AIR CCCC @ Dempsey - Unveils New Menu and Local Kitchen Team

I returned to AIR CCCC at Dempsey over the weekend for lunch and was greeted by an exciting, refreshed menu and a new local kitchen team led by Head Chef Part Nongnuch, bringing bold flavours, renewed energy, and an inviting atmosphere that continues to unite people through food, space, and shared experiences.

The restaurant now offers a 3-course weekend lunch set at $68 (starter, main, and dessert) and a 2-course option at $58. We had the 3-course experience.

Sweet Corn from Talula 4.2/5

The Sweet Corn from Talula was an instant hit at our table. A velvety corn chutney, paired with crispy corn husk emping chips, offered a delightful combination of smooth creaminess and vibrant sweetness. Scooping the chutney with the crunchy chips was a simple yet joyful experience.

Ceviche of Local Mahi Mahi 3/5

Thick slices of fresh local Mahi Mahi were served with pink guava for crunch and a zesty sauce for a tangy lift. While the fish was clean-tasting and refreshing, the earthy garden herbs came through a little strongly, slightly overshadowing the otherwise bright and lively flavours.

Purple Potato Flat Bread 4.2/5

A must-add for bread lovers is the Purple Potato Flat Bread. It was crisp on the outside, fluffy within, and served with a deeply savoury Mushroom XO sauce that was utterly addictive.

Charred Spanish Mackerel 4.2/5

Perfectly grilled, the Spanish Mackerel retained its moist texture, with pickled onions adding a sharp brightness and zucchini providing a light, fresh balance. It is a solid choice for seafood enthusiasts.

Kampong Chicken from Ng Ai 3.5/5

Grilled to a smoky char and dressed with smoked chilli oil for a gentle spice, the Kampong Chicken from Ng Ai sat atop a bed of tropical coleslaw that helped cut through its richness. However, the chicken itself leaned slightly dry — a juicier bite would have elevated the experience.

Watermelon Sorbet 4/5

A light and uplifting dessert featuring chilled Watermelon Sorbet layered over Annie’s yoghurt, with candied cashews adding a sweet, nutty crunch. The combination of fruity freshness, creamy tang, and gentle caramel notes made for a satisfying close to the meal.

“Bubur Hitam” Gelato 3.8/5

For something richer, the "Bubur Hitam" Gelato offered earthy depth, balanced by the tanginess of AIR Garden rosella and the chew of heritage rice. It is a thoughtful nod to local flavours with a modern twist.

AIR CCCC's refreshed menu blends creativity, local produce, and global touches under the guidance of Chef Nongnuch. While a couple of dishes could benefit from fine-tuning, the overall experience, from vibrant starters to inventive desserts, makes this a worthwhile lunch destination in Dempsey.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


AIR CCCC
Dempsey Hill
25B Dempsey Road
Singapore 249670
Tel: +65 8228 1528
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Nearest MRT: Napier (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Sun: 530pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Napier MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk to bus stop at Napier Station (Stop ID 13011). Take bus number 7, 75, 77, 105, 106, 123 or 174. Alight 2 stops later. Take the stairs up to Dempsey Road. Turn left and walk to the open air carpark. Walk all the way to the end of the carpark to the entrance of AIR. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Happy Crispy @ Clementi Ave 2 - Flaky Curry Puffs & Hearty Lontong

I recently heard about Happy Crisp, near my place, reputed for its delicious curry puffs, so on a quiet Saturday afternoon, I decided to check it out for myself.

Right at the front of the stall, there’s an inviting display of deep-fried local snacks — You Tiao, Sesame Ball, Carrot Cake Stick, Xian Jian Bing, Dou Sha Bing, Butterfly Bun, and more — each golden-brown and tempting.

Curry Puff 4/5

The star here is undoubtedly the Curry Puff ($1.80). The pastry is crisp and flaky, encasing a smooth, mashed potato filling that's more refined compared to chunkier versions elsewhere. The filling is fragrant with aromatic spices and includes a generous wedge of hard-boiled egg. A sardine version is also available, though I stuck to the classic potato for my visit.

Mee Siam 3/5

The stall also offers two dishes, starting with Mee Siam ($4). It comes with a sweet-and-sour broth, tau pok, and half a hard-boiled egg. While decent, the broth felt a little one-dimensional, missing the umami depth that dried shrimp imparts.

Lontong 4/5

The Lontong ($4.50) fared much better. The sayur lodeh curry was rich and flavourful, pairing well with the soft rice cakes. For an extra kick, I recommend mixing the sambal into the curry. It will perk up the flavour and add a satisfying heat. My only minor gripe is that the rice cakes could be cut into smaller pieces for easier eating.

Overall, this stall makes a satisfying stop for those craving local teatime snacks or light meals. The curry puff is definitely worth a try, and if you’re staying for a meal, the lontong is the better bet over the mee siam.


Happy Crisp
Blk 352 Clementi Ave 2
#01-153
Singapore 120352
Tel: +65 8388 8161
Nearest MRT: Clementi (EW Line), Dover (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Wed, Fri-Sun: 630am - 3pm
(Closed on Thu)

Direction:
1) Alight at Clementi MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Clementi MRT station (Stop ID 17179). Take bus number 52 and 154. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Dover MRT station. Take Exit A Walk to bus stop at Dover MRT station. (Stop ID 19031).  Take bus number 74. Alight 2 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]