Cafe Natsu @ Joo Chiat - Offers Refreshed Flavours With A Stronger Japanese Influence

Following the opening of their second outlet at Clemenceau Citadines Connect Hotel just six months from the brand's debut in the heritage district of Joo Chiat, Cafe Natsu has launched a refreshed set of offerings for their Joo Chiat outlet as well. Approximately half the menu features brand-new dishes with a stronger Japanese influence.

Fried Ebi Croquette 4.2/5

We kickstarted the meal with the Fried Ebi Croquette ($12) appetiser. The deep-fried ebi croquette has a nice crispy exterior. Biting into it reveals a moist and creamy shrimp filling on the inside.

Wagyu Hamburg 4/5

The Wagyu Hamburg ($26) with Okonomiyaki was one of our favourites. The hamburg was tender and juicy, while the pan-fried base of batter and cabbage was executed perfectly as well. The combination of western wagyu hamburg and Japanese Okonomuyaki hit all the right notes with its savoury flavours. The downside is that it might get slightly cloying with such a highly-flavoured dish.

Cold Somen 3.8/5

The Cold Somen ($14) features a bowl of al dente somen with confit egg yolk, soy dashi, myiga, capers, cucumber and shiso. Break the yolk and mix all the ingredients for a creamy finish. The dish may be a tad mild in flavour, which might be more suitable for diners who prefer a lighter main.

Mochi Fried Doughnuts 4.2/5

We ended the meal on a sweet note with the Mochi Fried Doughnuts ($12). Whilst simple, the dessert is nothing short of amazing. The mochi doughnuts were superbly fluffy and chewy on the inside. It does not have many flavours on its own, so dipping into the salted Hokkaido milk ice cream lends a nice saltish-sweet creamy flavour to the doughnuts, which elevates the whole experience.

The evolving menu goes beyond traditional brunch standards to offer versatile, comforting dishes ideal for any time of day — a testament to the Café Natsu team's progressive interpretation of a cafe experience.

Words and photos by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Cafe Natsu
283 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore 427537
Tel: +65 88864497
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Nearest MRT: Dakota (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 830am - 530pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk to bus stop at block 99 (Stop ID 81181). Take bus number 33. Alight 4 stops later. Walk to Koon Seng Road. Turn right onto Koon Seng Road. Walk to Joo Chiat Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

5 ON 25 (五悦亭) @ Andaz - Welcome The Year Of The Rabbit With A New Lunar New Year Menu

5 ON 25 (五悦亭) sits on the 25th floor of Andaz hotel, alongside Alley on 25 and Bar Square. It offers refined Cantonese cuisine, helmed by Head Chef Lim Hong Lih, who has rich experience in known Chinese restaurants, such as Summer Pavilion and Li Bai. By day 5 ON 25 is an elegant space with a panoramic view of Bugis. By night when the lights dim, it transforms into a warm and romantic space.

The modern Cantonese restaurant is ready to welcome the Year of the Rabbit with its new Lunar New Year menu, featuring a la carte dishes and curated lunch/dinner set menus, available from 9 January to 5 February 2023. Most of the dishes pictured here are of a smaller portion for two pax.

海岛燕窝捞起 (皆⼤欢喜捞起) | Bird's Nest Yu Sheng 4/5

The Bird's Nest Yu Sheng ($118 for 2-4 pax, $168 for 5-7 pax) is a new highlight, using the additional topping of bird's nest to offer a different texture and a touch of luxuriousness. You will find fried yam strips and housemade crunchy nut clusters among the traditional elements of carrot strips, radish strips, ginger, and more. The sauce used leans tangier with a distinct plum taste. To opt for additional toppings, you can go for Shredded Abalone ($50) and Norwegian Salmon ($42).

⼘丝苹果⻰虾球 (⻰皇吐⽟珠) | Deep-fried Lobster, Apple with Honey Sauce 4/5

Another unique creation for the Lunar New Year menu is this Deep-fried Lobster ($58). Chunks of battered lobster covered in a homemade apple and honey sauce tasted sweet, tangy and vibrant, fitting for the occasion. The batter was just the right thickness for a complementary crunch, and you also get surprising bites of apple cubes within. The lobster was firm and fresh, but I preferred it to be less sweet to appreciate its meat.

当归脆⽪烧鸭 (⾦雁富贵) | Dang Gui Crispy Roasted Duck 4.5/5

Our favourite for the night was the Dang Gui Crispy Roasted Duck ($45 for Half, $90 for Whole). The duck had just the right amount of fats, done very tender with light and crisp skin. The herbaceous broth it sat on was a little more on the saltier end, but we didn't mind it. The fragrance of dang gui came through distinctly.

松露带⼦焖伊⾯ (富临双喜) | Braised Hokkaido Scallops, Ee-fu Noodles, Truffle Sauce 4.2/5

Our main course was Ee-fu Noodles ($38), done in truffle sauce and served with braised hokkaido scallops. It was a pity that the batter of the scallops left a slight stickiness to the teeth, but we enjoyed the springy noodles, which thoroughly soaked up the truffle sauce and had a hint of smokiness.

红莲炖桃胶 (蹄声报喜) | Peach Gum 4/5

We had the refreshing Peach Gum ($18) to complete the meal. It’s mildly sweetened with red dates and has lotus seeds, peach gum, and water chestnut for an extra crunch. If you are a tea lover, I would highly recommend trying the 5 ON 25 Signature Tea, a special blend of oolong, goji berries, osmanthus and longan. It was light yet incredibly fragrant, pairing very well with the range of dishes.

For more details on the new Lunar New Year menu and the available takeaway items, including Pen Cai and the Yu Sheng above, visit https://www.5on25.com/menu.

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.


5 On 25
Andaz Singapore
5 Fraser Street
Level 25
Singapore 189354
Tel: +65 64081228
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (DT Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 12pm - 230pm, 6-1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit E or F. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]