Waffletown @ NEWest - Old School Fried Chicken Eatery At Balmoral Plaza Reopens In West Coast (Clementi)

Waffletown, which used to be at Balmoral Plaza, pulled down its shuttle more than a year ago due to rental issue, has reopened the nostalgic fried chicken eatery at NEWest on 31 May 2022. I avoided visiting the eatery until recently to avoid the long queues like any new openings in Singapore, though it is near my home. Furthermore, the new place is half the size of its previous location.

During my visit, though there was no queue line, the place was crowded with diners. So I have to stand for around 20 minutes to get a seat.

Clucky Lucky 3 PC Fried Chicken Meal 4/5

I ordered the Clucky Lucky 3 PC Fried Chicken Meal ($12.20) with sides of potato mash, coleslaw and a soft drink. The chicken pieces are deep-fried to crispy, tender and juicy. It is lightly seasoned with a nostalgic taste, unlike those from the big fried chicken fast food chains. The chicken pieces are also smaller than those served in these fried chicken fast food chains.

Fried Chicken & Waffle 3/5

On top of that, I also ordered the Fried Chicken & Waffle ($7.20) served with butter and flavoured maple syrup. I was a bit disappointed that I didn't get the whole piece of chicken but chicken pieces instead. The waffle was airy, hollow in the middle but crispy on the outside. Taste-wise, I find it bland for my liking.


Waffletown
NEWest
1 West Coast Drive
#01-106
Singapore 128020
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Nearest MRT: Clementi (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 5pm - 9pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Clementi MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Clementi MRT station (Stop ID 17171). Take bus 154 or 201. Alight 3 stop later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

KM Bagel & Waffle @ Tanjong Pagar - A Fun Bagel & Waffle Omakase Concept With Cocktail Pairing

Located on the second floor of the Tanjong Pagar Plaza is KM Bagel & Waffle, Singapore's first bagel and waffle bar. It is a small restaurant with a 15 seater round bar. As per its name, the restaurant's menu focuses on bagels, waffles and bespoke cocktail pairing. We had the 5 Course Chef's Curation Menu ($118). If you go for the cocktail pairing, it comes with an additional $108.

Canapes 4/5

Our first course is a selection of Canapes. The plate consists of Crab Rillette on Bagel, Foie Gras on Bagel, Tuna Tartare with Oscietra Caviar on Waffle and Dill Egg White Foam with Oscietra on Waffle. These are all delectable canapes to kickstart the meal with a few cocktails.

With the round bar seating, you can fully view the bartender shaking up your cocktails. For our dinner, we left it to the bartender to do the pairing, which was excellent.

Salad 3.5/5

Next is the Salad item comprising mesclun, burrata, plum infused cherry tomatoes, dates, blood orange and yellow frisee, dressed in basil oil and citrus shallot vinaigrette. It is a pleasing starter to ease into the main course.

Duck & Waffles 3.8/5

There are two mains for the five-course menu. The first main is Duck & Waffles. The duck breast is sous vide to fork-tender, paired with duck crackling, charred sweet corn, wakame and potato bacon waffle. I like the addition of bacon in the waffle, accentuating the flavour of the soft, fluffy waffle.

Lobster & Clams 4.2/5

From the land, we moved to the sea for our next main. The Lobster & Clams is served in a miso and chrysanthemum infused broth packed with umami, brightening the enjoyment of the boston lobster and diamond shell clams. The toasted bagel is perfect for wiping up the delicious broth.

Mochiko Waffles 3.5/5

Wrapping up our five-course menu, we have the Mochiko Waffles for dessert. The soft and spongy mochiko waffles come with a scoop of salted lavender caramel ice cream, paired with assorted berries, citrus chantilly, berry compote, and cinnamon crumble.

I observed the kitchen serve different desserts for each group. I guess it gives an element of surprise and variety to the customer. The other dessert is ice cream in a sugar dome with assorted berries.

KM Bagel & Waffle is an interesting and fun concept, pairing bagel and waffles with bespoke cocktails. I enjoyed the food and cocktails. The idea is pretty new to the local scene, but with the food and cocktail on the spot, I hope more people will get to discover it and enjoy it.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


KM Bagel & Waffle
7 Tanjong Pagar Plaza
#02-101
Singapore 081007
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Fri: 5pm - 11pm
Sat: 12pm - 12 midnight
Sun: 12pm - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk towards Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

GelatiAmo @ Connexis Tower, Fusionpolis - Authentic Italian Gelato By Chef Loris Massimini Of Ristorante Pietrasanta

GelatiAmo is a new gelato cafe brought to you by Chef Loris of Ristorante Pietrasanta. Each day, the gelato is churned in a special combi gelato machine from Italy. GelatiAmo's gelato is made without any shortcuts that compromise its integrity, using time-honed techniques and quality ingredients to produce the ideal gelato texture.

Instead of trendy flavours, GelatiAmo focuses on timeless, classic flavours done right. On top of that, it will also introduce store speciality that can't find elsewhere in Singapore. Each scoop is priced at $4.20, while double scoop at $7.80 with an extra $0.80 charge per scoop for premium flavours. An additional $1 for the cone instead of the cup.

Classic flavours include Vanilla, Salted Caramel, Chocolate (made with 76% cacao), Earl Grey, Coconut with Choco Chip, Yogurt Strawberry, Ferrero Rocher, Pistachio and Melted Butter Coffee.

The store speciality comprises the Burrata Balsamico, inspired by the popular cheesecake at Ristorante Pietrasanta. It uses the same 12 Year Old Giuseppe Giusti Balsamic Vinegar for the gelato flavour. In addition, customers can look forward to seasonal rotation such as Champagne Grapefruit, Almond and Turmeric, and Grapefruit sorbet.

Besides having the gelato on its own, customers can choose to serve in Brioche, Square Cinnamon-coated Doughnuts and Waffle.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


GelatiAmo
Connexis
1 Fusionopolis Way
#B1-11
Singapore 138632
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Nearest MRT: One-North (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 11am - 830pm
Sun: 2pm - 830pm

Direction:
1) Alight at One North MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to destination. Journey time about 2 minutes. [Map]

Three Point Two @ Kampong Bahru - Introducing New Durian Delights, Gelato Bun And Craqueline Puffs

Three Point Two at Kampong Bahru is a gelato cafe that offers a range of specially crafted durian delights for durian aficionados. This cafe is the founders' second outlet, following their successful venture Pang Zi Durian at Jurong West. As durian sellers themselves, one can be assured of the quality of durians used in their ice cream and sweet treats.

First-timers visiting Three Point Two may go for Four Heavenly Kings ($16.80), showcasing two D24 Durian Puffs, two MSW Craquelin Puff, two Durian Mochi and one Durian Mousse. Their Durian Mousse ($5.50, additional D24 shot +$1) made quite an impression during my very first visit to Pang Zi Durian. I love the bittersweet dollop of D24 shot atop the mousse, and its sweetness level was quite on point.

The Durian Puffs are like choux pastry. The lightly crisp exterior that comes with an elevated buttery taste complemented the durian mousse. However, for the durian filling, I would prefer more flesh in it for better textural contrast.

The Mochi was all right. The highlight goes to the MSW Craquelin Puff that has a very indulgent buttery, sugary crust.

Waffle is also on the menu to pair with your gelatos. However, for a more interesting experience, or even a more delicious one, in my opinion, go for its Gelato Bun ($4). It is like a blown-up version of the Craquelin Puff that gives twice the pleasure of eating it. We had ours with Pistachio gelato, seemingly quite popular among its regulars.

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.


Three Point Two
85 Kampong Bahru Road
Singapore 169380
Tel: +65 83669952
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Nearest MRT: Outram Park (NE Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun: 12pm - 10pm
Fri-Sat: 12pm - 2am

Direction:
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 5. Walk to New Bridge Road. Left turn and walk down New Bridge Road. Continue onto Kampong Bahru Road. Walk to the row of shophouses along Kampong Bahru Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Firangi Superstar @ Craig Road - Indian Cuisine That Is Authentically Inauthentic

Firangi Superstar at Craig Road is born out of love and memories of the country India. Stepping into the restaurant is a cinematic journey, transporting diners to an Officer's Club, Old Railway Room, Elephant Palace and Jungle Lodge. Here, the food takes classic Indian cuisine in unexpected forms in Head Chef Thiru Gunasakaran's hand, giving it a modern approach.

Chutney & Raita 4/5

We started with some Chutney & Raita (2 for $10++/ 3 for $14++) served with papads and crackers. The house-made chutney and raita selection consist of Roasted Pistachio Chutney, Jackfruit Cucumber Raita, and Garlic Dried Chilli Chutney. It is a delightful starter to go along with some cocktails or drinks before moving to the diner proper.

Scared Samosa 4.2/5

The traditional samosa is given a luxurious touch in the Scared Samosa ($26++). The open-face samosa comprises familiar flavours but with a new perspective, replaced with wagyu beef tartare sandwiched between samosa chips.

This Is Not Aloo Gobi 4.2/5

This Is Not Aloo Gobi ($16++) is a modern, deconstructed version of the Aloo Gobi. It comes with cauliflower in three ways - cauliflower cous cous, cauliflower florets and cauliflower coriander puree. Crispy sliced potatoes are layered with melted ghee and salt in between each layer for a textural uplift with each mouthful.

Sothi Fresh 4.5/5

Sothi is a traditional yellow coconut curry usually cooked with fish. The Sothi Fresh ($22++) is an elevated form paired with ceviche cured in kokum dressing, coconut jelly and shallots. What you get is a firework of flavours.

Beirut Bhatura 4.2/5

The Beirut Bhatura ($12++) comes in a bowl of celeriac hummus topped with chickpea masala, pomegranate seeds and coriander cress, drizzled over with yellow curry oil. The best way to enjoy it is to tear the bhatura (deep-fried leavened bread) into pieces to smear it with the creamy celeriac hummus.

Prata Waffle 4/5

Inspired by chicken and waffle, the chef has created the Prate Waffle ($24++), incorporating the trendy cafe dish into Indian cuisine. Sitting on the base is waffle pressed prata topped with Madras-style fried chicken and fried curry leaves. Jaggery syrup is drizzled onto the crispy and tender fried chicken. Of course, the soul of the dish has to be the butter chicken sauce at the side, giving the dish the Indian identity.

Salvador Thali 4.5/5

The sweetness of the pumpkin is showcased in the Salvador Thali. The pumpkin is marinated in sambhar marinated, oven-roasted, then tandoor charred. Lime pickle, fried salted chilli flakes, quinoa and pumpkin seeds are smothered onto the roasted pumpkin complementing the sweetness and giving it extra texture contrast and enjoyment.

Indian Saddle 4.5/5

The beautiful Tandoori Lamb Saddle ($19++ per 100g) is marinated with spiced yoghurt before cooking in tandoori. It is served with an Indian-inspired chermoula, confit garlic and curry leaves. You don't get that gamey taste, and I probably think the tender lamb is beef if I am blindfolded.

Firangi Naan Basket 4.2/5

Cumin Carrots with Dhal Makhani 4.2/5, Anise-Ghee Rice 4/5

To complete the meal, you can also order some sides, rice and naan to complete your meal. We had the Firangi Naan Basket ($12++), Cumin Carrots with Dhal Makhani ($15++)  and Anise-Ghee Rice ($6++).

Mango Kesari 4/5

I don't usually enjoy Indian desserts as they are extremely sweet. However, at Firangi Superstar, it is well balanced and has textures. The Mango Kesari ($12++) is plated with alphonso mango mousse, cubes of alphonso mango, alphonso tea gel and cream cheese. The steamed semolina cake is then topped with puffed rice, raisins and cashews for that extra textural bite.

Chocolate Jamun 4.2/5

A bed of chocolate mousse sits at the bottom of the Chocolate Jamun ($15++), smothered with gulab jamun crumble and chocolate crunch. it is further dotted with rose patisserie and topped with pistachios, rose petals and house-made cardamon vanilla ice cream.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Firangi Superstar
20 Craig Road
#01-03
Singapore 089692
Tel: +65 63043022
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 230pm, 530pm - 1030pm
Sat: 530pm - 103pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Walk to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road. Walk to Craig Road. Turn left and walk down Craig Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Drunken Farmer @ Stanley Street - All Good Things Come From The Earth

Drunken Farmer, a purveyor of natural wine, has set up a brick and mortar natural wine bar and bistro along Stanley Street. The menu is designed around naturally leavened sourdough with a minimal waste philosophy, pair with natural wines sourced from Europe to South America, advocating making food and wine the natural way. Embedded in each dish are slow-fermented ingredients sourced from close to home and made entirely from scratch by Chef Albert.

Sourdough “Couvert” 3.8/5, Spanish Mackerel Rillette 3.8/5

For a start, we had the Sourdough "Couvert" ($12) and Spanish Mackerel Rillette ($14). The first let us have a taste of their naturally-leavened sourdough loaves untainted, made using a 159-year-old starter, along with house churned butter, pickles fermented from scratch and smoked Maldon salt. The latter is made with whole Spanish mackerel fillets and housemade ricotta, along with chives, butter, olive oil, lemon juice and balsamic vinegar. Having this with the Sourdough "Couvert" complement one another as it is also served with another two housemade dips – a house fermented miso grain mustard, as well as a crème fraiche, finished with green oil made using local herbs and bay leaf salt to balance out the fat.

Squid Ink Crackers 4/5

Squid Ink Crackers ($13) is like a more sophisticated sister of our Asian prawn cracker, served with an extremely umami prawn dip that packs a punch. Heads and shells of prawns that go into the laksa sambal of another dish are repurposed into it, topped with soy-marinated sago pearls to mimic the texture of caviar and as well as a flavour boost.

Sourdough Karaage 3/5

This Sourdough Karaage ($20) may not have the most ideal airy and light crust, but the effort behind it is notable. The crust made with the key ingredients of sourdough discard and TBB Beerguette Beer (a locally produced pilsner-style beer made from upcycled surplus loaves of bread from Tiong Bahru Bakery). The best part to me was the kimchi mayonnaise served at the side. I enjoyed it as I do with yoghurt.

Drunken Farmer's Salad 4.5/5

You can't get any closer to nature with this Drunken Farmer's Salad ($15), a gorgeous plate of fresh salad leaves and herbs from local farms, raw and pickled beetroots and radish, dressed with a light and tangy apple juice reduction and dollops of homemade Greek yoghurt marbled with a reduction of beets juice.

Shrooms & Goat Cheese 4/5

Their Sourdough Pizza is a must-try. We had Shrooms & Goat Cheese ($22) and Anchovy & Pesto ($23). As the goat cheese is house-made, it was mild in a good way as I usually find mushrooms and goat cheese tend to fight against each other. The latter had a good combination of flavours - saltish and briny anchovy mellowed with milky house-made temple stracciatella.

Sourdough Waffle 4.5/5

Summing up our meal was a Sourdough Waffle ($12/$18). It is made using a 159-year-old starter and a two-day fermentation process that allows the natural reaction of wild bacteria between the flour, air and water to take its course. The salted caramel ice cream made entirely out of banana was superb but just too little to go around.

Complementing the food menu is an exhaustive list of over 80 natural, organic, biodynamic and sustainably farmed labels sourced straight from winemakers from France, Italy, Chile and Spain—some of which exclusively imported by Drunken Farmer.

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.


Drunken Farmer
11 Stanley Street
Singapore 068730
Tel: +65 68774855
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sat: 6pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Mon and Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk along the covered walkway until the junction of Mccallum Street and Telok Ayer Street. Turn right onto Mccallum Street and then left onto Stanley Street. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to junction of Telok Ayer Street and Upper Cross Street. Turn left onto Telok Ayer Street. Turn left again onto Boon Tat Street and make a right onto Stanley Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Cat & The Fiddle Cafe - Unveils Its First Cafe At Woods Square

Cat & the Fiddle is pleased to welcome its first café at Woods Square on 9 March 2021! The café will offer a complete range of the brand's well-loved cheesecakes and NEW outlet-exclusive items such as Cheesy Soft Serve and homemade Waffles complemented with aromatic brews from Tad Coffee Company.

Milo Dinosaur 4/5

We had the Milo Dinosaur (Cone: $6.90; Waffles: $12.90) featuring rich, and velvety Cheesy Soft Serve atop fluffy waffles. It is then gloriously cloaked in Milo powder, Milo cereal and chocolate syrup. It is delicately sweet, wonderfully smooth with a hint of savoury. The soft serve is available in a cone or served atop light and crisp waffles that are freshly made-to-order with founder Daniel Tay's proprietary recipe.

Gula Me Gusta cake 4/5

The entire range is available, including favourites such as Gula Me Gusta (Pandan Gula Melaka), Charred Eclipse (Burnt cheesecake) and The Emperor's Romance (Lychee Rose), available in slices and whole cakes. Customers may also pick up their online orders from the café. We had the Gula Me Gusta Cake ($5.90), reminiscent of the traditional ondeh-ondeh. The luscious pandan-infused cream cheese sits on a base of sweet and savoury gula melaka sponge cake, topped with warm and smoky gula melaka glaze as well as a generous sprinkle of grated coconut.

The café offers a comprehensive list of cuppas and bottled cold brews prepared with beans meticulously roasted locally by Tad, as well as a select range of teas and flavoured Drinking Chocolate. We had their Hazelnut Cafe Latte ($6.50) and White Bottled Cold Brew ($5.80).

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.


Cat & the Fiddle Cafe
Solo 2, Woods Square
8 Woodlands Square
#01-15
Singapore 737713
Tel: +65 62870077
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Website
Nearest MRT: Woodlands (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Woodlands MRT station. Take Exit 1 or 2. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]