Friday, May 2, 2025

Taste Myeongdong @ Taste Orchard - New Food Hall with 7 Different Korean Concepts Under One Roof

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Located along bustling Orchard Road, TASTE Myeongdong is the latest food hall concept that transports diners to the nostalgic, neon-lit streets of Myeongdong, South Korea. Inspired by the vibrant pocha (Korean street bar) culture, this food hall brings together seven distinct concepts, namely O'Bok Bibimbap, Red Cup, Gamtan Express, Singdang Bul Dakbal, Hoho Noodles, Myung Dong Pocha, and Breaders. They offer comforting, affordable, and all-day Korean fare under one roof. By evening, the space transforms into a lively pocha hub with a wide selection of sharing plates perfect for groups.

We visited for their Pocha Set Menu ($95 for 4 pax), available after 5pm. This menu includes a generous spread of Korean street favourites such as Tteokbokki, Fish Cake Soup, Fried Snacks, Gimbap, Chicken Feet, and a choice between Seafood Pajeon or Kimchi Jeon.

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Singdang Bul Dakbal - Gimbap 4/5

Our meal began with a classic Beef Gimbap. It is fluffy, well-seasoned rice wrapped in crisp seaweed and layered with marinated beef, egg, and vegetables. Lightly brushed with sesame oil and topped with sesame seeds, each bite was aromatic and well-balanced. It is a comforting introduction to our pocha feast.

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Singdang Bul Dakbal - Tteokbokki 4/5

Due to its often overly firm texture, I typically steer clear of Tteokbokki in Singapore. Thankfully, this version was a pleasant surprise. The rice cakes were delightfully soft and chewy, soaking up the spicy-sweet gochujang sauce with just the right amount of heat. It is a nostalgic nod to authentic Korean street food.

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Singdang Bul Dakbal - Fried Snacks 3/5

The Fried Platter included an assortment of vegetables, shrimp, sweet potato, and squid fritters. While each was golden and crisp, the squid stood out for its firm and bouncy texture. It was a satisfying side dish, though it could benefit from a lighter batter for better overall balance.

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Singdang Bul Dakbal - Chicken Feet 3.8/5

Served in a rich, dry spicy sauce, the Korean-style Chicken Feet brought bold, tongue-tingling flavours. It was a unique and surprisingly enjoyable experience — the gelatinous texture of the chicken feet complemented the fiery seasoning. While it may be acquired for some, it's worth trying if you're adventurous.

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Myung Dong Pocha - Fish Cake Soup 4/5

Nothing says Korean street food like a steaming bowl of Eomuk (Fish Cake Soup). The comforting, umami-rich broth and soft fish cakes instantly transported me back to my Myeongdong trip. It is a simple but deeply satisfying dish, especially on a cool evening.

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Myung Dong Pocha - Seafood Pajeon 3/5

We opted for the Seafood Pajeon over the Kimchi version. While the edges had a slight crisp, the pancake leaned a bit too doughy for my preference. That said, it was generously studded with seafood and paired nicely with a tangy dipping sauce. Fans of Korean pancakes may appreciate it more.

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Breaders - Original, Crumble Blueberry, Pecan Walnut 3.8/5

Rounding off the meal on a sweet note, we sampled three flavours from Breaders, a popular Korean custard tart brand: Original, Crumble Blueberry, and Pecan Walnut. Unlike traditional egg tarts, these are best enjoyed chilled, featuring a creamy, molten-like centre with a delicate, flaky crust. They're less eggy, more dessert-like, and perfect for those who enjoy a soft, custardy texture. With a total of six flavours (including Sweet Potato, Earl Grey, and Blueberry Cream Cheese), there's something for every palate.

TASTE Myeongdong captures the heart and soul of Korean street food culture with an accessible, family-friendly format. Whether craving comforting classics or looking to wind down with pocha-style bites and soju, this food hall brings a slice of Korea to the heart of Singapore.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Taste Myeongdong
Taste Orchard
160 Orchard Road
Singapore 238842
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk to the traffic junction of Orchard Road and Killiney Road. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Wednesday, April 30, 2025

Pulsii French Bistro @ Tras Street - Where French Finesse Meets Japanese Precision

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Formerly known as Pulsii Woodfire Restaurant, the establishment has now rebranded itself as Pulsii French Bistro, ushering in a new era of refined French cuisine imbued with the subtle artistry of Japanese technique. Helmed by Chef Daisuke Yoshikawa, whose culinary pedigree includes experience in Michelin-starred Japanese kitchens, the restaurant now offers an elegant lineup of small plates and mains that showcase his signature precision and flair.

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Chef Canape's - 3 Kinds 4.2/5

Dinner commenced on a high note with the Chef Canape's – 3 Kinds ($20). This delightful trio of bite-sized creations includes a red prawn tartlet topped with ikura, a foie gras croquette, and a cheese-filled canelĂ©. Each offered a unique interplay of texture and flavour, creating an enticing preview of what's to come.

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Brandade Croquettes, Chicken Liver Mousse, Uni Seaweed Brioche 4.2/5

We continued with an elegant trio of small bites, each delivering a distinct expression of flavour and craftsmanship. The Brandade Croquette ($4) was delicately crisp on the outside, breaking apart to reveal a warm, creamy interior of salted cod and potato, a comforting blend elevated by subtle seasoning. The Chicken Liver Mousse ($8) was decadently smooth and rich, its earthy intensity tempered by a hint of sweetness, spread luxuriously atop a crisp toast. Completing the trio was the Uni Seaweed Brioche ($15), a decadent bite where briny, buttery sea urchin melted into the warm, pillowy brioche, subtly perfumed by seaweed. Together, these bites formed a symphony of textures and flavours, refined and deeply satisfying.

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Yuzu Cervelle De Canut 4.2/5

The Yuzu Cervelle De Canut ($29) was a fun, multi-sensory dish that surprised and delighted. Silky tuna sashimi paired with a bright yuzu cheese dip and topped with caviar created layers of freshness, acidity, and umami. The crispy potato gaufrettes served on the side allowed you to assemble your perfect bite, which is both playful and sophisticated.

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Grilled Yellowtail 4.8/5

One of the standout dishes of the night was the Grilled Yellowtail ($26). Thick slices of yellowtail were perfectly grilled for a light smoky char, then finished with burnt mandarin orange and watermelon radish for acidity and crunch. Resting on a vibrant shungiku puree, the dish was a masterclass in balance that is rich yet refreshing.

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Grilled Lamb Tenderloin 3.8/5

The Grilled Lamb Tenderloin ($25), served medium rare, came paired with spring onion puree, anchovy, and Kanzuri chilli oil. While the lamb was tender, the flavour lacked the natural gaminess that lamb lovers might expect. The chilli oil pairing, while creative, felt discordant and didn't quite lift the dish.

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Magret Duck Breast 4.2/5

The Magret Duck Breast ($55) fared better, with its juicy, tender slices and rich duck fat under crisped skin delivering on flavour. Paired with a miso balsamic sauce and maitake mushrooms, this dish struck a more satisfying balance of depth and umami.

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Rack of Iberico Pork 200g 4/5

Closing off the savoury courses was the Rack of Iberico Pork ($40), a generous cut served atop creamy mashed potato and crispy fried corn. The pork was succulent and well-cooked, though the dish could have benefited from a more assertive, tangy sauce to fully elevate the meat's natural sweetness.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Pulsii French Bistro
55 Tras Street
Singapore 078994
Tel: +65 9689 8407
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 12midnight
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Tras Street. Turn right onto Tras Street. Walk down Tras Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 2. Turn left and walk down Tanjong Pagar Road. Turn left onto Tras Street. Walk down Tras Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]