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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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
Instagram
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]

Chicco Pasta Bar @ Holland Village - A Delicious New Addition Offering Homemade and Affordable Pasta

Following the successful launch of Chicco Pasta Bar on Telok Ayer Street, this popular pasta restaurant, known for offering top-quality homemade pasta at affordable prices, has opened a new outlet in Holland Village. I'm particularly excited about this new location as it's much closer to my home.

Duck and Parma Ham Toastie 4.2/5

We kicked off our meal with the Duck and Parma Ham Toastie ($16). This toasted sandwich is generously packed with confit duck, Parma ham, and manchego cheese. The result is an intense and satisfying rich and savoury flavour profile. However, the richness might be overwhelming for one person to finish all four pieces, making it ideal for sharing.

Gramigna 4/5

Chicco Pasta Bar is known for showcasing seven different types of pasta at any given time, many of which are unique shapes not commonly found in other restaurants. We started with the Gramigna ($20), a creamy dish tossed in pork ragù and finished with cheese shavings. The combination of the tender pasta and the savoury ragu creates a comforting and flavourful dish.

Spaghetti 4/5

Next, we tried the more familiar Spaghetti ($24), prepared aglio olio style, and paired it with squid, prawns, and clams. The flavours were well-balanced, making the dish delicious and satisfying. Notably, the texture of the pasta was softer compared to the usual al dente, providing a different but enjoyable experience.

Gigli 4.2/5

Another standout pasta dish was the Gigli ($18), cooked in truffle ricotta and field mushrooms. This dish offered a delightful play of textures, with the doughy pasta providing a lovely bite and the field mushrooms adding a contrasting texture. The addition of truffle elevated the dish with an earthy note, making it a favourite of the evening.

Iberico Pork Chop Parmigiana 4.2/5

During dinner service, Chicco Pasta Bar offers a variety of mains in addition to their pasta dishes. We opted for the Iberico Pork Chop Parmigiana ($30). The pork was perfectly cooked, tender, and juicy beneath a thin batter coat. It was dressed in a tangy tomato sauce and topped with cheese shavings, served with a side of French fries. The dish was a well-executed blend of flavours and textures.

Tiramisu 4.5/5

For dessert, we indulged in the Pistachio Tiramisu ($12). This twist on the classic tiramisu features a perfect balance of creamy coffee mascarpone and nutty pistachio. The flavours melded together beautifully, creating an utterly satisfying end to the meal.

Chicco Pasta Bar's new outlet in Holland Village lives up to the reputation of its original location, offering a delightful range of unique pasta dishes and Italian specialities. While some dishes may be rich and best shared, the overall experience is one of high-quality ingredients and well-crafted flavors. With its diverse menu and inviting atmosphere, Chicco Pasta Bar is a welcome addition to the vibrant dining scene in Holland Village.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Chicco Pasta Bar
Holland Village
27 Lorong Mambong
Singapore 277686
Tel: +65 81897302
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu: 1130am - 230pm, 5pm - 10pm
Fri: 1130am - 1230pm - 5pm - 11pm
Sat: 1130am - 11pm
Sun: 1130am - 1030pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk to Lorong Liput. Turn right onto Lorong Liput. Walk down Lorong Liput and turn right onto Lorong Mambong. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes.[Map]

Syohachi Wagyu Hamburg @ One Raffles Place Shopping Mall - Premium Japanese A5 Wagyu Beef Hamburgs At Affordable Prices

Farm-to-table restaurant Syohachi Wagyu Hamburg at One Raffles Place Shopping Mall offers hamburgs made from premium cuts of A5 wagyu fresh from Japan. Under the same brand which runs Hong Kong’s well-known speciality yakiniku joint, Syohachi Yakiniku, Syohachi Wagyu Hamburg prides itself in its farm-to-table concept. This is made possible as they own an exclusive partnership with Japan’s award-winning Hidakami Ranch in the Japanese prefecture of Miyagi-ken, allowing them access to exquisite cuts of Japanese A5 Wagyu beef.

Other than Syohachi Wagyu Hamburg, buttery Japanese thick toasts can also be found on their menu. To ensure the freshness of every dish served and to keep up with the lunch crowd, Syohachi Wagyu Hamburg’s offerings vary from breakfast to lunch to dinner. The Breakfast Menu runs from morning till 11.30am, while Lunch Menu is between 11.30am to 2.30pm, followed by an Afternoon Tea & Dinner Menu starting from 2.30pm onwards to closing. So be sure to catch the right timing to avoid disappointment. And also, each set meal comes with a free-flow salad buffet which unfortunately has to be revised to portioned salads due to the Covid-19 situation. Once the situation allows for it, Syohachi Wagyu Hamburg will implement its free-flow salad buffet.

Japanese A5 Wagyu Hamburg Steak Set 3.8/5

The signature Japanese A5 Wagyu Hamburg Steak Set ($16.50), available from 11.30am onward, comes with fresh mixed green salad, seasonal Japanese pickles and Japanese steamed rice with Syohachi’s signature beef gravy. At first glance, the hamburg looked kind of 'naked' compared to the usual hamburgs served in a hot plate with sauces. That said, as a fast-casual concept in the CBD area, it does make sense to make it more fuss-free and takeaway friendly. Prepared upon order, its beefy flavour and juicy texture say a lot about its quality.

Japanese Steamed Rice with Syohachi’s Signature Beef Gravy

But what stood out of this set meal was the humble bowl of Japanese steamed rice with Syohachi’s signature beef gravy served at the side. The gravy had a perfect consistency, keeping the rice plump and pearly with a nice bite to it. I love the onions in it, which had been thoroughly softened and left to impart sweetness into the gravy. There were morsels of mushrooms as well, which added a depth of flavour and a textural bite to the rice.

Wagyu Beef Toastie with Cheddar Cheese and Egg Omelette 4/5

For a less than usual breakfast, afternoon snack or light dinner, try its Syohachi Japanese A5 Wagyu Beef Toastie ($7.70 ala carte/$10.70 set). A cut of A5 wagyu beef patty sandwiched in between two thick buttery slices of white bread. The oomph factor was definitely there when I had it with an extra top-up of a serving of cheddar cheese and egg omelette. All add-ons are priced at $1 per serving. For Japanese Butter Toasties, their sets come with a fresh mixed green salad, seasonal Japanese pickles and crispy tater tots. (Not available for lunch.)

Japanese Egg Omelette and Cheddar Cheese Toastie 3.8/5

Even if you ain't in the mood for meat, its Japanese Egg Omelette and Cheddar Cheese Toastie ($6.50 ala carte/$9.50 set) will leave you just as satisfied. Served hot from the grill, the molten cheese that oozed out whet my appetite instantly. The omelette, however, wasn't as fluffy as expected, and I felt the white slices of bread could be less charred as well to retain some of their softness. (The set is available all day, and Ala Carte is not available during lunch hours.)

Chunky Peanut Butter with Condensed Milk Toastie 3.8/5

Reminiscent of a Hongkong style toast, this Chunky Peanut Butter with Condensed Milk Toastie ($5 ala carte/$8 set) hit all the right spots with its savoury, crunchy peanut butter and creamy condensed milk without being too cloying. I would prefer a softer bread though, to cradle the oozy filling much better. (Not available during lunch hours)

Syohachi Wagyu Hamburg is celebrating its opening with a 50% OFF promotion on selected sets featuring Japanese A5 Wagyu Beef from 23 to 25 October for both dine-in and takeaway. Selected sets featuring their premium Japanese A5 Wagyu Beef will be on offer at different time periods:

- Breakfast (8.30am-11.30am): 50% OFF Wagyu Beef Toastie Set
- Lunch (11.30am-2.30pm): 50% OFF Wagyu Hamburg Steak Set
- Afternoon Tea & Dinner (2.30pm-8.30pm): 50% OFF Wagyu Beef Toastie Set or Wagyu Hamburg Steak Set

Terms & Conditions apply: Simply follow @syohachi_wagyu_hamburg on Instagram or Syohachi Wagyu Hamburg SG on Facebook to redeem the promotion. Limited to one redemption per person.

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. 


Syohachi Wagyu Hamburg
One Raffles Place
1 Raffles Place
#01-01
Singapore 048616
Tel: +65 6223 0755
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily 830am - 830pm
830am -830pm daily

Direction:
Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit A or B. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

KARA Cafe & Dessert Bar @ Bukit Timah Road - Cafe By Sogurt With Grain Bowls, Pastas, Grilled Toasties And Mochi Waffles With Froyo

Situated along Bukit Timah Road, KARA Cafe & Dessert Bar is the latest f&b concept under frozen yogurt chain Sogurt. Apart from serving frozen yogurt, the cafe has an extensive savoury menu of grain bowls, pastas, salads and grilled cheese toasties, as well as their signature homemade mochi waffles.

Pork Belly Miso 3.8/5

The hearty grain bowls are combined with unusual flavours for an explosion of taste. Diners can opt for the Garlic Japanese Rice or Quinoa Salad (+$3) as their choice of grain base.

The Pork Belly Miso ($16) is a ramen-inspired dish with kakuni braised pork belly, soft egg, ramen crisps, cucumber edamame salad, miso cream and nori. While the braised pork belly is tender with a good proportion of meat and fats, the complimenting ramen crisps add a nice crunch to the dish which we particularly enjoyed.

Beef Larb Fish Bowl 3.8/5

Taking inspiration from cuisines of Northern Thailand, the Beef Larb Rice Bowl ($18) features a bowl of minced beef cooked in a spicy lime and fish sauce marinate, and crowned with a luscious cured egg yolk.

Aburi Mentaiko Salmon 3.5/5

The Aburi Mentaiko Salmon ($16) comes with cooked salmon flakes, mentaiko, mayonnaise, mozzarella, furikake, and soft onsen egg. The dish was extremely creamy, with some bite from the cooked salmon embedded within the mayonnaise and mozzarella mix on a bed of Japanese rice.

Pepperoni Pizzazz 4/5

We opted for the Pepperoni Pizzazz ($11.50) from the Grilled Toasties selection. Spinning a unique twist on the grilled cheese toastie, the dish is a combination of both pizza and grilled cheese toasts - featuring a mouthwatering stack loaded with melty, ozzy cheese, savoury pepperoni salami slices to compliment the cheesiness. Together with marina herb sauce, garlic and basil sandwiched in between crispy toasted sourdough.

Okonomiyaki Truffe Tots 4/5

The Okomiyaki Truffle Tots ($12) comes in a generous portion of tater tots doused in an umami okonomiyaki sauce. These crispy deep fried pieces are extremely addictive.

Matcha Berry 4/5

The highlight is their homemade Mochi Waffles with Froyo. We opted for the Matcha Berry ($12.50) mochi waffles with dark chocolate softie swirl, caco nib sable, cookie crumble, and fresh fruits drizzled in matcha sauce. Different from the usual crispy waffles, the one here boasts a soft chewy texture, paired with a light, refreshing dark chocolate froyo.

Photos and words 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.


Kara Cafe & Dessert Bar By Sogurt
617 Bukit Timah Road
Singapore 269718
Tel: +65 64688940
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Tan Kah Kee (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 1030am - 10pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Tan Kah Kee MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk down Bukit Timah Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]