OUD Restaurant @ Kandahar Street - Woodfire-grilled Delights Nestled in a Charming Shophouse Celebrates First Anniversary

OUD Restaurant is thrilled to announce the celebration of its first anniversary! Nestled in a charming shophouse, OUD showcases the talent of local chefs Indra and Ridz, who bring their unique culinary flair to the menu, having previously trained in Michelin establishments. The restaurant is proudly halal-friendly, ensuring that everyone can enjoy their offerings. It specialises in woodfire-grilled delights fired up by house speciality citrus wood. OUD offers a casual, inviting atmosphere where diners can enjoy dishes infused with rich, smoky flavours.

To start, we were served some of their bread with smoked butter, which was enjoyable. However, the butter was still slightly cold instead of at room temperature, making it a bit difficult to spread smoothly on the bread. We had to wait a little while for it to soften.

Caviar Cornets 3.5/5

The Caviar Cornets ($11 per piece) are made with a thin spring roll skin, then filled with smoked cream cheese and topped with Sturgeon caviar. It's a tasty appetiser but could benefit from more complexity.

Fire-grilled Unagi 3.8/5

Next, we were served Fire-grilled Unagi ($10 per piece) featuring barbecue-glazed unagi slices on rice puff. The rice puff was nicely textured, with a satisfying crunch on the outside that gave way to a surprisingly chewy, mochi-like interior.

K.F.C, Krispy Fried Cauliflower 4/5

Then came the creatively titled K.F.C (Krispy Fried Cauliflower) ($12), which had florets of cauliflower battered and fried to a golden crisp, delivering a satisfying crunch with every bite. It's also coated with a tasty sauce and is quite a nice snack appetiser.

OUD Fries 4/5

The OUD Fries ($15 for 3pc) is a signature dish featuring layered crispy potatoes topped with a choice of beef tartare, salmon tartare, or tuna tartare. I preferred the salmon and tuna tartare as I found the flavour of the beef tartare a bit overpowering. The crispy potatoes themselves were well-executed, providing a solid base for the toppings.

Grilled Octopus 2.8/5

We then had Grilled Octopus ($26) with romesco sauce, beef chorizo butter, and smoked paprika. The octopus was nicely charred. However, the plentiful sauce caused the octopus to become 'wet', and the crispy exterior was quickly lost. I also found the beef chorizo butter to be quite strong in flavour, which overshadowed the more delicate taste of the octopus.

Firegrill Chicken Skewers 4.5/5

I much preferred the Firegrill Chicken Skewers ($26), which was perfectly grilled to achieve a delightful tenderness and smokey char. Accompanying the skewers is a vibrant coriander sauce that adds a refreshing herbaceous note. The dish is also served with an onion herb salad, bringing a crisp texture and freshness to the plate. The combination of the juicy chicken, zesty sauce, and lively salad created a well-rounded dish that feels light and satisfying.

Atlantic Miso Cod Fish 4.2/5

The next dish, Atlantic Miso Cod Fish ($38), was also very much to my liking. The cod is marinated in miso and roasted in corn husks, and the fish is perfectly done for a soft, buttery texture. The miso marinade enhanced the natural sweetness of the cod, creating a balance between savoury and slightly sweet notes.

Squid Ink Seafood Paella 3.8/5

The Squid Ink Seafood Paella ($48) is quite impressively presented with large fire-roasted prawns and bits of octopus. The rice is evenly coated with the squid ink, imparting a slightly earthy and umami-rich quality. Regarding the texture, it could be due to how the paella was individually portioned. Still, I didn't encounter any of the characteristic crispy bits I usually get from a paella. The texture was creamier, like risotto, for my plate, at least.

Pressed Lamb Belly 4/5

The Pressed Lamb Belly ($38) features a prime cut that has been skilfully prepared and flavoured with a distinctive glaze of chives, curry, and sesame seeds. This combination enhances the succulent qualities of the lamb. The lamb belly is juicy and melt-in-your-mouth soft, with a generous amount of fat. This dish not only highlights the richness of the lamb but also introduces intriguing layers of taste. It's best enjoyed as a sharing dish, as the high-fat content can become quite rich after a while.

Oudfire Mushrooms 3.8/5

Honey Roasted Baby Carrots 3.8/5

Accompanying the main plates were some sides of Oudfire Mushrooms ($16) and Honey Roasted Baby Carrots ($12). The grilling of the mushrooms brought out their earthy flavours, and the carrots' sweetness was enhanced by the caramelisation from roasting. The price point is on the high side though for a side dish.

Mango Sorbet 4.5/5

I was wowed by the presentation of the Mango Sorbet ($18), which was served in the hollowed-out skin of a mango itself. This creative touch made the whole dessert very aesthetic. The sorbet itself was deliciously smooth, with a perfect balance that wasn't overly sweet or sour. The addition of finger limes introduced a burst of citrusy brightness, while the fresh honey mangoes provided a lovely sweetness and texture that complemented the sorbet beautifully. After a lot of grilled dishes, this was a refreshing treat for my taste buds.

Some final thoughts about my experience are that OUD excels at woodfire grilling for tender and juicy meat dishes. However, it's worth noting that the open-concept kitchen means you might find the aroma of smoke lingering in your clothes and hair after your visit. Still, it is an inclusive, halal-friendly option to check out if dining with friends with dietary requirements.

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.


OUD Restaurant
48 Kandahar Street
Singapore 198899
Tel: +65 9727 3048
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm -10pm
Sat-Sun: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm
(Closed on Fri)

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Eixt B or E. Walk to North Bridge Road. Walk down North Bridge Road to traffic junction of North Bridge Road and Ophir Road. Cross the road. Walk to Haji Lane. Turn right onto Haji Lane. Walk down Haji Lane. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Mensho Tokyo @ Raffles City - Award-winning Global Ramen Brand Opens In Singapore with Exclusive Chilli Crab Ramen

Mensho Tokyo, founded by legendary ramen master Tomoharu Shono in 2005, has landed in Raffles City, Singapore. Known for combining traditional ramen-making with bold and complex flavour profiles, Mensho Tokyo's Singapore outlet boasts exclusive local creations. It is the first Mensho outlet in the world to offer desserts on its menu. Naturally, I had to check it out.

A5 Wagyu Abura Soba 4.2/5

The most premium item on the menu is the A5 Wagyu Abura Soba ($41). This dish features house-made thick wheat noodles and a sauce crafted from Kioke wood barrel-aged shoyu. The soba is accompanied by two types of Miyazaki A5 Wagyu, spinach, baby asparagus, red onion, truffle paste, charcoal leek, and calamansi. The rich, dry-style ramen highlights the luxurious wagyu cuts, making it a must-try for any beef lover, though the price tag might leave some hesitating.

Duck Matcha 4.2/5

I was taken aback when I saw Duck Matcha ($28) on the menu. Matcha paired with ramen? Intrigued by the audacity of this creation, I decided to give it a go. Surprisingly, it works! The house-made wavy noodles are served in a creamy chicken matcha broth, topped with tender duck chashu and whipped cream. The harmonious combination offers an intriguing balance of umami and matcha bitterness. However, this dish must be eaten hot, as the matcha powder tends to separate when the broth cools, affecting the overall experience.

Signature Toripaitan 4.5/5

If it's your first time at Mensho Tokyo, I highly recommend the Signature Toripaitan ($28). Initially priced at $38, it's now more affordable at $28. It is the quintessential dish at Mensho, with house-made wavy wheat noodles, served in a rich and creamy chicken broth, accompanied by a medley of A5 Wagyu chashu, smoked pork chashu, duck chashu, and chicken chashu. Topped with king oyster mushroom menma, truffle sauce, ajitama egg, and fried burdock roots, the flavours are decadent and satisfying. The Classic Toripaitan with just smoked pork chashu is available for a more straightforward option at $19.

Fujiringo Chamomile and Momo-no Bubbles

Unlike most ramen shops, Mensho Tokyo sets itself apart by offering cocktails, mocktails, and desserts. We tried the Fujiringo Chamomile ($10), made with cold brew chamomile, homemade Fuji apple purée, and sparkling water. The Momo-no Bubbles ($18), a refreshing mix of Japanese peach liqueur, fresh lime, passionfruit, and prosecco, added a delightful effervescence to the meal.

A5 Miyazaki Wagyu Cavier Sushi (2pc) 4.5/5

We couldn't resist trying the A5 Miyazaki Wagyu Caviar Sushi ($14/2pc). This luxurious sushi swaps the usual seafood for melt-in-your-mouth A5 wagyu, topped with a touch of caviar. The wagyu's fattiness and the caviar's delicate brininess created an elevated sushi experience that's well worth the indulgence.

Corn Wings 4/5

For sides, we ordered the Corn Wings ($8.80), which were grilled to perfection with an aromatic char that complemented the natural sweetness of the corn. It's a simple yet satisfying side dish that adds a fun twist to the meal.

Yuzu 4/5

Houjicha Tiramisu 4.2/5

We tried the Yuzu Sorbet ($8.80) and Houjicha Tiramisu ($8.80) for dessert. The Yuzu sorbet provided a refreshing palate cleanser after the richness of the ramen. The Houjicha Tiramisu was creamy and aromatic with a subtle roasted tea flavour, though the portion size in its shot glass serving felt a little small for the price.

Overall, Mensho Tokyo offers a unique and refined ramen experience. Despite the use of chicken soup for many of the ramen dishes, the broths are surprisingly rich and creamy, almost like a hybrid between tonkotsu (pork-based broth) and chicken-based ramen. The addition of exclusive dishes, sushi, and desserts elevates the experience even further, making it more than just a ramen stop but a dining destination. It's a little on the pricier side, but the quality justifies the cost. If you're looking for a place that reimagines ramen and offers something beyond the ordinary, Mensho Tokyo is definitely worth a visit!

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Mensho Tokyo
Raffles City
252 North Bridge Road
#03-43
Singapore 179103
Tel: +65 83808467
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

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

The Lobby Lounge @ InterContinental Singapore – Reimagined Flavours of Japan Afternoon Tea

Timeless elegance with teatime affair at The Lobby Lounge as Executive Pastry Chef Jason Goh and his talented culinary team bring back the crowd-favourite Flavours of Japan Afternoon Tea following its successful debut last year. The updated menu reimagines classic Japanese sweet and savoury delights that marries traditional Japanese flavours with modern culinary artistry.

Japanese Lobster Salad Sandwich 4/5

Seafood Inari with Shoyu Ikura 3.8/5

There are 4 savoury items, and our favourite was the Japanese Lobster Salad Sandwich, which was really flavourful, and we loved the overall texture. The Seafood Inari with Shoyu Ikura has great potential with Hokkaido Scallop, Jumbo Lump Crab, Octopus, Seasoned Wakame, Salmon Roe and Wasabi-Yuzu Dressing but the sweet tofu pocket overpowered all the ingredients. The other 2 items were the Baked Miso Black Cod, which was a little too salty for our liking, and the Charcoal Barbeque Eel Quiche, which has a nice flavour but is a little dry.

Scones: English Buttermilk and Ichida Hoshigaki / Charcoal Barbeque Eel Quiche

Scones are one item we always look forward to during an afternoon tea. The classic Buttermilk Scones are buttery and perfect with clotted cream. The other 2 condiments to go with the scones are Sakura Peach Preserves and Strawberry-Mint Marmalade. Even though we can't taste the mint, we prefer the Strawberry-Mint Marmalade over the Sakura Peach Preserves. As for the Ichida Hoshigaki Scones, made with dried Japanese persimmon, have a slightly bitter aftertaste, which we are not a fan of.

The afternoon tea set includes a good selection of TWG Tea or Coffee. However, note that it is only one serving. If you order a tea, you may refill hot water.

Yuzu Kumquat Mame (in shot glass) 3/5 and Japanese Matcha Roll 3.5/5

Okinawan Tartlet 3/5

The Sweet Fancies look so pretty we didn't know where to start! Our favourite has to be the Kurogoma Ryokucha Mousse, which actually is just a simple black sesame cream on a genoise sponge, but it is so soft and light, and the fragrant black sesame is such a delight; it was unexpected! Chef Jason told us that he was trying to mimic soba for the black sesame cream part, it's cute. The Japanese Matcha Roll made with roasted almond sponge was rolled with a light hojicha mascarpone cream but sandwiched with 2 pieces of white chocolate, which made it a little too sweet.

Mizu Shingen Mochi 3.5/5

Kurogoma Ryokucha Mousse 4/5

The Okinawan Tartlet has good potential, but the tart shell was too bitter for our liking, overpowering the Okinawan sweet potato crème, and the caramelised macadamia wasn't sweet enough to balance it out. Mizu Shingen Mochi, the once viral raindrop cake, was paired with Japanese black honey (we thought it was Okinawa's famous black sugar at first) and kinako (soybean powder). It was fun to eat but nothing surprising. You may adjust your preference for sweetness with the amount of black honey.

Enjoy the free flow of sorbet and gelato, with two flavours rotating daily. We had the Mixed Berry Sorbet and Vanilla Gelato.

Flavours of Japan Afternoon Tea is available daily till 12 November 2024 at $65++ per person on weekdays and $70++ per person on weekends. Add on $28++ for one flute of champagne. There are 2 seatings available at 1pm-3pm and 3.30pm-5.30pm.

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


The Lobby Lounge
InterContinental Singapore
Level 1
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 68251008
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1-3pm, 330pm - 530pm

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

Izakaya Shun @ Cuppage Plaza - Seven Course Omakase Experience at $99/pax

Nestled in Cuppage Plaza, Singapore's "Little Japanese Mall," Izakaya Shun is the sister restaurant of the 5-time Michelin Plate awardee Kappo Shunsui (2018-2023). Led by Chef Takamasa Suzuki, Izakaya Shun offers an exquisite Omakase menu featuring Japan's seasonal best, sourced directly from Tokyo's Toyosu Market. Izakaya Shun also assures guests that they avoid using seafood sourced from the sea around the Fukushima region (including Iwate, Miyagi, Fukushima, Ibaraki and Chiba).

The Omakase experience at Izakaya Shun includes a 7-course menu comprising an appetizer, a warmed dish, sashimi, a deep-fried dish, a grilled dish, a rice dish, and dessert. It is available at a promotional price of $99/pax (U.P. $128/pax).

Additionally, Izakaya Shun boasts an extensive selection of alcoholic beverages from renowned Japanese distilleries, including beer, shochu, whiskey, wine, and sake - all included in the Omakase experience.

Assorted Appetisers 4/5

We began our dinner with a beautifully plated 6-Kinds of Assorted Aappetisers. The most memorable items were the steamed oysters, which were plump and fresh; the miso eggplant, surprisingly light and melt-in-your-mouth soft; and the cold grilled octopus, which was chewy and packed with flavour.

Chawanmushi with Fresh Seaweed Sauce 3/5

Assorted Oden Soup 4/5

The second course is a warm dish, and we selected the Chawanmushi with Fresh Seaweed Sauce and Assorted Oden Soup. Although the chawanmushi didn't impress us much, the oden stood out with its three pieces: chikuwa, fish cake, and kinchaku. The kinchaku, a purse-shaped tofu skin named after Edo-period bags, contained a delightful surprise of soft and chewy mochi inside. Another warm dish option from this course is the Agedashi Tofu with Mushroom Sauce.

Assorted Sashimi and Sushi 4.2/5

Next, we have a seasonal assortment of Sashimi and Sushi platter with a total of 8 items where you get to sample an array of freshly sliced fishes including bonito fish, scallop, octopus and salmon and ikura roll.

Uni 4.2/5

If you are a fan of Uni, there is an option of a top-up of $19 for a portion of fresh Uni served with crispy seaweed strips. The uni is really fresh and sweet!

Assorted Tempura 4/5

Chicken Nanban with Wafu Tartar Sauce 3.8/5

For the deep-fried course, we chose the Assorted Tempura and Chicken Nanban with Wafu Tartar Sauce. We preferred the tempura, where the light yet crispy batter coated the ingredients perfectly. The tempura included 3-pieces: prawn, fish, and shiso leaf. While the wafu tartar sauce on the chicken nanban was excellent, we found the chicken itself lacked flavour. Another option for this course is the Snow Crab Cream Croquette with homemade Demi-Glace Sauce.

Karei (Flatfish) Saikyo Yaki 4/5

Wagyu Harami (Out-Skirt) Steak with Special Onion Sauce 3.8/5

For the grilled course, we had the Karei (Flatfish) Saikyo Yaki and Wagyu Harami (Out-Skirt) Steak with Special Onion Sauce. The fish was exceptional — so tender and sweet that we wished for a more significant portion! A squeeze of lemon juice further enhanced its flavour.

The steak was perfectly cooked and tender, with the fried garlic complementing it nicely. However, we found the onion sauce a bit overpowering. Another option for this course is the Kagoshima Kurobuta Pork Steak with Special Steak Sauce.

Overflowing Ikura Rice 4/5

Before dessert, we were served the Overflowing Ikura Rice, a signature dish from its sister restaurant Kyuu by Shunsui, created by Chef Takamasa Suzuki. The show-stopping moment occurred when the chef heaped generous scoops of ikura onto the small cup of sushi rice!

Overflowing Ikura Rice with additional Uni and Negitoro (minced toro) 4.5/5

For an additional $14, you can enjoy a generous topping of Uni and Negitoro (minced toro) on the sushi rice before the chef covers it with loads of ikura. This option adds more depth and complexity to the dish, balancing the saltiness of the ikura. We highly recommend this upgrade.

Yuzu Sorbet 3.8/5 and Warabimochi 3/5

As part of the Omakase tradition, a small serving of Miso Soup is provided to wash down all the food before dessert. We had the Yuzu Sorbet and Warabimochi, the only dessert options on the menu. The yuzu sorbet was a perfect ending, balanced without being too sour or sweet, with the right amount of fragrant yuzu scent. The Warabi mochi was soft but otherwise unremarkable.

Overall, we had a great time at Izakaya Shun, and we consider it a hidden gem. We recommend the bar counter seats for the best experience, but a few table seats are available if you prefer a more private meal. Although we aren't big alcohol drinkers, the wide selection of options provides excellent value for those who are, allowing you to drink to your heart's content. Non-alcoholic drinks such as Calpis, Ginger Ale, Coke, Oolong Tea, and Green Tea are also included.

Please note that the offerings are seasonal, with the menu changing every 3 months.

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


Izakaya Shun
Cuppage Plaza
4 Koek Road
#04-04
Singapore 228796
Tel: +65 8245 1798
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Website
Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 5pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B, C or D. Walk to Orchard Road. Cross the road and walk to Cuppage Road. Walk down Cuppage Road. Walk to Cuppage Plaza. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]