Tiong Bahru Bakery @ JEM - Well-loved Tiong Bahru Bakery Opens First Branch in the West

Tiong Bahru Bakery (TBB) has been steadily growing and expanding since its founding in Tiong Bahru. Recently, they opened their 17th outlet and are making their debut in the West by spreading a new branch in JEM at Jurong East.

The warmly decorated 60-seater space is conveniently located next to the mall's taxi stand and is a short walk from Jurong East MRT station. It operates from 7.30am to 10pm daily, making it fit for a drop-in any time of the day - whether you are looking for an early breakfast, a hearty brunch, or a dessert spot after dinner.

It continues offering its classic bakes, pastries and desserts alongside freshly brewed coffee, tea and juices to complete the meal.

Brie & Roasted Mushroom Croissant 4.5/5

We quickly demolished the savoury Brie & Roasted Mushroom Croissant ($12.60). The flaky croissant was filled with rocket leaves, earthy sautéed mushrooms, onions and generously portioned brie. I particularly appreciated how the base of the croissant remained delightfully crisp.

Tartine Set 4.2/5

The Tartine Set is a returning favourite, and fans would be happy to hear that this is now officially available at all outlets. Comprising slices of TBB's signature sourdough served with Le Beurre Bordier butter, La Trinquelinette jam, and a beverage of choice. It makes for the perfect choice as a substantial snack or light meal.

Chocolate Kouign Amann 4/5

Apart from the original Kouign Amann ($5.50), check out the Chocolate Kouign Amann ($6.70) studded with bits of chocolate within the swirls.

Quiche Lorraine with Salad 3.8/5

We tried another item from the savoury menu, the Quiche Lorraine with Salad ($13.70). I appreciated how the palm-sized quiche was nicely served warm, but I didn't find it as value for money compared to the other items. The taste was average, and the quiche was eggy, with bits of bacon within.

Hot Chocolate 4/5

There's an extensive choice of beverages, from coffees to teas, bottled juices, kombucha and non-caffeinated options. The Hot Chocolate ($6.80) was nice and not too sweet.

Hojicha Latte 3.8/5

Similarly done less sweet, the Hojicha Latte ($8.50) leaned a lot more milky than I would prefer.

Exotic Cheesecake 3.8/5

The Exotic Cheesecake ($9.50) was much lighter in its cheese notes than I expected. It had a coconut sponge paired with lime and vanilla cream cheese mousse, a mango, passion fruit and yuzu filling, topped with coconut and lime chantilly on a coconut crumble.

Chocolate Tart 4.2/5

Try TBB's Chocolate Tart ($8.70) if you are here for a sweet treat. Although it has chocolate from top to bottom, it's layered nicely with drops of caramel to finish.

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.


Tiong Bahru Bakery
JEM
50 Jurong Gateway Road
#01-34/35
Singapore 608549
Tel: +65 6877 4812
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Nearest MRT: Jurong East (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 730am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Jurong East MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Yàn (宴) @ National Gallery Singapore - Savour the Flavours of Autumn with Yàn’s New Seasonal Nourishing Menu

Savour the flavours of Autumn with Yàn's new seasonal nourishing menu from 1 September to 31 October 2023. Marrying Yàn's forte in Cantonese cuisine and the spirit of the changing season, the restaurant's chefs have thoughtfully put together new selections that are wholesome and nourishing.

The menu offers both an a la carte list (from $12) and a 6-course set menu ($138 per diner, min. of 2 diners). We had the opportunity to sample dishes from both menus.

Mini Buddha Jumps Over the Wall 4.2/5

While the name says "mini", the portion of the Mini Buddha Jumps Over the Wall ($78 a la carte/part of 6-course set menu) was far from that. The comforting clear broth was a result of an eight-hour double boiling process. It features quality ingredients, including an Australian three-head whole abalone, sea cucumber, ginseng, pig's tendons and shiitake mushrooms.

Upon serving, the Australian three-head whole abalone is carefully separated from the pot, ready to be prepared as a second dish.

Australian Three-Head Whole Abalone 4.5/5

In its second preparation method, the Australian Three-Head Whole Abalone is thoroughly braised in oyster sauce and shrimp roe to enhance its presented flavours further. The abalone, cooked this way, was incredibly tender and carried the rich umami notes wonderfully.

Crispy Whole Quail 4/5

Inspired by the traditional Crispy Skin Chicken - Cui Pi Ji, Yàn has crafted its rendition featuring quail. The Crispy Whole Quail ($38 a la carte/part of 6-course set menu) is fried to a delicate crisp. It's served with minimal salt, pepper, and five-spice powder condiments, allowing the meat to take the spotlight.

Pan-fried Venison Steak with Chef’s Special Sauce 4/5

Another featured meat dish is the Pan-fried Venison Steak with Chef's Special Sauce ($12). This dish is a tribute to the 1970s period when Cantonese chefs explored adapting Western dishes to Cantonese palates. The New Zealand venison fillet is marinated in a special sauce mixture before being pan-fried and served with the reduced marinade.

Steamed Eel with Minced Garlic and Shredded Mandarin Peel 4.5/5

A unanimous favourite at the table was the Steamed Eel with Minced Garlic and Shredded Mandarin Peel ($20/100g a la carte/part of 6-course set menu). The intentional choice of eel aligns with its 'nourishing' theme and is thoughtfully deboned to pair with minced garlic, shredded Xin Hui mandarin peels and a Cantonese-style housemade light soy sauce. The peels were an interesting addition, with its bitter and citrusy notes.

Double-boiled Almond Cream Served in a Mini Pumpkin 4/5

We ended our meal with a nourishing dessert, the Double-boiled Almond Cream Served in a Mini Pumpkin (Part of $138 Set Menu). I am not a fan of almond creams, but I appreciated how fresh-tasting it was, with a mild sweetness and a lighter consistency.

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.


Yan Restaurant (宴)
National Gallery Singapore
1 St Andrew's Road
#05-02
Singapore 178958
Tel: +65 63845585
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit D. Turn left and walk down North Bridge Road. Turn left onto Coleman Street. Walk down Coleman Street. Walk to destination. Journey time around 5 minutes. [Map]