Baia @ Esplanade Mall - Rooftop Dining with Marina Bay Views and Mediterranean Fare Under $30

Baia at Esplanade Mall is a rooftop dining lounge bar by the ilLido Group. It has recently revamped its menu, introducing a refreshed lineup of Mediterranean dishes available for both lunch and dinner. The menu is thoughtfully structured, spanning bar bites, starters, mains, and desserts, with concise selections for each course. All food and cocktails are kept under $30, alongside a rotating three-course weekday lunch set ($28++), which further enhances its appeal for daytime dining.

Hamachi Tartare 4.5/5

We started with an elegantly plated Hamachi Tartare ($16), topped with salmon pearls. The dressing was vibrant and herbaceous, with acidity, and the saltiness of the ikura complemented the diced hamachi, creating a bright and tantalising start.

Duck Samosas 4.8/5

Moving on to richer flavours, we had the Duck Samosas ($18) with whipped foie gras and pistachios, as well as the Mezze Platter ($24). The duck filling in the samosas was deeply satisfying, reminiscent of a duck rillette. At the same time, the slightly funky whipped foie gras was velvety and luscious, adding depth and mouthfeel to each bite.

Mezze Platter 5/5

The Mezze Platter was particularly moreish, featuring six distinct dips — from whipped feta and avocado hummus to muhammara (roasted red pepper dip), baba ganoush, and tzatziki with olives and pickled peppers. Each component was vibrant and flavourful, making the platter highly addictive. The pita, aromatic and fluffy, is worth an additional order ($8) to fully enjoy the dips.

Pacific Halibut 3.8/5

For mains, the Pacific Halibut ($26) was served with pumpkin bisque and topped with maitake mushrooms. While the fish fillet was rather bland, the pumpkin bisque lent a subtle crustacean sweetness, while the maitake added a pleasant chew and earthy depth.

Grilled Octopus 4.5/5

The Grilled Octopus ($29) came glazed with a lip-smacking cowboy butter, a compound butter zingy with garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and spices such as smoked paprika, cayenne, and chilli flakes. The octopus was well-executed with a nice char, and the addition of Brussels sprouts provided a delectable textural bite and balance to the dish.

Knickerbocker Glory 5/5

Dessert was a satisfying throwback in the form of a Knickerbocker Glory ($18). Originating in the 1920s, this classic layered ice cream sundae is traditionally served in a tall conical glass with a long spoon and is particularly popular in Great Britain and Ireland, I learnt. Baia’s version struck a nice balance of sweetness and fruitiness, layered with fresh cream, vanilla ice cream, mango, and raspberries, and topped with mini cheesecakes and macarons for an indulgent finish.

Baia offers a relaxing view of Marina Bay paired with a beautifully designed interior, making it well-suited for both daytime and evening dining. Their cocktail menu is also worth exploring, featuring a mix of familiar classics and creative house signatures.

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.


Baia
Esplanade Mall
Level 4
8 Raffles Avenue
Singapore 039802
Tel: +65 9173 8182
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Nearest MRT: Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Mon: 1130am - 12midnight
Tue-Thu: 1130am - 1am
Fri-Sat: 1130 - 2am

Direction:
1) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit B or D. Walk to Raffles Avenue. Cross the road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 8 minutes. [Map]

Bedrock Bar & Grill @ Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Orchard - 10 Premium Meats from Around The Globe

Celebrating a significant milestone, Bedrock Bar & Grill’s World Meat Series enters its 10th year with its most ambitious edition yet. What began as a five-course, single-meat showcase has evolved into a six-course tasting menu featuring 10 different meats, offering diners a comprehensive, immersive carnivorous journey across the globe.

The World Meat Series 2026 – Edition I (priced at $158++ per person) brings together iconic favourites from the past decade alongside brand-new, exclusive additions, most notably the highly coveted Jeju Premium Hanwoo beef from Korea. Available from 14 January to 31 March 2026, this limited-time menu is designed for serious meat lovers and those seeking a memorable way to kickstart the year with indulgence.

Flat Bread 4.5/5

A complimentary and signature starter, the Flat Bread sets the tone for the meal. Served warm, it is soft, fluffy, and comforting. Accompanied by butter and roasted garlic steeped in olive oil, the spreads elevate the bread, making it dangerously easy to polish off even before the first course arrives.

Australian Tenderloin Carpaccio 5/5

A standout dish, the Australian Tenderloin Carpaccio showcases the quality of Cape Grim tenderloin, sliced paper-thin and seasoned simply with salt and pepper. Yellow onion shavings add a subtle bite, while a drizzle of truffle oil and truffle shoyu lends depth and aroma. Finished with chopped chives, this dish is elegant, restrained, and utterly satisfying.

Red Pepper Australian Beef Tartare 4.5/5

The Red Pepper Australian Beef Tartare is bold and flavour-forward. Finely minced Cape Grim tenderloin is mixed with gochujang, soy sauce, and sesame oil, then crowned with a rich confit egg yolk. Served alongside thinly sliced Nashi pear and croutons, and finished with chives, sesame seeds, and crispy minced garlic, this dish delivers a harmonious balance of spice, sweetness, and umami, while allowing the beef’s natural flavour to shine.

Slow Braised Australian Intercoastal 4/5

Comforting and hearty, the Slow Braised Australian Intercostal features Sanchoku wagyu cut into cubes, seared, and braised for 2 to 3 hours in a mirepoix, tomato paste, beef stock, and red wine. The result is tender, flavourful meat coated in a rich sauce. Served with burrata cheese and grilled sourdough, and finished with balsamic glaze and chives, it is indulgent without being overwhelming.

House Cured Beef Bacon Salad 4.2/5

A creative take on a salad course, the House Cured Beef Bacon Salad uses US beef shortplate, cured in-house for a week with pink salt and pepper, then cold-smoked over applewood. Paired with grilled baby gem, fresh tomatoes, shaved parmesan, and microgreens, the dish is finished with a zesty lemon vinaigrette and a final drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. The result is smoky, savoury, and refreshingly balanced.

21-Day Aged Lamb Rack 4.2/5

The 21-Day Aged Lamb Rack is dry-aged, sous vide at 55°C for three hours, and finished over applewood and charcoal. The lamb is tender and robust, served with roasted root vegetables — carrot, parsnip, celeriac, and beetroot — glazed in red wine sauce. A housemade rosemary mint sauce beneath the lamb complements the meat beautifully, enhancing its natural richness.

Mangalica Pork Tomahawk 4.2/5

Rich and indulgent, the Mangalica Pork Tomahawk is deboned, sous vide at 55°C, then grilled over an applewood fire. Thinly sliced Gruyère cheese is laid atop and torched for added decadence. Housemade pickled pumpkin and whisky mustard provide much-needed acidity and sharpness, cutting through the pork’s natural fattiness.

Woodfire Grilled Argentinian Angus Ribeye 4.5/5

One of the brand-new additions to the series, the Woodfire Grilled Argentinian Angus Ribeye features 100-day grain-fed beef from the Pampas region. Simply seasoned and grilled over applewood fire, the ribeye shines with robust beefy flavours. The vibrant housemade chimichurri adds a herbaceous, spicy lift, making this a classic yet satisfying pairing.

Jeju Premium Hanwoo Ribeye Cap 4.5/5

Making its debut at Bedrock Bar & Grill, the Jeju Premium Hanwoo Ribeye Cap is a luxurious highlight. Known for its exceptional marbling and tenderness, the beef is grilled over applewood fire and served with a grilled jalapeño and béarnaise sauce. The accompaniments beautifully complement the richness of Hanwoo, allowing diners to fully appreciate this prized Korean beef.

Yuzu Sorbet 4/5

A light and refreshing Yuzu Sorbet provides a welcome palate cleanser, cutting through the richness of the preceding courses and preparing diners for the final indulgences.

Black Angus Striploin 4.2/5

The Black Angus Striploin is a classic cut done right, allowing the natural qualities of the beef to take centre stage. Known for its fine marbling and robust beefy flavour, the striploin is simply seasoned with salt and pepper before being expertly grilled over high heat to achieve a beautifully caramelised crust.

Japanese Satsuma Wagyu A5 Striploin 4.5/5

The pinnacle of the tasting menu, the Japanese Satsuma Wagyu A5 Striploin, represents the highest grade of Japanese beef. Masterfully grilled, it is served with kizami wasabi (wasabi root stems) to enhance its sweetness, alongside shoestring fries dusted with shichimi togarashi. Rich, buttery, and luxurious, it is a fitting climax to the World Meat Series.

Chocolate Marquise 4.2/5

The meal concludes with a Chocolate Marquise, made with digestive biscuit and roasted hazelnuts. Served with raspberries and blueberries, and drizzled with 66% Valrhona dark chocolate sauce, it offers a satisfyingly rich yet balanced finish.

Since its inception in 2016, Bedrock Bar & Grill’s World Meat Series has drawn discerning diners with its exploration of premium and lesser-known meats from around the world. This expanded 10th anniversary edition is the most comprehensive iteration yet—a thoughtfully curated retrospective that blends nostalgia for longtime fans with a “best-of” introduction for newcomers. For meat lovers seeking a global, indulgent, and expertly executed dining experience, the World Meat Series 2026 is not to be missed.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Bedrock Bar & Grill
Pan Pacific Serviced Suites
96 Somerset Road
#01-05
Singapore 238163
Tel: +65 62380054
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu, Sun: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm
Fri-Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B to the ground level. Turn left and walk to the destination. Journey time is about 3 minutes. [Map]

Tina’s Kitchen Private Dining – A Refined Showcase of Technique and Ingredients

Tina's Kitchen Private Dining is helmed by Chef Tina, a Taiwanese chef trained at Le Cordon Bleu. She does not host private dining sessions regularly, usually opening her cosy home kitchen only a couple of times each month, so securing a dining slot felt especially fortunate. Priced at $188 per pax, we were treated to a thoughtfully curated 10-course dinner that showcased her culinary skills and training.

While the menu does not strictly focus on Taiwanese cuisine, it felt more like a personal culinary résumé — highlighting refined techniques, quality ingredients and elegant presentations, with subtle Taiwanese influences woven through the courses.

Filo Pastry Cone, Cream with Kaffir Lime Zest, Caviar by Nomad, Chives 4.2/5

Dinner began with a series of bite-sized snacks, starting with the Filo Pastry Cone topped with Kaffir Lime Zest Cream, Caviar by Nomad and Chives. Crisp and delicate, the filo pastry delivered a satisfying contrast of textures, while the citrusy cream and briny caviar came together harmoniously for a multi-sensory opening bite.

Amaebi Tartare, Avocado Cream, Ponzu Cured Egg Yolk, Microgreen 4.2/5

The Amaebi Tartare was paired with Avocado Cream, Ponzu Cured Egg Yolk and Microgreens. The natural sweetness of the amaebi was allowed to shine, complemented rather than overshadowed by the creamy avocado and savoury egg yolk.

Salmon Tartare, Cured Yolk Shredded, Tobiko, Edible Flower 4/5

Served atop toasted bread, the Salmon Tartare was finished with Cured Yolk Shredded, Tobiko and Edible Flowers. Each bite delivered a burst of oceanic flavours, with the tobiko adding pops of salinity and texture.

Foie Gras Chawanmushi, Truffle Sauce, Squid Ink Tuile 4.5/5

One of the standout dishes of the night was the Foie Gras Chawanmushi with Truffle Sauce, which reminded me of the excellent version at Shisen Hanten. The egg custard was smooth and silky, enriched by the luxurious truffle sauce. A Squid Ink Tuile accompanied the dish, providing a welcome textural contrast when broken and eaten together.

Edible Oyster Shell, Oyster, Champagne Sauce Foam, Green Oil, Edible Flower 4.5/5

Creativity shone through in the oyster course. A plump, briny Oyster was presented in an Edible Oyster Shell, topped with Champagne Sauce Foam, Green Oil and Edible Flowers. Visually striking and thoughtfully composed, the flavours were elegant and well-balanced.

King Crab Bisque, Torched King Crab, Saffron, Edible Flower 4.2/5

The King Crab Bisque was comforting and deeply flavourful, packed with robust crustacean sweetness. Infused with Saffron and garnished with Edible Flowers, the bisque was further elevated by a generous portion of Torched King Crab on the side for a fuller appreciation of the prized ingredient.

Beef Consomme, Slow-Cooked 4 Hour Beef Shin, Homemade Chilli Oil 4.2/5

Inspired by Taiwanese beef noodle soup, this course featured Slow-Cooked Beef Shin, braised for four hours until fork-tender. The accompanying Beef Consomme was light yet richly flavoured, and a few dollops of Homemade Chilli Oil added depth and warmth to the dish.

Uni Risotto, Torched Scallop, Smoked Cherry Chips 4/5

Next came the Uni Risotto, paired with a torched scallop, lightly smoked with cherry chips for a subtle smoky finish. While the dish was enjoyable, the uni flavour could have come through more prominently in the risotto itself.

Watermelon, Granita

A refreshing Watermelon with Granita was served as a palate cleanser, effectively refreshing and resetting the palate before the main course.

Wagyu Beef Cheek, Truffle Sauce, Glazed Veg Assortment 4/5

The main course featured Wagyu Beef Cheek, cooked until meltingly tender and served with truffle sauce and glazed vegetables. Rich, comforting, and well-executed, it was a satisfying centrepiece to the meal.

Hazelnut Tiramisu, Crumbs, Cacao Tuile 4/5

To conclude, dessert was a Hazelnut Tiramisu paired with Cacao Tuile for added crunch. Simple yet satisfying, it wrapped up the dinner on a pleasant and sweet note.

Tina's Kitchen Private Dining offers an intimate and refined dining experience that highlights Chef Tina's training and culinary finesse. With thoughtfully composed dishes, quality ingredients and elegant execution, it is a memorable experience — especially for those who appreciate technique-driven cuisine in a cosy home setting.


Tina's Kitchen Private Dining
Upper Bukit Timah Road Area
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Nearest MRT: Cashew (DT Line)

One Prawn & Co @ New Bahru - Modern Asian Seafood Grill by Chef Gwyneth of Michelin Bib Gourmand Zhup Zhup

One Prawn & Co would be familiar to prawn noodle enthusiasts, as the original Michelin Bib Gourmand prawn noodle eatery by Chef Gwyneth has since been rebranded as Zhup Zhup. Today, One Prawn & Co represents her newest culinary venture, a modern Asian seafood grill concept at New Bahru, centred around woodfire grilling and bold fusion flavours.

The restaurant offers a mix of indoor and outdoor seating, along with counter seats that provide diners with a front-row view of the chefs at work in the open kitchen.

The $100++ per pax dinner set menu is perhaps the best introduction to Chef Gwyneth’s cuisine. Thoughtfully curated, it takes diners on a progression of flavours, beginning with lighter, refreshing bites before moving into deeper, smokier notes. A minimum of two diners is required, and reservations should quote OPC100SET.

Hamachi Tartare 4/5

The meal began with the Hamachi Tartare, served on a crisp sago cracker and topped with hamachi, tobiko, and kimchi. While the kimchi was more subtle than expected, the overall combination made for a clean and refreshing start.

Smoky Prawn Toast 4.5/5

Next came the Smoky Prawn Toast, featuring juicy prawn paste, pickled red onion and homemade garlic aioli on crisp toast. It was a delightful bite that balanced crunch, creaminess and a gentle smokiness.

Burrata & Smoky Beans 5/5

The brilliantly executed Burrata & Smoked Beans was my absolute favourite dish of the meal. Crunchy haricot verts and white bait are topped with umami-packed cracked chilli and creamy burrata. Unexpected yet perfectly harmonious, it was so addictive we polished it off super quickly. This is also available a la carte at $26, and I highly recommend ordering.

Spicy Octopus 4.5/5

Fusion flavours continued to shine with the Spicy Octopus. Tender grilled octopus was paired with assam pedas, while lotus root chips added a satisfying crunch.

Scorched Hor Fun 4.2/5

We watched as the chefs carefully prepared the Scorched Hor Fun, a modern nod to the local zi char classic. The hor fun is cooked in a mesh sieve over a woodfire to achieve an intense char, then tossed with XO sauce and Sichuan peanuts, and finished with plump seared scallops. While we definitely wished for a more potent XO punch, the lighter flavours were still enjoyable.

“Typhoon Shelter” Prawn 4.8/5

The beautifully plated “Typhoon Shelter” Prawn followed. Five smoky, perfectly cooked prawns sat in a rich elderflower vermouth sauce with burnt leek oil, creating a sweet, savoury, herbaceous combination.

Malt Black 4/5

Desserts began with Malt Black, a unique sourdough ice cream paired with roasted white chocolate, yuzu and Horlicks crumbs.

Lemongrass Ice Kachang 4.2/5

The Lemongrass Ice Kachang was a refreshing finale, featuring osmanthus aiyu jelly, roasted coconut, lemongrass granita and plum vinegar.

Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed Chef Gwyneth’s refined yet soulful creations, particularly her thoughtful approach to reimagining local Asian flavours through a modern lens.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


One Prawn Co
New Bahru
46 Kim Yam Road
#01-10
Singapore 239351
Tel: +65 83660130
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Nearest MRT: Fort Canning (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Fri: 11am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 11am - 430pm, 6pm - 10pm
(Closed on Mon & Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Fort Canning MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to the traffic junction of River Valley Road and Clemenceau Ave. Cross the road and cut through UE Square to Unity Street. Turn right onto Unity Street and walk to Mohamed Sultan Road. Cross the road and walk to Kim Yam Road. Walk down Kim Yam Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 10 minutes. [Map]