Showing posts with label Sweet Potato. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sweet Potato. Show all posts

Saturday, September 26, 2026

Osteria Mozza @ ION Orchard - Nancy Silverton’s Cal-Italian Cooking Finds a New Home With New Pizza alla Pala

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Nearly fifteen years after first opening its doors in Singapore, Osteria Mozza is starting a new chapter with its move from Hilton Singapore Orchard to a swanky new flagship space at ION Orchard. As the only Asian outpost of celebrated American chef Nancy Silverton’s one-Michelin-starred Los Angeles institution, Osteria Mozza has long been known for its ingredient-driven “Cal-Italian” cuisine — Italian culinary traditions interpreted through the sunny, produce-forward spirit of Southern California. The new space brings a refreshed menu, including the Singapore debut of Pizza alla Pala, a Roman-style pizza designed for sharing.

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“Pala” means paddle in Italian, and these pizzas arrive in their signature long, paddle-shaped form. Baked in an electric oven instead of the wood-fired oven used at the previous Hilton location, the Pizza alla Pala has a brilliantly light, airy interior and a crisp, well-baked crust that makes it surprisingly easy to keep reaching for another slice.

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Fungi Misti 4.5/5

We started with the Funghi Misti ($29), topped with Taleggio, Fontina, Thyme and Parmigiano Reggiano. This was one of my favourites, especially if you enjoy earthy and cheesy flavours. The generous mix of roasted mushrooms brings plenty of savoury, umami depth. At the same time, the combination of Taleggio, Fontina, and Parmigiano creates a wonderfully rich, creamy layer over the light pizza base. Fresh thyme adds a touch of woody fragrance, cutting through the richness and keeping the flavours from becoming too heavy.

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Spicy Tomato 4.2/5

The Spicy Tomato ($24) takes a much more minimalist approach. There is no cheese here — just tomato passata, chilli flakes and Sicilian oregano. The simplicity works in its favour, letting the sweet, tangy tomato and crisp, airy crust take centre stage. The chilli brings a pleasant kick while the oregano gives it that familiar Mediterranean character. At $24, this is also one of the more approachable options if you simply want to appreciate the Pizza alla Pala itself.

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Margherita 4/5

The Margherita ($28) keeps things classic with tomato, fior di latte and basil. The bright tomato sauce pairs well with the milky creaminess of the cheese, while fresh basil adds a familiar aromatic lift. Nothing too complicated, but sometimes a good Margherita is all you need.

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BLT 4/5

For something more indulgent, the BLT ($32) puts a playful Cal-Italian spin on the classic American sandwich. Instead of bread, you get the same familiar combination reworked on pizza, smoky bacon and pancetta, sweet tomato confit, and peppery rucola, all sitting over an onion cream base and finished with garlic aioli. The salty, crispy meats are balanced by the freshness of the rocket and concentrated sweetness of the tomato, making this a rather fun combination.

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Aglio e Olio 4.2/5

The Aglio e Olio ($23) is another white pizza, built on extra virgin olive oil and garlic with mozzarella and Fontina, then finished with chilli flakes and parsley. It has that familiar aglio e olio profile — garlicky, lightly spicy and savoury — but in pizza form. You can also add shrimp for an additional $15.

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Fennel Sausage 4.5/5

Our table’s favourite was the Fennel Sausage ($32). Made with panna, mozzarella, red onion and scallion, it comes with a creamy white base instead of tomato sauce. The fennel-spiced pork sausage adds a savoury, slightly sweet spice that works particularly well with the richness of the cream and mozzarella. The thinly sliced red onion and scallion provide just enough freshness to keep the pizza balanced. Definitely one I’d order again.

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Mozzarella di Bufala & Condimenti 4/5

Beyond the pizzas, the Mozzarella di Bufala & Condimenti ($38) is a staple from Osteria Mozza’s famous Mozzarella Bar. A generous ball of fresh buffalo mozzarella arrives with basil pesto, salsa romesco, black olive tapenade and caperberry relish, alongside warm grilled sourdough. The mozzarella is wonderfully soft and milky with a subtle sweetness, and the four condiments allow you to change up each bite. The pesto brings freshness, romesco adds smoky nuttiness, while the black olive tapenade is deeply savoury and briny. The caperberry relish provides a sharper hit of acidity, cutting through the richness of the cheese. With the warm sourdough on the side, this is an easy starter to share.

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Chicken Parmigiana Piadina 4.5/5

For lunch, the Chicken Parmigiana Piadina ($29) puts an Italian-American spin on the classic chicken parm. The warm piadina is lightly charred, stuffed with a crispy chicken cutlet, melted mozzarella, and Parmigiano, then finished with a creamy, tomato-rich alla vodka sauce. It is hearty, cheesy and comforting, with the crisp chicken providing a nice textural contrast to the soft flatbread and melted cheese. It comes with a choice of shoestring fries or insalata verde.

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Grilled Harissa Shrimp 4.2/5

The Grilled Harissa Shrimp ($30) brings a more Mediterranean-influenced touch to the table. Plump tiger prawns are grilled shell-on, giving them a lovely smoky char while locking in their natural sweetness. They are coated in fragrant harissa oil and served with garlic confit, roasted tomatoes and a thick slice of toasted crostone. The best part is probably what happens underneath the prawns. As the juices, harissa oil, garlic confit, and sweet roasted tomatoes mingle, the toasted bread soaks it all up. It is messy in the best possible way and makes the crostone impossible to leave behind.

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Mafaldine 4.2/5

For pasta, the Mafaldine with Ragù Bolognese ($26) is pure comfort food. The mafaldine has beautifully ruffled edges that hold onto the slow-cooked ragù. The meat sauce is rich and hearty without being overly heavy, balancing savoury meatiness with tomato acidity. Finished with a generous shower of aged Parmigiano Reggiano, this is the sort of pasta that feels familiar and satisfying from the first bite.

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Squid Ink Casarecce 4/5

The Squid Ink Casarecce ($28) takes things in a completely different direction. The pasta is tossed in a glossy red wine butter sauce enriched with squid ink and finely chopped cuttlefish. Garlic provides the savoury backbone, while jalapeño and a squeeze of lemon bring a welcome brightness. Despite the richness of the butter and squid ink, the citrus and gentle heat keep the dish lively rather than overly heavy.

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Sweet Potato 4.2/5

There are also plenty of vegetable sides worth ordering to balance the richer dishes. The Sweet Potato ($18) is particularly interesting. The Japanese sweet potato is roasted until tender and naturally caramelised, then paired with scallion sour cream and crisp fried prosciutto. The sweet, buttery potato, tangy cream and salty crunch of the prosciutto make for a surprisingly addictive combination.

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Roasted Heirloom Carrots 4/5

The Roasted Heirloom Carrots ($12) come with chickpeas, red onion, cumin and a bright dressing. The carrots are roasted until tender and naturally sweet, while the chickpeas add a pleasant bite and nuttiness. The dressing’s acidity lifts the dish and makes it a useful counterpoint to richer mains.

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Grilled Broccolini 3.5/5

The Grilled Broccolini ($18) is simply grilled over high heat until lightly charred while retaining a good crunch, then tossed in a sharp Dijon vinaigrette. The smoky char works nicely with the tangy mustard dressing, making this another refreshing side alongside the pastas and meats.

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Pork Chop Milanese 4.2/5

For something more substantial, the Pork Chop Milanese ($45) is a classic choice. The pork chop is pounded thin, breaded and fried until golden and crisp, while the meat inside remains tender. It comes simply topped with wild rocket and cherry tomatoes, whose peppery, acidic notes cut through the richness of the fried crust.

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B.T.S 4.5/5

And of course, dessert has to end with the cult favourite Black Truffle Sundae, or B.T.S. ($16). This is definitely not your usual sundae. Smooth Madagascan vanilla soft serve is topped with warm brown butter infused with black truffle, then finished with crispy buttered breadcrumbs and a touch of sea salt. The combination sounds unusual on paper, but the sweet, salty, buttery and earthy flavours come together surprisingly well. The warm brown butter melts into the cold soft serve, while the toasted crumbs provide a satisfying crunch. The truffle is present without completely overpowering the dessert.

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With its move to ION Orchard, Osteria Mozza gets a fresh new home while building on what has made the restaurant a familiar name in Singapore’s dining scene for almost fifteen years. The introduction of Pizza alla Pala is a welcome addition, with its light, airy crust making it an easy format to share across the table. From pizzas and handmade pastas to its iconic mozzarella bar and playful desserts, the new Osteria Mozza continues to capture Nancy Silverton’s Cal-Italian approach — generous, ingredient-driven food best enjoyed together.

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Note: This is an invited tasting.


Osteria Mozza
ION Orchard
2 Orchard Turn
#03-14B/15B
Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 80496381
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT Station. Take Exit 4. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 3 minutes. [Map]



Sunday, June 21, 2026

Esquina @ Teck Lim Road - A Nostalgic Tapas Journey Through Its Greatest Hits

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Celebrating a milestone in Singapore’s dining scene, ESQUINA at Jiak Chuan Road marks its 15th anniversary with a nostalgic yet forward-looking menu that brings back beloved tapas from its archives. Helmed by Chef Carlos Montobbio, the restaurant revisits crowd favourites from past years, refreshing the lineup monthly from May to December 2026. Priced from $15 per portion, these limited-time dishes capture the spirit of ESQUINA — vibrant, produce-driven, and quietly inventive. Adding to the celebratory mood, diners who order six anniversary tapas specials receive a complimentary carafe of Spanish house wine — a thoughtful touch that encourages communal indulgence.

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Cadoret Oyster (2013) 4.8/5

A beautifully composed opener, the Cadoret Oyster delivers a punchy medley of flavours. The briny sweetness of the Perle Noire oysters is uplifted by a bright Vietnamese dressing, while Lebanese cucumber and coriander cress lend freshness. It’s a bold yet balanced bite — a fitting tribute to the dish that left a lasting impression on Chef Carlos himself.

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Smoked Sardine “Gilda” (2026) 4.5/5

A new addition to the anniversary lineup, the Smoked Sardine “Gilda” reinterprets a classic pintxo with finesse. The delicately cured and cold-smoked sardine boasts a silky, melt-in-the-mouth texture, complemented by the acidity of olives, pickled onions, and piparras. Clean, elegant, and deeply satisfying.

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Foie Gras (2013) 4.2/5

Rich and indulgent, the Foie Gras is elevated with a clever interplay of textures and flavours. The buttery liver sits atop a flaky puff pastry, balanced by a leek and sherry vinegar jam that cuts through the richness with a sweet-sour brightness. Each bite is luxurious yet surprisingly well-rounded.

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Momotaro Tomato (2026) 4.8/5

The Momotaro Tomato dish is a masterclass in layering flavours. Sweet, juicy Momotaro tomatoes rest on a velvety salmorejo, enriched with olive oil and garlic. The addition of Manchego ice cream introduces a nutty, savoury dimension, while burnt chive oil ties everything together with a subtle smokiness. Refreshing yet complex.

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Ofunato Bay Scallops (2019) 4/5

A refined land-and-sea composition, the Ofunato Bay Scallops are perfectly seared, retaining their natural sweetness. Paired with earthy Jerusalem artichoke and accented with burnt onion, the dish gains depth and contrast. The crowning touch of Ibérico lardo melts over the scallops, adding a rich, savoury finish.

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Carabinero “al ajillo” (2023) 4.5/5

A luxurious upgrade of the classic garlic prawn, the Carabinero “al ajillo” showcases the prized Carabinero prawn in all its glory. Bathed in aromatic garlic-chilli oil, the prawn is intensely sweet and juicy. The resulting oil, stained with prawn essence, is irresistible when mopped up with bread.

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Sweet Potato (2018) 4.8/5

One of ESQUINA’s most sought-after dishes, the baked Sweet Potato is anything but ordinary. Slow-cooked over charcoal, it develops a deep caramelised sweetness, enhanced by ají amarillo heat, a smoked quail egg, and crunchy puffed quinoa. Comforting yet layered.

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Mini Uni Paella (2018) 5/5

The Mini Uni Paella is a standout dish that steals the spotlight. The Bomba rice is intensely flavoured with lobster stock, each grain perfectly al dente. Topped with Gambero Rosso, Mongo Ika, and a generous portion of Bafun uni, the dish delivers a powerful umami explosion — decadent, rich, and utterly unforgettable.

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Iberico Pork Jowl (2016) 4.2/5

Slow-cooked and finished with a crisp sear, the Iberico Pork Jowl is melt-in-the-mouth tender with a caramelised crust. Chipotle mayo adds smoky warmth, while pickled pear cuts through the richness with bright acidity. A sprinkle of shichimi togarashi rounds it off with aromatic spice.

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Tarta al Whisky (2026) 4.2/5

The Tarta al Whisky is a modern reinterpretation of a classic Spanish dessert; this deconstructed version layers whisky parfait, praline, vanilla ice cream, and yema. The interplay of warm and cold elements creates a dynamic, multi-textured finale.

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Crostini with Chocolate Mousse 4.2/5

Simple yet satisfying, the Crostini with Chocolate Mousse features a rich chocolate mousse elevated with sea salt and olive oil, adding depth and fragrance. The crostini provides a crisp contrast, rounding off the meal on a comforting note.

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ESQUINA’s 15th anniversary menu is more than just a retrospective — it’s a celebration of its culinary journey, evolution, and enduring appeal. By revisiting past favourites while introducing new interpretations, Chef Carlos Montobbio crafts a dining experience that feels both nostalgic and exciting. Whether you’re a longtime regular or a first-time visitor, this rotating lineup offers plenty of reasons to return — before each dish disappears once again from the counter.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Esquina
16 Jiak Chuan Road
Singapore 089267
Tel: +65 62221616
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Nearest MRT: Outram Park (EW Line, NE Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu: 1130am - 1030pm Fri-Sat: 1130am - 11pm
(Closed on Sun & Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk straight down New Bridge Road. Turn right onto Kreta Ayer Road. Turn right again onto Keong Saik Road. Walk down Keong Saik Road. Turn left onto Teck Lim Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 8 minutes.[Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Walk down Neil Road. Turn right onto Teck Lim Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

Wednesday, December 10, 2025

Tempura Ensei X Kaluga Queen - An Exclusive Tempura and Caviar Omakase Experience

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Tempura Ensei at Palais Renaissance partners with Kaluga Queen, one of the world’s leading caviar brands, to present an exclusive three-week-only caviar and tempura omakase experience.

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At Tempura Ensei, you will be treated to authentic Edo-style tempura prepared using techniques passed down from the 120-year-old Tenkane in Japan. To highlight the natural flavours of seasonal ingredients flown in several times a week, Executive Chef Naruki Takeshima, who trained at Tenkane, uses premium Tomizawa Super Violet flour, chilled batter, and high-quality goma abura sesame oil.

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For this collaboration, each guest receives a personal tin of Kaluga Queen Caviar to enjoy throughout the meal.

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Red Snapper Carpaccio 4/5

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Shirako Chawanmushi 5/5

Dinner began with an elegantly presented Red Snapper Carpaccio dressed in a citrusy yuzu-sesame oil, followed by a Shirako Chawanmushi with Cauliflower Cream, an ingenious creation. The delicate flavours melded into a milky, creamy profile, beautifully lifted by a dash of sansho pepper, and it was one of the best pairings with the savoury caviar.

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Tiger prawn 3.5/5

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Prawn head 4/5

Next came a selection of Edo-style tempura served with condiments, beginning with Tiger Prawn. The crispy prawn heads were wonderfully moreish, especially with curry salt.

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Kisu Tempura 4/5

We then had Kisu Tempura, a popular seasonal delicacy. With its tender, flaky white flesh, the light, airy batter gave it a delightful, crispy exterior, and the caviar elevated its subtle sweetness.

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Kobako Kani 4.5/5

In between tempura courses, we were served Kobako Kani, a female snow crab, a treasured winter delicacy prized for its sweet meat and rich roe.

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Uni 4/5

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Sumi Ika 4.5/5

The Uni Tempura paired with caviar made for a luxurious bite, but my personal favourite was the Sumi Ika. Its surprisingly creamy texture was further enhanced by the briny richness of the caviar.

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Unagi 4/5

Unagi Tempura was served like a handroll, delectable with a sweet-savoury tare.

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Asparagus Tempura 4/5

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Sweet Potato Tempura 5/5

The selection included 2 vegetable tempura, Asparagus and Sweet Potato. The sweet potato was especially memorable for its sweet and creamy interior. I found myself wishing there were more of it.

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Hot Soba 3/5

The omakase concludes with a choice of Tendon, Tencha or Hot Soba. I opted for the Hot Soba, which was somewhat lacklustre. The Tendon would have been a more satisfying finish. I found the shrimp tempura somewhat dry.

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Dessert 5/5

Dessert ended the meal on a refreshing note with a slice of juicy and sweet musk melon and strawberry.

Available till 31 December 2025, Reservations for this Exclusive Menu ($388) at Tempura Ensei are now open. For more information or to secure your seat, visit the official website: https://ensei.sg/

Photos and words by Si An. A homebody who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, the smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


Tempura Ensei
Palais Renaissance
90 Orchard Road
#B1-06/07
Singapore 238871
Tel: +65 9178 0664 / +65 6226 0500
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Nerest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm

Direction:
Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to Wheelock Place. Walk to the traffic junction of Orchard Road and Angullia Park. Cross the road to the Royal Thai Embassy. Turn left and continue down Orchard Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 8 minutes. [Map]