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Discover the newly revamped Wagyu Jin Singapore at Shaw Centre. Led by Chef Kawasaki Shimpei, the newly redefined kappo-style, wagyu-focused omakase menu takes diners on a culinary journey across Japan’s renowned wagyu-producing regions. In 2021, I visited Wagyu Jin Singapore to celebrate my birthday. Now, a few years later, I returned to experience its transformation While the address at Shaw Centre remains unchanged, the vibe, the menu, and the entire dining journey have been elevated.

Read more: [SG EATS] Wagyu Jin Singapore – Revamped Wagyu Omakase Dining Experience at Shaw Centre

Located in the heart of Orchard Road, Wagyu Jin is part of the esteemed Les Amis Group and offers a rare, intimate setting that celebrates the art of Japanese wagyu omakase. The restaurant now features an elegant and minimalist interior inspired by traditional Japanese architecture. With a warm, inviting space that includes an eight-seater counter and two private dining rooms, Wagyu Jin offers a calm retreat from the bustling city outside.

The kitchen is now helmed by Executive Chef Kawasaki Shimpei, who brings with him over 25 years of experience in the art of kaiseki. His philosophy marries time-honoured culinary traditions with modern precision, resulting in refined creations that reflect both heritage and innovation. Sitting at the bar counter this time offered more interaction with the chef, giving the experience a personal and immersive touch. Each dish came with its own story, showcasing wagyu beef from different prefectures across Japan. It is something not often seen even in other omakase establishments in Singapore.

Wagyu Jin presents a refined kappo-style, wagyu-focused omakase that highlights Japan’s renowned wagyu-producing regions. Menus are priced at S$188++ (7 courses, lunch only), S$288++ (10 courses), and S$388++ (12 courses with premium ingredients), with the latter two available for both lunch and dinner. We had the S$288++ dinner omakase, a beautifully curated journey of seasonal flavours and exceptional wagyu cuts.

The meal began with an elegant appetiser featuring Hokkaido kegani (hairy crab) topped with caviar. It was a clean, briny introduction that set the tone for the courses ahead.

Next came a comforting soup made with Kagoshima wagyu shaped into shumai, gently resting in a savoury broth.

The third course was a creative maki roll crafted from Miyazaki wagyu, seasonal sashimi, spinach, and ginger, then finished with delicate egg yolk crumbs.A thoughtful combination that was both flavourful and textural.

We also tried the beef tartare out from the omakase menu. It’s made with Matsusaka wagyu from Mie Prefecture, known for its amazing marbling and rich, full flavour. Perfect for a raw dish like this. The wagyu is hand-diced and seasoned with a special blend, then served on a garlic baguette, giving a nice crunchy contrast to the bold, creamy tartare.

We were then served Tokushima abalone, which had been meticulously steamed for five hours with sake and kelp. Paired with its own liver sauce, the dish was rich, earthy, and deeply satisfying.

This was followed by one of the evening’s highlights. A serving of braised Hida beef. The cut, located just above the ribeye, was grilled first for flavour, then slow-braised in red wine for two hours, resulting in tender, umami-packed slices served alongside creamy mashed potato and tangy mustard seeds.

The much-anticipated wagyu sando was a true highlight, crafted with the prized Yonezawa Chateaubriand. This sando easily ranks among the best I’ve had—rich, juicy, and incredibly tender, with each bite melting effortlessly in the mouth. The centre-cut tenderloin was lightly deep-fried in a crisp panko batter, then nestled between slices of golden-toasted milk bread, delicately slathered with a house-made sauce that tied everything together beautifully. It was so satisfying, I found myself wishing for another serving.

Following that, we enjoyed a handroll featuring Nodoguro Benihitomi, a prized blackthroat seaperch known for its luxurious texture.

Then came the sukiyaki, once again spotlighting the beautifully marbled Hida beef. Gently poached countertop in a sweet-savoury broth, the beef was served alongside summer black truffle, earthy Yanagi matsutake from Nagano ( restaurant will change depending on what fresh produce is available) , a rich and oozy egg yolk, and handmade sesame (goma) tofu. The tofu, first grilled and then simmered, offered a creamy, nutty contrast that perfectly balanced the sweet umami notes of the broth. It brings the entire dish together in harmonious depth and richness.

As we neared the final savoury course, we were presented with yakiniku featuring Miyazaki wagyu—rich, buttery, and deeply flavourful. It was thoughtfully paired with a small portion of rice and a hint of kimchi, adding both texture and a refreshing contrast. A delicate miso yuzu sauce on the side helped cleanse the palate and offered a bright finish to the savoury journey.

Dessert was a charming finish to the meal. Milk ice cream monaka topped with fresh grapes and pine nuts. It was refreshing, textural, and just the right amount of sweetness to conclude the night.

This return to Wagyu Jin was an entirely different experience from my first. The combination of the revamped setting, the new chef’s refined approach, and the premium ingredients from across Japan made it an unforgettable meal. Not many restaurants in Singapore specialise in showcasing wagyu in such a prefecture-focused omakase format. Here, every cut is thoughtfully chosen, and the dishes are meticulously prepared to bring out the best of each region’s beef.

If you’re looking to indulge in an omakase experience that puts Japanese wagyu front and centre, Wagyu Jin is undoubtedly worth a visit. With its intimate setting, skilled execution, and ever-evolving menu, it’s a place I wouldn’t hesitate to return to especially when I’m craving a truly exceptional wagyu journey.

Address: Wagyu Jin 
1, #02-12 Scotts Road, Shaw Centre 
Singapore 228208 
Tel: +65 8940 0741 
Website: https://www.wagyujin.com.sg/

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Perched on the 10th floor of the iconic OUE Tower, Tong Le Private Dining is a hidden gem in Singapore’s dining scene—and notably, the only revolving restaurant in the country. Operated by the prestigious TungLok Group, the restaurant offers an experience that blends old-world charm, elegant Chinese fine dining and panoramic views of Marina Bay that evolve 360 as you dine.

Read more: [SG EATS] Tong Le Private Dining – Singapore’s Only Revolving Restaurant at OUE Tower

Visiting Tong Le already feels like a special occasion. Guests are escorted up a private elevator into an elegant space adorned with rich, dark wood interiors that exude a quiet sophistication. While the décor leans more towards the traditional and could benefit from a modern update, the restaurant’s unique 360-degree revolving view more than compensates. It still looks much the same as I remember from my visit years ago. Diners are treated to a constantly shifting panorama of the Collyer Quay waterfront and Singapore skyline, including the iconic Marina Bay Sands.

Leading the culinary direction is Senior Executive Chef To Kwok Kim (Chef Dicky), whose distinguished career includes stints in acclaimed kitchens across Guangzhou, Macau, Shanghai, Tokyo, Paris, and London. Under his guidance, Tong Le now offers refreshed lunch and dinner menus that showcase a refined take on Contemporary Chinese cuisine.

Set menus are attractively priced for such a premium venue, starting at S$68++ for the Executive Lunch, S$138++ for the Cloud Brocade Dinner, and S$88++ for the vegetarian Whispers of the Earth menu. There’s also the option to customise menus for group bookings, adding flexibility to the fine dining experience.

The meal began with a trio of appetisers, including a luxurious serving of Kaluga Caviar with Homemade Tofu and Putien Fujian Premium Seaweed, presented with a mother-of-pearl spoon. Alongside were crispy Deep-Fried Black Truffle Tofu and Tea-Smoked Wild Golden Croaker, offering varied textures and distinct flavours.

Soup courses at Tong Le are particularly memorable. The Double-boiled Australian Sea Cucumber in Fish Broth with Pickled Plum was both nourishing and indulgent, with rich collagen and a tangy brightness from Chaoshan plum. Another standout was the Braised Fish Maw in Noble ‘Tanfu’ Broth, where gelatinous fish maw soaked for days was paired with a deeply umami broth made from premium ingredients like Jinhua ham and conpoy.

The seafood dishes continue the elegant Cantonese theme. The Braised Wild Golden Croaker served with fresh bean curd sheet and iceberg lettuce was simmered in a delicate chicken consommé, evoking traditional flavours with modern finesse.

Even the vegetarian offerings impressed. The Sweet and Sour Lion’s Mane Mushrooms, a clever take on the classic “gu lou yuk”. Chef used mushrooms in place of pork, fried to a crisp and coated in a vibrant sauce. It was a creative and satisfying dish that showcased Chef Dicky’s versatility.

For the carb lovers, there are two contrasting yet equally enjoyable options. The Sauerkraut Consommé Braised Vermicelli with king prawns and scallops offered a light, subtly spicy take using premium Hsinchu vermicelli. However, the indulgent Claypot Foie Gras Fried Rice with Saga-Gyu was crowd favourite. Crispy rice meets buttery foie gras and marbled wagyu, all kissed with black pepper and caramelised soy sauce. It’s rich, comforting, and addictive.

Desserts at Tong Le are equally elegant, featuring options like Pumpkin Jasmine Pudding, Ruby Peach Tea Syrup with Kiwi Jelly, and a fragrant Creamy Strawberry and Rose Cookie. But the standout was the Double-Boiled Egg Custard in Young Coconut, topped with Cave Bird’s Nest. Made with egg whites and coconut water, this dessert was both delicate and luxurious, closing the meal on a high note.

While the restaurant’s interior could benefit from a more modern refresh, Tong Le Private Dining offers a unique and serene fine dining experience in the heart of Singapore. The revolving view adds a dynamic backdrop to an already impressive culinary offering.It’s a destination worth visiting, especially for special occasions or a unique twist on business dining.

Tong Le Private Dining
Address: OUE Tower, 60 Collyer Quay, Level 10,
Singapore 049322
Tel: +65 6634 3233
Opening Hours:
Monday to Saturday: 11:30AM – 3:00PM | 6:00PM – 10:30PM
Closed on Sundays
Website: https://www.tong-le.com.sg/

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Resorts World Sentosa has welcomed an exciting new addition to its fine-dining landscape with the launch of Sugarra, a modern Basque and Spanish restaurant by acclaimed Chef Aitor Jeronimo Orive. Taking over the space previously occupied by Table65 at Hotel Michael, Sugarra is a sophisticated culinary destination that showcases the rich flavours of Basque cuisine, elevated with contemporary techniques.

Read more: [SG EATS] Sugarra at Hotel Michael, Resorts World Sentosa – Spanish Fine Dining by Chef Aitor

Stepping into Sugarra—meaning flame in Basque—diners are greeted by an elegant 68-seater space adorned with deep green hues, brass accents, and plush leather seating. The high ceilings and dim lighting create an intimate yet refined setting, complemented by an eye-catching display of herb-infused olive oils lining the shelves. For those seeking a more exclusive experience, Sugarra also offers a spacious private dining room.The space is perfect for intimate gatherings.

Sugarra offers tasting menus that allows diners to embark on a meticulously curated journey through Basque and Spanish flavours. Diners can expect the menus like:

• Sugarra Experience Tasting Menu – 9 courses at S$288++ per person
• Discovery Tasting Menu – 6 courses at S$198++ per person
• 4-Course Tasting Menu – S$148++ per person

To complement the dining experience, the restaurant features an extensive wine list with over 750 labels, including rare and special vintages, with optional wine pairings available.

Starting off with the complimentary bread served with olive oil and butter.

Each meal at Sugarra begins with an exquisite selection of Tapitas—a curated assortment of eight small bites inspired by different regions of Spain. Highlights include:

• Cuajada de Apio Nabo – A refined celeriac curd topped with caviar.
• Aguila Y Foie – A decadent bite featuring foie gras, unagi, apple, and onion confit.
• Gilda – A playful take on the classic Spanish lollipop, made with green Manzanilla olives, smoked Iwashi sardines, and Piparra peppers.
• Bravos de Olivas – A steamed cake filled with olive cream, dusted with anchovy powder.
• Basque Sushi – A unique paella rice sushi, infused with saffron and topped with premium Hokkaido scallops.
• Tartare de Vaca Vieja – Aged Galician beef tartare served with egg yolk confit and crispy pane de carasau.

The dining experience was a delightful exploration of Spanish flavours with a modern twist. The Tortilla de Patatas was a standout, elevating the classic Spanish omelette with confit potato, airy sabayon, and potato espuma, crowned with aromatic winter black truffle—a clear crowd favorite.

The Remolacha surprised with its refreshing combination of beetroot tartare, Granny Smith apples, avocado, and a vibrant herb salad, complemented by an unexpected yet delightful beetroot sorbet.

The Arroz De Rabo De Buey, a rich fusion of paella and risotto, featured oxtail bomba rice slow simmered to perfection, paired with duxelles mushrooms, a creamy quail egg, and black truffle. An unassuming in presentation but bold in flavour.

The Suquet, a traditional Catalan seafood stew, showcased the depth of the ocean with charcoal-grilled Alfonsino fish, mussels, and potatoes.

For mains, the Txuleta, a 45-day aged vintage beef steak, was masterfully grilled over an open Basque fire, enhanced by piquillo pepper gel, rich beef jus, and velvety garlic mousseline.

Ending on a tropical note, the Coco dessert was a harmonious medley of textures and flavors, combining coconut flesh, coconut water gel, yogurt, sago pearls, and a refreshingly light coconut sorbet.

Lastly, we ended with Petit Fours to mark the sweet evening.

Sugarra introduces a sophisticated take on Basque and Spanish cuisine to Singapore’s fine-dining scene. The restaurant offers an elegant ambiance, impeccable service, and expertly crafted dishes. While it sits at a higher price point, the experience provides a refined taste of Spanish gastronomy. For those who enjoy Michelin-starred dining and thoughtfully curated tasting menus, Sugarra at Hotel Michael is a noteworthy destination. It can also consider for special occasions and unforgettable dining experiences.

Address: Sugarra
8 Sentosa Gateway, Level 1, Hotel Michael,
Singapore 098269
Tel: +65 6577 6448 / 6688
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday: 6:00PM – 11:00PM

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Nestled within The Clan Hotel, QIN Restaurant & Bar, led by Chef Maksym Chukanov (Max) and Chef Karleen Kasim, has unveiled a unique “East Meets West” degustation menu. Chef Max, renowned for his tenure at Cure has previously worked at Ce La Vi, where he transformed the dining experience during the pandemic.

Read more: [SG EATS] QIN Restaurant & Bar Offers an Imaginative “East Meets West” Degustation Menu

QIN now primarily offers set menus for lunch starting at S$58++ , and dinner starting from S$148++. Additionally, a lounge menu is available for the bar and developing alfresco space.

During my recent visit, I indulged in their 6-course dinner menu priced at S$198++ with the option of wine pairing. The meal commenced with a quartet of contrasting snacks, embodying the East Meets West theme.

The Milk Bread glazed with Gula Melaka and the crunchy White Asparagus with Chervil and Yuzu highlighted the creative fusion. The milk bread is soft, fluffy, and pillowy texture. It’s light and airy, with a slight chewiness that makes it very pleasant to bite into. I will be back for the bread.

Next, the Kueh Pie Tee filled with Smoked Petuna Trout and Horseradish offered a heightened version of the local snack with a wasabi-like aftertaste.

Meanwhile, the Hamachi Toro tartlet with Wasabi and Ginger Crisps has balanced soft and crispy textures beautifully.

The main courses at QIN showcase the chefs’ inventive flair, using distinct ingredients. Kagoshima Yellow Tail with Kohlrabi and Cucumber Ponzu stands out as a dish that is both familiar and elegantly refined. The raw yellowtail, cured in kombu and garnished with sliced radish, is a consistently delightful combination.

The “Xing Ren Dou Fu” reinterprets a traditional Chinese dessert using apricot kernels, often mistakenly referred to as Chinese almonds. This dish blends the substance of the earlier asparagus course with almond milk and hazelnut oil, creating a rich, savory, and slightly nutty ensemble. It was my first time trying this combination, and it surprised me.

One of the most visually stunning dishes receiving high praise is the Tom Yum featuring Danish Langoustine and Calamansi. This course features langoustine presented two ways: lightly grilled over binchotan and in a thick tom yum-inspired broth with langoustine essence. Initially, I found the spice challenging, but it turned out to be manageable. I also enjoyed the delightful softness and sweetness of the langoustine.

My favorite main was the Aged Quail with Spring Alliums, Scallions “Hua Juan,” and Szechuan Pepper. This course included three components: a succulent piece of quail breast aged in-house, deboned quail legs coated in puffed quinoa and kecap manis, and scallion buns (hua juan) for dipping.

The pre-dessert was a refreshing Ice Kachang with Rhubarb and Mascarpone.

The main dessert features Japanese Strawberry with Hokkaido Milk and Soy Sauce, where a Hokkaido milk sorbet paired with strawberry jam.

The final dessert is the exclusive to the 6-course menu. Pineapple Tart Cloud with pineapple purée transformed into frozen orbs using liquid nitrogen, akin to frozen meringue.

If you haven’t been to QIN lately, the new degustation menu is a must-try. It’s imaginative, daring, and represents Tung Lok’s most adventurous concept to date. It’s also an ideal spot for a romantic dinner, offering the chance to catch a stunning sunset from the dining area if you’re lucky.

Address: QIN Restaurant and Bar

5/F The Clan Hotel
10 Cross Street, Singapore 048417
Tel: +65 6980 3535 / 9459 2388

Opening Hours:

Weekdays: 6:30AM to 10:30AM / 11:30AM to midnight

Weekends: 6:30AM to 11:30AM / 12PM to midnight

For reservations and more information, visit QIN Restaurant & Bar.

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The following course features exquisite harmony of 154 days aged Ecuadorian cacao. It’s rich and velvety taste perfectly complementing the succulent essence of Bresse pigeon intensifying the richness of flavors.

Transitioning to the “Sunday Lunch” segment, highlighting the traditional Chilean snack, the Empanada takes center stage. Crafted with wagyu beef, it is elegantly adorned with a pebre gel (a Chilean condiment typically comprising coriander and/or parsley) and delicate micro herbs on top.

For the final savory course, we had Picana presenting Wagyu beef with vibrant chimichurri sauce.

Palate cleanser before moving on to our sweet treats.

The dessert experience unfolds in three acts. The first, Desierto Florido features crushed honey orange meringue, chirimoya alegre espuma, and mango-pineapple-infused orange flan.

Antarctica, the second dessert offers goat’s milk ice-cream, crispy milk, cinnamon anglaise, Patagonian blackberries, and dulce de leche.

The grand finale Carrito De Dulces involves a dessert trolley presenting single-origin chocolates from South America for patrons to choose from. We get to choose whichever type of chocolate from the dessert trolley.

While unfamiliar to many, Chilean cuisine takes center stage at Araya offering a refreshing addition to Singapore’s dining scene. The carefully crafted dishes, attentive service, and unique flavour combinations position Araya as a strong contender for a Michelin Star in the future. I would recommend giving it a try for an exquisite dining experience.

Address: Araya 
Mondrian Singapore Duxton 
83 Neil Road, #01-08 
Singapore 089813 
Tel: +65 8870 0871 

Opening Hours:  Tuesday to Saturday 6:00PM to 11:00PM (Last order at 9:00PM) 
Closed on Sunday & Monday 

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Seroja restaurant, situated at Duo Galleria in Bugis, achieved its inaugural Michelin star a few months ago, earning the distinction of being Singapore’s first Green Star restaurant. Led by Chef Kevin Wong, formerly the Head Chef of Meta Restaurant Singapore, Seroja opened its doors in 2022, dedicated to expressing Chef Kevin’s love for the Malay Archipelago. The restaurant pays homage to Malaysian culinary traditions by incorporating local produce, spices, and techniques into its menus. The name “Seroja” translates to lotus flower in Malay and also happens to be the street name of Chef Kevin Wong’s family home in Klang. Read More

As the festive season of Diwali approaches, I am back to Tiffin Room at Raffles Hotel Singapore to embark on a culinary journey that delight my taste buds and transport me to the heart of India. Tiffin Room has curated a special Diwali Experience menu that brings together the rich and diverse flavors of Indian cuisine, reimagined in an iconic tiffin box alongside delectable sweet. This celebratory feast is an ode to the cultural tapestry of India and is available for both lunch and dinner from October 30th to November 12th, 2023. Read More

InterContinental Singapore’s Michelin-recommended Cantonese restaurant, Man Fu Yuan, has partnered with the Irish Duck Company to present an exclusive collaboration together. From 1 October to 15 November 2023, three (3) exclusive menus, each of which showcases fine Irish meats cultivated amidst the country’s expansive rural landscapes, will be offered for lunch and dinner. Read More