Showing posts with label Tiramisu. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tiramisu. Show all posts

Sunday, November 24, 2024

Umami 10 @ Telok Ayer Street - A Refined Japanese-European Fusion, Tapas-Style Experience

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Located in the vibrant Telok Ayer district, Umami 10 delivers an elevated dining experience, blending the artistry of Japanese cuisine with refined European influences. Designed around a tapas-style concept, it offers a curated menu of inventive small plates, all served in an inviting setting perfect for savouring fine food, wine, and sake.

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Premium Hyogo Oysters 4.2/5

The Premium Hyogo Oysters ($36) set the tone for the meal. Plump, juicy, and boasting a clean, briny flavour. The creamy oysters are elevated with uni and ikura toppings, delivering an exquisite taste of the sea in every bite.

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Truffle Pitan Tofu 4.2/5

A standout dish was the Truffle Pitan Tofu ($20). This luxurious creation combines silky tofu with a rich, creamy century egg sauce, delivering a bold and savoury depth. Snow crab meat adds a delicate sweetness, while ikura pearls provide bursts of umami flavour. A subtle hint of truffle oil ties everything together with its earthy aroma, making it a must-try.

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Cod Fish Shirako 4/5

The Cod Fish Shirako ($28) is a seasonal delicacy that should not be missed. The creamy texture and mild sweetness of the shirako are perfectly complemented by the house-made sauce, creating a delicate yet indulgent dish.

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Gold Charcoal Karaage 4.2/5

The visually striking Gold Charcoal Karaage ($19) is as delicious as it is eye-catching. The chicken is coated in charcoal powder and finished with edible gold, delivering a crispy exterior and a tender, juicy interior. It's a perfect balance of flavour and texture, making it a treat for both the eyes and the palate.

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Wagyu Boneless Short Ribs 4.2/5

The Wagyu Boneless Short Ribs ($35) are braised for 12 hours in a red wine blend, resulting in an incredibly tender, melt-in-the-mouth texture. The buttery flavour of the wagyu is enhanced by the richness of the braising liquid, offering a luxurious bite that's worth savouring.

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Garlic Fried Rice 4.2/5

The Garlic Fried Rice ($20) is comfort food at its finest. Fluffy Japanese rice is cooked to perfection, with prawns adding a touch of sweetness. The garlicky and eggy fragrance is well-balanced, making it an irresistibly satisfying dish that complements the richer items on the menu.

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Three Liqueur Tiramisu 4.2/5

To end on a sweet note, the Three Liqueur Tiramisu ($18) is a bold twist on the classic Italian dessert. The blend of three distinct liqueurs brings depth and complexity to the dish, striking the perfect balance between sweetness and subtle warmth from the alcohol. It's a decadent and satisfying finale to the meal.

Umami 10 impresses diners with its innovative Japanese-European fusion dishes, offering them an unforgettable dining experience in the heart of Telok Ayer. From indulgent small plates to exquisite seasonal offerings, each dish reflects a perfect harmony of flavours and textures. Pair it with their curated selection of sake or wine, and you have a dining destination that's perfect for both intimate meals and celebratory occasions.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Umami 10
163 Telok Ayer Street
Singapore 068616
Tel: +65 65135789
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 1030pm
Sat: 530pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left onto Telok Ayer Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Turn left onto Telok Ayer Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes.  [Map]

Sunday, November 10, 2024

Eclipse by BDC @ Yue Hwa Building - A Casual, Creative Twist on Fine Dining with Chef Samuel Quan’s New Menu

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Eclipse by BDC has come a long way since its 2021 debut as a fine dining destination atop the Yue Hwa Building in Chinatown, where the restaurant's unique vantage point offered stunning views of Singapore's skyline. My recent visit revealed a transformation in concept — Eclipse now provides a more casual, approachable menu crafted by Chef Samuel Quan. This new direction brings inventive twists to familiar flavours while still showcasing Chef Quan's creativity.

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Crab Laksa Croquette 3.8/5

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Smoked Eel Pumpkin Beignet 3.8/5

We began with two delightful snacks: Crab Laksa Croquette ($16 for 3pc) and Smoked Eel Pumpkin Beignet ($16 for 3pc). The Crab Laksa Croquette was a crispy parcel packed with Singapore's iconic laksa essence, accompanied by a curry aioli and laksa leaf that amplified its flavours. The Smoked Eel Pumpkin Beignet was a surprising take on the traditional custard lava bun, featuring molten Comté cheese nestled within a golden pumpkin beignet. The beignet was topped with crispy 'You Mai Chye' floss and complemented by a roasted onion jam. This bite combined sweet, smoky, and savoury notes in an unexpectedly harmonious way.

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Pan Seared Scallop 4/5

The Pan Seared Scallop ($24) was plump, juicy, and beautifully paired with a sage butter emulsion and furikake seaweed for umami depth. Topped with ikura and pickled ginger flower, the dish had a refreshing acidity that elevated the flavours, making it a well-balanced and thoughtfully composed appetiser.

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Jurong Farm XL Frog Leg 3.8/5

One of the more unique items on the menu was the Jurong Farm XL Frog Leg ($20), deep-fried to perfection with a crispy Japanese puffed rice coating that provided a delightful textural contrast to the tender frog leg meat. Paired with a Szechuan hibiscus jus, the dish offered an interesting twist, though the jus fell slightly short of delivering the expected punchy, piquant finish.

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12 Days Dry Aged Half Duck 4/5

The star of the evening was the 12 Days Dry Aged Half Duck ($68 whole). The duck was accompanied by egg crepes, leeks, pickled cucumber, pickled chilli, and a hibiscus glaze, echoing the classic flavours of Peking duck with a unique twist. Diners can wrap the tender duck meat with the egg crepe and condiments or enjoy it on its own to fully appreciate the expertly dry-aged, succulent flavours of the duck.

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Refreshing Eton Mess 3.5/5

For dessert, we had the Refreshing Eton Mess ($18), a tropical reimagining of the British classic. Tonka bean meringue, Meyer lemon gel, Dole pineapple, and yuzu sorbet brought together layers of sweetness and tartness, offering the meal a light and refreshing finale.

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Smoked Hay Tiramisu 3.8/5

Our final dessert, the Smoked Hay Tiramisu ($22), was a daring take on the beloved Italian dessert. The smoky hay notes infused the layers of mascarpone and cream cheese with a distinct depth, while the addition of Kahlua espuma added an aromatic complexity. However, the real surprise was the inclusion of ikura, which introduced a briny element that added a bit of intrigue, much like the contrast of salt in dark chocolate.

Eclipse by BDC has successfully transitioned from fine dining to a more casual yet adventurous menu that's brimming with inventive flavour combinations and textural surprises. Chef Samuel Quan's bold, reimagined dishes offer diners a fresh perspective on familiar ingredients while maintaining an approachable charm. The setting, coupled with the thoughtful, contemporary dishes, makes Eclipse an excellent choice for those seeking an elevated dining experience with a creative, casual twist.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Eclipse by BDC
Yue Hwa Building
70 Eu Tong Sen Street
#06-01
Singapore 059805
Tel: +65 6908 0880
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Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT, NE Line)

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

Direction:
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to Eu Tong Street. Turn left and walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Sunday, October 20, 2024

TOMA By The River @ The Pier at Robertson - Mod-European Riverside Dining and Drinking

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Toma By The River at Robertson Quay offers an all-day dining menu, offering flavours of Europe alongside signature craft cocktails.

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Spicy Peach Burrata 5/5

We began with the Spicy Peach Burrata ($32), a delightful dish featuring milky, pillowy burrata paired with the sweetness of peaches, citrusy orange pulp, and earthy beetroot. The flavour profile was perfectly balanced with a drizzle of cayenne honey glaze, providing a spiced contrast, while a handful of crushed pecans added a satisfying crunch and nuttiness.

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Pesto & Burrata Pizza 3.8/5

Next, we tried the Pesto & Burrata Pizza ($34), highlighting fresh burrata again, this time atop a flavorful pizza layered with basil pesto, mozzarella, and sharp Parmigiano. The cherry tomatoes' bursting sweetness brought a refreshing contrast that elevated the dish. The pizza dough had a nice bite, though some areas were slightly dry.

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Sea Bass Livornese 3.8/5

For the mains, we opted for the Sea Bass Livornese ($38), where the ocean sea bass was served with the chef's signature Livornese sauce and Spicy Citrus Salsa. The tomato, olive, and caper-based sauce offered a lovely mix of fruity sweetness, tang, and saltiness, which paired excellently with the fish. I wish there were more salsa to add more zing to the dish.

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Tiramisu 4.5/5

The sweet ending to our meal was Tiramisu ($18), a well-executed version that nailed the balance between ladyfingers and mascarpone cream. The bitterness of the amaretto-soaked ladyfingers perfectly complemented the light, velvety mascarpone cream with just the right amount of sweetness.

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Promotions:
  • 1-For-1 Draught Beer Pints, Tue-Thur 5pm onwards.
  • Free Coffee, available with any A La Carte item purchase from Tue-Fri (1130am - 3pm).
  • BYOB Thursdays.
  • Lunch Set Only $26++. Only applicable Tue-Fri.
  • Happy Hour 1-For-1, Tue-Thur 9pm till late. Only applicable to selected house pour.
  • Boozy Brunch (Sat & Sun), 2 hrs of free-flow selected house pour.
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.


TOMA By The River
The Pier at Robertson
80 Mohamed Sultan Road
#01-12
Singapore 239013
Tel: +65 6031 1176
Facebook
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Website
Nearest MRT: Fort Canning DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu: 1130am - 11pm
Fri: 1130am - 12midnight
Sat: 830am - 12midnight
Sun: 830am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Fort Canning MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to traffic junction of Clemenceau Ave and River Valley. Cross the road. Turn left and walk down Clemenceau Ave. Turn right onto Unity Street. Then left onto Merbau Road. Walk straight towards the river. Turn right at the river. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Friday, October 18, 2024

ToMo Cafe @ Upper Thomson - Popular Joo Chiat Cafe with Insta-Worthy Specialty Drinks Opens New Outlet in Upper Thomson

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ToMo Cafe opened its third outlet at Upper Thomson on 8 October 2024, following its success in Joo Chiat and Neil Road with popular, Instagram-worthy drinks and hearty, Japanese-style food.

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This new location will introduce outlet-exclusive dishes, including rice bowls and handcrafted burgers.

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To celebrate its opening, the first 100 customers in October will receive a free cloud drink, with November offering free ‘chuffles’ to the first 100 diners. Both promotions are valid with any purchase made.

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Iced Houjicha Goma Cloud Latte 4.2/5

From their list of speciality drinks, I was immediately attracted to the Iced Houjicha Goma Cloud Latte ($8), which combines a slightly nutty base of houjicha and a creamy, rich layer of black sesame cloud cream. I thoroughly enjoyed this combination, but it's best enjoyed quickly.

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Iced Matcha Strawberry Cloud Latte 4/5

The Iced Matcha Strawberry Cloud Latte ($8) is another crowd favourite, combining matcha and a base of strawberry bits, topped with dairy-free strawberry cream. This was earthy and sweet. Other matcha options include the Iced Matcha Cloud Latte ($8) with sea salt dairy-free cream and the Kagoshima Matcha Latte ($7).

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Yuzuri Apple Fresca 3.8/5

For a refreshing non-coffee option, try the sparkling Yuzuri Apple Fresca ($7), made with Aomori apple, yuzu, and cherry blossom extract.

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Tako Karaage 4/5

Starting with the Tako Karaage ($12), we enjoyed crunchy, battered octopus chunks paired with a tangy yuzu kosho mayo. Though the chunks could be more evenly battered, we still found it pretty addictive. The substantial portion is also great for sharing.

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Grilled Tiger Prawn Capellini 4/5

The cafe staff highly recommended the Grilled Tiger Prawn Capellini ($22). The hefty portion of capellini was tossed in a savoury mentaiko mayo sauce and topped with grilled prawns, ebiko and seaweed. I would recommend this as a sharing dish as the richness may get too heavy for one.

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Fish and Chip Burger 3.5/5

The Fish and Chip Burger offered a crispy tempura dory fillet with sour cream tartar, lettuce, and tomato. Unfortunately, the shoestring fries were undercooked during our visit, but we understand it was an issue with the fryer, which will be quickly fixed.

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Homemade Tiramisu 3.8/5

For sweets, we decided on ToMo's Homemade Tiramisu ($9), which has a jar of espresso-infused ladyfingers layered with homemade mascarpone cream. You can enhance it with a shot of Baileys or Kahlua for an extra $4.

We appreciated the openness of the kitchen staff to feedback and look forward to seeing improvements once the cafe officially opens its doors.

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.


ToMo Cafe
185 Upper Thomson Road
Singapore 574333
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Upper Thomson (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 9am - 10pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Upper Thomson MRT station. Take Exit 5. Turn left and walk down Upper Thomson Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Friday, October 11, 2024

Pete's Place @ Grand Hyatt Singapore - Beloved Italian Restaurant Since 1973 Reopens with a Refreshed and Modern Aesthetic

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With the much-anticipated reopening of Grand Hyatt Singapore at Scotts Road, the iconic Pete’s Place has also made its comeback. Since 1973, this beloved Italian restaurant has been serving hearty, authentic Italian fare, and its 50-year legacy continues with a refreshed yet cosy atmosphere. While the restaurant has adopted a modern aesthetic, it retains the nostalgic charm of its original design, most notably the signature red brick from its past.

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We started our meal with the quintessential Italian welcome: freshly baked warm bread served with olives, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar — a simple yet delightful way to start any Italian feast.

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Suppli Romani 4/5

Our first antipasti was the Suppli Romani, an Italian street food classic. These deep-fried potato croquettes arrived golden brown, stuffed with pecorino cheese, and seasoned with black pepper. Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, this appetiser was comforting and indulgent, setting an excellent tone for the rest of the meal.

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Piadina Pugliese 4.2/5

Next up was the Piadina Pugliese, a flatbread pizza topped with ricotta cheese, coppa ham, and sundried tomatoes. The thin, crispy crust provided a delightful contrast to the creamy ricotta, while the coppa ham and sundried tomatoes added layers of savoury and tangy flavours. A well-executed dish that ticks all the right boxes for texture and taste.

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Vitello Tonnato 4/5

The Vitello Tonnato, another antipasti, showcased tender slices of veal complemented by a creamy tuna sauce. The dish was topped with capers, which provided a welcome burst of acidity that enhanced the richness of the veal and tuna combination. It was a unique dish that brought a lovely balance of flavours, from the earthy meatiness of the veal to the light, oceanic notes of the sauce.

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Risotto Gamberi e Melone 4.2/5

One of the more surprising dishes was the Risotto Gamberi e Melone. I was initially taken aback by the use of fruit — specifically rock melon — in a risotto. But any scepticism quickly faded as the dish revealed itself. The sweet, juicy rock melon paired harmoniously with the red prawn tartare, while the crispy capers added a delightful crunch. This unexpected combination of flavours worked beautifully, delivering a risotto that was not only refreshing but also memorable.

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Bistecca alla Griglia 4/5

We indulged in the Bistecca alla Griglia for mains — a 1kg Australian bone-in ribeye steak grilled to a perfect pink doneness. The Tuscany rub of herbs gave the steak an aromatic and savoury crust, which complemented the rich, juicy meat. Grilled to perfection, the ribeye was flavourful and tender, making it a carnivore's dream. It's definitely a highlight for any meat lover.

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Pete's Signature Tiramisu 4.8/5

A visit to Pete's Place would only be complete with trying Pete's Signature Tiramisu. What makes this dessert extra special is the tableside presentation. The chef brings out a whole tray of tiramisu, made with layers of mascarpone, savoiardi biscuits soaked in espresso, and a touch of white amaretto. He serves a generous scoop right at your table, ensuring you get the freshest experience possible. The tiramisu was beautifully balanced — rich and creamy without being overly sweet. It was easily one of the best tiramisus I've had in a long time, a dessert that left a lasting impression.

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Pete's Place may have undergone a facelift, but it has kept the essence of what has made it a favourite for so many years. The combination of hearty, authentic Italian dishes with a touch of modern flair continues to draw both old and new patrons alike. The menu offers something for everyone, from the comforting Suppli Romani to the surprising Risotto Gamberi e Melone. And of course, don't leave without trying the Signature Tiramisu — it's a true classic.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Pete's Place
Grand Hyatt Singapore
10 Scotts Road
Singapore 228211
Tel: +65 6738 1234
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Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

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

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

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

Puzzle Coffee @ Dempsey Hill - Cafe from Melbourne Opens Flagship Outlet With An All-Day Menu

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Puzzle Coffee at Dempsey Hill, the brand's flagship and second outlet in Singapore, introduces a new all-day menu showcasing a mix of local and international flavours.

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Reuben Toastie 4/5

One of the standout dishes is the Reuben Toastie ($20), a substantial sandwich filled with house-prepared beef brisket, tangy sauerkraut, and rich Gruyère cheese, all held together with light rye sourdough. The spread of Dijon mustard adds a great balance to the richness, though some pieces of the beef were overly chewy, which detracted from the overall enjoyment.

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Chia Seed Pudding 2.5/5

The Chia Seed Pudding ($17) impressed me with its presentation, reminiscent of what I have had in Melbourne. The pudding is made by infusing almond milk with chai tea leaves and blended with chia seeds and pitted dates. However, the almond milk, being quite thin, didn't allow the chia seeds to bloom into the desired pudding texture. There wasn't much taste or flavour coming through from the pudding other than a hint of sweetness. It would have benefited from a richer base, like coconut cream or yoghurt, to have a better pudding texture and a taste that complements the tropical dragonfruit sorbet and fresh fruit topping.

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Buttermilk Pancakes 4.2/5

The Buttermilk Pancakes ($25) were well-executed, with a nicely brown exterior and fluffy interior. The layer of creamy and citrusy cheesecake mousse and whipped cream atop was a boast to the texture, made moreish with sweet and tart mixed berry compote spread between the pancakes.

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Chilli Scramble Eggs 4.5/5

Amongst the various versions of Chilli Scramble Eggs I had tried this year, this Chilli Scrambled Eggs ($26) stood out with its in-house chilli jam spread. Gorgeously yellow scrambled eggs on grilled sourdough, the jam, crafted from fresh tomatoes, chilli peppers, and spices, provided a fruity and sweet contrast. The sprinkle of crumbled goat cheese added a creamy and savoury element, but the diced jalapeños were a bit too assertive for the dish.

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Prawn Linguine 4.5/5

The Prawn Linguine ($30) was delicious, with perfectly cooked, succulent prawns that had an almost creamy texture. The al dente pasta was tossed in a sauce made from slow-cooked capers, chilli, dill, and cherry tomatoes, with a touch of white wine and butter to finish.

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Thai Mango Salad 3.5/5

The Thai Mango Salad ($24), a milder version of the classic som tam, was tasty but lacked the punch one might expect, and at this price point, there are wiser options on the menu.

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Brown Sugar Boba Cake 2/5, Matcha Lava Cake 2/5, Cold-Drip Tiramisu 4/5

For desserts, we tried the Brown Sugar Boba Cake ($21), Matcha Lava Cake ($22), and Cold-Drip Tiramisu ($21), and they were rather mediocre compared to the mains. The boba pearls for the cake were tough, and the matcha lava cake, while texturally good, was overwhelmingly sweet with occasional chocolatey notes. The tiramisu, with its layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers, Kahlua, and Marsala wine, was the best of the trio, offering a good balance of bitterness and sweetness. Still, you might be better off opting for pancakes or pastries for desserts at these prices.

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Strawberry Matcha

As for beverages, beyond their coffee offerings, the Strawberry Matcha (from $6.50) is worth trying if you're in the mood for something different.

To celebrate its opening, Puzzle Coffee at Dempsey Hill offers two promotions from 30 September to 13 October 2024.
1. Buy one-get-one free for all coffee and iced drinks
2. 10% off all food items

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.


Puzzle Coffee
Dempsey Hill
71 Loewen Road
#01-02
Singapore 248846
Facebook
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Website
Nearest MRT: Napier (TE Line)

Operating Hours:
Daily: 8am - 6pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Napier MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk to bus stop at Napier MRT station (Stop ID 13011). Take bus numbe 7, 75, 77, 105, 106, 123, and 174. Alight 2 stops later. Walk up the hill to block 26, and make your way to Harding Road. Continue on Harding Road and turn right onto Loewen Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]