Two Hana @ Century Square - Bringing Two Cultures, Korean And Western Together

There are quite a number of restaurants and eateries to check out at the newly re-opened Century Square mall. One of these restaurants and eateries is Two Hana which is located near the mall's taxi stand. It is a Korea meets West cafe concept offering a eclectic menu featuring all-day dining, light bites, hearty mains, alluring dessert, refreshing drinks and specialty coffee from All Press.

Two Hana Drumlets 3.5/5

Since it is a Korean inspired cafe, then we can do without the Korean fried chicken. The Two Hana Drumlets ($9) comes in 2 flavours - Honey Butter and Spicy Yangnyeom. It is a sweet and spicy combination with deep fried crispy skin. The honey butter sauce drumlets are topped with popcorn and almond while the spicy yangnyeom comes with sesame seeds.

Korean Cauliflower Fritters 4/5

Kimchi Mac & Cheese Bites 3.5/5

For some light bites on the menu, there are the Korean Cauliflower Fritters ($8) and Kimchi Mac & Cheese Bites ($9). The cauliflower is coated in a light crispy tempura batter and glazed in a sweet and spicy sauce. Up a notch with the kimchi mac & cheese whereby the cheesy filling is spiced up with kimchi chucks enveloped by crispy breadcrumbs.

Bulgogi Sidewinders 3.5/5

If you find having fries alone is rather boring, then the Bulgogi Sidewinders ($9) will be a nice change with its abundance of toppings such as beef bulgogi, creamy bulgogi sauce, kimchi bits, onions and parmeson cheese. It may sounds and looks messy but the combination actually comes together quite well.

Korean Slaw & Rocket Salad 3/5

If you want something light and healthy, there is the Korean Slaw & Rocket Salad ($9). The green consists of an assortment of rockets, cabbage and red cabbage. It is topped with pear, parmesan, mandarin orange, citron jam, yogurt and raisins. I enjoyed how the fruits and jam lend a citrus touch to the earthy greens.

Kimchi Bibimwrap 3/5

A staple Korean dish is the bibimap which is usually served in a bowl. How about the Kimchi Bibimwarp ($12), bibimap in a wrap? The wrap is stuffed with kimgaru rice, spinach, namul, shiitake mushrooms, fried garlic, egg, lettuce, cabbage, toasted sesame dressing and fried garlic. This is a meal on its own. You can also opt not to have rice in the wrap.

Striploin Bap 4/5

Rice bowl has been one the latest food trends in Singapore. Jumping on the bandwagon is the Striploin Bap ($13), its Korean interpretation of the rice bowl. Beautifully seared striploin slices, together with servings of kimchi, spinach, beansprout namul, caramelised onions and poached egg rest on top of the kimgarou rice. In fact, I find the bowl a bit small for the generous servings.

Crisp-Battered Pacific Cod 3/5

The Crisp-Battered Pacific Cod ($14) is served on a bed of doenjang mashed potatoes and comes with a choice of kimchi veloute or honey soy mayonnaise sauce. Unfortunately the highlight of the dish is the doenjang mashed potatoes, made from 60% potatoes, 40% butter and doenjang sauce. The bland tasting pacific cod is overshadowed by the creamy mashed potatoes with chunky bites.

Korean Seafood Cioppino 4.5/5

The dining group's favourite has to be the Korean Seafood Cioppino ($12), brimming with a medley of mussels, clams, prawns, mushroom and carrots stewed in tomatoes cream base. Diners can have a choice of tofu or soft rolls to go with the rich and creamy soup. It's like have a bowl of lobster bisque.

Gochujang Braised Lamb Shank 3.8/5

I thought the Gochujang Braised Lamb Shank ($24) is rather special. Unlike the usual, it is braised in a gochujang tomato sauce. While the braised sauce was delish, I was lacked down by the texture of the lamb shank. I was expecting it to be more tender. It seems that the lamb shank needs more hours in the pot.

Apple Caramel Waffles with Doenjang Caramel Ice Cream 3.5/5

As for dessert, I tried both the Apple Caramel Waffles with Doenjang Caramel Ice Cream ($9) and Strawberry Waffles with Honey Citron Ice Cream ($9). The waffles are crispy and dense. The addition of fruits help to cut those density with the yummy ice cream providing the home run.

Strawberry Waffles with Honey Citron Ice Cream 3.5/5

Overall, I feel that Two Hana serves some interesting Korean meets Western dishes but some are not at that level yet. There is potential in the dishes but probably needed more refinement to reach to excellent. Putting the food aside, the cafe serves great coffee using beans from All Press. So don't forget to get your caffeine fix whenever you drop by the cafe.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Two Hana
Century Square
2 Tampines Central 5
#01-21
Singapore 529509
Tel: +65 62604339
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Nearest MRT: Tampines (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tampines MRT station. Take Exit C. Turn left and walk to traffic light junction. Cross the road and walk down Tampines Central 5. Walk to Century Square. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

The Guild @ Keong Saik - Celebrates The Craft Of Small Scale Producers With Independent Craft Beer And Homemade Comfort Food

The Guild at Keong Saik is a restaurant and bar put together by Hong Kong’s Young Master Brewery and Chef Vinny Lauria. Known to be currently the most acclaimed craft brewery in Hong Kong, the drinks menu features a total of 19 craft beers, alongside a rotating selection of independent craft beers from top-tier international breweries. With the drinks taken care of, Chef Vinny and Sous Chef Alton Huang concentrate on churning out dishes that are built on the works of small-scale, artisanal producers.

Young Master has two breweries in Hong Kong producing their signature range - Cha Chaan Teng Gose, Classic Pale Ale, and 1842 Island imperial IPA, which you get to try all three, together with their seasonal and limited releases.

Accompanying the brews are dishes that aim at delivering the taste of comfort, hence expect pretty highly flavoured food. Salt & Vinegar Fries ($8) is a very down-to-earth starter which was wiped out in minutes. It reminds me of my mum's Asian style soy sauce potato strips but done in a British manner.

Freshly Shucked Oysters 3.5/5

Sourced from Singapore’s only oyster farm off Pulau Ubin, I was surprised by the likable texture of the Freshly Shucked Oysters ($6/pc). Those big and voluptuous oysters may be appealing to some, I find these relatively smaller local breed much appetizing with a balance of firm meat and less brinier taste.

Fried Oysters 3.8/5

Inspired by egg benedict, these Fried Oysters with Hollandaise, Chilli, Pickled Shallots ($7/pc) are really delicious. When the dish is mostly fried items, a complementary dip is important. For these crusted oysters, the lemony hollandaise brilliantly took on that role.

Market Fish 3.8/5

From our local fish market, the market fish of the day was Pomfret with Smoked Eel Consomme ($9). Seeing our local pomfret given a French touch was impressive and the respect given to this fish translates to a deeper appreciation of its texture.

Brawn Terrine 3.5/5

To make pig's head palatable, it all boils down to chef's execution or at least based on my previous experience at Dehasa, where such dish was made memorable. As ravenous as that might sound, it can be quite an experience trying out this ingredient. Chef Vinny's Brawn Terrine ($12) is demure but assertive. The spicy pickled veg cuts away some of the greasiness while the charred bread soaks up all the juice and flavours within. The bread, however, was too harshly charred, causing the edges to be bitter and inedible.

Charred Sweet Corn 3.5/5 and Tang O 2.5/5

From the vegetables menu, we had Charred Sweet Corn ($12) and Tang O ($9) with fermented chilli. While I applaud their effort in westernizing many of our local ingredients, serving that few leaves of Tang O in a side plate is just stretching the concept a bit too much. The Charred Sweet Corn was good though, it was creamy with crunchy butter grits, and charring the sweet corn teases out its sweetness by a notch.

Grilled Sweet & Spicy Bacon 3/5

The Mains are even richer in taste, providing all the taste and grease for your beers. The thick-cut Grilled Sweet & Spicy Bacon ($28) were solid with flavours, exuding strong hues of smoky taste in every bite.

Mac n Cheese 3/5

For Chef Vinny's favourite Mac n Cheese ($18). It may appear similar with the rest but one could taste the subtle elevation brought about by the house-cured egg yolk.

BCM Tagiatelle "Bolo" 2.8/5

The BCM Tagiatelle "Bolo" ($22) is a good attempt but the delicate handmade pasta is tasked to handle too many ingredients. The pork ragu and pickled shitake with the chilli would have been enough. The liver simply overwhelms the rest.

Butter Roasted Chicken 3/5

I must say I love the presentation of this Butter Roasted Chicken ($25). It would have been too goody-goody, if not for that single chicken feet playfully tied to its body. Tender meat with just a touch of seasoning, this simple dish is a respite from all the rich dishes.

Buah Keluak Ice Cream 4/5

Despite a heavy meal, the nutty and chocolaty Buah Keluak Ice Cream leaves one craving for more with that elusive earthy and nuttiness.

Drinks are the drawn but the accompanying food match up equally to give that buzz. Be it the façade, interior design, drinks or food menu, I find each element of The Guild well thought out, giving it a strong identity amongst the establishments along Keong Siak Road.

Photos and words by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


The Guild
55 Keong Saik Road
#01-01
Singapore 089158
Tel: +65 62241262
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Outram Park (EW Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Sun: 5pm - 12midnight
(Closed on Mon-Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Outram MRT station. Take Exit H. Walk to Keong Saik Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes.  [Map]