Hello Arigato @ Seng Poh Road - Japanese-Inspired Sandos, Comforting Pasta and Casual Dinner Bites

Since 2021, Hello Arigato has been serving Japanese-inspired sandos that keep diners coming back for more. With six outlets across Singapore, each offering its own outlet-exclusive dishes, the homegrown café has refreshed its menu to bring together some of its most-loved creations from across the neighbourhoods, alongside updated recipes and new additions. The refreshed menu features signature sandos, beloved pasta dishes, savoury sides, and favourites from its matcha and coffee line-up, now available across all locations.

Arigato Fried Chicken 5/5

We visited the Tiong Bahru outlet, which has recently introduced a dinner menu featuring Japanese-inspired tapas and alcoholic beverages, offering diners a chance to wind down over casual bites and drinks. We started with the Arigato Fried Chicken, featuring deboned chicken wings stuffed with juicy tsukune filling. The batter was crunchy and well seasoned, while the chicken stayed juicy and succulent with every bite.

Tomato & Watermelon Salad 3/5

The Tomato & Watermelon Salad ($16) featured dashi-marinated mixed tomatoes and compressed watermelon, served with stracciatella cheese and golden raisin purée, and finished with extra virgin olive oil. The combination of compressed watermelon and creamy stracciatella was refreshing, though I found the dashi-marinated tomatoes slightly unusual.

Big Fish Sando 4.5/5

Moving on to the brand's signature sandos, the Big Fish Sando ($22), previously exclusive to the Joo Chiat and Cross Street outlets, has become one of Hello Arigato's best-selling offerings. It was easy to see why. The halibut fish katsu was moist and flaky, complemented by Japanese tartar sauce, tobiko mayo, American cheddar, pickled onions and shredded cabbage, all sandwiched between soft Japanese milk bread. The combination of textures and sauces made this a satisfying bite.

Porkatsu Sando 3/5

The Porkatsu Sando ($24) features 12-hour sous vide Kurobuta pork collar katsu with a special tonkatsu sauce. The sauce gave the sando an addictive umami flavour, though the pork was a tad dry at the edges.

Wild Kinoko Pasta 4/5

From the pasta selection, the Wild Kinoko Pasta ($18) is a vegetarian-friendly option featuring spaghetti tossed in shoyu butter sauce with assorted mushrooms. I appreciated the savoury shoyu butter base, which offered a welcome alternative to the cream-based mushroom pastas commonly found elsewhere. Crispy kale and mushrooms added extra textural contrast.

Kurobuta Ragu Pasta 4/5

Another pasta worth trying is the Kurobuta Ragu Pasta ($22), updated with ribbons of mafalda pasta in place of rigatoni. The chewy pasta ribbons worked well with the rich, slow-cooked pork ragù, enriched with confit garlic and stracciatella cheese. Basil coulis added freshness, balancing the sauce's richness.

Yuzu Highball, Ginger & Lemon Highball

For alcoholic beverages, the highballs are particularly affordable during happy hour, and we tried the Yuzu ($10) and Ginger Lemon ($10) versions. Both made refreshing accompaniments to the food.

Coconut Orh Nee Cloud, Matcha Orh Nee Cloud

We also tried 2 Tiong Bahru-exclusive drinks: Coconut Orh Nee Cloud ($5.50), an aromatic concoction of 100% natural coconut water topped with Taro Cold Foam. We equally enjoyed the Matcha Orh Nee Cloud ($8.50), featuring Matcha Latte topped with Taro Cold Foam.

The Tiong Bahru outlet's dinner menu adds another dimension to the cafe experience, with Japanese-inspired bites and wallet-friendly happy hour highballs, making it a great option for a casual evening out.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Hello Arigato
58 Seng Poh Road
#01-15
Singapore 160058
Tel: +65 8027 2558
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Nearest MRT: Havelock (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 9am – 4pm, 530pm – 9pm
Sat-Sun: 8am – 4pm, 530pm – 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Havelock MRT station. Take Exit 1 or 2. Walk down Zion Road to Tiong Bahru Road. At the traffic junction of Zion Road and Tiong Bahru Road, cross the road and turn right onto Seng Poh Road. Walk down Seng Poh Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 6 minutes. [Map]

Fireplace by Bedrock @ One Holland Village - Launches Refreshed Set Lunch with Wood-Fired Claypot Rice

Fireplace by Bedrock at One Holland Village has refreshed its 2-Course Set Lunch, offering diners a selection of comforting mains with a complimentary starter. Available Monday to Saturday, 11.30am to 3pm (excluding public holidays), the set lunch starts from $24. A highlight of the refreshed menu is the new Wood-Fired Claypot Rice collection, which gives the familiar local comfort dish an elevated twist with the restaurant’s signature wood-fire cooking technique.

Watermelon Feta Salad 4/5

Diners can choose between the Watermelon Feta Salad and Baby Gem as their starter. The Watermelon Feta Salad combines refreshing watermelon with cucumber, red onion, pine nuts and feta cheese, dressed in a coriander lime dressing. Light and refreshing, the salad offers a pleasant balance of sweetness, tanginess and savoury notes from the feta cheese. It was a lovely way to whet the appetite before the mains.

Baby Gem 4.2/5

The Baby Gem was another appealing starter, with fresh, crunchy lettuce topped with crispy bacon and Parmigiano Reggiano. The slight char on the baby gem added subtle smokiness, while the bacon and cheese provided a savoury punch that complemented the lettuce's natural freshness. Simple yet well-executed, this was an appetising start to the meal.

Fireplace by Bedrock introduces five variations of Wood-Fired Claypot Rice to its lunch menu, offering a contemporary take on this familiar comfort dish. The selection includes Chicken & Sausage ($24), Oxtail ($26), Burnt Ends ($26), Barramundi ($28) and Wagyu Petite Tender ($36).

Oxtail Wood-Fired Claypot Rice 3.8/5

I went for the Oxtail Wood-Fired Claypot Rice ($26). The rice is cooked first, then portioned into individual claypots and finished over the wood fire. This technique creates a golden crust at the base while imparting a subtle smoky aroma. Each claypot is then topped with the restaurant’s house-made Hot Soy Shio Kombu Butter, which melts into the rice, adding buttery richness and an extra layer of umami.

The combination of smoky rice and savoury butter made for a flavourful bowl, although I found the rice texture a little too moist for my liking. I personally prefer claypot rice with drier grains and a more pronounced crispy crust at the bottom. Nevertheless, the Wood-Fired Claypot Rice collection offers an interesting alternative for diners looking for something different from the usual grilled mains.

6-Hour Wood-Fired Pork Belly

Beyond the claypot rice selection, the menu also features other mains, including grilled meats and wood-fired burgers. For our other main, we opted for the 6-Hour Wood-Fired Pork Belly ($38).

The pork belly came with delightfully crispy skin and tender, juicy meat beneath. Smoked apple ketchup balanced the pork's richness, while pickled watermelon rind added a refreshing tang that cut through the fat. A touch of coriander rounded off the dish, bringing freshness to the overall combination. It was a satisfying option for those who prefer a hearty meat-centric main.

For those who would like to end their meal on a sweet note, diners can add the Ice Cream of the Day with Coffee or Tea for an additional $7. We tried both the vanilla and chocolate flavours, served in generous scoops with cereals for an added crunch.

The vanilla was a classic choice, while the chocolate offered a richer alternative. The contrast between the creamy ice cream and crunchy cereals made for a simple yet enjoyable dessert to round off the meal. Paired with a cup of coffee or tea, it was a pleasant way to conclude lunch.

Ice Cream of the Day + Coffee/Tea 4/5

Fireplace by Bedrock’s refreshed 2-Course Set Lunch at One Holland Village offers a range of options for a satisfying midday meal, with prices starting from $24 and a complimentary starter included. The new Wood-Fired Claypot Rice collection brings an interesting twist to a familiar local favourite. Meanwhile, the 6-Hour Wood-Fired Pork Belly stands out for its crispy skin, tender meat, and well-balanced accompaniments.

Whether you are in the mood for a comforting claypot rice, a hearty meat dish or a casual lunch with colleagues and friends, Fireplace by Bedrock offers a variety of choices in a contemporary dining setting. The optional ice cream and coffee or tea add-on is also worth considering if you have time for a leisurely lunch.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Fireplace by Bedrock
One Holland Village
7 Holland Village Way
#03-27/28
Singapore 275748
Tel: +65 9337 7491
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Nearest MRT: Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm
Fri-Sat: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm

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. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

Cygnet by Sean Connolly @ QT Singapore - $1 Oyster Promotion with The Purchase of Any Main Course

Tucked away in the heart of QT Singapore, Cygnet by Sean Connolly is a stylish and sophisticated dining spot that brings modern brasserie fare to the table with finesse. With its elegant yet welcoming space, Cygnet makes for a fantastic dinner destination - made even more enticing by its $1 oyster promotion, available from 5.30pm to 7.30pm, Monday to Saturday, with the purchase of any main course. There's no cap on how many you can order, so oyster lovers, rejoice.

Homemade Milk Loaf 4.5/5

We began our meal with the Homemade Milk Loaf ($6 for an extra portion), and it was hands down one of the best we've tried. Served warm and soft, with a delightfully fluffy interior, the bread was accompanied by butter and vegemite. While they usually serve it as a vegemite-butter blend, we were informed that an electrical issue during our visit meant they had to serve it separately. Nonetheless, it was a comforting and satisfying start to our meal.

Copenhagen Bla Sparkling Tea 3.8/5

For a non-alcoholic option, we were recommended the Copenhagen Blå Sparkling Tea ($18), which offers a refreshing, lightly floral profile. Reminiscent of champagne, it's a great alternative if you're avoiding alcohol but still want something elegant and complex.

Watermelon Salad 4/5

Raw Tuna Crudo 2.8/5

We sampled two cold starters: the Watermelon Salad ($24) and the Raw Tuna Crudo ($26). The former was bright and vibrant, featuring juicy watermelon chunks, feta, tomato, and a splash of Chardonnay vinegar. It was a refreshing and well-balanced starter.

Unfortunately, the Tuna Crudo didn't quite hit the mark. Despite being beautifully plated with thinly sliced tuna, pink pomelo, fennel pollen, and capers, the dish lacked seasoning and depth. The flavours felt muted and didn't quite come together.

Oysters 4/5

The Japanese Oysters were undeniably fresh and plump, served simply with lemon and a mignonette dressing. At just $1 each with any main order, this is one of the best oyster deals in town. And with no limit on the number you can order, it's a true treat for seafood lovers.

Rump Cap 4/5

Our main highlight was the Rump Cap ($48), featuring a 200g cut of F1 Picanha Wagyu from Australia. It was grilled to a beautiful medium doneness and paired with a rich red wine jus. It was flavourful, tender and satisfying.

Roasted Seabass Gnocchi 2.5/5

In contrast, the Roasted Seabass Gnocchi ($32) fell short of expectations. While the crispy skin on the seabass was well-executed, the overall dish was underwhelming. The ricotta gnocchi and fish lacked texture and seasoning, and the salsa verde topping didn't lift the flavours as hoped. It was the weakest dish of the night, though we've shared our feedback with the team and hope to see an improved version in the future.

Crème Caramel 4/5

We ended the meal on a sweet note with the Crème Caramel ($18). Silky and slightly dense, the pudding had a creamy richness with a subtle burnt caramel flavour. It wasn't overly sweet, and the Chantilly cream added a lovely lightness to the dish.

Chocolate Fondant 4/5

The Chocolate Fondant ($18) is a must for those who prefer bolder flavours. It features a gooey chocolate lava centre topped with Maraschino cherries and served with vanilla bean gelato. It is rich, indulgent, and not cloyingly sweet, just the way a good fondant should be.

Cygnet by Sean Connolly offers a promising dining experience with a few standout dishes and a stunning space that's perfect for a casual dinner or special night out. The $1 oyster deal is a major draw, and there's precise attention to quality ingredients throughout the menu. While not every dish wowed us, the highlights certainly warrant a revisit, and we look forward to seeing how the menu continues to evolve.

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


Cygnet by Sean Connolly
QT Singapore
35 Robinson Road
Singapore 068876
Tel: +65 6701 6833
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Nearest MRT: Downtown (DT Line), Shenton Way (TE Line), Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Fri: 630am - 1030am, 12pm - 3pm, 530pm - 11pm
Sat: 530pm - 11pm
(Closed on Sun and Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Downtown MRT station. Take Exit E. Turn left and walk down Marina View. Turn right onto Commerce Street. Walk down Commerce Street to the traffic junction Shenton Way and Tat Street. Cross the road and walk down Tat Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Shenton Way MRT station. Take Exit 6 . Cross the road and walk down Mccallum Street. Turn right onto Robinson Road. Walk down Robinson Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk down Cross Street. Turn right onto Robinson Road. Walk down Robinson Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Berlin65 @ Stanley Street - Serving Up an Authentic Experience from the Understated, Unassuming and 'Underground' City of Berlin

Nestled in the heart of Telok Ayer, Berlin65 stands out as a unique establishment that celebrates Berlin's multicultural food scene. With a fusion of German classics, Asian street food, and Middle-Eastern dishes, dining here promises a convivial experience. Co-founded by Chef Stephan Zoisl, currently leading Chef's Table by Chef Stephan in Singapore, and Lorenz Raich, Group Executive Chef at Brtzeit, Berlin65 offers a diverse and authentic experience of Berline food.

Watermelon & Cherry Tomatoes Salad 4.2/5

To start, the Watermelon & Cherry Tomatoes Salad ($18) presents a refreshing medley of diced watermelon, cherry tomatoes, sliced onions, basil, mint, and parsley. The addition of feta cheese adds a touch of saltiness, while a vibrant drizzle of olive oil and lemon ties it all together, creating a harmonious blend of flavours.

Konigsberger Kopse 4/5

For a hearty and homely dish, the Konigsberger Kopse ($16) delights with tender veal and beef meatballs bathed in a traditional white roux infused with tangy capers.

Simit Bread 4/5

A first-time encounter with Simit Bread ($4.50) reveals a Turkish delight dusted with sesame, perfectly paired with a spicy tomato dip. Its soft and chewy texture, reminiscent of a bagel, makes for a delightful indulgence.

Currywurst 4.2/5

No Berlin experience is complete without the iconic Currywurst ($16), featuring plump pork sausages smothered in a rich, homemade sauce of German-style curry powder, tomato paste, and ketchup — an absolute treat for sausage lovers.

The Banh Mi 3.5/5

The 1972 Berlin Original 3/5

The Doner Kebab, a beloved street food in Berlin, takes centre stage in the Banh Mi ($18) and The 1972 Berlin Original ($18). The well-marinated chicken, cooked on a vertical rotisserie, is sandwiched between pita bread, complemented by an assortment of vegetables. While both versions impress, the Banh Mi stands out with its piquant flavors comprising pate, pickles, sriracha, and coriander.

Adana Kebab - Mixed Beef & Lamb 3.5/5

Another highlight is the Adana Kebab ($26), featuring mixed beef and lamb hand-minced meat shaped onto skewers and grilled to perfection. Served with fragrant basmati rice, shredded onions, and pickles, the lamb variant steals the show with its juicy tenderness.

Berliner 4.2/5

To round off the meal, the Berliner ($8) offers a classic German donut experience with a choice of indulgent fillings such as vanilla bean custard, strawberry jam, or apricot jam. Dusted with a generous sprinkle of powdered sugar, this sweet treat is the perfect ending to a satisfying journey to the streets of Berlin.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Berlin65
30 Stanley Street
Singapore 068739
Tel: +65 9788 4230
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 11:30am - 11pm
(Closed on 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]