The East Bureau (东局) @ Marina Square

Located at the newly renovated rooftop garden of Marina Square, facing The Esplanade is The East Bureau (东局), a Pan Asian Restaurant and Bar. If you have not visited the new food establishment, I would recommend you to do so. The restaurant offers an unique take to oriental classics which is something familiar but yet something different. You will understand what I mean as I walk you through the menu.

Spiced and Salted Edamame Beans 3/5

While we are waiting for the rest of the group to turn up, we have the Spiced and Salted Edamame Beans ($6) to start. A delightful snack to kick start the night.

House Seafood Salad with Confit Vine Tomatoes in Chuka Fu Dressing 3/5

Starting on a light note we had the House Seafood Salad with Confit Vine Tomatoes in Chuka Fu Dressing ($16). It comes with fresh seafood and sashimi with crunchy greens in a sesame zesty vinaigrette. There is even an abalone.

Poached Drunken Chicken in Savoury Cucumber Granita 4/5

Inspired from the local Hainanese Chicken Rice, the Poached Drunken Chicken in Savoury Cucumber Granita ($15) comes with chunky pieces of juicy chicken thigh poached in Chinese wine. The cucumber granita gives the dish a refreshing touch with the icy-savoury accompaniment rounding up the flavours.

Savoury Soya Milk Panna Cotta with Shoyu Jelly and Abalone 4.2/5

I was a bit puzzled when the dish was presented. Why is the restaurant serving me a dessert in the middle of dinner. The Soya Milk Panna Cotta with Shoyu Jelly and Abalone ($15) turns out to be a savoury dish. The combination of the silky smooth soy pudding, shoyu jelly and mushroom dust, when eaten together, felt like having chawanmushi.

Thai Basil Minced Pork Gyoza 4.8/5

If there is one dish I would highly recommend is the Thai Basil Minced Pork Gyoza ($12). Creation doesn't mean has to be complicated. I was surprised how the fusion of Thai and Japanese cuisine, with a simple twist can elevate the dish to a whole new level.

Taiwanese Inspired Lor Bak with Poutine Fries 3.5/5

Replacing the rice with poutine fries is the Taiwanese Inspired Lor Bak with Poutine Fries ($12). The homemade braised minced pork, yellow Japanese takuan pickles and egg white bits made the poutine fries quite addictive to eat.

Homemade Pork and Shrimp Ngoh Hiang Spring Rolls with Spicy Dip 4.5/5

This is not your ordinary spring roll. You will be greatly content with every bite of the Homemade Pork and Shrimp Ngoh Hiang Spring Rolls with Spicy Dip ($14). Another clever creation putting two Pan Asian dishes together for a whole new level of enjoyment.

The Bureau Signature with Prawn 4/5

The Bureau Signature with Prawns ($20) is like an united ASEAN in a plate. The different flavours work harmoniously with the different ingredients from the region. It is a unique taste that is pleasing but difficult to put words to it. Diner has a choice between orecchiette or linguine, and the option of chicken, pork or prawns.

Tom Yum Fried Rice with Chicken $15

For a hearty and substantial meal, the Tom Yum Fried Rice with Chicken ($15) will be a good option served like a bibimbap. I like the addition of the fried shallots, boosting the flavours on top of the spicy and piquant kick.

Dynasty 4.2/5

The Dynasty ($18) is a subtle trio of desserts representing the three great dynasties (Han, Tang and Qing) of China bridged by a bed of chocolate soil and roselle gel. Starting from the left is the Peach Sorbet with Oolong Goji Berries representing the Han, Followed by Almond White Chocolate Mousse on a Chocolate Almond Cake Base topped with Jasmine Poached Asian Pear and Sliced Red Dates from the Tang. Lastly from the Qin we have the Genmaicha Dew with Popped Rice. The trio of dessert basically tells a story of the progression over the years in the different dynasties.

Menage A Trios $19

The Menage A Trios ($19) may look like any other cream puffs but be surprised as the mini tower of Bo Luo crusted cream puffs are filled with Salted Egg Yolk creme patisserie, whipped Orh Nee paste or Black Sesame soy milk bavarian cream. It is drizzled with coconut caramel and desiccated coconut before serving. The sound of it already made me drooling. I preferred the orh nee paste followed by the salted egg yolk creme patisserie.

Having been eaten in several modern Asian restaurant, I would say non has managed to impress me more than East Bureau. The dishes are creative but yet not losing the fundamental characteristic of Asian cuisine. I look forward to my next visit to check out the rest of the menu as well as any new creations.


The East Bureau (东局)
Marina Square
6 Raffles Boulevard
#03-03
Singapore 039594
Tel: +65 6837014
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm
Fri-Sat: 1130pm - 3pm, 6pm - 1am

Direction: 
1) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit B. Take the escalator to level 3. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Ciao@ Italian Risto-Bar @ Haji Lane

Ciao@ Italian Risto-Bar is a restaurant in a bar with front entrance at Haji Lane and back entrance from Arab Street. Chef Domenico calls it his home and I can understand why. The passionate chef has created a menu comprises of recipes from members of his families as well as using most of the ingredients from Italian whenever he can.

Fritto Del Piceno 3/5

Diners at Ciao@ can start with some Italian finger food in the Fritto Del Piceno ($16). The mixed fried of Marche region includes cheeses, vegetables and a chef's surprise. If I am not wrong, the chef's surprise is minced meat with olive. It turned out to be my favourite among the trio for the layered flavours.

Calamari 4/5

The Pan Fried Calamari with pine nuts, cherry tomato and olive taggiasche is a light and refreshing appetiser, lightly seasoned, allowing the main ingredient to be the star.

Sughe D' Magre 4/5

The Sughe D' Magre ($23) is a linguine dish cooked with tuna, anchovies and green olive in tomato sauce. It may look like any ordinary dish but this is packed full of flavours. The fresh tomato sauce is the highlight for me, bringing the pasta to life.

Ravoli Di Ricotta 4.2/5

The fresh tomato sauce once again is the highlight for the Ravoli Di Ricotta ($22). The handmade pasta stuffed with spinach and ricotta cheese works beautifully together. This is definitely one of the best ravoli I have tried.

Focaccia Al Rosmarino 4/5

The Focaccia Al Rosmarino ($15) is definitely good for sharing. The Italian bread is topped with fresh rosemary and garlic for an enriched flavour.

Pizzawich 4/5

For an unique offering at Ciao@, there is the Pizzawich ($15) which is a cross between a pizza and sandwich. It is like having a toastie. There are a total of nine different flavours to chose from. We tried the Sud E Nord Pizzawich which has burrata cheese and parma ham. I personally like the idea of the pizzawich. Besides the fact that it is good, it is also convenient to eat and for takeaway.

Pizzawich 4/5

With innovation in the pizzawich, Ciao@ also offers the traditional thin crust pizza in their menu. As we were too full to tried the different pizzas, we specially requested for the chef to do a half-half pizza. Do note they do not sell half-half pizza on their menu. This is specially done for the purpose of our tasting. Anyway we tried the Tartufina ($24) and 4 Stagioni ($20) pizza.

4 Stagioni 3.5/5 and Tartufina 4/5

The Tartufina Pizza is spread with the earthy truffle paste and mozzarella. The aroma of the truffle can be smelled from a distance. It is a rich and flavourful pizza but somehow one dimensional in terms of flavour. For the 4 Stagioni Pizza it has more varieties, topped with mozzarella, tomato sauce, cooked ham, artichoke, black olive and mushroom. I preferred this for the medley of flavours.

Stinco Di Maiale Alla Birra 4.5/5

Besides the staple pasta and pizza in Italian cuisine, we also tried the Stinco Di Maiale Alla Birra ($38). The chef seems very proud of his pork knuckle. He explained that usually pork knuckle are done such that the flavour is concentrated on the exterior but the meat itself is bland.  I can understand why after having a piece of it. I can still taste the beer in the tender meat which fell off the bone with ease. The pork knuckle is also served with mash potato and white cabbage.

Bistecca Di Polipo 4/5

I was actually quite curious when I saw grilled octopus steak with sauteed spinach in the menu. The Bisteeca Di Polipo ($32) is actually chopped grilled octopus molded into shape. A beautiful dish with the light seasoning, allowing the full enjoyment of the pillowy grilled octopus.

Zia Luisa's Tiramisu 3.8/5

Accordingly to the Chef, the Zia Luisa's Tiramisu ($12) is his sister recipe. The layers of velvety mascarpone cheese and finger biscuit drenched in coffee is on the lighter side compare to many other places. He explained this is how his sister likes it and he finds it appropriate to be part of the menu after all the rich flavour dishes.

Panna Cotta 3.5/5

The Panna Cotta ($9) with its wobbly and silky smooth texture, paired with the mixed berry compote is another light and pleasing dessert to finish the dinner.

Ciao@ Gelato 4/5

The homemade gelato, Pistachio Mascarpone Cheese ($6) will cap off the diner in a sweet note with its sweetness and creamy texture.

It makes me wonder Chef Domenico wants to open an Italian restaurant in the Malay enclave at Kampong Glam. Probably he sees an opportunity that non of the food establishments in the vicinity is offering authentic Italian cuisine. It may also caters to the hotels and residential nearby. One thing for sure, the large menu offering an array of home cooked fare will delight diners with the home recipes, just like dining at the Chef's home coupled with his warm hospitality.


Ciao@ Italian Risto-Bar 
8 Haji Lane
(39 Arab Street - back entrance)
#01-01
Singapore 189201
Tel: +65 62969688
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW Line, DT Line), Nicoll Highway (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu: 5pm - 1am
Fri-Sat: 5pm - 2am
Sun: 1130am - 10pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Nicoll Highway MRT station. Take Exit A. Take the overhead bridge to Beach Road. Walk towards the junction of Jalan Sultan and Beach Road. Cross the road and walk down Beach Road. Turn right onto Arab Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk towards Raffles Hospital. Walk to junction of North Bridge Road and Ophir Road. Cross the junction and walk down North Bridge Road towards Haji Lane. Turn right into Haji Lane. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]