Cavern Restaurant @ Rainforest Wild ASIA - Singapore's First and Only Restaurant in a Cave

Tucked away within the Mandai Wildlife Reserve's new Rainforest Wild ASIA, Cavern Restaurant is the latest concept by the TungLok Group. Designed to resemble the Mulu Caves of Sarawak, one of Southeast Asia's largest and most intricate cave systems, the restaurant offers a unique dining setting surrounded by rugged rock formations and lush greenery. Its location near the entrance of this new attraction makes it a convenient and immersive stop for visitors looking to relax and enjoy a meal in an environment that feels like a natural extension of the rainforest.

Crystal Cave Salad 4/5

The Crystal Cave Salad ($22) is a vibrant and refreshing start to the meal. A creamy Spanish burrata sits at the heart of the dish, paired beautifully with heirloom beetroot in both classic red and golden hues. The truffle honey dressing lends a luxurious touch, while toasted walnuts provide a delightful crunch, elevating the salad's texture and flavour.

Stone Hearth Loaf 3.5/5

Freshly baked in-house, the Stone Hearth Loaf ($12) boasts a crispy crust and a chewy, tangy interior, making it an excellent companion to the meal. The bread's rustic charm shines through, especially when paired with dips or butter.

Emerald Canopy 3.5/5

For a lighter, crisp alternative, the Emerald Canopy ($12) features romaine lettuce tossed in a creamy green goddess dressing, punctuated with the peppery bite of fresh radish. It's simple yet refreshing.

Spicy Wing 3.5/5

The Spicy Wing ($16 for 4pcs) isn't particularly fiery despite its name. However, the blue cheese dip served alongside — its pungent creaminess balances out any lingering heat, though its strong flavour might not appeal to everyone.

Pulled Pork Taco 3.8/5

The Pulled Pork Taco ($22 for 3pcs) impresses with its succulent, slow-cooked pork infused with deep, smoky flavours. The buttery avocado and smoky paprika aioli add layers of creaminess and spice, all encased within a soft, pillowy taco shell. Every bite is a harmonious blend of textures and flavours, making it one of the best offerings on the menu.

Smouldering Core 3.8/5

A much-improved version from its original, the Smouldering Core ($20) features charred cauliflower, halved and grilled to perfection. The barbecue sauce glaze on the exterior adds a smoky richness, while the garlic aioli and pickles inside provide a creamy, tangy contrast. It's visually stunning and finished with microgreens and edible flowers, giving it an elegant touch.

Rigatoni Alla Vodka 3.5/5

The Rigatoni Alla Vodka ($22) delivers al dente pasta bathed in a tangy tomato-based sauce topped with micro greens and parmesan cheese. While the flavours are pleasant, I wished for a more generous amount of sauce to better coat each piece of rigatoni.

Caveman's Meat Skewer 3/5

A dish for meat lovers, the Caveman's Meat Skewer ($38) features 200g of beef tenderloin, button mushrooms, shallots, and peppers, paired with chimichurri sauce. While well-cooked, the dish feels ordinary, lacking a standout element to truly impress.

Ironstrike Knuckle 3.5/5

More satisfying than the skewer, the Ironstrike Knuckle ($28) is braised to fork-tender perfection, allowing the meat to fall apart effortlessly. Served with a mustard jus, the bold, tangy sauce enhances the richness of the pork, making it a comforting and well-executed dish.

Pandan Bambolini 3/5

For dessert, we indulged in the Pandan Bambolini ($6 per piece) — a fried doughnut filled with kaya. The kaya itself is outstanding, bursting with fragrant pandan and coconut flavours, but the execution was inconsistent. Some pieces had barely any filling, leaving the dough too dry to enjoy fully. When balanced correctly, however, it's an aromatic and indulgent end to the meal.

It’s important to set the right expectations at Cavern Restaurant. It isn’t about fine dining but rather a place designed to cater to the large volume of visitors, families, and tourists exploring the attraction. The menu is curated to be approachable and crowd-friendly, ensuring a quick and satisfying meal for guests of all ages.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Cavern Restaurant
Rainforest Wild ASIA
20 Mandai Lake Road
Singapore 729825
Tel: +65 60220229
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Nearest MRT: Springleaf (TE Line), Choa Chu Kang (NS Line), Khatib (NS Line)

1) Alight at Springleaf MRT station. Take Exit 3. Walk to bus stop opposite Thong Soon Road (Stop ID 56091). Take bus number 138. Alight 12 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 25 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Choa Chu Kang MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Choa Chu Kang Bus Interchange (Stop ID 44009). Take bus number 927. Alight 16 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 30 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Khatib MRT station. Take the Mandai Khatib Shuttle Bus (not free). Journey time about 30 minutes. [Map]

DOMO Modern Japanese @ Fairmont Hotel - Where Robatayaki Meets European Creativity

DOMO Modern Japanese, located at Fairmont Singapore, marks Chef Rose Ang's return after 29 years abroad, working in some of Europe's finest restaurants. With an impressive six-year tenure at NOBU Group, Chef Rose brings a fusion of Japanese robatayaki with modern European flair, promising a unique and refined dining experience.

Tuna Taco, Wagyu Taco 4/5

We began with the Tuna, Feta, Avocado Taco ($18 for 2pcs) and Wagyu Beef Taco with Jalapeño ($28 for 2pcs). Both tacos were served in crisp, hard shells, adding a textural contrast to the well-balanced ingredients. The tuna taco had a delightful freshness with the feta's creaminess, while the wagyu taco carried a satisfying umami kick with a spicy jalapeño finish.

Salmon Tataki with Dijon Mustard Balsamic Glaze 4.2/5

The Salmon Tataki ($22) is a classic dish with a flavourful twist. While the lightly seared salmon was undeniably fresh, the Dijon mustard balsamic glaze elevated the dish, adding a tangy and slightly sweet dimension that brightened the dish beautifully.

Salmon California, Crabmeat, Cucumber, Avocado, Tobiko Maki Roll 3.8/5

Softshell Crab, Cucumber, Kimchi, Tobiko, Chilli Mayo Maki Roll 3.8/5

We also indulged in two different maki rolls, each offering its own unique blend of flavours and textures. The Salmon California Maki ($28) was a classic yet satisfying combination of sweet crabmeat, creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, and briny tobiko, all wrapped in delicate sushi rice. Each bite delivered a harmonious balance of freshness and richness. Meanwhile, the Softshell Crab Maki ($24) took a bolder approach, featuring crispy softshell crab, crunchy cucumber, and a hint of kimchi and chilli mayo spice. The interplay of umami, heat, and crunch made this roll a more dynamic and exciting option. While both rolls were enjoyable, they leaned towards the familiar, lacking a distinct signature touch that would set them apart from other maki offerings in town.

Fried Halibut with Yuzu Truffle Sauce 4/5

The Fried Halibut ($35) was beautifully executed. It featured a crispy exterior while retaining a moist, buttery interior. The yuzu truffle sauce added a refreshing citrusy contrast that complemented the delicate fish wonderfully.

Asparagus Fried Capers with Sesame Teriyaki 3.5/5

A simple yet well-executed dish, the Asparagus Fried Capers ($16 for 5pcs) was grilled with sesame teriyaki, adding a light smokiness to the natural crunch of the asparagus. While flavourful, it felt less innovative compared to the other dishes.

Miso Chicken with Grilled Eggplant in Mirin Ginger Soy 4/5

Among the grilled selections, the Miso Teriyaki Chicken ($24) stood out with its beautifully caramelised glaze. The chicken was grilled to tender perfection, its juices locked in beneath a lightly charred exterior. The miso teriyaki glaze lent a delicate balance of sweetness and umami, enhancing the meat's natural flavours without overpowering them. Each bite carried a subtle smokiness, a testament to the precise grilling technique. Alongside the chicken, we had the Grilled Eggplant with Mirin, Ginger, and Soy ($16) — a simple yet well-executed dish. The buttery-soft eggplant absorbed the aromatic sauce, which brought together the gentle sweetness of mirin, the warmth of ginger, and the deep savoriness of soy. The interplay of sweet, earthy, and smoky notes elevated the otherwise humble vegetable, making it a delightful complement to the richer dishes on the table.

Flambe Angus Beef Tenderloin with Japanese Whiskey 4.2/5

Making a dramatic tableside entrance, the Flambé Angus Beef Tenderloin ($49) was served on a salt stone and flambéed with Japanese whisky. The beef was already excellent on its own, but the whisky flambé added an extra aromatic depth.

Domo Arigato Finale 4/5

When the Domo Arigato Finale ($80) arrived at our table, I finally understood why this dessert carried such a hefty price tag — it wasn't just a single dessert, but an extravagant platter showcasing every sweet creation on the menu comprising of Matcha-Misu, Sticky Date Ginger Pudding with Soy Toffee Sauce, Warm Chocolate Lava Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream, Coffee Brulee and Coco Crumble, Mangolicious Cake with Mandarin Orange Sorbet, Ice Cream Selections, Fresh Fruits and Berries. It felt like a grand finale to an indulgent feast, a symphony of flavours and textures crafted to delight every kind of dessert lover. More than just a dessert, the Domo Arigato Finale felt like a celebration of indulgence, perfect for those who want to sample a little bit of everything and end their meal on a truly memorable note.

DOMO Modern Japanese presents refined robatayaki with a modern European touch, thanks to Chef Rose Ang's extensive global experience. Standout dishes include the Flambé Angus Beef Tenderloin, Fried Halibut with Yuzu Truffle, and the Salmon Tataki. While not every dish was groundbreaking, the overall execution and flavours were well-balanced and satisfying. If you're a fan of Japanese-European fusion, DOMO is worth a visit, especially with their opening special — from 28 Feb 2024 to 31 Mar 2025, every table receives a free limited-edition appetiser (worth $18), specially curated by Chef Rose.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


DOMO
Fairmont Singapore
252 North Bridge Road
#03-00
Singapore 179103
Tel: +65 89108835
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

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

Nobu @ Four Seasons Hotel Singapore - Unveil a Luxurious Teppanyaki Omakase Experience

Located within the Four Seasons Hotel Singapore, Nobu Singapore has unveiled a luxurious, private Teppanyaki Omakase experience, perfect for a special dinner date. From 10th March to 11th April 2025, guests can indulge in one of two exquisite Teppanyaki Omakase menus, each priced at $235++ per person, with an optional beverage pairing for $98++ per person.

This dining experience ensures utmost exclusivity, with Nobu accepting only one booking per day. It can accommodate a party of minimally two guests up to a maximum of six guests. Guests will be seated in the private Teppanyaki room, where they can fully enjoy Nobu's culinary artistry, which showcases traditional Japanese cooking techniques with Japanese Peruvian flavours. There is the option to close the room's screens for even more privacy.

We had the Teppanyaki Omakase B menu and were honoured to be served by the esteemed Chef Hideki Maeda, an accomplished protégé of Nobu Matsuhisa.

Upon arrival, we were served a refreshing welcome drink (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options available) featuring sudachi, a Japanese citrus known for its high vitamin C and antioxidant content.

Amuse Bouche: Mini Sashimi Tacos

This was accompanied by an amuse-bouche of two Mini Tacos - very light and crunchy taco skins filled with marinated chopped sashimi and tomatoes for a tasty burst of flavour.

Nobu Style Cold Starters 4.2/5

The first course was a trio of Nobu-style Cold Starters, the selection of which varies according to availability. We were treated to a spoonful of salmon with guacamole and crispy tofu skin, a dish of toro tartare topped with Uni and caviar in a wasabi dressing, and kanpachi (amberjack) drizzled with a chilli ponzu sauce. Each bite was cold and refreshing, with very punchy flavours, especially that chilli ponzu sauce!

Baby Abalone with Butter Soy 4.8/5

The first teppanyaki dish was Baby Abalone with Butter Soy Sauce, and it exceeded my expectations. The baby abalone, sourced from South Africa, was expertly cooked by Chef Hideki for a tender and delicate bite. Chef Hideki also paired the abalone with an absolutely delicious butter soy sauce and garnished the dish with a fragrant ginger flower.

Asparagus Dry Miso 4/5

The next dish was Asparagus with Dry Miso, served with a sous vide egg, ikura, bonito flakes, and drizzled with yuzu and olive oil. Conceptualised as a salad, diners are encouraged to mix all the ingredients together for a hearty bite. While the dish was tasty, the difference in temperature between the various ingredients didn't work so well for me.

Shrimp and Lobster in Spicy Lemon Garlic 4.5/5

The Shrimp and Lobster in Spicy Lemon Garlic featured local Black Tiger shrimp and Canadian lobster. Each piece was plump and juicy, cooked until it turned a beautiful, vibrant red. The lemon garlic sauce elevated the seafood's flavours and added a welcome measure of spice to the dish.

A5 Japanese Wagyu Steak 5/5

We eagerly anticipated the A5 Japanese Wagyu Steak and were thrilled when Chef Hideki cooked a whole piece of steak for each of us. We requested our steaks to be medium rare, and they arrived delightfully juicy and tender. It was so tender that no knife was needed; we enjoyed the melt-in-your-mouth cubes of steak using only chopsticks — such was the softness of the beef. Accompanying the steak was a selection of flavourful condiments: jalapeño salt (which is a special recipe of Chef Hideki and intriguingly has a subtle heat), teriyaki sauce, garlic chips, wasabi and fresh lime.

Sushi Selections with Miso Soup 4.2/5

To conclude the savoury courses, we were served an Assortment of Sushi with Miso Soup, where the lineup also varies depending on availability. We had Tuna, Nodoguro, Hotaru Ika (seasonal firefly squid), and Tamago, together with a warm and comforting miso soup. This was nice on its own, but I must admit that accustomed to having fried rice at the end of a teppanyaki course meal, I would have preferred a warm rice dish to finish rather than sushi.

Chef’s Dessert 4.2/5

For dessert, the pastry chef presented an elegant confection featuring a sesame parfait base topped with cinnamon ice cream, olive oil crumble, and a crisp vanilla tuile. The dessert was not overly sweet, and the flavours came together well, making it a nice conclusion to the meal.

Petit Fours

As a thoughtful gesture, guests are presented with a charming gift box containing petit fours. Inside, we found a rich hazelnut dark chocolate, a delicate raspberry macaron, and a raspberry Sakura white chocolate bonbon. This was a sweet ending to the dining experience, and you can bring it home to enjoy the next day.

This private Teppanyaki Omakase at Nobu is undoubtedly a wonderful experience. After all, how often do you get the privilege of having a private chef cook exclusively for you? The food is also delicious, and the portions satisfyingly substantial. It is a memorable experience that would be wonderful to treat your loved ones to.

The alternative Teppanyaki Omakase A menu features Chilean sea bass in place of baby abalone, lobster on hoba instead of shrimp and lobster, and egg fried rice instead of sushi.

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.


Nobu Singapore
Four Seasons Hotel Singapore
190 Orchard Boulevard
Singapore 248646
Tel: +65 6831 7653
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 11. Walk straight to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Aniba @ Battery Road - Revamped Menu and New Cocktails Lineup

Aniba, located at Battery Road, has introduced a revamped menu showcasing inventive seafood and vegetable-forward dishes, blending Asian, Middle Eastern, and European influences. The new lineup also includes a selection of curated cocktails to complement the dining experience.

Pani Puri 3.8/5

For starters, the Pani Puri ($9 per piece), inspired by Indian street food, was elevated with yoghurt-yuzu foam, candied mandarin peel, and a slice of hamachi. This bite-sized snack delivered a refreshing tang and creamy mouthfeel.

Tartlet 4/5

The Tartlet ($12), a crispy shell filled with smoked trout, miso labneh, cucumber, and green peas, offered a well balance of umami and textural contrast, whetting my appetite.

Fatayer 4/5

Fatayer ($10) came hot and cheesy, featuring a classic combination of feta, spinach and leeks, served with a punchy shot of Hamusta soup.

House Baked Breads with Dips 4.5/5

Eggplant 4/5

A highlight was the House Baked Breads ($18), featuring Jerusalem Bagel with Labneh and Za'atar, Kubaneh with Crushed Tomatoes and Schug, and Focaccia with Tahini and Matbucha. The Kubaneh, a soft, sesame-studded braided bread, stood out with its slight buttery sweetness, punctuated by a hint of salt. The accompanying dips, notably the herbaceous Schug and fruity-sweet Matbucha, were delicious. I recommend pairing these breads with Eggplant ($29), a dip similar to the classic Babaghanoush.

Tabuleh 4.5/5

The warm breads were great accompaniments to the two cold dishes we had. Tabuleh ($28) was refreshing with yellowtail ceviche, bulgur, fresh herbs, and pomegranate, brought together with yoghurt and nutty tahini.

Hamachi 4/5

Cauliflower 4/5

A serving of vibrant tomato-capsicum salsa profiled the freshness and delightful mouthfeel of the Hamachi ($29). Other sharing plates we tried include a crowd-pleasing Cauliflower ($27), which was surprisingly indulgent with rich Parsley Pesto, Tahini and curry oil, with a hint of tartness lent by tamarind.

Toro 4.5/5

Toro ($42) was memorable with fluffy pancake-like Lahuch Tacos, which paired perfectly with the lean tuna. The slather of creamy Jalapeño Aioli on the taco boosted an even more satisfying mouthfeel. The acidity of the pickled celery and the sharp shallots and herbs provided a good balance to its flavours.

Cod 3/5

Under Hot selections, we had the Cod ($64), served with Smoked Freekeh and Greens Coulis. The cod was tender and flaky but slightly on the saltier side.

Malabi 4/5

Semolina Cake Bites 4.5/5

Desserts were delightful. Basbusa features soft Semolina Cake Bites soaked with orange blossom water. They were divine with elegant Cheesecake Chantilly and Pistachio Ganache. Malabi was a wobbly milk pudding zesty with spices compote and berries.

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.


Aniba
6 Battery Road
#05-03
Singapore 049909
Tel: +65 9668 8036
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Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW, NS Line)

Operating Hours:
Mon-Thu: 12pm - 3pm, 5pm - 12midnight
Fri: 12pm - 3pm; 6pm - 12am
Sat: 830pm - 2am
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit H. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]