Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives

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.

After months of renovation, Shisen Hanten by Chen Kentaro reopens with refreshed interiors, captivating artwork, and an updated menu, cementing its place as Singapore’s top destination for Chūka Szechwan Ryori cuisine.

Menu highlights include the Steamed Kinmedai with Szechwan suan la sauce and Japanese yuba, alongside the seasonal Monkfish Liver Xiao Long Bao, a modern dim sum delight. The iconic mapo tofu is now available in its classic version or upgraded with wagyu beef tendon, both paired with premium Hokkaido rice.

Don’t miss the Foie Gras Chawanmushi with crab roe sauce or the Szechwan-style Stir-fried Hokkaido Mangalica Pork with aromatic Japanese garlic shoots—perfect with bowls of fluffy rice to complete the flavorful experience.

Award-winning Chef Sean Connolly debuts his bold bar and grill concept at QT Singapore, spotlighting premium ingredients and flame-grilled perfection.

My choice of main is the Scotch Fillet, a 350g O’Conner black angus from Victoria, Australia, best enjoyed medium-rare with a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance its natural beefiness. Complement your steak with generous sides like crispy Duck Fat Potatoes, indulgent Honeycomb Mac and Cheese, or smoky Charred Broccolini.

Kick off your meal with the tableside-prepared Steak Tartare, dressed in a tangy sauce that elevates this classic starter. Finish on a high note with irresistible desserts like warm, buttery Madeleines or the refreshing Strawberry Romanoff, served with brandy yogurt gelato and fresh strawberries.

SHAO brings a refreshing take on Teochew classics, and their Signature BBQ Roe Crab is a must-try. Freshly delivered crabs are steamed and grilled to perfection, locking in natural flavors and ensuring every bite is packed with rich crab roe.

Designed for sharing, the communal-style dishes make it perfect for group dining. Highlights include the Pan-Fried Shrimp Pancake, a kid-friendly favorite, and the comforting Teochew Beef Ball Soup with its distinct garlicky aroma. Pair a bowl of rice with flavorful dishes like the Grilled Pork Jowl and Stir-Fried Qinglong Cai for a satisfying meal.

Celebrate the Lunar New Year with Carlton Hotel Singapore’s Wah Lok Cantonese Restaurant, offering over eight set menus and an array of à la carte options for your festive gatherings.

Kick off your meal with their signature Soon De Yu Sheng, featuring thick cuts of Hamachi and a tangy-savoury dressing, perfect as a refreshing palate opener. Indulge in highlights like the Braised Bird’s Nest in Carrot Soup and the Steamed Soon Hock with Tangerine Peel, which adds a zesty twist to complement the fresh flavors of the fish. The Smoked Tea Chicken is a showstopper with its aromatic fragrance and tender meat, a feast for the senses.

For a luxurious takeaway, the Opulent Treasure Pot is packed with delicacies, including abalone and braised pork belly, perfect for an indulgent reunion meal at home. Make your celebrations memorable with Wah Lok’s exceptional festive offerings!

Ring in the Lunar New Year with Man Fu Yuan’s exquisite festive creations. Stealing the spotlight is the 60-inch Blazing Snake Fortune Yu Sheng, shaped into the Chinese character “福” (fortune) and adorned with premium seafood like abalone, rock lobster, and salmon sashimi for an auspicious start.

Other must-tries include the indulgent Braised Spinach Seafood Bisque with Fish Maw, the flavorful Salt-Baked Chicken in Dong Jiang Style, and luxurious set menu options such as Braised South African 6-Head Abalone and Braised Rock Lobster with Golden Crispy Rice.

Complete the celebration with takeaway delights like the Baked Purple Sweet Potato Nian Gao Tart and Prosperity Pineapple Balls, perfect for sharing or gifting. Celebrate reunions in style with Man Fu Yuan’s festive offerings!

Nestled in the iconic Victoria Theatre & Concert Hall, Brasserie Astoria’s newly revamped menu takes brasserie classics and elevates them with bold flavors and creative flair.

Start with the Seafood Pepperonata, a hearty stew featuring seared Hokkaido scallops, Argentinian red prawns, and galangal aioli—a delightful prelude to the mains. Many will love the Seared Cabbage, paired with sweet onion purée and a fermented mushroom gastrique for a bold and unexpected flavor.

For mains, the Astoria Fried Chicken is a standout, marinated in buttermilk and spices before being deep-fried to crispy perfection. Served with mac and cheese, house pickles, and a signature hot sauce, it’s a comforting yet sophisticated dish. Seafood lovers, don’t miss the Seared Cod Fish, perfectly paired with a flavorful fermented fennel sauce.

End on a sweet note with the Peach Tea Soft Serve, topped with wild strawberry compote and almonds, or the decadent Glazed Pecan Tart served with coffee ice cream.

Fancy a drink? Explore their Aurora Borealis bar concept, available Thursday to Sunday evenings, where inventive cocktails meet a multisensory experience.

Brasserie Astoria is truly where tradition meets creativity—every bite and sip is a journey to remember!

Attention, spice enthusiasts! TORIJIN has turned up the heat with their new Spicy Paitan Ramen. At its heart lies the velvety, umami-packed paitan broth, meticulously crafted from locally sourced mature hens with high bone density. Simmered alongside sweet root vegetables, kombu, and mushrooms, the broth is reduced to perfection, delivering a rich, creamy texture. Served with a housemade spicy paste on the side, every slurp is a fiery burst of flavor that’s sure to thrill your taste buds.

If you’re craving more spicy bites, their Spicy Marinated Tori Karaage and Spicy Boiled Tori Gyoza make excellent accompaniments.

Not a fan of heat? No worries! TORIJIN also serves comforting classics like the fragrant Tori Shoyu Ramen and the zesty Shio Yuzu Ramen, perfect for those who prefer a gentler flavor profile.

So, are you ready to take on the spice or stick to the classics? Either way, TORIJIN’s menu promises a bowl to remember!

As the festive season draws near, Shangri-La Singapore is setting the stage for a memorable holiday with a delectable array of Christmas goodies across their F&B outlets. Available for both dine-in and takeaway, their collection includes everything from elegant roasts to handcrafted pastries, perfect for adding that festive flair to any gathering. Whether you’re planning a cozy family celebration or a larger holiday party, Shangri-La’s treats are designed to make your festivities extra special.

Plus, with their seasonal decor and warm ambiance, dining at Shangri-La Singapore brings the magic of Christmas to life. It’s the perfect way to gather, indulge, and enjoy the festive cheer!

Revolver’s all-new flame-kissed à la carte menu is sure to excite those craving bold, vibrant flavors. Kick things off with small plates like their signature Fresh Delhi Paneer, Burrata Tartlets, or Charred Fennel to awaken your palate. For mains, share a few hearty choices like the Hamachi Collar, Whole Baby Chicken, or Spice-Rubbed Cauliflower—each dish brings a unique twist that’s made to be savored.

Their flatbread lineup now features seven toppings, from chickpeas to butter chicken and Mysore pulled lamb, making it hard to choose just one. And for dessert, interesting pairings like Dark Chocolate with Chilli Mousse offer a rich and satisfying finish to your meal.

If you’re working in the CBD, check out the lunch specials at The Salted Plum! My favorite Burnt Chili Chicken now comes as a rice bowl with an onsen egg for added indulgence. And if you’re a fan of lu rou, their Braised Pork Rice is a must-try. Perfect for a satisfying midday treat. End your meal with the red tea jelly too!

A surge of Nanyang-themed restaurants and cafes has been popping up across the island, and I’m thrilled to share that two have recently opened in Tampines! One of them, Nan Yang Dao, opened just over a week ago and is quickly expanding throughout Singapore. I’ve visited their now-closed Serangoon outlet a few times, and their menu features a fantastic variety of dishes for any meal occasion.

My mum tried the signature Penang Fried Kway Teow, and it was cooked to perfection with a lovely wok hei. Pro tip: ask the kitchen staff to add a bit more chili during the frying for that extra kick! I went for the Dry Curry Mee, which, although I didn’t manage to snap a photo since the staff initially got my order wrong, was truly comforting and flavorful. We also took home some Puff Pastry Egg Tarts for a delightful tea-time treat!