AIR CCCC @ Dempsey - Unveils New Menu and Local Kitchen Team

I returned to AIR CCCC at Dempsey over the weekend for lunch and was greeted by an exciting, refreshed menu and a new local kitchen team led by Head Chef Part Nongnuch, bringing bold flavours, renewed energy, and an inviting atmosphere that continues to unite people through food, space, and shared experiences.

The restaurant now offers a 3-course weekend lunch set at $68 (starter, main, and dessert) and a 2-course option at $58. We had the 3-course experience.

Sweet Corn from Talula 4.2/5

The Sweet Corn from Talula was an instant hit at our table. A velvety corn chutney, paired with crispy corn husk emping chips, offered a delightful combination of smooth creaminess and vibrant sweetness. Scooping the chutney with the crunchy chips was a simple yet joyful experience.

Ceviche of Local Mahi Mahi 3/5

Thick slices of fresh local Mahi Mahi were served with pink guava for crunch and a zesty sauce for a tangy lift. While the fish was clean-tasting and refreshing, the earthy garden herbs came through a little strongly, slightly overshadowing the otherwise bright and lively flavours.

Purple Potato Flat Bread 4.2/5

A must-add for bread lovers is the Purple Potato Flat Bread. It was crisp on the outside, fluffy within, and served with a deeply savoury Mushroom XO sauce that was utterly addictive.

Charred Spanish Mackerel 4.2/5

Perfectly grilled, the Spanish Mackerel retained its moist texture, with pickled onions adding a sharp brightness and zucchini providing a light, fresh balance. It is a solid choice for seafood enthusiasts.

Kampong Chicken from Ng Ai 3.5/5

Grilled to a smoky char and dressed with smoked chilli oil for a gentle spice, the Kampong Chicken from Ng Ai sat atop a bed of tropical coleslaw that helped cut through its richness. However, the chicken itself leaned slightly dry — a juicier bite would have elevated the experience.

Watermelon Sorbet 4/5

A light and uplifting dessert featuring chilled Watermelon Sorbet layered over Annie’s yoghurt, with candied cashews adding a sweet, nutty crunch. The combination of fruity freshness, creamy tang, and gentle caramel notes made for a satisfying close to the meal.

“Bubur Hitam” Gelato 3.8/5

For something richer, the "Bubur Hitam" Gelato offered earthy depth, balanced by the tanginess of AIR Garden rosella and the chew of heritage rice. It is a thoughtful nod to local flavours with a modern twist.

AIR CCCC's refreshed menu blends creativity, local produce, and global touches under the guidance of Chef Nongnuch. While a couple of dishes could benefit from fine-tuning, the overall experience, from vibrant starters to inventive desserts, makes this a worthwhile lunch destination in Dempsey.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


AIR CCCC
Dempsey Hill
25B Dempsey Road
Singapore 249670
Tel: +65 8228 1528
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Nearest MRT: Napier (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Sun: 530pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Napier MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk to bus stop at Napier Station (Stop ID 13011). Take bus number 7, 75, 77, 105, 106, 123 or 174. Alight 2 stops later. Take the stairs up to Dempsey Road. Turn left and walk to the open air carpark. Walk all the way to the end of the carpark to the entrance of AIR. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Fi Woodfire Thai @ Shaw Centre - Modern Thai Restaurant Focusing On Woodfire-driven Dishes

Fi Woodfire Thai (ไฟ) is a modern Thai restaurant that focuses on using woodfire oven to create dishes that bring both familiarity and excitement. Newly relocated to the Shaw Centre earlier this month, Fi continues its signature woodfire cooking with an expanded menu.

Son-in-Law Eggs 4.5/5

We began our meal with a few new appetisers. A standout appetiser was the Son-in-Law Eggs ($10 for 3). Perfectly executed with crispy edges and oozy, lava-like yolks. The eggs were drizzled with a housemade strawberry tamarind glaze. I would have loved a bit more of that glaze to deepen the flavours.

Grilled Green Mango Salad 2.8/5

The Grilled Green Mango Salad ($12) offered a different take on a Thai classic, using mango chunks instead, and charred them over the woodfire. However, the intended smokiness didn't quite come through, and the grilling unfortunately softened the mango to a texture reminiscent of a non-crunchy apple. The dish overall was also too salty.

Watermelon with Fish Floss 3/5

The Watermelon with Fish Floss ($14), on the other hand, was far more refreshing. Topped with housemade tom yum–seasoned fish floss, the sweet-savoury contrast made it incredibly moreish. However, it felt like it was missing an element to make it more substantial as a dish.

Signature Moo Ping Pork Rib 5/5

The true highlights at Fi come from its woodfire oven, where meats and vegetables are grilled over lychee wood. A must-try is the Signature Moo Ping Pork Rib ($48 for 500g bone-in). Fall-off-the-bone tender, the ribs were richly charred with caramelised edges from rendered fat, giving both texture and flavour a boost. The accompanying nam jim jaew offered a tangy contrast that cut through the richness. I also enjoyed the side of char-grilled sticky rice cake glazed with coconut sugar, which paired well with the hearty meat.

French Poulet 5/5

As much as the ribs impressed, the French Poulet ($32 for half) may be even more crowd-pleasing. Incredibly succulent, it boasted clean, natural flavours. Fi uses organic GGTM French Poulet, freshly delivered daily from Toh Thye San Farm. The chicken is served with a bold chicken liver jaew, though alternatives are available if you prefer to skip the touch of gaminess.

Basil Minced Pork on Charred Eggplant 2.8/5

We also tried the Basil Minced Pork on Charred Eggplant ($18), which leaned a little too sweet and saucy, overpowering the eggplant. I also couldn't quite detect the basil in this rendition.

Pineapple Rice Stack 4/5

From the wok section, we had two hearty dishes, Pineapple Rice Stack ($24) and Drunken Noodles ($14). The fried rice was wholesome with shrimp, spicy chicken floss, crispy egg, and pineapple, which made it satisfying on its own. Hence, I found the topping of ikura and tobiko unnecessary and excessive.

Drunken Noodles 3.8/5

The Drunken Noodles, so named as they pair well with beer, delivered on their promise of rich flavours, packed with garlic, soy sauce, and chilli padi. While it was slightly too sweet for me, overall, I liked how generous it was, loaded with a hearty mix of shrimp, squid, straw mushrooms, baby corn, and long beans.

Fresh Mango with Butterfly Pea Sticky Rice 4.5/5

Desserts were refined and beautifully presented. The Fresh Mango with Butterfly Pea Sticky Rice ($12) paired two varieties of mango - Australian (in compote form) and Thai (fresh) - offering a contrast in both sweetness and texture, which worked perfectly with the butterfly pea-stained sticky rice.

Red Ruby 4/5

The Red Ruby ($12) was a great one to refresh the palate with its light and refreshing profile, delighting a mixture of handmade rubies, sago, strawberries, jackfruit, chia seeds, and coconut flesh, topped with a scoop of coconut gelato. However, the plating felt a bit too shallow for such a dessert.

Steamed Tapioca 4/5

The Steamed Tapioca ($12) may appear more straightforward, but it had a wonderfully sticky, starchy texture that was deeply satisfying.

All in all, while some dishes need more balance and refinement, the well-executed woodfire-driven dishes and some of the more intense flavours offered on the plates carve out a strong identity for Fi Woodfire Thai, which in turn allows the brand to establish a strong foothold at its new location.

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.


Fi Woodfire Thai
Shaw Centre
1 Scotts Road
#03-14/15
Singapore 228208
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours :
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 5pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Take the underpass to Shaw House. Walk to ground level. Walk to Shaw Centre next door. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Fourgather Thai Casual Dining @ Suntec City Mall - An UnFourgather Thai Meal with Its Second Outlet

Following the success of their first outlet at Amoy Hotel, modern Thai restaurant Fourgather officially opened its doors at Suntec City in February 2025. This new 66-seater space introduces an exciting menu that masterfully blends traditional Thai flavours with contemporary Western influences. For the first time, Fourgather also launched a dedicated kid's menu, making it a welcoming dining destination for all ages.

Thai Chrysanthemum, Lemongrass Drink and Thai Milk Tea

We kicked off our meal with three signature Thai beverages: Thai Chrysanthemum ($5.50), Lemongrass Drink ($4.50), and Thai Milk Tea ($4.50). Each drink was well-balanced in flavour, refreshingly aromatic and not overly sweet.

Watermelon Salad V2 4.8/5

The Watermelon Salad V2 ($16.90) was a standout dish. Juicy watermelon slices were topped with a tangy Thai dressing, crisp dried fish and peanuts, creating a perfect balance of sweet, savoury, and mildly spicy flavours. The original version, served at their Amoy Street branch, featured cubed watermelon, but this updated rendition felt even more refined and beautifully presented.

Yum Salmon 3.8/5

The Yum Salmon ($26.90) is a popular Thai dish featuring raw salmon slices tossed in a special Thai sauce. While the flavours were fresh, the choice of salmon cut left something to be desired and we found ourselves wishing for a spicier kick.

Fourgather Pork Party Platter 4.2/5

The Fourgather Pork Party Platter ($35.90) is a must-try for pork lovers. It features a delightful mix of Thai-style Moo Ping, Crispy Pork Belly, Tender Pork Cutlet, and Grilled Pork Jowl. This platter is perfect for sharing (serving 2–3 people). Accompanied by sticky rice, fresh vegetables, and assorted condiments, every bite was flavourful and well-executed.

Prime Sirloin Steak with Sticky Rice and Papaya Salad 3.5/5

For a tableside Aburi show, order the Prime Sirloin Steak with Sticky Rice and Papaya Salad ($47.90). The top-grade sirloin is seared before being torched tableside. It comes with sticky rice, Thai papaya salad and a zesty Nam Jim Jiao sauce. We opted for the Thai style (instead of Plara) with an extra spice option, though the spice level was barely noticeable. You can also upgrade to a more marbled cut for an additional $4, which we did.

Tom Yum Mama Hotpot 3.8/5

Perfect for sharing, the Tom Yum Mama Hotpot ($36.90) serves 3–4 people and is packed with seafood and tender pork simmered in a rich tom yum broth, topped with a soft-cooked egg. While the broth was aromatic, we found ourselves wishing for more spice and tang. Pro tip: Avoid letting the Mama noodles sit for too long, as they tend to get soggy.

Tom Yum Seafood Pasta 4/5

If you prefer a milder tom yum flavour, the Tom Yum Seafood Pasta ($26.90) is a fantastic option. This dish features a fragrant, creamy tom yum sauce tossed with seafood and topped with crispy lemongrass shreds. It is a well-executed fusion dish we truly enjoyed.

Kids Set B

Fourgather's kid-friendly approach includes four different Kids Sets served in adorable car or airplane bowls. Prices start from $11.90, with customisable mains, sides, and drinks. We tried Set B, in which we opted for Thai Fried Rice with a sunny-side-up egg, cheese chicken balls, tater tots, and apple juice. There are four different Kids' Sets for your little ones while the adults indulge in spicier Thai flavours.

Fourgather's extensive menu caters to all palates, offering everything from classic Thai flavours to inventive fusion dishes. The modern yet cosy ambience, accentuated by neon signs and eclectic decor, makes it a great spot for a quick lunch, a casual dinner or a relaxed gathering with friends and family.

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


Fourgather Thai Casual Dining
Suntect City Tower 2
3 Temasek Boulevard
#01-505
Singapore 038983
Tel: +65 8090 7480
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Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC, DT Line), Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

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

2) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Joie @ Orchard Central - Meatless Fine Dining with A Rooftop Dining View

Perched atop Orchard Central, Joie offers a unique fine-dining experience that is not just for vegetarians or vegans. With a creative meatless menu featuring a delightful Korean twist, this upscale restaurant caters to all occasions, whether you're celebrating a memorable moment or simply enjoying a meal with a view.

Surrounded by the lush greenery of a rooftop garden, we were fortunate to be seated at one of the best tables, perfectly positioned to watch the sunset as we enjoyed our dinner.

Welcome Drink, Roasted Korean Sunchoke Tea and Artemisia Tea

We had the 6-Course Dinner, priced at $78++ per person, which includes three starters, a vegetable dish, a main course, and dessert. As there were 2 of us, we had the opportunity to sample all the options available on the course menu.

“Tuna Tartare” 4/5

This dish truly impressed with its creative use of watermelon to mimic tuna. Served with crispy rice paper, sesame powder, egg yolk gel, apricot, and pickled pears, the Tuna Tartare was both appetising and refreshing - a perfect start to the meal.

Joie’s Crispy Layered Fries 4/5

An elevated take on a classic, these Crispy Layered Fries are made with imported potatoes from Holland and served with fermented kimchi, gochujang mayo, and black garlic mayo. Each fry offers a combination of textures and flavours that make every bite unique.

Charcoal Makgeoli Slider 3.8/5

The Charcoal Makgeoli Slider, which includes halloumi cheese sandwiched between charcoal buns, comes in two pieces per person. The combination of pickled radish, arugula, kimchi puree, and the signature egg yolk gel make this dish enjoyable, although not a standout.

“Ddukgalbi” Century Scotch Egg 4/5

An additional starter from the ala carte menu we get to try was the "Ddukgalbi" Century Scotch Egg, a unique twist on the traditional British dish made with century egg. Paired with gochujang and black garlic mayo, this dish is a must-try for century egg lovers.

Grilled Roots Vegetables 2.8/5

Heirloom Cherry Tomato Salad & Burratina 3/5

We had both vegetable options on the menu, but unfortunately, both dishes were underwhelming compared to our starters. The Grilled Root Vegetables are tough and lacking flavour. As for the Heirloom Cherry Tomato Salad & Burratina, while the sweet cherry tomatoes were enjoyable, the burrata was unfortunately dry. The dish was garnished with olive oil powder, a unique touch, though it didn't elevate the overall experience.

Mapadubu Lasagna 3/5

Grilled Summer Mushroom Steak 4/5

We also got both options for the mains on the course menu. Despite being inspired by mapo tofu, the Mapadubu Lasagna lacked the distinct flavours of the dish. The texture of the lasagna sheets was inconsistent; they were soft in some areas and tough in others, which detracted from the overall enjoyment.

The Grilled Summer Mushroom Steak was the highlight of the main courses. Served on a hot plate with homemade black pepper sauce, the monkey head mushroom's texture closely mimicked a steak, making this a satisfying dish.

Burnt Basque Cheese Cake 3/5

Unfortunately, the Burnt Basque Cheese Cake served with an Oreo crust, and homemade milk ice cream was too dense, more reminiscent of a New York cheesecake than a Basque-style one. It was enjoyable but could be lighter in texture. Joie has recently added a new dessert option to the menu - Black Sesame Ice Cream - which was unavailable at our visit.

Joie also offers other set lunch and dinner options daily:

• 3-Course: $38++ per person (lunch only, Monday to Friday except public holidays and eve of public holidays)
• 5-Course: $58++ per person
• 6-Course: $78++ per person
• 8-Course: $98++ per person (available for both lunch and dinner)

The spacious restaurant includes four private dining rooms, perfect for hosting special gatherings.

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


Joie
Orchard Central
#12-01
181 Orchard Road
Singapore 238896
Tel: +65 9663 0901
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit C or D. Walk to Orchard Central. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

True Cost @ Suntec City - Rooftop Restaurant and Bar Overlooking Suntec City Offering Asian and Modern European Flavours

True Cost in Suntec City's Sky Garden prides itself on offering diners food and alcohol at low markups. The menu primarily features Asian and Modern European flavours, complemented by an extensive beverage list, which includes house-made cocktails, mocktails, wines, spirits, and beers.

The rooftop restaurant and bar provide a scenic overlook of Suntec City, with gorgeous natural sunlight pouring in during the day.

For a complimentary entry, visiting between 3pm to 5pm on weekdays and 9pm to 10pm daily is best. Outside these times, a moderate entrance fee of $5 per person for lunch between 12pm and 3pm and $10 per person for dinner between 5pm and 9pm. However, there's a 50% discount on the fees daily from 5pm if you opt for bar seating.

Watermelon Ceviche 3.8/5

We began with the refreshing Watermelon Ceviche ($9). The combination of tomatoes, feta cheese, pecans, olive oil, and watermelon created a delightful mix of textures and flavours. The fragrant and crunchy pecans were a standout.

Octopus Carpaccio 2.8/5

Next, we tried the Octopus Carpaccio ($15.95), which was unfortunately less impressive. The sliced octopus, tossed in a bright orange dressing with tahini, sundried tomatoes, and za'atar, was too chewy and tough. At its price point, it felt slightly overpriced.

BBQ Pork Ribs 4/5

True Cost's BBQ Pork Ribs ($18.50) appeared to be a popular choice among diners. Served alongside grilled corn and kimchi cucumbers, the fall-off-the-bone ribs had a pleasant hint of smokiness. Although the slightly spiced corn was a touch dry, the overall dish was satisfying.

Crab Linguini 4/5

For our second main dish, we had the Crab Linguine ($22). The al dente linguine was tossed in a rich, savoury, buttery bisque sauce with ample crab meat.

Baklava Sundae 4.2/5

Dessert was the Greek-inspired Baklava Sundae ($11), which was made with a base of sunflower seed mousse, pistachio ice cream, and cherry syrup drizzled over. We broke into the thin, super flaky pastry and were pleasantly surprised by the balanced sweetness. The layered textures - from the crushed nuts and crisp pastry to the nutty sunflower seed mousse and tangy cherry syrup, were delightful. While a richer pistachio ice cream would have been preferred, it worked good as a sharing dessert to end the meal.

Reservations to the restaurant can be made at their official website, https://www.truecostsingapore.com/.

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.


True Cost
Suntec City
SkyGarden
#03-302/303
3 Temasek Boulevard
Tel: +65 88940615
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Nearest MRT: Esplanade (CC Line), Promenade (CC, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 10.30pm

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

2) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]