Din Tai Fung (鼎泰豐) @ Paragon - Ring in the Christmas Holidays with Din Tai Fung’s Steamed Lola Lava Chocolate Bun

Din Tai Fung’s festive favourite, the Steamed Lola Lava Chocolate Bun, makes its long-awaited return this holiday season.

Available at all outlets islandwide from 1 November to 31 December 2025, this sweet treat is back to spread some chocolatey cheer.

Steamed Lola Lava Chocolate Bun 4/5

The Steamed Lola Lava Chocolate Bun ($4/piece, $11.40/3 pieces) features a soft, pillowy bun encasing a molten chocolate centre that oozes with every bite. It’s rich yet balanced in sweetness, without being cloying.

Oriental Salad in Special Vinegar Dressing 4/5

Beyond the festive offering, we also had a few of Din Tai Fung’s classic dishes. The Oriental Salad in Special Vinegar Dressing is always our go-to starter, being refreshing, tangy and savoury all at once. It’s a good sharing starter.

Steamed Pork Xiao Long Bao 4/5

No visit to Din Tai Fung is complete without the crowd favourite Steamed Pork Xiao Long Bao. Each delicate ‘bao’ features thin skin that holds tender, juicy pork and a burst of well-seasoned broth.

Steamed Chilli Crab & Pork Buns 3.8/5

The Steamed Chilli Crab & Pork Buns were fluffy and served piping hot. Though we wished for a bit more filling, the blend of savoury pork and mildly spicy chilli crab sauce made for a fun, locally inspired twist

Oriental Wantons with Black Vinegar & Chilli Oil 3.8/5

The Oriental Wantons with Black Vinegar & Chilli Oil were decent, with a pork filling and tossed in an appetising vinegar and chilli oil mix.

Noodle with Spicy Sauce 3.8/5

While the Noodle with Spicy Sauce had addictive spice, we wished it came with more ingredients to pair with it.

Fried Rice with Pork Chop & Eggs 4/5

The diners from our neighbouring table ordered a plate of fried rice each, and it’s a testament to how popular Din Tai Fung’s Fried Rice is. We like how it is always consistently seasoned, fragrant and well-fried. Our favourite rendition is with their hearty pork chop, but you can also opt for it plain, with shrimps, shredded pork, and even truffles.

Dry Noodles Tossed in Scallion Oil with Shredded Pork 4/5

It was our first time trying the Dry Noodles Tossed in Scallion Oil with Shredded Pork, and we became new fans. The springy noodles were well-coated in aromatic scallion oil and topped with shredded pork.

Beverages

For beverages, we tried the Earl Grey Ice Lemon Tea and the new Four Seasons Tea with Peach Gum. Both were surprisingly tasty, albeit a little too sweet.

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.


Din Tai Fung (鼎泰豐)
Paragon Shopping Centre
#B1 - 03
290 Orchard Road
Singapore 238859
Tel: +65 6836 8336
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Mon: 11am - 9pm
Fri-Sat: 11am - 9.15pm

Direction:
1. Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to ground level. Turn left onto Orchard Road. Walk down Orchard Road. At the traffic junction of Orchard Road and Orchard Link, cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 2 or 3. Proceed to the road level. Walk down Orchard Road until the junction of Orchard Road and Orchard Link. Cross the road and walk to Paragon. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Issho Izakaya @ Marina One - Second Outlet with Lunch & Dinner Omakase Experiences from $68

Issho Izakaya has recently opened its second outlet at Marina One. In addition to their standard menu, this new outlet offers lunch and dinner omakase experiences, starting from $68, with options ranging from 8 to 11 courses.

Bonito Walnut

Homemade Tofu

We tried the 11+ course dinner omakase ($128), beginning with a trio of appetisers. The Bonito Walnut was crunchy and addictive with deep umami notes. The Homemade Tofu had a light, creamy mouthfeel, subtly flavoured with an aromatic corn sauce, which could have been less starchy.

Horse Mackerel with Seaweed Somen

The Horse Mackerel with Seaweed Somen brought an intriguing contrast of savoury crunch and briny strands of “seaweed noodles.” A touch of vinegar helped balance the brininess.

Sashimi 5/5

The Sashimi course was a highlight, featuring five indulgent belly cuts: Toro, Kanpachi Belly, Tai Belly, Kajiki Belly, and Salmon Belly, each unctuous with a lingering fullness.

Prawn Wanton in Black Vinegar 2.5/5

A local fusion touch came next with Prawn Wanton in Black Vinegar, reminiscent of chilli oil dumplings. The flavours were familiar and enjoyable, but the thick, slightly stiff wanton skin and the lack of a juicy filling were a letdown.

Tai 4.5/5

The Grilled Tai course delighted with its tender, flaky flesh and beautifully crispy scales. A squeeze of Japanese lime added a refreshing citrus lift.

Chilli Crab 4.5/5

Fusion continued into the Agemono course with their take on Chilli Crab, featuring fried soft-shell crab served alongside housemade chilli sauce and toast. The batter was light and airy, keeping the crab succulent. The sauce struck a delicate balance of sweetness and heat, making this dish a pleasant surprise.

Miyazaki A5 with Foie Gras Miso 3.5/5

The Miyazaki A5 with Foie Gras Miso followed. The desired beef flavour was there, but the texture and mouthfeel were slightly drier than expected. The accompanying grilled vegetables were full of flavour, and what I also loved about the dish was the savoury miso served at the side, which was infused with a subtle hint of foie gras funk that enhanced the flavour of the beef up a notch.

Cheese Kani 2.8/5

Instead of the usual temaki and rice course, we were served Cheese Kani and Beef Noodle with Clam Soup. The Cheese Kani, layered with gooey cheese, macaroni, and ikura, leaned indulgent but heavy, overshadowing the natural sweetness of the crab.

Beef Noodle 3.5/5

The Beef Noodle, a local interpretation of Japanese ingredients, was tasty, though a touch of grated yuzu zest could have brightened the richness and tied it more seamlessly to the overall theme. I reckon a less saucier Rice course would have given a much more cohesive flow of the omakase experience. The accompanying clam soup, while pleasant, could have carried more depth.

Dessert

Dessert was simple yet satisfying with sweet and juicy melon.

The fusion take on the omakase was refreshing and delivered a few standout dishes. That said, a stronger emphasis on seasonal ingredients, a more defined progression of courses, and greater refinement in execution would have elevated the experience into something truly memorable.

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.


Issho Izakaya
Marina One Show Gallery
West Tower
5 Straits View
#01-14
Singapore 018935
Tel: +65 6592 8876
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Shenton Way (TE Line), Marina Bay (CC, NS, TE Line), Downtown (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am – 3pm, 530pm – 10pm
Sat-Sun & PH: 11am – 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Shenton Way MRT station. Take Exit 1 or 5. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Marina Bay MRT station, Take Exit 1. Walk to Marina Way. Cross the road and walk to destination. [Map]

3) Alight at Downtown MRT station. Take Exit D or E. Walk to Straits View Road. Walk down Straits View Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Din Tai Fung (鼎泰豐) @ Punggol Coast Mall - New Outlet, 3 Exciting New Dished and Exclusive Merchandise

The iconic Taiwanese restaurant Din Tai Fung (鼎泰豐), beloved for its artfully handmade Xiao Long Bao, has opened a brand-new outlet at Punggol Coast Mall. To mark this occasion, Din Tai Fung has unveiled three brand-new dishes, now available at all outlets across Singapore. Available for dine-in, takeaway and delivery via Deliveroo, Foodpanda and GrabFood.

Adding an extra touch of excitement, the Punggol Coast branch is the first in Singapore to carry Din Tai Fung's exclusive retail merchandise, specially imported from Taiwan. Fans can now bring home charming collectables like the Din Tai Fung Chopsticks 平安筷, Mascot Plush Toys 包仔娃娃, Enamel Pins 微章 and more, perfect for gifting or as a souvenir for loyal diners.

Noodle with Crispy Wanton in Spicy Sauce 3/5

The new Noodle with Crispy Wanton in Spicy Sauce ($15.30) is tossed in a bold, spicy sauce and topped with crispy wantons. The noodles are springy and cooked to the ideal bite. However, we found the sauce to be a bit milder than expected, lacking the robust, aromatic heat that we had hoped for. The wantons add a textural crunch, but their petite size leaves more to be desired. It's a decent dish, but it could be more impactful in terms of flavour.

Black Sesame Mochi Xiao Long Bao 2.8/5

We were especially eager to try this dessert twist on Din Tai Fung's famous Xiao Long Bao. The Black Sesame Mochi Xiao Long Bao ($25.60 for 6 pc) is filled with fragrant, nutty black sesame and mochi. While the filling is aromatic and indulgent, the thick skin makes it rather challenging to chew. We recommend eating it immediately while piping hot, which helps slightly with texture, but be cautious as the filling can be scalding. It's a fun concept, but the execution didn't quite meet our expectations.

Steamed Chinese Style Layered Cake with Chocolate Dipping Sauce 3/5

This East-meets-West dessert combines a classic Chinese Steamed Layered Cake ($5.80/2pcs) with a side of Chocolate Dipping Sauce ($3, currently $2 from 1 May to 30 June). The cake itself has a unique texture, falling somewhere between a Chinese sponge cake and fluffy bread, with a subtle sweetness. When paired with the not-too-sweet chocolate sauce, it creates a comforting and unexpected fusion of flavours. It's a fun dessert to share, especially for those curious to try something different.

Oriental Salad 4/5

Pork Xiao Long Bao 3.8/5

Two staples we can't skip at Din Tai Fung are the Oriental Salad ($6) and Pork Xiao Long Bao ($12.80 for 10 pieces). The Oriental Salad is refreshing and crunchy, lightly tossed in a tangy sesame dressing that awakens the palate, always the perfect starter. As for the Pork Xiao Long Bao, it's what Din Tai Fung is famous for, with each dumpling meticulously pleated, filled with a juicy pork filling and a burst of flavourful broth. While the skin was slightly thicker than usual on our visit, it remains a comforting classic that satisfies every time.

Prawn Pancake 4/5

If you haven't tried the Prawn Pancake ($11.80), you're missing out. This crispy, golden delight is packed with chunky prawn paste and pan-fried to perfection. It's crunchy on the outside, succulent inside and incredibly addictive.

Shrimp Fried Rice 4/5

Pork Chop Fried Rice 4/5

Din Tai Fung's fried rice consistently meets your expectations, whether it's the Shrimp Fried Rice ($15) or the Pork Chop Fried Rice ($14.30); it never disappoints. Both versions feature fluffy, fragrant egg fried rice. The Shrimp Fried Rice is generously topped with fresh, bouncy shrimp, while the Pork Chop Fried Rice comes with a well-seasoned pork chop that's juicy and tender. Either option delivers on flavour and comfort, making them our top picks for a hearty main.

Located in the brand-new Punggol Coast Mall, this Din Tai Fung outlet offers a bright and spacious dining environment that’s perfect for a relaxing meal. Drop by whether you’re here to check out their newest dishes or stock up on adorable Din Tai Fung merch.

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


Din Tai Fung (鼎泰豐)
Punggol Coast Mall
88 Punggol Way
#01-126/127
Singapore 829913
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Punggol Coast (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 11am - 9pm
Fri-Sun: 11am - 915pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Punggol Coast MRT station. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Wo Wo Dian (窝窝店) @ City Hall - Steamed Bun and Rice Noodles Specialist Brings 16 New Seasonal Dishes to Welcome Autumn

Chinese casual restaurant Wo Wo Dian 窝窝店 joined the vibrant dining scene in the basement of Raffles City earlier this year. Now, they are introducing 16 seasonal dishes to celebrate the Autumn season.

With a 130-year culinary legacy from Mianyang, Sichuan, the restaurant is renowned for its steamed buns and rice noodles, alongside a variety of mini hot pots, snacks, and desserts, offering a well-rounded dining experience.

The complimentary hot tea and condiments from the self-service counter were a nice touch, though we wished the water had been hotter for optimal tea steeping.

Double Blessing Yuan Yang Century Eggs 3.8/5

We were quickly served with the Double Blessing Yuan Yang Century Eggs ($9.90) to start. It featured chilled creamy century eggs in two ways, in chilli oil and a pepper-based oil.

Fresh Chilli Chicken Bun 4.5/5

You should definitely try their famous steamed buns when you are here. We tried the Fresh Chilli Chicken Bun ($6.90), a newly introduced flavour. All buns at Wo Wo Dian are made with its signature recipe of using traditional sourdough, resulting in a bun texture that is fluffy and soft yet carries a bit of a chew. This flavourful chicken filling is laced with addictive ground chilli.

Chinese Red Sour Soup Seafood Pot 3.5/5

Another new dish on the menu is the Chinese Red Sour Soup Seafood Pot ($29.90), boasting a tangy and spicy broth filled with prawns, squid, and clams. This is best shared and paired with rice, as it can get quite salty.

Signature Golden Crispy Wantons 4/5

We first had the crunchy Signature Golden Crispy Wantons ($9.90) with a savoury meat centre for sides.

Signature Golden Crispy Chicken Mid Wings 4/5

We also had the Signature Golden Crispy Chicken Mid Wings ($7.90), which were marinated thoroughly and remained juicy inside despite its golden crisp. Both sides were served with dried chilli powder for that extra kick.

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.


WO WO DIAN (窝窝店)
Raffles City Shopping Centre
252 North Bridge Road
B1-13/14/15
Singapore 179103
Tel: +65 6513 5598
Facebook
Instagram
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon–Thu: 1130am – 9pm
Fri–Sun: 1130am – 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]