Friday, March 7, 2025

Murger Han @ Shenton Way - London Famous Xi'an Restaurant Opens In Singapore Serving Signature Biang Biang Noodles

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UK-based Murger Han has built a strong following across its four London outlets for its authentic Xi'an cuisine. Now, it has opened its first Asian outpost in Singapore at Robinson Centre.

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3-in-1 Noodles 4.5/5

The casual eatery offers its signature dishes at reasonable prices, with the highlight being its hand-pulled Biang Biang Noodles. We tried the 3-in-1 Noodles ($8.80), featuring a mix of tomato egg sauce, spring onion, chilli oil, and stir-fried vegetables. For the protein, diners can choose from Braised Pork, Slow-Cooked Lamb, Slow-Cooked Beef, or Beef Brisket. We opted for braised pork.

I loved the thick and chewy noodles paired with well-balanced flavours of sweetness, savouriness, and a touch of tang.

For those wanting more variety, the 5-in-1 Noodles ($9.80) include two meat choices, while simpler options such as Spring Onion & Chili Oil Noodles ($6.80) and Tomato & Egg Sauce Noodles ($6.80) are also available.

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Crusty Murger with Pork 3.8/5

Another signature is the murger, available with a normal or crispy crust and a choice of fillings. We tried the Crusty Murger with Pork ($5.80), but while the bread was flaky, it lacked crunch, and we found the filling slightly too salty. Other options include Lean Pork and Spicy Chicken with Peppers and Cumin.

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Steamed Rice Noodles with Seasonal Vegetables 4/5

We also had the Steamed Rice Noodles with Seasonal Vegetables ($6.80), which were fresh, slightly chewy, and well-seasoned. We added a portion of Sesame Sauce ($1), which contributed a creamy nuttiness, though we wished the chilli oil had packed more heat.

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Lamb Soup with Tofu, Vermicelli and Vegetables 4/5

For something warm, the Lamb Soup with Tofu, Vermicelli, and Vegetables ($7.80) was substantial. It featured lamb slices, vermicelli, and small dough-like noodles. While I found the lamb's gaminess very strong, my dining partner enjoyed the comforting broth.

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Mixed Salad 2/5

However, the Mixed Salad ($7.80) was the least impressive, as the flavours were relatively muted.

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.


Murger Han
Robinson Centre
#01-02
61 Robinson Road
Singapore 068893
Tel: +65 6970 0286
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Nearest MRT: Shenton Way (TE Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Downtown (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily 11am - 10pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Downtown MRT station. Take Exit 6. Walk to Mccallum Street. Turn left and walk down Mccallum Street. Turn right onto Boon Tat Link. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit F. Walk to Robinson Road. Turn left and walk down Robinson Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Downtown MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk to Commerce Street. Turn right and walk down Commerce Street. Turn left onto Boon Tat Link. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]


Thursday, March 6, 2025

Nomada @ Keong Saik - Where Tradition Meets Bold Perspective, Where Every Flavour Tells A Story

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A recent addition to the lively Keong Saik restaurant scene, Nómada has quickly become a buzzworthy spot, even drawing a full house on a weekday evening when we visited. Chef Gonzalo Landin, formerly of Binomio and Set of Six, brings his global culinary expertise to the table, serving Spanish cuisine with a modern, innovative twist.

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The décor at Nómada showcases rustic Spanish charm with a sleek, contemporary elegance, featuring warm lighting and earthy tones. For private events, there's also a curtained-off area towards the back of the restaurant for a more intimate setting.

Upon reviewing the menu, it's clear that Chef Landin doesn't shy away from incorporating adventurous ingredients, making Nómada an exciting choice even for the seasoned foodie. If you're game to try something a little different, there's chicken liver, ox tongue and even pig ears on the menu! But don't worry if that's not for you — the à la carte format ensures everyone can choose something you'll enjoy.

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Homemade Flatbread with Za’atar 4/5

We started our dinner with the Homemade Flatbread with Za'atar ($16), a starter featuring Za'atar — a traditional Middle Eastern spice blend. This aromatic mix typically combines dried oregano, thyme, sumac, and toasted sesame seeds. The flatbread was soft and pillowy, topped with goat cheese and rocket.

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Grilled Oyster with Spicy Sobrasada 3/5

Next, we were served Grilled Oyster with Spicy Sobrasada (2pcs, $16), which had a vibrant presentation thanks to the sobrasada. This soft spread, made from cured pork sausage and seasoned with paprika and other spices, brings a smoky flavour to the dish. However, the combination of the spicy sobrasada and the oyster didn't particularly complement each other.

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Squids, Lemon & Parsley Sauce with Squid Ink Emulsion 4.2/5

I much preferred the Squid with Lemon & Parsley Sauce and Squid Ink Emulsion ($26), where the lemon and parsley sauce really stood out. Zesty and fresh, it was so delicious that I found myself going back for more. The squid itself was sufficiently tender with a slight chewiness, the subtle taste of the squid allowing the brightness of the sauce to shine through.

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Braised Short Ribs on the Bone with Cauliflower 4/5

The Braised Short Ribs on the Bone with Cauliflower ($38) was a comforting dish that delivered hearty, savoury flavours. The short ribs were cooked very well, with a fork-tender texture. However, the dish gets a bit heavy and slightly oily after a while, so it's best to share it.

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Iberico Pork Chop, Apple Cider Gels and Hipsy Cabbage 4.5/5

Between the beef and pork dishes we tried, we unanimously agreed that the Iberico Pork Chop, Apple Cider Gels and Hipsy Cabbage ($38) was our preferred choice. The pork chop was juicy and tender, with a hint of pink in the centre. We also loved the apple cider gel's subtle sweetness and tanginess, which added a lovely balance to the taste of the pork. The apple cider gel is also something interesting and different from the apple sauce you usually get with pork chops.

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Iberico Pluma Rice 4.8/5

I was very impressed with the Iberico Pluma Rice ($68), a paella dish served in a large, shallow pan. The rice was rich and savoury, having absorbed the full depth of the broth and seasonings. The texture of the rice was slightly chewy, offering a substantial mouthfeel and delightfully crispy bits at the bottom and sides. Cooked with Iberico Pluma, a tender cut of pork, this dish satisfied my paella cravings.

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Custard & Nutmeg Tart with Salted Caramel Ice Cream 4/5

At first glance, I mistook this for a cheesecake, and perhaps it was inspired by the cheesecake and given a little twist. The Custard & Nutmeg Tart, paired with Salted Caramel Ice Cream ($16), featured a velvety custard filling, subtly spiced with nutmeg, whilst the salted caramel ice cream lent this dessert a sweet and salty creaminess.

Nómada's menu is different from traditional Spanish restaurants, with a style sure to appeal to those who enjoy bold, intense flavours. The restaurant features an open-concept kitchen, allowing diners to watch the chefs at work, though it also means you might leave with a slight smokiness on your clothes.

Penned by Shermine. Through her pictures and stories, she shares her journey of savouring new flavours and experiences. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Nomada
1 Keong Saik Road
#01-05
Singapore 089109
Tel: +65 8209 7809
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Nearest MRT: Outram Park (DT, EW, TE Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 230pm, 530pm - 1030pm
Sat: 530pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk straight towards Kreta Ayer Road. Turn right onto Keong Siak Road. Walk down Keong Siak Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Walk straight down Neil Road to Keong Saik Road. Turn right onto Keong Saik Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 mintues. [Map]