Chamoon Hot Pot (享月汤皇) @ Scotts Square - Up to 40% Off For The New Truffle Omakase Experience

Chamoon Hot Pot, China's top clear soup hotpot brand, has launched a new 12-course Truffle Omakase Menu in Singapore. Dubbed the "Hermès Set Menu of the Hot Pot World," this luxurious offering is available at just $99.80++ per person (minimum 2 diners), with up to 40% off in its launch weeks starting from 16 May 2025. We were invited to try this decadent hotpot experience.

The dipping sauce is served directly to your table, setting the tone for a seamless and personalised experience.

Appetiser Duo Platter 3.8/5

Our meal began with the Appetiser Duo Platter: Braised Firm Tofu (tau kwa) and Braised Pork. While the tofu was a tad dry, both were flavourful and well-seasoned, offering a hearty start to the omakase journey.

Salmon Sashimi 4/5

Another appetiser in the set is the thickly sliced and refreshingly chilled Salmon Sashimi. It stood out with its clean flavours and creamy texture. It paired beautifully with the classic soy sauce and wasabi combination. It is simple but satisfying.

The real star here is the soup. We tried both the Signature Matsutake and the Morel Mushroom broths. The Matsutake soup delivered a bolder, more umami-rich profile, with a depth that speaks of health and tradition. The broth is so comforting and layered that we recommend enjoying a few sips before adding the other ingredients — let the base shine first.

Signature Matsutake Fried Rice 4/5

The Matsutake Fried Rice was piping hot in a claypot. This mushroom-forward fried rice was delightfully fragrant and packed with umami. Though it lacked the coveted "crispy bottom" that claypot is known for, the flavour more than made up for it. We found ourselves craving more - it's that addictive.

"Hermès" Beef & Prawn Paste 4/5

The beautifully plated "Hermès" Beef & Prawn Paste platter lives up to its name with handcrafted paste made with tiger prawn, wagyu beef, matsutake mushrooms, and dragonfruit. It was delicately seasoned to highlight the seafood's natural sweetness and the beef's richness. The platter is smooth, bouncy, and luxurious with every bite.

Australian M9 Wagyu 4/5

Melt-in-your-mouth slices of top-grade Australian M9 Wagyu were a delight. Rich marbling gave each bite a buttery texture, and the beef cooked quickly in the hot broth while maintaining tenderness and depth.

Tiger Prawns and Kanto Sea Cucumber 4/5

The Tiger Prawns were plump, fresh and sweet. Bonus points for the servers offering to peel them for us. The Kanto Sea Cucumber from Hokkaido, known for its smooth and slightly chewy texture, added a unique and luxurious bite to the meal.

Yunnan Wild Mushroom & Vegetable Platter 3.8/5

This colourful Mushroom & Vegetable Platter featured a range of mushrooms and seasonal vegetables flown in from Yunnan. It balanced the meal with earthy, wholesome notes and paired well with the robust mushroom broth.

Daliangshan Buckwheat Tea 3.5/5

The meal is complemented by a pot of Daliangshan Buckwheat Tea, a caffeine-free brew with a toasted, nutty aroma reminiscent of roasted corn tea. It's an acquired taste, but one that works well to cleanse the palate. Each set also includes fruits and dessert of the day.

Chamoon's Truffle Omakase is a luxurious hotpot affair that redefines the dining experience, focusing on premium ingredients and nourishing, broth-forward indulgence. From the earthy richness of truffle-infused matsutake soup to the handcrafted "Hermès" prawn paste and melt-in-your-mouth Australian M9 wagyu, every course is thoughtfully curated to delight the senses while supporting wellness.

To celebrate its launch, enjoy up to 40% off this indulgent 12-course set:

• 40% off from 16–22 May
• 30% off from 23–29 May
• 20% off from 30 May–5 June

For those seeking a more intimate gathering, Chamoon also offers private rooms that seat up to 12 guests, with a minimum spend of $1,200 - perfect for special occasions or hosting a premium hotpot party in style.

Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Chamoon Hot Pot 享月汤皇
Scotts Square
#03-01/02
6 Scotts Road
Singapore 228209
Tel: +65 6258 5232
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Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk to Scotts Road. Turn right onto Scotts Road. Walk down Scotts Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Jiak Bar @ Far East Square - A Day-to-Night Taiwanese Eatery Bringing the Spirit of “Re Chao” to China Street

Tucked away on China Street, Jiak Bar is a charming dual-concept eatery that effortlessly morphs from a casual Taiwanese lunch spot by day into a vibey izakaya-style bar by night. Inspired by Taiwan's beloved "Re Chao" culture – where small, wok-fried dishes are served at bustling local joints – Jiak Bar introduces Singapore to its take on "Xiao Chao," with comforting street-style plates and a solid lineup of cocktails and Taiwan beers perfect for winding down.

Braised Pig's Ears 3.5/5

We started with a few small bites to warm up the palate. The Braised Pig's Ears ($5.80) offered that signature crunch from the marinated and tender cartilage, a classic Taiwanese snack done well.

Golden Kimchi 4/5

Unlike its spicier Korean cousin, the Golden Kimchi ($5.80) has a refreshing balance of sweet and tangy flavours that nicely whet the appetite.

Mala Soft Bone 3/5

Another crunchy option was the Mala Soft Bone ($6.80), mildly spicy with an addictive, numbing hint of mala, offering a textural contrast from the soft cartilage.

Oyster Popcorn 3.5/5

The Oyster Popcorn ($9.80) came golden and crispy on the outside, hiding juicy, briny oysters within. Accompanied by keropok and crispy basil, it was a playful and aromatic dish, though it could use just a touch more seasoning.

Taiwanese Stir-fried Pork 4/5

One of the more comforting dishes on the menu is the Taiwanese Stir-fried Pork ($9.80), which felt like something straight out of a home kitchen. Pork belly, tofu, and greens come together in a familiar stir-fry, with a touch of heat from red chillies rounding out the dish.

Three Cup Century Egg 3.8/5

The Three Cup Century Egg ($7.80) was a standout for those who love century eggs. Deep-fried for a crispy edge, then cooked in the classic Taiwanese "three cup" style — soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice wine — this dish also featured basil and peanuts for added texture and aroma.

Naked Pepper Chicken Soup 4/5

A personal favourite was the Naked Pepper Chicken Soup ($12.80), a unique offering in the Taiwanese repertoire. The addition of clams gave the broth an oceanic sweetness, while green peppercorns added a vibrant, peppery zing. It was comforting yet bold in flavour.

Claypot Mala Tofu Stew 2.8/5

Not every dish was a hit, though. The Claypot Mala Tofu Stew ($12.80) was a miss for me. While inspired by Taiwan's classic duck blood mala stew, the tofu substitute here didn't quite capture the essence. It lacked both the expected heat and the numbing intensity of real mala.

Hsinchu Fried Vermicelli Meal 4/5

For something more filling, the Hsinchu Fried Vermicelli Meal ($7.80) was satisfying and hearty. Springy, chewy rice vermicelli came paired with a fried egg and wu xiang, making this an affordable and complete one-dish meal

Crispy Chicken Braised Meat Rice 4.2/5

Another crowd-pleaser was the Crispy Chicken Braised Meat Rice ($10.80), which arrived as a generously loaded bowl. The braised pork had the right fat-to-meat ratio for richness, paired with a whole slab of crispy chicken cutlet, braised egg, pickled cucumber, and stewed cabbage. This dish really delivered on flavour and satisfaction.

Whether you're swinging by for a comforting Taiwanese lunch or settling in for a night of drinks and nibbles, Jiak Bar manages to channel the spirit of a true Taiwanese "Re Chao" joint with a contemporary twist. While not every dish was a knockout, the playful flavours, casual vibes, and thoughtful touches throughout the menu make this a spot worth checking out — especially if you're craving a taste of Taiwan in the heart of Singapore.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Jiak Bar
Far East Square
22 China Street
#01-01
Singapore 049564
Tel: +65 9733 9157
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Website
Nearest MRT:

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 830pm
Fri-Sun: 11am - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk down Cross Street to China Street. Turn right onto China Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Ikki Izakaya @ The Metropolis - Japanese Comfort Food with a Local Twist

Tucked away at The Metropolis in Buona Vista, Ikki Izakaya is a modern Japanese-style izakaya that impresses with its expansive space, high ceilings, and laid-back yet contemporary atmosphere. Despite being around for eight years, it still feels like a hidden gem — offering a solid lineup of Japanese comfort food alongside an impressive selection of alcoholic beverages. Whether you're looking to wind down after work or catch up with friends over bites and booze, Ikki delivers an easygoing, fuss-free dining experience.

Spicy Maguro Poppers 4/5

We started the meal with the Spicy Maguro Poppers ($9.80) — a fun and flavourful bite served in crunchy pie tee cups. Inside, you'll find cubes of tuna sashimi marinated in gochujang, sitting on a creamy avocado base and topped with tobiko for that extra savoury burst. It's spicy, creamy, crunchy — all in one mouthful — and a great way to whet the appetite.

Tofu Crisps 3.5/5

We also tried the Tofu Crisps ($9), a simple yet addictive snack that substitutes fries or chips with thin, crispy tofu skin. While not particularly bold in flavour, it's a satisfying vegetarian-friendly option that goes perfectly with a cold pint.

Ikki Maki 4/5

One of the standouts for the evening was the Ikki Maki ($17.70), a rich and indulgent sushi roll that hits all the right notes. Cream cheese, avocado, and mentaiko sauce form the core of the roll, wrapped and topped with aburi salmon, mini fish roe, and a dusting of seaweed powder. Each bite is creamy, smoky, and umami-packed — a roll that's clearly earned its signature status on the menu.

IKKI's Kick Ass Har Cheong Gai Curry Udon 3.5/5

Adding a local twist to Japanese fare, the IKKI's Kick Ass Har Cheong Gai Curry Udon ($16.50) offers a unique blend of flavours. The creamy Japanese curry base is comforting and fragrant, served with a crispy chicken cutlet marinated in traditional prawn paste. While the concept is fun, the execution was slightly off during our visit — the seasoning leaned too salty, which overwhelmed the dish's otherwise enjoyable components.

SPAM Kimchi Fried Rice 4/5

For something more comforting and hearty, the SPAM Kimchi Fried Rice ($12.80) hits the mark. The fried rice is smoky and robust, filled with the punchy flavour of well-fermented kimchi and balanced out by soft, sweet tamagoyaki and pan-fried spam slices. It's the kind of dish you'd want after a long night out.

Ikki's Tsukune Platter 3.5/5

We ended with Ikki's Tsukune Platter ($16.80), featuring five yakitori-style chicken meatballs glazed in a different sauce: Mentaiko, Gochujang Miso, Okonomiyaki, Cheese, and Original. The platter makes for a great sharing dish, offering variety in flavour, though some combinations stood out more than others. Still, it's a fun and interactive way to sample different seasonings, especially with drinks.

Overall, Ikki Izakaya feels like a well-kept secret. It blends local influences with Japanese izakaya vibes in a relaxed and spacious setting. Whether you're in it for the drinks, the creative fusion dishes, or just a chill place to hang out, Ikki Izakaya checks all the right boxes.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Ikki Izakaya
The Metropolis
9 North Buona Vista Drive
#01-06/07
Singapore 138588
Tel: +65 8138 8578
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Nearest MRT: Buona Vista (CC, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 11pm
Sat: 6pm - 10pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction
1) Alight at Buona Vista MRT station. Take Exit B or D. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Lao Ma Ban Mian (老媽拌麵) @ West Mall - Tainan’s Iconic Sun-Dried Guan Miao Noodles Lands in Singapore at West Mall

Lao Ma Ban Mian (老媽拌麵), a beloved noodle brand from Tainan, Taiwan, has made its debut in Singapore with its first outlet at West Mall, opening on 15 April 2025. Known for its iconic sun-dried Guan Miao noodles (关庙面) crafted using traditional methods, the brand brings with it the distinct chewiness and aroma that have made it a staple in Taiwanese households. The noodles are available in two variations — wavy Guan Miao noodles that are perfect for soaking up bold sauces and soups, and traditional flat Guan Miao noodles that strike a delightful balance between smoothness and bite.

Dried Scallop Huadiao Chicken Noodles Soup (干贝花雕鸡汤面) 4.5/5

I tried the Dried Scallop Huadiao Chicken Noodles Soup ($16.50), a hearty bowl packed with robust flavours to kick off the meal. It featured tender, chunky chicken pieces, vegetables, mushrooms, and baby corn, all nestled in a comforting broth made by slow-simmering whole hens, Jinhua ham, and scallops. The addition of aromatic Huadiao wine elevated the overall profile, while the traditional Guan Miao noodles added a lovely, silky texture. It was a warm, soothing bowl that felt like a hug in noodle form.

Chilli Oil Preserved Egg & Meat Sauce Noodles (红油皮蛋肉酱面) 4.5/5

Next up was the Chilli Oil Preserved Egg & Meat Sauce Noodles ($12.50), a crowd-pleaser that brought together bold and complex flavours. The creamy, rich century egg combined with fragrant chilli oil and savoury minced meat sauce to create a beautifully umami-rich dish. The wavy Guan Miao noodles held the sauce effortlessly, allowing each bite to deliver a delightful explosion of flavour and texture.

Garlic Fermented Soy Pork Chop Noodles (蒜香豆乳猪扒拌面) 4.2/5

Garlic Fermented Soy Chicken Chop Noodles (蒜香豆乳猪扒拌面) 4.2/5

For those craving something closer to Taiwanese street food, the Garlic Fermented Soy Pork Chop Noodles ($15.50) and Garlic Fermented Soy Chicken Chop Noodles ($15.50) offered a satisfying alternative. The meats were marinated for over 24 hours in garlic and fermented tofu, imparting a deeply savoury and umami flavour. Between the two, I personally preferred the chicken chop for its tenderness and juiciness, though both versions complemented the dry-style Guan Miao noodles well.

Blanched Vegetables with Fried Shallots 古早味油葱烫青菜 3/5

French Beans with Sesame Sauce 胡麻酱四季豆 3/5

I sampled a couple of sides to accompany the main dishes. The Blanched Vegetables with Fried Shallots ($4.50) and the French Beans with Sesame Sauce ($4) were light, simple additions. While they didn't particularly stand out, they served their role as something to munch on in between the richer mains.

Braised Pig's Trotter 卤猪脚 3/5

Braised Beef Brisket 卤牛腩 4/5

Braised Bai-Ye Tofu 百页豆腐 3/5

There's also a selection of braised items, including Braised Pig's Trotter ($9), Braised Beef Brisket ($7), and Braised Bai-Ye Tofu ($4.50). The Braised Beef Brisket stood out the most of the trio — it was fork-tender and well-infused with the savoury braising sauce. The pig's trotter had a firmer, more gelatinous texture, catering to those who enjoy the collagen-rich chewiness. As for the Bai-Ye tofu, which is firmer and more rubbery like Tian Bu La, it may appeal to Taiwanese palates, though I prefer tofu with a softer texture and more pronounced soybean flavour.

Taiwanese Spicy Mala Hot Pot Rice 台式麻辣火锅饭 3.8/5

Another interesting addition to the menu was the Taiwanese Spicy Mala Hot Pot Rice ($17.50), which came with a generous mix of ingredients such as meat, prawn balls, cheese fishcake, fish dumplings, vegetables, and mushrooms. While it was hearty and packed with variety, the broth didn't quite live up to its "mala" name — it lacked the numbing spice and aromatic heat typically associated with mala dishes. It leaned more towards a sha cha (沙茶) flavour, which might leave mala lovers wanting more.

Showa Pudding 昭和布丁 4/5

To end the meal on a sweet note, we had the Showa Pudding. Smooth, creamy, and comforting, it was topped with chewy pearls for a delightful contrast in texture, making it a lovely finale to the meal.

As part of its grand opening celebration, Lao Ma Ban Mian is offering an exclusive Grand Opening Promotion from 15 to 29 April 2025. Diners can enjoy the signature Chilli Oil Preserved Egg & Meat Sauce Noodles at a special price of just $5, down from the usual $12.50. On top of that, customers can sign up for a free membership programme, which offers a lifetime 10% discount on all menu items and lets diners earn points with every purchase. With its rich heritage, comforting flavours, and thoughtful promotions, Lao Ma Ban Mian brings a truly authentic Taiwanese noodle experience to the heart of Singapore.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Lao Ma Bàn Mian (老媽拌麵)
West Mall
1 Bukit Batok Central
#B1-K10/K23
Singapore 658713
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Website
Nearest MRT: Bukit Batok (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bukit Batok MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]