Ms Durian @ Jalan Besar - New Standalone Bakery And Cafe Specialising In All Things Durian

If you are a durian fan, Ms Durian is a bakery and cafe you will definitely want to look out for. The team started with a small shop at Potong Pasir in 2019 before expanding to this new space at Jalan Besar in February. Their new standalone space has indoor and outdoor seating and offers diners freshly made items of all things durian.

Apart from their signature sweets, Ms Durian has also launched a new variety of savoury dishes with mains such as Pan-seared Salmon ($29) and Smoked Duck Eggs Benny ($22), as well as sharing dishes like Fried Cheese ($18) and Grilled White Corn ($12).

Mao Shan Wang Durian High Tea Set

One of Ms Durian's signatures is their Mao Shan Wang Durian High Tea Set ($45/pax). Two high tea sessions are daily, at 1pm and 3pm. Each set has four desserts, three savoury items, and a tea pairing. Do note that it is mandatory for each person at the same table to order a set each. We sampled a few items from the set, starting from the top with the ones with the least durian intensity before the stronger ones after. First was the Fried Durian. This bite had a rich durian filling with coconut sauce to pair with it. Next was the Durian Craquelin, a mini version of one of their best-selling creations. We loved the crisp and light outer layer, paired with a sweet durian centre.

We then moved on to the Durian Macaron, which had a soft and chewy shell, before finishing with the Durian Cheese Mousse that came topped with brown butter crumble. I would have liked a stronger cheese mousse here for contrast; otherwise, it was a pleasant dessert.

Durian Ice Blended 4/5

The Durian Ice Blended ($10.50) is a new introduction to their beverage list. You can have it two ways - the first is as it is served, while the second is being paired with grounded white sesame. I thought it could be blended more smoothly, and the addition of white sesame was negligible, but we enjoyed how it was rich yet not overwhelmingly sweet. It works well in satisfying the durian craving and doesn't leave you feeling heaty after finishing the whole glass.

Durian Coffee 4.2/5

Each bottle of Durian Coffee ($12.50) is made to order, done with a combination of creamy latte and durian. The espresso notes hit strongly initially, while the durian notes come in at the end. The team worked on attaining a well-balanced ratio here.

Creme Brulee with Mao Shan Wang Durian Ice Cream 3/5

Ms Durian offers a couple of plated desserts, including the Creme Brulee with Mao Shan Wang Durian Ice Cream ($18.50). While we enjoyed the rich, creamy ice cream and crunchy macadamia nut brittle, we found the vanilla essence too strong in the custard and the torched sugar layer too thick. The team was very open to feedback, so we look forward to an improved version!

Mao Shan Wang Durian Tiramisu 4/5

Made with freshly pulled espresso and an additional touch of rum, Ms Durian's Mao Shan Wang Durian Tiramisu ($18.50) is intentionally kept more bitter. We liked the intensity of the coffee and its contrasting pairing with the thick and sweet durian mousse. The ladyfingers were of a harder texture, which would be better if they were soaked further for a softer texture.

Whisky Mao Shan Wang Durian Cake 4.5/5

The Whisky Mao Shan Wang Durian Cake ($14.50) features a triple-layered Mao Shan Wang durian between whisky-infused sponge cake, topped with meringue. The whisky leaves a subtle whiff, while the crisp meringue gives a complementary touch of sweetness. The durian was rich but not too sweet, which we greatly enjoyed.

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.


Ms Durian
11 Kelantan Road
Singapore 208604
Tel: +65 69620057
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Jalan Besar MRT (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon, Wed-Thu: 9am - 6pm
Fri-Sun: 9am - 10pm
(Closed on Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Jalan Besar MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk down Jalan Besar Road towards Kelantan Road. Turn right onto Kelantan Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Umami 10 @ Telok Ayer Street - Serves Japanese-European Inspired Tapas With Award-Winning Sake Pairing

Situated along Telok Ayer Street, Umami 10 offers a wide array of European-influenced Japanese tapas dishes, together with sake pairings recommended by the chef. Their menu comprises four categories – Bites, Cold Tapas, Hot Tapas and ‘Stressed’ (desserts spelt backwards).

We started with the Koh No Tsuki Karakuchi (320ml/$45, 1800ml/$157), a sharp and clean sake choice to pair with our appetisers.

Salmon Tartare 4/5

The Salmon Tartare ($26) features fresh Norweigan salmon tossed with yuzu and nama wasabi. It is a simple yet refreshing indulgence to start the meal.

Scallops Carpaccio 4.5/5

One of my favourite appetisers is the Scallops Carpaccio ($36), presented in a gorgeous layer of thinly sliced scallops, topped with a generous amount of truffle caviar, salmon roe and mango salsa. The mango salsa added a refreshing sweetness to the saltiness of the caviar and roe.

Truffle Somen with Uni & Ikura 4.2/5

Next is the Truffle Somen with Uni & Ikura ($48), artfully presented with truffle caviar and sakura ebi. A cold and refreshing dish, the somen was cooked perfectly with a prominent truffle taste that was not too overpowering, and the uni was so fresh and sweet.

Soft Shell Prawn Tempura 4.2/5

The Soft Shell Prawn Tempura ($29) uses air-flown glass prawns coated in their special seaweed-based batter. The prawns were fried to a delectable crisp texture while retaining their briny succulence.

Duck Confit 3.8/5

The Duck Confit ($32) consists of a duck leg home confit French-style which is nicely crisp on the outside. However, the meat was a tad dry. A bit more moistness and succulence would be preferred, but I liked how the addition of grapes provided a sweetness to balance its savoury flavours.

Rack of Lamb 4/5

The Rack of Lamb ($58) consists of Aussie Lamb roasted with rosemary and kalamata olive. The tenderness and juiciness of the lamb meat stood out for me. However, more seasonings could have been added to accentuate the meat's flavours.

Pick-me-up 4.5/5

We ended the meal on a sweet note by indulging in the Pick-me-up ($18), which features house-made three-liqueur tiramisu served in a chawanmushi bowl. Dive deep into the layers to uncover all the rich and creamy goodness, perfect for those who like their tiramisu with a boozy kick.

Words and photos by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Umami 10
163 Telok Ayer Street
Singapore 068616
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 11pm
Sat: 530pm - 11pm
(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]

Da Paolo Pizza Bar @ Holland Village - Toss To An Auspicious Lunar New Year With The Unique Lo Hei Pizza

In conjunction with the Lunar New Year, Da Paolo Pizza Bar at Holland Village has launched a unique Lo Hei Pizza. Available all day, from now till 31 January 2023, for dine-in only. The Lo Hei Pizza combines both the spirit of their pizza and the celebratory dish, featuring a colourful medley of julienned vegetables and seafood atop a freshly baked mozzarella cheese pizza base.

Lo Hei Pizza

The base of the artisanal thin-crust pizza is made with Da Paolo's proprietary pizza dough recipe, where the dough is leavened for 48 hours, hand-stretched, and then stone-baked in the oven. Lo Hei Pizza ($58) is a pizza bianca in which a white base is chosen to pair with the yu sheng topping. Atop the mozzarella cheese pizza base is a combination of crunchy vegetables such as carrot, daikon, and celery, as well as piquant house-pickled red cabbage for some acidity. The seafood topping includes succulent raw Hokkaido scallops and citrusy house-cured Atlantic salmon slices. Binding the ingredients and the pizza dough together is a homemade plum sauce with some extra crunch and nuttiness from white sesame seeds, crushed peanuts, and crispy rice paper.

Lobster Bisque Fried Croquettes 4/5

After tossing to an auspicious new year, we had a couple of starters from the menu - Lobster Bisque Fried Croquettes ($18) and Buratta & Prosciutto ($30). The croquettes were very robust in flavour and not too creamy despite the addition of bechamel cream. I like how the piquillo sauce gave it a touch of peppery and fruity sweetness to balance its flavours.

Burrata & Prosciutto 4/5

Burrata & Prosciutto ($30) is an evergreen item here. With the burrata so plump, fresh and creamy, I can see why.

Spicy Lobster Tagliolini 4.5/5

We also had the Spicy Lobster Tagliolini ($36), a lip-smacking delicious pasta dish on the menu with a full-bodied tomato sauce spiced up with garlic and chilli, accented with occasional bust of sweetness from blistered tomatoes. I love the chunky slipper lobster too!

Tiramisu 4/5

For dessert, we had the signature Da Paolo's Tiramisu. It is good for two, but one can easily polish it clean.

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. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Da Paolo Pizza Bar
44 Jalan Merah Saga
#01-46
Singapore 278116
Tel: +65 64796059
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 1030pm
Sat-SuN & PH: 11am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Turn left and cut through the open air carpark. Walk to Jalan Merah Saga Road. Turn left at Jalan Merah Saga Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Gyutan-Tan @ Tras Street - Singapore's First-Ever Ox Tongue Specialty Restaurant

Gyutan-Tan is the newest kid on the block along Tras Street, which opened in November 2022. It is Singapore's first-ever gyutan (ox tongue) speciality restaurant, showing the ingredient in various forms such as delectable appetisers, chargrilled mains, donburi and teishoku.

Sumiyaki Gyutan Set 4.2/5

Not to be missed at Gyutan is its Sumikayi Gyutan Set ($20). The lunch set includes fluffy mugimeshi (a mix of rice and barley), two kinds of Japanese pickles, salad with lemon olive oil dressing, tororo (grated Japanese mountain yam, and a choice of oxtail or miso soup. The grilled 4mm thin cuts of gyutan are incredibly tender and cloaked in fragrant binchotan char. The pairing of grated Japanese mountain yam with the fluffy mugimeshi was new and enjoyable.

Cold Roasted Gyutan Carpaccio 3.5/5

We tried the Cold Roasted Gyutan Carpaccio ($15) under the chilled appetiser menu, which is only available during dinner. A delightful appetiser featuring thin slices of cold-roasted gyutan, arugula, crunchy pickled white radish, and parmesan and finished with a drizzle of sweet balsamic glaze.

Pork Kakuni 3.8/5

We tried a few a la carte dishes available only during dinner, starting with the Pork Kakuni ($18). While the 4-hour braised pork belly is richly flavoured, the texture can be more tender. It shows that other non-beef tongue dishes are also available on the menu.

Gyutan Demi-Glace Stew 4/5

The Gyutan Demi-Glace Stew ($20) is a classic French-braised gyutan chunk. Once again, the sauce is rich and robust. However, like the braised pork belly, I preferred it to be more tender.

Premium Gyutan Shabu Shabu 4.2/5

The highlight at Gyutan-Tan has to be the Premium Gyutan Shabu Shabu ($28). The dashi-based hotpot comes together with premium gyutan slices and vegetable platter. It is unique, as I don't remember ever having ox tongue for shabu shabu. It also demonstrates the versatility of the ingredients in different cooking methods.

Homemade Egg Pudding 3/5

Japanese Tiramisu Parfait 3.5/5

Complete the meal at Gyutan-Tan on a sweet note with the Homemade Egg Pudding ($4) and Japanese Tiramisu Parfait ($11.50). The egg pudding was smooth and silky, not overly sweet, same for the tiramisu parfait's sweetness level. Hence I enjoyed both desserts.

Matcha Affogato 4.2/5

The crowd's favourite was the Matcha Affogato ($11.50). The green tea is whisked at the tableside and then poured onto the plate of vanilla ice cream, warabimochi and white chocolate, paired with kuromitsu.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Gyutan-Tan
41 Tras Street
Singapore 078980
Tel: +65 83213359
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 1130am - 330pm, 530pm - 10pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Tras Street. Turn right on Tras Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Musette Cafe @ Thye Hong Centre - Brunch Classics With An Asian Flair And Sweets From Kōbō by Melissa

Musette, located at Thye Hong Centre, is a casual bistro that serves brunch classics with an Asian flair. Kōbō by Melissa also resides within Musette, providing diners with her signature creations of cakes and pastries using Japanese techniques.

Breakfast Sando 4.5/5

A more exciting brunch item on the menu, and is also one of Musette's signatures, is the Breakfast Sando ($19). Packing the breakfast essentials between 2 toasted fluffy white bread with evenly brown crusts, well-grilled smoked bacon, soft scrambled egg and slices of wholesome avocado bound together by oozy cheddar cheese and chipotle sauce. There were also some finely chopped pickles to lend some acidity to its richness. And what also made it such a delicious sando were the two fluffy slices of bread that come with evenly brown buttery crusts, lightly toasted with butter to enhance their toasty notes.

Shakshuka 3.5/5

Shakshuka ($18.00) is a new brunch item. While I love the bold and robust tomato sauce, which makes a good Shakshuka, it is more cohesive as a dish without the Chicken sausage by the side. It seems awkward to me.

Spicy Crab Rigatoni 3/5

Under Mains, we tried the Spicy Crab Rigatoni. This rendition will hit the right spot if you like yours with a good amount of heat. However, the saltish tobiko works better with mild flavours instead of layering such highly flavoured dish with even more savouriness.

Kale & Avocado Salad 3.5/5

Kale & Avocado Salad ($18) comes with a heap of Fried Kale which sits well even with non-greens lovers. The sweet and citrusy Honey Thyme dressing complimented the bitter greens and sharp feta cheese.

Kaya Butter Roll 5/5

Tiramisu 4/5

On your visit, you must give Kōbō cakes here a try! The Kaya Butter Roll ($8) is simply divine. Nothing was overpowering or overly sweet, which allowed the pandan flavour to come through. The pandan cake roll was light, soft and fluffy, and the aromatic kaya inside enhanced that pandan flavour, leaving a lingering pandan scent on my palette. In addition, the light French butter stick embedded within added a creamy mouthfeel to the cake, which elevated the overall experience.

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. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Musette x Kōbō by Melissa
Thye Hong Centre
2 Leng Kee Road
#01-06
Singapore 159086
Tel: +65 80310131
Facebook
Instagam 
Website 
Nearest MRT: Redhill (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon – Sun: 8.00am – 5.00pm
Monday: ONLY Pastry & Beverage

Direction:
1) Alight at Redhill MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk down Tiong Bahru Road. Continue onto Leng Kee Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Gourmet Italian Osteria (GIO) @ Tanjong Pagar - Showcases The Essence Of Traditional Italian Gastronomy With A Contemporary Approach

Gourmet Italian Osteria at Tanjong Pagar is created to offer you high-quality dining experiences that you will get from an Italian restaurant in Venice or Rome. With vast experience under his belt, including being the creative director of Italian Trade Agency Pavillon at the Food and Hotel Asia 2022 in Singapore, Chef-in-House David Marchiori brought into Singapore not just genuine Italian flavours but also a taste from home. A series of 4-course set menus showcase the essence of traditional Italian gastronomy with a contemporary approach - Traditionals, Journey to Venice, Mama's Recipes and Signatures. We had the pleasure of trying out Signatures Se Menu, which serves the best of beef goodness of things.

Balsamic Negroni

Pizza Fritta con Chef’s Nduja e Burrata 4.5/5

The dinner started with Pizza Fritta con Chef's Nduja e Burrata, featuring a hot fried pizza base juxtaposed with cold and spreadable homemade pork salume, burrata, and spiked with fiery Calabrian chillies. Instantly transformed from a typical main to an appetiser, this fried pizza with its mouth-filling texture is the perfect accompaniment to your wines or, even better, Gio's Balsamic Negroni. I love how the cold, milky-sweet burrata harmonises the heat and savouriness of the chilli and the flavoursome pork salume.

Beef Fillet Tartare 4.5/5

Our 2nd course is a Battuta di Filetto di Manzo con Zabaione al Parmigiano Reggiano e Prosciutto Chips. Chef David Marchiori believes in allowing the beef to shine. Hence GIO's Beef fillet tartare deviates from a typical steak tartare because it carries no acidity. Instead, the technique is more on amping up the savoury elements - a drizzle of Parmigiano zabaglione and brilliantly crowning the tartare with moreish prosciutto crudo chips.

Beef Cheeks 4/5

The 2nd main was interesting - Guancetta di Manzo Brasata Biscottata con Verdure Baby. The beef cheek is first braised, then hand-pulled before being compacted into a block. Then it is portioned out like a brownie and pan-fried to crisp the exterior before being served. Hence, as my fork pierced through the crusty layer, it unveiled the gelatinous meat. What a refreshing way to enjoy beef cheeks!

Pumpkin Ravioli 4.8/5

Before dessert, we also tried a tasting portion of Ravioli di Zucca, Amaretto e Ricotta Affumicata. The Pumpkin ravioli is made with the chef's mama's recipe that consists of amaretto and smoked ricotta, and it is the most memorable one to date. Unlike most pumpkin kinds of ravioli I had tried, this plate has so many more flavours permeating through and mingling with one another instead of just the singular sweetness of the pumpkin.

Tiramisu 4/5

Dessert was Tiramisù al Pistacchio di Sicilia. The pistachio mascarpone was nutty and creamy but light and simply mellow sweet.

GIO also has a strong curation of wines, including La Cantina Di Cunez Nadir, located near the town of Gressan, which offers a local mix of grape varieties and Tenuta Il Palagio, a Tuscan wine estate owned by rock star Sting and his wife, Trudie Styler.

You may wish to join its House of Artisans of Wine – a wine club membership whereby the terroirs of hidden gem Italian wine-making are harvested and brought to a sharing community right here in Singapore. At an annual membership fee of SGD 500, members will receive a welcome vintage bottle, SGD 300 voucher to buy selected wine, special retail price for their exclusive wine selection, 15% discount on GIO's Artisans of Wine (AoW) list, exclusive wine scouting upon discovering a favourite Italian winery, as well as 30% discount on GIO's wine monthly events. Members also enjoy monthly special offers and monthly pre-order air shipments.

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. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Gourmet Italian Osteria (GIO)
27 Tanjong Pagar Road
Singapore 088450
Tel: +65 80301224
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu - 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 1130pm
Fri: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm -12midnight
Sat: 530pm - 12midnight
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Maxwell Road. Take Exit 1. Walk to Maxwell Well Road. Cross the road and walk down Tanjong Pagar Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 4 minutes [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Tanjong Pagar Road. Turn right onto Tanjong Pagar Road. Walk down Tanjong Pagar Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 7 minutes. [Map]