Friday, August 1, 2025

Uncle Fong Hotpot Restaurant (方叔叔重庆老火锅) @ Suntec City - Launches New Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Broth and Freshly Chopped Kampung Chicken Tower

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Founded by Fong Chi Chung, the visionary behind the well-loved PUTIEN chain, Uncle Fong Hotpot Restaurant (方叔叔重庆老火锅) is his dedicated tribute to the bold and fiery flavours of authentic Chongqing hotpot. Uncle Fong’s deep-rooted passion first materialised in Hong Kong before the brand made its way to Singapore in 2022 with outlets in Suntec City and Great World City.

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The restaurant places great emphasis on using premium ingredients free from artificial additives, especially evident in their signature Chongqing Spicy Soup. This fiery broth is brewed using a traditional Chongqing herbal tea, "Lao Ying Tea". We learned that the tea's cooling properties work well to balance the contrasting spice blend and enhance the complexity of the base.

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Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Broth with Eight Natural Ingredients 4.5/5

Diners seeking a lighter, cleaner hotpot experience can try the newly improved Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Broth (Small $22.80, Large $29.80), which has made a comeback on the menu. Brewed daily without preservatives, the broth features a nourishing blend of apple, white pear, corn, tomato, sugarcane, red dates, water chestnut, and coriander. It begins refreshingly light but gradually develops a natural sweetness and rounded depth as ingredients are added throughout the meal.

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Freshly Chopped Kampung Chicken Tower 4.2/5

The new launch of the nutritious broth is also accompanied by the new Freshly Chopped Kampung Chicken Tower ($29.80), which is highly recommended to order together. Presented across five tiers, it showcases fresh boneless kampung chicken and innards. The top tier features offcuts like heart, gizzard, liver, neck, wings, and drumstick bones, followed by layers of thin-sliced breast and thigh meat. The addition of these cuts not only enhances the broth's flavour but also delivers firm yet tender textures in each bite.

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Chongqing Spicy Soup 4.8/5

For those craving heat, the Chongqing Spicy Soup (Small $22.80, Large $29.80) is an unmissable signature. Made with a slow-fried potent mix of Shizhuhong chilli, Hanyuan pepper, high-purity beef tallow, Pixian bean paste, and Yunnan yellow ginger, it’s a bold, aromatic broth that spice lovers will relish. Diners who don’t take beef can inform the restaurant beforehand to omit the beef tallow.

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Pork Shoulder

The menu offers a diverse spread of hotpot ingredients, including meats like Pork Shoulder ($27.60) and US Prime Beef Short Ribs ($45.60), seafood such as Truffle Cuttlefish Paste, Abalone, and Tiger Prawns, and vegetables like Mountain Yam, Bamboo Shoots, and Pumpkin. For something more unique, options like Putien Soft Bean Curd, Ox Liver, and Sliced Pork Heart add variety.

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Some standout items from our visit included the juicy and texturally delightful Handmade Ebiko Prawn Paste ($17.60 Full), Crunchy QQ Mushroom ($13.60 Full), and the Live Razor Clams ($24 Full), which were plump and fresh.

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Sea Cucumber Intestine, Red Sea Cucumber Intestine

We also tried the Sea Cucumber Intestine and Red Sea Cucumber Intestine (both $21.80 for Half), which were new to us but pleasantly surprising. They were crunchy with a mild, clam-like flavour, especially enjoyable when dipped in the spicy broth.

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Oolong Iced Tea, Iced Bayberry Juice

To wash it all down, we had the Oolong Iced Tea ($9.80) and Iced Bayberry Juice ($9.80), which were pricey but came in bigger shareable portions.

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.


Uncle Fong Hotpot Restaurant
方叔叔重庆老火锅
Suntec City
3 Temasek Boulevard
#02-391
Singapore 038983
Tel: +65 6513 9565
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Website
Nearest MRT: Esplanade (CC Line), Promenade (CC, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Thursday, July 31, 2025

1-Alfaro by Monti @ Labrador Tower - The Newest Rooftop Lifestyle Destination with Stunning Views

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1-Group has unveiled yet another stunning dining destination with the launch of 1-Alfaro by MONTI, perched on the 34th floor of Labrador Tower. Opened on 2 June 2025, this chic lifestyle enclave brings together two complementary concepts: the refined Italian restaurant La Torre and the high-energy rooftop bar La Luna. With breathtaking panoramic views of the southern coastline and city skyline, 1-Alfaro captures the spirit of Italian hospitality and elegance, inspired by the lighthouses of Emilia-Romagna.

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Our meal began with complimentary Toasted Bread served with Friggione, a traditional slow-cooked onion and tomato dish, reduced until deeply caramelised and jammy. It set a comforting and flavourful tone for the meal.

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Stecco Petroniano 4.2/5

A hit at the table is the Stecco Petroniano ($14 for 2pc). These deep-fried rolls of mortadella and provolone, wrapped in béchamel and double-crumbed, delivered on flavour and texture. The caramelised shallot compote dip added a gentle sweetness that elevated every bite.

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La Torre's Fried Lasagna 4.2/5

A playful and indulgent twist on the classic lasagna is the La Torre's Fried Lasagna ($18 for 5pc). These crispy golden parcels layered with wagyu ragu and cheese are coated in breadcrumbs and fried to perfection. A unique bar snack or starter that delights with every crunch.

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Stracciatella Cheese 4/5

Creamy Stracciatella Cheese ($18) is paired with Parma ham, rosemary honey, and marinated cherry tomatoes, then topped with strips of crispy polenta for textural contrast. It is a well-balanced dish of savoury, sweet, and creamy elements.

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Tortellini 4.2/5

Though petite, these Tortellini ($16) are packed with a flavourful filling of pork, veal, mortadella, and Parmigiano Reggiano. Floating in a robust chicken consommé, they showcase the finesse of traditional Emilia-Romagna pasta craftsmanship.

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Tagliatelle 4.5/5

An absolute standout is the Tagliatelle ($14 Half/ $28 Full). The beef bolognese, slow-cooked in milk and aromatics, is rich and comforting. Topped with béchamel espuma, Grana Padano, and basil oil, every bite is harmoniously creamy, meaty, and herbaceous.

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Fettuccine Flat Egg Pasta 4.2/5

Don’t be fooled by the minimalist presentation. Tossed with tomatoes and squacquerone cheese and finished with shallots, the Fettuccine Flat Egg Pasta ($13 Half/ $26 Full) is deceptively flavourful with a delightfully chewy bite.

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La Torre's Pan-Roasted Lasagna 4.5/5

The La Torre's Pan-Roasted Lasagna ($13 Half/ $26 Full) is a layered beauty of bolognese, béchamel, and mozzarella, baked till bubbling and then pan-fried for a crisp crust. Served with tomato sauce and parmesan cream, this is lasagna with flair and finesse.

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"Curzoli Romagnoli" Thick Egg Pasta 4/5

The "Curzoli Romagnoli" Thick Egg Pasta ($14 Half/ $28 Full) is a denser, thicker egg pasta tossed with Manila clams, lemon-parsley butter, and finished with bottarga and breadcrumbs. A punchy, umami-forward dish that might surprise with its chew but rewards with flavour.

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Queensland Baby Barramundi (300-500gram) 4.2/5

Grilled skin-side down over charcoal, the Queensland Baby Barramundi ($38) from Rockypoint Farm offers a clean, sweet, and buttery flavour with firm flakes. Finished with grilled lemon and parsley, it’s simplicity done right.

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USDA Prime Heritage Linz Ribeye on the bone 'Costata' 4/5

The USDA Prime Heritage Linz Ribeye on the bone 'Costata' ($148) is charcoal-grilled to perfection. This ribeye is wonderfully marbled and full of natural flavour. The accompaniments – roasted garlic, salsa verde, and sea salt flakes – enhance without overpowering.

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Fried Wagyu Fat Potatoes 3.5/5

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Leafy Green from our Garden 3/5

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Wood-Fried US Asparagus 3/5

To complement the mains, we had a trio of sides: Fried Wagyu Fat Potatoes ($16), Leafy Greens from Our Garden ($12), and Wood-Fired US Asparagus ($16). Each was designed to round out the meal, though some stood out more than others.

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La Torre's House-Made Burrata Gelato with Rosemary Tuile 4/5

The La Torre's House-Made Burrata Gelato with Rosemary Tuile ($17) is an intriguing dessert combining the creaminess of burrata with the subtle savoury edge of extra virgin olive oil. The rosemary tuile, Parmigiano shavings, and fig vincotto tie it all together with an elegant complexity.

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Italian Trifle 'Zuppa Inglese' 3.8/5

The Italian Trifle 'Zuppa Inglese' ($15) is a classic Italian dessert that features Savoiardi (ladyfinger) biscuits soaked in Herring Cherry Liqueur, layered with vanilla-lemon pastry cream, chocolate mousse, and raspberry gel. Finished with a topping of fresh raspberries and an extra drizzle of raspberry gel, the trifle offers a delightful balance of richness, fruitiness, and a boozy kick.

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Lambrusco Poached Pear 4/5

The Lambrusco Poached Pear ($17) is poached in Lambrusco wine and warm spices. This dessert is comforting and aromatic. The combination of pecan crumbs, pistachio gelato, and aged balsamic adds sophistication and balance.

1-Alfaro by MONTI is a stunning addition to Singapore’s Italian dining scene, impressing with its refined execution of regional favourites, creative presentation, and sweeping skyline views. Whether you’re there for a date night, special celebration, or to indulge in soulful Italian fare, La Torre delivers on both quality and experience.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


1-Alfaro by Monti
Labrador Tower
1 Pasir Panjang Road
#34-00
Singapore 118479
Tel: +65 8093 5683
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Website
Nearest MRT: Labrador Park (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 11am - 1am
Sun: 11am - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Labrador Park MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to traffic light junction. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]