Tuesday, October 14, 2025

Warung Leko @ Bugis - Popular Restaurant From Surabaya Known For Its Iga Penyet Opens In Singapore

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With more than 40 outlets in Surabaya, Warung Leko has recently opened its branch in Singapore on Rochor Road. Serving a variety of penyet dishes, the restaurant is best known for its Iga Penyet, which features smashed beef ribs.

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Iga and Otot Penyet 4.5/5

Almost the entire menu is dedicated to deep-fried dishes, yet it’s a pleasant surprise to find Fried Otot (fried tendon) as well. To experience both of its specialities, we ordered the Iga and Otot Penyet ($22.50), which combines smashed beef ribs with fried tendon. Each penyet is layered with a generous serving of sambal, and you can choose your preferred level of heat. The ribs are first boiled before being deep-fried, resulting in succulent meat that retains its irresistible deep-fried crispiness. The morsels of fried tendon were outstanding, skillfully cooked to retain their chewy texture while forming a contrasting exterior. They are as dangerous as crispy pork lard but with added collagen. The sambal itself felt like a side dish in its own right, bold enough to be savoured on its own.

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Soft Beef Ribs Soup 5/5

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Oxtail Soup 4.5/5

I would also recommend trying the soups. We had both the Soft Beef Ribs Soup ($15) and Oxtail Soup ($15). Depending on the season, the beef ribs are sourced from either Australia or New Zealand. The soups brought out the rich flavours and textures of the ribs and oxtail beautifully. Made by simmering the bones with a variety of spices and likely a generous amount of white pepper, the soups reminded me of solid bowls of Bak Kut Teh, with a subtle peppery hum in the background.

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Golden Pomfret 4/5

I enjoyed the Golden Pomfret ($14) more than expected. Crispy without being greasy, even the fins, tail, and head were delightfully crunchy.

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Telor Dadar 4.2/5

A crowd-pleasing snack is the Telor Dadar ($2), a simple spiced omelette meant to be dipped into the sambal. It’s a humble dish that beautifully highlights the essence of the sambal.

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Stir-Fried Kangkong 4/5

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Stir-Fried Broccoli 4/5

For vegetables, we tried the Stir-Fried Broccoli ($8) and Stir-Fried Kangkong ($8), both prepared in an Indo-Chinese style. Topped with fried garlic bits and eggs, the stir-fried broccoli surprisingly carried a flavour reminiscent of Hokkien Mee, in a very good way.

Its authenticity is evident not only in the food but also in the crowd. I witnessed a significant number of Indonesians dining there, with locals adding to the mix. On the day of my visit, I even bumped into a friend whose hometown is Surabaya! Warung Leko is definitely a welcome addition to Singapore’s F&B scene. More items will be added to the menu gradually as operations stabilise. So do keep a lookout for it.

Photos and words by Si An. A homebody who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, the smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


Warung Leko
162 Rochor Road
Singapore 188437
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 10pm
Sat-Sun & PH: 10am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to traffic junction at Rochor Road and Victoria Street. Cross the road. Turn right onto Rochor Road. Walk down Rochor Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Monday, October 13, 2025

L'Espresso @ Goodwood Park Hotel - ‘Pink For Good’ English Afternoon Tea Buffet

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Commemorating a decade of partnership with the Breast Cancer Foundation (BCF) and in conjunction with its 125th anniversary, Goodwood Park Hotel presents 'Pink For Good', a special edition of its English Afternoon Tea Buffet at L'Espresso. Available from 1 October to 30 November 2025, this initiative underscores the hotel's enduring commitment to the cause in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The BCF plays a vital role in providing support and education for those affected by breast cancer, while championing regular Breast Self-Examinations (BSE) to encourage proactivity about one's health.

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Paying homage to the pink ribbon, the universal symbol of breast cancer awareness, the buffet presents an exquisite array of savouries and sweets in delicate shades of pink, contrasted with bold black accents. Elements such as caviar, black truffle, and charcoal-infused breads and pastries lend visual drama and sophistication to the spread.

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Greenland Shrimp with Raspberry & Mango Chutney

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Turkey Ham with Cranberry Cheese & Black Olive Soil

Starting with dainty bites, open-faced sandwiches are reimagined as tart-like creations in elegant hues of pink, including Crabmeat Salad with Mentaiko Aioli & Black Sesame Seed, Turkey Ham with Cranberry Cheese & Black Olive Soil, and Greenland Shrimp with Raspberry & Mango Chutney.

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A selection of Finger Sandwiches offers delectable combinations such as Organic Egg & Black Truffle Mayo, Corned Beef with Caramelised Onion, and Portobello Mushroom & Halloumi Cheese, layered between charcoal and beetroot bread.

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Chilled Prawn & Mango Salad with Marie Rose Sauce

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Chipotle Tuna Salad with English Cucumber, Caprese Salad with Pesto

Croissant Sandwiches, another staple, are creatively tinted in pink and black for a striking contrast. Variations include Chipotle Tuna Salad with English Cucumber, Caprese Salad with Pesto, and Chilled Prawn & Mango Salad with Marie Rose Sauce.

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Salmon Gravlax Platter

The Salmon Gravlax Platter with condiments was one of my favourites, which is a perfect pairing to enjoy alongside the sandwiches and croissants.

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Baked Mushroom Strudel drizzled with White Truffle Oil

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Black Trumpet Mushroom–Crusted Beef Tenderloin

Hot highlights include comforting and indulgent offerings such as Pork Cottage Pie with Charcoal Mash, Baked Mushroom Strudel drizzled with White Truffle Oil, and Black Trumpet Mushroom–Crusted Beef Tenderloin.

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Smoked Salmon Tartare with Crème Fraîche

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Black Pink Cupcakes

Buffet specials continue the pink-and-black theme with refined creations, such as Smoked Salmon Tartare with Crème Fraîche topped with Black Caviar elegantly presented in pink cones, alongside Mini Wagyu Beef Charcoal Sliders and Black Pink Cupcakes.

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Desserts

Desserts are thoughtfully curated — Black & Pink Macarons, Pink Guava Opera, Raspberry Mille Feuille, Strawberry Éclairs, and more. And of course, no visit would be complete without the Signature Scones Bar, dedicated entirely to scones in an assortment of flavours.

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For every paying adult who dines on the 'Pink For Good' English Afternoon Tea Buffet in October and November 2025, the hotel will donate $2 nett to BCF. This contribution will help fund programmes and services for the breast cancer community and support advocacy campaigns that save lives through early detection.

Dine-in reservations can be made via www.goodwoodparkhotel.com/dining/l-espresso or call +65 6730 1743.

'PINK FOR GOOD' ENGLISH AFTERNOON TEA BUFFET
1 October to 30 November 2005
L'Espressossoo $68++ per adult | $46++ per child
Mondays to Thursdays: 2pm to 5.30pm
Fridays to Sundays & Public Holidays: 12pm to 2.30pm | 3pm to 5.30pm

Photos and words by Si An. A homebody who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, the smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


L'Espresso
Goodwood Park Hotel
22 Scotts Road
Singapore 228221
Tel: +65 67301746
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 2pm - 5:30pm
Fri-Sun & PH: 12pm - 2:30pm, 3pm - 5:30pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk down Scotts Road to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes.[Map]