CUDO @ Stanley Street - Modern Comfort Food with Latin Soul

Located along Stanley Street, CUDO is the latest bold concept by the team behind Siri House and Moxie. Rooted in the spirit of modern Latin American cuisine, CUDO draws on bold, comforting flavours reimagined through a contemporary lens. With Chef Steve at the helm, the menu offers a vibrant medley of dishes inspired by his culinary travels and nostalgic eats, all given a fresh, creative twist.

Torched Truffadito 4.5/5

We began our dinner on a high note with the Torched Truffadito ($25). This refreshing small plate features thick slices of Japanese yellowtail, macerated in soy sauce and gently torched for a touch of smokiness. Finished with chipotle aioli, pickled cucumber, and radish, the dish is a beautiful balance of freshness, savoury, and zesty crunch.

Warm Crab Queso 4.2/5

The Warm Crab Queso ($18) is CUDO's take on a classic cheese dip, elevated with luxurious touches. The dip combines cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream, smoked mozzarella, and chilli cheddar, infused with Worcestershire, Tabasco, and white onion confit. Sakura ebi oil and crispy ebi add an umami punch, while zucchini and lump crab bring freshness and texture. It is perfect when scooped up with the accompanying fried tortillas.

Calabaza 4.2/5

A vegetarian delight, the Calabaza ($12) spotlights roasted Japanese pumpkin with a smoky chipotle aioli spiked with yuzu kosho. The sweetness of the pumpkin is complemented by pomegranate molasses, salty cotija cheese, and pistachio dust, which is a creative and flavour-packed small plate.

Disco Fries 4.5/5

Inspired by Chef Steve's time in Staten Island, the Disco Fries ($16) are indulgent, satisfying, and utterly addictive. Crisp fries are blanketed in mozzarella and cotija cheese, drenched in a beef jus-based brown gravy, and tossed with chorizo, pickled onions, and salsa Rosada. It's a glorious mash-up of American diner nostalgia with Latin vibrancy.

Chipotle Butter Prawns 4.2/5

The Chipotle Butter Prawns ($18) bring the heat and depth of flavour. Tiger prawns are rubbed with chipotle, roasted, and glazed with agave molasses before being finished with a torch. Served with house pesto and lime, each bite is smoky, sweet, and savoury with a zesty lift.

Grilled Seabass Fillet 3.8/5

The Grilled Seabass Fillet ($33) was beautifully plated with parsley-lime sauce and pineapple salsa, but the over-charred skin was slightly too bitter, distracting from the fish's freshness. While the flavour elements were sound, the execution slightly fell short of the mark.

Spaghetti Con Camarones 4.5/5

One of the showstoppers of the evening, the Spaghetti Con Camarones ($38), features squid ink pasta tossed in a luxurious Ancho bisque and topped with grilled tiger prawns. The sauce, made from sundried tomatoes, capers, white wine, ancho chilli paste, and seafood stock, packs rich, crustacean flavours balanced with tang and spice. Finished with chipotle oil, it's a must-order.

Coconut Tres Leches 4.2/5

Light yet indulgent, the Coconut Tres Leches ($14) delivers a tropical spin on the classic dessert. The housemade sponge is soaked in coconut milk, vanilla, and condensed milk, then sprayed with white rum and topped with coconut cream, toasted coconut flakes, and berry compote, making for a refreshingly sweet end to the meal.

Chocolate Tart 4.2/5

For chocolate lovers, the Chocolate Tart ($16) hits the spot. A silky chocolate mousse ganache is encased in a tart shell and garnished with cocoa pearls, housemade chilli jam, and candied nuts, creating layers of richness with a slight kick.

Toffee Plantain 4.2/5

The Toffee Plantain ($15) is a decadent finale, combining a moist plantain-banana sponge with banana mousse, vanilla ice cream, and caramelised plantain. The orange zest adds a lovely citrusy lift, rounding off a dessert that’s both comforting and refined.

CUDO impresses with its thoughtful reinterpretation of Latin American dishes, presented with flair and rooted in comfort. From inventive appetisers to bold mains and delightful desserts, it’s a welcome addition to Singapore’s modern dining scene.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


CUDO
13 Stanley Street
Singapore 068732
Tel: +65 8221 6330
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 1130am - 1030pm
Fri-Sat: 1130am - 1130pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk to Telok Ayer Street. Turn left onto Telok Ayer Street, walk to Boon Tat Street. Turn left onto Boon Tat Street. Turn right onto Stanley Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Turn left onto Telok Ayer Street. Walk to Mccallum Street. Turn right onto Mccallum Street. Turn left onto Stanley Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Pulsii French Bistro @ Tras Street - Where French Finesse Meets Japanese Precision

Formerly known as Pulsii Woodfire Restaurant, the establishment has now rebranded itself as Pulsii French Bistro, ushering in a new era of refined French cuisine imbued with the subtle artistry of Japanese technique. Helmed by Chef Daisuke Yoshikawa, whose culinary pedigree includes experience in Michelin-starred Japanese kitchens, the restaurant now offers an elegant lineup of small plates and mains that showcase his signature precision and flair.

Chef Canape's - 3 Kinds 4.2/5

Dinner commenced on a high note with the Chef Canape's – 3 Kinds ($20). This delightful trio of bite-sized creations includes a red prawn tartlet topped with ikura, a foie gras croquette, and a cheese-filled canelé. Each offered a unique interplay of texture and flavour, creating an enticing preview of what's to come.

Brandade Croquettes, Chicken Liver Mousse, Uni Seaweed Brioche 4.2/5

We continued with an elegant trio of small bites, each delivering a distinct expression of flavour and craftsmanship. The Brandade Croquette ($4) was delicately crisp on the outside, breaking apart to reveal a warm, creamy interior of salted cod and potato, a comforting blend elevated by subtle seasoning. The Chicken Liver Mousse ($8) was decadently smooth and rich, its earthy intensity tempered by a hint of sweetness, spread luxuriously atop a crisp toast. Completing the trio was the Uni Seaweed Brioche ($15), a decadent bite where briny, buttery sea urchin melted into the warm, pillowy brioche, subtly perfumed by seaweed. Together, these bites formed a symphony of textures and flavours, refined and deeply satisfying.

Yuzu Cervelle De Canut 4.2/5

The Yuzu Cervelle De Canut ($29) was a fun, multi-sensory dish that surprised and delighted. Silky tuna sashimi paired with a bright yuzu cheese dip and topped with caviar created layers of freshness, acidity, and umami. The crispy potato gaufrettes served on the side allowed you to assemble your perfect bite, which is both playful and sophisticated.

Grilled Yellowtail 4.8/5

One of the standout dishes of the night was the Grilled Yellowtail ($26). Thick slices of yellowtail were perfectly grilled for a light smoky char, then finished with burnt mandarin orange and watermelon radish for acidity and crunch. Resting on a vibrant shungiku puree, the dish was a masterclass in balance that is rich yet refreshing.

Grilled Lamb Tenderloin 3.8/5

The Grilled Lamb Tenderloin ($25), served medium rare, came paired with spring onion puree, anchovy, and Kanzuri chilli oil. While the lamb was tender, the flavour lacked the natural gaminess that lamb lovers might expect. The chilli oil pairing, while creative, felt discordant and didn't quite lift the dish.

Magret Duck Breast 4.2/5

The Magret Duck Breast ($55) fared better, with its juicy, tender slices and rich duck fat under crisped skin delivering on flavour. Paired with a miso balsamic sauce and maitake mushrooms, this dish struck a more satisfying balance of depth and umami.

Rack of Iberico Pork 200g 4/5

Closing off the savoury courses was the Rack of Iberico Pork ($40), a generous cut served atop creamy mashed potato and crispy fried corn. The pork was succulent and well-cooked, though the dish could have benefited from a more assertive, tangy sauce to fully elevate the meat's natural sweetness.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Pulsii French Bistro
55 Tras Street
Singapore 078994
Tel: +65 9689 8407
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 12midnight
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Tras Street. Turn right onto Tras Street. Walk down Tras Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 2. Turn left and walk down Tanjong Pagar Road. Turn left onto Tras Street. Walk down Tras Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Hortus @ Gardens by The Bay Flower Dome - New Mediterranean Sharing Menu Comprising of 9 Dishes

Nestled within the lush beauty of Gardens by the Bay's Flower Dome, Hortus offers diners a taste of the Mediterranean, surrounded by vibrant blooms and cool serenity. With its focus on fresh, vibrant sharing plates and rustic wood-grilled mains, Hortus presents an experience that goes beyond the food—especially with its newly launched Mediterranean Sharing Set Menu ($68++ per pax), which even includes complimentary Flower Dome admission and a buggy ride to and from the Main Entrance. A perfect little getaway without leaving Singapore!

Hummus, Olive Oil and Paprika 4.8/5

Muhammara, Roasted Bell Pepper and Walnut Dip 4.5/5

The meal kicks off with an array of five sharing starters. The Hummus with Olive Oil and Paprika was an instant hit — creamy, nutty, and elevated by the earthiness of paprika and a generous drizzle of olive oil. It is paired beautifully with the warm, fluffy housemade pita. Equally delightful was the Muhammara, a roasted bell pepper and walnut dip that was slightly smoky, nutty, and tangy — a deliciously vibrant alternative to the classic hummus.

Fried School Prawns, Calamari, Whitebait with Lemon Aioli 4.5/5

Next up was the Fried Seafood Basket, featuring school prawns, calamari, and whitebait, all perfectly crispy and light, paired with a zesty lemon aioli. It was dangerously addictive, with each piece a burst of flavour and crunch.

Yellowtail Kingfish Crudo 4.8/5

The Yellowtail Kingfish Crudo was a standout among the starters. Dressed with bergamot and green olives and scattered with pomegranate seeds, it was refreshingly bright, delicately sweet, and brimming with Mediterranean sunshine.

Kingfish Collar with Cabbage and Fennel Salad and Nduja 4.2/5

Moving on to the mains, we tried the Kingfish Collar with Cabbage and Fennel Salad and Nduja. Grilled to crispy perfection on the outside while keeping the flesh moist and tender, the kingfish was livened up beautifully by a squeeze of lemon and the spicy kick from the nduja. The accompanying salad of cabbage and fennel provided a refreshing counterpoint.

Beef and Lamb Adana Kebab with Sumac Onions 4.2/5

We also sampled the Beef and Lamb Adana Kebab with Sumac Onions. Typically, kebabs can veer on the dry side, but Hortus' version was juicy, aromatic, and full of flavour. The sweet and tangy sumac onions on top brought a much-appreciated brightness to the hearty meat skewer.

Cracked Wheat Salad with Dill, Mint, and Pomegranate 4.2/5

Rice Pilaf with Pistachio and Lemon 4.5/5

To complement the mains, we had the Cracked Wheat Salad and the Rice Pilaf with Pistachio and Lemon. Both were excellent — the cracked wheat salad was herby and fresh with pops of pomegranate, while the rice pilaf was light, fragrant, and enhanced by the nuttiness of pistachios and citrusy lemon.

House churned Vanilla Gelato, Halva, Tahini 4.5/5

Desserts were a true surprise and delight. The House Churned Vanilla Gelato, paired with halva, tahini, pomegranate syrup, and mint, was a symphony of textures and flavours — sweet, nutty, creamy, and refreshing all at once.

Rose and Cardamom Basbousa 4.5/5

The final treat, Rose and Cardamom Basbousa, sealed the meal on a high note. The moist semolina cake, topped with house churned pistachio gelato and cardamom cream, offered a beautiful blend of floral and nutty flavours that was both comforting and exotic.

Hortus isn't just a restaurant — it's an experience. The combination of fresh Mediterranean flavours, an idyllic garden setting, and thoughtful touches like complimentary entry and transport make it a memorable destination dining spot. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a leisurely meal with a view, Hortus delivers in every way.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Hortus
Flower Dome
Gardens by the Bay
18 Marina Garden Drive
#01-09
Singapore 018953
Tel: +65 6702 0158
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Nearest MRT: Bayfront MRT

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 330pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bayfront MRT station. Take Exit B. Take the pathway to Bayfront Plaza Ticketing. Take for the shuttle bus to flower dome or walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Locanda @ Rowell Road (Jalan Besar) - A Cosy Italian Trattoria Offering Hearty Classics

Locanda is a delightful new Italian trattoria nestled in the vibrant heritage district of Little India. Conceptualized by the Michelin-starred team behind Buona Terra, Locanda exudes the warmth and charm of a classic Italian "inn." In the past, locandas in Italy were places where weary travellers could find refuge and refuel with simple, hearty meals. Locanda brings this tradition to life in Singapore with a menu filled with comforting Italian classics.

Locanda Soft Roll with Eggplant, Tomato Dip 4.2/5

We began the evening with the Locanda Soft Roll with Eggplant, Tomato Dip ($8). The bread was warm, soft, and buttery, making it the perfect pairing with the tangy, flavourful eggplant and tomato dip. It was a simple yet satisfying start to our meal.

Gnocco Fritto E Affettati 3.5/5

Next, we moved on to the Gnocco Fritto E Affettati ($15/50g of selected cold cuts). The Gnocco Fritto — golden-brown fried dough puffs — was an absolute delight. The crispy exterior gave way to a soft, airy interior, which paired beautifully with the selection of classic Italian cold cuts.

Focaccia Bread, Casera Cheese, Lardo, Hazelnuts, Truffle, Honey 4/5

Focaccia, Scamorza, Black Pepper, Grilled Zucchini 4/5

We had the pleasure of trying two variations of focaccia, starting with the Focaccia Bread, Casera Cheese, Lardo, Hazelnuts, Truffle, Honey ($18). Topped with melted Casera cheese, lardo, and toasted Piedmont hazelnuts, it was finished with a drizzle of truffle honey and shaved black truffle. Every bite was a symphony of creamy, nutty, and earthy flavours.

The second version, Focaccia with Scamorza, Black Pepper, Grilled Zucchini ($18), was equally delightful. The smoky Scamorza cheese paired with the fresh crunch of grilled zucchini and a hint of black pepper. Both focaccia options were so good that I honestly couldn't choose a favourite.

Deep Fried Marinated Sardine, Onion and Raisin 4.2/5

One of the standouts for me was the Deep-Fried Marinated Sardine, Onion, and Raisin ($22). Deep-fried and marinated in vinegar, the sardines were served atop a crispy fried polenta base, accompanied by braised onions, raisins, pine nuts, and a hint of mint. It was a perfect blend of sweet, savoury, and tangy flavours.

Yellowtail, Lemon, Fennel Oil 3.8/5

We also tried the Yellowtail, Lemon, Fennel Oil ($28), a light and clean dish featuring fresh slices of yellowtail dressed with a bright lemon dressing and a sprinkle of sea salt. The charred orange segments added a hint of bitterness that balanced the dish beautifully, while the fennel oil provided an aromatic finish.

Veal Eye Round, Tuna Sauce and Capers Berry 4/5

The Veal Eye Round ($24) is a boneless cut from the rear leg of the calf that's first sous-vide, then seared to perfection in the pan. It's thinly sliced and served with a classic tonnato sauce, then garnished with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and caper berries. The dish is understated, focusing on the pure tenderness of the veal and its mild, delicate flavour. It's a straightforward preparation that highlights the quality of the meat without unnecessary embellishments, perfect for those who enjoy simple yet expertly executed dishes.

Tagliolini, Fresh Tomato, Crab, Lemon 4.2/5

When it comes to pasta, Locanda does not disappoint. The Tagliolini, Fresh Tomato, Crab, Lemon ($28) was one of my favourites, featuring perfectly cooked tagliolini in a sweet and tangy tomato sauce with generous chunks of crab and a zesty hint of lemon. It reminded me of a refined version of Singapore's chilli crab but with pasta — a real treat for seafood lovers.

Pappardelle Ragu Genovese, Mix Mushrooms 4.2/5

The Pappardelle Ragu Genovese, Mixed Mushrooms ($24) was another excellent option. The wide, ribbon-like pasta was coated in a rich, hearty beef ragu made from different cuts of Australian beef, slow-braised until tender. The addition of braised mushrooms added depth to the dish, creating a perfect balance of flavours and textures.

Malloreddus, Red Wine Octopus Ragu, Capers 3.8/5

We tried the Malloreddus, Red Wine Octopus Ragu, Capers ($28) for something a bit different. The shell-like pasta had a pleasant bite, and the octopus ragu was flavorful and rich, elevated by the capers' briny punch.

Spaghetti ai Frutti di Mare 4.5/5

I recommend the Spaghetti ai Frutti di Mare ($118++) for larger groups, which is good for up to 4 people. This seafood pasta was tossed in a luscious tomato sauce and topped with an assortment of sautéed seafood, including clams, lobster, scampi, and red prawns. A seafood lover's dream!

Secreto Iberico Pork, Braised Endive, Apple 4.2/5

The Secreto Iberico Pork, Braised Endive, Apple ($39) stood out among the mains. The Iberico pork was beautifully glazed with pork jus, honey, and spices, then grilled over binchotan for a smoky, caramelized exterior. The tender meat was perfectly complemented by the slightly bitter braised endives and sweet apple sauce.

Hanging Tender, Rucola & Parmesan 4.2/5

We also tried the Hanging Tender, Rucola & Parmesan ($42). The lesser-known cut of beef was simply seasoned with salt and grilled to perfection, served with beef jus, a peppery rucola salad, and shavings of Parmesan. It was a no-frills dish that allowed the beef's rich, natural flavour to shine.

Gelati & Sorbetti 4/5

To finish, we had a scoop of Gelati & Sorbetti ($9/scoop). While the pistachio and chocolate gelati were delicious, I found them a bit pricey for the portion size. However, the real star of the dessert menu was the Sicilian Cannolo ($15/2pc). Each cannolo was filled with a luscious mix of Artigiana ricotta, chopped Valrhona 55% chocolate, candied orange and lemon, and finished with Sicilian pistachio on each end. It's a perfect sweet ending to an indulgent meal.

Sicilian Cannolo 4/5

Locanda brings the warmth and hospitality of a traditional Italian inn to Singapore, with a menu full of comforting and well-executed Italian classics. Whether you're in the mood for delicious pasta, hearty meat dishes, or an authentic Italian dessert, Locanda delivers a memorable dining experience in the heart of Little India. It is an excellent spot for a cosy meal with friends or family, and I'll definitely be back to try more of their offerings.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Locanda
109 Rowell Road
Singapore 208033
Tel: +65 9619 2691
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Nearest MRT: Jalan Besar (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Fri: 6pm - 12midnight
Sat-Sun: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Jalan Besar MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk straight down Jalan Besar Road. Walk to Rowell Road. Turn left onto Rowell Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]