US Angus Beef Lemon Steak ($18.80).

US Angus Beef Lemon Steak 4.2/5

After tasting it, I thought the idea of cooking slices of beef with citrus sauce is ingenious. The citrus note brightens up the dish, lifting the taste of the premium beef. Do eat it right away when the meat is still pink and tender. Don't waste the sauce! Dress your rice with the robust sauce that has the essence of the meat and caramelised onions.

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Bears Curry Cafe & Bar - Japanese Curry rice, coffee, and Alchoholic Beverages

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If you have children with you, you may want to get the adorable Non-spicy Japanese Curry with 'Bear' Rice ($9.80) from Bears Curry Café & Bar.

Non-Spicy Japanese Curry Rice 3/5 and Katsu Black Curry 2.5/5

For once, your kids will be excited about their curry more than anything else. Surprisingly, though non-spicy, the curry was still quite robust and not overly sweet. I didn't quite enjoy Katsu Black Curry ($14.80) which is a spicier curry. I felt that the flavour lacked depth and there was an unpleasant powdery texture due to the usage of charcoal powder.

Although it is a food court setting, the precinct is enclosed and conducive for dining. Considering the fact that a couple of the brands have their first overseas branch right in Singapore, that is already noteworthy offering something unique from the ever so competitive food scene in Singapore, especially with the number of Japanese restaurants and eateries in Singapore.

Written and photography 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. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Japan Foods Garden
Food Republic Shaw House
#B1-02
350 Orchard Road
Singapore 238868
Tel: +65 64937300
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit A. Take the underpass and walk to Shaw House. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

CATO @ South Bridge Road - Modern Asian Cuisine with a Holistic Range of Craft Beers and Spirits

CATO is the newest restaurant and bar that has recently become the new resident of the historical building where the first OCBC Bank was located. CATO offers modern Asian cuisine, with a holistic range of over 60 small batched craft beers and spirits from around the world.

Crispy Squid 4/5

Our dinner at Cato started with some small plates. We started with the popular Crispy Squid ($12) which comes in a sweet and salty Thai style glaze. The delectable nip is very addictive, goes well with the beers and spirits.

Prawn and Spinach Wanton 3/5

The Prawn and Spinach Wanton ($10) looks like blooming flower on the plate. The golden baked wanton parcels are stuffed with prawns, spinach and mushrooms. While the crackling wanton skin is outstanding, the stuffing did not manage to excite my taste buds. In addition, the wanton parcel is quite hard to handle and eat.

KFC Korean Fried Chicken 4/5

With the number of Korean restaurants opening around Singapore selling the popular fried chicken, the rendition of the KFC Korean Fried Chicken ($16) at Cato is as good or even better than a few places. It also comes with a sweet and mildly spicy gochujang dipping.

Mentaiko Mac & Cheese 3.5/5

My high expectation of the Mentaiko Mac & Cheese ($15) turned disappointment as I could not traced any mentaiko in the multi layers of flavours. Saying so the Southern comfort is quite enjoyable with the creamy cheese, aburi salmon cubes and tteok (korean rice cake).

Mini Braised Beef Sandwiches 3/5

The flavoursome beef is braised in black bean sauce and served in between bread. The Mini Braised Beef Sandwiches ($16) will comfort the hungry stomach, for a substantial bite.

Sizzling Hotplate Octopus 4.2/5

One of my favourite small plates is the Sizzling Hotplate Octopus ($18). The flavour is straight forward and robust amid the sun dried tomatoes and roasted new potatoes. The grilled octopus was also cooked to a nice tender texture.

Twice Cooked Iberico Pork Cheek 4/5

Moving on the big plates, the Twice Cooked Iberico Pork Cheek ($30) surprised me with the tender pork cheek slices which have been grilled and steamed, this is hold together by the rice wine mustard sauce.

Bangkok Lobster Risotto 4/5

The Bangkok Lobster Risotto ($32) comes with sous vide lobster, tom yum flavoured risotto, seasoned vegetables and lobster butter. It is a very beautiful dish with rich robust and cheesy flavour. The risotto was also cooked al dente with an enjoyable bite to it. However I probably got myself lost in Bangkok as I was not able to taste any tom yum.

Tea Smoked Chicken with Spicy Japanese Noodles 3.8/5

The Tea Smoked Chicken with Spicy Japanese Noodles ($20) comes with Chinese tea smoked chicken, soba, ghost chilli dressing, pearl tomatoes, garden greens and sweet potato chips. The tender chicken was the highlight, well infused with the tea fragrant. However the soba was kind of bland and all I can taste is the spiciness from the ghost chilli dressing.

Pineapple Pork Curry with Baked Rice 4/5

The Pineapple Pork Curry with Baked Rice ($26) is from the recipe book of Grandma Maureen. The traditional Eurasian pineapple curry comes with slow cooked pork belly and baked rice, served in a pineapple and topped with a melted cheese. The curry was some what new and unique to my taste buds. Initially I thought I tasted salted fish or anchovy in the curry gravy but it is actually belacan after checking with the kitchen.

Seared Barramundi Fillet with Homemade Curry 4.5/5

What blow the house down has to be the Seared Barramundi Fillet with Homemade Curry ($28). The pan seared barramundi is served in a traditional Indian fish curry, grilled okra and eggplants. It even comes with sliced bread to soak up the delicious Indian fish curry. This is like a deconstructed modernise fish head curry. A must try!

Valrhona Chocolate and Pistachio Cake 3/5

There is only one dessert item on the menu and that is the Valrhona Chocolate and Pistachio Cake ($12). The decadent chocolate fondant cake served with a scoop of ice cream and fresh pomegranate. A decent chocolate cake with moist interior but the missing pistachio puzzled me. It also need to consider changing their ice cream supplier.

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PROMOTION - COMPLIMENTARY TAPAS OF THE DAY

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For one month period, 18 April 2016 to 18 May 2016. When you walk in to CATO, let the person at the entrance know and quote "CATO Online" to receive a complimentary Tapas of the Day. The promotion is brought to you by the kind folks at CATO.


[CLOSED]
CATO
237 South Bridge Road
Singapore 058786
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Fri: 5pm - 12midnight
Sat: 6pm - 1am
(Closed on Sun and Mon)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight down Pagoda Street to South Bridge Road. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]