Friday, December 13, 2024

Moon Moon Food (雙月食品社) @ Ngee Ann City - Taiwan’s Michelin-approved Restaurant Opens Its First International Outlet in Singapore

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I first learned about Moon Moon Food (雙月食品社) through a friend's gift of their Spicy Sesame Noodles, purchased during her trip to Taiwan. I fell in love with the nutty and slightly spicy noodle sauce and was so excited to hear that they were opening their first international outlet in Ngee Ann City!

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The Michelin Bib Gourmand recognised restaurant specialises in homely Taiwanese dishes, especially health soups, inspired by the founder's mother's cooking. Located on level 5, its spacious and inviting interior sets the tone for an enjoyable meal.

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Shredded Stem Lettuce with Yuzu Vinaigrette 3.8/5

The meal began with the Shredded Stem Lettuce with Yuzu Vinaigrette ($7.80), a tangy, crunchy appetiser with bursts of savoury roe.

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Chinese Yam with Osmanthus Plum Sauce 3.8/5

For a sweeter option, the Chinese Yam with Osmanthus Plum Sauce ($7.80) offered a mildly fragrant touch.

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Taiwanese Snacks 4/5

Exclusive to the Singapore outlet, the Taiwanese Snacks include delights like Salty Crispy Poppers ($10.80), Fried Tempura Bliss ($11.80), and Crispy Prawn Cake with Yuzu Mayo ($14.80). While all were enjoyable, we liked the chicken poppers most for more substantial bites. Do note that the snacks are sold individually, while the portions we had pictured above were a tasting platter of different items.

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Braised Platter 4.2/5

Diners can create a Braised Platter of three items at the braised items section for $10.80, excluding specific premium options.

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We opted for the Braised Egg (+$1.20), Bai Ye Tofu, and Chicken Mid-joint Wing (+$5.80). Each item was well-balanced, offering hearty flavours without overwhelming saltiness. Other options include Bai Ye Tofu, Chicken Gizzard, Pork Ear, Pig Skin, Pork Heart and more.

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Peeled Chilli Pepper Chicken Soup 4.5/5

Their health soups were indeed a highlight. Our first choice was one of the restaurant's best sellers among its seven flavours, the Peeled Chilli Pepper Chicken Soup ($18.80). I adored this soup for how clean-tasting it was, with a light sweetness from the generous amount of cabbage used and a perfect touch of spice from the peeled chilli peppers.

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Sea Bass Soup with Clam 4/5

The Sea Bass Soup with Clam ($25.80) was also delightful. It featured a tender sea bass fillet and briny clams, though it was slightly less flavourful than the chilli pepper soup. As a soup lover, I wish the bowls came with more soup.

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Spicy Sesame Noodle 4.5/5

Next came the dish I most anticipated: the Spicy Sesame Noodle ($13.80). Its thicker and chewier noodles coated in the rich, nutty, slightly spicy sesame sauce surpassed its retail version. Other noodle options include the Shallot Oil Noodle ($12.80), Black Truffle Noodle ($13.80), and Shredded Chicken Vermicelli Soup ($10.80). Retail packs for some of these noodles are conveniently available for purchase at the restaurant.

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Glutinous Rice with Mushroom and Pork 4/5

Apart from noodles, rice lovers can look out for their rice-based offerings. The Glutinous Rice with Mushroom and Pork ($8.80) delivered comforting and homely flavours.

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Braised Pork Rice 4/5

The Braised Pork Rice ($6.80) featured tender, fatty cuts of pork, making it a simple yet satisfying option.

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Taro Toast with Ice Cream 4/5

We ended with the Taro Toast with Ice Cream ($8.80), a delightful surprise. The toast was fried to a crisp and filled with smooth taro paste, a lovely finish to the meal.

Currently, the restaurant only accepts walk-ins.

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.


Moon Moon Food (雙月食品社)
Ngee Ann City
#05-30
391 Orchard Road
Singapore 238873
Tel: +65 6470 8204
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (NS, TE Line), Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 3. 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]

Thursday, December 12, 2024

Aniba @ Battery Road - Revamped Menu and New Cocktails Lineup

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Aniba, located at Battery Road, has introduced a revamped menu showcasing inventive seafood and vegetable-forward dishes, blending Asian, Middle Eastern, and European influences. The new lineup also includes a selection of curated cocktails to complement the dining experience.

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Pani Puri 3.8/5

For starters, the Pani Puri ($9 per piece), inspired by Indian street food, was elevated with yoghurt-yuzu foam, candied mandarin peel, and a slice of hamachi. This bite-sized snack delivered a refreshing tang and creamy mouthfeel.

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Tartlet 4/5

The Tartlet ($12), a crispy shell filled with smoked trout, miso labneh, cucumber, and green peas, offered a well balance of umami and textural contrast, whetting my appetite.

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Fatayer 4/5

Fatayer ($10) came hot and cheesy, featuring a classic combination of feta, spinach and leeks, served with a punchy shot of Hamusta soup.

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House Baked Breads with Dips 4.5/5

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Eggplant 4/5

A highlight was the House Baked Breads ($18), featuring Jerusalem Bagel with Labneh and Za'atar, Kubaneh with Crushed Tomatoes and Schug, and Focaccia with Tahini and Matbucha. The Kubaneh, a soft, sesame-studded braided bread, stood out with its slight buttery sweetness, punctuated by a hint of salt. The accompanying dips, notably the herbaceous Schug and fruity-sweet Matbucha, were delicious. I recommend pairing these breads with Eggplant ($29), a dip similar to the classic Babaghanoush.

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Tabuleh 4.5/5

The warm breads were great accompaniments to the two cold dishes we had. Tabuleh ($28) was refreshing with yellowtail ceviche, bulgur, fresh herbs, and pomegranate, brought together with yoghurt and nutty tahini.

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Hamachi 4/5

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Cauliflower 4/5

A serving of vibrant tomato-capsicum salsa profiled the freshness and delightful mouthfeel of the Hamachi ($29). Other sharing plates we tried include a crowd-pleasing Cauliflower ($27), which was surprisingly indulgent with rich Parsley Pesto, Tahini and curry oil, with a hint of tartness lent by tamarind.

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Toro 4.5/5

Toro ($42) was memorable with fluffy pancake-like Lahuch Tacos, which paired perfectly with the lean tuna. The slather of creamy Jalapeño Aioli on the taco boosted an even more satisfying mouthfeel. The acidity of the pickled celery and the sharp shallots and herbs provided a good balance to its flavours.

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Cod 3/5

Under Hot selections, we had the Cod ($64), served with Smoked Freekeh and Greens Coulis. The cod was tender and flaky but slightly on the saltier side.

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Malabi 4/5

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Semolina Cake Bites 4.5/5

Desserts were delightful. Basbusa features soft Semolina Cake Bites soaked with orange blossom water. They were divine with elegant Cheesecake Chantilly and Pistachio Ganache. Malabi was a wobbly milk pudding zesty with spices compote and berries.

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


Aniba
6 Battery Road
#05-03
Singapore 049909
Tel: +65 9668 8036
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW, NS Line)

Operating Hours:
Mon-Thu: 12pm - 3pm, 5pm - 12midnight
Fri: 12pm - 3pm; 6pm - 12am
Sat: 830pm - 2am
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit H. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]