Saturday, August 10, 2024

Toast Box @ Takashimaya Shopping Centre - Unveils Latest 'Old-School' Concept Store, Inspired by Classic Kopitiams of Yesteryear

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Singapore's beloved Nanyang coffee chain, Toast Box 土司工坊, has introduced a new concept store at Takashimaya Shopping Centre. This latest outlet pays homage to the classic kopitiams of the past, offering a blend of nostalgia and modernity. It offers exclusive experience sets that celebrate the rich traditions of Singaporean coffee shop culture.

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Kopi/Teh Trio

A standout feature at this Takashimaya store is the store-exclusive Experience Sets, such as the Kopi Trio ($5.50) and Teh Trio ($5.50). These sets allow customers to explore the distinct flavours of traditional kopi and teh, offering a unique opportunity to experience Singapore's iconic way of ordering and enjoying these beloved beverages. It's a delightful and educational journey through the different coffee and tea concoctions, perfect for locals and tourists.

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Toast Experience Set 4/5

No Nanyang coffee experience is complete without the classic toast. The Toast Experience Set ($4.50) lets diners sample a variety of toast combinations, featuring crispy toasted bread served with Nyonya Kaya, Hainanese Kaya, and Crunchy Peanut Butter. The spread-it-yourself style adds a fun, interactive element, allowing you to customise your toast to your liking. Each spread has its unique flavour, making this set a must-try for toast enthusiasts.

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Asian Delight Yuan Yang 4.5/5

For those who want to indulge in a more substantial meal, the Asian Delight Yuan Yang Experience Set ($12) is a perfect choice. This set features two of Toast Box's iconic dishes — Laksa and Curry Chicken — in smaller portions, served with a choice of rice, toast, or roti prata. This combination lets you relish the best of both worlds, offering a hearty and satisfying meal that captures the essence of Singapore's diverse culinary heritage.

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Waterfall Kopi/Teh 4.5/5

If you're in the mood for something visually striking and rich in flavour, the Waterfall Kopi/Teh ($4) is a must-try. Prepared in the traditional way, this freshly brewed Nanyang kopi or teh is topped with a thick layer of milky froth. The dramatic pour adds an element of theatre to your dining experience, while the rich, aromatic flavours make it a delightful treat for the senses.

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Mentaiko Egg Sando 4.2/5

The all-new Mentaiko Egg Sando ($5.50) is another exclusive offering at this outlet. Sandwiched between soft and fluffy toast, this sandwich features a creamy mentaiko spread paired with a luscious egg omelette. The sweet and savoury combination is a true delight, offering a modern twist on a classic comfort food.

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Char Siew Ramen 4/5

The Char Siew Ramen ($8.80) and Bak Chor Ramen ($8.80) are excellent choices for those seeking a more substantial meal. The Char Siew Ramen is reminiscent of traditional char siew wanton noodle soup, but with a twist — ramen noodles are used instead of the usual springy noodles, and the dish is topped with pork char siew and a sunny-side-up egg, though it does not include wanton.


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Bak Chor Ramen 4.2/5

On the other hand, the Bak Chor Ramen is a reimagined version of the local Bak Chor Mee. This dish features ramen noodles in a robust broth infused with chilli and fragrant vinegar, accompanied by pork slices, minced pork, pork lard, prawns, mushrooms, and fish cake. The combination of flavours and textures makes this dish a bowl of slurping goodness, perfect for those who enjoy bold, hearty flavours.

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To end your meal on a sweet note, Toast Box offers a selection of nostalgic cakes, such as the All Chocolate Cake, Black Sesame Cake, and Old School Happy Birthday Cake. These desserts are a delightful throwback to the flavours of yesteryears, providing a perfect finish to your nostalgic journey at Toast Box.

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Toast Box's new concept store at Takashimaya Shopping Centre successfully blends the charm of old-school kopitiams with contemporary dining, offering exclusive experience sets that celebrate Singapore's rich coffee culture and culinary heritage. Whether you're stopping by for a quick kopi or indulging in a full meal, this new outlet promises a unique and memorable experience for all who visit.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Toast Box
Takashimaya Shopping Centre
391B Orchard Road
#B2-30
Singapore 238872
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line), Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 730am - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Follow the walkway through Wisma Atria to Takashimaya. Continue walking straight at Ngee Ann City until destination. Journey about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B to Orchard Road. Head west or turn left onto Orchard Road against the flow of traffic. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Friday, August 9, 2024

Crossroads Buffet @ Marriott Singapore Tang Plaza - Step Into Lobster Haven on Thursday to Sunday with Lobster Nights

Seafood on Ice

With so many hotels offering lobster theme buffets, step into a lobster haven with Crossroads Buffet's Lobster Nights, which had our bellies smiling. Crustacean lovers can expect over 15 unique lobster and crab dishes across multiple live stations. Available till 30 September (Thursday-Sunday) at $128++ per person.

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Mentaiko Grilled Lobster 4/5

Other than the Boston Lobster on ice, there were 2 types of grilled lobster on rotation. We tried the Mentaiko and Curry Mayo flavours, and they are divine! The lobsters are really fresh, and the flesh is plump with a good bite. Another honourable mention will be the Snow Crab Legs on Ice, which are super sweet!

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Lobster and Sea Urchin Risotto 3.5/5

Black Truffle Lobster Risotto 2
Black Truffle Lobster Risotto 3.8/5

At the Lobster and Crab Market station, there were three types of Lobster Risotto made to order. We tried the Lobster and Sea Urchin Risotto and Black Truffle Risotto, and we preferred the latter as the truffle flavour stood out better. The sea urchin was somewhat a dried version, where the chef shaved it onto the risotto upon serving. We also asked for a smaller serving to taste more of the items.

Truffle Crab Brioche Roll
Crab Brioche Roll 3/5

Another item at this station is the Crab Brioche Roll, which comes in three flavours: Signature Salted Egg, Truffle Crab, and Mentaiko Mayonnaise. We found the brioche bun too dry, and the crab meat was in chunks instead, so we didn't really enjoy this.

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Lobster Mac & Cheese 3/5

We got excited when we saw Lobster Mac & Cheese, but unfortunately, it lacks the umami flavour of lobster, and the cheese sauce is mediocre.

Western Roasts
Oven Roasted Lamb Leg and Oven Roasted Bone-in Ribeye 3/5

Western Line
Western Cooked Food

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Pizza

There was a good spread of Western-cooked food, such as Roasted Lamb Leg, Roasted Ribeye, Pizza, and more. We really like the Italian-style lobster Bisque, which is a clearer and lighter version but packed with umami seafood flavour.

Chinese Roasts
Chinese Roasts 3/5

The Asian cooked food line also has a wide variety of dishes, but we didn't have enough stomach space to try them all. We tried the Chinese Roasts, but they failed to impress us. We recommend skipping them and keeping your stomach space for more lobsters!

Cold Cuts
Cold Cuts 4/5

Japanese Section
Japanese Section 3/5

The Cold Cuts selections were good, but we could only sample a minimal amount. The Japanese Section was labelled, but fresh sashimi was nowhere to be found. This is probably one of the rare buffets we went to that doesn't serve sashimi.

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Noodle Station

We typically like to have a bowl of Laksa before we start on the desserts. The Noodle Station also has Golden Chicken Collagen Soup with assorted condiments, which you can pick yourself and hand over to the chef to cook. We were impressed by the noodles available as well.

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An array of desserts was available, such as mini cakes, pastries, verrines, puddings, and Movenpick ice cream. There is supposed to be a live dessert station where they serve French Crepe with Nutella, but the crepes were made and displayed in the open. We find the crepe too thick for our liking. There is also a Chinese dessert, which we believe is on rotation.

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All in all, Crossroads Buffet's Lobster Nights truly stayed true to the theme of lobsters along with many other seafood. There is just too much to eat; we wish we had a bigger stomach capacity. There is also an Ultimate Seafood Feast Buffet from Sunday to Wednesday at $88++ per person if you aren't a big lobster fan.

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You can also get free flow of non-alcoholic beverages at $22++ and $42++ for alcoholic beverages such as draught beer, prosecco, and house red and white wine. We are already planning our next visit before the Lobster Nights end!

Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Crossroads Buffet
Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel
320 Orchard Road
Singapore 238865
Tel: +65 68314605
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 630am - 10pm

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