GU:UM @ Keong Saik - Contemporary Korean Steakhouse Lunaches Refreshed Menus

GU:UM, which literally means to grill, roast, or cook over fire in Korean, is a premium Korean steakhouse by One Michelin-starred NAE:UM’s Chef Louis Han. Unlike traditional K-BBQ restaurants, GU:UM elevates the experience with top-quality meats, refined techniques, and distinct Asian influences, creating a sophisticated and modern take on Korean barbecue.

Yukhwae Jeon 5/5

We started with the Yukhwae Jeon ($32), a creative pairing of Korean beef tartare with a crispy potato pancake. This combination was nothing short of brilliant—the rich, umami-packed tartare contrasted beautifully with the crisp, starchy pancake. It’s a unique dish that I have never seen elsewhere, making it a must-order.

Mulhwae 4.5/5

The Mulhwae ($28) followed — a refreshing cold salad soup with raw fish. It’s somewhat reminiscent of ceviche, but with more intricate layers of flavor. The sharp, tangy notes of the broth were incredibly appetising and invigorating, making it a perfect dish to whet the appetite.

Surf & Turf Plattter 4.5/5

Perfect for sharing, the Surf & Turf Platter ($328) was a showstopper. It featured a variety of premium cuts from both land and sea, accompanied by grilled vegetables and side dishes. The beef and pork were grilled to perfection, exuding deep, smoky flavours that showcased their high-quality marbling. The seafood selection, including lobster and abalone, further elevated the indulgence of this luxurious platter.

To enjoy it the Korean way, wrap the meats in lettuce with a variety of condiments — a satisfying experience that enhances the flavours.

Al Bibimbap 4.2/5

For those who want something more filling, the Al Bibimbap ($34) is a delightful twist on the classic Korean mixed rice dish. This white-based bibimbap comes with chunks of lobster, seaweed flakes, and roe, adding an extra layer of umami richness. A good mix of all the ingredients ensures a harmonious balance of textures and flavours in every bite.

Hotteok 4.8/5

Even after a hearty meal, saving space for dessert is a must. The Hotteok ($18) was a standout, featuring a pan-fried Korean pancake with a chewy, almost mochi-like texture. It was exceptional when paired with the burnt honey ice cream, which added a sweet, caramelised depth to the dish.

Injeolmi Tiramisu 4.2/5

Another noteworthy dessert was the Injeolmi Tiramisu ($16), an innovative take on the classic Italian dessert. Served inside a tart shell, the Nespresso-infused tiramisu was enhanced with toasted rice cake powder, creating a unique fusion of flavours. This Korean-inspired twist on tiramisu was a fantastic way to end the meal.

GU:UM is a game-changer in Korean barbecue, seamlessly blending premium steakhouse elements with Korean culinary traditions. The Yukhwae Jeon, Surf & Turf Platter, and Hotteok were clear highlights, showcasing Chef Louis Han’s creativity and finesse. Whether you're looking for a refined dining experience or a luxurious take on Korean grilling, GU:UM is a must-visit destination for steak and barbecue lovers alike.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


GU:UM
29 Keong Saik Road
Singapore 089136
Tel: +65 8831 6308
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Nearest MRT: Outram Park (EW, NE, TE Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu: 6pm - 11pm
Fri-Sat: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 11pm
Sun: 1130am - 430pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk straight towards Kreta Ayer Road. Turn right onto Keong Siak Road. Walk down Keong Siak Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Walk straight down Neil Road to Teck Lim Road. Turn right onto Teck Lim Road. Walk down Teck Lim Road to Keong Saik Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 mintues. [Map]

Armoury Steaks & Craft Beer Bar @ Orchard Central - Prix Fixe Menu for 2pax from $128

When it comes to indulgent dining experiences, Armoury Steaks & Craft Beer Bar stands out as a haven for food enthusiasts. Renowned for its mouthwatering steaks, this establishment is a must-visit for anyone seeking a hearty meal with elevated flavours.

Starting at $128, the Prix Fixe menu for two offers an excellent introduction to Armoury's speciality. Designed to impress, it features delectable starters, premium mains, and indulgent desserts, creating a memorable dining experience perfect for sharing.

Blue Pea Lemonade and Yuzu Calpis Fizz 3/5

We began our meal with two refreshing drink options: the Blue Pea Lemonade ($9) and Yuzu Calpis Fizz ($10). Both drinks offered tangy notes that perfectly complemented the richness of the courses ahead, ensuring a balanced start to our feast.

Mushroom Soup 3.8/5

The Mushroom Soup opened the meal with a comforting, creamy texture and an aromatic drizzle of truffle oil. Paired with crispy garlic bread, it was a classic yet satisfying start.

Grilled Octopus 4/5

The highlight of the appetizers was undoubtedly the Grilled Octopus (+$12). Tender octopus pieces were served atop velvety mashed potatoes, enhanced by chimichurri and crunchy radish for a delightful contrast in textures.

Bacon Mac & Cheese 3.8/5

For our pasta choice, we selected the Bacon Mac & Cheese. Topped with tobiko for a unique texture, this dish was indulgently rich. However, the creaminess became slightly overwhelming over time, leading us to think the lighter aglio olio option might be a better choice for future visits.

A5 Miyazaki Wagyu Ribeye 4/5

The centrepiece of our meal was the A5 Miyazaki Wagyu Ribeye (+$60). This 500-gram cut featured an excellent balance of fat and meat, offering buttery tenderness in every bite. While the fat rim may not suit all diners, it can be easily trimmed off if you are not a fan.

The steak comes with two side dishes from the à la carte menu. We opted for Sweet Potato Fries and Baby Spinach. Although the fries were slightly over-fried, the spinach provided a refreshing balance to the richness of the meal.

Armoury Molten Lava Cake with Ice Cream 4/5

We concluded our feast with the signature Armoury Molten Lava Cake with Ice Cream. Made fresh to order in 15 minutes, the dessert delivered a perfectly molten centre with a hint of sea salt, beautifully paired with creamy vanilla ice cream for a satisfying end to our meal.

Dining at Armoury Steaks & Craft Beer Bar is a journey through bold flavours and premium ingredients. Each dish showcases the chef's attention to detail and passion for quality, from the tender Wagyu steak to the indulgent molten lava cake. The restaurant is spacious, with various decorations at each corner, suitable for all occasions.

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


Armoury Steakhouse
Orchard Central
181 Orchard Road
#11-03/04
Singapore 238896
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Tue: 1130am - 10pm
Wed-Sat: 1130am - 1030pm

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

Wagyu X @ Club Street - Launches Wagyu X Platters with Complimentary Sides

Wagyu X, the renowned Japanese steakhouse by Chef Masahiro Takada, has launched an exciting new addition to their menu: the Wagyu X Platters.

There are two types of Wagyu X Platters available: the Wagyu X Origins (Sirloins) ($180++), which is good for 2-3 guests, and the Wagyu X Major (Sirloins) ($370++), which is good for 4-6 guests. Carefully curated by Chef Masa and his team from over 100 beef varieties sourced globally, these premium platters feature exceptional cuts from three top beef-producing regions: the US, Australia, and Japan. A must-try experience for steak lovers!

Crab Stick Salad and Cherry Tomatoes

While waiting for dinner to begin properly, we were served a complimentary small snack of Crab Stick Salad and Cherry Tomatoes to whet our appetites and get us excited about our food.

Kabocha, 4.5/5

The Kabocha ($26) was adorably presented and also delicious! The contents of the mini pumpkin are cooked with a creamy béchamel sauce and caramelised walnuts, then filled back into the pumpkin shell, topped with mozzarella and parmesan cheese, and baked. The result is a sweet, creamy indulgence in each scoop and a beautifully golden, cheesy crust.

Tuna Steak 4.2/5

For the Tuna Steak ($24), sashimi-grade tuna is selected for its freshness. The sides are coated in sesame seeds and pan-fried. The steak is served with a dipping red wine apple sauce, which has a slight tartness that nicely complements the tuna.

Chilled Somen with Scallops 3.5/5

This dish was promising. It was a classic combination featuring smooth, chilled Japanese Somen Noodles ($26) tossed in a sauce of konbu, truffle oil, and truffle paste and topped with fresh scallops. The flavour was quite nice, but the dish was let down by either too little sauce or an uneven toss before serving. As a result, the somen did not have the silky texture I like and turned out slightly dry.

Wagyu X Major (Sirloins) 5/5

Then came the pièce de résistance of the evening — the stunning Wagyu X Major (Sirloins) Platter, featuring five premium cuts of beef that looked absolutely incredible. To make the tasting experience more fun and interactive amongst diners, Chef Masa invites guests to participate in a blind-tasting challenge, where they'll match each cut to its name and rank their favourite ones.

This platter consists of the following cuts:
· Wagyu X 250g
· Wagyu X Aged 250g
· Wagyu A5 Kyoto Hirai 160g
· USDA Prime MacClaren Farm Angus 300g
· Australian Wagyu F1 Stockyard 250g

1. USDA Prime MacClaren Farm Angus

The USDA Prime MacClaren Farm Angus comes from a five generation family-run farm in Texas known for its ethically raised, all-natural Black Angus beef. Each steak boasts exceptional marbling, and a juicy, tender texture.

2. Australian Wagyu F1 Stockyard

Coming from the other side of the world, the Australian Wagyu F1 Stockyard comes from a family-owned farm in southeast Queensland. The cattle are fed a nutritionist-approved special diet of steam-flaked grains and locally sourced feed products, contributing to its unique flavour profile.

3. Wagyu A5 Kyoto Hirai

This Wagyu A5 Kyoto Hirai was the cut everyone could easily recognise — the distinctive Japanese Wagyu, known for its luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth marbling. It offers an unrivalled flavour and a buttery texture that's truly in a league of its own. It would be perfect with rice, as the very high-fat content quickly makes it a bit rich.

4. Wagyu X Aged

5. Wagyu X

Wagyu X's signature offering is a unique Hokkaido breed, the result of crossbreeding a Kuroge Black Wagyu cow with an Aberdeen Angus bull. This blend combines the best of both worlds: the beautiful marbling that Wagyu is known for, together with the robust flavours of Angus beef. It's indeed delicious and less rich than the traditional Japanese wagyu cut. Wagyu X can also be further wet-aged for a more complex and more full-bodied flavour profile.

It's worth noting that while the meat is served medium rare by default, don't hesitate to request a more well-done version if that's your preference! Our table found the platter too rare for our liking and sent it back to be cooked to medium. We certainly enjoyed it even more once it was just right for our comfort level.

You can also order a wide variety of side dishes to complement your meal, such as mashed potatoes, onion rings, mushrooms, cucumber, charred asparagus, white rice, Japanese tomatoes, and more.

Agedashi Tofu 4/5

The first side dish we tried was Agedashi Tofu ($16), a Japanese side dish that I really enjoy. It arrived piping hot, with a light and crispy batter that was spot on.

Beef Tallow Fries 4.5/5

The Beef Tallow Fries ($16) might look like ordinary shoestring fries at first glance, but they are absolutely delicious! Cooked in beef tallow, they're wonderfully fragrant and incredibly crisp. Lightly seasoned with salt and furikake, they have an irresistible crunch that keeps us reaching for more. We found ourselves running out of fries before we realised it!

Horenso Gomaae 2.8/5

The Horenso Gomaae ($16) features blanched spinach that's cooled and mixed with brown sugar, salt, sesame, olive oil, and furikake. The dish was a refreshing break after so much meat, but it felt too simple for the price.

From now until 28 February 2025, Wagyu X is celebrating the launch of its Wagyu X platters with limited-time promotions. Enjoy complimentary sides and a return voucher for your next visit.

· ⁠Wagyu X Origins (Sirloins) ($180++) – Free 1 Side (Beef Tallow Fries)
· ⁠Wagyu X Major (Sirloins) ($370++) – Free 2 Sides (Beef Tallow Fries, ⁠Horenso Goma Ae)
· Return voucher with purchase of any Wagyu X Platter: 20% off appetisers, sides & desserts

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.


Wagyu X
82 Club Street
Singapore 069450
Tel: +65 8795 6664
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Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT, NE Line), Telok Ayer (DT Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk down Cross Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Continue to the end of Amoy Street. Climb the stairs beside Siang Cho Keong Temple, up Ann Siang Hill. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk down South Bridge Road towards Ann Siang Road. Turn right onto Ann Siang Road. Walk down Ann Siang Road. Turn left onto Club Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 4 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Pagoda Street to South Bridge Road. Cross the road and turn right. Walk down South Bridge Road. Turn left onto Ann Siang Hill and then left onto Club Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Yaki Yaki Bo @ NEX – Revamped Grand Menu, Value-for-money Weekdays Set Lunches

Teppanyaki enthusiasts, rejoice! Yaki Yaki Bo has unveiled a revamped grand menu featuring teppan combos and affordable weekday set lunches starting from just $14.90.

Sliced Beef Set Lunch 4/5

We tried the Sliced Beef ($16.90) and Chicken Steak ($14.90) lunch sets, with a choice of either black pepper or garlic shoyu sauce for the meats. Each set is accompanied by moyashi (bean sprouts), Japanese steamed rice, miso soup, salad, and homemade pickles. For a small additional fee of $2, you can upgrade to tamago or garlic rice.

Chicken Steak Set Lunch 4/5

The Sliced Beef Set Lunch offers tender, juicy cuts of beef, perfectly cooked to your preferred doneness. The Chicken Steak Set Lunch is another solid choice, with tender, succulent pieces of chicken that are pan-seared to perfection. Other set lunch options include Sliced Pork and Shiromi Fish, both priced at $14.90, offering the same value and delicious combinations.

Mentaiko Takana Fried Rice 3.5/5

We ventured into the grand menu with the Mentaiko Takana Fried Rice ($5.90), a smoky fried rice dish infused with the prized umami of mentaiko and Japanese pickled mustard greens. While flavourful, the mentaiko taste was more subtle than we had hoped.

Gindara Tsutsumi Yaki 4.2/5

Highly recommended by the staff, the Gindara Tsutsumi Yaki ($19.90) features a generous portion of black cod simmered with mushrooms in a citrusy, flavourful broth. This dish was a standout, and we would definitely return for it.

Tenderloin Steak 4/5

One of the must-try new dishes is the Tenderloin Steak ($30.90). It boasts a tender and flavourful prime cut of meat, making it a perfect choice for beef lovers.

Camembert Cheese Lava Okonomiyaki 3.5/5

The Camembert Cheese Lava Okonomiyaki ($18.90) elevates this classic dish with melted camembert at its centre. Unfortunately, our experience didn't achieve the full "lava" effect, as the cheese wasn't as molten as expected.

However, the combination of flavours remained delightful. The pancake is packed with crunchy vegetables like cabbage, which gives it a satisfying bite, while the exterior is crispy and well-grilled. If the cheese melted more thoroughly, it could elevate the dish to another level of indulgence. Still, even without it, this unique take on okonomiyaki is a flavourful treat worth trying for cheese lovers.

Hanpen Cheese Yaki 4/5

To satisfy our cheese cravings, we tried the Hanpen Cheese Yaki ($8.90), a delightful Japanese fish cake filled with gooey, melty cheese and grilled to perfection with a crispy exterior.

The soft texture of the hanpen paired with its crispy exterior made this a perfect shareable dish.

For seating, you can opt for counter seats to watch the skilled teppanyaki chefs in action or choose a side table if you prefer a more relaxed dining experience. For those seeking variety, the Teppan Combos start at $23.90, featuring a choice of beef, chicken, or pork paired with seafood such as buttery Shiromi or fresh Ebi.

At both Nex and Jurong Point outlets, weekday set lunches are available from 11:00 am to 4:30 pm, excluding public holidays. Enjoy special Purchase-With-Purchase promotions until 30 November 2024 to celebrate the new menu. With any main dish, you can add on a glass of Hanzo Kaminoho Junmai Daiginjo (60ml) or a Crème Brûlée with Matcha Gelato for just $5.00.

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


Yaki Yaki Bo
NEX
23 Serangoon Central
#B1-79
Singaore 556083
Tel: +65 6634 0015
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Nearest MRT: Serangoon (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

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

Barossa Steak & Grill @ Vivocity - Debuts All-new Menu of Chargrilled Meats, Seafood Platters and More, Together with Seaside Vibes and Live Music

Barossa Steak & Grill at Vivocity has launched an all-new menu showcasing char-grilled meats, fresh seafood platters, and delightful sides, making it a destination for meat lovers and seafood enthusiasts. With its waterfront location and live music every Thursday to Saturday from 7.30 pm, the restaurant offers a relaxing seaside dining experience that's perfect for unwinding with family and friends.

Cold Seafood Platter 4/5

To kick off our meal, we indulged in the Cold Seafood Platter ($88), a seafood lover's dream that serves 3-4 people. This generous platter comes with half a dozen oysters, chilled tiger prawns, Chardonnay wine Yumbah mussels, and fresh scallops. It's accompanied by an array of dipping sauces, including cocktail sauce, mignonette, seaweed granita, sauce vierge, and fresh lemon — allowing you to customise each bite to your liking.

The plump and briny oysters were my favourite, while the prawns were sweet and firm. Each seafood item was fresh and chilled, making it a great dish to enjoy as a starter or as a lighter option on a warm day by the sea.

Seafood Bouillabaisse 4/5

For something a little heartier, we tried the Seafood Bouillabaisse ($58), another new addition that serves 2-3 people. This dish is packed with a medley of seafood, including Humpty Doo Barramundi, Yumbah Mussels, Char Baby Squid, and Tiger Prawns. The seafood is nestled in a rich broth along with Potato Fondant and Char Fennel, creating a dish with both depth of flavour and texture. The broth was flavourful, and each bite of seafood was cooked to the right doneness, making this dish perfect for sharing.

Buffalo Cauliflower 3.5/5

For something on the lighter side, we also sampled the Buffalo Cauliflower ($14), a char-grilled, crunchy cauliflower dish dressed in a tangy, spicy sauce and finished with ranch dressing. The pickled onions added a sweet contrast to the fiery cauliflower, resulting in an explosion of satisfying and guilt-free flavours. It's a great vegetarian option that delivers a punch of bold flavours.

Barossa Mac & Cheese 4/5

No steakhouse experience is complete without a good Mac & Cheese ($14), and Barossa's version didn't disappoint. Creamy, cheesy, and baked to a delightful golden-brown crust, the Barossa Mac & Cheese offered a comforting side dish that paired wonderfully with the chargrilled meats. It's the kind of dish that brings a sense of indulgence to the table, elevating the meal with its richness.

Trio Cuts of Australia Grass-Fed Beef 3.8/5

For meat lovers, the highlight of the meal was the Trio Cuts of Australia Grass-Fed Beef ($105). This platter, perfect for 3-4 people, features three different cuts: Ribeye (250g), Striploin (220g), and Tenderloin (200g). Each cut had its own unique texture and flavour profile, allowing diners to enjoy a variety of beef experiences in one sitting. The tenderloin was especially succulent and tender, while the ribeye offered more marbling and a richer flavour. It's a great sharing platter showcasing the best Australian grass-fed beef.

Aburi Brulee Cheesecake 4/5

We wrapped up our meal on a sweet note with the Aburi Brulee Cheesecake ($18). This dessert is a delightful fusion of rich cheesecake topped with a brulee layer, offering a satisfying caramelised crunch. The dish is beautifully garnished with summer berries, raspberry gel, and butter cookies, adding both a fresh and buttery contrast to the creamy cheesecake. It’s the perfect dessert for those who love a sweet, creamy treat with a bit of texture.

Barossa Steak & Grill’s new menu offers something for everyone—whether you’re in the mood for fresh, chilled seafood or hearty, chargrilled meats. The Cold Seafood Platter and Trio Cuts of Australia Grass-Fed Beef are definite highlights for sharing, while sides like the Buffalo Cauliflower and Mac & Cheese bring depth to the overall dining experience. Paired with the restaurant’s breezy waterfront views and live music, Barossa Steak & Grill is an ideal spot for an unforgettable seaside dining experience at Vivocity.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Barossa Steak & Grill
Vivocity
1 Harbour Front Walk
#01-161/162
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 62551855
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Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 12pm - 3pm, 5pm - 1030pm
Fri: 12pm - 3pm, 5pm - 11pm
Sat: 12pm - 11pm
Sun: 12pm - 1030pm

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