HazelDiary

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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Beyond The Dough, the latest addition to Singapore’s bustling food scene, is making waves with its unique take on Tokyo Neapolitan pizza. Conceived by master pizzaiolo Eddie Murakami and F&B visionary Shinji Yokota, this cozy spot on Arab Street goes beyond being just another pizzeria. Boasting a minimalist interior with a seating capacity of 28, Beyond The Dough lets its pizzas take center stage.

Read more: [SG EATS]Beyond The Dough- “Tokyo Neapolitan-Style” Pizzeria in Singapore

Beyond The Dough is the brainchild of Eddie Murakami, a master pizzaiolo trained at top Tokyo pizzerias, and Shinji Yokota, an F&B visionary with extensive industry experience. Their mission is clear: to deliver pizzas that embody the “purest of flavors” using high-quality ingredients and meticulous cooking techniques. The pizzas feature flour from Japan, water filtered through a proprietary Japanese filter, and Okinawa salt, among other carefully selected ingredients.

We started with an Assortment of 3 Appetisers, a delightful selection that changes daily based on the freshness. It’s a great way to start if you’re dining out in a group, offering a refreshing introduction to the meal.

Next, we had the standout Homemade Lasagna—umami, juicy, and bursting with flavor. However, be sure to order early, as this treat is limited to one order per person and tends to sell out quickly.

Moving on to the pizzas that I tried:

Margherita (tomato sauce, basil and cheese) -A classic favorite featuring tomato sauce, basil, and cheese. The cheese pull and crisp pizza crust provided a delightful experience.

Singapore Rampage — brings the best of hot and spicy with a gravy made from over 100 prawns, cooked over 20 hours and fragranced with chilli, garlic and basil. A must-try for those seeking a fusion of local flavors and a touch of heat.

Diavola (tomato sauce, basil, salsiccia, olive, cheese and chilli)– Tomato sauce, basil, salsiccia, olive, cheese, and chili come together for a crowd-pleasing combination of ingredients and cheesy goodness.

5 Formaggi- Crafted with five premium cheeses, including mascarpone, smoked cheese, blue cheese, pecorino, and parmigiana. A heaven for cheese lovers, accentuated by a surprising drizzle of thick honey on warm cheese and a crisp pizza base. My top favourite of the night!

@hazeldiary_ ‘Tokyo Neapolitan-Style’ Pizzeria opens at Arab Street. One of the best pizza i had recently. Best to make reservation before heading down as the seats are limited. #sgfoodie #beyondthedoughsg #beyondthedoughpizzeria #pizzalover #pizzatime #wheretoeatsg ♬ 첫 눈 The First Snow – EXO

Conveniently located on Arab Street, Beyond The Dough stands out as a vibrant addition to the local dining scene. More than just a pizzeria, it seamlessly blends traditional techniques with modern flair while remaining true to the essence of exceptional pizza.

Address: Beyond The Dough Pizzeria

150 Arab Street

Singapore 199832

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday | Lunch: 11:45AM to 15:00PM (13:45PM Last Order) | Dinner: 17:00PM to 23:00PM (21:45PM Last Order)

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The Silken Tofu with Pumpkin and Crabmeat ( S$18.90++), featuring sweet golden pumpkin from Taiwan. This dish provides a lighter option, though a bit more crabmeat would have enhanced the dish.

The Crispy Eggs with Black Sesame Oil (S$16.90++), a Taiwanese household favorite, featured four fried sunny-side-ups cooked in a sweet-savory sauce with Taiwan-imported black sesame oil. Delightful combination of runny yolks and crispy sides in a sweet-savory sauce, though some might find the price a bit steep.

Another noteworthy dish is Ah Ma’s Rice Vermicelli and Taro Soup (S$19.90++/ S$32.90++ ). This dish features fine rice vermicelli from Xin Zhu, immersed in a flavorful pork bone broth. The soup is complemented by sliced pork belly, lala, shiitake mushrooms, and sweet taro chunks. To my delight, the rice noodles maintained a pleasing firmness despite being immersed in the piping-hot soup – a welcome surprise for someone who dislikes soggy noodles. The full-bodied broth struck a perfect balance, not overly salty, allowing me to savor every bit of it with a satisfying slurp.

The restaurant’s ambiance accommodates up to 120 diners, with open and spacious seating, including private dining rooms for more intimate gatherings. While the middle seats lack some intimacy, the booth seats on the side provide a cozier atmosphere. Located conveniently at Leisure Park Kallang, a short walk from Stadium MRT Station, Song Yue Taiwan Cuisine offers a homely and well-executed dining experience with reasonable prices – making it a worthy choice for a family meal.

Address: Song Yue Taiwan Cuisine

5 Stadium Walk

#01-38/39 Leisure Park Kallang

Singapore 397693
Opening hours: Sunday-Thursday 11:30am to 3:30pm | 5:00PM to 9:00PM

Friday-Saturday 11:30AM to 3:30PM | 5:00PM to 9:30PM
Tel: 6988 3322

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Araya located at Mondrian Singapore Duxton stands out as the first fine-dining South American establishment in the city. The restaurant emphasis on Chilean South Pacific cuisine infused with indigenous and Japanese ingredients. It is the latest addition to the Culinary Arts Group, which also boasts Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant Hamamoto and popular open-fire grill eatery, Revolver.

Read more: [SG EATS] Araya At Mondrian Singapore Duxton | South American Fine-Dining Cuisine With Chilean Focus

Situated within Mondrian Singapore Duxton, Araya is a cozy 30-seater space led by the culinary expertise of Michelin-starred Chef Francisco Araya and Chef Fernanda Guerrero. The main dining area features a 12-seat rose quartz counter that provides an intimate view of the chefs at work. For large groups, there is also a private room available with a minimum spending requirement of S$4,000.00++.

Araya offers a singular dining experience with its Menu Degustacion prices at S$298++ per person tasting menu for dinner along with a vegetarian option, Menu Vegetariano at S$298++ per person. The courses showcase a fusion of South American flavours with Japanese elements, and a wine pairing option is also available.

We started off with a series of snacks including Ama Ebi Tomato Meringue, Tepache (fermented pineapple juice), and Corn Flan with Murasaki uni marinated in white shoyu.

The bread course, La Panera introduces three distinct Chilean breads- Marraqueta, Chapalele and Chorizo.I enjoyed the trio freshly baked bread complemented by Butter Merken, a Uruguayan butter infused with merken.

Following the bread course, the refreshing Ceviche features Hokkaido scallops marinated in shio koji with tiger’s milk sorbet and a medley of flavours.

The Causa course presents Araya’s take on potatoes and caviar, incorporating oca,yellow chillies and lightly smoked chutoro.

A standout dish is the Moqueca, a traditional Brazilian fish stew featuring gently poached kinki fish with a flavorful moqueca sauce made from kinki bones, palm oil, and coconut milk. Interesting!

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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Abura Kappo is a new dining concept within the renowned Hashida Singapore that offers a unique and innovative dining experience. Nestled along the vibrant Amoy Street, Abura Kappo shares the same entrance as Hashida Singapore, which is helmed by chef Kenjiro “Hatch” Hashida. Having recently unveiled its doors last December, Abura Kappo introduces a captivating fusion of creativity and tradition, all centered around the element of oil.

Read more: [SG EATS] Abura Kappo at Amoy Street | A Novel Restaurant-in-a-Restaurant Concept within Hashida Singapore

There are three private dining rooms available- Room A which accommodates 12 guests, Room B with a capacity for 7 guests , and Room O (Abura Kappo) designed for gatherings of up to 6 guests. So to reach to the designated Abura Kappo room, diners will take a serene stroll down a zen lane within Hashida Singapore that adds an element of anticipation.

Abura Kappo’s fixed 13-course menu, priced at S$200++ per person, showcases a delightful blend of traditional Japanese flavors with a contemporary twist. Join me as I delve into the beautiful evening here.

Monaka 

A crispy wafer filled with a creamy blend of blue cheese and Comté cheese, mushroom sauce, and pearls of roasted beetroot and Japanese radish.

Lamb x Squid 

A surprising combination of fresh raw lamb paired with squid, accompanied by Hashida’s signature gin salt. I thought the combination was interesting and the chef has nailed it well.

Camembert 

A delightful course featuring Camembert cheese tempura paired with the citrusy mint of kinome leaves. One of my favourite of the night.

Tuna Consommé 

I was instructed to gently swirl the glass containing the tuna consommé, which I thought it was wine at the first place. The swirl is to allow the aromatic spring onion oil to meld with the essence of Japanese bluefin tuna. Splendid!

Managatsuo 

Moving on to the Managatsuo, a dish spotlighting the silver pomfret. This delectable creation is served with two flavorful sauces – a zesty, homemade onion sauce and a rich tempura sauce.

Ebi Toast 

Deviating from traditional bread with a savoury house-made tamagoyaki and angel shrimp paste. Visually pretty and flavours are on point.

Tebagyoza 

A twist on Tebagyoza, featuring a crisp deboned chicken wing generously stuffed with glutinous rice and egg. It is inspired from Oyako-don dish.

Wagyu Beef Tempura 

Hokkaido Tokachi Wagyu beef wrapped in green shiso leaf, deep-fried to perfection, and drizzled with a sauce made from balsamic vinegar and pomegranate juice. Give a dip with with the Sakura salt and red shiso (yukari) salt that served on the side for more flavours.  

Duck Salad 

A refreshing intermission in the culinary journey so far. This course features slices of succulent duck breast accompanied by pickled turnip and persimmon, offering a delightful blend of flavors and textures.

Soft Soba Taco 

The Soft Soba Taco is a pleasantly surprising fusion dish that brings together a handmade buckwheat tortilla with a touch of sukiyaki inspiration

There are also inspirations from sukiyaki with the deep-fried cutlet of minced Wagyu topped with tofu emulsion and then drizzled over with egg yolk. 

Oden Tempura 

Oden Tempura takes inspiration from the Japanese classic, with radish and tomato stewed in dashi before being deep-fried to a golden perfection. This unique preparation is a first for me, and I must say, it’s surprisingly delightful.

Donabe  

Presented in a donabe, the dish features plump, glossy, and sweet Nanatsuboshi short-grain rice, paired generously with a selection of fresh seafood. The bowl is accompanied by a trio of toppings and sheets of roasted seaweed. Among them is the Spicy Tuna, adorned with golden tempura crumbs; Prawn Tempura, served with tempura sauce resembling a mini tendon; and a mix of julienned radish, shiitake mushroom, spinach, and burdock root arranged in the style of Korean Kimbap.

The concluding savory course offers a playful DIY experience, allowing you to customize the donabe with condiments and accompanying ingredients to your liking.

Dessert 

The dessert presentation unfolds in two parts. First,  we had the shiitake mushroom-infused chocolate paired harmoniously with house-made vanilla ice cream, cleverly shaped to mimic a mushroom cap. Next is the slice of dried persimmon served alongside house-made matcha ice cream.

For those still craving more, ala carte add-ons such as Uni & Caviar Tempura, Ika & Caviar Tempura, and Kani Tempura are available.

Abura Kappo’s innovative approach to its “oil”-inspired menu, combined with unexpected twists and delightful flavors, offers a refreshing departure from traditional omakase experiences. The intimate setting and creative dishes make it a must-try for those seeking a fun and unique culinary adventure in the heart of Singapore.

Address: Abura Kappo  
77 Amoy Street 
Singapore 069896 
Tel: +65 8129 5336 

Opening Hours 
Tuesday: 7.00pm to 10.30pm 
Wednesdays to Sundays 
Lunch: 12.00pm to 3.00pm 
Dinner: 7.00pm to 10.30pm 
Closed on Mondays 

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As we usher in the Year of the Dragon, 藝 Yì by Jereme Leung at Raffles Hotel Singapore beckons guests to revel in a season of reunions and new beginnings. Renowned Chef Jereme Leung has meticulously crafted an exquisite array of festive delicacies and auspicious gifts. It is available from 22 January to 24 February 2024, including enticing Lunar New Year Dine-in Set Menus. Read More

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

Elan situated at Shaw Centre is a modern French restaurant by Les Amis group. The restaurant is in the same row as Les Amis, Mui Kee and other Les Amis concepts. They took over the previous restaurant, La Strada. My friend and I were planning for a catch-up session, and we decided to book here for lunch as they are offering a set lunch menu priced at S$60.00++ per guest on Saturdays too. I saw online reviews that the set lunch menu was previously priced at S$70.00++ per guest. So, I guess there is a price adjustment going on. Read More