VIOS @ One Raffles Quay - Modern Mediterranean Grain Bowls by Blu Kouzina

VIOS at One Raffles Quay is a modern Mediterranean grain bowl spot conceptualised by the family behind Blu Kouzina. Named after the Greek word for “life”, VIOS is the brainchild of Gigi Tsakiris, daughter of Blu Kouzina’s founders. Drawing from her family’s heritage and her knowledge of food systems and nutrition, VIOS is built around providing nutritious and nourishing meals for the busy individuals in the CBD.

The Greek 4/5

Each bowl begins with a wholesome base of grains or greens, layered with proteins, seasonal vegetables, and housemade dips and sauces prepared daily without additives or seed oils. Among the eight signature creations, I tried The Greek ($18.50), featuring grass-fed meatballs on a bed of organic bulgur, accompanied by harissa dip, tzatziki, a tomato and onion mix, diced cucumber, and Greek feta. The organic bulgur was nutty with a firm bite, providing a sturdy base for the boldly flavoured harissa and meatballs, which were well-seasoned, tender, and juicy with a satisfying bite. Freshness came through from the tomato-onion mix and crisp cucumber, while the tangy tzatziki tied the elements together, rounding out the bowl with balance and cohesion. Every VIOS bowl is finished with a generous drizzle of the Tsakiris family’s extra virgin olive oil, harvested from centuries-old groves in the Messinean Basin of Greece. These ancient trees yield koroneiki olives, prized for their high polyphenol content, which delivers antioxidants, anti-inflammatory benefits, and a peppery flavour lift.

Pulled Beef Wrap 3.5/5

There are also wrap options. I tried the Pulled Beef Wrap ($17.50), which features a Greek pita filled with grass-fed beef, tzatziki, and a tomato-onion mix. The beef, braised with sundried tomato, brought a welcome depth of flavour. However, the filling was overly wet, which diluted the tzatziki and left the wrap partially soaked. Still, the pita managed to hold together and contributed a gentle wheatiness that complemented the filling.

Tomato Focaccia 4.5/5

The lineup of bakes was sumptuous. I had the Tomato Focaccia ($6.50) and the Spanakopita, both of which were wholesome and delicious. The focaccia, served warm with its base soaked in olive oil and paired with an additional amount of the Tsakiris family’s extra-virgin olive oil, was one of the most flavorful I’ve had, especially with the sundried tomatoes generously strewn across the top, intensifying every bite.

Spanakopita 4.5/5

The Spanakopita was delicious with pronounced herbaceous notes and a well-proportioned balance of flaky pastry to savoury filling.

Aegean Glow, Salt & Sol

Drinks bring an interesting twist. I tried two refreshing concoctions - Aegean Glow ($6.50), a bright blend of citrus, cinnamon, and Greek herbs; and Salt & Sol ($6.50), a piquant mix of brine, lime juice, chilli, honey, sea salt, and chilli flakes.

For those who prefer to customise, DIY Bowl options are also available. On lighter days, the soups, mezzes, and sides would make appealing alternatives, which I would love to try someday.

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


VIOS
One Raffles Quay
South Tower
1 Raffles Quay
#01-02
Singapore 048583
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Nearest MRT: Downtown (DT Line), Raffles Place (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Wed: 830am - 730pm
Thu-Fri: 730am - 730pm
(Closed on Sat & Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Downtown MRT station. Take Exit F. Walk straight down Central Boulevard Road to Raffles Quay Road. Turn right on Raffles Quay. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station.Take Exit I. Walk straight to Raffles Quay Road. Turn right onto Raffles Quay Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Mr Hainan (海南先生) @ VivoCity - Bringing The True Taste of Hainan to Singapore

Traditional Chinese cuisine has been enjoying a surge in popularity in Singapore, and the latest addition to the scene is Mr Hainan (海南先生), now located at VivoCity. While Hainanese Chicken Rice remains a perennial favourite, Mr Hainan goes beyond this iconic dish to showcase a range of lesser-known yet equally cherished Hainanese classics, offering diners a deeper dive into the province’s culinary heritage.

Hainan, a tropical island province in southern China, is renowned for its abundant seafood. Its cuisine celebrates freshness and simplicity, inviting diners to experience the natural taste of the ingredients. At Mr Hainan, these authentic flavours are brought to life, allowing Singaporeans to enjoy an authentic taste of Hainan on their doorstep.

Pickled Vegetables

To begin, we were served Pickled Vegetables ($3.80) at the table, a crunchy and refreshing dish to nibble on throughout the meal. If you’re game for it, you can try the Assam Juice ($5.8), which is super tangy, but it was too overpowering and sour for me.

Hainan Wenchang Chicken 4.2/5

I was excited to try the authentic Hainan Wenchang Chicken (Half: $28.80, Whole: $52.80), one of Hainan’s Four Famous Dishes. The chickens are free-range for 120 days to develop firm, lean meat, then caged for another 60 days to intensify their flavour. They are raised on a natural, antibiotic-free diet throughout their lives. True to form, Wenchang Chicken is leaner and firmer, and the preparation method lets the natural flavour of the bird shine. For their condiments, they provide ginger and a nice, tangy chilli dip that differs from the familiar red chilli typically paired with local chicken rice.

Wenchang Chicken Rice

Of course, the dish is not complete without Wenchang Chicken Rice ($1.60), prepared in the authentic Hainan style using old-crop rice, which allows each grain to absorb the rich chicken broth more fully. The rice here is less oily and cleaner tasting, which some diners may prefer. Personally, I lean toward a more aromatic and richer style of chicken rice.

Luffa & Glass Noodle in Chicken Broth 4.2/5

To complement the chicken rice, we also had the Luffa & Glass Noodle in Chicken Broth ($18.80). Served in a large pot, it was a comforting, piping-hot, and slow-simmered for five hours to extract maximum nutrition and flavour. It was light but very tasty, I also enjoyed the soft luffa, clams and silky glass noodles in the dish!

Threadfin with Assam Sauce and Yellow Lantern Chilli Peppers 4.5/5

The dish that impressed me the most was the Threadfin with Assam Sauce and Yellow Lantern Chilli Peppers ($29.90). This dish is an example of Hainan’s prized small sea fish, which are known for their delicate flavour and melt-in-the-mouth texture.

Living up to its reputation, the fish we had was remarkably fresh and tender, totally delicious paired with assam sauce and fragrant yellow lantern chilli peppers for a hint of spice. Another classic option is to have the fish served with black bean sauce, wrapped in lotus leaf. Just be careful of the small bones when ordering these Threadfin dishes, as the fish is served whole.

Hainan Jiaji Duck 3.5/5

We also sampled another of Hainan’s Four Famous Dishes, the Hainan Jiaji Duck ($25.80), prepared in an interesting style with pineapples. (For reference, the other two famed dishes are Hele Crab and Dongshan Mutton.) The sauce was flavourful, with the pineapple adding a tropical touch. That said, we found the duck a little too tough for our liking, perhaps a reflection of how local palates differ from traditional preferences, as Hainanese diners appreciate the meat firm and not overly fatty.

Hainan Prosperity Pot 4/5

The Hainan Prosperity Pot ($18.80) is a vibrant mix of meats and vegetables, served in a decorative, almost ceremonial red platter. Traditionally enjoyed as a first course during joyous occasions, such as weddings, it symbolises harmony, prosperity, and a lasting union. The pot is filled with cabbage, tofu skin, black fungus, glass noodles, julienned carrots, and other colourful ingredients, making it quite visually cheerful as well.

Hainan Jade Stir-Fry 3.5/5

The Hainan Jade Stir-Fry ($14.80) is a simple dish of bright green vegetables, but it stars a unique ingredient: lotus stems, together with crunchy winged beans. It’s a straightforward dish and a nice overall accompaniment to the meal.

Golden Coconut Pastry 4/5

To conclude, we enjoyed a fried Golden Coconut Pastry ($12.80), which resembles a crispy pancake but has the lighter, airy texture of bread, with a light coconut filling tucked inside. I enjoyed this, and it was not overly sweet.

Mr Hainan takes diners on a journey through the traditional flavours of Hainan, showcasing the island’s rich culinary heritage in a casual, approachable dining setting. In celebration of Mr Hainan’s Grand Opening at VivoCity, all guests can enjoy the following promotions:

10 - 30 September (Mondays-Fridays): 50% OFF Hainan Wenchang Chicken (Half, U.P $28.80)
Now to 30 September (Daily): Unlimited refills of Wenchang Chicken Rice with every purchase

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


Mr Hainan (海南先生)
VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
#02-116
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 8060 7116
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Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit C & E. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]