Feng Food turned out to be a pleasant surprise that surpassed expectations. Both the Deluxe Dry Noodles and the Braised Meat Rice were standout dishes, showcasing flavors and textures that went beyond the usual Taiwanese fare.
The Deluxe Dry Noodles had a perfect QQ textureâchewy yet tender, with a house-made sauce that tied everything together beautifully. Meanwhile, the Braised Meat Rice offered a generous portion of savory, melt-in-your-mouth braised pork atop fluffy rice. This hearty dish felt comforting and indulgent at the same time.
The Deep-Fried Marinated Pork Chop was another highlight. Perfectly seasoned and fried to golden perfection, it delivered a satisfying crunch while remaining juicy inside.
Even the Cucumber with Spicy Garlic, often overlooked at other places, was surprisingly addictive. The refreshing crunch of the cucumber combined with the punchy garlic and spice created an unexpected crowd-pleaser.
If youâre in the mood for a simple and fuss-free BBQ experience, Hey! Yakiniku offers a decent option for single diners or casual meetups. The restaurantâs concept focuses on quick, solo-friendly grilling, with a menu featuring various meat cuts and seafood.
Their Christmas Special Set provides a balanced selection, including Prime Karubi (120g), Karubi with enoki mushrooms, beef tongue, wild-caught shrimp, and Arabiki pork sausage. While the variety is commendable, all the meat cuts were just average, leaning more toward quantity than quality. The shrimp and enoki mushrooms add some variety to the experience, but they donât stand out much.
The Hey! Niku Set offers classic BBQ cuts like beef short plate, tontoro, pork belly, and gyutan. While it covers most of the bases for a yakiniku meal, the quality of the meat remains unimpressive, making it more suitable for casual everyday dining.
The Jingisukan lamb leg, however, had a very gamy taste that may not appeal to everyone.
Swensen's Unlimited at VivoCity promises a feast for the senses with its wide range of offerings, and for dessert enthusiasts, it truly delivers. The highlight of the visit was undoubtedly the impressive array of 12 festive ice cream flavors, perfect for the holiday season. From the nostalgic notes of Gingerbread and Red Velvet Cake Swirl to the indulgent richness of Dark Chocolate Peppermint Swirl, the selection was both diverse and satisfying. The Croissant Bread & Butter Pudding and Sticky Date Pudding also stood out as must-try options, adding a warm and festive touch to the dessert lineup.
However, the main courses fell short of expectations. While the Deconstructed Beef Wellington and Creamy Salmon Chowder had creative potential, the meats were unfortunately on the tougher side, and the seafood lacked the freshness one would hope for. Fried dishes, while plentiful, were average in taste.
Swensen's Unlimited shines as a dessert destination and a family-friendly spot with fun seasonal touches like Santa appearances and charitable initiatives. Still, thereâs room for improvement in the quality of its savory dishes to match the excellence of its sweet treats. If you're there for the ice cream and holiday vibes, you're in for a treat, but the mains might not steal the show.
Wangfu Dimsumâs reputation for explosive Sheng Jian Baos is well-earned. These pan-fried delights are a sensory experience: perfectly crisped on the outside with juicy, flavorful fillings that literally explode with savory goodness when you take a bite. A must-try for anyone who loves a balance of textures and rich flavors.
Their pork chop noodles, while decent, didnât quite stand out. The noodles were cooked to the right texture, but the pork chop lacked the seasoning or flair to make it memorable. Itâs not badâjust not their strongest offering.
However, the newly released Braised Pork Balls were a pleasant surprise. Packed with flavor, tender, and well-braised, these were hearty and satisfying.
For those seeking a warm and indulgent dining adventure this December, the **Fireside Brunch at Fireplace by Bedrock** is an event not to be missed. Exclusively available on Sundays, this brunch buffet is the restaurant's way of celebrating its anniversary, offering a lineup that promises to delight both food connoisseurs and casual diners alike.
Kick off your brunch with options like the savory Bone Marrow Toast or the refreshing Watermelon Feta Salad. The smoked Stracciatella Cheese was particularly memorable, with its creamy texture and depth of flavor. The true star of the show is the **Aged Ribeye**, prepared with precision and care. Other highlights include the **6-Hour Wood-Fired Pork Belly**, **8-Hour Wood-Fired Roasted Lamb Leg**, and the zesty **Chili Lime Sakura Chicken**. Vegetarians and veggie lovers will appreciate the **Grilled Shiitake Mushrooms** and the indulgent **Truffle Mac & Cheese**âa perfect balance of earthy and rich flavors. End on a sweet note with delectable desserts like the **Spiced Rum Pineapple**, **Chocolate Coffee Cake**, and the nostalgic **Campfire Marshmallow**, which evokes the coziness of a fireside treat.
The venue is also pet-friendly, making it a welcoming choice for those who wish to enjoy a festive meal with their furry companions.
Osteria Mozza has solidified its reputation as one of the top destinations in Singapore for pasta and pizza, and my recent visit only reinforced that sentiment. The combination of thoughtful ingredients, masterful execution, and a festive seasonal touch made this dining experience exceptional.
Smoked Turkey & Candied Bacon Pizza
From the moment this festive special hit the table, I knew it was going to be memorable. The smoky, savory turkey paired perfectly with the sweet, caramelized candied bacon. The squash and cranberry added a delightful contrast, while the fried sage offered an earthy depth. The star, however, was the crustâexpertly charred in their wood-fire oven, it was the perfect balance of crisp and chewy.
Orecchiette
The orecchiette with sausage and Swiss chard was a comforting bowl of pasta bliss. Cooked impeccably al dente, each bite offered a delightful chew. The sausage brought a hearty, flavorful kick, while the Swiss chard added a subtle bitterness that balanced the dish. This was Italian comfort food at its finest.
Nancy's Caesar Salad
Itâs no wonder this Caesar salad has achieved world-famous status. The egg leeks lent a rich, creamy element, while the anchovy crostini delivered a punchy, umami bite. Fresh, crisp greens tied everything together for a refreshing start to the meal.
Nestled within the serene beauty of the Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay, Hortus offers a truly relaxing dining experience surrounded by an abundance of vibrant blooms. Perfect for a special dinner, the ambiance alone is worth a visit, as it blends tranquility with elegance.
The standout dishes of our visit included the Black Angus sirloin, which was impeccably tender and juicy, delivering satisfaction with every bite. Paired with crispy, flavorful potatoes, the dish was a testament to the chefâs mastery. The orecchiette, cooked to a perfect al dente, was equally delightful and a joy to savor.
As an added bonus, dining at Hortus comes with complimentary entrance to the Flower Dome, where the Christmas Train Show floral display is currently in full swing. This enchanting showcase, a collaboration between Gardens by the Bay and the Embassy of the United States in Singapore, brings a century-old American Christmas tradition to life. Miniature model trains traverse intricate setups featuring iconic landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, Grand Central Terminal, and the Empire State Building.
If you're in the mood for a satisfying Japanese buffet experience, Shin Minori is undoubtedly one of the better options around. The buffet offers an impressive variety of choices, including sashimi, aburi sushi, nori taco, sushi taco, inari, nigiri, maki, and temaki, ensuring that no one leaves disappointed.
The sashimi is a standoutâfresh, succulent, and served in generous portions. Sushi lovers will also be delighted by the range of creative sushi, handrolls, and maki. Each piece is well-prepared and visually appealing, with unique combinations that elevate the dining experience.
With so many dishes to choose from, the extensive menu can feel overwhelmingâin the best way possible. It's nearly impossible to try everything in one visit, which just gives you an excuse to come back for more.
Overall, Shin Minori offers a wonderful balance of quality and variety, making it a go-to spot for Japanese food enthusiasts. Whether you're a sashimi purist or a sushi adventurer, this buffet has something for everyone.
đ„ Whoâs up for a hearty, sizzling feast? TANYUâs Grilled Fish with Seven Ingredients (æŻéȘæșç€é±Œ) featuring Qingjiang Fish (æž æ±é±Œ) is the perfect dish to share with friends or just treat yourself to something seriously delicious. đâš
This dish is a flavor bomb! Think tender, grilled fish swimming in a rich, bubbling broth loaded with beef and seven awesome ingredients: potato, black fungus, kelp, luncheon meat, beef tripe, winter melon, and bean sprout. Every bite is packed with bold flavors and textures. đČ
Add some toppings:
đ± Spinach for a fresh touch
đ Bamboo shoots for that nice crunch
đ Golden mushrooms for an earthy vibe
đą Grilled XL Squid â smoky, tender, and oh-so-good
đ„Ł Traditional beancurd â soft and silky
Omma Korean BBQ offers a standout Korean barbecue experience, and the *Beef BBQ Set Menu - Set* showcases their expertise. The meal started with a beautifully tender and buttery beef tartare, lightly seasoned to highlight the beefâs natural flavors and paired with a raw egg, adding a silky richness.
The ribeye, grilled over charcoal infused with pecan wood, was juicy, flavorful, and perfectly smoky. The subtle nutty aroma from the pecan wood elevated the meatâs taste without overpowering it. Similarly, the marinated beef short rib balanced sweet and savory flavors, with a caramelized crust enhancing its richness.
The 2mm sliced brisket cooked quickly on the grill, offering a tender, melt-in-your-mouth experience. The pecan wood added depth, making each bite memorable.
Among the sides, the tuna kimchi stew stood out with its bold, tangy flavors, providing a hearty contrast to the meats. The steamed egg was soft, fluffy, and subtly savory, complementing the stronger flavors perfectly.
The addition of pecan wood to the charcoal made the grilling process unique and aromatic.
Tanglin Cookhouse offers a festive menu with a mix of traditional and modern dishes, some of which truly shine.
The Borscht Soup was a comforting start, with its tangy base enriched by creamy sour cream. The pork ham added depth, and the toasted bread was a delightful accompaniment.
The Pepper Crusted Duck & Orange Salad featured balanced flavors, with peppery duck, sweet orange vinaigrette, and textural contrasts from walnuts, cranberries, and feta cheese. While refreshing, it wasnât the most memorable dish of the meal.
The Roasted Turkey Roulade was average. The turkey itself was slightly dry, though the cranberry jam and onion gravy helped. The Yorkshire pudding and roasted vegetables were the stronger elements, offering a touch of festive tradition.
The Irish Guinness Braised Beef Cheek was the highlight. Incredibly tender, it melted in the mouth, though the Guinness flavor could have been more prominent. The smooth potato mousseline and tangy braised red cabbage complemented the dish beautifully, making it the standout plate.
For dessert, the Warm Christmas Pudding hit all the right festive notes with its moist texture and decadent sticky toffee sauce, paired with creamy vanilla ice cream. The Christmas Biscoff Tiramisu was equally indulgent, with bold chocolate and espresso flavors elevated by the spiced sweetness of Biscoff. Its large portion size makes it great for sharing or savoring alone.
Drips Bakery CafĂ© is a delightful spot that offers a cozy ambiance paired with creative pastries and unique beverages. Among the items I tried, the Almond Croissant was the clear favorite. The croissant was perfectly flaky, with a generous filling of high-quality almonds that tasted fresh and indulgent. Itâs one of those pastries that youâll want to come back for.
The Seasonal Fruit Tart, while visually appealing, didnât quite steal the show but still delivered a pleasant balance of sweetness and tartness. Another highlight was the Ondeh Ondeh Danish, a pretty pastry infused with the familiar flavors of pandan and gula melaka. Itâs a modern twist on a local favorite and definitely worth trying. On the other hand, the Mushroom Chicken Pie fell a little flat. While hearty, it lacked the standout flavors that would make it truly memorable.
The drinks were equally intriguing, especially the Cappuccino and Iced Café Latte, both made with Koji Rice milk. The rice milk added a creamy and slightly sweet note that complemented the coffee well, making the beverages a unique and enjoyable part of the experience.
Overall, Drips Bakery Café impressed with its inventive take on classic items and thoughtful execution. While not every dish wowed, the Almond Croissant and Ondeh Ondeh Danish alone make it worth a visit. For a cozy afternoon snack or a coffee date with a twist, this café is a great choice.