After all the indulgent CNY feasting, we were craving something different and stumbled upon Masala Tandoor for dinner. Is it just me, or does the East Coast/Marine Parade area have a surprising number of Indian restaurants? With barely any social media buzz, we relied on Google Reviews to decide, and it turned out to be a great find.

We started with the Amritsari Fish, boneless nuggets battered with a medley of spices, before moving on to sharing plates of Aloo Gobi and Butter Chicken, paired with Chicken Dum Biryani and Chicken Tikka Biryani. And of course, no Indian meal is complete without freshly baked Garlic Naan, perfect for mopping up all that rich, flavorful gravy.

From the famed Michelin-starred Chef Chen Kentaro of Shisen Hanten comes Chen’s Kitchen, a casual family-dining concept blending Japanese techniques with rich Szechuan flavours.

The spotlight is on mapo tofu, available in four unique variations: Black, featuring A5 Kagoshima wagyu chuck rib; White, made with prawns and scallops; Jade, a plant-based option with minced meat; and Red, a classic with savoury minced pork and fermented broad bean paste. Pair these with rice for the ultimate comfort food experience.

The tze char menu showcases innovative takes on traditional dishes like the XXL Szechwan La Zi Ji, featuring crispy karaage, and the Poached Fish Fillet in Golden Broth, made with Japanese pumpkin for a creamy, slightly spicy twist.

For carb lovers, the Szechwan Spiced Chahan with Sakura Shrimp is a must-try, and from now till 2 February, diners can enjoy unlimited servings with any order of meat, seafood, or mapo tofu. Don’t miss this bold new dining spot!

This charming café serves up brunch delights inspired by both Eastern and Western cuisines, free from MSG and added preservatives. The wife opted for her go-to brunch favorite, the Smashed Avocado Toast topped with a perfectly sous vide egg—a staple she rarely skips.

I went for something unexpected: an Asian Fusion Bowl featuring tender Grilled Boneless Chicken with flavorful Balinese Salsa, served on a bed of fragrant Japanese rice. A delightful mix of comfort and creativity!

This cozy café is always top of mind when it comes to picking a weekend brunch spot. During our visit, the staff recommended the Eggs Your Way, served with housemade bread and your choice of eggs—I went for scrambled, paired with a surprisingly juicy and tender Cajun Chicken Breast add-on.

And because no brunch is complete without fries, we couldn’t resist sharing a side of Mentaiko Fries, which were an absolute hit. Perfect comfort food to round out the weekend vibes!

Katong Shopping Centre is no stranger to foodies, thanks to the recent buzz over the battle of banana pies (PSA: Auntie Peng now has a second outlet in the same building!).

Before the pie wars, the go-to spot was Delicious Boneless Chicken Rice, now rebranded as Katong Mei Wei. While the chicken is no longer boneless by default (unsure if you can still request it), soup refills and self-service achar are also a thing of the past.

That said, the chicken remains tender and flavorful, and the chilli still delivers a satisfying spicy kick. A familiar classic, slightly updated.

Bashu Sichuan Cuisine, my go-to spot in Bedok, has opened a new outlet at Plaza Singapura! Though the menu is slightly condensed to focus on quick stir-fries for faster service, the food remains consistently excellent.

Our favorites, like the mapo tofu, spicy popcorn chicken, and fried cabbage, are just as satisfying—perfect for a quick and flavorful Sichuan fix in town.

For date nights or laid-back evenings, Baia offers stunning panoramic views of the city skyline and Marina Bay, paired with expertly crafted cocktails by Proof & Co. For those avoiding alcohol, 0% proof cocktails ensure everyone feels included.

The food menu complements the drinks, featuring highlights like Hokkaido scallops, charcuterie, and cheese. For heartier options, indulge in their selection of pizzas and charcoal-grilled dishes. A perfect spot to unwind with great food, drinks, and views.

One Prawn & Co has opened its doors at New Bahru, Singapore’s newest lifestyle hotspot, bringing a Modern Asian seafood grill concept. The lunch menu features a curated selection of bites, snacks, and mains.

We kicked off with Thai Caramelised Spiced Nuts, infused with subtle tom yum flavors, followed by the delightful Prawn Toast and smoky Burnt Ends (smoked beef brisket). The salted egg fish skin, a national favorite, kept us munching throughout.

For mains, the Holy Haddock! Burger had potential but was let down by a dry bun. The standout dish was the Prawn Broth Ramen, inspired by their popular prawn noodle from Zhup Zhup. The broth is now thickened to a ramen-like consistency, served with crispy pork belly, smoked beef brisket, or a jumbo tiger prawn. Perfect for a hearty meal!

JUwei, located at SAFRA@29 Carpenter Street, is a retro Nanyang-inspired coffee shop that celebrates the golden era of sight and sound. While classics like Kaya Toast, KL Hokkien Mee, and Penang Char Kuey Teow are staples, JUwei elevates the experience with their crispy toast and the option to add a sunny-side-up to their fried kuey teow—a must-try addition.

Beyond the usual fare, JUwei offers unique comfort food like Pork Trotter Bee Hoon, a nostalgic dish reminiscent of special occasions with grandma’s cooking. The “One Tray Meal” features nasi lemak rice with crispy pork knuckle, while the Roasted Pork Curry Cheong Fun comes in a hearty portion. Don’t miss the XO Sauce Fried Carrot Cake, packed with big chunks of flavor.

For snacks, try the Mini Youtiao, inspired by Thailand’s pa thong ko, served with kaya dip. Wash it all down with their signature Hor Ka Sai, a MILO-coffee blend said to give the strength of a tiger. JUwei’s creative menu makes it a must-visit spot for modern Nanyang cuisine lovers.

Tucked away in the East, Seng House blends heritage and modern flavors in a cozy cafe setting.

The standout is their signature Claypot Chicken Rice, ingeniously served to create crispy bits at the bottom. Its aromatic rice will have you going back for more. Another crowd favorite is the Wat Dan Hor, packed with wok hei and topped with unique fried squid tentacles.

For Western classics, the British Fish & Chips is generously portioned, while the Traditional Italian Carbonara, made with guanciale and pecorino romano, stays true to its roots. Don’t miss the comforting sides, including Crabmeat Carrot Cake, Mac and Cheese, and Fried Buttermilk Mid-Wings—perfect for sharing!

Duo Galleria’s new wine bar and bistro offers a unique pairing of Asian wines with inventive modern Asian cuisine.

The menu features familiar flavors reimagined, such as Pig’s Tail and Grilled Sumi Ika, the latter stuffed with glutinous rice and paired with a kecap salsa sauce. A standout dish is the Assam Grilled Pork Ribs, tender and fall-off-the-bone, glazed with a tangy assam kecap manis. Its side of beancurd cleverly pays homage to classic rojak.

Perfect for wine enthusiasts seeking bold Asian flavors with their glass of red or white.

A rare lunch opportunity at Seah Im Food Centre led me straight to the duck rice stall I’ve been craving. The duck meat is tender, not overly gamey, with just the right touch of herbal flavors. The slightly broken rice is packed with richness, having absorbed all the goodness of the braising liquid.

The sambal chili adds a fiery kick, elevating the dish with its bold heat—definitely not for the faint-hearted!